Freeport Weekly Democrat Jan. 13, 1888
JOHN O. VAN DEEST
, former president of Northern Petroleum Co. in Freeport, 1115 LaCresta Drive, died at 10:10 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 1964 in a local hospital where he had been a patient since February 18. Mr. Van Deest was a member of Kiwanis Club and Embury Methodist Church and was active in choir work of that church. For many years he was president of Northern Petroleum Co., retiring the first of this year. He was a former Park Board member and served as treasurer of Stephenson County Fair Board for 12 years.
Mr. Van Deest was born August 13, 1899 in Ogle County, son of Andrew and Bertha (Roskam) Van Deest. On October 6, 1923 he married the former Elsie Resh in Freeport. She survives along with a sister, Mrs. A. J. (Hannah) Wietzke of Shelby, North Carolina and a brother, Samuel of Chicago. One son preceded him in death.
Funeral service for Mr. Van Deest will be Monday at 1:30 p.m. in Walker Mortuary, Rev. Wesley McKelvey, pastor of Embury Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call in the mortuary after 10 a.m. Sunday. A memorial for the church has been established in his name.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard Freeport, Illinois March 6, 1964
SYLVIA J. (ENDRESS) VANHORN
, 58, of Pearl City died Sunday morning August 25, 1996 in her home. She and her husband farmed and operated a trucking company at Pearl City . Daughter of LaVere and Myrna (Thomas) Endress, she was born September 18, 1937 at Pearl City, and graduated from Pearl City High School . She and Marvin Van Horn were married in Pearl City . Survivors include her husband; four sons, Brad (Patricia) and Douglas (Karla) Van Horn, both of Pearl City, Brian (Ann Osborn) Van Horn of Morrison, and David Van Horn of Freeport; 11 grandchildren; her parents of Pearl City, and a brother, Dewey (Mary) Endress of Pearl City. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Offenheiser-Schwarz Funeral Home in Pearl city with the Rev, Milton L. Whitney and the Rev, Lee Luebke officiating, Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens , Freeport . Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established by the family.
Contributed by Alice Horner
ALVIN VAN LOH
, 88, of Freeport, auctioneer, died Wednesday, July 16, 1997 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. He owned and operated Van Loh Auctioneer Services for 43 years and was a member of the national and state auctioneer associations. He was also a member of the Hitch and Wheel Club, and was superintendent of the Stephenson County Fair Horse & Pony Show for 25 years.
A charter member, he later served as president of Golden K Kiwanis Club. He also had been a member of the former Germania Club. A current member of Park Hills Evangelical Free Church, he was formerly associated with Silver Creek Reformed Church of German Valley. He was educated in Prairie Hill School and Pleasant Prairie Academy in German Valley.
Son of Christ and Mary (Reints) Van Loh, he was born February 3, 1909 in Silver Creek Township in Stephenson County. He and Bessie Orth were married in 1973 in Freeport. She died on July 7, 1997. Surviving him are one son, Gerald (Judith) Van Loh, of Appleton, Wisconsin; one daughter, Mary (Norm) McGinnis of Gainesville, Georgia; four grandchildren, Scott (Barbara) Kneiss of Alpharetta, Georgia, Jared (Martha) Kneiss of West Palm Beach, Florida, Gerald Van Loh II of Appleton and Kristy (Matt) Bergmann of Fremont, Wisconsin; and close family friends, Ron and Joan Pasch of Freeport. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one sister and one grandchild.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday in Silver Creek Reformed Church in German Valley. Officiating will be the Rev. Randall P. Knoll of Silver Creek Reformed Church and the Rev. Ronald B. Thiessen of Park Hills Evangelical Free Church. Burial will be in Silver Creek Reformed Church Cemetery at German Valley. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established for Park Hills Evangelical Free Church and Silver Creek Reformed Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner
EFFIE VAN MATRE
, 75, of 300 N. Park Blvd., died Monday at Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. She was an assistant cook. At one time she was employed at Uptown Cafe. For 17 years she was with St. Francis Hospital in Freeport and then Young's Restaurant until retirement in 1972. She was born July 24, 1903, in Gratiot, Wis. She married Kessley Burrington in 1919. He died in 1941. She married Homer Van Matre in 1948. He died in 1964. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Marion (Gladys) Liles and MRs. Ellsworth (Eugenia) Gentz, both of Freeport and Helen Powell of Indianapolis, Ind.; one son, Charles E. Burrington of Freeport; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by one son, three daughters, two brothers and two sisters. Funeral service will be at 1:40 p.m. Thursday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. L. James Brooks, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Mortuary.
Contributed by Karen Fyock -- Died July 16, 1979
MORGAN VAN MATRE
, one of the oldest settlers of Stephenson county, died of tumor of the brain, January 8th, 1883, aged 70 years and one day. He was born in Ohio, Jan 7th 1813, and came to JoDaviess county in 1833. He removed to Oneco township, Stephenson county, in the spring of 1835, where he remained until death. He was married to his second wife, Luanna Denio, in 1837. She departed this life Oct. 29th, 1882, aged nearly sixty-six years. He was the father of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, eight of whom are now living. Mr. Vanmater was actively identified with all movements to advance the interests of the community in which he lived, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He was for many years a consistent member of the Christian church. For a few months before death he was deprived of the use of his limbs and also the use of his mental powers, during which time he received the constant care and attention of loving children and friends. His funeral was held at Mt. Pleasant, Jan. 10th, in the midst of a severe storm which prevailed, and yet there was scarcely room to accommodate the many friends and neighbors in attendance, Rev. F. Nazarene, of the Orangeville M.E. church, officiated, preaching from 1 Cor.xv.53
NANCY VAN MATRE
, 81, passes away Sunday evening Mrs. Nancy Van Matre, wife of J. J. Van Matre, passed away at her home at Orangeville at 8 o'clock last evening, after an illness of three weeks. Mrs. Van Matre was one of the oldest residents of the county and had resided in the vicinity of Orangeville for many years. She was 81 years old and was well known throughout the county. Her maiden name was Nancy Humphreys. She is survived by her husband and the following children: Mrs. R. L. Hopke of Orangeville; Miss Christie Van Matre, at home; James Van Matre, of Winslow; H. J. Van Matre, of Delavan, WI; and William Van Matre, of Orangeville. The funeral will be held at 1 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the late home. Burial will be made at Pleasant Hill. Mr. and Mrs. James Grant, of this city, will attend the funeral, Mrs. Grant being a niece of the deceased.
JAMES VAN SICKLE
, 79, of Lena died Sunday afternoon in the hospital here following a lingering illness. He was born March 19, 1871, in Stephenson county, the son of Charles and Anna (Murphy) Van Sickle. His marriage to Miss Angie Smith took place Jan 28, 1901. Surviving besides the widow are two daughters, Mrs Gus (Vera) Okerburg of Rockford and Mrs Edgar (Fern) Gassman of Lena, one brother Irvin of Rockford, two sisters, Mrs Alice Smith of Eleroy and Mrs John (Emma) Bobb of Lena, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, one daughter, three brothers and his parents died previously. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Leamon funeral chapel. Rev. J.E. Smeltzer, pastor of the Church of the Brethern, will officiate. Interment will be in Lena Burial park.
Contributed by Judy Morgan - "Journal-Standard", Freeport, Illinois, Dec 18, 1950
PAUL VARGAS
- Indian Soldier Boy, Paul Vargas, Dies of Pneumonia
Paul Vargas, an Indian boy who was brought from Porto Rico by the late Frank H. Rockey, of this city, is dead of pneumonia at Camp Merrit, N. J. The young man, who was 22 years old, was an American Indian whose parents moved to Porto Rico when Paul was a child, the father, mother and a brother being slain by the Spaniards during the Spanish-American war. Paul was saved by a Spanish woman and some years later was brought in the United States by Mr. Rockey. He attended Carlisle and later entered the state normal school at Lock Haven, Pa. There he met Charles Clay, and the two became great friends. Later his chum's father, Dr. W. H. Clay, of Townvill, Pa. adopted Paul. The young Indian lived for a time at Freeport and was identified with the physical instruction department of the Y. M. C. A. He enlisted in the American army soon after the United States went to war with Germany but had been kept from going across by illness.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Freeport Journal Standard Nov. 6, 1918 p. 8
REUBEN B. VAUTSMEIER
- Funeral service for Reuben B. Vautsmeier of Freeport Route 4, who died Monday morning, January 17, 1977 while doing chores in the barn at home where he farmed 60 years, will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Mortuary. The Rev. Orrell Ruth, pastor of First United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in City Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 tonight at the mortuary. A memorial fund has been established. Vautsmeier was a member of First UM Church.
