JAMES M. SANTEE
- Another old landmark has gone. James M. Santee, one of the old pioneers who settled five miles east of Dixon in 1837 departed this life on the 16th inst. Mr. Santee was one of those quiet unobstrusive men, whose kindness of heart and upright life, made all who knew him, love him. Peace to his ashes.
Dixon Telegraph 24 December 1873
PATRICK SCANLAN
- The funeral services over the remains of Patrick Scanlan of Harmon were held at the Catholic church at that place Monday [07/22/1901] morning at 10 o’clock and the interment took place in the Catholic cemetery there. A very large concourse of friends was in attendance and the ceremony was impressive and beautiful.
Mr. Scanlan’s death was caused by general debility and advanced age and the intense heat. He was one of the highly respected citizens of that place. He was seventy-five years of age and was born in County Limerick, Ireland. He leaves five daughters and three sons to mourn his death. They are Mesdames John Brisco and Ed O’Donnell of Dixon and Mesdames John Kent and Thomas Drew, Miss Jennie Scanlan and Messrs Thomas, James and Joseph Scanlan, all of Harmon.
The deceased was always a hardworking farmer who led an upright and useful life. His industry and thrift were the means of establishing for him a comfortable fortune and his ability made him one of the leading men of the place. He came to Sterling forty-eight years ago, and soon afterwards went to Harmon where he lived since.
The sorrowing widow and children have the deepest sympathy of hundreds of warm friends at this time.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, July 23, 1901, page 1, column 3
ALVINA (BUTLER) SCHNORR
86, of Dixon , died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, at KSB Hospital . She and her husband farmed in the Ashton area, retiring in 1980. Mrs. Schnoor was born Oct. 21, 1920, in Bradford Township , Lee County , the daughter of August and Gertrude (Jacobs) Butler . She married Charles P. Schnorr on Feb. 8, 1939, in Lee. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Dixon . Survivors include her husband, two daughters, Patricia (Robert) Manzke of Minneapolis and Roseann (Joseph) Grady of St. Charles; two sons, Robert Schnorr of Ellsworth , Wis. , and Rick (Laurie) Schnorr of Orlando, Fla.; a sister, Orva (William) Heibenthal of El Paso; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Butler and Fern Ackland. Prayer service is at 10 a.m. Thursday at Jones Funeral Home, Dixon , followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Dixon , with the Rev. James Keenan, pastor, officiating. Burial is at Ashton Cemetery . Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m., with a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established.
Contributed by Pat Esterday - The Dixon Telegraph, Monday, August 27, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 1-2
DORA (SCHROCK) SENNEFF
of 705 E. chamberlain, Dixon , died Friday afternoon (26 Dec. 1969) in Orchard Glen Nursing Home at the age of 83. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Allen-Buckley Funeral Home with the Rev. William V. Carpenter, rector of the St Luke’s Episcopal Church of Dixon, officiating with burial taking place in Oakwood Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Mrs. Senneff was born Nov. 9, 1886, in Pennsylvania , the daughter of George and Priscilla Nair Schrock. She was united in marriage to Homer Senneff, who preceded her in death. Mrs. Senneff is survived by one daughter, Mrs. George (Gracia) Joyce of Dixon; two grandchildren; five sisters, Mrs. Arlene Rosbrook of Dixon , Mrs. Harold (Winifred) Leake of Grand Detour, Mrs. Russell (Ruby) May of Sterling, Mrs. Mabelle Eberly of California and Mrs. Elsie Hartzell of Bay City, Mich.; three brothers, Sterling Schrock of Dixon, George Schrock of Ottawa and Roy Schrock of Rockford; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her husband and seven brothers and sisters.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Dec 27, 1969 Sterling Gazette
JAY E. SEAVEY
, 94, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, at Polo Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Mr. Seavey was a life-long farmer in the area. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking as his hobbies. He was a loving and devoted husband for 71 years. He was a kind and gentle father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Mr. Seavey was born April 15, 1913, in Dixon , the son of Albion and Elizabeth (Comerer) Seavey. He married M. Bernice Martin on Jan. 22, 1936, in Sterling . He was a member of and taught Sunday school, as well as served on the board of trustees for many years, at East Jordan United Methodist Church , Sterling . He was a member of the Prairieville Cemetery Board for many years and a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau. Survivors include his wife, Bernice; one daughter, Karen Stalter of Eureka; two sons, Ellis Seavey of McGregor, Iowa, and Stanley (Connie) Seavey of Franklin Grove; 10 grandchildren, Brenda (Eric) Christensen, Scott (Amy) Seavey, Beth (Paul) Chu, Becky (Bill) Goulette, Todd (Angie) Stalter, Nathan (Lisle) Stalter, Krista Stalter, Mark (Mary) Seavey, Jill Barrack and Laura (Jeff) Pfeiffer; and 14 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were one granddaughter, Kary Stalter; one son-in-law, Larry Stalter; two brothers, Samuel and Albion Jr. and two sisters, Lola Book and Bessie Seavey. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, at East Jordan United Methodist Church , Sterling , with the Rev. Eun Hee Cha, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Prairieville Cemetery , Dixon . Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, and one hour prior to the funeral Saturday at East Jordan United Methodist Church, Sterling. Memorials have been established to East Jordan United Methodist Church and Ogle County Hospice.
