HETTIE EBY - Died in the Waddams Grove Church, Stephenson county, Illinois January 28 (1861) sister HETTY EBY, wife of br Enoch Eby, aged 33 years, 9 months and 15 days, and on the 2 of February (1861) her little infant followed which lived only 9 days. The sister was a bright example in all her walk and conversation; in her the brother lost a faithful companion, she always was willing that he should go to preach the gospel, he being a faithful and useful minister, seven little children lost a kind mother, and the church lost one of her most consistent sisters, but we have full hope that our loss is her happy gain. Her funeral was attended by a large concourse of friends and neighbors. Funeral text 1 Cor. 15: 22 by elder Daniel Fry and others.
Contributed by Carol Parrish

DONALD F. EDLER , 77, of Pearl City, a World War II veteran, died Tuesday, December 24, 1991 at St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford , after a short illness. He was a self-employed truck driver before serving in the Army Infantry from 1941 to 1945 in the South Pacific during World War II. He then farmed in the Pearl City area. He was a DeKalb seed corn dealer and a former school bus driver for the Pearl City School District . He was a member of Pearl City United Methodist Church and a 45-year member of Pearl City American Legion Post. He formerly served on the Stephenson County Draft Board and was a former director of the Pure Milk Association and Stephenson County Farm Bureau. He also was a former leader of the Pearl City Hornets 4-H Club and a former Loran Township assessor. He graduated from Shannon High School . A son of Simon and Hattie (Dinderman) Edler, he was born August 20, 1914 in Stephenson County . He and Pauline Koch were married January 11, 1942 in Rossville , Georgia . Surviving are his wife, two sons, Marvin and wife, Nancy and Vincent and wife, Diane, one daughter Jeanne Brandenburg and friend, Greg Hoover, one grandson, Joshua Edler, and two step-grandchildren, Lynnette and Corey Gustafson, all of Pearl City. Also, three brothers, Randall and wife, Edith and Francis and wife, Sharon, all of Lena ; and Ray and wife Mary of Freeport; four sisters, Mrs. Alice (Walter) Schrader of Homosassa Springs, Florida, Mrs. Kathryn (Donald) Koch of Forreston, and Mrs. Betty (Richard) Hogan of Naperville, and Mrs. Polly (Lloyd) Keltner of Beloit, Wisconsin. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Pearl City United Methodist Church . Officiating will be the Revs. David Decker and Eldon Schriver. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens , Freeport . Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Offenheiser-Schwarz Funeral Home in Pearl City . A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MARY E. (SCHULLER) EDLER , 73, of Lena died Sunday June 3, 2001 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . She was born April 21, 1928 in Edgemont , South Dakota to Fred and Rose ( Hudson ) Schuller. On April 21, 1944 she and Clarence A. Trost were married in Galena . He died May 1, 1975. On February 23, 1980 she and Ray A. Edler were married in McConnell; he died February 7, 1991. For 18 years she worked at Micro Switch, and had previously been employed at Buena Vista Cheese Co. and Kolb Cheese Co. in Lena . She also worked on the farm with Clarence. Her memberships included Freeport Eagles Auxiliary, Modern Woodmen of America of McConnell, and was a volunteer at Blackhawk School where she assisted in computer training. She enjoyed the outdoors and working on the farm, spending time with her family and friends, and was happy to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Surviving are one son, Allen E. Trost of McConnell; one daughter, Gloria J. ( Gary ) Lizer of Lena; one stepdaughter, Beth A. (Gary) Maxwell of Freeport; one stepson Dan R. (Tina) Edler of Rockford; one brother, Francis (Liz) Schuller of Warren; four sisters, Elizabeth Darnell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Carol (Steve) Kieffer of Scales Mount, Laura Lindsey of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Melrose Stodden of East Dubuque; four grandchildren; for step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild. Preceding her in death were two sisters, Elma Greene and Marg Reifsteck; and one brother, Harold. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena with the Rev, John Vangilder officiating. Burial will be at Lena Burial Park . Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner

RANDALL S. EDLER , 70, of Lena died Friday, June 9, 1995 at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee . Born October 22, 1924 in Pearl City , he was the son of Simon G. and Hattie (Dinderman) Edler. He married Edith Lamoreux on Dec. 31, 1944 in Lanark. He was a truck driver for Lobdell Transportation. He was a member of Lena United Methodist Church and the Freeport Moose Lodge. Surviving are his wife; one son, Michael of Freeport; one daughter, Margory (Michael) Liphart of Lena; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Francis (Sharon) Edler of Lena; four sisters, Alice (Walter) Schrader of Florida, Kathern (Donald) Koch of Forreston, Betty (Richard) Hogan of Naperville, Lorraine (Lloyd) Keltner of Beloit, Wisconsin, and two sisters-in-law, Mary Edler of Freeport and Pauline Edler of Pearl City. He was preceded in death by three sons, Raymond, Kevan, and Scott; two brothers, Ray and Donald; and one grandchild, Shawna Edler. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lena United Methodist Church with the Rev, Gavin Brandt officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens . Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at Leamon Funeral Home
Contributed by Alice Horner

