George Batorson
George Samuel Batorson, 93, of Decatur, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 in St. Mary’s Hospital. Mr. Batorson was born March 12, 1918, in Plano, son of Steven and Julia (Sabo) Batorson.
A World War II Army veteran and member of Christ United Methodist Church, George worked as a grounds keeper for Staley’s for 32 years retiring in 1982.
He married Agnes Elaine Coling March 15, 1942 in St. Charles.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 70 years, Elaine of Decatur; daughter, Julie (Doug) Pope of Decatur; son, Dennis Batorson of Decatur; 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; sister, Margaret Devick of Yorkville; along with several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Mr. Batorson was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Rita; and brothers Alec, Steven, Louis, and Joseph and by sisters Elorn Bieritz and Anne Gross.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, Jan. 26 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home in Decatur with Revv Kelly Cox celebrating. Memorials may be sent to Christ United Methodist Church 1503 N Summit Ave, Decatur, IL 62526-3405. Memories and condolences may also be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Barbara Huggins
Barbara Huggins, 64, of Plano, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012 at Sandwich Rehab and Health Care Center. She was born May 23, 1947 in Mt. Vernon, IL, the daughter of the late Charles and Doris (Thomason) Zimmerman.
Barbara attended Shabbona High School and later studied psychology. She worked for many years in the Yorkville, Sandwich and Plano areas for various manufacturing companies. All while raising three children.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Keith and Dena Riddle of Plano, Troy Huggins of Cedar Creek, Texas, Shane and Kristi Huggins of Bastrop, Texas; her grandchildren, Jeremiah, Heather, Shaylee, Taylor and Brennan, her sister Kay Tracey and her brother Leonard Zimmerman and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Connie (Zimmerman) Milton.
Visitation was held Saturday, Feb 4 at The Healy Chapel, 370 W. Division Dr, Sugar Grove. Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 4 at The Healy Chapel, Sugar Grove. Interment was at Plattville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Sandwich Rehab and Health Care Center, 902 E. Arnold St., Sandwich, IL 60548.
Visit www.healychapel.com to sign the online guestbook.
Michael Musko
Michael Musko, Jr., 87, of Naperville, died on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 at Arden Court in Geneva. He was born on Feb. 6, 1924 in Benld, IL the son of Michael and Anne (Toy) Musko.
Mr. Musko served his country proudly with the United States Navy during World War II. Michael survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and was then stationed in the South Pacific.
He was employed for many years, as an Electrical Engineer with Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont.
Michael is survived by his children, Catherine (Anthony) Tonyan of Yorkville George (Sharon) Musko of Yorkville, Thomas (Carrie) Musko of Montgomery and Joseph Musko of Isle, IL; his grandchildren, Zach Tonyan, Alex Tonyan, Dana Rose Musko, Brittany (Daniel) Gregory and Tyler Musko; his sister, Midge Satterfield of Dearborn, MI; and his two nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Anne Musko; his granddaughter, Julie Ann Freund; his two brothers, George and Charles Musko; and his two sisters, Anna Mankes and Mickey Loman.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 E. Countryside Pkwy. in Yorkville. Interment followed in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
Visitation was held Monday, Feb. 6, at the funeral home in Yorkville. www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com .
Charlotte Messing
Charlotte C. Messing, 80, of Aurora, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012 at Aurora Rehabilitation and Living Center in Aurora. She was born June 1, 1931 in Osceola, NE the daughter of the late Edward H. and Esther C nee Conway Messing.
Charlotte was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Oswego and the SAS Group of the church. She was a graduate of Tampa University with a degree in music and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. She also went on to receive a nursing degree from Wichita Nursing in 1981.
Charlotte is survived by two sisters, Marilyn (Malcolm) Westley, Ramona Plock of Montgomery; two brothers, Terence (Gloria) Messing of Hutchison, KS, William Messing of Austin, TX, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother Vincent Messing, two sister-in-laws Karen Messing, Millie Messing and brother-in-law Robert Plock.
Memorial mass was celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 4 by Fr. David Hankus at St. Anne Catholic Church, 551 Boulder Hill Pass, Oswego. To further science, Charlotte donated her body to NIU.
