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


S

HENRY SACK , 53 a resident of Morrison, passed away early Sunday morning in a Sterling- hospital, following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p. m. at the Carney Funeral home in Morrison, and at 2 o'clock at the Morrison Methodist church. Survivors include his wile, Sue; one daughter, Mrs. John Gerdes, of Morrison; his father, George W. Sack, of Freeport; four brothers and five sisters, Alvin and Zernie Sack of Savanna, Wesley of Thomson. Reuben Sack of Elgin, Mrs. Paul Daggert of Mt. Carroll, Mrs. M. E. Howard of, Chicago, Mrs. John Dieterman, Mrs. George Miller and Mrs. Ralph Quies, all of. Freeport. His mother passed away about nine years ago.
Freeport Journal 26 August 1940

NETTIE FLORENCE (SCOTT) SACKETT - Funeral services for Mrs. Nettie Sackett were held Tuesday afternoon at the late home in Tampico with Rev. Hollis Wharton, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bert Rowland, Don Walters, Homer Heydon, Ralph Anderson and Frank and Ted Clary. Nettie Florence Scott, daughter of Josiah and Lovina Scott was born Sept. 11, 1860 in Leon Township, where she grew to young womanhood. She passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital, Aurora, Dec. 15, 1945 at the age of 85 years. She was united in marriage to Richard Sackett about 67 years ago and they came to Tampico a short time after their marriage. After several years here they lived in Sterling, Prophetstown and Naperville. About eight years ago they moved back to Tampico where Mr. Sackett passed away in a few months. She is survived by three daughters: Mrs. Maud Walters and Mrs. Gertrude Rowland of Oak Park and Mrs. Helen Heydon of Naperville one sister, Mrs. Ralph Anderson of Chicago; one brother, Frank Scott of Manlius; three grandchildren, Robert Rowland, Robert Walters and Barbara Heydon; besides other relatives and many friends. Mrs. Sackett attended the Methodist Church here and was active in the women's organizations when her health permitted. She was also a member of the Royal Neighbors at Prophetstown. In recent years she spent her winters with her daughters and the summers in Tampico.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois December 21, 1945 - Friday, pg 11

KATE (DERBYSHIRE) SAGE - Miss Cora B. Wells of Chicago, formerly of Erie, writes friends of having received word from Mrs. Nellie Guthrie Sage of Omaha, Neb., also a former Erie resident, of the death of Mrs. Kate Derbyshire Sage, 77, of Omaha, which occurred June 13 in a hospital in Omaha, where she had been taken after suffering two strokes of paralysis and a heart attack. Funeral services were held in Omaha and burial was in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Mrs. Sage, whose parents were W. F. and Emma Davison Derbyshire, was born in Hopkins Township, Whiteside County, Sept. 13, 1866. At the age of three years she came with her parents to a farm near Erie in Erie Township, and later lived in the town. She was married to Wallace Sage of Erie, and for 57 years her home had been in Omaha. She taught piano there for 35 years. Mr. Sage's death occurred a number of years ago. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. E. W. Hully, a son, R. W. Sage and a brother William S. Derbyshire, all of Omaha. It will be recalled that the deceased and her daughter visited Erie a number of years ago and that her brother, W. S. Derbyshire also visited here in recent years. The Derbyshire farm was the one just north of the village limits and adjoining the former Geo. Neer farm. The house burned several years ago.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor- Sterling Gazette June 24, 1944 - Saturday, page 5

ELFRIEDA M. SCHOLZ - 75, formerly of Ostheim, West Germany, died Monday at the home of her daughter in Fulton. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Rev. Father Ronald Jones of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fulton, officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from noon till the time of the service on Wednesday. A memorial has been established in the form of Mass donations. Mrs. Scholz was born July 16, 1914 in Breslau, West Germany. She married Paul Scholz in 1934 in Breslau, W. Germany. He died in September 1988. She was a life-long resident of Ostheim, but had been visiting her daughter, Sylvia Snyder in Fulton since March. She was a homemaker and a member of the Roman Catholic Church in Butzbuch, Germany. She is survived by her daughter; two sons, Klaus, Ostheim and Peter, Randstadt, West Germany; 10 grandchildren; four great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by one son, three sisters and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois June 26, 1990 - Tuesday, pg A2

EMOGENE (MOTT) SCHUMACHER , 63, of 702 W. 15th Street in Sterling, died Wednesday (16 Jul 1986) at Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Melvin Schilling Funeral Home with Rev. Clark Moushon officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. A memorial has been established to the Hospice and Washington School. Emogene was born on Aug. 8, 1922 in Bowling Green, Mo., the daughter of Harold A. and Mabel C. Caven Mott. On June 28, 1947 she was united in marriage to Earl H. Schumacher in Sterling. She moved to Peoria when she was eight months old and graduated from Manuel Training High School in Peoria and Illinois State University in Bloomington. Emogene started teaching in the Sterling school system in September of 1944. She retired in 1984 after having taught at Lincoln, Central and Washington Elementary Schools. The deceased was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Sterling Education Associating, the NEA and the Illinois Education Association. Survivors include her husband, Earl, two daughters, Lois Ann Schumacher of Sterling, and Lora Jean Ketchum of Dixon, two brothers, Harold and Edward Mott, not of this area, four sisters, Myrtle Murphy of Peoria, Florence H. King of Peoria, Barbara Moulkey of Peoria, and Leadell Schmitt of Sparland, also two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 17, 1986 - Thrusday, pg A6

EVELYN (LADUE) SCHUTT 205 14th Ave., Rock Falls, passed away Tuesday evening in Rockford Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. The body rests at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home where friends may call after noon on Thursday, until noon on Friday, when the body will be taken to the First Christian Church of Rock Falls to lie in state until the hour of services. Funeral rites will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the First Christian Church of Rock Falls to lie in state until the hour of services, with the Rev. C. Richard Dawson officiating. The burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cemetery. Evelyn LaDue was born Sept. 6, 1912 in Drinkwater, Saskatchewan, Canada, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis LaDue. She was united in marriage with Paul Schutt on June 9, 1935 in the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. They lived their entire married life in Rock Falls. Mrs. Schutt was a member of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls, the Christian Women's Fellowship and the Naomi Circle of the fellowship. She was recording secretary for the Sunday School for the past several years serving as church organist. Mrs. Schutt was an accomplished musician and was a memberof the First Chapter of the Twin City Hammond Organ Society. In addition to her church and musical associations, Mrs. Schutt was active for many years in the Rock Falls Girl Scouts. She served as a member of the Girl Scout Council and was a Brownie troop leader. Mrs. Schutt was also a member of J. H. Montague Rebekah Lodge and held office several times. Surviving are her husband, Paul, and one daughter, Lorene, a student at Illinois State Normal University; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis LaDue of Prophetstown; one brother, Howard LaDue of Lanark and one niece, Mrs. David Yeoard.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois February 14, 1962 - Wednesday, pg 2, col. 5

