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

M

JOSEPH ALBERT MARX Whiteside County Coroner John Ardapple conducted an inquest this morning in the Schmitt Funeral Chapel in Tampico into the death of Joseph Albert Marx, 72, who died Thursday afternoon (30 March 1961) . The verdict was death due to coronary occlusion caused by exertion in fighting a brush fire, which was getting out of control on a tract of land owned by Mr. Marx, two miles west of Rt. 88 and one mile north of Rt. 172. Mr. Marx had gone to the field early Thursday afternoon to burn off some brush and hedge on the land. He apparently died from the exertion of trying to bring the fire under control. Glenn Gaskill of Sterling, discovered the fire and when he investigated found Marx' body which was badly burned. He was taken to the Community General Hospital in an Allen ambulance, but was dead on arrival. The body was brought to the Schmitt Funeral Chapel where friends may call after 7 p.m. this evening. Funeral services will be conducted in the chapel Saturday at 2 p.m.,, the Rev. Richard Robinson, pastor of the Tampico Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial cemetery. Mr. Marx was born in Aurora, Feb. 10, 1889, the son of Charles and Josephine Marx. He was educated in the Aurora and Tampico schools. He was married to Martha Heibel on Nov. 3, 1915 in Dodgeville, Wis. They came to Tampico to reside 28 years ago. Survivors are his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Robert (Pearl) McCormick, 310 W. 11th St., Sterling; one son Merle, 114 Park Drive, Sterling; five grandchildren; four brothers, Jake and John, both of Spooner, Wis.; Frank, Linwood, Calif.; Carl, Milwaukee, Wis.; two sisters, Mrs. Susan Weber, Aurora; Mrs. Frank Adams, Milwaukee, Wis. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 31, 1961 - Friday, pg 6, col 1

ELIZABETH (SOOTHILL) MASON who had been ailing for the past three years, died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 12th. Everything that could possibly be done for her by physicians, change of climate, tender care from husband and family to alleviate her suffering was accomplished, but all to no avail. The deceased was a homebody and lived for her home and family, but was ever ready to do her share in any good work and contribute to any cause needing assistance. As a tribute of respect our business houses closed during the funereal services and the home was fileld with friends of the family. The sympathy of our people will go out to the family in their deep sorrow, and particularly to the bereaved husband, who has had more than his share of grief to bear during the past year. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at her late home. Many beautiful floral offerings were sent by friends. The remains were laid to rest in the Erie Cemetery the following acting as pallbearers, J.Y. McCall, C. C. Fuller, R. L. Burchell, J. T. Kirkland, John McNeill, Geo. W. Byam. The funeral was in charge of W. L. Booth.

(Another Obituary)
Elizabeth Soothill Mason was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, July 26, 1855. She came to America with her parents when nine months old. They settled in Harvard, McHenry Co., Ill., where the deceased lived until her marriage to Geo. N. Mason on the 9th day of March, 1880, moving then to Erie, where they have resided ever since. To this union two children were born, Chas S. and Lois May, both of whom survive her. Besides, she leaves one sister, Mrs. Jennie Wakeley of Harvard, Ill, three brothers, John H. of Anderson, Calif., Joseph and Fred H. Soothill of Harvard, Ill., and one little granddaughter, Marjorie. Mrs. Mason's mother and sister, Delia died seventeen years ago, and her father three years ago. She was baptised into the Christadelphian Faith when twenty-two years of age, and remained a firm and faithful member of that body throughout the remainder of her life. Her father and mother and sister Delia were also of the Christadelphian body, her father being an able exponent of their doctrine both as a writer and public speaker.

Scraps of the Erie Independent, Erie, Whiteside Co IL
Vol. 28. N0. 34 Jan. 1907 Contributed by Cyndie Dennis Greer

JOHN HARRY McCASLIN , formerly of 1501 First Ave., Sterling, died early Thursday morning (10 November 1955) in Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday evening. Private funeral services will be held for the family at 2 p.m. Friday in the Melvin Funeral Home. The Rev. Jean W. Saltzman, pastor of the Fourth Street Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will take place at Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers in lieu of a memorial to Muscular Dystrophy. John H. McCaslin was born April 28, 1884, in Chambersburg, Pa., the son of Orville and Sidney Neady McCaslin. He was educated in the Polo and Sterling Public schools and was a graduate of Leuders Business College at Sterling. He married May Agnes Payne, June 15, 1910, in Sterling. He was a member of the Fourth Street Methodist Church of Sterling, a member of Rock River Lodge No. 612, A.F. and A.M.; past worthy patron of Eastern Star, Sterling Lodge, and a member of Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society. He served as superintendent of Fourth Street Methodist Sunday School department and was secretary of the board of the Methodist Church. He was active in Boy Scouts. For over 50 years he was employed by the National Manufacturing Company as collection manager and retired from the company in 1956. Surviving besides his widow are one son, Adelbert McCaslin, Rock Falls; two daughters, Mrs. Wm. H. (Ruth M.) King, Sterling, and Mrs. Russell L. (Lora May) Hatten, Mt. Prospect; one sister, Mrs. Jennie Williams, Aurora; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. One grandson and his parents preceded in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 14, 1955 - Monday, pg 3 col 1

NELLIE (McKENZIE) McCREA , 62, died Saturday at the Excelsior Spring Institute, Excelsior Springs, Mo., where she had been a patient for the past eleven years. Funeral services were conducted at Excelsior Springs Sunday afternoon. The body was brought to the Parent Funeral Home in Tampico where friends may call. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral chapel Tuesday at 2 p.m. (CST), Richard Robinson, pastor of the Tampico Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in the Yorktown cemetery. Mrs. McCrea was born March 29, 1896 in Yorktown township, the daughter of Ernest and Blanche McKenzie. She was educated in Yorktown and Saskatchewan, Canada, where she moved with her parents when she was twelve years old. She was married to Karl S. McCrea on Jan. 7, 1920 at Avenlea, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was a member of the Tampico Church of Christ. Survivors are her husband, Karl, Herne, Saskatchewan, Canada; two sisters, Mrs. Cecile McMillen, Mrs. Archie (Bessie) Yarde Sr., Tampico; one brother Robert McKenzie, Snowden, Saskatchewan, Canada; eight nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brotheers and one sister.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 25, 1958 - Monday, pg 2 col 1

KARL McDOUGALL - Funeral service for Karl H. McDougall were conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Congregational church at Prophetstown, with the Rev. William Dupree of the Congregational church officiating. Mrs. Lyle Dingman was at the organ for the service and Cecil Olinger was the soloist. Burial was in Oak Wood cemetery in Geneseo, Illinois. Pallbearers were: Melvin Moore, Lawrence Kiner, L. P. Shearer, Harry Eshelman, Clarence Arnett and John Dorathy. Flowers were in charge of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Harmsen. Mrs. Emery Lanphere and Mrs. Lawrence Kiner.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 10, 1952 - Thursday, pg 2 col 2

