Laurin worked for the National Chair Company for 14 years. He then worked for the Woodward Governor Company for 25 years. He retired in 1970.

Laurin Wesley Wakenight

Born: 6 Nov 1904 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois

Father: Millard Burdette Wakenight (1882 to 1961)
Mother: Emma Ida Pahaly (1879 to 1960)

Spouse: Florence Gertrude Callihan (1911 to 1990)

Married: 13 Nov 1930 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois

Children:

Richard Laurin Wakenight (26 JUL 1931 to 21 OCT 2005)
Nancy Ruth Wakenight (1 JUL 1933 to 12 JUN 2014)
Constance Elizabeth Wakenight (20 NOV 1934 to 3 JAN 2008)
Ramar Wilson Wakenight (15 SEP 1936 to 16 DEC 1999)

Died: 2 APR 1991 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois

Burial: Willwood Burial Park

Obituary:

Laurin “Bones” Wakenight, 86, 1920 N. Main St., died at 1:55 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 1991, in North Rockford Convalescent Center, after a brief illness.

Born Nov. 6, 1904, in Rockford, son of Millard and Emma Pahaly Wakenight. Lifelong Rockford resident. Married Florence G. Callihan in Rockford on Nov. 13, 1930.

Employed as a machinist by Woodward Governor. Retired in 1970 after 25 years. Also played semi-pro football for the Purple Triangles of Rockford in the 1920s. An active member of the retired Y men’s club and its bowling and golf leagues: member 25 years at the Retired Men’s Club at Woodward Governor: active for years in community sports.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy (Vernon) Park and Constance (James) Bowman, Rockford: two sons, Richard (Patricia) Wakenight, Woodlands, Tex., and Ramar (Janet) Wakenight, Marshall Mich.: 12 grandchildren: seven great-grandchildren: several nieces and nephews.

Proceeded in death by his wife, parents, and two sisters, Dorothy and Leora.

Services at 10 a.m. Friday, April 5, in Fritzgerald & Son Funeral Home LTD., 3910 N. Rockton Ave. With David Morely, minister of education at Central Christian Church, officiating. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday 4-3.

Obituary courtesy of Sharon Strow.

Timeline:

1910 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois
1922 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois
1930 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois
1930 Marriage to Florence
1931 Birth of son, Richard
1933 Birth of daughter, Nancy
1934 Birth of daughter, Constance
1936 Birth of son, Ramar
1940 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois
1944 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois
1949 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois
1954 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois
1960 Death of mother, Emma
1961 Death of father, Millard
1980 Death of sister, Dorothy
1981 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois
1985 Death of sister, Leora
1990 Death of wife, Florence
1991 Death and burial

Occupation: laborer at a furniture factory (1930), cabinet maker (1940), lathe operator (1944), machinist (1949), lathe operator (1954)

Records:

1910, 1930, and 1940 US Census Records
Winnebago County, Illinois, Births, 1857-1937
U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
The U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 (Beta)
U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1
Winnebago County, Illinois, Deaths, 1844-1992
The U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Social Security Death Index
The U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current

Variations of Surname: Wakeknight

Laurin’s Career:

Laurin worked for several companies in the city of Rockford, Illinois throughout his life. From the city directory listings, I was able to compile a list:

1922 Clark Manufacturing (laborer)
1923 Sundstrand Corporation (machine operator)
1927 Rockford Malleable Iron Works (laborer)
1929 National Chair Company (cabinet maker) *
1944 Woodward Governor Company (lathe operator) *

(*) Laurin worked for the National Chair Company for 14 years. He then worked for the Woodward Governor Company for 25 years. He retired in 1970.

Spouse:

Florence Gertrude Callihan:

Florence was born on 23 JUN 1911 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. She died on 10 NOV 1990 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois.

Florence’s father was Raymond Callihan. He was born on 15 SEP 1890 in Oregon, Ogle County, Illinois. He died on 10 FEB 1942 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois.

Florence’s mother was Elizabeth Pratt Millar. She was born on 10 NOV 1891 in Dundee, Dundee City, Scotland. She died on 25 NOV 1960 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois.

