Source: Rockford Register Star, July 14, 2021.
WWII
Veterans Who Have Passed–Willard J. Johnson
Source: Rockford Register Star, Feb. 28, 2021.
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 — Ernest C. Mowers
Ernest C. Mowers 1926—2020
America has lost another from its greatest generation. Ernest C. Mowers, 94 of Belvidere, IL died, December 7, 2020 in Belvidere, IL. Ernest was born to Amos J. and Agnes (Mahle) Mowers May 16, 1926 in Genoa, IL. He graduated from high school in 1944. He married Charmeine Whitehead in 1947 and upon her passing he married Gloria (Schmidt) Greenhow in 2001 in Belvidere. Ernest was employed with Barber-Colman in Rockford, IL and Giddings & Lewis in Janesville, WI for many years. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, The American Legion and VFW. Ernest proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1944 to 1950 then reenlisted and was honorably discharged again in 1954. He served in WWII and the Korean Navy Reserves as a Gunner’s mate. He served on Motor Torpedo Boats, the USS Barr and USS Gosselin/Destroyer Escorts totaling 6.5 years accredited. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, woodworking, bowling, and the Green Bay Packers.
Ernest will be loved and missed by his wife, Gloria; daughters, Michele Pospeschil, Josette (Bradley) Parsch and Denise (Ronald Vike, Jr.) Poindexter; stepchildren, Cindy Collins, Susan (Steve) Dalhstrom and Greg (Sherlene) Greenhow; grandchildren, Jason and Tom Pospeschil, Leah and Clinton Parsch, Kirsten Peterson, and Chelsea Packer; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; previous wife of 53 years, Charmeine Mowers; and grand-son, Casey Poindexter.
The walk-through visitation will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 10:00 -10:45 a.m. at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere IL 61008. Funeral service will be private. Live Stream of the funeral service will be Tuesday December 15, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Highland Garden of Memories. Pastor Braun Campbell will officiate. Due to state guidelines social distancing and facemasks required. Memorials in his honor can be made to the family to establish a memorial at a later date. If you would like to leave a memory for the family, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.
Ernest will be loved and missed by his wife, Gloria; daughters, Michele Pospeschil, Josette (Bradley) Parsch and Denise (Ronald Vike, Jr.) Poindexter; stepchildren, Cindy Collins, Susan (Steve) Dalhstrom and Greg (Sherlene) Greenhow; grandchildren, Jason and Tom Pospeschil, Leah and Clinton Parsch, Kirsten Peterson, and Chelsea Packer; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; previous wife of 53 years, Charmeine Mowers; and grand-son, Casey Poindexter.
The walk-through visitation will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 10:00 -10:45 a.m. at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere IL 61008. Funeral service will be private. Live Stream of the funeral service will be Tuesday December 15, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Highland Garden of Memories. Pastor Braun Campbell will officiate. Due to state guidelines social distancing and facemasks required. Memorials in his honor can be made to the family to establish a memorial at a later date. If you would like to leave a memory for the family, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13, 2020, as found on Legacy.com.
Veterans Who Have Passed — Guy Massetti
Guy Massetti 1925—2020
Guy Massetti passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2020 in Gig Harbor, Washington. Guy was born in Abettito, Italy, June 1st 1925 to Emil and Maddalena (DeLuca) Massetti. He came to America at the age of five years, attended Rockford West High School, earned seven varsity letters in basketball, track and football, left school in his senior year to follow his brother in the U.S. Navy. Guy served six years in the Navy in WW 2 as a Gunnery Mate aboard ships from Attu, Alaska to Murmansk, Russia. With the war’s end and time left he played football with the U.S. Navy Treasure Island Military League Team. Life of many facets: athlete, barber, hair stylist, tile setter, dancer and dance instructor with wife Mary on cruise ships. He had a full life of travel throughout the U.S.A and Europe with each of his wives. Married Mary Saltarelli, she passed away in 1976. Later married Teresa Jacobsen who passed away in 2001.
