15 minute read
LeRoy Wiersema, Mike Vary, Steven J. Steele, Joesph Jay Besse, Ronald P. Buck, James Slaymaker, Arnie R. Snyder, Diana L. Peterson, Marvin L. Klundt, Marilyn Lanphere
Joseph Jay Besse, 99, of Erie IL, died Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Morrison Community Hospital, Morrison, IL. Services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie. Burial will follow in the Erie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Monday, December 27, 2021 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Erie United Methodist Church or Erie Fire Department.
Joe was born February 24, 1922 at the home on River Road, Erie during the flood of 1922. He was the son of Randolph S. and Della J. (Hawk) Besse. Joe attended Erie schools and rode his pony “Music” to school for several years. It was uphill both ways. Joe was a 3 sport letterman in high school and briefly held the record for the 440 yard dash. In high school he was President of the FFA his senior year. After he graduated from Erie High School, he briefly attended the University of Illinois for Veterinary Medicine. Joe was married to Mildred Jean Parker, June 19, 1948 and they were married for 64 years before her death in 2013. He was a member of the Whiteside County Feeder Association, President of the Illinois Angus Association, member of Erie United Methodist Church and member of Lake Erie Golf Course.
Joe was a lifelong farmer in the Erie area. He began his farming career in 1941, buying a new International “M” that year. He farmed with his brother, Richard, for 39 years and then farmed with his son Mark for 37 years. Richard and Joe raised a heard of purebred Angus cattle for many years. His children were involved with FFA and 4-H in their youth. Joe never really retired from farming but continued his interest in farming innovations, yields and markets. Joe saw many changes in agriculture from handpicking corn with a team of horses to riding in a John Deere combine with a 12 row head and planting with a 24 row planter. He was a lifelong Cub fan, Ernie Banks was his favorite player. He enjoyed golfing on men’s day and golfing with his wife Millie. The guys at the course called him “Sweet Swing” and he had a hole in one at age 70. He and Millie entered many golf events together. He was a fan of watching Erie High School Sports, particularly the Warkins Tournament. He enjoyed watching his children play sports and playing games in the yard with his grandchildren.
Joe and Millie enjoyed traveling to many destinations, including Austria, Spain and for their 25th anniversary, Hawaii. They also spent many years wintering in Florida where he dominated the shuffleboard courts. During the flood of 1990 Joe was interviewed and quoted on the front page of the USA Today for his knowledge of area floods.
Joe worked hard and nurtured his family, friends, and crops under his care. His wit, strength, wisdom, and humor will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his 4 children, Mark (Regina) Besse, Erie, Bart (Sue) Besse, Louisburg, KS, Brenda Besse, Erie and Jody Besse, Erie; grandchildren, Kelsey (John) Lorenzen, Nicole Besse, Bridget (Steve) Graff, Randl (Julie) Besse, , Colin (Lauren) Besse, Brooklin (Eric) Rodricks, Cheyenne Voss, Chastity (Craig) Morrison; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Hannah, Erin and Elena Lorenzen, Charlotte Besse, Emily and Gavin Graff, Knox and Lincoln Besse, Maverick and Ryder Besse, Logan and Jaydon Voss, Lillian, Callan, Emmy Lou, and Sarah Kate Morrison; and great-great grandchild, Avelyn Voss. He was preceded in death by his wife Millie; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Besse; brother, Richard Besse and Ron Paaske.
JAMES SLAYMAKER
JAMES SLAYMAKER, 78, of Greenview Home, Sterling, IL, died Tuesday, December 21, 2021 in his home. His memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 27, 2021 at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, preceded by a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Luke Schouten, Pastor of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Morrison, is officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be at a later date in the Oakridge Cemetery in Albany, IL. A memorial to Self-Help Enterprises in Sterling has been established.
James was born on November 17, 1943 in Morrison, IL, to Delbert and Pearle (Graham) Slaymaker. He attended the Newton Twp. Grade School and graduated from Erie High School in 1962. James worked at Self-Help Enterprises in Sterling, IL for many years. He was a member of Albany United Methodist Church. James was an avid football fan, enjoyed horse racing and he also participated in Special Olympics numerous times. He was a coffee addict, grabbing a cup any chance he could!
Survivors include one sister, Nancy Venhuizen of Morrison; a niece, Kim King, and a nephew, Tom (Amy) Venhuizen, both of Morrison. He is also survived by three great nieces, a great nephew and seven great-great nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents; one sister in infancy, Jane Ann Slaymaker; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Venhuizen, and a niece, Virginia Ann Venhuizen.
Resthave is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Volunteer.
Born: October 17, 1935 in Burke, SD Died: December 25, 2021 in Hillsdale, IL Marvin L. Klundt, 86, of Hillsdale, IL, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021 at his home. Visitation will be from 10:00 –11:00 am on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am. Burial in the Fairfield Cemetery, Port Byron will be private. Face coverings will be required by attendees. Memorials may be made to Fairfield United Methodist Church, Port Byron.
Marvin was born October 17, 1935 in Burke, South Dakota to Pete and Vera (Faatz) Klundt. He married Ruth Rogers on July 3, 1958 at the Fairfield United Methodist Church, Port Byron. Marv was a track star at Orion High School and Bradley University. He joined the Illinois National Guard in 1958 and served 7 years. He also started working for John Deere in 1958, retiring from the Parts Distribution Center in 1993 as a Special Investigator. He was a longtime member of the Fairfield United Methodist Church.
Marv loved working with his son Mark on their 65’ Plymouth Fury and attending ball games together. For many years, he and daughter-in-law, Karen did the Ride The River bike ride together and shared their love of horses. He was a big St. Louis Cardinals and Fighting Illini basketball fan.
Marv is survived by his wife Ruth of 63 years; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Karen Klundt, Moline; brothers, Melvin (Margo) Klundt, Sherrard, Walter (Nadine) Klundt, Geneseo; Edward Klundt (Linda Meinheit), Cordova; and many well loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Paul Klundt and brother, Victor Klundt. Marvin’s family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and their wonderful caregivers, Elizabeth, Diane, Jenny, Darla and Jodi. They would also like to give special thanks to his brother Ed for taking such good care of him. Born: January 5, 1942 in Portland Township, Whiteside County, IL Died: December 20, 2021 in Sterling, IL RONALD P. BUCK, 79, of Prophetstown, IL, died Monday, December 20, 2021 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Advent Christian Church in Prophetstown, preceded by a visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. Retired Pastor Andy Ploenzke will be officiating. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown is in charge of arrangements. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. A memorial has been established by the family.
Ron was born January 5, 1942 in Portland Township, Whiteside County, IL, to Ernest M. and Kathryn L. (Ziegenbein) Buck. He was educated in the Prophetstown grade schools and was a 1960 graduate of Prophetstown High School. Following high school Ron attended trade school in the Chicago area. On January 14, 1961 he married Delores Farrell in Prophetstown. She died May 13, 2021. Ron worked at Multi Products in Prophetstown and also as a tool & die maker and machinist at Alcoa in Riverdale, IA. He was a former member of the First Congregational Church in Prophetstown and until recently had been attending Advent Christian Church in Prophetstown. For many years he was a Cub Scout Leader and Scout Master for Boy Scouts, and he also ran the food pantry in Prophetstown for many years. Ron enjoyed fishing, cycling and going on summer vacations with his family.
Survivors include one son, Dr. David (Shujiao) Buck of Skokie, IL; two grandchildren, Marina Buck of Atlanta, GA and Brandon Buck of San Diego, CA; three sisters-in-law, Toni Buck of Prophetstown, Donna (Chuck) Calderon of Prophetstown and Ruth Ross of Grand Detour, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Delores; son, Frank Buck; one sister, Beverly Olalde; one brother, Barry Buck.
DIANA L. PETERSON
Born: March 18, 1952 in Moline, IL Died: December 26, 2021 in Iowa City, IA Diana Lynn Peterson, 69, of Port Byron, IL, died Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Port Byron, IL. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday at Faith Lutheran Church, 1611 41st St., Moline. Burial will be in Friedens Cemetery, Port Byron. A luncheon will follow. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or the Friedens Cemetery Association.
Diana was born March 18, 1952 in Moline, IL, to Lynn and Marilyn (Hofstetter) Stone. She graduated from Riverdale High School. Diana worked for McClure Engineering for nearly 30 years and part time at her family’s grocery store, Stone’s Market in Port Byron. She was a longtime active member of Peace Lutheran Church, Port Byron, and most recently of Faith Lutheran Church, Moline. She worked hard to raise her 3 boys and was proud of them for becoming hard working family men. Diana loved following her grandchildren in their activities and sports. In recent years she was devoted to caring for her mother. Her family meant everything to her. She will be remembered for her selflessness, always putting others needs first. She also enjoyed spending time with the “Hotties” and the McClure Girls.
She is survived by her 3 sons and their spouses; David (Melissa) Peterson, Chapin, SC, Derek (T.A.) Peterson, Port Byron, IL, Dustin (Sarah) Peterson, Port Byron; brother and sister-in-law, Bill (Lynn) Stone, Port Byron; grandchildren, Dalton (Katelyn), Mickenly, Dawson, Brooklyn, Landen, Cullan, Piper, Breckin; great grandchildren, Adeline and Daniel; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Dan (Eileen) Stone and Bob (Rita) Stone. Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com
LEROY WIERSEMA
Born: January 2, 1933 in Fulton, IL Died: December 20, 2021 in Sterling, IL STERLING – LeRoy Wiersema, 88, of rural Sterling, died Monday, December 20, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 2, 1933 in rural Fulton, the son of Klaas and Effie (VanderVinne) Wiersema. Following the death of his mother at the age of 7 and his father at the age of 13, he began farming with his brother Marvin. He was drafted into theKorean War and served in the US Army. He married Mary Jean Venema on December 4, 1956 at Spring Valley Reformed Church, rural Fulton. LeRoy continued farming; he then drove for DeKalb Feeds and later started Wiersema Trucking, where he operated for many years with his son, before retiring a few years ago. LeRoy was a longtime and active member of Bethel Reformed Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jean; his sons: Steven (Sylvia) Wiersema and Mark (Lisa) Wiersema; his daughters LuAnn (Brent) Stukenberg and Elynn (Mike) Smith; his brother Alvin “Bud” Wiersema; his nine grandchildren: Amanda (Brian) Rahn, Kasey (Samantha) Wiersema, Justin (Michelle) Wiersema, Joel Wiersema (Adrienne Henze), Jamison Wiersema, Nicole (Justin) Ebersole, Samantha (Miles) Goode, Wayne Fogel (Kylie Brauer) and Austin (Laura) Smith and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters; and 4 brothers. The funeral was Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Bethel Reformed Church in Sterling. Burial with military honors concluded at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Arrangements by McDonald Funeral Homes. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Bethel Reformed Church and Gaffey Home & Hospice.
MARILYN LANPHERE
Born: May 3, 1931 in Rural Prophetstown, IL Died: December 20, 2021 in Prophetstown, IL MARILYN LANPHERE, 90, of Prophetstown, IL, died Monday, December 20, 2021, at Allure of Prophetstown in Prophetstown. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursday December 30, 2021, at the Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown. Procession to the graveside service at Sharon Cemetery in Erie, IL, will follow the visitation with Ken Renkes officiating. A memorial has been established to American Diabetes Association.
Marilyn was born May 3, 1931, in rural Prophetstown to Lloyd and Miriam (Weber) Toppert. She attended rural Prophetstown grade schools and was a graduate of Prophetstown High School. She married Richard F. Lanphere on November 18, 1951, in Prophetstown. He died September 18, 2006. Marilyn worked for GE in Morrison, IL and also at the Morrison Community Hospital in medical records as an administrator for over twenty years until retiring. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gambling. She also loved watching cooking shows and doing word searches.
Survivors include one daughter, Kathy (Frank) Schradeya of Rock Island, IL; three sons, Tom (Renee) Lanphere of Prophetstown, Brian (Marge) Lanphere of Lyndon, IL and Mike (Kathy) Lanhphere of Bettendorf, IA; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one sister, Jody Vroman of Quincy, IL; one brother, Marvin Toppert of Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; one grandson, Tony Lanphere; one brother, Dale Toppert.
ARNIE R. SNYDER, 74, of Morrison, IL, died Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with Rich Criss, Ministry Coordinator of Emmanuel Reformed Church, officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. A memorial has been established.
Arnie was born July 26, 1947, in Morrison, IL, to Peter and Henrietta (Housenga) Snyder. He was educated in the Morrison Grade Schools and was a graduate of Morrison High School. He married Jude “Jan” Swearingen on July 3, 1971, in Morrison, IL. She died August 27, 2007. Arnie was a mail carrier for the Morrison Post office for 41 years. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Morrison Country Club. At the age of 12, he purchased a Morrison Country Club Junior Membership for $6. Living a block from the entrance of the Morrison Country Club he thought it would be a good investment. Later, he cleaned lockers to pay for his membership. He also enjoyed bowling and playing baseball in his younger years. He enjoyed attending Rhonda’s grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an avid animal lover, especially of his dog, Lucky.
Survivors include his special friend, Rhonda Greeley of Fulton, IL; one sister, Carolyn (George) Snyder of Morrison; two sisters-inlaw, Cathi (Steve) Hensel of Geneva, IL and Maggie Jones of Morrison; three brothersin-law, Mike (Diane) Swearingen of Peoria, IL, Pete (Deb) Swearingen of Morrison; Dave (Anita) Swearingen of Sterling, IL; his adopted Greeley family; many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jan; two sisters, Evelyn Voss and Dorothy Hartman; five brothers, Neil, Alvin, Twins – Erwin and Edwin and Kenneth Snyder.
To send online condolences go to www. bosmarenkes.com. Born: July 28, 1948 in Amboy, IL Died: December 19, 2021 in Waterloo, IA
Steven J. Steele, 73, of Erie, IL passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021, due to complications of COVID. Steve was born on July 28, 1948 to Roger and Agnes (Bach) Steele. Steve graduated from Erie High School in 1967. He was a Vietnam veteran. He retired from John Deere Harvester Works. Steve was an avid hunter and fisherman. Per his wishes, his body was cremated and private services will be held at a later date.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Donna Steele Neahring.
He is survived by his sisters, Yvonne (David) Miller of Bowen, IL and Pamela of Erie, IL; brothers, David (Nora) of Silvis, IL, and Larry (Meg) of East Moline, IL; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Born: August 22, 1961 Died: October 25, 2021
Mike “Piggy” Vary, age 60, of Rock Falls, passed away at home October 25, 2021. Mike is survived by his siblings, Rich (Ida) Vary of Walnut, IL, Al (Roxane) Vary of Charter Oak, IA, Steve (Renee) Vary of Arion, IA, Joanne (Tony) Lybarger of Dixon, IL, and Tom Vary of Roseville, IL; nieces and nephews; and many good friends and relatives.
A Celebration of Life will be held January 1, 2022 at Nick’s Tap, 1301 Prophetstown Rd, Rock Falls, IL beginning at 2:00 p.m.
www www.p .pra rai iriehybrids.criehybrids.co om m S Se el le ec ct te ed d & P & Pr ro od duced uced wi wit th h your f your fa am mi il ly y i in n min mind d
SM-ST1924137 SM-ST1924137
