'B' Woodford County Obits
Woodford County, Illinois Genealogy Trails

Mrs. Ben Baker
Mrs. Ben Baker died this morning abut 10:30 at the home of Mr. Henry Baker, Sr., corner of Lincoln avenue and Bloomington streets.

This is a tragic ending to the events of the past three weeks, in her life - Three weeks ago yesterday she returned from a pleasant trip to Iowa with her father-in-law and sister-in-law, only to be met with the information that she had been deserted by her husband, Ben Baker. The blow was a terrible one, not only to Mrs. Baker, but also to Ben's father and relatives.

Mrs. Baker was taken ill a few days later while here attending to some business affairs and was conveyed to the home of Mr. Baker on Lincoln avenue. Her illness developed into typhoid fever, and from the first physicians gave but little hope for her recovery. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Koch, of Varna, and her brother and sister were here most of the time and nothing was left undone which would add to the patients comfort or assist in fighting the dread disease, all effort were in vain, however, and the end came peacefully at the hour named above. The parents are prostrated with grief and Mrs. Koch is quite ill.

Mrs. Baker was born on a farm near Varna, and was 27 years of age at the time of her death. She was united in marriage to Ben Baker abut five years ago and they had made their home in this city since that time, the past three years in a cozy residence of their own on Washington street. Mrs. Baker was a lady of sunny disposition and pleasant matter, and was the friend of all who made her acquaintance, and the news of her death caused many a tear of sympathy to fall, not alone or the dead but for the heavy hearted parents.

The remains will be taken to Varna for burial, but the time of the funeral has not yet been fixed. - Streator Free Press

Minnie L. Burch
EAST PEORIA -- Minnie L. Burch, 83, of 427 Perry Lane died at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 1998, at Rosewood Care Center in Peoria.

Born July 7, 1914, in Dovary, Minn., to Henry and Lulu Mae Woolstencroft Johnson, she married Harvey R. Burch on Feb. 11, 1949, in Bloomington. He died Jan. 2, 1987, in Peoria. Three sisters also preceded her in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Brenda Gangloff of Metamora and Bernadine Gerdom of East Peoria; two stepdaughters, Elizabeth Landwehr of Peoria and Paula Ellsworth of Donithan, Mo.; one sister, Dorothy Utzinger of Peoria; six grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and eight stepgreat-grandchildren.

She was a hostess at the former Peoria Pancake House, which later became Childer's, for 20 years, retiring in 1994. She was of the Methodist faith.

Private family services will be Monday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. The Rev. Paul Newhall will officiate. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery in Spring Bay. Memorials may be made to Spring Bay Fire and Rescue Squad.

Jean Brewster
WASHINGTON - Glara Jean Brewster, 64, of Washington, Ill., died at 12:05 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born Dec. 25, 1942, in Union County, Ill., to Leonard Wilson and Anna Mae Toler Hickam.

Surviving are one son, Kindel Lee (Anna) Brewster of Washington; two sisters, Dorothy (William) Easton of East Peoria and Barbara (Vern) Bundy of Washington; one brother, Phillip Hickam of Washington; one grandson, Joshua Brewster; one granddaughter, Chelsea Brewster; one stepgrandson, Timothy Brooks; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jean was a certified nurse's aide at Morton Terrace Care Center in Morton and also did janitorial cleaning. She also worked for seven years as a surgical technician at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was a member of Roland Manor Baptist Church in Washington, where she sang in the choir and had taught Sunday School.

Services will be at 12 noon on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington. Pastor Steve Hardin will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to services, from 11 to noon. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery in Spring Bay.

Memorials may be made to her church. To send condolences online, please visit www.deitersfuneralhome.com.

Charles Bridgeman Sr.
Manito - Charles William "Tip" Bridgeman Sr., 83, of 29449 E. County 2400 North Road, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008, at his residence.

Born Oct. 1, 1924, in Union County, Ill., to Odie Ray and Florence Mae (Hale) Bridgeman, he married Mary L. Brown on Feb. 10, 1947, in Jackson, Mo. She survives.

Also surviving are six sons, Chuck (Dot) Bridgeman Jr. of South Pekin, Larry (Phyllis) Bridgeman and Terry (Cheryl) Bridgeman, both of Manito, Steven (Nancy) Bridgeman of Chillicothe, David (Patty) Bridgeman and Richard (Donna) Bridgeman, both of Peoria; four daughters, Kathy (Bob) Reed of Glendale, Ariz., Pam (Wayne) Smith of Peoria, Carol (Scott) Keller of Washington and Charlotte (Jim) Heyungs of Eureka; 24 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Elda Rendleman of Pekin. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one son.

Charles farmed until taking a job at Caterpillar Inc., where he worked for 31 years, retiring as an assembly repairman in May 1982. He then began working with wood, becoming a master craftsman. He served in the United States Navy during World War II.

He was a member of South Pekin Southern Baptist Church.

He also was a member of the United Auto Workers Local No. 974 in East Peoria, the Hill Palmer American Legion Post No. 561 in Manito and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Roy L. King Post No. 1232.

He loved to garden, grow his roses, listen to gospel music, do crossword puzzles and spend time with his family.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at New Beginning Baptist Church in Spring Bay. Pastor Ogle Ripley and Pastor Isaac Young will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 24, 2008, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery, where military rites will be provided by the Spring Bay American Legion Post No. 1115.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living Mason County Office, 538 S. Schrader Street, Havana, IL 62644; to Saint Francis Home Health Care or OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, both at 530 NE Glen Oak Ave., Peoria, IL 61637; or to the American Cancer Society, 4234 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.

Seth Bowers
EAST PEORIA - Seth O. Bowers, 5, of East Peoria passed away at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria at 4:48 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008.

Seth was born Nov. 30, 2002, in Peoria to Nathan and Margaret Michele Bradshaw Bowers.  Also surviving are two sisters, Miquela Bowers of Washington and Kayleigh Bowers, at home; a brother, Scott Bowers, at home; his grandparents, Kenneth and Pam Bowers of East Peoria and David and Margaret Bradshaw of West Peoria; and his great-grandmother, Betty Bowers of East Peoria. Seth attended Bright Beginnings at Riverview Elementary.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home, Germantown Hills Chapel, with the Rev. L. Arvil Bass officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Bay Cemetery. Visitation will be after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Seth Bowers Fund, c/o CEFCU. Condolences may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.


Melvin Bishel
SPRING BAY - Melvin R. Bishel, 81, of Spring Bay passed away at 11:40 p.m. Thursday, March 29, 2007, at Snyder Village.

