Obituaries

Stockton

Ruth A. Lawfer, 89

Ruth A. Lawfer, age 89, of Stockton, IL passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at home. She was born in Morrison, IL on May 20, 1932 to the late Louis and Winnie (VanOosten) VenHuizen.

Ruth was a 1950 graduate of Stockton High School. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Stockton. In her younger years she helped farm. She also worked as a produce manager for Sullivans Foods, she was the first manager at Casey’s, she was a waitress at the Blackhawk Run Golf Course in Stockton and a cook for Shell Station in Stockton. Ruth was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, visiting the casino, and baking pies.

She is survived by her sons, Greg (Eileen) Lawfer, Jeff (Susan) Lawfer and Rick (Melissa) Lawfer; her daughter, Deb (Bob Eilders) Lawfer; her grandchildren, Chad (Wendy) Lawfer, Lacey (Casey) Blake, Jarret Lawfer, Tanner Lawfer, Heather (Tim) Larson, Carrie Lawfer, Hannah Lawfer, Kenzie Arand and Maddy Arand; her 12 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; and her sisters, Beverly (Bob) Gille and Cathy (Doug) Mills. She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant son, Gary; and her brothers, Arnie and Robert VenHuizen.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Stella’s in Stockton from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for FHN Hospice.

Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lisa Ann Vanderheyden, 56

Lisa Ann Vanderheyden, age 56, of Stockton IL passed away Friday, December 31st, 2021.

She was born January 3rd, 1965 To Truman (Dale) and Margaret (Punky) Hubb. She married Ronald Vanderheyden on Feb 6th, 1988, her high school sweetheart. Lisa was taken by a brief illness not related to Covid-19.

Lisa held an accounting degree from Illinois State University. She worked various accounting jobs throughout her career. She also co-owned Full Throttle Powersports with her husband Ron. God blessed Ron and Lisa with an only child, Erin Ann, on January 25th, 2001. Before Erin Lisa was an avid snowmobile enthusiast. After Erin, Lisa was a doting and dedicated Dance Mom which dominated her winter months. She enjoyed boating and riding side by sides the other three seasons. Lisa loved the North Woods of Wisconsin and had planned to relocate to Minocqua upon retirement. She was an avid college football fan and watched every game she could regardless of who was playing. She also was an avid Stockton High School sports fan. Lisa was an Indycar fan and attended many races over the years.

Lisa was a kind, caring, generous person that touched many lives. She was a wonderful Aunt to 11 nieces and nephews, 7 great nieces and nephews, and 3 great great nieces and nephews. Lisa is survived by Ron and Erin as well as her parents Dale and Punky Hubb. She is also survived by her brothers Steve (Sue) Hubb and Ken (Michelle) Hubb, and sisters Susan (Brad) Toppert and Jennifer Hubb. Her mother-in-law, Jane Vanderheyden, and her had a very special relationship. Jane thought of Lisa just as she did her own.

The funeral service was held Saturday January 8th at Wesley Methodist church in Stockton at 4:00 PM. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Richard Lawfer, 89

Richard Lawfer, age 89, of Stockton, IL passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021. He was born in Freeport, IL on May 15, 1932 to the late Merle and Ethel (Erwin) Lawfer. Richard married Lou Ann Carroll in January of 1952. Lou Ann passed away on November 11, 2010.

He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton and the Highland Chapter of Pheasants Forever and was awarded member of The Long Spur Society 2020. He served on the Stockton Fire Department for 34 years, from 1958-1992 and was Fire Chief from 1967-1968. Richard was the former owner of L&N Auto Service and Stockton Auto Body. He loved hunting and training foxhounds and bird dogs. He was a long time member of Rack and Wing Hunt Club. He had a passion for John Deere tractors. He was also a lifetime St. Louis Cardinals and Stockton Blackhawk fan.

Richard is survived by his two sons, Jan (Bonnie) Lawfer and Kim (Nancy) Lawfer; his grandchildren, Jamie (Nicole) Lawfer, Jayson (Jenny) Lawfer, Katy (Matt) Sprunger and their children, Noah and Elijah, Rich (Kim O.) Lawfer and their daughter, Ryleigh Lou Ann, Dave (Emily) Dixon and their children, Jenna, Libby and Kendall, Barb (Scott) Manske and their children Brandon, and his son, Jacob, Katelyn and her son, Easton, and Olivia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his son, Rex; his two brothers, Freeman and Kenneth; and his sister, Eula Jean Smith.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton. Interment took place at Ladies Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Irene Charlotte Daves, 87

Irene Charlotte Daves, age 87, of Stockton, IL passed away Monday, December 27, 2021.

