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

Robert (Bob) Phillip Koehler passed away on Feb. 13, 2024, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, Ill., from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Chicago on Feb. 18, 1936. He was the fifth son of Orlo and Berniece (Sweet) Koehler. In 1939, his family moved to a farm at the corner of South Street and Franklinville Road in rural Woodstock. He was one of the first 4-H members to exhibit at the McHenry County Fair when it was held at Woodstock High School. Later, as a teacher, he was invited to judge 4-H woodworking projects. Bob was in the first class to attend Westwood Elementary School when it opened. Bob graduated from Woodstock High School (class of 1954),

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved husband, David “Dave” Nathanial Stone (July 20, 1943-Feb. 5, 2024). Dave was born to Charles and Bernadette Stone in Fox River Grove, Ill. He graduated from Barrington High School in 1961. He continued his education at the University of Illinois, and earned his JD from the University of Wisconsin in 1968. Dave began his law career with Motorola in 1968 and moved to Woodstock in 1970 to work at a local law firm. He operated his own practice for over 40 years, first in Woodstock and ultimately in McHenry. For the entirety of that time, he also worked as an assistant state’s attorney for McHenry County. As

Nancy L. (Downing) Ryan, 77, of Woodstock, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at her home in Janesville, Wis. She was born in Woodstock on March 20, 1946, to Eugene and Irma (Austin) Downing.  She was the former owner of Klub Bub in Milton, Wis. She was a bookkeeper for Century Title Co., and a beautician for many years. She was Miss Moose Lodge in Woodstock in 1962.  In a world filled with endless distractions and fast-paced lifestyles, there is one thing that remained constant – the bond and love between a mother and her children. She was always the happiest when spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and her furry companion, Sophie Sue. She had a love for traveling, gambling,

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