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


S

FRED F. SANGREY - 89, of 1112 4th Ave., Sterling, died Tuesday morning (October 19, 1976) in Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church of Sterling with the Rev. Edlon Mueller officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home. The body will be taken to the church at noon on Thursday to lie in state until the time of services. A Memorial has been established in his memory. He was born Dec. 19, 1886 in Lancaster County, Penn., the son of Fred and Susan Frey Sangrey. He married the former Alice Malon in Sterling on Dec. 22, 1915. He was a member of the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, the carpenters Local 695, and the Golden Age Club. Mr. Sangrey has been a cabinet maker and was a foreman for 20 years prior to his retirement for the Eureka Body Co. Survivors include two sons, Robert of Sterling, with whom he made his home; and Charles of Glade Water, Tex.; one daughter, Mrs. Robert (Ruth) Reagle of Kalamazoo, Mich., six grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, four sisters and three brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois - October 19, 1976, Tuesday, pg 4

BEULAH (KEMPSTER) SCHOMEROUS , 78, died Friday morning (11 October 1974) at Colonial Acres in Rock Falls. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Gardner Chapel in Prophetstown. Burial will be in Sharon Cemetery. Friends may call at Gardner Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m Saturday. The Rev. Paul Olson will officiate. Beulah Kempster was born Dec. 20, 1895 in Protland Township, the daughter of Wallace and Bertha Glatthaar Kempster. She was a member of Prophetstown United Methodist Church, a retired schoolteacher, teaching 37 years in the area, a past Worthy matron of the OES Erie Chapter. She married C. W. Schomerus of Hillsdale on Nov. 28, 1928. Survivors include her husband; one sister, Mrs. Ford (Margaret) Wreath of Hillsdale; and two brothers, Leslie Kempster and Russell Kempster, both of London Mills. Ill.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 11, 1974 - Friday, pg. 2

CHRISTENA M. SCHUMACHER , 83, of 702 W. 15th St., Sterling, died Monday morning in Colonial Acres Rest Home, Sterling, after an extended illness. The body rests at the Melvin Funeral Home where there will be visitation between seven and nine o'clock this Tuesday evening. Funeral rites will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Melvin Funeral Home by the Rev. Lloyd O. Coleman, pastor of First Methodist Church. The burial will take place in the Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cemetery. Christina Kurfiss was born Feb 18, 1884 in Sterling, the daughter of John and Frederick Vetter Kurfiss. She was united in marriage with Henry J. Schumacher in Sterling June 12, 1912 and they resided their entire married life in Sterling. He preceded her in death in 1966. Mrs. Schumacher was a member of the First Methodist Church. For many years she was employed at National Mfg. Co. and the Chester Store. Surviving is one son, Earl Schumacher of Sterling, one brother and four sisters , Harold Kurfiss, Miss Emma Kurfiss, Mrs. Zelma Baker and Mrs. Mathilda Spear of Sterling, and Mrs. Raymond Elsasser of Mount Morris. There are two grandchildren, Lois Ann and Lora Jean Schumacher of Sterling. Her parents, two brothers and four sisters preceded Mrs. Schumacher in death.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Sterling Daily Gazette 6 Feb 1968

GEORGE W. SCHUMACHER , 81, of RR 4, Morrison, died Saturday morning at Pleasant View Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Bethesda Lutheran Church preceded by a family prayer service. Rev. Quentin Fleming will officiate and burial will be in Grove Hill Cemtery. Visitaton is Monnday (today) after 2 p.m. at the Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to the Bethesda Lutheran Church. He was born Nov. 1, 1895 in Clyde Twp., the son of Fred and Lena Larkey Schumacher. He married Louisa Kahler in Mt. Carroll on Dec. 1, 1921. He resided in Clyde Twp. his entire life where he farmed until retiring in 1962. He was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church and the Whiteside County School Board Trustees. He was a 50 year member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau. Survivors include his widow; one son, Allen of Peoria; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Bernita) Bush and Mrs. Marvin (Ila) Geerts, both of Morrison; nine grandchildren and six great grandchilcren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, one sister, one brother and one granddaughter.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois, June 16, 1983 - Thursday, pg A6

CHARLES F. SCHWANK - passed away at his home, 1209 2nd Ave., Sterling, Monday afternoon. The body was moved to the Behrens Mortuary where friends may call at any time. Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, with the Rev. Richard Hanson, of St. John’s Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. He was born June 8, 1889, in Jordan Township, the son of John and Rosina Esslinger Schwank. He was educated in the Jordan township schools. He had been a resident of Sterling since 1907. He served in World War I and had been employed at a rural mail carrier between Sterling and Coleta and also been employed in several local factories, until his retirement. Surviving are one brother, William J. Schwank, and two sisters, Mrs. Anna Zook and Mabel Schwank, all of Sterling; and two nephews. He was preceded by one brother.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - The following are from the Sterling Daily Gazette, Tuesday, 21 June 1966 page 2:2,3

