Mystic Shrine

George Louis Gfroerer '55

01/09/2024

George Louis Gfroerer of Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully with his loving wife, Honey by his side, on January 9, 2024, at the age of 90. George was born in Oak Park, IL, and graduated from the University of Illinois, where he was Swimming Captain, 2-year All-American, and Most Valuable Swimmer. George met the love of his life, Honey when he was 25, and they married later that year.

Gerald L. Exline '59

01/09/2024

Gerald L. Exline passed away on January 9, 2024.

Gerry’s first 18 years were spent with his parents, Wilbert and Myrtle, and brothers, David and Kenneth, in Moline, Illinois, before he headed to the University of Illinois to study architecture. In 1959, he married Arlene and they made their first trip to Europe.

William C. Boon '54

01/02/2024

William C. Boon '54

William C. Boon passed away on January 2, 2024 after a stoic battle with Alzheimer's. 

Bill was born in Downers Grove, Illinois on September 9, 1932. He graduated from the University of Illinois° in civil engineering where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi.    He served on the boards of the Professional Land Surveyors Association and American Society of Civil Engineers.

Hugh J. Graham III '59

11/21/2023

Hugh J. Graham III

FEBRUARY 16, 1937 – NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Hugh Joseph Graham III (Cracker) died November 21, 2023.

Cracker was born in Springfield, IL, on February 16, 1937, to Hugh Joseph Graham, Jr. and Edith Mary Larmon Graham.

Thomas E. Pollard '52

07/15/2023

Thomas E. Pollard '52

September 22, 1929 ~ July 15, 2023 (age 93)

Dr. Thomas (Tom) Earl Pollard passed away in Ballwin, MO, on July 15, 2023, with his loving wife of 70 years, Barbara, at his side. He was born at home in Wayne County, Illinois, on Sept. 22, 1929, to Charlie and Zella Pollard. They preceded Tom in death, as did his 5 brothers Ray, Raleigh, Harry, Lou & Chuck, his sister Pat Andrus, and his grandson Vincent Cascella.

John LeRoy Bitzer '74

07/14/2023

John LeRoy Bitzer, beloved husband, father, and grandfather (“gee-pa”) passed away at the age of 70 on July 14, 2023, at his home in Collinsville, Illinois. 

A native of Shelbyville, Illinois, John grew up as one of six siblings.  He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1970 where he excelled in academics, sports, and holds an Illinois state track record…for an event that may or may not still exist (which means he can never be beaten!).   

Stephen P. Wheeler '70

06/09/2023

Stephen P. Wheeler 

CHAMPAIGN - Stephen Paul Wheeler, 76, of Champaign, died at 2:29 p.m. Friday (June 9, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Funeral arrangements were incomplete at Evergreen Cremation Services, 702 Bloomington Road Suite 102, Champaign.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jun. 11, 2023.

George Donnelly '65

11/22/2022

George Donnelly, age 80, peacefully passed away on November 22nd, 2022, in Wheaton, Illinois.

George was born in Chicago, Illinois, son of Eugene and Anna (Wilcox) Donnelly. He was a graduate of DeKalb High School class of 1960 and received a BS Degree from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctor Degree from Northern Illinois College of Law.

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