THOMAS L. McGARTH of 426 S. Elm, Kewanee, a native of Rock Falls, passed away early Tuesday (3 Jan. 1961) in his home in that city. He was born Feb. 19, 1875 in Rock Falls, a son of James and Johanna McGrath, and graduated from Rock Falls Township High School in 1891. He was married to Winifred Tesch in Rock Falls in 1902. He went to Kewanee in 1901 and was associated with the National Tube Co., and currently had been with the Walworth Co., until his retirement in 1954. He was a member of Visitation Catholic Church and the Elks Lodge of Kewanee. Surviving are three daughters, Marjorie, Dorothy and Johanna, all at home; and a number of nephews and nieces. His wife preceded him in death in 1943. A son, Thomas, a sister and four brothers also preceded him The body is at the Cavanagh-Schueneman Funeral Home where friends may call. The rosary will be recited at the funeral home at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be a 9 a.m. Thursday in Visitation Church, and graveside services in Calvary Cemetery in Sterling will be held at about noon Thursday.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 3, 1961 - Tuesday, pg 2 col 3

CHARLES HUBERT McGINN - Funeral services were conducted for C. H. McGinn Monday with a 10:30 prayer service at the Grennan and Son Funeral Home and a 11 a.m. Solemn High Mass at St Andrews Catholic Church, Rock Falls. The Rev. Hubert V. McGinn, son of the deceased, of the Newman Foundation, DeKalb, was the celebrant on the alter. Deacon was the Rev. James A Molloy, Genoa . Sub-deacon was the rev. James V McKitrick, DeKalb. The Most Rev. Loras t Lane, D D Bishop of Rockford Diocese, blessed the casket. Burial was in Calvary cemetery. Pallbearers were William Doyle, Ozzie McGinn, Thomas O’Malley, Clyde Leesman, Dean brooks and Grant Conboy. Flowers were in charge of Edward Sanders and Clifford Garriott, Mrs. S. A. Murphy was the organist and Steve Murphy the soloist. In attendance at the services were many priests from the Rockford Diocese. A large number of fellow employees from the Public Service Co. attended the services in a body.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - 11 Oct 1966 Sterling Gazette

HUBERT V. MCGINN , 69, of Harvard died April 6, 1994. Prayer services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Harvard, followed by a mass of Christian burial, with the Bishop Arthur J.O'Neill, celebrant, and the Rev. James McKitrick, the Rev. David Engbarth, the Rev. Bill Chausen, and the Rev. Tom Bales as concelebrants. Homilist will be the Rev. Bob Hoffman, Deacon White will participate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation Friday at the Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. sumner St. Harvard and Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Rev. Hubert V. McGinn Scholarship Fund for St. Joseph's School, Harvard, and the Hospice of Northeastern IL. Rev. McGinn was born Nov. 3, 1924 in Belvidere, the son of Charles McGinn. He attended Villanova Univ., St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore and Loyola Univ. in Chicago. He was ordained April 11, 1951 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sterling. He had been the pastor of St. Joseph, Harvard, for seven years, was the dean of the McHenry County Deanery and was former dean of the Aurora Deanery. He had also served as an associate pastor of Chirst the Teacher, DeKalb, and pastor of Holy Angeles, Aurora. Survivors include his mother of Rockford; two sisters, Mrs. James (Marilyn) Pifer of Freeport and Judy McGinn of Flint, Mich; one brother John (Carol) McGinn of Sycamore and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his father.

COL. JAMES ARTHUR McGINN, A 18 year resident of the Tidewater area, Col. James Arthur McGinn, USMC (Ret), 69, of Norfolk, VA, passed away July 21, 2004, in his home following a long battle with cancer. A native of Rock Falls, IL, Col. McGinn retired to the Tidewater area after 30 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. A 1957 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy and naval aviator, his service included two combat tours in Vietnam flying helicopter gunships, command of two helicopter squadrons and a wing support group and Director of English and History at the Academy. After retirement he continued a second career in education as a high school counselor for the Norfolk public school system. Col. McGinn was an active participant in the community, a member of Talbot Park Baptist Church, Kiwanis, and the Marine Corps Aviation Association to name but a few. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Peck McGinn; mother, Alice McGinn of Rock Falls, IL; son, Mike McGinn of California, MD; three daughters, Kelly Key of Murfreesboro, TN, Mary Vickers of Omaha, NE and Peggy Abbott of Severna Park, MD; and their mother, Susan Fay McGinn of Annapolis, MD. He is also survived by three brothers, Mike and Bill McGinn of Rock Falls, IL and David McGinn of Plymouth, MI; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur J. McGinn; and his brother, Jerry McGinn, both of Rock Falls, IL. A funeral service will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. in Talbot Park Baptist Church, 6919 Granby St., Norfolk, VA. The graveside service with full military honors will be conducted Wednesday, August 25, 2004, at 9 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel Friday, July 23, 2004, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be offered to the family at Hollomon-Brown
Contributed by his daughter Mary Vickers

JEANETTE (FVILMAN) MCGINN , 91, of St. Joseph's Home, died Sunday August 11, 1996 at the home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Vincent's Chapel, Freeport, with Father James McKitrick and Father Bob Hoffman co-officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Arrangements were completed by Schwarz Funeral Home, Freeport. Mrs. McGinn was born June 19, 1905 in Woolstock IA, the daughter of Camil and Jeanne ( Lejal) Fvilmain. She married C. Hubert McGinn on June 4, 1923, in Sterling. He died in 1966. She was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Sterling. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Harvard. Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn (James) Pifer of Freeport, and Judy McGinn of Flint, Mich; one son, John (Carol) McGinn of Sycamore; seven grandchildren; and six great-granchildren.

MARTIN JAMES McGINN, 93, of Oregon (Illinois) died Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at his home surrounded by his family after a long and full life.

