Rita R. Johnson, 91, passed away peacefully Nov. 29, 2023, at Northwestern Medicine in McHenry surrounded by her family.  She was born on March 8, 1932, in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of George and Ruth (Harrison) Roberts.  Rita graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1950, then went on to graduate from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1953. She married Richard G. Johnson on Nov. 21, 1953, at St. Thomas Church in Crystal Lake.  Her passion for sewing and crafts led her to opening her store, My Little Room Antiques & Crafts, in Crystal Lake. She was an avid golfer, Chicago Bulls fan, philanthropist, and was always hoping for a good pull on the slot machines. 

Dr. Willa Wertheimer was born May 10, 1964, to Edna (Faye) Ruth Summerfield and William Wertheimer. She also had a brother she loved, Andre (Andy) Drath, and a half-brother, Marshall Neal Geesey. She was born in Chicago.  Her two successful son,s Maitiu and Liam, have been by her side during her struggle with leiomyoma sarcoma cancer. Willa went to Buffalo Grove High School and graduated from DePaul University. She earned her PsyD. from Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 1994. Willa was a clinical psychologist serving the local community since 1999. She focused on providing psychotherapy to adults who were abused as children as well as other psychological services.  Willa was a valuable contributor to the International Society for the

Born: December 13th, 1964 Died: November 30th, 2023 Fred J. Learman Jr. passed away in his home on Nov. 30, 2023, with his wife, Diane, at his side. He was 58 years old. Fred was born on Dec. 13, 1964 in DesPlaines, Ill., to Fred Sr. and Kathleen (Buffington) Learman. The oldest of four boys, Fred graduated from Woodstock High School in 1983. After graduation, Fred went on to complete trade school and his apprenticeship, becoming a plumber and soon after, a plumbing estimator. Fred was very proud of his work and spent over 10 years working at Sherman Mechanical before working the last 10 years at Jensen’s Plumbing and Heating. On June 23, 1990, Fred married his high school

Lanny “Lenny” R. Jakubowicz, age 73, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Nov. 29, 2023. He was born on April 22, 1950, in Chicago to Ray and Yola (Hurgon) Jakubowicz. He graduated from Wells High School in 1968 in Chicago. In 1972 he met the love of his life, Linda; they were married on Feb. 9, 1974. Lenny and Linda were blessed to raise their family in Woodstock, where they shared a wonderful life. Lenny worked for 37 years as a mail carrier for the USPS and was an active member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge. He enjoyed traveling, bowling, or taking a cruise in his Corvette. You’d often find him enjoying a cold

Kevin H. Brown, 58, of Woodstock peacefully passed on Nov. 24, 2023, after a three-year battle with cancer.  Kevin was born in Woodstock on May 16, 1965, to Ronald and Bette (Stock) Brown. He attended Dean Street Elementary, Olson Junior High and Woodstock High School, where he played football and ran track. He graduated in 1983 and went on to participate in both sports at Milliken University.  Kevin played softball in recreational leagues for many years. It was at one of these games that he was set up on a blind date with his wife of 30 years, Mary Beth Dermont.  Kevin coached football at Northwood Junior High and with St. Mary Youth Football program but was in his element

David Carey passed away suddenly in his Schaumburg home on Nov. 22, 2023. David was born on Nov. 2, 1962 in Woodstock to John Kevin Carey and Barbara Ann Carey. He was the third of four children. He grew up in Woodstock and graduated from Woodstock High School, where he played baseball and varsity football. Post-high school David worked for three years as an oil rig deck hand in Oklahoma before returning home to work with his father, John Carey, in the family construction business. He then started his career at United Airlines, first as a reservation specialist, then as a ramp service associate. During this time David earned his airframe and powerplant license at Richard J. Daley College, after

Nona Marie Ring (Knuth), 85, peacefully passed away Nov. 20 just three days short of Thanksgiving and her 86th birthday. Nona was born in Woodstock, the daughter of Delma and Paul Knuth. Throughout her life, family, singing, music, outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, tennis, NFL football (Go, Packers), and traveling adventures were her passion.  Throughout her life she lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, Connecticut, and Ohio. She grew up in Woodstock, where she spent summers in Fontana on Lake Geneva. She then attended Oberlin College in Ohio from 1955 to 1959 when she traveled throughout the northeast singing choral music. After college she became a flight attendant for UAL although that didn’t last too long because she got

Sherri Sahs-Valencic, a beloved resident of Woodstock, passed away on Nov.r 1, 2023 (All Saints Day), surrounded by her cherished friends and family. Born in Woodstock on March 3, 1961, to Charles and Patricia (Crone) Sahs, with local family history dating back to 1881. Sherri leaves behind a legacy of resilience, professional achievement, and unwavering dedication to others. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Valencic; sister, Kim (Dave) Mansfield; brothers, Brad Sahs ( Erin) and Brian Sahs (partner Meghan); sister-in-law, Lynn Toczyl; life-long friends, Sandra Borchardt, Donna Limbaugh, and The Girls. She is survived by nieces Jessie (Chris) Hansen, Lanae (Ryan) Dostal, Brenna Sahs; nephews Bob Johnson, Patrick (Laticia) Sahs, Kyle (Nina) Sahs; Connor and Kylee Hansen, Jayden

Marlene Loraine Teuber transitioned peacefully on Nov. 14, 2023, at her home in Woodstock surrounded by her family. Born in Chicago, on Aug. 30, 1933, to Edward Kremske and Frieda (Zitzow) Kremske, she spent 90 wonderful years as the best wife, mother, and friend. The last two weeks of her life were spent saying goodbye to those she loved. Marlene married Robert W. Teuber in 1956 and eventually settled in Prairie Grove, where they raised four children. Marlene would lead the family on many camping adventures. The most adventurous was a six-week truck camper trip up to the Alcan Highway in Alaska and back again. Marlene managed the family of six during all this traveling, keeping everyone engaged and out

Dane Kent Walkington passed away peacefully at age 74 on Oct. 4, 2023, in Abilene, Texas. His son and daughter were by his side. He was born in Woodstock.Dane is survived by his three children, Ben, Will (Meridel), and Clair (Cory), as well as his three grandchildren, August, Leo, and Eloise. He also leaves behind his mother, Lura, and three brothers, Bill (Cindy), Tod (Deb), and Rob (Kathy). Dane was preceded in death by his father, George Walkington.An avid lover of nature, art, and discussion, Dane would recommend you explore the works and perspectives of Willem de Kooning, Nathan Oliveira, and Georgia O’Keeffe, among many others.A memorial of Dane’s life will be held at a future date.“Even abstract shapes must