Carroll County Obituaries
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HOMER KEARNAGHAN - Service for Homer Kearnaghan, 78, of Mount Carroll will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Frank Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. The Rev. Len Huff, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Mount Carroll, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. He died Saturday evening, October 5, 1986, at Savanna City Hospital. The son of Edward and Ida (McCall) Kearnaghan,, he was born Feb. 5, 1908 in Mount Carroll. Surviving are his widow; two sons, Patrick of Carmel, Ind., and Douglas of San Diego, Calif.; a daughter, Mrs. Joan (James) Hiddens of Marshalltown, Iowa; a brother, Donald of Mount Carroll; a sister, Mrs. Helen (Elmer) Weber of Chadwick; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Contributed by Alice Horner

JIMMY KEARNAGHAN - Old “Jimmy” Kearnaghan is dead and was buried from the poor house last Sunday (February 14, 1886). He is remembered here as the kind old shoemaker who stitched many a ball cover, as well as their shoes, for numerous boys in Savanna, who are now grown to man’s estate. (Alice Horner’s note: The 1880 US Federal Census for Mount Carroll Township, Carroll County, Illinois shows a James Kearnaghan in the section listing people living in the Carroll County Poor House. This James Kearnaghan was 60 years old in 1880 and born in Ireland. He was a shoemaker, who suffered from paralysis.)
Contributed by Alice Horner - Savanna Weekly Journal, Savanna, Illinois February 19, 1886

SAMUEL KEARNAGHAN , In this city on Tuesday, October 23, 1888, Samuel Kearnaghan, aged 67 years. The deceased was well known in this section, having resided in Carroll County for 32 years. He owned a farm n Washington Township, but spent the last few years of his life in Savanna.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Savanna Weekly Journal, Savanna, Illinois Thursday, October 25, 1888

VERNETTE (WHITE) KEARNAGHAN , 88, of Grinnell , Iowa , formerly of Mount Carroll , died Tuesday, May 7, 1996 at Grinnell General Hospital . Daughter of Alonzo and Mabel (Sisler) White, she was born Monday, March 30, 1908 in Mount Carroll, She and Homer Kearnaghan were married June 14, 1934 in the home of her parents in Mount Carroll. He died October 5, 1986 in Savanna. She attended Mount Carroll schools, Frances Shimer College in Mount Carroll , and graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She was a music instructor in Watseka for four years. She gave private piano lessons for 18 years, and was employed on a part-time basis by the Mount Carroll schools for 12 years. She and her husband lived in Springfield and Elizabeth , returning to Mount Carroll in 1945. She was involved in many community service organizations. She was a member and past president of the Mount Carroll Community club and United Methodist Women. She served two terms on the Mount Carroll School Board. In addition, she held memberships in Carroll County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Chapter GA of the P. E. O. Surviving family members include one daughter, Joan (James) Heddens of Marshalltown, Iowa; two sons, Patrick (Joan) Kearnaghan of Nobelsville, Indiana and Douglas (Linda) Kearnaghan of San Diego, California; 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mount Carroll . Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery , Mount Carroll . Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for Mount Carroll United Methodist Church , American Cancer Society, and American Heart Association.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ELIZABETH (WITHERSPOON) KECKLER was born in Maryland, March 7, 1830. Died October 17, 1903. Aged 73 years, 9 months, 17 days. The deceased was united in marriage to Peter Keckler Jan. 5th 1854 to this union was born five children. Mary L. Sugars, Martha E. Hodge, Levie L. Keckler, Rebecca M. Green and Calvin G. Keckler. Sister Keckler united with the Brethren church in the fall of '65 and during all these years she has lived a consistent christian life, finally in the winter of life, God called and she lay down her cross, that she might wear a crown, she took the step from life to death that she might be with God. The burial was at the Brethren cemetery at Dutchtown, Oct. 19, 1903. Rev. C. B. Smith Officiating.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

EMMA (CURLEY) KECKLER , 68, of Mount Carroll, died this morning at Savanna City Hospital in Savanna following a short illness. (No date was given.) She was a member of Mount Carroll Church of God. Born Oct. 4, 1910 in Chadwick, she was the daughter of Charles and Mary (Sack) Curley. She married James Keckler. Surviving are two sons, Donald of Mount Carroll and Lyle of Thomson; one daughter, Mrs. Melvin (Carol) Katzenberger of Mount Carroll; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Frank Curley; and one sister, Mrs. Lucille Siedenburg, both of Mount Carroll. She was preceded in death by her husband and one sister. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Frank Funeral Home in Mount Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MARGARET KECKLER - Died in the Milledgeville congregation Carroll County, Ill., on the 29th day of March (1870), our well beloved sister MARGARET, wife of brother Samuel KECKLER; aged 34 years, 2 months and 19 days. She leaves a sorrowful husband and 5 children to mourn their loss, which we hope will be her gain. Four of her children have preceded her to the spirit world. Funeral services by Elder Samuel Holdeman, and the writer, on Revelation 14: 13. Martin Myers
Contributed by Carol Parrish - with thanks to Dennis from "The Monthly Gospel Visitor" (1851-1873)

PETER KECKLER - At his home near Milledgeville, Carroll County, Illinois, Wednesday, February 23, 1898, Peter Keckler, aged 82 years, 7 months and 21 days. He was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1815 and in 1840 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Brenner. This union was blessed with seven children, three of whom are still living, two residing in Ohio and one in Pennsylvania. His wife died in 1851, and on January 5, 1854, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Witherspoon. To them were born five children, viz: Mary L. Sugars, Martha Hodge, Rebecca Green,Lev Keckler and Calvin Keckler, all of this vicinity. In 1878, Mr. Keckler united witht he Brethren church and remained a consistent member to the time of his death. He leaves a sorrowing wife and eight children to mourn the loss of a kind father and husband. The funeral services were conducted a the Brethren church in Dutchtown, Elder Trout, of Lanark officiating. Interment took place in the cemetery near the church.
Card of Thanks: We publicly express our sincere gratitude to neighbors and friends who so willingly assisted us during the sickness and death of a kind husband and father. - Mrs. Peter Keckler
COntributed by Karen Fyock - Undated scrapbook clipping

BETTY (ALBRECHT) KEEFER , 78, of Mount Carroll, Ill., 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, Mount Carroll. The Rev. Mark Harkness, pastor of Mount Carroll United Methodist Church, will be officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Cemetery, rural Mount Carroll. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. She was born Jan. 31, 1927, in Mount Carroll to Harry and Lula Kehl Albrecht. She married Gail Frederick on Feb. 20, 1945. He died in 1979. She later married Donald Keeffer on Oct. 16, 1983. He died in 2002. She graduated from Mount Carroll High School in 1944. She was a member of the Mount Carroll United Methodist Church. She farmed near Savanna, Ill., with her first husband. She later worked as a cook at the Savanna City Hospital. She was a member of the 500 Club for more than 45 years. Survivors include one son, Gary Frederick of Savanna; one daughter, Vicki Heiser of Mount Carroll; three grandchildren; and two sisters, Marjorie Berger of Ormond Beach, Fla., and Mrs. Mary (Neil) Libberton of Mount Carroll.

MARIA MATILDA (REED) KEEFER , who passed away at 6:30 a.m. October 12, 1917, is well known in our community, the family having resided south of the city for many years when they moved to town. Mrs. Keeffer was 60 years of age and had been in ill health for the past year, her ailment being a nervous affliction and other complications. Surviving her are the husband and three sons, Jason, James, and Will, the latter and James of this city and Will of Stockton. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon from the Brethren Church at Hickory Grove with services at 2:30. The funeral cortege will leave the home at about 1:30. We are requested to state that the casket will not be opened at the church and all those desiring to view the remains can do so at the family residence. Rev. Eisenbise will have charge of the services and interment will be made at the church cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner from the Friday, October 12, 1917 edition of the Carroll County Mirror

SUE B.KEEFER - Died in Mt Carroll, Carroll co., Ills, on the 27, (1864?) of the seventh month, our worthy and much respected young sister, SUE B. KEEFER, aged 18 years. She "walked worthy of the vocation." Leaving her many friends the full assurance that the "life is hid with Christ in God." And that when Christ who is her life shall appear, then shall she also appear with him in glory. Funeral
Contributed by Carol Parrish - with thanks to Dennis from "The Monthly Gospel Visitor" (1851-1873) services by br. C. Long, from Rev. 14: 13. S. M. Eby

AGNES L. (ROGERS) KEHL , 71, of Mount Carroll died Wednesday December 30, 1998 at her home The daughter of Ralph and Mildred ( Davis ) Rogers, she was born October 21, 1927 in Mount Carroll . She married John W. Kehl March 1, 1951 in the Mount Carroll Church of God. She worked at Shimer College as a secretary, the Mount Carroll National Bank, and for 21 years as a secretary for the Illinois Department of Forestry in Mount Carroll . She was a member of the Mount Carroll Church of God, WCSC and the Tuesday Women’s Bible Study. She taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir, and was its clerk for 24 year. Survivors include her husband; one son, Michael (Marcia) Kehl of Mount Carroll; two daughters, Deborah L. (Harry) Gates of Columbia City, Indiana, and Kathy S. (Ronald) Rasmussen of Mount Carroll; four grandchildren, Jennifer and Joylynn Gates, and Rachel and Jonathan Rasmussen; one sister, Geraldine “Geri” (Kenneth) Mays of Lincoln; two brothers, Richard (Alma) Rogers of Marshalltown, Iowa and Donald (Doris) Rogers of Chadwick; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Mark Kehl; three brothers, Charles, Lawrence, and Ralph D. Rogers; and one sister, Norma Rogers. The funeral will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Mount Carroll Church of God with the Rev, Dennis Jarrard of the Laurel Street Church of God in Freeport officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Mount Carroll . Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Church of God in Mount Carroll .
Contributed by Alice Horner

JOHN W. KEHL , 75, of rural Mt. Carroll died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque Iowa. He was a lifetime farmer in the Mt. Carroll area. Mr. Kehl was born Dec. 11, 1928 on the family farm in Freedom Township, the son of Harry and Anna (Albrecht) Kehl. He attended Sage Country School, rural Mt. Carroll. He married Agnes Rogers on March 1, 1951 in Mt. Carroll. She died Dec. 30, 1998. He then married Edna Willson on April 26, 2002, in Mt. Carroll. He was instrumental in constructing Church of God, Mt. Carroll, where he was a member , served as an elder, deacon, trustee and taught Sunday school; a member of Carroll County Farm Bureau; the National Rifle Association; and lifetime member of North American Hunting Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family and outdoors. Survivors include his wife; a son, Michael (Marcia) Kehl of Mt. Carroll; two daughters, Deborah (Harry) Gates of Columbia City, Ind., and kathy 9Ronald) Rasmussen of Mt. Carroll; five stepchildren, Ron Willson, Diane (Jim) Calhoun, Pattie Willson, Robert (Julie) WIllson and Brad (Dawn) Willson; three brothers, Melvin (Jackie) Kehl, Maynard (Bernice) Kehl and Del (Wanda) Kehl; two sisters, Carolyn Kehl and Mary (Ken) Clouser; four grandchildren and nine stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Mark. Services at Mt. Carroll Curch of God, with Rick Zickefoose, Pastor, officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery.

