The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • A7

www.pantagraph.com The Pant agraph Sunday, February 7, 2016 A7 Dennis Simmons FARMER CITY Dennis Simmons, 67 of Farmer City, died 8:32 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 2, 2016) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Service: 11 a.m. Frida at Renner- Wikoff Chapel, Urbana.

Visitation: 5 to 8 Thursday at the funeral home. Burial: Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Survivors: brothers, Ron (Andrea) Simmons, Dewey, and Kenny (Ella) Simmons, Champaign; and sister, Marsha (Jerry Johnson) Ward, Champaign. Memorials: American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be left at renner-wikoffchapel.

com. Sharon Maier PONTIAC Sharon M. Maier, 71, of Pontiac, died at 5:58 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 5, 2016) at OSF St.

Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. Her funeral will be at 6 Wednesday at Duffy Baier- Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, with the Rev. Jeff Williams officiating. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday at the funeral home. Duffy -Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. She was born Nov. 8, 1944, in Minneapolis, to Herman F. and Irene M.

Vodak Compton. She married Richard R. Maier on Feb. 17, 1968, in Downers Grove; he survives in Pontiac. Also surviving are her son, David K.

(Laura) Maier, Aurora; daughter, Beth I. (Ken) Albrecht; brothers, Donald (Cindy) Compton, Loveland, and Da vid (Glenda) Compton, Mattoon; grandchildren: Matthew, Sarah and Emily Albrecht, all of Pontiac, and Trevor, Megan and Chase Maier, all of Aurora. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Nancy Elliott. She attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Downers Grove North High School.

She received her bachelor of science from Illinois State University and was the first woman to graduate from ISU with a business degree. Sharon had worked for UPS for many years and later held various part- time jobs so she was able to be home with her family. She was a longtime volunteer for Senior Health Insuranc Program, delivered Meals on Wheels in the Do wners Grove area, and volunteered for the Caring Pregnancy Center in Pontiac. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

William Thatcher SHIRLEY William H. Thatcher, 88, of Shirley, passed away at 7:21 a.m Saturday (Feb. 6, 2016) at his home, with his family by his side. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tues day at Calvert Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.

His er vice will be at 1 0 a Wednesday at First Christian Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. Jim Warren officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to The Jesus House, 724 W. Washington Bloomington, IL 61701, in his memory. William was born July 26, 1927, in Friends Creek Township, the son of Harvey and Christina Schwab Thatcher.

He married Barbara Workman on July 2, 1949, in Bloomington; she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Connie Thatcher, House Springs, and Chris (Rick) Metz, Fairbury; and two grandchildren, Nate Leach and Micca (Will Sweger) Metz. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Clara Gardner, Lillian Thatcher and Bess Reisch. William worked at State Farm Insurance Cos. for 42 years in systems.

He helped start the first computers State Farm put into use. After his retirement, he enjoyed the outdoors more with his beloved wife, Barbara, hunting and fishing. He was a trophy Life Member of the North American Fishing Club, as well as an Endowment member of the NRA. He was also a member of the First Christian Church of Bloomington. Please view and leave condolences at www.cal vertmemorial.com.

Ward Ehredt NORMAL Ward E. Ehredt, 86, of Normal, formerly of Pittsfield, died at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 3, 2016) at Heritage Health, Bloomington. His funeral will be at 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, Normal, with the Rev. Larry Gaylord and the Rev. Donald Blasing officiating. Visit ation will be from 10 to 11:15 a.m. ednesday at the church, where a Masonic service will be at 11:15 a.m.

Int erment will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Highland Garden of Memories, Belvidere. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation. He was born July 15, 1929, in Elizabeth, the son of Elmer W. and Mabel Beetley Ehredt.

He married Phyllis Dougherty on Feb 14, 1954, in Belvidere. She preceded him in death on Nov. 26, 2015. Surviving are a son, Mark (Becky) Ehredt, Normal, and daughter, Carolyn Fowler, Bloomington. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Brad and Ryan Ehredt, Megan (Scott) Peterson and Sarah Fowler; two great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Gage Peterson; a brother, LeRoy (Lois) Ehredt, Pearl City; and two sisters, Monica Schumacher, Elizabeth, and Charlotte Dittmar, Galena.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Myrtle Palmer. Ward served in the U.S. Army and enjoyed a 30-year career at GTE, where he served as the COE supervisor for the 15 years prior to his retirement in 1984. After retiring, he was a certified locksmith in Pittsfield for many years. Ward was an active member of the Masons, having se rved as the Past Master, as well as the Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Past Worthy Patron.

