Freeport: Carl E. Backus, 59 of Freeport died Monday April 24, 2006 at Stephenson Nursing Center in Freeport. Born June 9, 1946 in Freeport he was the son of Donald W. and Mildred (Paryzek) Backus. Carl graduated from Freeport High School in 1964 and Northern Illinois University in 1969. He was a fifth grade teacher at Taylor Park School and in the Lena-Winslow School District. He also managed the Surplus Store here in Freeport and then the Happy Joe's Restaurants in Kewanee and Geneseo. Upon returning to Freeport he was a counselor at St. Francis Home for Exceptional Children and the Norman Sleezer Home and most recently was a cook for NICAA Golden Meals Program. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and excellent cook. He enjoyed music a good glass of wine and beautiful women. He was a good son, the best brother, caring uncle, and great friend. Surviving is one brother, Allen "Jake" (Mary) Backus of Freeport, two sisters, Margaret (Bob) Wild of Freeport and Barbara (Stephan) Love of Canton, IL, two nieces, Tammy (Todd) Hoeft of Freeport, Elizabeth Love of Merrilville, IN and six nephews, Kevin Pfeiffer of Topeka, KS, Jacob Backus, Michael (Cindy) Backus, William Backus all of Freeport, Nathanael Love, of Peoria, Andrew Love of Schaumburg. Three grand nieces and two grand nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation rites were accorded. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday May 4th at Walker Mortuary with the Reverend Katie Mapes of Cedarville United Methodist Church officiating. Burial in will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 am until time of service. A memorial has been established in his name for the Norman Sleezer Home.