JOHN H. EBERSOLE , 68 a former chief radiologist at Lancaster General Hospital (PA) who assisted in the autopsy of President John F. Kennedy, died Saturday at his home, 1440 Hunsecker Road, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Marian E. Sherwood Ebersole for 45 years. Born in Sterling, Ill. He was the son of the late Noah and Geraldine McCormick Ebersole. He graduated from St. Ambrose College and received his medical degree from Indiana University at the age of 23. He completed postdoctoral studies in nuclear physics at Duke University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Ebersole had a 24-year career in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps and was the first officer to serve aboard two different nuclear submarines. After completing deep-sea diving school and Officer's Submarine School, he was selected by Admiral Hyman Rickover to be the medical officer aboard the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the U. S. S. Nautilus. Following a two-year tour of duty, he was assigned to the second nuclear sub, the U. S. S. Seawolf, which was the first ship to stay submerged for 60 days off the coast of Iceland. Ebersole next served as a consultant to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Project Mercury from 1958 to 1961. He then completed a residency at Bethesda (Md.) Naval Hospital and was named chief of radiation therapy, directory of nuclear medicine training and acting directory of the Radiation Exposure Evaluation Laboratory. In November 1963, as chief diagnostic radiology, he assisted at President Kennedy's autopsy. In a 1978 newspaper interview, before leaving to testify in front of Congress about the assassination, Ebersole broke a 15-year silence on the president's death. "I would say unequivocally the bullet (that killed Kennedy) came from the side or back. The front of the body, except for a very slight bruise above the right eye on the forehead, was absolutely intact. It was the back of the head that was blown off." Ebersole was promoted to chief of radiology at Bethesda in 1968. Two years later he retired from the U.S. Navy as a captain and moved to Lancaster to create and direct the John Hale Steinman Cancer Center at Lancaster General Hospital, the county's first radiation treatment center. He guided the center through numerous expansions and lectured throughout the United States and Europe on nuclear technology and the treatment of cancer. He retired as director of radiation oncology in 1986, after treating more than 10,000 cancer patients. From 1974 to 1990 he also taught in Lancaster General's Clinical Pastoral Education Program. Following his retirement, Ebersole pursued his interest in crime fiction, which began during his years of internship in the 1960s. He attended conferences at Oxford University in England and taught a course on detective fiction through Franklin & Marshall College's Et Cetera program. He also helped form the Orange Street Improbables, a group of mystery enthusiasts. He was an avid photographer and gardener as well. Ebersole was a member of the American Medical Association, the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the Health Physics Society, the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, and the Mystery Writers of America. He was a diplomate and fellow of the American College of Radiology, and served as guest examiner on the American Board of Radiology in 1967, 1970 and 1971. In 1959 he also received the Award of Merit from the Illinois State Medical Society, The Merit Citation from the Royal Naval Society of Sweden, and the U.S. Navy Unit Citation. He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Catherine E. Walker, Lititz; five sons, Richard J. Ebersole, Chattanooga, TN; Michael J. Ebersole, Anchorage Alaska; William P. Ebersole, San Diego, Calif.; John H. Ebersole, Chicago, Ill.; and Joseph E. Ebersole, Atlanta, Ga.; seven grandchildren and one sister, Eleanor Brown, Sterling, Ill.
Contributed by Amy Anderson

LLOYD D. EBERSOLE , 91, of 105 E. 23rd Street in Sterling died Friday afternoon at Community General Hospital following a short illness. Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. in the Science Ridge Mennonite Church in Sterling with Rev. S. Roy Kauffman, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until the hour of services at the church. Funeral arrangements were completed by the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling. Mr. Ebersole was born on Jan 21, 1896 in Sterling, the son of David and Hettie Frey Ebersole. He was united in marriage to Rhoda Long in Sterling on Oct. 6, 1915 in the home of Bishop A C Good. He farmed his entire life in Sterling area and was a member of the Science Ridge Mennonite Church. Survivors include his wife, Rhoda Ebersole of Sterling; two sons, David L Ebersole and Donald e Ebersole, both of Sterling; two brothers, Frank Ebersole of Daytona Beach, Fla. and Amos Ebersole of Sterling; two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Conrad of Galena and Mrs. Anna Southerland of Tucson, Ariz., 11 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy and Milton.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Apr 25, 1987 Daily Gazette

RETHA (LEHMAN) EBERSOLE ,91, of Chicago, formerly of Sterling, died Tuesday Feb. 1, 2005 at Seasons Hospice, Chicago. Mrs. Ebersole was born Nov. 15, 1913, in Chambersburg, Pa., the daughter of Henry S. and Viola M. (Long) Lehman. She married Roy H. Ebersole Sr., on Oct. 4, 1954. He died in 1967. She was a member of Science Ridge Menononite Church, Sterling. Survivors include two daughters, Suellen (Errol) Chavin of Chicago and verna (David) Kauffman of Congerville; a son, Sgt. Roy H. Ebersole Jr. of Augusta Ga., five stepdaughters, Miriam Shank, Gertrude Campbell and ANita Oberg all of Sterling, Belva Robinson of Cave Junction, Ore., and Betty (Gene) Sutter of Cottonwood, Ariz; five stepsons, Everett (Dorothy) Ebersole, Charles (Joyce) Ebersole, and Robert (Wilmetta ) Ebersole all of Sterling, Eugene (merrildean) Ebersole of Florida and Willard (Ellen) Ebersole of Wichiga Kan. Eight grandchildren and t3 stepgrandchildren; She was preceded by two sisters, Valera Martin and Lurella Showalter; four brothers, Merle, Roy, Glenn and Nathan Lehman; and three stepchildren. Burial was at Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery, Sterling.

