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


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HUMPHREY G. PARRISH : At the home of his brother, I.H. Parrish, in this city, SUnday morning, November 21, 1897, Humphrey G. Parrish, aged 56 years, 2 months and 6 days. The deceased was born at Hartford, Pa., Sept. 15, 1841 and remained in the east until 1876 when he went to Burlington Ia. In November, the next year, he came to this city, but only remained a few months, as he left for Nebraska in March, 1878, returning again to this city the following October. Mr. Parrish took charge of the old water works, situated on the hill, immediately after his arrival the last time, and when the plant was moved to its present location he had charge of it there up to seven years ago. In 1890 he went to Oregon and spent a year on the Pacific coast, and since that time he has spent the greater part of his life in this city, although he made frequent but short trips to various parts of the country. He put in a system of water works at Lancaster Wis., and one at Guttenberg, Ia. and last spring he furnished the specifications for system at Cassville, Wis., but was unable to complete the work on account of the state of his health. He was street commissioner in this city for two years, and during the past summer he was placed in charge to superintend the erection of the new pump at the water works. He was around in his buggy with Street Commissioner Grierson all day last Friday, and did not go home until after six o'clock. Apparently he seemed as well as usual, but a careful observer could easily detect that his strength had been failing fast of late. His health first began to give way five years ago when he returned from a short trip to Omaha. While there he was burned on the wrist with a brass oil cup, attached to an engine, and it developed into blood poison and eventually wa the cause of his death. He was at the water works Saturday until noon, when he went home. From then until the time he died he grew gradually worse, but up to the last moment almost, his mind was very active and ever on his work. He was the oldest of a family of seven and leaves but one brother, I.H. Parrish, the present city engineer, and a half-sister in Florida, to mourn his loss. Mr. Parrish was always kind and respectful to both old and young, and was highly regarded by all. He was a very h elpful man in this community in other ways than in the lines of his business, being especially useful in the sickroom, and called upon to nurse a number of our prominent citizens during serious illness. He was a great lover of flowers and trees and the present eauty of the water works park is mainly due to his fostering care. His genial presence will be missed by many. The funeral services were at the home conducted by Rev. J.W. Skinner. The remains were on the 3:08 passenger train this afternoon to the old home at Hartford, Pa. for burial.

ETHEL (FUNDERBURGH) PAULSON , 90, of Morrison, formerly of Fulton, died Monday April 15, 2002 at Morrison Community Hospital. Mrs. Paulsen was born April 9, 1912, in Portland Township, Whiteside County, the daughter of Clarence E and Grace I (Huff) Funderburgh. She attended Kingsbury School, rural Whiteside County. She married Roy M Blasdell on Aug 26 1929, in Morrison. He died Sept 28, 1970. She then married Henry B Paulsen on November 11 1972. in Fenton. He died April 24, 1996. She was a member of Fenton United Methodist Church and attended Gateway Baptist Church, Clinton Iowa. Survivors include three daughters, Edith Weimer of Erie, Ida (Bill) Hovey of Morrison and Susan (Robert) Engelkens of Fulton; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Blasdell of Fenton; a sister, Hazel (Glenn) Martin of Geneseo; nine grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and 5 GG Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Louis Blasdell and George in infancy; a sister, Ida Mae Funderburg in infancy; three brothers, Earl, Arthur and Roy Funderburgh; and two grandchildren. The funeral is at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funderal Home. Burial at Fenton Cemetery.
Daily Gazette April 17, 2002

EMMA PERKINS : Funeral services for mrs. Emma Perkins, whose death occurred Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Emery Pfundstein in Erie, wereheld Friday afternoon at the Erie Christian church, preceded by a prayer service at the home. The pastor, the Rev. Melvin Fiscus officiated. Two selections, "The Last Mile of the Way" and "Sunrise" were sung by Mrs. Robert Pfundstein of Fort Wayne Ind., with piano accompaniment by Mrs. William Brown. Casket attendants were two nephews, Worthy Matthews and Lee Gammon, and these friends, William Brown, John Florence, Edgar Florence and Irl Shrad. The many beautiful floral tributes were in charge of Mrs. William Hogarth, Mrs. Edgar Florence, Mrs. Robert Cocking, Mrs. Irl Shrader and Mrs. Charles Muesse. Interment was in the Erie Cemetery. Relativees and friends from out of town attending the rites were Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Pfundstein of Cedar Rapids, Ia., Mr. and Mrs L. H. Matthews of Chicago, Miss Lottie Gridley of Cicero, Mrs. T.Vanderzee of Hastings, Minn., Mrs. Allen Fiedler of Fountain City, Wis., Mr and Mrs. James Black of Prophetstown, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Miller of Morrison, Mrs. Nellie Zimmerman of Rock Island, Mrs. Arvid Zimmerman, Mr. and Mrs. William Sheets all of Geneseo and vicinity, Mr. and Mrs. George Perkins and son George and Mrs. Donovan Hannis of Spring Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mathis of Davenport Ia.
Sterling Gazette 27 February 1943

SOPHIE (GERDES) PERKINS , 94, of Madison, Wis., and formerly of Erie, died Thursday (14 Oct 2004) at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Erie Christian Church where she was a member. Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service time Tuesday at the church. The Gibson Funeral Home in Erie is in charge of arrangements. She was born Oct. 9, 1910, in Lee County, Ill., to Edward and Mattie Cornelius Gerdes. She married Frank Perkins on Feb. 24, 1938, in Erie. He died in 1975. She was employed as a telephone operator with the former Erie Telephone Co. She also worked as a nursing assistant with Morrison Community Hospital.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Carolyn (Larry) Field of Madison; a daughter-in-law, Betty Perkins of Erie; two grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

GARY L. PESSMAN , 58, of 730 Milnes Drive, Morrison, died Thursday at Morrison Community Hospital. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Tod Shook, pastor of First Baptist Church, Morrison, and the Rev. Wendell Davelaar, pastor of First Christian Reformed Church, Fulton, Ill., will co-officiate. Vistation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. He was born Dec. 7, 1945, in Clinton to Lambert R. and Jennie L. Temple Pessman. He married Barbara A. Hunter on March 14, 1968 in Morrison. He was educated in the Fulton grade schools and was a graduate of Fulton High School. He was an owner/operator truck driver for 37 years and was based in the Morrison and Fulton areas. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee. He was a board member of Deerview Condominum Association. Survivors include his wife, Barb; a daughter, Melissa Pessman of Davenport; his mother, Jennie L. Pessman of Fulton; and a sister, Mrs. Carolyn (Keith) Hageney of Washington.
Clinton Herald December 20, 2003

JENNIE (TEMPLE) PESSMAN , 84, of Deer Park, WA formerly of Fulton, IL, died Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at the Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, WA. Jennie was born January 30, 1921 in Morrison, IL, to Louis E. and Stella (Hook) Temple. She was educated in the rural Whiteside County schools. She married Lambert R. Pessman on March 29, 1944 in Fulton, IL. He died September 2, 2002. Jennie farmed with her late husband in the Garden Plain area of rural Fulton, IL. She was a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Fulton and the church’s Rebecca Society and had served as a Sunday School teacher. She was a “Pink Lady” volunteer at Mercy Medical Center in Clinton, IA with 1000 volunteer hours. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and sewing.
Survivors include one daughter, Carolyn (Mrs. Keith) Hageney of Deer Park, WA; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Barb Pessman of Morrison, IL; one granddaughter and her fiancée, Melissa Pessman of Davenport, IA and Chris Barnhart; two brothers, Arthur L. Temple of Clinton, IA and Robert Temple of Stockton, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lambert; one son, Gary Pessman; one grandson, Allen Pessman, one sister in infancy; two brothers, John and Evert Temple. Burial at Fulton Twp. Cemetery

RUBY (OTTENS) PESSMAN , 91, of 503 S. Madison St., died Sunday, Aug. 24, 1986, in her home. The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Morrison Christian Reformed church preceded by a family prayer service. The Rev. Steven Alsum will officiate. Burial will be in Fulton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Willis, Leon, Philip, Russell and Donald Ottens and Edward Dykema. Mrs. Pessman was born Feb. 14, 1895, in the Garden Plain Township, to Charles and Henrietta Bootsman Ottens. She married Joseph Pessman in 1912. He died July 7, 1963. She was educated in the rural Whiteside County Schools and was a member of the Morrison Christian Reformed Church and the Ladies Aid Society of the Church. She was a past member of the Board Of Directors of Resthave Nursing Home and had resided for the past 40 years in the Morrison area. Prior to that, she had lived in the Thomson and Fulton area. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Rulof (Genevieve) VanVuren, of Morrison; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Clarence (Alice) Bielema, of Fulton; and four brothers, Ren, Henry, and Garrett, all of Morrison, and Charles of Fulton. She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, a great-grandson, a sister and four brothers.
Contributed by Joyce Kimmel

DR. HERBERT LEROY PETTITT , 72, former assistant state director of public health, passed away early Thursday morning at his home in Morrison, after an illness of over a year's duration Dr.Pettit, a physician and surgeon in Morrison for more than 40 years was influential in Whiteside County politics and was chairman of the Republician county central committee for several terms. He was born June 19, 1875 in Rock Falls, attended the Chicago college of pharmacy and later received his medical degree at the University of Illinois in 1906. He was past president of the Morrison Rotary Club, a mason, a first lieutenant in the medical corps during world war I, president of the Whiteside Tuberculosis Society for the past 10 years and assistant Illinois state health officer from 1941 - 1942. During World War 2 he was chief medical officer of the Illinois War council.

