MARY (BEAMESDERFER) SNAVELY - Sterling friends of Mrs. John H. Snavely will be pained to hear of the death of that good woman, which occurred at her home in Glendora, Cal., last Tuesday morning, Jan. 9, at 7:30 o’clock. A stomach trouble which had afflicted her for three years past was the cause of her death. Mrs. Snavely was seventy years and six months of age. Her maiden name was Mary Beamesderfer and she was the center of a large circle of friends when she made her home in Sterling, being a lady of many admirable traits of character and lovable disposition. Her husband built the residence now occupied by Solomon Hubbard, on east Second street, where they lived for many years. He also built several business buildings in this city. They moved from here to Kansas over twenty years ago and moved to California in 1887. Levi Snavely of this city is a brother of the bereaved husband, who has the sympathy of many old friends in Sterling.

The Leader of Azusa, California, dated Jan. 13, contains the following obituary of a former Sterling lady, a brief account of whose death has been published in the Gazette: Died at her home in Glendora, Tuesday Jan. 9 at 7 a. m. Mrs. J. H. Snavely age 70 years 5 months and 22 days. The maiden name of Mrs. Snavely was Mary Beamesderfer. She was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. When three years old she moved with her parents to Lebanon county of the same state where she resided until she was married to John H. Snavely January 6, 1856. Immediately after her marriage she went with her husband to Sterling, Illinois, and resided there twenty-eight years or until 1884. Then moved to Butler county, Kansas, and after remaining in that state four years, came to California where Mr. and Mrs. Snavely lived until the time of her death. She leaves two children, Mrs. Alice Simmons and Thomas B. Snavely, and her husband, J. H. Snavely, to mourn her death. Mrs. Snavely was a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church, a loving mother and a devoted wife. Mrs. Snavely suffered long but patiently and awaited death with calmness and fortitude, firm in the Christian faith of her child and womanhood. By request her remains were removed to the home of her daughter where the funeral services were held at 10 a. m. Jan. 11, conducted by Rev. David Norcros. After the service the remains were interred in the Oakdale cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Evening Gazette, January 19, 1900, page 8, column 3

ANTHONY J. SKLENARY , 72, 2535 Crandel St., Sterling, died Friday morning in the Morrison Skilled Care Center following a long illness. Funeral services will be held on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with the Rev. Wayne R. Wachholz, pastor of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, on Sunday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial has been established in his memory. Anthony Sklenar was born on Feb. 26, 1911 in New York City, the son of Anton and Minnie Sklenar. In 1945 he was united in marriage to Ethel D. Montgomery. The couple moved to Sterling in 1951. He was employed at Northwestern Steel & Wire Company for 25 years, retiring in 1976. Surviving are his wife, Ethel, and one daughter Denise Sklenar, Silvis. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette - January 27, 1984 - Friday, pg A4

REBECCA (LANDIS) SNAVELY died this morning at her home, 612 Sixth avenue at 1:45 o’clock. The date of her funeral cannot be set until word is received from sisters living in the far west and the far east. If it is impossible for them to come, the day will be Thursday [10/18/1917]. Mrs. Snavely is one of the oldest residents of Sterling. She was 84 years, 10 months and 28 days old. She was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. For the past few weeks she has been growing slowly weaker and it is thought that death was due to the infirmities of age. ( The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 16, 1917, page 1, column 4)

Rebecca (Landis) Snavely was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, eighty-four years, ten months and twenty-eight days ago. She was the last of her family to depart from this earth. When she was eighteen years of age she was united in marriage to Henry Snavely in her home county. In 1855 the couple, with a young son came west across the prairies in wagons most of the way and stopped for a time in . Then they came on to a spot near Sterling, where is now located East Science Ridge church and obrtained a farm. Later Mr. Snavely gave land for the erection of a church and one was erected. Mr. and Mrs. Snavely being instrumentally to a large extent in the formation of such an organization. The deceased was one among the first to join this church and she has been a faithful adherent to its principles ever since. The husband died about forty-five years ago. The wife and children continued to reside on the place up to twenty-five years ago when they moved to Sterling, buying a lot across the street east from the Central school house. Mrs. Snavely erected a handsome house in which she has resided ever since. The following children live to mourn her loss: Aaron, of Coleta; Mrs. Anna L. Evans, of Sterling; Mrs. Melinda Daly, of Long Beach, Cal.; Mrs. Elizabeth L. Watson, of New York and Mrs. Emma Myer, of Sterling, and the following have died: Jacob, in California, and Mary and Sarah. She leaves hundreds of friends. Her many friends who knew her well speak in the highest terms of the lady, and she was faithful to them all. She was a believer of home and her thoughts were ever of that place and her children.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 17, 1917, page 3, column 2