MARTHA (GIBLER) ECHELBARGER , 87, of Cambridge, formerly of Newton Township died early Saturday Morning,3 1 Mar. 1965, in the Henry County Convalescent Home, where she had been a patient for two months. Services were held Tuesday in the Stackhouse Funeral Home, the Rev. J. Soule Chapman pastor of teh Cambridge Baptist Church officiated. Burial was in Cambridge. The former Martha Gibler was born Jan. 4, 1877 in Newton Township, WHiteside County, the daughter of Isaac and Mary Switzer Gibler. She had been a practical nurse and lived in the Toulon and Lafayette areas until 20 years when she moved to Cambridge. She married Samuel Eckelbarger Dec. 27, 1893 in Whiteside County. He died March 18, 1912. She was a member of the Toulon Baptist Church. Surviring are a son Lawrence and a daugher Mrs. Rex Bliss both of Cambridge; five grandchildren and 18 greats. Mrs. Nona Gibler of Erie is a sister-in-law.

ETHEL (ONCKEN) ECHTERNACH , age 93, died Wednesday, July 23, 2003, at Sterling Pavilion following an extended illness. Ethel was born June 2, 1910, the daughter of Richard and Emma (Johnson) Oncken in Hopkins Township. She married Howard Echternach on March 6, 1936, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Hopkins Township. He passed away in 1995. She taught in Carroll and Whiteside schools for more than 40 years. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milledgeville. She was a member of ELCA and held various offices in the church. She also was a member of the National Retired Teachers Association, Woman's Club, CBC Club and Happy Neighbors Club. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers and four sisters. Funeral services will be at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milledgeville, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 am. Friday at the church preceding the funeral at 10:30 am.,with the Rev. Kathy Burkheimer, pastor, and the Rev. Tony Davidson assisting. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Daily Gazette July 25, 2003

JOHN ECKLE , 89, OF COLETA, PASSED AWAY AT 8 P.M. FRIDAY IN COMMUNITY GENERAL HOSPITAL. DEATH CAME FOLLOWING AN EXTENDED ILLNESS. THE BODY WAS MOVED TO THE GRENNAN AND SON FUNERAL HOME, WHERE FRIENDS MAY CALL AT 2 P.M. SUNDAY. THE ROSARY WILL BE RECITED IN THE FUNERAL HOME AT 8 P.M. SUNDAY. FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE MONDAY AT 9 A.M. IN THE FUNERAL HOME AND AT 9:30 A.M. IN SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH. BURIAL WILL BE IN OAK KNOLL MEMORIAL PARK. HE IS SURVIVED BY THIS WIFE, MAGGIE, AND SEVERAL NEPHEWS AND NIECES.
Contributed by Don Hinrichs

MAGGIE ECKLE , 93, OF COLETA, DIED TUESDAY MORNING AT COMMUNITY GENERAL HOSPITAL. FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT THE ALLEN FUNERAL HOME THURSDAY AT 10:30 A.M. WITH THE REV. JOHN SMITH, PASTOR OF THE TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF STERLING OFFICIATING. BURIAL WILL BE IN OAK KNOLL MEMORIAL PARK IN STERLING. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE ALLEN FUNERAL HOME ON WEDNESDAY FROM 2-4 AND 7-9 P.M. MRS ECKLE WAS BORN JAN. 11, 1881, THE DAUGHTER OF RALPH SPRINGMAN AND DOROTHY LINK. SHE WAS UNITED IN MARRIAGE TO JOHN ECKEL WHO PRECEDED HER IN DEATH IN 1965. SHE WAS A MEMBER OF COLETA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. MRS ECKLE IS SURVIVED BY A FOSTER NEPHEW, JOHN KNESS, WHO MADE HIS HOME WITH HER, AND A NIECE MRS. WILLIAM (MAE) MCSORLEY OF STERLING. SHE WAS PRECEDED BY HER HUSBAND JOHN,A NIECE BEULAH WETZELL, TWO SISTERS ANF 5 BROTHERS.
COntributed by Don Hinrichs from the Sterling Gazette 21 May 1974

LOUIS M EDEUS , 95, of Rock Falls died Wednesday May 15 2002 at Willow Wood Nursing Home, Rock Falls. He was employed by National Mfg. Sterling for 45 years, retiring as a punch press operator in 1972. Mr. Edeus was born April 8 1907 in Sterling, the son of Albert and Gesine (Seibel) Edeus. He married E Louise Robinson on Oct 25 1935, in Sterling. She died Oct 9 2000. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Sterling. He did woodworking for 20 years after his retirement. Earlier in life he enjoyed fishing and duckhunting.

