Whiteside Co IL Obituaries

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FLORENCE ELLEN (RENSLOW) PAITH , 86, died Monday, May 16, 1966 at the Henry County Nursing Home, Geneseo. Funeral services will be held at Schmitt Chapel, Wednesday, May 18, at 2 p.m. Rev. Danny Phillips of Tampico Church of Christ officiating, with burial in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. Florence Paith was born April 23, 1880 in Tampico, the daughter of George W. and Eva Foy Renslow. She was educated in schools at Belle Plain, Iowa. She married William Paith Dec. 22, 1905 in Oak Park. She lived in Tampico 69 years and was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, and the Tampico Church of Christ. She is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Raymond (Myrtle) Brants of Geneseo, Mrs. Eugene (Ruth) Walters of Morrison; six grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents, her husband, William in 1957, one son, Kenneth in 1951, and five brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette May 17, 1966 - Tuesday, pg 2

MRS. NOAH PAPE , Funeral services for Mrs. Noah E. Pape of Morrison, who died Thursday were held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Reynolds Funeral Home, Rev. Roland Kamm, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial was in Grove Hill Cemetery. Floral tributes were arranged by Mrs. Leo Blass and Mrs. Charles Himes. Casketbearers were Robert Pape, Warren Pape, Milford Pape, Merrill Pape, Dillwayne Pape and Charles Himes.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 20, 1954 - Monday, pg 2

PETER T. PAPOCCIA , 82, 306 12th Ave. Rock Falls, was dead on arrival at Community General Hospital on Wednesday afternoon (01 Jan 1975) . Visitation will be Friday at Grennan Funeral Home with the family present from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. The Holy Name Society will recite the rosary at 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Saturday with a prayer service at 9:30 a.m. at Grennan Funeral Home and Mass of the Resurrection at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Rock Falls. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Peter Papoccia was born June 15, 1892 in Farentino, Italy. He came to Sterling as a young boy. He worked for and retired from International Harvester. A memorial has been established for St. Andrew’s Church in Rock Falls. Survivors include three sons: Fred Papoccia of Moline, Tony Papoccia of Sterling and Mart Papoccia of Rock Falls; four daughters, Mrs. Harold (Mary) Schryver of Rock Falls, Mrs. Wayne (Edith) Datti of Ottawa; Mrs. Robert (Virginia) Bass, of Rock Falls, and Mrs. Martha Leseman of Sterling; 22 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette, Thursday, 2 Jan 1975 6;3

ADALGISA PARIS , 88, formerly of Rock Falls, died Tuesday in Rochester, Mich. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. There will be no visitation. Mrs. Paris was born April 27, 1892 in Scondrone, Italy. She married Paul Paris April 22, 1918 in Chicago. They operated Paris Groceries in Rock Falls for many years. She is survived by a daughter, Ida Wells; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette, Wednesday, 10 October 1990, A2;3

WARREN F. PAXTON , 38, of Prophetstown, passed away Wednesday evening (19 April 1967) in the Morrison Community Hospital. He became ill suddenly while at work on his farm. Funeral arrangements are pending at the Gardner Funeral Chapel, Prophetstown. Warren Paxton was born May 5, 1928 in Portland Township, the son of Charles and Sylvia Egert Paxton. He was educated in the Portland school. He married Shirley Knoll of Sterling June 9, 1965 in Fulton, and they farmed in the Portland area. He is survived by his parents, wife, one son John, one and one-half years old at home; six brothers, Clifford, Darrell and Arlo all of Mount Carroll; Larry of Rock Falls; Lester of Chillicothe, Norman of Silvis and a sister, Mrs. Philip (Burdetta) Eager of Batavia.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 20, 1967 - Thursday, pg 2

DANIEL A. PEARCE , 84, of Sterling Colonial Acres, Sterling, died Thursday morning (20 Nov 1975) at Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling on Saturday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Donald D. Pritz, pastor of the St. John's Lutheran Church of Sterling officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 7-9 p.m. He was born Oct. 14, 1891 in Piper City, Ill., the son of Ralph and Anna Sweigert Pearce. He was formerly employed by the Wahl Clipper Co. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Glenn (Lilas) Riddle of Peoria and Mrs. George Hafner of Sterling; four grandchildren; Mrs. Harley (Glenice) Maske of Peoria; Teala Rager of Peoria; Eugene Hafner of Sterling; Mrs William (Carolyn) Duncan of Sterling; 10 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one grandchild and his wife.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette November 20, 1975 - Thursday, pg 6

BERTHA FRANCIS PETERSON , 79, a former Prophetstown native, passed away suddenly Sunday evening (2 March 1969) at the home of her son Leslie Peterson, 1515 Franklin St., Salem, Ore. She has been in failing health for some time and has been living with her son for five years. Funeral arrangements are pending in Salem. Bertha Peterson was born May 25, 1890 in Prophetstown, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Francis. She was educated in the rural schools and graduated from Prophetstown High School. She married Bill Peterson of Prophetstown and he preceded her. She is survived by two sons, Leslie of Oregon; Harry of Erie, Pa.; one granddaughter, one grandson, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews of this area. She was preceded by her husband, parents, one son Kermit, three brothers and two sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 3, 1969 - Monday, pg 2

CATHARINE E. (LAMPLEY) PETERSON , 60, of 140 E. 18th St., Sterling, died Thursday at her home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, with the Rev. Donald D. Pritz, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the Heart Fund. Mrs. Peterson was born Feb. 27, 1922 in Henderson, Kentucky, the daughter of Howard and Virginia (Gish) Lampley. She had been employed as a cook for the Green Lantern in Sterling. She was united in marriage to Omer Peterson on Oct. 14, 1961 in Sterling. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. Survivors include her husband, Omer; one daughter, Mrs. John (Terri) Eads, Jr., Rock Falls, and two sisters, Mrs. Orville (Jacqueline) Harms, Rock Falls and Mrs. Hulan (Audrey) Waggoner, Nachodogches, Texas. She was preceded in death by one son, two brothers and two sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 6, 1982 - Friday, page A2

