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MARGARET L. WAGNER
, of Encinitas , California , formerly of Freeport , died Friday, September 21, 1990 at the Vista Del Mar Care Center in Vista , Calif. Miss Wagner was associated with the Wagner Office Supply Store on West Main St. in Freeport from 1920 until her retirement from business in 1962. The store was established in 1885 as a bindery by Miss Wagner’s father, who in 1904 expanded the operation to include office supplies. Upon her father’s death in 1934, Miss Wagner assumed management of the store. She moved to California in 1979. She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a member of Embury United Methodist Church .
Born January 29, 1899 in Freeport , she was the daughter of Otto and Mary (Walz) Wagner. Surviving is one nephew, John Wagner of Encinitas , CA . Funeral service will be 1:30 pm Wednesday at the Walker Mortuary with the Reverend Dickson of Embury United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner
ROGER E. WAGNER
, 60, of 1751 S. Galena Ave., died Saturday July 7, 1990 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. For 34 years, he worked at Micro Switch, retiring in 1987 as a production planner. He attended St. John United Church of Christ. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Born on December 22, 1929 in Cedarville, he was the son of Fred C. and Lillie (Pepperman) Wagner. Surviving are two sons, Michael J. and wife Katherine, and Douglas A. and wife Sandy, all of Freeport; one daughter, Tracy Wagner of Freeport; four brothers, Eldon of Rockford, Verle and Clark of Freeport, and Robert of Cedarville; five sisters, Mrs. Esther (Elmer) Wahler, Elizabeth Wagner, Ruth Wagner, and Mrs. Marilyn (Glen) Rohr, all of Freeport, and Mrs. Lois (Mernice) Volkers of Sarasota, Florida; two grandchildren, Michelle and Tyler Wagner of Freeport; and special friend, Norma J. Kipping of Lena. He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters.
Service will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Mortuary, with the Rev. Wallace Reifsteck, pastor of St. John United Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the mortuary, where at 7 p.m. there will be a memorial service conducted by the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie No. 679. Memorials have been established in his name for Hospice of Northwest Illinois and the Ridge Terrace Home of Freeport.
Contributed by Alie Horner - Freeport Journal
LOUIS WAGNER
-After making a brave fight to recover from the accident he sustained last March, Louis Wagner passed away at fifteen minutes after midnight last night at St. Francis hospital, where he had been taken about a week ago in the vain hope of securing relief from his sufferings. He was born in Freeport November 12, 1900, and was in the fifth grad at the Union street school. He was a bright lad and his demised will be learned with sorrow by his playmates. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Wagner, 124 Carroll street, and one sister, Mrs. Dudley Grow, who lives on a farm southeast of town. H. . Moogk will take charge of the funeral services which will be held from the home of his parents Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock. Rev. F. J. Hale of Grace Episcopal church will officiate and interment will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - July 17, 1911 clipping
ALBERT P. WALKER
, 77, a retired IL Central engineere, passed away at a local hospital last night, following an illness of several weeks duration. Funeral services will be conducted at the Walker mortuary, West Main street, at 2 p.m. Thursday. Rev. Brainerd N. Covert, pastor of Second Presbyterian church will conduct the services and interment will be in the city cemetery. Mr. Walker was born near Amboy Nov. 16, 1880, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Walker. He came to Freeport in 1891 when he was united in marriage to Catherine Spies, who passed away 3 years ago. For the past several months Mr. Walker resided at the L icondo hotel. He leaves two sisters, Mrs. H. Pannenbacker, Moline, Mrs. William Meyers, Freeport. He had been employed by the IL Central railroad for fifty years, being retired on pension in 1931. He served many years as a locomotive engineer.
Freeport Journal 9 August 1938
ESTHER H. (HERMSMEIER) WALKER
, 1405 S. Benson Blvd., a leading Freeport businesswoman for nearly 50 years, died Thursday night, January 20, 1972 in Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Mrs. Walker, a Freeport High School graduate of 1910, taught in a Stephenson County country school prior to established Walker Mortuary with her husband in 1923. After her husband’s death on January 13, 1925 she continued operating the business at 321 W. Main Street until October 1, 1971 when she retired.
Mrs. Walker was a former member of the Quota Club, Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Funeral directors Association, Northern Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and a charter member of American Business Woman’s Association. She was also a member of the Y. W. W. C. A. finance committee, Stephenson County Historical Society, Scottish Rite, Woman’s Club, St. John’s United Church of Christ and the Church Guild, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem and a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Walker served as a director of the Oakland Cemetery and was also a Pink Lady at Freeport Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Freeport (March 2, 1891), the daughter of Simon and Sophia (Vautsmeier) Hermsmeier. As a girl, she was employed as a bookkeeper at her parents grocery story. On April l4, 1923, she was married to Charles L. Walker of Freeport. There are no immediate survivors. The closest living relatives are a niece, Mrs. Barney (Jean) Meier, and a nephew, Dr. William Hermsmeier, both of Freeport. She was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters.
The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at St. John’s Church. The Rev. Philip J. Anstedt, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m. and after 10 a.m. Monday at the church. A memorial fund has been established for the church.
Contributed by Alice Horner
FRANK WALTER
- Orangeville Ill, May 29. (1939) - Frank Walter, 54 of Oneco township, passed away Sunday morning in a Freeport hospital following a lingering illness.
He was born in Oneco twp. March 7, 1885 and was a farmer in this community for thirty years. He was united in marriage Feb. 28, 1905, to Miss Meta Reuber, who survives, as does one daughter, Mrs. John Blunt of Pecatonica.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the Orangeville United Brethren church, Rev. Vivian Threlkeld, pastor will officiate and burial will be made in the Orangeville cemetery. The body will be in the church from 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.
Freeport Journal - 29 May 1939
LLOYD A. WALTER
, 69, a lifelong resident of Stephenson County passed away Tuesday morning (21 January 1941) at a local hospital where he had been taken 10 days ago suffering from a heart attack. He was born near Cedarville May 18, 1871 the son of Joseph and Mary Walter. He was united in marriage to Mary Daughenbaugh on January 2, 1897 in Freeport. The couple had engaged in farming until 1939 when they moved to Freeport to make their home with a daughter Mrs. Harold Schneiderman 416 N. Apple Ave.
