Obituaries Archive - Page 105 of 182 - The Woodstock Independent

Obituaries

Jean Alice (Faulkner) Handke, 92, Woodstock

January 20, 2016

Jean Alice (Faulkner) Handke died Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at Hearthstone Manor, Woodstock, joining her beloved husband, Jim. She was born Nov. 24, 1923, to James and Ruth (Williams) Faulkner in Chicago. On July 31, 1949, she married James Handke in San Jose, Ill. She resided there until the family moved to Wheaton in 1932. She graduated from Wheaton High School in 1941, and continued her education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, where she received a Bachelor in Education in 1946. She began her teaching career in San Jose where she taught commercial subjects at San Jose High School for four years. It was there that she met and married her husband. They resided in San Jose for five

Carol Ann “Chippy” Sweeney, 73, Woodstock

January 20, 2016

Carol Ann “Chippy” Sweeney, 73, Woodstock, died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at Centegra Hospital, Woodstock, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 21, 1942, in Pittsburgh and was raised in Chippewa Township, Pa. She attended school in Beaver Falls, Pa. Nicknamed Chippy, she loved gardening and maintained several gardens at home and at her campsite. She worked and managed several floral departments for Jewel Foods for 15 years until semi-retiring, then worked in several gardening areas at Flowerwood in Crystal Lake until her retirement. She enjoyed volunteering throughout the years at the Woodstock Moose Lodge. She also served on the Board of Officers for the Women of the Moose and was elevated to Collegiate Degree of Honor. Survivors include

Karin Nulle, 63, Woodstock

January 20, 2016

Karin Nuelle, 63, Woodstock, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville. She was born June 9, 1952, at Fort Bragg, N.C. As a result of her military upbringing, she was a former resident of many places around the world including Virginia, Norway and Germany. She lived in Woodstock for the past 25 years. She was a 1974 graduate of Indiana University, and served for more than two decades as executive director for the Illinois Head Start Association’s Community Action Agency for McHenry County. She was a past president of the Woodstock Rotary Club where she was very active. She also was active in the Woodstock community, in particular with the Christmas Clearing House program. Survivors include

Richard A. Soboleski, 77, Woodstock

January 20, 2016

Richard A. Soboleski, 77, Woodstock, died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, after a long battle with heart disease. Born in Chicago, he was self-employed as a home-improvement exhibition producer and retired from his livelihood 15 years ago. He was a Chicago sports fan and particularly loved the Bulls, Cubs and Bears. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Judith; three sisters, Patricia (Nick) Pagoria, Delores (Don) Chapman and Julie (Victor) Victa; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Ann (Jotowski) Soboleski; and his stepmother, Clara (Kryger) Soboleski. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock, until the funeral Mass at

Norlita Chidester, 70, Woodstock

January 20, 2016

Norlita Chidester, 70, Woodstock, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at her home. She was born May 17, 1945, to Maximo and Vicenta (Sales) Aggacid in Bacarra Ilocos Norte, Philippines. On Dec. 17, 1971, she married Robert A. Chidester in Oak Park. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in nursing. She went on to further her education at Loyola University in Chicago where she obtained her master’s degree as a nursing instructor. She also had a master’s degree from Governors State University. She worked at Cook County Hospital for more than 35 years. She was proud to have attended her class reunion celebrating her 50th graduation anniversary from the University of the Philippines. She loved to garden

Rudy Torres, 69, Wonder Lake

January 20, 2016

Rudy Torres, 69, Wonder Lake, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in his home. He was born Nov. 11, 1946, to Francisco and Christina Torres in San Antonio, Texas. Sharing his life and resources was his personality. He enjoyed cooking and hosting family parties. He was an excellent guitar player and always knew every word to every song. He loved animals, especially his beloved dog Jack. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his loving family and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by many children including Doreen (Darby) Brown, Michell (Bob) Ariss, Rudy (Amy) Torres Jr., Robert (Jennifer) Torres, Christina (Eric) Schubert and Rico Reed. Other survivors include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; five siblings,

Donald R. Steffen, 67, Rockford

January 12, 2016

Donald R. “Don” Steffen, 67, Rockford, formerly of Woodstock, died Jan. 3, 2016, in Alpine Fireside Health Center. He was born Sept. 9, 1948, to Walter and Bertha (Wienke) Steffen in Woodstock. On July 8, 1972, he married Ruth Mahnke at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Rockford. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1966. He then attended the University of Houston. His education was interrupted by U.S. Army service. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a radio operator and was awarded the Purple Heart and other medals. After his discharge, he attended Herzing Institute in Rockford where he met his future wife. He completed his education at Northern Illinois University. His entire career was in the computer field.

Benjamin Rigby, 88, Woodstock

January 12, 2016

Benjamin Rigby, 88, Woodstock, died peacefully Jan. 5, 2016, at his home surrounded by family. He was born Feb. 2, 1927, to Benjamin and Anna (Wilson) Rigby in Crystal Lake. On May 7, 1949, he married Joyce Eckert in Crystal Lake. He graduated in 1945 from Crystal Lake High School. He served in the U.S. Army in Italy from 1947 to 1948, and he was awarded the Purple Heart for combat duty from 1950 to 1951, during the Korean War. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Woodstock, and held various roles. He loved others and served God in all he did. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts for 13 years and managed and coached

Robert L. Foerster, 81, Woodstock

January 6, 2016

Robert L. Foerster, 81, Woodstock, died Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, at JourneyCare Hospice Center, Woodstock. He was born May 30, 1934, to John and Alberta (Able) Foerster. On May 12, 1956, he married LaVerne Bornhoff in Northbrook. He was a member of St John’s Lutheran Church, Woodstock. He and his wife moved to Woodstock in 1963 and raised their children on Walnut Ridge Farm on Greenwood Road. He was passionate about farming and enjoyed it until 1976 when he changed careers and pursued another passion, being an independent over-the-road trucker. He retired from that successful business in 1993 and returned to his first love, farming, working at Harms Farm. He and his wife enjoyed a full life together, traveling in

Delwin G. Krause, 67, Woodstock

January 6, 2016

Delwin G. Krause, 67, Woodstock, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock. He was born Dec. 6, 1948, to Alfert and Dolores (Menching) Krause in Woodstock. He worked as a cement truck driver. He enjoyed canoeing and spending time outdoors. He liked watching sports and was an avid Bears fan. Many people will remember him for his fun-loving charm and his unforgettable nickname, “Yogi.” Survivors inlclude his stepmother, Mary Krause; a stepbrother, John Bargmann; four stepsisters, Joan (Chuck) Hardy, Mary Quigg, Linda (Adrian) Smith and Beth (Raymond) Gabinski; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home,