JOHN CASTLE , of Rock Falls, aged 49 years, was instantly killed Sunday (31 Dec 1923) afternoon about 1:00 o'clock near Haldane, Ill., while he was driving to Freeport. His car skidded into the guard rails at the approach of a bridge and a timber, which previously had been broken loose on the railing, went thru the windshield, striking him in the chest, forcing him over into the rear seat, and causing instant death. The inquest was held at the Clarence Good home, near Haldane, on Monday afternoon, the body having been taken there immediately after the accident. The funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon at the home on Dixon Avenue, Rock Falls, at 2:00 o'clock. Rev. Hitchens will officiate. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. Mr. Castle was taking Mrs. Evelyn Bradshaw to Freeport, where she was going to spend New Year's Day. They left Rock Falls about 11:30 o'clock Sunday morning. The road was very slippery and the car was not being driven very fast. In going down a hill, at the bottom of which was a bridge with guard rails along each side the bank of the approach, they met a car and turned out for it. Mr. Castle's car skidded off the paving and in attempting to get the rear wheels back on the paving again, the car was swung to the side again and a timber which was sticking out from the guard rails passed thru the windshield and struck Mr. Castle in the chest. The force of the blow and the motion of the car forced him over into the rear seat. Mrs. Bradshaw thought that he had been stunned, but after she was unable to arouse him she walked about a half mile to the home of Clarence Good, who went to the scene of the accident and drove the car to his home, where it was learned he was dead. Mr. Castle leaves six children at home -- Helen, the oldest, Charles, John, George, Katherine and Robert. The wife and mother passed away several years ago. He was foreman of the heading department of the Russell, Birdsall & Ward Company for about 20 years. He was a very popular and well thought of man. The sympathy of the community is extended to the children.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 2, 1923 - Tuesday pg 2

KATHERINE MAY (CUMMINGS) CASTLE , of Rock Falls passed away at her home on the Buell Road at 4:30 this morning. The cause of her death being heart trouble. She had been ill only a few days. No funeral arrangements have yet been made.
(July 11, 1919 - Friday) Kate May Cummings was born October 2, 1883, in Hume Township. She moved to Rock Falls with her parents when still small, where she had since resided. She was united in marriage March 16, 1904, to John Castle. To this union were born the following children, Helen, Charles, John, George, Katherine and Robert, all of whom are living, and Carry and Lula who died in infancy. Besides her children and husband, she leaves to mourn her mother, Mrs. Elijah Cummings. Mrs. Castle was a life long member of the Methodist church and was loved by all who knew her. She had been a faithful wife and mother and will be greatly mourned by her family and friends.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 10, 1919 - Thursday, pg 7

LORRAINE (WESSELS) CASTLE , age 78, formerly of Sterling, died Friday, Dec. 24, 1999. Funeral services will be Friday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. There will be no visitation. Mrs. Castle was born in Sterling, the daughter of William and Stella (Sheeley) Wessels. She married Cecil L. Castle. He died Oct. 12, 1973. Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn Alcock of Kenora, Ontario; two sons, Richard Castle of La Crosse, Wis., and Roger Castle of Kenora, Ontario; one sister, Marion Ferry of Paradise, Calif.; and two brothers, Richard J. Wessels of Rock Falls and Russell Wessels of Bend, Ore. She was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Donald Wessels.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois December 30, 1999 - Thursday, pg A2

LOUISE J. (WALTON) CASTLE , 50, of 945 Seminole Drive, Elgin, died Thursday (02 Feb 1967) in the Sherman Hospital. Mrs. Castle was born Nov. 15, 1916 in Norris, Ill., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Walton. She was united in marriage to George Castle Nov. 13, 1937, in the Rock Falls Methodist Church of which she was a member. The couple lived in Peoria for several years then moved back to Rock Falls and ran a hardware store in Milledgeville They sold the business and moved to Elgin four years ago. Mrs. Castle was employed until her death by the Illinois State Highway Division in Elgin. She is survived by her husband, George; one son, Alan, Peoria; one sister, Mrs. John (Margaret) Brotheridge, Shore Acres, Rock Falls; one brother Mordell Walton, Leganon, Ore.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by one brother, Everett. Funeral services will be Monday 1:30 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Ivan Obenshain of the First Methodist Church of Rock Falls officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 4, 1967 - Saturday, pg 2

