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KENNETH RAY “KENNY” MEINSMA SR.
Gary A. Searl, 51, of Aubrey, TX, formerly of Port Byron, IL, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 2, 2023 at his home. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Gibson –Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, Port Byron. Burial will be in Zuma Cemetery, Port Byron. Memorials may be made to the family for an education fund to be established for Gary’s daughter.
Gary Alvah Searl was born January 13, 1971 in Moline, IL, the son of Dennis and Elaine (O’Hara) Searl. He graduated from Riverdale High School in 1989. Following graduation, Gary enlisted in the US Navy where he served in Desert Storm and was honorably discharged in 1995. He married Katie Crane on September 30, 1995 in Port Byron. He worked for John Deere for the next 21 years at various facilities. During that time he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from St. Ambrose University. In March of 2021 he took a position with Kubota Tractors and they moved to Aubrey, Texas.
Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Port Byron. He was passionate about coaching his daughters in softball and he served for several years on the URICRA Board. Gary was a sports enthusiast and an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. He was a devoted and loving family man. Gary was a kind and gentle man and will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Katie; daughters, Morgan and Cameron Searl; father, Dennis Searl, Port Byron; sister and brotherin-law, Penny and Jamie VanDeWostine, Erie; aunts, Norene and Rosemary (Al) Swanson; nephews, Brett and Bryce VanDeWostine; cousins, Jodi (Dave) Scharer, and Jill (Brandon) Tobel. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elaine. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com
KENNETH RAY MEINSMA SR., 79, of Morrison, IL, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, January 7, 2023. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the Brethren in Christ Church in Morrison with Rev. Craig Sipes officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2023 at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. If you have recently experienced any COVID symptoms, please wear a mask in consideration of the family. Interment will be at the Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling, IL. A memorial to the Hope Life Center, in Sterling, IL has been established.
Kenny was born on October 21, 1943 in Morrison, IL to Henry C. and Marian A. (Beveroth) Meinsma. He was educated in the Lincoln Grade School of rural Whiteside County and graduated from Fulton High school in Fulton, IL. He married Betty Jo Duncan on August 2, 1964, in Rock Falls, IL. She preceded him in death on January 13, 2008. Kenneth then married Joyce L. Martin, on October 15, 2016 in Sterling, IL. After graduation, Kenneth started working at General Electric in Morrison. He began as an apprentice in the tool and die department. He retired from GE after 25 years as a foreman in the pressroom. He then worked at Wahl Clipper in Sterling, and as a self-employed machinist for the last 25 years. Ken was a member of the Brethren in Christ Church in Morrison. He loved being outdoors, and enjoyed spending time deer hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce; four daughters, Laura (Randy) Kramoski of Morrison, Cheryl (Gene) Eyre of Centralia, IL, Pamela (Todd) Workman of Salem, MO, and Beth (Greg) McLane of Dixon, IL; two sons, Kenneth Meinsma, Jr. and Michael Meinsma both of Morrison; eleven grandchildren, Rachael (Brad) Ryer, Steven Kramoski, Erin (Hunter) Rue, Rebekah (Dylan) Tucker, Kyle (Kelly) Workman, Seth Workman, and Malerie Workman, Dirk (Jennifer Eads) Meinsma, Derek Kennedy, Allan Meinsma, and Aydan Meinsma; four great grandchildren, Aspen Workman, Gracie and Hazel Meinsma, and Hunter Meinsma; one sister, Betty (Dan) Holesinger of Fulton; two brothers, Gerald (Marcia) Meinsma of Morrison, and Darrell (Sally) Meinsma of Fulton; one sister in law, Jody Meinsma of Middleburgh, NY.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Betty Jo; one daughter in infancy; one sister, Susan Buhlig; two brothers, James and Donald Meinsma.
BERTHA “BERDIE” WILLIAMS
Born: June 13, 1944 in Chicago, IL Died: January 1, 2023 in Iowa City, IA
Bertha “Berdie” Williams, 78, of Prophetstown, IL, was born to Willy and Anna Riebniger on June 13, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from St. Catherine of Siena in 1962, Berdie attended night school and worked at a law firm in Chicago. She was the beloved and devoted wife of Dawson “Butch” Williams whom she married on August 14, 1965. Berdie and Butch went on to have two children, Timothy and Pamela. Choosing to raise their family in the suburbs, they were longtime residents of Bolingbrook, Illinois. In 1979, Berdie began her career working for Joliet Junior College, North Campus. She retired in 2005, after 26 years, and moved to Prophetstown, IL where she found a quieter way of life. She really enjoyed having the Rock River in her own back yard. In the cold months, she traveled south with Butch to be a “Winter Texan” and take advantage of the better weather. Berdie cherished her family and always put others first. She was especially a proud grandma to her four grandchildren, Shannon, Connor, Danielle, and Abigail. She enjoyed taking pictures, collecting rocks and shells found on her travels with Butch, scary movies, cardinals, and turtles. She welcomed various pets to their home over the years, including dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, hamsters, a guineapig, and yes, turtles, too.
After a short struggle with an aggressive cancer, Berdie passed away in her sleep on the evening of January 1, 2023 at University of Iowa Hospital. Berdie will forever be remembered by family and friends for her heart of gold.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Willy and Anna (Stadler) Riebniger, her sister, Elizabeth Rosland, and niece, Karol Rosland, father and mother-in-law, Calvin and Rosemary (Crane) Williams.
Berdie is survived by her husband, Butch, of 57 years, children Timothy (Jacquelyn) Williams, Pamela (Todd) Sheetz, grandchildren, Shannon Williams, Connor Sheetz, Danielle Williams, and Abigail Sheetz, nephews Eric Rosland, John (Lori) Moore, Robert (Brenda) Moore, and niece Karen (Brian) Halstead, in addition to great nephews and nieces and their families. Berdie always enjoyed hearing all about the families and everyone’s celebrations.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a memorial to celebrate the life of Berdie Williams announced for a later date. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown, IL is assisting the family.
In lieu of gifts or flowers please consider making a donation in Berdie’s name to:
Home On The Range 16351 I-94
Sentinel Butte, ND 58654 701-872-3745 phone https://hotrnd.coms
“Home On The Range is a therapeutic working ranch located in western North Dakota. The facility provides education, therapy, spiritual guidance, and recreational and work activities.” Berdie and Butch found Home on the Range an inspiring organization they learned about during their travels. They have chosen to make donations to them over the years.”
GARY A. SEARL
GARY HINRICHS
Died: December 10, 2022
Gary Hinrichs, 73, of Prophetstown, died December 12, 2022 at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa FL. Gary was born in Sterling, Il the son of Robert and Betty (Buck) Hinrichs. He married Debra Walker on August 16, 1965 in Rock Falls.
Gary enjoyed Drag Racing, Funny Cars, fishing, and showing his SSR at car shows. He always had a helping hand for anyone in need, and if he wasn’t working on something, you could always find him on the water. Most of all he loved his family, enjoyed spending time with them, and teasing his great-granddaughter Eleanor. Gary worked too much, fished too little, and left us too soon.
Gary spent 28 and a half years at Northwestern Steel and Wire and then worked with his son at Hinrichs Plumbing & Heating.
Survivors include his wife Debra; one son Shane Hinrichs of Prophetstown; one daughter Michelle (Chad) Betz of Rock Falls; two sisters Jill (Gary) Jackley of Rock Falls, and Sue (Jerry) Bender of Rock Falls; four grandchildren Taylor (Jacob) Ruchotzke, Mason Hinrichs, Matthew Hinrichs, and Cade Betz; one great-grand-daughter Eleanor Ruchotzke.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Larry Hinrichs, and Tommy Hinrichs.
Visitation was held from 4PM-7PM Tuesday December 20, 2022 at Open Door Community Church (First Baptist Church) in Sterling. Funeral services was held at 10AM Wednesday December 21, 2022 at Open Door Community Church, and burial to follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.
A memorial has been established.
John Jackson McCoy, 86, of Hampton, formerly of Port Byron, Illinois, died Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Allure of Geneseo. Services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, January 16, 2023 at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. Visitation will be from 2-5 pm on Sunday, January 15th at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Pleasant Point Cemetery. Memorials may be made Genesis Hospice or the Rock River Christian Camp.
John was born November 26, 1936 in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Earl Jackson and Mildred Vera (Johnson) McCoy. He married Lorretta JoAnn Boyer on February 24, 1957. John loved being a farmer. He also worked at John Deere for many years and was an over the road truck driver. He served as the Vice President of the UAW Local 79 for many years. He was on the Board of URICRA, and was a former coach. He was a member of Countryside Christian Church. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening.
John is survived by his wife, JoAnn; children, Chuck (Judy) McCoy, Rapids City, Chet McCoy, Port Byron (Tammie VanNatta), Cherrie (Craig) Seger, Oswego, IL, Chad (Peggy) McCoy, Niles, IL; grandchildren, Blaine (Keri) McCoy, Jeremiah (Rachel) McCoy, Tara (Mark) Temple, Renae Seger, Hannah McCoy, Caleb McCoy; great grandchildren, Hudson and Owen Temple and Rebecca and Joshua McCoy; and sister, Mary Lou Wollums, Ottumwa, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-in-law, Sue McCoy; and 5 siblings. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.
ALAN E. BIELEMA, 62, of Fulton, IL, died Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at his home. A private graveside service will be held at Lusk Cemetery in Albany, IL. There will be no visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial has been established.
Alan was born September 6, 1960, in Clinton, IA, to Harold and Nancy (Holcomb) Bielema. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1978. In 1976, he was on the State Championship Football Team and is in the Fulton Hall of Fame. He first married Lisa Cassens and they had one son, Shane Bielema. He later married Jill Lutz-McCrea and they had two sons, Benjamin and Brigham Bielema. Al worked at 3M for 37 years. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, especially tending to his vegetable garden, hunting and winter snow-sledding. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Fighting Illini fan.
Survivors include three sons, Shane Bielema of Dixon, IL, Ben Bielema and Brig Bielema both of Clinton, IA; one sister, Sheila (Dave) VenHuizen of Fulton, IL; one brother, Kevin Bielema of Albany, IL; two nieces, Mandy (Lance) Walker and Hannah (Michael) Watson; one nephew, Tanner (Taitum Huisenga) VenHuizen; several great nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother in infancy, Terry Bielema;
JOHN J. MCCOY
Born: November 26, 1936 in Ottumwa, IA Died: January 7, 2023 in Geneseo, IL CAROL A. LEAL, 79, of Morrison, IL, passed away Friday, January 6, 2023 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2023 immediately following the visitation at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The visitation will start at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service is Rev. Peter Kicheon Ahn, Pastor at Fenton United Methodist Church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. A memorial has been established to the American Diabetes Association.
Carol was born January 5, 1944 in Decatur, IL, to Henry K. and Ethel M. (Turnbull) Collins. She was educated in the Litchfield, IL schools. She married Donald L. “Butch” Hamm in 1963. On August 22, 1992 she married John J. Leal in Morrison. Carol had worked at GE in Morrison for 25 years before retiring. She was a member of the GEM Club, and also a member of the Rock Falls American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. In her younger years Carol liked to spend her free time crocheting and baking; she also enjoyed bowling. During the summer months Carol and John spent their weekends at the Rock River.
Survivors include her husband, John; one daughter, Rebecca (Ray Johnson) Jamison of Clinton, IA; two sons, Rodney (Kathy) Hamm of Fulton, IL and Ray (Kristina) Hamm of Fenton, IL; three step daughters, Mary (Buck) Lowe of Rosman, NC, Tina (Joe) Taylor of Kansas City, MO and Joey (Jason) Huebbe of Davenport, IA; twenty grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren and one on the way; several nieces and nephews; a brother, Larry (Kathy) Collins of Newton, IL; sisters-in-law Jane Espinoza, Nora Puentes, Rosemary (Bob) Mena and Julie (Jose) Herrera, all of Sterling/ Rock Falls, IL; brothers-in-law Ralph (Toni) Leal, Richard (Esther) Leal, Frank (Linda) Leal, Joseph Leal, all of Sterling/Rock Falls, IL and David Leal of Florida.
Carol was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Sickles; her father, Henry Collins; her in-laws, Torbio and Nestoria Leal; a daughter, Robin Cain; a grandson in infancy, Derrek Boelkins; a sister, Gloria (Morry) Blasdell; four brothers-in-law, John Espinoza, Torbio Leal, Jr., Philip Leal and Tony Leal.
NEWS BRIEF
Nicor Gas takes first step toward rate hike
Nicor Gas on Jan. 3 took the first step toward a $321 million rate hike, filing for an increase from state regulators that, on average, would cost residential customers just more than $9 more on their monthly natural gas bill.
The request, filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission, comes on the heels of a $240 million rate increase Nicor implemented in late 2021.
The Naperville-based utility is the largest natural gas distribution company in Illinois, serving more than two million customers and encompassing most of suburban Chicago.
Despite its most recent hike, Nicor said the forecast that served as the basis for those rates didn’t take into account current inflation rates or costs for infrastructure improvements to be made in 2023 and 2024.
The rate increase is not expected to come into effect anytime soon.
“This is just the first step of a very lengthy review process, which generally takes around 11 months to complete, if, and when, a docketed proceeding has been initiated by the Commission,” commission officials said.
If approved as filed, the average household would experience an increase of about $9.28 a month in its annual natural gas bill, Nicor said. – Daily Herald Media Group
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