CHARLES D. PETERSON , 72, 311 5th Ave., Rock Falls, passed away at Commmunity General Hospital early Saturday morning. Funeral services will be held Monday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Fred Anderson, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in Sterling. Mr. Peterson was born July 2, 1898, the son of Charles and Emma Peterson in Sweet Valley, Penn. He married Lola R. Clifton and worked for International Harvestor as a machinist until his retirement. He is a veteran of WWI Army Corps. Survivors include his wife Lola,one daughter, Mrs. Gary Challis Aper, Sterling; two sons Charles Jr., serving with the US Navy at Kingsville, Tex., and Stephen, Dixon and six grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette

CHARLES S. PETERSON , 78, of 865 Village Quarter Road, West Dundee, formerly of Tampico, died Wednesday, June 21, 1995, at Sherman Hospital, Elgin. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday with a prayer service at Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, followed by a 10:30 a.m. mass of Christian burial at St. Mary's Church, Tampico, with Rev. Vincent J. Shindelar, pastor, officiating. Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Mr. Peterson was born April 6, 1917, in New Bedford, the son of Jack and Hattie (Leahy) Peterson. He married Nellie I. Chriest on July 2, 1938, in Clinton, Iowa. She died on May 9, 1987. He worked for International Harvester, Rock Falls, for a number of years and was later a truck driver for Algonquin Ready Mix, retiring about 35 years ago. Survivors include one daughter, Betty (Dennis) Hansen of Peoria; one son, Michael D. Peterson of Park Falls, Wis.; five grandchildren; one great grandson; one sister, Leona Smith of Kewanee; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - bodyThe Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 23, 1995 - Friday, pg A2

EDWARD OLIVER PETERSON - Funeral services for Edward Oliver Peterson were held Saturday afternoon at two o’clock at the Parent chapel when many relatives and friends came to pay their respects. Rev. Hollis Wharton, pastor of the Methodist church, officiated. Mrs. Ransom Egert and Mrs. Archie Yarde, sr., sang “Beautiful Isle of somewhere” and “In The garden”, accompanied by Mrs. Neva Denison. The many beautiful floral offerings were in charge of Mrs. Earl Bolind, Mrs. Lawrence Ganschow and Mrs. Ormond Gerbitz. Burial was in the Tampico Memorial cemetery with Armond Gerbitz, Arthur Gallentine, Lawrence Gansschow, Lloyd Christiansen, George wolf and Elmer Wright acting as pallbearers. Many relatives attended from Sandwich, Paxton, Manlius, New Bedford, Walnut, Prophetstown and Tampico.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Oct 19, 1948 Sterling Gazette

FERN (FLETCHER) PETERSON , 59, died unexpectedly at her home Saturday afternoon (14 March 1970) . Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Schmitt Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Elder Mueller of the Messiah Lutheran Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Fern Fletcher was born April 10, 1910, in Toledo, Iowa, the daughter of Albert H. and Emma Katherine Fletcher. She was adopted at age seven by Martin and Rose Carlsen, with whom she made her home until her marriage. She attended schools in Pleasant Hill and Tampico. She married Virgil L. Peterson, June 21, 1930 in Sycamore. She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Elden (Marilyn) Fritsch, Rock Falls; one son, Lavern Stanley Peterson, rural Sterling; three grandsons, Randy and Gregg Fritsch and Loren Peterson; one granddaughter, Denice Peterson; two brothers, Glenn and Hal Fletcher, both of Princeton; three sisters, Mrs. Zell Fiorino, Chicago; Miss Zoe Fletcher, Wyanet; Mrs. Austin (Pearl) Olds, Sheffield. She was preceded by her parents, her adoptive parents, and one brother, Faye Fletcher. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel after 2 p.m. Monday, and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday evening. Memorials may be directed to the Christmas decorations fund for the village of Tampico.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 16, 1970 - Monday, pg 2

FRED PETERSON , 73, 205 E. Wall St., retired farmer, died suddenly Saturday afternoon (21 Oct 1961) in his home. He had been in failing health for a little more than one year. The body was taken to the Reynolds Funeral home where friends may call. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home Tuesday at 2 p.m., the Rev. Carl I. Fant, pastor of the Bethesday Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery. Mr. Peterson was born Oct. 6, 1888, in Solvesborg, Sweden, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Peterson. He came to the United States in 1906. He was married to Minnie Olson in Morrison on Feb. 24, 1915. They farmed in Clyde Township following their marriage until 1948, when he retired and they moved into Morrison to reside. He was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church. Survivors include his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Frank (Fern) Olson, and one son, Harold Peterson, both of Morrison; four grandchildren, Arlene Olson, La Von, Glen and Ray Peterson; one brother, Anton, in Sweden and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ben and Paul, and one sister, Mrs. Charles (Hilda) Anderson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 23, 1961 - Monday, pg 2

HANS PETERSON , 80, of 1113 5th Ave., Rock Falls, died Monday afternoon (8 June 1987) in Community General Hospital in Sterling following a short illness. Funeral services will be Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. Carl Zager, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Sterling with military rites conducted by the Rock Falls American Legion Post 902. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Peterson was born on July 9, 1906 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, the son of Carsten and Margarite Heitman Peterson. He came to America in 1930 and settled in Sterling. He worked for Northwestern Steel & Wire Co. until World War II. Mr. Peterson then served for four years in the U.S. Army serving as a German-American Interpreter for POW's at Camp Breckenridge, Ky. On Dec. 15, 1945, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Seidel in Morrison. The deceased was employed as a punch press operator at Lawrence Brothers in Sterling for 26 years, prior to his retirement in 1971. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie; one step-son, George "Jim" Overton of Como; one step-daughter, Mrs. Donald (Dorris) Lehman of Sterling; six grandchildren and 15 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 9, 1987 - Tuesday, pg A2

HARRY W. PETERSON , 70, of Sterling died Oct. 18, 2005 at CGH MED. Ctr. He was employed by Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic as a maintenance assistant for several years. He was born June 29, 1935 in Sterling, the son of Gerald & Mabel (Christofferson) Peterson. He was a 1953 graduate of Rock Falls high. He served in the Army for 2 years and then in the reserves for 2 years. He married the former Patricia A. capp on Aug. 20, 1960 in Sterling. He was a member of Sterling America Legion Post 296 and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2783 Rock Falls. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Mike of Davis Junction and Tom of Geneva; two daughters Katy Marshall of Cornelius NC and Terry McFadden of Sterling; four brothers, Gerald, Jack, Doug and Dennis; two sisters Karen Miner and Sandra Dennis; a brother-in-law Larry Olmstead; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

HILMA S. (LUNDQUIST) PETERSON , 89, Tampico, died Saturday morning at Colonial Acres Rest Home, after a long illness. Funeral services will be Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Schmitt Chapel, Tampico, and burial will be in Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Mrs. Peterson was born Aug. 18, 1881, in Sweden, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lundquist. On Feb. 24, 1904, she married Oscar E. Peterson and they farmed in the community all their married life. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Clayton (Mildred) Smith, Tampico, and three sons, Leonard, Sterling; Virgil, Tampico, and Vernon, Prophetstown; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; two brothers, George Lundquist, Rock Falls; and Oscar Lundquist, Aurora, Neb. She was preceded in death by her husband, Feb. 13, 1934.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 3, 1971 - Saturday, pg 2

JENNIE (POULTER) PETERSON - Graveside services for Mrs. Jennie P. Peterson, 88, who died Sunday at Paxton Memorial Hospital in Paxton, Ill., will be held Tuesday at Tampico Memorial Cemetery at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Roger James of Westminister Bible Church of Paxton, officiating. Mrs. Peterson was born Dec. 31, 1885 in Prophetstown, the daughter of John and Fannie Johnson Poulter. She married Edward O. Peterson at Geneva on Feb. 5, 1907, who preceded her in death in 1948. She moved to Normandy and then to Paxton in 1958. Survivors include one son, Albert L. (Ab) Peterson, Paxton; three grandchildren; six great grandchildren and one brother, Ralph Poulter, Prophetstown. Memorial may be directed to the donor's choice. The Ford-Bair Funeral Home of Paxton was in charge of arrangements and local arrangements were by the Smith Funeral Chapel.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 22, 1974 - Monday, pg 2

JENNIE MATILDA (ANDERSON) PETERSON - of Tampico died at 2:30 a.m. Monday (20 Sep 1954) in her home at the age of 77 years. She had been ill just three days. The body was taken to the Parent Funeral Home in Tampico. Services will be held Wednesday afternoon in the Tampico Methodist Church with the Rev. Hollis Wharton of Walnut and the Rev. Stockton Swaney of Tampico officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Peterson was born July 30, 1877 in Sweden, the daughter of Swan and Christine Anderson. She has lived in and around Tampico for the past 32 years. She is survived by her husband, Leslie Peterson; a daughter, Mrs. Herbert (Roberta) Ackerson; a granddaughter, Mrs. Earl (Patricia) Coers; a great grandson, Jimmy Cores; a brother, August Anderson, and nieces and nephews, all of Tampico. September 25, 1954:
FUNERAL SERVICE: Servces were held for Mrs. Leslie Peterson Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in the Tampico Methodist Church. The Rev. Hollis Wharton of Walnut Methodist Church and the Rev. Stockton Swaney, pastor of the local church, officiated. Archie Yarde Jr., accompanied by Mrs. Ivan Bishop at the organ, sang "In The Garden," "Goodnight and Good Morning" and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." Mrs. John Berge, Mrs. Lyle Frank and Mrs. Fred Ekstrand were in charge of the many flowers. Casket bearers were John Berge, Lyle Frank, Oscar Koenig, Henry Nielson, Virgil Peterson, Everett Hussong. Burial was in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Jennie Matilda Anderson, daughter of Swan and Christine Anderson, was born July 30, 1877 in Veristad, Sweden, and came to this country at the age of three years. She received her education in New Bedford schools and was a member of the Fairfield Lutheran Church at New Bedford. Forty-nine years ago last New Year's Eve, she and Leslie Peterson were married at new Bedford and farmed, all through their married life until two years ago when they bought a home and moved to Tampico. She is survived by her husband Leslie; a daughter, Mrs. Herbert (Roberta) Ackerson; a granddaughter Mrs. Earl (Patricia) Ackerson; one great grandson, Jimmy Coers, all of Tampico and one brother, August Anderson, of Modesto, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Mrs. John Peterson and one brother, Enoch Anderson. (Note: Mrs. Earl (Patricia) Ackerson is Mrs. Earl (Patricia) Coers in Sept 20th notice).
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 20, 1954 - Monday, pg 2

JOHN PETERSON - Funeral services for the late John Peterson were held at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the Parent funeral chapel in Tampico. Rev. Milton Lundahl of Prophetstown officiated, basing his message of comfort on the text found in Matthew 7:21. Mrs. Everett Wilkinson of Prophetstown was the soloist and sang "In the Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross." She was accompanied by Mrs. Gene Gardner of Prophetstown. There were beautifiul floral offerings. Interment was in the Greenville-Fairfield cemetery. The pallbearers were Eli Furry, Roy Cassens, Gid Love, Levi Lutyens, Phil Burgess and Victor Newman. John Peterson was born in Sweden, April 1, 1865, and migrated to America with his parents and two sisters in 1870. They settled in Chicago for a number of years, later moving to a farm near Thomas where he married and moved to his present home where he has lived for the past 35 years. He was confirmed in 1880 at the Swedish Lutheran church in Fairfield township and always remained a member of that church. He passed away June 12, 1942, at the age of 77 years, two months and 11 days, after an illness of several months. He leaves to mourn his passing his widow, Carrie Taft Peterson, a step-son, Lester Taft Peterson, of Detroit, Mich., and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johanas and Stava Peterson; two sisters, Mrs. Christine Munson and Mrs. Mary Giibson; and his former wives, Lizzie Sooderburg and Ida Anderson.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois June 16, 1942 - Tuesday, pg. 6 col. 2

JULIUS PERRY PETERSON , 85, passed away at Harbor Chest Nursing Home, Fulton, Tuesday morning (24 February 1970) , following a long illness. Funeral services will be helld Friday at 1:30 p.m., at the Schmitt Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Memorial Cemetery, Tampico. He farmed in Minnesota for 25 years before coming to Illinois in 1960. He is survived by two brothers, Linder and Vernon; two nieces, Mrs. Gary Nicholson and Mrs. Lilah Clark; three cousins. He was preceded by his parents, three brothers, Axel, Olof and Harry; two sisters, Elfreda and Esther; and one niece. Friends may call at the funeral chapel after 2 p.m. Thursday.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette February 25, 1970 - Wednesday, pg 2

KATHLEEN (BUCHWALD) PETERSEN , 85, of Geneso, formerly of Prophetstown died Thursday, July 31, 2003, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. She was employed by Micro-Gear, Prophetstown for several years and by Quality Control, retiring in 1980. Mrs Peterson was born Nov. 29, 1917, in Prophetstown the daughter of William and Celia (Olson) Buchwald. She was a graduate of Prophetstown High School and attended nursing training in Clinton, Iowa. She married Vernon Peterson on Aug. 6, 1938, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa. He died Dec. 7, 1996. She attended First Evangelical Free Church, Geneseo. She enjoyed reading and playing cards. Survivors include two daughters Patsy (Douglas) Gigstad of Des Moines, Iowa, and Carol (Steve) Lowther of Silvis three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral is at 1:30 p.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home, Prophetstown with the Rev. Jim Jenson, pastor of Advent Christian Church, ProphetStown officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery,
Daily Gazette 02 August 2003

LAVELLE (MILNES) PETERSON , 78, of Morrison died Nov. 30, 2004 at Mercy Med. Center, Clinton Iowa. She taught at Robertson School, rural Whiteside County and then farmed with her husband in the Morrison area. She was born April 9, 1926 in Morrison the daughter of Sidney V. & Edna (Swanson) Milnes. She was a 1944 graduate of Morrison High School. SHe married Harold C. Peterson on Dec. 17, 1946 in Morrison. She was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, Morrison, the Ladies Guild, taught Sunday School and was a Sunday School Superintendent; a member of Rebekah Lodge 202, Rock Falls and a 4-H leader for several years. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, LaVon Downing; two sons, Glenn and Ray; two brothers, Vernon and Virgil; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded by a sister, Beulah Recker. Burial in Grove Hill Cemetery.

LEONARD L. PETERSON , 75, of 1514 Gregdon Shores, Sterling, died (27 October 1985) suddenly Sunday morning in his winter home at 5 Galena Court, Jamaica Bay West, Ft. Myers, Fla. Funeral services for Mr. Peterson will be held on Wednesday morning with a prayer service at 10 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling, followed by Mass of the Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling with Rev. Francis McDonnell officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Riverview Cemetery in Streator, with Rev. Joe Kuczborski, associate pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Streator presiding. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral home in Sterling on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Peterson was born on March 21, 1910 in Tampico, the son of Oscar and Hilma Sofia Peterson. He attended Tampico Schools, Cornell College and then went to Western Illinois University at Macomb. He received his Masters Degree at the University of Wisconsin. He taught school and was superintendent of the grade school and high school at Grand Ridge. Mr. Peterson went to the west coast and was employed with the Immigration and Naturalization Department of the U.S. Government for ten years. After returning to Sterling, he became affiliated with the W. B. Wetzdell Insurance Agency from 1949 until 1957. Mr. Peterson then started the Peterson Insurance Agency, better known today as the Peterson, Detweiler, Book & Klocke, Ltd., Insurance Agency. He was founder and chairman of the board, retiring on Jan. 1, 1966. The deceased was past president of the Life Underwriters Association, past president of the Sterling-Rock Falls Independent Insurance Association, past president of the Rock Falls Rotary Club and a current member. He was a former member of the Sterling Elks Lodge and the Sterling Moose Lodge 927. Leonard Peterson was united in marriage to Irene M. Noon on May 25, 1935 in Pekin. The couple celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past summer at the Rock River Country Club. Surviving are his wife, Irene, one son, Donald C. Peterson of Sterling; three grandchildren, Donald Jr., Jennifer and Amie Peterson, all of Sterling; one sister, Mrs. Mildred Smith of Tampico; two brothers, Virgil Peterson of Tampico and Vernon Peterson of Prophetstown and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Bruce Lee Peterson
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 28, 1985 - Monday, pg A4

