People

Kathie Bowe, 85, loving mother of Anthony (Nancy), Alexander (Candida), Charley (June), Robert (Daisy) and grandmother of Kate, Gus, Nick, Melissa, Jamie, Alice, Julia, Molly and Eliza died peacefully on February 5. Born in Boston, Kathie moved at the age of 12 to Chicago where her father Stanley Pargellis was the Head Librarian of the Newberry Library. She graduated from Francis W. Parker School and then from Wellesley College in 1952. She married John E. Bowe, who later became a Judge in Cook County, and they were living together in Boston when John died in 1997. They raised their family on the North side of Chicago and then in Winnetka, IL. Kathie served as President of the League of Women Voters of Winnetka and was a volunteer at Citizens Information Service. Kathie had a lifelong love for her family summer retreat in Cape Porpoise, Maine and spent some meaningful portion of all but one summer of her life on the seashore there. 

Thomas S. Johnson, 73 of Rockford, senior partner of one of Rockford's oldest and largest law firms, died unexpectedly at home on February 15, 2016.

Born May 21, 1942, in Rockford, son of Fred C. Johnson and Pauline Ross Johnson. He graduated from East High School in 1960 where he excelled in debate and received the Oratorical Contest award. He graduated from Rockford College in 1964 and then received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1967.

He served in the U.S. Army from 196870, where he received the Meritorious Service Medal. Tom then returned to Rockford to join the law firm founded by his mentors, Karl Williams and John C. McCarthy, and began a distinguished legal career that lasted 46 years. He concentrated his practice in trust and estate law and received the highest recognition in his specialty by being named as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

He was instrumental in the growth and success of WilliamsMcCarthy LLP and was President of the law firm from 1987 to 2002. Tom possessed a brilliant mind, a sharp wit, and was unwavering in his support of the firm, his colleagues, his community and the legal profession. In the tradition of Daniel Burnham, his motto was "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood."

John C. Prehn Jr., age 59, passed away peacefully at his home February 2, 2016 surrounded by his family. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia; brother, Steven; and grandparents, Frederick and Bertha Prehn. 

He is survived by his father, John "Jack" Prehn Sr.; and wife of 28 years, Gayle (nee Bordewisch) Prehn. Devoted father to Emily Hadley (Justin) Invergo, Michael (Diana) Hadley, John Prehn III, and Sarah (Jorge Valdez) Prehn. Proud grandfather to Ava, Rhys, and Isla Invergo, Keira and Christian Haldey, and Enrique Valdez. Loving brother to Kathie (Randy) Verhulst, Bob (Julie) Prehn, Laura (Craig) O'Brien, Michael Prehn, Margaret "Peggy" (Brian) Washko and numerous nieces, nephews and "adopted" children. 

Edward R. Durree, 66, of Peoria passed away at 5:12 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria after an ongoing fight with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, including his two children, two sisters, his ex-wife, best friends and his beloved dog, Cloe.

Ed was born on June 2, 1949, in Streator, Ill., to John Reynold and Gladys Lucille (Birtwell) Durree.

Surviving are his two children, Sara Elizabeth Durree and Benjamin Ray (Kristina) Durree, both of Peoria; one grandchild; and his two sisters, Rebecca Manigold and Jane Briner. Also surviving are his cherished nieces and nephews, whom he loved very much.