William “Bill” Henry Vinehout Jr. 78, Woodstock, died Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at his daughter’s home after a long illness. He was born in Rutland, Vt., the first son of William Henry Vinehout and Anna Frances (McGuire) Vinehout. During his childhood, he and his family lived in New York.  He joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after turning age 17. After the end of the Korean War, he was stationed at Yokota Air Force Base in Japan, where he worked as a medic in a tactical hospital. Serving in the Air Force was an important part of his life, and he referred to it often. In 1957, he married Lt. Diane Frenier. He later graduated from Hudson Valley Technical Institute

Gerald L. Beckus, 83, Woodstock, died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at James A. Lovell V.A. Hospital, North Chicago. He was born Sept. 10, 1931, to Gerald A. and Louise Mine (Hougham) Beckus in Oak Park. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Woodstock. He worked in sales for the newspaper industry. He was active in the Woodstock community as past commander of the VFW,  Rotary Club,  AMVETS, American Legion and the Jaycees. He also enjoyed being involved at the Woodstock Opera House. Survivors include a daughter, Jeralyn (Chuck) Forcier; and three grandchildren, Jake, Jenna and Olivia Forcier. He was preceded in death by

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, 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 (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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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,