Born January 23, 1888 in Freeport, he was the son of Conrad F. and Mary (Lenz) Vautsmeier. He married Sady Cady in June 1906. She died in 1954. Surviving are two sons, Howard A. and Raymond E., both of Freeport; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Three daughters, a brother, and a sister also preceded him in death.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois January 18, 1977
MINNIE (TREI) VEENKER
- Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon of this week for Mrs. Peter S. Veenker, 55, at the Zoar Presbyterian church north east of George. Mrs. Veenker, who has been a resident of George for many years...died at Rochester hospital on Sunday evening. Mrs. Minnie Veenker, beloved wife of Peter S.
Veenker departed this life...July 18, 1937...She was born at Florence, Ill. on Oct. 5, 1882 [error, 1881] and reached the age of 55 years, 10 months, and 17 days. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Trei. On Dec. 18, 1902 she was united in Holy matrimony with Mr. Peter S. Veenker of George, Iowa and God blessed this union with 7 children, 5 daughters and 2 sons. They are: Ralph, infant son who passed away Aug. 19, 1903; Esther, Mrs. Clarence Jurrens of George; Mary, Mrs. George Block of Little Rock; Ruth, at home; Grace, Mrs. Ralph Rypkema of Maurice; Janet, Mrs. Chris Geerdes of George; and Raymond, at home. She is also survived by her beloved husband, 10 grandchildren, two brothers, Al Trei of George and Fred Trei of Little Rock, three sisters, Mrs. Anna Grave of Ashton, Miss Elizabeth Trei of Rock Rapids and Jeanette Trei of Sibley [Elizabeth & Jeanette were half-sisters.]..Mrs. Veenker joined the Zoar Presbyterian church on Apr. 3, 1904...Among those from out of town...at the services were Ben Reemtsma of Forreston, Ill., Mr. & Mrs. Fred Hassebroek of Willow Lakes, S. D., Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Harberts of Algona, Mr. & Mrs. George Jurrens of Steene, Minn., Rev. & Mrs. Paul Kessler of Sheldon, Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Anderson of Sioux Falls, Mrs. Joe Stoneall of Sioux Falls, Mr. & Mrs. George Hisken of Kanaranzi, Minn., J. S. Veenker, daughter Mary Ellen of Northwood, Miss Evelyn Casjens of Elkton, S. D., and Mr. & Mrs. John Trei of Marshall, Minn.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - (Lois Veenker family clipping)
MYRNA M. VEER
, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, 98 of Freeport died Friday April 25, 2008 at Stephenson Nursing Center in Freeport. She was born on June 15, 1909 in Galena, Il, the daughter of Walter S. and Rosabelle (Martindale) Dyson.
Myrna married William M. Veer on July, 31, 1926 in Freeport, Il; He later died on January 12, 1970.
Myrna came to Freeport from Galena, Il at the age of five years old. She was a Housewife and a Homemaker. She was a member of First Church of Nazarene and The Freeport Chapter Viet-Now.
Myrna was a wife to one, a mother of 14, and a friend to all.
Surviving her are nine sons William(Charity) Veer, Franklin (Sheri) Veer, Karl (Evelyn) Veer, Ernest (Shirley) Veer, Sam (Sandra) Veer, and Ron Veer all of Freeport; Ralph (Kathy) Veer of Tompson, GA, John (Eileen) of Strawberry, AR, and Charles (Monique) of Peru, IN; Five daughters, Neva (Eugene) Barthel, Rosemary (Benny) Quintero, and Charity (David) Sullivan all of Freeport; Grace (Rockie) Heck of Orangeville, IL, and Beatrice Dean of Martin, TN; a special niece Patricia (Leonard) Huenefeld; over 50 grandchildren, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren and great-great-great-great grandchildren. Freeport Mayor George Gaulrapp is one of her grandsons.
Preceding Myrna in death were her parents, husband, three sisters, six brothers, and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 Wednesday April 30, 2008 at Church of Nazarene with Pastor John Hollis officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3-8 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, and Wednesday starting at noon until the time of service at the church. Bural will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In leau of flowers a memorial has been established in her memory
Contributed by John Veer -
WILLIAM M. VEER
, of Freeport Route 3 died this morning in Freeport Memorial Hospital. He was a retired W. E. Kautenberg Co. employee.