GLENN M. SNOW - Funeral services for Glenn M. Snow Sr., 56, of 604 W. 5th St . , will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Allen Funeral Home, with Bishop A. C. Good, pastor (can’t read name mm) of Science Ridge Mennonite Church and the Rev. Harley Stauffer, pastor, officiating. The burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Allen Funeral Home today. A memorial in his memory has been established to the Heart Fund. Glenn M. Snow was born Oct. 20, 1914 Franklin Grove, the son of Omer E and Drussilla N. Chapman Snow. He was dead upon arrival at Community General Hospital Saturday morning. Glenn M. Snow and Anna Crossland were united in marriage Dec. 1, 1945 in Sterling by the Rev. Wayne Leighty. He served in World War Two with the United States Army in the North African Campaign where he was injured. Mr. Snow was employed by the Shank’s Machine Company, Inc. of Sterling for the past 16 years. He is survived by his wife, Anna; two daughters, Mrs. Larry (Ann) Klett of Rock Falls and Miss Jean Snow at home; two sons, Glenn M. Jr., a premed student at Anaheim . Calif. and Darryl at home; two sisters, Mrs. Leonard (Ruth) Wagenknecht and Mrs. Ted (Nonis) Aggen of Sterling and one brother, Eugene Snow of Sterling.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Aug 2, 1971 Sterling Gazette

MRS. OMER SNOW - The funeral of Mrs. Omer Snow was conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Melvin funeral home by the Rev. Paul Friesen of the West Sterling Mennonite church. Mrs. J. H. Linn played organ selections during the service. The Science Ridge Mennonite quartet, Lloyd Good, Eldon Shank, Cecil Wade and Leland Book, sang "Rock of Ages," "Beyond the Sunset" and "Abide with Me." Pallbearers were Harold Stewart, James Harrison, Robert Gaulrapp, Rollo Hurley, Harvey D. Conrad and Harry Landis. The interment was in Oak Knoll Memorial park. Flowers were taken care of by Howard Haines, Max Crossland, Mrs. Harold Stewart, Mrs. Edwin Walker, Mrs. Edward Pelton and Mrs. Clarence Davis.

INA B. (SCOTT) SPEAREN - S. L. Lane of Harmon and J. S. Schutt of Rock Falls returned Wednesday night from Grand Rapids, Mich., where they attended the funeral services of a niece, Mrs. Ina B. Spearen, formerly of Rock Falls. Mrs. Spearen, 32 years old, was born and raised in Hume township, and received her high school education in the Sterling township high school. Following her marriage 15 years ago to P. A. Spearen, she had since made her home at Grand Rapids. She had been ailing for the past year. Besides her husband, she is survived by one son, Charles LeRoy; her father, Albert E. Scott of Rock Falls, who was at her bedside previous to her death early Sunday morning and who is remaining for the present at Grand Rapids; one brother, A. L. Scott of South Bend, Ind., and one sister, Mrs. Orvell Chatterson of Grand Rapids. She was a member of the Eastern Star of Guilford, Me., and also a member of the East Congregational church of Grand Rapids. The funeral was held at the East Congregational church at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - Sterling Daily Gazette November 19, 1931 - Thursday, pg. 3, col. 7

ANNA E. (CAVENESS) SPECHT was born March 17, 1923 in Centralia WA, the daughter of Clyde and Ceres (Rogers) Caveness. She married William Specht September 2, 1950 in Champaign. Anne graduated from Centralia Jr. College and completed her nurses training at St. Peter School of Nursing in Olympia, WA. She served as a surgical nurse for many years after her graduation. She served in various capacities as a volunteer at Green Hill Council of Girl Scouts. Anne also volunteered for the American Heart Association, and served as a volunteer registered nurse for other charitable organizations. Survivors include her husband, two daughters Patricia Specht of Milledgeville, and Diana (Daniel) Saavedra of Roscoe; two sons Edward W. (Anita) Specht of Rockton; and Thomas (Elizabeth) Specht of Fredericksburg, VA; one brother Henry (Lucile) Caveness of Oak Harbor WA; six grandchildren Margarete Kaniuth of Mulheim, Germany, Benjamin Specht of Rockton, Carl Specht of Norfolk, VA, Dale Specht of Rockton, David Specht of Fredericksburg, VA, and Alexandra Saavedra of Roscoe. Services will be held at 10 A.M. Thursday, January 19, 2006 at Milledgeville United Methodist Church with the Reverend Mary Flatness officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Wednesday at Milledgeville United Methodist Church. A Memorial has been established to the Milledgeville United Methodist Church, and the Girl Scouts.