The funeral of Dr. Herbert L. Pettitt, former assistant director of public health in the state of Illinois, who died at his home here Thursday morning after a year's illness will be held at the First Presbyterian church at 2 o'clock (CDT) Sunday afternoon, the pastor, the Rev. Richard B. Heydinger, officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Dr. Pettit became ill about a year ago and was confined to the Sterling hospital for several weeks. He returned home, later going to Santa Monica, Calif. shortly after the first of the year. His illness became more serious while in California and he spent some time in a hospital there. He returned to Morrison about two weeks ago and has been bed-ridden ever since. Dr. Pettit was named assistant director of the Illinois Department of Public Health from 1941 - 1942 and was chief medical officer for the Illinois War Councilsince 1942. He also formerly served as Whiteside county physician.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 08 May 1948

CATHERINE (WETZELL) PEUGH ,Catharine Wetzell was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1852, and passed away March 29, 1926, at the age of 73 years, 4 months, and 21 days. She came to Whiteside county in November 1855, with her parents, Jacob and Susana Wetzell, and four brothers and three sisters. She lived in Genesee township to the time of her death. On the 4th day of February, 1875, she was united in marriage to William C. Peugh. To this union five children were born: Herman, Zella, Herbert, Verna, and Albert. Albert passed away Nov. 11, 1901, at the age of 13 years. Mrs. Peugh in her childhood days attended Sunday school in what was known as the old Hazel Green school house, a community Sunday school. On June 15, 1879, she became a member of the Coleta Christian church under the leadership of D.J. Howe. She was a faithful member and for many years taught in the Sunday school. She taught up until a week before she passed away. Mrs. Peugh not only was interested in her own local church, but took a large interest in the missionary work of the church, having been a member of the Women’s Missionary society. She was a generous supporter of the church. She was a patient sufferer, never complaining in failing health. Besides her husband, W.C. Peugh, she leaver her children, Herman Peugh, Mrs. Frank Anthony, Herbert Peugh, and Mrs. Roy Partridge; two brothers, Samuel Wetzell and Jacob Wetzell, and many relatives and friends to mourn her passing.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - Sterling Gazette6 April 1926

CHARLES BOTTS PEUGH , an old and very highly respected citizen of Genesee township, whose home was two and a half miles south of Coleta, died Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, after an illness of pneumonia lasting several weeks. Mr. Peugh was a prominent and useful man in this vicinity and he leaveshundred of warm friends who will deeply regret his death. He was a man who was loved in his family and by the public. He was honest, generous, upright and kindly. All of his dealings were unassailable; his word was as good as his bond; he has lived a good and useful life, and leaves vacant a place which can never be filled. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the late home of the deceased at 2 o'clock. The Rev. C. Marlow, pastor of the Coleta Christian church, was the officiating clergyman and the interment took place in the Peugh cemetery, near the Peugh home. Charles B. Peugh was born Dec. 9, 1819, in Bath County KY. and died Jan.9, 1903 at the age of 83 yers and one month. In September at the age of 26 he was married to Jane Landon. To this couple were born 13 children - John L., Eliza, Samuel, Wm. C., Margaret, James L., Viola B., Sarah A., Malinda R., Nora E., and Cora M. all of whom are living. Elizabeth Shannon and one infant are dead. Mr. Peugh had officiated as an elder in the church for about sixty years. He was a conscientious, faithful christian man, whose influence was ever for the uplifting of others and whose effective and untiring efforts have done much toward building up the church and its interest. Mrs. Peugh survives her husband, and she has the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.

JOAN E. (POLTE) PEUGH , 62 of Rock Falls died Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Joan was born April 18, 1945 in Sterling the daughter of George and Gertrude (Dussler) Polte. She married Robert Peugh on January 24, 2006 in Rock Falls . Joan was a department manager for K Mart for 30 years retiring in 2006. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church , served on the church council, and was active in the choir and bell choir. Joan enjoyed golfing, traveling, birdwatching, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Surviving are her husband Robert of Rock Falls; 2 daughters Conni (Phil) Ulmschneider of Ft. Smith, AR and LeAnn (Mark) Rodewald of Clinton, IA; 2 sisters Bobette Hostettler of Moline and Georgiana "George" (Jim) Brandt of Phoenix, AZ; a brother Marvin (Phyllis) Polte of Manlius; 5 grandchildren Kristin, Jordan and Alec Ulmschneider, and Gage and Jared Rodewald. She was preceded in death by her parents. The funeral will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 2 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church , Rock Falls with Reverend Henrietta Milner, officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation is Friday from 4-7 PM in McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls and Saturday from 9-10 AM at the church
Contributed by Margaret Mangers

MARTHA PEUGH , aged 81 years, passed away at 9:30 o’clock Monday [07/14/1930] evening in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank [Elvira] Deets of Milledgeville. She had been in poor health for some time, suffering from the infirmities of old age. Funeral services are to be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock in the Deets home and 2 o’clock in the Christian church of Coleta, Rev. C. W. Marlow of Polo officiating. Interment will be made in the cemetery south of Coleta beside her husband, who died 25 years ago.

Obituary:
Martha E. Peugh, daughter of Isaac and Barbara [Hannah] Swearingen, was born in Pennsylvania March 14, 1849, and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elvira Deets in Milledgeville, July 14 [21], 1930. Her age at death was 81 years, four months and seven days. She had three borthers [sic], Martin, Ira and Minor and two sisters, Mrs. Barbara Stanley and Minerva Hurless. Only one brother Ira now in the nineties remains. The deceased was united in marriage to John Peugh January 30, 1868. Two children were born to this union, Ora, deceased, and Mrs. Elvira Deets. A foster daughter Birdie Peugh also mourns her death. Mrs. Peugh united with the Christian church under the preaching of Ira J. Chase in the seventys in which fellowship she remained until death. Mrs. Peugh with her parents and other members of her family, immigrated from her native state to Ohio and from thence to Illinois, living in the vicinity of Coleta and Milledgeville. After her husband died nearly 25 years ago she remained in her home south of Coleta for 12 years and then moved to Milledgeville, where she had since resided. Mrs. Peugh was not in any sense a public woman. While undemonstrative she was genuine and of sterling character. Her husband found in her a true helpmate and her children found in her a truehearted, and affectionate mother. None was turned away hungry from her door. She retained her industrious habits up till the close of life last spring when very feeble in health she planned to plant her garden, she was fortunate in having the best of care making her home since last December with her daughter, Mrs. Elvira Deets. Miss Birdie also tenderly cared for her several weeks during her last illness. She leaves to mourn her loss her daughter, Mrs. Elvira Deets, foster daughter Miss Birdie Peugh, one brother Ira of Lakeland, [Polk County] Florida, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Her many friends will miss her.

Funeral services were held from the Frank Deets home Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock and 2 o’clock at the Christian church in Coleta. Miss Irene Buffman and Letta Garwick sang several beautiful selections, with Mrs. Arthur Rosenberry at the piano. The pallbearers were Grant and George Fleming, D. O. Warehime, James Hanna, T. K. Schell and Dr. H. E. Erickson.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, July 25, 1930, page 10, column 7.

MARY HELEN (KELSEY) PEUGH , 88, of Genesee Township, died Saturday, November 26, 2005. She was an elementary school teacher in Dixon, Coleta and Sterling schools for over twenty-five years. Mary Helen was born December 23, 1916 in Iowa Falls, IA the daughter of Maxwell and Edna (Kratz) Kelsey. She married Russell Peugh on August 20, 1946 in Iowa Falls. Survivors include her husband, Russell; four sons, Wayne (Edith) Peugh of Dunlap, Keith (Kathy) Peugh and Merle (Karen) Peugh, both of Sterling, Lloyd (Dorothy Humphrey) Peugh of Littleton, CO; one sister, Alice Moore of Littleton, CO; eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth Brown, Kate Clark, Jane Boelts; and one brother, Robert Kelsey. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Christine Gilbert officiating. Visitation will be from 4:30 – 6PM Monday at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. Burial will be at Peugh Cemetery, Coleta.

ORA PEUGH , one of the best known men in Genesee township died Thursday [02/01/1917] morning about six o’clock of tuberculosis of the throat and lungs. The funeral was held this afternoon at 1:30 o’clock at the home of his mother, Mrs. Martha Peugh, south of Coleta. The services were in charge of Rev. Thompson, of Coleta, and interment was made in what is known as the Peugh cemetery. The deceased was born and raised in Genesee township, being about forty years of age at the time of his death. He was one of the best known men of the northeast end of the county, being a jovial fellow and a thorough business man. He followed farming and made a success of it. For several months he had been ailing with tuberculosis of the throat and lungs, and while he had kept up and around, his health was gradually undermined until he was forced to give up and take to his bed. He was the son of Mrs. Martha Peugh, his father having died a number of years ago. He leaves besides his mother a young daughter, Grace.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, February 3, 1917, page 3, column 5

ROSS V. PEUGH , 74, 911 4th Ave., Sterling, passed away Friday afternoon in Community General Hospital after a lengthy illness. funeral services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Brace E Johnson, pastor of the First Christian Church of Sterling, officiating. The burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home after 7 p.m. Saturday. Mr. Peugh was born Oct. 14, 1888 in Genessee township, south of Coleta, the son of Louis and Alice Cocord Peugh. He was educated in the Coleta Schools and lived south of Coleta until 1920 when he moved to Sterling where he was employed by the Whiffin Wholesale Grocery for several years. Later he worked 15 years at the Russell, Burdsall and Ward bolt and Nut Co., retiring in 1953. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Sterling. He was united in marriage to Susannah Bryson, who survives along with one daughter, Mrs. George (Edna) Gleason of Akron, Ohio; one son, Lyle R Peugh of Sidney, Ohio; one sister, Mrs. Ward (Jennie) Hannah of Milledgeville and one brother, Fay Peugh of Mount Morris. He also leaves four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Mrs. Jessie Gerdes.

