STEVE SAXBY , a life long resident of Pearl City passed away Sunday morning at the State hospital at Moline. Mr. Saxby took his own life. He hung himself using a bed sheet to fashion a noose. Services will be held Thursday at the Offenhauser Chapel, Rev. H.E. Burnhard officiating. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery. Steve Saxby was born June 18, 1875 son of John & Martha Saxby. He was married Sep. 12, 1925 to Mrs. Bertha Peifer who preceded him in death Feb. 10, 1935. Survivors are two brothers, Charles of Birchwood Wisc. and Dick of Pearl City.

ALBERT C. SCHAUER , 725 E. Iroquois St., died this morning in Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, Wis. following a brief illness. Mr. Schauer was a tool and die maker at Burgess Division-Gould Inc., retiring several years ago. He was a World War I veteran, a long time member of St. John United Church of Christ and a member of Freeport Consistory and American Legion. Born in Freeport, Jan 19, 1894, he was the son of Charles and Regina (Schlamp) Schauer.

Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Homer (Anna) Kerch of California. He was preceded in death by a brother and four sisters. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Walker Mortuary. The Rev. James A. Powers Jr., associate pastor of St. John Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary after 4 p.m. Friday. "
Contributedby Vineta Lynch Shaw - From the Freeport Journal Standard Wed Aug 22, 1973

CHARLES SCHAUER , 79, an employee of the Illinois Central railroad company for a period of 25 years died suddenly at his home, 725 East Iroquois street, at 7:30 o'clock Sunday morning. His death resulted from a heart attack. Funeral services will be conducted at St. John's Evangelical church at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Edwin A. Arends will conduct the services and interment will be made in the city cemetery. The body will remain at the Walker mortuary, West Main street, until 12:30 o'clock Tuesday, when it will be taken to the church.

Mr. Schauer was born in Nurtingen, Germany, Nov 11, 1858, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Schauer. He came to the United States at the age of 22 settling in Freeport in 1880. He was united in marriage to Regina Schlamp in 1886. His wife preceded him in death in 1901. The following children survive: Edward Schauer, Mrs. Katherine Jacobs, Mrs. Annie Kerch, Albert Schauer, all of Freeport; Mrs. Josephine Kroer, Mrs. Mary Russell, Waukesha, Wis; Mrs. Alice Jackson; Rockford. There are also eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mr. Schauer was confirmed in Germany and after coming to Freeport, united with St. John's Evangelical church, of which he had been a faithful member. He was well and favorably know. For twenty-five years Mr. Schauer had been employed in the car department of the Illinois Central railroad company. "

(Another Obit) - Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha, Wisconsin) July 14, 1937 :

Charles Schauer: A frequent visitor in Waukesha, Charles Schauer, 79, father of Mrs. Elmer Russell, 123 West North Street, died of a heart attack in his home in Freeport Illinois Sunday morning according to word received here. Mr. Schauer is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Elmer Russell and Mrs. Joseph Kroer of Waukesha and Mrs. Homer Kerch of Freeport; two brothers Mr. Albert Schauer and Mr. Edward Schauer, both of Freeport, and 19 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services were held at Freeport on Tuesday July 13. Mr. Schauer was buried at Freeport
Contributed by Vineta Lynch Shaw - Freeport Journal Standard July 12, 1937

OLIVER E. SCHAUER SR. , 77, of Freeport died Sunday, Sept. 21, 1997, at Stephenson Nursing Center. Son of Edward L. and Augusta (Burkhardt) Schauer, he was born Aug 26, 1920, in Freeport. He and Phylis J. Holtrum were married Nov. 8, 1941, in Freeport. He was a Stephenson County farmer. During world War II, from 1944 to 1947, he served in the Army Signal Corps. He was a member of First Lutheran Church.

Surviving him are his wife, three sons, Oliver E. "Bud" (Janet) Schauer, Jr. of Pensacola, Fla., Thomas J. (Vicki) Schauer of Evanston and William R. Schauer of Freeport; one daughter, Vicki Lynn Schauer of Freeport; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister Thelma Block of Freeport. Preceding him in death was one brother, Elmer Schauer. A private graveside service for the family will be Wednesday, at Oakland Cemetery, with the Rev. Neville Kretzmann of First Lutheran Church officiating."
Contributed by Vineta Lynch Shaw - Freeport Journal Standard

REGINA (SCHLAMP) SCHAUER , was found dead at her home on Iroquois street at about 7 o'clock Sunday morning. The lady was the wife of a well-known Illinois Central Employee, and the news of her sudden demise was a great shock to her family as well as to the entire neighborhood, for Mrs. Schauer was held in high esteem by her neighbors and friends. The thirteen year old son of Mr. Schauer was the first to discover the death of his mother. He carries papers and it has been his mother's custom to arouse him for this task every morning. Sunday morning he woke up and thought it was time for him to be off, and concluded that his mother had overslept. He aroused his father and asked where his mother was. Mr. Schauer replied that she was probably sleeping with one of the children. The boy went down stairs and in the parlor he saw the body of his mother attired only in her night dress lying prone on the floor close to the stove. Her face had turned blue and the lad was very much frightened at her appearance. He aroused his father and they picked up the body and placed it on the lounge. It was then cold, but as the lady had been subject to sinking spells the husband thought at first she was not dead, but he was soon convinced to the contrary.

