Obituaries

Lena

Kenneth ‘Ken’ W. Gritzmaker, 73

Kenneth “Ken” W. Gritzmaker, 73, of Lena, IL passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 29, 2021.

He was born April 17, 1948 to Lee and Inez (Brandt) Gritzmaker in Monroe, WI. He married Mary Anne Knoll on July 15, 1967 in Martintown, WI. Ken served his country in the United States Army from 1968-1969, where he was stationed in Germany. He then worked for Honeywell in Freeport until he retired in 2005.

Ken enjoyed watching NASCAR especially Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Sr., fishing with his best friends Terry and Anthony, deer hunting, gardening, playing cards especially with his grandchildren, trips to Red Wing Minnesota to gamble, and traveling to almost all 50 states with Mary Anne.

He is survived by his wife Mary Anne of Lena; daughters- Rhonda (Tom) Ostendorf of Freeport, IL and Jamie (Brian) Eilders of Lena; grandchildren- Kendra (Patrick) Holland, Brandon Ostendorf, Alyssa Ostendorf, Brian (Jennifer) Wybourn, Jordan (Cora) Eilders, Brendan Eilders, and Brady Eilders; great grandchildren- Brooklyn, Madison, Emmett, Colt, and Duke; siblings- Gary (Paula) Gritzmaker, Alan Gritzmaker, and Mary Payne; and brother-in-law Vernon Tearman.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Willis Gritzmaker, and sister Jean Tearman.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday June 5, 2021 at Lena United Methodist Church in Lena, IL. Visitation was from 9:00 AM until time of services on Saturday at the Lena United Methodist Church. Pastor Keri Rainsberger officiated the service. Burial will take place at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

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

Warren

Gerald A. Bogenrief Sr. 82

Gerald A. Bogenrief Sr., 82, of Warren, IL passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, May,29, 2021 at Presence St Joseph Center in Freeport, IL.

He was born on July, 3. 1938 to George and Elizabeth Bogenrief in Rockford, IL. He married Carla Williams on October 2, 1980 in Rockford and together they raised three children.

Gerald served his country in the United States Army serving two tours in Vietnam. He worked for Essex Wire for 42 years before retiring. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, and spending time with family especially grandchildren.

He is survived by his children- Josh (Brandy) Williams of Browntown, WI, Jen Townsend of Freeport, IL and Dawn Griffin of Warren, IL; grandchildren- Justin, Heidi, Tyler, Charles, Hera, Claudia (Chet), and Dayinera; and four great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Carla, and grandson Chad.

Visitation was held on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 11am-1pm at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL. Funeral Service immediately followed the visitation. Keri Rainsberger officiated the service. Cremation rites have been accorded.

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

Shannon

William “Bill” Miller, 89

William “Bill” E. Miller, age 89, of Shannon, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at FHN Hospital, in Freeport, IL.

A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 11am at Lanark City Cemetery. All those attending are invited to gather at Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark at 10:30. We will then process together to the cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in Bill’s name, and family and friends are invited to share in his life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Bill was born October 23, 1931, in Macomb, IL, the son of John and Helen (Mowery) Miller. Growing up in Bushnell, IL, Bill attended Bushnell schools, ultimately graduating from Bushnell High School. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the National Guard, ready to do his part in serving his country. On April 11, 1954, Bill married Pauline Hultgren at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Burlington, IA. The couple went on to raise three children, and celebrated many decades of marriage before Pauline’s passing in 2012.

In his younger years, while still in Bushnell, Bill worked as a mechanic for the local Ford garage, before opening an upholstery shop, and later Miller’s Laundry and Dry Cleaning. In 1973, he and Pauline moved to the Lake Carroll area. Here, they worked together for 20 years in the construction and real estate businesses. It was here that Bill also started Miller Sales and Service, which later become Miller Sport Center.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed fishing, and even flew as a pilot in his late teens. He especially loved to snowmobile. He, Pauline, and their kids logged many hours on those snowmobiles. They were active in the local snowmobile club, and often planned and organized trips up north, and out to Yellowstone National Park.

Bill will be dearly missed by his son, BJ (Debbie) Miller, of Lake Carroll, IL; daughters, Deb (Dick) Lavender, of Cadillac, MI, and Linda (Fiance, John Becker) Lawfer, of Shannon, IL; five grandchildren, Matt (Tracey) Miller, of Shannon, IL, Ronni Miller, of Davenport, IA, Patrick (Erin) Lavender, of McBain, MI, Nicole (Cory ) Haas, of Elizabeth, IL, and Jenna (Mike) Piche, of New Glarus, WI; and eight great-grandchildren, Ava and Sienna, Bella and Kenzie, Eli and Weston, and Owen and Callen; a brother, Jim (Roberta) Miller. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; parents, John and Helen; and brother, Jack Miller.