'R' Woodford County
Obits
Woodford County, Illinois Genealogy Trails
Priscilla J. Ryan, 81, of 130 Short St., Minonk, passed
away at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday (April 11, 2006) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center,
Normal. Priscilla was born May 30, 1924, at
Minonk, a daughter of John C. and Myrtle Eich Danforth. She married John H. Ryan
III on Oct. 16, 1943, in Minonk. He died March 8, 2006. Survivors include two sons, John H. (Mary) Ryan IV and Tom D.
(Linda) Ryan, both of Minonk; four grandchildren, John H. (Susan) Ryan V,
Minonk; Kevin Ryan, Bloomington; Leigh (Carrie) Ryan, Gibson City; and Tracy
Ryan, Peoria; and five great-grandchildren, Madeline, Jared, John H. VI, Paul
and Jade. She was preceded in death by her
parents; one sister, Marion; and a grandson, Todd P. Ryan. She was a member of the Matrons Club and Chapter BP of PEO.
Priscilla also served on the Filger Library Board in Minonk. Her family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at
Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. A private family service will follow. The
Rev. Craig Swenson will officiate. Interment will be in Minonk Township
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed
to the Filger Library, 261 E. Fifth St., Minonk, IL 61760, or any charity of the
donor's choice. Online condolences may be sent
to the family at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com
James Ramsey - contributed by Jane Foster
The death of James Ramsey, aged
about 80 years, occurred Friday after a lingering illness at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Gibson, two miles south of town. Funeral services were held
Sunday at Deer Creek, the home of another married daughter, Mrs. W. H. Mooberry
and his son, ________ Ramsey. (Could be Walter --- W_ _ _ er.)
John H. Ryan III, 81, of 130 Short St., Minonk, passed away at 10:09 a.m. Wednesday (March 8, 2006) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal.
A private family funeral will be at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. Rev. Craig Swenson will officiate. There will be no visitation. Interment will be in Minonk Township Cemetery, Minonk.
John was born May 19, 1924, at Pontiac, a son of John H. and Florence Hawk Ryan Jr. He married Priscilla J. Danforth on Oct. 16, 1943, in Minonk. She survives.
Other survivors include two sons, John H. (Mary) Ryan IV, and Tom D. (Linda) Ryan, both of Minonk; four grandchildren, John H. (Susan) Ryan V, Minonk; Kevin Ryan, Bloomington; Leigh (Carrie) Ryan, Gibson City; and Tracy Ryan, Peoria; five great-grandchildren, Madeline, Jared, John H. VI, Paul and Jade; and one brother, Warren Ryan, San Franciso, Calif.
He was preceded in death by one grandson, Todd P. Ryan, and one brother.
John farmed the family homestead in Clayton Township for 50 years, retiring in 1986. He and Priscilla moved into Minonk in 1997. He was a member of the Woodford County Farm Bureau.
John's family was very important to him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed teaching and playing checkers with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan.
Memorial contributions in John's honor may be directed to the Filger Library 261 E. Fifth St., Minonk, IL 61760. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
On Sunday night, shortly after coming from church, Deacon Richardson died very suddenly while sitting in a chair talking to the inmates at John Rowell's residence. The Deacon and Mr. Rowell started home together after attending service at the First Baptist church, both living in the west part of town, Mr. Rowell remarked on the way that the Deacon walked as fast as a young man, the latter giving as a reason that the night was cold and he had neglected to bring his overcoat. He seemed to get out of breath, and had to stop several times on the way to recover it, and when he got as far as Mr. Rowell's house, the latter invited him in to rest, which he accepted. After the usual salutations he sat down, apparently as well as usual, and was conversing, when he suddenly put his hand up over his heart and made a low exclamation, his head falling over on his breast. Mr. Rowell threw his arms around him to hold him up, and messengers were sent for medical aid. Both Drs. Evans and Blanchard hurried up, but before they arrived, life was extinct, he dying apparently without a struggle in Mr. Rowell's arms. The body was afterwards taken home to his sorrowing wife, who had to summon all her fortitude to bear up under the sad affliction. It appears it was the first time in may years she failed to be with him at church.
Thomas Richardson was born in the town of Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, England, June 17, 1810. In the year 1831, when he had arrived at the age of manhood, he married Miss Rachel Richardson, a second cousin. A large family favored their union- 4 sons and 7 daughters, but some of them died young. In 1853, the Deacon and his family came to this country, settling for a few months at Evansville, Ind., but finally located about 3˝ miles northeast of Pattonsburg, Marshall county, in 1854 where he bought three 80's. Here he lived with his family for thirty years, and here his wife died in 1871, his daughter Minnie five years after, and his son Joseph in 1880, the three falling victims to consumption. Two other daughters also died in the same fell disease - Mrs. John Richardson in Nebraska tp., and Mrs. Portor Harkness abut three years ago.
The only children living are Ezra, in Flanagan, Ills., Ebenezer in Glen Elder, Kansas; Mrs. M. Gray in Cropsey, Ills.
In 1871 he married Mrs. Ann Skeels in Washburn, Ills. who survives him, but has no issue. In 188? he rented his farm to John Hollenback and moved to Minonk, where he has lived ever since a quiet, peaceable life, free from the cares and perplexities of business. The Deacon was a strong, vigorous man, always enjoying good health. He commanded the respect of all by the uprightness of his character and the moral life he led. He would never accept any office, we are told, although he was a school director several times. His society was much sought after in his younger days, the geniality of his mature and his thorough good nature making him very popular. Although the suddenness of his death has shocked most of us, yet it is a consolation to know that as far as we can tell he was prepared for the great change from mortal to immortal life. He was a good man in every sense, and as such his death is not only a loss to his family, but to the whole community, who will naturally extend their sympathy to the afflicted wife and children.
The funeral services were held Wednesday morning at the First Baptist church, the late pastor, Rev. Coffman, having come from Tiskilwa to officiate. A large audience listened to the discourse, which was able and instructive. Elder Sands, Rev. A. Kerrick, both old friends and neighbors of deceased, followed in a feeling tribute to his unsullied character and moral worth. The remains were taken to Pattonsburg for interment in the family plot. The large number present at the grave, where the final services were conducted by Rev. Kerrick, and where a last view was taken of the honored dead, showed that his thirty years of active life among them had been warmly cherished and lovingly remembered.
The pallbearers were Deacons Danforth, N. E. Davison, A. Pickard, James Ridge, S. Wylie and J. S. Burt.
The widow and children of the late Deacon Richardson
return thanks to the friends who so kindly aided them during their late sad
affliction.
Hazel Dennis
Roark - contributed by Jane
Foster
Washburn --- Hazel Dennis Roark, 82, formerly of Washburn,
died at 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 1993, at Monte Cassino Health Care Center in
Toluca.
Born Sept. 6, 1910, in Washburn to Alfred and Nora Kenyon Calvert, she married Asa J. Dennis. He died in 1959. She later married James Long. He died in 1965. She then married Howard Roark. He died in 1977. Four brothers also preceded her in death.
Surviving are two sons, Cecil Dennis of Brandford and Darrell Dennis of Washburn; three daughters, Edith Frye of Henry, Doris Spears of Bolivar, Mo., and Della Egli of Washington; two brothers, Fred Calvert of Toluca and Raymond Calvert of Peoria; one sister, Lila Ballance of Patoka; 14 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren.
She was a member of Metamora Church of Christ.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Newton Memorial Home in Washburn, where visitation will be one hour earlier. Burial will be in Fort Dever Cemetery in Washburn.
Memorials may be made to the Washburn Ambulance Service.
Monday forenoon at 9:30 at his home just west of Shiloh Church, Panola township, Will Roth passed away, after a long illness from lung trouble. For two years he has been a constant sufferer but most of tht time has been up and around, yet gradually growing weaker from the ravages of disease. His last illness was not in any way severe, but he passed away very peacefully, having been bedridden but a few days. He was able to be in this city as recently as Independence Day.
