Sterling, Illinois Obituaries

Mar 11, 2024

Lani Funderberg, 76, of Sterling, died Monday March 11, 2024 at her home in Sterling. Lani was born on October 13, 1947.

Survivors include one daughter Mary Funderberg; four sons Shane (Christina) Ewing, Edward Funderberg, Dustin Funderberg, and Ben (Rebekah) Funderberg; fifteen grandchildren Peyton, Lexie, Gabriel, Kenzie, Addison, Trinity, Maddie Jo, Jeffery, Rhyley, Emma Jo,...

Mar 9, 2024

Ryan Edward Fischer, 37 of Sterling, passed away Saturday, March 9 at his home. Ryan was born April 3, 1986 in Sterling. The son of Kathy Fischer of Sterling and Todd Fischer of South Carolina. He married his best friend, April Celestino, June 6, 2009 in Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by April in 2022. Ryan owned...

Feb 29, 2024

Fransisca "Chica" Escobedo, age 95 passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024 in Sterling Illinois. She was born April 23, 1928 in Texas to Luis & Luisa Cabrera.

She is survived by her children Juanita Villarreal & Mario(Molly) Escobedo.

Her grandchildren Heather(Mike) Tarbill, Lisa(Ian) Bruins, Caroline Chapman, Levi Villarreal, Pia(Scott) Sekutowski,...

Feb 26, 2024

Richard“ Dick” Tessmann, 80, of Sterling, IL went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Monday, February 26, 2024. Dick was born in Watertown, WI in the year 1943. After high school he earned a bachelor's degree from Bob Jones University and then went on to graduate from Central Seminary with a masters degree in divinity....

Feb 22, 2024

Zelda Allen, 99, of Sterling, died Thursday February 22, 2024 at Morningside of Sterling.

Zelda was born December 26, 1924 in Harmon, the daughter of Fred and Lola ( Scykes) Schulte. She married Joseph W. Allen in 1945 in Sterling. He preceded her in death in 1977.

She was a member...

Feb 21, 2024

Jon Frederick Block, 68, of Sterling, died Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Jon was born March 29, 1955 in Tacoma, WA, the son of Fred E. and Helen (Ohms) Block. He married Deborah Hoster on March 3, 1979 in Sterling. Jon and Deborah did everything together. They especially loved...

Feb 15, 2024

Curtis Lee Poff Jr, 53, of Rock Falls, died Thursday February 15, 2024. Curt was born October 25, 1970 in Morrison the son of Curtis Lee and Mary (Stage) Poff Sr.

Survivors include one daughter Kayla Marie Poff; three sons Curtis Lee Poff III, Hunter Lee Poff, and Zayden Xavier Poff; two brothers Corey Poff,...

Feb 15, 2024

Janet L. Palmer, 93, of Rock Falls, died peacefully on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Janet was born Sept. 30, 1930, in Easton, Ill, the daughter of Otho and Blanche (Bortel) Furrer. She married Harold R. Palmer on Feb. 12, 1949, in Easton. He preceded her in death on July 29, 2014. The focus of Janet’s life was faith, farm,...

Feb 12, 2024

J.W. Smithee, 90 of Rock Falls, died Monday February 12, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. J.W. was born January 22, 1934 in Monette AR the son of James and Ruth (Ward) Smithee. He married Bea Martin.

Survivors include one son Mike Smithee of Sterling; two sisters Barb Muellder, and Mildred Miller; seven grandchildren;...

Feb 10, 2024

WIlliam "Bill" Maust Griswold was born on March 20th, 1926. He grew up on the Southside of Chicago with his parents, grandparents, and younger sister Nancy. He attended Parker and Tilden High Schools where he learned many of the building and handyman skills he would use throughout his life. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Force in...

Feb 4, 2024

Maria Pena, 89, of Sterling died Sunday February 4, 2024 at Rock River Hospice & Home surrounded by family. Maria was born July 25, 1934 in Cerralvo Nuevo Leon Mexico the daughter of Reynaldo and Silvestra (Gomez) Trevino. She married Atanacio Pena on September 12, 1952.

Surviviors include six daughters Diana Pena, Delia Rivera, Minerva...

Feb 2, 2024

William (Bill) Edward Chapman, Sr. 87, of Sterling, IL, died unexpectedly on February 2, 2024. Bill was born near Whitehall, IL on February 2, 1937, the son of Robert and Mary (Crum) Chapman. After graduating from Rock Falls High School in 1955, he attended the University of IL in Champaign-Urbana, majoring in Electrical Engineering. He left UofI prior to...

Feb 2, 2024

Margery Spooner, age 100, of Sterling died February 2, 2024 at Parkway Center. Born September 22, 1923 in Sterling, daughter of Marietta and August Kohl. Married Arza Spooner on January 19, 1947. She graduated from Sterling High School in 1941 and Jane Lamb Hospital, Clinton, IA in 1945. In 1946 she attended Baylor University Hospital, Dallas, TX and graduated...

Feb 1, 2024

Glenda Mae “Sis” Kaecker, 66, of Amboy, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on Thursday February 1, 2024.

Sis was born April 9, 1957 in Dixon, the daughter of Glenn and Ella Mae (Owens) Troxell. She married William “Bill” Kaecker on April 10, 1973 in Dixon. Sis loved spending time with her...

Jan 29, 2024

Judith Mills, 80, of Rock Falls died Monday January 29, 2024 at Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling. Judith was born October 2, 1943 the daughter of Wilmer and Lorraine (Walsh) Fullgraf.

The lady of many titles, her favorite being mom, grandma, and great grandma. To most she was known as the skating rink...

Jan 16, 2024

Brittani Jacobson Graning 33 of Sycamore passed away January 16,2024. Brittani was an adventurous free spirit with a quick wit and larger than life personality.she was unapologetically true to herself and always spoke her mind. She was a kid and nerd at heart with a tough exterior but those who knew her knew she was a big softy on...

Jan 13, 2024

Barbara Jane Travis, 85, of Sterling died Saturday January 13, 2024. Barbara was born September 19, 1938 in Sterling the daughter of Cloyd E. and Marvel E. (Kramer) Kendell Sr.

Barbara was a Breast Cancer Survivor of over 30 years. She was known for her love of hats and her stylish fashion. Most of all...

Jan 13, 2024

Louise Gibbons of Sterling, died Saturday January 13, 2024 at Allure of Sterling.

Louise was born in Chicago, the daughter of David and Mildred (Overman) Gibbons. She graduated from Northern Illinois University and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She worked at the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Company in the finance...

Jan 12, 2024

Duane L. Stern, 82, of Rockford passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024. Duane was born August 28, 1941 in Sterling IL the son of Louis and Loretta (Rickleff) Stern. He married Charlotte Blevins on September 18, 1965 in Sterling.

Survivors include one son Todd (Angela) Stern of Rockford; two sisters Marian Landheer of Morrison...

Jan 9, 2024

Donald L. Haag, 100, of Sterling, died Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at his home. Don was born January 25, 1923 to Robert Haag and Ida Black. He married Roberta L. Espy on January 22, 1956 at the United Methodist Church, Dixon. After attending and graduating from Sterling schools, he entered the US Army Air Corps in May 1945 during...