O B I T U A R I E S
For
Whiteside County Illinois


D

EDWARD RATMUS DAUEN , was born Sept. 24, 1896, in Oldenburg, Germany, where he was baptized and confirmed. He came to this country at the age of 19 years and located in the town of Hopkins. In 1881 he united in holy matrimony with Friederika Cassens. A few years later he moved to Jordan township and joined the West Jordan Lutheran church. About 15 years ago he retired from farming and moved to town. Nearly 11 years ago his wife preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his loss, six children. the three sons are Henry of Hopkins, Edward of Morrison and Lawrence of Sterling. The three daughters, Mrs. Bennet Janssen of Dixon, Mrs. George Capp of Jordan and Mrs. A. J. Krauss of Chicago. A brother, Louis, and a sister Hannah Fulfs, preceded him in death. The last few years he lived with his son Laurence in Sterling, where he passed away on the 9th day of November at the age of 79 years, 2 monts and 15 days. May he rest in peace.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds from The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 23, 1925

FREDERICKA (CASSENS) DAUEN , died this morning at 4 o’clock at her residence, 1210 First avenue. A general breaking down and a complication of diseases caused her death. Mrs. Dauen was first taken ill about eight years ago and since that time has been gradually breaking down. A week ago she was taken suddenly worse, but rallied, only to sink into a stupor from which she never recovered. No arrangements have been made for the funeral. (The Sterling Evening Gazette, January 12, 1915 )

Fredericka Cassens (Mrs. Edward Dauen) was born on September 19, 1861 in Jeverland, Germany and passed away at her home in this city at 3:50 o’clock Monday morning, Jan. 11, death being due to a complication of diseases, from which she had suffered for the past eight years. he deceased came to America in the year 1882 and resided in Hopkins township, where on Feb. 14, 1883, she was married to Edward Dauen. They resided in Hopkins township for three years and then moved to Jordan township, where they made their home for twenty-six years, and moved to Sterling four years ago, where the remainder of her life was spent. T Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dauen ten children were born, four proceding her across the river, six surviving, with the husband and father, the surviving children being Henry, Edward, Mrs. Bennett Janssen, Mrs. George Capp and Anna and Lawrence, who reside at home. The following brothers and sisters are left to mourn her death, Mrs. August Johnson of Nachusa; Mrs. Aaron Landherr, Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. John Hutton, Mrs. Reuben Hutton and Mrs. Louis Johnson of Sterling and Mrs. Henry Cassens of Malvern. rs. Dauen was a life long member of the Lutheran church, and for the past twenty years was affiliated with the West Jordan Lutheran church. During the eight long years of her illness, she bore her sickness with remarkable fortitude, conscious that in the end she would be received into the arms of the most high. She possessed a very pleasant disposition, was a loving wife, a good mother and affectionate sister. Her entire life circled around her home and her children. In her passing, the home is made sad and desolate and a chair is empty that can never be filled, but the family have the knowledge that loving wife, mother and sister has gone to where sickness and sorrow are no more. (The Sterling Evening Gazette, January 14, 1915, page 4, column 2)

Fredericka Cassens was born September 19, 1861 at Jerver, Germany. In 1882 she came to America and settled in Whiteside county and the next February was united in marriage to Edward Dauen. After residing on a farm in Hopkins for three years they removed to Jordan, where they remained until four years ago when they removed ot Sterling. Ten children were born to them, six of whom are living. Mrs. Dauen had been afflicted for about eight years with complications of diseases. Surviving relatives are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ephriam Cassens, five sisters, Mrs. August Johnson, Nachusa; Mrs. Aaron Landheer, Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. John Hutton, Mrs. Rub Hutton and Mrs. Louis Johnson of this city, and one brother, Henry Cassens of Malvern. The surviving children are Henry and Edward Dauen, Mrs. Bennett Jansen, Mrs. George Clupp, and Anna and Lawrence. Four grandchildren. F or eight years Mrs. Dauen was afflicted with a complication of diseases. Notwithstanding her suffering she was a kind wife and a loving mother. Funeral services were held Sunday [01/10/1915] morning at the home, 1210 First avenue and at noon from the West Jordan Lutheran church. Her remains were laid to their rest in Jordan cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds from The Sterling Daily Standard, January 15, 1915

LAURENCE W. (CARTER) DAUEN , of 610 W. LeFevre, 74, Sterling, died early Saturday [01/25/1975] morning in Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be Monday, 1:30 p.m., at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with Dr. Alfred L. Grewe, pastor of the First Lutheran Church of Jordan, officiating with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation for Mr. Dauen will be Sunday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mr. Dauen was born Nov. 14, 1900, on a farm north of Sterling, the son of Edward R. and Fredericka Cassens Dauen. He was united in marriage to Lucille Bushman on July 28, 1931, in Morrison by the rev. Herbert Chenoweth. They lived their entire married life in the Sterling area. He was a custodian at the Challand Junior High School for many years prior to his retirement. Mr. Dauen was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Jordan. He is survived by his widow, Lucille, one son, Jack Dauen, two grandsons, one brother, Edward, three sisters, Mrs. Anna Kraus, Mrs. Emma Janssen and Mrs. Martha Capp, all of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Henry.

Another Notice: Laurence W. (Carter) Dauen, 74, 610 W. LeFevre, Sterling died early Saturday [01/25/1975] morning in Community General Hospital. Funeral services were held on Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home with Dr. Alfred L. Grewe, pastor of the First Lutheran Church of Jordan, officiating. Burial was in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Mrs. Roscoe Eades played the organ for the service, while Lyle Dirks sang. Pallbearers werer: Wallace Janssen, Clarence Capp, William R. Allen, Kenneth Rahn, Sterve Dauen and Lee Dauen.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, January 25, 1975, page 4, column 2

LUCILLE (BUSHMAN) DAUEN , 83, of 710 West LeFevre, died June 2, 1992, at Coventry Village.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday [06/04/1992] at the Melvin-Shilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. Norma J. VanderMeer, pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jordan, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to SelfHelp Enterprises.

Mrs. Dauen was born Sept. 21, 1908, in Coleta the daughter of Frank and Hazel (Healey) Bushman. She received her bachelor of science degree in education from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. She married Laurence “Carter” Dauen in July of 1931 in Clinton, Iowa [Morrison, Whiteside County, Illinois]. He died Jan. 25, 1975. She was a teacher for 47 years, teaching in a number of area schools, including Wallace and Washington, before retiring in 1972. She was a pink lady at CGH Medical Center in Sterling for many years. She was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds

DONNA JEAN DEGRAFFENREID - Funeral services for Mrs. Derant (Donna Jean) Degraffenreid were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Melvin Funeral Home. The Rev. John N. Coleman pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church officiated. Burial took place at Oak Knoll Memorial Park cemetery. Mrs. Gordon E. Speer was the organist.Lundstrom florist was in charge of flowers.Pallbearers were; Thomas Coleman, Sherman Hopkins, George Clark, Charles Renner, Terry Hoeller and Donald Meyers.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Dec 26, 1974 Sterling Gazette

JAMES A. DeGROFF died Sunday [06/28/1931] morning at 6:30 o’clock. at home, 502 West Fifth street, where he had lived 63 years. He had suffered a stroke at 6:00 o’clock Saturday evening. He was 96 years, 10 month and 28 days old, having been born August 30th. Funeral services are scheduled for 9:00 o’clock Tuesday morning at home, Rev. Amos Thornburg officiating. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery. He is survived by son, B. L. DeGroff; daughter Miss Lettie A. DeGroff, both Sterling; granddaughter Mrs. Arnold (Hazel) Wilson; great grandson Arnold Wilson, Jr., both La Salle; Mrs. Bertha M. DeGroff, La Salle, widow of son Raymond V. DeGroff, who died at home in Okla.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, July 29, 1931, page 10, column 4

JOHANNA GERTRUDE DeGROOT age 92, of rural route Rock Falls [IL], passed away Tuesday evening, September 12, 1978, in Morrison [IL] Community Hospital. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday afternoon at Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home in Morrison. Rev. Loyal Wilkinson will officiate and interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers are Marvin Zuidema, Donald Zuidema, Frank Rodholm, W. Dwight Dykema, Reynold VanDerLeest, and Louis H. Buikema. Visitation will be at Renkes-Reynolds Friday evening from 7 to 9. A memorial fund has been established for the Winning Wheels, Inc. of Prophetstown [IL]. Johanna Gertrude Van Dyke was born in Garden Plain February 2, 1886, the daughter of Joseph and Flora (Burch) Van Dyke. She was reared and educated in the Morrison area and was married in this city October 20, 1904 to William DeGroot. After their marriage they resided in the Chicago IL area 42 years later moving to the Rock Falls locality where they have lived for 29 years. She was a member of the First Congregational Church. Survivors include her husband, one grandson, and two great grandsons, son-in-law, Dr. Mason Hargett of Hamilton, Montana, and one sister, Mrs. Martha Rodholm of Elgin [IL].
Contributed by Reta Kleve

WILLIAM DeGROOT - Funeral services were conducted November 14, 1980 at 2:00 pm for William DeGroot. The Rev. Loyal Wilkinson officiated. Pallbearers were Walter Rodholm, Reynold VanDerLeest, Marvin Zuidema, Donald Zuidema, Dwight Dykema, and Louis H. Buikema. Interment was at Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison [IL]. Arrangements were made by the Renkes-Reynold Funeral Home.
Contributed by Reta Kleve

GENEVIEVE (FARRELL) DENEVE , 82, of Prophetstown, IL died Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at the Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center, Prophetstown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Prophetstown where she was a member. Burial will follow in riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Visitation will be Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the services at the church. A memorial fund has been established. The Gibson & Son Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Genevieve was born October 24, 1923 in Prophetstown the daughter of Ralph and Mae (Lombard) Farrell. She graduated from Prophetstown High School, class of 1941. On June 30, 1941 she married Lawrence “Bud” DeNeve in Prophetstown. The couple farmed in the area for 50 years. Genevieve also worked for General Electric in Morrison for 26 years. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Vicky DeNeve, Prophetstown, 2 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband on Oct. 19, 2000, and one brother.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen - Prophetstown Echo July 25, 2006

