BETTY M. (HINRICHS) JOHNSON , 78, of 4403 Emerson Road, Sterling, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 22, 2003 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Betty Marie Hinrichs, the daughter of Henry F. and Alma (Heilener) Hinrichs, was born April 5, 1924, in Sterling. She was baptized at East Genesee Lutheran Church on June 1, 1924, by the Rev. Krebs. She attended the rural county schools of Union and Capp, graduating from Union School in 1937. She was confirmed on May 28, 1939, by the Rev. Doerman. She worked at Prince Castle, Sterling, Charles O. Larson Co., Rock Falls and National Manufacturing and Lawrence Brothers Inc., Sterling, retiring in April of 1986. She was married to Earl C. Johnson on March 21, 1947, at the home of her parents south of Rock Falls. She enjoyed square dancing, crocheting, playing Pinochle, making chocolate chip cookies for the grandchildren and working on genealogy. She completed six family genealogies after her retirement. She leaves to cherish many precious memories, loving husband, Earl C. Johnson of Sterling; one son, Barry (Connie) Johnson of Rock Falls; and two daughters, Sheryl (Don) Stindt of Rock Falls and Susan Wise of Springfield, Mo.; two sisters, Lucille (Merle) Wolfley and Nancy (Ralph) Riesselman, both of Sterling; two brothers, Walter (Betty) Hinrichs of Rock Falls and Paul Hinrichs of Sterling; one half sister, Anna Immel, formerly of Polo; two sisters-in-law, Delores Hinrichs and Lois Hinrichs. Survivors include seven grandchildren, Ryan (Michelle) Johnson, Janelle (Kevin) Henson, Brett Peugh, Brian Peugh, Robert Wise Jr., Brandon (Jammie) Wise, and Kristin (Clayton) Hubbard: and one step grand-daughter, Becky Stindt. She is survived by five great-grandsons, Brandon Johnson, Sean Johnson, Hadden Wise, Chase Hubbard, and Chance Hubbard; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was proceeded in death by one sister, Jean; one half-sister, Edna Johnson Thomas; one brother, Arthur Hinrichs; and two half-brothers, Bennie (Lois) Hinrichs and Leroy (Margaret) Hinrichs. Memorial services were held March 27th, 2003 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Philip Gronbach officiating. Burial was at Maple Ridge (West Jordan) Cemetery, north of Sterling. Memorials were given on her behalf to Christ Lutheran School of Sterling for band instruments and to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Sterling. (Contributed by Barry Johnson)
(2nd Obituary)Betty Johnson went to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 22, 2003, at Rockford Memorial. Betty Marie Hinrichs, the daughter of Henry F. and Alma (Heilener) Hinrichs, was born April 4, 1924, in Sterling and was baptized into Christ at East Genesee Lutheran Church on June 1, 1924, by the Rev. Krchs. She attended Union and Kapp rural country schools, graduating from Union School in 1937. She was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church on May 28, 1939, by Rev. Doermann. Betty married Earl C. Johnson on March 21, 1947, at the home of her parents south of Rock Falls. She worked at Prince Castle in Sterling, Charles O. Larson Company in Rock Falls, National Mfg. and Lawrence Brothers, Sterling. She retired in April 1986. Betty enjoyed square dancing, crocheting, pinochle, making choclate chip cookies for the grandchildren, and family genealogy. She completed six family genealogies after her retirement. She leavs to cherish many precious memories, loving husband, Earl C. Johnson of Sterling, one son, Barry (Connie) Johnson,and two daughters, Sheryl (Don) Stindt of Rock Falls and Susan Wise of Springfield, MO, two sisters, Lucille (Merle) Wolfley and Nancy (Ralph) Riesselman of Sterling, two brothers Walter (Betty) Hinrichs of Rock Falls and Paul Hinrichs of Sterling; one half sister, Anna Immel, Polo and sister-in-laws Delores Hinrichs and Lois Hinrichs. Survivors include seven grandchildren; Ryan (Michelle) Johnson, Janelle (Kevin) Henson, Brett Peugh, Brian Peugh, Robert Wise, Jr., Brandon Wise, Kristen Wise and one step-grandaughter, Becky Stindt. She is also survived by five great-grandsons, Brandon Johnson, Scan Johnson, H aden Wise, Chase Hubbard, Chance Hubbard, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded by one sister, Jean, onehalf sister, Edna Johnson Thomas, one brother Arthur Hinrichs and two half brothers Bennie and Leroy Hinrichs.
Contributed by Cynthia Lane

BLANCHE (MASON) JOHNSON - Funeral services for Mrs. Milford Johnson, 70, who died at 3 a.m. today at Sterling Public hospital after an illness of two weeks, will b held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the home, 408 11th Avenue. The Rev. C. L. Brooks, pastor of Christian church, will officiate and burial will be in Grove Hill cemetery at Morrison. The body will be at the Melvin funeral home until Saturday morning, when it will be taken to the home. The former Blanche Mason, she was born Feb. 22, 1869, at Genesse Grove, west of Coleta. She was married to Milford Johnson at Morrison in February, 1890, and they would have observed their golden anniversary next year. They resided in Morrison for several years before moving to Wisconsin, and then returned to a farm near Prairieville, which they operated prior to moving to this city about 30 years ago. Surviving are her husband; two sons, Mason P. Johnson, Big Fork, Minn., and LaRue, of this city; a daughter, Mrs. Rea Kreider, Sterling; a sister, Mrs. Belle Royer, and two brothers, Floyd Mason, Aden, Ill., and A. H. Mason, Blanca, Colo., and six grandchildren. Two sons preceded her in death.
Contributed by Dawn Everling

BLANCHE AUGUSTA (MILLER) JOHNSON , 96, passed away Wednesday April 6, 2005 at Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center. Prophetstown, where she was a resident for the past 16 years. She was born Jan. 29, 1909 in Morrison to Albert Henry and Lou Mercelia (Pratt) Miller. The family moved to SD thatyear where her sister, Alberta, was born in 1910 and brother Wilbert A. was born in 1914. The family returned to IL where Blanche attended and graduated from Erie High. She later received her teaching ceertificate from the former Northern IL Teachers College in DeKalb. She taught in rural schools a number of years and then spent many years at Prophetstown Elementary School teaching kindergarten and third grade until retiring in 1967. ON May 4, 1933 she and Conrad Johnson were married. They lived for awhile in Waukegan and Prophetstown, and then with her grandfather, Allen M. Pratt, at Pratt Place, the family farm, for nine years. During wartime, when building materials were rationed. Conrad was able to build a cottage on the Rock River at the edge of Lyndon. It was built on a large lot which was part of the original claim of Blanche's great-great-grandfather, John C. Pratt who settled here in 1837. Blanche and Congie loved trips to Canada, fishing, boating and camping. The many places they traveled included Banff, other regions of Canada, PEI, Mexico, England, Ireland and much of the lower 48 states. These trips enabled her to collect Royal Copenhagen plates, crystal and other found items to add to her antiques. She liked pretty clothes, Snickers bars, hot coffee, ice cream and reading. She adored pie and Fannie May milk choclate butter creams. Their home in Lyndon had a "Lookatory" a few feet from the house, overlooking the Rock River. Many hours were spent looking at the river and identifying various birds. Blanche was preced by her husband in 1971, her sister Alberta Cooper. Survivors include her brother Wilbert Miller of Maryland

CHARLES JOHNSON - The funeral of Charles E. Johnson, 72, a Whiteside County Deputy Sheriff, for 15 years and brother of Mrs. Nettie Geiger, formerly of Dixon, will be held at the Trouth funeral home at 2:00 o'clock Monday afternoon. The Rev. A.H. Keck, pastor of St. John's Lutheran church will officiate and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Dixon Evening Telegraph February 3, 1945

CHARLES CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON - Funeral arrangements were completed at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling for Charles Christopher Johnson, infant son of Gordon Leslie and Mary Speaker Johnson of 233 Park Drive, Sterling, who died at birth late Sunday evening at Community General Hospital. He is survived by his parents, maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Speaker of Sterling; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Johnson of Sterling; paternal great grandmother, Mrs. Melissa Skekel of Sterling; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Graveside services were conducted at 3 p.m. Monday at Oak Knoll Memorial Park.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 14, 1965 - Monday, pg 2

CHARLES F. JOHNSON , 91, formerly of Emerson, died at 5 p.m.on May 13th, 1972 in Community General Hospital after a short illness. Funeral rites were held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Warren Weeg officiating. Mrs. Wesley Koster was organist and Mrs. Charles Otten sang: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Nearer My God to Thee”. Clarence Goodnight was usher and pallbearers were: Barry Johnson, Donald Adams, Wayne Wagenknecht, Merle Johnson, Jerry Johnson, and Lyle Johnson. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling. Charles F. Johnson was born April 21, 1881 in Genesee Township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Johnson. He attended the Genesee Schools, farmed for many years, and was employed by the National Manufacturing Company for 20 years. He was united in marriage to Gerhardena “Dena” Rushmeyer, who preceded him in death on January 10, 1962. They lived 40 years in Emerson. Mr. Johnson was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Sterling. Surviving are three sons and two daughters, Alfred Johnson of RFD 4, Sterling, Omar Johnson of RFD 2 Morrison, Earl Johnson and Mrs. Clara (Jasper) Adams, of RFD 3 Sterling and Mrs. Edna (William) Wagenknecht of Rock Falls. There are 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren. He also leaves one brother Bernhard “Ben” Johnson of Sterling. Seven brothers and sisters preceded him in death.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

MRS. CHARLES JOHNSON , passed away in Community General Hospital Wednesday evening, an hour after she was admitted as a patient, following a brief illness. The body was removed to the Behrens Mortuary where friends may call after 7 p.m. this evening. Funeral rites will be at 2 pm Saturday in St.Paul Lutheran Church, with the pastor, the Rev. C.A. Kalkwarf officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. She was born Jan. 26, 1884 in Sterling, a daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Onke Rushmeyer. She was baptized Feb. 24, 1884 and on April 3, 1898 was confirmed in the East Genesee Lutheran Church. She was married Sep. 17, 1903 to Charles F. Johnson by the Rev. C. Holterman in the home of her parents. Mrs. Johnson was a member of St. paul Church, where she was a regular attendant at the Adult Bible Clas. A memorial has been established. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Jasper Adams, Sterling and Mr. William Wagenknecht, Rock Falls; three sons, Alfred and Earl, Sterling and Omer, Morrison. 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Thresa Dirks and Mrs. Bernard Johnson, Sterling, and Mrs. Ernest Landheer, Morrison. One brother Ben Rushmeyer, Morrison. One brother passed away in infancy.