He was born on June 11, 1925, in rural Woodford County to Walter and Anna Fandel Bishel. He married Joyce Dixon on March 27, 1948, in Spring Bay. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Jerry Bishel (Fiance Donna) of East Peoria and Donald Bishel (Fiance Maggie) of Spring Bay; four daughters, Mrs. Jim (Betty) McCarty of Spring Bay, Mrs. Dennis (Peggy) Heck of Lowpoint, Mrs. Jimmie (Becky) Kendall of Spring Bay and Ruth Greer of Bay View Gardens; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Judy Bishel in 2006; one great-grandson, Brant McCaw; one brother and one son-in-law, Greg Greer in 2003. He left school at an early age to become a farm hand. Melvin then joined the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was a mechanic for several years at Earl Johnson Chevrolet in Peoria. Melvin then was a heavy equipment operator for many years. He retired in 1985. After his retirement, Melvin could be found riding his lawn mower around town or sitting in his garden any time. He spent his entire life helping others.

Melvin was a founding member of the Spring Bay Volunteer Fire Department. While working at Earl Johnson Chevrolet they donated a 1935 Chevrolet Pickup and then welded a tank on the bed of the truck which became Spring Bay's first fire truck.

He was also a founding member of the Peoria Izaak Walton League. He was a member of the Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115 in Spring Bay. In his early days, he was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Mason Funeral Home, Germantown Hills Chapel with the Rev. Mike Fender officiating. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at the Spring Bay Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spring Bay Fire Department or to Methodist Hospice Services.

Ray Bowlby
METAMORA - Ray B. Bowlby, 90, of Snyder Village died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.

Born Feb. 2, 1912, in Green Valley to Benjamin F. and Elizabeth Renner Bowlby, he married Mildred F. Ioerger on Aug. 24, 1937, in Georgia. She died Aug. 19, 1988, in Peoria. He married Angela T. Winkler on Sept. 10, 1993, in Metamora. She died Sept. 22, 1999, in Peoria. Five sisters also preceded him in death. Surviving are one stepdaughter, Barbara (and Jay) Winkler Bailey of Key Largo, Fla.; and three stepgrandchildren.

A watchmaker, he attended Bradley School of Horology. He was a lifelong farmer in Metamora and also had worked at Pabst Brewing Co. in Peoria Heights.

He was a member of Metamora Christian Union Church, where services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Dr. Rick Mortimer will officiate. Visitation will be 90 minutes before services at the church. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery in Spring Bay. Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Snyder Village Alzheimer's Unit.



Edward Barth
Last Rites for Edd. Barth Held Sunday
Died Following Heart Attack Friday Morning
contributed by Virgil Whitaker

Edward Barth, 59, died at his farm residence, west of this city, Friday morning, following a heart attack. He had a light heart attack on the previous Saturday, but seemed to be much improved when he was stricken again last Thursday evening and passed away several hours later, just after midnight.

Coroner J. L. Hubbard of this city, held an inquiry, as is permitted under the state law, on Saturday afternoon, and found that Mr. Barth died from acute myocaditis.

Edward Barth was born Feb. 9, 1887, on the Barth home place, three and a half miles west of Minonk. He was the son of Michael and Catherine Wagner Barth.  He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Timmerman, March 20, 1912, and to this union nine children were born, eight of whom survive with the widow.  The Berths lived on the home place for several years, after which they purchased the farm adjoining it, where they have resided ever since. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical church and he served for 33 years as school director in his school district. 

Survivors include the widow and the following eight sons and daughters: Robert M. Barth of Benson; Delbert, Hannah, Evelyn and Irma Barth, at home; John E. Barth of Flanagan; Edith Barth of Bloomington, and Edwin Barth of Minonk. He is also survived by three grandchildren and the following brothers: Daniel, Williams and Robert Barth of Minonk; Charles Barth of Benson; John Barth of Dana, and Louis Barth of Rochelle.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from St. Paul's Evangelical church in this city, with the Rev. Paul Buchmueller officiating. Burial was in the Minonk cemetery. Pallbearers were Otto Falk, Fred Cremer, Oscar Hielscher, Roland Oltman,  Louis Reese, Sr., and Rowland Tucker. Flower bearers were Mrs. Esther Stimpert, Mrs. Mary Heiken, Mrs. Katherine Kanive, Mrs. Clarence Barth, Mrs. Rosa Barth, Mrs. Emmett Swan, Emily and Adeline Timmerman, Mrs. Carl Gerdes and Mary Sullivan.
Among those in attendance at the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Hydon of Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. Edison Onken and family of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. John Myrath and Ralph Myrath of Ashton; Mr. and Mrs. Oils Svello and daughter of Rochelle; Mrs. Mabel Balbach and Paul Balbach of  Pontiac; Mrs. Edna Shirrington and Mr. and Mrs. George Rithmiller of Chenoa; Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan and family and Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Sullivan of Amboy.

Mr. and Mrs. William Barth and Mr. and Mrs. Summers of Peoria, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Tesch and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Frobish of Flanagan; Mr. and Mrs. Francis Ford and Mr. and Mrs. George Rithmill of Toluca; Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Jansen and Mr. AND Mrs. Frederick Uphoff of Streator; Mr. and Mrs. Louis Barth and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Barth of Rochelle; Otto Falk; Miss Susan Wagner, Mrs. Frederick Humble, Mrs. Bernie Bates and Mr. and Mrs. Martin Gerdes of Peoria; Lewis Seifers and family of Dana; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Parks of St. Louis; Geo. Judwich and Ervin Kaufman and daughter of Eureka; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Gerdes of Washburn; Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Davison; Mr. and Mrs. George Heyunga, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Kaufman and daughters and Mrs. Chester Kaufman of Secor; Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Kaufman of EI Paso; Mrs. John Moritz of Flanagan; Mr. and Mrs. Varence Hopper, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Duden, Frank Dingledine, Martin Dingledine and Miss Florence Dingledine of Washington; Mrs. Christ Sliegand and Mrs. Mabel Sharp of Paxton; Mrs. Harvey Shunk of Piper City; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Uphoff of Hudson.

Elva Ballard
Spring Bay - Elva I. Ballard, 70, of Spring Bay died at 8:41 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2006, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born on Aug. 24, 1935, in Mobile, Ala., to Joseph A. and Thelma I. Pratt Miles. She married Edward Ballard on Aug. 1, 1954, in McLeansboro, Ill.

Surviving are two sons, Eddie Ballard of Spring Bay and Cary (Nicole) Ballard of Metamora; two daughters, Mrs. Michael (Paula) Isenberg of Knoxville, Tenn., and Kathy Joseph of Metamora. Eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. Also surviving are two brothers, James Miles of Missouri and Joe Miles of Spring Bay; two sisters, Dorothy Whitaker of Belton, Texas, and Mary Harrelson of Eldorado, Ill. She was preceded in death by one brother and her parents.

She was a self-employed hairdresser for many years, working out of her home in Spring Bay. She was a former member of the Spring Bay School Board. She was a life member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary Post #1115 and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Elva was of the Christian Faith.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday at Mason Funeral Home, Germantown Hills Chapel. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Spring Bay cemetery in Spring Bay. Memorials may be made to a memorial fund established at Alpha Bank in memory of Elva and Spring Bay Fire & Rescue.

Lawrence Brenneman
Lawrence Brenneman, 88, of 703 E. Second St., El Paso, passed away at 5:33 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 17, 2007) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso. The Rev. John Libert will officiate. Burial will be in Minier Cemetery, with full military honors. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso.

Lawrence was born Sept. 29, 1918, at Minier, a son of Samuel and Emma J. Weihmier Brenneman. He married Doris E. Kruse on Aug. 13, 1944, at Stanford. She survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Dr. Sandra (Walter) Oldendorf, Valley Cruces, N.C.; Marcia (Ronald) Mool, El Paso; and Dr. Kathy Brenneman, Washington, D.C.; one sister, Ruth Brenneman, Normal; six grandchildren, Troy D. (Kerri) Mool, Jackson, Mo.; David Lawrence (Sheila) Mool, Gridley; R. Adam (Karen) Mool and Thad R.Mool, both of El Paso; Andrea Brenneman Oldendorf, Nashville, Tenn.; and Andrew Brenneman Oldendorf, Bozeman, Mont.; and two great-granddaughters, Lauryn and Ashlyn Mool. 
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur and Ralph.

Lawrence was a member of the El Paso United Church of Christ and a past member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Minier. He was a longtime farmer in the Minier area. He served with the United States Army Air Corps during WW II serving as a B-24 pilot.

He enjoyed golfing and was a member and past treasurer of the El Paso Golf Club. He was also a member and past treasurer of the Lake Bloomington Association. He was a member and past worshipful master of the Miner Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Shrine. He was a member of the El Paso American Legion Post 59 and past commander of the Minier American Legion Post 448 and the Bloomington Elks Lodge 281.

Online condolences may be sent to his family at www. ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com

Andrew Bradley
Andrew Bradley, 81, formerly of Roanoke, died Oct. 20, 2006, in Spokane, Wash.

He was born July 28, 1925, in Coal City, the son of Herbert and Marion Bradley. His wife of 40 years, Lucilla Bradley, died in 2002.

Survivors include one son, Gary Bradley, and one daughter,Jan (Mitch) Brown, both of Spokane; one sister, Mary (Ken) Bachman, Roanoke, and five grandchildren.

Bradley graduated from Roanoke High School, Roanoke. He was drafted into the Navy in 1943 and served during World War II as a gunner's mate. After being discharged in 1946, Bradley attended the University of Missouri-Rolla and received an associate's degree in business administration. He later served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict and attained the rank of Major during the Vietnam conflict, where he flew more than 100 missions as a B52 navigator.

He retired from the Air Force in 1971 and went into the restaurant business, including managing Sambo's for several years.

Services were held Nov. 4 at his daughter's home in Spokane. He was to be laid to rest in Coal City.

Elizabeth Barth
MINONK WOMAN IS SUMMONED
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR ELIZABETH BARTH TO BE HELD FRIDAY
contributed by Virgil Whitaker

Mrs. Elizabeth Barth, 59, who spent her entire life in the vicinity of Minonk, died in her home four miles south of that city at one o'clock Wednesday afternoon, following several days’ illness of a heart affliction.

Services will be conducted in St. Paul's E. R. church at two o’clock Friday afternoon with burial following in the Minonk cemetery. Rev. Paul Buchmueller will officiate. Friends may call at the Tallyn-Folkers Memorial Home .until the hour of the service.

The daughter of John and Elizabeth (Miroth) Timmerman, Mrs. Barth was born on a farm south of Minonk, December 19, 1893. Her marriage with Edward Barth occurred in Minonk, March 20, 1912. He died six years ago as did a child in infancy. Left are eight chi1dren, Edwin Barth, Edith Meierhofer, Evelyn Milashoski and Hannah, Irma and Delbert Barth all of Minonk; Robert of Benson and John E. of Flanagan.  Two brothers and two sisters also remain, Herman and John and Mrs. Katherine Gerdes of  Minonk and Mrs. Hannah Sullivan of Amboy. Three brothers and three sisters are deceased.  Mrs. Barth was a member of St. Paul's church.

Sarah Banta
Last Saturday, at Chenoa, Mrs. Sarah Banta, formerly of this county, died aged 48 years. The remains were taken to Metamora, and buried last Monday.

Harold Bumeter

METAMORA - Harold D. Bumeter, 82, of Metamora, Ill., died Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at 8:45 a.m. peacefully at his home. Harold was born on June 15th, 1924, in Metamora, Ill., a son of Edward (World War I veteran) and Louise Bumeter. The Bumeter family came to Metamora in the 1880s. Harold grew up in the Metamora area and spent his entire life building and giving back to that community. He married Geraldine "Gerry" Garrison on Aug. 17th, 1947. Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother (World War II veteran) and one sister.

Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Gerry of Metamora; his two sons, Steven (Cindy) Bumeter of Metamora, Ill., and Ricky (Donna) Bumeter of Lake St. Louis, Mo.; eight loving grandchildren, Scott, Brett, Dawn, Troy, Andrea, Casey, Christopher and Brandon; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Clara Roland of Eureka, Ill., and Elma (Charles) Barth of LaRose, Ill.; one brother, Clayton (Zella) Osler of Peoria, Ill.; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Harold left school at an early age (14), he worked as a farm hand from 1937 to 1945. He learned about farm machinery from another local hand. He joined the Air Force in February 1946. He was honorably discharged as a buck sergeant in 1949 from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson Ariz., having completed special training at Lowery Air Field in Denver receiving certificates as camera technician and photographer for use in aerial photography. Harold began employment with Rex Camera Shop as a camera repair technician, while he and Gerry began to raise their two sons, Steven (1950) and Ricky (1952). Harold later moved on to Caterpillar Tractor Company in the photocopy department.

He repaired cameras at his home for various professional photographers around the Peoria area; part-time, he photographed weddings and did special photography for Eastern Star. He opened a family camera repair shop, Harold's Camera Repair, in 1953, located on North Adams Street in Peoria, Ill. He worked at Caterpillar during the day and the camera repair business in the afternoon and evenings.

Gerry and Harold ran the camera repair business for 17 years. During this tenure, Harold and Gerry built their own home in Metamora. The house was featured in the Peoria Journal Star for its unique design and construction. He created a man-made 4 1/2 acre lake, which was stocked for great fishing and designed for swimming. The lake has been enjoyed by many throughout the decades that have followed.

