MRS. DANIEL GEERDS , nee Wilfong, was born in Germany, November 13, 1851, and died, in Shannon, October 14, 1940, aged 88 years, 11 months, and one day.

At the age of ten she with her parents came to this country and located in the vicinity of Adeline, near Forreston. In 1870 she was united in marriage to Daniel Geerds. God blessed this union with six children, one son and five daughters.

Soon after their marriage they moved to Grundy county, Iowa, living there for six years, when they moved back to Illinois, settling On a farm three miles northeast of Shannon. Here they lived until 1892 when they located in Shannon. After residing in Shannon a few years, her husband was called to his eternal reward, leaving her to meet life's problems alone.

Early in life she united with the German Reformed church, and she has lived a Christian life until the end. Her long useful life has made an impression on all who knew her. During her long illness she was very patient, never murmuring. She was tenderly eared for by her dear daughter, in whose home she resided. She was the last member of the family to pass on. Mother Geerds was a kind, faithful wife, mother, Friend, and neighbor. She leaves to mourn their loss: four children, Mrs. Jennie Brown of Freeport, Mrs. John Honken of Bankiuft, Iowa, Mrs. Dick Meyers of Titonka, Iowa, and Mrs. Joe Buss; nineteen grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her husband. one son, and one daughter preceded her in death.

Funeral services were conducted in the Bethel church by Rev. S. G. Eberly, assisted by Rev. P. H. Buesher. Burial was made in the Prairie Dell cemetery.

2nd Notice

Mrs. Daniel Geerds, 88, passed away Monday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joe Buss, in Shannon.

She was born Nov. 13. 1851, in Germany, the daughter of Henry and Assel Wiltfong. She accompanied her parents to the United States when she was ten years old and on March 2, 1870, was married to Daniel Geerds at Freeport .Her husband preceded her in death Oct. 12, 1907

Following her marriage Mrs. Geerds lived several years in Iowa later moving to a farm three miles northeast of Shannon. She had resided in Shannon since 1892.

Survivors are four daughters, Mrs. Buss, Mrs. Jenny Brown of Freeport, Mrs. John Honken, Vankuist, IA, and Mrs. Dick Meyers, Titonka IA., 19 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren . Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1:30 p. M. at the Buss home and at 2 p. P.M.. at the Evangelical church. Rev. S. G. Eberly will officiate and burial will be in Prairie Dell cemetery northeast of Shannon.

Contributed by Judi Wirtjes

JANE MARY (CAMPBELL) WOODIN GEISZ , age 50, of Ochelata, Oklahoma and formerly of Milledgeville, died Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at her home. Jane was born November 7, 1952 in North Dakota the daughter of James and Ruth Campbell.

Jane is survived by her husband, Richard Geisz of Catoose, Oklahoma; three children, Wesley Woodin of Milledgeville, Cheyenne (Matt) Andrews of Rainstein AFB in Germany, Travis Woodin of Tulsa, Oklahoma; three grandsons, Adam and Richard Andrews and Allen Woodin; two stepchildren, Steve Geisz; one brother, David Campbell of Rockford; an aunt in Canada, and many cousins. Her parents and her first husband Allen Woodin in March of 1982 precede Jane in death.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 25, 2004 at South Elkhorn Cemetery near Milledgeville, Reverend Thomas Kingery officiated.

Prairie Advocate 23 June 2004

RUTH AMELIA (CARROLL) GELWICKS , 91, of Mount Carroll, died Saturday at Freeport (Ill.) Health Network Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mount Carroll. Interment will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

She was born Dec. 25 1912, to Rush W. and Anna Smith Carroll in York Township. She married Robert L. Gelwicks on Oct. 28, 1933, at the First Baptist Church parsonage in Mount Carroll. He died in 1990. She graduated from Thomson (Ill.) High School in 1931. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and Freedom Homemakers Club. She also taught Sunday school for many years.

Survivors include a son, Leo (Lois) Gelwicks of Mount Carroll; one daughter, Mrs. Doris (Duane) Kruse of Lanark, Ill.; five grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; seven stepgreat-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Carroll of Galena, Ill., and Dorothy Carroll of Savanna, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.

Clinton Herald September 13, 2004

EVA MAE (FICKES) GIBBS , age 85, of Savanna formerly of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, passed away Friday, January 13, 2006 in Mercy Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna with Father Moises Apostol as Celebrant. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2006 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll with a Scripture Wake Service held at 5:30 p.m.. There will also be a one-hour visitation held at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna prior to the Funeral Mass on Tuesday. Memorials may be given in Eva Mae’s name for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Savanna; SS John & Catherine Church of Mt. Carroll or the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mt. Carroll.

Eva Mae was born December 14, 1920 in Mt. Carroll the daughter of Oliver and Lillian (Eisenhower) Fickes. She graduated from Mt. Carroll High School, Class of 1938. Eva Mae married Melvin Finer on November 30, 1942, he died in 1981; she married Ray Fleckenstein in 1990, he passed away in 1992; she married George Gibbs in 1997, he died in 2000. Eva Mae worked in retail for several years at the Adam’s & Dabron Department Store in Mt. Carroll and then Dickinson’s in Mt. Carroll. She was the Mt. Carroll City Treasurer for sixteen years retiring in 1997. Eva Mae was the Secretary Treasurer for the Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Savanna. Eva Mae was very active in her churches, for eighteen years she was the Financial Secretary for the First Lutheran Church of Mt. Carroll and for five years she was the Financial Secretary for SS. John & Catherine Catholic Church of Mt. Carroll.

Eva Mae will be deeply missed by her daughter, Reverend Suellen (Jeffrey) Myers of Williams Bay, Wisconsin; her son, Robert (Dena) Finer of Star, Idaho; and four grandsons, Robert Myers, Thomas Myers, Daniel Finer and Jonathan Finer; two step granddaughters, Chasity Tapp and Shawna Potter.

ELLA (MILLER) PETERS GIDDINGS , of Lanark died Friday (Etta Horner Bowers notes January 27 but not a year; it would have been before 1974) in Freeport Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient three weeks.

She was born Sept. 16, 1867 in rural Lanark, daughter of John E. and Elizabeth (Fox) Miller. She married Frank Peters in 1901 in Lanark. He died in 1934. She married Smith Giddings in 1946 and he died in 1947. Mrs. Giddings owned and operated a woman’s apparel shop for about 22 years in lanark, retiring about 10 years ago. She then did clothes alerations.

