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Whiteside County Illinois


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FELIPE P. GALLEGOS , 79 died Monday, May 13, 2002 after an extended illness. Felipe Sr., was born on February 5, 1923 in Bastrop, TX., the son of Anastacio and Maria Gallegos. He married Paula Mendoza on March 2, 1943. She died July 20, 1985. He then married Tina (Gonzales) Trancoso in October of 1988. Mr Gallegos was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., in Sterling, retiring as a Crane Operator after 33 years of service. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and enjoyed upholstery and wood crafting.

Surviving is his wife, Tina; son Felipe Jr., of Rock Falls; daughters Juanita Urrutia, Yolanda Gallegos, Diana (Roberto) Gonzalez all of Aurora, IL., and Margie Figueroa of Rock Falls; his daughter-in-law Janet Gallegos of Rock Falls; his brother Nicholas Gallegos of Pharr, TX.; 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Frank; two infant sons; two brothers; two sisters and his parents. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls with the Monsignor Thomas Dzlelak, Celebrant officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. There will be no visitation with arrangements completed by the McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, IL.

WILLIAM T. GALT : The funeral of William T. Galt, 73, local insurance agent, who died Friday night in the Wesley Memorial Hosptial in Chicago following an operaton, will be held at his late home 704, West Third St. (Sterling) at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Frederick Wyngarden pastor of the Sterling Presbyterian church will officiate and burial will be in Riverside cemetey. A native of Sterling, Mr. Galt was born Oct. 26, 1872 and for more than 50 years was associated with the insurance and real estate firm bearing his name.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Robert West, Pompano Beach FL; four sisters; Mrs. E.W. Bowman, Anaconda Mont., Mrs. W.H. Oppold and Mrs. G.C. Beard both of Sterling and Mrs. Edgar Aiken, Davenport Ia., and a brother John, St. Petersburg Fl.

Dixon Evening Telegraph 16 February 1948

DELIA GARCIA , three-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dionicio Garcia, 1105 W. 19th St., Rock Falls, died at noon Sunday in Community General Hospital after an illness of one day. Funeral rites were held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Trouth Funeral Home, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. She was born March 19, 1957, in Sterling. Surviving are the parents, four brothers, Linia, Romiro, Ruven and Davi; and one sister, Diana.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois May 19, 1957 - Monday, pg 2

DELORES M. (SEIDEL) GARCIA , 74, died Jan. 12, 2005 at CGH Medical Ctr. She was employed by Jack Mabley Center, Dixon for 17 years as a mental health technician. Mrs. Garcia was orn March 9, 1930 in Sterling, the daughter of Earl and Erna (Schleuter) Seidel. She amrried Salvador Garcia March 25, 1948 in Sterling. She was a member of St. Mary Church Sterling and enjoyed bowling and the Chicago Cubs.

Survivors include her husband, four daughters, Barbara, Joseie, Carol and Elizabeth; three sons, Michael, Joseph and Robert; four sisters, Ruth Becker, Evelyn Celestino, Kathryn Gorena and Elsie Echartea; 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded by 3 brothers, Edwin, Raymond and Earl. Burial in Calvary Cemtery.

EULALIO PETER GARCIA , infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Eulalio (Esmeralda Rodriguez)a Garcia, 504 Ash Ave., was pronounced dead on arrival at Community General Hospital Wednesday. Coroner John Ardapple ordered an autopsy which was conducted by Dr. Maruice Perou. Death was from natural causes. Graveside services for the infant were held at 11 a.m. today at Calvary Cemetery, with Deacon Robert Baylog of St. Mary's Church officiating. Funeral arrangements were completed by the Grennan & Sons Funeral Home. Eulalio Peter Garcia was born March 6, 1971 in Sterling. He is survived by his parents, a twin sister, Sonja Marie, sister Cecilia Lorraine and grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. Eulalio Garcia Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. Ignacio Rodriguez Sr., Sterling. A brother Corrina preceded in death in 1968.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 29, 1971 - Thursday, pg 2

JOSE Y. GARCIA , 79, of the Sterling Care Center, died Saturday morning at Community General Hospital following an extended illness. Mass of the Resurrection was held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Rev. Geoffrey Wirth, pastor, officiated. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. Mr. Garcia was born July 1, 1903 in San Luis Potoci, Mexico, the son of Hesiquio and Dionicia (Gatica) Garcia. He was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire Company from 1942 until his retirement in 1969. He is survived by nieces. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one nephews. Arrangements were made by the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 19, 1982 - Monday, page A5

CECIL C. GARDNER , 64, of Prophetstown, died Tuesday evening (11 Mar 1980) at Community General Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Prophetstown with Rev. Daniel Boxwell, pastor, officiating, with burial in Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. Visitation is from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Gardner Chapel in Prophetstown. A memorial has been established to the First Congregational Church of Prophetstown. Mr. Gardner was born Oct. 6, 1915 in Lyndon, the son of Elmer and Bessie Brumbly Gardner. He was educated in Lyndon High School and attended Monmouth College. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Johnson on Nov. 2, 1940 in Prophetstown. They have resided in the area for 28 years. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, served on the Board of Trustees, member of the Men's Club, served on the church council, served on the Prophetstown Board of Education, was president in 1962-1963 for the Board of Directors of Prophets Hill Country XClub and the Prophetstown Boosters and was presently serving as the treasurer for the Prophetstown Fire Protection District. He was to retire May 1, 19980 after working 40 years with Commonwealth Edison. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two daughters, Mrs. Larry (Kathryn) Collins of Newton and Mrs. Spencer (Ann) Gore of Bloomington; one son, William of Soap Lake, Wash.; his mother, Mrs. Bessie Gardner; six grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Otto (Eleanor) Wenk of Sterling, Mrs. DeVere (Beth) Tarvin of Dixon and Mrs. John (Audrey) Stein of Indianapolis, Ind.; and one brother, Dean C. of Prophetstown. He was preceded in death by his father.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 12, 1980 - Wednesday, pg 4

CLAUDE GARDNER - E. E. Gardner has received the sad announcement of the passing of his brother, Claude Gardner of Tampa, Fla. His death was not unexpected for his illness dated back over a period of months. From their home in Minnesota where the family had lived some time they had gone to the home of their son, Melvin Gardner at Tampa. He passed away at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 1949. During late winter Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Gardner spent several weeks with the family at Tampa. Claude was then critically ill and there was no hope of recovery. The brothers were able to converse during the first part of the visit but soon his condition became much worse and he suffered intensely after the Gardners of Lyndon came home.

Claude Gardner, 68, was born at Lyndon in February, 1881. His parents have passed on. His only brother, Elmer E Gardner, survives. There are several stepsister, children of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Parkhurst; Hazel, Ruth. Eva and Tessie, one stepbrother, Cecil Parkhurst having died several years ago. Claude received his education in the Lyndon schools. He was an attentive pupil. Whatever he undertook was done with his best effort, and he was a naturally studious member of the grade classes of the school he attended. He married Miss Ethel Sutton (should be Toms) of Lyndon, who survives. also six children survive their father, Mildred of Oregon; Merrill and Myrna of Mason City, IA.; Lucille of Ranier, Minn.; Melvin and Violet of Tampa, Fla. Former Lyndon friends have pleasant memories of the deceased who was esteemed fro his many fine qualities of mid and heart. He was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. While living here he was employed by the CB&Q railroad, leaving for Minnesota to take up farming.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the May 4, 1949 Sterling Gazette

ELSIE (GARGILE) GARDNER , 89 of Gen Del St., Thayer, Mo., died Wednesday at St. Barnard Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. Funeral services were held on Thursday at 3 p.m. in the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bert Powell, officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Quitman, Ark. Born on Feb. 16, 1893 in Quitman, Ark., the daughter of Ruben Cargile and Josephine Noble, she was a member of the Methodist Church. Survivors include one son, Fred Gardner of Thayer, Mo.; one daughter, Noble Jean Beene, Sterling; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 30, 1982 - Thursday, page A6

ETHEL FLORENCE (TOMS) GARDNER - Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Gardner returned Friday from International Falls, Minn., where they were called by the death of Mr. Gardner’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Ethel Florence Gardner. 63, who passed away Oct 9. When a girl Mrs. Gardner lived with her aunt, Mrs. Kate Sutton. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Toms (Frank H Toms) of Hamilton Grove. Her mother was the former Carrie Shepard. She attended school at Lyndon until her marriage to Claude Gardner about 46 years ago.

Her father (should be husband) died in May 1948, at Tampa, Fla. The children surviving are Mrs. Mildred Wilson and Merrill of Empire, Oregon, Mrs. J. J. (Myrna) Mallow, Mason City, IA., Mrs. Lucille Axen and Violet of Ranier, Minn., and Melvin. Mrs. Gardner was a member of the Methodist church and Sunday school and a member of the Eastern Star when she lived at Lyndon.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Oct. 17, 1950 Sterling Gazette

JOAN (RUSSELL) GARWICK , 63, of Morrison, died Tuesday at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, Ill. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Revs. Daniel Swinson and Julie Bunt, pastor and associate pastor of Morrison United Methodist Church, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison.

She was born Aug. 6, 1940, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Robert and Louise Loetz Russell. She married Ronald L. Garwick on Feb. 20, 1965, in Atlanta, Ga. She was a graduate of La Porte (Ind.) High School. She was employed with General Electric in Morrison for 25 years before retiring in 1994. She was a member of the Morrison United Methodist Church. She was vice president of the Whiteside County Republican Women's Committee and a member of the G.E.M. Club.

Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Arinda (Earnest) Mueller of Crete, Ill.; one granddaughter; and one brother, David Russell of La Porte.

Clinton Herald 18 March 2004

CHARLOTTE (CARL) GASSO , 80, of Sterling died Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at her home. She was employed by Twin '. City Produce as a bookkeeper for lore than 20 years, retiring in 1979, and also by Reents Cards and Gifts, Sterling, for several years. Mrs. Gasso was born July 24, 1924 in Sterling, the daughter of Walter and Margaret (Pigg) Carl She married­ Charles F. Gasso June 3, 1944 in Sterling. He died Feb. 1, 1991. She was a member of First Christian Church and Women of the Moose, both of Sterling. She enjoyed birdwatching and collecting rocks.

