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Raymond
Clarence Miner |
Raymond Clarence Miner was born on Jan. 23, 1891 (or 1892) in York Township, Carroll County, IL, the son of Daniel Lucas and Mary Elizabeth (Hodges) Minerd. He also went by "Clarence Ray Miner."
As a young boy, he moved with his parents and siblings to Missouri, and thence to Iowa.
On New Year's Day 1913, in Pearl, Greene County, MO, Raymond entered into the holy rite of matrimony Martha Elmira "Mattie" Torrance (1890-1974), the daughter of John Leroy and Margaret Mahalia Elizabeth Jane (Morton) Torrance. She was a native of Ashgrove, Greene County, MO.
The Miners together bore nine children -- Susabel Ast, Anna Frances Miner, Margaret "Elizabeth" Robinson, Flora M. Hanson, Doris Toberman, Lois Grace Miner, RaeDean Hanson, John Daniel Miner and Gloria Louise Johnson. The first two children were born in Missouri, the next six in Iowa and the last in Chicago.
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| Bird's-eye view of the Windy City of Chicago |
When the federal census was taken in 1920, the family resided in Franklin Township, Greene County, IA, where Ray worked as a railroad laborer. By 1924, at the birth of their daughter RaeDean in Cooper, Franklin County, he toiled as a farmer.
They migrated in 1925 to Chicago and lived at 2243 West 23rd Street. They rented their home for $18 a month, and Ray was employed as a sawyer or a farm machinery firm in 1930. By 1940, toward the end of the Great Depression, he worked as a watchman for the factory. Census records for 1950, of Leyden, Cook County, show him continuing as a watchman at a foundry. Their nest was empty by 1950.
Ray died on Dec. 9, 1953 at Schiller Park, Cook County, and is buried in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Northlake.
Mattie outlived her husband by more than two decades. She passed away in Norridge, Cook County, on July 30, 1974, and is buried beside her husband.
~ Daughter Susabel (Miner) Ast ~
Daughter Susabel Miner (1913-1989) was born on Nov. 1, 1913 in Missouri.
She moved to Chicago, Cook County with her family in her youth.
At the age of 21, on May 28, 1935, she was united in matrimony with Polish immigrant Otto Ast (June 1, 1901-1994). Their wedding was held in Cook County.
Four known children borne of this union were Otto "Daniel" Ast, David Gordon Ast, Sue Ann Aumend Darr and Donald R. Ast.
When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the family dwelled in Chicago, with Otto employed as a civil engineer, estimating costs and quantities for construction projects. He continued in this role, in the reinforced steel industry, through the 1940s and into 1950. By 1950, they had moved to Villa Park, DuPage County, IL and remained through the decade. As of 1973, they were in Anderson, IN.
Their final home together was in Texas, where they moved in about 1974, and stayed for 14 years in the communities of Farmers Branch, Addison and Dallas. The Asts joined the First Baptist Church of Dallas Care Ministry.
There, in Dallas' Presbyterian Hospital, at the age of 75, she passed away on Jan. 17, 1989. An obituary was printed in the Farmers Branch (TX) Times. Her remains lie in eternal repose in Hilltop (or Restland) Memorial Park in Carrollton, Dallas County.
Otto outlived his wife by five years. He was swept away by the angel of death at the age of 92 on April 19, 1994.
Son Otto "Daniel" Ast (1936-2011) was born on Nov. 8, 1936 in Chicago. On Sept. 25, 1965, in the Wayfarer's Chapel in Portuguese Bend, CA, he married Dieuwertje Maria van Lonkhuyzen (July 31, 1935- ? ), a native of Medan, Sumatra in the Dutch East Indies. She stood 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighed 115 lbs., sported blonde hair and carried a scar on her forehead. She was a citizen of The Netherlands but at the time of marriage was a secretary living on Federal Avenue in Los Angeles. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Daniel dwelled in Milwaukee. He passed away in Bradley, IL on Nov. 29, 2011, with burial in Good Hope Cemetery in Greenfield, WI.
Son David Gordon Ast (1938-2004) was born on April 21, 1938 in Illinois. He was a 1956 graduate of York Community High School. After having been awarded a James S. Kemper Foundation scholarship in insurance administration, he attended and was a 1960 graduate, magna cum laude, of James Millikin University in Decatur. On Aug. 15, 1959, in St. Louis, he wed fellow student Sandra Irene Dietrich ( ? - ? ), daughter of William and Margaret E. (Von Dach) Dietrich. His uncle Rev. Herman Ast performed the nuptials at the Nelson Presbyterian Church. The happy event was announced and the bride pictured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which said that the she "wore a lace gown, trimmed with pearls and sequins, and a tulle veil. She carried stephanotis and orchids." They became the parents of two -- Deborah Ast and William Ast. The family migrated to Texas and for 29 years lived in Houston. There, he was employed by Drilco Company and Tad USA (later part of Siderca). After contracting cancer, David died in Houston at the age of 66 on Aug. 4, 2004. A memorial service was held at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, with a private burial in Klein Memorial Park in Tomball, TX. His obituary appeared in the Houston Chronicle, in which the family requested that any memorial contributions be made to Northwest Assistance Ministries.