Florence had seven brothers and sisters, all born in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois:

Margaret Callihan (1914)
Jacob Wilson Callihan (1915)
Raymond Callihan (1918)
Donald Callihan (1920)
Norman Callihan (1923)
Lawrence Callihan (1928)
Roger Callihan (1932)

Daughters:

Nancy Ruth Wakenight:

Nancy was born on 1 JUL 1933 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. She died on 12 JUN 2014 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois.

Nancy married Vernon L Park on 11 MAR 1950 in Belvidere, Boone County, Illinois. Two known children were born to this marriage, both in Winnebago County, Illinois:

Heather E Park (1966)
Jeanne A Park (1970)

Vernon L Park was born on 3 MAY 1929 in Galesville, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. He died on 12 NOV 2015 in Cherry Valley, Winnebago County, Illinois.

Nancy’s Obituary:

Nancy R. Park, 80, of Rockford, died Thursday, June 12, 2014. Born July 1, 1933, in Rockford to Lauren and Florence (Callihan) Wakenight. Married Vernon L. Park on March 11, 1950, in Belvidere.

Even though Nancy had a large family, she always remembered everyone’s birthdays. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Nancy was an avid reader, scrabble player, and loved to travel. A frequent volunteer at Vandercook School. Nancy accepted everyone without judgment.

Survivors include husband, Vernon; daughters, Heather (Nick) Psaltis, Jeanne (Mark) Pakulski; grandchildren, Danny, Parker, Sophie Psaltis; daughter-in-heart, Jame Sloan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by siblings, Richard Wakenight, Constance Bowman, and Romar Wakenight.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2014, in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park. Burial in Cherry Valley Cemetery. A visitation will be held in the funeral home Monday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Tuesday.

Courtesy Honquest Funeral Home at https://www.honquestfh.com/obituary/Nancy-Park

Vernon’s Obituary:

Vernon L. Park, 86, of Rockford, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2015. Born May 3, 1929, in Galesville, WI. A veteran of WWII serving the US Army Occupation Forces in Japan. Married Nancy R. Wakenight on March 11, 1950, in Belvidere, happily married for 64 years.

Retired from Abar-Ipsen as a field service engineer. Vernon was a very patriotic man who enjoyed black and white movies and big band music. He was an inventor who could fix anything; a tech-savvy man, recently connecting with distant relatives all around the world via Facebook. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and his Norweigan and Scottish heritage.

Survivors include daughters, Heather (Nick) Psaltis, Jeanne (Mark) Pakulski; grandchildren, Danny, Parker, Sophie Psaltis; daughter in heart, Jame Sloan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Dad’s dear neighbors the Alkhans family, Peak Homecare Services, especially Leah, Erinn, Sharon, Katie, Nicole, the caring staff and volunteers at Northern Illinois Hospice, and the Park family physician for over three decades, Dr. Jaime Sanz.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2015, in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Private family burial in Cherry Valley Cemetery.

Courtesy Honquest Funeral Home at https://www.honquestfh.com/obituary/Vernon-Park

Constance Elizabeth Wakenight:

Constance was born on 20 NOV 1934 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. She died on 3 JAN 2008 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois.

Constance married James Burnell Bowman on 6 Nov 1954 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. Three known children were born to this marriage, all in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois:

Pamela M Bowman (1955)
Jeffrey L Bowman (1960)
James B Bowman (1964)

James Burnell Bowman was born on 10 SEP 1929 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. He died on 9 AUG 2008 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois.

Constance’s Obituary:

Constance “Connie” Wakenight Bowman, 73, of Rockford passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2008. Born November 20, 1934, and lived her entire life in Rockford; daughter of Laurin and Florence (Callihan) Wakenight. Connie was a graduate from Rockford West High School, class of 1952. She married James B. Bowman on November 6, 1954. Connie devoted her life to her family and friends and was adored by all.