L.W. DENISON , 85, for many years a resident of Tampico, died Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at his home, following an illness of several weeks. His demise was not unexpected. The body was taken to the Parent funeral home. Funeral arrangements have not been made. Mr. Denison is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Henry Kolb, and Mrs. Jack Shere, both of Tampico; also by a son.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 22, 1948 - Wednesday - pg. 2, col. 2

CHARLES DICKEY , 74, died Friday at 9:45 p.m. at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Regan, 708 Avenue I. He suffered a stroke the day before last Thanksgiving day, and had been seriously ill since Christmas. The body was removed to the Trouth funeral home. The funeral will be held from St. Mary’s church at 9 a.m. Monday. The requiem mass will be offered by Rev. Rev. J. F. Regan of St. Mary’s clergy staff. Freeport. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery. Mr. Dickey was born April 30, 1863, in Pennsylvania, a son of Mr. and Mrs. David Dickey, at the age of five years he was brought by his parents to this vicinity and he lived in this locality the remainder of his life. He was a farmer up to the time of his retirement a number of years ago. He married Miss Georgiana Bryson of north of Sterling. Six children were born of their union, five of whom survive. they are; Ralph Dickey, Mrs. Carl Ragland, Orville Dickey, Mrs. Elbert Regan and Mrs. Joe Gartner, all living in Sterling and Rock Falls. Mrs. J. E. Winkey, a daughter, died July 5, 1936. Mrs. Dickey died Feb. 9, 1914. A brother, A.D. Dickey of Perry, IA, and a sister, Mrs. Henry Heath of Morrison, also survive. (Feb. 12, 1938 Sterling Gazette)

Funeral Notice: Many relatives and friends attended the funeral of the late Charles W. Dickey, which took place Monday at 9 a.m. from St Mary’s church. Requiem mass was offered by Rev. John Francis Regan of the Staff of St. Mary’s Freeport. Hymns were sung by John Ward with Miss Celeste Ward at the organ. Casket attendants were Nick Vock, James Kane, Mr. McNinch, Thos. A. Conboy, Pat Regan and Terry Grogan. Committal was in Riverside cemetery. (- Feb. 15, 1938 Sterling Gazette)
Contributed by Margaret Mangers

CLARENCE ANDREW DICKEY , 85, of Rock Falls died Saturday, Sep 20, 2003, at CGH Medical Center. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., Sterling, for 33 years retiring as a foreman. Mr. Dickey was born Aug 28, 1918, in Rock Falls, the son of Ralph and Pearl (Cox) Dickey. He served in the Navy during World War II. He married Thelma Marie Sharp on Nov. 9, 1946, at Rock Falls Christian Church. She died Jan 6, 1987. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and Sterling American Legion Post 296. He enjoyed fishing and raising bees. Survivors include two daughters Sharon (Adrian) Johnson and Ruth (David) Knowles, both of Rock Falls; a son, Thomas (Rebecca) Dickey of Rock Falls; two sisters, Dora Goff of Rock Falls and Eunice Stroup of Sterling; five brothers, Raymond (Bibs) Dickey of Duluth, Minn., Donald (Gertrude) Dickey of Bushnell, Fla., Gail (Ruth) Dickey of Amboy, James Dickey of Florida and Roger Dickey of Rock Falls; 19 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Fransen, Annie Shipman and Elaine Swanson; and two grandchildren. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. Robert H Sharp officiating. Burial with military honors is at IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Sep 29, 2003 Daily Gazette

GEORGIA ANN (BRYSON) DICKEY - The funeral services over the remains of Mrs. Charles Dickey of Rock Falls, who was found dead in bed this morning, will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Rock Falls Methodist church. Rev. James Potter will officiate. ( From Margaret Mangers - February 9, 1914 Sterling Gazette)

ORVILLE DICKEY - A coroner’s inquiry into the death of Orville Dickey was called today by Whiteside County Coroner John T. Myers at the Wheelock funeral home. The inquiry will be held at 3 p.m. The body of Mr. Dickey was discovered at about 10 a.m. this morning in his un-heated East Fourteenth street house by Rock Falls police who were summoned to the scene. Although the cause of death has not been determined, it may have been the result of exposure, according to police, who said the body was found lying on the floor. The body was removed to the Wheelock funeral home where funeral arrangements are now being made. Coroner John T Meyer, who conducted an inquiry into death of Orville Dickey, East Fourteenth street, Rock Falls said death was due to a heart attack. Dickey was found dead Friday morning in his unheated, one-room cabin The body was discovered lying on the floor of the cabin by Mrs. Martha Cisketti. She told police she had last seen Dickey alive Tuesday. Dickey was born in Rock Falls, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dickey. Survivors include a brother, Ralph of sterling, and three sisters, Mrs. Carl Reglin, Rock Falls, Mrs. Elbert Regan, Florida, and Miss Florence Dickey, Toledo, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mrs. John Winkey of Coleta. Services were to be held at 1:30 P.M. Saturday in the Wheelock funeral home with the Rev. Keith Hume, pastor of the Open Bible church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Dec. 21, 1951 Sterling Gazette

Funeral Notice:
Services for Orville Dickey were held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Wheelock funeral home, Rock Falls. Rev. Keith Hume, pastor of the Open Bible church, officiated. Interment was in Riverside cemetery. During the service hymns were played by Mrs. Wayne Larson, organist. Pallbearers included Orin Leland, Victor Erickson, William Walker, and Elbert Wheelock. (Dec 24, 1951 Sterling Gazette)

RALPH DICKEY of 306 6th Ave., Rock Falls, died late Saturday evening at the age of 69. Mr. Dickey was born March 12, 1893 in rock Falls, the son of Charles and Georgeann Dickey. He united in marriage January 23, 1915 to Pearl Cox at the Sterling Christian Church by the Rev. Jerome robins. they spent their entire married life in this area. He was employed at the R.B. and W for 29 years as a machinist until his retirement due to ill health. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, Mrs. Ralph (Anna) Shipman of Sterling, Mrs. Richard (Dora) Goff of Rock Falls, Mrs. George (Eunice) Stroup of Sterling, Mrs. Carl (Elaine) Swanson of Dixon, six sons, Clarence A of Rock Falls, Gail of Dixon, James of Sterling, Roger of Rock Falls, Raymond in the army air Corps, Eglin Air Force Base at Pensacola, Fla. (this should be Fort Walton Beach, Fla.); three sisters, Mrs. Carl (Marie) Reglin of Rock Falls, Mrs. Effie Regan of Sterling and Mrs. Florence Binz of Aurora; 27 grandchildren; six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents; one daughter, Mary; one brother, Orville and one sister, Emma. The body is at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home where friends may call at any time. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor-emeritus of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Odd Fellows Cemetery.


Funeral services for Ralph A. Dickey of 306-6th avenue, Rock Falls, were conducted Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls with Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor emeritus of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls officiating with burial in IOOF Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne E. Larson was organist and Mrs. Raymond Stroup sand In the garden and the Old Rugged Cross. Flowers were cared for by George Humke, with the R B and W Station wagon. Pallbearers were Raymond Dickey, Donald Dickey, Gail Dickey and James Dickey. Relatives attended from Pensacola, Fla., Dixon, Aurora, Nelson, Mendota, Compton, Two Harbors, Minn. and Strawberry Point, Iowa.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the November 7, 1962 Sterling Daily Gazette

JOHN JUNIOR DIETZ , 79, of Newport, Tenn., formerly of Rock Falls, died Monday, April 16, 2001. He was a self-employed painting contractor. Mr. Dietz was born Jan. 1, 1922 in rural Rock Falls, the son of John H. and Ella (Manon) Dietz. He married Letha Hammelman on Aug. 2, 1941, in Rock Falls. She died April 5, 1979. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a member of Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church. Survivors include two daughters, Peggy (Dennis) McGill of Newport, Tenn., and Pamela (Tim) Shoffner of Rock Falls; two brothers, Donald (Marjorie) Dietz of Sterling and Robert (Alice) Dietz of Rock Falls; two sisters, Joyce (John) Kereven and Doris (Johnie) Leopard, both of Rock Falls; two grandsons; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandson. Memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Falls. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were completed by Costner-Maloy Funeral Home, Newport, Tenn.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette, Thursday, 19 April 2001, A2;2

MAUDE (WOLBER) DIETZ , 99, a life long resident of Rock Falls and Sterling, IL, died Friday January 13, 2006 at St. Clare Meadows Care Center in Baraboo, WI. Mrs. Dietz was born October 11, 1906 in Sterling, IL, the daughter of Abraham and Rose Mae (Moorehead) Wolber. Mabel married Edward J. "Stub" Dietz on January 3, 1936 in Rockford, IL. He preceded her in death on March 12,1986. Mabel enjoyed many activities during her lifetime and was known for always keeping busy. She and her husband loved farming even well into retirement and beyond when farming for her meant tending to her orchids and violets. Mabel also enjoyed baking, ironing, bowling, playing cards, and sewing. In her later years, up until her late nineties, Mabel cherished the time spent traveling across the country to visit family and friends.

Survivors include one son DuWayne (Ruth) Dietz of Sterling, IL; one daughter Yvonne (Walter) Smith of Baraboo, WI; one brother George Wolber of Sterling, IL; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, four brothers Delbert, Lawrence, Thomas "Gene", Chester, and one great grandson Brock Smith. Services will be 11 A.M. Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church with Reverend Henrietta Milner officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling, IL.

TERRY DIETZ , 60, of Sterling died March 24, 2005 at CGH Medical Center. He was employed by IBEW Local 364 as a union electrician for 40 years. Mr. Dietz was born April 26, 1944, in Sterling, the son of Donald and Marjorie (Larkey) Dietz. He married Mary Ann Letcher on June 20, 1965 in Sterling. Survivors include his wife; a son Brian (Kelly) Dietz of Bettendorf Iowa; a daughter, Wendi (Jason) Lamont Of Roscoe; his mother of Sterling; a sister, Sally (Michael) Keeling of Rock Falls; two brothers, Michael (Lynn) Dietz of Marietta GA., and Tim (Sharon) Dietz of Sterling; four grandchidlren, Jared and Kristin Dietz and Bryson and Kelsie Knox.

WILLIAM L. DIETZ -The funeral of William Dietz was held at the Christian Church on Sunday afternoon, the pastor, Rev. F. W. Kerns, having charge of the service. Several duets were sung by Mrs. Bessie Yarde and Mrs. Maude Morrell. One number was Mr. Dietz's favorite hymn, "Lead Mr. Gently Home," and those knowing of his beautiful life felt it was most appropriate. The many beautiful floral offerings were a living testimony of the love and esteem in which he was held in the community. The pallbearers were all nephews of the deceased. The funeral was largely attended, friends and relatives from all the neighboring towns as well as a host of relatives and friends at home being present to say their last tribute to his memory. Interment was in the Tampcio Cemetery.
OBITUARY
W. L. Dietz, son of Michael and Helen McNaughton Dietz, was born in Fairfield, Ill., Sept. 19, 1866, and died at a Dixon hospital Jan. 20, 1926, at the age of 59 years 4 months and one day. He was united in marriage to Flora McCracken February 18, 1891. To this union was born one son, Lloyd Edwin, who with his mother, mourns his departure, also four sisters, Mrs. Ida Clifton of Rock Falls, Ill., Mrs. Mary Hilliard, Princeton, Ill., Mrs. Jennie Wright and Mrs. Cora Bard, New Bedford, Ill., besides a host of other relatives and friends. His father and mother, one sister, Mrs. Effie McClellan, and two brothers, George and Ed preceded him in death. A sad feature was the passing away of three brothers during the last two years. "Will," as he was familiarly called, was of a quiet, unassuming nature, being a kind, loving, devoted husband and father. He was a man of fine character and was always honest and upright in all his dealings. He united with the Yorktown Christian Church in 1894. He was a faithful member of the choir and possessed an unusual rich base voice. One of his especial favorite songs was "Lead Me Gently Home." After moving to Tampico, he became a member of the Tampicio Christian Church. He was firm in the faith and lived a true consecrated life. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America of Tampico.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette January 26 1926 - Tuesday, pg 5

RICHARD GEORGE DINGMAN - Funeral services for Dr. R.G. Dingman were held Friday morning at 10 o’clock at the Prophetstown Congressional church, conducted by Rev. I.C. Campbell. Selections were sung by Mrs. J.C. Burroughs and Mrs. George Sibley, accompanied on the organ by Mrs. K.N. Fenn. The pallbearers were Frank Cleaveland, C.W. Fadden, Ed Rodee, M.P. Brewer, Henry Taber and Charles Richardson. The body was taken to Galesburg where interment was made in Linwood cemetery.

Richard George Dingman was born Sept. 12, 1865, near Stratford, Ontario, Canada. He came to the United States at the age of 18 years and lived with relatives at Annawan. He was graduated from the Toronto Veterinary college in 1894 and from that year until 1898 he lived in Geneseo and Buda, where he practiced. Mr. Dingman came to Prophetstown January 10, 1898, and has since resided here. He was united in marriage to Martha Wachs of Galesburg, June 27, 1901, at Galesburg. At an early age Dr. Dingman became a member of the United Brethren church of Annawan. During the past five years of his life he had been suffering with heart trouble. He continued to practice and was seemingly in his usual good health Tuesday when the end came.

Besides his widow, he is survived by two sons, Dr. R. Paul Dingman and Lyle Dingman, both of Prophetstown, Lyle, a student at Guelph Veterinary college in Canada and would have received his degree Wednesday from the Toronto university, had he not been called home by his father’s death. One brother, Edwin Dingman,, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Seegar, both of Stratford, Ontario, Canada survive him.

Contributed by Georgi DiBartolo

JOHN H. DOMBROWSKI - The funeral of John H. Dombrowski, 59, prominent Palmyra township farmer who passed away at his home in Prairieville Sunday morning (May 4, 1947), the result of a heart attack, will be held at the home at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon and at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 2:30, Rev. Kaltwarf officiating and burial will be at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling.

John H. Drombowski was born October 3, 1887 in Germany and came to the US as a child, with his parents in 1892. They settled in Hopkins Township and he has lived in this immediate vicinity ever since. He was married to Matilda Berge Dec. 13, 1917 by Rev. Arthur Oetting of Our Saviour Church. They started farming immediately. He is survived by his wife, two daughters; Mrs. Floyd Sheehan of near Coleta and Mrs. Jack Bond of Sterling; two sons, Elmer & Lester, both at home. Also surviving are three brothers and five sisters - Fred of Davenport, Edward of near Coleta, Herman of Lydnon, Amelia of Round Grove, Mrs. Edward Knelson of Sterling, Mrs. Freeman Deets of Sterling, Mrs. John Landheer of Morrison and Harm Harms of South Rock Falls. He was preceded by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Dombowski and a sister Mrs. Frank Paschal.

The Dixon Evening Telegraph 6 May 1947

ARLYN J. DORATHY SR. was born July 18, 1914 in Prophetstown, the son of John and Leona (Given) Dorathy. He graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1932 and attended Brown Business College, Sterling. He married Pauline Ottens on May 29, 1940 in Nashua, Iowa, at The Little Brown Church. He worked as a time-keeper for Whiteside County Highway Dept. helping to build what is now known as Spring Valley Road. He was employed at the former Eclipse Lawn Mower Company, Prophetstown, from 1938 until 1941, when he went to Washington D.C. to work for the Civil Service Commission. He later transferred to the Prophetstown Post Office where he worked until entering the Navy during World War II on Oct. 30, 1943. He received his boot training at Farragut, Idaho, after which he entered radio school at University of Wisconsin at Madison and was graduated on August 7. He spent several days' leave with his wife and son at Prophetstown and left August 15 for Shoemaker, California. Following the war he returned to the Prophetstown Post Office until 1974, when he was transferred to Albany and served as postmaster until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the American Legion Post 522, Prophetstown; V.F.W. Post 8281, Morrison; Prophetstown Lodge #293 AF&AM; the N.A.R.F.E., Savanna; and the Morrison United Methodist Church. He passed away at the age of 77 on Saturday, January 4, 1992 at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 7, 1992 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Prophetstown, with Rev. Bruce Janes officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. Gardner Funeral Home, Prophetstown, was in charge of arrangements. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Gary (Corinne) Osborne, and Mrs. William (Kathleen) Gerveler, Montrose, Iowa; one son, Arlyn Dorathy, Jr., Morrison; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; and one brother, Howard Dorathy, Rockford. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Susan Kennedy in 1991, and one brother, Robert.

ARLYN J. DORATHY JR. died Tuesday Feb. 1, 2005 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City Iowa. He was employed by Carry Trucking, Keokuk Iowa, as a truck driver. Mr. Dorathy was born July 15, 1943 in Moline, the son of Arlyn & Pauline (Ottens) Dorathy. He was a 1961 graduate of Prophetstown High School. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 328, Morrison. Survivors include his mother of Morrison, a sister, Kathleen (William) Gerveler of Avondale, AZ; four nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his father; and two sisters, Susan Kennedy and Corinne Osborne. The funeral is scheduled for 11 am. Friday at the Prophetstown United Methodist Church, Prophetstown, burial in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison.

CHARLES DORATHY , 86, last Civil war veteran of the Prophetstown community, died Friday at 9 a. m. in the Edward G. Hines hospital at Maywood. The body will be brought to the Dudley mortuary in Prophetstown. Funeral arrangements have not been made, but it is expected the services will be next Sunday. Mr. Dorathy had lived in Prophetstown and vicinity all of his life. His death was due to the infirmities of age.
Obituary: Funeral services for Charles Dorathy, 91, Prophetstown, last Civil war veteran of this community, who died Friday at 9:15 a. m., at the Edward G. Hines Memorial hospital at Maywood, will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Congregational church in Prophetstown. Rev. I. C. Campbell will conduct the rites. Military services will be in charge of the Prophetstown post of the American Legion. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge cemetery in Portland township. Mr. Dorathy was born April 25, 1846, in Cattaraugas county, New York . His parents were Owen and Sarah Lindsay Dorathy. He came to the vicinity of Prophetstown with his parents when he was a young man and spent the rest of his life in this community. He enlisted in Company B, 140th regiment, Illinois infantry volunteers on May 23, 1863, and was discharged October 29, 1964, at Chicago at the expiration of service. He followed the occupation of farming for many years. He was never married. Mr. Dorathy is survived by the following nephews and nieces: Fred Dorathy, Clinton, Ia.; Owen Dorathy, North Bend., Neb.; Mrs. Addie Saathoff and Mrs. Charles Williams, Rock Falls; Mrs. George Bleitz, Sterling; Roy Dorathy, Cedar Rapids, Ia.; Mrs. Amy Adams, John Dorathy, Mrs. Aaron Hill, Mrs. Kate Hill, Mrs. Kate Burdsall, Mrs. Grace Middleton and Bruce Dorathy, Prophetstown. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Morris, Dennis, William, Frank and Lee Dorathy, and two sisters, Mrs. Kate Breckenridge and Mrs. Mayme Fuller.
Contributed by Merton Franklin from the Sterling Daily Gazette Friday 7 May 1937 pg. 6; col. 4