- Granddaughter Deborah Ast ( ? - ? )
- Grandson William Ast ( ? - ? )
Daughter Sue Ann Ast (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944 in Indiana. She moved to Texas and was joined in wedlock with Kenneth Aumend ( ? - ? ). They lived in Carrollton, TX in 1989 and were the parents of two -- Scott Aumend and Michelle Marie Berkenbile. The pair divorced. Sue Ann wed a second time on April 28, 2007 to Marcus E. Darr ( ? - ? ). Their ceremony was held in Denton County, TX.
- Grandson Scott Aumend grew up in Carrollton and is believed to be a graduate of Southwest Texas State University. He was a companion of Shawna Beaty (Feb. 20, 1984-2016), daughter of Mark and Tara Beaty and stepdaughter of Gloria Beaty. Together, they lived in Dallas and were the parents of Nolan Aumend. At the age of 11, in 1995, Shawna and four other classmates had represented the United States at a Worldwide Peace Conference for Children in Hiroshima, Japan to mark the half-century anniversary of the World War II bombing of Hiroshima. In recongition, she received a letter from President Bill Clinton, calling her an "Ambassador of Goodwill." Shawna was a 2002 graduate of Everett (WA) Community College and circa 2016 was employed at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Sadly, she died in their home in Dallas on Dec. 12, 2016, leaving behind her partner and 19-month-old son. Her celebration of life was planned for 2017 in Santa Ana, CA.
- Granddaughter Michelle Marie Aumend (1974- ? ) was born in about 1974 and grew up in Carrollton, TX. On June 14, 2002, in Collin County, TX, she tied the knot with Brian Lee Berkenbile. Their presumed children are Blake Edward Lane Berkenbile and Brinley Marie Berkenbile. Their marriage dissolved, and in 2012 she filed for divorce in Collin County Superior Court.
Son Donald R. Ast (1945- ? ) was born in about 1945 in Illinois. At one time he lived in Villa Park, IL. He wed Laura E. Kangas ( ? - ? ), daughter of Wilhard Kangas. The only known son of this union was Frank Kangas Ast. The couple divorced, and Laura appears to have married again to Laura E. ( ? - ? ). They grieved at the loss of their 48-year-old son Frank in 2013. Today Donald resides in Webster, TX and is retired.
- Grandson Frank Kangas Ast (1965-2013) was born on June 19, 1965. Circa 2013, a bachelor, he lived with his mother in Pasadena, TX. Unspeakable grief washed over the family when, at the age of 48, Frank died on Nov. 14, 2013. An obituary said that "Frank was an angel here on earth and is sorely missed by his family, but anticipated, with great joy, the day he would be reunited with Our Lord."
~ Daughter Anna "Frances" (Miner) Anderson ~
Daughter Anna "Frances" Miner (1915-1989) was born in about 1915 in Missouri.
Single at the age of 25, in 1940, she dwelled with her parents in Chicago and had no occupation.
On Oct. 10, 1942, in Cook County, IL, Anna was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Karl G. Anderson (1901- ? ), a Minnesotan by birth.
A trio of sons was born to the couple -- Douglas W. Anderson, Rodney Anderson and Steven Anderson.
The 1950 federal census enumeration of Chicago shows the Andersons living on Kenneth Street, with Karl earning a living as a punch press operator for a heating controls company.
She resided in Wheaton, DuPage County, IL.
She passed away there on Jan. 7, 1989. An obituary in the Chicago Tribune said that she was survived by six grandchildren, and that interment would take place in Fairview Memorial Park.
Son Douglas W. Anderson (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944 in Illinois. He married Patty.
Son Rodney K. Anderson (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948 in Illinois. He wed Katherine.
Son Steven Anderson ( ? - ? )
~ Daughter Margaret "Elizabeth" (Miner) Robinson ~
Daughter Margaret "Elizabeth" Miner (1916-2006) was bornon Sept. 19, 1916 in Bagley, IA.
She was a high school graduate.
Elizabeth married James Robinson ( ? - ? )
They put down roots in Chicago. Two daughters produced by this couple were Marsha Kanable and Jan Hexamer-Gardner.
Elizabeth earned a living as office manager for a family-owned business.
Circa 2004, Elizabeth resided in Columbus, Bartholomew County, IN at the address of 1901 Taylor Road.
After suffering cardiac arrest, she surrendered to the spirit of death in Columbus' Four Seasons Health Center at the age of 89 on April 4, 2006. The remains were placed into eternal repose in Garland Brook Cemetery.
