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


B

ELIZABETH BARTEL , 103, a lifelong Sterling resident, died Wednesday. March 9, 2005, at Momson Community Hospital. She had been a resident at Parkway Center, Sterling, for seven years prior to moving toPleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, in April 2004. Elizabeth was born on Oct. 17, 1901, near Sterling, the daughter of Joseph and Isabelle (Eckel) Bartel. She graduated from. St Mary High School in 1921 and from Business Administration in 1922. She was an accountant for the. Otto H. Castendyck Agency and also supervised the mainte­nance and rentals of numerous apartment buildings and houses for many years. Elizabeth was a member of St. Mary Church, Sterling, the Altar and Rosary Society, Blue Army, Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society and a longtime member of Steriing Women's Club. Surviving are nieces and nephews; Robert (Dawn) Bartel of Moline, Jane (Harry) Kanatzat of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Don (Mary) Bartel of Rockford and Ann Frank Kane of Sterling; 17 great-nieces and great-nephews; numerous great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Joseph Bartel; and her sisters, Vera Schnieder, Edna Bartel and Marie Callighan. . Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005, at St. Mary Church, Sterling, with he Rev. Donald Ahles, celebrant, officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Sterling

REV. LEO BARTEL JR. , 72, of 61 Greenwood Drive, Morrison, died Friday, Jan. 21. 2005, at Alverno Health Care Facility, Clinton, Iowa. He served at Christ The King Parish Wonder Lake, Holy Angels Parish and Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church, both in Aurora, St. Anne's Catholic Church, Dixon, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Harvard, and St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Cary. He served as pastor at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Johnsburg, and currently at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Morrison. He also served as vicar for Social Ministries for Diocese of Rockford for 14 years. Father Bartel was born Aug. 3, 1932, in Sterling, the son of Marion (Allen) and Leo J. Bartel Sr. He graduated from Catholic Community High School. Sterling, and St. Mary's University, Baltimore, with a bachelor of arts in philosophy. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1958. He served as chairman, secretary and treasurer of the Morrison Ministers Council, was a member of the board of the Resthave Nursing Home, Knights of Columbus of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Rotary Club, all in Morrison, Twin Cities Air Activities Club and Whiteside Forum of which he was one of the founders. Survivors include three sisters, Mary Real of Mount Carroll, Elizabeth Bartel of Bonham, Texas, and Joan (Phil) Sandoval of Sterling; a brother, John A. Bartel. DPM, of Arlington Heights; and his caregiver, Sister Sandra DeGido, OSM, of Oak Creek Wisc. Resurrection Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Morrison, with the Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran, bishop of Rockford, officiating. Mass of'Christian Burial is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sterling, with Monsignor Thomas C. Brady, vicar general. pioceses of Rockford, officiating. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling.

PAUL BARTEL , 81, died Monday in the home of his niece, Mrs. Robert Bradley, Weaver Road, Sterling, where he had made his home for the past several years. Funeral services will be held Thursday with a prayer service at 10 a.m. at the Grennan Funeral Home, Mass of the Resurrection will be at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. Geoffrey Wirth, officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Bartel was born Feb. 5, 1900, the son of John and Winifred (Grady) Bartel. He attended the area parochial schools and was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire Company for 45 years, retiring in 1969. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 662. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Leo and two sisters, Margaret Knoll and Winifred Weaver.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 6, 1982 - Tuesday, page A4

ANNABEL BARTHEL of Sterling died at 5 a.m. Saturday following an extended illness. She was a daughter of the late Herman J Barthel and Mrs. Belle Barthel. Funeral services wil be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at the Melvin funeral Home, with the Melvin Funeral Home, with Bishop A. C. Good officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Services for Miss Annabel Barthel who died Saturday were held today at the Melvin Funeral Home with Bishop A. C. Good officiating. Burial was in Riverside cemetery. Mrs. Ruth Woodring sang, “In the Garden,” and “Still, Still With Thee,” accompanied by Mrs. J. H. Linn at the organ. Pallbearers were Lawrence Myers, Albert Barthel, Walter Oltman, Arlyn Bryson, Nelson Wolf and Lloyd Myers In charge of flowers were Madeline Nuttall, June McNabb and Nora Conrad.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Mar 27, 1954 & March 29, 1954 Sterling Gazette

CARRIE BELLE (BRYSON) BARTHEL 84, 537 27 th Ave , Moline , Illinois , (should be Moline , Iowa mm) died at 12:55 a.m., Sunday, Oct.29, in the Americana Nursing Center where she had been a patient for the past several weeks C. Belle Barthel, daughter of Jesse and Anna Kimbly Bryson, was born on Jan 18, 1883, on a homesteaded farm in Clyde township, Whiteside County , Illinois , and attended Whiteside County Schools. At an early age she was baptized and became a member of the Christian Church of Coleta, Illinois , and in later years transferred her membership with her family to the East Jordan United Brethren Church , having resided in Jordan township for 40 years. In 1960 she was the recipient of a 50-year pin from Royal Neighbors of America. On Oct. 16, 1901, she was united in marriage with Herman Barthel by the rev. J. C. Finkbeiner at Dixon . Surviving are her daughter, Mrs. Charles (Etta) Wright of Moline, with whom she resided the past 12 years, 1 son, Oscar P of Bloomington ; one grandson, Richard Barthel of Peoria , one granddaughter, Mrs. Richard (Betty) Harmon of Granite City; one brother J. P. Bryson of Moorhead , Minnesota ; three sisters, Mrs. O.M. (Myrtle) Bushman, of Lyndon, Mrs. Felix (Hazel) Manning of Bradenton, Fla., and Mrs. Fay (Floxie) Mott of Sterling; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, two brothers and four sisters. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Trimble Funeral Home, Moline , with the rev. Harold Finkbeiner, Jr. of South Park Presbyterian Church of Rock Island, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery , Sterling , with graveside services there at 3:30 p.m. Friends may call at the funeral home. Funeral rites for Mrs. Belle Barthel of Moline were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Trimble Funeral Home in Moline . there were graveside services at3:30 p.m. in Riverside Cemetery , where burial was made in the family lot. The Rev. Harold Finkbeiner, pastor of the South Park Presbyterian Church of Rock Island, officiated. Pallbearers were Lawrence Myers of Sterling, Walter Oltman of Lyndon, Leland Bryson, of Milledgeville, Robert Scott of Moorhead , Minn. , Henry Hubbell of Rock Island and Carroll Lindquist of Moline . Relatives attending the rites included Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Bryson and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scott of Moorhead , Minn. ( Nov 1 1967 - Sterling Gazette)
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Oct 30, 1967 Sterling Gazette

HERMAN J.C.BARTHEL - Following an illness of several years after a stroke of paralysis, Herman J.C. Barthel passed away at 4:30 o’clock Monday afternoon in his farm home six miles north of Jordan township. Funeral rites will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon in the Melvin funeral home. Rev. James q. Moore will officiate and burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery . Herman J.C. Barthel was born January 12, 1867 in Milledgeville. for 23 years he had farmed in Jordan . Besides his wife, C. Belle Barthel, he leaves one son and two daughters, Oscar Barthel, Mrs. Chas. Wright, and Annabel Barthel.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Oct 13, 1939 Sterling Gazette

OSCAR P. BARTHEL , 68, of 1919 E. Taylor St. , Bloomington , died Friday (11 Mar 1977) afternoon at St. Joseph ’s Hospital in Bloomington . Funeral services will be held Monday, 11 a.m. at the Metzler Funeral Home with the Rev. Phillip D. Queen, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Bloomington officiating. Entombment will be in the Resthaven Mausoleum, Carthage at 3 p.m. Visitation will be held at the Metzler Funeral Home Sunday, 2 to 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. Masonic rites will be held Sunday at 7 p.m. Mr. Barthel was born July 14, 1908 near Sterling , the son of Herman J. C. and C. Belle Bryson Barthel
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - from the 15 Mar 1977 Sterling Daily Gazette

MARIAN (BURCH) BARTON , 95, of Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, formerly of Arkansas and Rockford, died Sunday Jan. 16, 2005 at the nursing home. She was employed by Armstrong Hardware, Clinton Iowas as a bookeeper, for a Rockford clothing store; and then by Holsted Realty Co., Rockford, retiring in 1971. Mrs. Barton was born April 11, 1909, in Morrison, the daughter of Herbert H. and Sara (Beswick) Burch. She was a 1926 graduate of Mrorison High School and attended Browns' Business College, Sterling. She married Jack Backer on May 11, 1949 in Rockford, he died Nov. 14, 1962. She then married Robert P. Barton on Oct. 8, 1966 in Rockford, he died Jan. 26, 1996. She attended First Chrch of God in Rockford and most recently Morrison United Methodist Church. Survivors include a stepdaughter Wilma Calvert of Tucson AZ. She was preceded by four sisters, Bernice Linder, Geraldine Hasselman, Shirley Neary and Luella Kuehl; and two brothers Harold Burch and one in infancy. Burial in Grove Hill Cemetery.

MARY (KELLY) BARTON , 87, of Sterling died Sunday April 7 2002 at Sterling Pavilion. She was a CNA working in health care until retiring. Mrs Barton was born Aug 16, 1914, in Astoria, the daughter of Oscal and Nettie (Wright) Kelly She married Joseph A Barton on Sept 14 1935, in Galesburg. He died Oct 24, 1994. Survivors include a daughter Judi A (Brock) Shelley of Sterling; two sons, Joseph A (Barbara) Barton of Livingston TX and Mike (Jacki) Barton of Rock Falls; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister Maurine Glossop. There is no funeral service or visitation. Arrangement were completed by Schilling Funeral Home Sterling.
Daily Gazette 9 April 2002

FRANCES CROCKER BEALER , 80, a resident of Fenton for 40 years, died at 10:20 p.m. Wednesday in Mt. Pleasant township after a brief illness due to the infirmities of old age. The body was removed to the Reynolds funeral home where friends may call. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Fenton UB church, the Rev. Thomas H. Benton officiating. Burial will be in the Fenton cemetery. Frances Crocker was born March 2, 1868 at Fenton, the daughter of John and Almira Hill Crocker. On Dec. 4, 1889 she was married to William Bealer who passed away Dec. 6, 1906. She was a member of the Fenton UB church, the Mystick Workers and the Royal Neighbors. She is survived by four sons, W. Ross, Morrison; Frank LaVern, Round Grove; Wyane E., Fenton; and William F. of Belvidere; several (sentence missing) Jennie Mericle, Mrs. Allie Sherman and Mrs. Carrie Strayer, all of Morrison; two brothers, Carl Crocker, Hot Springs, Ark;, and Forrest Crocker of Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and one sister, Mrs. William Sprinkle.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 7, 1948 - Thursday, pg 2, col. 4 & 5

WILLIAM BEALER of Fenton township, who was fearfully injured in a runaway accident and died from the effect of his injuries and was buried Sunday. Mr. Bealer was about forty five years of age and has resided in Fenton township the greater part of his life. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his death. The accident, resulting in death, with the surrounding circumstances are pitiful. The pain that Mr. Bealer suffered before he was found was almost unbearable. He laid on the frozen highway with the muscles of his leg pulled and broken and the joint pulled apart at the knee for over six hours before he was found. As near as can be learned, the runaway accident occured at midnight, and he was not found until 7 o'clock the next morning. Mr Bealer had been to Morrison and left for home late Monday night. When within a mile of his home, the team became frightened and ran away. They were unmanagable and he was thrown from the buggy. In falling his right leg caught between the spokes of the wheel and was held in a vise. At a terrific speed the horses dashed homeward and Mr. Bealer was whirled through the air by the almost irrestible force. The man's body was pounded on the ground with every revolution of the wheel which twisted and tore the muscles and tendons and disjointed the leg at the knee. How long the unfortunate man was thus cruelly beaten he could not tell. With the breaking of the leg and tearing the muscles, there was suffucient relaxation that allowed his foot to slip from between the spokes and he fell to the ground and rolled for almost a rod.

