Janice Ann Gibson (Harrington), Age 64, passed away on November 3rd, 2015 at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, FL. She was surrounded by her loving family

Vincenzo Antonio "Jim" Forgione, Feb 28, 1920 - March 2, 2011

Born in Newark N.J. as the Son of Anthony Vincent Forgione, "Jim", as he liked to be called, began driving a tractor and trailer while he was still in High School, for His Fathers thriving Coal Business. For many years, he made a daily round trip to the Plymouth Pennsylvania Coal Mines and returned to Newark. Though it is approx 235 miles today at that time it was a total of approx 300 miles daily.

Jim's Father Anthony, always told them, "Motors are expensive...Oil is cheap." Jim learned from his Father the secrets of preventive maintenance (that Grandpa Anthony learned in the U.S. Navy) and Jim achieved great honor by the application of it.

Jim met Catherine in the old neighborhood in Newark while He was still working for his Father. Catharine let him chase her till she caught him. They married and had their first Child, Judith Ann just before the beginning of WW-2.

Jim tried to enlist in the service but his detached retina that had not yet been corrected, prevented him from being accepted. He worked as a commercial driver for a short time and then went to work in a Foundry that made steel for the war effort.

As the war progressed, the need for manpower became so severe, that the Military changed the classification system and so Jim was called to duty in the regular Army.
At first, stationed at camp Kilmer N.J. and then at Fort Dix, he was then transferred to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

While at Camp McCoy, he was trained to do combat support duties in preparation for the invasion of Japan. After his training, a call for volunteers was issued for Drivers needed to man a hazardous convoy to bring a sensitive shipment to Alaska on the newly constructed Alcan Highway (Which though a "Highway" in spots, was not a really a Highway at all, but little more then a Muddy, winding, dangerous, wilderness trail). Classified as "Hazardous Duty" the Men were promised 30 days leave "if they survived". Jim volunteered and looked forward to seeing Cathrine and Judith Ann when it was all over. He said that that Mission was "the most hair raising" of his Life. As a result, he received full Veterans Benefits.

After the harrowing ordeal, the men were gathered together in a large tent and addressed by their commander, "Men, I have I have good news and bad news, which do you want first?.......O.K., here's the bad news...All leaves are cancelled.......Now, the good news is, THE WAR IS OVER!" Jim went back to Camp McCoy and was processed out and went back to his Family in Newark.....a very happy man.

Directly after the War, Jim and Cathrine introduced Cathrine's Brother Michael "Bubbie" Tenore, to Jims Sister, Nancy Forgione and shortly thereafter they were married. They remained very close throughout their lives.

Using the G.I. Bill Jim Started his own trucking company but after a while, He decided that the benefits offered by Sun-Oil Company would benefit his Family far better, and so He Became a Fleet Maintenance Mechanic for Sun Oil Company.

Not Long after, in 1951, His Son Vincent was Born. He was known in the Family as "Jim-Jim".

At that Time, Jim Moved his Family to West Keansburg N.J. where he continued his work with Sun Oil. He also had a Second Job at AC carrier and still another one driving a School Bus for Bob Helfrich and Sons. He implemented and shared the Preventive maintenance measures he learned from his Father and from the Army during WW-2.

He stayed with Sun Oil For 32 Years and received many awards for excellence during that time. During that time he wrote "The Book" on Preventive Maintenance, which is still used today by Sun Oil and many other corporations. The concept of replacing a part before it breaks, just before the threshold of its lifespan, is the legacy of his work life.

As a Mechanic, he never failed to help a Family member with their cars. Family and extended Family could always come to him. So vast was his knowledge that hundreds of times he saved people from spending money on expensive repairs. He would diagnose "By Feel" and inexpensively fix what had previously been diagnosed as a major problem.

Jim Was known for making unique proprietary tools to make repairs on vehicles with troublesome access problems. Many times the "Snap on Man" would marvel at these self made tools.

In 1963 Jim and Cathrine made a trip around the United States. This was only the first of such travels but is the best known. Jim And Cathrine Purchased an 8mm movie camera with editing equipment and made the Documentary film, "Our Motor Trip". This tradition of film making continues in the family to this day.