Daughter Marsha Robinson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She attended Anderson University where she met her future husband, Robert Kurt Kanable (July 12, 1941-2011), son of Kenneth and Alice (Terwilliger) Kanable of Anderson, IN. The pair entered into marriage in Nov. 1963. Their two known children are Rob Kanable and Kathleen "Kathi" Lucchesi. She was employed during her carrer as a mortgage loan officer with Irwin Union Bank and Trust and also at MainSource Bank. Robert was a 1963 graduate of Anderson and in time received his master's degree from Ball State University. He became a high school teacher in Madison and Anderson and coached football and wrestling. In 1972, he was named North Central Conference Wrestling Coach of the Year. He left education to become owner and sales representative for ETC Inc. in Fort Wayne, from which he retired in 1996. He enjoyed sports, fishing and hunting as well as long-distance running. In 1992, he is known to have competed in the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon which inspired his daughter to take up the sport. Said an obituary, he "enjoyed his time with good friends, Ron Wolka, Larry Stillinger and the late Jerry Smith. He had a great sense of humor and was kind to everyone he met... He ended every conversation with his loved ones with a hug and an 'I love you'." Their residence in 2011 was on Wandering Way in Columbus, IN. Sadness blanketed the family when Robert contracted cancer and died at age 70 on Aug. 18, 2011 in Hospice of South Central Indiana. His services were jointly led by Chuck Coleman and Tom Long, with burial following at Garland Brook Cemetery. Martha has outlived her spouse by many years and has remained in Columbus, IN.
- Grandson Rob Kanable received his bachelor's degree in 1993 from the University of Indianapolis. From there he was employed as a sales representative for World Industries and Waypoint Sales and Training and since 2017 has been employed by Skechers USA. Rob married Julie. They established a home in Powell, OH.
- Granddaughter Kathleen "Kathi" Kanable is a 1986 graduate of Columbus North High School. She went on to receive a bachelor's degree at the University of Indianapolis and a law degree from the University of Mississippi. She then went into the practice of law in Charlotte, NC, focusing on employment litigation. She wed DC Lucchesi ( ? - ? ). They have resided in Charlotte and are the parents of three -- Rob Lucchesi, Kellen Lucchesi and Loren Lucchesi. Together, the Lucchesis have enjoyed running in marathons, and at age 45, Kathleen took part in the 2013 Mill Race Marathon and was pictured in the Columbus (IN) Republic. In his own right, DC is an experienced television news writer and producer withWSOC-TV in Charlotte who then moved to Mecklenburg County as public information officer for three years. Today he is founder and principal with well-run media + marketing in Charlotte.
Great-grandson Rob Lucchesi (2001- ? ) was born in about 2001.
Great-grandchild Kellen Lucchesi (2003- ? ) was born in about 2003.
Great-grandson Loren Lucchesi (2005- ? ) was born in about 2005.
Daughter Jan Robinson (1940-2021) was born on Jan. 9, 1940 in Chicago. She was an alumna of Anderson College. Jan was united in wedlock with Thomas Francis Hexamer (Nov. 7, 1932-2011) of Anderson, Madison County, IN, and the son of Frank and Ellen "Pauline" (Butler) Hexamer. They raised a family of four -- Linda White, Kristi Griffith, Jim Hexamer and Tom Hexamer. Thomas was a 1950 alum of St. Mary's School, where he played baseball and basketball. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed at Fort Knox and then as a tank commander in Germany. Said an obituary, "Tom worked for Guide Lamp Division of General Motors Corp. in Anderson as a foreman and then Amos Plastics in Edinburgh as manager of engineering from 1969 to 1977. He then founded Thomas Hexamer & Associates, a manufacturer's representative agency focused on injection molded plastics and tooling, a successful agency he oversaw until his death." In 1978, perhaps after a divorce, she and her sister both passed the Indiana real estate licensing examination. For the next 42 years, she was an agent and later owner/president of Century21 Breeden Inc., helping clients find the right residence in Columbus. In her first year with Breeden, the firm sold 95 homes with total revenues of $5.1 million. By 1919, when Jan stepped down, the firm sold 469 homes for a total revenue stream of $129.2 million. Among her many accomplishments in the profession were Realtor of Year, co-chair of the Columbus Multi-List Service, president of the Columbus Board of Realtors, committee member of the Indiana Association of Realtors and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Crossroads Association of Realtors. Jan energetically was involved in myriad community programs and organizations, among them Community Church of Columbus, board of directors of the Indianapolis Museum of Art/Columbus, Harrison Lake Country Club and presidency of Whip-Poor-Will Garden Club, she helped drive a legacy project to eliminating the risks to pollenators. Others include Turning Point, Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center, Autism Speaks and Love Chapel. She finally retired in 2020. Added an obituary, "Jan had many passions, but none were