Whiteside Co IL Obituaries

O B I T U A R I E S Whiteside County Illinois

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EMMA AUGUSTA (HAHN) BACON , 78, a life long rsident of Erie, passed away early Sunday Morning in the Morrison Community Hospital, following a year of illness. Services were held at 2 Tuesday in the Schilling Funeral Home in Erie., with the Rev. Glen Harmes, pastor of the Erie Baptist Church officiating. Burial was in Erie Cemetery. Mrs. Bacon, the former Emma Hahn, was born April 1, 1885 in Rock Island County, the daughter of John and Minnie Mahlstedt Hahn, She was married on March 7, 1906 to Rnest Bacon in Prophetstown. He died in 1960. She was a member of the Erie Baptist Church and of the Joy Class; the Mothers of World War II; Erie Legion Auxiliary Unit and was a Auxiliary represtative for the Girl Scouts. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Marguerite Updyke of Erie and Mrs. Don Cole of Sacramento, CA. two sons, Rupert of Sacremento and S.Sgt. Kenneth Bacon of Abilene, TX. One brother Frank Hahn of Spring Hill and one sister, Mrs. Robert Olson of Indianapolis, IN. four grandchildren and seven gret grand children. Besides her husband she was preceded in heath by four children, three sisters and two brothers. Emma and Ernest Albert Bacon had 8 children, Marguerite Alberta, Virgil Howard, Anna Dorothy, Vaughn Clifford, Gustav Edward, Rupert Dean, Emma Jane and Kenneth Donald Bacon.
Source: Dolores Hahn at Find-A-Grave

JOHN HENRY BACON - the funeral of Henry Bacon was held at the home Friday, burial being made in the family lot in the Lyndon Cemetery. John Henry Bacon was born Nov. 11, 1850, in Toronto, Canada. When seven years old he came with his parents to Illinois, settling at Portland in the spring of 1857. Mr. Bacon was married to Miss Ella Pierce in 1879. Their children were Guy, who died in childhood, Ernest of Erie, Mrs. Ethel Barber of Kewanee and Mrs. Maye Farrington of Lyndon. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Fred of Atchinson, Kans., Robert F., of Omaha, Neb., Bert of Chillicothe, Ill., Will of Tampico, and sister Agnes of Glenwood, Ia. The death of Mr. Bacon, which occurred on the night of Nov. 26th, was a shock to his family and friends. While he had been failing for some time, suffering from dropsy, there was no suspicion of immediate death. Before a doctor could be summoned he passed away at 10:30. The sorrowing family has the sympathy of many friends in their sad loss.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 7, 1918 - Saturday

LOWELL F. BAER , 96, of Sterling, Ill., died Jan. 16, 2009. He was born May 28, 1912. He married Dorothy Musgrave on Jan. 16, 1937. She preceded him in death on Nov. 22, 1996. He was educated in the Sterling schools. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. for 41 years before retiring in 1975. He was an active member of Science Ridge Mennonite Church of Sterling, serving in leadership roles. In 1977, he was ordained as a lay minister, serving in Illinois prisons, and as interim pastor at the Christian Church in Polo. He served as a volunteer minister in area nursing homes and church services and for those who had no pastor. His hobbies included exhibiting Wyandotte chickens at poultry shows. He was a charter member of Rock River Racing Pigeon Club and served on various committees in the community. Survivors include his wife, Lee Gowan Baer, whom he married on April 19, 1998; five daughters, Barbara Ebersole and her husband, James, of Aurora, Judith Long and her husband, Leonard, of Sterling, Beth Shank and her husband, Philip, of Wellman, Iowa, Dorothy Ulrich and her husband, David, of Denver, Colo., and Lila Miller and her husband, Edward, of Wauseon, Ohio; two stepdaughters, Judy Repass and her husband, Curtis, of Rock Falls, and June Sullivan and her husband, Donald, of Sandwich; 18 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Science Ridge Mennonite Church. Burial was in Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery.
Contributed by D. "Fritz" Birely

HELEN K. BANYON , 70, of Riverside Mobile Estates, Rock Falls, died Monday afternoon at Illini Hospital in Silvis. Cremation rites were accorded at the Grennan Funeral Home. There will be no funeral services. Mrs. Banyon was a bookkeeper with Block Music Co. for 25 years. She is survived by her husband, Edwin; a son Michael, of Houston; one grandchild, Amy Lynn, Champaign; her mother, Katherine Utzig, Davenport; and several brothers and sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois June 26, 1990 - Tuesday, pg A2