EDWIN KEIM , 80, of Mount Carroll died Wednesday at Freeport Memorial Hospital. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as August 1984. An area farmer, he was a member of the Illinois and National Brown Swiss Association and National Dairy Shrine. He was also a member of the Mount Carroll United Methodist Church and Cyrus Masonic Lodge, Mount Carroll. Born Nov. 2, 1903 in Salem Township, Carroll County, he was the son of Samuel and Nellie (Emmert) Keim. One Feb. 4, 1926 he married Garnet McGinty in Freeport. Surviving are three sons, Herbert, Lowell, and Donald, all of Mount Carroll; four grandchildren; and four-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers, and one sister. Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Frank Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Alice Horner

GARNET (MCGINTY) KEIM , 74, of Mount Carroll, died Thursday at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as January 1981.) She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Mount Carroll, Salem Homemakers Extension Unit; Good Samaritan Auxiliary, and Old Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Born May 26, 1906 in Carroll County, she was the daughter of Edward and Fanny (Zuck) McGinty. She married Edwin Keim Feb. 4, 1926 in Freeport. Surviving are her husband; three sons, Lowell, Herbert and Donald; and one brother, Blaine McGinty, all of Mount Carroll; four grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Frank Funeral Home in Mount Carroll with the Rev. Tondy Hawkins officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Mount Carroll. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for the Illinois State 4-H Foundation.
Contributed by Alice Horner

WILBUR M. KEIM - Funeral services for Wilber M. Keim, 78, who died Monday in his home here were held Wednesday afternoon from the home with the Rev. G.T. Nesmith, pastor of the Mt. Carroll Methodist Episcopal church officiating. Interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery. Pallbearers were Judge Orion M. Grove, Charles E. Hartman, Frank Myers, Henry Schreiner, William Berkstresser and Henry Richter. Wilber Keim was born April 28, 1862 in Mt. Carrolll, the son of Cyrus Hamilton and Leah Miller Keim. He was educated in the local schools and Carthage college. Mr. Keim taught in Carroll and Hancock county schools for a number of years and was assistant principal of the Mt. Carroll high school when only two teachers were engaged. Later he operated a farm in Salem township for 25 years until he retired in 1918 and moved to the home in Mt. Carroll which was built by his father. He was a former mayor of Mt. Carroll and school treasurer in Salem twp. for 25 years. He was a Mason and a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Keim and his wife who survives were married 50 years on August 20, 1935.
Transcribed by Christine Walters - May 5, 1938 Freeport Journal

ELIZABETH KERSEY - The community was saddened last evening when word was cast about of the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Kersey 75, who passed away at her home following a short illness. Although she had not been in the best of health for some time her condition did not become serious until a short time ago. She was the daughter of Frank and Julia Wicke, and was born at Shannon in 1869. On Feb. 5, 1891, she was married to Richard A, Kersey, who survives as do two daughters, Faye and Marie. She also leaves four brothers, Ralph of Rockford; Frank of Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin; Ed of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Henry of Chicago, Illinois and two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Roach of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Mrs. Anna Stevens. One sister preceeded her in death. Funeral arrangements were not completed as we go to press.
Submitted by Linda Sturtevant Irwin, newspaper clipping dated Feb. 9, 1944

JULIA FAY KERSEY , a life-long resident of Shannon, died Sunday night (August 1, 1971) in Freeport Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Miss Kersey, a former music teacher, attended Frances Shimer College, Mount Carroll. She was a member of St. Wendelin’s Catholic Church of Shannon and a longtime member of Shannon Woman’s Club. She was born Dec. 25, 1891 in rural Shannon, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Wicke) Kersey. Surviving is a sister, Miss Marie Kersey of Shannon. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Wendelin’s Church. Burial will be in Brethren Cemetery. Friends may call at the Scharman Funeral Home here from 7 to 9 tonight.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ANNA (MOECKEL) KIMPEL - Mrs. August Kimpel of Lanark died Monday morning, October 6, 1969 at Freeport Memorial Hosptial following an extended illness. She and her husband had farmed in the Carroll County area before moving to Lanark in 1943. Mrs. Kimpel was a member of the Women's Relief Corps. Born January 9, 1885, near Sterling, she was the daughter of George and Kathryn (Wagner) Moeckel. She was married to August Kimpel in September 1905. He died in August 1956. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs Frank (Sadie) Buckwalter of Lanark and Mrs. Arba (Verna) Tubbs of Davenport, Iowa; a son Richard of Lanark; a sister Mrs. Arthur (Amelia) Seiple of Savanna; seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers and a sister Mrs. Arthur (Mae) Logan. Funeral services will be at 2 ;.m in the Frank Funereal Home with the Rev. Merle Hawbecker officiating. Burial will be in the Lanark Cemetery.
Contributed by Donna Rife

AUGUST KIMPEL , 74, Lanark, died of a heart attack at 1:15 p.m. Thursday in Deaconess Hospital, Freeport, IL. August 2, 1956. Mr. Kimpel was the son-in-law of Mrs. George (Kathryn) Maechel and a of bother-in-law to Mr. Lavie (Mae) Logan and Mr. Arthur (Amillia) Seiple, all of Savanna. He was born in Germany and came to the United State at the age of 11. Mr. Kimpel had retired from farming. For the past six years he was employed by the Milwaukee railroad as a railroad crossing watchman at Lanark. Mr. Kimpel was a member of the Lutheran church and the Moose lodge of Savanna. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon in the Frank funeral home. Rev. Milton Engelhardt officiated. Burial was in the Lanark cemetery. Survivors include his wife, the former Anna Maechel, two daughters, Mrs Frank (Sadie) Buckwalter of Lanark, and Mrs. Arba (Verna) Tubbs of Davenport Iowa; a son Richard (Ruth) of Lanark; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother Carl of Rockford; and other relatives. Preceeding him in death were his parents and two sisters.
Contributed by Donna Rife

RICHARD J. KIMPEL , 80, of Lanark died July 21, 1991, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL. Funeral were held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Russell-Frank Funeral Home, Lanark with the Rev. Robert Downs, pastor of First Lutheran Church, Mt. Carroll, officiating. Burial was at Lanark Cemetery. Mr. Kimpel was born May 23, 1911, in Mr. Carroll, the son of August and Anna (Maechel) Kimpel. He married Ruth Kramer May 1, 1935, in Freeport, IL. He retired on Feb. 1, 1981 from Northwestern Steel and Wire Company. He was a member of the Savanna Moose Lodge for over 50 years. Richard and Ruth loved to dance, play cards and took trips to Las Vegas. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Donna Rife-Lijewski, LaSalle, and Mrs. Ronald (Sharon) Ruble, Lanark; one son, Dick Kimpel, Polo; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Sadie Buckwalter, Lanark. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Verna Tubbs.
Contributed by Donna Rife

RUTH M. (KRAMER) KIMPEL , 87, of Mendota Lutheran Home, formerly of Lanark and Mt. carroll, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005 at the nursing home. Mrs. Kimpel was born Jan. 22, 1918 in Mt. Carroll, the daughter of Wm. & Nettie (Spinka) Kramer. She was raised by her grandparents, Anthony and Barbara Spinka. She married Richard J. Kimepl on May 1, 1935. He died July 21, 1991. She enjoyed dancing and vacationing in Las Vegas. Survivors include two daughters, Donna Rife-Lijewski of LaSalle and Sharon (Ronald) Ruble of Lanark; a son, Richard A. Kimpel of Polo; a sister; Shirl (John) Schneider of Lanark; a brother, Lee (Louise) Kramer of Rock Falls; 11 grandchildre; 26 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by six brothers and four sisters. The funeral is at 10:30 THursday at Hurst Funeral Home, LaSalle, the Rev. Paul Darveau of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Compton, officiating. Burial is in Lanark Cemetery.

CHRISTINA MARIE CAROLINA WILHOLMINA KING , Miss Minnie King, 67, well known Washington township resident, died at the home of her brother , Charles King, four miles north of Savanna in the Zion road at 12:50 this mourning. Death was due to a complication of ailments. Miss King suffered from a paralytic stroke six weeks ago, and had been bedfast for the last four weeks. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 o’clock in the fuller Funeral home with Dr. T.K. Griffith, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church in Savannah, officiating. Burial will be made in the Mosquito Hill cemetary. Miss Christina Marie Carolina Wilholmina King was born June 20, 1870, and died at the age of 67 years eight months, and 27 days. She was the daughter of Henry and Mary Brenneke King, both deceased. She spent her entire life in and near Savanna. Miss King worked in the home of the late Dr. R. C. Burton for thirty two years, until his death several years ago. She also worked in the home of Mrs. Mary Lord, grandmother of Mrs. William Waymack of Savanna, for 12 years. Miss King is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Peter (Mary) Krohmer of Savanna and Miss Lena of near Savanna, and two brothers, Charles and Fred, both of near Savanna.

