Maria (Mary) Bircky (Birky)

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 19
• Religion: Amish
• USR1: Bright’s Disease
• Immigration: 21 Jun 1849, NY

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey.- Mary Birkey, wife of Joseph Birkey, died at her home near Shickly, Nebr., Dec. 28, 1908; aged 75 y. 9 m. 9 d. Her sickness was Bright's disease. Funeral services were conducted by Joseph Rediger and Jacob Stauffer.

Immigration:
Via Liverpool, on ship Minnesota

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Maria married Joseph Bürcky (Birki) on 7 Jan 1851 in Tazewell Co., IL. Joseph (son of Christian Bürcky (Birki) and Katharina Nafziger) was born on 19 Mar 1828 in Bavaria, GR; died on 6 Dec 1906 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Dec 1906 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Schrock - Catherine Birkey Schrock was born at the Morton, Ill., Jan 28, 1852; died Jan. 1, 1931, at the home of her daughter (Mrs. Dan Lichti) near Davenport, Neb.; aged 78 y. 11 m. 3 d. She was united in marriage to Christian C. Schrock in 1873. 13 children were born to this union. She leaves 7 daughters, 6 sons, 70 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, 1 brother, and a host of other relatives and friends. Her husband and 8 grandchildren preceded her in death. She accepted Christ in her youth and was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church till her death. Funeral services were held at the home and at the church, Jan. 3, by Bros. Peter R. Kennel, Ben Schlegel and Fred Reeb. Burial in the Salem Cemetery near Shickley, Nebraska.
"We have no dear mother now.
There will be one vacant chair,
We shall long to caress her
When we breathe our evening prayer."

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Catherine married Christian C. “C.c.” Schrock on 27 Feb 1873 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Christian (son of Christian (Christophe) Schrag (Serach) (Gerard) and Elizabeth Cender (Zentner)) was born on 13 Jun 1847 in Alsace Lorraine, FR; died on 9 Aug 1926 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 2 - April 10, 1907 - page 32
EICHELBERGER.- Elizabeth (Birkey) Eichelberger was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Sept. 19, 1852, and died Mar. 22, 1907; aged 53y. 6m. 3d. She united with the A. M. Church at the age of sixteen years and was a faithful member until the time of her death. She leaves a husband and eight children, a mother, three brothers and two sisters to mourn her departure but they mourn not as they who have no hope. She left bright evidence that she went to meet her Savior. Buried on the 24, at the Salem Church near Shickley, Neb. Funeral services were conducted by Joseph Rediger in German and N. E. Roth in English, both of Seward, Neb. May God comfort the bereaved family and may it be the means of leading us all a step nearer to our heavenly home. Peace to her ashes.
D. J. T.
———————————
In the fall of 1886 they relocated to Decature County, Kansas; then again on Oct. 20, 1903 to Schickley.

Birth:
1852?

Buried:
http://doyourememberthese.com/Gallery/Shickley-Mennonite-Cemetery/Eichelberger_Christian_and_Lizzie

Elizabeth married Christian Eichelberger on 18 Jun 1882 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Christian (son of George E. Eichelberger and Veronica (Fannie) Stalter) was born on 14 Feb 1852 in Washington, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 7 Mar 1936 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey. Jacob Birkey of Calkins, Mont., was born Sept. 19, 1855, at Morton, Tazewell Co., Ill.; married to Mary Martin, April 12, 1881; died Jan. 12, 1917; aged 61 y. 4 m. 12 d. He was married 35 y. 9 m. To this union were born 10 children who survive him. He leaves a sorrowing wife, 4 sons and 6 daughters who were all present at the funeral; 11 grandchildren, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters; 1 brother was present. He joined the Mennonite Church in his youth, and remained faithful to his end. Funeral services at the church at White Sulphur Springs, Montana, conducted by D. D. Kauffman.

Died:
FAG: White Sulphur Springs, Meagher Co., MT

Buried:
Mayn Cemetery

Jacob married Mary Ann Martin on 12 Apr 1881 in Tazewell Co., IL. Mary (daughter of Nicholas Martin and Catherine (Katie) Litwiller) was born on 9 Apr 1864 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 27 May 1952 in Creston, Flathead Co., MT; was buried in Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Little formal education, but a degree in life’s experiences
• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 14
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Cancer (See Obit)
• Residence: 1887, Decatur Co., KS
• Residence: 1895, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 9 Feb 1910, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 26 Feb 1910, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 27 Dec 1920, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Oct. 4, 1928 Gospel Herald
Birkey. - Valentine Birkey, son of Joseph and Mary Birkey, was born near Morton, Ill., Feb. 2, 1858; died Sept. 18, 1928; aged 70 y. 7 m. 16 d. He was united in marriage to Phoebe Good about 47 years ago. Surviving him are his wife, 4 sons, 5 daughters, 2 sisters, 1 brother, 31 grandchildren, and a large number of old relatives and friends. His parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and 2 grandchildren preceded him to the spirit world. For several years his health seemed to be failing and later cancer developed, which caused his death. He was confined to his bed from June 15 until death. At times, his suffering and pain was very great, but he was very patient through it all. His condition did not seem to alarm him, and he was fully given up to Him who does all things well. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and proved faithful until the end. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Bro. S. S. Zehr and at the church by the Bros. Jake Zehr and Ezra Yordy. Text, 1 Cor. 13:12. Interment was made in the cemetery nearby.


Read at the Centennial Celebration of the East Bend Mennonite Church in 1989, in Fisher, IL
“My name is Valentine Birkey. My father was Joseph of the “Big Black” Birkeys, and my mother was Mary of the “Little Red” Birkeys. They both came from Germany to Tazewell County where they met and married. I was born in 1858 near Morton, Illinois, but my parents later moved to near Hopedale. It was at Hopedale that Phoebe Good and I were married in 1882. Here our two daughters Mollie and Bertha were born.

“About this time many families were moving west. In northwest Kansas land could still be homesteaded. We kept hearing there had been lots of rain the last few years and things were looking good. Some of my relatives were moving there, so my parents decided they would move too. It sounded like a good chance to own land, and Mother insisted that all her married children move too.

“So in April 1887, Phoebe and I packed for the long train ride. After arriving we stayed with my parents until September when Joe was born. We had taken out a timber claim which meant we had to plant 500 trees, live on the land and then the 160 acres would become ours. So that summer the men cut sod and built our sod house on the claim. the walls were two feet thick, which kept it really warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It was the roof that gave US trouble--the sod and tree branches always seemed to let the rain through. And I really didn’t like having the rattlesnakes living in the walls. My family had all taken claims very close by. The stagecoach form Oberlin to Colby, Kansas crossed over part of our farm.

“We had a large church congregation in Decatur County. Our services were held in the Swedish Covenant sod church on Sunday afternoons until we finished building our own sod church. The cemetery was 1/2 mile north of the church and that’s where we buried by brother Dan.

“After we got settled in Kansas it forgot to rain. Year after year we had crop failures. the corn would look beautiful in the spring and then the hot, dry winds came and in just a few days the field of corn would be ruined. One year the wheat headed out, but since it was only six inches tall it was too short to cut with the binder. Our only choice was to turn the pigs into the field to do the harvesting. We seemed to get poorer every year. Joe, Alvin and Kate were born in our sod house. We had to divide our potatoes and it was hard to have to feed the children “thick and thin” for supper. What was that? It was thick sour milk to which Phoebe added some fresh sweet milk. We gathered buffalo chips to burn in our stove. Those were hard years on the prairie.

“Families started moving away. Some of my cousins moved by covered wagon to Beemer, Nebraska to help start the church there. some moved back to Hopedale. Two of my sisters moved to Shickley, Nebraska, and eventually my brother Joe moved to Oregon, my brother Jake to Montana. One summer my cousin Christian J. Birkey came to visit. He was married to Phoebe’s sister, so he was my brother-in-law as well. Then he saw how bad things were, he urged US to sell out and come back to Illinois. I told him if I sold everything I owned it wouldn’t be enough to pay our way back.

“On our way to church every Sunday we would stop at the home of the Lund family to collect our mail. One Sunday morning there was a letter from Chris. Phoebe couldn’t wait till after church to read it. Chris said he had bought a farm in Champaign County were a new church had been started. He offered to send US money for the train fare. Chris was like that--he helped many people. It was very difficult for Phoebe and I to get much out of the church service that day.

“Well, we soon made plans to move to Illinois and it was a glad day when we got there. It was almost dark, and as we got near the house I said, “Oh, look at all the sheep out there in the pasture.” Well, when I looked out the next morning, I got a surprise! I saw it was tree stumps instead, and that meant I had a lot of work to do. But we had 20 good years there. East Bend church was building its first building, so I got to help with that. There was no bridge across the Sangamon River north of the church so we had to ford the river. About ten years later, John Naffziger and Chris Good put together a petition and we got a new bridge built across the river.

“After returning to Illinois, Silas, Joel, Ada and Edna joined our family. I was finally able to buy the farm 1/2 mile north of the church. I built a house and barn which are both still standing in 1989.

“I didn’t have much education, but I had a degree in life’s experiences. Looking back on the good and bad times I think we need the bitter lessons to better appreciate the good ones.”

Residence:
Went to Kansas for a homestead claim.

Residence:
After difficult years in Kansas moved back to Illinois.

PURC:
From C.C. and Lena Gut for $4,785. W1/2 of NE1/4, and East 25 acres of NW 1/4 of SW1/4, and W1/2 of W1/2 of NW1/4 of SW1/4 of Section 17 Twp 22N R8E

PURC:
From John Cender. Five acres-W 1/2 of E 1/2 of W 1/ of NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Section 17, Township 22N, Range 8E of 3rdPM

PURC:
From Cora A. and H. W. Baker for $8,100. SW1/4 of SW1/4 of Section 17 Twp22 N, R8E--”except a portion leased to the Ommish Mennonite Church Society.”

Died:
At his farm home.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery. Funeral by J. A. Heiser.

Valentine married Phoebe (Bena) Good on 15 Jan 1882 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Phoebe (daughter of Josef (Joseph ) Guth (Good) and Katharina Stalter) was born on 5 Sep 1863 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Dec 1962 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 18 Dec 1962 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Cerebral Hemorrhage-paralytic stroke
• Residence: 1887, Decatur Co., KS
• PURC: Bef 1888, AR
• Residence: 1894, Wisner, Cuming Co., NE
• Residence: 1903, Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE
• Census: 1910, Fillmore Co., NE
• Residence: 1912, Tangent, Linn Co., OR
• Residence: 1920, Albany, Linn Co., OR

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKY. - Joseph, son of Joseph and Mary Birky, was born near Morton, Ill., Sept. 9, 1862; died Oct. 5, 1935. When he failed to answer the call for dinner he was found by his wife lying near his workshop with a stroke of paralysis. He lived about 13 hours after that, not having uttered a word. He accepted Christ in his youth and united with the Mennonite Church, remaining faithful to the end. In 1887 he moved with his parents to Decator Co., Kans. On Feb. 4, 1888, he united in marriage to Amelia Caroline Lund, near Oberlin, Kans. In 1894 he moved with his family to Wisner, Neb., in 1903 to Shickley, Neb., in 1912 to Tangent, Oreg., in 1920 to Albany, Oreg., where he lived the remainder of his life. He leaves his sorrowing companion and 6 children (Caroline, wife of Roy Stutzman, Cairo, Neb.; Amon W., Shickley, Neb.; Joseph A., Creston, Mont.; Lydia, wife of Albert Steckley, Albany, Oreg.; Ada, wife of Amos Roth, Albany, Oreg.; and Emma at home), 24 grandchildren, 1 sister (Barbara Egli of Hopedale, Ill.). His parents, 3 brothers (Jacob, Valentine, and Daniel), and 3 sisters (Mary, Catherine Schrock, and Elizabeth Eichelberger) preceded him in death. He was the first to break the family circle. He was much interested in the Church, and was much concerned in the spiritual welfare of his children and grandchildren in which he had much joy, and to know the children were serving the Lord in the same precious faith (of the Mennonite Church). The children were all present at the funeral excepting Amon, who with his family had left for home about 11 days before the call came to father, after visiting with his parents. Funeral services held Oct. 9 at the home and at the Fairview Mennonite Church by the brethren C. R. Gerig, Eli Frey, C. C. Steckley, Henry Gerig, and A. P. Troyer. Text, I Cor. 15; Heb. 6:27; II Cor. 1:3,4; Psa. 90. Interment in Knoxbutte Cemetery.

He has crossed o'er the river we spoke of,
With never a doubt nor with fears;
And now he is peacefully sleeping,
Beyond the valley of tears."
The family.

Residence:
with his parents took up homesteads between Oberlin and Selden

PURC:
purchased land, visited it several times, never resided there and later sold it.

Census:
Listed with wife Amelia; children Caroline, Amon, Joseph, Lydia, Emma, Ada
T624  Roll: 845  Page: 21

Buried:
Willamette Memorial Park - Originally interred at Knox Butte Cemetery, Albany, Oregon.

Joseph married Amelia Caroline Lund on 4 Feb 1888 in Oberlin, Decatur Co., KS. Amelia (daughter of August Lund and Barbara King) was born on 2 Aug 1869 in Gridley, McLean Co., IL; died on 29 Oct 1955 in Albany, Linn Co., OR; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Egli. - Barbara Birkey Litwiller Egli was born Dec. 3, 1867 near El Paso, Ill.; died at her home in Hopedale, Ill., after a lingering illness. On the morning of May 21 she suffered a stroke, passing away in the evening of May 22, aged 74 y. 5 m. 19 d. She united with the Mennonite Church in youth, and remained a faithful member until death. She was a Sunday-school teacher since Sunday school started, whenever her health permitted. Oct. 9, 1888, she was united in marriage to Joseph Litwiller. Seven children were born to this union (Joseph of Armington, William of Winamac, Ind.; Roy, Emery, and Alma of Hopedale). She also leaves 29 grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death twenty-one years ago, also 2 sons (Eli and an infant son) and a daughter-in-law. She was again united in marriage to Jacob Egli, Feb. 19, 1928. She leaves her husband, 4 stepchildren (Mrs. Aaron Litwiller, Armington, Mrs. Asa Nafziger, Minier, John and Simon Egli of Hopedale), 29 step-grandchildren, and 15 step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held May 24 at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by Bros. Ben Springer and Simon Litwiller. Interment in the Mennonite Cemetery.

"Her longing wish is granted,
Her pain and misery are ended.
Into Heaven's mansions she entered,
Never to sigh or to weep.
Mother has fallen asleep."

Barbara married Joseph B. Litwiller on 9 Oct 1888 in Seldon, KS. Joseph (son of Joseph Litwiller and Catherine Birky) was born on 27 Dec 1864 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Jan 1921 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Barbara married Jacob Egli on 19 Feb 1928. Jacob was born on 26 Jan 1863 in Canada; died on 5 Mar 1946 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Complication of diseases originating from an attack of rheumatism

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKEY - Apr. 13th, 1901, near Lund, Decatur Co., Kansas, of a complication of diseases originating from an attack of rheumatism, Bro. Daniel Birkey, aged 31 years, 3 months, and 7 days. One sister and two children preceded him. He leaves a beloved companion, three children, three brothers and three sisters and his aged parents to mourn their loss, which we believe to be his eternal gain. His labors on earth are ended, his works do follow him. Peace to his ashes. Funeral services conducted by Josiah Rediger and Jacob Stauffer in German and Ammon Stoltzfus in English. A BROTHER

http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/decatur/cemeteries/mennonite_cemetery.htm

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Daniel married Mary Zeitler on 24 Nov 1892. Mary (daughter of Jacob Zeitler and Rosina) was born on 30 Oct 1874 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 21 Nov 1968 in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Lydia Roth. Lydia (daughter of Christian Roth and Magdalena Wittrig) was born on 18 Feb 1876; died on 9 Aug 1954; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Wellman Mennonite Cemetery

Elizabeth married Ammon Esh Stoltzfus on 8 Oct 1895. Ammon was born on 20 Dec 1872 in Lewisburg, Union Co., PA; died on 20 Apr 1965 in Keota, Keokuk Co., IA; was buried in Wellman, Washington Co., IA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Mary married Samuel Roth on 27 Feb 1894. Samuel (son of Christian Roth and Magdalena Wittrig) was born on 25 Feb 1874 in Noble, Washington Co., IA; died on 21 Nov 1932 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Katherine married Emil Ernst in 1903. Emil was born in 3 Nov. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

“Christopher’s middle initial “B” stands for “Burkey,” his mother’s maiden name. We are told that all of the boys of that family used that same initial, apparently proud of the Burkey name.
His parents were Amish. In later years his father became an invalid. This grandfather is remembered by his grandchildren as sitting in his wheelchair by the window so he could look outside. He was a very large person, eventually weighing over 300 lbs; his helpful slightly-built wife had a hump in her back. As was the way in those days, the grandchildren were sent to help these grandparents when they grew older.
They lived in Nebraska which is considered part of the Midwest “Heartland.” At that time small farms raised most of the food products for the nation. The frontier was considered closed in 1890 when Chris was about nine years old. At the close of Civil War, farmers constituted 60 percent of the work force. The farmers settled land in a westward movement; these frontier people did hand labor and used horses to pull simple equipment in contrast to the present corporate farms with huge expensive machinery.
I understand that Grandpa Schrock did not own land but farmed land owned by others. He owned a combine and was hired to work in fields. He was a very tall, handsome person who enjoyed life, but it is said he did not accumulate much money. He was strict with his children. Mother said if one of his children got a spanking in school, Grandpa Schrock would deliver another spanking with a belt at home. If a teacher checked the space titled “Talks too much,” this also meant a spanking at home.
“We have a copy of the Public Sale Notice for the auction that was held by Chris when selling his home. The auction notice states, “Two bedroom, full basement, 3 lots one block west and one block north of the schoolhouse, Lots l, 2, and 3, Block 10. Remodeled only a few years ago, furniture, canned fruit and fruit jars, wash tubs, snow shovel.”
He then moved to the town of Geneva to be nearer his children as he was in ill health because of cancer.
“There was a reunion in the 1980’s of the Christian C. Schrock family, Christ B. Schrock’s parents, at the Geneva Lion’s Club Building in Geneva with about 260 people attending. This family had become widespread as relatives arrived from California, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois, and Arizona. This was the first time many had seen each other for a number of years, and some had never met previously. “

Buried:
Salem Mennonite Cemetery

Christian married Mary Roth on 19 Feb 1903 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. Mary (daughter of Christian Roth and Magdalena Wittrig) was born on 15 Mar 1884 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died on 2 May 1961 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Shickley Cemetery

Peter married Anna Rosina Beller on 2 Nov 1909 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. Anna (daughter of Christian Beller and Rosina (Rosine) Neuhauser) was born on 9 Jul 1888 in GR; died on 25 Oct 1978 in NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Amelia married Daniel S. Lichti on 22 Feb 1910. Daniel was born on 5 May 1883; died on 30 Aug 1954. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
West Fairview Mennonite Cemetery

Magdalena married Samuel S. Lichti on 30 Mar 1915. Samuel was born on 15 Jan 1879; died on 5 Feb 1923 in NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Magdalena married Samuel Steider on 23 Feb 1930. Samuel (son of John Steider and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wagler) was born on 17 Jun 1879 in IL; died on 2 Feb 1959 in Lincoln, Lancaster Co., NE; was buried in Beaver Crossing, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Shickley Cemetery

John married Rose Pearl Walters on 15 May 1915. Rose was born on 22 Jun 1899 in Fillmore Co., NE; died on 25 Jun 1976 in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Shickley Cemetery

Daniel married Edna Magwitz on 28 May 1919. Edna was born on 24 Mar 1901; died after 27 Feb 1925; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Daniel married Kathryn Pearl Johannsen on 6 Apr 1931. Kathryn was born on 6 Feb 1905 in Alexandria, Thayer Co., NE; died on 24 Jul 2000 in Lincoln, Lancaster Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Juniata Cemetery

Family/Spouse: George Boice. George was born on 16 Dec 1892; died in 1974. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Trinity Lutheran Cemetery

Lydia married Fred Denzin on 17 May 1915. Fred was born on 23 Jan 1891 in Bruning, Thayer Co., NE; died on 22 Jun 1961 in York, York Co., NE; was buried in Bruning, Thayer Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Samuel married Alma Wertz on 27 Sep 1917. Alma was born on 25 Oct 1898; died in 1994; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Fairview Cemetery

Mary married Benjamin Gascho on 16 Dec 1915 in NE. Benjamin (son of Joseph Gascho and Mary Burkey) was born on 14 Mar 1878 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died on 21 Sep 1963 in Milford, Seward Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Filer Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Mattie Roth. Mattie (daughter of Christian Roth and Magdalena Wittrig) was born on 31 May 1886 in Seward Co., NE; died on 17 May 1965 in Buhl, Twin Falls Co., ID; was buried in Filer, Twin Falls Co., ID. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Katie A. Lauber. Katie (daughter of Christian Lauber and Phoebe Stauffer) was born on 4 Nov 1891 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died on 1 Apr 1942 in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Edwin Jonas Eichelberger, the fourth of eight children of Christain and Elizabeth Eichelberger, was born March 14, 1889, at Selden, Kas. He departed this life at Kearney, Neb., August 11, 1968, at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 28 days. 

As a child he moved with his parents to Shickley, Neb., where he grew to manhood. November 11, 1912, he was united in marriage to Mattie Stutzman. To this union were born five daughters. Those surviving are Irene (Mrs. John 
Holbrook), Leona Spencer and Gladys Hewitt, all of Broken Bow and Mildred Eichelberger of Brazil, South America. 

In 1925 Ed moved his family to Custer County, where he was engaged in farming until 1934, when he moved to Broken Bow. He worked for the Custer County Highway Department, serving as highway commissioner for 10 years until his 
retirement in 1954. 

As a young man, he was baptized in the Mennonite Church, of which he was a faithful member until his death. 

Besides his four daughters, he is survived by four brothers, Aaron of Filer, Idaho, Joel and Menno of Shickley; Alvin of Broken Bow; and two sisters, Emma 
Troyer and Lydia Lauber, both of Shickely; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Ed was preceded in death by his wife in 1930, one infant daughter, and one sister, Mary Gascho. he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Funeral services were conducted from Dovier's Mortuary in Broken Bow Tuesday, August 13, at 2 p.m. Services were in charge of P. R. Kennel, assisted by Lee Schlegel, both of the Salem church. The Salem men's quartet, Henry Lauber, 
Wayne Kempf, Lowell Steider and Clinton Lauber, rendered appropriate numbers in song. Interment was in the Broken Bow Cemetery. 

Buried:
Broken Bow Cemetery

Notes:

Obit: Hastings Tribune August 20, 1977

SHICKLEY (TNS)-Mrs. John (Lydia) Lauber, 86, of Shickley died Saturday in Geneva.

Mrs. Lauber is survived by her son, Clinton, and daughter, Mrs. Lemoine (Phyllis) Johnson, both of Shickley; two brothers, Menno Eichelberger of Shickley and Alvin Eichelberger of Broken Bow; a sister, Mrs. Emma Troyer of Shickley; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 Monday at Salem Mennonite Church, rural Shickley, with burial in the church cemetery.
Farmer and Son Funeral Home of Geneva is in charge.

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Abraham Lincoln Troyer. Abraham was born on 21 Nov 1890 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died on 27 Aug 1971 in Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Broken Bow Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
Birky, --- Joseph Noah, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Dec. 29, 1883 to Jacob and Mary Birky; passed away in the John B. Simons Hospital, Whitefish, Mont., April 5, 1953; aged 69 y. 3 m. 7 d. He became a member of the Mennonite Church in his youth and remained faithful until the Lord called him home. In December 1908, he was married to Amanda Roth. They lived at Shickley, Nebr., until 1915, when they moved to Calkins, Mont., and in 1928 to Creston, Mont. Eight sons and 4 daughters were born to this union. In January 1937 his wife passed away and one daughter preceded him in death. In February 1941 he was married to Mary Oesch, with whom he was enjoying the sorrows and joys of life on their farm near Columbia Falls, Mont. He leaves to mourn his departure, his companion, 8 sons (Roy, Wellman, Iowa; Elmer, Creston, Mont.; Harry, Vernon, Jonas, Ezra, and Paul, all of Kalispell, Mont.; and Jake, Columbia Falls, Mont.), 3 daughters (Mary Benson, Creston, Mont.; Eva Gregg, Nickerson, Kans.; and Emma at Goshen College), 3 brothers (Eli, Creston, Mont.; Menno and Ben Sulphur Springs, Mont.), 4 sisters (Emma Hochstetler and Elizabeth Kauffman, both of Creston, Mont; Leah Dester, Victorville, Calif.; and Ameela, Lincoln, Nebr.), 5 stepchildren (Beulah Miller, Bernice Hooley, Harold, and Vernon Oesch, all of Kalispell, Mont.; and Lella Lapp, Nampa, Idaho). Services were in charge of D. D. Brenneman with interment in the Conrad Memorial Cemetery Kalispell, Mont.

Buried:
Conrad Memorial Cemetery

Joseph married Amanda Roth in Dec 1908. Amanda (daughter of Christian Roth and Magdalena Wittrig) was born on 14 Jan 1891 in CO; died on 21 Jan 1937 in Flathead Co., MT; was buried in Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married Mary Elizabeth Kenagy in Feb 1941. Mary was born on 7 Jun 1876 in Cass Co., MO; died on 9 Apr 1954 in Flathead Co., MT; was buried in Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Woodside Mennonite Church

Notes:

Obit:
Hochstetler, Emma R., daughter of Jacob and Mary (Martin) Birky, was born at Seldon, Kan., Sept. 19, 1897; died at Daly Memorial Hospital, Hamilton, Mont., Apr. 27, 1980; aged 82 y. On June 14, 1921, she was married to John G. Hochstetler, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (Harold, Virgil, and Owen), 2 daughters (Nona-Mrs. James Brubaker, and Leona-Mrs. Duane Oesch), 20 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Benjamin and Menno), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Amelia Miller and Mrs. Elizabeth Kauffman). She was a member of Woodside Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Apr. 29, in charge of Roy Hostetler; interment in Corvallis Cemetery.

