Obituaries

Elizabeth

Robert (Bob) Ertmer, 90

Robert (Bob) Ertmer, age 90, of Elizabeth, Illinois passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019. His family will hold private services to honor his life. A memorial has been established in his memory to benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Elizabeth Historical Society. Memorials may be sent to 202 W. Main St., Elizabeth, IL 61028. Friends and acquaintances are invited to share in Robert’s life at http://www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Robert was born October 24, 1929 on the family farm near Elizabeth, the son of George and Anna (Becker) Ertmer. He attended the Terrapin Ridge Country School and the Elizabeth High School, graduating with the Class of 1948. During this time and until enlisting in the service, he worked for various area farmers, as well as running the family farm. On June 14, 1958, Robert married Carlene Dittmar. They raised seven children and celebrated sixty-one years of marriage.

Robert enlisted in the US Airforce in 1951 during the Korean War, serving as a Military Police Officer with Top Secret Clearance until 1955 when he was honorably discharged. He was proud of his service and remained active throughout his life in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He started with the US Postal Service in 1957 as a clerk in Elizabeth. He also served as a rural carrier in Elizabeth, Hanover and Freeport. He retired in 1984 as the Hanover Postmaster. Robert repaired, restored and refinished furniture and buildings. He also had a painting business, often with a long waiting list, that continued full time for many years after retirement. He believed in always charging a fair price and that a handshake was the only contract needed.

As someone living through the depression, he learned to take advantage of the endless possibilities the land and hard work could provide. With his wife and kids, they managed their 12-acre farm, raising animals and growing anything from vegetables to fruit trees to provide for their family. He was even an avid beekeeper. They not only provided for their family but provided much for neighbors and the community through many dozens of farm fresh eggs or quarts of freshly picked strawberries. Having the children take part in the daily operations of the farm was his way of instilling his values of work ethic and integrity into his future generations to come.

Woodworking was one of Robert’s many talents and hobbies, working with his hands to make many cherished family heirlooms, repairing antiques, and building bird houses and miniature log cabins, just to name a few. He enjoyed fishing with “the guys,” taking several trips to Canada, Missouri and Wisconsin, and with his grandchildren, teaching them about life. Robert and Carlene loved spending time together, bird watching, traveling, bowling, and raising a family. He especially treasured his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching their sporting events, giving rides on his tractors and playing Uno and euchre, where he taught them to always hold the ace of spades. He loved reading anything historical and volunteered with the Elizabeth Historical Society. In his later years, there was always a jigsaw puzzle spread out on the dining room table. He started his day with the paper’s crossword puzzle and ended his day with his only medication - a gin martini with olives at 4:30 (“Tooni time”) - while watching the evening news and Wheel of Fortune.

Throughout his life, Robert was active in the community and most people knew him simply as Bob. He was a member of the Catholic Church of St. Mary in Elizabeth and the Elizabeth-Hanover VFW and American Legion. Through those organizations, he provided opportunities for several students to attend Illinois Boys State, as well as play Legion baseball.

Robert will be dearly missed by his wife, Carlene of Elizabeth; seven children, William “Bill” (Sue) Ertmer of Scales Mound, Kevin (Brenda) Ertmer of Elizabeth, Tim (Tonya) Ertmer of Elizabeth, Joy Ertmer of Elizabeth, Jane (Greg) Hulstedt of Belvidere, Steve (Sheila) Ertmer of Elizabeth and Jenny (Joe) Duey of Tega Cay, South Carolina; eighteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren with one on-the-way; and two brothers, Alvin Ertmer of Elizabeth and Marion Ertmer of Wake Forest, North Carolina. Robert is preceded in death by his parents; two children at birth; three brothers, Eugene, Raymond and Delbert; and three brothers-in-law, John, Dean and Dave.

Stockton

David E. Logemann, 64

David E. Logemann, age 64 of Stockton, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019.

He was born January 9, 1955; the son of Bruce and Earlene (Clay) Logemann. He was a 1973 graduate of Stockton High School. He married Colleen Boyle on August 7, 1976 and together they raised five beautiful children.

Dave was a member of the Teamsters Union. He enjoyed golfing and playing scratch with his kids on Sunday afternoons. He loved basketball and watching the grandkids play any sport. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Dave’s biggest pride and joy was his family, especially his grandkids.

He is survived by his sons, Sean (Karley Carpenter) Logemann of McHenry, IL and Corey Logemann of Stockton; daughters, Lindy (Pat) Winters of Stockton, Erica (Jeremy) Hoyer of Cherry Valley, IL, and Shelby Logemann of Stockton; 8 grandchildren, Cody Wurster, Courtney (Blake) Boykin, Owen Logemann, Wesley Logemann, Kiersten Winters, Katelyn Winters, Brooklyn Hoyer, and Lauren Johnson; a great grandson on the way; brothers, Michael (Irene) Logemann of Stockton and Scott (Jodi) Logemann of Jonesborough, AR; sisters, Connie (Doug) Winters of Genoa, OH; and best friend, Ivan Spratt. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger “Boxer” Logemann.

A visitation was held on Friday, November 15th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. A memorial service took place on Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

McConnell

Joey Delois Edward Lomas, 72

Joey Delois Edward Lomas, 72, of McConnell, IL passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at his home.

He was born on May 25, 1947 in Prairie Du Chien, WI to Harold and Eunice (Havens) Lomas.

Joey was a humorous man who loved his children and grandchildren. He served his country during the Vietnam War by joining the US Army from 1966-1968. Joey met his wife Robin Lomas (Krebs) in Lena, IL and were married June 10, 1984 in Lena. He loved hunting, fishing, and most of all, spoiling his grandchildren with chocolate covered cherries and other goodies.

Joey is survived by his wife Robin Lomas (Krebs), son Brad (Kathy) Lomas, daughters; Carrie (Chad) Parriott, Bobbi (Tom) Kubly, Casey (Dusty) Ellis, Katie (Travis) Moen, his two brothers Harold “Sunny” (Linda) Lomas and Gerald “Jimmy” (Sherry) Lomas and sisters Judy Hale and Mitzie “Carolyn” (Jeff) McBride, 27 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Eunice Lomas, mother and father-in-law, two sisters, Lillian and Robin, two sons Billy Duitsman and Chris Leopold, and two grandchildren.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A celebration of life will be held from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the McConnell Legion Hall.

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

Savanna

Ruth Ann French, 88

Ruth Ann French, 88, passed away on November 10, 2019 at Manor Care Health Services in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Ruth was born to Henry and Estelle (Farrell) Bell on November 5, 1931. She was married to Frank Prowant, Jr. and later was married to Edward French. Ruth graduated as valedictorian from Savanna High School in 1949 and was an active member of her graduating class, the 49’ers. She lived all of her adult life in Savanna, Illinois and was a lifelong member of the Savanna Methodist Church. She worked for the National Lock Corporation until the plant closed and then worked at Swiss Colony until she retired at the age of 84. Ruth was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and was very happy when they finally won the World Series in 2016.

Ruth’s life was blessed with many children, Mark (Jenifer) Prowant of Robins, Iowa, Jaymie (Roger) Allen of Stockton, Illinois, Frank (Sheri) Prowant of Ankeny, Iowa, Jodie Stoker of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Darrin (Kim) Prowant of Thornton, Colorado, Steve (Amy) Prowant of Savanna, Illinois, and Jackie (Aaron) Kreuder of Bondurant, Iowa. She had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ed, her son, Dana Prowant, her stepson, Jim (Donna) French, great-granddaughter, Emmalee Ann Deininger and ten brothers and sisters.

Visitation was held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, Illinois where the family was present from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service took place at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church, Savanna. Burial took place in Savanna Township Cemetery.

Any memorials may be directed to Above & Beyond Hospice Foundation in Monticello, Iowa.

Apple River

Bernieta M. Bourquin, 84

Bernieta M. Bourquin, 84, of Apple River, passed away Sunday November 10, 2019 with family at her side at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI.

She was born on May 6, 1935 in Illinois, to Herbert and Bernice (Stadel) Bahr. Bernieta married Charles Bourquin February 12, 1955 in Scales Mound. Bernieta farmed alongside Charles for many years and she was a teller at the Apple River State Bank. She was a lifetime member of the Apple River Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed playing cards and games, and fishing. Bernieta enjoyed traveling, especially to Switzerland and spending the winters in the Gulf Shores with Charles. She loved spending time with her family, and especially her great grandchildren.

Bernieta is survived by her Children; Lynnsey (Michael) Armoska of Cherry Valley, and Marcel (Karen) Bourquin of Apple River, grandchildren; Lisa Adams, Curt Hoagland, Cory (Sara) Bourquin, Kristy Bourquin, great grand children; Kyan Adams, and Bailey Hoagland, Hayden and Emma Bourquin, sister; Leah Mae (Malcolm) Anderberg, step grandson; Nicholas Armoska, step great grandchildren; Calvin and Nolan Armoska.

Bernieta was preceded in death by her; parents, husband; Charles in 2006, sisters and brother Alberta, Verlea, and Calvin.

Funeral services were held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL. A visitation was held from 10:00 AM until time of services on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Funeral Home in Warren. Burial will be at West Ella Cemetery in Apple River, IL. Pastor Kathy Linn officiated the services.

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

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Warren Ambulance, and the staff at The Monroe Clinic & Hospital and SSM St. Mary Hospital for the care they gave Bernieta.