Survivors include two sons, Martin (Lila) Edeus and Keith (Marsha) Edeus, both of Rock Falls; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was precededin death by his brothers and sisters and a grandchild. The funeral is at 10 am Saturday at St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sterling. Burial at 100F Cemetery Rock Falls. Mc Donald Funeral Home made the arrangements.
Daily Gazette 16 May 2002

MABEL LAURA (MENSCH) EDLIN , 74, 708 W. 15th St. Sterling, passed away at 2 p.m. Sunday in Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago. Death followed an illness of two weeks. The body was brought to the Behrens Mortuary, where friends may call after 2 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the mortuary, with the Rev. Luther Cooperridger of St. John's Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

Mabel Laura Mensch was born July 18, 1891 in Morrison, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Mensch. She was educated in the Morrison schools and was married to Fred Shaw in Dixon. He passed away in 1924 and she later married E.g. Edlin, in terling, March 2, 1935. Mrs. Edlin was a member o the Golden Age Club, and of the Social Circle and Harris Circle of St. John's Church, of which she was a member.

She is survived by her husband, Edward G. Edlin; two daughters, Mrs. Mason E. (Twila) Behrens and Mrs. Ada Klocke, both of Sterling; two sisters, Mrs. Nora Young and mrs. Ollie Van Oosten, both of Morrison; one brother, Lester Mensch, Stuttgart, Ark.: six grandchidlren and one great granchild; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Don Ink, Mattoon and mrs. Ben Leinbaugh, Chicago; one stepson, Richard Edlin, Marion, Iowa;six step grandchildren, and nephews and neices. She was preceded by one daughter, two brothers and a sister.

Second Notice:
Mrs. E.G. Edlin Services Wednesday Funeral rites for Mrs. E.G. (Mabel) Edlin were conducted in the Behrens Mortuary at 2 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Luther Cooperridger, of St. Johns Lutheran Church, officiating. The organist as Mrs. Wesley Koster. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. The pallbearers were Thomas Ramsdell, Nels Sergeant, Frank Alrich, Earl Schumaker, Roy Tarner and Clifford Bensing. Flowers were cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Louis B. Oltmanns and Mrs. Price Barber.

Contributed by Mike Hosler

AGNES (EIZENGA) EISSENS : The funeral for Mrs. Henry Eissens, 64, was Monday in the Ebenezer Reformed Church with Rev. Henry Van Rallte officiating. Burial was in the Grove Hill cemetery. The Tomlinson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. She died Saturday in the Morrison Community Hospital. Agnes Housinga was born in Morrison on Jan. 4, 1910, the daughter of Harry and Ada Eizenga Housinga. She married Henry Eissens on Nov. 23, 1927, and had spent her entire life here.

She is survived by her husband; four sons, Gerald of Carroll, Ia., Raymond of Sterling, and David and Lynn of Rockford; 19 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; a sister, Mrs. Sylvia Vos; and a brother, Kenneth Housinga, both of Morrison.

Contributed by Bonnie Pillers - Source: Scrapebook in Odell Public Library, Morrison Illinois, page 135 Dated 26 Oct 1974

HENRY EISSENS ,74, of 609 Genesee Ave., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 4:27 p.m., in Morrison community hospital, following a heart attack at his home the day before. Visitation was at the Tomlinson Funeral Home after 7 p.m. Friday. A memorial fund has been established. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in Ebenezer Reformed church, preceded by a family prayer service at 10:15. Rev. James Bos officiated. Mrs. John Greaves was organist and special music was a duet "Under His Wings" by Mrs. James Ardapple and Mrs. Katheryn Bush. Interment was in Grove Hill cemetery. Pallbearers were Larry Vos, Corneil Wilkins, Dale Bull, Alfred Decker, Keith Housinga and Jay Wilkins.

He was born May 13, 1904 in Garden Plain, the son of Jacob and Anjie Borgman Eissens. He received his education in the Whiteside County rural schools. He was married to Agnes Housinga Nov. 23, 1927, in Morrison, and the couple had lived in the Morrison area all their married life. He was a member of Ebenezer Reformed church. Survivors include four sons, Gerald of Carroll, Iowa, Raymond of Sterling, and David and Lynn of Rockford; 19 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two sisters and one brother

Contributed by Bonnie Pillers - Source: Scrapebook in Odell Public Library, Morrison Illinois, page 99

