SVM-SS2_03292016

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2016

Weddings Engagements Birthdays Birth announcements Class reunions Baptisms Confirmations Honor rolls

memories& milestones

Retirements Trophies Special sporting recognition

FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL, & DEDICATED TO YOUR SATISFACTION!

OVER 250 VEHICLES IN STOCK!!!

OWNER GREG MAJESKI

OFFICE ROY SARGENT

SALES OFFICE INTERNET MGR. DAN FRED JOHN DANREITER HOFMANN WATTS

SALES DAN VEREIDE

SALES BRENT THOMAS

815-625-9600

1701 E. 4th St., Sterling

www.majeskimotors.com

2 • Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Celebrations

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Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

Engagement of

Emily Magers & Ross Wolf Charles and Catherine Magers of Dayton, Maryland, and Randy and Shelli Wolf of Polo announce the engagement of their children, Emily Louise Magers and Ross David Wolf.

The bride-elect is a graduate of River Hill High School and Towson University in Maryland, with a degree in business administration-marketing. She is an instructional developer for Connections Education.

Her fiancĂŠ is a graduate of Polo Community High School and the University of Illinois College of Computer Engineering Honors Program. He is a cyber security engineer for the federal government.

The couple are planning a May 15, 2016 wedding in Maryland.

Marvin and Nancy Hartz of rural Tampico celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary March 26, 2016, with family at their home.

Marvin Hartz and Nancy Dabler were married March 26, 1966, at First Baptist Church in Manlius.

They are the parents of Gayle (Michael) Casey of Villa Park and Jeffrey Hartz (deceased).

They have one grandson.

George Renne of Dixon will celebrate his 90th birthday April 7, 2016.

He was born April 7, 1926, in Poplar Grove, and married Dolores Jackson.

He has two children and five grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to 1021 Ann Ave., Dixon, IL 61021.

William M. Griswold of Sterling celebrated his 90th birthday March 20, 2016.

He was born March 20, 1926.

He has four children, 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to 1801 Avenue G, No. 207-208, Sterling, IL 61081.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

50th Anniversary

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Hartz

Celebrating 90

George Renne

Celebrating 90

William Griswold

Celebrating 80

Mearl Blackburn

Celebrating 90

Benjamin Kingery Benjamin L. Kingery of Rock Falls will celebrate his 90th birthday April 7, 2016.

He was born April 7, 1926, in Cumberland County.

He has one son, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to 701 Marsha Lane, Rock Falls, IL 61071.

Celebrating 90

Celebrating 80

Lois Musselman

Esther Kuelper

Lois Marie Musselman of Sterling celebrated her 90th birthday March 23, 2016.

She was born March 23, 1926, in Sterling, and married Leroy Musselman.

She has five children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to 2205 Oak Grove Ave., Sterling, IL 61081.

Esther Kuelper of Prophetstown will celebrate her 80th birthday April 8, 2016, with a family dinner.

She was born April 9, 1936, in Annawan, and married James Kuelper.

She has two children, six grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.

Cards may be sent to 421 W. Third St., Prophetstown, IL 61277.

Mearl Blackburn of Dixon will celebrate her 80th birthday with an open house from noon to 3 p.m. April 9, 2016, at Loveland Community House in Dixon. Lunch will be served.

All friends and relatives are invited to join in the celebration. The omission of gifts has been requested.

She was born March 21, 1936, in Minturn, Arkansas, and was married to the late Joseph Blackburn.

She has five children, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to 124 Liberty Court, Dixon, IL 61021.

Celebrations

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Gabany & Desjardins The Gabany family are tickled to add Nicole, a beautiful young lady to our family. Dr. Nik and Nicole have dated for over 2 years. On Nov. 20, 2015, Nik got on one knee at the planetarium in Chicago with the skyline as his backdrop, and asked Nicole to be his bride for life! She said yes! They then helicoptered around Chicago in the snow. The evening ended with dinner at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse!

We wish them both “the Happily Ever After!”

Keith and Cindy Gabany of Dixon announce the engagement of their son, Dr. Niklaus Gabany of Danville, to Nicole Desjardins of Bloomingdale, the daughter of Mark and Jill Desjardins of Park Ridge.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Main South High School in Park Ridge and Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, with a master’s degree in educational leadership.

She is employed as an assistant principal at Bloomingdale School District in Bloomingdale.

Her fiancé is a graduate of Dixon High School and Palmer College of Chiropractic, with a doctorate degree.

He is employed by Robinson Chiropractic as an associate in Danville.

The couple are planning a Jan. 7, 2017 wedding in Geneva.

Invitations will be sent.

Jennifer Rakowski and Jason Proffitt, both of Plainfield, announce their engagement.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Edna Rakowski of Dixon and the late Chet Rakowski; her fiancé is the son of Debra Phillips of Lockport and Denny Proffitt of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Dixon High School and NationalLouis University. She is employed

by Chicago Bread LLC. Her fiancé is a graduate of Coal City High School and Illinois State University. He is employed

by Life Fitness.

The couple are planning a Sept.

17, 2016 wedding.

Invitations will be sent.

Jennifer Rakowski & Jason Proffitt PLANNING A SEPT. 17, 2016 WEDDING

Tuesday, March 29, 2016 • 3

Welcome

Julian Adam Gabany

Rebekah and Adam Gabany of Springfield are the parents of a son born at 9:36 p.m. Nov. 9, 2015, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield.

Julian Adam Gabany weighed 8 pounds, 12.5 ounces at birth and was 21 inches in length.

Maternal grandparents are Richard and Alma Van Dyke and Sue Van Dyke.

Paternal grandparents are Cindy and Keith Gabany.

Maternal great-grandmother is Theresa Bomke of Springfield.

Paternal great-grandparents are Richard Nicklaus of Rockford and the late Betty Nicklaus.

The Gabany family are thrilled to welcome our first grandchild and nephew! The joy has been endless!

We could not be more proud!

We have been given a special gift.

Grandma and Grandpa, Christopher, Dr. Nik and Nicole

Remember to pick up Celebrations photos Celebrations photos may be picked up anytime after the issue is published.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday in Sterling; and 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday in Dixon.

For more information, call 815-284-2222 or 815-625-3600, ext. 5501, or 815-284-2224.

4 • Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Celebrations

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Valdez & Ebenezer Alyssa Valdez and Beau Ebenezer were united in marriage Oct. 17, 2015, at Abiding Word Church in Sterling, by Pastor Scott Porter.

Alyssa is the daughter of Jaime and Jan Valdez.

Beau is the son of Donnie Ebenezer and Leigh Ann Ebenezer.

The maid of honor was Carisa Valdez, sister of the bride.

The best man was Brody Murray, best friend of the groom.

Bridal attendants were Karina Valdez, cousin of the bride; Lauren Bell and Thomas Michel, both friends of the bride; and Brooke Helms, sister of the groom.

Groomsmen were Bobby Clapper, Nick Rodriguez, and Jacob Reyes,all friends of the groom; and Shaun Taylor, cousin of the groom.

Flower girl was Tinley Helms, niece of the groom; and the ring bearer was Alex Taylor, cousin of the groom.

Ushers were Jesse Valdez and Sergio Valdez, both cousins of the bride.

The newlyweds enjoyed a weeklong honeymoon in Punta Cana. The bride is employed by Methodist Hospital, and the groom is employed

by WEEK Channel 25 News.

The couple reside in Peoria with their two pit bull “furbabies,” Valentine and Bron.

Oct. 17, 2015 Sterling, Illinois Mr. & Mrs. Beau Ebenezer

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March Anniversaries

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60th Anniversary

Tuesday, March 29, 2016 • 5

50th Anniversary

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Alber Albert “Bill” Alber and June Bellars were united in marriage March 31, 1956, at the former Trinity EUB Church in Sterling.

Bill and June have farmed and raised livestock in the Sterling area for most of their married life.

When first married, Bill worked for RB&W, and June was a telephone operator.

Bill is still active in the day-today farm operations, raising purebred Red Angus cattle, and proudly riding his antique tractors. June works part time for the township

assessor’s office, and loves to cook and bake.

They are the parents of two sons, William (Carol) Alber and Ed Alber, both of Sterling.

They have three grandchildren, Joshua (Sarah) Alber of St. Louis, and Ashlee and Shannon Alber, both of Sterling. They have one great-grandchild, Lauralyn.

They will celebrate with a family dinner, but would love to hear from their many friends. Cards may be sent to 17729 Tampico Road, Sterling, IL 61081.

Mr. & Mrs. Stan Rasmussen Stan and Nancy Rasmussen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary March 12, 2016.

Stanley Neil Rasmussen and Nancy Marie Barkdoll were married March 12, 1966, at Tampico Methodist Church.

They are the parents of Troy (Mary) Rasmussen and Tiffani (Jeff)

Behrens, both of Rock Falls, and Tonya (Shawn) Stallion of East Peoria.

They have five grandchildren, Blake, Bryce, and Holly Behrens and Amber and Jared Rasmussen.

Stan and Nancy celebrated with a vacation in Hawaii. A family dinner also celebrated the occasion.

Locally Owned - 10 Franchises - All in 1 Location

Serving the Sauk Valley Area for over 50 years Ken Nelson Auto Group would like to thank the following Employees for their years of hard work and dedication.

