First Unitarian Universalist Church 2434 E Battlefield (East from Glenstone), Springfield, Missouri (MAP) Sunday Services at 11am (Childcare Available);    (417) 883-3922 We Are A Welcoming Congregation!

Remembering

...the People Who Came Before
Who Remain Part of Who We Are

▬ John "Jack" K. Brilhart ▬

John "Jack" K. Brilhart, a resident of Oldfield, Missouri, was born February 23, 1929, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the third child of John B. and Elizabeth Brilhart. Jack passed away peacefully from natural causes in the company of family members in the early morning hours of December 6, 2005. Dr. Brilhart had been a Professor and Department Head of Communication at the University of Nebraska at Omaha from 1965 until his retirement in 1986. During his academic tenure, Jack authored and co-authored numerous articles and textbooks including, "Effective Group Discussion," "Communicating in Groups," "Practical Public Speaking," and "Communication in Nursing Practice." He was also a part-time lecturer at Southwest Missouri State University. He graduated from Johnstown Central High School in 1946, and then received his B.A. from David Lipscomb College in 1952, and his M.A. in 1957 and Ph.D. in 1962 from Pennsylvania State University where he also worked as an Instructor and Associate Professor of Speech until 1965. Jack is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sue Simmons Brilhart, and sister, Mary Cramer, spouse, Joe, of Seattle, Washington. He was preceded in death by sister, Martha Underwood in 1953. He leaves behind daughter, Susan E. Brilhart, of State College, Pennsylvania; daughter, Beverly Ibanez, spouse, Gordon, of Tamuning, Guam, and her daughter, Holly Keller of Israel, and son, Bryan Keller of Guam; John Brilhart, spouse, Tricia, and children, Jennifer, John, and Zachary of Columbia, Missouri; and son, Keith Brilhart, of Mont Clare, Pennsylvania. Jack was also adoptive father to two children: Bruce Lieb, of Gainesville, Virginia, and Marla Palma, of Winchester, Virginia. During his life Jack was an avid naturalist and outdoorsman. His many and varied interests included hunting, fishing, and raising champion beagles for hunting and field trials. His early work as a skilled carpenter lead to a love for woodworking, and he created numerous pieces of fine furniture and built several of the homes in which he and his family resided. Following his retirement from the University of Nebraska he was able to develop new areas of interest including raising sheep, brewing wine and beer, and traveling to various parts of the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Jack was a member in numerous professional and civic organizations including: Phi Kappa Phi, Delta Sigma Rho, Ozark Brewers and Vintners, the National Communications Association, and the Central States Communications Association. His volunteer activities included weather reporter for the National Weather Service, member of Central Democratic Committee in Christian County, Delmina Woods Community council member, and active member in the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield. A memorial service will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield at 1:30 p.m. on the afternoon of December 18, 2005. As Jack was compassionate and generous to those in need, he has requested that memorial contributions be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, the American Red Cross, or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

▬ Frederick G. Kieferndorf ▬

Frederick G. Kieferndorf, 84, Springfield, died at 1:30 a.m., Saturday, November 19, 2005, in Christian Health Care after a short illness. He was born May 12, 1921, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to George and Bertha Kieferndorf. His college studies were interrupted by World War II. He received a Purple Heart serving as a bombardier in the 8th Army Air Force, flying out of England. After the war he earned a degree in journalism and a graduate degree in painting from the University of Wisconsin. In 1951 he came to Springfield to accept the position of Educational Curator at the Springfield Art Museum. After three years he took a job teaching drawing and painting at SMSU where he remained until his retirement in 1982. Fred was a painter who was well known in the area. Fred and his wife Marjorie "Midge" enjoyed travel. They particularly loved Mexico and spending February in Oaxaca, Mexico. He often used the sketches he made on his travels as the subject matter of his paintings. In September of 1988 he was given a one man show at the Springfield Art Museum entitled "Journeys Near and Far". He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. After being married fifty-five years Fred was preceded in death by Midge in 2000. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Stephen Stewart, of Springfield, MO and their two children, Andrew and Alexander. He is also survived by a sister, Miss Louise Kieferndorf of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a sister-in-law, Faye Chapman of Corpus Christi, TX, and a cousin, Herb Kieferndorf of Slinger, Wisconsin. Fred belonged to the First Unitarian-Universalist Church of Springfield, of which he was a charter member. A memorial service will be held at the church, 2434 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 17. The Reverend Mike Adamek will officiate. Arrangements under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to "The Fred G. Kieferndorf Fine Arts Travel Award", c/o Missouri State University Foundation, 901 S. National, Springfield, Missouri 65804.  

