IRMA (SORENSON) GARLAND , 89, of Freeport died Thursday, Feb 8, 2001 at Stephenson Nursing Center in Freeport. She was born May 29, 1911, in Thompson to James and Elsie (Gehlsen) Sorenson. She and Amos Garland were married Nov 2, 1929, in Morrison. He died May 12, 1985. Prior to her retirement in 1976, she worked 30 years at Sanitary Laundry in Freeport. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Surviving are two sons, Harold (Mary Ann) Garland of Olympia, Wash., and Larry (Liz) Garland of Bossier, La.; two daughters, Teresa Jones and Ilene Larson, both of Freeport; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, two brothers, one sister, two sons, Michael and Amos Garland, and three daughters, Jacqueline Schmelzer and Shirley and Jane Garland. Her body has been donated to medical science, and a memorial Mass will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation or services at this time. A memorial fund has been established. Arrangements were made by Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - The Journal Standard 10 Feb 2001

JACOB GEARHART , 66, died suddenly at 4 p.m. Wednesday (15 Mar 1961) at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Willard Becker, four miles north of Lanark, where he was assisting with some farm work. Death was due to a heart attack. The body was rmoved to the Frank Funeral Home in Lanark where friends may call. A short prayer service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home followed by funeral services at 2:30 p.m. in the Grace Evangelical Congreagational Church at Afolkey. The Rev. Lew Mills, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Afolkey cemetery. Mr. Gearhart was born near Cedarville on March 8, 1895, the son of John and Rosetta Meinzer Gearhart. He was married to Edna Windecker on Feb. 1, 1917 in Freeport. They farmed in the Orangeville area until three years ago when they retired and moved into Lanark to make their home. Survivors are his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Willard (Arlene) Becker, rural Lanark; three grandchildren and one brother, Floyd Gearhart, Dakota, Ill.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 16, 1961 - Thursday, pg 2 col 2

ROBERT E. GEISER , 86, of Freeport died Sunday, December 13, 1998 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . Born March 6, 1912 he was the son of William and Abbie Geiser. On August 12, 1936 he married Sadie Drake in Forreston, She died October 30, 1982. During his lifetime membership at Bethany United Church of Christ, he held several positions within the church. He worked for Henney Motor Company 25 years before owning and operating a Ford dealership in Pecatonica. He is survived by one daughter, Barbara (Daniel) Ilgen of Okemos , Michigan ; one son, Robert J. (Judith) Geiser of San Diego, California; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his longtime friend Marie Folgate of Freeport ; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, two brothers, Alvin and Leroy; and two sisters, Edith and Gertrude. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bethany United Church of Christ with the Rev, Ward Malloy officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. to time of service Wednesday at the church. Private burial will precede the service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens . In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Bethany United Church of Christ.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ORLOU G. (KEARNAGHAN) GELWICKS , 86, of Freeport died Tuesday, January 5, 1999 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . The daughter of Charles Henry and Mary Jane (Wright) Kearnaghan, she was born September 30, 1912 at Mount Carroll . On July 31, 1937 she and John R. Gelwicks were married at Mount Carroll . After attending rural grade school and Mount Carroll High School , she graduated from Northern Illinois University . She was a schoolteacher for four years in rural schools and then was a substitute teacher in Freeport grade schools. The Freeport Park District Board and Illinois Association of Parks presented her with the Community Service Award. Her memberships included Embury United Methodist Church , YWCA and Stephenson County Home Extension. Surviving are her husband; one son, Thomas (Carol) Gelwicks of Normal; three grandchildren, Janet (Michael) Nelson of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin , Gregory (Laura) Gelwicks of Columbia, Missouri, and Kevin Gelwicks of Laramie , Wyoming ; and three great-grandchildren, James and Mark Gelwicks, and William Michael Nelson. Preceding her in death were her parents; one son, William W. Gelwicks in 1970, and one sister, Ruth Worrell. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Stephen Aram of Embury United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Mount Carroll . Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for Bill Gelwicks Nature Center at Oakdale Nature Preserve on Baileyville Road , Freeport .
Contributed by Alice Horner

