Whiteside Co IL Obituaries

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Whiteside County Illinois

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LUCY E. (KELLY) O'BRIEN , 81, died Monday afternoon (25 Sep 1961) in the Community General Hosptial, following a long illness. The body was brought to the Schmitt Funeral Chapel in Tampico where friends may call after 7 p.m. this evening. The rosary will be recited in the funeral home at 9 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampico Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., the Rev. A. M. Weitekamp, pastor of the church, officiating. Burial will be in the Tampico St. Mary's Cemetery. Lucy E. Kelly was born in Tampico township on July 8, 1880, the daughter of Patrick and Mary Kelly. She was educated in the Tampico schools. She married Maurice O'Brien on Nov. 19, 1902 in the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampico. She spent her entire lifetime in the Tampico community. She was a member of the St. Mary's Church and the Altar and Rosary Society of the church. Survivors are three sisters, Mrs. Herman Linden and Mrs. Agnes Erickson, Tampico; and Mrs. Kathryn Rasmussen, Sterling; one brother, John Kelly, Chicago; one niece and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 26, 1961 - Tuesday pg 3

JOHN D. ODIN , a well known and highly esteemed resident of Union Grove township, passed away at an early hour Friday morning (15 January 1926) . Mr Odlin had been in impaired health for the past two years, and an attack of pneumonia with which he was seized a few days ago, was more than his weakened constitution could withstand. Mr. Odlin was born at Hooksett (NH), moved to Union Grove township in 1858, and on April 12, 1883, he was united in marriage to Margaret Entwhistle, who with one daughter, Miss Nellie, in the home, survive him. He is the last of a family of five, three brothers and a sister preceding him in death. Funeral services are announced for sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the home, conducted by Rev. J. N. Dingle of the Methodist church. Interment will be made in Grove Hill cemetery in this city.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent from the Sterling Daily Gazette Obituary, Saturday, January 16, 1926

MARGARET ANN (ENTWHISTLE) ODIN , a resident of the Cottonwood community for more than 60 years, passed away at her home Saturday, (14 May 1932) following an illness of several years. She became worse Monday and gradually sank away. Margaret Ann Entwhistle was born near Elizabeth, Dec 9, 1855, and lived in Jo Daviess county until 1871, when she came to Cottonwood and has since resided there. She was wed April 12, 1883 to J. D. Odlin of Cottonwood and has since resided on the same farm. He preceded her in death Jan 15, 1926. She is survived by one daughter, Miss Nellie, at home, a sister, Mrs. W. L. Abbott of Chicago, and two brothers, John J. Entwhistle and George W. Entwhistle, both of Ustick. Two sisters and a brother preceded her in death. Funeral rites will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home. Rev. H. Y. Chenoweth, the pastor of the Methodist church, will officiate. Interment will be in the Grove Hill cemetery. Mrs. Odlin was a home loving woman, always willing to help those in need. She will be greatly missed by her many friends.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent from the Sterling Daily Gazette Obituary, Monday, May 16, 1932, p. 5

ELIZABETH MARGARET (RACKE) OETZEL , 72, of Prophetstown, died Tuesday morning in East Moline. Funeral services will be held at the Gardner Chapel, Thursday, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Richard Sprague of the Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gardner Chapel Wednesday from 3 to 5 and from 7 to 9 p.m. Elizabeth Oetzel was born on Feb. 11, 1895, in Alexandria, Ky., the daughter of Edward and Katherine (Kuhl) Racke. She was educated in Kentucky schools. Marrying Jeese Oetzel of Prophetstown on Oct. 4, 1916, she and her husband moved to Prophetstown in that year to begin a life of farming. She is a member of the Congregational Church of Prophetstown. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Ernest Lysell and Mrs. Clifford Caffon, both of Tampico; one brother, George Racke of Highland Heights, Ky.; one sister, Amelia Racke of Southgate, Ky., four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one brother and four sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IL July 18, 1967 - Tuesday, pg 2

ERMA J. OLDS , 75, of Sterling , died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, at Coventry Living Center , Sterling . She was employed by Frantz Manufacturing for more than 40 years. Erma was born Jan. 17, 1932, in Madison , Wis. , the daughter of Lawrence and Jennie (Mortimer) Olds. She was a member of First Christian Church, Rock Falls . Survivors include a sister, Mary Ann (Robert) Williams of Sterling; a brother, Gary ( Nancy ) Olds of Onalaska, Wis. ; five nieces, Sheryl (Dennis) Harvey of Glen Rose, Texas, Sheila (Tim) Wolf of Sterling and Lori (Larry) Hougom, Jennifer Olds and Pam (Paul) Peterson, all of Onalaska, Wis.; a nephew, Larry E. (Judy) Williams of Rock Falls; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Olds, in infancy. The funeral is at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls , with John Stern officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park , Sterling . Visitation is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley .
The Dixon Telegraph, Tuesday, August 21, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 1-2

MRS. CLIFFORD OLSON - Funeral services for Mrs. Clifford Olson, age 68, who passed away in Missouri, Saturday were held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Gardner Funeral Chapel. Harvey T. Gregerson of the Kingdom of Jehovahs Witnesses officiated for the services with Mrs. Lyle Dingmn at the chapel organ. Serving as pallbearers were: Ben Poulter, John Poulter, Jim Poulter, Carl Meiner, Earl Howard and Doandl Thompson. Burial was in Lyndon Cemetery. In charge of the floral tributes were the Hill Crest Greenhouse, Mrs. Ben Poulter and Mrs. John Poulter.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 4, 1967 - Saturday, pg 2

ELFREDA TILDA OLSON , 94, Tampico, died early Friday morning (30 September 1953) at the Sterling Care Center following a long illness. Funeral servicses will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Allen-Schmitt-Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, with Rev. Brad Wilson, pastor of the Tampico United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from noon until the time of services. A memorial has been established to the Tampico Ambulance Service. Tilda Olson was born on March 14, 1889 in Sweden, the daughter of Engerman and Emma (Johnson) Olson. Surviving are one brother, Boline Olson, Tampico; and one sister, Mrs. Sigrid Pierson, Tampico. She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette September 30, 1953 - Friday, pg A6