MRS. ED BATTLES - Word has been received here of the death of Mrs. Ed Battles of Rock Falls, who died at Rochelle at 12:30 o'clock this morning, death being due to peritonitis. Mrs. Battles had been visiting at the home of her sister, Mrs. Comstock, in Rochelle. Her son, Floyd, who is in the service, arrived home before the death of his mother, but she did not recognize him. Mrs. Battles was well known in the Twin Cities and has many friends who will be sorry to learn of her death. She was a sister of Mrs. W. H. Kadel and Mrs. T. E. Irwin of Rock Falls. Funeral arrangements have not been completed and will be announced later.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 17, 1918 - Tuesday

DOROTHY (MOTT) BATTLES , 54, of DeKalb died Thursday in Bethany Hospital, Kansas City, Kans., after a short illness. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Wirtz-Roche Funeral Home, 5th and Pine, DeKalb. There will be visitation this evening from seven to nine o'clock. Mrs. Battles is survived by her husband and four daughters, Mrs. Glenn (Cynthia) Knight of Kansas City, Kan., Mrs. John (Dottie) Coleman of Sycamore, Mrs. Victor (Georgene) Lynch of DeKalb and Carla at home. She also leaves two brothers and two sisters, Carl M. Mott of LaGrange, Elmer Mott of Downers Grove, Mrs. Lawrence (Elnora) Hart of Rock Falls and Mrs. John (Phyllis) Halgren of Downers Grove and eight grandchildren. Mrs. Battles was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Mott and one granddaughter. She was a fourth grade teacher in Sycamore Schools until becoming ill.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor

GERALDINE V. (SMITH) BAUER , 77, of Rock Falls, died Saturday, Dec. 25, 1999, at Coventry Village Nursing Home, Sterling. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls. A memorial has been established. Mrs. Bauer was born April 8, 1922, in Clinton, Iowa, the daughter of Charles E. and Alma D. (Lamb) Smith. She married Jack Robert Bauer on Feb. 5, 1972, in Sterling. He survives. She graduated from Clinton High School and A.I.C. Business College, Davenport, Iowa. She received training through the Bureau of Business Practices, Waterford, Conn. She was employed for 25 years as a secretary at General Electric, Morrison, before retiring. Survivors include a daughter, Vicki Lee Mitchel of Clinton, Iowa; and 12 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother and a grandson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois December 27, 1999 - Monday, pg A2

KATHERINE (WALKER) BAUER , 79, of Coventry Village, died Wednesday March 16, 2005. Mrs. Bauer was born Feb. 7, 1926 in Lyndon, the daughter of Hugh and Anna (Knowles) Walker. She married Wayne Bauer on May 22, 1948, he died in March 1997. Survivors include a daughter, Kay Snitchler of Dixon; a brother, John (Betty) Walker of Rock Falls; four grandchildren. She was preceded by two brothers and three sisters. Services at McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Sterlign with Rev. Mark Oehlert of St. John's Lutheran Church officiating. Burial in Oak Knoll.

