Robert J. Mikel, 60, Wonder Lake, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, with his loving wife of 32 years by his side. His passion in life was his family. He adored his children and loved being a father but never imagined how being a grandpa would change his life. He worked as a correctional officer at the McHenry County Jail for 25 years where his coworkers quickly became his second family. He enjoyed fishing, boating, muscle cars, and above all spending time with the ones he loved. Survivors include his wife, Katherine, the love of his life; two daughters, Christina (Jay) Hansen and Cynthia (Wesley) Devries; his beloved grandchildren, Gage and Callie Hansen and Annabelle Devries; and his dear mother, Margaret

Gloria Jean Kosek, 93, Woodstock, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, at Hearthstone Manor. She was born Aug. 31, 1924, in Woodstock, the only child of Jess and Hazel Rutherford. She graduated from Woodstock High School and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. After raising her children, she worked for Dr. Stahlecker and later Dr. Abando from 1965 to 1990. Upon retirement she moved to Florida, where she lived until moving to Hearthstone in 2007. She will be remembered as a loving daughter, mother and grandmother who took great joy in gathering the family for holiday activities. She also loved boating on Lauderdale Lakes, where she lived for many years before retirement, as well as extensive traveling throughout the world.

Phyllis E. Evans, Crystal Lake, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, at JourneyCare Hospice in Woodstock, surrounded by her family. She was born May 16, 1937. Survivors include her children, Kim Goldberg, Rene Evans, Mickey (Lee Anne) Evans and Dana (Tom) Prichard; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ellwood “Woody” Evans, the love of her life, to whom she was married for 44 years. Per her request, there was no wake, visitation or funeral. A private Mass was held Dec. 28 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock.

Richard F. “Rich” Devinger, 85, Tomahawk, WI, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, at his home under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice. He was born Sept. 6, 1932, in Chicago to Henry and Idabelle (Johanson) Devinger. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He later married Kathleen Hagerty. He owned and operated Knight Paving in Barrington for 40 years. He and his wife were part-time Tomahawk residents since 1986 and moved to Tomahawk permanently in 1997. He was a volunteer with FOTA (Friends of Tomahawk Airport), was a member of NSAR and was a member of American Legion Post 93 in Tomahawk. He loved woodworking, snow skiing and water skiing. Survivors include his wife; four

Laura L. Schoolcraft, 49, Wonder Lake, died peacefully Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at Alden Terrace, McHenry. She was born May 20, 1968, to Robert “Bob” Vanek and Adrienne (Stephan) Fleischman in Palatine. Anyone who knew Laura, whether it be for five minutes or a lifetime, knew that she had a fierce love for these four things: The Lord, her family, her country and coffee. Survivors include her loving husband of 25 years, Ed Schoolcraft; children, Mindy (Matt) Fetrow, Susan (Josh) Hansen, Douglas Coonen, Adam (Jill) Schoolcraft, Matt Schoolcraft and Lauren Schoolcraft; seven grandchildren; her parents, Bob Vanek and Adrienne (John) Fleischman; a sister, Lannie Vanek; aunts and uncles; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. She was preceded in

Dorothy Iona Nulle, 96, Woodstock, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017,  at Valley Hi Nursing Home, Hartland. She was born May 25, 1921, to Arnold and Dorothea Gates in Hartland. On April 6, 1946, she married William Henry Nulle. She worked at Woodstock Die Cast for many years. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. She was also a visitor at Harvard Senior Center. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She was loved and will be missed. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Ann Nulle. Memorial donations can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock. Arrangements were made by Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.

Mary Lillian “Lily” Jakymyszyn, 60, Woodstock, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at her sister’s home in Woodstock. She was born May 20, 1957, to Peter and Maria (Behen) Jakymyszyn. Survivors include three sisters, Irene “Jackie” (Bohdan) Myshkowec, Anna (Roger) Chorney and Luba Chorney; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Gregory. Visitation was Dec. 27 at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. The funeral Mass was Dec. 28, at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church, Palatine. Burial was at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery, Chicago.

Maria De Los Angeles Hernandez, 92, died Dec. 24, 2017, at Crossroads Care Center, Woodstock. She was born March 12, 1925, to Pastor and Romana (Maldonado) Hernandez in Moca, Puerto Rico.  She was a resident of McHenry County since 2001 and worked hard as a clerical worker for the government for 25 years. She was a loving mother, very religious and had a strong faith her entire life. Survivors include a son, Oscar Acevedo Hernandez, Lake in the Hills; and a brother, Jose Hernandez. Visitation and prayer service were Dec. 30, at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.

Kenneth Van Dyne Fiske, 92, Woodstock, died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, at his home, the Cold Springs Schoolhouse. He was born April 18, 1925, to Kenneth M. and Eunice (Van Dyne) Fiske in Chicago. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon completing his service (lieutenant junior grade), he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in agricultural engineering. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and the Wisconsin Agricultural Alumni Association. In 1954, he married Darlene Sharp, Chicago, and moved into the Cold Springs Schoolhouse, where they lived from their marriage until his passing. Upon his return to McHenry County, he worked in Chicago

Clayton “Dave” Ayres, 78, Woodstock, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, at his home from a cardiac event. He was born May 12, 1939, to Paul R. and Gertrude Ingrid (Haugen) Ayres in Madison, WI. On June 11, 1958, he married Judith Ann Cole. He dutifully and honorably served his country and community. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and an active member of the American Legion and the Lions Club. He was also a beloved and active member of the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, McHenry, where he served on several committees including chair of the Stewardship Committee and spearheaded several church missions. Every Thursday he could be found communing with his weekly men’s breakfast group.