She was born on May 17, 1934 in Slcheusen, Ostp Preusen. Irene married Charles Daves in 1950. Charles passed away on October 27, 2013.

Irene had worked at Atwood in Stockton for 33 years. She loved baking, flower gardening and going to her German Coffee Clutches on the weekends. Most of all, Irene loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, Charles (Marilyn) Daves of Aurora, CO, Alfred (Sandy) Daves of Dubuque, IA, and Rick Daves of Stockton, IL; her daughter, Tonya (Mark) Heller of Stockton, IL; and her grandchildren, Brandon (Taydra) Bernhardt, Ryan (Madison) Bernhardt, Joel Daves, Michael (Jen) Daves, Scott (Kara) Daves and Jodi Daves. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Sigfried Daves; her 4 brothers, Otto, Hanz, Earnst and Alfred; and her 3 sisters all of Germany.

A private family service was held. Interment took place at Woodbine Cemetery. Donations can be made to either the Stockton or the Warren EMS in her memory. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lena

Rebecca A. Niemann, 25

Rebecca A. Niemann, 25, passed away at her home in Lena on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

She was born on March 5, 1996, to Jeff and Lynette (Browning) Niemann. Rebecca graduated from Lena- Winslow High School in 2015 and then went on to continue her education at Highland Community College. She was employed at the Monroe Dollar Tree for 2 ½ years.

Rebecca enjoyed helping her grandmother and mother with yard work, gardening, and canning vegetables. She loved crafts and loved to give gifts; it could have been a homemade card, a picture, or a small gift. Becca was a quiet but kind, loving and generous person. She was a part of an at home fellowship group and she loved watching movies with her sister.

Rebecca is survived by her: parents; Jeff and Lynette Niemann of Lena, one brother; Brett (Holly) Niemann of Monticello, WI. and one sister; Angela Niemann of Lena, Grandparents; Delmar (Joyce) Niemann of Stockton, IL, Carolyn Niemann of Warren, IL and Judith Browning of Lena, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is preceded in death by; her grandpa; Dale Browning, and cousin; Nikita Martin.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 12:00pm at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m until time of service. Officiating the service will be Bob Bender.

Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, IL. A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family leamonfh.com

Carol Lynn Elliott, 85

Carol Lynne Elliott, age 85 of Lena, IL passed away at home on Sunday, December 19, 2021.

She was born on August 20, 1936 in Stockton, IL, the daughter of Stanley and Genevieve (Lyons) Souders. Carol married Jack Elliott on May 1, 1992 in Galena, IL. She worked at Crum Forster briefly, Ben Franklin in Lena, Illinois Department of Employment Security, and The Village of Lena. Carol was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. She and her first husband raised 7 children and fostered many children over the course of 20 years.

She is survived by her husband Jack Elliott of Lena; 5 children- Sandra (Rick) Bennett of Waterloo, SC, Deb (Wally) Gitz of Freeport, IL, Kelly (David) Bohl of Apache Junction, AZ, Ann (Fred) Linker of Shannon, IL, and Chris Miller of Pocahontas, AZ; 12 grandchildren- Eric, Sarah, Jennifer, Rachael, Shelli, Lyndsey, Lizzie, Brandon, Blake, Abbey, Spencer, and Tessa; 15 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, sons Timothy Miller and Daniel Christiano, brother Keith, and daughter-in-law Michelle Miller.

A special thank you to Diane Schlamp her Caregiver for 8 years, and special friends Barb Daul and Deb Heim.

Funeral took place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton, IL. Officiating was Father Mike Morrissey.

A memorial fund has been established in her name for the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Lanark

June Bernadine (Martin) Kniss, 96

June Bernadine (Martin) Kniss passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 14th, 2021.

She was born on June 1st, 1925 in rural Lanark to Walter and Mabel (Kloepping) Martin, and was a 1943 graduate of Lanark High School. She attended Shimer College in Mt. Carroll and Northern Illinois University, after which she taught for three years in a one-room country school. Although the school building has long been unoccupied, the building is still standing on what is known as the Loren Blacktop.