AVA L. (WALLACE) CHARLESTON , 67, of 1822 17th Ave., Sterling, died Thursday, March 27, 1997, at CGH Medical Center, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Allen-Melvin Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. Don George, pastor of the Rock River Christian Center, Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established. Mrs. Charleston was born Aug. 7, 1929, in Harmon Township, the daughter of Warlo and Grace (Bailey) Wallace. She married Charlie R. Charleston, Jr., on June 28, 1975, in Sterling. She was employed at Harper-Wyman, Sterling, Kountry Kitchen, Sterling, and the Landmark Restaurant, Lyndon, prior to retiring. She was a member of the Palmyra Grange. She enjoyed traveling. Survivors include her husband, Charlie of Sterling, several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette March 29, 1997 - Saturday, pg A2

CHARLES R. CHARLESTON - Funeral services for Charlie R. Charleston, 2105 N. 6th Ave., will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Melvin Funeral Home. The Rev. Edwin J. Stalter, pastor of Science Ridge Mennonite Church and Bishop A. C. Good, pastor emeritus, will officiate. The burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. There is visitation from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the Melvin Funeral home. Charlie R. Charleston died in Community General Hospital Friday morning after an extended illness. He was born March 30, 1904 in Tampico, Ill., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Charleston, was married to Edna Yocum Nov. 25, 1937 at Dixon. He was employed at National Manufacturing Co. for 20 years and at International Harvester for 17 years and retired Aug. 25, 1961. Surviving besides his widow are seven sons, Charlie Jr., and James of Sterling, Donald of Rock Falls, William and David of Sterling, and Ray and Jay at home; three daughters, Mrs. Harold W. (Alice) Stewart of Rock Falls, Mrs. Roy (Ruth) Farster of Grand DeTour and Miss Grace Charleston at home; two brothers, Gust Charleston of Sterling and Ralph Charleston of Rock Falls; a half-brother, Quinton Rogers of Pittsburg, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Charles (Ida) Whitley of Sterling; a halft-sister, Mrs. Herbert (Lucille) Schick of Loves Park and 10 grandchildren. His parents and a granddaughter preceded in death. (Listed in Tampico Memorial Cemetery)
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 16, 1971 - pg 2

RUTH (SCOTT) VESTAL CHATTERSON , the former Ruth Scott of Rock Falls, died Saturday in Grand Rapids, Mich., after an extended illness. News of her death was received by Mrs. Paul Swift of Galt, a cousin, and Mrs. Sara Lane of Rock Falls, an aunt. Mrs. Chatterson was born and reared in the rual area of the Prophetstown Road. She graduated in 1915 from Sterling Township High School. Her parents were Bert and Mary Scott, pioneer farm settlers in Hume Township. Surviving Mrs. Chatterson are a son, Marion Scott Vestal of Lansing, Mich., and a grandson, 1st Lt. Charles Vestal, now serving with the 4th Army Division in Vietnam. Her husband died in July 1966. She was preceded in death by a brother and sister, Avon L. and Dolly Scott. Funeral rites will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Sullivan Funeral Home, followed by burial in Westland Memorial Park, Grand Rapids.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 20, 1967 - Monday, pg 2

LEO ALBERT COBLE - 75, of 1007 First Avenue Sterling, died October 6, 1993, at Sterling Pavilion following a long illness. Funeral service were held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Ruth Hansen officiating. Burial was at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation was at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling. A memorial was established to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling. Mr. Leo Coble was born July 22, 1918 in Carroll County, the son of Charles and Hannah (Cornelius) Coble. He was a carpenter in Sterling for several area contractors for many years prior to his retirement. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling. Survivors include his wife Vera (Johnson); one son Larry Lee (Janet) Coble of Fresno, California; one daughter, Mrs. Leann (Mel) Breed of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; four grandchildren; one brother, Raymond Coble of Phoenix, Arizona; two sisters, Edna Pfundstein of Morrison and Hazel Finkle of Polo; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

VERA M. (JOHNSON) COBLE , 92, died September 13, 2010 at St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford . Vera was born November 26, 1917 in Genesse Township , Whiteside County , the daughter of Bernard and Hannah (Rushmeyer) Johnson. She married Leo A. Coble on June 15, 1940 in Sterling . He preceded her in death on October 6, 1993. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church , Sterling . Survivors include one son, Larry (Janet) Coble of Sacramento, CA; one daughter Leann (Mel) Breed of Eau Claire, WI; one brother, Alvin ( Frances ) Johnson of Sterling; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Corey (Lori) Coble and James; Kim (Rich) Cruise, Owen and Kamryn; Brenda (Alex) Quijano, Enrique and Monica, Amy (Torry) Rhoades, Emerson and Jackson; Joel (Jessica) Breed, Berit and Harrison . She was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Pitts and three brothers; Fay, Elmer and Glen Johnson. Funeral services were held at 10:30 AM Friday, September 17, 2010 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, with the Reverend Judi Huseth, pastor, officiating. Pallbearers were: Joel Breed, Corey Coble, Enrique Quijano and Torry Rhoades. Joel Breed sang "Softly and Tenderly". Burial was at Oak Knoll Memorial Park and v isitation was held prior to the service at the church. A memorial has been established. Arrangements were completed by the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling .
Contributed by Barry Johnson
The photo is from the cover of a December 2009 cook book of recipes, dedicated to her and compiled by her daughter, Leann - and was made available at the funeral registration table.

ANTHONY RAY COCHRAN - Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls for Anthony Ray Cochran of 410 Martin Rd., Rock Falls. The Rev. Paul R. Ruch, pastor of the Full Gospel Assembly of Sterling, officiated with the burial in Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne Larson was at the organ during the services. Wayne Larson sand, "In My Father's house" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." The pallbearers were Dale Wolf, Hershel Dunn, Ray Hansen, Wayne Brayan, Carlyle Olson and Charles Truitt. Flowers were cared for by Swartley's truck, Mrs. Jack Appenzeller, Mrs. Charles Timbs and Mrs. Kenneth Olsen.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 10, 1967 - Thursday, pg 2

DONNA J. (YATES) COLE , 77, of Fulton, IL, died Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, IA. Donna was born June 26, 1930, in Thomson, IL, to William F. Yates and Edna A. (Doden) Hoy. She attended the Fulton, IL grade and high schools. She married Thomas J. Cole on June 25, 1949 in Albany, IL. He died October 28, 1995. Donna was a homemaker. She volunteered at the Illowa Thrift Store in Fulton for many years. She was a member of the Albany Canasta Club. Survivors include her mother, Edna Hoy, of Fulton, IL; one sister, Ardith (Mrs. Bud) Burns of Albany, IL; two brothers, Blaine Yates of Savanna, IL and Ray "Bud" Hoy of Corvalis, OR; several nieces and nephews; a special friend, Clara Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her father, William Yates and her step father, John Hoy; one brother, Everett Yates.

ELBERT COLE , 83, of 401 E. Market St., Tampico, died Tuesday at CGH Medical Center. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Tampico United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Robert May officiating. Burial will be at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, with masonic services conducted at 8 p.m. A memorial has been established to the Tampico Ambulance Association and the Tampico United Methodist Church. Mr. Cole was born Nov. 22, 1907, in Bingham, the son of Homer and Dora Faye (Cole) Matthews. He married Angie Halford Jan. 8, 1928, iin Bingham. He farmed in the Tampico area during his lifetime and retired in 1974. He was a member of Tampico United Methodist Church and was also a member of Prophetstown Masonic Lodge #293 AF & AM. He is survived by his wife, Tampico; two sons, Denver, Tampico; William, Hillsdale; two daughters, Mrs. Roy (Mary Lou) Haney, Tampico; Mrs. Robert (Lois) Laudie, Olathe, Kan.; 15 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one brother, Beryl Cole, Paxton; five sisters, Mrs. Alfred (Alice) McCaslin, Erie; Mrs. Claire (Norma) Crosier, Calif.; Mrs. Chester (Gladys) Merkle, and Mrs. Louis (Doris) Probst, both of Nokomia; Mrs. Marion (Elaine) Griggs, Charlestown; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, two brothers and five grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 27, 1990 - Thursday, page A2

JOHN H. CONNEELY , 64, 1074 Lake Shore Drive, Massapequa Park, L.I., New York, formerly of Sterling, died suddenly in his home on Monday, Aug. 16. Funeral rites were held at the Massapequa Funeral Home, Li.I. Mass of the Resurrection was held on Thursday at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Massapequa. Rev. Thomas Sheehan officiated. Helen-Kay Eberley, niece of the deceased, was the soloist. Burial was in the Pinelawn Memorial Park, Pinelawn, L.I. Born Sept. 9, 1917 in Sterling, the son of John H. and Catherine Conneely, he attended the local schools and was a graduate of Columbia University and the University of Chicago. He was united in marriage to Lillian Larsen in New York on June 21, 1941. He served in World War II as a Captain in the U.S. Coast Artillery. At the time of his retirement he was a corporate Vice President of Royal Globe Insurance Group in New York. Survivors included his wife, Lillian; one daughter, Mrs. Thomas (Carol) Hopkins, Bridgewater, N.J.; one sister, Mrs. William (Patricia) Eberley, Sterling; two brothers, Joseph, Sterling, and Walter, Peoria, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, William of Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 23, 1982 - Monday, page A4

