Fourth Generation  

36. Raymond W. NICHOLS (Sarah E. "Sally" STEFFA¹¹, Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born in 1900, died in 1956 at age 56, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

Raymond married Anna M. LUBBERS. Anna was born in 1907, died in 1971 at age 64, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.³

37. Harry D. NICHOLS ⁵ (Sarah E. "Sally" STEFFA¹¹, Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born JUL 9, 1902 in Rock Vale Twp., Ogle Co, IL,⁵ died DEC 28, 1987 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL⁵ at age 85, and was buried in Lightsville Cemetery, Lightsville, Ogle Co., IL.⁵

General Notes: Nov 30, 1987 no paper specified, but found in the Oregon IL Library

Leaf River-- Harry D. Nichols, 85, of Leaf River died Saturday Nov. 28 at his home of an apparent heart attack.
For many years he was a floor man at the foundry department of Kable Printing Co., Mount Morris.
The son of David and Sarah Nichols, he was born July 9, 1902 in Rockvale township, Ogle Co. on June 30, 1925 he married Anna L. Arens in Chicago.
Surviving are his widow; three daughters, Dorothy (Mrs. Leon) Grove and Barbara (Mrs. William Kump, both of Leaf River and Helen (Mrs. Albert) Book of Pecatonica; a sister, Nellie Miller of Freeport; nine grandchildren and nine great -grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Harry Jr., two brothers and a sister.
Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Finch Funeral Home, Mount Morris, the Rev. Richard G. Bright, Chaplin of Pine Creek Manor, Mount Morris, will officiate. Burial will be in Lightsville Cemetery, rural Leaf River.
Friends may call from 1 p.m. at the funeral home until the time of the services.

Harry married Anna L. ARENS JUN 30, 1925 in Chicago, Cook, IL. Anna was born in 1904, died in 1991³ at age 87, and was buried in Lightsville Cemetery, Lightsville, Ogle Co., IL.

The child from this marriage was:

   69 M    i. Harry D. NICHOLS Jr. was born in 1930, died in 1955 at age 25, and was buried in Lightsville Cemetery, Lightsville, Ogle Co., IL.³

38. Jessie Viola NICHOLS (Sarah E. "Sally" STEFFA¹¹, Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born OCT 20, 1906 in Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL, died JUN 11, 1982 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 75, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Husbands obit had David as a son, and wife has Kenneth Jr. (maybe middle name is David and that is what he went by.

Rockford Register Star, Tuesday 6-15-1982
Kretsinger- Jessie Viola Kretsinger, 75, Leaf River, died at 10:45 p.m. Friday, June 11, 1982, in Rockford Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born Oct. 20, 1906, in Ogle County, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Nichols. Lifelong in Leaf River area resident. Married to Kenneth Kretsinger in Rockford, Sept. 7, 1924; he preceded her in death. Member of Jerry Wickham Legion Auxilliary, Leaf River. Attended Mount Morris schools. Survivors include six sons, Millard, Anchorage, Ala., Robert, Richard, and Wayne, all of Leaf River, Kenneth, Egan, and Merritt, Rockford; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Kathleen) Zellers, Leaf River, and Mrs. Melvin (Kay) McGill, Polo; 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Harry, Leaf River; and a sister, Nellie Miller, Freeport. Also predeceased by a son.
Services at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, in Morrison Funeral Home, Byron, with the Rev. Burton Ankerberg officiating. Burial in Silver Creek Cemetery.

Jessie married Kenneth Lewis KRETSINGER SEP 10, 1927 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL. Kenneth was born MAR 8, 1906 in Egan, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL, died MAY 12, 1948 in Adeline, Ogle Co., IL at age 42, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL. The cause of his death was Vehicle accident death probably was due to a fractured skull.

General Notes: Rockford Morning Star, Thursday 5-13-1948
Adeline, Ill., May 12 - Kenneth Kretsinger, 42, Leaf River store operator, was killed almost instantly about 5 p.m. today when his car struck a gaurd rail of a bridge on state route 72 half a mile west of Adeline.
Harold Kaiser, state highway patrolman, and William C. Albright, Forreston chief of police, said Kretsinger apparently was attempting to pass another eastbound car, driven by Samuel Myers, 64, Forreston.
After striking the rail Kretsingers car rammed the bridge abutment and then swerved into the side of Myers' car, turning completely around. Myers was uninjured. The officers learned the victim was returning to Leaf River from Forreston at the time of the crash.
A native of Leaf River, Kretsinger is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Kretsinger; his widow, nine children, Millard, Richard, Robert, Kathleen, Kay, Wayne, Donald Gerald, and David; three brothers, Leslie, Leaf River; Virgil, Belvidere, and Boyd, Rockford, and four sisters, Mrs. Opal Frey, Mount Morris, and Mrs. Violet Cheek, Mrs. Olive Cain, and Mrs Bonnie Hartje, all of Leaf River.
The body was taken to DeGraff funeral home, Forreston, where an inquest will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Attendants at the funeral home said death probably was due to a fractured skull.


Husbands obit had David as a son, and wife has Kenneth Jr. (maybe middle name is David and that is what he went by.

Noted events in his life were:

• Graduation: Leaf River, IL High School, CLASS of 1925, Leaf River, IL High School.

The child from this marriage was:

   70 M    i. Donald Gerald KRETSINGER was born OCT 6, 1947 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died NOV 8, 1967 in Quang Nam, Province Of South Vietnam at age 20, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.³ The cause of his death was Killed in line of duty.

General Notes: Found on website http://leafriver.homestead.com/Veterans.html


On October 6, 1947, Kenneth and Jessie (Nichols) Kretsinger became the parents to their last child, a son, Donald M. Kretsinger. Kenneth predeceased his son, then seven months old, in an automobile accident just outside Leaf River on May 12, 1948. Surviving Donnie are his mother, six brothers: Millard (Alaska); Robert, Richard, Wayne (Leaf River); Kenneth G. (Egan); Merritt (Rockford); and two sisters: Kathleen Zellers (Leaf River) and Kay McGill (Polo). Donnie is remembered by his family and friends as a typical American boy, loving, kind, and energetic. Shortly after his graduation from Leaf River High School in May 1966, he announced that he had joined the Marine Corps. During his training at Camp Pendleton, California, Donnie experienced
pride in his achievements and as a result, he gave the Marines his best. He graduated from Basic Training as an expert marksman with the 45 caliber pistol and the M-16 rifle. After Boot Camp, Donnie received I.T.R and B.I.S. advanced infantry training which consisted of learning skills in military weapons and basic chemical warfare. Donnie, along with two other Marines, received honorary membership to the Marines 300 Club (The highest honor from Boot Camp) for making 400 points (100 over the required 300) in physical fitness. Donnie volunteered for duty in Vietnam. His oldest brother, Millard, an Air Force career man with a family, was due for tour duty in Vietnam. Donnie notified Millard of his decision, relieving Millard of his obligation-- an unselfish act of love for a brother he hardly knew. While home on furlough, Donnie spent his last Thanksgiving with his family. He flew back to California where on January 5, 1967, Donnie embarked on the U.S.S. Walker to Vietnam. After six months in Nam, Donnie lost his rest and relaxation furlough due to illness which required hospitalization for two weeks. More fighting awaited him when he returned to the field. On September 4th, 1967, 195 brave men in M. Company marched into fierce battle. Only 19 men in the first platoon with 73 men in the entire company remained. Donnie received his first Purple Heart when shrapnel hit his leg, and his hands were burned from Napalm. He refused to leave. His letters shared his thoughts: "And if the good Lord is with me, I'll make it because the only way I'll go down is fighting." On September 21st, 1967, Donnie received a one week R & R. On the 28th, Donnie returned to the field with a new rank of Corporal and a new responsibity-- that of Squadron Leader of the 3rd Squad with three fire teams to lead. After that, his few letters counted the days until January 1968 when he would be home. Donnie was killed in action on November 8, 1967 in Quang Nam, Providence of South Vietnam.



