Whiteside Co IL Obituaries

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

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DALE WARREN , 64, of 505 w. 7th Street in Rock Falls died Sunday evening (March 10, 1986) at Community General Hospital in Sterling. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. Dalmus Meeks, pastor of the Harvest Time Bible Church in Rock Falls officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Dale was born Aug. 4, 1922 in Mattoon, the son of Elzzy and Mary Alice Easterday Warren. He was united in marriage to Helen Gilbert on Sept. 22, 1942 in St. Louis, Mo. and she preceded him in death on April 21, 1983. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the US Army. The deceased was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling as a tool & Dye maker, retiring in 1980 after working 29 years. Survivors include five sons, Bill (rest of obit on copied)
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Aug 11, 1986 Daily Gazette

ARTHUR M. WELLS , 80, died Sunday [12/02/1934] morning at 10:00 o’clock at his home in Erie. He was born in Duquoin, Ill., November 21, 1854 and in 1864 came with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. H. K. Wells from Fairmont, Ill., to Erie. He spent a few years in Clinton, Ia. He was a clerk for 20 years in the grocery department of Burchell General Store. Surviving him is his sister Miss Cora. B. Wells with whom he lived. His sister Emma died in early childhood, his mother died in 1896 and his father in 1913. Funeral services will be from the late home Tuesday [12/04/1934] afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, Dr. Albertus Perry, pastor of the Methodist church, conducting the services. Burial will be in Erie cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 3, 1934, page 6, column 2.

CATHERINE (RUCKLE) WELLS - The funeral of Mrs. Catherine Wells of Clyde was held in Morrison this afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. Welch officiated. Interment was made in Grove Hill cemetery. Mrs. Catherine Wells , nee Ruckle was born in County Limerick, Ireland, December 10, 1839, and died after an illness of about three weeks at her home in Malvern, Wednesday evening, Feb. 23, 1911. At the age of about seventeen the deceased emigrated to America and settled in Ohio, where she was united in marriage to John Wells in 1861[?]. To them were born nine children as follows: Charles, who is now a merchant of Malvern; Glenwood, a farmer; Frank a successful farmer and sheep raiser of Fort Collins, Colo.; George, who is a farmer located in Rock Island county; Fred, who is farming in Clyde; Ulysses at home; Edward who operates the home farm; Agnes, the wife of Samuel Jones, a Clyde farmer, and Irene, the wife of William Detra of Clarksdale, Iowa. The deceased lost her husband four weeks ago and it is supposed that in connection with her advanced age, hastened her death. She was universally respected by all who knew her for her sterling Christian spirit which pervaded every act of her life since she moved to Clyde township, this county in 1862.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, February 25, 1911, page 8, column 1

CHARLES J. WELLS - By Mrs. May Crowell - Lyndon, Illinois
When looking through some letters and papers which had belonged to his mother, C. E. Tobey of Lyndon found an old Sterling Gazette of nearly 75 years ago. It is dated September 30, 1871. the Sterling Gazette was published then and edited by George Terwilliger and this copy is from Volume XIV, Number 29, office corner Third and Mulberry streets, $2 per year. The death notices contained a brief obituary of Charles J. Wells, C. E. Tobey’s uncle. It reads: “Died, Wells—at Como on the 22nd of September Charles J. Wells, aged 35 years, 1 month and 19 days. He was a son of Horatio Wells, sr., of Como and brother of Samuel Wells, jr., of Round Grove. Mr. Wells came to this country at an early age from Massachussetts with his parents who settled at Como, living there ever since till the time of his death. He was active and energetic, well and widely known throughout the country. In 1864 he was severely injured by a horse falling upon him from which he suffered more or less to the time of his death. He experienced religion when about 19 years of age and thenceforth his life was that of a true and faithful Christian. When the summons came to call him hence he was ready, because he knew he was to meet his Savior in a bright land. His early death is deeply mourned by a large circle of relatives, friends and acquaintances.
Another Obit:
Morrison, Ill., June 3.—(Special.)—Charles Wells, one of the early and highly esteemed residents of Whiteside county, passed away at 7:30 o’clock Friday [06/03/1927] morning at the home of his son, J. A. Wells residing a short distance west of the city. Although he had been in failing health for some time Mr. Wells was not forced to his bed until last Friday [05/27/1927], when his condition became serious. He was born in Carroll county Ill., Oct. 20, 1860, and came to Clyde township at an early age where he had since resided. Mr. Wells was engaged in farming during his lifetime until compelled to retire when his health broke down. He was united in marriage February 10, 1892, to Etta Zollers who survives him. Several brothers and sisters also survive Mr. Wells and the following children, Irvin and Miss Marjorie of Sterling, Raymond of Clyde township and Joshua, residing west of Morrison. Mr. Wells was a member of the Mystic Workers of the World. The funeral arrangements have not been completed waiting word from relatives at a distance. Services will probably be held Sunday afternoon at the Reynolds funeral home
Contributed by Larry Reynolds The Sterling Daily Gazette, May 24, 1946, page 4, column 6

CHARLES CHRISTOPHER WELLS , an old resident of Clyde, died about 8 o'clock this morning at the home of his son, Joshua E. Wells of Unionville. He had been in poor health the past two and a half months with heart trouble but had been confined to his bed just a week. Funeral services will be held at the Reynolds Funeral Home Sunday, probably at 2 o'clock, although the hour is not yet definitely fixed. Burial is to be made in Grove Hill cemetery. Mr. Wells was the son of the late John and Cathryn Wells, and was born in Clyde township, Whiteside county, Oct. 20, 1860, being in his 67th year. He was married when a young man and is survived by his wife and four children, Irvin and Marjorie of Sterling, Raymond of Clyde and Joshua E. of Unionville. He lived at Mavern all of his life, and is survived byt the following brothers and sisters: Fred and Frank of Colorado, Mrs. Chas. Detra of Polo, George of Albany, Fred (should be Edward) of Malvern and L.W. of Capron, Ill. Many friends will regret to learn of his death as he was a man of fine character and well liked by all who knew him, and will be missed in his home community.
The Whiteside Sentinel -- Morrison, IL, 3 Jun 1927 - Website of Jackie Couch/Rootsweb.

CHESTER E. WELLS , 83, retired farmer and business man, passed away at an East Moline hospital at 12:10 p. m. Sunday [05/20/1945] following an illness of several years, the last month of which he had been in a critical condition. Mr. Wells, who was born in Fenton township April 20, 1862, son of George W. and Abbie Farrington Wells, had been a resident of the Morrison community all of his life except for a few years in Chicago. He was a lover of good horses, and had raised a number of high grade carriage and work horses for which he found a ready market. A nephew, James L. Lawry of Morrison, and other nephews and nieces in Iowa and Washington survive. Four brothers, Albert, George, Lester and Grant, and a sister, Mary Lawry, preceded him in death. The body was moved to the Reynolds funeral home, where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p. m., conducted by Dr. H. J. Rendall. Interment will be in Grove Hill cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, May 21, 1945, page 6, column 7.

