Obituaries

Pearl City

Mary Jane Kuhlemeyer Clark, 70

I, Mary (“Mamie” to the grandchildren) Jane Kuhlemeyer Clark went to be with God above and my friends and family who have gone before on Saturday, July 11, 2020. My death was due to cancer.

I was born in Freeport, IL on January 14, 1950, and lived in Pearl City, IL. I married Clifford Charles Clark in 1972 in Pearl City, and moved to New Orleans. Our daughters were born there, and New Orleans held a special place in my heart. The rest of my life I spent in Centennial, CO and loved every minute. Especially the blizzards and the blue sky, sometimes simultaneously.

My beloved husband is Clifford C. Clark. Without him, I would only be half of who I wanted to be. He spoiled me! While I was sick, I was his priority over all else. Our precious daughters of whom we are immensely pleased and who brought us great pleasure, along with their husbands and children, are Jessica Roe (husband is Gates), Ann Marie Clark, and Erin Zahradka (husband is Paul). Match last names to those of the parents, and here are the grandchildren with whom I shared a maturity level: Clark and Scarlett Roe, Madilynne, Asher, and Gavin Foonberg, and Stella and Duncan Zahradka. I have an older sister, Molly (Ron) Clemons, who was a gift. I have eight wonderful cousins I valued with all my heart and friends I truly love.

My parents were the best parents in the world, and they were Virginia (Mitchell) and Eugene B. Kuhlemeyer of Pearl City, IL. I hope I emulated them in traditions and love. For me they sacrificed vacations and comforts, and because of their sacrifices and support, I was able to graduate with two degrees.

Aunts, uncles, and grandparents made every day meaningful to me. Their doors were always open to us or else we knew where their key was hidden. Their love was always apparent.

I had the pleasure of teaching for many years. It was truly a gift to teach.

My love for others - and because I did my best to stay in touch with those I love - I ask for a no-funeral farewell. No need to gather as we have gathered often in our own way. There will be a private graveside burial ceremony for family and local friends in Pearl City, IL. In lieu of a funeral, please pick a day of your choosing every year to remember me and spend the day with those you love.

Please consider: Sitting on a porch swing with the one you love. Ride a horse and smile the entire time. Play bridge. Euchre is good, too. Help a student with homework. Do not eat peas, drink milk, or eat gravy on that day, as I never ate those things. Buy tickets for you and one you love for the vacation of your dreams. Smile. Make a card for someone and say a prayer for the person to whom it goes before sealing the envelope. Organize something to look forward to doing with friends. Read. Make someone laugh. Tell your children and grandchildren that you love them. Don’t clean today. Or tomorrow, for that matter. Plant a tree. Give someone garden flowers. Get a hairstyle that requires NO time to do each day. Thank a veteran and put a wreath on the grave of a veteran, please. Do it for Christmas if not now. Or both. Vote.

Above all, say a prayer to thank God for your life and your loved ones, and for His blessings.

If you would like to give in my name, consider a contribution to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pearl City, IL, where I’ve been a member since birth, at 229 S 1st St, Pearl City, IL 61062. St. John’s is the church that taught me Christ’s love and how to accept all religions. Another contribution choice is the Pearl City School Foundation, CLASS OF 1968 High School Scholarship Fund (#8154432725), C/O State Bank of Pearl City, 215 S. Main Street, Pearl City, IL 61062. Pearl City is family. I love my family, so contributions should only go to one of these.

Hug my husband and daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren for me since they were my life and I hugged them. Feel free to call them at inconvenient times and forget why you called, since they will certainly miss that from me now!!!

Thank God for the most wonderful life I had!

Thank-you.

With Love,

~Mary

Winslow

John Ammon, 93

John Ammon, age 93 of Winslow, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2020, surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 19, 1926 in Winslow to John Sr. and Hulda (Rolli) Ammon. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1944, served his country in the United States Navy, was a World War II Veteran, he then graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. John married Orla Thomas on August 28, 1949 at the Zion Evangelical Church in Pearl City, IL. Together they owned and operated the Ammon Turkey Farm at their home in Winslow from 1949 until retiring in 1993.

John was a member of the McConnell United Methodist Church, Winslow American Legion Post 592, Farm Bureau and the Illinois State Turkey Growers Association. He was continually active in community service through out his life and had served as a board member for the Lena -Winslow School District, Highland Community College Foundation, and the Winslow Fire Department board of trustees. John had served as Mayor of Winslow for 16 years and spent countless hours on committees for the Winslow River Days and Paradise Cove.

He received many awards and accomplishments in his life, but was most proud of the Prairie Farmers- Master Farmer Award (1969), Stephenson County Soil and Water Conservation District- Friend of the District Award (2009), and his Hole-In-One (1996) at the Lena Golf Course. He was instrumental in writing the application in 2002 for Winslow to win the Governor’s Hometown Award, building the waterfall and covered bridge at Paradise Cove and always striving to make Winslow the best it could be. He always enjoyed family and friends, fishing, euchre, pinochle, and poker games, making wine from his own grapes, turkey bar-b-ques, working the land and trees, travelling and a good joke.