NELLIE (KNIGHT) BECKER - Funeral services for Mrs. Ludwig Becker, held Thursday afternoon, May 1, at the family home, 2212 East Sixth Street, Rock Falls, and in the Rock Falls Christian Church, were attended by a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends gathered to pay a final tribute of respect to her memory. Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor of the church, was in charge of the services. Mrs. Pearl Ackerberg and Mrs. H. E. Shiffer sang two favorite hymns of the deceased and the pastor brought a comforting message from the scriptures. Many beautiful floral tributes attested the esteem in which Mrs. Becker was held. Interment was in the Rock Falls Cemetery, the pallbearers being Emanuel Gallentine, Martin Baker, Harry Drury, Ora Fowler, Rudolph Harms and Howard Dir. Out of town relatives who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. John McDonald and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. McDonald, Mrs. Jack Langford, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Langford, Mrs. Myrtle Fordham, and Mrs. Thomas Fordham, all of Walnut; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Keiser and Mrs. Charles Zinn, of Kewanee, and Mrs. Ethel Trottno and Gertie Petty, of Dixon. Mrs. Nellie Knight Becker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Knight, was born in Hahnaman Township, Whiteside County, Jan. 11, 1896, and passed away April 27, 1930, at Muscatine, Iowa, at the age of 34 years, three months and 16 days. She was educated in Hahnaman Township, at the Maple Grove School. She came to Rock Falls in 1914 and made her home there until the time of death. She was united in marriage to Ludwig Becker My 31, 1916, at Morrison. To this union four children were born, three of whom, with her husband, survive her, as follows: Ardetta, aged 11, Mervyn 7, and Dolores, 6. One son, Keith, preceded his mother in death two years ago. Mrs. Becker's mother, Mrs. Flora Knight, passed away Dec. 24, 1911. Besides her husband, the companion of her happy married years, and her children, she leaves her father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Knight of Amboy, and the following brothers and sisters: Edward Knight of Sheffield; Mrs. Maud Baker of Tampico; Mrs. Lillian Fordham of Los Angeles, Cal., Mrs. Eliza Gallentine of Rock Falls Foster Knight of Deer Grove; Homer Knight of Montana, and Alonzo Knight of Amboy. Mrs. Fordham of Los Angeles and Homer Knight of Montana were unable to come here to attend the funeral services. One sister, Rosie, preceded her in death. She leaves, besides the immediate family, a number of other relatives and a wide circle of friends to mourn her passing. Mrs. Becker united with the Rock Falls Christian Church on Easter Sunday in 1914, and she remained true to the profession of her faith and lived a life of Christian service. She was a member of Holly Camp No. 100, Royal Neighbors of Rock Falls, and of the Rock Falls Women's Relief Corps, in both of which organizations she took an active interest. Her home, however, was the center of her affections and she was a devoted mother and true wife and helpmate, and was ever ready to be of help to neighbors and friends, by whom she was highly esteemed and by whom she will be greatly missed.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois May 5, 1930 - Monday, pg 2

REUBEN D. BILBREY SR. - of 1001 4th Avenue, Sterling, passed away at 1:50 a.m. Monday in Community General Hospital. Born Feb. 25, 1905, at Smithville, Ark., he was the son of Joseph and Fannie Justus Bilbrey. He had resided in Sterling the past 13 years and was employed by Wahl Clipper Corp. He was a member of Church of Christ. Reuben Bilbrey married Ruby Brightwell, Nov. 25, 1931 at Imboden, Ark. Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Billy Joe Bilbrey of Lawndale, Calif., and Reuben D. Bilbrey Jr. of Sterling. There are five brothers and seven sisters residing in Arkansas, and four grandchildren.The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral home where friends may call after 7 p.m. Tuesday the body will be forwarded to the Higginbotham Funeral Home at Walnut Ridge, Ark., and services are tentatively set for Thursday in the Church of Christ at Imboden, Ark.
COntributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 3, 1965 - Monday, pg 2

FRIEDA M. BILLER , 71, 511 Galt Ave., Rock Falls, died Sunday morning (Feb 16, 1986) in Community General Hospital following a long illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p/m. at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. Leland G. Uden, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Sterling, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Biller was born March 23, 1914 in Sterling, the daughter of Onke Meiners and Bertha Marie (Frerichs) Heilener. She was united in marriage to Dettmer S. Biller on Dec. 23, 1932 in Sterling. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sterling. Survivors include her husband, Dettmer; three sons, Lyle J. and Johann D., both of Rock Falls, and George E., Milledgeville; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, one great-granddaughter, four brothers and two sisters.
Contributed by Barbara Nugetn Sterling Daily Gazette Feb 17, 1986

GERTRUDE L. BLACKBURN - died Sunday (28 August 1949) at 5 a.m. at 1111 Second Avenue, Sterling, after an extended illness. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Trouth's Funeral Home, Rev. James McKelvey, pastor of the First Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call. Miss Blackburn was born in Lincoln, Ill., Oct. 11, 1884, and spent the greater part of her life in the around Sterling. She leaves one sister, Miss Lulu Blackburn, and two brothers, Lawrence of California and Clifford L. Blackburn of Grand Rapids, Mich. Preceding are her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Blackburn, and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 29, 1949 - Monday, pg 2