Funeral services for Ross V Peugh of 911 4th Ave., Sterling, were conducted at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling Monday at 1:30 p.m. with Rev Brace Johnson, pastor of the First Christian Church of Sterling, officiating. burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. roscoe Eades was organist and John Honens sang Rock of Ages and the Old Rugged Cross. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Lawrence Myers, Mrs. Lloyd Myers and Arlyn Bryson and Swartleys. Pallbearers were Oscar Barthel, Leland Bryson, Lawrence Myers, Walter Oltman, Dwight Turner and William Tyne. Relatives attended from Akron and Sydney, Ohio; Mount Morris, Milledgeville, Chicago, Moline and Bloomington.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the May 11 & 14, 1963 Sterling Daily Gazette

RUSSELL ELMER PEUGH , 90, of Genessee Twp. died Wednesday, November 30, 2005 in his home. He was a life long farmer on the family homestead. Mr. Peugh was born December 31, 1914 , the son of Herman and Anna Deets Peugh. He married Mary Helen Kelsey August 20, 1946 in Iowa Falls, IA. She died November 26, 2005. He and his brother Rex were the fourth generation to own and operate the family farms in Genesee Twp. Russell had been a board member at the First United Methodist Church and Whiteside County Farm Bureau for a number of years. He served on several area school boards from 1955-1985 including, Washington School, Genessee Twp. Schools, Coleta School and Sterling Unit 5. Survivors are four sons, Wayne (Edith) Peugh of Dunlap, Keith (Kathy) Peugh, Merle (Karen) Peugh, both of Sterling, Lloyd (Dorothy Humphrey) Peugh of Littleton, CO, eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one brother Rex (Betty) Peugh and one sister Helen Mitchell both of Sterling. Services will be held at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, December 3, 2005 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Christine Gilbert, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at the Peugh Cemetery, Coleta. Visitation will be 4:30-6 P.M., Friday, December 2nd at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, and from 10:30-11:30 A.M., Saturday, at the church.

SUSANNAH MAE (BRYSON) PEUGH , formerly of sterling, died Sunday evening in the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Gleason in Akron , Ohio . Arrangements are pending at Allen Funeral Home. (Feb 13, 1967 Sterling Gazette) Mrs. Susannah M. Peugh, 82, formerly of 911 4th Ave. , Sterling died at Akron , Ohio , Sunday. Mrs. Peugh was born Jan 15, 1885, in Clyde Township ( Whiteside County ), the daughter of Jesse and Anna Kimbley Bryson. she was a member of the first Christian Church of Sterling and the Women’s Missionary Society of the Church. Mrs. Peugh is survived by one son, Lyle Robert Peugh, Sidney , Ohio , one daughter, Mrs. George (Edna) Gleason of Akron, Ohio of Akron , Ohio , four sisters, Mrs. Belle Barthel of Moline , Mrs. Myrtle Bushman of Lyndon, Mrs. Hazel Manning and Mrs. Fay (Floxie) Mott of Sterling, one brother Pearle Bryson of Moorehead, Minn., several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters. Funeral services for Mrs. Peugh will be Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Allen funeral Home with the rev. Brace Johnson of the first Christian Church of Sterling officiating with burial in Riverside Cemetery . Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home after 2 p.m. Wednesday. (Feb 14, 1967 Sterling Gazette) Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling for Susannah Mae Peugh, formerly if 911 4th Ave., Sterling, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edna Gleason of Akron, Ohio. The Rev. Brace Johnson, pastor of the First Christian Church of Sterling , officiated at the services with burial in Riverside Cemetery . Mrs. Roscoe Eades was at the organ and Mrs. Albert Giffrow sang In the garden and The Old Rugged Cross. Flowers were cared for by Swartley’s, Mrs. Dorothy Myers, Mrs. Kathleen Book, and Mrs. Lois Peterson. The pallbearers were Earl Martin, Hayden Moore, Lawrence Myers, Willard Nelson, Walter Oltman and Earl Fine.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Feb 7, 1967 Sterling Gazette

CHARLES A. PFULB - Death relieved the long suffering of Charles A. Pflub, 68, of Rock Falls Saturday evening (January 20, 1934) when he passed away at 7 o’clock in the Sterling public hospital. Mr. Pfulb had been in poor health for several years, suffering from a complication of diseases. He entered the hospital last Thursday morning for treatment. The funeral will be held at 2:30 o’clock Tuesday afternoon in the Sterling Christian church, with Rev. James Q. Moore officiating. Interment will be made in the Odd Fellows cemetery in Rock Falls. The body may be viewed at the Melvin funeral home by friends until the hour of service. Charles A. Pfulb was born July 29, 1865, in Montmorency township, the son of John C. and Anna Pfulb. He was united in marriage in 1905 to Lillian Brown, who preceded him in death January 10, 1932. Mr. Pfulb had been a member of the Odd Fellows lodge in Rock Falls for many years and held various offices. He was a member of the Sterling Christian church and also of the Modern Woodman of America. He was a resident of Rock Falls for the past 43 years and was a woodworker at the Frantz Mfg. Co. for many years. Three brothers and one sister survive him. They are C.J. Pfulb and W.F. Pfulb of Rock Falls, George Pfulb of Creston, Ia., and Mrs. Emma Heckman, who has lived with her brother for the past year and assisted in his care. Three sisters and one brother, Mrs. Catherine Struckman, Mrs. Mary Cushing, Elisa Pflub and Benjamin Pfulb, preceded him in death. Mr. Pfulb had many friends in the Twin Cities who knew him as a kind and true friend. Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, Monday, 22 January 1934

Charles Pfulb is Buried with Rites Tuesday The late Charles A. Pfulb of Rock Falls was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows' cemetery in Rock Falls on Tuesday afternoon. Rev. James Q. Moore conducted the funeral service at 2 o'clock in the Sterling Christian Church were the relatives and many friends of Mr. Pfulb gathered to pay their last respects to him. During the service Mrs. R.E. Kreider sang. Pall bearers were Luord Pfulb, William and Ralph Struckman, D.B. Sisson, Cass Endrenkamp and Bernard Lansing. A brother of the deceased, George Pfulb of Creston, Ia., and Mr. and Mrs. William Struckman, and Mrs. Earl Barnhart of Dixon were out of town people at the funeral.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartolo - Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, Wednesday, 24 January 1934

LILLIAN (BROWN) PFULB - The community is saddened by the dearth of Mrs. Lillian Pfulb, wife of Charles A. Pfulb, of Rock Falls, which occurred at 6:15 o’clock Sunday evening (January 10, 1932) in her home 402 Fourth avenue. Her passing ended a long period of suffering from a complication of diseases which had extended over three years and became serious last August. Mrs. Pfulb was taken to her bed eight weeks ago and gradually grew worse until death’s angel visited her. Funeral services are to be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the home 402 Fourth avenue and 2:30 o’clock in the Rock Falls Methodist church. Rev. F.H. Knight will officiate assisted by Rev. James Q. Moore of the Sterling Christian church. Interment is to me made in the Odd Fellows cemetery, Rock Falls. Lillian Brown was born September 16, 1877 on a farm west of Yorktown being the only child of Charles and Hattie Brown. She lived on the farm until the fall of 1899 with her parents when they moved to Rock Falls. On March 8, 1905 she was united in marriage to Charles Pfulb. They have lived in Rock Falls all their married life. Mrs. Pfulb’s mother passed away in 1919 and her father two years later. The deceased joined with the Rock Falls Methodist church in her early life and was a faithful member. She belonged to the various organizations of the women and served as treasurer of the church until the time of her death. Mrs. Pfulb was a member of J.H. Montague Rebekah Lodge No. 202 in Rock Falls and the Rock Falls Woman’s Relief Corps. She took much interest in lodge work and served in various offices at the Rebekah lodge being a past noble grand, past district president of district No. 8, member of various state committees and several times was a delegate to Rebekah state assembly in Springfield. Through her efforts the Past Noble Grands club in Rock Falls was organized and for many years she acted as captain of the degree staff. Last year Mrs. Pfulb was elected to the presidency of the Rock Falls Woman’s Relief Corps but was not able to serve her term out because of her illness. Mrs. Pfulb will be greatly missed by many friends in the community who knew her as a woman of Christian character, sweet disposition and reflected a kindly attitude towards all. Throughout her long suffering she was patient and ready to answer her Master’s call. Besides her bereaved husband Mrs. Pfulb leaves a number of relatives in Sterling and Rock Falls and many friends who mourn her loss.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartelo - Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, Monday, 11 January 1932

EMERY W. PFUNDSTEIN , 78, Erie, died Friday afternoon 5 Feb. 1971, in Community Hospital, Morrison. He retired from farming and operated the Erie Feed Mill for many years. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Erie Christian Church with the Rev. Dale Erickson officiating. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery. Visitation will be anytime Sunday at the Schilling Funeral home. Mr. Pfundstein was born March 14, 1892, in Fenton, the son of Henry and Jettie James Pfundstein. He married Lorna Fern Matthews Dec. 16, 1914, in Erie. He had been a director of the Erie State Bank for 25 years, retiring from the board last summer. He was a member of the Erie Christian Church. Survivors are the widow; one son Gerald, Muscatine, Iowa; two granddaughters, Mrs. Frank Pieczynski, Clinton, Iowa and Mrs. Dan Nieters, Muscatine, Iowa; three great-granddaughters; two sisters, Mrs. Oscar (Pearl) Olson and Mrs. Ruby Coberly, both of Moline.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 5, 1971 - Friday, pg 2

