GENEVIEVE (BEHNING) HIRONIMUS

Genevieve (Behning) Hironimus gravestone
(Photo by Vernon B. Paddock)

B. January 20, 1911 in Grayslake, Lake County, IL
D. September 8, 1954 in Waukegan, Lake County, IL
Find A Grave memorial (click here)

  • Father: Alvin John “Peg” Behning born August 9, 1885 in Chicago, Cook County, IL, son of Charles Behning and Frediricka Behning; married Eleanor May Sheldon on April 30, 1910 and divorced January 27, 1933; Alvin was an active harness racer; Alvin died October 31, 1953 in Grayslake, Lake County, IL; buried in Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL;

According to the McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry IL) Thursday, November 5, 1953, page 1:

Alvin “Peg” Behning

   Friends were sorry to learn of the death of Alvin “Peg” Behning, 68, at Maywood last Saturday, Oct. 31.  A resident of the community southeast of McHenry, he was active in the sport of harness racing.
   Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Harry Hironimus and Mrs. Eleanor Snyder, and two sons, Chester and John.
   Services were held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon from the Strang funeral home in Grayslake, with burial in Avon cemetery.”

  • Mother: Eleanor May “Nonie” (Sheldon) (Behning) Horton born May 15, 1893 in Illinois; Eleanor died April 1987
  • Husband: Harry Lee Hironimus born March 22, 1907 in Volo, Lake County, IL, son of Frank Hironimus (1876-1968) and Harriet (Nicholls) Hironimus (1883-1961); married Genevieve Behning on April 11, 1929 in Lake County, IN; Harry died October 16, 1985 in Chicago, Cook County, IL (See section pertaining to Harry Lee Hironimus buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
  • Children:
    1. James Francis Hironimus born May 24, 1932 in Volo, Lake County, IL; James died in 1934 at the age of 2 1/2.; buried in Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL

According to the McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry IL) Thursday, October 25, 1934, page 1:

“JAMES HIRONIMUS
FATALLY BURNED
———-
CHILD OVERTURNS PAN
OF BOILING WATER

   The happiness of a family gathering at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hironimus of Volo was shattered by the fatal accident which befell their 2 1/2-year-old son, James Francis, Monday evening, when he received burns which later resulted in his death.
   In the act of preparing to serve dinner at 7:15 Monday evening, the parent of the child had just drained the boiling water from a kettle of potatoes into a large pan on the floor of the summer kitchen when the baby stepped upon the edge of the pan, spilling the boiling water over onto himself.  The tender flesh of the child was cruelly blistered and burns covered more than half of the body, although the face was not disfigured, the water striking the body and lower extremities.

Rushed To Hospital

   A doctor was called and the child was rushed to St. Theresa’s hospital, Waukegan, where doctors and special nurses did everything possible to save the life of the victim and to spare him suffering.
   The poisonous burns overcame the resistance of the baby, however, and at 4 o’clock Tuesday morning he suffered a convulsion and grew worse until he passed away at 11:45 o’clock Tuesday forenoon.
   James Francis was born at Volo on May 24, 1932, and besides his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Jean, 4 years old, and Carol Yvonne, 10 months old.
   His father, Harry Hironimus, is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hironimus of Volo, and his mother was Genevieve Behing of Grayslake.

Funeral Tomorrow

   Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the home of the child’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hironimus, with burial in Avon cemetery, Grayslake.
   Coroner J. L. Taylor of Lake county conducted an inquest Wednesday morning at Jacob Justen & Son’s undertaking establishment, where a verdict of accidental death from burns was returned.”

2. Jean Loire (Hironimus) (Buchert) (Dahmer) (Luptak) Johnson born August 26, 1930 in Grayslake, Lake County, IL; (aka Jean Loire Buchert or Bughart, 1954; Jean Loi Dahmer, 1959; Jean Loi Luptak, 1970); married (1) Marshall W. Buchert or Bughart on October 4, 1947 in McHenry, Lake County, IL; married (2) Robert Alvin Alfonso Dahmer (1923-1980) and divorced; married (3) unknown Luptak; married (4) unknown Johnson; Jean died October 10, 2002 in Round Lake, Lake County, IL; buried in Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL

According to the News Sun (Waukegan IL) October 11, 2002:

