Whiteside Co IL Obituaries

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Whiteside County Illinois

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MARY ELIZABETH (BESSE) PADDOCK , of Prophetstown, who was stricken with paralysis some ten days ago and remained unconscious until her death Sunday forenoon, was buried Tuesday, October 15, in Riverside Cemetery, Rev. W. H. Woodfin of the Congregational Church presiding. The ceremony was held from the home and many of the relatives were present to pay a last tribute to one who in life was of such a character as to win the esteem of many, her friends being numerous. She was of a retiring nature and thought much of her home and family. Mary Elizabeth Besse, daughter of Norman and Sophia (Crandall) Besse, was born in Orleans County, N.Y., Oct 3, 1839, and died in Prophetstown Sunday, Oct. 13, 1918. She came to Illinois with her parents in 1853 and two years later was married to John C. Paddock. To them were born three children, Fred of St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. Nellie Voigtsburger of this place, and J. Q. Paddock of Rock Island. Mrs. Paddock resided in the vicinity of Prophetstown and in the town until 1903 when she and her husband moved to Lakeville, Minn., where they resided until the death of Mr. Paddock in January 1918, when she came to Prophetstown again and has since found a home with her daughter, Mrs. Voigtsburger, who did all she could to make her happy under the circumstances, she being badly crippled and in poor health. Thus passes one of the early and honored citizens of the county to her heavenly home which is assured the righteous.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 3, 1918 - Wednesday, pg 6

AUGUST PEARSON , 70, of 808 West Second street, Rock Falls, a former local business man, passed away at 11:20 p.m. Sunday in Community General hospital where he was admitted Sunday afternoon. He underwent surgery at the Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minn., last May and had returned home three weeks ago. The body rests at the Wheelock funeral home in Rock Falls where friends may call. Funeral rites will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Wheelock's by the Rev. Paul Bloomquist of Fourth Street Methodist church. The burial will be in the Tampico Memorial cemetery. Mr. Pearson was born July 26 1882, in Tampico, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Pearson. He was owner of a garage in Sterling for a number of years and later owned and opeaated the Mobile oil station at Routes 88 and 30, from which business he retired four years ago. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Ethel Pearson; a daughter, Mrs. Francis (Dorothy) Hanson of Sterling; a brother, Victor Pearson of Sterling; two grandchildren; four stepdaughters, Mrs John (Retha) Woodring of Berwyn, Mrs. August (Bernice) Jahn of Oak Park, Mrs. Clyde (Betty) Toppert of Prophetstown, and Mrs. Harold (Marjorie) Wetzell of Rock Falls, and three stepgrandchildren. Mr. Pearson was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Flora Pearson, his parents and two brothers, Charles and William Pearson.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 4, 1952 - Monday, pg 2 col 2

GERALDINE (WILLIAMS) PEARSON , 1208 West 4th Street, Sterling, was pronounced dead on arrival at Community General Hospital Monday evening (1 Dec 1975) . The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home. There will be no visitation. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. The Rev. Nathan E. Williams, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Sterling will officiate. Burial will take place in IOOF Cemetery at Rock Falls. Mrs. Pearson was born Dec. 9, 1917 in Garner, Iowa, the daughter of Haskell and Hilda Lundeen Williams. She has resided in the Sterling-Rock Falls area since 1948. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Clifford Kathamn of Hackensack, Minn., and Mrs. Francis Smith of Ayrshire, Iowa. Her husband, Paul Pearson, preceded Aug. 1, 1970.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 6, 1975 - Saturday, pg 6

GRACE (BABER) PEARSON , 83, formerly of North Orange St. Morrison, passed away today (Saturday 20 Apr 1968) at 3:25 a.m. in the Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton, after being in failing health several years. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in the Tomlinson Funeral Home, the Rev. Charles Klosterman of the First Methodist Church officiating, with burial in Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Grace Pearson was born May 16, 1884 in Fulton, the daughter of Thomas and Adelia Baber. She was educated in the Ustick Schools and lived many years in the Cottonwood area before moving to Morrison. She married Allan Pearson in 1902. She was a member of the Methodist Church of Morrison. She is survived by one brother, William Baber of Chicago, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, husband, two sons in infancy and two brothers, Ben and Delbert.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 20, 1968 - Saturday, pg 2

IDA (ELMENDORF) PEARSON , 78, passed away Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ezra Keefer of Hume. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Wheelock funeral home, Rev. Mr. Wharton of the Tampico Methodist church officiating. Committal will be in Riverside cemetery. Mrs. Ida Pearson was born in Hume township, March 28, 1870, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Elmendorf, had been a resident of Hume all of her life. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Pansy Keefer of Hume, and two sons, Henry and Melvin Pearson of Hume; also by two brothers and two sisters, Frank Elmendorf of Sterling; Irving J. Elmendorf of Temple, Texas; Mrs. Susan Angell of Austin, Minn.; and Mrs. Ella Jackman of San Bernardino, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 1, 1948 - Monday, pg. 2, col. 4

MARJORIE (CANTLIN) PEARSON age 77, of 217 Sussex Road, Washington Twp., New Jersey died Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at the The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Marjorie was born on November 1, 1928 the daughter of Jacob and Darlene West Cantlin. She was united in marriage to Kenneth M. Pearson and he survives with one daughter, Sharon (Frank) Piptone of Westwood, New Jersey; one son, Stephen (Debbie) Pearson of Indianapolis, Indiana; five grandchildren: Kristie, Ryan, Brian, Todd, and Stacey, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Helen Boesen, Marion Cantilin, and Ethel Zimmerman. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, April 12 at the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico with the Rev. Monty Fox, pastor of the United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was in Tampico Memorial Cemetery.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from The Prophetstown Echo – April 18, 2006

MARTHA ELIZABETH (MURRAY) PEARSON - Obsequies for Mrs. Victor Pearson were held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Wheelock funeral home, the Rev. A. E. Blomberg, pastor of the Rock Falls Methodist church officiating. Burial was in the Tampico Memorial cemetery. Pallbearers included, August Plautz, Howard Church, Lawrence Church, John Miller, Peter J. Dietz and Ralph James. In charge of the floral tributes were, Mrs. John Miller, Mrs. Marie McCombs, Mrs. Howard Church, Mrs. Lawrence Church, Delbert Puautz, LaVerne Murry and H. Brinkman.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 15, 1949 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 2

VICTOR PEARSON , 81, of Prophetstown died last night in his home. He had been ill for some time. Body is at the Parent Funeral Home in Tampico, where arrangements are being made. He was born July 4, 1876, son of John and Lena Pearson. He married Martha Murray Nov. 28, 1900. She died in 1949. He was married a second time to Elizabeth Wood on June 21, 1952. Surviving arethe widow, two daughters, Mrs. Herman Plautz and Mrs. Ernest Sandrock, both of Prophetstown; a son Kenneth of Prophetstown; 10 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.
Jim Ferris - Find-A-Grave

GLENN PEEK - Mrs. Frank Elmendorf Sr., 907 Johnson Ave., has received word of the death of her son-in-law, Glen Peek, of Long Beach, Calif. Mr. Peek died at 3 a.m. Saturday at his home. He had been in ill health since the latter part of February when he underwent surgery. Mrs. Peek is the former Syrena (Rene) Elemendorf of Sterling. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 17, 1965 - Saturday, pg 2

