Michael Phillip Wild, Sr.

Michael Phillip Wild, Sr., age 69, of Hanover, Illinois, died Sunday, April 19, 2009, surrounded by his family at the Elizabeth Nursing Home, Elizabeth, Illinois. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hanover, with Father Noel Jacob as Celebrant. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Hanover. Memorials may be given for the Alzheimer’s Association and the Elizabeth Nursing Home. Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Mike was born April 13, 1940 in Gratiot, Wisconsin, the son of Hans and Margaret (Barron) Wild. He attended Pleasant Hill Country School and the Hanover Grade School. On July 23, 1960, Mike married Mary E. Flies in Hanover. He worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and later the Union Pacific, retiring after 39 years. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hanover.

Mike treasured the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved farming and working on tractors and cars. Mike enjoyed listening to country music while taking long rides in the countryside and always marveled at the first snowfall as it covered everything with a white blanket. Over the past months, Mike and his family appreciated the loving care given by the Elizabeth Nursing Home staff and Dr. Crist.

Mike will be dearly missed by his wife, Mary of Hanover; a daughter, Melody (Jody) Landwer of Elizabeth; four sons, Michael, Jr.(Sandra) of Elizabeth, Mark (fiancé Michelle Meyers) of Elizabeth, Matthew (Darcy) of Hanover and Martin(special friend Stephanie Gornick) of Hanover; four grandchildren, Cody & Dylan Landwer, Carter Wild, & Madison Wild and one step grandchild, Ashley Myers, five sisters, Alberta Wild, Mary Wild, Margaret Service, Nellie(Nick) Bainbridge, and Donna(Lynn) Eadie, all of Hanover; four brothers, William(Bev Paisley) of Stockton, Pat (DeeAnna) of Hanover, Thomas(Lynne) of Stockton, and Herman of Hanover; and many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, John and Fred Wild.

Gregory A. Lien

Gregory A. Lien, age 52, of Freeport, Illinois, previously of Savanna, Illinois, died Thursday, April 16, 2009 at FHN Memorial Hospital, Freeport, Illinois. A Memorial Service will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, prior to the service. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Gregory was born July 7, 1956 in Savanna, the son of Carrol and Elaine (Dunn) Lien. He attended Hanover High School, Hanover, Illinois. On May 14, 1996 he married Stacy L. Workman. Gregory was a machinist at Freeport Metal Works until he was injured.

Gregory loved to restore old cars, play the guitar and collect old die-cast model cars. He was very proud of his car collection. He had a great sense of humor and loved to play jokes on everyone. Gregory could have a conversation with just about anyone.

Gregory will be dearly missed by his wife Stacy of Freeport; son; Justin of Freeport; mother, Elaine Zemke of Lanark, Illinois, father Carrol (Merna) Lien of Buckhannon, West Virginia; two sisters, Deborah (David) Leitzen and Rebecca Nave both of Savanna, Illinois; several nieces; nephews; cousins; aunts and uncles; step-father; Wayne Zemke of Hanover; step-sister Suzanne (Brian) Wilkins, and step-brother Arthur Zemke, both of Tennessee.

Gregory was preceded in death by his brother, Randy, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

Reuben Harvey (Bud) Seitner, Jr.

Reuben Harvey (Bud) Seitner, Jr., age 86, of Mt. Carroll, IL, died April 13, 2009, at Good Samaritan Center, Mt. Carroll. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 18, 2009, at the First Baptist Church, Mt. Carroll with Reverend Jim Green and Reverend Bob Ziebarth officiating.

Reuben (Bud) was born in Morris, IL, on Dec. 21, 1922, the son of Rev. Reuben H. and Ruth (Hanson) Seitner. The family moved to Mt. Carroll in 1926 when Reuben Sr. became the pastor at First Baptist Church. Bud graduated from Mt. Carroll High School in 1940 where he was active in music, football, and basketball. He attended West Point before attending Coe College.

His education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, was interrupted by WWII where he served as a tank driver in Company B, 753rd Tank Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, U.S. Seventh Army. Bud was wounded twice and received two purple hearts and the bronze star for valor. He began the war as a private and finished it as a 2nd lieutenant.

