The Great, Great Grandchildren of Thomas and Alice Kerr

Well, we have come to screeching halt as to the Kerr Family Line. Well, there are still the great, great grandkids and their kids. So, let's look at them:

Thomas Peter's children: Tommy is living an alternative lifestyle. Tammy married Thomas Garmey. At this writing, I am not sure they have any children.

Dennis Francis' children: Heidi Veronica and Dennis, Jr. At this writing, I am not sure they are married or have any children.

William Patrick's child: Meghan Mary married Joseph Sebek. They have 2 children: Sierra and Trevor. Sierra is in high school and Trevor "the terminator" is or will be in 1st grade.

Gregory Peter's children: Allyson is a forensic scientist (too brainy for me) in Indianapolis. She started the same year the Bears met the Colts in the Super Bowl. Her colleagues decorated her office with Colt paraphrenalia as a joke. She did inform them it would have to come down. - Andrea is in a Master's program in St. Louis.

Margaret Mary's children: Charles is living an alternative lifestyle. Emily just tied the knot in Florida to Mike Mannix. Yes, that is his real name and no, he is not private eye of which I am aware.

Elizabeth Joan's child: John Dominic married Maryanne Gaul. I am not aware of any children at this point.

Barbara Ann's children: William Thomas married Julie Gayle Snyder. They have no children at this point. Joseph Raymond is in a relationship with Sybil Angone. Together, they had a little girl, Aurora Rose born 26 March 2010. Michael James is not married, although, he may be in a relationship.

Mary Virginia has no children of her own with either marriage. However, she is the step-mom to Tascha and Tina Stanaitis.

Joanne's children: Thomas, Sean, and Elliot Hucher are not known by me to be in any relationships at this point.

Ted's children: Melissa, Lauren, and Michelle are not known by me to be in any relationships at this point.

Check out the next Blog in Line: the McDermott blog

The Children of Arthur and Marilyn (Karr) Neff: Marilyn, Pamela, Arthur, and William

Marilyn Veronica was born in 1947. She grew up in Tinley Park, Illinois. Marilyn married John Arthur Hofmann III. Together, they had 3 children: John Arthur IV, Eric Gregory, and Tiffany Joy.

Pamela Therese was born in 1948. She along with her sister and brothers all grew up in Tinley Park, Illinois. After eloping, Pam married Darrell Haddix. As I recall, it was the talk of the family. They settled in Kentucky. Together, they had 2 children: Jill Lynette and Tracy Darnell. Darrell died 26 December 1999.

Arthur Thomas was born in 1951. He married Janice Ann Klaub. Together, they had 3 daughters: Jennifer Jean, Tracey Renee, and Tara Nicole. They live in or around Atlanta, Georgia.

William Gerard was born in 1956. He married Gay Ann Lehman. They live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Eighth Child and Third Son of William and Margaret Karr: Edwin "Ted" John

Christmas 1971

Christmas 1969

Christmas 1968

Ted's Third Christmas?

Ted's Second Christmas

Ted's First Christmas

Ted Overlooking the Mississippi River - 1964

Edwin "Ted" John was born 27 October 1959 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He was the "caboose" as dad called him because he was the last of the Karrs. Ted was named after our maternal grandfather, Edwin Columbus O'Toole.

Ted, after graduation from Bogan High School, attended trade school to become - what else? - a plumber. It is the family trade.

Ted met and married Anita Marie Ansier on 24 Aug 1980 in Chicago, Illinois. Together, they had three daughters: Melissa Therese, Lauren Elizabeth, and Michelle.

The Seventh Child and Fifth Daughter of William and Margaret Karr: Joanne Marilyn

St. Leo's Shrine - the tree on the left is where Joanne's grave sits

Joanne's Obituary

Joanne's Gravestone

Joanne's Second Christmas

Joanne's First Christmas

Joanne Marilyn was born on 21 Oct 1957 in Evergreen Park, Cook, Illinois at Little Company of Mary Hospital. She is the last of the girls.

Joanne attended Bogan High School. She did not get into Queen of Peace like her sisters to mom's dismay. Mom was furious after having spent so much on tuition on the four elder girls.

At Bogan, Joanne met Thomas Hucher. They were married on 17 Sep 1983 in Joliet, Illinois and together had 3 sons: Thom, Sean, and Elliot. Tom and Joanne had a tumultuous relationship and separated several times over the years, eventually getting divorced in 1995.

In 1993, Joanne was diagnosed with breast cancer. Barb had set up a benefit for Joanne and other things to raise money for Joanne's bills.

In January 1998 on Dr. King's birthday, Joanne called me early in the morning, not realizing I had the day off, and asked me if there was a way she could know she was going to heaven when she died. I explained the good news of the gospel that if we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and believe in our heart His attonement for our sins, we can be assured of our place in heaven. I led her in the sinner's prayer and asked her if she believed this in her heart and she stated she did. I told her she was born again and would see Christ in heaven.

Joanne had hospice in the house. On one occasion, everyone was called to the home. We gathered together and were telling family stories as we were waiting for the end to come. Suddenly, Joanne awoke and wanted to know what everyone was doing there. Then, out of the blue, Joanne says she is hungry and wants a Whopper. Greg rushes out and goes to Burger King and gets Joanne her Whopper. On 18 Apr 1998, Joanne finally succumbed to the disease. She is buried next to Barb.

The Sixth Child and Fourth Daughter of William and Margaret Karr: Mary Virginia

Mary the Toddler

Bathing Beauty

Mary's Birthday Party?

Mary's First Christmas

Mary Virginia was born at Little Company of Mary Hospital on 17 November 1956 in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She is also the third child born on the 17th of a month.

Mary also attended Queen of Peace High School and the last to do so. She held a variety of jobs after graduation. Eventually, she ended up in Houston, Texas near to her sister Beth.

In Texas, she met and married Randall Schroen. On 2 December 1994, the marriage was dissolved. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Hudson, Wisconsin. There she met and married Rick Blane Stanaitis on 1 February 1997. Rick's daughters from a previous marriage, Tascha and Tina, also lived with Rick and Mary. They now live in River Falls, Wisconsin.

The Fifth Child and Middle Daughter of William and Margaret Karr: Barbara Ann

St. Leo's Shrine - the tree on the left is where Barb's grave is located

Barb's Gravestone

Entrance to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

Barb's First Holy Communion with Sister Monica (Bridget McDermott) and Cousin Michael McGann (also his first commuion)

Barb & Shep

Barb - the toddler

Barb in Santa's lap, Peg, Beth, Greg to her rear, and Bill

Bill, Greg, Peg, Beth, and Barb in that bouncer that lasted far beyond the warranty.

Barbara Ann was born 28 March 1955 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Barb was the middle daughter and in many ways exeplified the middle child syndrome.

The Beach Boys' song Barbara Ann was very popular during my teenage years and it was sung in a teasing manner to Babr. Barb also attended Queen of Peace High School. After graduating, she went to become a court stenographer, but did not excel at it and eventually gave up to be come a legal secretary. She worked for our cousin, Maureen (a divorce attorney).

Barb met and married William Schmutz on 24 Aug 1975 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. I gave Barb away at her wedding. It was shortly after dad passed away and did not feel worthy of the privilege.

Together Willie and Barb had three sons: twin sons William Thomas and Joseph Raymond, and Michael James.

In February 1996, Barb, who was an avid fundraiser for her sister Joanne, was diagnosed with breast cancer. 11 months later on 13 January 1997, Barb succumbed to the disease. She was buried on 18 January 1997, the coldest day of the year. Earlier in the day, Barb was taken to Palos Hospital and then life-flighted to the University of Chicago Hospital. We gathered together as a family at U of C Hospital and waited for her breathe her last breath.

The Fourth Child and Second Daughter of William and Margaret Karr: Elizabeth Joan

Beth, Peg, Greg, & Bill Christmas 1953

Elizabeth was born 21 November 1953. Beth was either the first or the second child born at Little Company of Mary Hospital. Beth was always tattling on me.

Beth married Anthony "Tony" Anastasio. Together they had one son, John, born in 1980. Tony was a longshoreman for many years. It was told that his uncle was the head of the Longshoreman's Union.

Beth went to Queen of Peace High School along with her elder sister, Peggy. She went to junior college to become a dental hygenist. However, somewhere before or after that, she took off for Europe for a time.

John married Maryanne Gaul on 26 Sep 2009 in Lake George, Warren, New York.

The Third Child and Eldest Daughter of William and Margaret Karr: Margaret Mary

Peg, Beth, Mary, and Joanne (in front of Peg) The Infamous 1964 Vacation

Bill, Peg, and Greg

Margaret Mary Karr was born on 26 May 1952. It is unclear if she was born at Holy Cross Hospital like her two older brothers or was the first to be born at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. I assume the latter instead of the former. We moved from the home around 78th & May to our home on 85th Street in 1952. She is the first daughter and the princess of the family. Peggy could do no wrong in dad's eyes until she sprayed mace in high school.

Peggy married Jerome Elsholz and they had 2 children: Charles and Emily. They spent sometime in Chicago, but ended up moving to Milwaukee.

The Second Eldest Child of William and Margaret Karr: Gregory Peter

Tom McGrath, Jack Harnedy, and Greg - The Three Musketeers

Greg at Cable Lake, Michigan

Bill, Greg, and Peg

Young Greg

Gregory Peter was born 17 September 1950. The second child of William and Margaret. He also was born at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago.

