A. Arlene Derrer

A. Arlene Derrer, age 88, previously of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, died Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at Manor Court Nursing Home, Freeport, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2009 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mt. Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 Saturday at the Church. Memorials may be given to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Arlene's memory. Online condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Arlene was born March 7, 1920, the daughter of J.G. and Geneva S. (Borreson) Asay in Mt. Carroll. She is a graduate of the Chadwick High School, Chadwick, Illinois with the Class of 1938. On November 20, 1939, Arlene married John Thomas Derrer in Clinton, Iowa. They enjoyed sixty-eight years of marriage. "Johnny" passed away January 5, 2008.

Arlene was a homemaker most of her life on the family farm. She was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mt. Carroll and a member of the Women’s Society at the Church. She also enjoyed attending the Preston Prairie Club and the Jacobstown Club. She loved volunteer work, traveling and sewing.

Arlene will be dearly missed by her daughter, Diane (Lowell) Buck of Pearl City, Illinois; her son, Thomas Glenn (Terrie) Derrer of Denison, Texas; three grandchildren, Brandie (Mike) Marlow, T.J. and Tyler Derrer; two step-granddaughters, Tara and Angela Buck; a step-great grandson, Jacob; a brother, Guy (Gwendlynn) Asay of Lanark, Illinois; and a sister, JoAnn Weber of Lanark, Illinois. Arlene is preceded in death by both parents and her husband.

Harriet Ann Winch

Harriet Ann Winch, age 85, of Warren, Illinois, previously of Mt. Carroll and Lanark, Illinois died Monday, February 23, 2009, at the Lena Living Center, Lena, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded with no services at this time. Online tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Harriet was born June 24, 1925 in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of John and Irma (Rowe) Lille. She married Walter Winch June 19, 1970. He precedes her in death.

Harriet was a homemaker all of her life. She was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church. Harriet is survived by her son, John Goodwin of Freeport, Illinois.

Greg V. Kittoe

Greg V. Kittoe, 44, of Pompano Beach, Florida, formerly of Freeport died Saturday January 3, 2009 at his home. He was born May 18, 1964 in Beloit, Wisconsin, a son of Royce and Jerre Kittoe.

Greg worked in the survey division of Keith and Schnars P.A. for more than 20 years where he has been described as a dedicated, loyal, hard working and overall great person. He enjoyed his friends, family, a game of pool and a good cigar. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his mother Jerre, sister Pat, brother Jerod (Keiko), niece Dailynn, nephew Asher and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father. A private family service is planned. Condolences can be made via email at

David Keith Shaw

David Keith Shaw, age 56, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, died Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore, Illinois. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2009 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. Cremation Rites have been accorded. A memorial fund has been established in David’s memory. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

David was born December 28, 1952, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Randall and Virginia (Englking) Shaw. He enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, going to the casinos, and cats. Most of all David enjoyed the time he spent with his brothers and his cat Pooh.

David is survived by two brothers, Dennis (Janice) Shaw of Savanna, Randy Shaw of Mt. Carroll.

David is preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Ernie, Robert, and Mike.

Nancy D. Brock

Nancy D. Brock, age 75, of Thomson, Illinois died Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa. A Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the York Community Congregational Church, Thomson, with Reverend John R. Pearson officiating. Memorial visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson. Memorials may be made in Nancy’s name to the York Township Public Library or the York Community Congregational Church. Online condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Nancy was born December 15, 1933 in Morrison, Illinois, the daughter of John and Gladys (Goff) Davis. She attended country school and is a graduate of the Morrison High School with the Class of 1951. On January 6, 1956, Nancy married Charles Brock in Morrison.

Nancy was a homemaker and devoted her life to raising her children. She had also worked at the Savanna Proving Grounds, the Upper Mississippi Eco Center, Thomson and the Thomson Public Library. She was a member of the York Community Congregational Church where she belonged to the Thimble, Needle and Thread (TNT) group. Nancy enjoyed vacationing with family. She also volunteered as a Carroll County Election Judge.

Nancy will be dearly missed by her husband, Charles of Thomson; four daughters, Marie (Randy) Durward of Argo Fay, Illinois, Kathy Brock and Diana Brock, both of Coal Valley, Illinois and Beverly (Terry) Mootz of Thomson, Illinois; and four grandchildren, Rachel, Amy and Eric Durward and Bridgid Callery. Nancy is preceded in death by a son, Michael; a sister, Joan Patterson; and both parents.

