O B I T U A R I E S For Whiteside County Illinois D JEAN A. DEARBORN , 90, 616 West 13th St., Sterling, died Thursday evening at Community General Hospital. A private memorial service will be held. Arrangements were completed by the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling. A memorial has been established to the Library of Congress Talking Book Program. Jean Dearborn was born on Oct 29, 1894 in Camden, NJ. She was united in marriage to Charles Watt Dearborn. She resided for several years with her grandson, Skip Lee in Sterling. Surviving are two daughters Mrs. Robert L (Mary Ann) Lee, Louisville, Ky, Mrs. Pat Schmidt, Santa Barbara, Calif.; eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her husband Charles in 1947 and one daughter, Janet Thorpe in 1974 Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Feb 2, 1985 Daily Gazette ANNIE L. (ENGEL) DEETS of Emerson passed away at her home in that village Friday [11/07/1924] afternoon at 3:30 o’clock, after an illness of about two years, much of which time she was confined to her bed. On October 1st she suffered a stroke of paralysis and steadily failed until death came. She was 61 years of age, and had spent practically all of her life in the vicinity of Emerson, and for the past twenty-one years had resided in that place. The funeral service will be held Sunday at 2 o’clock at the late home and at 2:30 o’clock at the Emerson Lutheran church. Rev. E. C. Harris will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery. Beside her husband, she leaves two sons, John and Charles, both of Emerson, one brother Otto Engel of Milledgeville, and ten grandchildren, also a large circle of friends. She was a very patient sufferer throughout her long siege of illness, and the care which she required endeared her all the more to the members of the family and her friends, and she will be greatly missed. Another Obit: Annie L. Engel was born in Sterling Township, Jan. 8, 1863, and died Nov. 7, 1924, age 61 years, 9 months, 29 days. She was the daughter of Carl and Minnie (Mumur)) [sic] Engel. Her early life was spent in this vicinity and on August 31, 1881, she was united in marriage to Wilson W. Deets, their home being made in Hopkins township where they engaged in farming until moving to Emerson. Mrs. Deets from early life was a member of the Lutheran church. She was a patient sufferer throughout her long illness, the care which she required endearing her all the more to the members of her family and friends. Most keenly will she be missed by members of her own household, these being her husband and two sons, Charles W. and John L. and ten grandchildren, besides a host of friends and relatives. One brother, Max, and one sister, Bendena Hellum, preceded her in death. Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the Sterling Daily Gazette, November 8 & 11, 1924 BERTHA GERTRUDE (MENSCH) DEETS , 82, Emerson, passed away Friday, Feb. 20 at 4p.m. at her home, after a sudden illness. Funeral services will be held at the Behrens Mortuary Monday at 1:30 p.m., with the Rev. Luther Cooperrider officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Mausoleum. Bertha Mensch was born April 17, 1887, in Hopkins Township, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Mensch. She was educated in the Hopkins and Emerson Schools. She married Charles W. Deets Jan. 18, 1906, in Mason City, Iowa. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Laurence of Fort Pierce, Fla.; Clarence, Lyndon; one daughter, Mrs. Clair (Kathryn) Schwank, rural Sterling; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; two brothers, Lee Mensch, Manley, Iowa; Glen Mensch, Mason City, Iowa; and one sister Mrs. Paul Barclay, Mason City, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, one brother, one sister, and two grandsons. Friends may call at the Behrens Mortuary from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday. FUNERAL - Services for Bertha G. Deets were held Monday afternoon at Behrens Mortuary. The Rev. Luther H. Cooperrider of St. John's Lutheran Church officiated and burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. Wesley Koster served as organist and accompanied the soloist, Mrs. Robert Kind, who sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "I'm But a Stranger Here, Heaven is My Home." Pallbearers were Mason Deets, Robert Deets, Elroy Hinrichs, Gary Schwank, Ricky Schwank and Henry Mennenga. Flowers were taken care of by Swartley Florists. Contributed by Mike Hosler - Probably the Gazette 21 Feb 1970 BETTY (MILLHOUSE) DEETS , age 79, of Milledgeville, died Thursday, October 17, 2002 at Coventry Village Nursing Home, Sterling. Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the Milledgeville Brethren Church with Reverend Russell Gordon officiating. Visitation took place on Monday, October 21, 2002 from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM at the Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Milledgeville and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial services concluded at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Milledgeville Brethren Church, Hospice of the Rock River Valley, and the Alzheimer's Association. Mrs. Deets was born January 18, 1923 in Sterling, Illinois the daughter of Glenn Arthur and Esther Mae (Shaible) Millhouse. After high school, she married Gail W. Deets on November 11, 1941 in Milledgeville. Betty was a member of the Milledgeville Brethren Church, was involved in the Women's Missionary Society, the Milledgeville Grange, and the Carroll County Help Center. Survivors include her husband, Gail W. Deets of Milledgeville; three daughters, Nancy Deets of Monroe, WI, Beverly (Paul) Capp of Rock Falls, and Rogene (George) Kepner of Lena; two brothers, Robert (Ann) Millhouse of Polo and Richard (Janice). Contributed by Lori Gilbert CAROLINE (PLANK) DEETS the wife of John Deets, died at her home north of Coleta Saturday [01/27/1900] morning at 3:15 o’clock, from an illness of dropsy of a few months. She had been under the care of a doctor for over a year, but nothing serious was thought of her condition until about two months a go, when it was feared that she could not recover. Her death has cast a gloom over the entire community and the grief-stricken husband and children have the sincerest sympathy of everyone. The funeral services were held from the Radical U. B. church Monday morning at 10 o’clock, conducted by the Rev. J. H. Grimm. The interment was at Riverside cemetery in this city. Caroline Plank was born in New Holland, Lancaster county, Pa., June 30, 1837. She was married to John Deets Oct. 15, 1861. In 1868 they moved to Illinois, locating in Jordan. In 1881 they again moved to Genesee township, where they have resided ever since. To them were born six children. The deceased leaves besides her sorrowing husband two children to mourn her death. They are Mrs. J. C. Crom and George W. Deets, both of whom reside near the home of the deceased. Her three brothers, George, John, and Diller, reside in Lancaster county, Pa. All of the relatives have been telegraphed the sad news of the death. Mrs. Deets joined the Radical United Brethren church thirty-eight years ago, and has always been an ardent worker and has lived a beautiful christian life. She was a woman loved by everyone and her friends are numbered by the score. She was conscious to the last and made farewell to the friends a few moments before passing to that better world. She died happy, and without a struggle. As a mother she was all that one could be, loving, kind and indulgent, as a wife, she was loyal, helpful and sympathetic, as a friend and neighbor she was kindly disposed and a great help to many. She has lived a good life and the world is better for her having been in it. She leaves vacant a place which can never be filled. (The Sterling Daily Standard, January 29, 1900, page 5, column 2) ANOTHER OBIT: Mrs. Caroline Deets, an aged and highly respected lady of this place, after several months of lingering illness and patient suffering, passed from this life into the beyond at 8 o’clock Saturday [01/27/1900] morning, aged 66 years, 5 months and 26 days. The deceased was born in New Holland, Lancaster county, Pa., June 30, 1834,(s/b 1837) where she resided with her parents until 1867, when she was married to John Deets. In 1868 they came west and settled in Jordan township, this county, where Mr. Deets engaged in farming. A few years later they moved to Coleta, where they have since resided, sharing each other’s reverses and joys through a quiet and honorable life. To them were born six children, two of whom survive with the husband of the deceased to mourn the lost of a tender, loving wife and mother. The surviving children are