ELIZABETH (KIRGUS) SCHWENK - Funeral arrangements have been made at the Melvin Funeral Home for Elizabeth Kirgus Schwenk who passed away at Colonial Acres Rest home Thursday evening, Jan. 16, 1964 at the age of 98. She had been in failing health for some time. She was born in Jordan Township on March 24, 1865, and lived most of her life in that vicinity. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs Howard Haines of Sterling, Mrs. Nellie Wetzel of Lyndon, two grranddaughters, Mrs. Carter Tuttle and Helen Haines of Sterling, and two-half sisters, Mrs. Robert Coats and Mrs. Mary Curran of Sterling. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon Jan. 18 at 2 o'clock at the Reformed Mennonite Church in Sterling with Brother Elmer Sedig officiating. Burial will be in the cemetery adjacent to the church. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Melvin Funeral Home tonight from 7 to 9 o'clock. The body will be moved Saturday noon from the Melvin Funeral Home to lie in state at the church until the services at 2 o'clock.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 17, 1964 - Friday, pg 6

EMMA SCHWENK --- Daughter of Christian & Anna (Buehler) Schwenk --- Good-Bye to Emma

FRED D. SCHWENK ,75 W. 12th St., Sterling, died ( 17 Sep. 1984) Monday morning in the Morrison Skilled Care Facility following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. James E. Werner, pastor of the Rock Falls First Congregatonal Church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial has been established in his memory to the Rock Falls First Congreagational Church. Fred Schwenk was born on Nov. 23, 1908 in Rock Falls, the son of Daniel and Sadie Hubbard Schwenk. On Nov. 18, 1931 he married Eva Robinson in Dixon. He was employed as an inspector at Northwestern Steel & Wire Company, Sterling, for 30 years, retiring in 1969. He was a member of the Rock Falls First Congregational Church. Surviving are his wife, Eva; three sons, Fred E., and Dennis, both of Rock Falls, and Vernon, Coleta; one daughter, Mrs. Don (Pat) Hannon, Sterling; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Clifford (Mabel) Cramer, Sterling, and Mrs. Charles (Dorothy) Castle, Rock Falls.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 17, 1984 - Monday, pg A4

JOHN SCHWENK , of Jordan, who had a stroke of paralysis several weeks ago passed away at his home Monday morning. The deceased was a brother of Mrs. Matthias Dieterlie.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Oct. 3, 1902 Handwritten date Scrapbook Clipping

JOHN C. SCHWENK - 81, Rock Falls, who died Monday in Moline Hospial, were held Wednesday morning at Wheelock Funeral Home. The Rev. Aubrey Shearer, pastor of the Polo Christian Church, officiated, and burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne Larson played the organ. Pallbearers were Grant and John Conboy, Jacob Potts, Fred Jacobs, Henry Regan and G. Zannia. Mrs. Herbert Johnson and Mrs. Ruth Herstrom were in charge of the flowers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 27, 1953 - Thursday, page 2

SADIE (HUBBARD) SCHWENK , 84, of 911 14th Ave., Rock Falls, passed away Thursday afternoon. Mrs. Schwenk was born Oct. 23, 1876, in Montmorency Township, the daughter of John and Olive Hubbard. She was united in marriage to Daniel F. Schwenk who preceded her in death March 12, 1960. The couple farmed for many years in this area until retiring in town in their later years. She is survived by one son, Fred D., of Rock Falls; two daughters, Mrs. C. E. (Dorothy) Castle of Rock Falls, and Mrs. Clifford (Mabel) Cramer of Sterling; one sister, Mrs. Nellie Van Delinder of Wheaton; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents, husband, two sisters and four brothers. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor-emeritus of First Christian Church of Rock Falls officiating, with burial in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at any time.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 11, 1960 - Friday, page 8

Alfred Clayton SCHMUCKER pioneer merchant of Morrison, passed away suddenly Sunday evening at his home on W. Wall Street. He had been afflicted with heart trouble for some years and for the past week had not been feeling as well as usual. Sunday evening he had expected to attend services at the Methodist church where he was a prominent and active member, but on account of a severe headache remained at home. His wife and daughter attended the services and returning home, found him on the bathroom floor. A physician was called, but life was extinct, death being caused from leakage of the heart. Alfred Clayton Schmucher was born near Marion , PA , Nov 18th 1852 . When about 12 years of age he came with his parents to the vicinity of Franklin Grove. He received his education in the high school there and later at Naperville College , teaching for 9 years in the vicinity of Franklin Grove. December 24th 1874 , he was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Miller of Franklin Grove, and came to Morrison February 28, 1884 , where he has been engaged in the grocery business successfully since that time. He was a man held in high esteem and was an active member of the Methodist church, joining shortly after locating in Morrison. He had been active I church work during his residence in Franklin Grove. He is survived by his wife and daughter, Miss Grace Schmucher. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the home on West Wall street and at 3;30 at the Methodist Church , Rev. R. P. McMahon officiating. Interment will be made in Grove Hill cemetery.