LYLE F. GILLESPIE , 78, of Freeport died Monday, March 15, 1999 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . He was born November 24, 1920 in Mount Carroll to Francis and Helen (Fulrath) Gillespie. On November 29, 1941 he and Elizabeth “Betty” J. Ament were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Freeport . After graduating from Mount Carroll High School in 1938, he continued with his education at Brown’s Business College in Freeport . He was the manager of Northern Propane Gas Co., later Ferrell Gas. Co. for many years. A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, he was very active in the Knights of Columbus, of which he was a member for 55 years, and he was a member of the 4th Degree and the Father Mazzuchelli Assembly. He also held a membership in the Elks Club. Surviving are two daughters, Pamela J. Gillespie of Freeport and Jan (Al) Stockman of Glendale, Arizona; one grandson, Christopher Schneider of Anchorage , Alaska ; and one brother Richard (Bette) Gillespie of Gainesville, Florida. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife on February 6, 1993, and one sister, Ruth Robertson. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. John Cahill officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens , Freeport . Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Schwarz Funeral Home where a Scripture service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Freeport Memorial Hospice.
Contributed by Alice Horner

CLELL GILLILAND - Memorial service for Clell Gilliland, 75, a former Freeport resident who died Saturday in Tucson, was held today in Lyons, Kan. Internment was in Lyons. In Freeport, he was employed as a printer by Furst-McNess Co. Following retirement, he moved to Lyons. He was born in Wisconsin, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Gilliland. He married Anita Steele June 25, 1927 in Freeport. Surviving are his widow; two brothers, Wade of Tucson, and Glenn of Chicago; two sisters, Fern Patterson of Rochester, Minn., and Belva Fredisdah of Arlington Heights.
Contributed by Alice Horner exclusively for Genealogy Trails

WILLIAM W. GILMORE , president of Micro Switch since 1947 and a corporate vice president of the Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co., died suddenly at 5 a.m. today in Deaconess Hospital. He entered the hospital Monday after being taken ill suddenly, apparently from a heart attack. He had been associated with Micro Switch in Freeport since 1941, coming here as an industrial engineering consultant from Chicago. He came here to assist the company to prepare for wartime production and planned to enter the Army. However, the Army and the company agreed he should remain here to direct the wartime activities of the company. He advanced from management engineer to executive vice president and then became president when Micro was a subsidiary of First Industrial Corp. It has been a subsidiary of Minneapolis-Honeywell Regulator Co. since 1950. Gilmore was born October 27, 1894 in Jones County, Iowa but spent his boyhood and early life in Braymer, Mo., where his mother, Mrs. F. M. Gilmore, still resides. He attended schools in that area to obtain his early education. His initial employment was with the Milwaukee Road at a salary of $28 per month. He received his civil engineering training and initial employment as a civil engineer with the railroad. Later he was employed by the Burroughs Adding Machine Co. at Detroit and received industrial engineering training there. In 1922 he established his own business as an industrial consultant in Chicago. Gilmore had been active in the Chamber of Commerce since coming to Freeport and headed the campaign which resulted in approval by referendum of the million-dollar sewer rehabilitation program here. He also served as Community Chest president, chairman of the Stephenson County Housing Authority and was a member of the Freeport Planning Commission. He was also an active member of Rotary Club, Freeport County Club, and various Masonic bodies. Several months ago he was named a member of the State Housing Authority by Gov. William Stratton. He was affiliated with the Christian Science Church. He was married Nov. 14, 1915 to Miss Zody Ridge of Vinton, Iowa. Survivors include his wife, his mother, a daughter, Mrs. Evan I. (Jean) Clay of LaGrange, a granddaughter and a grandson. Private memorial service, for members of the immediate family only, will be at the Walker Mortuary at 2 p.m. Saturday. There will be no visitation. Willard W. Janes of Rockford, a Christian Science reader, will conduct the service. Cremation took place today.
Contributed by Alice Horner exclusively for Genealogy Trails

