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Eldon B. “Tom” “Punkin” Zink

Eldon B. “Tom” “Punkin” Zink, age 58, of Savanna, Illinois, died Friday, July 31, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the Spring Lake Cemetery in Savanna. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Eldon was born June 28, 1951, the son of Robert and Lucille (Green) Zink at the Savanna City Hospital. He attended school in Savanna and Thomson, Illinois, where he graduated with the Thomson Class of 1970. Eldon worked at several local taverns. He also enjoyed working on cars. Eldon worked for Metform for over twenty years as the shipping and receiving coordinator.

Eldon married Sharon Ritchie on October 18, 1986 in Thomson. They had their daughter Annie June on November 18, 1991. Eldon loved his dogs, camping, tractors, his fifty-seven Chevy, Elvis, collecting McDonalds plates, decorating for Christmas, auctions, watching W.W.E and his favorite event was the annual Allis Run. But most of all Eldon cherished cookouts with friends and family.

Eldon is survived by his wife, daughter; three brothers, Dennis (Connie) Zink of Savanna, Robert (Georginia) Zink of Savanna, Terry (Lorraine) Zink of Phoenix, Arizona; two sisters, Janice (Stanley) Westerman of Savanna; Beulah Stingley (Edward Wildman) of Indiana.

Eldon is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; cousins; and several aunts and uncles.

Douglas A. Spencer, Jr.

Douglas A. Spencer, Jr. ; 84, of Largo, Florida passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Woodside Hospice Villas in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Douglas was born on January 19, 1925 in Alameda, California to parents Douglas and Margaret Spencer. Douglas received his B.A. degree in Business Administration from Armstrong College in Berkeley, CA. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943-1945 as a 1st Lt., Navigator in the 8th Air Force (WWII). Douglas’ career was in the retail music industry working for Sherman Clay & Co.in San Francisco, CA and the Hammond Organ Company.

Douglas married Priscilla E. Gettle on June 20, 1947 in Alameda, California. Priscilla passed away on January 28, 1984. Douglas remarried on April 5, 1989 to Ellen Rathbone.

He is survived by his wife Ellen Rathbone Spencer of Largo, Florida; his daughter Susan (Kurt) Atherton of Lanark, IL; his grandchildren, Jessica Atherton (Matt Zumdahl) of Lanark and Spencer Atherton of Lanark. He is also survived by his brother, William F. (Nadine) Spencer of Walnut Creek, CA. and 3 nephews and 1 niece.

Douglas was predeceased in death by his parents, wife Priscilla E. Spencer and son William D. Spencer.

Private family services will be held at a later date for the scattering of his ashes under the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the wonderful care provided to Douglas by the staff at the Woodside Hospice Villas of Pinellas Park, Florida.

Chelsea Lea Toot

Chelsea Lea Toot, age 17, of Elizabeth,Illinois, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2009 as a result of a car accident.

Visitation will be held from 3:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth Illinois. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church, Elizabeth, Illinois. Burial will be in the Elizabeth Cemetary immediately following the funeral service.

Chelsea participated in football and basketball cheerleading and was a member of the Boomerang Club at River Ridge School. She was also preparing for her second year in the JoDavies County Fair Pageant. In 2008 she won the People's Choice Award and Miss Congeniality.

Chelsea Lea Loved Life and Lived Life to the Fullest during her 17 short years with her family and friends. Her Smile lit up the room, her laughter and Love of Life was Contagious!

Chelsea will be dearly missed by her parents Scott and Brenda Toot and her sisters Katelyn and Britnea Toot of Elizabeth; Maternal Grandparents, Lois and Charles Petsche of Stockton and Harold Scace of Woodbine; Paternal Grandparents, Ronald and Angela Toot of Winnebago; Paternal Great Grandmother, Vera Hawley of Elizabeth; five Uncles, Brian (Char) Scace of Galena, Junior (Kim) Scace of Woodbine, Kenneth Toot of Rockford, Keith Toot of Rockford, Steven (Tanya) Toot of Erie Colorado; eight beloved cousins; many Great-aunts and Uncles and numerous other family members and friends. She Loved Everybody, With All of Her Heart. She was an Angel in Life as well as in death.