EMMA (HAZARD) OLSON - The funeral of Mrs. Oliver Olson was held at the Lyndon Congregational Church Tuesday at 2 p.m. Mrs. Marie Rodee of Prophetstown sang " Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" with Mrs. K.N. Fenn accompanist. Those caring for the flowers were Mrs. Fien Van Damme, Mrs.Harry Lyons, Mrs. Claude Frary, and Mrs. Jess Vrick. Pallbearers were Harry Ahrens, John Harms, Carl Thomas, Harry Elliott, Rex Glazier, and Fred Willis. The Rev. George O.A. McKinley of the Prophetstown-Lyndon Congregational Churchs paid a splendid tribute to Mrs. Olson, choosing the 23rd Psalm Mrs. Olson, the former Emma Hazard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hazard was born at Lyndon 78 years ago. She is the last of her family and with the exception of a second cousin, Mrs. Lillian Hamilton she is the last member of the Hazard family living in the town in which the name of Hazard was prominent in business, and all affairs of church, county and social circles. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Lyndon, founded by the Rev. Elisha Hazard who ministered to the church for six years after he had been instrumental in securing its charter and acting as its first moderator. Down through more than 114 years the name of some member of the Hazard family has stood on the membership. Besides Mrs. Hamilton and members of Mrs. Olsons family the Hazard name has passed from the places in which they were so long identified in Lyndon. Another member, believed to be the last member living in the county is Mrs. Edna Hazard Loux of Sterling, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Burke Hazard. Many beautiful floral tributes spoke of the love and esteem in which Mrs. Olson had been held by her relatives and friends. Quite and unassuming, Mrs. Olson was worthy of the love and faith of her acquaintances. Her faith in the life eternal was evidenced when she spoke of the beyond to her family only a few days before her passing when she talked to her daughter " I have started my journey to a strange and unknown land" she said. "But somehow it does not seem strange to me - only natural". It had the soothing effect as if saying "I am not afraid. " Mrs. Olson loved life and her home. Her son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. Mack Leach will remain in the home to care for the father during his declining years. Coming from a distance to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Olson, Indianapolis Ind; Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Olson, Betty and Paul, Polo; Mrs. Emogene Olson, Cerro Gordo; Mr. and Mrs. Fien Van Damme, Erie; Mr. and Mrs. G.G. Kelsey, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Evans, Sterling; Mrs. Robert Ferrell Westwood, Calif; Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Smith and Linda, Edelstien Il; Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Medley, Eldorado KS: Clarence Harms, Mr. and Mrs. John Harms, Robert Harms, Rock Falls Il.
Contributed by Chris Thompson Weeks

FLORENCE (GEHLSEN) OLSON - 97, of Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center, Prophetstown, died Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the nursing home. She was employed by Eclipse Lawn Mower Co., Prophetstown, as a receptionist for 27 years. Mrs. Olson was born June 2, 1910, in Thomson, the daughter of Hans and Margaret (Leuders) Gehlsen. She married Elmer Olson on Sept. 27, 1952, in Prophetstown. He preceded her in death on April 8, 1976. She was a member of First Congregational Church of Christ, Prophetstown. Survivors include many nieces and nephews. She also was preceded in death by 12 brothers and sisters. The funeral is at 1 p.m. Monday at First Congregational Church of Christ, Prophetstown, with the Rev. Andy Ploenzke, pastor, officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Visitation is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the church. Arrangements were completed by Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home, Prophetstown. A memorial has been established to First Congregational Church of Christ, Prophetstown.
Contributed By Barbara Nugent

JANE V. (HAHN) OLSON , 80, Erie, died Tuesday in her home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Schilling Reedy Funeral Home with the Rev. James Thomas, pastor of the Erie Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery. Visitation is set from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the funral home. Jane Olson was born on April 21, 1902, in Erie Township, the daughter of John and Minnie Mahlstead Hahn. On Sept. 9, 1931 she married Robert Olson. He preceded her in death on March 1973. She was a retired school teacher and a member of the Erie Woman's Club, Erie Senior Citizens and Canoe Creek Home Extension, Hillsdale. Surviving is one brother, Frank Hahn, Erie. Preceding her in death were four sisters and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 16, 1983 - Wednesday, pg A4

JERRY DEAN OLSON , 73, of 103 West Wall Street, Morrison, IL died Monday, July 7, 2008 in Morrison. Jerry was born on December 14, 1934 in Chadron, NE to Peter A. and Helen A. (Kruse) Olson. He attended the Belgrade, MN grade schools and Morrison, IL High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Patricia A. Gallentine on March 24, 1956 in Morrison, IL. Jerry was employed with the former Allied Steel in Clinton, IA, and later employed as a painter for several area businesses including, most recently, Ray Babott Painting. Survivors include his wife, Pat; one daughter, Vicky (Mrs. Steve) Harris of Arkansas; two sons, Kevin Olson of Morrison, IL, David (Kris) Olson of Cannon Falls, MN; three grandchildren, Becky (Mrs. Clay) Mathis, Kelly (Mrs. BJ) McCradic, Jessica Olson; three great grandchildren; one brother, Gene (Patsy) Olson of Morrison, IL; one step-sister, Barbara Chady of Ames, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Leelon Olson.

JOYCE K. OLSON , 74, of Jasper, IN, formerly of Prophetstown and Polo, departed her earthly life on April 2, 2005 at her home surrounded by her family. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Prophetstown with the Rev. Steve Seitz, Pastor of Shilo United Methodist Church, Jasper and the Rev. Sandy Harbour, Pastor of the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling, IL at 2 p.m. Thursday. A memorial has been established. The Gibson & Son Funeal Home, Prophetstown is handling the arrangements. Joyce was a passionate woman who shared her talents and interests in music, knitting, quilting, baking and reading with anyone who wanted to learn. She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Rev. Paul Olson, Japser, IN, sons and daughters-in-law, David and Wendy, Yorba Linda, CA, John, Japser, IN, Mark and Ellen, Roscoe, IL, Stephen and LeAnne, Rockton, IL, grandchildren, Sandra, Matthew, Andrew, and Samantha, and her special aunt, Kathryn Wolfe, Sterling, IL.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from the Prophetstown Echo

LOREN W. OLSON , 85, of Morrison, IL, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at Morrison Community Hospital, Morrison, IL. Loren was born November 6, 1922 in Sterling, IL, to Roy W. and Mae I. (Ayrea) Olson. He was educated in the Morrison grade schools and was a 1940 graduate of Morrison High School. Loren served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He married Joan Bierman on January 17, 1947 in Morrison. He was employed by the United States Postal Service in Morrison as a city carrier for 6 years, a rural carrier for 18 years, and most recently as Postmaster for 7 years before retiring in 1977, after 31 years of service. Loren was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, a member of Morrison American Legion Post #328 and Morrison VFW Post #8281. He had served on the Morrison Junior High School Board for 6 years and was instrumental in starting the Morrison Little League Program. He refereed high school basketball games for 26 years (1,753 games) and was inducted into the Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Fame as a referee. Survivors include his wife, Joan; three daughters, Mary Jo Garesche of Peoria, IL; Barb (Steve) Moran of Oswego, IL, and Betty Jane (Garrett) Ford of Chuluota, FL; one son, Jim (Sue) Olson of Sterling, IL; four grandchildren, Amber Ford, Buck Ford, Jennifer (D.J.) Wildes, and Andrew Olson; and one great grandson, Luke Wildes. He was preceded in death by his parents

