Richard S. Zehr

Notes:

Obit: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/obituaries/richard-s-zehr/article_dfa42244-ac70-11e2-9538-0019bb2963f4.html
FLANAGAN — Richard S. Zehr, 91, Flanagan, died at 7:30 p.m. Friday (April 19, 2013) at Good Samaritan Home, Flanagan.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Prairieview Mennonite Church, rural Flanagan, with the Rev. Fred G. Criminger and Stephen Albi, M. Div., officiating.
Burial: Waldo Township Cemetery.
Visitation: 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Memorials: the church or Good Samaritan Home, Flanagan. Calvert-Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home, Flanagan, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Survivors: four children, Sharl Lynn (Gary) Yordy, Anthem, Ariz.; Carol Ann (Dan) Pardikes, Thornton, Colo.; Stephen Richard (Barb) Zehr, St. Charles, Mo.; and Amy Lou (John) Albi, Littleton, Colo.; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one sister, Aldyth (Pete) Springer, Fisher; and one sister-in-law, Marcie Zehr, Flanagan.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Lois E.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Sharl Lynn Zehr

Notes:

Obit: Flanagan Home Times obituary:

"Stephen A. Zehr, 87, formerly of Flanagan, died at 12:45 a.m. Saturday at the Meadows Mennonite Home. His funeral was at 11 a.m. Monday at the Salem Mennonite Church with Rev. L.R. Amstutz officiating. Burial will be in Waldo Mennonite Cemetery.

He was born April 15, 1894 in Waldo township, a son of Valentine and Elizabeth Stahly Zehr. He married Inez Ulrich December 25,1919 in Flanagan.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Richard and Melvin "Hap", both of Flanagan, and Aldythe Springer of Fisher; two sisters, Lizzy Zehr and Mrs. Katie Ulrich both of the Meadows Mennonite Home, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

Mr. Zehr was a farmer until 1947 and was employed by Flanagan Grade School from 1951 to 1960. He was a member of the Salem Mennonite Church."
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From the Daily Pantagraph Bloomington, Illinois (McLean County) Sunday, June 21, 1981

MEADOWS - Stephen A. Zehr, 87, formerly of Flanagan, died at 12:45 a.m. Saturday at Meadows Mennonite Home. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Salem Mennonite Church, the Rev. L. R. Amstutz officiating. Burial will be in Waldo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 tonight at Froelich Memorial Home in Flanagan, and one hour before the funeral at the church. He was born April 15, 1884, in Waldo Township, a son of Valentine and Elizabeth Stahly Zehr. He married Inez Ulrich Dec. 25, 1919 in Flanagan. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Richard and Melvin "Hap," both of Flanagan; one daughter, Aldyphe Springer of Fisher; two sisters, Lizzy Zehr and Mrs. Katie Ulrich, both of Meadows Mennonite Home, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters. Mr. Zehr was a farmer until 1947 and was employed by Flanagan Grade School from 1951 to 1960. He was a member of Salem Mennonite Church. Memorials may be made to Meadows Mennonite Home.

Died:
Meadows Mennonite Homew

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Stephen married Inez Ulrich on 25 Dec 1919 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Inez was born on 27 Dec 1900 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; died on 9 May 1989 in Pontiac, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Bloomington Pantagraph obituary:

"Inez E. Zehr, 88, a resident of Meadows Mennonite Home the past 10 years, formerly of Flanagan, died at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday (May 9, 1989) at Saint James Hospital, Pontiac. Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Salem Mennonite Church, rural Gridley, the Rev. George Craig officiating. Burial will be in the Waldo Cemetery, rural Gridley. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Froelich Memorial Home, Flanagan, and for one hour before the service at the church.

Mrs. Zehr was born Dec. 27, 1900, in Flanagan, the daughter of Michael and Ellen Egly Ulrich. She married Stephen A. Zehr on Dec. 25, 1919, in Flanagan. He died June 20, 1981. Survivors include two sons, Richard and Melvin "Hap," both of Flanagan; a daughter, Aldythe Springer, Fisher; four stepbrothers, Clarence Ulrich, Eureka; Ray Ulrich, in Florida; and Solomon Ulrich and John Ulrich, both of Metamora; three stepsisters, Nettie Zoss, Eureka;and Frieda Kennell and Velma Hostetler, both of Roanoke; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

She was a member of the Salem Mennonite Church. Memorials may be made to her church or Meadows Mennonite Home."