Contributed by Pat Esterday from The Dixon Telegraph, Thursday, August 9, 2007, Page A2 Col. 1-2
MRS. C.W. (LIGHTNER) FREED SEYBERT
, 714 Broadway passed away at 11:55 Wednesday night at the KSB hospital where she had been a patient for several days. Funeral services conducted by the Rev. N.J. Broadway, pastor of Bethel Evangelical Church will be held at the Staples Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon with burial in Oakwood Cemetery.
Mrs. Seybert who was born in Gettysburg PA July 18, 1883 a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Lightner is survived by her husband (Wallace Seybert), two sons Paul Freed and Leroy Freed both of Dixon, two grandsons, Robert D. Freed of Dixon and Charles Freed of the US Navy; four brothers, George Lightner of Rockford, D.J. Lightner of Jefferson MO and Merle and Frank Lightner both of Dixon; four sisters, Mrs. Albert Hauter of Dixon, Mrs. Roy Bennett who resides in MN and Mrs. Floyd Egler and Mrs. Frank Teeter bot of Dixon and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by three sisters, Mrs. E.L. Fulmer and Pearl and Mamie Lightner and a brother Roy.
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Christine Walters / Dixon Evening Telegraph 14 February 1946
WYNN SEYBERT
- Funeral services will be held Friday at Preston Funeral Home for Wynn Seybert, 68 of 1245 Galena Ave. who died at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday January 20, 1953 following a three day illness. Burial will be in Oakdwood. Survivors include his widow Edna; two daughters, Mrs. Charles F. Busse, DeKalb and Mrs. Albert Coppotelli of Dixon; two sons, Harvey and Robert both of Dixon; two sisters, Mrs. Evangeline Beightol of Dixon and Mrs. Maude Simonson Elmhurst and nine grandchildren.
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Christine Walters /Dixon Evening Telegraph 21 January 1953
LOIS ELIZABETH SHEFFIELD , 88, of Dixon, died, Tuesday, July 4, 2006, at her home. She was a teacher for the Dixon Public Schools, including North Central Grade School and Washington School, for 35 years prior to her retirement in 1976. Ms. Sheffield was born April 13, 1918, in Dixon, IL, the daughter of Arthur Eugene and Minnie Hazel (McCleary) Sheffield. She attended Coe College and Northern Illinois University. Lois was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Dixon, and the Lee County Retired Teacher’s Association. She was a volunteer at Heritage Square, Dixon, and the Washington School Library, Dixon. Survivors include seven cousins, Ruth Waytenick, Sterling, Gordon McCleary, Sun Lakes, AZ, R. Ellwood McCleary, Scottsdale, AZ, Joanne Strauss, Polo, Elliott McCleary, Evanston, IL, Warren McCleary, Dubuque, IA, and Jean Schryver, Chesterfield, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one cousin, Robert McCleary. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2006, at the Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, with the Rev. Tony Hawkins and the Rev. Hye Jin Hong, pastors, co-officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Friday, at the funeral home.
WESLEY A. SHIPPERT
, 58, of Dixon , passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, with his family by his side at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center , Rockford , due to complications of heart disease. He was born in Dixon on May 25, 1949, the son of Arthur H. and Ruth G. (Fulfs) Shippert. He was a graduate of Dixon High School and attended Sauk Valley Community College . He married Diana K. Nelson on March 16, 1980. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church , Amboy. He was a lifelong, fifth-generation farmer and former DeKalb Seed dealer; served on the Lee County 4-H Center Board; was former director and treasurer of Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District; a member of Living History Antique Equipment Association; currently a South Dixon township trustee; and member of Lee County Farm Bureau and board member of the Polo Cooperative Association. His interests included restoration of antique farm equipment, along with coaching and watching his sons numerous athletic activities. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Diana of Dixon; sons, Dr. Brian W. Shippert of Pittsburgh with fiancé, Dr. Michelle N. Stalter, and Bradley N. Shippert of Dixon with girl-friend, Erin M. Yard; and one sister, Marilyn E. Shippert of Dixon . Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Church , Amboy, with the Rev. Christine Stienstra and Vicki Sauter, pastor, co-officiating. Burial will follow at DeWolf Cemetery .
