Leo Floyd Zemke

Leo Floyd Zemke, beloved husband, dad and grandpa, passed away at home, into the arms of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary on October 4, 2012.

Leo was born in Mt. Carroll on March 19, 1927, son of Emil and Ruth Slifer Zemke. He attended Mt. Carroll schools, graduating in 1945. He joined the United States Navy in 1945 ad was stationed at Bremerton, Washington. He attended Shimer College when he returned home. He married Cecilia Hawk on April 28, 1952 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna.

Most of Leo’s working years were spent with the Middle State Telephone Company (now Century Link). After retirement, he worked for Swiss Valley Farms and operated a telephone repair service, Zemke Telcom.

He had a great faith in God and was a dedicated member of SS John and Catherine Catholic Church where he served as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, and Homebound Eucharistic Minister for those in Big Meadows, Good Samaritan and those confined to their own homes. A great highlight of Leo’s life was his pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Leo was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Treasurer, Grand Knight, and Faithful Navigator of Monsignor Conley Assembly #1490.

He was a 60-year member of the American Legion Post #67 and was a Past Post Commander. He never wanted to miss the yearly Memorial Day parade; his most memorable parade was the one in which his grandson who was serving in the Air Force marched with him.

Leo lived his entire life in Mt. Carroll except for his service in the Navy. He was a boisterous Mt. Carroll Hawks football and basketball fan. He bowled on several leagues over a 59-year period. He helped to light the star and cross in Oakhill Cemetery for many years. He shared his humor and goodwill in abundance. He enjoyed his time with friends and family, playing cards, bowling, golfing with his son Leo at Oakville Country Club where he was a member, and playing the part of Scrooge in the annual Christmas Walk. He fed the birds that wintered over in his backyard and enjoyed the daily newspaper’s crossword puzzle.

Leo is loved and will be missed by his wife of 60 years, Cecilia; his children, Kathie of Macomb, and Leo Francis (Tina) of Mt. Carroll; grandchildren Leo Frank (Kimberly) of Jones, Alabama, Saul and Joshua of Mt. Carroll, and Bethany Worrell of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; step-great-grandson Dylan Cole of Jones, Alabama; brothers-in-law William (Jeannie) Hawk and Francis Hawk, and sister-in-law Barbara Schnitzler all of Mt. Carroll; 7 nieces and nephews and their families; and special family friends Melissa Baker and Larry Miller.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Carol Hawk, brother-in-law Alvin Schnitzler, and father and mother-in-law Bill and Mary Hawk.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at SS. John and Catherine Catholic Church, Mt. Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, with military rites accorded by the Mt. Carroll American Legion, Post #67. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2012 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll, with a rosary service following at 8:00 p.m. Condolences may be left for the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Leo and his Family appreciate the care they received from FHN Hospice.

Velda N. Zumdahl

Velda N. Zumdahl, 92, of Sterling, died Wednesday, September, 26, 2012 in her home. Velda was born June 8, 1920 in Chadwick, the daughter of Spurgeon S. and Beulah (Saylor) Harter. She married Emmert G. Zumdahl on March 29, 1941 in Chadwick.

She was preceded in death by her husband Emmert (January 6, 2009); brother Spurgeon Harter; Sister Emily Ann Hawkins and daughter-in-law Nancy (Wagenknecht) Zumdahl.

Survivors include three sons: Steven (Susan) Zumdahl of Seymour; Mark (Margaret) Zumdahl of Sterling; David (Susan) Zumdahl of Byron, grandchildren: Whitney (Scott) Hendrie; Leslie (Steve) Wettergren; Sunshine (Tony) Cavalluzzi; Tyler Arena; Sarah (Aaron) Johnson; Michael (Erika) Zumdahl; Matthew Zumdahl; Scott (Erin) Zumdahl; Gregory (Therese) Zumdahl; Amy McCormick, and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

Velda lived nearly all of her life in Chadwick, born on the Hinkle Farm just west of town then residing in the same house on Snow Avenue for 80 years. She and Emmert moved to Sterling in 2006. She graduated from Chadwick High School in 1936, attended Scoville Business College and worked at Kable News as a bookkeeper before her marriage to Emmert in 1941. She later worked as a bookkeeper for Heyer Manufacturing and the Chadwick Cheese factory after her sons were raised.

She was a warm hostess, excellent cook and welcoming to everyone. She made pie the old fashioned way.

She was a lifelong member of Hope United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, was a youth leader and taught Sunday school for many years. She loved the Lord and enriched the lives of others. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the First Congregational Church of Sterling (311 2nd Ave.) with the Reverend Jeff Coester, pastor, officiating, assisted by Pastor Melwin Alagodi, of Chadwick United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:45 AM prior to services at the church.

A memorial has been established to Hope United Methodist Church of Chadwick, and First Congregational Church of Sterling.

Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com.

Robert Allen Wilson

Robert Allen Wilson, age 67, of Savanna, Illinois died Sunday, September 23, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 27, 2012 at the Assembly of God Church, Savanna. With Pastor Gary Abney officiating. A memorial fund has been established in Robert’s name.

Boyd Russell Ritchie

Boyd Russell “Dude” Ritchie, age 84, of Savanna died Sunday, September 30, 2012 at home. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 4, 2012 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Savanna, with Reverend Dan Foelske officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Memorials may be made in Dude’s honor for the West Carroll School Educational Foundation or Mercy Homecare and Hospice.

Everette E. Poore

PENDING

Everette E. Poore, age 67, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 21, 2012 at Big Meadows Nursing Home, Savanna. Arrangements are pending at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna.