Janice Van Boxtaele Hoffman, born Oct. 31, 1950, in Chicago, died Dec. 30, 2023, in Woodstock. Jan Hoffman passed at her home from complications of muscular dystrophy with her husband, Tom, by her side. Jan Van Boxtaele was born in Chicago, the daughter of Charles and Elvira Brooks Van Boxtaele. Early in Jan’s life she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Even when the disease would eventually rob her of the ability to walk and care for herself, it never took away her desire to live her life to the fullest. Jan graduated from Palatine High School in 1968. She worked at a couple of different businesses in the suburbs before landing at the Woodstock Wire Works, where she worked for

Charla Vae Johansen-Pierce, 83, of Woodstock (Marengo), passed away, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. She was born on Aug. 11, 1940, in Woodstock, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Evalyn I. (Peterson) Johansen. On June 19, 1965, Charla married Clifford F. Pierce at the First United Methodist Church in Woodstock. Charla attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington on a piano scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance in 1962. She was a member of the music fraternity of Delta Omicron, serving as president of the Sigma Chapter during her senior year at Illinois Wesleyan. She then attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, graduating in 1964 with a Master of Music degree in

James C. Zbilski, 62, of Woodstock, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. James, known as Jim, was born on June 25, 1961, in Skokie, Ill., to Thomas and Irene Zbilski.  Jim is survived by his two children, Theresa Delamora (Austin) and Tom Zbilski (Melissa). Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Jean M Zbilski, and parents, Thomas and Irene. Jim was always busy on the farm, whether he was feeding the cows, tending to crops, or fixing miscellaneous machinery. Jim moved out to the farm and started farming at the age of 18, and fell in love with the land and being a farmer. He made many friends in the farming community, many whom he considered an extension

Terry R. “TR” Schwebke, age 79 of Whitewater, Wis., passed away at Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Terry was born on June 16, 1944, in Belvidere, Ill., son of Robert and Rosetta (Spaulding) Schwebke. He proudly served his country from 1965 to 1967 as an MP in the Army stationed in South Korea.  Terry married Marilyn (Shaw), the girl next door, on Feb. 3, 1968. They raised two daughters, Lori and Jodi. He worked as an agriculture lender for most of his career. Many weekends were spent coaching, officiating softball and football, camping with his family, golfing, and watching the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks.  After retirement, Terry and Marilyn enjoyed being snowbirds in Palmetto,

Joseph M. Kersten, 75, of Woodstock, passed away Dec. 15, 2023.  Eldest son of Charles Otto and Mildred (Freeman) Kersten, Joe was born in Chicago. Growing up in nearby Greenwood and Wonder Lake, he attended St. Mary’s grade school in Woodstock. A 1966 graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School, Joe represented the Hurricanes proudly on the gridiron.  Joe began driving heavy equipment for Don Gavers out of high school. He enlisted in the United States Army the same week his draft number was selected in 1969. Joe served honorably in the 213th Engineer Detachment for 13 months, stationed in Can Tho, South Vietnam. Out of the Army, Joe hauled freight domestically for Dean Foods before establishing his own domestic

On Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, Jamieson Ryan Robinett, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, peacefully passed away with his family at his side at the young age of 46 after a 14-month battle with cancer.  Jamie was born in Woodstock on July 31, 1977, to David and Tammy (Church) Robinett. He attended Olson Elementary and Junior High School and Woodstock High School, where he played soccer. He graduated high school in 1996 and went on to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from SIUC in 2000. Jamie was a die-hard Chicago Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks fan. His love of sports also extended to playing in various recreational leagues, including volleyball, softball, and flag

Beverly S. Boyne, 89, of Woodstock, passed away at Northwestern Medicine in Woodstock on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2023. She was born on May 20, 1934, to Edward and Grayce (Kramar) Schock in Longlake, S.D. She married Robert Boyne in July of 1954. Her career was that of a teacher, mostly in Cary School District 26, but she also volunteered at District 200 in Woodstock. She enjoyed gardening and craft working. She especially loved to knit, making blankets for all of her grandchildren. She was a member at First Presbyterian Church in Woodstock for many years. She loved to travel, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. She was loved and will be missed. She is survived by her husband, Robert; a son,