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - Taken from: The Dixon Telegraph, Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 1-2
CAROL (SOLOMON) SMITH
, 63, of Amboy, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at KSB Hospital . Ms. Smith was born April 17, 1944, in Little Falls, N.Y., the daughter of James and Vivian (Woodword) Solomon. She was a member of First Baptist Church , Amboy. Survivors include a daughter, Tambra (Allen) Ringenberg of Amboy; three sons, Joseph Friskey and Johnny (Rebecca) Friskey, both of Peoria , and Scott (Stacy) Friskey of Amboy; a sister, Barbara Harris of Pekin ; four grandchildren; and special friend, Harry Smith of Amboy. She was preceded in death by her parents. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church , Amboy, with the Rev. Rocky Fritz, pastor, officiating. Burial is at Prairie Repose Cemetery , Amboy. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home, Amboy, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Dixon Telegraph, Tuesday, September 11, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 1 – 2
DONALD G. SMITH , 52, of Dixon, died Monday, July 31, 2006, at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon. He was a machinist for Dun-Rite Tool and Machine Company, Cortland, IL. Mr. Smith was born July 31, 1954, in Sterling, IL, the son of Robert P. and Maribelle (Harms) Smith. He married Charna Wagner on April 26, 1991, in Oregon, IL. Donald enjoyed woodworking, and spending time with family, grandchildren, and friends. Survivors include two sons, Roger (Veronica) Brown, Rockford, Eric (Loan) Brown, Dixon; four daughters, Joanne (Randy) West, Janice (Jim) McCoy, both of Dixon, Christine (Rob) Lantz, Tampico, Julie (Rodger) VanAusdal, Sterling; three brothers, Ronald P. (Mary) Smith, Terry (Kim) Smith, Rob (Sonok) Smith; three sisters, Sharon (Rick) Tucker, Mary (Brad) Wohrley, all of Dixon, Rosa Hart, Sterling; 11 grandchildren, Kathrine, Elaina, Nicole, Christopher, Charlotte, Alicia, Easton, Benjamin, Maxwell, Ravon, Diamond; and two great grandchildren, Alexis and Kit. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 3, 2006, at the Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, with the Rev. Howard Jones, with Universal Life Ministries, officiating. Burial will be Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon.
DONNA DARLENE (FISHER) SMITH , 71, of Dixon, died Sunday, August 20, 2006, at the Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon. She worked at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon, for 10 years. Mrs. Smith was born November 27, 1934, in Miller City, IL, the daughter of Hiram and Buena (Jackson) Fisher. She married Ronald E. Smith on September 26, 1953, in Dixon. Survivors include her husband, Ronald, Dixon; four sons, Ronald Smith, Dixon, Dennis (Deb) Smith, Las Vegas, NV, Paul (Cyndy) Smith, Amboy, Mark Smith, Dixon; two brothers, James (Sharon) Fisher, Dixon, Donald (Ruth) Fisher, Anna, IL; eight grandchildren, Brandon (Janna) Smith, Shawnee Smith, April and Wayland Froelich, Autumn Smith, Misty, Ben, and Cristian Smith; two step-grandchildren, Jeni (Quentin) Johns, Josh Pottorff; two great grandchildren, Justice Smith, Tristen Smith; and three step-great grandchildren, Karlee and Caiden Johns, and Kylie Pottorff. She was preceded in death by three sisters; and three brothers. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2006, at the Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, with the Rev. Dr. Vincent Marrandino, chaplain at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon.
DORA MENZ SMITH
, 82, passed away last night at 7 o'clock at the Rochelle Hospital where she had where she had been a patient since a fall several weeks ago.
Born in Germany, December 18, 1863 she later married Martin Smith and lived in Reynolds Township, moving to Ashton in 1919. Her husband preceded her in death.
She is survived by two sons, Henry of Ashton and John of Malta; one daughter Lillian, Mrs. William Sachs; one sister Mrs. Christina Zahanen of Chicago, nine grandchildren and 2 greatgranchildren. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:45 at the Cults Funeral Home and at 2 o'clock at the Evangelical Church, the Rev. T.W.Engelter officiating. Burial will be in Ashton Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday afternoon and evening.
Dixon Telegraph 11 October 1946
JOHN A. SMITH
, 74, formerly of 321 Depot Ave., in Dixon, died (2 Aug 1987) Saturday in Rochelle Community Hospital. The body has been donated to science. A memorial service will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Funeral home in Dixon. Visitaton will be in the funeral home following the memorial service. A memorial has been established to the Rochelle Community Hospital. Mr. Smith was born on Sept. 1, 1912 in Sandoval, the son of John H. W. and Emma Galyean Smith. On Feb 3, 1934 he was united in marriage to Ruth Mae Sack and she preceded him in death in November of 1957. Mr. Smith was retired from Northwestern Steel & Wire after 30 years of employment. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Ruth Kerr of Jacksonville; three sons, Jack of Dixon, Ted of Washington, N.C., and Robert of Rochelle; two sisters, Mrs. Kenneth (Winnie) Buzard of Dixon and Mrs. Hal (Katie) Wade of Tampa, Fla.; two brothers, Clyde Smith of Dixon and Howard Smith of Franklin Grove; 23 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, one son and one grandson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 3, 1987 - Monday, pg A2
MINNIE (CAHILL) SMITH
, 79, 209 E. Sixth St. wife of the former city clerk died early today in KSB hospital after a brief illness. Mrs. Smith was born Minnie E. Cahill in Dixon March 27, 1876 the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cahill. A graduate of Dixon high she had lived her almost her entire life, continually since 1918. She and her husband celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a year ago. They were married May 18, 1904. Mrs. Smith had been a member of the KSB hospital board of directors for more than 10 years. She was active in St. Patricks Catholic Church and a former organist. In her younger days she was active in music, piano and voice.