KLAAS EIZENGA , passed away Thursday morning at his home on Fourteenth avenue, after an illness of several weeks duration. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the late home and 2:00 o'clock at the First Reformed Church, Rev. G. Van Pernis conducting the services in both English and Holland Languages. Burial will be made in the Fulton cemetery. The members of the family have requested that flowers be omitted. Klass Eizenga was born on March 17, 1855, in Warfum, Province of Groningen, The Netherlands, the son of Henry and Ada Eizenga. He was united in Marriage to Miss Agnes Flikkema in 1882 and the same year came to this country to make their home. Three children survive from this marriage, namely, Mrs. John Tervelt, Mrs. Harry Housenga, and Henry Eizenga, all residing near Morrison. After the death of his wife, he was married to Mrs. Marie DeVries on February 28, 1916, and since that time they have made their home in Fulton. Besides his wife and three children, he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Peter Noordt of Fulton and Mrs. Willian Dykema of Morrison, and one half-brother, John Schurman, of Hull, Iowa
Contributed by Bonnie Pillers - Scrapebook in Odell Public Library, Morrison Illinois, page 104

DEAN ELDRENKAMP , 77, of Coventry Village Nursing Home, Sterling died Friday, June 27, 2003, at the nursing home. He was employed by Brunswick Corp., Skokie, as a certified public accountant for a number of years. Mr. Eldrenkamp was born Dec. 25, 1925, in Sterling, the son of Cornelius and Hazel (Pfulb) Eldrenkamp. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois. He served in the Navy during World War II. He was a member of Rock Falls United Methodist Church. Survivors include one sister, Marilyn Eldrenkamp of Sterlmg; and one brother, Lowell (Marilyn) Eldrenkamp of Seattle. Grave side service is at 11 am Wednesday, July 2, 2003, at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling, with the Rev. Larry Thomson, pastor of Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. Visitation is from 9:30-10:30 am, Wednesday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.
Daily Gazette July 1, 2003

BERT W. ELGIN , 54, died at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday at his home in Como. He had been in poor health for several years. The funeral will be held at the Trouth funeral home Thursday at 2 p.m., Rev. C. A. Kalkwarf, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran church, officiating. Interment will be in Maple ridge cemetery, West Jordan. The Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct the military services at the grave. Mr. Elgin was a veteran of World War I. Friends may call at the funeral home. Bert W. Elgin was born in Emerson June 25, 1894, and lived in Hopkins township all his life. He was married to Edith Barnett of Como and had made his home in Como ever since his marriage. He is survived by his widow, one son, one daughter, two grandchildren, five sisters and one brother; also by several nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Oct. 19, 1948 Sterling Gazette

WILLIAM F. ELGIN , Funeral services were conducted at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home for William F. Elgin at 1 p.m. Thursday with Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor emeritus of the Rock Falls Christian Church officiating, with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rock Falls. Mrs. Wayne E. Larson was organist, and Wayne E. Larson sant The Old Rugged Cross and Beyond the Sunset. Pallbearers were Harold Parks, Lee Carrico, Floyd Wellman, John Pieerce, Ray Hand and John Cheshier. Flowers were cared for by The Rebekah Lodge Members, including Mrs. Orville Deets, Mrs. Art Nelson, Mrs. William McKinzie and Swartley's. Out of town relatives were from Annawan, Rochelle, Morrison and Walnut.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 6, 1960 - Friday, pg 6, col 4

RAY ELLIS , 99, died Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at Sterling Pavilion Nursing Home, Sterling. Ray was born on September 24, 1905 in a log cabin in Broughton, the son of John Newton and Linnie (Pribble) Ellis. He married Claudine Mae (Sawyer) Dummett on December 9, 1945 in Ottawa; she died February 19, 1999. Mr. Ellis was employed by the City of Sterling for many years retiring in 1972. He was a veteran of WWII having served in the Army. He was a member of the Community Baptist Church, Milledgeville and the Milledgeville American Legion.
Survivors include his children, Joan Jamison of Iowa and Marilou (Glenn) Frank of Rock Falls, Daniel (Carole) Dummett of California; his sister, Sarah Porter of Eldorado; 14 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. His wife, two brothers, two sisters and a son, precede Ray in death. Funeral services were held at 10:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2005 at the Community Baptist Church, Milledgeville, with the Reverend Greg Farmer officiating. Burial with military honors followed at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitations were Friday from 9-10:30 a.m. at he church with arrangements by the McDonald-Allan-Grennan Funeral Home, Milledgeville.

ALICE (HEBERLING) ELLISON was born at Miles, Ia., Nov. 1, 1869, and died Sept. 23, 1935 at the home of her son, Donald Ellison, at Oklahoma City, Okla. She was the daughter of John and [Suzanne] Heberling and was the youngest of ten children, all of whom except one sister, have preceded her in death. She received her education at a normal school and taught school a short time before her marriage. She was united in marriage to Willard S. Ellison of Morrison in July 1886. They moved to Prophetstown three years later and lived here until 1908 when they moved to Iowa City, Ia. While living in Prophetstown Mrs Ellison was active in the work of the Congregational Church. Two sons, Dwight, a druggist in Chicago, and Donald, an attorney in Oklahoma City, and two daughters, Mrs. R. F. Cough of Mason City, Ia., and Mrs F. A. Wahlgren of Chicago, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ellison and survive them. One sister, Miss Charlotte Heberling of Ardmore, S. D., and five grandchildren, Barbara and Ray Clough, Bob and Mragaret Ann Wahlgren, and George Ellison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Ellison, also survive her. Mr. Ellison died October 19, 1907.

