C.R. FLATT - As we go to press we learn of the death of Dr. Flatt, who resided south of here. Mr. Flatt had been dangerously ill for a short time and death came Wed. night. More explicit particulars will appear in next issue. (Unidentified newspaper Morristown, SD 15 Sep 1911) And from the next issue - We made brief announcement of the death of Dr. C. R. Flatt last week, as we went to press. Dr. Flatt was born in Illinois, entered the dental profession, practicing in Dwight. Compelled to give up his work he came to South Dakota in search of health. Taking up a claim south of Morristown where he resided for just one year. Recently his health seemed to be failing and on Friday last he suffered a severe hemorrhage. He passed away on Wednesday evening at 6:15. Tubercular consumption being the cause of his death. The deceased was in the 32nd year of his age, a member of the Masonic order and as a man and a neighbor was highly esteemed in the community. Neighbors, professional and business men and a delegation of members of the Masonic fraternity were present out of respect to the deceased, as the remains in charge of undertaker Braden of Lemmon, were removed from the home, after a brief prayer by Rev. F. A. Hassold, Presbyterian minister. Besides the widow, deceased is survived by his father and two brothers. Mrs. Flatt and mother Mrs. J. N. Farley, who had arrived a few days before in response to telegram, accompanied the remains to Fulton, Illinois, where interment will be had. They left on the Columbian Thursday evening. We regret that the community has lost a good neighbor and the state a good citizen, and extend our sympathy to the bereaved relatives. Dr. Flatt is Dead Word has been received by friends in Fulton announcing the death, of Dr. Flatt at Morristown, S.D. The doctor was a former resident of Fulton and his wife, who was Miss Pearl Bryning, was a native of that place. ***
Contributed by Yvonne Shultis from the Whiteside Sentinel Morrison, IL Sep 1911

BETTY (MIDDLETON) FLEMING , 70, of Prophetstown died Wednesday, June 18, 2003, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison. She was employed by General Electric Co., Morrison, for 35 years, retiring in 1995, Mrs. Fleming was born March 15 1933, in Fergus Falls, Minn., the daughter of James and Alice(Copeland) Middleton. She married Frank Fleming on April 11, 1975, in Prophetstown. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Jeannie (John) Richmond of Prophetstown and Kathy (Dale) Beachy of Sterling, four sons, Stephen (Debra) Marweg of Morrison, Gerald (Cindy) Marweg of Gait and Pierce (Donna) Moore and Marty (Shelly) Moore, both of Prophetstown; three step-daughters, Lisa (Bill) Burrow of Philmont, N.Y, Sheila (Guy) Edge of Sterling and Angela (Tom) Willett of Rock Falls, 28 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a Sister, a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter. The funeral is at 10 am. Saturday at Lyndon United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Scott Porter, pastor of Abiding Word Christian Center, Sterling, officiating. Burial is at Lyndon Cemetery. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. today at Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown.
Daily Gazette 20 June 2003

FRANK C. FLEMING , 69, of Prophetstown, died Friday March 11, 2005 at his home. Mr. Fleming was born Sep. 18, 1935 in Geneseo, the son of Frank e. and Beatrice (Verschage) Fleming. He served and received an honorable discharge from the US Army. He married Betty Moore on April 11, 1975. She preceded him on Jun 18, 2003. He was a self-employed carpenter and retired in 1995 after 10 years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardeining, painting and going ot the riverboat. Survivors include three daughters, Lisa Burrows, Sheila Edge and Angela Willett; ; one sister Margaret Rafferty of PA. He was preced by his wife Betty; father Frank and a brother Bernard. Services Marcy 16 at McDonald Funeral Home Prophetstown with Rev. Scott Porter officiating. Burial in Lyndon Cemetery.

MRS. ED FLYNN , passed away at the family home, four miles northwest of Coleta at 4 o’clock Tuesday (03/15/1921) morning following a siege of illness from a complication of diseases. Mrs. Flynn suffered an attack of rheumatism and spinal meningitis developed. Mrs. Flynn was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Flannery of Fulton. She was 24 years of age. She was married to Mr. Flynn on March 17, 1920. Besides the husband the decedent is survived by a five months old son. Funeral services will be held in Fulton at 10 o’clock Thursday morning with burial in the cemetery of that city.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, March 15, 1921, page 2, column 1.

FRANCIS D. FLYNN , 83, of Sterling died Friday, Feb. 11, 2005. He was employed by Lawrence Bros., Sterling for 43 years. Mr. Flynn was born Sept. 21, 1921 in Sterling, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Douglas) Flynn. He was a 1940 graduate of Community Catholic High School, Sterling. He served in the Army during WW II. He was a member of St. Mary Church, Sterling, and a longtime St. Vincent DePaul, Sterling volunteer. Survivors include a brother, Thomas (Ruth) Flynn of Phoenix; five nephews, James Richards, Daniel Richards, Edward Richards, Martin Richards and Doug Richards; a niece, Laurel Gallagher; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Celebration of the mass of christian Burial is a 11 a.m. Tuesday at St Mary Church Sterling with the Rev. Donald Ahles, celebrant officiating. Burial with military honors is at Calvary Cemetery.

KATHERINE (FEENERTY) FLYNN - The funeral of Mrs. James Flynn who passed away at her home northwest of Sterling was held on Friday [08/22/1924] morning at 9:30 at St. Mary’s church in Morrison, Father Quigley officiating at burial in Calvary cemetery in this city. Six grandsons served as pall bearers. Katherine Feenerty was born July 25, 1859, at Glinst, county Galway, Ireland. She was married to Jas. Flynn, and to this union six children were born—Mrs. Henry Moms, of Sterling, James of South Bend, [St. Joseph County] Ind., Thomas of South Dakota, Michael of Coleta, Mrs. John Gaffey of Morrison and Mrs. Clarence McDonald of this city [Sterling]. She also leaves 29 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren to mourn her loss. Her husband passed away May 26, 1915. Mrs. Flynn was a life time member of the Catholic church and will be greatly missed from the family circle.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, August 25, 1924, page 10, column 2.

BEATRICE DAY (AHRENS) FOLSOM , 64, Sterling, IL, died Friday, October 6, 2006 at Swedish Memorial Hospital, Rockford. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. A memorial fund has been established. Kay was born May 21, 1942 in Sterling, IL the daughter of Willis and Jean (Frankenfield) Ahrens. She graduated from Rock Falls High School, class of 1960. She married Thomas R. Folsom in Sterling in 2005. He preceded her later that year. Kay was a floral designer and had also worked as a bookkeeper at the former Ramada Inn in Rock Falls. Most recently she served as the coordinator for the PADS Shelter, Sterling. She is survived by aunts and cousins. Kay was also preceded by her father in 1992 and her mother in 1996.
Contribued by Debbie Thormahlen from - The Prophetstown Echo -October 10, 2006

FLORA MAE (BROTHERIDGE) FOLSOM , 56, formerly of Rock Falls died early Sunday morning (9 Jun 1977) in a Brownsville Texas hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, with the Rev. Harvey T. Gregerson officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling. Friends may call Monday from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday from noon to the time of service. Flora Brotheridge was born Oct. 2, 1920 in Rock Falls, the daughter of John and Minnie Smith Brotheridge. She attended the Rock Falls schools. On Oct. 2, 1935 in Morrison she was united in marriage to Herman L. Folsom. She was a member of the Jehovahs Wittness of Rock Falls. Surviving are her husband, Herman,Sr.; six sons, Herman Jr. of Chicago, William A of Maywood, David of Cicero, Arthur L. of Rock Falls, Stephen of Dayton, Ohio, and Joel of Dallas, Tex.; four daughters, Mrs. George (Ardetta) Schnieder of Denton, Tex., Mrs. Richard (Stephanan) Marrocco of Providence, Rhode Island, Mrs. Alice Bennett of Buffalo, Texas, and Lydia Folsom of Brownsville, Texas; her mother, Mrs. Minnie Brotheridge of Rock Falls, 24 grandchildren two great grandchildren; five brothers, John of Naples, Fla., Robert of Sterling, James, Paul and Louis, all of Rock Falls; five sisters, Mrs. Earl (Minnie) George of Rock Falls, Mrs. Francis (June) Carlson of Vancouver, Washington, Mrs. Daniel (Fern) Jolly of Vancouver, Washington, Mrs. Thomas (Julia) Gregerson and Mrs. Wendell (Marian) Blackburn both of Gadston, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her father and one sister. A memorial has been established.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 10, 1977 - Monday, pg 4

