Woodford County

Obituaries

 

 
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Metamora Herald

Friday, July 9, 1915




The Late Mrs. Mary Fandel


The funeral of the late Mrs. Mary Fandel, whose death occurred at her home in Metamora at 1:58 Wednesday morning, June 30, was held last Friday morning. The body was taken to St. Mary’s church, where requiem high mass was offered at 9 o’clock by Rev. Father Eusebius. The church was well filled with the large number of sympathizing friends of the family gathered for the final service. At the conclusion of the services burial was made in St. Mary’s cemetery.


Deceased, whose maiden name was Mary Grebner, was born in Worth township Sept. 16, 1863, where she grew to womanhood. On Jan. 15, 1889, she was married to Michael J. Fandel. Three children were born to this union, John Frederick, William and Margaret, all of whom survive. On Nov. 21, 1897, her husband died, leaving her to provide for the three children, then of tender age. This she did with true motherly spirit, and under her guidance she had the satisfaction of seeing her children grow up in the respect of the community. Their industry had earned an independent home for their mother and themselves and her future outlook was one of cheerfulness and contentment.


Among the large number of people present at the funeral were the following: Frank, Elizabeth and Mary Cler, Mrs. Wm. Kertenbach, Mrs. Henry Schneider, John Kunkel, Mrs. James English and daughter, Mrs. Frank Fagot, Sr., Mrs. Frank Fagot, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Kunkel all of Peoria; John and Joseph Cler of Eureka, Wm. And Olive Volk and Mr. and Mrs. John Klein of Minonk, Mr. and Mrs. Chas, Volk of Benson, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Todden of Chatsworth, Peter Volk and Misses Mary and Catherine Heinrich of Whittemore, Ia.


 



Submitted by Marjorie Grebner Welsch
 



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"The Oregonian," Portland, Oregon

Tena Marie Fettig


Friday, August 10, 2007


A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, in Holy Cross Catholic Church in Portland for Tena Marie Fettig, who died Aug. 9 at age 94. Recitation of the rosary will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, in Hustad Funeral Home.

Tena Marie Klaman was born Jan. 6, 1913, in Panola, Ill., and raised in Wyndmere, N.D. She graduated from Valley City State Teachers College in North Dakota and taught in North Dakota for 12 years. In 1947, she moved to Portland, where she was a cashier for Fred Meyer and then an accountant in the new accounts department of Montgomery Ward for 27 years. She was a member of the church for 51 years. In 1947, she married Sylvester; he died in 1991.

Survivors include her sister, Betty Farrand; brother, Alfred Klaman; and friend, Alex Diaz.

Arrangements by Hustad.


 



Note: She was born in Panola, Illinois on the farm of her father, Herman Klaman and her mother, Elsie Marie Vosberg.
 



Submitted by Linda Klaman English, her niece
 



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Unknown newspaper clipping, hand dated April 3, 1958

Mrs. Anna Ficken, 79, Benson, Passes: Funeral Held Tuesday

Mrs. Anna Ficken, 79, of Benson, died at St James hospital, Pontiac, at 6:30 o'clock Saturday morning, March 29, after a brief illness.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, at 2 o'clock at St Peter's Lutheran church, west of Benson, with the Rev J. H. Knoploh (sic) officiating. Burial was in St Peter's cemetery, the pallbearers being Chauncey Tallyn, Dale Moore, Carl Thompson, Bert Backer, Sr., Kenneth Uphoff and Herbert Aeschliman.

Tallyn-Folkers Memorial Home of Minonk was in charge of the funeral.

She was born Anna Uphoff, on June 9, 1878, in the Benson rural area, a daughter of Bernard and Folke Gerdes Uphoff. She received her education in Benson schools and spent her lifetime in the Benson community, except for eight years in Peoria.

She was united in marriage with Theodore Ficken, former Benson banker, at Benson on May 28, 1901, and they resided in Peoria and Benson. Mr. Ficken passed away in 1920.

She is survived by two daughters and a son: Mrs. Florence Neumann of West Chester, Pa.; Mrs. Dorthea Schwab of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Mr. Theodore Ficken, of Kimball, W. Wa. There are six grandchildren: Thomas Loftus, Prosper F. Neumann, Jr., Robert Ficken and Walford, Theodore and August Schwab. She is also survived by three brothers and three sisters: Waite Uphoff of Panola; John Uphoff of Flanagan; Henry Uphoff of Benson; Miss Alma Uphoff and Mrs. Marie Hurd, also of Benson; and Mrs. Gertie Rients of Lindenwood, Ill.

She is also survived by two brothers and two sisters of her husband, with whom she was in close touch through the years: Frederich and Ernest Ficken, and the Misses Caroline and Helene Ficken, all of Peoria. She was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers and a sister.

Mrs. Ficken was a member of St Peter's Lutheran church in Linn township, west of Benson, and of the Ladies Aid society of the church. The family asked expressions of sympathy be in the form of a contribution to the Muscatine Lutheran Home at Muscatine, Ia.
 


Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From undated newspaper, Minonk, Woodford Co, IL:

Rev. D.M. Ficken in Fateful Summons - Former Linn Township Pastor Passes Away at Peoria Friday Morning - Pastor St Peter's 34 Years - Funeral Services Held in Linn on Tuesday Morning, Burial Taking Place at the Church Cemetery

The sad news of the death of Rev. D.M. Ficken at his home in Peoria, reached the Benson community Friday morning. Soon the bell of St Peter's church was tolling to inform the people that their old friend and pastor had gone to his reward.

Dietrich Menno Ficken was born in Hartshausen, Germany, April 28, 1845, where his father was pastor. Ten days old he was brought to holy baptism. Not quite three years old he lost his father, and now the mother with the help of an uncle gave him all the care and education within their means. While attending high school he also received catechetical instruction and was confirmed in 1862. After his graduation from high school he attended three different universities in the old country, from 1866 to 1871.

It was in 1871 when he heard of the many vacant German-American congregations in this country and soon he came to the resolution to serve his Master in the vineyard of America. Well educated, he emigrated and came first to Grundy county, Iowa, where he was ordained. Here he was also married to Miss Dinette Aeilts, the union being blessed with eleven children, three preceding their father into eternity. One of these was his oldest son, Theodore, who died nearly three years ago.

Rev. Ficken served the congregations in Ft. Madison, Iowa, Peoria, Ill., and Waverly, Iowa, from 1872-1879. Then the St Peter's Lutheran church of Linn township called him as their pastor. Under great hardships he labored there for nearly thirty-four years, esteemed by all the people that he met and loved as a father by the members of his congregation.

[illegible] he felt he could not do justice to [the] cause, he felt he could not do justice to the work, which he loved so well, any longer. He bade farewell to the congregation and moved to Peoria, where he had lived since.

The deceased always enjoyed the best of health until the last few years of his life. But the last year found him a weary pilgrim who was patiently but joyously awaiting the call of his Master. He took to his bed four weeks ago, where he was attended to by his loved ones in the very best manner. All that medical skill and careful nursing could do was done, but the time was there and he was ready according to the word of the 23rd Psalm: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil." In the presence of all his loved ones he slumbered away in peace. His age was 77 years, 5 months and 21 days.

Rev. Ficken is survived by his widow, and four sons, Karl, Rudolf, Fred and Ernest, and four daughters, Julia, Carolina, Katherina and Helena.

The funeral took place at the St Peter's church on Tuesday and burial took place in the church cemetery, where he had laid so many to rest, Rev. J.W. Haferman being in charge of the services. Two German sermons were delivered by two of his old friends, Rev. F. Richter, D.D., president of the synod, and Rev. H. Staehling, of Danforth. An English sermon was given by Rev. C.A. Decker of Streator. The spacious church could not seat all those who wished to bid farewell to him, whom was beloved by all.

Those acting as pallbearers were Dr. Richter of Clinton, Iowa; Rev. H. Staehling of Danforth; Rev. C.August Decker of Streator; Rev. Ramme of Chenoa; Rev. Groth of Flanagan, and Rev. Bess of Peoria.

Previous services had been held at Peoria, which took place on Monday afternoon.

[Date of death: October 20, 1922]
 



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Metamora Herald
May 25, 1945

 

MRS. A. FISCHMANN, OF MINONK, 85, IS DEAD

Mrs. Augusta Reichenberg Fischmann, 85, died at 6: 30 a. m. May 17 at the home of Clara Zehr of Fairbury.

The body was taken to the Tallyn Memorial chapel in Minonk and services were held at 2:30 p. m. Sunday at the chapel with the Rev. Paul Buchmiller officiating. Burial was in Minonk cemetery.

She was born Nov. 3, 1859, in Germany, and was married in Germany to Gustave Fischmann Oct. 30, 1879. They were the parents of 10 children. The last of the 10 children, Mrs. Emma Sauer, died in 1935.

Mr. and Mrs. Fischmann came to this country in 1891 and settled in Minonk. Mr. Fischmann died July 11, 1940. Mrs. Fischmann lived in the Resthaven for two years and then moved to Fairbury.

Surviving are two grandsons in service. She was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical church in Minonk.


Date of Death: May 17, 1945
 



Transcribed and submitted by Kathleen



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Obituary from The Washburn Leader, Illinois:


Sarah Stanley was born in Grayson county, Virginia, Sept. 13, 1821. Her ancestors were Virginians for several generations. In 1830 her parents removed to Clinton county, Ohio, where they resided until 1835, when they started in company with six other families for Illinois. The family then consisted of the father, Zachariah Stanley, his wife and six children, the oldest son remaining in Virginia, where he recently died at the age of 95 years. They came through the new country by wagons and teams, and arrived in the Antioch neighborhood, in Tazewell County, in September. Mr. Stanley was taken sick on the journey and died three weeks after their arrival. The family rented a farm the next spring, and Sarah with others of this family took up the labors of frontier life.


On Nov. 5th 1840, the subject of this sketch was married to Elias Fisher. They purchased a farm three miles south of Tremont, where they lived until 1859, when they came to Cazenovia township, where they purchased and improved 320 acres of prairie land. Here they lived and prospered, until the death of Mr. Fisher, July 6th, 1866. There were eight children born to them, five of whom are still living, namely:- Jabez and Oliver, of this place, Mrs. Mary Waggoner and Ira A. both of Peoria and Mrs. Louisa White, of Washburn. One son and two daughters preceded her. There are 18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren now living.


Before her marriage Mrs. Fisher became a member of the Christian church at Antioch, and remained a faithful and consistent member until her death which occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Louisa White, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of Friday, May 1st, 1903. At the time of their marriage her husband was connected with the Quakers, but largely through the example and influence of his wife, became identified with the disciples of Christ.


Sister Fisher was a woman of strong personal character and of great faith. She was an earnest and faithful student of God's word, able at all times to "give a reason for her hope." She was in heartiest sympathy with all the works of the church, supporting them with her prayers, her voice and her means. The appeal of the needy was to her the call of the Master to Christian duty. The church will miss her presence and fellowship, our community her saving influence, the family her council and companionship. Cheerful, always companionable and full of sweetest sympathy, her acquaintance was a benediction to all. Her hope was anchored to that which "entereth into the veil," and her departure was quiet and peaceful, for "God's finger touched her and she slept." "He giveth his beloved sleep." "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."


Those in attendance from other places were- Mr. and Mrs S. Waggoner, Mr. and Mrs. Ira A Fisher, Mr and Mrs. Ross Waggoner, Mr. and Mrs. Bye, Mrs. Nancy McDonald and Mrs. Ida Oswold, of Peoria, Mr and Mrs. Robert Waggoner, of Manitou, Mrs. Susie Young, of Lake Village, Indiana Nathan Fisher, Tremont, S.E. Fisher Gibson City, Mr and Mrs Otis Travis, Fairburn, Glenn Harper, La Rose, Mr and Mrs Mark Fisher, Arrowsmith, Mark Harper, Ora and Myrtle Fisher Eureka.


Sermon by Prof B. J. Radford, delivered at the funeral of Mrs. Sarah Fisher, Sr. May 4, 1903
 



Submitted by: Mary Kocak



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From undated, untitled obituary. She died in 1968

Flanagan - Mrs. Annie Flohr, 85, of Flanagan, formerly of Benson, died at 4:45 a.m. yesterday at Minonk Manor Nursing Home, Minonk, where she had been a patient the past 30 days.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at St Peter's Lutheran Church at Benson, of which she was a member, the Rev. Elmer Elzey officiating. Burial will be in St Peter's Cemetery. Visitation will be after 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Froelich Memorial Home, Flanagan, and at the church one hour prior to services Thursday.

She was born Aug. 5, 1882 at Upende, Ostfriesland, Germany, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Bens Hanson. She was married to Waite Flohr on March 2, 1904 at Danforth. He died September 1936.

Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Theodore Bauman, Mrs. Harry Wehking, and Mrs. Reinke DeFreese, all of Benson, Mrs. Rudolph Ruestman of Minonk, Mrs. Henry Kalkwarf and Mrs. Clarence Obert, both of Flanagan; one sister, Mrs. Henry Schroeder of Gilman; one brother, Tase of Danforth; 19 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, one daughter and one grandchild.

 



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Translation of obituary for Brachter that was published in the Ostfriesische Nachrichten (Breda, Iowa) in 1914

The Lord over life and death has called our dear father, Brechter H. Flohr, to himself, suddenly, on February 24, 1914.

He was born at Moorhusen, Ostfriesland on March 7, 1851 and moved as a 7 year old child with his parents to Peoria, Illinois. After a few years he moved with his family to our congregation where he received his instruction and confirmation.

He was a loyal member of St Peter's Church near Benson.

In 1875 he entered into marriage with his surviving wife. He is survived by 8 children, a brother, 2 sisters and several other relatives.

His burial took place on February 27 with many in attendance at the cemetery of St Peter's Lutheran Church in Benson, Illinois.

In the name of the family:

J.W. Hafermann, Pastor

Benson, Illinois



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Metamora Herald

22 December 1950

Dick W. Flohr Dies in Roanoke, Aged 74

Dick W. Flohr, 74, died at 11:55 a.m. Thursday last week at his home in Roanoke. He had been ill about six months.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 .m. Sunday at St Peter's Lutheran church, west of Benson. The Rev. J.H. Prange officiated. Burial was in St Peter's cemetery.

He was born in Linn township June 26, 1876, son of Bratcher [sic] and Engel Johnson Flohr. He married Mary Duden Jan. 17, 1902.

Surviving are his wife and a daughter, Mrs. Pearl Meins of Roanoke; two brothers, Theodore Flohr of Benson and Mike Flohr of Washington; two sisters, Mrs. Teena Huschen and Mrs. Margaret Schoon, both of Benson.

A daughter and a son preceded him in death.

He was a member of St Peter's Lutheran church west of Benson.



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From the Peoria Journal Star, 11 June 1999

BENSON -- Edgar B. Flohr, 84, of rural Benson died at 11:07 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 1999, at Maple Lawn Homes in Eureka.

Born May 7, 1915, in Benson to Theodore B. and Marie Backer Flohr, he married Dorothy E. Behrends on Jan. 20, 1940, in Glasford. She survives.

Also surviving are one sister, Freda Flohr of Benson; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Two daughters, Lonna Hassler and Lyla Wilson, two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

A member of Woodford County Farm Bureau, he farmed in the Benson area all his life.
He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Benson, where he was a former member of the church council and the cemetery committee.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at his church. The Rev. Eimo Hinrichs will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 tonight at Remmert Funeral Home in Roanoke and 30 minutes before services at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to his church.

 



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Woodford County Journal

23 July 1981

 

Marie Flohr died July 15

Marie Flohr, 86, a Benson native, died at 2:14 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at St Francis Hospital Medical Center, Peoria, where she had been a patient 10 days.

Mrs. Flohr was born Nov. 16, 1894, a daughter of Jacob and Mochie de Freese Backer. She married Theodore G. Flohr Nov. 26, 1914 at Benson. He died Nov. 12, 1953.

Surviving are three sons, Edgar B., T. Arnold and Lloyd J., all of Benson; three daughters, Amelia Heyl, Arlington, Texas; Freda Flohr, Peoria, Matilda Peters, Washington; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

Mrs. Flohr was a member of St Peter Lutheran Church to which memorials may be made.

Her funeral was Friday at St Peter Lutheran Church near Benson, the Rev. Bruce Hanson officiated. Burial was in St Peter Lutheran cemetery.

 



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Untitled, undated newspaper clipping


Meint P. Flohr, 68 year old retired farmer and a resident of Washington four years, died at 4:30 p.m. Monday, 8 May 1962, of an apparent heart attack while working in the yard of his home at 111 Main Street.

Funeral services will be help at 2 p.m. Thursday in St. Peter's Lutheran Church at Benson. Rev. H. J. Knoploh will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Habecker Mortuary from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, and the body will lie in state in the church one hour prior to services.

Mr. Flohr was born in Lynn Twp 10 January, 1894, a son of Bratcher and Engel Johnson Flohr. He married Wilma Marquette at Eureka in 1916 and she died in 1958.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Charney of Cleveland, OH; a son, Bratcher, of Peoria; two sisters, Mrs. Henry Huschen and Mrs. Elmer Schoon, both of Benson, and two grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Benson.

 



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Peoria Journal Star

BENSON -- Theodore Arnold Flohr, 72, of Rural Route 1 died at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 1994, at his home.

Born March 27, 1921, in Benson to Theodore G. and Marie Backer Flohr, he married Jean McKeon on June 26, 1945, in Minonk. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Lynn A. of Flanagan; one daughter, Susan M. Lerdahl of Madison, Wis.; one brother, Edgar, and one sister, Freda Flohr, both of Benson; and four grandchildren.


Two sisters and one brother preceded him in death.

A World War II Army veteran, he was a prisoner of war in Germany. He was a member of Benson American Legion Post 454.

He farmed in Benson.

He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church near Benson, where services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Joseph Bleakley will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Remmert Funeral Home in Roanoke and one hour before services at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Metamora Herald, 20 November 1953

Theodore G. Flohr of Benson Dies of Heart Attack in Hospital

Theodore G. Flohr, 61, retired farmer of Benson, died at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 at St James hospital in Pontiac.

Funeral services were held at 2:15 p.m. Sunday at the Tallyn-Folkers memorial home in Minonk. Further services were at 2:30 p.m. at St Peter's Lutheran church, Benson. The Rev. J.H. Prange officiated. Burial was in St Peter's cemetery.

Born in Linn township, Woodford county May 7, 1892, he was a son of Brachter and Engle Janssen Flohr. He married Marie Backer Nov. 26, 1914.

Mr. Flohr was a member of St Peter's Lutheran church. He moved to Benson three years ago.

Surviving are his wife, three sons, Edgar, Arnold and Lloyd Flohr, all of Benson; three daughters, Miss Amelia Flohr of Joliet, Miss Freda Flohr of Peoria and Mrs. Matilda Peters of Benson; two sister, Mrs. Henry Huschen and Mrs. Margaret Schoon, both of Benson; one brother, Meint Flohr of Washington, and six grandchildren.



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From an undated, untitled obituary. He died September 1936

Funeral services for Waite Flohr, 54 year old prominent retired farmer of this city, who was fatally injured last Thursday morning when he fell 90 feet from a ladder on the Louis deFreese farm near Benson, were held at 1:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the late residence and at 2:00 o'clock at St Peter's Lutheran church at Benson. Rev. J.J. Haberaecker, pastor of the church, officiated and burial was in the church cemetery.

Music was furnished by the church choir, which sang two beautiful songs. Pallbearers were: Dr. A. A. Johnson, John Leffers, Harm Harms, Jacob Backer, Henry Harms and Ed Wessell. The flower bearers were: Arnold Flohr, Brachter Flohr, Brachter Hursen, Raymond Schoon, Lester Schroeder and Myron Schoon.

Mr. Flohr died about 11 o'clock last Thursday morning enroute to St Mary's hospital at Streator, from injuries sustained that morning when he fell from a ladder while he and his son in law, Louis deFreese, were repairing a corn crib. They were both standing on the same round of the ladder, when it gave way, dropping both to the ground.

Waite fell against a power hoist and suffered a broken collar bone and several broken ribs, which punctured his lungs. His son in law's fall was broken when he struck a ladder at the side of the roof and Louis suffered only bruises on his arms and legs.

Waite Flohr, the son of Brachter and Engel Janssen Flohr, was born June 7, 1882, on a farm in Linn township, about 12 miles southwest of this city. Here he grew to manhood, and on March 2, 1904, he was united in marriage to Miss Antke Hanson at Danforth. The young couple went to housekeeping on the farm where Mr. Flohr was born and it was here they resided until 8 years ago, when they moved to this city.

