Thomas R. Matterness, age 90, passed away peacefully at home in Woodstock on June 17, 2022. Tom was born in Spring City, Pa., on Feb. 14, 1932, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Biehl) Matterness. After graduating from Lebanon Valley High School in 1950, he enlisted in the Navy for 4 years, where he attended Great Lakes Naval Academy. Tom met Sondra in July of 1958; they were engaged on Christmas of 1958, and married in Everett, Pa., on May 23, 1959. Tom took great pride in his career, working for General Electric as a field engineer, then Motorola for 30 years where he retired in 1993 as vice president and national service manager. He was a longtime member of

Helen June Stanger, age 103, of Woodstock passed away peacefully on Friday, July 1, 2022, in Woodstock.  She was born June 13t, 1919, in Woodstock to Earl Giles and Elta (Schroeder) Giles. She married Edward R. Stanger on Dec. 3, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa. Helen attended a one-room country schoolhouse in Shabonna, Ill., and finished her education in Woodstock. She worked at a Woodstock retail/record store for 25 plus years. She was a music lover, playing favorite songs for the younger generation who frequented the store. She was a supervisor at Elco-Hillcrest Manufacturing of Woodstock, where she then retired in 1984. Helen was a Sunday school teacher and, in later years, a volunteer at Grace Lutheran Church of Woodstock. Helen

Darlene E. Wojcieszek (née Lazar) of Woodstock, formerly of Norwood Park, died Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the home of her daughter, surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was born on Nov. 2, 1937, to John and Mary (Gill) Lazar in Chicago. She married Henry J. Wojcieszek on Aug. 4, 1956; they spent 28 years together before his sudden passing on July 17, 1984. She was employed by Centel Phone Co. for 35 years, but her greatest joy in life was her role as Amma to her grandchildren. She also enjoyed singing, dancing, and cooking for friends and family, who were always welcomed into her home. Surviving are her children Therese (Paul) Conklin, Dianne Wojcieszek, and Lorrayne Karmis; brother, Daniel

Geraldine M. Gallagher, 93, of Woodstock, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022, at Hearthstone Manor in Woodstock. She was born May 24, 1929, in Chicago, the daughter of Anton and Helen (Muchewicz) Dubach. She married Thomas J. Gallagher on Aug. 8, 1953. Geraldine, fondly remembered as Jerry or Cookie, was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock. She had retired from Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock after many years of service in the cafeteria. After her husband retired, they spent many of their retirement winters in Florida. Jerry most enjoyed spending time with her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Thomas J. Gallagher; daughters, Kathleen (Terry) Harbes, Karen Griswold, and Mary

Krystal “Kris” Kay Harrison Roark, age 68, of McHenry, passed away June 20, 2022, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She was born on April 1, 1954, in Woodstock, the daughter of Clarence and Marian (Freeman) Harrison. She married Hunter Roark Jr. on Sept. 23, 2000. Kris was one of a kind; she was so generous and accepting of everyone. She had such a bubbly personality that made everyone instantly fall in love with and connect with her. Her sense of humor was unmatched. She could find the humor in any situation. She absolutely loved talking about and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters. She would take them on adventures and wasn’t afraid to play any silly game

Arlene B. Ferguson, age 90, of Woodstock, died on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Northwestern Hospital, McHenry, surrounded by her family. Arlene was born (May 12, 1932) and reared on the Broughton family farm in Magnolia Township, Rock County, Wisconsin. She was the fifth and youngest child of Cal and Georgia (Smith) Broughton. She graduated from Albany High School, Albany, Wis., as valedictorian in 1949. She attended Wisconsin State College at Platteville. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University at DeKalb. She did postgraduate work at National College of Education in Evanston, Ill. Arlene married Samuel Ferguson Aug. 21, 1949, at her parents’ home. They were divorced in 1954. She lived for short periods of time

Audrey A. Meyer (née Riley), 92, of Woodstock, went home on June 14, 2022, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Ferndale, Mich., on March 21, 1930, the daughter of William and Clara (Cardinal) Riley. She married the late George Meyer Jr. on Aug. 1, 1953, in Woodstock. Audrey was a longtime member at St. Mary Catholic Church and enjoyed helping out with luncheons. She worked at Graf Apsco in Woodstock until they closed their doors. She also volunteered at Resurrection Retreat and Sanctuary until her retirement in 1998. She was an avid Cubs fan. She loved spending time with her family, her dog, and enjoyed taking walks and playing baseball. She will be missed. She

Paul F. Kries, age 92, of Woodstock, passed away in his sleep peacefully on May 27, 2022. He was born on June 2, 1929, in Chicago to Charles and Ruth Kries. Paul was very active in his church community at St. Patrick’s of Hartland for 33 years. Prior to that he was involved in the church and school communities that he lived in. He was an individual who continually searched for knowledge both on the internet and in his research of stocks, science, entertainment ,and sports. Paul loved to travel with his family and his life-long companion and wife. He took many trips in and out of the country. One of his favorite places to travel to was Door County.