Living Gifts
- Lyle and Helen Henry
- Paul A. Peterson
- Brad Schoon
- Hopkeys
- Keppys
- Grahams
- Zimmermans
Lyle and Helen Henry
people of good heart with the simple
purity of helping others around them.
Both Lyle and Helen were born in
Geneseo. They met at Remours Café in
downtown Geneseo, a local hangout for
young singles. They were married
nearly 60 years, remaining residents of Geneseo the entire time. Helen still lives in the home they built on North State Street. Prior to the home being built, Lyle, who was always an entrepreneur, grew potatoes on the vacant lot.
Helen Ristau was born and raised on the
family farm, which was on the east side
of Chicago Street, south of the Wells
Street extension corner. Growing up,
Helen was familiar with hard work.
Milking cows and mowing hay with her
brother was just “all in a days work.”
Long time friend and neighbor of the
Henrys’, Roy Joe Klavine commented,
“Helen’s mother made the best and
thickest cream. So thick, you had to dip
it out with a spoon.” Helen says every
now and then she gets a call asking if
she still sells that wonderful cream.
Roy Joe related, “Lyle and Helen are
the best neighbors ever. Lyle and I
would help each other regardless
of the need.”
Work on the family farm kept Helen
busy, but she always found time to help others. She recalls working for various
families cooking, cleaning and caring
for their children. Helen has always
been active and continues a vital role in
the life of the Concordia Lutheran
Church of Geneseo, where she
is a member. Lyle’s father worked on the railroad so was unable to be home with Lyle full time. When a minister friend of the family offered a stable home life for
young Lyle in Rockford, IL, he moved
there and attended school until his
Senior year. Helen reminisced that prior
to moving there, Lyle rode his bike all
the way from Geneseo to Rockford to
visit. Lyle completed his senior year of
high school at Geneseo. He worked in
Stadels 5 & 10 Store and would wash
cars in the back alley in his spare time.
purchased and operated. Following
that, he went to work for Dahl Ford in
Davenport and attended Bear alignment
school.
Brothers and ran the body shop. He
purchased Maeltzers Frame and Axle,
and in 1967 purchased the Ford
dealership in Atkinson, IL. Lyle and
Helen owned and operated this business
for 39 years as the HI Quality
Ford Dealership.
Always one to keep busy, Lyle also had
a print shop in the basement of their
home, printing church and
wedding bulletins.
Lyle passed away in January of 2006,
however, the examples Lyle was taughtin his early years of helping others, and
the opportunities he was given were the
building blocks to a lifetime of charity
and giving.
Helen met with Mike Kelly of Central
Bank’s Trust Department to learn about
ways to honor Lyle’s memory and hard
work, and give back to the community
he loved. Choosing the Geneseo
Foundation as a vessel to continue their
giving spirit seemed like a good fit for
the Henrys. Lyle and Helen’s funds
target students that have the ability to
succeed, given the financial
opportunity.
Helen commented, “I wanted to do this
before I passed away. I wanted to be a
part of it. It is very rewarding to be able
to choose the scholarship recipients.”
See how this Living Gift has made a difference...
Paul A. Peterson Memorial Scholarship
young man with high moral character
and integrity. He was honest, worked
long hours and provided service to his
family, church, neighbors and friends.
He exercised regularly and ate a healthy
diet to keep his mind and body in top
shape. Paul passed away unexpectedly
on August 18, 2004 at the very early
age of 30.
He and his wife Lisa met at Calvary
Church of the Quad Cities. Lisa
commented she was attracted to his
exceptional character. At the time of
Paul’s passing they had been married a
short 11 months.
Paul’s church benefited from his desire
to mentor and train youth, in addition to
his profession of building and
programming computers. He had an
interest in music and Paul’s father-in-law,
Bryce Harthoorn commented,
“Paul’s band kept on beat with his
powerful drum playing skills. Paul
could get high on good, clean fun.” He
was also interested in art, drawing and
cycling. Paul would get ready for a bike
ride and tell his mother Janice, “I’ll be
right back”, then not return until he and
his best friend Scott Grissom finished a
26-mile ride. His family and friends
were often surprised by his gifts
of generosity.
Paul loved computers, mechanical
machines and the things they could do.
He was a computer consultant for
EXCEL Computer Center. Paul’s
business clients such as the Mississippi
Valley Regional Blood Center, Bank
Orion and the City of Davenport,
appreciated his skills and his
commitment to going beyond what
was expected.
Geneseo High School, where Paul
graduated, was instrumental in planting
the seeds to what is now the Paul A.
Peterson Memorial Scholarship.