WILLIAM I. CONNEELY , 45, of 1615 E. 13th St., Sterling, died unexpectedly at 7 p.m. Saturday (19 December 1970) in the family home. There will be visitation at the Grennan and Son Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Funeral rites will be held Tuesday morning with a 9:30 prayer service in the funeral home and requiem mass at 10 o'clock in St. Mary's Catholic Church of which the deceased was a member. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The Holy Name Society will recite the rosary at eight o'clock this evening. William I. Conneely was born March 31, 1925 in Sterling, son of John H. and Catherine McGuiness Conneely. He was educated in St. Mary's School and Community High School and was graduated from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, Iowa. He was united in marriage with June Welker Aug. 14, 1954. Mr. Conneely was a United States Navy veteran and served during World War II in the South Pacific. He was employed ........... (missed printing rest of the obit)
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 21, 1970 - Monday, pg 2

CORNELIUS J. CONNELL , 77, passed away at his home in Jordan Township at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The remains were brought to the Trouth Funeral Home where friends may call up to the time of the funeral which will be held Saturday morning at 10 at the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Tampico. Cornelius J. Connell was born in Harmon Township in 1870 and was married to Miss Anna Callahan in 1896 at Schaler, Iowa. He was a farmer by occupation and lived his entire life in this community, the last 31 years in Jordan Township. He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Agnes Tobin of Long Grove, Iowa, and four grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Theresa Mason and two brothers, John and Timothy. He was preceded by three sisters, two brother and two children who died in infancy. Mr. Connell was a member of St. Mary Holy Name Society.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 20, 1947 - Thursday, pg 2

ROBERT CONNOLLY - Funeral servicses for Robert W. Connolly of 225 Caldwell Ave., Beloit Wis., will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls. The Rev. Lowell D. Allen, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist church, officiated and burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rock Falls. There will be visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Robert W. Connolly, 72, died Tuesday morning at Beloit Memorial Hospital, Beloit, Wis.; after an extended illness. He was born May 1, 1901 in Prophetstown, the son of William and Gertrude McBride Connolly. He had been formerly employed at Fairbanks Morse and Besley Wells Corp. for many years, until his retirement in 1965. He also owned and operated Bob's Pet Shop in Beloit. Mr. Connolly had resided in Rock Falls and had lived in Beloit for the past 20 years. He was united in marriage to Mae Bostwick on March 17, 1938 at Circleville, Ohio. Surviving are his wife, Mae, one daughter, Mrs. Donald (Doris) Lehman Sr., of Sterling; one grandson, Donald Lehman Jr. of Sterling; and one granddaughter, Mrs. Allan (Kathryn) Deets of Rock Falls; two step-daughters, Mrs. Robert (Beverly) Dunlap of Tustin, Calif., and Mrs. Allyn (Betty) Bengston of Wyomissing, Pa.; two sisters, Mrs. Donald (Ellenmae) Cheshier, Sr. of Rock Falls and Mrs. Robert (Wilma) Connolly of LaGrange, and two brothers, Gerald of Clayton, Marvin of Melrose Park. He was preceded in death by one sister, June in infancy.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IL June 27, 1973 - Wednesday, pg 2

WALTER J. COONEY , 73, former resident of Tampico, passed away at Sioux City, Ia., Wednesday (10 October 1945) at 5 a.m. as the result of two strokes suffered the previous evening. He became ill two years ago when he suffered his first stroke. The body was forwarded to the Parent Funeral Home at Tampico and funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church Friday at 9 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. T. O. Maguire officiating. Committal wil be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Mr. Cooney was born on a farm two miles east of Tampico, Oct. 27, 1871, one of 12 children of Thomas and Bridget Gatley Cooney. He was reared in the Reeves school district and lived there for 40 years, leaving for Sioux City about 25 years ago where he was a dredging contractor. Mr. Cooney was never married and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Martin Barrett, Tampico, Mrs. Frances Paris and Miss Elizabeth Cooney, both of Chicago, and four brothers, Patrick and William of Tampico, John of Deer Grove and Peter of Chicago.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois October 11, 1945 - Thursday, pg 12

