Moline High School Class Of 1961
News 2025 - 2029
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Cynthia Hall Scott |
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Cynthia H. (Hall) Scott of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away on September 24, 2025, surrounded by family at her home. Cindi was the beloved daughter born on August 31, 1943, in Moline, Illinois, to Robert A. Hall and Helen L. (Blaser) Hall. She was raised along with her three brothers in a home surrounded by love, happiness, hard work and a dedication to family. Cindi attended Moline High School and Blackhawk College and began a professional career as an executive secretary at the Rock Island Arsenal. Cindi retired after 32 years of service. She married Jerry L. Scott on March 26, 1966, and together shared three children: Sonja, Eric and Stephanie. Cindi deeply valued her role as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her most treasured moments were with the people she loved and cherished the most. Cindi enjoyed every holiday, birthday, sporting event, and celebration. Family was always her utmost priority, and she was known to be the most selfless person who always dedicated herself to helping others and uplifting others in their time of need. Cindi was an active member of her community and gave countless hours to the Rock Island School District as a member of the PTA, Home Room Mother, Rock Island Softball League, American Heart Association, and other various organizations. She valued her close-knit group of friends known as the "Lunch Bunch," cooking and baking for her family and friends, gardening, crocheting, and curling up with a good book or a great Hallmark movie.Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Sonja Meraz and Stephanie Voss; grandchildren, Erica, Marissa, Alexa, Hadley, and Hunter; great-grandchildren, Lorenzzo and Aria, and one on the way; brother, Douglas Hall; sister-in-law, Susan Peck; several special nieces and nephews. Cindi was preceded in death by her parents; son, Eric Scott; brothers, Robert and Bruce Hall; sisters-in-law, Kathy Hall and Connie Hall; and son-in-law, Matthew Voss.
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Janet Swaine Allen |
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Janet Swain Allen passed away on September 4, 2025. Janet was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in early May. It spread to her brain. Her life expectancy was expected to be 6 to 12 months. Many dear family members were able to visit her in her final months.
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Lois Peterson Powers |
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Lois Powers, 82, formerly Lois Peterson of Moline, IL, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 13, 2025, surrounded by friends and family. She was born on January 26, 1943. Lois married Will Powers in 1964. He died in 2002. They brought their son Scott into the world in 1969. She was a wonderful Mother and delighted in helping others.
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Becky Hawotte Davidson |
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Becky Jill (Hawotte) Davidson, 81, of Maquoketa, IA, passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2025. Becky was born October 16, 1943, in Moline, IL, to Joffre and Violet (Pearson) Hawotte. She graduated from Moline High School in 1961 and attended Blackhawk College. She married Dale Davidson on October 17, 1970. They were approaching their 55th anniversary. Becky worked at Eagle Signal for 11 years and was later employed at Maquoketa State Bank. Before establishing a game bird farm with her husband, they operated for 40 years. She was the first woman to sit on the board of directors of the North American Game Breeders Association. She traveled, giving speeches about breeding and raising game birds. She was also the president of Iowa Game Breeders for two terms. Those left to honor her are her children, Joel Davidson, Rebecca Davidson, Scott Davidson, Julie Blake, and Lana Justice. There are 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, her sister Linda Casel, her nephew Merle Casel Jr., and her beloved son Ernest J. Davidson. A touching tribute from her daughter, Rebecca Davidson: "I'm trying to find the best words to express what I am feeling and try to explain everything you have been to me in my life. Although you didn't give birth to me...You were my namesake. I was born on your birthday and named after you. The timeline of where we started to where you have now left me has been many years of being broken and words unspoken and gradually we find our way through it all to mend and heal. Where we finally had a breakthrough and it truly made us finally become the mother and daughter we were meant to be. I'll cherish those memories and feel you deeply in my heart and always be connected to your soul until the day I die and wherever you are "on the other side" I know we will find each other again. I'm trying to be as strong as you have been. You have always been the strongest warrior woman I have ever known and I'm so grateful you have been my mom and I was able to keep you for as long as I could. My heart hurts and I missed you even before you were gone. It's going to be difficult to keep facing these days but I'm going to keep hearing your voice and know you are a guiding light in my life. I love you so very much. Thank you for being MY MOM."
