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Stephenson County
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William Leonard Karcher was born on the Karcher farm homestead in Silver Creek township Feb. 12, 1875,
the son of John W. and Ann Shaw Karcher. This homestead was originally purchased by his grandfather from the government for $1.25 per acre. As a young boy he worked on the farm and attended district school, later entering the Third Ward school, known now as the John W. Henney school. During the last two years of his grade school life and the first two years in high school he commuted from the farm home to Freeport to continue his studies. Upon completion of his high school work he entered Northwestern University, taking a literary course for three years then transferring to the medical school, which he attended for two years. He then transferred to the University of Pennsylvania and there received his M.D. degree with the class of 1900. In his senior year he won the faculty gold medal for the highest scholastic average i his class. For the next year he was an instructor in the University and then served his internship and was assistant health officer in Philadelphia in 1901 when an epidemic of smallpox swept that city. He served his internship in Blockley hospital, Philadelphia, under Dr. B. Burr, then a noted pathologist.
He was licensed to practice in 1902 and then returned to Freeport. He was first associated with the late Dr. J. F. FIrestone and in 1911 he became associated with the late Dr. J. H. Stealy this partner ship continuing until Dr. Stealy's death in 1921 after which time he maintained his own offices at 3 West Stephenson street. Shortly after the organization of the American College of Surgeons he was honored by being made a fellow of that organization. He was a charter member of Freeport Country club, Freeport lodge of Elks and Tri-State Post Graduate Medical society. He was also affiliated with the American Medical association, the Illinois State Medical society and the Stephenson County Medical society. He was past president of the latter organization and had also held various offices in other organizations with which he was affiliated. In 1937 he was named a member of the Illinois state board of medical examiners by the late Governor Henry Horner and held that post for ten years. On Nov. 15, 1940, he was named a member of the appeal and advisory board for Freeport, the appointment having been made by Gov. John Stelle on recommendation of President F. D. Roosevelt. This board made final decisions on questions arising as to war draft regulations. Dr. Karcher served as chief of surgical staff at St. Francis Hospital and also a member of the staff of Deaconess hospital and years ago also served with the staff at Methodist Memorial hospital here. He also served several years as a member of Freeport park board, having been actively interested in the city's park and recreational programs. He was a member of Rotary and also affiliated with Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Rho Sigma fraternities.
His chief forms of recreation were hunting and fishing and each summer for many years he spent two or three weeks enjoying these hobbies in northern Wisconsin and various other locations. In the old days when trapshooting was in vogue here he was a member of Freeport Gun club and won numerous medals for his accuracy in hitting clay pigeons. He was also interested in amateur boxing, often giving his services as examining physician to aid young boxing enthusiasts in this area and on numerous occasions he also gave sufficient financial aid to enable the promotion of this sport in Freeport. His marriage to Miss Louella F. Lacy, whose parents were pioneer settlers of Stephenson county, took place in 1905. He is survived by his wife and one brother, A. J. Karcher, Freeport. He was one of five children. Funeral services will be held at the family home, at 9 o'clock Friday morning with a solemn high mass of requiem at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church at 9:30. Rev. A. S. McIsaac, pastor of that church, will be celebrant of the mass, assisted by Rev. R. J. Guccione, Galena, as deacon; Rev. S. J. Eye, Freeport, sub-deacon; Rev. Peter Watgen, chaplain at St. Francis hospital, as master of ceremonies. The sermon will be preached by Monsignor William G. McMillan, Rockford, an intimate friend of Dr. Karcher, J. A. Gund and Dr. F. L. Sullivan will be in charge of funeral arrangements and the following will act as bearers: Willard Hance, Howard Hill, Glennan Thro, Wesley W. Stuckenberg, Norman C. Sleezer and Dr. K. B. Rieger, Members of Freeport Rotary and Stephenson County Medical society will serve as honorary bearers. The rosary will be recited at the family home at 8 o'clock Thursday night.
CORDELLA (PETER) KATZENBERGER
- Grand Junction, Colorado – Services were held for Cordella Marie Katzenberger, 78, of Grand Junction, Colorado, formerly of Lena, who died Thursday, August 26, 1993, at her home following an extended illness. A resident of Lena until 1969 when she moved to Grand Junction, she operated a molding machine for Delta Products for several years. Her memberships included Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Junction, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in Clifton, and the American Legion Auxiliary in Pearl City.
