Margaret “Peg” Sullivan passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family. Peg was born in Aurora, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Goode) Stemm. She married Michael Sullivan on Dec. 28, 1965. Peg attendedSt. Scholastica High School in Chicago and graduated in 1962. She began her college studies at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and graduated from Mundelein College inChicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Peg’s plan to pursue a career in education had to be put on hold for a time as she gave birth to twin sons, Joseph, and John in January 1967, and a daughter, Kathleen, was born 23 months later in December 1968. A son, Patrick, was born in September 1972. Peg began her long and dedicated career in church work as a high school student who was trained to teach CCD at the grade school level. She continued her involvement teaching CCD at many different parishes until well into the 1980s. Peg and her family relocated to Woodstock in 1969. Through the years, Peg was active throughout the community with many different organizations. She volunteered in adult literacy programs at the Woodstock Public Library, worked on theFair Diddley fundraiser program for the Mental Health Board, the Welcome Wagon, the HeadStart Board, and the Woodstock Area Prayer Breakfast. She also did many hours of volunteer work at The Memorial Hospital in Woodstock in several capacities.  Peg began teaching at Kids Unlimited Preschool in 1979 and enjoyed her time working there until 1984. In August 1984,Peg began providing day care for infants to preschoolers in her home. For

Albert F. Steinwehe Jr., age 100, of Woodstock, peacefully passed away on Jan. 26, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Des Plaines, Ill., on Jan. 3, 1924, to Albert F. and Ida (Lange) Steinwehe Sr. Al loved everyone, especially his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest joys, and he was always so proud of each and every one of them. Al was so adored by his family and anyone that he encountered throughout his long life. He was the kindest, most thoughtful man and was always willing to help anyone. He was known to everyone as Papa, since he treated everyone like family. Al was an avid

Janice Van Boxtaele Hoffman, born Oct. 31, 1950, in Chicago, died Dec. 30, 2023, in Woodstock. Jan Hoffman passed at her home from complications of muscular dystrophy with her husband, Tom, by her side. Jan Van Boxtaele was born in Chicago, the daughter of Charles and Elvira Brooks Van Boxtaele. Early in Jan’s life she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Even when the disease would eventually rob her of the ability to walk and care for herself, it never took away her desire to live her life to the fullest. Jan graduated from Palatine High School in 1968. She worked at a couple of different businesses in the suburbs before landing at the Woodstock Wire Works, where she worked for

Charla Vae Johansen-Pierce, 83, of Woodstock (Marengo), passed away, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. She was born on Aug. 11, 1940, in Woodstock, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Evalyn I. (Peterson) Johansen. On June 19, 1965, Charla married Clifford F. Pierce at the First United Methodist Church in Woodstock. Charla attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington on a piano scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance in 1962. She was a member of the music fraternity of Delta Omicron, serving as president of the Sigma Chapter during her senior year at Illinois Wesleyan. She then attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, graduating in 1964 with a Master of Music degree in

James C. Zbilski, 62, of Woodstock, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. James, known as Jim, was born on June 25, 1961, in Skokie, Ill., to Thomas and Irene Zbilski.  Jim is survived by his two children, Theresa Delamora (Austin) and Tom Zbilski (Melissa). Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Jean M Zbilski, and parents, Thomas and Irene. Jim was always busy on the farm, whether he was feeding the cows, tending to crops, or fixing miscellaneous machinery. Jim moved out to the farm and started farming at the age of 18, and fell in love with the land and being a farmer. He made many friends in the farming community, many whom he considered an extension

Terry R. “TR” Schwebke, age 79 of Whitewater, Wis., passed away at Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Terry was born on June 16, 1944, in Belvidere, Ill., son of Robert and Rosetta (Spaulding) Schwebke. He proudly served his country from 1965 to 1967 as an MP in the Army stationed in South Korea.  Terry married Marilyn (Shaw), the girl next door, on Feb. 3, 1968. They raised two daughters, Lori and Jodi. He worked as an agriculture lender for most of his career. Many weekends were spent coaching, officiating softball and football, camping with his family, golfing, and watching the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks.  After retirement, Terry and Marilyn enjoyed being snowbirds in Palmetto,

Joseph M. Kersten, 75, of Woodstock, passed away Dec. 15, 2023.  Eldest son of Charles Otto and Mildred (Freeman) Kersten, Joe was born in Chicago. Growing up in nearby Greenwood and Wonder Lake, he attended St. Mary’s grade school in Woodstock. A 1966 graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School, Joe represented the Hurricanes proudly on the gridiron.  Joe began driving heavy equipment for Don Gavers out of high school. He enlisted in the United States Army the same week his draft number was selected in 1969. Joe served honorably in the 213th Engineer Detachment for 13 months, stationed in Can Tho, South Vietnam. Out of the Army, Joe hauled freight domestically for Dean Foods before establishing his own domestic