Huge Marriages Search Engine!
Mariel D. Sandell
FREEPORT -- Mariel D. Sandell, 68, of Freeport died Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, peacefully at home in the presence of her family.
Born July 29, 1936, in Freeport, she was the daughter of Calvin and Marie (Hayenga) Kaney. She graduated in 1954 from Forreston and was valedictorian of her high school class. She attended the University of Dubuque in Iowa.
Mariel worked at Lanark Grade School as a teacher's aide and substitute teacher. From 1967 to 1980, she worked at The Journal-Standard in Freeport, of which she was most proud of being the copy editor.
On June 2, 1970, Mariel and Lyle Sandell were married. In 1980, they moved to San Antonio, Texas, where they lived and operated a business for 10 years. After retiring, they traveled the country in their travel trailer, north in the summer and south in the winter. In October 2003, they settled in Freeport.
She enjoyed editing books and spending time with her family and many friends they met throughout their travels across the United States.
Music was one of her passions in life, singing and playing the piano.
Mrs. Sandell was a former member of Forreston Grove Presbyterian Church, Freeport Choral Society and Highland Community Chorale.
Surviving are her husband, Lyle Sandell of Freeport; her father, Calvin Kaney of Forreston; one son, Cory (Angie) Hoffman of Freeport; one daughter, Jolene (Pete Sardezuk) Hoffman of Aurora, Colo.; two stepdaughters, Suzanne (David) Ludwig and Roxanne (Brad) Lomax, both of German Valley; one brother, Jim (Judy) Kaney of Forreston; one sister, Doris (Norm) Byers of Lanark; one half brother, Jeremy Kaney; one grandson; two granddaughters; three stepgrandsons; and two stepgranddaughters.
Preceding her in death were her mother, Marie Kaney; and one brother, Jerry Kaney.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Faith United Methodist Church. Officiating ministers will be the Rev. Douglas Q. Bowden and the Rev. Diane Jochum.
Visitation hours will be from noon today to time of service at the church.
Cremation rites were accorded.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for hospice.
Ralph K. Toelke
ROCK CITY -- Ralph K. Toelke, 86 years, of Rock City died at 2:55 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, at his home following a sudden illness.
He was born Aug. 16, 1918, in Rock Run Township in Rock City, the son of Charles and Minnie (Iserman) Toelke. On Nov. 25, 1941, he and Berneta A. Ludeking were married at the home of her parents in rural Rock City. Berneta died Aug. 12, 1984. Ralph and Selma Koch Lohmeier were married Nov. 7, 1986, at the Church By The Side Of The Road in Rockton.
A farmer, Mr. Toelke also was employed at Ingersoll Mfg. Co. in Rockford and later at Kelly-Springfield Tire Co. in Freeport until retiring.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in Monroe, Wis., where he had perfect attendance for many years.
Surviving are his wife, Selma of Rock City; one daughter, Reva Toelke of California; one son-in-law, Wayne Huckabee of Florida; one stepson, Jerry (Mary) Lohmeier of Davis; one stepdaughter, JoAnn Capovilla of Las Vegas; two grandsons, Bret (Nikky) Toelke of Nevada and Patrick Huckabee of Florida; three great-grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; 15 stepgreat-grandchildren; two stepgreat-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Arlene Toelke of Rock City, Irene Toelke of Freeport and Clara Meinert, a resident of Medina Manor Nursing Center in Durand; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Berneta; one daughter, Neva Huckabee; one stepdaughter, Carol Hagemann; one stepson-in-law, Frank Capovilla; two sisters, Florence Klass and Esther Otte; and three brothers, Clarence, Raymond and Alvin Toelke.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 115 S. West St., Dakota. Pastor Dwight Turbett, interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Monroe, and Pastor Perry Bell of St. Paul United Church of Christ in rural Davis will co-officiate.
Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery in rural Davis.
Visiting hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established in his name by the family.
John W. Spavin
STOCKTON -- John W. Spavin, 78, of Stockton died Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, at Rockford Memorial Hospital.
Services will be at 2:30 p.m. today at Ladies Union Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established.
Arrangements were made by Hermann Funeral Home.
Dwight "Pete" Hayenga
FREEPORT -- Dwight "Pete" Hayenga, 79, of Freeport died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004, at his home following an extended illness.