MICHAEL C. PETERSEN - Funeral services for Michael C. Peterson, 1804 Avenue K, Sterling, who was fatally injured in a plane crash Sunday evening were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Grace Episcopal church in Sterling. The body was moved to the church at 7 p.m. Monday from the Melvin Funeral Home to lie in state until the time of the service Tuesday. The Rev. W. D. Willoughby, pastor of the Grace Episcopal church and the Rev. John Reishus, Vicor of St. Ann's Episcopal church at Morrison officiated. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette

MINNIE (OLSON) PETERSEN - 91, 205 E. Wall St., Morrison, died Tuesday evening at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home, Morrison. The Rev. Quentin Fleming, pastor of the Bethesda Church will officiate. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established by the family. Minnie Olson was born on March 31, 1891, in Clyde Township, the daughter of Peter and Carrie (Johnson) Olson. She was reared and educated in the Morrison area. She married Fred Peterson on Feb. 24, 1915, in Morrison. Following marriage they farmed in the Morrison area until moving to town in 1948, where she had lived ever since. He preceded her in death in 1961. She was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church and the Bethesda Guild. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Frank (Fern) Olson, Morrison; one son, Harold Peterson, also of Morrison; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 4, 1982 - Wednesday, page A4

NELLIE PETERSEN - Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home for Mrs. Nellie Peterson, who died Sunday. Rev. E. D. Kretzinger of the First Open Bible of Sterling officted at the services with burial in Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne E. Larson was at the organ with Mrs. Raymond Hoagland singing The Old Rugged Cross and God Understands. Pallbearers were Raymond Hoagland, Walter Smith, Claris Smith, Crawford Hoagland, Ernest Smith and Clifford Swick.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 19, 1966 - Wednesday

NELLIE PETERSEN , 67, of 995 Village Quarter Road in West Dundee, formerly of Tampico, died Saturday afternoon (09 May 1987) at Pineview Care Center in St. Charles. Funeral prayer services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico, followed by 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampico, with Rev. James Tranel officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Tampico. Visitation will be today from 6-8 p.m. with rosary recited at 7 p.m. Mrs. Peterson was born on Nov. 17, 1919 in Tampico, the daughter of Charles and Maude Kilroy Chriest. On July 1, 1938 she was united in marriage to Charles Peterson in Clinton, Ia. The deceased was a member of St. Marguerite Mary Catholic Church in Algonquin. Survivors include her husband, Charles; one daughter, Mrs. Dennis (Betty) Hansen of Peoria; one son, Michael of Park Falls, Wis.; five grandchildren; one brother, Charles Chriest of Tampico; and two sisters, Mrs. Russell (Darlene) Kent of Rock Falls and Mrs. Charles (Ida) Adams of Tampico. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 11, 1987 - Monday, pg A2

OSCAR EMIL PETERSON , 54, was found dead abut 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon (13 Feb 1934) by his son, Vernon, in the barn at his farm east of Tampico. At the inquest held this morning in the Parent undertaking parlors the verdict of the jury was that he died from acute myocarditis. No funeral arrangements have been made. The deceased was born September 4, 1879 in Princeton and was education in the Zion School. He was married in 1904 to Hilma Lindquist at Hahanaman. Mr. Peterson had lived in this community many years and was a prominent farmer. He was a member of the Methodist Church and of the Woodman Lodge. Besides his wife he leaves three sons and one daughter, Leonard, a teacher in the Grand Ridge High School, Virgil of Tampico and Vernon and Mildred at home. He also leaves two grandchildren, Marilyn Ann and Lavern Stanley Peterson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois February 14, 1934 - Wednesday, pg 5 (Buried: Tampico Memorial Cemetery)

PERCY PETERSON , 79, 435 Garden Circle, Rock Falls, died early Saturday morning in the Rock Falls Colonial Acres Rest Home. The body is being taken to the Lesicko Funeral Home at New Douglas, Ill. Rosary will be 7 p.m. Sunday in the Lesicko Funeral Home at New Douglas. Funeral services will be held Monday morning with a prayer at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at St. Ubaldus Catholic Church at New Douglas. Burial will be in the St. Ubaldus Cemetery. There will be no visitation in Rock Falls. Percy Peterson was born Jan. 12, 1895 in Bond County, Ill., the son of William Bruce and Thannie Foulk Peterson. He farmed until his retirement a few years ago. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Britt in 1922 and she preceded him in 1953. He was then united in marriage to Lela Lake on Nov. 2, 1957 and they moved to Rock Falls in 1968. He was a member of the St. Andrew's Catholic Church. He is survived by his widow, Lela; one son, Vincent Peterson of New Douglas, Ill.; one daughter, Mrs. Cornell (Kathryn) Wieter of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Belle Peterson and Evalyn Peterson, both of St. Louis, Mo.; five grandchildren; and one great grandson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 9, 1974 - Saturday, page 8

MARY J. (REYNOLDS) PETERSON , 2, of Morrison, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2000 at her home. There will be no visitation or services. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosman-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials have been established. She was born on April 10, 1927 at Morrison, the daughter of Pearl Mea (Middleton) and Raymond Reynolds. She married Marion T. "Pete" Peterson on Dec. 18, 1970, at Morrison. He preceded her in death on May 16, 1994. She was also preceded by her parents, two sisters, Alice Woods and Lavisha Reynolds. She was educated at the Morrison grade and high schools. She was employed by General Electric in Morrison for 23 years and was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Chnurch in Morrison. She enjoyed traveling and the company of her many friends. Survivors include one son, Harry (Dawn) Peterson of Fulton and one sister, Betty (Mrs. Lewis) Galor, of Morrison and two grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 8, 2000 - pg A5