KATHERINE GINGRICH , 105, a resident of Parkview Home, died Sunday, Dec. 15, 1991 at the home. She was a secretary for Crum & Forster Insurance Company is Freeport for many years. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church. Born Oct. 31, 1886 in Downs, Kansas, she was the daughter of John B. and Lulu (Baltzer) Gingrich. She is survived by several cousins. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Parkview Home, with the Rev. John Patterson of Second Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday at the time of services at Parkview Home. A memorial has been established for Parkview Home. Walker Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by Alice Horner exclusively for Genealogy Trails

DAVID GOLDY - A telegram was received yesterday from the war department by Mrs. Vivian M. Goldy, who resides now in Anniston, Ala., that her husband, Cpl. David C. Goldy, 28, who had been reported missing on Jan. 1, was killed in action in Belgium on Jan. 5, 1945. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Goldy of Durand, Cpl. Goldy was born on March 2, 1916 near Durand and received his schooling there, graduating from Durand High School. On June 5, 1941 he married Miss Vivian M. Downing, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Loomer Downing of Mt. Carroll. Before entering service on Aug. 9, 1943, Goldy and his wife and infant son resided at 942 South Arcade Avenue, Freeport. He had been an employee of the Stephenson Service company.

Cpl. Goldy received training in anti-aircraft at Camp Haan, Calif.; basic training in infantry at Camp McCain, Miss., and completed a specialized training course in supplies at Fort McClellan, Ala., Ala., before going overseas from Fort Meade, Md., on November 21, 1944.

He is survived by his widow and son, David Leigh; his parents; a brother, Kenneth, serving in Italy, and another, Maurice, living at home; four sisters: Mrs. Eva Barcelona, Freeport; Mrs. Betty Bloyer of the WAVES, who is stationed at Corpus Christi, Tex.; and Alice and Margaret at home. Cpl. Goldy was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church of Davis, and held membership in Freeport consistory and Evening Star Masonic Lodge, No. 414, of Davis.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ANNE (WARRINER) GOODHEART , active in Freeport community life for more than 20 years, died Saturday at 10 p.m. in her home at Montrose, Pa., after an illness of a year. The Goodhearts went to Montrose to live in 1963. Mr. Goodheart retired from Micro Switch in 1959. Mrs. Goodheart was a founder, with her husband, of the Great Books study in Freeport, one of the first presidents of the Newcomers Club, a member of the Freeport Shakespeare Society and of Elder William Brewster Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and a founding member of Home Economists in Homemaking.

The former Anne Warriner was born May 22, 1888 in Montrose, the daughter of Rev. Edward A. and Esther Bolles Warriner. She was a graduate of Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, N. Y., and the University of Chicago. She was married to Marshall F. Goodheart in Montrose in 1923. The Goodhearts came to Freeport in 1942 when Mr. Goodheart became a quality control executive at Micro Switch. On two occasions he was sent to Scotland to help introduce Micro Switch manufacture in that country. The Goodhearts lived in Glasgow in 1956-57 and again in 1957-58. Mrs. Goodheart is survived by her husband, and a brother, Jesse B. Warriner, Bethlehem, Pa.. Her sister, Mrs. Calvin Smith, who had often visited Freeport, died in 1964. A memorial service will be held later, when it is possible for members of the family to attend. Memorial gifts for Highland Community College may be sent to the Freeport Community College Foundation, 511 W. Stephenson St.

HELEN GRAHAM , 94, of 1150 W. Harrison St., Freeport, former Freeport teacher, died this morning, Nov. 12, 1986 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. A graduate of Freeport High School, she received her B.S. degree in education from Northern Illinois University and her M. S. degree in education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. For over 45 years, she was an elementary education teacher in Stephenson County where she was a fourth grade teacher at Harlem and Empire Schools. After retiring from teaching she was librarian for the Freeport Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Graham was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, local state, and national retired teachers associations, American Association of University Women (AAUW), YWCA, Stephenson County Historical Society, and Cedarville Historical Society of which she was a charter member. Also, she was a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. On September 14, 1893, she was born in Cedarville, the daughter of James A. and Mary Jane (Kryder) Graham. Surviving are nephews in the area. Two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Dr. James Griffes, pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Cedarville Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established for the Bell Ringers of Second Presbyterian Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner ** Miss Graham was my 4th grade teacher. I really liked her then, and even more now when I see how interested she was in local history. I took the photo myself, in September 1985, when she was in the hospital at the same time my father was.