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Lu Ella Reynolds Stewart |
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Lu Ella Stewart, 81, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. Lu was born December 11, 1943 in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Melvin and Elverna (Hartz) Reynolds. She was a graduate of Moline High School and attended Mary Crest College, Davenport. Lu married Dale Stewart April 4, 1964 in Moline, Illinois; he died June 17, 2024. She was employed at Mercy One, Clinton in the Health Information Management Office and had worked at Millward Brown in Davenport, IA. Lu was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Jaycee-Ette, Clinton. She is survived by her children, DeeDee (Craig) Piper of Clinton, IA; Deb (Bob) Jordan of Cross Hill, SC and Dean (Lauri) Stewart of Andrew, IA; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and one on the way. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
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Gary G. Woitte |
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Gary Gene Woitte passed away in his home on September 13, 2023. He was 79 years old. Gary was born on November 20, 1943, to Arlan and Erma Woitte in Moline, Illinois. Gary was a graduate of Allied Institute of Technology. Gary met Harriette Hurd in Chicago in 1963, and they were married in June of 1964. Gary worked in sales for Acu-rite for over 30 years. He was a board member of the Carol Stream Park District for several years. Gary’s sales position led the family to relocate from Illinois to Colorado in 1986. He was an avid gardener. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and fishing. He also supported and loved visiting national parks. Gary was Harriette’s husband for 59 years. He was the father of Gregg Woitte (Susan), Aimee Chapman, Curtis Woitte (Gretchen), and Steven Woitte. He was the grandfather of Jessica Woitte, Allison Woitte Jones (Elijah), Cecelia Chapman, Delaney Chapman, and Ethan Chapman. Gary will be missed for his sense of humor, his hearty laugh, and his love for family, friends, and neighbors.
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Kathleen Sovanski Runge |
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Kathleen E. Runge, 80, of Durant, IA, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023, at Wilton Assisted Living. Kathy was born September 26, 1942, in Moline, IL, to Adolf & Clara (Hamilton) Sovanski. She was united in marriage to her husband of 50 years, Reynold O. Runge, on October 28, 1972, in Moline, IL. He preceded her in death February 22, 2023. Kathy was a farmer's wife and mother who loved farming with her husband. She enjoyed playing cards, Bingo, and knitting/crocheting. One of her favorite activities was date night with her husband when they would go out to dinner, dancing or seeing a movie. Survivors include son Ron Runge, Wilton, IA; daughter Mary (Joseph) Henzen, Davenport; grandchildren Hunter Runge, Zachary Henzen & Kayla Henzen; great-grandchildren Ainsley and Lakelee Henzen; and a Brother, Albert (Maggie) Sovanski, Coal Valley, IL. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Reynold, a son John, and a brother Gregory Sovanski.
