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John B. Wallenstein (1942 - 2014)

mattpenning.com 2009
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NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

SPRINGFIELD, IL - John B. Wallenstein, 72, of Springfield, passed away at 2:55 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center.

John was born April 3, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Bert and Betty Feldman Wallenstein. He married Gracia Vossman on Dec. 22, 1974, in Wichita, Kan.

John was a graduate of Highland Park (Illinois) High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Cornell College, in Iowa and a master's degree in economics from the University of Iowa, writing his master's thesis on "Baseball and the Anti-Trust Laws." In 1978, John and his family moved to Springfield with the Springfield Redbirds. Over the years John has held various positions around the Springfield community. He was the General Manager of the Springfield Capitals. Later he worked in sales and marketing for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and most recently WUIS, public radio. John's most recent project was helping to establish "The Education Desk" at WUIS.

He served on the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors. John was a lifelong White Sox fan. John was a gentle soul who loved his family fiercely and baseball, his job and baseball, his community and baseball. He believed in buying and supporting local.

John is survived by his wife, Gracia Wallenstein; three daughters: Jennifer Vossman (partner, Brian Rogers) of Springfield, Kimberly Norris of San Clemente, Calif., and Debra (husband, Darren) Brodie of Rogers, Ark.; five grandchildren: Devin, Erin, and Shane Norris, and Kelsey and Mason Brodie; brother, Roger (wife, Judy) Wallenstein; and sister, Lee Glazer all of Chicago; aunt, Helene Feldman; niece, Jessie Glazer; nephews: Chet and Bill Wallenstein, and Ben Glazer; and cousin, Annie Miele.

Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering: The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:45 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Memorial Ceremony: 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home.

In an effort to reach John's goal of fully funding the "Education Desk," memorial contributions may be made to WUIS, "Education Desk", 1 University Dr., Ste. WUIS-130, Springfield, IL 62703; or CLICK HERE.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

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