Bruce Ackerman, 59, Woodstock, died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, in Woodstock. He was born Nov. 14, 1958, to William and Patricia (Johnson) Ackerman in Elmhurst. On Oct. 19, 1980, he married Laurel Seidensticker. He was a great innovator and excellent handyman who could fix at most anything. He prided himself on his woodworking, creating beautiful custom furniture. His son has taken on many traits of his father which he will cherish forever. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to Florida, boating and camping. He truly loved and cared for his dogs. He will be missed by family and friends. Survivors include his wife; a son, Charles; two sisters, Linda Ackerman and Jennifer (Barry) Drap; and sisters-in-law, Carole (Seidensticker) Templin and

Karen L. Scimeca, 58, Woodstock, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, at her home in Woodstock surrounded by her loving family. She was born Jan. 14, 1959, to Robert James and Mary Ann (Burgess) Schumer. On March 5, 1988, she married Timothy Scimeca. They spent 29 happy years together and had two children. For many years she worked as a clerk in the McHenry County Circuit Court Office, Woodstock. On a typical day you either could find her watching a classic movie or with her nose in a book. She had a passion for horses, whether she was out horseback riding or just watching the horses at Arlington Racetrack. She also loved spending time at Lake Michigan where she made many

James E. Keefe, 85, Woodstock, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017. He was born Jan. 13, 1932, to James H. Keefe and Florence M. (Cooney) Keefe in Chicago. They moved to Woodstock in 1938. He attended St. Mary School in Woodstock through ninth grade, followed by St. Mary’s Seminary School, Crystal Lake, where he had planned to become a priest. He attended college at St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa. During his sophomore year of college, he was drafted, serving stateside in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during the Korean War. He returned to college after being discharged to graduate from St. Ambrose in 1957. Two weeks following his college graduation he married Mary Ellen Burmeister at St. Mary Catholic

Harlow “Bud” Swartout, 90, Geneseo, formerly of Woodstock, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa. He was 90 years old. He was born Oct. 28, 1927, to Harlow Jerry Swartout Sr. and Florence (Hawkins) Swartout in Galesburg. He graduated from Galesburg High School and went on to attend Drake University before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.  Upon his return, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University. He married JoAnn Sterling in 1951 and began his teaching and coaching career in Fisher, eventually moving to Woodstock,  where he taught and coached until his retirement in 1993. Survivors include his children, Jerry (Elaine) Swartout, Hamilton, Mont., and Nancy (Bernie)

Philip G. May, 83, Harvard, died Thursday Nov. 23, 2017, at his home. He was born Sept. 14, 1934, to George and Alvina (Kirchner) May in Chicago. On Oct. 14, 1961, he married Jeannine Sebby in Skokie. He was a member at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. He dedicated his life to being a beekeeper, and he was known for his expertise in the field. For 60 years he was a member of the American Beekeeping Federation, and he was also a member of the Northern Illinois Beekeepers Association. He was an award-winning member of the HaHa Givers Club and the Regents Sports and Athletic Club. He spent his winters in Florida and enjoyed playing softball and bocce ball there. He

Sally A. Reuter-Radka died Friday, Nov., 17, 2017, at the Amber Glen Alzheimer Special Care Center, Urbana. She was born Jan. 11, 1935, to Herman and Cornelia (Freund) Nye  in Terre Haute, Ind. She was a resident of Champaign, although she spent most of her life in the McHenry and Crystal Lake area. She attended primary school in McHenry and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She was a psychiatric social worker for the Special Education District of Lake County until her retirement. She was a member of the American Association of University Women; the National Association of Social Workers, which declared her a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work; the Illinois Retired Teachers’ Association; and

Rory Robert Semrau, McHenry, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 13, 1964, to Walter Semrau and Dianne Kay Rush in Woodstock. He was a carpenter by trade who took pride in his work. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and any other outdoor activities. Survivors include his parents; a brother, Patrick (Christina) Rush; sons, David (Jessica) Helmeid and Ryan Robert Semrau; grandparents, Jim and Rita Valley; grandchildren, Emmaline and Xavier; nieces Breanna and Kayla; and aunts and uncles. Per his wishes, all services will be private. Flowers or cards would be graciously appreciated and can be sent to Dianne Kay Rush, 4511 Home Ave., McHenry, IL

Gayle A. Christman Bean, 63, Woodstock, died Monday Nov. 6, 2017, at JourneyCare Hospice-Woodstock. She was born April 15, 1954, to Andrew and Eilleen (Huppert) Marchetti in Chicago. On Aug. 17, 1985, she married Scott Bean. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening. She was loved by all who knew her, and she will be missed. Survivors include her husband; a son, Tyler Bean; a daughter, Donnielle (Steve) Normington; and three grandchildren, Sophia, Sam and Sawyer. The funeral and burial will be private. Donations can be made to St. Jude Chidren’s Hospital Arrangements were made by Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.

Jeffrey A. Schroeder, 48, Woodstock, died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in North Chicago. He was born July 6, 1969, to Tom and Sharon Schroeder in Woodstock. He was a longtime employee of Local 150. He loved operating all heavy equipment. He also loved being a dad and activities with his children and family. He also loved reading books, going to movies and listening to music. Survivors include a daughter, Madelyn, Johnsburg ; a son,Trevor, Johnsburg; his parents; a sister, Chris Schroeder; a brother, Tim (Marta) Schroeder, Woodstock; and nephews and nieces. Visitation and a celebration of life Mass were held Nov. 10 at St. Mary Church, Woodstock.

Joseph C. Burg, 84, Woodstock, died Nov. 6, 2017, at Centegra Hospital-McHenry, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 19, 1933, to Christopher and Anna (Ahlers) Burg, in Manitowoc, Wis., the youngest of eight children. The family moved to Woodstock in 1945. He attended St. Mary Catholic School, graduating from high school in 1951. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years. On Sept. 7, 1953, he married Mary Ellen Evans at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. They had five children. He was a carpenter, working with Freund Construction for 25 years. He retired from Peet Frate Line Inc. He was active on the St. Mary School Board, serving as president,