Obituaries

Eleroy

Gary Reuben Amendt, 78

Gary Reuben Amendt, 78, of Eleroy IL, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023, in Freeport, IL. He was born on January 10, 1945, in Freeport, IL, to Reuben and Ruby (Stumbaugh) Amendt. He was a graduate of Lena-Winslow High School in 1963. After high school, Gary proudly served in the United States Navy on the James C. Owens DD776. After his military service, he dedicated himself to a successful career at the Journal Standard and Microswitch in Freeport, IL, where he retired after 30 years.

Gary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Lena.

In his free time, Gary had a wide variety of hobbies that brought him joy and fulfillment. He had a green thumb and loved spending time in his garden, mowing the lawn, plowing the snow, and feeding the birds. Crocheting and genealogy were also passions of his, and he enjoyed the creative process and the connections he made with his family history. Gary also found great pleasure in fishing, mushroom hunting, and attending his grandchildren's activities. He was a devoted fan of the Lena-Winslow Stockton Panther-Hawks wrestling program and loved cheering on many wrestlers over the years! He had a deep appreciation for John Deere and snow and his love for the Chicago Cubs, iced tea and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups was unmatched. Gary could often be found sitting on his front porch, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Jean Amendt, and their children: Derek (Julie Skaggs) Amendt of Union, IL, Ryan (Susan) Amendt of Eleroy, IL, and Timothy Amendt of Eleroy, IL. He was a proud grandfather to Christopher (Annie) Amendt, Erin Amendt, Max Amendt, Molly Amendt, and Brody Amendt. Gary also leaves behind his sister, Cheryl (Mike) Thyberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Ruby Amendt, his infant brother, Terry, and his father and mother-in-law, Victor and Charlene Wells.

Gary's dedication to his country and his family will always be remembered. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Visitation was held from 9:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. A memorial service was held at 11:00 following the visitation. A memorial has been established in Gary's memory.

Schapville

Ledora Williams, 89

Ledora Williams, 89, of Schapville, IL, died Sunday, November 19th 2023 at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community in Galena.

Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 24th at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Schapville with Pastor James Mehltretter officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Ledora was born September 30th, 1934 in Schapville at the “old farm”. Her parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Brandt) Hoppe. She married Marvin Williams of Rockford in 1954. They spent 55 years of life together.

She worked many jobs throughout her lifetime such as Bob’s Hardware, JC Penny, OSF of St. Anthony’s and Atwood Manufacturing with her husband and children’s schedules a priority.

She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church during the years she lived in Rockford. When a child and after retirement she was active at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church serving as Treasurer and Financial Secretary for 12 years and attending Women’s Circle meetings and events.

Ledora was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and GiGi. Spending time with family was a priority with Ledora. She had many hobbies over the years like knitting, ceramics, embroidery and reading Harlequin Romances. She was a great cook. Her beloved dogs over the years were Jocko, Ray and Louie.

Surviving are her children Dean (Janet) Williams, of Schapville and Ruth (Eugene) Amenda of Lake of the Ozarks, MO; seven grandchildren, Heather, Chuck, Nick, Kelli Bradley; Jeremy (Amanda) Williams, Megan (Brian) Yoerger and Colin Amenda; six great-grandchildren, Nolan and Cole Williams and Braydon, Aiva, LB, and Harrison Yoerger; a son-in-law, Richard (Janice) Bradley of Englewood, CO; and sister-in-law Barb (Clyde) Hoppe.

She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, eldest son Tom Williams, eldest daughter Jan Bradley, her parents, her 6 brothers and 5 sisters-in-law.

Memorials may be given to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church or Hospice of Dubuque. The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound, IL is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at http://www.millerfhed.com

Pearl City

Carol J. (Newton) Zier, 90

Carol J. (Newton) Zier, 90, of Pearl City, IL, passed away on November 20, 2023 at Lena Living Center. She was born on March 29, 1933 at home in Pearl City, to Jesse Newton and Myrtle (Strohecker) Newton. She was a 1951 graduate of Pearl City High School. She married Harold Zier on February 5, 1956 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Pearl City. She drove a bus for Pearl City Schools for many years, and was a member of the Ladies Aid and 4H Leader of Pearl Valley Rangers.