GENE FOLSOM , of rural Morrison, passed away at home after a brief illness on Monday, March 14, 2005. Gene, the son of Francis and Marion Folsom was born in Sterling Nov. 13, 1951. Gene was a Scout in the U.S. Army until his ~ retirement in 1991. Post retirement he taught computer techniques at Sauk Valley Community College. He served on the teaching staff at St Anne's: as well as Thome ED School He also enjoyed seasonal work at Wal-Mart, delivering the Dispatch, gardening and outdoor activities. Gene is survived by his wife, Michele; three sons, Gene Jr. (Alecia) of South Carolina, Francis II (Telina) of North Carolina and Matthew Gill of Prophetstown; two, brothers Lee (Linda) Folsom of Rock Falls and Robert (Lorrie) Folsom of Prophetstown; and grandchildren, Aundrea and Francis Folsom III, both of North Carolina. His parents and infant sister, Eileen preceded him in death. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Dalmus Meeks officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Coloma township Cemetery, Rock Falls.

LAWSON "RED" FOLSOM , 61, of 609 13th Ave., Sterling died Tuesday evening at CGH Medical Center. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with Rev. Ray Rebuck and Rev. Scott Porter officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Thursday with a Loyal Order if Moose service at 7:30 p.m. A memorial has been established. Mr. Folsom was born April 28, 1929, in Sterling, the some of Lawson J and Blanche E (Gallentine) Folsom. He married Lula B Fisher on April 28, 1974, at the Rock Falls United Methodist Church. He had been the owner and operator of Folsom's Bakery in Sterling from 1958-1968. From 1970-1982 he was employed as an advisor for bakery set-up for Super Valu stores in Illinois and Iowa. He was a member of the Sterling Loyal Order of Moose and had held many offices including past junior governor. He was a charter member of the Sinnissippi Rod and Gun Club, a Boy Scout leader and on the advisory committee for food services at Whiteside Area Vocational Center. He also had been a substitute teacher at Sauk Valley Community College. Surviving are his wife, one son, Jerry Folsom, Sterling; two daughter, Karen Helle and Rhonda Swarthout, both of Sterling; three brothers, Francis Folsom, Rock Falls; Herman Folsom, Brownsville, Texas, Merle Folsom, Peoria; two sisters Alice Dettman, Sterling; Mina Chapman, Winter Haven, Fla.; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother Raymond.
Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

LULA B. (FISHER) FOLSOM , 68, of Sterling died Saturday, July 12, 2003, at CGH Medical Center. She was employed by Lundstrom Florist, Wilson Greenhouse, Morrison, and Swartley's Greenhouse, as a floral designer for many years. Mrs. Folsom was born June 30, 1935, in Rock Falls, the daughter of Herbert and Helen (Robinson) Fisher. She married Lawson J Folsom on April 28, 1974, at Rock Falls United Methodist Church. He died Aug. 28, 1990. She was a member of First Christian Church of Sterling, Loyal Order of Moose and Royal Neighbors of America. She enjoyed reading and was involved in many people's lives through floral design. Survivors include two stepdaughters, Karen (Darrell) Erickson of Rock Falls and Rhonda (Gail) Skinner of Sterling; a stepson. Jerry (Roxanne) Folsom of Rock Falls; four brothers, LeRoy "Buzz" Fisher and Robert (Margaret) Fisher, both of Sterling, William ` Wes" (Barb Fisher of Rock Falls and Donald Fisher of Chadwick, six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by several aunts and uncles. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m Wednesday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. Jack Koehier officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Sterling Daily Gazette July 14, 2003

ROBERT FOLSOM , 48, of Prophetstown died Tuesday Oct. 4, 2005 at Loyola Univ. Med. Ctr in Maywood. He was employed by RC Smith Transportation in Morrison. Mr. Folsom was born March 21, 1957 in Sterling the son of Francis and Marion (Cox) Folsom. He married Lorie Olson on Oct. 7, 1978 in Sterling. Survivors include his wife; a son Jfee; a daughter Stacie Garrett, a brother Lee and three grandchildren. Graveside service is at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Coloma Twp. Cemetery Rock Falls.

THOMAS RAYMOND FOLSOM , 59, of Sterling, formerly of the Phoenix area, died March 20, 2005 at CGH Medical Center. He was an electrician. Mr. Folsom as born Sept. 19, 1945 in Sterling the son of MErle and Janet (Hoover) Folsom. He married Beatrice Kay Ahrens on Jan. 7, 2005 in Sterling. He was an avid reader and enjoyed nature. Survivors include his wife; a daughter Bonnie Stern; two sons Kelly and Mikel; his mother, Janet Noon; two sisters Kathleen Johnson and Elizabeth Dougherty; four brothers, John, Timothy, Kenneth and Gary; a grandson Michael Kinney of Alabama. He was preceded by a sister Linda.

ELEANOR (DUNCAN) FORDYCE , 81, of Rock Falls died Sep. 19, 2005 at CGH. She was born Jan. 21, 1924 in Oregon, the daughter of James G. and Elmyra J. (Taylor) Duncan. She married James Fordyce July 11, 1953 in Morrison. He died Jan. 14, 2005. Survivors include two sons, Patrick and Johnny; a daughter Linda Hemminger; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

JAMES R. FORDYCE , 83, died Friday, Jan. 14, 2005 at Sterling Pavilion. He was employed by Good Year Warehouse, Rock Falls, for several years until retiring. Mr. Fordyce was born Feb. 27, 1921 in Dixon, the son of James and Rose (Miller) Fordyce. He married Eleanor Duncan Marschang on July 11, 1953. He served in the Army during WW II in the medical corps. Survivors inclue his wife, two stepsons, Patrick (Gloria) Marschang of Deer Grove and John L. Marschange of Freeport; a stepdaughter, Linda Annette Hemminger of Lyndon; seven stepgrandchildren. The funeral is at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls with the Rev. Cass Young, Harvest Time Bible Church officiating. Private burial is at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rock Falls.

