Obituaries

Eleroy

Ann Gail Reed Kaser, 78

Ann Gail Reed Kaser’s spirit took flight when she died peacefully at home early Tuesday morning, October 22, 2019.

Born July 22, 1941, in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of teachers William Frederick Reed and Edith Muriel Baxendale Reed. She grew up in Northfield, Ill. and attended New Trier high School, then Illinois College and the University of Dubuque. She also took classes at Highland Community College including basic auto repair (which especially impressed her children) and many pottery classes, in which she created beautiful bowls and plates.

On September 2, 1983, she married Michael Kaser at the Unitarian Universalist church in Stockton, Ill. They made a life together on their Morningside Farm between Freeport and Lena, Ill.

Her family and friends were most important to her, and she made all feel special and loved. Her life was additionally enriched by her animals, including her 33 year-old-quarter horse, dogs, cats and chickens. She also loved gardening and kept lovely gardens throughout the property and regretted having a back and knees that later prevented her from maintaining them as she wished.

She often said that she could be content as long she could sit in her chair, look out at the beautiful view from their hillside and watch the birds. She enjoyed and will be missed at an annual golf outing riding along for the shoot-out at Wolf Hollow. She enjoyed many adventures with her friends that took her on the roads less traveled.

She was warm, gregarious and always interested in other people. She seemed to make serendipitous connections in some of life’s brief, everyday encounters. It seems she never went anywhere without making a friend.

She was a life-long learner, artistically talented and curious about so many things. She was incredibly observant and had a wonderful memory for special people and times in her life.

She was an insurance underwriter for many years before she became a full-time building and grounds keeper and animal caretaker at home.

She is survived by her husband, Michael, of 36 years, children Daniel (Maggye) Hoefle, Karen (Tom) Sibenaller, Jonathan (Dawn) Hoefle, Nicholas Kaser (Ashleigh), Ryan Kaser; grandchildren Ryan and Melissa Hoefle (Adam), Anna and William Sibenaller, Hunter and Walker Kaser and Brandon and MJ Kaser; mother-in-law Bonnie Kaser; brother-in-law Ron (Brenda) Kaser, sister-in-law Connie (Chuck) Shepard; cousins Tony (Ulla) Webster and Terry (Kathy) Webster and their families in England; and by her first husband and later friend, Thomas Hoefle.

She was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law Floyd Kaser.

Family and friends are welcome to a visitation that will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2019 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena.

Ann’s family anticipates planning a celebration-of-life gathering when the flowers are blooming next spring.

Warren

Lowell E. Phillips, 88

Lowell E. Phillips, 88, of Warren, Illinois passed away on Wednesday October 23, 2019 at Waverly Place in Stockton, Illinois surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 10, 1931 to Earl and Luella (Schulz) Phillips in Red Oak, Illinois. He married Ruby Downs on April 21, 1956 and together they had six children. Lowell served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a grain hauler for many years for Donald Brown Trucking and DeKalb. Lowell was also employed by L&S and the Warren Co-Op. He was a member of the Warren American Legion, Warren Fire Department, and the Jo Daviess Sheriff’s Department.

Lowell is survived by his children; Bill (Melinda) Phillips of Warren, Rebecca (Jerry) Edler of Lena, Pamela (Phil) Carroll of Gratiot, WI, Lori (Mark) Plath of Warren, grandchildren; Tanya, Chad, Christi, Jayson, Janet, Brandon, Curtis, Bradley, Mehgan, Michelle, Tyler, and Taylor, and 26 great-grandchildren; sisters Irene (Cliff) Smith, and Nancy (Charles) Boop.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruby in 1992, children Gregory and Michelle, great-granddaughter Hope, brothers and sister Donald, Gary and Ardith.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren. A visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Bartell-Leamon funeral home. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, Illinois.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Stockton

Kristine Kay Evans, 66

Kristine Kay Evans, age 66, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2019, surrounded by her family. Beloved sister, wife, mother & grandmother.

She was born to the late John Gerald Tucker and Sylvia (Highbarger) Tucker on May 20th, 1953. Kris graduated from Stockton High School in 1971. She married Stanley Evans on August 26th, 1972, in Stockton. Together they had 3 daughters, Amy (Scott) Hagi, of Streator, IL, Jamie (Mark) Rowe, Jeanna (Jeremy) Tucker of Stockton, and one son, Dan (Robin) Evans of Warren, IL. She had 13 grandchildren, Ben & Holly Hagi, Chase & Casey Rowe, Tyler, Tristan, Tessa, & Colby Tucker, Madyson, Haley, Brooklyn, Cullen & Chloe Evans. Kris was a homemaker and babysat for many families for over 40 years.

Kris loved cooking, working in her flower garden, reading, loved animals, spending weekends away with her sisters, and doing crosswords, but her passion was her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their sporting events, plays, dance recitals, & graduations.

Kris is survived by her husband, children, sisters Kathy (Monty) Broshous of Freeport, IL, Tracy (Mark) McConnell of Belvidere, IL., Karen Tucker of Monroe, WI., brothers John (Lynn) Tucker of Freeport, and Steve (Lisa) Tucker of Milton, FL. Many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces & nephews, special friends Janet Behrens and Rita Magee.

Kris was preceded in death by her mother, father, and step-mother. A private service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton, IL. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Jon “Jack” Townsend, 79

Jon “Jack” H. Townsend, age 79 of Stockton, IL, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Waverly Place in Stockton.

He was born June 16, 1940 to the late John and Dorothy (Peck) Townsend. He was a 1958 graduate of Stockton High School. Jack married Elaine Hudson on July 7, 1962.

He had owned and operated the Stockton Floral and Nursery. He also managed Stockton Community Golf Course, served as Stockton Township Supervisor, was a milk hauler, landscaper, school bus driver and helped with the Hermann Ambulance Service. Jack was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. He also served on the Stockton Park Board and Stockton Fire Dept.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Townsend of Stockton; sons, Jeff (Sue) Townsend of Lake Summerset, IL and Tim (Diane) Townsend of Springfield, IL; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; brothers, Jerry (Kay) Townsend of Urbana, IL and Thomas (Janet) Townsend of Stockton. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Jane Hebig.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. The funeral service will be Saturday, November 2nd at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. also at the church. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lena

Duane M. Otte, 70

Duane M Otte, 70, of Lena passed away unexpectedly at home on October 20, 2019.

He was born September 26, 1949 to Elmer ad Florence (Otte) Otte. He attended and graduated from Lena schools in 1967 then served in the Air Force as an Aircraft sheet metal repairman during Vietnam. He married Judith (Brubaker) Sliffy on October 27, 1984. He worked for Lena Builders, Inc for many years as a maintenance man and later worked as a bindery worker at Wagner Printing until his retirement.

Duane loved hot rods and classic cars. He built a 1932 Chevy Sedan with the help of family and friends and enjoyed car shows and cruising around to show off his car. Recently, Duane traded in his blue Chevy for a lavender 1936 Ford Coupe. He loved tractor pulls and traveling around the country with his wife.

He is survived by his wife, Judith, and his two step-children Brian (Sheila) Sliffy of Woodstock and Jennifer Sliffy of Lena, two adored grandsons, Evan and Austin, his brother Dennis (Mary Ann) Otte, sister, Arlene Loewe, four nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alan Otte and sister-in-law Karen, an infant brother Arnold, and brother-in-law Melvin Loewe.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday October 26, 2019 at Salem United Church of Christ. Visitation was from 4:00 till 7:00 PM on Friday October 25, 2019 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, and again from 10:00AM until time of services on Saturday at the Church. Officiating was Pastor Randy Nicholas. Burial will be in Salem United Church of Christ Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his name. Condolences may be sent to the family.

Amanda R. Lobdell, 40

Amanda R. Lobdell, 40, of Lena, Illinois passed way unexpectedly on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the Monroe Hospital in Monroe, Wisconsin.

She was born on October 23, 1978 to Charles and Diane (Johnson) Dahlby in Fairbanks, Alaska. Amanda was currently employed at Family Fresh Pack but her true passion was home health care. She also enjoyed helping her husband Tyler with his auction business. She enjoyed traveling to Shipshewana and attending sheep shows and sales throughout the United States. Amanda and Tyler Lobdell were married on July 23, 2016 in Lena, Illinois.

Amanda is survived by her husband Tyler of Lena; her daughter Sadie (Justus) Dascher of Freeport; parents Charles and Diane Dahlby of Virginia; siblings- Adam Dahlby, Anna Dahlby, Andy (Kindal) Dahlby and Abram (Genette) Dahlby; grandson Ezekiel Augustus Dascher; grandfather Donald Johnson ; survivors also include her in laws Roger and Mary Lobdell; brother and sister in laws- Tim and Brenda Lobdell, Troy and Barb Lobdell, Tom and Gretchen Kempel, and Abigail Bower; she is further survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many special friends including Gary and Cindy Cross and Teresa Reese.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her brother in law, Daniel Bower.

Visitation was held from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the Leamon Funeral Home 210 W Main Street, Lena, IL 61048. Funeral Service was held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the Evangelical Free Church 720 N Freedom Street, Lena, IL 61048. Officiating were Rev. Jim Erb and Scott Wilson. Interment will take place at the Lena Burial Park. A luncheon followed at the Evangelical Free Church.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com