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Obituaries

Rebecca M. Ottesen, 58, Brentwood, Cal.

Rebecca M. Ottesen, 58, Brentwood, Calif., formerly of Glendale Heights, died Sunday, June 12, 2016, at Centegra Hospital-McHenry, in the company of family members.  She was born June 9, 1958, to Robert and Marilyn (Kenyon) Reis in Elgin. On August 12, 1995, she married Larry Ottesen in Las Vegas. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in education and worked as a substitute teacher. She loved cooking, sewing, antiquing, bowling, traveling and especially her rescue dogs. She was a former Brownie Scout Troop leader. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Jennifer (Lawrence) Incandela, Crystal Lake, and Danielle Korbus, Santa Cruz, Calif.; her mother, Wonder Lake; a sister, Robin (Arthur) Taylor, Wonder Lake; a brother, Robert Reis, Wonder

Robert Brunner, 89, Woodstock

Robert “Bob” Brunner, 89, Woodstock, died Friday, June 11, 2016.  In April 1979, he married Sophie Ann Bucher.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, in the 37th Infantry Division and the 49th Infantry Division, and was stationed in the Philippines and Japan.  He attended Northwestern University. He worked for The First National Bank of Chicago, Chicago Title Company and Liberty Mutual Savings and Loan. He lived in Chicago, Arlington Heights and Woodstock. He was an active member of Presbyterian Church of Norwood Park, serving on the governing boards, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir.  When the Brunners moved to Woodstock, they became members of First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock. He enjoyed traveling to Europe,

William “Bill” L. Birk, formerly of Woodstock

William “Bill” L. Birk, Spokane, Wash., formerly of Woodstock, died Wednesday, June 1, 2016, after a valiant 11-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born Jan. 25, 1933, to Vernon and Florence (Haack) Birk in Woodstock. On April 2, 1955, after earning a commission in the U.S. Air Force, he married Eunice Ewert. He spent most of his youth in Woodstock and graduated from Dundee High School. He graduated from the University of Illinois two-year aviation program. He completed the U.S. Air Force cadet program and was commissioned a second lieutenant. He advanced to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He flew fighter aircraft for the first few years and, in 1958, was assigned to Fairchild AFB as a tanker (KC-135)

Charles 'Chuck' Taylor, 62, Woodstock

Charles J. “Chuck” Taylor, 62, Woodstock, died Thursday, June 2, 2016, at JourneyCare Hospice Center, Woodstock. He was born Sept. 15, 1953, to John T. “Jack” and Doris (McNeil) Taylor in Woodstock. He was a member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge. He enjoyed photography and traveling all over the country with his daughter. Survivors include his daughter, Danielle Taylor; two sisters, Laurel Anne (Joe) Burchardt and Beth (Dan) Webster, all of Woodstock; a brother, Andrew (Joan) Taylor, Florida; four nephews and nieces, Drew (Bekky) Taylor, Carling Taylor, Taylor Webster and Jamie (Rob) Ehlenburg; a great-nephew, Sammy; and a great-niece, Lexy. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday,

Darlene Fiske, 86, Bull Valley

Darlene S. Fiske, 86, Bull Valley, died peacefully Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at her home, the Cold Springs Schoolhouse, Bull Valley, surrounded by her family.  She was born Nov. 4, 1925, to Arthur E. and Alma (Melchior) Sharp in Chicago. In 1954, she married Kenneth V. Fiske of Chicago and moved to Woodstock.  She graduated from Northwestern University, where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority and Mortar Board, and pursued a master’s degree in library science at the University of Chicago.  Prior to her marriage, she had a successful career in television production with NBC Chicago, which included shows such as Zoo Parade (from the Lincoln Park Zoo), Wild Kingdom and Mr. Wizard.  She was a homemaker and volunteer. She

John Byrnes, 75, Seneca, S.C.

John Neil Byrnes, 75, died peacefully Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca, S.C.  He was born April 7, 1941, to Charles and Harriet (Pinkerton) Byrnes in Evanston, the youngest of four children.  He was an accomplished Boy Scout and Eagle Scout and enjoyed working on cars. His love of cars continued throughout his life, owning several sports cars, his last one a Corvette.  He met Loretta “Laurie” Hart on a blind date, and they married Feb. 27, 1960, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview.  While one of his early aspirations was to be the best auto mechanic there ever was, he realized he was an excellent salesman. His sales success led to starting his

Gary 'Dick' Noonan, 60, Woodstock

Gary “Dick” Noonan 60, died at his farm Wednesday, May 25, 2016. He was born Oct. 3, 1955, in Woodstock.  He was a faithful friend to many and would do almost anything for his friends and family. He would have loved nothing more than to see the Cubs win the World Series. Survivors include his wife and best friend of 41 years, Debbie (Casey) Noonan; five children, Jason (Katty) Noonan, Ryan (Vicky Hysell) Noonan, Jamisen (Diana Dykstra) Noonan and Katelyn and Jake Jaster; three grandchildren, twins Thomas and Bianca Noonan and Emberlyn Jade Noonan; a brother, Bill (Janet) Noonan; a sister, Kathryn Emmer; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday,

Joseph 'Bill' Banker, Jr., 81, Woodstock

Joseph William “Bill” Banker Jr. 81, Woodstock, died Thursday, May 26, 2016, at his home.  He was born July 28, 1934, to Joseph and Margaret (Foran) Banker in Summit.  On March 17, 1997, he married Lisa Gerloff in Woodstock. Bill had a varied and interesting life. A gifted pitcher, he was a varsity baseball player all four years at Argo High School. The highlight of his high school career came his senior year when he pitched three innings for the suburban all-stars at Comiskey Park. Following graduation in preparation to go to Yale on a football scholarship, he attended Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, Conn.; he was named to their athletic hall of fame in 1993. He later attended the University of

Margaret M. Polnow, 95, Woodstock

Margaret M. Polnow, 95, Woodstock, died Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Rosewood Care Center, Elgin, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 26, 1920, to James and Ida (Nieman) Kain in Harvard.  On Sept. 27, 1941, she married the love of her life, Harold A. Polnow, in Harvard. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Woodstock, for more than 60 years. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years and was awarded the Martin Luther Award for service.  She was a member of the Mary Martha Guild as well as the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She worked at the Woodstock Food Pantry for more than 18 years. She was also active with the Woodstock

Terrence 'Terry' Pirro, 58, Woodstock

Terrence “Terry” Xavier Pirro, 58, Woodstock, died Thursday, May 19, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 19, 1957, to Michael and Josephine (Rosati) Pirro in Evanston.  On Sept. 25, 1982, he married Mary Surovitz at St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley. He was the proud owner of Pirro’s Restaurant in Woodstock as well as the creator of Pirro’s Sauce. He loved cooking, eating and sharing fine wine, especially when it was in the company of his family and dear friends. He loved cars, fly fishing and music. He was a member of the restaurant association as well as the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. He loved life, living every

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Larry Lough

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

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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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