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Jerry Langworthy |
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Jerry R. Langworthy, 81 years, of Hayward, WI departed on November 14, 2024. Jerry was born on June 10, 1943 in Chippewa Falls, WI. When he was a few months old, Jerry and his mother traveled to Camp Rucker, Alabama to join his father, Ross, who was stationed in the Army until deployed to Germany during WWII. Jerry grew up in Chippewa Falls until 1957 when his family moved to Moline, IL. He attended Moline High School where he was a standout wrestler, going to the state championships in both his junior and senior years. He graduated in 1961. He attended several colleges working towards a bachelor’s degree in Forest Recreation and graduated from Southern Illinois in Carbondale. Jerry married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Putnam on September 16, 1967. He worked for the City of Moline, Illinois until he was hired by the State of Minnesota in 1969. He was district forester in Mankato where he specialized in hardwoods, especially walnut. In addition to his forestry job, he lived and managed a county park at Madison Lake, MN until he was transferred to Duxbury, MN forestry station in 1972. He worked ten years there and was promoted to Area Assistant at Moose Lake, MN. He loved his family, and his proudest accomplishments were his children. His son, Eric, was his friend, his hunting partner and football buddy. His daughter, Amy, he gave unconditional and unending love and was the apple of his eye. He enjoyed spending time with his four grandsons at sporting events, hunting and fishing. Jerry was presented with the employee of the year award in 1980 and again in 2000 by the Minnesota Forestry Employee Association. He ended his career and retired from his then position of Area Supervisor at Hinckley Mn in 2001. For many years he continued working for the state doing what he really liked, marking timber and flying fire detection. He had some serious health problems and fought hard to survive until Parkinsons finally took him. Jerry will forever be remembered by his wife, partner and companion of 57 years. He is survived by his son, Eric (Amy) Langworthy of Pine City, MN; his daughter, Amy Suzan of Hayward, WI; four grandsons, Zeth and Ashton Langworthy and Ross and Trevor Suzan of Hayward, WI; and his sister, Mary Piersall of Davenport, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Mildred Langworthy, and his sister, Brenda O’Malley. His brain was harvested for research at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. His ashes will rest in a walnut urn (his favorite hardwood tree) with his faithful poodle, “Jake of the Red Forest”. At a later date, he will be buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Chippewa Falls, WI, with his parents and numerous other family members. Thus, Jerry’s full cycle of life started and ended in Chippewa Falls. He wanted all of you to know if he owes you a beer, you can find him and his dog, Jake, where little dogs and old dawgs go and they will gladly buy you one! Jerry and Jake will live in our hearts and be greatly missed. Happy trails!
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Donald Lee Cufaude |
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Donald Lee Cufaude, 80, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away at 4:55 PM Sunday Dec. 24, 2023 at Bickford Cottage in Macomb, Illinois. He was born Feb. 2, 1943 in Mason City, Illinois to Harold and Willetta (Copper) Cufaude. He is survived by a step-son, Jeffrey Cufaude of Indianapolis, Indiana; a sister Betty Ann DeWees of Macomb, Illinois. Cremation has been accorded.
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Linda Dempsey Smith |
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Linda L. Smith, 81, of Moline, IL, passed away on February 1, 2025, at her home surrounded by her children. Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery. Linda was born on September 2, 1943, in Moline, IL, the daughter of Edward and Marlowe (Merry) Dempsey. She married her high school sweetheart, Francis “Bill” W. Smith II on June 30, 1962, in Moline, IL. He preceded her in death. Her family was everything to her and she always put them first. Survivors include her children, Tammy (Greg) Ryckaert, Belinda Irwin, and Francis “Bill” Smith III all of Moline; grandchildren, Tyler (Danielle Redman) Ryckaert, Brianne (Ryan Stroyan) Ryckaert, Scott (Angela) Irwin, Samantha (Josh) Larsen, Luke Irwin, Shaylynn Bricker; great-grandchildren, Aleah, Jaydin, Kaleb, Ryker, and Gracie. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Bobby Dempsey; sister, Jean Parein; son-in-law, Joe Irwin.
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David P. Vershaw |
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David Paul Vershaw was born on May 10, 1943, in Moline, IL, and died at home on May 5, five days before his 80th birthday. Dave joined the Army in 1964, during which time he received numerous awards. After his tours as a Soldier, he joined the Department of the Army as a civilian employee and was stationed in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Kansas and Korea before coming to Red River Army Depot as Civilian Personnel Director in 1986 until his retirement in 2003. After retirement, he generously shared his knowledge and expertise, making a positive impact and touching many lives professionally by volunteering for numerous hours and contributing to the community. His goal in life was always to help others. Afterwards, for the next 11 years, he worked for the Texas Workforce Solutions. He served on numerous boards, including those of Randy Sams Shelter, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the American Red Cross, among others. He was born to Peter Vershaw and Mildred Buller. Proceeding him were his father, Peter Vershaw; his mother, Mildred Buller; his stepfather, Ralph Buller; his stepmother, Lucille Vershaw; his son, Peter Vershaw; his mother-in-law, Betty Barnes; his brother, John Vershaw; and his brother-in-law, James Barnes. Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Barbara Vershaw, son David II and Lisa Vershaw, Jim Vershaw and Jocelyn Cridell, step-brother Joel and Fran Buller, step-brother Terry Buller, and step-sister Carlyne Lillybeck, sister-in-law, Jane Vershaw, nephews, Mark Vershaw and Chris Vershaw, niece Julie Morgan and numerous other relatives and friends. His undergraduate degree was from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri and his master’s degree was also from Drury University.