Guidance counselor Linda
VanDerLeest, suggested Lisa and the
Peterson family speak with Mike Kelly
of the Central Bank Trust Department to
discuss the advantages of the Geneseo
Foundation. After a lot of research,
they felt the foundation was like a large
umbrella capable of managing many
smaller funds, which were similar to
theirs. They were confident the
Geneseo Foundation would honor their
wishes and desires in representing
Paul’s memory.
motivation for service that impacted
those he met. Scholarship recipients
chosen mirror these qualities that Paul
Peterson possessed. Character and
service are important factors in the
selection process. The Paul A. Peterson
Memorial Scholarship is intended to
provide financial aid to students who
desire to pursue computer studies after
high school. Recipients are awarded a
$500.00 scholarship per year for a
maximum of 4 academic years. Lisa
Peterson and Melinda Grau, Paul’s
sister, serve as the selection committee
who review the applicants, make the
selection and present the awards. They
feel it has been wonderful to get to
know the young people selected. Lisa
states, “It is fun sending them cookies
for finals week, and to pray for their
success.” Since 2006, a total of $3,000
has been awarded to three high school
students for computer science
education.
The Peterson family extends their
appreciation to the Geneseo Foundation,
The Geneseo High School
administration, EXCEL Computer
Center, family and friends for their
contributions to the success of the Paul
A. Peterson Scholarship. Their ongoing
support is a fitting tribute to Paul and
his short, yet remarkable life.
Contributions to the Paul A. Peterson
Memorial Scholarship Fund may be sent
to the Central Bank Illinois Trust Dept.
P.O. Box 89, Geneseo, IL 61254.
Brad Schoon Memorial Scholarship
awarded its first $1,000.00 scholarship in
May 2008 to Geneseo High School
graduate Jordan Diehl. Additionally,
Brad’s wife Renada made the decision to
present each scholarship applicant with a
$100.00 scholarship. She was so moved
by the applicants’ essays, she felt it was
important to acknowledge the connection
between these applicants and
Brad’s influence.
Brad Schoon was born in 1960 and raised
in Anamosa, Iowa. He was a 1978
graduate of Anamosa High School and
received an undergraduate degree in
Geology from Cornell College in 1982.
Brad continued his education and
received his MBA in Science Education
from the University of Iowa in 1985.
Brad first taught high school Earth
Science and Math for thirteen years at
West Central School District in Maynard,
Iowa. While at West Central he also
coached football and golf.
Brad met his wife Renada in 1977. They
were high school sweethearts, married in
1982 and celebrated their 25th anniversary
on June 28, 2007. After accepting a
position as the Earth Science teacher and
a coach at Geneseo High School, Brad,
Renada and their daughters, Lindsay and
Sara moved to Geneseo in 1996.
Brad never missed an opportunity for a
good laugh. He loved music both live and
recorded, nature and being outdoors,
motorcycles, his family and his friends.
community of Geneseo, his colleagues
and students. Brad Schoon believed and
lived his favorite quote, “There is only
one happiness in life, to love and
to be loved.”
Brad passed away on December 16, 2007
after a courageous battle with Lou
Gehrig’s Disease. It was Brad’s wish to
establish a scholarship fund with
memorial monies the family received.
After consulting with Mike Kelly of
Central Bank’s Trust Department, Renada
chose the Geneseo Foundation as the
avenue for giving in memory of Brad.
Renada says she made her decision based
on how the foundation gives back to the
community in order to support its citizens
and local organizations. Renada also
chose Central Bank because of all the
support they provided in setting up the
Brad Schoon Benefit Fund.
Geneseo High School History teacher and
coach, Dave Aper commented, “Brad
was a teacher who was interested in not
only the academic growth of his students,
but also their social and emotional
growth. This scholarship allows his
ideals to live on through these students
who will develop interests in many areas
and people, just like Brad did in his time
with us.”
The application process for the Brad
Schoon Memorial scholarship includes a
brief essay, documentation of pursuing
further education in any field, a grade
point average that demonstrates consistent
effort and responsibility in the classroom.
Involvement in community service is also
a consideration.
Through the Brad Schoon Memorial
Scholarship students will continue their
educational journey in Brad’s memory.
Contributions to the Brad Schoon
Memorial Scholarship Fund may be sent
to the Central Bank Illinois Trust Dept.
P.O. Box 89 Geneseo, IL 61254.
Leonard and Phyllis Hopkey
Friends of the Geneseo Foundation
In their will, Leonard and Phyllis Hopkey designated $795,000 to support the Geneseo Foundation. Their bequest was for unrestricted use of their funds. Bequests and endowments may be directed for a particular interest of the donor, or to support the simple principles on which the Foundation was based, to have a positive impact on the lives of the citizens of Geneseo and the surrounding communities. That seemed like a perfect fit to Mr. and Mrs. Hopkey. Their lifetimes of commitment to their family, their church, and their community lives on through their decision to include the Geneseo Foundation in their will.