Edna M. Brandenburg

Edna M. Brandenburg, age 86, lifelong resident of Chadwick, Illinois, died, Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at Carroll County Good Samaritan, Mt. Carroll. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2009, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chadwick, with Reverend Marcia Strahl officiating. Burial will follow in the Chadwick Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon – 1:00 p.m.. on Friday, February 17, 2009, prior to the service at the church. Online condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Edna was born on May 20, 1922 in Chadwick, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Minnie (Steinhagen) Ferris. Edna graduated from Chadwick High School with the Class of 1941. Edna married Vernon Brandenburg on March 20, 1946 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chadwick. Vernon died on December 22, 1992.

Edna worked for F.U. Bogatt Company in Sterling and then the Sterling Rock Falls Clinic for many years in the Bookkeeping Department. She later worked for the City of Rock Falls Utility Department until she retired.

Edna was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Chadwick and the Chadwick American Legion Auxiliary. Edna was a member of the Nu-Club, which started at Woolworth Department Store. She met with the club every month for the past forty-five years.

Edna is survived by one daughter, Nancy Huebl of River Grove, Illinois; and one brother, Lloyd (Violet) Ferris of Lena, Illinois.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; one son, Loren; four sisters, Ida Ferris, Florence Bealer, Dorothy Straub, and Ruth Healy; and two brothers, Foster and Ralph Ferris.

Mary Louise Parker Nichols

Mary Louise Parker Nichols, age 81, of Savanna, Illinois, died Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at her home. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2009 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna, with Father Dennis Atto officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Savanna. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2009 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. A Memorial Fund has been established in Mary’s name. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Mary was born on April 15, 1927 in Savanna, Illinois, the daughter of John and Bessie (Yochem) Parker. She attended Savanna schools. On April 1, 1946 Mary married Donald M. Nichols and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April 1996. Don passed away on August 15, 2002.

Mary loved being with her family – husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. She and Don owned many dogs during their married life. Her favorites were Brandy and Dempsey and she would occasionally “accidentally” call family members by the dogs names.

Mary and Don spent their weekends dancing to their favorite band, The Blue Rainbow, often following them from place to place. Her hobbies included reading Stephen King novels, doing crossword puzzles and crocheting afghans for her family. She was known for making the BEST divinity candy at Christmas and also for canning produce from their garden on their farm. In her adult years Mary learned to drive and also overcame her childhood fear of water by taking swimming lessons.

Mary was a lifelong devout member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna. She was very proud of the gifts of two rosaries from the Vatican that had been blessed by the Pope that she received from her son Rick and her granddaughter Whitney.

She belonged to several groups and organizations: The Catholic Daughters, Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 2223, Palisades Women’s Bowling League, Women of the Moose and was a voting registrar.

She was written up in medical journals at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for being one of the first people to undergo open-heart surgery in 1953 and then again in 1970 when she received one of the first stainless steel replacement heart valves. It continued to operate flawlessly for more than 39 years, much to the amazement of her doctors.

Mary would like her family to recognize her special in-home caretaker Denise Adams for taking such good care of her in the last year and the staffs at the TLC Home Care and Mercy Dialysis Unit in Clinton, IA where she was a patient for the past four years.

Mary is survived by two sons, Donald J.R. “Nick” (Cathy) Nichols of Sherrard, Illinois and Rick J. Nichols of Savanna, Illinois; three grandchildren, Carrie Goldsmith, Kimberly (Scott) Gengenbach, Michael (Sheri) Nichols. six great-grandchildren, Whitney Pannell, Evan, Logan and Ryan Gengenbach, Matthew and Erin Nichols; one sister, Ruth Ann (James) Kasbohm and a brother, Joseph Parker both of Savanna.

Her parents, her husband Donald, a sister Betty Miller and a brother James Parker precede Mary in death. Mary was very giving and caring and will be greatly missed by those who love her.

Eleanor Elizabeth Brandt

Eleanor Elizabeth Brandt, 98 of Freeport, formerly of Pearl City, died on February 14, 2009 at Freeport Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Eleanor was born on Jan. 18, 1911, in Pearl City, Illinois, the daughter of Henry and Maggie (Dorsey) Brady. She was baptized on Dec. 17, 1915 at home by Pastor Louis F. Gunderman. She was confirmed on April 4, 1926 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Pearl City, where she was a member for 76 years before joining Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freeport. On Feb. 17, 1934 Eleanor and Morris Fred Brandt were married at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Pearl City by Pastor Frank Schroer.

Eleanor worked at Burgess Battery in Freeport from 1960-1968. She was also involved with farming and was a homemaker. She enjoyed quilting and Gardening. She taught Sunday School at St. Johns Lutheran Church and was a member of Ladies Aid for many years.

