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

Mary L. Seifert Gebhards
BENSON — Mary L. Seifert Gebhards, 87, of rural Benson, died at 10:07 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 22, 2006) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Minonk. Father Luke Poczworowski will officiate. Interment will be in St. Patrick Catholic Church Cemetery, Minonk. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk, with recital of the Rosary at 8 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Minonk Ambulance Squad; Roanoke Fire Department; St. John’s Catholic Church, Benson; or St. Patrick Catholic Church, Minonk. Online condolences may be sent to the family at ruestmanharrisfuneral-home.com.

Mary was born June 17, 1918, in Clayton Township, a daughter of John and Rose Hindert Schneider. She married Emory Seifert on Oct. 18, 1941, at Minonk. He died April 7, 1965. She later married Harold Gebhards on May 26, 1972, at Roanoke. He died June 30, 2004.

Survivors include two daughters, Judy Seifert, Peoria, and Rosemary (David “Fuzzy”) Timmerman, Minonk; one son, Robert (Carol) Seifert, Roanoke; one sister, Emily Schneider, Minonk; four brothers, Louis Schneider, Flanagan; U.J. Schneider, Minonk; Jim Schneider, Benson; and Frank Schneider, Paradox, Colo.; three grand-children, Scott Timmerman, Minonk; and Carrie (Michael) Oltman and Lacie Seifert, both of Roanoke; and two great-grandchildren, Madalyn Ann and Dalton Michael.  She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.

Mary was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Benson, where she served on the St. John’s Altar and Rosary Society.

Vyrl D. Gronewald - contributed by Jane Foster
Vyrl D. Gronewald, 82, of Rural Route 1, Lowpoint, died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2001, at Apostolic Christian Home in Roanoke.

Born May 3, 1919, in Washburn to Carl and Emma Ivins Gronewald, he married Mary E. Heck Dec. 4, 1947, in Washburn.  She died Oct. 5, 1989, in Lowpoint.

Surviving are one daughter, Diane (Robin) Zoss of Metamora; one son, Robert of Lowpoint; two grandchildren; and two sisters, Janet McCully of Washington and Kathleen (Walt) Loscher of Glendale, Ariz.

A World War II Army veteran, he was a member of Washburn American Legion Post 561.  He was a farmer in the Lowpoint area.  He also worked for Ulrich Manufacturing, Woodford County Highway Department and is a mail carrier.

Services were held Monday, Dec. 10, at Mason Funeral Home in Metamora.  The Rev. Robert DeBolt officiated.  Burial was in Linn-Mount Vernon Cemetery in Washburn, where military rites were accorded by his American Legion post.  Memorials may be made to his American Legion Post or Apostolic Christian Home in Roanoke.

Mrs Whipke Gerdes died at 4:55 p.m. Monday [29 January 1945] at her home in Benson.  She had suffered a stroke on Thursday.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the house and at 2 p.m. at St Paul's Lutheran church.  The Rev. Oscar Braunschweig officiated.  Burial was in Benson cemetery.

Mrs Gerdes was born July 29, 1861, near Secor, a daughter of Peter and Fenntge Frerichs Bens.  She married Dick Gerdes March 21, 1889.

He survives with three daughters:  Mrs Fannie Johnson, Flanagan; Mrs Greta Schoon, Washburn; Mrs Frances Behrens, of Bloomington; one son, Arthur, of Benson; 24 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren.  Three brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

Louis Charles DeGuibert - contributed by Jane Foster
Louis C. DeGuibert was the eldest child of Louis A. and Elizabeth DeGuibert, well known citizens of Partridge, both deceased.  He was born July 21, 1869 in Partridge township, at the old homestead, and died at his home in Snowhill, Maryland, September 26, 1929.

From early boyhood he was eager for study and education, and without urging, at a very young age, started from his home school and entered the Lowpoint academy where he studied as long as this school was in existence.  From there he wnt to Eureka college and graduated in 1881.  Afterward going to the Washington university at St. Louis in 1882, he graduated with honors, from the law department in the year 1883.  He then moved to Sioux City, Iowa, and practiced law until 1897.  In 1907 he moved to a home he purchased in Sinepuxet Bay near Snowhill, Md., where he lived until his death, a period of 23 years.

He joined the Christian church while a student at Eureka and never wavered from the faith.

In 1880 while attending college he married Miss Mae Ingels of LaFayette, Illinois, a student at the same college in the music department.  Both returned the following school year, finished the course, and graduated with highest honor.  She was an accomplished musician and an artist as well.