BARTHOLOMEW A. FORSTER , 81, retired furniture dealer and funeral director died Saturday morning in Sterling Public hospital of burns suffered Friday night (30 June 1944) when he fell asleep while smoking a cigar in bed at his home, 901 East 2nd street, Sterling. Two daughters who made their home with him discovered the fire about 11 o’clock but were unable to quell the flames before Forster had suffered burns on his neck, chest, arms and hands. The Sterling fire department was called and confined the blaze to the bedroom. Mr. Forster was taken in the Woods ambulance to the hospital where he died about 6:00 a. m. He was born Aug. 17, 1862 in Vienna, Austria, and was married in Sterling in 1883 to Theresa R. Bartel who died last April 21. Mr. Forster had been in the furniture and undertaking business for 20 years before he retired four years ago. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Theresa Long and Miss Mildred Forster, both at home, and Mrs. Edward J. McGinn, Rock Falls, and two sons, Francis Forster, Sterling, and Leo J. Forster, Chicago. In addition to his wife, four sons preceded him in death. Funeral services were held this morning in Sacred Heart Catholic church of which he was a member. Rev. Michael Krug officiated. Burial was in Sacred Heart cemetery.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 3 July 1944

AURORA (OBERG) FOSS , 66, of 806 Ave. F, Sterling , died at 11:45 p.m. Monday in Community General Hospital after an extended illness. Visitation will start at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Behrens Mortuary. Holslander Rebekah Lodge will conduct a service at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday in Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne Booker officiating. burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery , Rock Falls . Aurora E. Oberg was born Sept. 30, 1901 in Maimo , Sweden , the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Oberg. she came to the United States when a small girl and was reared and educated in Grand Lake , Minn. She was united in marriage with Lawrence Foss in Duluth , Minn. , in 1919. He preceded her in death Nov. 18, 1958. Surviving are three sons, Richard Foss of Mundelein, Lawrence Foss of auburn, Ind. , and M. Sgt. Donald Foss of Long Island , N.Y. and two daughters, Mrs. Sam ( Beverly ) Mylin of Janesville, Wis., and Mrs. Michael (Lois) McCormick of Sterling. She also leaves two brothers and two sisters, Ephram Oberg of Duluth , Minn. , George Oberg of Hillside, Mrs. Hildur Zelenka of Wilmington and Mrs. Florence Bormann of LaGrange. there are 16 grandchildren. Mrs. Foss was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two daughters. She was a member of Holtslander Rebekah Lodge and a past noble grand, Will Robinson Women’s Relief corps, Holly Camp of royal Neighbors, rock falls and Twin City Barracks Auxiliary 3083. ( Nov 13, 1967 Sterling Gazette) -- Services for Aurora E. Foss were held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church , with the Rev. Wayne Booker officiating. Mrs. Emery McNeil was at the organ. Mary Lou Frank and Kay Shook sang “Beyond The Sunset” and “ Ivory Palaces .” Burial was in IOOF Cemetery in Rock Falls . Pallbearers were Richard Foss Jr., William Foss, George Oberg Jr., Wayne Borrann, Kenneth Bormann and Thomas Foss. Robinson Florist’s took charge of the flowers. Arrangements were made by Behren’s Mortuary.
Contributed by Margaet Mangers - Nov 17, 1967 Sterling Gazette

BRIAN D. FOWKES , 33, of Prophetstown died Sunday Sept. 18, 2005. He was employed by Tyson Foods, Joslin as an electrical tecnician for 12 years. Mr. Fowkes was born March 4, 1972 in Sterling, the son of Douglas Edward and Kathryn Ann (Hedstrom) Fowkes. He married Toni Coon on Dec. 12, 1992 in Sterling. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Andrew Michael and Ryan Douglas both of Prophetstown; his father, Douglas of Clinton Iowa, his mother of Sterling; two brothers, Chad and Cory, grandmother, Ruth Hedstrom and grandfather Donald Fowkes.

DANIEL FOWLER - At his home in Union Grove, Ill., on Saturday, June 3, 1893, Mr. Daniel Fowler, aged 63 years, 11 months and 16 days. Daniel Fowler was born at Hyde Park, Dutchess county, N.Y., June 17, 1829. He was married to Margaret Barringer, of Livingston, Columbia county, NY, October 18, 1852. Two children were born to them, Susan, deceased and Sarah, now residing in the state of Nebraska. He removed with his wife to Morrison in the year 1857, where he resided one winter. He then settled in Union Grove where he has since remained. He was a man of integrity of character and of strong firm convictions of right. These principles found exemplification in his life. Towards those whom he met and with whom he associated he was kind hearted and friendly. The sorrows that visited the neighborhood he shared, as he could, with sympathy and aid. He had a genial, hopeful disposition that led him to look beyond immediate difficulties and to resolutely contend against appearances foreboding results that would dishearten many. While the disease that carried him away was persistently tightening its grasp he would battle against it by driving to town and looking after the management of his affairs. In his home he was a kind husband and father, tender and loving. At the age of 20 years he professed his faith in Christ and united with the Baptist church at Hyde Park. After moving to Morrison he united with the Baptist church in which he was a member to the time of his death. Only little over 3 months ago a loved daughter preceded her father to the other land. This sorrow came as a heavy blow to the remaining family. Now the same messenger has called for another. Services were held at the residence by Rev. D. Rogers. The remains interred in Grove Hill Cemetery.

J. FRANK FOWLER - 78, 803 1/2 West 4th Street, Sterling, died suddenly Saturday noon (07 Oct 1973) in a medical office. Funeral services were held at the Allen Funeral Home Monday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. David Fouts, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Sterling officiating with burial in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Frank Fowler was born April 9, 1895 in Morrison, the son of Orrin C. and Charlotte Fowler. He was united in marriage to Carrie Alice Curry, who preceded him in death in 1931. He was united in marriage to Sarah E. Treffert, July 30, 1936 after which the couple resided in Morrison until 1953 when they moved to Sterling. Frank was employed in the maintenance department of Illinois State Police District I until his retirement. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sterling. He is survived by his widow, one daughter, Mrs. John (Katherine) Doty of Rock Falls; one son, Clifton Fowler of Sterling; one step-daughter, Mrs. Herbert (Virginia) Blackman of Coal Valley; two brotheers, Orrin and Leo Fowler, both of Rock Falls; eight grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, two sisters and four brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 8, 1973 - Monday, pg 2

LEMUEL V. FOWLER who as chief cook and steward in the U.S. merchant marine was wounded in the invasion of France, was fond dead in his apartment over the Wagner grocery this morning at an early hour. The body was taken to the Wheelock funeral home where the inquest will be held later this afternoon after which the body will be taken to the Reynolds undertaking parlor, Morrison, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday. Interment will be in Grove Hill cemetery, Morrison. Mr. Fowler enlisted in the merchant marine February 15, 1944, and served until the invasion of France when a depth charge exploded at the same time a bomb was dropped by a German plane. The force of the explosion hurled him down a stairway. Although wounded he stuck to his post and spent several days cooking and caring for the wounded. He was hospitalized in Oxford, England then sent to the marine hospital, New York and later in Chicago, where it was discovered that several vertebrae were broken. Mr. Fowler was born in Morrison 53 years ago, May 9, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Fowler of Morrison. He was a cook by profession and spent many years in various parts of the country working at his trade. When the CCC was started he worked for the government for three years cooking prior to enlisting in the merchant marine. Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Ruth Inman of Grand Rapids, Minn., who preceded him in death October 10, 1935. He is survived by four children, Earl Fowler of Morrison, Kenneth and Ruth Fowler of Rock Falls, and Lt Irene Fowler ANC of Galesburg. also by the following brothers and sister, Leo Fowler of Rock Falls, (can’t read name) Fowler of Sterling, Clance Fowler of Detroit, Mich., Lillian, wife of John Curren of Detroit, Mich., Nina wife of Mrs.(should be Mr.) Howard Snyder of Morrison and Frank Fowler of Morrison. Two brothers, Joseph and Amos preceded him in death. Mr. Fowler’s health had been steadily growing worse since his discharge from the service.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the August 8, 1946 Sterling Gazette

DONNA (RAMAGE) FRANCIS , 46, of Brampton, Ontario Canada, formerly of Sterling died Sunday Oct. 30, 2005. She was born Aug. 17, 1959 in Sterling the daughter of Leslie and Darlene (Dahlberg) Ramage. She married Keith A. Francis on July 12, 2005. Survivors include her husband; a daughter Emily Johnson of Tampico; two sons, Matthew Johnson of Dixon and Toby Johnson of Prophetstown; four sisters, Brenda Polley and Janet Gallegos of Rock Falls, Lori Green of Sterling, and Midge Ramage of Tampico; three brothers, Robert Polley of Rock Falls, James Ramage of Ohio and dennis Levan of Dixon; a grandchild. She was preceded by her father and a brother Leslie. Services Saturday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, burial at Oak Knoll.