KATHERINE (CLEAY) CONSIDINE , age eighty-three years, passed away suddenly at her home on North Fourth street at 4:15 o’clock on Monday afternoon. She had been in failing health for several years, but her death at this time was unexpected and came as a shock to her family. A heart attack about three o’clock the same afternoon was the cause of her death an hour later. Throughout her illness she was cared for by her daughter, Mrs. A.D. Cowan. Funeral services were held at nine o’clock Thursday morning in Immaculate Conception church, with the Rev. J.T. Egan singing the requiem high mass. Many relatives and friends attended the last rites to pay their last respects to one whom they held in high esteem. Pallbearers were Walter Field, Gardner Lawrence, James Jones, and Frank Daley of Fulton, Edward Dolan of Albany, and Daniel Martin of Chicago. Interment was in Calvary Hill cemetery in the family lot.
OBITUARY: Katherine Cleary was born in Sterling, Ill., July 17, 1858, the daughter of John and Bridget Fahey Cleary. On December 27, 1892, she was married to Robert P. Considine of this city, the ceremony taking place in Clinton, Ia. They immediately located in Fulton and this city has been the family home ever since. To this union four children were born, Mary, who died in infancy; Margaret, now the wife of A.D. Cowan; Robert P. Considine and William C. Considine, all of Fulton. Others who survive are four grandchildren, Patricia, Robert, Mary Katherine, and William C. Considine, Jr., and two sisters, Miss Mary Cleary of Clinton, Ia., and Mrs. Margaret Irwin of Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. Considine passed away in January, 1921, and she was also preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and one brother. Mrs. Considine was a devout member of the Immaculate Conception church, attending the services as long as her health permitted. She lived her life in keeping with the teachings of her church and lived an exemplary life. She had many friends for, to know her was to love her, and she will be truly missed. Her children and grandchildren were devoted to her and while they know she had been spared to them much longer than the allotted three score and ten years, it does not assuage their grief.

ROBERT P. CONSIDINE - who for over sixty-five years had been a respected and continuous resident of Fulton, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, January 22, after several days’ illness of pneumonia at his home on Fourth street. Mr. Considine was born in New London, Canada, August 20, 1852, and was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Considine, who with their children located in Fulton in 1857. Prior to the dismantling of the Culbertson, Smith & Co.’s saw mill in the north part of the town, he was employed by that company. When the mill ceased to operate he found employment with Gardner, Bachelder & Welles Lumber company’s mill in Lyons and became head sawyer. He remained until the company ceased to operate the mill, about twenty years ago. Mr. Considine then secured employment with the Clinton Lock company, and later was promoted to superintendent and remained with the company until the time of his death. About forty-five years ago he was married to Miss Mary Maher, who died a year later. Mr. Considine’s second marriage was to Miss Catherine Cleary. For a period of fifty years he worked in Lyons and during that time, when the Mississippi river was navigable, crossed the river twice each working day, rowing a skiff. Without exaggeration, it can be said that Mr. Considine made more trips in a skiff across the Mississippi river between Fulton and Lyons than any other man in Fulton, Lyons or Clinton. When less than eighteen years old he became a charter member of the Roman Catholic Temperance and Benevolent society , which was organized in Fulton August 14, 1870, and remained a member until it dissolved twenty years later. During all these years Mr. Considine remained true to his pledge of total abstinence. He was a man of exemplary habits, true to his friends at all times and proved to be a worthy and reliable citizen holding the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Robert P., Jr. and William J: one daughter, Margaret F., wife of Archie D. Cowan: three brothers, Frank of Clinton, Daniel of Savanna and Dennis of Fulton, and two sisters, Mrs. Julia Lee and Miss Margaret Considine of Chicago. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at ten o’clock with a requiem high mass conducted by Rev. J.J. Clancy with burial in the Catholic cemetery.”

