McQueen, Oressa Lucille Goken

MCQUEEN, GOKEN, ROYCE, REUSCHE, EVERS, NASH

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer poster (email)
Date: 6/2/2008 at 15:47:26

McQueen, Oressa Lucille Goken View/Sign Guest Book

NORMAL, Ill. — Oressa Lucille (Goken) McQueen, 102, of Normal, Illinois, went to meet her loving father on May 19, 2008, knowing that her family loved her dearly and will miss her tremendously. Her funeral service was 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL. The Rev. Dale Beck officiating. Visitation was 3-7 PM Tuesday at the Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL, with burial in the Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, IL. Pallbearers will be Bob Fairbairn, Tom Fairbairn, Duane Robson, Kurt Robson, Brian McQueen and Benjamin Evers. Oressa was born January 5, 1906, in Piatt County, Illinois near Cisco, the daughter of John and Ordella Royce Goken. She married James L. McQueen Jr. in 1928. He died August 26, 1943. Oressa was a graduate of Monticello Community High School and attended Illinois State Normal University. She taught school for six years in Ludlow, Illinois, at a country school in Piatt County near Monticello, Illinois, and Normal Central Elementary School and ended her teaching career in Chenoa, Illinois. She was a secretary for the Metcalf Elementary School, Normal, for 26 years where according to friends “she ran the school.” She retired in 1971. Oressa was a member of numerous organizations: Normal Women’s Improvement League where she served as historian and secretary, Bloomington-Normal Woman Club, American Legion Auxiliary 635 and life member of Bro-Menn Services Auxiliary where she delivered the mail and volunteered at the medical center’s reception desk. In December 2003 Oressa received a honorary life membership from Illinois State University and State Universities Annuitants Association for her thirty three years of membership and loyal service as a Charter Member and Founder, Secretary, Treasurer, Yearbook Editor and Historian. Oressa was active in her church, First United Methodist Church in Normal, Illinois. Oressa also knitted afghans for the YWCA’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program and McLean County Nursing Home. Oressa enjoyed making stuffed animals and stuffed dolls for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Oressa’s last trip to Clinton, Iowa, was in May of 2007 to observe her youngest great-grandson, Benjamin, graduate from high school. She loved her family and friends and enjoyed visiting with them. Her son John (Jack) and wife, Sue, of Clinton, Iowa; granddaughter, Jan and Rich Reusche of Clinton, Iowa; grandson, Mike and Julie McQueen of Bettendorf, Iowa, survive Oressa. Oressa is survived by four great-grandchildren whom she loved deeply, Benjamin Evers of Clinton, Iowa; Jennifer McQueen of Bettendorf, Iowa; Brian McQueen of Germany and Sara Nash of Oak Habor, Washington. Her parents, a sister and her husband preceded her in death. The family is requesting that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, Normal, IL, or favorite charity in memory of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. For all who knew Oressa, we thank you today for your thoughts and prayers. Death date: May 19, 2008
Published in the Clinton Herald from 5/22/2008 - 5/24/2008.