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DONNA (RAMAGE) FRANCIS, 46, of Brampton, Ontario Canada, formerly of Sterling died Sunday Oct. 30, 2005. She was born Aug. 17, 1959 in Sterling the daughter of Leslie and Darlene (Dahlberg) Ramage. She married Keith A. Francis on July 12, 2005. Survivors include her husband; a daughter Emily Johnson of Tampico; two sons, Matthew Johnson of Dixon and Toby Johnson of Prophetstown; four sisters, Brenda Polley and Janet Gallegos of Rock Falls, Lori Green of Sterling, and Midge Ramage of Tampico; three brothers, Robert Polley of Rock Falls, James Ramage of Ohio and dennis Levan of Dixon; a grandchild. She was preceded by her father and a brother Leslie. Services Saturday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, burial at Oak Knoll.
EUGENIA (PRESTON) FRANCIS, age 91 of Mt. Carroll, Illinois died Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Carroll County Good Samaritan Center, Mt. Carroll. A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll, with Father Robert North of the St. Paul Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, Illinois. Visitation will be held 1:00 -2:00 p.m. one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Episcopal Church in Eugenia?s memory. Eugenia was born July 15, 1917 in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois, the daughter of Emery and Bertha (Richards) Preston. She attended Buffalo Prairie Country School. On December 19, 1934 she married Alvin Keller. Alvin died October 9, 1959. Eugenia later married John Francis in 1967. John died in 1975. Eugenia operated Jeanie A's Upholstery Shop in Mt. Carroll. She worked for General Electric in Morrison, as a Machine Operator until her retirement in 1980. Eugenia was a member of the St. Paul Episcopal Church in Savanna for many years. She enjoyed sewing and traveling. Most of all she loved her family and friends. Eugenia is survived by her two daughters, Arvilla (John) Straub of Chadwick, Illinois, Arlene (Don) Crockett of Thomson, Illinois; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Jane (Floyd) Howard of Clinton, Iowa, Nancy (James) Spahr of Hillsdale, Illinois. Eugenia is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Alvin; a sister, Juanita Jordan and four brothers, Maynard, Richard, Eugene, and Robert Preston.
FLOYD FRANCIS, 71, Rt. 1, Prophetstown, died early Tuesday morning at Community General Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bruce Janes, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Gardner Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to the United Methodist Church. Floyd Francis was born on Oct. 19, 1911 in Lutesville, Mo., the son of Harry and Vallie May Hahn Francis. He was educated in the Hamilton Corner School, rural Lyndon. He married Lola Mae Hofmeister in Prophetstown on Dec. 16, 1937. She preceded him in 1976. In 1977 he married Oma Chasteen. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, had served on the former Portland School Board for many years and had resided at the present farm since 1938. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Roger (Marilyn) Skromme, East Moline; one step-daughter, Mrs. Don (Sharon) Dancey, Rock Falls; two sons, Gordon D. and Roger W., both of Prophetstown; two step-sons, Dean Chasteen, Paris, Calif., and Nathan Chasteen, Davenport; eight grandchildren; three step grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Merle (Anna) Heath, Sterling, Mrs. William (Velma) Klockenga, Rock Falls, Mrs. Hugo (Edna) Olson, and Mrs. VIolet Farran, both of Prophetstown; and two brothers, Kenneth Francis, Prophetstown and Glenn Francis, Lyndon. Preceding him in death was one sister. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 23, 1983 - Tuesday, pg A6]
GLEN ADAM FRANCIS, 77, died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL. Glen was born August 15, 1929 in Denrock, IL to Harry and Vallie M. (Hahn) Francis. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools and was a graduate of Lyndon High School, Lyndon, IL. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Glen married Patricia J. Chamberlain on February 6, 1954 in Lyndon, IL. He was engaged in farming in the Prophetstown/Lyndon area his entire life and had been a salesman for Golden Harvest seed corn. Glen was a member of Lyndon Congregational Church in Lyndon, was a member of the Board of Directors of Whiteside F.S., and had served as 4-H leader for the Lyndon Loyal Leaders. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; one daughter, Kathy (Mrs. Steve) Ufkin of Lyndon, IL; two sons, Michael (Corrine) Francis of Deer Grove, IL and Russell (Kay) Francis of Lyndon, IL; eight grandchildren, Jay Ufkin, Alexis (Mrs. Ivan) Socava; Rachel Francis, Riley Francis, Michelle (Mrs. Dan) Link, Megan Gorman and Bart Dirks, Jake Francis, and Ellie Francis; two great grandchildren, Christopher and Charlie Link. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Scott Ufkin; five sisters, Mildred Hansen, Anna Heath, Edna Olson, Violet Vittitow, and Velma Klockenga; two brothers, Floyd and Kenneth Francis.
HARRY ALBERT FRANCIS, 77, passed away Wednesday morning (15 May 1968) at the Prophets Reviewview Center. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the United Methodist Church, the Rev. Paul Olson officiating, with burial in Lyndon Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gardner Funeral Chapel, Prophetstown, this evening, Thursday. A memorial has been established for the Prophets Riverview Center. Harry Albert Francis was born Sept. 24, 1890 in Lutesville, Mo., the son of George W. and Cordelia (Lutes) Francis. He married Vallie May Hahrr of Lutesville on Dec. 17, 1910. He moved to Prophetstown from Lyndon in 1953. He was a member of the Sylvan Baptist Church of Lutesville. He is survived by three sons, Floyd and Glenn of Prophetstown; Kenneth of Lyndon; four daughters, Mrs. Merle (Anna) Heath of Polo; Mrs. Hugo (Edna) Olson; Mrs. Vesta (Violet) Vittitow; Mrs. William (Velma) Klockenga, all of Prophetstown; three brothers, David and Ollie of Advance, Mo.; Jesse of Garden Plain; 25 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents, wife, one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth Hansen and two sisters [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette May 16, 1968 - Thursday, pg 2]
HELEN I. (WHITINGTON) FRANCIS, 65, of 607 17th Ave., Sterling, died Tuesday, May 16, 1995, at CGH Medical Center. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home with Rev. Karen Schilling of First United Methodist Church of Sterling, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Mrs. Francis was born May 21, 1930 in Annawan, the daughter of Harley and Mildred (Elgin) Whitington. She married Keith G. Francis in Morrison on June 14, 1953. She was employed at General Electric in Morrison for nine years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Sterling and was a member of the Topps Club. Years ago she taught music, including piano, accordion and organ. Surivivors include her husband, Keith; one daughter, Linda (Bill) Jaynes of Fowler; her mother of Morrison; and one sister, Mabel (Arnold) Zuidema of Morrison. She was preceded in death by her father, one sister, Alice Noble and nieces and nephews. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 17, 1995 - Wednesday, pg A2]
HUBERT L. FRANCIS, 90, of 7908 Ogden Road, Lyndon, IL, died Thursday, January 26, 2006, at Four Seasons Living Center in Morrison, IL. Hubert was born September 29, 1915 in Lyndon, IL, to Tommy P. and Jessie (Brewer) Francis. He was educated in the Lyndon grade school in Lyndon, IL and graduated from high school in San Bernadino, CA. Hubert married Marie A. Wierenga on February 22, 1938 in Clinton, IA. He was engaged in farming in the rural Lyndon, IL area, his entire life, and was also employed by the Eclipse Lawn Mower Company in Prophetstown, IL. Hubert was a member of the Lyndon United Methodist Church and had served as a trustee. He was a past board member of Lyndon High School, a member of Whiteside Rural Youth Program, and had served as a 4-H leader for Lyndon Loyal Leaders. Survivors include his wife, Marie; one daughter, Linda (Mrs. Larry) Vos of Prophetstown, IL; two sons, Ronald (Florence) Francis of Prophetstown, IL and Jerry (Debra) Francis of Lyndon, IL; ten grandchildren, Kari (Mrs. Matt) Smith, Teri (Mrs. Randy) Rosenow, Ronald Francis, Caron (Mrs. John) Wilson, Jolyn (Mrs. Brian) Cox, Courtney (Mrs. Ron) Bender, Lena (Mrs. Bill) Wilson, Aurelie Francis, Lisa (Mrs. Jerry) Stuart, and Lori Davis; seventeen great grandchildren; one sister, Bernice (Mrs. Warren) Buck of Seattle, WA; two nephews, Steven (Jeanette) Buck and Gerald (Maury) Buck both of Seattle, WA He was preceded in death by a son, Arman Francis. Burial Lyndon Cemetery.
KENNETH L. FRANCIS, 80, of Prophetstown died Saturday, August 26, 2006 at his home. Private graveside services will be held later this week at the Lyndon Township Cemetery, Lyndon. Visitation was held Wednesday at the Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown. A memorial fund has been established. Kenneth was born September 6, 1925 in Lyndon the son of Harry A. and Valllie May (Hahn) Francis. He married Dolores Eacker on February 24, 1957 in Mt. Carroll, IL. He farmed for many years and also worked for Smith Farm Supply. Ken was an Army veteran having been stationed in Korea and Japan. He was a quite, wonderful man who loved his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He enjoyed flying his plane, watching sports, and inventing. Survivors include his wife; a daughter Crystal Slaunwhite, Sterling; sons, Kurt of Mesa, AZ, Kerry and his wife Teri, Missoula, Montana, five grandchildren; a brother and his wife Glen and Pat Francis, Lyndon. [Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen]
UTILLA (VANDERMARK) FRANCE, was born in Ulster Co., New York, Aug. 25 1862, and died at her home, 806 LeRoy Ave., Rock Falls, Ill., in the early morning hour, Mar. 5, 1923, aged 60 years, 6 months and 10 days. She was the daughter of James H. and Judith Winchell Vandemark, and came west with her parents in 1868. On Dec. 30, 1886, she was united in marriage to Adelbert France by Rev. H. J. Whipple, of Tampico. They made their home on a farm in Hume Twp., since 1889, moving three years ago to the present home in Rock Falls. To them were born four children: Ford A., Sterling; James Watson, Sterling; and Susie Hazel, Rock Falls. Lester preceded his mother in death, July 9, 1897. Besides the bereft husband and children, one sister, Mrs. Horace Chapin, Rock Falls, remains to mourn her loss. A brother passed away Mar. 10, 1910. Mrs. France was the victim of a paralytic stroke some eight years ago, which resulted in partial physical disability. And while the Great Change was not unexpected, it came to near loved ones as more or less of a shock. Mrs. France was of a kind and quiet disposition, calm in her mental attitude and unaggressive in her relation to others. In the early years of the organization she was a member of the Kings Daughters of Hume, and was able only occasionally in later years to attend the meetings. May husband and children who sorrow over the loss of a loving wife and mother find comfort in God's Word and help in Jesus Christ their Savior to bear up under their burden. Human strength and wisdom fall short when one faces the fact of death, and without a Savior and His Salvation one is left hopeless and helpless. May we come to Him, therefore, who stated His Mission to this world so clearly. "I came down from Heaven to give Life unto the world." [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 8, 1923 - Thursday, pg 9 (Burial: Tampico Cemetery)
FRED FRANK, 44, died at 6:30 o'clock this morning in his home southwest of Tampico, following a serious illness since last Sunday. He underwent an operation last April 18 at Iowa City, Ia., for the removal of a brain tumor and death resulted from another tumor which formed on the brain. Funeral services will be held from the late home at 2 o'clock and the Church of Christ at 2:30 o'clock. Interment will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. The deceased was born January 9, 1894, at Thomastown, Bureau County, Illinois, the son of Charles and Mary Frank. He received his education in the Thomas and at the Sunnyside schools. He was married to Eunice Goble, October 11, 1916, at the home of her parents near Tampico. They lived for three years after their marriage on the Harrington farm and then moved to their present farm home. Mr. Frank was a member of the Tampico Church of Christ, the Royal Neighbors of America, the Fidelity Life Association, also a member of the Tampico Farmer's Elevator and township school trustee. For 12 years he had been a director of the Sunnyside School, but was not a director at the time of his death. Besides his widow, he leaves one son, Lyle Stanley, in the home, and his mother, Mrs. Mary Frank of Rock Falls, and one brother, William Frank of Tampico. He was preceded in death by one sister, Augusta, and his father who died in September, 1929. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois July 22, 1938 - Friday, pg 5]
GARRIE L. FRANK, 52, of Rock Falls died Monday Aug. 1, 2005 at his home. He was employed by Eagle Country Market for more than 20 years, managing the Rock Falls store until 1992. Mr. Frankw as born Sept. 15, 1952 in Sterling the son of Lee and maythel (Osborne) Frank. He was an avid New york yankees fan and enjoyed horses. Survivors include two daughters, tracey and Michelle; a son Brian; a brother Michael Lee and four grandchildren, Elija, Alexys, Anthony and Isaac.