as dear to her as her painting. She was an incredibly talented artist [who] loved to paint and was known for her many beautiful acrylic impressionist pieces. During her career, Jan wasn’t able to paint as often as she wanted, but happily returned to her painting following her retirement." In 1993, she married a second time to Cliff Gardner ( ? - ? ), who brought three stepchildren into the family -- Larry Gardner, Bill Gardner and Lynn Lenz. In about 2006, she was diagnosed with cancer, and she bore the illness for the five remaining years of her life. At retirement in April 2020, she was featured in Tom Jekel's column in the Columbus Republic. She made even more news at Christmas 2020 when sharing on Facebook how "cheerful" her Christmas tree looked in her residence. When then making plans to remove it in February, her nephew Rob Kanable offered her $25 to keep it up to July. When she declined, Kanable's sister Kathi Lucchesi offered to give $50 to the American Cancer Society if the tree stayed in place. Others in the family and friends chipped in, and soon $1,000 had been raised to help local charity. The story continued to mushroom, and the Gardners then offered to match up to $2,100 in public donations to be given to three charities with the greatest need, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center and Love Chapel and Food Pantry. They were pictured together in the Feb. 9, 2021 edition of the Republic. Sadly, at the age of 81, her cancer having returned and spread, she passed away at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis on Aug. 19, 2021. Among her survivors were 19 grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Pastor Scott Hundley presided over the funeral rites, and interment was in Garland Brook Cemetery. Former husband Thomas died in Bonita Springs, FL at the age of 78 on Oct. 10, 2011. His remains were returned to his native Indiana for his mass of christian burial at Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church with burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Linda Hexamer married Jay White. They migrated to Doylestown, PA as of 2011 and then were in Canton, CT in 2021. Together they bore two children, Alex White and Tucker White.
- Granddaughter Kristi Hexamer wed Robert Griffith ( ? - ? ), son of Warren "Griff" Griffith and stepson of Matilda Ann "Tilly" (Brich) Griffith. They migrated to Seattle, where they lived in 2011, and later settled in Boise, ID. Three children of this union are Kirsti Griffith, Ashli Griffith and Stefani Griffith.
- Grandson Jim Hexamer was in Greenwood, IN in 2011 and eventually moved to Morgantown, IN.
- Grandson Tom Hexamer received a bachelor of science in marketing in 1993 from Ball State University. He entered into marriage with Evet ( ? - ? ). His career began in Chicago with the Targeted Communications Division of Wallace, and then in Buffalo, NY as national account manager for Moore-Wallace. They moved in 2004 to Los Angeles, where he took on the position of regional vice president of sales for RR Donnelley and relocation to Philadelphia as a sales executive with IWCO Direct. Today, they make a home in Macungie, PA, where he is senior vice president of sales for Addressable Marketing. Macungie is the ancient homeplace of our cousins of the massive Meinert/Gaumer branch of the family, beginning with Johannes "Dietrich" and Maria "Elizabeth" (Meinert) Gaumer Sr. dating to the 1730s.
- Grandson Larry Gardner was joined in wedlock with Amel. In 2021, they were in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Grandson Bill Gardner exchanged marital vows with Tracy. They dwell in Avon, CT.
- Granddaughter Lynn wed Alan Lenz. They planted themselves in Avon, IN.
~ Daughter Flora Mae (Miner) Hanson ~
Daughter Flora Mae Miner (1918-1999) was born on March 22, 1918 in Bassett, IA.
On Oct. 15, 1938, at the age of 20, she was joined in wedlock with 28-year-old Ralph "Ivar" Hanson (1911- ? ), son of Conrad and Jenny (Johnson) Hanson. Their nuptials were held in Cook County, IL. The two families were close, and Flora's sister RaeDean married Ivan's brother Harold.
In Chicago in 1950, the two families of Hanson were next-door neighbors in Chicago, with Ivar working as a railroad fireman.
Two known daughters borne of this marriage were Judith Dinius and Jane Kline.
Ivar was employed for many years as an engineer with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. He retired in 1975.
The Hansons' final home together was in Aurora, IL.
At the age of 86, as a patient in Aurora Manor Nursing Centeer, Ivar died at the age of 86 on July 3, 1997. His remains were lowered into rest in Fairview Gardens in Northlake. An obituary was carried in the Chicago Tribune.
Sadly, Flora passed away on St. Patrick's Day 1999.
Daughter Judith Hanson (1942- ? ) was born in about 1942 in Illinois. In young womanhood she lived in Berkeley, IL and studied at Anderson College, majoring in elementary education. While at Anderson, she met her future husband, political science major James Dinius ( ? - ? ), son of Gale Dinius of East Mishawaka Avenue in South Bend, IN. They tied the knot on Jan. 27, 1963 in Chicago's Belden Church of God. Two known offspring of their pairing were Dr. John Thomas Dinius and Julie Grider. By 1970, they relocated to Fort Wayne, IN, where they remained for decades.
- Grandson Dr. John Thomas Dinius is a 1994 graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine. He became a physician and settled in Indianapolis, on the medical staff of the university's Medical Center. On Aug. 23, 1997, in nuptials held at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, he entered into marriage with Sarah Jean Leo ( ? - ? ), daughter of Robert Henss and Mrs. James Daugherty. Sarah was an alumna of Indiana University and at the time of marriage was a registered nurse at the Medical Center. The beaming couple were pictured in a marriage announcement in the Indianapolis Star. Evidence suggests that they moved to Schenectady/Albany, NY where he specializes in anesthesiology as part of the Anesthesia Group of Albany PC and the Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital.
- Granddaughter Julie Dinius ( ? - ? ) received her bachelor's degree in 1992 from Anderson University. She then accepted employment as marketing director for Centra Federal Credit Union. On Aug. 26, 1995, she tied the marital cord with Randy Grider ( ? - ? ), son of Larry and Betty Grider of Columbus, IN. Don Roth presided over the ceremony, held at Brookside Community Church in Fort Wayne. The pair were pictured in a wedding announcement in the Columbus (IN) Republic. Their first home together was on Foxpointe Drive in town. The groom was an alumnus of Columbus North High School, also had studied at Anderson and worked with Enkei America as a quality auditor.
Daughter Jane Hanson (1945- ? ) was born in about 1945 in Illinois. She exchanged marital vows with Todd Kline. The pair put down roots in Yorkville, IL and were there in 1997.
~ Daughter Doris Martha (Miner) Benuska Toberman ~
Daughter Doris Martha Miner (1920-2009) was born on Jan. 16, 1920 in Franklin Township, Greene County, IA.
She was twice-wed. She first was joined in wedlock at age 20 on Feb. 4, 1940 with Frank Benuska (1919- ? ), originally from LeRoy, MT. Their nuptials were conducted in Cook County, IL. Frank stood 5 feet, 11 inches and weighed 168 lbs. in young manhood, with a scar under his right knee.
They became the parents of three -- Gail Sue Giese, J. Franklin Benuska and Robert A. Benuska.
The newlyweds first lived in Chicago at 2316 South California Avenue.
During the 1940s, the Benuskas relocated to Lombard, DuPage County, IL. The federal census enumeration of 1950 lists them on School Street in Lombard. At that time, Frank was employed as a life insurance agent.
Later, she entered into wedlock with Raymond Toberman (Jan. 10, 1915-1981). He had been married before to Marie Krcmarik (1912-1972) and brought two stepchildren into the second union, Raymond Joseph Toberman Jr. and Sandra Marie Toberman.
The Tobermans made their dwelling-place in West Chicago. Raymond passed away at age 66 on April 20, 1981. Following a funeral mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Winfield, his remains were lowered into sleep in Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL. His obituary was printed in the Chicago Tribune.
Doris lived in Addison, IL in 2004 and Elmhurst, IL in 2008-2009. She passed into the awaiting arms of the heavenly host at the age of 89 on March 11, 2009. An obituary was published in the Chicago Tribune. Burial was in Fairview Memorial Park in Northlake.
Daughter Gail Sue Benuska (1941-1985) was born on Nov. 1, 1941 in Chicago. She wed Rev. Raymond Alfred Giese ( ? -1991), son of Raymond and Verna Giese, and pronounced GEE-zee. Their trio of children were Raymond "Matthew" Giese, Mark Daniel Giese and Michael John Giese. Raymond was a 1964 graduate of Concordia Seminary in Springfield, IL. The Gieses relocated to South Dakota and lived in Aberdeen, SD, where for two decades he pastored St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He also held the posts of president, secretary and treasurer of the Abereen Ministerial Association. At some point their marriage dissolved in divorce, and in 1983, Gail moved to Sioux Falls, SD, with the sons remaining in Aberdeen. She held a membership in the First Lutheran Church. The family was plunged into grief when Gail died at the age of 43 on June 14, 1985, as a patient in Sioux Valley Hospital. Her remains were placed into the repose of eternity in Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls. She was pictured in her newspaper obituary. Former husband Raymond moved from Aberdeen to Albuquerque, NM in 1988 where he had been named pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church. He appears to have married a second time to Patricia Hoyt ( ? - ? ). Patricia brought a number of her own children into the second union. Sadly, at the age of 52, having been in Albuquerque for three years. Raymond died on Nov. 1, 1991. An obituary appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, and funeral services were held in his church, by the hand of Pastor Harold C. Johnson. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park.
- Grandson Raymond "Matthew" Giese (1965-2012) was born on Jan. 28, 1965. He grew up with hearing loss and in 1983 graduated from the South Dakota School for the Deaf. He then went on to study at the Hennepin Technical School in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Said an obituary, "Matt has many friends in the deaf community, he considered them his 'other' family." Matthew lived in Aberdeen, SD in 1985 and in Sioux Falls, SD in 2012. Sadly, at the age of 47, he passed away on Feb. 1, 2012. His remains are asleep in Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
- Grandson Mark Daniel Giese dwelled in 1985 in Aberdeen, SD. Circa 1991, he was in the U.S. Army and stationed at Colorado Springs, CO. Today he is married to Malissa.