Louis DeGuibert in his youth was considered a most exemplary young man and was given the highest esteem by all who knew him.  His was a life of a Christian, gentle, unselfish man, and an interesting and scholarly companion, devoted husband and father, and friend to all mankind.

He leaves his devoted wife, two married daughters living in New York City, two brothers, Clarence of Litchfield, Michigan, Guy A. of Peoria; Talbott, Sidney and Ernest, having preceded him in death, several years previously, also, Mrs. John Eiben, an only sister who resides at the family homestead, in Partridge township.

He was buried in the Snowhill cemetery, on a beautiful autumn afternoon, September 28, 1929, near where the Atlantic ocean rolls and sweeps the shore.

A dispatch from Lafayette, Illinois, says:  Irvin Ingels has received word of the death of his brother-in-law, Louis DeGuibert, in Snow Hill, Maryland, September 26, after an illness of over a year.

Mr. DeGuibert was born in Partridge township, Woodford couonty, Illinois, in 1860, and was married to Mary Ingels of Lafayette, in 1880.

Two daughters were born to them, Undena and Davida, both of whom with Mrs. DeGuibert survive him.

Mr. DeGuibert was a graduate of Eureka college, and later took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar in Iowa where he practiced for a number of years, in Sioux City.  The practice of law did not satisfy him, so later he took up carpentering which he followed for over 20 years.  He lived in Lafayette for 10 years prior to 1907.

Emma Belle (Ivins) Gronewald - contributed by Jane Foster
Mrs. Emma Belle Gronewald, beloved wife of Carl Gronewald was born at Lowpoint, Illinois.  Here she lived with her parents, for a number of years, when they moved to Washburn.  Here she attended school and grew to womanhood and made many warm friends.  She was the daughter of William Ivins and wife Nancy Belle Moulton.  All of her short life was spent in this locality, excepting one year in the state of Indiana.  Her kind, humble and sincere character won its way into the hearts of all who knew her.  Last summer it became evident that her health was rapidly failing, and when a physician diagnosed her case, he found that she was suffering from diabetes.  She responded to treatments and soon showed signs of improvement, until Wednesday night when she became ill again, and was taken to the St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, where she lapsed into a diabetic coma early Thursday morning, from which she never rallied.  All that loving hands could do to restore the precious life was done but without success.  She departed this life on Thursday evening, Dec. 10, at about 5:15 o'clock.  God granted her 36 years, 4 months and 19 days of grace here upon earth.

She was baptised and confirmed in the St. John's Lutheran Church of Washburn, on April 5, 1925, by the Rev. Ed. Sommer, and remained most faithful until her blessed end.  On the 24th of February 1916, she was united in holy matrimony to Carl Gronewald.  To this union one son, Vyrl was born.  She leaves to mourn her early departure her husband and son, also her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Ivins, three sisters, Mrs. Mabel Trantina, Mrs. Opel Lewler, Mrs. Maud Flanagen of Peoria; and three brothers, William Ivins of Danvers, Illinois, Charles and Clinton, of Peoria;  two nephews and two nieces besides many other friends and relatives.

The services were conducted from St. John's Lutheran Church, Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2:00 o'clock, the Rev. E. Glock, officiating.  Interment was in Linn-Mount Vernon Cemetery

Lawrence Francis "Larry" Gerdes

Lawrence Francis "Larry" Gerdes, 84 of 1924 Timbers Edge Circle, Joliet formerly of Minonk died at 5:10 P.M. Monday, September 4, 2006 at Joliet Area Community Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, September 7, 2006 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Minonk. Father Luke Posczworowski will officiate. Private family interment will be in St.Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30 A.M. until time of services at the church. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home. Minonk is handling arrangements.

Lawrence was born May 23, 1922 at Minonk a son of Fred B. and Matilda Feider Gerdes. He married Margaret Dunham on October 12, 1942 in Minonk.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret; a sister, Aline (Wayne) Finnel, Kenosha, WI; one son, David (Peggy) Gerdes, Joliet; three granddaughters, Stephanie (Jerry) Green, Stacey (Brian) Hertzmann, and Lindsay Gerdes all of Joliet; great grandchildren, Nina, Tessa, Grant, Kyan, and step grandson Zach all of Joliet; several nieces nephews, and a host of friends and fishing buddies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary; and two brothers, Francis and Edwin.

Larry was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Minonk and recently a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Joliet.

He served his county during WWII in United States Army.

He was a member of the American Legion, D.A.V., Knights of Columbus, past president of St. Patrick’s Parent Teacher Guild, past adjutant of the American Legion, former member of the board of directors of the Cornbelt Council of Boy Scouts of America, chaired the Minonk Zoning Board and past president of the Holy Name Society.

Larry was a resident of Minonk for 81 years and moved to Joliet in 2003 to be closer to his son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was a very religious and kind man who watched over his loving wife for 65 years. His hobbies were fishing and woodworking. He and Margaret made many fine pieces of furniture for family and friends. He spent many hours in the outdoors teaching his son, Dave, to ethically hunt, fish, and enjoy nature.

He was employed by Iowa National Insurance Company as an insurance underwriter retiring in 1989.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Larry’s name may be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Minonk or Joliet Area Community Hospice.

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

Mary E. Gronewald - contributed by Jane Foster
Mary E. Gronewald, 62, of rural Lowpoint died Oct. 5 at her residence.  Born Jan. 23, 1927, in Lowpoint to Charles H. and Margaret J. Foster Heck, she married Vyrl Gronewald on Dec. 4, 1947, in Washburn.  He survives.  Also surviving are one son, Robert of Lowpoint; one daughter, Mrs. Robin (Diane) Zoss of Metamora; and two grandchildren.  She was a member of the Washburn American Legion Auxiliary.

Services were held Oct. 7 at Mason Funeral Home in Metamora.  The Rev. Dennis Frische-Mouri officiated.  Burial was in Linn-Mount Vernon Cemetery in Washburn.  Memorials may be made to the Washburn American Legion Auxiliary.

Hannah C. Grampp
Hannah C. Grampp, 92, of 628 Washington St., Minonk, passed away at 3:39 a.m. Monday (Sept. 12, 2004) at OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Memorial Medical Center, Pontiac.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of the service. Burial will be in Minonk Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Minonk United Methodist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Mrs. Grampp was born Oct. 1, 1911, at Sandwich, a daughter of C.E. and Beatrice Pratt Diller. She married J. Ralph Grampp on Feb. 6, 1936, at Princeton. He died March 22, 1991.

Survivors include two sons, Ralph (Ann) Grampp, East Peoria; and Don (Kathi) Grampp, Ferguson, Mo.; one daughter, Joyce (Jerry) Hochstatter, Sheffield; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one infant daughter and two granddaughters.

Hannah was a member of the United Methodist Church, Minonk. She babysat for many families over the years in Minonk.

Harold W. "Gebbie" Gebhards
Harold W. "Gebbie" Gebhards, 82, of 201 Locust St., Minonk, died at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday (June 30, 2004) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. Father Neri Greskoviak will officiate. Burial will be in Minonk Township Cemetery, with military rites. Visitation will be for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk.
Harold was born Oct. 1, 1921, near Chandlerville, the son of William and Julia Skaggs Gebhards. He married Lois V. Whitley in 1946, in Havana. She died Dec. 21, 1971.
Survivors include a daughter, Ruth Ann (Scott) Meierhofer; a son, Michael Gebhards; a grandson, John Moritz; and a great-granddaughter, Erynn Moritz, all of Minonk. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; and a son, Steven.
He served the United States Army during WW II with the 494 Engineers AV Shop Company in Saipan and Hawaii and has been a member of the American Legion for 60 continuous years.
He was employed by Young Chevrolet in Minonk for many years as a mechanic and autobody repairman and retired from Besser Industries, Roanoke in 1986.
He enjoyed the Pontiac Moose Lodge membership, boating and fishing was a talented woodworker and a furniture restorer.

Carl Frederick Gronewald - contributed by Jane Foster
Services for Carl Frederick Gronewald, 82, of Washburn, who died at 10:20 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 1978 at Apostolic Christian Nursing Home in Roanoke were held Tuesday at St. John's Lutheran Church.  The Rev. Charles Johnson officiated and burial was in Linn-Mount Vernon Cemetery.  Mr. Gronewald had been a patient at the nursing home two months.

He was born near Washington July 30, 1895, a son of Bennie and Jane Miller Gronewald.  He married Emma Ivins at Washburn in 1916.  She died in 1931.  He married Edith H. Fitschen at Washburn in 1936.  She died in 1966.

Surviving are one son, Vyrl of Lowpoint; two daughters, Mrs. Keith (Janet) McCully of Washburn and Mrs. Kathleen Losher of Wickenburg, Ariz; and five grandchildren.  Six brothers and one sister preceded him in death.  Mr. Gronewald was a former member of the Lowpoint High School board of education and of St. John's Lutheran Church of Washburn.