He was born Oct. 15, 1909, to Edward T and Mary Agnes (Tyne) McGinn in Rock Falls. He was reared on the family farm in Rock Falls and was proud of graduating from Riverdale Grade School, a one room school house. He continued his education graduating from St. Mary's (now Newman Central Catholic) High School and St. Bede's College. He began his career in Chicago in the electrical construction business. while he was working on the Field building and the post office, he was the liaison between the contractors and the electrical union officials and was pivotal in organizing the building trades electrical workers under the AF of L. At the start of World War II, he was sworn in as a commissioned officere in the U.S. Navy and rose quickly to the rank of commander in his role as inspector of naval material for the Ninth Naval District, he was in charge of the building of factories and the inspection of equipment for the Navy in the war effort. in 1946, Commander McGinn was stationed in St. Louis as the inspector of naval material for the south central states. In June of that year he married Janet Arlene Hogan, and they began their 56 years of life together. After his retirement from the Navy in 1952 he co-founded McGinn, Gallagher and Co., a sales and engineering consulting firm with offices in Chicago and Washington D.C. He also founded Blackhawk Manufacturing Co., a heavy equipment machining company. In the 1960s, he was instrumental int he development of the first nuclear activated fire alarm system in the United States and obtained a U.S. patent for the invention. In the 1970s, he began the development of Indian Ridge which grew to include three residential areas and a golf course. At that time, he etablished Rockvale Corp., a water and sewage treatment company, and he remained active in its operation until the end of his life. He was a member for more than 50 years of the Union League Club of Chicago and of St. Mary's Parish. His sense of humor and great talent for story telling was aj oy to all who knew him. Over the years, he greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of his large family and many friends. A devout Catholic, he was a fine example to his family of the importance of making religion a central part of one's life. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; one sister; as well as his dearly loved daughter, Ann McGinn Hermes. he is survived by his wife Janet (Hogan); his son, Daniel of Mesa, Ariz; his daughters, Mary (Bernard Shapiro) of Barrington Hills, Catherine (James Kinsella of Washington D.C., Maureen (Lawrence) Vaughan of Downers Grove, Julie (James) Allen of Wheaton and Sheila (Keith) Dorman and Martha (Robert) Schmitt, both of Chicago; his son-in-law, James Hermes of Dixon. He is also survived by 22 loving grandchildren who were a source of immense pride and happiness, Sara, Colleen, Molly, and Daniel McGinn-Shapiro, Katie, Meg and Erin Kinsella, Meghan, Brendan and Kiera Vaughan, Mary, Rachel, Martin, Stephen, Frannie and Michael Hermes, Melissa (Fosco), Robb, Patrick, Brian and Kathleen Allen and Catherine Dorman. He was a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2003, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Oregon. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with the rosary recited at 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2003, at Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, 202 Fourth Ave., Sterling, and the following morning from 9 a.m. until Mass at the church.

CHARLES S. McKEE - Funeral services for Charles S. McKee of west of Morrison who died Tuesday afternoon at the Whiteside county nursing home at Round Grove were held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Reynolds funeral home. The Rev. James H. Hagerty of the Methodist Church officiated and burial was in the cemetery at the Spring Valley Presbyterian Church. Pallbearers were Walter Shanafelt, Orville Bogle, Grover Shirk, Howard Kind, Jay Bristle and Roy Twombly. The floral caretakers were Mr. and Mrs. George Dykema and Mrs. Matt Theis, Glenn Craddock was the soloist and Patricia Renkes was the organist.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from the The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 30, 1955, Saturday, pg 2 col 2

FRANK ALEXANDER McNITT , 67, died while sitting in a chair about 7 p.m. Friday evening while his wife was reading to him at their home on Third Avenue, Rock Falls. He sucumbed to a heart attack. Mr. McNitt had been sick several months, suffering from diabetes. His condition was not alarming, however, and his passing produced quite a shock to his wife.

The funeral will take place from the family residence; pastor of the MEthodist officiating. Committal will be in the Rock Falls cemetery.

Mr. McNitt lived in Rock Falls about 30 years and was for much of the time an employee in the R. and W. factory. He was born and raised at Walnut, Bureau County, February 20, 1862, a son of ?? and Frances McNitt. In 1899 he came to Rock Falls and went to work. On October 6, 1906 he married Miss Hattie Scott of Rock Falls. Beside his widow Mr. McNitt is survived by a sister Mrs. Celeste Richardson of San Diego Calif. and brothers Charles McNitt of Prophetstown and Stephen McNitt of Grand Rapids Mich. Mr. McNitt wa a long time member of the Rock Falls Lodge of Odd Fellows.

Contributed by Jean Portner

HATTIE (SCOTT) McNITT , 75, widow of the late Frank McNitt, passed away quietly at her late residence 214 Third Avenue Rock falls at 5:15 a.m. today. She had been bedfast for the last six weeks and in ill health for a considerable time previous. She was attended the last three and one half years by her devoted friend Mrs. Kathryn Snyder.

The body was taken to the Wheelock funeral home. Arrangments have not been made.

Mrs. McNitt was born Oct. 24, 1868 near Como, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Scott. She was one of 12 children and the last of her generation. She was married to Frank McNitt at Como in 1921. He passed away several years ago. Mrs. McNitt was possessed of a splendid intellect and was cultured and for years taught piano lesons. She was interested in educational and musical subjects and was beloved by many friends. She was a devout member of the rock falls Methodist Church. Ira Scott of Lee County is a nephew.

Contributed by Jean Portner

LELAND B. McNITT , age 87, formerly of 703 7th Avenue, Rock Falls, died (11 Oct 1984) Thursday afternoon at Franklin Grove Nursing Center, where she had been a resident since 1980. Funeral services for Mrs. McNitt will be held on Monday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at the Wheelock Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls with Rev. Carl Zager, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church officiating, with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. only. Mrs. McNitt was born on Sept. 21, 1897 in Indianaola, the daughter of George and Mary Baker Dunlap. She was united in marriage to Lloyd V. McNitt on Dec. 21, 1915 in Dixon. He preceded her in death on July 3, 1973. The couple farmed for many years near Milledgeville, moving to Rock Falls on Feb. 25, 1952. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Charline Prescott of Frankling, Grove; two granddaughters, one grandson and two great grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers and three sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinoois October 12, 1984 - Friday, pg A4

LIDGE McNITT , a native of Sterling, passed away suddenly of a heart attack Monday morning at Fort Dodge, Ia. His funeral, held on Tuesday, was attended by Mr. and Mrs. James Owens and Mrs. Charles McNitt of Sterling. Mr. McNitt was born and reared in Sterling and was a brother of the late Charles McNitt who passed away 10 months ago. He had been manager of the beauty salon in the Boston store at Fort Dodge for about 30 years. Surviving are the widow, the former Ada Adams of Sterling, and two sons, Keith of Hollywood, Calif., and Dick, who is stationed at Ft. sill Okla.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 11, 1951 - Friday, pg 2 col

ALICE (PETTY) MENSCH , was born near Sterling, Ill., Dec. 18, 1859 and died Aug. 14, 1921 at Stuttgart, Ark. Here she spent her early life, marrying Martin L. Mensch, March 1, 1877. They moved to Kansas soon after settling on a farm near Abilene. About 1890 they moved to Stoudt, Oklahoma, where they lived until the death of her husband, in 1915. Six children were born to this union; Wm., Calvin and Mrs. Lillie Henderson of Stroud; Melvin of Sayre; Charles of Drumright; Lewis of Warren, Iowa. She was one of a family of fice children, leaving three sisters; Mrs. Martha Elliott of Abilene, Kansas; Mrs. Emma Atherton of Chicago; Mrs. Clarence Mensch of Mason City Iowa, and a brother, Alfred Petty of Emerson, Ill. She was of a jovial disposition giving of her time and strength wherever needed. She leaves her six children and twelve grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors to mourn her departure. She was a member of the Methodist church where her funeral was held Aug. 18.
Contributed by Mike Hosler