Survivors include three daughters, Beth (Dean) Eikenberry of Sterling, Carol Shirley of Plano and Kathy (Ron) Attebetry of Omaha, Neb. Three sons, ~ John (Dawn) Gasso and Tom (Jenny) Gasso, both of Sterling, and Chuck Gasso of Wilmington, N.C. A sister, Mildred Shuman of Toodruff, S.C. a brother, Edward Bud" (Janet) Carl of Sterling; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grand­children. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy, in infancy. Memorial service is at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church, Sterling, with the Rev. David Yonker officiating. Private burial is at a later date.

JACOB GARWICK , a farmer, residing in Clyde Township, Whiteside County, died Sunday forenoon, October 31, 1897, at 10 o'clock, after a protracted attack of nervous prostration. Mr. Garwick was born in the province of Alsace, France, December 13, 1834. The subject of this sketch was educated in the land of his nativity, and for a time was a teacher in one of the schools. He was the oldest of his parents' children, and therefore in 1852, then being but 18 years of age, he took upon himself the responsibility of coming to this country to find a new home for himself and parents. He spent three months on board the ship on his way to America, not knowing a soul on the vessel. The entire period on sea was one of storm and peril; food was exhausted and distress signals were blown three successive days before their condition was discovered. They anchored near an island belonging to Portugal, in the South Sea, and secured supplies sufficient to enable them to proceed on their voyage. He located in Butler County, Pennsylvania, where he began preparing a home for his parents, who came to America the following year. After seeing his father and mother comfortably settled he started for the west, and in 1854 located in Clyde Township, Whiteside County, Being so well pleased with the prairies of Illinois, he advised his parents to come west so in 1857 they came and located near their son, but in Fair Haven Township, Carroll County. For a few years after coming to Illinois, Mr. Garwick operated as a general laborer, but while in Pennsylvania followed the calling of a miller, in which he had been trained by his father in his native land. He was married February 27, 1861, in Clyde Township, to Sarah Zook, to whom ten children were born, viz., - George E., of Fair Haven; Mrs. W. G. Geesey, of Clyde; Mrs. Martin Hanna, of Wysox; Miss Lizzie, of Clyde; Mrs. J. O. Elwing, Milledgeville; Miss Kate, of Chillicothe, Missouri, all of whom are living; William H., Abraham, Lena, and Edith, all of whom have passed to that home of eternal rest. Thus the deceased leaves to mourn his departure a loving wife, one son, five daughters and four brothers, vis, - Louis, of Fair Haven; George, of Clyde; Fred, of Chadwick; and Charles, of Coleta. Mr. Garwick, like many other early settlers, suffered untold hardships incident to pioneer life. Upon arriving in Chicago, when on his way to Illinois, he did not have sufficient money with which to purchase his breakfast, but in after years by thrift and economy he became one of the leading farmers of Clyde Township, and the best of all he leaves behind him a record notable for industry and honesty, Qualifications that it would be well if the young men of today would strive to posses. He was for many years a minister in the River Brethren church and was an ardent worker for the cause of Christ, being at the time of his death a member of the Evangelical church. Although for a year he was an intense sufferer, he was fully resigned to the Lord's will, and peacefully fell asleep in the arms of Jesus. May the Lord grant them a happy reunion in the better land where parting is no more. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. W. H. Messerschmidt, Presidling Elder of the Freeport District Evanglical Association, who read a portion of the scriptures as found in 1 Cor. 15:39, Rev. 7:11, Heb, 4 and was assisted by Rev. P. C. Koch of the same church, and Rev. Trump of the church of Brethren in Christ. Rev. Messerschmidt preached a very eloquent sermon from the last verse in the Book of Daniel, which was delivered in a fervent manner. Rev. Koch then spoke of the good qualities of their deceased brother, and of his being the means of saving many souls during his ministry of many years, and closed with very kind words for the family in their bereavement. The Coleta choir then sang "Welcome Rest," when the remains were viewed for the last time. Interment took place in the Franklin cemetery. The funeral services, which were held in the church at Franklin Corners, were largely attended by neighbors and friends from Carroll and Whiteside Counties, who came to pay their last tribute of respect to one whom they had known so long and loved so dearly. The deceased had numerous friends in this place, who extend their sympathy to the afflicted family.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clippingr

JOHN JACOB GARWICK , passed away Saturday morning in Coleta. The funeral will be Tuesday at 1:30 o'clock at home and 2:00 o'clock at the Christian church in Coleta. Rev. H. E. Shiffer of Rock Falls will officiate, assisted by Rev. J. D. Williams of Coleta. Burial will be in the Peugh cemetery 2 miles south of Coleta.

ANNA (RAGAN) GAULRAPP , 70, 306 Grace Ave., Rock Falls, died early Sunday (16 Sep 1984) morning at Community General Hospital after a short illness. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the West Sterling Mennonite Church with the Rev. Herbert M. Dalke, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday. A memorial has been established in her memory to the West Sterling Mennonite Church. Anna Gaulrappa was born on Oct. 17, 1913 in Monroe County, Iowa, the daughter of William H. and Carrie Lee Cooper Ragan. She came to the Sterling-Rock Falls area about 54 years ago. On Oct 12, 1934 she was united in marriage to Robert H. Gaulrapp. He preceded her on Sept. 12, 1973. She had been employed at the former Home Hospital as a cook, the Dixon State Hospital and the Rock Falls Colonial Acres Nursing Home, retiring on Dec. 31, 1983. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Earl (Shirley) Beck, Rock Falls; one son, Gary Gaulrapp, Rockford; six grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Anthony (Helen) Blazaukas, Sterling, and Mrs. George (Mildred) Klobnak, Albia, Iowa; three brothers, Keith Ragan and Blair Ragan, both of Albia, Iowa, and Cleo Ragan, Centerville, Iowa. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Robert, and three brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 17, 1984 - Monday, pg A4

ARMAN GAULRAPP , 87, of Moline, formerly of Rock Falls, died Aug. 24, 2005 at Trinity West Med. Ctr. Rock Island. Arman was born April 13, 1918 in Rock Falls, the son of Aaron and Effie (Chapin) Gaulrapp. He married Myrtle Green in Morrison on May 28, 1940. She preceded him Feb. 1984. He then married Martha Herdegen Aug. 8, 1985 in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. Arman was a retired farmer, amember of Rock Falls MEth. Church where he was involved in the choir and was a Sunday school teacher. He attend Riverside United Methodist Church, Moline. He belonged to the Rock Falls Rotary where he had perfect atendance for over 35 years. He was a member of the Rural Youth and the Rock Falls 4-H clubs where he was a former leader. He was on the board of education at Rock Falls High School for 17 years and the Sauk Valley Comm. College Board. Arman also wa a member and past president of several area photography clubs and member and past president of the Central IL Camera Club. Arman enjoyed woodworking, cooking and volunteering at Colona School where his wife Martha taught.

Survivors include his wife of Moline; one son David of Clinton Iowa, one daughter Lynn Van Dien of Appleton Wis; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery Sterling.

JESS GAULRAPP , 94, of Sterling, died Tuesday evening (25 Feb 1975) in Resthave Nursing Home at Morrison after an extended illness. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home. There will be no visitation. At 8 p.m. today the body will be taken to the Grace Episcopal church to lie in state until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. W. D. Willoughby, pastor of the Grace Episcopal Church and the Rev. John Reishus, Vicar of St. Ann's Episcopal Church of Morrison, will officiate. Burail will be in Riverside Cemetery. Jess Gaulrapp was born Nov. 14, 1881 in Sterling, the daughteer of Nicholas and Margaret Miller Gaulrapp. She was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church and Rock River Country Club. Survivors are: one nephew, Robert W. Flock of Sun City, Calif.; and one niece, Mrs. Joel A. (Sue) Harper of Brownsville, Tex. A memorial has been established to the Grace Episcopal Church. She was preceded by a sister, Mrs. Alice Seger, Feb. 14, 1974.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette February 26, 1975 - Wednesday, pg 6

MAUDE IVY (VAN DeMARK)GAULRAPP , Funeral arrangements are complete at Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home for Mrs. Maude Iva Gaulrapp, 80, of RR 1, Rock Falls, who died suddenly (5 Sep. 1967) Tuesday morning. Mrs. Gaulrapp was born Sept. 25, 1886, in Hume Township, on a farm where she spent her entire life and is now known as the Coe Gaulrapp Turkey Farm. She was the daughter of Watson and Lou Wilbur Van De Mark. She was united in marriage Dec. 6, 1905, to Clarence A. Gaulrapp, who preceded her in death May 30, 1956. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1955. She was a lifetime member of the First Methodist Church of Rock Falls, the WCTU, King's Daughters, Galt Grange since 1930, and past president of the Whiteside County Home Extension. Mrs. Gaulrapp is survived by one son, Coe V. Gaulrapp, with whom she made her home; three daughters, Mrs. Darold (Alice Lou) Allen of Rock Falls, Mrs. Elmer (Ethel) Janssen of Island View Road, Rock Falls, and Mrs. Paul (Audrey) Farthing of Elmhurst; 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, her husband and one brother, Wilbur Van De Mark. Funeral services will be on Friday at 2 p.m. at Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, with the Rev. Fred Anderson, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 6, 1967 - Wednesday, pg 2

PATRICIA (MATHEWS) GAULRAPP , 54, died Thursday, June 15, 2006 at CGH Medical Center. She was employed as an executive secretary for Self Help Enterprises. Mrs. Gaulrapp was born July 19, 1951 in Anderson, IN, the daughter of Lee and Lois (Wallace) Matthews. She graduated from Rock Falls Twp. High School in 1969. She married Merle Gaulrapp on September 4, 1970 in Sterling. She was a member of the Church of Christ, a former long-time board member of Montmorency School and Galt Grange. Survivors are her husband, Merle; one daughter Traci (Lonnie) Wolf of Rock Falls; two sons, Phil (Laura) Gaulrapp of Polo, Michael (Amy) Gaulrapp of Rock Falls; her mother, Lois Matthews of Rock Falls; two sisters, Arlene Benters of Sterling, Brenda (Scott) Angleton of Dixon; a sister-in-law, Coelleen Gaulrapp of Rock Falls; four granddaughters, Leeanna and Adison Wolf, Lilian and Calin Gaulrapp; several nieces, nephews and one great-niece. She was preceded in death by her father and one brother-in-law, Ed Benters.

