Maurice E. “Duzie” Atwell, 85, of Geneseo, formerly of Annawan, died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at his home. A funeral mass celebrating his life was held Monday, Feb. 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Annawan. The Rev. Jerry Logan and Deacon Robert O’Rourke officiated. Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Annawan, where military honors were accorded by Annawan VFW. Visitation was held Sunday, Feb. 14 at Vandemore Funeral Home, Atkinson, where a scripture service was held. Memorials may be made to the Annawan/Alba Rescue Squad, Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation or Honor Flight.
He was born Nov. 17, 1924, in Geneseo, the son of Claude C. and Ruth E. (Matson) Atwell. He was a 1942 graduate of Annawan High School. He proudly served his country as a pilot in the US Air Force during World War II. He married Doris J. Adams in August 1949, in Annawan. They divorced and she died in 2005. He later married Betty (Croegaert) Johnson in 1982 in Kewanee. She died in 2008. He worked for Horace Lee at the Central Red Arrow Mobile Station for 40 years in Annawan, 10 years of which he owned and operated it as Duzie’s Repair. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Annawan American Legion and was a lifetime member of La Chateau 40&8, Annawan. He was also a former member of the Annawan/Alba Fire Department for 28 years. He enjoyed camping, traveling, reading, flying his ultra light airplane over Annawan, and was an avid airplane enthusiast. He was very generous at plowing snow for many people.
Survivors include three daughters and spouse, Chris Hochstatter of Mineral, Noreen White of Atkinson and Tammy and Dave Talbot of Kewanee; four sons and spouses, Dr. Cal and Kris Atwell of Geneseo, Kenny and Colleen Atwell of Taylor Ridge, Morey and Julie Atwell of Geneseo, and Tim and Glenda Atwell of Florence, Ky.; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters and spouse, Marilyn “Tinker” Thompson of Kewanee, Claudette and Don Swensssen of Moline and Diane Orendorff of Coal Valley; two brothers and spouse, Wayne and Mary Thompson of Annawan and Jack Thompson of Annawan; two sisters-in-law and spouse, Rita and Don Cryer of Hooppole and Rosemary Croegaert of Colona; a brother-in-law and spouse, Jim and Carol Croegaert of Annawan, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister and a brother.
Geneseo, Ill. —