Chelsea was preceded in death by her cousin, Marissa Scace and her Great Grand Parents.

Online Condolences and Memorial Tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com A Memorial Fund has been established in Chelsea's Memory at the Elizabeth State Bank.

William Frank Weaks

William Frank Weaks, age 75, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, died on Sunday, July 26, 2009, at the Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at the Mt. Carroll Church of God. Burial will be in the Leon Cemetery, rural Prophetstown, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the Frank – Law – Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. A memorial fund has been established in Frank’s memory. Online condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Frank was born on February 20, 1934, in Thomson, Illinois, the son of William Leroy and Louise (North) Weaks. He married Louise P. Stewart on December 24, 1956, at the family farm in Hanover, Illinois.

Frank worked as a diesel mechanic for 25 years at Farm Service in Albany, Illinois, and for Herman – Nelson in Morrison, Illinois. Frank enjoyed overhauling tractors and built three homes and two cabins, doing all of the electrical and plumbing work himself. He was a family man first who enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Canada. Frank was a member of the Mt. Carroll Church of God.

Frank is survived by his wife Louise Weaks of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; two daughters, Cynthia (Robert) Houzenga of Camanche, Iowa, and Robin Weaks of Mt. Carroll; one son, Ronald (Sharon) Weaks of Fulton, Illinois; one brother, Henry Leroy Weaks of Lyndon, Illinois; five grandchildren, Jeremy, Andrew, Amanda, Tiffany and Damien; two great – grandchildren, Brianna and Joaquin; and several nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Penny Lynn Weaks; and two sisters, Tillie Louise Mulnix and Viola Mae Woodin.

Thor V. Gunnarsson

Thor V. Gunnarsson, age 60 of Grand Terrace, California, formerly of Savanna, Illinois, died on Friday, July 17, 2009 at the Loma Linda V.A. Hospital, Loma Linda, California after a sudden illness. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial of his cremated remains will take place in the Savanna Township Cemetery, Savanna. Online memorials and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Thor was born in Reykjavik, Iceland on November 7, 1948, the son of Borgthor V. and Asta B. (Thordardottir) Gunnarsson. He was brought to America as an infant when his parents immigrated here. The family spent their first years in Boston, then Houston and New York before they settled in Savanna in 1957. Thor was a graduate of Savanna High School, Class of 1967. As a boy he was active in sports; he loved to fish, camp and water ski on the Mississippi River. He was the quarterback of the Savanna Indians football team that tied for the Illowa Conference Championship his senior year.

Thor received his bachelor's degree with honors in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 1971, where he was 4-year ROTC. He received his master's degree in engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1973. He completed Air Force pilot training in 1973 and became a pilot in the USAF, Strategic Air Command. He was stationed principally at Loring AFB in Maine, but was also stationed in Thailand, Guam, Alaska, Scotland, and briefly in Iran, before being finally stationed in southern California. He left the military after 15 years with the rank of Major. His last military assignments were as a flight instructor on KC-135 aircraft at March AFB while he provided ground assistance at Edwards AFB in relation to development of the B-1 bomber. After the Air Force, Thor was a pilot with Continental Airlines until he retired in 2005. His last routes were 757's flown out of Los Angeles. He loved everything about aircraft.

Thor married Gail Macro, in Maine, in 1977. When Thor flew for the airline, Gail used to meet him at the airport when his flight was complete. She was at his bedside when he died.

Thor is survived by his wife, Gail, his stepchildren, Pam, Lori and Terry, two grandsons, Tony and, Austin; two brothers, Val Gunnarsson and Gunnar (Helen) Gunnarsson; nieces Jill and Marianne and his nephew, Erik. Thor was preceded in death by his parents.

