Woodford County

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Untitled newspaper clipping dated 3 September 1959

Mrs. Charles Obert, 56, Cazenovia, Died Aug. 28

Mrs. Charles Obert, 56, of Cazenovia, died at 11:10 last Friday night at the Spring Valley hospital.

She was born June 22, 1903, at Walnut, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Tjaden Broers.

Marie Broers married Charlie Obert in Eureka, July 8, 1922. Surviving are her husband and one daughter, Mrs. Darlene Turner of Cazenovia; one grandson, Ronald; three brothers, Bernie Broers of Metamora, Ernie Broers of Peoria, and Charles Broers of Minonk, and one sister, Mrs. Velma Fredericks of Wenona.

Services were held Monday at St Paul's Lutheran church in Benson at 2 p.m., with Rev. Clarence Gess officiating. Burial was in the Benson cemetery.

Obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping.

A Young Man Dies - Vincent Obert Passes Away Saturday, Victim of Pneumonia

Vincent Obert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Obert of Benson, died on Saturday evening at 6:45 of double pneumonia, following an attack of influenza, with which he took sick on Feb. 21.

Funeral services were held from the home at Benson on Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. Theodore Kettelhut of this city conducting the exercises, and burial was made at the Benson cemetery. The pallbearers were Glenn Peterson, Eldon Eckhart, John Folkers, Adolph Heinken, Jacob Geiken and Chet Tallyn.

The deceased was born in Clayton township on May 9, 1897, and he spent his boyhood days on the Obert home place five miles southwest of Minonk. He was baptized in the Evangelical faith on Aug. 2, 1897. He was a good boy at home and was ever ready and willing to assist his parents with the arduous farm tasks. But for the signing of the armistice, he would have been in the U.S. army, having been in the last draft.

Those of the family who survive the the young man's death are the parents and six brothers and sisters, as follows: Edward Obert, with the American Expeditionary Forces in France; Mrs. Elizabeth Koch and Mrs. Minnie Tesch, of Benson, and Charles, Lucy and Martin, at home.

Obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping

Eugene J. Obery, age 80, of Metamora passed away at 10:00am Monday May 12, 2008 at Snyder Village in Metamora.

He was born May 10, 1928 in Metamora, Illinois to Edward G. and Hilda (Elbert) Obery. He married Marjorie A. Goliwas April 26, 1952 in Minonk, Illinois. She survives.

Surviving are his wife, one son Joel and Deb Obery of Metamora. Two daughters, Kristina Obery of Chillicothe, and Marla Obery of Metamora. One daughter-in-law, Sharon Obery of Metamora. He is further survived by his seven grandchildren: Brian Obery, Sarah and (Nate) Allen, Melanie Obery, Lynn Obery, Edward Gray, Charlotte Gray, and David Krowlek, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son David Obery, three brothers Walter, Elmer, and Eddie Obery and two sisters Dorothy Vogel, and Viola Gensler.

Gene was part owner along with his brother Eddie in Obery Farms. Member of Woodford County Farm Bureau, and FFA Alumni. Member of Knights of Columbus Lady of Sorrows Council 3060. Member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday May 16, 2008 at his church, the Fathers John Verrier and Neri Greskoviak officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday May 15, 2008 at the Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with recitation of the Rosary at 8p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers memorials to Snyder Village.

Obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping

Eldon Grant Oltman, 88, of Sycamore, Illinois died Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore. He was born July 28, 1914 in Benson, Illinois the son of John and Minnie (Carls) Oltman. He married Marian O. Estabrook on January 4, 1938 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was a retired territorial manager for New Idea Farm Equipment Company.

He is survived by two daughters, Karen L. (Richard W.) Miller of Petersburg, Janice O. (David W.) Latko of Frankfort; two granddaughters, Tiffany O. Latko and David W. Latko, Jr. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1988 and his brothers and sisters.

He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore. A funeral service was held on Saturday May 3rd at the church. Burial will be private.

Obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping

Clayton Citizen Dies

Enn Oltman Passes Away After having Gone Through a Very Severe Operation

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Enn Oltman was taken to the hospital at Streator Friday morning by his brother, Ralph and A. W. Harms and Saturday underwent a very serious operation for tumor in his side from which he had been suffering intense pain at times for nine months. He seemed to be getting along nicely until the following Tuesday, April 3, about noon, he suddenly passed away, aged 51 years, 6 months and 12 days.

His doctor said a clot of blood from a large artery cut off in the kidney had drifted to the air tubes in the lungs and suddenly shut off his breath. The remains were brought home for burial.

Enn Oltman, the oldest son of John and Gertie Oltman, was born in Germany Sept. 21, 1865. When three and one-half years of age he came with his parents and two uncles to this country. The family first lived in Minonk for a time. They bought a farm of Isaac Staples five and one-half miles west of Minonk which they moved on to and where they have since lived.

Mr. Oltman was most highly respected by his many friends and was known for his jovial disposition. A large crowd paid their last tribute of respect to their friend that was a friend indeed. He had mingled in local politics, having been elected constable a number of times. When the votes of the last election was counted, a few hours after his death he was again the voters choice but the Almighty had chosen another path for him.

He leaves to mourn his loss his aged parents, both over 80 years of age, two sisters, one living at home, the other, Mrs Wait H. Uphoff of Panola and one brother, Ralph, living near Benson. He was baptized, instructed and confirmed by Rev. D. M. Ficken at an early age.

The funeral was held Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the house conducted by Rev. Haffermann in German and Rev. Seifert in English. Interment was made at the Davison cemetery, seven and one-half miles west of Minonk.

Deceased was a member of the K. P. lodge and also of the Benson Telephone company both of which sent a lovely floral piece as a tribute of respect to the departed brother.

In his home there is a vacant chair that can never be filled, in the family chain there is a broken link, in the community there is a missing face, but we can not always dwell in this land of pleasure and pain. We must pass onward and the later days of his life were far from pleasant for at times he suffered intensely, but all that loving hands could do was to no avail.

The pallbearers were Robert Livingston, Lou Meischner, Henry Peters, George Uphoff, Folkert Harms and Meint Fisher.

Photo and obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Peoria Journal Star Aug 7, 1966

Miss Oltman

Eureka--Miss Fannie Oltman, 77, of 522 W. Court St, died yesterday morning in Eureka Hospital where she had been a patient nine days.

She was born Aug 19, 1888, in Roanoke, a daughter of Henry and Trentje Woltzen Oltman. She never married.

Survivors include three brothers, Albert of Eureka, Henry of Lake Worth, Fla., and Remmer of Morongo Valley, Calif; and two sisters, Miss Cassie and Miss Lena Oltman, both of Eureka. One sister died earlier.

Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Otto-Argo Funeral Home, Eureka, the Rev L. P. Flynn officiating, Burial will be in Olio Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home 6 to 9 p.m. today.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Untitled, undated newspaper clipping. She died circa 1918

Mrs. Remmer Oltman died at her home Monday afternoon at 2:05. She had been sick for a number of years but about a week ago she was stricken with influenza and this combined with her other ailments caused her death at the age of 59 years and 11 months.

Fanny Hinrichs Kalkwarf was born May 17, 1859 in Clayton township. When a month old she was baptized at St Peter's Lutheran church. Here she was also confirmed in the year 1876. On the 27th of October of 1886, she was united in marriage to Remmer Oltman. This union was blessed with six children, four sons and two daughters. They lived on their farm in Greene township until February of this year when her lingering illness made it necessary for them to move to town where a nice home had been bought. She went through many trials and had to suffer more than she could almost bear, especially in the last two years. Very often she thought her end was near and she prepared herself to meet the Saviour in whom she trusted. Mrs. Oltman was always a faithful worker in her home and it was not until she was compelled to yield to her sickness that she gave up the duties of her household. Those left to mourn her death are her husband, four sons, John, Henry, Hallie and Frank; two daughters, Mrs. Herman Peters and Mrs. Fred Seifert; one sister, Mrs. Henry Heineke of Benson; one brother, Frank Kalkwarf of Rochelle, eight grandchildren, besides other relatives and many friends. The funeral was held Thursday at 1 p.m. and she was laid to rest at St Peter's cemetery, Rev. J.W. Hafermann officiating.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping (she died 25 October 1931)

Gretje Oltman is Called by Death

Passes Away Sunday Night After Reaching Age of Over 98 Years

Funeral is Held Yesterday

Services Conducted at Home by Rev. H. Behrens – Burial in Davison Cemetery West of Minonk

Click on the picture for a larger version

Gretje Oltman, widow of John Oltman, Jr., died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wait B. Uphoff, in Panola, Sunday night at 11 o'clock.

Gretje Gronewald, daughter of Ralph and Rena (Harbers) Gronewald, was born in Aurich, Ostfriesland, Germany, on June 29, 1833, making her age at death, 98 years, three months and 26 days. She was the last one of the immediate family. Her two sisters preceded her in death in Germany several years ago.

In 1862, she was married to John Oltman and in 1867, they came to America to make their home, coming directly to Minonk, where they lived a year before moving onto the Isaac Staples farm, six miles west of Minonk, which they purchased then, and she lived there till about 5 years ago, when her daughter, Ecca, died. Then she went to live with her married daughter, Mrs. Wait Uphoff, of Panola. Born to this union were six children, four boys and two girls. The only two left to survive her are one daughter, Mrs. Wait Uphoff of Panola, and one son, Ralph Oltman of Benson. Two children died in infancy. Her life was saddened in 1917, <article cut off> the death of her son, Enn, and again in 1921, when her husband died, and in 1926, her daughter, Ecca, died, leaving her entirely alone in the home at 93 years of age.

It was then that she went to make her home with Mrs. Wait Uphoff, who <article cut off> her tender care and comfort during her declining years. Owing to her great age she had been in very poor health for years and especially <article cut off> summer, but was bedfast for only<article cut off> weeks. Dropsy and a complication of diseases, with old age, were the cause of her death.

She also leaves nine grandchildren, <article cut off> great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, together with a host of friends and neighbors. Ninety-eight years is a long life and during that time many friendships were formed which were lasting and true. She was a devoted mother, a good friend and her life was filled with kindly deeds.

She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Germany and had always been true to her religion, but for many years her health would not permit her to attend church services. Often in her suffering she would express her wish to leave this <article cut off> to be with her husband and children.

The earthly home will sadly miss

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Amy furnished the picture, too

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From an unidentified newspaper clipping. Henry died 3 April 1937

Henry Oltman dies in hospital Saturday

Henry Oltman of Benson, 71 year old father of R.G. Oltman, county clerk of Woodford county, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at St Francis hospital in Peoria, following an illness of three days with bronchial pneumonia.

Mr. Oltman was the son of Henry and Geska Meils Oltman, was born Aug 16, 1862, near Pattensburg in Marshall county. He was united in marriage Dec 19, 1885, to Miss Trentji (should be Trientje) Woltzen of Roanoke. Seven children were born to this union, six of whom survive. They are: Miss Cassie, Fannie, Lena, Albert and Remmer G., all of Eureka; and Henry of Lake Worth, Fla. One daughter, Mary, died in 1917, and his wife passed away in 1923.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from St Paul's Lutheran church in Benson. Rev O. A. Braunschweig, pastor of the church, officiated and interment was in the Benson cemetery.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping

John Oltman Dies

Long Time Resident of Clayton Township Passes Away Tuesday

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John Oltman, aged 87 years, one of the prosperous farmers of this community, died at his home in Clayton township, five miles west of this city, at 6 o'clock Tuesday morning after a severe ten-day illness. The deceased sustained a sunstroke last July from which he never entirely recovered.

He was born in Aurich, Ostfriesland, Germany, in 1834, and was married to Gertie Gronewald in 1862. The young couple emigrated to America in 1867, coming direct to Minonk, where they spent a year before moving onto the Isaac Stapler farm which they purchased, and which had since been their home.

Besides the sorrowing widow who was one year his senior, he leaves three children, viz: Miss Ekka Oltman at home, Mrs. Waite Uphoff of Panola, and Ralph Oltman of Clayton township. Three children are dead. He also leaves one brother in Germany, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The deceased was quiet and unassuming, but was an upright man and a good citizen and many will mourn his loss. He was a member of St Peter's church, west of Benson and was a devout Christian. Mr. Oltman was another of those sturdy and upright men who did so much to make a garden spot out of the wild prairie.

Funeral services will be held at the late residence at 10 o'clock on Friday afternoon conducted by Revs. Seifert and Hafermann of Benson, and burial will be made in the Davison cemetery.

From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping (he died 22 November 1921)

Aged Pioneer Died

John Oltman Dies at the Age of 87. Has Lived Here 54 Years

Paralysis Causes Death

John Oltman, Sr., of Clayton T'p has passed the portals of earthly cares and entered into peaceful rest. Last summer he suffered a paralytic stroke from which he never fully recovered. A few days ago he suffered a second attack which brought his ripe old age to a close.

Mr. Oltman was one of those plain, sturdy and upright men, who did so much to reclaim the prairie and make a garden spot of it.

He was born in Aurich, Ostfriesland 1834. When he had reached manhood he united in marriage with Gretchen Gronewald, with whom he came to this country in 1867. They settled on the farm where he now passed away leaving her to mourn his departure. He was the father of six children. Three preceding their father in death. Those living are a daughter staying at home who has tenderly cared for the aged parents. Mr. W B Uphoff of Panola and Ralph of Clayton T'p. There are nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the home 3 miles north of Benson. Rev J W Hafermann conducting the services assisted by Rev Fred Seifert who will preach in English.

Interment at the Davison Cemetery.