Surviving are a son, Bertram Peters, Anaheim, Calif.; two grandchildren; two sisters, Clara Miller and Mrs. Emma Carter, both of Lanark. She was preceded in death by three brothers and seven sisters.

Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in First Brethren Church with Rev. Paul Steiner, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Today in Frank Funeral Home. A memorial is being established at First Brethren Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

FRANCES GILLESPIE - A life-long local farmer, Francis Gillespie, died at 11:30 p.m. Sunday in a Freeport hospital where he had been a patient one week. (Note: The Social Security Death Index gives the date as August 1964.) He was born April 19, 1894 in Savanna, son of Charles and Carrie (Haven) Gillespie. He married Helen Fulrath Sept. 22, 1915 in Mount Carroll. Surviving are his widow; two sons, Lyle of Freeport and Richard of Dubuque, Iowa; and one daughter, Mrs. Ruth Robertson, Freeport.

Service will be Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Frank Funeral Home, where visitation may be made from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport. Rev. Darrold Coppernoll, pastor of Center Hill and Woodland United Brethren Churches, will officiate.
Contributed by Alice Horner

HELEN (ROSS) GILLOGLY , age 91, of Savanna, Illinois, died after a brief illness Saturday, November 27, 2004 at Mercy Hospital North, Clinton, Iowa. Cremation will take place. A private family graveside service will be held at the Savanna Township Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 30 at the First Presbyterian Church of Savanna. Memorials may be given in Helen's name for the Church.

Helen was born August 26, 1913 in Savanna, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Lauenburg) Ross. She married Omar Edward Gillogly June 18, 1933 in Galena, Illinois. Helen was a lifelong resident of Savanna. She worked many years as a secretary at the Savanna Ordinance Depot and Interstate Power Company. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Savanna community. She was an avid Bridge player, loved to travel, and went with her sons to Europe. Helen lived for her family

She will be deeply missed by her two sons, Robert Ross (Barbara) Gillogly of Louisville, Kentucky and Richard Lee (Carol) of Brownsville, Vermont; four grandchildren, Karen (Steven) Blaiklock, Kristen (Thomas) Grayson, Ryan (Stephanie) Gillogly and Megan (Tony) Gonzalez; and six great grandchildren, Ian, Alison, Benjamin, Michael, Trey and Tyler. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Omar; a sister, Ruth Ross Zigler; and two brothers, Webster and John Ross.

MILDRED B. GILLETTE , age 97, of Rockford, Illinois, died at 3:05 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2003 at Provenna St. Anne's Center, Rockford. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2003 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, Illinois with Reverend Dr. Douglas Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Savanna officiating. Cremation will take place and inurnment will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 3 at the Savanna Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10 - 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61102.

Mildred was born November 14, 1905 in Savanna, Illinois, the daughter of Charles E. and Pearl (Pulford) Gillette. She was a 1923 graduate of the Savanna High School and a 1927 graduate of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. Mildred worked as a Pharmacist in several hospitals retiring from Rockford Memorial Hospital after 30 years of service. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rockford.

Survivors include two nephews, Dennis B. (Jean) O'Leary of Rockford and Timothy (Patricia) O'Leary of Hawthorne Woods, Illinois; three nieces, Mary Ann (James) Falancer and Kathleen (Michael) Seiple of Savanna, Illinois and Carol O'Leary of Medford, Wisconsin; 15 grand nieces and grand nephews, including Dennis P. O'Leary of Rockford; and 9 great-grand nieces and grand nephews.

A special thanks to her caregivers and dear friends, Alice, Amanda, Bev, Fran, Ruth and Helen.

Prairie Advocate June 4, 2003

JAMES GLENN was born in Fulton county, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1870 and died Monday September 18, 1905 at the age of 35 years, 5 months and 24 days.

He moved to Coleta in 1894. On November 21, 1900 be was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Behrens.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at two o'c1ock at the Coleta Liberal U. B. church. There was a large number of relatives and friends present to pay their fast tributes of respect to the remains of him who had been so highly respected and so well loved by all. Rev. E. Plumley of Van Orin was the officiating pastor and he was assisted in the service by Rev. C. W. Marlow, pastor of the Coleta Christian church. Appropriate songs were sung by members of the church choir. A great many beautiful floral tributes were given, among them being a piece with the initials, given by the M.W. A. Camp to which the deceased belonged. He was also a mbmer of the United Brethren church of Coleta.
Besides bis wife and three children he leaves to mourn his death; three brothers and three sister; George and Harvey Glenn of Lanark, David Glenn of Coleta, Miss Jennie Furry of Chadwick, Mrs. Anna Hart of near MilledgeviIle and Mrs. Florence Isenhart of Ooleta and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Glenn of Milledgeville. After the church services tbe funeral cortege moved to the Bethel cemetery near Milledge­ville where the burial took place. The pall bearers were: J. L. Deets, D W. Deets, C.H. Deets, Colonel Bushman, Miles Wallace and John Snavely;

BERNETA (ADAMS) GOLDTHORPE , 94, of Mount Carroll, formerly of Milledgeville, died Wednesday. April 9, 2003, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Mount Carroll. She taught junior high school in Savanna, Mount Carroll and Milledgeville for 23 years. She and her husband owned and operated Goldthorpe's Store, Milledgeville, for many years. Mrs. Goldthorpe was born June 6, 1908, in Carroll County, the daughter of Charles and Lottie (James) Adams. She was a 1926 graduate of Mount Carroll High School and a 1928 graduate of Francis Shimer College. Mount Carroll. She married Ralph Koper Goldthorpe on June 15, 1933, in Mount Carroll. He died Nov. 9, 1973. She was a member of Milledgeville United Methodist Church, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Carroll County Retired Teachers Association, Milledgeville Women's Club and Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed camping and traveling

Survivors include two daughters, Judith (Daniel) Oberholtzer of Chestertown Md., and Jane (Leonard) Dixon of Mount Carroll; a son, James (Patricia) Goldthorpe of Galena; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; a sister-in law, Martha Adams of Dubuque, Iowa; an aunt; 11 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Mullen; and three brothers, Forrest, Harold and Samuel Adams.