ANNA CATHERINE (LEIBY) MENSCH ,whose long illness has been noticed several times of late, died at her home in this city on Tuesday evening and will be buried today. She leaves a husband and sixteen children. A more extended notice will appear next week.
Contributed by Mike Hosler - The Sterling Standard May 11, 1893

ANNA J. (LEFFERT) MENSCH , aged 84, passed away at the late home at 507 Second Avenue at 2:15 o'clock tuesday morning. Mrs. Mensch suffered a stroke of paralysis several weeks ago, since which time her decline had been gradual.
Contributed by Mike Hosler - Obituary Dated 31 Jul 1918

CLARENCE H. MENSCH - Relatives have been called to Mason City, Iowa, by the death of Clarence H. Mensch, which occurred at 1 o'clock Sunday afternoon. Death was due to a bullet wound which was suffered at his home Saturday evening, but no particulars of the shooting were received. Mr. Mensch was born in Hopkins township, where he was engaged in farming for many years before moving to Mason City, Iowa, in 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Trudo, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hoover, all of Sterling, cousins of Mr. Mensch, and his son- in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Deets of Emerson, have gone to Mason City to attend the funeral services, which will be held from the late home at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, and from the Christian church at 2:30 o'clock. Burial will be in the Mason City cemetery. Clarence H. Mensch was born in Hopkins township June 16, 1867. He was married to Lizzie Petty, also of Hopkins township. The widow, two daughters and three sons survive. The daughters are Mrs. C. W. Deets of Emerson and Mrs. Katherine Barclay of Mason City, Iowa. The sons are Lee of Manly, Iowa, Floyd of Pasadena, Calif., and Glen of Mason City, Iowa. Three sisters and one brother also survive. They are Mrs. Hattie Pittman, Mrs. Laura Chalmers of Sterling, Mrs. Eva Yates of St. Louis, Mo., and Jacob Mensch of Coffeyville, Kansas.

Second Notice - Clarence Harvey Mensch was born at Sterling, Ill., June 16, 1867, and passed away at the Mercy hospital, Mason City, Iowa, Sunday afternoon May 31, 1931, aged 63 years, 11 months and 16 days. He grew to manhood and received his education in the rural schools of Hopkins township near Sterling, Ill. On Sept. 2, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie A. Petty of Emerson, Ill. They began farming at his old home and continued to live here until the spring of 1901, when he and his family moved to a farm in Lime Creek township. To them were born: Bertha, wife of C. W. Deets of Emerson, Ill.; Lee of Manly; Glenn of Mason City; Floyd of Los Angeles; Kathryn Barclay of Mason City; and Lulu E. Sanders now deceased. Besides his wife and children he leaves 13 grandchildren and a host of realtives and friends. Mr. Mensch was the eighth child in a family of 10, of whom four survive. One brother Jacob of Jefferson, Kansas, and three sisters Eva Yates of St. Louis, Mo., Hattie Pittman and Laura Chalmers of Sterling. The deceased was received into the Christian church in the winter of 1904 under the pastorate of Rev. Sargent and was a faithful member until death. Many words of praise of his character and life have been spoken by his friends. His cheerful, helpful life, his devotion as a husband and then as a father, his kindness to everyone, will linger as a happy memory to his family and friends. "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," and "Above the Bright Blue" were sung by Mrs. Ethel Hynds, Mrs. Claire Hicks, Mrs. Stanley Haynes and Mrs. Nellie Prussia. Pallbearers were all old neighbors, F. A. Bisbee, E. H. Rinehart, Frank Wither, C. A. Kiser, F. G. Hintzen, Frank Montgomery. Burial was at Elmwood cemetery, Mason City, Ia. Out of town people attending the funeral were; Mrs. Hattie Pittman, Mrs Laura Chalmers and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hoover of Sterling, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Deets and daughter from Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mann of Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Trudo, David Atherton, Mrs. Jean Hiney and Mrs. Sadie Atherton of Chicago, M. J. Ryerson and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ryerson of Burt, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Tuttle of Albert Lea, Minn., and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Reitz of Clarksville, Iowa.
Contributed by Mike Hosler

CHRISTIAN MENSCH , an old resident of Jordan, and a man well known in this vicinity, died this morning at his residence after a lingering illness. our readers are familiar with his sickness, and of the fact that a few weeks since he suffered the amputation of a part of one of his feet, it being considered at the time the only thing that could prolong his life. Deceased was one of the influential farmers of Jordan, and had the respect of all who knew him. He was about sixty-six years of age, and was a native of Pennsylvania. he had resided in Jordan for many years. The funeral service will be held at White church Sunday morning at ten o'clock. The family have the sympathy of the community in their bereavement.
Contributed by Mike Hosler - Gazette August 27, 1886

ELMER E. MENSCH :This community was shocked by news of the sudden death of Elmer E. Mensch, who passed away at his home 308 11th avenue on Friday afternoon about 4 o'clock, death being due to heart failue. Mr. Mensch had just returned from downtown with some groceries and had placed them on the table and Mrs. Mensch was putting them away. He sat down in a chair and said he wanted to rest a few minutes before going out to see a neighbor. Ms. Mensch had just turned her back when she heard him groan and turning about saw him with his head on the table. She could not arouse him and called to the neighbors and for a doctor, but he had passed beyond. The funeral service was held on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the late home and at 2 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran church. Rev. Harris officiating. The masonic fraternity had charge of the services at the grave in Riverside. Elmer Ellsworth Mensch lived a life such that the suddenness of his going brings no cause for regret. He was born Oct. 19, 1862 near Danville, Montour Co., Penna., a member of the third generation of natives of the Keystone state. He was one of three children and with his going has gone the last member of his parents' family, as his brother John preceeded him in accidental death some fifteen years ago, and his only sister Belle, only three months since at Redonda Beach, Calif. His father, Andrew Mensch gave his life to his country during the Civil War, being killed at the battle fo Petersburg, VA. In 1880, Mr.Mensch came to Whiteside Co., Ill., settling in Jordan township on a farm. On the 8th of October, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Wilger ot whom two children were born who share the burden of loss with their mother.
Daily Gazette 27 December 1920

JACOB E. MENSCH , 85, native of Sterling, Succumbs in Kansas
Mrs. Joseph Mann of Morrison has received word of the death of her uncle Jacob E. Mensch, 85, of Jefferson, Kan., formerly of Hopkins township. Mr. Mensch passed away July 5 in the Mercy hospital of Jefferson and burial was in the Mt. Hope cemetery July 7. Services were held from the Webb funeral chapel with the Rev. Owen W. Prince of the First Methodist church officiating. Mr. Mensch was born in Sterling, Sept. 14, 1865 and was married in that city to Carrie F. Kingsbury Aug. 21, 1883. She passed away in January 1948. After their marriage they farmed for a time in Hopkins township and moved to the Jefferson community in 1893. They retired from farming in 1945 when they moved to Independence. He was a member of the Methodist church. He is survived by three sons, Lester F. of Liberty, Ray S. of Wichita and L. H. of Cocur d'Alene, Idaho; onesister, Mrs. Hattie Pittman of Sterling; 15 grandchildren and one great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Cady, great-great-granddaughter, Jolene Biex and one grandson.
Contributed by Mike Hosler - Gazette August 27, 1886

JOHN ELSWORTH MENSCH , 81, former resident of this area, passed away Wednesday night in his home in Pine Bluff Ark. The body is being returned to Sterling and friends may call at the Behrens Mortuary any time Sunday. Services were held Friday in Pine Bluff. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, with the Rev. Charles Klosterman officiating. He was born Jan. 31, 1884, east of Round Grove, the son ofm r. and Mrs. William A. Mensch.

