Born Feb. 18, 1926 Died Nov. 4, 2023 Helen Bigelow Biedermann passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Nov. 4, 2023, at Hearthstone Manor in Woodstock. Helen was born Feb. 18, 1926, in Chicago to Albert and Cecelia (Welter) Bigelow. She married her beloved husband, Leonard W. Biedermann, on May 8, 1948, in Lombard, Ill. In 1961 they moved to their farm in Woodstock, where they raised their five children. Helen was a devout Catholic and a devoted and loving wife and mother. Once her own kids were in school, she began a long career sharing her love for children as librarian at Greenwood School, and as a teacher’s aide at the Special Education District of McHenry County.

Robert (Bob) Vadnais, noted educator and talented woodworker, passed away on Nov. 2, 2023, at Hearthstone Manor at 90 years of age. He had his family at his side, and was supported with compassionate care by the Hearthstone Manor and Journey Care Hospice staff.  Bob was born in Escanaba, Mich., on Sept. 1, 1933, to the late Clifford W. and Ceal K. Vadnais. He attended local schools, graduating from Escanaba High School in 1952. He was a talented musician, playing the clarinet and saxophone in the high school band as a middle school student, and acting as student director of the high school dance band. He was also a member of a local musicians union as a high school student,

Richard P. Stackhouse Sr., age 73, of Woodstock, passed peacefully on Oct.17, 2023, at his home next to his wife holding her hand. He was born in Woodstock on Sept.11, 1950, the son of Clarence and Joyce (White) Stackhouse. He married Joyce Lehman on Dec. 28, 1991. For many years he worked in concrete construction. Richard was a member of the American Legion, having served in U.S. Army, and was also a member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge. Richard truly loved working in his yard and tending to his garden, as well as his yearly trips to Mexico with Joyce. While in Mexico, they made many good friends who became family to them. He also enjoyed reading his books, completing

Gary Robert Schauer, 72, of Woodstock, passed away at Northwestern Hospital on Oct. 5, 2023. He was born on May 4, 1951, in Woodstock to the late Robert and Marge Schauer. Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sharon; his daughters, Jackie (Schauer) Shanklin (husband Nate) and Tricia (Schauer) Penn (husband Bob); and four cherished grandchildren, Jacob Hale, Grace Hale, Jack Shanklin, and Colin Shanklin. He is also survived by his faithful sister, Sue Koeser (husband David), and niece Jennifer Koeser. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Christopher Schauer.  Gary had a personality that was as large as his physical stature. He had a passion for his family, his community, and his

Jean Rosater (née Pavelchak), age 85, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, with her loving family by her side. Jean was born in Akron, Ohio, on March 13, 1938. She attended business school in Hartford, Conn. Jean later worked as a secretary before becoming a stewardess at Capital and United airlines, where she met her husband, Jim. They married in Barrington, Ill., in 1964, then moved to Bull Valley, where she lived until her passing.  Jean loved her grounds in Bull Valley and enjoyed walking among the pines and woods. She was active in the past with the Bull Valley Association, Fine Arts, and many civic charities. Jean always stayed active with her family, especially when

Jerry William Haning, 80, of Meyersdale, Pa., passed away Sept. 26, 2023, at his home. He was born May 20, 1943, in Meyersdale, the son of Samuel and Ruth (Horchler) Haning. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robbie Haning. Survived by his wife, Shirl (Hutson) Haning; children, Sheila Hetz (Gary Lee) and Jerry (Amy) Haning; three sisters, Susan Nellesson, Mary Kay (Don) Davis, and Jane (Dave) Mohapp; two brothers, Sammy (Sue) Haning and Freeman Haning; three grandchildren, Kala (Landon) Loya, Amanda (Anthony) Lewis, and Jeremy Hetz; four great-grandchildren, Lia, Tyler, Zacary, and Jaxon. Also survived by a sister-in-law, Patricia Redman, and brother-in-law, Bill (Donna) Hutson. He was a 1961 graduate of Woodstock Community High School and was a

Clara L. Bruns, 96, of Woodstock passed away Friday, September 22, 2023, at Valley Hi nursing Home in Woodstock. She was born on March 24, 1927, in Crystal Lake to Herman and Clara (Jesse) Ehlert. She married Harold Bruns on Aug. 24, 1946. They farmed together in Crystal Lake and Woodstock areas. She enjoyed playing pinochle at the Home State Bank and Dorr Township building in Woodstock. She also loved working crossword puzzles, playing cards, and reading. She loved her life on the farm and spending time with her family. Survivors include two daughters, Linda (Henry) DeYoung and Nancy Clark; a son, Jeff (Melody) Bruns; five grandchildren, Timothy (Marny) Clark, Daniel (Cory) Clark, Christiana (Andrew) DeYoung, Jessica (Dave) DeGrassi, and

Genevieve (Genny) Hay of Lake in the Hills passed away Sept. 14 at the age of 105 at Journey Care in Barrington. She was born in Crystal Lake, on Nov. 3, 1917, the daughter of Glen Joseph (Joe) Ober and Vina Gertrude (Sarbacker) Ober. She had one brother, Glen Ober. As growing up she lived in Twin Lakes, Wis., with relatives as her mother died at an early age. She also lived in Woodstock and Crystal Lake. She graduated from the class of 1937 Crystal Lake Community High School and attended her 50th class reunion on Aug. 1, 1987, at the John Evans Inn in Crystal Lake. She had a blind date with her soon-to-be husband (Arnie) at the McHenry

James F. Haager, 85, of Woodstock, passed away Sept. 12, 2023, at home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Woodstock on March 11, 1938, the son of Louis and Charlotte (Moritz) Haager. He married Audrey Menzel on April 11, 1959, at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock. Jim proudly served in the Navy after graduating Woodstock High School. He served from 1957 until 1960. He was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church and served as a Stephens Minister. He enjoyed woodworking, playing pinochle, bird watching, taking pictures of the sunrises and sunsets, going to his Liar’s Club meetings, and was an avid musical theatergoer. He enjoyed spending his winters in Florida, but most of all,

Kent N. Frisbie, 62, of Woodstock passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, 2023,­ at his home with his wife and children by his side. He was born Nov. 28, 1960, in Woodstock to David A. and Devona M. (Nelson) Frisbie. He married Diana L. Marlott in Peoria, Ill., in April 1984. Kent was a proud graduate of Woodstock High School and Augustana College. He joined his father in the Frisbie, Overly and Foote Insurance agency in Woodstock in 1986. The agency evolved and, in 1989, Kent was joined by his brother-in-law, Luke Lohmeyer, and soon after the Frisbie & Lohmeyer Insurance Agency was established. The agency has been and continues to be a committed business entity in Woodstock. Kent was