Guy was predeceased by parents, wives Mary and Teresa, brothers Dominic, Anthony, twin brothers Fiore and Fiorello.
Guy is survived by brother Silvio John (Karen)Massetti, step-daughters Pamela, Candy and Becky of Washington. Nephews Ron, Mike, Mark Massetti and Niece Lynette Elliott of the Rockford area.
Funeral Mass and service along with a gathering of family and friends were held in Tacoma Washington.
Guy is survived by brother Silvio John (Karen)Massetti, step-daughters Pamela, Candy and Becky of Washington. Nephews Ron, Mike, Mark Massetti and Niece Lynette Elliott of the Rockford area.
Funeral Mass and service along with a gathering of family and friends were held in Tacoma Washington.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13, 2020, as found on Legacy.com.
Veterans Who Have Passed — Toby C. Whitehead
Toby C. Whitehead 1926—2020
Toby C. Whitehead, 94, of Winnebago, formerly of Corning, AR, died Friday, December 4, 2020, at Prairie View Assisted Living Community in Winnebago. He was born January 15, 1926 in Corning, AR, the son of Toby Clarence and Lelia (Ora) Whitaker Whitehead. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II and the Korean War. Toby worked 35 years at Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford retiring as a test lab supervisor and also farmed. He was a member and bus driver at Berean Baptist Church in Rockford. He enjoyed going for drives, cooking, hunting and fishing.
Toby is survived by his sons, Chris (Beth) Whitehead, Jeff (Pam) Whitehead, Jimmy (Mark) Whitehead; daughters, Barbara Patterson, Debbie (Jon) Pearson, Sheila (Scott) Rehfeldt, Melanie (John) Lieske; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brothers, Billy (Oma Dean) Whitehead, Frank Whitehead, Wilke (Sylvia) Whitehead; several nephews and nieces.
Toby is predeceased by his daughter, Sandi Gray; brothers, Johnny Whitehead, Phillip Whitehead; sisters, Nina Smith, Martha Owens.
Private family interment service at Corning Cemetery in Corning, AR. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established. Arrangements by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Toby C. Whitehead, 94, of Winnebago, formerly of Corning, AR, died Friday, December 4, 2020, at Prairie View Assisted Living Community in Winnebago. He was born January 15, 1926 in Corning, AR, the son of Toby Clarence and Lelia (Ora) Whitaker Whitehead. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II and the Korean War. Toby worked 35 years at Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford retiring as a test lab supervisor and also farmed. He was a member and bus driver at Berean Baptist Church in Rockford. He enjoyed going for drives, cooking, hunting and fishing.
Toby is survived by his sons, Chris (Beth) Whitehead, Jeff (Pam) Whitehead, Jimmy (Mark) Whitehead; daughters, Barbara Patterson, Debbie (Jon) Pearson, Sheila (Scott) Rehfeldt, Melanie (John) Lieske; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brothers, Billy (Oma Dean) Whitehead, Frank Whitehead, Wilke (Sylvia) Whitehead; several nephews and nieces.
Toby is predeceased by his daughter, Sandi Gray; brothers, Johnny Whitehead, Phillip Whitehead; sisters, Nina Smith, Martha Owens.
Private family interment service at Corning Cemetery in Corning, AR. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established. Arrangements by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 7 to Dec. 9, 2020, as found on Legacy.com.
Veterans Who Have Passed — Howard David Lanphear
Howard Lanphear 1924—2020
Howard David Lanphear, age 96, of Madison, Wis., was welcomed home as a good and faithful servant by his Lord and Savior on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2020. He was born in Sonnette, Mont., on June 29, 1924. He was a graduate of Seattle Northwest Bible College (Valedictorian) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, MSSW. He married Lilly Oberg on Aug. 28, 1948, and they served the Lord together for 72 years.
Howard was a hard worker with a servant heart. He served his country during World War II with the 56th Troop Carrier Group as an aerial engineer in the Pacific Theater. Howard was an avid learner. His love of history prompted him to take classes on Russian history and study and tour several Civil War sites. His skills in building design, construction and planning enabled him to lead congregations in Airway Heights and Vancouver, Wash., and Madison, Wis., through new church building projects.