Memorials may be directed to either St. Anne’s Parish Trust Fund, PO Box 670, Oswego, IL 60543 or APDA-MC (Parkinson’s Disease Foundation) 1800 North Main Street, Suite 215, Wheaton, IL 60187.
Arrangements were by Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory in Oswego, IL.
Victor Runge
Victor A. Runge 92, of Hillside died Jan. 31, 2012, at Willow Crest Nursing Pavilion in Sandwich. He was born March 5, 1919 in Neillsville, Wis., to the late Otto and Pearl (Schaefer) Runge.
He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1936 and retired from truck driving.
He is survived by his son, William (Julie) Runge of Norway; a brother, Dale, of Neillsville, Wis.; two grandchildren, Ken Runge of Norway and Rick (Coreen) Runge of Plano; and one great grandchild, Jacob.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary, on Oct. 2, 2009.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Beverage Family Funeral Home in Sandwich. Interment followed at Norway Cemetery. Visitation was Friday, Feb. 3 at the funeral home.
Daniel Nauert
Daniel “Dan” T. Nauert, 43, of Sugar Grove, died on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Elmhurst Hospital in Elmhurst, Ill. He was born April 9, 1968, in Aurora, the son of Paul and Judy (West) Nauert.
Dan grew up in Oswego with his father, mother and older brother, Dave Nauert. He attended Oswego High School where he became very involved as a student athlete. He represented the Panthers in both football, basketball and was an all-state baseball player as well. Throughout his experience at OHS, Dan also managed to win over the heart of his high school sweetheart, Dawn Coddington. The two were united in marriage on Aug. 3, 1991.
He began his college journey at Eastern Illinois University, but after a year discovered his true home at Monmouth College. His skill in baseball allowed him to represent the Fighting Scots for three years as well. Outside of his success and involvement in baseball, Dan spent his time at Monmouth with all of his fraternity brothers at the TKE house. He graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in business.
His career path led him to many different places but ultimately brought him to JVM Realty where he was the Chief Operating Officer and saw his co-workers as a second family.
He is survived by his wife, Dawn; his three children, Megan, Dylan and Hannah, his mother, Judy, his mother and father-in-law, Grace and Larry Coddington, his brother, Dave, and his father, Paul, and members of his extended family.
A funeral mass was celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Holy Angels Church, located at the intersection of Hardin and Lancaster Avenues. Fr. Bob Jones officiated. Interment was at Blackberry Township Cemetery in Elburn. Visitation was Friday, Feb. 3 at the Healy Chapel, 370 Division Dr., Sugar Grove.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association.
Visit the website at www.healy chapel.com to leave an online condolence.
Alice (Jeannette) Bertram
Alice Jeannette Bertram, 85, died on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012 at the home of her son, James (Deborah) Bertram in Brumley, Mo.,under the care of hospice. She was born on Aug. 5, 1926 in Aurora, and grew up in Montgomery. She was the daughter of Edward and Leila Rector of Montgomery.
Jeannette was united in marriage to Raymond Bertram on Thanksgiving Eve in 1948 at the Bristol Methodist Church and they enjoyed 56 years of marriage until his death in 2005.
Jeannette was one of the founding members of New Life Assembly Church of Yorkville and an active member of Osage Beach First Assembly since moving to Missouri in 2009. Jeannette graduated from West High School, Aurora, in 1943 and worked as a school secretary at Todd Elementary School in Aurora. She was also employed at Lyon Metal, Montgomery, during World War II and Stephens-Adamson, Aurora. Jeannette was a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Aurora and was active in the Sanctuary Choir, a Sunday school teacher and served in many committees of the church and also in church leadership. Jeannette enjoyed knitting, was a passionate reader and learner and enjoyed her flower gardens. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels in Kendall County and enjoyed spending time with those she served. In 2009, she moved along with her daughter, Sue, to Osage Beach, Mo., to be closer to her son and former neighbor, James (Deb). Sue and Jeannette lived together for over two years, when she was moved to James and Deb’s home for additional care.