Mrs. J. C. Crom and George Deets, both residents in this vicinity. At the age of 28, Mrs. Deets was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, later uniting with the United Brethren in Christ, of which church she remained a strict and energetic member until her death. Her affliction was dropsy of the heart and her illness was of several months duration and very severe. Notwithstanding this, however, her faith was steadfast and her last words as she passed from time into eternity were praising God for his wonderful goodness toward the children of men. A true type of womanhood, ever patient, ever kind, ever sensitive for the comfort of others and a staunch advocate of pure and undefiled religion was the embodiment of this good soul that has gone to reap the reward of the faithful. To work in the church and Sunday school was her highest delight and she was always found ready when duty called. The church has lost a support and earnest worker, the community a true and tried friend and the family a kind, loving and affectionate wife and mother. Each heart in this community beats in unison with sympathy for the family in this, the loss of their loved one. The funeral services were held at the Radical U. B. Church at 10 o’clock Monday [01/29/1900] morning, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. H. Grimm, assisted by Rev. Mr. Groff, Rev. Mr. Hicks and Rev. Mr. McKimm, ministers in our village. Rev. Mr. Grimm delivered a very appropriate and touching sermon, the basis of his remarks being scripture found in Numbers 23:3. — “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his?” The remains were taken to Sterling where they were tenderly laid to rest beside a son who preceded his mother several years ago. The pall bearers at the church were Charles Garwick, Hugh Shannon, J. M. Overholser, Philip Lenhart and David Overholser. Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Evening Gazette, February 1, 1900, page 6, column 4 CHARLES DEETS , an account of whose injuries in a runaway Wednesday, was published in the Standard yesterday, died Friday [05/06/1910] evening at 5 o’clock, never having rallied from the loss of blood and shock attending the amputation of his arm and the effects of other injuries received. He passed away at the home of Miles Wallace near Coleta, where he was taken immediately after the accident. Funeral services will be held at the family home, two miles southwest of Milledgeville, Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, and Rev. Mr. Breden of Coleta will conduct the services. Interment will be in Bethel cemetery. Mr. Deets would have been 45 years of age next June. He was a son of William Deets and was highly regarded by a wide circle of friends. An obituary will be printed later. (The Sterling Daily Standard, May 7, 1910, page 1, column 6) OBITUARY: Charles Deets who resides northwest of Coleta, died last evening [05/06/1910] at 4:30 o’clock from the effects of an injury received in a runaway Wednesday [05/04/1910] afternoon. It will be remembered that Mr. Deets went to Miles Wallace’s timber lot to get a load of wood, and the wagon struck a stump and he was thrown off the wagon, and his arm was badly injured, the main artery, the blood vessels and the muscle being badly torn. He walked three-quarters of a mile to the home of Mr. Wallace and was faint from the loss of blood. The doctors made an attempt to save his arm, and on Friday morning found it necessary to amputate the member near the shoulder. When the operation occurred it was believed that he could not recover due to the great loss of blood, which weakened the body and made the fight for life very unequal. Although he rallied from the effects of the operation he was so weak that it was impossible to recover. He began growing weaker Friday afternoon and died Friday evening at 4:30 o’clock. The remains have been taken to his home, and the funeral arrangements will be announced later. Mr. Deets was about forty-five years of age, and leaves a wife and several children to mourn his death. He also leaves several brothers and a sister. Owing to the fact that he has a brother residing in California, the funeral arrangements will not be made until word is received from his brother. (Sterling Evening Gazette, May 7, 1910) ANOTHER NOTICE: Charles H. Deets was born in Genesee township June 9, 1865, and died May 6, 1910, aged 44 years, 10 months and 28 days. He was married to Frances S. Ulmer February 8, 1888. Besides the grief-stricken widow, the following children mourn the loss of a father whose kindness and care was of unusual gentleness: Raymond C., Glenn V., Florence M., and Raby L. His father and mother, five brothers, John L of Coleta, William D., Frank and Harry of Milledgeville, Arthur of Los Angeles, Cal., and four sisters, Mrs. J. B. Fenton of Freeport, Mrs. Wm. Harrison of Sterling, Mrs. R. K. Hucker of Morrison and Nellie of Milledgeville, also survive him. One brother, Josiah, preceded him to the better world. At the time of his death he was a sincere follower of Christ and an active worker in the United Brethren church of Coleta. The funeral service at the residence Sunday [05/08/1910] at 1 p.m., was conducted by Rev. J. G. Breden of Coleta. Interment was in Bethel cemetery (Carroll County IL). (The Sterling Daily Standard, May 10, 1910, page 1, column 5) Contributed by Larry Reynolds CHARLES DEETS - Relatives here have received word of the death of Charles Deets, which occurred at Bellingham, Washington, at 12:30 o’clock Monday [09/13/1926] morning. Mr. Deets had been suffering for some time from heart trouble and dropsy. W. W. Deets of Sterling and J. M. Deets of Emerson are brothers of the decedent. Besides the two brothers, the widow and seven children, all of whom resided in the state of Washington, survive. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Johnson of Pullman, Washington. Mr. Deets was a resident of Whiteside county during the earlier years of his life, living at Emerson for many years before he went to Washington about 30 years ago to make his home. Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the Sterling Daily Gazette, September 13, 1926 CHARLES WILSON DEETS , 92, RR 4, Emerson, Sterling, died Tuesday afternoon at Community General Hospital after a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home with Dr. Alfred A.Grewe officiating. Entombment will be at Riverside Mausoleum. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2- 9 p.m. Thursday. A memorial fund has been established. Charles Deets was born Nov. 23, 1883 in Hopkins Township, the son of William and Annie Engle Deets. He was educated in Emerson School and farmed 23 years in Hopkins Township. He was married Jan. 18, 1906 in Mason City, Iowa to Bertha Mensch. She died Feb. 20, 1970. Survivors include two sons, Laurence Deets of Fort Pierce, Fla. and Clarence Deets of Lyndon; one daughter, Mrs. Clair (Kathryn) Schwank of RFD 2, Sterling; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one brother, John L. Deets of RFD 3, Sterling. He was preceded by his parents, his wife and two grandchilddren. Contributed by Mike Hosler // Deets Family CLARE DEETS - Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Allen Funeral Home for Mrs. Clare (Josephine) Deets of 814 E. 16th St., Sterling, who died Saturday. (24 Dec 1966) The Rev. Robert Webb, pastor of the Coleta E.U.B. Church, officiated at the services with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Mrs. Roscoe Eades was at the organ during the services with Ray Smith of Ridott, Ill., singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Pallbearers were George Aper, Arthur Crofton, Lawrence Hinrichs, Alvin Neitzke, Kennth Overholser and Robert Rieff. Contributed by Melva Taylor CLARE W. DEETS , 87, formerly of 814 E. 16th St., Sterling, died Thursday [02/13/1975] afternoon at Sterling Colonial Acres. Funeral services will be held at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling on Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Ben White, pastor of the Coleta United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Clare Deets was born April 5, 1887, in Milledgeville, the son of John L. and Margaret Heffelman Deets. He was united in marriage on Feb. 25, 1908 to the former Josephine E. Brown, who preceded him in death Dec. 24, 1966. The couple farmed until 1957 west of Coleta. Mr. Deets moved to Genessee Township at one and a half years of age, lived 40 years on the same farm and moved to Sterling in 1958. Survivors are one son, Donovan of Rock Island; one grandson; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Gardie (Gladys) Wolber and Mrs. Ernest (Achsia) Wagner, both of Milledgeville; and Mrs. Anna Peugh of