▬ Eunice "Judy" Stone Mignard ▬

Eunice "Judy" Stone Mignard, 89, of Springfield, passed away Saturday afternoon, October 1, 2005, after a brief illness. She was born March 26, 1916, in Springfield, the daughter of Dr. Murray C. and Eleanor M. Taft Stone. Judy was a lifelong resident of Springfield. As a young woman, she left her hometown long enough to take training as a laboratory technician in Cleveland, Ohio, where she met Paul Robert Mignard, whom she married on June 11, 1938. Judy is survived by her husband, Paul; widowed daughter-in-law, Susan Mignard of California; daughters, Julie Mignard of Springfield and Katy Hinegardner and her husband, Gary, of Montgomery County, Mo.; son, Marty Mignard and his wife, Dianne, of Springfield; a half brother, Gregory Stone of California; seven grandchildren: Marc Mignard and wife, Oksana; Therese Duffy and husband, Paul; Matthew McMichael and wife, Evelyn; Jennifer Olin and husband, Jose; Jeremy Hinegardner, Livia Hinegardner, and Cory Mignard and wife, Wendy; nine great-grandchildren: Christophe, Maelle, and Sabastian Mignard; Daniel and Michaela Duffy; Ethan and Hayden McMichael; Claudia Olin; Kendra Mignard; special friends, Jin Chen and wife, Ann Wu Chen, and their children, Jennifer, Angela, and William Chen, all of St. Louis. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Dan; and two brothers, Edward and Windsor Stone. Judy was an avid gardener who loved to start plants from seed and particularly loved her gardenia, begonias, and cacti that filled her home. She played recorders for over 25 years with the Springfield chapter of the America Recorder Society until her recent illness. Her creative interests went beyond her love of baroque music to include writing prose, poetry (especially limericks) and handicrafts. She has been a staunch supporter of the UU Church for many years. Her service to the community included aiding in the consolidation of Hickory Hills school, teaching Sunday school and acting as children's librarian for the Unitarian Universalist Church. She loved the arts and frequently attended the symphony, the Vandivort, and Little Theatre productions. Judy was a loving companion, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. Memorial services will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, October 8, 2005, in the Unitarian Universalist Church on east Battlefield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Boys and Girls Club or the American Recorder Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel.

▬ Neal W. Moore ▬

Neal W. Moore, 90, died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2005. He was born Sept. 7, 1915, in Hanston, Kan., the son of Henry and Evalina Moore. He is survived by three daughters, Nancy, Daphne, and Cynthia; a grandson, Christopher Allen; and a brother, Rev. O. Eugene Moore and his wife, Rena. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, and sister, Wanda Reukauf. Neal and Eleanor were married Dec. 27, 1939. He served in the U.S. Army, 29th Division, during World War II. Neal's educational studies included Washburn University, Topeka, Kan., and Oxford University, England. During his career as a proud lifelong member of the Typographical Union, he worked as a printer, editor, and publisher of several newspapers, including the Union Labor Record in Springfield. His work within the community included the Springfield Park Board, Community Foundation, and Unitarian Church. Neal's love of history and concern for the well being of those who work to make our society function was always a motivating force in his life. Upon retirement, one of Neal's outstanding accomplishments was the initiation and co-founding of the Ozarks Labor Union Archives at MSU. He will always be remembered as a generous and compassionate person who had an active, probing mind. His tenderness will also be remembered as we continue to care for the beautiful garden he planted, grew, and nourished to the very end of his life. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, in Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Burial will follow in Maple Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Neal Moore Ozarks Labor Leaders Endowment, at Missouri State University, are encouraged.

