'E' Woodford County Obits
Woodford County, Illinois Genealogy Trails

Wallace C. Etcheson
Wallace C. "Wally" Etcheson, 83, El Paso, died Wednesday (June 21, 2006) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvert & Froelich Memorial Home, El Paso, with the Rev. Andrew Lucas officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, El Paso, with military rites conducted by El Paso American Legion Post 142. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today at the memorial home.

Memorials may be made to El Paso Rescue Squad or the Jenny Lu Etcheson Nursing Scholarship Fund, Illinois State University, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790

He was born Aug. 30, 1922, in Putnam County, Ind., the son of Claude and Laurel Morris Etcheson. He married Marian Lewman on May 8, 1945, in Cambridge City, Ind. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Jon (Kathy) Etcheson, Normal; Jane (Tom) Heineke, Bartlett, Tenn; Jerry Etcheson, Gridley; and Jay Etcheson, El Paso; two sisters, Jean (WIll) Scobee, Greencastle, Ind., and Raquel (Bill) Hueber, Pittsboro, Ind.; and seven grandchildren, Amy (Andy) Hadenk, Matthew Etcheson, Bethany Etcheson, Becky Heineke, John Heineke, Alex Etcheson and Tanner Etcheson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter-in-law, Jenny Lu Etcheson.

Wally graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., in 1946 and received a master's degree from Indiana University in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He taught high school and coached sports in Indiana for five years. He retired in 1986 after a 32-year career managing propane distribution plants in Indiana and Illinois.

Wally was very involved in his community. He served on the El Paso School Board for nine years and four years as president. He was a Boy Scout leader, president of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce and was on the ad hoc committee for South Pointe Park. He was instrucmental in the develpment of the El Paso recreation program in the late 1950s. He was a 50-year member of the American Legion Post 142, and the V.F.W. Post 6026 in El Paso. He was affiliated with Grace Fellowship Church. Wally enjoyed driving his red convertible in the El Paso Corn Festival parade. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

PETER ENGEL IS DEAD AT CALDWELL, IDAHO
MEMBER OF OLD METAMORA FAMILY PASSED AWAY LAST FRIDAY MORNING
Went West at Age of 21 Years --- Survived by Three Brothers and Three Sissters --- Was Aged About 70
contributed by Jane Foster

Jos. N. Engel has received news of the death of his brother, Peter Engel, who passed away at his home in Caldwell, Idaho, last Friday, at the age of about 70 years.

Deceased was born on the Engel homestead west of Metamora, a son of Peter Engel, one of the very earliest settlers in Woodford county.  At the age of  21 years he went west where he has since made his home, though occasionally returning for a visit with relatives here.  His last visit was two years ago and at that time he was in good health.  His death was due to pneumonia following influenza which he contracted after a trip to California.

He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters, all living in the west.  Also surviving are three sisters, Mrs. J. J. Faber, and Misses Kate and Leah Engel of Peoria, and three brothers, Jos. N. Engel of Metamora, Sam Engel of Olympia, Washington, and Alf Engel of Washburn.

Robert F. Engel - contributed by Jane Foster
Robert F. Engel of San Mateo, CA, formerly of Lowpoint, passed away March 21 at Presbyterian Hospital in San Francisco.  Son of Mearl L. and Lena Gross Engel, he was born July 2, 1908.  He married Maurine Ehringer June 30, 1934.  A construction engineer, he had been a member of the First Christian Church and Sigma Chi fraternity.  He had been a Mason for 50 years as well.   He was also active in the Corvair Society of America and the National Corvette Restorers Society.  He is survived by his wife, Maurine; two sons, Robert of Reno and Jim of Foster City; a daughter, Barbara Anderson of Santa Barbara; a brother, Paul of Illinois; a sister, Murleen Abbott of Missouri; and seven grandchildren.  A private graveside service was held at Skylawn Memorial Park.  Contributions to the First Christian Church are preferred by the family.

Mearl S. Engel - contributed by Jane Foster
Mearl S. Engel, 83, died at 6:30 a.m. Sunday at Eureka Hospital.  Funeral services were Tuesday at Pacey Memorial Home, the Rev. F. Gwynne Cook officiating.  Burial was in Baptist Cemetery.  He was born near Washington, Dec. 26, 1884, a son of Alpheus and Susan Baker Engel.  He married Evelena Gross Dec. 26, 1906.  She died in 1935.  He later married Marie Waldschmidt.  She died in 1961.  Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Murleen Abbott, Jefferson City, Mo.; two sons, Robert, San Mateo, Calif.; and Paul, Lowpoint; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.  A son preceded him in death.  He was a member of the Christian Church.

John Engel, Sr.
Died of erysipelas, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Ruvenacht, 3 miles northeast of Panola, at two o'clock p.m. March 14, 1888, at the advnaced age of 86 years, 9 months and 22 days. He was born in Lorraine, France, May 22, 1801. Came to the U.S. in 1829. After remaining in Pennsylvaniaa for about 6 months he came to Butler Co., Ohio, and from there, accompained by a friend, he walked to Fort Clark, Illinois, (now the city of Peoria) in 1831. Here they found a fort and three log cabins. He soon settled on a claim near where Metamora now stands, where his parents lived with him.

In 1839, he was united in mariage to Miss Barbara Detweiler, a sister of Captain Henry Detwiler of Peoria. Unto them was born 8 children - 2 sons and 6 daughters, all of which survive him excepting one daughter. His wife was called to her reward June 10, 1874.

The deceased was a devoted member of the mennonite church for 70 years. He was a pioneer, and often hauled grain by team to Chicago, where he exchanged his load of wheat for an armfull of dry goods, etc. The family, consisted of Mr. Engel and four sisters, are noted for longevity. The youngest sister Mrs. Joseph Verkler of Forrest, died aged 72 years; Mrs. Joseph Belsley, of Spring Bay, died aged 78 years; Mrs. John Schweitzer, of Cooper Station, died aged 80 years; and the oldest sister, who alone survives, is 82 years old.

Mr. Engel was in possession of the old family Bible, which has iron borders and has been in possession of the family over 800 years. He was a man of unblemished character, loved and respected by all who knew him. In his death the children have lost a kind father, the community a good neighbor, and Woodford county a noble citizen.

He looked without emotion to the sunset of his life, as the dusk of evening began to gather o'er his watery eyes. His history is written, and like the stars, he quietly fulfilled his mission. Peace folds her snowy pinions o'er his grave, and soft winds sigh the requiem of his soul as he sweetly sleeps. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Hartman of Washington. Text, Rev. XIV, Chapter 13. The remains were interred in the Baughman cemetery, in the presence of a very large number of firends and relatives.

Galt I. Eden - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Father of Mrs Armstrong Dies

Galt I. Eden, 68, died at his home at 407 W. Fourth, Minonk, at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 2.
His funeral was at 2 p.m. Friday at St Petri Lutheran Church at Windtown. The Rev. Marvin Drueger officiated and burial was in the church cemetery. He was born May 31, 1894, in Minonk Township, a son of Ede B. and Anna Wilhelms Eden. He farmed until he retired and moved to Minonk in 1953. He was married to Gretke Rients at Windtown March 1, 1923. Surviving are his wife; a son, Vernon, Minonk; a daughter, Mrs LaVerne Armstrong, Metamora; a brother, Wessel B. Eden, Jr., Flanagan; and two grandchildren. A brother and two sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of St Petri Lutheran Church and a Maple Grove School director for many years. He was a veteran of World War I.

Christian B. Eden - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Minonk - Christian B. Eden, 85, died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at his home in Minonk. The body was taken to the Tallyn-Folkers memorial home, where visitation began at 2 p.m. Thursday. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St Petri's Lutheran church at Windtown, with the Rev E. V. Schroeder officiating. Burial will be in Windtown cemetery. He was born in Germany June 20, 1870, a son of Wessel and Etta Bockoven Eden. He married Tena Antons Jan. 29, 1900 at St Petri's Lutheran church at Windtown. Surviving are his wife, three daughters, Mrs Etta Janssen and Mrs Gertrude Fricke, both of Minonk, and Mrs Luella Renken of Flanagan; four sons, Wessel and Edwin, both of Flanagan, and Orville and Jake, both of Minonk; 19 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A brother and two sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of St Petri's Lutheran church. He came to this country when he was four and lived his entire life in the Minonk and Flanagan area.

MRS. ALFRED ENGEL DIES AT AGE OF 83
Death Came at Home in Washburn   Monday -- Funeral Services Thursday
contributed by Jane Foster

Susan Catherine Baker was born on a farm northwest of Washington, Illinois, November 13, 1855.  She was the eleventh in a family of thirteen children, born to Squire Baker and Elizabeth Clark Baker.  She was baptised in the Christian faith, early in life, by Daniel R. Howe, in the Christian church at Washington.

