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

Wilbur Fisher
EUREKA -- Wilbur Fisher, 79, formerly of Minonk and Walnut, died at 6:50 p.m. Sept. 6, 2006, at Maple Lawn Health Center in Eureka, where he was a resident.  Visitation for Mr. Fisher was Monday at Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka and a graveside service was at Kingston Mines Cemetery, Kingston Mines, with the Rev. William VanDevoort officiating.

He was born Sept. 12, 1927, in Sedalia, Mo., the son of Lewis and Ruth Sibbles Fisher. Wilbur was drafted into the Army and served in Korea.  He married Shirley Jacek on Jan. 29, 1948. She preceded him in death on June 8, 1974. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lawrence; his oldest son, Billy, on Sept. 18, 1990; and his companion of 25 years, Mildred Emmeson, on Aug. 7, 2003.
He is survived by a sister, Nina Liming, Bloomington, and a brother, Clyde (Norma), Washington. Also surviving are his two daughters, Karen (Ken) Baker, Minonk, and Sheila (Jeff) Schumacher, Eureka, and a son, Jeffrey. Sixteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren survive. Also sharing the loss are Mildred's children and grandchildren.

Lee H. Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Lee H. Foster, 73, of 3418 Lyndell St., Quincy, formerly of Metamora, died at 4:22 p.m. Friday in Blessing Hospital, Quincy.  Services were at 2 p.m. Monday at Mason Funeral Home, Metamora.  The Rev. Kenneth Roedder and the Rev. McClary of Quincy officiated and burial was in Lynn-Mount Vernon Cemetery, Washburn.  He was born in Lowpoint Oct. 12, 1901, a son of Charles and Maude Ivins Foster.  He married Bertha Heck Oct. 23, 1928.  She survives.  Also surviving are three sons, Gene of Quincy, Dee of Greenfield and Stephen of Urbana; two sisters, Mrs. Eva Shaffer of Woodburn, Ore., and Mrs. Thelma Phillips of Bradenton, Fla.; and six grandchildren.  Mrs. Foster was preceded in death by one brother.  Memorials may be made to Metamora Christian Union Church or to Union Methodist Church, Quincy.

William Jeter Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Mr. Foster was born March 26, 1870 in Woodford county, a son of Henry and Margaret Calvert Foster.  He was married to Lulu Ramsey March 7, 1899.  She preceded him in death.  Surviving are one son, Bernard of Cazenovia; a daughter, Mrs. Charles Heck of Lowpoint; three sisters, Mrs. Fred Kenyon of Lowpoint, Miss Josephine Foster of Yakima, Wash., and Mrs. Lint Scott of Byron, Ohio; one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter.  Two brothers and six sisters also preceded him in death.

The accident in which Mr. Foster was killed happened on Route 89 near the cross road leading into Lowpoint.  According to report Mr. Foster, who was alone in his car was traveling northward and the car of Rowland Grimm, 30, of Lostant, in which were his wife, 25, and their son, 2, was headed south when the two cars came together in a head-on collision.  Robert Rediger, 19, of Washburn, alone in his car was following Mr. Foster's car and when the collision came his car jammed into the Foster car.

Mr. Foster was killed instantly.  The three members of the Grimm family were severly injured, Mrs. Grimm and her little son being the most seriously hurt, while Mr. Grimm suffered a fractured knee cap.  Robert Rediger of Washburn suffered only minor injuries.
Ambulances from the Mason funeral home of Metamora and the Pacey funeral home of Washburn took the three members of the Grimm family to Metodist Hospital, Peoria, and the body of Mr. Foster was taken to the Rickett funeral home in Washburn.

Dr. C. E. Cryer of El Paso, Woodford couonty coroner impaneled a jury and heard witnesses Wednesday evening but postponed a complete inquest until a later date, pending the recovery of Mr. and Mrs. Grimm and son.

Zillah Dodds Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Mrs. Zillah Dodds Foster, 79, of Hobson Rd., Naperville, died suddenly Wednesday, May 16, at Geneva Community Hospital.
She was the widow of Roland Clyde Foster, formerly a livestock broker of Chicago, who preceded her in death three years ago.
Born in Lowpoint, deceased was the youngest of 15 children of John and Mary Dodds and the aunt of the late Glenwood C. Tanton of Cazenovia and John F. Tanton of Washington.   Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Melvin (Mary) Abrahamson, Naperville; Mrs. Frank (Ethel) Stafford, Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Robert (Pearl) Philip, Midland, Mich., and Mrs. Wilbur (Betty) Frost, Naperville.  Funeral services were held Friday, May 18, at 1:30 p.m. at the Ackman Chapel of Naperville, Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Chicago.

