Loda Mae Bruning, Robert I. Johnson

AGRICULTURE

Students learn through Ag in the Cla ssroom program

Grade school students throughout Ogle and Carroll counties learned about Christmas tree farms in December.

“There were 38 programs presented to 783 students during the month. The Ag in the Classroom program teaches students that many items we use every day originate from crops grown by farmers. Some crops we eat. Others are used to make our homes beautiful. Many are used to make clothes and other helpful items. Moreover, some crops help us celebrate,” said Melinda Charbonneau, Ag in the Classroom program coordinator.

Trees, like corn, are grown on farms. Tree growers do many of the same things other farmers do. However, a tree crop is different because it takes seven to 10 years before a tree can be harvested.

“In addition, a tree farmer must plant three new seedlings for every tree that they harvest because seedlings have many enemies including insects and disease, rabbits and deer, “ Charbonneau said. “Like other crops, trees must be fertilized and weeded. The farmer also prunes the trees to control how fast they grow and shapes them so when they are sold, they have a shape people will like.”

Charbonneau said harvest time is very busy for growers. “The trees that will be cut must be selected and tagged. Once the trees are cut, they are baled nice and tight so that the branches will not be damaged as they are shipped to tree lots to be sold. Because trees stay in the fields for so long, they have four to 10 years to be a habitat for small animals and insects. They also make oxygen for all living things. Therefore, the next time you think of products grown on a farm, add Christmas trees to your list,” she said.

Charbonneau thanked Dollinger Christmas Tree Farm, Lanark, for the many tree samples they provide each year.

“These samples provide an opportunity for students to compare the various kinds of Christmas trees,” Charbonneau said.

Agriculture in the Classroom is a program to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. Students learn that thousands of farm products are in the world around them – on their plates, in the clothes they wear, in the medicine that makes them well, and in earth-friendly fuels and plastics.

Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water and Carroll County Soil & Water. For more information about the program, call the Ogle County Extension Office at 815-732-2191.

Photo provided Alana Smith, a kindergarten student at German Valley Grade School, creates a Christmas tree ornament painting on the needles using a fork. The activity was part of the Ag in the Classroom program.

OBITUARIES

LODA MAE BRUNING

Born: May 3, 1933 in Freeport, IL Died: January 14, 2022 in Rockford, IL

Loda Mae Bruning, 88, of Pecatonica, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022, at Alden Debes Rehabilitation and Health Care in Rockford. She was born May 3, 1933, in Freeport, the daughter of Gerhard Herman and Pearl Mae (Janssen) Manus. She graduated from Pleasant Prairie Academy in German Valley in 1951.

Loda married Leslie “Les” Carl Bruning on November 16, 1951, at Silver Creek Reformed Church in German Valley. They farmed together in rural Pecatonica for six years and then returned to the family farm as its fourth generation farming family. Loda was the Ridott Township bookkeeper when Les served as the township supervisor. She was a 4-H leader and Girl Scout town chairwoman while her children were growing up. Loda was an active member of Silver Creek Reformed Church, having taught Sunday school for many years and a member of Women’s guild. She also was a member of the German Valley Historical Society. Loda enjoyed working on genealogy and collecting Precious Moments figurines and dearly loved attending her grandchildren’s activities.

Loda is lovingly survived by her son, Lyle (Lezlie) Bruning of Coal Valley; daughters, Linda (Dale) Van Haften of Hamburg, MN, Lisa (Gary) Bronkema of Forreston; grandchildren, Jennifer Van Haften, David (Sandra) Van Haften, Julie Van Haften, Ricky Van Haften, James Van Haften, Anthony Van Haften, Corrina (Harley) Jones, Ashley Van Haften, Jacob Van Haften, Eric (Allissa) Bruning, Kurtis (Kara) Bruning, Cory (Hilary Springman) Bruning, Eden (Alex) Henigan, Tanner (Kelsey) Bronkema, Brady Bronkema, Whitnie (Brian) Van Utrecht, Brendon (Jacquel) Rush; twenty great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Hazel Peters, Mary Manus; brother-in-law, Ronald Wiese; numerous nephews and nieces.

Loda is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Les Bruning; grandson, Devin Bronkema; brother, George Manus.

Funeral service 12:00 p.m., with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2022, at Silver Creek Reformed Church, 326 S. Bunker Hill Rd., German Valley with Reverend Nora Johnson officiating. Interment at Silver Creek Cemetery in German Valley. In lieu of flowers memorials will be established for the Silver Creek Reformed Church and the German Valley Historical Society.

Arrangements by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.