Jean Loire Johnson
   Jean Loire Johnson, 72, of Round Lake, died Thursday, October 10, 2002, at her home.  She was born August 26, 1930 in Grayslake to Harry and Genoveve (Benning) Hironimus.  Formerly of Volo, Mrs. Johnson was a resident of Round Lake for the past 39 years.  She owned and operated Jean’s Cottage Cafe for six years.
   Survivors include her children, Jim Luptak of Round Lake, Debbie Luptak of Round Lake, John (Jill) Luptak of Round Lake, David (Kelly) Luptak of Twin Lakes, Tom (Shelly) Johnson of Round Lake Heights, Linda Luptak of Round Lake; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Hironimus of Ingleside, and Wesley Hironimus of Wisconsin; two sisters, Marjorie Lock of Volo, and Norma Robinson of Johnsburg.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Carol Hironimus, and a brother, James Hirominus.
   Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2002 at JUSTEN’S ROUND LAKE FUNERAL HOME, 222 N. Rosedale Court (at Cedar Lake Road), Round Lake.  The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at the funeral home, the Rev. Lisle Kauffman officiating.  Interment will be in Avon Centre Cemetery, Lake Villa.  Memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Y-Me Breast Cancer Foundation would be appreciated by the family.”

3. Carole Yvonne (Hironimus) (Hunt) (Connor) Hironimus born November 10, 1933; married (1) Herman Lee Hunt (1928- ) on May 26, 1951 and divorced about 1960; married (2) Robert Ray Connor (1932- ) on November 5, 1963 in Pasquotank County, NC and divorced; Carole died April 26, 1991 in Los Angeles, CA; buried in Eternal Valley Memorial Park, Newhall, Los Angeles County, CA

4. Marjorie Lee (Hironimus) Locke born January 2, 1936 in Volo, Lake County, IL; married to Edward T. Locke, Jr. on June 14, 1958 in Woodstock, McHenry County, IL; Marjorie died July 22, 2007 in Volo, Lake County, IL; burial unknown

According to the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights IL) July 26, 2007:

Marjorie L. Locke lifelong resident of Volo
   Memorial visitation for Marjoire L. Locke (nee Hironimus), 71, will be from 6 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 8 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N. Main St., Wauconda.  Born Jan. 2, 1936, in Volo, she died Sunday, July 22, 2007, at home.  Marjorie was the beloved wife of Wedwar J. Jr., whom she married June 14, 1958, in Woodstock, and with whom she recently celebrated their 49th anniversary; loving mother of Edward T. III (Kimberly) and Robert T. Locke; cherished grandmother of Stephanie T., Robert T. Jr. and Jenna L. Locke – the grandchildren always called her “Mammie”; dear sister of Wesley, Richard (Cindy), and Norma Hironimus and the late James and Yvonne Hironimus and Jean Johnson; fond sister-in-law of James R. Locke and Janet M. (Bud) Tornow; and dear aunt of many nieces and nephews.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Vital Innovative Hospice Care, 580 Waters Edge Dr., Lombard, IL 60148, 630-495-8484, appreciated.  For information, 847-526-2115.”

 According to the News Sun (Waukegan IL) July 25, 2007:

“Marjorie L. Locke (nee Hironimus)
   Marjorie L. Locke (nee Hironimus), age 71, lifelong resident of Volo, IL, passed away Sunday, July 22, 2007 at home.  Born January 2, 1936 in Volo, IL.  Beloved wife of Edward T. Jr.; they were married June 14, 1958 in Woodstock, IL.  Edward and Marjorie just celebrated their 49th Anniversary.  Loving mother of Edward T., III (Kimberly) and Robert T. Locke.  Cherished grandmother of Stephanie T., Robert T., Jr. and Jenna L. Locke.  The grandchildren always called her Mammie.  Dear sister of Wesley, Richard (Cindy), Norma Hironimus; and the late James and Yvonne Hironimus and Jean Johnson.  Fond sister-in-law of James R. Locke and Janet M. (Bud) Tornow.  Many nieces and nephews.  Visitation 6-8 PM Friday, July 27, 2007 until time of Memorial Service at 8 PM at KISSELBURG-WAUCONDA FUNERAL HOME.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 580 Waters Edge Dr., Lombard, IL 60148, 630-495-8484.  Information at 847-526-2115.”

5. Richard Hironimus; married (1) Janet; married (2) Cindy
6. Norma (Hironimus) Robinson; married John Robinson
7. Wesley Alvin Hironimus born January 30, 1942 in Volo, Lake County, IL; Wesley died April 9, 2017 in Kenosha, Kenosha County, WI; burial location unknown

According to the Fox – 6 WITI (Milwaukee WI) April 12, 2017:

” He knew:”  Prosecutors say motorcyclist who hit, killed elderly
pedestrian had no license, insurance.