WALTER J. COONEY , 73, former resident of Tampico, passed away at Sioux City, Ia., Wednesday (10 October 1945) at 5 a.m. as the result of two strokes suffered the previous evening. He became ill two years ago when he suffered his first stroke. The body was forwarded to the Parent Funeral Home at Tampico and funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church Friday at 9 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. T. O. Maguire officiating. Committal wil be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Mr. Cooney was born on a farm two miles east of Tampico, Oct. 27, 1871, one of 12 children of Thomas and Bridget Gatley Cooney. He was reared in the Reeves school district and lived there for 40 years, leaving for Sioux City about 25 years ago where he was a dredging contractor. Mr. Cooney was never married and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Martin Barrett, Tampico, Mrs. Frances Paris and Miss Elizabeth Cooney, both of Chicago, and four brothers, Patrick and William of Tampico, John of Deer Grove and Peter of Chicago.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois October 11, 1945 - Thursday, pg 12

GERALD COONLEY - Funeral services for Gerald Coonley, who died in the Sterling Community Hospital, where he was taken when he became illl en route to Hines Hospital; were held Monday at 2 p.m. in Reynolds Funeral Home, Rev. J. H. Hagerty officiated and burial was in Grove Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were C. W. Meakins, John Peat, Clilfford Tessman, Edward Buikema, Fred Steele, and Richard Carley. Mrs. C. W. Meakins and Mrs. Fielder Sperry were in charge of the flowers. Mrs. Abel Renkes played a special organ number "Beyond The Sunset" during the service.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois May 7, 1957 - Tuesday, pg 2

EMMA CORDES , 83, of 807 W. 14th St., Sterling, died Sunday at the Sterling Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Messiah Lutheran Church with the Rev. Luke Schnake, vacancy pastor and Rev. Eldor Mueller, pastor emeritus, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the church. Visitation from 2-4 and 7-9 Tuesday at the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home. Miss Cordes was born Dec. 7, 1898 near Tampico, the daughter of Thees and Pauline (Strauch) Cordes. She was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid Society. She is survived by nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 19, 1982 - Monday, page A5

JOHN A. CORDES , 84, of 18941 Blue Goose Road, Sterling, died Aug. 23, 1992, at the Skilled Care Center, Morrison. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Our Savior Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Donald Matthiessen, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at the Our Savior Lutheran church cemetery. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Monday at the Melvin-Schiller Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established to Our Savior Lutheran Church. Mr. Cordes was born Aug. 30, 1907, in Genessee Township, the son of John and Theresa (Frerichs) Cordes, Sr. He married Alma Behrena Jan. 28, 1931, at Our Savior Lutheran Church. They farmed for many years in the area. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, served on the church cemetery board for 34 years and was a member of the Farm Bureau. Surviving are his wife; one sister, Mrs. Edgar (Alice) Rickleis of Sterling; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Glenn; and one nephew.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IllinoisAugust 24, 1992 - Monday, pg A2

ELIZABETH A. (ROBINSON) COUNTRYMAN , 63, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at her home. A memorial service was held Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the Fulton Presbyterian Church, Fulton, IL. with Rev. Dr. Stanley Bomgarden, pastor of the Fulton Presbyterian Church. At her request, Beth’s body has been donated to the University of Iowa Department of Anatomy and cell biology, Iowa City, IA. A memorial has been established to LUNGevity Foundation, Chicago, IL. Elizabeth was born October 15, 1944 in Prophetstown, IL to Stanley E. and Elizabeth A. (Gurel) Robinson. Beth was educated in the Prophetstown Grade School and was a 1962 Graduate of Prophetstown High School. Attended Northern Illinois University and later graduated from Copley School of Nursing. She married Dennis Countryman on July 24, 1971 in Prophetstown, IL. He survives. She was employed as a Registered Nurse by the former Jane Lamb Hospital, Clinton, IA. Later work at the Bluff Medical Center, Clinton, IA and Medical Associates in both Clinton, IA and Morrison, IL retiring in 2005. She was a member and director of the Fulton Presbyterian Church Choir and also served as a Sunday School teacher. Beth also served as a Cub Scout leader and T-Ball coach. She enjoyed family, friends, traveling, playing cards, hiking, snow shoeing and fishing. Survivors include her husband, Dennis; one daughter, Jennifer (Steven) Trujillo, Denver, CO; one son, Michael (Tracy) Countryman, Arvada, CO. She was predeceased by her parents, one sister, Catherine Brigl; three brothers, Neil, Thomas and David Robinson
Contributed by Debbie Thormahalen - The Prophetstown Echo July 29, 2008

