Melissa J. Rhino (née Thome), age 54, of Woodstock, passed away at home on Nov. 27, 2019, after she bravely fought a long battle with anorexia nervosa. Melissa Joelene Thome was born Jan. 1, 1965, to Jack and Charlene Thome in Des Plaines, Ill. After Melissa finished grade school, the family moved to Woodstock, where she later became a graduate of Woodstock High School. She has resided in Woodstock for the last 42 years with her husband, Albert (Al) Rhino, and their three children. While her children were young and in school, Melissa was a stay-at-home mom, with the exception of working as a cleaning lady for a few families over the years. Cleaning, organizing, and straightening were things Melissa

March 13, 1941 – Nov. 20, 2019 Judith Jean Harding passed away in Woodstock, Ill., on Nov. 20, 2019, surrounded by her family following a short illness. Judy lived most of her life in Woodstock with her loving husband of 54 years, John E. Harding. Over the past few years they called Sanibel, Fla., their permanent home. Judy and John shared a wonderful life that began as 14 years-old’s attending St. Mary Catholic High School. A graduate of Loretto Heights College in Denver, Judy always remembered her years there as well as the friendships that endured her entire life. She loved meeting people and developing friendships by having the unique ability to strike up conversations with people no matter where

John A. Kruse, 70, of Woodstock, Ill., passed away peacefully at his home Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. John was born Nov. 10, 1949, to the late Paul and Carol Kruse in Addison, Ill. The family moved to rural Woodstock in 1957. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving on a mine sweeper in the Mediterranean during the late 1960s at the height of the Cold War. He had a 48-year career as the “Cable Guy,” starting out digging ditches in the initial cable install days in Coventry, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, and Carpentersville, and retired as a highly regarded field engineer upgrading and installing cable systems all over North America. John was

Dr. William Larsen was born in Oak Park, Ill., on October 4, 1935, to Roy and Gertrude (Voss) Larsen. He spent his childhood and years in active medical practice in Woodstock, Ill. Following graduation from Woodstock Community High School, he attended the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy in Chicago graduating in 1957, and following that was accepted into the College of Medicine at the Chicago campus. His internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology was at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Ill. For 20 years he practiced his specialty in Woodstock, and at the age of 50 switched careers and became medical director for Cigna and Humana corporations at various locations around the country. During his retirement years, William

Barbara J. Kries, age 87, of Woodstock, passed away in her sleep peacefully on Nov. 8, 2019. She was born on Oct. 5, 1932, in Chicago to George and Elizabeth (Soukup) Conlin. Barbara was very active in her church community at St. Patrick’s of Hartland for 31 years. Prior to that she was involved in the church and school communities that she lived in. She had a love for books and was in book clubs. Barbara volunteered her time to teach children and adults reading and English as a second language. She loved to travel with her lifelong companion and husband. She enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 64 years,

Dylan Torres, 24, of Woodstock, Ill., passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, after a long battle with addiction. Dylan was born Aug. 8, 1995, in McHenry, Ill., to Rudy and Natalie Torres. Dylan woke up fighting his addiction every single day and always found it in his heart to give his all to his family, his church, and his community. He loved his family and all those around him. He was a dedicated member of his church and enjoyed helping others through kindness. In a society that turns their back on those in greatest need, he was a beacon of hope for so many. Dylan was an addict but that did not define his life. His legacy is one of

A memorial service for Calvin F. Leisch, 95, of Kalona, Iowa, formerly of Woodstock, Ill., will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home in Woodstock. The family will greet friends from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Calvin Leisch died Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Memorial funds may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project. Calvin Francis Leisch was born Sept. 6, 1924, in Woodstock, the son of Roland and Laura (Boyd) Leisch. He graduated from Woodstock High School, and on July 27, 1946, he was united in marriage to Barbara Booth. Calvin farmed most of his life and was a supervisor at