The funeral services were held at Shiloh church at 9:30 Wednesday and were conducted by Rev. Schantz of Hudson, and Staley of Flanagan, both of the ? Church, assisted by Rev. Pinkney, of Shiloh UB Church. The remains were laid to rest in the Baughman cemetery in the family burying ground.
Deceased was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Roth, of Panola township and had spent the greater part of his life in the locality where death overtook him. He was born Ja. 21, 1865. He leaves a wife and one child, the latter a girl of about 2 yeras of age. Mrs. Roth is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Donner and has also been a resident of Panola township since childhood. She is a sister of Mrs. J. M. Shaw of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Roth were married Sept. 2?, 1890 and have lived on the old Geo. Horner farm ever since that time.
The esteem in which Mr. Roth and family were held was
shown by the extremely large assemblage of friends to pay the last tribute to
the dead. Over 100 carriages followed the remains from the church to the
cemetery. Friends and relatives wre present from Peoria, Washington, Roanoke,
Danvers, Hopedale, Hudson, Flanagan and other places.
John Robert Ramsey - contributed by Jane Foster
Word was received here Tuesday of
the death of Mr. Ramsey, of LaRose. He was killed by some cattle. No
particulars known.
Metamora Herald dated 11-3-1904
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Clilngman, Mrs. O. E. Clingman, Mrs. Robertson and Miss Agnes attended the funeral of John Ramsey, of LaRose, Friday. There was a large crowd in attendance for Mr. Ramsey had many friends who showed their regard both by their presence and the many beautiful floral offerings. The Modern Woodmen took charge at the grave and buried their brother with the beautiful services of that order.
Last Friday night at 10:30 o'clock occurred the death of a wel known and highly respected citizen of Panola township in the person of Mr. Peter Roth. Mr. Roth was born in Alsace, Germany, Feb. 12, 1829. His father died when Peter was four years of age and three years later Mrs. Roth brought her children, Peter being third in order of birth to America. They were forty two days on the ocean landing at New York City, and locating in Butler county, Ohio. Peter was early compelled to earn most of his own living. At the age of 16 he commenced to make his own way, first as a farm laborer for a period of twelve years. In 1856 he came to Tazewell county, this state, and soon after married Miss Bena Naffziger, which event occurred Feb. 8, 1857. To them nine children were born, six of whom with their mother are living. The three who preceded their father to the great beyound were Peter Jr; Lydia, wife of John Krug and William. The six living children are Daniel, John, Jacob, Mrs. S. E. Schertz, Mrs. Jas. Holt and Ella, the latter living at home. The family moved to this county in 1874 and have lived in Panola township ever since.
The funeral services were held in Shiloh church last
Monday morning at 10 o'clock, Revs. Lackland, of Gridley; Schantz, of Hudson,
and Egle, of Waldo officiating. A large number followed the remains to the
Baughman cemetery, where the interment took place.
James E. Ramsey - contributed by Jane Foster
James E. Ramsey, 49, husband of
the former Miss Marguerite Getz of Metamora, died suddenly at 11 a.m. last
Friday while at work in the Walworth Manufacturing Co. plant in Kewanee.
He had been talking to two fellow employees when he sank to the floor and was
pronounced dead witthin a few moments.
Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey and daughter,
Barbara, spent the Memorial day weekend in Metamora with Mr. and Mrs. W. J.
Williams and at that time Mr. Ramsey appeared in good health.
He was born
in Kewanee May 5, 1903 and had spent his entire life there. On Aug. 11,
1945 he and Miss Marguerite Getz of Metamora were united in marriage in St.
Mary's church here.
He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Barbara,
three sisters, Mrs. Roy Lyle of Kewanee Mrs. Bessie Peterson of Berwyn and Mrs.
Roy Reed of South Bend, Ind, and one brother, Dan of
Kewanee.