Memorial service is at 9:30 a.m. Friday at Milledgeville United Methodist Church. Burial is at Bethel Cemetery, Milledgeville. Arrangements were completed by Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mount Carroll.

Daily Gazette 16 Jun 2003

JUDY (LICHTY) GOODIN , age 64, of Anderson Island, WA, lost her battle with cancer on October 17, 2004. Judy was born on May 10, 1940, daughter of the late Robert and Luella Lichty of Lanark.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bill Goodin; sons, Dale (Pam) Goodin of Anderson Island, WA, David (Denise) Goodin of Enumclaw, WA; daughter Dyann (Kelly) Klaus of Cushing, OK; brothers, Karl (Laurens) Lichty of Arroyo Grande, CA, John (Mary) Lichty of Visalia, CA; ten grandchildren, Sarah, Samuel, Jennifer and Jessica Goodin, Tara, Molly and Levi Goodin, Kyle, Kayla and Kacy Klaus; and several friends and relatives. Services were held at 1 p.m., Sunday, October 24, at the Anderson Island Community Church, Anderson Island, WA.

Judy was a devoted and caring mother and grandmother. She and her husband, Bill traveled and enjoyed life to the fullest as best friends. Her memories will be in our hearts forever and she will be truly missed

MARGARET AUSTA (DEETS) GRAEHLING , 84, of Milledgeville, died Sunday, November 29, 1998 at CHG Medical Center in sterling following a brief illness.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 1998 at the Milledgeville Brethren Church with the Reverend Eric Bargerhuff officiating. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 30 at the church and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial was at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Arrangements were corupleted by the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.

Mrs. Graehling was born on January 9, 1914 in Milledgeville to Ward and LaRue (Donnelly) Deets. She graduated from Milledgeville High School and attended Cornell College. She married Richard Graehling on June 18, 1939 and they farmed together for 40 years. He died on November 15, 1994. She was a school teacher for 30 years, first in rural one-room school houses and later as a first grade teacher in the Milledgeville school system. She was an active member of the Milledgeville Brethreii Church and led and served or many other community organizations. She was an inspiration to her family, friends and acquaintances. She was full of life and energy to the end.

Survivors include a son, Jim (Sherry) Graehling and two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Katherine, all of Bloomington. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband and ar infant brother.

CHARLES THOMAS GRAHAM , 60, of Savanna, died Saturday, Aug. 28, from injuries received in a two-vehicle accident. A graduate of Pekin High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force in Germany in the 1960s and later served in the Army Reserves at the Army Reserve Center in Freeport in the 1980s. He worked at the Savanna Army Depot for a few years and was currently a truck driver for Neumiller Farms near Savanna where he had been for more than 10 years. He was a member of the Mississippi Masonic Lodge #385 in Savanna and Scottish Kite in Freeport. He enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S.

He was born May 27. 1939, in Pekin to Charles and Dorothy (Irby) Graham. Survivors include his mother, of Savanna; two aunts and three uncles He was preceded in death by his father and one brother.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday. Sept. 2. at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Visitation will be at the funeral home. Burial will be in Savanna Township Cemetery with military rites accorded by the Savanna VFW

DOROTHY M. (IRBY) GRAHAM , 88, of Savanna, died Wednesday, June 7, in her home She was born Feb. 5, 1912, Huntington W.Va., a daughter Charles and Virgie Lee (Pickett Irby. She married Charles Graham, Dec. 5, 1936, in Eureka. He died ir. 1978. She and her husband worked as commercial fishermen in the Savanna area for many years.

Survivors include two brothers. Oscar (Wilma) Irby of Pekin and Roscoe (Martha) Irby of Decatur two sisters, CharlOtt~ (Clarence Morse of Yucaipa, Calif., and Ruth Morris of Fullerton, Calif.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Tad and Charles; a brother, Leo; and three sisters, Mabel Schnitzle Geneva Hayward and Delorr Clayton A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday June 10 at the Savanna Township Cemetery with the Rev. Bill Landis of the First United Methodist Church officiating.

FLORENCE A. (MANNING) GRAHAM , 94, of Savanna, died Sunday, Feb. 27 at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna. She graduated from Savanna High School with the Class of 1925. She owned and operated Graham's Cafe in Savanna for 25 years, retiring in 1971. She previously worked as a cashier at the E.G. Shinner Meat Market in Savanna. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a former member of the Savanna Police Pension Board. She enjoyed cooking and especially enjoyed caring for people.

She was born Jan. 21, 1906 in York Township to John and Mary (Cunningham) Manning. She married Elden "Shorty" Graham Sept. 7, 1941, in Savanna. He died March 12, 1976. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Mary Manning of Maquoketa, Iowa; two nephews, Ron (JoAnn) Robertson of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Jon Manning of Dubuque Iowa; two nieces, Mary Jo (Robert) Reade of Geneseo and Nancy (Randy) Bakker of Ottumwa, Iowa; 15 grandnieces and grandnephews. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday Marcy 1 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna with Father Tim Seigel as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Savanna.

MINNIE GRAYLESS - Funeral services for Mrs. Minnie Grayless, 57, Savanna native, who died in Elgin in Tuesday, were conducted at 11 o’clock Thursday morning in the Latter Day Saints church in Chestnut Park, with the Rev. Howard Grayless officiating. Casket attendants included Harold Stakemiller and Howard Grayless of Savanna and A. W. Purvis of Milwaukee, Wis. Burial was in the Savanna cemetery. Among those from out-of-town at the last rites were W. A. McWilliams, Mrs. G. S. Purvis, Paul Grayless, and Mrs. Jenny Kartheiser, all of Chicago, and Herman Lartz and A. W. Purvis of Milwaukee, Wis.

Mrs. Grayless was born in Savanna on Nov. 18, 1879 and died in Elgin on Sept. 7, 1937, at the age of 57 years, nine months,, and 19 days. She was married to Norton Grayless of Savanna in 1899. He preceded her in death. Mrs. Grayless had resided in Elgin for the past 15 years.

She leaves one son, Paul Grayless of Chicago, three brothers, and two sisters. One son, James, died in 1926.