THELMA JEAN (BENNING) PETERSEN , 76 of Union Grove, Wis., passed away Saturday, March 3, 2001 at Winchester House in Libertyville. She was born Sept. 29, 1924 in Piqua, Ohio, the daughter of Emerson and Ada (nee Ward) Benning. She had lived in Lake County, Kenosha County, Denver, Colo. area and the last 15 years in Union Grove. She had employed at Klienshmidt Laboratories, Northbrook, Lutheran Memorial Hospital in Denver, Colo. and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's North Chicago hose plant, where she retired after 25 years of service. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Union Grove. She enjoyed cooking, canning, her family, old movies (she was a great John Wayne fan) and her rose gardens. She spent much of her retirement years crocheting afghans. Survivors include a daughter, Rose (Robert) Foskett of Johnsburg; three sons, Philip (Ann) Campanella of Genoa City, Gilbert (Ginger) Petersen, Jr. of Union Grove and Randy Petersen of Nekoosa; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Norma Denney of Tipp City, Ohio and Dorothy Arnett of Greenville, Ohio; a brother, Richard Benning of Troy, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Thelma Jean Campanella; a son, Raymond Campanella; a brother, Raymond; and a great-grandson, Justin Foskett. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, March 8, 2001 at Poinasek-Daniels Funeral Home, Union Grove, the Rev. James Keuch officiating. Burial will follow in Union Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 5-7 p.m., Wednesday in the funeral home
Source: Find A Grave submitted by James Seidelman

VIRGIL L. PETERSON - 87, of 204 E. Third St., Tampico, died Dec. 15, 1993, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, with the Rev. Norma J. VanderMeer, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Yorktown, officiating. Burial will be at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Tampico Ambulance and Tampico Fire Department. Mr. Peterson was born Oct. 30, 1906 in Tampico, the son of Oscar and Hilma Lundquist Peterson. He married Fern K. Carlson in June of 1930. She died March 10, 1970. He then married Caroline Lou Frank Aug. 3, 1974, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Yorktown. He farmed in the Tampico area until 1955 when he retired and was a carpenter until retirement in 1974. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Yorktown, was a 35-year member of Tampico Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Sterling Moose Club. Survivors include his wife of Tampico; one son, Laverne (Stan) Peterson of Sterling; one stepson, Glenn Frank of Morrison; two step-daughters, Mrs. Richard (Bendetta) Fuller of Erie and Betty Frank of Wheeling; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Vernon Peterson of Prophetstown; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one daughter, one sister and one brother.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 17, 1993 - Friday, pg A2

HERVIE PETRIE , 84, of San Juan, Texas, a former Rock Falls resident and uncle of Mrs. Olaf Johnson of 1011 8th Ave., Rock Falls, passed away Tuesday, April 20, 1957 His death occurred in the San Juan Hospital after a brief illness. When he left Rock Falls a number of years ago, Mr. Petrie moved to Aurora. In 1949 he went to Texas and had since made his home in San Juan. He was a retired railroad engineer and member of the San Juan Methodist Church. Surviving Mr. Petrie are his wife, Gertrude; three grandchildren, Mrs. Marty Garrick, North Madison, Ohio; Caroline Petrie of Boston, Mass., and Mrs. Julies Goldberg, of Hialeah, Fla. He also leaves seven great grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Mae Ross and Mrs. Alta Elmitt, both of Bellingham, Wash. A son Charles and a brother Charles preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 2 at 4 p.m. in the Skinner Funeral home Chapel in Pharr, Texas, conducted by Rev. Ted Spillman, pastor of the San Juan Methodist Church. Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois May 7, 1957 - Tuesday, pg 2

ESTELLA (LATTA) PFEFFER - Funeral services are complete for Estella May Pfeffer, 72, of Rock Falls, who died Saturday afternoon (30 May 1977) at her home after a short illness. Whiteside County Coroner, James Grennan will conduct an inquiry into her death. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls, with the Dr. H. C. Hatton, pastor of the First Church of Nazarene of Sterling, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Friends may call at the funeral home Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Estella Pfeffer was born on May 22, 1905 in New Bedford, the daughter of William B. and Amy D. Miller Latta. She was united in marriage to Simon Pfeffer Feb. 28, 1925 in Princeton, who preceded her in death on March 19, 1975. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs Harry W. (Lois) Ferguson, Sterling; Mrs. Bud (Shirley) Jordan, Sterling; Mrs. David (Patricia) Jones, Rock Falls; five sisters, Mrs. William (Violet) Bennett, Mrs. Joseph (Gladys) Hermes, Mrs. Guy (Blance) Pillars, Mrs. Everett (Hazel) Epps and Mrs. Margaret Morgan all of Rock Falls; three brothers, Harry Latta and Kenneth Latta, both of Rock Falls; Donald Latta of Amboy; 11 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 1, 1977 - Monday , pg 4

PERCILLA (JOHNSON) HAND PFEIL , 1206 So. Fruit Ave., Freeport, died Monday evening (3 Sep 1973) in Freeport Memorial Hosptial after an extended illness. Mrs. Pfeil was a former resident of this area. The body was moved to the Walker Mortuary at Freeport where friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Walker Mortuary. The Rev. John W. Bruce, pastor Emeritus, Red Oak Methodist Church will officiate and burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Mrs. Pfeil was born Aug. 26, 1897 at Astoria, Ill., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Johnson. She was married to Monroe Hand in 1916. Mr. Hand preceded in 1944, and was united in marriage to Raymond Pfeil in 1948. Mr. Pfeil preceded Dec. 10, 1967. Mrs. Pfeil had resided in Freeport since 1948. Surviving are two step-sons, Orlan Pfeil and Murray Pfeil, one step-daughter, Mrs. Gerald Bucannan all of Rockford. Arrangements were completed by the Melvin Funeral Home, Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 4, 1973 - Tuesday, pg 2