WILLIAM C. PENN , 65, of 702 Church St., formerly Albany mayor, died Tuesday at the Samaritan Hospital South, Clinton. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Albany United Church with the Rev. Horst Hehr, chaplain of the Samaritan Hosopitals, officiating, preceded by a 1:45 p.m. family prayer service. Burial will be in Lusk Memorial Park, Albany. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the Fulton Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. A memorial has been established. Mr. Penn was born Feb. 8, 1925 in Niles, Ohio, son of John and Blanche Penn. He married Hazel Anderson Jordan on Aug. 7, 1969, in Albany. She survives. He was educated in the Vienna and Brookfield, Ohio, grade and high schools. He was employed as union carpenter through Union Local #772, Clinton, Iowa, retiring in 1985. He was a part-time custodian at the Riverbend Schools of Albany. He was a member of the Albany United Methodist Church, member and past president of the Albany Lions Club and was voted as the club's 1989 Man of the Year. He is survived by his wife, Hazel; three daughters, Mrs. John (Suzanne) Kater, Antioch, Ten.; Mrs. Todd (Alisha) Klouth, Chandler, Ariz.; Mrs. Lee (Belinda) Hagwood, Fulton; one son, Steve Jordan, Albany; 10 grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Donald (Betty) Godfrey and Mrs. Walter (Lillian) Kandal both of Warren, Ohio; one brother, Richard Penn, also of Warren, Ohio.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois June 6, 1990 - Wednesday, pg A2

ALICE (JONES) PENTLAND - Mrs. George Pentland, who lives eight miles south of Prophetstown, was the victim of a fatal accident yesterday. Mrs. Pentland had been assisting in the outdoor work at the farm and was driving a binder at the time of the accident, which was at 4 o'clock. The team of horses was frightened and Mrs. Pentland jumped from the seat. When she jumped the lines caught on the seat causing the horses to whirl around in a half circle. Mrs. Pentland was caught on the sickle of the machine and sustained ugly cuts which proved fatal. Doctors were called and everything possible done to help her, but she passed away last evening at 7:15. She leaves her bereaved husband and infant child and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, who reside in Michigan. Mrs. Pentland had lived near Prophetstown and has many warm friends in that vicinity, who will be deeply grieved to hear of the disaster.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 26, 1918 - Friday

KENNETH D. PENTLAND - - Sarasota, Fla. Kenneth D. Pentland, 69, a former Sterling resident died Friday. Funeral services are to be held in Florida at a later date. Mr. Pentland attended Sterling schools. He married Faye M. Devine. He was a veteran of WW II. He worked many years at Hey Brothers Dairy, and was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Debbie Murphy, Fla.; Jane Hericken, Tampico; Ellen Conley, Fla.; one son, Kim Pentland, Iowa; nine grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 5, 1990 - Monday, pg A2

NICHOLAS PERINO , infant son of Syl and Julie Harms Perino, 811 Buell Road, Rock Falls, died at birth Monday evening (18 Jan 1988) at Community General Hospital. Private graveside services were held Thursday afternoon at St. Mary's Cemetery, Tampico, with the Rev. Thomas Risley, pastor of St. Andrews Catholic Church, Rock Falls, officiating. Arrangements were completed by the Wheelock Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls. Surviving are his parents; two brothers, Monte and Anthony, both at home; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Quinten Harms, Rock Falls; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Perino, Deer Grove, and his paternal great grandmother, Mrs. Ruby Warling, Rock Falls.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 21, 1988 - Thursday, pg A2

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

GEORGE E. PERKINS - Funeral services for Dr. George E. Perkins who died Sunday morning (06 Oct 1940) in an Iowa City hospital were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the late home in Geneseo with the Rev. Judson Perkins of Muscatine, Ia., a nephew of deceased, officiating, and at 2:30 o'clock at the First Presbyterian Church in Geneseo, where the pastor, the Rev. John McGown Stevenson was assisted in conducting the rites by the Rev. Melvin Fiscus of the Erie Christian Church. Two selections were sung by Miss Susan Ogdon with organ accompaniment by Mrs. Earl Offerle, both of Geneseo. Casket attendants, grandsons and two other relatives of the deceased were as follows: Arvid Zimmerman of Geneseo, George Perkins, Donovan Hannis and Arvid Lodge, all of Spring Hill, Fred Regge of Chicago, and Lawrence Kiner of Prophetstown. Included among the large number in attendance were the following relatives and friends from Erie and vicinity: Mr. and Mrs. George Perkins and daughter Eleanor and son George, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan Hannis and Mr. and Mrs. Arvid Lodge all of Spring Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Emery Pfundstein, Henry Pfundstein, Miss Pearl Pfundstein, Bert Pfundstein, Mrs. Clarence Schaver, Rev. and Mrs. Melvin Fiscus, Mr. and Mrs. Franz Hubbart, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Carr, Mrs Margaret Matthews, Worthy Matthews, Mrs. Lee Gammon, Mrs. Frank Hubbart, Mrs. Irl Schrader, Mrs. Judson Ashdown and daughter, Carol, all of Erie.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois October 9, 1940 - Wednesday, pg 6