Jeannette is survived by her daughter, Susan Bertram of Osage Beach, Mo., her sons, Guy (Linda) Bertram of Richmond, Va., James (Deb) of Brumley, Mo., and David (Janet) Bertram of Rifle, Colo.; and daughter-in-law, Debbie (John) of Naperville; her eight grandchildren, Jacob Bertram, Zachary Bertram, Deja Hanson, Jennifer Bertram, Kristen Jones, Michael Frost, Elizabeth Funk, and Catherine Fanthorpe; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her son, John; and her sisters, Charlene Wood and Eleanor Mundwiler.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 4 at Osage Beach First Assembly Church, 4455 Church St., Osage Beach, Missouri. Visitation was prior to services at the church.
Additional services were held Tuesday, Feb. 7 at New Life Church, 3205 Cannonball Trail, Yorkville. Visitation was prior to services at the church. Interment was at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bristol.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice Compassus or Osage Beach First Assembly of God Church.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.hedgesscottfuneralhomes.com Arrangements were under the care of Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Osage Beach, Mo.
Frances Bretthauer
Frances E. Bretthauer, 101, of Yorkville, IL died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 at Jennings Terrace in Aurora. She was born on June 23, 1910 in Hersman, IL, the daughter of Harvey and Florence (Means) Fry.
Frances was united in marriage on Nov. 30, 1935 in Vincennes, IN to Arnold Fred Bretthauer and they spent the next 54 years together until his passing in 1989.
Frances was, for over 65 years, an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Yorkville, IL and was in the Naomi Circle at the church.
Frances taught all eight grades at the Brown School, which was located outside of Yorkville. She was a member of the Kendall County Farm Bureau. Mrs. Bretthauer was, for many years, a volunteer at the Open Door Rehabilitation Center in Sandwich and at age 90 was still a volunteer helper at the Hillside Healthcare Center in Yorkville. She was a gifted seamstress and welcomed the opportunity to sew for her family and friends. Frances enjoyed taking care of her family above everything else.
She is survived by her sons, Ronald L. Bretthauer of Aurora and Stanley (Janet) Bretthauer of Yorkville; her granddaughter, Stannette (Rick) Kraber of Yorkville; her great-grandchildren, Logan, Cody, Jordan and Alexis Kraber; her brother-in-law Donald Faler of Quincy, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arnold Bretthauer; her grandson, Kelly Bretthauer; her three brothers, James, William, and Edwin Fry; and three sisters, Mary Barnes, Helen Aber, and Ruth Faler.
Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 10104 Immanuel Road, Yorkville. Interment followed in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Yorkville.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 E. Countryside Parkway in Yorkville.
Memorials in Frances’ name may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Open Door Rehabilitation Center, 405 South Wells St., Sandwich, IL 60548.
Virginia Jensen
Virginia A. Jensen, 78, of Sandwich, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 at the Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich. She was born on June 1, 1933 in Sandwich, the daughter of Maynard and Josephine (Hare) Sherman.
Virginia was united in marriage on Nov. 24, 1953 to Laverne J. Jensen and they spent the next 58 years of their lives together.
Virginia was a member of the Community Church of Christ in Plano and the VFW Auxiliary in Sandwich. She enjoyed several hobbies but most of all she loved to knit.
She is survived by her husband, Laverne Jensen of Sandwich; her five children, Pam Ainsworth of Yorkville, Gloria (Fred) Gates of Yorkville, Michele Bogetel of Indiana, Michael (Debbie) Jensen of Dixon, IL and Susan Hensley of Indiana; her 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and her sister, Sally (William) Kolb of Sandwich.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Maynard and Josephine Sherman; and her brother, David Sherman.
Interment will be private.
Jack Coakley
Jack G. “Rocky” Coakley, 58, of St. Peters, Mo., formerly of Somonauk, Oswego and Montgomery, died after a fight with complications from heart surgery. He was born Aug. 30, 1953 in Aurora, to the late Jack and Marie (nee Raymond) Coakley.
For many years Jack worked as a custodian, bus driver and, most recently, a security guard at the school districts near where he lived.