HAROLD G. FRANK, 59, of Sterling, died Sunday at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, Wis. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling with the Rev. Philip Gronbach, pastor of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. He was born Aug. 30, 1944, in Amboy, Ill., to Clarence and Eunice Steele Frank. He married Nancy L. McDearmon on Oct. 5, 1963, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sterling. He formerly owned and operated the Super Valu Store in Chadwick, Ill. For the last 10 years, he co-owned and operated Clover Hills Appliance Store in Sterling and Clinton. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Kim (Todd) Bryant of Tucson, Ariz; two sons, Kevin (Sheilisa) Frank of Roscoe, Ill., and Kalvin (Bille Jo) Frank of Milan, Ill.; his mother, Eunice Frank of Sterling; three sisters, Mrs. Barb (Kevin) Melberg of Rock Falls, Ill., Mrs. Lois (Don) Weissenburger of Batavia, Ill., and Mrs. Betty (Ben) Mena of Rockford, Ill.; five brothers, Clem (Cheryl) Frank of Bloomington, Ind., Doug (Mary) Frank of Portales, N.M., Roger (Teresa) Frank of Sterling, Bill (Rhonda) Frank of Galesburg, Ill., and Gary (Gina) Frank of Sterling; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother. Clinton Herald 16 October 2003]
LINDA FRANK, Linda Irene, six day old twin of Leeta Eileen, one of the twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Frank of Prophetstown, died Monday evening in St. Francis hospital at Peoria, where she had been taken shortly after birth. Funeral seervices will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Helm funeral home in Prophetstown, the Rev. C. F. Chasteen, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating. The committal will be in Riverside cemetery, Prophetstown. The baby was born March 8 in the Morrison community hospital. [Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 15, 1949 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 2]
LOIS EUGENIA FRANK, 74, of rural Sterling died Aug. 27, 2005 at her home. She was born Aug. 6, 1931 at Chadwick, the daughter of Thomas Patrick adn Helen Catherine (Sauer) Burke. She attended St. Mary Grade School, Sterling and was a 1949 graduate of Catholic Community High School Sterling. She married Forrest Richard Frank on June 17, 1955 at St. Mary Church, Sterling. Lois worked for the former Tritz Implement Co. Sterling for 11 years. When her children were small, she worked part time at the former Burke Grocery Store in Sterling. After the closing of the store, she worked for ARA at Sauk Valley College and at Challand Jr. High School. Lois enjoyed painting pictures and making food for funeral dinners at St. Mary's. Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Lynn Sotelo and Gail Henson, both of Sterling; five grandchildren; three sisters Billie, Pattie and Betty. Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday Aug. 31, 2005 at St. Mary's. Burial at Calvary Cemetery.
MARVIN EUGENE FRANK - The funeral services for Pfc. Marvin Eugene Frank son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Frank of Sterling who was killed in action at Luxemburg Germany Jan. 1, 1945 will be held at the Melvin Funeral home in Sterling at 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The Rev. Clarence Semke pastor of the Union church at Sublette of which the deceased soldier was a member will officiate and burial will be at Oak Knoll Cemetery. Sterling post American Legion will be in charge of the service at the grave. Pfc. Frank was a member of Co A 95th Infantry. He enlisted Feb. 22, 1944 at Amboy and trained at Athens PA. He was sent to Germany in July 1944. He was awarded the Bronze Star Dec. 18, 1944 and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He attended grade school at Amboy and Lee Center High School. He was born Dec. 18, 1925 at Milledgeville the son of Marie and Chris Frank. Surviving are his parents, and his three brothers who also served in the Army. Clarence of Sterling, Howard of Rock Falls Lyle of Sterling - also one sister, Mrs. (Walter) Lucille Salzer of Mt. Carroll.
FRANKFATHER (infant)
The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Frankfather died Sunday [06/26/1910] evening. The babe was just seven days old, and was not very strong, just weighing three pounds at birth. The funeral will be held today at nine o'clock at the home of Martin Frankfather. (From Larry Reynolds) [Daily Gazette - 28 June 1910]
Mrs. Anna Frankfother, 80, widow of Martin Frankfother, and resident of Coleta for many years, passed away at 9 a. m. Tuesday [12/07/1943] following a short illness. Arrangements for the funeral are being made at the Shirk funeral home in Milledgeville. There are two children, E. R. Frankfother of Coleta and William Frankfother of east of Milledgeville. [Sterling Gazette, 7 Dec 1943 - Sub. by Larry Reynolds]
CATHERINE (HURLESS) FRANKFOTHER was born in Holmes county, Ohio, Sept 12, 1833, and came to Whiteside county, Illinois, in 1855, she was converted at the primitive schoolhouse at Hazel Green the same year and joined the United Brethren church in which relation she remained to her death. She was married to Elias Frankfother Sept. 12, 1867, and died July 14, 1901, at the age of 67 years, 10 months and 2 days. She was the mother of seven children, Four boys and three girls, one of the daughters, Sarah having preceded her to the grave. Of a family of ten children she was the seventh to quit the flesh and cross to the beyond, leaving three brother, Abner of Humbolt, Neb., Martin, of Chicago and Parker of Bureau, Ill. The surviving children are Martin and James of Coleta, Mrs. Sue Ackerman of Clark, S. D., Cora Gipe of Otter Creek and George and John unmarried. Her husband and family are assured of the sympathy of the whole community. Mrs. Frankfother was faithful to her family, social and christian life, and died in bright prospects of a blessed resurrection. The children were all permitted to visit her in her last days, and all but one, Martin, who was taken sick, were present at the last sad rites of her remains. The funeral was held Monday Juy 15, 1901, in the grove just west of the house on the old reunion grounds, a most beautiful spot to assemble to pay the last sad rites to one we loved so well, The sermon was preached by Rev. E. E. Plumley, who took for his test 2 Co. 5-1. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." He was assisted by Rev. Groff. The remains were laid to rest in the old Hazel Green cemetery, there to await the resurrection morn. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family. [Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated scrapbook clipping]
IVAN FRANKFOTHER died this afternoon at 1:20 o'clock in the Clinton hospital. He was attacked with appendicitis yesterday and hurried to the hospital at Clinton for an operation. It was impossible to save his life, for gangrene had set in and it was impossible for the surgeons to give him any assistance. The remains will be brought to this city this evening and taken overland to the home of his father in Genesee township. He was about twenty-one years of age, and one month ago today was married to Miss Seers [sic]. No arrangements for the funeral have been made. Mr. Frankfather was a splendid young man, highly respected by all who knew him and his death has cast a gloom over friends and relatives. (The Sterling Evening Gazette, February 1, 1913, page 1, column 2) Ivan Frankfather, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Frankfather of Coleta died at Mercy hospital in Clinton this afternoon about 1:30. Mr. Frankfather was 20 years of age and was married about a month ago to Miss Sears of Thomson. He was taken ill last Wednesday while visiting at the Sears home and was rushed to Mercy hosptial where he remianed until his death. Besides the parents and young wife he is survived by two brothers Elias, Jr. of Coleta and William of Clyde. (The Sterling Daily Standard, February 1, 1913, page 1, column 4)
--- The funeral of Ivan Frankfather, who died at Mercy hospital in Clinton, was held today from the family home in Coleta at 1:30 o'clock and from the Liberal United Brethren church at 2 o'clock. The services were conducted by Rev. Barton, assisted by Rev. Marsh of the Methodist church and Rev. Lutz of the Radical church. During the services Mrs. R. E. Overholser, Mrs. H. Brown, William Deets and Wm. Heide sang several appropriate selections. The bier was surrounded by many beautiful floral offerings sent by friends. Ivan Frankfather, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Frankfather, was born in Coleta, March 20, 1893 and spent his whole lifetime in the village. He was united in marriage to Miss Audrey Sears of Thompson, Jan. 1, 1913. Some few days ago Mr. Frankfather was stricken with an acute case of appendicitis and was taken to Mercy hospital where he submitted to an operation. Following the operation pneumonia set in and his weakened condition led to his death. Mr. Frankfather was a young man liked by all and he lead a good Christian life, joining the Brethren church four years ago and afterwards taking an active part in the affairs of the church. His remains were borne to the grave by R. E. Overholser, Ben Bryson, Warren Brown, William Conaway, Fred Slick and Fred Overholser, all members of his Sunday school class. (The Sterling Daily Standard, February 3, 1913, page 1, column 3)
Ivan Eugene, the four weeks old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Frankfather, died Sunday [01/28/1917] morning at 10 o'clock at their home four miles north of Morrison. The funeral services conducted by Rev. Sanford were held Monday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock at the M. F. Frankfather home. Interment was in the Hazelgreen [sic] cemetery. [Daily Gazette Sterling 29 January 1917]
MARTIN C. FRANKFOTHER, 92, died Saturday, April 10, 2004, at Morrison Skilled Care. He owned his own building contractor business until he retired. Mr. Frankfother was born May 8, 1911, in Coleta, the son of Elias and Ora (Crom) Frankfother. He married Ruth Heide on March 10, 1928. He was a member of the Coleeta United Methodist Church. He had been involved in the construction of the original Emerald Hill Golf Club and Bowling Lanes and enjoyed golfing there. In addition to his construction business, Martin was the village of Coleta marshall, constable, deputy sheriff and was village clerk for 26 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and, along with Rothmer Bushman, started the Coleta Sportman's Club, and also the Coleta Trout Pond, which is still thriving today. Survivors include his wife, Ruth, one son, Daniel (Joyce) Frankfother of Milledgeville, two daughter, Rose (George) Ritenour of Coleta nd Donald (Arnold) Chandler of Madison, Wis., seven grandchildren, Wendy (Scott) Gibson, Polly (Mark) Adams, Mark (Stacey) Chandler, Nancy (Scott) Bentley, Kevin (Maureen) Frankfother, Kayla (Howard) Talbot and Kent Frankfother, two stepgrandchildren, Julie (Darryl) Bouchard and Mark (Melinda) Fellner, 12 great-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were two brothers, LaVerne and Burton Frankfother, and three sisters, Leota Farwell, Iola Flynn and Kathryn Cain. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at the Coleta United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Polly Klimson, pastor, officiating. [Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, April 11, 2004, page A6, column 4]
MARTIN F. FRANKFOTHER Sr., 75, passed away at the family home in Coleta at 9:30 o'clock Friday [12/08/1933] night after an illness of about a year. Mr. Frankfother had been bedfast for more than three months. He was on of the old time citizens of Genesee township. Besides the widow, Mr. Frankfother is survived by two sons, E. R. Frankfother of Coleta and William S. Frankfother of Rock Falls; two brothers, George A. Frankfother of Manning, Iowa, and John C. Frankfother of Sterling; and one sisters, Mrs. S. H. [Cora Belle] Gipe of Coleta. Funeral services will be held at 1:20 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Main Street United Brethren church. A former pastor, O. E. Foster of Bethany, will conduct the rites, assisted by Rev. C. W. Perkins, pastor of the Main Street church, and Rev. L. V. Harrell of the Grove Street church. Burial will be in the family lot at Bethel cemetery. Funeral rites for Martin F. Frankfother were held at 1:30 Sunday afternoon at the Main Street U. B. church, conducted by Rev. C. W. Perkins, pastor of the church, taking his scripture and sermon from Philippians. Misses Irene Boughman and Lettie Garwick sang two selections, "Asleep in Jesus" and "No Night There." They were accompanied at the piano by Mrs. A. H. Maxwell. The floral tributes were beautiful. The following friends of the deceased acted as casket bearers: F. R. Overholser, S. O. Crom, J. H. Snavely, L. E. Birdsall, W. G. Heide and R. E. Overholser. Interment was in the Bethel cemetery. The following friends from a distance were here to attend the funeral: Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Young, Mrs. Earl Miller and Frank Fenton of Freeport.
Martin F. Frankfother was born near Coleta, Ill., June 27, 1858 and died at his home in Coleta December 8, 1933, aged 75 years, five months and 11 days. He was married to Anna L. Fenton, October 30, 1880 and three sons were born to this union, one of whom preceded him in death. The deceased spent his entire life in the vicinity of Coleta, excepting seven years the family lived at Wessington, S. D. His occupation was that of a farmer, supporting his family by honest toil. About the year 1905 he accepted Jesus Christ and joined the United Brethren church, where he remained a faithful Christian until death. About one year ago, his physical health began to fail and during the last four months of his life he suffered much, but endured it all with a marked degree of Christian patience. His survivors are the widow, two sons, Elias of Coleta and William of Rock Falls; two brothers, one sister, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. [Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 12, 1933, page 6, column 3.]