CORA WELLS - Erie friends received word Sunday afternoon of the death of Miss Cora B. Wells, 89, which occurred Sunday [11/03/1946] afternoon at the Methodist Old Folks’ home in Chicago as the result of a stroke of paralysis. Miss Wells became ill Saturday morning shortly after 9 o’clock, but had been able to sit up and crochet in the afternoon and then later suffered the stroke. Funeral services are to be held in the chapel at the home, Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock. The Rev. L. E. Jones, Erie Methodist pastor will officiate, and interment will take place in the home lot in the Elmwood cemetery. Miss Wells, daughter of Dr. H. K. and Laura Burbank Wells was born Oct. 19, 1857 in Tamaroa in southern Illinois and lived there and in Old DuQuoin until she was five years old when her parents moved to Fairmount, Ill., and after a short residence there, coming to Erie where she resided until going to the home in Chicago in February, 1935, after the death of her only brother, Arthur M. Wells in December, 1934. Her father was a physician in Erie. His death occurred a number of years ago. He was still practicing at the age of 84. Her mother preceded him in death several years. Miss Wells became a member of the Erie Methodist church in girlhood and was church organist for a number of years. She was a member of the Methodist Willing Workers’ class. For several years prior to 1928 she was Erie reporter for three daily papers. Since going to Chicago she has kept in touch with a number of Erie friends through regular correspondence. She leaves a host of friends but no immediate surviving relatives.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 4, 1946, page 8, column 1.

DAVID E. WELLS , 82, Clyde Township farmer, died in his home at 10 a.m. Wednesday [10/15/1958] after a heart attack. He had been a director of Greenwood school, at White Pigeon for nearly 50 years. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Morrison Methodist Church with the Rev. Wendell Davis, pastor of the Malvern EUB Church, officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the Reynolds Funeral Home until 1 p.m. Saturday when the body will be taken to the church. Mr. Wells was born March 23, 1877, son of John and Katherine Ruckel Wells, in the farm home in which he died. He was educated at the Greenwood school, and married the former Anna T. Beswick on Nov. 30, 1920. Surviving are his widow; a son, Millard E., a student at Northern Illinois University; a daughter, Mrs. Harvey Stuart , Morrison; and one grandson, David Stuart. Two sisters and six brothers preceded him in death.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 16, 1958, page 2, column 1

EDWARD WELLS , Funeral services for Edward Wells of Morrison were held Saturday [10/18/1958] afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Morrison Methodist church with the Rev. Wendell Davis of the E.U.B. Church of Malvern officiating. Burial was in Grove Hill cemetery at Morrison. Pallbearers were Virgil Gerdes, Donald Burkholder, Charles Peoples, Edwin Theilen, Arthur james and Vernard Gillman. The beautiful floral tributes were arranged by Mrs. George Fritz, Mrs. Edwin Thielen, Mrs. Carl Walters and Mrs. Pauline Landherr. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Conrady sang, Rock of Ages, and Under His Wings, accompanied by Mrs. Abe Renkes at the organ. The Reynolds funeral home was in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by Larry Wells - The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 21, 1958, page 2, column 2

GEORGE W. WELLS , 85, formerly of Albany and one-time mayor of Albany, died Tuesday [11/10/1953] at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Sargeant, LaFayette, Ind. Funeral services were Thursday [11/12/1953] p.m. at Albany Methodist church, Rev. George Schreiner, officiating. Burial was in Lusk Memorial cemetery. Survivors are three daughters: Mrs. Claire Wray, Fulton; Mrs. Roscoe Cameron, Louisiana; Mrs. Sargeant, and one son, Roscoe Wells of Peoria.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 12, 1953, page 2, column 2.

HORATIO WELLS , an old and respected citizen of this city passed away at his home yesterday afternoon at 1 o’clock death being caused by bowel trouble. He was about 70 years of age. He leaves to mourn his death tow sons, Clarence and Ernest, both of this city and one daughter, Mrs. Hattie Hannon of Morrison, Ill. He has been proprietor of the Aledo Monument shop for more than 30 years and has put in a large majority of the monuments now standing in the graveyard here.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, September 21, 1907, page 1, column 3

JAMES WELLS , night watchman in the bottling plant of the Edellweis Brewing company’s plant at Fulton, who was found dead in his chair yesterday morning, came to his death from natural causes, according to the verdict of the jury impaneled by Coroner C. M. Frye yesterday afternoon. When found yesterday morning, all indications pointed to the fact that he had been dead for several hours, and the testimony of the physicians at the inquest was to that effect. It was also developed by the testimony that the deceased was addicted to the use of drugs, laudanum being used the most, and his death may have been hastened by the use of that drug, although that was not the direct cause of his sudden death.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, March 1, 1912

JOHN WELLS - The death of John Wells occurred last Friday night at his home here after an illness of over two months. John Wells was born in Berkshire, England, December 12, 1834, and died January 28, 1911. In 1859, Mr. Wells was married to Miss Katherine Ruckle, of Ohio. Nine children were born to this union, all of whom, with the aged wife, survive. The children are, Charles, Ulysses, Edward, and Mrs. S. N. James, of Clyde township, Fred and Frank, of Ft. Collins, Colo., L. W. of Leaf River, George of Albany, Ill., and Mrs. Will Detra, of Clarksville, Iowa. The greater part of his life was spent on his farm near here, and the wife and children have many friends, who sympathize with them, in their loss. Rev. Abel, of Morrison, conducted the services, and the remains were interred in Grove Hill cemetery. Six of the sons acted as pall-bearers. Mrs. Ferguson, of Polo, and Mrs. Garrett, of Dixon, sisters of the deceased, attended the funeral services. Mrs. Wm. Detra returned to her home in Clarksville, Ia., on Tuesday, after spending eight weeks at the bedside of her father.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, February 2, 1911

MARY JENNINGS WELLS - aged 82 years, died at her home (Morrison) here last night. The infirmities of old age were responsible for death. George Jennings, a nephew residing in Rock Falls, is the only surviving relative. Funeral services will be held Wednesday in Morrison and will be followed with interment at Lyndon.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, June 4, 1912

NETTIE (ZOLLERS) WELLS , 67, mother of Joshua Wells of Unionville, died Tuesday morning at the Bretheren home in Mount Morris, where she had resided 13 years. Funeral servieces will be held at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon at the Bretheren home and burial will be made in Grove Hill cemetery in Morrison, Rev. Foster B. Statler of Mt. Morris officiating. Mrs. Wells was born near Morrison about 1873, the daughter of Daniel and Mary Halderman Zoller. She attended the schools in the community and was married here, her husband preceding her in death. Surviving her are theree sons, Joshua of Morrison, Irvin of Sterling, D. Raymond of Tampico; a dauthter Marjorie of Tampico; two brothers, Frank and Joe Zoller of Batavia; two sisters, Mrs. Frank Guttenforf of Aurora and Mrs. Ada Murray of Wheaton; eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
The Whiteside Sentinel -- Morrison, IL, Wed 8 Jan 1941 Website of Jackie Couch/Rootsweb.

PHYLLIS YVONNE WELLS , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Irvin Wells, 412 Thirteenth avenue, passed away at 8:30 p.m. Sunday [12/03/1933] at Sterling public hospital. She underwent an operation for a ruptured appendix and developed peritonitis. She was born January 21, 1931 in Sterling and died at the age of two years ten months twelve days. She is survived by two brothers and one sister: Keith, 8 years; Viola, 6 years; Edward, 18 months. Funeral services will be next Tuesday [12/12/1933] 2:00 o’clock at the home and at 2:30 o’clock at the Fourth Street Methodist church, Rev. W. C. Godden officiating. Burial will be in Round Grove cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 8, 1933, page 5, column 6.