MYRNA PFUNDSTEIN , 100, of Morrison, Ill., and formerly of Erie, died Tuesday at Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Gibson Funeral Home, Erie. Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the service time Saturday. She was born Oct. 10, 1903, in Erie to Charles and Myrtie Seger Pfundstein. She was an elementary school teacher and taught at the Rock Falls School and at other area country schools. She was a member of the Erie United Methodist Church and P.E.O. Survivors include two nieces; four great-nephews; and three great-great-nieces and nephews.
Clinton Herld 12 November 2003

BEVERLY (LAMZ) PHILLIPS , 64, of Sterling died Thursday, June 12. 2003 at CGH Medical Center. She was employed by Wahl Clipper as a machinist for 30 years. Mrs. Phillips was born July 26, 1938, in Elgin, the daughter of August and Isabelle (Bradshaw) Lamz. She attended Sauk Valley Community College. She married Raymond Phillips on Aug. 3, 1955, in Sterling. She was a member of St. Mary Church, Sterling. She enjoyed gardening and crocheting. Survivors include her husband; three sons, Charles (Lindy) Phillips of Sterling, Raymond Phillips, Jr. of Canton and Patrick (Wanda Jean) Phillips of Clinton, Iowa; a daughter, Wendy (Michael) Hinz of Crawfordsville, Md.; four brothers, David Wagenknect of Sterling, Robert Wagenknect of Sterling, John (Nancy) Lamz of Stevens Point, Wis., and Joel Lamz ofDeKalb; 11 grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandchild; and a brother, James Lamz. The funeral is at 11 am. Monday at Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Fourth Avenue Chapel, Sterling, with the Rev. Thomas Brantman officiating. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Daily Gazette 14 June 2003

DORIS (NICE) PILGRIM , 83, of Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison, formerly of Lyndon died March 30, 2005 at the home. She was employed by the US Postal Service, Lyndaon office, serving as postmaster. Mrs. Pilgrim was born Nov. 7, 1921, in Morrison the daughter of Paul and Ruby M. (Cobb) Nice. She married J. Donald Pilgrim on Aug. 10, 1940. He died July 20, 1993. Survivors include two daughters, Judi and Deb; two sons, Jerry and Ron; a brother, Warren Nice; special friend, John Gentz; 11 grandchildren. Burial at Lyndon Cemetery.

FRANK PILGRIM , 72, of rural Dixon, died May 1, 2005 at his home. He was employed by Frantz Mfg. for 33 years, retiring Oct. 1, 1997. He was born Sep. 9, 1932 in Morrison the don of Herman and Helen (Rounds) Pilgrim. He married Barbara VanAlstine on Dec. 22, 1957, in Tacoma WA. He served in the Army. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Rose and Debora; two sons, Robert and Silliam; a brother Charles and three grandchildren.

JUNE (ROSE) PILGRIM , 88, of rural Morrison, died Saturday at her home. Funeral services are 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Morrison, with the Rev. Michael Winkleman officiating. Burial will follow in the Grove Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, Ill. She was born May 18, 1915, in Sterling, Ill., to Alvin and Rachael Moutray Rose. She married Theodore Pilgrim on April 26, 1958. He died in 1974. She was employed with the Morrison Telephone Co. for 45 years before retiring in 1981. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Morrison, the Chancel Guild and Ladies Aide of the church. She was an honorary member of the Wa-Tan-Ye and the Galt Grange 1853. Survivors include a daughter, Christine L. Pilgrim of Morrison; three sisters, Joy McGarvey of Morrison, Jeanne Anderson of Prophetstown, Ill., and Joann Funk of Winthrop; and many nieces and nephews.
Clinton Herald 23 February 2004

BILLY CURTIS PILLARS , 57, Vinton, Iowa, died suddenly Wednesday, July 2, 2003, in Vinton, Iowa. Mr. Pillars was born July 1, 1946 in Radford Va., the son of Clevie H. and Juanita V (Thomas) Pillars He graduated from Rock Fall Township High School and served in the Vietnam War He married Karen Stull. Survivors include his wife; a son Billy Pillars of Vinton. Iowa: three daughters, Wendy Sullivan of Springfield, Kendra McNinch of Rock Falls and Becky Pillars of Elkhorn Wis.; his mother of Rock Falls: two sisters, Sara McCoy of Rock Falls and June McCartney of Dixon, a brother, Ronnie (Connie) Pillars of Rock Falls; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and two siblings. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m Saturday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Dalmus Meeks, pastor of Harvest Time Bible Church, officiating. Burial is at IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation is from 9:30-10:30 am. Saturday at the funeral home
Daily Gazette 3 Jul 2003

CLARA PITTMAN , who had been for several years, lost a brave struggle to live when she answered the final call that is inevitable to all, passing away at her home, 1109 Fourth avenue, at 12:05 o'clock Tuesday morning. It had been known for several weeks that death was only a matter of a short time, but nevertheless, news of her death was a shock. In her life she had made many friends and all of them mourn her loss with an intimate grief. Miss Pittmn was an affable personality, quiet and unostentatious, devoted to her church adn to her friends. There is solace in the knowledge of the high regard in which she was held by all those who knew her. Her devotion to her church remained until death came, but it was with a feeling of regret that that she felt her inability to take an active part in its affairs during the period of her failing health. She not only was a member, but a worker in the Social circle, the missionary society and the Social Gardener organizations in the St. John's Lutheran church, in each of which she was not only highly respected but warmly liked and admired because of her fine personal qualities. Miss Pittman was born in Hopkins township, the daughter of David and Hester Pittman. For a number of years she was the teacher of the North Star school, north of Emerson. In later years the family moved to Sterling and Miss Pittman accepted a position in the Old Sterling National bank, and when this institution was merged with the First National bank she was retained as an employe, serving the two banks for a period of 18 years. Her parents and three brothers preceded heer in death. Surviving are a number of nieces and nephews. The body rests at Woods funeralhome, where friends may call. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

DAVID PITTMAN , the subject of this sketch, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Oct. 19, 1843. He quietly passed away in his home in Emerson. Whiteside County, Ill., March 1, 1916, at the age of 72 years, 5 months, and 11 days. The immediate cause of his death was Bright’s disease, from which he suffered for a number of months. David Pittman was the son of Moses and Margaret Pittman, and was a member of a large family of children, six boys and three girls all of whom except one brother Zack, preceded him in death. As a young man he came west to Sterling, Ill., where he enlisted as a private soldier in Company D. 92nd regiment, Company G. 65th regiment, Illinois Infantry, and served eight months in the Civil War, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. On June 9, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Bryson, at Sterling, Ill., rev J. T. Mason of the Christian church officiating. To this union were born two children, Oliver of Emerson, and Mrs. Viola Mangers of Sterling. Mr. Pittman had been suffering with rheumatism for many years, which made it necessary for him to leave the farm eighteen years ago, and reside at Emerson, where he has since lived to the time of his death. Mr. Pittman was a highly respected citizen of Hopkins township, where he was well known and enjoyed a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was a man of a jovial and kindly disposition which won for him a great many friends, who mourn his departure, but will retain many pleasant memories during their association with him in life. When a young man he confessed his faith in Christ, and in a life Beyond and united with the Christian church, but it was not until his recent illness that he gave the thought of Christianity a more serious attention and expressed a desire to come in living touch with God through Jesus Christ his Saviour, and longed to be relieved from suffering and depart and be with God, which to him appeared far better. He leaves to mourn, his companion, two children, four grandchildren, besides a large number of relatives and friends. The funeral services were held in the Emerson church on Sunday at 2 p.m., and were conducted by Rev. W. F. Berg of Sterling. The large audience present was an evidence of the high esteem and favor in which Mr. Pittman was held. The remains were laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. The pall bearers were Mr. Shore, J. M. Deets, H. Eilers, A. Burmeister, W. W. Deets and F. Royer.
Dated: Mar 6, 1916 Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

David Pittman, for many years a resident of Emerson, passed away Wednesday [03/01/1916] afternoon at four o’clock after an illness of Brights Disease which extended from last Thanksgiving Day. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at two o’clock at the Emerson church. Rev. Berge will be in charge and interment will be in Riverside cemetery. The deceased was born in Pennsylvania, October 19, 1843. He was married to Susan Bryson in Sterling on June 9, 1869. He was a veteran of the Civil War and had been a resident of Emerson for many years where he was known and respected by every one. He is survived by his wife and two children, Mrs. Henry Mangers, of this city, and Oliver, at home. Many friends in Sterling and Emerson will join in extending sympathy to the bereaved.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - 1411 - The Sterling Daily Gazette, March 2, 1916, page 1, column 3

FRANK H. PITTMAN of Emerson died at 9:30 O’clock Thursday forenoon at the Ottawa sanitarium, Ottawa. He had been ill the last 18 months suffering from complicated maladies. The body has been sent to Melvin funeral home in Sterling form whence his funeral service will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock. Rev. James Driscoll pastor of the Twin City Tabernacle, Rock Falls, will conduct the service. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery. Mr. Pittman was born Sept. 14, 1899 at Chicago. When a small child he was brought to Emerson, in which village he had lived ever since. Surviving are his mother Mrs. Viola Fester of Emerson, and two sister, Mrs. Fred Sauer of Peoria, and Mrs. (should be Miss) Genevieve Mangers at home. A sister, Mrs. Laneta Kupel preceded him in death, Dec. 19, 1934
Dated: Jan. 28, 1937-Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

HARRIET (MENSCH) PITTMAN , 90, a resident of Sterling until six months ago, died at 7:55 p.m. Sunday at Morrison Community Hospital. The body was brought to the Woods Funeral Home where services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. F. Leon Furrh, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Morrison, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery. Mrs. Pittman lived at 1111 2nd Ave. in Sterling until six months ago when she moved to Morrison to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mann. She was born Sep. 3, 1863 at Catawissa, Pa., daughter of William and Anna Lieby Mensch. Survivors included two daughters, Mrs. Joseph (Nellie) Mann, Morrison, and Mrs. Charles (Florence) Manon, Rt. 1, Dixon; one son, Russell L. Washington, D.C.; and five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was preced in death by her husband, Royal, who died in 1930. She was the last member of a family of ten.