January 10, 1884, Miss Baker was united in marriage to Alpheus W. Engel, by A. M Haggard, pastor of the Washington Christian church.  To this union, one son, Mearl Squire, was born.

Their early married life was spent on a farm near Metamora.  When Mearl was but a small boy, the family removed to the farm south of Washburn, where they resided until 1908, when they retired from the active duties of farm life, to enjoy the comforts of a commodious home in Washburn where they might be near to the church of their choice, of which they were regular and loyal attendants, until her failing health and his impaired hearing prevented them from enjoying the public worship of the sanctuary, to which they had been accustomed.

Mrs. Engel had been an invalid since a year ago last May, at times suffering greatly and then, for a time improving somewhat.  Last spring, while out on the farm with their son Mearl, she had a paralytic stroke, but regained strength to come back to her home, where she greatly enjoyed the calls of kind friends and neighbors, whenever she was ???? to see them.

Last Friday she sustained another stroke, which deprived her of speech and she failed rapidly.  At about 7:30 o'clock, Monday evening, August 8, 1938, He who "giveth His beloved sleep," spake peach and comfort to her pain-racked body and she quietly fell asleep to enter the life immortal to rest from her labors and to rejoin the loved ones gone before, having reached the advanced age of eighty-two years, eight months and twenty-five days.  January 10, 1938, they had spent fifty-four years of married life together.

Mrs. Engel is survived by her bereaved and afflicted husband and their son Mearl; a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Baker Cress, of Washington, Illinois; a brother, Alfred Baker, of Port Orchard, Washington; three grandchildren,  Robert, Paul and Murleen Engel; and one great grandchild, Robert DeLong Engel.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 1:30 at the home, and at 2:00 o'clock at the Washburn Christian church.  Internment was in the Baptist cemetery, Washburn.

Dear loved ones in sorrow, Peace be to you all!  I can tarry no longer; I've answered God's call To leave, for a brief time, My loved ones most dear; Hoping, trusting, some day, You will all meet me here, In this beautiful Homeland, Which Jesus our Lord Is preparing, for all Who believe in His Word; Who love and adore Him, In service sincere; And from whose sad eyees, He will wipe every tear.   --    Ella Hess

Mary Engel
El Paso - Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Engel will be held at 2:20 p.m. Friday at Fickens memorial home. Dr. George Thorpe, of Decatur will conduct the services. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.

Funeral services for the late Alpheus W. Engel were held last Friday afternoon at 2:30 in the Washburn Christian church and were attended by a large assembly of friends.  The Rev. A. L. Bradbury, pastor of the church, assisted by the Rev. Sam Crabtree of La Rose, conducted the services.  Internment was in the Washburn Baptist cemetery.

Alpheus W. Engel - contributed by Jane Foster
Alpheus W. Engel was born near Metamora, May 11, 1857, and passed away at Springfield, on June 11, 1941 at the age of 84 years and one month.  He was the seventh of ten children born to Peter R. Engel and Barbara Naffzinger, who when quite young, journeyed from France and Bavaria in company with their parents to settle a tract of land near what is now Metamora.

There they lived, married and raised their family of ten children, five of whom were girls, and five boys, namely:  Catherine, Jacob, Barbara, Peter, Joseph, Marsa, Alpheus, Samuel, Leah and Amelia.  Of these only three remain:  Samuel, who lives near Olympia, Wash; Leah, of Peoria, and Amelia, Mrs. Jacob Faber in Sarasota, Fla.

Mr. Engel attended the old Engel school near his home, which his grandfather had erected and after completing his education he engaged in farming in partnership with his brother, Samuel.  After two years he took over the interest of his brother and farmed for himself.

On January 10, 1884, he was united in marriage to Susan Catherine Baker, of Washington.  To this union one son, Mearl, was born.

In the fall of 1888 they purchased a farm south of Washburn, to which they moved and successfully farmed until 1908, when they retired to live in Washburn.  Here they lived to enjoy themselves, their home, and their church, which they both faithfully served until their death.  Mrs. Engel passed away August 8, 1938.  After Mrs. Engel's death, Mr. Engel made his home with his son, Mearl, who lives on the farm south of town.

Mr. Engel leaves to mourn his passing besides his son, the two sisters and one brother, three grandchildren, Robert, Paul and Murleen (Mrs. J. W. Abbott), and two great grandchildren, Robert Delong and Barbara Ann Engel.