Sterling. Hie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one daughter, Mrs. Letha Strohecker. FUNERAL NOTICE: Clare W. Deets, 87, formerly of 814 E. 16th St., Sterling died Thursday [02/13/1975] afternoon at Sterling Colonial Acres. Funeral services were held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Ben White, pastor of the Coleta United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Mrs. Roscoe Eades played the organ for the service, while Tim S. Allen sang. Pallbearers were Kenneth Overholser, Lawrence Hinrichs, Arthur Crofton, George Aper, Alvin Neitzke and Robert Reiff. Flowers were cared for Contrubuted Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, February 14, 1975, page 6, column 1 CRAIG ORVILLE DEETS , 69, 614 Third Ave., Rock Falls, died Wednesday [08/11/1976] morning at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home with the Rev. Barry Britton, pastor of East Jordan United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7-9 p.m. tonight where IOOF services will be held at 7:30 p.m. C. Orville Deets was born March 31, 1907 in Jordan Township, the son of Fremont and Theresa Dombroski Deets. He was educated in Fairview schools. He was a retired carpenter and also farmed on Freeport Road for 30 years, retiring in 1959. He was a member of IOOF or Rock Falls, the Rock Falls Rebekah Lodge and the East Jordan United Methodist Church. C. Orville Deets married Dorothy Tucker in Jordan Township on March 4, 1931. He then married Della Miller on Nov. 28, 1945. Survivors include his widow, Della; one daughter, Mrs. Evelyn (Richard) Nelson of North Lake; one son, Lawrence Deets of Polo; one foster son, Ricky Johnson of Rock Falls; one foster daughter, Mrs. Don (Paulette) Parker of Freeport; one step daughter, Mrs. Joel (JoAnn) Harshman of Quincy; three brothers Nolan of Sterling, Harry of Polo and Robert of Dixon; one sister Evelyn Deets of Sterling; 11 grandchildren; and five step grandchildren. He was preceded by one daughter, Mrs. John (Mary) Kreider in 1974 and one brother Edgar Deets in 1965. Funeral Notice: C. Orville Deets, 69, died Wednesday [08/11/1976] and funeral services were held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home. The Rev. Barry Britton, pastor of East Jordan United Methodist Church, officiated. Burial was in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Craig Deets was organist. Pallbearers were Lawrence Scott, Sam Seavey, Jay Seavey, Harry Insley, Wilbur Miley and Fred Hohlen. Flowers were cared for by Lundstom’s. Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, August 14, 1976, page 4, column 1 DELLA (OBERNDORF) DEETS , who has been ill for some weeks passed away at her home, 805 East Third street this morning at 6 o’clock. Funeral services will be held from the family residence Friday [05/17/1912] afternoon at 2 o’clock to be followed by interment in Riverside cemetery. Della May Oberndorf was born in Sterling July 13, 1881 and was united in marriage to Grant Deets about three years ago. She spent her entire lifetime in Sterling and has a host of friends who are greatly grieved to hear of her sudden taking away. Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the Sterling Daily Standard, May 15, 1912 HELEN (SEIDEL) DEETS , 78 of Sterling died Friday May 17 2002 at Coventry Village Nursing Home, Sterling. Mrs. Deets was born on Dec 12 1923 in Rock Falls, the daughter of John and Myrtle (Humphrey) Seidel. She married Lyle B Deets on June 19 1943, in Rock Falls. He died Oct 13 1995. She was a member of 1st Christian Church, Rock Falls and the VFW Auxiliary. Survivors include 3 daughters, Sandra (Roger) McVay of Rockford, Nancy (John) Sparrow of Clearwater FL and Holly (Kevin) SUtton of Tucson AZ; two sons, Terry Deets of Stoughton and Lyle Deets of Show Low AZ; two brothers, William (Shirley) Seidel of Tidusville FL and Richard Seidel of Rock Falls; four sisters; Dorothy Nehrkorn, Florence Leach and Marjorie Townsend all of Rock Falls, and Midlred Unger of Sterling. 13 Grandhcildren, and 13 great granchildren. Graveside service is at 11 AM Thursday at I00F Cemetery RF. No Visitation. Mc Donald Funeral Home arrangements. Daily Gazette May 20, 2002 HENRY DEETS of Rock Falls, who submitted to an operation at the Sterling public hospital Monday, May 10, passed away Wednesday [05/12/1926] afternoon at 1:20 o’clock noon , at the hospital. Mr. Deets was about 35 years of age and unmarried. An obituary and funeral announcement will be published later. Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the Sterling Daily Gazette, May 12, 1926 HENRY DEETS , a prosperous farmer living near Harmon, (Lee County) was found dead in the road near Garland’s corner, two miles south of Harmon, this morning. His head was crushed in and he was otherwise bruised about the body. In the opinion of the coroner and others, he was seized with an attack of apoplexy or heart failure while on his way from Harmon and fell from the wagon, either his own wagon or that of someone else passing over his head and crushing it. A verdict to this effect was brought in by the coroner’s jury this morning. Mr. Deets spent the afternoon in Harmon and left for home after dark. His team appeared at his home shortly after midnight and were found in the yard, hitched to the wagon and in good condition, by members of the family. Fearing that he was injured, neighbors were appealed to at once by telephone and searching parties scoured the various roads it was believed he might have taken. The body was finally found this morning about 4 o’clock by Thomas Garland, lying at the side of the road the head crushed in as above stated. The road is one traveled but little and in a rough condition. Mr. Deets was a prosperous farmer slightly past middle age and highly respected by all who knew him. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made. Contributed by Larry Reynolds from The Sterling Daily Standard, December 20, 1912 HENRY HARRISON DEETS , a well-known citizen, died at the family home, 910 Third Ave, at 2 o'clock Sunday morning. Death was due to heart disease. The deceased had not enjoyed good health for several weeks, but his condition was not considered serious and no manifestations of approaching dissolution were present. Mrs. Deets was waiting upon her husband and laid down on the bed for a short rest. Upon awakening she made the painful discovery that the patient had passed away. Mr. Deets was a native of PA, having been born near Lancaster, March 31, 1840. He was married at Lancaster, February 27, 1868, to Miss Susan Goss, who with eight children survive. The children are: Harry, Grant, Roy and Frank Deets of this city; Mrs. Veretta Crom of Coletta, Mrs. Linda Smith of Carroll Co., Mo., Mrs. Hattie Miller of Sterling and Fremont Deets of Milledgeville. Mr. Deets faithfully served his country during the Civil War as a member of Co. D., 99th Regiment, PA volunteers. He was, at the time of his death, a prominent member of the local G.A.R. post. Mr. Deets came to Sterling in April, 1875, since which time he has made his home here. He was for 13 years employed at the C.B. & Q. depot, resigning two years ago to accept the position as janitor of the new government building, which he filled at the time of his death. He was a familiar figure on the streets as he had for years carried the mail from the Q depot to the post office. The deceased was a member of the 4th street church and lived a life consistent with his religious beliefs. The funeral services will be held at the home at 2 o'clock Wednesday and at the 4th Street M.E. Church at 2:30 o'clock, under the auspices of the members of Will Robinson post, G.A.R. Interment will be made in Riverside Cemetery. JACKIE DEETS 126 Oak Lane Drive, Universal City, Texas, wife of Lt. Col. Lloyd F. Deets, whose parents, Mr.a nd Mrs. John Deets, live at R.R. 3, Sterling, died Tuesday, May 2, following a lingering illness. Memorial services will be held at the Randolph Air Force Base Chapel at 2 p.m., May 4. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery at Waco TX. She is survived by her daughter; one daughter, Tracy; and her mother, Mrs. Laura Schappin, who made her home with them; also, by brothers and sisters-in-law and numberous neices and nephews in this area. Contributed by M. King Deets // Deets Family JAMES M. DEETS , 87, died about 2 p.m. Thursday in the Jane Lamb hospital at Clinton IA, where he had been a patient about five weeks. He entered the hospital after he returned from a winter vacation in Florida. Services will be held Saturday at 2 from the Trouth funeral home with Dr. Alfred L. Grewe, pastor of St. John's Lutheran church, officiating. Interment will be in the Riverside mausoleum. He was born April 6, 1865, son of Louis and Margaret (Wetzel Deets. A resident of Emerson for 27 years, he opened a wagon making shop in 1886, and on Nov. 8, 1888 he married Olive E. Carolus. He also operated a farm. Survivors include three sons; Lester J. Deets, Emerson; James F. Deets, Rock Falls and Lee E. Deets of New York; one daughter, Miss Florence Deets; one sister; four grandchildren and a great grandchild. He was preceded by his wife who died in 1926 and ten brothers and sisters. Funeral rites for James M. Deets were conducted at w Saturday in the Trouth Funeral Home by Dr. Alfred L. Grewe of St. John's Lutheran church. Mrs. Frank Graehling was organist. The burial was in Riverside, the pall bearers being Clarence and Mason Deets, Elwood Depuy, John Wolber, Charles Hunt and Charles Reed. Floral tributes were taken care of by Mrs. Gertrude Wolber, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Crabtree and Mrs. Charles Reed. Contributed by M. King Deets // Deets Family History // Biography JESSE LOUISE (SIVITS) DEETS , 81, of 105 E 23rd St., Sterling, died early Jan 19, 1993, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. "Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at East Jordan United Methodist Church, rural Sterling, with the Rev Russell F. Coats, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at East Jordan Cemetery. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday at the church. A Memorial has been established to the East Jordan United Methodist Church. Mrs. Deets was born Dec 10, 1911, in Dixon, the daughter of Jessie and Bertha (Detweiler) Sivits. She was a 1929 graduate of Sterling High School. She married Nolan R. Deets, Sr., on Dec 6, 1931, in Sterling. He died Aug 13, 1991. She was a lifetime member of East Jordan United Methodist Church. She is survived by three sons, Nolan Russell Deets, Jr., Myron Jesse Deets, and Alan Fremont Deets all of Sterling; two daughters, Mrs. Frank (Arlene) Holmes of Sterling and Mrs. Neil (Susan) Hains of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Mason Sivits of Dixon; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sisters. Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Thursday, 21 January 1993; A2; 3]. JOHN L. DEETS , 97, RR3, Deets Rd., Sterling, died early Saturday afternoon (06 Aug 1983) at the Skilled Care Unit of Morrision Community Hospital, Morrison. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with Rev. Dalmus Meeks, pastor of the Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday evening. A memorial has been established to the Harvest Time Bible Church. John Deets was born in Emerson on Dec. 17, 1885, the son of William W. and Anna L. Engel Deets. On March 11, 1908 he was united in marriage to the former Bessie Stanley and farmed most of his life. Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Christ (Hazel) Haberer, Polo; Mrs. Lawrence (Dorothy) McDearmon, Mt. Carroll; Mrs. Myrl (Nellie) Stewart, Sterling; Mrs. B. G. (Bessie) Perkins, Prophetstown and Mrs. Charles (Marian) Mangan, Galt; five sons, Milton, Bettendorf, Iowa; Chester, Morrison; Mason, Sterling; Lloyd, Austin, Texas and Charles, Rock Falls; 37 grandchildren; 64 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Bessie on Dec. 29, 1982, one daughter, Mildred; one brother, Charles; and two grandchildren. Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 8, 1983 - Monday, pg A4 JOSIAH DEETS - We regret to learn of the sudden death of Josiah Deets, which occurred at his residence on Wednesday morning, May 23. He had been sick but a short time, his death being caused by a swelling on one of his legs, which was caused by the kick of a cow. He was a strong, healthy man but a few days ago, and the brief termination of his life shows how frail is the chord which binds us to earth. Mr. Deets was about 36 years of age and highly respected by neighbors and friends. The funeral was conducted at Coleta yesterday afternoon. Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated 1888 Scrapbook Clipping LAWRENCE G. DEETS , 75, of Rock Falls, died Monday, Sept. 3, 2001 at CGH Medical Center. Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 8, 2001, at 10 a.m. in Trinity United Methodist Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Jonathon Singleton, officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation is Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls. A memorial has been established in his memory to Trinity United Methodist Church, Sterling. Lawrence G. Deets was born on Sept. 28, 1925, near Milledgeville, the son of LaVere and Rosa (Mundt) Deets. He was a graduate of the University of Chicago and a member of the Phi Gamma Delta. He married Bette Hollis on June 14, 1952, in Sterling. Mr. Deets was employed for 35 years at International Harvester, first at the Rock Falls plant, and upon their closing went to work at the East Moline facility. He was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the Army 101st Airborne Photo Recon Division. Mr. Deets was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Sterling, the Rock Falls Optimist Club, and was a life member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, hunting and photography. Surviving is his wife, Bette; his sons, Michal L. (Barb) Deets of Rockford, Mark L. (Teri) Deets of Spring Grove and Marshall L. "Pete" Deets of Baraboo, Wis.; his brother, Neil Deets of Vernal, Utah; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Ingram of Donovan, Hollis "Hal" Deets of Rockford, Josh and Alysa Deets, both of Spring Grove; and his great-grandson, Samuel Michal Ingram. He was preceded in death by his parents. Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, IllinoisSeptember 5, 2001 - Wednesday, pg. A5 LESTER J. DEETS , 82, RR 3 Sterling, a retired farmer died Saturday evening at Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Wednesday at Behrens Mortuary with Dr. Alfred Grewe and the Rev. Richard Hansen officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. There will be no visitation. Lester Deets was born Feb. 8, 1891 at Emerson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Deets. He was educated at Emerson School and attended the Art Institute at Chicago. He had farmed for many years in Emerson. He married Irene Hartman in Sterling. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. Survivors include his widow, three daughters, Mrs. Ronadl (Virginia) Koster, Sterling, MRs. William (Doris) Conroy, Capistrano Beach CA; Mrs. Ted (Betty) Sulouff, Sterling; two brothers, James, Sterling and Lee, NY; one sister Florence Deets, Prophetstown; nine grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Contributed by Mike Hosler MARGARET ISABELLE (COLBERT) DEETS , 72, died suddenly Monday [05/29/1933] afternoon at 1 o’clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. C. Burroughs, with whom she lived. Heart trouble was the cause of her death, following an illness of nine months. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the F. L. Dudley funeral chapel and at 2:30 at the Congregational church, with Rev. I. C. Campbell officiating. Burial will be in the cemetery at Girard, Kas., her former home. The body will be taken overland to Girard Thursday morning in the Dudley funeral car, where funeral services will be held Friday at the Christian church. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Burroughs and son, Charles and Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Dudley will accompany the body to Girard for burial. Margaret Isabelle Colbert was born June 23, 1860, at Troy, Mo. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Washington Colbert. She was married to Charles Deets of Girard, Kansas. He preceded her in death Sept. 28, 1917. Mrs. Deets spent practically all of her life in Kansas. She has resided in Prophetstown for the past ten years. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. J. C. Burroughs and one grandson, Charles Burroughs, both of Prophetstown, and one sister, Mrs. Martha Deets of Kansas City, Mo. Three sisters and two brothers preceded her in death. Mrs. Deets was amember of the local order of the Woman’s Relief Corps and of the Faithful Standby Sunday school class of the Congregational church. She was also a member of the Christian church of Girard, Kansas. Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, May 30, 1933, page 6, column 1. MARY (WALLACE) DEETS , died at her home in Coleta at 9:30 o’clock last night, after an illness of not more than a week of what is said to have been acute stomach trouble. The funeral will be held at the home tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, and at the Methodist church of Coleta at 10:30 o’clock. The Rev. Mr. Williams, pastor of the church, will be the officiating clergyman. Mary Wallace was born on a farm about two miles from Coleta and has resided in the vicinity of that town all of her life. She was about fifty years of age at the time of her death. She was married to Josiah Deets to which union three children were born. Mr. Deets died a few years ago and the only survivors of the family are the three children who are unmarried and reside at home. They are Ralph, Ruth and Charles. Mrs. Deets was a woman of excellent character who was loved and respected by all who knew her. Her death will be sincerely mourned by a large number of friends. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the children in their hour of bereavement. Another Obituary: The funeral services over the remains of Mrs. Mary Wallace Deets who died Monday [01/18/1904] evening at her home in Coleta were held at the Coleta Methodist church this morning at 10:30 o’clock; the Rev. Dr. Burling, presiding elder, of Freeport was the officiating clergyman. He was assisted by the Rev. Mr. Williams, pastor of the Coleta church. The interment took place in Bethel cemetery near Milledgeville and the following pall bearers lowered the remains to their last resting place: Messers. John Deets, Charles Deets, Frank Deets and Harry Deets. In the death of Mrs. Deets Coleta loses one of its most highly respected women. She was a person of a genial and lovable disposition who won friends wherever she went. No one could know her but to love her and her passing away is a source of the deepest sorrow on the part of her friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Deets was very fond of her home, and her unselfishness made her household bright and cheerful. Her first thought was never for herself but always for those about her. She was a kind and indulgent mother, and it is by the children that she will be missed most sorely. The members of her family at this time have the sincerest sympathy of a wide circle of friends. Mary Wallace was born March 21, 1858. She was married Dec. 21, 1878, to Josiah Deets, who died sixteen years ago. She and her husband were converted in 1878, uniting with the Methodist church, of which the deceased has been a member ever since. At the time of her death Mrs. Deets was forty-six years, ten months and twenty-eight days old. The deceased leaves two sisters, Mrs. Jefferson Hannis of Coleta and Mrs. Jefferson Smith of Iowa. The latter came to Coleta to be present at the funeral. She leaves also three children, Ralph, Ruth and Charles, all of whom are unmarried and live at home. Beside these she leaves as survivors four brothers, William, Charles, Lewis and Miles Wallace. Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Evening Gazette, January 20, 1904, page 5, column 3 OLIVE (CAROLUS) DEETS of Emerson passed away at 6 o’clock Friday [01/08/1926] morning at Umatilla, Fla., where she had gone some weeks ago to spend the winter. Her husband and her daughter, Miss Florence M. Deets, R. N., accompanaied her on the trip and were with her at the time of her death. The first intimation relatives at home had of her serious illness was a message received Thursday stating that she was dangerously ill of pneumonia. The dispatch received Friday, telling of her death came as a shock to the members of the family here and the many friends of Mrs. Deets. The remains will be brought to Emerson, leaving Umatilla Saturday and arriving here Monday. Definite arrangements for the funeral will be announced later. Mrs. Deets’ maiden name was Olive Carolus. She is a daughter of Mrs. Margaret Carolus of Emerson who survives her. Beside her husband and daughter now in Florida she leaves three sons, as follows: James R. and Lester J. Deets of Emerson, and Lee E. Deets of New York City. Two brothers and a sister also survive, all living in the west, and her mother is now visiting in Washington state. Practically all of Mrs. Deets’ 54 years of exemplary life were spent in this vicinity and she was well known and highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends, who extend sympathy to the family. Another Obit Sometimes death comes as a blessed sense of relief and release after a long seige of suffering or wasting from disease. But when in the midst of health and activity death comes, it seems more like an enemy. Then is when the doctrine of the Providence of God unfolds so much of mystery which these limited reasons of ours strive in vain to explain. Perhaps the mystery is to gently and yet firmly head us to an attitude of trust in the sovereign wisdom and love of God. And if we rise to this higher livel we shall be sustained and may be able to affirm not only submissively but confidently, “Thy will is best, Thy will be done.” Olive Carolus was born at Emerson, Ill., Feb. 8, 1871, and passed away in death at Umatilla, Florida, Friday, Jan 8, 1926, aged 54 years and 8 [sic] months, after an illness from pneumonia of scarcely forty-eight hours. Mrs. Deets was the daughter of William and Margaret Feightner Carolus, pioneer residents of this community whose piety and industry have had so much to do with laying the moral and religious foundations upon which our homes, churches and public schools of today have been built. Miss Carolus attended the Emerson school, which under the leadership of the late W. W. Davis, had the equivalent of the standards of a high school, which were continued after his service as teacher there. She was united in marriage to James M. Deets, in Emerson, by Rev. E. Brown, pastor of the Emerson church, on Nov. 8, 1888. To them four children were born, all of whom remain to mourn the loss of a loving mother; Miss Florence M. registered nurse, whose home is in Umatilla, Florida; Lester J. and James F. of Emerson and Lee Emerson, of New York City. It is a melancholy comfort that all her children could be present at her funeral service to share the mutual burden of loss with the bereft father. However, there is pathos in the fact that Mrs. Deets’ aged mother, Mrs. Margaret Carolus, is visiting during the winter her daughter, Iona, Mrs. C. F. Deets, in Bellingham, Washington, and the distance made it impossible for her to be present. Besides the aged mother, husband and children and the sister already mentioned, two brothers, Harry W. Carolus, Hartline, Wash., and Charles Carolus, Modesto, California, two grandchildren and a great number of friends throughout the entrie community keenly miss her presence. One sister, Clara, Mrs. Frank Baird, passed away in Sterling, May 30, 1907. Mrs. Deets was a faithful member of the Emerson Lutheran church, serving its interests with remarkable devotion and efficiency. It was her church home and the same zeal and purposeful activity which characterized her life in her own near-by home, she gave in unstinted measure to her church and Bible school. She was a true follower of her Savior and Lord, and the little ones in the community for years call her, “Our Sunday School Teacher.” She was a devout listener to the Word of God at the services of worship and ministers will ever recall her presence as a positive inspiration. Early in December she with her husband journeyed in health and strength southward to the Land of Flowers, planning to spend the winter in the home of the daughter, Florence. She was the victim of pneumonia, that dreaded affliction which sometimes works results so quickly of a fatal character. She was conscious up to the very last and was prepared to go because she always was ready. And so hath ended a good life in our cmmunity whose positive influence was ever for good. For her Christ was a life to live and the memory of what she was and did, is indeed a blessed compensation for the loss which is so keenly felt by all who knew her. Funeral Notice The funeral of Mrs. J. M. Deets will be conducted by Dr. E. C. Harris of St. John’s Lutheran church Tuesday [01/12/1926] afternoon at 2 o’clock at the family home in Emerson and at 2:30 o’clock at the Emerson church. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery. The remains arrived from Florida Monday. Lee Deets of N. Y., son of Mrs. Deets, arrived at noon Monday to attend the funeral. Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the Sterling Gazette January 11, 14, 27, 1926 SUSANNAH (GOSS) DEETS , 90, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S.O. Crom, in Milledgeville, at 6:05 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the infirmities of age. She had been in failing health for some time though not seriously sick. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon from the Melvin funeral home, 1003 Sixth avenue, Sterling. Rev. Amos Thornburg of the Fourth Street Methodist church, officiating. Committal will be in Riverside cemetery. The body may be viewed at the Melvin funeral home until the time of the funeral. Mrs. Deets was born in Lancaster county, Pa, December 7, 1839. She was reared in that county and when a young woman was married to Henry H. Deets in Lancaster. Mr. and Mrs. Deets came to Whiteside county in 1872 and settled on a farm in Jordan township, but lived on several farms, later coming to Sterling to live in 1893. Mr. Deets died in 1906. The last two years and five months Mrs. Deets lived with her daughter, at Milledgeville. There ate eight children surviving Mrs. Deets, being Harry, Grant and Roy Deets and Mrs. John W. Miller all of Sterling, Frank Deets of Aurora, Fremont Deets of Jordan, Mrs. Ed Smith of Carrollton, Mo., and Mrs. Crom of Milledgeville. Mrs. Deets was the last of her family. Funeral Notice Funeral services for Mrs. Susan Deets were held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Melvin funeral home on Sixth avenue, and were attended by a large number of friends of the venerable lady, including old neighbors from Jordan and Sterling, as well as relatives and friends from Milledgeville and other places. Rev. Amos Thornburg, pastor of the Fourth Street M. E. church, was in charge of the services and brought a message of comfort from the scriptures and drew a lesson of inspiration from the long and exemplary life of the deceased. Mrs. Mark Reitzel sang two favorite hymns of the deceased, “Sweet Bye and Bye” and “Somewhere.” Mrs. Loman Brown played the accompaniments. The pallbearers were harry Deets, Grant Deets, Frank Deets, Roy Deets, Freemont Deets and J. W. Miller. Interment was in Riverside cemetery. Susannah Goss was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Dec. 7, 1839, and passed to the beyond June 4, 1930, at the age of 90 years, five months and 28 days, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. O. Crom, in Milledgeville. She was the last of 14 children born to Michael and Anna Miller Goss in the log house that was their home during their wedded life. With few educational opportunities, but plenty of labor, eight of the children grew to manhood and womanhood. At the age of 18 the deceased was baptized into the Methodist faith, remaining true to her church through life. On February 27, 1868, she was united in marriage with Henry H. Deets of Lancaster county, Pa., who had served honorable through the Civil War. In April of 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Deets, with four children, came to Illinois, making their home in the rural community about Sterling until 1886, when they went to Lancaster City, Pa. They returned to Whiteside county in 1889, finally moving from Woodlawn to reside in Sterling. The husband and father passed away in death Dec. 2, 1906, at the family home, 910 Third avenue. The mother, with one son, stayed on in the home until past 81 years of age, when, no longer able to perform her household duties, she went to live with her children. Early in 1926 Mrs. Deets suffered a severe attack of pneumonia, from which she never fully recovered. Although regaining strength to be about the house each day and seemingly robust, her memory was in a haze, often blank. Jan. 19, 1928, it became necessary to remove her to the home of her daughter in Milledgeville, where she continued to receive the comforts and care shown her through all the years of widowhood. During her early period of residence in Sterling, Mr. and Mrs. Deets united with the Fourth Street Methodist church, attending services until it became impossible for her to do so, which was a great grief to her. Mrs. Deets was a faithful member of the Women’s Relief Corps, ever ready to assist in the work, her membership was continued even though she could no longer recall its meaning. Perhaps there are some who remember the deftness of her hands. On of the greatest hindrances of her age was failing sight. For a number of years it robbed her life of its pleasures. Years slipped away and the mother was ever content to be surrounded by her family, happy in service, satisfied with the least, ever ready and overjoyed with company and willing to give, no matter how scant her own resources. Through all the years of toil and care for a large family there lived within her heart that spirit of song, courage and trust in her Redeemer, often singing when the burdens were heaviest. Only the Heavenly Father knows how well she has earned eternal rest, kindness will ever live in the hearts. The memory of her sacrifices and of her loved ones. Having been twice married, the following children were entrusted to her care: Mrs. Katherine Auxer, who passed away Dec. 22, 1920; Mrs. Anna Mohlack of New Orleans, [Jefferson Parrish] La., William U. Shank of Philadelphia, [Philadelphia County] Pa.; Harry E. Deets of Sterling; Mrs. S. O. Crom of Milledgeville; U. Grant Deets, of Sterling; Landis, who died in infancy; Franklin G. Deets of Aurora; Mrs. Edward Smith of Carrollton [Carroll County] Mo.; Roy Deets of Sterling; Fremont Deets of Jordan; Mrs. J. W. Miller of Sterling, and Ellamay Deets, who died when three months of age. Seventeen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive, besides a multitude of friends. Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, June 9, 1930, page 3, column 3–5. THERESA (DOMBROWSKI) DEETS , 67, East Jordan Township passed away at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Sterling public hospital from injuries sustained in a fall Nov. 25. Mrs. Deets was born March 4, 1880 in West Prussia Germany the daughter of Marie and Emil Dombrowski and came to the US in 1892, settling in Hopkins township, Whiteside county. She was married to Fremont Deets who survives, January 25, 1906. Also surviving are the following children; Orvil of Sterling, Nolan of Sterling, Edgar of Dixon, Robert of Sterling, Evelyn at home, and Harry of Sterling; three brothers, Ed of Sterling, Fred of Davenport IA., and Herman of Lyndon, and four sisters; Miss Amelia of Round Grove IL, Mrs. Ed Knelson of Sterling, Mrs. John Landherr of Morrison and Mrs. Harm Harms of Rock Falls; 10 Grandchildren. A brother John and sister, Mrs. Frank Pascal preceded her in death. Interment at East Jordan Cemetery. Dixon Evening Telegraph 8 December 1947 WILLIAM DEETS died this morning (13 Jun 1911) at 6 o’clock after an illness of twelve weeks of Bright’s disease. The funeral will be held Thursday [06/15/1911] afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Lutheran church, the Rev. Mr. Clacker (Klockner) officiating. Interment will be in Bethel cemetery. Mr. Deets was born in Germany and came to this country when a young man for the past fifty-five years he has resided in his vicinity. Besides his wife he is survived by five sons and four daughters, two sons being dead. Miss Nellie Deets of Sterling is a daughter as is Mrs. R. K. Tucker of Morrison Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the Sterling Daily Standard, June 13, 1911 WILLIAM DEETS - The funeral services for the late William Deets were held at the late home at Coleta Thursday [02/06/1930] afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Le Roy Laumann, pastor of the Main Street U. B. church, assisted of Rev. S. R. Foltz, pastor of the Grove Street U. B. church. Mrs. John Bogott and Miss Irene Boughman sang very appropriate selections and the following nephews acted as casket bearers: Ray Deets, Cloy Deets, Charles Deets, Wayne Deets, Clare Deets, Frank Fenton. The floral offerings were beautiful, being banked around and over the casket. A large crowd of friends and neighbors gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to one whom they all loved as a true friend and citizen. He was a man whom they looked up to in the community for advice and counsel, and will be greatly missed by all. The body was tenderly laid to rest in the family lot in the Bethel cemetery (Carroll Co IL) near the home of the deceased. William D. Deets, son of William and Kathryn Deets, was born on a farm near Coleta Jan. 3, 1863, and departed this life Feb. 4, 1930, at the age of 67 years, one month and one day. His childhood days were spent on the farm near Coleta and he received his education in the Coleta school. When a young man he was a member of the famous “Plow Boy” baseball team and was one of their best players, holding down the position of short-stop. There are very few of these boys alive today, most of them having gone to their reward. He was also a member of the old Coleta brass band, an organization that furnished entertainment in cities and villages in an early day. He was united in marriage to Edith B. Deets [Colcord] March 10, 1887, and to this union five children, three sons and two daughters, Ward, Russell and Levere of near Milledgeville, Mrs. Everett [Fern] Hadesty of Chana, [Ogle County] Ill., and Mrs. Monta [Doris] Goad of Chicago. He was