His widow, three daughters Mrs. Millard Rafferty, Mrs. Harold Schneiderman and Mrs. Karl Stass; a sister Mrs. Wm. Griffin; a brother Earl Walter; three grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren survive. (Burial was in Oakland Cemetery)
HARVEY EDWARD WALTERS
, 510 S. Ottawa, Freeport died Sunday evening after an extended illness.
Funeral rites will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Burke and Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, followed by burial in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport.
Born Aug. 8, 1896 in Milledgeville, Harvey Edward Walters was the son of Ernest and Mae Conrad Walters. He was a veteran of World War One. Surviving are his widow, Ellen, one son and two daughters, Ronald of Freeport, Mrs. Roberta Geiseman of Davis and Mrs. Robert (Ramona) Harms of Erie. He also leaves 17 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one brother and two sisters, Floyd Walters of Freeport, Mrs. Brian (Levina) Parks of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Mrs. Ken (Katherine) Jacobs of Rockford
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 7, 1967 - Tuesday, pg 2
SUSAN (STROHM) WALTERS
, 76, widow of the late John L. Walters, and a native of Oneco township, passed away at the home of her daughter. Mrs. Lloyd Spencer, Oskaloosa IA. Word of Mrs. Walkers passing was received by her sister, Mrs. Henry E. Confer, 1107 South Galena avenue, who left immediately to attend funeral services.
Susan Strohm was born in Oneco township Aug. 17, 1863, the daughter of Henry W. and Mary J. Strohm. She was united in marriage to John L. Walters in 1883. She is survived by two daughter, Mrs. Clyde (Lucy) Nordyke, Marshalltown IA; Mrs. Lloyd (Ruby) Spencer, Oskaloosa IA; one son, Rolland Walter, Oelwein IA. Three sisters also survive, Mrs. Henry E. Confer, Freeport; Mrs. ???. Her husband passed away June 19, 1939, while a son Ralph also preceded her in death as did two brothers, John Strohm, Cedarville and William Strohm, Winslow.
Freeport Journal 01 November 1939
JAMES A. WATERMAN
, 81, of Springfield , Missouri passed away Tuesday morning, July 17, 2001 at St. John Regional Health Center after a lengthy illness. He was born September 2, 1919 in Pearl City, the son of Arthur and Ruth (Offenheiser) Waterman, served in the US Army Air Corps from 1941 through 1948, and married the former Mary V. Galway of Freeport on September 12, 1942 while he was stationed in Biloxi , Mississippi . After farming for several years in Illinois and Missouri , he was employed in 1955 by the US Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield and later the Federal Penitentiary in Marion until retiring from prison service in 1976. During his retirement, he and his wife toured the continental 48 states on their motorcycle. They later moved to Ocala , Florida and resided there 10 years before returning to Springfield in 1995 to be near their family. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Springfield . Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Mary; two daughters and their husbands, Susan and Charley Peck of Republic, Missouri and Beth and Dave Miller of Harrisburg; four sons and their wives, Doug and Mary Waterman of Republic, Steve and Pat Waterman of Clever, Missouri, Tom and Anita Waterman and Bruce and Tammi Waterman, all of Springfield; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Waterman of Republic, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister and her husband, Shirley and Rolland Haubach of Lena; a brother-in-law and his wife, Bill and Mary Galway of Freeport; a sister-in-law, Jeannette Galway of Freeport; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; one son, Chuck Waterman; and a grandson, Kurt Waterman. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph catholic Church in Billings , Missouri , with Father Pat Teter officiating, Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery . A rosary service and visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at Meador Funeral Chapel in Billings .
Contributed by Alice Horner
RUTH M. WATERMAN
, Services were held today for Ruth M. Waterman, 94, of Lena, who died Thursday February 24, 1994 in Lena Continental Manor in Lena . Daughter of Fred and Mary (Kampmeier) Offenheiser, she was born June 26, 1899 in Pearl City . She married Arthur Waterman January 9, 1917 in Freeport . He died in 1964. She and her husband farmed in Loran Township until their retirement in 1945. For 70 years she was a member of St. John’s Lutheran church of Pearl City . She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, Orpha Chapter, and the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Pearl City , and White Shrine of Freeport. Surviving are her son, James (Mary) waterman of Ocala, Florida; one daughter, Shirley (Rolland) Haubach of Lean; stepsister, Lona (Leo) Kuhlmeyer of Pearl City; 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Arthur, her step-father, George Callan, and one great-grandchild died previously. Services were held in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pearl City with the Rev. Barbara J. Rapp officiating. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery , Freeport . A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Alice Horner
PAUL M. WATZ
, 78, 1222 S. State Ave., died Saturday in Freeport Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Mary . s Catholic Church, with burial in City Cemetery. Friends may call from after 4 p.m. Monday in Walker Mortuary, with a scripture reading at 8 p.m. There are no immediate survivors. (Submitters note: He was my father's best friend for nearly 50 years and he was a wonderful guy with a droll sense of humor who could fix anything and make you a part for anything for which parts hadn't been made in decades. He was an electrician at Henney's. He died in June 1974. He was born April 27, 1896.)
Contributed by Alice Horner
EDNA L. (HAYENGA) WEAGLEY
, 87, of Pearl City died Sunday, October 1, 2000 at Provena St. Joseph Home in Freeport . She was born May 13, 1913 in Forreston to Evert and Helene (Reints) Hayenga. On August 14, 1939 she married John R. Weagley in Hagerstown Maryland . He died September 24, 1990. She was a retired employee of Burgess Battery Company. Her memberships included Pearl City First United Methodist Church , Eastern Star and Pearl City American Legion Auxiliary. Surviving are one daughter, Lavonne (Allen) Toelke of Dakota; two grandchildren, Steve and Kathy Toelke of Royal Oaks, Michigan; one sister, Doris (Victor) Barklow of Pearl City; one brother, Wilbur Hayenga of Freeport and nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; one sister, Gertrude Ditzler and two brothers, Harold and Donald Hayenga. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Pearl City . The Rev. Jan Stimpert White will officiate. A graveside service will be at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport . Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Offenheiser Schwarz Funeral Home in Pearl City where an Order of the Eastern Star service will be held at 7 p.m.