Each of the eight children of this couple were born on the old home place where Waite himself was born. One son preceded him in death fourteen years ago. Surviving are his devoted wife, Antke; seven daughters, Mrs. Angeline Bauman of Eureka, Mrs. Elizabeth deFreese of Benson, Mrs. Marie Wehking of Minonk, Mrs. Anne deFreese of Benson, Mrs. Margaret Ruestman, and Bertha and Edith Flohr, at home; five brothers John of Minnesota, Richard, Will and Meint of Roanoke, and Theodore of Benson; two sisters, Mrs. Henry Huschen and Mrs. Elmer Schoon of Benson; and eleven grandchildren.

He was a faithful member of St Peter's Lutheran church of Benson and was a fine Christian character. Waite was a quiet, likeable type of a person, and was well known and respected throughout this community. Since coming to Minonk from his farm in Linn township, he has become endeared to the hearts of many loyal friends in this city, who were greatly shocked to learn of his tragic death last Thursday.

Those from a distance who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Bill Redenius and family from Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. George Eden and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hanson and family, Mrs Elizabeth Hanson, of Danforth; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schroeder and family of Gilman; Mr. and Mrs. Tase Hanson and family and Mrs. Memke Peters of Askum; Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Johnson and family from Eureka; and Mrs. Henry Tammen and family of Danforth.
 


Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Metamora Herald

21 September 1945

Wilke Flohr Found Dead by Neighbors in Linn Twp. Home

Investigation Made When 65 Year Old Bachelor Hadn't Been Seen in Four Days

An investigation by Jake Tjaden and Roy Fagot, neighbors, when it came to their attention that Wilke Flohr, 65 year old bachelor had not been seen in four days led to the finding of his dead body Tuesday morning last week in his late home in Linn township.

At the coroner's inquest held at noon that day by Dr. J.L. Hubbard, it was determined that Mr. Flohr had been dead about four days. The verdict was that "Death came from unknown cause but there was no evidence of violence or self-destruction." The jury was made up of Roy Fagot, Jake Tjaden, Clarence Wragge, Leroy Fagot, Calvin Buckles and Herman Claymon.

Graveside funeral services were held that night at 7 o'clock at the St Peter's cemetery conducted by Rev Oscar Braunschweig. The pallbearers were Jake Tjaden, Roy Fagot, Clarence Wragge, Ben Zoss, Arthur Reeb and Leroy Fagot. He was a member of St Peter's Lutheran church.

Wilke Flohr was born in Linn township on April 20, 1880, the son of Brachter and Engel Flohr, and had spent his entire life in that community. He farmed until a year ago and since that time had just been doing gardening. As far as relatives knew, he was not in poor health.

He leaves three brothers and two sisters: Dick and Theodore Flohr of Benson, Meint Flohr of Creve Coeur, Mrs. Tena Huschen and Mrs. Margaret Schoon of Benson. There were originally eight boys and two girls in the family. Wait Flohr of Minonk, a brother, was killed a few years ago when he fell from the roof of a barn on which he was doing carpenter work.
 



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Metamora Herald, 29 February 1924

Garrelt Folkers Called by Death - Benson's Oldest Citizen Passes Away, Friday, Aged Nearly Ninety Years - Resides in County Many Years - Funeral Services Held Sunday at St Peter's Where Mr. Folkers Helped Build First Church

Last Friday morning saw the passing of Benson's oldest citizen, Garrelt Weert Folkers, who lacked but a few days of attaining the grand age of 90 years.

His death came in the twinkling of an eye. Seated in a chair at his daughter's restaurant, he had just replied to the daughter's inquiry and stated that he was ready for his meal. The daughter placed the meal up on the table; when she went back to her father, he had passed on into eternity, where meals are unknown.

Funeral services for Benson's patriarch were held on Sunday afternoon at St Peter's church, he having been one of the early settlers who helped build the first church for this congregation. Rev. J. Haferman conducted services in German and Rev. Fred Seifert in English. Burial took place at the church cemetery. The great gathering at the funeral was mute testimony of the place Mr Folkers held in the hearts of the people of his community. Those acting as pallbearers were Louis Sakes, John Folkers, H.A. Seifert, Adolph Heineke, Oscar Stimpert and John Heineke.

Garrelt Weert Folkers was born at Remels, Ostfriesland, Germany on March 2, 1834 and died at Benson, Ill. on Feb. 22, 1924, aged 89 years, 11 months and 21 days.

At the age of 20 years he came to America and was employed for several years at Washington, Ill. He then came to Woodford county, locating in Linn township, where he was united in marriage with Hannah [Amy's note: her name was Harmke] Tjaden. Some years later they moved to Clayton township. When old age came, they went to Benson to spend the evening of their lives, where the wife passed away fifteen years ago. Since then he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Ellich Woltzen.

Mr. Folkers was the father of ten children, four preceding him in death. Those surviving are Hillie, of Kankakee; Weert, of Charles City, Iowa , and George, Mrs. Lizzie Stimpert, Mrs. Tallie Woltzen and Mrs. Minnie Geiken, all of Benson. There also survive one brother, John Folkers of Benson, thirty grandchildren and thirty-eight great grandchildren.

 



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Untitled newspaper clipping dated Thursday, July 27, 1961

Hold Services for Former Benson Woman in Minnesota, Friday

Mrs. Thelma Folkers, 54, of Pine River, Minn., a former Bensonite, passed away at the University hospital in Minneapolis, on July 17, where she had been seriously ill for 10 weeks.

Funeral services were held on Friday , July 21, at 2 p.m., in the Grace Evangelical United Brethren church in Pine River. Burial was in Pine River cemetery.

She was born in Benson, April 4, 1907, a daughter of Simon and Cora Moore Woltzen, and was married to Henry Folkers in Chicago in 1930. She was a graduate of the Benson high school in 1925 and taught in the White Pigeon school near Benson.

Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Don Baller of Minneapolis, and Mrs. Don Reynolds of St Paul; one grandson of Minneapolis; her mother, Mrs. Frank Beenders; her husband and son, Franklin Beenders; one sister, Miss Leona Woltzen; two aunts, Mrs. Etta Leinweber, all of Benson, and Mrs. Minnie Bradley of Peoria.

 



Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Newspaper clipping dated 4 April 1940

Mrs. Julius Folkerts Succumbs Monday at her Home Here - Funeral Services are Being Held This Afternoon for Beloved Resident

Mrs. Julius Folkerts, 76 year old beloved resident of this city, died at 5:00 o'clock Monday afternoon at her home in the west part of town, of heart trouble. She had been in failing health for some time, and had been bedfast for the past four weeks.

As Almuth Kathrina Eden, daughter of Wessel and Etta Eden, she was born June 2, 1864, at Vadehann, Ostfriesland, Germany. When she was 7 years old, her parents decided to emigrate to America, and arrived in 1871, settling on a farm near Panola. She attended the school nearby, and later attended the school of religious instruction given by Rev Schoenhut at St Paul's Evangelical church. In 1871, she made her confession of faith and joined St Paul's Evangelical church through the sacred rites of confirmation.

She was united in marriage with Julius Folkerts December 25, 1881, and they went to farming near Benson. Later they acquired a farm of their own, about five and one-half miles southwest of Minonk, now known as the Folkerts home place. Nine children were born in this happy union, two of which died in infancy. One daughter, Marie, died in 1916, and one son, Wessel, died in 1919.

October 25, 1920, her husband passed away, and she and her son, Julius, continued to operate the farm. After her son married, she remained with them for a few years, and then decided to retire and come to town. She purchased a home in the west part of town, where she spent the remainder of her lifetime.

Mrs. Folkerts was a faithful member of the church and attended the worship services regularly until her health prevented it. As a true and faithful wife, she was a most devoted companion and helpmate to her husband, sharing with him the privations and hardships of wresting a livelihood from the soil.

Tenderly devoted to her family, her deepest concern was always for their welfare, and especially in the later years it was her great delight to have her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren about her. A friend in need, cordial in her hospitality, always concerned for the good, her heart of love went out to all. Consequently she was loved and respected by all who knew her.

She leaves to mourn her passing, two sons, John Folkerts of Rutland, and Julius B. Folkerts of Benson; three daughters, Mrs. Etta Uphoff of Flanagan, Mrs. Katie Weber and Mrs. Helene Onnen of Benson; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren.

Funeral services are being conducted at 2:00 o'clock this afternoon from St Paul's Evangelical church in this city, with Rev Paul Buchmueller, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Minonk cemetery.

 



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From untitled, undated newspaper clipping:

Benson Woman in Sudden Summons - Mrs. Weert Folkerts Found Dead in Bed Early on Monday Morning - Funeral Tuesday Morning - Deceased Was Born in Roanoke Township in 1867, and Has Always Resided in Woodford County

Early Monday morning Mrs. Weert Folkerts of Benson, was found dead in her bed. She had been suffering with heart troubles for several months, but still her death came as a surprise to all.

Gebke Dirks Monk, daughter of Jacob and Hilke [Redenius] Monk, was born in Roanoke township August 11, 1867. On May 10, 1885, she was married to Weert Folkerts. They always lived near and in Benson. This union was blessed with ten children, four of them preceding their mother in death. Those left to mourn her departure are John, Minnie and Marie of Benson and Mrs. M. Turpin, Mrs. Roy Kearns and Margaret of Minonk.

There also survive the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Monk of Benson; two brothers, Will Monk of Benson and Harm Monk of Seattle, Wash., and one sister, Mrs. Meint Fischer of Benson. There are also several half-brothers and half-sisters and six grandchildren.

Mrs. Folkerts was a member of St Paul's church at Benson and of the Ladies' Aid Society of that church. She was a woman singularly devoted to her family.

Funeral services were held at St Paul's church at Benson yesterday afternoon at 1:30, Rev. Fred Seifert being in charge. Burial took place at the Benson cemetery.

The pallbearers, all cousins of the deceased, were Harm Geiken, John Geiken, Arian Folkerts, Harm Folkerts, Dirk Redenius and Ede Monk, while those who bore flowers were Sena Geiken, Fern Stimpert, Teda Poppinga and Marie Peters.
 


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From untitled, undated newspaper clipping.

Hiemke Marie Folkerts Answers Final Summons Yesterday Morning - A Victim of Tuberculosis - Funeral Will Be Held From St Paul's Church on Saturday Afternoon, Rev. T. Kettelhut Officiating

Hiemke Marie Folkerts, youngest daughter of Julius Folkerts and his wife, Almuth, nee Eden, died yesterday morning at the home of her parents four miles southwest of Minonk, after six months sickness with tuberculosis.

Deceased was born on the farm where she died on August 13, 1898. At St Paul's church in this city with the class of 1915 she received her baptismal covenant in the rite of confirmation according to the Evangelical faith and was thereby admitted to the membership of that church. This membership she retained faithfully until her end.

During the first part of last March the young lady's health began to fail and in spite of all efforts to restore it, she failed to recuperate, her condition growing more and more serious. She passed away yesterday afternoon at 11:30.

Those who survive, besides the parents, are the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Etta Uphoff of Graymont, and Mrs. Henry Webber, Wessel Folkerts, Mrs. Lena Onnen and John and Julius Folkerts, all of Benson. One sister and one brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held from St Paul's Evangelical church in this city next Saturday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Theodore Kettelhut officiating, and the services will be conducted in both English and German. The pallbearers will be Misses Bertha Oncken, Elma von Nordheim, Anna Janssen, Susie Schneider and Anna Barth. Burial will take place at the Minonk cemetery.

 



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From undated, untitled newspaper clipping  abt 1920

Well Known Farmer Thrown to Ground in Runway, With Mortal Result - Was Born on Christmas Day - Came From Germany to This Country in 1871 and Has Since Lived on Farms in This Vicinity

Monday evening at 6:30 p.m., Julius Folkerts died at his home six miles southwest of Minonk, death being the result of injuries received in an accident Saturday morning. Mr. Folkerts had been hauling lumber to his new place where he was preparing to build a new home and was on his way to his home when the horses ran away and he was thrown to the ground. His son, who was working in a field close by, saw the accident, and ran to where his father was lying on the ground. Mr. Folkerts was picked up unconscious and taken to his home. It is thought that he suffered a hemorrhage of the brain and he never regained consciousness.

Mr. Folkerts was a native of Eastern Fresia, being born Dec 25, 1853, in the village of Remels, Germany. Here he received his education and in 1867 was admitted into the church in the rites of confirmation. In 1871, he emigrated to America and settled in this part of the country, living out with farmers in the community. Frugal and energetic, he was after a few years able to start farming for himself. On his birthday in 1879, he united in marriage with Almuth Eden, the marriage ceremony being performed by Rev. Schoenhut of Minonk.

After their marriage the young couple went to farming and about twenty-three years ago were able to settle on their own farm, which had been their home place and where he remained until his tragic death. He reached the age of 67 years and 10 months.

He was a sterling character, faithful and true. Of a quiet disposition, rather retiring in nature, he enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. He was a member of St Paul's Evangelical church of this city and the esteem in which he was held by all members was evidenced in that they elected him repeatedly as trustee of the congregation.

Funeral services will be conducted at St Paul's church in this city this afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be in charge of Rev. Paul Bachmueller, pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. Theodore Kettelhut of Faribault, Minn., former pastor here.

 



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From undated, untitled newspaper clipping 

The funeral of Henry Fortman, 73, Minonk, will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran church, Minonk, the Rev Rudolf Martens officiating. Burial will be in Minonk Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at Folkers-Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk and for one hour before the service at the church.

Mr. Fortman died at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday (Sept 8, 1987) at his home. He was born Sept. 16, 1913 in Minonk, a son of John and Katie Antons Fortman. He married Rosalie Seggerman on Aug 1, 1948, in Minonk. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Bonnie Porter, Goodfield, a son, Ronald, Minonk and three sisters, Anna Hustable and Gertie Kelm, both of Minonk; and Mabel Harms, El Paso. A brother preceded him in death.

Mr. Fortman was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Church Council for six years. An Army veteran of World War II, he worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co.'s East Peoria plant for 32 years. Memorials may be made to his church.
 

 



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The Journal-Standard 15 September 2008
Rockford, Illinois

Diane Lynn Fouke, 52, of Rockford died Friday at Rockford Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

She was born July 31, 1956 in El Paso, Ill., the daughter of Robert and Delores (Peters) Heiken.

On Nov. 1, 1975, Diane married Kenneth Fouke in Rockford. Diane's children were most important to her. Diane loved to take family cruises and go boating.

She is survived by her husband of Rockford, her mother of Rockford, two sons, Benjamin (Kara) Fouke and Christopher (Ally Harris) Fouke both of Rockford. Two brothers, Mark (Dee Brown) Heiken and Todd Heiken both of Rockford; her grandson, Lucas Fouke, and her step-grandson, Keegan. Also three special friends, Gayle Stark, Jodi Pisani and Teresa Heiken.

She was preceded in death by her father.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, in Freeport, the Rev. Bill Blomberg will officiate.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m, to time of service at Burke-Tubbs.

A memorial has been established in her name.

 



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Probably from the El Paso Journal-1891

Christina Safford Fursman

Mrs. C. S. Fursman, mother of E.S. Fursman of this place, died in Chicago, Monday night, at the home of her oldest daughter, Mr. Jas T. King. She was 88 years of age February 8 and for a time made her home here with Mr. Fursman and met many of our people. The remains arrived here Thursday afternoon, accompanied by Fred Fursman, and internment took place at once, the funeral services having been held in Chicago. She was laid beside the remains of her husband who died in 1875. Mrs. Fursman was born in Northampton, Mass.

 


Note: She's buried in Evergreen Cemetery in El Paso, IL. She was born 2/8/1803 and died 3/3/1891. I have picture of her tombstone.

I'm almost positive this obit came from the El Paso Journal.

She did live with her son, Elias Fursman
 



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The El Paso Journal, dated April 20, 1907



Late Friday night G.W. Horner received a telegram from Chicago announcing the death of Elias S. Fursman and advising him of the family's desires regarding the funeral. The news was a great shock to the friends here as it was so unexpected. A letter received by Mr. Horner Saturday afternoon contained the particulars of the sudden calamity which had befallen the family, and announced the time of the arrival here of the remains.

Last Friday evening, Mr. Fursman who with his wife had spent several months in Chicago, went to their daughter's home at 247 S. Hamlin street as usual after a hard days work. He partook of a hearty supper and seemed otherwise in as good health as was natural although he complained slightly of his asthmatic ailment which was not deemed at all serious. Before going to bed, he thought he would recline on the lounge a while, his wife placing some sofa pillows around him in such a manner as to partially raise his head. He dropped off to sleep apparently in no distress while Mrs. Fursman engaged in reading across the room. At 10:30 Mrs. Fursman heard a slight gasp or change in his breathing and on going to the couch saw that her husband had passed away without waking from his slumber.

Elias S. Fursman was born in Niagara county, New York, August 16, 1837. His parents were William H. and Christine S. Fursman, natives of New York and of English origin, their successors coming to America in colonial times prior to the Revolution. The father was a commissioned officer in the war of 1812, when he fought against the British.

Elias passed his early life until 18 years of age in the county of his birth and then being imbued with the opportunities offered in the Great West he came to Illinois, settling in Bloomington, Illinois, where he engaged as clerk in a mercantile establishment for two years. In 1857, at the age of twenty, he located on a quarter section of Illinois Central railroad land in Waldo township, Livingston county. Here he remained for some eight years, meanwhile on December 3, 1863, marrying Miss Myra E. Pool, who survives him. Selling his Livingston county land in 1865, he purchased forty acres in Panola township two miles north of El Paso, and extensively engaged, for those time in producing a fruit and nursery business. Many of the orchard, fruit and ornamental shade trees and handsome foliage later seen around our broad prairie homes had their inception and foundation in Mr. Fursman's pioneer nursery established when the entire country was an open waste, almost without trees or verdure of any kind excepting such as nature had provided. This first forty acres was later added to until he had acquired the whole of the quarter section where the family has made their home for forty two years. [Note: Partial obituary]

 

Date of death: April 12, 1907
 


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El Paso Journal for Thursday, May 11, 1922

MRS. FURSMAN DIES


Long Time Resident of El Paso Passes Away at Home of Daughter in Chicago-Interment Here

Yesterday afternoon the remains of Mrs. Myra E. Fursman were brought to El Paso for burial in Evergreen cemetery. She died in Chicago Monday after an illness from heart trouble, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Woods. Accompanying the body to this city were Mr. and Mrs. J. Woods, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Gail, Fred Fursman and daughter Lucille, all of Chicago, and Will Fursman of Okmulgee, Okla. The funeral cortege went direct from the train to the cemetery where a short service was conducted by Rev. F. M. Inman of the local Methodist church.

Elmira Pool was born in Illinois while her parents were enroute overland from the east. The parents died while Myra, as she was familiarly called, was very young, and she was raised to young womanhood by an aunt. She taught school, some of her pupils still residing here, one of them serving as pallbearer yesterday. At Metamora on December 3, 1863, she was united in marriage to Elias S. Fursman who had purchased farm lands in Waldo township, Livingston county, from the Illinois Central railroad company in 1857. In 1865 they sold this land and moved to a forty acre tract they purchased two miles north of El Paso, later acquiring a full quarter section. Here Mr. and Mrs. Fursman resided for forty-two years. In 1882 Mr. Fursman engaged with L. S. Straight in the manufacture of tile in El Paso, later disposing of his interest to Mr. Straight.


Mr. and Mrs. Fursman were among the pioneers who founded the Woodford County District Agricultural board and for many years both were active in the conduct of that enterprise. Mrs. Fursman organized the old Panola Farmers' club, a society which for many years has been very successful. In 1893 Mr. Fursman was placed in charge of the Illinois agricultural exhibit at the World's Fair in Chicago and he also served in the same capacity at the Buffalo exposition and the Louisiana Purchase exposition at St. Louis. Much of his exhibit material later went to the Paris World's exposition. His large picture done with native grains and grasses of Illinois attracted world wide attention, and after being returned from Paris, is is said that the picture sold for $5,000. In all these activities Mrs. Fursman was a valued assistant and counselor of her husband. Both were loyal members of the Methodist church and for many years were especially active in the work of the Sunday school. Mr. and Mrs. Fursman were both genial and enjoyed a wide and loving acquaintanceship. To them five children were born, one son, Laurens, dying when a youth. The four surviving are Fred, Mrs. Mary Woods, Mrs. Frances Gail and Will. Mr. Fursman died suddenly in Chicago on April 12, 1907, since which time Mrs. Fursman had made her home with her daughter Mary.

 



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