2nd Notice: Funeral services for John Mensch, were conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, with the Rev. Charles Klosterman, of the Morrison Methodist Church officiating. The pallbearers were Bernard and Emery Young, E.G. Edlin, Cecil and Arthur Mensch and Ernest Renick. Local arrangements were completed by the Behrens Mortuary
Contributed by Mike Hosler

JOHN HARMON MENSCH , was born in Catawissa, Columbia County, Pa., July 3, 1858, and died at his home, 904 Fourth avenue, Sterling, Ill., age 61 years, 9 months and 3 days. While he was yet a child his parents moved westward to Illinois, where they settled on a farm west of Emerson, near Round Grove, so Mr. Mensch has lived practically all of his life in Whiteside county. At the age of twenty-one he started farming for himself in Newton township, where he lived until he moved to Sterling seventeen years ago. While living in Newton township he was married to Miss Sarah Hallowell, on Feb. 21, 1882. To them were born two children; Mrs. Addie M. Ebersole, Sterling; and Lloyd, Pasadena, Calif. The wife and Mother passed away in death in 1892. Nov. 4, 1894, Mr. Mensch was married to Mrs. Mae R. Slininger, in Morrison. To them was born one daughter, Laura, Mrs. Arthur R. Hill, Yorktown, Saskstchewan Province, Canada. Besides the widow and children, one step-daughter, Mrs. John Bailey of Sterling, is left to mourn his loss. There were ten brothers and sisters in Mr. Mensch's family, of whom one brother and sister are gone. The living are; William A. Mensch, of Stuttgart, Ark.; Mrs. Eva Yates, of St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Hattie Pittman, Sterling; Jacob, Independence, Kan.; Clarence, Mason City, Ia.; Mrs. Laura Chalmers, Sterling, and Mrs. Ida Schultz, of Morrison, Ill. Mr. Mensch united with St. John's Lutheran Church, April 3, 1904, under the pastorate of Rev. E. Lee Fleck. He was a quiet and unassuming man, honest in all his business, and faithful in his home relationships. The last few months of hislife were characterized by intense suffering of all who knew him. May we rest in the hope that he has entered that land and life "where troubles cease to worry and the weary are at rest".
Contributed by Mike Hosler from the Daily Gazette April 9, 1920

ELIZABETH (PETTY) MENSCH of Emerson received a message Saturday afternoon telling of the death of her mother, Mrs. Clarence Mensch of Mason City, Ia. Mrs. Mensch, a former resident of Hopkins township, moved to Iowain 1901. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Deets and Mrs. Paul Barclay of Mason City, Ia., and three sons, Lee of Manley, Ia., Glenn of Mason City, Ia., and Floyd of Los Angeles, Calif. A daughter, Lulu, preceded her indeath. Mrs. Deets and daughter Kathryn left Saturday night for Mason City.

Obituary: Mrs. C. H. Mensch, 80, nee Lizzie A. Petty, died November 1, 1947, at 1:30 p.m., following a stroke. Mrs. Mensch was born July 1, 1867, at Emerson, Ill., where she continued her residence until she was married to Clarence H. Mensch, September 2, 1886, at Sterling, Ill. They established their first residence in Hopkins township. In 1902 they moved to a farm north of Mason City, Iowa. She moved to Mason City in 1938. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. C. W. Deets, Emerson, Ill., and Mrs. Paul Barclay, Mason City, Iowa; three sons, Lee C. Mensch, Manley, Iowa, Glenn Mensch, Mason City, Iowa, and Floyd T. Mensch, Los Angeies, Calif.; Thirteen grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband in Mason City in 1931, and a daughter, Mrs. Lulu Sanders, Ashton, Ill., in 1926, a brother and three sisters. Funeral services were held at the McCauley & Son funeral home Tuesday, November 4, at 2 p.m. at Mason City, Iowa., Rev. George Marsh, pastor of the Christian church, officiating. Attending the services from out of the city were Mrs. C. W. Deets and daughter, Katheryn, of Emerson, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mensch and son, Merie, and Richard Michalek of Manley, Iowa, Mrs. Jean Heine, Mrs. Sadie Wilkin and Mrs. William Helnessey of Chicago.
Contributed by Mike Hosler

MARGARET (CROMLEY) MENSCH , wife of Mr. Christian Mensch, of Jordan, died last night about twelve o'clock. The deceased had been ill for a long time, suffering from dropsy. Mrs. Mensch had been a resident of Jordan for many years, in fact she and her husband were among the oldest residents. She was nearly sixty-four years of age. The funeral services will be held on Saturday, Friends meeting at the house at ten o'clock, and from there will proceed to the Union White Church, where the services will be held, conducted by Rev. E. Brown, pastor of the Lutheran church of this city.
Contributed by Mike Hosler The Evening Gazette July 9, 1885

MARTIN LOUIS MENSCH , 59, passed away at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Sterling public hospital following an illness of three weeks. He had been in the hospital the last eight days. The remains were removed to the Trouth funeral home where friends may call. Funeral arrangements are pending word from relatives in Oklahoma. Mr. Mensch was born March 23, 1885, in Kansas, the son of Martin L. and Alice Petty Mensch. He spent most of his life in this vicinity. Recently he had resided at the Sterling Inn and for eight months was employed at the Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Lillian Henderson and four brother, William, Calvin, Charles and Melvin Mensch, all of Stroud Okla. He also leaves several cousins in Sterling. (Sterling Daily Gazette February 6,1945)

Second Notice: Funeral Services for Martin L. Mensch, who passed away at the Sterling public hospital Tuesday morning, were held at the Trouth funeral home at 1:30 Thursday afternoon, Rev. Albert H. Keck, Jr., conducting the rites. Dora Wiles presided at the organ. The pallbearers were Charles H. Mannon, Chris Jensen, E.G. Edlin, Dan Ebersole, James Young and Charles Deets. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.
Contributed by Mike Hosler Gazette Feb 9, 1945

MELVIN LEANDER MENSCH : Mrs. Jessie Kyger has been informed by her cousin, Mrs. Lily Henderson of Stroud, Okla., that the latter's brother, Mel Mensch who is quite well known here, passed away April 4 in California. He is survived by two daughters, one sister and three brothers and other relatives. Mr. Mensch was preceded in death by his wife, parents and his youngest brother, Martin Louis Mensch, who died six weeks ago in the Sterling public hospital.
Contributed by Mike Hosler - Daily Gazette April 9, 1945

OMER MENSCH , 58 a resident of Whiteside County all his life died this morning at 4 a.m. at his home, 308 Eleventh Avenue, Sterling. The remains were taken to the Trouth funeral home, where services will be held Thursday afternoon, October 31, at 2 p.m. Dr. Alfred Grewe of St. John's Lutheran church, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside. Friends may call. Mr. Mensch had been in poor health for the past five years but has been seriously ill only the past week. He was born October 31, 1888, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Mensch. He attended the Jordan Center school and Browns' business college. He was married to Miss Effie Tillman at Penrose November 28, 1912. They were engaged in farming for 10 years, then moved to Sterling in 1922 where he has since made his home. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Janet (Mrs. Francis Hurley) of Sterling; also one sister, Mrs. Elmer A. Behrens, south of Rock Falls. He was precededin death by his parents

FUNERAL: Funeral rites for the late Omer E. Mensch were conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Trouth funeral home by Dr. Alfred Grewe, minister of St. John's Lutheran church. Mrs Dora Wiles was the organist and played "God Understands" and "Beyond the Sunset". Mr. Mensch was buried in Riverside cemetery, the date marking his birthday. Pallbearers were Nolan Royer, Dwight Baker, wayne Linton, Floyd Baker, Russell Tillman and Irwin Miller. In charge of flowers were Mrs. Clayton Johnson, Mrs. Robert Huntley, Mrs Irwin Miller, Mrs Rollin Lindgren, Mrs. Joseph Huntley, Mrs Dan Garman and Mrs. Edna Oberheiser. The out of town relatives attending the funeral wer Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Tillman and Mr. and Mrs William Tillman of Storm Lake Ia., and Edward Smith of Clinton Ia.
Contributed by Mike Hosler

SOPHIA (BEAHLER) MENSCH of near Morrison died suddenly Saturday afternoon.She has been ill for some time but was thought to be much better. Mr. Mensch was in Morrison with his son at the time and Mrs. Mensch was at home with two small children. When the attack came on her she sent to a neighbor's, but on arrival of assistance she was dead. The funeral took place at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon. The deceased was twenty-five years of age and most estimable woman. She leaves two small children of her own and two step-children. She was born in France and came to this country when thirteen years of age.
Contributed by Mike Hosler - Sterling Daily Standard March 12, 1901

WILLIAM MENSCH , an aged and highly esteem citizen succumbed to the weight of years and infirmities of disease at 8:45 o'clock last evening at his home at 710 First Avenue. Mr. Mensch has been in a critical condition for a couple of weeks and his entire family of ten children were about him at the last. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 from his late home adn at 11 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran Church. Rev. Mr. Fleck will conduct the services and five sons and one grandson will act as pall bearers, namely: Albert, Martin, John, Jacob, Clarence and John Jr. William Mensch was born in Luzerne county, Pa., May 20, 1834 and came to Illinois thirty-eight years ago. He settled in Hopkins township where he soon became a prominent farmer. Mr. Mensch was married in Columbia Pa., Dec. 26, 1847 to Anna Leiby by whom he had a large family, ten of whom, five sons and five daughters, survive. Ten years ago his wife died and two years later he was married to Miss Anna Lefferts of this city who survives. There were no children by the second marriage. Fourteen years ago Mr. Mensch moved to this city where he spent the declining years of his life in comfort. The surviving children are: Martin, whose home is in Oklahoma; Jacob, of Kansas; Clarence, of Mason City Ia., Ralph, of Morrison and John of this city; Mrs. Eva Yates of Omaha; Mrs. ALice Miller of Milledgeville; Harriet, wife of Royal Pittman; Laura, wife of John Chalmers; and Ida, wife of Caleb Schultz, of Lyndon. Mr. Mensch leaves one sister, whose home is in Pennsylvania. He was a man highly esteemed by all. honest, industrious and kindly, all who came in contact with him soon came to appreciate this worth and respect him. In his death the community loses an excellent citizen and his family a fond and indulgent parent.

Sterling Evening Gazette July 27, 1903

2nd Obit: The funeral of the venerable William Mensch, which was held at his late home at 10:30 o'clock and at St. John's church a half hour later, was attended by a great company of acquaintances of the deceased and friends of his family. Both the house and the church were filled to their capacity. The funeral sermon delivered by Pastor Fleck was very appropriate, the text being the second verse from that beautiful confidence of David in the grace of Jahova, the twenty- third psalm - "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters." from these words the speaker drew comfort for the affected family and robbed the grave of half the gloom. Several favorite hymns of the deceased were sung by a quartette made up of Mesera. Ollie Werner and grace Over and Mesera. John Royer and Jesse Brown. The five sons and one grandson of the deceased carried the casket to the final resting place in Riverside Cemetery, where it was followed by a long cortage of carriages.
Contributed by Mike Hosler - Sterling Evening Gaxzette 28 July 1903

ELLIS J. MOCKLIN , 75, of 609 6th Ave. , Rock Falls , died early Saturday morning (1 Feb. 1985) at KSB Hospital in Dixon following a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Rock River Christian Center , in Rock Falls . The body will lie in state from noon until the time of the service, Rev. Gary Yost, pastor of the church will officiate with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park . Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home. Mr. Mocklin was born July 24, 1909 in Boyer, Colo. , the son of James and Minnie Bothe Mocklin. He was united in marriage to Erma J Cox on Aug. 29, 1934 Dixon . Prior to retirement in 1974 he was employed as a tractor driver for Northwestern Steel and Wire. He attended Rock River Christian Center . Surviving are his wife, Erma; two sons, James of Sterling and Richard of Rock Falls; two daughters, Mrs. Earl (Carol) Cobble of Sterling and Mrs. Marilyn Haley of Rockford ; two sisters, Mrs. Florence Hullah of Amboy and Mrs. Samuel (Annabel) Grove of Sterling; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Feb 2, 1985 Daily Gazette

ERMA (COX) MOCKLIN , 70, of 609 6th Avenue in Rock Falls died Sunday evening at the Morrison Skilled Care Center . Funeral services will be Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Rock River Christian Center in Rock Falls with the Rev. Gary Yost officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling . Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling . Erma was born on Sept. 12, 1915 in Dixon , the daughter of Bealy and Emma Dickey Cox. On Aug. 29, 1934 she was united in marriage to Ellis Mocklin in Dixon and he preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 1985. Erma was a member of the Rock River Christian Center , in Rock Falls . Survivors include two sons, James of Sterling and Richard of Rock Falls; two daughters, Mrs. Earl (Carol) Cobble of Sterling and Mrs. Marilyn Haley of Rockford ; her stepmother, Irene Cox of Mendota; one brother Allen Cox of Mendota; two sisters, Mrs. Ralph (Lola) Schultz of Compton and Mrs. Rita Townsend of Phoenix , Ariz. ; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and one sister.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the 11 Aug. 1986 Daily Gazette