2nd Notice: Service was conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Woods Funeral home by Rev. F. Leon Furrh, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Morrison. Burial was made in Riverside Cemetery. Casket bearers were Kenneth Manon of Dixon, Harold Manon and Glenn Stern of Sterling, Kenneth Alken of Morrison and William Maxey of Polo, grandsons of the departed and Raymond Ebersole. Flowers attended by Dr. and Mrs. A. E. Harding, Miss Harriet Blodgett and Mr. adn Mrs Clarence Alken of Morrison and Miss Bess Seavey of Prairville. The out of town relatives attending were Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Mensch of Mason City IA, Lee Mensch of Manley IA, Mr and Mrs Harry Dietz of Lanark, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Williams of Dixon adn Mrs. Nora Young, Mrs Ollie VanOoston and Mrs. Maude McKee of Morrison.

HELEN (WOLF) PITTMAN, 96, formerly of 809 w. 6th St., Sterling died March 8, 1992, at Colonial Acres rest home, Rock Falls, after an extended illness. Prayer service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Grennan Funeral Home, Sterling, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Mass of the resurrection at St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling with the Rev. Thomas Bales officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a rosary recited at 7p.m. A memorial has been established to St. Mary’s Grad School and Newman High School. Mrs. Pittman was born May 28, 1895, in Sterling, the daughter of John R and Ellen (Moriarity) Wolf. She was a graduate of Sterling High School. She married James W. Pittman June 5, 1920, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Sterling. He died Jan 23, 1974. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, and St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Gib (Theresa Jean) Thome, Sterling: one grandson; two great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ralph (Flo) Davis of Naples, Fla., and Mrs. Ray (Margaret) Easton, Wabeno, Wis. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Barbara Jean Thome, in 1971; tow brothers and two sisters.
Dated: April, 1992 - Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

MILAN W. PITTMAN , son of David and Hester Pittman, was born December 22, 1864, in a little log cabin about three miles south of Coleta in Hopkins township and passed to his reward Wednesday, October 6, 1937 at the age of 72 years, nine months and 14 days. He grew to manhood and attended public school in the vicinity of his birth, laying the foundation for successful farming to which he attained. Sept. 2 1886, he was united in marriage to Nora Peugh. Following their marriage they began housekeeping on a farm north of Emerson, residing there about 12 years, then moving to their newly purchased home, a short distance south of Milledgeville, where they had since resided. The deceased took special pride in his farming operations and in addition gave considerable time to the real estate business. His home and surroundings always had the appearance of neatness and prosperity. Death did not come as a surprise to his loved ones and many of his friends and neighbors because of his failing health for several years. Neuritis kept exacting its heavy toll on the strong body until at last the silver cord was loosed and the golden bowl broken. Thus ends the transient probationary phase of Milan Pittman's life. His neighbors and friends will say that a busy and useful life has drawn to a close. The loved ones grieve over the passing from their midst of a faithful husband, an indulgent parent, grandparent and a kindly brother. Of the immediate relatives preceding him in death are two infant sons, Lloyd and Lester, two brothers, Royal and Elwood of Sterling. Those surviving are his faithful companion, his son, forest of Los Angeles, Calif., three sisters, Hazel Fogel and ethel Kimmel of Milledgeville and Belva Cameron of Rock Falls, four grandchildren, a sister Miss Clara Pittman of Sterling...
Funeral services for Milan W. Pittman were held Friday afternoon from the home south of Milledgeille with Rev. C.W. Marlow pastor of the Coleta Christian church officiating , assisted by Rev. Harry Shiffer of Rock Falls. Burial was iin the Peugh cemetery. Mrs. John Bogott and Mrs. E.A. Sollenberger sang during the service. Mrs. A.H. Rosenberry, Mrs. Floyd Finkle, Mrs. Harry Buffington adn Mrs. Paul Hoppier were in charge of the many beautiful floral tributes. Ushers were Mrs. John Graehling, Mrs. A.B. Coyle and Mrs. Miles Wallace. The casket bearers were Charles Speaker, Harring Buffington, Homer Bushman, Roy Buntley, William Farwell and William Meyers.
Contributed by Mike Hosler

NORA (PEUGH) PITTMAN , 84, for more than half a century a resident of this community (Milledgeville), passed away Friday evening at her home south of here. She had been in ill health for some time. The body will be removed to the residence from the allen Funeral home in Serling, and funeral services will be held t the family home at 2 p.m. Monday and at 2:30 .m. in the Coleta Christian church. Rev. Harry Shiffer, pastor of the Rock Falls Christian church, will officiate at the rites, assisted by Rev. C.W. Marlowe. Burial will be in the Peugh cemetery, southwest of Coleta. Born June 26, 1866, at Coleta, the daughter of Charles and Jane Lowden Peugh on the Peugh homestead, south of Coleta, she was reared and educated in that community. She was married Sept. 2, 1886 to Milan Pittman, and they were engaged in farming north of Emerson for 12 years before moving to the present home. Mrs. Pittman was a member of the Christian Church. Surviving her are one son, Forest, Bishop, Calif; three daughters, Mrs. Hazel Fogel, and Mrs. Harold (Ethel) Kimmel, of Milledgeville and Mrs. Stewart (Belva) Cameron of sterling; four grandchidlren and one great grandchild. Her parents, husband and two sons, Lester and Lloy as well as 12 brothers and sisters preceded her in death.
Contributed by Mike Hosler

OLIVER PITTMAN , passed away at 7 a.m. Thursday in the family home in Emerson after an extended illness. He had been bedfast the last five months. Funeral rites will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (DST), in the Melvin funeral home. The Rev. Louis W. Chamberlain of Sterling Christian church will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery. Mr. Pittman was born June 17, 1870, on a farm near Coleta, the son of David and Susanna Pittman. He attended the Coleta schools and was a rural mail carrier for a number of years. Mr. Pittman spent his entire lifetime in Whiteside county. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Viola Mangers of Emerson and two nieces, Mrs. Fred Sauer of Peoria and Mrs. Howard Hanson of Emerson. The funeral of Oliver Pittman was held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Melvin funeral home, conducted by the rev. Luis w. Chamberlain of the Sterling Christian church. Organ music was played by Mrs. J. H. Linn. Burial was made in Riverside cemetery. The pallbearers were William Benton, Harry Fisher, Harold Bohms, Clifford Hunsberger, Howard Hanson, and Fred Sauer. The flowers were in charge of Mrs. Charles Deets and Mrs. Charles Reed.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers

ROYAL SYLVESTER PITTMAN , eldest son of David and Hettie Johnson Pittman, was born on a farm south of Coleta, in Hopkins township, Whiteside county, Illinois, July 29, 1862. He passed away very suddenly in death about 9 o'clock Thursday morning, October 30, 1930, near his home, 1111 Second avenue, Sterling. His age at the time of hisdeath was 68 years, three months and one day. His elementary education as received in the North Star school near his home in Hopkins township. Mr. Pittman was united in marriage ot Miss Harriet Mensch, on February 28, 1884, Rev. Emmanuel Brown, then pastor of St. John's Lutheran church, performing the ceremony at the bride's home, west of Empire and near to Round Grove. To them three children were born, all of whom are living; Nellie A., wife of County Clerk Joseph A. Mann, Morrison; Florence, wife of Charles E. Manon, of near Prairieville; and Russell L. Pittman, with the Firestone Rubber Co., Akron, Ohio. Besides the bereft wife and mother and four grandchidren, Harold, Kenneth and Ruth Manon, and Josephine Mann, Mr. Pittman leaves to mourn hisloss his aged mother, who, Providence permitting, will reach the ninetieth milestone of her life on next January 16; one brother, Milo Pittman of Milledgeville, and one sister, Clara M. Pittman, who has lived iwth and cared for her mother for many years at her home near Sterling on the Lincoln Highway West. Mr. Pittman's father died Feb. 5, 1922, at the age of 86 years, and his brother Elwood on June 7, 1914, at the age of 39 years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. pittman lived on a farm in Hopkins township, moving to Sterling in 1891, and living in the present home, 1111 Second avenue, since 1904, 26 years. Mr. Pittman was a man of integrity, who had gained the confidence of his fellow men by his honesty and industry. He was stricken by heart failure after getting his car out of the garage, preparatory to going into the country to pick corn on the farm of Delbert Gould east of Sterling. He will be greatly missed in the community and especially in his home and home relationship.
Contributed by Mike Hosler

RUSSELL L. PITTMAN :Russell L. Pittman buried at Arlington
Mrs. Josephine Aiken of Morrison and Miss Laura Chalmers returned Saturday from Washington D. C. where they attended the funeral of Russell L. Pittman. Mrs. Aiken was a niece and Miss Chalmers a cousin. Military funeral services were held at 10 a. m. Monday, Dec. 15, in the Fort Myer Chapel, A. S. Kirk officiating chaplain. From the chapel the nine pallbearers from the navy placed the flag covered casket on the caisson and was drawn by three pairs of gray horses to the Arlington Cemetery. Burial was in the officers section of the old part of the cemetery. After final prayers by the chaplain, three shots were fired over the grave by the firing squad and taps given. While the band plyed "America the Beautiful" the pallbearers holding the flag stretched out over the casket folded it in a neat triangle. The chaplain presented the flag to the niece and also a letter of sympathy to be given his sister Mrs. Charles (Florence) Manon from Rear Admiral W. M. Enger of the Engineer Command. She had been unable to attend. Russell L. Pittman 67, a construction engineer with General Services Administration, died in his car in the parking space close to where he lived, on Monday, Dec. 12. May 20, 1918 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy in Chicago. He was at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station for a time and Sept. 16 was sent to Ensign School at the Municipal Pier, Chicago. June 3, 1919 he sailed for overseas to St. Nazaire, on the U. S. Transport, "Arizonan" which returned with a boat load of service men. This Transport "Arizonan" with Russell on board as an ensign, made three other trips bringing "our boys", who had seen active service in France. He enlisted for four years and was released subject to call to duty at anytime. Pittman attended Carnegle Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh from 1920 to 1924 where he was a member of Theta Xi fraternity. `Pete" as he was better known was an athlete through high School and college. He held the broad jump record for the Carnegie Institute which was a considerable honor.