2nd Notice -- Funeral services for the late Miss Minnie King, 67, were conducted at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon in the Fuller Funeral Home in Savanna with Dr. T.K. Griffith, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church officiating. A large number of friends and acquaintances attended the last rites. A quartet composed of Mrs. Garfield Watson, Mrs. Albert M. Greison, T.P. Madsen, and R.G. Fuller sang “Abide With Me” and “It is Well With My Soul.” Miss Mina Haas was the accompanist. Attending the casket were Julius Rath, Frank Engleking, Charles Rath, Charles Simons, John Dangle, and George Groves. Burial was in Mosquito Hill Cemetery. Out-of-town relatives attending the last rites were Charles Brenneke, Herman Brenneke and son, Herman jr., and William Brenneke of Chicago. She died Thursday morning at the home of her brother, Charles King, four miles north of Savanna in the Zion road. Her death was due to a complication of diseases. Miss Christina Marie Carolina Wilholmina King was born June 20, 1870, and died at the age of 67 years, eight months, and 27 days. She was the daughter of Henry and Mary Brenneke King, both deceased. She spent her entire life in and near Savanna. Miss King worked in the home of the late Dr. R.C. Burton in Savanna for 32 years, until his death several years ago. She also worked in the home of Mrs. Mary Lord, grandmother of Mrs. William Waymmack of Savanna, for 12 years. Miss King is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Peter (Mary) Krohmer of Savanna and Miss Lena of near Savanna, and two brothers, Charles and Fred, both of near Savanna
Contributed by Jim Klingler

DORIS ANN KING age 66, of Savanna, Illinois passed away Monday, August 1, 2005 at her home. A Memorial Service will be held 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2005 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, Illinois. A visitation will be held from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2005, prior to the Memorial Service. Inurnment will be in the Savanna Township Cemetery at a later date. Doris was born September 17, 1938, the daughter of Walter William Storm and Pauline May (Frey) in Savanna. Doris married Dee Richard Kashner in 1960; he passed March 27, 1994. On June 30, 1995 Doris married Anthony “Tony” King, he passed away December 18, 2002. Doris worked seven years for Elkay Manufacturing in Savanna. She was a member of the Savanna Women of the Moose Lodge where she held many offices; she helped prepare food for the Golden Meals Service. Doris enjoyed traveling, gardening and especially loved watching and collecting hummingbird memorabilia. Doris will be deeply missed by her two sons, Kevin Kashner of Savanna and Kirk Kashner of Des Moines, Iowa; one daughter, Karen (John) Walters of Savanna; two grandchildren, Tammy Fritts and Selena Ewing both of Savanna; and one great grandson, Hunter D. Fritts of Savanna; one brother, Robert (Judy) Storm of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Doris is preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Dee Richard Kashner and Anthony “Tony” King and one sister, Janet Giangreco.

PAUL KING 75, of Mount Carroll, who died Monday morning at his home, will be at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Frank Funeral Home in Mount Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date of death as Sep 1980.) There will be no visitation. He was a member of Cyrus Masonic Lodge, Af & AM. Born Aug. 5, 1905 in Mount Carroll, he was the son of Lyman and Sarah (Robbe) King. He married Vaida Palmer April 19, 1929 in Sterling. Surviving are his widow; two brothers, Edwin of Darlington, Wis., and Cecil of Iowa Falls, Iowa; and four sisters, Mrs. Bess Potter of Thomson, Mrs. Florence Merchant of Lanark, Mrs. Dora Sword of Fulton and Mrs. Genevieve Craig of Cresco, Iowa. He was preceded in death by one sister.
Contributed by Alice Horner

VIOLA MARGARET (TODD) KING was born in Albany IL., and departed this life at the home of her parents at Lanark, Nov. 20, 1917, aged 24 years and 1 month. She spent her childhood and early school days at Milledgeville. She was united in marriage to Jason King Dec. 22, 1915. She leaves to mourn her early departure and to cherish her memory, her husband, her mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Johnson, her father, Charles Todd, having passed on into the spirit world 22 years ago. She leaves alo Uncle Ben Johnson who made his home with them and with her stepfather, spared nothing to comfort and assist her during the period of her declining health. Besides her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Todd, there are a great number of uncles and aunts and other relatives and friends saddened yet bettered by this short life. Viola was a beautiful child and a talented young lady. When her health no longer permitted the pursuit of her school work she took up music and showed marked talent in this art, teaching music two years. Hers was a strong and beautiful character. She was a faithful church attendant, a loving daughter and a devoted companion. She was reconciled in her affliction and approachd this crisis of her life with remarkable courage. She seemed to have thoroughly made her peace with God, and prepared her funeral services even in detail choosing the 23rd Psalm as the subject for the discourse. Let us now believe that the great and good Shepherd has led her beside the still waters and the green pastures of the Elysian fields of God.
The pallbearers were her cousins - James and Bert Cheeseman, James, William and Elmer Ethridge and Robert Buchanan. Interment at Bethel Cemetery.

BARBARA KINGERY - Died at Mt. Carroll, Illinois, November 17, (1864) of bilious fever, Sister BARBARA KINGERY, aged 44 years, 9 mo. and 13 days, leaving a husband and 4 children to mourn their loss, but we think to her great gain. Funeral service from Rev. 14: 13, by the Brethren.
Contributed by Carol Parrish - with thanks to Dennis from "The Monthly Gospel Visitor" (1851-1873)

CHARLES E. KINGERY , 82, of Mount Carroll, died this morning at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as September 1979.) He was director and past president of Mount Carroll National Bank, past supervisor of Carroll County Board, past president of Mount Carroll Fire Protection District and a member of Mount Carroll Masonic Lodge. Born June 21, 1897 in Carroll County, he was the son of Andrew and Martha (Kuhn) Kingery. He married Hazel Smith March 4, 1976 in Savanna. Surviving are his widow; one son, Charles W. of Mount Carroll; four daughters, Mrs. James (Fern) Henry of Savanna, Mrs. Glen (Ruth) Pauley and Mrs. Ronald (Helen) Fritz, both of Mount Carroll and Mrs. Robert (Gene) Hoak of Polo; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Andrew T. Kingery of Lanark; and one sister, Mrs. Fred (Ruth) Noble of Mount Carroll. He was preceded in death by his first wife, four sisters and two brothers. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Frank Funeral Home in Mount Carroll with the Rev. James Allen, pastor of United Methodist Church of Savanna, officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where a Masonic service will be held at 8:30 p.m.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MRS. ELMER P. KINNEY , 83, of Mount Carroll, passed away at 8 p.m.Thursday (30 Aug 1962) in Freeport Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient the last five weeks. Mary Raymond Farmer was born May 21, 1879 in Mount Carroll, the daughter of Charles C. and Esther E. Jefferies Farmer. She was married June 22, 1904 to Elmer P. Kinney in Mount Carroll. Surviving are one daughter, Miss Mary Kinney, two sons, Platte Kinney and Charles F. Kinney, and two grandsons, all of Mount Carroll. Friends may call at the Frank Fruneral Home from 7 til 9 p.m. Sasturday. Funeral services will be in the funeral home at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, with the Rev. James M. Green, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette August 31, 1962 - Friday, pg 6, col 2

PLATTE KINNEY , 84, of Mount Carroll, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 1990 at Savanna City Hospital. For many years, he was an ammunitions inspector at Savanna Army Depot. Born on March 26, 1905 in Mount Carroll, he was the son of Elmer P. and Mary (Farmer) Kinney. He married Muriel Anderson, who preceded him in death in 1962. On Aug. 30, 1963 he married Margaret Smith Judd in Mount Carroll. Surviving are two stepsons, Eugene Judd of Rockford, and Martin Judd of St. Petersburg, Fla.; six step grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Charles of Florida. He was predeceased by a sister, in addition to his wives. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Frank Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. The Rev. Len Huff, pastor of Mount Carroll United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Friends may call from 8 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ERNEST KLOEPPING , 80, retired farmer of Chadwick, passed away at 7:15 p.m. Monday at the residence. He had been ailing from a heart condition for six years. The body will be removed from the Frank Funeral Home to the residence late Wednesday afternoon. Prayer services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the home and the funeral at 2 p.m. at Hope EUB Church with the Rev. E. V. Schriever, pastor, officiating. Committal will be in Lanark Cemetery. Mr. Kloepping was born in Freedom Township Oct. 15, 1871, the son of Fred and Henrietta Kloepping. He was reared there and March 13, 1902 married Mary Orth in Ebenezer Evangelical Church in Freedom Township. He moved from the farm to Chadwick three years ago. He is survived by his wife; two sons, Ed and Roy of Mount Carroll; two daughters, Mrs. Herbert (Viola) Frederick of Milledgeville and Mrs. Harold (Luella) Schleuning; Chadwick; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers and six sisters.

