Obituaries - R
GENE H. RANKIN
Funeral services for Gene H. Rankin, who died 5-18-2002, were Wednesday morning at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Rebecca Zelensky officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Pallbearers were Tom Barrow, Charlie Morris, Rick Berger, Doug Bennett, Harold Medler, and Orval Jarrett.
HARVEY RASMUSSEN
Gibson City - Died 11-24-1966
ROSA RASMUSSEN
Gibson City - Died 1-17-1985
CAROLE F. RHODES
Carole F. Royal Rohdes, age 58 of Gibson City died at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday 3-3-1992 at the Gibson Community Hospital.
JOHN ROESCH
Gibson City - John Roesch, 96, of Gibson City died at 7:25 p.m. Tuesday 1-24-1995 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Gibson City.
LOUISE B. ROESCH
Gibson City - Louise B. (Suntken) Roesch, 96, of Gibson City died at 12-19 p.m. Tuesday 8-15-2000 at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Normal, where she had been a resident. Lamb Funeral Home is making arrangements.
OTTO ROHWEDDER
Roberts - Otto Rohwedder, 85, of 2030 Covington St., West Lafayette, Ind. formerly of Roberts, died at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday 1-9-1996 at his home. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at St. James Lutheran Church, Lafayette, the Rev. Daniel May officiating. Burial will be in Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, West Lafayette. Visitation will be for one hour before the service today at the church. Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel has charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church or American Heart Association. Survivors include his wife, Hildegard; three daughters, Elaine Howard, Monon, Ind.; Laverne Haas, Frankfort, Ind.; and Janet Dork, Homewood; one sister, Hilda Efford, Normal; and 10 grandchildren.
typist notes: Otto Rohwedder b. 10-6-1910, Roberts, Il parents: Jacob Rohwedder and Augusta Jahnke Rohwedder m. unknown m. Hildegard unknown, 12-8-1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio siblings: Elsa Rohwedder (Ralph Price) Otto Rohwedder Hilda K. Rohwedder (Don Efford) Henry Rohwedder Walter Rohwedder Albert Rohwedder
CHARLES RUTLEDGE
Charles "Chuck" Rutledge, 67, of Gibson City died at 2:43 p.m. Wednesday 11-18-1998 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
TROY H. RUTLEDGE
Gibson City - Troy H. Rutledge, 32, of Gibson City, died at 2:37 a.m. Friday 11-10-1995 as a result of injuries received in an auto accident at Illinois 54 and Road 600 North in Bellflower.
EDWIN R. ROBERTSON
Edwin R. Robertson, 76, of Oregon, Il., formerly of Gibson City, died at 10:05 p.m. Friday 7-20-2001 at ManorCare Health Services of Champaign. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Reverend Randall Robinson will officiate. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City, with military rites by Lee Lowery American Legion Post 568. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Mr. Robertson was born 11-9-1924 in Champaign, a son of Roland and Lauretta Jackson Robertson. He married Ella Mae Whallon on 11-1-1947 in Urbana and she survives. Also surviving are two brothers, William Robertson of Midland, Pa., and Robert Robertson of Champaign; and four sisters, Mildred McAllister of Kalamazoo, Mich., Lauretta McGuire of Gibson City, Susan Jensen of Denver and Rona Hettinger of Champaign. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Mr. Robertson graduated from Drummer Twp High School in Gibson City in 1943. He received a bachelor's degree in education from Illinois State University in 1950 and a master's degree in 1960. He served in the Navy from 1943 - 1946 on the USS Essex in the Pacific. He was a teacher and principal in the Oregon school district from 1957 - 1984. Memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation or the Streatorland Historical Society.
GENE H. RANKIN
Gene H. Rankin, 67, of Gibson City, died at 7:48 a.m. Saturday 5-18-2002 at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Rebecca Zelensky officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 8 p.m. Mr. Rankin was born 3-14-1935 at Foosland, a son of Claude and Neva Reed Rankin. He married Karen Rawley on 2-12-1961 at Champaign and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Alan Rankin of Monticello and Keith Rankin of Gibson City; one daughter, Pamela Schwanke of Gibson City and two grandsons. A 1953 graduate of Fisher High School, Mr. Rankin served in the Army Reserve from 1957 - 1963. He owned a gun shop in the 1960's and 1970's. He farmed most of his life. He was a member of the Gibson City and Ford County police auxiliaries. He was a member of the Gibson City Masonic Lodge No. 733 AF & AM for 37 years and was worshipful master in 1975. He was also a member of the Corn Belt Shrine Club, Mohammed Temple, Scottish Rite, Illinois Society of Sons of the American Revolution, the Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge, the National Rifle Association and the Elliott AmVets Post No 276. Mr. Rankin enjoyed working on genealogy, collecting toy tractors and visiting at the local coffee shop. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gibson Area Hospital Ambulance Service or the Elliott AmVets.
MARVIN J. RICHARD
Marvin J. Richard, 68, Sibley, died at 12 a.m. Monday 5-5-2003 at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. David Pavesic officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Mr. Richard will be cremated. Visitation will be private. He was born 11-23-1934 in Defiance, Ohio, a son of John and Stella Kerr Richard. He married Patricia J. Coon in June 1969 at Paxton. She survives. Also surviving are five daughters, Jeane (Kirk) Simon of Kileen, Texas, Joanie (Jeff) Gillis and Janelle Richard, both of Urbana, Wanda (Dave) Schmidt of Naperville and Wayne (Rod) Emberson of Paxton; his adopted grandson, A.J. Richard of Sibley; his twin sister, Joan Perkins of Gibson City; five other brothers and sisters and seven grandchildren. His parents and three brothers preceded him in death. Mr. Richard served in the U.S. Army. He was a truck driver for M&W Gear for more than 30 years. He was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed having coffee with his friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the A.J. Richard scholarship fund.
FRANCIS REBHOLZ
Francis Rebholz, 88, of Bradenton, Fla., formerly of Chatsworth, Il born: 5-6-1914 in Piper City, parents: John and Rose O'Donnell Rebholz wed: Geraldine Benway; she preceded him in death died: Friday 2-28-2003 10 p.m. at Manatee Hospital, Bradenton, Fl. buried: Services at SSPeter and Paul Catholic Church; burial at Strawn Cemetery.
C. WILBUR REEP C.
Wilbur Reep, 89, of Paxton died at 1:32 p.m. Saturday 3-22-2003 at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana. He had been in failing health the past three months. Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ford-Baier Funeral Home, Paxton, the Rev. Barbara Busboom officiating. Burial was in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. He was born 6-27-1913 in rural Paxton, a son of Charles E. and Mildred Carson Reep. He married Dorothy N. Sandquist 6-16-1940 at the First Lutheran Church in Paxton and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Barbara (Norman) Hanford of Leesburg, Ind., one son, Robert (Nannette) Reep of Springfield; three grandchildren, Emily Christin, Steven Hanford and Gregory Reep, three great-grandchildren; one sister, Winifred Pinkley of Gibson City; and one brother, Warren Reep of Paxton. He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. Mr. Reep attended rural grade school and graduated from Paxton High School. He attended the U of I and Illinois Commercial College. He was employed by General Finance Co. for ten years in Champaign,. Decatur, Sterling and Indianapolis. He was an insurance broker in Paxton for several years before being elected Ford County clerk, an office he held for 26 years. He retired at age 65 but worked part time in the office of the county clerk for several years. He also spent some time as a volunteer income tax assistant at Paxton Carnegie Library. He served in WWII with the 150th Infantry in Panama for two years. He was assigned to Headquarters Company working on record keeping and payrolls. He was a member of the Paxton VFW Post No. 4214 and Paxton American Legion Post No. 150. He served as commander of the VFW in 1951-1952, was adjutant for several years and most recently served as chaplain. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Paxton, having served both on the board and as treasurer for several years. He was a 50-year member of the Paxton Masonic Lodge No. 416 AF&AM. Organist was Carolyn Blobaum and vocalist was Kammy Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were Wendell Johnson, Del Beckstrand, Vernon Swanson, Warren Currie, Mark Rodeen and Cy Anderson. Pallbearers were Dennis Reep, Ben Reep, Ron Rasmus, John Reep, Chuck Reep and LaVerne Anderson.
WALTER C. REINERS
Walter C. "Walt" Reiners, 77, of Milford born: 11-24-1925 on the Reiners family centennial farm in Milford Twp parents: Fred and Dora Henrichs Reiners wed: Elaine Emma Steiner, 4-28-1951 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Buckley and she survives died: Friday 3-21-2003 2:34 p.m. Iroquois Memorial Hospital, Watseka following a sudden illness buried: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer, rural Milford.
VIRGINIA R. (ALLEN) ROBERTSON
Virginia R. Robertson, 72, of Gibson City, formerly of Streator, died Sunday 3-23-2003 at Loretto Hospital, Chicago. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Mark Carpenter officiating. Burial will be in Hill Crest Cemetery, Streator. born: 8-18-1930 at Streator parents: George V. and Louise Mahnke Allen wed: Hobert M. Robertson, Jr.; he preceded her in death. Mrs. Robertson worked as a nurses aid in nursing homes and shelter care homes. She was a member of the Gibson City Bible Church.