RUTH (BIRDSALL) WELLS , 72, was buried Monday at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling beside her father and mother, Bert and Mary Frank Birdsall. Mrs. Wells was born Oct. 30, 1903 on a farm near Coleta. She attended North Star School, Frances Shimer High School, and was graduated with honors from Beloit College. She taught school at North Star and later at Clinton High School in Iowa. She was married to Frank Wells Jr. of Clinton, Iowa and the couple lived for many years in California. The Rev. W.D. Willoughby, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, officiated at the 10:30 a.m. services. Mrs. Rosecoe Eades was organist and Tim Allen was soloist. Pallbearers were Charles H. Brown, Bernard Dewey, James Dewey and Bert Huber.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, August 30, 1976, page 4, column 1

ULYSSES WELLS , aged 53 years, for many years a resident of Malvern, died at his home there at nine o’clock Friday [09/07/1923] night after a lingering illness. Mr. Wells is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Sam James of this vicinity and Mrs. Will Detra of Clarksville, Ia., and four brothers, Fred and Frank Wells of Fort Collins, Colo., L. W. of Capron, Wis., and Ed Wells of this vicinity. Funeral services were held at the Reynolds funeral home in this city at two o’clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. O. L. Walter of the Presbyterian church officiating and interment being made in Grove Hill cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, September 10, 1923, page 5, column 5.

VERNA (GILLETTE) WELLS , 72, died Sunday [02/04/1945] evening in the Davenport Nursing Home. Funeral services were Wednesday afternoon at the Albany Presbyterian church. Mrs. Wells is the former Verna Gillette, older daughter of Cleveland and Lucella Gillette. She lived in Albany about 40 years. Survivors are her husband of Albany, three daughters: Mrs. Clair Wray, Morrison; Mrs. George Sargeant, Muscatine, Ia.; and Mrs. Wheelock Cameron, Louisiana; two sons: Roscoe, Chicago, and Walter, Albany; and a sister, Mrs. Earl L. Scott, Erie. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, February 8, 1945, page 10, column 4

BRUCE J. WIERSEMA , 64, of Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton, IL, died Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at the nursing home. Bruce was born March 2, 1941, in Clinton, IA, to Burnie J. and Jeannette (Busz) Wiersema. He was educated in the Fulton grade schools and graduated from Fulton High School in 1959. He married Ruth A. Geerts on September 18, 1971 in Morrison, IL. She died July 14, 2005. Bruce had worked for Patent Novelty, later known as Fulton Corporation, of Fulton, IL. He also worked at the Fulton Post Office, American Air Filter of Morrison, IL and lastly, for Carstensen Freight Lines of Clinton, IA, retiring in 1980. He was a member of Second Reformed Church in Fulton, and had been the church's pianist. He also played piano, organ and the tuba in the original Clinton Symphony Orchestra. He was a member and served on the board of the Fulton Historical Society and also belonged to the Over 50 Club. He was a driver for the Senior Citizen's Bus and was a coordinator of the Fulton Food Pantry. Survivors include one brother, Warren Wiersema, of Fulton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; one sister, Gloria Reed.

ESTHER (BARSEMA) WIERSEMA , 93, of 1511 Fourth St., Fulton, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. She owned and operated with her first husband, the former B&B Hardware Store and Gift Shop, Fulton. / Mrs. Wiersema was born Aug. 6, 1911, in Chicago, the daughter of Peter and Henerietta (Wiersema) Barsema. She attended rural Whiteside County schools. She married John J. Wiersema on April 20, 1934, in Fulton. He died Sept. 26, 1984. She then married J. Donald Bielema on Sept. 15, 1990 in Fulton. He died April 17, 2001. She was a member of First Reformed Church, Fulton, the church's King's Daughter and Helping Hand Society, Fulton Women's Service Club, Harbor Crest Nursing Home Ladies Auxiliary and Fulton Country Club. Survivors include a daughter Marcia Renkes of Morrison; a son, A. A. Dale (Carol) Wiersema of Minneapolis; two, stepdaughters, Judy Eaton of Savanna and Cindy (Kurt) Beck of Savanna; a stepson, David (Donna) Bielema of Mount Carroll; a half-sister, Una Vos of Fulton; a half-brother, Jean (Leona): Borgman of Fulton; a sister-in-law, Lena Barsema of Fulton; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; and two step-great -granchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Margorie Vogel-Bielema; a brother, Milton Barsema; and a half brother, Louis Borgman. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Phillip Sneller, pastor, First Reformed Church, Fulton, officiating. Burial is at Fulton Township Cemetery.

FLORENCE G. (BOELKENS) WIERSEMA , 83, of Morrison, IL died Sunday, June 4, 2006 at her home. Funeral services will be Friday, June 9, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, IL preceded by a 9:45 a.m. family prayer service, Rev. Jon W. Nienhuis – Pastor will officiate the services. Visitation will be Thursday, June 8, 2006 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Morrison Chapel – Bosma Renkes Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL. Memorials may be made to Sterling YWCA Aid to Abused Children. Florence was born May 7, 1923 in Garden Plain, IL to Fred and Bertha (Vogel) Boelkens. She was educated in the Albany Grade school and the Fox Grade School of rural Whiteside County Illinois. She married Marvin Wiersema on December 1, 1944 in Argo Fay, IL. He died July 28, 2001. She farmed with her husband Marvin in the rural Thomson and Rock Falls, IL areas. She then operated Wiersema Charter Service of Morrison. She was a current member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church – Morrison; previously member of Bethel Reformed Church, Sterling and served as a Sunday School Teacher; previously member of Spring Valley Reformed Church – Fulton, IL. She enjoyed keeping a garden, sewing, keeping house, cooking and baking for all the kids and grandchildren. Survivors include three daughters: Carleen (Mrs. Mick) Fisher – Fulton, IL; Carolyn Wiersema – Morrison, IL; Cheryl (Mrs. Todd) Kullerstrand – Lyndon, IL; one sone, Larry L. (Jan) Wierema – Morrison, IL; 10 grandchildren: Christine (Fred) Reedy, Rana Barsema; Tracy & Karen Richmond; Chelsie (Eric) VanDyke, Tyson & Chana Kullerstrand; Eric (Lisa) Wiersema, Gregg Wiersema; two great grandchildren: Kalley Lindsay & Hailey Wiersema: one sister, Mrs. Ida May Stuart – Morrison, IL.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from The Prophetstown Echo June 6, 2006

HENRY WIERSEMA - The many friends of Henry Wiersema were grieved and shocked to learn of his sudden death, which occurred at 6:15 o'clock last evening. While shoveling snow from the walk at his home, he fell over and was taken into the house immediately. He rallied for a few minutes and then passed away. Henry Wiersema was born in Western Neland, Gronigin The Netherlands, on March 1, 1862, and died March 21, 1932 at the age of seventy years and twenty days. When twenty years of age, he came to this country and after spending two years in Michigan, he came to Fulton and made this vicinity his home until his Heavenly Father called him to his Eternal rest. On January 19, 1887, he was united in marriage to Alice Huizenga, the ceremony taking place in Fulton. To this union, thirteen children were born, two of them, however, preceded their father in death. They were; Thomas and Mary (Mrs. Arthur Maat). Besides the grief-stricken wife, he is survived by seven sons, Klaas and John of Ustick, Peter of Chadwick, Jacob of Thomson, Edward, Thomas and William of Fulton, four daughters, Mrs. R. Sterenberg (Katie) of Lyndon, Mrs. Charles Meinsma (Anna) of Fulton, Mrs. J. Eissens (Alice) of Thomson, Mrs. M. Norman (Grace) of Ustick, and thirty-nine grandchildren. One brother, Peter of MOrrison and one sister, Mrs. John Ardapple of this city also survive. His demise has brought deep sorrow into the family circle, and while they say "good night", it is with the blessed assurance that it will be "good morning" in the brighter and better world of heaven. For many years he served on the official board at the First Reformed church, and for the past two years has been an elder. He was a faithful member and a devout Christian. Funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the hme and 2 o'clock at the First Reformed church, the Rev. G. Van Pernis officiating. Burial will be made in the Fulton Cemetery. Friends are asked to omit flowers.