Survivors include her sons: Timothy G. Zier of Pearl City, David (Judy) Zier of Lena, and Andrew (Marie) Zier of Peachtree, GA; grandchildren: Collin and Evan Zier, Krystle Zier, Jessica Holloway; and great-grandchildren: Maverick Zier, and Cartwright & Rozalynda Holloway.

She was preceded in death by her spouse Harold, brother Lewis (Phyllis), and sister Delores (Jim) Strong.

A memorial service was held on Monday November 27, 2023 at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 229 S. First St in Pearl City.

Apple River

Alberta “Bertie” E. Leehan, 92

Alberta “Bertie” E. Leehan 92 originally of Apple River, IL passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI after a brief illness. Most recently Bertie was living at St. Clare Freidensheim Assisted Living in Monroe, WI. Alberta was born on July 14, 1931, to William and Mary “Nellie” (Bourquin) Gallagher. She was their youngest child and only daughter. After raising her 8 children Alberta Followed her dream of becoming a cosmetologist graduating with one of her daughters. She had salons in Madison, WI, as well as Warren and Apple River, IL. At 91 Alberta still maintained her Illinois state License.

She was a tiny woman with a big heart for anyone down on their luck. She was the kind of friend everyone would hope to have. In times of need she’d Always do her best to be there and take care of anyone that needed help. Bertie loved classic country music and would start dancing before she’d reach the dance floor. Later in life she developed a passion for gambling, especially the slots on Sunday nights. She loved talking gambling to anyone and sharing those pictures.

Alberta is survived by 7 children: Steven Kilian, Gerald (Sylvia) Kilian, Dr. Karla Kilian (Joe Noltner), Pamela (Jeff) Stadler, Sandra (Mark) Risser, Sharon deLaO (Brian Judd) Kevin (Veronica) Douglas; 30 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; and 13 great great grandchildren; her brother Harold Gallagher and her 4 cats she loved but never named.

She is preceded in death by; infant daughter Rhonda Kay Kilian, Husband Thomas Leehan, Bernard “Glen” Douglas, precious son Kelvin “Kirk” Douglas; brothers Francis, Leo, Orville and Laverne Gallagher. Daughter in law Sandra Kilian and also her beloved dog “Brucie”.

The family would like to thank the kind, compassionate, loving staff of Friedensheim for the care they gave Bertie, in addition to Dr. Serene Bethune. Also, the staff at 3SW St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Funeral Services were at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren. A visitation was from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday November 24,2023 and from 10:00-11:00 am on Saturday November 25 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren. Burial will take place at the Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, IL. Pastor Libby Rutherford officiated the services.

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

Stockton

Roger Ernest Arand, 82

Roger Ernest Arand, age 82, of Stockton, IL passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023. He was born in Freeport, IL on October 24, 1941 to the late George and Louise (Olivotti) Arand.

He graduated from Stockton High School in 1959 where he excelled in many sports, earning 4 letters in football, 2 in basketball and 1 in baseball. He also was very active in the plays and music department. Following graduation he was employed at Microswitch in the lab at Freeport for several years.

He married Eileen Richards on August 4, 1963 and together they had two daughters, Sharie and Cindy. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Most of those years were spent traveling the States and making memories as a family. He had worked as a self-employed contractor. He was also employed by Spahn and Rose, Heartbuilt Homes and the Galena Territories.

Roger served on the Stockton Village Board and was a member of the Stockton Atwoods Community Golf Course. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling. Roger loved animals and would never let a stray cat go hungry. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He lived a very full life and touched the lives of many people, teaching them the value of loving your family, hard work, and humor. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers during this time.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen Arand of Stockton; his daughters, Sharie (Thomas) Hoster of Freeport and Cindy (Patrick) Smith of Stockton; his grandchildren, Kory, Krista and Brittany; his 8 step grandchildren; his several great grandchildren with one on the way; his brother, Leonard (Sharon) Arand of Stockton; his half brother, George (Mary) Arand; and his half sister, Debbie (Jerry) Eberle. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Kyle Tucker; his great grandson Kash Tucker; his brother, Bob; and his sister, Rita.

A funeral service was held on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 3:00 p.m. There was a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. A private family burial took place on Monday at Ladies Union Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.