Survivors include his wife Lauralee (nee Wurtz), whom he married on Feb. 20, 1988 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.; his three daughters, Rebecca A. Coakley of Somonauk, Jennifer L. (David P.) Hart of Somonauk, Tabetha A. Reid of St. Peters, Mo.; a son, Scott A. (Lynn M.) Reid of St. Charles, Mo.; five grandchildren, Samantha M., Tyler D. and Brennen K. Hart, all of Somonauk, Emily N. and Kaylee E. Reid both of St. Charles, Mo., and many nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Donna Bakacs and Diana Duffy.
A gathering of friends will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 1801 South Douglas Road, Oswego.
Cremation was accorded the wishes of Jack and his family. Burial will take place at Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the Coakley Family, c/o P.O. Box 665, Oswego, IL 60543.
Arrangement were entrusted to the Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory in Oswego.
Edward Kubisak
Edward Kubisak, 81, died on Friday, Feb. 3 at his home in Belen, N.M. He was born in Chicago, the son of Edward and Helen Kubisak.
Ed served in the United States Air Force during the Koran Conflict. It was during this time that he met Roberta “Bobbi” Froehlich. They were married in 1955 and spent the next 54 years together until her death in 2008. Ed and Bobbi moved to Aurora where they had five children, Jeff of Los Lunas, N.M., Ken of Sandwich, Jim of Aurora, Kevin of Plano, and Debi Caldwell of Belen. Ed went to work for Caterpillar where he was the first traffic manager of their Aurora plant. The family moved to Bristol where they made their home for the next 25 years.
When he wasn’t at work, Ed spent every minute with his family. He was a coach for the Bristol Pony League and the president of the Bristol Boys Baseball Association. Every Christmas he would make sure that “Santa’s” visit was something special to look forward to. He was known throughout the neighborhood for his Trick or Treat visits and started many other traditions that the family looked forward to every year.
Ed retired from Caterpillar in 1979 and moved with Bobbi to Albuquerque, N.M. After settling in Belen, N.M. they became involved in the hot air ballooning community. Ed earned his hot air balloon pilot’s licenses and spent as many hours as he could in the air. He served as a safety official at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for many years. The cruise he and Bobbi took together for their 50th anniversary was one of his favorite memories. Ed was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Belen.
He is survived by all five of his children; brother, Carl Kubisak of Dana Point, Calif.; sisters, Jean Kubisak of Eau Claire, Wis. and Paula Grant of Crown Point, Ind.; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A public viewing was held on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Romero Funeral Home Chapel, 609 N. Main, Belen, N.M. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. at Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen. Ed will be laid to rest beside his wife. A reception will follow at the family home.
The family requests that donations be made to the Valencia Shelter Services, 303 Luna Avenue, Los Lunas, N.M. 87031. Sign the online register book at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com.
Flora Griswold
Flora L. Griswold 93, of Sandwich died Feb. 5, 2012 at Valley West Community Hospital Sandwich.
She was born on Feb. 22, 1918 in Sandwich to the late Charles and Della Dickson. She was married to Merle Griswold for 76 and one-half years.
She graduated from Radiology School and worked at Sandwich Community Hospital and retired after 29 years. She was member of Sandwich Moose Lodge since 1950. She was a gourmet cook and quilter.
She is survived by her husband. Merle of Sandwich; her children, Jackie Green of Sandwich and Judy (John) Holley of Millington; six grandchildren, Mike and Pat Green of Sandwich, Roberta (Bobbie) Holley of Sandwich, Diane (Tony Vogt) Olson of Sandwich, Tim (Jeannie) Holley of Tulsa, OK and Doug (Yvonne) Holley of Millington, and 10 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and a sister Maxine Dickson.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Beverage FamilyFuneral Home in Sandwich with interment to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Sandwich. Visitation was held Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the funeral home with a Ladies of the Moose service held.
Josef Zimniak
Josef S Zimniak, 87, of Oswego, formerly of Yonkers, Westchester County, N.Y. died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. He was born Jan. 1, 1925 in Poland.
Josef was a member of St. Casimir Catholic Church in Yonkers, N.Y. Prior to retirement, Josef was a general contractor in the Westchester County, N.Y. area.
Josef is survived by a daughter, Christine (John) Baum of Webster, N,Y.; three sons, Henry Zimniak of Oswego, John (Michele) Zimniak of Highland Mills, N.Y., Joseph (Kathleen) Zimniak of Cumming, Ga.; six grandchildren, Lisa (James) Kunde of Union, Ill., Michael Zimniak of Austin, Tex., Julia Baum of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jacqueline Baum of Rochester, N.Y., Tiffany Zimniak of Cumming, Ga., Alexis Zimniack of Cumming, Ga.; two great-grandchildren, Alexis Kunde and Daniel Kunde, both of Union, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his wife Elsa (nee Reger) Zimniak and a daughter-in-law, Louise M. (nee Timoteo) Zimniak.
Visitation was Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 1801 South Douglas Road, Oswego, before the Mass of Christian burial at St. Anne Catholic Church, 551 Boulder Hill Pass, Oswego, celebrated by Fr. David Hankus. Burial took place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Aurora.
Roy Brossman
Roy William Brossman, 86, a lifelong resident of Naperville died on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at the Tiller’s Nursing Home in Oswego. Mr. Brossman was born Nov.1, 1925, in Aurora.
He farmed his entire life in the Wheatland Township area of Naperville. He was a member of the Farm Bureau of Will County and the Illinois Farm Bureau. Roy was a longtime member of the DuPage Presbyterian Church in Bolingbrook.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Toots” Brossman (nee Schoger) whom he married on Aug. 20 , 1949; one son, Larry (Patricia) (nee Glover) Brossman; three grandchildren, Ashley, Tamara and Kenneth Brossman; and a sister, Leona Boughton Bower.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mae (nee Found) Brossman, and two brothers, Thomas and Howard .
A funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at DuPage Presbyterian Church, 180 North Weber Rd. Bolingbrook. Interment will be at Wheatland Cemetery, Naperville. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home and Crematory, 24021 W. Royal Worlington Dr., Naperville and at the church Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorials in Roy’s name may be made to the church.
Sarah Alice Wilson
Sarah Alice Wilson, 93, of Aurora, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at the Tillers in Oswego. She was born Jan. 9, 1919, in Eaton, Ohio, the daughter of the late Chester and Catherine (French) Wehrley.
On Sept. 16, 1963, she married Lyle H. Wilson who preceded her in death. They had their home in Nottingham Woods near Sugar Grove on Route 47. Sarah (Sally) had been employed at Metropolitan Printing in Aurora as it grew from a small secretarial service to an offset printing company. After her husband’s death on Sept. 7, 1971, she continued to work for several years, retiring at age 60. She continued to live in Nottingham Woods for many years, then moved to Fernwood Gardens in Montgomery in 1988, where she served as treasurer of the Home Owners Association for many years.
She became a Christian and joined the Aurora First Free Methodist Church in 1971 and was active in teaching Sunday School and served as treasurer for many years.
Sally moved to Plum Landing in Aurora in November 2006. She also began attending and became a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Montgomery.
She is survived by her sisters, Joan Lathrop of Medford, Ore., and Marjorie Martin of Richmond, Ind.; several nieces and nephews, as well as a stepson, John Wilson, step-grandchildren, Debra Booth, Wendy Audette, Jeffrey Wilson, Jacklyn Lynch and several step great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Hilda Bond, and brothers Richard Wehrley and George Wehrley.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 63 Fernwood Road, Montgomery. Cremation was by the Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Oswego. Burial will be in Earlville at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s School.
Harold Melges
Harold L. “Buzz” Melges, 70, of Mt. Morris, formerly of Plano, died Sunday Feb. 5, 2012 in Swedish-American Hospital, Rockford. He was born June 6, 1941 in Redwood Falls, MN the son of Harold K. AND Marian Luetje Melges.
Harold married Norma Tripp in Plano on June 30, 1963. Harold was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He was an electrician for many years with AT & T, and then was a HVAC technician with Dreyer Medical Clinic in Aurora.