Jim and Cathrine were also Skiers and Snowmobilers, skiing the Poconos and Camelback. They Went on a cruise to Hawaii and Jamaica and traveled to Florida and many other places in their Chinook motor home. Every Summer Jim and Cathrine brought the family up to Curry Hill (in Plymouth Pennsylvania) to see Uncle Pete, Uncle Johnny and our other relatives related to his Usefara Family. By continuing the tradition that his Father Anthony started, Jim instilled a love for Curry Hill that abides in the Family to this day.

After his retirement from Sun Oil, Jim followed his Brother in Law Tony Tenore to Florida. They moved to Clearwater Florida and stayed. They continued to support Family and friends just as they had before and provided much needed relief to others.

Preceded by Cathrine in 2006, Jim died unexpectedly shortly after his birthday. He was trying to recover from a long illness which his Children, Brothers and Sisters and many other family members fully expected him to recover from. He was looking forward to going to breakfast the next morning with his Son, Vince.

When Jim expired, he was wearing a western shirt similar to the one worn by one of his favorite actors, John Wayne, in the movie, "Stagecoach". On the lapel of His cardigan Sweater, which he intended to wear over his shirt to breakfast, was his Gold 25 year pin from Sun oil Company.

In his last days he was planning a motor trip with his Son, Vince (Jim-Jim) to see his Brother in Law, Tony Tenore, in Sarasota Florida. He also talked about taking a Motor Trip to see Uncle Johnny (Usefara) in Curry Hill Pennsylvania, His Brother Herk and Sister Mert and His Grand Daughter Angel and Grand Sons Tony and Vinny and His Twin Great Grand Daughters Michelle and Jaimie in New Jersey and attend the Liberty Hose Co. #2 Car Show that his Brother Herk administers. Then it was planned to continue on to see His Great Granddaughter Michelle and Her Children at Fort Drum New York and End the trip with a visit to his Grand Daughter Zoila in Washington D.C and His Grandaughter Christina in Boynton Beach Florida and as many other relatives in between as possible.

No longer able to drive, it was planned for him to "Take the wheel", from time to time, in the same manner that he used to do with others and which instilled in his Children, Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews a love of driving that all of them benefit from today.

In his last Days, he talked mostly about Healing the Family, Forgiveness and being Forgiven and the power of God to heal all wounds. His concern for the future of the family was well related to His Children especially in the last 15 days and he fully expected to be able to take steps to facilitate the healing process thereof.

Jim received last rights from the Catholic Church, in which he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also prayed the "Sinners Prayer", before his death.

He is Survived by his Daughter, Judith Ann, His Son, Vincent James. and Grandchildren, Christine, Mary, and David (of Judith Ann) And Angel, Zoila, Anthony and Vincent of (Vincent James).

His Great Grandchildren are, Michelle and Jaimie of Vincent Forgione III. Gabrielle, Brianna and Miles, of Christina "Crissy" De-angelo. Michelle Allen of Mary (Nee, Terwilliger) and Great Great Grandchildren By Michelle Allen, Bobby Junior and Benjamin.

He is also Survived by His Beloved Brothers and Sisters, Martha "Mert" and Arcalo "Herk" (Both in New Jersey) and Gilda (in Ohio) and his beloved Brother in Law Tony Tenore, also a WW-2 Veteran.

Preceding him are his Grandsons Michael Realmuto, (Son of Judith Ann) and Andrew Forgione, (Son of Vincent James).

He is also Preceded by His Beloved older Sister Cathrine "Katy" Wysowaty, his Beloved younger Sister Nancy Tenore and Beloved younger Brother Andrew Forgione.

Preceding him also is his dearly beloved Brother in Law, Michael "Bubbie" Tenore, also a WW-2 Veteran.

In Honor of His Passing, the planned motor trips will be completed by his Son, Vincent. Any Family member who wishes to go along on these motor trips are welcome.

Written By His Son.

Copyright 2011, OXOjamm Studios, all rights reserved.

Jed Allen (James Edward Allen, III) of Tempe, AZ passed away on April 10, 2016. He was 73. Jed was born October 14, 1942 in Boston, MA, to James Edward Allen, Jr. and Florence Pell Miller. His childhood and teen years were spent in Albany, NY, where he graduated from Milne High School in 1960. He went on to attend Goddard College in Vermont, and later earned his Masters of Fine Arts degree from Vermont College. He taught at Phoenix College, where he eventually served as Director of the Creative Writing department until his retirement in 2013. His colleagues have set up a memorial scholarship there in his name.