After the war, Bud returned to Coe where he was active in Student Affairs and President of the Student Body. He finished his education at Coe College where he met and married Kathryn Loomis on Jan. 31, 1947. The couple moved to Mt. Carroll upon college graduation where Bud's career included being an agent for Equitable Life Insurance, teaching and working for Shimer College, and eventually owning and operating Seitner Chevrolet, Buick, and Pontiac. In addition he worked at Campbell Center, was on the Mt. Carroll Cemetery Board and the Foster Court Board of Directors.

Music was an important part of both Bud and Katie's lives. Bud directed the 7 Last Words, Messiah, choirs at First Baptist Church, Lutheran Church, and Methodist Church. He was dedicated to Katie's musical performances where he could be found back stage "holding her purse."

Bud (Papa) enjoyed music, his yard, his pipe, and his dogs--always Cocker Spaniels. He proudly supported and followed the athletic careers of his grandchildren wherever they played.

Bud was a 63 year member of the American Legion and a life long member of the First Baptist Church serving on various church boards.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents and wife Kathryn. Bud will be dearly missed by daughters, Sarah (James) Wheeler, Susie (Davis) Ostrum; four grandchildren, Stephanie (Brian) Wurster, Mary Kathryn (Joe) Hansen, Clayton Ostrum, Colton Ostrum; 3 great-grandchildren, Andy and Emily Wurster, and Reuben (Ben) Hansen; one sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Phillips of Silver Springs, Maryland; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bud's honor to First Baptist Church of Mt. Carroll and Good Samaritan Center. Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Genevra Atkins Bundy

Genevra Bundy, age 92, of Richland Center, died on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Schmitt Woodland Hills, in Richland Center, WI.

A Funeral Mass will be held, Saturday, April 18, 2009 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hanover, Illinois with Father L. Joel Jacobs officating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery

She was born in Hanover, IL on May 7, 1916, the daughter of John and Anna (Whalen) Atkins. Genevra attended Hanover schools. She was united in marriage with Harvey Peschang on December 27, 1934, and they were blessed with one son Cecil Clair and daughters Alyce Ann and Debborah, before he preceded her in death. She married Carlos Bundy on October 22, 1960 in Mount Caroll, IL. They were owners of Bundy’s Repair Shop in that city for eight years, and then operated the business in Lone Rock, Wisconsin for 15 years, prior to Carlos’ death. Genevra worked as a Lab Tech at the Richland Foundry for fourteen years, and then worked at Pine Valley Manor for three and one half years. In addition to working outside the home, she opened her home to seven Central American students who were attending the University of Wisconsin Richland. She enjoyed and loved the students. All of her life she volunteered time to others, enjoyed taking classes at the Campus, enjoyed travelling and listening to music.

Survivors include her children: Cecil Clair (Sandra) Peschang of Kansas City, MO , Alyce Ann (Bruce) Haring of Clinton, IA , Debborah Connery of Rochester Hills, MI, 11 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, one sister: Vera (Bill) Eadie of Hanover, IL, three nieces and two nephews. In addition to her husbands, Genevra was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gerald; son in law Robert Connery; and three granddaughters and one grandson. Inurnment will be in the Hanover Evergreen Cemetery. The Pratt Funeral Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; one son, Mark Schnitzler; two daughters, Arlene Schnitzler and Sandra Schnitzler; one brother, Ralph Groezinger; and one sister, Irma Haas.

Benson E. Dayboll

Benson E. Dayboll, age 87, of Thomson, Illinois, died Monday, April 13, 2009, at Four Seasons Living Center, Morrison, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Thomson, Illinois. Burial will follow in the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson with military rites accorded by the Thomson American Legion Post Donald Ashpole #1025. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson. A memorial fund has been established in Benson’s memory. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.
Ben was born on March 27, 1922, the son of John and Victoria (Hill) Dayboll in Grantham Township, Ontario, Canada. He was shot and wounded while serving in the Canadian Army during World War II and was discharged on May 12, 1945. Ben met his future wife, Eleanor W. Clugston while he was recovering and they were married on April 18, 1946 in Welland, Ontario. Ben became a citizen of the United States on November 1, 1956. Eleanor died July 8, 1987 in Monroe, Wisconsin.

