Trust the Torch!

Obituaries

Carlen McMahon, 64, Island Lake

Carlen Dacia McMahon, 64, Island Lake, died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington.  She was born June 22, 1952, to Edward and Pauline (Green) Brown in Chicago.  On Nov. 23, 1996, she married Raymond P. McMahon, Island Lake. As a teen, her family moved to McHenry County, where she lived the rest of her life. She raised her children in Woodstock before moving to Island Lake in 1995.  She was very creative and artistically talented. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, painting, decorating, gardening, writing and garage-saling. She was an avid collector of jewelry and dachshund paraphernalia. Most of all she loved her family. She had the biggest heart and would be the first person to help you

Corrine Steffen, 60, Apopka, Fla.

Corinne Holly (Crossman) Steffen, 60, Apopka, Fla., died unexpectedly Friday, July 8, 2016, at Florida Hospital, Altamonte Springs, Fla., surrounded by her loving family.  She was born Dec. 25, 1955, in Harvard, to Lester W. and Genevieve Enid Crossman. She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1974. Her professional life was spent as a real estate closing agent, most recently at Mestdagh & Wall, Maitland, Fla. She was most proud of being a mother and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she never missed an opportunity to talk about them. She was a wonderful, caring daughter and sister, and a kind, loyal and everlasting friend to many.  Survivors include two children, Anthony John (Jen)

David Pattinson, 60, Woodstock

David George Pattinson, 60, Woodstock, died Friday, July 22, 2016, at his home. He was born Sept. 4, 1955, to Robert George Pattinson and Mary (Stanberry) Pattinson in Woodstock.  On Oct. 29, 1983, he married Suzanne Vierke. He worked for many years at Eastwood Manor Water Company. He was a licensed septic installer. He will be remembered as someone kids and adults could go to for help or advice. He also loved all kinds of animals. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Katherine (Jesse) Pattinson; a son, Chuck (Fletcher) Wille; his precious grandchild, Kadence Pattinson; and a nephew, Travis (Mary) Pattinson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Theodore George Pattinson. The funeral was at 1

Judy A. McGurn, 55, Crystal Lake

Judy A. McGurn, 55, Crystal Lake, died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Centegra Hospital-McHenry. She was born Dec. 3, 1960, to Jo-Ann Reuter Spielman in Evanston. She worked for many years at The Breakers in Crystal Lake. She started busing tables and did every job in between before becoming the manager. She had an infectious laugh, wore a constant smile for everybody and will be remembered for her kindness and love of life. She enjoyed travel and music. She leaves behind many customers who will miss her and fondly remember her. Her family loved her, and she loved them.  Survivors include her fiancé, Tony Amber; her mother; an aunt, Phyllis Hall; a daughter, Emily McGurn; a son, James McGurn Jr.;

Edna Mae Eckert Steadman, 93, Woodstock

Edna Mae Eckert Steadman, 93, Woodstock, died Friday, July 22, 2016, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock surrounded by her loving family. She was born Sept. 29, 1922, to Herbert and Bertha (Fenstemaker) Eckert in Woodstock. On Nov. 26, 1943, she married Charles Steadman in Seattle. She taught Sunday school and Bible school from many years. She was an accomplished artist, and several of her paintings were sold at craft shows on the Woodstock Square. She was a member of Questers, McHenry County Historical Society and Seneca Ladies Literary Society. Besides spending time with her family and friends, she enjoyed gardening, bird watching, sewing and arts and crafts. Survivors include her son, Daniel (Marilyn) Steadman; four grandchildren, Troy Steadman, Rebecca (Toby) Sorensen, Angela

Jennifer A. Halper, 45, Woodstock

Jennifer A. Halper, 45, Woodstock, died Monday, July 18, 2016, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock.  She was born Aug. 28, 1970, in Oak Park.  She was a devoted mother, daughter and sister. She was loved and will be missed.  Survivors include her son, Devon Halper; her father, Paul C. (Debbie) Halper Jr.; two brothers, Paul C. (Kim) Halper and Christian Halper; and a sister, Stephanie Halper.  Visitation and the funeral were July 25 at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. The Rev. Susie Hill officiated.

Jimmie A. Ward, 67, Woodstock

Jimmie A. Ward, 67, Woodstock, died Sunday July 10, 2016, at Hearthstone Manor, Woodstock. He was born Oct. 1, 1948, to William Allen and Mary Wilma (Hale) Ward in Trenton, Tenn. On Nov. 6, 1976, he married Cheryl Brieschke. Survivors include his wife; three children, Amanda Cole, Kristina Johnson and Adam Ward; three grandchildren, Chloe, Cameron and Sarah; a sister, Barbara Armstrong; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews. The visitation and funeral were July 13 at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. Interment was private. Memorials can be made to any veteran’s organization.

G. Mitchell 'Mike' Kane, 94, Belleville

G. Mitchell “Mike” Kane, 94, Belleville, died Sunday, July 10, 2016, at St. Paul’s Senior Community, Belleville. He was born May 14, 1922, to Earl and Luella (Mitchell) Kane in Diamond Lake.  He was married for 62 years to his only love, Florence (Kmet) Kane, who died in 2006. They lived in Diamond Lake, Ringwood and Richmond, then in Mequon, Wis., and finally Mt. Vernon from 1994 to 2016.  He was a 1943 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Agriculture.  His vocational passion was agricultural. A 4-H and Future Farmers of America member in his youth, he started his working life as a dairy farmer and ended his career in agricultural lending in Woodstock.  He was actively involved

Catherine Jurewicz, 64, Wonder Lake

Catherine Jurewicz, 64, Wonder Lake, died Friday, July 15, 2016, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock surrounded by her loving family. She was born Aug. 21, 1951, to Henry and Helen (Kluch) Pollak. On Oct. 11, 1975, she married Richard Jurewicz at St. Priscilla Catholic Church, Chicago. She was a kind-hearted, loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her family and friends recount the joy she had for life and her selfless attitude. She was always there to listen and help someone in need. She enjoyed the time she spent working as a lunch lady at Greenwood School. She also served as treasurer as well as scorekeeper for the Wonder Lake Softball League for many years. Most of all, she loved raising and taking care

Edward L. Streit, 80, Woodstock

Edward L. Streit, 80, died Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born Oct. 26, 1935, in Chicago, to Leon and Sedella (Pins) Streit. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in finance from Marquette University. He received his CPA certification Dec. 15, 1964. He married Mary Ellen Rierdon Sept. 1, 1956, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Milwaukee. They were blessed with three children.   A CPA for over 40 years, he was employed with Putta and Kelsey of Barrington, who later merged with RSM McGladrey. A longtime member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Woodstock, his faith was strong and constant.   Survivors include his wife; his children, Barbara (Gerard)

Top Writers

Picture of Larry Lough

Larry Lough

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

Picture of Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio

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

Picture of Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray

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

Picture of Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli

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

Keep Exploring

MCYSA baseball leaves lasting impression on families who were hosts By Sandy Kucharski sandy@thewoodstockindependent The 2025 McHenry County Youth Spo…
Volunteer-run, community-funded labor of love on 101.3 FM By Eileen Millard news@thewoodstockindependent.com In 2015, a new radio station started to t…

Subscriber Access

Login