Buried:
Corvallis Cemetery

Emma married John G. Hochstetler on 14 Jun 1921. John was born on 28 Feb 1896 in Shipshewana, Lagrange Co., IN; died on 20 Feb 1984 in Stevensville, MT; was buried on 24 Feb 1984. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Homemaker
• Religion: Amish/Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald
Zehr.- Mollie A., daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) Birkey, was born at Hopedale, Ill. Nov. 25. 1882: died at Gibson City, Ill., Sept. 22, 1969; aged 86 y. 9 m. 28 d. On Dec. 29, 1904, she was married to Dan P. Zehr, who died Aug. 22, 1959. Surviving are 3 sons (Alton, Clarence, and Milo), 2 daughters (Dora-Mrs. Ray Schertz and Mildred-Mrs. Allen Gross), 24 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters (Bertha Heiser, Katie Zehr, Ada Foley, and Edna Schertz), and 4 brothers (Joe, Alvin, Silas, and Joel). She was preceded in death by one daughter and one son. She was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held Sept. 24, with Irvin Nussbaum officiating, assisted by J. A. Heiser.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Mollie married Daniel Peter Zehr on 29 Dec 1904 in Champaign Co., IL. Daniel (son of Bishop Peter Zehr and Barbara Heiser) was born on 6 May 1880 in Goodfield, Woodford Co., IL; died on 22 Aug 1959 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Housewife
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Strokes (Cerebral Thrombosis)

Notes:

Obit: GOSPEL HERALD - Volume LXIII, Number 43 - November 3, 1970, p. 936
Hieser, Bertha E., daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) Birkey, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Mar. 27, 1885; died at the Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington, Ill., following several strokes, Oct. 9, 1970; aged 85 y. 6 m. 12 d. On Jan 23, 1908, she was married to Amos Hieser, who died Sept. 17, 1942. Surviving are 3 sisters (Katie - Mrs Dan Zehr, Ada - Mrs. Glenn Foley, and Edna - Mrs. Harold Schertz), and 4 brothers (Joe, Alvin, Silas, and Joel). She was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held Oct. 11, with Irvin Nussbaum and Ivan Birkey officiating; interment in the East Bend Cemetery.

No children.

Died:
Informant: Edna Schertz, sister.
Mennonite Hospital - 11:00 pm. Attending physician was R. (Russell) Oyer, M.D.
Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, IL

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Bertha married Amos Albert Hieser on 23 Jan 1908 in Champaign Co., IL. Amos (son of Joseph A. Heiser (Hieser) and Barbara Bachman) was born on 18 Feb 1885 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 17 Sep 1942 in Champaign, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Old Age

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, Joe C., son of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) Birkey, was born at Oberlin, Kans., Sept. 3, 1887; died at Gibson City Hospital, Gibson City, Ill., May 25, 1988; aged 100 y. On Dec. 21, 1910, he was married to Ida Zehr, who died on May 30, 1965. Surviving are 4 sons (Earl, Raymond, Leslie, and Harlan), 3 daughters (Dorothy M. Birkey, Eleanor Birkey, and Lois Bachman), 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one brother (Joel). He was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 28, in charge of Millard Osborne and Ted Wentland; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

At Joe's funeral, in 1988, Rev. Millard Osborne and Rev. Ted Wentland officiated at East Bend Mennonite Church. Pallbearers were Richard Birkey, Joe Birkey, Duane Birkey, Larry Birkey, Allan Birkey and Steve Bachman.

————————
Joe was honored for his 99th birthday on Sept. 3, with a surprise card shower in his honor at the Senior Citizen's meeting. Many of his family were present during the afternoon. (Fisher Reporter 1986)
The Pantagraph, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 1987
Reports 100th birthday celebrations--joint with son Earl and Dorthy's 50th wedding anniversary.
"I used to herd cattle when I was 7 years old." Joe says. He had a pony in Kansas....He hinted at an episode in which he tied the cows' tails together when they were drinking water, but wouldn't tell the entire story. He remembers frontier Kansas as having many snakes and rabbits and "a lot of Gypsies going through." Homesteaders had to promise to live eight years on the land they bought for $4 an acre, and the longer Joe's parents stayed, the poorer they got. "We ate a lot of mulberries and rhubarb. My mother would take wheat and roast it, and we'd have coffee--colored water is about all it was." Sunday mornings, the pioneer Birkey family, in clean clothes, but barefoot, hitched a team of mules to their box wagon, threw a little hay in the back and drove to church.

Birth:
Berkey Book gives day as 1 Sep.

Died:
Memorial leaflet in preparer’s possession

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Ida Barbara Zehr on 21 Dec 1910. Ida (daughter of Daniel Zehr, Sr. and Katherine Heiser) was born on 17 Oct 1888 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 30 May 1965 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 1 Jun 1965 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Elementary Education at Dixon School
• Occupation: Farmer
• Reference Number: 6
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Complication From A Stabbing
• Baptism: 21 Oct 1906, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Census: 1920, East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL
• Census: 1930, East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, Alvin R., son of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) Birkey, was born at Abilene, Kan., Nov. 13, 1891; died at the Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, Ill., Jan. 3, 1973; aged 81 y. 1 m. 21 d. On Jan. 29, 1913, he was married to Amelia Zehr, who preceded him in death on Sept. 19, 1965. Surviving are 6 sons (Ellis, Marvin, Floyd, Carroll, Ivan, and Delmar), 2 daughters (Viola - Mrs. Harve Stacey and Margaret - Mrs. Verle Oyer), 24 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters (Katie - Mrs. Dan Zehr, Ada - Mrs. Glenn Foley, and Edna - Mrs. Harold Schertz), and 3 brothers (Joe, Joel, and Silas). He was preceded in death by one son (Roy), one grandchild, and 2 sisters. He was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held, Jan. 6, in charge of Irvin Nussbaum; interment in the East Bend Cemetery.

Birth:
In a sod house

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church, by Peter Zehr

Census:
Alvin, head, age 28; Amelia, wife, age 28; Ellis L., Viola E., Marvin A., Floyd D.

Census:
Alvin, head, age 38; Amelia, wife, age 38; Ellis, Viola, Marvin, Floyd, Ivan, Margaret, Carroll; Barbara Zehr, mother-in-law, age 72.

Died:
Burnham City Hospital

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Alvin married Amelia Alberta Zehr on 29 Jan 1913 in East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL. Amelia (daughter of Bishop Peter Zehr and Barbara Heiser) was born on 6 Oct 1891 in East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL; died on 19 Sep 1965 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 22 Sep 1965 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Homemaker
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Zehr.- Katie Birkey, daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) Birkey, was born in Decatur Co., Kans., Apr. 25, 1894; died at Mennonite Nursing Home, Meadows, Ill., Nov. 1, 1987; aged 93 y. On Dec. 17, 1913, she was married to Dan A. Zehr, who died in January 1973. Surviving are 3 sons (Melvin, Wayne, and Wilmer), 3 daughters (Lela Keller, Fern Helmuth, and Viola Birky), 27 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Joe and Joel Birkey). She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 4, in charge of Millard Osborne and Mervin Birky; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Resided Ludlow, IL.

Died:
Mennonite Nursing Home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Kate married Daniel Alvin Zehr on 17 Dec 1913 in East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL. Daniel (son of Daniel Zehr, Sr. and Katherine Heiser) was born on 25 Sep 1890 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Jan 1973 in Sarasota, FL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: Heart Attack

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey.- Silas Daniel, son of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) Birkey, was born in Fisher, Ill., May 21, 1897; died of a heart attack at Pontiac, Ill., Mar. 12, 1984; aged 86 y. On Dec. 19, 1917, he was married to Amanda Stalter, who survives. Also surviving are 6 daughters (Leota Springer, Marie Oyer, Velda Birky, Norma Nafziger, Joan Litwiller, and Carolyn Kutzner), one son (Lowell), 26 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Joe and Joel), and 3 sisters (Katie Zehr, Ada Foley, and Edna Schertz). He was preceded in death by one son (Aldine Birkey). He was a member of Waldo Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Mar. 14, in charge of Lester Zook; interment in Waldo Cemetery.

Resided Flanagan, IL

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Silas married Amanda Mae Stalter on 19 Dec 1917. Amanda (daughter of Henry Stalter and Mary Stalter) was born on 10 May 1897 in Gridley, Pike Twp., McLean Co., IL; died on 1 Oct 1991 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite/Bible Church
• USR1: Old Age

Notes:

From Round Robin (Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community) Volume 47, Summer Issue 1988

“I started farming near Fisher at the age of 21, and in 1923 Mabel Schertz and I were married. The first farm I rented was 180 acres of rough river bottom land. We had a dairy herd, so I had to get up at 3:00 a.m., milk by hand, put the milk in a water tank to cool it, and deliver it to Fisher before 7:00 a.m. where it was sold for 10 cents a quart. This was 5% milk from Jersey cows.

“In 1926 I bought my first tractor. I paid $525 for it and had it paid for in four years. We moved from Fisher to Mahomet where we farmed for twelve years. On this farm I planted my first hybrid seed corn, and we harvested 100 bushels to the acre. We were renting 160 acres so had to have a hired man. His pay was $20 a month plus board and room. A high wage at that time was a dollar a day, and sometimes I hired neighbor’s sons for $2.50 a day. I recall having a married hired man who lived near a timber and was hired for 75 cents a day plus a meal. He walked one and three-fourths miles to his job. This was perhaps in 1922 and 1934.

“While at Mahomet I had the experience of being a member of the school board. The schools were two miles apart, and each one-room country school had three directors who hired the teachers and made other decisions. The school near Mahomet was called the Lester School.

“We had to move from the farm near Mahomet because it was sold. We then went to a farm near Paxton in March, 1942, and left it in December of that same year. This move was a very unpleasant experience. The buildings were poor and so was the land. We next moved to a cattle and hog farm in the Arrowsmith area and farmed there for three years. Our fifth move was back to the Rantoul area where we farmed until 1950 at which time we were fortunate enough to buy a 160-acre farm near Ludlow. We found many good people everywhere we lived.

“We owned and operated the Birkey Poultry Farm for 20 years, 1953 to 1973. We sold eggs from 9,000 hens using the slogan “Birkey’s cackle fresh eggs.” Our busiest day was the day we sold 832 dozen. The price for the largest eggs was 40 cents a dozen, and our customers knew they were getting fresh graded eggs. We also raised 40 acres of lima beans in addition to other crops.

“I’ve had a variety of other experiences, too. As a teenager I raised pigeons for the squab market. Before our marriage I raised Newfoundland dogs for children’s pets and collies for cattle herding. I shipped dogs into 38 states and Canada. This was done with ten breeding female dogs and several males. I built my first rabbit trap when I was eight years old. I have a hobby of making maple furniture and toys. Many are right here in the Meadows Home where you may see my clocks, a cistern pump, animals, and a bank which “actively” accepts coins. Most recently I have learned to operate the rug loom.

“Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community has been our home since October 1984, first at Burt Village and now in Meadows Home.”

Died:
17th?

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Joel married Mabel Evelyn Schertz on 20 Sep 1923. Mabel (daughter of Joseph William Schertz and Rosa King) was born on 30 Mar 1900 in Anchor Twp., McLean Co., IL; died on 13 Feb 1991 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Mennonite Hospital School Of Nursing, Bloomington, McLean Co., IL (August 1929)
• Occupation: Nursing
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
FOLEY, Ada, L. daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) BIRKEY, was born at Fisher, Ill., Aug. 15, 1903; died at Gibson Community Hospital Annex, Gibson City, Ill., May 14, 1984; aged 80 y. In June 1941 she was married to Glen Foley, who died on Feb. 28, 1978. She is survived by 2 brothers (Joe and Joel), and a sister (Katie Zehr). She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 16, in charge of Paul O. King; interment in East Bend Cemetery.

No children.

Died:
Gibson City Hospital Annex

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Ada married Glenn Thomas Foley on 23 Jun 1941. Glenn was born on 3 Dec 1908 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; died on 26 Feb 1978. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish/Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
SCHERTZ, Edna P., daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) BIRKEY, was born in Foosland, Ill., Mar. 6, 1907; died at West Liberty, Ohio Apr. 16,1984; aged 77 y. On Dec. 19, 1928, she was married to Harold Schertz, who died on Jan. 16, 1976. Surviving are one son (Ray Schertz), 2 daughters (Roberta Graber and Joyce Schertz), 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Joe and Joel Birky), and 2 sisters (Kate Zehr and Ada Foley). She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Apr. 18, in charge of Paul King and Duane Beck; interment in East Bend Memorial Garden

Resided Saybrook, McLean Co., IL

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Edna married Harold King Schertz on 19 Dec 1928 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Harold (son of Joseph William Schertz and Rosa King) was born on 29 Jan 1907 in Saybrook, McLean Co., IL; died on 16 Jan 1976 in Bellefontaine, Logan Co., OH; was buried on 18 Jan 1976 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Gilliland Cemetery

Caroline married Roy Stutzman on 5 Dec 1911 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. Roy (son of John Stutzman and Anna Gerber) was born on 23 Oct 1889 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died on 22 May 1970 in Linn Co., OR; was buried in Sweet Home, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Fairview Mennonite Cemetery

Amon married Katie Elizabeth Troyer on 30 Oct 1913 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. Katie was born on 19 Nov 1895; died on 30 Sep 1983 in Albany, Linn Co., OR; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Alford Cemetery

Joseph married Sarah Alma Kenagy on 13 Jul 1919 in Albany, Linn Co., OR. Sarah was born on 9 Feb 1895 in Albany, Linn Co., OR; died on 12 Jul 1984 in Albany, Linn Co., OR; was buried in Harrisburg, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Willamette Memorial Park

Lydia married Albert Christian Steckley on 22 Oct 1916 in Albany, Linn Co., OR. Albert was born on 17 Oct 1895 in Hartford, KS; died in 1981; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Jantzi, Emma Mary (Birky), 89, Albany, Ore. Born: Sept. 13, 1902, Wisner, Neb., to Joseph and Caroline (Lund) Birky. Died: Aug. 2, 1992, Albany, Ore. Survivors - children: Caroline Wolfer, Bill; stepchildren: Shirley Boshart, Roland, Robert, Ruth Schlabaugh, John, Leo; sister: Ada Roth; 36 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by: Royden Jantzi (husband). Funeral and burial: Aug. 4, Fairview Mennonite Church, by Fred Augsburger and Clarence Gerig.
————————————
Emma married Royden nearly two years after the death of his first wife and became “mother” to his six children. See Source for listing of these children and their families.