Contributed by Suzy Wert The Sterling Daily Gazette, Monday, 16 Oct 1922 page 7 column 5
[Transcriber’s note: The son of Jacob Schmucker and Catharine Kring Schmucker. Despite the obituary, as far as I know, his family never lived anywhere in Pennsylvania except Somerset Co, which is located a couple counties west of Marion , PA. His name was also Albert Clayton Schmucker, not Alfred Schmucher, according to censuses and also the biography of his brother, Henry C. Schmucker of Dixon, Lee Co., Illinois .]

BERNARD SCUDDER died Tues. morning Oct.5, 1993 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL. following an extended illnessMemorial services for Bernard, age 77, of 309 4th. Ave. Rock Falls, Il. were held Oct. 6th. at the Wheelock-AllenFuneral Home, Rock Falls. The body will be cremated. Bernard was born Dec. 8, 1915 in Moline, IL. the son of Clair B. and Lucia Henderson Scudder. He married Mahala Dodd 1936. He married Gene Levengood before 1947. He was united in marriage to Frances Gorzney Bohms on Mar. 22, 1969. He was a set-up person at General Electric for many years, prior to his retirement in 1975. He was then a charter bus driver for R.C. Smith Transportation prior to his illness. He is survived by his wife, Francis; two daughters, Mrs. Charles (Sally) Medenblik of Fulton, IL. and Mrs. Jesse (Donna) Bewley of West of West Reading, PA.; two step-daughters, Mrs William (Judy) Conboy of Morrison and Mrs Leon (Connie) Schwitters of Stillman Valley, IL; four grandchildren, four step grandchildren, two great-, grandchildren and four step great-children; one brother, Clair Scudder of Morrison; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, one brother Gerald and one sister, Mrs. Beulah Fletchic. A memorial has been established for the Rock Falls Fire Department, or CGH Emergency Services (Ambulance).
Contributed by Judy Hook

BEVERLY JEAN (BRUMBLY) SCUDDER , 67 of Rock Falls, Il. formerly of Morrison died Friday Nov. 12, 1999 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Mon. at Grove Hill Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were made my Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Mrs. Scudder was born Nov. 10, 1932 in Moline, Il. the daughter of Neal P. and Betha(Bosenworth) Brumbly. She married Ray L. Scudder Sr. on Dec. 17, 1948 in Lyndon, Il.He preceded her in death on May 4, 1990. She attended Lyndon grade school. She was a L.P.N. and worked at the former Whiteside County Nursing Home, the Whiteside County Health Dept. and the Morrison Community Hospital as an activity coordinator. She was a member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church. She is survivedby four sons, Jerry Ray Scudder of Mn. Neal C. Scudder of Milwaukee, Wis., Ray Jr. of Carpentersville, Il. and David L. Scudder of Morrison; a brother Richard C. (Doris) Brumbly of Prophetstown,IL.; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother Neal J. Brumbly
Contributed by Judy Hook

CLAIR SCUDDER , was born at Industry, IL. on Mar. 3, 1890 the son of Charles D. and Sarah Jane Russell Scudder. He worked for Libby and Carnation CO. in Morrison. In his leisure he was a lover of horses and a trail rider. He married Lucia Henderson in 1910 in Moline,IL.; to them were born four children Clair, Bernard,Beulah, Gerald.In 1935 he married Geraldine Schryver and had Jack and Sandra. He had been a resident of Morrison for 30 years. Clair passed away at the Whiteside Nursing Home near Morrison on Aug. 10, 1955 after 2 wks. illness. His passing will be mourned by Clair of Morrison, Bernard of Clinton, Gerald of Clinton and Jack in the Armed Forces ; two daughters, Beulah(Kenneth) Fletchic of Morrison and Sandra Scudder of Phoenix, Arizona. His mother, Jennie Scudder of Chicago, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; three brothers; Harold of Cordova, Il., Clay and Paul of Los Angelos, California, and one sister Twyla(Lonnie) Hoskinson of Chicago, Il. He was preceded in death by his father, and one brother.Services were held at the Reynolds Funeral Home in Morrison. The reverend James H. Hagerty of the Methodist Church officiated. Burial was made in the Grove Hill Cemetery of Morrison, Il.
Contributed by Judy Hook

CLAIR SCUDDER ,89, of Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, IL died Tues. Aug. 15, 2000 at CGH in Sterling. Clair was born Feb. 24, 1911 in Moline IL to Clair B. and Lucia (Henderson) Scuddeer. He attended Morrison grade schools. He married Dorothy Williams on June 30, 1930 in Rock Island. Clair was employed at the refrigerator plant and then as a truck driver for Volkman's Furniture both in Morrison. He loved music and played the saxophone, guitar and banjo with many bands in the Clinton IA and Sterling / Cordova IL areas. He enjoyed traveling and motorcycle riding. Clair loved the challenge offinding a way to make or fix anything. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of Morrison, two daughters, Dorothy (John) Tiesman and Judy (John) Hook, both of Morrison; one son, Gene (June) Scudder of Morrison; sixteen grandchidlren and seven great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; one son-in-law, William Blair of Thomson IL; one half sister, Sandra Scudder of AZ and one half brother, Jack of CA. He was preceded by one daughter, Joyce Blair; one son, Ray, two great grandchildren and one sister and two brothers.
Contributed by Judy Hook

