Obituaries

Pearl City

Lawrence W. Miller, 84

Lawrence W. Miller, age 84, of Pearl City, IL passed away Friday, December 9, 2022 at OSF St. Anthony’s in Rockford, IL. He was born in Lena, IL on November 6, 1938 to the late Walter and Nellie (Harter) Miller. Lawrence married Sharon Wilkinson on February 22, 1957 in Carroll County.

Lawrence attended the country schools in the area. He was a member of Ebenezer/Salem United Church. Lawrence had worked as a welder for Stover Tanks for 22 years and hauled fuel for Stephenson and Ferrell Gas. He also farmed with his wife on their farmette. Lawrence enjoyed playing cards, hunting, mushroom hunting and fishing. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and playing with the kids. He especially enjoyed family time around the bonfires. He always said they had the best nieces and nephews around.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Sharon Miller; his daughters, Theresa (Bernie) Crackenberger and Connie Gillen; his son, Lawrence “Butch” (Doreen) Miller; his grandchildren, Eric (Jamie), Elizabeth, Dale (Mindy), Christopher, Tamara (Brandon), Darren, Kevin and Cody; his 10 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; his brother, Elmer Miller; his sister-in-law, Diane Wilkinson; and his brothers-in-law, Harry and Herbie Wilkinson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandsons, Jamie and Butch; his great grandson, Dale Jr., his sisters-in-law, Alice (George) Yeager and Velma Wilkinson; and his brothers-in-law, Dwight (Estella) and Gene Wilkinson.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Salem United Church in Loran. There was a visitation at Hermann Funeral Home in Pearl City on Monday, December 12, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Salem Cemetery in Loran. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Stockton

Marilyn J. Borsdorf, 83

Marilyn J. Borsdorf, age 83, of Stockton, IL passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 15, 2022 surrounded by her family at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.

She was born to Raymond and Aleatha (Pierce) Kappes on May 5, 1939, at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport, IL. Marilyn married Ronald Borsdorf on November 29, 1958 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton, IL. Together they raised 5 beautiful daughters. She enjoyed her time as an Elementary School Crossing Guard and Recess Monitor, many of the students would refer to her as “Mom”. Her and Ron owned and operated The Lantern Restaurant in Stockton. The Blackhawk Football Team would always come in for their game day meal. Marilyn enjoyed a large variety of activities gardening, cooking, baking, ceramics, decorating, and crafts. She would always make time for car rides, garage sales, and helping at the Corner Tap. Christmas was her favorite time of year with all the Christmas decorations and snow. Most of all she loved her family and her dogs.

Marilyn is survived by her 5 daughters- Annette (Todd) Schlichting of Pearl City, Suzette (Kevin) Drane of Stockton, Patricia (Daniel) Bergman of Stockton, Debra (Douglas) Gille of Stockton, Rhonda (Brian) Brudi of Pearl City; grandchildren- Jody (Tim) Pauley, Tony (Rachel Riley) Schlichting, Michael Paisley, Michelle Paisley, Marty (Celina Earlywine) Paisley, Max Paisley, Heather (Brian) Magee, Trent (Kristen Heim) Schubert, Katelyn (Mitchell Long) Gille, Megan Gille, Peyton (Madison) Brudi, Taylor (Blake) Brudi, Carter Brudi; great grandchildren- Mason, Beckett, and Fallyn Pauley, Braxton Prowant, Brandon, Jordan (Meah Helfrich), Marek, and Fischer Paisley, Alex (Brady Ploog) Johnson, Mati Paisley, Veyah Luke, Knox Magee; great-great grandchildren- Jersie and Jettrie Johnson, Lydia Paisley, Ryker Paisley; sister-Betty Clark; sisters-in-law- Rita Keller, and Kathleen (Gary) Magee; her beloved puppy Millie and her late Puggy, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Aleatha Kappes; husband- Ronald Borsdorf; brothers- Raymond, Francis, and Wayne Kappes; sisters- Jerrine (Owen) Kuhse, Leone (Dick) Hendrickson; sister-in-law Shirley Boyer; brothers-in-law- Roger Clark, Bobbie Borsdorf, Donald “Cy” (Mildred) Borsdorf, and Dennis Keller; grandson-Mathew Paisley.

Private family services were held at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL. Burial was held at Ladies Union Cemetery.

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

Timothy Ray Broege, 65

Timothy Ray Broege, age 65, of Stockton, IL passed away Tuesday, December 06, 2022 at his home. He was born in Freeport, IL on December 21, 1956 to the late Raymond L. and LaVonne E. (Dole) Broege.

Tim had farmed most of his life. He had also worked at Atwoods and helped with the Stockton Township. He was a handyman and loved working with wood. Tim enjoyed helping with Christ in the Wilderness.

He is survived by his sister, Cathy Musser of Mt. Carroll; his brothers, Vern of Stockton and Jeff of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Matthew Broege.

No services will be held. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Freeport

Shirley Gifford, 91

Shirley Gifford, 91 of Freeport died Tuesday, December 13th, 2022. Funeral services were held at the Law Jones Funeral Home, Lanark on Saturday, December 17th, with visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Mt. Carroll, IL. A memorial has been established in her name for the Church of Christ in Freeport, IL.

Shirley was born in Charlotte Township, Livingston County, IL on January 9, 1931, the daughter of Clarence and Alice (Milstead) McKinley. She married Richard Lee Gifford on June 7th, 1953 in Chatsworth, Illinois. Shirley taught school for twenty-nine and a half years and was a member of the Church of Christ in Freeport.

Shirley is survived by her two sons; Jeffrey (Alice) Gifford of Freeport and Michael (Emily) Gifford, of Dacula, GA; seven grandchildren; Brian (Shannon) Gifford, of Batavia, IL, Whitney (David) Mitchell, of Kent, WA, Tiffany (Waleed) Wadi of Ankeny, IA, Christina (Ian) Voigts, of Roscoe, IL, Elise Gifford, of New Brockton, AL, Andrew Gifford, of Montgomery, AL, and Adam (Deidra) Gifford, of Canal Winchester, OH; and 15 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings.