Obituaries

Pearl City

Gerald Wayne Woker, 77

Gerald Wayne Woker, 77, of Pearl City passed away July 13 ,2024 at Stephenson Nursing Center in Freeport, IL.

Gerald was born August 22, 1946 in Freeport to Wayne and Neva (Cheeseman) Woker.

He was a 1964 graduate of Pearl City High School. In September of that year, his Father passed away and Gerald began running the family farm to support his mother and younger brother. It was only a year later that he would meet the woman who would steal his heart. Gerald married Peggy Pacey on June 21, 1969 in Pearl City.

Gerald and Peg raised their family and farmed together until retiring from the Dairy business in the Spring of 2001. Shortly after the cows were gone, he began working at Spahn & Rose Lumber Company in Pearl City. He enjoyed working there and visiting with many co-workers, customers and friends daily.

Gerald enjoyed playing cards, mostly Euchre. He was always happy to tell a story or joke. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the former Pearl City Masonic Lodge, and Pearl City Historical Organization.

After Peg’s passing on September 13, 2014, Gerald decided he wanted to return to the home farm. With the help of his Son-in-law, Chris, he designed the perfect “Gramp Shack”. He enjoyed 9 years back on the farm until health reasons required his move to the nursing home.

Gerald will be missed by his son, Aaron Woker of Pearl City, daughters, Brenda Woker of DeKalb and Deanna (Chris) Fink of Lanark, granddaughters, Samantha and Katelyn Fink, sister, Karen (Merle) Endress of Chetek, WI, brother, Gary (Karen) Woker of Thomson, several nieces & nephews, and countless friends.

He was greeted in Heaven by his wife, Peg; parents, Wayne Woker and Neva (Cheeseman) Woker-Edler; and close friends, Marvin Barklow and Richard Ferguson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stephenson Nursing Center and FHN Hospice for their wonderful care of Gerald. Rich, Dakota and Denver Sargent cannot be thanked enough for all they have done for Gerald these last several years. Their friendship, helpfulness and PATIENCE will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service led by Pastor David Schweppe took place at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pearl City, IL am 12:00pm on Saturday, July 20, 2024. A visitation was from 8:00am until the time of Service. Internment took place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial fund has been established.

Geralds favorite joke is a great way to finish his obituary.

“Do you know the difference between your right and left?”

“You’re right, and I left.”

Elizabeth

Morris E. Krug, 102

Morris E. Krug, age 102, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, July 14, at Generations at Neighbors in Byron, IL. Funeral Service was held at 11:00a.m. Thursday, July 18, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Elizabeth. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Derinda Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Elizabeth.

Morris was born on the family farm between Derinda and Massbach to Casper and Rosina (Albrecht) Krug. He attended school at the Country schoolhouse on Skene Road, where he balanced his studies with helping tend the family farm. As a young man, he found joy in playing baseball in the church league. It was at a church gathering where Morris met the love of his life, Lois Wurster. They fell in love right away, and married on February 18, 1947. Together, they raised two children and celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Morris transitioned from farming to carpentry later in life, joining Heidenreich Construction. He excelled in his craft, building pole sheds, houses, remodeling kitchens, and repairing barns in the area. His finished work was particularly admired, and his furniture creations are cherished pieces in his family’s home. Morris had an incredible work ethic, and lived by the motto, “If it’s not done right, it’s not worth doing.” Beyond his professional life, Morris enjoyed playing euchre, attending weekly games with his wife at his brother-in-law’s, and was an avid Cubs and Bulls fan. Later in life, he took up golf, and enjoyed summer days spent at StoryBrook Country Club, in Hanover.

A dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, Morris’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. However, it was his family that truly held the center of his heart. Morris took immense joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always seizing the opportunities to spoil his grandchildren and create lasting memories.

Morris is survived by his two children, Kermit (Susan) Krug of Byron, and Mary (Dwight) Westphal of Pecatonica, IL; three grandchildren, Kelly (Anthony) LaRosa of Rockford, IL, Ryan Westphal, currently serving in the Navy, and Sarah (Quentin) Blackwood of Bloomington, IL; two great-grandchildren, Eva LaRosa, and Gianni LaRosa; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Wurster of Elizabeth, and other relatives and friends. Morris is preceded in death by his wife, Lois, his parents, Casper and Rosina, three siblings, Esther Eden, Clarence Krug, and Florence Klopf; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Wurster.