DOROTHY (WILLIAMS) SCUDDER , 90, of the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Morrison died Thursday October 2, 2003, at the nursing home. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison. The Rev. Brent Cloyd, pastor of Como Baptist Church in Sterling, Ill., will be officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Interment of the cremains will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Pallbearers will be Roger and Neal Scudder, Kathy Huett, Rick, Josh and Tommy Smith, Steve Blair, Josh and Jay Starr and Jon Widener. She was born Jan. 21, 1913, in Morrison to Harry and Kathryn B. Hermes Williams. She was educated in the Morrison grade schools. She married Clair Scudder on June 30, 1930, in Rock Island, Ill. He died in 2000. She lived most of her life in Morrison except for 10 years in Arizona. She played the organ and accompanied her husband when he played the saxophone in bands for dances. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy (John) Tiesman of Morrison and Mrs. Judy (John) Hook of Morrison; one son, Gene (June) Scudder of Morrison; 16 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Robert (Marilyn) Williams of Fulton, Ill., Richard (Lavonne) Williams of Morrison, Harvey (Pauline) Williams of Morrison and Harry (Linda) Williams of Los Alamos, N.M.; and one son-in-law, William Blair of Thomson, Ill. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, one son, two great-grandchildren and two sisters. Memorials may be made to the Pleasant View Nursing Home.
Clinton Herald October 4, 2003

GERALD H. SCUDDER , 64, Thomson,Il. formerly of Morrison, died Friday Dec. 9, 1983. The funeral was Monday at 2 p.m. at the Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home. The body will be cremated. Visitation was 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home officiated by Rev. Alvin Hook. He was born Feb. 12, 1919 in Moline, IL. the son of Clair Brookfield and Lucia Henderson Scudder. He was educated in the Morrison Schools. He lived in the Morrison and Fulton area all his life until moving to Thomson 10 yrs. ago. He worked for G.E. in for 18 yrs. in the Maintenance Dept. He was a WW11 Veteran and member of Clinton Moose Lodge. Survivors include, one daughter, Mrs. Miner ( Margo) Jilderda, Ohio, IL; two brothers, Clair of Morrison and Bernard, Rock Falls; one sister Beulah Fletchic of Morrison; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Contributed by Judy Hook

MAHALA J. (DODD) SCUDDER , 57,of Morrison (formerly of Fulton) died Oct.29, 1969 in the Morrison Community Hospital after a long illness with cancer. Mahala Dodd was born in Morrison on Oct. 5, 1912 to Harold and Rinalda Johnson Dodd. She had been employed at the Volckman Furniture Co. in Morrison for many years until her illness. She was president of the Morrison VFW Post Auxiliary and secretary of the Wa-Tan-Ye Club of Fulton. Survivors include her mother, Mrs. Lantz (Rena)Lindsley; a daughter, Mrs. Charles (Sally) Medenblik of Fulton; two grandsons; Gerald (Casey) Jones and Gary Medenblik at home; one sister, Mrs. Wilson (Betty) Arroyo of Rock Falls; and a brother, Donald A. Lindsley of Deerfield, Ill. She was preceded in death by her father, her stepfather and a grandson Jimmy Medenblik who passed away 6 months ago from cancer. Funeral services were held in the Fulton Bethel Christian Reformed Church. Burial was in Fulton Cemetery.
Contributed by Judy Hook

MARGUERITE (LEAHY) SCUDDER , 87, of Morrison, died Sat. September 6, 2003 at the Morrison Community Hospital Skilled Care Unit. Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Mon. at the Law-Jones Funeral Home,Thomson, IL. with a Rosary Service given at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Sept. 9 at Immaculate Conception Church of Fulton, IL. with Father James Keenan as Celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Hill Catholic Cemetery, Fulton, IL. Marguerite was born Sept. 18, 1915 in Albany, IL. the daughter of Henry and Martha ( Beetle) Leahy. She was a 1933 graduate of the Erie High School, Erie, IL. Marguerite worked as an inspector 27 yrs. for G.E. Morrison, IL. Marguerite married Gerald H. Scudder Feb. 18, 1941 in Camanche, Iowa. He died Dec. 9, 1983. Survivors include a daughter, Margo (Miner) Jilderda of Ohio, IL.;two grandchildren Julie (Randy) Berghammer of Markesen, Wisconson and Jeff ( Kay) Jilderda of Tiskilwa, IL.; three great-grandchildren, James and Jordan Berghammer and Tiffany Jilderda; one sister, Theresa Geraldine "Gerry" Leahy of East Moline, IL.; and several nieces and nephews. Marguerite is preceded in death by her husband; both parents; eleven brothers and sisters; and a great grandson, Justin Carl Berghammer in 1987.
Contributed by Judy Hook