CLEMENTINE (TOMS) DORATHY - Funeral services for Mrs. Clementine Dorathy, 79, who died Monday, were held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Dudley funeral chapel in Prophetstown Rev. I. C. Campbell of the Congregational church officiated. Burial was in Riverside cemetery at Prophetstown. The pallbearers, six grandsons and grandsons-in-law were Chester Holland of Eric and William Burdsall, Jake Housenga, Elwood Burdsall, Vernon Dorathy and Richard Dorathy. Mrs. Vernon Dorathy, Mrs. Richard Dorathy, Mrs. William Burdsall and Mrs. Elwood Burdsall granddaughter-in-law, assisted with the flowers. Those from a distant who attended the services were Mrs. Earl Janvrin, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Saatoff and son Dean. Harry Byron, Sterling; Mrs. Oberbillig, Rock Falls Newt Swanson, Miss Alma Swanson, New Bedford; Mr. and Mrs. Chester Holland, Mrs. Otto Holland, Eric; Mrs. Will Allen, Round Grove; Mrs. George Bleitz, Lyndon; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wagner and son, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wagner and son, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wittenalle, Amboy; Fred Dorathy, Mrs. Arthur Peterson, Mrs. Harrison Shaw and son Paul, Mrs. A. T. Krukow, Clinton, IA; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brown, Union Mills, Ind. 2nd Notice
Mrs. Clementine Dorathy, 79, widow of the late William Dorathy of Prophetstown, died at the home of her son Bruce South of the city Monday, and funeral services were held this afternoon, conducted by Rev. I. C. Campbell. she was born in Iowa City, Iowa, April 24, 1861, and was married to William Dorathy in 1876, since which time she had resided in the Prophetstown community. Her husband died in 1924, and she is survived by her son Bruce and three daughters. Mrs. Kate Burdsall, Mrs. Grace Middleton, both of Prophetstown, an Mrs. Addie Sathoff of Sterling; also one sister Mrs. Ella Elliott of Oregon; 21 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter

Contributed by Margaret Mangers

DEAN O. DORATHY , 50, Prophetstown, died as the result of an accident on Prophetstown Road Monday morning (21 May 1973) . Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Gardner ’s Chapel. Friends may visit from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home Tuesday. The Rev. C.A. Anger will officiate and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery . Dean Doathy was born Nov. 11, 1922, at Prophetstown, the son of Bruce and Ruth Ross Dorathy. He was educated in Prophetstown schools. He served as a Cpl. in the Marines during WW II, was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. He Married Ruth Hoogererf of Prophetstown on March 13, 1943. He lived in Prophetstown his entire lifetime. He had previously been a telephone lineman for Illino Telephone Co. and was employed at an electronic firm at Rock Falls . Survivors include his mother, two daughters, Constance, San Antonio , Texas ; Dawn, at home; one son, William, Lyndon; three grandchildren; one sister Mrs. Chester (Mildred) Holland , Erie ; four brothers, Richard, Prophetstown, Bruce, Fullerton , Calif. ; Ross, Erie ; and Gene Raymond, Tampico . He was preceded in death by his father and one brother.
Contributed by Marrgaret Mangers - May 22, 1973 Sterling Gazette

DENNIS DORATHY - Morris Dorathy, who lives west of Prophetstown, three miles was shocked Thursday by a message conveying the news of the death of his brother, Dennis Dorathy, who lived in North Bend, Nebraska. At the time of his death [4 January 1922] he was 77 years old. Morris believed his brother in good health for he had heard nothing to the contrary and the death message came as a surprise. He was quite well known here as he often visited many relatives here. Up to the time of writing this, Mr. Dorathy has received none of the particulars leading up to his death.
Contributed by Merton Franklin from the Sterling Daily Gazette Saturday 7 January 1922 pg. 7; col. 3

EMMA LOU (CUSHING) DORATHY , was born September 15, 1924, in Villa Park, IL, the daughter of Orville and Betty (Heber) Cushing. She attended Lyndon High School and then attended business college. She married Robert G. Dorathy on April 26, 1947 in Lyndon. The couple resided all of their married life in Prophetstown. She was employed for several years in the insurance department of Penberthy Manufacturing Co., Prophetstown. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and Prophet Hills Country Club, and was a founder of the Prophetstown-Lyndon Food Pantry. She passed away, at the age of 69, on May 19, 1994, at Friendship Manor, Rock Island, where she resided recently. Funeral services were held at Prophetstown United Methodist Church with Rev. Bruce Janes, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Survivors include one daughter, Julia Dorathy Reckinger of Rock Island; one son, Steve Dorathy of Sterling, and two grandchildren. Her husband, Robert, passed away in 1982.

FRANCIS LEONA (GIVEN) DORATHY , 59, passed away at 11:30 p.m. in the Moline public hospital, where she had been a patient for the last four weeks. Her body was taken to the Gardner mortuary in Prophetstown and will be returned to the home late Wednesday. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Methodist church, Rev. C. F. Chasteen officating. The committal will be in Riverside cemetery. Mrs. Dorathy was born Francis Leona Given, Aug. 2, 1889, daughter of Samuel C. and Ida A. Showalter Given, in Fenton township. She was reared and educated in Fenton township and was granduated from the Prophetstown high school. She also attended the Northern Illinois State Teachers' college. On April 12, 1912 she was married to John Dorathy of Prophetstown at Morrison, who survives together with three sons, Arlyn, Robert and Howard, of Prophetstown; and five sisters, Mrs. Pearl Keller of Morrisoin, Mrs. Ivy Stewart of Coleta, Mrs. Winnie Ross, Mrs. Beulah Black and Mrs. Avis Clark, all of Fenton. There are three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and sister in infancy. She taught eight years in the Hume and Portland schools. She was a member of the Methodist church and various church organizations; a member of Minerva chapter, OES, the RNA, the WRC and the Fidelity Life Association.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 21, 1948 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 2

HOWARD L. DORATHY , was born October 24, 1924, in Prophetstown, the son of John and Leona Given Dorathy. He graduated from Prophetstown High School. He volunteered for the Navy in April of 1944 and served during WWII. On March 1, 1950 he married Dorothy Elaine Vandermoon at the Methodist Church in Prophetstown. They farmed in the Yorktown area until moving to Arizona in 1959 and then to San Jose, CA being employed by General Electric. They moved to Belvidere, IL in 1966 where he was employed by the Chrysler Corporation as an assembler. He retired in 1987. He was a member of the UAW Local 1268. He passed away Saturday, September 22, 2001 at St. Anthony's Hospital, Rockford. Services were held Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at the Gibson Funeral Home, Erie, IL. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Arlyn and Robert, and a niece, Susan Elaine Dorathy Kennedy.
Source: Jana Oppendike (Find-A-Grave)

JOHN LEROY DORATHY , was born June 28, 1881, the son of Morris and Lydia (Besse) Dorathy in Portland Township. He attended Portland School and lived in the Prophetstown area all of his life. He attended the Prophetstown First Methodist Church. He was a rural mail carrier for 42 years. He married Frances Leona Given on April 12, 1913 in Morrison. He passed away at the age of 84 on July 14, 1965 at Sterling Community General Hospital. Funeral services were held Friday, July 16, 1965 at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist Church, Prophetstown, with Rev. Paul Olson officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. He is survived by three sons, Arlyn and Robert of Prophetstown; Howard of San Jose, California; one sister, Mrs. Jessie Hill, Prophetstown; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded by his wife, two brothers, and three sisters.

KATHRYN (REYNOLDS) DORATHY - Funeral services were conducted for Mrs. Vernon Dorathy at the Gardner Funeral Chapel Friday with the Rev. William Dupree, Congregational minister of Burean, officiating. Brothers-in-law of Mrs. Dorathy who served as pall bearers were Richard Dorathy, Gene Raymond Dorathy, of Prophetstown, Chester Holland, of Eric, and James Maxfield of Prophetstown. Mrs. Ellen Dingman was the organist during the services. Flowers were in charge of Mrs. Clayton Fadden, Mrs. Mary Ellen Hackett and Mrs. Floyd Lindbery Burial was in Riverside Cemetery of Prophetstown.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the January 31, 1959 Sterling Daily Gazette

LEE WESTON DORATHY , aged 70 years, residing five miles west of Prophetstown, passed away at 5 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from a complication of diseases. She [He] had been ailing for a number of years and failed rapidly for the past two months. The funeral will be held at two o'clock Thursday afternoon in the F. L. Dudley funeral chapel, Rev. W. E. Royston of the Methodist church officiating. Interment is to be made in Pleasant Ridge cemetery west of Prophetstown. Lee Dorathy was born June 18, 1861 in Portland township. His parents were Owen and Sarah Dorathy. His entire life was spent in Portland township where he followed the occupation of farming. He was married to Lydia Rawson June 29, 1887 in Prophetstown. Besides his widow Mr. Dorathy is survived by one son, Roy of Cedar Rapids, and one daughter, Mrs. Charles Williams Prophetstown. He also leaves one brother, Charles Dorathy and one sister, Mrs. Mayme Fuller of Prophetstown.
FUNERAL NOTICE:Funeral services for Lee Dorathy, 70, who died Tuesday, were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the F. L. Dudley funeral chapel. Rev. W. E. Royston of the local Methodist church, conducted the rites. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge cemetery west of Prophetstown. The pallbearers were: George Rollo of Spring Hill and Guy Sibley, F. A. Ackerman, George Lickhard, Anton Ross and Albert Johnson. Those from a distance who attended the services, were: Mr. and Mrs. Roy Dorathy of Cedar Rapids , Iowa , Fred Dorathy and daughters of Clinton , Iowa , and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Williams of Rock Falls . (Sterling Daily Gazette Friday 20 May 1932 pg. 10; col. 4)
Obituary contributed by Merton Franklin from the Sterling Daily Gazette Wednesday 18 May 1932

