John R. Hughes, 46, of Woodstock, passed away on March 2, 2019, at his home in rural Woodstock. He was born March 22, 1972, in Woodstock to Robert and Genevieve (Gentes) Hughes. It is with tremendous loss and sadness that John passed away. He left us remembering his great sense of humor, his wonderful, cultivated mind, and his sense of humility (even though he had much success). His interest in conservative politics often drew him into lively discussions with friends and foes alike. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1990 as valedictorian and class president for four years. In 1994 he received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and later his master’s degree from Yale Divinity School in religious

Douglas “Doug” Loren Thompson, 62, of Woodstock, passed away in his home on Feb. 28, 2019. He was born May 22, 1956, to Terry and Carol (Stilling) Thompson in Woodstock, Ill., where he lived his whole life. He was a proud third-generation trucker and an avid mechanic. He is survived by his parents; a brother, Brian; a sister, Lisa (Guiseppe); his children, Jami (fiancé – Cody Sauber) and Erica Thompson; and a stepson, Peter Maceika. A memorial will be held later this summer at the Thompson family farm. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Doug’s name may be made to the National MS Society. For more information, call the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney funeral home at 815-338-1710 or visit

James D. Hodges, 93, of Woodstock, Ill., passed away on Feb 22, 2019, in Surprise, Ariz. Born in Cherokee County, Georgia, on June 22, 1925, to George and Ada Elliot Hodges, Jim was their only child. He married Ruth Berg Bohn Hodges on May 11, 1991. Jim was a loan officer at The State Bank of Woodstock for over 20 years and retired from Harris Bank in Barrington. He was very active in Lions Club, Shriners, and was the finance officer at the American Legion. He particularly enjoyed playing “Santa” at the hut on the square and in the Christmas parade. Jim served our country during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was awarded a Purple Heart and

“Better days are comin’,” Everett Donald Hunter would often say. That day came for him on Jan. 10, 2019. At home on Saint Patrick’s Road, surrounded by the love of his earthly family near and far, Everett made the journey to join his beloved deceased mother, Laura Vasey Hunter, father, Donald James Hunter, brother James and sister Loretta (Donald) Soland. Everett entered this world at home on the family farm on Bull Valley Road in McHenry on Feb. 15, 1927, the third of six children. He is survived by Vera Wingate of Crystal Lake, Marie (David) Payne of Hartland, and Robert Hunter of Sterling. “Evie” had fond memories of attending Clemens Country School, taught by his adored teacher, Eileen Fitzgerald.

Elaine Marguerite Eisenmenger, 80, of Woodstock, passed away at home on Feb. 11, 2019. She was born July 2, 1938, to John A and Marguerite E. (McPhee) Hunter. She married Gerald Eisenmenger in Woodstock on May 27, 1961. Elaine was born and raised on the family farm where she developed her great love of animals. She attended Woodstock High School for three years, but graduated from the Hebron High School after the family moved to that area. She and her best friend both earned perfect attendance for all four years of school. She took her first and only job with the State Bank of Woodstock. She worked for many years until her children were born, at which time she took

Thomas F. Schroeder, 77, died Feb. 2, 2019, at JourneyCare Hospice in Woodstock, Ill. Tom was born on March 24, 1941, in Woodstock to Harry H. and Margaret F. (Miles) Schroeder. He attended St. Mary Grade School and was a graduate of St. Mary High School in Woodstock. In 1960 Tom joined the U.S. Army and served his country for three years. After the military he returned to Woodstock and married Sharon L. Church on July 20, 1968, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock. Together, they raised three children: Jeffrey, Christine and Timothy. In their early years, they lived on Greenwood Road and farmed the land. In 1974 Tom joined the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department and served for 23

Phillip Edward Grask, 63, of Woodstock, passed away on Jan. 17, 2019, at the Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital.He was born July 8, 1955, in Chicago to Edward and Ann (Ruth) Grask. He married Jayne Voss on Sept. 27, 1986. at the Ascension Church in Oak Lawn. Phillip was a 1973 graduate of the Harold L. Richards High School, in Oak Lawn, and attended college at the Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. After college, Phillip joined the U.S. Marines. During his tour of duty with the Marines, he served as a corporal and USMC Squad Leader, 1st Platoon Golf Company 2nd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division. After serving his country, he began a 35-year career as a plumber.