NEAL CLAIR SCUDDER , age 56, of West Bend,Wis. passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Kathy Hospice in West Bend. Wis. Neal was born on October 17, 1952 in Morrison, IL to the late Ray and Beverly (nee Brumbley) Scudder, Sr. On October 17, 1981, Neal was united in marriage to Diane Papagni in Clinton, IA. He worked for Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a carman/welder. He is survived by his wife, Diane; five children, James (Jessica) Allee of Waukesha, Alicia (Brian) Wieck of West Bend, Holly Scudder of Cedar Rapids, IA, Samantha Scudder of Ankeny, IA and Alison (fiancé Glenn Kohler) Crampton of Waukesha; 13 grandchildren, Kyleigh, Devan, Taylor, Mosi, Jessena, Iain, Tyson, Jeremiah, Bayden, Alexis, Jayden, Jena and Jovi; three brothers, Jerry (Mary) Scudder of Hugo, MN, Ray, Scudder, Jr. of Elgin, IL and David (Sue) Scudder of Morrison, IL; mother-in-law and close friend, Elaine Papagni; “adopted mom” Patricia Oddis; other relatives and dear friends. Neal was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; and father-in-law. A memorial service in remembrance of Neal will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 3:00 pm at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home – 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend. Pastor Troy Thomas will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of service
Contributed by Judy Hook

RAY LEROY SCUDDER SR. Mass will be conducted at 10 A.M. Monday in St. Ann's Episopal Church, for Ray Leroy Scudder Sr. , who died Friday May 4, 1990 at Morrison Community Hospital, of natural causes. The Rev. John Henchle will be lector and server. Visitation will be from 3 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Bosma Renkes Funeral Home. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery Morrison, Il. Mr. Scudder was born Dec. 17, 1930 in Sterling to Clair and Dorothy Williams Scudder. He married Beverly Jean Brumbly, Dec. 17, 1948 in Lyndon, Il. He attended the Morrison schools and was employed at Volckman Furniture Company for 38 years. He was a member of St. Ann's Episcopal Church and it's Bishop's Committee. Survivors include his wife; four sons, Jerry Ray of Mn. , Neal Clair of Milwaukee, Wis. Ray Leroy Jr. of Carpentersville, Il. and David Lee of Morrison: his parents, 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. John(Dorothy)Tiesman and Mrs. Judy Smith both of Morrison and a brother Eugene Clair of Morrison. He was preceded in death by a sister Joyce(Bill) Blair
Contributed by Judy Hook





CHARLES A. SEELEY , passed away Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock at Prophetstown. Death was due to heart trouble. Mr. Seeley had been in poor health for the past several years. Funeral arrangements have not as yet been completed, but it is probably that the services will be held at Prophetstown Thursday, with burial at that place. Mr. Seeley was born in Portland township in 1869, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Seeley. He was united in marraige in 1900 in Chicago to Miss Pearl Reynolds, who, with one son, Cecil, are the immediate survivors, He also leaves one brother, Jay, now spending the winter in California, and a sister, Mrs. Jennie Lawton, of Morrison. Mr. Seeley was in business in Prophetstown for a number of years where he gained a large circle of friends. He and his family moved to this city, and for several years he conducted a confectionery store here, adding many acquaintances and friends. He was well liked by everyone who knew him.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette December 8, 1926 - Wednesday pg 2
(No cemetery listed but he is at Riverside Prophetstown - Charles E Seeley 1869-1934)

JAMES SEELEY , 51, of 906 Oak Ave., Sterling, died Tuesday evening (06 January 1987) in Community General Hospital in Sterling. Graveside services will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling with Rev. David L. Beebe, pastor of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls, officiating. There will be no visitation. Local arrangements were completed by the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling. In the list of survivors, two step-children were inadvertently omitted from the obituary. They are a step daughter, Candy Phillips of Sterling, and a step-son, Russell Hayes of Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette January 8, 1987 - Thursday, pg A2, col. 1

ELIZABETH(REIN) SHELLHAMMER , 86, passed away Sunday morning [12-29-1929] at 3 o'clock after a year of invalidism. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 o'clock at the home, the Rev. H. O. Zimmerman of the Loraine Evangelical church officiating. Interment will be in Sharon cemetery. Elizabeth Rein was born August 11, 1843 in Portland township. She was educated in the Geneseo schools and later taught school. She was married in 1872 to George Shellhammer and had resided in Erie for 27 years. She leaves her daughter, Mrs. Berniece Sieben with whom she made her home, and brother, Martin Rein.
Contributed by Pam Perkins - The Albany Review, pg. 1 Date: 1-2-1930

ANN M. (JOHNSON) SHERE , 51, RR 1, Prophetstown, died unexpectedly at her home on Sunday. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the United Methodist Church, Prophetstown, with the Rev. Bruce Janes, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Yorktown Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gardner Chapel. A memorial has been established for the Prophetstown Ambulance Service. Ann Shere was born on Nov. 16, 1931 in Sterling, the daughter of LeRoy and Mildred Allen Johnson. She was educated at Prophetstown High School. On March 6, 1948 she married Art Shere of Yorktown in the Leon United Methodist Church. They owned and operated the Prophetstown Dry Cleaners from 1968 to 1978. She was presently employed at the office or Rock River Grain and Lumber Company, Prophetstown. She was a member of the United Methodist Church. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Monty (Sue) Lindberg, Propheetstown; one son, Thomas, Prophetstown; and three grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette August 29, 1983 - Monday, pg A6