From the Erie Independent 21 December 1906 as received from the Sterling Gazette
Contributed by Cyndie Dennis Greer

JAMES S. BEAN - At his home in this city, Wednesday, October 25, 1897, James S. Bean, aged 72 years, 4 months and 2 days. The deceased ws born June 25, 1825 and came to IL in 1850 and located near Peoria where he lived until the Civil War brok out. He assisted in recruiting the 86th IL Volunteers and was chosen major of that regiment. After the war closed he moved with his family to Aurora and resided there until about four years ago, when he and his wife came to this city tos pend their remaining days near their only surviving child, Mrs. A.A. Foster. Mr. Bean made many friends while a resident of Morrison and they will extend their deepest sympathy to the wife and daugher. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. W.E. Leavitt at the family home Friday, interment taking place in Grove Hill Cemetery.

MARY ELLA BEAN - Pallbearers at the funeral rites Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Mary Ella Bean of Rock Falls were Charles Carnes, Harry Figeley, Harry Arnold, Frank Swanson, William Sowles, and earl Lutyens. The service was held at 2:30 o’clock at the Wheelock funeral home, with rev Omar Flugum pastor of the Rock Falls Congregational church, officiating. Interment was in Riverside cemetery. Among those from out of town attending were; c. H. Bean of bound Brook, N.J., Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Bean and family of Geneseo, Herbert E. Bean of Galesburg, Mrs. Jessie Parkhurst and daughter carol and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Parkhurst of Moline, and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Upton and Mrs. Mark Angell of Clinton, IA. Mrs. Lyle Lowrie, Mrs. Eugene Corzett, and Mrs. R. C. Walzer had charge of the flowers
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the April 21, 1941 Sterling Gazette

ALBERT JAMES BEATTY , 64, of Sterling, Ill., died at a local hospital this morning at nine o'clock after an illness of two days. Mr. Beatty, a retired educator, and his wife were here visiting their daughter, Mrs. William Stringham, of 1698 Elliott Ave., when he was suddenly stricken. He was born July 20, 1871. Surviving besides his widow, Mrs. Mae Elizabeth Beatty, are one daughter, Mrs. William Stringham of Ashland; one son, Owen C Beatty, of Sterling, Ill., two grand children; one brother, F. E. Beatty, of LaMoille, Ill.; and two sisters, Mrs. E.M. Stanard and Mrs. John Heiman, both of Princeton, Ill. The body was removed to the Lazear Funeral Home here where it will remain until about Wednesday when it is to be sent to Sterling for funeral rites and burial. (Note: Albert Thomas Beatty died on 30 September 1935 in Ashland, Boyd County, Kentucky).
Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: The Daily Independent, Ashland, Kentucky, page and date unknown].

MAE ELIZABETH (SCHICK) BEATTY , 86, passed away Tuesday morning in the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Stringham, Jr., of Ashland, Ky., according to messages received here. The body will be returned to Sterling and the Behrens Mortuary, where there will be visitation Wednesday evening. Funeral services will be in the mortuary at 2 p.m. Thursday, with the Rev. Loyal Wilkinson, pastor of the First Congretional (sic) Church of Sterling, in charge. Burial will be in East Jordan Cemetery. Mrs. Beatty was born Feb 2, 1874 in Jordan Township, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Schick. She had resided in this community until 1961(sic) when she moved to Kentucky to live with her daughter. Surviving are her daughter, Mrs. Stringham; three grandchildren, James Beatty, Sterling, George Beatty, RFD, Sterling, and Mrs. Richard A Willett, Bethesda, Md., and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband Albert J. Beatty, in October of 1935, and one son, Owen Beatty, of Sterling, in January of this year. [Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Tuesday, 19 April 1960; 2; 6].

Funeral services for Mrs. Mae E. Beatty was conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Behrens Mortuary, with the Rev. Loyal Wilkinson, pastor of the First Congregational Church, officiating. Mrs. Emery McNeil was organist for the services. Burial was in East Jordan Cemetery. Pallbearers were J.C. Moomau, Lyle Wilcox, George Gerdes, Van Andreas, Oscar Strock and Burt Jurkens. The flowers were handled by Lundstroms.
Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Friday, 22 April 1960; 6; 4].

MARY A. (DETWEILER) BEATTY , 95, died Oct. 4, 1991, at Sterling Care Center. Graveside services were held 2 p.m. at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling, with the Rev. Donnley Dutcher, pastor of the First Congregational Church, officiating. There was no visitation. Arrangements were completed by the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established to the Diabetes Association. Mrs. Beatty was born on May 25, 1896, in Harvard, Neb., the daughter of Abiah John and Salene (Brooke) Detweiler. She married Owen Beatty in Sterling and he died in 1960. She was a member of the First Congregational Church, Sterling, and a fifty year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Surviving are two sons, James Beatty and George Beatty, both of Sterling; one daughter, Jean Aubrey, Potomac, Md.; 11 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Wednesday, 9 October 1991; A2; 6].

OWEN C. BEATTY , 64, retired farmer and prominent Sterling resident passed away suddenly Monday afternoon in St. Petersburg, Fla. where he and Mrs. Beatty had arrived a week ago to enjoy a vacation. The body is being returned to Sterling and will be taken to the Behreris Mortuary, where friends may call after 12-noon Friday until noon Saturday when it will be taken to the First Congregational Church of Sterling, to lie in state until 2 p.m. the hour of services. The casket will not be opened in the church. The Rev. Loyal Wilkinson, pastor of First Congregational, will conduct the services. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. A memorial has been established. Mr. Beatty, who resided on Rt. 1, Woodlawn Road, Sterling, was born Aug 27, 1895, in Wyanet, Ill, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert James Beatty. He was educated in the local school and graduated in the local school and graduated from the Geneseo, Ill. High school and from the University of Illinois. He was engaged in farming in Jordan Township, Whiteside County, from 1917 until 1941, when he retired and moved to Sterling to make his residence. He was married Mary Detweiler, June 26, 1921, in Sterling. Mr. Beatty was active in civic and church activities of the community for many years. He was a member of the Sterling Rotary Club for many years and was a past president in that organization; he was secretary of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau for a number of years, and a member of the Sterling Township High School board of education during the period when the present building was constructed. He was a veteran of World War I and was a member of the rationing board during World War II. For 12 years he served as township assessor. He was a member of the Sterling Elks Lodge and presently he was on the board of the Sterling-Rock Falls Cooperative Marketing Association. Mr. Beatty was a devoted worked in the First Congregational Church, where for 18 years he served as financial secretary, retiring from this position on Jan. 1 of this year. By virtue of this position, he was also a member of the board of trustees for the same period of time. He also served each year on the every-member canvass. Surviving him are his wife, Mary; two sons, George, Rt. 1, Sterling, and A. James Beatty, Sterling; one daughter, Mrs. Richard (Jean) Willett, Bethesda, Md.; 11 grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Albert Beatty, Ashland, Ky.; one sister, Mrs. William Stringham, Jr., Ashland, Ky. He was preceded by his father, Albert J. Beatty, who passed away in 1935.
Contributed by Charlotte Schick - (Note: The son, George, mentioned in this obituary was a step-son and is shown on the 1930 census as George E Abney). {Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Tuesday, 19 January 1960; 1, 6}.

BERNHARD F. BEHRENDS , 503 7th Ave. Sterling, passed away Monday afternoon (July 24, 1967) in Community General Hospital. Born Dec. 24, 1901 in Lee County, he was the son of Theo. C. and Elizabeth R. Behrends. He was educated in the Dixon Public Schools and was united in marriage to Gladys R. Welker Dec. 27, 1941 at Kahoka MO. Mr. Behrends had resided in this area his entire life and for 24 years was employed by Northwestern Steel & wire. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Sterling and a member of teh Loyal Order of Moose, Sterling Lodge. Surviving besides his widow are his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth R. Behrends of Sterling and one sister, Mrs. Fred L. Landis of Rock Falls. There are a number of nieces and nephews. His father and one sister preceded him. Buril was in Riveside Cem.

ALICE H. (McKEAN) BEHRENS , 65, Rt. 1, Shannon, died Monday in Freeport Memorial Hospital following a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Our Savior Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Graef, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. at the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home. Born on Feb. 10, 1917 in Milledgeville, the daughter of William and Pearl Mckean, she married Lawrence Behrens on Jan. 28, 1942 in Our Savior Lutheran Church with the Rev. A. Otting officiating. She was a member of the Our Savior Lutheran Church. Survivors include her husband, Lawrence; two daughters, Mrs. John (Joyce) Heldt, Lanark and Mrs. Kenneth (Karen) Tallman, Winnebago; four grandchildren and one brother, James Howard Mckean, Oregon. She was preceded by her parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 2, 1982 - Tuesday, page A4

BARBARA BEHRENS , 63, of Sterling died Friday Nov. 19, 2004 at her home. She was employed by a Chevrolet dealership, Omaha, Neb. for 20 years as a cashier. Ms. Behrens was born Jan. 7, 1941 in Sterling, the daughter of Glen & Matilda (Siegman) Behrens. She was a 1959 graduate of Sterlign Twp. HS and a graduate of the Univ. of Colorado. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and St. John's Lutheran Church, Sterling. Survivors include her father. She was preceded by her mother. The funeral is 2 PM Tuesday at Allen-Grennan Funeral Home. Rev. Mark Oehlert Officiating. Burial at Riverside.