EUGENIA (PRESTON) FRANCIS , age 91 of Mt. Carroll, Illinois died Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Carroll County Good Samaritan Center, Mt. Carroll. A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll, with Father Robert North of the St. Paul Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, Illinois. Visitation will be held 1:00 -2:00 p.m. one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Episcopal Church in Eugenia?s memory. Eugenia was born July 15, 1917 in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois, the daughter of Emery and Bertha (Richards) Preston. She attended Buffalo Prairie Country School. On December 19, 1934 she married Alvin Keller. Alvin died October 9, 1959. Eugenia later married John Francis in 1967. John died in 1975. Eugenia operated Jeanie A's Upholstery Shop in Mt. Carroll. She worked for General Electric in Morrison, as a Machine Operator until her retirement in 1980. Eugenia was a member of the St. Paul Episcopal Church in Savanna for many years. She enjoyed sewing and traveling. Most of all she loved her family and friends. Eugenia is survived by her two daughters, Arvilla (John) Straub of Chadwick, Illinois, Arlene (Don) Crockett of Thomson, Illinois; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Jane (Floyd) Howard of Clinton, Iowa, Nancy (James) Spahr of Hillsdale, Illinois. Eugenia is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Alvin; a sister, Juanita Jordan and four brothers, Maynard, Richard, Eugene, and Robert Preston.

FLOYD FRANCIS , 71, Rt. 1, Prophetstown, died early Tuesday morning at Community General Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bruce Janes, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Gardner Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to the United Methodist Church. Floyd Francis was born on Oct. 19, 1911 in Lutesville, Mo., the son of Harry and Vallie May Hahn Francis. He was educated in the Hamilton Corner School, rural Lyndon. He married Lola Mae Hofmeister in Prophetstown on Dec. 16, 1937. She preceded him in 1976. In 1977 he married Oma Chasteen. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, had served on the former Portland School Board for many years and had resided at the present farm since 1938. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Roger (Marilyn) Skromme, East Moline; one step-daughter, Mrs. Don (Sharon) Dancey, Rock Falls; two sons, Gordon D. and Roger W., both of Prophetstown; two step-sons, Dean Chasteen, Paris, Calif., and Nathan Chasteen, Davenport; eight grandchildren; three step grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Merle (Anna) Heath, Sterling, Mrs. William (Velma) Klockenga, Rock Falls, Mrs. Hugo (Edna) Olson, and Mrs. VIolet Farran, both of Prophetstown; and two brothers, Kenneth Francis, Prophetstown and Glenn Francis, Lyndon. Preceding him in death was one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 23, 1983 - Tuesday, pg A6

GLEN ADAM FRANCIS , 77, died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL. Glen was born August 15, 1929 in Denrock, IL to Harry and Vallie M. (Hahn) Francis. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools and was a graduate of Lyndon High School, Lyndon, IL. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Glen married Patricia J. Chamberlain on February 6, 1954 in Lyndon, IL. He was engaged in farming in the Prophetstown/Lyndon area his entire life and had been a salesman for Golden Harvest seed corn. Glen was a member of Lyndon Congregational Church in Lyndon, was a member of the Board of Directors of Whiteside F.S., and had served as 4-H leader for the Lyndon Loyal Leaders. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; one daughter, Kathy (Mrs. Steve) Ufkin of Lyndon, IL; two sons, Michael (Corrine) Francis of Deer Grove, IL and Russell (Kay) Francis of Lyndon, IL; eight grandchildren, Jay Ufkin, Alexis (Mrs. Ivan) Socava; Rachel Francis, Riley Francis, Michelle (Mrs. Dan) Link, Megan Gorman and Bart Dirks, Jake Francis, and Ellie Francis; two great grandchildren, Christopher and Charlie Link. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Scott Ufkin; five sisters, Mildred Hansen, Anna Heath, Edna Olson, Violet Vittitow, and Velma Klockenga; two brothers, Floyd and Kenneth Francis.

HARRY ALBERT FRANCIS , 77, passed away Wednesday morning (15 May 1968) at the Prophets Reviewview Center. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the United Methodist Church, the Rev. Paul Olson officiating, with burial in Lyndon Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gardner Funeral Chapel, Prophetstown, this evening, Thursday. A memorial has been established for the Prophets Riverview Center. Harry Albert Francis was born Sept. 24, 1890 in Lutesville, Mo., the son of George W. and Cordelia (Lutes) Francis. He married Vallie May Hahrr of Lutesville on Dec. 17, 1910. He moved to Prophetstown from Lyndon in 1953. He was a member of the Sylvan Baptist Church of Lutesville. He is survived by three sons, Floyd and Glenn of Prophetstown; Kenneth of Lyndon; four daughters, Mrs. Merle (Anna) Heath of Polo; Mrs. Hugo (Edna) Olson; Mrs. Vesta (Violet) Vittitow; Mrs. William (Velma) Klockenga, all of Prophetstown; three brothers, David and Ollie of Advance, Mo.; Jesse of Garden Plain; 25 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents, wife, one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth Hansen and two sisters
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette May 16, 1968 - Thursday, pg 2

HELEN I. (WHITINGTON) FRANCIS , 65, of 607 17th Ave., Sterling, died Tuesday, May 16, 1995, at CGH Medical Center. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home with Rev. Karen Schilling of First United Methodist Church of Sterling, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Mrs. Francis was born May 21, 1930 in Annawan, the daughter of Harley and Mildred (Elgin) Whitington. She married Keith G. Francis in Morrison on June 14, 1953. She was employed at General Electric in Morrison for nine years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Sterling and was a member of the Topps Club. Years ago she taught music, including piano , accordion and organ. Surivivors include her husband, Keith; one daughter, Linda (Bill) Jaynes of Fowler; her mother of Morrison; and one sister, Mabel (Arnold) Zuidema of Morrison. She was preceded in death by her father, one sister, Alice Noble and nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 17, 1995 - Wednesday, pg A2

HUBERT L. FRANCIS , 90, of 7908 Ogden Road, Lyndon, IL, died Thursday, January 26, 2006, at Four Seasons Living Center in Morrison, IL. Hubert was born September 29, 1915 in Lyndon, IL, to Tommy P. and Jessie (Brewer) Francis. He was educated in the Lyndon grade school in Lyndon, IL and graduated from high school in San Bernadino, CA. Hubert married Marie A. Wierenga on February 22, 1938 in Clinton, IA. He was engaged in farming in the rural Lyndon, IL area, his entire life, and was also employed by the Eclipse Lawn Mower Company in Prophetstown, IL. Hubert was a member of the Lyndon United Methodist Church and had served as a trustee. He was a past board member of Lyndon High School, a member of Whiteside Rural Youth Program, and had served as a 4-H leader for Lyndon Loyal Leaders. Survivors include his wife, Marie; one daughter, Linda (Mrs. Larry) Vos of Prophetstown, IL; two sons, Ronald (Florence) Francis of Prophetstown, IL and Jerry (Debra) Francis of Lyndon, IL; ten grandchildren, Kari (Mrs. Matt) Smith, Teri (Mrs. Randy) Rosenow, Ronald Francis, Caron (Mrs. John) Wilson, Jolyn (Mrs. Brian) Cox, Courtney (Mrs. Ron) Bender, Lena (Mrs. Bill) Wilson, Aurelie Francis, Lisa (Mrs. Jerry) Stuart, and Lori Davis; seventeen great grandchildren; one sister, Bernice (Mrs. Warren) Buck of Seattle, WA; two nephews, Steven (Jeanette) Buck and Gerald (Maury) Buck both of Seattle, WA He was preceded in death by a son, Arman Francis. Burial Lyndon Cemetery.