Mrs. Schauer retired the night before in apparently good health, but just what time she went to bed her husband doesn't know. They remained up until about ten o'clock, when Mrs. Schauer urged her husband to go to bed as he looked tired. She said she would not go for awhile as she had a baking of bread in the oven and she would have to wait and take care of it, that it might be 12 o'clock before she could retire. Soon after that Mr. Schauer went to bed and never woke up until his son aroused him in the morning. He said that his wife had been subject to sinking spells and would be unconsious for a half hour at a time. She also complained frequently of heart trouble and was afraid that she would die suddenly some day.

Coroner Peck was informed of the sudden death of Mrs. Schauer and he held an inquest over the body Sunday morning. Mr. Schauer testified to the facts given above and Mrs. James Farnum and Mrs. Margaret Schmidt, neighbors of the dead woman, testified to the fact that they had known that she was subject to sinking spells and had trouble with her heart. They said that she was a woman who attended well to her children and household duties and was always cheerful. Dr. Mease, who held a post mortem examination testified tha the heart of the deceased was in splendid condition and that death was due to appoplexy, and verdict to that effect was rendered by the jury.
Contributed by Vineta Lynch Shaw - Freeport Daily Journal Monday, Feb 4, 1901, Page 4:

FLOYD M. SCHLAFER , 87, of 1016 S. Benson Blvd, died Thursday, March 5, 1981 at Freeport Memorial Hospital following a long illness. A Stephenson County farmer, he retired in 1949 and moved to Freeport. He was a member of Van Brocklin United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Stephenson County Farm Bureau. Born March 28, 1893, In Kent, he was the son of Warden and Sadie (Brandt) Schlafer. He married Myrtle L. Krise December 31, 1914 in Willow. Surviving are his widow; one son, Gaylord of Freeport; three brothers, Ralph and Glenn, both of Stockton, and George of Washington, Mo.; one sister, Mrs. Lucille (Alvin) Pieper of Pearl City; two grandsons; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, one daughter, two great-grandchildren and two brothers. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. David Vosecky, pastor of Van Brocklin United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Yellow Creek Cemetery in rural Pearl City. There will be no visitation. A memorial fund has been established for Van Brocklin United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MYRTLE ( KRISE) SCHLAFER , 90, of 1016 Benson Blvd., Freeport, died Friday, March 25, 1988 at the Stephenson Nursing Center, Freeport. Born April 6, 1897 in Jo Daviess County, she was the daughter of George W. and Josephine S. (Rineburger) Krise. She married Floyd Schlafer December 31, 1914 in Willow. He died March 5, 1981. She was a member of the Van Brocklin United Methodist Church. Surviving is one son, Gaylord Schlafer, Freeport, two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, one daughter, six brothers and three sisters. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Walker Mortuary, Freeport. Burial will be in Yellow Creek Cemetery, Pearl City. Friends may call Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial has been established for the Van Brocklin United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

LOUIS SCHLAMP , the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schlamp, living south of the city near the Rosenstiel farm was instantly killed Wednesday evening by the accidental discharge of a shot gun. The charge of shot entered his head through the right eye and came out through the back of his head. Mr Howard Rosenstiel has a great many tame pigeons or doves on his farm and had given the boys in the neighborhood permission to shoot them. Young Schlamp had left his home, about forty rods from the Rosenstiel home shortly before super time, telling his mother that he was going over to the Rosenstiel barn yard to shoot a few pigeons. Mr. Rosenstiel saw the boy in the yard and spoke to him. At that time young Schlamp was sitting on a fence post as though waiting for the doves to light on the barn. He had a single barreled shot gun with him, the butt of which was resting on the ground. It is supposed that while picking the gun up the hammer caught on the wires of the fence and discharged the gun. Mr. Rosenstiel heard the report of the gun and looking around saw the lad fall from the post. He hurried to him, but saw at a glance that the boy was beyond all help. In the meantime the father and an older brother had returned from their work in Freeport where they are employed as moulders and were eating their supper. Other member of the family were out in the front yard and were spoken to by a gentleman in a rig. Mr. Schlamp heard the remark and told his oldest son Henry that he had best go over to the Rosenstiel arm and see if his brother Louis had gotten into trouble. The young man started at once and was followed a few minutes later by the father. When the father reached the Rosenstiel gate he was met by his oldest son who told him that Louis was dead.

Dr. M. M. Baumgartner, acting coroner, was notified, as was also William Koenig. The remains were brought to Freeport where they were prepared for burial. The funeral will be held from St. Joseph's church at 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning and interment will be at the German Catholic cemetery. Rev. Fr. Nettis will officiate. Louis Schlamp was sixteen years old and was the second oldest of the family. He was born near the present home of his parents and lived there all his life with the exception of three years during which time the family lived in Freeport. He attended the St. Joseph parochial school. Surviving him are his parents and six brothers and three sisters.

