CARROLL COUNTY ILLINOIS OBITUARIES

To The Carroll County Obituaries

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WILMA (BOWMAN) SAVAGE , 83, of Morrison, died Monday at the Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison. Graveside funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll, Ill. Pastor Henrietta Milner of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, Ill., will be officiating. She was born Feb. 6, 1921, in rural Mount Carroll to Melvin and Louise Lippolt Bowman. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Kay (Jerry) Offenhesier of Mountain Home, Ark., and Mrs. Pat (Steve) Hacker of Rock Falls; five granddaughters; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Kness of Chadwick, Ill.; and one niece. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and five sisters.
Clinton Herald April 21, 2004

JACK L. SCHLOSSER , age 72, of Savanna, Illinois, died Sunday, October 5, 2003 at the Finley Hospital, Dubuque, Iowa. Funeral Services will be held 10:00am Saturday October 11 at the Savanna Bible Church in Savanna, Illinois. Pastor Floyd West will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00p.m. Friday October 10, 2003 at Law-Jones Funeral Home Savanna, IL. Burial will be in the Savanna Township Cemetery. Jack was born May 19, 1931, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Mervin and Kathyrn (Arthur) Schlosser. He married Dorothy Londrie. Dorothy died April 23, 1995. He was a member of the Savanna Bible Church. He was dedicated, outspoken, and evangelical in serving the Lord. He loved all types of Christian Music and was proud to be a licensed Minister. Jack is survived by eight children; twenty-two grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, one son, James, and two grandsons.
Prairie Advocate 8 October 2003

MABEL ELIZABETH (MOORE) SCHMIDEL , Mabel Elizabeth Schmidel, 97, of Savanna, Ill., died Thursday at the Carroll County Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Mount Carroll, Ill. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna with the Rev. Michael Wey of the First Presbyterian Church in Savanna officiating. Burial will be in the Savanna Township Cemetery immediately following the funeral. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service time Saturday at the funeral home. She was born Dec. 3, 1907, in Savanna to Robert and Ella Sigafus Moore. She married George Schmidel on June 10, 1930, in Freeport, Ill. He died in 1980. She worked with Withhart's Meat Market in Savanna for 18 years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Joan (Donald) Bixby of Morris, Ill.; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Ruth (William) Leighty of Erie, Ill. Memorials may be made to the Carroll County Good Samaritan Nursing Home.
Clinton Herald January 14, 2005

VIRGIL EMMA (HECKMAN) SCHNECK , 95, formerly of Savanna and of Rockford, IL. passed away Friday, October 8, 2004 at Countryside Care Centre, Aurora, IL. She was born October 14, 1908 in White Rock Township, IL. the daughter of the late Oscar and (Lowery) Heckman. Virgil Emma Heckman was united in marriage to Frederick A. Schneck on December 15, 1928. Virgie was employed at Wood & Brooks Piano Factory and Hess Brothers Department Store. She also worked at the Savanna Ordinance Depot during WWII making bombs. Virgie's hobbies included reading, crocheting, playing word games and traveling with her family.
She is survived by her daughters, Virginia Yoder of Downers Grove, IL. and Georgia Clifton of Meriden, NH; her son Frederick Schneck of Clinton, IA.; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one step great grandchild; one great grandchild and one step great great grandchild; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Frederick Schneck in 1954; her brother, William Heckman; her sisters, Dorothy Mae Heckman, Myrtle Troxell and Georgia Hahn. Private family services will be held at a later date in Savanna Township Cemetery.
Clinton Herald 11 October 2004

GLADYS V. (ROCHE) SCHUCHARD , 85, of Thomson, died Monday at Mercy North Hospital, Clinton. Funeral services will be noon Friday at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mount Carroll, Ill. The Rev. Marcia Strahl of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chadwick, Ill., will be officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Knoll Cemetery, Sterling, Ill. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at the funeral home. She was born April 12, 1918, in Mount Carroll to Austin and Gertrude Bowden Roche. She married Howard Schuchard on Feb. 19, 1954. She operated a restaurant in Mount Carroll for several years and then was a beautician in her home for many years. She was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Savanna (Ill.) Moose Lodge. Survivors include one nephew; five great-nephews; and two cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers.

