Obituaries

Apple River

Ronald G. Toepfer, 85

Ronald G. Toepfer, 85, of Apple River, IL, passed away surrounded by his family at the Williams Middleton VA Hospital in Madison, WI on Monday, October 28, 2019.

He was born on October 2, 1934 in Wauwatosa, WI to Albert and Ruth (Leuzinger) Toepfer. Ronald was married to Margery Brandt, and together they had four children, then he married Farrada Toepfer, together they had one son, then he married Jane Lee on April 20, 1968 in Scales Mound at the United Methodist Church, together they had five children. Ronald served our country in the U.S. Army from 1954-1960. He was a sharp shooter, cook, and specialized in aircraft recognition. After his time in the U.S. Army, Ronald went on to enjoy many interests and accomplishments. He was Vice President of Package Production Inc, a Production Supervisor at Pasquali, and a partner in GBT where he designed and built articulated and oscillating tractors. Ronald was an owner/operator of several small businesses, a maintenance supervisor at Galena Territories, and a cook at the DeSoto House, Memories in Nora, IL, and for Meals on Wheels. Ronald was truly a jack of all trades.

Ronald enjoyed photography, especially photographing nature and weddings. He loved target shooting, carpentry and airplanes; his favorite being the F-86 Sabre. He enjoyed listening to country music, dancing, and parties, but especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survived by his wife; Jane of Apple River, ten children; David (Mary) Toepfer of Pearl City, Brian (Judy) Toepfer of Freeport, Kevin Toepfer of Pearl City, Mark Toepfer of Pearl City, Jeff Toepfer of Illinois, Mary Jane (Luke) D’Angelo of Rockford, Shawn (Farrah) Toepfer of Loves Park, Dawn (Nick Field) Toepfer of Apple River, Ronda (J.R. Kingery) Toepfer of Gratiot, WI and Tim (Jessica) Toepfer of Apple River, grandchildren; Sarah (Luke), Zachary, Brittni (Allen), Jesse, Jade (Michael), Preston, Christian, Austin, Brady, Jared,Tarynn, Trista, and Thatcher, great grandchildren; Leo, Rylee, AJ, Lincoln, Maverick and one on the way, Adrian, a brother; Allan (Diane) Toepfer of Pensacola, FL., sisters-in-law; Inez Toepfer and Jean Toepfer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Alex in 2016; his twin brother, Bob, and brothers Wayne and Ed Toepfer; a sister, Myrna Lee; and a sister in law, Barbara Toepfer.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Scales Mound United Methodist Church in Scales Mound, IL, where military rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will follow the services in the fellowship of the church.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Pastor Libby Rutherford will officiate the services.

A memorial has been established in his name. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Hanover

Charles “Chuck” Quarnstrom, 77

Charles “Chuck” Quarnstrom, age 77, of Hanover, passed away October 19, 2019 at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, IA. A celebration of life will take place at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, IL, from 1pm to 5pm, on Sunday, November 3, 2019. A Remembrance Service will be held at 3pm that day. Memorials may be made to the Carroll County Pheasants Forever organization. Family and friends are invited to share in Chuck’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Chuck was born on August 21, 1942, in Melrose Park, IL, the son of Carl and Gertrude (Kroeger) Quarnstrom. He graduated from Proviso East High School with the class of 1960, and then on to the University of Illinois where he enrolled in ROTC with the United States Air Force; graduating with the class of 1964. Chuck’s service to his country earned him the rank of Captain. He married Carolyn Summers; together the two had two children. Later in life, Chuck met and married the love of his life, Claudette Fortier Hoogestraat. This brought Chuck and Claudette’s family to a total of eight. Chuck made his career in advertising and marketing, rising to the position of Senior Vice President – Media Director for Leo Burnett, for whom he worked 25 years.

Chuck was a man of many interests and skills. He loved most things associated with the outdoors, such as fishing, hunting, horses, and tractors. He was a true conservationist and was the President and founder of the Carroll County chapter of Pheasants Forever and served as its President for 14 years. Chuck was a natural born teacher. He taught youth hunting courses, spurred the creation of the Carroll County Longspurs, a youth trap shooting team, and helped to develop scholarships for students going on to further education. For a period of time in his life he taught in marketing classes at the University of Illinois and taught a couple case studies of media campaigns at Harvard University in his earlier years. In his early 60’s, Chuck became a licensed EMT and volunteered with the Elizabeth Fire Department (Hanover/JoDaviess) until his health required stepping down.

Chuck will be dearly missed by his wife, Claudette; six children, Jeannette Hoogestraat, of Warrenville, IL, Peter (Christina) Hoogestraat, of Warrenville, IL, Ken (Chrissy) Quarnstrom, of Oswego, IL, Cat Fortier of Hanover, IL, Kari Hess, of Oswego, IL, and Nicole (Jim) Dirks, of Warrenville, IL; ten grandchildren, Jillian, Casey, Isabelle, Olivia, Karly, Otto, Amelia, Jack, Charlie, and Wren; and many more extended family. Chuck was like a father to many, and will be eternally remembered by many family and friends he touched.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Gertrude Quarnstrom.