After graduation he went to work for Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron, Ohio. For three years he was engineer on the construction of Firestone buildings. From 1936 until 1940 he worked for the U. S. Resettlement Administration, the Department of Agrictultural and the Department of Public Works, in Washington and Chicago. He joined the Navy again in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater, where he soon rose to the rank of lieutenant commander. From 1947 until 1955, Pittman was a construction engineer with the National Housing Agency, the Federal Housing Agency and the Navy Department. Then, he joined the General Services Administration remaining there until his death. He had planned to retire at the end of this year. Robert Stevens formerly from Sterling and also working in the offices of the General Services Administration, attended the services as well as the rest of the Co-workers and large circle of friends.
Contributed by Mike Hosler

SUSAN ANN (BRYSON) PITTMAN , 86, who migrated with her parents from Pennsylvania to Whiteside County over 74 years ago, passed away at her home in Emerson, Saturday night at 11:40, as the result of the infirmities of old age. Mrs. Pittman had been ill for a long time and had been bedfast the last week. She was born in Lancaster County, Pa., on Sept 16, 1847 and came to Whiteside at the age of 12 years, and had resided here since living in Emerson for the past 32 years. She was married in 1869 to David Pittman to which union were born two children, Oliver Pittman of Emerson and Viola Fester of Peoria. Others surviving are one sister, Mrs. Elias Fisher of Rock Falls, and one brother David Bryson of Burkett, Neb., four grand children, and one great-grandchild. He husband passed away in 1916. She was one of a family of 12 children all of whom preceded her in death with the exception of the brother and sister mentioned. She was one of the oldest settlers in this county and was a member of the Emerson Lutheran church, which some years ago was consolidated with the St. John’s Lutheran church in Sterling. She was the oldest member making the transfer at that time. Funeral services will be conducted from the home in Emerson at 1:30 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, and at the St John’s Lutheran church at 2 o’clock. Rev. G. H. Doermann of the St. Paul Lutheran church will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.
Dated: 1934-Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

JOSEPH E. PITTON , 75, of the Harbor Crest Home, Fulton, died Sunday at Mercy North Hospital. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Friday at the Church of the Open Door. The Rev. James Machen will be officiating. Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday at the church from 2 p.m. until the service time. The Lemke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be in the Springdale Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Clinton AMVETS. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Brianna, Mallory, Matthew, Laura, Steven, Tiffany, Samantha and Angela Pitton, Aaron Rockwell, Ashley and Maggie Smith and Kristen, Amanda and Ben Korous. He was born July 24, 1928, in Columbus, Ohio, to Adolph and Pauline Segale Pitton. He married Patricia Newman in Columbus on May 17, 1952. He attended Ohio State and Toledo universities. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Philippines and later enlisted in the Air Force, serving as a sergeant during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He was a city planner for the City of Clinton for 19 years. He was an active member of the Church of the Open Door where he participated in the Servants Council and was a Sonlight Program leader. He also was a past member of the Toastmaster's Club and Full Gospel Businessmen. He and his wife led the Prince of Peace Prayer Group for more than nine years. He was instrumental in the development of the New Crisis Pregnancy Center where he served as an original member of the board of directors. Survivors include his wife; seven children, Mrs. Sue (Steve) Korous of Murfeesboro, Tenn., Mrs. Mary (Stephen) Smith of DeSoto, Mo., Michael (Shawn) Pitton of Iowa City, Jon (Deb) Pitton of Burnsville, Minn., Thomas of Seattle, Wash., Daniel (Chris) Pitton of Winslow, Ill., and David (Kim) of Tulsa, Okla.; 16 grandchildren; and a brother, Robert Pitton of Columbus.
Clinton Herald 7 April 2004

CHARLES H. PLANTHABER , 75, of Sterling died Tuesday May 7 2002 after an extended illness. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire. Born 26 Sep 1926 in Morrison the son of John & Margaret (Hunt) Planthaber. He married Viola Asbury on 7 Sep 1945. She died Dec 26 1999. He served in the Army during WW II and enjoyed fishin gand traveling. Survivors are a son Charles H (Bette) of Prophetstown and two daughters Bonnie Sue (Tony) Ridgeway and Vickie (Lester) Weaver both of Sterling. 6 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. Memorial service at 7 PM Friday at Amazing Grace Assembly Sterling. McDonald Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Daily Gazette 08 May 2002

JOHN HENRY PLANTHABER , of Morrison. Funeral services for John H. Plantaber who passed away Wednesday (27 March 1957) at his home were held Friday at the Reynolds Funeral Home at 2 p.m. The Rev. Frank Leon Furrh of the First Baptist church officiated and burial was in Grove Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Floyd Worhley, William Port, Henry Boelkens, John Sorenson, Earl Hiddleson and Fred Hackbarth. Floral caretakers were Mrs. Walter Westendorf and Mrs. August Forrester, Miss Clara Ackermand and Glenn Graddock sang Going Down the VAlley, One by One, accompanied by Mrs. Abe Renkes, organist.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 30, 1957 - Saturday, pg 2

MARY (REYNOLDS) PLANTHABER , 89, of Four Seasons Living Center, Morrison, IL, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005 at the Morrison Community Hospital in Morrison, IL. Mary was born May 31, 1916 in Thomson, IL to Charles W. and Margie (Martindale) Reynolds. She was educated in the Thomson grade and high schools. Mary married Carl J. Planthaber, Sr. on March 10, 1934 in Morrison. He died January 20, 1970. She was employed by General Electric in Morrison for 17 years. Following retirement, she worked for the former Carpenters Bakery in Morrison and had also worked as a tour guide for R.C. Smith Transportation in Morrison. She was a member of the Illinois Evangelistic Alliance, Inc. of Moline, IL and the G.E.M. Club of Morrison, IL. Survivors include three daughters, Barb (Mrs. Don) Skibbe, Sue (Mrs. Cal) Wing, and Carlene Chapman all of Morrison; one son, Carl J. (Wanda) Planthaber, Jr. of Camanche, IA; a son-in-law, Doran Everly of Rock Falls, IL; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren; and seven great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Planthaber, Sr.; one daughter, Mary Jane Everly; one grandson, Rodney Skibbe; two sisters, Florence Remrod and one as a youth; three brothers, Roy, Wesley, and William Reynolds.

EVELYN (WOLF) PLUMMER , 83, of Milledgeville died Sunday, July 6, 2003, at Freeport Manor. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Plumer was born June 21, 1920, in Jordan Township, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Lester) Wolf. She married Neal Plumer on June 21, 1938. in Clinton, Iowa. He preceded her in death. Survivors include two daughters, Judy Witanoski of McHenry and Jill (Sam) Miller of Lanark; eight grandchildren; and 10 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter and a grandson. Graveside service is at 10:30 am. Wednesday at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling, with the Rev. Kathleen Burkheimer, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Milledgeville, officiating. Visitation is from 9-10 am. Wednesday at Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Milledgeville Chapel.
Daily Gazette July 8, 2003

ALBERT POEL , 96, of Fulton, died Friday Dec. 17, 2004, at Harbor Crest Nursing Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Phillip Sneller, pastor of First Reformed Church, Fulton, officiating. Interment will follow at the Fulton Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. He was born March 25, 1908, in Garden Plain (Ill.) Township to Claus and Bessie Prins Poel. He married Helen Valk on Feb. 16, 1932 in Fulton. She died in 1997. He was educated in the Garden Plain School. He was engaged in farming in the Garden Plain area from 1944 to 1964 and ended his farming in Union Grove, Ill. He worked for Brinkman and Pessman Lumber Company in Garden Plain for 2 1/2 years and later worked for the former Borgman and Huizenga Feed, Fulton, for eight years. He retired in February 1974. He was a life member of First Reformed Church, where he served both as an elder and deacon for several terms. He was a member of the church's choir, president of the Men's Brotherhood for several years and taught Sunday school classes for many years. He also was a member of the Whiteside County (Ill.) Farm Bureau. Survivors include one brother, Allen (Dorothy) Poel of Fulton; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Mary (Cleo) Kaufman-Kenny of Robins. Memorials may be made to First Reformed Church's Radio Broadcast Ministry. He was preceded in death by his wife, one sister, one brother and one niece.