JESSIE EVERETT FRANCIS , died Sunday, January 8, 1989 at a rest home in Morrison, IL. He was 84. He was born March 14, 1904 in Lutesville, MO, son of George and Cordelia Lutes Francis. He married Velma Willis December 31, 1927 in Lutesville, MO. For three years after their marriage, they lived in Akron, Ohio where he was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber. They moved to Morrison, IL in 1931 and farmed in that area. They had lived on their present farm for 34 years. He was a member of Whiteside County Farm Bureau. He was a former member of New Sylvan General Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Glen (Laveda) Kaufman of Morrison; two sons, Gene of Colona, IL; and Ed of Geneseo, IL; seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Two sisters and four bothers preceded him in death. Services were Wednesday at the Methodist Church in Prophetstown with burial in Riverside Cemetery there.
Source: "Jean" at Find-A-Grave

KENNETH L. FRANCIS , 80, of Prophetstown died Saturday, August 26, 2006 at his home. Private graveside services will be held later this week at the Lyndon Township Cemetery, Lyndon. Visitation was held Wednesday at the Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown. A memorial fund has been established. Kenneth was born September 6, 1925 in Lyndon the son of Harry A. and Valllie May (Hahn) Francis. He married Dolores Eacker on February 24, 1957 in Mt. Carroll, IL. He farmed for many years and also worked for Smith Farm Supply. Ken was an Army veteran having been stationed in Korea and Japan. He was a quite, wonderful man who loved his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He enjoyed flying his plane, watching sports, and inventing. Survivors include his wife; a daughter Crystal Slaunwhite, Sterling; sons, Kurt of Mesa, AZ, Kerry and his wife Teri, Missoula, Montana, five grandchildren; a brother and his wife Glen and Pat Francis, Lyndon.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen

FRED FRANK , 44, died at 6:30 o'clock this morning in his home southwest of Tampico, following a serious illness since last Sunday. He underwent an operation last April 18 at Iowa City, Ia., for the removal of a brain tumor and death resulted from another tumor which formed on the brain. Funeral services will be held from the late home at 2 o'clock and the Church of Christ at 2:30 o'clock. Interment will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. The deceased was born January 9, 1894, at Thomastown, Bureau County, Illinois, the son of Charles and Mary Frank. He received his education in the Thomas and at the Sunnyside schools. He was married to Eunice Goble, October 11, 1916, at the home of her parents near Tampico. They lived for three years after their marriage on the Harrington farm and then moved to their present farm home. Mr. Frank was a member of the Tampico Church of Christ, the Royal Neighbors of America, the Fidelity Life Association, also a member of the Tampico Farmer's Elevator and township school trustee. For 12 years he had been a director of the Sunnyside School, but was not a director at the time of his death. Besides his widow, he leaves one son, Lyle Stanley, in the home, and his mother, Mrs. Mary Frank of Rock Falls, and one brother, William Frank of Tampico. He was preceded in death by one sister, Augusta, and his father who died in September, 1929.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois July 22, 1938 - Friday, pg 5

GARRIE L. FRANK , 52, of Rock Falls died Monday Aug. 1, 2005 at his home. He was employed by Eagle Country Market for more than 20 years, managing the Rock Falls store until 1992. Mr. Frankw as born Sept. 15, 1952 in Sterling the son of Lee and maythel (Osborne) Frank. He was an avid New york yankees fan and enjoyed horses. Survivors include two daughters, tracey and Michelle; a son Brian; a brother Michael Lee and four grandchildren, Elija, Alexys, Anthony and Isaac.

HAROLD G. FRANK , 59, of Sterling, died Sunday at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, Wis. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling with the Rev. Philip Gronbach, pastor of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. He was born Aug. 30, 1944, in Amboy, Ill., to Clarence and Eunice Steele Frank. He married Nancy L. McDearmon on Oct. 5, 1963, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sterling. He formerly owned and operated the Super Valu Store in Chadwick, Ill. For the last 10 years, he co-owned and operated Clover Hills Appliance Store in Sterling and Clinton. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Kim (Todd) Bryant of Tucson, Ariz; two sons, Kevin (Sheilisa) Frank of Roscoe, Ill., and Kalvin (Bille Jo) Frank of Milan, Ill.; his mother, Eunice Frank of Sterling; three sisters, Mrs. Barb (Kevin) Melberg of Rock Falls, Ill., Mrs. Lois (Don) Weissenburger of Batavia, Ill., and Mrs. Betty (Ben) Mena of Rockford, Ill.; five brothers, Clem (Cheryl) Frank of Bloomington, Ind., Doug (Mary) Frank of Portales, N.M., Roger (Teresa) Frank of Sterling, Bill (Rhonda) Frank of Galesburg, Ill., and Gary (Gina) Frank of Sterling; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother.
Clinton Herald 16 October 2003

LINDA FRANK , Linda Irene, six day old twin of Leeta Eileen, one of the twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Frank of Prophetstown, died Monday evening in St. Francis hospital at Peoria, where she had been taken shortly after birth. Funeral seervices will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Helm funeral home in Prophetstown, the Rev. C. F. Chasteen, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating. The committal will be in Riverside cemetery, Prophetstown. The baby was born March 8 in the Morrison community hospital.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 15, 1949 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 2

LOIS EUGENIA (BURKE)FRANK , 74, of rural Sterling died Aug. 27, 2005 at her home. She was born Aug. 6, 1931 at Chadwick, the daughter of Thomas Patrick adn Helen Catherine (Sauer) Burke. She attended St. Mary Grade School, Sterling and was a 1949 graduate of Catholic Community High School Sterling. She married Forrest Richard Frank on June 17, 1955 at St. Mary Church, Sterling. Lois worked for the former Tritz Implement Co. Sterling for 11 years. When her children were small, she worked part time at the former Burke Grocery Store in Sterling. After the closing of the store, she worked for ARA at Sauk Valley College and at Challand Jr. High School. Lois enjoyed painting pictures and making food for funeral dinners at St. Mary's. Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Lynn Sotelo and Gail Henson, both of Sterling; five grandchildren; three sisters Billie, Pattie and Betty. Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday Aug. 31, 2005 at St. Mary's. Burial at Calvary Cemetery.

MARVIN EUGENE FRANK - The funeral services for Pfc. Marvin Eugene Frank son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Frank of Sterling who was killed in action at Luxemburg Germany Jan. 1, 1945 will be held at the Melvin Funeral home in Sterling at 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The Rev. Clarence Semke pastor of the Union church at Sublette of which the deceased soldier was a member will officiate and burial will be at Oak Knoll Cemetery. Sterling post American Legion will be in charge of the service at the grave. Pfc. Frank was a member of Co A 95th Infantry. He enlisted Feb. 22, 1944 at Amboy and trained at Athens PA. He was sent to Germany in July 1944. He was awarded the Bronze Star Dec. 18, 1944 and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He attended grade school at Amboy and Lee Center High School. He was born Dec. 18, 1925 at Milledgeville the son of Marie and Chris Frank. Surviving are his parents, and his three brothers who also served in the Army. Clarence of Sterling, Howard of Rock Falls Lyle of Sterling - also one sister, Mrs. (Walter) Lucille Salzer of Mt. Carroll.