She married the love of her life, Kenny Kniss, on July 21, 1946. They farmed together for nearly 50 years on farms in the rural Lanark area. June is survived by her six children: Ronald of Scottsdale, AZ; Barry (Barbara) of Mt. Carroll; Tom of Lake Carroll; Mary Lou of Reston, VA; Jonathan (Laura) of Tacoma, WA; and Carolee (Kevin) Stees of Chandler, AZ; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 1 sister, and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one brother.

June was a hard worker, and passed her work ethic on to all of her children. While she was based on her farm, she was an avid horticulturist, and grew an immense garden. She grew vegetables of many types that were harvested for meals, as well as for freezing and canning. She had a knack for identifying flowers of all types, even in different regions of the country. She loved discovering new kinds of plants and flowers wherever she traveled.

She was also an accomplished cook. When her children were all still at home, she cooked three meals a day for eight people, seven days a week. One exception was Sunday nights, which consisted of apples and popcorn, and basically being on your own. She had a large trove of recipes, often sharing them with friends and family. She loved trying out new recipes and finding new ways to use everything she grew in her garden, as she never wasted any food.

Her leisure activities included bird watching, reading and baking cookies. She loved cardinals and enjoyed learning about new bird species whenever she had the opportunity. She was also a loyal Chicago Cubs fan, rarely missing a game on the radio (even in non-winning seasons). In her later years, she was finally able to attend a game at Wrigley Field, with some of her children.

She was also an avid journalist, documenting decades of her life in vivid detail, including each and every visit with family and friends, meals she shared with others, and nature she observed. She never wanted to forget a beautiful bird sighting, a delicious new recipe, or a conversation shared with a loved one. Her detailed journal entries will be cherished by her family members for generations.

June was an active member of Carroll County Home Extension and the Lanark Church of the Brethren. She was involved in a number of activities at the church, which included teaching children for many years. She adored all children, especially babies, and children seemed to always love her, too. She rarely missed a Sunday service while her health allowed, and she continued her Home Extension activities well into her 80s.

After Kenny retired, she pursued other outside interests, which included reading electric meters and volunteering at a local thrift store. She and Kenny moved into town and enjoyed spending more leisure time together, especially doing crossword puzzles. They were rarely apart in their almost 63 years of marriage. June was a caring, devoted wife, and her love for her husband and family was apparent each and every day. Whenever she sat next to a loved one, she would pat their hand as a way to let them know she cared. She had a contagious smile and a wonderful sense of humor, both of which live on in her offspring.

Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. June and Kenny enjoyed traveling the United States, and took many trips to visit their children and grandchildren in Arizona, Washington and Virginia. They were lucky enough to visit almost all 50 states and even visited relatives in Sellnrod Germany. At age 92, she was able to fly and attend the wedding of one of her grandchildren in the Seattle area. Her newest great-grandchild, Amara June, age 1, was named in her honor. June will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation was held on December 28th from 5pm to 7pm at the Lanark Church of the Brethren, followed by a memorial service on December 29th at 11am. Burial was at Lanark Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in June’s name.

Orangeville

Katharine Frautschy, 87

Katharine Frautschy age 87, of Orangeville passed away on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Lena Living Center.

She was born on July 16, 1934 in Monroe, WI to Roland and Clara (Leiser) Lenz. She married Glenn Frautschy on October 1, 1960 at Stavers Methodist Church and were married for 61 years. She was a loving mother and wife and was a lifelong resident of Orangeville. She worked for the Orangeville Community Bank and Orangeville School District. She also provided daycare for countless children and worked for Bowen Oil Company until her retirement.

She is survived by 4 children; Lynn (Jerry) Lokken of Monroe, Wi, John Frautschy of Madison, WI, Paul (Kate) Frautschy of Lena, IL and Heidi (John) Pardo of Seattle, WA. 6 grandchildren; Calvin Pardo, Kelly (Curt) Gratz, Amanda (Peter) Jordan, Quinten Green, Layla Mattson, and Clayton Oliver. 5 great grandchildren; Emma, Abi, and Zion Gratz, and Jack and Henry Jordan.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Glenn Frautschy.

Services will be held at a later date. Condolences can be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

McConnell

Wesley Wessels, 92

Wesley Wessels, 92, of McConnell died Sunday January 2, 2022 at the Lena Living Center.

He was born December 1, 1929 in German Valley, IL to Wessel and Selma (Splinter) Wessels. The family moved to Idaho and his mother died when he was 9 yrs. Old. His grandma Splinter brought the family back to the Winslow area to live with Walter and Emma Splinter. On June 6, 1951 he married Donna Lehman at Orangeville United Methodist Church. Together they were lifelong farmers, except for a two year pause after being drafted to serve in the Army. He loved the Lord, his family and farming with a quiet, gentle nature. He was very active in the McConnell Grace Free Methodist Church.

