Mrs. Pearl L. (Hamburg) Pottorf

Mrs. Pearl L. Pottorf, 101, formerly of Rio and Galesburg, Illinois died 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Rushville Nursing and Rehabilitation, Rushville, Illinois. 

She was born February 1, 1919 in Bloomfield, Iowa to Fred and Teckla (Fahlgren) Hamburg.  She married E. Claire Pottorf, December 6, 1945 in Galesburg.  He preceded her in death September 3, 2005. 

Surviving are three daughters, Nadene (and Alan) Haynes of Reno, Nevada, Jo Pottorf of Rushville, and Jeanne (and Neil) Thomas of Galesburg, 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, eleven great-great grandchildren and one on the way, two sisters-in-law, Helen and Angie Hamburg and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Dorene Thomas, four brothers, Dale, Jack, Paul, and Glenn Hamburg, and two sisters, Edna Beresford and Pauline Woolley. 

Pearl graduated from Media High School, Media, Illinois in 1937.  She worked as a nurse’s aide at Monmouth Hospital, Monmouth, Illinois, Monmouth Pottery and Farmall.  She worked for 27 years at OMC Gale Products in Galesburg and retired in December of 1981.  She was a member and a Deaconess of the Rio Presbyterian Church.  She was very active in her church including assisting with funeral dinners.  She was the secretary of the Ladies Service Guild, treasurer and recording secretary of the Rio Woman’s Club, and secretary and treasurer of the Tops Club.  Pearl enjoyed baking and was known for her banana nut bread.  She loved entertaining and playing games including “Chicken Foot”. 

There will be a time for friends and family to pay their respects to Pearl from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel.  Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required with limited occupancy.  There will be a Private graveside service in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg.  Rev. Maura McGrath-Nagle will officiate.  A Memorial Service and A Celebration of Pearl’s Journey will be held at the Rio Presbyterian Church, 210 E. Center Ave. Rio, Illinois at 10:30 A.M., Friday, October 8, 2021 (ADA accessible). Immediately following the service, lunch will be provided where we can indulge ourselves in the merriment and joyful memories of Pearl.  In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Rio Presbyterian Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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