Gordon “Gordy” Russel, 78, of Woodstock passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2025, at his home in Woodstock. He was born on June 18, 1946, in Woodstock to Wilbert and Helen (Parker) Russel. He married Ella Pratt on Jan. 26, 1974. He worked in the asphalt business for many years until starting his own company in 1977, Russel Paving and Sealing. He had many customers and friends that used his expertise in and around Woodstock for paving. He loved to travel, especially to warm places where he would wear his colorful shorts and soak in the sun he loved to be in. He was a member of the United States Navy in the Seabees, the construction division of the Navy. His

Diane M. Baker-Lockwood, of Woodstock, left this world far too soon on Monday, February 17, 2025, at JourneyCare hospice facility in Barrington, IL. She was 79. Diane lived a life overflowing with an unwavering commitment to her husband, family, friends, and the countless people who were lucky enough to know her. Her true legacy lies in how she treated people. Her presence was magnetic and her kindness immeasurable. Diane was known for: a radiant smile that lit up any room she entered; her love for animals (cats like Casey, Niki, ThreeSpots, Cali, and Lucy all having a special place in her heart); the legendary spritz cookies she baked with love each Christmas with her mother or niece; and – just like

Mary (Maureen) Teresa Kammermeier, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025. She was 85 years old. Maureen was born March 26, 1939 in County Mayo, Ireland, to Edward and Nora (Jeffars) Hopkins, Maureen emigrated to Chicago, where she was raised alongside her sister, Barbara (Hopkins) Higgins, and her brother, the late Larry Hopkins. She dedicated her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse, a profession that reflected her compassionate and nurturing spirit. On April 27, 1963, Maureen married the love of her life, Ralph Kammermeier, with whom she shared 57 wonderful years until his passing in 2020. Together, they built a beautiful life in Woodstock, Illinois, raising six children and instilling in them

Mary Frances “Mary Fran” (Applegate) Madjak, of Woodstock passed away on Wednesday February 12, 2025 in McHenry IL, after a brief illness. She was born: July 31, 1940 in Washington, D.C., the only child of Charles F. and Genevieve G. (Garrett) Applegate. Early on Mary Fran moved with her parents to Joliet, IL where she attended St. Francis Academy and Joliet Junior College. In Joliet is where she met the man of her dreams, her husband Robert “Bob” Madjak also of Joliet. They were married a few years later on October 10, 1964. They had three children, Jennifer (Bob) Seegers, Jr, of Woodstock, Kerri (Paul) Hagy of Hinsdale and Charles “Chip” (Barb) Madjak of Crystal Lake. They also had four

Crystal Ann Schroeder, 76, formerly of Woodstock IL, Denver CO and Greenfield WI, passed away peacefully at Anam Care, Rockford IL, on February 16, 2025, after a heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Born on August 23, 1948, in Dubuque IA, the daughter of Robert C. & Shirley (Green) Schroeder, Crystal grew up in Woodstock, attending St. Mary’s Catholic School and Woodstock Community High School, graduating in 1966.  She was an active member in the National Honor Society, chorus, and theater, and was an accomplished pianist, studying under Willem Bleese, Crystal Lake.  She was a popular accompanist for singers and instrumentalists throughout school and beyond.  Throughout her life, Crystal was an executive for American National Bank, Chicago and Colorado National Bank,

Alice (Graikowski) Van Landuyt, of Woodstock passed away on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, at the age of 92 at Valley Hi Nursing & Rehab, Hartland. She was born Aug. 13, 1932, to Stanley and Elizabeth (Overman) Graikowski in Stanley, Wis.  On November 4, 1950, she married John Van Landuyt in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Together they celebrated 55 years of marriage when John passed away in 2005. Alice was a faithful and long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Alice worked at Valley Hi in the dietary department for 15 years while at the same time she attended St. Louis University to become a certified dietary manager. She catered for many weddings, funerals, and events throughout McHenry County. Alice opened the kitchen

Scott Steiger, formerly of Woodstock Illinois, passed away on January 12, 2025. Born on February 11, 1969 in Elgin, Illinois to William III and Kathleen (Plazewski). Scott grew up in Hanover Park before moving with his family to Woodstock in 1977. He attended Northwood Middle School and Woodstock High School where he was involved with the wrestling, football, and baseball teams. Scott was a die-hard Chicago Cub and Seattle Seahawks fan. Through every season, win or lose, Scott’s spirit and love for his teams was unwavering. A true lover of nostalgia, Scott found solace in the classics—old TV shows and movies that brought back fond memories, and video games that provided hours of entertainment. Whether navigating through a pixelated adventure

Byron E. Gleason, 81, died on January 22, 2025 at Northwest Community Hospital Hospice in Arlington Heights, IL. He is survived by his children, Susan Stelford (Roscoe), Byron Gleason Jr. (Karin), Nancy Gleason; his grandchildren Alex Stelford, Samantha Stelford, Hannah Gleason (Jon Tron) and Bryce Gleason; and his brother, Jerry Gleason (Laura). He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Gleason, and his daughter, Janet Gleason. Byron was born in Cairo, Illinois, the son of Earl and Naomi Gleason, and grew up in Cairo, Illinois and later Chicago Heights, Illinois, graduating from Bloom Township High School. He lived and raised his family, first in Oak Forest, Illinois and then in Algonquin, Illinois. Byron worked for many years as an

Laila Gudren Wilson, 91, died peacefully on Thursday Feb. 6, 2025, at Hearthstone Manor in Woodstock. She was surrounded by family and friends in her last days and weeks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Wilson Jr. , and leaves her children, Paul Wilson lll (Lynn), Linda Hansen (Tom), Tim Wilson (Gail), Todd Wilson (Deb) and Greta Engholm (Gary), 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.  Born in Chicago on Nov. 11, 1933, she grew up in the greater Chicagoland area and attended Maine Township High School in Park Ridge. Laila met the love of her life, Paul Wilson, in Park Ridge, where they were married on Nov. 10, 1950, and had 70 years together.They lived in

Robert “Bob” Pope, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 8,, 2025, at JourneyCare Hospice Care Center in Barrington, lll.. Bob was born on Jan. 14, 1938, in Woodstock to Fred and Velma Pope.  Bob, a lifelong resident of Woodstock, attended Woodstock High School and served in the United States Army stationed in Korea. Upon returning, he found the love of his life, Nancy, (née Springman), and they wed on Dec. 23, 1967, building their lives together for 57 years. Bob took pride in his work as a mold maker, enjoying the many people he worked with throughout his career.  Bob’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, weekend hunts with friends either in the field or at the