- Grandson Michael John Giese made his home in the mid-1980s in Aberdeen, SD. He joined the U.S. Air Force and in 1991 was posted to Colorado Springs, CO.
Son J. Franklin "Frank" Benuska (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944. He was joined in wedlock with Marilyn. She brought two stepchildren into the union -- Kierith and Jason. They were in Chicago in 1985. On his Facebook page, he has written: "I golf a lot, 239 rounds posted in 2015. I read 4 or 5 books a week, cook a lot, I cure my own bacon, age beef, make Italian sausage, pizza sauce, pizza dough and dehydrate fruit and vegetables as well as making Jerkey. I also do some baking. Also as you can probably tell I make a lot of pizza for family and friends. I also love gardening."
- Step-granddaughter Kierith is the mother of two -- Julia and John.
- Step-grandson Jason has produced two children, Joseph and Nicholas.
Son Robert Benuska (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947. He was united in marriage with Vicky. Their home in the mid-1980s was in Chicago.
~ Daughter Lois Grace (Miner) Loftus ~
Daughter Lois Grace Miner (1922-1973) was born in about 1922 in Greene County, IA.
She relocated to Chicago at the age of three with her parents and siblings, and attended city schools.
In 1943, she married Chicago-area native Donald Laurence Loftus ( ? -2009).
They bore four children together -- Kathleen Loftus, Geoffrey Loftus, John Loftus and Kenneth Loftus.
Donald had attended high school in Chicago and then was drafted during World War II. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Air Corps and was deployed to Indochina as a medic.
He returned home after the war and enrolled in Northwestern University under the terms of the G.I. Bill. He went on to receive a bachelor of science in business administration.
The couple relocated in 1954 to Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, CA. There, he was employed for three decades with Western Pacific Railroad. He rose to the role of assistant vice president by the time of his retirement. She added to their income stream as a sales clerk at the Emporium. Eventually they moved to Berkeley and then in October 1972 added a second home in La Selva Beach.
The family was plunged into mourning when Lois at age 51 died suddenly from a heart attack on Nov. 21, 1973. Reported the Palo Alto Peninsula Times Tribune, "Mrs. Loftus was stricken at her home in La Selva Beach and pronounced dead at Watsonville Community Hospital... The Loftuses lived both in Berkeley, from where he could commute to his work, and La Selva Beach, where they maintained their permanent address."
Donald outlived his first bride by 35-plus years. After being alone for a few years, he met and married widow Lois McCahon of the Half Moon Bay area. She had five adult children from her previous marriage -- Barbara, Genevra, Janice, Marilyn and Robert "Dub."
Their residences over the years included Pescadero, San Mateo and finally Saratoga, CA. Said the Half Moon Bay Review, "Don loved the desert, the dry heat and the open spaces; he also liked to landscape and work on carpentry projects around his houses. Don especially loved watching football-he lived for football season and mourned each year when the season was over. He was a kind and honorable man, highly ethical and responsible, who worked very hard to give his family a safe, secure, and stable life. He was a private man, but he enjoyed people and had a great sense of humor, and he made lasting friendships at all stages in his life. I"
After a fall at home, his health plummeted and he died on March 10, 2009.
Daughter Kathleen "Kate" Loftus was joined in wedlock with William Fahl ( ? - ? ).
Son Geoffrey Michael Loftus (1951-2015) was born in 1951, likely in Chicago, and grew up in Palo Alto, CA. He was a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and spent his career in the field of banking. He entered into marriage with Patti Marks ( ? - ? ), daughter of David John and Pauline "Polly" (Fitzgerald) Marks. They together produced a pair of daughters -- Catherine Loftus and EricaAnn Loftus. Their home in 1973 was in San Luis Obispo, in 2011 in Santz Cruz and in 2015 in Pajaro Dunes, CA. Geoffrey was hired in 1975 by Monterey Savings and Loan and worked his way up to become vice president and manager of its branch in Santa Cruz. Then in 2007 he left to become part of the startup of 1st Capital Bank in Monterey, serving as its chief credit officer. He then moved in 2013 to become chief credit officer and senior vice president for Santa Cruz County Bank. As an active member of the community, he was president of the Kiwanis Club of Santz Cruz and Key Man of the Year for the Jaycees of Monterey. He also was a member of the Rotary Club and Pacheco Club. In his free time, Geoffrey enjoyed the out-of-doors and was an alumnus of the National Outdoor Leadership Society, and was an instructor in mountain climbing and a guide for river rafting. As a family, they skied, sailed and traveled. Sadly, having been stricken by a pulmonary embolism, Geoffrey died at the age of 63 on Jan. 20, 2015.