LILLIE MAE (RHODES) DORATHY , was born on November 8, 1886 in rural Prophetstown to Charles and Ada (Pemberton) Rhodes. She was a graduate of Lyndon High School and attended the United Methodist Church in Prophetstown. Lillie married Jay Dorathy of Prophetstown on March 20, 1907 in Dixon at the Lee County Court House by Justice of the Peace, Mark C. Kellar, of Dixon. Their marriage came as a complete surprise to the many friends and relatives of the couple in this vicinity, as no one knew that they contemplated getting married when they left town that day. The bride is the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rhodes, of Pense, Canada, and has a large circle of friends in this place. She has made her home in this vicinity nearly all of her life. The groom is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Dorathy of Portland and is a fine young fellow who follows the vocation of a farmer. He has spent all of his life in this country and everyone speaks well of him. Mrs. Dorathy left Tuesday evening for a two months visit with her parents in Canada. After her return the bride and groom will go to housekeeping. The many friends of the newly married couple join with the SPIKE in extending congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy wedded life. Lillie taught at Portland School for two years. She passed away at Prophets Riverview Center on Nov. 25, 1982 (Thanksgiving Day) at the age of 96. Services were held Sunday, November 28, 1982, at Gardner Chapel. Rev. Daniel Swinson, pastor of the Leon United Methodist Church, officiated with burial in Riverside Cemetery. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Ernest (Florence) Waldbusser, Prophetstown; one sister, Mrs. Bessie Burdsall, Prophetstown; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; husband in 1961; one brother and one sister.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers

MORRIS DORATHY 87 years of age, Civil war veteran and highly esteemed citizen of Prophetstown, passed away, Thursday afternoon at 2:20 o'clock of heart disease, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Meyers in Portland . He had been ill in bed since Sunday. Fnueral [Funeral] services will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the home of his son, John Dorathy. Rev. W. E. Royston of the Methodist church will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery, Prophetstown. Mr. Dorathy was born in Cattaraugus county, New York , Dec. 4, 1842, and came to the vicinity of Prophetstown at the age of 13. He located in Portland township, where he followed the occupation of farming until he retired a number of years ago. He was married to Miss Lydia Besse of this locality, Nov. 12, 1880. She preceded him in death June 6, 1921. He is survived by three sons, Fred Dorathy, of Clinton, Iowa, and John and Jay Dorathy of Prophetstown, and two daughters, Mrs. Aaron Hill and Mrs. Amy Adams, both of Prophetstown. He also leaves two brothers and one sister, Charles and Lee Dorathy and Mrs. Mary Fuller, all of this vicinity. Mr. Dorathy enlisted in the 75th Illinois volunteer infantry in 1862 and served until the close of the Civil war. He fought in the battles of Stone River , Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge and in other engagements. He was discharged in 1865. Mr. Dorathy was a member of the Modern Woodmen and Masonic orders, as well as the G. A. R., and was held in veneration and esteem by a multitude of friends.
Contributed by Merton Frankling from the Sterling Daily Gazette Friday 11 April 1930 pg. 3; col. 2

OWEN DORATHY - an old and very highly respected resident of Portland township, died Monday after a long and painful illness. The funeral will be held tomorrow. Mr. Dorothy was seventy-five years of age and an old settler of Portland, he having lived at that place for the past forty-two years. He was a man of high integrity and ability and his friends are counted without number. His death has caused sincere regret in the community in which he lived. The deceased leaves, beside his sorrowing wife, a family of grown children, four sons and a daughter. The daughter lives in Nebraska and one of the sons in Iowa. The others in the vicinity of Portland.
Contributed by Merton Franklin from Sterling Daily Standard Tuesday 13 February 1900

RICHARD DORATHY , 66, died Tuesday (23 August 1983) at his home in Prophetstown. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Gardner Chapel with the Rev. Bruce Janes of the United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. There will be no visitation Memorials may be made to the Prophets Riverview Center. Richard Dorothy was born on Oct. 15, 1916 in Thomas, the son of Bruce and Ruth Ross Dorothy and was educated at Pleasant Ridge School. On Nov. 18, 1939 he married Doris Plumley of Prophetstown. Residing in the Prophetstown community most of his life he owned and operated Dorothy's Floor Covering Store for 10 years. He had been employed by the city of Prophetstown for 25 years and for the last several years was superintendent of the street department. He also served as a volunteer on the Prophetstown Fire Department for 25 years. Surviving are his wife and mother, Ruth, both residents at the Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center; one sister, Mrs. Chester (Mildred) Holland, Erie; and three brothers, Bruce, Fullerton, Calif., Ross, Erie, and Gene, Tampico. Preceding him in death were his father and two brothers, Vernon and Dean.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette August 24, 1983 - Wednesday, pg A6

ROBERT GIVEN DORATHY - Memorial services for Robert Given Dorathy, 63, of Prophetstown, chairman of Rock River Lumber and Grain Co. will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, Feb. 13 at the United Methodist Church , Prophetstown. Internment will be at Riverside Cemetery . The body will be cremated. Visitation is 7:00 to 9:00 PM Friday at Gardner Funeral Home. A memorial has been established. Mr. Dorathy died Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Community General Hospital , Sterling , after a battle with cancer. He had been employed for 40 years at Penberthy Manufacturing Company as an accountant /controller, and had just retired at the time of his death. Robert Dorathy married Emma Lou Cushing in 1947 in Lyndon , IL . He attended school in Prophetstown and graduated from Grinnell College . Mr. Dorathy is a WWII Army Veteran, and served in Europe . He served as treasurer of the Prophetstown-Lyndon Fire Protection District, was a member of the American Legion Post 522; and had served on the boards of directors of Prophetstown grade and high schools. Survivors include his wife, a daughter, Julia Renee Dorathy, Rock Island; a son, Steven Robert, Sterling ; and brothers, Arlyn (Mountain Home Ark. ) and Howard ( Rockford , IL).
Contributed by Julie Dorathy

RUTH A. (ROSS) DORATHY , 95, of Prophetstown died Tuesday evening (Nov 11) at the Prophets Riverview Center, where she resided since 1979. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in the United Methodist Church of Prophetstown with Rev. Bruce Janes officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. Visitation will be Friday any time after 2 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. A memorial has been established to the Prophets Riverview Center. Ruth was born on March 5, 1891 in New Bedford, the daughter of Charles and Ida Johnson Ross. On Feb 16, 1910 she was united in marriage to Bruce Dorathy of Prophetstown in Morrison. The couple farmed in the Prophetstown area until 1962 when they moved to town. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Bearean Class of the church and the longtime member of the Royal Neighbors of America. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Chester (Mildred) Holland of Erie, three sons, Bruce Jr. of Homeland, Calif., Ross of Erie and Gene of Tampico, 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren, one sister, Hannah Swanson of Prophetstown and one brother, Tony Ross of Eric. She was preceded death by her husband in 1966, three sons, one sister and three brothers.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Nov 12, 1986 Daily Gazette

SARAH (LINDSEY) DORATHY , was born July 4, 1821, in Washington County, New York, and died in Portland Township, Whiteside County, Illinois, April 21, 1907, aged 85 yrs., 9 months and 17 days. She was married to Owen Dorathy Mar. 17, 1837. To this union were born nine children,---seven boys and two girls. Two sons, one daughter and her husband have preceded her in death. Of those to mourn her death there are five sons, one daughter, fifteen grand-children besides many neighbors and friends. The deceased was a member of the United Brethern church and ever remained true to the faith. She was a good woman in all that the name implies and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in time of need. Mrs. Dorathy has been in feeble health the past few years and during the last six weeks had been confined to her bed. The funeral was held Tuesday [23 April, 1907] of this week, Rev. J. W. Funston officiating. Interment was made in the Sandytown cemetery.
Contributed by M.A. Franklin from the The Prophetstown Echo, Thursday, April 25, 1907. It was on Sunday night as the sun was slowly hiding itself from view that the long life of Mrs. Sarah Anne Linsley Dorithy ebbed away and she bade adieu to her friends on this earth. Sarah Anne Linsley was born in Washington county, N. Y., in 1821, living in the state of her nativity until her coming to Illinois in 1854, settling in the vicinity of Prophetstown where she has lived for the past twenty-five years. In 1837 she was married to Mr. Owen Dorithy whom she buried some seven years ago. She was the mother of a large family of children, all to man and women hood grown. For the past six years her home has been with her son Lee, who has made her life as pleasant as one in her condition could be. She was a lady who had the good will of all and she goes to her long home with the blessed assurance that she has done her best and with the hope that she is going to meet those gone before. The funeral was held on Tuesday at the school house and was presided over by Rev. Funston of Prophetstown. Burial was made in the Sandytown cemetery. Mrs. Dorithy leaves to mourn her death five children, those remaining of a family of eight, beside other relatives and friends.
Contributed by Merton Franklin from the Sterling Evening Gazette Wednesday 24 April 1907 pg. 3, col. 2

STEVEN DORATHY , 54, died Saturday June 11, 2005 in Costa Rica. He had been employed as a Manufacturer’s Representative for DB Sales. Mr. Dorathy was born March 17, 1951 in Morrison, the son of Robert and Emma Lou (Cushing) Dorathy. He served in the US Air Force from 1970 to 1972. He married Donna J. Barnett on January 25, 1985 in Lake Tahoe, CA. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Amy Dorathy; a son, R.J. Dorathy, both at home; and a sister, Julie (Michael) Dorathy Oelrich of Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Preceding him in death were his parents. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, June 23, 2005 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Oehlert officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM at the church. Arrangements were completed by the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.