Contributed by Jim Klingler

DEBRA ANN (KANE) GREEN , age 48, of rural Elizabeth, died Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at Galena Stauss Memorial Hospital, Galena. Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 21, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Derinda Center rural Elizabeth, Reverend Kurt Hansen officiated. Burial was in the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Derinda Center rural Elizabeth. Visitations were from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 20, at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. A memorial fund has been established in Debra's name. Debra was born May 18, 1956 to LeVere "Bud" and Lois (Kosier) Kane in Savanna. She was a graduate of the Elizabeth High School, class of 1974. Debra married Lyle Green, Jr. on May 23, 1975 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Derinda, where she was baptized and confirmed as a child. Debra worked at Invensys/Eaton Corporation in Hanover, for twenty-nine years. She had also worked with her parents years ago at the Handel's Steak House, rural Savanna. Debra enjoyed gardening, decorating, shopping, and traveling with family. She cherished her dog Shiloh, and always loved celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Debra is survived by her husband Lyle of rural Elizabeth; her daughter, Heather (Duane) Brotherton of Hanover and a grandchild to be born in January 2005 of Hanover; two brothers, Marlo Glen (Mary Lou) Kane of rural Elizabeth and Terry LeVere Kane of Savanna; a step-mother Geraldine Holcomb of rural Elizabeth; two step-brothers, Dan (Carmen) Holcomb of Oklahoma and Jeff Holcomb of Elizabeth; one step-sister Roxanne Holcomb of Colorado; and several Aunts and Uncles. Debra is preceded in death by a Her son, Brian; a sister, Sheryl; a nephew, Mark; both parents and all of her grandparents precede Debra in death.
Prairie Advocate 23 June 2004

PAUL J. (Jim) GREEN , 73, of Thomson, died Wednesday at Mercy North Hospital, Clinton. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Morrison, Ill., preceded by a 10:15 a.m. family prayer service at the church. The Rev. Mike Winkelman, pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. He was born Aug. 3, 1930, in Ustick Township, Ill., to Freeman J.L. and Anna Irene Tucker Green. He married Doris J. Cordes on Feb. 7, 1953, in Morrison. He was educated in Carroll and Whiteside County grade schools. He was a 1948 graduate of Morrison High School. Following high school, he was employed with Workman's Trucking and the Farmer's Elevator, both in Morrison. He also was engaged in farming near Thomson since 1953. He served on the Thomson School Board and as a trustee on the York Township Board. He was a member of the Thursday Night Bowling League at Hilltop Lanes in Morrison. He was a member of the National and Carroll County Livestock Feeders Association and was named "Conservation Farmer of the Year" in 1975. He was a member of the Illinois Corn Grower's Association, the Illinois Soybean Association and Illinois Farm Bureau Association. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Paula Green of Freeport, Ill.; two sons, Kevin (Karla) Green of Thomson and Marvin (Cathy) Green of Mount Carroll, Ill.; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one brother, William (Grace) Green of Morrison. He was preceded in death by one grandson.
Clinton Herald 02 January 2004

MARIE (CALKINS) GREENAWALT , 2572 Stephenson Circle, Freeport, died Tuesday morning at Freeport Manor Nursing Home. (Note: The Social Security Death Index gives the date as July 1982.) She was a member of the Lanark chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was born Feb. 1, 1904 in Minneapolis, Minn., daughter of Dr. A. A. and Mrs. Clara (Smith) Calkins. She married Ward L. Greenawalt of Lanark. He died in 1978. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Lucille (Harold) Holmes of Chadwick. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one daughter. Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Lanark Cemetery. The Rev. David Cooksey, pastor of Lanark First Brethren Church, will officiate. There will be no visitation. Frank Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by Alice Horner

HOWARD F. GRIFFITH , age 90, of Shannon died Saturday, June 21, 2003 at Provena St. Joseph's Center in Freeport, IL. He was born February 18, 1913 in Shannon, son of Horace and Mary (Merboth) Griffith. He married Berniece Spengler on February 3, 1940 in Shannon. He was a 1930 Graduate of Shannon High School, a Veteran who served in the US Army during WWII and served in the Battle of the Bulge as a radio operator as a tank destroyer in the 30th infantry Division. He did Plumbing & Heating in Shannon for many years, served his apprenticeship and worked at Shore Hardware Store in Shannon almost 60 years before he became self-employed. His memberships include St. Wendelin's Catholic Church & men's club, Volunteer Fireman and served as Fire Chief for several years. He was a charter member of the American Legion Boyle & Hoy post #379, Charter member of the Shannon Lions Club, He served on the Shannon School Board for 24, yrs, and he was on the original member of the Lake Carroll Golf Club. He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching sports on T.V. He is survived by his wife Berniece; two daughters, Mary Kay (Walter) Dashkewich of East Strausburg, and Terri (Paul) Lindstrom of Leaf River, IL; five grandchildren, Mary Clark, Patty Lindstrom, Paul D. Lindstrom, Darin Dashkewich, and Ryan Dashkewich; six great -grandchildren, Chelsea Clark, Paul Garrit Lindstrom, Jermey Lindstrom, Brent Lindstrom, Dominick Gravestein, and Marrissa Gravestein. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Louise Fox, and Helen Groen, five brothers, Hugh, Henry Homer, Lloyd, and Larry Griffith, and one great granddaughter, Brianna Kelsey Lindstrom. Services are to be held Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at St. Wendelin's Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. visitation will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2003 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hermann Funeral Home in Shannon with a 7:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Burial will be at St. Wendelin's Cemetery in Shannon, with Military Honors. A memorial has been established.
Prairie Advocate 25 Jun 2003