CLARENCE JOHN SCHWEMM , was born November 26, 1904, at Barrington, the son of Fred and Emma Rethmeier. He married Antoninette Dvorak on December 14, 1929, who survives. Other survivors include a son, William, Phoenix, AZ and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, two sisters, and two step-brothers. Note: Funeral services were held at Frank's Funeral Home today (Thursday) for Clarence Schwemm, 68, Mt. Carroll, who died Monday night in Savanna City Hospital. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery
Contributed by Patti Schultz

CHARLES SHAFFER , aged 68, formerly of Mason City, who for the past eight months has been living with his son Frank Shaffer, 307 West Linn Street, died of influenza at St. Thomas hospital at 2:30 this morning. He was taken to the hospital for treatment Monday. Mr. Shaffer was born at Mt. Carroll, Illinois. He was married fifty years ago to Miss Annette Lyon, of Freeport, Illinois, who died August 18, 1923, in Mason City. Mr. Shaffer then came to this city. He was a member of the Yeoman lodge. Four other children and a brother survive. The children are H. A. Shaffer, 311 West Linn Street, city; Mrs. Walter Wise, Mason City; Mrs. J. W. Sanders, Minneapolis; Mrs. Harvey Bacon, Sandstone, Minnesota; and the brother is William Shaffer, Sherwood, Oregon. The funeral will be at 2:30 Friday at the Wilbur mortuary and burial will be in Riverside.
Marshalltown, Iowa Times-Republican, April 1924

BEVERLY (CLENNON) SHEEDY , age 80, of Savanna died Sunday, October 07, 2007 at home surrounded by her family. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church, Savanna. Burial was in Savanna Township Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. Monday, October 8, 2007 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Beverly was born December 31, 1926 in Austin, Minnesota the daughter of Arthur and Vada (Smith) Clennon. On August 15, 1957, Beverly married Neil Sheedy in Savanna. Most important to Beverly was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was their "cookie maker". When Beverly's sons were in Vietnam, she would send a weekly care package. She later crocheted afghans for grandchildren's births and graduations. Beverly always wanted to be there for her family and will always be remembered as a dedicated mother and grandmother. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Neil Sheedy of Savanna; seven children, Sue (Paul) Mills, Sandra (Bob) Wolfe, Edward (Judy) Allshouse, Tammy Humphreys, Timothy (Jenise) Sheedy, Terry (Roger) Miller, and Trudy Sheedy-Corlis; 19 grandchildren, Jim, John, Jackie, Jonna, Andrea, Edward, Christina, Tracey, Shawn, Alyshia, Jennifer, Stephanie, Tiffany, Kole, Travis, Stevie, Katie, Lindsey, and Grace; 21 great grandchildren; and six brothers and sisters, Marion Ashton, Eugene Clennon, Arthur Clennon, Gwenith Chain, Martin Clennon, and Erma Anderson. A son, Donald; a brother, Delbert; and both parents, precede Beverly in death.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

ALICE M. (MILLARD) SHUEY - Died near St. Lawrence, Dakota, Nov. 30, 1885 of blood poisoning. Mrs. Alice M. Shuey wife of Mr. W.H. (William Henry) Shuey and youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Millard aged 21 years, 8 mo., and 24 days. Alice was born near Milledgeville March 6, 1864 and in '67 with her parents moved to Sterling, and returned to their present home in '74. For about two years she attended the Milledgeville schools under Prof. Grossman. During the winter of '78 she was converted at a series of revival meetings conducted at the Baptist church by Rev. J.F. Mason, and soon after was baptized and taken into the church, of which she remained a faithful member until heer death. For some time she was teacher and organist in the Baptist Sunday School and being a sweet singer, was a great help to the school. She loved the Sunday School work and when compelled to give up her class of little ones was unable to bid them good-bye but requested her father to do it for her the following Sunday. May 13, 1882, she was married to Mr. W.H. Shuey of St. Lawrence Dakota where she lived until she died. Alice was gentle and kind and seemed to strive to see how pleasant she could make home for heer little family. She was not permitted to leave any parting words as death was sudden, but her pure life and christian example was such that her friends can say "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord". She lived to see two of her dea children taken from her, the eldest preceding the moher eleven days, the other some time before, while her babe died nine days after. Alice leaves a husband, a father, mother, two sistes and a brother to mourn her loss, besides a host of friends. Funeral services were held at St. Lawrence and she was buried there bu the grief stricken parents could not bear the thought of having their loved one remain so far from them and on learning too that she had expressed a desire that when she died she would like to be buried near her parents, steps were at once taken for her removal. On Jan. 13 the remains of Alice and her three little ones arrived at her old home accompanied by her husband. On the 16th, services were held at the Bethel Baptist church conducted by Rev. Mason of Sublette an old pastor and friend of the family.