The Inquest
Deputy Coroner Baumgartner held an in quest on the remains at the Howard Rosenstiel home this morning. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased had come to his death by the accidental discharge of a twelve gauge breach loading shot gun while it was in his possession. The following composed the jury: Wm. Figeley, foreman; Ed Rosenstiel, Frank Miller, Richard Dickman, Fred Griffin, and Ben Heeren."
Contributed by Vineta Lynch Shaw - Freeport Daily Journay Thursday July 9, 1908, page 1

MICHAEL SCHLAMP , one of the early pioneers of this county, passed away at his home in Silver Creek yesterday afternoon at half past three o'clock. His death was due to the infirmities of old age and heart trouble. While his friends grieved at his death, yet they are glad that he enjoyed so many years of good health, for it has only been for the last three weeks that he has been confined to his home. Before that time he was unusually healthy and robust for a man of his years. Mr. Schlamp was born on December 20, 1829 in Hockenhelm, Baden Province, Germany. He lived there until 1869 when he moved to this country, settling in Silver Creek. His occupation was farming. In 1909 he retired and made his home on the little two acre farm that was his home at the time of his death. Mr. Schlamp was a man of unusual abilities and character. He was a member of St. John's church, and for a great number of years took a great interest in his church work. His life was an influence and inspiration to those who knew him.

Deceased is survived by two children, 10 grand children and 4 great grandchildren. His wife to whom he was married 54 years ago in Germany, preceded him to this grave several years ago. His children are Louis Schlamp of Silver Creek township and Mrs. H.L. Dickmann of Freeport. He also leaves one brother, Abraham Schlamp of St. Paul. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home and at 2:30 from St. John's church. The Rev. Daniel Bierbaum will officiate and interment will be at the city cemetery. The pallbearers will be six grandsons of the deceased. They are Edward Schauer, Albert Schauer, Henry Dickmann, Leonard Dickmann, Joseph Schlamp and William Schlamp.
Contributed by Vinita Lynch Shaw - FREEPORT JOURNAL STANDARD on September 14, 1915:

EARL L. SCHOFIELD , 73, of Rockford, a Freeport native, died Sunday at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford following a short illness. A 40-year resident of Rockford, coming from Freeport, he was owner of E. L. Schofield, Inc., an air conditioning company for 14 years and was presently owner of Schofield Associates Engineering Co. in Rockford. He was a member of Forest City Baptist Church, a former deacon, and was on the Missionary Committee of the church and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Christian Businessmen  s Association.

Born March 8, 1908 in Freeport, he was the son of Sidney and Ida Schofield. He married Verna M. Gaden June 16, 1962 in Detroit, Michigan. Surviving are his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Sally (the Rev. Edward) Baker of Des Moines, Iowa; one brother, Roy of Rockford; one sister, Mrs. Ethel Caudle of Freeport; and two grandchildren. Memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Forest City Baptist church with the Rev. Wayne Kemp, pastor, officiating. Private family graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were completed by Fred C. Olson Mortuary in Rockford.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ELSIE (MARTIN) SCHRAMM , 100, a resident of Freeport Manor Nursing Center, one of Freeport’s oldest residents, died Thursday at Freeport Memorial Hospital. (Note: The Social Security Death Index gives the date as July 1982.) For 65 years, she was a member of Embury United Methodist Church and a member of the Freeport Women’s Club.

Born May 7, 1882 in McConnell, she was the daughter of Abdiel C. and Hadassah (Garman) Martin. She married Charles F. Schramm July 1, 1908. He died August 26, 1948. Surviving are one son, Karl M.; and two daughters, Leola M. Schramm and Mrs. Lorene Winebrenner, all of Freeport; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. William H. Blomberg, pastor of Embury United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 p.m. Saturday at the mortuary until time of service. A memorial fund has been established for Embury United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ELMER CARL SCHULTZ , 80, of 108 Marcia Drive, died Monday, June 10, 1991 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. For 32 years, he was employed by the former Henney Motor Co. of Freeport. He then worked at Micro Switch for 20 years before retiring. He was a member of Laurel Street Church of God and Stephenson County Antique Engine Club. A son of Herman and Lillian Schultz, he was born in Freeport on March 29, 1911. He married Vernena V. Boomgarden on July 2, 1966 at Forreston. Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Kathleen (Harley) J. Hoyer of Freeport; one sister, Lillian Harris of Pecatonica; one brother, Theodore of Sacramento, Calif.; two nieces and two nephews. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. The Rev. Eddie Hammond of the Laurel Street church of God will officiate. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner

THEODORE SCHULTZ , 79, a former Freeport resident, died Saturday Dec. 12, 1992 in Sacramento, California. The son of Herman and Lillie Schultz, he was born in Freeport on May 19, 1913. Over 50 years ago, he married Marion Engelhardt in Freeport. Surviving are his wife and one daughter, Marilyn Evans, both of Sacramento; and one sister, Lillian Harris of Pecatonica. Funeral service was held in Sacramento on Dec. 18.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ANGELINE (SMITH) SEIDEL , of Lena died Sunday night at Monroe, (Wisc) Manor Nursing Home following an extended illness. She was a member of Lena Church of the Brethern. Born Sept 13, 1878, in Lena, she was the daughter of Noah and Mollie Smith. In 1901 she was married to James VanSickle in Winslow, who died in 1950. She was married to Frank Seidel in 1954. He died in 1962. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs Frank (Vera) Bartle of Lena, seven grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, four brothers and seven sisters. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Leamon Funeral Home, Lena. Burial will be in Lena Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Contributed by Judy Morgan - "Freeport Journal Standard", Mon, Oct 25, 1971, page 17, col 1

ARTHUR P. SEITZ , Funeral service for Arthur P. Seitz, president of Freeport Mfg. Co., will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Walker Mortuary. The Rev. William Griebel, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 9 tonight at the mortuary. A memorial has been established for Freeport Memorial Hospital heart fund equipment.