T. BERNIECE GRIFFITH , 93, of Shannon died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. She was born March 16, 1914, in Shannon, the daughter of Frank and Kathryn (Thometz) Spengler. Berniece married Howard Griffith on Feb. 3, 1940, in Shannon. He died June 21, 2004. She was a 1932 graduate of Shannon High School and 1935 graduate of St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. A registered surgical nurse, she worked in surgery for many years. Berniece co-chaired the Red Cross Blood Mobile for 30 years, was a charter member of Carroll County Health Center Council of Aging, helped establish Shannon/ Lanark Food Pantry, was a hospice volunteer, and taught Red Cross Home Nursing Classes. She also was a board member for Carroll County Thrift Shop (Help Center), was an election judge for 41 years, and was the oldest member of the St. Wendelin Ladies Society. She and her husband were Grand Marshalls of Shannon Labor Day parade in 1994. In addition, she was a member of American Legion Auxiliary, and was past secretary for St. Wendelin Catholic Church for 20 years. She also enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid quilter. Berniece is survived by her two daughters, Teresa "Terri" (Paul) Lindstrom of Leaf River and Mary Kay (Walter) Dashkewich of Marshalls Creek, Pa.; five grandchildren, Mary Lynn Clark, Patricia Ann Lindstrom, Paul Douglas Lindstrom, Darin (Stella) Griffith-Dashkewich and Ryan Andrew Dashkewich; seven great-grandchildren, Chelsea Clark, Garrit Lindstrom, Jeremey Lindstrom, Brent Lindstrom, Dominique Dashkewich, Marrissa Knockel and Dominick Knockel; and her special family, Karen and Keith Knockel. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Stephen and Frank Spangler; and granddaughter, Brianna Kelsey Lindstrom. Arrangements are being handled by Hermann Funeral Home, 37 E. Market, Shannon, where the family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today. A Scripture service will be conducted at 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Wendelin Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael Bolger officiating. Interment will be at St. Wendelin Catholic Cemetery in Shannon.

WAYNE H. GRIFFITH , the venerable father of former Mayor W. H. Griffith, passed away suddenly at the home of the latter on Fourth Street. In the passing from early scenes of Mr. Griffith one of the oldest residents of the city goes from among us. had he lived until March he would have been ninety-six years of age. In spite of this fact he was remarkably active and keen and showed that he ame to that rugged stock which characterized the men of the past. Only within the past few weeks had he shown any signs of feebleness and had occasional sinking spells, but nevertheless he was up and about the house and performed sundry little tasks about the house which was his want to do and in which he took keen pleasure. The evening preceding his death he conversed with his son and smoked his pipe before retiring and apparently was feeling well. Sunday mroning when Mr. Griffith went to his room to awaken him he found him peacefully sleeping - the sleep that knows no awakening. Life had gone out like the fluttering flame of a candle - there being no sign of a struggle - his appearance being that of a peaceful repose. W. H. Griffith son of Mr. and Mrs. David Griffith was born in Wales, March 7, 1819, and in his native land was a hardware merchant. He was married to Caroline Harper in 1844. To this union four sons and a daughter were born as follows: William H; of this city, George A. Chicago; David A (Deceased), ALice, wife of Henry Griffith of Vancouver and Henry H. of Chicago. In 1855 the family came to America and landed in New York and then went to Theabold, Ont., where the wife and mother passed away a year later. Mr. Griffith then resided with his brother on a farm and sixteen years ago came to Savanna where he has since resided with his son and where he was well cared for. During his residence here Mr. Griffith became quite well known. Kindness was one of the traits of his life and no more so was this apparent than when he was among children. It was no infrequent sight to see "Grandpa" sitting with the children of the neighborhood, singing to them the quaint songs of his native land. His life covered a long span and he enjoyed the blessing which came to him and at the end he peacefully laid all aside and entered into the eternal life. Besides his sons and daughter he is survived by a brother and sister. The funeral will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at ten o'clock at St. Paul's Chuch, he being a member of the Episcopal denomination. Interment will be made in the family lot in the city cemetery. Rev. J. T. Bovill will conduct the service.
Savanna Daily Journal January 15, 1915

GRANT GRIMM 72, of Mount Carroll, died Tuesday at Sterling Community General Hospital of an apparent heart attack. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date of death as November 1983.) For many years he was a partner in a dairy operation in Mount Carroll. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Mount Carroll. Born Jan. 8, 1911 in Wacker, he was the son of Ferdinand and Alma (Moak) Grimm. Surviving are one daughter; Mrs. June (John) Bimm of Savanna; one brother, Edward of Mount Carroll; two sisters, Mrs. Evelyn (Richard) Schaut of Mount Carroll and Lillian Mace of Savanna; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Frank Funeral Home, Mount Carroll, with the Rev. Randy Brown officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributed by Alice Horner

CHARLES W. GROHARING , 63, life-long resident of this vicinity, died suddenly in his home at 5:30 p. m. Friday, following a short illness. Mr. Groharing had suffered a heart attack last Saturday, but seemed to be improving until Monday, when he was confined to his bed. Charles W. Groharing was the eldest son of William and Lucinda Welch Groharing and was born Nov. 28, 1878. He grew to manhood on his father’s farm and received his education in the country schools. Jan. 18, 1900, he married Miss Myrta Cobb, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Samuel Cobb of Ustick, Whiteside county, and 14 children were born to the couple, all of whom, with the mother, survive. After their marriage they engaged in farming until about 1917, when they moved to Thomson and Groharing became an employee of the Northwestern Illinois Utilities Co. of Savanna. For several years he has been manager of their office in Thomson and lineman for the company through its territory. The sruviving children are Mrs. Vernice Scudders of Dixon; Mrs. Arthur Hoffman of Chadwick; Mrs. Elmer Mosher, Clyde and Glenn Groharing of Morrison; Mrs. Leroy Foltz of Argo Fa; Paul of Chestnut Park; Fay of Camp Forrest, Tenn.; and Mrs. Floyd Tobey, Mrs. Virgil Wilt, Bessie, Lois, Fred and June of Thomson. Also surviving are a sister, Mrs. A. W. Pape of Thomson and a brother, Louis Groharing of Prophetstown and 25 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Earl, Howard and Fred Groharing.

