Obituaries
We
WEAR, John - The Cass County Historian, March 2000, taken from Virginia Enquirer, April 19, 1884
John Wear who was visiting his son in Taylor County, Iowa died there the 13th, age 80. He was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky and came to Illinois in 1841. He resided on a farm two miles from Virginia for many years. He was a member of the Christian Church for 50 years.
WEBB, John - paper unknown
John Webb was born December 9, 1813, in Balton, England, a son of Samuel and Ellen (Fletcher) Webb. He died in 1895 and is buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, Beardstown. He was first married to Eliza Kahaley and they were parents of Mrs. Mary Norton, John, Joseph, Samuel and William. His second marriage, in 1890, was to Maria Serrat. The father, Samuel Webb, worked in his father's cotton factory. Samuel wanted to come to America but at that time it was against the law for an expert mechanic to leave Great Britain, so when he brought his family to America, they sailed under an assumed name. The family lived in Pennsylvania, Maryland and later in Menard and Mason Counties, in Illinois. John Webb became a machinist and built a foundry in Beardstown in 1847. It was destroyed by fire in 1856. He rebuilt it as the Phoenix Foundry and sold out in 1865. He then engaged in manufacturing wagons and plows. He was a member of the Methodist Church.
WEBBER, Mary - Beardstown llinoian, Sept.26, 1878
Mary, wife of Conrad Webber died Sunday the 22nd of Sept. from congestive chill. She was aged 45 years. The funeral was held Monday from the 4th Street Lutheran Church. (She is buried in Oetgen Cemetery, just outside of Beardstown.)
WEBSTER, Eileen Joyce - The Star Gazette, Beardstown, Illinois
Eileen Joyce Webster, 91, of Beardstown, died Thursday, Aug. 2, at her home at Evergreen Place in Beardstown. Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. The family met with friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service. Burial was held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, at Beardstown City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.airsman-hires.com. Funeral services for Eileen Joyce Webster were held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown with Mike Courson officiating. Vocalist Mike Courson, accompanied by pianist Janet Petersen, sang "He Touched Me". Other music played was "How Great Thou Art", "Be Not Afraid", and "Jacobs Ladder". Burial was in the Beardstown City Cemetery.
WEBSTER, Lewis H. - Submitted by Ernie Launer
Lewis H. "Sonny" Webster 1934 - 2004
Lewis Howard (Sonny) Webster, 70 years, of Pleasant Plains, IL and formerly of Virginia, IL died Sunday morning, June 13, 2004 at his residence.
He was born February 28, 1934 in Morgan County, IL; the son of Lewis H. and Ellen Louise Maddox Webster. He married Jane Launer on September 19, 1953 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluff Springs, IL and she survives.
He is also survived by a son Michael Webster (wife, Kim) of Virginia; four daughters, Michele Stremsterfer (husband, Norm) of Pleasant Plains, Monica Boesdoefer (husband, Dennis) of Springfield, Jacqueline DeOrnellas (husband, Jack) of Murrayville, and Julianne James (husband, Don) of Pleasant Plains; 13 grandchildren; Lee Stremsterfer (wife, Stacy) of Pleasant Plains, Lindi Kocher (Husband, Scott) of Elliott, Travis Stremsterfer of Pleasant Plains, Bridget Wieland (husband Tim) of Tullula, Wade Stremsterfer of Pleasant Plains, Brent Boesdoefer (wife, Kendra) of St. Louis, Jamie Boesdorfer of Springfield, Amanda DeOrnellas, Arthur DeOrnellas, Allan DeOrnellas, all of Murrayville, and Chase James, Charles James, and Clayton James all of Pleasant Plains; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jim Webster (wife Leta) of Virginia and Gary Webster (wife, Cheryl) of Puyallup, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Dale Webster.
Mr. Webster was a graduate of Virginia High School and farmed in Cass County, IL his entire life. He organized and served as a leader for the Union Corner 4H Club in Cass County. He was a former director for the Cass Morgan Farm Bureau. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains. Funeral Services were held at 10:00 AM Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends called after 4 PM Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains where the family meet with friends from 5-7 PM. Memorial gifts are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church, Salem Lutheran Church Radio Ministry, or Lutheran High School in Springfield. The Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home of Virginia is in charge of arrangements. Messages of Sympathy may be sent to the family online at www,buchananfuneralhome.com
WEDEKING, M. Lucille - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, October 27, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
M. Lucille Wedeking, 1918-2003, Beardstown
M. Lucille Wedeking, 85, of Beardstown, died Saturday evening, Oct. 25, 2003, at her residence.
She was born Aug. 21, 1918, in Ray, the daughter of Charlie and Mary O'Donnal Kalebaugh. She married Marshall Parry on Jan. 2, 1936, and he preceded her in death in Dec. of 1980. She then married Ralph Wedeking on Jan. 19, 1985, at Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in rural Virginia, and he survives in Beardstown.
She is also survived by one son, Allen, (wife, Cynthia) Parry of Peoria; two daughters, Donna (husband, Adolph) Baum of Beardstown and Patricia (husband, Larry) Mitchell of rural Astoria; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Dixie Blanch; two sisters; and two brothers.
Mrs. Wedeking attended school in Ray and Canton. She was formerly employed at Bemis Bag and Logan Printing both in Peoria. She attended the First Southern Baptist Church in Beardstown. Mrs. Wedeking enjoyed singing with her father and her sister, and fishing and camping with her family and cherished their times together, especially family dinners.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at the Astoria Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 10 a.m. Tuesday until the time of the funeral service at the funeral home. Memorials have been suggested to Cass County Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at [email protected].
WELLENKAMP, Eda - newspaper unknown, 2004 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Eda Wellenkamp, 1909-2004, Beardstown
Eda Wellenkamp, 95, of Dixon, and formerly of Beardstown, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at Lee County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dixon.
She was born Jan. 6, 1909, in Morgan County, the daughter of Herman and Mary Boehs Dufelmeier. She married Edward Wellenkamp on Feb. 20, 1938, in Bluffs, and he preceded her in death June 1, 1962.
She is survived by three daughters, Mary (deceased husband, Ted) Preuss of Troy, Carolyn (husband, Robert) Binkley of Dixon and Kathryn (husband, Norman) Herbst of Brookfield, Wis.; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother, John Dufelmeier of Chapin; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five brothers; and two sisters.
Mrs. Wellenkamp was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown. She and her husband farmed together near Beardstown for 24 years.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown, with burial at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery near Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 10 a.m. until time of services Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to The Lutheran Hour or St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].
WELLS, Mrs. Oca - Illinoian Star, January 9, 1965 - submitted by Carol Orwig
Mrs. Oca Wells - 1891-1965
Mrs. Ocaola Wells, 73, lifelong resident of Cass County, died at 12:45 o'clock this morning at Boyd's Nursing Home where she had been a patient five years.
She was born at Chandlerville, March 25, 1891, daughter of William A. and Sara Buck Steele.
She was married to Cap Wells in 1936. He died in 1943. A son, Trenis, died at 13. Her parents and a brother also preceded her in death.
She is survived by two brothers, Glenn Steele of Michigan City, Ind., and Clarence Steele of Anderson, Ind., and several nieces and nephews.
The body is at Cline's Funeral Home where friends may call from 7:30 to 8:30 this evening. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The Rev. George Hunt, pastor of the First Methodist Church will officiate.
WERKAU, Zella Brech - Illinois State Journal - Submitted by James Howard
1899 - September 1932
Zella Brech Werkau died at 1 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 1932 at St. John's Hospital, age 33 years. Survived by husband Frank, 1425 East Edwards street, two sons, John Robert and Ernest Don, one sister Mrs. Marie Buxton of Virginia, one brother, Royal Brech of Granite City. Remains to E.P. Metcalf Funeral - notice later.
Zella was born in 1899 in Cass County,Il. and died in Springfield,Il. in 1932.
WERNER, Susan Marie - September 26, 1960-January 18, 2016
Susan Marie Werner, 55, of Ashland, died Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at her home.
She was born Sept. 26, 1960, in Lombard, the daughter of Hubert and Virginia L. Lidicker, and they preceded her in death.
She is survived by one son and two daughters, Robert (Megan) Werner of Virginia, Rachel Werner of Murrayville, and Rebecca Werner of Ashland.
Susans life revolved around taking care of her family.
A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the family at 12 noon, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at St. Augustine Parrish Hall in Ashland. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.
WESSEL, Elizabeth - Illinoian Star, Beardstown, Illinois, August 14, 1947 - Submitted by Carol Orwig
Mrs. Elizabeth Wessel, 89, a widely known resident of this city for many years, died here yesterday. She had been in failing health for the past few years.
The body was removed to the Cline Funeral Home to be prepared for burial, and friends may call between 7:30 and 9 o'clock tomorrow evening.
The Rev. Kenneth Knudsen will officiate for the funeral at Clines at 2:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Burial will be in the City cemetery.
She was born in Germany February 6, 1956 and was 89 years six months and seven days of age at the time of her death.
She was united in marriage July 16, 1881 to Herman H. Wessel in Spencerville, Ohio. He died in 1920. Four children, Otto, Anna, Lena and Dorothy, also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her sons Julius and Edward of this city and Henry of St. Marys, Ohio; also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Mrs. Wessel was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church here.
WESSEL, Ralph - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, October 2, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Ralph Wessel, 1928-2006, Beardstown
Ralph Wessel, 78, of Beardstown, died Sunday morning, Oct. 1, 2006, at Heritage Manor East in Beardstown.
He was born Jan. 12, 1928, in Beardstown, the son of George F. and Marie Thompson Wessel. He married Betty Hixon on Oct. 21, 1949, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown, and she survives.
He is also survived by two sons Greg (wife, Deb) of Yates City and Gary (wife, Dode) of Clayton; four grandchildren, Dr. Brett (wife, Paige) Wessel of Okemah, Okla., Dr. Trea Wessel (husband, Jason) Barrett of Woodbury, Tenn., and Dirk and Seth Wessel, both of Clayton; one stepgreat-granddaughter; one brother, Jack (wife, Pat) of Westerville, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Earl, and Glen; two sisters, Mary Spoon and Virginia Shepherd.
Mr. Wessel graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1946 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in Japan in the 24th medical battalion and was discharged Dec. 13, 1947. He retired from Central Illinois Public Service in Beardstown in 1991 after 25 years of service as an Accounting Processing Supervisor. He was a member of Land of Lincoln Barber-shoppers for many years, American Legion Post 2910 and St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown, where he taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir for many years. He liked to pass time building model airplanes and fishing.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery near Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].
WEST, Elta M. - Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home and Crematory Obituaries
Elta M. West, August 7, 1935-September 11, 2015
Elta M. West, 80, of South Jacksonville, IL died Friday, September 11, 2015, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
She was born August 7, 1935 in Virginia, IL, the daughter of Orval S. and Thelma M. Hickey Mullens. She married Norman B. West on June 10, 1956 in Arenzville, IL and he survives.
She is also survived by three children, Brad West (wife, Margy) of Mokena, Gail Donner (husband, Keith) of Estero, FL, and Jenny Carls (husband, Drew) of Arenzville; eight grandchildren, Brenden West, Amanda West, Kaisey Jaspering (husband, David), Kayla Ramirez (husband, Brandon), Christopher Donner, Jason Carls, Meghan Carls, and Emily Carls; a great grandson, Landon Ramirez; two siblings, Lyla Riegel (husband, Lyman) of Virginia and Charles Mullens (wife, Carol) of Hamilton; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Dale Mullens, Gayle Mullens, and Clara Seymour.
Elta was a 1953 graduate of Arenzville High School and was employed in many capacities, most recently as a receptionist for Knollwood Retirement Village in Jacksonville. She was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with her family and her neighbors.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Monday, September 14, 2015, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.buchanancody.com.
WESTER, Carl R. - Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home and Crematory Obituaries
Carl R. Wester, March 6, 1943-July 20, 2011
Carl R. Wester, 68, of Ashland, IL died Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at his residence.
He was born March 6, 1943 in Ashland; the son of James Louis “Jeeter” and Wilhelmina UpDegraff Wester. He married Donna Thomas on June 16, 1961 in Ashland and she survives.
He is also survived by three daughters, Lynn Brest (husband, David) of Black Canyon, AZ, Paula Bell of Chatham, and Carla George (husband, Craig) of Pleasant Plains; six grandchildren, Damien Eades (wife, Kym) and Brandi Tedrow (husband, Charlie), all of Springfield, Casey George and Cale George, both of Pleasant Plains, and Alex Bell and Austin Bell, both of Chatham; five great grandchildren, Devon Eades, Dayton Eades, Damon Eades, Charlie Tedrow, and Makayla Tedrow; nine siblings, Jim Wester (wife, Sophie) of Houston, TX, Eleanor Corbin of Waverly, Joe Wester (wife, Barbara) of Timpson, TX, Rita Wester of Hill City, KS, Juanita Hanson of Murraita, CA, Frances Watson of Tomball, TX, Patty Curtin of Leesburg, VA, Tom Wester (wife, Linda) of Lakeview, OH, and Bob Wester (wife, Gloria) of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mr. Wester was a retired truck driver employed most recently for 8 years with Landes Trucking of Jacksonville. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ashland.
Funeral services will be held 9:00 AM Monday, July 25, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Ashland with burial at Ashland Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 1:30 to 3:30 PM Sunday at the church. Memorial gifts are suggested to First Baptist Church or Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home of Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.buchanancody.com.
WESTER, James Louis - Virginia Gazette, Virginia, Illinois, September 1, 1983 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
James Louis (Jetter) Webster Sr., of Houston, Texas, formerly of Ashland, died Aug. 1 in Texas.
Survivors include his wife, Wilhilmina, sons, James L. Jr., and Joseph G., both of Texas; Carl of Ashland; Thomas H. of Union City, Calif., and Robert of Virginia; daughters Eleanor Corbin and Reida Wester, both of Kansas; Juanita Hansen of Los Angeles, Calif.; Frances Watson of Houston, Texas; and Patricia Brown of Fairfax, Va.; 31 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Services were at Forest Park Funeral Home in Pasadena, Texas.
Please Contact Us!
[email protected]