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Obituaries

Thomas “Tom” Morley Schwarz, 61

Tom Schwarz, the big old, 6-foot Teddy Bear with a cute, endearing smile, died March 28, 2025, in Crystal Lake, after more than seven years of debilitating health, having suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was 61. He was born Nov. 18, 1963, near Cleveland, Ohio, the first son of Thomas C. and Joan (Morley) Schwarz. Tom was a staunch Green Bay Packers fan and football follower. He starred on football fields as a high school student in Texas and while in college at Carroll University, Waukesha, Wis. He proudly wore Packer paraphernalia year round and especially in the company of Bears fans. Tom met Lora Totton when they were freshmen at Carroll. On July 5, 1986, two months after

Dr. Burton Terry “Doc” Wolf, 92

Dr. Burton Terry “Doc” Wolf passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida surrounded by the love of his family. The week before, Doc celebrated his 92nd birthday at his favorite restaurant along with his wife, Jane and family members. Doc was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 25, 1933, to Dr. Henry Wolf and Rose Yeager Wolf. He was the eldest of 3 children, followed by Howie and Marcia. His parents had moved from Chicago to the small town of Elgin, Iowa where Henry was well-loved as the only physician in a 50-mile radius. Doc attended schools in Elgin, Iowa where he excelled in sports, academics and making life-long friendships. During the first week

Helen Lois Limbaugh, 85

Helen Lois Limbaugh, known by everyone as Lois, of Woodstock, IL passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025 at her home.  She was 85.    She was born on May 22, 1939, on her maternal grandmother’s birthday, to Stanley and Helen (Thompson) Hunt in Hartland IL.   Lois was raised in the Ringwood community, along with 4 brothers and 1 sister, attended the 2 room Ringwood grade school and the Ringwood First United Methodist church.   She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school.   She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1957.   On June 14, 1958, she married Eugene (Gene) Limbaugh in Woodstock, where they raised 3 children, Elaine, Lynell and Brad.   Growing up her greatest passion was sewing, starting at age 8 in 4-H.   Along with sewing, embroidery,

Joseph B. McCarthy, 76

Joseph B. McCarthy, affectionately known as Joe, passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Walworth, with his loving wife by his side. Born on July 25, 1949, in Rockford, Illinois, Joe lived a life defined by faith, family, and service. A devoted member of St. Mary Parish in Woodstock for over 40 years, Joe’s unwavering commitment to his faith was reflected in his long-standing membership with the Knights of Columbus and his role as an usher at Sunday masses. Beyond his parish, Joe actively contributed to the Woodstock Little League and was a cherished member of the “Dream Crew.” For nearly 20 years, he tirelessly volunteered his time to help rebuild and maintain the Dream Field, leaving

Dale Edward Lavan, 86

There will be a Celebration of Life for Dale Edward Lavan on May 10, 2025 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Stage Left Cafe, Woodstock, IL. Dale was born on April 22, 1938, in Chicago to Edward and Bernice (Skokal) Lavan. He quietly passed on October 27, 2024 in Paducah, KY where he retired in 2018. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cary Sue (Byerly); his son, John (Kristi); daughter Debra Shook; his brother Ed (Cathi); sisters Mary Ellen Lavan (Dennis Howe, deceased) and Ann Marie (Bill) Dominguez; and many nieces and nephews. Dale served his country for four years in the Air Force in the late 1950s. Most of his career was in Quality

Charles F. “Chuck” Michling Jr., 78

Charles F. “Chuck” Michling Jr., 78, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully at his home for the past five years, Valley Hi Nursing Home, on March 15, 2025. Chuck was born on Jan. 26, 1947, to Charles Sr. and Caroline (Kirchgassner) Michling in Chicago. Chuck was the oldest of four children, and the family moved to rural McHenry County in December 1956. Chuck’s love of and vast knowledge of history made it only fitting that he passed on The Ides of March. Chuck was a 1965 graduate of Woodstock High School, a 1969 graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island with a history degree, and then in 1982 from Roosevelt University in Chicago he received a paralegal degree. Chuck’s work life

Peggy Dhom, 75

Peggy Dhom, 75, of Woodstock, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at her home. Born on August 10, 1949, in Harvard to Earl and Fern (Gile) Hoey, Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Dhom, on November 25, 1967. After dedicating herself as a stay-at-home mom, Peggy began working at Guardian Electric in Woodstock. She later worked at Shamrock Fibers and concluded her career at Centegra Health Systems in McHenry, handling payroll. A woman of many talents, Peggy had a love for crafting, gardening, and was a wallpapering expert. She had a green thumb and could turn any space into something beautiful. She was fortunate to have lifelong friends, and countless camping trips over the years created treasured memories

Hermon L. Wesby, 80

Hermon L. Wesby, 80, of Aurora, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Northwestern Hospital in Huntley. Hermon was born on April 22, 1944, in Lafayette, La., to Julius and Pearl Wesby. He served in the U.S. Army and received a rank of E5. He was honorably discharged on June 15, 1971. Hermon was employed at Caterpillar Tractor in Montgomery, Ill., for 30 years. He made friends with everyone he met, no matter where he met them. He was an avid pool player, bowler, and loved camping. He enjoyed traveling around the states on his Gold Wing, pulling along his trailer and his partner, Marilee. Boating on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers was another activity that brought joy

Scott S. Johnson, 62

Scott S. Johnson was born Oct. 30, 1962, in Harvard, Ill., to Stanley and Marjorie (Cosman) Johnson. He passed away suddenly of natural causes in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at his home in Woodstock. Scott graduated from Woodstock High School in 1981. He then graduated from Bob Jones University in 1985. Scott is survived by his children, Mick Johnson, Courtney Larsen, Julia (William) Repke, Wyatt (Alison) Johnson, Hunter Johnson, and Solomon Johnson; grandchildren, Kaiya, Elianna, and Thias Larsen, Clara and Evan Repke, and Theo Johnson; his parents, Stanley and Marjorie Johnson; sister, Rosemary (Timothy) Williams; as well as nieces, Rebecca and Colleen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gennifer, whom he met in

Christopher (Chris) W. Slack, 61

Chris W. Slack, 61 years old, died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at his home. He was born Oct. 28, 1963, in Woodstock to Lloyd and Sarah (Klabunde) Slack. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1981. On June 21, 1986, he married Karen Flanum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Chris was employed with Gandrud Chevrolet in Green Bay for over 30 years as manager of the parts department. Chris was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, traveling with his family, baking, stamp collecting, and helping others. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Joseph Slack, Emily (Silas) Klug, Rebecca (Charles) Ouradnik, and Rachel (Ethan) Filipek; granddaughter, Violet Klug; parents, Lloyd and Sarah Slack; his

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Larry Lough

Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.

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Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.

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Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.

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Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.

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