   KENOSHA — 29-year-old Nathan Hubbard of Kenosha now faces one count of hit-and-run involving death — accused in connection with a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that happened Sunday, April 9th near 61st Street and 22nd Avenue. Prosecutors say after striking an elderly pedestrian with his motorcycle — he fled the scene and went to work — later hiding his motorcycle.
    Police searched for the hit-and-run driver for more than 24 hours after the crash — even releasing surveillance photos of the suspect to the media in an effort to get help from the public as they worked to identify him. Investigators say he eventually got a lawyer and turned himself in.
    Hubbard made his initial appearance in court on Wednesday, April 12th, and a preliminary hearing was set for April 26th. Cash bond was set at $10,000.
    Police said the pedestrian, 75-year-old Wesley Hironimus of Kenosha, was found at the scene with significant injuries.
    A preliminary investigation revealed a large black motorcycle was southbound on 22nd Avenue, and Hironimus was crossing 22nd Avenue when he was struck by the motorcycle. After striking the pedestrian, the motorcycle drove off southbound on 22nd Avenue and fled the area.
    Hironimus died at the hospital.
    “He knew. He didn’t attempt to stop or nothing. He hit him and just kept going,” Jacob Morzfeld, witness said.
    Morzfeld said Hironimus was walking with a cane when he was struck by the Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
    “He like, flipped completely over the bike and landed right on his face,” Morzfeld said.
    Morzfeld called 911 while others raced to the victim to try to help him. Morzfeld said he saw the motorcycle wobble a bit before it took off.
    “The headlight from the bike flew and it flew underneath the car,” Morzfeld said.
    According to a criminal complaint, Hubbard told police he “freaked out” after the crash. Prosecutors say he went home and put the motorcycle in his garage. A half-hour later, he punched into work and worked a full shift. Then, police say he took his bike and hid it in his uncle’s shed in Salem.
    “I’m glad they caught him. He deserves to be caught. Prison time,” Morzfeld said.
    Prosecutors say Hubbard did not have insurance or a valid license at the time of the crash. Hubbard’s attorney said in court there were mitigating circumstances — and declined to elaborate.
    The investigation is ongoing.”

According to the Kenosha News (Kenosha WI) Thursday, April 13, 2017, page 3:

“Charges in fatal Harley hit-and run
Elderly pedestrian killed in Sunday night crash

   The 29-year old Kenosha man accused of striking and killing an elderly man with his motorcycle Sunday allegedly hid the bike after the crash and then went to work, clocking in about 30 minutes after the man was killed.
   Nathan P. Hubbard was charged Wednesday with the hit-and-run resulting in the death for the crash that killed Wesley A. Hironimus, 75, of Kenosha.
   According to the criminal complaint, Hironimus was crossing 22nd Avenue near 61st Street and was walking in the southbound lane at about 8:30 p.m. when he was struck by a black motorcycle driven by a man wearing a black jacket and a dark helmet.
   Several witnesses saw the crash or its aftermath, according to the complaint, describing the collision causing Hironimus “to flip in the air” and land on his face.  One witness said she saw the motorcycle “wobble” and lose control after the collision.  “When the driver did regain control, he sped off, southbound on 22nd Avenue and post Roosevelt Road,” the complaint states.
   Several passerby stopped to try to aid Hironimus, who suffered massive injuries including a torn aorta, lacerated spleen, and multiple fractures to his spine, ribs and legs.  He was taken to Kenosha Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
   Meanwhile, according to the complaint, Hubbard drove to a friend’s home and parked his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the backyard, then got a ride to his job in Pleasant Prairie, clinging in at 9:07 p.m., four minutes before Hironimus was formally pronounced dead at the hospital…”

 Siblings:

    • Chester Everette “Bud” Behning born November 25, 1912 in Grays Lake, Lake County, IL; Navy veteran (1942-1945); married Margaret E. Peterson (1918-2008) on April 6, 1948, daughter of John Peterson and Hazel (Swarthout) Peterson. Chester’s last residence, Grayslake, Lake County, IL: Chester died September 10, 1997 in Libertyville, Lake County, IL; Chester and Margaret are buried in Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL

According to the News-Sun (Waukegan IL) September 12, 1997, page F1:

