Christine M. Laux passed on May 18, 2024. Christine was born to Norman and Louise Hall on April 24, 1957. Christine met Dan Laux through the McHenry County Computer Dating Service. On July 14, 1984, Christine and Daniel were married at the Mast House. The minister was a Unitarian Universalist and they maintained membership with this denomination. First, at Woodstock Congregational Unitarian Church, and then, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin. Finally, at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry. Christine and Dan loved to travel together. Their favorite places were England, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, the Grand Canyon, Niagra Falls, the Pacific Ocean, Lake Superior, and Boulder River in Montana. Christine and Dan enjoyed planning and

Joan Donna Butenschoen, 80, died peacefully on May 19, 2024, after spending a few hours outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine and the birds chirping at JourneyCare Hospice, Barrington. Joan was born November 4, 1943, to Donald and Elinor Augustine in Milwaukee, WI. She met Bill Butenschoen at Maine West High School, and they were married September 8, 1962. Joan was a stay-at-home mom while the family lived in Hoffman Estates. After moving to Woodstock to a 5-acre farmette, besides being a mom, she worked at McDonald’s and Woodstock High School, and she retired from Woodstock Memorial Hospital/Centegra Woodstock Hospital/Northwestern after many years of service. Bill made sure he took Joan to as many bodies of water as they could visit.

Dale Allan Austin, 81, passed away on May 21, 2024.  He was born on May 4, 1943, to the late Kenneth and Noreen (Fanning) Austin in Janesville, Wisconsin.  He had fond memories of growing up on the family farm in Janesville, surrounded by his brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends.  He married Connie (Delorenzo) Austin, the great love of his life, on June 3, 1976. Dale was stationed in Alaska while serving in the United States Army and worked in farming and trucking upon his return home.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at the many poolside parties he and Connie hosted at their Wonder Lake home.  He also enjoyed driving his Corvette, cruising the Chain of Lakes in

Linda S. Eissing, age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded with love by those who became her second family. She was born to Henry and Audrey Eissing in Harvard, IL., they raised her at the family farm on Franklinville Road. She was an only child, but relatives from Chicago often visited. Linda attended area grade schools; her mother ensured that she was a good reader and writer. Linda kept Hallmark in business by faithfully sending greeting cards to her family and friends. Linda lived many years in a Pioneer Center group home in McHenry where she became friends with the residents and staff. She worked at the Pioneer Center Workshop. She participated in the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association and the

Thomas A. Micek, of Woodstock, passed away on May 5, 2024, at the age of 72. Born on October 19, 1951, in Chicago, Tom had fond memories growing up there with his brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends. He loved old cars, became a pilot able to fly small planes, played the saxophone and loved to learn completing a degree in finance and masters in accounting. He loved creating spreadsheets for his budget. Tom met Patty Taylor while attending NIU, DeKalb. They were married on October 24, 1981, and had 42 wonderful years together raising 2 sons. Tom loved his family dearly. He was especially excited to become a grandpa to baby Brayden. Tom will be missed by everyone who knew

Juanita D. Whiting, 82, of Woodstock, IL passed away on Friday May 10, 2024 surrounded by family at The Springs of Monarch Landing in Naperville.   She was born in Woodstock on November 16, 1941 to Basil and Isabel (Crummer) Colburn. She married James A. Whiting on October 7, 1961 in Woodstock.  She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock. She was a very talented seamstress and a national award winning quilter.  She taught classes at Sewing Concepts in Woodstock as well as working as a designer and baker. Her family was her passion in life. She was very much loved, and her passion and vitality will be greatly missed.  She is survived by three sons, Ronald (Jill)

Orrin Wayne Kinney, 83, of Harvard, Illinois, passed away surrounded by family on May 7th, 2024, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, Illinois.   Orrin was born on December 24, 1940, in Momence, Illinois to Clare and Myrna (Doehring) Kinney.  He was one of five children, Doris (Shourd), Melvin, JoAnn (Schaafsma), and Gary.  He married Karen Benscoter on March 10, 1962, at the First United Methodist Church in Kankakee, Illinois.   Orrin was a remarkable individual known for his unwavering dedication, creativity, and charismatic personality.  He built A-OK Incorporated, a successful manufacturing business that has thrived for over 40 years. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment not only sustained his business but also led to the restoration of the Starline Factory.  When Orrin purchased the building in

Montpelior, VT – Nancy Ludwena (nee Lang, nee Briscoe) Braun, age 86, known as “Grandma Llama” to many, passed away peacefully of natural causes Wednesday May 15, 2024 attended by her beloved daughter Betsy and the compassionate caregivers at Heaton Woods. Nancy was born March 1, 1938 in Niagara Falls, NY to Beryl & Francis Lang, both teachers. She was a girl scout and an avid hiker and swimmer. She participated in synchronized swimming at Niagara Falls High School, graduating in 1956 with honors and won a scholarship to study nursing at Le Moyne College. Nancy cherished childhood memories of summers spent with her sisters Barb & Fran and neighborhood friends—including her lifelong friend Anna (Trish) Johnson—at the family cottage on

Donald C. Mast transitioned peacefully on April 14, 2024. He leaves behind his second wife, Erma, with whom he enjoyed the last 20 years both in Woodstock then in a beautiful senior living residence at Garden Spot, in Pa; his five remaining children: Dean, Colleen, Tim, Jill and Hans (son Pete had passed 5 years before); and many friends; most who remember him and his first wife, Eunice through their monthly sing-alongs at Masthouse.  He got his start in a life of community service through music when in the 60s Don and “Euni” helped start a communal living “experiment” with the intention of being involved in community outreach and social justice issues. They began a weekly coffee house in their

David E. Fish, 77, a resident of Port Townsend WA for 35 years (formerly of Woodstock, Illinois) passed away on April 25, 2024 from cancer, at Life Care Center of Port Townsend with his sister by his side. He was born in Woodstock, Illinois in 1946, to Edwin H. and Mildred L. (Persson, Fish) Luallen. David was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock. He graduated from Woodstock Community High School and served 4 years in the Navy. Later, he attended McHenry County College, Wenatchee Valley College and went to the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building in Port Townsend Washington. David was an incredible artist and a professed “Handyman”. He could fix just about anything and do