Joan Anne Purdy, 69, of Waupaca, WI—formerly of Woodstock, IL—passed away peacefully at home on May 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). To know Joan was to love Joan. She had a magnetic presence, a gift for conversation, and an infectious laugh. Her warmth, humor, and boundless devotion to her family and community were hallmarks of a life well lived and deeply cherished. Born in Indianapolis, IN on January 23, 1956, Joan was the beloved daughter of Jean A. (Johnson) and John L. Oberrieder. She grew up in Deerfield, IL and graduated from Deerfield High School. Joan went on to attend Drake University, where she met the love of her

Larry (Smitty) Smith, 71, of Woodstock, IL passed away in Rochester, MN, on May 14th, 2025, surrounded by his family. Larry was born in Harvard, IL, on January 31, 1954 to Marion and Betty Smith. He attended Woodstock schools and was a member of Woodstock High School Class of 1972. Larry was a Woodstock United States Postal Service letter carrier for 30 years. On May 14, 1977 he married Peggy Dhom at Saint Mary’s Church. They raised four children together. Larry is survived by his wife Peggy, son Scott (Jessica) Smith, daughter Sarah (Dave) Kanak, daughter Lindsay (Todd) Loehner, daughter Lauren (Seth) Hoadley, sister Marilyn (David) Rice, brother Ken (Kristy) Smith, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and good friends. Larry was

It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of our delightful father, Rudolph Eric Pahl, Jr. At 97 years old, he was living a full, independent life until a tragic fall in his home. He transitioned peacefully on May 4, 2025, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington surrounded by family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, at least those who could appreciate his wit, sense of humor, honesty, and love of people. Rudy lived his life with ease. He had a flair for decorating, was constantly working around the house, and never missed an opportunity to go dancing. He loved his home and his family. He also loved a challenge! He could do ANYTHING!

James W. Kniebusch, 72, of Woodstock died suddenly in his home in Woodstock on Sunda,y May 11, 2025. He was born in Woodstock on March 15, 1953, to William and Hazel (Beilke) Kniebusch. Jim worked for many years in roofing and also worked as a machinist at Bolt Switch. He was also a former volunteer member of the Woodstock Rescue Squad. Jim was a member at First United Methodist Church in Woodstock. He was a lifetime member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge and a Life Scout. Jim was an avid sports fan and especially fond of the White Sox and Chicago Bears. He is survived by a daughter, Megan (Matthew) Quick; two grandchildren, Tori and Alexis Quick; sisters, Peggy (Ken)

Rebecca A. Pender, 66, of Woodstock, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 8, 2025, after a 5-year battle with cancer.She was a graduate of Woodstock High School Class of 1977, and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Woodstock. Becky married her sweetheart, Tim, in 1984. She loved raising two sons, Scott (Leah) and Todd (Emily), and then watching them build lives of their own. She was blessed with two daughters-in-law and four cherished grandchildren: Hannah 4, Ted 3, Amelia 3, and Lillian 1, all of whom were the light of her life. Becky was a woman of grace, always with a heartfelt smile, exhibiting love and compassion throughout life. She lived by the

A life beautifully lived: Patricia “Pat” Herbst (Jan. 8, 1961-April 8, 2025)It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Patricia “Pat” Herbst, a woman whose radiant spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and impeccable style touched the lives of all who knew her. Pat departed this world peacefully on April 8, 2025, in Woodstock, surrounded by her loving family, a testament to the immense love she cultivated throughout her life. Born on Jan. 8, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Mich., Pat was the cherished daughter of John and Marilyn Lierman. From her earliest days, she possessed a vibrant energy and a remarkable ability to connect with others. As one of six siblings, she

Alex Majewski, aged 87, passed away April 10, 2025.  He was the loving husband of Shirley Hedman; stepfather to Daniel (Holly) Hedman and Stephen (Lisa Felks) Hedman; stepgrandfather to Hannah (fiancé Nathanael), Abigail, and Joshua Hedman; loving brother to Louis (Mary Kay) Majewski; and proud uncle to Dave (Colleen) Majewski and Christine (Tom) Quinn.  He is fondly remembered by extended family and friends. Alex was a proud graduate of Albert G. Lane Technical High School class of 1956 and a proud member of the Illinois National Guard.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday April 22, 2025, at St Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian burial will follow the visitation at

Donald Charles Beyer, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in the Victorian Village subdivision of Woodstock, Illinois, on April 10, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 29, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Don’s life was rooted in music, service, and deep compassion for others. When his family relocated to Woodstock during his childhood, it marked the beginning of a lifelong connection to the community he would come to shape through his talents and generosity. Don began playing piano as a young boy, and by the age of 12 he was playing the organ for the Grace Lutheran Church on Washington Street, and by 16 he was teaching piano. A 1961 graduate of Woodstock

Curtis Lee Schacht, 85, of Leesburg, IN passed away peacefully at his home on April 3, 2025. Curt was born June 20, 1939 in Woodstock, IL to Karl and Virginia (Pierce) Schacht. He was a graduate of Woodstock Community High School in 1957 and of Northern Illinois University in 1962. He met the love of his life, Ruth Ann at Woodstock HS and they married on January 26, 1963. They shared 60 years of love, happiness and family and spent over 50 years enjoying lake life on Tippecanoe Lake. Curt began his 36-year career with RR Donnelly in Chicago and transferred to the Warsaw office in 1974. He worked in multiple roles until he retired in 1998. Retirement didn’t last