LARRY J. FRANSEN , 63, of Morrison, died Friday at Genesis Medical Center, west campus, Davenport. Interment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. He was born Aug. 5, 1942, in Sterling, Ill., to William J. and Helen Schol Fransen (Hiis mother was Mary Ellen (Dickey) Fransen, she died when he was 3 years old.) He married Jane E. Brandt on Aug. 31, 1968, in Morrison. He graduated from Galt Grade School, Sterling High School and attended Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minn. He was employed with General Electric, Morrison, for 35 years until retiring in 2000. He also was employed with United States Brass and Copper, Downers Grove, Ill. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Morrison, served as an ordained elder and second ward alderman with the Morrison City Council. He was a charter member and past president of the Morrison Kiwanis Club, served as president of the Morrison Junior Girls Softball League and founded the Morrison Girls Senior Softball League. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Julia Sotelo of Los Alamitos, Calif., Mrs. Janessa (Mark) Renkes of Fulton and Mrs. Laura (Jeff) Arthur of Plainfield, Ill.; eight grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Helen Fransen (stepmother ?) of Sterling; and one sister- and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Robert Kuba of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his father.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Death date: March 17, 2006 — Clinton Herald, Clinton, IA

MARY (DICKEY) FRANSEN , 24, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dickey of 708 fourth avenue, Rock Falls, and resident of 608 Thirteenth avenue, Sterling, died Monday about 8 a.m. in Wesley Memorial hospital at Chicago. Her parents were with her. They are accompanying the body here this afternoon to the Wheelock funeral home in Rock Falls. Mary Dickey was born June 19, 1920, at Harmon, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dickey. She was reared in Rock Falls and attended Merrill school. She was married to William J Fransen at Clinton, Ia., in May 1940. The couple came to Rock Falls and made their home until two years ago when they moved to Sterling, living at 608 Thirteenth avenue. One son, Larry J., age three years with his father survive her, as also do six brothers; AS1c Clarence Dickey, in the South Pacific, Raymond, Donald, Gail, James and Roger; and three sisters, Mrs. George (Eunice) Stroup; Mrs. Richard Goff and Miss Elaine Sue at home with her parents. Mrs. Fransen was a member of the Rock Falls Christian church. She was an affectionate and loving daughter, wife and sister and was esteemed by a large circle of friends who miss her greatly. Funeral arrangements had not been made this afternoon.
Contributed by MargaretMangers from the April 9, 1945 Sterling Gazette

WILLIAM J. FRANSEN , of Sterling died Tuesday, June 6, 2000, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Jun 6, 2000 Daily Gazette

MARIE FREDERICK - Funeral services for Mrs. Marie Frederick, age 77, who passed away Wednesday morning were held Friday at 10 a.m. at the St. Catherine's Catholic Church. The Rev. Cletus Auger, officiated for services and burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Hilaire Castelein, Arnold Waite, Clarence Wagenecht, Elmer Oncken, Stanley Adams and Harry Clementz. The Hillcrest Greenhouse was in charge of floral arrangements.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 3, 1968 - Tuesday, pg 2

VIRGIL M. FREDERICK - Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Allen Funeral Home in Sterling for Virgil M. Frederick Sr., 57, of RR 4, Sterling, who died Saturday in Iowa City Veterans Hospital. The Rev. Ronald E. Kramer, pastor of the Pentecostal Faith Assembly Church was in charge of the services with burial taking place in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Mrs. Roscoe Eades was at the organ during the services with Mrs. George Elgin and Miss Candy Cunningham singing, Come and Dine and That Man of Galilee. Pallbearers were William Smith, Harry Reitzel, Sam Bell, Robert Kramer, Richard O'Neal and Harold Chambers. Flowers by Judy Gors and Swartleys.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 12, 1970 - Thursday, pg 2

ANNA (BOUSUM) FREDERICKS , 56, Lyndon, died Sataurday at 12:30 p.m. in Lanark. At a coroner's inquest at the Frank Funeral Home, Lanark, Saturday evening, death was attributed to hanging. Services will be held at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Morrison, with the Rev. Earl Clark officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll, Sterling. Visitation will be in Tomlinson Funeral Home, Morrison, on Monday (today) from 7 to 9 p.m. Anna Flora Bousum was born Feb. 26, 1914, in Polo, the daughter of Carl and Roxanna Schaffer Bousum. She received her education in Polo and lived most of her life in White Pigeon and Coleta areas. She had lived in Lyndon for the past nine years. She married Harm Frederick, Feb. 4, 1931, in Cliton, Iowa. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Shirley Schryver, Lyndon; Mrs. Goldie Howell, Rock Falls; one son, Kenneth, Lyndon; one brother, Ray Bousum, Byron; four sisters, Mrs. Mae Bosley, Rockford; Mrs. Rebecca Rucker, Edgerton, Wis.; Mrs. George (Irene) Hulferts, Mrs. Ina Kuehlmier, both of Lanark; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded by her parents, five brothers, one sister and three grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 22, 1971 - Monday, pg 2

LARRY E. FREDRICKS , age 67, of Morrison died Saturday, July 16, 2005 at the VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2005 at Coleta United Methodist Church, Rev. Wesley Dickson officiated. Visitations were from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 20, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Burial was at West Genesee Cemetery, Coleta with military funeral honors. A memorial has been established in his memory. Larry was born January 9, 1938 in Morrison, son of Goldie Fredricks. He attended the Clyde Township grade school and graduated from Morrison High School in Morrison. Larry married Dixie L. Becker on September 18, 1965 in Rock Falls. He served in the U.S. Army. He was employed with Northwest Steel & Wire in Sterling. He then was employed with H and H Farm Service in Milledgeville. He later drove truck for Buhrow Trucking in Coleta; he also owned and operated, along with his wife, the Coleta Convenience Store in Coleta. He was a member of the Coleta Sportsman Club, Coleta and a member of the Illinois Trappers Association. Larry will be deeply missed by his wife, Dixie; three daughters, Debbie Scheidecker of Riverside, CA, Diane (Mrs. Paul) Shipman of Milledgeville and Terri Fredricks of Leroy; two sons, Barry Fredricks of Fulton and Rick (Patricia) Fredricks of Morrison; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. His mother, Goldie precedes Larry in death

BILLY FRITSCH - 51, died Thursday (02 September 1983) in a military hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, following a long illness. Funeral services were held in Hawaii. Billy Fritsch was born on Nov. 20, 1931. He was a pilot in the Marines for 30 years and flew oveer 300 combat missions in the Vietnam war. Since retiring, he has been a pilot with Royal Hawaiian Airlines in Hawaii. Surviving are his wife; one son, Billy Jr.; three step children; his mother Mayme Buchanan, Rock Falls; two brothers, Elder Fritsch, Rock Falls and Gary Fritsch, Tampico; one sister, Nyla Croy, Sterling. Preceding him in death were his father, Cecil of Tampico and one sister, Donna Roth, Belleville.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 6, 1983 - Tuesday, pg 10