LINNIE (DENNISON) SHERE , 78, of Tampico, passed away Tuesday evening (27 December 1966) at the Sterling Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Schmitt Chapel, Tampico, the Rev. Roger Baumeister of the Tampico Methodist Church officiating, with burial in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Thursday. A memorial has been established. Linnie Shere was born April 7, 1888, in the territory of Dakota, the daughter of L.W. and Maud Dow Denison. She was educated in the Tampico grade and high schools. She married John E. Shere Jan. 6, 1909, in Tampico. She was a member of the Tampico Methodist Church and the RNA, and lived in Tampico most of her life. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. H. J. Kolb of Tampico, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, husband and one brother, Richard Denison.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette December 28, 1966 - Wednesday, pg 2, col. 1

ZILLA ADELLA (DOW) SHERE - The sudden death early Saturday morning of Mrs. Zilla Adella Shere, 79, of Tampico, widow of William Shere, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Temple Pierceson in Deer Grove, was a shock to the relatives and people of the Tampico community. Mrs. Shere had lived alone in Tampico since the death of her husband on Aug. 13 1932. Friday she went to the home of her daughter for a short visit as she complained of not feeling as well as usual. She passed away quietly in her sleep this morning. She had not been well for several years, but had been able to be about. Mrs. Shere had spent her entire life in the Yorktown and Tampico vicinities. She was born at Yorktown Oct. 5, 1860, the daughter of Ben and Sarah Dow. She was married to William Shere at Yorktown, June 12, 1895, and they moved to Tampico 32 years ago. She was a member of the Tampico Church of Christ. Surviving are a son, Harry Shere, and the daughter, Mrs. Pierceson, both of Deer Grove, and four stepchildren, Clarence Shere, Drinkwater, Canada, Albert Shere, Cedar Falls, Ia., Mrs. Mae Johnson, Prophetstown, and Mrs. Nellie Heintzelman, Joliet. Mrs. Shere was the last of her immediate family, her three brothers and parents having preceded her in death. She is a sister-in-law of Mrs. Emma Landwair of Rock Falls. (Buried Yorktown Cemetery)
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois December 2, 1939 - Saturday, pg 10

HENRY SPRINGMAN of Morrison, Route 2, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Thursday (24 March 1949) in the Dixon public hospital, following surgery to which he submitted March 14. The body was removed to the Shirk funeral home in Milledgeville. Funeral rites will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 in the home and at 2 o'clock in the West Jordan cemetery. Mr. Springman had farmed his entire lifetime around Coleta and Morrison. He was a member of the West Jordan Lutheran church and the Round Grove grange. Besides his widow, Mrs. Antonette Bitter Springman, he leaves a daughter Mrs. Howard (Beulah) Cribb; a son Herbert; three grandchildren, Glenn, shirleye and Joyce Springman; one sister, Mrs. John Eckel and one brother, Charles Springman, all of Whiteside county.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 24, 1949 - Thursday, pg. 2, col. 2

SUSAN STEIMLE , 40 of Pontiac, formerly of Sterling. Mrs. Sherry Schwab and Mrs. Sheila Davis, received word of the death of their sister-in-law, Susan Steimle. She is survived by her husband James; her children, Mark, Gregg, and Roblee Dooly, all of Pontiac and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Laver of Pontiac
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois, March 3, 1982 - Wednesday pg 4

ELMINA (WOODWORTH) STEWART , 91, passed away Saturday at the Clinton Manor Home in Clinton, Iowa, where she had been a resident for the past two years. Prior to her residency at the Clinton Manor, she was a resident of the Sarah Hardy Home of Clinton. Elmina Stewart was born Aug. 30, 1875, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Woodworth of the Leon community in rural Prophetstown. She was educated in the Prophetstown area schools. She married Fred Stewart and they attended school and studied together at Kirksville College of Osteopathy. Dr. Fred Stewart preceded her in 1951. She is survived by one son, Raymond Stewart of Clinton, Iowa; one grandson, Raymond Jr. of Stratford, Conn.; three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, husband, two sisters and one brother. Funeral services were held at Fay Briagonire Funeral Home in Clinton, Monday at 2 p.m., the resident Methodist pastor of the Sarah Hardy Home of Clinton officiated, with burial in Clinton. Mrs. W. Bakel was the organist and J. H. Duling was the soloist. The pallbearers were Lester Lindahl, Kenneth Stewart, Dr. Robert S. Henick, Paul Mathews, Quinten Smith and E. H. Utrospa.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 7, 1967 - Tuesday, pg 2