Survivors including her husband is a son William W. Schenectady NY, three grandsons, four sisters Mrs. Frank Barry, Kansas City MO; Mrs. Ed. O'Donnell, South Bend Ind; Mrs Harry Breneisa and Mrs. Bess Cahill of Dixon; a brother Frank J. Cahill, Berkeley CA. She was preceded by two brothers Edward and William
Services will be Thursday in the Jones Funeral home and in St. Patricks Church. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 10 May 1955
OLIVER PERRY SMITH
, The funeral of Oliver Perry Smith, Dixon plasterer, who died while
undergoing an emergency operation in Chicago Thursday evening will be held at his
home, 917 Center Ave., this city, at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon. Rev. Aubrey
Shannon Moore, pastor of the Methodist church officiating and with burial in Oakwood.
Mr. Smith was born in Mercer Co., Penna., March 10, 1860, the son of Oliver P. and
Mary Eliza Smith. With his parents he came to Illinois in 1876, and except for about
three years spent in Nebraska, his life was spent in this city and vicinity.
He was united in marriage with Della LaRue at York, Nebr, in 1887, which happy
union was terminated by her death in January, 1893. Two children, Edna, of Cedar
Rapids, Ia., and Fred of Los Angeles, Calif., survive this marriage. A later union was
formed with Emily Gilroy who with five children -- Myrtle, Della, Mabel, Josephine and
Dorothy -- survive to mourn the passing of a loving father. Four brothers: Austin, Mark,
Frank and Roy; and two sisters: Harriet and Anna, also mourn his death.
Contributed by Elsie Harmor - (Emily Alice (Gilroy) Smith b. June 20, 1874 in Ontario, Canada, Died January 25, 1926 in Dixon.)
Dixon Evening Telegraph -- June 21, 1924
WILLIAM J. SMITH
, 73, passed away at his home at 6:20 a.m. Tuesday after being in ill health for the past year. A stone mason by trade, he was born Feb. 26, 1873 in Amboy the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, he married Miss Alice Flatt of Amboy in 1902. She preceded him in death in 1906.
Surviving are one son Robert; a daughter Florence of Amboy; one sister Mrs. Levi Searls of Amboy and a brother George T. Smith also of Amboy.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the home and 2:30 at the Methodist Church with Rev. D.A. Ross officiating. Burial will be in Binghampton Cemetery.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 23 January 1946
WILLIAM SMITH
- On Tuesday evening, October 5, at 5 o’clock occurred the death of William Smith, following a long illness. While the end has been looked for, for some time nevertheless it came as a shock to the whole community, as well as surrounding territory as he was widely know Mr. Smith was born at Cortland DeKalb county, February 23, 1840 where he grew to young manhood. He came when just a youth to Harmon where he engaged in the creamery business for a number of years. In 1903 he entered the W. H. Kugler firm where he was working up until he was stricken with a stomach trouble. On December 23, 1896 he was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Vroman and to this union nine children were born: Stanley of La Salle, Claire, Everett, Viola, Helen, Gladys, Burnett, Joice [sic] and June besides these he leaves to mourn his passing, an aged father Christian Smith of Sterling, two sisters, Mrs. Emma Avrill of Warren, Ill., Mrs. Effie Smith of Sycamore also three uncles, William and frank Kugler, of Harmon and Charles Kugler of Sycamore. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Thursday [10/14/1920] afternoon, October 7th, Rev. J. B. Kenna officiating. The burial was made in Greenwood cemetery. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in Harmon as Mr. Smith or Billy Smith as he was familiarly known for miles around, was an honest, upright man, possessed of an unusually sunny [sic] temperament, he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact—the life he lived out daily is all the eulogy such a character needs. The many floral offerings bore testimony of the high regard in which this man was held.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 16, 1920, page 8, column 2
WILLIAM WELLINGTON SMITH was born at Paw Paw, Illinois, November 11, 1893. Died at Scott Field, May 7, 1918, being 24 years 5 months and 26 days of age. He was the youngest son of the well known and highly respected Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Smith of this place. His older brother, Amos, is a prominent businessman of this place while the other of the two brothers, Dr. Frank Leroy, is a practicing physician in the city of Chicago. Although he has been away much during the last few years, Paw Paw has been his one and only home. He attended school here and was graduated from the Paw Paw High School in the year 1912. He then helped his father in his business for one year after which time he went away to enter Purdue College. Here after four years' hard work he graduated with the honor of being the only member of the class who had never been conditioned. At an early age he heard the call of the Master and enlisted in the service of the King of Kings. He united with the Baptist church at this place, being one of the four boys baptized by Rev. Wheeler the evening before his going away. The other three being Thomas Warren, John Mortimer and Roy Thorpe. On the third day of July 1917 he enlisted in the service of his country and was assigned to the aviation department. He made rapid progress and soon became a licensed Aviator of the U. S. of America. His death due to an accident comes as a shock to the entire community and especially to his relatives and the host of friends who have learned to love this noble, brave and generous hearted boy.
The remains of Lieut. W. W. Smith who was killed at Scott Field, Tuesday evening of last week were shipped here Thursday evening, accompanied by Lieut. Augur as escort. The funeral was held at the home Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Rev. A. B. Wimmer of the Baptist church officiating assisted by Rev. L. S. Evans of the Presbyterian church and Rev. O. T. Canfield of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nangle sang "Lead Kindly Light" and Mr. Nangle sang "In Flanders' Fields the Poppies Grow." The poem was written by the late Lieutenant Colonel John D. McCrea and the music by Alfred Hiles Bergen. The floral offerings were many and most beautiful, one piece in particular--a large pillow with a silk flag in the center. About one hundred business men and citizens, fifty pupils from the high school and the Boy Scouts attended in a body and marched to Wyoming cemetery as an escort. The line of march was composed of two autos of "Old Soldiers," business men, school pupils and Boy Scouts followed by Lieut. Augur preceding the funeral car by the side of which walked the pall bearers, Thos. Douglass, Ira Douglass, Bayle Harper, John Bryant, H. Helfenberger and Mr. Mott, the two latter being fraternity brothers at Purdue. Then followed the relatives and friends in autos.
Each and every one did all they could to lighten the burden of grief and to show their highest respect for the departed and the family fully appreciated every thing that was done.
Among those from out of town here to attend the funeral were: Lieut. M. B. Augur of Scott Field, lIl., who came as an escort with the body; Miss Zena Hays, Lieut. Smith's fiancee, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Harvey of LaFayette, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McCray and Mrs. Daniel McCray of Earlville; Jacob B. Thorson of Leland; Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Smith, Dr. and Mrs. H. J. Lund, Miss Ruth Mears and Dr. and Mrs. F. L. Smith of Chicago; Mr. Mott and Mr. Helfenberger, fraternity brothers of Lieut. Smith from Purdue University; Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Epla of Hinckley; Mr. and Mrs. Penter of Sycamore; Miss Clara Weaver of Amboy; Bayle Harper of Valparaiso, Ind.; Dennis Bradshaw and Mr. Malbreck of Compton; Dr. E. C. White and C. F. Guffin of West Brooklyn; Private J. Prestegard of Camp Grant; Charles Wrigley, Henry Eide, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Cutts, J. Maaestad, Mr. and Mrs. J. Jacobson and Dr. Hedburg of Lee and Geo. Foster, Howard Wirt and W. F. Heeg of Shabbona, the latter having charge of the funeral services, and Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Larabee of Mendota.
Contributed by Marilyn Widler
MARIE (BERLAGE) SMYTHE
, age 89, of Dixon died Monday Jan. 3, 2005 at Oakridge Manor, Dixon. She was born in Guilford Township, Jo Daviess County, on Aug. 23, 1915 the daughter of Henry and Marie (Chapier) Berlage. She was a self-employed seamstress who specialized in draperies. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Dixon. She was united in marriage to Thomas M. Smythe in Galena on July 21, 1936. He preceded her in death March 12, 1957.
She also was preceded in death by two grandsons. Thomas Marcus and Thomas Michael; two brothers, Cletus and Clement Berlage; one sister. Alma Bussan and one stepdaughter, Fannie Dale Budnek. She is survived by one son, Thomas Smythe of Rockford; one daughter, Donna (Francis) Drew of Oregon; seven grandchildren, Linda Lea (Jim) Drew-Lass, James (Robyn) Drew, Steven (Amy) Drew, Patrick Drew, Dennis (Sherrie) Drew, Timothy (Rhonda) Drew and Jamie Sue Smythe; and two stepdaughters, Betty (Paul) Dust of Effingham and Joan Hickman of Vero Beach. Fla. Funeral services will begin with a10 a.m. prayer service Friday Jan. 7, 2005, at Jones Funeral Home. Dixon, followed by the; Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church Dixon, with the Rev. Robert W. Jones, pastor, officiating. Burial wIll follow at Oakwood Cemetery Dixon.
