Gerald F Springborn

He was formerly of Manito.Born March 2, 1936 in Shawano, Wisconsin to Olaf and Linda (Schoenick) Springborn, he married Betty J. Bernshausen on May 25, 1963 in Topeka. She died December 26, 2006 in Peoria. He also was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Ward Alan Springborn on June 3, 1965.

Surviving are two sons, Greg (Val) Springborn of Groveland and Michael (Susan) Springborn of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, Madison Springborn, Jason Springborn, both of San Antonio and Norah Springborn of Groveland; one brother, Kenneth (Isabel) Springborn of Waupaca, Wisconsin and two sisters, Phyllis Nickolas and Donna (Larry) Kessler, both of Neenah, Wisconsin.

Gerald was raised in Neenah, Wisconsin and served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957.

A 1961 graduate of Wisconsin State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, he earned his Master of Science degree in Physiology from Southern Illinois University in 1965.

He was a teacher and head of the science department at Forman Community Unit District #124 in Manito from 1961 to 1963, where he taught chemistry, physics, biology and advanced biology.

He then worked as a research pharmacologist for Warren-Teed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Columbus, Ohio, from 1965 to 1972.

In 1972, Jerry began a new career as a pre-need counselor in the cemetery and funeral home industry for Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin and for Woolsey Funeral Homes in Pekin, Delavan and Glasford. He also worked as a Western & Southern insurance agent in Peoria and Mexico, Missouri before retiring to the Lake of the Ozarks.

He was the first president and a founding member of the Manito Historical Society. He also was a member of the Lake of the Ozarks Elks Lodge 2517 in Osage Beach and a former member of the National Science Teachers Association.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and playing billiards. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 12, 2008 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Dwight E. Borden will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito, with a flag folding ceremony provided by the United States Army.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Manito Historical Society, P.O. Box 304, Manito, IL 61546 or to a charity of the donor's choice.