Ben farmed his entire life, starting as a farmhand and eventually owning his own farm. He loved everything about farming, from tinkering on the farm to growing crops, and milking dairy cows. Ben sold a portion of his farm, built a home and retired in 1992. He was a member of the Thomson American Legion Post Donald Ashpole #1025. He enjoyed attending Thrashing Day Celebrations, gardening and mowing. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Ben is survived by his daughter, Barbara “Bobbi” (Steven) Kaufman of Thomson, Illinois; a granddaughter, Melinda “Mindy” Kaufman of Thomson; one sister, Myrtle Szalagyi of Canada; and several nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; Eleanor; six brothers and one sister.

Fred D. “Grandpa” Brooks, Jr.

Fred D. “Grandpa” Brooks, Jr. age 63, of Sabula, Iowa, died April 11, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2009, prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. A memorial fund has been established in Fred’s memory. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Fred was born on July 23, 1945, the son of Fred D. and Lois S. (Walters) Brooks Sr. in Freeport, Illinois. He attended school in Orangeville, Illinois and attended high school in Freeport. Fred married Vicki J. Diedrich on September 14, 1963 in Freeport.

Fred worked for various factories in the area, until retiring in 2007. He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had an eye for hunting asparagus and morel mushrooms. He also enjoyed gardening. Most of all, Fred cherished spending time with his grandchildren.

Fred is survived by one son, Ray Brooks of Thomson, Illinois; and two daughters, Lois (Pat) Buchholz of Thomson, and Tara (Fred) Ferguson of Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Nathan, Matthew, Alyssa, Zachary, Erin, and Adam (Grandpa’s Boy Friday); two great grandchildren, Owen and Mason; one brother, Glen (Maxine) Brooks of Moline, Illinois; two sisters, Barb McNabb of East Moline, and Jo Wubben of Mount Carroll; and sister in-law, Annette Brooks of Cambridge, Illinois.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Larry Brooks; two brothers in-law, Jim McNabb and Gerald Wubben; a nephew, Jason Wubben, and a niece, Carmen Riewerts.

Dwayne Paul "D.P." Harridge

Dwayne Paul "D.P." Harridge, age 52, of Mt.Carroll, Illinois, died Sunday, April 12, 2009 at St. Anthony Hospital, Rockford, Illinois. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2009 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mt. Carroll with Reverend Elizabeth Mascal officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dwayne’s name. Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Dwayne was born May 29, 1956 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Paul and Bessie (Temple) Harridge. He grew up on a farm along Vinegar Hill Road. Dwayne is a 1974 graduate of the Thomson High School, Thomson, Illinois. In 1978, he married Diana Lynn Robbe. They had two sons, David and Daniel. Later, on April 20, 1991, Dwayne married Denise Behrens at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mt. Carroll. This loving union brought two more children, Donovan and Dena.

In the fall of 1978, Dwayne began a milk hauling business, Harridge Trucking. He continued this business until his retirement in 2006. Prior to hauling milk, Dwayne had worked for Colehour Elevators in Mt. Carroll. Throughout his career, Dwayne received great satisfaction working with Dairy Farmers. He worked hard, proud keeping his trucks some of the cleanest in the business.

Dwayne loved family and grandkids. He kept very involved with his children as they participated in 4-H and also coaching and attending their activities. He enjoyed his cars and listening to the Beach Boys. Dwayne was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mt. Carroll.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Denise of Mt. Carroll; three sons, David and Stephanie of Mt. Carroll, Daniel of Benton, Wisconsin and Donovan of Mt. Carroll; a daughter, Dena of Mt. Carroll; five grandchildren, Tyler, Allison, Lindsey, Emily and Diana; his mother, Bessie Harridge of Mt. Carroll; and three sisters, Virginia Brinkmeier of Chadwick, Illinois, Mary Ann Eirhart of Freeport, Ill

Rev. William "Bill" Joseph Kermott

WYOCENA - The Rev. William "Bill" Joseph Kermott, 86, of Wyocena, awoke to glory Thursday, March 26, 2009, passing at home while in the arms of his loving wife, Patricia Ann Kermott, and surrounded by members of his family.