Meint R. Fischer - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Meint R. Fischer, 75. died at his home in Benson at 3:30 p.m. Thursday following an illness of nine weeks.  He had been in ill health for several years.

Mr. Fischer was born in Germany, Aug. 19, 1867, and came to this country in 1882.  He married Gertje Janssen Monk at St Peter's church near Benson Sept. 3, 1889.  She died Sept. 16, 1933.  Three children are also dead.

Surviving are four sons, Jake of Washburn; Harm of Bloomington, William of Benson, and Mrs Marie Seggerman of Chicago.  There are 18 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mr Fischer moved into Benson from the country in 1918 and had been janitor of the Benson grade school for the last 16 years.  He was a member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran church and a charter member of the Men's Brotherhood of the church.

Bertha M. Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Bertha M. Foster, 75, of 2900 State St., Quincy, formerly of Metamora, died at 6:10 p.m., Jan. 7, in Blessing Hospital, Quincy.

She was born June 11, 1908, in Woodford County to Fred and Mary Schneider Heck.  She married Lee H. Foster Oct. 23, 1928, in Metamora.  He died August 22, 1975.  She is survived by three sons, Gene of Quincy, Dee of Greenfield and Steven of Pullman, WA, and six grandchildren.  Four brothers and one sister also preceded her in death.

She worked many years at the Weidman hardware store, which later became the Fandel hardware store.  She retired in 1974.  She was a member of the Union United Methodist Church, Quincy, its Rebecca Circle and craft group.

Services were at 2 p.m., Jan. 11, in Mason Funeral Home, Metamora.  The Rev. Russell Smith officiated.  Burial was in Linn-Mount Vernon Cemetery, Washburn.  Memorials may be made to her church.

J. Lena Folkerts
J. Lena Folkerts, 106, of Minonk, died Monday (May 24, 2004) at 9:40 a.m. in Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk.
Her funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Minonk, with the Rev. Daniel Gansch-Boythe officiating. Burial will follow in Minonk Township Cemetery, Minonk. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Calvert & Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the church or Heritage Manor Nursing Home.

She is survived by a daughter, Marie Oltman, Minonk; three sons, Virgil W. and Eldon J. (Dorothy) Folkerts, both of Minonk, and Ronald L. (Dorothy) Folkerts, Washington; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a daughter, Lorene Johnson; two brothers; and two sisters.

She was born July 26, 1897, in Benson, the daughter of Ulfert B. and Trientje Uphoff Gastmann. She married John Henry Folkerts on Sept. 29, 1917, in Benson. He died Feb. 24, 1970. She was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Minonk. She enjoyed her family and will be dearly missed by all.

Clara Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Miss Clara Foster, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Foster of near Lowpoint, passesd away Tuesday at the home of her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ramsey in Washburn.   She had been in the Methodist hospital during the last month, and was recently brought to Washburn, where she was to remain until strong enough to be removed to the home of her parents, but she gradually grew weaker until the end.  Her death is mourned by many friends and the parents have the sincere sympathy of the countryside.  Funeral services will be held at the family residence this (Friday) afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Lucille M. Feller
Lucille M. Feller, 73, of Minonk, formerly of Forrest, died at 9:45 a.m. Monday (Nov. 8, 2004) at her residence.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church, Fairbury, the Rev. Steve Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Forrest Cemetery, Forrest. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Calvert & Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk, is handling the arrangements.
Lucille was born May 2, 1931, in Milford, the daughter of George and Minnie Hofer Rechkemmer. She married Glenn E. Feller on Aug. 25, 1951, in Cissna Park. He died in 1994.

Surviving are three daughters, Dawn (Stan, who is deceased) Metz, Forrest; Joy (Bob) Hakes, Minonk; and Cindy (Doug) Stephens, Forrest; one son, Scott Feller, Palo Alto, Calif.; one sister, Nancy (Ken) Gudeman, Kansas; two brothers, Don (Marge) Rechkemmer, Tarpon Springs, Fla.; and Jack Rechkemmer, Fort Meyers, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Corey, Brad, and Noel Metz; Rob, Nick, and Randy Hakes; Derek, Dustin; and Deanna Stephens; and one great granddaughter, Makayla Metz..
She was raised in Cissna Park, and moved to Forrest, where she and he husband ran the Eastern Illinois Machinery Sale, Forrest. She moved to Minonk after her husband's death.