WILLIAM J. BLEY , 36, 18843 Felton Rd., Morrison, died Wednesday (20 Jan 1988) as the result of a drowning accident in the Cattail Slough of Rural Fulton. Funeral services will be at 10:30 Saturday at the Morrison United Methodist Church, preceded by a 10:15 family prayer service at the church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation is from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Genesee Street Chapel of the Bosma Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison. William Bley was born April 19, 1951 in Sterling, the son of Walter and Norvita Brown Bley. He was married to Betty Majors, Nov. 6, 1971 in Dixon and she survives. He was educated in St. Mary's Grade School, Sterling, and was a 1969 graduate of Newman High School, Sterling. He was employed at Common Wealth Edison, Byron, recently transferring to the Cordova Nuclear Plant, where he worked as a control room operator trainee. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Association and the National Rifle Association. He was an avid sportsman, enjoyed fishing, hunting and motorcycling. Survivors are his wife of Morrison, one daughter, Roxanne, Morrison; his father of Morrison and one sister, Mrs. Frank (Vickie) Salomon, Sterling. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 21, 1988 - Thursday, pg A2

DEL H. BOWER was born December 31, 1952 in Morrison, IL, the son of Clayton and Dorothy (Burdsall) Bower. He passed away on Thursday, July 28. 2005, at his home in Prophetstown at the age of 52. He was a self-employed painting contractor. Survivors include a daughter, Anna Maria Bower, of California; a sister, Judy (Bob) Scott of Louisville, KY; and an aunt, uncle, niece and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James. The funeral and burial were private. A gathering of friends and family was held at Gibson & Son Funeral Home. A memorial was established. Inurnment was in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown, IL.

DONALD HENRY BOWER : July 23 1934 HEAT STROKE IS FATAL TO YOUNG FARMER MONDAY
Donald Bower, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bower residing six miles east of Prophetstown, died at 8 o'clock Monday evening following a heat stroke which he suffered about three o'clock Monday afternoon enroute home from threshing at the Louis Peterson farm in the neighborhood. He was taken to the office of a physician for treatment and later taken home, where he passed away without regaining consciousness. The young man finished threshing with the other men about 2:30 o'clock and started to drive the tractor home as his father owns the threshing outfit. When he was a quarter of a mile from home he was overcome with the heat and lost control of the tractor. The machine went through the fence into a field and back again onto the road with him still on the seat and then tipped over. His father and Clarence Oetzel were near the scene and rushed him to the doctor. An inquest was held at 10:30 o'clock this morning in the F.L. Dudley funeral chapel in Prophetstown where the body was removed, by Coroner C.M. Frye. The verdict was death from a heat stroke. The funeral will be held at two o'clock Thursday afternoon in the Congregational church in Prophetstown with the Rev. I.C. Campbell officiating. Burial will be made in Riverside cemetery in Prophetstown. Donald Henry Bower was born November 11, 1915 at Wyanet and came to Prophetstown with his parents when he was 10 years old. He was a junior in the Prophetstown high school last year and was a popular and well liked student. He was a member of the Future Farmers' club, and organization in the high school. Besides his parents he leaves a younger brother, Clayton Bower, in the home.
RITES OF DONALD BOWER ARE HELD
Friends And Schoolmates Fill Cong'l Church
Funeral services for Donald Bower, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bower, who died Monday evening, were held on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Congregational church in this city. Rev. I.C. Campbell conducting the rites. A pipe organ selection, "A Prayer," was played by Mrs. M. L. Lindsay. The church was filled with sorrowing relatives, friends and schoolmates who gathered to pay tribute to a loved one. Donald was a junior in the local high school last year. A profusion of beautiful floral offerings brought to the the hour their silent messages of smypathy, love and esteem. Burial was made in Riverside cemetery in this city. The pallbearers were: Darrel Paterson, Glen Peterson, Earl Merrill, Phillip Oetzel, Shell Dace and Paul Dugosh. Those who assisted with the flowers were: Vera Lou Peterson, Lois Dace, Elsei Baker, Frieda Hintz and Leona Dugosh

HENRY ELMER BOWER - Funeral Services for Henry Elmer Bower, 70, who passed away Monday evening (27 Aug 1961) was held Thursday at the Gardner Funeral Chapel in Prophetstown. The Rev. Nelson Chasteen, pastor of the First Congregational Church, officiated for the services. Mrs. L. M. Dingman served as organist for the servicesp. Committal was at the Riverside Cemetery of Prophetstown with Clarence Oetzel, LeRoy Gibson, Harold Hanson, Orville Meter, Willard Baker and Earl Bound serving as pallbearers. Wives of the pallbearers were in charge of the floral tributes.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 1, 1961 - Friday, pg 2