STANDING AT THE WALL
Standing at the Wall
I find his name
Though its all I have
I miss him just the same
Brush back the tears
As the people gather round
And mourn with me
The name that I just found
Touch his name
And my heart breaks
I long to know him
And my hand shakes
Everyone's quiet
There's not a sound
Just the gulp in my throat
And my heart pounding loud
Thou there's a thousand names
There's just one I see
Donald M. Kretsinger
That one belongs to me
He died for me
And he died for you
This soldier, this hero
My Uncle I never knew
A young man
A brave man
A hero to this land
He died so young but
I don't understand
why ?
Walk to the Wall
Time stands still
Try to understand
But I never will
Walk to the Wall
Cry for one man
Walk to the Wall
Cry for them all !
Poem by Michelle Kretsinger (Donnies Niece)

Sgt. Ken Fields, gunner team Commander M Co. 3/5 " I arrived in Vietnam a month or two after he did, and looked up to him as an experienced, knowledgeable, effective and dangerous Marine. At the time of his death I was a gunner for the Platoon and had been on many patrols with his squad. On November 8, 1967, I was only a few feet from him when he was killed. In fact, my gun team was wiped out when the bobby trap exploded. Another rifleman was also wounded. I was the only one to stay in country, all the rest were evacuated to Japan. Krets was the only Marine killed. Many other Marines are alive today because of his leadership, as a loyal friend and comrade-in-arms. Donnie will be remembered by me and many others as long as we live, he was a valuable Marine to his company and a good friend to many".

Jack Swan point man 1st Squad 1st Platoon M Co. 3/5 " My squad leader was Bill Vandergriff he was a great friend of Donnie's. I was point man, 1st squad 1st platoon, my nickname was Swanie, Bill's was Van, and Donnie's was Krets. Donnie and I were both wounded September 4th, 1967 in operation "Swift" along with alot of the other 19 survivors from the 1st platoon. We refused to leave our company with what few men they had left. If my memory serves me correct we stayed in the field another twelve days till the operation ended. On the morning of November 8th, 1967 Donnie replaced Vandegriff as squad leader. Two hours later he was killed by a bobby trap. He felt no pain from the explosion. I lost a piece of my heart when Donnie died. About a hour later our company walked into a ambush and alot of other great Marines died that day. We survivors that knew him are honored to call him BROTHER".


Donald Kretsinger Remembered in Leaf River, Illinois
Donnie Kretsinger is remembered by many in my home town of Leaf River, IL... You can walk the streets of Leaf River and mention his name to someone there, and in some way or another can manage to think of something that Donnie did or an experience about him... I am one of those people ! I have always known the Kretsinger family and am related in two diiferent ways, the first relationship (the closest) is Donnie's brother Richard is my Uncle by marriage, and Kathleen, Donnie's sister married my cousin Robert Zellers.
I was born in 1961 so I can barely remember Donnie, but what I remember is very vivid.. I was pretty much scared of the Kretsinger Bros. because they always would get hold of me and do little awnry things to me... Like Donnie threatening cut off my ear with a small pocket knife, I know they were just playing around and having fun, trying to toughen us kids up, because I still have my ear...
I can remember when Donnie came home from Vietnam, then he went back and came home in a diiferent way...we were all in the back yard at my uncle's house when the Marines came to the door at Grandma Jessie's to tell her of Donnie's death... she knew something was wrong earlier than their appearance at the front door. My mother wouldn't let us kids go to the funeral, we stayed with friends the day of Donnie's funeral.
I have created a Leaf River Website for Donnie, please feel free to visit... Best Regards, David Lee Zellers

Noted events in his life were:

• Graduation: CLASS of 1966, Leaf River, IL High School.

39. Charles O. NICHOLS (Sarah E. "Sally" STEFFA¹¹, Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born FEB 4, 1909, died in 1967 at age 58, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

Charles married Vivian M. Vivian was born in 1907,³ died in 1958 at age 51, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.³

The child from this marriage was:

   71 M    i. Charles R. NICHOLS died MAY 9, 1931 and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

40. Alice Mae STEFFA (Sarah E. "Sally" STEFFA¹¹, Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born MAY 15, 1888 in Rock Vale Twp., Ogle Co, IL, died JUL 18, 1953 in Freeport, Stephenson, IL at age 65, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

Alice married Martin Henry PALMER AUG 2, 1906 in Ogle Co., IL. Martin was born JUN 8, 1886 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died in MAR 1971 at age 84, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

Children from this marriage were:

   72 M    i. Charles R. PALMER was born SEP 13, 1907 in Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL, died in 1934 in Freeport, Stephenson, IL at age 27, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

   73 M    ii. John PALMER was born NOV 2, 1909 in Ogle Co., IL..

+ 74 M    iii. George PALMER was born JAN 30, 1912 in Ogle Co., IL., died in AUG 1997 at age 85, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

+ 75 F    iv. Florence Elizabeth PALMER was born OCT 26, 1913 in Rockvale Twp., Ogle Co., IL and died NOV 22, 2002 in Oregon, Ogle, IL at age 89.

+ 76 F    v. Edna Mae PALMER was born DEC 31, 1915 in Rockvale Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died DEC 12, 2001 in Ogle Co., IL. at age 85, and was buried in Chapel Hills - Freeport, Stephenson Co, IL.

