Page 95 – Strang Funeral Chapel and Crematorium

Irene Fletcher

Irene Fletcher was granted her angel wings after she lost her courageous battle to cancer on March 8, 2016. Her final days were spent surrounded by her family.
Irene was born June 20, 1947 to John and Alma Weglarek. She attended Holy Family Academy in Chicago IL. On August 24th, 1963 she married the love of her life, Larry Fletcher and they brought three children into this world.
Irene’s interests included family, crocheting, reading and her favorite gambling (also known as “fishing”). She devoted much of her time and energy to her family.

Irene leaves to cherish her memory: Her hushand Larry Fletcher, her mother Alma Weglarek, her sister Mary Weglarek, her two daughters Laura Brinegar and Carol Will, her son Larry Gene Fletcher, her 7 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

A visitation is scheduled for Friday March 11, 2016 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 10:00am at the funeral chapel. Interment will immediately follow at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.

Paul “Pudge” Hertel

Paul “Pudge” Hertel, 67, a resident of Gurnee, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL. He was born September 11, 1948 in Waukegan, IL to Carl F. and Dorothy (nee: Herringshaw) Hertel. Pudge was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed racing his own race car at Wilmot. He was a fan of all Chicago sports teams and was a member of the Local 150 Union. Pudge loved his dogs and cats, but most of all cherished his family and friends. Pudge is survived by his life partner of 28 years, Sweet Lil, his daughter Hillary Hertel of Gurnee, his “adopted” daughter Casie Jensen, his siblings Mary (Lance) Hertel Davis of Grayslake and Johnny Curtain, and his nieces Christine, Amy, Sara, and Molly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, and his brother Peter. A memorial visitation is scheduled for Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm with a memorial service commencing at 7:30pm at the Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Eleanor S. Borzewski

Eleanor S. Borzewski, 90, a resident of Third Lake for over 60 years and most recently of Bradenton, FL, passed away February 24, 2016. She was born April 30, 1925 in Chicago, IL. Eleanor was a member of St. Gilbert Catholic Church since 1952. Eleanor is survived by her children Terry (Deborah) Borzewski, Brian (Wendy) Borzewski, and Lee Ellen (Andy) Blahak, her 10 grandchildren, her 10 great-granchild, and her sister Eileen Borg. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leo A., her daughter Karen, her brother, Richard, and sisters, Dorothy Jacobellis & Florence Krause. A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 10:00am until 2:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral mass is scheduled at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL. Interment will be held privately. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Gary Williams

Gary Williams, 63, a resident of Waukegan, IL and frequent visitor of Three Lakes, WI, passed away Monday February 22, 2016 from a courageous battle with lung cancer. Gary was born in Highland Park, IL to John and Dorothy Williams on April 16, 1952. He was an avid NASCAR fan, loved his antique cars and enjoyed his many years of visiting Northern Wisconsin. He was employed by the former Commonwealth Edison for over 30 years. Gary is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda, his son Shaun (Lisa) Williams of Lindendhurst, his daughter Carie (Scott) Sorge of Three Lakes, WI, Heather Williams of Round Lake Heights, Lauren (Paul) Madl of Woodville, WI, Barbara Bennett of Three Lakes, WI and Ashley (Bryan) Edwards of Eagle River, WI, his grandchildren Brittany, Cody, Blake, Abby, Nevaeh, Alan, and Gage, his siblings Paul (Jan) and Phillip (Roberta), and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial visitation is scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm with a memorial service commencing at 2:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be private. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Daniel J. Kegg

Daniel James Kegg (formerly of Gurnee, IL) 57, passed away Thursday, February 18^th at his home in Lakewood Ranch FL. He was born May 6, 1958 to John and Ada Kegg in Waukegan IL. Dan was a highly respected business owner, founding 2 companies, Horizon Systems Machining (Kenosha, WI) in 1989 and RAMS Sheet Metal Equipment (Antioch, IL) in 2006. Dan was an avid golfer, enjoyed Nascar races, collecting antique cars, planting flowers at his home and watching football (he was a very loyal Vikings fan). He was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He was a great man, and will be missed by so many. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Sandra Kegg of Lakewood Ranch, FL. His mother Ada Kegg of Gurnee, IL, his daughter Samantha Kegg of Lakewood Ranch, FL, his sons, Myllano Kegg of Pleasant Prairie, WI, A.J (Grace) Kegg of Bristol, WI and Ryan Kegg of Gurnee, IL, his sister Nancy (Gary) Taylor of Wadsworth, IL, and brothers John (Jayne) Kegg of Pleasant Prairie, WI and Scott Kegg of Plainfield, IL. He is preceded in death by his father John Kegg and his brother Jerald Kegg. Visitation will be held Sunday February 28^th from 4-8 P.M at Strang Funeral Chapel 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake IL. Mass will be held Monday February 29^th at 10:30 a.m at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church 6401 Gages Lake Rd. Gurnee IL with a visitation starting at 9:30am at church. Burial place, Ascension Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums in Libertyville IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church Building Fund in Memory of Daniel James Kegg, 12905 E. State Rd 70 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Andrew C. Rheintgen

Andrew C. Rheintgen, 39, of Round Lake Beach, passed away February 17, 2016 in Barrington, IL. He was born in 1976 in Highland Park, IL to Ward Rheintgen and Carolyn Gordon. Andrew was a graduate of Libertyville High School and Western Illinois University. He was a Vernon Hills police officer for 16 years and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Andrew was the loving husband of Susan for 8 years, they wed on June 2, 2007 in Itasca, IL, an adoring father to Emily Rheintgen, and is also survived by his mother Carolyn (Bruce) Gordon, his father Ward (Carol) Rheintgen, and his siblings Elizabeth (Michael) Downs, Michael (Christine) Riordan, and Jeff Gordon. He was preceded in death by his brother Gary Gordon. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 1:00pm until 7:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL. A funeral mass is scheduled for Monday, February 22, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Mary of Vernon 236 US Highway 45 Indian Creek, IL. Interment will follow the services at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. Memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy V. Foundation. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Jerome A. Locascio

Jerome Anthony Locascio, 77, a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born August, 22, 1938 in Elmhurst, IL to Tony and Anne (nee: Commare) Locascio. Jerome loved to waterski, enjoyed watching hockey and football, and spending time at the gym and time with his family. He also enjoyed getting dressed up for Halloween and other occasions. Jerome is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vivian, whom he wed on May 28, 1966 in Chicago. He was a loving father to Michelle (Dean) Griffin of Twin Lakes, WI, Cherie (Ray) Stanek of Genesse, WI and Anthony (Danielle) Locascio of Round Lake, a cherished grandfather to Deena, Dylan, Mason, Griffin, and Arianna Locascio, and a beloved brother to Bonnie (Leo) Vincenti and Pat Locascio. He was preceded in death by his parents. A visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 19, 2016 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm with a funeral service commencing at 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bladder Advocacy Network www.bcan.org or the St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Helga C. Churchill

Helga Carlson Churchill, 95, a resident of Grayslake, passed away on February 16, 2016. She was born September 29, 1920 in Gladstone, Michigan and moved to Grayslake in 1943. She was a graduate of Gladstone High School and National College of Education in Evanston, IL now known as National Louis University. She was a member of the United Protestant Church of Grayslake, a member of the Woman’s Christian Fellowship, Circle 8, the Grayslake Historical Society, and the Lake County Republican Federation. Helga is survived by her daughter Mary (Jon) Dickson of Fargo, ND, two sons Robert W. Churchill and William A. (Doreen) Churchill, her grandchildren Timothy (Jennifer), Matthew (Tara) and Michael Dickson, Stephen, Marisa, Abigail, Julia, and Christine Churchill, and her great-grandchildren Theodore and Stella Dickson. She was preceded in death by her husband George O. Churchill, her parents Alfred and Wilhelmina Carlson, and her sisters Mildred Johnson Schneider and Edith Karlsen. A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 9:00am until 11:00am with a funeral service commencing at 11:00am at the United Protestant Church 54 S. Whitney St. Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will follow the services at Avon Centre Cemetery in Grayslake, IL. Memorial donations may be made to the United Protestant Church. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Carol J. Felix

Carol J. Felix (nee: Monroe), 66, a resident of Waukegan, IL passed away Saturday, February 13, 2016 in Waukegan, IL. She was born March 9, 1949 in Cass Lake, MN to Charles and Emily Monroe. Carol enjoyed making dreamcatchers and other Native American crafts. She was an avid collector of Native American dolls. Carol was known for her kindness, the ability to make you laugh and her love of animals. Carol is survived by her husband of 27years, Fred Felix, her son Douglas Monroe, her grandson Christopher Lee Lynn, and her siblings Darlene Bradley, Shirley Grom, Linda Beke, Donna Schneider, and Mike Monroe. She was preceded in death by her sisters Bonnie Montori and Lillian Becker, her brother Chuck Monroe, her niece Cheryl Monroe and her parents. A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 2:00pm until 5:00pm with a memorial service commencing at 5:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Ann R. Ruzga

Ann R. Ruzga, 86, a resident of Grayslake, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born August 2, 1929 in Gary, IN to Joseph and Mary (nee: Bugay) Iwan. Ann was a member of St. Mary of Annunciation in Mundelein, Senior Vista Health, Ambassador Club, Waukegan Moose Golden Antlers, Twin Club, and Boy Scouts, helping her 4 sons become Eagle Scouts. Upon her retirement and for 15 years, she toured the western states, Canada, and Europe. To remember these trips, photo albums were created during the “Golden Years”, allowing everyone to enjoy the trips. Ann always kept her children and grandchildren in her heart. We wish to express our many thanks to hospice, Condell Hospital and staff, as well as Dr. Slivnick, Dr. Roden, and all the medical personnel for caring for Ann in her peaceful passing. Ann is survived by her husband Bernard J. Ruzga, her children Bob (Deb) Ruzga, Mike (Lisa) Ruzga, Richard (Linda) Ruzga, Tina (Bryan) Lightfoot, and Dennis Ruzga, her grandchildren Ashley (Garret) Wright, David (Michelle) Ruzga, Brad, Anna Kate, Marissa, Danielle, Kayleigh, and Melaine, and her twin sister Marie Silich. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Tom Ruzga, her brother Joseph and his wife Ann Iwan, and her brother-in-law Victor. A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2016 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. The funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 10:30am at St. Mary of Annunciation 22333 W. Erhart rd. Mundelein, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Robert F. Peterson Jr.

Robert F. Peterson Jr., age 62, a longtime resident of Lake County and Wildwood passed away Thursday, February 4, 2016 in Virginia Beach, VA. He was born on March 6, 1953 in San Diego, CA to Robert and Lois Peterson. He was a member of 4-H and a veteran of the United States Army. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Laura E. Peterson; his daughter, Rebecca (Ian) Hudak; grandchildren, Aurora Hudak and Andrew Hudak; and his sister, Ruth Peterson. He was preceded in death by his parents. Friends of the family may visit on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Graylake, IL 60030. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, February 12, 2106 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral chapel followed by interment at Warren Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Save-A-Pet, 31664 North Fairfield Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or log on to www.strangfuneral.org.

Shirley A. Dyrek

Shirley Alice Dyrek, 86, passed away peacefully Friday morning, January 29, 2016, at Three Oaks Assisted Living in Cary, IL, where she resided the past two years. Shirley was born on April 23, 1929, in Chicago to Joseph and Mary (Skierka) Jurczykowski. She married Edward Dyrek on September 3, 1950 in Chicago, where they lived before moving in 1984 to Heather Ridge in Gurnee. Shirley worked for many years as an Executive Assistant. She was active in her church and enjoyed golf, world travel, and playing Bunco. Most of all, she loved and cherished her family and friends. Shirley is survived by her sons, Douglas of Myrtle Beach, Gary (Sandy) of Crystal Lake, and David of Chicago, and five grandchildren, Katreena, Megan, Elizabeth, Lauren, and Gregory. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, on December 26, 2015, her parents, and her brother, Leonard Kopicki. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at St. Paul The Apostle Church in Gurnee, IL. Visitation prior to the service will be at the church at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. All arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Ty P. O’Mara

Ty Patrick O’Mara, 63, a resident of Grayslake, passed away January 17, 2018 at his home. He was born may 15, 1952 in Kenosha, WI to James and Corrine O’Mara. Ty is survived by his siblings Tim O’Mara of Toledo, OH, Tam Noonan of Clearwater, FL, Tracee Trussell of Waleska, GA, Tuan Brewer of Barrington, IL and Tedd O’Mara of Largo, FL. He was preceded in death by his mother Corrine O’Mara and his father James O’Mara. All services were privately held and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. For more info log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847)223-8122.

Judith N. Kosonen

Judith N. Kosonen, 79, a resident of Grayslake, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. She was born May 12, 1936, in Columbus, OH to Paul and Helen Karns. Judith and her husband, James, were among the original residents of the Carillon North community in Grayslake when it was built in 1999. There, she participated in several groups, including book club, women’s club and crafters club. Judith was a lifelong artist enjoying needlepoint, sewing and crocheting. She was also a devoted grandma. Judith is survived by her daughters, Janet (Alan) Kosonen-Germain of Palatine, IL, and Jill (Kevin) Grulke of Mundelein, IL, a grandson, Jay Biscan of Palatine, IL; step-grandchildren Kyle and Rebecca Germain of Palatine, her siblings Jerrold (Connie) Karns and Jolinda Frattini, and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband James L. Kosonen. A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday January 30, 2016 from 9am until 11am with a funeral service commencing at 11am. Entombment will take place at Warren Cemetery in Gurnee. For more information please call (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Josephine A. Brost

Josephine A Brost age 97 of Littleton,Co passed away January 17, 2016 of natural causes. She was born Aug. 8, 1918 Racine, Wi. to Josephine and John Storck one of ten children. Josephine married in 1940 to Mathias Brost in Chicago, Il, he preceded her in death on March 3, 2015. Josephine was a homemaker and a Catholic parishioner for 80+ years. She is survived by her sister Agnes, her daughter Mary, her son Robert, her grandchildren Bryan, Matthew, Amanda and Kevin and a great grandchild Benjamin. A funeral visitation and mass is scheduled for Monday, January 25, 2016 from 9:00am until 10:00am with the mass commencing at 10:00am at St Mary’s of the Annunciation in Mundelein, Il. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Il. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Please call (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Julia Hernandez

Julia Hernandez, age 87, passed away Monday, January 18, 2016. Friends of the family may visit from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment at Avon Centre Cemetery. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or log on to www.strangfuneral.org.

John E Golden

John E. Golden, age 58, of Lake Villa, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2016. A visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 22, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. Funeral mass will be on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at St. Bede Catholic Church, 36455 North Wilson Road in Ingleside. Interment at Windridge Cemetery, 7014 South Rawson Bridge Road in Cary.. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or log on to www.strangfuneral.org.

Patricia Oxford

Patricia “Patti” A. Oxford, 60, a resident of Park City, IL passed away January 9, 2016 at Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan, IL. She was born April 9, 1955 at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, IL to Herbert and Alice V. (nee: Buckman) Oxford. Patti is survived by her son David A. Oxford, her sisters Catherine L. Oxford and Sandra J. (James) Wright, her nephew Michael J. Wright, and her nieces Allyson R. Wright and Marissa J. Wright. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents Alice and Herbert Oxford, and her brother John Oxford. Friends of the family may visit on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service commencing at 1:00pm at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 East Belvidere Road (Route 120), Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be held privately. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. For information, call the funeral chapel at 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Daniel “Dan the Man” Rieck

Daniel “Dan the Man” Rieck, 66, a resident of Antioch, IL passed away January 18, 2016. He was born February 6, 1949 in Chicago, IL. Dan was a lover of boats and master of tools at Ace Hardware and Rieck’s Ship and Boatyard in Chicago. He was a super fan of Journey and High Infidelity and the self proclaimed coach of Da’ Bears. He was an immaculate dresser and loved to dance. Dan is survived by the mother of his children, Mary Stensland, and their children Ryan Rieck, Mary Ellen Rieck, and Samantha (Kyle) Ringler. He is also survived by his daughter Erin Willis, his grandchildren Lilaina and Callia, his siblings Charles Chaffee and Marie (Seki) Choo, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Marie Rieck, his uncle Ernst Rieck, and his brother Hugh Chaffee. Friends of the family may visit on Sunday, January 24, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 East Belvidere Road (Route 120), Grayslake, IL60030. The visitation will continue on Monday, January 25, 2016 from 10:00am until 11:00am at St. Paul Church 2335 N. Orchard Chicago, IL with the funeral mass commencing at 11:00am at the church. Interment will be held following the services at Eden Cemetery in Schiller Park. Memorials may be made to the family. For information, call the funeral chapel at 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Ernst G. Land

Ernst G. Land, 75, of Grayslake, passed away at Condell Advocate Hospital on January 15, 2016, with his family by his side. Ernst was born in Neiderdreisbach, Germany on January 16, 1940. After completing trade school, he moved to the United States in 1959 and settled in Lake Forest, IL. Ernst married Barbara (nee Zlotkowski) on April 20, 1963; they were married 52 years. Ernst worked as a master carpenter for Altounian Builders in Lake Forest for over 30 years and was an active member of the Carpenter’s Union for over 50 years. His favorite saying was “measure twice, cut once”. He had a great disdain for things that weren’t level, square or flush. Ernst loved to laugh and enjoyed a good joke as well as good people. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing and spending time with family. Ernst came from a large family (he was one of 11 children), and family was the most important thing in his life. He adored his grandchildren and great granddaughter. Ernst is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Linda (Robert) MacMillan of Libertyville; Kristina Martin of Lindenhust; Ernst C. of Palatine; Ruth (Dan) Tibus of Wauconda; grandchildren, Robert Jr., Nicholas, Meagan, Charles, Brandon, Patrick, Victoria, Jackson and Kaitlyn; great grandchild Isabella; sisters Helga, Irma and Elsa; brothers Kurt, Werner, Heinz, Eberhard; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernst; mother Lina; brothers Paul and Erich; and sister, Alma. Friends of the family may visit on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. The funeral service is scheduled for 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2016 at the funeral chapel. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

operated since 1898