LUCILLE (PETERKIN) OLSON , 97, of the Alverno Health Care Facility, Clinton, IA, formerly of the Sarah Harding Home in Clinton and also Morrison, IL, died Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at the Alverno. Lucille was born August 25, 1910, in Morrison, IL, to William and Emma (Dyson) Peterkin. She was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools. She married Marshall B. Olson on September 26, 1931 in Galena, IL. He died May 26, 1960. Lucille and her husband farmed in the Morrison, Sterling and Rock Falls, IL areas until his sudden death. She then moved to Morrison, and worked for the Vend Omack Co. at the G.E. plant. She also worked at Rest Have Home in Morrison. She was a 50+ year member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison. For years she made quilt blankets to be given to those in need through Lutheran World Relief. She did volunteer work for many years at the local senior center, Golden Meals. She was the last known surviving member of the NG (No Gossip) Club, a social gathering of ladies from the Union Grove area which she joined in the 1930's. Lucille was known for her green thumb with plants, and she enjoyed needlework; quilting, crocheting, knitting and sewing. She loved her dogs and birds. Survivors include one daughter, Marjorie Olson of Clinton, IA; two sons, Robert (Lois) Olson of Moline, IL and William (Lois) Olson of Greeley, CO; seven grandchildren, David M. (Debra) Olson, Erik (Kristi) Olson, Deborah (Mrs. Mark) Miller, Randall (Lois) Olson, Curtis (Kristin) Olson, Brian Rosenthal and Amy (Mrs. Clint) Peery; eighteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall; two sisters, Dorothy Cassens and Verna Mennenga.

MORRIS G. OLSON , 75, of RR 1, Fulton, passed away Friday (1968) at 9:30 p.m. in the Morrison Hospital. He had been ill for a year. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at the Reynolds Funeral Home, with burial in the Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit Reynolds Funeral Home after 2 p.m. on Sunday. Morris Olson was born April 3, 1892 in Morrison, the son of Peter and Emma Johnson Olson. He was educated in the Morrison schools. He married Reeka Kopenga, March 19, 1919, in Morrison, who passed away in 1965. He was a farmer all his life in the Morrison area and a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Marvin (Virginia) Siefken of Fulton and two grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wife and parents, one sister, Dorothy, and three brothers, Earl, Fred and Clarence.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor

OLA OLSON , 83, Prophetstown, passed away Sunday morning (13 Apr 1969) in the Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the Gardner Funeral Chapel, the Rev. L. S. Anderson officiating, with burial in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (tonight). Ola Olson was born Feb. 14, 1886 in Malmo, Sweden, the son of Johan and Joanna Olson. He came to the States in May 1889 and was educated in Cloverdale School. He farmed in the Prophetstown community all his life. He was a member of the Prophetstown Lutheran Church, Veteran of World War I and a member of the American Legion Post 522 of Prophetstown. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, two brothers, Otto and Franz; four sisters, Mrs. Tilda Burp, Mrs. Mary Anderson, Mrs. Celia Buckwald and Mrs. Evalena Young.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 14, 1969 - Monday, pg 2

RONALD E. OLSON , 52 of 303 E Third St Tampico died suddenly Saturday April 6 2002 at a farm north of Walnut. He worked for many farmers in the Tampico and Walnut area throughout his life. Mr. Olson was born April 16, 1949 in Sterling, the son of Russell E and Anna R (Vanhoe) Olson. He was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church, Tampico and a former Boy Scout. Survivors include his parents of Tampico; a sister-in-law Karan (John) Kingler of Freeport; two nieces; three nephews; a great-neice and two great nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother Loren Olson. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 am Wednesday at St Marys Church, Tampico with the Rev. Anthony Pantyra, pastor, officiating. Burial is at St. Marys Cemetery Tampico. Visitation is from 9:30 - 10:30 am Wednesday at the church. Arrangement were completed by Garland Funeral Home Tampico. A memorial has been established to St. Marys Catholic Church Tampico.
Daily Gazette April 8, 2002

BESSIE H. (SHLTON) OLSSON , 813 1st Ave., Rock Falls, died Thursday evening at Rock Falls Colonial Acres at the age of 91. Funeral services will be held at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral home in Rock Falls on Monday at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. David L. Beebe, pastor of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mrs. Olsson was born Feb. 14, 1885 in Nebraska, the daughter of William C. and Hannah Elizabeth Shelton. Mrs. Olsson is survived by two brothers, Paul Shelton of Glendale, Calif., and H. Brittt Shelton of Central City, Neb., two half brothers, Thomas Shelton of Kaweah, Calif., and Brian Shelton and one half sister, Martha. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Roy Olsson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 19, 1976 - Friday, pg 6

CLARA (CARLSON) OLSSON , 88, a former resident of Tampico, died Monday (9 Oct 1972) at the Medical Care Center, Lynchburg, Va. Funeral services were held in Lynchburg today. Committal services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Arrangement are being completed by the Schmitt Chapel. Mrs. Olson was born in Chicago, the daughter of Charles A. and Caroline Nelson Carlson. She was a retired school teacher and member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg. Her husband Augustus G. Olsson preceded in death. Mrs. Olsson is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Walter F. Meyers and two grandsons in Lynchburg, Va.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 10, 1972 - Tuesday, pg 22

CLYDE OLSSON , 95, of Prophetstown, IL died Thursday, October 21, 2005 in the Hospice Unit of CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Services were held Monday, October 24, 2005 at the First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Arrangements are being handled by the Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown. Clyde was born May 29, 1920 in rural Rock Falls, IL the son of William and Anna (Johnson) Olsson. He married Helen Majeski on October 4, 1933 in Rock Falls, IL. She preceded him on October 5, 2005. Clyde graduated from the former Coyne Electrical Institute in Chicago. He was a life long farmer in the Prophetstown area. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Prophetstown Lions Club. He is survived by sons and daughter-in-law, William, Albuquerque, NM, Frank and Ashley, Clayton, CA, four grandchildren and a sister, Eileen Leesman, Sterling, IL. A sister, Marjorie Olsson, also preceded him
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from the Prophetstown Echo