**At the funeral, Mrs. Valeria Johnson was at the organ and Mrs. C.A. Kalkwarf and Mrs. Robert Knicl sang "Beautiful Saviour" and I "Need Thee Every Hour". Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Ushers at the church were Fred Meyerhoff and Ronald Koster. Pallbearers were grandsons, Wayne and Billy Wagenknect, Merle, Laverne and Lyle Johnson and Don Adams. Floral tributes were cared for by Mrs. George Pfundstein, Mrs. John Otlen, Mrs. John Stern and Swartleys.
Obituary Dated 01 March 1952

CLARA (BRYSON) JOHNSON : Funeral services for Mrs. Ira Johnson who died Friday morning were held Monday at the Trouth funeral home with the Rev. Louis W. Chamberlain officiating and the Rev. C. W. Marlow assisting William Tonkin sang “In the Sweet By and By” and “Beyond the Sunset.” With Mrs. Pearle Graehiling at the organ, Burial was in Riverside cemetery. Pallbearers were Lloyd and Lawrence Myers, Oscar Barthel, Arlyn Bryson, Elwyn Cassens and Walter Oltman. Flower bearers were Ruth Royer, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reed, Mr. and Mrs. Jurles Cassens and Mrs. Mary Oltman. Mrs. Johnson 69, lifelong resident of Hopkins township, died Friday at 12:10 a.m. at the community General hospital. Mrs. Johnson formerly Clara Bryson, was born Oct. 20, 1881, the daughter of Anna and Jesse Bryson, at Coleta. She was married Feb. 27, 1907 to Mr. Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson always resided during their marriage on the same farm. Survivors include her husband; two brothers and five sisters, Clarence J., Sterling; Pearle Moorhead, Minn.; Mrs. Belle Barthel, Mrs. Hazel Manning and Mrs. Fay Mott all of Sterling and Mrs. Myrtle Bushman, Dixon and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Mrs. Jesse Myers and Mrs. Bertha Braid and a brother W.E. Bryson. The body was taken to the Trouth funeral home. Funeral services are to be conducted there Monday at 2 p.m. Rev. Louis Chamberlain, pastor of the first Christian church, Sterling will officiate, Burial is to be in Riverside cemetery.
Died: 1950 Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

CLAYTON R. JOHNSON - Funeral services for Clayton R. Johnson were held at the Congregational church Sunday afternoon, with Rev. I.C. Campbell officiating. Burial was in the Fairfield Cemetery near Yorktown. He died Thursday afternoon in the Moline city hospital where he was taken after he was injured in an auto accident on route 3 about 10 p.m. last Wednesday. He left Prophetstown shortly after 9 o'clock and was driving toward the Tri-Cities. Just beyond where the road to Joslin turns off the highway his car and east-bound one in which Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Trimble and their two children were returning to their home at Waukesha, Wis., collided. Mr. John's left leg was broken above and below the knee, his skull was fractured and it is believed he suffered internal injuries. The entire left side of his car, a Chevrolet sport coupe, was sheared off, the engine was wrecked, the cowl and instrument board were crowded back almost tot he seat, the steering wheel was smashed, adn the steering column was bent into an upright instead of slanting position. Mrs. Trimble died a few minutes after the accient from a skull fracture. Mr. Trimble received a few cuts and bruises, and the two children, who were asleep in the rear seat, were uninjured. Their car was towed to Hillsdale for repairs, but Mr. Johnson's was beyond repair. Sheldon Walker, near whose farm the accident occurred, telephoned for physicians from Hillsdale and Geneseo, sent for an ambulance from Moline and gave first aid to the victims until the doctors arrived. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and mrs. Gust Johnson of Tampico, and a brotherDuane Johnson of Flint Mich. He was born June 27, 1905 near Yorktown, and attended the schools in that vicinity and later the Tampico high school. He came to Prophetstown about 10 years ago, was in charge of the local Standard Oil station for more than a year after its erection, and left there when he leased the Texaco station about two years ago. Despite the intense heat of Sunday there was an unusually large attendance at the funeral. The members of the Prophetstown lodge A.F. & A.M. in which Mr. Johnson received his third degree the neigh before the accident, were present. Six members of the order, A.C. Sturtevant, Claude Weburg, Leslie Kilberg, Forrest Pritchard, Glenn Wheat, and Leslie Fadden attended the casket. The services at the grave werein charge of the Masons, with C.R. Wildman delivering the Masonic oration. Among those from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Duane Johnson of Flint, Harry and Harold Lindahl of Canby MN, Mr.a nd Mrs. John Edburg of New Bedford, MR. and Mrs. Murray Wentling of Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson of Sheffield, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Carlson and family of East Moline. A.C. Sturtevant has been appointed administrator of Mr. Johnson' estate. No arrangements have been made yet as to who is to take over the filling station.

CLEMENT D. JOHNSON , 94, passed away Monday at 11:35 a.m. at the farm home seven miles south of Prophetstown where he had resided all but the first two years of his life. He had been bedfast for three years and critically ill the past three weeks. Funeral services will be held at the Leon Methodist Church Wednesday at 2 p.m. with the Revs. A. E. Simester and William W. Nelson officiating. Committal will be in the Leon Cemetery. Mr. Johnson was born May 27, 1852, in Will County, Ill., the son of John S. and Betsy C. Gault Johnson, and came with his parents to the farm south of Prophetstown where he resided the remainder of his life. He attended the Jefferson Corners school. He married Fannie Booth of that community at Morrison Oct. 15, 1874. She passed away in June, 1908. Surviving are two sons, Ray, with whom Mr. Johnson resided, and Fred of Prophetstown; three grandchildren, Lloyd Johnson, Van Nuys, Calif., Mrs. Delmont Humphreys, Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Robert Cagle, Aledo. There are nine great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by four brothers and one daughter, Bessie Wildman.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois November 19, 1946 - Wednesday, pg 19

CLIFFORD JOHNSON , 54, 704 Fifth avenue, Rock Falls, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday (March 15, 1949) , at the Sterling public hospital. The remains were taken to the Wheelock funeral home, Rock Falls, and will lie in state from Wednesday afternoon until 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Funeral services will be held at 1:15 p.m. Thursday in the family home on Fifth avenue for the immediate family and at 2 p.m. in the Wheelock funeral home, Rev. H. W. Luitz, of the Twin City Gospel Center, Rock Falls, will officiate. Burial will be in the Riverside cemetery. Clifford Johnson was born June 11, 1895, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson in Sterling. He is survived by his parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 15, 1949 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 2

CONRAD W. JOHNSON , 64, died Saturday afternoon (17 Apr 1971) in Community Hospital, Morrison of an apparent suicide. At an inquest conducted Sunday at Gardner Chapel a jury ruled death by self infliected gunshot wound. Private services were held today (Monday) at Garner Funeral Chapel, Prophetstown, with the Rev. Preston Woods officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Mr. Johnson was born Nov. 12, 1905, in Prophetstown, the son of Henry O. and Edla Anderson Johnson. He received his education in Prophetstown. He married Blanche Miller, Erie, May 4, 1933, and they had spent most of their married life in Lyndon. Mr. Johnson was a shipping clerk and foreman of the Ecliipse Co. and Penberthy Mfg. Co. Survivors are the widow; one brother, Carl Edward, Mesa, Ariz; one half brother, Claude Johnson, Tampico; one half sister, Mrs. Clarence (Edna) Sibley, Erie. He was preceded by his parents, and one half sister, Mrs. Anna Arnett. A memorial has been established for the Prophets Riverview Nursing Center, Prophetstown.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 19, 1971 - Monday, pg 2

DARLENE C. (WETZELL) JOHNSON ,83, 615 16th Ave., Sterling died early Tuesday evening (July 3, 1984) in her home after a long illness. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. Clark Moushon, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral home on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. A. memorial has been established in her memory to the Cancer Fun. Darlene Johnson was born on Aug. 12, 1900, in Hume Townhip, the daughter of Jame and Lena Pollock Wetzell. On April 14, 1923 she was united in marriage to Gust Johnson. They lived most of their married life in the Sterling-Tampico area. He preceded her in death on Feb. 22, 1970. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling. Surviving are two sons, Arthur and Kenneth, both of Sterling; two daughters, Mrs. Walter (Madolyn) DeDecker, Anawan, and Mrs. Lyle (Mildred) Holy, Orlando, Fla; 10 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Charles (Lela) Gaumer, Sterling; and one brother, Fremont Wetzell, Adeline. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois

DENTON JOHNSON , age 20 years and 4 months, died of lightning strike on June 15, 1857, at his home in HopkinsTownship. The men had been out plowing when a thunderstorm came up. They went to the house for shelter, and Denton was sitting on the hearth near the fireplace. Lightning struck the chimney, trickled down through the chimney, and killed Denton.
Contributed by Jayne Sweger - (Whiteside Sentinel, June 17, 1857)
Johnson Family

EARL C. JOHNSON , 86, departed to be with his Lord on Feb. 18, 2005. He was born Jan. 21, 1919 in Genesee Twp. to Charles & Dena (Rushmeyer) Johnson. He was baptized on May 22, 1919 and confirmed May 20, 1934 at St. Pauls Lutheran Church. Earl was a veteran of the US Army, he served as a corporal in WW II. He served on the St. Paul's church council and as the treaurer for the church Sunday school. He was employed as a machinist for the former R B & W Bolt and Nut Co. retiring after 30 years. He enjoyed watching sports, playing cards and spending time with this family. Earl married Betty M. Hinrichs on March 21, 1947. They wer the first couple married by the late pastor Karl Kalkwarf at the home of her parents south of Rock Falls. They had three children and helped raise Betty's sisters and brothers upon the early death of Betty's parents. His wife Betty, passed away on March 22, 2003. He leaves to cherish many precious memories; one son Barry of Rock Falls, two daughters Sheryl Stindt of Rock Falls and Susan Wise of Willard MO. He is also survived by Lucille Wolfley, Nancy Riesselman, Walter Hinrichs and Paul Hinrichs. Seven grandchildren, Ryan Johnson, Janelle Henson, Brett Peugh, Brian Peugh, Robert Wise, Brandon Wise and kristin Hubbard. Six Great grandsons, Brandon Johnson, Sean Johnson, Hadden Wise, Chase, Chance and Cash Hubbard. He was preceded by his parents, his brothers, Alfred and Omar Johnson and his sisters, Clara Adams and Edna Wagenknecht. Burial at Maple Ridge, West Jordan Cemetery.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

EDNA M. (RICKLEFS) JOHNSON , 90, formerly of Sterling, died Thursday May 15, 2003, at Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls, Wis. Mrs. Johnson was born July 28, 1912 in Emerson, the daughter of Frederick and Anna (Meyer) Ricklefs. She was baptized at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hopkins Township, and was confirmed in 1927 by the Rev. W.J. Voeltz of Evangelical Lutheran Church Sterling. She married Omar Johnson on July 15, 1933, in the home of her parents in Hopkins Township. He preceded her in death on Feb. 10, 1999. She was a member of St.Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling. Survivors include two daughters, Joanne L. (Mark) Hershman of Goldens Bridge, N.Y. and Barbara C. (William) Olson of Germantown, Wisc.; four sons, Laverne O. (Ann) Johnson of Pittsford, NY, Merle E. (Glenda) Johnson of Nashua, Iowa, Lyle D. (Beverly) Johnson of Bloomsburg PA, and Jerry K. (Sally) Johnson of Fairfield Glade, Tenn.; two sistes Louise McDearmon of Sterlilng and Velma Kindle of Chester, SC; 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Omar; one sister, Evelyn Johnson; and one brother, Edgar Ricklefs. Funeral services will be at 11 am Tuesday, May 20, 2003, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Phlip Gronbach, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be Monday, May 19, 2003, from 4-7 pm at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established to St. Paul Lutheran Church Sterling.
Sterling Gazette 18 May 2003

EDWARD H. JOHNSON , 62, RR 2, Hoover Rd., Sterling, an area farmer, died early today in Community General Hospital after an extended illness. There is visitation from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Messiah Lutheran Church with the Rev. Curtis Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Edward H Johnson was born July 12, 1911 in Lyndon, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John H Johnson. He attended the Sterling Schools and farmed in Jordan Township 37 years. He was united in marriage with Wilma Hinrichs Feb 16, 1933 in Messiah Lutheran Church. Mr. Johnson was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and past president of the Sterling Bowling Association. Surviving with Mrs. Johnson are a son John E., of Sterling, and daughter Mrs. Jon D. (Jane) King of Alaska, and one brother and one sister, William P. Johnson and Mrs. Ella Domdey, both of Sterling. There are five grandchildren and one great grandchild. His parents and a brother, John K. Johnson preceded in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 14, 1974 - Thursday, pg 2

EDWIN R. JOHNSON , age 74, of 605 W. Second St., died Saturday at the Resthave Nursing home, Morrison. Funeral services were to be 2 p.m. today at the Gardner Funeral home. Burial will be in the Lyndon Cemetery. A memorial has been established. Mr. Johnson was born July 21, 1915, in Union Grove, the son of Walter and Emma Rosenow Johnson. He married Henrietta Lussmeyer, June 6, 1936; she died Nov. 4, 1954. He then married Rose Wankerl, Dec. 29, 1956. He was employed with Whiteside FS Inc., for 37 years, and served as station manager, patroleum manager and safety director, retiring in 1980. He was a member of the Lyndon United Methodist Church, a past board member of the Villlage of Lyndon. He served many years and was a past president of the Lyndon Fire Dept. He was active in the Boy Scouts and was the first certified First Aid Instructor in the area. He is survived by two daughters, Ann Starr, Concorn, Ark; and Judy Pacely, Ypsilanti, Mich.; three sons, Edward, Morrison; Anthony, Annawan; and Neil, Lyndon; a stepdaughter, Deborah Bratton, Antioch; and two step-sons, Vernon Wankerl, Springfield; and Steve Wankerl, Branson, Mo.; 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, a son, and four brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illiniois February 12, 1990 - Monday, pg A2

ERNEST ALGOT JOHNSON - Funeral services were conducted this afternoon at the Garner Funeral Chapel in Prophetstown for Ernest A. Johnson, 61, who died late Saturday afternoon at the Sterling Community General Hospital where he had been a patient for the past four weeks. The Rev. Leonard Lowe, pastor of the Prophetstown Methodist Church officiated and burial was in the Riverside cemetery. Ernest Algot Johnson was born Oct. 6, 1896 in Sweden, the son of John E. and Emma Johnson Larson (sic, should this be Emma Larson Johnson?). He was educated in the Sweden schools. He came to the United States July 21, 1914 and settled in Rome, N.Y. He moved to Prophetstown in 1916 where he engaged in farming. He was married to Ethel A. Carlson of Prophetstown in Morrison on Feb 14, 1923. He was of the Lutheran faith. Survivors are his widow, one son, Richard Johnson, Prophetstown; three grandchildren; and four brothers, Darl, Alfred and Swan, all of Sweden, and Donald of Prophetstown. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 27, 1958 - Monday, pg 2 col 2

ESTHER (SWANSON) JOHNSON - The remains of the late Mrs. Oscar Johnson, of Thomas, Illinois, were removed from Rochester, Minn., Thursday morning to the late home. Mrs. Johnson was formerly Miss Esther Swanson, well known in this vicinity, and her death was a severe shock to her many friends. She was a sufferer from goitre and was taken to Rochester in hopes that an operation might benefit her, but passed away before an operation could be performed.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 23, 1919 - Saturday, pg 3

EVELYN (RICKLEFS) JOHNSON - 69, Agnew Road, Sterling, died Tuesday evening, February 6, 1979 at Community General Hospital in Sterling. Funeral services were held at Our Savior Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Gref officiating. Visitation was held at the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home. A memorial was established for Our Savior Lutheran Church. Burial was at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Lyle Johnson, Paul Hunter, Barry Johnson, Merle Johnson, Raymond Ricklefs, and William C. Wagenknecht. Ushers were Ronald and Rick DeJonge. Mrs. Donald Behrens was the organist for the service. Flowers were cared for by Sally Habben, Dorothy Reins and Swartley’s. Mrs. Johnson was born April 13, 1909 in Hopkins Township, the daughter of Fred and Anna (Meyer) Ricklefs. She married Alfred F. Johnson on Dec. 22, 1934 in the St. Paul Lutheran parsonage. She was a member of our Savior Lutheran Church. Survivors include her husband Alfred; two daughters, Mrs. Valerie (Jonathan) Anderson of Minneapolis, MN and Mrs. Beverly (Rev. James) Schwarz, South Wayne, WI; five grandchildren, one brother, Edgar Ricklefs, Sterling and three sisters, Mrs. Edna (Omar) Johnson, Mrs. Louise (Warren) McDearmon and Mrs.Velma Kindle - all of Sterling. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

FRANK J. JOHNSON , 68, Dyer, Ind., manufacturer, and brother of several residents of this area, died at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at his Indiana home. Services at Dyer will be conducted at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The body will be brought to Tampico, arriving here at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Local services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Parent Chapel, Tampico, Rev. Eugene Morgan of the Church of Christ, will officiate. Interment will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Surviving are his widow, Lillian, of Dyer, a son, Robert of North Hollywood, Calif.; a daughter Mrs. Anna Weiss of San Francisco, Calif.; four sisters, Mrs. Mable Potter of Tampico, Mrs. Lulu Pierceson of Manlius, Mrs. Irene Lathe of Lyndon and Mrs. Edith Swanson of Princeton; two brothers, Stacy Johnson of Kankakee and Wayne Johnson of Yorktown.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 15, 1951 - Monday, pg 2

FRED W. JOHNSON , 90, Round Grove, died June 4, 1971 at his home. Funeral services were conducted at the Behrens Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. Warren Weeg of St. Paul Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial was a the First Lutheran Church of Jordan (Twp.) Cemetery. Fred W. Johnson was born March 11, 1881 in Genesee Township, the son of Adolph and Lena (Eilers) Johnson. He was reared in Genesee Township and attended Lafayette school before engaging in farming. Me married Catherine “Cassie” Capp in 1904 in Genesee Township before moving to the Round Grove area in 1935. He was preceded in death by two sons, one daughter, three sisters, and one brother. Survivors include his wife, “Cassie”; one daughter Mrs. Margaret Armstrong, five grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

FRED O. JOHNSON , 76, of 2100 Freeport Road, Sterling, died Wednesday night (7 Jan 1981) at the Sterling Care Center. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral home with the Rev. John C. Coppie, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation is from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital. Mr. Johnson was born Feb. 9, 1904 in Rock Falls, the son of August and Sadie (Underhill) Johnson. He was united in marriage to Edith (Huntley) Miller on Aug. 30, 1934, in Sterling. He was employed by Frantz Manufacturing, retiring in 1971. He had been a crossing guard at Wallace School for five years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, the Rock River Lodge 612, the Sterling OES Chapter 354, past patron of the OES, member of the Commandary and Chapter of the Freeport Consistory, Tabala Shrine of Rockford, the Rock River Shrine Club and the Sterling Moose Lodge. He is survived by wife, Edith; three sons, E. Paul Johnson of Sterling, James Johnson of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Robert Johnson of Dixon, one daughter, Mrs. Edward McDaniel of Coleta; 11 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and one brother, Carl A. Johnson of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 8, 1981 - Thrusday, pg A4

FREDERICK WILLIAM JOHNSON , 83, retired farmer, died this morning at his residence in Prophetstown. The body was taken to the Gardner Funeral Chapel where friends may call Sunday evening. Funeral services will be conducted at the chapel Monday at 1:30 p.m., the Rev. William Nicoll, pastor of the Prophetstown Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Leon Cemetery. Mr. Johnson was born March 8, 1877, in Prophetstown Township, the son of Clem D. and Fannie Booth Johnson. He was educated in Jefferson Corners School. He married Mae Shere of Yorktown in Morrison in January 1898. They farmed in the Prophetstown area for a number of years. He had lived his entire lifetime in the area with the exception of a few years spent in North Dakota and Canada. Survivors include one brother, Roy C. Johnson, Prophetstown; a daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren in California. He was preceded in death by his wife, one son, Lloyd E. Johnson; his parents and one sister, Bessie Wildman.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 15, 1960 - Thursday, pg 3

GEORGE A. JOHNSON , 79, Rt. 1, Tampico, died Sunday (27 Nov 1983) in University Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in the First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown, with the Rev. Richard Dow, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gardner Chapel, Prophetstown, where memorials may be left for Winning Wheels, Inc., Prophetstown, or the American Heart Fund. George Johnson was born Aug. 7, 1904, in rural Prophetstown, the son of Will H. and Minnie Ackeberg Johnson. He attended rural schools. On March 7, 1935 he married Oral Raser of Prophetstown in the Methodist Parsonage, Prophetstown. He and his wife had farmed at their Tampico residence since their marriage. Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Charles (Donna) Satterfield, Washington, Iowa; Beverly Johnson, East Moline, and Mrs. Tom (Lyla) Lindquist, Sycamore; three grandchildren; three brothers, Arthur E., Prophetstown, Fred L., Tampico and Leroy W., Prophetstown. He was preceded in death by his parents
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 28, 1983 - Monday, pg A4

GEORGE JOHNSON , of Fulton died at the home of Charles Green in Ustick last Wednesday. He came to Illinois in 1851, when fifteen years of age, and lived in Fulton most of the time since.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Mar. 5, 1904/9 Scrapbook Clipping

GRACE (BROWN) JOHNSON , 91, a resident of Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center, Prophetstown, died Jan. 3 at the center. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown, with the Rev. Jeffrey Clements, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be from 12:30-1:30 pm. Wednesday at the church. The Gardner funeral Home, Prophetstown is in charge of the arrangements. Mrs. Johnson was born Sept. 9, 1902, in Sterling, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Beck) Brown. She was educated in Hume Center School. She married Lloyd D. Johnson Feb. 26, 1920, in Clinton, Iowa. The couple farmed in the Sterling community for 12 years, after which they moved to Long Beach, Calif. Following retirement they returned to Prophetstown in 1961. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and the West Hume Club. Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Carol Johnson of Soldotna, Alaska; two grandsons; two great-grandsons; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1984, one son, Clyde; and a daughter in infancy.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette, Tuesday, January 4, 1994, A2;4-5

