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Obituaries

Kevin H. Brown, 58

Kevin H. Brown, 58, of Woodstock peacefully passed on Nov. 24, 2023, after a three-year battle with cancer.  Kevin was born in Woodstock on May 16, 1965, to Ronald and Bette (Stock) Brown. He attended Dean Street Elementary, Olson Junior High and Woodstock High School, where he played football and ran track. He graduated in 1983 and went on to participate in both sports at Milliken University.  Kevin played softball in recreational leagues for many years. It was at one of these games that he was set up on a blind date with his wife of 30 years, Mary Beth Dermont.  Kevin coached football at Northwood Junior High and with St. Mary Youth Football program but was in his element

David Alan Carey, 61

David Carey passed away suddenly in his Schaumburg home on Nov. 22, 2023. David was born on Nov. 2, 1962 in Woodstock to John Kevin Carey and Barbara Ann Carey. He was the third of four children. He grew up in Woodstock and graduated from Woodstock High School, where he played baseball and varsity football. Post-high school David worked for three years as an oil rig deck hand in Oklahoma before returning home to work with his father, John Carey, in the family construction business. He then started his career at United Airlines, first as a reservation specialist, then as a ramp service associate. During this time David earned his airframe and powerplant license at Richard J. Daley College, after

Nona Marie Ring (Knuth), 85

Nona Marie Ring (Knuth), 85, peacefully passed away Nov. 20 just three days short of Thanksgiving and her 86th birthday. Nona was born in Woodstock, the daughter of Delma and Paul Knuth. Throughout her life, family, singing, music, outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, tennis, NFL football (Go, Packers), and traveling adventures were her passion.  Throughout her life she lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, Connecticut, and Ohio. She grew up in Woodstock, where she spent summers in Fontana on Lake Geneva. She then attended Oberlin College in Ohio from 1955 to 1959 when she traveled throughout the northeast singing choral music. After college she became a flight attendant for UAL although that didn’t last too long because she got

Sherri Sahs-Valencic, 62

Sherri Sahs-Valencic, a beloved resident of Woodstock, passed away on Nov.r 1, 2023 (All Saints Day), surrounded by her cherished friends and family. Born in Woodstock on March 3, 1961, to Charles and Patricia (Crone) Sahs, with local family history dating back to 1881. Sherri leaves behind a legacy of resilience, professional achievement, and unwavering dedication to others. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Valencic; sister, Kim (Dave) Mansfield; brothers, Brad Sahs ( Erin) and Brian Sahs (partner Meghan); sister-in-law, Lynn Toczyl; life-long friends, Sandra Borchardt, Donna Limbaugh, and The Girls. She is survived by nieces Jessie (Chris) Hansen, Lanae (Ryan) Dostal, Brenna Sahs; nephews Bob Johnson, Patrick (Laticia) Sahs, Kyle (Nina) Sahs; Connor and Kylee Hansen, Jayden

Marlene Loraine Teuber, 90

Marlene Loraine Teuber transitioned peacefully on Nov. 14, 2023, at her home in Woodstock surrounded by her family. Born in Chicago, on Aug. 30, 1933, to Edward Kremske and Frieda (Zitzow) Kremske, she spent 90 wonderful years as the best wife, mother, and friend. The last two weeks of her life were spent saying goodbye to those she loved. Marlene married Robert W. Teuber in 1956 and eventually settled in Prairie Grove, where they raised four children. Marlene would lead the family on many camping adventures. The most adventurous was a six-week truck camper trip up to the Alcan Highway in Alaska and back again. Marlene managed the family of six during all this traveling, keeping everyone engaged and out

Dane Kent Walkington, 74

Dane Kent Walkington passed away peacefully at age 74 on Oct. 4, 2023, in Abilene, Texas. His son and daughter were by his side. He was born in Woodstock.Dane is survived by his three children, Ben, Will (Meridel), and Clair (Cory), as well as his three grandchildren, August, Leo, and Eloise. He also leaves behind his mother, Lura, and three brothers, Bill (Cindy), Tod (Deb), and Rob (Kathy). Dane was preceded in death by his father, George Walkington.An avid lover of nature, art, and discussion, Dane would recommend you explore the works and perspectives of Willem de Kooning, Nathan Oliveira, and Georgia O’Keeffe, among many others.A memorial of Dane’s life will be held at a future date.“Even abstract shapes must

Helen B. Biedermann, 97

Born Feb. 18, 1926 Died Nov. 4, 2023 Helen Bigelow Biedermann passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Nov. 4, 2023, at Hearthstone Manor in Woodstock. Helen was born Feb. 18, 1926, in Chicago to Albert and Cecelia (Welter) Bigelow. She married her beloved husband, Leonard W. Biedermann, on May 8, 1948, in Lombard, Ill. In 1961 they moved to their farm in Woodstock, where they raised their five children. Helen was a devout Catholic and a devoted and loving wife and mother. Once her own kids were in school, she began a long career sharing her love for children as librarian at Greenwood School, and as a teacher’s aide at the Special Education District of McHenry County.

Robert (Bob) Vadnais, 90

Robert (Bob) Vadnais, noted educator and talented woodworker, passed away on Nov. 2, 2023, at Hearthstone Manor at 90 years of age. He had his family at his side, and was supported with compassionate care by the Hearthstone Manor and Journey Care Hospice staff.  Bob was born in Escanaba, Mich., on Sept. 1, 1933, to the late Clifford W. and Ceal K. Vadnais. He attended local schools, graduating from Escanaba High School in 1952. He was a talented musician, playing the clarinet and saxophone in the high school band as a middle school student, and acting as student director of the high school dance band. He was also a member of a local musicians union as a high school student,

Richard P. Stackhouse Sr., 73

Richard P. Stackhouse Sr., age 73, of Woodstock, passed peacefully on Oct.17, 2023, at his home next to his wife holding her hand. He was born in Woodstock on Sept.11, 1950, the son of Clarence and Joyce (White) Stackhouse. He married Joyce Lehman on Dec. 28, 1991. For many years he worked in concrete construction. Richard was a member of the American Legion, having served in U.S. Army, and was also a member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge. Richard truly loved working in his yard and tending to his garden, as well as his yearly trips to Mexico with Joyce. While in Mexico, they made many good friends who became family to them. He also enjoyed reading his books, completing

Gary Robert Schauer, 72

Gary Robert Schauer, 72, of Woodstock, passed away at Northwestern Hospital on Oct. 5, 2023. He was born on May 4, 1951, in Woodstock to the late Robert and Marge Schauer. Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sharon; his daughters, Jackie (Schauer) Shanklin (husband Nate) and Tricia (Schauer) Penn (husband Bob); and four cherished grandchildren, Jacob Hale, Grace Hale, Jack Shanklin, and Colin Shanklin. He is also survived by his faithful sister, Sue Koeser (husband David), and niece Jennifer Koeser. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Christopher Schauer.  Gary had a personality that was as large as his physical stature. He had a passion for his family, his community, and his

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