- Granddaughter Catherine Loftus ( ? - ? ) attended the University of California at San Francisco in 2011.
- Granddaughter EricaAnn Loftus ( ? - ? ) was a student in 2011 at the University of California at Berkeley.
Son John Loftus was united in matrimony with Lisa.
Son Kenneth Loftus wed Becky.
~ Daughter RaeDean (Miner) Hanson ~
Daughter RaeDean Miner (1924-2004) -- sometimes spelled "Radine" -- was born on Aug. 8, 1924 in Cooper, Greene County, IA, where her father was a farmer. Dr. J.A. Pringle of Berkley, IA assisted in the birth.
She moved into Chicago in girlhood with her family and was a high school graduate.
On Oct. 10, 1944, in Chicago, when she was about 19 years of age, she entered into marriage with Harold L. Hanson (Jan. 23, 1919-2004), son of Conrad and Jenny (Johnson) Hanson of Chicago. The two families were close, and RaeDean's sister Flora wed Harold's brother brother Ivar.
The three offspring they produced together were Paula Jean Silva, Richard Hanson and James Hanson.
Early in the marriage, the pair moved to California, where he was an accountant and bookkeeper with Stauffer Chemical Company over a 35-year timespan. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, the Hansons returned in Chicago. As of 1950, they lived next door to Flora and Ivan Hanson and family.
By 1967, the Hansons moved cross-country to New Jersey, settling in the outskirts of Paterson in the community of Glen Rock at 25 Stonefield Road.
At one point in their lives, the couple migrated to Walnut Creek, CA and then to Greenwood, IN. She was employed as a proofreader by DeLuxe Check Printers for seven years. She retired in 1981 and he followed in 1982. They held a membership in the Meridian Church of God and she to the Women of the Church of God. Later, they moved into an apartment on Rosegate Drive in Indianapolis.
Sadly, stricken with pancreatic cancer at the age of 79, RaeDean died at home on Jan. 28, 2004. She was pictured in her obituary in the Franklin (IN) Daily Journal, which numbered the headcount of her survivors as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Rev. Larry Cook presided at the funeral in the family church. Burial was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Glenns Valley. The family requested that any memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
Harold outlived his bride by two-and-a-half years. The angel of death cleaved him away at the age of 87 on Sept. 2, 2006. His funeral also was held in the family house of worship. His obituary appeared in the Indianapolis Star.
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Paula's book |
- Grandson John Silva ( ? - ? )
- Granddaughter Amy Silva married (?) Mescher. She is believed to be the mother of Melissa Mescher, Jacob Mescher and Emily Mescher.
- Granddaughter Charity Silva wed (?) Visser.
Son Richard "Rick"Hanson (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949 in Illinois. He moved to New Jersey in his youth and was a graduate of Glen Rock High School. He went on to earn a civil engineering degree in 1970 from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Circa 1990, he was employed as a computer-aided design manager with Aro Corporation. On Aug. 11, 1990, he tied the knot with Connie Gamble ( ? - ? ). The wedding was led by Rev. John Stevens in the Wesley United Methodist Church of Bryan, OH, and the smiling couple was pictured in an announcement in the Bryan Times. She was an alumna of Bryan High School and held a degree in music from Taylor University in Indiana. The Hansons put down roots in her hometown of Bryan and were there in 1990-2006. Circa 2003, he joined the workforce of Ingersoll Rand as a desktop engineer. He then turned to consulting and self-employment in 2013 followed by retirement.
Son James Hanson ( ? - ? ) married Kelly. They resided in Indianapolis in 2004-2006.
~ Son John Daniel Miner ~
Son John Daniel Miner (1925-2008) was born on Dec. 13, 1925 in Greene County, IA, the only son of nine children.
During World War II, John joined the U.S. Navy. It was at the Naval Armory in Detroit where he met his future bride, Mary May "Ronnie" Parish (Dec. 19, 1923-2007), a native of Detroit. She was the daughter of Frederick Lawrence and Susie Bessie (Vana) Parish.
On Dec. 14, 1946, six months after John finished his military service, the pair exchaned marital vows in the First Church of the Brethren in Detroit, officiated by Rev. J. Perry Prather. Their union endured the highs and lows of an extraodinary six decades together until cleaved apart by death.
Together, they produced a family of five -- Laura Rubow, Beth Sawa, John Daniel Miner Jr., Amy White and Meg Parrish Miner.
Said the Beacon News, "He was a loving son and brother and husband and father/grandfather/great-grandfather, and friend, an active member and former Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Boy Scout Leader, lifelong blood donor, electrician, and longtime member of Local #134" of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Early in their young family, they lived in Oswego, IL, and later by 2004 made a dwelling-place in nearby North Aurora, IL.
A decade into the marriage, on Dec. 13, 1956, Ronnie was baptized in the Costa Mesa Ward, Santa Ana (CA) Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The News said "She had remained a faithful member during her life on earth and believed she wouldl be sealed with her family for time and all eternity."