Mr. Seitz died Thursday morning, January 22, 1970 in his home following a brief illness. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Freeport Country Club, the Germania and National Brush Industry and served as secretary of the National Broom Association.

Born in Freeport July 3, 1904, he was the son of William and Emma (Odenbaugh) Seitz. He was graduated from Freeport High School and Brown’s Business College in Freeport. He married Elma Lee June 15, 1929. Surviving are his widow; two sisters, Mrs. Clarence (Ruth) Tempel of Freeport and Mrs. (Norma) McLaughlin of Rockford; and a brother, Robert, of Rockford. His parents and a sister preceded him in death.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ELMA LEE) SEITZ , 85, of 1312 S. Walnut Ave., died Saturday, November 30, 1991 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. She was an executive secretary at the former Henney Motor Company and then at Newell Manufacturing Co., retiring in 1976. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Concordia Society of the church, the YWCA and the Business and Professional League of the YWCA. Born Oct. 3, 1906 in tamaroa, she was the daughter of Elmo and Katherine (Seibert) Lee. She married Arthur P. Seitz on June 15, 1929 in Freeport. He died January 22, 1970 in Freeport. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Lucille (John) Hoefer of Freeport; one brother, William Lee of Granville, Ohio; and one nephew, Dick McGill of Freeport. She was preceded in death by her husband.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Walker Mortuary. The Rev. Dr. Willis Schwichtenberg of Immanuel Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary. A memorial has been established for Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

NICHOLAS SERVATIUS , 1536 W. Stephenson St., founder and president of Modern Plating Corp., died at 8:30 this morning in a Freeport Hospital. Born April 16, 1888 in Bausendorf, Germany, he was the son of Nicholas and Katherine Servatius. He came to United States in 1912 and moved Freeport in 1935, establishing Modern Plating in 1936. Mr. Servatius married Anna Haas in 1913 in Chicago. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Germania Club, Freeport Country Club, an honorary member of the American Electroplaters' Society, a trustee and member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, The Holy Name Society, and the Loyal Order of Moose. Modern Plating began with seven employees in the former Holtum Mfg. Co. and moved to South Hancock Avenue in 1938. Last August Mr. Servatius announced the purchase of the Rockwell plant in the Arcade additions, after outgrowing the South Hancock Avenue Plant. The firm is now in the process of remodeling the Rockwell plant.

Surviving are his wife: a son, Richard, Freeport, the vice president and financial secretary of the company; one daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Boegel, Bay Port N.Y. , two brothers, Henry and Peter both of Cologne, Germany and nine grandchildren. Services will be at 9:30a.m. Tuesday at the Schwarz Funeral Home, and at 10a.m. in St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Very Rev. Msgr. A.J. O'Neill, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited at 8p.m. Monday in the funeral home where friends may call after 7p.m. Sunday.
Contributed by Alice Horner

RICHARD N. SERVATIUS , 44, 507 E. Jefferson ST., president and general manager of Modern Plating Corp. which operates plants here and in Rockford, died early Thursday in his home after suffering an apparent heart attack. The firm he headed was founded by his father , Nicholas, in 1936 in Freeport. Mr. Servatius was a member of the American Electroplaters Society and the National Association of Metal Finishers. He was active with the Freeport Chamber of Commerce and also a member of St. Joseph's catholic Church, the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, the Germania Club and the Knights of Columbus. He was a graduate of Aquin Central Catholic High School and a World War II veteran, serving with the Marines. He was born Feb. 23, 1921, in Chicago, son of Nicholas and Anna Haas Servatius, and married Lucille Eberle Jan. 12, 1946, in Freeport. Survivors are his widow; a daughter, Susan' three sons, Richard, Nicholas, and David all at home; his mother;' and a sister, Mrs. Eleanor Boegel, Bayport, Long Island, N.Y. Services will be Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in Schwarz Funeral Home and at 9:00 a.m. in St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends may call after 1p.m. today in the funeral home, where the rosary will be recited at 8 o'clock tonight.
Contributed by Alice Horner

FRANK G. SHAIBLE , 70, one of the veteran employees of Stover Engine and Manufacturing Company, died suddenly while at work in his office at the Stover plant about 10 o’clock this morning. He apparently suffered a heart attack. Mr. Shaible had been employed by the Stover company many years having recently been engaged as order clerk for that company. He was a native of Freeport being born June 9, 1870. His wife passed away several years ago. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and resided at 501 South Locust Ave. He was affiliated with Evergreen Lodge of Masons. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ALFRED J. SHAY , 62, of 2002 W. Laurel St., died Saturday, Jan. 14. 1989 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. For three years, he was employed by Henney Motor Co., and then for 30 years by Micro Switch as an accountant, until retiring in 1984. He was a World War II veteran, and a member of the 25 year club at Micro Switch and the Freeport Fraternal Order of Eagles. On July 16, 1926, he was born in Freeport, the son of Alfred and Zoe (Clark) Shay. He married Marilyn J. Roemer on July 7, 1973 in Las Vegas, Nev. Surviving are his widow; a son, Michael Marcum of Rock City; three daughters, Kathy (Mrs. David) Petticrew of Rohnert Park, Calif., Beth (Mrs. Allan) Franklin of Cedarville and Ann Neuenschwander of Paducah, Ky.; and four granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, William Vore, and a sister.
Contributed by Alice Horner

EARL SINCLAIR , 87, of 60 N. Sunset Ave., a retired Freeport businessman, died late Friday night from multiple burns. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as April 1980.) He was critically burned Friday afternoon when his clothing caught fire as he was burning leaves at his home. He was admitted to Freeport Memorial Hospital, then transferred to the burn center at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford. Sinclair was a onetime partner in Sinclair & Moellenberndt feed, seed, and pet supply business. For 17 years, he was employed at Freeport Hardware Co., and then Haight & Laible Seed Co., which later became Sinclair & Moellenberndt. He retired in 1963. An active member of Embury United Methodist Church over the years, he served on the commission on missions of the church and the youth programs of the church. “Earl was a man with high ideals, yet one who recognized in a sensitive way the reality in which he was living. He was never a negative type person and felt one of the necessities of the church was to reach out beyond his own congregation,” said the Rev. William Blomberg. A charter member of the Stephenson County Historical Society, he was also a member of the Stephenson County Humane Society. He sang with the Senior Citizens Choral Group, and helped found the Freeport High School Band and Orchestra in 1912. He was an active booster of these organizations.

Born December 31, 1892 in Winslow, he was the son of Samuel and Sara Jane (Hunt) Sinclair. He married Alice Divan on June 28, 1916 in Monroe. She died July 6, 1967. Surviving are one son, Delbert Sinclair of Sycamore; and one grandson. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one son, one daughter, and one brother. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. William H. Blombert officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for Embury United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

NORMAN C. SLEEZER , one of Freeport’s most respected and well known citizens, died Wednesday afternoon, February 2, 1977 at Freeport Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Known to his host of friends as “Chief,” Sleezer served 26 years as general secretary to the Freeport YMCA and retired at the age of 85 in 1970 after 25 years as adult probation officer of Stephenson County. Sleezer observed his 90th birthday in 1975 with a flourish and remained active in community affairs until his death. In a 1975 interview Sleezer spoke about his belief in “thrift, hard work, morality and basic religion. It is far more important what one gives than what he gets,” he said. Sleezer was instrumental, along with the late Robert Koenig, in establishing the East Side Recreation Center, now the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. In recent years his concern helped create the Norman C. Sleezer Boys Home for troubled juveniles. Sleezer served as secretary of the Freeport Rotary Club for 25 years, originated the Rotary shoe fund to provide shoes for needy children and helped spur the installation of lighted baseball fields around the city. A vociferous reader, Sleezer read at least 50 books a year, budgeting his reading to half autobiographies and half novels.

Sleezer was born Nov. 27, 1885 in Vogel Center, Mich., a son of Joseph and Kitty (Cone) Sleezer. His father, who ran a small sawmill, delivered his son. As a young man Sleezer became night superintendent of an iron and steel mill in Elyria, Ohio and later played tackle for five years with professional football’s first team, the Canton Ohio Bulldogs, receiving $15 a game at the most. On Sept.1. 1915 he married Mabel Kingsley in Chicago, soon after starting in social services work. He began a career or YMCA work after World War I, serving first in Chicago. The Sleezers came to Freeport in 1927, when he took the post of general secretary of the YMCA. He helped build Camp Archibald in the Wisconsin northwoods, a favored camping spot over the years for Freeport youth. His heaviest pressures, Sleezer once recalled, came during World War II when he was chairman of the local rationing board. For 20 years, he served on the Freeport Memorial Hospital Board and he was instrumental in bringing the Community Concert program to Freeport. Sleezer is survived by a son, Lathrop, of Costa Rica; a daughter, Mrs. George (Patricia) Ritter, of Hartford, Conn., eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Eric Snyder, associate pastor of the church, officiating. Private burial will be at Oakland Cemetery. Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make contributions to memorials established for the Norman C. Sleezer Boys Home and Havenwood Girls Home. Contributions can be sent to Mrs. Lois Kortemeier, 1443 Woodside Drive.
Contributed by Alice Horner

JOSHUA SISSON , a lifelong resident of Waddams Township, passed away this morning at 9 o'clock at his home after an illness of several months. He was born Nov. 9, 1860 in Waddams twp. to Robert and Mary Ann Sisson. He was married jan. 11, 1885 to Sarah E. Armagost who preceded him a number of years ago. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. A.V. Solace and mrs. Ralph Stabenow living in this vicinity, six grandchildren and a brother, Christopher Sisson of Talmadge Neb. Services will be held at 2:30 Saturday from the Leamon fuenral home - burial will in the Lena cemetery.
Freeport Journal 6 April 1939

J. FRED SMITH , 85, former Freeport banker and industrialist, died in a local hospital at 9:30a.m. today after an extended illness. He had been hospitalized for the past three months. (Transcriber’s Note: There is no date of death on this obituary but the office at Oakland Cemetery states that he was buried there on March 17, 1955.) He lived at 1025. S. Benson Blvd. He had been active in business and banking activities in Freeport for more than half a century. In 1952 he retired, at which time he disposed of his stock in the State Bank of Freeport. Previously he had served as a director and president of the bank for more than 30 years. He was originally named president in 1923. Many years ago he associated with the late D. C. Stover in the operation of the Stover Manufacturing Co. here and after the death of Mr. Stover in 1908 he became a trustee in the Stover estate with the late H. H. Antrim and the late W. A. Hance. He was also interested in other business activities, having organized and founded, with his son, the Frederick G. Smith Lumber Co. here. However, the son purchased the interests of his father in that company about 14 years ago.