Mr. Veer was born April 20, 1905, in Adeline, son of Menno and Grace (Gerdes) Veer. On July 31, 1926, he married Myrna Dyson in Freeport.
Surviving are his widow; nine sons, William Jr. and Ralph, both of Dallas, Tex., Franklin, Karl, Ernest and Ronald, all of
Freeport, John of Scioto Mills, Charles, serving with the Air Force in Rantoul and Samuel,serving in the Army in Ft. Polk ,La.;
five daughters, Mrs. Edward (Neva) Gaulrapp, Mrs. Benny (Rosemary) Quintero, Mrs. Rubbert (Beatrice) Dean and Mrs. Grace Peterson, all of
Freeport, and Mrs. Kenneth (Charity) Bissell of Afolkey; 36 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, John
and Joseph, both of Freeport, and George of Buena Vista; and, two sisters , Mrs. Joseph (Grace) Martin and Mrs. John (Gertrude) Griffin, both of Freeport.
His parents and a sister preceded him in death. Funeral service will be at 1:30 pm. Wednesday in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Burial will be In
Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 pm to 9 pm Tuesday
John Veer - Freeport Journal Standard Date: 12 Jan. 1970
ARTHUR VICKREY
, Freeport man dropped dead of a heart attack yesterday afternoon while running after a pheasant he had just shot. The victim was Arthur J. Vickrey, 42, of 453 South Adams avenue, proprietor of the Clover Farm store at Liberty and Adams avenues. Chief Deputy Sherriff Alvin Stine said Vickrey was hunting with Merle Schultz, Cedarville, on the Charles Reamer farm east of Cedarville. Schultz said Vickrey had complained about noon of pain in his area of his heart. About 3 p.m. Vickrey winged a pheasant in the open field. The bird fluttered away from the hunters and Vickrey ran after it. Just as he reached the bird he fell dead. Dr. E. A. Diestelmeier, county coroner, conducted an investigation at the scene and said there would be no inquest. Arthur John Vickrey was born at Mendota Jan. 13, 1909, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Seymore Vickrey. He attended West Brooklyn schools. His marriage to Miss Catherine Oberhart took place May 6, 1931. For the past several years he operated the Clover Farm Grocery, 453 South Adams avenue. The family lived at the same address. Survivors include his widow and three children, Misses Barbara and Berry Kay and James Vickrey, all at home. his father lives at West Brooklyn and there are three brothers and a sister, Wilbur, Clarence and Robert Vickery and Mrs. Charles Adams, all of West Brooklyn. His mother died previously. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, the Holy Name society of that parish and the Knights of Columbus. Services will be held at the Schwarz funeral home at 9 a.m. Wednesday with a requiem mass at St. Mary's Catholic church at 9:30. Rt. Rev. C. F. Conley will celebrate the mass. interment will be made in Calvary cemetery. The Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at the funeral home at 8 pm. Tuesday.
Contributed by Karen Fyock -- Nov. 11, 1951 handwritten date
ROY E. VINCENT
, 96, of Freeport died Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at Hawthorne Inn of Freeport.
He was born Aug. 1, 1912, in Freeport the son of Earl and Pearl (Evans) Vincent.
Roy was a draftsman more than 40 years at Micro Switch. He loved working on computers.
He is survived by many nieces and nephews including Arnie and Sue Tice of Freeport, Hal and Linda Snedeker of Waukee, Iowa, Judy Crowther of Mount Vernon, Ohio, Lynn and Bonnie Boylan of Alexandria, Ohio, and Royann Svet of Sarasota, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dwayne “Jim” Vincent; his sister, Irene Snedeker; sister-in-law, Leona Vincent; brother-in-law, Earl “Bud” Snedeker; aunt, Tina Evans; and his niece, Rita Lewis.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services.
A memorial fund has been established for Friends Forever Humane Society.
Journal Standard July 31, 2009
MINA REIGLER VINTON
, 72, lifelong resident of this vicinity, died yesterday morning at her home in Durand, after an illness of a week. The former Mina Reigle was born June 9, 1872, in Afolkey, Stephenson County, the daughter of Thomas and Jane Reigle. On June 22, 1916, she was married to Charles Vinton, who died in 1936. Survivors include a brother, Elvin Reigle, and a sister, Mrs. Laura Crowder, both of Durand. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Chapin funeral home. Re. Kenneth Thompson, pastor of the Methodist church, will officiate and burial will be in the Durand cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - May 10, 1945 clipping
JOHN H. VOHLKEN
- Retired Freeport businessman John H. Vohlken, 83, of 1429 Bolkinwood Drive, was dead on arrival Monday, August 2, 1982 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. He and his brothers, Emil and George, ran the Vohlken Brothers Dairy at 213 S. Walnut Avenue from the 1920s until it was purchased by Union Dairy in 1963. John also owned the Culligan soft water business in Freeport from 1953 to 1966.