MARGARET (GUND) GRAHAM - 97, 1550 W. Stephenson St , Freeport , Illinois died Wednesday morning at home. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as September 1984.) She was the widow of George W. Graham, a partner in Gund-Graham Construction, highway and bridge contractors. She was born September 18, 1887 in Freeport , the daughter of Fred and Josephine Hettinger Gund. She attended Dana Hall, Wellesley , Mass. , and was a graduate of Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. She taught in Iowa schools. She married George Woods Graham July 27, 1918 in Freeport . He died April 3, 1940. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and the church’s St. Margaret Guild, the Shakespeare Society, Chapter BE of PEO, League of Women Voters, Freeport Women’s Club and YWCA. Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. Ellen Torrey (Patrick) Cusack, Glenview; a son, Joseph Gund Graham, Freeport ; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, three brothers and two sisters. Service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. William (Mickie) Klusmeyer officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery . Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Walker Mortuary. Memorials have been established for Grace Episcopal Church and Highland Community College .
Contributed by Alice Horner

CHARLES GRAM - Memorial service for Charles C. Gram, 82, of 1208 S. Walnut Ave. will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. He died Sunday morning, January 11, 1987 at his home after an extended illness. Until retirement, he was an executive at the Henney Motor Co., and was a Navy veteran. Born on January 30, 1904 in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of Charles and Katie (Diehl) Gram. He married Mae. E. Peterson, who died in 1948. There are no immediate survivors. Arrangements were completed by Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. (Transcribers Note: Florence L Downing Horner notes that Charles Gram lived at East River View, Florida at the time of his death. The Walnut Ave. address given in the obituary was in Freeport, Illinois.)
Contributed by Alice Horner

JANE (HUGHES) GRANT , 77, succumbs to heart attack following operation. The many friends of Mrs. Jennie Grant, widow of the late Patrick Grant and a well known resident of Freeport, were shocked by the news of her demise which took place at a local hospital shortly after 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Although she had been in failing health for some months she was not taken critically ill until a few days ago, when she was removed to the hospital to undergo an operation. She rallied following the operation, but yesterday morning suffered a heart attack which caused her taking off later in the day. Jennie Hughes was born in New York state on May 1, 1851, being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hughes. Her parents came west when she was a small child they being among the pioneer settlers of this vicinity. She was united in marriage at St. Mary's Catholic church on November 25, 1871 to Patrick Grant the latter passing away on May 16, 1891. Mr. Grant established the Freeport Lime Works operating a kiln on North Brick Avenue, opposite the Water works plant. For twenty-five years after his death the business was continued by his widow which business she carried on in a very successful manner. Mrs. Grant was the mother of eight children, one dying in infancy and a son, Richard Grant, passing away 24 years ago. The following children survive: Mrs. J. E. Harrington, Chicago; Mrs. John F. Wall, Florence Station; Thomas, James, Katherine and Jane, all at home. There are also three grandchildren they being Grant Harrington, Pittsburgh, PA; Charles Harrington, Chicago, Mary Jane Wall, Florence Station. One great grandchild also survives he being Jackie Harrington, Chicago.

A sister, Mrs. Mary Fay, resides in Freeport, while a brother, Charles Hughes, lives at Dubuque, IA. Mrs. Grant, who was familiarly known as "Bannie" to her relatives and friends, was a kindly and generous person and in her passing the bereaved family have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends. She was one of the first members of St. Mary's Catholic church but for the past four years had attended St. Thomas church. She resided at 1050 West Galena avenue. Funeral services will be conducted from the late home at 9:15 o'clock Saturday morning and at 930 o'clock from St. Thomas Aquinas church. A solemn high mass will be celebrated with Rev. J. J. Egan as celebrant, Rev. A. J. Heinzler as deacon and Rev. Victor Makaitis as subdeacon. Burial will be made in St. Mary's cemetery (Contributed by Julie Rosales from the Freeport Journal Standard, IL, p2 col1.).

