DIXON – Wilbur Hartzell, 94, of Dixon, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Dixon Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. He worked at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. in Sterling, and farmed on the family farm before retiring.

Wilbur was born Oct. 18, 1918, in Campo, Colo., the son of Ernest G. and Olive M. (Hill) Hartzell. He married Ella M. Jacobs on April 9, 1939, in Ashton. She preceded him in death on Nov. 30, 2009. Wilbur was a member of Franklin Grove Methodist Church, Living History Antique Equipment Association of Franklin Grove, and the Dixon Evening Lions Club.  He also was a Mason and a Shriner.  Wilbur loved collecting antiques.

Survivors include two daughters, Janice Haigh of DeKalb and Sheryl L. (Charles) Bushman of Dixon; and six grandchildren, Brian Hartzell, Janelle Hartzell, Michelle Benjamin, Brent Hartzell, Brian Bushman, and Bradley Bushman.