Friends were received at the Cavanaugh
& Schuneman funeral home in Kewanee on Sunday afternoon and evening, many
from Metamora being in the throng. Funeral services were held Monday
morning at 9 o'clock in Visitation Catholic Church, Kewanee, and burial was in
the church cemetery.
Those from Metamora who
attended the services or visited at the mortuary were: Mr. and Mrs. W. J.
Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Sullivan, Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Schneider. Mr.
and Mrs. Joe Waldschmidt, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Heinzmann, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Day,
Mrs. Mlton Waldschmidt, Mrs. Ray Ralser, Mrs. Mollie Krans, Mrs. Margaret
Rohman, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Glaub, Mrs. Roy Eichorn, Mrs. Josie Waldschmidt, Mr.
and Mrs. Fred McCullough, Joe Welte, Mrs. Chas. Welte and
son.
Mrs. W. J. Williams of Metamora remained
with her sister, Mrs. Ramsey over Sunday and until after the
funeral.
William
Rice - contributed by Jane
Foster
Caught by a falling tree while at work in his timber on
Wednesday of last week, William Rice, a wealthy bachelor residing between
Cazenovia and Lowpoiint, sustained injuries from which he succombed last Friday
afternoon. The accident happened on the afternoon of Wednesday, and
although the aged man's skull was crushed by the tree he survived for two
days.
Mr. Rice and Ben Moreland were engaged in getting out saw logs for the mill the former has conducted near Lowpoint for years when the accident occurred. A large tree had been severed and fell against another tree. According to the current story, Mr. Rice undertook to fell the tree against which the tree was leaning, and while he was thus engaged the tree fell upon him, striking his head and crushing his skull.
The injured man was carried to the home of Mr. Moreland, with whom he had been residing, and medical assistance was employed in an effort to revive him. It was evident that he was injured perhaps beyond assistance and on account of his age little hope was entertained for his recovery.
Mr. Rice was 73 years of age and was one of the early residents of this part of Illinois. He came to the vicinity of Lowpoint in the year 1842, with his parents and three sisters, from Onandago county, New York. For years his sister Rosanna, kept house for him after the parents passed away, but she too passed away some time ago. Since that time he had made his home with Mr. Moreland's family. He has been a hardworking man all his life and leaves considerable property. This consists of about a section of land, the greater part of which is excellent farming land. Mr. Rice was never married. Few relatives survive.
The funeral was held Monday from the Moreland home.
Burial was in Buckingham cemetery.
Howard James Roark - contributed by Jane Foster
Washburn ---
Howard James Roark, 72, of RR 1, Washburn, died at 5:50 p.m. Tuesday at Illinois
Valley Community Hospital at Peru.
Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Pacey-Child Memorial Home. The Rev. Robert Roark, his son, will officiate and burial will be in Fort Cemetery, here. Private visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home.
He was born on June 20, 1904, at Harmon, a son of Henry and Mary Etta Roark. He married Hazel E. Calvert on June 19, 1968, at Lacon. She survives.
Also surviving are three sons, James Carl of Phoenix, Ariz., Robert Thomas of Longmont, Colo., and Paul Eugene of Kiowa, Kan.; one daughter, Mrs. Earl (Doris) Hiddleson of Denver, Colo.; one sister, Mrs. Ted (Helen) Knoll of Amboy; 22 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. One son and one brother preceded him in death.
Mr. Roark farmed near Harmon most of his adult life. He was a member of the Marshall-Putnam County Farm Bureau.