DELLA (KYGER) BEHRENS - Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home for Mrs. Della Kyger Behrens. The Rev. David L. Beebe, pastor of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls officiated and burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne E. Larson was organist. Pallbearers were: Michael Kyger, Tim Kyger, Billy Kyger, Marty Kyger, Sedrick Sanders and Cecil Sanders. Flowers were cared for by Swartleys.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette Aug 10, 1977

ILA JEAN (WRIGHT) BEHRENS , age 73, of 1101 W. 24th St., Rock Falls, IL, died Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at the CGH Medical Center in Sterling. She was born on July 31, 1932 in New Bedford, IL, the daughter of Lee E. and Stella Beatrice (Purvis) Wright. She was united in marriage to James Randall Behrens. She was employed at General Electric as a painter and was a member of the Bethel Reformed Church in Sterling, IL. She enjoyed playing cards and her grandson Cody’s athletic events. She is survived by one son, Denny (Sandra) Behrens of Prophetstown, IL; one daughter, Diane (Art) Oldham of Tampico, IL; four grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Gailya Lee Chapin of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, Lucille Sawyers of Tampico and numerous nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from the Prophetstown Echo

LAWRENCE A. BEHRENS , 78, of Lanark died Tuesday morning (Nov 11, 1986) in his home after a sudden illness. Funeral services will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sterling with Rev. James A. Schouweiler officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark. Lawrence was born on Nov 28, 1907 in Sterling, the son of Gerhardt and Carrie Schultz Behrens. He was united in marriage to Alice H. McKean in 1942 in Sterling and she preceded him in death on Nov 1, 1982. Mr. Behrens was a retired Lanark area farmer and member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. John (Joyce) Heldt of Lanark and Mrs. Kenneth (Karen) Tallman of Winnebago; four grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. John (Alma) Cordes and Mrs. Glenn (Clara) Cordes, both of Morrison; also two brothers, Walter and Donald Behrens both of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Nov 12, 1986 Daily Gazette

MARIETTA RUTH BEHRENS of 801 W. 14th St., Sterling, died Monday afternoon (20 June 1966) at the age of 37. Miss Behrens was born Jan 11, 1929 in Montmorency Township, the daughter of Fred J. and Verna R. Landis Behrens. She was baptized in St. John’s Church. She is survived by her parents; several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded by a sister, Miss Arlene Behrens, Feb 8, 1960. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with the Rev. Richard J. Hanson, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, officiating with burial in Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent  The following are from the Sterling Daily Gazette, Tuesday, 21 June 1966 page 2:2

ROBERT BEHRENS , 77, of Rock Falls died Tuesday, June 10, 2003, a CGH Medical Center. He farmed for several years. He also made deliveries for Behrens Flower Shed and helped at Muffins and More Restaurant, both in Rock Falls. Mr. Behrens was born May 7, 1926, in Sterling, the son of Elmer and Marie (Mench) Behrens. He served in the Army during World War II. He married Sally Sowles on Sept. 14, 1951, in Rockford. He was a member of Rock Falls Kiwanis Club and also volunteered to drive veterans to the Veterans Affairs Hospital. He enjoyed going to coffee shops and baby-sitting his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Julie Bloomhall of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jenny (Russ) McLindsley of Marengo and Jill (Mark) Ehredt of Rock Falls; three sons, Jim (Kathy) Behrens, Joe (Theresa) Behrens and Jeff (Tiffani) Behrens, all of Rock Falls; a brother, Donald Behrens of Rockford: a sister Dorothy (Ed) Abbott of Morrison; 16 grandchildren: and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson. The funeral is at 11 am. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Randall Krause officiating. Burial with military rites is at IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6:30-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Sterling Daily Gazette June 12, 2003

DORA G. (TOMPKINS) BELL , 67, of 600 East 6th St., Rock Falls, died early Monday (14 Jun 1965) morning at Wormolt's Clinic in Oregon at the age of 67. Mr. Bell was born in Buffalo, Ky., on Sept. 90, 1890, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bell. He was united in marriage to Mabel Tompkins on May 4, 1914 and resided their entire married life in this area. He served in World War I. He was a member of the Trinity EUB Church of Sterling, the VFW of Sterling, and the Rock Falls American Legion Post 9902. He had worked at the Northwestern Steel & Wire Co. for 37 years before his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Mabel; one daughter, Mrs. Rodney (Carol) Daniels of Oregon, Ill.; one brother, Sidney Bell of Centralia; three grandchildren, Pam, Randy and Jeff, all of Oregon; one niece, Mrs. Lilly Chance of Knightstown, Ind.; one nephew, John Bell of Dixon. He was preceded by his parents, four brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Romaine Tenney of the Trinity EUB Church of Sterling officiating, with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rock Falls. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 14, 1965 - Monday, pg 2

JEANETTE (WUBBEN) BELL ,65, 2102 Walter St., Rock Falls, died Saturday at St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Rock Falls, with the Rev. Edwin Burdell O’Neal, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral home in Sterling. A memorial has been established. She was born March 8, 1924 in Sterling, the daughter of Rudolph and Gertrude Daniels Wubben. She married Clarence L. Bell on Nov. 29, 1941 in St. Genevieve, Mo., and he died on Aug. 21, 1979. Mrs. Bell was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Rock Falls. She is survived by two sons, Jerry Bell of Tulsa, Okla., Lonnie Bell of Rock Falls; one daughter, Mrs. Marvin (Sue) Simer of Sterling; two brothers, Robert Wubben of Warren, Raymond Wubben of Sterling, and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Billie Lee Bell in September of 1980.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 24, 1989 - Monday, pg A2

JULIA J. BELL - Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls for Mrs. Julia J. Bell who died Friday, in Whiteside County Nursing Home. The Rev. H. C. Hatton, pastor of the First Nazarene Church of Sterling, officiated. Burial was in the IOOF Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne E. Larson was at the organ during the services. The pallbearers were Gerald Croffott, Raymond Bennell, Roger Bonnell, Ken McNinch, Don Rude and Ron Rude.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Nov 13, 1967 Sterling Gazette

Note from Jackie jac.e.gunz@mchsi.com
Julia Jeanette (Holcomb) Bell was the daughter of Abbie (Lair) and Linus Holcomb. She married a Baker first (name escapes me, but I have it documented), then married Frank Lloyd Bell. Between her two marriages, she had 16 children. 13 of them can be traced, three seem to have died young, including a set of twins. Most of her children were adopted out. Her daughter, Janet Bell (b. 1946) was my mother. Janet was adopted by Lila Mae and Clifford Engstrom of Sterling (both now deceased and buried at the Oak Knoll Cemetery there). Janet married Charles Perry Judd of Rock Falls in 1965. They had two children, John (b. 1965) and myself, Jackie (b. 1966). Janet left Charles when I was about 8 months old and moved to the Rockford area first, then to the San Francisco area of California. She met a man by the name of Henry Villalobos. Janet and Henry had a daughter, Della. Della still lives in California. Janet also had another son (father unclear) who died at the age of 4 months. Janet died in 1982 in a hospice in San Francisco. Charles Perry Judd was born Neil Eugene Gallentine in 1946 to Olive "Ollie" (Judd) Gallentine and Delmar Gallentine. Almost immediately, his uncle, Chester Judd, took the child and adopted him, changing his name to Charles Judd. Charles is still living and in Council Bluffs, Iowa, I've heard. In the Odell Library in Morrison, there is a photo of Olive Gallentine standing outside of a shop she is noted to own. Olive had 11 children all total, most of whom were raised and/or adopted by others

LESLIE BELL . 94, of Heritage Park Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Austin, TX, formerly of Harlington, TX and the Sterling – Rock Falls area, died Monday, January 2, 2006 at St. David’s Hospital, Austin, TX. He owned and operated Bell’s Grocery Store, Prophetstown and Rock Falls, for many years. Mr. Bell was born May 18, 1911, in Louisville, KY, the son of Robert and Mary Sudie (Atkins) Bell. He married Laura Lou Adams in 1935. He then married Julia Marlene Dykerman on July 26, 1969. She died Nov. 9, 2004. Survivors include three daughters, Dolly Ann (Thomas) Lucas of Toronto, Carol Sue (Richard) Akridge of Sterling and Leslie T. (Richard) Catlett of Prophetstown; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Bertha Whitehead; a half brother. William “Bill” Milby; and two half sisters, Mary Funderburg and Burley Warren. Memorial service was Saturday, April 1, 2006 at First Open Bible Church, Rock Falls.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from The Prophetstown Echo – April 18, 2006

NANCY C. (JACOBS) BELL , 67 of Erie died Monday, October 2, 2006 at home after a brief illness. Private family services will be held. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Rock River Valley Hospice. Gibson Funeral Home, Erie is in charge of arrangements. The former Nancy Carol Jacobs was born October 16, 1938 in the Erie area, the daughter of Elmer “Bunk” and Ruby Brooks Jacobs. She married Frank Bell on January 29, 1988 in Rock Island. She had been employed at General Electric, Morrison and in the Dietary Department at Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo. She enjoyed gardening and watching animals in the natural habitat. Survivors include her husband, Children and their spouses Tim and Bonnie Greenwood, Prophetstown, Kristine Edwards, Erie, Donna Gibson, Erie, Beth and Robert Lauitzen, Prophetstown, Frank Jr. and Holly Bell, Moline and Steve Bell, Moline, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, a brother, Robert Jacobs, Erie, a sister, Ellen Henry, Atkinson and a sister-in-law, Linda Jacobs, Erie. She was preceded in death by a grandson, David Edwards, her parents, brothers, Percy Jacobs, and Elmer “Johnny” Jacobs, Jr. and a sister-in-law, Maryann Jacobs.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen - The Prophetstown Echo -October 10, 2006

BETTY (RILEY) BELLOWS , 76, of Sterling, died Monday, March 29, 2010, at Kindred Hospital, Sycamore. She owned and operated the Ace Hardware Store, Rock Falls, for 20 years. Mrs. Bellows was born June 13, 1933, in Sandoval, the daughter of Fred and Mabel (Bowen) Riley. She married Darrell W. Bellows on Nov. 29, 1951, in Rock Falls. He preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 1990. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy (Thomas) Leinbaugh of Thomson and Susanne (Mike) Gahm of Pearl City; one son, David (fiancée, Jessica Cook) Bellows of Sterling; her mother of Rock Falls; one sister, Linda (James) Miller of Thomson; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by her father. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls. Burial be at Coloma Township Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Sauk Valley News 31 March 2010

ALICE (OTTENS) BIELEMA - Funeral Services for Alice M. Bielema, aged 93, of Sioux Center, IA, and formerly of Fulton, will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Wendall Davelaar, pastor of the First Reformed Church, Fulton, will officiate and burial will be in Fulton Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. up to the funeral time. She died Sunday, Sept. 15, at Sioux Center Community Hospital, Sioux Center, IA. Casket bearers will be Scott and Rebecca Rhoda; Jill and Tim Van Soelen; and Dawn and Darren Huizenga. Mrs. Bielema was born May 5, 1909, in Fulton, IL, the daughter of Charles and Henrietta (Bootsman) Ottens, Sr.. She was educated in the Thomson Grade and High School. She married Clarence F. Bielema on May 29, 1937, in Grand Rapids, MI. He died May 24, 1989. Following her marriage she had resided in Fulton, until moving to Sioux Center, IA in 1988. She had been employed as a housekeeper in private residences for many years. She also worked as a waitress for several Fulton restaurants. She was a current member of Covenant Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center. She was a former member of the First Christian Reformed Church, in Fulton, and the church's Dorcas Society. She was member of the Unity Christian School Auxillary. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Len Rhoda (Leona) of Sioux Center, IA; one son, Robert Bielema of LeMars, IA.; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby Pessman and Elizabeth McDonald; and eight brothers, Ren, George, Henry, John, Clarence, Charles and Garrett Ottens, and one brother in infancy.
Obituary contributede by Joyce Kimmel

