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Stephenson County

OBITUARIES

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ALBERT W. PARKINSON - Word has been received by Clifford Luettig, Pearl City, of the death of his brother-in-law, Albert W. Parkinson, formerly of Freeport , who died Saturday evening in Veteran’s Hospital, Tucson , Arizona where he had been a patient since July. (Transcriber’s Note: His date of death was September 14, 1963.) He was born in Rodney , Michigan December 2, 1919, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cy Parkinson. He lived with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Clarkson, formerly of Freeport , after his mother’s death. He married Belva Luettig in May 1945. He was employed by McCulloch Motors and Quality Oil Company while living in Freeport . He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and a veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife; and one son, Karl, at home. Funeral service and burial will be in Tucson .
Contributed by Alice Horner

CLEO ABELS PERKINS , 73, of Atascadero , California , died Saturday March 30, 1996 in a Templeton, California hospital. Daughter of Walter and Mildred (Loos) Schleich, she was born November 6, 1922 in Freeport . She and Joseph W. Abels were married in 1945 in Freeport . He preceded her in death. In 1973 she and Foster “Bud” Perkins were married in Freeport . She and her second husband managed apartments including Rancho del Bordo Mobile Home Estates. She worked many years as a retail women’s clothing salesperson at Lillian’s and later at Charles V. Weise in Rockford . She also was a cafeteria cook at Washington Junior High School . Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Sharon (C. James) Abels-Redler of Buffalo Grove; two sons, Pete Walter (Jacqueline) Abels of Winnebago and Frank (Nadine) Perkins of San Luis Obispo, California; six grandchildren, Kassandra Alfredson-DeRosa of New Britain, Connecticut, Melinda Alfredson-Messbarger, Melinda Alfredson-Butler, and Tavis Allen Alfredson, all of Rockford, and Monica Leslie Abels and Lucus William Abels, both of Winnebago; 9 great-grandchildren, one sister, Delores (Francis “Stab”) Stabenow Jr. of Freeport; one nephew and two great-nieces. Funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Sunset Funeral Home in Rockford with the Rev. Murray Hanson of Third Presbyterian Church officiating. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens .
Contributed by Alice Horner

THOMAS R. PFIESTERER , 102, of Freeport , died Friday December 20, 1996 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . Born September 24, 1894 in Brodhead , Wisconsin , he was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Rupert) Pfisterer. He married Dorothy G. Murphy February 7, 1925. She died January 28, 1970. From 1921 to 1924 he taught math in Brodhead , Wisconsin . From 1924 to 1935 he taught math and was superintendent of schools in Winslow. From 1935 until his retirement in 1959 he was superintendent of the Stephenson County Schools. He was a 1921 graduate of the Beloit College , and a World War I Army veteran. He was a member of First United Methodist Church , American Legion #139, Orangeville Masonic Lodge #687, Freeport Consistory, National Education Associating, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, and the Stephenson County Retired Teachers Association. He is survived by one daughter, Elisabeth R. Pfisterer of Freeport ; one son, Dr. T. R. Pfisterer of Tempe , Arizona ; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, three brothers, and four sisters. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. Gary Waters of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Brodhead , Wisconsin . Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service Thursday at Walker Mortuary. A memorial fund has been established for First United Methodist Church .
Contributed by Alice Horner

EDITH A. (SAXBY) PIEFER , 91, of Pearl City , died Sunday July 4, 1999 at Lena Continental Manor nursing home. She was born December 31, 1907 in Pearl City to Thorndyke and Marie (Bleymeyer) Saxby. She married Glenn Piefer March 25, 1933. He died August 1, 1966. She taught at several country schools in Loran and Kent , and retired from Pearl City Elementary School . She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pearl City , Order of the Eastern Star and the Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed knitting, ceramics and playing cards with her friends. Survivors include four grandchildren, Cindy (Stan) Kasper and LuAnn (Steve) Hasenyager, all of Freeport; Steve (Connie) Quittschrieber of Pearl City and Rob Quittschrieber and fiancée, Julie Newbery of Roscoe; five great-grandchildren, Jeremy Kasper and Amy and Lisa Hasenyager, all of Freeport, and Katie and Nicholas Quittschrieber of Pearl City; and one sister, Margaret (William) Dreibelbis of Freeport. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one daughter, Mary Jo Quittschrieber. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hermann Funeral Home in Pearl City , with the Rev. Barbara Rapp of St. John’s Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport . Visitation will be at noon Wednesday. A memorial fund has been established for St. John’s Lutheran Church .
Contributed by Alice Horner

GERTRUDE (KLUTH) PHILLIPS , 90, a resident of Stephenson Nursing Center, died Tuesday, March 15, 1994 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. For 60 years she was manager and secretary-treasurer of the Stephenson County Abstract & Title Company. At the time of her death she was Director Emeritus. She was a member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Freeport. She attended Brown’s Business College. Born August 9, 1903 in Freeport, she was a daughter of Herrman and Emilie (Krueger) Kluth. She married Kenneth F. Shorer in 1927. He died in 1947. She married Donald W. Phillips in 1951. He died in 1975.

Surviving are one daughter, Mary Louise (David W.) Dusham of Salt Lake City, Utah; one granddaughter, Margaret Emily (Kenneth R.) Kirk of Redmond, Washington. In addition to her husbands she was preceded in death by one grandson, David H. Dusham, one brother, Walter F. Kluth, and one sister, Alma L. Johnson. Private graveside services were held Thursday at Oakland Cemetery, with the Rev. David Schoenknecht of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Walker Mortuary completed the arrangements.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ROBERT JOSEPH PILASZEK , 87, a resident of Parkview Home, died there this morning, Dec. 14, 1988. He was a graduate of Northwestern University in Boston in 1926. From 19329 to 1952, he was employed by the Henney Motor co., as assistant treasurer. Then he was employed by Micro Switch as an accountant from 1951 to 1966, until retiring on Sept. 30, 1966. He was a member of the Elks Club, Excelsior Masonic Lodge, Freeport Consistory and Tebala Shrine, Rockford. On Sept. 16, 1901 he was born in Massachusetts, the son of Alexander and Victoria (Gieralska) Pilaszek. He married Maryetta Gage in 1931. She died in 1946. There are no immediate survivors. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Walker Mortuary. Burial will be in Rock Lily Cemetery, Winslow. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary, where Excelsior Lodge will conduct a Masonic service at 8 p.m.
Contributed by Alice Horner

RUTH (ANDRE) PLACE - Former Freeport YWCA president and treasurer Ruth M. Place, 76, of 527 Elm Court, died Saturday, (January 1983) at Freeport Memorial Hospital. She had been a member of the Embury United Methodist Church and served as a church trustee as well as a past president and treasurer of the United Methodist Women. Mrs. Place was a member of the Amity Society and a charter member of the Memorial Hospital Guild. She was also a member of Chapter BE of the PEO and worked for the Community Chest for many years. She was secretary to the Freeport Board of Education for six years before her marriage in 1933. She was born Dec. 9, 1906 in Freeport, the daughter of William C. and Jennie C. (Schaffarzich) Andre. She married Dr. William H. Place on Sept. 30, 1933 in Warren. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Mrs. Janet S. (Rava) Walker of Brookfield, Wis.; two grandsons; a sister, Lois L. Long of Kansas City, Mo.; and two brothers, Robert W. and Ralph M. Andre, both of Helena, Mont. She was preceded in death by her parents. Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Embury United Methodist Church with the Rev. William Blomberg officiating. The service will be preceded by a private burial at Oakland Cemetery. A memorial in her name has been established with the YWCA and the United Methodist Women at Embury. There will be no visitation or flowers. Arrangements are being made by Walker Funeral Home, Freeport.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ALICE M. (BRANDT) PLAGER - 84, of Shannon , died Thursday, November 14, 1996 at the Villas of Shannon nursing home. Daughter of William and Hattie (Kortemeier) Brandt, she was born October 14, 1912 in Pearl City, and graduated from Shannon High School in 1930. She and Clark Plager were married February 20, 1935 in Pearl City . He died in 1978. She and her husband farmed before moving to Shannon . She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon , and the Women’s Missionary Circle and Truth Seekers Sunday school class of the church, She was also a member of the Shannon Women’s Club. Surviving family members include one son, Richard ( Nancy ) Plager of Freeport; a daughter, Mary ( Lowell ) Bicker of Baileyville; six grandchildren, Carla (Lance) Grisham of Lanark, Brenda ( Wayne ) Gullickson of Batavia, Mike (Kim) Plager of Pearl City, Beth (Tom) Dulee and Jodi (Jeff) Switzer, both of Bloomington , and Becky (Tim) Clark of Freeport; and 10 great-grandchildren. Two brothers also preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon with the Rev. Larry Thomson officiating. A private burial will be held prior to the memorial service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport . There will be no visitation. A memorial fund has been established for Bethel United Methodist Church . Arrangements were made by Hermann Funeral Home.
Contributed by Alice Horner

CHARLES EDWARD PLOWMAN - Another Old Pioneer Dead Word was received here this week of the death of Charles E. Plowman. He died suddenly at the home of his son J.A. Plowman of Rupert, Idaho. If the remains arrive here today as expected the funeral will be held at 2:30 this afternoon. Mr. Plowman was a Jewell county pioneer and a widely known citizen. His son LLoyd arrived here from St. Louis yesterday.

Charles Edward Plowman was born in York, York County, PA, June 9, 1834 and died in his son Arthur's home in Heyburne, Idaho, Dec. 12, 1910, at the age of 76 yrs., 6 months and 3 days. When a young man he went west (as it was called) and settled in Stephenson County, IL, working at the carpenter trade. Feb 27, 1868, he was married to Susan E. Matter of Stephenson County, IL, who preceded him in death, having died April 16, 1910. In 1870 he came to Jewel county, where he homesteaded a claim, until a number of years ago when he moved to Jewell City. He entered the service of the U.S. Sept. 10, 1861, as private in Co. A 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Was discharged from the army Jan. 20, 1866. The length of his service in the army indicates that he must have reinlisted after the expiration of three years, as his term of service was 4 years, 4 months and 10 days. He was a charter member of S.R. Deach Post, G.A.R. of Jewell City. Mr. Plowman early in life was made conscious of the fact that he ought to be a Christian. He united with the Evangelical church in Illinois, and united with the society of the Evangelical church of Jewell in the spring of 1872, hence he was a charter member of the Evangelical church of this place.

In July of this year Mr. Plowman went to Idaho to live with his son Arthur. He has not been in good health for several years, and last Monday morning succumbed to his disease. Mr. Plowman's life was well spent. He took an interest in every worthy enterprise, was active in his church relations, always ready to do his duty and discharge his obligations; was always found in his place in the regular church service unless unavoidably detained. He leaves four sons, relatives and a host of friends. His sons are, Arthur of Heyburne, Idaho, Lloyd of St. Louis, MO., E.M. and W.W. of Jewell City, Kansas. He leaves one sister, Mrs. Cobie, of Cedarville, Il, the only one left of a family of ten. He visited her for the last time in July of this year. .... S.B.
Contributed by Roger Cramer

SUSAN EMILY (MATTER) PLOWMAN , nee Matter was born in Jefferson County, PA April 27, 1838. In 1845, she with her parents moved to Stephenson County, IL where she was united in marriage to Charles E. Plowman, Feb 27, 1868. To this union seven children were born, three of whom preceded her in death. In 1871 the family moved to Jewell County, KS where they lived on a farm near Jewell until 1902, when Mr. and Mrs. Plowman moved to Jewell City, where they lived until her death, which came April 16, 1910. When 14 years old, she was converted and united with the Evangelical church of which she remained a faithful, consistent member until death. She was a charter member of the Evangelical church of this place. An earnest, energetic worker, with a deep interest in the welfare of every institution within the church. She leaves her husband, four sons W.W. and E.M. of Jewell City, Aruthur of Heyburne, Idaho, and Lloyd of St. Louise, MO, one sister, Mrs W.M. Camerson, of Jewell City, three brothers, D.J. Matter of Jewell City, W.H. and Jonathan Matter of Freeport, IL and 12 grandchildren.