JOHN A. SPEIGLE - Another Rock Falls pioneer, John A. Speigle, was called to his reward Friday [06/18/1926] afternoon at 4:15 o’clock at his home, 302 Seventh avenue, in that city. Mr. Speigle, despite his 81 years, had always led an active life up to two weeks ago when he suffered an attack of pleura pneumonia, which developed rapidly into a fatal illness. He was born Feb. 28, 1845, near Frostburg, Md., but most of his boyhood was spent in the vicinity of Myersdale, Pa. He was married to Miss Drusilla Arklie, and to this union one daughter, Eliza, was born, her home now being in Glasco, Kan. After his wife’s death Mr. Speigle came west to Illinois in 1880 and settled south of Harmon in Lee county, on what was then the virgin prairie soil. In May, 1882, Mr. Speigle was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Manning at Harmon. To this union four children were born, two of them passing away in infancy. Those who survive are William H., of Sterling, and Ada, wife of Frank Swartz of Nelson. Five grandchildren also survive, Florence, Marion, Ruth, Paul and Donald Swartz, of whom their grandfather was especially fond, spending much of his time with them at their home. About 35 years ago Mr. Speigle retired from farming and came to Rock Falls, where he built the home in which he spent his declining years. On Dec. 7, 1900, his wife was taken to the home beyond. In addition to the immediate family and relatives, Mr. Speigle leaves a wide circle of friends through this part of Whiteside and western Lee county who will mourn his loss and extend sympathy to the family. He was a member of the Rock Falls Methodist church and of Montmorency camp, Modern Woodmen of America. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock a the late home on Seventh avenue in Rock Falls, Rev. Mr. McKeown of the Harmon Methodist church officiating. Burial will be in the family lot in Greenwood cemetery at Harmon. (The Sterling Daily Gazette, June 22, 1926)

The funeral of J. A. Speigle was attended by many relatives and friends Sunday [06/20/1926] afternoon at 2 o’clock at the family home, 302 Seventh avenue, Rock Falls. Rev. Mr. McKeown of the Harmon Methodist church conducted the services and spoke appreciatively of the useful life of Mr. Speigle. Hymns were sung by Mrs. W. H. Kelsey and Mrs. Eduard Carlson. The beautiful floral tributes attested the sympathy and esteem of many friends. Among those in attendance at the services were many old friends and neighbors from the vicinity of Harmon, and a number from Dixon. Interment was in Greenwood cemetery at Nelson, where the service of interment was performed by the following pall bearers, Bert Rosengren, Fred Howe, Henry Hein, Charles Burdick, Bert Eddy and Urban Eakle.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, June 19, 1926,

BERNICE (HARRINGTON) SPENCER , 73, of Sterling died Sunday Jan 16, 2005 at her home. Mrs. Spencer was born Jan. 5, 1932 in Rock Falls the daughter of Glenn and Estella (Sanders) Harrington. She attended Rock Falls schools. She married Junior E. Spencer on July 28, 1962. She was a member of 1st Presbyterian Church where she assisted her husband in custodial work for many years.

Survivors include her husband, five daughters, Mary J. (Rudy) Edge of Sterling, Deborah Pinkerton of Madison AL, Karla Bannach of Plover WI, Luann Cummins of Rock Island and Kimberly Whiles of Sterling; three sons, Kenny Pense of Phoenix, Randy Pense of New Mexico and Robert (Pam) Spencer of Sterling, son-in-law, Pichael Plotner of Deer Grove; a sister, Barb Scott of Dewitt IA; a brother Don (Estelle) Harrington of North Fort Myers FL: 24 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren. She was preceded by a daughter Barb Plotner; a son, Michael, in infancy, a sister, Patricia Richie; and a brother Richard Harrington.