FLORENCE (WERTZ) PICKENS , 82 Erie, died at Eveningside Nursing Home, Morrison, Sunday evening (20 Dec 1970). Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Schilling Funeral Home, Erie, with burial in the Erie Cemetery. Friends may call after 7 p.m. Monday (tonight) and until time of services. Florence Wertz was born July 20, 1888 in Streator, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wertz. She married Hollis Pickens Nov. 2, 1907, in Long Point, Ill. He preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons, Lyle, Moline; Clair, Morrison; two daughters, Mrs. Alex (Wilma) Miller, Downers Grove; Mrs. Dean (Rita) Gilman, Tampico; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; one brother, William Wertz, LaVerne, Calif. A memorial has been established for the Erie Public Library.
contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 21, 1970 - Monday, pg 2

GEORGE W. PILLSBURY , 52, Galena, formerly of Lanark, died Sunday, July 17, in Mercy Health Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa, following a short illness. Funeral services were held in the Grace Episcopal Church, Galena, with the Rev. Robert Hodgson, officiating. The body was cremated. Arrangements were completed by the Steinke Funeral Home, Galena. George Pillsbury was born on Jan. 10, 1932 in Monmouth, the son of Harold and Lela (Wilson) Pillsbury. On Aug 21, 1955, he married Irma Guy in Galesburg. A former Lanark teacher for eight years, Pillsbury came to Lanark in 1971 and was the high school librarian. He also taught English and Drama. They moved to Galena in 1980 where he was presently employed as a librarian for the Galena School System. Survivors include his wife, Irma, Galena; two daughters, Mrs. Gary (Julia) Costello, St. Joseph, Mich.; and Rhoda Pillsbury, Galena; two sisters, Mrs. James (Shirley) Sundstedt, Fort Collins, Colorado and Mary Jane Uddin, Monmouth. Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 23, 1983 - Tuesday, pg A6

CONRAD PLETH - Suffering a stroke of apoplexy at the close of a day's work in the field picking corn, Conrad Pleth was found in an unconscious condition about 7 o'clock Friday evening in the barnyard at his home, five miles northwest of Tampico. When a son and a daughter found the prostrate form of their father, they believed him dead. With the aid of a neighbor, Vernon Lawrence, they carried him into the house and a physician was called. After a time Mr. Pleth seemed to revive a little, but did not recover consciousness, passing away shortly after midnight. Mr. Pleth had been in his usual good health and had picked and hauled several loads of corn from the field on Friday. Evidently he had finished his corn picking for the day and had started to do his chores around the barnyard when he was stricken. When Mr. Pleth was found lying prone on the ground his clothing was wet with water, spilled from a bucket which he had been carrying to some hogs. How long Mr. Pleth had been lying on the ground is not known, although it is believed that it was sometime between 5 o'clock and when he was found at 7 o'clock. Mr. Pleth's wife passed away six years ago and he and his two children, Wilbur and Dorothy, make their home on the farm. After the children had been home for some time from Tampico, where they both attend high school, they became worried over the failure of their father to make his appearance at the house. They called a neighbor, Vernon Lawrence, and a search was made of the premises, the prostrate form being found near the hog lot. Mr. Pleth was about 45 years of age and had been a resident of the Tampico vicinity for the last 20 years. He was a member of a large family of children, who are widely scattered about the country. Pending word from the brothers and sisters, no arrangements for the funeral have been made.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois October 30, 1926 - Saturday, pg 12

ARNOLD CLAIR PRINS , 75, of Canutillo, Texas, passed away on January 1, 2011, in El Paso. He was born December 31, 1935, in Morrison, Illinois. The 3rd child of John and Helen Van Zuiden Prins, Arnold graduated from Lyndon Illinois High School in 1953. He resided most of his adult life in Hooppole, Ill., where he owned and operated Pleasant View Retirement Home for 10 years. Arnie worked for Deere & Co., Moline, Ill., for 30 years, retiring in 1996. He married Susan Fehn Ploplis in 1973. Together they raised Cheryl Baltimore and Kevin Prins of Davenport, Iowa, Alan (Sandra) Prins of Atalissa, Iowa, and Bill (Pamela) Ploplis of Conyers, Ga. Arnie was a volunteer fireman and served as Mayor of Hooppole for 16 years. He loved spending the summer on the Rock River at Barstow, Ill., and spent many winters in West Texas, moving to the El Paso area in 2002. Arnold was a member of Hope Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife and children and grandchildren, Kayleen, Aaron, Billy, Brandon (Anna), Eric, and Keaton, great-grandchildren, Kylie and Elizabeth, sister, Dorcas Cole of Erie, Ill., and brothers, Elmer (Luella) and Irvin (Barbara) Prins of Morrison. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Kenneth, in 2007. Visitation will be Thursday, January 6, 2011, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home Doniphan Chapel, El Paso. Funeral service will be Friday, January 7, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Doniphan Chapel with Pastor Joe Trudeau officiating. Pallbearers will be Fernando Gullorra, Bill Fielden, John Witty, Pol Buenaventura and Chris Mares. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Anderson Jr., Bud Siedow, Carl DeKoatz, George Spence, Ron Anderson and Don Benham. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery, Santa Teresa, New Mexico. A memorial fund has been established. Services under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5054 Doniphan Dr., El Paso, (915) 587-0202.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Quad-City Times Date: 5 Jan 2011