RALPH R. GRASSAU , 72, of 3102 W. Stephenson Road, died Thursday evening (June 1979) at Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. He was a retired budget analyst of Panama Canal Co., Panama Canal Zone. A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, he served as lector and on the finance committee of the church. He was a life member of Elks Lodge, Marguerita, Panama Canal Zone, past district deputy and past district deputy, grand exalted ruler. In Balboa, Panama Canal Zone, he was active in St. Mary’s Mission.

Born Dec. 10, 1906 in Malta, he was the son of Dr. Andrew and Anna E. (Childs) Grassau. He married Eva Bares Sept. 11, 1933 in Freeport. Surviving are his widow; one son, Ralph R. Grassau Jr. of Houston, Tex.; three grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Anna E. Grassau of Freeport; and two sisters, Mrs. Willard (June) Byers of Shannon and Mrs. Lewis (Katherine) Wainwright of Rockford. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. at Schwarz Funeral Home and 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Albert Rennell, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for Diocesan Service Program.

SERVICES:
Services for Ralph R. Grassau, 72, 2102 W. Stephenson Street, who died Thursday evening in Freeport Memorial Hospital after a long illness, will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Schwarz Funeral Home and 10:30 a.m. in St Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Grassau was a retired budget analyst for the Panama Canal Co., Panama, Canal Zone. Survivers include his wife, Eva; a son, Ralph R. of Houston, Tex.; three grandsons; his mother, Anna Grassau of Freeport; and two sisters, June Byers of Shannon and Katharine Wainwright of Rockford. Friends may call after 2 p.m. today at the funeral home, where the rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for the diocese’s service program.
Contributed by Alice Horner

JOSEPH GRATTELO , 86, vice president of the Union Loan and Savings Association and for many years engaged in the carriage and wagon making business in Freeport, passed away suddenly at his home, 917 South Oak Avenue, Freeport late yesterday afternoon (his date of death is September 30, 1938). Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 9 o’clock Monday morning, with a requiem mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 9:30 o’clock. Rev. N. J. Berg will celebrate the mass and interment will be made in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. J. G. Harrington will have charge of funeral arrangements and the following will act as bearers: Gerald Grant, Paul Grattelo, Donald Grattelo, Anton Nampel, Harold Maves, Henry W. Hamilton. Mr. Grattelo was born at Ronchamp, France June 29, 1852. He came to the United States in 1871 and directly to Freeport, where he had since resided. He was engaged in the carriage and wagon making business here for 50 years, conducting his business at the corner of West Spring Street and South Chicago Avenue. His marriage to Sophia Maves took place November 12, 1881, the ceremony being performed by the late Monsignor Clemens Kalvelage, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church of which Mr. Grattelo was a faithful member. Mrs. Grattelo passed away July 20, 1925. (Transcriber’s note: The newspaper typo’d this date as July 20, 1895; as she appears with the family on the 1900 US Federal Census this date is not correct. The Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950 shows the date of July 20, 1925.) Seven children were born, of whom six survive. They are Walter Grattelo, Mrs. N. E. Dahm, Victor Grattelo, Mrs. Robert Grant, John J. Grattelo, all of Freeport. A daughter, Mrs. Edna Williams, preceded him in death. He also leaves a brother, Gustave Grattelo, Freeport, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was one of the pioneer members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, a charter member of the Loyal Order of Moose, a director in the Union Loan and Savings Association and for the past twenty years vice president of the association. Since retiring from business Mr. Grattelo spent much time in traveling, having made a tour of Europe a few years ago, visiting his boyhood home in France. He was active up to the time of his death, manifesting a keen interest in affairs of the day and being especially concerned regarding the present European crisis. He is a lover of flowers and spent many hours caring for his garden.
Contributed by Alice Horner