A brilliant poet and an accomplished musician, Jed is the author of The Fear of Algebra, and performed with a number of musical groups, including The Blues Connection, House of Blue Lights and The Blue Shadows. His love for words and music were a gift that he gave to the community around him, attending and participating in regular poetry readings, and sharing with his many friends, colleagues and family. He is survived by his twin sister, four adult children, eight grandchildren, and beloved cat.

Donations for the Jed Allen Memorial Scholarship can be mailed to Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, 2449 W 14th Street, Tempe, Arizona, 85281.

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HIS FLUTE WAS PACKED WITH DEAD HUMMINGBIRDS

I dreamed you sitting on a rock
in southern sun with your healer's sack
and two doves peering from your birdcage chest.
Strange. And the pale painted sea stretching uneasily.

There is no story, counselor. Instead
this rough wooden stage, with ladders
trailing down. I can only show you stuttered
vignettes that play obsessively
over the splintered boards of my palms
by candlelight.

Teach me to love. How to hold my hands.
I need that boy voice slipping
its shy tongue into the briny ears of the world,
oldest voice, not mine, no, nothing's mine, I've
a dozen names and not one mine, one dozen clappers
crowd the bell, call, wavering Ye Ye YES --
Soledad, look at Borborygmus dance!

May 2, 2017
Today marks one year since our precious daughter and sister was taken from us. It should be just another day, with Jenna preparing for school and getting excited about her upcoming birthday. Instead, we have only pictures and memories to comfort and remind us of her beauty and spirit. And while we will mark today's date, we will, as a family celebrate Jenna's birthday on May 8. That is the date we were given a precious gift, fleeting though it was. We love you, Jenna. Forever in our hearts.


Update... Jenna's playground has become a reality. Our family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues generously donated over $25,000 to help build and install a fitting memorial to our daughter. We were overwhelmed by how quickly everything fell into place. Jenna's mom, Yvonne, Mrs. Darling, and Mrs. Doering of Rockwood Centennial chose a wonderful design. The playground was constructed in time for the children of Rockwood Centennial to play on the first day of school.

On Thursday, October 6, 2016, children from kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2, gathered to cut a ribbon and formally celebrate the opening of Jenna's playground. These were the children Jenna knew and played with during her time at Rockwood Centennial. There was a ribbon cutting, refreshments, and a release of balloons. Jenna's brother Aidan donated sand toys for the playground. As always, the school helped organize a beautiful ceremony. And best of all, the children played and played and played.

May, 2016. Jenna Bennett grew up as a free spirit in Rockwood, Ontario. She was a beautiful, vibrant child, who loved horses, swimming, school, stories and family in equal measure. She was growing up as a normal girl who loved to torment her big brother and father. All of that changed when Jenna was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) a rare, neurological disease, at the age of five. This progressive disease conspired to rob Jenna of her most basic abilities such as movement and speech, while also attacking her intellect.

Despite being accepted into a medical trial which took the family to Milan, Italy, for five months of gene therapy, Jenna's condition continued to worsen. Family, friends, educators, and medical professionals contributed their time, energy and love to try to maximize Jenna's quality of life under very trying circumstances. She never lost her love of life or sense of humour, despite the ravages of the disease. Jenna finally succumbed to MLD on May 2nd, less than a week shy of her seventh birthday, surrounded by her small but loving family. Jenna's spirit was unbowed throughout her illness, and we are grateful she is finally free of pain.

We are raising funds in Jenna's memory to build and install playground equipment for the kindergarten children of Rockwood Centennial Public School. This was a vision Jenna shared with her mother when she was still able to speak. From Ontario to Maine, Jenna sought out playgrounds for the pure joy of climbing, sliding, balancing and having fun. We can think of nothing that would please her more than helping other children to do the same.

There are a number of ways to contribute:
1. Donations may be made in person at the Rockwood branch of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Cheques should be made out to the "Jenna Playground Fund".
2. For the online donations please visit the Jenna Bennett Memorial Playground Fund page. There is a link below.
3. Donations may be dropped off at Rockwood Centennial School anytime, or at the Celebration of Jenna's life on Monday, May 9th, 4:30, also at the school.