EVELYN M. (PETERS) KLOEPPING , 87, of Lanark died Tuesday, January 14, 1997 in Freeport Memorial Hospital . Daughter of Albert and Laura (Robert) Peters, she was born June 18, 1909 in Freedom Township , Carroll County . She and John A. Kloepping were married July 15, 1926 in Lanark. He died February 23, 1985. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lanark. Surviving family members include two sons, Francis (Donna) and Duane (Leanella) Kloepping, both of Lanark; four grandchildren, Kristy (Bill VanMatre and Diane (Gale) Haverland, both of Lanark; David (Kathi) Kloepping of Mount Carroll, and Michael (Mary) Kloepping of Freeport; eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Marvin John Kloepping, two sisters, and one brother. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Charles Thompson of First Lutheran Church, Mount Carroll, officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery .
Contributed by Alice Horner

KEITH KLOEPPING , 69, of Lanark died Monday at St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, Ill. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mount Carroll, Ill., with the Revs. Orville Cole and Robert Schubert officiating. Burial will be at the Lanark Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. He was born April 27, 1935, in Freeport, Ill., to Forrest and Helen Krusey Kloepping. He married Lois Ware on Nov. 27, 1953 in Chadwick, Ill. He was a 1953 graduate of Lanark High School. He farmed with his father in the Lanark and Mount Carroll area. Following his farming career, he worked for 14 years at the Colehour Elevator in Mount Carroll. Survivors include his wife, Lois, of Lanark; six children Cindy (Leon) Weems of Mount Carroll, Keith Jr. (Deloris) Kloepping of Mount Carroll, Peggy (John) Leslein of West Plains, Mo., Mike Kloepping of Pearl City, Ill., Jeff (Niff) Kloepping of Mount Carroll, and Wendy (Chuck) Boyer of Mount Carroll; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Gary (Patti) Kloepping of Lanark; and three sisters, Kay (Ed) Lamoreux of Freeport, Sharon Kloepping of Palm Coast, Fla., and Pam (Gary) Dumpman of Freeport.. He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant daughters.
Clinton Herald 5 January 2005

LLOYD A. KLOEPPING , age 94, of Lanark, Illinois, died Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2009 at the Mt. Carroll Church of God with Pastor Rick Zickefoose officiating. Burial will be in the Lanark Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 5, 2009 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. Memorials may be given in Lloyd’s name for FHN Hospice and the Good Samaritan Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Mt. Carroll. Lloyd was born April 22, 1914 in Freedom Township, the son of William & Catherine (Orth) Kloepping. The farm that Lloyd was born and raised on is now under Lake Carroll. He attended the Renner Country School. Lloyd married Marilynn Freeman on February 2, 1941 in Mt. Carroll. Together they worked very hard and in 1959 they purchased two farms at Derinda near Elizabeth. They always strived to be good stewards of the land they farmed. Lloyd & Marilynn decided to retire from the long days and hard work on the farm and in 1970 they sold the Derinda farms near Elizabeth and moved to Mt. Carroll. They lived in several houses there, remodeling other homes that they used for rental properties and in 1985 finally found their dream home in Lanark where they still reside. They have been married for 68 years. Lloyd was an excellent role model for his family. He was always there with a big smile and a warm hug. He deeply cherished his sons—admiring the men and fathers his ‘boys’ had become. He was proud of all his grandsons and the women they chose to marry and is awed by the strong growing bodies and bubbling energy of his nine (soon to be eleven) great-grandchildren! Lloyd was an inveterate volunteer, always helping people around town and working at the Carroll County Senior Service Recycling Center. He loved gardening, feeding birds, and enjoyed sifting through the soil in the spring searching for arrowheads, but his favorite hobby was metal detecting. He was a faithful member of the Mt. Carroll Church of God and attended Sunday School all of his life. Lloyd is survived by his loving wife, Marilynn of Lanark; three sons, Brian & Bonita of Shannon, IL, Bruce & Carol of Brodhead, WI, and Brad & JoAnne of Princeton, IL; five grandsons, Craig & Kristin of Baileyville, IL, Barry & Sheila of Sheboygan Falls, WI, Brett & Karen of Princeton, IL, Casey & Amanda of Brodhead, WI, and Shane & Sara of Tiskilwa, IL; and nine great grandchildren, Caidin, Keileigh,Erin, Josiah, Tessa, Trent, Kennedy, Nolan and Benjamin. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Craig; two grandsons, Steven and Nathan; six sisters; and two brothers.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

ALIDA ANNA (HENDRICK) KNAPP , was born in Charlton, Saratoga county, NY, on Feb. 8, 1827, and there grew to womanhood in a family of ten children. On March 14, 1850 she was married to John J. Knapp, and to this union were born three children, Thomas H. of Azusa, Cal; Benjamin F. who died in 1881, and Ada M. Johnston of Milledgeville, Il. In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. Knapp moved from NY to Milledgeville. A year later they moved on a farm close to town where they both lived all their allotted earthly life. About twenty five years ago Mr. Knapp passed away, and from that time until her death, Mrs. Knapp has lived with her only daughter on the old home place. For a number of years she was in failing health. For more than two years she was unable to leave the house and for over one year she was confined to her room, but thro all her weakness she manifested great patience and fortitude. She was a faithful reader of the Bible, and until she lost her sight it was her custom to daily read aportion of God's Word. Her favorite Bible is well pencil-marked and bears evidence of long and diligent use. She departed this life May 10, 1917, aged 90 years 3 months and 2 days. She was one of the oldest residents in this part of the county. During all her years she lived an exemplary life in the community, was generous with her means in advancing every good cause, and was ever ready to do what she could to help those in need. Beside her two remaining children, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. Jane Griffen, Coleman S.D., two grandchildren, Mrs. Florence Woods, Los Angeles, Cal. and Mrs. Meredith Peake, Caper Wyoming and many friends who learned to know and love her.
Funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Miles J. Snyder of the Brethren Church at the home of the deceased. Singers, Mrs. C.D. Miller, Mrs. Edith Holly accompanist, Miss Fannie Walker. Text Job 16 - 22. Burial in Bethel. Pall Bearers W.L. Miller, Silas Turner, J.E. Miller, George Mertz, John Colliflower and H.H. Olmsted.

IRENE LILLIAN (NOBLE) KNAPP , age 82, of rural Elizabeth, Illinois, died May 25, 2009 at FHN Memorial Hospital, Freeport, Illinois. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, Illinois, with Reverend Lee Luebke officiating. Burial will be in Savanna Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home. A memorial fund has been established in Irene’s memory. Irene was born August 9, 1926 in Loran Township, the daughter of Ira Arthur and Anna Rosalie (Pearson) Noble. Irene was always proud of her Irish heritage. She attended Washington Country School, Washington Township. On April 30, 1942, Irene married Henry “Hank” Knapp in Galena, Illinois. He passed away July 31, 2006 in Freeport. Irene was a talented homemaker and treasured family time. She and Hank built the homestead they lived in with their own hands. She spent much of her time baking, making noodles, canning and even churning her own butter. They enjoyed the farm life, raising cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Irene also worked at the Savanna Army Depot as a forklift operator handling ammunition during and after WWII. She also worked for the Savanna Garment Factory and Atwoods in Stockton, Illinois. Irene was a member of the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Massbach until it closed. She then began attending Christ Lutheran Church, Stockton. Irene loved the outdoors, especially the first flowers of spring. She enjoyed drinking a good cup of coffee in the morning while watching birds. She was an avid gardener and cared deeply for her cats. Irene will be dearly missed by three grandsons, David (Sheila) Knapp, Bryan (Melody) Knapp and Daniel (Karen) Knapp; eight great grandchildren, Patrick (Lisa) Knapp, Monica (Will) Jordan, Andrew Knapp, Teri Knapp and Emily, Patrick, Hannah, and Kaleb Knapp; a special niece, Rose (Robert) Mielke; three great nieces, Sharon (Kelvin) Krise, Sue (Tom) Reilly and Theresa (Mark) Klenz; and two great nephews, Gary (Cindi) Mielke and Gerald Mielke. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Hank; son and daughter in-law, Melvin (Sandra) Knapp; three brothers, Floyd, Charles and Robert; and a sister, Evelyn.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

JOHN KNAPP , The funeral services of the late John Knapp, took place at the M. E. church on Sunday afternoon at 2:30. The services were conducted by Rev. Jas. H. Davis, of the Baptist church, at request of deceased. Mr. Knapp was born in Schenectady, N. Y., Feb. 4, 1824, died May 21, 1892, aged 68 years, 3 months and 17 days. He came to Illinois in 1854, and settled in Milledgeville. A years afterwards he moved upon a farm close to town where he lived until the Lord called him home. Mr. Knapp was a quiet and retiring citizen, upright in all his dealings, and had the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He expressed himself as having a hope in Christ, and enjoyed very much the religious services, at which he was a regular attendant when his health permitted. During his last illness he spoke at different times of being deprived of this privilege, although he never identified himself with he church, he professed to have a personal interest in the atonement of Christ. Mr. Knapp was married to Alida A. Hendrick, March 14, 1850. They had three children, two sons and one daughter, one of whom, Benj. F. Knapp, died Feb. 23, 1881. Besides these two children and his widow, he leaves four sisters and two brothers, and a host of friends to mourn his departure. His brothers and sisters are scattered about, Mrs. Margaret Olmstead, Milledgeville, Mrs. Rebecca Middleton, Polo, Ill., T. C. Knapp, Los Angeles, Cal., E. F. Knapp, Worcester, N. Y., Mrs. Abbie VanVleet, Vail, Iowa, Mrs. Sarah Pierson. Let us hope there will be a glad reunion in the other world never more to part.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

SANDRA L. (SMALLEY) KNAPP , age 66, of rural Elizabeth died Friday, September 7, 2007 at Morgan Memorial Nursing Home, Stockton. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Inurnment will take place in Savanna Township Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11 at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be given in Sandra's memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com. Sandra was born on June 16, 1941 in Savanna, the daughter of James and Florence (Reaves) Smalley. She graduated from Savanna High School with the class of 1959. On April 29, 1961 she married Melvin Knapp at Good Hope Lutheran Church, in Pleasant Valley Township, Illinois. Melvin died on July 28, 2000. Sandra enjoyed participating in Rendezvous Re-enactments with her husband and friends for twenty years. The Rendezvous Re-enactments simulated life in the early exploring years of the United States. She and her husband also enjoyed raising their two Blue Healers,Cody and Catie. Sandra is survived by three sons; David (Sheila) Knapp of Crestone, Colorado, Bryan (Melody) Knapp of Rural Elizabeth, and Daniel (Karen) Knapp of Clinton, Iowa; eight grandchildren; Monica, Patrick M., Emily, Andrew, Teri, Patrick S., Hannah, and Kaleb; a sister, Irene Mersch; and mother-in-law Irene Knapp. Both parents, and her husband, Melvin, precede Sandra in death.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

