Kevin's Burial...April 29, 2009

Everyone gathered at the Catholic cemetary on Towers Road in St. Charles, MO to attend my nephew, Kevin Kirn's burial. The weather was cloudy with a threat of rain and the temperature was near 70. The funeral mass was held at St. Joseph's Catholic church in Cottleville at 10 a.m. The funeral procession of 40 or more cars led all of us across the county to the road 1/2 mile from where Kevin had recently built a home for his family. Kevin's gravesite is easily seen from the road as it is just next to the lone tree.

Kevin's best friend Jamie said a few words about Kevin and the 10 years they have known one another after the burial service. Afterwards everyone drove to Kevin & Kathy's to gather and spend time together in honoring Kevin's life.

My great nephew Kory

Kory is very difficult to photograph much of the time as one can see. However, he has blond hair, wears glasses, and likes computer games. One has to be very quick to get a picture of his face.

Kyle, my great nephew

What a terrific smile this kid has and what a ton of fun it is to be with him. We had a ball together.

Kayla, my great niece

Here's Kayla on the hammock looking ever so wonderful.

Kevin, myself, and Lou

This shot was taken as I was about to return to Las Vegas on Saturday morning. 04.04.09.

Kevin & Kathy

Kevin & Kathy sat down to take a break...so I had to take a picture of them. I'm glad I did as its a great shot. This was taken in Old St. Charles on 2nd Street on our way to lunch. 04.04.2009

Lou & Kevin Kirn...Father & Son

It was great to have time to spend with Lou, my brother-in-law and my nephew Kevin. It's been a while since we really had a chance to share our time and it was long overdue. I have some very fond memories with these two guys.

Kevin and his Mom

Here's my sister & nephew together at Karen's house.

My sister Mary

On Thursday Kevin & I traveled together going to his clinic, the pharmacy, had lunch, and we also stopped by to visit Mary. Here's a great photo of her.

At this time mary had her first chance to view the family blog and she loved seeing all the pictures.

Kirn Family photo

Here's a wonderful family photo. From the left...Kory, Lou, Kevin, Kyle (holding the frame for a family photo that I made for them), Kathy, & Kayla.
This photo was taken as I was about to leave for my return trip to Las Vegas.
(click on image to enlarge)

Mark & Kayla

Mark snores & Kayla communicates quietly so not to disturb her sleeping uncle.

After dinner with Mary

Mary shares her thoughts on dinner.

The Rumble

Kyle & Kory Kirn have some fun in their parent's bedroom on 04.04.09.

Mary had a little lamb

Here's my nephew Mark aka Rip Van Winkle, Sleeping Beauty...

The autographed whiffleball bat

Kyle displays the autographed model signed by his Great uncle Bob aka daddymunster.

Kevin, Karen, Kathy, and the Rabbit

Seated at the kitchen table are Kevin, Karen, and Kathy having an innocent conversation...until I walk in with the video camera.

Elliot, Becca, and infant Clark

Elliot, Clark, and Becca are standing in the door opening as a photographer takes their picture. My uncle Clark was my Dad's older brother by about 1 1/2 years. This photo must have been taken in about 1914 as my Dad, Amel was not in the picture as yet.

My Uncle Mike McCune

My Aunt Dolly married Mike McCune in St. Louis, Missouri and together they had Kay, Michael, Bev, Jerry, & Gary. Well, a few hours ago I discovered that my Uncle Mike grew up on a farm in Howell County, Brandsville, Missouri. According to the 1920 US census Mike was just 1 year & 2 months old at the time.

My Uncle Mike's Father was born in Iowa & his Mother was born in Texas. Mike had 3 sisters & a brother at this time. In about 2 years another sister would arrive.

Eventually, Uncle Mike's parents moved to St. Louis and lived on Lotus Street across from where Joseph & Della Froehly raised their family.

I have fond memories of my Uncle Mike and I'll always remember his laughter when he gave me my first sip of beer. It took place in Clayton, Missouri in my Grandma & Grandpa Froehly's kitchen where the men had gathered on an afternoon occasion. I was just barely walking by this time & Uncle Mike would call me over by saying "Hey Bud, come on over & try some of this." I liked Uncle Mike so I went right over & when he lowered the bottle I took my first swig of beer.