ELOISE L. (McNAMARA) STEWART , 89, of Prophetstown went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Saturday, June 114, 2008 at Hillcrest Home, Geneseo. Eloise was born April 26, 1919 in the home she had lived in all her life, located on Kiner Road, Prophetstown, the daughter of George Washington and Fannie May (Plumley) McNamara and was 1937 graduate of Prophetstown High School. She married Everette LeRoy Stewart on October 16, 1940 in Lyons, IA. He died June 16, 2001. Eloise was a lifetime member of the Prophetstown United Methodist Church; a member of the Faith Circle of the church as well as serving on the Mission and Evangelism committee. She also served as an acolyte trainer. She enjoyed crocheting (having made her own left handed crochet patterns), singing, gardening, baking and canning produce from her garden. She enjoyed her farm cats and feeding them. Eloise always enjoyed visiting and seeing her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always loved windmills, taking pictures and being creative. She had called news in to the local newspaper many years ago. Eloise was an excellent homemaker. Surviving are her children: Larry Lee (Pat) Stewart of Prophetstown, LaFaughn Christine (Rich) Rosenow of Prophetstown, Lynette Susan Post of Canton, and Leo Ray (Joanie) Stewart of Prophetstown; two sisters Juanita Smith of Prophetstown and June Powell of Annawan; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at the Prophetstown United Methodist Church with the Reverend Insun Yoon officiating. Burial was at the Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements were complete by the McDonald Funeral Home, Prophetstown. Memorials in her memory to the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society or to Happy Tails Shelter would be appreciated.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen - The Prophetstown Echo June 17, 2008

HELEN B. (HINTZ) STEWART , 79, OF 1214 e. 16 th Street in Sterling, died Wednesday (16 July 1986) at home. Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. in the Melvin Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. Leland Uden, pastor of St Paul's Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in Rock Falls. There will be no visitation. A memorial has been established. Helene was born on Dec. 26, 1906 in Green Valley, the daughter of Fred and Lena Hintz. On Dec. 20, 1928 she was united in marriage to Joseph M. Stewart in Rock Falls and he preceded her in death in December of 1966. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Johnnie (Frieda) Wyekhuys of Rock Falls and Mrs. Elsie M. Baker of Aumsville, Ore., and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister and five brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor -

MARY LOUELLA (HOLT) STEWART , 45, passed away at 10:15 a.m. Saturday at her home in Woodward's Bluff community south of Prophetstown. Mrs. Stewart had been in failing health for about two years. The body was taken to the Dudley Mortuary in Prophetstown, and will be returned to the home Tuesday morning. Funeral services will be held at the Leon Church at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Rev. I. C. Campbell of the Prophetstown Congregational Church will conduct the rites. Interment will be in the Leon Cemetery. Mary Louella Holt was born Feb. 15, 1894, at Lyndon, daughter of A. P. and Anna E. Fox Holt. She attended the sate teachers' college at Normal, Ill., and for 12 years served as teacher in the rural schools. She was married to Kenneth Stewart May 16, 1925, at Prophetstown, since which the family home has been in Woodward's Bluff. Besides the husband, one brother Clyde of Chicago , and one sister Mrs. Elven Belt of Clinton, Iowa, survive. One brother Arthur preceded her in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois November 11, 1939 -Saturday, pg 3

PEGGY JOANNE STEWART , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Irving Stewart, 3829 Connecticut Drive, Rockford, died shortly after birth Monday at the Swedish-Ameerican Hospital in Rockford. The body was removed to the Fred C. Olson Mortuary, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford, where funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m Wednesday. The Rev. Ralph L. Miller, pastor of the Christ Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Survivors besides the parents are one brother, Gregory; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Stewart, Tampico; and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Spears, Deer Grove.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 25, 1960 - Tuesday, pg 6

WILLIAM STEWART , of Sterling died Saturday, July 2, 2005. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., Sterling, for 29 years, retiring in 1985. Mr. Stewart was born June 15, 1932 in Pekin, the son of William r. and Alice J. (Hancock) Stewart. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He married Mary L. Brandt on Dec 25, 1952, in Sterling. Survivors include his wife; his children, Lori (Kelly) Wallingford of Sterling and Linda (Richard) Heusinkveld of Lansing, Mich., a sister, Lois (Paul) Colson of Sterling and nine grandchildren, Scott, Jacob, Kurt and Bailey Wallingford and Joshua, Tracy, Aaron, Jessica and Keely-Lynn Heusinkveld. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Stewart and Mary Spaulding. Memorial service is at 2 p.m. Wednesday at McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Sterling. Burial with military honors is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. A gathering of friends and family is from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy research
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette, Tuesday, 5 Jul 2005, A2;1&2

GRACE (BLAGG) STOUDT , 87, of Erie, died Tuesday evening (19 October 1976) in Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held Thursday in the Erie Christian Church. Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday (tonight) at the Schilling-Reedy Funeral Home in Erie. A Memorial has been established to the Illini Christian Childrens Home in Erie. She was born May 20, 1889 in Erie, the daughter of Elias and Elizabeth Osborn Blagg. She married Thomas Stoudt in Morrison on Dec. 10, 1889 and he preceded her in death in 1908. She was a member of the Erie Christian Church, the Loyal Workers of the Erie Christian Church and the Erie Women's Club. She formerly operated Grace's Coffee Shop in Erie. She is survived by one son, Uhlan of Erie; two grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son and on sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois - October 19, 1976, Tuesday, pg 4