Funeral Notice
The remains of Mrs Alice Ellison, who died September 23 at the home of her son, Donald, at Oklahoma City, Okla., were brought here for interment and funeral services were conducted at the Dudley chapel by Rev. I. C. Campbelll Wednesday at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Ellison lived here from 1889 until 1908 and her husband, the late W. [C.] Ellison, was principal of the local schools for several years. The pallbearers were C. A. Schryver, F. D. Angell, B. M. Baldwin, K. N. Fenn, A. J. McNamara and Harry Baldwin.
Contributed by David Ellison - Newspaper unknown

WILLARD S. ELLISON died last Saturday evening at nine thirty o'clock. He was conscious until a very few minutes before the final summons came. The news of his death spread quickly and many a home in Prophetstown was saddened that night with the knowledge that Prof. Ellison had passed away. The announcements of his death in the curches the following morning cast a gloom over the entire town and community. Scarcely a home in Prophetstown but contains some member of the family who had been directly connected with Prof. Ellison in the relation of pupil to teacher. While every one was his friend and all admired and respected him as a man, yet his pupils of the years gone by and all those closely connected with him in his life work of teaching, are probably best able, outside the members of his family, to fix the truest estimate of his real worth as an educator, a co-worker, a helper and a friend. Prof. Ellison had those qualities which at once commanded the respect, the good will and the confidence of those with whom he came in contact; in no better way could this be illustrated than by the cordial relations, and the feelings of mutual respect and confidence existing between himself and pupils while associated together in the school room and during the years since those pleasant school ties were severed. For nearly eighteen years the teacher and friend for whom today so many of us mourn, was a citizen of Prophetstown. Prof. Ellison's teaching did not cease in the school room. In his every action and word in his business dealings, in his sterling integrity and pure Christian character, he taught the younger generation by precept and example, the true elements of good citizenship. For years to come Prophetstown will feel and realize the good influences of this man's life. His faithfulness to every trust and his conscientiousness almost to a fault were typically exemplified in the care and concern he felt for the welfare of the school that the pupils might be retarded only in the least possible manner by his being taken from them at this time.

For the past two years Prof. Ellison had not been a well man. He suffered a breakdown from overwork and never quite regained what he lost physically at that time. Heart trouble was gradually weakening his vitality but he remained steadfastly at his post of duty. Several weeks ago he was compelled to leave his work as the result of a severe cold taken shortly after the beginning of school. Pneumonia was threatened but warded off, only to leave the patient an easy prey to his old trouble, aggravated by a complication of other organic disorders. A week ago Monday, after again spending several days at his desk in the school building, he was taken so ill that he notified the School Board of his inability to longer accept the responsibilities of Principal in his then present state of health. On Thursday he realized that the end was not far off and he made every thoughtful preparation for the future welfare of his family, planning, wisely, as was ever his custom, to the last minute detail.

Willard Sylvester Ellison was born in Springfield, Ill., January 28, 1857 to Gilbert S. and Elvira Bannister Ellison and died in Prophetstown, Ill., October 19, 1907, aged 50 years, 8 months and 21 days. The father died in 1862 and the mother and young son moved to the vicinity of Morrison, Ill. As a boy and youth he attended the common schools of his vicinity, finally finishing his preparation for teaching at Valparaiso, Ind. Prof. Ellison has taught school successively at Gridley, Ustick Twp., this county, Thompson, Carroll County, Miles, Ia., Garden Plain, Unionville and Prophetstown. He taught in all twenty-eight years, the last eighteen in Prophetstown. In the meantime he had further fitted himself for his work by attending summer sessions in the Universities of Illinois and Iowa and various Normal schools. At Miles, Ia., he was married July 8, 1886 to Alice Heberling; into the home thus established have been born four children, Dwight, Ruth, Ada and Donald. These children, with the sorrowing wife, his aged mother, Mrs. Elvira Stowe, of Morrison, and a half-brother, M. M. Stowe, of his immediate relatives are left to mourn his death. He was affiliated with the Masonic, Odd Fellows, Eastern Star and Mystic Workers. Several years ago he united with the local Congregational church and since his public profession of faith made at that time, he has been a faithful and active member. He met the expected great change bravely and calmly as he had lived, supremely confident in the full and complete realization of all his Christian hopes and belief. Prof. Ellison was a standard for the highest ideals of citizenship. His position or opinion on any public question when once demonstrated or given, was certain to be on a high moral plane merged with consistency and good judgement.

