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Obituaries

Elizabeth

William (Bill) Egnathaus Holland, 99

William (Bill) Egnathaus Holland 99 years old born June 1, 1925 son of Herman and Anna (Gruber) Holland passed on June 7, 2024.

Bill was born on his maternal grandparent’s farm, on Snipe Hollow Road, Elizabeth, Il. All of Bill’s 9 siblings were born in the plantation style house built by his grandparents Egnathaus and Mary Gruber.

Bill was named after his grandfather Egnathaus and also had his very strong work ethic.

Bill attended Mount and Morley country school, Elizabeth, IL where he graduated and received his 8th grade certificate. His love of farming was born within his blood line. As an eager teenager he always wanted to be outdoors. He also was a part of the 4 eldest Holland children that killed rattlesnakes and sold the meat to a restaurant in Chicago, IL to help feed the family. He was drafted into the United States Army on Feb 28, 1951 in Chicago, IL. He was stationed at Ft. Devens, Mass in the Artillery section. Later he was stationed in Camp Edwards Army base. During his tour of duty in the army he was a jeep driver for the brass. Upon finishing his tour he was promoted to Corporal. Feb 27, 1953 Bill received his honorable discharge.

Returning home Bill went back to the career he loved most, farming. He loved farming so much that he went into business with his good friend Stanley Fisher. Bill also worked at the Stockton hardware store for 45 years retiring from there when he was 60 years old. At age 90 years old he retired from farming and cash rented the farm. He married at 59 years old to Dorothy (Posey) Collin on July 7, 1984. Dorothy had 3 sons and 1 daughter. He had a ready-made family when he married Dorothy.

Bill always wanted to stay busy, that was his secret to living so long. He worked for Stanley Fisher and Don Brudi doing trenching work until his mid-80s.

He was loved by his family. At age 98 he and Dorothy, age 97 moved to Park View Nursing home in Freeport. The received great care at Park View.

Everyone will remember Bill for his dry sense of humor. We all know he was laughing inside with his little grin.

Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy, stepsons Ken (Jill), Gene (Anju), and Vern Collin.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; stepdaughter, Janet Stocker; step-daughter-in-law, Sandy Schneider; his siblings, Frank, Herman, Lewis, Andrew, and Leroy. Sisters, Anna McKibben, Marie Kempert, Susan Vandervate, and Margrite Holland.

Celebration of life with Military Honors will be held at the Herman Funeral Home in Stockton, IL on June 27 at 3:30 p.m. There will be a visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Any great stories concerning Bill will be most welcome during the celebration. A memorial fund has been established for Friends Forever Humane Society in Freeport, IL. Condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Warren

James (Jim) G. Aurand, 88

James “Jim” G. Aurand, age 88 of Warren, IL passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Medina Nursing Home in Durand, IL. Jim was born on December 9, 1935 to Elso and Margurite (Grabow) Aurand in Maywood, IL, the third of four boys. He was united in marriage to Carol Stacey on April 7, 1956. Shortly after they were married, Jim was drafted into the US Army, where he proudly served his country.

In 1963, Jim and Carol moved to Warren, where they purchased the Red & White Grocery Store, which they owned and operated until 1972. Jim was the first coordinate for the Warren Ambulance Service, and he also drove school bus for the Warren School District for 20 years. He was a member of the Wickler-Copland Legion Post 464. Jim also enjoyed refinishing furniture and hunting.

Jim is survived by his wife Carol of Warren, daughter; Donna (Tom) Ernst of Apple River, son; James (Hugh Monckton) of Glenview, IL, and grandchildren; Nikita (Chris Roginski) Ernst of Madison, WI, and Anthony (Hilary) Ernst of Bettendorf, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his three brothers; Robert, Gerald, and John.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 14, 2024 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL. A visitation was from 9:00 AM until time of services on Friday, June 14, 2024 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home. Father Andrew Hernandez officiated the services. Cremation rites have been accorded.

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

Shannon

Melody Knapp, 61

Melody Knapp, age 61, of Shannon, Illinois passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024 at home in the loving care of her family and Serenity Hospice. Those who knew Melody best remember her as a kind, hardworking woman who took the utmost pride in her family. She enjoyed simple pleasures like time spent with loved ones. The family will hold a private gathering in her honor.

Melody Knapp was born July 11, 1962, the daughter of Ferd and Wilma (Bardell) Euler. She is a graduate of the Warren High School. and lived in Shannon, Illinois for most of her life. She had worked several years as a janitor at Microswitch. On May 1, 1993, Melody married Bryan Knapp. Bryan recalls that Melody's determination and straightforward nature is what drew him to her. Family was extremely important to Melody - she enjoyed spending time with her brothers, sisters, step-children and grandchildren.

Melody loved to bake, and was known among friends and family for her delicious cookies and brownies. In her spare time, Melody enjoyed crocheting blankets and items for her grandchildren.

Melody will be dearly missed by her husband Bryan, of Shannon; her step-children, Monica Knapp of Rock Falls, Andrew (Ashley) Knapp of Freeport and Teri Knapp of Shannon; three grandchildren, Brayden, Janaiyah and Aubrie; two brothers, Elwen (Diane) Euler of Freeport and Keith “Greaser” Euler of Warren; and two sisters, Wilma Euler of Monroe, WI and Elaine Blum of South Wayne, WI. Meleody is preceded in death by two brothers, Ferd Jr Euler and William “Bill” Euler; and two sisters, Mabel Baker and Nancy Roe.

Law Jones is humbly serving the family at this difficult time. The family wishes to thank Serenity Hospice for their compassion and care for Melody and their family over the past months.

 

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