Memorials may be made to the church or to Roanoke Apostolic Christian Home.

Trientje Gastman - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Mrs. U. B. Gastman, 74 year old resident of Benson, passed away at 3:40 o'clock last Thursday afternoon at her home in Benson, following an illness of three years of anemia.

As Trientje Uphoff, she was born January 10, 1865, on a farm near Benson, the oldest daughter of Bernhardus Weers Uphoff and his wife, Rosina Janssen Woltzen Uphoff. She was confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran church in Linn Township Palm Sunday, 1882, by Rev. L. (should be D.) M. Ficken, and had been a faithful member of St. Peter's church throughout her lifetime.

She was united in marriage April 6, 1892, with Ulfred (should be Ulfert) B. Gastman at St. Peter's Lutheran parsonage. Five children were born to this union, one son, Berend, passing away at the age of 26 years. She was a kind and loving woman and held the respect of the entire community. She had attaned the age of 74 years, 5 months and 19 days.

Surviving are her husband; one son, Herman Gastmann of Benson, three daughters, Mrs. Rosina Margaret Matter of Dana, Mrs. Jennie Lena Folkerts of Rutland, and Mrs. Ann Margaret Eckhoff of Flanagan; ten grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers; one sister; two half-brothers; and three half-sisters.

Funeral services were conducted at 1:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the late residence, and at 1:30 o'clock from St. Peter's Lutheran church, with interment in the church cemetery. Rev. J. J. Haberaecker, pastor of the church, officiated.

Emery Getz
Emery "Dick" Getz, 93, died at 7:50 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, 2007, at Eureka Community Hospital, Eureka. He was born Ja. 17, 1914, in Morton, the son of Samuel and Lydia Belsley Getz. He married Mabel Sauder on May 26, 1946, in Roanoke. She survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Ann (Bob) Knepp, Shirley (Steve) Leman, and Joyce (Steve) Hodel, all of Roanoke; one son, John (Lynn) Getz, Roanoke; two sisters, Louise (Ray) Rocke and Emily Getz, both of Eureka; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one granddaughter.

Getz served in the Army during World War II. He was a co-owner for Anliker and Getz Ford in Eureka and later worked for Caterpillar for 35 years, retiring in 1972. Getz was a member of the Roanoke Apostolic Christian Church, rual Roanoke.

Services will be today at 10 a.m. at the church with ministers of the church officiating. Visitation was yesterday at Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke, and this morning from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Clyde Garrison
Eureka - Clyde J. Garrison, 92, died Monday, Feb 19, 2007, at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka, where he was a resident. He was born Sept. 20. 1914, in Wayne City, the son of Leo and Mary Ray Garrison. He marreid Eula Wilson on Nov. 28, 1939, in Cornell. She died June 29, 1967. He later married Elizabeth Bradle on April 15, 1972.

Survivors include two sons, Larry (Kathleen) Garrison, Eureka, and Gary (Pamela) Garrison, St. Joseph; two sisters, Nola Foster, Pekin, and Hazel Thomason, Wayne City, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Garrison converted his life to Christ on Sept 22, 1930, tow days after his 16th birthday. He and his first wife helped found and establish First Baptist Church in Washingtn, where he was an active member and served as a deacon. Garrison moved to Peoria in 1936 and drove a truck for Peoria Cartage co. and later drove for Lovelace Trucking, retiring in 1980.

Services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Argo-Ruestman-harris Funeral Home, Eureka, with the Rev. Tom Zobrist officiating. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, rural Washington. Memorials may be made to the church's rock youth group.

Donna Gibbs
Roanoke - Donna S. Gibbs, 80, deid at 12:10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, at the Apostolic Chirstian Home of Roanoke, where she was a resident. She was born July 5, 1926, in Roanoke, the daughter of Elmer and Alta Wilson Schirer. She married Fred Gibbs on July 11, 1948, in Ronaoke. He died April 14, 2001. Survivors include one son, Dennis (Janet) Gibbs, Roanoke; one sister, Doris (Robert) Haas, Roanoke; three grandchildren and one brother-in-law, Merlyn Augsburger, Eureka. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.

Gibbs was a homemaker and assisted her husband in raising Charolais cattle. The couple helped in the formation of the Illinois Charolais State Association. She was a member of the Eureka Christian Church, the Woodford County Farm Bureau, Woodford County Home Extension, Pheasants Forever and the Roanoke-Benson Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni.

