Karlen Cooney, 99, Woodstock, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at her home. She was born June 30, 1917, to James M. and Olive (Shockey) Hecht, in Woodstock.  On Sept. 21, 1946, she married James H. Cooney . Karlen lived her entire life on Lincoln Avenue in Woodstock, first at 393 with her parents and then at 355 after her marriage to Jim, who also was raised on Lincoln. She attended Northwestern University, and worked for more than 40 years for the McHenry County Circuit Clerk and McHenry County Clerk. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and supported not only their activities and pursuits but also the campaigns of her husband, who served as Woodstock mayor and

Rena A. Canto, 74, Woodstock, died Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, at Valley Hi Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Aug. 20, 1942, to William and Doris (O’Connor) Lambert in Mount Clemens, Mich. She worked as a CNA for Valley Hi Nursing Home and the Woodstock Residence Nursing Home for many years. She was a loving, caring and passionate person with a great sense of humor, and she will be greatly missed. Survivors include her children, Douglas Howard Benedict, Ronald Harrison Benedict, Tracy Anne Benedict, Benjamin (Digna) Canto Jr., Eduardo (Josephine) Canto, Reynaldo (Elisa) Canto, Rufino Canto, Rose Belinda Canto and Lucita Canto; many  grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Jennie Lambert and Amy Smith; and an uncle,

Ronald W. Gluff Sr., 73, Woodstock, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, joining his wife, Nancy, in heaven. He was born May 30, 1943, in Woodstock.  He and Nancy raised three children, Ron, Brian and Julie, in Schaumburg for nearly 40 years, and they recently returned to Woodstock. Ron, or Ronnie,  as his childhood friends knew him, was a man of many values. He believed you needed to work hard, be honest and be a man of your word. Being on time meant you were late, and there were no such things as excuses. He was loyal and trustworthy. One could only aspire to live the dignified life Ron lived. He was a dedicated Navy Seabee who served  in the Vietnam

Carol D. Kruse, 92, Woodstock, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. She was born Jan. 24, 1925, to Walter and Erna (Ehlers) Hachmeister in Oak Park. On Jan. 19, 1946, she married Paul H. Kruse. Together they enjoyed traveling and dancing. She was a member of the Ladies Aide, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and McHenry County HCE. She enjoyed reading, knitting, playing games, doing puzzles and cooking. Her passion was making quilts. Survivors include four children, Charles (Karen) Kruse, John (Darlene) Kruse, Janet Sherwin and Phyllis (Jack) Fischer; eight grandchildren, Kurt Kruse, Karla (Brent) Stewart, Kevin (Mary Jo) Kruse, Tim (Sandra) Kruse, Tiffy (Bill) Sevcik, Chris (Teresa) Kruse, Brian (Melisa) Sherwin and Monica (Matt) Green; 13 great-grandchildren, Marissa and Nicholas Hauri,

Edward William Schaefer, 65, Harvard, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 7, 1951, to Robert and Marilyn (Taken) Schaefer, in Chicago.   On Sept. 24, 1976, he married Sarah Donahue at St. Mary Church, Woodstock. When Edward was 16 years old, he moved to Harvard with his family to build Plum Tree Golf Course with his father. He was a member of International Operating Engineers Local 150 for 49 years. He enjoyed building homes, trips to Mexico and Fort Myers Fla., with friends and family, boat rides on Lake Geneva and family road trips to Gulf Shores for many years. He was very adventurous, and loved finding new places

Eleanor T. Sowa, 93, formerly of Decatur, Mich., died Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Woodstock. Survivors include a son, Steven, Woodstock; two grandchildren, Jeni (Mark) Van Thomme and Patricia Lynn Sowa; a sister-in-law, Jean; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Andrew; a son, James; a sister, Anna; and three brothers, Walter, Stanley and John. The funeral was held at Holy Family Church, Decatur. Memorials can be made in her name to Holy Family Catholic Church, 500 W. St. Mary St., Decatur, MI 49045; or VFW Auxiliary, 560 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045. Arrangements were made by Starks Family Funeral Homes.

Marilyn Nell, 87, Woodstock, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at Crystal Pines Nursing Home, Crystal Lake.  She was born March 9, 1929, to Alfred and Lynette (Hewitt) Hopp in Belvidere.  On Aug. 2, 1947, she married Robert Nell. She worked in the kitchen at Sunset Manor Nursing Home (now Hearthstone Manor), Woodstock. She was an active and faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Woodstock. At the church she was president of United Methodist Women’s Club, the Quilters Club and a book club. She loved baking and doing crafts. She was loved and will be missed. Survivors include three daughters, Doris Barry, Rose Nellessen and Ruth (Thomas) Wright; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a half sister, Sandy Masters-Gibson.

Charles E. Howell, 88, Woodstock, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, at Hearthstone Manor, Woodstock. He was born Nov. 9, 1928, to Jake and Hazel Howell, in Woodstock. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Lena and William Gancar.  On Sept. 12, 1953, he married Julia A. Carroll at St. Patrick Church in Hartland. He was a veteran, joining the Navy along with his brother Cliff right after high school.  He went to on work for AT&T, retiring after 35 years of service.  He was an avid golfer and bowled on many leagues. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a life member of the Woodstock Moose, and a life member of the Woodstock Knights of Columbus Council

Wilna O. Davis, 82 Woodstock, died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at JourneyCare Hospice, Woodstock, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 9, 1934, to Wilbert and Faye (Gates) Ohlrich in Woodstock.  On June 25, 1953, she married Charles B. Davis at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock. She attended Woodstock High School and Iowa State University  One of her greatest accomplishments was getting her private pilot’s license.  She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, Nana, great-grandmother and friend. She loved traveling the world, good food, sewing, bowling, shopping, reading and being with family and friends. Regardless of the occasion she was always fashionably dressed and brightened up the room with her smile and sense of humor. She was intelligent, kind,

Darlene M. Sarbaugh, 81, Woodstock, died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born March 3, 1935, to Ralph and Dorothy (Goetz) Zimmerman in Belvidere.  On Nov. 13, 1954, she married Vernon L. Sarbaugh.  She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed her church, playing cards, needlework, camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends.  Survivors include her husband; five children, Jane Sarbaugh, Ralph Sarbaugh, Sherri (Basil) Bakakos, Penny (Edward) Flynn and Peggy (Randy) Sarbaugh-McNally; six grandchildren, Jenny and Nick (Jennifer) Bakakos, J.J. (Alex) Kliman and Carly Flynn, Jackie and Lucas Shipley; four great-grandchildren, Hailie, Nolan, Madison and Wyatt; a sister, Shirley (Charles) Berlin; a brother, Kenneth