Mrs. Plowman's funeral was held from the Evangelical church Wednesday, April 20, at 3 P.M., very largely attended by relatives and friends of the community. The floral offerings were very beautiful, especially the wreath from her children and one from the Woman's Missionary Society of which she was a charter member and the Sunday school class with she was identified for years. The singing was rendered by a quartet, Mrs. C.E. Ohlinger, Mrs. J.A. Hower, Mr. A. J. Hower and Prof. L. D. Griffee, with Miss Lucille Berry pianist. Interment in the beautiful family plot in Wallace cemetery." S.B.

From another newspaper clipping: "Several hours before she died, she told her pastor that she was ready for the summons, and prepared to go and be with Him who she loved and served for many years."
Contributed by Roger Cramer

MARINTHA (NILES) PIERCE POPE - Stephenson county lost one of its oldest residents when Mrs. Marintha Pope passed away at half past six o'clock last evening (10 July 1907) at the old Pope farm west of town, where she had lived for the greater part of her long life. Until her last illness, she had been very active for one of her years and her mental faculties were preserved undimmed. She has been ill barely three weeks with an attack of the grip which developed into pneumonia and caused her death in her eighty-fifth year. Mrs. Pope had probably lived in this immediate vicinity longer than any other person. She came here in 1835 when a child of thirteen, with the original settlers of this portion of northwestern Illinois. Mrs Pope was a model Christian woman -- good, kind and hospitable and beloved by all who knew her. In her church affiliates she was a Methodist, belonging to Embury Methodist church. She was a lover of both flowers and children, and a woman of active mind and a close reader. She was fond of talking over old times and her intimate acquaintance with the subject and good memory made her reminiscences very interesting. Few women, perhaps only those who settled in the Mississippi valley about the same time as she did, have seen such remarkable changes in the course of a life time.

Mrs. Pope was a daughter of David and Elizabeth Niles and was a cousin of the late County Treasurer Homer Niles. She was born at Conneaut, Ashtabula county, Ohio, on Sept. 20, 1822. When she was thirteen years old, in the fall of 1835, the family moved to northern Illinois and settled in the vicinity of Farwell's bridge, just over the Winnebago county line. She lived there until 1849 when she was married to John Pope. The young couple made their home on the farm that Mr. Pope had secured by direct patent from the government some ten years before, where they were to spend the remainder of their lives. It is situated on the Galena road, a mile and a half west of Freeport. They had first lived in a log cabin that was sometimes known as the little log hotel. They never kept a hotel, but their hospitality was so well known that travelers along the state road would sometimes drive right through Freeport and stop with them. Mr. Pope got the gold fever in 1854 and went to California. During his absence, and with money he sent home, Mrs. Pope in 1854 built the present residence. Mr. Pope died on Oct. 23, 1880. Mrs. Pope is survived by three children as follows: Mrs. Sarah Ervay of Rudd, Iowa; Mrs. Clinton Furry of Freeport, and Byron Pope, who lives on the old farm where his mother had made her home for so many years. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Emily Foster of Minnesota. The numerous friends that she made in the course of of her seventy-two years residence in this locality will also deeply mourn Mrs. Pope's death. While living near Farwell's bridge, she became well acquainted with the Swansons and the Guilfords, the Farwells and other settlers of that neighborhood. When she moved to her new home, she quickly made friends with the Watsons, the Bentleys, the Spanglers, the Schofields, the Halls and other pioneers of the town of Harlem. The funeral will be held on Friday afternoon at half past 2 o'clock from her late home. Interment will be in the city cemetery, Rev. E. E. McKay will officiate.
Freeport Daily Bulletin 11 July 1907

EDGAR PITTSLEY - Funeral services for the late Edgar Pittsley who passed away at Minneapolis MN will be at the Leaman Funeral Home at 2 P.m. Friday. Interment will be at the Kent cemetery. Mr. Pittsley was born July 16, 1856 at Boscobel Wisc. He was married to Miss Rose Nash at Stockton. She passed away several years ago. A son and a daughter also preceded him. Surviving are three sons; Charles and Ray of Freeport and Paul of Lena. There is also one sister Mrs. Ida McMillen of Freeport.