Buried:
Fairview Mennonite Cemetery

Emma married Royden Bertrum Jantzi on 16 Feb 1936 in Albany, Linn Co., OR. Royden was born on 17 Aug 1901 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died on 17 Oct 1967 in OR; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Fairview Mennonite Cemetery

Ada married Amos Roth on 30 Aug 1925 in Albany, Linn Co., OR. Amos was born on 17 Feb 1904 in Plymouth, Jefferson Co., NE; died in 1980; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married Alma Erna Good on 7 Jan 1920 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL. Alma was born on 25 Jun 1901 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Eli married Fannie Sutter on 12 Jan 1921 in Kouts, IN. Fannie (daughter of Christian Sylvester Sutter and Idella Mae Miller) was born on 8 Jan 1902 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 31 Jan 1996 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Litwiller, William, son of Joseph and Barbara (Birkey) Litwiller, was born at Pratt, Kan., July 1, 1900; died at his home in Gridley, Ill., July 13, 1980; aged 80 y. On Feb. 15, 1925, he was married to Della Sutter, who died on Mar. 3, 1936; on Aug. 20, 1938, he was married to Norma Eichelberger, who died on Feb. 15, 1974. Surviving are 2 sons (Richard and Kenneth), 5 daughters (Doris Lock, Esther Yordy, Edith Erb, Betty Ulrich, and Fay Roth), 21 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Roy and Emery). He was a member of Waldo Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 15, in charge of Lester Zook; interment in Waldo Cemetery.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

William married Della Sutter on 15 Feb 1925. Della (daughter of Christian Sylvester Sutter and Idella Mae Miller) was born on 16 Apr 1904 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 3 Mar 1936. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Norma Eichelberger on 20 Aug 1938. Norma died on 15 Feb 1974. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Roy married Martha Nolder on 28 Feb 1928 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Martha was born on 3 Feb 1906 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Emery married Florence Nolder on 12 Feb 1928. Florence was born on 7 Jan 1904. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Lydia married Henry Reeb on 9 Mar 1916 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. Henry was born on 14 Sep 1892 in Keskastel, Bas-Rhin, FR; died on 25 Jun 1972 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Hopedale Mennonite Church

Notes:

Obit:
Birky, Jacob A., son of Daniel and Mary (Zeitler) Birkey, was born at Oberlin, Kans., May 19, 1895; died at St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Ill., May 15, 1989; aged 94 y. On Jan. 16, 1919, he was married to Alma Eichelberger, who survives. Also surviving are 4 sons (Ivan, Lester, Mervin, and Clayton), 3 daughters (Viola Martin, Berneice Naffziger, and Janice Martin), 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, 2 sisters (LaVerne Roth and Barbara Reeb), and one brother (Fred Detweiler). He was preceded in death by one son, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. He was a member of Hopedale Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 18, in charge of H. James Smith and Carl Horner; interment in Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Jacob married Alma Eichelberger on 16 Jan 1919 in Emden, Logan Co., IL. Alma (daughter of Christian Eichelberger and Salome Litwiller) was born on 25 Sep 1897 in Emden, Logan Co., IL; died on 12 Aug 1990 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKY, Joseph D., son of Daniel and Mary (Ziegler, Detweiler) Birky, was born at Oberlin, Kans., Sept. 5, 1899; died at Milford, Nebr., May 23, 1966; aged 66 y. 8 m. 18 d. On June 12, 1919, he was married to Ella Schlegel, who preceded him by 10 months. Surviving are 2 sons (Harold and Dallas), one daughter (Goldie - Mrs. Edd Reichwaldt), 7 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his mother, one brother (Jake), one sister (Lydia - Mrs. Henry Reeb), 2 half brothers (Perry and Fred Detweiler), and 2 half sisters (Mrs. Lavern Roth and Mrs. Fred Reeb). Preceding him in death were one son, 2 grandchildren, 2 half sisters, and one half brother. Funeral services were held at the Milford Church, May 25, with Milton Troyer and John Springer officiating.

Buried:
Milford Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Ella Mae Schlegel on 12 Jun 1919. Ella was born on 20 Nov 1899 in Milford, Seward Co., NE; died in 1965. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Notes:

http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/decatur/cemeteries/mennonite_cemetery.htm

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

“Lena was born November 26, 1903, in Milford, Nebraska, the oldest child of Mary and Chris. She married Isaac Schelkopf on November 29, l922. Isaac was born January 24, l898, the son of Martin L. and Elma R. Schelkopf, neighboring farmers. He was their only son; they had four daughters. He was a graduate of the College of Agriculture in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Isaac’s father saw Lena when he went to the Schrock home to speak with Chris. Upon arriving home he said to Isaac, “I found you a wife today.” Isaac went to talk to Chris on a ruse, saying he had to talk about threshing but hoping to see Lena. Lena was barefoot and scrubbing the floor when he arrived. He decided after meeting her that his father was right. They were married about two years later. Lena was nineteen, and Isaac was twenty-eight. Following the wedding the celebration included dancing in the Schrock’s living room. Her mother was upstairs crying; she felt dancing was wrong and she didn’t want “that” in her home.
They were blessed with a fine family. Their five boys in order of birth were named Dean, Robert (Bob), Russell, Sterling, Stanley, and Conly. Their two girls were Sharol and Mary.

Magdalena married Isaac Schelkopf on 29 Nov 1922. Isaac was born on 24 Jan 1898 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; died on 26 Feb 1965 in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE; was buried in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Blood clot

Notes:

“The Klines were living in a home that was partially destroyed when a fire resulted from a kerosene stove used to heat the upstairs. When it was discovered fuel was leaking, Allen tried to carry the stove out of the house. As he was going downstairs, the wire handle broke off. The stove fell to the stairs, resulting in a bad fire that burned Allen’s face and arms. He had a long recovery and scarring resulted. Pearl was pregnant at the time, but she escaped serious injury by jumping through the large picture window in their living room. “

Pearl married Allen Kline on 29 May 1923. Allen was born on 19 Sep 1897 in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE; died on 29 Apr 1974. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

“She was the third daughter born to Chris and Mary. With two brothers and four sisters, there was a wealth of relationships to enjoy in adult years. Without rivalry all seemed happy at the successes of others. She mentioned riding a horse and also driving a horse and buggy to school. After completing her sophomore year in high school, she helped care for her grandparents as her Grandfather Schrock was crippled by arthritis.
Mary Schrock was a Mennonite and Chris’s people were Amish. Mother said the Mennonite women at that time wore aprons and prayer caps. The older girls, Lena, Pearl and Ada went to Mennonite church. Rings or jewelry could not be worn. Their dresses were long, and their underwear entirely covered their legs. “

“Times were difficult in Nebraska due to the dust-bowl conditions caused by the dry soil being blown by winds sweeping the flatlands. With no irrigation on the farms at that time, the crops dried up and were ruined when it did not rain. The citizens of the United States were having a difficult time because of The Great Depression. People were leaving the farming area to seek a better life elsewhere. Lee and Ada decided to go to California to join her two sisters and families there. We have a copy of their “Auction Bill,” advertising for sale what little they had accumulated since marrying. The money they received was used to pay off their debts. They were left with about $75 to pay for the expenses of their trip to California and to begin a new life there. “

Ada married Lee Garland on 21 Feb 1928 in Sidney, IA. Lee was born on 17 Jul 1907. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Eternal Valley Memorial Park

Harry married Mabel Shulte on 16 Dec 1930 in Concordia, KS. Mabel was born on 7 Jun 1906 in Bruning, Thayer Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Hollis Neel. Hollis was born in Jan 1908; died on 14 Nov 1996. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• USR1: Pneumonia

Notes:

???????

Died:
92 years in 2005

Florence married Robert Yates in 1932. Robert was born on 13 Jun 1911 in Ohiowa, NE; died on 2 Jul 1968 in Geneva, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Chester Bowen. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• MILF: Y

Family/Spouse: Dorothy Nehring. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Oakland Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Memorial Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:

Son of John & Pearl (Walters) Schrock.
Married to Lucille Mussmann on 11-16-1938 at Seneca, KS.
He was a farmer & cattle feeder in Clay County, NE.
Preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Sharol Griess and a grandson, Kevin Griess.
Survivors include:
Wife: Lucille Schrock – Kearney, NE.
Daughter & Sons-in-law: Sharon & Robert Ebert – Clay Center, NE.
Don R. Griess – Sutton, NE.
Son & Daughter-in-law: Duane & Mary Schrock – Kearney, NE
Grandchildren: 10
Great Grandchildren: 33
Great-Great Grandchildren: 3
Sisters & Brother-in-law: Inez McPeck – Breezy Point, MN
Opal & Wayne Matejka – Strang, NE.
Brother & Sister-in-law: Forest & Luree Schrock – Bruning, NE.
Numerous Nieces & Nephews

Buried:
Parkview Cemetery

Donald married Lucille G. Mussman on 16 Nov 1938. Lucille was born on 22 Jul 1919 in Tobias, Saline Co., NE; died on 19 Oct 2009 in Kearney, Buffalo Co., NE; was buried in Hastings, Adams Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary for Forest M. Schrock

A Funeral Service for Forest will take place on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bruning, Nebraska.

Graveside Services will be held in the Shickley Public Cemetery following the Funeral Service.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Forest Marvin Schrock was born to Pearl and John Schrock on March 6, 1921 on a farm near Davenport, Nebraska. He graduated from Shickley High School where he lettered in Basketball and Track. After graduation, he began his lifetime career in farming. Forest married Luree Peterman on June 12, 1945. The couple moved to Bruning, Nebraska where they farmed and raised two adopted children, Gary and Linda.

Forest loved farming and tending to the crops. The pliers in his pockets would come out often to uncover a corn, milo or soybean seed to see just how close it was to popping through the soil. He planted many seeds in his life, which included seeds of wisdom, experience, friendship, kindness and helping others. He was active in church, community and school activities. He was on the school board for many years at Bruning Public Schools and served the Bruning United Methodist Church as a Trustee, as a member of Staff Parish Relations, United Methodist Men, and was always available to lend a hand with a project.

Forest retired from farming in 2002 but continued an active interest in the grain markets, new products and farming methods. He loved harvest and even after retirement enjoyed returning to the farm to help where he could. In town, he assisted his neighbors in getting their mail, mowing the lawn and snow removal in the winter. Visitors to their home were always welcome and never left without a cup of coffee and a cookie to go with a dish of ice cream. He received the KOLN-KGIN TV station “Sunshine Award” after being nominated by his neighbors. In June of 2015, Forest and Luree celebrated their 70th Anniversary with an Open House and loved spending the afternoon with family and friends.

Forest loved children. Many stories were told of carrying gum in his pocket for a special niece or nephews who spent time on the farm learning to drive the tractor and help with the field work. Forest always looked forward to the holidays when the family could be together and he could play with the little ones. They always brought him great joy, confirmed by the twinkle in his eye and his warm smile.

Forest is survived by his wife, Luree Schrock, daughter Linda Young of Eagle; Grandsons Timothy Schrock of McPherson, Kansas, Jeremy Swartz of Fairbury and Lance Swartz of Bruning ; Sisters Inez McPeck of Lincoln and Opal Matejka of Strang; Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pearl Schrock, brother Donald Schrock and son, Gary Schrock.

Buried:
Shickley Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Luree Mae Peterman. Luree was born on 21 May 1925 in Friend, Saline Co., NB; died on 24 Dec 2019; was buried in Shickley, Fillmore Co., NE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Shickley Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Highland Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
Gladys M. Nichols, died Monday, July 29, 2013 at Brookefield Park, St. Paul, Nebraska. Gladys was born July 9, 1920 in Shickley, Nebraska to Sam and Alma (Wertz) Schrock. 

Gladys was one of three children in the family. She was united in marriage to Lumir J. Havel on May 27, 1941 in Kimball, Nebraska. To this union four children were born. Her husband, Lumir died on May 28, 1960.

Gladys worked hard at various jobs throughout her life. Gladys cleaned houses, served as a waitress at Mumby's Café and the Tower Café both in Fairmont, Nebraska and managed the Fairmont (NE.) American Legion Club and worked as a waitress at the Hilltop Café, Geneva, Nebraska.

On November 22, 1972, Gladys was married to Donald E. Nichols in Geneva, Nebraska. The couple lived in St. Paul, Nebraska for their married life. Her husband Donald "Don" Nichols died on April 6, 2013.