RUTH FRANKFOTHER, 96, died Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at Morrison Hospital. She was the bookkeeper for many years in her husband Martin C. Frankfother's construction business, and also served as the Coleta correspondent for the Daily Gazette for over 40 years. Mrs. Frankfother was born in Coleta, the daughter of William G. and Amanda (Howe) Heide, Sr. She married Martin C. Frankfother March 10, 1928 in Rock Falls. He died April 10, 2004. She was a life-long member of the Coleta United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. She enjoyed bowling, playing softball, golf, and was a member of the Coleta Household Science Club. Survivors are two daughters, Rose (George) Ritenour of Coleta, Donna (Arnold) Chandler of Madison, WI; a son, Daniel (Joyce) Frankfother of Milledgeville; two sisters, Lillian Langley of Sterling, Sarah Gettle of Coleta; a brother, Richard (Jeanine) Heide of Sterling; nine grandchildren, Wendy (Scott) Gibson, Polly (Mark) Adams, Mark (Stacey) Chandler, Nancy (Scott) Bentley, Kevin (Maureen) Frankfother, Kayla Talbot, Kent Frankfother, Julie (Darryl) Bouchard, Mark (Melinda) Fellner; 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four sisters, four brothers, and one great-grandchild. Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 24, 2006 at Coleta United Methodist Church with Reverend Wesley Dickson officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park
WILLIAM SYLVESTER FRANKFOTHER, 81, RFD No. 2, McNeil Road died (4 January 1971) Monday afternoon in Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. Fred Anderson, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday. Mr. Frankfother was born Feb. 4, 1889 in Miller, S.D., the son of Martin and Anna Fenton Frankfother. He was united in marriage to Jennie V. Taylor, Dec. 31, 1908 after which the couple farmed in Whiteside County for many years, retiring 24 years ago. Survivors include his widow Jennie V.; seven daughters: Mrs. Clifford (Eleanor) Haring, Mrs. Louois (Vivian) Tegeler, and Mrs. Fern Bramm all of Sterling; Mrs. Eugene (Leta) Wolfe, Rock Falls; Mrs. Bette Bradley, Oak Lawn; Mrs. Melvin (Mary Lou) Meyer and Mrs. Jack (Daisy) Linker, Sterling; two sons: Wilbur S. and Duane E. both of Sterling; 28 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 5, 1971 - Tues. pg 2]
ABNER FRANKLIN, of Jordan pulled the trigger of a rifle yesterday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. within a stone's throw of the West Jordan Lutheran Church, that whirled his soul into eternity. His body was buried at 11:30 o'clock this morning in the cemetery of the church, just ten rods from the place where he committed the awful deed. The story of the circumstances leading up to and causing the man's desperate act reads like a romance, it being a case of love. He placed his affections upon Miss Cora, the seventeen year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Aungst of Jordan, and fell deeply in love with her. The young lady did not reciprocate his feelings and refused to keep company with him. She rejected all of his marriage proposals. Ab, as he was commonly called, began boarding with the girl's parents about four months ago. July 2, he asked the girl to marry him but she refused. He then made the statement that if she did not marry him something awful would happen before July 4. He made the same proposal again yesterday and the girl replied that her answer was final and that she did not have any desire to marry a man twenty-one years older than herself. To this he said if she would not have him, he would die for her. The girl's mother became alarmed when she saw that he meant to take his own life and she tried to persuade him not to commit the awful deed. He gave Mrs. Aungst a push and told her to keep away as he had no desire to injure her. He rushed upstairs and got his rifle. Coming down he went across the street. Mr. Aungst saw his actions and for the first time realized that theman was going to kill himself. Agner placed the rifle in a hole in a hitching post near the church yard and placing his head about half an inch above the right ear at the end of the barrel, with his right hand he pulled the trigger that sent the bullet on its deadly mission. It crashed through his head, coming out about two inches back of the left ear. He died instantly. He moved very rapidly and the deed was done in almost as short a time as it takes to tell it. Mr. Aungst started to prevent the suicide, but Agner threatened him and told him to stay away or he would get hurt. There is no doubt but that he had suicidal intentions for the past ten months, and on several occasions before he fell in love he said that he had better be dead than to be crazy. The actions of the man seem to prove that his mind was not sound, for he would walk for hours with his head bowed as if in deep study. The rifle that he committed the deed with, was the same one that William Runk used June 2, 1897 to end his life. The following note was found laying beside Abner's dead body, addressed to Cora Aungst; "I die for she went back on me. My dearest. She can take my life or save it. I want Ferdinand Jacobs, Samuel Murray, William Murray, William Muntz and E.E. Mench for pall bearers. Cora Angst remember me I die for you. I have $100 and that will bury me. Preacher Brown, Good bye. Cora think of me. " Coronnner Baird arrived on a morning train and impanelled the following as jurors; A. Richtmyer, John Aungst, C.E. Zigler, Albert Royer, Horace Brubakeer and Henry Helms. They rendered a verdict that the deceased came to his death by a gun shot wound in the head made by himself. The deceased was about 37 years old. He came to Jordan about sixteen years ago from Winfield, Maryland. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Franklin live in Maryland, also a brother and a sister. He has two brothers living in the west. On his person was found $1.10, A pocket knife and a watch. He was well known in Jordan and was commonly of a jovial disposition. The $100 that he stated that he had, could not be found and body was buried by the county. Sterling Gazette July 10, 1899 - From Sue Nesland]
W. LYLE FRANKLIN, 65, died Wednesday evening at his home in Milledgeville. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Woodin Funeral Home, Milledgeville. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Part, Sterling. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. Friday. W. Lyle Franklin was born Nov. 15, 1910 in Jordan Township, the son of Wilbur and Eva Deyo Franklin. He married Ruth Linton at Sterling on Oct. 8, 1935. He was do-owner of the Paint Spot in Milledgeville until his recent retirement. Survivors include his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Martin (Patricia) Folkers, Milledgeville and ......etc ... [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 23, 1975 - Tuesday, pg 4]
RAE FRANKS, 71, formerly of Erie, died Sunday March 3, 2002, at Pleasant View Home, Morrison. Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Gibson Funeral Home, Erie, with visitation 10 a.m. to services. Burial is in Lyndon Cemetery. A memorial has been established. She was born April 5, 1930 in Portland Twp., Ill., the daughter of William and Hazel Upton Franks. Miss Franks was employed at Self-Help, Sterling, Ill. She enjoyed music and going out to eat. Surviving are brother and sister-in-law, Loren and Reta Franks, Erie; sisters and brothers-in-law, Esther Bartels, Erie, Fern Fuller, Geneseo, Vera Hansen, Belvidere, Ill., Lois and Ralph Black, Hillsdale, Joyce and Max Anderson. Monmouth, Fae and Milt Davis, Naperville, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Maxine and Dorothy; and a brother, Darrell. [Contributed by Jerry Thomas]
LARRY J. FRANSEN, 63, of Morrison, died Friday at Genesis Medical Center, west campus, Davenport. Interment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. He was born Aug. 5, 1942, in Sterling, Ill., to William J. and Helen Schol Fransen (Hiis mother was Mary Ellen (Dickey) Fransen, she died when he was 3 years old.) He married Jane E. Brandt on Aug. 31, 1968, in Morrison. He graduated from Galt Grade School, Sterling High School and attended Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minn. He was employed with General Electric, Morrison, for 35 years until retiring in 2000. He also was employed with United States Brass and Copper, Downers Grove, Ill. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Morrison, served as an ordained elder and second ward alderman with the Morrison City Council. He was a charter member and past president of the Morrison Kiwanis Club, served as president of the Morrison Junior Girls Softball League and founded the Morrison Girls Senior Softball League. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Julia Sotelo of Los Alamitos, Calif., Mrs. Janessa (Mark) Renkes of Fulton and Mrs. Laura (Jeff) Arthur of Plainfield, Ill.; eight grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Helen Fransen (stepmother ?) of Sterling; and one sister- and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Robert Kuba of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his father. [Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Death date: March 17, 2006 - Clinton Herald, Clinton, IA]
MABELLE G. (RICHARDS) FRANSEN, 85, of Sterling died Saturday, June 21, 2003, at Sterling Pavilion. She worked with the University of Illinois teaching nutrition to low-Income families. Mrs. Fransen was born May 26, 1918, in Hayworth, the daughter of Ernest W. and Lena Rivers (Price) Richards, She married Edwin E. Fransen on April 19, 1938, in Clinton, Iowa. He died Aug. 7. 1992. She was a member of Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling. Survivors include three Sons, Kendall Fransen of Sterling, Wendall Fransen of El Paso and Edwin "Bud" (Donna) Fransen Jr. of Byron: five daughters, Shirley (Ken) Dewese of Finley, Ohio, June (Steve) MacKenzie of Bellingham, Wash., Karen (Ken) Wennekamp of Hubbard. Iowa, Bonnie (Fred) Davis of Clayton, md., and Eileen Fransen of Dallas: 23 grandchildren: and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters: nine brothers: and a son, David Fransen, The funeral is at 10:30 a.m Wednesday at Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Rick Koch, pastor of Dutchtown Church of the Brethren, rural Milledgeville, officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation is from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. [Daily Gazette 23 June 2003]
MARY (DICKEY) FRANSEN, 24, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dickey of 708 fourth avenue, Rock Falls, and resident of 608 Thirteenth avenue, Sterling, died Monday about 8 a.m. in Wesley Memorial hospital at Chicago. Her parents were with her. They are accompanying the body here this afternoon to the Wheelock funeral home in Rock Falls. Mary Dickey was born June 19, 1920, at Harmon, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dickey. She was reared in Rock Falls and attended Merrill school. She was married to William J Fransen at Clinton, Ia., in May 1940. The couple came to Rock Falls and made their home until two years ago when they moved to Sterling, living at 608 Thirteenth avenue. One son, Larry J., age three years with his father survive her, as also do six brothers; AS1c Clarence Dickey, in the South Pacific, Raymond, Donald, Gail, James and Roger; and three sisters, Mrs. George (Eunice) Stroup; Mrs. Richard Goff and Miss Elaine Sue at home with her parents. Mrs. Fransen was a member of the Rock Falls Christian church. She was an affectionate and loving daughter, wife and sister and was esteemed by a large circle of friends who miss her greatly. Funeral arrangements had not been made this afternoon. [Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the April 9, 1945 Sterling Gazette]
WILLIAM J. FRANSEN, of Sterling died Tuesday, June 6, 2000, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. [Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Jun 6, 2000 Daily Gazette]
FRANCES (DOUTHITT) FRARY, 91, of Prophetstown, IL, died Saturday, November 8, 2008 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL, with her son, Denny, by her side. Fritzi was born July 25, 1917 in Clinton, IA to F.H. and Myrtle (Lowry) Douthitt. She graduated from Lake View High School in Chicago, IL and later graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana with a major in Fine Arts. While attending the University of Illinois, she began a modeling career, that led her to be known as the top model in Chicago for several years. At the U of I, she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. She also became the Illinois Homecoming Queen and met the love of her life, Deane Frary of Prophetstown. She married C. Deane Frary on November 25, 1939 in Evanston, IL. He died August 30, 1989. After marriage, Deane and Fritzi moved to Chicago. Deane joined the Navy during WWII and Fritzi followed him to many destinations. After the war, the couple moved to Prophetstown, as Deane took his place in the family business at Frary and Sons Lumber and Grain. Fritzi played an active role in community affairs and was a member of the Prophetstown United Methodist Church. For many years, her knitting skills produced knitted caps for the Salvation Army, the Methodist Church, and other charitable organizations. In later years, she was a patron of the Clinton Area Community Showboat Theatre. She loved young people and cultivated many friendships with the actors there. She and her husband were avid Fighting Illini fans and supporters. In 1998, during a halftime ceremony at Memorial Stadium, Fritzi received her honorary "Varsity I". She took great pride in "her boys". She also loved animals, dogs in particular. Survivors include two sons, Dave (Wiki) Frary of Greenwood, AR and Denny Frary of Prophetstown, IL; two grandsons, Mark and John Whittington; one sister, Mrs. Dorothy Deacon of Portland, OR; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Deane and one sister, Josephine Markowitz
ANNIE FRASER - Funeral services for Mrs. Annie F. Fraser, who died Sunday [09/06/1953], were held at the Wheelock Funeral Home at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, Rock Falls Christian Church, officiated. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Pallbearers were R. E. Howe, N. H Ebersole, Harry Wade, and Lester Jacobs. Flowers were arranged by Mrs. Margaret Sumption and Mrs. Mary Drane. Mrs. Edgar Wolfe sang "Rock of Ages" and "In The Garden." Mrs. Wayne Larson was the organist. [Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, September 11, 1953, page 2, column 2
FRED M. FRASER, of 806 East Sixth street passed away Monday [10/18/1937] night, shortly before midnight. He had been in ailing health for about two years, and while he was quite ill during the past week or more his death came unexpectedly. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 p. m. at the late home. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery. Mr. Fraser was one of Sterling's foremost musicians, being a trombone player of exceptional ability. He was also a well liked barber and was employed in various local shops for a period covering in the neighborhood of 25 years. He became affiliated with the old Keystone band in 1898, and moved to this city with his mother, Mrs. William P. Fraser, in 1899. With the exception of 10 years, between 1913 and 1923, when he and his wife resided in Cedar Rapids, he had spent all of his time in this city. In Cedar Rapids he played in a band under the direction of Prof. J. J. Schmitt, and also was a member of the El Kahir Temple Shrine band of 50 pieces in that city. He enlisted in the Sixth Illinois infantry and played with the band connected with that organization for nine years. He played with various local bands and was also called upon to play with bands in neighboring cities on special occasions. Music was not his only accomplishment as he was an expert rifle shot and won a great many medals and considerable recognition in this line. He was a fine man, of exemplary character and made and retained a very large circle of friends who will be sorry to learn of his passing. He was born on the old homestead southwest of Coleta on Nov. 30, 1869. His parents were Dr. and Mrs. William P. Fraser. He received his education in the Liberty rural school and the Coleta schools. He became an outstanding musician at an early age. He established a home for his mother here in 1899. In 1903 he was united in marriage with Miss Rose Giffrow of this city. Beside his wife he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Jennie Franklin of Kansas City, Mo., and one sister, Mrs. Estella Wick of this cityy. Three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. (The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 19, 1937, page 7, column 5)
-- Fred M. Fraser of 906 East Sixth street passed away Monday night, Oct. 18, shortly before midnight. The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2 p. m. at the late home. Rev. M. R. Bailey of Rockford, officiated. Burial was in Riverside cemetery. The casket bearers were his associates in both the barber and musical profession. They were Pete Kier, Herman J. Folkers, Harry Haug, Ray Hoffman, C. R. Fell and Chloe Morris. Mrs. Claude Lee, accompanied by Mrs. Don Chamness sang two hymns, 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' and 'Face to Face.' The ladies in charge of the beautiful floral offerings were Mrs. Vera Kier, Mrs. Stella Ohare, Mrs. Mabel Landis and Mrs. Sadie Chamberlain. Mr. Fraser was born on the old homestead southwest of Coleta on Nov. 30, 1869. His parents were Dr. and Mrs. William P. Fraser, pioneer residents of this section. He was educated in the Liberty rural school and the Coleta schools. At an early age his ability as a musician was recognized and encouraged and he became in later years one of the foremost musicians of this city. He established a home for his mother in Sterling in 1899. In 1905 he was united in marriage with Miss Rose Giffrow of this city. His wife, one daughter, Mrs. Jennie Franklin of Kansas City, Mo., and one sister, Mrs. Estella Wick of this city survive. Three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of the famous Keystone band and various other bands and musical organizations, and with the exception of 10 years between 1913 and 1923, when he and his wife resided in Cedar Rapids, he spent all of his time in this city. In Cedar Rapids he played under the direction of Prof. J. J. Schmitt, and also was a member of the El Kahir Temple Shrine band of 50 pieces in that city. He was a member of the Sixth Illinois infantry band for nine years. His services as a musician were always in demand. He followed the barber trade for many years. Mr. Fraser was a fine rifle shot and won many medals and trophies as a marksman. Mr. Fraser as a man of high ideals and strong character. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventists and was a firm believer in the doctrines of this religious denomination. He took a great deal of interest and comfort in his Bible. It was a source of help to him during the days of his illness. He had been ailing for about two years and on Oct. 3 of this year he entered the [line unreadable]. He remained there for a period of 10 days and then returned to his home here. He rapidly grew weaker until he passed away. He was unafraid of death and was willing and ready to go. His only regret was his departure from his beloved wife and daughter. His memory is a comfort to his loved ones in their hour of sorrow. [Contributed by Larry Reynolds - (The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 26, 1937, page 3, column 5)
JOHN C. FRASER - Mrs. Albert Miller of this city received a sad message last evening that her brother, John C. Fraser of College View, Neb., passed away at 5:45 last evening, death being due to a serious epidemic prevailing throughout that section. John C. Fraser was well known in this section of the country where he spent the greater part of his life. He was a son of the late Dr. W. P. Fraser, and formerly lived in Genesee near Coleta. He was born in Genesee township on July 5, 1855 to Dr. and Mary Fraser. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Serena Linerode of Genesee. To this union four children were born, all of whom, with their mother, are left to mourn his death. The following are the children: Mrs. Ora Graham of New York City, Vern and Charles of Cedar Rapids, Floyd and Milford of Lincoln, Neb. Besides his children he leaves his aged mother, Mrs. Mary Fraser of this city, who is in her eighty-fourth year and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Albert Miller and Mrs. L. A. Wick of this city, Mrs. M. C. Linerode of Coleta, Fred of Cedar Rapids, and Ren of Lincoln. He is the first of six children to answer the call to eternal peace. His many friends in this section will be grieved to hear of his death and extend their sympathies to the grief stricken family. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet, althougth it is expected that he will be buried at College View. [Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, March 14, 1916, page 1, column 3]
PLINY FRASER, 80, a native of Sterling, died in the Harms nursing home Sunday at 11:15 p.m. after a brief Illness. He was able to be on the street last week. The body was taken to the Wheelock funeral home. The funeral will be some time Wednesday afernoon, Rev. Dr. Alfred Grewe of St. John's Lutheran church officiating, but the details have not been arranged. Mr. Fraser was a well known resident of Sterling for many years and was employed in various factories at different times. He was a musician and played the fife and drum. Of late years he had been retired. He is survived by his widow. A brother preceded him in death about 10 years ago. He had lived in the Harms nursing home for some time. Contibuted by Barbara Gehlsen Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette Date: 22 Oct 1945]
ROSE (GIFFROW) FRASER, 79, residing at 806 E. 6th Street, Sterling, died at 5 a.m. Tuesday (17 March 1953) in Community General Hospital. Mrs. Fraser had been in failing health for some time. The body was removed to the Trouth Funeral home where funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, with Dr. Alfred L. Grewe, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at any time. Rose Giffrow was born Jan. 9, 1874, north of Sterling, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Giffrow. She was reared and educated in this vicinity and was married to Fred M. Fraser in Sterling. They farmed in New Mexico and Iowa for several years after their marriage, returning later to make their home in Sterling. Her husband died Oct. 18, 1937. She was a member of Holtslander Rebekah Lodge No. 70 of Sterling, and Sterling Chapter No. 3540 of the Order of Eastern Star. Surviving are two brothers, Herman Giffrow of Sterling, and Robert Giffrow of St. Petersbug, Fla.; several nephews and nieces. She was preceded by her parents, husband, four brothers and two sisters. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 17, 1953 - Tuesday, pg 2]
DR. W.P. FRASER, At his home in Coleta, Whiteside County, Illinois THursday, July 2, 1896, Dr. W. P. Fraser, aged 68 years, Dr. W. P. Fraser, aged 68 years, 3 months and 28 days. Dr. W. P. Fraser was born in Wayne county, New York, March 4, 1828. His early boyhood days were spent in the easter States. On October 31, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A Walrad, also of Wayne county, New York. To them was given a family of six children, all of whom are living; Lorenzo D., of Milledgeville, Elma J. Linerode, John C., Hattie C. Miller, of Coleta, Stella E. Wick, of Genesee, and Fred M., of Coleta. Shortly after his marriage Dr. Fraser came to Illinois and has resided in Whiteside county ever since, part of the time in Coleta and part at his farm southwest of there. SInce last fall he has been living at his home in Coleta where he died. After coming to the west he began the practice of medicine and at this he was particularly successful. He was well known throughout the surrounding country, because of his extensive practice and the many friends which he had tells more plainly than anything else the character of the man. Possessed of a quiet, firm but sympathetic nature he had those qualities which would always bring friends and as he went about his duties caring for the sick and afflicted he taught more by example than by precept, what a kind and loving disposition can do for those in need. In Dr. Fraser, his wide circle of friends have lost a man who ever had their interests nearest his heart. Any little word or deed that could be said or done to benefit a brother was given so cheerfully and gladly that it was indeed a comfort to confide in him. In his home he will be greatly missed. To his children he was everything a father could be, always ready to share alike their joys and sorrows, to five a word of sympathy and encouragement. In him they lose a kind, affectionate father, a wise counselor and a true friend. Mrs. Fraser, who still survives her husband, has the sympathy of all in her bereavement. Dr. Fraser's last sickness was of short duration. He was apparently in his usual good health on Tuesday, June 30, and was working in his garden when unluckily he was tripped by a low wire fence and fell upon the ground. For an hour of so he seemed as well as usual, but he soon began to show signs of illness and on Thursday, at 12:50 p.m., he died. Dr. Fraser leaves two brothers, George and James, of Sterling, and two sisters, one at Des Moines, Iowa, the other a resident of Oregon. The two brothers were in attendance at the funeral. The funeral service was held at the home, on Friday, July 3, at 2:30 p.m., Rev. Richardson, of the U.B. church officiating. A large number attended. [Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping]
The funeral of Mrs. Guy Freas was held from the Methodist church in Coleta Monday [08/19/1912] afternoon. Rev. George Welch preached a very powerful sermon and the large gathering of friends of the young woman were moved to tears. Mrs. Edna Brown and Miss Edna Meakins sang. The floral offerings were many and very beautiful. - [Sterling Evening Gazette 20 August 1912; Sub. by Larry Reynolds]
ELIZABETH LEE FREDERICK - infant daughter of Keith and Kathy Frederick, 610 W. Park, Morrison, was stillborn Friday at the Morrison Community Hospital. Private family services were held today at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home with the Rev. Lynn Longenbaugh of the Morrison United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in the Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison. Surviving are the parents; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Given, Morrison; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Frederick, Garden City, Kan.; paternal great grandmother, Mrs. Elsa Frederick, Patterson, N.J. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 30, 1982 - Tuesday, page A4]
MARIE FREDERICK - Funeral services for Mrs. Marie Frederick, age 77, who passed away Wednesday morning were held Friday at 10 a.m. at the St. Catherine's Catholic Church. The Rev. Cletus Auger, officiated for services and burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Hilaire Castelein, Arnold Waite, Clarence Wagenecht, Elmer Oncken, Stanley Adams and Harry Clementz. The Hillcrest Greenhouse was in charge of floral arrangements. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 3, 1968 - Tuesday, pg 2]
VIRGIL M. FREDERICK - Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Allen Funeral Home in Sterling for Virgil M. Frederick Sr., 57, of RR 4, Sterling, who died Saturday in Iowa City Veterans Hospital. The Rev. Ronald E. Kramer, pastor of the Pentecostal Faith Assembly Church was in charge of the services with burial taking place in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Mrs. Roscoe Eades was at the organ during the services with Mrs. George Elgin and Miss Candy Cunningham singing, Come and Dine and That Man of Galilee. Pallbearers were William Smith, Harry Reitzel, Sam Bell, Robert Kramer, Richard O'Neal and Harold Chambers. Flowers by Judy Gors and Swartleys. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 12, 1970 - Thursday, pg 2]
ANNA (BOUSUM) FREDERICKS, 56, Lyndon, died Sataurday at 12:30 p.m. in Lanark. At a coroner's inquest at the Frank Funeral Home, Lanark, Saturday evening, death was attributed to hanging. Services will be held at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Morrison, with the Rev. Earl Clark officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll, Sterling. Visitation will be in Tomlinson Funeral Home, Morrison, on Monday (today) from 7 to 9 p.m. Anna Flora Bousum was born Feb. 26, 1914, in Polo, the daughter of Carl and Roxanna Schaffer Bousum. She received her education in Polo and lived most of her life in White Pigeon and Coleta areas. She had lived in Lyndon for the past nine years. She married Harm Frederick, Feb. 4, 1931, in Cliton, Iowa. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Shirley Schryver, Lyndon; Mrs. Goldie Howell, Rock Falls; one son, Kenneth, Lyndon; one brother, Ray Bousum, Byron; four sisters, Mrs. Mae Bosley, Rockford; Mrs. Rebecca Rucker, Edgerton, Wis.; Mrs. George (Irene) Hulferts, Mrs. Ina Kuehlmier, both of Lanark; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded by her parents, five brothers, one sister and three grandchildren. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 22, 1971 - Monday, pg 2]
LARRY E. FREDRICKS, age 67, of Morrison died Saturday, July 16, 2005 at the VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2005 at Coleta United Methodist Church, Rev. Wesley Dickson officiated. Visitations were from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 20, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Burial was at West Genesee Cemetery, Coleta with military funeral honors. A memorial has been established in his memory. Larry was born January 9, 1938 in Morrison, son of Goldie Fredricks. He attended the Clyde Township grade school and graduated from Morrison High School in Morrison. Larry married Dixie L. Becker on September 18, 1965 in Rock Falls. He served in the U.S. Army. He was employed with Northwest Steel & Wire in Sterling. He then was employed with H and H Farm Service in Milledgeville. He later drove truck for Buhrow Trucking in Coleta; he also owned and operated, along with his wife, the Coleta Convenience Store in Coleta. He was a member of the Coleta Sportsman Club, Coleta and a member of the Illinois Trappers Association. Larry will be deeply missed by his wife, Dixie; three daughters, Debbie Scheidecker of Riverside, CA, Diane (Mrs. Paul) Shipman of Milledgeville and Terri Fredricks of Leroy; two sons, Barry Fredricks of Fulton and Rick (Patricia) Fredricks of Morrison; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. His mother, Goldie precedes Larry in death
LEONARD H. FREEMAN - Services will be held Friday for Leonard H. (Pat) Freeman, 77, 702 E. 16th St., Sterling, who died Wednesday morning in Community General Hospital. The body was removed to the Allen Funeral Home where friends may call after 1 p.m. Thursday. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in the funeral home by Dr. Alfred L. Grewe, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church of Sterling, and by Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor-emeritus of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Leonard H. Freeman was born Sept. 27, 1883 in Walnut, the son of William and Ann Freeman. He was united in marriage to Edna M. Sharpe on Feb. 17, 1909 by Rev. Wenbs in the Methodist parsonage in Morrison. Following their marriage, the couple farmed south of Rock Falls until 1921 when they moved to Sterling and Mr. Freeman took employment with the Illinois Northern Utilities firm. After 28 years of service with the company, Mr. Freeman retired. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Leonard (Fern) Marcy of Sterling; a son Ward E. Freeman, also of Sterling; two sisters, Miss Arneda Freeman and Mrs. Jim (Nelle) Vaugh, both of Marshall, Minn.; and two grandsons, Kenneth and Alan Freeman, both of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his wife, who died Aug. 26, 1959; his parents; two sisters, Mattie and Alice; and four brothers, Clarence (Red), Vernon C., Edward and Walter (Bob) Freeman. ([Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette November 2, 1960 - Wednesday, page 2)
SERVICES: Funeral services for Leonard H. (Pat) Freeman, 702 E. 16th St., Sterling, were conducted at the Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor emeritus of Rock Falls Christian Church, and Dr. Alfred L. Grewe, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial was in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Mrs. Roscoe Eades was organist and Herman Oltman sang "In the Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross." Flowers were cared for by Mrs. George Halgren, Mrs. Thomas Heckert, Mrs. Maurice Grobe and Swartley's. Honorary pallbearers were E. G. Edlin, Clifford Bensinger, Walter Thomas, Chester Clausen, Ledger Pontious and Lysle Wiese. Active pallbearers were Fred Dahlgren, Henry Burch, Albert Sisson, Dan Sisson, Willard Smith and John Wenk. Out of town relatives attended from Canby, Minn.; Dixon, Morrison and Walnut. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 5, 1960 - Saturday, page 3]
SARAH E. (OATMAN) FREEMAN, 89, of 215 E. 3rd St., Rock Falls, died early Thursday morning at Community General Hospital. Mrs. Freeman was born April 23, 1874 in Prophetstown, the daughter of Henry K. and Mary Frankenfield Oatman. She was a member of the Rock Falls Methodist Church and the Class Loyal. The Freeman's operated the Freeman's Hemstitching Shop for many years. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Bessie M. Dell, with whom she made her home; one son, Adelbert Freeman of Rock Falls; one granson, V. Clair Freeman of Rock Falls; four greatgrandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; her husband, Vernon; and one brother, Ben Oatman. Funeral services will be Saturday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home at 2 p.m. with Rev. J. C. McMahon, Associate pastor of Dixon Methodist Church officiating with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Friends may call at the funera home after 2 p.m Friday. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 9, 1964 - Thrusday, pg 2 col 2]
MARIA (HILLERS) FRERICHS - Funeral services for MRs. Maria Frerichs, who passed away Wednesday (4 Mar 1942) at the age of over 90 years, were held Saturday with a brief prayer service at the Trouth funeral home and the main service at the St. Paul Lutheran church. The scripture verse received by the departed at her confirmation 73 years before, was used as the text, as found in Psalm 86:11 " Teachme thy way O Lord" I will walk in Thy truth; unite my heart to fear Thy name." On the basis of these words the course of the successful Christian life was outlined, and found to consist of three principles; learning the way of life from the Lord; waling in His Way of Life; and having all the life unified toward that end. Many floral tributes were in charge of Mrs. A. Gottell, Mrs. J. Fredricks, MRs. E. Buhrow, Mrs. J. Busing and Miss Esther Johnson. Pall bearers wer Carl Dirsk, A.G. Folkers, Fred Folkers, William Folkers, Ben Johnson adn Fred Oltman. The funeral hyms sunby by Mrs. Dorothy Engel were "Face to Face" and "In the Garden". Commital was in Riverside cemetery. Out of town relatives and friends wer Mr. and Mrs. Fred Heilener and children of Galesburg, MRs. Bertha Moore and children of Dixon, MR. and Mrs. Joe LeFevre, Mr. and Mrs. Hartwig Janssen and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur James, Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Janssen and children, Clarence Janssen and Miss Arvella Prehm, off of Traer IA; MR. and MRs. Ralph Janssen and daughter of Tama IA, Mr. and mRs. Kar. Frerichs of Terre Haute IN, Rev. Robert Frerichs of Warrenville, Mr. and mRs. Wesley Immel of Lyndon and mr. and Mrs. William Faulkner of Milledgeville The departed Gesche Marie Frerichs was born April 21, 1851 at Tengshausen, Jeverland, Germany, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johann Hillers. She was baptized on June 1, the same year at the Lutheran church at Hohenkirchen. She received her education in her home community and her instruction in the way of life and salvation as well. After completing her catechetical intruction she was confirmed on Palm Sunday 1865, receiving as her confirmation verse the above quoted Psalm 86:11. She was united in marriage to John F. Frerichs on June 2, 1873 in her native land. Five chidlren were born to this happy union. One daughter, Mrs. Folkert Janssen of Traer IA, preceded her mother in 1938. The death of Mr. Frerichs occurred in March 1918. The family came to AMerica in the fall of 1895, arriving in Sterling on December 3. The eparted had been a resident of this community since that time, residing in Hopkins and Genesee townships. Since the death of her husband she has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. John Gerdes, Sr. Mrs. Frerichs was a faithful member of the Lutheran church throughout her long life. She was a member of the West Genesee church and after it disbanded, made this church her home. For many years she was unable to take an active part in church life becaus of her affliction but kept her faith strong by her devotional life at home and was happy when the pastor called and administered communion. She became ill several weeks ago with influenza dn she seemed to be getting alogn well, her heart did not stnd the strain. THe Lord caller her at the ripe age of 90 years 10 mts and 13 days. She leaves to mourn her death two sons, Dr. William Frerichs of McMinnville OR and Fred Frerichs of Sterling; two daughters, Bertha Heilener of Sterling and Mrs. John Gerdes Sr of Genesee Twp., 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
MARY FREY, 80, Newton, Kan., formerly of Peoria, died Tuesday (August 14, 1984) morning in University Park Nursing Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Funeral sevices will be held on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Science Ridge Mennonite Church, with the Rev. David O. Bell, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery, Sterling. Friends may call at the church on Friday morning from 9 a.m. till the hour of services. Arrangements were completed by the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been establisihed. Mary Frey was born on Sept. 28, 1903 in Sterling, the daughter of John K. and Sarah Karnhaus Frey. She received her B.S. at Goshen College, Goshen, Inc.; M.P.S. at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., and did her Post Masters Study at the University of Chicago, Chicago, and Columbia University, New York, N.Y. She was a Registered Professional Nurse and graduated from the Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium School of Nursing, LaJunta, Colo. on Aug. 8, 1928. She was a former Director of Nursing at the Methodist Hospital in Peoria, a member of the Bradley University Community Chorus, Amateur Musical Club, Woman's Guild of Peoria Symphony Orchestra. She taught registered nurses along with her administrative jobs. She attended the Quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses when it met in 1953 in Petropolis, Brazil, and in 1965 in Frankfort Am Main, Germany. Also she was a member of the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing, both state and local level of each; the Menninger Foundation; the American Association of University Women, state and local; and the National Association of Parliamentarians. She had been the first vice president of the Illinois Nurses Association; Chairman of the Administrator's Section; Chairman of the Cook County Administrator's Section; member of the Board of Directors; member of the Illinois League for Nursing, president of the Western Illinois League for Nursing, member of the Board of Directors of the New York State League for Nursing; president of the Virginia League for Nursing; president of the Tidewater League for Nursing; member of the Kansas State Nurses Association. chairman of the Program Committee for District 16, Kansas Division, American Association of University Women, Hays Branch and vice-chairman 1973-75. Frey was appointed to the Colorado State Board of Nurses Examiners by the Governor of Colorado for a five year term, the New York Cancer Committee, the Advisory Board of the Marquis Biographical Library Society of Chicago. She served as delegate to the Convention of the American National Red Cross in Detroit, Michigan. She served as Oral Examiner for the State of Illinois Civil Service Commision. She served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Regional Council of State Leagues for Nursing (13 States). She is listed in Who's Who of American Women. She was the author of articles in professional journals and newspaper articles and was currently engaged in research and writing. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Orpha Jennings, Chicago.She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Anna, Sarah, and Martha; and four brothers, Aaron, John, Paul and Titus. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 15, 1984 - Wednesday, pg A4]
RICHARD E. FREY, 67, Rock Falls Manor, died suddenly today at the Manor. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Reformed Mennonite Church, Sterling, with burial at the Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. Richard E. Frey was born April 9, 1915 in Glen Elder, Kan., the son of John and Susan Weins Frey. Employed as a crane operator most of his life, he was a member of the Reformed Mennonite Church of Sterling. Surviving is a brother, Marvin of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clayton. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 20, 1982 - Monday, page A4]
EDWIN R. FRIDAY, 63, 1824 First Ave., Sterling, died (23 Sep 1984) Sunday morning in his home after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. K. Dean Meyers, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening. A memorial has been established to the Leukemia Foundation in his memory. Edwin Friday was born on April 22, 1921 in Davis Junction, the son of Edward R. and Mildred F. Murray Friday. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as a bomber pilot. On July 20, 1945 he was united in marriage to Dolores Gates in Romulus, Mich. After his military duty he was a general contractor for many years in the Sterling-Rock Falls area prior to his retirement. Surviving are his wife, Dolores; one daughter, Mrs. Gary (Nancy Jo) Lewison, Clearwater, Fla.; and one half-sister, Mrs. Edward (Annabelle) Labinski, Detroit, Mich. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Edward Friday and one half sister. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illiinois September 24, 1984 - Monday, pg A4]
LT. ROY FRIESEN - Injuries sustained Oct. 25 have resulted in the death of Lieut. Roy J. Friesen, pilot of a night fighter squadron In North Africa, according to an announcement to the family by the war department. The word was received Friday night by his wife, the former Miss Margaret McCue. Details are lacking. However. the war department stated that a letter would be forthcoming. Only meagre information has come through since Lieut. Friesen entered the hospital. The only direct word was a letter dictated by her husband on Nov. 1 to his nurse, in which he said that he and his radio operator were in the hospital as the result of a crackup. He said he was all in one piece and not to worry and that the boys visited them daily, indicating that he was near his squadron, which is thought to be near Algiers, A wire from the war department Nov. 17 stated that Lieut. Friesen was making normal improvement. Lieut. Friesen was graduated from the Sterling Township high school in 1936 and enlisted in the army air corps at Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 26, 1942. He had previously served a hitch in the United States Navy and after finishing yeoman school was assigned to the naval communications office and spent considerable time at, sea. While an aviation cadet at the Santa Ana, Calif., air base he and Miss McCue were married. He was commissioned at Williams Field, near Phoenix, Ariz., Aug. 8, 1942. Mrs. Friesen's parents, the late John J. McCue and Mrs. McCue attended the graduation exercises. Lt. and Friesen then went to Florida and he went to North Africa the middle of last July and Mrs. Friesen returned here just few days before her father's death. Lt. Friesen was born at Fairbury, Neb. Sept. 28. 1917, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John K. Friesen, now residing at Pasadena, Calif. After his graduation he was associated with his father in the furniture business in Sterling for one year before entering the navy. Surviving besides his wife, are his parents and two sisters, Betty and Joan Friesen of Pasadena. [Contributed by Jerry Thomas from The Sterling Gazette, November 27, 1943, Sterling, IL]
RUDOLPH A. FRIESKE, of 1901 6th Avenue, Sterling, died Wednesday afternoon (9 June 1965 ) at the age of 68. Mr. Frieske was born Aug. 30 1896 in Winemac, Ind., the son of William A. and Emma Arndt Frieske. He had served in the Army in World War I. He was united in marriage to Esther Rees on June 19, 1922 at Logansport, Ind. Mr. Frieske was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and of the Carpenters' Union Local 695. He is survived by his wife, Esther; one brother, William Frieske of Los Angeles, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Stewart of Cory, Colo., and Mrs. Lydia Freeman of Winemac, Ind. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Friday at the Allen Funeral home in Sterling with the Rev. Luther Cooperrider of St. John's Lutheran Church officiating with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home any time. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 10, 1965 - Thursday, pg 2]
BILLY FRITSCH - 51, died Thursday (02 September 1983) in a military hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, following a long illness. Funeral services were held in Hawaii. Billy Fritsch was born on Nov. 20, 1931. He was a pilot in the Marines for 30 years and flew oveer 300 combat missions in the Vietnam war. Since retiring, he has been a pilot with Royal Hawaiian Airlines in Hawaii. Surviving are his wife; one son, Billy Jr.; three step children; his mother Mayme Buchanan, Rock Falls; two brothers, Elder Fritsch, Rock Falls and Gary Fritsch, Tampico; one sister, Nyla Croy, Sterling. Preceding him in death were his father, Cecil of Tampico and one sister, Donna Roth, Belleville. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 6, 1983 - Tuesday, pg 10]
CECIL J. FRITSCH, 64, was killed Thursday afternoon in Fairfield Township, in an auto accident. He was born Sept. 23, 1902, in Manlius, (Bureau Co IL) the son of Elmer and Anna Fritsch. He was educated in the Manlius school. He had been a resident of Tampico for 23 years. He married Mamie Hollis of Walnut in 1927. He married Mae T. Barth of Decatur, in 1961. He was a member of the First Methodist Church, Tampico. He was a former assessor of Tampico Township, former grocer, and had been semi-retired since 1965. He was substituting as a rural mailcarrier at the time of his death. He is survived by three sons, Eldon, Rock Falls; Major Billy Fritsch, currently a Marine pilot in Vietnam; Gary, Deer Grove; two daughters, Mrs. Henry (Donna) Roth, Belleville; Mrs. Ronald (Hyla) Crag, Rock Falls; one sister, Mrs. Leona Hayden, Tampico; 11 grandchildren and several nieces. He was preceded by his parents and one brother Harold. Funeral services are pending word from the son in Vietnam. The Rev. Roger Baumeister of the Methodist Church, Tampico, and the Rev. Orville Cole of the EUB Church, Red Oak, will officiate. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel after 2 p.m. Saturday. Tampico - Double funeral services for Cecil Joseph Fritsch, 64, and his wife, Mae Fritsch, 57, of Tampico were held at Tampico First Methodist Church on Sunday at one o'clock. The Rev. Roger Baumeister of the Tampico Methodist Church and the Rev. Orville Cole, Red Oak EUB Church officiating. Kenneth Stabler of Tampico sang "Abide With Me" and Mrs. Owen Hurst of Walnut sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" accompanied by Mrs. David Hoover at the organ. The many floral tributes were cared for by Mrs. Virgil Peterson, Mrs. William Tornow, Mrs. Charles Hamblock and the Hillcrest Greenhouse. Interment was in Tampico Memorial Cemetery with Marvin Guither, Alvin Birkey, LaVern Johnson of Walnut, and Frank Thomas, Raymond Musche, Michael Donnelly, of Tampico serving as pallbearers. Tampico -- Mrs. Mae T. Fritsch, 57, Tampico, was killed in an auto accident that took the life of her husband also, in Fairfield Township, Thursday afternoon. She was born April 17, 1910, in Ohio, the daughter of William and Maude Parlier. She was educated in Ohio. She had lived in Tampico for six years. She married Albert Barth in 1925. She married Cecil J. Fritsch in 1961. She was a member of the EUB Church, Red Oak. She was also a member of World War II Mothers. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Genevieve) O'Malley, Sterling; Mrs. Charles (Alberta) Nusbaum, Dixon; Mrs. Lloyd (Arlene) Johnson, Deer Grove; one son, Eddie R. Barth, Walnut; one sister, Mrs. Ray Slover, Kewanee; 13 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services are pending word of the son in Vietnam. The Rev. Roger Baumeister of the First Methodist Church, and the Rev. Orville Cole of the Red Oak EUB Church will officiate. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel after 2 p.m. Saturday. [Contributed by Melva Taylor]
COREY DOUGLAS FRITSCH - Funeral riFuneral rites for Corey Douglas Fritsch, two, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary (Pat Tornow) Fritsch, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Schmitt Chapel, with the Rev. Alan Waisanen of the Tampico Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. today. Gary Douglas Fritsch was born Dec. 27, 1969 in Sterling. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, Tom and Rodney at home; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Tornow of Tampico; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Gordon Buchanan of Albion and maternal great grandmother, Mrs. Emma Johnson of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Cecil Fritsch; maternal great grandfather, Henry Johnson. An inquest is being held today to determine the cause of death. (The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois Octobeer 3, 1971 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 1 ) Services for Corey Douglas Fritsch were at the Schmitt Chapel in Tampico at 2 p.m. The Rev. Alan Waisanen of Tampico Baptist Church officiated. Organist Mrs. Arnold McCauley played special numbers "I'll Be A Sunbeam" and accompanied Miss Mary Peach as she sang "How Great Thou Art." Flowers were cared for by Mrs. John Joe Cooney and Mrs. Norden Scanlon. Interment was in Tampico Memorial Cemetery with James Henrekin, Ronald Keupker, George Hansen and Laverne Mickley serving as Casketbearers [Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 5, 1972 - Thursday, pg. 2, col. 3]
MARILYN ANN (PETERSON) FRITSCH, 61, OF 222 Martin Road, Rock Falls, died March 9, 1992, at KSB Hospital, Dixon. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. James Wener, pastor of the First Congregational Church, Rock Falls, officiating. Entombment will be at the Riverside Mausoleum. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the First Congregational Church, Rock Falls. Mrs. Fritsch was born Jan. 13, 1931, in Sterling, the daughter of Virgil and Fern (Carlson) Peterson. She married Elden Fritsch Aug. 5, 1950, in Tampico. She was the bookkeeper at the First Congreagational Church of Rock Falls. Surviving are her husband; two sons, Randy L. Fritsch of Rock Falls, and Gregg A. Fritsch of Edwardsville; four grandchildren; her father of Tampico; and one brother, LaVerne Peterson of Sterling. She was preceded in death by her mother. <BR>[Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 11, 1992 - Wednesday, pg A2]
EDITH (SHUCK) FRITZ, 74, of Sterling, died Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sterling Carter of 612 16th Ave, Sterling, following failing heath for several months. She was a teacher in the primary department of St. John's Lutheran Church Sunday School for 43 years and an active member of the Sterling Church since June 10, 1906. She was a member of the Social Circle and Harris Circle of the church. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at St. John Lutheran Church with Dr. Alfred Grewe, pastor of the church, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at Trouth Funeral Home until noon Monday when Mrs. fritz will be tahen to St. John Lutheran Church to lie in state until the hour of services. Edith Shuck was born Oct. 13, 1880 in Palymra Township, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Shuck. She was educated in Palymra and married Gus Fritz Feb. 28, 1906 in Dixon. Rev. Rutherford performed the ceremony and the couple immediately move to Sterling. Surviving are one son Daniel Fritz, of Elmhurst; three daughters, Mrs. Sterling (Mary) Carter, Mrs. Joseph (Mildred) Murphy of Grand Detour, and Mrs. Raymond (Myrtle) Fulfs, of Sterling; 14 grandchildren two great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Wilbur Bates, of Dixon; three brothers, Jacob, of Dixon; Richard, of Mapleton, Minn; and Clarence of Beloit, Wis.; in addition to many nices and nephews. she was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, who died Oct. 3, 1947, one sister, and four brothers. MORE ON THE FUNERAL -- Funeral services for Mrs. Edith Fritz was held Monday afternoon from St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Alfred Grewe, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. The body was taken from Trouth Funeral Home at noon yesterday to the church to lie in state until 2 p.m. the hour of the funeral. Mrs. Pearle Graehlling played the organ at the services while Phil Breiding sang "God will Take Care Of You." Pallbearers were Wayne Fritz, Art Fritz, William Shuck, Robert Shuck, Gene Bates, and Russell Shuck. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Theodore Behrends, Mrs. Ralph Thomas, Mrs. Nevin Loux, Mrs. Albert Breiding, and Swartley's Florists.
GLADYS M. (HOUSTON) FRITZ, 72, of 211 10th Ave., Rock Falls, died Friday morning in Community General Hospital. Funeral services will be announced upon completion by the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home. Mrs. Fritz was born Jan. 9, 1900 in Rock Falls, the daughter of Edwin and Ellen Aitken Houston. She was united in marriage to Bruce H. Fritz who preceded her in death April 13, 1954. Mrs. Fritz was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rock Falls. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edward (Marjorie) McAndrews of Rock Falls; three sons, Edwin of Woodridge, Vernon of Rockford, and Robert of Bettendorf, Iowa; one brother, Arthur J. Houston of Sterling; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Zemke in May of this year and one son Wendell. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 23, 1972 - Friday, page 2]
GUS A. FRITZ, 75, 716 Locust St. passaway at the public hosital at 1:45 Friday afternoon. Mr. Fritz entered the hospital Wed. evening suffering from a heart attack. The remains were taken to the Trouth undertaking parlor, and was removed to the family residence Saturday morning. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon Oct. 5, at 2:30 at the home and at 3 o'clock at St. John Lutheran Church Rev. Dr. Alfred Grewe officiating. Burial will be in Riverside. Mr. Fritz was born Sept. 16, 1872, in West Prussia, Germany. He Came here as a young man and settle in Sterling where he has since resided. He was married to Miss. Edith Anna Shuck at Dixon. She survives him as does one son and three daughters. They are daniel Fritz of Dixon ; Mrs Sterling Carter, Mrs. Joseph Murphy of Dixon, and Miss Myrtle Fritz of Sterling. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and two brothers William, of Oregon and Ferinand of Sterling. His parents two brothers, and three sisters preceded him in death.
JOHN FRITZ, The owner and operator of Fritz Redi-Mix and Trucking Co., John Fritz, 61, 402 E. 11th St. Rock Falls, died Monday night (1 Dec 1975) at Community General Hospital after a short illness. Fritz, a strong backer of youth activities, sponsored bowling teams as well as girls baseball teams during his many years in the community. Funeral services will be held with a prayer service on Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Mass of the Resurrection at 10 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church with the Rev. William F. Myer, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Rosary will be recited Wed., at 8 p.m. A memorial has been established in his memory to St. Andrews Catholic Church Building Fund. Fritz was born on Sept. 12, 1914 in Deer Grove, the son of Charles and Minnie Baker Fritz. He was united in marriage to the former Eva Johnson on Feb. 1, 1947. He was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church in Rock Falls, serving as an usher for many years. He was a veteran of W.W. 2, serving as staff sergeant in the Philippine Islands and was a member of the Rock Falls Legion Post 902. He is survived by his widow Eva, one son, Terry, in the business with his father, one daughter, Debra, a student at Western University in Macomb, one grandson, two brothers, Donald of Walnut, and Leo of Littleton, Colorado; three sisters, Mrs. Lyle (Kay) Padgett and Mrs. Floyd E. (Margaret) Clapp, both of Walnut; and Mrs. Howard (Alice) Ross of Princeton. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Mary Knoll, he also leaves many nieces and nephews. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 2, 1975 - Tuesday, pg 6]
JOYCE L. (ANDERSON) FRITZ, 72, of Sterling died Monday, June 16, 2003, after an illness. She was employed by Mercy Health Care as a certified nurses aide for several years. Mrs. Fritz was born April 27, 1931, in Princeton, the daughter of Clarence and Ruth (Kelly) Anderson. She married Marion Fritz on Oct. 19, 1949, in Walnut. He died Feb. 17, 1984. She was a member of Harvest Time Bible Church, Rock Falls, and Sterling Moose. She enjoyed crocheting and doing crafts. Survivors include a daughter, Deborah K. (James) Kerns of Sterling; two sons, Marvin Fritz of St. Augustine, Fla., and Marion Fritz of Ashton; two brothers, the Rev. William Anderson of Pekin and David Anderson of Moline; three sisters, Lois Johnson of Princeton, Shirley Haas of Moline and Marilyn Nesbitt of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. William Anderson officiating. Burial is at Walnut Cemetery [Daily Gazette 17 June 2003]
LOREN DALE FRITZ, 22, 908 1st Ave., Sterling, died suddenly Thursday morning, (21 Jul 1983) drowning in Leisure Lake, Rock Falls. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with Rev. Carl J. Zager, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Friends may call at the funeral home form 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m A memorial has been established in his memory. Loren Fritz was born on July 20, 1961, in Sterling, the son of Thomas Eugene and Shirley Ann McCleary Fritz. He was a 1980 graduate of Sterling High School. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fritz, Sterling; three brothers, Scott and Rodney, both of Sterling, and Craig of Long Beach, Calif.; one sister, Debra Graham, Sterling; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Durr, Sterling; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mildred McCleary, Sterling, and paternal great grandmother Mrs. Bessie Van Dusen, Rock Falls. He is preceded by his maternal grandfather, Roy McCLeary, one brother, and one sister. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls Illinois July 25, 1983 - Monday, pg A4
THOMAS C. FRITZ, of 302 East 7th St., Rock Falls, died suddenly Sunday afternoon (5 March 1967). Born Dec. 5, 1900 in Bowie, Texas, he was the son of Amos and Mary Fritz. A resident of Sterling practically his entire life he was for the past 47 years employed by National Manufacturing Company. He was married to Mrs. Catherine Cole, June 10, 1947, in South Beloit, Illinois. Surviving besides his widow are a stepson, Clarence Cole of South Beloit, one step-daughter, Mrs. Lyle (Betty) Brooks of Tony, Wis., nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. There are a number of nieces and nephews in this area. His parents, several brothers and sisters preceded including Chester Hagerman, Mrs. Tony Bartel and Mrs. Fred Schumacher. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home. The Rev. Dwight Knasel, pastor of the Free Methodist Church of Sterling, will officaite and burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 6, 1967 - Monday, pg 2]
WILLIAM HENRY FRITZ, - passed away Saturday evening at 9:30 o'clock at his home, 212 Eleventh Avenue, after an illness of three weeks. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. S. B. Wirsching, pastor of the Rock Falls Methodist Church, Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the family home, and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Mr. Fritz was born in 1850, and spent most of his life in this vicinity. Mrs. Fritz preceded him in death 28 years ago, and for the past 13 years he made his home with his son, Edwin Fritz, and family. Three sons, George W., Walter B. and Grover C. Fritz, also preceded him in death, and he is survived by the following sons and daughters: Mrs. Julia Drucilla Elgin, wife of Albert Elgin of Rockford; Mrs. Lily May Weaver, wife of John Weaver of Rock Falls; Mrs. Caroline Ricketts, wife of Ed Ricketts of Union Bridge, Maryland; Mrs. Birdie Weaver, wife of Freemont Weaver of Woodlawn; William Edward Fritz and Clifford Fritz of Rock Falls; Edwin Fritz of Sterling, and Fulton, Frank and Arnold Fritz, of Wessington Springs, S. Dak. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive, beside many friends. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 9, 1927 - Monday, pg 10]
ROBERT P. FROETER, 76, of Sterling died July 30, 2005 at CGH. He was employed by Engineered Roofing of Sterling as a roofer, retiring in 1986. He was born March 12, 1929 in Sterling the son of Edward Joseph and Marion (Ondeck) Froeter. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He married Bobbie J. Purvis in 1977. He was a member of Moose Lodge 726, American Legion Post 296, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 326 and the Knights of Columbus, all in Sterling. He enjoyed cooking for the knights of Columbus and working jigsaw puzzles. Survivors include his wife; five sons Kevin, Craig, Todd and Kory all of Sterling and Christopher of Evanston; a sister Eheila Crain of Springfield and nine granchildren, Carrie, Jennifer, Rebecca, Kathryn, Paul, Erin, Alex, Joseph and Ruby. He was preceded by a brother Richard. Services at McDonald Funeral Home, with the Rev. Paul C. White pastor of Sacred heart Catholic Church officiating. Military honors will follow.
VIOLA (BECK) FROMMELT, 105, died Thursday Feb. 17, 2005 at Coventry Village. Mrs. Frommelt was born Sept. 24, 1899 in Waumandee, Wis., the daughter of Alfred and Anna (Liebenberg) Beck. She married Arthur E. Frommelt on Dec. 15, 1923, in Wisconsin. He preceded her in death in 1967. Survivors include one son, Arthur Frommelt of Sterling; two grandchildren, Dan C. Frommelt of Sterling and David C. (Vicky) Frommelt of Tremont; and one great-grandchild, Derek Frommelt of Tremont. Private funeral service is Saturday Feb. 19,2005 with the rev. Tony Hawkins officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll in Sterling. There is no visitation. [Sterling Gazette February 18, 2005]
HERBERT FROST, son of Rev. John Frost who was pastor of the M.E. church of Morrison in 1867, died of pneumonia at East Saginaw, Mich., March 19th last (1891?). He was a graduate of the State University at Ann Arbor, Mich., and was professor of greek and Latin at the East Saginaw High School at the time of his death. His father who filled apointments in several Methodist churches in this county, will be remembered by older citizens and his brother W.S. Frost, for sometime telegraph operator in this city, will be remembered by the most of our people. The notices of Herbert's death in Michigan papers are exceedingly favorable, and a useful life has been cut off in its eginning.
SHERYL KAE FROST, five week old daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Harold J. Frost of Tampico, passed away at the Sterling Public Hospital Thursday at 2:45 a.m. The child was taken to the hospital last Saturday for treatment of a collapsed lung caused by an enlarged heart. Graveside rites will be conducted Friday at 10 a.m. at the Tampico Memorial Cemetery by the Rev. Melvin Fiscus of the Erie Christian Church. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois October 11, 1945 - Thursday, pg 12]
AMANDA (ZIEGLER-SIEGLER) FRY died Sunday morning about 6 o'clock at her home a mile and a half north of Emerson. She had been ill for the past year. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 11:30 o'clock at the late home and at 2:30 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran church. Rev. E.C. Harris officiating. Burial will be in Riverside. Beside her husband John Fry, she leaves the following children; Arthur, at home, Mrs. Nellie Scott, Mrs. Bessie Scott and Mrs. Maude Johnson of Galt. [Contributed by Jean Portner]
ANN DETWEILER (WISMER) FRY, died Saturday evening (August 8, 1903) at the home of her daughter Miss Martha Fry on Third street, after an illness of only a few day. Ann Wismer was born October 26, 1831, near Philadelphia, Pa. She was married to Joseph Fry October 10, 1853. In 1853 they moved to the west and settled in this vicinity where they resided until the time of their deaths. Six children were born to them,John, Matilda, Emily, Martha, Josephine, and Henry, all of whom survive their parents except Josephine who died in infancy. The husband passed to the beyond thirteen years ago last June, since which time Mrs. Fry has made her home with her daughter Martha where she received the most tender care from her children in her decliningyears. Nineteen years ago under the ministry of Rev. T.W. Grafton of the Christian church she made a public confession of her faith in her Saviour although she had been a devout believer since childhood. Of her truly may be said. Her children rise up and call her blessed. The funeral will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Christian church in this city. The cortege moved at 2:30 o'clock from the residence on 3rd St. to the church, where a large company of sorrowing relatives and sympathizing friends had gathered to pay their last tribute of respect in the memory of the departe done. The Rev. W.E. Spicer, pastor of the Christian church, spoke words of comfort and cheer to the bereaved relatives and gave a glowing tribute to the life which had been lived with so much Christian grace and love and care for those about her. After the services the procession was formed again and moved slowly to the Riverside cemetery where the remains were laid to rest with great tnderness. Among those from away who attended the funeral were Henry Fry from Abingdon IL and a number of relatives from Malvern. Two daughters of Mrs. Fry were unable to be present on account of illness in their families. One lives in Canada and the other in Kansas. [Contributed by Jean Portner]
ARTHUR SIGLER FRY, Route 3, Sterling, died early this morning at Colonial Acres Rest Home, Sterling, after an extended illness. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Melvin Funeral Home, the Rev. David Fouts, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Sterling will officiate and burial will be in the Walnut Cemetery at Walnut. Arthur S. Fry was born Sept. 26, 1884 in Jordan Township, the son of John R. and Amanda E. Sigler Fry. He farmed in Hopkins Township his entire life. His wife Hazel A. Fry, preceded Dec. 26, 1960. He was a member of Rock River Lodge No. 612, A.F. and A.M. Eastern Star, Sterling Lodge and the Galt Grange. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. bessie Scott of Sterling and Mrs. Maude Boyd of Prophetstown. [Contributed by Jean Portner]
HAZEL (BURTON) FRY, 63, Rt. 3, Sterling, passed away at 4 a.m. Monday while a patient in Illinois Research Hospital, Chicago, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Melvin Funeral Home, Rev. Ridell Kelsey pastor of the First Methodist Church officiating, assisted by Rev. Shiffer, pastor-emeritus of Rock Falls Christian Church. Burial will be in Walnut Cemetery. Mrs. Fry was born April 26, 1897 in Yorktown, a daughter of the late John and Minnie Mathis Burton. Mrs. Fry, a resident of the area since 1917, was a member of the Sterling Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois, and the First Methodist Church of Sterling and a member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. Hazel A. Burton was united in marriage to Arthur S. Fry Feb. 18, 1924 in Sterling. She is survived by her husband and a sister, Mrs. Leonard (Mildred) Franks of Deer Grove. [Contributed by Jean Portner]
JOHN ROSENBERGER FRY, 81, a resident of north of Emerson for approximately 36 years, passed away at his home Friday evening about 6:30 o'clock. Funeral rites will be held Monday afternoon at Wheelock's funeral home in Rock Falls at 2 o'clock, with Rev. James Q. Moore of LaHarpe, Ill., officiating. Interment will be in the Riverside cemetery. He was born Oct. 19, 1858 in Palmyra township, Lee county, son of Jacob and barbara Rosenburger Fry. He was wed to Amanda E. Sigler, who preceded him in death several years ago. Surviving are a son, Arthur Fry, at home, three daughters, Mrs. Nellie Scott of south of Galt, Mrs. Bessie Scott of Galt, and Mrs. Maude Boyd of Tampico, a sister, Mrs. Ellen Stewart of Dixon, a half sister, Mrs. Robert Drane of Sterling, and two half brothers, George Frye of Rock Falls and Uriah Frye of Phoenix, Ariz. He was also preceded in death by twin children. [Contributed by Jean Portner]
JOHN SPRINGER FRY : The remains of John Fry were brought from Malvern last sunday and interred in the Jordan Lutheran Church burying grounds. Mr. Fry was years old and about 26 years ago owned the farm now owned by H.L. John and lived there for sevreal years. [Contributed by Jean Portner
JOHN W. FRY : Miss Martha Fry of this city is in receipt of word of the death of her brother, John W. Fry, formerly of this city, who passed away a week ago at his home in Kalispell, Mont. The funeral was held at that place and burial was in the Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Fry was born Oct. 14, 1855, in Montgomery County, Pa. At the ate of one year he was brought to this city by his parents. He grew to manhood here. August 13, 1886 he wsa united in marriage with Miss Laura O'Hare and the couple resided in Rock Falls until 1910 when they moved to Elmo Mont. In 1925 they retired from the marm and moved to Kalispell, where they have since resided. Besides his wife he is survived by three sons, Floyd H. Fry of Missoula Mont. Louis E. Fry of Kalispell, Mont., and John L. Fry of Cut Bank, Mont., and one daughter, Mrs. Matilda Stanley of San Diego Calif., also two sisters, Mrs. Matilda Bear of Nebraska, and Miss Fry of this city. [Contributed by Jean Portner]
JOSEPH R. FRY : Death is always with us. Nearly everybody in town remembers to have seen Joseph Frey sitting on the corner of one of our main streets selling fish. Day before yesterday he was up town, and feeling ill he started home, and got home with difficulty. He seemed better soon after, and yesterday afternoon was taken with a severe spell, and at seven o'clock died from heart trouble and a rush of blood to the head. He was fifty-four years old and had been a citizen of this county for thirty-three years. During the war he was a member of Henshaw's Battery. The funeral will take place at his home on West 8th street, tomorrow, and burial will take place in the West Jordan cemetery. Mr Frey was a quiet, inoffensive citizen, and for years had been engaged in the fish business.
Another Notice:: Joseph Fry the man who has been seen for so long selling fish at the corner of 3rd street and First avenue, died yesterday afternoon, with a head trouble, after an illness of a few hours. He was about sixty years odld, and leaves a wife and two sons and two daughters. He was a member of the Christian church. Mr.Fry resided in Sterling for many years. He was a soldier in the late war, being a member of Henshaw's battery. The funeral will occur from his home on west 8th street on Friday. [Contributed by Jean Portner]
MARTHA FRY, passed away Thursday at the Methodist Old peoples home in Chicago where she had resided since Sept. 26, 1943. The body arrived here this afternoon at 12:30, and was removed to the Woods funeral home where it may be viewed by friends. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 at the funeral home, Rev. A.J. Tavenner, pastor of the Fourth Street Methodist church of which she was a member will officiate. Burial will be in Ricerside Cemetery. Miss Martha Fry was born April 16, 1861, in Jordan township, a daughter of Joseph R. and Ann D. Wismer Fry. She came to Sterling with her parents in the fall of 1862 and always resided here until going to the Methodist home. In 1903, she becme a chiropodist and practiced until 1939. She is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Emily Babcock of Ontario Canada, Mrs. O.S. Bare of Clearwater, Neb. and Miss Matilda Fry also of Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Josephine and two brothers, John and Henry Fry. [Contributed by Jean Portner]
NATHAN T. FRY, 50 of Thomson died Monday June 19, 2006 at his home. He was born on September 25, 1955 in Rock Island, IL the son of John T. and Betty (Foster) Fry. He served in the US Army as an MP from 1976-1982. He married Petra "Pete" Conrad May 23, 1980 in Sterling. Nathan was employed as a police officer having served the communities of Rock Falls, Fulton, Thomson and Savanna and also for the Illinois State Police Task Force. He was the owner and operator of E Z - Shade Tree Movers in Thomson and the Riverview Store and Tap in Thomson. He was an active member of Thomson Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid shotgun and archery deer hunter. Surviving is his wife, Petra; his daughters Morgan Fry and Jamie Fry both of Thomson; his mother Betty Fry of Sterling; his brothers Brian (Teresa) Fry of Andalusia, IL and Cameron (Andrea) Fry of Sterling; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father John T. Fry; his brother John Anthony Fry; his grandparents and a cousin Jeffrey Fry. Funeral services will be Friday June 23, 2006 at 10 AM in the McDonald Funeral Home 1002 12th Avenue in Rock Falls with the Reverend Ron Abbott officiating. Burial with militray rites will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling.
TESSIE (PARKHURST) FRY, 97, of Prophets Riverview Center, formerly of Sterling, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005 at the nursing home. Mrs. Fry was born Oct. 3, 1907 in Lyndon, the daughter of William and Josephine 9Poole) Parkhurst. She was a graduate of Lyndon High School and Browns' Business College. Sterling. She married Donald W. Fry on July 14, 1929, in Rock Falls. He died in 1969. Survivors include a daughter, Cheryl (Robert) Gipson of Port Byron; two stepgranchildren, three foster grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sister, Hazel Funderburg, Ruth Spotts and Eva Vincent; and a brother, Cecil Parkhurst. Graveside service is a 2 p.m. Thursday at Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. There is no visitation.