Rest for the enfeebled frame,

Rest weary one awhile,

Till Christ shall bid you rise,

And <illegible>

Thou shalt wake with glad surprise.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

Amy also donated the photo

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Untitled newspaper clipping dated 18 November 1954

John Oltman Heart Attack Victim at Fire
Collapses at Home in Normal, Saturday

John Oltman, 66, collapsed while carrying belongings from his home in Normal, which was on fire, last Saturday afternoon. Minutes later he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Brokaw hospital.

His wife, Pearl, 59, was taken to the hospital in a state of shock following her husband's collapse.

Normal volunteer firemen checked the blaze before it spread from the roof where damage was heavy to the first floor of the two story frame structure. Damage was estimated at $3,000.

Mr. Oltman had been helping remove furniture from the first floor rooms, where water was pouring down from upstairs.

Much of the furniture was outside on a front porch with the Normal man collapsed. He was taken to the Brokaw hospital by Chief Harold Sylvester in a police squad car.

The blaze traveled up a wall to the roof, which then broke into flames. Firemen had the fire stopped after a half hour.

Mrs. Russell Sandell, daughter of the Oltmans, who shared the house, was not home when the fire broke out at 12:48 p.m. Mr. Sandell, a salesman, was also gone.

One of Mrs. Sandell's two children, a 14 months old girl, was asleep in a cradle in the upstairs apartment. She was brought down by Mrs. Oltman, neighbors said, when the Normal woman smelled smoke. The other child, a boy, was with his mother.

The baby was taken to the residence of a neighbor, Mrs. Cleve Watkins.

Normal Fire Chief Ralph Rich, who led about 15 volunteers in extinguishing the blaze, said the fire apparently started from faulty wiring in the basement.

Mr. Oltman was born on Sec. 10 of Greene township, 2 miles north of the Greene town hall on April 12, 1888, son of Remmer and Fannie Kalkwarf Oltman. He married Pearl Newlon, Dec 10, 1913 at St Peter's Lutheran church in Benson. They resided on a farm in Linn township for a number of years before retiring and moving to Normal.

Surviving are four sons, Granville and James of Crete; Ray of Minonk, Robert of Joliet; five daughters, Mrs. Rachel Seggerman of Flanagan; Mrs. Norma Newman of Peoria; Mrs. Fannie Hupprich of Peoria, and Mrs. Patricia Dalziel and Mrs. Sandell of Normal; a brother, Hally Oltman of Normal; two sisters, Mrs. Jessie Peters of Minonk, and Mrs. Jennie Scheffert of Bloomington, and 15 grandchildren.

He was a member of the Christ Lutheran church of Normal. Funeral services were held at 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the Christ Lutheran church in Normal, and burial was made in the Minonk cemetery.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Unidentified, undated newspaper clipping.

Roanoke - Mary R. Oltman, 94, a resident of Apostolic Christian Nursing Home, Roanoke, formerly of rural Benson, where she resided for 72 years, died at 8:46 a.m. Nov. 24, 2003, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at St Paul Lutheran Church, Benson, The Rev David Hanson will officiate. Visitation will be for one hour before the service today at the church. Burial will be in Clayton Township Cemetery, Benson.

Remmert Funeral Home, East Peoria, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St Paul Lutheran Church or Benson Ambulance.

Mrs. Oltman was born March 10, 1909, in rural Roanoke to John A. and Anna (Gastman) Woltzen. They preceded her in death. She married Clifford Oltman on Aug. 27, 1931, in Benson. He died April 1, 1979, in Florida.

Surviving are two sons, Robert (Betty) Oltman and Edward (Mary Ann) Oltman, both of Roanoke; one daughter, Jean (Dick) Burmood, Benson; one sister, Lena deFreese, Roanoke; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Marion Oltman; three brothers; two sisters; and two great-grandchildren.

Mary was a member of St Paul Lutheran Church in Benson and Mission Aide.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Untitled newspaper clipping (he died 26 August 1960)

Ralph J. Oltman, 85, Benson Farmer, Died Friday; Rites Monday

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Ralph Johnson Oltman, 85, who resided on a farm near Benson, died at 1:15 o'clock Friday afternoon, Aug. 26, at St Francis hospital in Peoria. He had been failing for the last three weeks.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 o'clock Monday afternoon, Aug. 29, from St Paul's Lutheran church in Benson, with the Rev. Clarence J. Gess, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Clayton cemetery, Benson, the pallbearers being Albert Gerdes, Ed Johnson, Walter Barth, Tjebbe Johnson, Henry Harms and Reinke deFreese. Funeral services were in charge of the WIlcox-Folkers Memorial Home.

Ralph J. Oltman was born in Clayton township on Nov. 19, 1874, a son of John and Gretje Gronewalt Oltman. He was educated in the rural schools near Benson. He spent his lifetime engaged in farming in Clayton township.

He was united in marriage with Sheba Livingston at Minonk, on Jan. 4, 1906. She survives with three sons, William and Clifford Oltman of Benson, and Roland Oltman of Minonk. There are nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

Mr. Oltman was a charter member of St Paul's Lutheran church, at Benson. He served as a school director in his area for many years. In January, 1956, he and Mrs. Oltman celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Photo and obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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No source for obituary

Virgil Ray Oltman, 80, of 306 N. Walnut St., Minonk, died at 2:15 a.m. Monday (Aug. 13, 2001) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk, the Rev. Donald Henderson officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Streator, with military rites by Minonk American Legion Post 142. Visitation will be for one hour before the service at the church. Solon & Baker Funeral Home, Streator, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Minonk Ambulance Squad or St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk.

Mr. Oltman was born Aug. 13, 1921, in Benson, a son of John and Pearl Newlon Oltman. He married Bernadette Bakalar April 16, 1947, in Streator. She survives.

Other survivors include daughter Lynn Ann (Alan) Aanerud, Mesquite, Texas; daughter Kathleen Leigh (Kevin) Cunningham, Fox River Grove; daughter Jana M. Kiefer, Bloomington; son Gregory Ray (Candy) Oltman, Barrington; daughter Jerilyn K. Oltman, Edenton, N.C.; son Michael Patrick Oltman, Minonk; sister Patricia Dalziel, New Lenox; sister Fran (Lester) Hupprich, Morton; sister-in-law Carolyn Oltman, South Holland; sister-in-law Jan Oltman, Coral Gables, Fla.; sister-in-law Ruth Oltman, Crete; sister Rachel Seggerman, Chenoa; and 13 grandchildren.

His parents and three brothers, Bob Oltman, Granville Oltman and James Oltman, preceded him in death.

He farmed west of Minonk for 36 years. He retired in 1983 and moved to Minonk the following year. He was a crop and weather reporter for Doanes Agriculture Association for more than 20 years.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving 39 months in the Army Air Force; 24 months in China; and two months behind enemy lines in Burma.

He served two terms on Tall Oaks Country Club board of directors. He also was elected to two terms on the Minonk-Dana-Rutland school board, serving as president his last year. He served two years on the Mackinaw Valley Special Education board of directors. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Minonk, where he served on the church board and various committees during the remodeling of the church in 1963. He was Third Degree member of Knights of Columbus in Minonk and Fourth Degree member of the Bloomington Council. He was a member of American Legion Post 142 in Minonk.

Donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Metamora Herald
May 8, 1931

MRS. ONKE ONCKEN IS LAID TO REST AT MINONK

Mrs. Onke Oncken, aged 87, who died at Hartley, Iowa, last Friday, was a former resident of Minonk and the body was brought there for burial Tuesday.

Short services were held at the Tallyn Funeral home, the main service having been held on Monday afternoon at Hartley. Burial was beside her husband, who died a number of years ago. Besides a son, Henry, of Minonk there are a son, John, at Hartley, Ia., and four daughters, Mrs. Tena Vosberg, Wydmire, N.D.; Mrs. Anna Terbstra, Kenebec, S.D.; Mrs. Etta Schafer, and Miss Mary Oncken of Hartley.

Date of Death: May 1, 1931

Note: Mrs. Oncken was born Christina Twehaus, daughter of Herman and Elisebeth (Kords) Twehaus)

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping

The funeral for John R. Oncken, 95, of 741 N. First Road, Dana, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Folkers-Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk. Father Dan Wilder will officiate. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Minonk. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the memorial home. He died at 4 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 10, 2002) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Church, the Minonk Ambulance or the Dana Fire Department.

He was born April 20, 1907, in Pocahontas, Iowa, a son to Henry and Mary Ahlers Oncken. He married Myrtle Ellen Barnes on Oct. 27, 1938, in Minonk. She survives.

Other survivors include three sons, Robert (Carol) Oncken, Minonk; Raymond Oncken, Dana; and Gene (Sharon) Oncken, Minonk; a daughter, Jane (Joe) Smith, Urbana; 10 grandchildren, Debbie (Jim) DeMay, Minonk; Diane Oncken, Lexington; Donna (Bill) Elias, Lexington; Darryl Oncken, Lexington; Angela Oncken, Washington D.C.; Kristina Oncken, Chicago; Andrew Oncken, Minonk; Jason (Kim) Smith, Dunlap; Kathryn (Michael) Graham, St. Joseph; and Jennifer (Andrew) Wagner, Urbana; and seven great-grandchildren, Erika Elias, Ali Elias, Logan Elias, Kaitlyn DeMay, Kristen DeMay, Karolyn DeMay and Alexandria Wagner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Mr. Oncken farmed for 80 years, taking out his last crop five years ago at age 90. He is the last of the Henry Oncken Family.

He was a lifelong member of LaSalle Farm Bureau and Modern Woodman. He was one of the original DeKalb Seed Corn Dealers.

Obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Metamora Herald
Dec. 14, 1951

MRS. MARY ONCKEN OF MINONK DIES AT 80

Mrs. Mary Ahlers Oncken, 80, died at 3:45 a. m. Sunday at their home in Minonk. She had been ill for several years.

The body was taken to the Tallyn-Folkers memorial home, where services were held Tuesday at 2 p. m. The Rev. Paul Buchmueller, St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed church, officiated. Burial was in the Minonk cemetery.

She was born March 15, 1871, at Minonk, the daughter of Henry and Bertha Frederick Ahlers. She was married to Henry Oncken Oct. 10, 1894. They lived at Pocahontas, Ia., for several years and returned to Minonk in 1911.

She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Ella Warnke of Washburn and Mrs. Ben Smith of South Holland; four sons, Walter, Louis, Henry and Robert Oncken, all of Minonk; a brother and a sister, Robert Ahlers and Miss Anna Ahlers, also of Minonk; 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers. She was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed church of Minonk.

Date of Death: December 9, 1951

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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Bloomington, Illinois Pantagraph

Minonk- Robert "Bob" Oncken, 67 of 220 Locust St., Minonk passed away at 6:25 P.M. Monday, April 2, 2007 at his residence with his family at his side.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 6, 2007 at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. Rev. Jan Proeber will officiate. Burial will be in Minonk Twp. Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 8 at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk.

Bob was born April 3, 1939 at Streator a son of John R. And Myrtle Barnes Oncken. He married Carol Timmerman on August 6, 1960 at Minonk. She survives.

Other survivors include his mother, Myrtle Oncken, Dana; three daughters, Debbie (Jim) DeMay, Minonk, Diane Oncken, Lexington and Donna (Bill) Elias, Lexington; one son, Darryl (Kathy) Oncken, Hudson; seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kristen, and Karolyn DeMay, Erika, Ali and Logan Elias, and Connor Brown; two brothers, Gene (Sharon) Oncken, Minonk, and Raymond Oncken Dana; and one sister, Jane (Joe) Smith, Urbana.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Bob, his brothers, and brother in law were the owners of the Minonk Equipment Sales in Minonk, he later was employed as a truck driver for, Luckey Trucking, Burroughs Trucking, Ruff Bros., and Seggerman Farms. He formerly served on the Minonk Fire Department, Minonk Police Department and the Minonk Rescue Squad..

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to BroMenn Hospice or any charity of the donor's choice.

Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

Obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Metamora Herald
October 26, 1956

HENRY ONCKEN, SR., OF MINONK DIES, AGED 87

Henry Oncken, Sr., 87, of Minonk died at St. James hospital in Pontiac at 9:30 Friday after a short illness.

Funeral services were Sunday at 2 p. m. at the Tallyn–Folkers memorial home in Minonk, the Rev. Walter Kleffman of LaSalle officiating. Burial was in Minonk cemetery.

Mr. Oncken was born Aug. 4, 1869 in Minonk, a son of Minet and Theda Oncken. He was educated in Minonk schools and spent his entire life there except for 16 years, when he lived in Iowa. He married Mary Ahlers in Minonk Oct. 10, 1894. He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed church.

His wife died in 1951. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ella Muller of Washburn and Mrs. Bertha Smith of South Holland, Ill.; four sons, Walter, Louis, Henry, Jr., and Robert, all of Minonk; two half-sisters, one half-brother, 18 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Two sisters preceded him in death.

Date of Death: October 19, 1956

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
Friday, January 2, 1948

JOHN ONCKEN DIES IN MINONK AFTER STROKE

John Oncken, 79, died at 7 p. m. Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Sophia Henkel in Minonk. He had suffered a stroke two weeks ago.

Funeral services were held at Tallyn memorial home at 2 p. m. Wednesday with the Rev. Paul Buchmueller officiating. Burial was in Minonk cemetery.

Mr. Oncken was born in Rospadt, Germany, March 29, 1868. He came to Minonk at the age of 14. He married Miss Minnie Heck, who preceded him in death in 1915.

He is survived by three sons, William of Chicago, John of Gridley, and Edward of Pontiac; four daughters, Mrs. Julia Myers of Waukegan, Mrs. Sophia Henkel of Minonk, Mrs. Anna Harmon of Chicago, and Mrs. Theresa Smith of Chicago; a brother, George of Winter, Tex.; two half sisters, Mrs. Katie Rufing and Mrs. Charlie Barth, both of Minonk. Also 23 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Four sons and daughters preceded him in death.

Date of Death: December 28, 1947

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
September 13, 1918

MINONK BOY DIES OVERSEAS

Serg. Geo. Onken First Woodford Boy to Die in France

Sergeant George Onken of Minonk is the first Woodford county boy to die on foreign soil. Confirmation of a report that Serg. Onken was shot accidently an [sic] August 10 was received from the War Department, Washington, D. C., last Friday by relatives.

A telegram received last week from the war Department expressed regret in announcing that Serg. Onken had been accidently shot. No further particulars were received at that time. Asked for further information the Department cabled Paris and reported last Friday that Serg. Onken is dead.

Serg. Onken was in one of the first calls from this country and was among the number sent to Camp Dodge one year ago. He was a member of Co. D. Machine Gun Battalion and had been in active service in France for several months.

Date of Death: August 10, 1918

Place of Death: Trondes, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Lorraine, France

Addendum:

In a subsequent article, appearing on Friday, May 2, 1919 it had been revealed Sgt. George Onken had been murdered by Cpl. James C. Skiles.

The Metamora Herald
Friday, May 2, 1919

A dispatch had been sent out on April 2, 1919 from Washington, D.C.:

“Approval by President Wilson of the life imprisonment sentence imposed upon Corporal James C. Skiles 321st machine gun battalion, of Carthage, Mo., who was convicted of having killed Sergt. George Onken, of Minonk, Ill., at Trondes, France, August 10, 1918, was announced by the War Department today.”

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
December 18, 1975

Henry Onken

Henry J. Onken, 83, died at 12:40 p. m. Saturday in the Lida Home in Minonk

Click on the picture for a larger version

The funeral was Tuesday at Folkers Memorial Home, the Rev. James Elliott officiated. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Minonk.

He was born June 21, 1892, at Dana, a son of Elke and Elizabeth G. Bents Onken. He married Oleva A. Volk, Aug. 31, 1915, in Benson.

Surviving are two sons, Clarence W., Ontario, Cal.; and Raphael J., Pomona, Cal.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, two sisters and one brother.

He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

He was a lifelong Minonk area resident.

Date of Death: December 13, 1975

Obituary donated by Kathleen

Photo donated by Cindy Evans

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The Metamora Herald
November 22, 1957

JOHN ONKEN OF NEAR ROANOKE DIES, AGE 72

Funeral services for John Onken, 72, who died Saturday at his home north of Roanoke, were held at 1:30 p. m. Tuesday at the Vincent memorial home in Roanoke and at 2 p. m. in the Benson St. Peter’s Lutheran church, the Rev. H. J. Knoploh officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

He was born July 23, 1885 in Germany, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Onken. His wife, the former Grace Moritz, preceded him in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. John Wessel and Mrs. Richard Wurmnest, both of Peoria; a son, John of Roanoke, and two brothers, John of Chicago and Frederick, in Germany.

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

Date of Death: November 16, 1957

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
February 26, 1976

John Onken, Metamoran’s father dies

John F. Onken, 59 of rural Roanoke Died Monday morning in Methodist Medical Center, Peoria, where he had been a patient three weeks.

Services were Wednesday at Remmert Funeral Home and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

The Rev. Ervin Buhs officiated and burial was in the church cemetery with Roanoke American Legion Post 463 military rites.

He was born in Roanoke Nov. 16, 1916, a son of William and Grace Moritz Onken. He married Marguerite “Peg” Wheat at Camp Van Dorn, Miss., April 7, 1944.

Surviving are his wife; two sons, John C. of Metamora and David J. of Bloomington and two sisters, Mrs. Frieda M. Wessels of Peoria and Mrs. Inez M. Glass of Peoria Heights.

Mr. Onken had been employed in maintenance for the Illinois Department of Transportation for seven years.

He was a World War II Army veteran and was a member of Roanoke American Legion; Metamora Veterans of Foreign Wars; and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be made to the church memorial fund.

Date of Death: February 23, 1976

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
November 13, 1925

RITES AT MINONK FOR MARIE MATHILDA ONKEN

Funeral services for Marie Mathilda Onken, 24, who died at Dixon Thursday, were held at St. Paul’s Evangelical church in Minonk cemetery.

Miss Onken was taken to an institution in Lincoln some years ago and three years ago she was taken to Dixon. She is survived by her father, John Onken, of Minonk and by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Anna Essez, of Spier; William Onken of Chicago; Mrs. Sophia Hinkle of Graymount; Mrs. Theresa Smith of Glenview; Mrs. Bertha Beinfohrs of Peoria; Esther Onken of Chicago and Edward, John and Julia Onken, of Flanagan.

Date of Death: November 5, 1925

The Metamora Herald
November 20, 1925

Mrs. Roy Essex of Peoria was a guest of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Onken Thursday. Mrs. Essex had been in Minonk to attend the funeral of her sister, Miss Mathilda Onken.

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
June 11, 1954

MRS. OLIVIA ONKEN IS DROWNED IN WELL AT HOME IN MINONK

Jury Rules She Was Mentally Unbalanced; Was Born Near Metamora 57 Years Ago

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A coroner’s jury ruled Wednesday night that the death of Mrs. Olivia A. Onken, 57, of Minonk was caused by “suffocation by drowning while mentally deranged.”

Mrs. Onken was found by her husband at 5:30 p. m. Tuesday in an abandoned well in the back yard of the Onken home in Minonk. The 10 foot-deep well contained about eight feet of water.

The inquest was at the Tallyn – Folkers memorial home, conducted by Dr. C. E. Cryer of El Paso, Woodford county coroner.

The body of Mrs. Onken was taken to the funeral home, where the rosary was recited Thursday night.

Funeral services will be at 9 a. m. Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic church, Minonk, with the Rev. Fr. Ambrose Kroger officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

She was born Aug. 3, 1896 near Metamora, a daughter of August and Theresa Grebner Volk. She was married to Henry J. Onken Aug. 31, 1915, and resided in Minonk since. She was educated in the parish school at Lourdes.

Surviving are her husband, two sons, Clarence and Raphael, both of Grand Ridge; three grandchildren, one brother, William of Washington; three half-brothers, Edward of New Lebanon, Ind., and Charles and Isadore, both of Minonk, and three half-sisters, Mrs. Clara Becker of Macks Creek, Mo., Mrs. Lillian Weber of Pontiac and Mrs. Katie Weichman of Flanagan.

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

Date of Death: June 8, 1954

Obituary donated by Kathleen

Photo donated by Cindy Evans

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The Metamora Herald
October 10, 1963

HOLD SERVICES FOR WILLIAM ONKEN, 56

Funeral services for William C. Onken, 56, of Flanagan, who died Sunday in St. James Hospital, Pontiac, were held at 2 p. m. Wednesday at St. Petri Lutheran Church, Flanagan, with the Rev. Marvin Krueger officiating. Burial was in Windtown Cemetery.

Mr. Onken was born March 28, 1907, at Flanagan, the son of Carl and Elizabeth Henrichs Onken. He married Marie Copeman March 28, 1929, at Ottawa. He was a member of St. Petri Lutheran Church.

Surviving are his wife; his father of Seattle, Wash.; two sons, Ronald (former Metamora High School teacher) and Elvin Oncken, both of Flanagan; two daughters, Mrs. Linda K. Robinson, Salina, Kan. and Kathy Sue Onken, at home; two brothers, Carl Onken, Morton, and Lester Onken, California; two sisters, Mrs. Marie Richardson, Evanston, and Mrs. Margaret Berry, Curry, Minn.; and three grandchildren.

Date of Death: October 6, 1963

Obituary donated by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
November 22, 1957

[William Frederick "Bill" Onken - Host's note: Somehow the newspaper got the deceased's name wrong. ]

JOHN [sic] ONKEN OF NEAR ROANOKE DIES, AGE 72

Funeral services for John [sic] Onken, 72, who died Saturday at his home north of Roanoke, were held at 1:30 p. m. Tuesday at the Vincent memorial home in Roanoke and at 2 p. m. in the Benson St. Peterʼs Lutheran church, the Rev. H. J. Knoploh officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

He was born July 23, 1885 in Germany, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Onken. His wife, the former Grace Moritz, preceded him in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. John Wessel and Mrs. Richard Wurmnest, both of Peoria; a son, John of Roanoke, and two brothers, John of Chicago and Frederick, in Germany.

He was a member of St. Peterʼs Lutheran Church west of Benson.

Date of Death: November 16, 1957

Obituary transcribed by Kathleen and correction submitted by Laraine Wilson Wessels

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24 February 1980

Annie Lauria Oster, 92, of Jacksonville, Fla., and formerly of El Paso, died at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville, Fla., where she was a patient one day.

She and her husband, Bart, have been residents of Southside Nursing Home, Jacksonville, for three years.

Her funeral was Saturday in Jacksonville.

She was born Nov. 17,. 1887, in El Paso, a daughter of Louis and Theresa Valentine Kurtz. She married Bart Oster Aug. 22, 1917, in El Paso. He survives.

Two brothers preceded her in death.

She graduated from El Paso High School in 1904 and was the oldest living alumni.

She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Obituary donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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