ALTHEA (WALES) KNEPPER , 46, native of Lanark, who is recent years resided at 2511 Arbor, Houston, Tex., died Nov. 1 after an illness of 24 hours of bulbar polio. Mrs. Knepper, daughter of the late George and Julia Wales, was born in Lanark September 8, 1900. She was a graduate of Lanark high school, studied music at Oxford College, Oxford, O., and the University of Wisconsin and finished her education at Cornell college, where she received her degree. She taught for several years at Paw Paw, Ill. She was united in marriage to Dr. Wilbur D. Knepper of Waterloo, Ia. She is survived by her husband, a daughter, Betty, and a brother, George Marshall Wales of Lanark. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in Houston.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ELMER G. KNISS - 75, of rural Freeport, a farmer, died Tuesday, May 11, 1993, at Freeport Memorial Hospital. A son of William and Maggie (Knoess) Kniss, he was born April 12, 1918, near Pearl City, where he farmed all his life. He married Iola Bicker on Sept. 14, 1940, at Davenport, Iowa. Surviving are his wife and several cousins. Two sisters and one brother preceded him in death. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Hermann Funeral Home, Shannon. Officiating will be the Rev. Milton Whitney of St. John Lutheran Church, Pearl City. Burial will be in the Brethren Cemetery at Shannon. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established.
Wednesday, May 12, 1993 Freeport Journal Standard

KATHRYN (WINGERD) KNISS - Funeral service for Mrs. Arthur (Kathryn) Kniss, 84, of Lanark, who died Thursday evening at Savanna City Hospital, will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Frank Funeral Home, Lanark. The Rev. Albert P. Rogers, pastor of Lanark Church of the Brethren, will officiate. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Mrs. Kniss was a member of the Lanark Church of the Brethren. Born January 30, 1894, in Carroll County, she was the daughter of Adam and Emma (Whitmore) Wingerd. She married Arthur Kniss Jan. 28, 1920. He died Sept. 25, 1956. Surviving are two sons, Kenneth and Keith, both of Lanark; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Besse Bowers of Lanark and Mrs. Maude Johnson of Mount Carroll. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by twin daughters and one brother.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MAGGIE KNISS - Mrs. William (Maggie) Kniss of Freeport, formerly of Chadwick, passed away at 5:22 p.m. Sunday in St. Francis Hospital, Freeport, after a lingering illness. The body is at the Scharman Funeral Home in Shannon and will be taken Wednesday noon to the St. John's Lutheran Church, Pearl City. Funeral rites will be conducted there at 2 p.m. (CST) Wednesday by Rev. Luther Cooperrider. Burial will take place in the Shannon Cemetery. Maggie Knoess was born June 10, 1879, in Carroll County, the daughter of George and Mary Knoess. She was united in marriage with William Kniss Feb. 26, 1907, who preceded her in death. Surviving are two sons, Elmer and Clarence of Freeport, one brother George Knoess of Chadwick and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband she was also preceded in death by her parents, two daughters and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 24, 1953 - Monday, page 2

ROBERT L. KNISS : Memorial service for Robert L. Kniss, 72, or Wauwatosa, formerly of Lanark, who died Tuesday, Nov. 18 at St. Joseph Hospital in Wauwatosa, following a brief illness, was held Friday, Nov. 21, there. Cremation followed. A 1926 graduate of Lanark High School, he was a member of the Methodist Church in Wauwatosa and was a retired registered pharmacist. Born March 4, 1908 near Lanark, he was the son of Reinhard and Mabel (Garman) Kniss. He married Mary Cunningham Feb. 18, 1933 in Rockford. Surviving are his widow; one son, William of New Berlin, Wis.; one daughter, Mrs. Nancy (Michael) Paape of Wauwatosa; one sister, Mrs. Alice (Glen) Akerman of Lanark; and two grandsons.
Contributed by Alice Horner

VIOLA KNISS , 23, died about 4:30 o’clock this morning at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Kneiss in Shannon . She was born at Brookville, February 8, 1915. She leaves her parents, a brother, Ralph Kneiss of Shannon, and two sisters, Mrs. Ollie Buisker of Shannon and Mrs. Clarence Smith of Freeport . One brother and one sister preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held at the home at 1:30 o’clock Saturday afternoon. Rev. S. C. Eberle will officiate and burial will be made at Brookville.
Contributed by Alice Horner Friday, October 7, 1938 edition of Freeport Journal Standard

CLARA H. (ALT) KNORR , 77, of Lanark died Monday, June 21, 2004, in Good Samaritan Nursing Center in Mount Carroll. Born Dec. 5, 1926, in Pearl City to Albert and Anna Luettman Alt. Married Tony Knorr Dec. 23, 1945, in St. John's Lutheran Church in Pearl City. She was a retired employee of Crum & Forster Insurance Co. Member of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren. Survivors include son, Donald (Linda) Knorr, and grandchildren, Doug Knorr and Annette Knorr, all of Winnebago; brother, Lester (Helen) Alt of Lena; sister-in-law, Marjorie (Collin) Chriss of Freeport; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband on Jan. 21, 1990; parents; and sister, Doris Sweitzer. Service at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 24, in Russell-Frank Funeral Home, 111 N. High St., Lanark, with the Rev. John Ewing of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren officiating. Burial in Lanark Cemetery. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, in the funeral home. Memorial established.
Rockford Registar Star 22 June 2004

TONY M. KNORR , 66, of Lanark, died Sunday morning, Jan. 21, 1990 at Freeport Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. An employee of Elkay Manufacturing Co., Lanark, he retired in October of 1987. He was a member of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren, Lanark. Born on Dec. 17, 1923 near Lanark, he was the son of Ray and June (Robinson) Knorr. On Dec. 23, 1945 he married Clara Alt in Pearl City. Surviving are his wife, of Lanark; a son, Don and his wife Linda of Rockford; two granchildren, Doug and Annette Knorr, both of Rockford; two brothers, Delmar and his wife Henrietta of Lanark, and Robbie of Savanna; a sister, Mrs. Marge (Collin) Chriss of Dubuque, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Russell-Frank Funeral Home, Lanark. The Rev. Roger Harding, pastor of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren, will officiate. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner

CLAYTON KNOX - Died at the Commercial House on Wednesday night, May 23, Clayton Knox, aged 27 years, 9 months, and 16 days.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - daed 1888 Scrapbook Clipping

EVA KNOX - At the home of her brother, G. W. Knox, near Hazelhurst, Sunday, Sept. 2, 1894, Miss Eva Knox, aged 88 years, 5 months, and 16 days. Miss Eva Knox was born in Grayson County, Kentucky, March 16th, 1816, and moved with her parents in 1827 to Sangamon County, this State, and from there to Putnam County, the following year. In 1835 the Knox family moved to Elkhorn Grove, Carroll Co., at which place the deceased made her home until the grim messenger of death called her to her final resting place, last Sunday, at one o'clock. The funeral services were conducted by Dr. Moore, of Polo, at the South Elkhorn church, Tuesday forenoon. Interment took place in the cemetery of that place.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

FRANCIS MARION KNOX - died at his home in the town of Jordan about four miles south of Milledgeville, Monday morning at half past nine o'clock. The day following election he went to Guthrie, Oklahoma, near which place his son, Frank and daughter, Miss Loie reside. For several winters past he had been troubled with bronchial difficulty and he thought that a sojourn in a southern clime would benefit his health. All winter he had been feeling very well until three weeks ago when he contracted the grippe, and this with his chronic bronchitis caused him to fail rapidly. He started for home when he began to feel ill and became worse on the way. Last Thursday he arrived home, having come the entire distance alone. The day following Dr. W. A. Gray was called to his home. Mr. Knox was one of those intractible men who never knew what it meant to give up, and he could not be induced to stay in bed. In fact he was on the lounge when death ended his earthly career. It is thought that he died of heart trouble superceded by bronchitis. The deceased was born in Putnam county, Ill., Dec. 25, 1830, therefore was 70 years and 19 days old. He was the son of John and Rebecca Knox. He was the youngest of a family of twelve children, four sons and eight daughters. In 1835 with his parents he left Putnam county and moved to Carroll county, settling on the farm now occupied by his brother, Washington Knox, in the town of Elkhorn Grove. when the gold fever was at its height, Mr. Knox was one of the thousands who went to Pike's Peak. There he had many experiences. He was married to Susanna Johnston, daughter of Barney Johnston, and immediately after moved to the farm where he died. He was a great lover of home life and was seldom absent. He was the father of seven children, four daughters, one, Lettie, being dead, and three sons. They are Frank and Loie, of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Richard and Bird, who reside at home; Benjamin of Fremont and Mrs. Alice McDermand of this city. He leaves also his wife and two brothers, Washington of Elkhorn Grove and Joacum of this city. The funeral was held from the South Elkhorn church at eleven o'clock, Wednesday forenoon, the Rev. C. A Gage of this city officiating. A quartette composed of H. M. Cronk, Ray Freas, and Misses Maud Freas and Hattie Merriam sang beautifully. The remains were interred in the South Elkhorn cemetery. Mr. Knox was an upright citizen who had scores of friends. we extend to the bereaved family, in behalf of the community, our sincere sympathy.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated Jan. 14, 1901

