John T. Neis, 86, Marengo, died Monday, March 4, 2013, at Swedish American Hospital, Rockford. He was born Oct. 4, 1926, in Amboy to Adelbert and Bertilla (Dyer) Neis. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served in World War II and Korea.  He was a member of the Marengo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 689910 and was proprietor of Rexall Drug Store in Ohio, Ill. He also was an insurance executive and helped establish Neis Insurance Company in Crystal Lake. Many of his clients and employees were from the Woodstock area. Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth Mary (Richard) Phannenstill; a son, Thomas (Marilyn) Neis; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Neis, Melissa (Chris) Wittenborn and R.J. Phannenstill; four nieces, Annie Smith, Barb

Alan E. Olson, 60, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at home surrounded by his family after a year-long battle with cancer. He was born June 10, 1952, to Giles and Marian (Andrews) Olson. He lived, laughed and loved for more than 60 years and was the kind of person everyone was proud to call a friend. His passions in life included spending time with family and friends, perfecting his golf game and rooting for the White Sox.  He had a strong work ethic and was most recently employed as tool toom supervisor at Illinois Tool Works. Previously, he was co-owner of Pro-Tool Corp. for 23 years. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn (Koch) Olson; two daughters, Kara (Sean) Ernst and Jaclyn

Tracy Ann Pierce, 43, Woodstock, died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at home. She was born June 8, 1969, in Woodstock to Robert E. and Nancy L. (Rossman) Pierce. She lived a compassionate life and worked with special-needs children for many years.  She was devoted to her career and loved animals, especially dogs. Despite suffering with many health issues, her love for her family and friends never waivered. She was loved and will be missed. Her family would like to give a special thank you to her healthcare providers, especially Netu and Natalie. Survivors include her father; a brother, Daniel (Joy) Pierce, Woodstock; and her dear friends, Victor, Nicole and Baby Vic. She was preceded in death by her mother. A

Barbara A. Holtzee, 70, Woodstock, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at Florence Nursing Home, Marengo, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Sept. 23, 1942, in Detroit to Herbert and Alice (White) Ellis. On Jan. 24, 1964, she married Raymond G. Holtzee in Park Ridge. She was a former member of First United Methodist Church in Woodstock and sang in many church choirs throughout the years.  She was co-founder with Deborah Schoepke of the Mothers with Twins Club, “Double Dilemma,” and she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and making jewelry.   She also was an avid NASCAR fan. Most of all, she loved helping others and spending time with her family. Survivors include a son, Thomas (Jenny) Holtzee; four daughters, Bonnie (John) Becker,

John “Chum” Feddersen, 68, Woodstock, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at home. He was born Dec. 29, 1944, in Chicago to John and Lorraine Feddersen. He served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966. Survivors include a daughter, Kimberly Ann Feddersen; two sisters, Patricia (Gene) Podgorski and Evelyn (late Joe) Sekelsky; a brother, Douglas (Therese) Feddersen; and 10 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joaine Fabino; a niece, Allyn Dee; and an aunt, Gladys Wollenberg. Visitation was Feb. 26 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, Crystal Lake. Interment was private. Memorials can be sent to Woodstock Moose Family Center, No. 1329, 406 Clay St., Woodstock.

Donald W. “Blacky” Milinac, 84, Woodstock, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 31, 1928, in Chicago to John and Gunhilda (Carlson) Milinac. On Dec. 4, 1952, he married Shirley Mae Glosson. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and completed Aircraft Mechanics School at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Miss., and Chanute AFB, Rantoul. He reported to Hickam Field in Hawaii in 1947. He loved airplanes and handcrafting and handriveting aircraft-grade aluminum in his own private hangar. He rode his first Harley-Davidson motorcyle in Haiwaii and proceeded to ride the brand for more than 50 years, embracing life on the open road with his wife and friends.

Cheryl Anita Egger, 51,Woodstock, died unexpectedly Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at home. She was born March 31, 1961, in Evanston to Bernard L. and Anna C. (Poston) Vowels.  On April 14, 1984, she married Dennis Egger in Woodstock. She enjoyed cooking, baking and having phone conversations with her friends every morning after their children went to school. She liked Facebook and keeping tabs on people. She loved to spend time with her family, friends and, especially, her children. Survivors include her husband; four sons, Patrick (Melissa Lowery) Egger, Thomas Egger, Alexander Egger and Samuel Egger; two daughters, Nikole (Scott) Ammon and Hayley Egger; a grandaughter, Evelynn Ammon; her mother; three brothers, Bernard Vowels, Clayton (Amy) Vowels and Warren (Lydia) Vowels; two sisters,

Katherine M. Kapsalis, 50, Woodstock, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, at her home. She was born Dec. 18, 1962, in Chicago to Horst and Julia (Oleniak) Achs. On Sept. 27, 1995, she married Stephen Kapsalis Sr. in Waukegan.  She graduated from Antioch High School in 1980 and received an associate degree in art from Lake County College. She loved to paint and create pottery. She worked as a preschool teacher for 10 years and was a member of New Life Christian Center in Woodstock. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Lacie Schief, McHenry; two stepsons, Nick Kapsalis, Mundelein, and Stephen (Excia) Kapsalis Jr., Hebron; two grandsons; a granddaughter; two sisters, Judith Diamond, Bristol, Wis., and Shelly (Robert) Meusling, Hebron; and a

Joanne M. Penza, 80, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., formerly of Woodstock, died Tuesday Feb. 12, 2013, at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids. She was born Dec. 3, 1932, in Racine, Wis., to Frank and Clara (Mueller) Braun. In 1954, she married Don Penza, captain of the 1953 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.  She enjoyed growing strawberries, sports, and mastering the art of sewing.  Her athleticism rivaled that of her husband. A fearless competitor, even the occasional black eye from playing baseball with the boys didn’t discourage her zeal for the game. As a Junior Belle in the 1940s, she was said to have scored the tying run in the 3-2 extra-inning victory over the Rockford Peaches. She passed on her

Anthony J. “Tony” O’Donnell, 48, Poplar Grove, formerly of Woodstock, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at Swedish American Hospital in Belvidere. He was born Dec. 12, 1964, in Woodstock to Edward and Rosina (Curran) O’Donnell. On June 6, 1992, he married Terri Jo Walter in Marengo. He was a mechanically-inclined person and loved working on cars and following car races. He was a member of Good Tymes Car Club and loved talking about cars with other members. He worked on a farm, drove a milk truck and loved having fun and being with everyone who loved him. He will be missed and always remembered. Survivors include his wife; his father; a son, Michael O’ Donnell; a daughter, Ashley O’Donnell; a