JOSEPH R. WIERSEMA , 83, of 201 E. Winfield, Morrison, died Monday at the Veterans Administraton Medical Center, Knoxville, Iowa. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Morrison Chapel Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be by the Morrison American Legion and the VFW. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established. Mr. Wiersema was born Feb 18, 1906 in Morrison, the son of Renzie and Alice Ammon Wiersema. He married Rachel Carroll Jan. 15, 1944. She survives. He was educated in rural Whiteside County schools. He was employed at Volckman's Furniture until retiring in 1972. He then was employed as a janitor in the Morrison Schools. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. He was a 15 year member of the Morrison American Legion Post #328. He is survived by a sister, Eleanor Voss, Morrison; a brother, Arthur, Winter Haaven, Fla. He was preceded in death by a sister and a brother.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 23, 1990 - Tuesday, pg A2

LOLA GERTRUDE WIERSEMA , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Wiersema, aged 20 years, who was hit by an automobile recently while crossing the highway in front other home, died in the Jane Lamb hospital, in Clinton, at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Miss Wiersema was born near Garden Plain, Jan. 6, 1912, and was educated in the Delhi and Morrison schools. She resided near Lyndon several years. She was a member of the Christian League Union of the Lyndon Churches and of the Tryit class of the Congregationah Sunday school. Surviving are the parents, a sister, Marjorie, and two brothers, Clarence and Harold, all at home. Funeral services were held at the Reformed Church in Fulton saturday afternoon. The Rev. Justin Hoffman, pastor of the Reformed Church in Morrison, officiated. Interment was in the Fulton cemetery. Among those from Lyndon who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Thormahlen and family, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Null and family, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bixby and family, Theora Bowen, Helen WIlliams, Geneva WIdle, Luville Sammons, Mrs. May Wilder, C.E. Wells, Mrs. Herman Wagenecht, Irene and Lawrence Wagenecht, Robert Allen, Kenneth Benters, Ted Pilgrim, Mrs. John Attig and sons, Merle and Harold, Miss Rogers, Lillian Leach, Mrs. Lee Lyons, Mrs. Harry Lyons, Lucille Ballard, Mrs. Ethel Hiddleson and Anna and Mildred Francis.
Odell Library Collection of Obituaries

MOSSIE M. (HOLT) WIERSEMA , 86, of 620 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL, died Saturday, February 10, 2007 at her home. Mossie was born March 1, 1920 in Wilton, KY, to James and Mary L. (Elick) Holt. She married John Willis "Bill" Carroll on April 13, 1934 in Harlan, KY. He died December 26, 1945. She later married James Wiersema in April of 1947 in Morrison, IL. He died May 22, 1968. She was employed with General Electric in Morrison. Survivors include two daughters, Billie Jean Scaff of Chicago, IL and Betty Hathaway of Savanna, IL; two sons, Willis (Selena) Carroll and Ernest (Vicki) Carroll both of Morrison, IL, thirteen grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by both her husbands, Bill Carroll and James Wiersema.

PEARL (KLOUNT) WIERSEMA , 67, 304 East Park St., Morrison, died Monday evening at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Ebenezer Reformed Church, preceded by a 1:45 p.m. family prayer service. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Renkes-Reynolds Funeral home. The former Pearl Klount was born April 12, 1908 in Morrison, the daughter of Garrett and Celia Port Klount. She was married Feb. 16, 1932 in Morrison to Clarence Wiersema. They farmed in the Morrison area until moving to Morrison in 1961. She was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed church, the Lydian Society and the Ladies Aid of the church. Survivors include one son, Vernon; one brother, Jacob Klount; one sister, Nellie Klount; and four grandsons, all of Morrison. She was preceded by her parents, her husband on April 13, 1959, and one sister, Betty Zuidema. A memorial has been established by the family.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 14, 1975 - Tuesday - pg 6

RUTH (GEERTS) WIERSEMA , 69, of Fulton, Ill., died Thursday July 14, 2005, at Mercy North Hospital. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Scott Stephan, pastor of Second Reformed Church in Fulton will be officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the service time Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery. She was born Feb. 1, 1936, in Morrison, Ill., to Rensie and Ella Housenga Geerts. She married Bruce J. Wiersema on Sept. 18, 1971, in Morrison. She attended Morrison grade schools and was a 1954 graduate of Morrison High School. She was employed with General Electric, Morrison, for 42 years before retiring in 1998. She was a member of Second Reformed Church, the church's Missionary Circle, Willing Workers and the church choir. She also was a member of the Gem, Hilltoppers and Fulton Women's Service clubs. She was an active volunteer at the Fulton food pantry and senior citizen bus. Survivors include her husband; one sister, Mrs. Clara (Orville) Goodenough of Morrison; one sister-in-law, Vera Geerts of Rockton, Ill.; and two brothers, Donald (Audrey) Geerts and Larry (Jean) Geerts, both of Morrison. Memorials may be made to Second Reformed Church. She was preceded in death by one brother.
Contributed by Melva Taylor -

SHIRLEY J. (SHIPMA) WIERSEMA , 80, of 718 Valley View Drive, Fulton, IL, died Sunday October 28, 2007 at Harbor Crest Nursing Home in Fulton, IL. Shirley was born August 13, 1927 in Fulton, IL to Joseph J. and Jane (Borgman) Shipma. She was educated in the Fulton Grade schools and attended Fulton High School. She married Edwin J. Wiersema on February 22, 1947 in Fulton. Shirley was a homemaker and farmed with her husband for many years. Prior to her marriage she worked at the Burpee Seed Company in Clinton, IA, and then during WWII she worked at the Schick Hospital, also in Clinton, IA. She was a member of Gateway Faith Fellowship in Fulton, IL. She was an avid walker, enjoyed gardening, yard work, reading and always loved music. Survivors include her husband, Edwin, three daughters, Sharon (Mrs. Norman) Criss of Fulton, IL, Susan (Mrs. Kenneth) Hartman of Fulton, IL and Pamela (Mrs. Leslie) Huisingh of Fulton, IL; one son, Wayne (Mary) Wiersema of Fulton, IL; nine grandchildren; Rich (Lynelle) Criss, David (Katie) Criss, James (Jane) Criss, Staci (Mrs. Andy) Bentley, Troy Hartman, Melissa Hartman, Jeremy (Marla) Wiersema, Cathy (Mrs. Beau) Eversoll, Amanda (Mrs. Terry) Boonstra; nine great grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Housenga and Gladys (Harold) Van Dyke, both of Fulton, IL and Mrs. Evelyn Gendvilas of Clinton, IA. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Beverly Houzenga and Helen Hine; one brother, John Shipma; two grandchildren, Lisa Criss and Elisha Wiersema.

TENA (GRIEDE) WIERSEMA , 75, died Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the home of her son, Clarence, 609 N. High St., Port Byron, Ill. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Sikkema - Bosma funeral home in Fulton. Burial will be in the Fulton cemetery, Fulton Whiteside Co. Illinois. The Rev. Kenneth Douglas of the Port Byron Methodist Church will officiate. Friends may call after 7 p.m. today. Mrs. Wiersema was born in Fulton Ill., Aug. 28, 1888, the daughter of Lawrence and Jennie Flikkema Griede. She married Clarence J. Wiersema in Fulton, Feb 26 1910. He died Nov. 13, 1948. She moved to Port Byron with her son in 1951. She is survived by two sons, Clarence of Port Byron and Harold, Lynwood, Calif..; one daughter, Mrs. Harry (Marjorie) Parker, Aledo, Ill.; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild; two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Hunt, Prophetstown, Ill and Mrs. Henrietta, Arndt, Moline; one brother, Mino Kamphuis of Clinton. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one daughter, five brothers and two sisters.
Contributed by Bonnie Pillers

CHARLES ERNEST WILKINS , 90, died Saturday evening at his home in Lyndon after several years ill health. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Gardner Funeral Chepel in Prophetstown, the Rev. Ray A Strawser, pastor of the Lyndon Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Lyndon Cemetery. Mr. Wilkins was born Oct. 1, 1870 in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Alfred and June Paris Wilkins. He was educated in the Maquoketa schools. He married Maude Wilder in Lyndon on Nov. 1, 1905, and they had made their home in Lyndon since that time. He was a retired Lyndon merchant. He was a member of the Lyndon Methodist Church. He is survived by is widow. His parents, four brothers and two sisters, preceded him in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois Septemeber 11, 1961 - Monday, pg 2

CORNIEL W. WILKENS , was born July 24, 1849, at Andels, Netherlands, and passed away on Saturday, January 7, 1928 at the State Hospital, Watertown, Ill., attaining the age of seventy-eight years, five months and fourteen days. At the age of nineteen years he came to this country and located near Fulton. On March 5, 1878, he was united in marriage to Rena Dornbush, and had he lived they would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this March. Eleven children were born to this union; Mary, who passed away about forty years ago at the age of four years, Mrs. Alice Wiersema and Bernard Wilkens, who passed aay on Armistrice Day, 1918, during the flue epidemic. His wife and eight children; Mrs. S.J. Damhoff, Jacob and Clarence of Crookston, Minn.; Mrs. Ben Peterson, Mrs Harry Akker and John of Morrison; Mrs. Garret Bush and Mrs. Jacob Poel of this city mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father. About twenty-two years ago Mr. and Mrs. Wilkens, who since their marriage had resided in Ustick and farmed, moved to Fulton and have made this city their home ever since. For the past five years Mr. Wilkens has been in failing health, and about a week before his death was removed to the State Hospital. On Friday January 6, he had a paralytic stroke and death relieved his earthly sufferings the next day. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the First Reformed church, Rev. J. Steunenberg conducting the services. Mrs. John De Weerdt and Miss Grace heun sang "Sometime We'll Understand." The casket was attended by five son-in-laws and one son, Harry Akker, Ben Peterson, Garret Bush, John Wiersema, Jacob Poel and John Wilkens. Burial was made in the Fulton Cemetery.

CORNIEL J. WILKENS , a former Fulton resident, died at Mercy hospital Sunday evening at 7:10 o'clock, after an illness of several months duration. On the Thursday preceding his death, he underwent an operaton, hoping that he might be benefited, but it was of no use. Funeral services were held at Bragonier's Funeral Home in Clinton at three o'clock Wednesday, and burial was made in the Fulton cemetery. Corneil J. WIlkens was born in Fulton, December 6, 1883, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wilkens. He resided in Fulton for many years, but later moved to Clinton as his work was there. He was an efficient employee of the Prudential Life Insurance company for many years and worked until his health failed. He was married to Miss Kate Buis of this city, who preceded him in death three years ago. He is survived by two sons, Donald of Clinton, and John of Fulton; four grandsons, Robert, Eugene, Paul and Charles; four sisters, Mrs. Kate Voss, Mrs. Marie Bielema, Mrs. Gertrude Sikkema, and Mrs. Dora Brondyke; six brothers, Claus, William, Richard, Ben, Joseph and Jacob all residing in Whiteside County. Mr. Wilkens was a talented musician and during the past few years studied considerably for pipe organ playing. He had a host of friends in this city who will mourn his passing.
Odell Library Collection - Morrison IL

CORNELLUS WILKENS , 89, of Fulton died Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 at Harbor Crest Nursing Home. He farmed in he rural Albany and Garden Plain areas for 35 years and then was employed by several local feed and grain elevators. Mr. Wilkens was born Nov. 1, 1915 in Garden Plain, the son of Jacob C. and Grace (Van Zuiden) Wilkens. He attended rural Whiteside county schools. He married Dena Klooster on Feb. 19, 1937 in Albany. SHe died Sept. 29, 2003. He was a member of First Reformed Church, Fulton and served as an elder at Newton Zion Reformed Church, Erie. Survivors include two daughters Darlene (Richard) Hill of Rancho APalos Verdes, CA and Beverly (Paul) Cascia of Edgewood WA, three sons, Arnold (Joyce) Wilkens of Clinton, IA, Larry (Mary) Wilkens of Springfield and Roger (Carrol) Wilkens of Fulton; a brother, Joe (Florence) Wilkens of Fulton; 21 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He was preced by a daughter Evelyn Whitwell, a sister in infancy; and three brothers, John and Wilbert Wilkens and one in infancy. The funeral is at 10:30 Friday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral home with the Rev. Phillip Sneller, pastor of First Reformed Church officiating. Burial in Fulton Twp. Cemetery.

DENA (KLOOSTER) WILKENS , 89, of Harbor Crest Nursing Home in Fulton, died Monday September 29, 2003 at the nursing home. Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Fulton Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Phillip Sneller, pastor of the First Reformed Church in Fulton, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery. She was born June 11, 1914, in Fulton to Rubertus and Jennie Venema Klooster. She married Cornelius Wilkens on Feb. 19, 1937, in Albany, Ill. She was a homemaker and was also employed with Harbor Crest Nursing Home for 10 years. She was a former member of the Newton-Zion Reformed Church in Erie, Ill., until moving to Fulton in 1972. She then joined the First Reformed Church in Fulton. She was an active participant in the women's groups at both churches. She volunteered with Hospice. She was a lay visitor for her church. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Darlene (Richard) Hill of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and Mrs. Beverly (Paul) Cascio of Edgewood, Wash.; three sons, Arnold (Joyce) Wilkens of Clinton, Larry (Mary) Wilkens of Springfield, Ill., and Roger (Carol) Wilkens of Fulton; three sisters, Mrs. Jeannette (John) Wilkens of Fulton, Mrs. Gertrude Van Zuiden of Fulton and Mrs. Alberta (Jay) Brondyke of Fulton; one brother, Harold (Louise) Klooster of Fulton; two stepsisters, Mrs. Harriet Norman of Erie and Mrs. Jeannette Balk of Fulton; two stepbrothers, Jake (Jennie) Venhuizen of Fulton and Francis (Thelma) Venhuizen of Morrison, Ill.; 19 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, one brother, one stepbrother and two stepsisters. Memorials may be made to Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Mercy Hospice in Clinton or the First Reformed Church in Fulton.
Clinton Herald September 30, 2003

INEZ (HOUZENGA) WILKENS , 85, of 506 Maple Avenue, Morrison, IL, died Saturday, September 24, 2005 at her home. Inez was born March 10, 1920 in Fulton, IL, to Aleck J. and Rena (Ven Huizen) Houzenga. She was educated in rural Whiteside County Schools. Inez married Cornelius H. Wilkens on January 29, 1937 in Fulton, IL. He died March 23, 1990. She was engaged in farming with her late husband in the rural Morrison and Chadwick, IL areas. She was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison. Inez was a devoted mother and grandmother and she enjoyed crocheting. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Marjorie Gorzny, Janet (Mrs. Allen) Harksen, and Norma (Mrs. David) Pape all of Morrison, IL; three sons, Robert (Karen) Wilkens of Dixon, IL; Eugene (Elaine) Wilkens of Firestone, CO; and Kenneth (Rosemary) Wilkens of Omaha, NE; twenty-eight grandchildren; thirty-one great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; five sisters, Mrs. Dolly Housinga of Bradenton, FL; Mrs. Pauline Corkill of Palmdale, CA; Mrs. Leona Self of Virginia; Lois (Mrs. Arthur) Foster of Clinton, IA; and Irene (Mrs. Edward) Charneski of Fulton, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius; two sons, James Wilkens and one in infancy; two sisters, Dorothy Foster and Millie Zimmerman; two brothers, Howard and Roy Houzenga.