Mrs. Peter Roth Sr., died at her home in Panola township January 17, aged 92 years and 9 days. On December 20, 1927, she was stricken with apoplexy and had since been confined to her bed. Jacobena Naffsiger was born in Butler County, Ohio, January 6, 1836. In her early youth she came with her parents to Partridge township, Woodford county and was married to Peter Roth February 8, 1857. The new home was made near Morton, Tazewell county, where they resided until 1874 when they moved to the present home near Panola, where the deceased had since resided. Mr. Roth died August 9, 1901. Nine children were born to this union, three of whom preceded the parents in death: Peter Roth August 27, 1875; Lydia Krug, February 16, 1890, and Will Roth July 9, 1894. Those who are left to mourn the loss of a loving mother are Daniel Roth of Gridley, John of El Paso, Jacob of Redlands, Cal., Mrs. Emma Schertz and Mrs. Amelia Holt of Panola and Mrs. Ell Klopfenstein of Siloam Springs, Ark. There also survive twenty-eight grandchildren, one having preceded her in death, and eleven great-grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends. In early life Grandma Roth (as she was familiarly known by everyone) united with the Mennonite church and remained a faithful member until death.
Funeral services were held from the home Friday morning at 10:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Benjamin Rupp. The pallbearers were grandsons of the deceased. Among those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Roth of Gibson City; Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Baughman, Mrs. Anna Streid, Mrs. Naffsizer, Nornal; Mr. and Mrs. Sanuel Baughman, Mrs. William Forehlich, Miss Sadie Donner, Gridley; Joseph Baughman, Zion City; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rich, Mrs. Katie Kinsinger, Miss Kate Unsicker, Washington; Mrs. Anna Roth and daughter Blance of Whiting, Ind.
Ernest A. Redenius, 84 of 538 Washington St., Minonk passed away at 5:20 P.M. Monday, February 26, 2007 at Wuesthoff Medical Center in Rockledge,FL.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Minonk. Rev. Craig Swenson will officiate. Burial will be in Minonk Township Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 8 at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk and on Saturday for one hour prior to services at the church.
Ernest was born September 18, 1922 at Roanoke a son of John A. and Maddie Huschen Redenius. He married Mildred Householter on June 9, 1945 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Minonk. She survives.
Other survivors include a son; Larry (and Judy) Redenius, Minonk; a daughter, Linda (and Bob) Schoon Farrington, Cocoa,FL; two granddaughters, Heather (and Matt) Epps, Cocoa,FL and Angie Schoon, Cape Caneveral, FL; one great granddaughter, Reyann Epps; and one sister, Doris (and Vernon) Harms, Flanagan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Herbert.
Ernie was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Minonk. He was mechanic for Orville Carls and later Sauder & Rippel Implement in Minonk for 36 years retiring in 1986. He then owned and operated Ernie’s small engine and repair shop in Minonk. At age 80 he restored a 1949 Allis Chalmers G tractor that he showed in many parades. He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 318 W. Fourth St., Minonk,IL 61760.
Bertha Grace Ricksher - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
EL PASO - The Funeral Of Bertha Grace Ricksher, 101, a
resident of Maple Lawn Health Care Center, Eureka, formerly of El Paso, will be
at 11 a.m. Friday at Froelich Memorial Home, El Paso. The Rev. Timothy Sherman,
her grandson, will officiate. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at
the Maple Lawn Health Care Assembly Hall, the Rev. Robert Harnish officiating.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, El Paso.
Visitation will be from 5 to
7 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the rosary recited at 7 p.m. by the Rev.
Eugene Kane. Mrs. Ricksher died at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 21, 1993) at the
center. She was born Jan. 29, 1892, in Kansas Township, Woodford County, a
daughter of C.C. and Lucy Potter Bateman. She married Walter Herget in June
1909. She later married A.G. Ricksher June 25, 1923, in Peoria. He died Nov. 11,
1982.
Surviving are one daughter, Imogene Sherman, Eureka; one sister, Helen
Burroughs, El Paso; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 24
great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, one
brother, two sisters, one grandson and one great-grandson. Mrs. Ricksher was a
member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, El Paso. She was a nurse at several area
institutions. Memorials may be made to Maple Lawn Health Care Center or El Paso
Rescue Squad. The obituary is being repeated to correct the dateline and add a
daughter who preceded her in death. Metzler-Froelich Memorial Home, Bloomington,
is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Hrejsa, who was born Sept. 25, 1917, at
Shirley, donated her body to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. Local
survivors include a sister, Jessie Beeson, 406 W. Division
St.
Rev. James Robeson
Bloomington, Ill,
Jan 22 - The Rev. James Robeson, the oldest minister of the Christian church in
Illinois, was buried today at Secor, Woodford county, where he died on Friday,
age 91. He had been a minister for over fifty-five years.
Raymond H. Rocke - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Raymond H. Rocke,
102, of Eureka passed from death to eternal life at 6:50 p.m. Saturday (June 14,
2008) at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka.
He was born, Raymond Harold Rocke, on Sept. 12, 1905, to the late Jeff and Lucy Rocke of Eureka. He was united in marriage to Louise Verna Getz of Morton, on Sept 13, 1931. She passed away on Oct. 26, 2007.
Ray, along with two brothers, Harry and Virgil, built and established Rocke Apiaries, "the Honey House" on the west edge of Eureka. Several years later, Ray left the family business to begin a new career in sales, with Christian Universal Life Insurance Company.
He was an active member of Eureka Apostolic Christian Church. He was a volunteer in various church and community functions which included helping to start the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka in 1963, where he and his wife resided the last four years of their lives.
Raymond is survived by his (foster) daughter and her husband, Crystal and Charles Engels; four grandchildren, Brandon, Heather, Brittany and Joshua Engels; one great- grandchild, Chaya Engels, all of the Atlanta, Ga. area.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; seven brothers, Jess, Joe, John, Alvin, Virgil, Orval and Harry; two sisters, Laura and Alvina; as well as three orphaned cousins who were raised as siblings, Ortie, Alma and Viola.
His service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Eureka Apostolic Christian Church. Church ministers will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in the family burial site, located in Roanoke. Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Eureka, is handling arrangements.
Thank you to the Apostolic Christian
Nursing Home of Eureka and staff for the excellent care given to Ray. Memorials
may be sent to the Apostolic Home of Eureka.
Christian Reeser
- contributed by Rollin
Ulrich
Reeser - Christian Reeser was a
native of Alsace , Lorraine , (Sangamese) which at the time of his birth was a
part of France . He was born Sept. 15, 1819, a son of French and German parents.
His father, whose name was John, was a Frenchman and native of Lorraine . While
a soldier in France he met and afterwards married a German lady, who was born
and reared in Germany . The father died while comparatively young, at the age of
thirty-five years. His widow came to America and settled in Indiana , at which
place she was laid to rest, at the age of sixty years. To this union were born
four children, John, Joseph and Mary deceased; Christian, the subject of this
sketch, being the only one living. He was reared in France and educated in the
French language, but, as usual in those border provinces, he also learned to
speak German. While a boy his occupation was herding sheep. In 1839, at the age
of twenty years, he came to America with his brother John and a friend, Nicklos
Murrier. The voyage was made in a sailing vessel, 45 days being spent on the
Atlantic . He located on a farm in Butler County , Ohio . Thirteen years later,
at the age of thirty-three years, in Delaware County , Ind. , he was married to
Miss Barbara Zimmerman, a native of Baden , Germany . To this union were born
thirteen children; Joseph and Andrew deceased. The living are: John P. Reeser
and Mrs. Fannie S. Ulrich of Nampa, Ida.; C. B. Reeser and Mrs. Anna D. Ulrich
of Eureka, Ill.; Jacob of Albany, Oreg.; Mrs. Barbara B. Ummel of Reeds, Mo.;
Samuel of Goodfield, Ill.; Mrs. Wm. Plaag of Peoria, Ill.; and Peter E. of
Seattle, Wash. There are also 82 grandchildren and 101 great-grandchildren.
Christian Reeser came to Montgomery Township, Woodford Co., Ill. , in 1858 from
Delaware Co., Ind. By wagon immigration. In 1895 he decided to quit farming and
in doing so moved to Eureka , Ill. , at which place he lived ten years. In 1903,
at the age of seventy-two, his wife died. He then made his home in Missouri ,
with his daughter, Mrs. Ulrich, and came back to Illinois with her about four
years later. In 1867 he was called to the ministry in the Mennonite Church ,
with which he united when a young man. He experienced pioneer experiences in the
work of the ministry. Years ago his services were used largely in the community
at large for funerals. His period in the ministry was 56 years. When he was 100
years old he spoke the last time. He enjoyed his work greatly, and his death was
appropriatey on the Lord's Day, for that is the day he appreciated most. He
passed away on Sunday, Jan. 14, 1923. His age was 103 y. 3 m. 29 d. The funeral
was held on Jan. 17. The church was crowded beyond capacity. Bro. Andrew Schrock
preached in German on II Tim. 4:7, 8. Bro. Clayton F. Derstine preached in
English on Acts 13:36. Bros. Sam Gerber and Valentine Strubhar assisted in the
service. Peace to his ashes.
Fred M. Ritterbusch - contributed by Amy Robbins-Tjaden
Fred M. Ritterbusch, 82,
El Paso, a retired pharmacist, died at 1:20 p.m. Monday (March 21, 1994) at St
Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. A memorial Mass will be at 10
a.m. Saturday at St Mary's Catholic Church, El Paso, the Rev Eugene Kane
officiating. As Mr Ritterbusch has donated his body to medical science,
there will be no burial.
Mr Ritterbusch was born Dec. 18, 1911, in
Springfield, a son of Fred and Nellie Power Ritterbusch. He married
Margaret Sudduth Oct. 5, 1937, in Paris, Ill. She
survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Mary Ann Duncan,
Metamora; Nancy Jarrett, El Paso; and Betty Bier, Bloomington; three sons,
Michael, Maplewood, N.J.; Thomas, Peoria; and David, franklin, Mass.; a brother,
Harold, Quincy; three sisters, Dorothy Brager, Sister Kevin, O.S.U., and
Lorraine "Skip" Hamrick, all of Springfield; 13 grandchildren; and one
great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by one sister
and one brother.
Mr Ritterbusch was a member of 50 years of
Knights of Columbus Council 574, Bloomington. He was a graduate of
the University of Illinois at Chicago Pharmaceutical College, a former member of
the Corn Belt Pharmaceutical Association and a former member of the Illinois
Pharmaceutical Association. He was a pharmacist in El Paso until
retiring.
Riemond H. Rippel
Sr - contributed by Amy
Robbins-Tjaden
Riemond H. Rippel Sr., 99, Eureka, passed away at
2:04 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 28, 2008) at Adventist Bolingbrook
Hospital
He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eureka, where his funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Joe Burns will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church before the service. Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke, is handling the arrangements. Burial will be in Secor Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Debt Reduction Fund. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com .
He was born Feb. 2, 1909, in Secor, a son of William and Caroline Wessel Rippel. He married Minnie I. Roth on Sept. 2, 1934, in Secor. She passed away on July 18, 1993.
Survivors include one son, Riemond H. (Sharon) Rippel Jr., Burlington, Wis.; one daughter, Myra Rippel, Eureka; three granddaughters, Sheryl (Lane) Harrison, Zion; Loralyn (David) Placek, Kenosha, Wis.; and Janice (Mike) Conidi, Goodyear, Ariz.; one grandson, Kyle (Robyn) Rippel, Naperville; and nine great-grandchildren, Kristine Rippel (Eric Olriksen); Liam and Emma Placek; Corrine, Monica and Derek Conidi; and Mason, Charles and Elizabeth Rippel.
He was preceded in death by his
parents and two sisters. Riemond farmed in the Secor area for 63 years before his retirement in
1972. He moved to Eureka in 1996.
James W. Riley - contributed by Ken Dickens
Eureka- Dr. James W. Riley, 91, of
Eureka, IL, died at 1:50 am Monday March, 27, 2006 at Maple Lawn Health Care
Center in Eureka, where he was a resident.
He was born February 6, 1915 in Eureka to Edward J. And Ethel Hunter Riley. He married Margaret Eisiminger in 1944 at Monmouth. She died January 2, 2004.