ADA L. GAUMER --- Mrs. Geo. K. (Ada L) Gaumer, 702 12th Ave., Sterling, passed away Friday evening (18 Jul 1969) in Community General Hospital after an extended illness. Born Aug. 11, 1904 in Pe Ell, Wash., she was the daughter of Frank C. and Ada Price Elmendorf. She had resided in this area most of her life, attended the local school and was united in marriage to George K. Gaumer, Aug. 5, 1925 at Dixon. Mrs. Gaumer was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the Mothers of World Was II. Surviving besides her husband are three sons, Glen Gaumer of Angleton, Texas, Daryl Gaumer of Calgary, Canada, and Gene Gaumer of Sterling; four brotheers, Frank Elmendorf Jr of Sterling, Isaac Elmendorf of Long Beach, Calif., Kenneth Elmendorf of Como and Lawrence Elmendorf of Livonia, Mich., and three sisters, Mrs. Lawrence (Fay) Kauffman of Dixon, Mrs. Rene Peek of Long Beach, Calif., and Mrs. Fern Doudy of St. Elmo. There are 11 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Her parentst, one brother and one sister preceded. The body as moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday in the Melvin Funeral Home, the Rev. Richard J. Hanson of St. John's Lutheran Church will officiate and burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the building fund of St. John's Lutheran Church.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 21, 1969 - Monday, pg 2
**---- Funeral rites for Mrs. George K. (Ada L) Gaumer were conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday in the Melvin Funeral Home by the Rev. Richard Hanson, pastor of St. Johns’s Lutheran Church . Mrs. J. H. Linn was at the organ. The burial took place in Riverside Cemetery . Pallbearers were Clarence A. Matzler, Richard Allan, Charles White, Gail Gaumer, George Bilderback and Gary Elmendorf. Flowers were taken care of by Ludstrom Florists.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Aug 5, 1969 Sterling Gazette

DOTTIE (MERCHANT) GAUMER , 64, of Sterling died Friday. July 25, 2003, at her home. She was a housekeeper for many in the area and cooked at Lakeview Country Club. She also owned and operated the Dement Town Pub, Dixon, for 14 years. Mrs. Gaumer was born Dec. 28, 1938, in Sulligent. Ala., the daughter of Grady R. and Evie Jane (Elliot) Merchant. She married Larry Gaumer on Aug. 12, 1967, in Kewanee. She volunteered at the senior center.

Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Jane Sandrock and Jodi (Chad) Comack, both of Kansas City, Mo.; four sons, Mike (Jan) Vancil of Rock Falls, Richard (Annette) Vancil of Sterling. and Jeff Gaumer and Joe D. Gaumer, both of Kansas City, Mo.; two sisters, Jo (Rea) Williams of Milan and Sue Morris of Sulligent; a brother, Ray Merchant of Vernon, Ala.; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bobby and Guy Merchant. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. with the Rev. Larry Thomson, pastor of Rock Falls Methodist Church, officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll Memorial

Daily Gazette 27 July 2003

GEORGE KELLY GAUMER , 75, of 702 12th Ave., Sterling, died Thursday evening ( 15 Jan 1981) at the Sterling Care Center following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral home, with Rev. Donald D. Pritz, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. Saturday until time of the services at the funeral home. Mr. Gaumer was born Aug. 26, 1905 in southern Illinois, the son of William and Narcissus (Burgess) Gaumer. He was united in marriage to Ada Elmendorf on Aug. 5, 1924 in Sterling. She preceded him in death in 1969. He was a machinist for Northwestern Steel and Wire Company. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Gaumer is survived by three sons, Gene of Sterling, Daryl of Dallas, Texas, and Glenn of Houston, Texas, 11 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and two brothers, Charles M. and Hubert O., both of Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinoi January 16, 1981 - Friday, pg A4

HUBERT O. GAUMER , 79, of 306 19th Ave., Sterling, died Saturday evening in his home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Melving-Schilling Funeral home with the Rev. Wayne R. Wachholz, pastor of Wesley United Church officiating. Burial will be at the Mennonite Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation is scheduled from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m at the funeral home. Memorials have been established to the American Cancer Society and Mercy Health Care Professionals. Mr. Gaumer was born Feb. 1, 1908 in Dahlgren, Ill., the son of William and Narcissus Burgess Gaumer. On May 8, 1926 he married Wanda E. Mills in Morrison. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. in the Bale Tie Dept. for 39 years, retiring in 1973. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Larry of Dixon and Steve of Rock Falls; one brother, Bill of Flagler Beach, Fla; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charles and Kelly, and one granddaughter.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 11, 1988 - Monday, pg A2

KAY GAUMER , 68, of rural Sterling, died May 3, 2005 at CGH Med. Ctr. She was employed by Milledgeville Credit Union for many years. Mrs. Gaumer was born Jan. 1, 1937 in Sterling, the daughter of John E. & Alida M. (Hart) Elsesser. She married robert E. Gaumer on Nov. 18, 1954 in Sterling. He died July 3, 1992.

Survivors include two daughters, Dianne of Sterling and Nancy (Chet) Peugh of rural Chadwick; a son Doug of Muscatine Iowa; a sister Donna Lutyens of Dixon; a brother John of Muncie IN. eight grandchildren. She was preced by a duaghter Christine; a sister Jean Nice and a grandaughter. Burial is at Oak Knoll.

LARRY N. GAUMER , 68, died Saturday, April 2, 2005 at the home of his daughter. Larry was born July 21, 1936 in Sterling, the Son of Hubert O. and Wanda (Mills) Gaumer. On August 12, 1967, he married Dottie Lou Merchant who preceded him in death July 25, 2003. He will be sadly missed by his family. Mr. Gaumer was a lifelong resident of Sterling, from 1936 until 2003, when he moved to Odessa, Missouri to live with his daughter and her family. He was employed by ITT Continental Baking for 17 years. He and his wife also owned Dement Town Pub in Dixon for 15 years.

Mr. Gaumer was a 1954 graduate of Sterling High School, a Navy veteran, and lifetime member of VFW Post 5418 in Rock Falls, as well as, the American Legion Post 296 in Sterling. Surviving are six children, Jeffrey O. Gaumer, Lee’s Summit, MO, Jodi J. (Gaumer) Cammack of Odessa, MO, Joe D. Gaumer of Independence, MO, Mike Vancil of Rock Falls, Richard Vancil of Sterling, Jane (Vancil) Hoberg of Prophetstown; one brother, Steve Gaumer of Sterling; 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Friends may call Friday, April 8, 2005 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM at the Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation. Graveside service and burial at Oak Knoll Cemetery will follow funeral services.

PHYLLIS (VENHUIZEN) GEIL , 66, died May 30, 2005 at her home. Mrs. Geil was born August 17, 1938 in Morrison, the daughter of John and Theresa (Tegler) Venhuizen. She married Leo Geil November 6, 1965. He preceded her in death March 18, 2004. Survivors include a daughter, Lisa (John) Hughes of Vallejo, CA; a son Phillip (Lauri) Geil of Rock Falls; a brother, John (Andree) Venhuizen of Erie; a sister, Audrey (Don) Geerts of Morrison; a sister-in-law, Betty Tegler; and four grandchildren. A prayer service will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, June 2, 2005 at the Schilling Funeral Home with burial at Oak Knoll Memorial Park.

ALVERT H. GEHRKE , 71, 200 W. 14th St., Rock Falls, died late Sunday evening at his home. Mr. Gehrke was born October 30, 1886, in Lincoln, Ill., the son of Deitrich and Louisa Gehrke. He was united in marriage to Pinia Courtright on Oct. 6, 1917. They resided their entire married life in the Rock Falls community. He is survived by his wife, Pinia; one son, Howard G. Gehrke, of Rock Falls; one daughter, Miss Louis Gehrke, at home, five brothers, Edward of Alton, Ill.; William of Hannibal, Mo.; Emil of Lincoln, Ill.; George of Rock Falls; Karl of Hannibal, Mo.; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Fred. Services for Mr. Gehrke will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Harry E. Shiffer of the Rock Falls Christian Church officiating, with burial in the Rock Falls Odd Fellows cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 25, 1958 - Monday, pg 2 col 3

DAVID GERDES , 69, Clyde township farmer, passed away Saturday night (13 January 1934) at 11:15 at his home on the Morrison-Chadwick road, about one mile south of the county line. Death was due to heart trouble and complications. He was born in Hopkins township, Dec. 26, 1864, the son of Harry and Rebecca Gerdes and is survived by his wife and six sons. Practically all of his life was spent farming in Whiteside county. The funeral services will beheld, Tuesday at 1 o’clock at the home and at 1:30 at the Church of the Brethern. Rev. Charles Delp will officiate. Burial will be in Rock Creek cemetery.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from the Sterling Gazette15 Jan. 1934

JOHN H. GERDES , 83, 813 1st Ave., Sterling passed away Sunday evening (21 December 1969) in Orchard Glen Nursing Home, Dixon, after an extended illness. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday evening. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Melvin Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ogle Chastain, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Sterling, officiating. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery. Born Nov. 18 1886 in Rock Falls, John H. Gerdes was the son of John C. and Johanna Wilkin Gerdes. He was married to Mary A. Miller, June 1, 1915 in Jordan Township. He farmed most of his life and had resided in this area his entire life. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sterling. Surviving besides his widow, Mary, are one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth L. (Lena) Shaw of Sterling; two sons, Orville Gerdes of Dunnigan, Calif., and Loren Gerdes of Clovis, Calif.; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, three sisters and a son in infancy.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 22, 1969 – Monday, pg 2