Surviving are his four children; Jim & Rhonda Wessels of McConnell, Barbara & Dan Lowe-Long of New London, WI, Kathy & Mark Diffenderfer of McConnell and Mark Wessels of Orangeville. He is survived by 7 grandchildren; Amy & Ray Baker, Jackie & Mike Duski, Kelli & Brad Pieper, Paul & Bethie Wessels, Colin Lowe, Chuck & Dawn Diffenderfer and Heidi & Ryan Werhane. He is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren; Emma, Zachary & Leah Baker, Sophia, Alex & Ava Duski, Ryan, Addison & Olivia Pieper, Lucas Wessels, Maci & Brody Diffenderfer and Noah & Allie Werhane.

He was preceded in death by his wife and four siblings Anita Krahmer, John Wessels, Carol Nyreen and Mary Birkholz.

Funeral services were held on Friday January 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the McConnell Grace Free Methodist Church with Pastor Ryan Klein officiating. Burial was at Basswood Cemetery in McConnell, IL.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Hanover

Mary Francis Townsend, 81

Mary Frances Townsend, 81, passed away peacefully at Big Meadows Nursing Home on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2021.

Mary was born January 14, 1940 in Savanna, IL the daughter of Ralph and Frances Bailey. She is survived by her husband, Frank Townsend of Hanover; two daughters, Cindy (Kenny) Rogers of Hanover, IL and Tina (Jim) Conard of Monmouth, IL; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Stan) Schleuning of Savanna, IL, Jennifer (Nick) Potaczek of Galesburg, IL, Ande (Klarissa) Anderson of Mt. Carroll, IL, Kenny Rogers of Knoxville, IL, Justin (Hailey) Deckard – Locke of Fort Irwin, CA, Chelsie (Travis) Locke of Anamosa, IA, and Megan (Shaq) Locke of Morrison, IL, fifteen great-grandchildren, Preston, Alee, Madi, Payton, Hayden, Kaylen, Jake, Eric, Ellie, Alana, Maverick, Charlotte, Vera, Amaya and Baby Shaq. Also, surviving Mary are her siblings, Ralph Bailey, IL, Carolyn Ostrander, IA, Jerry (Kim) Bailey, FL, Jim (Judy) Bailey, IL, Norma Williams, MO, Ruth Neuendorf, IL, Linda (Bob) Malmquist; many nieces and nephews and friends. Mary is preceded in death by her son, Bobbie, sister, Lori, Brother, Herb and her parents.

Mary graduated from Savanna school district. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, then settled down to run their businesses in Savanna and Hanover. She always loved cooking, bartending and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. One of her favorites time was when see would raise money and collect toys for the children of Hanover and would dress up has Ms. Claus and her good friend Jerry as Santa to deliver to those smiling children’s faces.

Later in life she just needed her cosmic brownies, Diet Dew and a little Gene Watson music playing to make her happy. Her giggle was infections to all those around her.

Per Mary’s wishes there will be no services, cremation rights will be accorded. A celebration of life will be at a later time to spread her ashes.

Connie Bailey Sheridan, 87

Connie Bailey Sheridan, age 87, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Hanover, IL, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center. A funeral mass was held at noon on Friday, December 17, 2021 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Hanover, IL. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Hanover. Family and friends are invited to share stories and remembrances of Connie’s life at http://www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com

Connie was born April 18, 1934, in Anamosa, IA, the daughter of Laurence and Imelda (Stillmunkes) Bailey. She spent most of her childhood in Freeport, IL, graduating from Aquin High School, with the class of 1952. On May 1, 1954, Connie married Thomas R. Sheridan. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before Thomas’ death in 2013.

Connie and Thomas settled in Hanover in 1959, where Connie spent the early years of their marriage making a home for their budding family, ultimately growing to nine children. She loved being a mother and all that came with it. Connie also had a passion and talent for interior decorating and antiquing, attending auctions and antique shops wherever she traveled.

Connie opened The Den of Antiquity antique store, first in Hanover, then later in Galena. Later in life, she was employed at Lowe’s in Dubuque, for 17 years. Connie also spent time working for Dick’s Grocery Store in Galena, and was active in the Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Hanover Schools Red Devil Booster Club.