Died:
Meadows Mennonite Home

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: Flanagan Home Times Obituary

"Valentine Zehr was born near Washington, Illinois on Dec. 20, 1862 and died on March 19,1948 after a short illness, at the age of 85 years. He was the youngest child of Joseph and Catherine Zehr and was the last surviving member of his family.

On Oct. 18, 1885 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Stahly, who preceded him in death on Dec. 7, 1928. To this union were born 12 children, four preceded him in death in infancy, and a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Slagell of Ithaca, Mich., who was killed in an automobile accident in July, 1946.

He leaves to mourn his departure 4 daughters and 3 sons. They are Mrs. Bertha Eigsti, Mrs. Kate Ulrich, Misses Elisabeth and Nettie, and Stephen of Flanagan, Edward and Valentine of near Gridley, 31 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; also a host of relatives and friends.

Early in life he accepted Christ as his Savior and united with the Mennonite Church of which he remained true and faithful. He was a kind and loving father and grandfather, always concerned about their spiritual welfare, as well as the natural blessings of life".

Valentine married Elizabeth Anna Stahly on 18 Oct 1885. Elizabeth was born on 28 Feb 1868 in Livingston Co., IL; died on 7 Dec 1928 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: THE HOME TIMES - Flanagan, Illinois - December 1928

Lizzie Anna Stahly Zehr, eldest daughter of Stephen and Barbara Stahly 
was born near Flanagan, February 28, 1868 and died December 7, 1928 at 
her home in Flanagan at the age of 60 years, 9 months and 9 days.
On October 18, 1865 (1885) she was united in marriage to Valentine Zehr. 
To this union were born 12 children, four proceeded her in death in 
infancy. She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, five daughters 
and three sons: Bertha Egsti, Flanagan; Barbara Slagell, Pompeii, Mich.; 
Kate Ulrich, Flanagan; Edward, Meadows; Stephen and Valentine, Flanagan; 
Elizabeth and Nettie at home; 20 grandchildren; also seven sisters and 
one brother.
She lived on a farm near Flanagan until nine years ago, when she moved 
with her family to Flanagan. Early in youth she accepted Christ as her 
savior and united with the Mennonite Church and remained true and 
faithful until her death, ever willing to sacrifice for the sake of 
others. Altho failing in health for a number of years, she was able to 
see to her home duties until about 19 months ago, when she became 
confined to her bed. She had many dark days but she was a kind, patient 
and loving mother. She always bore her trials and afflictions 
patiently. She was deeply interested in her family and will be greatly 
missed by her relatives and friends.
----------------------- 
Gospel Herald Obituary:

Zehr.-Lizzie Anna (Stahly) Zehr, oldest daughter of Pre. Stephen and Barbara (Schantz) Stahly, was born near Flanagan, Ill., Feb. 28, 1868; passed away at her home in Flanagan, Dec. 7, 1928; aged 60 y. 9 m. 9 d. On Oct. 18, 1865, she was united in marriage to Valentine Zehr. To this union were born 12 children, four preceding her in death in infancy. She leaves to mourn her departure 5 daughters and 3 sons (Bertha Eigsti, Flanagan; Barbara Slagel, Pompeii, Mich.; Katie Ulrich, Flanagan; Edward, Meadows, Ill.; Stephen, Gridley, Ill.; Valentine Jr., Flanagan; and Elizabeth and Nettie at home), 26 grandchildren, 1 brother, and 7 sisters. Early in life she accepted Christ as her Savior, united with the Mennonite Church, and remained true and faithful until death, ever willing to sacrifice for the sake of others. Although failing in health for a number of years, she was able to attend to her home duties until about 19 months ago when she became confined to her bed. She had many dark days but was a kind, patient, and loving mother. She always bore her trials and afflictions patiently. She was deeply interested in her family, all of her children having accepted Christ. She will be greatly missed by all. Funeral services were held at the Waldo Mennonite Church Dec. 9, conducted by Valentine Strubhar of Washington, assisted by Emanuel Troyer and George Gundy. Interment in Waldo Cemetery.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 1857, La Have To New York

