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Obituaries

Brandon Michael Scott, 50

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

Diane M. Sheahan, 87

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, 91

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.

Wayne Edward Dye, 77

Wayne Edward Dye, a beloved, former Woodstock educator and coach, passed away early in the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023, with family by his side. He was born on March 3, 1946, to the late Forrest and Anna (Thiery) Dye in Kewanee, Ill.  Wayne was the youngest of three boys. Despite an 11- and 7-year age difference, Wayne had many fond memories of his late brother, George, and his brother, Harold. Wayne worked alongside his brothers and father on their farm outside of Kewanee while their mother gardened and cooked for the family. It was during the daily chores and working together that Wayne began to develop his strong work ethic, his devotion to family and realized the importance

Duane E. Pohlman, 55

Duane E. Pohlman, age 55, of Huntley, formerly of Woodstock, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home.  He was born on March 23, 1968, in Woodstock to Robert and Judith (Wilbrandt) Pohlman. He married Alyson LaBue on Oct. 1, 1994, at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock. Duane worked for the Crystal Lake post office for 10 years; he then spent 25 years at Advantage Moving and Storage. He enjoyed fishing and cooking. He loved to talk sports with his son, Jace, was a Bears and Cubs fan, and adopted a love for the Oregon Ducks. He loved working out and enjoying time with his loving family. Anyone who knew Duane knew he put others first and had a selfless

William Richard ‘Bill’ Arsenty, 46

William Richard “Bill” Arsenty, 46, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Born April 6, 1977 in Woodstock, he was the first of two children to Bob and Ginny Arsenty.Growing up, Bill loved nature and fishing. You’d often find him down by the nearby creek catching frogs or fishing at the nearest park. He started many friendships as a teenager he would maintain for the rest of his life.In 2002, he met Jamie Graham and her daughter, Nicole. He joined their family and soon created their own, having two more daughters together. Bill, Jamie, and the girls eventually moved down to Texas, settling in Midlothian. For the last eleven years, he worked for the McLane Company as

Catherine ‘Cathy’ Barkwill, 73

Catherine “Cathy” Barkwill, 73, of Machesney Park, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Swedish American Hospital. Born March 31, 1950, in Chicago, daughter of Edward and Marion (Kozlowski) Koziarski. Married Kenneth Barkwill on Oct. 3, 1987. Employed by National City Bank and Alpine Bank, beginning as a bookkeeper and moving up to work as a loan officer and eventually an auditor. Member of Pine Grove Free Methodist Church. Cathy enjoyed reading on her Kindle, crocheting, doing Sudoku puzzles, and watching British TV shows, especially Miss Marple. She took wonderful care of her husband. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; daughter, Lauren Radovich; stepdaughter, Victoria (Billy) Cheatum; grandchildren, La’Trayce

James J. Skozek, 74

James J. Skozek, 74, passed away unexpectedly on May 9, 2023, at Barron Hospital, Barron, Wis. James was born Sept. 25, 1948, in Chicago to Stanley and Irene Skozek. James attended and was a proud alumnus of St. Ignatius High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Loyola University and a master’s degree in school administration from Roosevelt University. Jim married the love of his life, Deborah Sobczyk, on July 11, 1976. They spent 46 wonderful years together, supporting each other and raising a family. A sociable but quiet man, Jim remained calm and rational in any crisis or difficult situation. He possessed an inner strength and exacting sense of fairness. Jim fostered a love of learning and

Virginia (Angelucci) Vignone, 100

Virginia (Angelucci) Vignone, beloved mother, known to those who loved her as Nana, was born April 12, 1923, in Ralphton, Pa., and died peacefully in her sleep on April 14, 2023, two days past her 100th birthday. She was attended to by her son, Charles; her daughter, Virginia; and grandson, Christian. Virginia was first generation Italian. Her parents and uncles arrived at Ellis Island in 1918. Virginia, moved from her home in McKees Rocks, Pa., to Chicago in 1947, finally settling in Lansing, Ill., in 1950, where she raised six children and gave a home to many nieces and nephews. An active member of the American Legion and volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America, Virginia welcomed everyone to her home.

Adam Hanson, 22

Adam Hanson, age 22 of rural Wisconsin Dells, Wis., died Friday, May 5, 2023. Memorial funeral services will be held Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Conway-Picha Funeral Home in Lyndon Station, Wis., with Dave Kordell officiating. Visitation will be held at Conway Picha Funeral Home on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Adam was born July 27, 2000, in Woodstock. He grew up in the Wisconsin Dells area and attended schools there. In April of 2018 he was inducted into the U.S. Marines and later was honorably discharged in April of 2022. Adam learned jiu-jitsu martial arts and trained regularly. Adam was an outdoor enthusiast whether it was hiking, fishing,

Top Writers

Larry Lough

Larry Lough

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

Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio

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

Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray

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

Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli

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

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