Lena

Lois Virginia Maass, 93

Lois Virginia Maass, 93, of Walworth, WI, formerly of Lena, IL, died Sunday, October 27, 2019, at Golden Years in Walworth, WI.

She was born on October 5, 1926, in Lena to Albert & Effa (Uecker) Koppean. She married the love of her life, Alvin Herman Maass, on October 6, 1946, in Lena. He passed away on December 11, 1978.

Lois’ working life consisted of life on the farm, being a nurses’ aid at the Lena Hospital during her high school years, life on the farm after marrying Alvin, and then after moving to town in 1962, she was employed for 33 years at Noller’s Royal Blue. After retiring she used her time and talents doing lots of volunteer work. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena, and served for years as an organist, active with the St. John’s Women’s Society, many Bible Study groups, My Friend’s Closet, the Friendship Center & Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and playing the piano and organ.

Lois is survived by one daughter, Jean (Jerry) Katzenberger of Delavan, WI, four grandchildren, Jason Katzenberger of Darien, WI, Jeffrey (Jillian) Katzenberger of Delavan, WI, Mary Beth (Jason) Waychoff of Delavan, and Andrew (Janessa) Katzenberger of Madison, WI and great-grandchildren, Jason Katzenberger Jr., Troy Katzenberger, Jaelyn Katzenberger, Jenna Katzenberger, Lacey Waychoff and Sawyer Katzenberger and many dear friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and infant sister, Marian.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 1, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena with Rev. Rick Bader officiating. Visitation was prior from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Lena Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her memory for St. John’s Lutheran Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Monroe

Ruth Esther Ruf, 86

Ruth Esther Ruf, age 86, of Monroe, died peacefully Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at Pleasant View Nursing Home after a lengthy illness.

She was born on April 18, 1933 to Jacob and Elise (Ingold) Kopp at Rat Hollow near Argyle, Wisconsin. She attended schools in Argyle, New Glarus and Monticello school districts.

She married Donald F. Ruf on June 3, 1951 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rock Grove, Illinois. Together they operated a dairy and hog operation at their Orangeville, Illinois farm. Ruth was an active member of St. Paul Church involved as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and the women’s Bible group.

She was also a member of the Swiss American Gymnastics association, participating in national competition.

Ruth was a dedicated 4-H leader for many years and a member of Stephenson County Homemakers. She completed her GED and later went on to earn her LPN license at Highland Community College and worked as an addiction rehab counselor and subsequently as a staff Nurse at Pleasant View Nursing Home.

Ruth had been a member of the Musical groups: The Twilighters, Moo Grass Band and The Has Beens which gave her the opportunity to play blue-grass and country music at numerous venues through the years.

She is survived by her children: Carol (Paul) Knier of Oshkosh, WI, Susan (Donald) Lawver of Freeport, IL, Chris (Marla Esnard) Ruf of Sterling, IL, and Ellen (Larry) Faist of Cincinnati, OH; 8 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; a brother, Fritz Kopp of Monroe; a sister, Martha Scherer of Monroe; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Verena Graber, Hedy Wuethrich, Louis Kopp, and Rudy Kopp.

A Memorial Service was held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 4, 2019 at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home with Pastor James Reiff officiating. Burial will take place in Frankenburger Cemetery in Rock Grove, IL.

Visitation was Monday, November 4, 2019 from 9:30 am until time of service at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.

Special thanks to staff at Pleasant View Nursing Home for their compassionate and exemplary care and Pastor Dan Bohlman for his visits.

Shannon

Michael William Janssen, 36

Michael William Janssen, age 36 of Shannon, IL passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Swedish American Hospital after a year long battle with cancer. He was born on April 19, 1983 in Freeport, IL to the late Norman and Cheryl (Kelchner) Janssen.

Michael was a graduate of Eastland High School. He was a member of Zion Community Church in Pearl City. Michael worked on the family farm and for Sloan Implement in Lanark for the last three years. He enjoyed farming, collecting toy tractors, and watching the Chicago Cubs.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth and Brooklyn Janssen; his three brothers, Scott (Julie), David and Tim (Nicole Frampton); his sister, Rebekkah (Kevin) Gors. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

The funeral service was held on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Zion Community Church on Pearl City at 10:00 a.m. There was a visitation on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. also at the church. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Stockton

Ellinoir M. Musser, 93

Ellinoir M. Musser, age 93 of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Walnut Acres in Freeport.

She was born in Lena, IL on March 22, 1926 to the late Frederick and Frida (Lewin) Nickel. Ellinoir married Ora Musser on April 28, 1946. Ora passed away on April 25, 1990.

As a young girl, she had worked at Wadams Grove Hatchery. She then worked at Atwoods for 12 years and farmed with her husband. Ellinoir enjoyed baking, canning and cooking.

She is survived by her sons, Brad (Kim) of Stockton, Bruce (Molly) of Stockton, Brent of Stockton, and Karl (Amy) of Stockton; her daughters, Karen (Richard) Schaible of Freeport, Kathy Musser of Savanna, Joan (Bob) McKinstrey of Nora, Brenda (Tim) Dayton of Stockton; her son-in-law, Jim Corp; her daughter-in-law, Marge Musser; her 21 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Jan Corp, son Brian Musser, three sisters, and eight brothers.

The funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton with a visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.