GEORGE A. PERKINS , 75, of 306 E. Third St., Prophetstown, died Dec. 15, 1993 at Prophets Riverview Center, Prophetstown. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Congregational Church, Prophetstown, with the Rev. Harry Prince officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service Saturday at the church. The Gardner Funeral Home, Prophetstown is in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established. Mr. Perkins was born Nov. 24, 1918, in Springhill, the son of George O. and Julia (Parson) Perkins. He attended Springhill Grade School and graduated from Erie High School in 1935. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1942 with a B.S. from the College of Engineering and was a member of the Triangle Fraternity. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the South Pacific. He married Myrtie Backer Sept. 5, 1945, in Peoria. After World War II, he returned to Springhill where he worked with his father. In 1952 he purchased the business and owned and operated Perkins Plumbing and Heating, Prophetstown, for 35 years, retiring in 1952. He was a member of First Congregational Church, Prophetstown, where he served as chairman of the Board of Trustees, chairman of the Board of Deacons, and Sunday School teacher; served as president of Prophetstown Lions Club in 1959; served on the Prophetstown Park District Board from 1967-1972; served 13 years as a volunteer fireman and for several of those years, served as assistant-fire chief; served many years on the local Boy Scout Council; was president of the Prophet Hills Country Club in 1962; was a former member of H.C. Adams Library Board; was raised in Erie Lodge No. 667 and transferred to Prophetstown Lodge No. 293 where he served as Master in 1957 and secretary from 1980-1990; was a member of Valley of Moline Scottish Rite and in 1976 received the Moline Cross Award; member of the Tebala Shrine, Rockford, where he was Potentate's Aide; member and past president of Rock River Valley Shrine Club; past president of Two Rivers Scottish Rite Club; was member of Minerva Chapter No. 6, Order of Eastern Star, Prophetstown; was conferred the 33rd degree of Freemasonry Sept. 29, 1982, at the annual session of the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite, St. Louis, Mo.; and was a member of Sterling-Rock Falls Barbershop Chorus. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Kleo Becker of North Smithfield, R.I.; one son, George Frederick Perkins of Normal; two granddaughters; three sisters, Mrs. Arvid (Ruth) Lodge and Mrs. Albert (Esther) Luchman, both of Geneseo, and Eleanor Hill of Geneva.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 16, 1993 - Thursday, pg A2

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.

KATHRYN W. (HAAK) PERSON , 99, of Sterling, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at CGH Medical Center. Mrs. Person was born July 5, 1910, in Sterling, the daughter of Emil and Lizzie (Zook) Haak. She married Roy E. Person on March 2, 1930, in Clinton, Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1972. She was a member of East Jordan United Methodist Church, Sterling. Survivors include a daughter, Nellie Jane Thorpe of Sterling; three sons, Alfred (Shirley) Person of Lanark, Richard (Joyce) Person of Polo, and Steven (Patricia) Person of Dixon; a sister, Arlene Copenhaver of Deerfield; a brother, Melvin (Elaine) Haak of Polo; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by five sisters, Helen Ogata, Lydia Lambert, Marian Haak, Betsy Meisel, and Evelyn Saunders; three brothers, Eugene, Richard, and Edwin Haak; and a grandson. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with Fritz Bartels, pastor of East Jordan United Methodist Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial will be at East Jordan Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to East Jordan United Methodist Church, Sterling.
Contributed by Maggie Haak

