died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, after a wonderful, happy day enjoying the beautiful sunset, making exciting plans for the future, and radiating joy, in the arms of her daughter, Evelyn, with her family near and far with her in spirit. She was born on May 29, 1930, in McHenry to Emil and Hermina (Schwarz) Herdrich, the youngest of seven children. She was born deep in the Great Depression and told amazing childhood stories: of her father’s immigration from Rust, Germany, in 1924 to provide a new life for his family; of her mother and her three young children’s trip across the ocean to Ellis Island in 1927, when they spoke no English; and of her life on the

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother.  Joyce B. Shook, 90, of Woodstock, passed away on March 18, 2024, at her home in Woodstock. She was born Aug. 3, 1933, in Woodstock, to Aloysius and Edith Helen (Loeffel) Berna, was raised on a dairy farm, and was the oldest of five children. She attended a one-room schoolhouse on Davis Road and graduated from Woodstock High School in 1951. She married Bob Shook in Woodstock on Oct. 20, 1956, had four children, and was married for 66 years before Bob passed away on Nov. 24, 2022. Joyce is a third generation member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school and played

Dale L. Bye, 72, of Woodstock, passed away on Friday March 15, 2024, at his home in Woodstock. He was born in Belvidere on July 22, 1951, to Raymond and Helen (Hyser) Bye. He married Connie Streit on May 23, 1970, in Woodstock. Dale worked as a carpenter for Zimmerman Construction Co. for about 40 years. He enjoyed building classic cars and was known as a jack of all trades. He would help family and friends with anything. He loved to ride horses with his wife. He was loved and will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Connie; a daughter, Tammy Popaeko; a brother, Maynard (Carol) Bye; four sisters, Betty Crain, Joyce “Toots” Ware, Nancy Hitzman, and Patty

Richard J. Cairns, age 82, of Woodstock, passed away March 18, 2024, at Florence Nursing Home in Marengo. Richard was born June 19, 1941, in Woodstock to George and Frances (née Foreman) Cairns. He was a “Blue Baby” and was mentally challenged for life from that. He was a good mechanic and made special friendships with some kind people who took him under their wings, such as Harold Winkleman, Dan Raupp, Ben Widoff, and Riley’s Garage. Richard is survived by his brothers, Robert, Terry (Janet), and Charles Cairns; sister, Ella (Richard) Davidson; eight nephews; one niece; five grandnephews; and 13 grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Linda and Sylvia; all grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a sister-in-law,

Linda Hermanson, 73, of Woodstock, passed away on Friday March 8, 2024, at Northwestern Hospital, McHenry.  She was born in Woodstock on May 27, 1950, to Maurice and Flora (Pinnow) Skinner. On Nov. 8, 1969, she married Dan Hermanson.  Linda was raised in Crystal Lake and graduated from Crystal Lake High School Class of 1969. She was a member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge 1329 and Woman of the Moose Chapter 364. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved celebrating holidays and special occasions with family and friends. Linda is survived by her husband, Dan; son, Jeff (Lisa) Hermanson; daughter, Stacie (Joe) Groves; grandchildren, Tyler and Cassidy Groves and Brianna and Rebecca Rotondo; great-grandchild, Logan; brother, Doug

Martin (Marty) Edward Metras, 77, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2024.  Marty was born in Watervliet, Mich., in December of 1946, to Lawrence (Tom) and Esther (Jansen) Metras. He moved to Woodstock as a 7-year-old and never considered leaving. Marty was “The Doer of Things,” meaning if he conceived it, he’d do it no matter how unconventional, odd, or weird it may seem to others. He owned the first 1970s electric car, grew a mobile garden in his pickup truck bed, loved computers, technology, and trains. He worked at the Die Cast in Woodstock and at Knaack in Crystal Lake for years. Marty started getting in shape by walking to the local Starbucks to get his grande

We mourn the loss of Mark Mindrum of Woodstock and previously of Stoughton, Wis., who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Feb. 22, 2024. Born on Nov. 18, 1946, in Stoughton, Mark’s journey through life was one marked by ambition, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. High school sweethearts, Mark and Linda were married on Aug. 30, 1969. This date marks the beginning of their nearly 55-year journey together, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. They met in high school in Stoughton after Linda’s family relocated from Beloit, Wis. Mark was a devoted family man, survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his son, Matthew; his daughter, Kristen; and four grandchildren. His

Eugene C. “Geno” Birkner, 82, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at the Bickford Senior Living Facility in Crystal Lake. Geno was born on March 22, 1941, in Belleville, Ill,, the son of Harold E. and Loretta D. (Waeltz) Birkner. He married Patricia A. Raske on August 11, 1990. Geno earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Southern Illinois University in 1963, and his master’s degree from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He taught 36 years of middle school, then high school mathematics in Woodstock School District 200. After retirement in Illinois, he taught another six years of high school mathematics at Westosha Central High School in Wisconsin. Those who knew him would call

Paul Weller, 72, of Rougemont, N.C., died Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. Born March 28, 1951, in Fairbury, Ill., he was the son of Joseph Anton “Tony” Weller and Mary Helen Kratz Weller. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his sons, Eric Weller and Gregg Weller, and brothers, John Weller and Steve Weller. He is survived by his wife, Phyliss Boatwright of the home; and his son, Gary Weller (Amanda), granddaughter, Maren Weller, grandson, Jack Weller, and first wife, Alice Schmid Johnson, all of Woodstock, Ill. He is also survived by his sister, Cathy Williams (Bruce) of Newcastle, Wash.; brother, Dick Weller (Armella) of Fort Myers, Fla.; brother, Phillip Weller (Debbie) of Dwight, Ill,; several nieces

Douglas Keith Kottke, 72, of Woodstock, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Harvard on April 10, 1951, to the late Elgart and Elzora (née Gregory) Kottke, Doug lived a full life marked by dedication, love, and service. On April 15, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Trudy Rousey. His kind, gentle, and loving soul shone through in his patience, respect, and willingness to help wherever needed. Known for his great laugh and loyalty to his family and his Lord, Doug’s sons were his pride and joy. He also treasured trips to Disney World and over 40 years of camping traditions in Mercer, Wis., with relatives. Doug’s career spanned 30 years at R&L Spring Co., where