A daughter of Peter and Rose (Cornelius) Peters, she was born in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. She was raised in Mineral Point and Darlington, Wis., attending school in Darlington. On July 6, 1946, she married Martin Glen Katzenberger in Darlington. He died December 29, 1990 in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Surviving are a son, Francis (Karen) Katzenberger, and a daughter, Elizabeth (Buddy Pease) Katzenberger, both of Grand Junction; brother, Francis (Grace) Peters of Dubuque, Iowa; two sisters, Genevieve Winter, Warren, and Bernadine Wacker of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; and five grandchildren. One brother also died previously.
Burial was in Veterans Cemetery (Orchard Mesa, Mesa County, Colorado).
MARY JANE KEHOE
, 76, died in a local hospital early today after an extended illness. She lived at 906 South Chicago avenue. The former Mary Jane Smith was born in Stockton April 28, 1875, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William R. Smith, and was married to Henry Kehoe in 1892. Survivors include the following children, Mrs. Marie Cronnigan, Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Ray (Josephine) Nugent and Mrs. E. (Marion) Yost, Chicago; Mrs. Clinton (Nellie) Daacon, Tucson, Ariz.' Mrs. Fred (Claire) Storm and Robert Kehoe, Freeport; Hugh Kehoe and Mrs. Wilson (Agnes) Shaw, Savanna. Two sons, Donald and Cletus, died previously. There are 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Two brothers and two sisters also survive, Joseph and J. H. Smith, Warren; Mrs. Michael Kennedy and Mrs. Leo Ertmer, Freeport. Services will be held in the Schwarz fuenral home at 9 a.m. Tuesday with a requiem mass in St. Mary's Catholic church at 9:30. Rt. Rev. C. F. Conley will celebrate the mass. Interment will be made in Calvary cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon Sunday.
MABEL F. (KEEHN) KEITH
, of 442 N. Nursery Ave. died this morning in Freeport Memorial Hospital following a short illness. She was born Feb. 23, 1900, in Freeport, daughter of John and Lena (Hahn) Keehn. She was married to Howard W. Keith June 5, 1918, in Freeport. Mrs. Keith was a member of Zion United Church of Christ. Surviving are her husband; five sons, Walter O. and John H., both of Freeport, Edward R. of Morrison, Howard Jr. of McConnell and James H. of Pear City; three daughters, Mrs. Joe (Lorraine) Rider of South Gate, Calif., and Mrs. Robert (Alice) Haas, and Mrs. Kurt (Patricia) Hepler, both of Freeport; 19 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; a brother, Edwin of Freeport; and four sisters, Mrs. Helen Brown of Lombard, and Mrs. Kenneth (Florence ) Casford, Mrs. Walter (Leona) Renken and Mrs. Alice Kutzke, all of Freeport. A brother and an infant daughter preceded her in death.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Walker Mortuary. The Rev. Carl M. Grahl, pastor of Zion United Church of Christ, will officiate.
Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Sunday at the mortuary.
SARAH KEYSER
- Mrs. Catherine Davis, 527 West Avon street, has received word of the death of her sister, Mrs. Sarah Keyser, on April 29, at her home in Centralia, Wash. Sarah E. Renner was born in 1866 in Freedom township, Carroll county, Illinois, the daughter of David and Elizabeth Renner. She was united in marriage in 1883 to William Keyser. They moved to Washington in 1903, where the husband died 12 years ago. Surviving are three daughters and two sons, all living in the west; two brothers, David and John Renner of Strongs Prairie, Wis.; three sisters, Mrs. Ella Tracy of Strongs Prairie, Wis., Mrs. Ida Nicherson of Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Davis of Freeport.
ELMER G. KNISS
, 75, of rural Freeport, a farmer, died Tuesday, May 11, 1993, at Freeport Memorial Hospital. A son of William and Maggie (Knoess) Kniss, he was born April 12, 1918, near Pearl City, where he farmed all his life. He married Iola Bicker on Sept. 14, 1940, at Davenport, Iowa. Surviving are his wife and several cousins. Two sisters and one brother preceded him in death. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Hermann Funeral Home, Shannon. Officiating will be the Rev. Milton Whitney of St. John Lutheran Church, Pearl City. Burial will be in the Brethren Cemetery at Shannon. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established.