41. Olia A. PALMER (Elizabeth Mae "Lizzie" STEFFA¹², Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born SEP 22, 1889 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died MAY 20, 1962 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 72, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Morning Star, Tuesday 5-22-1962
Mrs Olia A. Johnson, 72, Stillman Valley, died at 9:40 a.m. Sunday, May 20, 1962, in Swedish American Hospital after a short illness. Born Sept. 27, 1889 in Byron Township, Ill., daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Palmer. Lived most of her life in Ogle County. Married to Maurice Johnson in Rockford, Jan. 30, 1908. Survivors include; four sons; Clifford, Seward, Ill., and Harley C., Gilbert G., Howard L. Johnson, all of Rockford; three daughters, Mrs. Agnes Swanson and Evelyn Lahre, both of Rockford, Mrs. Lenora Wilson, Stillman Valley; 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in BAKENER - MORRISON FUNERAL HOME, Byron, Ill., with the Rev. Walter Schlaretzki, pastor of Stillman Valley Congregational Church officiating. Burial in Silver Creek Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Olia married Morris (Maurice) JOHNSON JAN 30, 1908 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL. Morris was born MAY 4, 1885 in Stillmanvalley, Ogle Co., IL, died FEB 12, 1968 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 82, and was buried in Stillmanvalley Cemetery, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Morning Star, Tuesday 2-12-1968
Maurice G. Johnson, 82, 4113 10th St., died at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, 1968 in St. Anthony's Hospital after a short illness. Born May 4, 1885 in Stillman Valley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Johnson. Lived 30 years in Rockford coming here from the Stillman Valley area. Married to the former Olia Palmer in Rockford, Jan. 3, 1908. He was a retired farmer. Attended Stillman Valley Schools. Survivors include: three sons, Clifford, Seward, and Harley and Gilbert, both of Rockford; three daughters, Mrs. Carl (Agnes) Swanson and Mrs. Eugene (Evelyn) Lahre, both of Rockford, and Mrs. Rolland (Lenore) Wilson, Stillman Valley; a sister, Mrs. Carrie Johnson, Byron; 20 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. One son preceded him in death.
Services at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in Bakener-Morrison Funeral Home, Byron, with the Rev. Dr. Walter Schiaretzki, pastor of Stillman Valley Congregational Church officiating. Burial in Stillman Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Noted events in his life were:

• Employment: Farmer.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 77 M    i. Harley Chris JOHNSON was born NOV 9, 1911 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died JUL 12, 1982 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 70, and was buried in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

+ 78 M    ii. Gilbert G. JOHNSON was born AUG 15, 1915 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died JUN 27, 1982 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 66, and was buried in Cherry Valley Cemetery, Cherry Valley, Winnebago Co., IL.

42. Bessie Beulah PALMER (Elizabeth Mae "Lizzie" STEFFA¹², Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born MAR 17, 1891 in Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL, died JUL 3, 1961 at age 70, and was buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Byron Paper, 7-7-1961
Mrs. Bessie Saam, 70, was found dead Tuesday afternoon in her home in Byron.
She was born March 17, 1891 in Mount Morris township the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Steffa Palmer.
She married William L. Saam Jan. 30, 1907 at Oregon, who preceded her in death in 1945.
She had lived all of her married life in and around Byron except for a few years near Fairdale,
Her survivors include one son, Delbert, Byron; six grandchildren, William, Ronald, Joyce, David, Vicki, and Dennis Saam; two great grandchildren, Connie and Kevin Saam; three sisters, Mrs. Olia Johnson, Stillman Valley, Mrs. Susie Doyle, rural Winnebago, and Mrs. Hattie Paul, Byron, and one brother, Emery Palmer, Rockford.
One sister and two brothers preceded her in death.
Her funeral service will be today at the Bakener-Morrison funeral home, 2 p.m. with the Reverend Willis Thomas of the North Grove Christian , church officiating. Visitation will be Thursday night 7-9 p.m. Burial will be in the Byron cemetery
Ogle County Sheriff Ed Lang, who was called to the Saam home, reported that Mrs. Saam apparently took her own life by hanging. She was found in the basement of her home on North Lincoln street. The sheriff said Mrs. Saam had been despondent due to poor health.

Bessie married William E. SAAM JAN 30, 1907. William was born OCT 30, 1880 in Monroe Center, Ogle Co., IL, died AUG 14, 1945 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois at age 64, and was buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Byron Paper, 8-24-1947
William E. Saam, 64, died Tuesday, Aug 14 of a heart attack, while working in a stone quarry north of Byron, where he made his home.
Mr Saam was born Oct. 30, 1880, near Monroe Center. He operated farms around Byron, untill he retired from farming last December and returned to Byron. He was married to Bessie Palmer in 1907.
Surviving are his widow; a son Delbert and two grandchildren; two brothers, Frank, Byron and George, Kirkland; and a niece, Mrs. Frank Macklin, Stillman Valley
Funeral services were held Friday, Aug 17 in the United Church at Byron. Burial will be in Byron Cemetery.

The child from this marriage was:

+ 79 M    i. Delbert L. SAAM was born APR 30, 1910 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died JUN 21, 1999 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois at age 89, and was buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL.

43. Susie Dessie PALMER (Elizabeth Mae "Lizzie" STEFFA¹², Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born FEB 21, 1893 in Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL, died JUN 6, 1966 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 73, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Morning Star Tues. 6-7-1966
Mrs. Susie Dresen Doyle, 73, died Monday in the home of her daughter, Mrs Lillian Rowland, Rockford, after a long illness. She had lived in Rockford the last two years, coming here from the Byron area.
In addition to Mrs. Rowland, survivors are two other daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Sigler and Mrs. Ruth Tunnell: three sons, Clarence, Donald and Harley, all of Rockford; one brother, Elmer Palmer, Rockford, and a sister, Mrs. Hattie Paul, Byron.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Bakener-Morrison Funeral Home, Byron, with burial in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River.

Susie married Samuel F. DOYLE, son of Unknown and Unknown, MAR 16, 1912 in Milwaukie, WI. Samuel was born MAR 7, 1881 in Milwaukie, WI, died in 1956 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 75, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Rokford Directory 1935
Doyle Saml (Susie), lab, resides 1216 S. Main

Children from this marriage were:

+ 80 F    i. Lillian M. DOYLE was born APR 22, 1917 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died in AUG 1986 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 69, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

   81 M    ii. Donald DOYLE was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

Noted events in his life were:

• Living: 1986, Egan, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

+ 82 F    iii. Elizabeth M. "Liz" DOYLE was born SEP 9, 1914 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died AUG 12, 2001 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois at age 86, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

   83 M    iv. Charles C. DOYLE was born SEP 23, 1928, died OCT 3, 1951 at age 23, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

   84 F    v. Edna Louise DOYLE was born in 1919, died in 1937 at age 18, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

+ 85 F    vi. Ruth Alice DOYLE was born in 1925, died in 1970 at age 45, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