He was born in Chicago Jan. 23, 1870 and was brought to Freeport as a child, together with his brother, the late W. A. Hance. He was adopted at the age of five by J. F. Smith, who had come here from Buffalo, N. Y. in 1849 with the North Western Railroad company. The elder Smith established the first grain and fuel business in Freeport, later combining the business with Benjamin and Henry J. Porter under the firm name of Smith & Porter. Later the business was conducted by J. J. Porter, and subsequently became the H. A. Hillmer Company. During his long residence here, he acquired considerable real estate among his holdings being the Smith Building, northeast corner of East Stephenson and North Chicago avenue. He also owned farm property in this area and various other sections. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and Freeport Lodge of Elks. Mr. Smith was married about 60 years ago to Miss Leora Crocker, who died in 1940. There were two children by this marriage, Frederick G., Freeport, and Mrs. Fred C. (Virginia) Doepke, Milwaukee, who survives, and six grandchildren. He was again married January 17, 1942 to Miss Lucille Frederick, who survives. They have one daughter, Mary Mason Smith, at home. Service will be in Grace Episcopal Church at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Charles McHenry Pond, rector, will officiate. Internment will be at Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MARIE SMITH , 91, of 1473 Winter Drive, died Friday morning, Jan. 19, 1990, at St. James Hospital, Pontiac. She was retired from Henney Motor Co. and Micro Switch. A 1916 graduate of Freeport High School, she was a member of Second Presbyterian Church. Born on Sept. 27, 1898 in Freeport, she was the daughter of Henry and Anna (Johnson) Keller. She married J. Willard Smith on Aug. 9, 1922 in Freeport. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Patricia (Charles) Lyman of Pontiac; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Karl Keller of Sherman, Texas. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband in 1975, and a son, J. Willard Jr. in 1974. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Schwarz Funeral Home. The Rev. Don Garton, pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner

WILLIAM SMITH , born 7/1/1859 Twin Grove, Illinois, died 4/7/1935 Alberta, Canada. His youth was spent in Wisconsin and Illinois. He was married to Mary Sansenbaugh. He is survived by his wife, five children, thirty grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Bro. Smith united with the Church of the Brethern at the age of 19. His love for church was marked throughout his long life. During the past 25 years he has been sorley afflicted. Throughout all he had shown remarkable patience. He was seriously sick about 10 days before his death. Funeral services were conducted in Bow Valley Church of the Brethern by the pastor. Interment in Arrowwood Cemetery, Alta, Canada.
Contributed by Judy Morgan (Partial obit - 1st part was cut off)

JOHN SMITHE SR - Private graveside service was held at 10 this morning at Oakland Cemetery for John Henney Smithe Sr., 71, who died last week in Tucson, Ariz. (June 22, 1980), where he was a five-year resident. The Rev. Paul Offenhiser officiated. He was the nephew of John W. Henney Jr., who, with his father founded the Henney Motor Co. His great-grandfather Jacob Henney started the Henney Wagon and Carriage Works in Cedarville in 1860. In 1868, his grandfather and uncle took over the business and added buggies to the line. In 1879 the business was moved to Freeport. It was then sold to Moline Plow Co. in 1993, retaining the Henney name. Later, Henney repurchased the business and built hearses and custom made cars. Manufacturing ceased in 1955. A graduate of Freeport High School, he then joined his uncles company, working in sales and serving as vice president. At one time he was a drummer and played in several area bands. An avid tennis player, he worked for betterment of Freeport  s tennis facilities. He was a member of the Germania Club, Union League Club of Chicago, Stephenson County Historical society, Cedarville Historical Society, Freeport Tennis Club and First Presbyterian Church and was a lifelong supporter of the YMCA and YWCA.

Born May 6, 1909, he was the son of Julius B. and Mary (Henney) Smithe. He married Imogene Aiken Sept. 21, 1939 in Freeport. Surviving are his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Judith (Richard) Wolfe of Cedarville; one son, John Henney Smithe, Jr. of Freeport; and four grandchildren. Arrangements were completed by Walker Mortuary. [Submitter's Note: John Henney Smithe was the nephew of the John Henney (son) who ran Henney's in the 1930s. He'd been murdered in Tucson by an acquaintance
Contributed by Alice Horner

