- Date Of Birth: November 22, 1919
- Date Of Death: February 7, 2018
- State: Illinois
Ransom “Ranny” Walter Fehr (98) and Levon Pearl (Lawler) Fehr (97) of Freeport, IL passed away in Ottawa, IL. Ransom died on February 7th and Levon on February 10th of 2018. Ransom was born on November 22, 1919 to Harrison O. and Dora N. (Walter) Fehr. Levon was born November 16, 1920 to Howard and Pearl (Shippy) Lawler. They both graduated from Dakota High School where Ransom earned several letters and was involved in softball, choir, track, and basketball.
Their love story began Feb. 15th, 1941, the day after Valentine’s Day because Ransom had to work that day, and it continued throughout their lives. They entered this world a year and 6 days apart and entered into their heavenly rest 3 days apart. Both had made a confession of Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
Ransom entered into active duty on Jan. 20, 1944 at Fort Sheridan, IL and attended Navigation School in Cp. Gordon Johnson, Fla. His military occupational specialty was a Master Ship Harbor Craft 118 and his military qualification was a Marksman M1 Rifleman. His decorations consisted of the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Sergeant in the 9205th Technical Service Unit on Feb. 9th, 1946 at Ft. MacArthur, CA. On Nov. 5th, 2011, Ransom was able to take part in The Honor Flight through the help of his granddaughter, Debra Wenger. The Honor Flight Network is a non-for-profit organization that transports American Veteran’s to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials and honor the service, and sacrifice, they’ve given to protect our country. His grandson and wife, Kevin and Helen Morrow, met and had the privilege of accompanying him on the tour.
In his early years, Ransom shoveled coal and worked on his family’s farm. Their daughter, Shirlene, was born shortly before he went into the Army and will always been known as “Our little girl”. After being discharged from the service, Ransom and Levon established Fehr’s General Store in Dakota, IL working side-by-side. Ransom enjoyed fishing in Canada with his family and friends and golfing. He walked 18 holes and when he was in his late 70’s he would say, “I went down to walking 9 holes and, then, finally, I had to get a cart.” Levon took care of the household, cooking, cleaning, and sewing. She never let any of her physical ailments stop her. Her pride and joy was being with, and babysitting, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other children throughout her life. They loved their family, dearly, and enjoyed taking trips to visit their daughter and other family members. Ransom’s carpentry work was par excellence and every Christmas Levon made, and distributed to many, a multitude of cookies and treats that would stand up against any bakery this world has ever known. Ransom and Levon were members of First United Methodist Church of Dakota, IL., VFW, Lion’s Club, Moose Club, and American Legion.
They are survived by their granddaughter and “2nd daughter” Jon and Debra (Morrow) Wenger; grandson, Kevin (Helen) Morrow; great-grandchildren, Nicole McDaniel, Adam Smith, Ashley Gonzales, Hillary Morrow, Joey Morrow, and Sutton Morrow; seven great-great grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Harold and Loraine Toelke and Don and Jean Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and close friends.
They were preceded in death by their parents; their only daughter, Shirlene M. Fehr-Morrow; Ransom’s sister, Evelyn M. (Fehr, Van Raalte) Marian; and brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Roselyn Fehr; Levon’s brothers, Elwyn Lawler, Wendal Lawler, Galen Lawler, and Arol Lawler; and sisters, Nelda (Lawler) Yeoman and Verlene (Lawler) Afflerbaugh.