CECIL J. FRITSCH , 64, was killed Thursday afternoon in Fairfield Township, in an auto accident. He was born Sept. 23, 1902, in Manlius, (Bureau Co IL) the son of Elmer and Anna Fritsch. He was educated in the Manlius school. He had been a resident of Tampico for 23 years. He married Mamie Hollis of Walnut in 1927. He married Mae T. Barth of Decatur, in 1961. He was a member of the First Methodist Church, Tampico. He was a former assessor of Tampico Township, former grocer, and had been semi-retired since 1965. He was substituting as a rural mailcarrier at the time of his death. He is survived by three sons, Eldon, Rock Falls; Major Billy Fritsch, currently a Marine pilot in Vietnam; Gary, Deer Grove; two daughters, Mrs. Henry (Donna) Roth, Belleville; Mrs. Ronald (Hyla) Crag, Rock Falls; one sister, Mrs. Leona Hayden, Tampico; 11 grandchildren and several nieces. He was preceded by his parents and one brother Harold. Funeral services are pending word from the son in Vietnam. The Rev. Roger Baumeister of the Methodist Church, Tampico, and the Rev. Orville Cole of the EUB Church, Red Oak, will officiate. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel after 2 p.m. Saturday. Tampico - Double funeral services for Cecil Joseph Fritsch, 64, and his wife, Mae Fritsch, 57, of Tampico were held at Tampico First Methodist Church on Sunday at one o'clock. The Rev. Roger Baumeister of the Tampico Methodist Church and the Rev. Orville Cole, Red Oak EUB Church officiating. Kenneth Stabler of Tampico sang "Abide With Me" and Mrs. Owen Hurst of Walnut sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" accompanied by Mrs. David Hoover at the organ. The many floral tributes were cared for by Mrs. Virgil Peterson, Mrs. William Tornow, Mrs. Charles Hamblock and the Hillcrest Greenhouse. Interment was in Tampico Memorial Cemetery with Marvin Guither, Alvin Birkey, LaVern Johnson of Walnut, and Frank Thomas, Raymond Musche, Michael Donnelly, of Tampico serving as pallbearers. Tampico -- Mrs. Mae T. Fritsch, 57, Tampico, was killed in an auto accident that took the life of her husband also, in Fairfield Township, Thursday afternoon. She was born April 17, 1910, in Ohio, the daughter of William and Maude Parlier. She was educated in Ohio. She had lived in Tampico for six years. She married Albert Barth in 1925. She married Cecil J. Fritsch in 1961. She was a member of the EUB Church, Red Oak. She was also a member of World War II Mothers. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Genevieve) O'Malley, Sterling; Mrs. Charles (Alberta) Nusbaum, Dixon; Mrs. Lloyd (Arlene) Johnson, Deer Grove; one son, Eddie R. Barth, Walnut; one sister, Mrs. Ray Slover, Kewanee; 13 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services are pending word of the son in Vietnam. The Rev. Roger Baumeister of the First Methodist Church, and the Rev. Orville Cole of the Red Oak EUB Church will officiate. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel after 2 p.m. Saturday.
Contributed by Melva Taylor

COREY DOUGLAS FRITSCH - Funeral rites for Corey Douglas Fritsch, two, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary (Pat Tornow) Fritsch, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Schmitt Chapel, with the Rev. Alan Waisanen of the Tampico Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. today. Gary Douglas Fritsch was born Dec. 27, 1969 in Sterling. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, Tom and Rodney at home; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Tornow of Tampico; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Gordon Buchanan of Albion and maternal great grandmother, Mrs. Emma Johnson of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Cecil Fritsch; maternal great grandfather, Henry Johnson. An inquest is being held today to determine the cause of death. (The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois Octobeer 3, 1971 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 1 ) Services for Corey Douglas Fritsch were at the Schmitt Chapel in Tampico at 2 p.m. The Rev. Alan Waisanen of Tampico Baptist Church officiated. Organist Mrs. Arnold McCauley played special numbers "I'll Be A Sunbeam" and accompanied Miss Mary Peach as she sang "How Great Thou Art." Flowers were cared for by Mrs. John Joe Cooney and Mrs. Norden Scanlon. Interment was in Tampico Memorial Cemetery with James Henrekin, Ronald Keupker, George Hansen and Laverne Mickley serving as Casketbearers
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 5, 1972 - Thursday, pg. 2, col. 3

MARILYN ANN (PETERSON) FRITSCH , 61, OF 222 Martin Road, Rock Falls, died March 9, 1992, at KSB Hospital, Dixon. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. James Wener, pastor of the First Congregational Church, Rock Falls, officiating. Entombment will be at the Riverside Mausoleum. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the First Congregational Church, Rock Falls. Mrs. Fritsch was born Jan. 13, 1931, in Sterling, the daughter of Virgil and Fern (Carlson) Peterson. She married Elden Fritsch Aug. 5, 1950, in Tampico. She was the bookkeeper at the First Congreagational Church of Rock Falls. Surviving are her husband; two sons, Randy L. Fritsch of Rock Falls, and Gregg A. Fritsch of Edwardsville; four grandchildren; her father of Tampico; and one brother, LaVerne Peterson of Sterling. She was preceded in death by her mother.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 11, 1992 - Wednesday, pg A2

EDITH (SHUCK) FRITZ , 74, of Sterling, died Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sterling Carter of 612 16th Ave, Sterling, following failing heath for several months. She was a teacher in the primary department os St. John's Lutheran Church Sunday School for 43 years and an active member of the Sterling Church since June 10, 1906. She was a member of the Social Circle and Harris Circle of the church. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at St. John Lutheran Church with Dr. Alfred Grewe, pastor of the church, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at Trouth Funeral Home until noon Monday when Mrs. fritz will be tahen to St. John Lutheran Church to lie in state until the hour of services. Edith Shuck was born Oct. 13, 1880 in Palymra Township, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Shuck. She was educated in Palymra and married Gus Fritz Feb. 28, 1906 in Dixon. Rev. Rutherford performed the ceremony and the couple immediately move to Sterling. Surviving are one son Daniel Fritz, of Elmhurst; three daughters, Mrs. Sterling (Mary) Carter, Mrs. Joseph (Mildred) Murphy of Grand Detour, and Mrs. Raymond (Myrtle) Fulfs, of Sterling; 14 grandchildren two great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Wilbur Bates, of Dixon; three brothers, Jacob, of Dixon; Richard, of Mapleton, Minn; and Clarence of Beloit, Wis.; in addition to many nices and nephews. she was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, who died Oct. 3, 1947, one sister, and four brothers.

MORE ON THE FUNERAL -- Funeral services for Mrs. Edith Fritz was held Monday afternoon from St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Alfred Grewe, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. The body was taken from Trouth Funeral Home at noon yesterday to the church to lie in state until 2 p.m. the hour of the funeral. Mrs. Pearle Graehlling played the organ at the services while Phil Breiding sang "God will Take Care Of You." Pallbearers were Wayne Fritz, Art Fritz, William Shuck, Robert Shuck, Gene Bates, and Russell Shuck. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Theodore Behrends, Mrs. Ralph Thomas, Mrs. Nevin Loux, Mrs. Albert Breiding, and Swartley's Florists.

GLADYS M. (HOUSTON) FRITZ , 72, of 211 10th Ave., Rock Falls, died Friday morning in Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be announced upon completion by the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home. Mrs. Fritz was born Jan. 9, 1900 in Rock Falls, the daughter of Edwin and Ellen Aitken Houston. She was united in marriage to Bruce H. Fritz who preceded her in death April 13, 1954. Mrs. Fritz was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rock Falls. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edward (Marjorie) McAndrews of Rock Falls; three sons, Edwin of Woodridge, Vernon of Rockford, and Robert of Bettendorf, Iowa; one brother, Arthur J. Houston of Sterling; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Zemke in May of this year and one son Wendell.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 23, 1972 - Friday, page 2

Gus A. FRITZ , 75, 716 Locust St. passaway at the public hosital at 1:45 Friday afternoon. Mr. Fritz entered the hospital Wed. evening suffering from a heart attack. The remains were taken to the Trouth undertaking parlor, and was removed to the family residence Saturday morning. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon Oct. 5, at 2:30 at the home and at 3 o'clock at St. John Lutheran Church Rev. Dr. Alfred Grewe officiating. Burial will be in Riverside. Mr. Fritz was born Sept. 16, 1872, in West Prussia, Germany. He Came here as a young man and settle in Sterling where he has since resided. He was married to Miss. Edith Anna Shuck at Dixon. She survives him as does one son and three daughters. They are daniel Fritz of Dixon ; Mrs Sterling Carter, Mrs. Joseph Murphy of Dixon, and Miss Myrtle Fritz of Sterling. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and two brothers William, of Oregon and Ferinand of Sterling. his parents two brothers, and three sisters preceded him in death.

JOHN FRITZ - The owner and operator of Fritz Redi-Mix and Trucking Co., John Fritz, 61, 402 E. 11th St. Rock Falls, died Monday night (1 Dec 1975) at Community General Hospital after a short illness. Fritz, a strong backer of youth activities, sponsored bowling teams as well as girls baseball teams during his many years in the community. Funeral services will be held with a prayer service on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Mass of the Resurrection at 10 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church with the Rev. William F. Myer, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Rosary will be recited Wed., at 8 p.m. A memorial has been established in his memory to St. Andrews Catholic Church Building Fund. Fritz was born on Sept. 12, 1914 in Deer Grove, the son of Charles and Minnie Baker Fritz. He was united in marriage to the former Eva Johnson on Feb. 1, 1947. He was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church in Rock Falls, serving as an usher for many years. He was a veteran of W.W. 2, serving as staff sergeant in the Philippine Islands and was a member of the Rock Falls Legion Post 902. He is survived by his widow Eva, one son, Terry, in the business with his father, one daughter, Debra, a student at Western University in Macomb, one grandson, two brothers, Donald of Walnut, and Leo of Littleton, Colorado; three sisters, Mrs. Lyle (Kay) Padgett and Mrs. Floyd E. (Margaret) Clapp, both of Walnut; and Mrs. Howard (Alice) Ross of Princeton. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Mary Knoll, he also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 2, 1975 - Tuesday, pg 6

JOYCE L. (ANDERSON) FRITZ , 72, of Sterling died Monday, June 16, 2003, after an illness. She was employed by Mercy Health Care as a certified nurses aide for several years. Mrs. Fritz was born April 27, 1931, in Princeton, the daughter of Clarence and Ruth (Kelly) Anderson. She married Marion Fritz on Oct. 19, 1949, in Walnut. He died Feb. 17, 1984. She was a member of Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls, and Sterling Moose. She enjoyed crocheting and doing crafts. Survivors include a daughter, Deborah K. (James) Kerns of Sterling; two sons, Marvin Fritz of St. Augustine, Fla., and Marion Fritz of Ashton; two brothers, the Rev. William Anderson of Pekin and David Anderson of Moline; three sisters, Lois Johnson of Princeton, Shirley Haas of Moline and Marilyn Nesbitt of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. William Anderson officiating. Burial is at Walnut Cemetery
Daily Gazette 17 June 2003

LOREN DALE FRITZ , 22, 908 1st Ave., Sterling, died suddenly Thursday morning, (21 Jul 1983) drowning in Leisure Lake, Rock Falls. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with Rev. Carl J. Zager, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Friends may call at the funeral home form 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m A memorial has been established in his memory. Loren Fritz was born on July 20, 1961, in Sterling, the son of Thomas Eugene and Shirley Ann McCleary Fritz. He was a 1980 graduate of Sterling High School. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fritz, Sterling; three brothers, Scott and Rodney, both of Sterling, and Craig of Long Beach, Calif.; one sister, Debra Graham, Sterling; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Durr, Sterling; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mildred McCleary, Sterling, and paternal great grandmother Mrs. Bessie Van Dusen, Rock Falls. He is preceded by his maternal grandfather, Roy McCLeary, one brother, and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls Illinois July 25, 1983 - Monday, pg A4

WILLIAM HENRY FRITZ , - passed away Saturday evening at 9:30 o'clock at his home, 212 Eleventh Avenue, after an illness of three weeks. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. S. B. Wirsching, pastor of the Rock Falls Methodist Church, Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the family home, and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Mr. Fritz was born in 1850, and spent most of his life in this vicinity. Mrs. Fritz preceded him in death 28 years ago, and for the past 13 years he made his home with his son, Edwin Fritz, and family. Three sons, George W., Walter B. and Grover C. Fritz, also preceded him in death, and he is survived by the following sons and daughters: Mrs. Julia Drucilla Elgin, wife of Albert Elgin of Rockford; Mrs. Lily May Weaver, wife of John Weaver of Rock Falls; Mrs. Caroline Ricketts, wife of Ed Ricketts of Union Bridge, Maryland; Mrs. Birdie Weaver, wife of Freemont Weaver of Woodlawn; William Edward Fritz and Clifford Fritz of Rock Falls; Edwin Fritz of Sterling, and Fulton, Frank and Arnold Fritz, of Wessington Springs, S. Dak. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive, beside many friends.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 9, 1927 - Monday, pg 10

THOMAS C. FRITZ , of 302 East 7th St., Rock Falls, died suddenly Sunday afternoon (5 March 1967) . Born Dec. 5, 1900 in Bowie, Texas, he was the son of Amos and Mary Fritz. A resident of Sterling practically his entire life he was for the past 47 years employed by National Manufacturing Company. He was married to Mrs. Catherine Cole, June 10, 1947, in South Beloit, Illinois. Surviving besides his widow are a stepson, Clarence Cole of South Beloit, one step-daughter, Mrs. Lyle (Betty) Brooks of Tony, Wis., nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. There are a number of nieces and nephews in this area. His parents, several brothers and sisters preceded including Chester Hagerman, Mrs. Tony Bartel and Mrs. Fred Schumacher. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home. The Rev. Dwight Knasel, pastor of the Free Methodist Church of Sterling, will officaite and burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 6, 1967 - Monday, pg 2

ROBERT P. FROETER , 76, of Sterling died July 30, 2005 at CGH. He was employed by Engineered Roofing of Sterling as a roofer, retiring in 1986. He was born March 12, 1929 in Sterling the son of Edward Joseph and Marion (Ondeck) Froeter. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He married Bobbie J. Purvis in 1977. He was a member of Moose Lodge 726, American Legion Post 296, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 326 and the Knights of Columbus, all in Sterling. He enjoyed cooking for the knights of Columbus and working jigsaw puzzles. Survivors include his wife; five sons Kevin, Craig, Todd and Kory all of Sterling and Christopher of Evanston; a sister Eheila Crain of Springfield and nine granchildren, Carrie, Jennifer, Rebecca, Kathryn, Paul, Erin, Alex, Joseph and Ruby. He was preceded bya brother Richard. Services at McDonald Funeral Home, with the Rev. Paul C. White pastor of Sacred heart Catholic Church officiating. Military honors will follow.

NETTIE (DOBERS) FULLER , 97, of Erie died May 24, 2005 at Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center. She was a bus driver for Erie Schools. Mrs. Fuller was born Jun 1, 1907 in Erie, the daughter of John and Katie Jane (Miller) Dobers. She amrried Richard Fuller in June 1930. He died March 11, 1992. Survivors include a daughter Barbara Fuller-Curry of Erie; a son Richard Jr. of Geneseo; six grandchildren adn nine great-grandchildren. The funeral is at Gibson Funeral Home in Erie, Saturday. Burial in Erie Cemetery.
Contributed by Jan Roggy

THOMAS BROWN FULLER , was born in Little Britain, Lancaster county, Pa., September 23, 1836, where he grew to manhood. He came to Illinois in the spring of 1858. He was married to Catherine Warner, Dec. 6, 1860 and to them eleven children were born, Jacob H. of Lake City, Ia., James T. of Jordan, Norman W. of Prosser, Wash., Anna Mary, deceased, Mrs. Frank Wolber of Jordan, Rollan A. of Jul Junction, Ia., Ruth Ellen of Jordan, Reuben C. of Jordan, Mrs. Ed Neikirk of Milledgeville, Fannie Jane deceased, and Catherine Mae of Jordan. He lived in Jordan forty-seven years. He was an industrious man and earned a great deal of money, besides rearing his large family he paid for a home. He was a lover of the beautiful, especially of flowers, always stopping to admire them. He had been in poor health for many months and knew he could not recover. He grew weaker from day to day until he slept the last sleep on Wednesday, August 22. The funeral was held Friday and was largely attended and the interment was at East Jordan. The bearers were Amos Sanford, George Wareheim, Nelson and John Adam Jacob, Samuel Talbott and John Dick. Rev. King spoke words of consolation. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers from friends of the deceased. The living children were all present at the funeral except Norman Fuller of Washington. He will be missed not only by his family but by the neighborhood.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated 1905 Scrapbook Clipping