WILLIAM FREDERICK JOGERST
- Seized with a heart attack while doing carpentering work at 714 S. Carroll Ave. shortly before 3 p.m. Monday, William Frederick Jogerst, 82, retired assistant chief of police of Freeport, died almost instantly. He lived at 1289 S. maple Ave. A fire department inhalator squad was summoned but efforts to revive him failed. A physician pronounced him dead at the scene. He had been employed part time by a local carpenter. He was born in Kent Township, Nov. 23, 1871, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Basilius Jogerst, and was educated in schools of that vicinity. He farmed in Kent Township for several years and later operated a grocery store in Lena for two years. He moved to Freeport in 1900. His marriage to Otilda Mideke took place Sept. 6, 1898. His wife died Dec. 7, 1949. On May 8, 1920, he became a patrolman with the Freeport police department and March 4, 1928 was promoted to the rank of sergeant. On Dec. 1, 1936, he became assistant chief and served in that capacity until his retirement Jan. 1, 1942.
Surviving are a daughter and a son, Mrs. Carl Myers and Emmert Jogerst, both of Freeport. There are two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A brother and a sister also survive. John and Miss Christine Jogerst, both of Lena. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held in the Schwarz Funeral Home at 9 a.m. Thursday, with a Requiem Mass in St. Joseph's Church at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. N. J. Berg will officiate. Interment will be made in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
Contributed by Julie Rosales
ALBERT A. JOHNSON
, 614 W. Moseley Street, Freeport, died Friday night, September 4, 1970 in Monroe (Wisconsin) Manor Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mr. Johnson farmed in the Shannon area before moving to Freeport in 1946. He was a salesman for Pioneer Seed Corn for 25 years. Born February 19, 1888 in Silver Creek Township, Stephenson County, he was the son of John K. and Grace (Myers) Johnson. On September 26, 1911 he married Dora Brinkmeier. (Alice Horner's note: Albert A. Johnson apparently changed his surname to Johnson from Janssen, because his parents were John Karl Janssen and Grietje [Meier] Janssen and they are buried with Janssen on their tombstone at White Oak Cemetery near Forreston, Ogle County, Illinois. I have another source who confirms the Janssen name. His Johnson name is in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900, which has marriages in Stephenson County after 1900. My other source indicates he was born in Baileyville, Ogle County, Illinois, but on the same date.)
Surviving are his widow, a resident of Villas of Shannon Nursing Home; a grandson, Keith Sturtevant of Freeport, who was reared by the Johnsons; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Fred (Grace) Schasker of Freeport. He was preceded in death by a daughter, three brothers and four sisters.
Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, with the Rev. Eldon Schriver, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois September 5, 1970
ANNA M. JOHNSON
, 78, widow of Nathan Johnson, died Friday night at Elgin. She was born in Baileyville, Ill., and had lived in Elgin since 1935. Her husband died 14 years ago. Survivors are six sons and two daughters. The body is being taken to Fairbanks, Ia., for interment.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - December 6, 1943 clipping
DORA C. JOHNSON
, Funeral service for Mrs. Albert A. (Dora C.) Johnson, a resident of the Villas of Shannon Nursing Home, will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, with the Rev. Eldon Schriver, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Mrs. Johnson, who formerly lived at 614 W. Moseley Street, Freeport, died Friday morning, December 10, 1971 in Freeport Memorial Hospital. She was born August 22, 1889 in Jefferson Township, daughter of Simon and Dorothea (Erbsen) Brinkmeier. On September 26, 1911, she was married to Albert A. Johnson. He died September 4, 1970. Surviving are a grandson, Keith R. Sturtevant of Freeport, who once resided with her; three great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, four brothers, and three sisters.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Saturday, December 11, 1971
ELMER L. JOHNSON
, 77, of Freeport died Tuesday, August 25, 1998 in his home. A son of Ivan and Esther (Maize) Johnson, he was born February 17, 1921 in Rock Run Township . He and Vera Wienand were married October 3, 1943 in Keoke , Missouri . She died February 17, 1966. On July 12, 1975, he and Marie (Grunder) Meinert were married at the Church By The Side Of The Road in Rockton. After attending Dakota High School and an automobile mechanic trade school in Chicago , he was a self-employed auto mechanic. His memberships included Freeport Loyal Order of Moose Lodge and the former Germania Club of Freeport. Surviving are his wife; one son, Gary (Jane) Johnson of Freeport; two stepsons, Gary (Diane) Meinert of Rock City and Steve (Marcia) Meinert of New Berlin, Wisconsin; one stepdaughter, Marjorie (Eugene Wilkins) of Freeport; 10 grandchildren, Todd (Mindy) Johnson, Dawn (Rick) Miller, and Lisa, Eric, and Kayla Meinert, all of Rock City; Kim (Chris) Grebner of Freeport; Vernon (Sue) Kuhlemeier of Dakota; Otto Meinert of Weaverville, California, and Julie and Dan Carroll of New Berlin, Wisconsin; 10 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty (Glen) Metz of Stockton, and Linda (Jim) Ditsworth of Freeport. Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife, an infant daughter, Penny Ann, and one brother, Donald Johnson, on January 28, 1998. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 115 S. West Street , in Dakota, with the Rev. Dennis Stutzman of Freeport Mennonite Church officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Cemetery .
