Sylvia L. Toepfer

Sylvia L. Toepfer, age 82, of Mount Carroll, Illinois, died on Friday, September 12, 2008 at Morrison Community Hospital, Morrison, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2008 at the Mount Carroll Church of God, Mount Carroll, with Reverend Robert Phelps of Pleasant Valley Church of God, rural Mount Carroll, officiating. A Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at the Carroll Church of God, Mount Carroll. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Churches of God, General Conference, Haiti Mission Fund in Sylvia’s memory. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Sylvia was born on July 23, 1926, the daughter of Otto and Ida (Breneman) Heitkam, in Davis, Illinois. She attended school in Dakota, Illinois and graduated with the Class of 1944. Sylvia married Lowell D. Toepfer on October 15, 1950, in Davis, Illinois.

After graduating high school, and before getting married, Sylvia worked at Burgess Battery, Structo Manufacturing, and was a Bookkeeper for the Freeport Farm Bureau in Freeport, Illinois. Sylvia then worked as a Receptionist and Bookkeeper for the Mirror Democrat Newspaper in Mount Carroll for twenty years. She was a longtime member of the Pleasant Valley Church of God, rural Mount Carroll, where she was a Deaconess, played the piano, and taught Sunday School. Sylvia was also a member of the W.C.S.C. Women’s Club at the church. She enjoyed reading, traveling, cooking and gardening. Most of all, Sylvia loved the time she spent with her family.

Sylvia is survived by her husband, Lowell of Mount Carroll; one son, Stan (Vicki) Toepfer of Lanark, Illinois; a daughter, Donna (Victor) Binkley of Bluffton, Indiana; three grandchildren, Joshua (Laura) Toepfer, Trisha (Brian) Berg and Alisha Toepfer; four step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Abigail, Jacob, and Benjamin; ten step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Donald and Roger; and two sisters, Marcella Lentz and Norma Beckmeier.

Larry C. Mason

Larry C. Mason, age 68, of Savanna, Illinois, died Sunday, September 07, 2008, at home. Cremation Rites will be accorded. Online Memorials and Tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Larry was born on March 14, 1940 in Hanover, Illinois, the son of Earl V. and Mildred Audrey (Harkness) Mason. He attended Hanover High School until he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was employed by Drives in Fulton, Illinois for many years. Larry married Joyce Bonnell on July 9, 1980 in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.

Larry enjoyed collecting Lionel Trains; he was a computer buff and an avid reader. But most of all he loved and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Larry will be dearly missed by his wife, Joyce of Savanna; three daughters, Rhonda (Mason) Lampe of Savanna, Audrey Kerker of Dubuque, Iowa, and Ann Richards of Alaska; three sons, Joe Bonnell of Camanche, Iowa, Tom Bonnell of Alabama, and Terry Bonnell of Florida; thirteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and one brother Gayle Taylor of Savanna.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents.

Jerry Robert Ferris

Jerry Robert Ferris, age 64, of Savanna, Illinois, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 after a lengthy battle against Pancreatic Cancer.  A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna, with Father Dennis Atto as Celebrant.  Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Savanna.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2008 at the Law-Jones Funeral, Savanna.  Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com

Jerry was born on January 8, 1944, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Art and Carolyn (Lema) Ferris.  Jerry attended St. John’s Parochial School in Savanna through the eighth grade.  He then graduated from the Savanna High School with the class of 1962. He was a four-time Illinois State Wrestler in high school and placed third his senior year.  He later attended Knox College in Galesburg for a year.  After high school, Jerry worked for the Milwaukee Rail Road for two years.  He then served in the United Sates Army from 1966-1968 as a Sgt. Platoon Leader in Vietnam.  He received the Army Commendation Medal for heroism and bravery in combat, the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star. On October 18, 1969, Jerry married Virginia Kay Blair in Savanna.

Jerry went on to work for Interstate Power Company in the Savanna and Clinton area, as an “Electric Lineman,” for thirty-four years, retiring in 2004.  He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna.  Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters.

Jerry is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Kay Ferris of Savanna; two daughters, Stacy (Michael) Hall of Keller, Texas, Jamie (Brian) Valus of Westerville, Ohio; his mother, Carolyn Ferris of Savanna; two granddaughters, Kelsi Lee and Halli Rose Valus; a sister, Nancy (Bud) Mix of Savanna; and two brothers, Ron (Debbie) Ferris of Savanna, Todd Ferris of South Beloit, Illinois and many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Art; grandparents, Hoyt & Emma Ferris, Joseph & Carmella Lema and Aunt & Uncle Carmella and Harold Schmidt.

Richard “Rich” Lee Zink

Richard “Rich” Lee Zink, age 73, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, died Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2008 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll with Reverend Mark Harkness officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll with full Military Rites accorded by the Mt. Carroll American Legion.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the Funeral Home.  Online condolences and memorial tributes may be sent to the family at  www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Rich was born September 27, 1934 in Pleasant Valley Township on the family farm, the son of Herman and Lucille (Kupfer) Zink.  He attended the Good Hope Country School, Pleasant Valley Twp., and graduated from the Stockton High School with the Class of 1952.  Rich served in the US Army in Germany.  On March 29, 1974, Rich married Ann Rebecca (Miller) Kuhl.

Rich had worked at Leslie Lock in Mt. Carroll, which became Woods Manufacturing.  He had also worked at Eaton Corp. of Savanna, American Air Filter of Morrison, and Rolling Hills Progress Center, Lanark.

Family meant everything to Rich, being a Dad was his biggest pride and joy.  He liked antiques, fishing and was an avid collector.  Rich loved to sit and visit with his buddies at coffee.  He was a member of the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church, the Mississippi Masonic Lodge of Savanna and a past member of Cyrus Masonic Lodge of Mt. Carroll.

Rich will be dearly missed by his wife, Ann of Mt. Carroll; his son, John (Carisa) Zink of San Ramon, California; his sister, Loraine (Ron) Heffelfinger of Winnebago, Illinois; two brothers, Gary (Jennifer) Zink of Savanna and Larry (Karen) Zink of Mt. Carroll; his mother in-law, Reva Doty of Savanna; and many neices, nephews and cousins.  Rich is preceded in death by both parents.

Gwenn V. Brown

Gwenn V. Brown, age 71, of Freeport, Illinois, formerly of Hanover, Illinois, passed away on August 30, 2008, at his home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Hanover, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Florian Tiegs, Sr.will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover, Illinois. A memorial fund has been established in Gwenn’s name. On-line condolences and memorial Tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Gwenn was born on November 29, 1936, in Freeport, Illinois, to Ellsworth and Lenice (Miller) Brown. He grew up and attended High School in Warren, Illinois graduating with the class of 1956. On July 10, 1958, Gwenn married Jean Ann Harkness in Dubuque, Iowa. Gwenn worked as a tree trimmer for a couple of years before starting his 38 year career with the Illinois Chicago Central Railroad. In his spare time Gwenn loved hunting, fishing, traveling, listening to country music, watching professional wrestling and spending time with his family, and especially the family gatherings.

Gwenn is survived by his wife Jean Ann; seven daughters: Pamela K. Brown-Heck, of Hanover, Illinois; Judith L. (Ken) Pope, of Bedford, Indiana; Kathryn J. Brown-Springer, of Freeport; Sandra M. Brown-Jones, of Freeport; Sharon L. Brown, of Freeport; Kimberly S. Brown, of Hanover; and Teresa E. (Billy) Eichmeier, of Freeport. Gwenn is also survived by 28 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; and a brother William Burnell Brown, of Independence, Iowa.

Gwenn is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Gwendolen, a great grandaughter Courtney Heck, and a nephew Jimmy Brown.

Prudence E. “Peg” Brookstra

Prudence E. “Peg” Brookstra, age 92, of Thomson, Illinois, formerly of Fulton, Illinois, died Saturday, August 30, 2008, at the Eagle Point Nursing Center in Clinton, Iowa. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at the Law Jones Funeral Home, Thomson. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the Funeral Home. Private family burial of the ashes will take place in the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. A memorial fund has been established in Prudence’s memory. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Prudence was born on July 28, 1916, the daughter of Robert and Adeline (Dunshee) Groharing in Thomson. She graduated from Thomson High School and later attended Eureka College and the National Teachers College in Evanston, where she earned her Associates Degree. Prudence married Marvin Brookstra on October 7, 1941 in Thomson. Marvin died in 1983.

Prudence was a homemaker, who loved taking care of her family. She also taught at Spring Valley School and in Pearl City, Illinois. She was a member of the Fulton Eastern Star and was a former Cub Scout Den Mother. She loved spending her retirement years in Sun City, Arizona, and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, golfing and bowling.

Prudence will be dearly missed by one brother, Bruce Groharing of Thomson; three nieces, Jeanne (Jerry) Moshure of Comanche, Iowa, Lucille Atherton of Lanark, Illinois, and Marlyn Dykstra of Fulton, Illinois; six nephews, Bernard (Nadine) Groharing of Ofallan, Missouri, Richard (Peggy) Groharing of Thomson, Donald (Jane Ann) Groharing of Kansas City, Missouri, Leland (Sue) Groharing of New Lenox, Illinois, Donald (Georgia) Brookstra of Davenport, Iowa, and Robert (Barb) Carpenter of Albany, Illinois; many great nieces and nephews; and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Prudence is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin; her son, Edward; and two half-sisters, Pherna Dresbach and Bess Carpenter.

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