Marilyn J. Becker, 78, Woodstock, died Sunday, March 3, 2013, at Centegra Hospital in Woodstock, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Nov. 1, 1934, in Woodstock to Clarence M. and Elsie H. (Schauer) Busse. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woodstock.   She raised her two children as a single parent. Her family always came first, though she also was dedicated to her friends. She loved animals, especially her dogs.   She enjoyed spending time with her family, going out for lunch and playing Sunday nickel poker games. She retired from the McHenry County Health Department in 1996 after 27 years of service.  She cherished the relationships she developed while serving the department and

Robert “Bob” Eugene Gibson, 93, Woodstock, died Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Sept. 18, 1919, in Oketo, Kan., to John S. and Elizabeth M. Gibson. He moved to Illinois at a young age and lived in Woodstock for more than 60 years. In 1947, he married Dorothy M. Kopsell at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. The Rev. Roger Kaufman officiated. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and Korea and earned numerous decorations for his service, including the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He worked for Dean Foods in Huntley for 35 years and was the elected

Georgia E. Brough, 75, Naples, Fla., formerly of Richmond and McHenry, died Sunday, March 3, 2013, at Naples Community Hospital, Naples. She was born June 13, 1937, in Hebron to Irving and Georgia (Vasey) Townsend. On March 9, 1957, she married Harold H. Brough in Woodstock. She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1955. She was employed as an account analyst at AT&T for 37 years before retiring in 1994. She also was involved in genealogy. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Trinda (Joel) Henson, Naples, and Christina (Leo Mattox) Brough, Cumming, Ga.; four grandchildren, Michael Freund, Stacy Freund, Stephanie Brough and James Combs; five great-grandchildren, Kane and Claire Freund, Skyler Nichols, Destiny Brough and Rileigh Combs; six sisters, Marjorie

Steven John Taylor, 53, Woodstock, died Friday, March 8, 2013, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 1, 1959, in Milwaukee to John and Lillian (Roth) Taylor.  On Oct. 26,1989, he married Mary Ann Sauers.  He was a member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge and worked as a land surveyor for many years.   He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, cooking, spending time with his grandparents, Alfred and Rose Roth and, most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family members, especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Rose Victoria Taylor (Josh Edwards), Harvard; two grandchildren, Breeze Marie Edwards and Buddy Steven Edwards; a sister, Pamela (Eric) Saathoff, Woodstock; two nieces, Morgan

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.