MERLE HARRY SPENCER , 75, of 1815 First Ave., Sterling, died Friday, May 8, 1998. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Grennan Funeral home. Mr. Spencer was born March 7, 1923 in Milledgeville, the son of Robert and Lucille (Monte) Spencer. he married Nellie E. Reisinger on Jan. 31, 1954, in Savanna. She died Nov. 22, 1988. He was employed at CGH Medical Center for 15 years, Survivors include three sons, Archie Spencer of Stockton, Richard Winans of Moline and Arthur Spencer of Tampico; two daughters Gloria (Edward) Weeks of Morrison and Diana (Raymond) Muntean of Mount Carroll; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph Spencer Sr. of Thompson and Wilbert Spencer of Clinton, Iowa; two sisters, Irene Hebeler of Savanna and Marquerite Beyers of Loran. He was preceded in death by two sons.
Contributed by Steve Schack

REBECCA (CAIN) PATCH SPENCER - The death of Mrs. Rebecca Spencer, a former resident of this place and a sister of Eli Cain, occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Etta Neil, at Milwaukee last week Friday from stomach trouble and the infirmities of old age. The remains were brought to Tampico Monday evening and taken to the Parent Undertaking Parlors, and the funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Methodist Church, Rev. H. C. brown officiating. The deceased was a member of the O.E.S. which attended the services in a body and had charge of the ceremony at the grave. Several selections were rendered by a quartet composed of Mesdames Isherwood and R. N. Hellier, Messrs. Homer Turner and J. H. Hellier. The pallbearers were O. D. Olsson, E. W. Meredith, R. E. McKenzie, J. S. Johnson, J. E. Strouss and E. B. Cummings. Rebecca Cain was born in Virginia Sept. 12, 1831, and came west with her parents when but a child, settling in Ohio, then in Indiana and later in Illinois, south of Tampico, in what was then known as Sodtown. She was married twice, her first husband, Sam Patch, dying soon after his return from the Civil War. She was married to James Spencer in 1871 and survived him by a number of years. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Etta Neil, of Milwaukee, and three brothers, Eli Cain of Tampico, Z. T. Cain of Oklahoma, and Thos. Cain of Kansas. Mrs. Spencer was for many years a resident of this place and had made many warm friends who will regret her demise. (Burial: Tampico Memorial Cemetery)
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 13, 1918 - Thursday, pg 2

KATHRYN L. (MATHEW) SPOTTS , 50, of Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, IL, died Thursday, October 26, 2006 at the nursing home. Kathryn was born January 19, 1956 in Morrison to Gerald W. and Patricia J. (Batcheller) Mathew. She was educated in the Round Grove and Morrison grade schools and was a Morrison High School graduate. She was employed by J.C. Penney’s Department Store and National Manufacturing both in Sterling, IL. Most recently, she was employed by Wahl Clipper Corporation in Sterling for many years where she made many good friends. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sterling. She enjoyed sewing and cooking and the care of her daughter was the most important thing in her life. Survivors include one daughter, Lynn H. Spotts of Morrison; her parents, Gerald and Patricia Mathew of Morrison; two sisters, Karen (Mrs. Sam) Marciano of Ft. Wayne, IN and Julie (Mrs. Todd) Engstrom of Rock Island, IL; one brother, Richard (Jan) Mathew of Forsythe, IL; five nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents. Burial in Round Grove Cem.

ORLO D. SPOTTS , 85, of Sterling, died Wednesday, Feb. 28 2001, at his home. He was employed at Walt Helms Construction and Prescott Construction for many years. Mr. Spotts was born Oct. 1, 1915, in Prophetstown, the son of Lester and Lillian (Erdmann) Spotts. He married Gladys LeShure on July 7, 1946, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Falls. She died on March 29, 1981. He served in the Army during World War II in the South Pacific and received several awards including the Bronze Star Medal and two Bronze Service Stars for the New Guinea and Luzon Campaign. Survivors include three daughters, Sherry (John) Morse of St. Louis, Jackie (Ted) Aggen and Doreen Spotts, both of Sterling; a stepdaughter, Barbara Greger of St. Charles; a son, David (Glenna) Spotts of Racine, Wis.; a sister, Marjorie Heilman of Bartonville; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private graveside services will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Arrangements were completed by Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 1, 2001 - Thursday, pg A2

