Woodford County

Obituaries

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Several clippings from The Minonk News about Ellen Sophia (Pickard) Gaisford's death.
 

Ellen Sophia PICKARD
Parents: Alfred and Sophia (Bartlett) Pickard
Birth Date: July 4, 1859 Southwick, Wiltshire, England
Death Date: September 2, 1887 Harbine, NB
Burial: September 3, 1887 NB


September 2, 1887 - The Minonk News, Minonk, ILL

A. Pickard received a dispatch this a.m. from Harbine, Neb., announcing the death of his youngest daughter, Mrs. Samuel Gaisford, which took place this a.m. at 1 o'clock. The cause of death was not given, in fact, the family here were not aware she was sick at all. A dispatch was sent to send the remains here to be interred, but no answer has yet been returned. Deceased was about 28 years of age, and leaves no children. The last time she was here was at Christmas and New Years 1886-87, when her husband and she went to Florida and thence to Nebraska. The news of her death will cast a gloom over a large circle of friends and acquaintances here. A dispatch has just been received that it would be impossible to send the remains here, and they will be buried there tomorrow.


 

September 9, 1887 - The Minonk News, Minonk, ILL


Obituary


Last week was announced the death of Mrs. Samuel Gaisford at Harbine, Neb., on September 2nd. We here give a short biographical sketch.


Ellen Sophia Gaisford, youngest daughter of Alfred and Sophia Pickard, was born at Southwick, Wilts, England, on the 4th of July 1859. She was one of a pair of twins, her twin brother dying a month or so after his birth. Ellen was a bright little girl beloved by everyone who knew her, and was remarkably obedient to her parents. With her parents she came to Minonk on September 1st 1865. At an early age she was impressed as to the necessity of joining the church and on the February 2, 1874 she became a member of the First Baptist Church here. She was married to Samuel Gaisford on February 5, 1880, by Elder Colwell; her sister Louise and M. L. Rucker being united at same time. Although never having been blessed with children, she led a very happy life with her husband, who is completely prostrated by her death. The blow is still harder on him, as he had just built a residence and blacksmith shop, and was looking hopefully forward when the crushing blow came. Malaria fever carried her away after a few days sickness, her brother George being with the family at the supreme moment. Elder S. B. Randall, known here, presided at the service, and the remains were followed to their last resting place by a large number of sympathizing friends.


 

(The following lines were written by Deacon Alfred Pickard, Minonk, on the death of his daughter, Mrs. S. Gaisford, at Harbine, Neb., on the 2nd of September, 1887)

October 7, 1887

Gone to be with Jesus

Gone to be with Jesus,
The one she so much loved;
Gone to be with Jesus,
And dwell with him above.


Gone to be with Jesus,
Now free from sin and pain;
Gone to be with Jesus,
And ever with him reign.


Gone to be with Jesus,
Who saved her by his grace;
Gone to be with Jesus,
And rest in his embrace.

 

Transcribed and donated by Cindy Pickard

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FUNERAL AT BENSON OF ELFERT GASTMAN, 89

Elfert Gastman, 89, retired Benson farmer, died at 3:45 p.m. Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna Eckhoff at Flanagan. He had been ill eight weeks.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Peter’s Lutheran church at Benson. The Rev. John Prange officiated. Burial was in St. Peter’s cemetery. Arrangements were announced by Tallyn – Folkers memorial home at Minonk.

Born May 15, 1863 in Germany, he was the son of Bernard and Jantgenia Gastman. He came to the United States as a young man and farmed near Benson. He married Trientje Eckhoff in 1891. She died 13 years ago.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Sena Matter of Dana, Mrs. Lena Folkerts of Rutland and Mrs. Eckhoff of Flanagan; one son Herman Gastman of Benson; one sister, Mrs. Anna Woltzen of Roanoke; 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. One son preceded him in death.


Date of Death: June 1952

 

Transcribed and donated by Kathleen

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IHNE GASTMANN DIES at BENSON of a HEART AILMENT at AGE of 86


Ihne Gastmann, 86, died at 10:15 p.m. at his home in Benson of a heart ailment. He had been ill about six months.

The body was taken to the Tallyn – Folkers funeral home in Minonk, where services were held Monday at 1 p.m. and at 1:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran church. The Rev. J. Prange officiated. Burial was in the Benson cemetery.

Mr. Gastmann was born June 16, 1866, in Germany, the son of Bernard and Juntjelina Gastmann. He came to this country and to Benson when he was about 14. He married Miss Johanna Bartels in New York City July 16, 1925.

He is survived by his wife; a son Bernard C. Gastmann; a daughter Miss Doris Anna Gastmann; a sister, Mrs. Anna Woltzen of Roanoke; a brother, Ulfert Gastmann of Benson, and, two grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church.


Date of Death: September 1951

 

Transcribed and donated by Kathleen

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JOHANNA GASTMAN

Johanna Gastman, 92, formerly of 302 Mary St., Benson, died March 30, 1991, at Roanoke Apostolic Christian Home, where she had been a resident since June 10, 1988.

Born May 30, 1898, in Aurich, Ostfriesland, Germany, to Christian and Anna Valentine Bartels, she married Ihne Gastman on July 15, 1925, in New York City. He died Sept. 6, 1951. She also was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Surviving are one son, Bernard C. of East Peoria; one daughter, Doris A. Backer of Benson; five grandchildren; two step granddaughters; five great grandchildren; two step great-grandsons; and two sisters, Wilhelmine Wilts of Aurich and Hinrika Althaus of Leer, Germany.

She came to the United States in 1925.


Date of Death: March 30, 1991
 

Transcribed and donated by Kathleen

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Mrs. U. B. Gastman, 74 year old resident of Benson, passed away at 3:40 o'clock last Thursday afternoon at her home in Benson, following an illness of three years of anemia.

As Trientje Uphoff, she was born January 10, 1865, on a farm near Benson, the oldest daughter of Bernhardus Weers Uphoff and his wife, Rosina Janssen Woltzen Uphoff. She was confirmed at St Peter's Lutheran church in Linn township Palm Sunday, 1882, by Rev. L. (should be D.) M. Ficken, and had been a faithful member of St Peter's church throughout her lifetime.

She was united in marriage April 6, 1892, with Ulfred (should be Ulfert) B. Gastman at St Peter's Lutheran parsonage. Five children were born to this union, one son, Berend, passing away at the age of 26 years. She was a kind and loving woman and held the respect of the entire community. She had attained the age of 74 years, 5 months and 19 days.

Surviving are her husband; one son, Herman Gastmann of Benson, three daughters, Mrs. Rosina Margaret Matter of Dana, Mrs. Jennie Lena Folkerts of Rutland, and Mrs. Anna Margaret Eckhoff of Flanagan; ten grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers; one sister; two half-brothers; and three half-sisters.

Funeral services were conducted at 1:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the late residence, and at 1:30 o'clock from St Peter's Lutheran church, with interment in the church cemetery. Rev. J. J. Haberaecker, pastor of the church, officiated.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Untitled, undated newspaper clipping

 

Mrs. Esther Gillespie

El Paso, Illinois


Funeral services for Mrs. Esther A. Gillespie, 61, El Paso, a telephone operator for 18 years, who died Friday (January 8, 1971) at Brokaw Hospital, Normal, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Darrell Hoerle will officiate.

Visitation will be from 3 to5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Vincent Memorial Home and after 1 p.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Mrs. Gillespie was born March 11, 1909, near El Paso, a daughter of Charles and Minnie Marten Rippel. She was married to Ralph Gillespie Dec. 8, 1931, in Secor.

Surviving are her husband; two sons, Charles E., Lawrenceville, Roger E., El Paso; A brother, Carl Rippel, Secor; three sisters, Mrs. Sena Miller, El Paso, Mrs. Doris Remers, Secor, Mrs. Ethel Jacobs, Secor, and four grandchildren. Her parents and infant twins preceded her in death.

Mrs. Gillespie was a charter member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid group.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the building fund
for the Trinity Lutheran Church of El Paso.

 

Transcribed and donated by Beth Franke McMahon
 

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Transcribed and donated by Beth Franke McMahon
 

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Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Paul R. Grahl died at his home in Minonk Thursday morning, of tuberculosis. In 1921 he went to the Woodman sanatorium in Colorado, where he remained eight months returning much improved. Since then however, he has suffered a relapse, and several weeks ago was stricken with the last attack.

Funeral services were held at the home by the local Masonic lodge Sunday afternoon at 2:30, and burial was in Minonk cemetery.

Mr. Grahl was born in Dresden, Germany, July 4, 1861, but came to America at the age of 19 years and located at Streator, where he was married there Mar. 3, 1886, to Margaret Thomas, who with the following children survive: Chester Grahl, of Peoria; John Grahl, of Beloit, Wis., and Mrs. Martha Belcher, of Minonk. He also leaves his mother, who lives in Germany.

Ten years ago Mr. and Mrs. Grahl came to Minonk and purchased a restaurant in the basement of the Goodwin block. Later they purchased an adjacent building and moved their restaurant there. Two years ago they sold this business.  Mr. Grahl then opened the present Minonk Flower shop, which he developed into a prosperous enterprise but later his poor health forced him to dispose of it.
 

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Transcribed and donated by Shirley Weber

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[Note:Corrections to above names sent to me by a member of this line:
The Percy, should be Presley; Leslie, should be Lillie, and Nellie should be Nettie. Lydia shown as the last name for Stella should be Leddy.

The Kappa Methodist church referred to burned down a number of years back; some of its records are at the Methodist church at Gridley.

Other records indicate that Joseph moved from Bowling Green to Kappa in 1853-----for that matter there was no Kappa to move to yet in 1843. The Illinois Railroad in completing it's line started the little town of Kappa in 1847. From either point of terminus Kappa was to be the tenth little town along the way, and so the railroad gave it the name of the tenth Greek letter. Back in the 1940s, a move was started to change the name, but it failed to succeed.

The Horn-Grant family arrived at Bowling Green, southwest of Secor, in 1842 in either November or December, and they settled there largely until the opening of Kappa. Caleb Horn, a half-brother of Joseph and Samuel Grant, moved in 1850 from Bowling Green to a farm two and half miles from where Kappa would be, where he and his wife Elizabeth, operated a post office known as the Roxan Post Office until it was moved to Kappa to be the Kappa Post Office in 1854. Joseph Grant moved to Kappa in 1853 and built the brick blacksmith shop, and brother, Samuel came to Kappa in 1855.]

Joseph is buried in the Kappa Cemetery as is his wife Clarissa Hayes Grant.


 

Transcribed and donated by Shirley Weber

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Friday, April 19, 1957



ANGELINA GREBNER, 81, DIES AT HOME IN METAMORA SUNDAY-



Widow of Late Frank Grebner and a Lifelong Resident; funeral Wednesday-


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Mrs. Angelina C. Grebner, 81, widow of the late Frank Grebner and a life long resident of Metamora and vicinity, passed away in her sleep at about 6 a. m. Sunday at her home in Metamora.

Born in Worth Township Feb. 14, 1876, she was a daughter of Lawrence and Katherine Simon Schneider. She was married at St. Mary's church, Lourdes, to Frank Grebner and the couple settled on their farm in Worth Township. Mr. Grebner died in 1948. The last eight years she had resided at her new home in Metamora with her son, Larry.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Leo Gruber of Peoria, Mrs. Virgil Funk of Roanoke and Mrs. George Theobald of Metamora; seven sons, Lawrence of Genoa, Isidor, Alfred, Herman, Leo and Arthur, all of Metamora and Larry, at home; 12 grandchildren, and two brothers, Adam Schneider of Metamora and Joseph Schneider of Medford, Okla. Besides her husband, one son (Henry), aged six, preceded her in death.

The body was taken to the Mason funeral home in Metamora, where visitation was after 2 p. m. Tuesday and the rosary was recited at 7:30.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at 9 a. m. in St. Mary's church, the Rev. Father Seraph offering the requiem high mass. The Altar and Rosary society of St. Mary's, of which deceased was a member attended in a body.

Pall bearers were six nephews, Albert Grebner, John Grebner, Henry DuBois, Will Schneider, Louis Schneider and Robert Schneider. Interment was in St. Mary's cemetery beside the grave of her late husband.

Many relatives and friends visited the funeral home Tuesday evening and attended the funeral services Wednesday, for Mrs. Grebner ever enjoyed high esteem of the people of the Lourdes and Metamora communities, in which she had spent her life.


 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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Friday, Feb. 20, 1953



MRS. J. P. GREBNER DIES IN WASHBURN NURSING HOME 18TH



Funeral Services to be Held Saturday Morning at 9 in St. Mary’s, Lourdes

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Mrs. Bertha C. Grebner, 82, of rural route 2, Metamora, widow of the late John P. Grebner and a resident of Worth township for 52 years, died at 12:10 a. m. Wednesday at Morgan manor rest home in Washburn, where she had been a patient some weeks.

The body was brought to the Volz funeral home in Metamora where friends will be received Friday afternoon and evening and the rosary will be recited at 8 p. m.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 9 o’clock in St. Mary’s church, Lourdes. Interment will be in Lourdes cemetery.

Mrs. Grebner was born in Peoria Aug. 23, 1871, a daughter of Jacob and Christine Sutter. She married John P. Grebner Jan. 12, 1900 in St. Boniface church, Peoria and they farmed in Worth township, Woodford county, until he died in 1938.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church of Lourdes and the Altar and Rosary society of the parish.

Surviving are three sons, Fred Grebner of Glasford and Elmer Grebner and Clarence Grebner, both of Metamora, and two sister, Mrs. Anna Fandel and Miss Minnie Sutter, both of Peoria.

 

Metamora Herald

Friday, Feb. 27, 1953



Funeral Services of Mrs. John P. Grebner Held Last Saturday



Funeral services for Mrs. Bertha C. Grebner, widow of the late John P. Grebner of Worth township, were held in St. Mary’s church, Lourdes, last Saturday morning at 9 o’clock, the Rev. Father Gabriel, pastor officiating. Interment was in Lourdes cemetery. Pall bearers were Herman Noel, John Krumholz, Joe Schwenk, Leo Alig, Leo Fandel and Wm. Kiesewetter.

Mrs. Grebner, who was 82 years, six months and 26 days of age, died at 2:10 a. m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Morgan Manor Home, Washburn. She had made her home with her son, Clarence and family on route 2, Metamora the last 15 months until she fell and broke her hip. She was taken to St. Francis hospital, where she remained two weeks and then was taken to the Washburn rest home.

The body was brought to the Volz funeral home in Metamora, where friends were received Friday afternoon and evening.

She was born in Peoria Aug. 23, 1871, a daughter of Jacob and Christine Sutter, and was married to John P. Grebner Jan. 12, 1900 in St. Boniface church, Peoria. They farmed in Worth township until Mr. Grebner’s death in 1938.

Surviving are three sons, Fred of Glasford and Elmer and Clarence, both of Metamora; 17 grandchildren, on great grandchild, and two sister, Mrs. Anna Fandel and Miss Minnie Sutter, both of Peoria.

Relatives and friends from elsewhere attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Art Graham, Miss Parl [Pearl?] Graham, Mrs. Edna Schuier of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lussner, Mr. and Mrs. George Scherer, Joseph Scherer, Mrs. Lucy Fritch, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pio, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sutter, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Duffee, Mr. and Mrs. Lee J. Kramer and daughter of Peoria, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Volk of Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fandel of Creve Coeur, Joseph Theobald, Albert Theobald of Monica, Daniel Krumholz and family of Eureka, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Krumholz of Pekin.

 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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November 8, 1979



Elmer Grebner



Elmer J. Grebner Sr., 73, of rural Metamora, in the Lourdes Church area, died at 7 a. m. Nov. 2 at his home.

He was a farmer, a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lourdes, Lourdes Men’s Club and Catholic Order of Foresters.

Born in Worth Township July 28, 1906, a son of John P. and Bertha Sutter Grebner, he married Leona M. Theobald in Lourdes Oct. 28, 1930.

Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Joe (Betty) Beltramea and Mrs. Ted (Marilyn) Alig, one son Elmer Grebner, Jr., all of Metamora; and eight grandchildren.

One son, Robert L. and two brothers preceded him in death.

Services were at 10 a.m. Nov. 5 in St. Mary’s church, the Rev. Melvin Hotel officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Visitation was from 6 to 9 p. m. Nov. 4 in Mason Funeral Home. The rosary was recited at 8.

Memorials may be made to the church at Lourdes.

 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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Friday, July 30, 1948



FRANK GREBNER IS DEAD AT AGE OF 76; FUNERAL SATURDAY



Had Been in Ill Health Last Two Years and Bedfast at Home for Six Months



Frank Grebner, 76, esteemed life-long resident of the country west of Metamora, passed away at 12:05 a. m. DST Wednesday at his home on route 116 in Worth Township. He had been in ill health for two years and had been bedfast the last six months.

A son of Kilian and Veronica Miller Grebner, pioneer settlers of the Lourdes neighborhood, he was born there Jan. 5, 1872. On Jan. 15, 1895 he was united in marriage with Angeline Schneider, and all of the married life of the couple has been spent in Worth Township.

He is survived by his wife and ten children, seven boys and three girls, namely, Mrs. Pauline Theobald of Metamora, Mrs. Josephine Gruba of Peoria, Mrs. Marie Funk of Roanoke; Hilarius, Isidor, Alfred, Herman, Leo and Arthur of Metamora, and Lawrence of Esmond, Ill. One son, Henry, died many years ago at the age of six. Surviving also are seven grandchildren. He was the last of his parental family, three brothers and two sisters having preceded him in death.

The body was brought to the Volz funeral home in Metamora, where friends will be received after 2 p. m. today.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10:30 in St. Mary's church, Metamora, of which deceased was a member. Interment will be in St. Mary's cemetery, Metamora.

Hundreds of friends mourn with the bereaved family in Mr. Grebner's passing. He was an outstanding citizen, a kind husband and father, a good neighbor and a friend to all.


 

Metamora Herald

Friday, August 6, 1948



Funeral Services in St. Mary’s Saturday For Frank Grebner



Funeral services for Frank Grebner, 76, who passed away Thursday last week 12:05 a.m. at his home on route 116 west of Metamora, were held in St. Mary’s church Saturday morning at 10:30, followed by burial in St. Mary’s cemetery.

Friends were received at the Volz funeral home Friday evening, many paying their respects. The rosary was led by the Holy Name society. There were a number of spiritual bouquets and floral offerings.

Following prayers at the funeral home at 10 Saturday morning the body was taken to St. Mary’s church where requiem high mass was offered by Rev. Father Michael, who also delivered the sermon, paying just tribute to one whom all knew as a most worthy man.

Six nephews, Wm. Schneider, Louis Schneider, John Grebner, Albert Grebner, Henry DuBois and Wm. DuBois Served as pallbearers.

Those from other points here were: Mrs. Kate Vaster and Mr. and Mrs. John Knoblauch of Toluca, Cleo Buchanan of Lowpoint, Jos. Theobald of Monica, Emil Grebner, Mrs. Celia Updike, Mrs. Gruba and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Serbosky of Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. Ferd Schierer, Mrs. Anna Krause, Mrs. Peter Schmitt and Mrs. Mae Wyss of Washington; Mrs. Ed Nauman of Benson.


 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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October 11, 1946



GEORGE J. GREBNER DIES UNEXPECTEDLY AT HOME IN PEORIA



Body Brought to Metamora and Funeral Services to be in St. Mary’s, Lourdes



George J. Grebner, native of Worth township, died Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock at his home, 116 Lincoln court, Peoria, Though he had been in poor health the last two years, his death was unexpected.

The body was brought to the Volz funeral home in Metamora, and will be retained there until the time of the funeral. The rosary will be recited this (Friday) evening at 8 o’clock.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, at 8:30 at the funeral home and at 9 o’clock in St. Mary’s church, Lourdes. Interment will be in the Lourdes cemetery.

Mr. Grebner was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Kilian Grebner, deceased. He spent his early life in this vicinity and then located in Peoria. There he was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Welzenbach. For a number of years the couple conducted a grocery store in Peoria, retiring a year and a half ago because of Mr. Grebner’s health. Besides his wife his is survived by one brother, Frank of Metamora, and a number of nieces and nephews.


 

Metamora Herald

Friday, July 7, 1939



30 YEARS AGO

From The Herald, July 2, 1909



Geo. Grebner, local boy employed as an attendant at the Bartonville state hospital, received a bad gash in his face Thursday when an insane patient struck him with a shovel.
 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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July 2, 1909


PARENTS LOSE CHILD


Six Year Old Son of Frank Grebner Operated Upon Dies Following Day


Henry, the six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Grebner, who was operated upon at a Peoria hospital for appendicitis on Wednesday of last week, died a 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon. The little boy had been sick for four weeks and the operation was performed as a last resort. The surgeons found that the appendix had burst and there was also an abscess of alarming spread formed within the abdomen. No hope was entertained for the boy’s recovery, under these conditions.

The remains were brought out from Peoria to the Grebner home on Friday, and on Sunday the funeral was held from St. Mary’s church Metamora. The services were brief, and were conducted by Rev. Father Otto. Four little boys acted as pall bearers. A large number of sympathizing friends were present. Interment was made in St. Mary’s cemetery.

Little Henry was born April 16, 1903, and was the third [fifth] child of Mr. and Mrs. Grebner. The parents have the profound sympathy of their many friends in their bereavement.


 

Metamora Herald

Friday, July 7, 1939



30 YEARS AGO

From The Herald, July 2, 1909

Henry, 6 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Grebner, who was operated upon Wednesday last week for appendicitis, died in the hospital the following day.

 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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May 19, 1944


JOHN J. GREBNER OF WORTH, 75, DIES IN LASANCE HOSPITAL



Passed Away Friday Morning; Funeral Services Held on Monday at Lourdes



John J. Grebner, lifelong and highly respected citizen of Worth township, died last Friday morning at 1:45 in Lasance hospital, Washington, where he had been a patient nine days.

Mr. Grebner had been suffering ill health for some time. Since the death of his wife on Jan. 15 last, he had been making his home with his son Albert until suffering a stroke, when he was removed to the hospital.

He was born in Worth township June 24, 1868, a son of Kilian and Veronica Miller Grebner. On March 1, 1892, he was united in marriage to Louisa Schneider in St. Mary’s church, Lourdes. Ten children were born to the couple, two of whom are deceased, Joseph and Othmar. Surviving children are Albert, Rudy, Edmund, Emil and John, all of Metamora and vicinity; Laura, wife of Leo Buchanan of Lowpoint, Hilda, wife of Everett Plumb of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Frieda, wife of Peter Fandel of Metamora; Cecilia, wife of Asher Updyke of Peoria, and Isabelle, wife of John Krumholz of Metamora. His grandchildren number 54 and great grandchildren six.

The body was brought to the Volz funeral home in Metamora, where many relatives, neighbors and friends paid their respects Saturday and Sunday evenings, and the Lourdes Men’s club prayed the rosary on both evenings.

Monday morning at 8:30 a prayer service was held at the Volz funeral home and the body was then taken to St. Mary’s church, Lourdes, where requiem high mass was offered by the Rev. Father Floribert, who also delivered the sermon. Burial was in the church cemetery, where on Jan. 19 last deceased’s wife was laid to rest.

 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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Friday, April 29, 1938



JOHN P. GREBNER IS DEAD IN WORTH TWP.



Passed Away Thursday Morning of Brief Final Illness

—Funeral Saturday

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John P. Grebner, in poor health for several years but seriously ill only a few days, died Thursday morning at 5 o’clock at his home 1 ½ miles west of the Lourdes church.

Mr. Grebner was about 69 years of age. He was born on the same farm on which he died, one of the eleven children of Frederick and Margaret Kunkel Grebner. He was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Suter [Sutter], who survives with three sons, Frederick of Chillicothe and Clarence and Elmer of Worth Township. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. John M. Fandel of Metamora and Mrs. Frances Volk of Whittemore, Ia.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9 o’clock in St. Mary’s church, Lourdes. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

John P. Grebner has been quite ill during the week at his home in Worth township. Mr. and Mrs. John M. Fandel, the latter a sister of Mr. Grebner, visited him Tuesday and found him quite weak. Mr. Grebner passed away at 5 a. m. Thursday.
 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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Friday, Jan. 26, 1912


WORTH TOWNSHIP PIONEER DEAD


Kilian Grebner Passes Away in Peoria Hospital


FUNERAL HELD TUESDAY


Came to Worth Township With Parents in 1847, Settling Near Lourds Church---Leaves Four Children


Kilian Grebner, one of the early residents of Worth township, passed away at St. Francis hospital, Peoria, last Saturday evening, at the age of sixty-six years, seven months and ten days.

In feeble health, the deceased had in his declining years been an inmate of St. Joseph’s Home for the aged in Peoria. Last Saturday morning his children, residing west of Metamora, were notified that he had become seriously sick, and without delay went to his bedside. Upon the advice of the house physician the patient was removed to St. Francis hospital, where all possible was done to give relief and sustain his life, but he lingered only until 6:45 in the evening.

Mr. Grebner was born in Germany and was brought to this country by his parents at the age of six months, in 1846. The family lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, for one year and then came to Worth township, settling on the old homestead farm near the Lourds church. In In 1864 Mr. Grebner, was united in marriage with Veronika Miller, who died April 17, 1884. [burial on April 17, 1892] Four children survive this union, John J., Eva, wife of Conrad Dubois; Frank F., of Lourds, and George of Peoria. A daughter, Mary, died at the age of 17 years and a son, Joseph, died at the age of 26 about seven years ago.

The remains were prepared for burial in Peoria and shipped over the Alton to Metamora Tuesday morning. From here the body was taken to St. Mary’s church at Lourds, where requiem high mass was offered at 10 o’clock by Rev. Father Schaaf, who also delivered a splendid sermon. An assembly of friends that filled the church was present at the services. At the conclusion of the services the body was conveyed to the cemetery across the road from the church, followed by the congregation in procession, and interred in the historic plot where rest the bodies of many of the pioneer dead of Worth township.

 

Metamora Herald

Friday, Jan. 26, 1912



Mr. and Mrs. Frank Giehl, Sr., Peter Fagot, Henry Volz, Fred Michael and Roy Eichhorn attended the funeral of the late Kilian Grebner at Lourds Tuesday.

 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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January 10, 1919



MISS ANNA GREBNER IS DEAD


Former Resident Passes Away in Peoria Saturday

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Miss Anna Grebner, member of a well-known old family of Western Woodford county, passed away last Saturday evening at St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged in Peoria, where she had made her home for the last 10 years. Old age was the cause of death.

Deceased was born in Bavaria Germany, June 29, 1842. When she was two years old she came with her parents to the United States and the family settled in Worth township. Her parents were Jacob and Barbara Grebner, who passed away many years ago. She was the last member of the family to pass away. She was an aunt of John J., Frank and George Grebner and Mrs. Conrad Dubois.

Requiem mass was offered in St. Joseph’s Home chapel and Tuesday morning the body was brought to Metamora and taken to St. Mary’s church at Lourdes, where final prayers were said. The body was then laid to rest in the Lourdes cemetery.
 

Photo and obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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Friday, February 10, 1928

SUMMONS COMES TO VERONICA GREBNER

Member of Old Worth Township Family Passed Away Sunday Evening

Last Sunday evening at 6:15 the life of Veronica Grebner ebbed out at the home of her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Klein, at Minonk, her abode in recent years.

She was born in Worth Township Feb. 20, 1856, a member of the family of Frederick Grebner. Being of rather frail constitution she was assigned to help her mother in the household duties and care of the large family, while as was the custom in those pioneer times, her other sisters assisted in the outdoor work. She was of a pleasing disposition and ever willing to be of assistance. She was a model of Christian obedience, offended no one and was sincere in her faith in the doctrine of the Catholic church. Her home was with her parents until their deaths 30 and 25 years ago. In later years she made her home with her sister, Mrs. John Klein, and was a faithful helper in the household and care of the children.

Funeral services were held in St. Patrick’s church, Minonk, at 9 a. m. Tuesday, Rev. Father Stanislaus offering requiem mass and in an eulogy of the deceased upheld her Christian example in being prepared for the final call. Interment was made in St. Patrick’s cemetery at Minonk.

Deceased leaves to mourn her demise one brother and three sisters, Mrs. John Klein of Minonk, John P. Grebner of Lourdes, Mrs. John M. Fandel of Metamora and Mrs. Peter Volk of Whittemore, Ia. All were present, except her sister, Mrs. Volk, who only recently returned from the Mayo Hospital at Rochester, Minn. Others present from this vicinity were her brother’s family, Fred Grebner and family, Mrs. F. E. Schmidt and son, Henry, and John Cler. A number of friends and relatives of Minonk and elsewhere joined in the tribute of honor and respect due her.
 

Obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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Thursday, April 21, 1892


Mrs. Veronica Grebner who has been a long and patient sufferer of dropsy and heart disease, died at her home in Lourdes last Saturday morning April 16th. Mrs. Grebner was fifty years old [forty-seven] and leaves a large circle of friends to mourn her departure. The burial services took place at the Lourdes cemetery last Sunday afternoon at three-o’clock.


Note:

Born 11 Feb 1845 in Woodford Co. Illinois a daughter of Johann Adam and Marianna Peters Mueller. Married Kilian Grebner 16 Feb 1863 in Peoria Illinois.

 

Obituary donated by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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Fred Greiner Dies at Home of Nephew West of Metamora


Fred Greiner, 82 years old, died at 4 o’clock Thursday morning at the home of his nephew, Walter Zimmerman, on the Greiner farm west of Metamora.

The son of Michael and Louisa Greiner, he was born in Worth township, Woodford county, August 10, 1855. He had been engaged as a grain buyer in Chicago for 50 years. He last worked in 1925. He was a member of the Spring Bay church.

Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Daniel Goehring, Webster City, Ia., and other relatives.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon at the Wilton mortuary chapel in Peoria by the Rev. Geo. W. Wittmer, pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran church. Burial was in Spring Bay cemetery.

A brother of the deceased, William Greiner, died some months ago at Secor.


Date of Death: 21 Apr 1938

 

Transcribed and donated by Kathleen

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PIONEER LADY IS DEAD

Death Comes to Mrs. Louise Greiner Sunday

WAS 91 YEARS OF AGE

Had Lived in Woodford County 80 years and on Same Farm Nearly 70 Years – Funeral Held Wednesday Morning


The life of one of the real pioneers of Woodford county went out when Mrs. Louise Greiner breathed her last on the original Greiner farm west of Metamora. Ninety-one years, 2 months and 10 days old at the time of her death, Mrs. Greiner had been a resident of western Woodford county 81 years, and had resided on the farm west of Metamora since her marriage nearly 70 years ago.

Louise Schuck was born in Hochspeirn, Rheinprovinz, Germany, September 22, 1826, and passed peacefully to her reward Sunday evening December 2 1917, tenderly cared for to the end by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Henry Greiner, with whom she had made her home. When she was ten years old she came with her parents to the United States. Ninety days were spent in making the voyage, the primitive sailing ships being in use. The family came west to Illinois, then a wilderness. There were few white settlers here at that early day and the Indians were not far away. The family went through all the trials of frontier life. On Sept. 2, 1848, she was united in marriage with Michael Greiner and for 69 years she has lived on the same farm. Her husband preceded her 23 years ago.

Two daughters, Mrs. Dan Goehring of Webster City, Iowa, and Mrs. Joseph Householder of Fairbury, and two sons, William of Secor and Fred of Peoria, survive. Two sons Henry and George, passed away about two years ago, and another son, Charles, about 30 years ago. Deceased is also survived by two sisters Mrs. Mary Yonke of Kankakee and Mrs. Susan Shafer of Washburn, also 26 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.

Sort funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock at the home and the body was then taken to the Spring Bay church. Rev. Otto Steinmetz of Washburn was in charge of the services. At the close the body was laid to rest beside the grave of the deceased’s husband near Spring Bay.

Among those attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Householder of Fairbury, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Goehring of Webster City, Ia.; Mrs. Susan Shafer and Mrs. Ehringer of Washburn; G. M. Greiner of Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. Will Schuck of Minonk, Misses Minnie and Lydia Schuck of Minonk, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Greiner of Secor, Fred Greiner of Peoria, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Householder, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Schertz, Mrs. E. T. Law, and F. J. Householder, all of Fairbury; Mrs. J. J. Albrecht of Bradford.


Date of Death: 2 Dec 1917

 

Transcribed and donated by Kathleen

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Mr. Michael Greiner, died at his home west of town, last Thursday afternoon at the age of 74 years 3 months and 8 days. He was born in Niederroedern, Ellsas County, France, in the year 1820. He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his loss. He was one of the oldest settlers in this part of the county and was highly respected by his many friends. The funeral was held at the school house in Spring Bay, Sunday afternoon before a large number of friends and sympathizers. His wife and children have our sincere sympathy in their loss of a husband and father.


Date of Death: 17 May 1894

NOTE: There was no title for the above obituary in the newspaper

Transcribed and donated by Kathleen

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WILLIAM GREINER DIES AT SPRING BAY

Dies Unexpectedly, Though Long Sick With Inflammatory Rheumatism – Funeral Held Wednesday


William Greiner, one of the prominent younger citizens of Spring Bay, died Monday morning at 8:15 of an illness of some months duration. Inflammatory rheumatism was the cause of death. Although Mr. Greiner had been bedfast since Thanksgiving, his condition was not considered critical and the end was unexpected.

Deceased was a son of Chas. Grenier, a pioneer in the west side of the county. He was born in Worth township Dec. 5, 1885. On January 8, 1913, he was united in marriage with Miss Marie Vohland of Washington. One child was born to the couple, who with the deceased’s wife survives. Deceased is also survived by his mother, who made her home with him, and three sisters, Mrs. Sol King of Washington, Miss Louise Greiner of Spring Bay and Mrs. Anna Eichhorn of Lexington. Deceased was popular with all and his death is generally mourned in and around Spring Bay.

The funeral was held Wednesday at 1 p. m. from the Spring Bay Evangelical church, Rev. K. J. Baeuerle being in charge. The Spring Bay choir sang a beautiful musical service. The church could not contain the people who assembled for the funeral. Burial was made in the Spring Bay cemetery.


Date of Death: 24 Jan 1916

 

Transcribed and donated by Kathleen

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