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

RAYMOND PHILLIPS , 73, of Sterling, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, at his home. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., Sterling, for many years. Mr. Phillips was born June 24, 1934, in Sterling, the son of Charles and Veronica (Spaulding) Phillips. He married Beverly Lamz on Aug. 7, 1955, in Sterling. She preceded him in death on June 12, 2003. Survivors include two daughters, Wendy (Michael) Hinz, of Indiana, and Loretta Gay, of Oregon; three sons, Raymond Phillips Jr., of Sterling, Charles Phillips, of Forreston, and Patrick (Wanda) Phillips, of Clinton, Iowa; a brother, Earl (Tess) Phillips, of California; 12 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by a grandson and several brothers and sisters. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Monday at McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. Donald Ahles of St. Mary Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 7, 2007 - Friday, pg A2

MILDRED PIGG , 2040 North Kildare Avenue, Chicago, passed away at noon Thursday (22 Apr 1965) in Deaconess Hospital, Chicago. Mrs. Pigg was born July 8, 1881 in Rock Falls, and was educated in the Sterling-Rock Falls schools. She had resided in Chicago for the past 33 years. Her husband, William, two daughters, one son and one brother preceded her. Surviving are two sons, Lowell L. Pigg of Hutchison, Kans., and George Pigg of Chicago; four daughters, Mrs. Alice Burwell of Rock Island, Mrs. Walter (Margaret) Carl of Sterling, Mrs. Karl (Beatrice) Gordon of Chicago, Mrs. Edwin (Undine) Christensen of Chicago. There are a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call after 2 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in the Melvin Funeral Home, Rev. David A. McCleary of St. John's Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 23, 1965 - Friday, pg 6

CHRISTOPHER ALLAN PODKULSKI , infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Podkulski, 905 Ash Ave., Sterling, was dead at birth early this morning in Community General Hospital. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday in Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cemetery by the Rev. Charles m. Chakour, pastor of Fourth Street Methodist Church. Surviving besides the parents are the grandparents of the infant, Mr. and Mrs. Bruno Podkulski of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Planthaber Sr. and Mrs. Opal Farran of Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 15, 1968 - Friday, pg 6

ELMER PURVIS , 59, of 1012 Ave. K. died at 6:50 p.m. Monday (29 March 1954) in Community General Hospital following a brief illness. Services will be Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the Melvin Funeral Home with the Rev. David Jefford, pastor of the Free Methodist church, officiating. Burial will be in the Fenton Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today. Mr. Purvis was born Aug. 4, 1894 in Jackson County, Ky., and married Virginia Groh on April 23, 1930 in Clinton, Ia. They moved to Sterling 19 years ago where he was employed at Frantz Mfg. Co for the past 10 years. Surviving are his widow; four sons, Russell, Raymond, Robert and Elmer Jr., all of Sterling; three daughters, Marilyn, Madonna and Elaine, all of Sterling; one brother, Sylvester, South Beloit, Ill.; and three sisters, Mrs. H. A. Bige, Osceola, Mo., Mrs. Jack Dams, of California, and Mrs. Nancy Campbell of Bloomington.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 30, 1954 - Tuesday, pg 2

JEANINE PYSE , 20, Marion, Ky., formerly of Erie, died Thursday. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Schilling-Reedy Funeral Home, Erie, with the Rev. Dale Erickson, pastor of the Erie Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be in Cordova Cemetery. Visitation after 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home until time of service. Survivors include her parents Vernon and Bonnie Pyse; sisters, Jody and Julie; brothers , John, James and Jerimie, all at home; two half sisters, Debbie and Diane Pyse; and grandparents, Bert and Ruth Wilfond.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 26, 1978 - Saturday, page 4

LUCY (BUIKEMA) PYSE , 90, of Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison, Ill., died Monday April 4, 2005, at Mercy North Hospital. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Jon Nienhuis, pastor of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. She was born April 14, 1914, in Fulton, Ill., to Menno and Kate Janiga Buikema. She married Louis T. Pyse on Jan. 20, 1932, in Fulton. She died in 1979. She was educated in rural Whiteside County (Ill.) grade schools. She and her husband farmed in rural Fulton until retiring in 1963. At that time, they moved to Clinton where she worked as a nurse's aide for the former Jane Lamb Hospital and then at Clinton Manor Nursing Home until her retirement in 1974. They then moved to Morrison. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Shirley Young of Morrison; one son, Dennis Pyse of Amarillo, Texas; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Resthave Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, two daughters, one granddaughter, four sisters and two brothers.