Now the laborer's task is over.  Now the battle's day is past.  Now upon that further shore. Lands the voyager at last.   Savior in Thy gracious keeping, Leave me now  Our brother sleeping.

Velda M. Engel - contributed by Jane Foster
Velda M. Engel, 81, of Metamora and formerly of Washburn, died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, at Maple Lawn Health Center, Eureka.  Born Nov. 24, 1922, in Washburn to Forrest and Verda Shafer Snider, she married Paul A. Engel Aug. 31, 1942, in Georgia.  He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Paulette Kay Foster of Peoria, and Evelyn Sue (James) Butcher of Apple Valley, Minn.; one brother, Kenneth (Patricia) Snider of Venice, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, Walter M., a brother and three grandchildren.  She was a nurse's aid at Eureka Hospital, retiring after 21 years.  She was a member of the Washburn American Legion Auxiliary and a 50-year member and Past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star.

She was a member of the Washburn Christian Church.  Burial was in the Baptist Cemetery, Washburn.  Memorials may be made to her church.

Lived in This Locality Nearly Seventy Years -- Born in Germany, and Came to this Country in '31
contributed by Jane Foster

Mrs. Barbara Englel, for nearly 70 years a resident of this vicinity, died at her home one mile west of Metamora at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon, at the good age of 86 years.

Mrs. Engel came from one of the early families settling in the valley of the Illinois.  Her maiden name was Barbara Naffzinger and she was born in Rhein-Pfalz, Bavaria, Germany, April 14, 1823.  She immigrated with her parents to this country, landing at Baltimore in 1831.  The family migrated westward and settled on a farm near Cincinnati, Ohio, where they remained six years.  They then moved to Kickapoo, this state, and later came to this side of the river settling on what is now known as the Ed C. Engel farm near Spring Bay.

In 1846 she was married to Peter Engel, son of another pioneer, who came to this locality in 1831.  The couple settled on the farm just west of Metamora, which Mr. Engel's father had homesteaded.  Ten children were born to them.  Two died in infancy, and another, Jacob, died about 21 years ago, about or near the time his father also passed away.  The surviving children are Kate, who has made her home with her mother; Peter, who resides at Berkeley, Calif.; Joseph, of this locality; Alpheus, of Washburn; Samuel, of this locality; Leah, residing at home, and Amelia, wife of Jacob Faber of Peoria.  Two sister and one brother of the deceased also survive, namely, Peter Naffzinger of Hopedale; Mrs. Peter Roth of Panola, and Mrs. John Bachman of Manson, Ia.

The old Peter Engel residence was known to all early settlers.  Located at a point where Mrs. Rachel Banta conducted an inn known as "Traveler's Rest", it was a stopping place on an old stage route between Lacon and Washington, and immigrants often spent the night there in coming here to settle.  The country between Metamora and the river was then virgin forest, and with the other early settlers the family had arduous labor before them.  Possessed of a kindly and generous nature, Mrs. Engel was known among her friends as a good-hearted woman of beautiful traits.  Her death will be generally regretted among her many old friends.

The funeral was held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock.  Services were held at the residence and the remains were taken to Oakwood cemetery for internment.

MRS. MEARL ENGEL DIES AT HOME NEAR LOWPOINT TUESDAY
Death Comes After Six Weeks of Critical Illness Due to Heart Disease
contributed by Jane Foster

Mrs. Mearl Engel, lifelong resident of Washburn and vicinity and prominent in organization affairs in Woodford county for many years, died at the family home several miles northeast of Lowpoint early Tuesday morning of a critical illness of about six weeks due to heart trouble.

Her death causes widespread sorrow, for she was well known and commanded the respect and high esteam of all who knew her throughout an active and useful life.  During the last year she had served as chairwoman of the Woodford County Democratic women's organization.  Because of her leadership ability, her talents and sincere, earnest effort in everything that she undertook she was called into many fields of endeavor, including the Woodford Home Bureau, county 4-H club work, the Washburn Women's club, the annual fair at Washburn, and in her church, the Washburn Christian church.  She  gave of her time and ability to all and yet found time to be a great housewife and mother.  She was an artist in needlework and often her pleasing voice was heard in song in public.  She will be greatly missed in many circles.