The funeral services were held Monday afternoon in the Congregational church, conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. H. Burdick, assisted by Rev. W. B. Doble, of the Methodist church, and Rev. A. Edgren of the Lutheran church. Long before the arrival of the funeral party the church was filled to the entry ways with citizens and pupils of the town and surrounding country who had come to pay the last tribute of love and esteem to the memory of the departed friend and instructor. The pall bearers escorting the flower laden casket were Messrs. N. W. Paddock, R.C. Forkey, M. P. Brewer, B. E. Hurd, Simon Keiser and S. D. Gostelow. The short opening service was in charge of Rev. Doble who concluded with a fervent prayer. Rev. Burdick delivered a sermon, the text of which was a portion of Paul's letter to Timothy. The lesson was a beautiful tribute to the life of Prof. Ellison who had fought the good fight and won the victory. The old church choir composed of Mr. and Mrs Fenn, Mr. and Mrs. Daggett, Mr. Case and Mrs. Paddock rendered several excellent and appropriate selections, Rev. Edgren pronounced the benediction,. There was scarcely a dry eye in the vast congregation which slowly wended it's way out of the church at the conclusion of the services. The public schools of this and adjoining towns and country districts, the banks and many of the stores of Prophetstown closed during the funeral services. This was the most eloquent testimonial of the love, the esteem and high regard in which Professor Ellison was held by those who knew him as an educator and exemplary citizen.
Contributed by David Ellison - Newspaper unknown
Clicker here for his Biography

ANNA MARIE (HEIDE) ELLMAKER , 83, died at 4:30 a.m. Thursday (November 26, 1942) at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas F. Conlon, 356 Connell Street. Her body was taken by train at 2:50 a.m. today to Sterling, III., where funeral services will be held at Woods Funeral Home, probably Sunday. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery there.

The former ANNA MARIE HEIDE was born in Berlin, Germany, July 29, 1859 and came to America with her parents when 12. The family lived in Chicago for a short time before moving to a farm northwest of Coleta, III. She was married to William Ellmaker of Sterling Oct 19, 1882. Surviving are Mrs. (Edith) Conlon; two sons, Earl F. Ellmaker of Sterling and William G. Ellmaker of Appleton. Another daughter, Mrs. Charles (Lillian) F. Gagin, died June 17, 1923. Her husband also preceded her in heath. Mrs. Ellmaker also leaves nine grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two brothers, Fred W. Heide of Ann Arbor, Mich, and William G. Heide of near Coleta, IL. Mrs. Ellmaker had been a member of the Congregational Church at Sterling for many years and a charter member ofthe American Legion Auxiliary.
Contributed by Sue Nesland - Fond du Lac Commonwealth Reporter, Friday November 27, 1942 - pg 16

EARL F. ELLMAKER , 88, 507 15th Ave., Sterling, died (29 October 1976) Friday at Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Randall Brown, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Behrens Blair Funeral home from 2-9 p.m. Sunday. Earl F. Ellmaker was born July 15, 1888 in Sterling, the son of William and Anne Reide Ellmaker. He was reared and educated in Sterling and had been employed as a pattern make for International Harvester. He was married to Anna Linn in Sterling on Oct. 27, 1920. He was a member of American Legion Post 296 and the First United Methodist Church, and was a veteran of World War I. Survivors include three sons, Glenn, Geneseo, and Wayne and James, Sterling; one daughter, Mrs. Earl (Janet) Ricker and one sister, Mrs. Thomas (Edith) Conlon, Sterling; nine grandchildren and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna, Dec. 27, 1974, and one brother and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois - Octobeer 30, 1976, Saturday, pg 4

WILLIAM G. ELLMAKER , 297 River Dr, Appleton, Wisconsin Age 69, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Friday after a 6 month illness. Hewas born January 14, 1894 in Sterling, Ill. He has been a resident of Appleton for the past 30 years, where he made his headquarters as a salesman for the National Manufacturing Co. He was a member of the Memorial Presbyterian Church; the U.C.T. and the American Legion. He was a World War 1 Army Air Force Veteran having served 2 years in France and was a good friend of Eddie Rickenbacker and Quentin Roosevelt during this time. Mr. Ellmaker is survived by his wife, Fern; one brother, Earl, and one brother-in-law, Charles Gagin, both of Sterling, Ill.; one sister, Mrs. Thomas Conlon, Fond du Lac; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Ella McGregor, Appleton; 10 nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday from the Wichmann Funeral Home with Rev. Clifford J. Pierson officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home after 2 p.m. Sunday until the time of the service. A memorial fund is being established.
Contributed by Sue Nesland -- Appleton paper unnamed, dated March 16, 1963, Sec B, pg 5
(After WW I he returned home to sterling to work for the National. He moved to Appleton about 1933 where he met and married Fern.

HENRY B. ELMENDORF , 88, a resident of the Morrison vicinity practically his entire life, died at his home here at 2:05 a.m. Friday. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the home with the Rev. L. O. Coleman officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill cemetery. The deceased was born Jan. 1, 1852, at Olive N.Y., son of Levi and Catherine Bogart Elmendorf and was brought by them to this vicinity in 1866. One year he lived at Prophetstown, and the balance of the time in and near Morrison. he married Laura Brown of Tampico, Dec. 31, 1874, who preceded him in death in 1932. The couple celebrated their golden wedding in 1924. He is survived by one son, Levi Elmendorf of near Morrison; a brother George Elmendorf of California; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Besides his wife he was preceded in death by a daughter, Nellie, a brother Frank, and a sister, Mrs. Charles Lutyens. Out-of-town persons in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. John Needham and Mrs. Jack Keith of Sterling: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Calligan, Mr. and Mrs. Paul McAllister and Mrs. Albert Daniels of Rock Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Wolford of Cedar Rapids, Ia., and Henry Elmendorf of Tampico.. The pallbearers were Oliver Hall, Will Hogarth, Pierce Moore, John Heusinkveld, Glenn Wolford and Charles Hammer. Special music was furnished by Al Van Dyke and Peter Wilkins and Mrs. Charles Wesendorf and Mrs. John Heusinkveld had charge of the flowers.

Contributed by Georgi DiBartolo

LOWELL ELMENDORF , A Sterling resident, Lowell Elmendorf, 53, 604 12th Ave., was fatally injured Friday afternoon 2 1/2 miles west of Franklin Grove where he was working with a crew clearing the debris which resulted from a crash on Feb. 22, that piled up 93 cars along the right-of-way. Elmendorf was a former Sterling City policeman. At the inquest, conducted by Lee County Coroner Robert Preston Friday night, a crane operator, Braxton Jeffry of Peoria, told the Jury he had lifted part of a side of a box car with his crane when he saw Elmendorf standing below. Jeffrey said he attempted to change the direction of the crane, but the piece of steel slipped and hit Elmendorf. A huge piece of steel came loose from a crane and crashed down on Elmendorf's head, apparently killing him instantly.

Elemendorf was employed by the Lipsett Steel Co., believed to be a Peoria wrecking firm. Work began about four weeks ago at the scene of the February train derailment, believed to be one of the largest in Illinois history. The cars were derailed when two Chicago and North Western Railway freight trains sideswiped about 2 1/2 miles west of here. The wreckage lay on the right of way, a tangled mass until insurance adjustors had completed their work. Then salvage work began.

Elmendorf was born Oct. 28, 1908 in Rock Falls, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Elmendorf. He attended the Rock Falls schools and was graduated from Rock Falls Township High School in 1925. He was married to Irene J. Miller in Clinton, Oct. 26, 1928 and they resided all of their married life in Sterling. At one time he was a member of the Sterling police force and for five years he was employed by the American Agricultural and Chemical Co. of Fulton, before taking his present job with the Lipsons Steel Co. He was a member of the Masonic lodge of Sterling. Surviving are his wife, Irene; one son, Richard, Dixon; two daughters, Mrs. Jack E. Brown, Sterling, and Mrs. William Rogozinski, Thomston, Conn.; five grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Ada Elmendorf, Sterling; four brothers, Ike, Long Beach, Calif., Frank , Sterling; Kenneth, Como; and Lawrence, Downey, Ill.; five sisters, Mrs. Fern Dowdy, St. Elmo; Mrs. Charles Reichard, Sterling, Mrs. Glen Peek, Long Beach, Calif., Mrs. Lawrence Kauffman, Dixon, and Mrs. George Gaumer, Sterling; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. The body is at the Behrens Mortuary where friends may call after 10 a.m. Sunday until the hour of services, which will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday in the mortuary. The Rev. Luther Cooperrider, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 11, 1962 - Saturday, pg 1 col 2

WAYNE J. ELMENDORF - The death of Wayne Elmendorf which occurred about 12:30 Sunday afternoon at the Dixon hospital following a week's critical illness came as a shock to everyone although it was not entirely unexpected. Mr. Elmendorf had not been in the best of health for about two years but was not seriously ill until a week ago Sunday and on gradually becoming worse was taken to the hospital at Dixon int eh ambulance Tuesday morning. He was found to be suffering from peritonitis and it was thought by physicians that the appendix had ruptured. Everything possible was done for him and hope was held out that due to his strong constitution he might recover but word was received Saturday morning that he was much worse and he gradually weakened until the end came. The family were all with him at the hospital when death caem to end his suffering. An autopsy was held at the hospital and it was found that the appendix had not ruptured but that the peritonitis was caused by a condition of the kidneys that the surgeons believed had existed since birth and that absolutely nothing could have been done for him. The body was brought to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Elmendorf, Sunday evening where scores of relatives and friends paid their respects and extended their sympathy to his bereaved wife, parents and brother. Services were held at St. Mary's church of which he was a member, Wednesday mornign at 9:30. Requiem High Mass as said by Rev. Fr. T.O. Maguire. The church was filled and there were many beautiful flowers, expressions of the high esteem in which he was held. Pallbearers were Vernon Kelly, Charles Roese, Ed Fullerton, L.B. Winchell, Hubert Darby and Leroy Kelly. Interment was in the St. Marys' Cemetery. Among the relatives and friends from out of town were Mr. and MRs. Carl Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Manning, Mr. and Mrs. John Manning, Frank Manning, Kathryn Manning, Mr & Mrs Owen Lamb, Mrs. Mae Shepherd, Mrs. Kate Lamb, George Lamb, Mr. and mrs. Orrin Sherwood, MR. and Mrs. Bert hermann, Jerome Doden, Mr. & Mrs Earl Cleveland of Rochelle; Dr. Gentz Perry of Evanston; Ernest Bush of Grand Rapids Mich; Miss Mary E. Flynn of Chicago; Mr. Geo. S. Corl of Wheaton; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph, Mrs. Charles Henderson and daughter June, Mrs. A.R. Garrison and daughter Kathryn of Aurora; Will Robinson of South Bend IN; Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Henrekin of Sycamore; Mr. & Mrs. Art Henrekin and son Jack, and miss Addie Henrekin of Sterling; and Mr. & Mrs. John Dawson of Rock Falls.

