Lena E. Newman, 101, died Sunday, March 25, 2018, in her sleep at home in Woodstock. She was born Jan. 1, 1917, to immigrant Belgian parents, Elodie (Van Compernolle) and John DeBrower, in Harvard. On Oct. 12, 1940, she married Charles H. Newman in Woodstock. She was valedictorian of her 1934 class at Harvard High School. Even though times were hard after the Depression, she went right to work for Jewett & Wright Abstract Co. in Woodstock, which eventually became the McHenry County Title Co. From 1943 to 1955, she took time off to raise her family, while also working part time as a bookkeeper for Hahn Oil, the Smoke House Tavern, and her husband’s businesses, Newman’s Log Cabin and

Ward Lee Koehler, 91, of El Paso, Texas, and formerly of Woodstock, died March 22, 2018. He graduated from Woodstock High School, where he was a band member. He graduated from Illinois College Phi Beta Kappa, and the University of Michigan Law School. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, where he participated in the liberation of the Philippines and was awarded two Bronze Stars. Judge Koehler was an attorney in El Paso before being elected judge of the 168th District Court and justice on the 8th District Court of Appeals. He received many honors, including the El Paso Bar Association’s Outstanding Jurist and Outstanding Senior Lawyer awards. He was active in the Republican Party and served

Pat Biestek, 73, died Friday, March 23, 2018, after a courageous fight with Parkinson’s disease. Pat’s spirit, strong will, intelligence, and compassion influenced the many activities she undertook. A strong believer in learning from mistakes and celebrating successes, Pat exemplified being able to accomplish anything one set her mind to. Pat loved gathering with family and friends, spending time by the water, bickering with her husband of 51 years, Rich, and trying out new recipes. She was an avid gin rummy player, enjoyed reading, cross stitch and crocheting, and was always up for traveling, a trip to the movies, or to try out a new restaurant. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at St. Patrick’s Church, Hartland,

Betty Kayse, 62, of Woodstock, died March 8, 2018, at Loyola University Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 3, 1955, in Carlton, Minn., to Melvin and Twyla (Hackensmith) Puotinen. On March 20, 1976, she married Charles Kayse. Betty was a school bus driver for District 200 for many years, which she immensely enjoyed. She loved spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, and watching game shows. Betty was able to make friends anywhere she went and would do anything for anyone in need. Survivors include two daughters, Cristal (Thomas Sr.) McMillan and Cammi (Nicholas Sutton) Kayse; six grandchildren, Holly McMillan, Bryttani, Brandon and Bradley Surma, T.J. McMillan, and Louis Sutton; a nephew, Brian (Crystal)

Woodson “Woody” A. Garrett, 78, Woodstock, died Friday, March 9, 2018, surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born Nov. 13, 1939, to Finis and Rosa Annie (Alley) Garrett. On Oct. 20, 1963, he married Carol Okrasinski. Woody loved the outdoors and being on his motorcycle. He was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association and the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle Campers. He supported his grandkids in all their activities and made it a priority to be at any activity they were involved in. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Beth (Vik) Burg-Krishnan, Woodstock, and Lisle (Nathan) Stalter, Russell; many nieces and nephews; and grandchildren, Abbi, Jason, Nathan and Rebecca. He was preceded in death by a brother, Finis