HARRY LEE HIRONIMUS
Harry Lee Hironimus gravestone
(Photo by Vernon B. Paddock)
B. March 22, 1907 in Volo, Lake County, IL
D. October 16, 1985 in Chicago, Cook County, IL
Find A Grave memorial (click here)
- Father: Frank Hironimus born February 23, 1876 son of Frank Hironimus (1840-1919) and Catherine (Spoerlein) Hironimus (1845-1914); married Harriet Nicholls on January 30, 1904 in Chicago, Cook County, IL; Frank died January 1, 1968; buried in Wauconda Cemetery, Wauconda, Lake County, IL
- Mother: Harriet (Nicholls) Hironimus born April 29, 1883; Harriet died April 6, 1961 in Waukegan, Lake County, IL; buried in Wauconda Cemetery, Wauconda, Lake County, IL
According to the Daily Sentinel (Woodstock IL) Monday, April 10, 1961, page 5:
“Harriet Hironimus
Dies Thursday
in Waukegan
McHENRY – Mrs. Harriet Nicholls Hironimus, 77, of 217 N. Main st., Wauconda, died Thursday in St. Therese hospital, Waukegan.
She was born in England April 29, 1883, and with her husband, Frank, engaged in farming in the Volo area for many years. For the past 20 years she had been a Wauconda resident.
Surviving are the widower, to whom she was married 58 years; two daughters, Mrs. Evaline Cochems of Encino, Calif. and Miss Ellen Hironimus of Wauconda, and four sons, Harry of Volo, Earl, Clarence and Howard of Wauconda, and a sister, Mrs. Lydia Engeln of Dearborn, Mich. formerly of McHenry; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N. Main st., where friends may call. Burial will be Wauconda cemetery.”
- Wife: Genevieve (Behning) Hironimus born January 20, 1911 in Grayslake, Lake County, IL, daughter of Alvin John “Peg” Behning (1885-1953) and Eleanor May (Sheldon) Behning (1893-unknown); married Harry Lee Hironimus on July 21, 1931 in Lake County, IN; Genevieve died September 8, 1954 in Waukegan, Lake County, IL (See section pertaining to Genevieve (Behning) Hironimus buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
- Children:
- 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; last residence Round Lake, Lake County, IL: Jean died October 10, 2002 in Round Lake, Lake County, IL; buried in Avon Centre Cemetery, Grayslake, Lake County, IL
According to the New Sun (Waukegan IL) October 12, 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 (sic) (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, and 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 Hironimus.
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 in Illinois; married (1) Herman Lee Hunt (1928- ) on May 26, 1951 and divorced about 1960; married Robert Ray Conner (1932- ) on November 5, 1963 in Pasquotank County, NC; 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 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.”
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.”
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;
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:
- Evaline “Evelyn” G. (Hironimus) Cochems born April 1, 1905; Army Veteran; married Kenneth D. Cochems, M.D. (1898-1977) on April 24, 1930 in Cook County, IL; Evaline died May 23, 1998; buried in Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA
- Earl Robert Hironimus born July 27, 1909 in Volo, Lake County, IL; married (1) Gladys D. Hall (1914-1983) who remarried Herbert B. Speakman (1917-1972) and lived in San Carlos, CA; married (2) Bernice (1925-unknown); Earl died October 23, 1977 in McHenry, McHenry County, IL; buried in Wauconda, Lake County, IL
According to the Daily Sentinel (Woodstock IL) Wednesday, October 26, 1977, page 2:
“EARL C. HIRONIMUS
WAUCONDA – Earl C. Hironimus, 68, 615 W. Liberty St., Wauconda, died sunday, Oct. 23, in McHenry Hospital.
A lifetime resident of the area, he was born July 27, 1909 in Volo.
Survivors are his wife, Bernice; two sons, Ronald and Robert, San Francisco, Calif.; seven grandchildren; a great-grandchild; three brothers, Howard, Clarence and Harry; and two sisters, Evaline and Ellen.
He was preceded in death by a son, William.
Services were held today in the Wauconda funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Wauconda Paramedics.”
- Clarence Alfred Hironimus born February 5, 1911 in Volo, Lake County, IL; married Ethel M. Knigge (1914-2009); Clarence died October 7, 2001 in Barrington, Cook County, IL; Clarence and Ethel are buried in Wauconda Cemetery, Wauconda, Lake County, IL
According to the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights IL) October 10, 2001:
“Clarence A. Hironimus a lifelong resident of Wauconda
Memorial services for Clarence A. Hironimus, 90, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N. Main St., Wauconda. Born Feb. 5, 1911, in Volo, he died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001, at Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington. Unurnment will be private. Mr. Hironimus was a former member of Wauconda Fire Department, a former Illinois State Highway employee, and a former Wauconda Township Road Commissioner for 10 years. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ethel (nee Knigge); children, Kenneth (Janice) Hironimus, Jo Ann (Mitchel) Bienkowski and Cheryl (Gary) Thompson; brother Howard (Janet) Hironimus; 13 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Harriett Hironimus; children, Norman Hironimus and Nancee Reckwerdt; brothers, Earl and Harvey; and sisters, Ellen and Evaline. Memorial visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home. Please omit flowers. Memorials to the Wauconda Fire Department Paramedic Fund, 109 W. Liberty St., Wauconda, IL 60084, would be appreciated. For information, (847)526-2115.”