A past Cub Scouts master, Ward was the recipient of the Order of the Arro in the Boy Scouts. He was active in the Pittsfield Kiwanis, Lions Club and Red Cross, as well as the Pittsfield Community Center. Ward was actively involved in the Pittsfield and Griggsville First Christian churches. The Ehredt family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Susan with Advocate Hospice, as well as to the staff of Evergreen Place for their loving support and care. Although the family misses both Ward and Phyllis, we rejoice in knowing they will spend their 62nd anniversary together.

Albert Neeley NORMAL Albert Verne Neeley passed away at the age of 96 on Jan. 31, 2016, at home in Normal. He was born April 30, 1919, to Verne and Sidney Brown Neeley. He attended Washington School, Bloomington High School and Illinois State University. Neeley was proudest of the contribution he made to his country.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, and later transferred to the Army Air Corps where he trained as a bomber pilot. During World War II, he flew C-46 aircraft transporting troops and combat cargo to India and Burma. These missions were, more often than not, single plane flights without fighter escort. It was for these missions that he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

After his tours of duty he continued as a reservist, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. After his military service, he began a career in the sale of lumber and building materials and later sold real estate. He was married to Margaret Gorman from Trinidad, Colo. They raised three sons, James, Michael and Scott, and was the grandfather of Christopher Michael Neeley. He was a member of St.

Episcopal Church. A.V. was also interested in photography, golf and music. His sons emember that their house was filled with the latest sounds from jazz to bossa nova to Sinatra and Tony Bennett. After retiring, he enjoyed his routines and cherished the company of a close group of great friends, including Paula Sweeney, Dick Primm and the Robert Connelly family, who congregated regularly at The Coffeehouse in Normal.

His quick wit, warmth, generosity and sometimes crankiness were his trademarks. A quote by English satirist Douglas Adams could have been written by Neeley himself: may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to He was cremated, according to his wishes. A celebration of his long life is being planned by his family. Donations can be made in his honor to Advocate Hospice of Bloomington or Homes of Hope in Normal. Irma Nickrent NORMAL Irma F.

Nickrent, 94, of Normal, died at 6:20 a. m. Friday (Feb. 5, 2016) at her home. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m.

Tuesday at Carmody- Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, wher visitation will be one hour prior to services. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fairway Knolls Nazarene Church, Bloomington. She was born March 6, 1921, in Roberts, daughter of Daniel and Gillian Mc Gath. She married Dale Nafziger on May 1, 1940, in St.

Charles, he preceded her in death on Oct. 31, 1984. She later married Robert Nickrent in June 1988 in Las Vegas; he preceded her in death in June 2002. She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings. Surviving are her daughter, Dixie Taylor, Normal; two grandchildren, Staci (Kevin) Fort, Indiana, and Scott (Katie) Taylor, Bloomington; and four great-grandchildren, Beau Dries and Haili Fort, both of Indiana, and Braxton and Chanler Taylor, both of Bloomington.

She was a member of Fairway Knolls Nazarene Church, Bloomington. Irma enjoyed traveling and going to dinner theaters. She especially loved to spend her time with her great-grandkids, playing cards and board games. To express condolences, please visit www.car modyflynn.com. Robert W.

Nottingham NORMAL Robert W. Nottingham, 76 of Normal, passed away on Friday (Feb. 5, 2016) at Heritage Health, Bloomington. He was born July 21, 1939, in Decatur, the son of Chester W. Nottingham and Pauline Settle Nottingham.

Robert is survived by his children, Robin (Jeff) Kaufman, Normal, and Leslie (Bill) Reimer, Harrisburg, N.C.; and his former wife, Pam Anderson Carlton. Also surviving are his sister, Susan (Phil Aldridge) Nottingham, Bloomington; grandchildren, Jacobe (Allison) Kaufman, Normal; Brody (Alethea) Kaufman, Normal; Lara Reimer, Harrisburg, N.C.; and Robbie Reimer, Harrisburg, N.C. Robert is also survived by his two great-grandchildren and has another gre at-grandchild on the way. Additionally, Robert is survived by his niece, Tami (Charlie) Blanchard, Bloomington, and two nephews, Tim (Heather) Ogg, Chandler, and Tom Ogg, Bloomington. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Rodney Nottingham.

