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Obituaries

Eleanor Wilkens

Eleanor Wilkens, 94, Woodstock, died Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. She and her husband raised their family on their Woodstock farm, now known as the All Seasons Apple Orchard. Survivors include a son, Terry (Donelda). An informal memorial service will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the All Season Apple Orchard, 14510 Route 176, between Sunnyside and Gee roads.  Arrangements were made by Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, Crystal Lake.

Brigid Anna Buzzard

Brigid Anna Buzzard, 32, Woodstock, died Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at University of Chicago Hospital. She was born Dec. 4, 1981, to William and Joanne (Burke) Verkin in Houston.  On Jan. 22, 2011, she married Michael Buzzard in Galveston, Texas. She lived a very full and brave life while battling multiple sclerosis. She was an active fundraiser for many MS organizations and especially for Race to Erase MS.  She was a 2000 graduate of Clements High School, Sugarland, Texas, and she attended McHenry County College. She will be remembered for her radiant smile and for having a strong spirit.  Survivors include her husband, Woodstock; her father, Billy Verkin, Houston; a son, Madison Buzzard; father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Carla Buzzard

Cathleen Ann Hall

Cathleen Ann (Wittevrongel) Hall, 73, Woodstock, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2014, in her home. She was born Dec. 4, 1940, in Moline, the oldest of four children.   A gifted and innovative teacher in Arlington Heights School District 25 for 37 years, she taught at many different schools, touching the lives of countless children, families and staff members. As an educational leader, Cathy developed programs including a publishing curriculum with McDougal Littell, designed to inspire and engagxe children in developing a love for learning. She took new teachers under her wing, mentoring them through their early years and beyond. Helping people see and reach their potential was foremost of her gifts as a teacher.  Her encouraging smile and quiet strength

Patricia J. Tinkey

Patricia J. Tinkey, 54, Woodstock, died unexpectedly Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at Centegra-Woodstock Hospital. She was born Nov. 11, 1959, in Toledo, Ohio, and adopted by Howard and Kathryn Menzel. She was a 1978 graduate of Malibar High School, Mansfield, Ohio. On Aug. 6, 1983, she married Jerry Stephen Tinkey in Mansfield. She worked as a registered nurse at several facilities in McHenry County, most recently at Sheltering Oak Nursing Home, Island Lake.  She volunteered at McHenry County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency. She had a novel published titled “Steve And Me.”  A severe automobile accident left her disabled for the past 7 1/2 years. She also was active in WICCA and Kemet religious groups. She loved her cats and

Richard F. Nevsimal

Richard F. Nevsimal, 78, Woodstock, died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock. He was born April 8, 1936, in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Survivors include his wife, Bernice, and three sons, Ricky, Jerry and Bruce, all of Woodstock. All services will be private.

James O’Leary

James O’Leary, 87, formerly of Woodstock, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty. Survivors include three children, Kathleen, Daniel and Michele; four grandchildren, Vanessa Hammond, Danielle Mertin Zovic, and Mia and Ava O’Leary Zovic; and several other relatives and friends. An honorable veteran memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were made by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services, Wauwatosa, Wis.

John E. Nihan

John E. Nihan, 82, Woodstock, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock. He was born Aug. 28, 1932, to Ralph and Eva (Wolf) Nihan in Woodstock.   On May 13, 1961, he married Wilma L. Winkelman at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. Nihan served in the U.S. Navy.  He was the founding partner of the Nihan & Nihan accounting firm in Woodstock, which he opened in 1972. He continued working with his daughter, Tammy, until his retirement in 2012.   He was a member of the Woodstock Knights of Columbus, Harvard Moose Lodge, and was active in the IAAI of Illinois. In the past, he was an active member of the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed the companionship

Bruce Orr

Bruce Orr, 67, Harwood Heights, formerly of Woodstock, died Monday, Sept. 22, 2014.  He was born Dec. 23, 1946, to Otis and Gwen (Mingus) Orr in Detroit .  In 1972 he married Donna Carlson. He was a graduate of Riverside High School, Dearborn Heights, Mich., and served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969. He attended Ferris State University.  In 1972, he began his venture into building small companies. His businesses, Orr Duvall & Associates and DILLIGAF Motorcycle Rentals in Tucson, spanned 40 years. He was an accomplished artist with work sold throughout galleries in Western Michigan. His great sense of humor, generous nature and passion for motorcycles and family will be missed. Survivors include his wife; a daughter,

Helen A. Sherman

Helen A. Sherman, 104, Woodstock, died Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, at Valley Hi Nursing Home, Woodstock. She was born May 11, 1910, to John and Allie (Brown) Thompson in Woodstock.  On June 25, 1929, she married Clyde Sherman in Woodstock. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church. She was born on the family farm in Seneca Township, as was her father. She was a 1928 graduate of Woodstock Community High School. Her family owned and operated Clyde & Bud’s Mobil Service Station in Woodstock. Survivors include five grandchildren, Wendy (Dean) Stolldorf, Linda (Steven) Stackhouse, Barbara (Frank) Thompson, Carol (Donald) Kagel and Brad (Gwen) Sherman; 11 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her

Karen M. Hoyt

Karen M. Hoyt, 71, Woodstock, died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock. She was born Aug. 24, 1943, to Delmar and Isabel Carlson Shook in Woodstock.   On Jan. 15, 1966, she married John R. Hoyt at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. She directed the Cherub Choir at Grace Lutheran Church for many years.  She worked at Dean Street School for 24 years.  She was active with her children and grandchildren’s sports and other activities.  Family gatherings, no matter what the occasion, were something she always cherished. Survivors include her husband; three children, Tammy (Michael) Thomas, Michael (Mary) Hoyt and Steven (Michelle) Hoyt; eight grandchildren, Nathan Thomas, Maggie Thomas, Jada Hoyt, Jaxon Hoyt, Cameron Cross, Courtney Cross, Catherine Cross and

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