Sterling Gazette January 9, 2005 contrubuted by Jan Roggy
LESAN SNYDER - Tenative plans for the funeral of Lesan G. Snyder, 57, who was found dead in his car at the Mrs. Ethel Clink farm at Inlet, Wednesday morning (November 15, 1957), set the services for 2 o'clock Sunday at the Hick's funeral home in Franklin Grove. Definite plans await word from a son, Pfc. Glenn Snyder who is in California. A jury inpaneled by Coroner Frank Nangle of Paw Paw yesterday afternoon determined that Mr. Snyder, a tenet on the Clink farm, had been a victim of a heart attack. Mr. Snyder, past Worthy Master of Lee Center lodge A.F. & A.M. and a past Noble Grand lodge. I.O.O.F. is survived by his widowed mother (Mrs. Florence Synder), three sons, First Sgt. Burnell Snyder who is in England, Glenn in CA and Pfc. Warren who is in Hawaii; a daughter Mrs. Ethel Dunseth of Dixon; and a grandson David Snyder. (Dixon Evening Telegraph 16 November 1944)
ROXY (FELLOWS) SNYDER
, 81, 1512 1/2 W. First St., died early this morning in KSB Hopital, following a long illness.
She was born Aug. 7, 1889 in Round Grove, Whiteside County, the daughter of Edward and Sarah Elizabeth Ward Fellows. She was married to Peter Snyder, Oct. 12 1942 in Amboy. He died in 1957. She was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers.
Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Roy (Calista) Keiser, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Mrs. Clifford (Orla) Murphy, Rockford, and Beulah Grove, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; one son, Ellis Grove, Rockford; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs Louis (Ida) Goff, of Elmhurst; three brothers, Cecil Fellows, Omaha Neb.; Elmer Fellows, Vancover, Washington, and Ross Fellows, Round Grove. Mrs. Snyder was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Loyal Order of the Moose No. 727, the Rebekah Lodge, and the GAR. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with the Rev. Maurice Reed, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Park.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 17 December 1970
JUDY (BROWN) SOLLIDAY
, 68, of Jacksonville , died Saturday Sept. 15, 2007, at Passavant Area Hospital . She was born Jan. 8, 1939, in Dixon , the daughter of Francis Henry and Margaret (Eberly) Burdge. She was a homemaker. Survivors include three daughters, Edith ( Gary ) Knipple of Polo and Debbie Brown and Lisa Brown, both of Jacksonville ; two sons, Raymond Wilson Jr. of California and John Brown Jr.; a sister, Anna (Russell Jr.) Johnson, of Dixon ; nine grandchildren; two great-grandsons; a nephew; and three nieces. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Anna Marie Wilson. Graveside service is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at East Cemetery , Jacksonville . Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Williamson Funeral Home, Jacksonville . A memorial has been suggested to the American Diabetes Association.
Contributed by Pat Esterday - Taken from The Dixon Telegraph, Sunday, September 23, 2007, Page A2 Col. 1
JAY SPRANKLE
, was born August 23, 1884 in Harmon township and passed away at the home of his sister, Mrs. Geneva Portner in Garden City, December 21, 1937, at the age of 53 years, three months and 28 days. He was educated in the rural schools near Harmon. He farmed for 30 years. Two brothers and three sisters survive. They are Howard Sprankle, Mrs. Geneva Portner and Mrs. Anna Portner of Rock Falls, Mrs. Lizzie Horne of Aurora, and George Sprankle of Round Grove. He also leaves many other relatives and friends who mourn his passing. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Sprankle, three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at 2:30 Thursday afternoon from the Wheelock funeral home in Rock Falls. Rev. H. E Shiffer of the Rock Falls Christian church officated and interment was made in the Harmon cemetery.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois December 27, 1937 - Monday, pg. 3, col.2
VIOLET (McCARDLE) BOCK STAHL
, 68, formerly of 491 Flatt Place, Dixon, died here ( 9 Aug 1987) Saturday afternoon in the Dixon Health Center following an extended illness. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, with Rev. Howard Wiseman, pastor of the Lincoln Avenue Church of God, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon. Visitation will be today from 3-9 p.m with the family present from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the Diabetic Association. Mrs. Stahl was born on Dec. 12, 1918, at Dixon, the daughter of Samuel and Marjorie Speller McCardle. On Sept. 7, 1935 she was united in marriage to Glenn Joseph Bock Sr., at Dixon. He preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 1967. She was then united in marriage to Reinhart Stahl on Oct. 11, 1968, at Marengo. He preceded her in death on June 1, 1979.
Survivors include her four sons, Glenn Bock Jr of Copperas, Texas, Donald and Merle Bock, both of Dixon, and Robert Bock of West Frankfort; one daughter, Mrs. Joe (Laura) Melendres of Rock Falls; 18 grandchilren and 20 great grandchildren. She was precededin death by two brothers, one sister and one grandchild.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 10, 1987 - Monday, pg A2
SOPHIE (VAUPEL) STRUBE
, Ashton, died Friday (11 May 1951) at the home of her daughter Mrs. Minnie Heppner, Batavia. Mrs. Strube was born June 30, 1869 in Reichensachsen Germany the daughter of Martin & Marie Vaupel. She came to the U.S. in Jan. 1890 and lived 3 years in PA before coming to Ashton. She was married Feb. 27, 1894 to Adam Strube, Ashton. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1944. He died in 1948.