- Howard Francis Hironimus born September 5, 1913 in Volo, Lake County, IL; married Janet S. Prior (1924-unknown); Howard died April 7, 2006 in Wauconda, Lake County, IL; buried in Wauconda Cemetery, Wauconda, Lake County, IL
According to the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights IL) April 9, 2006:
“Howard F. Hironimus lifelong resident of Wauconda
A memorial visitation for Howard F. Hironimus, 92, will be from 10 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Kisselburg, Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N. Main St., Wauconda, with the Rev. Ryan Sutton officiating. Inurnment will be private in Wauconda Cemetery. Born Sept. 5, 1913 in Volo, he died Friday, April 7, 2006, at Wauconda Healthcare Centre. Mr. Hironimus served four years in the Combat Engineers division of the Army during World War II. He was a general contractor for many years in Lake County, including building the American Legion Hall in Wauconda. He was a member of the American Legion Post @#911 and the Wauconda Moose Lodge @#1969. He was the beloved husband of 59 years to Janet (nee Prior), and cherished uncle and great-uncle to many. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Wauconda Fire Department – Paramedic Fund, 109 W. Liberty St., Wauconda, IL 60084 or the American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60604. For information, 847-526-2115.”
- Ellen L. Hironimus born January 29, 1927 in Volo, Lake County, IL; Ellen died January 15, 1994; buried in Wauconda Cemetery, Wauconda, Lake County, IL
Additional Information:
According to the 1910 U.S. Census for Wauconda Township, Lake County, IL, the household members were:
“Frank Hironimus, head, age 34, married once for 6 years, born in Illinois, parents born in Germany, occupation: farmer – general farm; Harriett Hironimus, wife, age 27, married once for 6 years, 3 children born, 3 children living, born in England, parents born in England, immigrated in 1886; Evelyn G. Hironimus, daughter, age 5, single, born in Illinois; Harry L. Hironimus, age 3, single, born in Illinois; Earl R. Hironimus, son, age 2, single, born in Illinois”
According to the 1920 U.S. Census for Wauconda Township, Lake County, IL, the household members were:
“Frank Hironimus, head, age 44, married, born in Illinois, parents born in Germany, occupation: farmer – general farm; Harriet Hironimus, wife, age 36, married, immigrated in 1885, born in England, parents born in England; Evelyn G. Hironimus, daughter, age 14, single, born in Illinois; Harry L. Hironimus, son, age 12, single, born in Illinois; Earl R. Hironimus, son, age 10, single, born in Illinois; Clarence A. Hironimus, son, age 9, single, born in Illinois; Howard F. Hironimus, son, age 6, single, born in Illinois; George Hironimus, brother, age 39, single, born in Illinois, parents born in Germany, occupation: farm laborer – working out; Harry Nicholls, father in law, age 64, widowed, immigrated in 1885, born in England, parents born in Englad, occupation: tiler – farm drainage”
According to the 1930 U.S. Census for Wauconda Township, Lake County, IL living on Belvidere Road, the household members were:
“Frank Hironimus, head, age 54, married at age 27, born in Illinois, parents born in Germany, occupation: farmer – general farm; Harriet Hironimus, wife, age 47, married at age 20, born in England, parents born in England, immigrated in 1884; Harry L. Hironimus, son, age 23, single, born in Illinois, occupation: truck driver – dairy; Earl R. Hironimus, son, age 20, single, born in Illinois, occupation: laborer – odd jobs; Clarence A. Hironimus, son, age 19, single, born in Illinois, occupation: farm laborer – farm; Howard F. Hironimus, son, age 16, single, born in Illinois; Ellen L. Hironimus, daughter, 3 1/6, single, born in Illinois; Herbert J. Russell, laborer, age 20, single, born in California, father born in Massachusetts, mother born in New Foundland, occupation: farm laborer – farm”
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 Antioch News (Antioch, IL) October 24, 1985:
“Harry Hironimus
Funeral services for Harry Hironimus, 78, of Round Lake were held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Strang Funeral Chapel in Grayslake.
Mr. Hironimus died on Wednesday. Oct. 16 in Chicago. He was born on March 22, 1907 in Volo, and had remained a lifelong resident of this area.
Survivors include four daughters, Jean Johnson of Lake Beach, Round Lake Beach, Yvonne Hironimus of Canoga Park, Calif., Marjorie (Edward) Locke of Volo and Norma (John) Robinson of Round Lake Park; two sons, Wesley A. of Kenosha, Wis., and Richard (Janet) of Highland, Ind.; two sisters; two brothers; and numerous other relatives.
Interment was at Fort Hill Cemetery, west of Round Lake.”