44. Emery Fredrick PALMER (Elizabeth Mae "Lizzie" STEFFA¹², Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born MAY 20, 1896 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died SEP 4, 1978 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 82, and was buried in Cedar Bluff Cemetery, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Morning Star, Wednesday 9-6-1978
PALMER — Emery F. Palmer, 83, 1607 Grant Ave., died at 9:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4, 1978, in his home, after a long illness. Born May 20. 1196, In Leaf River, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Palmer, Sr. Lived most of his life in Rockford, coming here from Leaf River. Married to Helen Baker in Freeport, Oct. 2, 1920. Employed by street department of the City of Rockford, retiring as assistant superintendent In 1953. Veteran of World War I, serving in France. Member of Court Street United Methodist Church. Survivors Include: his wife, Helen; a son, Emery F., Jr., Rockford; a daughter, Mrs. Hazel Domski, Rockford; a sister, Mrs. Hattie Paul, Byron; eight grandchildren, a great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, In LONG KLONTZ FUNERAL HOME, 428 Park Ave., with the Rev. Harold McElvaney, pastor of Court Street United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Emery married Helen M. BAKER OCT 2, 1920 in Freeport, Stephenson, IL. Helen was born JUL 26, 1900 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died FEB 4, 1989 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 88, and was buried in Cedar Bluff Cemetery, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Register Star, Sunday 2-5-1989
PALMER - Helen M. Palmer, 88, 6241 Lori Lynn Lane, died at 2:35 a.m. Saturday Feb. 4, 1989, in Saint Anthony Medical Center after a long illness. Born July 26, 1900, in Byron, daughter of Charles and Nettie Baker. Lived most of her life in Rockford. Married Emery Palmer in Freeport, Oct. 2, 1920. Member Court Street United Methodist Church. Survivors include son, Emery Jr. (Joan), Hardy, Ark., daughter, Hazel (John) Domski, Rockford; sister, Rosie Cantwell, Rockford; eight grandchildren, J. Craig (Barb) Domski, Ames Iowa, Steven (Sandi) Domski, Redondo Beach, Calif., Daniel (Michelene) Domski, Rockford, David Domski, Long Beach, Calif., Lori Domski (Jeff) Swanson, and Linda Domski (Todd) Schroeder, Rockford, and Emery F. (Kathy) Palmer 111, Phoenix, Ariz, and Pamela L. Palmer, Glendale Ariz., and 10 great- grandchildren.
Services at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, in Gasparini & Oliver Funeral Home, 707 Marchesano Drive, with the Rev. Dr. Donald Thomas, pastor of Court Street United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 a.m. Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Milestone Inc, 2662 Elmwood Road.

45. Lucinda Mae PALMER (Elizabeth Mae "Lizzie" STEFFA¹², Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born APR 26, 1898 in Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL, died JAN 30, 1934 in Freeport, Stephenson, IL at age 35, and was buried in Twelve Mile Cem, Winnebago Co., IL.

Lucinda married William F. MOTH OCT 14, 1914. William was born APR 28, 1893 in Germany, died JUL 4, 1985 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 92, and was buried in Twelve Mile Cem, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Register Star, Friday 7-5-1985
William F. Moth, 92, 429 John St., Pecatonica, died at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, July 4, 1985 in Amerwood Health Care Center, Rockford, after a short illness. Born April 28, 1893, in Germany, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Moth. Lived 48 years in Pecatonica, coming from Seward. Married the former Lucinda Palmer Oct. 14, 1914. She died Jan. 30, 1934. Then he married Mildred Winder Jan. 31, 1935. Owned and operated Moth and Palmer Garages in Seward and Pecatonica for 24 years from 1922 untill 1946. Later he farmed in rural Pecatonica, retiring in 1963. Member of A.W. Rawson Masonic Lodge No. 145 AF and A.W., Pecatonica; Member of St. Elmo Chapter 460 Order of Easter Star; Freeport Consistory; former member of Pecatonica Village Board; former member of Pecatonica School Board. Attended schools in Germany. Survivors include his wife, Mildred, Pecatonica; three sons, Palmer, Laguna Hills, Calif.; Charles and Robert, both of Pecatonica; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Emma Ferdinand and Anne Sherman, both of Winnebago and Lillian Julius, Freeport; a brother Bert, Loves Park, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.
Services at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6, in the Kenneth L Countryman Funeral Home, 529 Washington St., Pecatonica, with the Rev. Robert H. Hosto, pastor of First Congregational Church, officiating. Burial in Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery. No visitation.

The child from this marriage was:

+ 86 M    i. Robert L. "Ole" MOTH was born JAN 30, 1921 in Seward, IL, died OCT 5, 2002 in Pecatonica, Winnebago Co., IL at age 81, and was buried in Twelve Mile Cem, Winnebago Co., IL.

46. Charles Earl PALMER (Elizabeth Mae "Lizzie" STEFFA¹², Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born JUL 31, 1900 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died JAN 4, 1933 in Roswell, NM at age 32, and was buried in Twelve Mile Cem, Winnebago Co., IL.

Charles married Glayds Flowers Mc CARTIN SEP 2, 1926 in Illinois. Glayds was born DEC 31, 1901 in Winnebago Co., IL, died FEB 9, 1954 in Stillmanvalley, Ogle Co., IL at age 52, and was buried in Twelve Mile Cem, Winnebago Co., IL.

47. Hank Alfred PALMER (Elizabeth Mae "Lizzie" STEFFA¹², Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born JUN 16, 1902 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died APR 13, 1957 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois at age 54, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Byron Tribune (Byron, IL), Friday 4-19-1957
Hank Alfred Palmer, 54, died suddenly at his home at 11:50 p.m. Saturday. He was born and resided his entire life at his farm home known as South Side farm, south of Byron. He is remembered by his many friends and neighbors as being a lover of music and outdoor life. His sudden passing has brought great shock and sorrow to the community.
He was united in marriage to Evalene Matthews in March 1931 in Mt. Morris. To this union were born five children.
Hank was born June 16, 1902, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Steffa Palmer. Surviving are the widow, three daughters, Mrs. Holland Himes, Leaf River, Darlene and Dixie at home, two sons, Henry, Leaf River, and Robert at home. Four grandchildren Ronnie and Cindy Himes, Vicki and Terry Palmer; one brother, Emery, Rockford; four sisters, Mrs. Olia Johnson, Rockford; Mrs. Susie Doyle, Winnebago; Mrs. Bessie Saam, and Mrs. Hattie Paul, Byron. One sister, Lucy Moth, and one brother, Charlie proceeded him in death.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in the Bakener-Morrison funeral home with the Rev. Paul Larsen, pastor of the United church of Byron, officiating. Mrs. Harold Yost was organist. Pallbearers were Richard Donaldson, Robert Donaldson, Pat Riley, James Riley, Richard Leary and John Shultz. Flower bearers were Mrs. Leo Riley, Mrs. George Etnyre, Jr., Mrs. Earl Sherman and Mrs. Mary Jean Doyle.
Burial was in the Silver Creek cemetery south of Leaf River.

Hank married Evalene MATTHEWS in MAR 1931 in Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL. Evalene was born in 1913.

48. Hattie Belle PALMER (Elizabeth Mae "Lizzie" STEFFA¹², Susan Ann STEFFA², Joseph¹) was born JUN 8, 1906 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died FEB 7, 2002 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois at age 95, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Byron Paper, 2-14-2002
BYRON Hattie B. Paul, 95, died on Thursday. Feb. 7, 2002, at the Neighbors Nursing Home.
Born June. 8, 1906 in Byron. Hattie was the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Steffa) Palmer. She lived in Byron most of her life and attended Byron schools.
She worked 22 years at National Lock, retiring in 1968. She was a member of the church of the Brethren in Mt. Morris and the Philip Cafagna American Legion Post #209 of Byron.
Survivors include two daughter, Marjorie Pepin of Byron and Charlotte (Louis) Mennenga of Leaf River; three grandchildren, Kristine Reed and Cindy Shrader, both of Rockford, and Sharon (Bill) Kaple off Bettendorf, Iowa; seven great grandchildren, Brenda Olson, Ronnie Levan, Michael Shrader, Melissa McAbeee, Bradon and Brent Reed, and, Kelli McCracken; seven great -great grandchildren, Bryce McAbee, Aspen and Lorinda Arbogast, Madeline and Allyssa Olson, and Dakota and Lexus Schrader; and special friend, Vera Carlson.
She was predeceased by her parents, four -sisters, three brothers, two grandsons, Eugene Winche and Bradley Pepin, and one great-great grandson, Kyle McAbee.
Family and friends gathered at a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Farrell-Holland-Gale funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron. Funeral services took place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the funeral home with the Rev. Rod Wetzig, pastor of Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, officiating.
Burial followed at Silver Creek Cemetery near Mt. Morris.

50. Steffa "Skip" HIMERT (Mary Irene STEFFA¹⁴, Josiah⁴, Joseph¹) was born SEP 19, 1913 in Ogle Co., IL, died MAR 23, 2008 in Winnebago, Winnebago Co., IL at age 94, and was buried in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL. Another name for Steffa was Skip.

Steffa married Nellie M. SHOEMAKER AUG 10, 1937 in Oregon, Ogle, IL. Nellie was born in MAR 1918 in Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL, died AUG 3, 1992 in Winnebago, Winnebago Co., IL at age 74, and was buried in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Register Star Thursday 8-6-1992
Winnebago ---- Nellie M. Heimert, 74, 215 S. Swift St., died at 9:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 1992, at home following a six- month illness. Born March 24, 1918, in Mount Morris, daughter of Harvey and Cecile Olsen Shoemaker. Lived many years in Winnebago community. Married Steffa "Skip" Heimert in Oregon, Aug. 10, 1937. Member United Methodist Church of Winnebago and church Women's Society, serving on administrative board and home bureau. Retired member of Teamster's Local 325. Graduated of Mount Morris High School, class of 1936. Survivors : husband, Skip; two sons, Mike and Jack Heimert, Rockford; seven daughters, Patricia (Howard) Brentner, Freeport, Barbara (Ray) Bjorklund, Phoenix Ariz., Margaret (Charles) Clauss, Chicago, Sandra (Sonny) Lapete, St. Petersburg, Fla., Ann (Paul) Orlandi, Rockford, Sharon (Kent) Franklin, Roscoe and Denise Collins, Rockford; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Helen (Samuel) Vecchio, Rockford; brother Warren (Molly) Shoemaker,
La Palma Calif.; several cousins. Predeceased by son, Richard in 1977.
Services at 1 p.m. Friday Aug. 7, in Genandt Funeral Home, 601 Winnebago Road, Winnebago, with the Rev. Owen E. Miller, Pastor of the United Methodist Church of Winnebago, officiating. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials to Northern Illinois Hospice Association.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 87 M    i. John Earl "Jack" HIMERT was born APR 12, 1942 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL, died OCT 27, 1997 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 55, and was buried in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

   88 M    ii. Richard Harvey HIMERT was born SEP 6, 1951, died SEP 4, 1977 at age 25, and was buried in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

51. Helen Mae HIMERT (Mary Irene STEFFA¹⁴, Josiah⁴, Joseph¹) was born NOV 25, 1917 in Stillmanvalley, Ogle Co., IL, died NOV 21, 1978 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 60, and was buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Byron Paper, 11-29-1978
ROCKFORD-Helen M. Hewitt,60, Rockford, died early Tuesday morning, Nov. 21, 1978, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, after a long illness.
Mrs. Hewitt, was born Nov. 25. 1917, in Stillman Valley, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Himert. She had lived 35 years in Rockford. She married Robert Hewitt in Dubuque, Iowa on March 5. 1938.
Mrs. Hewitt was a retired sales correspondent for Barber-Colernan Co., Rockford, and a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Loves Park, and the Eastern Star, Loves Park. She was a graduate of Byron High School.
Survivors include her husband: two sons, Dr. Robert Hewitt, Champaign, and Gerald Hewitt. Rockford; two brothers, Steffa Himert, Winnebago, and Glenn Himert, Lombard; a sister. Mrs. Ellyn Rowley, Mainland, Fla.; and five grandchildren.
Services were Friday afternoon, Nov. 24, in Morrison Funeral Home, Byron, with the Rev. Peder Carlson, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial was in Byron.

Helen married ARTHUR ROBERT HEWITT MAR 5, 1938 in Dubuque, IA. ARTHUR was born AUG 10, 1915 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died APR 24, 1996 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 80, and was buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Register Star, Thursday 4-25-1996
A. Robert Hewitt, 80, of Rockford, died Tuesday, April 24, 1996, in Alma Nelson Manor after a short illness. Born Aug. 10 1915, in Byron, son of Arthur and Cornelia Mills Hewitt. Married Helen Himert on March 5, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa; she died on Nov. 21, 1978. Lifelong resident of Byron and Rockford area. Member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Loves Park. Employed as a salesman by Heims Machine Supply prior to retirement. Veteran of World War 11, serving in the US Navy. "We will always remember him as a kind and gentle man who never had an unkind word for anybody." Survivors include two sons, Dr. Robert (Kay) Hewitt of Champaign and Jerry (Sandy) Hewitt of Rockford; five grandchildren, Victoria (Randy)Gordon of Morris, Elizabeth (Sam) Greco and Wendy (Chris) Heeren, both of Frankfort, Jennifer (Todd) Watermann of Elgin and Nichole Hewitt of Rockford; six great- grandchildren, Kate, Alexa, Robert, Sarah, Sam Jr., and Joseph; and sister, Louise Eickman of Byron.
Services at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5403 N. Second St., Loves Park, with the Rev. Peder Carlson officiating. Burial in Byron Cemetery, Byron. Visitation from 1 p.m. till service time Thursday. Arrangements by Farrell-Holland Funeral Home.

52. Roy William RIDGEWAY (Blanche Mary STEFFA¹⁸, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born NOV 18, 1893, died AUG 2, 1964 in Collins, Story Co., IA. at age 70, and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Collins, IA..

Roy married Hazel D. COOPER. Hazel died NOV 19, 1992 in Collins, Story Co., IA..

54. Laura Elizabeth "Dollie" RIDGEWAY (Blanche Mary STEFFA¹⁸, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born FEB 24, 1898 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died JAN 16, 1978 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 79, and was buried in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL. Another name for Laura was Dollie.

General Notes: Rockford Morning Star, Wednesday 1-18-1978
Magin- Mrs. Laura Magin, 79, 862 Haskell Ave., died at 9:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, 1978, in the home of a daughter at 2936 LaSalle Ave., after a long illness. Born Feb. 24, 1898, in Byron, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ridgeway. Lived 63 years in Rockford, coming here from Leaf River. Married to Louis E. Magin Sr. in Belvidere in 1918. Survivors include four sons, Carroll, Thomas, Lyle, and George, all of Rockford; six daughters, Mrs. Don (Marlyn) Barickman, Mrs Roy (Janell) Mace, Mrs. Annetta Renstrom, and Mrs. David (Saramae) Parrott, Mrs. Ronald (Donna Lee) Swenson, and Mrs. Lothar (Joyce) Gronau, all of Rockford; 23 grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Homer (Ruth) Palmer, Ridott, and Mrs. Don (Lois) Sweet, Rockford, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, two sons, and a daughter.
Services at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in Elzie R. Ulrey Chapel Of The Chimes, 7000 W. State Street with the Rev. Albert Wagner, associate pastor of Court Street United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Freinds may call from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

some names may be a little mispelled the obit was not in very clear.

Laura married Louis MAGIN in 1918 in Belvidere, Boone Co., Illinois. Louis died FEB 26, 1963 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

55. Ruth Edith RIDGEWAY (Blanche Mary STEFFA¹⁸, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born FEB 14, 1901 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died OCT 28, 1995 in Durand, Winnebago Co., IL at age 94, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Register Star, Sunday 10-29-1995
DURAND — Ruth E. Palmer, 94. of Durand died at 2:05 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 1995, In Medina Manor Nursing Home after a short Illness. Born Feb. 14,1901 in Leaf River, daughter of William and Blanche Steffa Ridgeway. Lived six months in Durand, coming from Chadwick. Married to Homer Palmer in Oregon on May 22,1918. Member of St. James Lutheran Church in Forreston and very active in various church organizations. Graduate of Lightsville School. Survivors: two daughters, Loretta (Bill) Fry, Rockford, and LaVada (Chester) Robinson, Vallojo, Calif.; special grandson, Bob (Janice) Palmer, Durand; a sister, Lois (Donald) Sweet, Rockford; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by parents, her husband, four sons. Earl, Roy, Harry and Donald; a grandson, Gary Wayne Love; a great-grandson, Daniel Lee Palmer, a brother and five sisters.
Services at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at St. James Lutheran Church, Forreston, with the Rev. Dan Johnson, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church In Durand, officiating. Burial in Silver Creek Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. to time of services Monday. Memorials to St. James Church. Arrangements by MCCORKLE LTD. FUNERAL HOME, 101 Main St, Durand.

Noted events in her life were:

• Soc Sec Num: 340-72-5518.

Ruth married Homer PALMER MAY 22, 1918. Homer was born SEP 11, 1895 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died MAY 1, 1965 at age 69, and was buried in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

56. Edna Viola RIDGEWAY (Blanche Mary STEFFA¹⁸, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born JAN 21, 1904 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died AUG 13, 1969 in Oregon, Ogle, IL at age 65, and was buried in Egan Cemetery, Leaf River Twp, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Morning Star 8-16-1969
Rauch-- Mrs. Edna V. Rauch, 65, Oregon, died at 10:45 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1969, in Warmolt's Clinic, after a short illness. Born Jan. 21, 1904, in Leaf River, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ridgeway. Lived four years in Oregon, coming here from the Byron area. Married to Herman Rauch in Rockford, March 1, 1922. Attended schools in Leaf River. Surviving include six sons, Herman Jr., Roy, Roger, all of Rockford; Donald, and James, of Oregon, and Ray , Kansas City, MO.; three daughters, Mrs. John Britsch, Seward, Mrs. Fred Helton, Rockford, and Mrs. Rudy Mammen Jr., Oregon; 24 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
Services at 2 p.m. Saturday in Bakener - Morrison Funeral Home, Byron, with Rev. Fredrick Hinchelwood, pastor of Bethany Methodist Church, officiating. Burial in Egan Cemetery.

Edna married Herman Harry RAUCH MAR 1, 1922 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL. Herman was born APR 9, 1897, died APR 1, 1965 in Oregon, Ogle, IL at age 67, and was buried in Egan Cemetery, Leaf River Twp, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Brother to Fred

Rockford Morning Star 4-3-1965
Rauch---- Herman H. Rauch, 67, R. R. 2, Oregon, died at 6 a.m. Thursday April 1, 1965, in his home after a short illness. Born April 9, 1897 in Homwalt, Tenn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Rauch. Lived four years in the Byron area. Married to Edna Ridgeway in Rockford March 1, 1922. Employed as a farmer. Veteran of World War 1 serving in France and Germany. Charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mount Morris. Attended Tennessee schools. Survivors include: widow, Edna; six sons, Herman Jr., New Milford, Donald serving in the air force, Duluth, Minn, Roy and Roger, Rockford, Ray, Kansas City, Mo., James stationed with the Army at Ft. Riley, Kan.; three daughters, Mrs. John Britsch, Seward, Mrs. Fred Helton, Rockford, and Mrs. Rudy Mammen, Oregon; three brothers, Harry in California, Fred, Pecatonica, and Clark, Rockford; one sister, Mrs. Clifford Brown, Dixon; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services at 2 p.m. Sunday in Bakenser-Morrison Funeral Home, Byron, with the Rev. William Johnson pastor of the Bethany Methodist Church, Rockford, officiating. Burial in Egan Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Noted events in his life were:

• Soc Sec Num: 329-12-8549.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 89 F    i. Arvilla Margaret RAUCH was born NOV 11, 1925 and died FEB 20, 2005 at age 79.

+ 90 M    ii. Herman Harry RAUCH Jr. was born FEB 28, 1927 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died NOV 19, 1992 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 65, and was buried in Cremated.

   91 M    iii. Donald Eugene RAUCH was born JUL 18, 1929 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, died DEC 7, 1998 in Oregon, Ogle, IL at age 69, and was buried in Cremated.

General Notes: Telegraph 12-9-1998
Oregon -- Donald E. Rauch, 69, of Oregon, died Monday, Dec. 7, 1998 in Hines, V.A. Hospital in Hines. He served in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years, retiring in 1968 and was then employed as a Sheriff's Deputy in Ogle County until 1984.
He was born on July 18, 1929 in Leaf River to Herman and Edna (Ridgeway) Rauch. He married Ruby Early on May 11, 1952 in Clovis, N.M. She preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 1991.
He was a Korean War Veteran and a member of Oregon VFW Post 8739
Survivors include two sons, Bill (Mari) Rauch of Las Vegas, Nev. and Dennis (Maria) Rauch of Oregon; one daughter, Diana (Marvin) Leopold of Cottontown, Tenn.; four grandchildren; four brothers, Roy of Rockford, Ray of Grand View, MO., Jim of Omaha, N.B. and Roger of Ashton and two sisters, Betty Britch of Seward and Arvella Helton of Loves Park.
Memorial Services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Farrell-Holland Funeral Home in Oregon with Rev. Tracy Singleton, pastor of the Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris, officiating. There will be no visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded.
A memorial has been established.

+ 92 M    iv. Ray Willis RAUCH was born MAY 30, 1934 and died DEC 26, 2003 at age 69.

+ 93 F    v. Linda Lou RAUCH was born NOV 24, 1938 and died SEP 16, 1989 at age 50.

+ 94 M    vi. James Lee RAUCH ⁵ was born OCT 19, 1940 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL and died MAY 15, 2000 in Omaha, Douglas Co., NE at age 59.

57. Evelyn Mae RIDGEWAY (Blanche Mary STEFFA¹⁸, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born MAY 5, 1907, died JAN 28, 1973 in Pecatonica, Winnebago Co., IL at age 65, and was buried in Twelve Mile Cem, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Register Star (Monday 1-29-1973)
Rauch-Mrs. Evelyn May Rauch, 65, Rt. 2, Pecatonica, died at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, 1973, in Americana Nursing Home, Rockford, after a long illness. Born May 5, 1907, in Leaf River, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ridgeway. Lived 30 years in Pecatonica, coming here from Byron. Married to Fred Rauch in Rockford, Oct. 1, 1925. Attended Leaf River and Lightsville Schools. Survivors include; her husband, Fred, Pecatonica; three daughters, Mrs. Reinhardt (Evelyn) Jacobson, and Mrs. Virgie Lameyer, both of Rockford, Mrs. George (Darlene) Stoker, Huntington Beach, Calif., and two sons, Lawrence, Dakota and Leroy, Rt. 2, Pecatonica; 11 grandchildren; and a great-grandson; and three sisters, Mrs. Laura Magin, and Mrs. Lois Sweet, both of Rockford and Mrs. Ruth Palmer, Lena. Preceded in death by a daughter, a brother, and three sisters.
Services at 1:30p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, in Kenneth L. Countryman Funeral Home, 529 Washington St., Pecatonica, with the Rev. Donald Turner, pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, Rockford, officiating. Burial in Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery, Pecatonica. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7:30p.m. to 9p.m. Tuesday. A memorial fund in her name has been established for the American Cancer Society.

Evelyn married Fred Herman RAUCH OCT 1, 1925. Fred was born AUG 27, 1900 in Homwalt, died MAR 23, 1983 in Pecatonica, Winnebago Co., IL at age 82, and was buried in Twelve Mile Cem, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: brother to Herman

Rockford Register Star (Friday 3-25-1983)
RAUCH --- Fred H. Rauch, 82, RR 2, Pecatonica, died at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 1983, in Rockford Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Born Aug. 27, 1900, in Homwalt, Tenn., son of Herman and Margaret Burnett Rauch. Lived 40 years in Pecatonica, moving there from Byron. Married Evelyn Ridgeway in Rockford Oct. 1, 1925. Self employed as a farmer in Pecatonica, retiring in 1981. Survivors include two sons, Leroy, Pearl City, and Lawrence, Pecatonica; two daughters, Virgie Lameyer, Rockford and Darlene Stroker, Huntington Beach, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; two brothers, Clark, Rockford and Harry, Diamond Bar, Calif.; and a sister Anna Brown, Dixon. Predeceased by his wife, Evelyn, and two daughters, Violet Crowley and Evelyn Mae Jacobson.
Services at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, in McCorkle Funeral Home, 203 W. 5th St., Pecatonica, with the Rev. Phillip R. Kellerman, pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, Rockford, officiating. Burial in Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home.

Noted events in his life were:

• Employment: Farmer.

• Retiered: 1981.

59. Kenneth C. LIZER (Edith Maude STEFFA²¹, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born MAY 20, 1913 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois and died NOV 1, 1997 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 84.

General Notes: Rockford Register Star, Tuesday 11-4-1997
Kenneth C. Lizer, 84, of Rockford, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 1997, in Willows on Main after a long illness. Born May 20, 1913, in Byron, son of Charles P. and Edith M. Steffa Lizer. Married Maxine Diamond in Rockford on Oct. 5, 1940. Retired from Welders Supply Co. in 1982 after 42 years. Veteran of World War 11, serving in the U.S. Army. Member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, where he was very active with youth activities, Sunday School, Choir, and church council for many years. Former president of American Welding Society. Survivors include wife, Maxine; sons, Kenneth C. (Kathy) Lizer Jr. of Fort Wayne, Ind., Stephen C. (Linda) Lizer and Paul (Mary Kay) Lizer, both of Rockford; nine grandchildren, Julie, Scott, Michael, Sarah, Erin, Emily, Kristen, Garrett, and Betsy; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by infant son Terry David; and parents.
Services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, with Rev. James Bornzin officiating. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov 4, in Delehanty Funeral Home Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park. Memorials to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd; or, Humane Society, Box 7722, Rockford, IL 61126

61. Fay L. STEFFA (Floyd Lewis²⁵, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born OCT 28, 1917 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL, died DEC 8, 2010 at age 93, and was buried in DEC 2010 in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Directory 1955
Steffa Fay L. (Shirley R.) forman Ingersoll Milling Mach house 2204 Melrose


Fay Steffa | Visit Guest Book

FAY L. STEFFA, 93 ROCKFORD - Fay L. Steffa, 93, of Rockford died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, in PA Peterson Center for Health. Born Oct. 28, 1917, in Rockford, the son of Frances (Lind) and Floyd Steffa. Fay married Shirley R. Rackey on July 12, 1947, in Flint, Mich.; she died Aug. 11, 2003. He graduated from Rockford High School, Class of 1935, and he worked as a machinist at Ingersoll from 1935 to 1984. Member of Third Presbyterian Church, was active with the Scottish Rite Masons and a Shriner for many years. Fay's hobbies included trains and baseball. Survived by daughters, Wendy Spielman of Loves Park and Polly Minnier of Rockford; sister, Beverly Nichols of Rockford; six grandchildren; 14 great-grand-children; and one great-great-grandson. Also predeceased by three brothers and three sisters. Service at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec.13, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., with visitation from 9 to 9:45 a.m.; the Rev. Dr. Murray Hanson will officiate. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family.

Fay married Shirley R. RACKEY JUL 12, 1948 in Flint, Mich. Shirley was born FEB 10, 1920 in Ontario, Canada, died AUG 11, 2003 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 83, and was buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Register Star, Wednesday 8-13-2003
Rockford- Shirley R. Steffa, 83, of Rockford died at 10:25 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, in Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born Feb. 10, 1920 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, to Jerry and Grace (McKay) Rackey. A Rockford resident since 1948, coming from Flint, Mich. Graduate of Central High School in Flint. Married Fay L. Steffa on July 12, 1947, in Flint. Memeber of Third Presbyterian Church. Shirley was active in the Women's Bowling League in Rockford. Member of the American Business Women's Association. She was a pink lady volunteer at Rockford Memorial Hospital for many years. Survivors include husband, Fay; daughters, Wendy Spielman and Polly Minnier, both of Rockford area; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents; and brother, Gerold Rackey.
Services at 11 a.m. Friday Aug. 15, in Fred C. Olsen Funeral Chapels Ltd., East Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., with the Rev. Dr. Murray Hanson officiating. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. before services Friday in East Chapel.

62. Ronald STEFFA (Floyd Lewis²⁵, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born in 1919, died in 1993 at age 74, and was buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Directory 1955 Steffa Ronald R. (Beulah) mgr Ralson Lockers house 817 15th Ave

Ronald married Beulah HALL. Beulah was born in 1919, died in 2002 at age 83, and was buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 95 M    i. David STEFFA was born AUG 24, 1946 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL and died NOV 15, 2011 in Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL at age 65.

   96 M    ii. Dennis STEFFA was born in 1945, died in 2004 at age 59, and was buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

63. Earl Lynn STEFFA (Floyd Lewis²⁵, Samuel E.⁵, Joseph¹) was born NOV 13, 1913, died MAR 25, 1975 at age 61, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

General Notes: Rockford Directory 1935
Steffa, Earl works elevator operator Mfrs Bk Bldg, resides 317 S. Winnebago.
1955 employed Barber-Colman house 2301 N. Court

Noted events in his life were:

• Social Security Number: 327-10-9054.

64. Roger STEFFA (Alvin A.²⁶, Nehemiah Lewis⁸, Joseph¹) was born NOV 9, 1935 in Oregon, Ogle, IL and died FEB 9, 1998 in Oregon, Ogle, IL at age 62.

General Notes: The Dixon Telegraph 2-10-1998

Oregon-- Roger W. Steffa, 62, of Oregon, died Monday, Feb 9, 1998 in Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. He had been employed by Woods Mfg., Oregon Foundry, Oregon Piano Factory, and Helle Hardwoods, prior to his retirement.
He was born on Nov. 9, 1935 in Oregon to Alvin and Marie (Beard) Steffa.
Survivors include four daughters, Becky Merritt of Mount Morris, Teresa (Eric) Grover of Chana, Donna (Doug) Harriett, and Cheyenne Ludwick, both of Oregon; one stepdaughter Michelle Goodrum of Oregon; one step- son Matthew Goodrum of Texas; two brothers Robert of Oregon, And Don (Jackie) of Mt. Olive; two sisters, Florence Kump and Bev Rumour, both of Mount Morris, and nine grandchildren.
There will be no funeral services. Cremation rights will be accorded. Visitation will take place Wed. form 6 to 8 p.m. in Farrall-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Oregon. A memorial has been established.

Noted events in his life were:

• Social Security Number: 355-28-4443.

Roger married someone.

65. Richard Lee McNAMES (Leta V. STEFFA³⁰, Nehemiah Lewis⁸, Joseph¹) was born SEP 2, 1931 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois, died SEP 11, 1986 in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois at age 55, and was buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: CPL US ARMY KOREA

Rochelle News 9-16-1986

Byron-- Funeral services for Richard Lee McNames, 55, were held Monday at Morrison-Genadt Funeral Home with rev. W. Earl appleby, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiating.
Burial was in Byron Cemetery. Mr. McNames died Thursday in his home after a brief illness.
He was born Sep. 2, 1931, in Byron to George "Roy" and Leta Steffa McNames. He married Evelyn Lameyer in Freeport on Dec. 12, 1959.
He was employed as a set -up man in welding in the assembly department of Kysor of Byron for 21 years.
He was a Army Veteran, serving in Germany from 1952 to 1954. He was also a member of Philip Cafagna American Legion Post 209 in Byron.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Richard Lee of Byron; a daughter Lindsey Delores Ann Jones of Rockford; a stepson Thomas James Lovell of Freeport; a grandson and two granddaughters; a sister, Donald (Frances) Huston ; two brothers, Everett and Ralph of Byron, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister 1986.

Richard married Evelyn LAMEYER DEC 12, 1959 in Freeport, Stephenson, IL. Evelyn was born FEB 9, 1926, died APR 12, 1997 at age 71, and was buried in Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL.

General Notes: Byron paper 4-22-1997
Rockton-- Evelyn T. McNames, 70, formally of Byron, died April 12, 1997, in her home following a long illness.
She was born Feb. 9, 1926. She married Richard Lee McNames in Freeport on Dec. 12, 1926. He died Sept. 11, 1986.
Mrs. McNames worked for Kysor Western Manufacturing in Byron in the welding assembly department for 20 years retiring in 1992.
Surviving include one son, Richard Lee McNames of Rockton; one daughter, Deloris Jones of Rockton; one brother, George (Lela) Lameyer of Rockford; and one granddaughter, Heather McNames of Rockford. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Edna.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron, with the Rev. Robert Chambers officiating. Burial will be in Byron Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, in the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established.

The child from this marriage was:

   97 M    i. Richard Lee McNAMES Jr. died in SEP 1986.

66. Geraldine FOUCH (George Earl FOUCH³³, Laura Amelia STEFFA⁹, Joseph¹) was born SEP 2, 1906 in Mt. Morris, Ogle County, IL and died DEC 20, 1993 in Joliet, IL at age 87.

Geraldine married Alelbert STILER in 1927. Alelbert was born AUG 27, 1907 and died FEB 15, 1989 in Cornell, WI at age 81.

67. Louis CASPERS (Sarah Ellen FOUCH³⁴, Laura Amelia STEFFA⁹, Joseph¹) was born JUN 15, 1904 and died MAY 10, 1988 in Rochelle, Ogle Co., IL at age 83.

Send E-mail to strow73@yahoo.com
Send mail to:
Sharon Strow
519 IL RT 2 lot 16
Dixon Il 61021

Back to Top