She is survived by two daughters, Marie Strube, Ashton and Mrs. Minnie Heppner, a grandaughter Elizabeht Hepner. A son Henry died in 1936. Mrs. Strube was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church Ashton. Burial will be at Ashton Cemetery.
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Christine Walters /Dixon Telegraph 12 May 1951
CHARLES GADDIS SWEGLE
, 78, of 710 N. Galena Ave., died at the Mansion Nursing home at 4:15 a.m. today after a long illness. Mr. Swegle was born in Farmer City, IL. on Feb. 20, 1875 the son of Jacob and Frances Householder Swegle. On Nov. 26, 1912 he married the former Sophia Carney in Steward. He farmed in Dixon and Steward for many years.
Surviving are his widow, six sons, Iva, Stanley, Sidney, Ellwyn and Howard all of Dixon and Donald of Ashton; two daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Mary Ellen) Wilson of Dixon and Mildred, stationed in Denver Colo. with the air force nurse corps; two brothers, Harry of Marinette Wis. and Walter of Walworth Wis. and Wa sister, Mrs. Bernard Baker of Rochelle and 11 grandchildren. Services will be held in the Chapel Hill Funeral home Thursday at 1:30 the Rev. Sidney Bloomquist, pastor of the Dixon Methodist churcyh, will officiate. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Park.
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Karen Holt - Dixon Evening Telegraph 22 April 1953
DONALD CARNEY SWEGLE
, 82, of Harvard, died Thursday, April 11, 1996 in Woodstock Residence Nursing Home in Woodstock. He was retired from Butcher Boy in Harvard. He was born on November 13, 1913 in Steward to Charles C. and Sophia (Carney) Swegle. He married Ruth Beard on April 12, 1969 in Alden. He was a former member of Harvard Moose Lodge #1289 and the Golden Agers of the Moose.
He was preceded in death by two sons, two brothers, and one sister. Survivors include his wife; one son, Alan Swegle of Ashton, one daughter, Carol Dunn of Tulsa, Okla.; three grandchildren; five step-sons, Gerald (Marlene) Beard of Stuart, Fla., Donald (Audrey) Beard of Caledonia, Mencel (Jeanne) Beard of Popular Grove and Dwight Beard of Pueblo West, Colo.; three step-daughters, Marcella (Nelson) Blank of Garden Prairie, Marlene Morris of Phoenix, Ariz. And Margaret (Robert) Dodson of Harvard; 22 step-grandchildren- ten step great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ellen (Clarence “Bud”) Wilson of Dixon; three brothers, Ellwyn (Mary) Swegle of Ashton, Ivan (Lola) Swegle and Howard (Joan) Swegle, both of Dixon. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. at Saunders and McFarlin Funeral Home in Harvard with the Rev. Brian P. Roots officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and from 12:30 p.m. until time of services on Monday. A memorial ha been established to the Harvard Rescue Squad or Hospice.
Surviving are his children, Mrs. Karen (Ted) Holt, Allentown, PA, Mrs. Sharie (D.P.) Cain, Peoria, IL, Charles “Chuck” (Vivian) Swegle, Springville, UT, Brian (Julie) Swegle, Colorado Springs, CO; 17 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brother, Howard (Joan) Swegle; and sister, Mary Ellen (Mrs. Bud) Wilson, both of Dixon. Ellwyn was preceded in death by a granddaughter; a sister; and four brothers. Please join the family as they celebrate his life and bid him farewell, “til we meet again”. Viewing will be at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, from 6 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday and 10 – 11:00 a.m. Monday, prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at the Ashton United Methodist Church, with the Pastor Monica William, officiating. Burial with full military graveside services provided by the combined veterans’ organizations will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon, Lee County, IL. Donations in his honor to the Ashton United Methodist Church or the Franklin Creek Grist Mill.
IVAN SWEGLE
, 90, of Dixon died Saturday, March 5, 2005 at his home. He was employed by Commonwealth Edison for 35 years, retiring in 1979. Mr. Swegle was born Dec. 4, 1914 in Steward, the son of Charles Gaddis and Sophia (Carney) Swegle. He served as a master sergeant in the Air Force during WW II. He married Lola Mielke on June 1, 1946, in Franklin Grove. She died Sept. 29, 2003. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Veterans of Foreign War Post 540 and American Legion Post 12, all in Dixon.
Survivors include three sons, Vernon (Sylvia) Swegle of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jim (Ann) Swegle of Carmichael Calif., and Steven Swegle of Dixon; two daughters, Nancy Zoltowski of Cedarburg Wisc., and Cindy (Greg) Warner of Mount Morris; two brothers, Ellwyn Swegle of Ashton and Howard (Joan) Swegle of Dixon; a sister, Mary Ellen (Bud) Wilson of Dixon; and five grandchildren, Amy Tremble, Beth Warner, Jesse Zoltowski, James Zoltowski and Emily Swegle. He was preced by three brothers and a sister. The funeral is at 10 a.m. Thursday at First United Mehtodist, with the Rev. Tony Hawkins officiating. Burial with full military services is at Chapel Hill Mem.
