Amy Joy Thornton, 43, Woodstock, died Sunday, May 15, 2016, at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. She was born Aug. 29, 1973, to David and Susan (Jozwiak) Sweet in Woodstock.  On July 10, 1998, she married Michael Thornton in Woodstock. A Celebration of Life was held June 26 at the Woodstock Moose Lodge. Memorials and help for the family can be made at www.gofundme.com/23madjw.             Arrangements were made by Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.  

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 “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, 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)

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,

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