Source: Rockford Register Star, Feb. 3, 2019.
People
Historical or Notable People
Veterans Who Have Passed–Charles Wilhelmson
Source: Rockford Register Star, Feb. 3, 2019.
Veterans Who Have Passed–Paul F. Johnson
Source: Rockford Register Star, Feb. 3, 2019.
Veterans Who Have Passed–Eric Paul Selin
Source: Rockford Register Star, Feb. 9, 2019.
1015-1017 Benton Street, built 1892
Sources: Image source: Google.com Image captured July 2017, newspaper sources: Rockford Morning Star, December 17, 1891 and June 16, 1892
Veterans Who Have Passed — Harold Donald Johnson
Harold Donald Johnson 1926—2020
Harold Donald Johnson, 94, of Dixon, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020, at Liberty Court Assisted Living & Memory Care, Dixon, IL. He was employed by the Illinois Northern Utility Co., which merged with Public Service Co., then with Commonwealth Edison Co. for 36 prior to his retirement.
Harold was born May 15, 1926, in Dixon, IL, the son of Harry and Jennie (Steinbeck) Johnson. He had several nicknames, mainly “Goozle” which was passed on from his father and “Swede” which was from his time with the Utility Company. Harold graduated from Dixon High School, class of 1944. He served in the United States Army during World War II from 1944-1946 including duty in the European Theater of Operations. Also served in the Illinois National Guard and Korean Conflict from 1949-1952. Harold was proud to have received three Honorable Discharges. He attended Grace United Methodist Church in Dixon, was a member of the American Legion Post #12, a Charter Volunteer at Dixon Rural Fire Dept for 11 years (1946-1957), a member of the World War II National Museum in New Orleans, and a special Deputy Sheriff under John Stouffer, Robert Burrs and his good friend Quest. During the Depression Era he delivered newspapers for the Dixon Evening Telegraph and Rockford Morning Star. Harold had the pleasure of being Grand Marshall of the 2017 Memorial Day Parade. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and the many trips they took. He is survived by special friends, Terrie Sloan, Kathy Gridley, and Leonard Jerrells; cousins and many friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond and brother, Richard who passed away in infancy.
Private graveside service will be on Friday, December 18, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, IL, with, Pastor Jack Briggs, officiating, with full Military Honors by the combined Veteran’s Military Groups.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be mailed to Midland States Bank in C/O Connie Bontz directed to Oakwood Cemetery for the Veterans Platform to install a ramp or the Dixon Veterans Memorial Park.
Harold expressed his thanks and blessing to go to Terrie Sloan, a great friend and a devoted neighbor for over the last 30 plus years especially since living alone at home and then at Liberty Court, for the many visits and helping hands, may God put many stars in your crown.
Harold’s special friends would like to extend a thank you to nurse Andrea and all the staff at Liberty Court for taking such good care of him during his stay. As well as the combined Veteran Military Groups in the local area for all they do for Veterans.
“There is never a total loss,
But what there is a small
Gain somewhere,
If you look at it Right”
~Harold D. Johnson
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.
Harold Donald Johnson, 94, of Dixon, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020, at Liberty Court Assisted Living & Memory Care, Dixon, IL. He was employed by the Illinois Northern Utility Co., which merged with Public Service Co., then with Commonwealth Edison Co. for 36 prior to his retirement.
Harold was born May 15, 1926, in Dixon, IL, the son of Harry and Jennie (Steinbeck) Johnson. He had several nicknames, mainly “Goozle” which was passed on from his father and “Swede” which was from his time with the Utility Company. Harold graduated from Dixon High School, class of 1944. He served in the United States Army during World War II from 1944-1946 including duty in the European Theater of Operations. Also served in the Illinois National Guard and Korean Conflict from 1949-1952. Harold was proud to have received three Honorable Discharges. He attended Grace United Methodist Church in Dixon, was a member of the American Legion Post #12, a Charter Volunteer at Dixon Rural Fire Dept for 11 years (1946-1957), a member of the World War II National Museum in New Orleans, and a special Deputy Sheriff under John Stouffer, Robert Burrs and his good friend Quest. During the Depression Era he delivered newspapers for the Dixon Evening Telegraph and Rockford Morning Star. Harold had the pleasure of being Grand Marshall of the 2017 Memorial Day Parade. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and the many trips they took. He is survived by special friends, Terrie Sloan, Kathy Gridley, and Leonard Jerrells; cousins and many friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond and brother, Richard who passed away in infancy.
Private graveside service will be on Friday, December 18, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, IL, with, Pastor Jack Briggs, officiating, with full Military Honors by the combined Veteran’s Military Groups.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be mailed to Midland States Bank in C/O Connie Bontz directed to Oakwood Cemetery for the Veterans Platform to install a ramp or the Dixon Veterans Memorial Park.
Harold expressed his thanks and blessing to go to Terrie Sloan, a great friend and a devoted neighbor for over the last 30 plus years especially since living alone at home and then at Liberty Court, for the many visits and helping hands, may God put many stars in your crown.
Harold’s special friends would like to extend a thank you to nurse Andrea and all the staff at Liberty Court for taking such good care of him during his stay. As well as the combined Veteran Military Groups in the local area for all they do for Veterans.
“There is never a total loss,
But what there is a small
Gain somewhere,
If you look at it Right”
~Harold D. Johnson
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, 2020, and found on Legacy.com.