Betty J. Divelbiss

Betty J. Divelbiss, age 81, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, died Thursday, July 16, 2009 at the FHN Memorial Hospital, Freeport, Illinois. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mount Carroll with Reverend Robert Ziebarth of the 1st Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society in Betty’s memory. Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com

Betty was born on March 4, 1928 in Polo, Illinois to Clyde and Myrtle (Parker) Morgan, Sr.. She attended the Mount Carroll Schools. Betty married Lee Divelbiss on May 6, 1946 in Mt. Carroll. She was employed by the Savanna Army Depot for several years. Betty was also the Court Bailiff for five years at the Carroll County Courthouse and a Deputy for 10 years. She was the Facilities Director at the Campbell Center in Mt. Carroll for ten years.

Betty was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Mt. Carroll. She loved playing Bingo and most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren.

Betty will be dearly missed by her daughter, Diana Preston of Mt. Carroll; two grandsons, Randy (Monica) Preston of Corinth, Texas and Russell (Brenda) Preston of Savanna, Illinois; two great grandchildren, Jarek and Brianna Preston; a brother, Douglas (Lillian) Morgan of Camanche, Iowa; and a sister, Margaret (Marvin) Bausman of Riverview, Illinois. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Lee; both parents, a brother, Clyde Morgan, Jr.; and two great grandsons, Kyle and Zachary Preston.

Richard J. Endre

Richard J. Endre, age 51, of Savanna, Illinois, died Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Private burial will take place at a later date. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Rich was born on August 8, 1958, the son of Robert and Carol (Wolf) Endre in Chicago, Illinois. He attended school in Chicago. Rich loved tinkering and working on cars. He especially enjoyed building and working on motorcycles. Rich enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Iron Horse Social Club, Savanna. Most of all he loved spending time with his fiancé, Kathy.

Rich will be dearly missed by his fiancé, Kathy Brazeau of Savanna; his mother Carol Endre of Mount Carroll, Illinois; two sisters, Barbara (John) McNamara of Savanna and Susan (Bradley) Robbins of Libertyville, Illinois; and two nephews, Victor and Vincent. Rich was preceded in death by his father, Robert.

Wayne C. Offenhiser

Wayne C. Offenhiser, 62, of Pearl City died Thursday July 16, 2009 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born on May 10, 1947 in Freeport, a son of Reynold and Vivian (Barklow) Offenhiser.

Wayne was a retired truck driver, and a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kent, and the Pearl City Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his mother Vivian Offenhiser of Pearl City, one sister; Darlene Janssen of Freeport, nieces and nephews, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Monday July 20, 2009 at the Offenheiser-Schwarz Funeral Home in Pearl City with Rev. Carole Andres of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Sunday July 19 at Offenheiser-Schwarz Funeral Home with a Masonic Service at 7:00 pm. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Joshua Matthew Osborn

Joshua Matthew Osborn, age 27, of Savanna, Illinois, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009 in Bettendorf, Iowa as a result of a train accident in Bettendorf, Iowa. A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, with a time of sharing memories to be held at 7:00 p.m.. Memorials may be given in Joshua’s honor for his family. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Josh was born August 27, 1981 in Sterling, Illinois, the son of Steve and Jill (Pursell) Osborn. He is a 1999 graduate of the Savanna High School and attended Highland Community College, Freeport. Josh served his country as a Marine, attaining the rank of Sargeant during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a member of the Savanna VFW. Josh enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls. Most important to Josh was spending time with his daughter Kaliann, his fiancé Jennifer, and her daughter Bailey.

Josh will be dearly missed by his fiancé, Jennifer Schreiner, of Savanna; one daughter, Kaliann Schreiner and Jennifer’s daughter Bailey Baker, both at home in Savanna; his mother, Jill (Jamie) Foster of Corning, Arkansas; his father, Steve (Elsa) Osborn of Sterling, Illinois; his grandmother, Wilma “Tootie” Pursell of Corning; one sister, Stephanie (Casey) Valladares of Savanna, one step – sister, Samantha (Angel) Lopez of Louisville, Kentucky; two step – brothers, Lee (Andrea) Sandoval of Reno, Nevada, and Dallas Ellis of Sterling, Illinois; Special family friends, Bubba and Margo Hull of Savanna; three nieces, Carsen Osborn, Mariah Valladares, and Alexis Ellis; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Josh is preceded in death by two grandfathers, one grandmother, two cousins.

Andrew Richard Reed

Andrew Richard Reed, age 27, of Savanna, Illinois died Tuesday, July 14, 2009 as a result of a train accident in Bettendorf, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 18 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna, with Father David Austin as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 17 at St. John’s Church Hall. A memorial fund has been established for Andrew’s family. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.
Andrew was born June 24, 1982, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Richard and Ramona (Ritchie) Reed. He graduated from Savanna High School with the Class of 2000. He attended Highland Community College in Freeport, Illinois, and also Hamilton Technical School in Davenport, Iowa.

Andrew was a loving father and adored his daughter Brynn and Delaney. He worked for the Dakota, Minnessota & Eastern Railroad as a conductor. He enjoyed playing sports and boating on the Mississippi River. Andrew was known by his friends as “Reed-o” and “Sweet-Meat”.

Andrew is survived and lovingly remembered by his fiancé, Jamie Diercks, their daughter, Brynn and her daughter Delaney Holmes, all of Savanna, Illinois; his mother, Ramona and John Coffey of Argyle, Wisconsin; his father, Richard “Dick” Reed of Moline, Illinois; three sisters, Jennifer and Julio Ortiz of Tooele, Utah, Susan Reed and Gus Castango of Grantsville, Utah, and Katie Reed of Savanna; his maternal grandparents, Boyd and Sally Ritchie of Savanna; two half – sisters, Rachel Reed and Ashley Reed, both of Platteville, Wisconsin; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Andrew was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Milo and Rose Reed; a sister at birth, Sarah; and an uncle, Raymond Ritchie.

Jane M. Smith

Jane M. Smith, 86, of Belleair Bluffs, FL. formally of Savanna, IL. died on the evening of July 4, 2009, after losing battle with Cancer.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 18, 2009 at Savanna Township Cemetery, Savanna, IL. Family & friends will gather at 11:00 am at House of Events, Savanna. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in Jane’s name.

Jane was born in 1923, in Savanna, the daughter of Lawrence and Ruth (Gillogly) Miller. She was united in marriage to Stewart Smith in Las Vegas, NV. He preceded her in death.

Jane was the descendant of one of the original settlers of Savanna; she attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade. After graduating from Savanna High School in 1940, Jane went to work as an assistant to Dr. L.B. Hussey.

She met her husband, Stu, during World War II. After the war, they married and traveled extensively around the United States before settling back in Savanna where her husband became co-owner and eventual owner of the local Ramble/Dodge car dealership. Jane and her sister-in-law, Reva Doty (Miller), bought and operated a small grocery store on Chicago Avenue for several years. After selling the Grocery, Jane ran the local Credit Bureau Office on Main Street before selling the business and going to work for The National Bank of Savanna in 1969.

Jane remained an employee of the bank for many years working as a Teller, Loan Officer, Credit Supervisor and eventually Assistant Vice President. In addition to her banking duties, she handled public relations activities as a representative of the bank. She was also active in the Presbyterian Church.

Jane was a civic leader in the true meaning of the work. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother as well as Treasurer of the Carroll County Heart Association for eight years, a member of the City Hospital Auxiliary, the "Taste of Savanna" Planning Committee, and the Savanna Main Street Project Committee as well as an original member of the Highland Community College District Strategic Planning Council. She was also honored as a life member of the Savanna Chamber of Commerce.

Dedicated to the economic well being of Savanna, she was Chairman of the Camber of Commerce's Industrial/Economic Development Committee, Business Development Officer for the First Illinois Bank and a member of the Carroll Country Economic Development Group. She received the Savanna Rotary Club's first "Outstanding Achievement Award" for her efforts in Economic Development and Tourism promotion. In her spare time her hobbies were reading, genealogy and baking.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Wayne (Kinnear), Clearwater, FL., Randy (Christine) Rock Island; her two grandchildren, Blake and Madison; her sister-in-law Reva Doty (Miller) of Savanna, IL. and many nieces& nephews. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, John Miller.

Rev. Robert (Bob) L. Schubert

Reverend Robert (Bob) L. Schubert of Lanark went home to be with the Lord at the age of 94 on July 8, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Frank- Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 13 at the Mt. Carroll Church of God with Rev. Russell

Birdsall, Huntington, Indiana and Rev. Clair Lathrop, First Brethren Church, Lanark officiating. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Bob was born on June 30, 1915 on a farm south of Stockton, Illinois to Henry and Aletha Schubert. Bob’s father died when he was 4 years old. He and his mother then lived with her brother, Chalmer Law, on a farm outside of Hampton, Iowa. His mother then died when he was 8 years old. Bob went to live with his father’s brother, John Schubert and family for the next 5 years and then returned to live with Chalmer Law until he graduated from high school in 1933.

Bob worked on his uncle’s farm for 3 years before he started farming near Mt. Carroll where he met and married Mayme Randecker Law. They farmed very successfully for 27 years. Bob was very active in the community and served as township supervisor for 14 years. In 1962 Bob went into the ministry at the United Brethren Church in Des Moines, Iowa where he attended Drake University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Drake in 1967. Bob was transferred to the United Brethren Church in Manlius, Illinois where he served for 3 years. He was then transferred back to the church in Des Moines, Iowa where he served for 11 years from 1970 to 1981. Bob received his Master’s Degree in Religious Leadership from Drake in 1976. He served as Conference Superintendent of Rock River Conference for several years during his ministry. During his marriage to Mayme, they raised their daughter Joyce, and also helped raise five foster children. They also traveled throughout the United States and several countries including a thirty-one day trip to the Holy Land where they visited many sites referenced in the Bible.

Bob then retired and he and Mayme moved back to Mt. Carroll to be near Mayme’s sister. He didn’t stay retired very long, though, when he was asked to be pastor at Woodland United Brethren church outside Mt. Carroll. He served as pastor there for 5 years. He then served as an associate pastor at the Lanark First Brethren Church. Mayme died in July 1998 at the age of 85. In August of 1999, Bob married Joyce Wolf at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He retired again as associate pastor in October 2001. During his time back in Mt. Carroll he also served as chaplain at the Good Samaritan Care Center for 20 years. After being “retired” for one year he was asked to become pastor at Center Hill United Brethren Church between Mt.Carroll and Savanna where he served until December 2007. He then retired for the last time. He was in good health until November of 2008 when he underwent surgery. He was making a good recovery but then suffered a setback and was a resident of the nursing home for the last 3 months of his life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce of Lanark; his daughter, Joyce Broderick of Altoona, IA; one step-son, Ransom Wolf; a grandson Brian Broderick of Dayton, OH; a granddaughter Brenda (David) Decker of Clive, IA; and three great grandchildren, Tiffany (Michael) Kuhn, Zachary Broderick and Rowan Decker. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother and step-son, Wayne Wolf.

Margaret G. Wing

Margaret G. Wing, age 93, of Elizabeth, Illinois, died on Monday, July 13, 2009, at the Elizabeth Nursing Home. A funeral service will be held on at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009, at the Law - Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth. Burial will follow in the Welsh Hollow Cemetery in Woodbine, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Margaret was born on January 23, 1916, in Stockton, Illinois, Thompson Township, the daughter of William E. and Grace A. (Crackenberger) Roberts. She attended the Union School in Thompson Township. Margaret was married to Samuel Wing on December 31, 1961, in Stockton. He preceded her in death on July 1, 1999.

Margaret was a homemaker and she and Samuel farmed together most of their lives in the Stockton area. She was a member of the Jo Daviess County Home Bureau Woodbine Unit and attended the bible study at the Nazerine Church in Stockton. Margaret enjoyed sewing, reading and tending to her apple orchard.

Margaret is survived by one niece, Rojean Albrecht; eight nephews, Gary Roberts, Jerry Roberts, Darrell Roberts, Marion Roberts, Robert Breed, Kermit Breed, Robert Wing and Richard Wing; one sister - in - law, Marian “Betty” Roberts of Stockton, Illinois; as well as many great and great - great nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Samuel Wing; one sister, Ruth Breed; two brothers, William and Harold Roberts; a niece, Darlene McKee; and one nephew, Delbert Roberts.

 

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