Clifford Laurence “Cliff” Ganschow, a prolific businessman who saved Woodstock’s Old Courthouse, passed away recently at age 89. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, great sense of humor, athleticism, perseverance, his love of Woodstock, and his devotion to family and friends. Born October 14, 1935, in Princeton, Illinois, Cliff grew up on the family farm in Normandy, Illinois where he attended one of the state’s last one-room schoolhouses before heading to Walnut High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics. Born in Princeton, Illinois, in 1935, Cliff grew up on the family farm and excelled in academics and athletics at Walnut High School.  At Iowa State University, he majored in journalism and agronomy and was first sports

Julius “Tom” Velmont, 76, Harvard, died Wednesday, Dec,18, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Harvard. Tom was born December 18, 1948, in Woodstock to Julius and Dora Velmont. Tom was known to many as a hard-working, generous man. He was an owner of T&E Cleaning Service as well as Tom’s Small Engine Repair in Hebron. Tom loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed helping people in need. Tom loved to bring a smile to your face and enjoy a laugh together. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking and he built many homes. Tom will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends. He is survived by eight children, Jeffery Velmont, Michael (Michelle) Velmont, David (Sarah) Velmont, Cindy (Rich) Torkelson, Roxy

Ronald “Mike” Daniel O’Leary passed away on December 14th, 2024, at the age of 80. He was born February 8th, 1944, in Woodstock, IL to Ronald and Mary (Levernier) O’Leary.  Mike was a Woodstock native. He attended St. Mary Catholic School and Marian Central Catholic High School; he went on to college to study history until enlisting in the Marine Corp where he served in Vietnam. He and Rhonda raised their children in Marengo, IL. A devout Catholic and an avid reader, Mike’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.  Mike leaves his loving wife of 56 years, Rhonda Marie (Gibbs) and eight children: Molly (Paul) Nordan, Amy Serafin, Michael (Andrea), Brigid (Keith) Ehrke, Conor (Olivia), Hannah (Frankie),

Gerald Eisenmenger 89, of Woodstock died Friday, December 14, 2024 at his home in Woodstock. He was born August 14, 1935 in Crystal Lake to Arthur and Gertrude (Schroeder) Eisenmenger. He married Elaine Hunter on May 27, 1961. He was an accomplished Lionel Train collector. His collection and display was featured in a model train magazine. He worked for Quaker Oats Company for 30 years as a Tool & Die producer. For many years he was involved in Woodstock Little League as a coach and served on the board. He and his wife loved to bowl. He enjoyed being a Chicago White Sox fan. He was a great conversationalist about baseball and the stock market. He was loved and will

Robert “Bob” James Madjak, 84, of Woodstock, Illinois passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, in Barrington, IL. He was born March 31, 1940, in Joliet, Illinois to Frank and Mae (Gronholm) Madjak.  On October 10, 1964, Bob married the love of his life, Mary Frances Applegate. Bob and Mary Frances have three children, Jennifer (Robert) Seegers, Jr. of Woodstock, Charles (Barb) Madjak of Crystal Lake and Kerri (Paul) Hagy of Hinsdale. They have four grandsons, Brett and Cade Seegers, and Grant and Charles Hagy, a nephew Rob (Susan Schmidt) Madjak and a niece Lisa Hogan. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jon Madjak. Bob attended Farragut Elementary School, St Raymond’s Catholic School, Joliet Township

Karen Lee (Benscoter) Kinney (81), passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, after a heartbreaking struggle with Primary Progressive Aphasia.  A beloved wife, mother, Nana, friend, and “library lady,” Karen was a cherished member of her family and the Harvard community.   She was born on December 11, 1942, in Kankakee Illinois to Francis Avery and Anna May Benscoter.  As an only child, Karen cherished her friends who affectionately called her “Benny.”  She developed a love for music including voice and piano, and performed as a part of the Division of Fine Arts at Olivet Nazarene College as a child and young adult.  As a student, she believed in the importance of actively participating in her school community.  She was a member of

Roderick (Rod) Neil Tinkler, born September 26, 1934, in Redcar, Yorkshire, England, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on October 24, 2024, soon after his ninetieth birthday. He was surrounded by family, including his wife of 62 years, Joan Cockcroft Tinkler, who was holding his hand. Rod’s life was marked by an adventurous spirit and entrepreneurial drive. Before attending St. John’s College, Oxford University, Rod completed his military service (which was compulsory in Britain at the time) which included a tour of service in Egypt. In January 1961, drawn by a job opportunity at French’s, he moved to Rochester, NY, where he met his future wife, Joan. Their marriage, on May 19, 1962, marked the beginning of

Katherine A. “Kate” Brown, 46, of Woodstock passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Northwestern Medical in McHenry. She was born November 14, 1978 in Woodstock, the daughter of Edward and Sally (Donahue) Schaefer. She married Loren Brown in Woodstock. Kate was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock. She graduated from St. Mary Grade School, Marian Central High School, and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She was employed as a Deputy Coroner with the McHenry County Coroner’s Office for many years until she joined the staff of Schneider Leucht Merwin Cooney Funeral Home in Woodstock in 2017. She was a talented Funeral Director who will be sadly missed. She is survived by her husband, Loren Brown;