HELEN (MAJESKI) OLSSON , 92, of Prophetstown died Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at the Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center, Prophetstown. Services were at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown. Burial followed in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation was from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. A memorial fund has been established. Gibson & Son Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Helen was born November 23, 1912 in Polo, IL, the daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth (Kline) Majeski. She married Clyde Olsson on October 4, 1933 in Rock Falls, IL. She and her husband farmed in rural Prophetstown. Helen was a member of the First Lutheran Church. Helen is survived by her husband, sons and daughter-in-law; Bill, Albuquerque, NM; Frank and Ashley of Clayton, CA, and four grandchildren. She was preceded by sisters Barbara in infancy, and Mary Manspeaker, brothers Art, Frank, Harry, Paul, Charles, and Donald Majeski.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from the Prophetstown Echo

LOUISE OLSSON - Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Schmitt Funeral Chapel in Tampico for Mrs. Laura C. Olsson, 79, who died Monday in the Remmert Nursing Home in Roanoke following a long illness. The Rev. Henry J. Holverson, pastor of the Tampico Methodist Chukrch, will officiate. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial cemetery. Laura Caroline Steinke was born in Bell Plain township, Marshall county on Feb. 1, 1881, the daughter of August and Caroline Kutzner Steinke. She was educated in the Marshall county schools. She married Joseph Merton Olsson in March 1900. They spent almost all of their married life in Tampico. She was a member of the Tampico Methodist Church, Harmony of the church and Tampico Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors are one brother, Louis Steinke, Peoria, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and several sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 1, 1961 - Wednesday, pg 2 col 1

DONALD OPPENDIKE , 82, of 411 West Second St., Prophetstown, died April 26, 1994, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Funeral sercices will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Gardner Funeral home, Prophetstown. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home. Donald was born Aug. 8, 1911, in Port Byron, the son of John and Nellie (Hart) Oppendike. He had been a grain and cattle farmer all his life having farmed in this area for many years. He was a former member of the Farm Bureau. Survivors include his twin sister, Mrs. Otto (Dorothy) Arp of East Moline, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Viola Oppendike and Berneice Johnson; and two brothers, Millard and Edmond Oppendike.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 28, 1994 - Thursday, pg A2

MILLARD FRANKLIN OPENDIKE , was born March 25, 1903 in Rock Island County, the son of John and Nellie (Hart)Oppendike. He attended Hillsdale Schools. He married Minita Gentz of Prophetstown August 26, 1937 in Clinton, IA. Mr. Oppendike had farmed in this area and worked as a salesman. Survivors include the widow, a son, Neil,(Jana) of Prophetstown; two brothers, Edmund of Cordova and Donald of Mineral; two sisters, Mrs. Otto (Dorothy) Arp of East Moline and Mrs. Leslie (Bernice) Johnson of Prophetstown; and two grandchildren, Kevin and Karen Oppendike.He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Viola. Funeral services were held March 3, 1965, at 1:30 p.m. at First Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Olson officiating. Pallbearers were Richard Brown, Dale Murphy, Robert Gentz, Gerry Oppendike, Jonnie Arp and David Fisk.
Source: Jana Oppendike (Find-A-grave)

MINITA RUTH (GENTZ) OPPENDIKE - In the final months of World War I, a daughter was born to a German immigrant, Herman Gentz, and his wife, Minnie, in Peoria, IL and they named her Minita. The family moved to the Leon area when she was small. After graduating from the 8th grade she had to stay home and help her mother, since her older sisters had jobs. She met Millard Oppendike and soon after her 19th birthday, they were married on August 26, 1937. On March 8, 1939 their son, Neil, was born. They farmed south of Prophetstown for about 11 years. They also had an implement business in Polo, IL before buying a fishing resort in Pickerel, WI in the mid 1950's. They moved back to Prophetstown in 1957. Minita worked at Morrison Hospital as a nurse's aide. Millard passed away in 1965 and she worked at GE in Morrison until retirement. She lived in Sterling for several years before moving back to Prophetstown to be nearer to her family. After suffering a stroke, she spent the last few years of her life at Prophets Riverview Center.
Source: Jana Oppendike (Find-A-Grave)

NELLIE MAE (HART) OPPENDIKE , 81, 202 W. Third St., Prophetstown, died Thursday evening at the home of her sister, Mrs. Etta Misfeldt in Rapid City, where she had resided since March 1960. The body was removed to the Dailey Funeral Home in Port Byron where funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. the Rev. Kenneth Ursing, pastor of the Rapid City Christian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Grove Riverdale Cemetery in Prophetstown. Mrs. Obendicke was born Oct. 17, 1879 in Green River, the daughter of Edmund and Mary Jane Wood Hart. She was married to John Henry Obendicke on March 1, 1899. She was a member of the Prophetstown Methodist Church and the Women's Relief Corps. Survivors are three sons, Edmund, Cordova; Millard, Prophetstown, Donald, Mineral; two daughters, Mrs. Otto (Dorothy) Arp, Rock Island; Mrs. Leslie (Bernice Johnson, Prophetstown; eleven grandchildren; eleven great -grandchildren; one brother, Ivory Hart, Hillsdale; three sisters, Mrs. Etta Misfeldt and Mrs. Gertrude Downing, both of Rapid City; Mrs. Florence Swank, Prophetstown. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter and her parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 10, 1961 - Friday, pg 6 col 3

MARY JANE (CURTIS) OSBORN , 78, of Morrison, IL, died Friday, July 20, 2007, at her home. Mary Jane was born August 10, 1928 in Morrison, IL to Orville and Leila (Knox) Curtis. She was a graduate of Morrison High School and Moline Hospital School of Nursing. She married Kenneth L. Osborn on September 29, 1951 in Morrison. He died on September 26, 1998. Mary Jane was employed as a registered nurse at Morrison Community Hospital for many years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Morrison, the church choir and the church's Mary and Martha Circle. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star – Chapter #354 in Sterling, IL. She was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed playing cards with friends. Survivors include a daughter, Pamela (Mrs. Dennis) DeFrang of Morrison; three sons, Dean Osborn of Erie, IL; Steve Osborn of Morrison; and Dennis (Mary) Osborn of Jasper, GA; thirteen grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth and one brother, Burdette Curtis.

DORA (RICK) OSTEMA , 93, of Morrison, died (31 Aug 1985) Saturday evening in Pleasant View Nursing home in Morrison. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Lemmen of the Ebenezer Reformed Church of Morrison officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. this evening. A memorial has been established to the Ebenezer Reformed Church Radio Fund. Dora M. Rick was born May 30, 1893 in Ustick Township, the daughter of Christian and Annie Stortz Rick. She was raised in the Morrison area. On May 30, 1912 she married Burnie Ostema in Morrison. He preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 1972. Following marriage they lived in Morrison for 30 years before moving to Union Grove where they operated their greenhouse for 19 years. In 1957 they retired and moved back to Morrison. She resided at Pleasant View for the past four years. The deceased was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church, the Royal Neighbors and the N.G.Club. Surviving are two sons, James of Morrison and Robert of Rockford, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 3, 1985 - Tuesday, pg A4

LEONARD OTT , 87, former Prophetstown postmaster, died at his home at 113 Locust St., Monday morning. He had been ill for several years. The body was removed to the Gardner Funeral Chapel, where friends may call this evening. Funeral services will be conducted at the First Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Rev. William Nicoll, pastor of the church, officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside cemetery. Mr. Ott was born Jan. 30, 1873, in Hooppole, the son of Casper and Elizabeth Rapp Ott. He attended the Hooppole Schools and the Geneseo College. He moved to Prophetstown to reside in 1890. He was married to Edith Burdick of Prophetstown on Nov. 3, 1909. He served as a rural mail carrier of the Prophetstown area and for a number of years he was postmaster of the Prophetstown office. He was a member of the Methodist Church and the Prophetstown Masonic Lodge. Survivors are his widow, one brother, Walter, Hooppole; one sister, Mrs. Bertha Luther, Webster Grove, Mo. He was preceded in death by one son, who died when he was 10 years old, his parents, three brothers, Edward, Calvin and Amos and two sisters, Cora and Sarah.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 3, 1961 - Tuesday, pg 2 col 2

ANDREW OTTEN - 82, 1814 16th Ave., Sterling, died (28 Jan 1971) Thursday morning in his home. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Chukrch with the Rev. Warren Weeg, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home from 1-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday. The body will be taken to church at noon on Saturday to lie in state until the hour of services. A memorial has been established in his memory to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Mr. Otten was born on Jan. 31, 1888 on a farm in Montmorencey Township, the son of Becker and Anna Folkers Otten. He was united in marriage on Feb. 10, 1910, to the former Mary V. Lauts in Rock Falls, and they farmed their entire life until he retired and moved into Sterling two years ago. He was a charter member of St. Paul's Luitheran Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two sons, Alfred B., of Sterling, and Lloyd A. of El Paso, Tex.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Albert (Lena) George, Rock Falls, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Melva Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 28, 1971 - Thursday, pg 2

CAROL F. (BENDER) OTTENS , 59, of 15933 Timberlane, Morrison, (IL) died Tuesday at her home. The funeral will be 1 p.m. Friday, at Morrison United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Bill Obalil of Morrison United Methodist Church officiating. A 12:45 p.m. family prayer service in the church chapel will precede the funeral. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Morrison Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. She was born Nov. 2, 1937, in Sterling, (Whiteside Co.) IL., to Clarence E. and Leota Johnson Bender. She married Willis R. "Bill" Ottens, Sep. 10, 1960, in Prophetstown, (Whiteside Co.) IL. She graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1955 and attended Augustana College for one year. She and her husband farmed in the Union Grove area for 20 years, from 1960 to 1980, before moving to Timberlane in Morrison. She had been employed with General Electric, Maurits and Jost Insurance Agency and the Whiteside County Sheriff's Department, all in Morrison. She was currently employed with the Whiteside County States Attorney Office. She was a member of the Morrison United Methodist Church. She was a former board member of Morrison Athletic Booster Club and a former member of Minerva Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Prophetstown, Monday Night Bowling League and Fulton Afternoon League. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Lori Ottens of Park Ridge, IL; two sons, Michael (JoAnn) Ottens and Mark Ottens, both of Morrison, and one grandson Samuel Ottens. A sister, Mrs; Linda (Paul) Broadbent of DesPlaines, IL She was preceded in death by her parents.
COntributed by Joyce Kimmel

CHARLES J. OTTENS - Funeral services for Charles J. (sic) Ottens, aged 78 were held at two p.m. Monday, 3 Nov 1952 in the Christian Reformed church following a prayer service in the Fay Funeral Home at 1:30p.m. Dr. James Putt officiated and burial was in the Fulton cemetery. Mrs. Delbert Temple and Mrs. Dick Schaver sang and Mrs. Henry Rozeboom played their accompanyments. Casket bearers were Willis Ottens, Leon Ottens, Kenneth Pessman, Rulof Van Vuren, Paul Ottens and Robert Wilkens. Mr. Ottens died at 4:10 last Friday afternoon (1952) in Jane Lamb Hospital where he had been a patient for five days. He was born in the Netherlands on June 5, 1874, the son of the late George Ottens. He received his education in The Netherlands and came to this country when 14 years old. He was employed in the sawmills and later farmed in the Thomson and Fulton vicinities. In 1893 he married Miss Henrietta Bootsman, who died in 1944. He married Mrs. Kate Kettler in 1945. He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church and served as a member of the consistory for 39 years. Surviving are his second wife; seven sons, George C., Ren, Henry, and Garrett, all of Morrison, Clarence, John and Charles all of Fulton; three daughters, Mrs. Joe Pessman (Ruby) and Mrs. Floyd McDonald (Elizabeth) both of Morrison, and Mrs. Clarence Bielema (Alice) of Fulton; 27 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; two brothers, Henry and George, both of Clinton, and one sister, Mrs. Elmer Van Dellan )Elizabeth) of Fulton. Besides his first wife he was preceded in death by one son.
Contributed by Joyce Kimmel

CHARLES OTTENS , 80, of 8889 Lincoln Road, Fulton, IL., died Monday, July 19, 1993, at Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton. The funeral was at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 1993, at the Fulton Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Rev. Mike Wiersema, associate pastor, Ebenezer Church, Morrison, officiated. Organist was Viola Koster who played the organ interlude, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Amazing Grace." Burial was at the Fulton Cemetery, Fulton. Casket bearers were Alan Ottens, Arlyn Ottens, Dennis Ottens, Donald Ottens, Michael Ottens, and Glenn Sedig. Visitation was 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 1993, at the Fulton Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Charles Ottens was born Sept. 17, 1912, in Fulton, the son of Charles Sr. and Henrietta (Bootsman) Ottens. He was educated in the Thomson grade schools. He married Everdena Hook Dec. 18, 1937, in Morrison, He farmed in rural Fulton his entire married life, retiring in 1988. Mr. Ottens was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison, Whiteside County Farm Bureau. He is survived by his wife, Everdena; one daughter, Mrs. Glenn (Cheryl) Sedig, Morrison; four sons, Dennis M., Alan and Arlyn Ottens, all of Morrison; Donald of Chadwick; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Alice Bielema, Sioux Center, Iowa; and one brother, Garrett Ottens, Morrison. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby Pessman and Elizabeth McDonald, and six brothers, Ren, Henry, John, George, Clarence and one in infancy. Memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Contributed by JoyceKimmel

