Obituaries

Pearl City

Beatrice Woodruff, 98

Beatrice Woodruff, age 98, of Pearl City, IL passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at Lena Living Center. She was born in Kent, IL on April 15, 1925 to the late Lloyd and LeOra (Mammoser) Kempel. Beatrice married Wales Woodruff on January 16, 1946 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kent. Wales passed away in 2004.

Beatrice was a graduate of Pearl City High School. She was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church of Pearl City. She was also a member of the Pecatonica VFW Auxiliary. Beatrice was a farmer’s wife. She also worked for the Pearl City School District and enjoyed baking pies for them every week. She had retired from Furst McNess. She enjoyed camping, needle work, and playing dominos and card games. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Robert) Knoup of Pearl City and Janet Fritzel of Durand; her son, Frederick (Laurie) Woodruff of Freeport; her grandchildren, Kimberly (Doug) Sturtevant, Rebecca (Mike) Shaffer, Robert (Chris) Knoup, James (Denise) Fritzel, William (Debbie) Woodruff and Angela (Wendell) McClain; her 14 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son-in-law, Jim Fritzel; and her grandson, Jonathan Fritzel.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their care.

A funeral service was held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Scales Mound

Dean Stadel, 56

Dean Stadel, 56, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away on August 31, 2023, at home following a heart attack earlier in the month. He was the youngest child of George and Mary Jane (Stegall) Stadel who was born on February 23, 1967, in Galena, IL. He graduated from Scales Mound High School in 1986. Dean was a groundskeeper at Eagle Ridge Inn for the past 23 years.

Dean is survived by his mother, Mary Jane Stadel, Scales Mound, IL; his siblings, Dovie Anderson, Freeport, IL; David (Colleen) Stadel, Scales Mound, IL; and Dawn (Gary) Goldwasser, Parker, CO; nieces and nephews, Nate and Austin Anderson; Mackenzie and Dane Goldwasser; Zac, Isaac, and Anika Stadel; and one great niece, Rya Anderson. He was predeceased by his father, George Stadel, on June 11, 1997.

The family would like to thank the team of ICU doctors and nurses at Mercy One, Dubuque, IA, and FHN Hospice for their conscientious and considerate care.

Visitation was held on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church, 635 E. Schapville Rd., Elizabeth, IL, beginning at noon with funeral services at 1:30 pm., Pastor Dottie Morizzo officiated. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends and family were invited to a luncheon at the church following the graveside service.

The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at http://www.millerfhed.com

Stockton

Oletha Evans, 97

Oletha Bee Evans, age 97, of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Monroe Hospice Home. She was born on August 27, 1926 in Pierre, SD to the Lawrence Pulfrey and Lorna Just. Oletha married Norman Evans on December 12, 1947. He passed away September 9, 1978.

Oletha loved crafting, crocheting, plastic canvas work, painting, working puzzles, and card games. She enjoyed everything nature, from bird watching to Bigfoot sightings. Most of all, she loved her family, especially her boys, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Emily (Cole) Duvall; her great grandchildren, Dorian Ryan, Layla Duvall and Grant Duvall; her daughter-in-law, Patsy Holland; her step granddaughters, Karla (Erv) Bitter and Amanda (Brad) Albaugh. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her two sons, Steve and Bruce; and her brother, Boyd Pulfrey.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lena

Francis Edmund Henry, 81

Francis (Frank) Edmund Henry, 81 of Machesney Park, IL, formerly of Lena, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Frank was born to Floyd and Verneal (Appell) Henry on March 10, 1942 in Freeport, IL. Frank served his country in the US Navy from 1960-1963.

Frank is survived by his sisters: Marjorie Purcell (Gene), Kathy Lulling and Betty Earle (Bob). He is also survived by his niece, Maureen Purcell and nephews Dennis and Dale Lulling.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Frank retired from U of I Rockford Medical College. He was a member of the American Legion Post 904 in Loves Park for many years. Frank was a hard worker and enjoyed renovating houses. He enjoyed being outdoors, raising vegetables and donating them to the Rockford Food Bank, model railroading, playing cards and dominoes and an occasional casino trip.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. There will be grave site services Wednesday, September 6, 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lena, Il. Memorials can be made to Lena American Legion.

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