Gladys was a lifetime member of 61 years of the American Legion Auxiliary #21, Fairmont, Nebraska. She was raised in the First Congregation Faith, Exeter, Nebraska.

Survivors are: son, Richard Havel of Grand Island, Nebraska; daughters and son-in-law, Karen and Dick Jantzi of Fairmont, Nebraska and Kay and Tom Hassler of Columbus, Nebraska; stepson, Frank Nichols of Utica, Nebraska; three grandchildren; two step grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one great great grandchild and a host of family and friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by: parents; husbands, Lumir Havel and Don Nichols; infant daughter, Joanne Havel; grandson, Shane Jantzi and sisters, Bernice Burmood and Doris Roberts.

Graveside services were at the Bohemian Cemetery, Wilber, Nebraska.

Buried:
Shickley Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Crown Hill Cemetery

John married Leta M. Oyer on 4 Sep 1952. Leta (daughter of Samuel Oyer and Elmira M. Naffziger) was born on 6 Jul 1926; died on 9 May 2012; was buried in Wheat Ridge, Jefferson Co., CO. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

http://skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/decatur/cemeteries/mennonite_cemetery.htm

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Memorial Park Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Gilbert A. Botker. Gilbert was born on 30 Sep 1904 in Schuyler,Colfax Co., NE; died in Apr 1968; was buried in Oroville, Butte Co., CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Belvidere Rural Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
Memorial Park Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Mildred Eleanor. Mildred was born on 28 Jul 1915; died on 21 Sep 2001; was buried in Oroville, Butte Co., CA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Salem Cemetery

Notes:

Resided in Low Point, IL

Buried:
Stewart-Harmony Cemetery

Clara married Lloyd Schertz on 7 Feb 1933 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. Lloyd (son of August William Schertz and Emma Ulrich) was born on 25 Apr 1905 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL; died on 10 Feb 1972; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Tractor overturned, pinning him beneath it

Notes:

Obit:
Zehr, Lester Raymond, son of Dan P. and Mollie (Birkey) Zehr, was born at Fisher, Ill., May 16, 1909; died near Fisher, May 22, 1962, when his tractor overturned, pinning him beneath it; aged 53 y. 6 d. On Feb. 14, 1939, he was married to Faith Schertz, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons and 2 daughters (John, Daniel, Robert, Lois Marie, and Mariella, all at home), his mother (Mrs. Mollie Zehr, Fisher), 3 brothers (Alton, Fisher; Clarence and Milo, Foosland), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Ray Schertz, Flanagan, Ill.; and Mrs. Allen Gross, Fisher). His father and one sister preceded him In death. He was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held May 24, in charge of J. Alton Horst.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Lester married Faith Evangeline Schertz on 14 Feb 1939 in Hudson, McLean Co., IL. Faith (daughter of George Christian Schertz and Ella Troyer) was born on 23 Apr 1907 in Hudson, McLean Co., IL; died on 18 Feb 1981 in Urbana, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Resided Fisher, IL, and managed a motel for many years.

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Alton married Evelyn Mae Schertz on 22 Dec 1934. Evelyn (daughter of Emanuel E. Schertz and Ella Ulrich) was born on 29 Dec 1912 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; died on 28 Apr 1983 in Champaign, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Schertz, Dora M. Zehr, 80, Flanagan, Ill. Born: June 5, 1914, Fisher, Ill., to Daniel P. and Mollie Birkey Zehr. Died: June 26, 1994, Pontiac, Ill. Survivors - husband: Ray T. Schertz; children: Wayne, Clifford, Dale, Louann Brunk, Linda Franks; brothers and sister: Milo, Clarence, Mildred Eichelberger; 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild. Funeral: June 29, Waldo Mennonite Church, by Lester Zook and Jack Stalter. Burial: Waldo Cemetery, Gridley, Ill.

Resided Flanagan, IL

Died:
7:30 p.m.

Dora married Ray Tilman Schertz on 29 Aug 1934. Ray (son of August William Schertz and Emma Ulrich) was born on 4 Oct 1909 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Covenant Medical Center

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Mildred married Ethan Allen (Shorty) Gross on 15 Jun 1946 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. Ethan was born on 28 Oct 1912 in Roseland, NE; died on 24 Jul 1971 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mildred married Clarence Leroy Eichelberger on 31 Aug 1974 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL. Clarence (son of Henry C. Eichelberger and Susanna Bechler) was born on 1 Jul 1919; died on 24 Feb 2009 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: (Pantagraph.com) April 11, 2013 12:00 am
FISHER — Clarence D. Zehr, 91, Fisher, died Tuesday (April 9, 2013) at Heritage Manor, Gibson City.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at East Bend Mennonite Church, rural Dewey, with the Rev. Michael Dean officiating. Burial will follow at East Bend Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at East Bend Mennonite Church.

Clarence was born April 25, 1921, in East Bend Township, a son of Daniel P. and Mollie (Birkey) Zehr. He married Evelyn Eichelberger on Oct. 21, 1944, at her parents’ home in rural Paxton. She survives.
Also surviving are a son, Stanley (Tammy) Zehr, Foosland; a daughter, Pam (Doug) Seim, Fisher; a brother, Milo Zehr, Gibson City; three grandchildren, Todd Seim, Fisher; Cale (Emily) Zehr, Fisher; and Carissa (Brandon) Chandler, Gibson City; and four great-grandchildren, Cohen and Graysen Zehr, Colby Chandler and Danielle Seim.
Clarence farmed his whole life in the Fisher area. He and his wife spent many winters in Florida, fishing and playing cards. He was a lifelong member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where he served on numerous committees.
He was a president of Fisher Farmers Board of Directors and a trustee for Sangamon & Drummer Ditch District. He loved to spend time woodworking.

Memorials may be made to East Bend Mennonite Church or Fisher Stadium Renovation.

Died:
Heritage Manor

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Clarence married Evelyn Marie Eichelberger [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: http://www.news-gazette.com/obituaries/2016-04-26/milo-zehr.html
GIBSON CITY – Milo Zehr, age 91, passed away on Saturday (April 23, 2016) at Heritage Manor, Gibson City.
Milo was born July 1, 1924, to Dan and Mollie Zehr in Fisher, the youngest of seven children.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys (Egli) Zehr.

He is survived by their children, Nancy (David) Massanari of Green Valley, Ariz., Steve (Cindy) Zehr of Fisher, Jean (Bob) Oswald of Shickley, Neb., Michael (Rebecca) Zehr of Key West, Fla., Susie (Danny) Knox of Gibson City and Julie (Mick) Sommers of Leola, Pa. At the time of his death, Milo had 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, including a 5-year-old namesake, and one great-great-grandson.

Milo and Gladys were married on April 8, 1947. They settled 5 miles north of Fisher, where Milo farmed with his father Dan and his brothers, Lester, Alton and Clarence.

The Zehrs retired in 1989 to Northwest Street in Fisher, where they resided for 18 years. In the fall of 2007, Milo and Gladys moved to Prairie Village in Rantoul. Milo went to Heritage Manor in Gibson City just before Gladys' death in 2010.

Milo was baptized at the East Bend Mennonite Church near Fisher and was an active member there throughout his life. He was very involved in activities at church, which included working with church finances and properties, many years of involvement with the high school youth group, and serving in a variety of other leadership roles. He and Gladys also enjoyed doing volunteer work many winters in Brownsville, Texas.

Milo loved to be with people. He enjoyed sharing his unique games and brain teasers with everyone, family vacations in northern Michigan and helping others, particularly his children, with their projects. At age 39, Milo completed a dream of getting his pilot's license, and flew small planes for many years. Milo also enjoyed working, telling stories and making gifts in his woodworking shop.

Visitation will be held at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 29. The funeral service will be held at the same location at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, with a fellowship meal to follow. He will be buried at the East Bend Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the East Bend Mennonite Church.

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church

Died:
Heritage Manor

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Milo married Gladys Irene Egli on 8 Apr 1947. Gladys (daughter of John Egli and Rosa Good) was born on 28 Mar 1928 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 19 May 2010 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume 83, Number 38 - September 18, 1990 - page 654.
Birkey, Dorothy M., daughter of Joe and Ida (Zehr) Birkey, was born at Danvers, Ill., Sept., 19, 1912; died at Covenant Medical Center, Champaign, Ill., Aug. 25, 1990; aged 77. Surviving are 4 brothers (Earl, Harlan, Raymond, and Leslie Birkey) and 2 sisters. She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Aug. 29, in charge of Millard Osborne; interment in East Bend Mennonite Cemetery.

Birth:
Danvers?

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Retired From Farming In 1982. Former Owners Of Birkey Sound Recording Service.

Notes:

Obit:
BIRKEY, EARL M. - The funeral of Earl M. Birkey, 81, Gibson City, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Gibson City Bible Church, the Rev. Paul Thomason officiating. Burial will be in East Bend Memorial Gardens, Fisher. He died at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday 5-8-1996 at Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Birkey; three sons, Richard Birkey, Rossville; Vernon Birkey, Lake Lure, NC; and Robert Birkey, Omaha, Neb; two sisters, Lois Bachman, Matamora, and Eleanor Birkey Champaign; two brothers, Harlan Birkey, Rantoul, and Leslie Birkey, Foosland; 11 grand-children; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was born 5-10-1914 in Danvers, a son of Joe C. and Ida Zehr Birkey. He married Dorothy P. Weaver 9-2-1937 in Fisher. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. [Contributed by Gail Hahn Hutchcraft].

Died:
Covenant Medical Center

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Earl married Dorothy Pauline Weaver on 2 Sep 1937 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Dorothy (daughter of Avery Thomas Weaver and Magdelina Kathryn (Lena) Ingold) was born on 25 Feb 1918 in White Pigeon, St. Joseph Co., MI; died on 27 Feb 2011 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, Raymond J., 76, Fisher, Ill. Born: May 21, 1917, Morton, Ill., to Joseph and Ida Zehr Birkey. Died: Dec. 22, 1993, Urbana, Ill. Survivors-children: Larry , Sharon; brothers and sisters: Earl, Harlan, Leslie, Eleanor, Lois Baughman. Predeceased by: Ruth Mae Oyer Birkey (wife). Funeral: Dec. 27, East Bend Mennonite Church, by Millard Osborne. Burial: East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Resided Foosland, IL

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Raymond married Ruth Mae Oyer on 1 Jun 1946. Ruth (daughter of Joseph Oyer and Bertha Zimmerman) was born on 16 Mar 1920 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died in 1992; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Birkey, Harlan D., 78, Rantoul, Ill. Born: Oct. 4, 1918, Deer Creek, Ill., to Joseph C. and Ida Zehr Birkey. Died: Oct. 18, 1996, Urbana, Ill. Survivors-wife: Ruby Oyer Birkey; son: Joe; siblings: Leslie, Lois Bachman, Eleanor. Predeceased by: Joy (daughter). Funeral and burial: Oct. 21, East Bend Mennonite Church, by Cal Kaufman and Michael Dean.

Resided Rantoul, IL

Birth:
Deer Creek?

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Harlan married Ruby Belle Oyer on 14 Feb 1946. Ruby (daughter of Joseph Oyer and Bertha Zimmerman) was born on 16 Mar 1920 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 16 Jun 2013 in Urbana, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Pantagraph.com Posted: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 12:00 am
FOOSLAND — Leslie V. Birkey, 90, Foosland, died at 7:59 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 15, 2011) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, with the Rev. Michael Dean officiating. Burial will be in East Bend Memorial Gardens, Fisher. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church and for one hour before services Thursday.
Memorial tributes may be made to East Bend Mennonite Church, of which he was a member; or to WGNN Radio 102.5-FM in Fisher. Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Birkey was born Sept. 30, 1920, in Goodfield, a son of Joseph and Ida Zehr Birkey. He married Verena Heiser on Jan. 18, 1951, in Fisher. She survives in Foosland.
Also surviving are his son, Duane (Muriel) Birkey, Foosland; two grandchildren, Alicia (Richard) Rensberger, South Bend, Ind., and Elaine Birkey, Foosland; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Birkey, Gibson City, and Ruby Birkey, Rantoul; and a brother-in-law, Paul Bachman, Metamora.
He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.
Leslie worked at M&W Gear Co. in Gibson City for 18 years. He was a farmer and enjoyed working the land. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening and mowing.

Died:
Carle Hospital

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Leslie married Verena Fannie Heiser on 18 Jan 1951 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Verena (daughter of Manuel Heiser and Barbara Good) was born on 24 Jan 1920 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL; died on 10 Nov 2018 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 13 Nov 2018 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: http://www.genlookups.com/il/webbbs_config.pl/noframes/read/1153#ixzz5So0bacRy
FOOSLAND – Eleanor P. Birkey, 77, of the Care Centre of Champaign, formerly of Foosland, died at 4 a.m. Monday (Nov. 13, 2000) at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Private funeral services will be Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, 303 N. Church St., Gibson City. The Rev. Michael Dean will officiate. Burial will be in  East Bend Cemetery, Fisher.
Visitation will be private.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
METAMORA - Lois Mae Bachman, age 79, of Metamora passed away at 9:50 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at her residence.

She was born May 30, 1930, in Foosland, Ill., to Joseph and Ida (Zehr) Birkey. She married Paul C. Bachman on June 1, 1950, in Fisher, Ill. He survives.

