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Obituaries

Duane E. Pohlman, 55

Duane E. Pohlman, age 55, of Huntley, formerly of Woodstock, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home.  He was born on March 23, 1968, in Woodstock to Robert and Judith (Wilbrandt) Pohlman. He married Alyson LaBue on Oct. 1, 1994, at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock. Duane worked for the Crystal Lake post office for 10 years; he then spent 25 years at Advantage Moving and Storage. He enjoyed fishing and cooking. He loved to talk sports with his son, Jace, was a Bears and Cubs fan, and adopted a love for the Oregon Ducks. He loved working out and enjoying time with his loving family. Anyone who knew Duane knew he put others first and had a selfless

William Richard ‘Bill’ Arsenty, 46

William Richard “Bill” Arsenty, 46, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Born April 6, 1977 in Woodstock, he was the first of two children to Bob and Ginny Arsenty.Growing up, Bill loved nature and fishing. You’d often find him down by the nearby creek catching frogs or fishing at the nearest park. He started many friendships as a teenager he would maintain for the rest of his life.In 2002, he met Jamie Graham and her daughter, Nicole. He joined their family and soon created their own, having two more daughters together. Bill, Jamie, and the girls eventually moved down to Texas, settling in Midlothian. For the last eleven years, he worked for the McLane Company as

Catherine ‘Cathy’ Barkwill, 73

Catherine “Cathy” Barkwill, 73, of Machesney Park, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Swedish American Hospital. Born March 31, 1950, in Chicago, daughter of Edward and Marion (Kozlowski) Koziarski. Married Kenneth Barkwill on Oct. 3, 1987. Employed by National City Bank and Alpine Bank, beginning as a bookkeeper and moving up to work as a loan officer and eventually an auditor. Member of Pine Grove Free Methodist Church. Cathy enjoyed reading on her Kindle, crocheting, doing Sudoku puzzles, and watching British TV shows, especially Miss Marple. She took wonderful care of her husband. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; daughter, Lauren Radovich; stepdaughter, Victoria (Billy) Cheatum; grandchildren, La’Trayce

James J. Skozek, 74

James J. Skozek, 74, passed away unexpectedly on May 9, 2023, at Barron Hospital, Barron, Wis. James was born Sept. 25, 1948, in Chicago to Stanley and Irene Skozek. James attended and was a proud alumnus of St. Ignatius High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Loyola University and a master’s degree in school administration from Roosevelt University. Jim married the love of his life, Deborah Sobczyk, on July 11, 1976. They spent 46 wonderful years together, supporting each other and raising a family. A sociable but quiet man, Jim remained calm and rational in any crisis or difficult situation. He possessed an inner strength and exacting sense of fairness. Jim fostered a love of learning and

Virginia (Angelucci) Vignone, 100

Virginia (Angelucci) Vignone, beloved mother, known to those who loved her as Nana, was born April 12, 1923, in Ralphton, Pa., and died peacefully in her sleep on April 14, 2023, two days past her 100th birthday. She was attended to by her son, Charles; her daughter, Virginia; and grandson, Christian. Virginia was first generation Italian. Her parents and uncles arrived at Ellis Island in 1918. Virginia, moved from her home in McKees Rocks, Pa., to Chicago in 1947, finally settling in Lansing, Ill., in 1950, where she raised six children and gave a home to many nieces and nephews. An active member of the American Legion and volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America, Virginia welcomed everyone to her home.

Adam Hanson, 22

Adam Hanson, age 22 of rural Wisconsin Dells, Wis., died Friday, May 5, 2023. Memorial funeral services will be held Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Conway-Picha Funeral Home in Lyndon Station, Wis., with Dave Kordell officiating. Visitation will be held at Conway Picha Funeral Home on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Adam was born July 27, 2000, in Woodstock. He grew up in the Wisconsin Dells area and attended schools there. In April of 2018 he was inducted into the U.S. Marines and later was honorably discharged in April of 2022. Adam learned jiu-jitsu martial arts and trained regularly. Adam was an outdoor enthusiast whether it was hiking, fishing,

Genevieve Margaret Breitweiser, 68

Genevieve Margaret Breitweiser, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 68, on Sunday, April 30, 2023 after a valiant 16-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Genevieve, affectionately known as Jeanie, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 7, 1954, to Harold and June Elam. She later married the love of her life, Edwin Paul Breitweiser, on December 22, 1979. Together, they raised three loving daughters, Theresa, Stephanie, and Monica. With unwavering dedication and love, Genevieve selflessly devoted herself to her family, especially her grandchildren. Her kind and quiet nature combined with sense of humor, and most importantly faith in Christ endeared her to all who knew her. Genevieve is preceded in

Dolores E. Burke, 101

Dolores E Burke, 101, of Woodstock, passed away on April 27, 2023, in Geneva, surrounded by her loving family. She was born at home in Volo on August 31, 1921, the eldest of three daughters of John J and Josephine E (Krapf) Wagner. On May 22, 1946, she married George M Burke of Woodstock at St. Peter Catholic Church, Volo. The couple enjoyed almost 70 years of marriage until his death on December 22, 2015. Dolores attended St. Peter School, Volo, and graduated from McHenry High School. She was the last surviving member of McHenry High School Class of 1939. While in high school, she was employed as a bookkeeper at the McHenry Ice Cream Company. After high school and

Rosalie E. Lauerman, née Haas, 81

Rosalie E. Lauerman, née Haas, died peacefully on April 24, 2023, in McHenry at the age of 81. Rosalie is survived by her husband, David; children, Kurt D. Lauerman of Frisco, Texas, and Thomas A. Lauerman of State College, Pa; as well as four grandchildren, Thomas D. Lauerman of San Francisco, Charlotte Lauerman of Frisco, Texas, Marcella Lauerman of State College, Pa., and Felix Lauerman of State College, Pa. Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur M. and Loretta M., née Bechtoldt, Haas, and her sister Joanne Mueller, née Haas. Rosalie was born on July 2, 1941, in Mascoutah, Ill., to Arthur and Loretta Haas. She graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 1963 with a Bachelor of

Bonnie Rachel Masslich McConnell, 92

Bonnie Rachel Masslich McConnell was born on June 12, 1930, in Highland Park, Ill., and grew up in Woodstock. She passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2023. She attended Knox College before finishing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Illinois. She married David A. McConnell and they settled in East Dundee, Ill. She and Dave had a true partnership: together they raised their family, worked to build a veterinary practice, and enjoyed their many interests, especially enjoying a meal with loved ones, travel, and land stewardship.  Everybody called her Bonnie. The perfect hostess, for decades her home was the center of family reunions for Independence Day, outdoor Thanksgiving, and countless gatherings with family and

Top Writers

Larry Lough

Larry Lough

Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.

Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio

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

Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray

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

Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.

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