MOLINE - Key Persons
DAVENPORT -- Memorial services for Andrew W. Helgason, of Davenport, will be 7 p.m. Wednesday at Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mr. Helgason died Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Genesis Medical Center-East Campus, Davenport. He graduated from Augustana College, Rock Island, in 1969, and received his master's degree from Western Illinois University. He was an art teacher at Paul Norton Elementary School, Bettendorf, and had been with the Bettendorf school system since 1970. He was born Jan. 25, 1944, in Davenport, to Charles W. and Vera G. (Colglazier) Helgason. He was a member of ISEA, NEA, BEA and SCCA. He was a former president of the Iowa Art Association. He raced Formula V cars for 10 years. He enjoyed miniature trains, computers and photography. Memorials may be made to Augustana Art Department. Survivors include his wife, Linda McEchron; a brother, John L. Helgason, Moline; nieces, Wendi Helgason, Macomb, Ill., and Brandi Helgason, Geneseo, Ill.; and his mother, Vera Grace Griffin, Moline.
I am truly saddened to hear of Eric's passing. Heaven gained a TRUE gentleman! Although I did not get to know Eric well during our senior year (my only year at MHS), I observed him and found out he was a GREAT man. My thoughts and prayers to his wife, family, and his many friends. You have finished your race, Eric.....you lived a life where you touched many, many lifes! Well done, my friend!
i knew jim from coolidge. played football with him 4 years, we became good friends. he was a great guy. i am so sorry for his family.h ewas the best football player i played with and a great person and a lot of fun.
Dennis Wayne Dixon was born April 17, 1944, in Moline, the son of Louis Wayne and Lois (Bates) Dixon. He married Sharon Goodwin on June 14, 1980, in Geneseo. He served in the United States Army and graduated from Huron University in South Dakota.
He was a machinist and paint booth cleaner for John Deere Harvester for more than 13 years, retiring in 1986.
Dennis was a member of UAW Union No. 865, and was active with his church, involved in Methodist Men and the church bowling and golf leagues. He was interested in history and loved sports, especially the Los Angeles Dodgers and the University of Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters and a son-in-law, Denise and Rich Clark, Mary Dixon and Paula Dixon, all of Moline; and grandsons, Aaron and Zachary Clark.
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- 06 / 08 / 19 07:51 PM / 5
Donald W. Bjerke, 76, formerly of East Moline, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, in Acworth, Ga. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd, East Moline, with graveside services to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Rock Island National Cemetery, where the Moline American Legion Post 246 will conduct Military Honors. Don was born June 15, 1943, in Rock Island, the son of Elmer and Geraldine (Doerres) Bjerke. He married his best friend and partner, Thora Mercer, on Nov. 28, 1994. She passed away Oct. 13, 2013.
Don graduated from Moline High School and proudly served in the Army from 1962 to 1965 as U.S. Army Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He retired from John Deere after 23 years, and then worked for the U.S. Army of Defense as Production Manager (Smart Ammunitions) for 20 years, to continue his service to his country.
Survivors include his children: Charlene Pfab, Acworth, Ga., and Ericka (Robert) Catterton, Moline; two stepsons, Mark and Kyle Mercer, of Naples, Fla.; grandchildren: Meaghan Pfab Connolly, Courtney Pfab, Jacob Pfab, Kyle Phillips and Jenna Phillips; great-grandchildren; Reagan Connolly and Rylee Connolly; siblings: Robert (Judy) Bjerke, Peoria, Nancy (Robert) Yantes, Pottsboro, Texas.
Don's final words to his family and friends is "Rejoice and have a beer. I had a great life!"
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- 05 / 12 / 18 04:43 PM / 12
Tom Herbert wrote a posthumous note to Eric as a tribute to their longtime friendship. He included the picture he said was of Eric's "favorite shot." Tom wrote ...
Tom was the guy that lived near me in the first couple of years at Hamilton School so I had some early adventures riding bikes and roaming the streets downtown. My mother was always warning me to be careful. She did not know all of the crazy things we got into. Tom and I went to the YMCA and swam a lot. I ventured into the weight room and started training early... Like a lot of early friendships we grew apart at JD and by high school we didn't communicate. In a class of 533 there was a lot of drifting away after high school. Tom and I were apart but like many of you, I think about you and the times we lived..
I did not know Jim well but he was gritty as a competitor in track and football. I was there for most of his strong performances. Woodie and Dave will be representing me in person Sunday and Monday and my thoughts are with everyone. Many friends have left us this past year.
Eric's longtime friend, Tom Herbert, reports that he received notice from Eric's wife of Eric's passing on Saturday, May 27, 2023. An obituary for Eric was published June 18, 2023 and follows:
Gustavson, Eric J. Jr. of Plymouth MN was born July 6, 1944 in Staten Island, NY and died May 27 at 9:14 PM at the age of 78. Preceded in death by son Evan Peter Gustavson. Survived by wife Deidra (Moehring) \Gustavson, Medina, MN, sons: Eric Carl (Wendy) Duluth, MN, Ethan (Amanda), Loretto, MN, sister: Susan (John) O'Day, Kenosha, WI, brother-in-law: Carl J (Chris) Moehring, Bandon, OR, nephew and nieces: Jan Eric, Craig, Carl, Jonathon, Kristin and Amanda, grandchildren: Abigail, Skyler, Hannah, Aricin, Cooper and Violet. Eric graduated from Moline Senior High School (1962); Gustavus Adolphus College (1966); Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (1971). He went on to serve the Lutheran parishes of Swanburg/Crosslake (1971-1975); Elim, Duluth (1975-1985); St. John's, Mound, MN (1985-2003); Mt. Olivet, Mpls, MN (2003-2007). He served as a board member to the Lutheran Camp Board; Lutheran Social Services; Trustee Gustavus Adolphus College. Eric enjoyed being a volunteer concierge at the Tyrone Guthrie Theater, Methodist Hospital Patient Relations Board. While in college, Eric excelled in drama and the arts. He was accepted to grad school for theater but decided to do seminary instead following in his father's footsteps. He loved his kids, his dogs, his boats and spending many happy hours with friends on Lake Minnetonka. He cherished his many, many lifelong friendships. He had a voice that filled a room. He was a wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. We miss his silly jokes, his energy and his empathy. Memorials preferred to Gustavus Adolphus College, Pause 4 Paws or the St. John's Lutheran Church Foundation. "Goodnight sweet prince and flights of angels, sing thee to thy rest" Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Mound Chapel 952-472-1716 huberfunerals.com
Gary Edward Hanell, 77, of Moline, passed away suddenly on Saturday night, 23 July 2022, at Genesis East in Davenport, Iowa. He had just enjoyed a birthday dinner with his family, who meant everything to him. A private family viewing was held and cremation rights were accorded as were his wishes. Gary was selflessly an organ donor.
The first child of Edward and Marjorie (Hunt) Hanell, he was born on 2 October 1944, at the Moline Public Hospital and attended Moline schools his entire life; Roosevelt Elementary, Coolidge Jr. High and Moline Senior High with the class of 1962. Gary was an Eagle Scout, one of the youngest to ever receive this honor. He was employed at Bostitch/Stanley Company as a top fastener sales representative for 28 years, retiring in 1999.
Gary was born Sept. 10, 1944, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Thomas and Charlotte Conn Britton. Gary was raised in the Green Rock, Colona area and lived in Moline in his early years. He was a Navy veteran. His work led him to the Phoenix area, where he became a project manager at Hunt Construction and worked on several projects in the Phoenix area, including the Diamondback and Cardinal stadiums. Gary married Luanne Simms on Dec. 14, 1991.
Very sorry to hear about Bill. We ,Bill, Jerry C.,Steve S.,Tony S.and me road many miles together in his Ford Model T. We had great fun cruising 5th Ave.,going to games and Whithey's. Bill restored his pride and joy and could have only loved his soon to come family any more. He was a good friend and will be missed . RIP Bill. Jim Simon
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- 05 / 13 / 18 03:54 PM / 13
Jim told me the story about running in the 100 yard final. He was in the lead when he heard something that sounded like a "steam locamotive" starting to overtake him. Yes, it was Jim Cunningham. I don't remember if Jim M. or Jim C. won. But after playing 7th grade football with Jim Cunnigham, I also remember his determination when in competition.
When I was growing up in Moline, my family attended Triniy Lutheran Church. I remember when Eric's dad became the minister and Eric arrived at MHS. He was really something and different than most of the kids I hung out with. A litttle more sophisticated and very outspoken. I was surprised that he became a minister.
I came to appreciate him and have continued to be friends with him on Facebook. He posted some great stuff and was a little left of many other people. I really liked that about him and reposted a lot of what he put on Facebook. I always read his stuff and looked forward to seeing more. I will miss him. He was a great friend and classmate. We're losing too many now with greater frequency.
Several things I remember about Eric: his wonderful laugh, smile that covered his entire face and his God Given gift of voice/acting. We were in "Operetta Workshop" together. I'm sure his warm personality and knowledge of our Heavenly Father helped many people through the years. RIP
I first became aware of Jim Cunningham, way back in Jr. High School, when I was at John Deere Jr. high school, and Jim was an athlete at Coolidge Jr. high school. I remeber how dominate Jim was in football and especially Track & Field. Jim was so dominate in Track in Jr. High School, I didn't belong on the same track with him. In Jr. High School, Jim was running the 440 yard dash in under 54 seconds, and I couldn't even break 60 seconds as an 9th grader. Jim was so dominate in Track in Jr. High School and so far ahead of everybody, he use to go work out with the high school athletes, coached by the great Gene Shipley. I admired Jim so much, I remember telling my brother Henry (who was a junior at that time in High School) and Gene Shipley, that I wanted run like Jim Cunningham. So during my sophomore year in high school, Jim went out for football, and I went out for cross country. I told Gene Shipley, that I wanted to run like Jim Cunningham in the 440 yard dash, and try and make the mile relay team, when track season came around. To make a long story short, I made the mile relay team, along with Jim Cunningham, Ken Carlson, and my brother Henry. As most people know, our mile relay team won the state championship in 1960 and as a result, Moline won it's first state championship in school history, along with many other athletes on Moline's Track and Field team at that time. Gene Shipley had Jim Cunningham run first leg on our mile relay time, because he knew, Jim was one of those rare athletes, that had the upmost fight in him, and he would be a really big boost to start our relay off. Jim, I considered, the (spark plug) of our mile relay, because he always gave our mile relay team the spark that we needed to lead from the front. All myself, Ken Carlson, and my brother Henry (whose ran anchor leg) had to do, was hold on to the lead that Jim Cunningham provided for us. Any sucess I had in Track & Field, I owe to Jim Cunningham, because he was the one I admired so much in Jr. High School, to the point I worked hard in cross country to be a part of the mile relay. I was extremly sadden when I heard the news of the passing of Jim Cunningham, and will always remember him in my prayers. (MAY HE REST IN PEACE)!
With a brief apology for all the times I should have responded to news of the deaths of our classmates--and didn't--let me add a thought or two about Jim Cunningham. We first became acquainted in seventh grade at Coolidge, where I served as his tackling dummy on the playground, simply because I couldn't outrun him. As we competed in track through the grades, his finishes were always well ahead of mine. He didn't like to lose.
An example of his determination to be the best came (I think) in our junior year, when he was matched against the area favorite in the quarter mile from Rock Island. The one segment of the race that amazes me to this day is the last few yards, when he spent himself so completely to win that he passed out just beyond the finish line. He didn't like to lose.
I only saw Jim one time after graduation, at the reunion of the state teams in 2012. I can (barely) outrun him now. Goodbye, Jim.
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- 06 / 07 / 19 12:10 PM / 4
Eric's father was the pastor of our Lutheran Church (Trinity). I remember he was the lead in Taming of the Shrew in (I think) our senior year. He was a good guy. l missed him at the 60th reunion.
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- the Picture of His Grave and Additional Information Is from "Find a Grave
Many, many stories I have in my mind about Andy. The one that tells the most about what kind of a guy Andy was, though, happened once when he came over to our house when one of our children was working on an art project and struggling a little. Andy took a few minutes to see what the project was about and then offered praise and a little guidance. Watching Andy work with our child made me understand that Andy had taken up the correct career. He was an excellent motivator of young people. And he was a lot of fun to be with, a true friend. I miss him every year when the British sports car show comes to East Davenport.
Richard C. Anderson has left an In Memory comment for his Profile.
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- 06 / 10 / 19 06:11 PM / 6
I was a friend of Jim , we went to Coolidge and High School together I am sorry to hear about his passing he will be missed by all that knew him thru out the years.
Eric had an amazing recall to be the lead in Taming of the Shrew. He was outgoing, more mature than most of us back then, and a great guy to talk to with his ministerial stories from his Dad. He and Peg Willey were children of ministers, and boy, they were well-liked with their personalities. It's hard to picture him not here anymore. Rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear that Jim passed away. Jim not only was my class mate but also worked with my late husband Ron on the Moline Police Department. He was a fine man and excellent police officer.
Eric was a partime friend we would hang out togther at differnet events. When he walk in he controlled the room with his size and his smile he will be missed
Sorry to learn of Eric's passing. Talked with him several times over the last three months. He recovered from one long stay in the hospital and seemed strong the last time I was able to talk with him. He had that old "Gus" sense of humor that could go from serious to laughter in an instant. He was fun to talk to. He was a man of many talents as we know from all the productons he starred in at MHS. Woodie and I sang "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" with him in ADC. He was in our wedding in '65. We toured the Holy Land with him in '99.and had a great time. We will miss him. I will drink a toast to Rev. Eric J Gustavson.. Our class has lost another dear friend..
We received notification from Jerry Soukup that Tom Ewing passed away December 10, 2019. Tom's wife notified Jerry. Tom and his wife, Barbara, were living in Indian River, Florida, at the time. Tom's wife said that Tom slipped quietly into heaven. He was battling lung cancer and he's no longer suffering.
William "Bill" C. Brinkman, 75, of Moline passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at his home.
Funeral services will be 10:00am, Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111-1st St A, Moline. Visitation will be 4-7pm Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moline. Memorials may be made to Rock Island County Animal Shelter or River Bend Food Bank.
Bill was a member of First United Presbyterian Church, Moline, volunteered at the John Deere Classic for 25 years and lastly as Marshal Chairman.
Bill was a natural leader, always having time to help with any problem. He was always there for his 7 sisters and cherished the time he had helping raise them.
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- 05 / 10 / 18 08:16 PM / 6
Eric came to Moline when his Dad became pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. This was when were in the 9th. grade at John Deere. He was a close neighbor as the Lutheran parsonage was not far from our home. He had kind of a wake up call when he was caught driving his families 48 Plymouth to school and had to appear before Mr. Cooper. We drove to high school together with Tom Herbert and Jim Rosborough. We were always in drama and sports and spent many an afternoon on the Mississippi in his parents boat. Eric was a dear friend and a very accomplished individual in later life. We talked many times over the years and he will besorely missed.