Contributed by Alice Horner
ELSO S. JOHNSON
, When a message was received here a few weeks ago addressed to Mrs. Catherine Johnson, of Freeport, and announcing the death of her son, Private Elso S. Johnson of the United States engineers, an effort was made to locate Mrs. Johnson but his could not be done. The telegram announced that the young man had been killed in action in France on July 11th. Mrs. Catherine Johnson housekeeper for Dr. Carpenter at Baileyville, read an account of the casualty in the Journal Standard and hurrying to Freeport made an investigation. Mrs. Johnson felt certain that the message was meant for her and that it was her son, who had been killed. However, her friends believed otherwise and no word could be received as to just who the young man was. After the name was announced in the casualty list it was corrected and the young man's hometown was given as Freeport, Minnesota. The mother could not be made to believe however that it was not her son who was killed as he bore the name of Elso S. Johnson and her fears were well founded as on Saturday afternoon Mrs. Johnson received a message at Baileyville from Adjutant General McCain announcing the death of her boy. The young man was killed in action on July 11th.
The message was as follows: August 10, 1918 - Mrs. Catherine Johnson - Baileyville, Ill.
Deeply regret to inform you that Private Elso S. Johnson, engineers, was killed in action on July 11th. (Signed) McCain
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated August 12, 1918
Body of Baileyville Gold Star Soldier To Be Brought Home Soon
Private Elso Johnson Killed in Action in 1918
The remains of the late Private Elso Johnson of Baileyville will be returned to this country and will be buried at Baileyville upon arrival. The exact time of the arrival is not known, but notice has been sent to relatives that the body will be shipped. Private Johnson was in the 117th Engineers of the Rainbow division and was killed in action on the Meuse Argonne front in the summer of 1918. It was report that his body was ripped to shreds and it would be impossible to move him but later reports was to the effect that the body could be removed. His mother who died recently made a last request to have the body brought to her side for burial and the only living member of the family, John F. Johnson, has carried out her wishes. Private Johnson was one of three brothers who went to the front, another brother Louis E. Johnson having also been killed in action and his remains buried at Baileyville. When the report came relative to the body of Elso Johnson that it could not be moved the American Legion post placed a marker for him in the Baileyville Cemetery. John Johnson returned to his home and is now the only surviving member of his family. His two brothers were killed in action overseas and his mother died less than one year ago.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated June 29, 1921
HARRY KNUD JOHNSON
, 733 West Ordway Street, Freeport, prominent optometrist, passed away at a local hospital this morning, September 10, 1940 at 10:45 following an illness of several months. He was born November 17, 1885 at Kankakee, Illinois being the son of Minnie and Knud Johnson, and received his education in the public schools of that city. He enrolled in Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, receiving the degree of doctor of optometry. He took several post-graduate courses in his profession. He began his practice in the jewelry store of the late Edward Bengston, establishing his own office in the State Bank Building in 1919, where he had practiced until last May.
On July 10, 1919 he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Mensenkamp of this city, who survives, as does one son, Richard F. Johnson. One sister, Mrs. Elmer C. Reed, a brother, Charles W. Johnson, and a niece, Miss Betty Schaefer, are members of the immediate family.