MARY (LANE) SCHUTT was born in Hume Township, Whiteside Co., Ill, June 4, 1873, and ended this life rather suddenly in her home, 816 LeRoy Ave., Rock Falls, Ill., July 21, 1929, aged 56 years, 1 months, and 17 days. She was the daughter of Charles and Susan Lane, early settlers in Whiteside Co., the father coming west from New York and the mother from Bureau County. Hume Township was nearly all prairie when they first made their home there in the later fifties. The father was taken by death in 1915, and the mother, Feb. 5, 1919. There were six children in the family, who received their elementary education at the Hume Center Public school. Miss Lane was united in marriage Nov. 27, 1891, to Albert E. Scott. To them three children were born all living in Grand Rapids, Mich., Avon L. Scott, Mrs. Dollie Scott Spearen, and Mrs. Ruth Vestal Chatterson; also three grandchildren, Charles LeRoy Spearen, Marion Scott Vestal, and Shirley Edna Scott. After Mrs. Scott's separation, she, too made her home for a year or more in Grand Rapids. She was married to Julius S. Schutt, Aug. 14, 1928. Of her own immediate family, two brothers and a sister survive: Charles LeRoy Lane, Harmon, Ill.; Grover C. Lane, Rock Falls, Ill., and Ida, wife of Marvin Hollis, south of Rock Falls. Two brothers and one sister preceded her in death, J. Robert Lane, whose home was in Tintah, Minn., but who died in Rochester hospital, Dec. 20, 1919; Loren Lane, who died at home, at the age of forty-eight; and Ina, wife of Charles Herbon, who passed away at Round Grove, Ill., only last Febru ary.
The writer remembers clearly the tragic end of her daughter, Susie Carol, whose death occurred in Sterling's first hospital, a residence on West Fourth Street, Oct. 9, 1911, as a result of an anaesthetic administered for an operation. The mother bore up bravely over that loss of her bright little eleven year old girl in whom her hopes were so largely centered. Her funeral service was held in the Congregational church of Rock Falls, and burial made in Riverside cemetery, Sterling. Mrs. Schutt enjoyed the best of health up until last Saturday morning when she was the victim of a stroke of apoplexy, which rendered her unconscious and from which she never recovered consciousness, the end coming very peacefully about 10 o'clock Sunday evening with all her loved ones gathered about her bedside. It is a cause for comfort that she breathed her last as prayer was being offered in her behalf and those gathered about her. Her spirit winged its flight to God from whence it had first come, and the exclamation of a loved one at the time expressed the feeling all had, "At Rest." While Mrs. Schutt was not permitted to fill out our usually accepted thought of the span of a human life, she was indeed a true mother to her children, who shall ever hold her memory as blessed. The love of a mother is surely next to the love of God, who gave His only Son, that all might have Eternal Life. May the Lord of all comfort all who mourn.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois July 26, 1929 - Friday, pg. 5, col. 3
Mrs. Mary Schutt, wife of J. S. Schutt, passed away Sunday evening at 10 o'clock at her home, 816 LeRoy avenue, Rock Falls, following a stroke of apoplexy which she suffered Saturday morning at 10:45 o'clock. Her son, Avon Scott, and two daughteers, Mrs. O. R. Chatterson, and Mrs. P. A. Spearen, all of whom live in Grand Rapids, Mich., were hastily summoned and were with their mother at the end. Mrs. Chatterson was accompanied by her husband. Beside her husband, son and daughters, Mrs. Schutt is survived by two brothers and one sister, C. L. Lane of near Harmon, Mrs. J. J. Hollis of Montmorency and G. C. Lane of Rock Falls. She also leaves three grandchildren. A sister, Mrs. Charles Herbon of Round Grove, passed away four months ago.
Mrs. Schutt's maiden name was Mary Lane, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lane, pioneers of Montmorency, in which township she was born 56 years ago. Her entire life has been lived in this vicinity, where she leaves a multitude of friends. Brief funeral services will be held at the late home in Rock Falls Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and at 2:30 o'clock services will be held in St. John's Lutheran church in Sterling, in charge of the pastor, Dr. E. C. Harris. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette July 22, 1929 - Monday, pg. 2, col. 5