Surviving are her children, Anita (John) Haller of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mary Jo (Mark) Bodenhamer of Newbury Park, Calif., Sandra (Keith) Swartzentruber of Metamora and Stephen (Fay) Bachman of Metamora; 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one brother, Leslie (Verena) Birkey of Foosland, Ill.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Lois was a homemaker and a member of Germantown Hills Baptist Church.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at the Germantown Hills Baptist Church, with the Rev. Robert Fields officiating. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at the Germantown Hills Baptist Church. Private family graveside services will be held Tuesday at Stewart Harmony Cemetery prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Methodist Hospice and Germantown Hills Baptist Church Building Fund.

Buried:
Stewart-Harmony Cemetery

Lois married Paul Bachman on 1 Jun 1950 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Paul (son of John Bachman, Sr. and Mary Bachman) was born on 8 Mar 1927 in Lowpoint, Woodford Co., IL; died on 28 Aug 2018 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 7 Sep 2018 in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• DESC: Turk Was An “amazing” Mechanic. He Made Radios As A Kid, Learned To Fly An Airplane, Knew About Hydrolics.
• Education: Sixth Grade, Then Self Taught. In First Grade Ellis Spoke Only German And Had To Learn English.
• HOBB: HAM radio operator for many years
• Occupation: Mechanic; Partner, Birkey’s Farm Store
• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: Lake Of The Ozarks, MO
• USR1: Old Age/Flu Combination
• Residence: 1998, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Residence:
at retirement

Residence:
Health problems brought them back to Fisher

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Ellis married Wilma Mae Hedrick on 24 Mar 1934 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL. Wilma (daughter of John Hugh Hedrick and Nola Cummings) was born on 18 Sep 1914; died on 31 Dec 2003 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 3 Jan 2004 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite/Protestant

Notes:

Obit: http://www.news-gazette.com/obituaries/2010-09-11/viola-stacey.html
FISHER – Viola Elizabeth Stacey, 95, of Fisher died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at the Illini Heritage Rehabilitation and Health Care in Champaign.
Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at Gibson City Bible Church in Gibson City with the Rev. Paul Thomason officiating. Burial will be in East Bend Memorial Gardens in Fisher.
Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the services on Monday at the church.
Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Stacey was born Dec. 28, 1914, in Foosland, a daughter of Alvin R. and Amelia (Zehr) Birkey. She married Harvey B. Stacey on June 22, 1938, in Fisher. He died Jan. 31, 1986. Surviving are two daughters, Janice (John) Key and Becky (David) Adams; a son, Jim Stacey; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and a brother, Kelly (Minerva) Birkey.
She was preceded in death by one sister and six brothers.
Viola lived in the Fisher and Foosland area all of her life. She worked 18 years at the Fisher post office. She was a member of Gibson City Bible Church and the Senior Citizens Group. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, scrapbooking and gardening. She often canned her harvest.
Memorials may be made to the Gibson City Bible Church.

Died:
Illinois Heritage Rehab and Health Care Center

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Viola married Harvey Bernard Stacey on 28 Jun 1938 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL. Harvey (son of James M. Stacey and Zadel Aldrich) was born on 11 Oct 1912 in Louisville, IL; died on 31 Jan 1986 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 2 Feb 1986 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Grade School
• MILF: Y
• Occupation: Mechanic; Partner, Birkey’s Farm Store
• Religion: Protestant
• USR1: Brain Aneurysm

Notes:

Buried:
Willowbrook Cemetery

Marvin married Dorothy Alice Whittaker on 6 Apr 1941 in IL. Dorothy (daughter of Lyman Whittaker and Nell Booth) was born on 27 Mar 1924 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; died in 1988 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Grade School At Dixon One-Room School Rural Foosland. Later Received High School GED After Retirement.
• MILF: Y
• Occupation: Farm Work, Then Springer Implement, Fisher, IL; Co-Founderand Past President Of Birkey’s Farm Stores Which Started In 1954.
• Religion: Mennonite/Methodist
• USR1: Complications of Alzheimers
• Retired: 1978, Paxton, Ford Co., IL
• Residence: 1978-2000, Horseshoe Bend, AR

Notes:

Obit: Full obituary: Commercial-News (Danville, IL) - Monday, November 2, 2009

Floyd Daniel Birkey, 90, was a son of Alvin and Amelia Zehr Birkey. He married Jean Allen on Feb. 27, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving are his daughters, Shirley (Roger) Greenup and Donna Alsteen, his sons, Ron (RaNae) Birkey and Brian Birkey three granddaughters, four great-grandchildren, his brother, Carroll "Kelly" (Minerva) Birkey and two sisters, Viola Stacy and Margret Oyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.
He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific during World War II.

Residence:
For a large portion of the time in AR owned a farm that Floyd and Brian cared for.

Died:
Heartland Health Care Center

Buried:
Willow Brook Cemetery

Floyd married Emma Jean Allen on 27 Feb 1941 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. Emma (daughter of Forrest R. Allen and Hattie Davis) was born on 11 Oct 1920 in Mode, Shelby Co., IL; died on 27 May 2020 in Urbana, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Education: Grade School Education Only
• Occupation: Farmer/Minister
• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Liver Cancer
• Baptism: 9 Sep 1934, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Ordained: 11 Dec 1955, Dewey, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Served the Dewey Mennonite Church as pastor for 35 years, ending on April 25, 1982.

Birth:
At home

Baptism:
East Bend by J. A. Heiser

Ordained:
Dewey Mennonite Church

Died:
Memorial leaflet in file. Preparer attended funeral

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Ivan married Verna Mae Good on 13 Jan 1945 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Verna (daughter of Leroy E. Good and Leah Eichelberger) was born on 12 Aug 1925; died on 16 Apr 2013 in Gifford, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 20 Apr 2013 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary: Oct. 18, 1923 Gospel Herald
Birky.- Roy Emery, son of Bro. Alvin and Sister Amelia Birky, was born Aug. 29, 1923; died Oct. 2, 1923; aged 1 m. 3 d. Death was caused by complication of diseases. He leaves his parents, one sister (Viola), four brothers (Ellis, Marvin, Floyd and Ivan); two grandmothers, one grandfather, and many other relatives. Funeral services were conducted by J. A. Hieser and Samuel Zehr. Little Roy Emery's stay on earth was short and his last days were full of suffering, but we have the blessed assurance that he has gone to a long eternity where there is no more suffering. Therefore, we will say with Job: "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

The Great Jehovah full of love,
An angel bright did send,
And took our little, harmless dove,
To joys that never end.
By his Aunt Katie.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Homemaker, Doctor’s Receptionist
• Religion: Mennonite
• USR1: Many Years Of Multiple Sclorosis

Notes:

Obituary:
GIBSON CITY – Margaret Vera Oyer, 85, of Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, formerly of Gibson City and Foosland, died at 5 p.m. Saturday (July 3, 2010) at the retirement community.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, at the East Bend Mennonite Church, rural Fisher, with Rev. Michael Dean officiating. Burial will precede the service at 9:30 a.m. in the East Bend Memorial Gardens near the church. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, at the Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Mrs. Oyer was born on Sept. 19, 1924, near Foosland, a daughter of Alvin and Amelia Zehr Birkey. She married Verle Christian Oyer on Aug. 29, 1945. He passed away on Feb. 10, 2003.
She is survived by two sons, Verle Curtis Oyer of Bloomington and Vance Gordon Oyer of Champaign; one daughter, Vera Christine Oyer of Decatur; one sister, Viola Stacey of Champaign; and one brother, Carroll "Kelly" (Minerva) Birkey of Paxton.
Her parents and six brothers also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Oyer attended rural Dixon school in East Bend Township, Champaign County, graduating from eighth grade and then remaining at home during the Depression to help her parents with the duties of a large family and farming until her marriage.
She later served as a nurse's aide at Gibson Manor Nursing Home for three years and as a receptionist in the office of Dr. George Elfers of Bellflower for 12 years.
She battled the progressively debilitating disease multiple sclerosis for 45 years, while maintaining her strong faith in God and engagement with life.

Since her baptism as a youth, she remained a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where she served in many ways, including Sunday school teacher and superintendent, Bible school chair, and church co-historian with her husband.

She was a charter member of the Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society. She enjoyed collecting angels, bells, and butterflies, sewing and knitting, jigsaw and word puzzles, researching genealogy, and conversing with people. Mrs. Oyer was deeply loved by her family, who are grateful to all who supported her in so many ways. Special thanks to the administration and staff of Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community and Advocate BroMenn Hospice for the wonderful care provided to her.

Memorials may be made to Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, the East Bend Mennonite Church, or the Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society.

——————



---------

Died:
Meadows Mennonite Retirement Home at 5:00 in the afternoon

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Memorial Gardens

Margaret married Verle Christian Oyer on 29 Aug 1945 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL. Verle (son of Samuel Oyer and Elmira M. Naffziger) was born on 8 Sep 1920; died on 10 Feb 2003 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Carroll married Minerva Jean Stalter [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Education: Southeastern Bible College, Columbia Bible College (Columbia International University),Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Bethany Theological Seminary
• Occupation: Avocation of sign painting, beginning as a teen lettering his father’s name on the farm truck, continuing off and on throughout his life. For some years expressing artistry through Bible stories illustrated by chalk drawings.
• Occupation: Pastoral/Ministerial - Served in several churches over the years.
• Reference Number: 2
• Religion: Christian
• USR1: Brain hemorrhage {probably amaloid angiopathy}
• Baptism: 30 May 1943, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Ordained: 2 Jan 1955, Gibson City, Ford Co., IL
• Graduation: Jun 1957, Columbia, Richland Co., SC
• Graduation: Jun 1969, Deerfield, Lake Co., IL
• Graduation: Jun 1985, Oak Brook, DuPage Co., IL

Notes:

The only one of his family to graduate from high school, Del went on to earn a B.A. in Biblical Education, an M.Div, and a D. Min. Ordained at the age of 19. Over the years kept up an avocation of sign painting in addition to his ministry in churches. Also used magic effectively with children. Wrote his first book in 1988, The House Church, published by Herald Press. Second book, The Fall of Patriarchy, was published by Fenestra in March 2005.

Birth:
In parent’s farm home

Baptism:
By J. A. Heiser

Ordained:
By Gibson City Bible Church

Graduation:
BA in BE, Columbia Bible College

Graduation:
M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (cum laude)

Graduation:
D. Min., Bethany Theological Seminary

Died:
Central DuPage Hospital

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Church Memorial Gardens - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187793677/delmar-gene-birkey

Delmar married Donna Nadine Schrock [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Many Years At Salem Children’s Home In Flanagan, IL. Then At Schroon Lake, NY, With Word Of Life With Second Husband.
• Religion: Mennonite (Dewey Evangelical Mennonite Church)

Notes:

Died:
Illinois Knights Templar Home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Lela married Raymond Ellsworth Birkey on 18 Aug 1939 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL. Raymond (son of Levi F. Birkey and Katherine Matilda Oyer) was born on 29 Mar 1911 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL; died on 8 Feb 1968 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lela married Paul Keller on 9 Apr 1977 in Kokomo, IN. Paul died on 3 Mar 1985. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Two years of high school
• Occupation: Homemaker and volunteer
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: http://www.mcusa-archives.org/mennobits/Lazarus/2009/LP%202009%20H.html#Helmuth_Fern_Marie_Zehr

Fern Marie Helmuth, 91, of Arthur died at 1:11 a.m. Sunday, April 19, 2009, at The Arthur Home.

There will be a family graveside service at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Arthur Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Arthur Mennonite Church, 710 E. Park, with Rev. Glen Rhodes officiating.  Visitation was held from Tuesday evening at the church. Shrader Funeral Home, Arthur is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Helmuth was born February 27, 1918, in Goodfield. She was the daughter of Daniel A. and Katie (Birkey) Zehr. She married Orva S. Helmuth on November 20, 1938. in Fisher. They moved to a farm in rural Arthur. He survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth Schulz and husband Alvin of Madison, Wisconsin; three sons, Harold Helmuth and wife Esther of Arthur, Maurice Helmuth and wife Jean of Mt. Zion; Omar Helmuth and wife Priscilla of Elkhart, Indiana; 10 grandchildren; 10  great-grandchildren; and one brother, Wilmer Zehr and wife Evelyn of Champaign.

She was preceded in death by her parents two sisters, and two brothers.

Mrs. Helmuth and her husband were charter members of Arthur Mennonite Church where they were very involved in many areas of their life. She was also busy as a housewife with gardening, canning, and sewing.

In 1949, they helped out with a small Sunday school outreach program near Sullivan for a year. In 1970, they served a 1 1/4-year term of voluntary service at a small chapel in Aspen, Colorado. In 1976, they served a 6-month term of voluntary service at a training school for Indian pastors in Tempe, Arizona, and again in 1983 for a short term.

Died:
The Arthur Home

Buried:
Arthur Cemetery

Fern married Orva S. Helmuth on 20 Nov 1938. Orva (son of Sam Helmuth and Fannie D. Nisley) was born on 4 Oct 1915 in Arthur, Douglas Co., IL; died on 15 Dec 2009 in Arthur, Douglas Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Viola Kathryn Birky, 85, died April 2 at her home in rural Foosland, Ill.

Services were Wednesday, April 5, at East Bend Mennonite Church in Fisher, Ill. Burial was at the East Bend Mennonite Memorial Gardens.

She was born Aug. 14, 1920, to Dan and Katie (Birkey) Zehr in Deer Creek, Ill.

On Feb. 28, 1941, she married Wilbert Birky, who predeceased her in 2004. She farmed with her husband in rural Foosland most of their married life. She was a life-long member of the East Bend Mennonite Church.

She is survived by four sons, Roger and Rachel of Gibson City, Ill., Dennis and Joyce of Hoopeston, Ill., Mervin and Venita of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Don and Debbie of Foosland; three daughters, Sandy and Bob Miller of Mahomet, Ill., Linda and Tony Ramirez of Foosland, and Tami and Howard Keim of Hesston; two sisters, Lela Keller of Paxton, Ill., and Fern Helmuth of Arthur, Ill.; two brothers, Melvin Zehr of Fisher and Wilmer Zehr of Champaign, Ill; 23 grandchildren and 33 great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Becky; a brother, Wayne Zehr, and a great-grandson, Drew Stutzman.

Memorials have been established with the Betania Mennonite School and the church. Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City is handling the arrangements.

Died:
At her home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Viola married Wilbert John Birky on 28 Feb 1941 in Ludlow, Champaign Co., IL. Wilbert (son of John Samuel Birky and Fannie Louise Naffziger) was born on 2 Dec 1919 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 29 Apr 2004 in Gibson City, Ford Co., IL; was buried on 3 May 2004 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Owner, Rost-Zehr Body Shop and later Manager, Glass Specialty
• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• USR1: Cancer

Notes:

Obituary, Peoria Journal Star :
MORTON--Wayne E. Zehr, 68, of 22897 Broadway Road died at 6:35 A.M. Sunday, Sept 4 1994, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. born April 30, 1926, in Ludlow to Daniel and Katie Birkey Zehr, he married Geraldine Springer on Aug. 28, 1945, in Ludlow. she survives. Also surviving are one son, Larry W. of Washington; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Janice) Skaggs of Dunlap and Mrs. Richard (Karen) Brummett of Morton; three sisters, Lela Kellar of Fisher, Fern Helmuth of Arthur and Viola Birky of Foosland; two brothers Melvin of Ludlow and Wilmer of champaign; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

He formerly owned Rost-Zehr Body Shop in Gibson City until 1959. He then was manager of Glass Specialty in Peoria, retiring in 1983. He was a member of Heart of Illinois Region of Vintage Chevrolet Club of America and Illinois Valley Antique Automobile Club in Peoria. He also was a member of Trinity Mennonite Church and was an associate member of Bahia Vista Mennonite Church in Sarasota, Fla.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Mennonite Church. The Rev. David Troyer will officiate...Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Died:
St. Francis Medical Center

Buried:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Cemetery

Wayne married Geraldine Amanda Springer on 28 Aug 1945. Geraldine (daughter of Elmer Joseph Springer and Amanda Sutter) was born on 18 Mar 1927 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 7 Mar 2004 in East Peoria, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: (Pantagraph.com)
FISHER — Melvin D. Zehr, 84, of Fisher, passed away on Monday (Oct. 22, 2007) at Gibson City Annex.

His family includes his wife, Edith Heiser Zehr; son, Paul (Kathleen Erickson) Zehr, Topeka, Kan., and sons, Joel and Nathan of Colorado; son, Tom (Rachel) Zehr and daughters, China Tabbitha and Elizabeth of Springfield; son, Philip (Debra) Zehr, and son, John and Daniel of Lawrence, Kan.; and daughter, Rebecca (Ken) Moyer, and children, Anna, David and Michelle, of Monticello. Mr. Zehr also has siblings, Lela Keller of Paxton; Fern (Orva) Helmuth of Arthur; and Wilmer (Evelyn) Zehr of Champaign. In addition, his stepchildren and their families are Cleona (Dean) Swartzentruber, children, Josh, Andrew and Heidi; Carol (Steve) Nunn; and John (Lisa) Heiser, and son, Jake; and three great-stepgrandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel A. Zehr and Katie E. Zehr; sister, Viola, and her husband, Wilbert Birky of Foosland; brothers, Wayne Zehr and wife, Geraldine, of Morton; Raymond Birkey and Paul Keller, sister, Lela’s husbands; and Mr. Zehr’s first wife, Mary Roszhart Zehr of Ludlow.

Mr. Zehr resided for over 50 years in Ludlow and farmed nearby in Ford County until he retired in 1988. Additionally, he drove a Ludlow school bus for 24 years developing a lifelong connection with many of the children he transported. He also served a number of years on the Ludlow School board.

Melvin enjoyed collecting toy tractors and was especially fond of his John Deers. In addition, he maintained an extensive pen and pencil collection and was a member of the American Pencil Collector’s Society. He was actively involved in the East Bend Mennonite Church and enjoyed interacting with friends and family. Melvin was devoted to helping others including disaster relief work and assisting neighbors, young and old, in many ways.

He was born June 12, 1923, in Deer Creek Township, Tazewell County.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at East Bend Mennonite Church, rural Fisher. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the East Bend Cemetery, followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m.

Melvin was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His kindness and generosity will be remembered. He was a gentle but strong man, and his family loves him dearly.

Memorials may be made to East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher.

Resided Ludlow, IL, later in Fisher.
———————
Zehr.- Melvin D., 84, Fisher, Ill., died Oct. 22. Spouse: Edith Heiser Zehr. Spouse: Mary Roszhart Zehr (deceased). Parents: Daniel A. and Katie E. Zehr. Step-children: Cleona Swartzendruber, Carol Nunn, John Heiser; four step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren. Children: Paul, Tom, Philip, Rebecca Moyer; 10 grandchildren. Funeral: Oct. 27 at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher.
The Mennonite, November 20, 2007, page 27, Vol. 10, No. 22.

Died:
Annex

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Melvin married Mary Elizabeth Roszhart on 17 Feb 1946. Mary (daughter of George Roszhart and Ella M. Stalter) was born on 10 Aug 1923 in Meadows, McLean Co., IL; died on 7 Sep 1996 in Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Melvin married Edith Wiens [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Photographer
• Religion: Mennonite/other
• USR1: Alzheimer’s disease

Notes:

Obit: http://www.news-gazette.com/obituaries/2017-11-12/wilmer-zehr.html
CHAMPAIGN – Wilmer Dale Zehr, 85, formerly of Champaign, passed away peacefully on Nov. 4, 2017, at Hyland Crossings Memory Care in Sun Prairie, Wis., after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's disease. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in the God who loves him supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace up to the end of his life.

Wilmer was born to the late Daniel and Katie (Birky) Zehr at home in their Central Illinois farm house on Feb. 8, 1932. He grew up as the youngest of six siblings and spent much of his childhood being loved and pampered by his older sisters.

He began his lifelong career as a professional photographer at an early age and took many group family pictures, weddings, portraits and commercial work through the years, for which he won numerous awards.
Wilmer is also a veteran of the Korean War and served in the Army in Korea from 1952 to 1954 as both a medic and a mess sergeant.

Wilmer was blessed with a large and loving extended family. He married his best friend and the love of his life of 66 years, Evelyn (Schertz) Zehr on April 6, 1951, at East Bend Mennonite Church outside of Fisher. Wilmer and Evelyn together helped raise their three children, Randy, Steve and Sheri, with patience, discipline and humility. From the very beginning, he dedicated his children to God and encouraged them to explore the beauty and truth of God's deep love for them.

Wilmer was a people-lover at heart. He was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to give of himself whenever he saw a need. He and his wife volunteered at many church and community organizations, assisting many who were less fortunate. As the youngest of his siblings, he is remembered with great fondness by all his nieces and nephews, many of whom were not that much younger than he. He is dearly missed by all his family and many friends who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator.

Wilmer is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his children, Randy (Colleen) Zehr of Sun Prairie, Wis., Steve (Susie) Zehr of Lakeville, Minn., and his daughter, Sheri O'Brien of Gilbert, Ariz.; his granddaughters, Ashley Robinson, Heather Zehr, Alaina Bresette, Kate Zehr, Allison Robertstad and Emily O'Brien; and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

We also want to thank the wonderful staff at Hyland Crossings Memory Care in Sun Prairie, Wis., for the overwhelming care and love expressed to both Wilmer and Evelyn while he was a resident with them; and to Agrace Hospice in Madison, Wis., who was truly a godsend over the last months of Wilmer's life.

A visitation and memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive, Savoy (visitation from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a memorial service and reception.)
The family gratefully requests in lieu of other expressions of sympathy that donations be made to Agrace Hospice.

Buried:
unknown

Wilmer married Evelyn Rose Schertz [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/obituaries/leota-springer/article_78a96756-98ab-5949-9538-6c888d209ee9.html#utm_source=pantagraph.com&utm_campaign=%2Femail-updates%2Fobits%2F&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline


TREMONT — Leota M. Springer, 97, formerly of Tremont, passed away at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday (May 25, 2016) at Maple Lawn Care Center, Eureka.
She was born Jan. 10, 1919, in Gridley, to Silas D. and Amanda Stalter Birkey. She married Paul Springer on March 15, 1945, in Morton. He passed away Aug. 15, 1994.
Surviving are three sons, Gail (Linda) Springer, Ross (Cheri) Springer and Ryan (Kirsten) Springer, all of Tremont; two daughters, Rita Nesbit, Normal, and Roma (Dr. Greg) Popp, Jefferson City, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; three sisters, Velda Birky, Hopedale; Norma (Merle) Nafziger and Joan (John) Litwiller, both of Minier; and one sister-in-law, Florence Birkey of Flanagan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Gary; one infant sister, Aldine; two sisters, Marie Oyer and Carolyn Kutzner; one brother, Lowell Birkey; one grandson, John Wilham; one great-granddaughter, Shelby Lanan; and one niece, Cindy Kutzner.
Leota was a homemaker.
She was a member of Hopedale Mennonite Church, its Mennonite Women, and was the church historian for many years. She also volunteered at the Et Cetera Shop in Eureka for many years.
She enjoyed scrapbooking, quilting and photo albums.
Her funeral will be at noon Saturday at Hopedale Mennonite Church. Pastors Kurt Walker and Roger Springer will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, also at the church. Burial will be in Mennonite Cemetery, Hopedale. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Hopedale, is handling the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to her church or Advocate at Home Hospice, Bloomington.

Resided Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL

Died:
Maple Lawn Care Center

Leota married Paul Maurice Springer on 15 Mar 1945. Paul was born on 5 Jan 1918; died before 2011. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Marie P. Oyer, 91, Eureka, formerly of Roanoke, passed away at 1:45 a.m. Monday (Oct. 3, 2011) at Maple Lawn Health Center in Eureka, where she was a resident.

Memorial contributions may be made to Metamora Mennonite Church or Maple Lawn Health Care Center.

She was born on July 20, 1920, in Livingston County, a daughter of Silas D. and Amanda May Stalter Birkey. She married Wilmer "Bud" Oyer on Feb. 15, 1944, in Flanagan. He passed away on July 27, 2001.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Carolyn Kutzner; one infant sister; and two brothers-in-law, Paul Springer and Joe Birky.

Marie worked at Schrock's Grocery in Roanoke for many years. She also volunteered at the Et Cetera shop in Eureka for over 20 years and belonged to the Woodford County Home Extension for nearly 50 years.

She was a member of the Metamora Mennonite Church.

Died:
Maple Lawn Health Center

Buried:
Hickory Point Cemetery

Marie married Wilmer Valentine (Bud) Oyer on 15 Feb 1944 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Wilmer (son of John R. Oyer and Mary A. Springer) was born on 26 Sep 1922 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 27 Jul 2001 in Normal, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Metamora, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Homemaker, volunteer at Eureka Et Cetera Shop, foster parent
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Pantagraph.com

Velda Mae Birkey Birky, 93, of Hopedale, passed away at 7:20 p.m. Thursday (April 12, 2018) at Hopedale Medical Center.
She was born Dec. 30, 1924, in Gridley, to Silas D. and Amanda Stalter Birkey. She married Loren “Joe” Birky on July 24, 1948, in Flanagan. He passed away Oct. 1, 2005.
Surviving are three sons, Mark (Jeanne) Birky, Hopedale; Curtis (Jean) Birky, Glenn, Mich.; Jeffry (Millie) Birky, Goshen, Ind.; one daughter, Jane Rittenhouse, Mount Pleasant, Pa.; 10 grandchildren, Aaron Birky, Emily Birky, Jesse Birky, Beth Birky, Seth Birky, Kathryn Birky, Tana Birky, Leah Rittenhouse, Christian Birky, Krista Rittenhouse; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Norma (Merle) Nafziger, Minier, and Joan (John) Litwiller, Minier.

She was preceded in death by one brother and four sisters.
Velda taught school in Chenoa from 1947 to 1949. She was a homemaker.
She was a member of Hopedale Mennonite Church, enjoyed being a foster parent, enjoyed volunteering at the Eureka Et Cetera Shop for 30 years.

A graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Hopedale Mennonite Church. Pastor Roger Springer will officiate. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church.