Veterans Who Have Passed — Wayne Francis Stern
Wayne Francis Stern 1934—2020
Wayne Francis Stern, 86, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 following a long illness and COVID 19. Son of the late Frank and Gertrude (Ollman) Stern, he was born on Friday, April 20, 1934 at Highland Hospital in Belvidere, IL. Wayne graduated from Belvidere High School in 1952 and Drake University School of Pharmacy. Wayne served his country in the United States Navy as a Corpsman from 1953 to 1957. Wayne married the love of his life, Sandra Didio on Saturday, July 28, 1962 in Belmond, IA. He was the pharmacy manager at Kmart in Belvidere from opening until retirement in 1999. Wayne was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, University of Illinois and Notre Dame. He coached Belvidere Youth Baseball for 12 years, was a Eucharistic Minister, and was a longtime member of Belvidere V.F.W. and American Legion. Wayne is loved and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Sandy; sons, Michael Stern, Mark (Kathleen) Stern, John Stern, Jason (Karice) Stern; grandchildren, Colleen Stern, Matthew Stern, Michael Stern, Patrick Stern, Kaitlin Stern, Kyle Stern; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gertrude; sister, Ruth Jacobsen. There will be a graveside service beginning at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Highland Garden of Memories in Belvidere, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Sinise Foundation, or Belvidere Youth Baseball.
Wayne Francis Stern, 86, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 following a long illness and COVID 19. Son of the late Frank and Gertrude (Ollman) Stern, he was born on Friday, April 20, 1934 at Highland Hospital in Belvidere, IL. Wayne graduated from Belvidere High School in 1952 and Drake University School of Pharmacy. Wayne served his country in the United States Navy as a Corpsman from 1953 to 1957. Wayne married the love of his life, Sandra Didio on Saturday, July 28, 1962 in Belmond, IA. He was the pharmacy manager at Kmart in Belvidere from opening until retirement in 1999. Wayne was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, University of Illinois and Notre Dame. He coached Belvidere Youth Baseball for 12 years, was a Eucharistic Minister, and was a longtime member of Belvidere V.F.W. and American Legion. Wayne is loved and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Sandy; sons, Michael Stern, Mark (Kathleen) Stern, John Stern, Jason (Karice) Stern; grandchildren, Colleen Stern, Matthew Stern, Michael Stern, Patrick Stern, Kaitlin Stern, Kyle Stern; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gertrude; sister, Ruth Jacobsen. There will be a graveside service beginning at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Highland Garden of Memories in Belvidere, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Sinise Foundation, or Belvidere Youth Baseball.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 11 to Dec. 14, 2020, as found on Legacy.com.
Veterans Who Have Passed — Robert F. Turner
Robert F. Turner 1938—2020
Robert F Turner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather passed away at age 82 on Friday December 11, 2020 at his home in Cherry Valley, Illinois surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Channahon, Illinois on May 27, 1938, the son of Frank and Carrie (Frederick) Turner (both deceased). He grew up in Channahon, active in the Channahon/Minooka community as a baseball coach, church youth group leader and school board member. Bob enjoyed golf, fishing, NASCAR, and was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan. Bob served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957-1959, stationed on Kodiak Island Alaska. He retired from Minnesota Life, where he was a regional retirement planning sales executive.
Bob will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife Joann Turner, daughters Susan (Kent) McMillin, Jennifer (Tracy) Beard, son Mark (Donna) Turner and grandchildren Darren (Brittany) McMillin, Allison (Ryan)j Egan, Kelly Turner, Maggie Beard, Josh Beard and great-grandson Barrett McMillin.
Bob will be remembered at a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the OSF Rockford Hospice (9951 Rock Cut Crossing, Loves Park, Illinois 61111, (815)381-6330), who lovingly helped care for him. Arrangements by Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home 304 N. 5th St. Rockford, IL. 61107. Memorial website and guestbook at www.weltefuneral.com
Bob will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife Joann Turner, daughters Susan (Kent) McMillin, Jennifer (Tracy) Beard, son Mark (Donna) Turner and grandchildren Darren (Brittany) McMillin, Allison (Ryan)j Egan, Kelly Turner, Maggie Beard, Josh Beard and great-grandson Barrett McMillin.
Bob will be remembered at a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the OSF Rockford Hospice (9951 Rock Cut Crossing, Loves Park, Illinois 61111, (815)381-6330), who lovingly helped care for him. Arrangements by Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home 304 N. 5th St. Rockford, IL. 61107. Memorial website and guestbook at www.weltefuneral.com
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 12 to Dec. 16, 2020, as found on Legacy.com.
Veterans Who Have Passed — Gordon L. Passmore
Gordon “Gordy” L. Passmore 1931—2020
Gordon “Gordy” L. Passmore, 89, of Rockford passed away Friday, December 4, 2020. Born April 20, 1931, in Rockford, the son of Thomas and Florence Leona (Fehler) Passmore. Veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving from 1952 to 1954. Married Jeanne Salmon on October 26, 1996, in Lake Tahoe, CA. Employed by ComEd as a lineman for 33 years. Gordy loved playing cards with his friends at the Pecatonica American Legion, taking trips to Arizona, and mowing all of his neighbor’s yards. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Jeanne; children, Doug (Helen) Passmore, Kevin (Mary) Passmore, Becky Passmore, Rusty Passmore, and Shari Noland; grandsons, Ryan, Justin, Adam, and Callen; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; son, Michael; grandson, Michael; and sisters, Betty Jack, Donna Blecker, and Lois Cain.
Cremation rites accorded. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park. Visit delehantyfh.com.
Cremation rites accorded. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park. Visit delehantyfh.com.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13, 2020, as found on Legacy.com.
Veterans Who Have Passed–Bruce R. Feally
Source: Rockford Register Star, Feb. 9, 2019.