ANDREW K. STAELENS , 90, passed away Sataurday at 11:30 a.m. at the Rock Falls Colonial Acres. Visitation will be today after 2 p.m. at the Grennan Funeral Home. The family will be present from 2 to 4 p.m. today and 7 to 9 p.m. tonight. A rosary will be said at 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday with the mass of the resurrection at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Rock Falls with a prayer service at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Grennan Funeral HOme. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Tampico. Andrew Staelens was born March 16, 1884 in St. Laurence, Belgium. In 1912 he married the former Mary DeMey at St. Mary's Church in Hooppole. He farmed many years in this community and he was retired from Northwestern Steel and Wire. Surviving are three sons, Raymond of Modena, Alfred of Tampico, and Hubert of Orlando, Fla. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Ann Weidel and Mrs. Robert (Betty) Puckett, both of Sterling. Also surviving are two sisters and one brother, all living in Belgiuim. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IllinoisOctober 7, 1974 - Monday, pg. 2

BERNARD STAELENS , 77, of 101 E. Kimball St . , Tampico , died Saturday, Aug. 26, 1995, at CGM Medical Center , Sterling . Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the garland Funeral Home, Tampico , with a prayer service and a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tampico , with Rev. Vincent J. Shindelar, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tampico . Visitation at the funeral home with a 7:30 p.m. scripture service. A memorial has been established for Tri-County Opportunities Homemaker Department or Whiteside County Home Health Care. Mr. Staelens was born April 15, 1918, in Ipswich , S. D., the son of Edward L. and Sophia M. (Schelfhout) Staelens. He farmed for many years in the Tampico area and worked for Yorktown Lumber and Grain until retirement about 12 years ago. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tampico . Survivors include two daughters, Eunice (Larry) Morse Rochelle, and Frances (Roger) Hackbarth of Rock Falls; one son, Edward Staelens of Tampico ; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and two nieces. He was preceded in death by one brother, Leonard.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the 28 Apr 1995 Sterling Evening Gazette

EDWARD L. STAELENS , 74, was killed Sunday evening (28 May 1967) approximately one mile north of Tampico in an automobile accident. He was born in St. Lauriens, Belgium, on Feb. 23, 1893, the son of John Bernard and Florence Busse Staelens. He was educated in Belgium and was married to Sophia Schelfhout on Feb. 19, 1917 at Sheffield, Ill. He had lived in Tampico for three years and had previously farmed in Illinois, South Dakota, and Minnesota before moving to Tampico. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampico and the Holy Name Society of St Mary's. He is survived by his wife, Sophia; two sons, Bernard of Tampico and Leonard of Rock Falls; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Emma Colsyn of Tampico, Mrs. Emily Raybaert of Belgium and Elizabeth of Belgium; two brothers, Andrew of Sterling and Raymond of Belgium, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mrs. Julius Hendricks of Tampico and one sister in Belbium; and one brother in Belgium. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 31, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Church in Tampico, with the Rev. Robert P. Donovan officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Tampico. Friends may call at the Schmidt Chapel in Tampico after 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Rosary will be at the Chapel on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 29, 1967 - Monday, pg 2

LEONARD E. STAELENS , 60, of 705 8th Ave., Rock Falls, died Sunday morning, Feb. 14, in the VA Medical Center in Iowa City, Iowa, following a long illness. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday morning with a prayer service at 10 a.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Rock Falls with Rev. Thomas Risley, the pastor, officiating, with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery in Tampico. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral home in Rock Falls. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Military rites will be conducted at the grave by the Rock Falls American Legion Post No. 902. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Staelens was born on March 6, 1927 in Olney, the son of Edward and Sophia Schelfhout Staelens. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was an adjuster on field fence for Northwestern Steel & Wire Co. for 23 years, retiring on Dec. 1, 1987. He was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Rock Falls, the Rock Falls American Legion Post 902, the Sterling Moose Lodge, and the Northwestern Illinois Bicycle Club. He is survived by his wife, Delores; his mother, Mrs. Sophia Staelens of Rock Falls; two daughters, Mrs. James (Laurie) Ordean and Mrs. Richard (Susan) Wessels, both of Rock Falls; five grandchildren, and one brother, Bernard Staelens of Tampico. He was preceded in death by his father.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 15, 1988 - Monday, pg A2

SOPHIA MARIE (SCHELFHOUT) STAELENS , 92, of Civic Plaza 3706, Rock Falls, died Monday at CGH Medical Center, following a long illness. Funeral services begin with a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. at Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Rock Falls, with Father Bernard Mullane officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Tampico. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Mrs. Staelens was born April 27, 1898 in Bievliet, Holland, the daughter of Gregorius and Rozanna (DeBlick) Schelfhout. She married Edward L. Staelens Feb. 19, 1917 in Sheffield. He died May 10, 1967. She was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Rock Falls. Surviving are one son, Bernard E. Staelens, Tampico; two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Delores Staelens, Rock Falls; Mrs. Evalyn Staelens, Tampico; five grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Leonard; four brothers and two sisters.