He was born Nov. 10, 1922, in Milwaukee, the son of Percival and Ruby Kermott, and younger brother of Robert Kermott. A professional musician, William played violin as a guest soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony at age 17, and sang on several radio programs including "Morning Chapel" as well as the Wally White television program. He continued to sing throughout his life and was an active member of the Gospeliers double quartet, performing at nursing homes and community events. Well known throughout his life for his musical ability, his extraordinary sense of humor and gift for punnery was appreciated (usually) by those in his congregations and always by those in his family.

On Aug. 2, 1953, Bill married Patricia "Patty" Ann Pease at Wyocena Union Baptist Church, where they met while he was serving in his first pastorate. Years later, after more than 50 years of service in the ministry, he and Patty returned to the church in Wyocena where he served as a deacon, choir member and soloist.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army due to illness so he immediately took up the call and pursued the ministry. He graduated from Carroll College in 1951, and Northern Baptist Seminary in 1953, and was ordained June 20, 1953.

He is survived by his wife, Patty; his daughter, Karen, of Savanna, IL, and son-in-law Wayne and grandsons, Jeremiah, Joshua and Jason; his son, William J., and daughter-in-law Wendy and granddaughters, Jennifer and Sarah; daughter, Susan, and son-in-law Bill and grandsons Bill Jr. and Peter and granddaughter Sheryl; daughter, Carole, and son-in-law Kirk Sr. and granddaughters Tricia and Olivia and grandson Kirk Jr.; son, John, and daughter-in-law Amy, grandson Johnny and granddaughters Hannah, Emma, Gwen and Manon; son, David, and daughter-in-law Renee, grandsons William, Ian, David and granddaughters, Amber, Rachael and Courtney; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Terry (Connie) Pease, and Allen (Linda) Pease; other near relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert; his niece Kathy; and nephew, Robert.

A life celebration was held March 29 at Wyocena Community Church. Full military rites were conducted by the Pardeeville American Legion and VFW Posts. Burial was in Wyocena Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyocena Community Church.

Elsie Laura Higgins

Elsie Laura Higgins, age 89, of Savanna, Illinois, died Sunday, April 12, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center South Campus, Clinton, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Church, prior to the Mass. Memorials may be given in Elsie’s name for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Elsie was born July 17, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Giacomo and Bartaloma (Celfo) Distefano. She was baptized July 19, 1919 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Chicago. Elsie is a graduate of Harper High School, Chicago, and then attended the Northwestern Secretarial Institute, Chicago. On December 7, 1946, Elsie married Ralph Arthur Higgins at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Chicago.

Elsie and Ralph moved to Savanna in 1965 to own and operate Johnson’s Drugstore, where she worked as a licensed Pharmacy Technician. They retired in 1993. Elsie was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna, where she was very active. Elsie taught the 1st Grade Holy Eucharist Class for over twenty years. She also helped deliver meals on wheels and worked with the Savanna Thrift Store for many years. More than anything, she enjoyed being a grandmother, always enjoying the grandkids many visits to Savanna.

Elsie will be dearly missed by her husband, Ralph of Savanna; her son, Bryan Higgins and his wife, Mary Warren, of Burlington, Vermont; her daughter, Gail Ann Higgins of Anna, Texas; five grandchildren, Adam, Grace and Travis Higgins, and Andrea and Adrienne Butcher; two sisters, Agnes Swierczek of California and Mildred Konrath of Chicago; and a special niece, Kelly Higgins-Magana, who helped Elsie and Ralph with many of life’s challenges in their older years. Elsie is preceded in death by both parents, four sisters and two brothers.