He was born June 6, 1925, in Forreston, the son of Peter and Mary (Swalve) Hayenga. He married Nancy Saylor on Feb. 24, 1970, in Rockford.
Mr. Hayenga was a lifelong farmer in the Forreston area. He was a well-known softball pitcher, playing for the Shannon Merchants, Henney Motor Co. and the Freeport AMVETS. He pitched two no-hitters in his career. He was a member of the Forreston Lions Club and the Ogle County Farm Bureau.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Heide (J.P.) Gaspard of Shorewood, Wis.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church, Freeport, with the Rev. Carol Shaffer officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport.
A memorial fund has been established in his name.
Leslie C. Kaufman
GALENA -- Leslie C. Kaufman, 91, of Galena died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004, at the Galena-Stauss Hospital.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover.
Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel.
A memorial fund has been established.
Carol J. Benoodt
FREEPORT -- Carol J. Benoodt, 44, of Freeport died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004, at FHN Memorial Hospital.
She was born Aug. 16, 1960, in Freeport, the daughter of Henry C. and Mary Smetzler Benoodt.
Carol was employed at Don's Oasis restaurant. She was a 1979 graduate of Freeport High School.
Surviving are her mother of Freeport; three brothers, Roger Benoodt of Plainfield, Ind., Ronald (Anita Manship) Benoodt of Fortville, Ind., and Randy (Karen) Benoodt of Plainfield; two nieces; two nephews; and one very special friend, Kim.
Her father and grandparents died previously.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. John Ehrens officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation hours are 10 a.m. Tuesday to time of service at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established in her name.
Leona Espenscheid
MONROE, Wis. -- Leona K. Espenscheid, age 90, of Monroe, Wis., died at 3:37 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004, at The Monroe Clinic Hospital Emergency Room after a sudden illness.
She was born Sept. 20, 1914, in Plover, Wis., the daughter of John and Pearl (Precourt) Yokers. Leona lived one year in Monroe, living previously in Rockford, Freeport and on her farm in rural Seward. On May 28, 1938, Leona and Milton W. Espenscheid were married in Plover. Milton died Aug. 23, 1988.
Mrs. Espenscheid was a homemaker, a cook at Pecatonica and Winnebago high schools.
After graduating from Stevens Point High School and Stevens Pointy Teachers College, she was a grade school teacher in Buena Vista, Wis.
Mrs. Espenscheid was a long-time active member of Seward Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday school and served as Sunday school superintendent. She also was a member of Winnebago County Lady Land Owners.
She loved to read, do puzzles and make holiday meals for her family.
Survivors include two sons, Marvin (Ruth) Espenscheid of Argyle, Wis., and Gary (Nancy) Espenscheid of Big Piney, Wyo.; one daughter, Marilyn (Tom) Bicksler of Dakota; eight grandsons; three granddaughters; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; one sister; and three brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Seward Congregational Church with the Rev. Ron Farb, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Kenneth L. Countryman Funeral Home, 529 Washington, St., Pecatonica.
A memorial fund has been established.
Philip W. Gordon
FREEPORT -- Philip W. Gordon, 63, of Freeport died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.
He was born May 1, 1941, in Webster City, Iowa, the son of Norman and Irene (Harrison) Gordon. on Dec. 10, 1983, Phil and Roxanne Farnsworth were married in Pearl City.
Mr. Gordon devoted 36 years to Highland Community College in various administrative and teaching positions. He was supporter of Highland Community College Athletics and Theater.
Phil enjoyed fast pitch softball followed by slow pitch softball for Freeport Glass. He also enjoyed skiing, golf and playing racquetball with the lunch bunch five days a week at Freeport YMCA.
His hobbies included gardening, particularly growing roses, woodworking and working with stained glass. His grandchildren were his special joy.
Surviving are his wife, Roxanne Gordon of Freeport; his parents, Norman and Irene Gordon of Webster City' son, Scott (Beth) Gordon of Bloomington; daughter, Anne (Pat) Rutter of Jupiter, Fla.; stepsons, Brett Farnsworth of Belvidere and Brandon Farnsworth of Rock City; grandchildren, Ella and Harrison Gordon, Kyle and Ryan Rutter and David and Harlee Farnsworth; brothers, Roger (Shirley) Gordon of Butte, Mont., and Bruce (Marsha) Gordon of Sammamish, Wash.; mother-in-law, Doris Busch of Rockford; brother-in-law, Roger Busch of Pearl City; sister-in-law, Dixie Taylor of Hawkins, Texas; and four nieces.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Bruce Janes officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Phil's name for the Highland Community College Foundation.
Elsie M. Zook
FREEPORT -- Elsie Mae Zook, 89, of Freeport, homemaker, died Friday, Nov. 26, 2004, at Provena St. Joseph Center.
She was born Oct. 3, 1915, in Kenmare, N.D., the daughter of William and Elma Harris Kauffman. On Nov. 28, 1934, Elsie and Lester A. Zook were married in Kenmare.
Mrs. Zook was a member of First Baptist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Lester (Rebecca Zook Jr. of Hampton, Va., and Robert (Janice) Zook of Bowbells, N.D.; three daughters, Ruby (Larry) Kaptur of Freeport, Brenda (Glenn) Spisso of South Plainfield, N.J., and Jill (Tim) Jones of Nolensville, Tenn.; 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; four brothers, Floyd (Thelma) Kauffman of New Paris, Ind., Frank (Evelyn) Kauffman of Goshen, Ind., and Melvin D. (Betty) Kauffman of Bristol, Ind.; three sisters, Hazel (Payson) Hostetler of Goshen, Iva Merrifield of LaGrange, Ind., and Lois Franz, also of LaGrange; and one sister-in-law, Pauline Kauffman of Goshen.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; two brothers, Marvin and LeRoy; and two sisters-in-law.
Family services will be held Monday. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
A memorial fund has been established in her memory.
Arrangements were completed by Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home.
Mander W. Nack
FREEPORT -- Mander W. Nack, 96, of Freeport died Friday, Nov. 26, 2004, at Stephenson Nursing Center.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Walker Mortuary. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
A memorial fund has been established.
Frances Bailey
SAVANNA -- Frances Bailey, 92, of Savanna died Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at Gwinnett Medical Center, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Savanna. Visitation is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna.
A memorial fund has been established.
Larry G. Higgins
WILDWOOD, Fla. -- Larry Galen Higgins, 61, of Wildwood, Fla., died Monday, Nov. 22, 2004.
Mr. Higgins was born in Paragould, Ark., and was a member of the Baptist church. He was employed as a truck driver.
Survivors include one daughter, Angela Dawn Johnston of Freeport; one son, Brandon Lee Higgins of Leesburg, Fla.; three sisters, Vickie Glodo, Pauline Ward and Thomazine Northrup, all of Rockford; and two grandchildren, Justyn Johnston and Darran Tempel, both of Freeport.
Arrangements were completed by Beyers Funeral Home in Leesburg.
Joyce O. Holbert
FREEPORT -- Joyce O. Holbert, 81, of Freeport died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at FHN Memorial Hospital, Freeport.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Walker Mortuary.
Joyce O. Holbert
FREEPORT -- Joyce O. Holbert, 81, of Freeport died on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at FHN Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, joining her husband and son, following a short illness.
Born Sept. 23, 1923, in Freeport, she was the daughter of Fredrick and Catherine (Green) Wahler. On June 6, 1942, Joyce married George M. Holbert in Freeport. George preceded her in death on Oct. 31, 1980.
Joyce was a graduate of Freeport High School, class of 1941, and a member of Grace Episcopal Church. She loved being with her family and interacting with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially teaching them the finer points of the card game rummy.
Surviving are three sons, Stephen (Karen) Holbert of Freeport, Jeffery (Karessa) Holbert of Burleson, Texas, and Michael (Dianne) Holbert of Orland Park; nine grandchildren, Martin Holbert, Craig (Crystal) Holbert, Rebecca Holbert, Jacob Holbert and Miranda Holbert, all of Freeport, Zachary Holbert of Orland Park, Jody (Brad) Nieman of Freeport, Brandon (Stephanie) Falls of Waxcahachie, Texas, and Amberleigh (David) Kingsborough of Fort Worth, Texas; great-grandchildren Cierra Mathews, Darrin and Kaide Holbert, Nathan Nieman, Justin Fish and Graelin Kingsborough; close family friends, Jerry Ness, Donald (Anna) Kraft and Brian Book, all of Freeport.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one infant son, Pat; one sister, Norma Jean Wahler; and brother, Rev. Fredrick Wahler.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Grace Episcopal Church with Mother Mary Ann Hill officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from noon until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Mortuary.