Mr. Johnson was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, having served ten years as president of the board of trustees and for a long period was committeeman of Boy Scout Troop No. 14. He was a member of the Excelsior Lodge, No. 97, A. F. & A. M., of Freeport Consistory, and of the American Legion. He served for several terms as secretary of the local board of the Y. M. C. A. At the time of his death he was a member of the executive council of the Illinois State Society of Optometrists and a member of the Graduate Clinic Foundation. He was much interested in furthering the educational standards of his profession.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 at Second Presbyterian Church. Dr. Brainerd N. Covert will be the officiating clergyman. Interment will be made in Oakland Cemetery. John W. Briggs will be in charge of arrangements. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary until noon Thursday and at the church until the hour of the services.
Contribute dby Alice Horner
LOUIS C. JOHNSON
- Two of the three service stars on the service flag, which has been hanging in the hoe of Dr. E. A. Carpenter, of Baileyville, where Mrs. Catherina Johnson is employed as housekeeper, have been turned to gold. The first god star appeared on the flag several weeks ago when Private Elso S. Johnson, a son of Mrs. Johnson, was killed in action in France. Late yesterday another blue star was changed to gold when news was received from Camp Dodge, Des Moines, Iowa, announcing the death of another son, Private Louis C. Johnson, who died there yesterday as a result of Spanish influenza. The young man had been ill several days with the disease and as soon as news of his illness was received by his mother Dr. Carpenter hurried to Camp Dodge. However, when he arrived there the young soldier had passed away. The loss of two sons in the service of the country within such a short time has been a severe blow to Mrs. Johnson but she is bearing her sorrow bravely and is proud that her sons have been able to serve their country even though they have been called upon to make the supreme sacrifice. The remains will be sent to Baileyville and it is expected that funeral services will be held from the home of Dr. Carpenter at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. The body will be laid to rest in the Scott cemetery. The funeral will be private. Private Louis C. Johnson carried a government war insurance policy for $10,000.
From Karen Fyock - Partial clipping - Oct. 19, 1918
<3>Private Johnson's death means that there will be two gold stars on the service flag in the home of his mother, Mrs. Katherine Johnson, a brother, Private Elso S. Johnson, having been killed in action in France last August. A third son of Mrs. Johnson is "over there" with Pershing. Private Louis Johnson died at Camp Dodge, Iowa, of influenza , last Friday.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - October 21, 1918 clipping
LUCY JOHNSON
, (colored) widow of Calvin Johnson, 509 East Madison Street, died yesterday at a Freeport hospital. She was born Sept. 16, 1869 at West Miss., the daughter of Charles and Sally Mills. She was the mother of eleven children, six of whom survive. They are; Mrs. Lethia Sims, Baldwin, Mich.' Frank Johnson, West, Miss.; Mrs. Anna M. Burns and Mrs. Rebecca Pearson of Freeport; Joseph and Earl Johnson of Gary, Ind. Mrs. Johnson also leaves 21 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Contributed by Karen Fyock May 7, 1945 clipping
RICHARD JOHNSON
- One of the oldest and best known residents of Freeport was summoned by death when Richard Johnson, Inventor of the Johnson feeder, for use in feeding threshing machines, died at his home, 48 Douglas avenue, at 11:30 o'clock this morning. Mr. Johnson had been confined to his bed for the last four weeks and although death was not unexpected the news of the passing of this venerable citizen brings grief to a wide circle of friends. He had been a resident of Freeport for forty years and during that time he built up a reputation for honesty and square dealing which endeared him to hundreds of friends. He was a man of true Christian character and in his passing the city suffers a distinct loss. Up to the time of his death he was the oldest living member of Cherry Camp, M. W. A., of Freeport having been a charter member of that organization. He was also a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church for many years and had served as an elder in the church for some time. He also held other offices within the church. Mr. Johnson was overcome by hear about three years ago and he had not been in good health since that time. He had been engaged at his place of business, on Van Buren street, however, until a short time ago.