ESTHER STENQUIST , 79, Lanark, a retired school teacher died Saturday morning in the Good Samaritan Center at Mt. Carroll where she had been a patient for the past two months. Funeral services were held Monday at 10 ;a.m. in the Frank Funeral Home, Lanark, with the Rev. Wallace Johnson, Mt. Carroll Lutheran Church and the Rev. Paul Aphalt, Lanark Lutheran Chukrch, officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. Miss Stenquist was born Sept. 7, 1891, in Woodland Township, Mt. Carroll, to Andrew and Augusta Bjork Stenquist. Survivors include one brother Andrew, Lanark, and one sister, Augusta, Lanark, who is presently a patient at the Good Samaritan Center, Mt. Carroll. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 11, 1971 - Monday, pg 2

LEONA (SCHREINER) STOVER , entered into eternal rest on Friday Sept. 21, 2007. She was a resident of The Good Samaritan Home in Mt. Carroll. She was 98 years old. She was born June 9, 1909 to Fred and Bertha (Hoffman) Schreiner in rural Chadwick. She spent her early years in Carroll and Whiteside counties and attended Whiteside County Schools. She worked several years for Dr. Fitzgerald in Morrison and then owned and operated a restaurant in Chadwick with her cousin, Ester Handel for 12 years. She married Howard Stover on Jan. 27, 1934. They farmed in the Milledgeville area for 47 years, retiring in 1981 and moving to Milledgeville. She was a longtime member of the Dutchtown Church of The Brethren. Her church and her family were always foremost in her life, a life that was rich in love and compassion. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and crocheting. Survivors include one daughter, Norma Jane (Ken) Workman of Auburn, IN; one son, Dr. Arman Stover, Lanark; one brother, Merlyn (Marion) Schreiner, Chadwick; along with five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one step great grandson. Her parents; husband; one brother, Wilbur Schreiner; and an infant sister, Alberta, precede Leona in death. Services were held on Monday, Sept. 24, 2007 at 11 A.M. at the Dutchtown Church of the Brethren near Milledgeville with Pastor Rick Koch officiating. Visitations were from 10 A.M. until time of service at the church. Interment was at the Lanark Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory. Russell-Frank Funeral Home assisted with Arrangements.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

LILLIAN (HOLMAN) STRATTON - Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, December 21, 1936 at 2 in the Thomson Methodist Church for Mrs. LillianStratton, with Rev. David Todd officiating. Requested songs, “No Night There,” “Sometime We’ll Understand,” and “Beautiful Garden of Prayer,” were sung by Herbert St. Ores and Paul Wilt, with Harriett Smith at the piano. Mrs. R. I. Houghton and Mrs. Ben Wagner had charge of the floral offerings. Pallbearers were Bayard and Paul Lewis, George Potter, Guy Brown, Myron Tibbits and Harry Gaar. Burial was in Lower York Cemetery.
Lillian Holman, daughter of H. N. and Susan (Tyler) Holman, was born in Savanna, Illinois on December 8, 1860, and died in her home in Thomson December 19, 1936, aged 76 years 11 days. While she was still a small child the family moved to this vicinity where she has since lived. In June 1883, she was married to Charles Stratton of Thomson and they engaged in farming in this vicinity, which they continued until the death of Mr. Stratton in April 1925. To their marriage were born four children, all of whom survive. They are Chester of Savanna, Mrs. Edna Shoemaker of Thomson, Floyd of Batavia, Illinois, and Mrs. Carl (Florence) Longanecker of Morrison. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Mrs. Leta Potter and Eva Bell Stratton of Savanna, Mrs. Hariett Leland of Batavia, Laurence Stratton of the state of Washington, Charles and Carlena Longanecker of Morrison, Hazel Edith and Blair Stratton of Bbatavvia and Earl Shoemaker of Thomson, and four great-grandchildren, Carol and Chester Leland, Ardith Potter, and Darlene Shoemaker. There are also living three sisters, Mrs. Ellen Moore of Oak Harbor, Washington, Mrs. William Tague of Kirkman, Iowa, and Mrs. H. L. Rawlins of Thomson; two brothers, Frank of Thomson and Edward of Oklahoma, and two half-brothers, Clare and Clifford Holman of this vicinity. She was preceded in death by a brother, Esley P. Holman, a sister Dora, and a step-brother Bert Holman.
Mrs. Stratton had for years been a member of the Methodist Church of Thomson, of the local Royal Neighbor camp, and was formerly active in the chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She has held office in both orders.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Thomson Review, Thomson, Illinois Thursday, December 24, 1936