After temporarily losing his vision partly from too many years looking through magnifying lenses needed for camera repair, Gerry coached Harold by reading real estate books and materials that Harold could not see. With Gerry's help and mentorship, Harold passed the Illinois State Real Estate exam and obtained his Real Estate license in 1967. He specialized in selling farms and acreage. While doing this, Harold and Gerry and their sons converted the 160 acre family farm into a campground (Wild Wind Lake Campground) with water and electric hookups. It was one of the few in the area that provided a weekend escape for many from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In early 1971, Harold and Gerry redeveloped the campground into a Mobile Home Park (Lake Wild Wind Mobile Home Park) with sewer and water. Harold and Gerry gave a start to many hundreds of people in housing that would not otherwise have had the opportunity to have a home of their own. They provided affordable and safe housing, financial assistance, jobs, and year round 24 hour counseling and emergency service for almost 24 years.

After rebuilding their business throughout the recession in the early 1990s, Harold and Gerry sold Lake Wild Wind and moved into a hard-earned retirement in 1995. They maintained a close relationship with friends and family, while continuing to help members of the local community throughout their retirement again providing jobs, financial assistance and counseling. Harold and Gerry were a fantastic team for 61 years.

Harold was one of the founding charter members of the Germantown/Metamora Rotary Club in 1968. He was a member of the American Legion Post 89 in Metamora and a charter member of the Illinois Manufactured Housing Association. He was an avid reader, very knowledgeable of Civil War and Native American history and culture buff and collector and a devoted lover of the outdoors.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Mason Funeral Home, Metamora Chapel. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Services of Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. To send online condolences, please visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Arlene Blumenshine
Eureka - Arlene Roberta Blumenshine, 88, of 700 N. Main St., Eureka, mother of Warren Blumenshine of El Paso, died Feb. 3, 2007, at Eureka Community Hospital Burial was in Olio Township Cemetery, Eureka. Arrangements were by Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Eureka.

Mrs. Blumenshine was born Oct. 6, 1918 Eureka, the daughter of Bernard and Marjie Farmer Johnson. She married Raymond Blumenshine on Sept. 30, 1939, at Kokomo, Ind. He died March 5, 1994. Surviving are four daughters, one son, one sister, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one grandson.

Mrs. Blumenshine was a member of the Eureka Christian Church, the Christian Women's Fellowship, Lakview Club, Eureka Hospital Auxiliary, and American Legion Auxiliary. Memorials may be made to her church. Online condolences may be made at www.ruestman-harrisfuneralhome.com

Bob E. Bennett
SPRING BAY - Bob E. Bennett, 66, of Rural Route 1, Box 441, died at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 23, 1934, in LaFollette, Tenn., to John H. and AnnaMae Norman Bennett.

Surviving are one daughter, Jill (and Steven) Rhoads of Germantown Hills; two granddaughters; one brother, Glenn (and Carolyn) of Germantown Hills; and two sisters, Mary Hatmaker of LaFollette and Betty Bennett of Largo, Fla.  He was preceded in death by one brother.

An Army veteran, he served from 1957 to 1959. He was a member of Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115. He worked at Komatsu Dresser for 33 years, retiring in 1998.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington, where visitation will be one hour before services. Chaplain Michael MacKenzie will officiate. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by his American Legion post. Memorials may be made to Methodist Hospice.

Charles A. Bradley
SAN JOSE - Charles A. Bradley, 70, of San Jose died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at his home.

He was born June 2, 1931, in Mason City, the son of Chancy W. and Stella B. Dabbs Bradley. He married Patricia A. Peavler in 1980.

Mr. Bradley was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and a safety manager at Washington Electric Co. before his retirement. He was a member of St. Lukes Lutheran Church and the American Legion in Spring Bay.

Survivors: wife, Patricia A.; two sons, Marty J. (wife, Jenny) Bradley of Springfield, Mo., and Kim A. "Tony" Bradley of Mason City; a daughter, Darla K. Bradley of Atlanta; two stepsons, Bruce Hitch of Tampa, Fla., and Roy Hitch of Bloomington; a stepdaughter, Anne (husband, Jeff) Taylor of Clinton; and two grandchildren.

Services: 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Hurley Funeral Home in San Jose, the Rev. Marvin Lorenz officiating. Burial: Spring Bay Cemetery.
 

The following obits contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
 

Henry Boston

Henry Boston, 84, retired farmer and the last of his family, died in his sleep about 8:00 a.m. Wednesday at his home in Greene Township, where he had lived since 1907. The coroner's office conducted an investigation and ruled that death was due to natural causes. He had been in poor health for several years. His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday at St Peter's Lutheran Church near Benson. The Rev H. J. Knoploh will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. He was born July 29, 1875, at Minonk, a son of Henry and Elizabeth Knack Boston. He married Marie Porth Feb. 11, 1903, near El Paso. She died Oct. 12, 1948. Five brothers and five sisters preceded him in death. Several nieces and nephews are his only survivors, including Mrs Florence Bohlander who resided with him since his wife's death.

John F. Broers, Jr., of Cazenovia Dies in Peoria Hospital - Death Came Monday Morning After an Illness of 3 Weeks Funeral Wednesday


John F. Broers, Jr., familiarly known to all as "Jack" Broers, died in St Francis hospital, Peoria, Monday morning at 11:38 o'clock of an illness of three weeks. Deceased was the son of John and Elizabeth [Tjaden] Broers and was born in Greene township, Woodford county, May 20, 1894. He grew to manhood in this county and on Feb. 15, 1914, was united in marriage with Miss Udena Noll. To this union six children were born, three of whom preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his loss three children, Franklin, Joan and Janice Broers, his parents, four brothers and two sisters, Charles, Frank and Bernard Broers and Mrs Marie Obert of Cazenovia, Ernest Broers of Lowpoint and Mrs Velma Fredericks of Peoria. Three nieces and five nephews also survive with other relatives and a host of friends unite with them in sorrow and sympathy. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Bernard Broers residence in Cazenovia at 12:30 and in St Paul's Lutheran church, Benson, at 1:15 pm. The Rev. O.A. Braunschweig, pastor of the church, was in charge of the services. The music service was sung by Mr and Mrs Dan Schrock, Mrs Silas Bachman and WIll Schrock. Pallbearers were Lloyd Ivins, Bernard Foster, Wm. Reiter, Dane Stivers, Glenwood Tanton and Edward Zoss. Flowerbearers were Mrs Dane Stivers, Mrs Clara Robertson, Mrs Bernard Broers, Mrs Lester Risser, Mrs Florence Ivins, Mrs Myrtle Zoss. The body was taken to the Lacon cemetery after the services and interred there.

Mary V. Blumenshine

WASHINGTON — Mary V. Blumenshine, 101, formerly of Washington, died at 7:55 p.m. Saturday (June 9, 2007) at the Apostolic Christian Home, Eureka. Service: 11 a.m . Wednesday at Evangelical United Methodist Church, Washington. Burial: Glendale Cemetery, Washington. Visitation: One hour prior to services Wednesday at the church. Mason-White Funeral Home, Washington, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials: Evangelical United Methodist Church, 401 Walnut St., Washington, IL 61571. Survivors: One son, Clinton Blumenshine, Eureka; one daughter, Vera (The Rev. David) Litchfield, Battle Creek, Mich.; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Alderman George E. Bell Died in El Paso Saturday 

Geo. F. Bell died at his home in El Paso Saturday afternoon, after an illness extending over three years.  He was born in Cincinnati, O., NOv. 16, 1859, and his parents, Mr and Mrs William Bell are now deceased.
 