March Anniversaries

Joe Patzer - 15 years - 3.20.2001 - Sales Professional Deann Bonnewell - 14 years - Billing Coordinator Michael Longtin - 10 years - 3.13.2006 - Driver Carl Buehler - 10 years - 3.17.2006 - Sales Professional Eddie Granberry - 10 years - 3.28.2006 - Detail William Flagg - 5 years - 3.04.2011 - Detail Christina Meador - 3 years - 3.04.2013 - Cashier Robert Bloemker - 2 years - 3.04.2013 - Driver Larry Cramer - 2 years - 3.04.2013 - Driver Gary Schreiner - 2 years - 3.04.2013 - Driver Jim Matnick - 2 years - 3.11.2013 - Driver Steve Grossnickle - 2 years - 3.14.2013 - Driver Amie Thomas - 2 years - 3.17.2014 - Service Advisor Lucas Bonnette - 1 year - 3.16.2015 - Service Alec Full - 1 year - 3.23.2015 - Service

www.KenNelsonAuto.com

6 • Tuesday, March 29, 2016

50th Anniversary!

50th Anniversary

Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Bushman

Ronnie Bushman first met Judy Turnbaugh at Kent Feeds in Chadwick back in 1965, where he worked.

She came into the elevator with her dad to get feed.

They were married April 2, 1966, at Fair Haven EUB United Methodist Church.

Ronnie and Judy have farmed northeast of Milledgeville most of their lives. Ronnie still farms in the Milledgeville area, and Judy has helped with the farm, taught piano and organ lessons, and has worked

at many area churches as secretary, administrative assistant, organist, and pianist. She is still very active with Wesley United Methodist Church in Sterling.

They have two daughters, Christine (Mark Sotelo) Bushman of Sterling and Julie (Rick Shippee) Bushman from the Winslow area.

They have one granddaughter, Sierra Sotelo.

Blessings and well wishes can be sent to 707 W. Eighth St., Sterling, IL 61081.

Birthday

Mr. & Mrs. Lee Eilers

Lee and Nancy Eilers will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary April 2, 2016.

Lee Eilers and Nancy Kuepker were married April 2, 1966, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sterling.

They have three children, Brent

(Katherine) Eilers, Lynette (Jeff) Verbout, and Brad (Kam) Eilers, all of Sterling.

They have nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Best wishes may be sent to 2402 16th Ave., Sterling, IL 61081.

Birthday

Happy 80th Birthday

Happy 90th Birthday

Lorraine Wiltfang The daughters of Lorraine Wiltfang are hosting an open house for her 80th birthday April 9, 2016, at the Polo Senior Center, Polo, Illinois. All friends and relatives are invited to attend from 2 to 4 p.m.

No gifts, please. Your presence is gift enough.

Lorraine was born April 4, 1936, to LeRoy and Margaret Hinrichs in rural Sterling.

She has four daughters, Rhonda Byers and Sarah Heckman, both

Celebrations

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of Freeport; Donna (LB) Lassiter of Golconda; and Linda (Jerry) Hose of Polo.

She is married to Merle Wiltfang, and has two stepdaughters, Val (Ivan) Maas of Oregon and Tammy (Paul) Halvorson of Dixon.

Seven grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren, along with nine great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren, complete the family circle.

Marge Sibley

Marge Sibley of Morrison will celebrate her 90th birthday April 9, 2016.

Marge was born April 9, 1926, in Erie, and was married to the late Clayton Sibley.

She has four children, Connie Stewart, Ron and Bill Sibley, and Theresa Westlund (deceased); eight

grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

An open house will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2016, at St. Ambrose Hall in Erie.

Cards may be sent to 609 W. Wall St., Morrison, IL 61270.

Celebrations

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Tuesday, March 29, 2016 • 7

Open House

Celebrations

After 30 years of working for the Lee County farmers, our MOM, Sharon Full, has decided to become her own boss.

Come and wish her well at an open house from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 31, 2016, at Lee County FSA. Best of luck, Mom, in your new journey!!!

We love you very much!

Love, Your kids and grandkids

Celebrations Editor: Andrea Mills, ext. 5575 Mary Near, assisting, ext. 5530 To place your announcement in an upcoming Celebrations publication stop by either Sauk Valley Media location or call Dixon – 815-284-2222; Sterling – 815-625-3600.

Use celebration@saukvalley.com to email photos and information.

Edition April 12 April 26 May 10 May 24

.... J ust for the Occasionn . ..

DIRECTORY

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Issue Deadline 5 p.m. April 1 5 p.m. April 15 5 p.m. April 29 5 p.m. May 13

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3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL (815)625-3600 ext. 5701 • Wedding Invitations •Reply Cards • Programs • Bridal Shower Invites • Baby Shower Invites

8 • Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Celebrations

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A FLAWLESS LOOK CAN BE YOURS

MERLE NORMAN 806 E. 3rd St., Sterling, IL

815-625-3751 Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30 Sat. 9-3