Dean K. Frederick

Dean K. Frederick, age 68, of Mount Carroll, Illinois, died on Friday, April 10, 2009 at home. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at the Mount Carroll Church Of God, with Pastor Rick Zickefoose officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service at the church. A memorial fund has been established in Dean’s memory. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Dean was born on August 16, 1940 on a farm in Freedom Township, Carroll County, the son of Leslie H. and Lucy E. (Morhardt) Frederick. Dean moved with his family to Mount Carroll in 1944. He attended Mount Carroll High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. Dean met his wife Judith E. Bucher at a church camp in high school and they were married March 18, 1961 in Mount Carroll. Judy died June 7, 1996.

Dean was a Millwright for Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling, Illinois for thirty years, retiring in 1990. After retirement Dean worked with Calhoun Auctions setting up and preparing for auctions. He was a long time member of the Pleasant Valley Church of God, but attended church at the Mount Carroll Church of God. Dean enjoyed gardening, auctions, antiques, and collecting antique clocks and kerosene lamps. Dean loved walking around Mount Carroll and was fluent in all of its history. But most of all, Dean treasured spending time with his family and friends.

Dean is survived by a son, Jay Frederick of Freeport, Illinois; a daughter, Jodi Frederick of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; a granddaughter, Courtney Frederick of Lanark, Illinois; two brothers, Floyd (Ardith) Frederick of Mount Carroll, and Carl Frederick of Rock Falls, Illinois; three sisters, Bernice Maszk of Mount Carroll, Marie Frederick of Mount Carroll, and Shelvy (Dale) Endress of Mount Carroll; a brother in-law, Ronald Bucher of Rock Falls; and a special friend Kathy Siedenburg of Mount Carroll.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy; three brothers, Leo, Sherman, and Harvey; and a sister, Virginia Zimmerman.

Beulah Lucille Pratt

Beulah Lucille Pratt, age 92, of Savanna, Illinois died on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna with Pastor Larry Thomson officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2009, for two hours prior to the service at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given in Beulah’s memory. Online condolences and Tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Beulah was born on June 21, 1916, the daughter of Samuel and Mae (Davis) Corbett on the family farm in Washington Township, Savanna. She graduated from Savanna High school, Class of 1933. Beulah married George Edward Pratt on January 7, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa. George died on March 5, 1968 in Alamagordo, New Mexico.

Beulah was employed as a cook by various restaurants in the area. She worked at Grimm’s Café, Savanna, the Hanover Café, Hanover, Illinois and The Indian Head Supper Club, Savanna. Beulah enjoyed sewing and quilting. Most of all, Beulah loved spending time with her family and friends.

Beulah will be missed by three daughters, Dorothy Oliver of Huntsville, Alabama, Judy Dunn of Thomson, Illinois, and Dinah Tharp of Pittsburg, Oklahoma; two sons, James (Wanda) Pratt of Yankton, South Dakota, and Herbert (Sandra) Pratt of Thomson; one daughter in-law, Betty Pratt of Lakeland, Florida; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; and one brother, Russell (Joyce) Corbett of Savanna, Illinois; two sisters in-law, Marcella Corbett of Waunakee, Wisconsin and Wilma Corbett of Savanna; and many nieces and nephews.

Beulah is preceded in death by her husband, George; two brothers, four sisters, one son; four sons in-law and one grandchild.

Irven A. Leinen

Irven A. Leinen, age 41, of Savanna, Illinois died Monday, April 6, 2009 at home. Visitation will be held from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Antl Hall, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. Graveside Services will follow Friday, April 10 at Bloomfield Cemetery, Pell Lake, Wisconsin. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Irven was born January 15, 1868 in Chicago, Illinois. Irven will be dearly missed by his mother, Wladyslawa R. Nowling of Savanna; his father and step-mother, Irven W. (Judy) Leinen of Cuba City, Wisconsin; grandmother, Genia Fijor of Savanna; one brother, Steven Leinen of Pell Lake, Wisconsin; two sisters, Corina P. Parsons of West Virginia and Rebecca E. (Elroy) Riley of Schaumburg, Illinois; a step-brother, Dwayne and step-sister, Starla; three nephews, James, Tyler and Jacob; four nieces, Jennifer, Samantha, Angel and Elizabeth; and one great nephew, Kenyan.