Briefly stepping away from his pastoral duties, he continued to care for others in his role as Director of Social Work at the Sauk County Health Department. Late in life, his obedience to the Lord’s calling led him and Lilly to First Free Evangelical Church in Rockford, Ill., to serve as an Associate Pastor, from where he officially retired at age 80. His ability to share God’s word was truly a gift from God. Early messages he gave were broadcast Sunday mornings on Madison’s Christian Radio Station WRVB 102.5 (now WNWC).
Howard’s favorite hobbies were travel (he and Lily made trips across the country and to Sweden), stained glass work, and spending time with his grandchildren. There was no more ardent supporter than “Pop Pop.”
Howard is survived by his wife, Lilly; children, Linda (Bill) Lehman, Bradenton, Fla., and Dave (Sue) Lanphear, DeForest, Wis.; six grandchildren, Ben (Sophia) Koerner, Aimee Koerner, Jana (Todd) Lake, Andrew Lanphear, Ryan (Megan) Lanphear and Tyler Lanphear; nine great-grandchildren, Malyn, Jaicee, Devyn, Vivienne, Benjamin, Branden, Andi, Caroline and Henry; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his three brothers, Leonard, Richard and Phillip.
Special thanks to the staff at Oak Park Skilled Nursing and Agrace HospiceCare. Memorials in Howard’s honor may be sent to Bethany Evangelical Free Church, or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Howard David Lanphear, age 96, of Madison, Wis., was welcomed home as a good and faithful servant by his Lord and Savior on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2020. He was born in Sonnette, Mont., on June 29, 1924. He was a graduate of Seattle Northwest Bible College (Valedictorian) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, MSSW. He married Lilly Oberg on Aug. 28, 1948, and they served the Lord together for 72 years.
Howard was a hard worker with a servant heart. He served his country during World War II with the 56th Troop Carrier Group as an aerial engineer in the Pacific Theater. Howard was an avid learner. His love of history prompted him to take classes on Russian history and study and tour several Civil War sites. His skills in building design, construction and planning enabled him to lead congregations in Airway Heights and Vancouver, Wash., and Madison, Wis., through new church building projects.
Briefly stepping away from his pastoral duties, he continued to care for others in his role as Director of Social Work at the Sauk County Health Department. Late in life, his obedience to the Lord’s calling led him and Lilly to First Free Evangelical Church in Rockford, Ill., to serve as an Associate Pastor, from where he officially retired at age 80. His ability to share God’s word was truly a gift from God. Early messages he gave were broadcast Sunday mornings on Madison’s Christian Radio Station WRVB 102.5 (now WNWC).
Howard’s favorite hobbies were travel (he and Lily made trips across the country and to Sweden), stained glass work, and spending time with his grandchildren. There was no more ardent supporter than “Pop Pop.”
Howard is survived by his wife, Lilly; children, Linda (Bill) Lehman, Bradenton, Fla., and Dave (Sue) Lanphear, DeForest, Wis.; six grandchildren, Ben (Sophia) Koerner, Aimee Koerner, Jana (Todd) Lake, Andrew Lanphear, Ryan (Megan) Lanphear and Tyler Lanphear; nine great-grandchildren, Malyn, Jaicee, Devyn, Vivienne, Benjamin, Branden, Andi, Caroline and Henry; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his three brothers, Leonard, Richard and Phillip.
Special thanks to the staff at Oak Park Skilled Nursing and Agrace HospiceCare. Memorials in Howard’s honor may be sent to Bethany Evangelical Free Church, or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Source: Published in Rockford Register Star from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7, 2020, as found on Legacy.com
Veterans Who Have Passed — James “Jim” G. Grindley
Source: Rockford Register Star, November 29, 2020.
Veterans Who Have Passed — John James Scaduto
Source: Rockford Register Star, November 21, 2021.
Veterans Who Have Passed — Frank McGraw
Source: Rockford Register Star, November 11, 2020.
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