DELBERT E. EICHOLTZ , 91, of Lena died Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006, at Lena Living Center in Lena.Delbert was born Feb. 15, 1915, in Apple River to Henry and Louise (Koehn) Eicholtz. Delbert married Lydia Lutz on July 5, 1941. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1932, then attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. He taught and was principal of Lena-Winslow Elementary Schools for 38 years. He was a member of the Stephenson County, Illinois and National Retired Teachers Associations. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post #577. After retiring in 1976, he worked for 11 years as outreach worker for senior citizens in Stephenson County. He also was a sales representative for McKay Nursery.Delbert was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church. He also was active at the Lena Nutrition Center.He is survived by his wife, Lydia; one son, Steve (Mary Kay) Eicholtz of Fresno, Calif.; one grandson, David Eicholtz of Fresno; and one great-grandson, Caleb Eicholtz of Fresno; and one brother, Vernon Eicholtz of Freeport.Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, one sister, and one granddaughter, Jennifer. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena.Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church with theRev. Rick Bader officiating. Interment will follow the service at Lena Burial Park.

HENRY EILERT & MARY (EILERT) LOWERY Diptheria Ravages:
Henry Eilert of Rock Run and his sister, Mrs. James Lowry die from it.
The dreaded disease of Diptheria is making havoc in some parts of the country and seems lately to have been gathering in too many victims. We have heard of Mr. Henry Eilert, who lived about three miles northeast of Dakota village, and his sister, Mrs. James Jowry, who lived in Dakota village. They both died from it on Tuesday of this week. Mrs. Lowry died about six o'clock in the morning, Mr. Eilert was a young man and single, aged about twenty-six years. Mrs. Lowry was about twenty-four years old and leaves a husband, but no children. It is seldom that we hear of diptheria taking away people of that age.
Contributed by Jean Lavin - (Freeport Daily Bulletin - October 25, 1882)

IDA MATILDA (BRANDT) EILERT , was born November 6, 1865 in Kent county IL and died May 6, 1920 at her home in Rock Run at the age of 53 years and 6 months. While yet a small child she came with her parents to Rock Grove Twp. and later to Rock City where she spent her girlhood days, she being the daughter of the late Abram and Catherine Brandt of Rock City. She was united in marriage to Franklin H. Eilert on December 25, 1884. To this union three children were born; Louella May, Lloyd F. Eilert and Rachel R. Leist. Preceding her in death were one child, her parents, a brother and a sister. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband and two children, Floyd F. of Rock City and Rachel R. Leist of Chicago; also two grandchildren; one brother, George Brandt of Beloit Wis.; one sister Mary E. Long, of Rockton IL and other relatives and a host of friends. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine and Ladies of the G.A.R. of Freeport IL. The services were conducted at her late home and interment was made in the Eilert cemetery at Rock City on Sunday afternoon May 9, at 1 o'clock. The Rev. Frank Brandfelner of Davis IL officiated.
Contributed by Jean Lavin

MARY EILERT -NEAR A CENTURY OLD - Mrs.Mary Eilert dies at age of 97 years and 7 months
- OLDEST IN THE COUNTY - Was a cheerful and contented old lady and has lived in county since 1843
Mrs.Mary Eilert,the oldest person in Stephenson county,died at the home of her son Thomas near Dakota,at half past 5 o'clock this morning.She was in her ninety-eighth year and death was caused by old age.She has been failing quite rapidly of late and her relatives have realized for some time that her long course was almost run.Her passage to the other world was very peaceful. Mrs.Eilert was a truly extraordinary old lady.Born when Jefferson was president of the United States,when Napoleon was at the height of his power as emperor of the French and when old George the 3rd was king of England,yet she retained her mental keenness and brightness and cheerfulness of disposition up to a very recent period.It was the custom of the family to give a birthday party for her almost every year and these occasions she thoroughly enjoyed and was as bright and chatty as many a generation of her juniors.The celebration of her 95th birthday was unusually elaborate and four generations were represented at the fete. Like many women born at the beginning of the last century,she early acquired the habit of smoking.She smoked until less than ten years ago when she remarked in an amusing way that she had decided to quit,as smoking was a filthy habit anyway and she never smoked again.
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Contributed by Jean Lavin - Freeport Daily Bulletin May 17, 1902

WILLIAM ENGELHARDT , 85, of 626 West Ringold Street, died last night at his home, following a short illness. He was born January 12, 1861 at Kenosha, Wis., and married Kathryn Schamberger Sept. 29, 1884 at Freeport. Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Mrs. Carrie Steigberger, South Gate, Calif.; Mrs. Charles Krug, Detroit; Mrs. W. J. Martin and Mrs. Clarence Ifert, both of Freeport; five sons, Frank of Detroit, and Fred, William Jr., Edward and Arthur, all of Freeport. Thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday from Walker Mortuary and burial will be in City Cemetery. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary
Contributed by Alice Horner

NORMA (STEVENS) ELLIS - 78, of 1550 W. American Street., died Saturday at Freeport Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as May 1985.) A graduate of Cresco High School, she also attended Cornell College and was a member of the Kappa Delta Phi Sorority. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and its Martha Circle. For 43 years, she was an active member of the Amity Society. Other memberships include the YWCA, Needlework Ingathering, Community Chest, Red Cedar Home Extension Unit, and Scottish Rite Woman’s Club. She also served as president of the PTA at both Lincoln Grade School and Freeport High School and was a past president of the Freeport Garden Club. Born in Cresco, Iowa of Oct. 21, 1906 she was the daughter of John and Rose (Sovereign) Stevens. She married Robert J. Ellis on May 31, 1927 in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Surviving are her husband; one son, John S. of Freeport; one daughter, Mrs. Rosemary (Larry L.) Phillips of Grants Pass, Ore.; two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude (Philip) Renaldo of Downers Grove and Mrs. Edythe (John) Howard of Beaver Dam, Wis.; and seven grandsons. Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert Younts, pastor of First United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. A memorial fund has been established for the Amity Day Care Center.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ROBERT JOHN ELLIS - Grants Pass, Ore. -- Funeral service was held today for Robert John Ellis, 86, of Grants Pass, Ore., former Stephenson County State’s Attorney, who died Friday, Jan. 8, 1993 at his home. He graduated with honors from Freeport High School in 1923. He graduated from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa in 1927, and from Harvard Law School in 1932, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He taught public speaking in the Rockford and Freeport schools. Retiring in 1975, he practiced law in Freeport with the firm of Ascher and Ellis. During his career, he served as Freeport City Attorney and for 13 years was Stephenson County State’s Attorney. In 1951, he was named senior secretary to the Illinois Supreme Court. A member of Freeport Masonic Lodge, he was a 33rd degree mason. He was also a member of Scottish Rites Bodies and Rockford Shriners. He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Grants Pass and a former member of First United Methodist Church in Freeport. Born in Freeport on Feb. 24, 1906, he was the son of John Francis and Lelia (Harting) Ellis. In 1927 he married Norma Stevens in Iowa. She preceded him in death. Survivors include one daughter, Rosemary (Larry) Phillips of Grants Pass; one son, John S. Ellis of Egan, Minn.; one sister, Marian (Karl) Janssen of Freeport and seven grandchildren. The service was held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Grants Pass. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Freeport at a later date.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ALVIN O. ERBSEN , 83, of Pearl City died Monday morning, April 30, 1998 at Freeport Manor Nursing Center . Son of Adam and Caroline (Brinkmeier) Erbsen, he was born May 6, 1914 in Jefferson Township in Stephenson County . He and Audrey Papp were married November 26, 1936 by the Rev. Max Schroedel at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, rural Pearl City . He farmed most of his life, was caretaker of Ebenezer Cemetery for many years and worked for Ray Stamm in Lena . He enjoyed singing, and would sing solos or duets with his wife at many funerals and weddings. Surviving family members include his wife; one son, Joel (Rita) Erbsen of Freeport; one daughter, Judith (Timothy) Ames of Beloit, Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Crum of Lanark; and two sisters-in-law, Ida Erbsen of Lanark and Marion Erbsen of Pearl City. Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Arthur, Ted, Elmer, and LeVere; and one sister, Louella Boomgarden. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ebenezer United Church of Christ with the Rev. Owen Miller, interim pastor, officiating, Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Offenheiser-Schwarz Funeral Home in Pearl City . A memorial fund has been established for Ebenezer Cemeter
Contributed by Alice Horner

MARION L. ERBSEN , 76, of Pearl City died Friday, July 9, 1999 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . The daughter of Albert and Bessie (Dittmar) Crackenberger, she was born October 15, 1922 in Alexandria , South Dakota . She graduated from Pearl City High School . She married LaVere Erbsen February 26, 1944 in Pearl City . He died July 13, 1968. Her memberships included the Ebenezer United Church of Christ, the church women’s guild and the Pearl City American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Harold Crackenberger. Survivors include two daughters, Mary (Louis) Mullin of Lena and Linda Wescott (Rich King) of Wayne, New Jersey; three sons, Larry Erbsen of Rockford, Gerald Erbsen (Cindy Dirksen) of Pearl City, Jeff (Linda) Erbsen of Pearl City; 11 grandchildren, Tamala Chaney and Aaron Erbsen, both of Colchester, Alicia and Bradley Erbsen of Pearl City, Stephanie, Heather, Heidi, and Amanda Erbsen, and Rich and Amy Dirksen, all of Pearl City; and Bessie Vervinck of Freeport; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Ebenezer United Church of Christ near Pearl City , with the Rev. Owen Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery . Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Offenheiser Schwarz Funeral Home in Pearl City . Memorial have been established in her name for the Ebenezer Cemetery , St. Joseph ’s Adult Day Care Center , and the American Lung Association.
Contributed by Alice Horner

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