Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson Obituaries

About Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson

Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson is a trusted and compassionate funeral home located in the heart of Atkinson, Illinois. With a rich history and a commitment to providing exceptional service, Vandemore Funeral Home has been serving the community for generations. Located at 214 S. State Street, Atkinson, IL, 61235, this funeral home is dedicated to helping families say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity and respect.

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At Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson, the staff understands that losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face. That's why they are committed to providing personalized and compassionate care to each family they serve. From the moment you walk through their doors, you'll be treated with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Their experienced team will guide you through every step of the funeral planning process, ensuring that your needs are met and your wishes are respected.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Rita M. Cryer - December 06, 1931 - March 09, 2015

Departed: 03/09/2015 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Rita M. Cryer, 83, of Annawan, formerly of Hooppole, passed away Monday, March 9, 2015 at Good Samaritan Village, Geneseo. A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 14th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hooppole. Father S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Friday at Vandemore Funeral Homes, Atkinson, where a rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm. Cremation Rites will be accorded following the mass and inurnment will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Atkinson. Memorials may be made to the Rita Cryer Memorial Fund or the Annawan/ Alba Rescue Squad.

Rita was born on December 6, 1931 in Gold Township, Mineral, IL the daughter of Arthur and Clara (Cathelyn) Croegaert. She was a 1949 graduate of Annawan high school. She was united in marriage to Donald E. Cryer on June 10, 1950 at St. Mary’s in Hooppole.

Rita was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hooppole as well as the Altar & Rosary Society. She was an election judge for Yorktown Township. Rita was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking and sewing. She also enjoyed golfing, playing cards, and day trips with her friends.

She is survived by her husband Don; daughters: Julie (Ron) DeFauw, Atkinson, IL, Debbie Cryer, Hoffman Estates, IL, Christi (Jeff) Brown, East Moline, IL, Brenda Cryer, Loves Park, IL; sons: Jeff Cryer, Rock Island, IL, Jason (Amanda) Cryer, Normal, IL; grandchildren: Cory and Kari Brown, Ryan and Kyle DeFauw, Ella and Preston Cryer; great grandchild: Easten Brown; brother: Jim Croegaert, Annawan, IL.

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Carol L. Longeville - October 06, 1933 - February 25, 2015

Departed: 02/25/2015 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: A Video Tribute is now available on the Photos and Video Page.

Carol L. Longeville, 81, of Atkinson, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo. A funeral mass celebrating her life will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Atkinson. Father S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Atkinson. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Friday at Vandemore Funeral Homes in Atkinson, where a Rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Church.

Carol was born on October 6, 1933 in Kewanee, IL the daughter of Charles C. and Mary E. (Vail) Wickbloom. She was a 1951 graduate of Kewanee High School. She was united in marriage to Daniel J. Longeville on January 17, 1953 at the Visitation Church in Kewanee.

Carol was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Altar & Rosary Society. She was also a member of the 40&8 La Femmes and served as a past Grande President. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed reading and needle point.

She is survived by her husband, Dan; daughters: Gaye (Rich) Verplaetse, Geneseo, IL, Amy (Paul) Dombrowski, Oregon, WI; sons: John (Louella) Longeville, Cortland, IL, Curtis (Janean) Longeville, Geneseo, IL; grandchildren: Stephanie (Kevin) Rudd, Alex Verplaetse, Skye (Pat) Ball, Whitney (Adam) Mrosko, Joseph Longeville, Jennifer (Kory) Fisher, Justine Longeville, Jordan (Angie) Longeville, Jacqueline Longeville, Jaden Longeville, Daniel Dombrowski, Charlie Dombrowski; and 11 great grandchildren.

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Russell F. DeSutter - June 04, 1936 - February 22, 2015

Departed: 02/22/2015 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Russell F. DeSutter, 78, of Geneseo formerly of East Moline and Atkinson passed away Sunday February 22, 2015 at Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo. A funeral mass celebrating Russell’s life will be held 10:00 AM Friday, February 27, 2015 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson. Rev. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Atkinson. Visitation for Russell will be held 5-7 PM Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Vandemore Funeral Home, Atkinson, where a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM. Memorials may be left to the Russell DeSutter Memorial Fund.

Russell was born June 4, 1936 in Geneseo, IL the son of August and Augusta (Martens) DeSutter. Russell was a 1954 graduate of Atkinson High School and served in the United States Naval Reserves. He was a clerk for the Rock Island Lines for 28 years until their closure, then he worked for the Attorney General’s office in Springfield for 20 years as an advocate for senior citizens. Russell was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in East Moline. When he was younger he played a lot of fast pitch softball and bowled in several leagues. Russell also enjoyed golfing and was an avid Yankee fan.

Survivors include 1 brother: Eugene (Dianne) DeSutter of McAllen, TX; 1 sister: Mary Ann (Gerald) VanDeWoestyne of Geneseo; 7 nieces and nephews: Kelly (Rick) Preston, Tara (Mike) Laingen, Ryan (Kim) VanDeWoestyne, Erin (Chad) Walker, Tyson (Lynda) DeSutter, Amber (Jesus) Guerra, and Kyle DeSutter; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

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Robert L. Reiff - January 17, 1937 - February 15, 2015

Departed: 02/15/2015 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Robert L. Reiff, 78, of Annawan passed away Sunday, February 15, 2015 at his home after a 14 month courageous battle with stomach cancer. Funeral services celebrating Robert’s life will be held 11:30 AM Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Vandemore Funeral Home, Atkinson. Rev. Dan Craig will officiate. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Kewanee where military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veteran’s Council. Visitation for Robert will be held 10:00-11:30 AM Thursday (1 ½ hours prior to the service) at the funeral home with a 40&8 service at 11:30. Memorials may be left to the Robert Reiff Memorial Fund.

Robert was born January 17, 1937 in Kewanee, IL the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Binno) Reiff. He proudly served in the US Navy 1954-1957, including service during the Korean War. He married Marilyn L. Wiley March 7, 1989 in Las Vegas, NV. Robert worked at Caterpillar in Montgomery, IL as a repair maintenance man for 33 ½ years, retiring in 1991.

Robert had formerly attended the Church of Peace in Kewanee. He belonged to the Mendota Moose Lodge, AmVets, the American Legion, the Elks, the 40&8 for 19 years and is currently the Park Board President. He loved taking care of his truck and cars, loved curling, boating, euchre, and traveling with Marilyn.

Survivors include his wife: Marilyn; 2 sons: Karl (Maria) Reiff of Naples, Italy and Kriss (Charmaine) Reiff of Grand Junction, CO; step daughter: Connie (Frank) Miller of Ottawa, IL 8 grandchildren: Christian, Sharon, Robert, Danielle, Christina, Taylor, Jordan, and Kaleb; and sister: Patricia Dickson of WA.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Robert Dickson.

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Anna Marie Verstreet DeCrane - March 22, 1927 - January 15, 2015

Departed: 01/15/2015 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Anna Marie Verstreet DeCrane, 87, of Atkinson passed away Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Geneseo Good Samaritan Village. A funeral mass celebrating her life will be at 10:00 am on Monday, January 19 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Atkinson. Father S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Atkinson. A visitation will be held from 2-5pm on Sunday at Vandemore Funeral Homes, Atkinson, where a rosary will be recited at 1:30pm. Memorials may be made to Ann DeCrane Memorial Fund.

Ann was born on March 22, 1927 in Moline, IL the daughter of Cyriel and Lena (Versluis) Verstreet. She was united in marriage to Vincent DeCrane on February 15, 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Moline. He preceded her in death in 2005. She was an Avon and Rawleigh dealer for over 20 years.

Ann was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the St. Anthony’s Choir and the Altar & Rosary Society. She was a member of the Catholic Women Order of Foresters for over 50 years. She enjoyed music, cards and baking. Ann loved spending time with her family, especially her 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by daughters: Diane (Richard) Egert, Bolingbrook, IL, Carolyn (Ron) Pifkin, Stillman Valley, IL, Jan (Duain “Farmer”) Wyffels, Atkinson, IL; and son: Alan (Cindy) DeCrane, Bloomington, IL.

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Fred Zelmann - April 21, 1923 - January 11, 2015

Departed: 01/11/2015 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Fred Zellmann 91 of Evergreen Park, Illinois formerly of Hillsboro, Illinois passed away on Sunday January 11, 2015 at his home. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday at the Vandemore Funeral Home ltd., Atkinson. Deacon Harley Chaffee will officiate. Burial will follow in the St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Atkinson where military honors will be accorded by the Don Cherry VFW post #5083. Visitation for Fred will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the Family.