GEORGE WASHINGTON KNOX , familiarly known as squire Knox, was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, February 6, 1818, and died at his home in Elkhorn Grove, Carroll county, Illinois, January 31, 1904, aged 85 years, 11 months and 25 days. John Knox, father of George W. Knox, wsa previous to his settlement in Kentucky, a resident of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. He was the son of a surgeon of note in the British Army and came from England with General Braddock. In 1827 John Knox moved his family from Kentucky to Sangamon county, Illinois, and in 1829 to Putnam county and located upon a claim made by Mr. Knox the previous year. The records state that John Knox and his family werethe first settlers in Putnam county. In 1834 John Knox arrived at Elkhorn Grove and during the following year (1835) the family arrived. George W. was then seventeen years of age and during the four years that followed he labored with his father and brothers to fence in the farm and to reduce the soil to a state of cultivation. From about 1837 to 1873 Mr. Knox resided in and near Milledgeville, Illinois, with the exception of two years spent in Dixon, Illinois. Since 1873 until his death he lived at the old homestead near Hazelhurst, Illinois. During his residence in Milledgeville he held many important offices, being school trustee, assessor and for twenty-five years a Justice of the Peace. December 23, 1851, he married Mary J. Palmer from Ashtabula county, Ohio, who was the first white woman to reside in Aurora, Illinois, and who survives him. Three sons were born to this union, Walter R., who lives on the old farm, H.C. cashier in R.G. Shumway's bank in Milledgeville, Illinois, and George W., president of Knox Engineering Company Chicago. In describing the characteristics of George Washington Knox we cannot do better than make use of the language of those who knew him best - "broad, liberal, firm. Always to the point, Never Evasive. He came from a family of Presbyterians, but during the greater part of his life he was interested in the history and work of the Methodist church. He had firm faith in his God. Belonged to no church. Believed that all churches were doing good. Never tried to appear other than he was. detested hypocrisy in any and all forms. Disliked display and never courted honors. A deep reader and possessed a retentive memory and watched with keen interest the scientific developments of the age and understood them in detail. Was particularly well posted with the history of the war of the rebellion and could describe the movements of the armies in all of the great battles of that war." It was a source of sadness to him to see old Elkhorn Grove go down before the woodman's ax. He had roamed in its shades when it was the home of the deer and like nearly all pioneers he had feelings of love and veneration toward it because of past associations and because he first saw it as it came fresh from the hand of Nature's God. Truly George W. Knox could say with the poet Banks:
"I live to hold communion - With all that is divine;
To feel there is a union - Between Nature's heart and mine.
To profit by affliction - Reap truths from fields of fiction;
Grow wiser from conviction, - And fulfill each grand design."
His last illness extended over a period of seven months, being bed fast for two months, during which time he bore bravely much pain and suffering without complaint that those who loved and cared for him might not be worried. He leaves to cherish his memory a wife and three sons, all of whom were present at the funeral and one brother, Joachim, who is the last of a family of twelve brothers and sisters. The funeral services were held from the South Elkhorn church in the afternoon of February 3 and were attended by friends and neighbors who manifested their respect for the deceased and their sympathy for the bereaved relatives. Rev. J. W. McKitrick of the Methodist church assisted by Rev. C. A. Gage, a former pastor, officiated. Interment was made in the South Elkhorn cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

JOACHIM (JOSEPH) KNOX , more familiarly known as Uncle Joe Knox, was born in Grayson county, Ky., Feb. 22, 1820 and died at his home in Milledgeville, Carroll county, IL., November 5, 1905 at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 13 days. John Knox, father of Joachim, was previous to his settlement in Kentucky a resident of Fayette Co PA. He was the son of a surgeon of note in the British Army and came from England with General Braddock. In 1827 John Knox moved his family from Kentucky to Sangamon county, Illinois, and in 1829 to Putnam county and located upon a claim made by Mr. Knox the previous year. The records state that John Knox and his family werethe first settlers in Putnam county. In 1834 John Knox with his son Joachim, then fourteen years of age, arrived at Elkhorn Grove, Carroll county, Illinois, and began to clear the forest and erect a log cabin. The following year the remaining members of the family arrived and they together made for themselves a home by enduring the hardships of pioneeer life. Thus one by one the pioneers are passing away and ere long we will have none of them left to tell us of pioneer life with its hardships and its pleasures. All honor to the old Pioneers! Joachim Knox was married July 5, 1847 to Miss Abigal Campbel, who still survives him after a weeded life of fifty-eight years. To this union were born thirteen children, six of whom have preceded him to the other world. Seven still survive him, Charles M. of South Dakota, Mrs. Fanning Spaulding of Grundy, Iowa, Mrs Bina Ross of Sterling, Il., Mrs. Ida Journey of Clinton, Iowa, James M., John H., and Annis of Milledgeville, all of whom were with him at the last except Charles. Besides these he leaves four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Uncle Joe was a quiet unassuming man, loved and respected by all who came in contact with him adn was not forgotten in his long illness as was shown by the flowers brought to him daily by both old and young. Uncle Joe was a particular friend of the young, always having a pleasant and kind word for the children. Mr. Knox was a hard working man, upright and honest in all his business transactions. He was no professor of religion but was a good moral man. His last illness extended over a period of eight months, being confined to his bed for six weeks and during all that time he was never known to complain. The funeral services were conducted from the South Elkhorn church at 11 a.m. Tuesday morning by Rev. Z.T. Livengood of Lanark. Interment was made in the cemetery at the church.

LARRY KOENES , 66, of Thomson, died Tuesday in Tunica, Miss. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Fulton, Ill., Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. James L. Machen, pastor of the Church of the Open Door in Clinton, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be private. He was born Oct. 9, 1938, in Fulton to Willis and Evelyn R. Sikkema Koenes. He married Judith Bylsema. He later married Judith E. Hazelhurst on Jan. 4, 2002, in Clinton. He was educated in the Fulton grade schools and graduated from Fulton High School. He served in the U.S. Army. In his early years, he was employed as a manager of various area nightclubs. He most recently was affiliated with the Sikkema Trailer Court and Country Apartments both in Fulton. Survivors include his wife, Judy; one daughter; one son; his mother, Mrs. Evelyn Carle of Fulton; one stepson, Richard (Kellie) Mess of Clinton; two stepgrandchildren; two brothers, Arthur and Vernon; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial will be established. He was preceded in death by his father, one sister, one stepson and four brothers.
Clinton Herald November 11, 2004

ESTHER (HARR) KOHLMORGAN/COHLMORGAN , 64, a school teacher for 30 years, died early Saturday, May 22, 1965 in Savanna City Hospital, where she had been a patient for several months. (Transcriber's note: Cohlmorgan is spelled with a K in the obituary but with a C on the tombstone.) She had taught for 30 years in Carroll and Stephenson Counties and was a member of the Retired Teachers’ Association. Survivors include two brothers, Loyal and Lloyd Harr, both of Savanna; a stepson, John Kohlmorgan, Freeport; and a stepdaughter, Mrs. Geneve Benz, Freeport. She was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Cohlmorgan, who died November 17, 1956. Services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday in Law Funeral Home here. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport.
Contributed by Alice Horner

LAVERN E. KOMISKEY , 86, of Galena and formerly of Savanna, died Friday at Galena Stauss Hospital. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna, with the Rev. Moises Apostol as the celebrant. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the Savanna VFW. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, with a Scripture wake service held during the visitation at 8:30 p.m. He was born April 24, 1917, in Tomah, Wis., to Martin J. and Caroline Gasper Komiskey. He grew up in Tunnel City, Wis. In 1945 he married Margaret A. Rieber in Tomah. She died in 1990. He served in the United States Armed Forces as a tech sergeant in the 7th Armored Tank Division during World War II. His tour of duty placed him in France. He worked 43 years as a rail inspector and welder foreman with the Milwaukee Railroad before retiring in 1977. He worked part time 17 years with the Galena Stauss Hospital. He was a lifetime member of the Seventh Armored Division Association. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. John's Catholic Church, Savanna, and the Knights of Columbus at St. Michael and St. Mary Catholic Church, Galena. He also belonged to the Retired and Veteran Railroad Employees. Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn (Stan Fosdick) Komiskey of Argo Fay, Ill., and Mrs. Mary Ellen (John) McGannon of Bremmerton, Wash.; five sons, James (Diane) Komiskey of Lanark, Ill., Robert (Ginger) Komiskey of Galena, Richard Komiskey of Sarasota, Fla., David (Marge Jackson) Komiskey of Savanna and Paul Komiskey of McChesney Park, Ill.; three sisters, Rita Kasper of Lansdale, Pa., Marcella Sopko of Manville, N.J., and Veronica Myers of Hartland, Wis.; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, a son, a granddaughter, one sister and three brothers.
Clinton Herald November 17, 2003

RUTH (VIETMEYER) KORF , 92, of Baileyville died Monday, July 26, 2004, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. She was born March 16, 1912, near Lanark, the daughter of Walter and Mabel Moring Vietmeier. On March 11, 1933, Ruth and Alfred Korf were married in Forreston. Alfred died Sept. 28, 1978. Alfred and Ruth farmed near Baileyville. Mrs. Korf was a member of Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church in Shannon and the Ladies Aid Society of the church. Survivors include two sons, Milford (Carol) Korf of Baileyville and Eugene Korf of Milledgeville; four grandchildren, Joe (Susan) Korf, Pamala (Robert) Taggart, David (Tereca) Korf and Kathleen (Pat) Donaldson; and 10 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband; one great-grandson; and her daughter-in-law, Wilma. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Janice Diefenthaler, pastor of the church, officiating. Burial will be at White Oak Cemetery in Forreston. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston. A memorial fund has been established for Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes - The Journal-Standard Jul. 27, 2004

GEORGE KRAMER - 70, died about noon Wednesday in his home in Mount Carroll from a heart attack suffered while he was in bed. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. from the home with Rev. R, H. Seitner, pastor of the First Baptist church in charge. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. George Kramer was born April 8, 1869 in Germany, the son of Adam and Margot (Mayfield0 Kramer. Survivors are two brothers, Jacob of Mount Carroll and Adam of Lexington, Nebraska, and a grandson, George Kramer of Sterling. His wife died about a year ago.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois April 20, 1939

JACOB KRAMER - Mt. Carroll, Ill. – Jacob Kramer, 68, of Mt. Carroll, died about 9 o’clock this morning, April 26, 1939, in a Freeport Hospital. He is survived by his widow, one brother, Adam Kramer, of Lexington, Nebraska, and a daughter, Mary, at home. A brother, George Kramer, died one week ago today. Funeral arrangements were not announced today.
Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois April 26, 1939
Jacob Kramer, 65, of Mount Carroll, died Wednesday morning, April 26, 1939 in a Freeport hospital where he had been seriously ill for several days. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon from the home with the Rev. R. H. Seitner officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery. Surviving are his widow; two daughters, Mary at home, and Mrs. Lou Bence of Chicago; and a brother, Adam of Lexington, Nebraska. A brother, George, died at Mount Carroll a week earlier.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Thomson Review, Thomson, Carroll County, Illinois May 4, 1939
(Alice Horner’s note: I found his date of birth, September 6, 1873, on his World War I Draft Registration Card.)