HANNAH (BLEY) JOHNSON , 79, formerly of Sterling, passed away Tuesday morning (26 Feb 1952) following a stroke in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Burr, in South Bend, Ind. The body is being brought to the Trouth Funeral Home late Thursday afternoon where friends may call after 7 p.m. Thursday. Funeral rites will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday in the Messiah Lutheran Church with the Rev. Eldor Mueller officiating. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery. Hannah Bley was born May 3, 1872, in Hopkins Township. She was united in marriage with Charlie E. Johnson Feb. 20, 1896. He preceded her in death Feb. 2, 1945. Mrs. Johnson resided in Sterling until 1950 when she went to South Bend to make her home with her daughter. Surviving is the one daughter, Mrs. Charles Burr of South Bend, Ind.; three granddaughters, Mrs. Lyle Swartley of Sterling, Mrs. Harold Darkow of Ohio and Miss Charlotte Burr of South Bend, Ind.; three great grandchildren; two brothers, William Bley of Sterling and John Bley of Lyndon and two sisters, Mrs. Herman Landherr of Morrison and Mrs. Ann Jones of Elmhurst. Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one grandchild and two brothers, Fred, who died in 1931, and Carl in 1951.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 27, 1952 - Wednesday, pg 2

HENRY F. JOHNSON , 66, was born in Genesee Township January 29, 1879, the son of Henry B. Johnson and his wife Meta. Having been baptized in infancy by the Rev. Frederick Lussky of the Hopkins Township Lutheran church, he was later instructed in the chief parts of Christian doctrine according to Luther’s Catechism and renewed his baptismal vow at the Lord’s altar in the West Jordan Lutheran Church March 26, 1893. Locating in Mt. Pleasant Township after his marriage to Margaret Meyerhoff on February 20, 1902, he joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of which he remained a faithful member to the day of his death. The marriage was blessed with five children, two girls and three boys, of whom one of the youngest, a twin brother to Ronald, named Donald, died when about 18 months old. After a protracted illness which he bore with great patience and fortitude, he departed this life to enter Paradise October 16, 1945 and was given Christian burial at the cemetery connected with Our Savior’s church in Hopkins, his pastor, the Rev, A. Oetting, officiating. Pallbearers were six nephews of the departed: Claude Davis, George Bruns, Alfred Johnson, Omar Johnson, John Wolber, and Fred Meyerhoff. The days of his sojourn numbered 66 years, seven months and 18 days. He leaves to mourn his departure his widow, Margaret (Meyerhoff) Johnson, two daughters; Mrs. Olive (Joseph) Reichard and Mrs. Mrs. Luella (Bert) Maxfield, both of Prophetstown; and two sons Lawrence Johnson of Mt. Pleasant Township and Ronald Johnson in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. He also leaves two brothers, Charles F. Johnson, Bernard Johnson; and three sisters, Mrs. Anna (Thaddeus) Davis, Mrs. Hannah (Emanuel) Wolber, and Mrs. Lizzie (Bernhard) Fulfs; and eight grandchildren.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

HENRY BERNARD JOHNSON , 76, a Whiteside County Pioneer, passed away April 14, 1919, to the great beyond, going peacefully to sleep, to awaken where there is no suffering or sickness, no crying, where there surely remaineth a rest for the people of God in Christ Jesus. Henry Bernard Johnson was born in Germany, at Minsen, a village of Jeverland, Oldenburg on September 13, 1842. Being a boy of 11 years he immigrated with his parents, Folkert and Gertrude (Sies) Johnson, aka Janszen, aka Janssen, to our country in 1853, making his home in Whiteside County. Therefore - one of the oldest settlers in this community - active in farming during the most time of his earthly pilgrimage. The Township of Genesee was his home for the most time of his life, until two years ago, as he moved to Sterling, residing at 1112 Second Avenue. On November 28, 1866, he was married at Praireville, Illinois to Meta Marie Eilers, with whom he lived faithfully for over 52 years. This happy union was blessed with thirteen children, two whom died in infancy: Folkert H. and Emma. The living children are: Mrs. “Reka” (Fred) Oltmann of Sterling, William H. (Matilda) Johnson of near Sterling, Henry F. (Cassie) Johnson of Hopkins Township, Mrs. Anna (Thaddeus) M. Davis of Sterling, Mrs. Hannah (Emanuel) Wolber of Emerson, “Carl” Charles F. (Dena) Johnson of Genesee Township, Benard (Hanna) Johnson of Genesee Township, and Mrs. Lizzie (Bernard) Fulfs of Sterling. Along with his wife, Meta, and their children, he is also survived by 33 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two son-in-laws of his deceased daughters, Mary and Maggie, George Bruns and William Woessner, respectively, and two brothers, John Janssen (fka Johnson) of Missouri and Adolph Johnson of Sterling. Henry Bernard Johnson was a Christian believer. Ever faithful to his Lutheran belief, he belonged - during his long stay in our vicinity - to different Lutheran congregations. He helped to build up West Jordan Lutheran church - whose cemetery is the last resting place of his family. He was an active member of the East Genesse Lutheran Church for quite a number of years. Since moving to Sterling he made St. Paul’s Lutheran church his church home, hearing so often - when he was healthy - the gospel and celebrating the holy sacrament. Funeral services were held at his home 1112 Second Avenue and at the West Jordan Lutheran Church with internment in the West Jordan cemetery.
Photo and Obituary contributed by Barry Johnson
Biography

HENRY B. JOHNSON , 75, 1601 16th Avenue, Sterling, Passed away April 10, 1963 in Community General Hospital. Mr. Henry B. Johnson was born March 17, 1888 in Genesee Township, the son of Adolph and Angeline (Eilers) Johnson. (He had an uncle, Henry Bernard Johnson.) He farmed for many years northwest of Sterling and moved to Sterling in 1934 and was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire Company from 1934 until 1950. He moved back to the farm in 1950 and retired in 1959 and returned to Sterling. He married Anna L. Fulfs, December 11, 1907 in Jordan Township. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of West Jordan. Surviving, besides his widow, are two sons, Fred A. Johnson and Leroy B. Johnson, both of Sterling, and one daughter Mrs. Marie (Clifford L.) Hunsberger of Emerson; one brother Fred Johnson of Round Grove; two sisters Mrs. Fred Woessner and Mrs. Clarence Bryson of Sterling; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. One son, Clifford, preceded him in 1945 while in service overseas. One sister, Mrs. Andrew Wolf, and his parents also preceded him in death. Visitation and services were held at the Melvin Funeral Home with the Rev. J.F. Eshbaugh, pastor of the First Lutheran Church of West Jordan, officiating. Burial was on Oak Knoll Memorial Park.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

HOWARD C. JOHNSON , infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. and Carolyn (Krebs) Schwitter, Milledgeville, died shortly after birth Thursday at 6:35 p.m. Graveside services will be held today at 3:30 p.m. at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Survivors include his parents, two sisters, Sherry and Nina, Milledgeville; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Schwitters, maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Miller and great grandmother, Mrs. Ann Shelor, all of Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 13, 19794 - Friday, page 8

IRA JOHNSON - Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. for Ira Johnson 86, in the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with the pastor of the First Nazarene Church, Rev. H. C. Hation officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Mr. Johnson passed away Saturday morning in the Colonial Acres Rest Home. His home address in Sterling was 911 4th Ave. although he has made his home with a niece, Mrs. Walter Oltman in Lyndon prior to becoming ill three weeks ago. Born Feb. 12, 1878 in Hopkins township he was the son of Robert and Jane McCauley. He was united in marriage with Clara Bryson who preceded him in death in 1950. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Sterling. For the past 43 years he has been blind although he farmed in Hopkins township for many years. He is the last surviving member of his immediate family and he was preceded in death by his wife, parents, a brother, Earl, and a half brother Edward Tuttle.
Dated: 1964 Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

IRMA (MORRILL) JOHNSON - 65, died Wednesday evening (14 Jun 1972) at Morrison Community Hospital. She had been a former resident of Prophetstown. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Prophetstown Congregational Church, with Rev. Daniel Boxwell officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory. There will be no visitation. Mrs. Johnson was born June 4, 1907 at Prophetstown, the daughter of Orris and Grace Walker Morrill. She was educated in Prophetstown schools and at Illinois State University at Normal. She married Valfred Johnson of Prophetstown at Sycamore on Sept. 16, 1927. The couple lived in the Prophetstown Community until 1966 when they moved to Mountain Home Ark. She was a member of the Congregational Church and the DAR. Survivors include her husband, one son Craig, Prophetstown and three grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 15, 1972 - Thursday, pg 2

JAMES E. JOHNSON - Word has been received here of the death in Las Cruces, New Mexico, of James E. Johnson on Sunday morning, March 1. Burial will be in Las Cruces on Wednesday. Mr. Johnson was well known in the Sterling-Tampico-Morrison area. He was born in Tampico in 1882 and lived there until he and his family moved to Morrison where they lived for a number of years, moving to Las Cruces in 1952. His immediate survivors are his wife Margaret, and his son, James, who also lives in Las Cruces. Mrs. H. C. Johnson of Sterling is a sister-in-law and the Rev. Brace E. Johnson of Sterling is a nephew of the deceased.
COntributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 2, 1964 - Monday, pg 2

JOHANNA ELIZABETH (BLEY) JOHNSON , the daughter of John Henry and Margaretha Staassen Bley was born in Hopkins township May 3, 1872. At that time there was no organized Lutheran congregation in that section of Whiteside county. But the Rev. C. Seuel of St. John's Lutheran church of Lyons, Iowa, had in 1870 begun occassional excusions to the Round Grove - Hopkins area to serve the nucleus of Lutheran Christians forming there. It was he who baptised Johanna Bley in the name of the Triune God June 30, 1872 in Hopkins Township. Pastor Seuel's successor in Lyons, the Rev. Ft. Lussky, was instrumental in organizing Lutheran consud in Sterling on Second Avenue April 25, 1875. That same October he became the first resident pastor of the two parishes. It was he who instructed Johanna Bley int he Word of God in church and parochial school, preparatory to her confirmation in Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Hopkins April 29, 1885, Mrs. Johnson was, therefore, one of the last connecting links, uniting the 77 year old town and country parishes with the past. Johanna Bley was united in marriage with Charles E. Johnson February 20, 1896, the Rev. Emmanuel Meyer of Hopkins Lutheran church reading the service. He preceded her in death Feb 2, 1945. In 1900 Mrs. Johnson transferred her membership from the county parish to Messiah Evangelical Lutheran of Sterling. She retained her membership with the local congregation also when shemade her home with her ddaughter in South Bend, Indiana in May 1950. Mrs. Johnson will long be remembered by her family, friends, neighbors, and fellow Christians as one who lived her faith. She loved her Savior very dearly, served Him and His church devotedly and untiringly. By her quiet devotion and patient service she compelled many to note how different those are in whom Christ dwells by faith and who live in Christ. She applied the principle laid down for Christians by Jesus in His sermon on the Mount: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,and glorify your Father, which is in heaven". Matthew 5,16. The Lord Jesus graciously kept her in the saving faith through diligent use of the Word of God and the Sacraments,a nd mercifully called her quietly and quickly to Himself Tuesday morning. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Charles Burr, of South Bend; three grandaughters, Mrs. Lyle Swartley of Sterling, Mrs.Harold Darkow of Ohio, and Miss Charlotte Burre of South Bend; three great grandchildren; two brothers, William of Sterling and John of Lyndon, and two sisters, Mrs. Herman Lendheer of Morrison and Mrs. Ann Jones of Elmhurst. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one grandchild and two brothers, Fred who died in // and Carl, who died in 1951. Services for Mrs. Johnson were conducted at 2:30 pm Friday in Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Rev. Eldor Mueller based his message on Revelations 14:12, 13 and Psalm 71 was read as an appropriate Scripture lesson. Mrs. Edward Ohnen and Miss Bernice Wolf sang "Jesus Savior Pilot Me" and "Beautiful Savior" with Clarence Pratt playing the organ. Intermet was made in Riveside cemetery,the pallbearers being rthur Hammer, Elwin Landheer, Claude Bley, Lloyd Bley, Walter Bleye, and John Jones. Mrs. Frank Fulfs, Mrs Roy Hoover, Mrs. WIlliam Schumaker and Mrs. Martin Camps cared for the floral tributes. A nuber of memorials were also established in memory of the departed. A short prayer service was conducted in South Bend Ind., Thursday morning where mrs. Johnson passed away. The body arrived at the Trouth funeral home Thursday afternoon adn was taken to the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran church early Friday morning.