CLARENCE C. OTTENS - 73, of 801 6th Ave., Fulton, died in his home Mon., Aug. 11, 1980. The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Fulton Chapel of Bosma Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Vandershaaf of Trinity Reformed Church officiating. Burial will be in Fulton Cemetery. Visitation will be 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. He was born Oct. 15, 1906, in Ustick Township, to Charles and Hindertje Bootsman Ottens. He married Nellie C. Burke June 20, 1945, in Davenport. He had been employed with Clinton Toll Bridges for 35 years. He was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church, Fulton. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Clifton (Donna) Smith of Morrison and Mrs. Michael (Sandra) Johnson of Cordova, IL.; a son, Philip Ottens of Fulton; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Mary Huebner of Fulton and Geraldine Hoogheem of McCausland; a stepson, Daniel Ottens of Fulton; 19 grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; four brothers, Henry, Ren and Garrett, all of Morrison, and Charles of Fulton; two sisters, Mrs. Ruby Pessman of Morrison and Mrs. Clarence (Alice) Bielema of Fulton. He was preceded in death by a son, three brothers and a sister.
Contributed by Joyce Kimmel

COREY J. OTTENS - 34, of Morrison, IL, died Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at his home. Corey was born January 10, 1971, in Morrison, IL, to James and Marsha (Venhuizen) Ottens. He graduated from Morrison High School in 1989 and received his Bachelor's Degree from Rose-Hulman University, Terre Haute, IN in 1993. He then received a MBA Degree from the University of Iowa. He married Susan A. Witt on March 20, 1999 in Morrison. Corey had worked for National Manufacturing Co. of Sterling, IL, for 12 years, and was a manager of product development. He also coached the Morrison High School freshman boys basketball team. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Morrison, IL and served as a deacon. Survivors include his wife, Susan; two sons, Britt and Thomas; his mother and step father, Marsha and Jesse Habben of Morrison; his father and step mother, Jim and Barb Ottens of Morrison; two sisters, Stacey (Mrs. Bill) Hallman of MN and Kelly (Mrs. Josh) Albrecht of DeKalb, IL; a step brother, Brian Johnson of Morrison; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Dorothy Venhuizen of Morrison; many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Fred Venhuizen; paternal grandparents, Garrett and Gertrude Ottens

CORNELIA (TEGELER) OTTENS - 79, Resthave Nursing Home, formerly of 408 Park Court, Morrison, died Tuesday (July 24, 1984) at Resthave. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Morrison Christian Reformed Church preceded by a 1:15 p.m. Family Prayer Service with Jack Kok, summer seminarian, officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to the funeral home on Friday at the church. Arrangements were completed by the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Morrison Christian Reformed Church or the Resthave Nursing Home. Cornelia Ottens was born on Aug. 19, 1904 in Garden Plain to Martin and Winnie Tervelt Tegeler.She attended rural Whiteside County Schools. On Feb. 27, 1930 she married Ren Ottens in Morrison. She was a member of the Morrison Community Hospital Auxiliary, Sewing Committee, the Morrison Christian Reformed Church, the Church Ladies Aid and taught Sunday School for many years. Surviving are her husband, Ren; four daughters, Mrs. Robert (Ruth) Wilkens, Sterling, Mrs. Richard (Rachel) Groharing, Morrison, Mrs. John (Joyce) Kimmel, Indianapolis, Ind.; and Mrs. Greg (Judy) Steele, Davenport, Iowa; one son, Willis (Bill) Ottens, Morrison, 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Theresa VenHuizen and Mrs. Clarance (Ann) Schaver, both of Morrison, Berniece Tegeler, Winnebago, Neb., and Mrs. Pauline Schaver, Sterling; eight brothers, Henry, Morrison, Louis, Sterling, Ben, Fulton, Raymond and Clarence, both of Fenton, Marvin and Lawrence, both of Chadwick and Leroy, Argo Fay.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 25, 1984- Wednesday pg A4

FLORA H. OTTEN - Funeral rites for Mrs. Flora H Otten were conducted at 11:30 p.m. Thursday in St. John’s Lutheran Church by the Rev. Luther Cooperrider. Ray Cornns was organist and Donald Reed was usher. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery . The pallbearers were Elwood Meyer , Leon Willhite, Arthur Meyer, George Gerdes, Chester Thormahlen and Louis Gerdes. Swartley florist took care of flowers. The body was take from Melvin Funeral Home to he church at noon to lie in state until the funeral service.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - July 24, 1970 Sterling Gazette

GARRETT C. OTTENS - 93, Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, died Wednesday, June 6, 2001, at the nursing home. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at Spring Valley Reformed Church, in rural Fulton. Rev. Clyde Rensink, Pastor, Emmanuel Reformed Church, Clinton, WI, officiated. Burial was at Fulton Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Spring Valley Reformed Church, Fulton and Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison. Garrett was born Feb. 17, 1908, in Garden Plain, to Charles and Henrietta (Bootsman) Ottens, Sr. He married Gertrude Housenga on May 27, 1931, In Fulton. She survives. He worked for J. A. Bull of Union Grove and farmed in the Union Grove, Fair Haven, Spring Valley and Unionville areas; He worked for Illinois Dept. of Transportation, where he was known by his fellow workers as "The Hub Cap King". He was a member of Spring Valley Reformed Church, rural Fulton, and the Men's Brotherhood. He was a pencil collector. He served as a special Police Force member at the Whiteside County Fair for many years. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude, Morrison; two daughters, Betty (Albert) Vos, Morrison, and Alberta (Dewey) Decker, Erie; four sons, Leon (Joyce) Ottens, Richard "Dick" (Marlene) Ottens, Gary Ottens, and James "Jim" (Barb) Ottens, all of Morrison; twenty-nine grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and one sister, Alice Bielema, Sioux Center, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Henrietta Ottens; two sisters, Ruby (Joe) Pessman and Elizabeth (Floyd) McDonald; and seven brothers, George, Ren, Henry, John, Clarence, Charles and Garrett in infancy.
Contributed by Joyce Kimmel