Evelyn F. Grass was born in Washburn Feb. 2, 1886, daughter of Bertus G. and Anna Fecht Grass.  She graduated from Washburn high school in 1904, and on Dec. 26, 1906, was united in marriage to Mearl Engel.  Four children were born to this union, one son, Walter, passing away at the age of 4.  She is survived by her husband, two sons and one daughter, Robert of Springfield, Paul and Murleen, at home.  Also surviving are her mother, Mrs. Anna Aicher of Washburn, two brothers, Ben Aicher of Oak Park and Dr. Frank Aicher of McHenry, and two sisters, Mrs. Josephine Engel of Peoria and Mrs. Lena Riebachlager of Washburn.

Hundreds of friends visited the Engel home on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  Beautiful flowers from friends near and far away banked the casket and the room where the body of the beloved lady was retained until the time of the funeral.

Services were held at the residence at 2 p.m. Thursday and the body was then taken to the Christian church in Washburn for final services.  Rev. D. J. Howe, pastor of the church presided at the services.  The funeral was very large.  Internment was in the Washburn Baptist cemetery.

PETER E. ENGEL, 61 OF WILLIAMSFIELD DIES IN GALESBURG
Was Native of Metamora, Son of Late Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Engel; Funeral Tuesday
contributed by Jane Foster

Peter E. Engel, 61, of Williamsfield died Sunday at 7 a.m. in St. Mary's hospital, Galesburg, where he had been a patient several weeks.

He was born Feb. 14, 1889 on the Engel homestead adjoining Metamora on the west.  He attended local schools and was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Slonneger of Washington.

The couple had spent practically all of their married lives at Williamsfield, retiring from farming several years ago and moving into Williamsfield where Mr. Engel was engaged in the trucking business.

Surviving are his wife, one sister, Mrs. Frances Nieschlag of Washington and four brothers, Lloyd of Everett, Wash., Carl of North Dakota, Arthur of Metamora and William of Washington.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. in the Williamsfield Methodist church, the Rev. T. K. Shubert officiating.  Interment was in GlenDale cemetery, Washington.

Leah Engel - contributed by Jane Foster
Miss Leah Engel dies in hospital in Peoria, aged 88.

Funeral services held Saturday at Mason Funeral Home in Metamora.

The body of Miss Leah Engel, 88, native Metamorian, who died at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5 in a Peoria hospital, where she had been a patient three years, was brought to the Mason funeral home in Metamora Thursday evening.

Relatives and friends were received at the funeral home Friday evening and Saturday at 2 p.m. funeral services were held.  The Rev. Michael Weyeneth of the Green Street Apostolic Christian church of Peoria, of which deceased was a member, assisted by the Rev. David Mangold of Roanoke, had charge of the services.  Ten singers from the Peoria church sang.  Local relatives and many friends attended the service.  Interment was in Oakwood cemetery, Metamora.

Deceased, a daughter of Peter and Barbara Engel, was born on the Engel homestead adjoining Metamora on the west, Jan 14, 1861.  She had resided with her sister, the late Miss Kate Engel for many years in a cottage on the home place, then in the home they built at the west side of Metamora, and finally in Roanoke and Peoria.  She is survived by one brother, Samuel H. Engel of Olympia, Wash., and a number of nephews and nieces.

Walter Engel
Walter Engel, 46, of 320 N. Spring St., Metamora, died Sunday,Jan. 21, 1996, at Veteran's Administration Hospital in Danville.  He was born Oct. 20, 1949, in Peoria to Paul A. and Velda Snider Engel.  Surviving are  his parents of Metamora; two sons, Paul of Lowpoint and Dallas of Metamora; two daughters,  Catherine Engel and Beth Engel, both of Lowpoint; and two sisters, Sue Butcher of Apple Valley, Minn., and Kay Foster of Peoria.  He was a postal carrier at the North University Post Office in Peoria.  A Vietnam War Air Force veteran, he was a member of Washburn American Legion Post 661 in Washburn.  He was also a member of Washburn Christian Church in Washburn, where services were held Tuesday, Jan. 23.  The Rev. Bob Jassman officiated.  Burial was in Baptist Cemetery in Washburn.  Ries-McKitrick & Newton Mortuary, Washburn Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.  Memorials may be made to his church or the Washburn American Legion Post.  (contributed by Jane Foster)