Survivors include her daughters; Margery (Eugene) Althof of Stockton, and Jean (Harold) Zimmerman of Lena, grandsons; David (Mary) Toepfer of Pearl City, Brian (Judy) Toepfer of Freeport, Scott (Carolyn) Reeser of Pearl City, Kevin Toepfer of Freeport, MSGT Mark Toepfer, USAFR, Biloxi, MS., Rodney (Janet) Reeser of Freeport, Todd Reeser of Elizabeth, and John Houpt of Galena, granddaughter; Linda Reeser of Freeport, great grandsons; Nathan Reeser of Chicago, Zachary Toepfer of Freeport, Clayton Reeser of Pearl City, and Martin Reeser of Freeport, great granddaughters; Brittni (Corey) Staples of Hawaii, Sarah (Luke) Kramer, Jenna Samples, Samantha Reeser, all of Freeport, Elizabeth Reeser of Pearl City, and Ella Stewart of Freeport, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Morris, her son Donald, brothers; Ira, Emerson, and Allen, sisters; Mildred, Hazel, Ruth, Ethel, and Violet.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday Feb. 21, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freeport with Pastor Mark Luepke officiating. Interment will be held at Chapel Hill Memoiral Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday Feb. 20, 2009 from 4-6 pm at the Schwarz Park Boulevard Chapel; 608 S. Park Boulevard, and from 9-10:30 am before the service at the church. A memorial fund has been established for the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Stella A. Fransen

Stella A. Fransen - Jones, age 87, of Savanna, Illinois, died Monday, February 16, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday February 20, 2009, at the Law - Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 20, prior to the service. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport, Illinois. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Stella’s name. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Stella was born October 17, 1921, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Oscar D. and Bessie (Mack) Rodebaugh. She was married to Fred G. Fransen on June 22, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. The couple were married for over fifty years until the time of Fred‘s death on January 20, 1990. She later married Robert L. Jones on November 19, 1994, in Savanna, Illinois. He preceded her in death on September 13, 2003.

Stella worked at Micro Switch in Freeport, Illinois, retiring in 1979. She was a member of the Savanna Moose Lodge, the American Legion, was a lifetime member of the VFW, and attended the Community Church in Savanna. Stella enjoyed crafts and playing cards.

Stella is survived by many nieces and nephews; and her special friends Audrey (Bernie) Spradlin of Thomson, Illinois and friends Deb (David) Davenport of Savanna, Illinois.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Fred Fransen and Robert Jones; five sisters, two half brothers, and three half sisters.

Danny Dunn

Danny Dunn, age 67, of Thomson, Illinois, died Saturday, February 14, 2009, at Harbor Crest Nursing Home. A funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, Illinois. Burial will be in the Savanna Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009, and from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. A memorial fund has been established in Danny's memory. Online memorial condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Danny was born on July 30, 1941 in Savanna the son of Joseph and Alice (Clay) Dunn. He attended Savanna Schools and graduated from Savanna High School. Danny served in the United States Air Force for four years. On April 15, 1976, Danny married Judy Looney Smith. He was truck driver for several years. He worked for Kapraun and McMorhan Trucking. Danny ran the Hanover Caf E9 for over twenty years, also doing home delivery and on site golden meals for senior citizens. At one time he was a member of the Hanover Fire Department, and the Hanover Village Board. Danny was a member of the Savanna Moose Lodge, Thomson VFW, and the Savanna Methodist Church.

Danny is survived by his widow; two sons, Tim (Colleen) Dunn of Vincennes, Indiana, Joseph Dunn of Florida; stepson, John (Sheila) Looney of Chadwick, Illinois; stepdaughter, April (Randy) Joyner of Heidelburg, Germany; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Chad, Angel, Adriane, Joe, Ashley, Briann, Nathan; and cousin, Clarence (Joyce) Dunn of Mt. Carroll, Illinois.

Danny is preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Richard H. Holm

Richard H. Holm, age 74, of Mt Carroll passed away on Monday, February 16, 2009 at the Central Dupage Hospital, Winfield, Illinois, following a short illness. A Funeral Service will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home, prior to the service. A Private Graveside Service will be held in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. Condolences and Tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Richard was born on April 5,1934 in Davenport, Iowa to Harold and Minnie (Galitz) Holm, He attended Carroll County schools. Richard married Shirley Krippendorf on August 5, 1955. Richard farmed and owned Holm Trucking and Holm Septic Service for many years. Richard enjoyed attending auctions and having coffee with his cronies.