Bernard D. Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Bernard D. Foster, 76, of Cazenovia, died at 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, 1978, at Eureka Hospital, Eureka.  Services were held Monday at Mason Funeral Home, Metamora, the Rev. Val Swartzendruber officiated and burial was in Lynn-Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Washburn.  He was born in Cazenovia Township May 30, 1901, a son of William and Lulu Ramsey Foster.  He married Irene Call Sept. 21, 1926, at Washburn.  Surviving are his wife and one niece.  One sister preceded him in death.  Mr. Foster, a self-employed auto mechanic, was the owner of the Cazenovia Garage.  Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Gebke Folkerts  - Obituary courtesy of Linda Bridwell, contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
 
Benson Woman in Sudden Summons - Mrs Weert Folkerts Found Dead in Bed Early on Monday Morning - Funeral Tuesday Morning - Deceased Was Born in Roanoke Township in 1867, and Has Alway Resided in Woodford County

Early Monday morning Mrs Weert Folkerts of Benson, was found dead in her bed.  She had been suffering with heart troubles for several months, but still her death came as a surprise to all.

Gebke Dirks Monk, daughter of Jacob and Hilke [Redenius] Monk, was born in Roanoke township August 11, 1867.  On May 10, 1885, she was married to Weert Folkerts.  They always lived near and in Benson.  This union was blessed with ten children, four of them preceding their mother in death. Those left to mourn her departure are John, Minnie and Marie of Benson and Mrs M. Turpin, Mrs Roy Kearns and Margaret of Minonk.

There also survive the parents, Mr and Mrs Jacob Monk of Benson; two brothers, Will Monk of Benson and Harm Monk of Seattle, Wash., and one sister, Mrs Meint Fischer of Benson.  There are also several half-brothers and half-sisters and six grandchildren.

Mrs Folkerts was a member of St Paul's church at Benson and of the Ladies' Aid Society of that church.  She was a woman singularly devoted to her family.

Funeral services were held at St Paul's church at Benson yesterday afternoon at 1:30, Rev. Fred Seifert being in charge.  Burial took place at the Benson cemetery.

The pallbearers, all cousins of the deceased, were Harm Geiken, John Geiken, Arian Folkerts, Harm Folkerts, Dirk Redenius and Ede Monk, while those who bore flowers were Sena Geiken, Fern Stimpert, Teda Poppinga and Marie Peters.

Lyle N. Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Foster of Rt. 1, Lowpoint, received word Monday of the death of his brother, Lyle N. Foster, 64, at 7:20 a.m. that day at a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.   Born at Lowpoint Dec. 8, 1899, deceased was a son of Charles and Maude Ivins Foster.  He was an electrical contractor and manufacturer in Peoria before he retired and moved to Fort Lauderdale seven years ago.  He was a Navy veteran of World War I and a member in Peoria of the Masonic Lodge, the Creve Coeur Club, the Peoria Advertising and Selling Club and the Mt. Hawley Country Club.  Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Marguerite Foster; one brother, Lee Foster, Lowpoint; and two sisters, Mrs. Eva Shafer, Ingleside, and Mrs. Thelma Phillips, Oneco, Fla.  Funeral services will be held on Friday morning at the Fairchild Funeral Home in Fort Lauderdale, with burial in Lauderdale Cemetery.

Clarence Falk
STREATOR - Clarence M. Falk, 64, of 1305 E. 18th St., Sterling, a Minonk native and formerly of Streator, died early Thursday (Nov. 7, 1991) at University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital.
His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at First Christian Church, Sterling, the Rev. Randy Collinson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.
Mr. Falk was born Aug. 25, 1927, in Minonk, a son of Martin and Marie May Falk. He married Velma E. Applegate on Jan. 20, 1948, in Ottawa. She survives.
Other survivors include two sons, Jeffrey, Olathe, Kan., and Gary, Sterling; one daughter, Judy Heide, Sterling; one brother, Glen, Streator; two sisters, Darlene Deffenbaugh and Hilda Johnson, both of Pontiac; and three grandchildren. One sister preceded him in death.
Mr. Falk moved from Streator to Sterling in 1953. He was employed at the Daily Gazette for 15 years. He also was a district distributor for Astro Shield for many years. He served in communications for the Sterling Police Department for 18 years before his retirement in 1987.
He was a member of First Christian Church, Sterling, and served as deacon for 20 years; was past president of Sterling Coliseum Board and past member of the Jaycees.