Fred was born on April 21, 1923 in Hillsboro, Illinois the son of John & Lydia Hebel Zellmann. He served our country as a pilot in the U.S. Army air Corp during WWII. He was united in marriage to Helen Mapes on April 28, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois. Fred was a longtime time Industrial Chemist in the Chicago land area working for several industries retiring after a long career.

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James R. Howard - July 01, 1940 - January 07, 2015

Departed: 01/07/2015 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: James R. Howard, 74, of Annawan, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Hammond Henry Hospital, Long Term Care Unit, Geneseo. Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be announced in the spring. Memorials may be left to the Annawan/ Alba Rescue Squad. Vandemore Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Atkinson is assisting the family with arrangements.

James was born July 1, 1940 in Bloomington, IN the son of Walter and Emma Lou (Reeves) Howard. He was a graduate of Geneseo High School and proudly served in the United States Navy. James was united in marriage to Eileen M. Wolf in 1988 in Dover, TN. He had been a car sales rep for the former Kittrell Chevrolet in Geneseo for several years. James was a member of the Stewart Lodge #92 in Geneseo, A.F.A.M. Consistary – 32 degree in Moline, Annawan VFW # 7176, Mineral American Legion # 1031, and the Annawan 40 & 8. He was an avid Indy and NASCAR fan.

Survivors include his wife: Eileen; step-daughter: Jessica Storm of Annwan, IL and grandson: Andrew; and granddaughter Edie.

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Roger V. Hultman - May 26, 1943 - January 06, 2015

Departed: 01/06/2015 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Roger V. Hultman, 71, of Atkinson passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Hammond-Henry Hospital Long Term Care in Geneseo. A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 10 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Atkinson. Father S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Atkinson. Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Friday at Vandemore Funeral Homes, Atkinson, where a rosary will be recited at 3:30pm. Memorials may be made to the Roger Hultman Memorial Fund and will be distributed amongst several local organizations.

Roger was born on May 26, 1943 in Kewanee, IL the son of S.V. “Jim” and Agnes (Stahl) Hultman. He was a 1961 graduate of Cambridge High School. He was united in marriage to Vicki L. VanOpdorp on October 26, 1963 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Atkinson. Roger had been employed by the Plumber and Pipefitters Local #25 for 34 years, and retiring in 2001.

Roger was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He had a true passion for raising and showing the Chester White breed of hogs and was a member of the Illinois Chester White Breeders Association. He loved watching his children and grandchildren show hogs. He enjoyed cards every week with the guys, did crossword puzzles daily, and was a Cubs fan. He is survived by his wife Vicki; sons: Brett (Stacy) Hultman, Atkinson, IL, Chad (Laura) Hultman, Atkinson, IL, Cortney Hultman, Cartersville, GA; grandchildren: Emily (Joe) Columbia, Erin Hultman, Hilary Hultman, Ethan Hultman, Easton Hultman; great grandchild: Christopher; brothers: Steve (Lynn) Hultman, Bettendorf, IA, Bob (Carol) Hultman, Kewanee, IL, James (Jill) Hultman, Geneseo, IL, Brad (Linda) Hultman, East Moline, IL, Marty Hultman, Atkinson, IL; sister: Barb (Bruce) Erenberger, Bettendorf, IA, Luanne (Dick) Krueger, Woodhull, IL; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Hultman, Geneseo, IL, Beverly Hultman, Franklin, IN

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Gary A. Graham - May 11, 1943 - December 29, 2014

Departed: 12/29/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Gary A. Graham, 71, of rural Annawan passed away Monday, December 29, 2014 in rural Hooppole, IL from injuries received in an automobile accident. A funeral service celebrating his life will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Calvary Evangelical Church in Hooppole, IL. Rev. David Bailey and Rev. Dan Wright will officiate. Burial will follow at Fenton Cemetery in Fenton, IL, where military honors will be accorded by the Hooppole American Legion Post #1191. A visitation will be from 4-7pm on Friday at Vandemore Funeral Homes, Atkinson. Memorials may be made to the Hooppole American Legion, Pheasants Forever, or Calvary Evangelical Church in Hooppole.

Gary was born on May 11, 1943 in Morrison, IL the son of Leroy and Genevieve (Sharer) Graham. He was a 1961 graduate of Erie High School. He was united in marriage to Barbara E. Theobald on January 4, 1975 in Rock Island, IL. He proudly served in the National Guard for 6 years. Gary was a crane operator in the steel shed at the Case I.H. plant in East Moline for 33 years, retiring on April 1, 2000.

Gary was a member of the Calvary Evangelical Church in Hooppole. He was a 30 year member of the Hooppole American Legion Post #1191, which he was serving as Commander. Gary was very involved: He served as the Mayor of Hooppole for 12 years; He was a board member of the Veterans Assistantance Commission in Cambridge; a member of the Henry County Council of the American Legion, currently serving as treasurer; a member of Manlius Sportsman Club; and a local Board member of Pheasants Forever. Gary was an avid hunter and trapper and was an all-around outdoors man.

He is survived by his wife Barb; daughters: Michelle (Dan) Castle, Sherman, TX, Lucille Graham, Freeport, IL; sons: David (Kristen) Graham, Erie, IL, Michael Graham, Albany, IL; 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; brother: William (Janice) Graham, Fenton, IL; and numerous nephews and cousins.

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Lynn W. "Bubba" "Chiefy" Neuleib - April 09, 1942 - December 04, 2014

Departed: 12/04/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Lynn W. “Bubba” “Chiefy” Neuleib, 72, of Annawan passed away Thursday, December 4, 2014 at his home. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 on Monday, December 8 at Vandemore Funeral Homes in Atkinson. Burial will follow at the Annawan Cemetery, where Military Honors will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Visitation for Lynn will be from 2-5 pm on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Annawan/ Alba Fire Department.

Lynn was born on April 9, 1942 in Geneseo, IL the son of Edwin and Loretta (Whittington) Neuleib. He proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era. He was united in marriage to Pat A. Chambers on March 26, 1970 at Fairview Church. Lynn was a barber in Atkinson with Darrell Dennis and then worked for Galva Foundry, and Brave Industries. Later he worked as a truck driver for Dorhn Trucking and Double D Trucking, from which he retired from in 2012.

Lynn was the Fire Chief for the Annawan/ Alba Fire Department for 20 years, a member for over 40 years. He had a passion for the Fire Department. He was a member of the VFW. Lynn enjoyed cutting and splitting firewood. He enjoyed spending time in his garage with friends and family. Lynn was ornery, cantankerous, witty and good for the last word.

Survivors include his wife Pat; daughter: Katrina “Sis” Neuleib, Annawan, IL; sons: Kurt (Monica) Neuleib, Heyworth, IL, Ky (Denise) Neuleib, Springfield, MO, Kevin Neuleib, Annawan, IL; grandchildren: Lauren, Levi, Caleb; sisters: Lois (Jim) King, Prophetstown, IL, Lories (Phil) Graham, Colona, IL; twin brothers: Lavern Neuleib, Atkinson, IL; brother: Laurel Neuleib, Nora, IL; brother-in-law: Don Wethington, Geneseo, IL; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

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Duane L. Cathelyn - March 16, 1926 - December 02, 2014

Departed: 12/02/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Duane L. Cathelyn, 88, of Geneseo, formerly of Mineral passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at Geneseo Good Samaritan Village. A funeral mass celebrating his life will be at 11 am on Saturday Dec 6 at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Geneseo. Entombment will be in St. Mary’s Mausoleum in East Moline. Visitation will be held from 10-11 am on Saturday at the Church 1 hour prior to the mass. Vandemore Funeral Homes, Atkinson is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Duane Cathelyn Memorial Fund.

Duane was born on March 16, 1926 in Mineral, IL the son of Evo and Kathryn (Brate) Cathelyn. He was united in marriage to Helena DeNeve June 9, 1945 in St. Anthony’s Church in Atkinson, IL. She preceded him in death in 2007. Duane farmed for several years in rural Neponset. Then along with his wife Helena they owned Evo’s Place in Mineral and also worked at the Case IH Plant in East Moline, from which he retired.

Duane was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheffield. He also belonged to the Moose Lodge #990, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Flemish American Club where they played Rolle Bolle for many years. Duane was an Honorary Fire Chief for the Mineral/ Gold Fire Department. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and traveling to the Southwest with Helen. Survivors include his daughters: Diana (John) Dilitkanich, Homer Glen, IL, Sandra (Allan) VanderMeersch, Ladd, Il, Katrina Cathelyn (William) Irwin, Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren: Chad (Danielle) VanderMeersch, Justin Dilitkanich, Alexender Irwin, Jill (Dan) Beckes, Amanda (Brad) Luetje; great grandchildren: Julia VanderMeersch, Reid, Brayden and Aubrey Beckes, Wyatt Luetje; brothers: Kenneth (Lucille) Cathelyn, Geneseo, IL, Jim (Arlene) Cathelyn, Elizabethton, TN; special friend: Rose Croegaert, Annawan, IL

