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Obituaries

Charles F. “Chuck” Michling Jr., 78

Charles F. “Chuck” Michling Jr., 78, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully at his home for the past five years, Valley Hi Nursing Home, on March 15, 2025. Chuck was born on Jan. 26, 1947, to Charles Sr. and Caroline (Kirchgassner) Michling in Chicago. Chuck was the oldest of four children, and the family moved to rural McHenry County in December 1956. Chuck’s love of and vast knowledge of history made it only fitting that he passed on The Ides of March. Chuck was a 1965 graduate of Woodstock High School, a 1969 graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island with a history degree, and then in 1982 from Roosevelt University in Chicago he received a paralegal degree. Chuck’s work life

Peggy Dhom, 75

Peggy Dhom, 75, of Woodstock, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at her home. Born on August 10, 1949, in Harvard to Earl and Fern (Gile) Hoey, Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Dhom, on November 25, 1967. After dedicating herself as a stay-at-home mom, Peggy began working at Guardian Electric in Woodstock. She later worked at Shamrock Fibers and concluded her career at Centegra Health Systems in McHenry, handling payroll. A woman of many talents, Peggy had a love for crafting, gardening, and was a wallpapering expert. She had a green thumb and could turn any space into something beautiful. She was fortunate to have lifelong friends, and countless camping trips over the years created treasured memories

Hermon L. Wesby, 80

Hermon L. Wesby, 80, of Aurora, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Northwestern Hospital in Huntley. Hermon was born on April 22, 1944, in Lafayette, La., to Julius and Pearl Wesby. He served in the U.S. Army and received a rank of E5. He was honorably discharged on June 15, 1971. Hermon was employed at Caterpillar Tractor in Montgomery, Ill., for 30 years. He made friends with everyone he met, no matter where he met them. He was an avid pool player, bowler, and loved camping. He enjoyed traveling around the states on his Gold Wing, pulling along his trailer and his partner, Marilee. Boating on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers was another activity that brought joy

Scott S. Johnson, 62

Scott S. Johnson was born Oct. 30, 1962, in Harvard, Ill., to Stanley and Marjorie (Cosman) Johnson. He passed away suddenly of natural causes in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at his home in Woodstock. Scott graduated from Woodstock High School in 1981. He then graduated from Bob Jones University in 1985. Scott is survived by his children, Mick Johnson, Courtney Larsen, Julia (William) Repke, Wyatt (Alison) Johnson, Hunter Johnson, and Solomon Johnson; grandchildren, Kaiya, Elianna, and Thias Larsen, Clara and Evan Repke, and Theo Johnson; his parents, Stanley and Marjorie Johnson; sister, Rosemary (Timothy) Williams; as well as nieces, Rebecca and Colleen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gennifer, whom he met in

Christopher (Chris) W. Slack, 61

Chris W. Slack, 61 years old, died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at his home. He was born Oct. 28, 1963, in Woodstock to Lloyd and Sarah (Klabunde) Slack. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1981. On June 21, 1986, he married Karen Flanum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Chris was employed with Gandrud Chevrolet in Green Bay for over 30 years as manager of the parts department. Chris was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, traveling with his family, baking, stamp collecting, and helping others. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Joseph Slack, Emily (Silas) Klug, Rebecca (Charles) Ouradnik, and Rachel (Ethan) Filipek; granddaughter, Violet Klug; parents, Lloyd and Sarah Slack; his

Lois E. (Rudsinski) Smith, 97

Lois E. (Rudsinski) Smith, of Woodstock passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at the age of 97 at JourneyCare in Barrington, Ill. Lois was born Nov. 17, 1927, in Algonquin, Ill., to Arthur and Frieda (Holtz) Rudsinski. Lois married Harold C. Smith in Algonquin on Feb. 14, 1953. He passed away Jan. 16, 2004. Born and raised on a dairy farm, she married a dairy farmer and worked hard her whole life. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woodstock. She enjoyed being outside. She loved digging trees with her family. She was passionate about her grandchildren and their well-being. Survivors include one son, Darren (Julie) Smith of Woodstock; seven grandchildren, Brian (Jennifer) Manke, Todd (Melissa)

Kevin J. Sheahan, 68

Kevin J Sheahan, passed away peacefully in his home in Wonder Lake, IL on February 19, 2025.  Kevin was born July 2,1956 in El Paso, Texas to Daniel P. and Diane M. (Parker) Sheahan, Jr. while his dad was in the Army stationed at Fort Bliss. He married Sandra Anderson on May 4, 1983, in Woodstock and together they shared over 41 years of marriage as best friends.   Kevin was a 1974 graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School. He was a talented mechanic by trade but was a true Master Craftsman who could build, fix or sketch anything.  He loved exploring the outdoors/unknown, nature, his music/art, cars but most of all he had a love and passion for his country

Gordon “Gordy” Russel, 78

Gordon “Gordy” Russel, 78, of Woodstock passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2025, at his home in Woodstock. He was born on June 18, 1946, in Woodstock to Wilbert and Helen (Parker) Russel. He married Ella Pratt on Jan. 26, 1974. He worked in the asphalt business for many years until starting his own company in 1977, Russel Paving and Sealing. He had many customers and friends that used his expertise in and around Woodstock for paving. He loved to travel, especially to warm places where he would wear his colorful shorts and soak in the sun he loved to be in. He was a member of the United States Navy in the Seabees, the construction division of the Navy. His

Diane M. Baker-Lockwood, 79

Diane M. Baker-Lockwood, of Woodstock, left this world far too soon on Monday, February 17, 2025, at JourneyCare hospice facility in Barrington, IL. She was 79. Diane lived a life overflowing with an unwavering commitment to her husband, family, friends, and the countless people who were lucky enough to know her. Her true legacy lies in how she treated people. Her presence was magnetic and her kindness immeasurable. Diane was known for: a radiant smile that lit up any room she entered; her love for animals (cats like Casey, Niki, ThreeSpots, Cali, and Lucy all having a special place in her heart); the legendary spritz cookies she baked with love each Christmas with her mother or niece; and – just like

Mary (Maureen) Teresa Kammermeier, 85

Mary (Maureen) Teresa Kammermeier, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025. She was 85 years old. Maureen was born March 26, 1939 in County Mayo, Ireland, to Edward and Nora (Jeffars) Hopkins, Maureen emigrated to Chicago, where she was raised alongside her sister, Barbara (Hopkins) Higgins, and her brother, the late Larry Hopkins. She dedicated her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse, a profession that reflected her compassionate and nurturing spirit. On April 27, 1963, Maureen married the love of her life, Ralph Kammermeier, with whom she shared 57 wonderful years until his passing in 2020. Together, they built a beautiful life in Woodstock, Illinois, raising six children and instilling in them

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Larry Lough

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Susan W. Murray

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

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