Henry Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Missed by the community.  Tuesday morning, the 13th of April, the sad news reached all, of the death of Henry Foster.  They set about to show their respects to a bereaved family and let them know that they have not forgotten the noble deeds and acts of kind hands in the past.  The funeral took place Thursday at two o'clock p.m., conducted by two ministers, Fuller and Wilson, of the Christian and Methodist churches at Washburn.  Mr. Fuller led in prayer and Mr. Wilson delivered the funeral sermon, both able and interesting.  The choir was composed of Mr. Dodds' family, deserving much praise for both vocal and instrumental music.  After the burial Mrs. Foster speaking of the occasion said "I am satisfied".

 In the early settling of Woodford County, there came here four men that married four sisters.  They are all dead but John Safford, who is eighty two years of age and attended his nephew's funeral.  Jeter Foster was married twice.  A daughter was born of the first marriage and a son of the second.  When Jeter Foster died he left three eighties of land which fell to his son Henry and when he (Henry) died he left 1240 acres of land in one body adjoining the village of Lowpoint, and a hundred and sixty acres of good improved land near Wichita, Kansas.  He (Henry) left a will which was read the day after the funeral, and it is with pleasure that I say that it gave satisfaction to all that it was made to concern.

Henry Foster was born September 16th in 1833, at Palmyra, New York.  At the age of six weeks he came with his parents to Joliet where he remained till he was four years of age, when he came to the place where he died, at the age of 68 years 6 months and 27 days.  In 1867 he was married to Margaret Calvert.  There were born to them twelve children which are as follows:  Mary, who died at the age of nine years, Louisa, Now Mrs. Charles Cress, William, Charles, Delency, May, Maggie, Dora, now Mrs. Sidney deGuibert, Henry, Alma, Fannie and Josie.  A Friend

Maude Jane (Ivins) Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
After a period of severe illness Mrs. Charles M. Foster passed away Sunday evening at the family home in Lowpoint, at the age of 53 years, 3 months and 20 days.
Maude Jane Ivins, daughter of David and Sarah Ivins, was born August 2, 1878, near Napoleon in Ripley county, Ind.  She was a sister to three brothers, four sisters, one step-brother and one step-sister.  At the age of thirteen she moved with her parents to the vicinity of Lowpoint where she spent the remainder of her life.  At the age of twenty she was united in marriage with Charles Minor Foster.  To this happy union were born four children, all of whom are living.  They are Lyle of Peoria, Lee of Lowpoint, Eva of Peoria, and Thelma of Lowpoint.
Mrs. Foster was a benediction to all who knew her.  Her fine Christian faith was expressed in her life.  How well these words fit her character:  neighborly, cheerful, even tempered, patient, uncomplaining, humble.  These describe the soul that is truly cultured and are attributes of a Christian.  Surviving her are three brothers, three sisters, four children, four grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Evangelical Community church in Lowpoint, in charge of Revs. Wilson and Lang.  Burial was in Mount Vernon cemetery.

Minnie Fisher Jennings - contributed by Virgil (Timmerman Fischer) Whitaker
Minnie Fisher Jennings Died last Friday - Funeral Services Held Here Sunday

Mrs. Dewitt Jennings, 59, died at St. James hospital in Pontiac, at 12:10 p. m., Friday, August 19. She had been ill for two years and seriously ill for the last several months.

Minnie Fisher Jennings was born Minnie Timmerman, a daughter of John and Elisabeth Timmerman at Minonk on Sept. 16, 1889, and spent her entire life in this community.  She attended Minonk schools and in 1912 she was united in marriage with Remmer Fisher. He died many years ago, leaving her to raise their three daughters on the farm south of Minonk. Three years ago, in April, 1946, she was united in marriage with Dewitt Jennings, who survives.  A good wife and mother, she was a member of the Baptist church and was well liked by all who knew her. Surviving besides her husband are three daughters: Mrs., Helen Schleuter of Minonk; Mrs. Florence Carls of Flanagan; and Mrs. Lucille Whitaker of Peoria. There are also 11 grandchildren, two brothers, John and Herman Timmerman of Minonk; and three sisters, Mrs. Katie Gerdes of Benson; Mrs. Hannah Sullivan of Amboy; and Mrs. Elizabeth Barth of Minonk. Her parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Tallyn Memorial Home in this city, with the Rev. S. L. Buchanan, former Minonk Baptist minister, officiating. Burial was in the Minonk cemetery.  Pallbearers were Carl Gerdes, Martin Gerdes, Junior Timmerman, William Beal, Earl Sullivan and Robert Barth.