JAMES R. WILKENS , 72, of Sebring FL passed away at Highlands Reg. Med. Ctr. Sunday Feb 13, 2005. Mr. Wilkins was born Feb. 15, 1932 in Rock Falls. He was a resident of Sebring FL since 1994, coming from Sterling. Mr. Wilkins served in the US Marine Corps as a captain during the Korean War. He was the CEO of Wilkin-Lowe Insurance before his retirement. Mr. Wilkins was a member of BPO Elks, Sebring FL and the American Legion. He also was a board member of the Friends of Istokpoga and the Highlands County Lake Assoc. as well as a member of the Water management Committee. Mr. Wilkins was a member of SPring Lake Golf Club and Men's Assoc. and was an avid golfer, a member of Wesley United Meth. Church in Sterling. Mr. Wilkins also was a United Way chairperson in 1972 and 1980, a member of the board of directors for the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA, a member of the Independent Insurance Agents Assoc. serving as President in 1978 and 1985 and the chairperson of the American Red Cross in 1967. Mr. Wilkins is survived by his wife, Joanne of Sebring FL, four daughters, Ann (Gene) Wilkins Greiman of Papillion NE., Rae Ann Wermers of Polo, Jo Lynn (Rick) Stokes of Sterling and Charla Minson of Sebring FL; one son, Edwin Minson of Champaign and nine grandchildren.

JOHN A. WILKENS , 87, of Harbor Crest Nursing Home, died Saturday. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Phillip Sneller, pastor of First Reformed Church in Fulton, officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery. He was born March 15, 1917, in rural Fulton to Jacob C. and Grace Van Zuiden Wilkens. He married Jeannette Klooster on April 5, 1941, in Fulton. He was educated in Spring Creek rural school and graduated from Albany (Ill.) High School. He was a member of Newton Zion Reformed Church in rural Erie, Ill., where he served as a deacon and elder for several terms. After moving to Fulton, the couple became members of First Reformed Church where he served as elder. He and his wife were on the church visitation committee. He also was on the pastoral calling team at First Reformed Church. He was a member of the Newton Consolidated School Board for many years. He farmed in rural Albany and Newton Township, Ill., for 30 years until 1970. After moving to Fulton in 1970, he then worked with Krambeck Feed and Grain in Clinton before retiring. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Joyce (Clarence "Shorty") Wiersema of Fulton and Mrs. Karen (Paul) Weber of Andover; one son, Robert (Sheila) Wilkens of Fulton; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Corneil and Joe (Florence) Wilkens, both of Fulton; and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Wilkens of Fulton. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and two brothers. Memorials may be made to First Reformed Church.
Clinton Herald 19 April 2004

ROBERT WILKENS , 63, 24 Holly Road, Sterling, (IL) died Feb. 7 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday at Bethal Reformed Church in Sterling with Rev, Kenneth Zuithoff, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Grove Hill Cemetery. Visitation was 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home. A memorial has been established. Robert J. Wilkens was born Sept. 20, 1929 in Morrison, the son of Arthur and Edna (Bush) Wilkens. He married Ruth C. Ottens on Sept. 8, 1950 in Morrison. Mr. Wilkens was in the retail grocery business for many years. He was a member of Bethal Reformed Church in Sterling, past president of Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army Board of Directors, and involved in the Reformed Church Extension Foundation and Sunday School teacher and deacon. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Cynthia) Greenup, Milwaukee, WI and Mrs. Martin (Cheryl) Schrader, Lafayette, IN; two sons, Roger (Cathy) Wilkens, Sterling and Craig (Jennifer) Wilkens, Rochelle; one sister, Bettie Rabbe, Rock Falls; one brother, William (Ellyn) Wilkens, Morrison; two half-brothers, Terry (Shelly) Wilkens, Morrison and Tom (Kari) Wilkens, Rockford; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Contributred Joyce Kimmel

WILBERT WILKENS, 78, of Fulton, died Sunday at his home. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert Hekhuis, pastor of the Newton Zion Reformed Church in Erie, Ill., will be officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jamie Dykstra, Wesley Dykstra, Chad Eshelman, Eric Holesinger, Nathan Holesinger, Douglas Tegeler, Keith Tegeler, Matthew Tegeler and Russell Tegeler. He was born March 31, 1925, in Clinton to Jacob C. and Grace Van Zuiden Wilkens. He married Evelyn M. Renkes on Feb.15, 1946, in Fulton. He was educated in the Spring Creek Grade School in Garden Plain Township, Ill. He and his wife farmed in Garden Plain and Newton Township for 32 years before moving to Fulton. He was a life-time member of Newton Zion Reformed Church where he served as an elder and deacon, Sunday school superintendent and secretary. He was a past member of the Men's Brotherhood. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and served on the Garden Plain School Board for one year. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Bonita (Donald) Tegeler of Fulton, Mrs. Eileen (Keith) Holesinger of Fulton and Mrs. Linda (Richard) Dykstra of Thomson, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; two stepgrandsons; nine great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and three brothers, Corneil Wilkens, John (Jeannette) Wilkens and Joe (Florence) Wilkens, all of Fulton. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.
Clinton Herald 16 January 2004

CARL WINTERS formerly well known printer of Sterling, passed away Thursday [11/25/1926] morning at 6 o’clock at his home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, after a brief illness with pneumonia. Mr. Winters was a son of Mr. and Mr. E. C. Winters and a brother of James Winters, formerly advertising manager of the Sterling Daily Standard. He worked in the composing departments of both the Standard and the Gazette before going to Council Bluffs, where he was associated with his brother in the advertising department of the Council Bluffs Daily Nonpariel. A sister Mrs. R. B. McNeil, lives in Spokane, Wash. Mr. Winters was a member of Co. E. of the old Sixth Illinois Volunteer infantry during the Spanish war and his comrades here who heard of his death today remarked with sadness that he answered the last muster call on the anniversary of the day, Nov. 25, when the Sixth regiment was mustered out of service 28 years ago. No arrangements have been made for the funeral other than that the body will be brought to Sterling for interment, the time of arrival not being known here. (The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 26, 1926, page 16, column 5) The remains of Carl I. Winters will arrive here from Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the 6 o’clock morning train Monday [11/29/1926], and funeral services are planned for 10:30 o’clock Monday morning at the home of Mrs. C. H. Olmstead, aunt of Mrs. Winters, 503[?] Second avenue. Leo H. Bushnell camp of the United Spanish-American War Veterans, and members of the Typographical union, will attend the services in a body. Mr. Winters was a member of the Elks lodge of Council Bluffs. An obituary will be published later.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 27, 1926, page 1, column 8

GEORGE WINTERS - Word was received by Tampico relatives Tuesday of the death of George Winters of Holstein, Ia. Mr. Winters had beenill for some time and was a patient in a Sioux City hospital at the time of his death. Funeral services will be held Thursday at Holstein. Mr. Winters is survived by two sons,Leo of Chicago and John of Bismarck, N.D. and two daughters, Mrs. Grace Dorathy of Ute, Ia., and Miss Alice Winers of Sioux City Ia. Mr. Winters was a former Tampico resident and was a brother-in-law of Mrs. J.H. Daley and J.M. Conroy both of Tampico.
Sterling Daily Gazette January 26, 1938

HAROLD W. WINTERS , 62, Mayor of the Village of Nelson, died (18 October 1976) early Sunday morning at Sterling Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday beginning with a Prayer Service at the Grennan Funeral Home, followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sterling, with the Rev. William Knott, officiating. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Nora Springs, Iowa. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening at the Grennan Funeral Home, and the wake service will be at 7:30 this evening. Mr. Winters married his wife, DeLoris, in Chicago, Dec. 21, 1936, and the couple has lived in the Nelson area for 25 years. At the time of his death, Winters was Mayor of Nelson, and had seved as a trustee on the village board for about 10 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and served for 38 months with the U.S. Army in World War II in Okinawa. Survivors include his widow, DeLoris; three sons, Harold of Anchorage, Alaska; Cory of Rochester, N.H.; Michael of Dixon, a daughter, Mrs. Steven (Doreen) Hess of Dixon; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois, October 18, 1976 - Monday, pg 4

JACOB FREDERICK WINTERS , died at his home, 1107 Second avenue, Wednesday night (3/21/1900) at 1:30 o'clock after an illness of several weeks. He was taken with pneumonia which ran into quick consumption, this ending his life. The funeral services will be held at the residence Sunday afternoon at 1:30 and at the English Lutheran church at 2 o'clock. Rev. E. Brown will officiate. Interment will be at Riverside. Jacob Frederick Winters was born at Easton, Pa., in 1856 and spent his boyhood in that vicinity. He came to Sterling in 1881 and has resided here since that time. He was married to Miss Anna Reitz ninteen years ago. She with seven children survives him. They are Blanche, Joseph, John, Edith, Zelma. Katie and Florence. All reside at home. Mr. Winters was a member of the English Lutheran church and of the Home Guardian of America. He was a man whom everyone trusted and who had the respect of all who know him. He was hardworking, honest and a good husband and loving father. For the past ninteen years he has been a trusted employee of the Northwestern Barbed Wire company. Funeral held at the English Lutheran Church and at the House Sunday Afternoon The funeral of Jacob Winters was held at the residence Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock and at St. John's Lutheran church at 2 o'clock. Rev. E. Brown officiated. Interment was at Riverside. The funeral was attended by a large number of the friends of the deceased. The pall bearers were as follows. Messrs M. E. Wilger, Mat Kratz, Theodore Trouth, William Obendorf. Daniel Bricker.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, March 26, 1900

JIMMIE WINTERS of Coleta died at his home in that city Saturday night (Oct. 3, 1902) at 12 o'clock, after a long illness, aged 93 years. The funeral was held Monday at 10 o'clock at the Coleta Radical united Brethren church. Interment was in Bethel cemetery (Carroll County). Mr. Winters had been ill for some time. For several years, he had been suffering with a cancer on his hand and this with old age resulted in his death. Mr. Winters was born March 22, 1809 in New York State. When a child his parents moved to Southern Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He was married in 1831 and in 1847 moved to Carroll County IL where he engage din farming. His wife died in 1883 and in 1885 he married Anna Skill. She and seven children survive. They are Mrs. Katherine Dodd of Clay County KS, William J. Winters of Nebraska, Mrs. Tabitha Hurless of Coleta; James P. Winters of Washington, MRs. Matilda Olmstead of Milledgeville; Elhanan C. Winters of Rock Falls; Mrs. Melissa Wallace of Oklahoma. On child died in infancy, while another, George Clinton Winters, became a soldier of the Union ary, in Company A, 34th IL Vol., commanded by Col. E.N. Kirk of Sterling. He was seized with typhoid fever from which he died in the hospital at Louisville KY. To such men as James M. Winters, pioneers of a new country, a debt of gratitude is due. Mr. Winters moved to Coleta in 1876, residing here up to the time of his death. He was a friend of all both young and old. Mr. Winters was a sincere Christian and a man who will be greatly missed. (Date of Obituary October 8, 1902 Wednesday)

CHARLOTTE JEAN (HASKELL) WOLBER 59, 907 W. 21st St., Rock Falls, died Monday morning (29 August 1983) in Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Rock Falls United Methodist Church with the Rev. Carl Zager, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Friends may call at the Wheelock Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls, on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial has been established in her memory to the Whiteside County Heart Fund. Charlotte Wolber was born on March 19, 1924 in West Frankfort, the daughter of Frank and Margaret Mutchek Haskell. On June 22, 1956 she was united in marriage to Kenneth C. Wolber. She was employed at the Sterling Steel Ball for twenty years, retiring in 1981, and was a member of the Rock Falls Eagles Club. Surviving are her husband, Kenneth; four sons, Robert, Chadwick; Ronald, Chicago; Ed, Dixon; and Milton, Rock Falls; eight grandchildren; three great grarndchildren; and her mother, Mrs. Margaret Lingneer, Pittsburg. Preceding her in death was her father.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor Sterling Gazette August 30, 1983 - Tuesday, pg A4

ETTA (DREWES) WOLBER daughter of Jacob Drewes and Ulricka (Ricklefs) was born Sept. 18, 1901 in Hopkins Township. She was made a child of God and an heir of life eternal when she was baptized March 30, 1902 by the Rev. Julius Paetznick of the Jordan Luteran Church. She was intructed in the Word of God by the Rev. A.W. Oetting of Our Savior Lutheran Church, who confirmed her there April 1, 1917. Ten years later she was united in marriage with Arthur Mundt with the Rev. C. Boysen reading the service July 9, 1927. Mr. Mundt passed away May 19, 1942. Etta Drewes was educated in the local schools, attending also Browns' Business College. She was employed by the National Mfg. Co 24 years. She ws united in wedlock with James Wolber January 10, 1947 in the parsnae of the Second Avenue Lutheran Church with the Rev. Eldor Mueller reading the service. Mrs. Wolber departed this life Tuesday morning in the Community General Hospital following an extended illness. Thursday noon the body was removed from the Behrens Mortuary to Messiah lutheran Church, where it lay in state until the service began at 1:30. Mrs. Harry Robinson sang Assleep in Jesus and Beautiful Savior, hymns chosen by the departed already several years ago as expressions of her faith and hope. Clarence Pratt served as organist. Last Sunday afternoon Pastor Mueller shared with Etta the conviction of faithful Job recorded in Job 13, 15; As usual she was most attentive to the Word of God shared with her. She could not understand the affliction after affliction followed her but she was determined, with the help of God, to remain faithful to her Lord Christ unto the very end. This, we believe, she achieved, by the grace of God. She left her family and friends a testimony of her faith and hope in Christ Jesus, the Savior in the hymns she chose for her own funeral. Etta Wolber is survived by her husband James; one stepson, Donald Wolber, Sterling; two sisters, Mrs. George Reins of Sterling and MRs. John Cordes of Tampico; one brother, Herman Drews of Rock Falls.