PAUL L. SCHUTT , 78, of 205 14th Ave., Rock Falls, was dead on arrival at Community General Hospital ( 4 Apr 1985) Thursday morning. Memorial services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at Wheelock-Allen, Rock Falls with Rev. David L. Beebe, pastor of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls, officiating. There will be no visitation. The body was cremated and the ashes will be interred at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Mr. Schutt was born June 11, 1906 in Illinois, the son of Jule and Agnes Coats Schutt. He was united in marriage to Evelyn M. LaDue on June 9, 1935 in the Little Brown Church in the Vale, at Nashua, Iowa. She preceded him in death on Feb. 13, 1962. He was a former Rock Falls businessman and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the Rock Falls V.F.W. and served in the European Theatre, Africa and Middle East Theatre. He is survived by one daughter, Miss P. Lorene Schutt, Linn, Oregon; one brother, Glenn, Sterling, and two sisters, Mrs. Frances Gaffey, Rock Falls and Mrs. Helen LaDue, Prophetstown. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and three brothers, Floyd, Clare and Clifford.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illlinois April 5, 1985 - Friday, pg A4

CHESTER HANNA SENG , age 89, of Milledgeville, died unexpectedly Thursday, March 27, 2008 at his home. Mr. Seng was born April 6, 1918 in Milledgeville the son of Leroy and Inza (Hanna) Seng. He married Olive Mae Kreider on November 9, 1939. She preceded him in death on October 11, 2007. They had been married for 68 years. The Sengs owned and operated the Seng Food Mart in Milledgeville for 30 years. Survivors include two daughters, Vicki Hammer of Clinton, Iowa and Marla (Sam) Baughman of Milledgeville; seven grandchildren, Sheri (Scott) Melton, Scott (Meri) Hammer, Kristi (Rusty) Packer and Jeff Hammer all of Erie, Dean (Merrith) Baughman of Beatrice, NE, Darin (Beth Anne) Baughman of Shannon and Carie (Brad) Kreiner of Geneseo; thirteen great grandchildren; and one sister, Opal (Paul) Deets of Milledgeville. Funeral services were Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Dutchtown Church of the Brethren in Milledgeville with Reverend Rick Koch officiating. Visitation was Sunday, March 30, 2008 from 3 - 5 PM at the McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home in Milledgeville. Burial will conclude the services at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Dutchtown Church of the Brethren.
Contributed by Sheila Hughes from the Prairie Advocate 3 Apr 2008

LOTTIE L. SCHNOOR , 83, of 1511 E. 16th St., Sterling, died Tuesday afternoon at Community General Hospital following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl J. Zager, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in her memory. Mrs. Schnoor was born April 11, 1897 in Tampico, the daughter of Marshall Turner Lee and Nancy Ellen Lee. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Rock Falls, a past noble grand of J. H. Montague Lodge No. 202 of Rock Falls, the Royal Neighbors Holly Camp 100 and the Rock Falls American Legion Auxiliary Post 9902. She was united in marriage to John Wessels on April 7, 1917. She was then united in marriage to Joseph T. Britt on April 29, 1925 who preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 1952. She was then united in marriage to Louis A. Schnoor in September of 1955 who preceded her in death on Sept. 26, 1960. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Neil (Patty Jo) Kissee of Rock Falls and Mrs. Nedra Britt of San Bernardino, California; one son, John (Jack) Wessels of Sterling; one step-son Franklin Schnoor of Florida; 20 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one grandson, Timothy Jo Kissee and one granddaughter, Susan Turner.
Conributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 4, 1981 - Wednesday, pg

ELIZABETH SHEETS , was born in Adams County, Penn., March 13, 1813. She was married to Henry Stallsmith July 18, 1833, with whom she came to Whiteside county in 1851. She was the mother of ten children, seven of whom survive her, Samuel G. whose home is in Ohio; David W. of Rippey, Green county, Iowa; John B. of Wayne, Wayne county, Nebraska; Jacob Z. of Coleta; Joseph T. of Eldora, Hardin county, Iowa; Mrs. M. A. Wood of this city and Mrs. Edgar Anthony of Jefferson, Iowa. Of the departed, one died in infancy in Penn., Benj. F. at 13 years of age in Whiteside county, Ill., and Emma Jane in her 20th year in Hardin county, Iowa. Her husband preceded her, departing this life Nov. 15, 1883. When 13 years of age she united with the German Lutheran church. On coming to Whiteside Co. she cast in her lot with the United Brethren. She later joined the first Methodist Episcopal society organization in this community, and has been ever since a faithful member of that branch of the Christian church. She died Friday, May 4, 1900 at 8:45 at the age of 87 years 1 month and 21 days. Sister Stallsmith was a devout Christian, a loving and faithful wife, a devoted and affectionate mother, and today her children call her blessed through their tears, for Sister Stallsmith "is not, for God hath taken her" to that place "where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest."
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