LAURICE GERDES , the sixteen months old baby of Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Gerdes, after about four weeks sickness died Tuesday afternoon at 5 o’clock with a complication of diseases. The funeral was held Thursday at 10 a. m., Elder McKim officiating. Interment in the cemetery south of Coleta. The sympathy of the community is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Gerdes in this their sad bereavement.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Weekly Gazette, May 10, 1901, page 5, column 3

LILLIAN GERDES , 70, OF 118 E. 4th St., Milledgeville, died Tuesday morning (2 March 1982) at Community General Hospital following a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Trinity Lutheran Church of Millledgeville with the Rev. Gregory Mayer, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the Allen-Woodin Funeral Home in Milledgeville. A memorial has been established in her memory. Mrs. Gerdes was born Aug. 10, 1911 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Charles and Clara (Quandt) Zemke. She was united in marriage to Louis Gerdes on Oct. 29, 1935 in Milledgeville. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband, Louis; two sons, Ronald of Tuscon, Arizona, and Larry of Belvidere; one daughters, Mrs. James (Barbara) Brubaker of Milledgeville; nine grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Lee (Fannie) Mortenson of Milledgeville and Mrs. Donald (Minnie) Kraus of Rock Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, two sisters and one grandchild.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois, March 3, 1982 - Wednesday pg 4

MARY (BROWN) GERDES , 61, of Rt. 1, Rock Falls, died early Saturday morning (18 April 1982) in Community General Hospital after a long illness. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls. The Rev. Walter Kukkonen, pastor of the First Lutheran Church of Jordan will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation is from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in her memory. Mrs. Gerdes was born April 28, 1920 in Prophetstown, the daughter of Ralph and Iva (Johnson) Brown. She was united in marriage to Elmer Gerdes on Dec. 3, 1938 in Clinton, Iowa. She is survived by her husband, Elmer; two daughters, Mrs. David (Sandra) Banes, and Mrs. William (Linda) Metcalf, both of Rock Falls; six grandchildren; one brother, John Brown of Rock Falls and three sisters, Mrs. Paul (Dorothy) Wagenecht of Freeport. Mrs. David (Ruth) Mickley of Prophetstown and Mrs. Art (Marjorie) Wetzell of Tampico. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois, April 19, 1982 - Monday, pg A4

RUTH W. GERDES , 88, of Morrison, died Sunday at Mercy North Hospital, Clinton. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Daniel Swinson, pastor of the Morrison United Methodist Church, officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service today at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison.

She was born Oct. 20, 1915, in Morrison to Henry and Sue Knoll Sack. She married John L. Gerdes on Aug., 11, 1940, in Clinton. He died in 2003. She was educated in the Morrison grade schools. She graduated from Morrison High School. She was employed as a sales clerk with the former KEM Shop and the Buikema Blass Clothing Store in Morrison. She also worked at other various retail stores in Morrison. She was a member of the Morrison United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and the church's Faith Circle.

Survivors include two nephews; and two cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Memorials may be made to the Morrison United Methodist Church.

Clinton Herald December 30, 2003

JEANETTE (STONE) GERICKE , 93, of Coventry Village Nursing Home, Sterling, died Wednesday June 25, 2003, at the nursing home.

Mrs. Gericke was born June 25, 1910, in Highland, the daughter of Wesley and Lenore (Parker) Stone. She married Harold Gericke on June 21, 1933, in Dupo. He died Feb. 19, 1979. She was a member of Geneseo Presbyterian Church, and a 50-year member of Eastern Star. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards.

Survivors include a son, Thomas (Donna) Gericke; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services are Saturday at Valley View Gardens of Memory Edwardsville. Arrangements were completed by Schilling Funeral Home. Sterling. A memorial has been established to First Presbyterian Church, Sterling.

Daily Gazette June 27, 2003

HERMINA GERKEN - Funeral services for Mrs. Hermina Gerken, Sterling, were held Saturday, 1:30 p.m. in the Rock Falls Lutheran Church with Rev. Carl A. Kalkwarf, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Sterling, officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. Herman Oltman was at the organ and Herman Oltman sang, Abide With Me and The Old Rugged Cross. Pallbearers at the service were Otto Hecker, Glen Hecker, Ernest Hecker, Richard McLaughlin, Wilbur Fulfs, and Arthur Shippert. Floral tributes were cared for by Mrs. Lorenzo Wescott and Mrs. Glenn Carroll, Church usher was John Haas.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from TheDaily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 29, 1959 - Monday

DOLLY (POLLOCK) GERNER - Mrs. Rush Wolf of Rock Falls received the sad new of the death of her sister, Mrs. Carl Gerner of Houston, Texas, which occurred at 1:30 a.m. Monday. She had been critically ill for the past three weeks and in the hospital in Houston. Mrs. Gerner was the former Dollie Pollock of Rock Falls. She is survived by her husband and two daughters and one son; two sisters, Mrs. Ruth Wolf and Mrs. Jeanette France and two brothers, Darhal and and Ward of Rock Falls. The funeral rites and burial will take place in Houston.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Dec 24, 1951 Sterling Gazette

LOUIS GERRIETS , 704 Thirteenth Ave., Sterling, learned Wednesday of the sudden death of her brother, Louis Gerriets, at Rogers, Neb. Funeral and burial will take place Friday in Nebraska. His death leaves his sister the only remaining member of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Luibby Gerriets and she has been bedfast since a stroke a year ago. The brother spent his youth in the rural area north of Sterling, and in Nebraska had operated a grain elevator. His first wife, Winifred, died in 1918, and his son, Lester, died in 1934. Also preceding him in death were four brothers, Gerhardt, Theodore, Bernard and Carl, and a sister, Mrs. Henry Therell. Surviving besides the sisteer are his wife, Carrie, two stepsons, William and Neil Kunkle, and four grandsons.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 5, 1953 - pg 2 col 2

CLYDE GIBLER : Funeral services for Clyde Gibler of Morrison who died Sunday evening at the Morrison Hospital were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Tomlinson Funeral Home. The Rev. Harold Olson, pastor of the First Methodist Church officiated. Burial was in the Minta Cemetery near Garden Plain. Pallbearers were Everett Ege, Robert Curry and Emmet Keisel of Newton, Ralph Huggins of Lanark, John Hoy of Fulton and George Howe of Morrison. The beautiful floral tributes were arranged by Mrs. Carl Popkins and Mrs. William Rose of Morrison. Mrs. R.B. Heysinger of Morrison sang "whispering Hope", accompanied by Miss Edna Matthew.
Obituary dated 1 June 1953

ABRAHAM GIFFROW , a well known and highly respected retired farmer, died at the family home at Second avenue and Eighth street at 5:30 o'clock Monday evening of last week. Death was due to senile debility, after an illness of some duration. The deceased was a native of Germany, having been born in Brandenburg, on September 18, 1831. He was married in Germany in 1860 and four years later he with Mrs. Giffrow, came to the United States and located in Jordan township, this county, where he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until eight years ago, when he retired from active life and moved to Sterling. Mr. Giffrow is survived by his widow and six children. They are Mrs. John Arnold of Jordan; Fernando Giffrow of Sterling; Mrs. David Schaffer of Sterling; Mrs. Lizzie McPerson of Milledgeville; Abraham Giffrow of Jordan, and Miss Catherine Giffrow of the home. The funeral services were held from the residence at 12:30 on Thursday, and from the German Lutheran church in Jordan township at 2 p.m. The Rev. Mr. Schneider, pastor of the Jordan German Lutheran church, of which Mr. Giffrow has been a member for years, officiated. Interment was held in the German Lutheran cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated Jan. 14, 1904 handwritten date on Scrapbook Clipping

FREDERKA (STERN) GIFFROW , died at her home on Fourth-ave Wednesday at 5:15 o'clock after an illness of over a year with dropsy. The funeral will be held Friday from the late home at 12 o'clock and from the West Jordan Lutheran Church at 2 o'clock, the Rev. Louis Gressens of the German Lutheran Church of this city, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Hustedt of the West Jordan Church officiating. The burial will be in the West Jordan cemetery. Frederka Stern was born in Branberg, Germany, March 1, 1838, and at the age of seventeen came to this country, locating in Whiteside County. She was married Oct. 25, 1860, to Christian Giffrow of Jordan township, her husband preceding her in death on Oct. 10, 1889. She was the mother of ten children, all of whom survive to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother. They are: William of LeMars, Ia., Frank of Sterling, Mrs. Emma Duesling of Sterling, John, Delia, Wolber and Charles of Jordan, Henry of Oldwine, Ia., Rose living at home, and Herman of Genessee and Robert of Coloma. Two brothers, Fred and Christian of this city are also left to mourn with a host of friends. She was a life long member of the German Lutheran Church and was a woman held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. She had lived in Jordan from the time of her marriage until eight years ago, when she removed to this city.
Contributed by Carolyn Norquest

HAZEL (WHISLER) GIFFROW , 85, of Princeton, formerly of Rock Falls, died Nov. 1, 1992, at Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton, after an extended illness. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Karen Schilling, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Blair Funeral home, Sterling. Mrs. Giffrow was born Nov. 3, 1906, in Jordan Township, the daughter of Melton B. and Mary (Cross) Whisler. She married Harold Giffrow, Feb. 9, 1926. She attended Brown's Business College in sterling. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, past president and life member of the United Methodist Women, formerly W.S.C.S., a Sunday School teacher, member of Sterling and Rock Falls Women's Clubs, Hume Township, Homemakers, Illinois Arabian Horse Association, and Sauk Valley Horseman's Association. She and her husband and daughter ran the Lark Lee Arabian Horse Farm, south of Rock Falls. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Charles D. (Judith) Putts and Shirley Giffrow, both of Princeton; one son, Robert D. Giffrow of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and one sister, Bertha Gilbert.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 2, 1992 - Monday, pg 2

HERMAN GIFFROW , 78, 1102 First Ave. Sterling, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon while visiting in the home of his son Allan C. 509 Armedia Ave. Dixon . Lee County coroner conducted an inquest Sunday. The verdict was death from a heart attack. Mr. Giffrow was born Oct. 29, 1875 in Genesee Township north of Sterling the son of Christian and Fredericka Stern Giffrow. He married Louise Anspach Feb. 14, 1894 in Rock Falls. Surviving are his widow, three sons, Allen of Dixon; Harold of Rock Falls and Albert of Sterling. A daughter Mrs. Charles E. Johnson, Sterling. A brother Robert of St. Petersburg FL, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A son Leo preceded him in death. Services will be held Tuesday at 2 P.M. Melvin Funeral home, burial at Riverside Cemetery Sterling.