ALVERTA (WIRTJES) SWORD , 71, of Shannon died Monday, Sept. 9, 1996, at Freeport Memorial Hospital. She and her husband farmed until their retirement in 1980. She had been a school teacher at Evergreen Country School, and was a substitute teacher at Shannon, Lanark, Forreston and Freeport schools. She was a member of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren, Lanark. Her pastimes included reading and gardening. Daughter of Christ and Fannie (DeWall) Wirtjes, she was born Aug. 16, 1925, at Florence Station. She and Eldon Sword were married Dec. 25, 1946, at Shannon. He died Sept. 7, 1996. Surviving family members include three sons, Wayne (Mary Anne) Sword of Shannon, John (Julie) Sword of Forreston and Jason (Sally Bowers) Sword of Forreston; a daughter, Sharon (Larry) Butt of Machesney Park; eight grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Wirtjes of Minden, NV. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a twin sister, Alberta, in infancy, and a grandson, Adrian Sword. Funeral service will be 11 A.M. Thursday at Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Roger Harding of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren and the Rev. Dan Rusmisel of Lanark Church of the Brethren officiating. Burial will be in Florence Station Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at Hermann Funeral Home in Shannon. A memorial fund has been established by the family.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SWORD was born in Washington County, Md., June 7, 1848, and died at his home on north Broad Street in Lanark, November 18, 1920, aged 72 years, 5 months and 11 days. He was the son of Jacob and Sarah (Reed) Sword. Death came peacefully after an illness of over two years. In 1865 he came with his parents to Carroll County, Ill., and has lived in the county ever since, living on a farm until the year 1884, when he moved to town. December 28, 1871, he was married to Elizabeth Boyd. To this union one child was born, Carrie, who died in 1902. About October 25, 1875, he gave his heart to God, and was baptized into the Church of the Brethren by Elder Henry Martin. Ten days before his death he called for the elders of the church and was anointed with oil according to the Scriptures. He loved the house of worship and the fellowship with God’s people, and not until compelled by failing strength did he give up his church duties. He was a great reader, taking special interest in the subject of history. He was an ardent lover of nature, and always found much joy in working with plants and trees. For about six years prior to 1911 he was sexton of the Lanark cemetery. This and his work around Lanark since have made him familiar to the people of the community. He will be greatly missed. He leaves three brothers – Newton, of Lanark; David, of Georgetown; and Calvin, of Mt. Carroll; also five sisters – Mary Miller, of Kansas City, Mo.; Katherine Wingerd, of Lanark; Lizzie Fry, of Inwood, Ia; Emma Ewing, of Pasadena, Calif.; and Alice Brown, of Orange, Va. These, with his wife, as well as other relative and friends, will feel the loss most keenly. One sister died in childhood. His oldest sister, Mrs. Lydia Ann Hicks, died in November, 1914. Funeral services were conducted in the Church of the Brethren Sunday afternoon by Elders James M. Moore and W.B. Stover. Burial in the Lanark cemetery.
Contributed by Caroll Parrish

CATHERINE (WILT) SWORD was born in Franklin Co., Pennsylvania and died at the residence of her son, Samuel Sword, in Cherry Grove, June 15, 1893, aged 80 years, 3 months and 4 days. She came to Illinois in 1846 and settled in Cherry Grove. Her husband, Geo. Sword, died about 5 years ago; since then she has continued to live at the old homestead in Cherry Grove. Her maiden name was Wilt. Seven children were born to her, three of which are now living. She united with the Brethren Church over 50 years ago and has spent her days in service to her Savior until death removed her to the celestial home. Her body was laid to rest in the Cherry Grove cemetery and funeral held at the Brethren church.
Contributed by Carol Parrish