Connie loved two things above most; her family and travel. So naturally, trips to the family cottage on Clark Lake in Door County was close to heaven on earth for her. Many blissful summer days and nights were spent on that lake. But it wasn’t just her beloved cottage that sparked Connie’s sense of adventure. She loved to travel and see new places, near or far; “hop in the car and go!” was an unofficial mantra, of sorts. And if there was a body of water involved, all the better!

Connie will be dearly missed by her nine children, Tim (Judy) Sheridan, Phil (Trish) Sheridan, Kelly (Karen) Sheridan, Patrick (Julie Weaver) Sheridan, Anthony (Tara) Sheridan, Terry Sheridan, Kerry (Rob) McCullough, Danny Sheridan and Clancy (Noreen) Sheridan; ten grandchildren, Lesley Sheridan, Angela Sheridan, Kevin Sheridan, Brigid Sheridan, Emily (Joel) Allen, Darby (Brittany) McCullough, Quinn McCullough, and Clare McCullough, Aiden Sheridan, Flynn Sheridan; brother, Chuck (Midge) Bailey; and sister, Mary Beth (Bailey) McCormick. Connie is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; parents, Laurence and Imelda; brother, Alan Bailey; and brother-in-law, Joseph McCormick.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St John the Evangelist church in Hanover, in remembrance of Connie Sheridan.

Freeport

Betty J. Kraft-Hartman, 79

Betty J. Kraft-Hartman age 79, of Freeport passed away on Saturday December 25, 2021.

She was born on November 10, 1942, in Freeport, Il to Lewis and Pearl (Williams) Kraft. She worked at Honeywell for 30 years and was a Tool & Die maker for 20 of them. She was a member of the American Red Cross and taught CPR and First Aid for 30 years. Betty was an instructor and taught motorcycle safety for 15 years. She was recognized by AARP for her driver safety course. Her true love was riding motorcycles and traveled to all 48 states and the Canadian Providences. She was in the Harley’s Owners’ Group and the 500,000-Mile Club.

She is survived by one son: Patrick Hartman of Freeport, IL; 4 step grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; 3 step great great grandchildren. 7 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Bob Hartman; brothers: Louis Kraft and Alfred Kraft; sisters: Joyce Cummins and Janet Rayhorn; daughter-in-law Betty Hartman.

Private family service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Carolyn “Mitzie” McBride, 70

Carolyn “Mitzie” McBride age 70, passed away on Wednesday December 22, 2021. She was born on September 3, 1951, in Prairie De Chien, WI to Harold and Eunice (Havens) Lomas. She married Jeff McBride on September 24, 1984. She worked for First Rate Cleaning and was self employed as a housekeeper. She enjoyed fishing, going to try new restaurants and cleaning.

She is survived by her husband Jeff McBride of Freeport, IL, 3 children: Tina Metz of Freeport, IL, Rick Luke Jr. of Freeport, IL and Don (Niki) Luke of Texas. Grandchildren; Nicole Heyen (Kevin Carter), Jessica (Mevludin) Aliu, Melissa Rucker (Johnny Medina), Joshua Manns, Brittany (Nathan) Veer, Brandon (Dayna) Luke, Brett Luke, Miranda Luke (Alex Heinrich), Emmitt Luke, Samantha (Forrest) Whaley; and numerous great grandchildren. Sister; Judy Hale of Freeport, IL. Brothers; Sonny (Linda) Lomas and Jimmy (Sherry) Lomas, sister-in-law; Robin Lomas, brother-in-law; Larry Nichols and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters; Lillian Nichols, Robin Lomas, Kathleen Leiting, and brother; Joey Lomas.

Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2021, at the Gays Mills Community Commerce Center in Gays Mills, WI. Officiating the service was Pastor Carrie Anderson. Burial took place at the Gays Mills Cemetery in Gays Mills, WI.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolence may be sent to the family at ww.leamonfh.com

Winslow

Wilfred “Willie” A. Wulfekuhle, 84

Wildred “Willie” A. Wulfekuhle, age 84, died December 31, 2021 near Winslow, IL. He was taken to his Heavenly home surrounded by his wife, several children, and grandchildren at his residence where he had farmed for over 47 years. Willie was born on June 22, 1937, in Earlville, Iowa to Clem and Marie Wulfekuhle as the youngest of six kids.

He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works in Dubuque, IA in his younger years. On May 30th, 1964, he married Joanne Hafeman at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque and together they raised five children on their family farms, first in Worthington, Iowa and then near Nora, Illinois. Farm life was Willie’s love, and his work ethic was unsurpassed as he cared for the cattle, chickens, and hogs, plowed the land, and worked the soil, always having faith that God would provide for them. With God’s help, he was able to finish combining his final corn crop this fall that he also planted this spring. He worked through the tough years, celebrated the good years and was a man of great faith and kindness. Willie served many years on both the Warren School Board and the Nora Township Board. His farming family was awarded the Jo Daviess Conservation Farm Family award in 2001. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963.

To know Willie was to love him. He enjoyed good polka music, carpentry, fixing machinery, watching wrestling and sports, wearing his Bib overalls, and was always known for his hearty strong handshake, even until days before he passed. He was a man of incredible patience, calmness, and integrity.

Willie is survived by his wife Joanne who farmed alongside him. His children are Tim (Chris) Wulfekuhle of Winslow, IL, Chris (Andy) Stiefel of Sun Prairie, WI, Deb (Scott) Kent of Winslow, IL, Steve (Jaime) Wulfekuhle of Nora, IL and Mark (Brooke Moore) Wulfekuhle of Warren, IL. He leaves behind Grandsons Greg Kent, Ryan Kent, Brett Stiefel, Brandon Stiefel, Jordan Stiefel, Tyler Wulfekuhle, Noah Wulfekuhle, Keaton Wulfekuhle, and Brayden Wulfekuhle. Granddaughters are Ellie Kent and Bryana Wulfekuhle. Many of Willie’s grandchildren worked side by side with him on the farm throughout the years and will certainly miss his presence on the farm. He is survived by six great-grandchildren Charlie Kent, Chase Kent, Callum Kent, Camree Kent, Dante Dietel, and Nevaeh Stiefel. He is further survived by his sister Virginette Hoffman of Guttenburg, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, brothers LeRoy, Jerome, and Lester, and sister Leveda Drees.

A Catholic Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 12:30pm at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Warren, IL. Father Michael Morrisey officiated the service. Burial took place at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Warren, IL.

The family would like to thank SSM Monroe Clinic Hospital and Hospice for their care and compassion during this time.

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

Clifford “Tip” F. Reuber, 100

Clifford “Tip” F. Reuber age 100, of rural Winslow, IL passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021, at the Aster Retirement Community of Monroe, WI. He was born at his parent’s home in Dakota, IL on March 17, 1921, the son of Charlie and Helen (Bartelt) Reuber. He married Corabelle J. Ellis on October 28, 1942, at the home of her parents, which was part of the J. Lincoln Homestead established in 1844. A lifelong resident of Stephenson County he farmed with his wife since 1951. Clifford retired from farming in 1992. He attended the Buena Vista country school in Stephenson County, and Dakota rural school and 1 year at Dakota High School. He attended the American Aircraft Institute in Chicago, IL. for aircraft mechanic and assembly. Clifford was handy with many things, and he built their own home. He gave many hours of volunteer work for the Christian Hollow Cemetery at Winslow, IL. Clifford’s hobbies included antique restoration, metal, woodworking and repairing antique engines. Clifford was a member of the United Methodist Church of Winslow, IL., the Model A Ford Yesteryear Antique Club of Monroe, WI, the Maytag Collectors Club, Stephenson County Antique Engines Club, and the Pecatonica Valley Antique Club.

He is survived by his 2 daughters: Doris (Arthur) Butler Jr. of Roscoe, IL and Rita (Sam) Vitale of Brookings, OR. Grandchildren; Sherri (Rob) Zimmerman of Pecatonica, IL, Sheila (Rick) Amborn of Seward, IL, Clifford “Cliff” (Lisa) Vitale of Sacramento, Ca, Salvatore “Sal” (Katie) Vitale of Shingles Spring, CA. Great grandchildren: Zachary (Stephanie) Amborn, TJ (Amanda) Amborn, and Merisa (Tim) Ritschard, and Kaitlin (Sam) Jackson and Kyle Zimmerman, Kaylee and Evangeline “Eva” Vitale, Sydney and Parker Vitale; 5 great great grandchildren; sister-in-law Dorothy Ditzler; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Corabelle in 2008. 1 brother; Warren (Ruth) Reuber, 2 sisters; Marilyn Auvinen, and Norma (Francis) Lotta.

A graveside service was held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Christian Hollow Cemetery in Winslow, IL. Officiating was Pastor Doug Carroll. Burial was in Christian Hollow Cemetery in Winslow, IL.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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