JOHN GIFFROW , passed away at 1:30 o'clock this afternoon (11 Mar 1932) at his home at 1107 Third Avenue, as a result of a fall while picking cherries last June. Although injured at the time he had not complained until about three weeks ago, when he took worse. He was born on the homestead north of Sterling, Dec. 3, 1865, and spent his entire life in this community. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Arthur of north of Sterling, Lloyd of Rock Falls, and Ernest; four brothers, Frank and Charles of Sterling, Henry of Clinton, Ia., and Robert of Chicago; three sisters, Mrs. Herman Dusing of Coleta, Mrs. William Wolver and Mrs. Rose Frazer of Sterling, and three grandchildren. One brother, William of LeMars, Ia., preceded him in death. Definite funeral arrangements have not been made as yet, but it is expected the rites will be held Monday afternoon.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois March 11, 1932 - Friday, pg 6

EMMA (GREGORY) BALLARD GILLMAN , 89, of Sterling died Sunday, July 6, 2003, at Sterling Pavilion Nursing Home. She was employed by Sears Roebuck and Co. as a seamstress and clerk and also by Dixon Developmental Center. She and her husband owned Ballard's Lounge, Sterling, for many years. Mrs. Gillman was born Sept. 8, 1913, in Vetel, S.D., the daughter of Ross and Minnie (Burdick) Gregory. She married Arthur R. Ballard on June 20, 1931, in Carbon Cliff. He died Oct. 27, 1970. She later married Norval Gregory on June 28, 1974. He died Aug. 9, 1993. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rock Falls. She enjoyed playing cards and attending the senior center. Survivors include two daughters, Lorraine (Wayne) Hendryx of Rock Falls and Karen (Gerald) Hodges of Lake Carroll; two sons, Dean Ballard of Sterling and Wayne (Pat) Ballard of Nicholasville, Ky. a stepson, Donald Gilimari of Davenport, Iowa; her stepmother, Evelyn Gregory of Aurora; two half sisters, Donna Stewart of North Aurora and Sherry (Lloyd) Stringer of Yorkville; 14 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Edna Duty, Esther Robnett and Geneivie Ridge; and a brother, Donald Gregory. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Michael Winkleman officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation is from 9-10:30 am. Wednesday at the church. Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls.
Daily Gazette July 7, 2003

MILDRED (DEWEY) GINGER , 65, of Bonner Springs, KS, passed away Monday, Sept. 30, 2002, at Community General Hospital, Sterling, IL. She was born March 19, 1937, in Sterling, IL, the daughter of Porter and Mildred (Campbell) Dewey. She lived in the Olathe/Bonner Springs area for 26 years. She was a former member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church, Olathe. She graduated from St. Anthony's College of Nursing, Rock Falls, IL, in 1959, and married Dwayne Ginger June 24, 1961. She worked as a registered nurse at Olathe Medical Center for 16 years, retiring in 1994. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Donald and Edward "Ned" Dewey. Survivors include her husband, Dwayne, of the home; three sons, Todd Ginger of Columbia, MO, Mark Ginger of Englewood, CO, and Patrick Ginger of Fort Collins, CO; three daughters, Julie Ginger of Independence, MO, Joni Boswell of Olathe and Kelly Ginger of Bonner Springs; two sisters, Elaine Troye of Sterling, IL, and Marilyn Vinson of Dixon, IL; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, Oct. 4, at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Olathe. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Olathe.
Olathe Kansas News

ARLENE (VanSUMERN) GLORIA , age 68, of Rock Falls died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at CGH Medical Center. Funeral services will take place Saturday, May 10, 2003, at 10 am, at St Mary Church, Sterling, with Father Uriel Lopez officiating A prayer service will be at Ailen Grennan Funeral Home, Fourth Avenue Chapel, Saturday at 930 a m. Visitation will be Friday May 9, 2003, from 2 to 4p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home with the rosary recited at 7:30 p.m Burial will conclude the services at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling A memorial has been established in her memory. Mrs. Gloria was born Aug. 14, 1934, in Essexville Mich., the daughter of Earl and Laura VanSumern, She graduated from Bay City High School in Michigan. She worked at Micro Gear in Sterling and CGH Medical Center. She also was the head cook for the Latin American Social Center where she cooked for many funerals and weddings, She was a member of St. Mary Church, Sterling. She was past president and treasurer of the Latin American Ladies Auxiliary was a past doña and volunteered for the Demorrats Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts and the Red Cross. Survivors include one Son, Timothy (Stephanie) Gloria of Sterling; one brother, Norman(Virginia) Van Sumem of Bay City Mich., two sisters, Fay Collier of Essexvjlle Mich and Caroline (Russ) Johns of Oscocf a, Mich.; and two grandsons Adam and Gabriel Gloria of Sterling She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Gloria; her parents; and one brother, Earl Van Sumern Jr.
Daily Gazette May 9, 2003

AARON C. GOOD - Funeral services for Bishop A. C. Good, 97, will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Science Ridge Mennonite Church with Rev. Phillip Helmuth, pastor; Rev. Mark Lehman, pastor of Rehobeth Mennonite Church of St. Anne, Ill., and Rev. Edwin J. Stalter of the Illinois Conference co-officiating. Burial will be in Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation is Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home. The body will be moved to the church at 9 a.m. Tuesday to lie in state until hour of services. A memorial has been established in his memory. He was born in Harrisonburg, Va., the son of Christian and Anna Heatwole Good. He became pastor of Science Ridge Mennonite Church in 1906 succeeding his brother, Sam Good, who had been pastor until his death in 1905. He served this church for 49 years until his retirement. Following his retirement at Science Ridge, Bishop Good filled the pulpit for many churches in the Sterling-Rock Falls, Chadwick, Polo, Lyndon, Prophetstown and surrounding areas. He married Mamie Landis in September, 1906, and she preceded in death in Nov. 1943. He married Ada Orendorf in September 1946. Survivors include his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Glenn (Lila) Ebersole of Sterling; five grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, one daughter, seven brothers and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 31, 1978 - Monday, page 4

ADA GOOD - Mrs. Bishop A. C. (Ada) M. Good, 93 - Rest Haven Nursing Home, Morrison, died Saturday morning in the nursing home. Complete arrangements will be announced later by the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 21, 1984 - Saturday, pg 4

BENJAMIN ELROY GOOD , son of Edward H. and Mary Wilson Good, was born in Polo, Ogle County, Illinois, April 20, 1882, and died at his home in Sterling, December 15, 1918. He was married in Morrison on August 28, 1906, to Jane G. Woodard, and to this union five children were born, Floy, Elizabeth, Edward, Bertha Ilean, Benjamin and Ida May, who preceded him in death by three days. Roy, as he was familiarly known, was a member of the Mystic Workers of the World and the Brotherhood of Railroad Employes. He is survived by his wife and four children, also his parents, two brothers, Joseph of Hopkins and Harold O. at home, and two sisters, Mrs. Edith Meyers of Forreston, Ill., and Mrs. Lenora Jacobs of Sterling, besides numerous other relatives and friends. The following were here from distance to attend the funeral services: Mrs. S. M. Newcomer of Polo, Mrs. Ella Sprecker of Coffeyville, Kan., and F. N. Norris of Chicago.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 20, 1918 - Friday, pg 3

CORA B. (LAPP) GOOD , 77, of 1212 4th Ave., Stelring, died Friday evening (17 Jul 1987) at Community General Hospital in Sterling following a short illness. Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. in the Science Ridge Mennonite Church in Sterling, with Rev. S. Roy Kaufman officiating. Burial will be in the Science Ridge Mennonite Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral home in Sterling. A memorial has been established. Mrs. Good was born on Sept. 14, 1909 in South English, Iowa, the daughter of Samuel and Kate Ebersole Lapp. On Dec. 23, 1933 she was united in marriage to Lloyd D. Good in Sterling. She was a member of the Science Ridge Mennonite Church and the Rock River Camera Club. Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Mrs. William (Lois) Olson of LaGrange; three sisters, Mrs. Milo (Ruth) Troyer of Albion, Ind., Mrs. Lester (Ada) Litwiller of Wooster, Ohio, and Mrs. Clyde (Helen) Steele of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; also six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Dean, in infancy; one daughter, Joyce Mayberry; and three brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 18, 1987 - Saturday, pg A2

DEAN LLOYD GOOD , infant son of Bro. and Sister Lloyd Good, was born Sept. 30, 1940; died Nov. 23, after an illness of eight days. Just 1 month and 28 days was all the time that he could be with us. He found a very welcome home when he arrived, for the family was waiting for such a gift as he. Today we look through our tears and wonder why we could not keep him. With Job we say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." He leaves his bereaved parents, 1 little sister (Lois Ann), a grandfather (D. W. Good), uncles, aunts and cousins. Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at the Science Ridge Mennonite Church near Sterling, Illinois, in charge of A. C. Good. Text, Song of Solomon, 6: 2.
Contributed by Marilyn Schroder (Find-A-Grave) - Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXIII, No 39 December 26, 1940 --- page 831

