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Obituaries

Becky Kent Medins, 72

Becky Kent Medins, a long-time executive with several Chicago-based insurance brokers, died on October 29, 2024 after a decade-long battle with cancer. She was just shy of her 73rd birthday. Born Becky Sue Kent, to Carl and Virginia Kent, she grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, went to Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois, graduated from the University of South Dakota (where she was President of Kappa Alpha Theta) and earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In 1987 she married Peter Medins, and they moved to Woodstock, IL where they had a home until her death. She was active in community organizations, including the Woodstock Fine Arts Association, for which she volunteered 10 years

Joseph (Joe) Russell White, 79

Joseph (Joe) Russell White, 79, of Ft. Myers, Florida passed away suddenly on September 27, 2024. He was born June 28, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Russell and Marian White. Joe was a beloved father, devoted patriot, adored his Lhasa apso pet companions, ate lemons down to the rind, a frequent listener to 97.1 The Drive, always searched for the perfect hue of brown colored socks and held the nickname “The Bakery Fairy” sharing carbs to all those he appreciated. Joe was a graduate of the 1963 Class of Roachdale High School in Roachdale, Indiana. After attending Purdue University for only a semester, he enlisted with the Navy in 1965 serving in the Vietnam conflict. He served

Jack Alan Nieman, 72

In Loving Memory of Jack Alan Nieman Jack left us peacefully surrounded by his family on October 16, 2024, at the age of 72.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched the lives of many. Born on April 22, 1952, Jack was a man of immense dedication and strength, both in his work as a heavy equipment operator and most importantly, in his love for his family.  He spent his life working hard, always ensuring the well-being and happiness of those he cherished most. Jack shared a beautiful life with his wife Ann, celebrating their 53rd anniversary on September 18, 2024.  Together they created countless memories, one of their favorite pastimes being their many cruises, traveling the world.  Most important was

Lt. Kenneth James Larsen, 56

It is with a humbled heart to announce the line of duty death of Lieutenant Kenneth Larsen. A member of the Lake Geneva Fire Department, Lieutenant with Huntley Fire Department, and past member of the Woodstock, Illinois Fire Department. Lt. Kenneth James Larsen, 56, of the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area passed away surround by his friends and family on October 9th, 2024. Lt. Larsen was born on August 25th, 1968, to Ralph and Joanne (Berener) Larsen in Woodstock, Illinois. Lt. Larsen was a member of the graduating class of 1986 from Marian Central High School. On May the 5th, 2005, at St. Mary’s Church in Woodstock, Illinois Lt. Larsen was united into marriage to Karen Hegberg. When you talk about

Loretta (Laurie) Byrnes, 83

Laurie (née Hart) Byrnes, 83, of Salem, SC and formerly of Woodstock, IL died October 4, 2024, surrounded by her family. Laurie was born December 12, 1940, in Evanston, IL to Loretta (née Shelby) and Leo Hart; she was their first surviving child. She grew up in Glenview, IL and was always an accomplished student. She attended Marywood Academy in Evanston and Alverno College (Milwaukee) upon her graduation from high school. While still in high school in 1958, Laurie was set up on a blind date with John Byrnes. They dated for nearly two years before marrying on February 27, 1960, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview, IL. Together they shared a life and marriage that spanned 56

Cheryl Ann Klingenberg, 80

Cheryl Ann Klingenberg, 80, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2024, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington. She was born October 15, 1943, in Woodstock, the daughter of George & Rita (Phannenstill) Haldeman. She married the late Ronald “Ike” Klingenberg on July 29, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Church in Hartland. She was a graduate of Woodstock Community High School, the class of 1961. Mrs. Klingenberg was a member of the Wayne’s Lanes Wednesday Night Victory Bowling League for over 50 years and the Kingston Sunday Morning Hangover League. She was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Oregon Ducks fan. She loved bowling, traveling, reading, gambling, crossword puzzles, playing cards/games, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Sherry Alice De Volld Anderson, 100

Sherry Alice De Volld Anderson lived a remarkable and beautiful life, and on August 24, she had the joy of celebrating her 100 Birthday surrounded by the love and laughter of many dear, lifelong friends. Just eleven days later, on September 4h she passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and an extraordinary life well-lived. Sherry was preceded in death by her husband Stanley Frederick Anderson in l997. The two were married in 1961 and shared a wonderful life full of love, adventure, and a shared passion for the arts. Together, they dedicated much of their time and energy to the Woodstock Opera House in Illinois, where their presence was felt deeply through their gracious contributions to

Denver McCowan, 81

Denver McCowan 81, of Woodstock, passed away Friday, September 20, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Clintwood, Va. on October 13, 1942. He married Judy (Barry) Ehrke on October 2, 1998. He was a member at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Woodstock .He worked at the Surgi Path in Richmond, IL a forklift driver for many years. He enjoyed gardening at his home in and loved to watch old Western movies. Mostly he enjoyed his grandchildren and family and his beloved dog Gypsy. He was loved and will be missed. He is survived by his wife Judy of Woodstock; his children Jeff (Linda) McCowan, Daniel (Peg) McCowan; daughters, Nichole (Aaron) Hensgen, Tammy (Justin)

Leonard S. Belmonte, 90

Leonard S. Belmonte, 90, was born June 17, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois to John V., and Anna M. (nee Izzo) Belmonte. He passed away peacefully Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Mr. Belmonte worked as an insurance underwriter with CNA Insurance for over 35 years before retiring in 1999. After graduating from St. Ignatius College Prep in 1952, Leonard attended John Carroll University, participating in the ROTC program and graduating in 1956. He later served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army (9th Infantry) and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Born and raised in Chicago, Leonard married Rosemary E. Watkins in 1965 and moved his family to Woodstock in 1974. Leonard was a

Richard J. ‘Dick’ Menzel, 90

Richard J. “Dick” Menzel, 90, of Hartland, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 surrounded by his family.  Dick was born on June 18, 1934 in Woodstock to John and Theresa Menzel. He met the love of his life Margaret “Peggy” Hallisy at St. Mary’s School. While away at Boys State in High School, Richard wrote to Peggy every day and always ended the letters with “P.S. Behave Yourself and I’ll be glad to get home.” Dick and Peggy got married on July 4, 1953 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock.  Dick spent many years running Menzel Skelly Service Station in Woodstock.  Wanting to keep the family involved, he had his father, John, on the payroll as a mechanic,

Top Writers

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Larry Lough

Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.

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Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.

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Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.

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Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.

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