Services were Saturday at Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke. Gary Cline officiated. Visitation was Friday at the funeral home. Burial was in Roanoke Township Cemetery, Roanoke. Memorials may be made to the AC Home of Roanoke or to Methodist Hospice.

Harriet Emeline Perry Gebhardt
El Paso - Mrs. F. C. Gebhardt, 90, died at 3 p.m. Saturday. She had a paralytic stroke several weeks ago. The body was taken to the Ficken memorial home pending funeral arrangements. Harriet Emeline Perry, a direct descendant of Commodore Oliver Perry, was born at Mansfield, Mass., Oct. 16, 1852, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Emeline Perry. She married F. C. Gebhardt Sept. 1, 1897 at LaCrosse, Wis. Surviving are her husband; a niece and four nephews. She was a member of the Episcopal church and the El Paso Woman's club until failing eyesight made it necessary for her to give up her membership in the club.

Julian H. Givens - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Capt. Julian H. Givens, M.C., 39, died at Camp Swift, Austin, Tex., Thursday night, after a several weeks illness with meningitis.  The body was brought to the Otto-Vincent memorial home here Tuesday afternoon.  Funeral services will be held from the Christian church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Rev. E.E. Higdon officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.
 
He was born July 10, 1903, in Normal, the son of the Rev. John P. and Rose Hawthorn Givens.  He received his B.S. degree from Eureka college and the University of Chicago in 1924.  He obtained his M.D. degree from Rush Medical college in Chicago.  He married Miss Belle M. DeBolt of El Paso, March 27, 1928, in Chicago.  They had lived in Seattle, Wash., since 1931.  He had been a member of the United States army medical corps since Feb. 22, 1943. 
 
He is survived by his wife, a daughter, Joyce E.; a son, John J.; three brothers, Hartzell of Chicago; Corp. Louis of the army, Orlando, Fla.; Lt. (jg) George of the navy; a sister, Miss Virginia of Eureka; the captain lived in El Paso as a young man when his father was pastor of the local church.  At the time of his death he was a member of the People's church of Seattle, Wash.

Wilbert J. Grebner - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Wilbert J. (Hank) Grebner, 90, of Metamora passed away at 5:15am on Tuesday January 13, 2009 at Snyder Village where he had been a resident since 1993 one of the residents of longest tenure.

Hank was born August 15, 1918, the eldest son of twelve children of Rudolph and Anna (Fandel) Grebner. He married Agatha M. Reising on February 22, 1941. She passed away on August 20, 2000 at Snyder Village.

Surviving are nine children Judy Boyer of Peoria, Paulette (Bruce) Thompson of Metamora, Dianna (Eric) Spooner of New Freedom, PA., Leota (Butch) Martin of Washington, Becky (Steve) Roese of Kellar, TX., Roni (Steve) Killion of Peoria, George Grebner of Pekin, Cindy (Duane) Erickson of Metamora, and Aron Grebner of Phoenix AZ. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, four brothers Florentius "Hotz" (Roberta) Grebner of Metamora, Reinhardt "Dootz" Grebner of Washington, Rudolph "Pap" (Bonnie) Grebner of Low Point, IL Ernest "Ernie" (Barb) Grebner of Tiskilwa, IL and one sister Georgianna (Ray) Kiefner of Metamora.

Three brothers, three sisters and one infant daughter Mary Anita Grebner preceded him in death.

Hank was a brick mason by trade and also farmed and kept a variety of animals and was a very good welder. He loved his beagles and John Deere tractors. He was an avid pool player and bowler and enjoyed pool tournaments and bowling in the Brothers Tournament for many years. Other pastimes included butchering, making beer and wines and playing cards, particularly solitaire and Euchre and socializing at Wernsmans Restaurant in Germantown Hills.

He was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church and its men's club and also a gravedigger for the church cemetery for many years.

Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held at the Germantown Hills facility from 2pm until 5pm Sunday January 18, 2009 with the rosary recited at 5pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church at 10am Monday January 19, 2009 with Fr. Neri Greskoviak officiating. Cremation will be accorded with private burial of Ashes in St. Mary of Lourdes Cemetery at a later date.

Given that all nine of his children attended Metamora Township High School, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorials may be made to the Athletic, Career Technical Education, or the Fine Arts Departments of the school.

Malinda J. Gerber - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Malinda J. Gerber, 81, of Roanoke, passed away with her loving family by her side at 10:55 am on Saturday January 10, 2009 at the OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born on May 24, 1927 in Roanoke, IL to Silas and Caroline Huber Hodel. She married Lloyd E. Gerber on June 12, 1949 in Roanoke. He died on December 27, 2008 in Roanoke.