Mr. Vohlken was a 50-year member of Evergreen Masonic Lodge, and a member of Faith United Methodist Church, Freeport Consistory, Tebala Temple in Rockford, Freeport Order of the Eastern Star, Hi-Twelve Club, Elks, and Germania.
Born July 9, 1899 in German Valley, he was the son of George and Jennie (Fransen) Vohlken. He married Estella M. Rawleigh June 21, 1927 in Freeport. She died May 31, 1971. Surviving are companion Florence Morphew; three daughters, Mrs. Donna M. (Dr. Donald T.) Fullerton of Madison, Wis., Mrs. Diane E. (Paul) Willis of Dubuque, Iowa, and Mrs. Delaine (John) Saxby of Menominee Falls, Wis.; one son, David J. of Rensselaer, Indiana; two brothers, Emil G. and George, both of Freeport; and nine grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one sister and one grandson.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. George E. Jacobs, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary where Evergreen Lodge will hold a Masonic service at 7:30 p.m. Memorials have been established for the Shriners’ Crippled Children Hospital and Hi-Twelve Club.
Contributed by Alice Horner
CAROLINE MINNIE (LaGRAND) VOLLMER
, wife of Fred Vollmer, passed away about 4 o'clock this morning at the family home at 1206 South Carroll avenue, following an illness of about three weeks duration. Her death followed an operation to which she submitted about three weeks ago. Caroline Minnie LeGrand was born in Freeport November 30, 1887, the daughter of August and Lizzie LeGrand. She has been a member of the Zion Reformed church of this city. She leaves her mother, Mrs. Lizzie LeGrand, husband, two brothers, Charles LeGrand of Seattle, Wash., Oscar LeGrand of Freeport. One brother, John, passed away Nov 13. 1927. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 o'clock Monday afternoon from the late home and at 2 o'clock from Zion Reformed church. Rev. Carl M. Grahl will officiate and burial will be made in the city cemetery.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [Freeport Journal-Standard, Sat. 10 Dec 1932]
FRANK A. VOSS
, 78, well known resident of this community, passed away Tuesday September 26, 1939 in a Freeport hospital. Mr. Voss was
born in Germany July 5, 1861, the son of Emme and Engeline Voss, and at the age of 7 came with his parents to America, settling in Stephenson County. In 1891 Mr. Voss was united in marriage with Miss Lena Brinkmeier. They resided on a farm near Loran, Jefferson Township, until 1926 when they retired and moved to Pearl City where they have since resided. Mr. Voss was baptized as an infant in Germany and united with the St. John’s Lutheran Church at Pearl City in 1926.
He is survived by his widow; six children, Roy and William Voss of Pearl City, Grant of McConnell, Harvey of Freeport, Mrs. Edward Block of Florence Station, Mrs. Lawrence Koch of Kent; two brothers, John Voss of German Valley, George Voss of Pearl City; one sister, Mrs. Bertha Crabtrree of Freeport; and eleven grandchildren. Three brothers and one sister preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 o’clock Friday afternoon from the home and at 2 o’clock from St. John’s Lutheran Church. Rev. H. E. Bernhard will officiate and burial will be made in the Pearl City Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois September 27, 1939
LENA VOSS
, 86, died this morning, December 18, 1953 in a Freeport hospital after a long illness. She was the widow of Frank Voss of Pearl City. Mrs. Voss was born in Germany April 7, 1867 and came to this country as a child. She was married in Pearl City October 22, 1891. Surviving are three sons, Roy of Lena, Grant of Freeport, and William of Pearl City; two daughters, Mrs. Edward Block of Shannon, and Mrs. Lawrence Koch of Kent.
Funeral service for Mrs. Voss will be held at 1:30 Monday from the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pearl City, the Rev. Luther Cooperrider officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery at Pearl City.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois December 18, 1953
