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Obituaries

Winslow

Lloyd M. Boelk, 82

Lloyd M. Boelk, age 82, of Winslow, IL passed away peacefully on Friday, November 19,2021 in Freeport, IL.

He was born on April 2, 1939, in Warren, IL to Paul and Freida (Butts) Boelk. He married Carma Rabe on May 5, 1962, at the Martintown Church in Martintown, WI. They were married 46 years until her passing in 2008. Lloyd worked at Kelly Tire for 33years and retired July 1997. He served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964, and in the reserves until 1967.

He was very active in many organizations during his life. He was a Fireman, President of the Winslow Park District for many years, where he was very involved in getting the park diamonds started. He could never get enough of sports, slow-pitch softball, golf, Cubs, Packers, deer hunting and taking trips up North. He enjoyed singing, especially Statler Brothers.

He is survived by his brother Allan Boelk of South Wayne, WI; many nieces and nephews and special friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Carma; two infant sons in 1975 and 1977; two brothers Roger Boelk and Marvin Boelk; niece Julie Boelk; sister-in-laws Phyllis Boelk, Corrinne Williams, Karen Newill; brother-in-laws Harold Williams, and Don Newill.

Visitation was held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Funeral Service was at 11:00 a.m. following the visitation on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Officiating at the service was Reverend Robert Patin. Burial will be held at Rock Lily Cemetery in Winslow, IL.

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

Lanark

Vernon Dale Newendyke, 88

Vernon Dale Newendyke, age 88, of rural Lanark, passed away peacefully in the hands of God Sunday, November 21, 2021, while being cared for by family and FHN Hospice, at home. A Christian funeral service was held at 12 p.m. Saturday, November 27, 2021, with a visitation one hour prior from 11:00 – 12 p.m., at Law-Jones Eastland, Lanark, Illinois.

Vernon was born May 5, 1933 in Garden Plain Township, Whiteside County, the son of Louis E. and Gertie (Buikema) Newendyke. He grew up on the family farm with six siblings, learning hard-work by hand picking ear corn and hand milking cows (he thought it was fun to squirt the milk at his siblings or friends – his aim was good!). He attended the Cottle Country Grade School, Erie High School until moving and graduated Milledgeville High School in 1950. He enjoyed learning to box while attending Erie High and running track at Milledgeville. It was through these years that Vernon learned how to love the outdoors and be faithful to God.

Vernon’s heart began growing fond of Mary Alice Vander Vinne, and he could be found courting her on Sunday afternoons. Vernon and Mary were united in marriage on December 30, 1953 at the Newton Zion Reformed Church of Erie, IL. They have celebrated 67 years of marriage and raised five children. Vernon was a good husband, always patient and loving, studying the Bible, and often sharing devotions with family.

Vernon loved farming through the years, and he became passionate about researching grain markets. He is a founding partner of Sterling Futures, a commodity brokerage, along with his son Richard. Often Vernon would join his son announcing the markets on WSDR Radio.

Vernon was a long standing member of the Faith Reformed Church in Lanark, and served on the Consistory at the Church. He was an active member with Gideons International, and spent many occasions passing out Bibles and New Testaments. He held various offices in the Jo Davies – Carroll Camp for many years. On Sundays he would visit the residents of the Carroll County jail and share the good news of the Gospel with them.

Vernon will be dearly missed by his wife Mary of Lanark; two daughters, Darla (Larry) Hubbard of Lanark and Lorna Truckenmiller of Shannon; two sons, Richard (Lois) Newendyke of Sterling and Russell (Penny) Newendyke of Milledgeville; a son-in-law, Brian Murphy of Lanark. Fifteen grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; a sister, Carol June (Ernest) Eads of Fulton; and a brother, Melvin (Barbara) Newendyke of Litchfield, Maine, an aunt Evelyn (Floyd) Perkins of Davenport, Iowa. Vernon is preceded in death by a daughter, Shari Joy Murphy; a son-in-law, Dean Truckenmiller; three sisters, Joyce Newendyke, Dorothy Walvoord and Marian Reiling; a brother, Harold and both parents.

Memorials for Gideons International and FHN Hospice may be given in Vernon’s honor. Share in Vernon’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com

Lena

Donald Clifford Rees, 92

Donald Clifford Rees passed away on November 23, 2021, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe, WI. Born October 17, 1929, on the family farm in Lena, Il, Donald was the third son of Clifford Karl Rees and Julia Gertrude (Schwindel) Rees. With his brothers Francis and Alfred, Donald worked on the farm from a young age. He spent his first eight years of school at the one-room schoolhouse, the Rees School, located a half-mile up the road. Donald graduated from Lena High School in 1947. Following high school, Donald worked at the State Bank in Freeport until he returned to farming, first as a hired hand on a neighboring farm, and then returning to help on the home place a few months later when his brother Alfred enlisted in the Navy.

Donald married his love, (Dorothy) Ilene Wise on October 10, 1953. Ilene was a surgical nurse, and together they farmed until Donald was drafted into the US Army on January 31, 1955. He did his training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma before shipping out to Okinawa where he was stationed. While in Okinawa, Donald served in an artillery division, where his detail included acting as a surveyor for a M65 280 mm atomic cannon, although in his last six months, he served as a mail clerk. Donald made three life-long friends while in the Army, Hubert Sellers, Lloyd Smith, and Keith Samuelson. They visited together throughout their lives.

When Donald returned from service, he began working at the Citizen State Bank in Lena on March 1, 1957. He worked in the bank for 20 years, first as cashier and ending as a Vice President of the bank. He also served as a bank director for 33 years, from 1967 until 2000. In 1975 Donald obtained his insurance brokers license and wrote for West Point Mutual Fire Insurance Company assisting Emmerson Lobdell. Donald was elected Treasurer in 1961 and served in that office until 1977. Donald left the bank in March 1977 and worked as agent and manager of West Point Mutual Fire Insurance Company until retiring February 1, 2000.

Donald moved to the Rees farm in 1963 and lived there until a few months before he passed away. He and Ilene always had the highest praise for their friend and neighbor Gary Kempel, who farmed on shares with Donald for many years. Donald and Ilene would not have been able to remain on the farm without the help of Gary and Amy Kempel.

Donald is survived by his daughter Susan (John Hofmann), two grandchildren, Aaron and Brent Rees, step-granddaughter Rachel Hoffmann, and step-grandson Erik Weeks. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, and nieces, nephews, and friends who enjoyed visiting with him on the farm.

Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife Ilene in March 2021, and by his son Dennis in March 2003. He was also preceded by his parents, granddaughter Angella, and brothers Francis and Alfred.

Visitation was held Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Leamon Funeral Home, Lena, Illinois from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. At St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lena, with internment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Donald’s family is grateful for the loving and compassionate care he received at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe, WI.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Pleasant View Foundation, PO Box 733, Monroe, WI 53566-0733 or https://cfsw.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1219.

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

Bradley W. Simmons, 59

Bradley W. Simmons, age 59, of Lena, IL passed away Friday, November 26, 2021 at Freeport Memorial Hospital.

Brad was born May 6, 1962 to Wayne (Buck) and Pat Simmons. Being the first born he was always trying new things and watching out for his sister and brother.

Health issues plagued brad from early in his life but he always had a smile on his face and a “hello” for everyone he met. He enjoyed fishing, being around animals, and singing in the church choir. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Stockton.

He is survived by his mother, Pat Simmons of Stockton; his sister, Wendy (Al) Nowviock of Kent, IL; and his brother, Brian (Vicky) Simmons of Walkerton, IN. One niece, Amber Nowviock and three nephews, Adam Nowviock, Ben (Ruth) Chacko, and Joe Chacko; and great nieces and nephews, Maddalyn and Ashton Nowviock and Amori and Quinn Chacko.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne on February 7, 2021.

Arrangements are pending with Hermann Funeral Home, please keep an eye on their website for further service information. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth

Donald L. Price, 87

Donald L. Price, age 87, Master Storyteller, previously of Clinton, IA and Elizabeth, IL passed away peacefully Monday, November 22, 2021 at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

A funeral service was held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth, with burial in the Elizabeth Cemetery. Visitation was held 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. A Masonic Service will follow visitation at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Donald was born June 9, 1934, in Freeport, Illinois, the son of Roy and Geneva (Hayes) Price. He is a 1952 Elizabeth High School graduate. At the age of 22, Don became a member of the Masonic Lodge. He believed its teachings helped him in life. He was a great storyteller, leaning in and keeping your attention. His stories included friends, family and the real goings-on around his life. Anyone who met him knew they had an immediate friend to share stories.

Don was known for owning the Price Logging and Export Co. for many years, and later in life, restoring old antique tractors. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator and miner before founding Price Logging. He received widespread recognition for his work with Water Ram technology. If there was a problem, Don wanted to be in on the solution. He has enjoyed sobriety for 51 years through the Grace of God and AA.

Donald will be dearly missed by his son Scott (Debra) Price of Galena; his daughter, Dawn Price of Platteville, Wisconsin; son-in-law, Patrick Cummings of Sierra Vista, AZ; two grandchildren, Marie and Andrew Freese; and a brother, Lloyd Price of New River, AZ. Don is preceded in death by his parents; a sister Luella Price of Salem, Oregon; a brother Robert; and a sister-in-law, Annie Price.

Loran

Melvin E. Kempel, 91

Melvin E. Kempel passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the Lena Living Center in Lena, IL. Melvin was born on December 2, 1929 at home in Loran to Fred and Alma (Althoff) Kempel. He was a proud attendee of Loran Country School with all of his siblings. He graduated from Pearl City High School in 1948. He married Joan Nelson on November 29, 1953 in Loran. They dearly loved to dance, spend time with friends, playing cards, and boating on the Mississippi River. He and long-time friend, Dale DeVries, sang at numerous functions in their younger days.

Melvin was often affectionately referred to as the Mayor of Loran and loved social time with the many friends and neighbors that stopped by with local and national news. He loved following the Chicago Cubs and was excited to have lived long enough to enjoy the 2016 World Series win! Melvin was the Jefferson Township Assessor, served as the Township Supervisor for over 50 years, and was a 50-year member of the Pearl City Lions and Pearl Lodge #823.

He and Joan were proud parents of their four sons; Jeff and his wife, Alice; their children, Jennifer and Josh (wife Mara), and their children Natalie and Megan. Joel and his wife, Lori; their children, Jed (wife Elizabeth) and their children Stella, Brooks and Case; Coe (wife Samantha) and their children Audra, Lane and Colt; Jace (wife Danielle) and their children Collins and Crew. Jack and his wife, Chris; their children Jacob (wife Kaitlin) and their children Faith and Charlotte; Lucas (wife Tracey) and their children Clara and Jackson; Logan (wife Kylie). Jay and his wife, Karlyn; their children Jared (wife Sara), Justin and Jason (aka Ted and Paul!).

Melvin is survived by three of his siblings; Marion Jones, Jean Grever and John Kempel. Also, his sister-in-laws Nancy Kempel and Donna Nelson and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, on June 16, 2004. Also preceding him in death were his brother Alden and wife Dorothy, brother Warren and wife Helen, sister Ruth Block and her husband Robert (Bud), brother Ralph, brother-in-laws Robert Jones, Dick Murphy, Glenn Grever, Keith Wise and Wayne Nelson, sisters-in-law Rachel Wise and Donna Kempel.

A memorial service was held on Monday, November 29, at 11 am at Salem United Church of Christ in Loran with a visitation from 9 am until the time of service. Jim Brown, former Pastor of the Ebenezer/Salem parish will officiate.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Tawfik, Lynda Borsdorf NP, the staff at the Lena Living Center as well as Lana Haas, Melinda Baker, Leann Heimerdinger and Beth Schneider. Also, special thanks to Jodi Nieman and Dee Scace.

There will be a memorial established for Pearl City Lions Club and Pearl City FFA Chapter.

Online condolences may be shared at http://www.schwarfh.com

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