Elroy H. Dannewitz

ElRoy H. Dannewitz, 87, of Ottawa and formerly of Somonauk, died Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at his home. ElRoy donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Association. Cremation rites will be accorded and burial will be private at St. Columba Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home. Mr. Dannewitz was born February 12, 1921, in Somonauk to Elmer and Minnie (Bechtum) Dannewitz. He married Eileen L. Burrus in February 1942. She died in 1988. He married Vickie D. Stiawalt in October 1971. She died in 2005. ElRoy farmed, was an auctioneer and owned a Chrysler Plymouth Dealership in Somonauk. He was a member of Christian Men's Group, Prison Ministry, and Golden Kiwanis Club of Ottawa. He attended Wheaton College, Loras College, University of Dubuque and Wartburg Seminary. ElRoy was named a Distinguished and Honored Citizen by an act of congress December 1970. Mr. Dannewitz is survived by his companion, Rosanne C. Bonini of Ottawa; 5 daughters, Jane Ann (Don) Nettleton of Iowa, Karen Elaine Dannewitz of Colorado, Dierdre Michelle (Greg) Wallace of Virginia, Jessica Louise (Troy) Chavez of Colorado and Judith Lynne Brown of Virginia; two sons, Joel Lynn (Gail) Dannewitz of California and Jason ElRoy (Kate) Dannewitz of Nebraska; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law Eleanor and Russell Larson.