As such, the Foundation uses the Hopkey’s legacy to support local scholarships, the arts, youth activities and organizations, athletics and other various activities. To those who knew Leonard and Phyllis, it’s no surprise these two modest people have a continuing impact on our lives.
The Hopkeys were the kind of couple you could call "the salt of the earth”. Roget’s Thesaurus defines this as “a straight arrow, an honest person, an upright person”. This is a perfect description of our friends.
Both Leonard and Phyllis grew up on farms, and shared 56 years of marriage in good times and bad. They were baptized, confirmed, married and buried from St. John’s Lutheran Church, as were both sets of their parents.
In fact, they met as young people in Walther League at St. Johns, and were married in 1943. Their final resting place is together in Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo.
During their lifetimes, Leonard and Phyllis farmed, raised hogs, and fed cattle. They always had a vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flower gardens. Leonard had a special bed for summer blooming amaryllis, and enjoyed collecting toy tractors. Phyllis collected stuffed animals and did various kinds of handwork, including knitting and embroidery.
“The Hopkeys had no children of their own, but enjoyed their nieces and nephew, cousins, and neighbor children”, stated Leonard’s sister Ione Shelp. They were like foster grandparents to several boys, and enjoyed watching them grow through college to manhood.
Ione, also related that "He was a big fellow, quiet and friendly, always a smile on his face. Phyllis was about a foot shorter, also rather quiet, always a helpmate to Leonard." They worked hard, but enjoyed life too. Over the years, Leonard and Phyllis bowled, took fishing trips, and vacationed at the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Park.
Their love of the outdoors was evident in the care and pride of their own farm. Leonard was a natural mechanic, and enjoyed the challenge of fixing things. They both kept their home, the buildings and grounds in "tip top shape." After their retirement from active farming, they continued to live on the farm, but reneted out the land.
The Hopkey's quiet, selfless lives are the perfect reflections of the ethics and purpose set forth by George Dedrick, founder of the Geneseo Foundation. With their generous support, the Foundation uses their legacy for "charitable, civic, benevolent, educational and scientific purposes, and for the help of the unfortunate and the afflicted."
Wilbert and Carol Keppy
Friends of the Geneseo Foundation
Two great benefactors of the Geneseo Foundation, were Wilbert and Carol Keppy of Osco, Illinois. Through the Geneseo Foundation, the Keppys established a scholarship funding three $2,000 scholarships annually. This program recognizes individuals who are graduates of a Henry County high school, and are pursuing a degree in agricultural or similar related field. The scholarships are available to a college junior or senior. The Keppys designated the remainder of their $700,000 gift to the Geneseo Foundation to assist organizations that were close to their heart. Some of these include the Henry County 4-H Foundation, the Geneseo Endowment for Excellence in Education, the Illinois Pork Producers, and scholarships to further the education of young men and women in the agricultural industry.
Wilbert and Carol Keppy helped many young people from all over the country, especially those in the pork producing business. Wilbert Keppy, who stood 6’6”, was a very humble man, who always helped friends and neighbors through the years. He was a hardworking man who was very proud of his crop production, as well as the quality of the hogs he raised. Wilbert was sensational at critiquing hogs, and garnered a lot of respect throughout the industry for his knowledge of pork.
In the tough farming years of the early 1960's, Wilbert Keppy solicited 90 farmers who were willing to invest $100 each with him to promote pork, and make a better life for hog farmers. The Keppys were instrumental in organizing the Henry County Pork Producers, and among the group that formed the Ilinois Pork Producers.
Carol Keppy was an avid reader, who loved antiques and had a great zest for life. She helped form the Illinois Porkettes, the forerunner of the Illinois Pork Producers Auxiliary, and was a leader in the Henry County Republican Women. Carol was a fabulous cook and together, the Keppys would host dinner parties featuring only the finest pork dishes.
The couple promoted the pork industry night and day. They were famous for bringing some of the finest speakers money could buy for the Henry County Pork Producers Banquet, which would attract as many as 500 pork producers to the then Deck Plaza in Geneseo.
Over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Keppy felt it was very important that their legacy aid the development of young people, in particular, the sons and daughters of pork producers. Wilbert Keppy died in 1997, and carol passed on in 2000. Yet, the Board of Managers of the Geneseo Foundation are here to see that Wilbert and Carol's legacy continues. They administer the Wilbert and Carol Keppy Memorial Fund, and each year select four deserving young people to endow in the Keppy's memory. Their living gift continues the promotion of the pork industry and the Illinois Pork Producers. It is true that Wilbert & Carol Keppy were friends of the Geneseo Foundation, but we think they were friends to us all!
If you have been wondering how to have a lasting influence of your life's interests, the Geneseo foundation would be proud to represent you too!