BURDETTE R. STEADMAN - Funeral services for a former Sterling resident, Burdette R. Steadman of 2733 Barbary Lane , Indianapolis , Ind. , will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Allen Funeral Home. The Rev. Brace E. Johnson, pastor of the First Christian Church will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. in Sunset Memorial Gardens , Rockford . There will be visitation at the Allen Funeral Home for 2 to4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burdette R. Steadman was instantly killed in a head-on auto collision Friday night at Monticello , Ind. He was born Aug. 2, 1921 at Tampico , the son of Kenneth and Helen Becker Steadman. He graduated for Sterling Township School in 1941; was a veteran of world War II serving in the European Theater receiving the Purple Hear, the Bronze Star and three Oak Leaf Clusters. He was united in marriage on June 20, 1943 to the former Betty Darnell at the Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Sterling . They lived in Rockford for 16 years and for the past three and one-half years in Indianapolis , Ind. He was formerly with the Moorefeed Co. and at the time of his death was vice-president of Auto Matron Engineer Inc. Mr. Steadman is survived by his wife, Betty; one daughter, Mrs. Cynthia Steadman Nelson of Indianapolis , Ind. ; his mother, Mrs. Helen Steadman of Sterling, two sisters, Miss Marlene Steadman of Fulton and Mrs. Lendell (Patricia) Lange of Morrison. He was preceded by his father, Kenneth and one infant sister, Donna Lou.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Sep 21, 1970 Sterling Gazette

CATHERINE STEELE - Funeral services for Mrs. Albert H. Stelle, native of Newton township, were held at Immaculate Conception Church in Fulton Friday morning. Committal was in Calvary Hills Cemetery, Fulton. Mrs. Steele passed away at the home in Rock Island Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Steele was the youngest child of Edward and Ellen Coffey. She and Mr. Steele had lived in Rock Island a number of years. Surviving are the husband, a son Vincent, three grandchildren and a brother Edward Coffey.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 18, 1951 - Friday pg 2

LOWELL P. STRUCKMAN , age 88, of Savanna, Illinois, died October 5, 2005 at Big Meadows Nursing Home, Savanna. A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 10, 2005 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Pastor Michael Jones of York Baptist Church in Thomson, Illinois will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery, Sterling, Illinois. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2005 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Lowell was born April 18, 1917, the son of Paul Andrew and Hattie Irene (Johnson) Struckman, in Sterling, Illinois. He graduated from Savanna Township High School, Class of 1935. Lowell served in the United States Navy during World War II. On September 7, 1940 he married Audrey R. Seeger in Clinton, Iowa. Lowell owned and operated a dry cleaning business for ten years in Savanna. In 1961 he began a career with the Savanna Post Office as a substitute rural-carrier, which led to promotions and ultimately being appointed, Postmaster, which lasted twenty years. He retired in 1980. Lowell and Audrey were members of the United Church of Christ in Savanna, where he was a Sunday school Teacher from 1961-1965. Lowell served on the Savanna City Hospital Board, the Savanna High School Board from 1957-1959, he was a member of the Savanna Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the American Legion Van Bibber Post #148, a life member of Savanna Moose Lodge # 1095, the National League of Postmasters, the National Association of Postmasters of the United States, the Lee, Whiteside, Carroll & Ogle Counties Postmasters Association and the Boy Scouts of America Association.