Paul A. Engel
Paul Arthur Engel, 96, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, formerly of Washburn, Illinois, died Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at 7:48 a.m. at Augustana Health Care Center in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Paul was born July 29, 1914, in Washburn, Illinois, to Mearl and Evelena (Grass) Engel.  He married Velda M. Snider on August 31, 1942, in Georgia.  She preceded him in death on September 21, 2004.  Surviving are two daughters, Kay Foster of Florida and Sue (Jim) Butcher of Prior Lake, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Walter, one sister, Murleen Abbott, two brothers, Robert and Walter Engel, one grandson, Randal Foster, and two granddaughters, Michelle Larson and Tara Butcher. Paul had served his country by serving in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the Washburn Christian Church and the Washburn American Legion Post. Paul had farmed in the Washburn area and in Minnesota until the age of 85 years, when he retired to take care of Velda.  Visitation will be Monday, February 21, 2011, from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at the Washburn Christian Church.  Funeral Services will follow at 1 p.m.  The Rev. Pat Jones will officiate.  Burial will follow at Washburn Baptist Cemetery in Washburn.  Memorials may be made to his church, The Washburn Christian Church in Washburn, Illinois.  Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home in Washburn is in charge of arrangements. (contributed by Jane Foster)

Thelma M. Ewert
Thelma “Skippy” M. Ewert, 84, of Secor, passed away at 5:02 am on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in El Paso, where she made her home. She was born February 12, 1925 in Kankakee, IL a daughter of Durward and Mary McGuire Teeters. She married Harry “Bud” Ewert on August 10, 1944 in Normal, IL. He passed away on March 12, 2002. Survivors include: three daughters, Maxine (Paul) Fey of Secor, Billie (Larry) Kraft of Secor, and Carla (Randy) Robinson of Peoria; one son, Mark (Mary Craig) Ewert of Secor; 13 grandchildren, Rhonda (Donnie) Novak, Wanda (Kenny) Kuhles, Paul (Heather) Fey, Michael Fey, Sherri Eichelberger, Misty (Terry) Jording, Michelle Kraft, Brandon Robinson, Samantha (Lee Bush) Robinson, Lauren Ewert, Travis Ewert, Tara Craig and Tiffany Roberts; and 21 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry “Bud” Ewert, one son, Mikel Wayne Ewert and one brother, Carl M. Teeters. Skippy was a member of the Secor United Methodist Church and the VFW Ladies Auxillary. She worked in the service industry as a waitress, hostess and cook for many years. Skippy was a well recognized voice on WJBC’s Problems and Solutions segment.   She was a resident at Heritage Manor in El Paso for 7 years. She was the greeter for new residents, led a Bible Study and a Sunday School Class. She received the Heroes of Long-Term Care Award for her dedication to others. She was a caretaker to everyone, reading to those who could no longer see.  Skippy was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who will be deeply missed. A memorial service for Skippy will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at the Secor Community Building. Rev. Kenneth Sloan-Couch will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2-3:00 pm on Sunday before the service. Cremation rites will be accorded. Burial of ashes will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Skippy’s name to Heritage Manor Nursing Home in El Paso...contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Elsie Ehlers
Elsie M. Ehlers formerly of 406 Pleasant Street Benson, died at 10 pm on Tuesday November 1, 2005 at the Roanoke Apostolic Christian Home where she was a resident.  She was born on August 14, 1920 in Benson, IL to William and Johanna Schuler Monk. She married Elmer Ehlers on December 25, 1946 in Benson. He died on February 10, 2004 in Benson.  Surviving is one son; Steve (Sally) Ehlers of Washburn; one daughter, Treva (Bill) Hinkle of Benson; four grandchildren, Jennifer Ehlers of Denver, CO, Ryan (Lynn) Ehlers of Metamora, Tony (Heidi) Hinkle of Benson, Jim Hinkle of Benson; two great grandchildren, Olivia and Chase Ehlers. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Herman, Jake, Eimer, and Ernie; and one sister, Cassie. Elsie was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Benson where she was active in the Ladies Aid where she had perfect attendance, not missing a meeting for 53 years. She also had taught Sunday School , served on the church council, and was a member of the church fellowship club. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #454 in Benson, the Benson Garden Club, the Linn Township Home Extension, numerous area card clubs, and had served the Linn Township on the election board. Elsie also enjoyed bowling and had served as secretary for the Women’s International Bowling Congress. She and Elmer raised Pomeranian pups for many years and always had one living with them. Their Pomeranian Abby was the last to enjoy their company and love. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday November 4, at her church. The Rev. Anne Strickert will officiate. Visitation will be at Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home in Roanoke from 4:30 - 7:30 pm on Thursday and from10-11am on Friday at the church. Burial will be in Clayton Township Cemetery in Benson. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Benson Ambulance, or the Roanoke Apostolic Christian Home....contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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