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Obituaries

Rita M. Rich

Rita M. Rich, 70, McHenry, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee. She was born Jan. 28, 1942, in Chicago to Lewis and Gladys L. (Dominique) Higgins. A longtime resident of Wonder Lake, she lived in South Carolina for a time before returning to the McHenry area in 2003. She was employed by Claussen Pickle Co. for more than 25 years prior to retirement. She was a member of The Church of Holy Apostles and previously a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and was devoted to her faith. A doting grandmother, she was giving of her time to friends and neighbors. Survivors include two children, Sheryl Rich, McHenry,

James W. Pitman

James W. Pitman, 87, Woodstock, died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, in Woodstock.  He was born in Rutland, Vt., to the late Ernest and Madeline (Johnson) Pitman.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Pacific during World War II.  He is survived by his daughter, Candace (Michael) Podhorn; two granddaughters, Catherine (Ted) Smith and Carolyn (Brad) Buecher; four great-grandchildren, Ian James, Amanda Smith, Payton Buecher and Carter Buecher; and a brother, Edward Pitman. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene (Sieczkowski); and two brothers, Robert Pitman and Gerald Pitman.  The memorial service was private.  Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Illinois. For information, call 815-444-0740.

Kevin C. Krone

Kevin C. Krone, 53, North Aurora, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.  He was born June 28, 1959, in Woodstock.  He graduated from Marian Central Catholic High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Regis College in Denver. He will be remembered for his photographic artistry, his loyalty to the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks and his amazing bad joke-telling ability. His boundless energy, quick wit and devotion to family and friends will be missed. He is survived by his father, James V. Krone; sister, Elizabeth “Lee Ann” Krone; brothers Robert L. Krone, Bryan J. Krone and John T. Krone; eight nieces and nephews; and his partner, Jane. He was preceded in death by his sister, Loretta T. Krone, and mother, Mary

Barbara A. Barthuly

Barbara A. Barthuly, 69, Wonder Lake, died Dec. 25, 2012, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock. She was born May 2, 1943, in Chicago to Joseph and Olive (Wickstrom) Duchaj. On Feb. 8, 1964, she married her husband, Richard Barthuly, in Chicago. They moved to Wonder Lake, where they raised their two daughters.  She and her husband owned and operated H&R Block offices in Woodstock, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and Huntley for 30 years. She loved gardening, dancing, the Chicago Bears and watching her grandchildren play sports.  Survivors include her husband; her daughters, Candace (Tom) Gscheidle and Rebecca (Dan) Khollman; five grandchildren, Eric, Danny, Mikey, Lizzy and Isabel; her brother, Robert (Betty) Duchaj; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and

Stanley John Danielson

Stanley John Danielson, 90, Woodstock, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Woodstock. He was born Dec. 27, 1921, in Crawford County, Wisconsin, to John and Bessie (Sime) Danielson.  On May 13, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary June Yttri, in Chicago. They were married for 59 years. He graduated in 1939 from Readstown High School in Wisconsin. He worked as a milkman in Woodstock before joining the Marine Corps in October 1942. He served as a technical sergeant in the Pacific.  He was devoted to his family, his faith and his friends, and enjoyed serving his community. He served for more than 30 years as volunteer for the Woodstock Fire Department and was post commander of the American

Nina J. Witherell

Nina J. Witherell, 93, Fountain, Mich., died Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at Memorial Medical Center of West Michigan in Ludington, Mich. She was born Aug. 3, 1919, in Chicago to Carlyle O. and Johanna (Mrazik) Witherell.  She graduated from Steinmetz High, Chicago, and attended the University of Illinois. She received the Activity Scholastic Award her junior year at university. She also completed graduate work at Northwestern University, DePaul University, Northern Illinois University, University of Hawaii, Central Michigan University and the University of Wisconsin. She taught one year in Chicago, one year in Fort Morgan, Colo., and 33 years in Woodstock. She taught physical education for 23 years, was the dean of students for 10 years and was chairman of girls

John Walter Barry

John Walter Barry, 78, Wonder Lake, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 15, 1934, in Chicago to Cornelius J. and Hazel M. (Du Quette) Barry. On June 12, 1954, he married Mary Lou Englehart at Christ the King Church in East Cleveland, Ohio. He was a veteran of the Air Force and was stationed in Saulte Ste. Marie, Mich., from 1953 to 1957. He served on a boat assigned to air and sea rescue during the Korean War. He, his wife and sons owned Superior Delivery for more than 40 years. He devoted many years of service to the Loyal Order of the Moose. He loved spur-of-the-moment trips and shared his passion of

Alfredo C. Eguizabal

Alfredo C. “Big Al” Eguizabal, 60, Wonder Lake, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at Centegra Hospital – McHenry. He was born Feb. 6, 1952, in Cuba, to Casimero and Sara (Cudras) Eguizabal. On Nov. 25, 1972, he married Victoria Janowitz at St. Emily Church in Mount Prospect.  Many people knew him as the “pool guy,” but to his family and friends he was a psychiatrist, mechanic, baby-sitter, comedian, politician, chef, scientist, expert snow-plower, fix-it man, mayor, mastermind, encyclopedia, poet, philosopher, artist, animal lover, painter and, most importantly, a loyal friend. He loved sharing in the lives of his grandchildren, his wife and children. He loved his dog, Smokey, and cooking for his family and friends. Survivors include his wife; two

Marguerite A. Lange

Marguerite A. Lange, 92, lifelong resident of Woodstock, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois Inpatient Unit at Centegra Specialty Hospital – Woodstock. She was born July 31, 1920, in Woodstock to Lester and Gladys (Pugh) Perkins.  She married Edward Lange July 21, 1945, in Woodstock. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Woodstock, the Seneca Ladies Literary Society and the Women’s Auxiliary of the VFW in Woodstock.  Survivors include two daughters, Donna Marley and Ruth Ann (David) Clinge; a brother, Don (Joyce) Perkins; five grandchildren, Tammy (Kent) Stinger, Edward (Jen) Bauer, Kelli (Spud) Mangels, Eric Clinge and Elliott (Amber) Clinge; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her

Steve Kalisik

Steve Kalisik Jr., 86, Syracuse, Ind., died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at his son’s home, surrounded by family. He was born Dec. 26, 1925, in Rossford, Ohio, to Steve and Magdalene (Mistrik) Kalisik. He married Ilene Whelan in Chicago in 1947.  He graduated from Rossford High School and served in the Navy during World War II. He and his wife raised four children in Bensenville. He worked in the automobile repair industry for 45 years, was active in the Bensenville Little League and was an avid Chicago Cubs and University of Notre Dame fan.  He also was a member of the American Legion and Grace Lutheran Church of Syracuse, Ind., where he lived after retiring. Survivors include a daughter, Sandra

Top Writers

Larry Lough

Larry Lough

Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.

Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.

Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.

Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.

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