FRANK W. POPP , of 1126 S. Seeley Ave., died Sunday morning at Freeport Memorial Hospital. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as April 1977.) A tool and die maker, he had worked for Henney Motor Company and Burgess Battery Co. before retiring in 1964. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Golden Circle Class. Born Aug. 6, 1892 at Freeport, he was the son of Henry and Alvina (Karstedt) Popp. He married Winnifred Daws. On Sept. 1, 1928 he married Violet Beardsley at Morrison. He is survived by his wife, Violet; a son, Robert, of Racine, Wis.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and a sister, Aletha Dahn of Rockford. He was preceded in death by two sons and one brother.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl M. Grahl officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8:30 p.m. today in the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for First Baptist Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

GRAYDON V. POWELL , 89, of 1206 W. American St., retired president and chairman of the board of Freeport Savings & Loan Association, died Friday at Freeport Memorial Hospital after a short illness. (The Social Security Death Index gives it as November 1980.) He joined Freeport S&L in 1928, served as president until 1971 and board chairman until 1977. He also was president of the former C. F. Hildreth & Co. insurance firm. Long active in Masonic activities, he was a 50-year member of the Evergreen Lodge and received the 33rd degree in 1947. He was a member of the Freeport Consistory, Tebala Shrine, Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, High 12 and other Masonic orders. He was the oldest Freeport Rotary Club member, a life member of First Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Elks Lodge and Germania Club. Powell was born Feb. 23, 1891 in Freeport, a son of Victor and Luella (Rundlett) Powell. He married Blanche Irwin on June 7, 1917, in Freeport. She died on June 2, 1971. He was first employed by the Illinois Central Railroad as a clerk and accountant, then became chief accountant for Stephens Motor Co., and later served in the same capacity for Ladysmith Cheese Co.

Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Esther (Merrill) Hoefer, Freeport; a brother, Lee Powell, Manitowish Water, Wis.; several nephews and several grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister and brother. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Walker Mortuary, the Rev. Douglas Bear, pastor of First Presbyterian officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30p.m. Sunday at the mortuary. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. In lieu of flowers memorial have been established for the Shriners Crippled Children and Burn Hospital, the Freeport YWCA and First Presbyterian Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

BETTY K. (BARCELLONA) PRESTON , 54, of Mount Pleasant , Michigan , died Tuesday, July 28, 1998 in her home. A daughter of Anthony and Eva (Goldy) Barcellona, she was born July 23, 1944 in Freeport , Illinois . On September 4, 1965 she and Paul L. Preston were married at St. Mary Catholic Church in Freeport . In 1992, she moved from Traverse City , Michgan to Mount Pleasant , where she was a specialist in the Library Student Employment Office at Central Michigan University for the past five years. Her memberships included Sacred Heart Church , the church choir, Philanthropic Educational Organizations, General Federation of Women’s Club and the CMU Festival Chorus. She also was active in the Friendship Family Program. She enjoyed traveling, camping, singing and riding her bicycle. Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Stephanie (Joseph) Markey of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Christine (Steve) Dittmann of New Orleans; one son, Paul A. (Shannon) Preston of Petoskey, Michigan; six grandchildren; her father; three sisters, Mary Ann (Bill) Henning of Freeport, Teresa Rochetto of Elk Grove, and Diana Highland of Roscoe; and seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church in Mount Pleasant , with the Rev. Thomas J. McNamara officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery . Visistation will be from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Lux Funeral Home, 503 E. Broadway, in Mount Pleasant , where a wake service will begin at 7:30 p.m. There also will be visitation from 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday at the church. Memorial funds have been established for Sacred Heart Academy and Sacred Heart Scholarship Fund.
Contributed by Alice Horner

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