OMAR LEE SHERMAN , 54, of 552 E. Rt. 6, LaSalle, died Nov. 3, 1993 at St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, following a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with Rev. Sister Levina Hammers, pastor of the Church of God, LaSalle, officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established. Mr. Sherman was born Nov. 25, 1938 in Sterling, the son of Harry Franklin and Fern Mae (Eakle) Sherman. He married Dora Lea "Donna" Kuhl Foster June 14, 1985 in Walnut. He was a cheese maker at ...........(missed printing part of the obituary) ....one step-son, Richard Lee Martin of St. Louis, Mo.; three step daughters, Diane Lynn Foster of Spring Valley, Christina Marie (Foster) Sherman of Streator; and Desiree Leanne Foster, at home; four grandchildren; two brothers, Keith Wayne Sherman of LaSalle and Dale Dwight Sherman of Joliet; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, one granddaughter, and two sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 4, 1993 - Thursday, pg A2

BRUNO J. SKOWORN , 48, of Rock Falls, died in his home Dec. 16, 1993, after a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Grennan Funeral Home, Sterling. Rev. Thomas Bales, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m., Monday, at the Grennan Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in his memory. Bruno was born Feb. 27, 1945 in Little Rock, Ark., son of Michael J. and Charolette Leaf Skoworn. He was married to Jeanne Berenbach, Oct. 9, 1989. He graduated from Oelwein High School in Oelwein, Iowa, and served with the U.S. Navy. He worked many years as a heating and air condition mechanic before moving to Rock Falls from Simi Valley, Calif. He was an avid fisherman, also. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne of Rock Falls, his mother, Charolette Skoworn of Sterling .... (there may be more, see paper)
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 19, 1993 - Sunday, pg A5

KIM P. SNITCHLER , 53, of Madison, Wis., died Friday, Aug. 15, 2003, at his home. He was employed as a registered nurse for many years. Mr. Snitchler was born Jan. 2, 1950 in Sterling. He loved his dog and enjoyed working with computers. Survivors include a daughter, Judy Snitchler of Peoria; a son David Snitchler of Chicago; his mother, Patricia Stutzke of Rock Falls; three sisters, Christine (Donald) McBride of Sterling, Nancy Fliss of Omaha, Neb., and Leslie (Paul) Lowery of Rock Falls; and a brother, Lowell (Pam) Snitchler of California. Private graveside service is at a later date with the Rev. Peter Wilkinson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, officiating. Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral home, Rock Falls.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 19, 2003 - pg A5

Olin D. SNITCHLER , 85, of Sterling, died Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, at his home. Olin was employed by Lawrence Bros., Sterling, for 45 years, retiring in 1986 as superintendent. He was born Sept. 29, 1921, in Rankin, the son of Andrew and Laura (Robinson) Snitchler. He served in the Army during World War II in the Asiatic/Pacific theater in Japan. He married Cheryl A. Sheen on July 23, 1966, in Dixon. He was a member of New Life in Christ, Sterling, and a 37-year member of Sterling American Legion Post 296, where he served as past post commander. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Janice (Tom) Stillwell of Arizona; two sisters, Doris Cook of Big Lake, Minn., and Bonnie Meiners of Lyndon; and a brother, Percy Snitchler of Chicago. He was preceded in death by two brothers and six sisters. The funeral is at 1:30 p.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. William Cherry officiating. Burial with military honors is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation is from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to New Life in Christ, Sterling.
Contributed by Message Board - Whiteside County IL

