Roger L. Nourie

Roger L. Nourie, age 88, of Tilton, passed away April 25, 2012, at the VA Alzheimer and Dementia Ward, Palliative Care Ward. Roger was born February 15, 1924 in Bourbonnais, Illinois to the late Louis and Angelina (Arseneau) Nourie. On February 7, 1948, Roger married Genevieve Harms. They were blessed with four children: Vicki, Kathy, Roger, and Steve. Roger served as a medic in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946. Upon returning from his service to our country, Roger enjoyed being a businessman and entrepreneur. He was co-owner of South Danville TV Sales and Services; he also owned and operated L&L Trailer Park. As many people know, Roger was very active in his community. He served as the Tilton Police Commissioner and as a Tilton City Board Member. In addition, he enjoyed his long-time affiliations with the American Legion in Westville, Knights of Columbus in Danville, and Lions Club in Tilton. He was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westville. Whenever volunteers were needed, Roger was often first to offer his leadership, support, and hard work. One of his favorite fundraising activities was the annual Knights of Columbus Turtle Races, which raises money for organizations that serve children with special needs. During his participation with all of these activities and service work, Roger made many friends. Some of his "cronies" included George Reffett, Bob Payne, Dick McCord, and Bart Collins. Friends and family could often find Roger enjoying the outdoors, watching John Wayne movies, or fixing things in the garage. He could find a way to repair most anything. If he couldn't "fix it," he knew just the right person to replace it. Roger's family will dearly miss his kindness, subtle sense of humor, and giving spirit. He is survived by three sisters including Peggy Kerouac, Katie Pommier, and Vivian Mercer. He is also survived by his loving children, Vicki L. (Gary) Benshoof, Des Moines, IA; Kathy S. (Pat) Reese, Catlin, IL.; Danville Roger A. Nourie and Steve L. (Chrisie Nourie) Dearborn, MI He will be missed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a special nephew. Grandchildren include: Jeff (Amy) Kennel, Des Moines, IA; Jami (Aaron) King, Altoona, IA; Jodee Kennel (Ben Huck), Johnston, IA; Jason (Melissa) Shields, Bloomington, IL; Ryan Shields, Danville, IL; Jana Shields, Glennville, GA; Chip Reese, San Antonio, TX; Chad Reese, St. Louis, MO; Jessica Nourie, Danville, IL; Michael Nourie, Danville, IL; and Bobbi Jo Brown, Nathan and Jillian Nourie, Dearborn, MI. Great-grandchildren include: Christian Kennel, Des Moines, IA; Brandon and Brayden King, Altoona, IA; Sydney Crook, Johnston, IA; Maisin Huck, Johnston, IA; Madison Miko, Bloomington, IL; Genevieve and Henry Shields, Bloomington, IL; and Ashley and Andrew Shields, Danville, IL. His special nephew is Joe Nourie. In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by brothers Milton Nourie, Bob Nourie, and Elsworth Nourie; sisters Maybella Pangle and Jean Benoit; and wife of 54 years, Genevieve H. Nourie. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M at Sunset Funeral Home, Danville. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. at Sunset Funeral Home, Jeff Kennel to officiate. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a Life Celebration Home is in charge of arrangements. Please join Roger's family in posting memories, photos or videos on his tribute wall at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. The family would like to extend its gratitude to Dr. Sodhi and the VA Alzheimer/Dementia Ward and Palliative Care Ward. Our dad and papa would be proud to know how well the veterans are treated and respected by the VA staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the VA Alzheimer/Dementia and/or Palliative Care Ward.