▬ Rosemary K. Keller ▬

Memorial services for Rosemary K. Keller, 83, of Branson, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield, 2434 E. Battlefield Rd., with Rev. Michael B. Adamek officiating. Arrangements are under direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home of Branson. A tribute and sharing of memories will also be held at the Branson Senior Center at the Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Dr., at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 27, 2004. Mrs. Keller died Sept. 20, 2004, at The Manor at Elfindale, in Springfield. Previously, she had resided at Branson Meadows Assisted Living. Rosemary Keller was born in Albuquerque, N.M., Dec. 1, 1920. She was a pioneer in the field of occupational therapy, graduating from Washington University in 1944. Rosemary was the devoted wife for fifty-one years to the late Dr. W. John Keller. Before retiring to Branson in 1980, Rosemary worked as a social activities director for a large skilled nursing care facility in Beaumont, Texas. Mrs. Keller has dedicated her life reaching out to community and friends. She was a founding member, officer, and volunteer at the Branson Senior Center; facilitator for the Branson Alzheimer's Support Group; and member of the OACAC Board, Taney County Council on Aging, and Friends of Lake Taneycomo. She is a supporter of the arts, public broadcast, and humanitarian and charitable causes too numerous to list. Rosemary is the recipient of the Mary Horton Memorial RSVP Volunteer Award and the Branson Believers (To Love) Award. In May 2004, she was awarded the Taney County OACAC Award for one quarter of a century of dedicated community service. She is co-author of How to Cook a Bass, and the first edition of the Unitarian Universalist publication (So You Will Know My Wishes Facing Death as a Fact of Life.) Rosemary Keller is survived by a son, Brian Keller and wife Fiona C. (Wilmont) of Big Pine Key, Fla.; a daughter, Janice Kent and husband Gordon of Buffalo, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Ari, Leila and Shayna Kent; and her Branson cousin, Pat Cameron and husband Bob. Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of Southwest MO.

▬ Marjorie Frances Hill ▬

Marjorie Frances Hill, 84, a retired art teacher, died Wed., Aug. 20, 2003, at the Christian Health Care Center in Springfield. She is survived by sister, Alice E. Blackstone, niece and nephews, Margaret and Thomas Blackstone, all of Omaha, Nebraska, John F. Blackstone, and his wife, Linda Kjerland, both of St. Paul, MN, their family, and many special friends and acquaintances in Springfield, Omaha, and elsewhere. Ms. Hill was born Aug. 4, 1919, in Omaha, Neb. to Frederick William Hill and Edith Higginson Hill. She attended public school in Omaha, graduating from North High in 1937, then two years at the Kansas City Art Institute. She worked three years for the Hallmark Company in Kansas City, quit to work at a defense plant during WWII, then lived briefly in California. In 1943, she moved to Springfield, where she lived for the rest of her life. She shared a home until 1953 with Roberta Stoneman Baker, and Roberta's daughter, Marjorie Anna. Roberta, a talented sculptor, and Marjorie built a small art and ceramic studio at their home where they produced and sold their own artwork. Marjorie worked during the 1950s and 60s at Cook Paint Company in downtown Springfield. She then returned to school, obtained a teaching certificate and taught K-12 art for 10 years in the Greenfield (MO) Public Schools. Later she taught art part time at Southwest Missouri State University and Springfield Art Museum and also gave private lessons in watercolor. She was a member of Studio 55 and other area artists' groups, and exhibited her work in a number of shows and galleries in the Springfield area. She founded the Hill-Lederer Gallery in the early 1960s with her friend, Charles Lederer. The gallery carried prints from many well-known artists in the United States. In 1954, she became a charter member of the Springfield Unitarian Fellowship, now the First Unitarian-Universalist Church where she remained active for the rest of her life. Memorial service is Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, at 7 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 2434 East Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65804. No flowers please. Memorials are suggested to the church.