LARRY DEAN SWEGLE
, 21, R.R. 1, Ashton, was killed about 3:20 a.m. Wednesday when his head smashed through the windshield of a car that left Illinois 2, a mile south of Beltline Road, and crashed into a tree. Three persons, including the driver, Jack A. Guerrieri, 18, Cherry, were injured in the accident and were reported in fair condition Wednesday night in Swedish-American Hospital.
Guerrieri received internal injuries; Michael L. Shoger, 20, Waterman, broken wrist, cuts and bruises; and Allen D. Grosse, 18, Englewood, head and hip injuries. Winnebago County sheriff’s deputies said the southbound car sheared off some smaller trees before hitting the larger tree. Swegle was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Rockford police were called to assist in removing the injured to the hospital.
Swegle, a lifelong Ashton area resident, was a graduate of Rockford School of Business. Survivors include his father, Donald, Harvard; his mother Edna, Ashton; a brother, Allen L., Ashton, a sister, Mrs. Carol Feulner, Rockford; and a grandfather, Henry Bothe, Ashton. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Cluts Funeral Home, Ashton, with burial in Ashton Cemetery. Friends may call tonight in the funeral home.
MELVIN CHARLES SWEGLE
- infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Swegle of Ashton, passed away early today in Rockford hospital. Funeral services for the baby who was born May 21st, last, will be held at St. John’s Lutheran church in Ashton at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, the pastor, the Rev. F. W. Henke, officiating. Burial will be in the Ashton cemetery.
MILDRED SWEGLE
, 58, of 410 16th Ave., died Feb. 14 (1984) in the Sterling Care Center following a lengthy illness. She was born Dec. 31, 1925 in Dixon, the daughter of Charles and Sophia Carney Swegle. She was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the First Methodist Church, Dixon. She was an employee of Community General Hospital for 35 years and was a member of the Association of Operating Room Nurses.
Surviving are a sisters, Mrs. C.R. “Bud” (Mary Ellen) Wilson, Dixon, and 6 brothers: Donald, Harvard; Ivan, Stanley and Howard all of Dixon; William Sidney, Las Vegas, NV.; and Ellwyn, Ashton. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Friday in the First United Methodist Church, Dixon. The Rev. Frank M. Berman and the Rev. Darrell D. Sample will officiate and internment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Park, Dixon. Memorials have been established to the Community General Hospital Sterling, or First United Methodist Church.
SOPHIA PEARL (CARNEY) SWEGLE
, 72, Palmyra Avenue, died in the Mansion Nursing Home Sunday afternoon (12 July 1959) after a long illness. She was born May 2, 1887, in Steward, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Wise Carney, She was married to Charles G. Swegle in Steward Nov 27, 1912. She was a member of the Methodist Church and the Mothers of World War II.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a brother and three sisters. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Mary Ellen) Wilson and Miss Mildred Swegle, both of Dixon; six sons, Donald and Ellwyn, both of Ashton, and Ivan, Stanley, Sidney and Howard, all of Dixon; a brother, Joseph Carney, Rochelle; two sisters, Mrs. Jay (Olivia) Crattey, Mr. Morris, and Mrs. Harold (Dorothy) Cook, Steward, and 17 grandchildren. Arrangements for services are incomplete at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Friends may call in the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Karen Holt
ELLWYN SWEGLE
, 84, of Ashton, died Thursday, July 20, 2006, at his home. The family cherishes his strength of character. He was a wonderful husband to his wife Mary Thrasher Swegle, who preceded him in death on August 18, 2002. They would have been married 63 years (January 17, 1943). He was a committed father, proud grandfather, devoted brother, and dear friend to many people. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, church, and community. Ellwyn was an active member of the Ashton United Methodist Church, serving in various capacities, including the building committee for the new building completed in 1970. He was a leader for the local Boy Scouts in the 1960’s – 1980’s. Ellwyn had a strong commitment to the preservation of history; an avid genealogist; a charter member of Living History Antique Equipment Association in Franklin Grove; and in the 90’s, he was an active worker on construction of the Franklin Creek Grist Mill. He was a loyal Cubs fan his entire life. He enjoyed his home in the country and the native prairie grass he grew there. Ellwyn was born May 9, 1922, in Rochelle, Ogle County, IL, the son of the late Charles and Sophia (Carney) Swegle. He was a 1940 graduate of Dixon High School, Dixon, IL. He worked for Illinois Northern Utilities Company but when World War II came, he joined the Army Air Corps. Ellwyn was a second-lieutenant when honorably discharged in 1945. He returned to his job with INUC which became Commonwealth Edison and remained until retirement in 1982.
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Christine Walters
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Karen Holt
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Karen Holt
Contributed to Genealogy Trailsby Karen Holt - The News, Rochelle, IL February 16, 1984
Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Karen Holt