Contributed by Alice Horner
MARGARET (ALBRIGHT) WEBER
, daughter of John and Susan Eby Weber, was born May 21, 1 877, and died on Feb. 12, 1953, in Rockford, Ill. On Nov. 24, 1900, she w as married to Allen Albright who preceded her in death. She is surviv ed by one daughter, two grandchildren, one sister and one brother. Funer al services were conducted by the undersigned in the Long-Klontz funeral h ome, Rockford. Burial was in the Lena cemetery. – Paul B. Haworth, Rockf ord, Ill.
The Brethren Gospel Messenger May 16, 1953 (World Connect Website of Margaret Shipley Hudson)
CHARLES E. WEBSTER
, 1222 S. State Ave., who was employed as a foreman by the Henney Motor Company until retiring when the plant closed, died Saturday morning, June 29, 1974 in Freeport Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. He was born April 27, 1894 in rural Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Daniel and Anna (Brennan) Webster. He was the last member of his family. He was preceded in death by his brother Alvin.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Walker Mortuary, and at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Rev. John A. Kraemer, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in City Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the mortuary where a scripture service will be held at 8 p.m.
Contribured by Alice Horner -- From the Freeport Journal 1 July 1974
Photo not from the Newspaper
DANIEL WEBSTER
, aged 59 years, passed away last evening (June 23, 1914) at St. Francis hospital (in Freeport, Illinois). Death was due to a stroke of apoplexy which Mr. Webster suffered some time yesterday afternoon. Mr. Webster ate a hearty dinner yesterday and apparently was in as good health as usual. He is a maker of violins and after dinner he went to a barn in the rear of the home, which he has been suing as a workshop, to finish several violins that he was making. Sometime after 4 o’clock in the afternoon, Mr. Webster was stricken, as he came to the pump at that time and took a drink of water. His wife spoke to him at the time and said that on account of the hot weather he had better come to the house and not do any more work. Mr. Webster remarked that he only had a little to do yet on the violins and he would like to finish them.
At 5:30 Mrs. Webster called to her husband from the kitchen door and received no response. She went to the barn and there she found Mr. Webster lying upon the floor in an unconscious condition. She ran to one of the neighbors for assistance and in a few minutes a number of the neighbors were on hand. First aid to the injured was rendered by the neighbors and friends, but without avail. In the meantime, Dr. E. E. Shelly was called and upon his arrival he saw that the condition of Mr. Webster was very serious and had the city ambulance called and the sick man was taken to St. Francis Hospital. After being taken to the hospital he never rallied and was in an unconscious state until the end.
The deceased was born in Sylvester, Wisconsin November 1, 1854. He lived in Wisconsin the greater portion of his life. He was married on August 15, 1895 to Miss Annie Brennan at Sylvester. To this union two children were born. Mr. Webster moved with his family to Freeport six years ago, and has made his home at 147 Jackson Street. He was a patternmaker and was employed by the Stover Manufacturing Company until one year ago when he was compelled to retire from active labor on account of the condition of his health. He became affiliated with the Baptist church in his early life and has always adhered to that faith. He was a man of principle and integrity, upright and honorable.
Mr. Webster is survived by his wife and two sons, Charles and Alvin, both living at home. He is also survived by one sister and four brothers, as follows: Mrs. Alice Simmons of Brooklyn, Wisconsin; Norman Webster of Albany, Wisconsin; Sherman Webster of Beloit, Wisconsin; George Webster of Madison, Wisconsin; and Everett Webster, who resides in Minnesota.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock from the late home at 147 Jackson Street. The Rev. P. H. R. Mullen will officiate. Interment will be made at the city cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner with thanks from Karen Fyock
HONORA (BRENNEN) WEBSTER
- Funeral services for Mrs. Honora (Anna) Webster, 92, of 1222 S. State Ave., widow of Daniel Webster, will be held in the Walker Mortuary at 9 a.m. Friday, with a Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 9:30 A.M. The Rev. John Ryan will officiate. Internment will be made in City Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited in the mortuary at 8 o’clock tonight. Friends may call at the mortuary.
The former Honora Brennen was born in Monroe, Wis., Jan. 17, 1862, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Brennen. Her marriage to Daniel Webster took place in 1894. Her husband and one son, Alvin, died previously. Surviving is a son, Charles Webster, Freeport.
Contributed by Alice Horner
MEHITABLE (MURRELL) WEBSTER
- As stated in our last, we will give a short obituary of Mrs. Webster. Mrs. Mehetable Murrell Webster was born in North Groton N.H. Jan. 27, 1813. She was married to Ebenezer Webster in 1839. She was a woman loved by all. She leaves six children to mourn her loss, David, Wesley, George, Daniel, Mrs. Charles Graves and Mrs.Skeils, besides hosts of friends. The remains were interred in the Winslow cemetery beside the body of her husband, who preceded her to the great beyond twenty-four years ago. Rev. Clay conducted the servies, assisted by Rev. Rilling.
Contributed by Al Morgan / Freeport Daily Journal Wed. March 21, 1894. pg 4
BESSIE (GATTELO) WELCH
, 60, widow of the late Edward J. Welch and a lifelong resident of Freeport, passed away at a local hospital Wednesday afternoon following an extended illness. (The date of death was July 3, 1940.) Funeral services will be conducted at the home, 526 East Garden Street, at 9 o’clock Saturday morning with a requiem mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 9:30 o’clock. Interment will be made in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The rosary will be recited at the home at 8 o’clock tonight.
Bessie Grattelo, daughter of Amos and Josephine Garttelo, was born in Freeport March 11, 1880. She was united in marriage to Edward J. Welch October 22, 1902. The husband passed away October 10, 1938. She is survived by a daughter, Mary Welch, Freeport, and a sister-in-law, Katherine Welch, Chicago. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner
EDWARD J. WELCH
, 59, an employee of the Illinois Central Railroad Company for many years and for some time local yardmaster, passed away at a local hospital at 4:45 o'clock this morning following an extended illness. (His date of death was October 10, 1938.) Funeral services will be conducted at the home, 526 East Garden Street, Freeport, at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning with a requiem mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 9:30 o'clock. Interment will be made in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends may view the body at the home.