JUNE (DYKEMA) JOHNSON , 87, St. Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Morrison, died May 6, 2006, in St. Petersburg. Memorial services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 19, at Bosma-Renkes, Morrison. Burial is in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. She was born Feb. 25, 1919, in Morrison, to Harry and Kate DeGroot Dykema. She married Kenneth L. Johnson May 1, 1943, in Rock Island. He died Oct. 2, 1994. Surviving are her children, Jane Rickman, Oak Park, Ill., and William Johnson, Sarasota, Fla.; grandchildren, Tiffany D'Agostino, Matt and Michael Rickman and Josh Johnson

GERTRUDE Z. (BRAASCH) JOHNSON , 67, Route 1, Tampico, died late Friday evening at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Yorktown Church of Christ. The Rev. Butch McNinch, pastor and the Rev. Allen Baxter, former pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery, Tampico. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the Yorktown Church of Christ. Mrs. Johnson was born Feb. 4, 1916, in Normandy, the daughter of John D. and Cora B. (Holtz) Braasch. She married V. Francis Johnson on March 30, 1939. The couple celebrated 44 years of married life. Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Yorktown Church of Christ. She was survived by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Dorene Knipple, Deerfield; and one son, Peter C. Johnson, Como; two sisters, Mrs. Shirley Peve, Tennessee, and Mrs. Arthur (Carol) French, Donna, Texas; six grandchildren, and one great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.
Cotnributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 21, 1984 - Saturday, pg 4

HAZEL (RAYBORN) JOHNSON , 78, of Colonial Hall Living Center, Princeton, died March 16, 2005. Mrs. Johnson wsa born Dec. 18, 1926 in Sterling the daughter of Burris and Ruth (Towell) Rayborn. She married Donald Johnson. He died in 1987. Survivors include a daughter Julie Maloy ow Wyanet; sons Terry, Richard, James and Jeff; a brother James rayborn; three sisters, Evelyn, June and Donna. Burial in Union Cemetery, Ohio.

KATHRYN (RASER) JOHNSON , 60, of 607 Washington St., Died Monday night at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Church of Christ with the Rev. Robert Toothman, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gardner Funeral Chapel from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Memorial may be made to Winning Wheels or the American Cancer Society. Mrs. Johnson was born March 14, 1922 in Geneseo, the daughter of Charles and Gertrude (Hines) Raser. She graduated from Prophetstown High School and Moline Business College. She was united in marriage to Leroy Johnson on Aug. 10-, 1947 in Prophetstown. She was employed as a secretary before her marriage and was a member and secretary of the White Cloud Gallery. She was a member of the Church of Christ and served as pianist there for 20 years. She is survived by her husband, Leroy; two sons, Bruce of Prophetstown, and Joel of Springfield, and one sister, Mrs. George (Oral) Johnson of Yorktown. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter in infancy and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 6, 1982 - Tuesday, page A4

KENNETH A. JOHNSON , 76, of Lyndon, IL died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006 at Morrison Community Hospital, Morrison. Graveside services will be 10:00 am Wednesday at the Lyndon Township Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. The Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown is handling arrangements and cremation. Kenny was born January 11, 1930 in Dixon, IL the son of Ernest and Leatha (Johnson) Johnson. He married Ruth Johnson in Bellville, IL on August 17, 1953. He had been employed at the former Northwestern Steel & Wrie Company in Sterling, IL for 29 years, retiring in 1991. Kenny was a Navy veteran of the Korean war, member of the American Legion Post #522 and Masonic Lodge #293 A.F. & A.M. of Prophetstown. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and her spouse, Karen and Frank Rhodes, Round Rock, TX, sons and spouses, Bruce and Jamie Johnson, Prophetstown, Kenneth R. and Carol Johnson, Garden Plain, IL, William and Kelly Johnson, Platteville, WI, Richard Johnson, Lyndon, five grandchildren, Chelsey & Sarah Rhodes, Douglas and Kimberly Johnson, Stacy Johnson, two step granddaughters, Kristine and Stacy Jordan, a great-grandchild, Kacen Johnson, 3 step grand-children, Pedro and Rose Flores, Alexis Perez, sisters Frances (Mrs. Russell) Maynard, Rock Falls, IL, June Matuszewich, Lyndon, brothers and spouses, Ernest and Darlene Johnson, Moline, IL, Calvin Johnson, Bradenton, FL and Dale and Jane Johnson, Albany, IL.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen - The Prophetstown ECHO - September 12, 2006

LENA (EILERS) JOHNSON , 83, passed away at 9:30 Tuesday night in the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Woessner, 311 W. 12th St. She had been ill for the past week with a complication of diseases and infirmities of old age. Funeral rites willb e Friday at 1:30 in the Woessner home and 2 in the West Jordan Lutehran church, Rev. O.H. Boening of the Chadwick Lutheran church officiating. Inerment will be in Maple Ridge. The deceased was born October 17, 1855 in Javeland, Oldenburg Germany, the daughter of Mr.a nd Mrs. Henry Eilers. She came to IL with her parents when 10 years old, following their emigration to America. They settled on a farm in Genesee township. All of ehr lifetime since was spent in Whiteside County. Her husband, Adolph Johnson, passed away November 13, 1919. Three daughters and two sons survive; Mrs. Clarence Bryson, Mrs. Fred Woessner and Henry B. Johnson, Sterling; Mrs. Andrew Wolf, Jordan Township and Fred W. Johnson, Round Grove. A daughter, Emma passed away in infancy. There are 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

LILLIAN M. JOHNSON , 83, of the Alverno Health Care Facility and formerly of Fulton, Ill., died Saturday Nov 6, 2004 at the facility. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Nelson Funeral Home in Plano, Ill., with visitation from noon until the time of the service. The Rev. David Kaul, pastor of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sandwich, Ill., will be officiating. Local visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Entombment will be in the Plano Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Darrin, Derrick, Drew and Dylan Boyer, Arden Johnson and Robert Johnson. She was born Dec. 30, 1920, in Buffalo Center to Eppie E. and Hannah Schaper Johnson. She married Lawrence E. Johnson on March 20, 1941, in Rake. He died in 1989. She received a bachelor's degree from Aurora (Ill.) College. She was employed as an elementary school teacher for 471/2 years. From 1969 until her retirement in 1987, she taught in various area schools. Prior to 1969, she taught in the Plano elementary schools. She was a lifetime Member of the N.E.A. and Illinois Education Association. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Linda (Daryl) Boyer of Bixby, Okla., and Mrs. Lynn (Gene) Shoultz of Clinton; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mavis Elliott and Alonah Narron, both of Texas; and one brother, Roger (Marilyn) Johnson of Bella Vista, Ark. She was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters and one brother. Memorials may be made to the Alverno Health Care Facility.

LIZZIE ALICE (DEETS) JOHNSON , whose life bridged more than a century, died Saturday in her home at 14411 1st Ave. S. Mrs. Johnson, who outlived her husband, Henry and four of their five children, celebrated her 102nd birthday November 2, 1962. Her son Charles L. Johnson of Beverly Hills, Calif. was among the celebraters that day in the home of her niece, Mrs. Victor B. Garber, with whom she had lived since 1953. A repeat birthday party was held in the Garber home three days later for more distant delatives. It was a period of joy for the woman who still enjoyed reading and gardening. Mrs. Johnson did heer own housework until she reached the age of 94, when she moved to Seattle from Pullman where she had lived since 1915. She ws born in Coleta Illinois in 1859. In 1880 she moved to Almira, Lincoln County, with her husband. Survivors in addition to her son, include six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Washington Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in Washington Memorial Park.
Contributed by M. King Deets

MARGARET JOHNSON - The remains of Mrs. Margaret Johnson will be taken to Morrison on either Sunday or Monday for burial. A short service will occur at the grave. Margaret Still was born Sept. 28, 1832, and was eighty years old at the time of her death. The family moved to Fulton about 1850 and there Miss Still met and married Abram Johnson, one of the pioneers in this section of the county. The deceased is survived by a brother and sister, and two sons and a daughter. She has a sister, Mrs. Mary Libby, in Kansas City, and a brother, David Still in Santa Monica, Cal. Of the children, one son, Curtis, resides in Prescott, Iowa, a daughter, Mrs. Mary Smith, in Waddam's Grove, Ill., and another son Milford at Sterling. Mrs. Frank Kramer of Morrison is a niece. Mrs. Johnson fell and broke her hip on New Year's Day, and has been failing steadily every since. She left Morrison for the home about last June. She was a member of the Universalist church all her life, and was an active worker in the church while she resided in this city. She leaves numerous friends here who will deeply mourn her demise. (Sterling Gazette Saturday February 8, 1913) Miss Margaret Still was born in Ohio, September 21, 1831. When a young girl, she with her parents moved to Shawneeton, Ill. Later the family moved to Fulton, going up the river by boat, as that was the only means of travel at that time. At the age of 22 years she was married to Abraham Johnson June 5, 1854. Mr. Johnson died November 16, 1867. Shortly after their marriage they moved to what is known as the city of Morrison, at that time composed of four houses. The railroad had not been built at that time and the only means of travel was by oxen. The site of the city of Morrison was a grove in which bands of roving Indians made their camp. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson seven children were born, five girls and two boys, four girls dying in infancy. The remaining three consist of Mrs. P.K. Smith of Lena, Ill., Curtis of Prescott, Ia., and Milford of Sterling. She also leaves 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, one brother, David Still of Santa Monica, Cal., and a sister, Mrs. Mary Libby of Parkville, Missouri. Mrs. Johnson died at the Caroline Marx home in Mt. Carroll, February 2, 1913 and the body was taken to Morrison where the funeral was held Sunday afternoon in the Methodist Church, Rev. Abel officiating. Interment was in Morrison by the side of her husband and children. She was a resident of Morrison for over 60 years and was an active worker in the Universalist church. Besides the sorrowing relatives, she leaves a large circle of friends to mourn her departure.