Richard Johnson was born at Darlington, Yorkshire, England, January 15, 1841, and was married in 1865 at Thirsk, England, to Jane Horner, of Helmer, England. The marriage ceremony was performed in the Methodist chapel at Thirsk. Shortly afterward Mr. and Mrs. Johnson came to this country. They resided in Canada for a short time and then moved to the states, coming to Freeport about forty years ago. He engaged in business here manufacturing his own inventions, the most prominent of which was the Johnson feeder, it being one of the first inventions of the kind on the market. He was also originator of many other labor-saving devices. He had his place of business on Van Buren street, opposite the Stephen motor plant, for twenty-two years. He had resided for many years at 48 Douglas avenue, his home being located on the site where the famous Lincoln and Douglas debate took place. A monument was erected in front of the Johnson home a few years ago commemorating that great historical event. His wife and the following children survive: Anna E. Johnson and Mrs. E. M. Danforth, of Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. L. S. Wilson, of Freeport: William R. Johnson, of Washington, D. C.; J. H. Johnson and R. F. Johnson, of Sheridan, Texas, and B. A. Johnson, of Kansas City, Mo. In politics he was a staunch republican and was an active worker, for that party although he never sought public office. Funeral services will probably be held Saturday although the exact time has not been set owning to the fact that some of the children have not arrived yet.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - November 28, 1917 clipping
ROBERT E. JOHNSON
, age 69, died Tuesday Feb. 12, 2008 after a sudden illness at Freeport Memprial Hosp. He was born Feb. 15, 1938 near Shellsburg Iowa to Robert S. and Majorie (Primrose) Johnson. He grew up near LaPorte City, IA. Robert graduated from LaPorte City High in 1956. He enlisted in the Army in 1956 for 6 months. He was in the Army Reserve for 6 years. He married Karen Bauer on August 15, 1959 in Brandon IA. They moved to Winslow IL in March 1965 and then moved to Lena IL in January 1973. Robert was employed as a carpenter for many years and was presently employed at Sullivans Grocery in Lena IL. He was an avid sports fan, especially golfing. Robert is survived by his wife, two daughters; Brenda (Rod) Hale and Toni Reed and friend Todd Lloyd all of Lena IL. Nine grandchildren; Eric, Sierra, Skylar and Jordan Hale and Randy, Nichole, Samantha and Dylan Reed and Eric Huerts. One great grandson; Preston Reed. One great grandaughter soon to be born. One son-in-law, Dave Breed. The sisters, Dolores (Myron) Thorn of Las Vegas NV., Pat (Gary) Knoop of Hiawatha IA. One brother Ron of Marion IA, one aunt Opal Primrose of Markin iA and many brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, two grandsons, one brother Tom, one nephew. Interment at Lena Burial Park.
Colette Harrison - Find-a-Grave
ANNA JONAS
, 91, of 1222 S. Benson Blvd. , Freeport died Monday, June 20, 1988 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . The daughter of Henry and Lucy (Friedley) Jonas, she was born September 25, 1896 in Winslow. Surviving are three nieces, Marion (Mrs. Stanley) Byram of Freeport , Evelyn (Mrs. Carl) Stubbe of Winslow and Evor Jonas of Phoenix , Arizona . Two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.
Service will be 1:30 pm Thursday at Walker Mortuary. The Rev. Dr. Douglas Baer, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner
AUGUSTINE D. JONES
, of Ridott passed away this morning a 7 o"clock after an illness of two days with congestion of the lungs. Mr. jones was a old and welll known resident of Ridott. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed that business up until the time of his sickness. He was a veteran of the Civil war. The deceased leaves a wife and thirteen children to mourn his death. The funeral will be held Thursady morning at 11 o'clock. The remains will be interred in the Ridott cemetery.
Mr. Jones was born in Peoria on Dec.25, 1843 and came to Freeport in 1854. he inlisted in the Army during the civil war in company A 11th Illinois and company F 142nd Illinois volunteers. He moved to Ridott in the fall of 1870. He is survived by his wife and the following children:
Mrs. Ida McCoy, Denver, Colo. Joshua Jones, York Neb.; Mrs. Clara Bulter, Wappello, Ia., Albert Jones, Ridott, ILL.; Mrs. Grace Robey, York, Neb.; Mrs Cora Beverly, Freeport, Ill.; A.ugustine JOnes , Danville, ILL.;
Mrs. Inez Loeenz, Freeport, ILL.; Mrs. Irene Boyer,Frank Jones, Sadie Jones, Lucretia Jones and James Jones , Ridott, ILL.
Contributed by Sharon Edwards
CHARLES W. "BUMP" JONES
, 93, a longtime Freeport restaurateur and sports enthusiast, died Saturday afternoon at Freeport Manor after an extended illness. (Note: The Social Security Death Index gives the date as July 1983.) Jones operated cafes for 42 years after getting a start in his early 20s at the onetime Boston Lunch. The garrulous Jones attracted a mixture of tradesmen, truck drivers, professional people and city officials to his Bump’s Step Inn at 465 S. Adams Ave., and earlier to Bump’s Pantry at 8 S. Adams Ave. He retired November 1, 1978 at the age of 88. In an interview at age 84 Jones attributed his eatery’s popularity to serving food that “is not contaminated or out of line. It’s always fresh. I’ve never had a meal turned back because it was unfit.”