Surviving are three sons, James W. Riley II of Jacksonville, IL, Jerald Riley of Eureka, and William (Robin) Riley of Secor; four grandchildren, James W. Riley III of Jacksonville, IL, Susan Riley of Yukon, OK, Ashley (Matthew) Hueber of Creston, IL and Haley Riley of Lombard, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Barbara and two brothers, George and Edward.
Dr. Riley attended Eureka public schools and graduated from Eureka College in 1933. He then attended Northwestern Medical School in Chicago, earning a bachelor of medicine in 1941, and a doctorate of medicine in 1942. He then served a four years residency in surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago before and after World War II. He then returned to Eureka and began his medical practice in 1949, serving families of Eureka until he retired from practice in 1984.
An veteran of WWII, he served on the Army Medical Corp as a major from 1943 to 1946. While serving in the army, he was on a six man team who helped change the treatment of osteomyelitis.
Dr. Riley was a member of the Theta Kappa Nu Fraternity and Nu Sigma Medical Fraternity. He was a member of the Eureka Christian Church where he had served as Deacon as well as trustee. He was on the Woodford County Tuberculosis Board, and was a former member of the Olio Cemetery Board.
He was a charter member of the Eureka Sportsman Club, and the Eureka Rotary Club. He was a past president of the Woodford County Medical Staff and the Eureka Community Hospital Staff. He was an active member at the Eureka Kaufman Park Golf Course and a past board member.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at the Eureka Christian Church. The Rev. Richard Richards and the Rev. Glenn Riddell will officiate. Visitation will be held from on Thursday from 5-7 pm at the Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka. Burial will be in the Olio Township Cemetery, with military rites being conducted by the American Legion Post # 466 in Eureka.
Memorial contributions may be made
to the Eureka Christian Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family
at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
Mary Grant Ramsey - contributed by Jane Foster
Stricken ill Monday afternoon at
the close of school, complaining of a pain in her head, Mrs. Frank Ramsey,
teacher of the Cazenovia school, died at her home in Washburn at 3:30 Tuesday
morning. Her death evidently was due to an apoplectic stroke. Mrs.
Ramsey, formerly Miss Mary Grant, came to Washburn a number of years ago and
served as teacher of home economics in the high school there. She was
united in marriage to Frank Ramsey, who survives with one son, John, 11 years
old. She had been teacher of the Cazenovia school the last several
years. Funeral services were held in Washburn yesterday.
Rosanna Rice - contributed by Jane Foster
Miss Rosanna Rice,
an aged maiden lady, died early Tuesday morning at the home of her brother, Wm.
Rice, residing a mile and a half northwest of Cazenovia. The cause of
death was dropsy. The Herald's Cazenovia correspondent gives the following
particulars.
Deceased was born March 19, 1831,
thus being 74 years and 9 months of age at the time of her death. She was
born at Cazenovia, N. Y., but most of her life has been spent near this place;
and a life of service it has always been for her loved ones, for after caring
for her aged parents until they were called home, she then took the lead in her
family, keeping a pleasant home for her brother and sister until the latter was
married. For a few years life passed smoothly for her and she was often
found helping others. Then the sad news came to her that her sister's mind
was hopelessly shattered and she immediately brought her to her home and cared
for her until she became dangerous, when it became necessary to give her up,
which to this sister was worse than death. Then a niece became her charge
and nobly has she watched over and shielded this dear one's failing intellect,
until the death angel came with a summons for herself, and even then her last
thought was choosing a home for her charge. Her cares at home debarred her
from helping her neighbors as much as she wished, but more than one has had a
helper sent them whose services were paid for by this quiet, unassuming
Christian who believed in not letting her left hand know what her right hand was
doing. She united with the Baptist church in youth and was a member of
that body at the time of her death. Funeral services were held at her late
home on Thursday at 10 a.m., conducted by Rev. Musser of Metamora.
Deceased was an intimate friend in her youth of Cynthia (Fisher) Palmer, whose
obituary follows this.
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