ORAL R. SPAHN , 75, of 300 N. Park Blvd., died Thursday October 29, 1981 at Freeport Memorial Hospital following a short illness. He was a retired self-employed mechanic and a member of Faith United Methodist Church. Born May 11, 1906 in Thomson, Carroll County, he was the son of William and Rose (Bucher) Spahn. He married Dolores L. Eaton October 26, 1932 in Dixon. Surviving are his widow; two sons, Robert O. of Freeport and William E. of Vincennes, Ind.; one brother, Merle of Milwaukee, Wis.; one sister, Mrs. Maxine Rockefeller of Wisconsin; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother. Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. George Jacobs officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the mortuary. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ROSA (BUCHER) SPAHN , 58, widow of the late William Spahn, passed away at her home at 1116 South Oak Avenue, at 7:15 o’clock this morning (Tuesday, June 7, 1938) following an illness of several years. Funeral services will be conducted by the Walker mortuary, West Main Street at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, Rev. H. I. Newell, pastor of United Brethren church will conduct the services and interment will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home. Rosa A. Bucher, daughter of Eugene and Mary Bucher, for many years residents of Freeport, was born in Jerseyville, Illinois April 20, 1880. Her marriage to William Spahn took place Dec. 25, 1901. Her husband passed away July 25, 1930. Three sons and one daughter survive; Eugene, Oral, Merle, and Maxine, all of Freeport. There are five grandchildren. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Mrs. H. E. Coleman, Rex Bucher, Mrs. William Koch, Mrs. Ted Pnewski, Charles Bucher, Mrs. Arthur Strohacker, and Mrs. Otto Bocke, all of Freeport.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MATHILDA (SULLIVAN) SMULL , 85, died about 1 o'clock this afternoon (August 9, 1938) at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Runkle where she had made her home for some time. Formerly Miss Mathilda Sullivan she was born in Rock Grove Twp. June 27, 1852 the daughter of Jacob and Mary Sullivan. She was united in marriage Feb. 18, 1903 to Myron Smull who died Sept. 5, 1931. She leaves two step-children Mrs. Leo Rowe of Chicago, Thomas Smull of McConnell; two brothers and one sister, Benjamin Sullivan of Gatewood MO, Jacob Sullivan of Minneapolis MN and Miss Sue Sullivan of McConnell. (Freeport Journal Standard 9 August 1938)

ENGELBERT SPIETHOFF , 84, formerly of Freeport, will be held at Oakland Cemetery on Monday, June 17 at 11 a.m. The Rev. Eldon Schriver will officiate. He died December 23, 1984 in Boulder, Colo. From 1929 to 1972 he and his wife lived in Freeport. Faith United Methodist Church was their church home. He was born in Mulheim, Ruhr, Germany on May 6, 1900. Surviving are his widow; three daughters, seven grandchildren; two sisters; and five great-grandchildren.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ANNA (KNOCK) SPROUL , aged 70, passed away at her Oneco home at 2 this morning after an illness of eight weeks. Anna Knock, daughter of James and Julia Rathbun Knock, was born in Oneco April 1, 1868. She was married to John Sproul in Monroe Dec. 29, 1893. Surviving are the widower, two daughters, Mrs. Fred Neuenschwander, Orangeville, and Miss Ruth, at home, and two sons, William Sproul, Monroe, and Joe, at home. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 Sunday afternoon in the Harrington(?) funeral home, Orangeville. Rev. E. E. Remaly, pastor or the Monroe Union Church, will officiate.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds

JANE (MCGILL) SPROUL , The late Jane Sproul, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. F. Hurless, Thursday evening, January 20, (1921) at the age of 86 years, 5 months, 26 days, was born near Steubenville, Ohio, July 25, 1834. Her maiden name was Jane McGill. She resided near Steubenville until the age of fourteen, when she with her parents moved to Van Wert Co. Ohio. She was united in marriage to Joseph Sproul, Feb 5, 1864. To this union four children were born, one son and three daughters. In 1900 they moved to Illinois and resided at Orangeville [Stephenson County] till the death of her husband in 1913.

Those left to mourn her are one son, John Sproul, Clarno, Wis., and two daughters, Mrs. J. B. [Rebecca] Wise and Mrs. S. F. [Orah Almeda] Hurless of Freeport, as also 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. One daughter, Mrs. G. C. Swartz, preceded her in death. She became a member of the Presbyterian church in early life and remained faithful until death.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds

LAURA M. (EBY) STARR , daughter of Joseph and Emma Eby, was born June 19,1882. She was united in marriage to Frank B. Starr on Aug. 24, 1902. After a long illness she died July 2, 1942, at her home in Lena, Ill. She leaves her husband and two daughters two grandsons, one sister and a number of other relatives. A brother and her father and mother preceded her in death. In early life she became a member of the Church of the Brethren and always lived in the Lena congregation. During her illness she was anointed by Elder William Keltner.
Source:Rootsweb website of Jacqueline Hudson (The Brethren Gospel Messenger July 25, 1942)

MATHEW A. STEELE , 68, for many years a leader in the industrial activities of Freeport, passed away at Rochester MN last Night (May 11, 1938). Mr. Steele had gone to Rochester for treatment about one week ago and plans had been made for him to return home today. However he died suddenly. He suffered from a heart affection for the past several years. Mr. Steele and his wife resided at 825 West Stephenson St.

Mr. Steele was born at Stewartson PA Jan 10, 1870. He received his education at Chamberlain Academy, Randolph NY and spent his early life in the PA oil fields at Bradford, Mt. Jewett and Kane PA. He worked as a pump station man and telegrapher. He was also engaged in gauging wells, as a tool dresser on drilling wells and for a time taught schoo. At the age of 20 he came to IL as a representative of the Penn Refining Co. of Oil City PA, taking charge of its distributing plant at Rock Island and afterwards opening branches at Chicago and Burlington IA. Later he became associated with the Moline Plow Co. as a traveling salesman. Later he was purchasing agent for allt he company's plants. Manager of the Henney Buggy Company in Freeport and manager of the Stephens Motor Company here. Mr. Steele later became associated with the Stover Mfg. & Engine Co. in Freeport. Following his retirement from Stover he was district representative of the Utility Securities Company of Chicago.

