Lombard/Villa Park obituaries—August 20

PHYLLIS K. BLAIR-SEMELROTH
Phyllis Kay, born May 29, 1938, of Ethelmae Blair and Russell R. Blair, died on August 5, 2020, in Kankakee.
Phyllis Kay, (called by either name), attended Franklin School, Danville, Illinois, then moved to Catlin, Illinois, where she graduated from Catlin Township High School before going to college.
She was active and productive throughout her years. She taught Jr. High and High School English, and later wrote and published three books—Kaleidoscope for Kids, Kaleidoscope for Gerries, and Beyond the Promise. Phyllis Kay served as a healthcare professional for 44 years, first as a PT assistant, then as RN, Director of Nursing, LTC Administrator, and Consultant. She had her BS Ed., RN, MS/Gerontology Admin. degrees. She earned a summa cum laude for her graduate work at National Louis University, Evanston, IL.
Christian service was important to Phyllis Kay, and she worked in the church from an early age. Her most recent position was as certified Parish Nurse.
Surviving are her four children: Peter Brad Semelroth, Phoenix, Arizona, Eric B. Semelroth, Schaumburg, S. Craig Semelroth, Bloomingdale, Kristin K. Semelroth-Tyminski, Joe Tyminski, Oswego, and Grandchildren, Megan and Adam Tyminski. Also surviving are siblings Marilyn Slifer, Danville, Janet Covert, Hurlock, Maryland, Susan and Ken Poe, Phoenix, Arizona, Bill Blair and Karen Blair, Davenport, Iowa. A living cousin is Sheilah Blair Sokeland, Hoffman Estates.
For memorial service information, please contact the First Church of the Nazarene, 1000 N. Entrance Ave., Kankakee, IL at (815) 933-1000. Interment will be private at Gordon Cemetery, Danville.

JAMES E. MURPHY
James E. Murphy, of Lombard, passed away recently at the age of 76. He was a U.S. Naval veteran and a member of Carpenters Union Local # 1889.
Beloved husband of Jean, nee Dolce. Loving father of Michael (Trish), Robert (Jennifer), Eileen (Jason) Alsobrook and James P. (Agnieszka). Cherished grandfather Morgan, Madison, Katelyn, Matthew, Zachary, Ryan and Jacob.
A memorial Mass was held Thursday, Aug 6, at at St. Pius X Church 1025 E. Madison, Lombard, with entombment of cremains at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Arrangements provided by Steuerle Funeral Home. For info: 630-832-4161.

THOMAS R. SIDMAN
Thomas R. Sidman, age 66, of Lombard and Addison, died August 9, 2020, at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held on Monday, August 16, with a Visitation at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main Street, Lombard, to Sacred Heart Church for Mass. Interment followed at Oakridge Cemetery, Hillside.
Thomas was the loving husband of 44 years of Karen nee Sengebusch; loving father of Brandon Sidman of Addison and Dana Sidman of Lombard; dear brother of Jerry (Nancy) of St. Charles, Marykay (Jim) Blonn of Naperville, and Joanne Withington of Carol Stream; uncle of many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law of Henry Sengebusch of Florida, John (Cindy) Sengebusch of Villa Park and Sue (Gary) Karau of Lombard; and friend of many.
Thomas grew up in Lombard, then moved to Hanover Park for 10 years. He returned to Lombard in 1987, until he moved to Addison a year ago. He was a 1972 graduate of Glenbard East High School. He attended College of DuPage.
Thomas was self-employed installing electronic specialty systems. He was a former dispatcher for Hanover Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Thomas’ name may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

FRANCES A. STEPHENSON
Frances A. Stephenson, nee Lamme, age 96, of Oak Brook, formerly of Lombard for 66 years, passed away April 28, 2020.
A Memorial Gathering will be held Thursday, August 27, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oakbrook Terrace.
Frances is survived by her loving children, Katherine (Michael) Kennedy of Lombard, Carol (Dean) Craig of Aurora, Michael of Arizona and Jan (Leo) Lewis of Lombard; her cherished grandchildren, Carrie (Brian) Blonigen of Downers Grove, Kelly (Ryan) Stack of Naperville, Michael (Kristin) Kennedy II of Lombard, Patrick (Maureen) Kennedy of Lombard, Sean (Joy) Kennedy of Texas, Matthew (Katlyn) Kennedy of Lombard and Elizabeth (James) Gaddis of Oswego; and her 14 great-grandchildren; aunt and great-aunt of many.
Frances is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A; her dear son, Jeffrey; and her three sisters.
Frances worked for State Bank of Lombard until 1977 and enjoyed being a homemaker. She was a member of Community Presbyterian Church. Frances taught Sunday School and participated in Bible Study. She was a member of the Women’s Circle at church.
Frances served on several committees including The Red Hat Club, the PEO, Friends of the Library, and was a member and past president of Lombard Garden Club. She was also an avid bridge player.
Memorials to American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674, are appreciated.
Arrangements made by Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard.
More info 888-629-0094.