Sterling Gazette February 11, 1913 **Note the two "Different" Birthdates given - Contributed by Dawn Everling

MARGARET G. (MEYERHOFF) JOHNSON , 83, of 312 E. 10th Street, Sterling, passed away April 26, 1966 in Community General Hospital, Sterling, following a brief illness. Visitation was held at the Behrens Mortuary, Sterling, and funeral services were held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hopkins Township with the Rev. Ervin A. Junkans officiating. Pallbearers were Joseph Reichard Jr., Robert Maxfield, Gene Maxfield, James Maxfield, Gary Johnson, and Douglas Johnson. Burial was in the church cemetery. Margaret Meyerhoff was born November 22, 1882, in Mt. Pleasant Township, the daughter of Jurgen and Alice Meyerhoff. She was reared and educated in Mt. Pleasant Township and was married to Henry F. Johnson in February of 1902. They farmed in Mt. Pleasant Township until 28 years ago when they moved to Sterling to reside. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Surviving are two sons, Lawrence of Sterling and Ronald of Prophetstown; one sister, Mrs. Edward Dauen of Sterling, eleven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, who died October 11, 1945; one daughter, one son, and four brothers.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

MARGART E. (TURNER) JOHNSON , 72 of 2023 Carrhill Road., Vienna, Va., (formerly of Rock Falls) died Sunday (01 Sep 1985) in the Commonwealth Hospital in Fairfax, Va. Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. in the First Christian Church of Rock Falls with Rev. David L. Beebe, the pastor, officiating, with burial in Riverside Cemetery in Sterling. There will be no visitation. Local arrangements were completed by the Wheelock Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Mrs. Johnson was born June 4, 1913 in Newton, Ia., the daughter of Marce and Margaret Watson Turner. She was united in marriage to Howard J. Johnson on Feb. 22, 1945 in Rock Falls. He preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 1978. She was Chairman of the Advisory Board for Health Occupations at Whiteside Area Vocational Center for several years. The deceased was also the Child Care and Development Instructor at Whiteside Area Vocational Center from 1971 until her retirement in 1978. Mrs. Johnson was a Registered Nurse, and a very active member of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls while living in this area. Surviving are her niece, Mrs. Howard (Mary Gene) Vieau of Vienna, Va., with whom she lived for the past five years; four nephews, Ronald Bull of Omaha, Neb., Larry and Joseph Bull, both of Dixon and Delbert Monks of Thomson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother and one sister. A memorial has been established in the Rock Falls First Christian Church in her memory.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 3, 1985 - Tuesday, pg A4

MARJORIE (MATHEW) JOHNSON , age 79, of Prophetstown died Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. The funeral service was held Monday, Feb. 27, 2006 at McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home in Sterling, with Pastor Daniel Behmlander officiating. Burial was at Round Grove Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her memory. Mrs. Johnson was born May 16, 1926 in rural Morrison, IL the daughter of Orville and Edith (Grater) Mathew. She married Ronald R. Johnson on Dec. 16, 1945 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Morrison. After marriage she worked at the office of Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. and then was a homemaker once she stated a family. She was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, Sterling. She enjoyed watercolor and oil painting, gardening and being with her family and her Lord. Survivors include her husband, Ronald Johnson of Prophetstown; two daughters Diane K. (Gary) Johnson-Geesey of Dixon and Debra S. Hussung of Sterling; two sons, Douglas D. (Christine) Johnson of Mahomet and Gary R. (Jill) of St. Paul, MN; two sisters, Eleanor Schneider of Nokomis and Janet (Bill) Wantland of Seminole, OK; two brothers, James O. (Ronette) Mathew of Walnut and Gerald W. (Pat) Matthew of Morrison; and eight grandchildren, Matthew and Nicole Johnson of Mahomet, Nick and Kim Hussung of Sterling, Paul and Erin Froeter and Evan Ramirez of Dixon, and Ben Johnson of St. Paul, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Hubert Mathew.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from the Prophetstown Echo

MATHILDA (JOHNSON) JOHNSON , 94, a former area resident died May 9, 1968 in Long Beach, California, after a short illness. Funeral services were held at Behrens Mortuary, Sterling with burial at the First Lutheran Church of Jordan. Mathilda is survived by two sons, Clarence Johnson, of Long Beach, California, and Lloyd Johnson of Prophetstown, Illinois; one sister. Mrs. Emma Fulfs of Sterling; and a grandson of Anchorage, Alaska. She was preceded in death by her husband William H. Johnson, five sisters and two brothers. Mrs. Matilda Johnson was born on March 25 1874 in Hopkins Township, the daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Dietrick Johnson. She was married to William H. Johnson on February 27, 1895. She moved to Long Beach, California in 1945. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Jordan while she lived in the area.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

META M. (EILERS) JOHNSON , 86, was born January 24, 1845 In Minsen, Province of Oldenburg, Germany and departed this life on April 6, 1931 at the good old age of 86 years, two months and 12 days. She came to this country at the age of 21 years. On November 28, 1865 she was united in holy matrimony with Henry B. Johnson. The ceremony was performed in Prairieville, IL. This union was blessed with 13 children, of whom, three died in infancy. She also was preceded in death by two married daughters, Mrs. Metta “Maggie” (William) Woessner and Mrs. Mary G. (George) Bruns. After their marriage she and her husband lived on a farm in Genesee Township for many years. They were Whiteside County pioneers and were the first to own the land they lived on. In the early years of their married life they were members of the West Jordan Lutheran Church. Later they became members of the East Genesee Church. In the year 1919, they retired from farming and moved to Sterling and joined St. Paul Lutheran Church. Two years before the death of her husband they were permitted, by the grace of God, to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in the midst of their children and grandchildren. Mrs. Johnson was a faithful wife, a loving mother and devoted to her Savior. She was of good disposition and had a kind and friendly word for everyone. She was loved and esteemed by all who knew her. It is a great consolation that her family and friends have not lost her - but she has gone ahead to that place - where they desire to follow. She leaves to mourn her death her children, Mrs. Fredericka “Reka” (Fred) Oltmans, William H. (Mathilda) Johnson, and Mrs. Anna M. (Thaddeus M.) Davis of Sterling; Henry F. Janssen of Morrison; Charles F. (Gerhardena) Johnson of Emerson; Benard (Hannah) Johnson of Genesee Township; Mrs. Henrietta (Emanuel) Wolber of Emerson; and Mrs. Lizzie (Ben) Fulfs of Genesee Township; also 34 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one sister Mrs. Angeline “Lena” (Adolph) Johnson of Sterling. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Hinrich Jr. “Herman” Eilers, Henry Eilers, and Bernard Eilers, and one sister Mrs. Lena (Anton) Bitters.
Contributed by Barry Johnson

MILDRED PAULINE (CROSELL) JOHNSON , 59, of Prophetstown, passed away Friday afternoon at her home in Yorktown. Funeral services will be held at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Yorktown, Monday at 1:30 p.m., the Rev. Emil Blobaum officiating, with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Friends may call at the Gardner Funeral Chapel Sunday evening. A memorial has been established for the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Yorktown in her name. Mildred Pauline Johnson was born June 21, 1907 in Bureau County, the daughteer of Olaf and Jennie (Anderson) Crosell. She was educated in the Cloverdale and Prophetstown schools, and married Fred Johnson of Prophetstown Feb 13, 1931 in Morrison. She lived in the Prophetstown and Yorktown areas her entire lifetime and in her last residence for 11 years. She was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Yorktown. She is survived by her husband, four sons, Wendell of Palatine; David of Lombard; Melvin of Tampico; Allan at home; one brother, Vernon Crosell of Glen View and five grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents and one brother, Stanley.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IllinoisJanuary 14, 1967 - Saturday, pg 2

MILFORD JOHNSON , 73, passed away in his sleep Saturday night at his home, 408 Eleventh Avenue. Saturday night he suffered a heart attack and was attended by a physician. Sunday morning when members of his family attempted to arouse him they discovered he had passed peacefully away in his sleep. Since the passing of his wife, Mrs. Blanche Mason Johnson on June 8 (1939) , life so far as Mr. Johnson was concerned, was a closed book. He only marked time until he and his wife would be together once more in The Beyond. He kept his inward feeling of sorrow well concealed in his efforts to console members of his family and close friends in the loss of their loved one. However, he made it known he was ready to go at any time. The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 at the Melvin funeral home. Rev. Charles L. Brooks, pastor of the Christian church, will officiate. Burial will be in Grove Hill cemetery at Morrison. Milford Johnson was born Dec. 21, 1865, at Morrison, Ill., and would have been 74 years of age on his next birthday. His early boyhood was spent at Morrison where he was reared and educated. He was married at Morrison in February, 1890, and after residing in that city for several years, he and his family moved to Wisconsin. They returned to a farm near Prairieville and moved to this city 30 years ago. For more than 20 years he was engaged as a carpenter with a bridge crew on the Chicago and North Western railroad. He did exceptionally fine cabinet work. He retired two years ago. He was a home lover and the companionship of his wife and family produced his greatest happiness, although he had a great many staunch friends. All will miss him. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. of Morrison, and still retained his membership in that order. He is survived by three children, Mrs. Rea Kreider, and LaRue Johnson of the city, and Pierre Johnson of Big Fork, Minn. A brother, Curtis Johnson of Prescott, Ia., and six grandchildren also survive. Two sons, Percy who passed away more than 25 years ago at the age of 18, and Adon, who passed away seven years ago at the age of 33, preceded him in death. The body may be viewed by friends at the late home 408 Eleventh Avenue until noon Wednesday, after which time it will be removed to the Melvin funeral home for the services
Contributed by Dawn Everling

NELLIE 9HAMMOND) JOHNSON , 68, succumbed at 2:15 a.m. Saturday (11 January 1941) in her home in Prophetstown. She had been in failing health for three years and was bedfast one week. The body was removed to the Dudley Mortuary. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Prophetstown Methodist Church, with Rev. A. E Simester officiating. Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. Nellie Hammond was born April 27, 1872, in the Eight Mile community south of Prophetstown, the daughter of Edgar and Elsie Woodward Hammond. She was married to Jack Johnson of Prophetstown Dec. 24, 1888 at Morrison. They celebrated their golden wedding in 1938. With the exception of three years spent in Iowa, Mrs. Johnson had spent all her life in Prophetstown and vicinity. Following her marriage she and Mr. Johnson lived five years on a farm east of Prophetstown and then moved to their own farm in Hume Township. In 1915, they moved into Prophetstown where they had since resided. Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Prophetstown Methodist Church and Ladies' Aid Society. Besides her husband, she leaves one son, Ralph Johnson of Prophetstown and three daughters. Mrs. William Brown of Erie, Mrs. Max Lawrence of Prophetstown and Mrs. Ralph Brown of Rock Falls. Two brothers, Allie and Harry Hammond of Prophetstown and one sister, Mrs. Ora Harshman of Smithsburg, Md., 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren also survive. One sister, Neva, preceded her in death at the age of 11 years.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois January 11, 1941 - Saturday, pg 6