Sadly, Ronnie passed away at the age of 83 on Feb. 25, 2007.
John survived her by 17 months. He was gathered away by the angel of death on July 14, 2008. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials be made to the Medical Equipment Fund in Aurora or to VITAS Hospice in Lombard. Their remains sleep for the ages in Fairview Memorial Park in Northlake, near Chicago.
Daughter Laura Miner attended Amundsen High School in Chicago and Granite High School in Salt Lake City. She later studied at Waubonsee Community College. She married (?) Rubow. She lived in Chicago in 2008.
Daughter Beth Miner ( ? -living) attended Oswego High School and Senn High School and studied at the College of DuPage. She wed Kevin G. Sawa ( ? - ? ), son of George Kiyoshi and Jeanne (Mellish) Sawa of Chicago and Oshkosh, WI. They put down roots by 1993 in Hanover Park, IL.
Son John Daniel Miner Jr. was joined in matrimony with Nancy. They settled in Sheridan, IL.
Daughter Amy Miner was united in wedlock with Tony White. They migrated to Delta and Green River, UT.
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| Meg Parrish Miner on duty in the Air Force. Library of Congress |
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| Meg Parrish Miner. Library of Congress |
Recruited by the Air Force, Meg Parrish Miner joined the military straight out of high school, enticed by the chance to leave her small town, get an education, and hold the impressive-sounding title of "jet engine mechanic" -- despite having zero background in any kind of mechanics. The sixteen years she spent in the military--including with the famous Thunderbird division, and then working on F-16s while stationed in Turkey following the Gulf War -- proved to be eye-opening, as she had hoped. In her oral history interview, she discusses how her time in the Air Force made her more resilient, the challenges she faced as a gay woman serving in a predominantly male environment, and her shifting thoughts on the role of the military post-9/11.
Meg took advantage of an Illinois Veterans Education Grant to finish an English degree from Northern Illinois University, followed by a master's in library and information science from the University of Illinois. In reecent years she has been employed in the library at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. She has made her home in Mansfield, IL and for 21 years was a partner of Janis L. (Gilbert) Sober (Oct. 8, 1946-2020), daughter of Nicholas and Helen (Farthing) Gilbert. Sadly, Janis died at the age of 73 on June 8, 2020. Meg has been profiled in the Champaign (IL) News-Gazette article "Those Who Served: 'Working in fear and isolation are the real corroding elements'." She also was named in a 2022 New York Times article about an extended community debate over the merits of Radford’s Run Wind Farm in Macon County. The piece was headlined "The U.S. Will Need Thousands of Wind Farms. Will Small Towns Go Along?"
~ Daughter Gloria Louise (Miner) Johnson ~
Daughter Gloria Louise Miner (1928-1989) was born on Oct. 12, 1928 in Chicago.
When she was 18 years of age, on March 11, 1947, Gloria entered into marriage with Logan O. Johnson (April 22, 1925-1982), son of German immigrant Thomas P. Johnson.
A trio of known sons of the family were Thomas R. Johnson, Richard Johnson and Larry Johnson.
When the United States Census enumeration was made in 1950, three generations lived together on Newland Street in Chicago -- Gloria and Logan, their baby son and his 68-year-old father, who was married but separated. Logan was employed as an accountant with a corporate retirement firm, and his father as a drill press operator for a maker of metal gears.
The Johnsons eventually moved to Libertyville, Lake County, IL. There, he was employed by Arthur Stedry Hansen Consulting Actuaries of Lake Bluff. He also enjoyed bowling on the company team.
Logan made news in 1960 involving an ongoing prank he and his married receptionist Neva Portegys played on each other. The pair "got to needling one another about advancing age," said the Chicago Tribune. "On April 22 of that year, Libertyville was somewhat astonished to find two huge posters, one in the business district, and a second on route 120, that said simply, 'Today Logan Johnson is 35 years old'." He retaliated at her birthday a few months later posting posters with her age, birthdate and line "Old Friends are best." When he reached age 40, she hung a sign in the women's restroom of the bowling alley, saying "I'm 40 today. I'm at alley 9 and 10. Come over and give me a birthday kiss."
Sadly, Logan died at the age of 57 on Sept. 10, 1982. An obituary appeared in the Chicago Tribune, in which the family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the American Heart Fund.
The widowed Gloria outlived her husband by seven years. She surrendered to death at age 61 on Nov. 12, 1989. They is buried in Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville.
Son Thomas R. Johnson (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949 in Chicago.
Son Richard Johnson ( ? - ? )
Son Larry Johnson ( ? - ? )
| Copyright © 2005, 2024 Mark A. Miner |
| Minerd.com extends its gratutide to Sharon Hodge-Spencer who graciously shared her research for this biography. Meg Parrish Miner Collection (AFC/2001/001/5211), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress |