In Memory
This page is dedicated to the memory of members of our Central Illinois Entomology section of the Peoria Academy fo Science. Memorial tributes are linked. In the event those links do not work at some point in the future, a PDF version of the linked page is also linked. We appreciate the contributions by these individuals (a lot of hard work over many years). All were passionately dedicated to furthering their knowledge of insects and passing their passion about insects to others in the Peoria area. They helped make our group what it is today.
Frank Hitchell (died June 7, 2024) was president of the entomology section for roughly 24 years. He was instrumental in reviving our group in 2000 (along with Mark DuBois and others). Frank lead many insect walks and night collecting trips (including bio blitzes) in Peoria County (and elsewhere). He generously shared his knowledge and passion about Lepidoptera (and insects in general) with all interested parties.
The Lepidoptera pages on this site are the direct result of Frank’s hard work and dedication to keeping the classification up to date. All the images are from specimens Frank collected and mounted. He took the digital photographs as well. That part of this site will not be updated further as a remembrance to Frank’s efforts.
His obituary can be found Dignity Memorial (and is also linked as a PDF file here for posterity).
Gordon Adams (died March 2, 2024) was a long time member of the entomology section of the Peoria Academy of Science). In fact, I (Mark) recall recently seeing notes he took about my first presentation to the entomolgy section in March, 1974 (I discussed the evolution of Hymenoptera).
Gordon was keenly focused on rearing and photographing Lepidoptera. He was also instrumental in establishing butterfly gardens and helping others do the same.
Gordon’s obituary can also be found at the Dignity Memorial site (and is also linked as a PDF file here for posterity).
Jeffrey Prill (died Janjary 16, 2021) was a long time member of the entomology section of the Peoria Academy of Science. His main interests involved Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. He often shared ants attached to specimens with me. Jeff had an impressive collection (numbering in the hundreds of drawers) from all over the world. Most of the U.S. specimens he collected himself. He also accompanied us on an entomology field trip to Belize.
Jeff’s obituary can be found at the Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home website. A PDF copy of that obituary is linked here in the event the link is no longer valild at some point in the future.
Lambertus (Bert) Princen (died October 26, 2008) was influential in establishing Lakeview Museum (now the Peoria Riverfront Museum). He served as president of the entomology section for many years. He was also heavily involved in other sections of the Peoria Academy of Science as well as the Academy board.
His obituary can be found online (and is also linked as a PDF file here for posterity).