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald

ZEHR.-July 22nd, in Livingston county, Ill., of dropsy, Joseph Zehr, aged 74 years. Buried the 23rd. Many relatives and friends met to pay the last tribute of respect. Two daughters and a son of Seward county, Neb., came to see him a few days before his death, which gave him much satisfaction. During his sickness he suffered much from difficulty of breathing, yet he patiently bore it all. He set his housed in order, and had peace with God and man, and was prepared to die. He was a brother in the Amish Mennonite Church. He leaves an aged and bereaved wife, five sons, three daughters, and many grand children. Funeral sermons by Christian Schlegel and John P. Schmitt.
————————————

“Joseph Zehr left two record books handwritten in German Script. They were translated and summarized in an article written by George Unger in the September 1992 issue of Illinois Mennonite Heritage. These records show Joseph in two different occupational roles: The first is Joseph in his role as a farmer or farm manager; the second contains business records indicating that Joseph served as an innkeeper. In record 2, Joseph describes his sale of food, beverages (including coffee, wine, and hard liquor), wood, leather, tobacco, potatoes, and earthenware. Book 1, pages 30-31 lists all of his children and their birth dates. Excerpts from the records reveal that he was a strong Christian with a deep concern for, and love of his children. He was also a respected and liked employer.

“The following are from Joseph's handwritten family register found at page 30 & 31:

"March 6, 1835, a son was born to me and he has the name Christian Zehr. In 1861 he married Catharina Roth."
"On December 22, 1855, in the evening at 11 o'clock Christian left for North America. The ship left harbor on the 30th."
"May 17,1837, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name of Anna Zehr. On February 10, 1837, she married Christian Schertz. On April 2, 1870, she fell asleep in the Lord."
"June 9, 1839 as son was born to me and he has the name Andreas Zehr."
"October 5, 1841 a little daughter was born and it has the name Catarina Zehr. In 1861 she married Christian Roth."
"May 1, 1944, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name Barbara Zehr."
"January 5, 1847 a son was born to me and he has the name Peter Zehr."
"On May 4, 1849 a little daughter was born to me. She has the name Elizabeth Zehr."
"October 12, 1851 a son was born to me. He has the name Johannes Zehr."
"October 3, 1853 as son was born to me. He has the name Joseph Zehr in Schlong at the Marne."
"August 25, 1856, a little daughter was born to me. It has the name Maria Zehr, too little, Fagiers by Schalon, Sur Marne. On September 5, 1856 she fell asleep in the Lord."
"December 20, 1862 as son was born to me. He has the name Faledin [Valentin] Zehr in America."

“Joseph, wrote a letter to his father on January 8, 1852. In the letter, he referred to his son, Christian: 
"I would like to let you know that I have a son for whom I wish so much that he could come to your area to learn the French language. He is 16 years old, and I think that you as father would be able to arrange for a great opportunity for him to come to you and learn the miller trade." 
Christian apparently did this, staying with his grandfather for two years.

“Joseph and family immigrated in 1857 aboard the ship "Vision" from Le Havre, which landed in New York on 1/2/1857. According to the ships list, the family passengers were: Joseph (56), Catherine (51), Anna (16), Andrew (15), Catherine (14), Babette (8), Pierre (6), Elizabeth (5), Jean (3), and Joseph (11/12). [Note the incorrect ages listed for some of the family members. This was common because of language barriers]. The family settled near Metamora, Illinois. In the 1860 census, he was listed as "Joseph Sears" and lived with his wife Catherine, and children Barbara, Peter, Elizabeth, John, and Joseph in Washington Township, Tazewell County. In 1880, Joseph, Catherine, and Valentine were living in Waldo Township, Livingston County, Illinois.”

Birth:
His civil birth entry described his father as a 25-year-old land owner and plowman [Ger. Burger und Ackermann].

Immigration:
“Joseph and family immigrated in 1857 aboard the ship "Vision" from Le Havre, which landed in New York on 1/2/1857.”

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Joseph married Catherine Kohler on 25 Feb 1834 in Schalbach, Phalsbourg, Moselle, FR. Catherine (daughter of André Kohler and Anne Birki) was born in 1815 in FR; died on 31 Oct 1884 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald Obituary:

Zehr.-On the 31st of October, in Livingston Co., Ill., Catharine, widow of Joseph Zehr (deceased), aged 69 years, 9 months and 29 days. Funeral services by Christian Rediger, William Egly, Christian Shlegel, and John P. Schmidt. Sister Zehr had to suffer much but she bore all her afflictions with patience and submission to the Lord. She expressed her desire "to depart and to be with Jesus." She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery