Obituaries

Pearl City

Jim Brandt, 84

Jim Brandt, 84, a fourth generation farmer of Pearl City, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at FHN, Freeport, with his loving family present.

Jim was the first born to parents Evan and Belva Brandt (Bowers) on May 29, 1937. Jim’s education began at Valley View country school for his first four years. He spoke of that school often as they had hot lunches. Jim would reminisce of the different lunch favorites that he & fellow students would request. At that time, Jim lived in a non-high school district so he and his family had to choose whether to attend Pearl City High School or Shannon High School. They chose Pearl City because of the ag program. From 5th grade on he attended Pearl City Schools, graduating in 1955. He was the Illinois State FFA President from 1956 to 1957. Jim attended U of IL short classes after graduation but chose to enlist in U. S. Army in 1957 instead of furthering his college education at that time. Perseverance paid as he graduated from Highland Community College June, 1966 and Illinois State University May, 1993.

Just a few months before having to report to the Army, Jim met Sally Olson. They were married September 28, 1958, starting their life together in Manhattan, Kansas. Those strong farm roots prevailed, however, and they moved backed to Shannon where he worked at the Shannon Elevator until able to move to the farm in March, 1960. He lived and farmed the rest of his life on or near the centennial Brandt Family Farm.

Jim’s family was one of his core values. Survivors include his wife Sally, sons Brian (Mary) and Bevan (Angie Kaney), of Pearl City; daughter Barbra (Gene) King, of Stockton; grandsons Andrew (Nikki), of Winnebago, Nathan (Torie), of Roscoe, Boden (Bryanna) and Brodie Kaney, of Pearl City; Travis Kaney, in U.S. Navy; granddaughters Kelsey King, of Stockton, Savanah Brandt and Macie Kaney, of Pearl City, and Kalli Kaney, of Philadelphia; great grandchildren, Jack and Emersyn Brandt of Winnebago; Brayden and Rylan Brandt of Roscoe; two sisters, Janet (Jim) Schmidecamp, of Shannon, and Connie (Jack) Croffoot of Rockford, and sister-in-law Jean Olson of Harlingen, Texas, plus many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Granddaughter Emily Brandt and parents Evan and Belva Brandt preceded him.

His love of farming was one of his core values his entire life. In fact, family believes corn could have been his middle name. His last combining was a mere five weeks before his passing as he was able to combine his last corn crop. Many hope to die with their boots on - Jim did just that. When not doing his field work, he pursued his interest in archiving the evolution of corn planters. Also an avid reader, he used his love of history with anything related to a corn planter and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the past with a single visitor or a group. Entertainment meant going to antique malls and auctions to find whatever he could.

Travel was another interest and together he and his wife visited all seven continents from Antarctica to Barrow, Alaska. Also, there were many family trips ranging from Hawaii, Germany, and Peru, along with trips to most of the 50 states. Travel also included a recent July trip to Maryland and Pennsylvania as he was researching his mother’s family roots to ultimately become an upcoming book for the family. In Jim’s memory, the book will be finished.

Jim served his community by being a member on the Pearl City School Board from 1967 until 1976, the Pearl City Elevator board, the Pearl City Historical organization, the Shannon Legion as well as a trustee on the Loran Township Board. He also looked forward to monthly breakfast with friends from his high school days.

Jim was never known to back away from any challenge, including those to his health. He successfully dealt with prostate cancer since 2005. Jim fearlessly fought a 5 week battle with Covid. While he was fully vaccinated in February, tragically, getting the booster was waiting for the completion of the harvest.

Visitation was at Walker Mortuary in Freeport, Illinois on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 4 to 7 pm. The Celebration of Life was also held at Walker Mortuary in Freeport on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 11:00 am with interment to follow at Chapel Hill in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial in Jim’s name.

Services have been arranged through Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton, Illinois. Condolences can be left online at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com or at http://www.walkermortuary.com

Winslow

Curtis Broge, 57

Curtis “Big Curt” Broge age 57, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, in Winslow, IL.

He was born October 26, 1964, to LaVerne and Linda (Hastings) Broge in Freeport, IL. He worked for 28 years at Schrenk Brothers Roofing Company in Monroe, WI. He spent the rest of his working career as a material handler at Jack-Links in New Glarus, WI. He was an avid Green Bay Packers Fan, loved deer hunting, and traveling up north to Castle Rock Lake. His family was very important to him, especially his nieces whom he treated like daughters.

He is survived by his parents; LaVerne and Linda Broge of Winslow, IL, Sister; Val (Mark) Rothschadl of Freeport, IL; 3 Nieces Lindsey (Tom) Bruins of Waupun, WI, Kendra (Dan) Scherer of Fort Atkinson, WI and Marissa Rothschadl of Oak Creek, WI; 3 great nephews Knox, Tate, and Ellis Bruins; numerous aunts, uncles, special cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, numerous aunts, and uncles.

Visitation was held on Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL. With funeral services to immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. Officiating was Gary Rich. Burial will be in Rock Lily Cemetery, in Winslow, IL.

A memorial has been established in his name. Complete arrangements are pending. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Lena

Helen E. Edler, 74

Helen E. Edler, age 74, of Lena, IL passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, November 29, 2021, at Lena Living Center in Lena, IL.

She was born on January 9, 1947, in Freeport, IL to Earl and Edith (Buticofer) Eggermeier.

She Married Douglas Edler on January 18, 1967. When her and Doug got married, she helped him on the farm with chores, housework, tending to the livestock and crops. She was also a part of the FHN Family for 20 years.

Helen had a passion for shopping, and garage sales, and traveling to Minnesota for antique shops. She collected salt and pepper shakers, and glass wear. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing cards and watching baseball specifically the White Sox and the Chicago Bears.

She is survived by her four children; Lisa (Tom) Lawson, Dave Edler, Danny (Kelly) Edler, Scott (Autumn) Edler; Grandchildren Eric, Cassie, Luke, Hope, Hunter, Grace, Evan, Bella, and Jessie; Five greatgrandchildren; two sisters Elaine (Larry) Edler, Darlene Eggermeier; numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Douglas, and sister Carol.

Visitation was held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the chapel at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL. Funeral Service followed, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Hill. Officiating was Pastor Parker.

Interment will take place at Chapel Hill. A memorial has been established in her name. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

James Allen Lowe, 83

And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So, God made a farmer.

James Allen Lowe, 83, of Lena Illinois, was called to his heavenly home on November 29, 2021, He was born on July 17, 1938, in Freeport, Illinois to the late Clarence and Hazel Lowe. On September 30th, 1961, he married Lorraine (Hammer)Lowe in Sterling, Illinois and were blessed with 59 years together.

In 1957, he graduated from Lanark High School and began his work as a farmer on the family-owned dairy farm in Lanark Il. In the early 1970’s, he bought a farm outside of Nora, Il where he continued his dairy operation. Later in life, he transitioned his farm to beef cattle and eventually to crop farming. James was relentless and selfless man who worked tirelessly on the farm to provide for his family.

In retirement, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, going to auctions and collecting antiques. For more than 20 years, James and Lorraine traveled to Port St Joe in the winter to escape the cold where he fished off the Gulf Shore and took long walks on the beach. During the summers, he enjoyed visiting his cottage at Potato Lake where he fished for crappies and muskies.

James will be remembered as a hard-working farmer whose mechanical skills could fix almost anything with just a little bit of wire and grease. James was a quiet, honest, kindhearted man who dedicated his life to farming. He enjoyed teaching his Grandchildren how to fish and eating birthday ice cream cakes with his Great Grandchildren.

He is survived by his two children, Phillip Lowe, and Christine Herziger (Steven); four grandchildren, Scott Lowe (Kendra), Juston Lowe (Brittney), Mitchel Herziger and Calla Herziger (Richard). He was blessed with 4 great grandchildren Jaxon, Connor, Kason, and Lily. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, his parents and two brothers Robert Lowe and William Lowe.

A service celebrating his life was held on Saturday, December 4th with visitation from 9:30 am to 10:30 am followed by a service. The funeral was held at Bartell Leamons Funeral Home 519 Tisdell Ave, Warren, Il 61087. Pastor Dayna Weltzin from St Paul’s Lutheran Church officiated. Burial was immediately following the services at Lena Burial Park.

Leaf River

Joan Leone Plummer, 82

Joan Leone Plummer, 82, of Leaf River, passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Amberwood Care Centre in Rockford. She was born February 11, 1939 in Freeport, the daughter of Edmond Casper and Mary Margaret Grace (Breed) Bonjour. She graduated from Aquin High School in Freeport in 1957. Joan married Robert Eaton Plummer on October 16, 1965 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. Together they farmed in rural Leaf River for 35 years.

Joan enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening and was passionate about birds and flowers. She was Amberwood Care Centre’s Alzheimer’s ambassador and participated in their annual Alzheimer’s Walks.

Joan is survived by her twin sister Jeneane Marie Fluegel, Kenosha, WI, nieces Veta Fluegel, Rockford, IL, Tina Fluegel, Roscoe, IL, Teresa Fluegel, Kenosha, WI, cousins Donna Curtis, Stockton, IL, Wayne Noller, Stockton, IL, Thomas Noller, Stockton, IL, and nephew Dennis Webb, Winter Garden, FL, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joan is predeceased by her husband, Bob and her parents.

Joan’s family would like to give a special thanks to Amberwood Care Centre and Mercyhealth at Home Hospice in Rockford for their loving care.

Cremation rites accorded by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial in Joan's name may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61102. For an online obituary and tributes go to http://www.genandtfuneralhome.com.