Survivors include husband, James; daughter, Pamela (Paul) Slattery of Boca Raton, FL; sons, Jeffrey (Sharon) Bowman of Colorado Springs, CO, and Jamie (Amy) Bowman, Jr. of Rockford; 6 grandchildren, Michaelina and Jamie of Boca Raton, Katie and Erin of Colorado Springs, Collin, and Emma of Rockford; step-grandsons, Nick and Chris Glyshaw of Colorado Springs; sister, Nancy (Vern) Park; sisters in law, Patricia Wakenight, Janice (Erick) Simonson; brother in law, Randy (Ellen) Bowman.

Predeceased by parents, Florence and Laurin “Bones”; brothers, Ramar, Richard; sister in law, Janet Wakenight.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice Association for the wonderful care that they provided. Also to the many friends and family members for the wonderful support they have given during this time in Connie’s life.

Memorial service and fellowship will be held at Tabor Lutheran Church 2233 12th Ave. Rockford Saturday, January 12, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Amy Nyman officiating. Arrangements completed by Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 4311 N. Mulford Rd. Loves Park. For online condolences, visit www.honquestfh.com

Courtesy Honquest Funeral Home at https://www.honquestfh.com/obituary/Constance-Bowman-1

James’ Obituary:

James “Jim” Bowman, 78, of Rockford passed away peacefully at Swedish American Hospital on Saturday, August 9, 2008. Born September 10th, 1929. Son of Carroll “Ted” and Helen (Randolph) Bowman. Jim attended Rockford West High School and later served in the U.S. Marine Corp. He married Constance Wakenight on November 6th, 1954. He was a loving husband, father, friend, and caring soul who always left us with a smile on our face and joy in our hearts.

Survivors include daughter, Pamela (Paul) Slattery of Boca Raton, FL; sons, Jeffrey (Sharon) Bowman of Colorado Springs, CO, Jamie (Amy) Bowman Jr. of Rockford. 6 grandchildren, Michaelina and Jamie of Boca Raton, FL, Katie and Erin of Colorado Springs, CO, Collin and Emma of Rockford; step-grandsons, Nick and Chris Glyshaw of Colorado Springs; brother, Randy (Ellen) Bowman; sister Janice (Erick) Simonson; sisters-in-law, Nancy (Vern) Park, Patricia Wakenight, and several nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his wife Connie, and parents, Ted and Helen Bowman.

Funeral service will be Saturday, August 16, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 4311 N. Mulford Rd. with Reverend Doctor William R. Kerr officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until service time.

Courtesy Honquest Funeral Home at https://www.honquestfh.com/obituary/James-B-Bowman

Notes:

For more information on this part of the Wakenight family, please visit Sharon Strow’s website, “Descendants of Daniel Wakenight.”

Creating Your Family Tree

Interested in building a great family tree? Remember these important steps:

Look in your photo albums. You may have old pictures that your parents or grandparents gave you. Or, ask them for copies of photos that they have in their possession. Many people will write names and dates on the backs of photographs. Letters, diaries, and family bibles are also an excellent source for births, marriages, and deaths.

Talk to your older relatives to find out about your ancestry. They may relate stories about an ancestor that you can add to your family tree. Family history is usually not found in newspapers. It is more of a verbal memory that is passed down from generation to generation.

Find the right family tree builder that suits your needs. You can choose one that has a paid subscription like Ancestry.com. There are also free sites like FamilySearch.org.

When you start building your family tree, add documentation to your ancestor’s profile. The records can include birth, marriage, death, census, military, city, and county directory listings. Any information that you can find will help create a life story about your ancestor.

If you have a unique surname, like Wakenight, you may find databases on the internet that are useful in your search. I use SurnameDB.com for my English surnames. There are many others on the internet for other countries like Ireland, Italy, and Germany.

Genealogy is the study of a person’s “line of descent.” As you create your family tree, you would typically start with one individual and go “back into time.” You would add their parents, grandparents, and so on. There are also family trees that go “forward into time.” Many of these family trees start with a famous person, such as a president or royalty, and move forward into the present time. The purpose of this type of pedigree is to establish a person’s bloodline to that famous person.

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