Michael “Mike” McCoy died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, in his home surrounded by his family. He lost his 6 1/2-year battle with cancer, fighting to the very end to beat the odds he was given in 2010. He was an inspiration to family and never missed a day of work or an important event for his children while he underwent chemotherapy. He was born March 8, 1948, to Donald I. and Carol (Germanson) McCoy in Dixon. On Nov. 28, 1970, he married Anne Varga at St. Patrick’s Church, Dixon. He attended Catholic elementary school in Dixon and Newman Central Catholic High School, Sterling. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 through 1970 and was a Vietnam veteran. He earned

Betty Jane Lippold, 94, Spokane, Wash., formerly of Woodstock, died July 21, 2017. She was born Betty Camp March 29, 1923, in Woodstock. She married Ralph Lippold and together they had two sons. She divorced in 1968, and made a courageous move to Spokane at age 80 to be near her son Jim. She loved regular visits to the casino and food of all kinds, especially ice cream. She held tightly to a lifelong cigarette habit. Her connection to the Presbyterian church was central to her life. She was a sweet, bright, vivacious and engaging woman who easily made friends everywhere she went. She lived life on her own terms as a strong, independent woman. Hospice of Spokane was very

Mary A. Merritt, 89, Woodstock, formerly of Forrest, died Friday, July 26, 2017, at Hearthstone Manor. She was born July 18, 1928, to Helen Ida North Hirsh and David Arnold Hirsh in Springfield. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Gov. Thomas Ford Chapter of Illinois. She was also a member of the Forrest United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing bridge, sewing and knitting to make gifts for others and painting with oil paints. Survivors include a daughter, Lynda (Greg) Wisinski, Woodstock; two grandsons, Michael (Keisha) Wisinski, Woodstock, and David (Estee) Wisinski, Tyrone, Ga.; a niece, Ann (Francis) Duchi, Montague, Calif.; three nephews, Charles (Lisa) Merritt, Durham, N.C., Jon (Cathy) Merritt, Tucson, Ariz., and David

Forrest R. Knapp, 93, Woodstock, died Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at Valley Hi Nursing Home, Woodstock. He was born Sept. 20, 1923, to Guy and Betty (Umathum) Knapp. He attended Woodstock High School until age 17 when he was recruited for military service. He was part of the Army Air Corps and stationed in Hawaii, serving two tours until he returned March 6, 1946. On Sept. 7, 1948, he married Lillian Rasmussen in Woodstock. He was a very skillful and creative man who loved spending time helping his family and friends. He was a lifetime member – for more than 50 years –  of the Woodstock Moose Club. He enjoyed recanting stories from the past and sharing them with those

William E. “Bill” Steiner Jr., 66, Woodstock, died Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at the JourneyCare Hospice, Woodstock. He was born Nov. 23, 1950, to William E. and Cecilia (Goggin) Steiner in Elmhurst. He was an entrepreneur and the owner of Bigfoot Outrigger Pads and the Woodstock Car Wash, Woodstock.  He was a car enthusiast with a passion for building them and playing in them. He loved to build things, and there was never a task too big or too small. His attention to detail, drive for perfection and the strength in his convictions were qualities rarely matched in this world. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Linda Steiner; two sons, Scott (Joanne)

Mark William Widmer, 62, Woodstock, died Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Madison, Wis. He was a deeply loving husband, father and grandfather. He was big-hearted and endlessly patient and possessed a quick wit and dry sense of humor. A committed educator, Mark retired after 35 years as a teacher and administrator with Woodstock School District 200. Throughout his career – and as a founding Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 329 – he was a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of young people. He was a creative and skilled craftsman whose passions fueled a lifelong interest in new hobbies and projects. He found joy in auto restoration and machining, carpentry and woodworking and traveling, especially camping and visiting his

Elaine H. Davis, 88, Woodstock, died July 20, 2017, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock. She was born Nov. 23, 1928, to Charley and Helen (Ulrich) Meyer in Herrick, S.D.. On Dec. 17, 1949, she married Edwin W. Davis in Woodstock. She was a collector of many things. She loved reading, playing golf, bowling and card games. She enjoyed many vacations in Florida. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her loving family. Survivors include a son, Bruce (Karen) Davis; and grandchildren, Mary, Danielle and Zachary. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband; and a brother, Robert Meyer. The visitation and funeral were July 25 at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. Burial was at Oakland

Lillian H. Granger, 100, Belvidere, formerly of Woodstock, died peacefully Saturday, July 15, 2017, at Heritage Woods, Belvidere. She was born  June 26, 1917, to Henry and Pauline Seibel in Woodstock. On March 25, 1939, she married Orval A. Granger. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock, where she was active with many church functions and activities. She was an active member of the Women of the Woodstock Moose Lodge.  She was an avid reader and loved gardening, cooking and baking.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her loving family. Survivors include a daughter, Bonnie (Merle) Schultz; a son, Larry (Gayle) Granger;  grandchildren, Kathy (Dan) Hauser, Pam Schultz, Andrew Granger and Michael (Megan) Granger; great-grandchildren, Casey

Eddie M. LeCrone, lived 78 interesting and loved years. He was the beloved husband of Darlene; father of Gigi (Bruce Carlson) and Mimi (Ken Book); grandfather of Kurt (Mary Phillips Carlson), Larin (Justin Filip), Cody (Katie Book) and Jeremy Book; great-grandfather to Hank, Gus and Ike; and brother to Janet and Max. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bertha; and a brother, Larry. Celebration of Life services will be held Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Harvard First United Methodist Church. The time is to be determined. He came from a family of simple means in central Illinois and learned frugality and ways to be creative and have fun with what the outdoors offered. In his young

Chester B. Zyskowski 89, Woodstock, died Saturday July 15, 2017, peacefully in his sleep. He was born May 14, 1928, to Nikodem and Cecilia (Grabowski) Zyskowski in Chicago. On Oct. 8, 1955, he married Jean Sochacki. He went to parochial school in Chicago at St. Brono Elementary School, and St. Rita High School.  He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.  He graduated from Ferris College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and registered pharmacist certification.  He managed the pharmacy in the K-Mart store in Woodstock for many years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. Before moving to the Woodstock area, he served as president of the homeowners association at