Lowell was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America, he was instrumental in organizing the Boy Scout Summer Camporees in Northwestern Illinois at Palisades State Park from 1955-1960. Lowell’s dedication and time spent with the Scouts came into play during a vacation trip to Lake Marian, (Upper) Michigan. During his trip a young boy had gone missing for over six hours in the thick forest and swamp areas of Lake Marian, Michigan. Lowell volunteered to help locate the child, his keen sense of the rugged terrain and knowledge of the behavioral instincts of boys at age twelve allowed Lowell to locate and rescue the boy. Lowell will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Audrey of Savanna; three grandchildren, Paul A. Smith, Kristina R. Adams, both of Texas and Mark E. (Pam) Smith of Savanna; two great grandsons, Dylon Smith and Logan Smith of Savanna; two great granddaughters, Brittany Adams and Stacey Adams of Savanna; a special nephew, David Struckman of Davenport, Iowa and many nieces and nephews. Lowell is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Kathleen R. Smith, one brother, Elmer Struckman, one sister Evelyn Minogue.

MAXINE M. (TALBOT) STUBBS , 68, of Erie, died Monday (November 6, 2006) at Heartland Healthcare, Moline, Ill. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery. She was born July 15, 1938, in Galva, Ill., to Frank and V. Louise McNaught-Talbot. She married Harry Stubbs on Aug. 8, 1956, in Geneseo, Ill. She was a Boy Scout den mother and Brownie troop leader. Memorials may be made to the Erie ambulance service. Survivors include her husband; one son, Roger Stubbs of Erie; one daughter, Mary (Kurt Gainey) Newman of Erie; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Frank (Nan) Talbot of Fulton, Ill; and one nephew.

WILLIAM G. SUTPHIN , 77, of Ukiah, CA, formerly of Prophetstown, died Wednesday, March 15, 2006. A private service was held in Ukiah, CA at the Empire Mortuary Services, Inc. As per Bill’s request, his remains were given to the UCLA Medical college of San Francisco, for science. William Sutphin was born March 3, 1928, the son of Elmer and Lillian (Wildman) Sutphin of Prophetstown. They preceded him in death. He is survived by his brothers, Marvin (Juanita) Sutphin of Radford, VA; and Gary (Judy) Sutphin of Batavia, IL, and many nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen - The Prophetstown Echo March 28, 2006

ANDREW SWANSON , 51, died Saturday afternoon at 3:30 at his home at 502 West Fifth street in Prophetstown. He had been ill for the past two months. Funeral services will be held Wednesday forenoon at 10 o'clock at the F. L. Dudley funeral chapel in this city. The Rev. F. J. Carlson of the Lutheran church will officiate. Burial will be made in the cemetery at Elmwood, Illinois. Andrew Edwin Swanson was born October 6, 1883, at Hagestad, Sweden. His parents were Swen and Engrid Anderson. He came to this country in 1892, locating at Kewanee. He moved to the vicinity of Prophetstown in 1927, and had lived in this city the past two years. He0 was married to Ellen M. Olson of Kewanee on September 19, 1907. He followed the occupation of farming. He was a member of the Geneseo Lutheran church. He is survived by his mother in Sweden, his widow, three sons and one daughter. They are: Carl, Bert and Victor and Mrs. Lawrence Williams all of Prophetstown; two brothers, Victor Campfield of Ardmore, Pa., and Martin Anderson of Manilla, P.I. The two brothers changed their names after coming to this country. He also leaves one grandson, Carl Edward. He was preceded in death by two sons, Carl and Mylo, and five brothers and one sister.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois May 27, 1935 - pg. 5, col. 3

LEROY K. SWANSON , 81, of 506 N. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, died Thursday, March 29, 2007 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL. LeRoy was born July 12, 1925 in Morrison, IL to Roy S. and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Swanson. He was a 1943 graduate of Fulton High School in Fulton, IL. He had served in the U.S. Army during WWII. LeRoy married Mary Smith on February 28, 1947. He was engaged in farming in the rural Chadwick, Sterling, and Morrison areas. He then managed the FS gas station in Morrison and retired as fleet manager for the former Whiteside Farm Service, Inc. Following retirement, he worked as a courier for Hunter Body Shop and Spencer's Automotive both of Morrison and for Penberthy in Prophetstown, IL. He was a member of Morrison United Methodist Church, life member and past post commander of the Morrison VFW #8281. He had served as Mt. Pleasant Township trustee, as AARP treasurer, on the Union Grove School Board, and had managed a traveling men's fast pitch softball team. He enjoyed attending his family's sporting events and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Cubs fan. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters, Marge (Mrs. Normand) Simard of Ocala, FL and Jane (Mrs. Ty) Simmons of Aurora, IL; three sons, Loren (Margaret) Swanson of East Peoria, IL; Ken (Sharon) Swanson of Morrison, IL; and Tim (Lourdes) Swanson of Carrollton, TX; sixteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Eleanor Larson-Nice of Morrison, IL; two brothers, Howard (Lois) Swanson of Fulton, IL and Donald (Doris) Swanson of Lanark, IL; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Anna Metzger of Clinton, IA; two brothers-in-law, Charles (Gloria) Smith of Clinton, IA and Harry (Rosalie) Smith of Lake Havasu, AZ. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter and one brother, Leslie Swanson.