ALVIN POEL , 77, 1100 10th Ave., Fulton, died (23 Sep 1984) at the Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton, on Sunday afternoon. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home. Burial will be in the where a graveside flag folding ceremony will be conducted by the Fulton Post 402 of the American Legion. The Rev. Warren Bovenkerk, pastor of the Second Reformed Church, Fulton, will officiate. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial has been established to the Second Reformed Church Choir Robe Fund. Alvin Poel was born in Fulton on Feb. 13, 1907, the son of Sike H. and Gertrude Smith Poel and attended Fulton Schools. On Nov. 11, 1933 he married Bernice Folk in Fulton. She preceded him on March 10, 1984. He was a veteran of World War II, a member of the Fulton Post 402 of the American Legiion, and the Second Reformed Church. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Bernice Cook, and Mrs. Sylvia Schneider, both of Clinton, Iowa. Preceding him in death were his wife and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illiinois September 24, 1984 - Monday, pg A4

EDWARD SYLVESTER POOLE , 61, died early Saturday morning (13 Aug 1957) at the Morrison Community Hospiyal following an extended illness. The body was removed to the Garner Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Advent Christian Church, the Rev. Wilfred Gardner, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Lyndon Cemetery. Mr. Poole was born May 18, 1895 at Keown, Pa.,. the son of Abraham and Georgina Allsworth Poole. He was educated in the Howata, Okla., schools and the Oklahoma A and M University. He was married to Bernice H. Mitchell on Jan. 2, 1918. He later married Loretta Massey Jensen on June 26, 1941. He was a retired electrical engineer, leaving this work due to ill health. For the past few years he had been a member of the Prophetstown police department, but had been unable to work at this job for the past year. He was a member of the Advent Christian Church. Survivors are his widow, one son Edward D. Poole, Bakersfield, Calif., three grandsons, one sister Mrs. Everett Lowrey, Chicago. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 13, 1957 - Saturday, pg 8

MARILYN (KNAPP) POOLE , 73, of 1200 11th Ave., Fulton, formerly of Morrison, died Sunday, March 30, 2003, at Sun City Center, Fla. Mrs. Poole was born Sept. 23, 1929, in Sterling, the daughter of James R. and Ruth M. (Johnston) Knapp. She attended Chicago schools. She married John L. Poole on Dec. 10, 1977, in Elmwood Park. He died Jan. 19, 2001. She was a member of Second Reformed Church, Fulton, Morrison Wa-Tan-Ye Club, Daughters of the American Revolution and Order of the Eastern Survivors include two stepdaughters; a sister, Martha (Norman) Redpath of Sun City Center, Fla., brother, James L. Knapp of Richiand, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial service is at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Second Reformed Church, Fulton, with the Rev. Philip Rauwerdink, interim pastor, officiating. Burial is at Fulton Township Cemetery. There is no visitation. Arrangements were completed by the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma- Renkes Funeral Home.
Daily Gazette 12 July 2003

RICHARD W. PORT , 85, of Polo Continental Manor, formerly of Chadwick, died Sunday, July 20, 2003, at the nursing home. He farmed in the Whiteside and Carroll County areas. He then was employed by Weber's Service Station, Chadwick. Mr. Port was born Jan. 1, 1918, (Should be 1919) in Morrison, the son of John and Dora (Kuehl) Port. He attended rural Whiteside County schools. He married Nellie M. Engelkens on June 16, 1938, in Fulton. She died Dec. 10, 2001. He attended Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison. Survivors include two daughters, Norma (Raymond) Nalley of Mount Morris and Joanne(Allen) Muetz of Beloit, Wis. four sons, Duane (Connie) Port, Roger (Carol) Port and Dale (Rita) Port, all of Lanark, and Russell (Justina) Port of Chadwick; a sister, Helen (George) Temple of Morrison; a brother, Wilbur (Adeline) Port of Sterling; 19 grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane Ann Port, in infancy; a sister, Annette Scott; and a brother, Kenneth Port. The funeral is at 10:30 am. Thursday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Dr. Calvin J. Rynbrandt pastor of Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison, officiating. Burial is at Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Daily Gazettte 22 July 2003

RONALD G. PORT , 72, of Lyndon, IL, died Monday, October 22, 2007 at Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison, IL. Ron was born August 1, 1935 in Morrison, IL, to Ren and Jennie (Bush) Port. He was educated in the Lyndon, IL grade and high schools. He married Janet E. Pidde on June 3, 1955 in Clinton, IA. Ron was engaged in farming in the rural Lyndon, IL area. He also was employed by the former Chicago & Northwestern Railroad as an engineer, retiring in 1992. He was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison and a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau. He collected and restored antique tractors. He was also an amateur boat builder. Survivors include his wife, Janet; one daughter, Rhonda (Mrs. Larry) Marshang of Lyndon, IL; one son, Gary (Glynis) Port of Lyndon, IL; five grandsons, Quinn & Logan Marshang; Heath Port, Lucas Port, and Clayton (Danielle) Port; and one sister, Nellie (Mrs. Marvin) Zaagman of Morrison, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one great grandson, Samuel Port, and two sisters, Una Finnestadt and Dorothy Jane Port.



CATHERINE POTTS , 74, a resident of the Harmon community for 70 years passed away at 3:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home of her sister Mrs. Bertha Wasenberger, 305 Twelfth ave, Sterling where she had been making her home since the first of the year when she became ill. Funeral services will be held at 9 o'clock Saturday morning at the Sacred Heart Catholic church in Sterling and burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery there. She was born Aug. 24, 1870 at Coleta and had lived on a farm near Harmon for 70 years. She was a member of St. Flannan's Catholic Church at Harmon. Survivors include five brothers, Henry and John both of Harmon, Adam of Polo, Fred of Sterling and Jacob of Cedar Rapids IA., and three sisters, Mrs. Wassenberg and Miss Elizabeth Potts and Mrs. John Hutton both of Harmon.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 26 May 1944

PAUL J. PRATALI was born March 14, 1921 in Sterling, Illinois. He passed away peacefully on November 30, 2004. Paul served as a Corporal in the U. S. Army during WWII. Loving husband of Anne for 60 years; devoted father of Alan and Paula; father-in-law of Aaron; grandfather of Christian, Kristen, Ryan, Paul and Michael and great-grandfather of Jessee. After retiring from Kaiser Steel, he devoted himself to his family. Paul is also survived by his brother Morrie and extended family in Chicago, Illinois. Viewing Thursday, Dec. 23, 5-8 at Green Acres. Funeral Mass at St. George Catholic Church, Friday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. Interment will be private. Family asks donations to the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.

LAGARCIA (FULLER) PRATT , Funeral services for Mrs. Thurston Pratt, 77, Oak Park, who died Friday night were held Monday at 1 p.m. in the Erie Methodist Church with the Rev. Harold George officiating. Burial was in the Erie Cemetery. Surviving are one son, Allen, Oak Park; one daughter, Mrs. Jack Zimmerlin, Orinda, Calif., and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband who died in 1954.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 12, 1963 - pg 2 col 5

LILLIAN BEATRICE (McCLURE) PRATT , daughter of Chauncey and Rubah McClure was born in Iowa on June 25, 1889 and passed beyond June 2, 1930, aged 40 years, 11 months and 7 days. On February 16, 1910, she was united in marriage to Lloyd E. Pratt who survives her, and to this union were born four children; Herbert, Arlyn, Rubah and Vivian. Herbert passed away at the age of 18 months, and Rubah on July 2, 1929 at the age of 13 years. Arlyn and Vivian with the father, are left to mourn the loss of the mother. Two sisters, Mrs. Maude Parent of Aurora and Mrs. Alice Bealer of Morrison, and one brother, Dr. Chauncey McClure of Rock Rapids, Iowa are also left to mourn her passing. One sister, Mrs. Eunice Buchwald, preceded her in death. The family has always made their home in this vicinity. Mrs. Pratt was a woman who was devoted to her home and family and her chief delight was in ministering to those of the family circle, her happiness being complete when they were around her. It was her one wish that she might be privileged to see her children reach maturity. She was a member of the Tampico Baptist church where she attended the services regularly when her health permitted, and she was faithful to her master until the end. In the passing of Mrs. Pratt the family has lost a true and loving wife and mother, and the community a worthy and respected citizen. Funeral services for Mrs. Lloyd Pratt were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Tampico Baptist church conducted by the pastor Rev. Theo. C. Meyer. Mrs. Edmore St John and Mrs. Claude Love sang two comforting hymns, "My Heavenly Father KNows" and "Face to Face". Messrs. C.E. McKenzie, John Pope, Willard Pope, Lee Davis, Gust Johnson and M.E. Howland served as pallbearers. A larger number of relatives and friends were in attendance. Burial was in the Tampico cemetery

GREGG PRELESNIK ,34, died Wednesday in St. Paul Minn. The body was returned to the Grenan Funeral Home in Sterling where visitation will be Sunday anytime afte 4 p.m. Burial will be in Sacred heart cemetery. Gregg was born on Oct. 22, 1951 in Sterling, the son of steve and Melba Scott Prelesnik. He graduated from Milledgeville HS in 1969 and served in the US Air Force for 4 years. He wsa employed in St. Paul at the time of his death. Survivors include his parents of Britt, Minn, one sister Mrs. James (Leona) Gustafson of Gillette Wyo and one nephew. He was preceded in death by one brother Michael in 1969.
Contributed by Jean Portner