On December 15, 1881, he was married to Miss Sarah Scott at Panola, Ill.  They lived in El Paso since 1917.  Mr Bell was alderman of the second ward.  He was a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Methodist church.  There were five children, four of whom are living:  Mrs Elsie Forsythe of Vicksburg, Mich., Ethel Bell of Arthur N. D.; Mrs Pearl Mool of Panola, Ill.  A daughter, Myrtle, is deceased.  There is a brother, William Bell, of Rogers, Ark., and a sister, Mrs Ann Vogler of Crescent City, Ia.
 
The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Methodist church with Rev. M. C. Van Leer in charge of the services.  Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery.
 
[N.B.  The obit says four children are living but only names three.]

Roy C. Bell, Ex-Supervisor, Passes Away
 

Roy C. Bell, 72, of El Paso, former Woodford County supervisor, died at his home Wednesday afternoon, July 13.
 
He was born May 4, 1894, in Panola Township, a son of George and Sarah Scott Bell.  He married Mabel Roth Nov. 30, 1916, in Panola Township.
 
He is survived by his wife; a son, George D., El Paso; a daughter, Mrs Margaret Murphy, Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Mrs Ethel Bell, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Mrs Pearl Mool, El Paso; and four grandchildren.  A sister preceded him in death.
 
He was a member of the First Methodist Church of El Paso and the Masonic Lodge.  He was appointed supervisor of Panola Township Feb. 1, 1946, and had served continuously until he resigned recently because of his health.
 
Funeral services were held Saturday at the First Methodist Church of El Paso, the Rev. Ralph W. Fitch officiating.  Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in El Paso.


 

Eugene Bennett
El Paso - Eugene Bennett, 23, died at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday at the Woodford county sanitarium at Minonk where he had been a patient the last seven months. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Fickens funeral home, with the Rev. H. H. McFall officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery. He was born Oct. 18, 1919, son of Ross and Ruth Harvey Bennett.

John Breese
El Paso - John Breese, 73, died at 3 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's hospital in Bloomington. He had been ill two weeks. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Tessie Breese; two sons, Fayron and George of Heyworth, and a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Guard of el Paso. Three brothers, Charles Rolla and Arthur, and a sister, Mrs. Maude Tucker, all of New Albany, Ind., also survive.

El Paso - Funeral services for John Breese, who died Wednesday, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Christian church, with the Rev. Osceola McNemar officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen cemetery.


Helen Louise Whitman Burrell Baker - contributed by Desiree Burrell Rodcay
EUREKA - Helen L. Baker, 86, Eureka, died at 3:40 a.m. on Monday (Jan. 16, 2006) at Maple Lawn Health Center in Eureka, where she was a resident.

She was born on April 22, 1919, in Hardinsburg, Ind., a daughter of Bert and Mary Myrtle Fancher Whitman. She married James Burrell on Sept. 8, 1934, in Eureka. He died in October of 1974. She then married Cecil Baker on Aug. 16, 1975, in Eureka. He died in January of 2002.

Surviving is one son, Kenneth (Joan) Burrell, St. Petersburg, Fla.; two daughters, Pat (Don) Horn, Danvers, and Carol (Everett) Myers, Eureka; one stepdaughter, Barbara (Cecil) Franke, Runge, Texas; two sisters, Blanche Burrell, Gibson City, and Ruth Turner, Winter Haven, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Dick (Richard), Carl,(Walter) Frank and (Robert Paul) "Bob" Whitman; and one granddaughter.

Helen was a homemaker but also cleaned various homes and businesses in Eureka.  She was a member of the Eureka Church of the Nazarene.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka. The Rev. Doug Hicks will officiate. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. before the service on Thursday. Burial will be held in Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka. There will also be an additional memorial service at 10 a.m. Friday at the assembly room at Maple Lawn.Berneice Baumann, 90 - July 28, 2008


Berneice Baumann
90, Minonk, died at 1:26 p.m. Monday (July 28, 2008) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Minonk, with the Rev. Daniel Gansch-Boythe officiating. Burial will follow at Minonk Township Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Calvert & Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Berneice's name.

Berneice was born March 24, 1918, in Minonk, the daughter of John and Alessa Devon Schmillen. She married Alfred "Bill" Baumann on March 28, 1937, in Minonk. He died May 28, 1981.

Surviving is one son, Duane (Nancy) Baumann, St. Louis, Mo.; one son-in-law, Stan Schrock, Goshen, Ind.; six grandchildren, Bridget Brodie, Rebecca Baumann-Hays, Brittany Baumann, Shannon Schrock, Steffen Schrock and Salissa Young; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Diane Schrock; one granddaughter, Samantha Schrock; and two sisters.

Berneice was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Minonk. Born to humble beginnings, she found her way to a spiritually rich life. After graduating from high school, she became a farm wife and lived on the farm east of Minonk for nearly 50 years. She raised two children, who were the joy of her life. She also served the community through her warmth and hospitality, her coffee and pies were famous. Her final days were spent as the recipient of great kindness from her many friends, family and the wonderful staff of Heritage Manor. She never wanted for anything, because she was always satisfied with what she had. Her family will greatly miss her love, wisdom and guidance.

Aaron A. "Art" Braun
WASHBURN -- Aaron A. "Art" Braun, 84, of 601 N. Main St. died Friday, May 28, 1999, at ASTA Care Center in Toluca. Born Oct. 10, 1914, in Bricktown to Levin A. and Elsie Clark Braun, he married Katherine M. Weers on Oct. 17, 1948, in Washburn. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Jolene K. Pelton of Metamora, and one sister, Clara Miller of Davenport, Iowa. He was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.

He was a member of the Washburn Christian Church and a 50-year member of the Washburn American Legion Post. He worked for many years in cement construction and retired from Washburn Grade School, where he was a custodian and bus driver. He was a World War II Army veteran.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at his church. The Rev. Larry Schultz will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ries-McKitrick & Newton Mortuary in Washburn. Burial will be in Buckingham Cemetery, rural Washburn. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or his church.

Eva F. Boon - contributed by Jane Foster
After an extended illness of several weeks, Mrs. Eva F. Boon died at 1:15 a.m. Thursday, April 19, at Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington, at the age of 76.

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Clifford F. Polson, Sr., from the Pacey Memorial Home on Saturday afternoon, April 21, at 2 p.m.  Those who served as pallbearers were George E. Clark, Albert Hesselberth, Fredrick Hesselberth, Gerald Knoblauch, Donald Knoblauch and Paul Fandel.  Interment was in Buckingham Cemetery.  Visitation was from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the memorial home.