Remmer Meint Fischer - contributed by Virgil (Timmerman Fischer) Whitaker
After a short sickness of Influenza, which developed into pneumonia, Remmer Fischer died on Sunday evening at 10 o'clock at his home one mile south of Minonk.  Funeral services were held at St. Peter's cemetery at Benson on Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, where burial took place.  Remmer Meint Fischer was born in Clayton Township on July 29, 1890, and was baptized soon after his birth. In 1906, he was confirmed in the Lutheran St. Peter’s church west of Benson. In 1913, he was married to Miss Minnie Timmerman of Minonk. Three children were born to them. Until March 1, 1918, he lived near Benson and since that date he resided on the Bates farm south of Minonk. He always enjoyed the best of health until he was stricken with influenza. He is survived by his widow and three little children, his parents, four brothers and three sisters.
 
Charles Minor Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Funeral services for the late Charles M. Foster of Lowpoint, were held Wednesday afternoon, at 1:15 at the residence and at 2 o'clock at the Lowpoint Community church.  The Rev. Melvin Soltan, pastor of the church was in charge of the services.  Burial was in Linn-Mt. Vernon cemetery near Washburn.

Charles Minor Foster was born January 30, 1872, in Cazenovia Township, Woodford County, Illinois.  He was the son of Henry and Margaret Calvert Foster.  He received his education in the local schools.  He was married on October 6, 1898, at Washburn, Illinois.  His wife passed away November 22, 1931.  Mr. Foster followed the occupation of farming.  He was known as an honest, sonscientious and upright citizen.  The community has been deeply saddened by his passing.

Death came Monday, November 18, 1940, after a years' illness.  His age was 68 years, 9 months, 18 days.  He leaves four children:  Lyle Foster of Peoria, Lee Foster of Lowpoint, Mrs. Eva Tippy of Peoria, and Mrs. Thelma Phillips of Lowpoint.  Besides these he leaves two brothers:  William Foster of Lowpoint, and Henry Foster of Washburn, and five sisters:  Delency Scott of Ohio, Margaret McDonald of Iowa, Dora deGuibert of Wisconsin, Fannie Kenyon of Lowpoint and Josephine Foster of Washington state.  Four sisters preceded him in death.  Mr. Foster had nine grandchildren.

Robert Feeney
GERMANTOWN HILLS - Robert M. Feeney, 54, of Germantown Hills passed away at 1:54 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, in the emergency room of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Rob was born on April 16, 1952, in New York City, N.Y., the son of John and Helen Gillen Feeney. He married Karen Tabbi on Aug. 18, 1979, in Boston, Mass. She survives.

Also surviving are his parents of Indian Lake, N.Y.; one daughter, Nicole M. Feeney of Peoria Heights; two sons, Brian S. Feeney and Sean P. Feeney, both of East Peoria; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, John Feeney of Danbury, Conn.; and three sisters, Theresa Hultquist of Longmont, Colo., Kathleen Lora of Denver, Colo., and Susan Feeney of New York City, N.Y. He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Rob was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he was then a service engineer for Eastman Kodak for 27 years, working on digital medical equipment. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora.

Services will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Mason Funeral Home, Germantown Hills Chapel. Visitation will be Friday from 5 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Cremation rites will follow his services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Peoria Vet Center, 3310 N. Prospect, Peoria, IL 61603. To send online condolences please visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Garrelt Folkers Called by Death

Benson's Oldest Citizen Passes Away, Friday, Aged Nearly Ninety Years - Resides in County Many Years - Funeral Services Held Sunday at St Peter's Where Mr Folkers Helped Build First Church
contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Last Friday morning saw the passing of Benson's oldest citizen, Garrelt Weert Folkers, who lacked but a few days of attaining the grand age of 90 years.

His death came in the twinkling of an eye. Seated in a chair at his daughter's restaurant, he had just replied to the daughter's inquiry and stated that he was ready for his meal. The daughter placed the meal up on the table; when she went back to her father, he had passed on into eternity, where meals are unknown.

Funeral services for Benson's patriarch were held on Sunday afternoon at St Peter's church, he having been one of the early settlers who helped build the first church for this congregation. Rev. J. Haferman conducted services in German and Rev. Fred Seifert in English. Burial took place at the church cemetery. The great gathering at the funeral was mute testimony of the place Mr Folkers held in the hearts of the people of his community. Those acting as pallbearers were Louis Sakes, John Folkers, H.A. Seifert, Adolph Heineke, Oscar Stimpert and John Heineke.

Garrelt Weert Folkers was born at Remels, Ostfriesland, Germany on March 2, 1834 and died at Benson, Ill. on Feb. 22, 1924, aged 89 years, 11 months and 21 days.

At the age of 20 years he came to America and was employed for several years at Washington, Ill. He then came to Woodford county, locating in Linn township, where he was united in marriage with Hannah [Amy's note: her name was Harmke] Tjaden. Some years later they moved to Clayton township. When old age came, they went to Benson to spend the evening of their lives, where the wife passed away fifteen years ago. Since then he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs Ellich Woltzen.

Mr Folkers was the father of ten children, four preceding him in death. Those surviving are Hillie, of Kankakee; Weert, of Charles City, Iowa , and George, Mrs Lizzie Stimpert, Mrs Tallie Woltzen and Mrs Minnie Geiken, all of Benson. There also survive one brother, John Folkers of Benson, thirty grandchildren and thirty-eight great grandchildren.

Norman Francis Falk
Minonk - Norman Francis Falk, 79, of Minonk, died at 7:27 a.m. Saturday (July 21, 2007) at Heritage Manor, Minonk.
Norman was born Jan. 10, 1928, in Flanagan to Fred and Elsie Durre Falk. He married Marlene Vissering on Feb. 6, 1955, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Minonk. She survives in Minonk. Also surviving are three sons, Brian Lee Falk and Bruce Dale (Wendy) Falk, both of Washburn; and Lyle Douglas Falk of Morton; two grandchildren, Kristen and Matthew Falk; and one sister, Doris Falk, Minonk. His parents preceded him in death.

Norman was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ and the Minonk American Legion. He was employed at Benson Elevator and later in the maintenance department at Heritage Manor, Minonk, retiring in 1990.
Norman served his county in the Korean War in the U.S. Army from February of 1951 to November of 1952. He reached the rank of sergeant.

His funeral will be at 3 p.m. Monday at Calvert & Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk. Mary Hartzler will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will follow in Minonk Township Cemetery, Minonk. The Minonk American Legion will conduct military services. Memorials may be made to the Minonk Ambulance or the volunteers at Heritage Manor, Minonk.

J. J. Ficken
El Paso - J. J. Ficken, 45, El Paso funeral director, was killed at 8:50 a.m. Thursday at his farm five miles north of El Paso when a tractor he was driving crushed him between the machine and a corn crib. Private services will be held Friday morning at the home with the Rev. Lloyd G. Strouse officiating. The body will be taken to Chicago where it will be cremated in accordance with Mr. Ficken's previously expressed wishes. Coroner S. E. Tallyn of Minonk conducted an inquest at the Smith and Harper office at 6 p.m. Thursday. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death caused by being crushed between a tractor and a building, resulting in internal injuries. Jury members were George Curtiss, foreman; Floyd Jones, James Smith, Harold Burroughs, Joseph Crawford and Peter Roth. Dr. J. P. Krakowski testified as to Mr. Ficken's injuries. Harry Scott, who lives on the Ficken farm, and William Eicholtz of Panola, who was assisting with the work, testified.

Mrs. Ficken was called and brought her husband to El Paso where Dr. Kurkowski pronounced him dead.

John Jacob Ficken was born Feb. 11, 1897, at Anchor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Ficken. He married Gladys Hanson of Mackinaw in 1919. She died in 1922 and he married Florence Ditewig of Peoria Feb. 11, 1926. She survives, with two sons, Terry and Tommy; his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Clause Ficken, Colfax; three sisters and a brother, Mrs. Mabel Carpe and Mrs. Violet Johnson, Colfax; Mrs. Christine Clinghager, Burlington, Wis., and Claus Ficken Jr., Colfax.

His mother, twin brothers and a son preceded him in death. Mr. Ficken was a member of the Methodist church, all Masonic bodies, the American Legion and the state board of embalmers and funeral directors. Mr. Ficken had been a funeral director her since 1919.

Hiemke Marie Folkerts, youngest daughter of Julius Folkerts and his wife, Almuth, nee Eden, died yesterday morning at the home of her parents four miles southwest of Minonk, after six months sickness with tuberculosis.

Deceased was born on the farm where she died on August 13, 1898. At St Paul's church in this city with the class of 1915 she received her baptismal covenant in the rite of confirmation according to the Evangelical faith and was thereby admitted to the membership of that church. This membership she retained faithfully until her end.

During the first part of last March the young lady's health began to fail and in spite of all efforts to restore it, she failed to recuperate, her condition growing more and more serious. She passed away yesterday afternoon at 11:30.

Those who survive, besides the parents, are the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Etta Uphoff of Graymont, and Mrs. Henry Webber, Wessel Folkerts, Mrs. Lena Onnen and John and Julius Folkerts, all of Benson. One sister and one brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held from St Paul's Evangelical church in this city next Saturday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Theodore Kettelhut officiating, and the services will be conducted in both English and German. The pallbearers will be Misses Bertha Oncken, Elma von Nordheim, Anna Janssen, Susie Schneider and Anna Barth. Burial will take place at the Minonk cemetery.

Francis Fuchs
SPARLAND - Francis E. Fuchs, 70, of 29 Thenius Road died at 6:16 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2005, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria. Born March 12, 1935, in Metamora to John and Rosalia DuBois Fuchs, he married Karon Seckler on Jan. 16, 1982, in Sparland. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Edward and James (and Luanna), both of Metamora, and Dennis (and Carrie) of LaRose; one stepson, Nick Seckler of Lowpoint; two daughters, Beth (and Alvin) Grebner of Washburn and Beverly Kuebler of Chillicothe; two stepdaughters, Le Ann Lewis of Abilene, Texas, and Amy (and Danny) Bamber of Clyde, Texas; one brother, Harold of Metamora; one sister, Eleanor Crawford of Peoria; 19 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandson, three brothers and one sister.

He was an Army veteran. He worked for Hallmark Metamora Fixtures for 38 years, retiring June 30, 1995. He also farmed for 18 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora.

Cremation has been accorded. Graveside services and burial of ashes will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Buckingham Cemetery in rural Washburn. The Rev. Joe Meredith will officiate. There will be no visitation. Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Mrs. Margaret Foster one of the old residents of the vicinity of  Lowpoint, passed away at Chillicothe Saturday.  Deceased was the widow of Henry Foster, Sr.  She was 65 years of age and leaves a family of grown children.  The funeral was held ________ from the residence of the deceased's son, Henry Alfred Foster, near Lowpoint, and interment was made in the Buckingham Cemetery.

Dorothy E. Fischer - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Dorothy E. Fischer, 82, of Roanoke, formerly of Buckley, IL; Bluffton, IN and Champaign, IL, passed away at 7:35 am on Sunday December 28, 2008 at the Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke where she was a resident.
She was born on June 25, 1926 in Buckley, IL to Theodore and Bertha Hograve Ennen. She married Richard Fischer on June 5, 1954 in Buckley, IL. He survives.
 
Also surviving are two daughters, Shirley (Steve) Willard of Dewey, IL; Sonya Buchanan of Charleston, IL; one son, Steve (Joyce) Fischer of Bluffton, IN; two sisters, Betty (Russell) Plath of Buckley, IL; Lois (Warren) Gustafson of Rantoul, IL; and nine grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant son, Samuel Fischer; two brothers; and four sisters.
 
A homemaker, family came first with Dorothy. She enjoyed raising her family and was instrumental in raising some of her grandchildren also. She will be greatly missed by those that knew her.
Dorothy was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church.

Miss Josephine Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Miss Josephine Foster, 83, a resident of the Maple Lawn Nursing Home, Eureka, for four years, and formerly of Lowpoint, died at 2 a.m. Monday in Eureka Hospital.  She was born March 2, 1885, in Cazenovia Township, the daughter of Henry and Margaret Calvert Foster and had never married.  Her only survivors are several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were Wednesday at the Mason Funeral Home, Metamora, the Rev. Clifford Janssen officiating.  Burial was in Buckingham Cemetery at Washburn.  There was no visitation.

Julius Folkerts - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Monday evening at 6:30 p.m., Julius Folkerts died at his home six miles southwest of Minonk, death being the result of injuries received in an accident Saturday morning. Mr. Folkerts had been hauling lumber to his new place where he was preparing to build a new home and was on his way to his home when the horses ran away and he was thrown to the ground. His son, who was working in a field close by, saw the accident, and ran to where his father was lying on the ground. Mr. Folkerts was picked up unconscious and taken to his home. It is thought that he suffered a hemorrhage of the brain and he never regained consciousness.

Mr. Folkerts was a native of Eastern Fresia, being born Dec 25, 1853, in the village of Remels, Germany. Here he received his education and in 1867 was admitted into the church in the rites of confirmation. In 1871, he emigrated to America and settled in this part of the country, living out with farmers in the community. Frugal and energetic, he was after a few years able to start farming for himself. On his birthday in 1879, he united in marriage with Almuth Eden, the marriage ceremony being performed by Rev. Schoenhut of Minonk.

After their marriage the young couple went to farming and about twenty-three years ago were able to settle on their own farm, which had been their home place and where he remained until his tragic death. He reached the age of 67 years and 10 months.

He was a sterling character, faithful and true. Of a quiet disposition, rather retiring in nature, he enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. He was a member of St Paul's Evangelical church of this city and the esteem in which he was held by all members was evidenced in that they elected him repeatedly as trustee of the congregation.

Funeral services will be conducted at St Paul's church in this city this afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be in charge of Rev. Paul Bachmueller, pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. Theodore Kettelhut of Faribault, Minn., former pastor here.

Lulu (Ramsey) Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Mrs. William Foster of Cazenovia township passed away last Saturday morning in St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, where on the preceding Thursday she had submitted to an operation for gallstones.  The development of pneumonia is ascribed as the cause of death.   Deceased was Lulu Ramsey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ramsey.  She is survived by her father, now residing in California, her husband and two children, Margaret, wife of Charles Heck, and Bernard Foster, both of Cazenovia and the Lowpoint neighborhood.  She is also survived by several brothers and sisters.  The death of Mrs. Foster has brought sorrow to many friends throughout this section, where she ws well known and highly esteemed.  All sympathize with the bereaved family in the loss of a kind and loving mother, a devoted wife.  Funeral services were held in the Christian church in Washburn Monday afternoon, attended by a large gathering of neighbors, relatives and friends.  Burial was in the Mt. Vernon cemetery near Washburn.

Robert H. Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Robert H. Foster, 62, a retired farmer of rural Lowpoint, died at 2 a.m. Feb. 13, in the Roanoke Apostolic Christian Home.  Born at Lowpoint May 5, 1916, a son of Henry and Laura Ramsey Foster, he married Mildred McKittrick at Bedford, Ind., May 20, 1937.  He was a member of Washburn United Methodist Church.  Surviving are his wife; three sons, Paul, Norman and Philip, and a daughter, Mrs. Gerald (Suellen) Sheets, all of Lowpoint; and six grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by two sisters and one grandson.  Services were at 2 p.m. Feb. 15 in Mason Funeral Home, Metamora, where friends called from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14.  The Rev. Melvin Stroud officiated and burial was in Linn-Mount Vernon Cemetery at Washburn.  Memorials may be made to the Heart Association.

Laura A. Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Washburn Funeral services for Mrs. Laura A. Foster, 75, who died Friday night at St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, were held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Pacey Funeral Home.  Burial was in Linn-Mount Vernon Cemetery.  She was born Nov. 10, 1884, in Richland Township, a daughter of John and Clara Sharp Ramsey.  She was married to Henry Foster Nov. 1, 1905, at Washburn.  Surviving are a son, Robert, Lowpoint; a sister, Mrs. Irma Tweddale, Washburn; a brother, Frank, Washburn, and four grandchildren.  Her husband and a daughter preceded her in death.  She was a member of the Methodist Church and the Woman's Club.

Mildred Mae Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Mildred Mae Foster, 85, of Rural Route 1, Box 23A, Lowpoint, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001, at her residence.

Born Sept. 7, 1916, in Fairfield to John and Millie McDannel McKittrick, she married Robert H. Foster May 20, 1937, in Bedford, Ind.  He died Feb. 13, 1979, in Roanoke.  She also was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.  (incorrect - only one sister)

Surviving are three sons, Paul (Jane), Norman and Philip (Janice), all of Lowpoint, one daughter, Suellen (Gerald) Sheets of Lowpoint; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Laurel Mangold of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Harley "Jack" Widmer of Washburn, who was a caregiver.  She was a member of Washburn Christian Church.

Stacey Dee Foster - contributed by Jane Foster
Five hours after birth, Stacey Dee Foster passed away in the Paxton Hospital, where he was born.  His twin brother, Stanley Neal, is reported as doing fine.  The twins were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dee L. Foster of Leda on Monday, October 5.  Stanley's birth weight was eight pounds and nine oounces and Stacey's weight was six pounds and 15 ounces.

Surviving are his parents, a sister, his twin brother and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Brannon, Chesterfield, and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Foster, Metamora.

Harry A. Foster (Name is incorrect - should have been Henry A. Foster) dies at home in Washburn. contributed by Jane Foster
Harry A. Foster, 70, prominent retired farmer of Washburn, died at 12:20 p.m. Thursday at his home.  A native of Lowpoint, he lived his entire life in the Lowpoint and Washburn areas.

Mr. Foster was born in Lowpoint Oct. 20, 1879, and married Miss Laura Ramsey Nov. 1, 1905.  He was a member of the Washburn Methodist church.  Suriving are his wife; one son, Robert Foster, Lowpoint, and four grandchildren.  One daughter is dead.

Funeral services were held at 2 pm. Sunday at the Ricketts funeral home in Washburn, and interment was in Linn-Mt. Vernon cemetery.

John C. Flanigan - contributed by Alice Brophy