His marriage to Miss Francis Downing took place in Chicago. He is survived with his wife who was with him at his time of passing. One daughter died in infancy. A brother-in-law Max Downing resides in Freeport.

The body is being brought to Freeport and will be taken to the home. Services will be there Saturday afternoon, Rev. Eugene R. Shannon officiating. Interment will be at Oakland cemetery. J.A. Gund and Mrs. Karl F. Snyder will be in charge of arrangements, the pallbearers will be Gaylord Anderson, Harry Furst, L.L. Munn, Roy M. Bennethum, Lee Madden and Mathew Marvin Jr.
Freeport Journal Standard 12 May 1938

OTTO H. STEINESTEL , 87, of 827 W. Avon St., died Thursday morning in Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Steinestel, who served as past master of Evergreen Lodge and past most wise master of Rose Croix, was a member of the Freeport Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Freeport Council of Royal and Select Masters, Freeport Commandery of Knights Templar and Scottish Rite Valley of Freeport. He was a 33 degree mason and was made honorary member of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in 1948. In 1936 he was cited for meritorious service by the Illinois Council of Deliberation.

Born Dec. 26, 1881 in Rock City, he was the son of David and Louise (Nott) Steinestel. On July 12, 1905, he married Eva J. Penticoff in Galena. She died June 2, 1953. Surviving are a son, Martin of Freeport; and a granddaughter. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Oakland Cemetery, with the Rev. Gustav Bloom, pastor of Bethany United Church of Christ, officiating. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were completed by Walker Mortuary
Contributed by Alice Horner

CHARLES L. STRAYER , 85, of Downers Grove died Saturday, March 20, 1999, at his home. He was born Nov. 1, 1993 (sic), in Gridley, to Charles L. and Olive (Jacobs) Strayer Sr. He and Eleanor Brown were married. He came to Naperville in 1963 from Orangeville, lived there 31 years, and moved to Downers Grove in 1994. He received his bachelor's degree from Illinois State Normal University in Normal in 1938, and his master's degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in 1948. He retired in 1977 from School District 204 as a deputy superintendent. His 35 years of teaching and adminstrative work included serving as business manager of Naperville School District 203 for five years and five years with the Illinois School Consulting Service. During World War II he served in the Air Force for more than two years. His memberships included Lions Club; Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity and Grace United Methodist Church since 1969. Surviving are one son, Charles A. (Sue) Strayer of Naperville; three daughters, Nancy (Neil) Whittington of Aldbourne, England, Margaret Ann "Peggy" (Thomas) Springborn of Normal and Carolyn (William) Duffy of Woodridge; two sisters, Blanche (Howard) Taylor of Cullom and Ruth Porter of Pontiac; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife; and one brother-in-law, Gilbert Porter. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville with the Revs. Arthur Landwehr, Thomas E. Babler and Paul Whittle officiating. Burial will be at Boughton Township Cemetery in Kempton. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home in Naperville. Memorial funds have been established for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association and American Diabetes Association.
Freeport Journal Standard Tueday March 23, 1999

JOHN STROHECKER - Funeral services for John Strohecker, 43, of Dixon, a former Lanark resident, will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Offenheiser-Schwartz Funeral Home at Pearl City. The Rev. George E. Furnival, pastor of the Pearl City United Methodist Church, will officiate and burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport. Friends may call Monday from 4-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds from The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 8, 1971, page 2, column 3

JOHN A. STUBBE , 75, 605 S. Stewart Ave. died Wednesday in Freeport Memorial Hospital after a long illness. He was a retired carpenter. (Note: He was born August 25, 1900 and died July 1976.) Survivors include his widow, Catherine; two daughters, Mrs. Corlyn Vohlken, Hurst, Tex., and Mrs. Jacqueline Tolley, Freeport; three grandchildren, and three brothers, George, Freeport, Henry, Anadheim, Calif., and Clifford, Schaumburg. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, where a Masonic service will be at 7:30 p.m. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Alice Horner

STEPHEN SWITZER , 79, of Orangeville, a farmer and a Navy veteran, died Tuesday, September 17, 1991 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. He farmed in the Orangeville area. During World War Ii, he served in the Navy from 1944 - 1946 in the Pacific theater. He was a member of the Orangeville American Legion Post. He served on the Orangeville School Board for two terms and was a member of the Stephenson County Farm Bureau for many years. Born in Carroll County on October 1, 1911 he was a son of Frank and Amy (Francke) Switzer. He married Elva D. Allison on February 27, 1937 at Milledgeville. She died in 1977. Surviving are two sons, Stephen A. and wife, Dorleen, of Freeport and Dr. Robert L. and wife, Bonnie, of Urbana; one brother, retired Col. W. H. Switzer of Vienna, Va.; three grandchildren, Brian Switzer of Chicago, Stephanie Switzer of New York City, N. Y., and Joel Switzer of Freeport. A sister, Helen Whitney, also preceded him in death. Graveside memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, Wis. Friend may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home, Orangeville. A memorial has been established for the American Cancer Society.
Contributed by Alice Horner

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