Kendall County, Illinois Genealogy

Death of S. W. Weeks

Death of S. W. Weeks

Was Born in Big Grove-Prominent Man in Rochelle

The Rochelle Independent of April 18 devotes over a column to a notice of the death and funeral of a former Kendall county citizen, from which we make this extract:

This community experienced a shock Saturday afternoon when the sad intelligence was spread that S. W. Weeks, one of our most highly respected citizens, had passed away at his home after but a short distance.

Sjur W. Weeks was born near Lisbon, Kendall county, Ill., June 12, 1852, and died at his home in Rochelle, Saturday, April 18, 1907, aged 55 years, 8 months and 1 day. At the age of sixteen he was sent to Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, where he entered the normal class in the fall of 1868; but, owing to ill health he was obliged to abandon his studies for a period during the fall of 1870. In 1871, he attended the Fowler Institute of Newark, Kendall County, Ill., and he taught the Norwegian parochial school at that place for several months in addition to teaching the English district school for two terms. He then again took up his studies at Luther College, graduating from the normal course in 1878. That fall he commenced his labors as teacher of the Norwegian congregation at Lee, Ill., teaching both the Norwegian and English schools for six or seven years.

He was untied in marriage to Miss Thorbjor J. Rodge, the oldest daughter of Jacob Olson Rodge, of Lee. His wife, together with nine children, survives him. The children are: Elsie S.; Eva C.; Alfred N., (at Sterling); Marshall J.; Otto W.; Amy L.; Joyce B.; Tollieve M., and Hale J.

In 1892 the family moved to Rochelle. After several business changes, including the assistant postmaster at Rochelle, he opened a feed store here, and enjoying an extensive patronage, until stricken down by sickness.

While in Lee he was twice elected justice of the peace and also served on the village board, acting in the capacity of president and secretary at various times. He was always an active worker in the Lutheran Church, having held the position of secretary and treasurer for the congregation at Rochelle since 1893. He also has been leader of the Sunday school and church choir a number of years.

Mr. Weeks belonged to several fraternal orders. For the past ten years he has held the secretary's chair at Willow Camp No. 44, Modern Woodmen of America. His care for his family was evidenced by deeds, as is shown by his action in carrying $3,000 insurance in the M. W. A., which will prove a friend in need. He carried also $2,000 insurance in the Mystic Workers lodge, and this is the first death loss that order is called upon to pay in this city.

The funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church, the sad rites being conducted by Rev. Gullaksen, of Chicago.