Mr. Welch was born at Mendota, Ill. January 25, 1879, a son of the late Richard and Mary Welch. He was educated in Mendota schools and served the Illinois Central as a conductor, switchman and yardmaster in Freeport. His marriage to Miss Bessie Grattelo took place in Freeport October 22, 1902. Besides his wife he leaves one daughter, Mary Welch, and a sister Kathryn Welch, of Chicago. He was a member of St. Mary's Church and affiliated with the B. of R. T.
Contributed by Alice Horner
STANLEY M. WELLMAN
- 81, of Freeport died Sunday June 29, 1997 at the Stephenson Nursing Center . Born April 3, 1916 in Freeport , he was the son of Louis and Minnie (Kasch) Wellman. In 1942 he married Marjorie Lincicum. She died in 1948. On June 16, 1951 he married Lois M. Christensen. He worked at Micro Switch 20 years. An Army veteran, he served during World War II and was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Barbara (Robert) Reed of Freeport; two sons, Kirk A. Wellman of Freeport , and Larry J. (Holly) Wellman of Cedarville; one brother, Grant Wellman of Boulder, Colorado; six grandchildren, Darren (Denise) Wellman of Cedarville, Eric and Tyler Wellman, and Paula, Leslie, and Gretchen Reed, all of Freeport; one great-grandchild, Brandon Wellman of Cedarville. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter, one sister, and two brothers. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Savior Lutheran Church with the Rev. Paul Lidtke officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery . Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Walker Mortuary.
Contributed by Alice Horner
HENRIETTA (REYNOLDS) WESSEL/WESSELL
, 82, of 712 W. South St., died this morning at Freeport Memorial Hospital after a long illness. For many years she and her husband operated the Port Rose Gardens on South Street. She was born July 12,1895, in Freeport, the daughter of Charles and Ruth (Kingsbury) Reynolds. She married Roy Wessel Dec. 16, 1915, in Freeport.
Surviving are her husband; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, three sisters and three brothers. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Orrell Ruth, pastor of First Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for the First Methodist Church.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds
GERTJE (FRUHDAG) WESSELS
, 76, wife of Heye Wessels, passed away Sunday noon at the family home, 1402 South High Avenue, following an extended illness. Mrs. Wessels, formerly Miss Gertje Fruhdag, was born in Silver Creek Township, December 26, 1863, the daughter of Arjen and Etta DeVries Fruhdag. She was united in marriage to Heye Wessels March 6, 1888. She is survived by her husband and the following children: John Wessels, of Ridott; Etta and Jennie, at home; Arjen, of Dakota, Harry, of Freeport, and Angeline, of Racine, Wisconsin. One son, Heye, passed away five years ago. She also leaves five grandchildren and many other relatives.
Mrs. Wessels was a faithful and devout member of St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon at the home and at 2 o’clock at St. John’s Church. Rev. Edwin A. Arends will officiate, and burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner from the April 22, 1940 edition of the Freeport Journal Standard
ROY WESSEL/WESSELL
, 85, formerly of Freeport, died Sunday night at Lena Continental manor Nursing Home following a long illness. For may years, he and his wife operated the Port rose Garden on West South St. Born Nov. 12, 1895, in Forreston, he was the son of Frederick and Belle Wessel. He married Henrietta Reynolds Dec. 16, 1915. She died Dec. 14, 1877.
Surviving are three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two sons, one grandson, one sister and one brother. Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Glenn Wagner, Assistant pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home until time of service. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds
ROY F. WESSEL/WESSELL Jr.
, 700 W. South St., a supervisor at Micro Switch, where he was employed for 35 years, died this morning in Freeport Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Mr. Wessel, a member of St. John United Church of Christ and Administrative Management Society of Rockford, owned the House and Garden Shop on South Street. He was active in Boy Scout work. Born Jan. 13, 1917, in Freeport, he was the son of Roy and Henrietta (Reynolds) Wessel. He married Betty Jane Bush June 20, 1942, in Freeport.
Surviving are his widow; a daughter, Mrs. Dennis (Sandra) Maves of Rockford; two sons, Douglas Alan and Daniel Jay, both at home; two grandchildren; and his parents of Freeport. He was preceded in death by a brother and a son. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Walker Mortuary. The Rev. Philip J. Anstedt, pastor of St. John Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary. A memorial has been established for the Boy Scout camp fund in care of Dr. Harold Held, Freeport.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds
MAKO R. WESSELS
, a lifelong resident of Ridott Township, passed away Saturday afternoon (July 23, 1938) at 1 o’clock at his country home, one mile north of German Valley. His death followed a stroke of paralysis , the first one occurring more than a year ago. Mako R. Wessels was born March 9, 1887 and the farm of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wessels. He was married January 1, 1910 to Miss Maggie Collman who survives, as do a son, Robert, a daughter Marjorie, at home, his father, Robert Wessels of German Valley, a brother, Wessel Wessels, living in Idaho, three sisters, Mrs. Anna Cahill, Three Rivers, Mich., Mrs. Ruby Litsheim of Chicago, and Miss Grace Wessels of Lake Geneva, Wis. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at the home and at 2 o’clock at the Silver Creek Reformed Church, Rev. Paul Achterman officiating. Interment will be made at the adjoining church cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner
ROBERT WESSELS
, a resident of German Valley for more than seventy-five years, passed away this morning (October 19, 1938) at his country home one mile north of German Valley after a week’s illness with pneumonia. Mr. Wessels was born April 26, 1861 in Ridott Township. On February 9, 1884 he was united in marriage with Miss Gesina Wieman, who passed away April 22, 1927. Surviving are three daughters, Miss Grace Wessels of Lake Geneva, Wis., Mrs. Anna Cahill of Three Rivers, Mich., and Mrs. Ruby Litsheim of Chicago; one son, Wessel Wessels of Nampa, Idaho. One son, Mako Wessels, preceded his father in death, passing away the 23rd of July. A brother, Jeldrick Wessels, of Rockford also survives and there are eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at her home and at 2:30 at Silver Creek Reformed Church. Interment will be at Silver Creek Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner
PAUL W. WHEAT
, 94, of 339 N. Foley Ave. Freeport, died Monday at Lena Continental Manor Nursing Home in Lena. (Note: The Social Security Death Index gives the date as April 1982.) For 33 years he was employed by F. A. Read Co. and was a purchasing agent upon retirement in 1967. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Freeport Consistory and Freeport Excelsior Lodge. A veteran of World War I, he was also a member of the American Legion and VFW. Born July 21, 1887 in Freeport, he was the son of J. D. and Georgiana (Edams) Wheat. He married Blanche M. Martin Nov. 3, 1945 in Freeport. She died July 5, 1961. Surviving are nieces and nephews in the Freeport area. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters. Service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. Douglas Baer, pastor of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary. A memorial fund has been established for First Presbyterian Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner
 MILDRED (NESEMEYER) WIDMER
, 85, of 1420 S. Benson Blvd, a former schoolteacher, died Sunday, June 7, 1992 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. She was a graduate of Freeport High School and National College of Education, Evanston. She did graduate work at Rockford College, the University of Illinois, and University of Hawaii. An elementary teacher in rural schools, Pearl City, and Freeport, her first school, where she began teaching in 1924, was moved to the Stephenson County Historical Museum grounds for preservation. She retired in 1975 after 50 years of teaching. Lyall Taubert, former Stephenson County Superintendent of Schools and Principal of Pearl City school when Mrs. Widmer taught there, said she was “one of Stephenson County’s finest schoolteachers…she had a way with children to get their attention and motivate them.” She was the last surviving charter member of Alpha Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for women teachers. Her other memberships were the Illinois and National Education associations, YWCA Business and Professional League and Embury United Methodist Church. Born in Freeport on May 23, 1907, she was a daughter of William and Louetta (Mayer) Nesemeyer. She married Harold W. Widmer on May 21, 1929 in Freeport. He was Illinois State Representative of the 34th District, legislative representative of the Illinois Medical Society and co-owner of Ker-Wid Shoes in Illinois and Wisconsin. He died June 4, 1983. Surviving are a daughter, Sandra Connilu Widmer Fann of Toronto, Canada; a son, Greg K. Widmer of Clearwater, Fla.; six grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy (Mrs. Lloyd Hinders) of Rock Falls; two nieces; five nephews; and special friends Patricia and Robert C. Hendrickson of Freeport. Her brother, Walter L. Nesemeyer of Florence Township died in 1986. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Officiating will be the Rev. William Blomberg and the Rev. Mark Hinders, a nephew of Mrs. Widmer. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Scholarship Fund of Highland Community College or Dollars for Scholars, a special Freeport High School choral music fund.
Contributed by Alice Horner
EARL J. WILHELMS
, 62, Freeport Route 2, died Saturday afternoon at Freeport Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. (Transcriber’s Note: His date of death was December 24, 1977.) He was a retired Florence Township farmer. He was born August 21, 1915 in Florence Township , the son of Oltman C. and Emma L. (Gitz) Wilhelms. He married Ruth Schell February 1, 1947 in Elkhart , Indiana .
Surviving are his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Lawrence (Jean) Wilhelms of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a son, Roger, of Freeport ; two grandchildren; and a brother Harold of Shannon. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. The Rev. Louis Michaelson of the Florence United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery . There will be no visitation. A memorial has been established in his memory for the Open Door Day Care Center of the Association for the Handicapped.
Contributed by Alice Horner
LEROY WILHELMS
, 82, of Freeport died Sunday, July 29, 2001 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . He was born August 3, 1918 in Forreston to Oliver H. and Matilda (Denekas) Wilhelms. He married Marjorie L. Fairbairn on August 15, 1942 in Hannibal , Missouri . He was a Navy veteran of World War II, during which he served in the Seabees Unit 593. He worked at Micro Switch, Freeport Carb and Electric for 26 years. He was an automotive instructor at Highland Community College for 16 years. He retired in 1986. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Freeport, where he served as a trustee, deacon and head usher. He also served on the board of Tri-County Christian School . Surviving are his wife; three sons, Lyle G. (Darlene) Wilhelms of Rockford , Gale E. (Linda) Wilhelms of Ridott and Darrel L. (Carol) Wilhelms of Freeport; one daughter, Sharon K. Balles of Freeport; two brothers, Wayne Wilhelms and Russell Wilhelms, both of Freeport; three sisters, Miriam Harnish of Pearl City, June (Hobie) Gaar of Pal Desert, California, and Carolyn Amodeo of Freeport; 9 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Freeport with Rev. Terry Puett officiating, assisted by Rev. Kurt Strong. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport . Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens .
Contributed by Alice Horner
MATILDA M. WILHELMS
, 83, R. R. 2, died Wednesday in Freeport Memorial Hospital after a long illness. (Alice Horner’s note: Her maiden name was Denekes.) Survivors include three daughters, June Gaar, Westminster, California, Mariam Harnish, Pearl City, and Carolyn Amodeo, Freeport; three sons, Leroy of Freeport, Wayne of rural Freeport, and Russell at home; 26 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Rockford Register Star, Rockford, Illinois Thursday, October 9, 1980
PAUL C. WILHELMS
, 52, of 504 N. Willow Ave., Freeport died Sunday afternoon, December 2, 1979 at his home following an extended illness. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Born February 2, 1927, in Freeport, he was the son of Oliver H. and Matilda (Denekas) Wilhelms. He married Maria Harrgasser September 15, 1948 in Munich, Germany. Surviving are his widow; six daughters, Mrs. Ingrid (Donald) Heilman of Freeport, Mrs. Shirley (Richard) Leeman of Decatur, Mrs. Debbie (William) Boeke of Orangeville, and Sandy, Laurie, and Tammy, all at home; two sons, Gary of Freeport, and Jeffrey at home; his mother, Mrs. Matilda Wilhlems of rural Freeport; three sisters, Mrs. Miriam (Delbert) Harnish of Pearl City, Mrs. June (Hobart) Gaar of Westminster, Calif., and Mrs. Carolyn (James) Amodeo of Freeport; three brothers, Leroy, Wayne, and Russell, all of Freeport, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, his father, and one sister.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Kurt Strong, pastor of Freeport Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4 to 8:30 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Alice Horner Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Monday December 3, 1979
ELSIE WILSON
, 77, of Rockford and formerly the Rock Grove area, died Mon 9 Jan 1989...Rockford. Born 13 July 19ll in Rock Grove Twp, Stephenson Co...daughter of John O. and Sarah (McCauley) Wilson, 1929 graduate of Freeport HS...employed as a secretary in Freeport before moving to Rockford in 1950...then employed as a legal secretary for North, North & Ohlsen attorneys, retiring in the late 1970s member of St Paul's Lutheran Church Rock Grove. Survivors include a brother, Leslie, Freeport, and nine nieces & nephews preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. Funeral Wed January 11, 1989 at St Paul's Lutheran Church Rock Grove...burial in the Rock Grove Union Cemetery. Officiating is the Rev Richard Bonner
JEAN MARIE (JOHNSON) WINGERT
, age 81, a 7 year resident of the Lena Living Center, died Thursday, April 3, 2008, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Ill.