ANNA (BALK) BIELEMA - Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Spring Valley church north of Morrison, for Mrs. Clarence Bielema, 47, of near Fulton. The Rev. H. Arink officiated and committal was in the Fulton Cemetery. Mrs. Bielema passed away Tuesday evening following a lingering illness. She was born in Fulton, Sept. 3, 1896, the daughter of Mr.and Mrs.Peter Balk, and was married in April 1919. She is survived by her husband, six children, her mother, four sisters and four brothers. (Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette Obituary, Saturday, March 20, 1943, 4;2

BETSY LYNN BIELEMA , 27, formerly of Prophetstown, died Saturday in Seattle, Wash. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Leon United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Steve Hartman, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Leon Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at Gardner Funeral Chapel, Prophetstown. A memorial has been established to the I Have A Dream Foundation. Betsy was born Jan. 16, 1963 in Morrison, the daughter of Arnie and Marilyn (Morse) Bielema. She was a 1981 graduate of Prophetstown High School, where she was a member of girls track and basketball teams, and was homecoming princess. She attended Illinois State University, Normal, where she was a member of the girls track team and majored in marketing. She was a resident of Seattle approximately four years, where she was employed in the accounting department of the King Broadcasting Co. While she was in Seattle she was very involved in the I Have A Dream Foundation, working and tutoring inner city children, and also was a volunteer in rejuvenation projects involving homes and apartments. She is survived by her parents of Prophetstown; one sister, Brandi, at home; three brothers, Bart, Prophetstown; Barry Springfield; Bret, a student at University of Iowa; her grandparents, Richard and Henrietta Bielema, Morrison; one nephew, Schuyler Bielema. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 23, 1990 - Tuesday, pg A2

DAN E. BIELEMA , 53, OF 18725 Sand Road, Fulton, IL, died Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, IA. Dan was born July 30, 1952, in Clinton,IA to Kenneth and Jacqueline (Brondyke) Bielema. He was educated in the Unity Christian Schools in Fulton, and graduated from Fulton High School in 1970. He was employed by Commonwealth Edison at the Cordova Nuclear Power Generating Facility for 32 years, retiring in 2002. Dan was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Clinton, IA and the Fulton Lions Club. He was a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals Fan, a devoted father and grandfather and a loving "daddy" to Sophie, Buttons and Duke. Survivors include two daughters, Carrie (Mrs. Kurt) Fanderclai of Clinton, IA and Jessi (Mrs. Nate) Shambaugh of Windsor Heights, IA; three grandchildren, Kyra Fanderclai; Eric and Ryan Shambaugh; his father, Kenneth Bielema of Fulton, IL; four brothers, Tom Bielema, Russ (Sandie) Bielema, Steve Bielema and John (Deb) Bielema, all of Fulton, IL; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and his Auntie Jo Oostenryk
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home Obituaries:

DICK BIELEMA , 95, of Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton, died Wednesday (Jan. 4, 2006) at the nursing home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Wendell Davelaar, pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Fulton, officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service time Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery. He was born March 13, 1910, in Fulton to Dick M. and Kate De Wind Bielema. He was educated in the Fulton Christian grade school. He farmed in rural Fulton. Survivors include four nieces and two nephews. Condolences may be made online at www.bosmarenkes.com. Memorials may be made to Unity Christian School, Fulton. He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.

DONALD BIELEMA , 81, of 1511 Fourth St., Fulton, died Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at his home. He was a lifetime farmer, first in the Garden Plain area, then in rural Mount Carroll area for 40 years. Mr. Bielema was born Feb. 29, 1920, in Ustick Township, Whiteside county, the son of Clarence and Ann (Balk) Bielema. He attended rural Whiteside County schools. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He married Ella Mae Huizenga on Feb 24, 1948, in Garden Plain. She died April 19, 1988. He then married Esther Barsema on Sept. 15, 1990, in Fulton. He was a member of First Reformed Church, Fulton, Mount Carroll American Legion, Carroll County Farm Bureau and former member of Fulton Country Club and Spring Valley Reformed Church, Fulton. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Judy (John) Eaton of Mount Carroll and Cindy (Kurt) Beck of Savanna; a son, David (Donna) Bielema of Mount Carroll, a step-daughter, Marcia Renkes of Morrison; a stepson, Dale (Carol) Wiersema of Minneapolis; two sisters, Ruth (Robert) Venema of Fulton and Esther (David) Ebbers of Morrison; three brothers, Howard (Doris) Bielema of Morrison, Stan (Marge) Bielema and Kenneth Bielema, both of Fulton; seven grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with the Rev. Philip Sneller, pastor of First Reformed Church, Fulton, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Visitation will be from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to eye research at University-Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Sterling Daily Gazette Obituary , Thursday, 19 Apr 2001 A2;2

HOWARD BIELEMA , , 69, of 2551 Rock road, Erie, died Saturday, Nov 6, 1999, at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. Arrangements are pending at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette Sunday, Nov 7, 1999, A5:2

HOWARD L. BIELEMA , 85, of 209 E. Park Street, Morrison, IL, died Sunday, December 31, 2006 at Trinity Medical Center West in Rock Island, IL. Howard was born December 11, 1921, in Morrison IL, to Clarence and Anna (Balk) Bielema. He attended Central College in Pella, IA and graduated from Reformed Bible Institute in Grand Rapids, MI. He married Doris R. Meuzelaar on July 31, 1957 in South Holland, IL. Howard and Doris served as missionaries at the North Park Chapel in Grand Rapids, MI from 1960 - 1964; the American Indian Chapel in Chicago, IL from 1964 - 1981; the Christian Indian Center in Salt Lake City, UT from 1982 until his retirement in 1986. After retirement, he along with his wife formed the Morrison Christian Preschool. Howard was a member of Morrison Christian Reformed Church. He was a former member of Spring Valley Reformed Church of Fulton, IL, where he served as an elder and taught Sunday school. Survivors include his wife, Doris; two daughters, Dawn (Mrs. Ralph) Willie of Berwyn, IL and Joy Coleman of Joliet, IL; one son, Keith (Pamela) Bielema of Crest Hill, IL; seven grandchildren,Richard, Jason and Danielle Bielema; Jeremy and Kristina Willie; Nicole Coleman and Thomas (Ofelia) Coleman, Jr.,five great grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth (Mrs. Robert) Venema of Fulton, IL and Esther (Mrs. Dick) Ebbers of Morrison, IL; two brothers, Stan (Marge) Bielema and Kenneth Bielema, both of Fulton, IL. He was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Bielema.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent

JACQUELINE BIELEMA , 67, of 816 15th Ave., Fulton, died Sunday, April 2, 2000, at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with Jake Ritzema, interim pastor of First Christian Reformed Church, Fulton, officiating. Burial will be at Fulton Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to First Christian Reformed Church, Fulton. Mrs. Bielema was born Oct. 9, 1932, in Clinton, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Tina Van Vuren Graham. As a young child, she was adoped and raised by Edward and Dorothy (Wilkens) Brondyke. She was a 1951 graduate of Fulton High School. She married Kenneth L. Bielema on Oct 26, 1951, in Fulton. He survives. She was a member of First Christian Reformed Church, Fulton, and its Dorcas and Rebecca societies. She enjoyed the company of her grandchildren and family. Survivors include five sons, Dan Bielema, Russ (Sandy) Bielema, Steven Bielema and Jon (Deb) Bielema, all of Fulton and Tom Bielema of Kenosha, Wis.; a sister, Diane Byers of Coshocton, Ohio; three brothers, Frank (Jane) Graham of Mountain Home, Idaho, and Harry Graham of Mobile, Alabame, and Ron (Jean) Folkens of Berwyn; 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, William Dykstra and Carlyle Graham. (Sterling Daily Gazette Obituary, Tuesday 4 Apr 2000, H2;3)

SERVICES for Jacqueline S BIELEMA will be 10:30am Wednesday at the Fulton Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fulton Township Cemetery. Mrs. Bielema died Sunday 02 April 2000 at Mercy Medical Center-North Campus, Clinton IA. She married Kenneth BIELEMA in 1951 in Fulton IL. Memorials may be made to Firstt Christian Reformed Church in Fulton IL. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; sons: Dan, Russ, Steven, and Jon (all of Fulton IL), Tom of Kenosha, Wisconsin; and 12 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a sister: Diane BYERS of Coshocton OH; and brothers: Frank GRAHAM of Mtn Home ID; Harry GRAHAM of Mobile, Alabama; and Ron FOLKENS of Berwyn.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Found in the Quad-City Times of Davenport, Iowa - 04 April 2000 Fulton IL

JAY J. BIELEMA , 84, of Harbor Crest Nursing Home in Fulton, died Friday at the nursing home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Fulton Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Scott Bonestroo, pastor of Spring Valley Reformed Church, Fulton, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery.Pallbearers will be Kenneth Miller, Charles "Chuck" Miller, Gene Pessman, Vernon Pessman, Ronald Pessman, Jim Pessman, LaVerne Pessman, Robert Wiebenga, Arnold Wiebenga and Harlan Wiebenga. He was born Nov. 5, 1919, in Fulton to John J. and Grace Vander Schaaf Bielema. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County schools.He was a veteran of World War II. He was a farmer in the Fulton area.He was a member of the Spring Valley Reformed Church. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Mary (Corneil) Pessman of Fulton; and many nieces and nephews.
Clinton Herald February 4, 2004

MARGUERETE (RENKES) BIELEMA , 45, 2099 W.Wall St., Morrison, died at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Morrison Community Hospital. She had been ill since August 1959. The body was taken to the Reynolds Funeral Home where friends may call. Funeral services will be conducted at the Ebenezer Reformed Church Tuesday at 2 p.m. preceded by a prayeer service at 1:45 p.m. in the basement of the church for members of the family. The Rev. Bert Van Soest, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Grove Hill cemetery. Marguerite Renkes was born July 2, 1915 in Morrison, the daughter of Ren and Grace Wierenga Renkes. She was educated in the Morrison schools. She was married July 9, 1940 in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Reuben Bielema. She was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church and was active in a number of organizations in the church. Survivors are her husband, one son Dale, at home; her mother, Mrs. Grace Renkes, Morrison; five brothers, Everett, Tampico; Jay, Lexington, Ky.; George, Warren and Harvey all of Morrison; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Jane, her father and one sister, Janet.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 30, 1961 - pg 2, col 3

STANLEY BIELEMA , 80, of 1200 8th Avenue, Fulton, IL, died Thursday, January 25, 2007 at his home. Stan was born June 18, 1926 in Fulton, IL, to Clarence and Anna (Balk) Bielema. He was educated in the rural Carroll County grade schools and was a graduate of Thomson High School in Thomson, IL. He attended Central Christian College in Pella, IA. Stan married Marjorie Juist on May 11, 1948 in Fulton. He first farmed for several years. Later he owned and operated Bielema Oil Company in Fulton for many years. Most recently, he owned and operated Blackboard Maintenance Company in Fulton until retiring. Stan was a former member of Spring Valley Reformed Church - rural Fulton, the church's Men's Brotherhood and had served as an elder and deacon. He currently was a member of Trinity Reformed Church in Fulton, the church's Men's Brotherhood and had served as an elder. He was a member of Fulton Kiwanis Club. He was secretary of the Fulton Fire Department and had served as a trustee for 35 years. He also served as trustee and Fulton Township Supervisor for many years. He was a past member of the board of directors of the Riverbend School District, Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton Township Cemetery, Words of Hope Ministry, and Camp Manitoqua Christian Day Camp in Frankfort, IL. He was a thirty year charter member of Fulton Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing with his grandchildren, and many happy hours of playing cards with friends and family. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie; two daughters, Connie (Mrs. Rick) Van Heukelom of Grand Haven, MI and Lori (Mrs. Robert) VanZuiden of Morrison, IL; five grandchildren, Amy Van Heukelom; Kim (Mrs. Dave) McDonough; Nathan, Ryan, and Krista VanZuiden; two sisters, Ruth (Mrs. Bob) Venema of Fulton and Esther (Mrs. Dick) Ebbers of Morrison; one brother, Kenneth Bielema of Fulton.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Bosma-Renkes Obituaries

ADALIZA (HURD) BOOTH - At her home in Prophetstown, on Monday October 22, 1894, Mrs. Wm. A. Booth, aged 62 years, 11 months and 16 days. Adaliza Hurd was born in Vermont , Nov. 6, 1831 and came to Portland township, Whiteside county Ill., with her parents in 1838. She was married June 17, 1850, to William A. Booth, who with five children mourn the loss of wife and mother. For six months her health has been poor but she was only confined to her bed for three weeks preceeding her death. The funeral services were held on Tuesday, internment taking place in the Leon cemetery.