JAMES C. BOWER , was born April 7, 1957 in Morrison, IL, the son of Clayton and Dorothy Burdsall Bower. He married Linda Matthews on October 10, 1981, in Indiana. They both moved to Houston in 1983, where he had been employed as an interior decorator. He was a 1975 graduate of Manatee High School, Bradenton, FL. He was a baptized member of the Prophetstown United Methodist Church. He passed away at the age of 33 at the Twelve Oaks Hospital, Houston, TX, on May 21, 1990. A graveside service was held Friday, May 25, 1990, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Janes, pastor of the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, officiating at Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Arrangements were completed by the Gardner Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Linda; mother, Dorothy Anderson, Prophetstown; father, Clayton, Lake Wales, FL; one sister, Mrs. Robert (Judy) Scott, Louisville, KY; one brother, Del, Prophetstown; one niece and one nephew. He was preceded by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

BERTHA (BREIDING) BOWERS , 75, formerly of 209 East 8th Street, Sterling, died Sunday afternoon in Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at the St. John's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Donald D. Pritz, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be Monday evening in the Allen Funeral Home from 7-9 p.m. A memorial to St. John's Lutheran Church Building Fund has been established. Bertha Irene Breiding was born May 16, 1900, in Sterling, the daughter of Albert W. and Ida Strohm Breiding. She was united in marriage by the late Dr. E. C. Harris on June 10, 1920, to Herbert R. Bowers who preceded her in death on March 28, 1964. Mrs. Bowers became a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in 1914. She was a charter member of the Sterling VFW Auxiliary No. 326, serving as president in 1924. She is survived by one son, Edwin R. Bowers of Memphis, Tenn.; one sister, Mrs. Gunnar (Wilma) Benson; two brothers, Albert H. and Harry J. Breiding, all of Sterling; three granddaughters, Mrs. David (Barbara) Thompson, Mrs. Jeffrey (Nancy) Robinson and Pamela Bowers, all of Memphis, Tenn. She was preceded by her parents and husband.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 8, 1975 - Monday, page 6

HELEN (HARTSHORN) BOWERS , 88, of 507 Second Ave., Sterling, died Oct. 17, 1991, at CGH Medical Ceneter, Sterling. Funeral services were 3 p.m. Friday at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. Clifford Baumann, visiting pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in Sterling. Mrs. Bowers was born on November 9, 1902 in Sterling, the daughter of William and Hattie (Mitchell) Hartshorn. She married Albert Sidney Bowers March 31, 1925 in Dixon. He died Feb. 15, 1990. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Sterling. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Harry (Joan) Jensen of Sterling; and Mrs. Frank (Reeda) Harsche, Redding, Conn.; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one brother, Donald Hartshorn, Sterling; two sisters Mrs. Eleanor Casey Tuttle and Mrs. Jane Trueblood, both of Sterling; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Reed S. Bowers, and one brother, Harold.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette October 18, 1991 - Friday, page A2

NORA R. (DONOHO) BOWERS , 87, of 1508 Ave. J., Sterling, died Saturday afternoon in Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. Dalmus Meeks, pastor of the Haravest Time Bible Church of Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Sterling. Visitation will be in the Allen Funeral Home Tuesday, from 6-9 p.m. A memorial has been established. Mrs. Bowers was born Oct. 25, 1900 in Marion County, the daughter of Curtis and Mary Knight Donoho. She married Harvey Bowers, who died April 16, 1966. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Estalle Espinoza of Sterling, and Mrs. Donna M. "Mickie" Gaffey, Littleton, Colo.; eight grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren and 23 great great grandchildren; three brothers, Everett Donoho, Roswell, New Mexico; Vern Donoho, Reno, Nev.; Donald Donoho, Dixon; and one sister, Mrs. Ora Williams, Centralia. She was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 6, 1988 - Monday, page A2

OSBORNE BRADFORD - Funeral services were held at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. Thursday for Osborne D. Bradford of 111 Sunset Drive, Rock Falls, who died Monday. Rev. Ivan Obenshain of the Rock Falls Methodist Church officiated at the services with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne E. Larson was at the organ with Mrs. Raymond Stroup singing "Ave Maria." Pallbearers were Joseph Fiorini, Antos Cesarek, Fred Pyse, William Bower, William Darland and Arne Gronlund. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Fred Pyse, Miss Ruth Alberding and Miss Betty O'Malley. A verdict of accidental death was returned at an inquest conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday by Coroner John Ardapple. Death was due to injuries sustained in a traffic accident.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 5, 1965 - pg 6

