Steven James Pierce, 73, of Huntley, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, on a dream vacation in Alaska, completing his goal of visiting all 50 states. He was born on Aug. 2, 1945 in Woodstock, Ill., to James and Mildred Pierce. He graduated from Woodstock High School and Southern Illinois University. Steve married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sandra Casey, on Sept. 4, 1965. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage and celebrated their 50th anniversary with all their friends and family. The celebration continued with a family trip to Arizona, where he cherished all of his children and grandchildren from across the country being together. Steve loved to golf and bowl. He treasured

Melody J Strauss, 68, of Washington, Ill. (formerly of Woodstock, Ill.), died June 1, 2019, gracefully and peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 28, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, to Philip A. and Dorothy Jean Walker Horn. She married Lt. Richard E. Clemmons Nov. 27, 1968. He preceded her in death April 28, 1972. They had two children, Michelle (Mark) Fuery of Phoenix, Ariz., and Charles (Kristin) Strauss of Algonquin, Ill. She remarried Dec. 14, 1974, and had two children, Frederick “Rick” (Renee) Strauss of Burlington, Wis., and Kevin (Mandi) Strauss of Pekin, Ill. All four children have survived her. She is survived by 12 grandchildren: Caitie Strauss, Emily Jorgensen, Jennifer Becker, Sarah Strauss, Hannah Strauss, Alyssa

Neil S. Smith, 64, of Woodstock, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Northwestern Hospital-McHenry. He was born Dec. 25, 1954, in Chicago to Jack and Velma (Lowe) Smith. He married Vicki Kobus on May 6, 1995, in Cary, Ill. Neil will be remembered as a simple man with a gentle soul. A hardworking man, he was always ready to help anyone who needed him. He was a very loving, loyal, selfless, gentle man with an enormous sense of humor. With a very clever wit, he could tell a story like nobody else. He enjoyed historical documentaries, hunting, fishing, and being the family “grillmaster.” Most of all, he loved riding his Harley with his wife or daughter at

Larry L. Rowe, age 81, of Woodstock, passed away, May 19, 2019, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Marengo, Ill., on March 8, 1938 to Charles and Ruth (Smith) Rowe. He married Cynthia (Carroll) Rowe on Oct. 29, 2005, in Woodstock. Larry enjoyed playing wheelchair basketball and marathons. He met his wife while square dancing in Wisconsin. They enjoyed traveling all over the United States; his favorite place was the beautiful Grand Canyon. Larry was known as a strong go-getter type of person who was always ready for a challenge. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed their Friday game night, and seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a big smile to

Michael (Mike) Thomas Kaminski, 43, passed away surrounded by family at the JourneyCare Hospice Facility in Woodstock, Ill., on May 12, 2019, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike’s positive spirit and incredible sense of humor helped him fight for every moment with his family and friends until he passed. Mike was born on July 18, 1975, at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. He spent his early years playing dress up with his big sister and learning to fish with Dad and Grandpa Henry. In middle and high school, Mike excelled in his studies, played sports, and made lifelong friends. Throughout his childhood, he spent many hours playing board games and watching the Cubs with his mom

Most of us who live in Woodstock are wise enough to know to lock the doors of our houses, the garage, and our vehicles. But because of either a false sense of security or a lack of sophistication, we are not as vigilant when it comes to our electronic devices. Cybercriminals capitalize on internet users’ laxness to steal millions of dollars from U.S. companies and citizens. The total financial loss to cybercrime is between $57 billion and $109 billion each year, according to a 2018 estimate by the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Who’s at risk? “Everyone,” said Stephen Taylor, the CEO of LeadingIT in Woodstock. Since 2010, Taylor’s company has provided technology, computer, network, and security support for

Frances E. Buckley, 88, entered Eternal Life on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Salinas, Calif., where she had lived for the past five years with her daughter. Frances was born to Francis and Nora (Weir) Farrell on Oct. 23, 1930, and graduated from Proviso East High School. She married Edwin J. Buckley of Woodstock Ill., and they had four children. Frances was a bailiff at the McHenry County Courthouse for 24 years. She is survived by her children, Nora (Ernie Johnson) Watson, Sheila Veltus, Kevin (Mary) Buckley, Brian (Carol) Buckley; grandchildren, Magan Watson, Zachary Johnson, Emily (Rami Ibrahim) Veltus, Kristin (Jordan) Walt, Kaleigh (Nathan) Schubel, Kevin Veltus, Andrew Buckley, Patrick Buckley, Melissa “Missy” (Bryan) Lanzilotta, Edwin “Jack” Buckley, Abigail

Dorothy M. Cox died peacefully in her sleep on April 23 after nearly 87 trips around the sun.. She was born Dorothy Heiden in Blue Island, Ill., on June 23, 1932, and lived there for more than seven decades before moving to Woodstock, Ill. Dorothy lived a beautiful life as a wife, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to many. She enjoyed gardening, reading, watching Cubs and Bears games, volunteering in her community, and spontaneous trips to the Dollar Store. Dorothy preferred cigarettes and Manhattans over gym memberships, and laughter over tears, as she always had a joke to share. She loved her family and friends above all. Dorothy is survived by her children, Kenneth (Simon Blanco) Cox, James (Wendy) Cox, and Cheryl (Fred Markowitz) Cox; grandchildren Christopher Frum, Griffin Cox, Max Markowitz, and Sylvia Markowitz; sister Margaret Mueller; and brother Fred Heiden. She was preceded in death by her son