NED SWANSON - 66, of 1803 21st Ave., Sterling, died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999, at KSB Hospital. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First Christian Church of Sterling with the Rev. Jack Koehler, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. Sunday at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established. Mr. Swanson was born July 4, 1933 in Sterling, the son of Frank and Ruby (Mott) Swanson. He married JoAnn Peach on April 7, 1957, in Walnut. She survives. He served in the Army from June 3, 1953 to July 1, 1955, during the Korean War. He was employed by Ken Nelson Auto Mall prior to his death. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Sterling. He was a past president of both the Sterling High School Athletic Boosters and the Band Boosters. He was also a past president of the Sterling Noon Rotary. He was one of the original organizers and coach of the Girls Softball Division of the Sterling Youth Baseball. He was an avid sports fan. Survivors include his mother of New Bedford; four daughters, Jill Swanson of Glen Ellyn, JoEllen (Doug) Vandersee of Wichita, Kans., Andra (Jeff) Adams of Kankakee, and Alisa (Tod) Altenburg of Sterling; a sister, Patsy Swanson of New Bedford; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois December 31, 1999 - Friday, pg A2

SANDRA J. (BOONSTRA) SWANSON - Funeral services for Mrs. Sandra J. Swanson of 501 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the First Congregational Church of Lyndon. The Rev. Daniel W. Boxwell will officiate and burial will be in the Lyndon Cemetery. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The body will be taken to the church early Wednesday morning. A memorial has been established in Mrs. Swanson's memory. (Died 5 June 1972) Mrs. Sandra J. Swanson was born July 15, 1946 in Morrison, the daughter of Thomas and Eleanor Eades Boonstra. She was united in marriage to Robert J. Swanson Oct. 11, 1965 at the First Congregational Church in Lyndon. She was a member of the First Congregational Church. Mrs. Swanson died Monday morning in St. Anthony's Hospital, Rockford, after suffering injuries in a two car accident Sunday afternoon on Route Two, west of Como. Surviving are her husband Robert; two daughters, Beth and Jennifer at home; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas (Eleanor) Boonsra of Lyndon; two brothers, James and Richard, and two sisters, Mrs. James (Diana) Deneve and Ellen, all of Lyndon.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 6, 1972 - Tuesday, pg 2

ERNEST SWARTHOUT - Died in the Penitentiary Joliet, Ill., February 1, 1896 - Ernest Swarthout, a convict at the Penitentiary, died yesterday. About three years ago Ernest, his brother and sister lived with their parents in Morrison , Ill. Trouble arose over the right to considerable property, and finally the father was murdered and his body burned in the barn on the homestead. Ernest and his brother were arrested and placed in jail. The brother died in jail, and Ernest was sentenced to fourteen years at the penitentiary in November, 1891. Ernest was healthy when he arrived in the prison, but soon showed symptoms of consumption, of which disease he died. He never confessed the crime. His sister was at his bedside during his last hours.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - The Daily Republic , Feb 1, 1896 Daily Republic , Decatur IL Feb 1, 1896
Another Notice:
Ernest Swarthout, who three years ago murdered his father near Lyndon, died in the penitentiary at Joliet, Jan. 29. His wife who is engaged in the millinery business in Rock Falls, went to Joliet and accompanied the remains of her deceased husband to the final resting place in the Lyndon cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - 1896 Scrapbook Clipping

DANIEL J. SWORD - The body of Airman 1/C Donald J. Sword, son of Mrs. Ben Stevens, Coleta, who met death in a non-military air flight in Manila, June 19, is to arrive here Wednesday morning it was announced today. The body will be taken to the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home where friends may call after 2 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home at 2 p.m. Thursday, with the Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor-emeritus of the Rock Falls Christian Church, officiating. Military rites will be conducted in the Rock Falls Odd Fellows Cemetery, by an Air Force Detachment from Madison, Wis., commanded by Capt. Wood.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 28, 1960 - Tuesday