JESSIE (LEFEVRE) MOORE , Route 3, Sterling passed away Wednesday [12/18/1974] afternoon in Swedish-American Hospital at Rockford. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. LeRoy J. Hershiser, pastor of the First Christian Church of Sterling will officiate and burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Jessie Moore was born Dec. 9, 1907 in Sterling, the daughter of Edwin W. and Ida M. Evans LeFevre. She was educated in the Sterling public schools and Brown’s Business College and was united in marriage to Haden M. Moore Dec. 26, 1938 in Sterling. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Sterling. Surviving besides her husband are: two sons, John H. Moore of Sterling and Evan M. Moore of Sterling; one daughrer, Mrs. Judith Hahn of Sunnydale, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Charles (Mildred) Eckle of Crete; and one aunt, Mrs. Mabel Wetzel of Eldena.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds from The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 19, 1974, page 8, column 1

LENA MOORE - Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen Funeral Home for Mrs. Lena Moore of 611 20th Avenue, Sterling, who died Sunday at Community Geneeral Hospital. Rev. David McCleary of St. John's Lutheran Church officiated at the services with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. John Sheaffer was at the organ playing "Softly and Tenderly" and "Someday We'll Understand." Pallbearers were Lester Birdsall, Lawrence Book, Claude Hurless, SRoy Shelley, Ray Shavely and Russell Zigler. Flowrs were taken care of by Mrs. Dorothy Janssen, Mrs. Lawrence Book, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Kreider and Swartleys.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling - Rock Falls, Illinois July 11, 1963 - Thursday, pg 3, col. 2

ANNA (DeVOY) MURPHY , 77, widow of George Murphy, passed away at the Wilson nursing home in Rock Falls Thursday evening. She had been in failing health for five years and received treatment for a fractured hip four months ago at the Moline Lutheran hospital. She had been in the nursing home for three weeks. Friends may call at the Dudley funeral chapel where the services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. The Rev. John E. Robeson, pastor of the Methodist church, will officiate. Commital will be in Riverside cemetery, Prophetstown. Anna DeVoy was born at Brooklyn, N.Y., Aug. 15, 1865. She moved to Atkinson with her parents when she was nine years old. She was married to George Murphy of Atkinson, Oct. 22, 1884, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1934. They farmed in Henry county 22 years and then moved to five and one-half miles east of Prophetstown where they farmed for 13 years. They then retired to their home in Lyndon in 1921. Mr. Murphy passed away Sept. 22, 1941. She was a member of the Lyndon Methodist church. Surviving are three sons, Non M. Murphy, Seward, Pa., Wallace Murphy, Prophetstown, and Rex Murphy, Matamoras, Pa., and one daughter, Mrs. Lona Pfundstein, Erie. There are five grandchildren. Besides her husand, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Mrs. Myra Murphy Burch.
From The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinos September 21, 1942 - Monday, pg 6, col. 5
Funeral services for Mrs. George Murphy, 77, who died Thursday, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Dudley funeral chapel in Prophetstown. Rev. John E. Robeson, pastor of the Methodist church, officiated. Interment was in Riverside cemetery at Prophetstown. The pallbearers were George Brydia, Elmer Johnson, Karl Morath, K. N. Fenn, J. C. Burroughts and H. F. Gentz. Relatives from a distance who attended the services were Dr. John Murphy, Mrs. Eleanor Cunningham of Geneseo, Mrs. Dora Hopkins of Freeport, Mrs. Mary Ole of Oneida, Mrs. Ray Nystrom, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Ole of Cambridge, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Ole of Galesburg, Mr. and Mrs. Gullick Gullickson, Miss Arvis Gullickson of Cambridge, Wis., Miss Amanda Bovre, Gus Hellickson of Stoughton, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Rex Murphy of Matamoras, Pa., Nori Murphy of Seward, Pa., Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pfundstein of Erie.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinos September 21, 1942 - Monday, pg 6, col. 5

EVELYN (HOWE) MURPHY , 84, of Sterling died Wednesday, July 7, 2004. Evelyn was born Nov. 10, 1919, in Sterling, the daughter of Roy and Gerturde (Frank) Howe. She married Jerome E. Murphy on Jan. 29, 1944, in Chicago. He died Oct. 28, 1963. Mrs. Murphy was a dedicated elementary teacher at Montmorency School in Rock Falls for 23 years. She was am meber of St. Mary Church, Sterling, the Martha Quilting Circle of the church, the rock Falls Woman’s Club, and the Whiteside County Retired Teachers. Evenly ws an avid Chicago Cubs fan and recently attended a game on July 1, 2004. Surviving are her four daughters, Patricia (Marvin) Williams Sr. and Kathleen (Tony) Sheridan, both of Dixon, Teresa (Edward) Cozzens of Waukegan and Moly Sutton (Sandra Coke) of Lewisville, Texas; her five sons, Dennis (Sarah Gowan) Mruphy of Alpine, Ariz., Thomas (Annette) Murphy of Oswego, N.Y., Michael (Rosemary) Mruphy of Sherman Oaks, Calif., Terrance Murphy of Oxnard, Calif., and Daniel Murphy of Macomb; three sisters, Mary (Jack) McKinley of Michigan, Jaon (ron) DeBruine of Texas and Lynette (Fred) Flowers of Chicago; four brothers, Robert (Esther) Howe fo West Columbus, S.C., Ted (Mary) Howe of Tennessee, Calvin (Jackie) Howe of Michigan and John (Shirley) Howe of Clinton, Iowa; 23 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters and five brothers. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2004, at St. Mary Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Donald Ahles, pastor and celebrant, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation is from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, July 11,2004, at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the rosary being recited at 3 p.m.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds from The Sterling Daily Gazette, July 9, 2004, page A6, column 5

HAROLD J. MURPHY , 83, of 1002 10th Avenue in Fulton died this morning (Mar 31, 1987) at Jane Lamb Health Center in Clinton, Ia. Funeral services are pending at Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home and will be announced upon completion. Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Mar 31, 1987 Daily Gazette

WARREN MURPHY , 79, of Erie, died Monday, Nov. 15, 2004, at home. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Gibson Funeral Home, Erie. Burial will be in Walnut Cemetery, Walnut, Ill. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Mr. Murphy was born Dec. 16, 1924, in New Bedford, Ill., son of George and Elesie Hayen Murphy. He served six years in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He had been employed at Dohrn Transfer, Rock Island, and later at Portland Truck Sales in Springhill. Lank was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the Chicago Cubs. Survivors include his sisters, Susan Jacobs, Erie, and Judy Kohler, Byron, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Ernestine Murphy, Erie; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters, Marjorie Bryson, Phyllis Schwartman and Frances Edwards; and brothers, Ronald and Jerry Murphy.

GEORGE R. MYERS , 82, of 536 Coloma Court , Rock Falls , died early Monday morning in Community General Hospital . Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with the Rev. Richard Hanson, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church officiating with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park . Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. George R. Myers was born July 1, 1889 in Genesee Township , the son of Joseph and Martha Runion Myers. He farmed his lifetime on a farm south of Coleta. He was united in marriage to the former Jessie O Bryson who preceded him in February 1950. Mr. Myers is survived by one son, Lawrence E Myers of Sterling; Two grandchildren, Linda, a student at Western University at Macomb and Norman of Sterling; two great grandchildren, Tanya and Craig both of Sterling . He was preceded by his wife, Jessie and one son, Lloyd R. Myers on May 24, 1959. (- Aug 2, 1971 Sterling Gazette) Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling for George R. Myers of 536 Coloma Court , Rock Falls . The Rev. Richard Hanson, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church , officiated at the services with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park . Mrs. Roscoe Eades was at the organ during the services. Pallbearers were; Arlyn Bryson, Oscar Barthel, Robert Haag, Robert Kannaka, LeRoy Dusing and Walter Oltman. Flowers were cared for by Lundstroms.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers Aug 5 1971 Sterling Gazette

EARL W. MYERS , 80, of Como, died Thursday evening at Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral home with the Rev. Donald D. Pritz, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation is from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Myers was born May 23, 1901 in Nelson Township, the son of Lincoln Myers and A. Ada Pohle. He was united in marriage to Clara E. Buyers on Sept. 3, 1927 in Sterling. He was employed at the Eureka Company in Rock Falls and was a custodian for Como School until his retirement. He is survived by one son, Ronald D. Myers of Rock Falls; three daughters, Mrs. James (Beverly) Hecker of Underwood, Minnesota, Mrs. Richard (Kay) Finnicum of Como and Mrs. Donna Johnson of Sterling; one brother, Clarence O. Myers of Largo, Florida; 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one great-grandson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois, April 9, 1982 - Friday pg A6

JESSIE OLIVE (BRYSON) MYERS , RFD 2, Chadwick, Ill., passed away Sunday evening Feb 5, at 11:10 at the Sterling Public Hospital. Mrs. Myers had been confined to the hospital for the past seven weeks. Funeral services will be held at the first Christian church of Coleta Wednesday, Feb. 8. Rev. Harry E Shiffer of the rock Falls Christian church, will conduct the service. The body will remain at the Franks funeral home, Chadwick, Ill., until Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Jessie Olive Bryson was born at Coleta, July 18, 1891, the daughter of Jesse and Anna Bryson. she married George R. Myers Sept 28, 1910 in Milledgeville, Ill. She is survived by her husband two sons, Lloyd Myers of Rock Falls and Lawrence Myers of Sterling; one grandson, Norman Myers of Sterling; two brothers, Clarence Bryson of Sterling and J. Pearle Bryson of Moosehaed, Minn., and the following sisters, Mrs. Ira Johnson , Mrs. Ross Peugh, Mrs. C. Belle Barthel, Mrs. Hazel Winkey, Mrs. Fay Mott of Sterling and Mrs. Hanford Bushman of Dixon. several nieces and nephew also survive. Her parents preceded her in death as did one sister, Mrs. Fred Braid of Rockford, and one brother W.B. Bryson of Milledgeville.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Sterling Gazette 6 Feb. 1950

LAWRENCE E MYERS , 75, of 612 E. 15 St., Sterling, died Thursday in Community General Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sterling with Rev. Gary Jaeckle the pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the Allen Funeral Home. A memorial has been established. He was born on Feb. 25, 1913 in Coleta, the son of George and Jessie Olive Bryson Myers. He was educated in Sterling schools. He married Dorothy Janssen on Aug. 22, 1937 in Morrison. He had been a foreman in the tool room at Frantz Mfg. Co. in Sterling for over 40 years, retiring in 1976. He was a member of the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sterling was active in church activities, helped in building of the church, and had been on various committees of the church. In his younger years, he had played softball on the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church League. He is survived by his wife, one son, Norman Myers of Sterling; one daughter, Mrs. Thomas (Linda) Wink of Sac City, Iowa; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Dated Sept 15, 1988 Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

LLOYD R. MYERS - Funeral services for Lloyd R Myers, 802 W 12th St., Sterling, were conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Allen Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ivan Obenshain, pastor of the Rock Falls Methodist Church officiating. The organist was Mrs. Emery McNeil, who played Rock of Ages and Softly and Tenderly. Burial was in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Pallbearers for the services, which were largely attended, were co-workers of Mr. Myers. They were James Abbot, Clarence Pratt, Forrest Rogers, Millard Shank, Roy Sharp, Gerald Zigler. Relatives and friends were in attendance from Los Angeles, Calif.; Knoxville, Iowa; Bettendorf, Iowa; Moorehead, Minn.; Bradenton, Fla.; Hanover, Ill.; Manlius, Coleta, Freeport and Rock Island. Mr. Myers was graduated from Sterling Township High School in 1930 and had also attended Brown’s Business Collage.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the May 28, 1959 Sterling Daily Gazette

LOIS G. (BARRUS) MYERS , 88, of Rock Falls died Friday, March 28, 2003, at Willow Wood Health Care Center, Rock Falls. Mrs. Myers was born Oct. 23, 1914, in Rock Falls, to Frank Isaac and Lorena (Grove) Barrus. She was united in marriage on June 4, 1939, to Lloyd Myers. He preceded her in death on May 24, 1959. Lois was a homemaker, a member of Rock Falls United Methodist Church, easer Star, president of Rock Falls Women’s Club, president of the Garden Division and president of the Women Christian Society. She was a two-time recipient of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce Shoulder to the Wheel Award and house mother Delta gamma at Purdue University for several years. Survivors include one brother, Frank Isaac (Erma) Barrus Jr. of citrus Heights, Calif., five nieces, Janet S Stevens of Rock Falls, Ruth A. Brown of Bettendorf, Iowa, Carol Hayes of Rose Hills, Calif., Caren Jenkins of Citrus Heights, Calif., and Linda Wink of Heartland, Wis.; one nephew, Norman Myers of Sterling; and several great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Isaac and Lorena Barrus; her husband, Lloyd R. Myers; and one sister, Helen Williams. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 2, 2003, from 9-10 a.m. at the Rock Falls United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Rock Falls United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Larry Thomson, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Arrangements were completed by Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Rock Falls Chapel.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Mar 31, 2003 Daily Gazette.

WILLARD MYERS , Funeral services for Willard Myers were held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Melvin Funeral Home. Mr. Elmer Sedig of the Reformed Mennonite Church officiated at the funeral home and Mr. Edwin F. Stouffer of the Reformed Mennonite Church officiated at the graveside. Burial was in Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery. Pallbearers were Paul Bogott, Ross Bogott, Fred Bogott, Osborne, Hummel, Keith Coates and Max Livingston. Lundstrom's were in charge of flowers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 8, 1964 - Wednesday, pg 2

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