CHESTER “BUD” BEHNING
   Chester “Bud” Behning, 84, of Grayslake, IL passed away Wed., September 10, 1997 at Winchester House, Libertyville, IL.
   He was born November 25, 1912 on the Sheldon Farm, Rollins Road, rural Grayslake, IL and had remained a lifelong resident of Grayslake.
   He was a graduate of Grayslake Grammar School, attended Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL.  He enlisted in the U. S. Navy during World War II serving as a Chief Petty Officer at Guadal Canal Zone.  He was united in marriage to Margaret Nellessen April 6, 1949.  He owned and operated the Behnings Standard Oil Service Station, Rte. 120 and 83, Grayslake.
   He then owned and operated the first auto parts store in Grayslake on Lake Street at Center Street.
   He expanded his facility to Rte. 83 north of Center St., Grayslake for 27 years.
   In conjunction with the Grayslake store he owned and operated Behnings Auto Parts Store, Rte. 173 in Antioch, IL before retiring from active employment in November 1982.  He was instrumental in formulating U.S. Navy MOB #8 Bi-Annual Reunion, a member of the United Protestant Church, Grayslake, IL, Grayslake American Legion Post #659, VFW, Grayslake Historical Society, and Antioch Loyal Order of Moose.
   He leaves his wife, Margaret; his 6 children, Margaret (Bruce) Scheibler, Englewood, FL, Lois (Gale) Peregrin, Pembrook Pines, FL, Thomas (Lynn) Nellessen, Deer Park, WA, John (Sandra) Nellessen, Castle Rock, CO, Nancy Behning, Grayslake, IL, and Carol Behning, Rockford, IL; 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, an a sister Elinor (Darwin) Schwaderer, Camp Lake, WI; numerous nieces and nephews.
   He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin “Peg” Behning and Eleanor “Nonie” Horton, a sister Genevieve Hironimus and a brother John Behning.
   Funeral services will be offered at 1 PM, Monday, September 15, 1997 at the United Protestant Church, Park Avenue at Whitney Street, Grayslake, IL with the Rev. Richard Rubietta, Pastor officiating.
   Interment will follow at Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake, IL.  Friends of the family may visit at the STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL from 3-8PM, Sunday.
   In lieu of flowers friends of the family may contribute to the United Protestant Church, 54 S. Whitney Street, Grayslake, IL 60030, the Grayslake Historical Society, PO Box 185, Grayslake, IL 60030 or Grayslake Rescue Squad, PO Box 81, Grayslake, IL 60030″

    • Elinor Theresa (Behning) Schwaderer born December 16, 1921 in Grayslake, Lake County, IL; married (1) unknown Snyder; married (2) Darwin L. Schwaderer; Eleanor died August 10, 2000 in Libertyville, Lake County, IL; Elinor and Darwin are buried in Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL

According to the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights IL) August 12, 2000, page 10:

“Elinor T. Schwaderer formerly of Grayslake
   Services for Elinor T. Schwaderer, 78, of Trevor, Wis., will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, at United Protestant Church, Grayslake.  The Rev. Bill Owen will officiate.
   Born Dec. 16, 1921, in Grayslake, the daughter of pioneer family, Alvin Behning and Eleanor Sheldon Behning, she passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2000, at Condell Memorial Hospital in Libertyville.  Interment will be in Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake.
   She was a resident of Camp Lake/Trevor, Wis. area for the past 19 years.  She was an active member as a troop leader with Girl Scouts of America, member of American Legion Auxiliary Post @#659 in Grayslake, volunteer at Winchester House Visiting Guests, and a member of A.A.R.P.  She was also a devoted member of the United Protestant Church, Grayslake.
   She leaves her husband, Darwin; daughters, Peggy (late Michael) Gray of Lake Villa and Kim (Carl Lenzen) of Trevor; sons Bernard Jr. (Gail) Schneider and James (Connie) Schneider of Lake Villa; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Geneieve Hironimis; and brothers, John Behning and Chester “Bud” Behning.
   Friends of the family may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake.
   In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to United Protestant Church, Park Ave. and Whitney St., Grayslake, Ill. or Neurofibromatosis, Inc., Downers Grover, Ill., in her memory.
   For information, (847) 223-8122.”