NETTIE (WHITCOMB) JOHNSON - At her home, No. 100 Brookfield St., Cleveland, Ohio, November 1, 1890, Nettie Whitcomb Johnson, aged 27 years, 2 months and 10 days. At the same place, November 4th, 1890, Whitcomb Johnson, son of Homer H. and Nettie Whitcomb Johnson, aged 10 weeks and 3 days. Nettie Whitcomb Johnson, daughter of Geo. A. and S.A. Whitcomb, was born in Morrison Ill., Aug. 21st 1863. She entered school at the age of eleven years, and continued in attendance for about four years. She then entered the Northern Illinois College at Fulton, Ill., where she studied for about two years. Then after six months private lessons in Greek and Latin, she entered the Freshman class of Oberlin College in the Fall of 1881 and graduated from the classical course in 1885, with the degree of A.B. In the fall of 1885 she went with her parents to Lincoln, Neb., and accepted a position in the public schools where she taught for two years, returning to Morrison with her parents in 1887. She was married to Homer H. Johnson August 7, 1888 and with hr husband settled in Cleveland, Ohio where she resided at the time of her death. During the years of her residence here and wherever duty called, her unassuming ways, her kind disposition and strong mental power, won the affection of many, whose friendship grew strong with the years. Her married life commenced under the happiest auspices, and with her surroundings the future to one of her loving disposition and mental grasp possessed great possibilities. Soon, however, all future hopes were blighted, an attack of "la grippe" last winter aggravating a previous ailment and for months causing her pain and suffering, which she endured with heroic fortitude until she sank to her final sleep. brought by bereaved husband, father and mother to the home of her childhood, she and her babe were laid to rest beneath the green drapery of nature, the obsequies taking place on the 7th inst. from the home of her parents in this city, in the presence of many friends whose sorrowing hearts are filled with the deepest sympathy for those whose homes have been made so desolate.

OMAR JOHNSON , 84, of 902 E. 19th Street, Sterling, died Wednesday, February 10, 1999, at Sterling Pavilion. Funeral services were held February 13th at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Philip Gronbach officiating. Burial was at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation was held February 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling. A memorial was established to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling. Mr. Johnson was born April 26, 1914, in Genesee Township, the son of Charles and Gerhardena (Rushmeyer) Johnson. He married Edna Marie Ricklefs on July 15, 1933, at the home of her parents in Hopkins Township. (His brother, Alfred Johnson was married to Edna's sister, Evelyn Ricklefs.) The marriage was performed by the Rev. Arthur Oetting of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Omar was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he was confirmed in 1928. He served two terms on the board and was an usher. He was employed ar RB&W Bolt and Nut Company, and then farmed for 35 years before retirement. He worked part-time as a custodian at Washington School for eight years. He is survived by his wife, Edna M. of Sterling; two daughters, Joanne (Mark) Hershman of Goldens Bridge, N.Y., and Barbara (William) Olson of Germantown, Wis,; four sons, Laverne (Ann) Johnson of Reston, Va., Merle (Glenda) Johnson of Rochester, Minn., Lyle (Beverly) Johnson of Bloomsburg, Pa., and Jerry (Sally) Johnson of Sterling; one brother, Earl (Betty) Johnson of Sterling; nine grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Edna and Clara, and one brother, Alfred. (Contributed by Barry Johnson - from Daily Gazette)
Omar Johnson was born April 26, 1914, in Genesee Twp. to Charles and Gerhardina (Rusymeyer) Johnson. He was baptized into Christ on July 26, 1914 at East Genesee Lutheran Church, Genesse Township and given the Christian name Omar Martin. He married Edna Marie Ricklefs on July 15, 1933, at the home of her parents by the Rev. Arthur Octting, Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He departed this life in the sing of faith on Feb. 10, 1999, at Sterling Pavilion. Omar was a member ofSt. Paul Lutheran Church where he was confirmed in 1928. He served two terms on the Church Council and was an usher. He was employed at RB&W and then farmed for 35 years before retirement. He worked part time as a custodian at Washington School for 8 years. His survivors include his wife, Edna M. of Sterling; two daughters, Joanne (Mark) Hershman of Goldens Bridge, NY and Barbara (William) Olson of Germantown, Wisc.; four sons, Laverne (Ann) Johnson ofReston, VA, Merle (Glenda) Johnson of Rochester, MN, Lyle (Beverly) Johnson of Bloomsburg PA and Jerry (Sally) Johnsno of Sterling; one brother, Earl (Betty) Johnson of Sterling; nine grandchildren and twelve great=grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents, two sisters, and one brother.
Services by Schilling Funeral Home. Officiating- Rev. James Schwarz, Lecter. Organist Viola Koster. Soloist Harvey Johnson.
Contributed by Cynthia Lane

ROBERT JOHNSON died Monday morning between 5 and 6 o’clock, after an illness extending over 5 months. Funeral was held at his late home Wednesday afternoon at 1:30. Burial at Hickory Grove Cemetery.
Contributed by Jayne Sweger - Whiteside Sentinel, June 7, 1911

RUBY MARIE (SEGER) JOHNSON , 79, of Erie, died Monday, July 3, 2006, at home. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Erie United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Gibson Funeral Home, Erie. A memorial fund has been established. Ruby Marie Seger Butzer Johnson was born Nov. 5, 1926, in rural Erie, the daughter of Leslie and Alvina Olhsen Seger. She married Roger Butzer June 30, 1945. He preceded her in death in August 1947. She then married Max F. Johnson in Clinton, Iowa, on Oct. 30, 1948. He preceded her in death Sept. 28, 1994. Ruby was a beautician, worked at John Deere Spreader Works and for the Reisenbigler family. Ruby belonged to the Denton Schreiner American Legion Auxiliary, the Erie United Methodist Church Card Club for 44 years, was an election judge for 25 years, the Modern Homemakers and the Red Hat Club. Ruby will be deeply missed by her children, Sharon Blumhoff, Erie, Jane Littrel, Erie, and Shirley and Chet Masterson, Fenton; grandchildren, Trishia Westerfield, Trent Blumhoff, Mitch Littrel, Luke and Amy Littrel and Jessica and Matt Temple, all of Erie; great-grandchildren, Jaryd and Jordan Westerfield, Samantha, Gabby and Conner Carr, Hunter and Drew Littrel and Dylan Temple, all of Erie; brothers and sister-in-law, George and Joan Seger, Erie, and Harry Seger, Annawan; special loved ones, Paula Preslar, Rock Island, Craig Seger, Erie, Sylvia Reisenbigler and Tiffany Prendergast, Summer Kolesar, Ernie and Anita Schroeder, all of Erie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max F. Johnson; her parents; a brother, Don Seger; and a sister, Thelma Cole. Ruby was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, aunt and a friend. Her memory will live on in many people's minds and hearts.

RUTH (NEWELL) JOHNSON , 4751 West 66th St., Arvada, Colo., died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1976 at the Presbyterian Medical Center in Denver, Colo. after a short illness. A memorial service was held Saturday, Oct. 16, in the Chapel of the Howard Mortuary. The Rev. Earl K. Hanna was the officiating clergyman. Cremation followed the service. Mrs. Johnson was born Feb. 20, 1911 in Sterling, the daughter of Harry C. and Pearl Manning Newell. She spent her early life in Sterling and attended the local schools. Survivors include her husband; one son, Bruce; five sisters, Mrs. Edna Houseman, Mrs. Fred Houseman, and Mrs. Mildred Dunnmore, all of Morrison; Mrs. Leona Salmon of Sterling and Mrs. Cora Ebeling of Bradenton, Fla.; two brothers, Glen Newell of Cicero,amd Lester Newell of Sterling. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two brothers. A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor -

SARAH JOHNSON , 83, passed away Wednesday morning (13 July 1966) in Community General Hospital after an extended illness. She had been a resident of Sterling for the past 60 years. Sarah J. Johnson was born Sept. 10, 1882 in Macoupin County, Illinois, the daughter of James S. and Nancy E. Moore Buckley. She moved to the Sterling area at the age of 23 and lived here her entire life. She was united in marriage to Harley Taylor in 1906 in Morrison. Mr. Taylor preceded her in death in 1936. In 1937 she was united in marriage to Earl Johnson and he preceded her in 1963. Mrs. Johnson was a member of the First Nazarene Church of Sterling. Susrvivors include two daughters, Mrs. William (Eunice) Marshall and Mrs. Harold (Evelyn) Rubright, Sterling; two sisters, Mrs. Julia Bjork, Sterling; Mrs. Bessie Gerdes, Rock Falls; three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded by two brothers, two sisters and one son. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the First Nazarene Church of Sterling, Rev. Harry C. Hatton officiating. Burial will be in Round Grove Cemetery, Round Grove. Friends may call at the Melvin Funeral Home from 2-4 and 7-9 Thursday and until noon Friday, when the body will be taken to the church to lie in state until the time of the service at 3 p.m.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette July 13, 1966 - Wednesday, pg 4

SHARON ANN JOHNSON , 11, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Johnson, died Sunday morning about 10:30 at her farm home east of Tampico. She had been ill about a week. Services will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Mary's church at Tampico with the Rev. Burwell E. Beddoes, pastor of the St. Andrew's church in Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's cemetery in Tampico. She was born on Sept. 2, 1940, at Tampico and attended the Deer Grove school where she would have entered the seventh grade this fall. She was a member of the Tampico Pioneer 4-H club. Besides her parents she is survived by a sister, Doris; brother, Robert; maternal grandfather, J. J. Hamblock, who lives with the girl's parents; and the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson, Rock Falls.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 11, 1951 - Monday, pg 2 col 4

SOPHIE (KRICKOVICH) JOHNSON , 86, of Clinton, died Friday in Fulton, Ill. Private family services will be Tuesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Wendell Davelaar, pastor of First Christian Reformed Church, Fulton, officiating. There will be no visitation. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery. She was born July 26, 1917, in Fulton to George and Martha Podkonyak Krickovich. She was educated in the Fulton grade schools and Fulton High School. She was employed with Johannes Dry Cleaners in Clinton. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Marsha (Bill) Mowerson of Minneapolis, Minn., and Carol Johnson of Clinton; one son, Lyle K. Johnson of Bethel, Ohio; one sister, Mrs. Stella (Charles) Cantrell of Fulton; and one brother, Eli Krickovich of Clinton. She was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers.
Clinton Herald January 5, 2004