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James R. Anderson |
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James R. “Jim” Anderson, 77, of Moline, passed away Monday, April 29, 2019, at Avonlea Cottage, Milan. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Moline or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Jim was born on January 8, 1942, in Moline, the son of Arnold E. and Elva (VanDamme) Anderson. He married Mary L. Ford on May 29, 1976, in Moline. Jim retired as a Psychiatric Social Worker from the East Moline Mental Health Center and was active with the Rock Island County Mental Health Board. In his free time, Jim enjoyed fishing and watching sports and was a member at First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary; children, Stacy (Duane) Franzen, Erie, Brian Anderson, Moline, Kimberly Kuhle, Sioux Falls, SD, and Stephanie Karpinske, Urbandale, IA; grandchildren, Elijah, Kaiden, Rylan, Landon; and a sister, Nancy (Robert) Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents.
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David L. Hotchkiss |
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David L. Hotchkiss, 81, of Eldridge, passed away Monday, May 19, 2025 at his home. David was born July 5, 1943 in Moline, to Harold and Gwendolyn (Stratman) Hotchkiss. Following graduation from Moline High School in 1961, he worked as a draftsman for John Deere. He enlisted in the US Army in 1964 where he served in Turkey, Okinawa and Vietnam as a crypto repairman. Skills gained during his service lead to a 32 year career with National Cash Register company as a computer repairman. He was united in marriage to Donna Burken on June 26, 1971 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Sugar Creek, IA. Together, they settled just outside of Eldridge, where they shared over 50 wonderful years in the home they built together. David was a man of many interests. He loved traveling with Donna in their RV, taking road trips, working with his hands—whether fixing or building—planting and felling trees, riding motorcycles, boating, and making the occasional visit to a casino. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife Donna; children Amy Ellis of St. Charles, IL, Sarah (Scott) Rabenold of Pasadena, CA, Daniel (Erika) Hotchkiss of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren Tyler and Emma Ellis, Spencer, Sam, Senait, and Suri Rabenold, Nathan and Elena Hotchkiss; brothers Ron Hotchkiss of Milan, IL, and Steve (Kathy) Hotchkiss of Moline, IL.
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Dorothy M. Smiddy-VanDePutte |
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Dorothy M. Smiddy-VanDePutte, 79, of Moline, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at River Crossing of Moline. Cremation rites will be accorded. Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Dorothy was born on March 23, 1943, in Moline, the daughter of Dale and Dorothy (Anderson) Smiddy. She married Ronald VanDePutte on December 28, 1962, in Moline. He preceded her in death on February 6, 2021. Dorothy worked at the Rock Island Arsenal. She enjoyed horseback riding and being around dogs whenever she could. Survivors include her sons, Steven (Tammy) VanDePutte, Mike (Kris) VanDePutte; grandchildren, Kassidy Arp (Larry Kephart), Marc (Brittany) Stohl, Sean VanDePutte, Tyler (Mandee Wheeler) VanDePutte; great grandchildren, Hudson, Marissa, Aiden, Rylee, Lola, Actley, Hyson, Will, Grayson, and Roman; brothers & sisters-in-law, Dale & Cleo Smiddy, Dean & Sharon Smiddy, and Dennis & Barb Smiddy, George VanDePutte. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald VaDePutte, and daughter, Pam Arp.
