Remembering

Grandmas hold a special place in our lives. They share with us knowledge of the past and inspire us as role models for the future. I truly believe that my grandma, Jennie Moriconi Likens, was one of the best grandmas anybody could ask for. Jennie was born in Springfield to a family of hard-working Italian […]

Steven wanted to be a psychologist since he was 8 years old and was adamant that he never wanted to retire. He was working until the day he left this earthly life on June 24, 2024. He embodied the phrase “still waters run deep.” He was a professional listener and a selfless servant to anyone […]

In the world of conservation, Dr. Bruce Hannon was a giant. A legend. An activist. A teacher. A mentor. And expert clocksmith. He leaves a lasting legacy – in the lands and waters he helped protect (most notably Allerton Park and the Middle Fork River), the conservation organizations he launched, the oak seedlings he gave […]

Norm Brown was an adventurer in body, mind and spirit – one who drank deeply from the cup of life and was always in motion and in formation. He understood well that today’s present is more precious and authoritative than yesterday. Norman was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1958 to 1962. He […]

Jim Johnson passed away on March 21, 2024, at his home in Springfield. Some years earlier, Jim had retired as a brigade chaplain lieutenant colonel following a career that spanned 37 years in the U.S. Army. He had served as a chaplain, not only at various bases within the U.S. but also in Kosovo, Bosnia, […]

Carolyn Dungan, a lifelong resident of Springfield, had a profound influence on her family, friends and the Springfield community. “Carolyn was an incredibly kind and generous person,” said John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. “She and her family have supported countless causes in our community, and her legacy […]

Member of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company in NYC; instructor of dance at Julliard. Marian was a dancer. She understood time, space, force, shape, dynamics. She breathed music – rhythm, melody, and tempo. Marian began her dance training at a young age, studying and performing with some of the giants of dance of her time […]

Kevin Kampwerth was a treasured volunteer and past president of the Clinton County Fair board in Carlyle. Kevin was the first to poke fun at himself or tell you how lucky he was to be married to his wife of 41 years, LuAlice. His daughter, Whitney Kampwerth Luebbers, and son-in-law, John, were often seen with […]

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Volunteer Services Department at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, our staff humbly offers a collective remembrance to memorialize the 191 volunteers who have passed over the last two decades. These dedicated individuals faithfully served our institution and the Springfield community by sharing the life and […]

When Mary was 10 years old, she auditioned for a professional production of South Pacific. One other youngster auditioning that afternoon was called to the stage and sang loudly; her voice reaching the back row of seats where we sat. Then Mary was called. With shoulders squared, her shiny black hair streaming down her back, […]

Will Burpee passed away on Jan. 7, 2024 – just over a month after turning 69. When he relocated to Springfield to attend Sangamon State University, he carried with him a lifelong passion for writing (and also for the New England Patriots). As befitting a person whose middle name was Byron, Will was a keen […]

Gail Lorenzini was an educator, an entrepreneur and a business owner who immersed herself into the community and took advantage of her varied points of contact to support area causes. Gail did nearly all of this in partnership with her husband, John, before she died unexpectedly July 4 at the age of 71. Gail and […]