She was born May 15, 1926, the daughter of late John J. and Esther L. (Koertner) Johnson. She married Dale Jay Wingert on November 28, 1948 in Pearl City, he died June 5, 2004.
She was a 1944 Graduate of Pearl City High School, and Graduated in 1947 from St. Francis School Of Nursing in Freeport. Her longtime memberships include Zion Community Church, Pearl City Legion Auxiliary, Northwestern Registered Nurses Association, and St Francis School Of Nursing Alumni. Jean enjoyed teaching Sunday School at the Kent United Methodist Church, reading the Bible and books of poems, knitting, crochetting, writing recipes from the radio, viewing area parades, especially the Pearl City Homecoming parade, while living in Kent selling Avon, visiting with family & friends, watching her grandchildren's athletic events and exibiting their livestock at the local County Fairs. Her favorite color was pink. While iving at the Lena Living Center she had belonged to the Red Hatters and enjoyed playing bingo.
She is survived by herTwo Sons, Terry Wingert of Kent, Ill.and Trent Wingert of Kent, Ill.; 6-Grandchildren, Tyron Jay, Anthony (Tony) Jay, Tara Kay, Janine Nicole, Trent (T.J.) Jay Jr., & Jazmin Lee;.a sister, Donna (Kenneth) Musser of Pearl City, IL.; and sister in-laws, Elaine Johnson and Betty Johnson of Pearl City. She was preceded in death by her parents husband; infant daughter Mary Jay; infant twins; a sister, Eilene Eaglin; brothers Karl & Morrel.
Visitation was Sunday, at the Hermann Funeral Home in Pearl City. Funeral service was at Zion Community Church in rural Pearl City Monday, April 7, 2008, with Pastor, Ed Curry & Pastor, Wayne Fischer officiating. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport, Ill. A memorial fund has been established for Zion Community Church and the Pearl City American Legion Auxiliary.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert
REUBEN JACKSON WISE
, was born in Easton, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, Aug. 31st, 1829, and died at his home here today. He came to Illinois while a young man of about 22 years of age. Shortly afterwards he married Miss Matilda Fink of Rock Run township. He then settled on a farm in Winnebago county in which county he resided until three years ago. He moved to Davis where he remained until his death. He was married twice. His first wife died in 1865 and to this union were born five children, four or whom survive, Uriah Wise of Elgin, Oregon; Zeno Wise of Fairchild, Wis.; Mrs. Mary Carney of Stewart, Ill., and Mrs. Sophia Zies of Emporia, Kansas. On July 15, 1866, he was married to Mrs. Josie Epley, who passed away in October 1911. To this union were born five children, three of whom survive, Frank of Rockford, Misses Emma and Nettie at home. He has been ailing for several years and for the past year has been gradually failing of Bright's disease. He was the last one of a family of nine children, all of whom preceded him to the grave. Funeral arrangements are not fully decided, but will probably be held Monday.
Contributed by Karen Holt
FRED EMIL WITTBECKER
, a lifelong resident of Freeport, passed away on Saturday afternoon following an illness which extended over a period of six weeks. Although his health had been failing due to his advanced years, his condition did not become serious until recently. His death was attributed to a complication. Mr. Wittbecker was born in Freeport on July 12 1859 the son of Fredrick and Louise Fricke Wittbecker. He was a tinner by trade.
Those left to survive include his wife, two children, Mrs. Florence Burke of Chicago, Harry Wittbecker of Freeport, two brothers, Gustav of Rockford, Charles of Freeport, two sisters, Mrs. Lydia Mohr and Mrs. Minnie Ackerman both of Freeport.
Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock this afternoon from Wiese and Temple funeral chapel, 214 W. Main Street with the Rev. W.F. Rex officiating. Interment was made in the city cemetery.
Contributed by Billie Jo Read
KENNETH WOESSNER
- Funeral services for Kenneth Woessner, 39, were held at 1:30 PM Thursday, March 29 (1962) in the Bethel Evangelical United Brethren church in Shannon, with Rev. Robert Hartman officiating. Burial was in Chapel Hill cemetery near Freeport. Kenneth was born May 5, 1922 in Shannon, the son of Howard and Iva (Shirk) Woessner. He graduated from Shannon high school with the class of 1939. He was united in marriage to Nina Barkow of Pearl City on Sept. 25, 1949 in Bethel EUB church of Shannon and a Farm Bureau Director of Carroll county. He passed away suddenly at his farm home at about 3 o’-clock Tuesday afternoon, March 27. Survivors include his wife; two sons; his parents; one sister, Mrs. Keith (LaVonne) Martin; one brother James, all of Shannon. He was preceded in death by a brother William on March, 28, 1959.
Contributed by Ben Woessner (Alice Horner)
ORVILLE C. WOESSNER
, 75, of 1001 S. Park Blvd., Freeport died early this morning (November 29, 1977) at Freeport Memorial Hospital of an apparent heart attack. He was semi-retired from farming in the Shannon area, was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the church Men’s Club, and the Farm Bureau.