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William N. "Bill" VanHyfte - March 03, 1937 - November 25, 2014

Departed: 11/25/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: William N. “Bill” VanHyfte, 77, of Annawan passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Genesis Medical Center-Illini Campus in Silvis. Funeral services celebrating Bill’s life will be held 10:30 AM Monday, December 1, 2014 at Vandemore Funeral Home, Atkinson. Rev. Terry Lancaster will officiate. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Annawan. Visitation for Bill will be held 2-5 PM Sunday, November 30th at the funeral home. Memorials may be left to the Annawan-Alba Rescue Squad.

Bill was born March 3, 1937 in Annawan, IL the son of William and Leona (Signorelli) VanHyfte Sr. He was a 1955 Annawan High School graduate and served in the Army Reserves. He was united in marriage to Rose M. Chambers on July 6, 1963 in Annawan, IL. Bill served as road commissioner for Annawan Township for 14 years; he worked with his father at VanHyfte and Son Allis-Chalmers Dealership in Annawan; lastly he worked at LTV Steel Mill in Hennepin in Maintenance and Tool-crib for 28 years, from which he retired.

Bill was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Annawan and was a real people person, he never met a stranger. Bill enjoyed watching old movies, fishing, going to auctions. His auction number was “Dollar Bill”. He was a warm and fun loving husband and father.

Survivors include his wife: Rose; son: Tim (Camille) VanHyfte of Moline, IL; 2 daughters: Tracey (Andrew) Ward of Le Claire, IA and Angela (Keith) Cochran of Litchfield, IL; 5 grandchildren: Selina, Nicholas, Ana, Micah, and Rosy; 1 great-grandson: John; half-brother: Joe Signorreli of San Jose, CA and step-sister: Maxine Bitting of Largo, FL.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother.

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Patricia I. Shreck - June 15, 1935 - October 30, 2014

Departed: 10/30/2014 (Atkinson)

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Pearl J. Heitzler - September 07, 1921 - October 19, 2014

Departed: 10/19/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Pearl J. Heitzler, 93,of Annawan passed away Sunday, October 19, 2014 at Hillcrest Home, Geneseo. A Funeral Mass celebrating Pearl’s life will be held 10:00 AM Friday, October 24, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Annwan. Rev. S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hooppole. Visitation for Pearl will be 4-7 PM Thursday, October 23rd at Vandemore Funeral Home in Atkinson where a rosary will be recited at 3:30 PM. Memorials may be left to the Hooppole American Legion or the Hillcrest Home Activity Fund.

Pearl was born September 7, 1921 in Hooppole, IL the daughter of Henry and Ella Cryer. She married Harold J. Heitzler on May 8, 1943 in Hooppole. He preceded her in death October 2, 1992. She along with her husband, Harold farmed in rural Hooppole and also owned and operated the Heitzler Standard Station in Hooppole where she was the bookkeeper. for 25 years.

Pearl attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hooppole for many years. She was currently a member of Sacred Heart Church in Annawan. She belonged to the Hooppole Legion Auxillary, the Geneseo Quilters Guild, and the Sacred Heart Church Altar and Rosary. She was an avid and talented quilter and seamstress.

Survivors include 2 sons: Wayne (Sherry) Heitlzer of Annawan and Mark (Jeanette) Heitzler of Annawan; daughter: Linda (Ben) Brown of Sacramento, CA; 9 grandchildren: Jerad (Liz) Heitzler, Josh (Elissa) Heitzler, Brent (Dawn) Heitzler; Julie Brown and Peter, Becky Gale and Chris, Tyler Heitzler, Mandy (Aaron) Sherbyn, Tara Yancey, and Sheri (Charles) McCadden; 20 great grandchildren; brother: Donald (Rita) Cryer of Annawan; and several nieces and nephews.

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Roberta R. "Berdie" Dean - November 01, 1924 - October 04, 2014

Departed: 10/04/2014 (Atkinson)

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Margaret B. Schmitt, K.D. - November 17, 1928 - October 01, 2014

Departed: 10/01/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Margaret B. Schmitt, K.D.(Knight of Dannebrog), 85, of Sheffield, IL, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at OSF St. Luke Medical Center in Kewanee, IL. A funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 4 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheffield. Father Mark Miller will celebrate. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Sheffield. Visitation for Margaret will be from 8:30-9:30 am on Saturday at the church, followed by a rosary at 9:45 am. Memorials may be made to OSF St. Luke’s Medical Center in Kewanee, for masses in her memory at St. Patrick’s in Sheffield, Sheffield Rescue Unit, or Buda Rescue Unit. Vandemore Funeral Home, Atkinson is assisting the family with arrangements.

Margaret was born on November 17, 1928 in Sheffield, IL, the daughter of John J. and Margaret L. (Kane) Barry. She was united in marriage to Joseph F. Schmitt on September 3, 1951 in St. Patrick’s Church in Sheffield. She was a graduate of Sheffield high School and went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at the Kewanee Public Hospital for several years and then for Dr. O.B. Giltner for many years, from which she retired from.

Margaret was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She was knighted by the Queen of Denmark, which is indicative of the “K.D.” (Knight of Dannebrog ) behind her name. This was in recognition of all of her work in the restoration of the Danish Church in Sheffield. She was an avid historian and enjoyed genealogy and historical restoration.

She is survived by her husband Joseph; daughters: Mary J. (William) Kopriva, Louisville, KY, Ellen (Chris) Hilmo, Davenport, IA, Jean Schmitt, Sheffield, IL; son: Patrick Schmitt, Princeton, IL; grandchildren: Ben Gerhardt, Lisa Moreland, Nicholas Kopriva, Benjamin Kopriva, Kaitlin Schmitt; great grandchild: Rylin Gerhardt.

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Arnold A. Betcher - June 09, 1921 - September 26, 2014

Departed: 09/26/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Arnold A. Betcher, 93, of Annawan, IL passed away Friday, September 26, 2014 at Genesis Medical Center – East Campus, Davenport, IA. A Mass of Christian burial celebrating Arnold’s life will be held 10:00 AM Monday, September 29, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Annawan. Rev. S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Annawan where military rites will be accorded by the Annawan VFW Post. Visitation for Arnold will be held 3-5 PM Sunday, September 28th at Vandemore Funeral Home in Atkinson, IL where a rosary will be recited at 2:30 PM. Memorials may be left to the Arnold Betcher Memorial Fund and will be distributed amongst local organizations.

Arnold was born June 9, 1921 in Osco, IL the son of George and Grace (Dobrinski) Betcher. He proudly served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He was crew chief of a C-47, flew more than 100 missions, and participated in the Normandy invasion. Arnold married Bernadine M. DeDecker on June 9, 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Annawan. They raised three children together in Annawan. Arnold founded Betcher Trucking in Annawan in 1947 and grew the business through hard work, long hours, and well-maintained equipment. No job was too big or too small for him and he served the local farming and construction industries for nearly eight decades, hauling an immeasurable amount of gravel, lime, fertilizer and more. In 1984 he sold the business to his son, but never retired. Even in his 90s, Arnold could be found daily at the shop, keeping an eye on things. Arnold was a long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Annawan where he cleared the snow for many years, and the Annawan VFW. He made no time for hobbies, but did have a few simple and favorite pleasures - his wife’s cooking, hot coffee, a clean pick-up truck, a good pair of gloves and country drives to look at farm fields. He also had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. Most of all, Arnold loved his family, his church and his trucking business.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years: Bernadine; son: Craig (Peggy) Betcher of Geneseo, IL; daughters: Julie (Jeff) Catton of Atkinson, IL and LuAnn Ziles of St. Peter’s, MO; grandchildren: Derek (Heather) Betcher, Geneseo, IL, Kelly (Kevin) Kruck, LeClaire, IA, Jared Betcher, LeClaire, IA, Adam Ziles, Kansas City, MO, Abbie (Billy) Andrews, Lowell MA, Angela Ziles Chicago, IL, Jason (Andrea) Hasbrook, Mineral , IL, Kylee Hasbrook, Sterling IL; and nine great-grandchildren.

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Vernon S. Minnaert - December 04, 1932 - September 13, 2014

Departed: 09/13/2014 (Atkinson)

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Donald L. Foerder - April 07, 1937 - September 10, 2014

Departed: 09/10/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: To view video tribute, click on the link above.

Donald L. Foerder, 77, of Annawan, IL passed away Wednesday, September, 10, 2014 at Genesis Medical Center East in Davenport, IA. Memorial services celebrating Don’s life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Vandemore Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Atkinson. Deacon Nick Simon will officiate. Per Don’s request, cremation rites have been accorded and inurnment will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Atkinson. Visitation for Don will be held12–2 PM (2 hours prior to the service) at the funeral home in Atkinson. Memorials may be left to the Annawan / Alba Rescue Squad or Genesis Palliative Care.