HELEN (VAN ZUIDEN) PRINS , 91, of Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 1996, at the nursing home. Family prayer services will be at 9:45 a.m. Saturday at Morrison Christian Reformed Church, Morrison, with the Rev. Herman Gruis, Pastor of the Immanuel Reformed Church, Morrison, officiating, and a 10 a.m. funeral serice. Burial will be at Lyndon Township Cemetery, Lyndon. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison. A memorial has been established for the Morrison Christian Reformed Church. Mrs. Prins was born Aug. 3, 1904, in Morrison, the daughter of Albert and Clara (Johnson) Van Zuiden. She married John A. Prins on Feb. 27, 1927 in Fulton. He died Jan. 18, 1969. She was educated in rural Whiteside County schools. She and her husband farmed in the rural Morrison area. She was a member of the Morrison Christian Reformed Church, the Ladies Aid Society of the church, the Morrison Home Bible Study Group, and the Franklin Corners Sewing Circle. Survivors include one daughter, Dorcas (Lyle) Cole of Erie; four sons, Elmer (Luella) Prins and Irvin (Barbara) Prins both of Morrison, Arnold (Susan) Prins of Hooppole, and Kenneth (Barbara) Prins of Kentwood, Mich.; 16 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 13 step-great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Alice (Jake) Van Zuiden and Grace Van Zuiden both of Morrison; and one brother, Alvin Van Zuiden of Galt. She was preceded in death by one grandchild; two sisters, Kathryn Temple and Annabelle; and two brothers, William Van Zuiden and Henry Van Zuiden.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 18, 1996 - Thursday, pg A2

JOHN PRINS - Funeral services for John Prins of Morrison were held Wednesday afternoon in the Christian Reformed Church at two o'clock. The Rev. Albert Walma, pastor, officiated and burial was in Lyndon cemetery. Pallbearers, all nephews, included Donald Dyke, Donald Brands, Merle Prins, Donald Van Zuiden, Vernon J. Van Dyke and Merwyn Van Zuiden. Tomlinson Funeral Home had charge of the flowers. Mrs. Marvin Zaagman and Mrs. Dale Dykema were the vocalists and Mrs. Duane Tichler was the organist. Arrangements were in charge of Tomlinson Funeral Home
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette January 23, 1969 - Thursday, pg 2

ALLEN H. PUELS 91, of Rock Falls, died Wednesday Feb. 6, 2002 at CGH Medical Center. He was a carpenter and self-employed contractor for many years and served as the building inspector for the city of Rock Falls. Mrs. Puels was born Jan. 27, 1911, in Rock Falls, the son of Charles R. and Meta M. (Freese) Puels. He married Gertrude E. Hannis on June 2, 1936, in Morrison. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a past alderman for the city of Rock Falls and served on the building committee for the current municipal complex and on the Whiteside County Board. He was a member of Rock Falls United Methodist Church, Good Fellows, Rock Falls Rotary Club for more than 50 years, Rock Falls Masonic Lodge 936 AF & AM for more than 50 years and served on the trust board for the Seglinger Trust.Survivors include his wife; a son, Neil I. Puels of Rock Falls; a sister Lois Holm of Talent, Ore., and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five sisters and a brother in infancy.The funeral is at 10 a.m. Saturday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Larry Thomson, pastor of Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 7, 2002

EMMA (KNIGHT) WYTHE PUFFER - When the Retail Development Group purchased two buildings in the 1100 block of 4th Street, research began on the buildings and owners. At that time wonderful stories emerged about the Wythe family, the Stuarts, and the Knights. A letter was found from Joseph Smith III to Emma Knight, but the connection to the Wythes was not perfectly clear. Last week’s discovery of an obituary for Emma Puffer explained the relationship. Emma Knight with her parents and siblings were on the steamer Uncle Toby when Emma Hale Smith and her family came to Fulton in 1846-47.
Fulton Journal: January 8, 1895:
Friday afternoon Mrs. L.F. Puffer died at her home in this city, after an illness of but ten days. The cause of her death was an abscess in the right lung. Her maiden name was Emma E. Knight. She was born in Charleston, Illinois, January 24, 1839, being fifty-five years, eleven months and ten days of age at the time of her death. She was one of the old residents of Fulton, having come to this city with her parents in 1847, and resided here since, excepting a short time spent in Colorado. She was married to Monroe C. Wythe, in Sterling, in 1856. To this marriage two children were born, Frank A. who resides in this city and Eva who died in infancy. Her married life was not a happy one and in 1866 she obtained a divorce from Mr. Wythe. At Black Hawk, Colorado, November 25, 1868, she was married to L.F. Puffer and soon after Mr. and Mrs. Puffer returned to Fulton. To this marriage two daughters were born, Nettie, now Mrs. Martin H. McGrath, of this city, and Daisy, now Mrs. Clayton Snodgrass, of Iron Hill, Iowa. About twelve years ago her sight failed and she had been practically blind since, but through it all she was ever patient and uncomplaining, thinking more of others than herself and cheering those about her with words of encouragement, sympathy and love. When quite young she became deeply interested in the teachings and philosophy of modern Spiritualism and soon became not only satisfied in her own mind that its claims were true but became herself a medium and through all her life her faith in, or as she claimed her knowledge of, the truth of continued life and inter-communion of friends here and hereafter was a source of great comfort to her and that faith sustained her in the closing hours of her life. She was fully conscious throughout her final illness, but could speak only with great difficulty. The funeral services were at the house Sunday held at 2 o’clock p.m. Rev. Frank S. Arnold officiating, and the remains were buried in Fulton cemetery. Thus another old resident of Fulton sleeps in the silent city of the dead. Mr. Puffer will reside for the present with his daughter, Mrs. McGrath, in this city.
Contributed by Nancy Kolk -- Glimpses of Fulton