LULU M. (PIERCE) BRAINERD , mother of a well known Rock Falls building contractor, Robert S. Brainerd, Sr., died at 3:45 p.m. Sunday (20 Jan 1952) at Community General Hospital following a short illness. The body was removed to the Wheelock Funeral Home in Rock Falls, where services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rev. Paul Gilbert of the Rock Falls Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Brainerd was born July 20, 1887 in Marathon, New York, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick Pierce. Surviving are a son Robert S. Brainerd Sr., and his wife, Vera of Rock Falls; two granddaughters, Mrs. Lauren (Barbara) Oncken of Route Two, Sterling; and Mrs. William (Joanne) Welp of Delaware, Ohio; one great grandson, Bobby Oncken; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Benjamin; and one grandson Robert S. Brainerd, Jr.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 21, 1952 - Monday, pg 2

MAY (MALONEY) BRAINERD - The Tampico community was greatly shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. Charles R. Brainerd which occurred Friday night at St. Mary's Hospital at Milwaukee from pneumonia following an attack of influenza. The remains were brought to Tampico Saturday evening and taken to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Moloney where they reposed until Monday forenoon when private funeral services were held in charge of Rev. L. X. DuFour and interment made in St. Mary's Cemetery at Tampico. May Moloney was born December 5, 1883, at Atkinson, Ill., and passed away at Milwaukee, December 27, 1918, at the age of 35 years and 22 days. She was married about thirteen years ago to Mr. Charles R. Brainerd, they making their home in Belvidere for some years, later moving to Milwaukee, where she resided until her death. She was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Moloney, prominent residents of this place and was a young woman who possessed the esteem and affection of a large circle of friends, and whose death in the prime of life is a severe blow to all who knew her and enjoyed her friendship. She leaves her husband, one daughter, Darlene, aged ten years, her father and mother and three brothers, Albert W., John D., and Raymond M., besides many close friends and acquaintances. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community in their hour of affliction, the esteem in which the deceased was held was mutely told by the profusion of beautiful floral offerings from sorrowing relatives and friends.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 31, 1918 - Tuesday, pg 7

ROBERT S. BRAINERD, JR - Injuries sustained in an accident at Pensacola, Fla., was fatal to Robert Brainerd, jr., seaman first class of the U. S. Navy, of Rock Falls, who passed away at 8:05 p.m. Friday in the hospital at the naval bas in Pensacola. The young man’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brainerd, Sr., were notified Thursday morning by the naval base that he had suffered multiple fractures in an accident and that his condition was critical. No details of the accident were stated. Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd and daughters, Joanne and Barbara, and Bob’s grandmother, Mrs. Lulu Brainerd left immediately for Pensacola upon receipt of the message Thursday morning. They arrived at his bedside before he passed away. Entered Navy in 1945 The community is shocked by the death of one of its prominent and well liked young men. Bob was graduated from the elementary schools and from Rock Falls Township high school in 1945. He entered the service of the U. S, Navy in June 1945, and was stationed at Saufley field at Pensacola. Arrangements for the funeral have not been learned, however the body will probably be forwarded to Rock Falls from Florida. 26 April 1947 newspaper unknown
2nd Obituary: The body of Robert S. Brainerd, jr, 19 who died at Pensacola, Fla., Friday night from injuries sustained in an accident will arrive at 7:45 p.m. today, accompanied by his mother, Mrs. Robert Brainerd and his grandmother, Mrs. Lulu Brainerd. From the Wheelock-Allen funeral home the body will be taken to the family home at 306 West Second street, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Robert was riding a motorcycle and crashed into the rear end of a truck at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday in Pensacola, Fla., suffering serious injuries and multiple fractures. The accident occurred near the naval bas, Saupley Field, where the young man was stationed as a seaman first class in the U. S. navy. It was reported that the truck had no tail lights and he did not see it. The family was notified of the accident Thursday morning, and Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd and daughters, Joanne and Barbara and Mrs. Lulu Brainerd, left immediately. They arrived before Bob passed away at 8:05 p.m. Friday. He never regained consciousness after the accident, but doctors were hopeful of his recovery until his condition took a turn for he worse Friday evening. Mr. Brainerd and daughters returned to Rock Falls by car Sunday night.
Robert S. Brainerd was born September 28, 1927, in Rock Falls, the only son, of Robert and Vera Brainerd. He received his education in Rock falls elementary schools and had graduated from Rock Falls Township high school in 1945. Bob entered the service of the U. S. navy in 1945, and after completing boot training at Great Lakes was sent to Pensacola, Fla. Surviving are his parents, two sisters, Joanne and Barbara Brainerd and his grandmother, Lulu Brainerd, all in the family home. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the family
April 28, 1947 -- Funeral Rites for Robert Brainerd on Wednesday Are Largely Attended
Obsequies for Robert S. Brainerd, Jr, held in the Rock Falls Methodist church Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. were the second largest attended of any funeral held in the church it was noted. In addition to the family and many friends there was a large number from the Rock Falls high school which recessed for the funeral in order that former schoolmates might attend. Rev. Wayne Leighty officiated and preached a most meaningful sermon from the Twenty-third Psalm of David. There were six honorary and six active casket attendants. The honorary were Lyle Bogott, Royce Strayer, Calvin Howe, Richard Livingston, Marvin Smith, and Marvin Beck. The active attendants were William Wescott, Eddie McDaniel, Kenneth Onken, Robert Pense, Douglas Unger, and Donald Harrington. The funeral hymns sung by Mrs. Raymond White, jr, accompanied by Mrs. Wayne Larson were “In the Garden” and “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere” The flowers were in charge of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, Mrs. L. C. Pfulb played the organ. Preparation for Eternality
Mr. Leighty’s sermon was a discretion one the problem of youth preparing for eternity. He showed how the trend in ( s/b Robert ? David’s) life was shown in his love of nature, his temptations, his adventures and his love of home. There were all woven into a thread which led to his faith in God and helped him to compose and sing his psalm of comfort. This is applicable to everyone’s home life. Life is not measured by years, but by the amount of service to God. This pattern will help everyone to be able to sing that “The Lord ism y shepherd.” Mr. Leighty said that youth now is really preparing for eternity. A challenge is presented to parents to assist their children in preparing for the great adventure. After the funeral service the cortege moved to Tampico Memorial cemetery. The floral tributes were many, filling a large truck which took them from the church to the cemetery. May 1, 1947
Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