WILLIAM GRAU , 77, of 727 W. Pleasant St., died Tuesday, October 25, 1994 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. He owned and operated the Culligan Water Conditioning Company in Freeport and Forreston for 35 years, retiring in 1977. He was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church. He was a 33rd degree mason, was a member and Past Master of Evergreen Masonic Lodge No. 170, was a member and Past Commander in Chief of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Walley of Freeport, was a member of Tebala Shrine and their Shrine Club, the Freeport Commandery No. 7 Knights Templar and the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. He was a member of the American Legion and High Twelve Club. Born Sept. 6, 1917 in Freeport, he was a son of Clarence and Birdie Mae (Sinkhorn) Grau. He married Edna Ardale Bird Jan.12, 1945 in Freeport. Surviving are his wife, one brother, David (Lorraine) Grau, and one sister, Marion (Robert) Derwent, all of Freeport. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Walker Mortuary with Dr. Gerald Robey, administer of Parkview Home, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday when a Masonic service will be conducted by the Evergreen Masonic Lodge No. 170 at 7 p.m.
Contributed by Alice Horner

LUCILLE M. GRAY , 66, of 1148 W. Pleasant, St., died Thursday while on vacation in Asheville , N. C. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as August 1978.) She was a retired Freeport Junior High School teacher and member of Embury United Methodist Church , Stephenson County Historical Society, Illinois Historical Society and Delta Kappa Gamma. Born July 28, 1912 in Edgewood , Iowa , she was the daughter of Martin Luther and Laura (Williamson) Gray. Surviving is one brother, William Gray, of Mount Morris . She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. William H. Blomberg, pastor of Embury United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Mount Carroll .
Contributed by Alice Horner (Death at 5 Aug 1978)

EVELYN (NELSON) GROUCHY , 80, of 1525 W. American Street , a former member of the YWCA Board, died Saturday, August 23, 1986 at Clearview Christian Science Sanitarium, Delafield , Wisconsin . She and her husband, “Doc” Grouchy, left Freeport to pursue his YMCA career, but returned in 1959 to make Freeport their permanent home. A member of First Church of Christ Scientist, she was a former reader and president of the church board. Evelyn also was a member and former president of Chapter BE of PEO and member of the Freeport Women’s Club. Educated in Freeport schools, she also graduated from the school of music at Northwestern University , where she was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a national music sorority. She was born March 21, 1906 in Lena , the daughter of Harry Bert and Julia (Gishwiller) Nelson. On March 21, 1932 she married Matthew D. “Doc” Grouchy in Freeport . Her husband survives. A Christian Science service will be read Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Reader will be Ruth Yoder of Burlington , Iowa , formerly of Freeport . Burial will be in Lena Burial Park . Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for First Church of Christ Scientist in Freeport .
Contributed by Alice Horner - Transcriber's Note: Her surname was pronounced "Grow - Shay."

MATTHEW D. GROUCHY , 97, of Freeport died Monday, November 29, 1999 at Freeport Manor Nursing Home. He was born September 11, 1902 in Osceola , Iowa to Matthew D. and Amanda Mae ( Arnold ) Grouchy, but was raised in Ottumwa , Iowa , where he graduated from high school. On March 21, 1932 he and Evelyn Nelson were married in Freeport . She died August 23, 1986. He and Connie J. Gruszka were married September 26, 1997 in Freeport . In 1925 he received a liberal arts degree from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant , Iowa , and did post-graduate work in the social sciences at the University of Iowa in 1930-31. He was associated with the YMCA from 1926 to 1954, serving in Duluth , Minnesota , Alton , Canton , Kansas City, Missouri , where he was executive secretary from 1943-1954, and was program secretary of Freeport YMCA from 1926-1929. After working for the YMCA, he became a partner with his father-in-law in H. B. Nelson Insurance Agency in Freeport , and in 1959, became executive director of Freeport United Way , serving the organization until 1980. His memberships included Embury United Methodist Church , Freeport Noon Kiwanis Club, Scottish Rite Bodies, Evergreen Lodge, Winneshiek Players, and Community Concert Association. Those who knew him said that he was always a people person and engaged in people organizations, both business and non-business. Surviving are his wife; two nieces, Dawn Davidson of Rosemead , California and Barbara Coppersmith of Denver ; three step-daughters, Jean Parke of Freeport , Mary (Jeff) Zink of Shannon and Katherine Gruszka of Freeport ; and two step-grandchildren, Jeffrey Parke of Freeport and Adam Zink of Shannon . Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife, and two sisters. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Embury United Methodist Church with the Rev, Peter Agnew officiating. Burial will be at Lena Burial Park . Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. A memorial fund has been established for Freeport United Way and Embury United Methodist Church .
Contriubred by Alice Horner - Transcriber's Note: His surname was pronounced "Grow - Shay."

NANCY (LOTZ) GUENTNER , 69, of Lanark died Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. Daughter of Clarence and Rose (Waters) Lotz, she was born September 1, 1938 in Freeport. She was a 1956 graduate of Lanark High School. On December 29, 1956, Nancy and Paul Guentner were united in marriage in Lanark. Paul preceded her in death on November 6, 2005. She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing dominos and cards. Surviving are her four children, Rick (Heidi) Guentner of San Jose, Mick Guentner of Lanark, Sue (Brian) Scott of Freeport and Peg Goetz of Freeport; six grandchildren, Austin and Andrew Guentner, Blaine Guentner, Amanda and Sami Goetz, and Kaylee Scott; two sisters Carol (Robert) Lindsay of Lanark and Phyllis (Paul Sr.) Heber of Crystal Lake; sister-in-laws; Joyce (Marvin) Buisker of Lanark and Marcella Long of East Moline and many nieces and nephews. Her husband and parents, precede Nancy in death. The funeral was held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 22, 2007 at Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark, with Rev. John Sgro of the Lanark Church of the Brethren officiating. Burial was in Chapel Hill Memorials Gardens in Freeport. Visitation was from 2 to 5 P.M. Sunday, October 21, 2007 at the Funeral Home.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

RALPH LEVI GUENTNER , age 83, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, died Thursday, December 18, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be held 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2008 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. A private graveside service will be held at the Salem Cemetery, Loran, Illinois. Memorials may be given in Ralph’s name for the Mt. Carroll Ambulance Association. Ralph was born November 20, 1925 in Pearl City, Illinois, the son of Levi and Elsie (Kiester) Guentner. He attended Pearl City Schools and served in the United States Navy on a LST during WWII. On October 6, 1972, Ralph married Jean Byars Carson in Lincoln, Illinois. Ralph was a farmer, landowner and jack-of-all-trades. He loved the time with his grandchildren, visiting with friends and dining out. He was a member of the Elks Club in Galena and the VFW in Freeport. Ralph will be dearly missed by his wife, Jean of Mt. Carroll; his daughter, Candie Bauch of Mt. Carroll; his son, Ron (Stacy) Carson of Mt. Carroll; and four grandchildren, Sam and Hannah Bauch, and Cody and Chloe Carson. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and sisters, and several nieces.

LOUISE (ELDER) GUNZLER , 75, of 714 Quail Ridge Drive , died Thursday, February 5, 1987 at her home. A graduate of North High School in Des Moines , Iowa , she attended Drake University and after leaving school was a ready-to-wear buyer and merchandiser. She was a member of First Presbyterian Women’s organization. On the original committee for Meals on Wheels, she was also a charter member of the Cotillion Club, past president of Amity Society, charter member of the Benjamin Stephenson Auxiliary and served as past board directory of Freeport Community Chest, Girl Scouts, and Cancer Research organizations. Other memberships include Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), women of the Elks, Women’s Auxiliary of the American Podiatry Society, Women’s Auxiliary of the State Podiatry Society, and the YWCA. The daughter of William Leasure and Lyde (Whitehill) Elder, she was born March 30, 1911 in Chicago . On March 23, 1943 she married George E. Guenzler in Des Moines , Iowa . Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Janis Louise Walters of Hoffman Estates and Jane Ellen (Mrs. James) Levy of Oak Park; a brother, Stewart Elder of Des Moines , Iowa ; four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers. Memorial service will be held Tuesday February 17, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Douglas Baer, pastor, will officiate. Her body was cremated. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery . There will be no visitation. The family requests that all remembrances be directed to the memorials for United Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church and the Freeport Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Meals on Wheels.
Contributed by Alice Horner

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