MARGARET (BUIKEMA) PYSE , 83, of 1714 Ave. C., Sterling, died Tuesday at Sterling Care Center following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Bethel Reformed Church of Sterling with Rev. Sherwin Weener officiating. Burial will be in Fulton Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. She was born January 6, 1895 in Fulton, the daughter of Jacob R. and Henrietta Wierenga Buikema. She married Fred Pyse on Feb. 4, 1914 in Fulton and the couple have resided in this area since 1937. Survivors include three sons, Marvin and Fred Pyse both of Rock Falls, and Vernon Pyse of Marian, Ky.; three daughters, Mrs. Vernabelle Klosterman, Mrs. Robert (Phyllis) Siperly, both of Sterling, and Mrs. Ed (Marilyn) Malmanger of Grand Mound, Iowa; 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; two brothers, Lou Buikema of Fulton and Jay Buikema of Morrison; four sisters, Mrs. Garrett (Tena) Housenga, Mrs. Otto (Henrietta) Halesinger, Mrs. Henry (Jeanette) Shaver and Mrs. Don (Nellie) DeWeerdt, all of Fulton. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister. A memorial has been established to the Bethel Reformed Church of Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 23, 1978 - Wednesday, page 4

MARY (MAES) PYSE , 1105 Allen St., Rock Falls, was found dead at her home Tuesday morning. (1 November 1965). An inquest is scheduled by Coroner John Ardapple, at 4:30 p.m. today in the Allen Funeral home. Mrs. Pyse was born June 25, 1938, the daughter of Rene and Madeline Maes. She is survived by her husband, Dean Jr.; one son Ricky at home, her mother, Mrs. Madeline Maes, one sister, Mrs Margaret Bolen of Polo, three brothers, Arthur, Robert and Camiel Maes, all of Prophetstown, several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded by her father and one brother, Hank. Funeral services will be anounced later by the Allen Funeral Home.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 2, 1965 - Tuesday, pg 2 col 2

MILDRED (WAGENECHT) PYSE , Mendota. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Grennan Funeral home for Mildred Pyse, 72, of 111 S. 13th Ave., Fuller Trailer Court, who died Thursday (7 Jun 1990) at the Mendota Hospital. The Rev. Kurt Ayers, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene, Mendota, will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5-8 tonight at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the Church of the Nazarene in Mendota. Mrs. Pyse was born July 23, 1917 in Lincoln, daughter of Paul and Mae Harrington Wagenknecht. She married Dean A. Pyse on June 1, 1935 in Morrison. She is survived by three sons, Dean (Ted), Rock Falls, David, Shelby, N.C.; Dennis, Harmon; eight daughters, Mrs. Alan (Joyce) Ernst, Harmon; Joan Estes, Mendota; Charlotte, Salem, Ore.; Jean Mattingly, St. Francis, Ky.; Mrs. Larry (Peggy) Karash, Hillsdale; Mrs. Steve (Sue) Chappell, Rock Falls; Mrs. William (Debbie) Wittgan, Mendota; Mrs. Eric (Wendy) Morris, Mendota; 37 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a daughter and four grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois June 8, 1990 - Friday, pg A2

RALPH G. PYSE , 59, of Route 1 Oregon IL, died Wednesday morning (18 October 1950) at the Morrison Community Hospital where he had been a patient for a week. He was born April 7, 1891 in Fulton the son of Louis and Dena Balk Pyse. He was a member of the Lighthouse Methodist Church for 25 years. Besides his widow he is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Arthur Wagenecht, Morrison; Mrs. Edward Fritz, Deer Grove and Mrs. Wayne Canfield and Mrs. Roy Whitney, Oregon (IL); one son Raymond of Oregon; three brothers - Fred, Sterling and Peter & Louis of Morrison; 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A daughter Rabine and a brother Theron preceded him in death. Burial in the Lighthouse Cemetery.