ROBERT DALE SNITCHLER , 74, of Rock Falls died Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, at CGH MedicalCenter. There will be no public services, cremation rites have been accorded with arrangements by the McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory, Rock Falls. Robert Dale Snitchier was born on May 24, 1928, in East Lynn, the son of Walter and Alice (Stevenson) Snitchier. He served with the U.S. Army in Japan from 1946-1947. Robert married Doris R. Maynard on April 8, 1950, in Rock Falls. He was retired and had been the owner/operator of Sterling Landscaping since 1955. Surviving is his wife, Doris; his six children, Robert Snitchler of Dixon, Ronald (Pat) Snitchier of Rock Falls, Kathy (Louis) Pignatelli of Rock Falls, Susan (Tory) Willard of Harmon, William Snitchler of Taiwan and Karen (Mickey) Knox of Rock Falls; his brother, Lowell Snitchier; his 12 grandchildren, Kith Snitchier, Kent Snitchier, Jessica Machriicki, Alexis Velazquez, Sarah Machnicki, Audrey Snitchler, Louis Pignatelli, Robert C. Snitchler, Samantha Snitchier, Ben Pignatelli, Rachel Knox and Kady Knox, three great-grandchildren, Michael Xavier Machnicki, Nathanial Velazquez and Keanna Harrington. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Marjean Snitchier and Lois Bonardi; arid one granddaughter, Rebecca Knox.
Daily Gazette December 29, 2002

HAZEL (SWART) SOWERS , 85, of 1205 12th Ave., Sterling, died Saturday at Community General Hospital after a long illness. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. J. Randall Brown, pastor, Broadway Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 3-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A memorial has been established to the Broadway Methodist Church in Sterling. Mrs. Sowers was born Nov. 2, 1895 in Polo, the daughter of Gilbert and Mary (Boyd) Swart. She was united in marriage on Dec. 25, 1915 to Ernest C. Sowers in North Dakota. He preceded her in death on April 15, 1977. She was a charter member of the Broadway Methodist Church in Sterling. Hazel Sowers is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Nevin (Audrey) Garman of Byron; two grandchildren and one great granddaughter; two sisters, Mrs. Ira (Gladys) Carey of Sterling, and Mrs. Grace Heflebower of Sterling; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons, and three brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 16, 1981 - Monday, pg A4

CHARLES SPRINKEL - Funeral services for Charles Sprinkel will be conducted by Rev. C. H. Newham, pastor of the Fourth Street M. E. church, Sunday [04/10/1927] afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the family home, 205 East Fourth street. Interment will be in the Riverside cemetery. Mr. Sprinkel had not been in the best of health since the fall of 1925, and had retired some time ago from his work as secretary of the Eureka Manufacturing Co., with which company he had been associated for about 30 years. He suffered several slight strokes of paralysis but was confined to his home for only short periods. At 6 o’clock Thursday evening he suffered a severe stroke, and lapsed into unconsciousness, remaining in that state until the end, which came shortly before 3 o’clock Thursday [04/07/1927] afternoon. His death deprives Sterling - Rock Falls of one of the most popular men in the Twin Cities, a native of Sterling who lived an active and userful life in his home cmmunity for half a century. He was born in Sterling August 30, 1876, his parents being the late Mr. and Mrs. Jospeph M. Sprinkel, pioneers of Whiteside county. For many years his father was head miller in he Lloyd Dillon mill, which was long a leading industry of Rock Falls. The son received his schooling in the local grade schools, high school and business college and started his business career with the Sterling Manufacturing company as an office employee. He very soon aftwerward accepted a position in the Eureka Manufacturing Co. office and remained a valued member of the Eureka organization until his health caused him to retire. He was an excellent business man and an energetic and progressive executive. On Sept. 4, 1898, Mr. Sprinkel was united in marriage with Miss Leona Overholser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Overholser, who were also pioneer residents of this county. He is survived by his wife, one brother, Lloyd M. Sprinkel of Sterling, and one sister, Mrs. Leah Bell, wife of Rev. W. S. Bell of Dayton, Ohio. The family is still more deeply saddened in this time of sorrow by word that Mrs. Bell is critically ill and in no condition to be even informed concerning her brother’s death. His nephew, Charles Sprinkel, who bears his name, arrived home from the University of Illinois Friday. Mr. Sprinkel joined the church of his parents, the Progressive Brethren denomination, while he was young and though he was a regular attendant at the Fourth Street M. E. church, he never transferred his membership from the church of his father. He was a member of the Elks club and was popular in a wide circle of friends throughout the community who are saddened by his death and who extend sympathy to the family.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, April 9, 1927,