Born September 21, 1902 in Carroll County, he was the son of George and Orpha (Hoy) Woessner. He married Viola E. Bohnhoff March 5, 1945 in Chicago. Surviving are his widow; one son, Richard L. of Pearl City; two daughters, Peggy and Kay, both of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; two grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Milo (Maybelle) Aspinwall of Shannon. He was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Walker Mortuary, with the Rev. L. James Brooks, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. There will be no visitation. A memorial has been established for the church.
Contributed by Alice Horner
RUTH C. (BACKER) WOESSNER
, 88, a resident of Parkview Home, died there Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1988. A graduate of West Side Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, she had a nursing career before her marriage. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Shannon, and was a 50-year member and past worthy matron of the Freeport Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and was a 50-year member and past high priestess of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. On April 9, 1899, she was born in Ogle County near Shannon, the daughter of John B. and Lydia A. (Patlow) Backer. On January 10, 1928, she married Clarence M. Folgate, who preceded her in death. Then she married Howard Woessner, who also died. Survivng are a sister, Esther (Mrs. Harold) Achtehagen of Lombard, and nieces and nephews, including James B. Johnson of Shannon. Service will be at 1:30 PM Friday at Walker Mortuary. The Rev. Michael B. Morris, pastor of Bethel Untied Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Ben Woessner / Alice Horner
VERA (MILLER) WOESSNER
, 95, of Shannon, died Saturday evening, April 29, 1989, at Freeport Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.
A longtime member of Bethel United Methodist Church, she was a member of Kings Daughters Sunday school class where she had a 35-year perfect attendance record.
Also, she was a past member of the Thimble Society.
Born on Feb. 17, 1894, she was the daughter of Henry W. and Lottie (Orr) Miller. On Dec. 14, 1921, she married Frank E. Woessner in Shannon, He died June 30, 1960.
Surviving is a niece, Barbara (Mrs. James P.) Kruyne of Rhinelander, Wis., and other nieces and nephews,
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister and four brothers.
Service will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Bethel United Methodist Church, Shannon. The. Rev. Michael Morris, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport.
Friends may call Tuesday morning at he church from 11 a.m. until time of dervice.
VIOLA (BOHNHOFF) WOESSNER
, 83, of 1001 S. Park Blvd., died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1992 at Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. She worked at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau 15 years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Concordia Society.
A graduate of Elizabeth High School, she attended Brown’s Business College. Born August 19, 1909 in Elizabeth, she was the daughter of Fred and Helen (Boness) Bohnhoff. She married Orville C. Woessner on March 5, 1945 in Chicago. He died November 29, 1977. Surviving are one son, Richard L. (Dolores) Woessner of Pearl City; two daughters, Peggy and Kay Woessner, both of Burbank, Calif.; and two grandsons, Roy and Paul Woessner, both of Pearl City.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Walker Mortuary, with the Rev. Dr. Willis Schwichtenberg of Immanuel Lutheran church officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. There will be no visitation. A memorial fund has been established for Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner
WENDALL CLARENCE WOESSNER
, 64, of Shannon, retired longtime partner of Shan-Agra Services, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 1995 at his home. He served as Township Supervisor for several years. He was a member of Faith Center in Rockford and was a Past Master of Shannon Masonic Lodge 490. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served in the Army, Lightning Division. His pastime was woodworking. Son of Clarence and Martha (Moring) Woessner, he was born Feb. 1, 1931 in Freeport. On Feb. 16, 1952 he and Beverly Monson were married in Rockford. Surviving family members include his wife; one son, Gregg (Cathy) Woessner of Morton; a daughter, Wendy Mahoney of Freeport; his grandchildren, Ryan and Tyler Woessner of Morton and Joshua, Megan and Braydan Mahoney of Freeport; and one brother, Marvin (Mary) Woessner of Mount Carroll. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport, with the Rev. Don Lyon of Faith Center officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Hermann Funeral Home, Shannon, where a masonic service will begin at 7 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for Faith Center.
HOMER W. WOLFENSBERGER
, 91, of Freeport died Thursday, January 20, 2000 at home. He was born January 1, 1909 in Lanark, to George and Mattie (Lynch) Wolfensberger. In January 1934 he married Margaret Henschen in Decatur . She died in 1937. He then married Lucille Porter – Horner August 2, 1941 in Polo. From 1941-1948 he was a manager of F. S. Companies in Jo Daviess and Grundy Counties. He then was a salesman, first selling feed and then Star barnyard equipment and then Starcraft Boats and Campers until his retirement in 1971. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church since 1950. In the church he served as a trustee, Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher and also was on the building committee. He attended many church conferences and was a delegate to the reunion of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church in Dallas . His memberships included Rotary, Golden K. Kiwanis Club, Senior Golfing and Bowling Leagues and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the Boy Scouts Committee at Faith Church . He loved fishing and enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time visiting with family and friends. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Jane (Don) Rasmussen of Livermore, California, and Kay ( Arnold ) Giedd of Freeport; one son, Don (Monty) Wolfensberger of Arlington, Virginia; one brother, Clarence, of Sutherlin , Oregon ; three grandchildren, Robin Lamb of Livermore, Suanne Lovvorn, and Janet Giedd of Dallas and nine great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, one sister, Helen Auman and one grandson. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Faith United Methodist Church in Freeport with the Rev. Douglas Bowden officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens . Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Walker Mortuary. A memorial fund has been established for Faith United Methodist Church .