Jones was a longtime booster of Freeport High School athletics. His son, Charles Jr., was a FHS basketball star. The Pretzel Fan Club honored him with a plaque as a season ticket holder for 63 years. For many years he was a boxing judge. He was a member of the Eagles Club, Germania, Evergreen Lodge AF& AM, and the Freeport Barbershoppers. Born April 25, 1890 in Marseilles, he was the son of Charles E. and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Jones. He married Cora Stock Nov. 23, 1910. She died Feb. 24, 1957. Surviving are one son, Charles W. Jones Jr. of Sheboygan, Wis.; one daughter, Mrs. Virginia E. (Alvin) Sauer of Freeport; eight grandchildren; and great-grandchildren (the paper is torn where it gives the number).
Service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Offenheiser officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for the Pretzel Fan Club.
Contributed by Alice Horner
STELLA A. (RODEBAUGH) FRANSEN-JONES
, age 87, of Savanna, Illinois, died Monday, February 16, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday February 20, 2009, at the Law - Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 20, prior to the service. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport, Illinois. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Stella’s name.
Stella was born October 17, 1921, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Oscar D. and Bessie (Mack) Rodebaugh. She was married to Fred G. Fransen on June 22, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. The couple were married for over fifty years until the time of Fred‘s death on January 20, 1990. She later married Robert L. Jones on November 19, 1994, in Savanna, Illinois. He preceded her in death on September 13, 2003.
Stella worked at Micro Switch in Freeport, Illinois, retiring in 1979. She was a member of the Savanna Moose Lodge, the American Legion, was a lifetime member of the VFW, and attended the Community Church in Savanna. Stella enjoyed crafts and playing cards.
Stella is survived by many nieces and nephews; and her special friends Audrey (Bernie) Spradlin of Thomson, Illinois and friends Deb (David) Davenport of Savanna, Illinois.
Stella was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Fred Fransen and Robert Jones; five sisters, two half brothers, and three half sisters
Contributed by Lori Gilbert
ESTHER (LYNCH) JUNGKUNZ
, a resident of Parkview Home, died Friday, March 18, 1994 at the home. She was 100 years old. She was a charter member of the Shakespeare Society and a member of the Freeport Art Museum. She was a charter member and past president of the Freeport Amity Society. She worked as a volunteer at Freeport Memorial Hospital. Born January 27, 1894 in Wheeling, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the Rev. Frank and Florence (English) Lynch. She married L. Frederic Jungkunz in Indianapolis. He preceded her in death on October 24, 1977. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Jane (Arthur) Shedlin of Carmel, Calif., and two grandchildren, Michael Shedlin of Carmel and Mrs. Ann (Rick) Pettit of Pacific Grove, Calif. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Parkview Home. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until noon at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Amity Society.
Contributed by Alice Horner
LOUIS R. JUNGKUNZ
, a lifelong resident of Freeport, passed away this morning between 11 and 12 o’clock at his home on South Carroll avenue, after an Illness of more than a year, through which he has shown a brave spirit.
Mr Jungkunz was born Oct 14, 1864, in this city. He was married in 1889 to Miss Georgiana Gilbert, of Lanark, who survives, as do two daughters and one son. Mrs. John E. Bonn, Mrs. John F Hart and L. Frederick Jungkunz, all of Freeport; three grandchildren, Mrs Thomas Mills of Black River Falls, Wis. Miss Jane Jungkunz. and Elmor Bohn, of this city, and one great-grandson, David Mills. A sister, Mrs. Adele Breithaupt, lives at Peoria, Ill.
In 1881, as a lad of seventeen, he entered the service of the German bank and at the age of 44. He became cashier of the bank, which position he held until 1930, When the German bank merged with the State Bank of Freeport.
He served as vice president of the State bank until the first of the current year. His fifty-seven years of banking experience enabled him to be of great service to his many friends in all walks of life, whom he served as associate and counselor.
Mr. Jungkunz happiest moments were spent with his family, being a devoted husband and father. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock at the Walker mortuary.
From the Freeport Journal 18 July 1938