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Patricia Martin Carlson |
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Patricia Martin Carlson was born in Blytheville, AR on April 29, 1943 to Dr. Lowell Eugene Martin and Mina Bell Martin. She lived in Moline, IL; Clinton, IA; and Iowa City, IA before relocating to Charlottesville, VA in 1983. She died on April 23, 2024, six days short of her 81st birthday, in her own home, as she wanted. She was buried at Panorama Farms in a natural burial. She was predeceased by her parents, and her beloved uncle Judge Harold Martin, with whom she spent many Summers in Hamburg, IA while growing up. She is succeeded by her son, Kenneth Paul Carlson; her daughter, Kirstin Carlson Todd; a sister, Barbara McGreggor; and their families. She had a vast network of friendships that encompassed many different social groups. She was a registered dietician and graduated with her MBA from the University of Iowa. She retired from the University of Virginia and then worked for Albemarle County Schools as administrator of their nutrition program. Patricia loved to garden, and she believed in hard work and in paying people fairly for their work. Patricia was loved by many and will be sorely missed.
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Peggy Kint Huffstutler |
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Peggy Kint Huffstutler, 80, of Moline, passed away, February 14, 2024, at Celebrate Senior Living. She was born on September 27, 1943, in Moline, IL, the daughter of Burl “Bunk” Kint and Dorothy V. (Fritz). She married Richard “Rick” C. Huffstutler on August 22, 1988, in Rock Island County. Peggy worked as a Registered Nurse at the Veteran’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Monastery. Survivors include her brother-in-law, Tom Williams, nephew Bob Williams and nephew Rick Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, Burl and Dorothy; husband, Rick; sister, Bonnie Williams; brother, Bradley Kint; niece, Penny Williams.
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Jerry G. Limburg |
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Jerry G. Limburg, 80, of Moline, Illinois, died Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Allure Of Geneseo, Geneseo, Illinois. Visitation is 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, followed by a memorial service at 12 p.m., in the Horizon Room at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, Illinois. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Jerry Grant Limburg was born June 7, 1943, in Moline, Illinois, to Gerald and Jeanne (Christiansen) Limburg. He worked at John Deere as a Combine Designer for 40 years. He enjoyed playing bingo, listening to music, and line dancing. Jerry was known as being the life of the party, and was a man of strong faith. He is survived by his loving partner, Sandi Conrad; daughter, April (Bob Costin) Limburg; honorary children, Jennifer Hunter, Josh Lane Sr., Karina Osborn, and Karlene Smith; and a close friend, Karen Lane. He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Jack Limburg.
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Ken P. Carlson |
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Dr. Kenneth Paul Carlson DDS, age, 81, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away Thursday February 27, 2025, in hospice care. Kenneth was born on June 7, 1943, in Moline, Illinois, to Ruth and Lawrence Carlson. He was a second-generation Swedish-American and proud of his heritage. In his early years he was a Boy Scout, and making Eagle Scout was his proudest accomplishment. He attended Moline High School. In high school he ran track which garnered him a full scholarship to Northwestern University in the fall of 1962, but ultimately graduating from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. He continued on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Iowa in 1968. He was a lifelong Hawkeyes fan and Member of the American Dental Association and enjoyed attending the organization’s annual conventions. He married his first wife, Patricia L Carlson, in 1962 and settled in Clinton to open his solo dental practice in 1968. Following a divorce in 1972, he married Carol Ann Kennedy Carlson in 1975. In Carol, Ken found a lifelong companion until she passed away in October of 2020. They worked in his dental office together, hosted biannual Kennedy family gatherings, golfed, gardened, fished and traveled. Ken and Carol enjoyed building a life and community of friends in Clinton. He rooted himself in the community through his involvement with the River Boat Days committee, the Gyro’s club and the Clinton Trees Forever program. Ken was preceded in death by his first wife Patricia, his second wife Carol and his stepson William Waller and his only sibling, Rev. Philip Carlson. He is survived by his two children, Kirstin Todd (Paul), Kenneth Paul Carlson Jr. (Ann) and, two granddaughters.
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