Surviving are two sons, Rick (Shirley) Gerber; and Ed Gerber; one daughter, Beth (Brian) Moser all of Roanoke; six grandchildren, Byron Gerber; Brandi Gerber; Nicole Gerber; Ashley Gerber; Jenna Moser; and Douglas Moser; three brothers, Roy (Helen) Hodel of Gridley, IL; Jim (Doris) Hodel; Bill (Betty) Hodel both of Roanoke; one sister, Dorothy (Marvin) Schmidgall of Eureka; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; two brothers; one granddaughter-in-law Lisa Gerber; and one great grandson Micah Gerber.  A homemaker, family came first with Malinda. She was a devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother.  Malinda had also worked a number of years at Lorene's Dress Shop in Roanoke.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke.

Michael Garber
Near Altoon, Polk County, Iowa, kBrother Michael Garber, son of Elder Samuel Garber, (deceased), was born March 26th, 1829 and died May 1st, 1879, aged 50 years, 1 month and 5 days.  Disease, dropsy.

He leaves a dear companion and ten children to mourn their loos; but they need not sorrow as those who have no hope.  His sudden and unexpected death has cast a gloom over our neihborhood.  He had been poorly for a couple months, but little did we think his end was so nigh.  The doctor tapped him; took away five quarts of water.  He died before they left the house.

He was a minister in this congregation.  He was not a very eloquent preacher, but his Christian deportment and manner of life was an ornament to the church.  Some of his neighbors that made no profession of religion said, "We have lost a good man."

He became a member of the church in his youthful days.  Well do I remember the time in 1848, in the West Branch Church, Ogle County, Illinois.  It was talked of then as a rare circumstance, for young people did not come to the church.

He always contended for plainness, and his actions spoke louder than his words.  He said to me while sick, if it was not for the family he did not care how soon the change would come.  He had a great concern for his family.

He said if it should be he had to go, he wanted a plain coffin.  And in regard to his funeral services he had no choice.  He wanted all the ministering brethren to be present and take a part if they felt like it.

The funeral was largely attended for as rainy as it was at the time.  The brethren spoke from 2 Tim, 4: 5, 6, 7, 8....J. W. Moats.

Catherine Garber
Garber, Catharine (Hildebrand), died at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, near Altoona, in the Des Moines Valley congregation, Iowa, July 20, 1903, aged 67 years, 9 months and 2 days.  She was born in Maryland, moved with her parents to Illinois, where she married Michael Garber, Nov. 12, 1855.  Moved to Polk county, Iowa, Dec. 27, 1868, where her husband died some twenty years ago and where she has since lived.  Bro. Garber was one of the early ministers of this congregation.  To them were born twelve children, ten of whom are living.  Services by the writer, from 2 Cor. 5:1-4...Jas Q. Goughnour

Mrs. Katie (Timmerman) Gerdes, 78, Died Monday
contributed by Virgil (Timmerman Fischer) Whitaker
Mrs. Katie H. Gerdes, 78, of 414 Maple Avenue, Minonk, died at the Eureka Hospital Monday at 12:30 a.m. She had been a hospital patient for the past week.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Wilcox-Folkers Memorial Home, Minonk, with the Rev. John Uhler of the Benson Baptist Church, officiating. Mrs. Hazel Koehler was the soloist and Miss Alyce Evey was the organist. Pallbearers were John Timmerman Jr., Junior Timmerman, John Sullivan, Melvin Beal, John Scifers and Robert Barth. Burial was in Minonk Cemetery.

The former Katie Timmerman, she was born in Minonk Township, May 1, 1886, the daughter of John B. and Elizabeth Myrath Timmerman. She married Martin Gerdes, in Minonk, Feb. 15, 1911. He died in July of 1962. They retired and moved into Minonk in 1952.

Surviving are three sons: Carl, Washburn, Martin, Roanoke, and Clark, of Chula Vista, Calif.: one; brother, Herman Timmerman, Minonk, and a sister, Mrs. John Sullivan of Amboy and 7 grandchildren.  Her husband, three brothers and four sisters preceded her in death. She was a member of the Benson Baptist Church and its Missionary Society.

Martin Gerdes - contributed by Virgil (Timmerman Fischer) Whitaker

Martin Gerdes, 75,  Died Suddenly at Home on Tuesday
Services to be Held  Friday, July 27

obit index