ELDON K. SWORD , 73, of Shannon, lifetime farmer, died Saturday, Sept. 7, 1996, at the Villas of Shannon nursing home. He retired from farming in 1980. He was a member of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren of Lanark. His pastimes included fox hunting and baseball. Son of Harry and Lulu (Livengood) Sword, he was born Aug. 29, 1923, at Lanark. He and Alverta Wirtjes were married Dec. 25, 1946, at Shannon. She died Sept. 9, 1996. Surviving family members include three sons, Wayne (Mary Anne) Sword of Shannon, John (Julie) Sword of Lanark, and Jason (Sally Bowers) Sword of Forreston; a daughter, Sharon (Larry) Butt of Machesney Park; and eight grandchildren. A grandson, Adrian, and a sister preceded him in death. Funeral service will be 11 A.M. Thursday at Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Roger Harding of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren and the Rev. Dan Rusmisel of Lanark Church of the Brethren officiating. Burial will be in Florence Station Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at Hermann Funeral Home, Shannon. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes

EMMA (MONTAG) SWORD , widow of the late Allen P. Sword, passed away Sunday May 19, 1940 in a Freeport hospital. She was born at Shannon May 6, 1867, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. August Montag. (Note: The obituary gives their names as Mr. and Mrs. August Bame, but that is not correct. They were August Montag and Mary Bohm Montag.) She is survived by four daughters: Mrs. Frank Warfel of Waukegan , Mrs. George Ritter of Peoria , Mrs. Lynn Forrey of Lanark, and Mrs. Fred Packard of Bensonville , Ill. , one son, Earl Sword of Mt. Carroll , one sister, MRs. Eli Bohen of Miller, South Dakota; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon from the Church of God at Mt. Carroll . Rev. Mrs. Carl Binkley of Lanark will officiate and burial will be made at Oak Hill Cemetery .
Contributed by Alice Horner

JAY WOLF SWORD : Banning, Calif. -- Private graveside services were held June 14, 1993 for Jay Wolf Sword of Banning, Calif., formerly of Lanark, who died June 9, 1993 at San Gergonio Hospital. Born in Le Roy, he farmed and raised beef cattle in the Lanark area. He was a member of Banning United Methodist Church, and was a past member of Banning Sportsman’s Club. Surviving are his wife, Margaret Sword of Banning; a daughter, Gloria (Orval) Washburn of Banning; two granddaughters, Brenda Loera of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Debie Lara of Banning; two step-granddaughters, Miriam York of Gilford, N.H. and Judith Weals of Highland, Calif.; nine great-grandchildren and three step-grandsons. Preceding him in death was his first wife, Roberta, in 1968.
Contributed by Alice Horner

LULU (LIVENGOOD) SWORD , a lifelong resident here, died Wednesday morning (26 Jul 1967) in Freeport Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient for eight weeks. (Note: I can find no date of death, but it would have been before 1973.) Mrs. Sword, a member of the Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren, was born December 7, 1891, in rural Lanark, the daughter of Elias P. And Ellen (Miller) Livengood. She married Harry B. Sword December 18, 1912 at Lanark. They farmed in the Lanark area until ill health forced Mr. Sword to retire and move to Lanark in 1948. He died Feb. 7, 1953. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Howard (Ruth) Edler, Pearl City; a son, Eldon, Shannon; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, and four sisters. Funeral services will be Friday at 1:30 in Frank Funeral Home here with the Rev. Russell McInnis officiating. Burial will be in Lanark cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. today.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MAY SWORD , 65, widow of George H. Sword, passed away Saturday, November 6, 1943, at the home of her son S. W. Sword off River Forest. For some time she had made her home with the daughter, Mrs. T. L. Miller, Demeter Drive, Freeport. Funeral services were held at 4 o’clock this afternoon at the Walker Mortuary. Rev. John Bruce conducted the services and interment was made at Oakland Cemetery. Lillian May Werntz was born February 5, 1878 in Carroll County. She was united in marriage to George H. Sword March 4, 1901. They resided in Carroll County until 15 years ago when they came to Freeport. The husband, one son, a sister, and two brothers preceded her in death. She leaves a son and two daughters, S. W. Sword of River Forest, Mrs. George Pease of Elgin, and Mrs. T. L. Miller of Freeport. Four grandchildren survive. There are also two brothers and three sisters, William Werntz of Freeport, Oliver Werntz of Clinton, Iowa, Mrs. Walter Moscrip of Glenn’s Ferry, Idaho, Mrs. Marion Holmes of Panama City, Florida, Mrs. Frank Mayer of San Francisco, California. She was a member of the Christian church and of the Eastern Star.
Contributed by Alice HOrner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois November 8, 1943