John is survived by his children- Amy (Gary) Bublitz of West Dundee, IL, Trish (JC) Bishop of O’Fallon, IL, John F. (Nanette) Ammon of Longmont, CO, and Lisa Ammon of Freeport, IL; 5 grandchildren- Sarah (Brad) Davis of Falls Church, VA, Joshua Bishop of O’Fallon, IL, John Thomas (Darlene) Bishop of Caseyville, IL, Isaiah Ammon of Longmont, CO and Jared Ammon of Longmont, CO; and his great-grandson due in early August.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Orla in 2015, his parents, sisters and their husbands- Marjorie and Leland Wenzel, Marian and John Timmerman, Orla’s brothers and their wives- Emery and Frieda Thomas and James and Elaine Thomas.

John’s family would like to thank Sheila Hartman and the staff at Oakley Courts for their care, compassion and kindness these past 2 ½ years and Gary Ols for his continuing friendship.

Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Visitation was prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Officiating was Ernie Stabenow. Interment will take place at Rock Lily Cemetery in Winslow.

A memorial has been established in his name for the Winslow Fire Department where he was a trustee for over 60 years, and may be sent to…

John Ammon Memorial

Community Bank

233 Carver Street

Winslow, IL 61089

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Mt. Carroll

Tena L. Harris, 76

Tena L. Harris, age 76, of Mt. Carroll, IL, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020 at FHN Hospital in Freeport, IL. A celebration of life gathering was held Saturday, July 18, 2020, at the Chadwick Legion, at 221 Calvert, Chadwick, IL, from 1pm to 5pm. Family and friends are invited to share in Tena’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Tena was born August 30, 1943, in Moline, IL, the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Mackin) Dhabalt. She attended schools in Cordova and then Moline. On August 8, 1959, Tena married Richard D. Harris in Rock Island, IL. The two went on to have 5 children and celebrated 60 years of marriage. Tena was a homemaker in her children’s younger years, then went to work for Atwood’s in Mt. Carroll. She was proud to serve as a Union Steward there, for over 20 years.

Tena enjoyed traveling with her dear husband, Richard. Over the years, they made their way to Alaska and Florida, and were 4-time Wyoming Rodeo attendees. They also frequented Branson, MO for their fun getaways. When they weren’t traveling, Tena kept a tidy and spotless house. Her family lovingly joked that you could eat off her floors! Tena’s life revolved heavily around her family. She rarely went 24 hours without speaking with her children, and was always present for all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and endeavors.

Tena will be dearly missed by her husband Richard; children, Ramona (Roger) Koett, of Milledgeville, IL, Branty (Julie) Harris, of Shannon, IL, Willow (John) Russell, of Mt. Carroll, IL, David (Tuesdai) Harris, of Chadwick, IL, and Shane (Brenda) Harris, of Chadwick, IL; nine grandchildren, Lucas (Ryann), Kara (Jamie), Marissa, Zane (Stacey), Andrew (Kayla), Nikki (Zack), Levi (Ashley), Jordan, and Payton; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Steve (Jan) Rathburn, of Port Byron, IL; and a sister, Ethel March, of Moline, IL.

Tena is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Elizabeth; brother, Robert (JoAnn) Dhabalt; and brother-in-law, Gordon March.

Stockton

Robert C. Branthaver, 96

Robert C. Branthaver, age 96 of Stockton went home to meet his Lord July 14, 2020 at Freeport, Illinois.

He was born October 31, 1923 in Freeport, IL; son of Roy and Matilda (Hildebrandt) Branthaver. Robert married Rita Looney June 8, 1946; she died March 1, 1990. He married Ethel Kerr December 10, 2005; she died March 4, 2010.

Robert attended Freeport schools and proudly served his country in WWII. He was employed as a meat cutter at Lee’s Market for several years and later by the State of Illinois as a Meat and Poultry inspector until his retirement in 1990.

He was a devout member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and lived his life with unwavering faith. Robert loved spending time with family and will fondly be remembered for his quick wit and keen sense of humor. He loved spending time in his back yard and enjoyed feeding birds and squirrels. Robert was known to have a song in his heart and would often sing special songs for his children and grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his brother, Jim (Helen) Branthaver of Poplar Grove, daughters, Sharon (Jerry) Richmond of Rockford, Mary Lynn (Kevin) Trost of Stockton, Kathy (Larry) Broshous of Stockton, Nancy (Steve) Olson or Lena and Lisa (Kevin) Hunziker of Ridott and Son, Tom Branthaver (Randall Viestenz); grandchildren, Lynette (Mike) Bitner, Paula Mitchell, Adam (Sherry) Broshous, Sarah (Brandon) Sneek, Bobbie Trost (Derek Noll), Martin Trost, Grant Olson (Beth Johnson), Jake Olson, Haley (Scott)Kesler and Hannah Hunziker; fifteen great-grandchildren; step-sons Richard (Shirley)Kerr of Lena and David Kerr of Freeport, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, spouses Rita and Ethel, brother William Branthaver, sister Mildred Hacker, grandson in-law Todd Mitchell and great grandson Oliver Broshous.

Visitation was held Monday, July 20, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. - Rosary was prayed at 9:00 a.m. prior to visitation at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Stockton. Funeral mass was Monday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m. Holy Cross Catholic Church, 223 E. Front St., Stockton, IL, with burial following at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Stockton.

A memorial fund has been established in Robert’s name.