Lorelee L. Pietrzak, 48, Woodstock, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 22, 1968, to Melvin C. and Lillian (Mika) Gehrke Sr. in Woodstock.  On Sept. 4, 1994, she married Christopher Pietrzak at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Crystal Lake.  She worked as an estimator and project manager at MG Mechanical, Woodstock. She was active in the HVAC and contracting industries since she was in high school. She was a member of the Women’s Society of Mechanical Engineers as well as the ASHRAE Society. She enjoyed decorating and interior design as well as cooking meals for her family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt

Keith E. Ehrke Sr., 73, Woodstock, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, at his daughter’s home in Genoa City, Wis., with his loved ones by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born Jan 12, 1944, to Norman (Butch) and Arlene Ehrke in Woodstock.  On Sept 25, 1971, he married Judy Kulisek. She preceded him in death in 2011. He grew up in Woodstock and graduated from Woodstock High School in 1962. In the ‘70s he worked for the Woodstock Sentinel, then owned KEE’s Auto Detailers for several years, and finally worked for Warner Offset until his retirement. He delivered the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times earlier in his life and the Northwest Herald after his retirement,

Ronald Lester Schnulle, 80, Punta Gorda, Fla., formerly of Woodstock, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, in Arcadia, Fla. He was born Nov. 15, 1936, in Woodstock to Lester and Vera Schnulle.  On Jan. 14, 1956, he married Elizabeth Braun. Ron was a lifelong electrician in Woodstock and throughout McHenry County. He worked with his father and brothers for Schnulle and Sons Electrical Contractors, for the Borden Milk plant in Woodstock, Althoff Industries in McHenry, and Associated Electrical Contractors Inc. in Woodstock.  He was a member of IBEW 117 for 30 years.  He enjoyed being active and giving back to his community, serving as Scoutmaster for Cub Scout Pack 363 and Boy Scout Troop 169, Woodstock. He helped found the Woodstock

Steven M. Rick, 39, Woodstock, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge.  He was born Feb. 19, 1977, to Robert and Marilyn (Rojicek) Rick in Palatine.  On July 15, 2006, he married Cynthia M. Traskaski at The Church of Holy Apostles, McHenry. A 1995 graduate of Palatine High School, Steve was active in football, baseball and basketball and was named PHS Athlete of the Year. He attended the University of Iowa for two years and graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in education.  For more than 10 years, he taught science at Prairie Ridge High School and coached girls and boys soccer and basketball. After earning a master’s degree

Dolores E. Greenwald 89, Woodstock, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at JourneyCare Hospice – Woodstock surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 4, 1927, to Phillip and Romona (Riske) Fester in Chicago. On June 19, 1948, she married Leroy W. Greenwald at St. Bonaventure in Chicago. Dolores was a faithful and longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. She loved music, bingo, bowling, golfing, cards and family gatherings. She was always creating unique crafts for family and friends and volunteering for funeral lunches, helping at the Fountains and with playground duties. In times of need, she opened her home and heart to many nieces and nephews. Survivors include three daughters, Romona Alessi, Linda (Lanny) Jakubowicz and Barbara

Robert K. Hunter, 87, Faribault, Minn., died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at his home. He was born July 7, 1929, to Paul and Cecil Hunter, in Barrington.  On Dec. 11, 1954, he married Shirley Ehlert in Chicago.  He was a graduate of Woodstock Community High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in the Marshall Islands.  He is survived by his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Sandra Hunter, Faribault; a son, Paul Hunter, Davenport; three grandchildren, Josh Southworth, Ryan (Megan) Southworth and Sara Southworth; a great-granddaughter, Riley Southworth; a brother, Jean Hunter; two sisters-in-law, Pat (Bob) Hahn and Janet (Phil) Parker; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by

Tammy C. (Burton) Widing, 43, Richmond, died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, at JourneyCare Hospice-Woodstock, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 31, 1973, to Leslie E. and Sharon (Novak) Burton Sr. in Chicago.  She loved doing crafts, making albums and picture frames. She also loved Cinderella and butterflies. She liked to make people happy and enjoyed having a good time. She was always there for everyone through thick and thin. Her family and friends meant the world to her, especially her children. She will be missed by all who knew her. Survivors include three children, Joshua Stiles, Joey Kaszuba and Christine Widing; her mother; eight siblings, Leslie E. Burton Jr., Brian W. Kelly, Rose Wines, Samantha Brake, Candis

Mark David Nielsen, 46, Elgin, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, in Elgin. He was born April 7, 1970, to Robert W. Nielsen and Bettie J. (Hegges) Nielsen in Woodstock.   Mark had been employed with Reichert Chevrolet for many years. He then joined the Domino’s Pizza franchise and was an assistant manager at multiple store locations. He enjoyed online gaming and made friends all over the country. He most enjoyed his excursions with his son, visiting many places throughout the country. Survivors include his son, Jordan Nielsen; his father, Robert W. Nielsen; his mother, Bettie J. Nielsen; many aunts, uncles and cousins; a dear friend, Melissa Macgraw; his dog, Phoebe; and many close friends. He was preceded in death by

Ione L. Brandlin, 100, formerly of Woodstock, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at Rosewood Care Center, Elgin. She was born Jan. 17, 1917, to John and Mary (Miles) Jones in Woodstock. On July 12, 1941, she married Paul J. Brandlin at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. She attended St. Mary Grade School and High School, graduating in 1936. She attended St. Joseph Nursing School, Elgin, graduating in 1938. She lived and worked on the farm in Algonquin, where she raised her family. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was loved by many and will be missed. Survivors include a son, Larry (Judy) Brandlin; three daughters, Marcy (Dick) Ruff, Paulette (Bill) Griffin, Mary (Rex) Niffenegger; a daughter-in-law, Judy Brandlin;

Joan C. Rankin, 89, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at The Village, Gainesville, Fla. She married Robert R. Rankin, Chicago, in April 1946. They were married for 55 years until his death in March 2001.  They raised 11 children in Wonder Lake and retired to Florida in the early 1990s. Joan and Bob were avid travelers, visiting all 50 states and multiple countries, including China. Joan loved to read, knit, play her organ and cook. She worked for Publix Aprons for 20 years as a demo lady, retiring at age 88. Survivors include nine of her 11 children, and all 16 of her grandchildren.   A funeral Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Holy Faith