BERTHA (COCKER) SPRINKLE - Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church at 2 o'clock Satruday afternoon for MRs. Bertha Sprinkle, 73, who died at the local hospital Thursday afternoon from uremic poisoning. Dr. W.R. Wilson officiated and burial was made in the Fenton Cemetery. Bertha Crocker was born at Fenton on October 7, 1879, the daughter of John and Amrette Crocker, and was wed on October 7, 1889, to William H. Sprinkle who preceded her in death in August 1942. The couple resided on a farm near Fenton for a number of years, spent three years in Prophetstown and moved to Morrison in 1919. The deceased was an active wroker in the Methodist Church, the Gleaners class, the Household Science Club, the Woman's League, the Woman's Relief Corps and all local activities. She is survived by one son, John Addison Sprinkle of Denver, Colo., one daughter, Mrs. Carried Rasmussen of Philadelphia, Pa., five grandchildren, four sisters, Mrs. Carrie Strayer adn Mrs. Jennie Mericle of Morrison, Mrs. Alice Sherman of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and three brothers, Elmer Crocker of Fenton, William Crocker of California and Carl Crocker of Hot Springs. She was preceded in death by her husband and one brother. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the Methodist Church, with Dr. W.R. Wilson officiating. Burial was made in the Fenton cemetery. Pall bearers were W.G. Place, Sam Seith, A.W. Badger, Geo. Brydia, Chas, Hammer and M.C. Rogers. Selections were sung by a quartet composed of A.S. McCulloh, Glenn Craddock, C.E. Sandrock and F. Fowler, with Mrs. Abel Renkes as accompanist. MRs. W.G. Place, Mrs. Ward Moulten and Mrs. M C. Rogers had charge of the flowers.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen Old neighbors and relatives who attended the funeral of Mrs. Bertha Sprinkle at Morrison and the burial services at the Fenton Cemetery on Saturday afternoon were: Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Forth, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Bealer, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Crocker, Elmer Crocker, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Burns, Rev. and Mrs. A. B. Hiatt, S. C. Given, Mrs. Floyd Black. Mr. and Mrs. Coe Medema and daughters, Harry Snyder, Mrs. Raymond Ewers, Mrs, Gertrude Neary and Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Hogarth. Mrs. Sprinkle was a former resident of Fenton and a sister of Francie Bealer and Elmer Crocker.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois June 1, 1944 - Thursday