GEORGE C. OTTENS - 76, of 308 South Orange street, was pronounced dead on arrival at Morrison Community Hospital at 2:30 p.m., April 7, 1976 having suffered a fatal attack. Visitation was at Bosma Funeral Home, Fulton, Friday afternoon and evening. A memorial has been established for benifit of the Fulton Christian School. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Morrison Christian Reformed Church, with Rev. Albert Walma officiating. Interment was in the Fulton Cemetery. Mrs. Ron Wilkens was organist and two vocal selection were sung by Mrs. Marvin Zaagman and Mrs. Dale Dykema. Pallbearers were Kenneth Pessman, Willis Ottens, Robert Brands, Leon Ottens, Phillip Ottens and Donald Ottens. Mrs. William Zaagman and Mrs. Arlyn Dykhuizen were in charge of flowers. He was born in Fulton, July 18, 1899, the son of Charles and Henrietta Bootsman Ottens and was married Nov. 29, 1923, in Garden Plain, to Helen Juist. He was a member of the Morrison Christian Reformed Church and consistory. The couple farmed in the Thomson and Lyndon areas before retiring and moving to Morrison about 25 years ago. Survivors include his widow; one son, Paul Ottens of Lyndon; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ruby Pessman and Mrs. Clarence (Alice) Bielema of Fulton; five brothers, Ren, Henry, and Garrett of Morrison, and Clarence and Charles of Fulton. He was preceded in his death by his parents; one daughter, Phyllis; one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth MsDonald; one brother in infancy and another brother, John.
Contributed by Joyce Kimmel

HENRIETTTA (BOOTSMAN) OTTENS , passed away at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Floyd McDonald, in Morrison, where she had been cared for the past two months. About three years ago, she was taken ill and her sufferings were intense, but her death was brought on by a heart attack. Funeral services were held at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon in the Sikkema Funeral Home, and at two o'clock in the Christian Reformed Church, with Dr. James Putt officiating. The Rev. M. H. Faber, pastor of the Christian Reformed Church in Morrison, assisted. During the services Mrs. Peter Sikkema and Mrs. Henry Rozeboom sang "Beyond The Sunset" and "Nearer My God To Thee", with Shirley Ann Balk as organist. Pallbearers were John Sissing, Dewey Decker, John Ardapple, Claus Klimstra, Titus Koenes and Claus Wiebenga. Mrs. Peter C. Vogel, Mrs. John Bush and Mrs. Bert Balk had charge of the flowers. Interment was in the Fulton cemetery. Henrietta Bootsman was born March 19, 1872, in the Province of Groningen, The Netherlands, the daughter of George and Elizabeth Bootsman. Had she lived until today, she would have been seventy-one years of age. She was married May 29, 1894, to Charles J. Ottens in Fulton. They spent the majority of their married life farming near Fulton, only retiring to Fulton five years ago. Mrs. Ottens a member of the Christian Reformed church, was a true Christian woman. She was always cheerful and the welfare of others, especially that of her children, was foremost in her life. She was always fond of good humor and her cheerful, optimistic views made her loved by her family and always welcome among her friends. Her life was so woven with light and dark strands that a beautiful and orderly pattern was the result. She is survived by her husband, ten children, Mrs. Joe (Ruby) Pessman, Mrs. Floyd (Elizabeth) McDonald, Ren, Harry (should be Henry)jk, and Garrett of Morrison, George of Lyndon, John, Clarence, Mrs. Clarence Bielema (Alice), and Charles of Fulton; sixteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one step-brother, Peter Bronkema of Fulton; and one step-sister, Mrs. Mike Smith of Garden Plain. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son - Garrett, a sister, Mrs. Sebe Dykstra, one half-brother, Garrett Bronkema, who died in the old country many years ago. Beyond the sunset she has gone To rest a little while, Leaving the memory of her loving word
Contributed by Joyce Kimm3l

HENRIETTTA (LAUTS) OTTEN , 85, 415 Garden Circle, Rock Falls, died Monday evening at Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sterling with the Rev. Warren Weeg officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral home. The body will be taken to the church at 11:30 a.m. Thursday to lie in state until the hour of services. A memorial has been established to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Mrs. Otten was born June 2, 1888 in Illinois, the daughter of Ulrick and Johanna Threll Lauts. She attended local schools. She was united in marriage to Onno Otten on Jan. 10, 1907, and he preceded her in death on July 16, 1948. She was as charter member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church and a member of the Mary Martha Circle. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. James (Gladys) Hansen of Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Robert (Marion) Wagner of Sterling; and Mrs. John (Darlene) Reigle of Princeton; one son, LeRoy Otten of El Paso, Tex.; three sisters, Mrs. Louise Otten of Rock Falls, Mrs. Mary Otten and Mrs. Clara Hammelman, both of Sterling; two brothers, John Lauts of Kernville, Calif., and Henry Lauts of Rockford; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents, her husband; one daughter, Helen Smith in 1935; one brother, Antone; and one sister, Martha.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 13, 1976 - Tuesday pg 4

HENRIETTA (HAAN) OTTENS , 93, of Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton, IL, died Thursday, March 2, 2006 at the nursing home. Henrietta was born July 17, 1912, in Morrison, IL, to Thomas and Jennie (Buzz) Haan. She was educated in the rural Morrison area grade schools. She married John K. Ottens on February 21, 1936 in Morrison. He died June 7, 1964. Henrietta farmed with her husband in Carroll and Whiteside Counties for 30 years. She then moved to Morrison in 1965, where she worked at the Morrison Country Club and later for Clinco Coils in Morrison for 13 years. She moved back to Fulton in 1967. Henrietta was a member of Trinity Reformed Church in Fulton where she was a member of the Hannah Mission Society and attended Wednesday Morning Bible Study Group. She loved cooking, baking, and crocheting. Survivors include three daughters, Joyce (Mrs. Phil) Hook and Elsie (Mrs. Roland) Foster both of Fulton, IL, and Bonnie (Mrs. Phil) Dorsey of Morrison, IL; three sons, Gene (Phyllis) Ottens and DuWayne (Sharee) Ottens both of Morrison, IL and Larry (Diane) Ottens of Fulton, IL; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; one great great grandson; and five step great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; two sisters, Catherine Wiersema and Hilda Tiesman; four brothers, Thomas, Alex, John, and Henry Haan.

HENRY C. OTTENS , 87, 102 Carolee Lane, Morrison, died Wednesday, Aug 15, 1990 at Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison. Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. in the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes, Ltd. with the Rev. Bruce Leiter of the Christian Reformed Church and the Rev. Harold Ringenoldus, retired pastor - R.C.A. officiating. Burial was in Fulton Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 16 from 6-9 p.m. at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes, Ltd. Linda Wilkens was the organist. Pallbearers were Leon Ottens, Willis Ottens, Philip Ottens, Richard Ottens, Donald Ottens, and Russell Ottens. Henry C. Ottens was born April 9, 1903, in Morrison, the son of Charles C. and Henrietta (Bootsman) Ottens. He was educated in rural Whiteside County Schools. He married Grace A. (Bonneur) Ottens. He engaged in farming in the rural Morrison area, retiring in 1960. He was then employed by the Morrison Cattle Co. for several years. Henry was a member of the Christian Reformed Church of Morrison where he served as a deacon and was the Council and Building Committee Treasurer. He served on the board of directors of Farmer's Elevator, Morrison and was a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau. Survivors include his wife, Grace; three daughters, Mrs. Viola Koster of Sterling, Mrs. Robert (Irma) Brands of Morrison and Frs. Fred (Mary Jane) Fiet of Thomson; two brothers, Garrett Ottens of Morrison and Charles Ottens of Fulton; one sister, Mrs. Alice Bielema of Sioux Center, Iowa; four grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, George Ottens; one son Harold Ottens, in infancy; three brothers, John, Clarence, and Ren Ottens; and two sisters, Ruby Pessman and Elizabeth McDonald. A memorial has been established for the Morrison Christian Reformed Church.
Contributed by Joyce Kimm3l

JOE OTTENS , 87, 207 South Clinton St., Morrison, a retired farmer, died Friday (Feb 8, 1980) afternoon at the Resthave Nursing Home. Funeral services will be Monday 2 p.m. at the Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Visitation will be at the funeral home Sunday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. He was born Oct. 30, 1892 in Fulton to George and Johanna (Sikkema) Ottens. He was raised in the Fulton area and married July 14, 1915 in Fulton to Minnie Jaarsma. They farmed in the Morrison area until 1955 when they moved to Morrison. He was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church. He is survived by his wife, Minnie; 4 sons, Gerald, Fulton, David, Calument City, Harvey, Morrison and LaVerne of Schaumburg; 7 daughters, Mrs. Ralph ( Katherine) Bielema, Sterling, Mrs. Martin (Johanna) Vegter, Mrs. Dennis (Luella) Buis, Mrs. Preston (Jessie) Dykema, all of Morrison, Mrs. Allen (Della Mae) Deelsnyder, Fulton, Mrs. Donald (Betty) Matthews of Freeport and Pauline at home; 3 sisters, Mrs. Winnie Moldermacker, Mrs. Edward (Anna) temple, and Mrs. Josie Borgman all of Fulton; 4 half sisters, Mrs. Maggie Hoogheem, Fulton, Mrs. Kate Decker, Rock Falls, Mrs. Paul (Effie) Climatrs and Mrs. Louise Renkes both of Morrison; and 1 half brother William Ottens of Morrison; 19 grandchildren and 17 Great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 1 brother; 3 step brothers, 1 step sister, and one daughter in infancy.
Cotnributed by Margaret Mangers from the Feb 9, 1980 Daily Gazette

PAUL A. OTTENS , 57, 14560 Moline Road, Lyndon, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 1984, in Community General Hospital, Sterling, Il., following a brief illness. The funeral was held Friday, Aug. 24, in the Christian Reformed Church. Rev. John Meyers, pastor of Fenton United Methodist Church officiated. Burial was in Lyndon Cemetery. Visitation was Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Robert Brands, Arlyn Dykhuizen, Harry Hayner, Alvin (Bud) Wiersema, Marvin Zaagman and William Zaagman. Mrs. Ronald Wilkens was organist and Kevin Muur was soloist. Special selections were "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" and "How Great Thou Art". Mrs. Harry Hayner and Mrs. Marvin Zaagman were in charge of the flowers. Paul was born Nov. 7, 1926 in Clinton, Ia. the son of George C. and Helen (Jusit) Ottens. He was reared and educated in Whiteside County Grade Schools and graduated from Lyndon High School. He farmed his entire life in the Lyndon area. He married Wilma Mae Bielema on Feb. 17, 1948 in Fulton. He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church and of its consistory for many years. He was secretary of Fenton Elevator Board, member of Lyndon Township Board of Trustees, served twenty years on various school boards in Lyndon and Prophetstown area. Survivors include his wife, Wilma; his mother, Mrs. Helen Ottens, Morrison; three daughters, Barbara Ottens, Thomson, Mrs. Keith (Sally) Meier, Lyndon and Susan Ottens at home; one son, Russell Ottens, of Lyndon; five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, George C. Ottens and a sister, Phyllis. Memorials have been established to Morrison Christian Reformed Church or Unity Christian High School of Fulton.
Contributed by Joyce Kimm3l

PHYLLIS OTTENS , little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Ottens, of near Thomson, passed away Sunday morning at 4:30 o'clock, after a three week illness with diphtheria. Phyllis was born on January 7, 1925, and had she lived until her next January, she would have been seven years old. She lived her few short years in the vicinity where she died. She was an exceptionally sweet child with a sunny disposition, and was a brilliant scholar. Her early passing will be mourned by all who knew her. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Ottens (Helen Juist), and one brother, Paul, her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs Charles Ottens, and a number of uncles and aunts. Funeral services were held in the yard at the home, Rev. A. Bliek officiating. Burial was made in the Fulton Cemetery.
Cotnributed by Joyce Kimmel

REN OTTENS , 85, of 408 Park Court, died today (30 January 1987) in his home. The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, in Morrison Christian Reformed Church with the Rev. Steven Alsum officiating. A 1:15 p.m. family prayer service will precede the funeral. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in Lincolnway Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers, all grandsons, will be Roger and Craig Wilkens, Thomas and Drew Groharing, and Michael and Mark Ottens. Mr. Ottens was born Nov. 15, 1901, in Fulton Township, to Charles and Henrietta Bootsman Ottens. He married Cornelia Tegeler, Feb. 27, 1930, in Morrison. She died July 24, 1984. He was educated in rural Whiteside and Carroll County schools and farmed in the rural Union Grove and Morrison areas until 1981, when he retired and moved to Morrison. He was a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau and Whiteside County Cattle Feeders Association, and he attended the Morrison Christian Reformed Church. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Robert (Ruth) Wilkens of Sterling, Mrs. Richard (Rachel) Groharing of Morrison,Mrs. John (Joyce) Kimmel of Indianapolis, Ind. and Mrs. Greg (Judy) Steele of Davenport, Ia.; a son, Willis "Bill" Ottens, of Morrison; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Clarence (Alice) Bielema, of Fulton; and three brothers, Henry and Garrett both of Morrison, and Charles, of Fulton. He was preceded in death by his wife, one grandchild, two sisters and four brothers.
Contributed by Joyce Kimmel