ASHLEY BOOTH - The subject of this brief sketch was born in Freetown, Mass. 17 Jan. 1806, and died in Portland, Whiteside Co., Ill. on August 22, 1885, aged 79 years and seven months. His parents moved to New York State where he resided with them until 1836. In 1833 Mr. Booth came to Illinois, first making a claim near where the village of Portland is now located, and in 1837 brought his family to his new home, living for a time in a rail cabin covered with boughs of trees. In 1844 he owned a farm at Woodward's Bluff in Prophetstown township, upon which he resided until 1878, a period of 34 years except for a couple years which he spent in the Pike's Peak gold diggings. Since 1878 he has been a resident of Portland. He was twice married, in 1830 to Miss Mary Foy, who died in 1872, and subsequently to Mrs. Fanny Winters, who still survives him. He was a spiritualist in belief and died firm to the knowledge of that principle, being ready and willing to join the loved ones gone before, and who were manifest around him. Short services over the remains were held at the residence of the deceased, after which they were taken to the Leon Cemetery for interment. Rev. A. B. Meder delivering the funeral discourse in the Leon Church.

ELDON H. BOOTH - died Wednesday morning (22 July 1959) at his home in the Leon Community. The body was taken to the Gardner Funeral Chapel, where friends may call. Funeral services will be conducted at the Leon Methodist Church Friday at 2 p.m. The Rev. Henry Holverson, pastor of the Tampico Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Leon Cemetery. Mr. Booth was born June 26, 1869 in Leon Township, the son of William A. and Ann Adaliza Hurd Booth. He was educated in the Woodward Bluff school. He was married to Viola Sollar at Geneseo on Dec. 5, 1896. He was a member of the Leon Methodist Church. He spent his entire lifetime in the Leon community. Survivors are two grandsons, Donald Booth, Clinton, Ia.; Raymond Booth, Clinton, Ia.; and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, one son Raymond, who died in 1952, his parents, two brothers and three sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 22, 1959 - Wednesday, pg 2

PHEBE AURELIA (FULLER) BOOTH - On Saturday morning the remains of Mrs. Aurelia Booth arrived in this place (Prophetstown) from Shannon, accompanied by her daughter, Mrs. S. N. (Addie) Langdon and other relatives. Mrs. Langdon went to Shannon with the intention of bringing her mother to Prophetstown to care for her, but before she arrived the mother had taken a turn for the worse and passed away about twenty minutes previous to her arrival. Aurelia Fuller Booth was born Dec 13, 1823 in Western Oneida Co., N.Y. and died in Shannon Jan 12, 1911. Mrs. Booth was married Feb 13, 1843, and lived in Cattaraugus Co. N.Y. until Jan 1866, when she with the family moved to Whiteside Co., settling about five miles south of Prophetstown where they lived until Dec 15 1886, when she moved to Shannon. Her husband preceded her in death in 1881. Mrs. Booth was the mother of seven children, two of whom died in childhood, one, Edward Fuller Booth, died Aug 6, 1888. Those who survive her of the children are Howard of Erie, Alfred of Morrison, Wesley of Chicago and Mrs. S. N. (Addie A.) Langdon of Prophetstown. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Mrs. Booth was brought up in a Christian home and early in her life expoused the cause of religion and was steadfast adherent to the cause all her life. She never was so happy as when in the work of her Master. Thirteen years previous to her death she was stricken with paralysis while teaching her Sunday School class. She had been a sufferer for several years previous to her death but died in peace. The funeral was held in the M.E. Church, Prophetstown, Sunday at 1:30 o'clock. Rev. F. P. McNamera conducting the service. After the service here, the remains were taken to Sandytown for burial. The pall bearers were Charles Sibley, Truman Sibley, William McNeill, Wesley Graham, Samuel Chapin and Robert Besse, all of them old neighbors and early friends of Mrs. Booth. Those in attendance from out of town were, W. W. Booth of Chicago, A.D. Booth and wife of Morrison, I.D Woodford and wife of Morrison, H.A. Booth of Erie, and Miss Jennie Booth of Shannon.

VIOLA (SOLLARS) BOOTH - died at her home in Leon, after a brief illness, Saturday, January 7. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Sollars. The deceased was but a little more than twenty years of age. She leaves a husband and infant son, father, mother, two brother and one sister. The funeral was held in the Leon church last Monday being conducted by Rev. Seger of New Bedford.

WILLIAM BOOTH - The residence of Wm. Booth, near Sandytown schoolhouse, in the township of Portland, has been one of sorrow during the past few days. On Friday evening, Dec 9, as Mr. Booth was about to feed a young horse, the animal struck him with its fore feet, felling him to the floor, and not being satisfied with this, continued to strike until it had broken his upper and lower jaws, fractured several of his ribs and driven one of the broken ribs through the left side into the lung. When found he was in an insensible condition and remained so for some length of time. Drs. Mosher, of this place, and Anthony, of Sterling, consulted on Saturday, the day following the accident, and seem to think that there is barely a hope for recovery. (Whiteside Sentinel 15 December 1881 Website of Lucinda Murdock)

Wm. Booth, the party spoken of in the last issue of the Sentinel, who was so badly mutilated by a horse, died at his farm residence in Sandytown on Friday, Dec 16th at 7:30 pm. Mr. Booth was nearly 68 years of age at the time of his death, and leaves behind him five brothers, five children, and a loving and ever affectionate wife, to mourn his seemingly untimely death. The funeral was held on Saturday, Dec 17th, and was attended by his many friends and neighbors, who can only speak kind words for their companion for upwards of twenty years. Mr. Booth was born in the township of Caroline, in Tompkins County, N.Y. in 1809, and was married to Miss Aurelia Fuller in the year 1842. In 1866 they removed to this state and located on the farm he occupied at the time of his death. The services were conducted by the Rev. R. Linee, pastor of the Erie M.E. Church. Bolen Lodge No. 412 assisted by Prophetstown Lodge No. 293, A.F & A.M. conducted the ceremony at the gravesite at Sandytown Cemetery. Mr. Booth was, since Monday of Last week, conscious of all that had taken place and realized that his days were numbered and that he would soon be called away. Still he expressed a desire to go and felt that it was for the best.

BARBARA (PETERSON) BOUND - 91, of Prophets Riverview Center, Prophetstown, died Thursday, April 17, 2003, at the nursing home. Mrs. Bound was born Sept. 13, 1911, near Sheffield, the daughter of Lewis and Vera (Draper) Peterson. She married Orson Bound on Dec. 12, 1931, in Mineral. She volunteered at Prophets Riverview Center for many years and assisted on the drive to the established Winning Wheels, Prophetstown. She was a member of United Methodist Church, Prophetstown, and Prophetstown Historical Society. Survivors include a sister, Vera "Babe" Lawrence of Prophetstown; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Darrell; six brothers; and two sisters. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Monday at Prophetstown United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Sandy Harbour, pastor, officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. Monday at the church. Arrangements were completed by Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 19, 2003 - pg A5

EARL J. BOUND - Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in Gardner Funeral Chapel for Earl J. Bound, 74, who died Saturday at his home at 308 Park Ave., Prophetstown. The Rev. Dean Lundstrom will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Mr. Bound was a retired farmer. Earl J. Bound was born March 28, 1897, in Prophetstown Township, the son of Luther J. Bound and Elizabeth Beechel Bound. He received his education in the Prairie View School. He married Evangeline McGrady, of Prophetstown, May 28, 1924. Survivors include the widow; one son Richard, Prophetstown; one daughter, Mrs Kent (Ardith) Pobanz, Ballwin, Mo.; one sister, Mrs. Ida Hecht, Prophetstown; four grandchildren. He was preceded by one brother, Orson. Friends may visit at the Gardner Chapel Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Prophets Riverview Nursing Center.
Contributed by Melva Taylor

ELIZABETH (BEECHEL) BOUND - The body was removed to the Gardner Mortuary where friends may call. Funeral services will be in Gardner Chapel at 2 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. C. F. Chasteen, Methodist minister officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Elizabeth June Beechel was born August 16, 1872, at Hooppole, the daughter of Lewis and Catherine Oberle Beechel, and received her education in Hooppole schools. She married Luther J. Bound in Prophetstown on Nov. 17, 1895. She had lived in this community all her life. Surviving are two sons, Earl and Orson and one daughter, Mrs. Hugo (Ida) Hecht, all of Prophetstown; one brother, three sisters, three grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1937, one brother, several sisters and one grandson.
Contributed by Melva Taylor

EMMA (COX) BOUND , passed away at her home in Leon on December 2, 1932 at the age of 85 years. About three weeks ago she suffered a paralytic stroke which was the cause of her death. She was born in Niles, Michigan, August 31, 1847. At the age of 5 years she came with her parents, Luther and Sarah Lane Cox to the prairies of Illinois where they erected their log cabin in the land they purchased from the government, and this farm has always been their home with the exception of three years during which time she lived at Yorktown. She was united in marriage to Jerome Bound and to them was born one son, L. J. Bound. For several years owing to the infirmities and old age, and poor eyesight, she has been confined to her home, but uncomplainingly has born it all with patience. She is the last one of the early pioneers of this community. She was tenderly cared for by her nieces, Dollie and Priscilla Cox, whom she had cared for in childhood after the death of their mother. Of a family of seven children, she is survived by one brother, S. M. Cox, with whom she made her home, one son - L. J. Bound of Woodward's Bluff, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren and many friends.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Prophetstown Echo, Prophetstown, Illinois December 7, 1932