Contributed by Alice Horner
LORRAINE (RAAB) WURSTER
, 38, of Stockton , died Tuesday July 21, 1998 as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. (Transcriber’s note: she was pronounced dead in Rockford , Winnebago County , Illinois .) A daughter of Wayne and Hazel (Bonnell) Raab, she was born December 31, 1959 in Freeport . She graduated from Stockton High School in 1978. On May 11, 1991 she and Thomas Wurster were married in Mount Carroll . She worked for Kelly-Springfield Tire Company. She had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses, and she enjoyed spending time with her family. She also liked antiques and garage sales. Surviving are her husband; her parents of Stockton; one son, Aaron Wurster of Stockton; one daughter, Abbie Wurster of Stockton; one stepdaughter, Katie Wurster of Hollandale, Wisconsin; one brother, Brian (Teresa) Raab of Mount Carroll; four sisters, Bonnie (Jim) Kuhse of Gratiot, Wisconsin, Rhonda (Tony) Holland of DeWitt, Michigan, Darla (John) Korth of Stockton, and Tina (Randall) Adolph of Mount Carroll. Preceding her in death were her grandparents and several aunts and uncles. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton , with the Rev. Arthur Stees of Derinda Trinity Lutheran Church in Elizabeth officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens . A memorial trust fund has been established for her children
Contributed by Alice Horner
HENRIETTA (LOHFF) WURTZEL
, 98, of Freeport, died Sunday, May 11, 2008, at Parkview Home.
Born March 15, 1910 in Freeport she was the daughter of Henry A. and Adela (Weiglow) Lohff. She married Robert P. Wurtzel November 22, 1933 in Freeport and he died April 4, 1983.
She and her husband, Bob, were recognized around the tri-state area as “The Magical Wurtzels” Their hobby took them from coast to coast, Cuba, Canada, and Hawaii. They shared their talents with hundreds of groups ranging from the smallest grade schoolers to nursing home residents.
A clearly memorable engagement had Henrietta performing in Cuba during the reign of Fulgencio Batista- while in the hills just miles away Castro’s insurgents were attempting to overthrow the government.
Henrietta was also known as Freeport’s first “Lady of Magic” and was a member of the national organization, “Magic Gals”.
A strong supporter of the Highland Community College, for many years she would present her scholarship to a student in person at the annual scholarship program. Each and every year when it was time to give the scholarship it seemed to have “disappeared”. But fortunately Henrietta would bring along her “magic purse” and “magic wand” which made the scholarship re-appears—much to the relief of the recipient student and delight of the audience.
She was a 1928 graduate of Freeport High School.
For ten years she was the volunteer for the Tuberculosis Association sending out the Christmas seal and recording contributions.
A member of St. John United Church of Christ she served through the years as Sunday school teacher, member of church dramatic Guild, President of Woman’s Fellowship, and past officer of Golden Agers.
Henrietta’s memberships included, being a past officer of Freeport Women’s Club, Culture Club, Y.W.C.A., 50 year member of Winneshiek Players, life member of Stephenson County Historical Society and Freeport Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
She was the last surviving member of her family.
Funeral service will be Friday 10:30 a.m. at St. John United Church of Christ with Reverend Dr. Donnley Dutcher officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Walker Mortuary.
Memorials have been established for St. John United Church of Christ and the Highland Community College Foundation.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Walker Mortuary Funeral Home
ROBERT WURTZEL
, 72, 557 E. Center Street, Freeport, a well-known magician, died Monday evening at Freeport Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. (The date was April 4, 1983.) He and his wife Henrietta were recognized around the tri-state area as “The Magical Wurtzels. Their hobby took them from coast to coast, Cuba, Canada, and Hawaii. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and served as a territorial representative and vice president for Illinois. He was also a member and board member of the Wisconsin Houdini Club. For a time he was associated with the Professional Resource Organization providing programs in three Northern Illinois counties, and an active member of the Christian Conjurers.
A 1928 graduate of Freeport High School and a graduate of Brown’s Business School, he also attended summer sessions at Elmhurst College, and graduated from the Merganthaler Typesetting School. For 14 years he was associated with the Freeport Printing Co., a commercial shop in the Henney Building. Later, he joined the production staff of the Freeport Journal Standard for 22 years until retirement on January 1, 1969.
In 1980 he was a finalist in the Colonel Sanders “Senior Citizen of the Year” award program. In October 1982 he was recognized as a Freeport “Good Neighbor” for teaching hundreds in the “Rules of the Road” program of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. Other memberships included the Groundhog Club, and St. John United Church of Christ, where he was a longtime member and served as youth superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and member of the Dramatic Guild. A 50-year member of the Winneshiek Theater, he was active in productions in the early years and was a past president of Freeport Toastmasters Club, and member of the YMCA “Lay” Staff, teaching golf. He was an ardent golfer from childhood, a 1952 Country Club champion and runner-up in 1930 through 1951, and won other golfing honors. He bowled on the Senior Men’s League championship team, and served as league president in 1973-1974.
Born February 2, 1911 in Freeport, he was the eldest son of Paul E. and Florence (Schroeder) Wurtzel. On November 22, 1933 he married Henrietta Lohff in Freeport. Surviving are his widow; and one brother, Arthur, of Freeport. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at St. John’s United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Philip J. Anstedt officiating. The Rev. Robert E. Olson, “REO,” magic author and historian of Monroe, Wisconsin will perform the magicians broken wand ceremony during the service. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Walker Mortuary and from 10 a.m. Thursday at the church until the time of service. The family requests that all remembrances be directed to the memorials being established.
Contributed by Karen Fyock
MARIE (STEINER) WYSS
, age 96, of Shannon, died Sunday, July 11, 2004 at the Freeport Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. Marie was born December 1, 1907 in Exeter Township rural New Glarus, WI, daughter of Peter and Barbara (Klassy) Steiner. Marie married Oscar J. Wyss February 20, 1941 in New Glarus, WI; he preceded her in death on February 11, 2000. They had farmed in the Browntown and Lena area before retiring and moving to Monroe and then Shannon in 1988. She was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Lena. She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. She loved sharing her cooking, canning and baking with family and friends.
Marie's family includes two daughters, Judith (Merek) Bastian of Shannon, and Ruth (Albert) Thede of Shannon; three grandchildren, Jason (Dawn) Thede of Freeport, Debra Bastian of Buffalo Grove, and Joy (Bradley) Lott of Tampa, FL; three great grandchildren, Jake Robert Thede and Bailey Leigh Thede of Freeport, and Olivia Paige Lott of Tampa, FL. Her parents, husband, and two sisters, Elizabeth Altmann and Barbara Stauffacher, three neices and a nephew precede Marie in death. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2004 in the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, preceded by a visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Hermann Funeral Home in Shannon. A memorial fund has been established for the Salem United Church of Christ.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert
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