Greg married Sandra Welsch in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Together that had 2 children: Allyson and Andrea.

Greg also attended St. Thomas More grammar school. It was a family affair. I'm not sure if the Karr's receiveda discount for all the kids they put through the school. Greg attended Leo High School like our father. However, it did not last long. He hit one of the Christian Brothers and was expelled. He transferred to St. Laurence. This is a little odd, though, as it was named after St. Laurence O'Toole and mom's maiden name is O'Toole.

Sandy went to Queen of Peace High School, which is across the parking lot of St. Laurence High School (or at least down the block). The schools had joint dances. Greg met Sandy through our sister, Peg.

After high school, Greg followed in his brother's footsteps and joined the Marines. We met in DaNang, Vietnam, I was stationed on the USS Coral Sea, while Greg was in DaNang. After his discharge from the Marines, Greg went and became a plumber's apprentice and eventually, a journeyman plumber.

The Eldest Child of William and Margaret Karr: William Patrick

9404 S. Utica Evergreen Park, Illinois

Chicago State University

Normal School - Predecessor to Chicago State University

The Newlyweds 1987

The Moody Bible Institute

2925 W. 97th Place Evergreen Park, Illinois

Bill the Marine

Ash Wednesday circa 1953

First Communion 1957

Young Bill ~12 years-old

Mom & Me 8-23-1948

Christening Day 4-4-1948 with Tom Karr, Joan O'Toole, & Dad

The Bonnie Prince William

A Handsome Lad

Lobby of Holy Cross Hospital

Bill and Marge had eight children: William Patrick, Gregory Peter, Margaret Mary, Elizabeth Joan, Barbara Ann, Mary Virginia, Joanne Marilyn, and Edwin John.

William Patrick was born 3.17.1948 in Chicago, Illinois. There is a story that Bill and Marge had separated for a time, while Marge was pregnant with Greg. Young Bill was left with his father. Whether the elder Bill was drunk at the time is uncertain, but somehow the elder William dropped the younger William. At age 2, the younger William was diagnosed with epilepsy, which lasted until he was age 7.

William attended St. Thomas More grammar school. He then went to Little Flower High School for the first 3 years of high school. William, after an argument with his mother, changed high schools and transferred himself to Bogan High School. He ended up shooting himself in the foot though, as the religion credits did not transfer to public school and was consider a junior again.

The teenage years for William were tumultuous. He had a difficult time with his parents. In an effort to get away from his parents, he joined the United States Marine Corps on 28 February 1968. He spent time overseas and had an opportunity to visit his brother, Greg, in Da Nang, Vietnam.

William Patrick married Alice Lynn Starr on 14 December 1973. Together they had one child: Meghan Mary. Eventually, they divorced. William remarried Elizabeth Ann Heery on 7 February 1987.

On 28 May 1980, William gave his life to Christ and received Christ as his personal Savior. Shortly thereafter, he attended Moody Bible Institute. He graduated with a certificate in Christian Education and Pastoral Evangelism in May 1984.

In 1991, William entered Montay College to study Addictions Counseling. He graduated with a certificate in that course of study in May 1993.

In August 1993, William entered Chicago State University and studied psychology, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in December 1996. In January 1997, William entered the Master's Program at Chicago State University and graduated in May 2001 with a Master of Arts in Counseling.

The Children of Thomas and Fran Karr

Dennis, Granny (Rose Veronica), and Thomas Karr

RAF Northolt

Map of the Azores

Tom and Frances (nee Dooley) had 2 sons: Thomas Peter and Dennis Francis. They were still in the Azores when their parents' plane crashed on Mill Hill outside of London. The plane took off from the RAF Northolt military base.

Thomas, the son, was born in 1946. He married Linda Thompson in 1969 and together they had 2 children: Thomas and Tammy. Eventually, Tom and Linda divorced. Tom remarried Kelly.

Dennis was born in 1948. He married Heidi Gay Mattox and together they had 2 children: Dennis and Heidi, Jr. Eventually, Dennis and Heidi divorced. Dennis remarried Pam.

The Last Child of Peter and Veronica Karr: Marilyn Rose

Neff Coat of Arms

Kerr Coat of Arms

The Headstone of Arthur & Marilyn Neff

Marilyn Rose was born on 7 Nov 1927 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Marilyn married Arthur Neff in Chicago, Illinois. She died 17 May 1996 in Tinley Park, Cook, Illinois and buried on 20 May 1996 in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

Together Marilyn & Art had four children: Marilyn Veronica, Pamela Therese, Arthur Thomas, and William Gerard.