WILLIAM KNISS
, 65, a resident of Erin township, passed away at a local hospital late yesterday, after a brief illness. Funeral services are being delayed pending word from a son in California. Mr. Kniss was born in German, January 8, 1879, the son of George and Catherine Kniss. He was united in marriage to Maggie Knoess Feb. 26, 1907. Besides his wife he leaves two sons, Clarence, who is now training with an army unit in California; Elmer, at home, Three brothers and a sister survive, Henry, Otto and Albert Kniss, Mrs. Emma Geise, all of Shannon. Two daughters, a brother and a sister preceded him in death.
GLADYS M. KOELLER
, age 90, of Lanark died Friday, November 11, 2005 at the Stephenson Nursing Center in Freeport. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at the Offenheiser-Schwarz Funeral Home, Pearl City, Rev. Robert Phelps of the Berreman Church of God will officiate. Burial will be in the Ebenezer Church Cemetery near Pearl City. Visitations will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home in Pearl City. A memorial has been established in her memory.
Gladys was born May 15, 1915 in Mt. Carroll, daughter of Preston and Rose (Link) Collin. Gladys married Alvin "Pete Koeller in Carroll County on May 20, 1932. She was a member of the Loran Mother's Club. Gladys will be deeply missed by her sons, Leo (Shirley) Koeller of Pittsville, WI, Fay (Arlene) Koeller of Lanark and Jay (Judy) Koeller of McHenry; six grandchildren; many great grandchildren; many step great grandchildren; one great great grandson; sister-in-law, Dorothy Holland of Stockton; and two half brothers. Her husband in 1993; her parents; two daughters, Bette and Jenilee; one granddaughter, Kimberly; one brother, Emerson Collin; and one half brother, precede Gladys in death.
GROVER HERMAN KOELLER
- Private Grover Herman Koeller, the twenty-four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F.Koeller, of 39 Maple Avenue, died in France on October 16, according to a letter received by the family this morning. The missive was written by Sister M. Sampson, in charge of a French case hospital who state that the young soldier's death occurred on October 16, and that it was due to pneumonia. A letter written by the nun on the day previous to the young man's death was received also today. This letter stated that Private Koeller was seriously ill with pneumonia and that his chances for recovery were slight. It added that he was in a critical condition when brought to the hospital a few days before. The body of the young man was interred in St. Marlo's cemetery at LeHarve, France, according to the letter. Private Koeller was a member of the 311th Trench Mortar Battery and was an accredited marksman. The young man who offered his life in the cause of his country was a native of this county being born at Silver Creek on march 12, 1894 and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Koeller. For a period of five years before going into the service of the country he was employed as a salesman by the F. R. Rice company. He was a well known and well liked young fellow and his many friends will be sorry to learn of his death yet the community is proud of the soldier, who gave his life while in the service of his country. He left Freeport for Camp Grant with a Stephenson county draft contingent on June 27th, 1917. He remained but four weeks there when he was sent to Camp Robinson, Wisconsin. From there he went to Camp Mills and thence to England. He arrived overseas about September 28th. The family has not yet received official notice from the government of the death of the young man. He was a member of the Florence Evangelical church. Private Koeller is survived by his parents and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Luck Foker, White Bluffs, Washington, Private Elmer Koeller, Camp Lewis, Washington; Mary Koeller,
Seattle, Wash; Henry Koeller, Prosser, Wash; Mrs. Emma Schrader, Freeport, Charles Koeller, Freeport, William Koeller, Mrs. John Nesemeyer, Freeport and Miss Oleva Koeller, at home.
CONRAD FRED KOERTNER/KORTNER
- 71, passed away at his home, 651 W. American Street, shortly before no one today, January 12, 1940. The funeral will be held from the home at 1 o’clock Monday afternoon with services at St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church at 1:30 o’clock. Rev. Edwin A Arenus will conduct the services and interment will be made in Ebenezer Cemetery nearl Pearl City. Friends may call at the home after tomorrow afternoon. (Alice Horner’s note: This cemetery is now called Ebenezer United Church of Christ Cemtery.)