Don was born April 7, 1937 in Annawan, IL the son of Leslie and Anna (Couve) Foerder. He was a graduate of Annawan High School and attended the University of Illinois. Don married Shirley Stiner Ullrick February 27, 1960 in Atkinson, IL. He was a lifetime grain and livestock farmer in rural Annawan.

Don was a member of the Geneseo Moose and the Kewanee Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. He served on the Annawan School Board, the Annawan / Alba Library Board, the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Services for 21 years, and as an Annawan Township Supervisor for 25 years.

Survivors include his wife: Shirley Ann; sons: Steve (Wendy) Foerder of Annawan, IL and Mark (Liane) Foerder of Noblesville, IN; daughter: Lisa (Jim) Betsworth of East Moline, IL; 7 grandchildren: Sara (Mike) Castro, Diana (Zach) Hettenbaugh, Robert (Kelly) Foerder, Tracey (Jimmy) Houlihan, and Stephanie, Lexi, and Becca Foerder; 4 great grandchildren: Helo and Mara Castro, Mason Hettenbaugh, and Reid Foerder; and sister: Ruth Foerder of East Moline, IL.

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Harold "Van" Vandersnick - July 15, 1942 - September 03, 2014

Departed: 09/03/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Harold “Van” Vandersnick, 72, of Tucson, AZ, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Tucson. By his request he was cremated and the family has planned a private service.

He was born July 15, 1942 in Geneseo, the son of Arthur “Babe” and Jean (Fehlman) Vandersnick of Atkinson. He graduated from Atkinson High School and SIU in Carbondale, IL. He married Kathy Hultquist Lyle of Kewanee on September 15, 1971 in Cambridge.

Harold was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving at the base in White Sands, New Mexico. He spent his entire career in the glass business in the Quad-Cities retiring from MidAmerican Glazing Systems of Davenport in 2006 and relocating to Tucson.

Harold loved living in Tucson and enjoyed watching the University of Arizona sports and spending time at the Center with his many friends.

Survivors include his wife: Kathy; son: Ryan of Tucson; son: Mike Lyle of Rock Island; and grandsons: Jacob and Connor of Moline; brothers: Herb (Maribeth) Vandersnick of Atkinson and Bud (Jackie) Vandersnick of Phoenix; sisters: Sandy (Gary) Sturtewagen of Geneseo and Sally DeDecker of Carbondale; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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Lola "Mae" Teerlinck - February 20, 1925 - August 08, 2014

Departed: 08/08/2014 (Atkinson)

Obituary Preview: Lola Mae Teerlinck, 89, of Annawan passed away Friday, August 8, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family.A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held at 10am on Wednesday August 13, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Annawan.Father S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate.Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Annawan.Visitation for Mae will be from 4-7 pm on Tuesday the 12th at Vandemore Funeral Homes, Atkinson, where a rosary will be recited at 3:30pm.Memorials for Mae may be made to Sacred Heart Church or Annawan-Alba Rescue Squad.

Mae was born on February 20, 1925 in Prophetstown, the daughter of Lawrence and Martha (Earl) Wirth.She was a homemaker and a lifelong farmer.She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and loved antiquing.She always looked forward to decorating for the holidays.Mae loved taking care of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters: Judy Teerlinck, Minneapolis, MN, Sandy Teerlinck, Kewanee, IL, Cindy VonJones, East Moline, IL, Chris (Ken) Taber, Atkinson, IL, Cheryl (Sal) Valentino, Woodridge, IL; son: Randy Teerlinck of Atkinson, IL; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and one due in January.

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Funeral Services Offered

Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson offers a wide range of funeral services to meet the unique needs of each family. From traditional funerals and memorial services to cremations and celebrations of life, their experienced staff will work with you to create a meaningful and personalized tribute to your loved one. They also offer pre-planning services, allowing you to make arrangements in advance and ensure that your wishes are carried out.

Cremation Services

For those who prefer cremation, Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson offers a variety of options. From direct cremation to cremation with a memorial service, their staff will help you choose the right option for your family. They also provide urn selection and burial services for those who wish to lay their loved one to rest in a cemetery or other final resting place.

Pre-Planning Services

Pre-planning your funeral may seem like a daunting task, but it can bring peace of mind and relief to your loved ones during a difficult time. At Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson, their experienced staff will guide you through the pre-planning process, helping you make informed decisions about your funeral arrangements. By making arrangements in advance, you can ensure that your wishes are carried out and spare your family from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief.

Grief Support and Resources

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, but it's important to remember that you don't have to go through it alone. At Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson, they understand the importance of grief support and offer a variety of resources to help you cope with your loss. From bereavement support groups to online resources and counseling services, their staff is committed to helping you navigate the grieving process.

Community Involvement

Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson is deeply rooted in the Atkinson community and is committed to giving back. They participate in local events and charities, supporting organizations that make a difference in the lives of those around them. By being involved in the community, they are able to build relationships and trust with the families they serve.

Contact Information

If you're in need of funeral services or would like more information about Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact them by phone at [insert phone number], email at [insert email], or visit their website at [insert website]. Their staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance during a difficult time.

Vandemore Funeral Home - Atkinson is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that has been serving the Atkinson community for generations. With their commitment to personalized service, attention to detail, and dedication to helping families say goodbye with dignity and respect, they are the perfect choice for anyone in need of funeral services. Whether you're planning ahead or need immediate assistance, their experienced staff is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It serves as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with friends, family, and the community.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries are important because they provide a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also informing others of their passing. They can also serve as a keepsake for family and friends, and can be used to create a sense of closure and finality.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The task of writing an obituary usually falls to the family members or close friends of the deceased. Funeral homes or crematories may also offer assistance in writing an obituary as part of their services.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the deceased's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and to the point. Aim for around 100-200 words, depending on the publication's guidelines.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the notice and make it more meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online publication?

Check the publication's website or contact them directly to find out their submission guidelines and deadlines. Some publications may have online forms or email addresses where you can submit your obituary.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication and the length of the notice. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to have control over how they are remembered. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only the most basic information. An obituary is a longer, more detailed tribute that celebrates the person's life.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased. Including humorous stories or anecdotes can help make the notice more engaging and memorable.

How do I handle sensitive or difficult information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive or difficult aspects of the deceased's life that you're not sure how to address, consider consulting with other family members or friends for guidance. It's generally best to focus on the positive aspects of their life.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial information in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased and support a good cause.

How long after someone passes away should I publish an obituary?

The timing of publishing an obituary can vary depending on cultural and personal preferences. Typically, it's published within a few days to a week after the person's passing.

Can I publish an obituary online only?

Yes, many online platforms and social media sites allow you to publish an obituary digitally. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option.

What is the purpose of an obituary archive?

An obituary archive is a collection of past obituaries that can be searched and accessed by researchers, genealogists, and family historians. It provides a valuable resource for those looking to learn more about their ancestors or local history.

Can I correct errors in an already-published obituary?

If you notice errors in an already-published obituary, contact the publication immediately to request corrections. They may be able to issue a revised version or publish a correction notice.

How do I preserve an original copy of an obituary?

You can preserve an original copy of an obituary by keeping it in a safe place, such as a scrapbook or memory box. You can also digitize it by scanning or photographing it and saving it electronically.

Can I use an obituary as a template for other types of writing?

Yes, writing an obituary can be good practice for other types of biographical writing, such as eulogies or memoirs. The skills you develop in crafting a concise and meaningful tribute can be applied to other forms of writing.

How do I handle multiple marriages or complex family relationships in an obituary?

In cases where there are multiple marriages or complex family relationships, it's best to prioritize clarity and simplicity. Focus on listing immediate family members and closest relatives, and avoid confusing or ambiguous language.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including meaningful quotes or song lyrics can add depth and emotion to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the deceased's personality or interests.

How do I ensure that an online obituary remains accessible over time?

To ensure that an online obituary remains accessible over time, consider creating a permanent link or saving it to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

What is the role of technology in modern obituaries?

Technology has revolutionized the way we create, share, and access obituaries. Online platforms and social media have made it easier than ever to publish and disseminate tributes, while digital archives have preserved historical records for future generations.

Can I create a video obituary?

Yes! With modern technology, it's possible to create video tributes that combine images, music, and narration to celebrate the life of the deceased. These can be shared online or played at memorial services.

How do I balance honesty with tact when writing an obituary?

Balancing honesty with tact requires sensitivity and empathy. Be truthful about the deceased's life while avoiding hurtful or unnecessary details that might cause pain to loved ones.