FLORENCE (QUADE) COX , 73, of RR 2, Erie, passed away late Monday morning (2 September 1968 ) in University Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Shilling Funeral Home; the Rev. Glenn Harms of the Erie Baptist Church, officiating, with burial in Erie Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday afternoon and until time of serices. Florance Quade was born Dec. 30, 1894 in Erie, the daughter of James and Emila Glathaar Quade. She married Clay Cox on Feb. 17, 1916. She was a member of the Household Science Cluib and the American Legion Auxiliary of Erie. She is survived by six daughters, Mrs. Walter Marton of Geneseo; Mrs. Verline Snyder of Lyndon; Mrs. Clair Kay of East Moline; Mrs. Walter Biggs of Sacramento, Calif.; Mrs. James Johnson and Mrs. Frank Ardrunaites, both of Erie; two sons, Roy Cox of Erie and Ross Cox of Glenview; 24 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and one siter, Mrs. Mildred Guthrie of Erie. She was preceded by her husband in 1964, parents, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 3, 1968 - Tuesday, pg 2

GLENN CRADDOCK , 85, of Morrison, passed away in Morrison Community Hospital Saturday morning at 11:35 o'clock. He had been in failing health the past three weeks. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, at 2 p.m., in the Reynolds Funeral Home. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. He was born Nov. 31, 1878 in Bureau County, Illinois, a son of William and Harriett (Love) Craddock. He was united in marriage to Jennie Williams on Oct. 18, 1906 at Bedford, Iowa. When he was two years old he moved with his parents to Tampico where he was educated and graduated from Tampico High School in 1899. He later took a business course in Draughon's Business College in St. Louis, Mo. He was employed in the First National Bank of Sterling for some years and was also cashier of the Lyndon State Bank. In March 1926 he came to Morrison and was employed in the First National Bank. He was also in partnership with Leo Knox making Federal Bank loans until 1936 when he opened his own business of insurance and real estate. He sold the insurance business to Earl Fredericks in 1960. For many years Mr. Craddock was a trustee of Grove Hill Cemetery and also trustee of the Morrison Methodist Church, of which he was a member. He also served as justice of the peace. He is survived by a sister, Miss Olive Craddock and a niece, Mrs Jennie Kimmel, both of Morrison, and two nephews, LeRoy B. Jacobs and Lester Jacobs, both of Erie. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, three sisters and one brother.
Contributed by Joyce Kimmel

HARRIET (LOVE) CRADDOCK , born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Sept. 6, 1841, daughter of George and Hannah Rhinehart Love, died August 12, 1938 in Chicago at the home of her daughter Olive at the age of 96 years, 11 months, and 6 days. Her father died when she was a small child. When she was 10 years old her mother was married again to William Adams, one of the very early settlers in Bureau County. (fall of 1840), who had returned to Pennsylvania for a visit to his boyhood home. The personal property of of Mrs. Craddock's mother was loaded on a flat boat at Pittsburgh, Pa., for the long trip to Illinois. They came down the Ohio to it's mouth, up the Mississippi to the mouth of the Illinois River thence up the latter stream to Peru or De Pie, where the goods were unloaded and taken overland to the home previously established by Mr. Adams at the east edge of Fairfield Township, not far from Green River. There Mrs. Craddock grew to womanhood with two brothers, William J. Love and Martin Love, three half brothers, Rhine Leonard, Jonah F. R. Leonard, and Frank Leonard, and the Adams children. One girl in the Adams family, Katie Adams became the wife of Nathan Meek, and the two girls grew up together as devotd to each other as if they had been flesh and blood sisters. The step-brothers, Samuel, Jacob, and Frank Adams. All of those have long ago passed to the Great Beyond. The latch string at the Adams home was out to the traveler who covered the trail from Rock River to Green River, and many there were who stopped overnight in the big log house with it's huge fireplace that stood a bit south of the house now owned by William Long of Sheffield, whose wife is an Adams, a descendant of this remarkaable family...... At the age of 20, the girl Harriet was married to William W. Craddock on June 18, 1861
Tampico Tornado

HOWARD L. CULVER , 504 Ave. B, Sterling, passed away Saturday morning (24 September 1961) in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Iowa City, Ia., after an extended illness. The body rests at the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral rites will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Melvin Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Ridell Kilsey of the First Methodist Church. The burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery. Howard L. Culver was born Jan. 20, 1917 in Clinton, Ia.,the son of Daniel E. and Emma L. Keller Culver. For the past 16 years he had been employed by the Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of Burt E. Brown Post 316, Veterans of Foreign Wars, of Sterling. Mr. Culver was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, on Jan. 1, 1948. He was united in marriage with Juanita Kilroy on March 17, 1951. Surviving with the wife are two sons, Howard E. Culver who is stationed with the United States forces in France and Darrell Culver of the U.S. Army; two step-sons, Richard and Ivan Kilroy of Sterling; four step-daughters, Mrs. Edward M. Crebo of Sterling, Mrs. Richard Zivney of Concord, Calif.; Mrs. Clarence Fargher of Spring Lake, N.C., and Marjie Kilroy of Sterling, and three sisters, Mrs. Margaret MacGregor and Mrs. Paul Bickford of Sterling, and Mrs. Merle Smith of Polo. He also leaves nine grandchildren. The son, Holward E. Culver, is expected to arrive Thursday from Paris, France, to attend his father's funeral.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette - Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 25, 1961 - Monday, pg. 2

THOMAS W. CUNNIFF , age 81, of 8919 Cunniff Road, Rock Falls, died Sunday afternoon (May 9, 1999) at The Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Prophetstown. Mass of the Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 13, 1999, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Tampico, with the Rev. F. James Larson, officiating, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Tampico. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 12, from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampico with Rosary being recited at 5:30 p.m. and a Wake service at 8:30 p.m. Funeral arrangements were completed by the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico. A memorial has been established in his memory to the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampico and the Tampico Ambulance in lieu of flowers. Mr. Cunniff was born May 25, 1917, in Hume Township, the son of Thomas and Louise (Dietz) Cunniff. He was united in marriage to Barbara Stewart on Dec. 27, 1941, at St. Mary's Church in Tampico. She preceded him in death on June 26, 1994. He attended Hume Center Grade School and graduated from Community High School in 1934. He farmed the family farm in Hume Township for 60 years until illness forced his retirement. He was active in 4-H, Rural Youth and enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball for many years. He then coached the Hume 4-H and Prophetstown Feed Mill softball teams. He enjoyed sporting events and people. He was one of the original members of both the Hume 4-H Club and Rural Youth organizations. He was a lifelong member, trustee and Eucharist Minister of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampico; he also served as a church usher for many years. He served many years on the Ambulance Board and Tampico Farmer's Elevator Board. He was an insurance agent and a board member of the Prophetstown Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. He is survived by one daughter, Mary Cunniff Jagers of Annawan; two sons, Paul (Becky) Cunniff of Rock Falls and Michael (Laurie) Cunniff of Ottawa; one sister, Helen Cook Sleeper of Sterling; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Barbara in 1994 and one son Philip in 1972.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 11, 1999 - Tuesday, pg A2 col 1

EDWARD P. CUNNINGHAM , 73, life-long resident of Hahnaman Township, passed away at the Linton Nursing Home in Sterling at 5:55 p.m. Tuesday (19 March 1946) . He had been a patient there eight weeks and in poor health for three years. The rosary will be recited at the Parent Chapel in Tampico,Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be in St. Mary's Church in Tampico, Thursday at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. A. W. Weitekamp of Prophetstown offering the requiem mass. Committal will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Mr. Cunningham was born in Hahnaman, Oct. 10, 1872, attended the Reeves school and married Grace Devine, Feb. 14, 1906 at Tampico. Mrs. Cunningham passed away Sept. 7, 1943. He was a member of St. Mary's Church. Surviving are two children, Mrs. Charles Hagerman on the home farm and Edw. Cunningham, Chicago; two grandchildren, Eddie and Patricia Cunningham, Chicago, four sisters, Nellie Cunningham, Chicago, Mrs. Mary Mannion and Mrs. Sarah Donahue, Sterling, and Mrs. Margaret O'Neil, Milwaukee, Wis., and three brothers, Frank and Thomas, Deer Grove, and Charles, Minneapolis, Minn. He was preceded in death, besides his wife, by one sister and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois March 20, 1946 - Wednesday, pg 9

ELIZABETH CUNNINGHAM passed away Tuesday at the Loretto Hospital, Chicago, where she had been a patient six weeks. The remains will arrive in Sterling by train Thursday afternoon and will be taken to the Parent Funeral Home in Tampico, where the rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Tentative funeral plans are for 9:30 a.m. Friday in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Tampico. Burial will be made in St. Mary's Cemetery, Tampico. Miss Cunningham was born and reared in Deer Grove, where her family were old residents. She is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Daniel Donahue and Mrs. John Mannton of Sterling and Mrs. Henry O'Neil and Miss Nell Cunningham of Chicago, and four brothers, Edward, Frank and Thomas Cunningham of Deer Grove, and Charles Cunningham of Minneapolis, Minn. The two sisters in Chicago will accompany the remains here.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois July 25, 1945 - Wednesday, pg 12

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