BERNARD FULFS, was born in Prairievelle, Sep. 16, 1852. The family soon moved to Genesee Twp, where entered into Holy matrimony with Marie Radick, Feb 21, 1878, in Genesee Twp, where he entered into Holy matrimony with Marie Radick on Feb. 21, 1878 in Genesee. Bernhard died on March 10, 1936, at 5 o'clock in the morning at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 4 days. He leaves to mourn his death, his wife Marie, 1 son Frank of Jordan, 1 daughter Annie, wife of Henry Johnson of Sterling, 6 grandchildren and 2 gr-grandchildren, and 1 brother, John in Genessee Twp., 1 son Fredie and 2 brothers, Frank and Henry preceded his in death. He leaves many others and a host of friends. [Contributed by Sue Nesland - Sterling Gazette dated 18 Mar 1936, Pg 2, C 1.]
ELIZABETH W. (JOHNSON) FULFS, 73, of 408 4th Avenue, Rock Falls died December 18, 1958 in Home Hospital. She had been in poor health for two years and seriously ill for three weeks. Lizzie was born October 14, 1885 in Genesee Township, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Johnson. She resided on the family farm until her marriage October 19, 1905 to Bernhard Fulfs. The wedding was in her parent's home with Rev. Holterman officiating. The couple resided many years on Fulfs Road, where Mr. Fulfs farmed. Following his death in May 1949, Mrs. Fulfs moved to Sterling and then to Rock Falls. She was a member of the Ladies Aid of the West Jordan Lutheran Church. Mrs. Lizzie Fulfs is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mildred (Martin) Habben, Sterling; two granddaughters and four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Anna (Thaddeus M.) Davis, Sterling and Mrs. Hannah (Emanuel) Wolber, Emerson; two brothers, Charles F. (Dena) Johnson of Emerson and Bernard "Ben†Johnson of Sterling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernhard, parents, four sisters, two brothers, and one child in infancy. Visitation was held at the Behrens Mortuary and service were held at the West Jordan Lutheran Church with the Rev. J.F. Eshbaugh officiating. Burial was at the adjacent church cemetery. Pallbearers were John Wolber, LeRoy Davis, George Bruns, Harry Fulfs, Roy Hoover, and Kenneth Fulfs. Ushers were John Schipper and Floyd Pratt. [Contributed by Barry Johnson]
MARIE W. (REED) FULFS, 90, of Sterling died Saturday, July 12, 2003 at CGH Medical Center. Mrs. Fulfs was born April 18, 1913, in Sterling, the daughter of Ferguson and Laura (Weaver) Reed. She married Harry J. Fulfs on Jan. 11, 1936, at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Sterling. He died Oct. 30, 1998. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church Sterling. She enjoyed flowers and playing cards. Survivors include three sons Larry (Marilyn) Fulfs of Winslow Lyle Fulfs of LeClaire, Iowa, am Denny Fulfs of Sterling; a daughter Debra (Wayne) Waggoner of Mishawaka, Ind.; a brother Clarence "Bud" (Leone) Reed of Sterling; a sister, Lola Connell of Monroe, Ohio; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by brother, Donald Reed; and three sisters, Mildred Schmitt, Mariar Reecher and Evelyn Nawerth. The funeral is at 2:30 p.m Tuesday at Schilling Funeral Home Sterling, with the Rev. David Beckstrom officiating. Visitation is from 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial is at a later date at Oak Knoll Memorial Park Sterling [Sterling Daily Gazette 13 July 2003]
MARY FULFS - Services for Mrs. Mary Fulfs who died Wednesday were held Friday afternoon in the Melvin Funeral Home and the West Jordan Lutheran Church. Burial was in the church cemetery. Lyle Dirks sang "Rock of Ages," and "Going Down the Valley One By One," accompanied by Mrs. Lawrence Dirks at the organ. Pallbearers were Harry and Kenneth Fulfs, Martin Habben, Lawrence and Donald Stern and Elmer Reins. Mrs. Kenneth Fulfs, Mrs. Harry Fulfs, Mrs. Martin Haben and Mrs. Harold Higby were in charge of flowers. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 29, 1954 - Monday, pg 2]
ROBERT B. FULFS - 57, 512 St. Mary's Road, Sterling, died Sunday morning at Amboy Hospital. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Allen Funeral Home in Sterling, with the Rev. Richard Hanson, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery. Robert B. Fulfs was born on March 15, 1915 in Jordan Township, the son of Frank and Emma Johnson Fulfs. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Jordan and transferred to St. John's Lutheran Church 30 years ago. He was united in marriage to the former Nollys Keebler on March 24, 1934 and the couple had farmed until moving to their home on St. Mary's Road. Survivors include his widow; one son, Richard R., Sterling; one daughter, Mrs. Jane Robinson of Rock Falls; his mother, Mrs. Emma Fulfs, Sterling; one sister, Mrs. Roy (Verna) Hoover, RR2, Sterling; seven grandchildren. He was preceded by his father and one sister, Leona in infancy. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 8, 1972 - Monday, page 2]
NETTIE (DOBERS) FULLER, 97, of Erie died May 24, 2005 at Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center. She was a bus driver for Erie Schools. Mrs. Fuller was born Jun 1, 1907 in Erie, the daughter of John and Katie Jane (Miller) Dobers. She amrried Richard Fuller in June 1930. He died March 11, 1992. Survivors include a daughter Barbara Fuller-Curry of Erie; a son Richard Jr. of Geneseo; six grandchildren adn nine great-grandchildren. The funeral is at Gibson Funeral Home in Erie, Saturday. Burial in Erie Cemetery. [Contributed by Jan Roggy
THOMAS BROWN FULLER, was born in Little Britain, Lancaster county, Pa., September 23, 1836, where he grew to manhood. He came to Illinois in the spring of 1858. He was married to Catherine Warner, Dec. 6, 1860 and to them eleven children were born, Jacob H. of Lake City, Ia., James T. of Jordan, Norman W. of Prosser, Wash., Anna Mary, deceased, Mrs. Frank Wolber of Jordan, Rollan A. of Jul Junction, Ia., Ruth Ellen of Jordan, Reuben C. of Jordan, Mrs. Ed Neikirk of Milledgeville, Fannie Jane deceased, and Catherine Mae of Jordan. He lived in Jordan forty-seven years. He was an industrious man and earned a great deal of money, besides rearing his large family he paid for a home. He was a lover of the beautiful, especially of flowers, always stopping to admire them. He had been in poor health for many months and knew he could not recover. He grew weaker from day to day until he slept the last sleep on Wednesday, August 22. The funeral was held Friday and was largely attended and the interment was at East Jordan. The bearers were Amos Sanford, George Wareheim, Nelson and John Adam Jacob, Samuel Talbott and John Dick. Rev. King spoke words of consolation. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers from friends of the deceased. The living children were all present at the funeral except Norman Fuller of Washington. He will be missed not only by his family but by the neighborhood. [Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated 1905 Scrapbook Clipping]
MARY ELIZABETH (JONES) FULRATH, 76, died Tuesday evening (4 Sep 1973) at the Good Samaritan Center, Mt. Carroll. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Frank Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home Thursday evening from 7 -9 p.m. The Rev. N. C. Anderson, pastor of the Community Church of Chadwick, will officiate. Mary Fulrath was born Sept. 10, 1896 in Carroll County, the daughter of Newman and Nellie Davis Jones. She married Walter Fulrath. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Merle (Dorothy) Zink, Chadwick; Mrs. Merle (June) James, Sterling; one son, Raymond; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; three brothers, John, Mt. Carroll; Thomas, Wisconsin; Walter, Thomson; four sisters, Mrs. Orville (Florence) Lantz, Fulton; Mrs. Milo (Mabel) Alford, Chadwick; Mrs. Ada McCray and Mrs. Lyle (Margaret) Richter, both of Mt. Carroll. She was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 5, 1973 - Wednesday, pg 2]
MATILDA (BERGE) DAMBROSKI FUNDSTEIN, 85, 611 W. 10th St., Sterling, died Thursday morning (11 August 1983) at the Skilled Care Center, Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with the Rev. James Kragness officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. The body will be taken to the church at noon for viewing until time of service. Friends may call at the Behrens Blair Funeral home Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mrs. Fundstein was born Feb. 4, 1898 in Whiteside County, daughter of Conrad and Mary Agnes Scheu Berge. She married John Dombroski Dec. 3, 1917 in Genesee Township by the Rev. Arthur Oetting. She married Ffloyd Fundstein in 1953. She was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church. Survivors include four children; two daughters, Mrs. Floyd (Adeline) Sheehan, Coleta; Mrs. Jack (Dorothy) Bond, Stillman Valley; two sons, Lester and Elmer Dombroski, Sterling; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and two brothers, Arthur Berge, Sterling, and Clarence Berge, Lyndon. She was preceded by her parents, both husbands, three sisters, two brothers, one granddaughter and one step-son. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 11, 1983 - Thursday, pg A4]
BERTHA L. (TALMADGE) FUNK, 83, RR 2 Sterling, died unexpectedly Sunday morning in her home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Myrvin L. Holmberg, interim pastor of St. John's officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday. The body will be taken to the church at 11:30 a.m. to lie in state until the hour of the services. Mrs. Funk was born on Nov. 25, 1890 in Ashton, the daughter of Frank and Mary Feldkirchner Talmadge. She was united in marriage to James Shirley Funk on Dec. 16, 1908 at Nelson and lived her entire life in the Sterling, Nelson, Dixon and Stone Station areas. She had been a member of St. John's Lutheran Church since 1917. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Vera Carter, Sterling, Mrs. LeRoy (Florence) Johnson, RR3 Sterling; Mrs. RS. Robert (Dorothy) Marsh, RR2 Rock Falls; and Mrs. Alice Diehl, Sterling; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Herman (Adeline) Schick, Dixon; and Mrs. Charles (Hattie) Welker, Brookville. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and one brother. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois]
ELI ANDREW FURRY, 84, Tampico, died Thursday morning (25 December 1969) at Moline after an extended illness. Visitation will be held after 1 p.m. Friday in the Schmitt Chapel, Tampico. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the chapel by the Rev. Raymond Good of the Tampico United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Eli Andrew Furry was born in Tennessee June 16, 1885, the son of John and Anna Forrer. He was united in marriage with Dora Hansen Fullerton Sept. 28, 1918 in Davenport, Iowa. He had resided in Tampico vicinity for the past 60 years and farmed for many years before retiring and moving in to Tampico. Surviving with the widow, Mrs. Dora Furry of Tampico, are a step-son, Edward Fullerton and a grandson, Stacy Fullerton, both of Prophetstown and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers. [Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 26, 1969 - Friday, pg 2]
JOHN P. FURRY, died at his home in Jordan township at eleven o'clock on Saturday night, August 4, 1906. He was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, November 22, 1817. His mother died when he was five years old. His father married again but in seven years he died leaving one son and two daughters. The stepmother did well for the children but was not able to keep them together, so they were sent out in the world with strangers and sometimes their homes were not what they should have been. He was finally bound out until he was of age but ran away and did the best he could for himself. At the age of twenty-seven he married Harriet Goodenow of Spring Water, New York, He carried on farming for four years when he came to Whiteside county in September, 1848, where he has since lived. Mrs. Furry died March 31, 1859. There were six children. Albert and Gilbert, twin boys, died in December 1853; Mrs. Nellie Jacobs, died February 23, 1905; Mrs. Mary C. Talbott, living in Polo, George W. Furry in Seattle and Mrs. Ella MIller who with her husband has kept his home for twenty-five years and John Dickinson of Jordan who was made a member of the family in 1846, are those who are left of his immediate family. Besides these there are nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. On March 5, 1861, Mr. Furry was married to Nancy Holly who died July 27, 1881. Mr. Furry coming here in 1848 was closely identified with the history of Jordan township, being at its organization and attending every town meeting until he became too feeble to get there. He was always interested in the advancement of the world and never grew old in mind. He was fond of traveling and saw a large part of the United States. He was very fond of company and took great delight in visiting his old friends and was always glad to welcome them to his home. He came to Whiteside when there were few people there and little to do with, when there was hard work everywhere and few conveniences or comforts. For a number of years he had charge of the Coe saw mill, on Elkhorn Creek just east of the farm residence of the late Dr. L. S. Pennington. In 1850 he bought his farm, J. F. Coe (Doc Coe) mortgaging his own farm to secure it, as it was school land. He lived to see this county in a high state of cultivation, with fine homes and excellent school houses and churches and enjoyed very much the telephone and rural mail delivery. He was taken sick in the last of June of pleurisy from which he did not recover, refusing food for more than a month his strength kept up so that on the day of his death he could turn himself in bed. He died without a struggle, merely stopped breathing at nearly the closed of his eighty-ninth year. The funeral was held at West Jordan Lutheran church August 7, Rev. Paetznick officiating, and the interment being at Science Ridge Cemetery. [Contributed by Karen Fyock]
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