MILDRED IRENE (STEIN) ROBB
Mildred Irene Robb, 87, of Joliet, formerly of Sibley, died Monday 3-24-2003 at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Barbara Good officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sibley. Mrs. Robb was born 8-30-1915 in Sibley, a daughter of Fred and Dorothea (Berck) Stein. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children and four sisters-in-law, Rebie Stein, Geneva Stein, Bethal Stein and Bessie Stein. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. Robb in 2000; six brothers, Edward, Frank, Walter, Elmer, Harry and Clarence "Todd." and two sisters, Esther (Herman) Lohmeyer and Laura (Amos) Ashley. Mrs. Robb graduated from Sibley Community High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Illinois State University and a master's degree from the University of Illinois. She taught in five Illinois schools - Washington, Minonk, Lemont, Kankakee and in Joliet at Laraway Consolidation Community School until her retirement in 1975. She was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, Junior Whatsoever Circle of the King's Daughters and Sons, Chapter DS of PEO. She was a former member of Gamma Theta Chapter of the International Delta Kappa Gamma Society and the American Association of University Women.
PAULINE M. (FOGEL) RICKS
The funeral of Pauline M. Ricks, 80, of Gibson City, was at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, Gibson City. The Rev. Kathleen Riechmann officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. She died at 4:40 p.m. Thursday 4-24-2003 at her home. Mrs. Ricks was born 8-8-1922 in Champaign County, a daughter of Clarence and Grace Miner Fogel. She married Harry F. Ricks on 7-6-1947 at Gibson City. He died 2-19-1997. Surviving are one daughter, Mary Ann (Louis) Martin, Gibson City; two granddaughters; four step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Nadine Cook, Mahomet; and one brother, Melvin Fogel, Monticello. Two sons, Gale Ricks and Ronald Ricks; and one brother preceded her in death. Mrs. Ricks worked for Kroger, Shockeys and Dave's Clothing Stores, all in Gibson City. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Gibson City. Mrs. Ricks loved gardening, puzzles, her grandchildren, and sitting on her deck. Memorials may be made to her church. Pallbearers were Steve Cushman, Mickey Martin, Jack Williams, Kevin Bunney, Lyle Obert and Dave Cline.
PEARL L. (WHITE) REYNOLDS
Pearl L. Reynolds, 80, of Buckley died at 7 p.m. Wednesday 5-7-2003 at ASTA Care Center of Ford County. She had been in failing health for several years. Funeral services were Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Buckley, the Rev. Mark J. Haller officiating. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Buckley. Visitation was from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday at Ford-Baier Funeral Home, Buckley, and for one hour before the service Saturday at the church. Mrs. Reynolds was born 3-18-1923 at Onarga, a daughter of Ollie and Martha Hoel White. She married Merle Reynolds 5-15-1948 at Peoria. He survives. Also surviving are two sons, James (Barb) Reynolds of Sidney and Steven (Dena) Reynolds of Lake Iroquois; three graandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Edith Pagels. Mrs. Reynolds and her husbnad lived their entire life in Buckley. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Buckley. Mrs. Reynolds and Sarah Jane Bradshaw were the founders of girl scouting in Buckley. She enjoyed dancing, raising flowers and gardening. Memorials may be made to her church. paxton record 5-14-2003
HAROLD J. ROETZEL
The funeral of Harold J. Roetzel, 88, of Roberts was at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Roberts, the Rev. Ron Rasmus officiated. Burial was in Lyman Twp Cemetery, Roberts. Visitation was from 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and for one hour before the service Monday at the church. Lamb-Young Funeral Home, Roberts, was in charge of arrangements. He died at 9:25 a.m. Thursday 5-8-2003 at his home in Roberts which he resided in for 53 years. Mr. Roetzel was born 12-7-1914, in Roberts, a son of William and Lillian Truesdell Roetzel. He married Roslyn I. Janssen on 10-24-1937 at Terre Haute, Ind. She died 1-25-1997. Surviving are three daughters, Sharon Grant, Milwaukee, Karen Ferraiolo, Des Plaines; and Betty Jo (Glenn) Poshard, Marion; and four grandchildren. A son-in-law, Frank Ferraiolo; and five brothers and sisters preceded him in death. Mr. Roetzel was a lifelong resident of Roberts. In his early years, he worked for Hicks Gas. He then owned and operated Roetzel's Grocery Store in Roberts for 17 years. Following that, he worked for eight years with the State Highway Department in Ford County. While maintaining his residence in Roberts, he then managed for 10 years the Ellinwood Medical Building in Des Plaines. Harold later returned to Roberts and was employed once again by Hicks Gas until retiring in 1993. Mr. Roetzel was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Brotherhood; he had in the past been a volunteer helping to deliver for Peace Meal in Roberts; and a member of the Roberts Community Club. Harold was involved for many years in Ford County Democratic politics and took great pride in helping his son-in-law, Glenn Poshard, campaign for governor of Illinois. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to the Roberts Gym Fund. paxton record 5-14-2003
The many obituaries available here were transcribed and contributed by Gail Hahn Hutchcraft.