LLOYD DANIEL GOOD , 88, Sterling, Ill., died Sept. 16 of cancer. Spouse 2: Lois Good. Parents: Daniel and Mary Good (deceased). Other survivors: children Lois, Joyce. Funeral: Sept. 20 at Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling. Last residence: 61081 (Sterling, Whiteside, IL). Father: Daniel W. GOOD b: 01 April 1884. Mother: Nannie C. BURKHOLDER b: 24 November 1883. Married 1: 23 December 1933 to Cora Bell E. LAPP. b: 14 September 1909 in South English, IA
Cotnributed by Adalbert Goetz at Find-A-Grave

LOIS SHANK GOOD , 85, of Sterling, Ill., died Jan. 19, 2000, after a short illness. She was born Jan. 1, 1915, in Freeport, Ill., the daughter of Rev. Simon E. and Lucy Mishler Graybill. She married Lloyd D. Good on Oct. 28, 1989, at Science Ridge Mennonite Church in Sterling, Ill. He died Sept. 16, 1999. She was an active member of Science Ridge Mennonite Church. Survivors include a daughter, Edith Martin and her husband Richard of Woostock, Ill.; three sons, Duane Shank of Chadwick, Ill., Carl Shank and his wife Pam of Sterling and Dave Shank and his wife Rhonda of Wichita, Kan.; a stepdaughter, Lois Olson and her husband William of Greeley, Colo.; a sister, Olive Gingrich of Freeport; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and 16 step-great-grandchildren; She was preceded in death by a brother, a sister, a stepsister and three step brothers. Services were held at Science Ridge Mennonite Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Source: Adalbert Goertz at Find-A-Grave

MARY (CONRAD) WADE GOOD , 94, of 27111 Oakland Hills Drive, Elkhart, Indiana, formerly of Sterling, died Saturday morning in Greencroft Nursing home, Goshen, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling, where visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Hartzler Gutermuth Funeral Home, Elkhart, was in charge of Arrangements. Memorial may be made to the Mennonite Board of Missions or the West Sterling Mennonite Church. The former Mary Conrad was born Aug. 10, 1887 in Sterling, the daughter of Christian and Verena (Graber) Conrad. She married Clark Wade on Jan. 18, 1916 in Wayland, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 1934. She then married Daniel W. Good on June 25, 1937 in Sterling, and he preceded her in death in 1971. She was a member of the Prairie Street Mennonite Church and an associate member of West Sterling Mennonite Church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. L. Odus (Doris) Rupe, Elkhart, Indiana, and Mrs. Edwin (Helen) Alderfer, Scottsdale, Pa.; one son, Harold Wade, Indianapolis, Ind.; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Mahlon (Esther) Lapp, Sterling, and Mrs. Howard (Edna) Zehr, Elkhart, Ind.; one step-son, Lloyd Good, Sterling; 12 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; eight step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Ralph Wade on march 10, 1982.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 12, 1982 - Monday, page A4

SOLOMON RUSH GOOD , passed away at 3:40 o’clock this morning at his home north of Sterling. He was born March 3, 1871 near Harrisonburg, Va., and came west in 1893, working four years for his uncle Noah Brunk in Ottawa, LaSalle county, on a farm. After four years he went home to visit and came back in the Spring of 1897. On January 27, 1898 he married Martha Burkholder of Sterling. They had three sons: Harold C., Flint, Mich., married Wilma Smucker; Lester H., Wooster, Oh; Robert S. at home next to the Science Ridge Mennonite church. Another son Paul B. died in infancy. He is survived by five brothers: A. C. and D. G. of Sterling; Joseph H., John M., Gabriel G., Harrisonburg, Va.; and one sister, Mrs. J. D. Wenger of Harrisonburg, Va. Two brothers are deceased: Samuel and Lewis. Mr. Good was the son of Christian and Anna Heatwole Good, the third son and fourth child of eight sons and one daughter.

OBITUARY:
Today we are reminded that, “Here we have no continuing city,” but we rejoice to know that, “As we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Solomon R. Good, son of Christian and Anna Heatwole Good, was born near Harrisonburg, Va., March 3, 1871. He passed away at his home May 17, 1933, at the age of 62 years 2 months and 14 days. He was the third son and the fourth child in the family of eight sons and one daughter. In the year of 1893 he came west and worked as a farm hand for his uncle, Noah Brunk, at Ottawa, Ill. After four years he returned to his home in Virginia for a brief visit. In the spring of 1897 he came to Sterling. His coming to Sterling was largely at the suggestion of Evangelist John S. Coffman who paid him a visit while he was at Ottawa. The thought was that he might be in more vital touch wit the church of his choice. On January 27, 1898 he was united in marriage to Martha Burkholder of Sterling. Rev. John S. Coffman of Elkhart, Ind., performed the ceremony. To this union four sons were born, Harold C., Lester H., Paul B., who passed away in infancy, and Robert S. Mr. Good confessed Christ as his personal Saviour as a young man and united with the Mennonite church and continued to be a faithful and active member to the time of his passing away.

He served the church in various capacities. For many years he served as church chorister. He was gifted in music, and from the beginning of his work in the local congregation, was interested in the improvement of the congregational singing. The books then in use were those without music, later the church and Sunday school hymnal was used, and still later the new church hymnal, of which he had a part in compiling. He was the first to encourage special music in the church in order to encourage young people in her activities, as well as to make a definite contribution to the church by way of their musical talent. He was the senior member of the “Good-Long” male quartet. The last time they sang together was on Christmas day, at the county farm. The last song they sang was the song entitled, “In the Beautiful Land.” He for a while sang in the men’s chorus until there were younger men to take his place.

In November 1923 he was elected and ordained as one of the deacons of the church. In the work of the Sunday school he served as superintendent for many years, and was one of the present teachers up to the time of his illness. In the church at large he served as treasurer of the Mennonite Board of Education, a member of the music committee, and was at present president of the district mission board, which office he held continuously with the exception of one year, from the time of the organization of the board in 1917. He had a keen interest in the work of the church, and was much interested in her activities, both at home and at large. While his general attitude was conservative, yet he believed in a progressive program for the church. He was of a generous disposition and gave freely of his means to the educational and missionary interests of the church. In his passing the church loses a staunch supporter, the home an affectionate husband and father, and the community a real neighbor and friend. It was through his coming to Sterling that others of the home state came also, and it is but fitting that six of them should act as pallbearers to carry the body of their leader and brother to its final resting place. He leaves to mourn his departure the following, his wife and three sons, Harold C., of Flint, Mich., who married Wilma Smucker of Orville, Ohio, Lester H. of Wooster, Ohio, who married Celesta Hosteter and Robert at home. Also five brothers and one sister, Joseph H., John M., Mrs. J. D. Wenger, and Gabriel of Harrisonburg, Va., Aaron C. and Daniel W. of Sterling, and a host of more distant relatives and friends. Interment was made in the cemetery near the church. Those present from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Neff of Maywood, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Landis of Elkhart, Ind., and a large number from the congregations in the state. Rev. A. H. Leaman of Chicago, a personal friend of the family had charge of the services.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, May 25, 1933, page 5, column 3.

HENRY C. GOOK , 70, of 1106 6th Ave., Sterling, passed away at 3 a.m. Sunday in his home, Following an illness of the past three weeks. His body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call after 4 p.m. today. Funeral Services will be conducted at 3 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 Riverside Cemetery.

Mr. Gook was born June 4, 1893, in Wurlenberg, Germany, the son of Mike and Kate (Bort) Gook. He came to the United States at an early age and resided in the Sterling area for 66 years. He was married to Lillian Quick Feb. 1, 1921, in Morrison. He was employed by the Eureka Co. in Rock Falls for 47 years, where he was foreman of the upholstery department. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling. Surviving him are his wife, one step-daughter, Mrs. Walter Easter, Sterling: one brother, William Gook, Aurora, and one grandson, George Hussung, New Albany, Ind.

LILLIAN S. (QUICK) GOOK , 84, 704 Locust, Sterling, died early Saturday morning, (01 June 1982) the result of a house fire. Funeral services were held today at 10:30 a.m. at the Melvin – Schilling Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenneth Zuithoff, pastor of the Bethel Reform Church officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery. She was born May 26, 1898 the daughter of Richard S. and Julia A. Schanberg Quick and was a resident of this area her entire life. She was united in marriage to Mathias Thompson who preceded her in death and then married Henry Gook was also preceded in November of 1963.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Helen Easter, Sterling: three sisters, Mrs. Mary Quick, St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. Effie Gray and Mrs. Lucille Tuft, Rock Falls: five grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter and one sister.

