Retired Member Wendall Szczerba Passed Away
Wendell Theodore Szczerba, 75, of Chesterton passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 16, 2026. He was born August 10, 1950, in Gary, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary (Kritlow) Conners, stepfather, Jack Conners, and father, Bruno Szczerba.
He is survived by his wife, Karen (Evers) Szczerba, stepson, Brett (Jennifer) Abatie, stepdaughter, Amy Abatie, grandsons, Joshua (Rebecca) and Austin Abatie, granddaughter, Milena Letic, and special nephew, Jacob Evers.
Wendell served in the U.S. Army from 1971 – 1973. He wholeheartedly believed in Faith, Family and Patriotism. He worked as an electrician for Express Signs in Joliet, Illinois for 27 years. He enjoyed his grandchildren and was always the go-to grandpa when they needed something fixed. He enjoyed working on cars, loved NASCAR and his Corvette.
A special thank you to Dr. Braik, his staff, and all the nurses at the infusion center for their care and compassion. Also, a special thank you to his primary doctor, Dr. Derek Gasper, who was not just a doctor to him, but a friend.
A private visitation will be held for the family on Friday, March 20th at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. The public is warmly invited to share in a final farewell for Wendell as we honor his Army service with military honors on Friday, March 20th, 11:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery in Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, Wendell requested that donations be made to his family in consideration for his end of life care.
He is survived by his wife, Karen (Evers) Szczerba, stepson, Brett (Jennifer) Abatie, stepdaughter, Amy Abatie, grandsons, Joshua (Rebecca) and Austin Abatie, granddaughter, Milena Letic, and special nephew, Jacob Evers.
Wendell served in the U.S. Army from 1971 – 1973. He wholeheartedly believed in Faith, Family and Patriotism. He worked as an electrician for Express Signs in Joliet, Illinois for 27 years. He enjoyed his grandchildren and was always the go-to grandpa when they needed something fixed. He enjoyed working on cars, loved NASCAR and his Corvette.
A special thank you to Dr. Braik, his staff, and all the nurses at the infusion center for their care and compassion. Also, a special thank you to his primary doctor, Dr. Derek Gasper, who was not just a doctor to him, but a friend.
A private visitation will be held for the family on Friday, March 20th at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso. The public is warmly invited to share in a final farewell for Wendell as we honor his Army service with military honors on Friday, March 20th, 11:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery in Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, Wendell requested that donations be made to his family in consideration for his end of life care.
Honorary Withdrawn Member Jim McGinnis Passed Away
James McGinnis
January 18, 1937 — March 30, 2026
James (Jim) McGinnis, 89, of Ottawa, IL passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, with his family by his side.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7, from 9:00am until 11:00am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:30am, at St. Columba Church, with Monsignor Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
Jim was born on January 18, 1937, in Ottawa, IL to Dan & Ann (McGraw) McGinnis. He graduated from Marquette High School along with his sweetheart, Alice.
Jim & Alice married on May 11th at St. Francis Church in Ottawa, IL. They proceeded to build their life and legacy in Ottawa and raise their six children.
Jim was a graduate of Coyne Electrical College. He went on to join and apprentice with the local electrical union. He was an electrician for many years before becoming president of Halm General & Electrical Contractors. Upon retirement, Jim served in many roles in the Joliet NECA offices.
Jim was a member of St. Columba Church, the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight and the Grand Knight. He was a board member & vice president of the Marquette High School Board along with being part of the Marquette High School Foundation as President.
He loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs & Bears and rooting for Notre Dame football.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; his children, Karen (Tim) Conness, Kathy Schultz, Jim (Melanie) McGinnis, Beth McGinnis, Mike McGinnis, and Molly (Brian) Hughes; his grandchildren, Caitlin (Charlie) McConnaughhay, Kaylee (Cade) Covi, Claire (Rich) Jurden, KJ Schultz, Michael (Chloe) Conness, Riley McGinnis, and Jack McGinnis; as well as his thirteen great grand children; his brother, Ed (Rosemary) McGinnis; his sister-in-laws, Mary L. O'Brien, Barb McGinnis, and Antoinette McGinnis; and more nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews than there are to count.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan & Ann McGinnis; his brothers, Tom and Dan McGinnis; sisters, Ann (Sonny) Byers and Mary (Bob) Whren; brother-in-law, Patrick O'Brien; niece, Jeanne Byers; and nephews. Dan Whren and Robb McGinnis.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Friendship House of Ottawa or Ottawa Food Pantry.
January 18, 1937 — March 30, 2026
James (Jim) McGinnis, 89, of Ottawa, IL passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, with his family by his side.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7, from 9:00am until 11:00am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:30am, at St. Columba Church, with Monsignor Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.
Jim was born on January 18, 1937, in Ottawa, IL to Dan & Ann (McGraw) McGinnis. He graduated from Marquette High School along with his sweetheart, Alice.
Jim & Alice married on May 11th at St. Francis Church in Ottawa, IL. They proceeded to build their life and legacy in Ottawa and raise their six children.
Jim was a graduate of Coyne Electrical College. He went on to join and apprentice with the local electrical union. He was an electrician for many years before becoming president of Halm General & Electrical Contractors. Upon retirement, Jim served in many roles in the Joliet NECA offices.
Jim was a member of St. Columba Church, the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight and the Grand Knight. He was a board member & vice president of the Marquette High School Board along with being part of the Marquette High School Foundation as President.
He loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs & Bears and rooting for Notre Dame football.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; his children, Karen (Tim) Conness, Kathy Schultz, Jim (Melanie) McGinnis, Beth McGinnis, Mike McGinnis, and Molly (Brian) Hughes; his grandchildren, Caitlin (Charlie) McConnaughhay, Kaylee (Cade) Covi, Claire (Rich) Jurden, KJ Schultz, Michael (Chloe) Conness, Riley McGinnis, and Jack McGinnis; as well as his thirteen great grand children; his brother, Ed (Rosemary) McGinnis; his sister-in-laws, Mary L. O'Brien, Barb McGinnis, and Antoinette McGinnis; and more nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews than there are to count.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan & Ann McGinnis; his brothers, Tom and Dan McGinnis; sisters, Ann (Sonny) Byers and Mary (Bob) Whren; brother-in-law, Patrick O'Brien; niece, Jeanne Byers; and nephews. Dan Whren and Robb McGinnis.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Friendship House of Ottawa or Ottawa Food Pantry.
Retired Member Richard Pemble Passed Away
Richard L. “Dick” Pemble
Age 80 • Arizona • Formerly of Joliet and Wilmington, IL
Richard L. Pemble, affectionately known as Dick, age 80, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Hospice of the Valley in Arizona, following a six-month battle with brain cancer.
Born and raised in Joliet by Homer (Lee) and Fae Pemble. Dick attended Joliet schools, graduating from JTHS Class of 1964.
He served in the United Staes Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam era and was a proud Vietnam Veteran.
Dick married Mary Ellen (Mellen) Kenney in 1969, and they had 2 daughters, Amy and Colleen, who he lovingly referred to as, “Daughter #1” and “Daughter #2”. The family moved to the “country” (Wilmington) in 1979 where Dick discovered a passion for woodworking, gardening, and was a wonderful cook for his family.
Dick enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends, spending many family vacations in Minnesota and Canada. His favorite trips up north included spending time with his Uncle Al and Uncle Stan.
Dick worked as an electrician and was a proud member of IBEW Local 176 for 55 years. He retired in 2004.
Dick and Mellen bought an RV and would spend their winters enjoying the warmth on Mustang Island in Texas, eventually making their home in sunny Arizona in 2019.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Fae, mother-in-law Mary Rita Kenney, and sister-in-law Dorothy Schlette.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Mellen; daughters, Amy Holm (Fritz Iversen) and Colleen (Dave) Crafton; and grandsons, Max and Jake Holm of Alaska, and David Crafton of Plainfield. He also leaves behind his siblings: Terri Hooper, Becky (Gary) Duetschman, Marty (Cindy) Pemble, Dan (Judy Turay-Cheronis) Pemble, Dena (Bob Valente) Lambert, and Ed (Jen) Pemble; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Cremation rites have been accorded. We invite you to celebrate his life at his inurnment service being held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on May 11, 2026 promptly at 12:30pm. Please arrive by 12:15pm.
Donations to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, Arizona 85014-5656 in his memory would be appreciated.
Age 80 • Arizona • Formerly of Joliet and Wilmington, IL
Richard L. Pemble, affectionately known as Dick, age 80, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Hospice of the Valley in Arizona, following a six-month battle with brain cancer.
Born and raised in Joliet by Homer (Lee) and Fae Pemble. Dick attended Joliet schools, graduating from JTHS Class of 1964.
He served in the United Staes Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam era and was a proud Vietnam Veteran.
Dick married Mary Ellen (Mellen) Kenney in 1969, and they had 2 daughters, Amy and Colleen, who he lovingly referred to as, “Daughter #1” and “Daughter #2”. The family moved to the “country” (Wilmington) in 1979 where Dick discovered a passion for woodworking, gardening, and was a wonderful cook for his family.
Dick enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends, spending many family vacations in Minnesota and Canada. His favorite trips up north included spending time with his Uncle Al and Uncle Stan.
Dick worked as an electrician and was a proud member of IBEW Local 176 for 55 years. He retired in 2004.
Dick and Mellen bought an RV and would spend their winters enjoying the warmth on Mustang Island in Texas, eventually making their home in sunny Arizona in 2019.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Fae, mother-in-law Mary Rita Kenney, and sister-in-law Dorothy Schlette.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Mellen; daughters, Amy Holm (Fritz Iversen) and Colleen (Dave) Crafton; and grandsons, Max and Jake Holm of Alaska, and David Crafton of Plainfield. He also leaves behind his siblings: Terri Hooper, Becky (Gary) Duetschman, Marty (Cindy) Pemble, Dan (Judy Turay-Cheronis) Pemble, Dena (Bob Valente) Lambert, and Ed (Jen) Pemble; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Cremation rites have been accorded. We invite you to celebrate his life at his inurnment service being held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on May 11, 2026 promptly at 12:30pm. Please arrive by 12:15pm.
Donations to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, Arizona 85014-5656 in his memory would be appreciated.
MEMBERS LOST IN 2026
WILLIAM HALDORSON 1/12/2026
LEONARD HINRICHS 1/15/2026
DEVON ELLIOTT 1/16/2026
MICHAEL GURNITZ 1/18/2026
WILLIAM WYSOCKI 2/15/2026
WENDALL SZCZERBA 3/16/2026
JAMES MCGINNIS 3/30/2026
RICHARD PEMBLE 4/12/2026
WILLIAM HALDORSON 1/12/2026
LEONARD HINRICHS 1/15/2026
DEVON ELLIOTT 1/16/2026
MICHAEL GURNITZ 1/18/2026
WILLIAM WYSOCKI 2/15/2026
WENDALL SZCZERBA 3/16/2026
JAMES MCGINNIS 3/30/2026
RICHARD PEMBLE 4/12/2026