GEORGE WOLBER - One of the largest attended funerals in this section was that of the late George Wolber of Mineral Springs road. It too place from the West Jordan Lutheran church at 2 o’clock Sunday [03/12/1933] afternoon. Rev. P. C. Boysen conducted the services. The committal was in the churchyard. James Wolber, the brother living in California arrived in Sterling early Sunday morning.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, March 13, 1933, page 2, column 2

HENRIETTA (JOHNSON) WOLBER - Funeral services for Mrs. Henrietta Wolber, 92, Emerson, who died Sunday evening at the Clinton Manor Nursing home will be held Wednesday at 1:30 in the St. John's Lutheran Church the Rev. Richard Hanson officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Ridge Cemetery in Jordan Township. Mrs. Wolber was born Nov 18, 1876 in Jordan Twp, the daughter of Henry and Matta Eilers Johnson. She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling. Survived by two daughers-in-law, Mrs. Lester (Avelyn) Hammelman, Sterling; and Mrs. Alga Wolber, Emerson; two brothers, Charles and Bernard Johnson, Sterling, five grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Emanuel and three sons. Friends may call at the Allen funeral home in Sterling.

MARTIN WOLBER of Emerson, aged 30, was killed Friday morning when the Ford coupe he was driving was struck by train No.18, the Portland Limited, eastbound, due here at 6:39 a.m. at the Avenue G crossing of the Northwestern railroad. Wolber was going south on the avenue, enroute from his home to the International Harvester company in Rock Falls where he had been employed for six weeks orm ore. The remains were removed to the Woods undertaking parlor where Coroner C.M. Frye will hold the inquest, probably Saturday afternoon. The fast passenger was about a minute or so late, and was traveling at the usual rate of speed in coming into the local yards, preparing for a stop at the passenger depot. Mr. Wolber was driving south and on account of the high bank to the west he was unable to see the train approaching. It is said that the danger signal was flashing, but he evidently did not see it and drove right onto the track just as the fast moving train reached the crossing. Several persons witnessed the fatal accident, Paul Siex was just a short distance behind the Wolber car. The train struck about the middle of the coupe. He was thrown a distance of about 200 feet east of the crossing. His body was found lying on his back between the east and west bound tracks. The top of the head and the right side of the face had been mutilated, his arms and legs broken and his body crushed. Somebody residing nearby called the Woods ambulance, stating that there had been an accident and the person was either killed or badly injured. The ambulance was on the scene within a few minutes. Officer Elmer Jacobs received the call at the police station and rushed to the scene and assisted in the care of the body. He made a checkup of the license number on the car and found that it had been issued to Martin Wolber of Emerson. Although a number of persons viewed the remains they were not positively identified until John E. Wolber, a brother, called at the undertaking parlow and stated that it was his brother, and that he was employed at the IH company. The car was picked up on the front end of the engine and was carried to about midway between Locust street and Avenue B. It was twisted and bent until there was hardly enough left to recognize that it had been an automobile. Mr. Wolber resided at Emerson with his widowed mother, Mrs. Hannah Wolber. He is survived by two brothers, John E. Wolber of this city and Lester Wolber who resides eight miles north of this city on route 40. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

OLA (BUHROW) WOLBER of Rt. 4, Sterling died early Monday morning at the Community General Hosptial at the age of 65. Mrs. Wolber was born in Genesee Township on May 31, 1900, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Buhrow. She was united in marriage to Roy J. Wolber Jan. 2, 1919. They framed for 32 years and then retired and moved to Sterling. She was a member of The First Lutheran Church of Jordan, The Ladies Aid of which she was treasurer for 25 years and the LCW Missionary. She is survived by her husband, Roy, three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Lucille) Wolber of Rt. 1 Polo, Mrs. Herman (Leora) Beveroth of Rt. 2 Sterling an dMrs. Myron (Linda) Deets of Rt. 1 Sterling, one sister Mrs. Charles (Elsie) Schmitters of Sterling, eight grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, one brother and three sisters. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Lutheran Church of Jordan with Rev. Howard H. Schaar officiating with burial in Maple Ridge Cem.
Contributed by Donald E. Hinrichs from the Sterling Gazette

ROY L. WOLBER - Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the First Lutheran Church of Jordan with Dr. Alfred L. Grewe, pasator officiating. Burial in Maple Ridge Cemetery. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling on Sunday between 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Wolber was born in Genesee Township Feb. 15, 1894 in the same farm home he lived for 34 years prior to moving to his presenthome. He was united in marriage to Ola M. Buhrow Jan. 2, 1919. He is servived by three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Lucille) Wolber of Polo, Mrs. Herman (Leora) Beveroth of RR 2, Sterling and Mrs. Myron (Linda) Deets of RR 1, Sterling, one brother James, Sterling, nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, his wife, Ola on Aug. 2, 1965, one brother and two sisters. The body will be taken to the church at noon on Monday to lie in tstate until the hour of the service.
Contributed by Donald E. Hinrichs from the Sterling Gazette

ALICE (HAWKINS) WOODWORTH , wife of the venerable L. H. Woodworth of this city passed away last evening very suddenly from the effects of a paralytic stroke. The venerable lady was in the best of health Monday [04/21/1902]. Last evening she ate supper, and after retiring to the sitting room, she was stricken with paralysis, and in twenty minutes crossed the dark river, to the beautiful lands beyond. The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the family home on east Second street. The remains will be laid to rest in the Rock Falls cemetery. Alice B. Hawkins was born in Reading, Vermont, Feb. 17, 1820. She came west with her family when eighteen years of age and settled at lee Center near Sublette. She was married soon after coming west to A. Goodell. To this union two children were born, one dying in infancy, and A. S. Goodell of this city surviving. Mr. Goodell died many years ago. Mrs. Goodell was united in marriage to L. H. Woodworth October 14, 1845. To this union tow children were born, C. C. Woodworth and Mrs. Alice Montague of this city. In addition to her aged husband, who is now ninety-four years of age, she leaves three sisters, Mrs. C. F. Ingals of Chicago, Mrs. Mary Piper of Macomb and Mrs. Martha MacMillian of Chicago, in addition to five grand children, three of whom reside in this city and two in New Mexico. Long before the event of the railroads, and when the waves followed each other over the tall prairie grass, Mrs. Woodworth came to Illinois, and as a pioneer settler on the broad prairies, endured the hardships of the early settlers. Early in life she became a member of the Congregational church and has since been a faithful member of that body. She was a pure Christian mother, loved and respected by all who knew her, for none knew her but to love her. In the declining years of her life, and as day by day she slowly advanced to the dark river, her sympathies and love were for those of her family and neighbors. Her death comes as a great shock to the family, and they have the sincere sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Evening Gazette, April 22, 1902, page 5, column 3

FLORENCE (SPATH) WOODWORTH , 57, died Sunday at 1 a.m. at her farm home near Prophetstown. The body was removed to the Gardner funeral home where friends may call. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 3 p.m. (CST) from the Leon Methodist church with the Rev. Joe Walker, officiating. Burial will be in Leon cemetery. Mrs. Woodworth had lived in the Prophetstown area 38 years and was a member of the Garden club, the WSCS and the Leon Methodist church. She married Verne Woodworth of Prophetstown here in 1914 and they had lived on their farm since. Born April 23, 1895, in Albian township, Henry county, the daughter of John and Hannah Schildberg Spath. Mrs. Woodworth received her education in the Albian township schools. She is survived by her mother, her husband; three sons, Robert V., Los Angeles, Calif., Ray A., Macomb, and Dale B., Prophetstown; two daughters, Mrs. Wallace Erickson, Rock Island, and Mrs. Robert Groves, Jackson, Mich.; two brothers, Raymond Spath and Arthur Spath, Prophetstown; three sisters, Mrs. Mable Woodworth, Prophetstown; Mrs. Harold Winkler, Deer Grove, and Mrs. Pearl Tildon, Chicago; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, one son, one brother and one daughter.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 11, 1952 - Monday, pg 2, col. 4

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