Harold was a member and served as an Elder of the Community of Christ Church in Rockford. HE was loyal to his Minnesota Vikings and Twins, and enjoyed fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Norma; daughter, Brynn (Mark) Mathieu of Byron, IL; son, Brad (Tracy) Melges of Montgomery; grandchildren, Olivia Melges, Eddie Vonasch, and Arynn and Luke Mathieu; sister, Noreen Bandh of Spokane, WA; brother, David (Shirley) Melges of Spokane, WA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in Lincoln Memorial Park, Oswego. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon is assisting the family with arrangements.www.farrellhollandgale.com
Helen Sears
Helen Lehman Sears, 87, of Plano, died on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora. She was born on July 24, 1924 in LaCrosse, WI the daughter of Fritz and Anna (Papenfuss) Lehman.
Helen was a 1945 graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, WI. While teaching school in Waukesha, WI she was introduced to her future husband, Jim, by his sister, Mary Lou Sears. Helen was then united in marriage on June 10, 1950 at the First Lutheran Church in LaCrosse, WI to Mr. James Morris Sears and they spent the next 60 years together until his passing on Oct. 3, 2010.
She was a longtime and very active member of the First Lutheran Church in Plano. Until two weeks ago, Helen participated in both its Ruth Circle and Quilting Group. She was also a former 4-H Leader and member of the Plano School District 88 Board. Mrs. Sears enjoyed several hobbies including painting lovely pictures and tending her flower and vegetable gardens. She and her husband Jim, enjoyed traveling together extensively throughout the world.
She is survived by her daughters, Anne Sears and Barbara Sears, both of Plano; her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Haake of Naperville; her nephew and nieces, Jeff Haake of Naperville, Linda Hess of Plano, and Peggy (Paul) Gordon of Winnetka; also several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fritz and Anna Lehman; her husband, James Sears; her brothers-in-law, Charles Haake and Frank Hess; and her sister-in-law, Carol Hess.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 3 at the First Lutheran Church of Plano, 200 N. Center St. with Pastor Bruce Booher, officiating. Interment followed in the Little Rock Township Cemetery in Plano.
Memorials for Helen may be directed to the First Lutheran Church of Plano or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Visitation was held Thursday, Feb.2, at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 1010 W. South St. in Plano, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com.
Richard Kelm
Richard A. Kelm, 65, of Shabbona Health Care Center, Shabbona and formerly of Minonk, died Friday Jan. 27, 2012 at the health care center.
Richard was born Sept. 27, 1946 at Bloomington, IL to Walter W. and Gertie (Fortman) Kelm.
Surviving is one sister, Ilene (Bill) Beverly, of Sandwich; two nephews, Joel (Heather) Beverly of Hainesville and Ryan (Amanda) Beverly of Sandwich and one great-nephew, Kevin Beverly.
His parents preceded him in death.
Richard had lived in Minonk and later moved to Friendship Village of Ottawa where he was part of the ADDWC workshop program. While at Friendship Village he enjoyed bowling, signing in the Friendship Choir and was active in the Special Olympics.
He later had moved to Kanthak House in Ottawa.
Richard was an avid Cub’s fan and enjoyed bowling. His biggest love in life was Elvis. He did have the opportunity to go and see Graceland with his family.
Richard had attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Minonk.
Visitation was held Tuesday Jan. 31, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Minonk. Funeral services followed with the Rev. Ray Barclay officiating. Burial was at Minonk Township Cemetery, Minonk.
Memorials may be made to the Friendship Village of Ottawa, Kanthak House of Ottawa or to the Special Olympics.
Calvert-Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk was in charge of arrangements.
Valerie Dennin
Valerie B. Dennin, 45, of Yorkville, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, after a 30-year battle with MS. She was born on March 1, 1966 in Aurora, the daughter of Michelle (Hornburg) Cullen and Ronald W. Dennin.
Valerie was a 1984 graduate of Yorkville High School.