ROBERT E. PRESTLEY , 76 of 8230 GardenPlain Road, Morrison died Wed April 17 2002 at Morrison Community Hospital. He was employed by Carstensen Freight Lines, Clinton Iowa as a truck driver for 36 years. Mr. Prestley was born Sept 16 1925, in Fenton, the son of Raymond L and THeresa (Stichter) Prestley. He attended Morrison High School. He servied in the Army during WW II and the Korean War. He married Donna E Doan on Jan 12 1952 in Comanche IA. He served as the union steward of the Teamsters Union, Rock Island Local. He was a member of Morrison VFW 8281 and the US Trotting Association. Survivors include his wife; a son, Donald Prestley of Morrison; four sister, Marian Wiersema, Virjean Greeley and Karen (Bob) Endress, all of Morrison and Joanne (Roy) Hill of Clinton, Iowa; a brother, Jim (Pat) Prestley of Morrison; a stepsister, Harriet Schroeder of Morrison; and a grandaughter. He was preceded in death by four brothers. Alvin Prestley, Arnold Prestley, Leroy Prestley and Vernon D Prestley. Bosma Renkes Funeral Home burial Fenton Cemetery.
Daily Gazette 19 April 2002

BERNICE (FEDDERS) PRUIS , 87, of Kentwood, MI formerly of Morrison, IL, died Friday, March 4, 2005. Bernice was born January 3, 1918, in Orange City, IA to John and Nettie(Vink) Fedders. She grew up on a farm in Orange City, IA and at 18, left home and moved to Dulce, NM, where she worked with the Apache Indians at the dormitory for the Dulce Mission School. She married Jay F. Pruis on October 3, 1941 in Albuquerque, NM. He died on January 10, 1987. Following her marriage, she moved to Morrison, IL. She had been employed by the Morrison High School in the cafeteria kitchen and had also served as janitor for Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison. She was a charter member of Emmanuel Reformed Church, a member of the choir, a member of the Ladies Circle, and had served as a Sunday School teacher. She was a present member of New Life Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, MI. Memorials have been established to Hospice of the Holland Home and to the American Cancer Society. Survivors include one daughter, Nylene (Mrs. Ed) Nol of Grand Rapids, MI; two sons, Bernie (Joan) Pruis of Jenison, MI and Mel (Maria) Pruis of Grand Rapids, MI; three grandchildren, Jayson (Rachelle) Pruis; Justin (Sarah) Pruis, and Doug Nol; three step grandchildren, Shari (Mrs. Todd) Webster, Nadine (Mrs. Michael) Bachman, Alan (Darcy) Chapin; three great grandchildren, Caitlyn, Sawyer, and Connor Pruis; seven step great grandchildren, Whitney, Tyler, Sarah, Tanner, Titus, Breener, and Caeley; three sisters, Nettie (Mrs. Henry) Mellema of Orange City, IA, Marie (Mrs. John) Maassen of Maurice, IA, Johanna (Mrs. Frank) DeHaan of Hudsonville, MI; one brother, Gerald Fedders of Battle Creek, IA; one step sister-in-law, Alice (Mrs. Arie) Mans of Orange City, IA; three sisters-in-law, Winnie Pruis, Hilda Foster, and Della (Mrs. Clarence) Johnson all of Morrison; three brothers-in-law: Art (Betty) Pruis, Menno Pruis, and Dwayne (Kathryn) Pruis all of Morrison. She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Dick VerDoorn; her husband, Jay; a brother, Dick Fedders; a sister-in-law, Pauline Pruis; and two brothers-in-law, Fred Pruis and Ray Foster.

CORA (TIESENGA) PRUIS , 83, 309 S. Grape St., Morrison, died Wednesday morning at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Emmanuel Reformed Church, Morrison,. Burial will be Grove Hill Cemetery. The Rev. George Poppen will officate at the services. Friends may visit the Renkes-Reyinolds Funeral Home Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A memorial fund has been established by the family. Cora Tiesenga was born April 2, 1893, to Fred and Helen VanZuiden Tiesenga in The Netherlands. She was reared and educated in Fulton. On Feb. 23, 1915 she was married to Bernie Pruis in Fulton. He died July 25, 1944. She had lived in the Morrison area for 59 years. She was a charter member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church and of its Mission Circle. Survivors include five sons, Jay, Fred, Menno, and Arthur, all of Morrison and Dwayne of Albany, and two daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Della) Johnson and Mrs. Raymond (Hilda) Foster, both of Morrison; one sister, Annie Norman of Fulton, 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, Helen, three sisters and one brother.
Contributed by Melva L Taylor -

DWAYNE PRUIS , 84, of 303 E. South Street, Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, IA. Dwayne was born in Whiteside County, IL to Bernie and Cora (Tiesenga) Pruis. He was educated in the Morrison Grade School and attended Morrison High School. He married Kathryn J. Foster on September 4, 1946 in Morrison. Dwayne worked for several years at the Carnation Milk Factory in Morrison, and then engaged in farming in the rural Morrison, Albany and Garden Plain areas until retiring in 1989. He was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison and had served as an elder and deacon for several years. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; two daughters, Mrs. Nancy Tucker of Fenton, IL and Joan (Mrs. Gordon) Vos of Mt. Carroll, IL; one son, Roger Pruis of Morrison, IL; nine grandchildren, Matthew (Nicole) Tucker, Monica (Adam) Wainwright, Karl (Chris) Tucker, Kurt Tucker, Charlotte Vos, Sara (Terry) Foust, Amber (Kurt) Bush, Timothy (Chris) Pruis, Angela (Shane) Adams; seven great grandchildren, Taylor and Grace Wainwright, Madison, Logan and Isabella Tucker, Austin and Blake Adams; two sisters, Mrs. Hilda Foster and Della (Mrs. Clarence) Johnson both of Morrison, IL; two brothers, Arthur (Betty) Pruis and Menno Pruis, both of Morrison, IL. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jay and Fred Pruis; a son-in-law, William Tucker

MENNO L. PRUIS , 78, of 515 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL, died Thursday, May 10, 2007 at the Four Seasons Living Center in Morrison. Menno was born January 1, 1929, in Morrison, IL, to Bernie and Cora (Tiesenga) Pruis. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County Schools. He married Pauline H. VanderVinne on October 8, 1949 in Morrison. She died on Nov. 3, 1985. Menno served in the U.S. Army. He engaged in farming in the rural Thomson and Morrison areas. He owned and operated Pruis Upholstery, and was also employed as a bus driver for R.C. Smith Transportation – Morrison, and as a bus driver for the Bi-County Special Education Services. He was a member of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison, and served as a deacon and an elder. He was passionate about attending the school activities of his grandchildren. Survivors include one daughter, Paulette (Mrs. Jim) Strating of Morrison; three sons, Mark (Connie) Pruis, Gary (Brenda) Pruis, and Rich (Kristen) Pruis, all of Morrison; nine grandchildren, Jason (Erica) Strating, Josh Strating; Greg (Tammy) Pruis, Scott (Jennie) Pruis, Cory Pruis; Casey Pruis, Margo Pruis; Ethan and Jake Pruis; six great grandchildren: Trey & Carson Strating; Brevin, Jaysie, Camden and Kaylee Pruis; two sisters, Della (Mrs. Clarence) Johnson and Mrs. Hilda Foster, both of Morrison; one brother, Art (Betty) Pruis of Morrison. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; three brothers, Jay, Fred and Dwayne Pruis.

WINNIE (TENBOER) PRUIS , 85, of Morrison, died Tuesday Jan 3, 2006 at the Four Seasons Living Center, Morrison. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Emmanuel Reformed Church, Morrison, preceded by a 10:15 a.m. family prayer service. The Rev. Jeffrey N. McIlrath, pastor of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Pallbearers will be Joe and Brad Pruis, Scotty Denning, Shaun McCrary, Matt Barta, Mitch Tegeler, Jeremiah Johnson and Rod and Eric Brandt. She was born April 12, 1920, in Fenton, Ill., to Martin and Kate Buis Tenboer. She married Fred Pruis on Aug. 14, 1940, in Morrison. He died in 1990. She attended Morrison grade schools. She and her husband were custodians at Emmanuel Reformed Church, Morrison. She was a member of Emmanuel Reformed Church, the church’s Mission Society and Sunday school teacher. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Janice (Allen) Brandt of Phoenix and Mrs. Judy (Aaron) Johnson of Morrison; two sons, the Rev. Al (Nancy) Pruis of Eagan, Minn., and Ed (Deb) Pruis of Morrison; nine grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and six stepgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one grandchild, six sisters and five brothers.

MARY (MILLER) PURKAPILE , 81, former Sterling resident, died Sunday at 2 a.m. (21 January 1968) at Dixon Public Hospital. The body was taken to Grennan and Son Funeral Home, Sterling, where friends may call. Funeral services will be Tuesday with a 9 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home and mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. The Altar and Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at 8 p.m. Monday (tonight). The deceased was born Nov. 14, 1886, in Sterling, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Miller. There are no immediate survivors. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adelbert; one son, Edward; and one brother, Dr. Thomas G. Miller.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 22, 1968 - Monday, pg 2

ORPHA MAE (RIDGE) PURKAPILE , 53, wife of Lee A. Purkapile of Rockford and formerly of Sterling, passed away at 4:10 p.m. Monday in Swedish-American hospital, Rockford. Funeral rites will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Olson funeral chapel, Rockford, by the Rev. Bernice Biggers of the Unity Center church, Rockford. The burial will take place in Cedar Bluff cemetery, Rockford. Mrs. Purkapile was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Luther A. Ridge of Sterling. Besides her husband she leaves one son,Paul, of Rockford; a daughter, Mrs. W. S. Brown of Sterling; eight grand-daughters; two sisters, Mrs. Lesile Davis of Rock Island and Mrs. Howard Thompson of Rock Falls and one brother, Glenn Ridge of Cincinnati, Ohio. Her parents and one brother, Leo Ridge, preceded her in death.
Contributed by Mike Hosler - Daily Gazette February 21, 1951

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