    • Elwyn John “John” Edward Behning born January 28, 1925 in Graylake, Lake County, IL; John died February 13, 1987

According to the U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010:

“Name: John Behning; Birth Date: 28 Jan 1925; Death Date: 13 Feb 1987; Cause of Death: Natural; SSN: 360124900; Branch 1: ARMY; Enlistment Date 1: 28 Jun 1948; Release Date 1: 15 May 1950; Branch 2: ARMY; Enlistment Date 2: 26 Sep 1950; Release Date 2: 24 Sep 1951”

Additional Information:

According to the 1930 U.S. Census for Grayslake Village, Avon Township, Lake County, IL living on “new street with no name”, the household members were:

“Alvin J. Behning, head, age 45, married, born in Illinois, parents born in Germany, occupation: greenskeeper – golf course; Eleanor M. Behning, wife, age 37, married at age 17, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois; Genevieve Behning, daughter, age 19, single, born in Illinois; Chester E. Behning, son, age 17, single, born in Illinois, occupation: mechanic – garage; Eleanor A. Behning, daughter, age 8, single, born in Illinois; John E. Behning, son, age 5, single, born in Illinois.”

According to the 1940 U.S. Census for Volo, Wauconda Township, Lake County, IL the household residents were:

“Harry Hironimus, head, age 34, married, highest grade completed: 8, born in Illinois, lived in same house in 1935, occupation: proprietor – trucking line; Genevieve Hironimus, wife, age 29, married, highest grade completed: H-2, born in Illinois, lived in same house in 1935; Jean L. Hironimus, daughter, age 9, single, highest grade completed: 3, born in Illinois; Carol G. Hironimus, daughter, age 6, single, born in Illinois, lived in same house in 1935; Marjory L. Hironimus, daughter, age 4, single, born in Illinois; Arthur Nicholls, hired hand, age 35, single, highest grade completed: H-4, born in Illinois, lived in same house in 1935”

According to the 1950 U.S. Census for Wauconda Township, Lake County, IL, the household members were:

“Harry Hironimus, head, age 43, married, born in Illinois, Occupation: Farming & Trucking – Trucking Co; Genevieve Hironimus, wife, age 39, married, born in Illinois; Carol E Hironimus, dauther (sic), age 16, never married, born in Illinois; Marjorie L. Hironimus, daughter, age 14, never married, born in Illinois; Richard Hironimus, son, age 6, never married, born in Illinois, was he living in this same house a year ago?: Yes, What country were his father and mother born in?: U.S., What is the highest grade of school that he has attended?: S1, Did he finish this grade?: No; Garry L Hironimus, son, born: (Jan), never married, born in Illinois”
(NOTE: Gary was the grandson of Harry and Genevieve)

According to the McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry IL) Thursday, September 16, 1954, page 1:

HIRONIMUS RITES

   “Rites were held Saturday in Grayslake for Mrs. Harry Hironimus of Volo, who suffered a heart attack last week Wednesday, Sept. 8, and was taken to St. Therese hospital, where she died that evening.”

According to the Wauconda Leader (Wauconda IL) Thursday, September 16, 1954, page 1:

GEN.” HIRONIMUS
IS LAID TO REST
   Funeral rites were conducted at 2 p. m. on Saturday, September 11, in the Strang chapel, Grayslake, for Mrs. Genevieve Hironimus, of Volo, who passed away the previous Wednesday in the St. Therese hospital after an illness of three months.  Burial was in the Fort Hill cemetery.
   The deceased was the daughter of Mrs. Alvin Behning and her late husband, known as “Peg.”  She was born in Grayslake on January 20, 1911, and lived in that community until her marriage to Harry Hironimus on April 11, 1929, when she moved to Volo.  There marriage was blessed with seven children; four daughters and three sons.  The death of one of the sons in 1934, two and one-half year old James, was a shock and brought much sadness to the family.
   Last April 11 marked the couple’s 25th wedding anniversary.
   Mrs. Hironimus is mourned by the grief-stricken husband; four daughters, Mrs. Jean Bughart, Mars. Carol Hunt, and Marjorie and Norma Hironimus; two sons, Wesley and Richard; six grandchildren; mother, Mrs. Alvin Behning; two brothers and a sister.  A wide circle of friends and lesser relatives are also among the mourners.
   Her father, “Peg” Behning, passed away last October.”  

According to the Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society. “Strang Funeral Home – Grayslake, Illinois – 1908-1964”. Mundelein IL. 2015:

“Surname: HIRONIMUS; Name: Genevieve; Birth Date/Place: 20 Jun 1911, Grayslake; Death Date/Place: 08 Sep 1954, Waukegan; Cause of Death: Cardiac Failure; married; Occupation: (blank); Minister – Funeral Home: Chapel; Burial Place – Next of Kin: Fort Hill, Alvin BEHMING (sic)-Father, Eleanor SHELDON-Mother”