Contributed by Diane Kucenski

JOHN H. GORS , 63, of Rock Falls died Wednesday, June 18, 2003, after an illness. He was employed at various construction jobs, in security work and operated his own lawn care service. Mr. Gors was born Jan. 21, 1940, in Sterling, the son of Richard George and Violet Maude (Miller) Gors. He attended Sterling schools and Barber School, Moline. He married Bonnie Buchholz on April 3, 1992. Survivors include is his wife; his children, Katie (Greg) Manning, Marvin Siperly and Amy Siperly, all of Rock Falls, and Karen Gors of Sterling; three sisters, Gladys (Richard) Rausch and Diane McLindsay, both of Sterling. and Vickie (Doug) VanRycke of Rock Falls; three brothers, Richard H. Gors and Jerry H. Gors, both of Sterling, and Edward J. Gors of Lyndon; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. His body was donated to medical science. Memorial service is at 1 p.m. Sunday at First Southern Baptist Church, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Ottis Meadows officiating. Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls.
Daily Gazette June 19, 2003

NORMAN J. GOSHERT , 81, formerly of 409 4th Ave., Sterling, died at 11:30 p.m. Friday, (28 May 1959) following a short illness. Funeral services were conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Behrens Mortuary, with the Rev. Kenneth Mortonson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling, officiating. Mrs. Dora Wiles played several organ selections. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Chicago. He was born Aug. 9, 1877 in Sterling, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Goshert. He attended the Milledgeville schools and was graduated from Milledgeville High School. For 32 years he was employed by the Toledo Scales Co., retiring at the age of 78. He was married to Jessie Roberts Chicago, and she preceded him in death in 1948. Surviving are one brother, Harold Goshert of Sterling, and a number of nephews and nieces. He was preceded by his wife, three brothers and two sisters.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 1, 1959 - Tuesday, pg 2 col 3

VERA L. (REYNOLDS) GRADY , 75, of Rock Falls passed away Sunday. May 2, 2004. at Kindred Hospital Sycamore after complications from lung cancer. Vera was, born on Sept. 29, 1928. near Clover Bend. Ark., the daugh­ter of Charles and Mattie (Robertson) Reynolds and married Thomas C. Graddy on May 26, 1946. He passed away Sept. 7, 1981. Vera was a faithful mem­ber of Rock Falls United Methodist Church where she served on the board of trustees. She enjoyed volunteering her time as a foster grandparent at Dillon School. Rock Falls for more than 10 years, bowling, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Marsha (Dave) Dail of Hillsdale; her son. T. Michael (Karin) Graddy of DeKalb: her sister. Charlene, (Mose) Woosley of Leesburg. Fla.; her brothers, Charles (Gladys) Reynolds of Kansas City. Mo., Dean (Pat) Reynolds of Sterling and Glenn (Dee) Reynolds of Eustis. Fla.; her sister-in-law, Phyllis Reynolds of Orange City. Fla,; and five grandchildren. Josh (Amanda) Dail of Buchanan. Mich. Zack (Lisa) Dail of Moline and Kelan, Malena and Merrick Graddy of DeKalb. She preceded in death by one brother, Paul Reynolds. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Rock Falls United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Thomson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll.

LITA (COMPTON) GRANT , 89, of Rock Falls died Aug. 27, 2005 at Sterling Pavilion Nursing Home. Mrs. Grant was born June 18, 1916 in Rock Falls, the daughter of Elmer and Fannie (Frank) Compton. She married Clarence Grant on Aug. 2, 1941. He died Dec. 27, 1993. She was a member of Rock Falls Cong. - UCC. She enjoyed sewing and spending time with the grandkids. Survivors include a son, William; a sister Barbara Havener; two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded by two brothers and two sisters. Burial at Coloma twp. Cemetery.

CINDERELLA GRAY , 87, of 917 Third Ave., Fulton, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. She was employed by Clinton Garment Factory, Clinton, Iowa and then by Riverbend School District and Drives Inc., both in Fulton, as a custodian. Mrs. Gray was born May 20, 1915 in Flat Lick, Ky., the daughter of Charles and Sally (Grubbs) Haley. She attended Flat Lick, Ky., area schools. She married James F. Baird on Oct 26, 1930 in Virginia. He died Oct 23, 1936. She then married James b. Gray on Sept. 7, 1942, in Kahokia, Mo. He died Feb. 22, 1968. She was a member of Assembly of God Church, Fulton, where she was a Sunday school teacher, served on the church board and was a member of mission committee and the choir. She also was a volunteer at Fulton Food Pantry. Survivors include three daughters, Eunice Weller of Clinton, Iowa, and Nan (Don) Loftus and Sylvia (David) Hammond, both of Fulton; a son, Steve (Mary) Baird of Coralville, Iowa; two sisters, Betty Smith and Ethel Johnson, both of Pineville, Ky.; a brother, Ray (Elsie) Haley of Clinton, Iowa; nine grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Magdalene Widener and one in infancy; and three brothers, Albert and Delbert Haley and James Calvin Haley in infancy. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with the Rev. James Sprinkel, pastor of Assembly of God Church, Mason City, officiating. Burial is in Fulton ………..(the rest of obituary off the page).
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette, Monday, 23 December 2002, A5;4

CLARENCE E. GRAY , 59, of 116-1/2 W. 2nd St., Apt. 5, Rock Falls, and formerly of Rockford, died Saturday afternoon at Community General Hospital following a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. David L. Beebe, pastor of the Rock Falls Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery. The Rock Falls Legion will conduct military services at the cemetery. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Gray was born Nov. 17, 1922 in Sterling, the son of Frank and Ruby (England) Gray. He was united in marriage to Ruth Hoffman on Dec. 15, 1951 in Buffalo, New York. He was employed as a machinist at Green Lee Machine Company in Rockford prior to retiring due to poor health. He served in World War II, and also in the Korean Conflict. He is survived by three sons, Michael, David and John, all of Rockford; two daughters, Mrs. Francis (Karen) Lindsey of Rockford and Mrs. Darlene Keller of Mount Clemens, Michigan; one step-daughter, Linda Shelley of Rockford; four brothers, LeRoy and Darrell, both of Rock Falls, Russell of Sterling, and Carl of Hanover Park, and one sister, Mrs. Robert (Betty) Pierson of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Donald.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 19, 1982 - Monday, page A5

DUNCAN MACKAY GRAY - At his home in this city Nov. 25, 1893, Duncan Mackay Gray, only son of Dr. and MRs. J.H. Gray aged 7 years, 4 months and 27 days.

The funeral occurred at the Presbyterian church last Monday and was largely attended. Duncan's little companions from the primary room of the public school being present. The music was by a class of little children from the Sunday school, and was very touching. Beautiful roses in profusion adorned the bier and graced the altar. After impressive services by the pastor, Rev. J.W. Skinner, interment took place in Grove Hill Cemetery.

News Report: One of the saddest accidents the Sentinel has ever been called upon to chronicle is that of last Thursday which caused the death of Duncan Gray, the seven year old son of Dr. and MRs. J. H. Gray of this city. Cuncan, with several comrades was on his way to school. A freight train had been switching and was separated at the depot crossing, leaving an opening of six or eight feet, through which Duncan ran across the tracks. The freight train being in the way he did not see the approach of the Clinton passenger which arrives here at 8:42 AM and did not hear it, as on account of the colness of the morning he had his cap drawn down over his ears. He had stepped upon the track when the engine struck him and threw him along the side of the track. The force with which he was struck caused him to whirl around and his legs were thrown over the track, the wheels of the cars passing over them and crushing them both. He was raised by tender hands and carried home where he lingered until Saturday morning at two o'clock when his spirit passed away. He never rallied sufficiently from the shock to have an amputation performed, and none was attempted, although the best at hand to operate in case his life could be saved, and the entire medical profession of this city was continually at the service of the sufferer. The whole community was shocked by the appalling accident which has torn from a beloved home the bright life that adorned it. A near neighbor, the writer had during the short years of Duncan's life watched with pleasure the development of his character, had noted his gentle and manly ways, his kindness with his playmates, his cheerful, happy and lovable disposition.

KEITH GRAY - Funeral rites were conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Melvin Funeral Home by Virgil Sweaney of the Fifth Avenue Church of Chirst. Mrs. J. H. Linn was organist. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers were Iner Hansen, John Mangan, Edward Sarver, Wilson Heaton, Jack O'Hare and J. P. Thomson.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 26, 1972 - Friday, page 2

LOREN GRAY - Funeral arrangements are complete at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling for Loren Gray, 91, Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, who died Tuesday evening (14 Jan 1975) at the nursing home. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling, with Rev. Lowell I Allen, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. There will be no visitation. He is survived by one brother, James Gray, of Burlington, Iowa.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 15, 1975 - Wednesday, pg 6

RUSSELL F. GRAY , 84, of Sterling died Sept. 20, 2005 at CGH Med. Ctr. He and his wife owned and operated Gray Grocery, Rock Falls, for many years. Mr. Gray was born Feb. 14, 1921 in Rock Falls, the son of Frank B. and Ruby B. (England) Gray. He married Dorothy Gould on Oct. 14, 1942 in Sterling. He served int he Navy during WW II for 3 years. He was a member of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church Sterling and a member and past commander of Rock Falls American Legion Post 902. He enjoyed fishing.

Survivors include his wife, a son Rusty; two brothers Darrell and Carroll of Benita Springs FL; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded by a sister, three brothers and a daughter-in-law Dianne Gray. Burial is at Oak Knoll Cemetery.

YVONNE F. (BUSH) GRAY , 71, of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, August 3, 2008 at OSF St. Anthony's Medical Center in Rockford, IL. Yvonne was born on August 26, 1936 in Morrison, IL to Paul and Katherine Irene (Glazier) Bush. She was a 1954 graduate of Morrison High School and went on to graduate from the University of Tampa in Tampa, FL with her BA in Education. After high school, Yvonne was employed as an airline stewardess. While living in the Tampa, FL area she was employed with Soloman, Smith, Barney, E.F. Hutton, followed by the University of Tampa as an Administrative Secretary. When she moved to the Morrison, IL area, she was employed with Superwash, Northwestern Title Company as a secretary, and most recently, as a substitute teacher at Northside Elementary School in Morrison, IL until her retirement. Yvonne was a member of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison, IL. She was a member of the Red Hat Society in Morrison, IL and a volunteer at the WHOA Therapeutic Riding Stable in Morrison, IL. Survivors include her fiancée, Ron Garwick of Morrison, IL; two sons, Steven (Susan Devers) Schroeder of Morrison, IL,Thomas (Margaret) Schroeder of Brandon, FL; two grandchildren, Tara Schroeder and Stephanie Schroeder; her mother, Irene Bush of Morrison, IL; one brother, Lawrence Bush of St. Clairsville, OH. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Bush and one brother, Wesley Bush

ALBERT GRIEDE , 80, died at 8 p.m. Monday in his Erie home, following an extended illness. The body is in the Schilling funeral home where friends may call this evening. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in Ebenezer Reformed church, Morrison. Burial will be in Grove Hill cemetery, Morrison.

Mr. Griede was born June 12, 1878, in the Netherlands, the son of Lawrence and Jeanette Sikkema Griede. He was reared and educated in Fulton. The family has lived in Prophetstown and Erie communities for 51 years. Mr. Griede was a retired farmer. On Feb. 26, 1908, he married Winnie VanDyke . He was a member of Ebenezer church. The deceased had been a custodian for 2 years at Erie primary school.