Valerie is survived by her mother, Michelle “Micki” Hornburg (Phillip) Cullen of Yorkville; her father, Ronald (Flora) Dennin of Waterman; her brother, Gregory (Kristi) Dennin of Sandwich; her aunts and uncles, Thomas (Patricia) Hornburg of Montgomery, Howard (Charleen) Hornburg of Orlando, FL, Dorothy Jane Hornburg of Aurora, Fredrick Hornburg of Oswego, Joseph Patrick Hornburg of San Diego, CA, Harold (Patty) Dennin of Illinois and Rick (Linda) Dennin, of North Aurora; her great-aunt, Geraldine Malloy, of Dallas, TX; as well as many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Elmer (Margaret) Hornburg and Harold (Bernice) Dennin; and her aunts, Debbie and Bobbie Dennin.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 E. Countryside Pkwy., Yorkville. Interment will be held at a later date.
Visitation was held Monday at the funeral home in Yorkville.
Memorials in Valerie’s name may be directed to the Bristol-Kendall Fire and Ambulance Department, 103 Beaver St., Yorkville, IL 60560 or to the National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes and Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com
Ila Roche
Ila Jean Roche, 95, of Yorkville, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 at Hillside Rehab and Care Center in Yorkville. She was born Feb. 6, 1916 in Aurora, the daughter of Arthur and Fern (Vankirk) Wade.
She married Clarence Roche in Yorkville. She was a member of the Plano American Legion, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints in Plano. She was also an avid Cubs fan.
She is survived by one daughter, Betty Jean Smith of Somonauk; three sons, Dennis (Carol) Roche of Georgia, Gary Roche of Chicago, Rick (Julie) Roche of Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one sister, Patricia Gareski of Plano; four brothers, Arthur (Lucy) Wade Jr., William (Arlene) Wade , Donald Sam (Betty) Wade, and Chuck (Nan) Johnson, all of Sandwich.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; one sister, Luella Johnson; five brothers, John, Howard, Dick, Jerry and Bob Wade.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk. Burial will follow in Little Rock Township Cemetery in Plano. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home in Somonauk.
Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association. To sign the online guest book go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com.
Marjorie Horton
Marjorie A. Horton, 62, of Plattville, died on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Walnut Grove Village, in Morris. She was born in Aurora on March 26, 1949, the daughter of Melvin and Florence (Wollenweber) Gates.
Marjorie was united in marriage on Aug. 5, 1969 at the Cross Lutheran Church in Yorkville to Mr. Wade Horton, and they spent the next 42 years of their lives together.
Mrs. Horton was a member of the Plattville United Methodist Church. She was employed for 25 years, as a waitress at several local restaurants. Marjorie enjoyed many hobbies, including working in her flower garden, baking, sewing, and cooking, especially at Christmas time.
She is survived by her husband, Wade Horton, of Plattville; her daughters, Crystal Horton, of Plattville and Andraya Horton, of Kankakee; her granddaughters, Shelby Spencer Horton, of Plattville and Cheyenne Autumn Strothman, of Plattville; her brothers, Ronald (Joan) Gates, of Bristol and Robert (Cindy) Gates, of Princeton; her sister, Nancy Gates, of Princeton, IL; her brother-in-law, Jim (Nancy) Horton, of Plattville; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Florence Gates.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Plattville United Methodist Church, 13025 Church Road at Plattville Road, Yorkville with Pastor Terry McLaughlin officiating. Interment followed in the Plattville Cemetery.
Visitation was before the service Tuesday at the Plattville United Methodist Church.
Arrangements were made by Nelson Funeral Homes and Crematory (630) 553-7611 or www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com.
Elnora Schindel
Elnora “Norie” Schindel, 83, of Aurora, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 at her home. She was born Nov. 8, 1928 in Oswego, the daughter of Elmer and Ruth Johnson.
Elnora and her husband, Don, were married for more than 60 years. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church. Elnora was an avid gardener and active in Presbyterian Women and the Aurora Women’s Club.
Elnora is survived by her children, Martha (Daniel) LaFave, Rebecca (Gerald) Snyder, Lisa (James) Rowley and Mark Donald Schindel; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and a sister, Violet (Walter) Daunheimer.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Place, Aurora. The funeral was Wednesday, Feb. 8 at First Presbyterian Church, 325 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Interment was at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 651 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60661.
Visit the website at www. healychapel.com to leave an online condolence.