OBITUARY - Wayne J. Elmendorf, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Elmendorf was born June 11, 1900 in Tampico where he spent his entire life. He attended the local school and was a student of St. Ambrose College in Rock island for a time after which he worked in the Elmendorf Meat Market for his father until the time of his last illness. ON May 18, 1827 he was married to Susan Manning of Rochelle adn they have made their home in the flat over the store. Wayne was active in all civic organizations, having taken an active place int he Tampico Bank and serving for several years on the Tampico Volunteer Fire Dept. being Chief at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, his parents, his brother Guy, three nieces, Helen, Mary and Mildred Elmendorf and a host of relatives and friends.

IRENE (GIBSON) EMERY , 91, of Prophetstown died Oct. 23, 2005 at Four Seasons Center, Morrison. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Oct. 27 2005 at First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown. Burial at Riverside Cemetery Prophetstown. Irene was born July 5, 1914 in Prophetstown, the daughter of Anton and Nannie (Ackeberg) Gibson. She married Charles C. Emery on Oct. 9, 1930 in Prophetstown. He preceded her in death on Feb. 28, 1996. Irene helped her husband operate Pure Oil Station, Prophetstown, during WW II. Later she was the city collector for the city for many years. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and a member and past worthy matron of Minerva Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. She is survived by a daughter Patricia and a son Charlges.

DAVID B. ENGELKENS , 79, of Chadwick (Carroll Co) died April 1, 2005 in Freeport. He was a crop farmer and raised black angus cattle in rural Chadwick since 1967. Mr. Engelkens was born March 12, 1926 in Fulton. He married Mary Ann Meinsma Dec. 31, 1951 in Morrison. She died April 23, 1987. Survivors are many cousin and Margaret Schoonover of Chadwick. The funeral is at 10:30 Monday at the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with Rev. Michael McCloud, officiating. Burial at Fulton Twp. Cemetery.

OKKO ENGELKENS of Fulton, 81, immigrant from the Netherlands 57 years ago today, died today leaving 114 descendants - 9 children, 49 grandchildren and 56 great-grandchildren.

DORIS (WOLFERMAN) ERBY , 88, of Rock Falls died April 1, 2005. She and her husband were owners/operators of dave's Upholstery and the Mattress Shop in Sterling and Rock Falls for many years. Mrs. Erby was born on Jan. 5, 1917 in Black Earth, WI the daughter of Victor Edward and Julia Delilah (Schultz) Wolferman. She married David Houston Erby on Aug. 29, 1940 in Dubuque Iowa. He preceded her in 1979. She was well-known for her sewing skills. She was a Chicago White Sox fan, enjoyed golfing, liked traveling and visiting family and friends. She was alifetime member of Easter Star of Madison WI. Survivors include one son, David Edward (Pam) Erby of Rock Falls; two granddaughters, Kimberly (James) Velazquez and Erika (Tom) Workman both of Rock Falls; one grandson Lincoln Erby of Colorado; three Great-granddaughters, Olivia, Abby and Rylee WOrkman, and two great-grandson, Clay and Kody Velazquez of Rock Falls. She was preced in death by her parents, one son, James William Erby in 1993 and one sister Jean Bosman of Madison WI.

HENRY ERDMANN , aged 55 years, died at 4:20 o'clock this morning in his home, following an illness of four years' duration with a complication of diseases. His final sickness was pneumonia. Arrangements for the funeral are not completed. The deceased was born December 20, 1875 in Geneseo, the son of Leopold and Anna Erdmann. He was married February 15, 1900 to Miss Alice Goembel of Geneseo. After their marriage the couple resided for five years in the vicinity of Geneseo then moved to Prophetstown where they farmed. In 1920 they left the farm and moved to Prophetstown. Mr. Erdmann was confirmed in the German Lutheran faith in Geneseo. The widow and two children, Mrs. J. J. Rogers and Zack Erdmann, both of Prophetstown, survive. He also leaves three brothers and four sisters. They are: Leo and Emil Erdmann of Geneseo, Albert Erdmann of East Moline, Mrs. William Taube and Mrs. Agnes Murray of Geneseo, Mrs. Fern Joles of Maquoketa, Ia., and Mrs. Thomas Owens of Wilton, Ia. Prophetstown - Funeral services for Henry Erdmann who died Monday morning, will be held at the late home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. I. C. Campbell, pastor of the local Congregational church will officiate. Burial in Riverside cemetery.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - Daily Gazette November 16, 1931 - pg 6, col. 5