Portions of this article are credited to www.henrycofarmbureau.org and the Publisher of the Geneseo Republic.
Dr. Ralph & Dorothy Young Graham
Friends of the Geneseo Foundation
This is another story of local people who worked hard, had good lives here, and wanted to share their success with others.
Ralph and Dorothy endowed the Geneseo Foundation with a gift totaling over $400,000. The Grahams’ wished to perpetuate their interests in the sciences and humanities following their lifetimes as a dentist and an artist, respectively. Their wish was to provide scholarships benefiting students needing financial assistance in these areas of study, as well as gifting organizations and federations that promote environmental and conservation awareness, humanitarian and wildlife issues.
Dorothy “De” Young was born on May 4, 1918 in Annawan, in the local hospital where her father, Dr. James M. Young practiced. She studied art at Stephens College and then at the University of Iowa under Grant Wood, graduating in 1942. She knew Ralph Graham for many years before meeting him again on a blind date. They married in 1940. Dr. and Mrs. Graham lived on the family farm for years, before moving north of Atkinson. They adopted and raised two children, daughter, Phia Gannett, and son Steven Robert Graham. De taught art and founded the Art Department at Atkinson High School.
Her work was exhibited at the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery, as well as in Chicago at the Paul Theobald Gallery. One of her pieces won the Best of Show from the Davenport Gallery, and was purchased by and will be part of the display at the new Figge Art Museum. She also taught adult art classes in Atkinson, Geneseo, and at her home studio for several years. De toured Europe in the 1960s with artist friends and her daughter, where they visited many of the great museums and galleries in England, Scotland, Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
She later studied sculpture, and although most of her work is oil on canvas, she did some large garden sculptures in iron, as well as glass, fiberglass, and wood assemblages.
Dorothy Graham continued to paint, write short stories and poems, garden, and read until her passing in 2001. Many of her paintings are in private collections, as well as the homes of many of her friends. Locally, her work may be seen in several law offices, banks, and at the Henry County Court House.
Ralph W. Graham was born April 14, 1904 in Atkinson. His parents gave him the middle initial “W”, and instructed him to select a name that it began with. Ralph schooled locally, and then graduated from dental school in the late 1920s. He lived at home with his mother until his forties, when he married Dorothy Young. He was 14 years older, and considered quite a catch in the small town. He practiced dentistry in Annawan for over 50 years. Dr. Graham was a passionate reader, owning more than 10,000 books in his library. He was taught stewardship of the land by his parents, with his other great passion being conservation. His beautiful gardens and pond were the focus of many young students’ study. Students often visited and were rewarded with hands-on training in his gardens. Dr. Graham passed away in 1984.
The Grahams’ both had a love of nature, and exhibited a keen interest in preserving and improving the physical environment of our world. And for that reason, they gifted the Geneseo Foundation to aid in the awareness of environmental and humanitarian issues, and create scholarships for deserving and financially needy students pursuing their interests in the areas of science, chemistry, physics, biology, related life sciences, geology and the arts and humanities.
Our thanks to the Grahams for their valuable lives and many contributions to the future for all of us in the community.
Friends of the Geneseo Foundation
Dr. Gifford “Giffy” and Carol Zimmerman were friends to many, including the Geneseo Foundation. Actively involved in the Geneseo community for decades, the Zimmerman’s believed in giving to others. Their gift of $24,000 to the foundation, is designated to further their support of worthwhile organizations and community activities.
Dr. Zimmerman was born in 1913 in Atkinson, Illinois. Called Giffy by his friends, he served in the Army Medical Corp. during World War II. He was a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, and opened his own optometrist practice in Geneseo. In June of 1941, he married Carol Mathwig. After practicing for 36 years, Dr. Zimmerman retired in 1981. Gifford passed away in 1996 at the age of 82.
Carol was a special lady who always had a smile and a kind word to pass along. She was actively involved in many community, and church activities at the First Congregational Church in Geneseo, where the Zimmermans were members.
While her husband was in the Army, Carol worked in a hospital in Fort Bragg, NC, as a private secretary for the Chief of Laboratory Service. It was at the end of World War II that the Zimmerman’s made their home in Geneseo. In addition to assisting Gifford in his optometric practice, Carol helped raise their family; daughters Sue Brown and Terry Wyffels, and son, Gifford R. Zimmerman. Carol enjoyed traveling, time spent with family and friends, and she even participated in the same bridge club for over 50 years.
One of Carol’s proudest accomplishments was the donation of the Abraham Lincoln bust at the Geneseo Historical Museum in 1997. This gift was in memory of her husband and as a legacy to the community.
The friendships formed throughout their lives continues with the Zimmerman’s gift to the Geneseo Foundation. We are thankful for Giffy and Carol’s gift and glad to call them friends.