Richard is survived by his wife Shirley of Mt. Carroll; a daughter Connie (Robert) Robbe of Texas; four sons Randy (Karen) Holm, James (Kristen) Holm, both of Mt Carroll, Thomas (Shirley) Holm, and William (Ada) Holm of Thomson; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a special friend Carson (Froggy) Rice; two brothers Ronald (Barbara) Holm of Mt Carroll, Bobby (Wanda) Holm of Missouri and one sister Betty (Eugene) Boyer of Mt Carroll. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son and 2 grandsons.

Ann Marie Peterson

Ann Marie Peterson, age 54, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, died Sunday, February 15, 2009, at Loyola Hospital, Maywood, Illinois. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 at SS John and Catherine Catholic Church, Mt. Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2009 at Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll.

Ann Marie Peterson was born November 1, 1954, in Kewanee, Illinois. She was the daughter of Roy and Florence (Loncka) VanDeVelde. She graduated from Galva High School in Galva, IL, in 1972 and from Western Illinois University in 1976. She married Daniel Peterson on June 25, 1977 in Galva. She taught for the Mt. Carroll School District for 29 years before retiring from the West Carroll District in 2007. She was member of the S.S. John and Catherine Catholic Church in Mt. Carroll. She was preceded in death by her parents. Ann was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, coach and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, her students, and her colleagues. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Ann is survived by her husband; two daughters, Lindsay, of Boston, MA, and Katie, of Lanark, IL; and two granddaughters, Ella and Sienna Peterson. She is also survived by three brothers, Peter (Linda) VanDeVelde, Mark VanDeVelde, John (Sue) VanDeVelde, all of Galva, IL; one sister, Jane (Ken) Yelm of Hamilton, OH, and her nieces and nephews.

Bernard “Bud” H. Opheim

Bernard “Bud” H. Opheim, age 71, of Thomson, Illinois, died Sunday, February 15, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson. A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the church, prior to the service. Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. Memorials may be given to the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com

Bud was born on June 25, 1937, the son of Bernard H. and Edith M. (Beinlein) Opheim Sr.. He attended Clinton High School and graduated with the Class of 1955. He married Donna Sippel on August 19, 1977 in Morrison, Illinois.

Bud was a foreman for Allied Steel in Clinton, Iowa for 30 years. When Allied Steel closed, Bud and Donna owned and operated Bears Drive-Inn, Thomson, until retiring in 1998. Bud was a member of the United Methodist Church, Thomson and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He loved the Mississippi river and enjoyed boating and fishing. Most of all, Bud loved spending time with his family and friends.

Bud is survived by his wife Donna; five children, Kelly (Jim) Montgomery of Clinton, Kip (Ella) Opheim of Camanche, Iowa, Mark (Lori) Opheim of Marion, Iowa, Kristi (Mike) Nester of Savanna, Illinois and Jodi (K.C.) French of Thomson; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn Holle and Nancy (Dick) Roberts both of Clinton; and one sister in-law, Barb Opheim of Clinton.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Bill.

Cornelia “Cora” Hartman

Cornelia “Cora” Hartman, age 94, of Savanna, Illinois, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. A funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, with Pastor Lynne Matthews of the Hanover United Methodist Church, Hanover, Illinois officiating. Burial will be in the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson, Illinois. A Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the service of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Cora’s memory to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home 1006 N. Lowden Road, Mt. Carroll, Illinois 61053. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Cora was born on February 25, 1914, in Albany, Illinois, the daughter of John and Jennie (Newendyke) Voss. On August 22, 1933, Cora married Willard A. Hartman in Fulton, Illinois. Willard died June 21, 1996 in Clinton, Iowa.

Cora was a homemaker and worked in Savanna in many homes as a house cleaner. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Clinton, Iowa. She enjoyed helping her husband with woodworking. Cora loved embroidering, word books, cooking, reading and walking everywhere. Most of all Cora enjoyed the time she spent with her family.

Cora is survived by two daughters, Cora Mae Stricker of Savanna, Sharon Kay Orth of Hanover, Illinois; four sons, Paul (Marilyn) Hartman of Savanna, Kenneth (Carolyn) Hartman of West Columbia, South Carolina, Richard Hartman of Savanna, William (Marisa) Hartman of Savanna; thirteen grandchildren; thirty one great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren.

Cora is preceded in death by her parents; husband Willard; two infant sons, Willard Jr., Rex Allen; five brothers, Harold 1921-1980, James, Jacob, Seymour, Harry 1917-1918; six sisters, Winnie, Esther, Henrietta 1919-2003, Pauline, Jeanette, Henrietta 1915-1918.