THEODORE BRUCE DORATHY - Funeral services for Theodore Bruce Dorathy, age 79, who passed away Sunday were held Tuesday at the Gardner Chapel at two o’clock in the afternoon. The Rev. Paul Olson of the First Methodist Church officiated fro the services with Mrs. Leland Bierman serving as the organist and Cecil Olinger as the soloist. Committal was at the Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown with Maurice Olsen, Meredith Anderson, Herman Harmsen, Glen Wildemuth, Carl Swanson and Lester Swanson serving as pallbearers. In charge of the lovely floral tributes were Mrs. Glenn Wildemuth, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Peterson, Mrs. Maurice Olsen, Mrs. Herman Harmsen, Mrs. Lester Swanson and the Hill Crest Greenhouse.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Apr 26, 1966 Sterling Gazette

VERNON LEROY DORATHY , 56, of 205 5th St . , passed away at his home Thursday morning (23 July 1970). He had been ill for some time.. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Gardner Funeral Chapel, Prophetstown, with the Rev. Paul Olson officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery . Mr. Dorathy was born Dec. 16, 1913, in Portland Township , the son of Theodore Bruce and Ruth Elizabeth Ross Dorathy. He attended Pleasant Ridge School . He had been a resident of Prophetstown for the past 20 years. He was a volunteer fireman for 20 years. He married Katherine Reynolds, Dec. 16, 1939. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Ruth Dorathy, Prophetstown; five brothers, Richard, Dean both of Prophetstown, Bruce, Jr., Fullerton , Calif. , Ross, Erie ; Gene R., Tampico , one sister Mrs. Chester (Mildred) Holland , Erie . He was preceded by his father and his wife. Friends may call at the funeral chapel for 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. ( July 24, 1970 Sterling Gazette)

Prophetown – Funeral services for Vernon LeRoy Dorathy, age 56, who passed away Thursday, July 23, were held Saturday July 25 at the Gardner Chapel. The Rev. Paul Olson officiated for the service which was held at two o’clock in the afternoon with Mrs. Leland Bierman serving as the organist. Pallbearers were Henry Marshall, Cecil Ping, Richard Johnson Jr., Hobart McCoy, Thomas Frederick, William Hummel. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery . Mrs. Cecil Ping and Mrs. Richard Johnson Jr., were in charge of the lovely floral tributes.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - July 28, 1970 Sterling Gazette

WILLIAM DORATHY , Monday at 11:30 at the home occurred the death of William Dorthy [Dorathy] a resident of Prophetstown after a short illness. Mr. Dorothy [Dorathy] was a man 73 years old past and was the father of three daughters and one son all living in this vicinity. He is also survived by his wife. The funeral will be held from the home on Thursday afternoon at 1:30 and the rites will be in charge of Dr. H. S. Roblee.
Contributed by Merton Franklin from the Sterling Daily Gazette Tuesday 25 March 1924

ROY DOWELL , 79, died Saturday, July 16, 2005 at CGH Medical Center. He was employed as a steel worker for Northwestern Steel & Wire Mill for 35 years until retiring. Mr. Dowell was born July 16, 1926 in Troutdale, VA, the son of Bruce and Rosa (Moran) Dowell. He married Elizabeth Blevins on March 22, 1952 in Dixon. He was in the US Army during WW II. He attended Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sterling. He was an avid sports fan.

Survivors are his wife Elizabeth, one daughter, Letha (Perry) Frey of Sterling; one son, Mickie (Karen) Dowell of Middlebury IN; one sister, Betty Stevens of Rock Falls; one brother, Lacy Dowell of Rock Falls; two grandchildren, Alan Dowell and Andy Dowell. He was preceded in death by a brother, Tracy Dowell, and a sister, Louise Dean. Services will be held at 1 PM, Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at Schilling Funeral Home with Pastor Robin Dale of Emmanuel Baptist Church and Joseph Porter, Deacon of Harvest Time Bible Church, officiating. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be 6-8, Monday, July 18 at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.

MICHAEL DRANE , 36 of Sterling died Wednesday January 4, 2006 at his home. He was born on June 29, 1969 in Sterling, IL the son of Herbert and Carole (Hottenrott) Drane. He married Amy Fullington Feb 15, 1995 in Canton, IL. Michael was employed at York Refridgeration, Dixon. Surviving is his wife, Amy of Mansfield, MO; four sons Thomas Drane of Forretson, Michael Drane Jr and Gage Drane both of Sterling, Brenton Drane of Mansfield, MO; two step children Alyshia Meiners and Devin Meiners both of Mansfield, MO; his father Herbert Drane of Sterling; two brothers Herbert Drane and Justin Drane both of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole. Memorial services will be Monday January 9, 2006 at 10 AM in the McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue, Sterling with the Reverend John Kermott of the 1st Baptist Church officiating

MRS. CHARLES DREW formerly of Rock Falls, passed away Wenesday night at Oak Park hospital. She is the daughter of Mrs. Donald Donahue of Chicago, and formerly of this city. J. L. Wheelock motored to Chicago Thursday morning to return the remains to this city for burial. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 24, 1949 - Thursday, pg 2, col. 2

JAMES DREW - A prayer service for James C. Drew, 89, was held at 9:30 a.m. today in the Grennan and Son Funeral Home fllowed by a requiem mass at 10 o'clock in St. Mary's Catholic Church which was offered by the Very Rev. Msgr. Thomas S. Green. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. A resident for the past several years of St. Joseph's Home in Freeport, James C. Drew passed away at 1:15 p.m. Saturday in St. Francis Hospital in Freeport. He was born on June 13, 1874 in Tampico and had resided and farmed in that vicinity most of his life. His parents were the John Drews. He was the last of him immediate family, having been preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. Among the survivors are thre nieces, Mrs. Francis McCarthy, Clinton, Iowa, Mrs. Avis Conard, Sterling and Miss Gladys McGrath, Sterling. Pallbearers were Harry Keefe, John J. Cooney, James L. Bradley, Hugh J. Hermes, Wesley Broers, and James Miller.

Daily Gazette 25 November 1963

MYRTLE ADELLE DRURY - It is with deepest sorrow that the Review has to again record the going out of another young life - that of Miss Myrtle Adelle Drury - which occurred as 12 noon, Wednesday, August 21, 1912 at the home of her parents in Albany. Just nine weeks to a day before her death, Miss Drury returned to her home from the State training school for teachers at DeKalb where she had finished the year’s work with an illness that even then bade fair to be the last.

Typhoid fever soon developed and later complications set in which baffled the physician and best of trained nurses and the loving care of mother and other near and dear friends. Through all the long weeks of intense suffering she never gave way to one impatient _expression and accepted every service with sweetest appreciation. The messages of hope and cheer and the abundance of flowers with which she was blessed was an ever source of comfort and pleasure.

The subject of this brief sketch of whom the entire village mourns her departure, was the elder of the two children born to Robert and Lillie Drury on Nov. 4 1888 at Monument, Logan Co. Kansas. When at the tender age of four years her father died and the mother with her two little ones returned to Whiteside County, where they have since resided.

Myrtle grew to beautiful young womanhood here and graduated from the Albany schools with the class of '06, and after attending a summer session at the Geneseo college she began her career of teaching with continued with a wonderful degree of success for four years; two in Henry County, one at Garden Plain Corners and the last at Slocum Street. Her ambition for a higher and broader education led her to enter the State Normal School at Dekalb, where she had made excellent progress for 2 years and would have finished the course in one more year.

But God had other plans and called her to His mansions above where every wish will be gratified and where sickness, pain and death are unknown. But how hard it is for those left behind to realize that "God doeth all things well." Her's was a naturally religious nature. Not only was she a member of the M.E. church, Sunday school and Helping Hand Society, but was a Christian, living her religion every day. The Golden Rule was her rule.

The mother and Mr. John Beeken who had been a kind father to her, and Lydon, an only brother, are the immediate family left to bear the heart crushing sorrow. Many other relatives and friends also deplore the passing of this dear girl who has been called just when life was so full of promise, but "Some Day We'll Understand." Funeral services will be held today (Friday) at 2 o'clock at the home, Rev. R.L. Griffin officiating."

Albany Illinois August 23, 1912 - contributed by Kris Townsend

WALTER CARROLL DRURY
HUNDREDS MOURN THE PASSING OF WALTER C. DRURY

Inexpressible sorrow filled the hearts of the many hundreds of friends of Walter C. Drury when word came last Monday morning that he had passed away at seven o'clock. His serious illness had been a matter of concern during the several days he was being cared for in Jane Lamb hospital but no one could down the hope that he might be spared to loved ones and friends. His passing was a shock to all. His home was in Fulton and home and family meant much to him. In his home town he was an active member of the Presbyterian church, for many years serving on the board of trustees; and in the Brotherhood; he was intensely interested in Sunday school work and the lives of the boys and young people who were in his classes testify to the sincerity of his purpose and his lasting influence; he was a member of Fulton City Lodge No. 189, A. F. and A. M., of the Royal Arch Masons and of Merton Chapter No. 356 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and held highest offices in each organization. He was a valued member of the Men's Discussion club. In fact, he was interested in all good civic and social affairs.

In Clinton where he was in business as general manager of the Schall Candy Company for many years he was a member of the Rotary club, was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, and associate member of the Harmonic club, helped promote the Civic Concert Movement and took part in many drives of the Y. M. C. A. Mr. Drury had held executive positions in organizations of the confectioners' industry. He was past president of the Society of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry of the War with Spain. He had traveled extensively in the interests of his business and of the many organizations with which he was affiliated. Thus he had a wide acquaintanceship and numbered his friends by all with whom he had come in contact. He loved life and he loved people. The passing of such a man is truly mourned and truly he will be missed.

OBITUARY -
Walter Carroll Drury was born in Garden Plain, June 9, 1881, the son of William W. Drury and Anna Nicewonger Drury. He attended the rural school and graduated from the Albany high school. Later he spent five years in Kansas and afterward lived in Chicago for ten years. On June 17, 1898, he enlisted for service in the Spanish American war being enlisted in the Sixth Illinois Infantry. He saw active service in Puerto Rico and on September 14, 1898, was honorably discharged. Mr. Drury came to Fulton in 1908 and became affiliated with the Patent Novelty Company. Later he joined the Schall Candy Company of Clinton and as manager built up a nation-wide reputation for the candy industry. On March 29, 1909, he was united in marriage with Miss Belle Snyder and the home was established in Fulton. Mrs. Drury survives along with their four children, Mrs. James Farra VanMeter (Harriet) of Lexington, Ky,; Mrs. David O. Clark (Marion) of Boston, Mass,; Richard of Chicago and William Walter at home. He is also survived by his father, W. W. Drury of Boliver, Mo.; a sister, Miss Elizabeth Drury of Chicago; a brother W. B. Drury, of Garden Plain, and two grandchildren, Nancy and Jimmy VanMeter of Lexington, Ky.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock in the Presbyterian church with the Rev. Harry Harned of the Clinton congregational church officiating, assisted by the Rev. Jones Earl Corwin of Fulton. Mr. Harned, a friend of many years gave a message of comfort to the bereaved family and friends. Mrs. Lutie G. Harrison presided at the organ playing among other numbers a few of Mr. Drury's favorite hymns. The many, many beautiful floral offerings were expressions of the love of friends of Mr. Drury, Mrs. Drury and the family. Those in charge of the flowers were Mrs. Earl Thomsen, Mrs. W. H. Mitchell, Mrs. G. H. Thompson, Mrs. Verna Ward, Mrs. Hannah Cummings, Mrs. Alfred Thomsen, Mrs. E. Seelye and Mrs. Helen Pope. During the services at the church Sergt. Noel and Adj. Hoover of Clinton stood as guards. Burial was in the family lot in the Fulton cemetery, where the commitment service was in charge of George Mickelson Camp No. 8 with a. J. Meyer of Clinton as commander and Roy Tallman of Camanche as chaplain. Also present were members of the Roy Humphrey Post of Spanish-American War Veterans of which Mr. Drury was a member and members of the Fulton Post and other Posts of the American Legion Pallbearers were Janvrin Mitchel, Marvin Legel, Frank Timmons, John Ingwersen, and Graham Thomsen of Fulton, and Jay Richard Lein of Clinton. Honorary pallbearers as escorts were Panish-American War Veterans from several places in Illionis and Iowa. If "To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die," then Walter Drury still lives for he was a friend who loved and was loved. Besides the many relatives and friends from Fulton and Clinton and Garden Plain attending the last rites, there were also a number from Chicago, Belvedere, Dixon, Geneseo, Sterling, Morrison, Albany, Prophetstown, Moline, Rock Island, Savanna, Davenport, Chadwick, DeWitt, Galva, and Mt. Carroll.

Contributed by Corkey Waite

JOHN DURHAM , Funeral services will be held at Dixon this afternoon for John Durham, 74, who died at his home in that city of a heart attack Sundaynight. Following the service the body will be brought to Prophetstown for committal in Riverside cemetery. Mr. Durham lived most of his life in Prophetstown, moving to Dixon 18 years ago. His mother was the late Mrs. John Barriott. He is survived by his wife, the former Jennie Cox, who is a sister of James Cox of this city, a son, Harold of Arizona, daughter, Mrs. Wade Snader of Dixon, and a sister Mrs. Nellie Beatley also of Dixon. He was preceded in death by a brother, Walter.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Prophetstown Echo, Prophetstown, Illinois October 17, 1945, Wednesday, pg. 1, col. 3

CARMEN (JAMES) DYKEMA , 78, of Albuquerque, died Thursday at Lovelace Hospital, Albuquerque. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Winkelman of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Morrison, Ill., officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Heaton Cemetery, Morrison. Pallbearers will be Matt Hensler, Michael James, Greg Miller, Jake Miller, Ryan Miller, Luke Miller, William A. Rice and David Wagenecht. She was born March 23, 1925, in Sterling, Ill., to Arthur A. and Hazel A. Mc Cune James. She graduated from Morrison High School and received a bachelor's degree in nursing from Mercy Hospital in Chicago and a master's degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz. She married Clarence Dykema on Oct. 16, 1946, in Morrison. The couple were missionaries in Ganado, Ariz., for eight years and resided in Albuquerque for 32 years. She was a member of Calvary Chapel in Albuquerque and the Community Bible study. Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Ann (Greg) Miller of Downington, Pa.; one son, James (Jo) Dykema of San Diego, Calif.; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Pat Wagenecht of Morrison and Mrs. Ardythe (William "Bill") Rice of Morrison; one brother, Robert (Ruby) James of Morrison; and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Shirley (George) Johnson of Clinton.

Clinton Herald February 23, 2004

CIENA (WESTERHOLF) DYKEMA , 79, of the Resthave Nursing home in Morrison, died Sunday (01 September 1985) at the nursing home. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home, Rev. Wayne Lemmen, pastor of the Ebenezer Reformed Church, will officiate. Burial will be Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Visitation is from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in her memory to the Ebenezer Reformed Church Radio Broadcast Ministry. Mrs. Dykema was born Jan. 31, 1906 in Usquert, Groningen, The Netherlands, the daughter of Wiebrand and Jennie (Zangman) Westerhof. She was united in marriage to Jacob A. Dykema on Jan. 31, 1928 in Morrison. She was educated in The Netherlands and rural Whiteside County schools. She was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church and resided at the nursing home since May, 1974. She had resided prior to that in the Morrison and rural Morrison area where she farmed with her husband. She is survived by three sons, Wesley Dykema, Hillsdale; Theodore Dykema of Florida; and Kenneth Dykema, Fulton; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Edna Dykstra, Fulton; Mrs. Jacob (Inez) VanOosten and Mrs. Donald (Clausina) Huizenga, both of Morrison; and four brothers, George, Martin, and Jacob Vetget, all of Morrison, and John Vetger of Arkansas. She was preceded in death by one son, one grandchild and two brothers
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 3, 1985 - Tuesday, pg A4

CORNIE (DYKEMA) SIKEMA DYKEMA , 85, formerly of 708 14th Ave., Fulton died Friday afternoon (5 December 1975) at the Harbor Crest Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at the Bosma Funeral Home. Burial will be private. Officating will be the Rev. Harold C. Ringenoldus. VIsitation will be Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home. She was born in Fulton, Aug. 23, 1890 the daughter of George and Maggie Akker Dykema. She married Joseph D. Sikkema in Fulton June 15, 1911. He died in 1926. She married John H. Dykema in Fulton, Sept. 2, 1945 and he died in 1962. She was a member of the Second Reformed Church of Fulton, its Missionary Society, Ladies Aid Circle and was a Sunday school teacher for many year. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Marjorie Kisthard, one son, Joel, both of Fulton; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one step-son, Henry J. Dykema of Phoenix, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, one son, two brothers and one sister. A memorial has been established.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 6, 1975 - Saturday, pg 6

EDWARD DYKEMA , 75, of 206 W. Knox St., Morrison, died Wednesday, Oct 11, 1995, at Samaritan Hospital North, Clinton, Iowa. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Morrison, with the Rev. Mike Wiersema, Associate Pastor of Open Bible Fellowship, Morrison, officiating. Burial will be at Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Dykema was born Sept. 23, 1920, in Morrison, the son of David and Jennie (Dykema) Dykema. He married Jeanette Schaver on Jan. 29, 1942 in Erie. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County schools. He farmed in the rural Carroll County and Morrison areas his entire life retiring in 1981. He was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison, and was a member and served on the board of the Cattleman's Association. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette; one son, Kevin R. Dykema of Morrison; three grandchildren, Jerri Lynn Dykema, Jennifer Dykema, and Nathan Dykema; and three brothers, Preston and Arthur Dykema both of Morrison, and Harvey Dykema of Polo. He was preceded in death by one son, Larry Dykema; and one brother, Wilbur Dykema.
Contributed Barbara Nugent Sterling, Illinois Daily Gazette, Wednesday, 11 Oct 1995, A2;6

JENNIE (DYKEMA) DYKEMA , 77, of Morrison, passed away Thursday (5 June 1969) at 5 p.m. in the Resthave Home, Morrison, following an illness of the past five years. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in the Ebenezer Reformed Church, preceded by prayer services at 1:45 in the church basement. The Rev. Harry Buis will officiate with burial in Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the Reynolds Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. A memorial has been established by the family. Jennie Dykema was born Oct. 29, 1891 in Fulton, the daughter of Henry and Henrietta Zaagman Dykema. She was educated in Fulton schools and married Dave Dykema on Dec. 6, 1917 in Morrison. They farmed in Union Grove Township until 1960, when they moved to Morrison. She was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church, Ladies Aid and Quilting Club. She is survived by her husband, five sons, Preston, Wilbur and Arthur Dykema of Morrison; Edward of Argo Fay; Harvey of Polo; three sisters, Mrs. Grace Musselman of Lanark; Mrs. William (Bertha) Ekster of Chicago; Mrs. William R. (Irene) Niven of Culver City, Calif.; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild. She was preceded by her parents, six brothers, four sisters and one son in infancy.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Sterling, Illinois Daily Gazette, Friday, 6 June 1969, 6;4

JUDY LYNN DYKEMA , 13 month old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dykema, of Portland near Erie, passed away Wednesday noon at the Jane Lamb hospital in Clinton, Ia., following an illness of 10 days. Judy Lynn was born Feb. 15, 1948 in the Morrison hospital. Surviving are the parents, Edward and Mildred Williams Dykema, two brothers, Richard, 6, and Kenneth 3, the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Cykema of Erie, and the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary L. Williams of Lanark. The body was brought to the Schilling funeral home where services will be conducted Friday at 3 p.m. with the Rev. T. H. Benton, pastor of the Fenton EUB church officiating. Interment will be in the Erie cemetery.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 24, 1949 - Thursday, pg. 2, col. 2

EMMA (LAM0N) DYKSTRA , 80, Morrison, a resident of Harbor Crest Nursing Home at Fulton for several years, died Saturday (05 May 1973) at Mercy Hospital, Clinton, Iowa. Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. at the Ebenezer Reformed Church, with the Rev. Henry Van Raalte officiating. Burial was in Grove Hill Cemetery. A memorial was established in her memory. Emma Lamon was born Feb. 11, 1893 at Muskegon, Mich., the daughter of Thomas and Henrietta Haan Laman. She attended Muskegon schools and came to Morrison where she was married Dec. 13, 1971 (sic?) to Hugo Dykstra. The couple farmed in the Morrison area and she later moved to Morrison. She was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church and the Women's Missionary Society. Survivors include one daughter, Minnie, at home; two sons, Robert, Morrison and Thomas, Fulton; four grandchildren; one brother, Alex, Muskegon, Mich.; and one sister, Mrs. Kate Folkens, Clinton, Minn. She was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 7, 1973 - Monday, pg 2

HARVEY DYKSTRA , 74, of 607 W. Buffalo, Polo, died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999 at his home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Polo, with the Rev. Charlette Hoffman officiating. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Polo. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Dykema was born July 25, 1924, in Morrison, the son of David J. and Jennie (Dykema) Dykema. He married Viola Mae (Totsie) Folk on Oct. 27, 1946, in Polo. She survives. He was employed by Propheter Construction as an operating engineer. He was a member of Local Union 150 and Emmanuel United Methodist Church. He was a past member of Polo Lion's Club. Survivors include two sons, Dennis (Sheryl) Dykema of Franklin, Tenn., and David Dykema of Rockford; two daughters, Debra Gribbins and Danette (Ernie) Cox, both of Polo; a brother, Arthur Dykema of Morrison; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Wilbur Dykema, Edward Dykema and Preston Dykema.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Sterling, Illinois Daily Gazette, Thursday, 7 January 1999, A2;1

JOHN E. DYKSTRA , 81, of 1121 6th Avenue, Fulton, IL, died Sunday, November 5, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, IA. John was born November 11, 1924, in Thomson, IL to Joseph and Kate (Buikema) Dykstra. He was educated in the Thomson Grade School. He married Doris R. Vanderploeg on June 19, 1945 in Fulton, IL. John engaged in farming in the rural Morrison and Fulton, IL areas. He was also employed by Drives Inc. of Fulton, retiring in 1988. He was a charter member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Fulton and served as a deacon, a Cadet Counselor and belonged to the church’s Men’s Society. He was a member of the Whiteside Farm Bureau and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and the fellowship of family gatherings on Sundays. Survivors include his wife, Doris; one daughter, Sharon (Mrs. Wayne) Rickertsen of Low Moor, IA; four sons, Len (Shirley) Dykstra of Fulton, Russ (Julie) Dykstra of Fulton, Dave (Laurie) Dykstra of Morrison, and Warren (Karen) Dykstra of Clinton, IA; seven grandchildren, Lori (Mrs. Joel) Brown; Jason Rickertsen; Jeff Dykstra, Deanna Lankford, Kendall Dykstra; Matthew and Kristen Dykstra; two step grandchildren, John and Chris Williams; four great grandchildren, Justin Brown, Stephanie and Makayla Lankford; Taylor Dykstra; one sister, Kathryn (Clarence) Huizenga of Fulton; one brother, Sebert (Wilma) Dykstra of Fulton. He was preceded in death by one sister, Gertrude Nelson; one brother, Allen Dykstra.

JOHN J. DYKSTRA , 70, of #4 Genesee Court, Morrison, IL, formerly of 13131 Hillside Road, Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, October 17, 2006, at his home. John was born May 25, 1936 in Fenton, IL, to John S. and Anna (Link) Dykstra. He was educated in rural Whiteside County grade schools and was a 1954 graduate of Fulton High School in Fulton, IL. He married Arlene F. Feldt on October 12, 1956 in Fulton. He was engaged in farming in the the rural Morrison area his entire life. John was a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Fulton and had served as a deacon. He was a member of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed gardening and long rides in the country. Survivors include his wife, Arlene; one daughter, Marcia (Mrs. Larry) Heinitz of Morrison; two sons, Michael (Cindy) Dykstra of Manhattan, IL and Alan Dykstra of Morrison; seven grandchildren, Jenny (Mrs. Nathan) Anderson, Mathew Tegeler & (Megan Schuler), Jacquelyn (Mrs. Spencer) Hume, Michael Dykstra, Andrew Dykstra & (Amanda Cain), Angie Dykstra & (Brian Waugh) and David Dykstra; four great grandchildren, Keegan and Alexander Anderson; Isaiah and McKenzie Hume; four brothers, Sidney (Margaret) Dykstra and Gary (Donna) Dykstra both of Fulton; Donald (Joycelyn) Dykstra and Robert (Eleanor) Dykstra both of Bellflower, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Beatrice Browneye; and one brother in infancy. Burial in Grove Hill Cemetery – Morrison, IL

MINNIE DYKSTRA , Funeral services for Mrs. Bernie (Minnie) Dykstra of Fulton, sister of Mrs Edwin Bush and Henry Schipper, both of Morrison were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the First Christian Reformed Church of Fulton. The Rev. John Groenewold officiated and burial was in Fulton Cemetery . the organist, Mrs. Henry Rozeboom, accompanied the vocalist, Mrs. Dick Schaver and Mrs. Dalbert Temple. The casket bearers were Douglas Bush, Raymond Dykstra, Sebert J. Dykstra, Eugene Schipper, Harvey Schipper and Vernon Schipper. The flower bearers were Mrs. Henry R Bielema, Mrs. Leonard Feldt and Mrs. Albert Prins. The Bosma Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Contributed Margaret Mangers - by July 17, 1969 Sterling Gazette

PAULINE (VOSS) DYKSTRA , 79, of Fulton, Ill., died Tuesday at Harbor Crest Nursing Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Fulton, with the Rev. Len Meinema, pastor of Bethel Christian Reformed Church, officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery. She was born Jan. 29, 1926, in Fulton to John and Jennie Newendyke Voss. She married Frank Dykstra on Oct. 15, 1948, in Fulton. She was educated in the Fulton Grade School and graduated from Fulton High School. She was employed with Fidelity Life Association and Nielsen Clearing House, Clinton, until retiring. She was a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church, the church's choir and the Lydia Society. She was a member of the Fulton Christian School Ladies Auxiliary and the PTA. Survivors include her husband; four daughters, Patricia Merema of Fulton, Mrs. Diane (Lee) Kruger of Ackley, Mrs. Gayle (Michael) White of Woodstock, Ga., and Mrs. Gisele (Michael) Lehnkuhl of Pella; one son, Michael Dykstra of Kansas City, Kan.; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Cora Hartman of Savanna, Ill. . She was preceded in death by five sisters and five brothers.

PETER S. DYKSTRA , 72, of Fulton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (1 Sep 1968) at the Mercy Hospital, Clinton, where he had been admitted the night before. He made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Willard Deelsnyder. Funeral services were held Tuesday (today) at the First Christian Reformed Church of Fulton, the Rev. John Groenewold officiating, with burial in Fulton Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Bosma Funeral Home. Peter Dykstra was born March 25, 1896 in the Netherlands, the son of Sam and Rose Dykstra, coming to the United States in 1924. He married Anna Postma and she passed away in 1949. He married Edna Hurlburt in October of 1949 and she passed away in 1960. He is survived by five daughters, Mrs. John (Janette) Vanderlaan, Mrs. Vernon (Rose) Zuidema, both of Morrison; Mrs. Lyle (Maryanna) Smith, Mrs. Willard (Sadie) Deelsnyer and Mrs. Gerald (Betty) Boelkens, all of Fulton; two sons, Frank and Sidney; 25 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; his mother in Netherlands; sister, Mrs. Fred Vanderwall, in Netherlands; three brothers, John S. and Charles of Fulton; Louis of Hammond, Ind.; stepbrother, Loren Hurlburt of Danville. He was preceded by his father and wives.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 3, 1968 - Tuesday, pg 2

PRESTON J. DYKSTRA , 78, of Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, died Friday, May 16, 1997, at CGH Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Dr. Calvin J. Rynbrandt, pastor of Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison, officiating. Burial will be at Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Dykema was born Dec. 23, 1918, in Morrison, the son of Dave J. and Jennie (Dykema) Dykema. He married Jessie Ottens on May 23, 1941, in Morrison. He was raised in the Union Grove Township area. He was a farmer in the Morrison and Prophetstown area until 1962 when he was employed by Monsanto and Whiteside F.S. prior to retiring in 1982. He was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church, Morrison, Whiteside County Farm Bureau and the I.O.O.F. Survivors include his wife, Jessie of Morrison; and two brothers, Harvey (Viola) Dykema of Polo and Arthur Dykema of Morrison. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Dykema and Wilbur Dykema.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent Sterling, Illinois Daily Gazette, Saturday, 17 May 1997, A2;3-4

W. DWIGHT DYKEMA , 83, of the Resthave Nursing Home in Morrison, died Sunday at the nursing home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. James A. Camp, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison with graveside military funeral honors. He was born April 23, 1921, in Morrison to Harry and Kate De Groot Dykema. He married Marjorie A. Schroeder on May 20, 1944, in Los Angeles. She died in 1995. He was educated in the Morrison Grade schools and was a Morrison High School graduate. He served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. He was employed with Volckmann's Furniture Factory in Morrison and then worked with Vern's Home Furnishings. He was a self-employed carpet installer and cleaner. Most recently, he was a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Morrison for 32 years before retiring. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, Morrison VFW Post 8281 and Morrison American Legion Post 328. He was a longtime member of the former Morrison Country Club. He was inducted into the Morrison High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Survivors include one daughter, Janice Lewis of Morrison; one son, John (Mary) Dykema of Morrison; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, June Johnson of St. Petersburg, Fla. Memorials may be made to Resthave Nursing Home in Morrison. He was preceded in death by his wife, one grandson and two sisters.
Clinton Herald 22 Nov 2004

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