Robert loved fishing and the family is certain that he is enjoying a great fishing hole above. Visitation and service will be Monday. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and the funeral service will commence at noon, both at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Burial will immediately follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shri ners Hospital for Children. Please visit the Remembered at www.eastlawn-blooming ton.com. Robert Friedman CROPSEY Robert Lee Friedman, 86, of Me sa, a native of Cropsey, died Monday (Feb. 1, 2016), in Mesa. Service: 11:30 a.m.

Monday at Melcher Mortuary Chapel of the Roses, 43 S. Stapley Drive, Mesa, AZ 85204. Visitation: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday. Burial: 1:30 p.

m. Monday at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024, with military honors. Melcher Mortuary Chapel of the Roses is handling the arrangements. Memorials: donations in name to St.

Jude Research Hospital or the Arthritis Foundation. Survivors: his daughters, Brenda (Alan) Andre ws and Sheila Vohs; two grandchildren; sisters, Bertha Sharp and Hazel Johnson; and brothers, John, Henry, Alvin, Glen and Richard Friedman. Condolences may be left at www.Melcher ChapelofRoses.com. BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL ELSEWHERE Obituaries CENTRAL ILLINOIS Sharon Maier Dennis Simmons William Thatcher Ward Ehredt Albert Neeley Irma Nickrent Robert W. Nottingham Funerals pending Judd Elsie 94, Bloomington, 10:04 a.m.

Saturday (Feb. 6, 2016) at Bickford House, Bloomington. Calvert Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Knapp Marvin, 90, Goodfield, 8:22 a.m. Saturday (Feb.

6, 2016) at his home. Argo- Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Eureka. Menken Paul 93, Bloomington, 12:59 Friday (Feb. 5, 2016) at Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care, Bloomington. Calvert Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.

Bill Fuller ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW ORLEANS The Mardi Gras season enters its last big weekend of parades and galas before ending on Fat Tuesday. The super Krewe (crew) of parade started late Saturday afternoon near City Park, winding its way to Canal Street and ending inside the Louisia na Super dome where the 2016 Endymion Extravaganza is well underway. Pitbull and Steven Tyler were on stage to provide the entertainment. Mardi Gras historian Arthur Hardy said this Endymion parade consisted of 36 floats and 3,100 riders. According to Hary, this event was the biggest since Katrina.

Endymion Captain Ed Muniz said the new Super dome float, called Endymion, featured LED lighting to match the rainbow colors that splash the actual building. Muniz aid the krewe has spent over a million dollars to update the lighting on the floats. The Superdome float honored this grand marshal, Doug Thornton, who is the executive vice president of the Dome management company, SMG. On Sunday, Bacchus rolls on the traditional St. Charles Avenue route.

Super krewe captain Clark Brennan said that parade will have 31 floats and 1,400 riders. The Bacchus parade takes on the title of Clark says keep an eye out for floats such as in a Hot Air Pigs and New Orleans native and critically acclaimed actor Anthony Mackie will reign as Bacchus XLVIII in the parade. Mackie is known for his roles in the Marvel franchise films America: The Winter Avengers: Age of and Brennan said the riders have spent up to $3 million for their throws what they throw to the crowd this year. Mardi Gras enters last big weekend Justin Pritchard ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES The end has begun for a downtown bridge that played a supporting role in many Hollywood chase scenes down the concrete-lined Los Angeles River. Giant jackhammers reduced 220 feet of the 6th Street Bridge roadway to rubble by Saturday morning and were wor king on bringing down three massive support columns, said Mary Nemick of the city Public Works Department.

had taken down the entire top of the bridge. completely gone as of eight this she said. Crews worked through the night under floodlights to dismantle the deck, hich spans the U.S. 101 freeway and the concrete-lined Los Angeles River. The concrete bottom and sides are a Hollywood favorite; the bridge has been in countless films.

Think rival gang members Danny and Leo racing in or big chases in and in 60 A 2.5-mile section of the freeway was closed Friday and a segment under the bridge covered with 2 feet of dirt to protect it from the tons of concrete that crashed down on it. Detouring drivers on other freeways find too much of a problem, with delays ranging from about 15 minutes to 25 minutes, said Laurie Wonder of the California Department of Transportation. If all goes well, the freeway will reopen Sunday afternoon. Famous LA bridge coming down ProudlyownedandoperatedbySCIIllinoisServicesInc. East MeMo ceMeter hoMe (309)662-1222.