LUTHER J. BOUND - 68, died at 9 p.m. Monday at his home in Prophetstown following an illness of one year. The body was removed to the Helm & Helm Mortuary. Funeral rites are to be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday from the late home, with burial in the Riverside Cemetery at Prophetstown. The deceased was born October 20, 1868 in Prophetstown township and had always lived in the community. He was married to Elizabeth Beechel of Hooppole, November 17, 1895. Mr. Bound was a farmer. He retired from the farm and moved to Prophetstown last January. Besides his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Hugo Hecht in the home, and two sons, Earl and Orson, both of Prophetstown, survive. There are two grandchildren, Richard and Ardith Bound. A grandson, Bobby Daft, preceded him in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling Illinois August 17, 1937

ORSON SYLVESTER BOUND , 64, farmer, passed away early Thursday morning at his home following a lingering illness. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Paul Olson officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Orson Sylvester Bound was born June 1, 1905, in Prophetstown, the son of Luther J. and Elizabeth Beechel Bound. He attended the rural Prophetstown schools and served on the board and building committees when Centerville School was built. He married Barbara Peterson of Prophetstown in Princeton, Dec. 12, 1931. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. He is survived by the widow; one son, Darrell, and one brother Earl and one sister, Mrs. Ida Hecht, all of Prophetstown; also one niece and one nephew. Friends may call at the Gardner Funeral Chapel from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the Heart Fund.
Contributed by Melva Taylor

CAROLE G. BRACKEMYER , 62, of 804 W. Park, Morrison, IL, died Saturday, October 15, 2005, at Genesis East Medical Center in Davenport, IA. Carole was born October 8, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA to Uhlan K. and Marjorie J. (Henricks) Stoudt. She was educated in the Erie, IL grade and high schools graduating in 1961. Carole married Garrett R. "Gary" Brackemyer on October 19, 1963 in Erie, IL. She was employed with Volckmann Furniture, General Electric, and the Whiteside County Sheriff's Department all of Morrison, IL. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, fly fishing, and being with her family. Carole was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister-in-law. She was a wonderful sister-in-law to Malinda Galloway. Survivors include her husband, Gary; two sons, Brian (Cathy) Brackemyer of Auburn, IL and Mike (Dawn) Brackemyer of Topeka, KS; three grandchildren, Zachary, Chase, and Cole Brackemyer; one brother, Tom (Sharon) Stoudt of Erie, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents. Private Family Services on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Father William Antillon – Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church – Morrison, IL VISITATION: No Visitation will be held INTERMENT: Erie Cemetery – Erie, IL
Contributed by Barbara Nugent from Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home Date: Oct 2005

DONALD J. BRACKEMYER , of Wyndcrest Nursing Home, Clinton, Iowa, formerly of Fulton, died Monday, Nov. 15, 1999, at the nursing home. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Fulton Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Fulton, with military services. Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mr. Brackemyer retired in 1993 as a meat inspector for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Before that, he owned and operated Fulton Locker from 1961 to 1977; drove a truck for Carnations Milk Plant, Morrison; and farmed in rural Morrison. He was born Sept. 11, 1920, in Round Grove. He married Ruth Montague in 1940 in Morrison. During World War II, he served in the Army. Memorials may be made to Trinity Reformed Church, Fulton. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Janice Sheetz, Rockford; sons, Arlyn, River Falls, Wis., and Dean, Fulton; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sisters, Jessie Vander Eide and Irma Tiesman, both of Morrison.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent

DOROTHY (MOORMAN) BRACKEMYER , 64, 604 Lincolnway East, died Thursday evening at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Rev. Philip Kennedy will officiate. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit the Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. Friday. The rosary will be read at 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established by the family. Dorothy Moorman was born May 14, 1914 at Cascade, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Dunkel Moorman. She was reared and educated in the Cascade area and graduated in 1935 from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Clinton, Iowa. She was employed in various nursing capacities at Morrison Community Hospital from 1936-1966, when she was appointed director of nursing. She held that position at the time of her death. Brackemeyer was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, an active member of the Whiteside County Board of Health and the Sauk Valley Area Board of Catholic Education. She was also active in the church. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Leroy (Mary Lynn) Bowman of Sterling and Mrs. George (Nancy) Modica of Freeport; three sons, Thomas and James, both of Sterling, and John of Morrison; seven grandchildren, six sisters, Mrs. Millie Wieneke, Morrison; Mrs. Mary Maternach, Mrs. Ella Kurt, Mrs. Laura Rillinger, Miss Clara Moorman and Miss Rose Moorman, all of Cascade, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one infant granddaughter.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 7, 1978 - Friday, page 4

EDWARD H. BRACKEMYER , 79, of 1163 Dosseywood Lane, Lakeland, FL, formerly of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, September 9, 2007 at his home. Ed was born June 26, 1928, in Sterling, IL, to Simon H. and Grace (Shipma) Brackemyer. He was educated in the Green Valley Grade School of rural Whiteside County and attended Morrison High School. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He married LaNora Stern on September 29, 1950 in Sterling, IL. She died February 8, 1958. He married Phyllis Near on August 14, 1958 in Sterling, and later married Colleen Covell on February 28, 1975 in Morrison, IL. He then married Kathleen Bry-Hadley on September 23, 1988 in Monroe, WI. He engaged in farming in rural Whiteside County for 40 years. Most recently he was employed by the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Company in Sterling, IL for 18 years, retiring in 1990. He was a lifetime member of the Morrison VFW Post #8281, and was a member the First Reformed Church in Tampa, FL. He enjoyed woodworking, the company of his family and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Kathy; four daughters, Kathy Mae (Mrs. Donn) Johnson of North Haven, CT, Kerry (Mrs. David) Meyer – Prophetstown, IL, Kathy Rae Bechen of Hopkinsville, KY and Lee Ann (Mrs. Jason) Trexler of Crystal Lake, IL; three sons, Larry (Pam) Brackemyer of Morrison, IL, Randy Brackemyer of Bernard, IA and Denny (Jean) Brackemyer of Bernard, IA; one step daughter, Sherry L. (Charles) O’Brien of Loves Park, IL; two step sons, David D. (Margaret) Hadley of Gettysburg, PA and Darrell S. (Darlene) Hadley of Winter Haven, FL; twenty two grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Elsie Mae Donaldson of Johnson, IL. He was preceded in death by his first wife, LaNora; one granddaughter, Ashleigh Jean Bechen; one sister, Rena Schaver. Funeral Information: FUNERAL SERVICE WHEN AND WHERE: 10:30 AM Friday – September 14, 2007 at the Morrison Chapel – Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Mike Winkelman – Pastor: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church – Morrison, IL VISITATION: 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday September 13, 2007 at the Morrison Chapel – Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home INTERMENT: Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cemetery – Sterling, IL
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home Date: Sep 2007

GARRETT R. BRACKEMYER , 63, of 701-1 Melody Court, Morrison, IL, died Saturday, December 16, 2006 at his home. Gary was born August 17, 1943 in Morrison, IL, to Jacob J. and Dorothy M. Brackemyer. He attended Lyndon grade and high schools and received his G.E.D. while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Gary married Carole G. Stoudt on October 19, 1963 in Erie, IL. She died October 15, 2005. He was employed by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Union Local #2158. He then was employed by the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Company in Sterling, IL as a supervisor for 11 years. He was a member of the Morrison American Legion Post #328 and the National Rifle Association. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Dorothy M. Brackemyer of Morrison, IL; two sons, Brian (Cathy) Brackemyer of Auburn, IL and Mike (Dawn) Brackemyer of Topeka, KS; three grandchildren, Zachary, Chase, and Cole Brackemyer; one sister, Malinda (Mrs. Don) Galloway of Morrison, IL and one brother, Steven (Nadine) Brackemyer of Rochelle, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole and his father, Jacob J. Brackemyer. A Private Family Graveside Service with Military Funeral Honors will be held at the Erie Cemetery - Erie, IL There will be no visitation - The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Interment Erie Cemetery - Erie, IL
Contributed by Barbara Nugent from Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home Date: Dec 2006

JACOB J. BRACKEMYER , 85, of Morrison, died Dec. 3, 2004, at Mercy Medical North, Clinton, Iowa. Services are 1:30 p.m. Monday at Bosma-Renkes, Morrison. There is no visitation. Burial of cremains is in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. He was born Dec. 10, 1918, in Morrison. He married Dorothy May Meyer Aug. 3, 1938. Surviving are his wife; children, Malinda Galloway, Garrett, both Morrison, Steven, Rochelle, Ill.; six grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Lena Barsema, Fulton, June Vanderlaan, Clinton; brother, Richard, Morrison.

JACOB BRACKEMEYER , 81, Morrison, died at noon Tuesday at Morrison Community Hospital after being ill the past two weeks. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Ebenezer Reformed Church, preceded by a family prayer service at 2:45 p.m. The Rev. Harry Buis will officiate and burial wil be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit at the Tomlinson Funeral Home Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. Jacob Brackemyer was born May 30, 1892 in Garden Plain Township, the son of Henry and Roelvina Holesinger Brackemyer. He attended Prairie Center School. He married Anna Bush on May 27, 1915 in Morrison and the couple farmed in the Morrison area until moving to Morrison in 1945. He was employed in Stralows Hardware for 23 years. He was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church and served as elder and deacon for a number of years. Survivors include his widow, two sons, Roy and Donald, both of Fulton; two daughters, Mrs. Orin (Jessie) Vander Eide and Mrs. Joe (Irma) Tiesman, both of Morrison; one sister, Mrs. Louis Shipma and one brother, Richard Brackemyer, both of Morrison; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Contriubted by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IL June 27, 1973 - Wednesday, pg 2

RICHARD H. BRACKEMEYER , 84, Morrison, retired farmer died Sunday afternoon (16 Sep 1973) at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Ebenezer Reformed Church, preceded by a 1:45 p.m. prayer service. The Rev. Harry Buis will officaite and burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday at the Reynolds Funeral Home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A memorial has been established in his name. He was born March 21, 1889 at Garden Plain, the son of Henry and Ravine Holsinger Brackemyer. He was reared and educated in Garden Plain. On June 1909, he married Rika Brilstra at Morrison. They farmed until moving to Morrison in 1942. He was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church. Survivors include five sons, Henry, Sterling; Raymond, Davenport; Jacob J. and Richard Jr., both of Morrison; and Robert of Clinton, Iowa; two daughters, Mrs. Milton (Lena) Barsema, Fulton; Mrs. Bert (Jane) Vanderlaar, Clinton, Iowa; one sister, Mrs. Louis Shipma, Morrison; 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, three brothers, one sister, one great-grandchild and two grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 17, 1973 - Monday, pg 2

RICHARD J. BRACKEMYER , 88, of 306 South Jackson Street in Morrison, IL died Sunday, January 17, 2010 at Morrison Community Hospital. Richard was born on February 27, 1921 in Morrison, IL to Richard H. and Rika (Brilstra) Brackemyer. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County schools. He married Florence Renkes on October 2, 1942 in Morrison, IL. She preceded him in death on July 14, 1997. Rich first engaged in farming in the Morrison area. During World War II he worked for the ICA Ice Cooling Factory in Morrison. Following retirement he was employed as a driver for R.C. Smith Transportation and Scenic Stage Lines. Rich was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, IL and the church's Men's League. He also served as an usher. He was President of AARP and volunteered for the Morrison Golden Meals Chapter. Rich bowled in leagues in Morrison and Fulton for many years. Survivors include one daughter, Susan (Jack) Bland of Morrison, IL; one son, Gerald (Mary Ellen) Brackemyer of Morrison, IL; six grandchildren, John (Debbie) Bland, Jr., Jennifer (Shawn) Greeley, Jody (Lisa) Bland, Claudia (Frank) Garcia, William (Sherry) Brackemyer, Barb (Eric) Nienhouse; fourteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Brackemyer of Morrison, IL; one brother-in-law, Edward Snyder of Morrison, IL; special friend, Florence Bicker of Clinton, IA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence; two sisters, Jane Vanderlaan and Lena Barsema; four brothers, Jacob, Henry, Raymond and Robert Brackemyer. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 AM Thursday - January 21, 2010 at the Morrison Chapel - Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home OFFICIATING: Rev. Philip Stel - Pastor Ebenezer Reformed Church -Morrison, IL VISITATION: 4:00 - 7:00 PM Wednesday - January 20, 2010 at the Morrison Chapel - Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home INTERMENT: Grove Hill Cemetery - Morrison, IL
Cotnributed by Barbara Nugent Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home Date: Jan 2010

RUTH (MONTAGUE) BRACKEMYER , 84, of Wyndcrest Nursing Home, Clinton, Iowa, formerly of Fulton, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at the nursing horne. She was employed by Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton. as the housekeeping supervisor, retiring in 1986. Mrs. Brackemyer was born May 8,1920, in Fenton, the daughter of William and Mamie (Anspach) Montague. She married Donald J. Brackemyer on April lO, 1940, in Morrison. He died Nov. 15, 1999 Survivors include a daughter, Janice Sheetz of Rockford; two sons, Arlyn Brackemyer of River Falls, Wis.. and Dean (Marcia) Brackemyer of Fulton; a sister, Wilma (Glenn) Tucker, of Michigan; two brothers, Donald (Darlene) Montague of Dixon and Joe (Lois) Montague of Warren; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Green; and two brothers in infancy. The funeral is at 10 a.m. Friday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma­ Renkes Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bruce Wilterdink, interim pastor of Trinity Reformed Church officiating. Burial is at Grove Hill Cemetery,

BERTHA (FREDERICKS) BREWER , 74, 2201 East 18th Place, Sterling was pronounced dead on arrival at Community General Hospital Saturday night. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call fron 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm on Tuesday. At 11:30 am Wednesday the body will be taken to St Paul 's Lutherean Church to lie in state until the time of the service at 1:30 pm . the Rev. Warren C. Weeg, pastor of the Church will officiate. Burial will take place at Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cem. A memorial has been established to St Paul Lutheran Church. Mrs Brewer was born Oct. 11 1901 in Clyde Twp., the daughter of John and Gesine Dirks Fredericks. She resided in this area her entire life and was a member of St Paul's Lutheran Church. She was organist at the church for a number of years and a house mother at the WMCA for 10 years. She was a member of the Sterling Womans Club Her husband, Leonard Brewer preceded May 16, 1951. Surviving are one brother John H. Fredericks of Canton OH and two grandchildren David Brewer and Christine Brewer of Delaware OH She was preceded by a daughter Verla Mae Brewer in 1947 and a son Marvin in Sept 27 1961. (His headstone says 28 Sept)

LEONARD ISAAC BREWER , 46, of 912 1/2 West Seventh Street, Sterling died suddenly of a heart attack at 8 p.m. Wednesday (16 May 1951) at the Bend Clinic in Dixon. The body was brought to the Melvin Funeral Home and late this afternoon will be taken to the Brewer Home where friends may call after 7 pm this Thursday. Funeral rites will be held Saturday afternoon with a prayer service for the family at 2 o' clock in the home and the main service at 2:30 pm in St Paul Lutheran Church. The Rev C.A. Kalkwarf will officiate and interment will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Mr Brewer was born September 8, 1904 at Cowden IL. the son of William and Iva Brewer. He was united in marriage with Bertha Fredricks on July 21, 1923 in the parsoaage of the West Jordon Lutheran Church. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Bertha Brewer and one son Marvin of Troy Ohio also one sister Mrs. Darwim Moore of Vernon IL. his father William Brewer of Vernon and four brothers: Tom of Vernon, Bert of Decatur, Clyde of Mt Carroll and Harlan of Rock Falls. A daughter Verla Mae preceded him in death in 1947. Mr Brewer had been a resident of Sterling for 31 years. He was employed for the past year by the Prince Castle Manufacturing Division and proir to that time was employed six years by the Borden Co. He was secretary of the Modern Woodman Camp 12 fo Sterling for 13 years and was a member of the St Paul Lutheran Church since 1933.

KENT BRITT , 71, of Rock Falls died Tuesday, April 11, 2000 after an extended illness. He worked at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. in Sterling as an inspector in the east plant 25 inch mill and as the nailroom supervisor prior to retiring. Mr. Britt was born April 19, 1928 in Evanston to Edwin and Margaret (Quilter) Britt. He married Jean McGava Sept. 6, 1969. She preceded him in death Dec. 29, 1998. Survivors include his daughter, Bobbi Sparrow (Britt) of Glendale, Ariz.; three stepdaughters, Ann Ruth of Sterling, Susan Case of Joliet and Jody Seip of Des Moines, Iowa; two stepsons, Lon VanGilder of Sterling and John Unger of Clinton, Iowa; one brother, Dave Britt of Sterling; three grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren. He was a veteran of WW II having served in the Army. He was a member of the Sterling American Legion. Graveside services with military rites will be at 9:30 a.m. Firday at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling, with Monsignor Thomas Bales, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church officiating. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the McDonald Funeral Home and Crematory in Rock Falls.

HELEN E. (WIEBENGA) BRUINS , 73, of Peru, IL, formerly of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, November 4, 2007 at Liberty Village Retirement Community, Peru, IL. Helen was born October 22, 1934 in Fulton, IL, to John K. and Janet G. (Kettler) Wiebenga. She was educated in the Fulton Christian Grade School and was a graduate of Fulton High School. Helen married Norman D. Bruins on April 9, 1954 in Fulton, IL. He died January 7, 2006. She was employed at the Morrison High School Cafeteria. Helen was a member of Morrison Christian Reformed Church and the church's Ladies Aid Society. Survivors include one daughter, Rebecca (Mrs. Trent) Jacobs of Cedar Rapids, IA; two sons, John (Bonnie) Bruins of Coleta, IL and Brad (Josanne) Bruins of Peru, IL; eleven grandchildren, Ian (Lisa) Bruins, Seth Bruins, Audra (Mrs. Gabe) Fairchild, Philip, Paul, Alexandria and Elisheva Bruins, Joseph, Rachael, Mara, and Emily Jacobs; two great grandchildren, Ava and Ruby Bruins; one sister, Barbara Prins of Kentwood, MI; one brother, David (Barbara) Wiebenga of Byron Center, MI; and one brother-in-law, Doug (Glenda) Kloet of Kenosha, WI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norm; one son, Thomas Bruins, two sisters, Mildred Kloet and Carol Wiebenga.


NORMAN D. BRUINS , 75, of 200 Ash Avenue, Morrison, IL, died Saturday, January 7, 2006 at his home. Norm was born December 9, 1930 in Morrison to John J. and Zada R. (Humphrey) Bruins. He was educated in the Morrison grade schools and was a Morrison High School graduate. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He married Helen E. Wiebenga on April 9, 1954 in Fulton, IL. Norm was first employed as a mechanic and later service manager for the former Don Norberry Chevrolet Dealership of Morrison. He was later employed as service manager for McEleney Motors in Clinton, IA for 22 years, retiring in 1993. Norm was a member of Morrison Christian Reformed Church where he served as deacon and elder. He had also served as bookkeeper for the church from 1992 to 2004. Norm served as Supervisor for both Union Grove and Mt. Pleasant Townships. He was known as a gifted handyman and appreciated the company of his family. Survivors include his wife, Helen; one daughter, Rebecca (Mrs. Trent) Jacobs of Cedar Rapids, IA; two sons, John (Bonnie) Bruins of Coleta, IL and Brad (Josanne) Bruins of Peru, IL; ten grandchildren, Ian (Lisa) Bruins, Seth Bruins, Audra (Gabe) Fairchild, Philip Bruins, Paul Bruins, and Alexandria Bruins; Joseph Jacobs, Rachael Jacobs, Mara Jacobs, and Emily Jacobs; one great grandchild, Ava Bruins; one sister, Mrs. Eleanor Douglas of Morrison, IL. He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Bruins; two sisters, Verdella Bruins and Shirley Bruins; one brother, Albert Bruins.

SHIRLEY ANN BRUINS , 39, passed away Wednesday morning at his home in Morrison, following an illness of two years. She was born Aug. 25, 1927, the daughter of John and Zada Humphrey Bruins, Morrison. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Zada Bruins, Morrison, two brothers, Albert, Sterling , and Norman , Morrison; one sister, Mrs. Floyd (Eleanor) Douglas, Fulton. She was preceded by her father and one sister, Verdella Bruins. Services will be conducted Friday a 2 p.m., at the Reynolds Funeral Home, Morrison, with the Rev. E. J. Blair officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery , Morrison. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Thursday.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Jun 7, 1967 Sterling Gazette

CHARLOTTE BRUNS , Funeral services are pending at Schmitt Chapel for Chloette Bruns, 19, of Tampico who was killled in a one car accient 1 1/2 miles north of Tampico early today (10 May 1974) . Chloette Burns was born in Sterling, March 29, 1955, the daughter of Maurice and Jean Miller Bruns. She had lived in Tampico eight years and graduated from Tampico High School in 1972. She was employed at Kmart in Sterling. Surviving are her parents, four brothers and two sisters, Gary, Maurice Jr., Rickey, Quinn, Donna and Debbie; also her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Chloe Hazel. Preceding in death were her paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather.
May 14 - Saturday Rites Set For Chloette Bruns - Tampico: - Funeral services for Chloette Bruns will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Schmitt Chapel with the Rev. Thomas Harmon of the Tampico First United Methodist Church, officiating. Friends may visit the chapel on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette May 10, 1974 - Friday, pg 2

GLENN H. BRUNS , 83, of Shannon died Saturday Jan. 1, 2005 at FHN Hospital, Freeport. He was born July 27, 1921 in Rock Falls, the son of Arthur and Hazel (Spencer) Bruns. He was a 1941 graduate of Rock Falls High School. Glenn married Dorothy Broeker on July 3, 1942 in Marysville MO. He served in the US Army during WW II in the 192nd Quartermasters Corps. He was a member of Rock Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5418 and t. John's Lutheran Church, Lena. He enjoyed living long enough to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to fish and play cards with his family. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Shannon; three daughters, Judy Witt of Boston, Glenda (Roger) Sneek of SHannon and Jill (Dennis) Williams of Cedarville; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Burial at Coloma Twp. Cemetery, Rock Falls.

MARY G. (JOHNSON) BRUNS , 40, wife of George Carl Bruns of Hopkins Township died June 3, 1913 after a short illness. Mrs. Bruns had been in ill health for several years but was taken suddenly ill. Funeral services were held at the residence and at the West Jordan Lutheran church in both English and German. Interment was at the West Jordan Cemetery. Mary Marie was the daughter of Henry B. and Meta (Eilers) Johnson of Genesee Township. She was born November 17, 1872, and resided in Genesee Township until her marriage on Dec. 29, 1892. She is survived by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Martha (Carl) Hinrichs of Hopkins Township, three sons: Carl Oltmanns, Henry Oltmanns, and George Oltmanns, who reside at home; her father and mother; and the following brothers and sisters: William H. Johnson of Paulina, Iowa, Mrs. “Reka” Fred Oltmanns of Hopkins Twp. Mrs. Anna (Thaddeus) Davis, Mrs. Hanna (Emanuel aka Christ) Wolber of Emerson, Mrs. Lizzie (Bernard) Fulfs of Genesee Twp., Henry F. Johnson of Mt. Pleasant Twp., Bernard Johnson of Genesee Twp., and Charles F. “Carl” Johnson of Genesee Twp.; also one grandchild, Alice Hinrichs. Mrs. Mary Bruns had been a lifelong member of the West Jordan Lutheran church and has been a sincere, conscientious Christian. Her home life was one of unusual sweetness and purity and her death is one that will bring sincere regret to a large circle of sorrowing friends and relatives as well as the immediate members of the family.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

MAURICE BRUNS , 66, of 108 N. Washington St., Tampico, died Thursday afternoon (25 Feb 1988) at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico, with Rev. Dennis Heaney, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 only. A memorial has been established. Mr. Bruns was born July 2, 1921 in Sterling, the son of Henry and Etta Beherends Bruns. He married Imogene Miller, April 24, 1947 in Palmyra. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was a welder at Northwestern Steel and Wire, Sterling, for 18 years, retiring in 1978. He is survived by his wife, Imogene, Tampico; four sons, Gary, Quinn and Rich, all of Tampico; and Maurice Jr. of Rock Falls; two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Donna) Courtney, Tamkpico, and Mrs. Dennis (Debbie) Rockwell, Rock Falls; eight grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Charles (Fern) Tompkins, Tampico; one brother, Harold, Pleasanton, Calif.; two half brothers, Lee and Jack Wiliamson, Rock Falls; two half sisters, Mrs. Jack (Judy) Rippi and Nancy Hagerman, both of Rock Falls. He was preceded ind eath by his parents and one daughter.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 26, 1988 - Friday, pg A2
Buried at Tampico Cemetery

NELLIE (WOLBER) BRUNS , age 74, RR1, Milledgeville, died Monday morning (16 March 1970) at Community General Hospital as a result of burns received Thursday in a fire in her home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 1:30 p.m. in West Jordon Lutheran Church with Dr. Alfred Grewe officiating. Burial will in Oak Knoll Park. Friends may call from 2-9 p.m. at Behrens Mortuary Tuesday. A memorial has been established. Nellie Wolber was born Aug. 29, 1895 at Genesee Township, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Wolber. She attended Salem School. On Jan. 16, 1919 she was united in marriage to Carl Bruns, in the West Jordan Church. Mrs. Bruns was a life long member of the West Jordon Lutheran Church and a member of the Ladies Aid. She is survived by her husband Carl; one son, Mervin, RR1, Milledgeville; one daughter, Mrs. Clarence (Leone) Reed, RR3, Sterling; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, James Wolber and Roy Wolber, both of Sterling. One sister and one brother preceded her in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 16, 1970 - Monday, pg 2

ANNA (REED) BURDSALL , 95, died in Fulton at the Harbor Crest home Thursday morning (24 October 1974) . She had been a resident of the home for three years. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Congregational Church in Prophetstown with the Rev. Daniel Boxwell officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Gardner Funeral Home in Prophetstown. A memorial has been established for the Congregational Church. Anna D. Burdsall was born June 16, 1879 in Hume Township, the daughter of William H. and Susan Cornelia Adams Reed. She lived in the Prophetstown area and was a member of the Congregational Church in Prophetstown. She married Walter W. Burdsall in Prophetstown on Feb. 8, 1899. They farmed in the Prophetstown area until 1913 when they moved into Prophetstown. Survivors include two sons, Howard R. Burdsall of Prophetstown and Lester W. Burdsall of New Port Richey, Fla.; one daughter, Mrs. Verna M. Johnson of Prophetstown; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents, her husband, two brothers, two sisters, two half-sisters, one half-brother and two grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 24, 1974 - Thursday, pg. 9

BELA SHERIDAN BURDSALL , aged 65 years, died at 2:30 o’clock this morning in his home following an illness of two weeks. His death was caused from a cerebral hemorrhage. The funeral will be held at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon in the late home, Rev. I. C. Campbell of the Congregational church officiating. Interment will be made in Riverside cemetery. Bela Sheridan Burdsall was born June 30, 1867 in Hopkins township, Whiteside county. His parents were Charles and Elizabeth Pond Burdsall. His entire life was spent in this community. He was united in marriage to Miss Kate Dorathy of Portland township October 10, 1895 in Morrison. Besides his widow Mr. Burdsall leaves two sons, William H and Elwood R., three grandchildren and one brother, Milton Burdsall, all of Prophetstown. One sister, Mrs. Ella Austen lives in Stevensville, Montana ( January 17, 1933 Sterling Gazette)
Funeral services for Bela Burdsall, 65, who died Tuesday, were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the late residence in this city. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends. Rev., I C. Campbell of the Congregational church, conducted the rites, and spoke words of comfort to the bereaved family. Mrs. Park Thede sang two hymns, “Beautiful I’sle of Somewhere”, and “In The Sweet Bye and Bye.” Burial was made in Riverside cemetery. Those attending the casket were: William Manning of Lyndon and C. C. Reynolds, Ross Kiner, H.B. McGrady, A. S. Greene and Roy Arnett. Those from a distance who attended the services were: Sterling – Mr. and Mrs. George Bleitz; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Janvrin, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Sathoff and Mrs. Laura Bryson; rock Falls – Mr. and Mrs. Fred Glafka and son, Eugene; Mendota - Mr. and Mrs. Gus Fritz; Morrison – Mr. and Mrs. Willard Humphrey; Lyndon- Mr. and Mrs. William Manning
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - from the January 20, 1933 Sterling Gazette

BESSIE M. (RHODES) BURDSALL , was born January 1, 1900, the daughter of Charles E. and Ada (Pemberton) Rhodes. She graduated from Prophetstown High School, class of 1917. She married William H. Burdsall of Prophetstown on November 26, 1918 in Morrison. She has lived almost all of her life in the Prophetstown community. She was a member of the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, a 50 year member of Minerva Chapter, O.R.S., Prophetstown, and a 50 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Prophetstown. She passed away November 16, 1988 at Prophets Riverview Center in Prophetstown at the age of 88. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs.Dorothy Anderson and Mrs. Frank (Jean) Moews both of Prophetstown; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, in 1957; one brother, Charles, Weyburn, Canada, and two sisters, Lillie Dorathy, Prophetstown and Nellie Cornish, Canada. Funeral services were held Friday, November 19, 1988, at 1 p.m. at the Gardner Chapel in Prophetstown with Rev. Bruce Janes, pastor of Prophetstown United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown.

ELWOOD R. BURDSALL , 62, died Monday morning (Januray 14, 1963) at his home in Prophetstown. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Gardner Funeral Chapel. Friends may come Tuesday evening at the Chapel. Rev Nelson Chasteen of the First Congregational Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery. He was born Aug 5, 1900 in Prophetstown and resided there all his life. He is the son of Bela and Kate Dorathy Burdsall. He was educated in Prophetstown and married Tillie Frankenfield of Prophetstown in Morrison, Sept. 24, 1924. Surviving are his mother, wife and one daughter, Mrs. Clifford (Annabelle) Fresnel, Manus, and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, William
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Gardner Funeral Chapel for Elwood R Burdsall, 61, who passed away Monday morning. The Rev. Nelson c. Chasteen officiated for the services held at the Gardner Funeral Chapel and burial was in the Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. L M Dingman was at the chapel organ. Pallbearers were Ronald We burg, Eldon Blair, Art Egert, Wallace Lawrence, Ronald Knickers and A J Johnson. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Wallace Lawrence, Mrs. Ronald We burg and Mrs. Ella Follows.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the January 15 & 18, 1963 Sterling Daily Gazette

KATE (DORATHY) BURDSALL , 87, died this morning in Morrison community Hospital. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Gardner Funeral Chapel. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday afternoon. The complete obituary will follow later.
2nd Notice
Mrs. Kate Burdsall, 87, died Wednesday morning (December 23, 1964) in Morrison Community Hospital. Mrs. Burdsall was born Oct. 3, 1877, in Portland Township, the daughter of William and Clementine (Toms) Dorathy. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors. On Oct. 10, 1895 she married Bela Burdsall in Prophetstown. Surviving are one brother, Bruce Dorathy, Prophetstown; one sister, Mrs. Addie Saathoff, Sterling; three grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, town sons and one sister. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Gardner Funeral Chapel with the Rev. William Henzlik of the Methodist Church officiating. burial will be in the riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday morning
3rd Notice
Funeral services for Mrs. Kate Burdsall, who passed away on Wednesday, were held at the Gardner Chapel on Saturday, Dec. 26, with the Rev. William Henzlik officiating. burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers were Vernon Dorathy, Richard Dorathy, Dean Dorathy, Gene R Dorathy, Chester Holland, and William Moews. Flowers were care for by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Sutphine, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Lawrence, and Hillcrest Greenhouse. Organist was Mrs. Cal Schmeman.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the December 23-24-28, 1964 Sterling Daily Gazette

TILLIE BURDSALL , 61, of Prophetstown, passed away Friday at her home in Prophetstown. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Gardner Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Preston Wood officiating, with burial in Riverside Cemetery , Prophetstown. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday evening, (tonight). Tillie a. Burdsall was born Sept. 17, 1905 in Lorraine township, the daughter of John and Anna Frankenfield. She was educated in Portland Schools and lived in Prophetstown area all her life. She married Elwood R. Burdsall of Prophetstown Sept. 24, 1924 in Morrison. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Clifford (Anna Belle) Presnell of Manlius; one brother, Henry Frankenfield of Prophetstown and two grandchildren.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Feb 11, 1967 Sterling Gazette

WILLIAM HENRY BURDSALL , 61, died Tuesday afternoon (27 August 1957) at his home in Prophetstown following an extended illness.The body was removed to the Gardner Chapel where funeral rites will be conducted at 2 p.m. (CST) Friday by Rev. Leonard Lowe. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. William Henry Burdsall was born April 29, 1896 in Prophetstown the son of Bela and Kate Burdsall. He was reared in Prophetstown area and attended Portland and Prophetstown schools. He was a member of the Methodist church, Prophetstown Masonic Lodge, Moline Consistory and American Legion. He was united in marriage to Bessie Rhodes of Prophetstown, Nov. 26, 918 in Morrison. Surviving are his wife; his mother; two daughters, Mrs. Clayton Bower and Mrs. Frank Moews, both of Prophetstown; a brother, Elwood Burdsall, also of Prophetstown; and six grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his father.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the August 28, 1957 Sterling Daily Gazette

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