JULIUS BRANDT , 80, formerly of Lyndon, died Friday evening (8 Jan 1988) at Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center, where he resided since 1974. Graveside services were held 1:30 p.m. today in Lyndon Cemetery, with Rev. Jim Jensen, pastor of Advent Christian Church, Prophetstown, officiating. Garner Funeral home, Prophetstown, was in charge of arrangements. Mr. Brandt was born July 21, 1907 in Lyndon Township, the son of Paul and Louise Wagenecht Brandt. He farmed in the Lyndon area and also worked for Lyndon Township and State of Illinois highway departments. He was later employed for many years at Rock River Lumber and Grain Co., Lyndon and Prophetstown. He retired in 1974. Surviving are one son, Mick, Fort Collins, Colo.; one grandson, and two sisters, Pauline Crocker, Aurora, and Viola Thompson, Forrest Park. He was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 11, 1988 - Monday, pg A2

VERDA (JOHNSON) BRANDT , 89, of Sterling, died Wednesday Nov. 24, 2004 at CGH Medical Ctr. Mrs. Brandt was born May 1, 1915 in New Bedford, the daughter of James franklin & Alminnie (Erickson) Johnson. She married Erwin Brandt on Nov. 25, 1944 in New Bedford. She was an active member of Women of the Sterling Family Moose and a member of Royal Neighbors of America. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Janice Disch, a sister, Evelyn Hudson of Geneseo. She was preceded by two sisters, two brothers and a great nephew. The funeral is a Mc Donald Fuenral Home, Rock Falls, Saturday, burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park.

BENJAMIN J. BRESSLER , 604 E. 3rd St., Sterling, passed away early this morning in Community General Hospital. Born June 3, 1894 in Sterling he was the son of Benjamin F. and Margaret Janssen Bressler. He was a veteran of World War I and a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Sterling. He was a policeman for the U.S. Government until retirement in 1956. Was united in marriage to Marie E. Orlowski, Jan. 10, 1952 in Dixon. Surviving are, his wife, Marie E.; two sons, Frank Bressler of Sterling, and Donald Bressler of Rock Falls; one daughter, Mrs. Donald E. (Jean) Long of Sterling; two half sisters, Mrs. Edwards Oltmanns of Sterling and Mrs. Richard Wise of Rock Falls a half brother, Clarence Hellem of Sterling and two stepsisters, Mrs. Evelyn Book and Mrs. Lee (Bessie) Davis of Sterling, there are nine grandchildren. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Melvin Funeral Home. The Rev. Richard J. Hanson, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church will officiate and burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 20, 1968 - Saturday, p. 2, col. 4

DORIS (McCUNE) DITSCH BRESSLER , 83, of Sterling, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. She was born March 25, 1928, in Sterling, the daughter of Thomas and Dorothy (Harmon) McCue. She married Junior Ditsch. He died March 23, 1962. She later married B. Frank Bressler. He died August 2004. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, and was a volunteer at the church, as well as in the community. Surviving are her daughter, Kathy Ditsch (Don) Wiersema of Stuart, Fla.; her son, Jim (Yvonne Heimann) Ditsch of Harvard; her stepdaughters, Judy (William) Townsend of Belleville and Sally Kelly of Sterling; 11 grandchildren, Kelli Wiersema, Daniel Wiersema, Kari Ditsch, Amanda Ditsch, Shannon Ditsch, William F. (Dawn) Townsend, Traci (Jim) Miller, Jason (Rebecca) Townsend, Stephen (Dana) Kelly, Ryan (Debbi) Kelly and Kathryn (Charles) Woodward; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Ave., Rock Falls. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling, with the Rev. Paul C. White, celebrant, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Memorial contributions to Juvenile Diabetes Research would be appreciated.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Sauk Valley Newspapers

MARIE (ORLOWSKI) BRESSLER , 75, 2108 E. 39th Street, Sterling, died Saturday morning in Community General Hospital, after an extended illness. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be ........
Contirbuted by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette March 29, 1975 - Saturday, pg 4

MARGARET BUCKLEY , mother of Attorney John Buckley of Dixon, formerly of this city, died at her home, 912 Galena Avenue, Dixon, Saturday evening (29 Aug 1939) at 6:45 , her passing terminating an illness of several weeks duration. She is survived by six sons, Attorney John Buckley, Ned and Frank Buckley, all of Dixon; Charles Buckley of Maytown, Lee County; William and Harry of Aurora. One son, James, preceded her in death, February 26, 1932. Two sisters, Mrs. John Conahan of Dixon and Mrs. Mary Stevens of Chicago, also survive, together with 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild. The funeral was held this morning at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Maytown with interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois August 31, 1939 - Monday, pg 2

WILLIAM DAVID BUMPHREY , 60, died Saturday ( 01 May 1965) morning at Community General Hospital, Sterling, after a lengthy illness. Mr. Bumphrey was born Jan. 1, 1905, the son of Henry and Sara Jane Bumphrey, at Neponset. He attended schools in Neponset. He was a member of Neponset Methodist Church. He was married to Dorothy Taylor, in Princeton, in November, 1925. He had lived in and around Tampico for 25 years. He is survived by his wife of Tampico, five daughters, Mrs. Laverne (Marjorie) Landseidel, Mrs. Wayne (Doris) Bryan, Mrs. Norden (Mary) Scanlon, Mrs. Ronald (Kathryn) Scanlon, all of Tampico; and Mrs. Bert (Alice) Cornstubble, Prophetstown; three sons, William, Jr. of Rockford, John of Byron, and Jerry Lee, Tampico; five sisters, Mrs. Conrad Nanninga, and Mrs. Claude Peed, Kewanee; Mrs. Victor Knapp, Rock Island; Mrs. Wallace Fellows and Mrs. Henry Nanninga of Mineral; three brothers, Pearl, Galva; Ray and Henry of Kewanee; 26 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, one brother in infancy, one son in infancy, one grandson, and two granddaughters. Funeral services will be held May 4, at 2 p.m. at the Schmitt Funeral Chapel, Tampico, with the Rev. Joseph Stoube of the Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 3, 1965 - Monday, pg 2

OCTAVIOUS MATTHEW BUNKER - Mrs. C. A. Pfulb, of Rock Falls, received a telegram Tuesday evening from Wichita, Kas., announcing the death of her uncle, O. Bunker, which occurred there on Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Pfulb is not able to attend the funeral, but expects to go to Wichita in a few weeks to visit with her relatives. Mr. Bunker was quite well known in this vicinity, having lived in Tamkpico for a number of years and visited in Rock Falls about three years ago. He leaves a sister, Mrs. Warren Hixson, of Tampico, and a brother, James Bunker of Yorktown.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois February 24, 1922 - Friday, pg 10
(Note: He was born July 1842; his wife the former Mary M. Winchell, both buried El Paso Cemetery, Salem Township, Sedgwick County, Kansas)