BERNADINE R. (SIPPEL) STURGILL , 76, of Kewanee, formerly of Prophetstown, died Friday, May 21, 1999 at CGH Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Leon United Methodist Church, with Carl Hood, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Gardner Funeral Home, Prophetstown. A memorial has been established. s. Sturgill was born March 5, 1923, in Prophetstown, the daughter of John and Winifred (Fries) Sippel. She graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1941. She married Frank Ashpole. She later married James Sturgill on Sept. 30, 1964. He survives. She was employed for Schuneman Agency for 17 years. She owned and operated the Dec-Or-Fab shop in Prophetstown prior to retiring in 1979. She was a member of Leon United Methodist Church. Her hobby was creating stained glass artwork, and she made the stained glass windows for the Leon Church. rvivors include a daughter, Lynne (Rowan) Butts of Rock Falls; a son, Ronald (Mary) Ashpole of Kewanee; a step-daughter, Rita Preston of Louisville, Ky., Phyllis (Dean) Epperly of Wheaton and Lynn (Jim) Frost of Florida; a stepson, Douglas Sturgill of Aledo; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 14 step-greatgrandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth (Lucille) Sippel of Moline, and Arlyn (Norma) Sippel of Phoenix, Ariz. e was preceded in death by three children in infancy and a stepgrandson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 23 1999 - Sunday, pg A5 col 2

LUCETTA (CROOK) SWEDERUS , 90, of Prophetstown, passed away yesterday (20 January 1967) at the Colonial Acres Rest Home, Sterling. Funeral services will be held at the Gardner Funeral Chapel Monday at 1:30 p.m., the Rev. A. Dean Lundstrom officiating, with burial in Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. Friends may call Sunday afternoon and evening at the funeral home. A memorial has been established for the Congregational Church of Prophetstown. Lucetta C. Swderus was born March 30, 1876 in Hume Township, the daughter of Rodney and Mary (Brydia) Crook. She was educated in the Prophetstown grade and high schools and lived in Prophetstown her entire life time and has been in the nursing home the past four years. She married Axel Swederus Oct. 16, 1906 in Prophetstown, where they lived their entire married life. She was a member of the Prophetstown Congregational Church and a 50 year member of the Prophetstown OES. She is survived by a number of cousins, including George S. Brydia, former State Representative; two great nephews, Glenn Sandstrom of Loves Park and Raph Sandstrom of Freeport; one great niece, Great Youngblutt of Crown Point, Ind. She was preceded by her parents and husband.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 21, 1967 - Saturday, pg 2

PATRICIA A. (LAUFF) SWEENEY , 72, of Lake Carroll, died Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002 at her home. She was employed by School District 88 at Willowbrook and Addison Trail high schools, as the school nurse for many years, retiring in 1990. Mrs. Sweeney was born March 17, 1931, in Rock Falls, the daughter of Francis and Esther Lauff. She was a graduate of St. Anthony's School of Nursing. She married Bill Sweeney. She was an active member of several Lake Carroll committees and was a member of St. Wendelin's Catholic Church, Shannon. She enjoyed golf and bowling. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Colleen (Tom) Mattingly of Carol Stream and Deb (Wayne) Marshall of Warwick, N.Y.; a son Mike I(Diane) Sweeney of Villa Park; a sister, Eileen (Matt) Puskedra of Rock Falls; a brother, Don (Kate) Lauff of Sterling; and six grandchildren. Arrangements were completed by Hermann Funeral Home, Shannon.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 24, 2002, pg A5

EDNA (MORSE) DIETZ SWEITZER , 62, 1303 Mary Ave., Rock Falls died Monday evening (10 December 1973) at Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home Thursday at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. David L. Beebe, pastor of the First christian Church of Rock Falls officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery in Rock Falls. Friends may call at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday. Mrs. Sweitzer was born Dec. 22, 1910 in Morrison, the daughter of Frank Henry and Harriet Mae Schecther Morse. She was united in marriage to Jacob Dietz who preceded her in death in 1950. She re-united in marriage to Floyd R. Swietzer, Dec. 24, 1962. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Donald (Darlene) Summers, Rochelle; Mrs. Wilbur (Marian) Mackey, Sterling; and Mrs. Thomas (Marlene) White, Rock Falls, with whom she made her home; two sisters, Mrs. Donald (Eleanor) Wood, Branson, Mo.; Mrs. Arthur (Myrtle) Scott, Lyndon, two brothers, Howard Morse, Rock Falls; Roy, Delavan, Wis.; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her paretns, one sister and one brother, her first husband, Jacob Dietz in 1950 and her second husband, Floyd R. Sweitzer in 1962.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 11, 1973 - Tuesday, pg. 2

RUTH SYKES , 73, of Cable, Wis., died June 29, 2006, at her home. Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 6, at Ebenezer Reformed, Morrison. Burial is in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Visitation is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bosma-Renkes, Morrison. She married William Sykes Feb. 28, 1952. He died Sept. 12, 1995. Surviving are children, Charla Olson, Morrison, Patsy Rieckhoff, Cable, Terry Sykes, DeSoto, Wis., Ronald Sykes, Mounds View, Wis., and Phillip Sykes, Dubuque, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister; two brothers, including Wayne Akker, Morrison.





Home