Well, I had never tasted anything like this before and it sure tasted different than the milk, water, or apple juice that I was used to. I remember the beer tasting bitter & strong. I'm sure I made quite a face and I just remember what a kick my Uncle Mike, my Dad, & Uncles Chubby, & Junior got out of it. They all howled with laughter.

In the 1950's I loved spending time at my cousins when they lived at 2315 Dawes in Overland, Missouri. Kay, Bev, & Mike were older than me and then on Sept. 2, 1956 twin boys, Jerry & Gary were added to the McCune family. Whenever I could stay overnight I would jump at the opportunity. There were always fun things to do like shooting baskets in the backyard or running around the neighborhood with the kids. On summer evenings I can remember the sun setting in the backyard and then all kinds of lightning bugs appearing as it got dark. It was magical!

New Years Eve and New Years Day was always a thrill as the entire family celebrated at the McCunes. I always knew there would be a great chance that I could sleep over. New Years Eve was always one of my favorite times because I would join in with my cousins making noise all throught the neighborhood celebrating the arrival of the New Year. We would always count down the last seconds.

The McCunes liked to have fun and I was a willing participant. The more, the merrier. I'll always remember my Uncle Mike's laughter. My next beer is with him in mind.

(click image to enlarge.)

Michael & Catherine Geraghty and Family

click on image to enlarge

My Great Grandfather, Michael Geraghty was born in Ireland in 1870 and my Great Grandmother, Catherine Ryan was born in Ireland in 1872. Michael was 12 and Catherine was just 10 when they immigrated by boat across the Atlantic to the United States. It must have been quite an experience for each child in 1882 as they were leaving their birthplace and history behind.

By the year 1890 Michael and Catherine had met, become sweethearts, and married. Della A., my Grandmother was born in 1892 and her brother, Michael J. was born two years later. He was to later be known as Mickey, my Great Uncle who operated a corner tavern and Bar-B-Que near the Soulard area of St. Louis. The story goes that Della loved the pigs ears that Mickey prepared on his grill. ( I remember as a young kid in the 50' s visiting his tavern with my family.)

The above image is taken from the 1910 US census for St. Louis. Michael was 40 and his wife, Catherine was 38 at the time. Michael, the father worked as a laborer for the Gas Company. Della was now 18 and working at the shoe factory as a "Fore Lady". Mickey also worked at the shoe factory and he was a "Machine Hand".

The Geraghty's rented a house at the time on 1421 Cleary Ave that was to become the location of Pruitt-Igoe housing complex that was later built in the mid-1950's. My Aunt Dolly shared with me that Michael & Catherine had 2-3 other children, but they had passed away. Julia died of pneumonia on June 21, 1901 when she was just 3 years, 9 months, and 28 days old. Julia was laid to rest at Calvary cemetary. She was my Great Aunt.

Ten years later on the 1920 US census Michael, Catherine, and Mickey were still living at the same address. By this time Della had moved out of the house and was married to Joseph Froehly for two years. They had a little girl named Virginia who was to become my Mom.

John F. & Philenia Simmons...my Great Grandparents

Scroll down to lines 8-16 to locate 236, 238 Simmons, John. Below his name you will find Philenia, his wife. There were 7 children in this family...4 boys & 3 girls. The children were born in this order; John A., Anvil C., Elliot M., Laura E., Carrie, Mary E.E., & Wily. Elliot Monroe is my Grandfather and father of my dad, Amel. Mary E.E. is my Aunt Mary Simmons. The other children are my aunts & uncles that I never knew. All members of this family were born in Missouri, however both of John F. & Philenia's parents were born in Tennesse.
This document is a United States census taken Franklin Township of Dent County on June 21, 1900. It indicates that the family lived on a farm that they owned and not rented. It also indicates that there was a mortgage on the farm. Five of the children attended school and four of the kids could speak english, read & write. My Grandfather Elliot was born in July, 1886 and was just shy of his 14th birthday at this time. My Aunt Mary was just 4 years of age as she was born in August of 1895. The head of the family is listed as a farmer.
My Great Grandfather, John Fielding Simmons was born in January of 1851 & my Great Grandmother, Philenia Simmons was born in January, 1857. Her maiden name is Philenia Belle Cage. John and Philenia were married in 1882.