Lillian Mika Gehrke, 92, of Woodstock, died Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at JourneyCare in Barrington. She was born Feb. 5, 1931, in Chicago to Frank and Mary (Jurczinski) Mika. Lillian enjoyed needlepoint, cross-stitch, and sewing as well as gardening, bicycling, and walking. She was a devout member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her three sons, Chriss Patrick, Melvin C. (Cynthia) Gehrke Jr., and Steven J. (Debra) Gehrke; her son-in-law, Christopher Pietrzak; her grandchildren, Steven (Olivia), Jackelyn (Jeff), Colton, Dustin (Jasmin), Larissa, and Lynsie; and her six great-grandchildren, Connor, Eliot, Aubree, Ingrid, Alma, and James. Lillian was preceded in death by her

Ronald Keith Parrish, known to his loved ones as Ron, passed away on July 25, 2023, at the age of 82 in Barrington, Ill. Ron was born on June 2, 1941, in Fairmont, W.Va., to Ralph and Juanita Greene Parrish. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Mason Parrish. Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his daughter, Kelly (Steve Carbon) of Bloomingdale, Ill.; his oldest son, Brad (Wendy) Parrish of Pittsburgh, Pa., his son Christopher (Ilisa) Parrish of Woodstock, and his son Doug (Sarah) Parrish of Eagle, Colo.; and his 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Ron had an impressive educational background, having obtained his Master’s in Education from Northern Illinois University, an MBA from

James “Red” Gavers, 84, of Woodstock, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, in the comfort of his own home. He courageously battled his fight against cancer. He was born April 14, 1939, in Cary to Otto and Ann (DeVogelaere) Gavers. Unyielding his patriotism, Red joined the Army, 82nd Airborne Division in 1960, and was stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., as a sergeant. and paratrooper. He joined his brother and business partner, Bob Gavers, in 1962, operating Gavers Automotive in Woodstock after leaving the service. For 57 years, they together were a staple in the community as mechanics and towing operators before retiring in 2019. There was never a job too challenging. He attributed his success to a positive attitude and

For John Sullivan, a perfect evening found him sitting outside on the patio he built, enjoying pizza and a cold Hamm’s with family and friends, swapping stories, and showing off his abundant garden handiwork.John, 61, of Woodstock, a teacher, gardener, and lover of the outdoors, died July 15. He was born in Chicago to John Sullivan and Mary Ann Conrad Sullivan and grew up in a close-knit family of five sisters and one brother in Glenview. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1984 and began his teaching career in the north suburbs. He taught social studies and coached track and soccer at Glenbrook South High School – his own alma mater – for 33 years, and made an

Kenneth C. Kopsell, 74, of Woodstock and Apache Junction, Ariz., passed away peacefully on July 7, 2023, with his family by his side.  A 1967 graduate of Huntley High School, Ken was a proud veteran, having served as an aircraft repair mechanic during the Vietnam War. Following that, Ken worked as a mechanic for Illinois Bell and earned his associate degree before turning to farming full time. He was an avid reader who stayed up nights to read anything he could find – including his daughters’ school books.  Ken loved to ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle around McHenry County and cross-country, often with his wife, Kris, on the back; they were married 54 years on June 29.  Ken is survived by

Mrs. Barbara J. Andreas, age 94, passed away peacefully with dignity on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in her hometown of Woodstock, surrounded by her family. Born to Charles and Charlotte Tryon in 1929, she was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, sports lover, and musician, playing baritone in the Woodstock and Crystal Lake community bands. Barb and her husband, Ernest “Ernie,” owned Royal Oaks Museum of Antiques in Crystal Lake, where she worked as a bookkeeper, using her talents for organization and attention to detail. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who kept track of everything in life and was wise beyond her years. A descendant of early pioneers in McHenry County and patriots out East, Barb also was

Kathleen Nancy Petersen, age 79, peacefully passed away July 4, 2023, at Northwestern Hospital in McHenry surrounded by family. She was born Sept. 12, 1943, in Woodstock to Orville and Edith Mae Parrish. Kathleen was truly loved by so many people! Her biggest gift was to help and take care of others! She was an awesome mom, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, gramma, great-gramma, colleague, and friend! She loved going on family vacations to Birchwood, Wis., so she could share her love of fishing and cooking. She loved spending time with her family and friends playing cards. She was the best at entertaining in her home! Kathleen spent the majority of her career working as the executive administrator to the

Brandon Michael Scott, 50, of Huntley, passed away suddenly Sunday evening, June 18, 2023. He was born Sept. 10, 1972, in Sycamore, the son of Sharon Scott. Brandon was known for his infectious smile, beautiful laugh, warm hugs, captivating green eyes, and for being “lefty.” Brandon was a graduate of the 1990 Class of Marengo High School. He was the first from his family to graduate from college with a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Florida State University in 1997. His career was dedicated to being a procurement professional. His most recent employer was Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas in Marengo. He was proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed visiting family abroad following his college graduation. Brandon loved to work

Born: May 19, 1936 in Woodstock  Died: June 15, 2023 in Genoa City, Wis. Diane M. Sheahan, 87, of Woodstock, passed away on June 15, 2023, at the Burr Oak Manor in Genoa City, Wis. She was born May 19, 1936, in Woodstock, the daughter of Walter O. and Helen T. (Hayes) Parker. She married Daniel P. Sheahan Jr. on Oct. 8, 1955, in Woodstock. Together they shared over 58 years as best friends until his passing on Feb. 27, 2014. Diane was a very supportive wife and mother. She never missed any of her children’s activities. Her family was her pride and joy. Diane was an avid sports fan, enjoying the Bears, Notre Dame, and horse racing. She enjoyed

Mary Patricia “Pat” Sullivan, age 91, died peacefully on May 11, 2023. She was born in South Milwakee Wis. She was a loving mother to two daughters, Mary P. Lamwers (David) and Kelly A Lamwers (William); a son, Timothy P Sullivan (Tammy); grandchildren Melissa, Timothy, David, Thomas, Meghan, Eric, and Samantha; great-grandchildren, Michelle, Madeline, Chandler, Julia, Dylan, Olivia, Jayna, Andrew, Wesley, Gavin, and Thomas; a sister, Mavis Erickson; and a brother, Donald Young. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, John Patrick Sullivan, and loving parents, Donald Young and Joan Magulski Young. Mom was adventurous. Let’s just start with jumping out of a plane at the age of 80. Got to help fly a seaplane in her 70s.