Mr. Kortner was born in Loran Township September 9, 1868, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kortner. He was united in marriage to Sophia Kloepping March 6, 1895. The wife passed away February 17, 1939. Mr. Kortner engaged in farming near Shannon until 11 years ago when he moved to Freeport. He leaves the following children, Hulda at home, Ernest of Red Oak, and Martin of Shannon. One sister survives, Mrs. Henrietta Kloepping of Pearl City. There is also a half-sister, Anna Kortner of Dixon. Six grandchildren survive. He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church.
SOPHIA (KLOEPPING) KOERTNER/KORTNER
- 75, wife of Conrad F. Kortner, passed away at her home, 651 West American Street, Friday night, February 17, 1939. Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 1 o’clock Monday afternoon with services at St. John’s Evangelical church at 1:30 o’clock. Rev. E. A. Arends, pastor of that church, will conduct the services, assisted by Rev. Mr. Schradel, Pearl City. Interment will be made in Eben Ezer Cemetery, southwest of Pearl City. Friends may call at the home. (Alice Horner’s note: This cemetery is now called Ebenezer United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Sophie Kloepping was born in Freeport January 4, 1864, the daughter of Fred and Henrietta Kloepping. She was united in marriage to Conrad F. Kortner March 6, 1895. They resided on a farm northwest of Shannon until ten years ago when they moved to Freeport. Mrs. Kortner was a member of St. John’s Evanglical Church. Surviving are her husband and the following children: Hulda Kortner, at home; Ernest Kortner of Davis, Martin Kortner of Shannon. Three brothers and one sister also survive: William Kloepping of Pearl City, Gust Kloepping of Lanark, Ernest Kloepping of Chadwick, and Mrs. Louisa Plager of Pearl City.
WILLIAM CONRAD KOERTNER
- After extensive research, I believe William Conrad Koertner’s parents to be Fred and Charlotte (Jreiba) Koertner. That Jreiba name seems to be a typo; it came from the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900. Fred Koertner was previously married to a woman named Louisa; I have been unable to determine her maiden name. She probably is the Louisa Koertner the Illinois Statewide Death Index, Pre-1916 lists as dying April 12, 1879; Fred is a widower and living with the children when the 1880 US Federal Census was taken in Loran Township, Stephenson County, Illinois. William and Annie Koertner were Charlotte’s children; the others were Louisa’s. Charlotte is probably the Lottie Koertner who died December 21, 1924 in Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois according to the Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950. William Conrad Koertner died November 10, 1918.
William Conrad Koertner was born November 29, 1884 in Loran Township, Stephenson County, Illinois. He grew up as an industrious farmer, being actively engaged in his own enterprise since the age of 13 years. He was educated in the German Evangelical Lutheran faith and was confirmed in the class of 1899, of which faith he was an active member until death called him. On December 29, 1915 he was united in marriage to Lenora Esther Goethe, to which union was born one daughter.
Will was highly esteemed by all his neighbors and friends, being possessed of a loveable and neighborly disposition. On October 11th he became ill with influenza, and the battle for life became so intense that he was taken to a Freeport hospital in hope for relief but on November 10, 1918 the messenger of death called him home.
He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, one daughter, Lucile, age sixteen months; an aged mother; three brothers, Fred and Conrad of Loran Township, and Henry of Shannon; four sisters, Mrs. Henry Kampmeier of Shannon, Mrs. Henry Kloepping of Florence Township, Mrs. C. W. Kloepping of Loran Township, and Miss Annie Koertner at home, besides many relatives. (Alice Horner’s note: C. W. Kloepping was also known as Charles W. Klipping; his obituary is under the Klipping spelling.)
ARCH D. KOSER
, 87, died Tuesday, November 2, 1954 in his home following a long illness. He was born near Pearl City, May 5, 1867, the son of Jacob and Matilda Koser. He married the former Ida Plager on December 14, 1899. The couple farmed for several years, then operated a creamery, and later moved to town where they operated a confectionary store for the past 25 years. Surviving are his wife; one son, Mural Koser of Hillside, Illinois; one daughter, Mrs. Elmer Gill of Pearl City; and four grandchildren. Service will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the Offenheiser Funeral Home. The Rev. Randall T. Stump, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Sabin Cemetery southeast of Pearl City. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 o’clock this evening.