JOHN ADDISON SPRINKLE , 51, of Denver, Colo. died at his home Monday morning after a short illness. Funeral services were held there today, and the remains are being brought to the Reynolds funeral home at Morrison for interment in the Fenton cemetery Friday at 10 a.m. It will be a Masonic service. Pallbearers will be James Bull, Wayne Bealer, W.R. Bealer, F.L. Bealer, Earl Crocker and J. Frederick. Mr. Sprinkle was born at Fenton on April 14, 1897, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William H. Sprinkle of this city. He attended Fenton and Prophetstown schools, and worked in the George Brydia grocery store in the latter city while at school there. After graduating from high school he attended Grinnell college following which he was employed by a lumber company for a year, then accepted a position with the Cary Scale Co. of Hutchinson, Kan. He became Denver manager of the company 25 years ago. He was married in Kansas City, Kan., 25 years ago, and is survived by his wife Ida, a native of Hutchinson, Kan. and three children, Lois, wife of Lt. John W. Bronson of Randolph Field, Texas; Donna Lea, a student of Grinnell college, and William, a student of Denver high school. Also surviving are a sister, Mrs. Irvin (Carrie) Rasmussen of Denver, Colo; two nieces, Faye Crocker of Hot Springs, Ark., and Lettle Lea of Denver, Colorado; two nephews, Leonard and Lowell Sprinkle of Walnut, Ill; four autns, Mrs. Carrie Strayer, Mrs. Alice Sherman and Mrs. Jennie Mericle of Morrison, and Mrs. Louise Likes of Wisconsin; three uncles, Elmer Crocker of Fenton, Carl Crocker of Hot Springs, Ark., and William Crocker of Los Angeles, Calif. Also the following cousins: Wayne Bealer of Fenton, F.L. Bealer of Round Grove, W. Ross Bealer of Morrison, William Bealer of Belvidere, and Earl Crocker of Albany. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by two aunts and two uncles.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen - Whiteside Sentinel March 3, 1949- pg 1, col 4)

ESSIE STRASSER - Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling for Mrs. Bessie P. Strasser of 510 Griswold Avenue, Sterling, who died Thursday. (11 Jun 1965) Rev. E. A. Henrichs of the Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiated at the services with burial in Riverside Cemetery Mrs. Roscoe Eades was at the organ with Wayne E. Larson singing "In the Garden" and "Rock of Ages." Pallbearers were James Finn, Charles Kyger, William Kouski, Frank Lawin, Arlie Sigman and Irvin Wells. Flowers were cared for by Swartleys.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 14, 1965 - Monday, pg 2

GEORGE OWEN STROUP , 63, of Sterling, died Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Rockford Memorial Hospital. George was born on Dec. 5, 1946, in Sterling, the son of George and Eunice (Dickey) Stroup. He was a 1965 graduate of Sterling High School. George was a member of Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls. He married Linda Leach on Feb. 8, 1985, in Sterling. She preceded him in death on March 13, 2003. George was employed in maintenance with Grummerts True Value in Sterling and Rock Falls, for several years. Surviving are one brother, Orrie (Ann) Stroup of Sterling; three nephews, Thad (Becky) Stroup of Sterling, Chad (Angela) Stroup of Montgomery, and Brad (Carrie Cox) Stroup of Sterling; two great-nephews, Nathan and Karson Stroup of Sterling; four great-nieces, Erin, Emma, and Kaidence Stroup of Sterling, and Lydia Stroup, of Montgomery; and special friend, Cynthia Raguse of Sterling. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Dalmus Meeks officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls. He also was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Sterling Gazette 27 Mar 2010

GLADYS SUSAN (CURRON) SWAIN , 75, of 307-A E. 19th St., Sterling, was fatally injured in an auto accident Saturday afternoon. Funeral services for Mrs. Swain will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. Jean W. Saltzman, pastor of the Savanna United Methodist Church officiating, with cremation to follow. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday. A memorial in her memory has been established to the Whiteside County Heart Fund. Mrs. Swain was born on Feb. 9, 1905 in Tampico, the daughter of Thomas Alfred and Ida Neis Curnow. She attended the Ward Belmont School for girls and Knox College. She was united in marriage to Joseph K. Swain on Aug. 15, 1925 in Kewanee and moved to Sterling in 1928. Mrs. Swain is survived by two daughters, Mrs. M. F. (Barbara) Thompson of Deer Field Beach, Florida, and Mrs. Richard (Judy) Besser of Flossmoore, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents and her husband, Dr. Joseph K. Swain on Oct. 9, 1976.
Contributed by Melv L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 11, 1980 - Monday, pg 4

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