Duane E. Kropuenske age 73 of Otsego passed away on April 18, 2016 while in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was a loving husband, caring father and devoted grandfather.

Duane is survived by his loving wife Linda, his loving mother Thelma Kropuenske; daughter Julie and Jeff Knollenberg, son Jay and Laurie Beyer-Kropuenske, stepdaughter Nicole Tilc and stepsons Korry Thompson, Kalvin Thompson and Kirk and Angela Thompson.

Grandchildren Sam and Claire Beyer-Kropuenske, Zachary, Benjamin and Emily Knollenberg Step grandchildren Christopher and Veronica Tilc and Allison Malmin, Miranda Marshall, Erika Thompson, Devin Thompson, Kevin and Quentin Thompson.

Also survived by, brother in-laws Larry (Jane) Fullerton, Robert Fullerton, Ronald (Marilyn) Fullerton; sisters in-laws Geraldine (Herb) Gewerth, Joan (Bob) Norton, Kathleen (Ray) Burczyk, Bonnie Felvy, Sheila Shafer, sister-in-law Sharon Hanna, and numerous nieces and nephews.
His father Earl Kropuenske, wife Patsy Kropuenske and brother Wayne Kropuenske preceded Duane in death.

During his forty plus year career in the banking industry he spent twenty-five years in the Elk River area. Duane was co-founder of Riverview Community Bank and American Eagle Financial, Inc.
His civic involvement also included the Elk River City Council, the Elk River Economic Development Authority, and the Elk River Planning Commission. He was active in the many local organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Guardian Angles, Land O Lakes Choir Boys, MN Bankers Association, and American Legion. He was a charter founder of Suburban Northwest Builders Association.

Internment private

Duane E. Kropuenske
Life Events

• Born January 7, 1943 - Earl and Thelma (Leslie) Kropuenske in Vermillion, SD
• Grew up in rural South Dakota on his parents farms before moving in Luverne, MN - 1957
• 1961 - Graduated from Luverne High School - Luverne, MN
• 1961 - Entered Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD
• 1963-66 US Army Military Police Sgt. E-5
• Married Mary Ann Oeding July 25, 1965
• Daughter Julie born 4-8-1968 – Sioux Falls, SD
• 1968 - Graduated Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD
• Moved to Robbinsdale, MN - 1968
• 1968 - First Robbinsdale State Bank Robbinsdale, MN – Assistant Cashier
• Son Jay born 4-16-1970 – Robbinsdale, MN
• Moved back to Sioux Falls, SD – 1971 for a short time
• Moved to Albert Lea, MN – 1971
• 1971-1973 – Freeborn National Bank Albert Lea, MN – Assistant Cashier
• Moved to Waseca, MN - 1973
• 1973-1974 – The Round Bank Waseca, MN – Assistant Vice President
• 1974-1977 Frist National Bank of Waseca, Waseca, MN – Assistant VP
• 1977-82 Waseca Savings and Loan Association, Waseca, MN – President and CEO
• Divorced from Mary Ann 4-10-1979
• Married Pasty (Fullerton) Lundberg May 1, 1979
• Moved to Burnsville, MN - 1982
• 1982-1984 MN Federal Savings and Loan Association, St. Paul, MN – Corporate VP
• Moved to Elk River, MN - 1984
• 1984-1999 First National Bank of Elk River, Elk River, MN – Executive VP and COO
• 1988 – Graduate School of Banking – University of Wisconsin, Madison
• 1999-2002 AMCP Mortgage and Financial, Inc. Rogers, MN – Chairman and CEO
• 2002-2008 Riverview Community Bank, Otsego MN – President, CEO and Director
• 2002-2008 American Eagle Financial, Inc. Otsego, MN – President and Chairman
• 2011-2014 Trustone Financial Credit Union/Mortgage Lending Services, Inc. – Golden Valley, MN – Operations and Servicing Manager
• Wife Patsy Kropuenske passed away November 1, 2013
• Married Linda Thompson August 3, 2014
• Assisted in managing Coon Rapids American Legion Post 334
• Died April 18, 2016 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Complications from heart surgery

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