The Kerr Family Line

Thomas Michael Karr's Military Station

2012-07-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

Lajes Field

or Lajes Air Base (Portuguese: Base Aérea das Lajes), officially designated Air Base No. 4 (Base Aérea Nº 4, BA4) (IATA: TER, ICAO: LPLA), is a multi-use air field, home to the Portuguese Air Force Base Aérea Nº4 and Azores Air Zone Command (Portuguese: Comando da Zona Aérea dos Açores), a United States Air Force detachment (operated by the 65th Air Base Wing of United States Air Forces in Europe), and a regional air passenger terminal located near Lajes and 15 km (9.3 mi) northeast of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. Located about 3,680 km (2,290 mi) east of New York City and about 1,600 km (990 mi) west of Lisbon, Portugal; the base sits in a strategic location midway between North America and Europe in the north Atlantic Ocean.
The origin of the Lajes Field dates back to 1928, when Portuguese Army Lieutenant colonel Eduardo Gomes da Silva wrote a report on the possible construction of an airfield in the plainland of Lajes, for that branch's aviation service (Portuguese: Aeronáutica Militar). However, the location of Achada on the island of São Miguel was chosen instead at the time for the construction of the field. In 1934, the Achada airfield was condemned due to its inadequate dimensions and adverse weather conditions, resulting in the construction of a landing strip of packed earth and a small group of support facilities by the Portuguese military at Lajes.

World War II

During World War II, the designation of the airfield was changed to Air Base No.4 and the Portuguese government expanded the runway, sending troops and equipment to Terceira, including Gloster Gladiator fighters. The military activities in the Azores grew in 1942, as the Gladiators began to be used to support allied convoys, in reconnaissance missions and on meteorological flights. In addition, the first Portuguese Junkers Ju 52 arrived in July 1942 to fly cargo missions.
By 1943, the British and American armed forces were allowed basing rights in Portugal, and the Royal Air Force took over Lajes Field as RAF Station Lajes. The Azores permitted British and American airplanes to protect Allied shipping in the mid-Atlantic.

On 1 December 1943, British and U.S. military representatives at RAF Lages Field signed a joint agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and United States Navy (USN) at Lajes Field. The agreement established guidelines and limitations for the ferrying of aircraft and the transport aircraft to Europe via Lajes Field. In return, the US agreed to assist the British in improving and extending existing facilities at Lajes. Air Transport Command transport planes began landing at Lajes Field immediately after the agreement was signed. By the end of June 1944, more than 1,900 American airplanes had passed through this Azorean base. Using Lajes Field, the flying time relative to the usual transatlantic route between Brazil and West Africa was nearly cut in half from 70 to 40 hours.

Lajes Field was one of the two stopover and refueling bases for the first transatlantic crossing of non-rigid airships (blimps) in 1944. The USN sent six Goodyear-built K-ships from Naval Air Station South Weymouth in Massachusetts to their first stopover base at Naval Station Argentia, Newfoundland and then on to Lajes Field in the Azores before flying to their final destination at Port Lyautey (Kenitra), French Morocco. From their base with Fleet Air Wing 15 at Port Lyautey, the blimps of USN Blimp Squadron 14 (ZP-14 or Blimpron 14) conducted night-time anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to search for German U-boats around the Strait of Gibraltar using magnetic anomaly detection (MAD). In 1945, two ZP-14 replacement blimps were sent from Weeksville, North Carolina to the Bermudas and Lajes before going on to Craw Field (Kenitra Air Base) at Port Lyautey.

Post-War

The United States and the United Kingdom transferred control of Lajes to Portugal in 1946. The Portuguese redesignated Lajes as Air Base No. 4 and assigned it to the air branch of the Portuguese Army. However, talks between the U.S. and Portugal began about extending the American stay in the Azores. A temporary agreement was reached between the U.S. and Portuguese governments giving the U.S. military rights to Lajes Field for an additional 18 months: the relationship between the Portuguese and American governments continues to this day, where the U.S. military resides under a tenancy status. Lajes Field remains Portuguese Air Base 4 under the direction of Headquarters Azores Air Zone commanded by Portuguese Air Force brigadeiro (equal to a U.S. two-star general).
In 1947, the Portuguese Esquadra 41 started to operate from Lajes, equipped with Boeing SB-17, Grumman HU-16 Albatross, Douglas C-54 Skymaster and, later Sikorsky H-19. This unit was responsible for the search and rescue (SAR) operations in the Atlantic between Europe and North America.

In 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance was established. Portugal, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and various (other) western European countries were charter members of NATO. By reason of the NATO alliance, Lajes was available for use by those countries, and the use of Lajes was one of Portugal's primary contributions to the alliance.

In 1953, Lynde D. McCormick, the Commander-in-Chief of United States Atlantic Command organized a subordinate unified command in the Azores called U.S. Forces Azores (USFORAZ). A small staff of United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps personnel composed the joint staff of USFORAZ, serving as the liaison between the U.S. and the Portuguese in the Azores.

In the late 1950s, USAF air refueling/tanker aircraft were stationed at Lajes to provide inflight refueling for U.S. aircraft transiting the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the tanker units left Lajes by 1965, but others returned later, especially the USAF KC-135 Stratotanker. This transfer, coupled with the introduction of newer long-range aircraft, resulted in a gradual decline in Lajes traffic. The Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and its successor, the Military Airlift Command (MAC), became responsible for USAF activities at the base, and for a while the 1605th Military Airlift Support Wing acted as USAF host unit.

Lajes Field also played a crucial role in Cold War politics. From 1932 to 1968, Portugal was under the dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar, yet the U.S. Government maintained friendly relations with the Estado Novo regime, especially after 1943. With rising postwar tensions between the East and the West, the United States understood the strategic importance of Lajes Field and continued its close friendship with the Salazar Government in Portugal.

In 1961, the Portuguese Air Force EICAP (heavy aircraft advanced training unit) was transferred to Lajes, operating Douglas C-47, Douglas C-54 and later CASA C-212 Aviocar.

During the Portuguese Colonial War, from 1961 to 1975, the Air Force Hospital at Lajes operated as the main centre for treatment and rehabilitation of mutilated and heavy burned soldiers of the three services of the Portuguese Armed Forces.

Another important Cold War operation at Lajes was the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Facility Lajes (NAF Lajes), a tenant activity at the air base. NAF Lajes, and its associated Tactical Support Center (TSC)/Antisubmarine Warfare Operations Center (ASWOC), supported rotational detachments of U.S. Navy P-2 Neptune and later P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft that would track Soviet attack, guided missile, and ballistic missile submarines in the region. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, and end of the Cold War, P-3 operations at Lajes declined, and the Naval Air Facility was inactivated in the late 1990s.

During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Lajes Field also supported U.S. airlift missions to Israel, highlighting the importance of the U.S. Air Force base at Lajes.

Post-Carnation Revolution

In 1980, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Terceira Island. Damage to Lajes Field was minimal, but Portuguese communities throughout the island suffered extensive damage. Military personnel responded with food, shelter, equipment, and manpower.

In the summer of 1984, Lajes undertook a new mission known as "SILK PURSE." Boeing EC-135s began operating out of Lajes Field as an airborne command post for the U.S. Commander-in-Chief, Europe. Along with the aircraft came the U.S. European Command battle staff and flight crews from United States Air Forces in Europe. This mission was ended in late August 1991.

Lajes supported the large airlift during the Gulf War. On the first day of the deployment over 90 aircraft transited Lajes. Strategic Air Command (SAC) created a provisional tanker wing, the 802nd Air Refueling Wing (P) Provisional, at Lajes to support the airlift. At the height of the operation a peak of 33 tanker aircraft and 600 troops deployed to Lajes. Soon after the Gulf War ended, Lajes command changed from Air Mobility Command, to Air Combat Command.

The resident Portuguese Squadron 711 Albatrozes (Albatrosses) was deactivated on 30 November 2006. With this act the long-serving Aerospatiale Puma was retired from service. The Puma helicopters were replaced by the modern AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin: the Portuguese government purchased twelve units for SAR, CSAR and Fisheries enforcement. Air Base No.4 received three Merlins on permanent detachment from Esquadra 751 "Pumas" from Air Base No.6 at Montijo, near Lisbon. They saw immediate service starting 1 December 2006. However, maintenance problems developed in the next coming months which, coupled with a shortage of spare parts from the manufacturer, led to such a low serviceble rate forcing the Portuguese Air Force to pull the Merlin from service in the Azores. The last Merlin flew back to Montijo on 19 March 2009. In order not to compromise the SAR mission, the Portuguese Air Force decided to reactivate the Puma fleet: in July 2008 a formation of four Puma helicopters made the trans-Atlantic crossing from Beja to Lajes via Porto Santo Airport on Porto Santo Island and Santa Maria Airport on Santa Maria Island.
The Portuguese Air Force continues to operate one SAR squadron Esq. 752 "Pumas" operating five ubiquitous and reliable Aerospatiale Pumas to fly patients among the islands, from ships during SAR missions and during other transport duties. The entire Merlin fleet is expected to return to full operational status eventually, giving way to the definitive retirement of the Puma helicopters. There is also a long standing CASA C-212 Aviocar detachment from mainland Esquadra 401 "Cientistas".
In 2009 Lajes provided rescue support of shipping lanes across the Atlantic, a safe haven for medical or mechanical emergency situations in aircraft crossing the Atlantic, and support for the USAF's continuing campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fighter, tanker and transport planes frequently stopped there, either east or westbound. The next decade expects to see a rise in the number of U.S. Department of Defense aircraft to transit Lajes supporting the newly created AFRICOM.
The base also supports other NATO and non-NATO armed forces assets crossing the Atlantic for transport, VIP, exercise, relief or humanitarian duties.

The civilian terminal also plays an important role in support of passenger and cargo airliners, executive, corporate and private jets flying to the island or beyond as the central location in the Azores group of islands makes it an ideal spot for refuelling or stopover. In the past five years, large Antonov An-124 and An-225 aircraft have been seen frequently transporting outsized cargo for destinations in North and South America.

Civilian operators may use Terceira Airport/Lajes Air Base after requesting a landing permit according to the rules inscribed in the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) for Portugal, issued by the Portuguese Directorate of Civilian Aviation (INAC).

Current status

Lajes provides support to 15,000 aircraft including fighters from the US and 20 other allied nations each year. The geographic position has made this airbase strategically important to both the United States and NATO's war fighting capability. In addition, a small commercial aviation terminal handles scheduled and chartered flights from North America and Europe, especially mainland Portugal. It also supervises commercial air traffic with the other islands in the Azorean archipelago and trans-Atlantic refuelling and stopovers for commercial airlines, executive and corporate jets, air cargo haulers, small private aircraft, governmental flights, humanitarian missions, and other flights.

Today, Lajes continues to support transiting aircraft. Beginning in 1997, large scale fighter aircraft movements under the new USAF operating concept known as the Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) filled the Lajes flightline. Lajes also has hosted B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer bomber aircraft on global air missions, and also supported many routine NATO exercises, such as the biennial Northern Viking exercise. Lajes Field services aircraft from various nations, including Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. The airfield is an alternative landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle orbiter and also now plays as the number one diversion airport for medical or mechanical emergency diversion situations for any kind of airplanes. An annual average of 50 diversions of any type use Lajes as a mid Atlantic safe haven.

In August 2006, Portuguese news agencies reported that both governments were in discussions for a new agreement that could allow the use of Lajes for the training of a permanent F-22 Raptor squadron. Since 1943, the use of Lajes by the U.S. military has allowed Portugal to strengthen diplomatic relations with the U.S. as well as obtain military equipment for the Portuguese Armed Forces, including two A-7P Corsair II squadrons and the co-finance of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft under the Peace Atlantis I program.

Recently, in August 2010, Portuguese news agencies advised for the termination of the F-22 Raptor plan to use Lajes as a platform for DACT training over the Atlantic Ocean. DoD sources were cited as the plan cancelled due to budgetary constraints. This was regarded locally as a setback for the military envinronment at Lajes, as well as raising doubts from regional political forces who have concerns regarding the base future as well as the safety of the Azorean employed workforce.

Despite NATO and non-NATO fighter and transport planes which continue to use Lajes on a regular basis, the US DoD movements are now at an all time low. With more and more airplanes making use of air to air refueling, Lajes has been for some periods of time, ranging from weeks to months, almost deserted except for the occasional C-130 or KC-135.

Accidents and Incidents

On January 31, 1951, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster operated by the Portuguese Air Force crashed into the sea while approaching Lajes Field, having taken off from Lisbon, Portugal, killing all 14 on board.

On August 9, 1954, a Lockheed L-749A-79 Constellation operated by Avianca crashed three minutes after take off flew left into the hills instead of right towards the sea killing all 30 on board.

On September 3, 1976, a Venezuelan Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed while attempting an emergency landing during Hurricane Emmy. On final approach, a wind gust slammed the aircraft into a hillside, killing all 68 people aboard. Most of the passengers were members of the student chorus of the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas, traveling to Barcelona.

On February 4, 1998, an Antonov 12BP operated by Air Luxor crashed on take off when the number three engine shut down and feathered. The plane then veered right, stalled and crashed into a hill killing all 7 on board.

On 24 August 2001, Air Transat Flight 236 enroute to Lisbon from Toronto, Canada made an emergency landing at Lajes with no loss of life (the Airbus A330 had 293 passengers and 13 crew members on board), after running out of fuel over the Atlantic and gliding about 120 km (75 mi).

The Great, Great Grandchildren of Thomas and Alice Kerr

2010-05-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-18T18:48:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

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.

The Middle Child of Peter and Veronica Karr: William Joseph

2010-05-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

Kerr Coat of Arms

O'Toole Coat of Arms

The Headstone of William J. Karr

Bill & Marge's Wedding Day 8.11.1945

Our House at 2848 W. 85th Street

William Joseph Karr's Death Certificate

Bill & Marge's Marriage Certificate

Bill & Marge - the Easter Look

Big Bill

The Lovebirds

The Beachhead at Anzio

Collage of Bill the Soldier

Bill the Wiseguy and Bill the teen

Dad Stylin'

Bill the Senior at Leo High School - 1942

The Brothers: Bill & Tom

William was born on 13 Jul 1924 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He married Margaret Mary O'Toole on 11 Aug 1945 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

Bill was a soldier in the US Army. He was wounded on the beachhead at Anzio, Italy. He was hospitalized. He had a silver plate placed in his skull due to wound sustained at Anzio.

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

The Eldest Child of Peter and Veronica Karr: Thomas Michael

2010-05-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

Kerr Coat of Arms

Dooley Coat of Arms

Uncle Tom & Aunt Fran's Headstone

Tom Karr the Senior at Leo High School - 1941

The Brothers: Bill & Tom

A Collage of photos of Thomas and Frances Karr, Thomas Karr, & Thomas and Margaret Karr

The British Death Certificate for Thomas Karr

The British Death Certificate for Frances Karr

Village of Mill Hill - 2009

British Article Page 3 of the Crash

British Article Page 2 of the Crash

British Article Page 1 of the Crash

A DC - 3

Map of the Azore Islands

The 1930 Chicago Census with Peter, Veronica, Thomas, William, & Marilyn Karr

The 1930 Census reads Kass not Karr. Peter and Rose (no one ever called her Rose; they called her Veronica) had 3 children: Thomas Michael, William Joseph, and Marilyn Rose.

Thomas was born on 12 Feb 1923 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He married Alice Frances Dooley on 2 Apr 1945 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

Tom was a lieutenant in the Air Force. Seeing he was an officer in the newly emerging Air Force, he was most likely a pilot. Tom was stationed in the Azores. Together Tom and Fran had 2 sons: Thomas P. and Dennis Francis.

In October 1950, they were on a vacation (at least it appears to be a vacation, but they left Tom and Den in the Azores). The trip took them to London.

On 17 October 1950, the plane (a DC-3) took off for Renfrow, Scotland. Shortly after take off, the plane crashed in a town called Mill Hill outside an British military base. There was only 1 survivor. Tom and Fran were killed in the crash.

The Children of James and Catherine Hughes

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Aunt Catherine and Uncle James Hughes with their son, James, Jr. in the 1930 Chicago Census

Catherine and James had one son, James Hughes, Jr. In the 1930 Census, there is a Mary Hughes, but according to the family, no Mary ever existed.

James Hughes, Jr. was born on 1 Nov 1921 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He married Cecile McManigal. Together they had 6 children: Michael, Robert, Janet, Mary, Steven, and Thomas. James died in September 1984 in Woodridge, Du Page, Illinois.

The Children of Maurice and Rose Bunyan

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The Headstone of Raymond Bunyan

The Cook County Birth Certificate of Sigmund Kaczmarek

The Cook County Birth Certificate of Morris Bunyan

The Cook County Birth Certificate of Thomas Bunyan

Rose and Maurice had 4 children: Thomas Michael, Maurice J., Josephine Alice, and Raymond Bunyan.

Thomas Michael was born on 13 Jan 1914 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He married Kathleen V. Malloy on 12 Apr 1938 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He died on 14 Aug 1984 in Pinellas, Florida. It is not known, at this time, if they had any children.

Maurice (Morris) Bunyan was born on 3 May 1915 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Morris died on 14 Oct 2001 Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He married Fern E. Genslinger on 31 May 1951 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

Josephine Alice was born on 19 May 1921 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. Josephine died on 24 Jun 1991 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. She married Sigmund G. "Casey" Kaczmarek on 26 Jun 1950 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois.

Raymond Bunyan was born on 17 Feb 1925 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. He died on 11 Oct 1999 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. As far as I can tell, Raymond never married or had any children.

The Children of John and Mae Gibbons

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Kerr Coat of Arms

Gibbons Coat of Arms

Not much is known about John and Mae. Mae was also known as May and Mamie. They had 2 children - Robert E. Gibbons (b. 1908) and Helen Gibbons (b 1912).

In the 1930 Chicago Census, John, Mae, Robert, Helen, and John's brother, Phillip, live at 6338 S. Marshfield Ave.

Nothing is known at this time about Robert and Helen.

The Children of Charles and Ann Miller

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Kerr Coat of Arms

Miller Coat of Arms

Ford Motor Company HQ

Kellogg's Company HQ Battle Creek, MI

Tom also had a son Tom, who was a Lieutenant in the USMC. He was wounded in the Vietnam War, when his Captain stepped on a landmine. Tom was behind the Captain. The Captain died immediately.

Bud, as I recall, had a daughter named Margaret. We visited them in Kalamazoo on one of our vacations. I believe we toured the Kellogg's factory during that time, as well.

Tom worked for the Ford Motor Company. This fact came in handy during our infamous 1964 vacation. The engine blew up on dad's new Country Squire Station Wagon. Tom got dad a new engine, which the dealer in Gillette, Wyoming did not want to provide us.

Peter Thomas Karr

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Kerr Coat of Arms

McDermott Coat of Arms

The Headstone of Peter & Veronica Karr

Grandpa Pete's Death Certificate

Peter Karr's Police Personnel Record Page #2

Peter Karr's Police Personnel Record Page #1

Peter Thomas Karr WWI Draft Registration Card

xii. Peter Thomas Karr (born on 8 Nov 1899 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA - died on 10 Jul 1945 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA).

Peter married Rose Veronica McDermott on 29 Apr 1922 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. Marriage status: married. Rose was born on 1 Jul 1897 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, died on 4 Jun 1967 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA at age 69, and was buried on 9 Jun 1967 in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA.

What happened to the surname of Kerr? Well, there are 2 family stories and 1 story conjured up by a vivid imagination. The first story I heard was from Aunt Catherine. She stated that Grandpa changed the name because he did not like the connotation of a cur (an obsolete term that denotes a mongrel or inferior dog). Another story says he changed the name during the war (one of the World Wars - never found out which one) because he did not want to be thought of as being of German descent. My vivid imagination thought he changed the name because he was Chicago cop and was trying to disguise his person by changing his last name. I thought he would have been hiding from the mob. (Hey, I did not say it was logical, only a part of a vivid imagination.)

Catherine Kerr Hughes

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The Headstone of James & Catherine Hughes
Mount Carmel Cemetery - Hillside, Illinois

The Cook County Marriage Certificate of James Hughes and Catherine Hughes

Catherine Kerr Hughes circa 1920

xi. Catherine Kerr was born on 4 Jan 1896 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, died on 6 Apr 1979 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA at age 83, and was buried on 9 Apr 1979 in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook, Illinois, USA.

Catherine married James L. Hughes Sr. on 19 Oct 1920 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. Marriage status: married. James was born on 1 Nov 1890 in Liverpool, Lancashire, England, died on 1 Apr 1956 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA at age 65, and was buried _____-_____-_____ in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook, Illinois, USA.

Lillian V. Kerr Birmingham

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The Headstone For Lillian & James Birmingham
Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois

The 1920 Chicago Census with James & Lillian Living with Alice McEvoy Kerr and Lillian's Siblings

The Cook County Marriage Certificate for Lillian V. Kerr & James I. Birmingham

x. Lillian V. Kerr was born _____-Sep 1895 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, died on 15 Oct 1943 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, and was buried on 16 Oct 1943 in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook, Illinois, USA.

Lillian married James I. Birmingham on 21 Jan 1919 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. Marriage status: married. They were married shortly after James arrived. According to the 1930 census, he came over in 1919 and, eventually, became a naturalized citizen.

James was born on 12 Apr 1890 in England, died _____-_____-_____ in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, and was buried _____-_____-_____ in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook, Illinois, USA.

James and Lillian had no children of which I am aware. In the 1920 Census, both are living with Alice McEvoy Kerr and her children - Catherine and Peter (the census says Petter) - at 6617 S. Bishop. By the 1930 Census, they were living on their own around 71st and Claremont.

Rose Kerr Bunyan

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The Cook County Marriage Certificate for Rose Kerr & Maurice Bunyan

ix. Rose Josephine Kerr was born _____-Jul 1888 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, died on 25 Sep 1961 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, and was buried on 28 Sep 1961 in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. In various census, Rose is Rosa and Rosina.

Rose married Maurice Michael Bunyan on 26 Mar 1913 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. Marriage status: married. Maurice was born in _____-_____-1885 in __________, __________, __________, died on 27 Jun 1977 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA at age 92, and was buried on 30 Jun 1977 in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA.

Mae Kerr Gibbons

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The Cook County Marriage Certificate of Mae Kerr & John Gibbons

viii. Mae Kerr was born _____-Nov 1884 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, died on 3 Jan 1962 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, and was buried _____-_____-_____ in __________, __________, __________.

Mae married John Gibbons on 19 Jun 1907 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. Marriage status: married. John was born in _____-_____-1882 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, died _____-_____-_____ in __________, __________, __________, and was buried _____-_____-_____ in __________, __________, __________.

Ann Kerr Miller

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Annie Kerr & Charles Miller's Cook County Marriage Certificate

vii. Ann Kerr was born _____-Mar 1883 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, died _____- _____-_____ in __________, __________, __________, and was buried _____-_____- _____ in __________, __________, __________.

Ann married Charles H. Miller on 25 Jun 1913 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA. Marriage status: married. Charles was born in _____-_____-1892 in La Grange, Cook, Illinois, USA, died _____-_____-_____ in __________, __________, __________, and was buried _____-_____-_____ in __________, __________, __________.

Ann Kerr is the eldest known child to have survived. According to my records, Both Thomas and Alice came to America in 1882. Having been married in 1880, they could have to come to America with one or two children.

There are time gaps between many of the children. So, they all could have been born over here. According to the 1900 census, Alice was the mother of 11 children, but only 6 were living at the time of the census. As already stated, family history indicated a baker's dozen.

Ann married Charles Miller and then they somehow ended up in Michigan. They had 2 sons that I am aware - Bud lived in Kalamazoo and Tom lived somewhere around Detroit. I have not been able to locate Bud or Tom.