Mrs. Boon was born Jan. 3, 1886 to George Marshall and Mary McFarlin Clark at their farm home near Lowpoint.  She attended the Lowpoint and Washburn schools and Bradley University.  On April 20, 1910, she was united in marriage to Dr. Charles Lester Boon in Peoria.  Her husband preceded her in death in 1951.  With the exception of the first five years of their marriage, Dr. and Mrs. Boon resided in this area.

Those who remain to mourn her passing are:  one daughter, Miss Alice Boon, Wheaton; two sons, Charles Franklin, Lowpoint, and Dr. Loren McClellan, Danvers; one brother, George T. Clark, Lowpoint; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends who will miss her loving and sunny smile.

Roland Gifford Braun
WASHBURN - Roland Gifford Braun, 92, of rural Washburn died at 10:50 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2001, at Asta Care Center in Toluca.

Born Sept. 23, 1908, in rural Washburn to David and Amy June Gifford Braun, he married Dorothy C. Jones on March 31, 1935, in rural Washburn. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, John (and Valerie) of Morton; two daughters, Mrs. Ray (Roselyn) Thielbar of Ely, Minn., and Mrs. Larry (Marilyn) Simmons of Streator; one sister, Mrs. Fred (Miriam) Uphoff of Metamora; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Two sisters preceded him in death.

He had farmed in the Washburn area all his life and had worked for the Marshall-Putnam Soil and Water Conservation District. He also was curator of Braun's Indian Artifacts & Burial Museum in Wilbern. He was a member of Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau, Richland Grange, Peoria Archaeological Society and Rockhounds International. He also was a member of Lacon-Sparland United Methodist Church, where he was a lay leader and Sunday school teacher.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon, where visitation will be 1 1/2 hours before. The Rev. Jeff Hurst will officiate. Burial will be in Buckingham Cemetery in rural Washburn. Memorials may be made to his church.

Alice Boon
WASHBURN -- Alice Boon, 87, of 807 N. Main, Bloomington, formerly of Washburn, died at 3:55 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 1998, at BroMenn Life Care Center in Bloomington. She was born June 18, 1911, in Normal to Dr. Charles and Eva Clark Boon. Surviving are two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Boon of Sacramento, Calif., and Catherine Boon of Danvers; eight nieces; and three nephews. Two brothers preceded her in death.

She attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington for two years and later received her master's degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois. She did post graduate work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University, the University of Arizona and Michigan State University. She taught chemistry in high schools throughout Illinois for 37 years, last working at Wheaton Central High School. She had 34 chemistry progress tests printed as part of the text "Chemistry, an Investigative Approach" by Cotton and Lynch.

She was president of the Illinois Association of Chemistry Teachers from 1962 to 1964. She served in the WAVES for two years during World War II. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. She also was a member of Order of the Eastern Star in Shabbona, where she served as past worthy matron, and Kappa Delta sorority.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Otto-Argo Funeral Home in Eureka. The Rev. Dr. Phillip Queen will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Buckingham Cemetery in Lowpoint. Memorials may be made to her church or to any charity.

Howard Buckingham
MCNABB - Howard ''Buck'' Buckingham, 82, of 16 Rapine Court, Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of McNabb, died Thursday, April 17, 2003, at his home. Born March 21, 1921, in Washburn to William and Elleta Mae Glover Buckingham, he married Gertrude Lorance on Jan. 25, 1947, in Lacon. She survives. Also surviving is one sister, Ruth (and Sidney) Crank of Metamora. He was preceded in death by one sister.  He retired from B.F. Goodrich in Henry.

Cremation was accorded. A memorial service was held in Fort Myers. Burial of ashes will be in Buckingham Cemetery in rural Washburn at a later date. The National Cremation Society in Fort Myers was in charge of arrangements.

J. Harrison Buckingham
ROANOKE - J. Harrison Buckingham, 80, of Roanoke died at 7:15 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 18, 1998) at Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Washburn Christian Church, the Rev. Larry Kirk officiating. Burial will be in Buckingham Cemetery, rural Washburn. There will be no visitation. Remmert Funeral Home, Roanoke, is in charge of arrangements, Memorials may be made to Washburn Christian Church or Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke.

Mr. Buckingham was born April 5, 1918, at Lowpoint, a son to Jesse H. and Bertha J. Harper Buckingham. He married Thelma Abbott on June 29, 1941, at Eureka. She died Dec. 3, 1974. He then married Thelma Kent Brubaker on May 17, 1975, at Eureka. She survives. Also surviving are a son, Keith J. (Cathy) Buckingham, Germantown Hills; and three grandchildren. The grandchildren are Timothy Buckingham, Joshua Buckingham and Catie Buckingham.

Mr. Buckingham graduated from Washburn High School. He was a retired farmer, real estate broker and insurance broker. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, Farm Bureau and was a board member of the Farm Bureau. He was past chairman and member of Tri-County Planning Commission. He was past president of Lions Club and was a member of Rotary. Mr. Buckingham was a past 4-H leader and scout master. He attended Washburn Christian Church in Washburn.

Margaret L. Buckingham
EAST PEORIA -- Margaret L. Buckingham, 75, of 306 Woodrow Drive died at 1:55 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria. She was born June 22, 1922, in rural Lowpoint to William and Eleta Mae Glover Buckingham. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Sidney (Ruth) Crank of Washburn; and one brother, Howard of Fort Myers, Fla.

She was a final inspector of pistons at Caterpillar Inc., retiring in 1986. She was a member of Caterpillar Retirees Club. She was a member of Washburn Methodist Church.

Cremation will be accorded. Burial will be in Buckingham Cemetery, Washburn, at a later date. Arrangements are by Mason Funeral Home, Metamora. Memorials may be made to any charity.

Cheryl Ann Burtsfield - contributed by Jane Foster
Cheryl Ann Burtsfield, 38, of 320 W. Woodford Street, Washburn, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1996, at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago.

Born May 7, 1958, in Peoria to Courtney C. and Nina E. McKittrick Keith, she married Jackie R. Burtsfield April 27, 1974, in Washburn.  He survives.

Also surviving are one son, David Lee of Varna; one daughter, Jessica Lyn of Washburn; three brothers, Larry of LaRose, Steven of Riverside, Ohio, and James of St. Charles; one sister, Karen Jay of Washburn; and one granddaughter.  She was preceded in death by one brother.  She ws a homemaker.  She was a member of Washburn United Methodist Church.

Services were held Monday, Jan. 6, at her church.  The Rev. George Knox officiated.  Ries-McKitrick and Newton Mortuary, Washburn Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.  Burial was in Buckingham Cemetery.  A memorial in her name has been established at The Washburn Bank.

Jessica Burtsfield
EUREKA - Services for Jessica L. Burtsfield, 25, of Eureka, formerly of Washburn, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Washburn United Methodist Church. The Rev. David Pyell will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ries-McKitrick & Newton Mortuary, Washburn Chapel. Burial will be in Buckingham Cemetery in Washburn. She was pronounced dead at 1:50 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, in rural Eureka. She died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle accident.

She was born Feb. 12, 1979, in Peoria to Jack and Cheryl Keith Burtsfield. Surviving are one daughter, Chloe Bruell of Eureka; her fiance, Erik Bruell of Eureka; her father of Spring Bay; one brother, David Burtsfield of Washburn; and her grandparents, Jack and Nina Keith and Ray and Mary Burtsfield, all of Washburn. She was preceded in death by her mother. She attended Oehrlein School of Cosmetology in East Peoria.

She was a member of Washburn United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to a fund for her daughter in care of Alpha Community Bank in Washburn.

Charles F. Boon
Morton - Charles Franklin Boon, 57, of 306 N. Illinois, died at 6:50 a.m. Monday at his home.

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Morton United Methodist Church. The Rev. Gary Bass will officiate. Burial will be in Buckingham Cemetery near Lowpoint.

Visitation will be from 7-9 o'clock tonight at Ludwig Mortuary and afternoon Wednesday at the church. The Washburn Masonic Lodge will conduct Masonic services at 9 o'clock this evening at the mortuary.

He was born Aug. 3, 1912 at Towanda, a son of Charles and Eva Clark Boon. He married Elizabeth Durkee, Jan. 1, 1936 at Kansas City, Kan.

Surviving are his wife, three daughters, Mrs. Frank Elser, Peoria; Mrs. Henry Bernius, Winslow, Ariz; Mrs. Ernest Jackson, Morton; a son, Harold, Jacksonville, a brother (the rest of the obit is cut off)

Irving E. Brown - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Roanoke - Irving E. Brown, 53, died at 4:45 Thursday (16 October 1969)  at Hines Veteran's Hospital.

His funeral will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Remmert Funeral Home.  The Rev. Oliver Zivney will officiate.  Burial will be in Roanoke City Cemetery.

He was born March 23, 1916 at Roanoke, a son of William and Fannie Woltzen Brown.  He married Marjorie B. Rients Dec. 24, 1943 at San Diego, Calif.  He owned and operated an insurance agency since 1946 in Roanoke.

Survivors are his mother, his wife, two daughters, Miss Diana K. and Miss Coleen S. Brown, Roanoke; a son, Ronald E., attending Illinois Wesleyan University; a brother, Leslie M., Peoria.  He was preceded in death by his father and a sister.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Roanoke, the Roanoke Businessmaen's Association and was a real estate broker.  He was a member of the Independent Agent's Associates.  He was the village treasurer and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at El Paso.  He was a member of the Roanoke American Legion Post.
Mrs Fannie Brown Dies at Age 85

Fannie M. Brown - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Roanoke - Mrs Fannie M. Brown, 85, of Roanoke, died at 9 a.m. yesterday at Roanoke Manor Nursing Home.

Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Remmert Funeral Home, with Larry Fash, lay minister of United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will be in Roanoke Cemetery.  Visitation will be 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

She was born near Benson May 7, 1884, the daughter of Ed and Theda Harms Woltzen, and was married Sept. 10, 1902, in Peoria, to William F. Brown, who died in 1925.  Surviving are a son, Leslie M. Brown of Peoria, and four grandchildren.  A son, a daughter, two brothers, two sisters, three half brothers and a half sister preceded her in death.  Mrs Brown was a member of United Methodist Church.

Zelda Henrietta Beal - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Zelda Henrietta Beal was born on November 26, 1920, in Minonk, Illinois, to Everett and Follie Danekas Seggerman. She attended and graduated from Minonk High School.
 
She was married to Kenneth F. Beal on February 24, 1939, at Davenport, Iowa. The couple moved to a farm between Wesley and Titonka, Iowa, where they lived and farmed. Her husband, Kenneth preceded her in death on December 23, 1988. Zelda continued living on the farm until 1991, when she moved into Titonka.

Zelda was an active member of the Good Hope Lutheran Church in Titonka, where she had served as Sunday School Superintendent and was active in the Ladies' Circles. She enjoyed gardening, as well as various hobbies, crafts and sewing.

Zelda died on Sunday, February 10, 2008, at the Titonka Care Center in Titonka, Iowa. She was 87.

Zelda is survived by her four daughters, Pam Harms and husband, Harlan, Titonka, Iowa, MaLora Westphal and husband, Wayne, Seymour, Iowa, Linda Mitchell and husband, Andy, Fort Dodge, Iowa and Lois Randall and husband, Randy, Clear Lake, Iowa. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Follie Seggerman, her husband, Kenneth and her brother, Raymond Seggerman.

Abraham Barnhart - contibuted by Joann Armstrong
Abraham Barnhart, son of Elder Daniel and Catherine Brubaker Barnhart was born near Salem, Roanoke County, Va., on Sept 28th 1839, and departed this life at his home in Decatur, Ill., August 16, 1915, at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 18 days. He came west in the year 1859 and settled in Woodford county, Ill., in 1861, where he remained the greater part of his life. He and Melissa Ellen Robinson were united in marriage on Sept. 12, 1863. To this union fourteen children were born. One died in infancy and Edward, the oldest child, died at the age of 29 years.

He is survived by his wife and twelve children as follows: Charles of Ashton, Mary Claudin of Mansfield; James of Modesta, Cal.; Lee Hahn of Versabiles, Mo.; Newton of Decatur; Nelia Davis of Filer, Idaho; Elva Ritchie of Filer, Idaho; Della Armstrong of Filer, Idaho; Emma Hamilton of Lincoln; Flora Armstrong of Secor; Tom of Columbus, Ohio.  All were present at the funeral except James, Tom and Della.  He also leave thirty-seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren and four brothers.

The deceased united with the Church of the Brethren in his youth and has always been loyal to her principles. He was a faithful attendant at church services as long as his health  permitted. He was upright and honest in all his dealings and gave cheerfully of that with which the Lord blessed him. He was always interested in the spiritual welfare of his family and leaves an exemplary life for them to follow. He was patient in his illness, but expressed a desire to leave his earthy tabernacle and go “home.”

Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Church of the Brethren in Decatur, conducted by Rev. J. W. Lear and burial was made at Fairlawn cemetery.  Those who attended the funeral from a distance, besides the children, were: Mr. and Mrs. James Robinson of Henry; Chris Barnhart, Mr. and Mrs. James Tykins, Miss Pearl, Burt, Charles, Ernest and Myrtle of Mansfield; Phil Brown of Colfax; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Barnhart of Cisco; Mrs. George Hahn of Indianapolis, Ind.,; Miss Hetty Barnhart of Champaign; Asa Hendricks and Rev. Arnold of La Place; Cyrus Wallick and Daniel Simmons of Cerro Gordo; Mrs. Nellie Barnhart of Onarga; John Hamilton and son Dana of Lincoln; Arthur Armstrong and son Guy of Secor.

Elizabeth (Clark) Baker - contributed by Jane Foster
Mrs. Squire Baker, one of the oldest early settlers of this part of Illinois, died at the hime of her daughter, Mrs. A. W. Engel (Alpheus W Engel), at Washburn Tuesday morning.  Mrs. Baker would have been 97 years old next month.  The funeral was held yesterday, Jos. Engel attending from Metamora.

Della Broers
METAMORA - Della Pearl Broers, 94, of Snyder Village died there at 5:53 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002.

Born Feb. 15, 1908, in Heyworth to Jesse and Maude Miller Van Valey, she married Bernard F. Broers on Feb. 8, 1930, in Heyworth. He died Aug. 30, 1966.

She also was preceded in death by five sisters, one brother and one grandchild.

Surviving are two daughters, Donna (Mrs. Jack) Bisio of Metamora and Colleen (Mrs. Larry) Jones of Bloomington; one sister, Betty Holland of Peoria; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was a member of Metamora Christian Union Church.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at her church, where visitation will be one hour before. The Rev. Rick Mortimer will officiate. Burial will be in Clayton Township Cemetery in Benson. Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Magdalene Timmerman Beal- contributed by Virgil (Timmerman Fischer) Whitaker

Young Mother Passes Away On Tuesday
Mrs. William (Timmerman) Beal Claimed by Death 

Mrs. William Beal, 36 year old well-known and beloved young mother of this community, died at 4: 20 o'clock Tuesday morning at her home two miles east and one-quarter mile north of this city, after a lingering illness. She had been III for the past year, her condition gradually growing worse until the end came Tuesday.

As Mary Magdalene Timmerman she was born March 22, 1905, on a farm about two miles south of this city, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Timmerman. She attended the nearby rural school at Woodford, and grew to young womanhood in that community.

She was united in marriage with William Beal of Minonk, January 24, 1929, and they went to house­keeping on the Eilts place, where they remained for six months. They then moved on the farm northeast of Minonk, where she had since resided.

She was baptized at the age of 16, and had been a loyal member of the Minonk Baptist church. She taught Sunday school in the primary department of that church for several years and was a devoted Christian character. She was a home loving character, who was devoted to her home and family. That she should be called from her dear ones at her age touches the heart of the entire community.

Surviving to mourn her loss are her devoted husband, William; five small sons, Eugene, Melvin, Duane, Glen and John, all at home; her mother, Mrs. John Timmerman; three brothers, Herman Timmerman. Henry Timmerman and John Timmerman, all of Minonk; and four sisters, Mrs. Katie Ger­des of Benson, Mrs. Edd Barth and Mrs. Minnie Fischer of Minonk, and Mrs. John Sullivan of Amboy.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at 2:20 o’clock tomorrow afternoon, with Rev. S. L, Buchanan, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating. Interment will be in the Minonk cemetery.

Eileen Berry
SPRING BAY - Eileen N. Berry, age 84, of Spring Bay died at 6:05 p.m. Thursday, December 29th, 2005, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria.

She was born Feb. 6, 1921, in rural Spring Bay, Ill., to Ray (Ida Eichhorn) Zilch. She married Ernest R. Berry on June 15, 1940, in Peoria. He survives. Surviving are two daughters, Elone (Ron) Hill of Glasford and Evonne Cowling of Spring Bay; three granddaughters, Heather and Hollie Hill of Pekin, and Janette (Jake) Vohs of Nantucket, Mass.; three sisters, Evelyn (Whitie) Schabinger of Spring Bay, Kate (Perry) Curless of Spring Bay and Mary Lou (Lewis) Harman of Glasford; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents.

She worked as a custodian for 10 years at Riverview Grade School. She was a member of Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115 Auxiliary. She was a member of the Gospeler's Class at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, where she was a member.

Services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at her church, with the Reverend Douglas Lightly officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home, Germantown Hills Chapel and also one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery. Memorials to her church and Spring Bay Fire Department.

Judy Bishel
SPRING BAY - Judy Kay Bishel, age 43, of Spring Bay passed away at 5:55 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2006, at Fondulac Health Care in East Peoria after a short-term battle with cancer.

She was born Nov. 14, 1962, in Peoria to Melvin R. and Joyce M. (Dixon) Bishel. Surviving are her parents of Spring Bay; four sisters, Betty and Jim McCarty of Spring Bay, Peggy and Denny Heck of Low Point, Becky and Jimmy Kendall of East Peoria and Ruthie Greer of Bayview Gardens; two brothers, Jerry and Donna (Nelson) Bishel of East Peoria and Donald and Maggie (Fallert) Bishel of Spring Bay; best friend and caregiver, Leona Tipsword of Spring Bay; 13 nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, one great-nephew and one brother-in-law, Greg Greer.

She was member and historian for the Spring Bay Women's Auxiliary Post 1115. She was an avid supporter of No Tears for Christmas, Crusaders for Kids and local events. She loved taking pictures, was of the Christian faith and was a loving, giving and caring person. She was a drama queen with an attitude.

Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home, Germantown Hills Chapel, with the Rev. Mike Fender officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a memorial fund established in Judy's name at Alpha Bank in Spring Bay or to Spring Bay Fire and Rescue.

Charles Boyer
SPRING BAY - Charles D. Boyer, 64, of 137 Hardcastle Lane died at 11:32 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria.

Born Oct. 15, 1940, in East St. Louis to Francis T. and Marian Winning Boyer, he married Sheila Clarkson on Aug. 28, 1961. He later married Patricia A. Nash on July 1, 1983.

Surviving are two daughters, Dawn Hatcher and Holly (and Bill) Lynn, both of Spring Bay; one son, Kenneth (and Lori) of East Peoria; four brothers, Jack Boyer and Pat Boyer, both of East Peoria, Mike Boyer of Washburn and Keith Wolfe of Peoria; six sisters, Carolyn Williams of Girard, Eloise Binegar of Hanna City, Claudia Winters of Peoria, Paula Brooks of Bartonville, Monica Boyer of Peoria Heights and Mary Boyer of Creve Coeur; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Christina Boyer.

He worked in sales for Springer Burkland and owned and operated West Peoria Hardware, which he established in 1984. He was a member of Moose Lodge 745 and the Lions Club of West Peoria. He also was a member of Unity Church in Avalon and attended Spring Bay United Methodist Church.

Services will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at Mason Funeral Home, Germantown Hills Chapel, where visitation will be two hours before. The Rev. Mike Fender will officiate. Cremation will be accorded after services. Memorials may be made to Spring Bay United Methodist Church Building Fund.

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