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/obituaries/velda-mae-birky/article_af6c3a25-7b53-5a37-a629-b5582a082c28.html#utm_source=pantagraph.com&utm_campaign=%2Femail-updates%2Fobits%2F&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1C135F18D6DC37D0D7799514DE524FB611D50220

Died:
Hopedale Medical Center

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Velda married Loren Joseph Birky on 24 Jul 1948 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Loren (son of Aaron Birky and Bertha Schantz) was born on 12 Jul 1924 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 1 Oct 2005 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Porcelain doll maker
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: The Pantagraph, Jun. 25, 2021

MINIER - Norma June Nafziger, 94, of Minier, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Hopedale Nursing Home in Hopedale.

She was born June 5, 1927 in Gridley to Silas D. and Amanda Stalter Birkey. She married Merle Nafziger on November 20, 1948 in Flanagan and celebrated 72 years of marriage. Surviving are her husband, Merle Nafziger; two sons: Roger (Cindy) Nafziger and Gregg (Tina) Nafziger, both of Minier; four grandchildren: Brett (Andrea) Nafziger, Holly (Tim) Gottschalk, Lori (Matt) Steinkamp, and Blake Nafziger; eight great- grandchildren; and one sister, Joan (John) Litwiller of Minier.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Marie Oyer, Carolyn Kutzner, and Velda Birky; and one brother, Lowell Birkey.

She was a member of Hopedale Mennonite Church and volunteered at the Et Cetera Shop in Eureka for over 35 years. She owned her own business of making porcelain dolls.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Hopedale Mennonite Church. Pastor Jessica Litwiller will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Private family burial will be in Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Hopedale Mennonite Church.









Resided Minier, Tazewell Co., IL

Died:
Hopedale Nursing Home

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Norma married Merle D. Nafziger on 20 Nov 1948. Merle (son of Levi Nafziger and Emma Oswald) was born on 4 Oct 1928 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 10 Jul 2021 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Insurance Broker
• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 12:00 am Pantagraph.com
FLANAGAN — Lowell R. Birkey, 78, Flanagan, entered God’s kingdom and into the arms of Jesus on Sunday (Oct. 9, 2011) at Good Samaritan Home, Flanagan. Lowell was a loving husband, father and friend. While he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in the certainty that he is full of joy in the presence of his lord and savior. 

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Prairieview Mennonite Church, Flanagan, with the Rev. Duane Otto officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Home, Flanagan, or OSF Hospice.
Calvert Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home, Flanagan, is assisting the family with arrangements.
He was born March 30, 1933, in Gridley, the son of Silas and Amanda Stalter Birkey. He married Florence E. Roeschley on April 1, 1956, in Flanagan. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Scott (Kim) Birkey, Indianapolis, and Todd Birkey, Tucson, Ariz.; one daughter, Lisa (Keith) Kirkpatrick, Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren, Aaron Birkey, Michael (Amanda) Birkey, Taylor Birkey, Brian Birkey, Lauren Kirkpatrick, Sean Kirkpatrick and Allie Kirkpatrick; and four sisters, Leota Springer, Eureka; Velda Birky, Delavan; Norma (Merle) Nafziger, Minier; and Joan (John) Litwiller, Minier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Marie Oyer, Carolyn Kutzner and an infant sister.

Lowell was an independent insurance broker for more than 40 years. He loved singing and was an avid golfer.

He was a member of Waldo/Prairieview Mennonite Church, where he served as chorister for many years.

Lowell married Florence Roeschley [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joan married John Wayne Litwiller [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Resided Aurora, IL

Carolyn married Harold Kutzner [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Fae married Darrell Dean Stalter on 6 Aug 1948. Darrell (son of Wilbert D Stalter and Margaret L Brave) was born on 28 Jun 1925 in Chenoa, McLean Co., IL; died on 1 Jun 2016 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Columbia Bible College 1958

Notes:

Obit:
Lyle Birkey, age 89, entered into the presence of his savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 4, 2016.

Lyle was born in Fisher, Illinois on February 5, 1927, the second child of Joel L. and Mabel E. Birkey. Lyle spent most of his early life in Central Illinois with his farming family. He worked on the farm through his high-school years and enjoyed the companionship of his siblings Fae, Verna and Robert. It was during these years that he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. In 1951, Lyle was married to Clara Bruehl and soon was called into the Army. His military service included an overseas deployment in the Korean war, after which he received a United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Meritorious Unit Citation and a Commendation Ribbon with a Medal Pendant.

Growing in his passion to serve the Lord, Lyle studied for the ministry at Columbia Bible College where he graduated with a seminary degree. Lyle and Clara planted a church first in Garden Valley, California and later started the Lake Tapps Community Church in Sumner Washington where they served for 29 years .Mission work was high on their list and they and their congregations have supported and walked in communities in the United States, Europe and the Dominican republic. He and Clara retired in Dallas Oregon in 1997 where they helped to open doors for the gospel to be given out in the Grace Community Church.

Lyle and Clara are the parents of four wonderful children: Timothy, Juliea, Daniel and Andy. Now there are eight grandchildren and one great grandchild is on the way.

After the passing of Clara, Lyle was married to Carol Goodsell in 2003. The couple enjoyed several foreign mission trips together and lived in Dallas, Oregon. They moved back to the Sumner area in 2013 where they again enjoyed the fellowship of their much-loved friends at Lake Tapps Community Church. As Lyle’s health declined, Carol diligently and joyfully served Lyle in their home. Dear friends from the church and community were a great help and encouragement to both Lyle and Carol.

Lyle is survived by his extended family who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.

Viewing will be from 4:00 to 8:00pm Thursday, March 10th with the funeral beginning at 10:00am Friday, March 11th both in the Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center. Interment will be in the Salt Creek Cemetery in Dallas.

Buried:
Salt Creek Cemetery

Lyle married Clara Jeanette Bruehl on 15 Jun 1951. Clara (daughter of James Bruehl and Esther L. Birky) was born on 11 Apr 1930 in East Peoria, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 1 Apr 2001 in Dallas, Polk Co., OR; was buried in Dallas, Polk Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lyle married Carol Goodwill in 2003. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Entrepreneurial farmer, school bus driver.

Notes:

OBIT: News-Gazette (Champaign-Urbana, Illinois) March 8, 2018

RANTOUL – Robert "Bob" Birkey, 85, of Rantoul passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday (March 6, 2018).

He was born July 11, 1932, in Fisher, a son to Joel and Mabel Birkey.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Viola; three sons, Keith (Kathy) of Terre Haute, Ind., David (Dawn) of Lewisville, Texas, and Rick of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter, Brenda (Eric) Dunn of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, one brother, one grandson and one great-grandson.

Bob was a longtime entrepreneurial farmer. He drove a school bus for 26 years until he was 80 years old.

He loved animals, gardening, the outdoors and his Maranatha Baptist Church family. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Friday, March 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Maranatha Baptist Church, 122 S. Chanute St., Rantoul.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 10, at 10 a.m. at the church. Services will be by Pastor Mark Wilkerson and son David Birkey. Burial will follow in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Maranatha Baptist Mission Fund.

Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling the arrangements.
———

Metamora Herald
Thursday , July 16th, 1959.  Page : 7
Robert M Birkey were married Saturday in a double ring...birthday The Birkeys will be at home in Ludlow August...i Mr Birkey is the son of Mr and I Mrs Joel Birkey of Ludlow The Rev Ezra Yordy, assisted...and Lowell Birkey of Flanagan, cousin of the bridegroom, was...were Richard Birkey of Gibson City Bill Springer of Foosland,...lawn Mrs Birkey is an employee of the State Farm...Bloomington Mr Birkey is employed by the Birkey Construction Co of Dewey

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Robert married Viola Bernice Kenyon [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• MILF: Y

Notes:

Ray served in the military US Army Medical core, Basic Camp Pickott. (5) Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Eighteen months at Landstuhl, Germany, in hospitals there. Returned home Dec 25 1954.

Cremated:
Afforded

Died:
GCHospital-Annex

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Arthur married Shirley Jean Grieser on 24 Sep 1955 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Shirley (daughter of Simon Grieser and Lovina Eunice Egli) was born on 10 Mar 1937 in Manson, Calhoun Co., IA; died on 1 Oct 2020 in Saybrook, McLean Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Graduated Goshen College June 1957, B.S. In Education

Notes:

Resided Akron, OH

Roberta married Dr. Harry Lee Graber [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: Graduated Hesston College, Heston, KS; Goshen College, Goshen, IN June 1960 With B.S. In Elem. Education.

Notes:

OBIT: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/obituaries/joyce-schertz/article_6fcda534-5243-11e3-81c8-0019bb2963f4.html
SAYBROOK — At 1:35 p.m. Nov. 13, 2013, at Asta Care Center, Colfax, Joyce Maxine Schertz, 78, surrounded by members of her extended family, was transported to heaven to be with her Lord. Formerly from Saybrook and South Bend, Ind., where she spent most of her life, she had moved to Saybrook in July, where she spent these last few months.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher. The Rev. Michael Dean will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will be at East Bend Mennonite Cemetery, Fisher.
A separate memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at Kern Road Mennonite Church, South Bend, Ind. The Revs. Dave and Janice Sutter will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the Mennonite Board of Missions.
Born Jan. 9, 1935, in Saybrook, Joyce was the daughter of Harold King and Edna Phoebe Birkey Schertz, both now deceased. Joyce was preceded in death by her older sister, Roberta Schertz Graber, and is survived by her older brother, Ray (Shirley) Schertz, Saybrook, and her brother-in-law, Dr. Harry Graber, West Liberty, Ohio.
She will be missed by her family, whom she dearly loved, including many nieces and nephews, Mike (Jeanine), Gene, Kevin (Karen), Steve Schertz and Tara Lynn Schertz Kirkpatrick; Cheryl (Ken) Graber Shank, Rhonda (Myron) Graber Blosser, Rodney Graber and Charles Graber. She also leaves behind many great-nieces and -nephews, who affectionately knew her as “Auntie.”

Joyce was a lifelong learner, an independent adventurer sparked by curiosity. She loved other cultures, traveling to more than 25 countries and setting foot on every continent! She collected spoons and tea cups from these travels and was constantly ready to learn new crafts. Her inquisitiveness also led her to a variety of careers and hobbies. She did Mennonite Voluntary Service in California, Michigan, Indiana and New Mexico; directed Books Abroad in Goshen, Ind.; worked with clown ministry; wrote Sunday school curriculum; wrote Dictionary of Dream Symbols in 1986; taught elementary special education; earned an advanced master gardener degree and maintained a personal garden up until her death. She even took flying lessons and classes for massage! Her insatiable curiosity was an inspiration to her family, and her willingness to share her stories resulted in many friendships.

Joyce is now in heaven, free of pain and likely swapping stories with the Master Storyteller himself.

Died:
Asta Care Center

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Notes:

Obit:

Adella Iva Gingrich, 94, of Albany, died Sunday at Quail Run Assisted Living. She was born in Tangent, the daughter of Roy and Caroline (Birky) Stutzman. She was raised in Nebraska.
Adella married Allen Gingrich September 14, 1940 in Albany. She lived her adult life in the Linn County area, living in the Mennonite Village since the early 1990's.

Adella worked in the insurance billing department at Lebanon Community Hospital for 25 years, retiring in the mid 1980's. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and knitting.
Adella is survived by sons Gale Gingrich and wife Florence of Salem, Byron Gingrich and wife Virginia of Turner, Roy Gingrich and wife Tammy of Atlanta, GA, daughter Jessie Hostetler and husband Philip of Portland, 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, sisters Winona Wolfer of Lebanon, and Jane King of Hubbard.

She was preceded in death by her husband Allen Gingrich, parents Roy and Caroline Stutzman, brothers Willard Stutzman and Joseph Stutzman, and sister Leila Stutzman.
There was a memorial service on Thursday at Albany Mennonite Church. Interment at Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens

Adella married Allen William Gingrich on 14 Sep 1940. Allen was born on 8 Jul 1915; died on 8 Feb 1962 in Multnomah Co., OR; was buried in Albany, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Gilliland Cemetery

Willard married Arla Fern Stutzman (?) [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Gilliland Cemetery

Leila married Merle Emmeron Stutzman on 21 Jul 1940. Merle was born on 6 Nov 1916 in Wood River, Hall Co., NE; died on 14 Jul 2000; was buried in Sweet Home, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Winona R. Wolfer, 91, of Goshen and formerly of the Albany, Oregon area, died Friday evening, NOvember 7, 2014, at Greencroft Healthcare Goshen.

She was born Aug. 26, 1923 in Clyde Park, Montana to Roy and Caroline (Birky) Stutzman.
On July 29, 1949 she married Robert L. Wolfer in Sweet Home, Oregon. He died in 2005.
Survivors include two sons, Dan (Carol) Wolfer of Middlebury and Ed Wolfer of the Philippines; four grandsons and a great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and five siblings.
An area resident since 2011, Mrs. Wolfer was a nurse and a lifelong member of the Mennonite Church.
Mrs. Wolfer’s wishes were to be cremated and buried beside her husband in Oregon.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home

Buried:
Gilliland Cemetery

Winona married Robert Lee Wolfer on 30 Jul 1949. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Gilliland Cemetery

Joseph married Luella Schultz on 20 Feb 1947. Luella was born on 25 Mar 1927 in Lookout, Woods Co., OK; died on 23 Oct 2008 in OR; was buried in Sweet Home, Linn Co., OR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]