of a family of eleven children, two of whom preceded him in death, Josiah and Charles. The following brothers and sisters survive, Mrs. J. B. [Alice M.] Fenton of Freeport, Mrs. Elizabeth Harrison and Mrs. Matt [Nellie] Owens of Sterling, J. L [John Lewis] Deets and Frank Deets of Milledgeville, Arthur Deets of Chadwick, Mrs. Irene Tucker of Morrison and Harry Deets of Lanark. He also leaves nine grandchildren. Following his marriage he settled on a farm near Milledgeville, where by hard work and good management he had accumulated a goodly portion of this world’s goods. During his early life he was converted to God and joined the Liberal U. B. church at Coleta, and was a faithful member. He held important offices in the church and was teacher of the Men’s Bible class in the Sunday school and his teaching and prayers will be missed by the entire class. He was one of the main pillars in the church and his death will be keenly felt. Upon important subjects his advice always counseled which proved to be of much benefit in solving important questions. The widow in her declining years, has lost a faithful and attentive husband, the children a kind and loving father, the church a wise counselor and guiding hand, the community an honored and valued citizen. Contriubted by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, February 10, page 8, column 1. WILLIAM WILSON DEETS , 91, died THursday at 7 p.m. at his home in Sterling. Mr. Deets has been in splendid health until Tuesday, but was not considered in a serious condition until Thursday morning. The remains were taken to the Trouth funeral home where the funeral will be held Sunday afternoon, November 16, (1947) Rev. Dr. Alfred Grewe officiating. Interment will be in Riverside. One of the oldest native-born citizens of Whiteside county; Mr. Deets was born December 20, 1856. (Sources vary on his birth 1856 - 1858) in Genesee township and lived in this county all of his life. He was the son of Lewis and Margaret Deets. He was married to Miss Annie Engel in Sterling, August 31, 1881. For many years they farmed. She preceded him November 7, 1924. Mr. Deets is survived by two sons, C.W. Deets and J.L. Deets of Emerson; also by 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Also by one brother, James Deets of Emerson and one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Johnson of Washington He was preceded by his wife, his parents, one brother, one sister and a greaad grandson. Contributed by M. King Deets MARIA DeLEON , 66, of Sterling, passed away at 1:40 a.m. Friday in Community General Hospital. The body was taken to the Grennan and Son Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 p.m. this evening. The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the funeral home. Funeral services will be Saturday at 9 a.m. in the funeral home and at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. She was born Aug. 2, 1894 in Mexico. She came to Sterling six months ago to live with her daughters, because of illness. Prior to that time she had lived in Rock Island for about 20 years. Surviving are her husband Felipe De Leon; three sons, John Manzano, Sterling; Dolores Manzano, Ottawa, and Manuel Manzano, Sterling; five daughteers, Mrs. Manuel (Antonia) Villa, Sterling, Mrs. Joseph (Frances) Tafolla, Chicago; Rose Manzano, Kewanee; Mrs. Sam (Lucy) Moreno, Sterling, and Mrs. Wayne (Mary) Johnson, Cupertino, Calif.; 39 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded by her first husband, Juvencio Manzano; her second husband, Abel Mondragon; and two children, Tom and Lastenia Manzano. Contributed by Melva L. Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 16, 1961 - Thursday, pg 1 col 4 & 5 CHARLES E. DERWENT , Funeral rites for Charles E. Derwent of Chicago, a former Rock Falls resident, were held Tuesday from St. Angela's Church with burial in Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Mr. Derwent passed away Saturday Jan. 3, in his home at 1431 W. Massasoit Avenue, Chicago, after a lingering illness. Mr. Derwent was born May 15, 1880, in Rock Falls where he was reared. He worked for a number of years at the Eureka Co., and served as a fireman and alderman in Rock Falls. Mr. Derwent and Rose Kohl were united in marriage June 4, 1901 in Sterling. To this union two sons were born, Paul and John. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniveersary in 1951.The Derwents moved to Chicago about 30 years ago where Mr. Derwent was head of the American Varnish Co. He retired five years ago. Attending the funeral from here were Mrs. Winnie Kohl, Mrs. Harry Drane, Kenneth and Eugene Kohl and Mrs. E. Kohl. Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 7, 1953 - Wednesday, pg 2 ELMER H. DIEHL , formerly of 708 8th Ave., Rock Falls, died at 2:35 p.m. Thursday [09/10/1953] at Home hospital after an illness of the last two years. He had been in the hospital for the past nine weeks. He was born July 10, 1892 in Round Grove, the son of Mrs. Flora Hoak and Harry Diehl. Mr. Diehl spent practically his entire life in this community and was retired from the Northwestern Steel and Wire company. Survivors include his wife, Bessie; one daughter, Mrs. Russell Drane, Sterling; one son, William J., Clinton, Ill.; his mother, Mrs. Flora Diehl, Galt; one brother, Leslie, Liberal, Kan.; and two grandchildren, Richard and David Drane, Sterling. His father and one sister preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Melvin Funeral Home. Rev. Walter Young, Church of the Brethren, will officiate. Burial is to be in the Mennonite cemetery north of Morrison. Rites For Elmer Diehl Saturday: Funeral rites for Elmer Diehl were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday [09/12/1953] in the Melvin Funeral Home by Rev. Walter Young of the Church of the Brethren officiated, and Mrs. J. H. Linn was at the organ. The burial was made in the Mennonite Cemetery north o f Morrison. Casket bearers were Lester Johannsen, Jonas Nice, Jesse Smith, Robert Bilderback, Harry Drane and William Kunde. Flowers were taken care of by Mrs. Bess Kilhefner, Mrs. William Kunde, and Mrs. John Palmer. Contributed by Larry Reyynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, September 11, 1953, page 2, column 2 ARLIE ELLEN (ENTWHISTLE) DILLENBECK , 74, died Thursday at 11:15 a.m. in Morrison Hospital after being ill for four months. Mrs. Dillenbeck was born Jan 2, 1891, the daughter of John and Orena Goff Entwhistle in Ustick township. On May 31, 1911 she married Myron Dillenbeck in Dixon. Surviving are two sons, DeWitt, Pontiac; and Ellsworth, Michigan City, Ind., one brother, Arthur Entwhistle, Morrison; one sister, Mrs. Earl Hodge, Silvis, and four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Tomlinson Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mrs. Myron Dillenbeck of Morrison were held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Tomlinson Funeral Home. The Rev. Humphrey J. Rendall, D.D., officiated and burial was in Grove Hill cemetery. Pallbearers were Arthur Jarvanek of Kings, and Elmer Entwhistle, Wilson Entwhistle, Wayne Entwhistle, Neal Patterson and Charles Burnham. Those in charge of flowers were Mrs. Neal Patterson and Mrs. Henry Radatz. Mrs. Wilson Stone was the organist. (Sterling Gazette 31 March 1965) Contributed by Barbara Nugent from the Sterling Daily Gazette Obituary, Friday, March 26, 1965 MYRA E. (BURRITT) DILLENBECK - At her home on east Grove street, this city, on Wednesday, June 27, 1894, Mrs. G.W. Dillenbeck, aged 32 years, 2 months and 29 days. Myra E. Burritt was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.S. Burritt of this city, and was born in Altey, Schuyler Co., N.Y. March 28, 1862. When an infant of a few weeks her parents moved to Illinois and settled in Fenton township which continued to be her home for nineteen years. On March 9, 1881 she was united in marriage to Samuel Emery whose death occured within four weeks of his marriage. On June 27, 1887, Mrs. Emery was married to Mr. G.W. Dillenbeck. Until recently Mr. and Mrs. Dillenbeck have resided upon their farm a short distance east of Morrison. Since coming to town they have resided in their residence on east Grove St. Mrs. Dillenbeck contracted a severe cold at the time of their removal to town, which developed into consumption and resulted in her death on Wednesday afternoon. She leaves her husband and one child, besides father, mother, sister and brother to mourn her loss. The funeral services were held at her late residence on Friday afternoon conducted by Rev. J.W. Skinner. Interment took place in Grove Hill Cemetery. MYRON DILLENBECK , 85, of 512 E. Knox St., Morrison, passed away Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. at his home. He suffered a stroke several weeks ago and had been bedfast since. The body was removed to the Tomlinson funeral home where friends may call. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. F. L. Furrh, pastor of the First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Grove Hill cemetery. Myron Dillenbeck was born in Morrison, April 2, 1872, a son of Jacob and Josephine Phillips Dillenbeck. He was reared and educated in Morrison and with the exception of one year spent at Ft. Morgan, Colo., he had lived all his life in Morrison. He was a horse trainer for years and also a retired greenhouse employee. he had a wide circle of friends. Mr. Dillenbeck was united in marriage to Miss Arlie Entwhistle of Morrison at Dixon on May 31, 1911. She survives him, together with two sons, DeWitt of Pontiac, and Ellsworth of Goshen, Ind., and four grandchildren, Marsha Ann and Karen Lee of Goshen, and DeWitt Arthur and Charles Ellsworth of Pontiac, also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mrs. Lillian Gilbert, and two half brothers, Claude and Bert Beeds. Contributed by Barbara Nugent from the Sterling Daily Gazette Obituary, Thursday, April 11, 1957, page 6 HAROLD B. DODD , 68 Former Sterling residents, passed away Wednesday, Sept.10, in New Port Richey, Fl. For the past month he had been making his home with a daughter, Mrs. Allen Evelyn Giddings of New Port Richey. Mr. Dodd was born June 7, 1901 in Toulon , Ill. , the son of William and Mary Fay Driscoll Dodd. He received his education in Glenwood school, Homewood . For a period of 40 years he was a painter in the Sterling-Rock Falls area. He was a member of the Painters Union Local 194 at Chicago . He was united in marriage to Clarabelle Cullins Jan 31, 1920 in Dixon . Mrs. Dodd preceded in 1957. Survivors include three sons, Harold B. Dodd Jr. of Sterling , Walter Dodd of Hennepin, and Fred E. Dodd of Rock Falls, six daughters, Mrs. Allen (Eveyln) Giddings, Fla., Mrs. Dorothy Regan and Mrs. Beverly Know of Sterling, Mrs. Carol Oester of Rock Falls, Mrs. Joyce Mattix of San Francisco , Calif. , and Miss Toni Dodd of Chicago, one sister Mrs. Florance Ahlgreen of Chicago , 46 grandchildren, and 36 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers, one sister and two daughters. Funeral services will be held be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Melvin Funeral Home, The Rev. Brace Johnson, pastor of First Christian Church of Sterling officiating. Burial will take place in the IOOF Cemetery , Rock Falls . Friends may call at the Melvin Funeral home from 7 to 9 Friday evening and Saturday until funeral time at 1:30. Contributed by Margaret Mangers JENNIE DODD - At her home in Morrison, Ill., Sunday, July 16, 1899, Miss Jennie Dodd, aged 40 years, 2 months and 21 days. The deceased was the daughter of George B. and Mary Dodd and was born in Milledgeville, Ill., April 25, 1859. She moved to Union Grove with her parents in 1871, where they resided until 1882, when they left the farm and came to Morrison to reside. On the same day of the same month one year ago, her mother, Mrs. Mary Dodd, after a long and lingering illness, passed away. Throughout his term of illness MIss Jennie waited assiduously upon her mother, remaining by her side day by day and also by night ministering to her every want. During this protracted watch she herself was all but in need of similar care, being for the most part in a feeble condition. Since that time, too, she has known no day of sound health, being for the greater part of the time confined to her room and for a considerable time to her bed. For some months past a persistent pulmonary ailment had manifested itself, which unarrested, though the best medical aid was rendered, had deepened week by week until the end came Sunday morning as quietly as the sleeping of a weary child. Of the nine children constituting her parents' family, but two remain to mourn her loss, - Freeman, of Grand Island, Neb., and Richard of Spokane, Washington, her brother Lemuel, preceding her to the grave but a few weeks. She was a member of the Methodist church in Morrison, having united therewith in the fall of 1886 under the ministry of Rev. Amos H. Miller. During these years she has been a faithful, consistent, steady Christian woman, inspiring all with a confidence in the genuineness of her piety and the depth of her devotion. The funeral was held at her late residence on north Genesee street, Monday afternoon, July 17, at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. J. R. Hamilton officiating. Interment was made in Grove Hill cemetery. Contributed by Karen Fyock - Scrapbook Clipping LEMUEL DODD who was well-known by the old settlers of this vicinity, died Monday at his home four miles north east of Morrison, at the age of 59 years and 23 days, the cause of his death being a complication of nervous diseases. Mr. Dodd was born in Knox County, Ohio, April 15, 1840. When three years of age he came to Illinois with his parents and located near Milledgeville. When twenty-three years of age he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Rodgers. To this union were born five children, four of whom are still living. About seventeen years ago Mr. Dodd purchased a farm northeast of Morrison, and since then he had been extensively engaged in raising fruit and vegetables. He was a man of good character and was highly respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the order of Odd Fellows and by them the funeral services were conducted. Rev. Hamilton preached the funeral sermon. The deceased was a relative of O.P. Smith of this city. Contributed by Karen Fyock - March 8, 1899 Scrapbook Clipping MARY (ANGELISE) DOLAN - Funeral services will be conducted in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton Saturday at 9 a.m. for Mrs. Kenneth Dolan, 44, wife of Postmaster Kenneth Dolan of Albany. Friends may call at the Fay Funeral Home in Fulton this evening 7 to 9 and after 4 p.m. Friday. The rosary will be recided at the funearl home Friday at 8:30 p.m. Mrs. Dolan, the former Mary Angelese, died at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Mercy Hospital in Clinton, Iowa, where she had been a patient since Jan. 24. She was a member of St. Patarick's Catholic Church in Albany and of the Altar and Rosary Society of the church. Survivors include her husband, one son, Ronald, a student in the seminary of St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa; one daughter, Donna, a student nurse in Mercy Hospital, Davenport, Iowa; her mother, Mrs. Catherine Angelese, Clinton, Iowa, and four sisters. Contributed by Melva L. Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 16, 1961 - Thursday, pg 1 col 4 & 5 MARY DODD - On last Saturday in Morrison occurred the death of Mrs. Mary Dodd, aged eighty years. Mrs. Dodd and her husband, Geo. Dodd, at one time lived on the place now owned by James Olin, and for many years they resided on a farm west of Morrison, but for the past twenty years she had lived in Morrison. The funeral was held Tuesday. The relatives attending from this place were Daniel Smith and son, Oscar, Mrs. Anna Burwell and Mrs. Abner Bull. Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated July 16, 1898 Scrapbook Clipping NELLIE (McCORMICK) DUMPHY , of 1106 Avenue A, Rock Falls, died early Monday morning at the Linton Nursing Home in Sterling at the age of 73. Mrs. Dumphy was born June 2, 1885 on a farm near Harmon, the daughter of James and Margaret McCormick. She attended local schools and was united in marriage to Tim Dumphy in March 1910 at Harmon. The couple farmed in that area for many years before moving to Rock Falls. She is survived by her husband, Tim; two daughters, Madelyn at home and Mrs. Joe (Rose Marie) Pettoroni of Sterling; three sons, Eugene, James and Harold, all of Harmon; two brothers, William and Cecil McCormick, both of Harmon; six sisters, Mrs. Mayme Higley of Harmon; Mrs. Joe (Agnes) Bass of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Miss Ann McCormick, all of Chicago; three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Funeral services will be Wednesday morning with a 9 a.m. prayer at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home followed by a requiem mass at 9:30 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery at Harmon. Rosary will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. Monday. Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 1, 1959 - Monday, pg 2 col. 2 Surnames A Surnames B Surnames C Surnames D Surnames E Surnames F Surnames G Surnames H Surnames I Surnames J Surnames K Surnames L Surnames M Surnames N Surnames O Surnames P Surnames Q Surnames R Surnames S Surnames T Surnames U Surnames V Surnames W Surnames X Surnames Y Surnames Z