June Kingery

June Kingery, age 92, of rural Lanark, passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018 at her home. A memorial service will be held in the future at the Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren. Having committed her life to teaching and educating, June has chosen to have her body donated to Northern Illinois University, so students may continue to learn, even in her passing.

June was born on May 21, 1926, near Lanark, the daughter of Ted and Mary (Tarner) Kingery. Growing up on the family farm instilled in her a sense of responsibility to her community and helped to shape her into the caring, dedicated person, so many people grew to love. June graduated from the Lanark High School in 1944, and went on to become a school teacher, serving in three one-room school houses; Renner Country School, Freedom Country School, and Polsgrove Country School. Following her teaching career, she became a dental assistant for Dr. Eisenberger’s dental office in Lanark from 1957-1976.

Always one to be active in her community, June cooked for Golden Meals at the Heritage Center for 22 years. She was an active member Cherry Grove Church of The Brethren, along with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she served as Chairman from 1997-2003, and Chaplain from 2004-2018. She also served as a board member for Rolling Hills Progress Center. Ever wanting to keep her mind sharp, June greatly enjoyed puzzles. When discussing end of life, she was known for saying, “I want to fly to heaven on a sunny day.”

June was preceded in death by her five siblings, Andrew Kingery, Merle Kingery, Thelma Kauffman (Kingery), Rose Lindstrom (Kingery), and Margery Kingery. She will be dearly missed.

A memorial fund has been established in her memory, memorials may be sent to the June Kingery Memorial, C/O Cathy Hart, 232 West Locust, Lanark, Illinois 61046.