IRENE C. (FREY) KRIENS
of 609 S. Float Ave. died Wednesday afternoon, July 22, 1969 in Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. She started working for the W. T. Rawleigh Co. in the office in 1956, staying there until August of 1968 when she left because of ill health. Born June 27, 1907 in Forreston, she was the daughter of Simon and Tena (Kaltenbach) Frey. She was married to Carl A. Kriens in Freeport of February 26, 1930.
Surviving are her husband; a son, Virgil C. of Freeport; her mother of German Valley; two grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Milford (Agnes) Knodle of Egan, Mrs. Jennie Freese of Freeport, and Mrs. James (Marian) Dieken of Pecatonica; and a brother, Samuel of Pecatonica. She was preceded in death by her father and three brothers.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Zion United Church of Christ with the Rev. Carl Grahl officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at Walker Mortuary and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. A memorial fund for the Zion United Church of Christ, of which she was a member, has been established.
ROY W. KRIENS
of Baileyville, a retired carpenter, died Sunday, March 10, 1968 in a Moline Hospital where he had been a patient for about a month. He was born near Ridott, May 24, 1897, the son of John and Ida (Schmidt) Kriens. He married Ilda Harmsen at Prophetstown on November 6, 1926. He lived in Baileyville for the past 41 years, and was a member of the Baileyville Reformed Church.
Surviving are his widow; a daughter, Mrs. James (Leona) Busker; four grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Laverne Miller, Freeport. He was preceded in death by a twin brother. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Baileyville Reformed Church with the Rev. Donald Vuurens, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport. Dougherty – Degraff Funeral Home, Forreston, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
CLARA (HENKEL) KROGULL
- Funeral services for Mrs. Victor V. (Clara) Krogull, 226 Ave. B, Lincoln Mobile Park, will be Friday morning at 9 in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home and at 9:30 a.m. in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. The Rev. James Murphy, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where the Rosary will be recited at 8 that night. Mrs. Krogull, who died Tuesday in Freeport Memorial Hospital, was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Born in Freeport Feb. 23, 1898, she was the daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Wiemers) Henkel. She was married to VIctor V. Krogull Jan. 20, 1920, in Freeport. He died Sept. 3, 1961. Surviving are two sons, Martin G. and Vincent V. and a daughter, Miss Geraldine Krogull, all of Freeport; six grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. William (Edith) Langan of Chicago. A brother and a sister also preceded her in death.
GEORGE WILLIAM KRUSE
, Orangeville Route 1, died at 5:20 p.m. Monday in a Freeport hospital after a long illness. He was born August 4, 1902 at Brookville, son of William and Agnes (Creitz) Kruse. He married Mabel Bricklin December 18, 1929 in Freeport. Mr. Kruse operated a farm east of here.
Surviving are his widow; his mother, in Lanark; four sons, Leslie and Fay, both of Orangeville, Wilbur of Winslow, and Donald of Freeport; two daughters, Mrs. Charles (Dorothy) Booth of Orangeville, and Loretta Kay, at home; two brothers, Eugene and Charles Kruse, both of Lanark; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Koertner of Lanark, and Mrs. Glenn Thompson of Lena; and 14 grandchildren. His father, one brother, and one sister preceded him in death.
Service will be Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church, with Rev. Hobart Punty, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery northwest of here on the Winslow-Orangeville blacktop. Visitation at Cramer Funeral Home will be from noon Wednesday until 11:30 a.m. Thursday and then at the church until the funeral.
SCOTT WAYNE KRUSE
, of Freeport Route 2 died Thursday night, August 20, 1970 in Freeport Memorial Hospital of injuries received when a horse fell on him Sunday afternoon. According to Stephenson County Coroner Eugene Burke, the youth died of internal injuries. An inquest will be held. Scott was injured when the horse he was riding reared up and fell on him near the Owls Club between Freeport and Pearl City. The boy, who would have been in fifth grade at Pearl City this fall, was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pearl City and the Sunday school of the church.
He was born December 19, 1958 in Freeport, son of Dennis W. and Rose (Watter) Kruse. Surviving besides his parents are a sister, Pamela; and a brother, Bradley, both at home; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kruse of Lanark, and Mrs. Paula Watter of Freeport; and his great-grandmother, Mrs. Agnes Kruse of Lanark, and Mrs. Anna Dinderman of Warren. A brother preceded him in death.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. The Rev. Walter Hallerud, pastor of St. John’s Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery
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