Obituaries

Stockton

Winnifred C. Luke, 94

Winnifred C. Luke, age 94, of Stockton, IL passed away Monday, May 13, 2024 at home. She was born in Warren, IL on June 21, 1929 to the late James and Maude (French) Sigafus. Winnifred married Ralph H. Luke Jr. on June 12, 1947. Ralph passed away April 25, 1987.

Winnifred enjoyed trips to the casino, flower gardening and spending time outside, keeping a tidy house, eating sweets and hosting Christmas Eve for the whole family. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her significant other, Harold Gallagher of Apple River; her daughter, Kathryn (Roger) Broshous of Stockton; her sons, Steven (Sue) of Warren, Richard (Linda) of Stockton, Donald (Angie) of Stockton and Michael (Corky) of Stockton; over 90 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren; and her sister Nelda (Gene) Hilflicker. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Thomas; her daughter, Holly; her grandson, Dusty Luke; her great grandson, Devin Michel and her triplet great grandchildren; her three brothers; and four sisters.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Pearl City

Marcelle Rosenstiel, 94

Marcelle Rosenstiel, 94, of Pearl City IL passed away on May 14, 2024. Marcelle was born at home November 27, 1929 to Fred and Clara Burkhalter in Winslow, IL. She attended the one-room Sander's school and graduated from Winslow High School. After graduation, she worked at Burgess Battery in Freeport. She married Raymond Rosenstiel November 11, 1951 at Pearl City United Methodist Church. She and Ray farmed alongside each other for 42 years. She was a dedicated wife and mother. Marcelle was an active member of Stephenson County Home Extension and United Methodist Women. Later in life Ray and Marcelle enjoyed golfing and time spent with friends at Lake Carroll.

She is survived by her brother, Burnette Burkhalter, 4 children Rhonda (Terry) Wybourn, Cheryl (Kim) Sheppard, Teri (Mark) Mitchell and Jon (Stephanie) Rosenstiel, 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, brother, Melvin Burkhalter and sister, Vivetta Stearns.

Visitation was held on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Pearl City United Methodist Church. Memorial service was Monday, May 20 at 11:00 am, also at the Methodist Church. A memorial scholarship will be established with the Pearl City Education Association.

The family would like to thank the staff of Parkview Home for the excellent care provided to Marcelle. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.schwarzfh.com

Elizabeth

George “Ed” Wheelwright, 77

George "Ed" Wheelwright, a longtime Elizabeth resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 10, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on September 2, 1946, in Roanoke, Illinois, to Cecil and Gladys (Pierce) Wheelwright, Ed's early life in Roanoke set the stage for a journey full of dedication and service.

A proud graduate of Roanoke High School in 1964, Ed's adventure took a pivotal turn when he attended a wedding dance and met his future wife, Mildred Marie Searls. The young couple's life together began in earnest when Ed enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, serving as a Crew Chief aboard the C-133 Cargomaster. Despite the challenges of wartime, Ed's resilience was evident, though he seldom spoke of these times, focusing instead on the life he was building at home.

Ed and Millie were married on February 5, 1966, in Amboy, Illinois. They moved to Deleware, and upon returning from the Air Force, Ed furthered his education, obtaining a degree from Illinois State University and later, a Master of Divinity in Dubuque, Iowa. Ed and Millie were blessed with three children: Tami, Lisa, and Eric. They have celebrated 58 years of marriage together, knowing that it took dedication.

Ed’s work was as varied as it was impactful, ranging from computer programming to counseling, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. He even delivered flowers for Millie at the Elizabeth Flower Market for several years.

Ed's personal journey took a significant turn one day when he found faith, which became a cornerstone in overcoming his challenges in life. Known affectionately as "Papa" and "Great Papa," he found his greatest joy in his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, celebrating their achievements and milestones with unmatched enthusiasm and pride. He was a regular figure in every local gymnasium, softball, football field, track, concert hall and theater.

A man of many talents and interests, Ed was a longtime member of the Galena Golf Club. He immersed himself in every aspect of the game, from playing to teaching, and was a familiar and beloved figure on the greens. (He would say the sand trap)

Ed's legacy is marked not only by his service and dedication but by the laughter and love he brought. Whether cheering the loudest at a grandchild's game or sharing stories of his children and their families, Ed took stock in his own journey of life and ended with a smile.

He is survived by his loving wife, Millie, their children, Tami (Tim) Soat of Galena, Lisa (Lloyd) Haas of Elizabeth and Eric (Pam) Wheelwright of Elizabeth; nine grandchildren, Taylor (Zac) Ozee, Makenzie (Bryton Melenas) Soat, Riley Soat, Lauren (Joe) Urh, Liana (Patrick Holcomb) Haas, Livia Haas, Laiken Haas, Brooke (Trevor) Parsons and Morgan (Matt) McDonald; five great-grandchildren, Cael, Trey, Zane, Hayden and Clara Ozee. Ed is preceded in death by his parents; his great-grandson, Noah Ozee; and three sisters, Shirley Bachman, Jeannie Hilliard and Nancy Byers.

A funeral service was held at 11am Friday, May 17, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Elizabeth with Pastor Mike Nesbit officiating. Military Rites also took place at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Iowa City VA Hospital or the Galena Golf Club.

Ed's journey through life reminds us all that even through personal battles and challenges, the strength found in family, faith, and community can lead to a truly victorious life. Rest in peace, Ed. Your legacy of love, laughter, and service lives on.

Lena

Charlotte E. Buss, 95

Charlotte E. Buss, 95, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, May 9, 2024 at Independence Village, Rockford, IL.

Charlotte was born on August 21, 1928, the daughter of Charles & Erna (Schmidt) Vehmeier. She graduated from Lena High School in 1946. Married Glen Buss on June 27, 1948 in Lena. Worked many secretarial jobs including Hartman TV & Appliance for about 12 years and the longest at Micro Switch from 1968 – 1991, retiring from over 22 years of service. Charlotte and Glen also worked together at the Freeport Advertiser for numerous years. Charlotte is a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freeport beginning in 1960 when the church was established.

Charlotte is survived by her son, Duane (Donna Burdick) Buss of Castle Rock, CO and daughter, Charlene (Terry) Stahl of Rockford, IL. Five grandchildren, Joshua Stahl (Rosie Pineda), of Rockford, IL, Michelle (Stephan) Holm of Elgin, IL, Zachary (Danielle) Buss of Pendleton, IN, Derrick (RaeAnne) Buss of Jacksonville, FL, and Abby Huber of Aubrey, Texas, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Glen, 3 brothers, Paul, Robert and Melvin Vehmeier and 1 sister, Adelheid Maier.

The family would like to thank the Mercy Health Hospice program for their kindness and care these past few months. We would also like to thank the staff at Independence Village where Charlotte resided.

The funeral will be held 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 25 at Prince of Peace Church in Freeport with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. till the time of the service. Burial will take place at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

A memorial will be established.