LEONA (MEDENDORP) KRAMER , age 69, of Chadwick, died Thursday, January 22, 2004 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2004 at Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Chadwick, with Reverend Dave Davies of Hope United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was in Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. Friends were asked to call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, January 25 at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Leona's name to the American Lung Association. Leona was born, Tuesday, June 26, 1934 to Cornelius and Winnie (Prins) Medendorp. She graduated in 1952 from Fulton High School, Fulton, Illinois. Leona and Harold Kramer were married February 12, 1957 in Fulton. They farmed over thirty years near Chadwick. Harold died July 31, 1989. Leona enjoyed playing piano, listening to country music, reading, working crossword puzzles, watching sports and keeping in touch with pen pals. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandson. Leona is survived by two daughters; Diane (Kenneth) Lego and Deloris (Keith) Kloepping Jr., all of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; one son, Dale Kramer of Chadwick; six grandchildren, Alan and Aaron Lego, Kelly and Kristopher Kloepping, and Kurtis and David Kramer; one great grandson, Clayton Lego; a sister, Wilma (Harlan) Johannsen of Morrison, Illinois; one brother, Vernon (Janet) Medendorp of Garden Plain, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, her husband and a brother, Harold Medendorp, precede Leona in death.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 09 March 1948

MARY (BYERS) KRAMER - 60, died Thursday, October 28, 1937 at her home near Mount Carroll. (Alice Horner’s note: She was Mary [Byers] Kramer.) Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the home with the Rev. R. H. Seitner officiating. Burial was made in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Mrs. Kramer was born October 23, 1877 in Richmond, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Margaret Byers. Surviving are her husband, three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Naill, Mrs. Muriel Kramer, and Mrs. Alice Hoover, all of Rockford, and two brothers, William and Riley Byers, Mount Carroll.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Thomson Review, Thomson, Carroll County, Illinois November 4, 1937

MARY ELIZABETH KRAMER - Mt. Carroll, Ill. – Miss Mary Elizabeth Kramer, 19, passed away about 10:30 o’clock this morning, November 26, 1941 at her home in Mt. Carroll following an extended illness. She was born in Mt. Carroll June 29, 1922, the daughter of Jacob and Muriel Kramer. (Alice Horner’s note: Muriel’s name is misspelled Merle in the original obituary.) She is survived by her mother. Funeral arrangements were not announced today.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois November 26, 1941
Funeral services for Miss Mary Elizabeth Kramer, who died here Wednesday, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Frank Funeral Chapel. The Rev. B. H. Seitmar will officiate and interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois November 27, 1941

MURIEL (BYER) KRAMER - of Mount Carroll died Tuesday night, April 24, 1973 in Savanna City Hospital. She was born August 16, 1891 in Mount Carroll, daughter of John and Margaret (Bratton) Byers. In 1912 she was married to Jacob Kramer. Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. Ard (Oneta) Penkert of Marshalltown, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, three sisters, and two brothers. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Frank Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. The Rev. Claude Dotson, pastor of Mount Carroll United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery here. Friends may call after 8 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois April 25, 1973

NETTIE (SPINKA) KRAMER , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Spinka, was born at Chadwick, Ill., Sept. 6, 1894. On June 8, 1911, she was united in marriage to Willaim Kramer and they resided on a farm southwest of Chadwick until moving to a farm near Lanark, about 12 years ago. She suffered from asthma for many years, which affected her heart, causing her death on Saturday, October 19, 1946, at her home near Lanark, at the age of 52 years, 1 month, 13 days. She is survivied by her husband the the following children; Kenneth (Inze) of Rock Falls, Robert (Iva) of Stockton, Mrs. Dean (Wilma) Prowant of Chadwick, Mrs. George (Lucille) Rippy, and Mrs. Richard (Ruth) Kimpel, Mrs. Robert (Helen) Orth and Ralph of Lanark, William Jr., still in the armed forces, and Herbert, Leo and Shirley at home. Two children preceded her in death. Also left to mourn her passing are 16 grandchildren; her parent, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Spinka of Lanark, and one sister, Mrs. Zack (Mabel) Kinkade of Port Byron. Funeral services were held at the Frank funeral home in Lanark on October 21,with Rev. William West, pastor of Trinity Lutheran church officiating. Burial in Lanark cemetery.
Contributed by Donna Rife

RALPH WILLIAM KRAMER , 78, of 903 East Avenue, Sterling, died Monday, July 8, 1996 in KSB Hospital in Dixon. He was empoyed as a brick layer for Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. for 34 years prior to his retirement in 1980. He was born on Jan. 22. 1918 in Mount Carroll to William and Nettie (Spinka) Kramer. He married Helen Hartman on June 11, 1950 in Savanna. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He attended the First Nazarene Church of Sterling and was a life member of the Sterling VFW. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Harold, and two sisters, Lucille Rippy and Barbara. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Luther (Kathy) and Russell (Sylvia), both of Sterling; four brothers, Robert (Iva) Kramer of Walnut, William (Gertrude) Kramer of Rock Falls, Lee (Louise) Kramer of Sterling and Herbert (Iona) Kramer of Chadwick; his twin sister, Mrs. Ruth Kimpel of Mendota (previously from Lanark) three sisters, Helen (Homer) Osborn of Rock Falls, Wilma Prowant of Savanna and Shirley (John) Schneider of Lanark; four grandchildren and a brother-in-las, George Rippy of Lanark. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m in the Allen-Melvin Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. M. Kim Smith pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene of Sterling, Officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling (Whiteside Co). Visitation will be held tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Contributed by Donna Rife

RAY KRAMER - Alice Horner’s note: Ray Kramer’s name is consistently misspelled as Cramer throughout this account, except for the heading, where it is misspelled as Camerer. I have corrected all the errors.)
MT CARROLL MAN, RAY KRAMER, IS KILLED BY TRUCK
ROAD WORKER, 25, FALLS FROM MACHINE AND IS RUN OVER
Ray Kramer, aged 25 and a resident of Mount Carroll, died at St. Francis Hospital last night, July 30, 1928 about 8 o’clock as a result of injuries sustained when he was run over by a truck loaded with gravel while working on a road about 4 ½ miles south of Shannon. The accident took place about 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The victim was rushed to the local hospital but his injuries were such that he could not survive. According to information received regarding the accident, Kramer was riding on the seat of the truck with the driver. Both thought that the truck had a flat tire and when Kramer leaned out to look at the tires on his side of the truck the machine struck a bump in the road, causing him to lose his balance and fall beneath the heavily loaded truck. The right rear wheel passed over his abdomen, crushing it and causing fatal internal injuries. There were no fenders on the truck and hence he fell directly in front of the rear wheel. The young man had been hauling gravel on the four-mile stretch which is to connect up the village of Shannon with Route 27. He was accompanied on the fatal trip by the foreman of the gravel pit, who was driving the truck. An inquest was conducted today by Coroner E. A. Diestlemeier. Mr. Kramer is a native of Mount Carroll, having been born there. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Kramer, who reside on the Turnbaugh farm, south of Mount Carroll. He was reared there and attended the Mount Carroll schools. He is survived by his wife and an infant child. His parents also survive. The remains were taken back to Mount Carroll this afternoon. Mr. Kramer’s wife was formerly Miss Kathryn Angle, of Polo, to whom he was married two years ago.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois July 31, 1928

ROBERT HENRY KRAMER , 82, formerly of Morrison, died Monday, March 1, 1999 at Walnut Manor Nursing Home in Walnut. He was retired from Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. after 28 years in the twelve-inch mill. He was born on March 5, 1916 in Chadwick to William H. and Nettie M. (Spinka) Kramer. He married Iva Bertha Rippy on Dec. 3, 1934 in Freeport. She preceded him in death on Feb. 13, 1999. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, three sister, one son and one grandson. He was a member of the Rock River Christian Center. Survivors include three sons, Ronald (Shirley) Kramer of Tacoma, Wash., Donald (Joanne) Kramer of Walnut and David (Sue) Kramer of Eubank, Ky,; one daughter , Carol (Bill) Stanfield of Rock Falls; two brothers, Lee Kramer of Sterling and Herbert Kramer of Coleta; three sisters, Ruth Kimpel of Lanark, Wilma Prowant of Savanna and Shirley Schneider of Lanark; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Rock River Christian Center in Rock Falls with Rev. Don George, officiating. Burial was in Lanark Cemetery in Lanark. Visitation was from 11 a.m. until 1 to 1:30 p.m. at the Rock River Christian Center. Arrangements were completed by the Grennan Funeral Home in Sterling.
Contributed by Donna Rife

WILLIAM HILLSTER KRAMER 74, of Lanark, died Sunday afternoon in the Freeport hospital after a short illness. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Frank funeral home in Lanark. The Rev. Harry W. Lutz, pastor of the Assembly of God Tabernacle of Rock Falls, officiated, and burial was in the Lanark cemetery. Mrs. Max Sisler of Lanark played for the service and accompanied Mrs. Robert Spealman of Chadwick who sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In the Garden". Caring for the flowers were Mrs. Glen Edwards and Mrs. John Kloepping. Pallbearers were Rex Willis, Paul Cole, Lawrence Haught, Harold Diehl, John Kloepping and Frank Buckwalter. Mr. Kramer was born Jan. 4, 1884 in Shannon, son of Henry and Margaret Kramer. He was married to Nettie Spinka of Chadwick on June 6, 1911. He farmed in this area for many years before retiring. He was a member of the Assembly of God Tabernacle, Rock Falls. Survivors include six sons, Kenneth, Robert, William Jr. and Herbert, all of Rock Falls; Ralph of Sterling and Lee of Minneapolis Minn; five daughters, Mrs. George (Lucille) Rippy, Mrs. Richard (Ruth) Kimpel and Mrs. Willard (Shirley) Lott all of Lanark. Mrs. Homer (Helen) Osborn of Rock Falls and Mrs. Dean (Wilma) Prowant of Savanna; 30 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three sisters, Mrs. Floyd Peters of Polo, Mrs. August Pontnack and Mrs. Herman Saeger, both of Freeport. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one daughter, two brothers, four sisters, and one grandchild.
Contributed by Donna Rife

WILLIAM J. KRAMER - William J. "Crazy Horse" Kramer, 74, of 3204 Oak Lane, died Friday, Feb. 6, 1998 following a long illness. He had been employed for thirty years at Northwestern Steel and Wire co. prior to retiring in 1977 from the furnace department. He was born on April 20, 1923 in Fairhaven Township to William and Nettie (Spinka) Kramer. He married Gertrude Krull on Sept. 21, 1944 in Mt. Carroll. He was a veteran of World War II having served as a tech 5 in the Army. He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. Survivors include his wife; one son, Marvin (Peggy) Kramer of Bensenville; one daughter, Sandra (John) King of Rock Falls; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert (Iva) Kramer of Walnut, Lee (Louise) Kramer of Sterling, and Herbert (Ione) Kramer of Chadwick; four sisters, Ruth Kimpel of Mendota (previously from Lanark), Helen (Homer) Osborn of Rock Falls, Wilma Prowant of Savanna and Shirley (John) Schneider of Lanark. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls with Rev Rick Koch, pastor of the Dutchtown Church of the Brethren, officiating. Burial with military rites will be held at Oak Knoll Memorial Park (Sterling, Whiteside Co). Visitation will be held Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home A memorial has been established to the Hospice of the Rock River Valley.
Contributed by Donna Rife

JOHN ALLEN KRANZ , age 74, of Savanna, Illinois, died Thursday, October 28, 2004, at his home. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 2, 2004 in the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Pastor Rick Zickefoose of the Church of God, Mt. Carroll, will officiate. The visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 2, prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Savanna Township Cemetery, Savanna. Memorials may be given to the family in Jack's name. Jack was born on Saturday, March 29, 1930 to Phillip and Pearl (Brown) Kranz in Danville, Illinois. Jack married Rosemary (Cox) Kranz January 17, 1947. Jack married Jane DuBoise July 31, 1975 in Granite City, Illinois. Jack enlisted in the United States Army and retired after 25 years of service. He worked as a Signal Officer retiring with the rank of Colonel. Following retirement, he worked as a Civil Service Communications Employee for 17 years. Jack was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2223. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Taipei, Taiwan and Savanna Masonic Mississippi Lodge AF & AM #385, where he became a 32nd degree Mason. He was a thirty-five year member of the AFCEA. Jack enjoyed spending his leisure time boating on the Mississippi River, fishing, and bowling. Jack is survived by one son, John (Nancy) Kranz of Oak Forest, Illinois; one daughter, Candice (Conrad) Busch Jr. of Jonesboro, Georgia; one grandson; three granddaughters; one great grandson and two nieces. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; Rosemary Kranz and Jane DuBoise; two brothers in infancy; one brother, Worthy Brown "Dutch" Kranz; and one granddaughter, Tiffany Busch Pickens.

JOHN KRATZ , 75, died at 8:20 a.m. Sunday morning in his home here (Chadwick). Funeral rites will be held at 3:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon in the Frank Funeral Home, with the Rev. L. M. Phillips officiating. The Rev. O. H. Bending will conduct services in German, assisting the Rev. Mr. Phillips. Mr. Kratz was born in Germany and married Miss Kathrine Pfeifer on March 14, 1886. After moving to America the couple settled in Elkhorn township near Lanark, moving to Chadwick in 1919. Surviving are his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Frank Pontnak of Milledgeville and Mrs. Frank Zemke of Chadwick; one son, John, of Clinton; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Contributed by Ruth Maring - from the Clinton Herald, July 1938

KATHRINE (PFEIFER) KRATZ , 89, former Chadwick resident, died at 10 p.m. Thursday in the Wilson nursing home, Rock Falls, where she had been a patient four years. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Frank funeral home, Chadwick. Rev. Eldon Schriver will officiate. Burial will be in Chadwick cemetery. The deceased was born Oct. 17, 1864, at Hessen, Darmstadt, Germany. On March 14, 1886, she was married to John Kratz. They came to Chadwick in 1919. After her husband's death she resided with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pontnak of Polo. she was a member of the home department of Hope E.U.B. church, Chadwick. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Frank (Gertrude) Pontnak, Polo, and Lulu of Sterling; 12 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, John.
Contributed by Ruth Maring

HENRY N. KREAMER was born in Millheim, Centre County, Penn. on July 10, 1833. When a young man he learned the general painting business which he followed successfully all through his active career. On May 3, 1861, he was untied in Holy wedlock to Margaret Jane Willow of the same place. With her as his life's companion, they journeyed happily together for nearly 54 years till death finally broke the tie. God blessed the with ten children. In 1882 they came west locating at Shannon, Ill., living there two years. They moved to Brookville where they have lived since excepting two years, 1903 and "04 when they resided at Pittsville, Wis. Father Kreamer leaves to mourn his demise his widow and ten children as follows: Adam of Rockford, Ill., Mrs W.O. Harter of LaPeer Mich., Mrs J.O. Rubendall of Brookville, Mrs. May Coakley of Polo, Mrs Jas. Bender of Polo, B.R. Kreamer of Shannon, Mrs. August Pontnack of Pittsville, Wis., W.H. Kreamer of Chadwick, Mrs Chas. Champion of Freeport, and Miss Kate who resides with her widowed mother at Brookville. Funeral was conducted by Rev. S.G. Eberly at the Grace United Evangelical church, Brookville.
Contributed by Donna Rife

MARGARET JANE (WILLOW) KREAMER was born in Millheim, Centre County, Pa., Jan 30th, 1842, and passed to her eternal reward at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.O. Rubendall, at Brookville, Ill., July 18th, 1927 at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 19 days. In the year 1860, at the age of 18 years she was untied in the holy bonds of wedlock to Henry N. Kreamer (who preceded her to the great beyond., 12 years ago at the age of 82) also of Millheim, Pa. To this union 13 children were born, 3 of whom have passed to be with their Lord and Master in early infancy. The remaining three sons and seven daughters survive to mourn the loss of a dear mother, besides a host of grand - and great-grandchildren. Those of the children who survive to mourn the loss of their mother are as follows: Adam U. and Mrs Herman W. Seager, of Rockford. Tammy May and Mrs. James Bender of Freeport, Katie I, Mrs. J.O. Rubindall and Mrs. W.O. Harter, of Brookville, Boyd R. of Shannon, Mrs. August Pontnack of Milledgeville and William H. of Coleta, Ill. In 1882, Father and Mother Kreamer with their family emigrated to Shannon at which place they remained for two years, moving to Brookville in 1884, remaining in that vicinity ever after, with the exception of two years residence at Pittsville, Wood County, Wisconsin.
Contributed by Donna Rife

GEORGE KROEHLER near Milledgeville was killed by lightning during the storm of Friday night (September 1, 1905 ?). He and Fred Smith had just returned from Sterling, having attended the fair during the afternoon, when the storm struck. Kroehler was supposed to have been sitting on the edge of the water tank holding a horse, when he was struck and fell over backward into the water, his feet hanging outside. He was missed soon after and a search was begun which lasted till about two o'clock when the body was found. There was only about ten inches of water in the tank and there were no indications of a struggle. No marks were noticable on the body this morning, but later marks were discovered on the nose and face which indicated electricity. Coroner Dr. Schreiter of Savanna was called and empannelled the following jury Saturday morning; S.H. Todd, Leroy Todd, Cyrus Fahrney, Benjamin Healey, George Eastabrook. The following witnesses were examined: Frank Kroehler, Ira Olmsted and Walter Dingman. The jury brought in a verdict after a short session of death by lightening. George Kroehler was about 22 years of age. He and his brother, Frank Kroehler lived on their mother's farm and worked the place. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Smith lived in the house and were hired by Kroehlere Bros. to keep house and assist in the farm work. The farm is northeast of Milledgeville. George was a good, young man and one who had the respect of all who knew him. His death was a severe shock to many people in the vicinity of Milledgeville. He leaves to mourn for him, his mother, sister and brothers, who live southeast of Polo on the Kroehler homestead. September 6, 1905 is at the top of this obituary from the Sterling Library Collection
George was the son of Jacob & Elizabeth (Vedder) Kroehler

JACK PHILLIPS KROMER , 78, of Mount Carroll, died Saturday at Mercy North Hospital. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll, with full military rites accorded by the Mount Carroll American Legion. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 8 p.m. He was born May 11, 1925, to William Robert and Marguerite Schaut Kromer. He married Shirley Ann Barrett on June 17, 1950, in Lawrenceville, Ill. He graduated from Mount Carroll High School in 1943. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a corpsman and medic in Tinian and Saipan, Pacific Theatre. He was a pilot since 1948 when he learned to fly on the "GI Bill." He worked as a machinist with General Electric in Morrison, Ill., for 32 years before retiring in 1987. He also worked with Quality Milk and Grimm's Dairy, both in Mount Carroll. He was a member of Mount Carroll United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of Masonic A.F.&A.M. Cyrus Lodge 188 and Experimental Aircraft Association, chapters 22, 75 and 410. Survivors include his wife; four sons, Nicholas Kromer of Seaside, Calif., Mark Kromer of Apopka, Fla., USAF Lt. Col. Jeffrey (Karen) Kromer of Papillion, Neb., and Jack (Karen) Kromer of Mount Carroll; three daughters, Jan (James Bryden) Gillen of Clinton, Mrs. Karin (Howard) Herrell of Mount Carroll and Mrs. Joleen (Craig) LaShelle of Savanna, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandson; one brother, Stewart (Karen) Kromer of Tuscon, Ariz.; one sister, Mrs. Joann (Loren) Preston of Tuscon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents and a brother.
Clinton Herald 26 April 2004

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