Funeral services were heald at 2 p.m. at the home and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Methodist church. The Rev. Clarence Plock of Warren, Ill., officiated. Mrs. Garrett Sterenberg and Mrs. N. D. French sang, “Jesus Ever Nigh” and “Going Down the Valley One by One”, accompanied by Mrs. Emil Brach, pianist. Pallbearers were employees of the Utilities Company, of which Mr. Groharing had been local manager for over 20 years. They were Ivan Shaver, John Hinrichsen, Geo. Hansen, Savanna, Owen Miles of Mt. Carroll and Joe Shutters and Wayne….of Thomson. Mrs. J. J. Carroll was in charge of flowers and was assisted by Mrs. Pearl Gilson, Mrs. Iva Orcutt, Miss Hazel Sack, Mrs. Paul Heusinkveld and Miss Arlene St. Ores. Burial was in the Lower York cemetery. Among out-of-town relatives and friends who attended were Mr. and Mrs. Vernice Scudder and family of Dixon; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Groharing, and son, Richard, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Groharing, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cobb, Mr. and Mrs. Dana Cobb, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Nice, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Nice, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Green, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Green, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Green, Mr. and Mrs. Ray James and Mrs. And Mrs. Jacob Workman of Morrison; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Cobb and children, Clayton and Corliss and Mr. and Mrs. Alex McCullagh of Ustick, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Longnecker, Mr. and Mrs. R. G. McCulloh and daughters, Barbara and Charlotte, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Snavely and children, Mary and Donald of Sterling, Mr. and Mrs. Grant Pollard of Davenport; Mrs. Jessie Groharing, Mrs. Abe Smith, Mr. and Mrs. John Cross and daughter, Darlene, Mr. and Mrs. John Hinrichsen, Adam Heinze, Claude Murphy, Waldo Frasure, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wiseman of Savanna; Mrs. Hubert Williams and son, Burton, of Stockton; Mr. and Mrs. Louis Groharing, Lois and Louis Groharing and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Blair of Phophetstown; Charles Welch, Mrs. Bess Johnson, Glen Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Seidenburg and son, Harold, and Mr. and Mrs. William Freeman of Mt. Carroll; Mr. and Mrs. Don Pilgrim of Lyndon; Mr. and Mrs. William Strauch and son, Gene, of Lanark; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cobb and Eleanor and Raymond Cobb of Rock Falls, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Turney of Wacker; Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Tucker of Clinton; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Adolph and family, Kenneth C. Whitney and Mr. and Mrs. Neal Maring of Chadwick and Franklin J. Stransky of Chicago. Mr. Groharing’s death is a sore blow to his wide circle of friends throughout Carroll county, for he could ever be counted upon to lend a strong and friendly hand to any community task or to anyone in need of assistance. No night was too dark or day too stormy for Charlie to go out “troubleshooting” on the line---or wherever else he might be asked to aid. Ever since Thomson’s Melon Day program was started, Charlie had taken an active part in making the celebration a success, and there were few other community events of any kind in this vicinity in which he was not called upon-and cheerfully responded-for assistance in putting over. Not in dollars and cents can his position in the community be appraised-rather we must weight in the balance his success in winning the sincere friendship of everyone with whom he came in contact, his fine work in rearing and educating a large family of children who all are industrious and respected members of the communities in which they reside, and his unfailing response to the call of duty---and to many tasks far beyond the bounds of duty.
Contributed by Bob Mosher

ED GROHARING , 83, resident of Thomson for nearly all his lifetime, passed away Wednesday evening at 9 o'clock at Jane Lamb Memorial hospital in Clinton, Ia., where he had been a patient for the past two weeks following a fall in which he received a broken hip. The immediate cause of his death was cerebral hemorrhage a few hours before he passed away.

Funeral services will be held Saturday with a prayer service at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Potter, at 1:30 o'clock followed by a service at the Community church at 2:00 o'clock. The Rev. Walter E. Schiel will officiate at both services. J. M. Fay & Sons of Fulton will be in charge of the burial rites.

Obituary
Ed Groharing was born in 1856 in New York and came to Illinois when a boy of six years old, coming with a group of children from an orphanage in New York City. He lived for a time in Amboy and also in Iowa but came to Thomson when he was about 15 years old as his brothers, Richard and Will, were here. He also had two sisters who came to Illinois as children, Amy who married Louis Hollinger and Mary, who married Henry Schildmiller. Mr. Groharing was the last survivor of this group of five.

In 1878 he married Cora Miner of Thomson,. They were the parents of five children, four of whom survive: Arthur of Los Arthur, Calif.; Mrs. John Miller (Lillian) of Clinton, Mrs. Frank Potter (Lizzie) of Thomson, and Mrs. Ray Machael (Inez) of Clinton. A son, Will, was drowned about 30 years ago.

Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

On March 13, 1903 he married Mrs. Ellen Rice Allen and they made their home in Thomson until her death several years ago. For the past 11 years he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Frank Potter and her husband, who cared for him lovingly and faithfully during his declining years.

Contributed by Bob Mosher

PHOEBIA ELLEN (RICE) GROHARING : Relief came to the pain wrecked body of Mrs. Ed Groharing on Tuesday morning, when the "silent messenger" called her hence, ending a long and useful career, the last few weeks which were spent in torture, as death was known to be approaching, but there was nothing that could be done to stay the same, except to administer to her in such a way as to ease the pain.

Mrs. Groharing was well liked in our community. Her's was a home life. She took part in some social and church affairs, but, preferred to live more within home and the family circle. During her illness, her daughters have been in constant attendance at her bedside, doing all that loving hands possibly could, to ease her pain and assist her on life's last journey.

Obituary
Phoebia Ellen Rice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Rice, was born Sept. 16, 1854, at St. Denise, Canada, and came with her parents to this vicinity the following year. Settling at first near the bluffs southeast of Thomson, they later moved to the village, where, with the exception of a few years, she spent here life, and where she passed away, on February 26, 1929, aged 74 years, 5 months, and 10 days.

On July 4, 1871, she was married to William Silas Allen, who with two children, a son, and a daughter, preceded her in death. Left with a family of little ones, she bravely assumed the burden of their support, and how well she succeeded is attested by the loving care they gave here during her months of suffering.

On March 13, 1903, she was united in marriage to Edward Groharing who survives her.

Left to mourn her departure are five daughters, Carrie (Mrs. F. M. Cleghorn) of Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Myrtle Roggendorf, Clinton, Iowa; Mrs. Meda Wicks, East Clinton, Illinois; Edith (Mrs. A. E. Mitchell), Morrison, Illinois; and Jessie (Mrs. John Lambert) of Sabula, Iowa. There are also two sisters, Mrs. Delia Goddard of Thomson and Mrs. Amelia Bouvia, Maywood, Illinois; one brother, Abel Rice, of Clinton; twenty-one grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, besides a large number of other relatives and many friends.

She was a member of the Christian Church of Thomson and found consolation and hope in its teachings.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Christian Church, conducted by here pastor, the Rev. E. P. Schaich. Miss Sylvalena Holhous played "In the Garden," and "Sometime We'll Understand" which were nicely rendered by Mrs. Besa French and Louise St. Ores.

The pall bearers were: Hiram Green, Henry Lohmier, Allen Wilmer, James St. Ores, Harry Gaar and Lawrence Gaar. Interment was made in the Dunshee cemetery.

Contributed by Bob Mosher

RUTH (SMITH) GROHARING , 86, of Davenport, formerly of Thomson, died Wednesday (June 2, 1993), in Mercy Hospital, Davenport.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Law-Jones Funeral Home with the Rev. Boyd Ellefon of York Community Church officiating. Burial will be in Lower York Cemetery.

Mrs. Groharing was born April 14, 1907 in Mt. Carroll to Oscar and Adelia Roberts Smith. She married Vernon Groharing, Jan. 22, 1927. He died Jan. 7, 1987. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crafts, crocheting and rug braiding.

Survivors include a son, Herbert of Davenport; five grandchildren and 6 great grandchildre; a sister, Mrs. Suella Ehredt of Thomson. She was preceded by two sister.

Source: Sterling Library Obituary Collection

RACHEL BELINDA (CHEESEMAN) GROSS passed away at the Clara Miller home Saturday night. Her death was caused by the infirmities of old age, having passed the 92 year mark. The funeral services wereheld from the Speers funeral parlors Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock and were conducted by Rev. Theodore Potter, pastor of the Methodist church. Mrs. E.Y. Knapp sang several selections. Interment was made in the family lot in White Oak cemetery west of Forreston.

Rachael Belinda Cheeseman was born at Chambers Grove, Lima township, Carroll county, February 14, 1845, the daughter of Alfred and Susan Cheeseman. She was united in marriage to Charles E. Gross, April 17, 1866, at Forreston and was the mother of six children. Her husband and four children preceded heer in death. They were, Joshua and Alfred, Mrs. Elsie Damman and Delia Mae Gross. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Ida Nelson of Lanark and Mrs. Minnie Cook of Denver, Colorado. There is also one brother, Samuel Cheesman residing in Canada. 10 Grandchildren and 21 great granchildren also survive. Mrs. Gross was a faithful member of the Methodist church and was an active member of the Sunday school and the Ladies Aid and was a faithful attendant as long asher health permitted.

Sterling Library Obituary Collection. Date on the copy was 11-24-37 but the 24th was on a Wednesday so not sure when the actual date of death was.

SARAH (STITZEL) GROSSMAN a lifelong resident of Lanark, passed away Sunday evening (Oct. 15, 1933) at her home on East Locust street. Death occurred at 7 p.m. after an illness of about 2 months.

Mrs. Grossman was wellknown and respected by all who knew her. A true representative of that sturdy race of pioneers who made this country what it now is.

She was a daughter of pioneer residents of this community, her parents having come west from Franklin Co Pa in a covered wagon. She was born two days after they arrived here.

Surviving are five daughters and one son. Mrs. Estelle Wolfe, Mrs. Gertrude Brenaman and Miss Addie Grossman, all of Lanark. Mrs. Mabel Guthrie of Manhattan KS, Mrs. Jessie Farwell of Freeport and E.C. Grossman of Decatur; 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Her husbandpreceded her in death in 1906.

Mrs. Grossman was an active member of the Church of God in Lanark and of the W.C.T.U.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of God, Rev. Mary Newcomer of Buda IL in charge, assisted by Rev. W.H. Eirhart (Airhart?) of Lanark. Burial was made in Lanark Cemetery.

Sterling Library Obituary Collections

EMELINE S. (BUSELL) GRUBER , daughter of David Copp. & Gertrude Elizabeth (Taylor) Busell was born near Milledgeville IL, Dec. 6, 1875 and died at her home in Polo, Sept. 6, 1902. The immediate cause of death was double pneumonia but she had poor health for more than a year and about four weeks ago she was stricken with typhoid fever which rapidly reduced her strength.

Her childhood was spent on her father's farm. She attended the Milledgeville High School and graduated with the class of 1893. Previous to her graduation she was happily converted to God and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Happy and contented in her home she was reluctant to leave it but on Feb. 12, 1901 she was married to Arthur C. Gruber of Milledgeville and they began life in a cozy little home in Polo IL, laying plans for a bright and happy future. Possessed of an optimistic nature and a patient and uncomplaining disposition she soon won many friends. Caring little for display and thoroughly despising shams, she tried to be good and useful rather than to seek pleasure for herself. Strong in her convictions she was faithful in her religious duties, loyal to her friends and true and affectionate to her husband and parents.

Besides her husband she leaves her parents, her sister Mrs. C.A. Spanogle and many relatives and friends. Her remains were brought from Polo Sunday, the funeral being held at her father's house Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Thornton her pastor at Polo, officiating, assisted by Rev. Gage of Milledgeville and Rev. LaRash of Steward IL. Interment was made in South Elkhorn cemetery, the members of the class of 93 acting as honorary pall bearers.

JOHN H. GRUHN , age 90, of Lanark, IL died Monday, June 16, 2003 at Freeport Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 19, 2003 at the Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark, Rev. Arnold Owens of the First Brethren Church in Lanark officiated. Burial was in the Lanark Cemetery. Visitations were held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in his memory.

John was born June 6, 1913 in Sterling, Iowa son of August and Emma (Bruhn) Gruhn. John married Helen Lindstrom December 31, 1936 in Sterling, IL. She preceded him in death on September 17, 1991. During War II, he was employed in the shipyards in Vancouver, WA. He then farmed in the Lanark and Chadwick area until retiring. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Chadwick. He was a former member of the Pomona Grange. He was a member of the Carroll County Farm Bureau and the Savanna Moose Lodge.

John's family includes three sons, Duane (Myrna) Gruhn of Lanark, Dick (Janet) Gruhn of Lanark, and Marvin (Dolores) Gruhn of Mesa, AZ; one daughter, Janice (Robert) Noble of Rockford; twelve grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Hazel Gruhn of Clinton, Iowa. John's wife, parents, two grandsons, two great granddaughters, four brothers and six sisters preceded him in death.

Prairie Advocate 17 Jun 2003

GRACE (BOYD) GSELL , of Pearl City, formerly of Mount Carroll, died Saturday afternoon (18 Apr 1970) in Freeport Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was a member of Pearl City United Methodist Church and the Royal Neighbors.

Born in Cherry Grove Township, Carroll County, June 1, 1882, she was the daughter of David and Mary (Sword) Boyd. In March 1906 she was married to Nelson Gsell in Shannon. He died in 1959.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Roy (Virginia) Croffoot of Pearl City; a son, Ronald of Dallas, Tex.; six grandchildren; and a great grandchild. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Offenheiser Funeral Home. (Note: "Burial in Shannon Brethren Cemetery" was handwritten on this obituary.)

Contributed by Alice Horner

RUTH N. (SWITZER) GUENTNER , 76, of Lanark, died Thursday at Good Samaritan Home in Mount Carroll. She was a member of Church of the Brethren in Lanark.

Born May 2, 1901 in Lanark, she was the daughter of Joel K. And Carrie (Boyd) Switzer. She married Arthur G. Guentner Feb. 24, 1921 in Lanark. Surviving are her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Charles (Jeannine) Carroll of Lanark; two grandchildren.

Contributed by Alice Horner

CLARABELL (ADAMS) GUENZLER , age 90, formerly of Mt. Carroll, died Thursday, June 2, 2005, at home in McAlester, Oklahoma. A Graveside Service was held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2005 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll. Pastor Robert Schubert of Center Hill Brethren Church, Mt. Carroll officiated.

Clarabell was born November 30, 1914 in Clark County, South Dakota, the daughter of Elver and Anna (Allen) Adams. On August 12, 1935, Clarabell married Glen Guenzler in Rock Island. Glen passed away April 16, 2004 in Mt. Carroll. Clarabell worked in retail as a store clerk, Glen and Clara were partners in G&E Dry Cleaners in Mt. Carroll for twenty years, retiring in 1976. She also worked at J.C. Penney store in Freeport, Illinois for thirteen years as a Sales Clerk. Clarabell was a Past President of the Community Club in Mt. Carroll. She enjoyed crocheting and sewing.

Clarabell will be deeply missed by her son, Richard (Cheryl) Guenzler of McAlester, Oklahoma; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and two sisters in-law, Delilah Adams and Myra Guenzler. Her husband; parents; two brothers; and one sister, precede Clarabell in death.

GLEN W. GUENZLER , 89, of Mount Carroll died Friday at his home. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Mount Carroll. There will be no visitation. The Rev. David Vidler of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Carroll will officiate. Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mount Carroll is in charge of arrangements.

He was born March 29, 1915, to Edward and Ella Soltow Guenzler in Woodland Township, Carroll County, Illinois. He married Clarabell Adams on Aug. 12, 1935, in Rock Island, Ill. He had worked in construction at the Palisades State Park and the Illinois Department of Transportation. He was a member and past president of the Mount Carroll Gun Club and a member of Ducks Unlimited.

Survivors include his wife; one son. Richard (Cheryl) Guenzler of McAlester, Okla.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two cousins; Charles Guenzler and Margie Mummert; and several nieces and nephews. Glen is preceded in death by his parents four brothers, and one sister.

Clinton Herald 17 April 2004

EARNEST HENRY GUMP , 85, of Lanark, a former insurance and real estate broker, died Sunday, March 24, 1991 at Good Samaritan Nursing Center, Mount Carroll. He attended Dyslin Valley School and Brown’s Business College at Freeport. He farmed for several years, then was an insurance and real estate broker for many years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Lanark.

Born May 23, 1905 near Lanark, he was the son of Henry and Marie (Beck) Gump. He married Pearl Krug on Dec. 25, 1936 at Massbach.

Surviving are his wife of Lanark; one sister, Lula Ross of Mount Carroll; and nieces and nephews. One son, Jerry, died in infancy. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a. M. Tuesday at Russell-Frank Funeral Home, Lanark. The Rev. Clifford Baumann, interim pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Today at the funeral home. A memorial has been established for the church.

Contributed by Alice Horner

JAMES FRANKLIN GUNDER , was born in Lancaster Co. Penn. Apr. 30th , 1837 and died at his home in Milledgeville May 7, 1909 age 72 years and 7 days. At the age of nine he came to IL where he resided until his death.

In 1858 (August 8 Whiteside Co) he was united in marriage to Miss Mercy Ann Lee. To this union were born eight sons, Marshall, Andrew, James, Birdie, Samuel, Harry, Frank, and Charles and six daughters, Pauline, Emma, Chloie, May, Nettie, and Mary.

The mother died when the youngest child was thirteen, on Nov. 24, 1895.

Mr. Gunder leaves to mourn his departure, Mrs. Emma (Daniel) Coy, and Mrs. Nettie Baker of Oregon, Ill., Mrs. C. W. Hurt, of Walworth, Wis. Mrs. May Finkle of Forreston, Ill. James F. of Green Island, Iowa., and Harry, Frank and Charles of Polo, Ill.

Mr. Gunder has lived in Milledgeville for many years. He has been a hard working man all of his life, and although the doctor had forbidden his working, yet the day before he died, he worked nearly all day in his garden which he prized so highly. In fact he took as much interest and pains to make his little garden patch yield not only the most but the of increase as many other man would his work well. He held the office of street commissioner for a number of years and did a great deal of work for the village. He has been ailing for a number of years with a complication of diseases, dropsy, heart trouble, and consumption. During the last few months he has been very feeble and the end came without a struggle.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. L. P. Warrington in the Methodist church on Sunday afternoon. He was buried in the Bethel cemetery of which for a number of years he was sexton and when he dug many graves for others. The pall bearers were: James Olin, Chas. Miller, John Hawes, L. V. Tracey, C. H. Bushman and L. T. Olmsted.

MERCY ANN (LEE) GUNDER - At her home in this place, Sunday, Nov. 24 of paralysis, Mrs. James Gunder, age 56 years, 2 mos. and 8 days.

Mercy Ann Lee was born in Cranesville, Erie Co., PA, Sept. 16, 1839 and wa smarried to James Gunder of Milledgeville, August 1, 1858. She was the mother of fourteen children, ten of whom are still living, five sons and five daughters. Besides the children she leaves two sisters, a brother and a husband to mourn her departure. The funeral service was held Tuesday in the M.E. church, Rev. F.L. Baldwin officiating. interment took place in the Bethel cemetery.