Helen Grace Hopkins

Helen married John Dullam Blake on 11 May 1917 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. John (son of Jesse Claire Blake and Elizabeth Sarah Dullam) was born on 12 Jun 1892 in Harvard, McHenry County, Illinois; died on 8 Jun 1970 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois; was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1942; World War II (US) US Army - Europe

Notes:

John G.H. BLAKE, 86 ROCKFORD - John G.H. Blake, 86, entered into eternal rest Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. He was a resident in Wesley Willows Nursing Home. John Blake was born Jan. 5, 1921, in Rockford, son of John D. and Helen (Hopkins) Blake. A 1938 graduate of Central High School in Rockford, he went on to attend the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1942. He was a member of the U.S. Army following college graduation, serving in England and France during World War II. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves until the early 1960's. It was in England during World War II where he met and married his beloved wife, Gwen Trafford, on April 12, 1945. She had resigned her post as an officer in the Royal Air Force. Gwen died in 2003. John and Gwen both enjoyed traveling to England to visit her sister's family. For many years they were members of the Rockford Lawn Bowling League. John was employed in the family business, Blake Co., for more than 45 years. He was a long-time member of Second Congregational Church and University Club in Rockford. He also was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club. John was an avid Cub's fan and enjoyed watching other sports. John is survived by daughter, Elizabeth (William) of Littleton, Colo.; son, John (Janelle) of Greeley, Colo.; two grandchildren living out of state, Kerianne and Steven; and three great-grandchildren. Local Rockford survivors include brother, David, and his children Diane, David, Nancy and Carol and their families. In addition, two second cousins living out of state; two nieces and a nephew who live in England with their families. Funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, in Second Congregational Church, with the Rev. Michael Solberg, Pastor, officiating. A reception will follow in the church dining area. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in Anderson Long Klontz Funeral Home, 6825 Weaver Road. Private family burial. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Second Congregational Church for the church foundation fund for use of the children of the church.

John married Gwendolyn Maple Trafford on 12 Apr 1945 in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. Gwendolyn (daughter of Samuel Thomas Trafford and Maple Willey) was born on 19 May 1919 in Caistor, Lincolnshire, England; died on 21 Oct 2003 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois; was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

David J. Blake, 83, of Rockford, passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, surrounded by his children. Born Sept. 9, 1929, in Rockford; the son of John D. and Helen (Hopkins) Blake. Graduate of Rockford West High School class of 1947. Attended Rockford Business College. He married Wanda Lee Kronvold Aug. 1, 1953, in Rockford. After 52 years of marriage she predeceased him Sept. 21, 2005. David was employed for over 60 years in his family’s business, Blake Awning. He was a longtime member of Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church of Rockford, where he sang in the Sanctuary Choir for many years. He was also a member of Rockford Lawn Bowling Association and the Moose Club. David was a quiet, gentle, patient, and kind man who would always be there when you needed him. He enjoyed traveling and watching sports, but most of all spending time with his family. He is survived by his children, Diane (Kurt) Riplinger, David C. Blake, Nancy (John) Nash, and Carol (Peter) Picchioni; grandchildren, Scott Riplinger, Joseph and Anthony Picchioni, and Johanna, Christopher, and Rebekah Nash; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jim Campobello, Van Johnson, and Jeanne Page. Predeceased by his brother, John G.H. Blake. A special thank you to Provena St. Anne Center and Northern Illinois Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, in Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church of Rockford, 318 N. Church St., with Rev. Dr. J. Michael Solberg officiating. Private burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church Board of Music.

David married Wanda Lee Kronvold on 1 Aug 1953 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. Wanda (daughter of Carl Alfred Kronvold and Gerda Marianno Plumbeck) was born on 7 Sep 1931 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois; died on 21 Sep 2005 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois; was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Contact Info: edavnprt@ecentral.com

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]