SOPHIE (BURMEISTER) JOHNSON , 95, formerly of Sterling, died at 7 p.m. Monday, July 10, 1967 in the Lee County Nursing Home at Eldena, after an extended illness. Funeral rites will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Messiah Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Eldor Mueller officiating. Burial will take place in the Mennonite Cemetery. Friends may call at the Behrens Mortuary after 2 p.m. Wednesday. Sophia Burmeister was born April 13, 1872 in Germany, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Burmeister. She was united in marriage to Obbe Johnson, Sept. 6, 1892 in Mount Pleasant Township. They farmed near Lyndon and in Hopkins Township for many years before moving to Sterling. Mrs. Johnson was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. Her husband preceded her in death in 1948. Surviving are nephews and nieces in this vicinity. Five brothers and one sister also preceded in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 11, 1967 - Tuesday pg 2

VICTOR JOHNSON aged fifty-four years, died suddenly some time during last night of hemorrhage of the brain. Mr. Johnson had been employed on the Theef Fordef farm, about four and one-half miles north and east of Tampico, for some time. This morning at about 5:30 they went to his room to call him and found him lying on the floor. An inquest was held this morning. Funeral arrangements will be made when relatives who have been notified of his death arrive at the Cordef (as spelled) home.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 3, 1919 - Thursday, pg 1

WALTER JOHNSON was born in Germany July 27, 1878, the son of Seibert and Christina Johnson. He died at Ottawa Ill., March 5, 1934, at the age of 55 years, 7 months and 8 days. Mr. Johnson came to the United States with his parents when he was 13 years old. He was united in marriage Sept. 11, 1908 to Miss Emma Rosenow of Lyndon at Clinton., Ia., and lived in Lyndon until 1928 when he moved to Prophetstown. He was employed by the Eclipse Machine Co. for nine years and gave up his work only when failing health compelled him to. He had been ill since October, 1933. The deceased is survived by his wife, four sons, Herman, Elmer, Carl and Edwin, and one daughter, Mrs. Ralph Tiffany, all of Prophetstown and five grandchildren. One son, Raymond, died in infancy, and two sisters Mrs. Charles Pilgrim and Mrs. Berger Swanson of Morrison, preceded him in death.
Prophetstown Echo March 7, 1934

WILLIAM JOHNSON : At his residence in Mt. Pleasant township, on Thursday, March 19, 1891, Mr. William johnson aged 72 years, 11 months and 3 days. William Johnson was born April 16, 1818, in Delaware county, Pa. He was married in Ohio in 1839 to Miss Margaret Terry. In 1853 they came to Illinois and located on the farm in this township which has been his home ever since. Mr. Johnson has been a kind friend, a good neighbor and an honest and upright citizen. He has been in por health for several years and gradually grew worse until death came to relieve him from all earthly ills. The funeral service s were held at his late residence on Saturday, Rev. A.M. White officiating.
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WILLIAM JOHNSON - Funeral rites for William Johnson were held Monday afternoon at 1:45 at the home north of Morrison, and at 2:30 at the Bethesda Lutheran Church, Rev. N.P. Wold of Prophetstown officiated and interment was in Grove Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were Joe Johnson, Ben Johnson, NEls Edlund, Karl Lind, Jake Irio and Harley Lyon.
Sterling Daily Gazette 25 January 1938

WILLIAM B. JOHNSON , 46, of 1411 Fourth avenue, chief of the fire department at the Northwestern Steel and Wire company, and president of the Blackhawk Fire Fighters association, passed away at the Home hospital this morning at 11:50 about an hour after he had been taken to the hospital in the Trouth ambulance for treatment. He had been ill about 3 weeks. His death was attributed to heart trouble. The body was removed to the Trouth funeral home. Funeral arrangements have not been completed but will probably be held Sunday afternoon. Mr. Johnson was employed by Carl Loos, local plumber for a period of five years or more before entering the employ of the wire mill as pipe fitter foreman about 10 years ago. Two years ago he became chief of the fire department at the mill and was elected president of the Fire Fighters association six months ago. He was a tireless worker in both organizations and contributed much time and effort ot the organizations and will be greatly missed.He was a member of the Illinois State Firemens assoc. and took an active part in the organization and instruction of auxiliary firemen in the civilian defense program. He is survived by his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Burmeiter of Milledgeville,a half brother, Harry Burmeister, also of Milledgeville and a brother Ed Johnson of Morrison.

WILIAM HOWARD JOHNSON , of Fulfs road, north of Sterling died at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday (21 Nov. 1939) after a lingering illness. He was born Nov. 15, 1870 in Jordan Twp., a son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson. On April 3, 1887 he was confirmed in Hopkins Lutheran church by Pastor Lussky. He married Matilda Johnson on Feb. 27,1895 in Hopkins Twp. with teh Rev. Mr. Meyer officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson started farming in 1895 on the farm on which he died. They lived on the place all of their married lives except 8 years in Iowa, after which they returned to this farm. Besides his widow he leaves two sons, Clarence at home and Lloyd of Long Beach CA and one grandson, Clyde Willard of Long Beach. There also survive three brothers, Henry of Sterling, Charles of Emerson and Bernhardt of Genesee Twp. Three surviving sisters are Mrs. P.M. Davis, Mrs. Henrietta Wolber of Emerson and Mrs. Ben Fulfs of Genesee. Preceding him in death were his father and mother and three sisters Mrs. George Bruns, Mrs. Wm. Woessner and Mrs. Fred Oltman, and two brothers and one sister who died in infancy. Burial was in Jordan Cemetery.

DOROTHY (KNOX) JOHNSTON , 76, Moline, died Sunday afternoon at Moline Public Hospital. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home at Morrison. The Rev Bruce Breneman will officiate and burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit the Wendt Funeral Home at Moline on Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. Dorothy Knox was born Aug. 23, 1899 at Morrison, the daughter of Guy and Mary Lewis Knox. She was married to Roy M. Johnston in 1918 at Morrison. She lived in Morrison and had been employed at the County Clerk's office for a number of years. She had resided in Moline for the past few years. Mrs. Johnston was a past matron of Primrose Chapter 363 Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include four sons, Herbert L., of Coscob, Conn., Roy M. Jr. of Moline, Guy E. of Peoria and Robert K. of Brownsville, Tenn.; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1973 and one grandson.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 13, 1976 - Tuesday pg 4

GUY F. JOHNSTON , 94, of 500 Lincolnway East, Morrison, passed away at 11 a.m. Sunday in the Morrison Community Hospital after an illness of one week. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Tomlinson Funeral Home, and Masonic services Tuesday at 8 p.m. Dr. H. J. Rendall will officiate at the funeral with burial in Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Tuesday. A memorial has been established. Guy Johnston was born Nov. 11, 1872 in Stateline, the son of Richard M. and Mary Alice Farrow Johnston. He was educated in the Rural Stateline schools and in Chicago. He married Martha Jane Burkess July 13, 1892 in Chicago. he came to Morrison in 1907 to install machinery at the Libby Milk Factory. He was a member of the Morrison Rotary where he had a perfect attendance for 25 years, and was a Mason for 50 years. He operated the Morrison Garage and Machine Shop for 35 years.
Contributed by Barbara Gehlsen (Sterling Daily Gazette, Monday, 28 November 1966, 2;2)

MARTHA JANE (BURGESS) JOHNSTON , passed away Sunday morning, January 14, at 1:30 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R. S. Amis, where she had gone for a visit for a short time ago. She was born Oct 14, 1866, in Hamilton, Canada, daughter of Charles C. and Ann Thomson Burgess. When a small child, they moved to Chicago, where she resided until 1890 when she moved to Morrison. She was married to Guy F. Johnston July 13, 1892, in Chicago. Besides her husband, she is survived by six children: Stella G., Roy M., Harriett M. and Mrs. Lyle Ritchie (Beatrice) all of Morrison; Mrs. R. F. (should be S) Amis (Grace) of Evanston; and Mrs. J. R. Knapp (Ruth) of Chicago; also 12 grandchildren. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, Eastern Star and White Shrine. Funeral rites will be held at the home on East Lincolnway Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. C. H. Becker officiating, and burial will be in Grove Hill cemetery. She was widely known in Morrison and will be greatly missed in her home and by a large circle of friends.
Contributed by Barbara Gehlsen - Sterling Daily Gazette, Monday, 15 January 1934, 9;7

RICHARD KNOX JOHNSTON , son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy M. Johnston, passed away at his home on East Main street Sunday night at 11:30 o'clock, after a brief illness which developed into bronchial pneumonia the latter part of the week. Richard was an exceptionally bright and attractive little fellow whose death is mourned by his parents, three younger brothers, Herbert, Roy, Jr., and Guy, also his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Johnston of Morrison, besides other relatives and friends. The child was born Dec 20, 1919, and at the time of his death was eight years old. No funeral plans have been announced.
Contributed by Barbara Gehlsen - Sterling Daily Gazette, Monday, 21 Nov 1927, 14:3

ROY MONROE JOHNSTON , 79, retired auto dealer, died at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday after an illness of the past three years. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the Tomlinson Funeral Home with burial in Grove Hill Cemetery. There will be visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. A memorial fund ahs been established. Roy M. Johnston was born Nov 7, 1894 in Chicago, the son of Guy and Martha Burgess Johnston. He attended Morrison schools and Brown's Business College. He was united in marriage in 1918 in Morrison with Dorothy Knox. He had lived most of his life in the Morrison area with the exception of three years in Moline. Mr. Johnston was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Veterans of World War One. He operated a garage and was also an auto dealer for a number of years. He is survived by his widow and four sons, Herbert of CosCob, Conn., Roy Jr. of Moline, Guy of Peoria and Robert of Brownsville, Tenn. There are nine grandchildren and one great grandchild surviving, also three sisters, Miss Stella Johnston of Morrison, Mrs. Richard (Grace) Amis of Mt. Pleasant, Ark. and Mrs. Russell (Ruth) Knapp of Florida. Preceding in death were one son, Richard, one grandson Richard and two sisters.
Contributed by Barbara Gehlsen - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Ill., Wednesday, December 12, 1973

S. RAY JOHNSTON - The funeral service for S. Ray Johnston, Milledgeville, was conducted Tuesday [10/31/1972] afternoon at the Woodin Funeral Home in Milledgeville. The Rev. Bruce Janes, pastor of the Milledgeville United Methodist Church, officiated. Mrs. Earl Woodin was at the organ. Great-nephews of the deceased served as pallbearers. Intement was in Penrose Cemetery, rural Sterling
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 1, 1972, page 2, column 2

STELLA JOHNSTON , 91, a resident of the Resthave Nursing Home, died March 13, at the nursing home. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 10 at Grove Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Alvin Hook, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating. There will be no visitation. Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established to Wa-Tan-Ye. Miss Johnston was born April 7, 1893 in Chicago, the daughter of Guy F. and Martha Jane (Burgess) Johnston. She was reared and educated in Chicago before moving to Morrison in 1907 where she attended Morrison High School and worked for her father at the Morrison Garage and Machine Shop until his retirement. She was a member of the Primrose Chapter Order of Eastern Star No. 363, DAR, Wa-Tan-Ye and the White Shrine. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Ruth Knapp, Bradenton, Florida and 12 nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Barbara Gehlsen - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois, Wednesday, June 5, 1985.