Surviving are the widow; 3 daughters, Mrs. Melvin (Francis) Meyer, Mrs. Clarence (Jeanette) Schaver and Mrs. Lloyd (Gladys) Brightman, all of Erie; a half-brother, Mino Kamphuis of Clinton, Iowa; a half-sister, Mrs. Henrietta Arndt of Moline; 2 sisters, Mrs. Lena Wiersema of Port Byron and Mrs. Fred Hunt of Prophetstown; a step-brother, Will Kamphuis of Fulton; 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded by a son, a brother, 2 step-brothers, 2 sisters and 3 grandchildren.

Contributed by Bonnie Pillers

JOHN GRIEDE, ,51, who was a guard at the Eclipse war plant until the first of the month, died in Jane Lamb Hospital, Clinton, Ia., this morning. He had been a patient there since Tuesday.

The body was removed to the Dudley mortuary here. Funeral arrangements are being completed today.

Mr. Greide is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Fred Hunt of Prophetstown, Mrs. Anna Kooi of Streator, Mrs. Jennie Morrow of Fulton and Mrs. Genevieve Wiersema of Morrison; a brother, Albert Greide, who resides south of Prophetstown; also four half-brothers, Henry, William, Louis and Mino Kamphuis; and a half-sister, Mrs. Carl Arndt.

2nd Notice - paper and date unknown

Funeral services for John Greide, who died Friday, were held at Dudley funeral chapel in Prophetstown. Rev. John E. Robeson, pastor of the Methodist church, officiated. Mrs. H.F. Eshelman sang, "There Is No Disappointment In Heaven" and " The Old Rugged Cross," accompanied by Mrs. V. R. Olmstead. Interment was in the Fulton cemetery. The pallbearers were Ralph Dronenberg, John Francis, Roy Moore, William Brown, E.J. Cleaveland and Lou Wierenga.

3rd Notice - paper and date unknown

Number from Away At John Greide Rites
Those from a distance who attended the funeral services of John Greide on Monday at Prophetstown were:

Sgt. Harold Hunt, Shreveport, La; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Chafant and son and Mrs. Annie Kooi, Streator; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hanell, Mrs. Mary Brodenhofer, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Morrow, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Johnson, Moline; Mr. and Mrs. Mino Kamphuis and daughter, Audrey, Clinton, Ia; Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Letcher and son, Mrs. Jennie Morrow and son, Omer, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kamphuis, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sikkema, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kamphuis, Mr. and Mrs. William Kamphuis, Fulton; Mr. and Mrs. George Heun, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Heun, Newton; Mr. and Mrs. Claus Wiersema, Mr. and Mrs. John Tervelt, Mrs. Harry Housenga, Mrs. Harry Eissens, Morrison; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Wiersema, Port Byron; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gerdes, Tampico; Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Meyer, Mrs. Ralph Weber, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Schaver, Miss Betty Wilson, Erie; and Everett Anderson, Milledgeville.

Contributed by Bonnie Pillers

WINNIE (VAN DYKE) GRIEDE - Funeral services for Mrs. Winnie C. Greide, 87, of Erie, who died Saturday evening in Morrison Community Memorial Hospital, will be at 2 tomorrow afternoon in the Schilling Funeral Home, Erie.

The Rev. Harry Buis, pastor of the Ebenezer Reformed Church of Morrison, will officiate. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Visitation is this evening at the funeral home. A memorial is being established.

The former Winnie C. VanDyke was born Sept. 2, 1886, in the Netherlands, a daughter of Francis and Gertrude Wielema VanDyke.

On Feb. 26, 1908, she was married to Albert Greide in Morrison.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Melvin Meyer, Mrs. Clarence Schaver, Mrs. Lloyd Brightman, all of Erie; nine grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren.

EMMA (POTTS) GRONIS 70 years of age, a resident of Leavenworth for the past 49 years died at 1:25 yesterday afternoon at St. John's Hospital following an illness of about -two weeks. Born June 12, 1877, in Sterling, Ill., Mrs. Gronis was a daughter of Matthew and Barbara Potts. On June 24, 1896, at Sterling, Ill., she was married to John D. Gronis. Mr. Gronis died November 1, 1915. Mrs. Gronis was a member of St. Joseph's Church.

Funeral Friday Morning
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Delmar Poell, of the home address, 813 Shawnee Street; two sons, John D. Gronis, 404 ½ Shawnee Street, and Walter Gronis, 516 Osage Street; a sister, Mrs. William Wilkinson of Sterling, Ill., and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's Church, the Rev. Fr. Herman Golobic, 0 Carm, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the family lot in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Members of the Knights of Columbus and friends will assemble at 8 o'clock Thursday night at the O'Donnell Funeral Chapel for the recitation of the rosary. The body will remain at the chapel until the time of services.

Contributed by Jerry Thomas

MARY (BRODERICK) GRONIS - Succumbs to a stroke of paralysis - Funeral Wednesday afternoon at St. Patrick’s Church.

Mrs. Mary Gronis, living on Wallace Street died Tuesday, (March 22nd) from the effects of a stroke of paralysis which took place Monday evening. The deceased was the widow of the late John Gronis and leaves one son, Charles. The funeral took place at St. Patrick’s church Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock, with Rev. Father J.J. Bennett officiating. Mary Broderick was born in Alta Parish, County Limerick, Ireland, seventy-seven years ago and came to this country when about twenty years of age. She, with her husband, John Gronis, were long residents of this city where he died several years ago. Mrs. Gronis had an enviable circle of friends, who will feel deeply grieved to hear of her death.
Contributed by Collen Butler from the front page Sterling Standard March 24, 1898

ANNE E (RAUB) GRUBB, Mrs. David Grubb died at her home on Fifth ave. this mourning at 6 o’clock. The cause of her demise was bright’s disease of which she had been a sufferer confined to her bed but four week’s. The funeral will be held in the Christian church in Sterling Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock the cortege leaving the residence at 1:30 o’clock. The service will be in charge of Rev. W. E. Spicer, pastor of the church and the burial will be in the Riverside cemetery. Anne E Raub was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Oct 17, 1845. She was married March 10, 1864 to David F Grubb. She came west with her husband soon after the marriage and settled in Sterling where hey lived for fifteen years and then moved to their present home where they have since lived. Five children were born to them, four having died, the other being their daughter, Mrs. Samuel Countryman of Hopkins township. Besides the bereaved husband, and daughter, there are three grand children, Maysie, Mayme, and Vaughn Countryman. The two sisters of the deceased are Mrs. William Glass of Garwin, Ia., Mrs. Schell of Altoona, Pa. A half sister is Mrs. David Herr of Lancaster, Pa., and a half brother is Aldis Neff also of Lancaster. Mrs. Grubb was a true Christian woman and a faithful member of the Christian church. She was a kind mother and devoted wife as well as a good neighbor and friend. She will be sadly missed by a large number stricken relatives have the sincere stricken relatives have the sincere sympathy of all in their sorrow.
Dated: Oct. 6, 1903
Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

ROBERT GOODWIN GRUBER , 70, of Morrison, Ill., died Wednesday, June 6, 1984, at the Community General Hospital, Sterling, Ill. Robert G. Gruber was born Nov. 23, 1913, in Canton, a son of Thomas and Edna Goodwin Gruber. He was raised in Canton and married in 1939 to Margaret Stratton in Monticello. He was later married to Geneva Armstrong on Feb. 7, 1953, in Marion, Ind. She died Feb. 7, 1976. He had resided in Morrison since 1953 where he had worked with the conservation department at the Morrison Rockwood State Park for the past 10 years.

Survivors include a son, Robert E. Gruber of Morrison; three daughters, Mrs. Stephen Kemmer, Mrs. Gordon Bramm and Mrs. Don Caskey, all of Morrison; five grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Zilpha Shatzer and Mrs. William Brown, both of Canton, and Mrs. Robert Risk of Keokuk and other relatives. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a grandson.

Funeral services were held Saturday at the Renkes Reynolds Funeral Home in Morrison. Burial was in Grove Hill Cemetery there. A memberial fund has been established for the American Cancer Society.

Source: "Fina A Grave Website" Contributed by Lilly Riney

ZANA CATHARINE (ROGERS) GULDEN - 44, of Downers Grove, formerly of Sterling, was instantly killed early Thursday morning (19 Jul 1938) when struck by a passenger train at a sidewalk crossing near the station at Lisle where she was waiting for her husband. The body was brought to the Melvin Funeral Home Thursday afternoon. Funeral rites will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the Melvin Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor of the Rock Falls Christian Church. Interment will take place in the family lot at the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Gulden was born February 15, 1895, at Sandwich, Ill. She had spent most of her life in and around Sterling. Besides her husband, Fred Gulden, she leaves two daughters, Mrs. Catherine Reinhart and Mrs. Marjory Seeley, both of Sterling. Her mother, Mrs. Ida M. Rogers of Rochelle, and one brother, Merle Rogers of Chicago, also survive. Her father, Galon Rogers, preceded her in death June 11, 1910. There are three grandchildren, Jackie Reinhart and James and Richard Seeley. Mrs. Gulden also leaves several uncles and aunts and many friends.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois July 22, 1938 - Friday, pg 2

CHARLES EDWARD GUMFORY - Funeral services for Charles Edward Gumfory were held Wednesday afternoon at Parent Funeral Chapel in Tampico. The Rev. Hollis Whaton of walnut officiated. Two hymns “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere” and Beyond the Sunset” were sung by Archie Yarde, Jr. with Miss Juanita Pratt at the organ. Burial was in Tampico Memorial Cemetery, with Coe Gaulrapp, Glenn Marshall, Herbert Adams, Temple Myers, George Hanseth and Charles Douglas serving as pallbearers. Those in care of the floral tributes were Mr. and Mrs. Dale Clevenger, Mrs. Helen Bowgnan, Mrs. Ruth Douglas and Clifford Thompson.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Mar 27, 1954 Sterling Gazette

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