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Obituaries

James E. Higgins Sr., 87

James (Jim) E. Higgins, Sr. 87, of Woodstock, died peacefully Thursday Nov. 24, 2022, at JourneyCare inpatient unit in Barrington. Jim was born in Chicago on Oct. 13, 1935. After graduating from St. Rita High School, the class of 1953, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he trained as an aircraft mechanic. While in the Navy, he married Dorothea “Dotty” Nastro on Sept. 11, 1965. After that, they traveled the world together, including being stationed in Naples Italy. Jim served a total of 20 years with the Navy and retired in 1973.  At the time of his retirement, he was serving with the Hurricane Hunters in Florida, and when he met someone new, he always told them, “Yes I did

Robert L. Shook, 89

Born: April 7, 1933 Died: November 24, 2022 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Leroy Shook, 89, on November 24, 2022. Bob was born to Delmar and Isabel (Carlson) Shook, on April 7, 1933 in Woodstock, IL. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1951. He then enlisted in the Army with his best friend Jack Sorensen and served in Korea for two years. Upon his return to the states, he met and fell in love with Joyce Berna whom he married on October 20, 1956. Together they created a beautiful family that continues to grow and flourish. Family remains the most important legacy Bob will be remembered for.   Bob enjoyed playing slow

Esther E. Wienke, 92

Esther E. Wienke, 92, was reunited with her past loved ones on Nov. 3, 2022. Esther was born July 18, 1930, in Woodstock to Gustaf and Kathrine (Madsen) Persson, the youngest of six children. The beloved mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away with family at her side after enduring cancer the past three years. Esther is survived by her sister, Mildred Luallen; children, Andrea Thompson, Dan (Janet) Sorenson, and Rick Sorenson; grandchildren, Jami (Cody) Sauber, Erica Thompson, Beth Sorenson, Kelsey (Matt) Schroeder, Andrew Sorenson, and Patrick Sorenson; great-grandchildren, Makayla Sauber and Charlie Schroeder; sister-in-law, Lois Range; many nieces and nephews, and lifelong friend Gloria Holy. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Art Persson,

Ann Tirk, 80

Born: Aug. 7, 1942, Hartford, Wis. Died: Nov. 3, 2022, Barrington, Ill. Ann Tirk was born on Aug. 7, 1942, in Hartford, Wis., to Eleanora and Orville Uber. She was an only child, and her parents died when she was young. She was well loved by her aunt Anita Becker and her extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She studied music education at Lawrence College in Appleton, where she met her husband, Bob Tirk. Ann, a talented soprano, taught vocal music in the Woodstock and Huntley school districts. She directed generations of local singers in holiday pageants, musicals, concerts, and other musical adventures. Ann and Bob were great travelers, visiting all 50 states, the 10 Canadian provinces, and

William ‘Bill’ Edwin Butenschoen, 81

William “Bill” E. Butenschoen died on Oct. 22, 2022. He was born Sept. 15, 1941, to Esther Hughes in Jefferson Park, Ill.  He married Joan Augustine on Sept. 8, 1962. Bill worked for AB Dick & Co. in Park Ridge for many years, and then he worked for Lemke Machinery in Woodstock before retiring. He was a skilled machinist. Bill and Joan moved their growing family to a small 5-acre farmette in Woodstock in 1978 from Hoffman Estates. He truly enjoyed all the aspects of owning land, including raising animals, having large bonfires, and mowing the acreage on his zero-turn mower. Anyone dropping brush off to be burned could find him enjoying the outdoors with one of the numerous large dogs

Tim James Feeley, 74

Tim James Feeley passed away at Valley Hi in the early morning of Oct. 3, 2022. He was born on Dec. 9, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, to James Patrick and Margaret (Freuland) Feeley.  He is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother ,Jeffrey (Sharon) Feeley.  Tim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Melodie; son, Zachary (Jenn) Feeley; brother, Michael Feeley; sisters-in-law, Candy Gay and Sharon Feeley; and nephew, Travis Powell.  Tim’s earthy life was an engaged, full adventure met with humor, determination, laughter, and available energy. An Iowa State University degree in biology morphed into a career as a union carpenter. That provided the skills used to build the country family home, where working on

Vaughn Dale Heidenreich, 98

Vaughn Dale Heidenreich, 98, passed away Sept. 30, 2022, in his Woodstock home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Vaughn was predeceased by his parents, Lester and Amy, and his four brothers, Wilmer, Delmar, Jerry and Vern. He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary (Grossel-Adams) Heidenreich; his four stepchildren, Mary Beth (Dan) Meloni, Joseph (Terese) Adams, Judith (Karl) Shuh, and Karen (Raymond) Shook; as well as three children with first wife Phyllis (Higgins), daughters Candace (Marc) Kresmery and Dawn Hines, and son Curt (Lisa) Heidenreich. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren also mourn his passing. Vaughn was born Sept. 21,1924, in Stockton, Ill., and graduated from Crystal Lake High School in 1942.  In 1943 he joined the United States 8th Army Air

Daniel A. Buchberger, 72

Daniel A. Buchberger, beloved husband, father, Papa, Opa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Dan was born on Aug. 3, 1950 in Belvidere, Ill., to parents Earl F. Buchberger and Betty J. (Sowers) Garrison. After graduating from Alden-Hebron High School in 1969, Dan enlisted in the Navy, attained the rank of HM3, hospital corpsman, and served until being honorably discharged in 1973.  In 2006, he retired as propane bulk manager from the original Country Gas Co. in Crystal Lake, where he had been employed for 32 years. He had been a member of the Northeastern Illinois Propane Gas Association while employed. He was a member of

Judith Ellen David, 76

Judith Ellen David 76, passed away on Sept. 6, 2022, at her summer cottage in Clam Lake, Wis. She was born on June 21, 1946, in Chicago, the daughter of Frank and Ludmilla Gleim (Kokavec). She married Michael David on Nov. 18, 1967. Judy was a certified floral designer and first worked at Busse Thomas Flowers and later at Apple Creeks Flowers, both located in Woodstock. She was also the owner of Judy’s Open Cupboard and Antique business located in Ridgefield.  She was a good cook, enjoyed sitting around a bonfire with family and friends, and also liked watching the Cubs. Most of all Judy loved being at her Clam Lake Cottage in Wisconsin. Her parents first brought her there

Carol Marie Deneen, 86

Carol Marie Deneen, 86, passed away on Sept. 22, 2022, at her home in Woodstock. She was born on Jan. 7, 1936, in Jamestown, N.Y., the daughter of Carl and Ingrid (Johnson) Hoglund. She married Richard Deneen on June 17, 1961. Carol was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Woodstock. She belonged to the Genesis group and Women’s Club with the church. She enjoyed traveling, taking care of her flower garden, and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Kerrie Lynn Way, Tracy Carol (Joe) Cubert, and Debbie Ann (Stan) Dechant; grandchildren, Gavin Taylor, Courtney (Kambren) Rowlan, Norman Dechant, Deneena Dechant, Joseph (Katie) Cubert, and Daniel Cubert; and great-grandchildren, Kayak and

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