Obituaries & Death Notices GERSTNER, Mrs. Margaret Masengarb Mrs. Margaret Gerstner, wife of Valentine Gerstner, was born at Baden, Germany, Feb. 11, 1845, and died at Geneseo, Ill., Jan. 26, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Gerstner came to this country in 1871 and settled in the vicinity of Geneseo where they have lived ever since. They followed the pursuit of farming until twenty-one years ago when they moved to Geneseo. Mrs. Gerstner bravely bore her share of this long strenuous life. They were married fifty-two years ago and celebrated their golden wedding two years ago. The deceased was married to Valentine Gerstner at Heddersheim, Germany, Jan. 19, 1868. To this union there were born ten children, nine daughters and one son. Two of the children were born in Germany. All the children are still living and now mourn their saddest loss. They are: Susie Gerstner, Mrs. John Papenthien, Mrs. Barbara Roos; John Gerstner, of Hartener, Kansas, Mrs. Wm. Santee, Mrs. Emil Munter, Mrs. Katie Henander, Mrs. Robert Chrisop, Mrs. Herbert Smith and Mrs. James Ellingsworth, of Colona. There also survive the husband, Valentine Gerstner, four sisters: Mrs. Fred Haack of Geneseo; Mrs. August Weise, of Calamus, Iowa; Mrs. Catherine Stephenson, of Kansas City, Kan., and Mrs. Elizabeth Peters, of Baxter Springs, Kan., and one brother, John N. Masengarb, of Geneseo. There also remain thirty-three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Besides the motherly care bestowed on this large family, Mrs. Gerstner (clipping is illegible here) of relatives friends and neighbors, nursing the sick back to health. Physicians and old-time friends, recall her unselfish toil and testify to her sacrificial life. Mother Gerstner was the person who carried the responsibility of the kitchen at the Ebenezer Park campmeeting grounds. The boarders never fell short when it was within her power to give. She helped satisfy the appetites of many distinguished church officials who gathered there from year to year. Sister Gerstner joined the Zion Evangelical church in the early seventies, and remained with this church until the unfortunate division came. She and her husband then became charter members of the Grace church organization; and have been loyal and faithful members and liberal supporters of the church. Their home was always open to the ministers and a large number indeed found a cordial welcome thereto. Sister Gerstner found ever increasing delight in the services of the church. Public worship was a spiritual tonic to her, which helped both _____ and body. None will ever know how much strength she gained in the house of the Lord. The pathway of life kept growing brighter as she neared the end of her journey. The closing hours of her life were the culmination of life's hopes, now gathered for final victory. She was happy ___ the approach to the crossing of the river death. She sang with a clear voice, and seemed glad that she had lived for the joy of the Christian's hope in dying. She died in triumph. She has entered the heavenly land. With the redeemed she now sings. Happy indeed is her spirit today. For her "to die was gain". We assure the bereft ones the sympathy of all friends and neighbors and commend them to our Heavenly Father's care. The funeral was held at the Gerstner home Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. E. K. Hershey conducted the service. The body was laid to rest in the Oakwood Cemetery. Contributed by Sue Williams Mrs. John Gerstner, 82, a resident of the Hardtner community for 55 years, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 1964 in the Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital at Medicine Lodge, Kansas after a long illness. Mrs. Gerstner was born in Henry County, Illinois, Aug. 23, 1881, the daughter of Samuel M. and Isabella Decker. On March 11, 1903, she was united in marriage to John C. Gerstner, who preceded her in death in Nov. 1960. They moved to Kansas from Illinois in 1909, residing on the Decker Ranch six miles west of Hardtner until 1911 where they moved into their home in Hardtner. Mrs. Gerstner was a faithful member of the Hardtner Methodist Church and a member of WSCS. She is survived by two sons, Royce of Sharon, Kans, Keith of San Antonio, Texas; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two sisters-her twin, Mrs. Maude McHenry of Geneseo, Ill., and Mrs. Jenny Berger of Springfield, Mo. Contributed by Sue Williams PASSING OF VALENTINE GERSTNER Valentine Gerstner, a longtime respected resident of this community, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Barbara Roos Friday morning, October 2, 1895, in the fulness of years. Mr. Gerstner was a man of sterling character. Coming to this community from his native land Germany in 1871, he has lived lived an honorable and upright life among us. He was a model citizen and a home loving father. At the funeral service held Monday afternoon his pastor, Rev. F. A. Hoerner, presented the following life story of Mr. Gerstner: In the early hours of Friday morning, October 2, 1925, the spirit of Valentine Gerstner was loosed from its early moorings and sailed into the harbor of its heavenly home. Thus after a very brief illness from pneumonia, ended a pilgrimage of 84 years, 8 months and 12 days, which was begun on January 20, 1841, in Baden, Germany. Thirty years were lived in the land of birth. There he was educated. He served in the army, seeing service in the Franco-German war of 1870-71. There he was united in marriage on January 19, 1868 with Miss Margaret Masengarb. After receiving an honorable discharge from the army, in 1871 with his wife and two daughters that had come to bless the German home he sailed for America, came direct to Geneseo and has made his home ever since in or near Geneseo, for a few years, three or four, they lived in Geneseo. Then they moved to a nearby farm, and in the course of time had earned a farm north of the city. He was a peaceful, law abiding citizen, and served his land of adoption several years as tax collector. On February 20, 1876, he united with the Evangelical church of Geneseo, having been converted prior thereto, under the pastorate of Rev. M. Heyl. He helped build the Center street building of the Evangelical church, and the ferns planted about it were placed there by his hand. He was a lover of flowers and delighted to work with them. He was a teacher in the Sunday school. He holds the unique record of having attended church for eleven years without missing a Sunday. The record might be even longer, but written record was not kept beyond that period. He always came as regularly as possible, with his family, from the country. May his faithfulness and devotion, like a mantle parted in sundry parts, fall upon many, and inspire us all to a more real consecration. His companion in life departed January 26, 1920. The oldest daughter, Susie, on April 11, 1920, and another daughter Elizabeth just recently. After the death of his oldest daughter, the home was broken, and he made his home with his daughter Mrs. Barbara Roos of this city. He leaves to mourn his departure his one son, John of Hardtner, Kansas; and his seven daughters, Mrs. Eva Papenthien, Mrs. Barbara Roos, Mrs. Emil Munter, Mrs. Katie Henander, all of Geneseo; Mrs. William Santee, of Moline; Mrs. Herbert Smith, of Geneseo; and Mrs. Emma Ellingsworth of Colona. One brother, John and one sister Elizabeth Byer, both of Baden, Germany. Thirty-three grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, his kindred in Christ of the Church and his many friends of the community. Veteran Soldier of the Sword and Cross Services were held from the home of the daughter, Mrs. Barbara Roos Monday afternoon, October 5, at 1:30 and from the Evangelical church at 2. Rev. F. A. Hoerner, pastor of the church officiated. The Geneseo Male Quartet composed of Clayton C. Fehr, Will and Charles Lieberknecht and R. J. Struthers sang. Interment was in the beautiful Oakwood cemetery. Present at the funeral from away were: John Gerstner of Hardtner, Kansas; Mrs. Katherine Stevenson, Kansas City, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Eyster and daughter, Mrs. Barbara Tursom, Mrs. Amelia McCrystal, Mrs. George Waller, Mrs. Peter Frey, all of Peoria; Mrs. Elizabeth Peters of Baxter, Kansas; (page is torn away at this point). Contributed by Sue Williams [he d. 10-02-1925] Edward E. "Ted" Golden, 66, of 349 Payson St. died at 7:33 p.m. Thursday at Peoria Methodist Medical Center. He had worked for Golden Brothers Trucking for 10 years and for 16 years was a self-employed livestock and grain trucker. He had also worked for 17 years with the Illinois Department of Transportation out of Geneseo before retiring in 1987. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a 1941 graduate of Wethersfield High School. Born July 16, 1922, in Kewanee, son of Pearl and Lois (Bredt) Golden, he married Frances Craig Aug. 31, 1941, in Kewanee. Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Bud (Sharon) Franklin of Plano, Mrs. Darrel (Beverly) Moon of Kewanee and Mrs. Don (Sue) Sullivan of Mize, Miss; six grandchildren; and two brothers, Louis of Kewanee and Robert of Amana, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Rux Funeral Home with the Rev. Harry Prince officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to his church, Diabetes Foundation or to the Heart Fund. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Friday December 30, 1988, pA5 Contributed by :Susie Martin-Rott Funeral services for Edward E. "Ted" Golden, 66, of 349 Payson St. were at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Rux Funeral Home with the Rev. Harry Prince officiating. Loren Lindstrom was organist. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Schieler, Harry Lempke, Ronald Kaiser, Harold Radford, Robert Larson and Dale Werkheiser. Active pallbearers Michael Franklin, Steve and Kirk Moon and Jaysn and Justin Gorey, all grandsons, and a nephew, Allen Lempke. Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Wednesday, January 4, 1989 Contributed by :Susie Martin-Rott KEWANEE--Jennie Golden, 87, of Kewanee, died at 5:05 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at Ensley Care Home in Kewanee. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at Rux Funeral Home, Kewanee, with Brian Geese officiating. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Evergreen Memory Grardens, rural Kewanee. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Kewanee, of which she was a member. She was born Sept. 1, 1912, in Burns Township, the daughter of James and Julia (Ziegler) Hadsall. She married Louis Golden on Aug. 16, 1935, in Kewanee. He preceded her in death on June 27, 1996. Also preceding her in death were her parents and great-grandson, Aaron Ainley. Surviving are three sons, James (Glee) Golden of Andalusia, Richard (Ina) Golden of Cambridge and Ronald (Mildred) Golden of Kewanee; two daughters, Mrs. James (Lois) Hulslander of Kewanee and Mrs. Willard (Judy) Harlan of Princeville; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1930. She was a homemaker. She was a charter member of the South Side Club and enjoyed sewing. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Wed., 23 Feb 2000 Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott Leonard E. Golden, 70, of 234 E. McClure St., former co-owner and operator of Golden Brothers Trucking, died early today, June 14 in St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, following an extended illness. He was born March 30, 1912 in Kewanee, the son of Pearl and Lois Bredt Golden. He was reared and educated in rural Kewanee. His marriage to Luvina M. Werkheiser took place March 30, 1935 in Kewanee. She survives, with two sons, Gail, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Dean, Hot Springs, Ark., two daughters, Mrs. Irene Girking, Kewanee, and Mrs. Marilyn Hulslander, Portland, Ore., 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four brothers, Roy, Louis and Edward, all of Kewanee, and Robert, Iowa, and a sister, Mrs. George (Helen) King, Moline. He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by a sister. Golden retired from the trucking business in 1968. He had also served as a Wethersfield Township road commissioner. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Kewanee Lions Club. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, in the Rux Funeral Home, Kewanee, with Rev. Larry Conrad, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, 14 Jun 1982 Contributed by :Susie Martin-Rott Funeral services for Leonard E. Golden, 70, of 234 E. McClure St., who died June 14, were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, in the Rux Funeral Home, Kewanee. Rev. Larry Conrad, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiated. Loren Lindstrom was organist. Pallbearers were Dale Williams, James Thurman, Milan Layman, Don Benoodt, Harold Schieler and Raymond Nelson. Interment was in the Pleasant View Cemetery. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, not dated Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott KEWANEE -- Louis A. Golden, 82, of Kewanee died Thursday, June 27, 1996, at Kewanee Hospital. Born Sept. 4, 1913, in Kewanee to Pearl E. and Lois O. Bredt Golden, he married Jennie Hadsall on Aug. 16, 1935, in Kewanee. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. James (Lois) Hulslander of Kewanee and Mrs. Willard (Judy) Harlan of Princeville; three sons, James of Colona, Richard of Cambridge and Ronald of Kewanee; one brother, Robert of South Amana, Iowa; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Three brothers, two sisters and one great-grandson preceded him in death. He was a farmer and also drove a bus for Wethersfield School District for 30 years. He later was a maintenance man for that school district, retiring in 1978. He was a member of First Christian Church. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Rux Funeral Home. Tony Gaff will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Evergreen Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to his church or Kewanee Hospital Skilled Care Unit. Source: Peoria Journal Star, June 29, 1996, pB3 Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott Louis A. Golden, 82, of Kewanee, died Thursday, June 27, 1996, in Kewanee Hospital. He was born Sept. 4, 1913, in Kewanee, the son of Pearl E. and Lois O. (Bredt) Golden. He married Jennie Hadsall, Aug 16, 1935, in Kewanee. She survives, as well as two daughters, (Mrs. James) Lois Hulslander of Kewanee and (Mrs. Willard) Judy Harland of Princeville; three sons, James (Glee) Golden of Colona, Richard (Ina) Golden of Cambridge and Ronald (Mildred) Golden of Kewanee; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and a brother, Robert (Betty) Golden of South Amana, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, a great-grandson, three brothers and two sisters. Mr. Golden farmed and was a school bus driver for Wethersfield School District for 30 years and later was a maintenance man for that district until retiring in 1978. He was a member of First Christian Church. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 1 in Rux Funeral Home, Kewanee, Tony Gaff officiating. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Rux Funeral Home, Kewanee. Burial will be in Evergreen Memory Gardens, Kewanee. Memorials may be made to his church of the Kewanee Hospital Skilled Care Unit. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Saturday, June 29, 1998 Contributed by Susie Martin-Rott PEARL E. GOLDEN, 88, DIES FRIDAY MORNING Pearl E. Golden, 88, formerly of Kewanee, died at 11:35 a.m. Friday, March 31, 1978 in the Hillcrest Nursing Home, Geneseo. He had resided at the home since July 3, 1976. Golden was born on Sept. 5, 1889 in Kewanee, the son of Edward and Roseanna Lamb Golden. He was reared and educated in Kewanee. He married Lois Bredt on March 26, 1909 in Kewanee. She died March 2, 1938. He married Amber Heath on Dec. 11, 1972. She survives. Also surviving are five sons, Leonard, Roy, Louis and Edward, all of Kewanee, and Robert, Amana, Iowa; a daughter Mrs. George (Helen) King, Moline; 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Harold, Kewanee. A daughter and a sister preceded him in death. Golden had been a carpenter, retiring eight years ago. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, April 3, at the Rux-Creamer-Lund Funeral Home. Neil Norheim of the First Christian Church will officiate. Interment will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 2. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, date not known Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott Funeral services for Pearl E. Golden, 88, former Kewaneean who died Friday, March 31, 1978 in Hillcrest Nursing Home, Geneseo, were at 1 pm. Monday, April 3, in teh Rux-Creamer-Lund Funeral Home. Neil Norheim of the First Christian Church, officiated. Loren Lindstrom was organist, and Frank Marselle, vocalist. Pallbearers were Harry Lempke Jr., Gail, Geoffrey and Ronald Golden, Darrel Moon and George E. King. Interment was in Pleasant View Cemetery. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, date not known, 1978 Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott Roy Roland Golden, 70, of 250 S. Acorn St. died at 2:10 a.m. Wednesday at Kewanee Public Hospital. He had been a partner in Golden Brothers Trucking Co. here. It was a heavy movers company and a contract hauler for 30 years for Kewanee Boiler Co. Golden sold the business and retired May 12, 1976. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Moose Lodge 1261 and Elks Lodge 724. Born June 25, 1918, in Kewanee, son of Pearl and Lois (Bredt) Golden, he was reared and educated in the rural schools and graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1936. He married Shirley Bloedorn Koepke Sept. 26, 1947, in Kewanee. She survives. Also surviving are three brothers, Edward "Ted" and Louis of Kewanee and Robert of Amana, Iowa. He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother. Funeral services will be at 11 alm. Friday, Dec. 23, at Cavanagh and Schueneman Funeral Home with the Rev. David Eadie officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to his church, American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Association. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Thurs, 22 Dec 1988 Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott Funeral services for Roy Golden, 70, of 250 S. Acorn St., were at 11 a.m. Friday at Cavanagh and Schueneman Funeral Home with the Rev. David Eadie of First United Methodist Church officiating. Anita Marvin was organist, and burial was in Evergreen Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were John Gaydos, Harry Lempke, Ray Carlson, Pat Keane, Gail Golden and Bob Longueville. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Saturday 24 Dec 1988 p A5 Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott Albert Grice of 921 N. Burr, and for many years hoisting engineer and coal operator at the North Main Grice coal company, died at Kewanee Public Hospital Sunday after being a patient there for one day. Born in Leigh, Lancashire, England, Dec. 23, 1861, he came to this country and to Kewanee as a boy of 8 and had lived here since. He ws married on Nov., 27, 1896, to Mary Hampson. The decedent joined the Congregatonal church as a boy. Surviving are the widow and a brother, John T. Grice, last of a family of ten children. Funeral service will be held at 2 p. m. at the Seifert and Smith Funeral Home with Rev. Ludwig Emigholz in charge. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Mausoleum. Friends may call from 7 to 9 tonight at the Funeral Home. Source: Kewanee Star-Courier, 27 Dec 1943 Submitted by Tracy Johnson Rev. Ludwig C. Emigholz, pastor of the Congregational church, conducted funeral service at Seifert and Smith funeral home Tuesday afternoon for Albert Grice, Kewanee man who died Sunday. Musical service was in charge of Mrs. Millie Arnold and Mrs. Betty Cosner. Bearers were: Lyman Mumford, Ray Selman, Thomas Dumas, Alfred Ford, Abb Hodgett and James Battersby. Interment was in the mausoleum in Pleasant View cemetery. Source: Kewanee Star-Courier, Funeral Notice dated 29 Dec 1943 Submitted by: Tracy Johnson John T. Grice--821 N. Burr St., died at St. Francis hospital this morning. The body is at Seifert and Smith funeral home and arrangements for funeral service will be announced there. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Wed 04 Feb 1948 p5 Contributed by: Susie Martin-Rott [article carried a photo of Mr. Grice] Funeral services for the late John T. Grice will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in chapel at Seifert and Smith funeral home. Rev. David F. Lehr, pastor of First Christian church, will officiate and the body will be placed in mausoleum at Pleasant View cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday night. Mr. Grice died at 12: 15 p.m. Wednesday at St. Francis hospital where he had been a patient for five months. In ill health the past three years, he had been cared for in McFadden nursing home in Toulon for a year and a half before entering the hospital here. His home had been at 821 Burr St. Born in Lancashire, England April 27, 1860, he came to this country when he was 8 years old and Kewanee had been his home for 80 years. He was married to Sarah Lamb April 27 1882, in Kewanee. He was employed as a coal miner for many years, then worked for Walworth company until he retired in 1934. Culture of flowers was a hobby to which he gave much attention and his beds of tulips were springtime attractions for years. He was actively interested in civil affairs and was a candidate for mayor several times. He was the last of his family, having been preceded in death by his wife, four sisters and four brothers. Source: Kewanee Star-Courier, Thursday 05 Feb. 1948 Submitted by: Tracy Johnson Funeral rites for the late John T. Grice were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Seifert and Smith funeral home chapel. Rev. David F. Lehr, pastor of First Christian church, delivered the sermon and there were vocal selections by Mrs. Fern Jones Lamb. Bearers were Clyde McIntire, Edward McIntire, Clyde McIntire Jr., Leroy Lamb, Frank Grice and Thomas Page. The body was placed in mausoleum in Pleasant View cemetery. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Funeral Notice-Monday 09 Feb. 1948 Submitted by: Tracy Johnson Resident Here 74 Years Dies (photo) MRS. GRICE IS CALLED, DEATH AT EIGHTY-ONE End Comes Saturday at Home; Funeral will be Tuesday Afternoon Mrs. John T. Grice, 821 North Burr street, died in her home at 2:15 Saturday, May 30. She had been in poor health for some time. Sarah Lamb, the daughter of William and Rosannah Lamb was born April 14, 1855, in Dudley, Stafashire (sic) England. When seven years of age she came direct to Kewanee with her mother and spent practically her entire life in this city. She was married to John T. Grice April 27, 1882 by Elder J.S. Patterson. The decedent is survived by her husband, two brothers, William Lamb and Joseph H. Lamb, and one sister, Mrs. Rosannah Marks, all of Kewanee. Also surviving are nieces and nephews. Her parents, five brothers and three sisters, preceded her in death. Mrs. Grice was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. Funeral will be held at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon in charge of Elder Edward Jones with burial in the mausoleum at Pleasant View cemetery. Friends may call at the Palmer and Snare funeral home this evening between 7 and 9. Source: Kewanee Star Courier, Monday, 01 Jun 1936 Submitted by: Tracy Johnson |