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Obituaries

Patricia ‘Pat‘ Herbst, 64

A life beautifully lived: Patricia “Pat” Herbst (Jan. 8, 1961-April 8, 2025)It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Patricia “Pat” Herbst, a woman whose radiant spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and impeccable style touched the lives of all who knew her. Pat departed this world peacefully on April 8, 2025, in Woodstock, surrounded by her loving family, a testament to the immense love she cultivated throughout her life. Born on Jan. 8, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Mich., Pat was the cherished daughter of John and Marilyn Lierman. From her earliest days, she possessed a vibrant energy and a remarkable ability to connect with others. As one of six siblings, she

Dale Edward Lavan, 86

There will be a Celebration of Life for Dale Edward Lavan on May 10, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Stage Left Cafe, Woodstock. Dale was born on April 22, 1938, in Chicago to Edward and Bernice (Skokal) Lavan. He quietly passed away on Oct. 27, 2024, in Paducah, Ky., where he had retired in 2018. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cary Sue (Byerly); his son, John (Kristi); daughter, Debra Shook; his brother Ed (Cathi); sisters Mary Ellen Lavan (Dennis Howe, deceased) and Ann Marie (Bill) Dominguez; and many nieces and nephews. Dale served his country for four years in the Air Force in the late 1950s. Most of his career was in quality

Alex Majewski, 87

Alex Majewski, aged 87, passed away April 10, 2025.  He was the loving husband of Shirley Hedman; stepfather to Daniel (Holly) Hedman and Stephen (Lisa Felks) Hedman; stepgrandfather to Hannah (fiancé Nathanael), Abigail, and Joshua Hedman; loving brother to Louis (Mary Kay) Majewski; and proud uncle to Dave (Colleen) Majewski and Christine (Tom) Quinn.  He is fondly remembered by extended family and friends. Alex was a proud graduate of Albert G. Lane Technical High School class of 1956 and a proud member of the Illinois National Guard.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday April 22, 2025, at St Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will follow the visitation at

Donald Charles Beyer, 81

Donald Charles Beyer, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in the Victorian Village subdivision of Woodstock, Illinois, on April 10, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 29, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Don’s life was rooted in music, service, and deep compassion for others. When his family relocated to Woodstock during his childhood, it marked the beginning of a lifelong connection to the community he would come to shape through his talents and generosity. Don began playing piano as a young boy, and by the age of 12 he was playing the organ for the Grace Lutheran Church on Washington Street, and by 16 he was teaching piano. A 1961 graduate of Woodstock

Curtis Lee Schacht, 85

Curtis Lee Schacht, 85, of Leesburg, IN passed away peacefully at his home on April 3, 2025. Curt was born June 20, 1939 in Woodstock, IL to Karl and Virginia (Pierce) Schacht. He was a graduate of Woodstock Community High School in 1957 and of Northern Illinois University in 1962. He met the love of his life, Ruth Ann at Woodstock HS and they married on January 26, 1963. They shared 60 years of love, happiness and family and spent over 50 years enjoying lake life on Tippecanoe Lake. Curt began his 36-year career with RR Donnelly in Chicago and transferred to the Warsaw office in 1974. He worked in multiple roles until he retired in 1998. Retirement didn’t last

Thomas “Tom” Morley Schwarz, 61

Tom Schwarz, the big old, 6-foot Teddy Bear with a cute, endearing smile, died March 28, 2025, in Crystal Lake, after more than seven years of debilitating health, having suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was 61. He was born Nov. 18, 1963, near Cleveland, Ohio, the first son of Thomas C. and Joan (Morley) Schwarz. Tom was a staunch Green Bay Packers fan and football follower. He starred on football fields as a high school student in Texas and while in college at Carroll University, Waukesha, Wis. He proudly wore Packer paraphernalia year round and especially in the company of Bears fans. Tom met Lora Totton when they were freshmen at Carroll. On July 5, 1986, two months after

Dr. Burton Terry “Doc” Wolf, 92

Dr. Burton Terry “Doc” Wolf passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida surrounded by the love of his family. The week before, Doc celebrated his 92nd birthday at his favorite restaurant along with his wife, Jane and family members. Doc was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 25, 1933, to Dr. Henry Wolf and Rose Yeager Wolf. He was the eldest of 3 children, followed by Howie and Marcia. His parents had moved from Chicago to the small town of Elgin, Iowa where Henry was well-loved as the only physician in a 50-mile radius. Doc attended schools in Elgin, Iowa where he excelled in sports, academics and making life-long friendships. During the first week

Helen Lois Limbaugh, 85

Helen Lois Limbaugh, known by everyone as Lois, of Woodstock, IL passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025 at her home.  She was 85.    She was born on May 22, 1939, on her maternal grandmother’s birthday, to Stanley and Helen (Thompson) Hunt in Hartland IL.   Lois was raised in the Ringwood community, along with 4 brothers and 1 sister, attended the 2 room Ringwood grade school and the Ringwood First United Methodist church.   She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school.   She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1957.   On June 14, 1958, she married Eugene (Gene) Limbaugh in Woodstock, where they raised 3 children, Elaine, Lynell and Brad.   Growing up her greatest passion was sewing, starting at age 8 in 4-H.   Along with sewing, embroidery,

Joseph B. McCarthy, 76

Joseph B. McCarthy, affectionately known as Joe, passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Walworth, with his loving wife by his side. Born on July 25, 1949, in Rockford, Illinois, Joe lived a life defined by faith, family, and service. A devoted member of St. Mary Parish in Woodstock for over 40 years, Joe’s unwavering commitment to his faith was reflected in his long-standing membership with the Knights of Columbus and his role as an usher at Sunday masses. Beyond his parish, Joe actively contributed to the Woodstock Little League and was a cherished member of the “Dream Crew.” For nearly 20 years, he tirelessly volunteered his time to help rebuild and maintain the Dream Field, leaving

Dale Edward Lavan, 86

There will be a Celebration of Life for Dale Edward Lavan on May 10, 2025 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Stage Left Cafe, Woodstock, IL. Dale was born on April 22, 1938, in Chicago to Edward and Bernice (Skokal) Lavan. He quietly passed on October 27, 2024 in Paducah, KY where he retired in 2018. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cary Sue (Byerly); his son, John (Kristi); daughter Debra Shook; his brother Ed (Cathi); sisters Mary Ellen Lavan (Dennis Howe, deceased) and Ann Marie (Bill) Dominguez; and many nieces and nephews. Dale served his country for four years in the Air Force in the late 1950s. Most of his career was in Quality

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Larry Lough

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Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.

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Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.

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