Obituaries

Lena

Robert B. Bonnet, 93

Robert B. Bonnet age 93, passed away on Friday January 31, 2020 at the Lena Living Center.

He was born on July 16, 1926 to Bernard and Mary Sophia (Greenwald) Bonnet in Menominee Twp, Jo Daviess County at their rural home. He attended White Grade School in a one room building in rural Jo Daviess County and then Warren High School. He was raised on the farm in Menominee Twp. and farmed in the Warren, Stockton and Lena area since 1941.

He married Dorothy Ann Wolfram on April 8, 1947 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Warren by Father Frank Miller. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena where he served on the Parish Council, a former Holy Name member at St. Joseph and Holy Cross, charter member of the Knights of Columbus #4776 (Lena, Stockton and Warren), a former advisor on the Production Credit Association Board, a former member of the Le-Win School Board District #202 for over 14 years (served as President for 2 of those years), a former member of the Sunday night euchre and 500 card clubs.

He enjoyed being with his family and traveling with his wife, Dorothy, to all “50” States, parts of Europe twice, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and 2 cruises, helping on his farm and his son’s farms, planting and harvesting crops of any job connected with farming, and especially enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by two daughters; Nancy Bailey of Belvidere, IL and Kathryn (Eldon) Janssen of Monroe, WI: three sons; David (Sara) Bonnet of Poway, CA, Daniel (Cynthia) Bonnet of Lena and Edward (Lesley) Bonnet of Norton Shores, MI. 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren. 3 sisters; Evelyn Orzechowski of Winona, MN, Helen Toelle of Freeport, IL and Patricia (Gail) Proctor of Dyersville, IA. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded by his paternal and maternal grandparents, parents, 2 brothers; Arnold Bonnet and William Bonnet, 1 sister; Agatha “ Sandy “ Scheidt, 3 brother in-laws; Stanley Orzechowski, Frederick Toelle, and Robert Scheidt, a son in law; Arnold Bailey Jr., 1 granddaughter, Adrian Bonnet.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday February 8, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena. Visitation will be from 4:00 till 7:00 PM on Friday at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Rosary will be at 3:00 PM. Rev. Father Andrew Skrobutt will officiate the services. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lena, IL.

In lieu of flowers, Masses and Memorials may be offered in his name or to the C.C. D. Program of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Lena to be used for children who cannot pay the fees to attend.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of the Lena Living Center and the S.S. Monroe Clinic Hospital. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Kent

Ray G. Brubaker, 67

Ray G. Brubaker, age 67 of Yuma, AZ (formerly of Kent, IL) passed away suddenly at home on January 26, 2020. Ray was born February 4, 1952 in Freeport, IL to the late Elwyn and Marian Brubaker.

He attended Stockton High School and proudly got his GED in the Army. Ray had two children – Becky (born in Germany) and Rick Brubaker. Ray was drafted into the Army in 1972 almost completing his term, when called home for the death of his father.

Ray worked at the Pearl City Garage for Dal Murray for 35 years. He and Lori moved to Arizona in 2003 due to health reasons. Ray worked at Purcell Goodyear in Yuma, AZ until retirement. Ray enjoyed riding his Harley with Lori (getting married in Sturgis on August 4, 1998), he also liked NASCAR (Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Chase Elliott), country music and phone calls from all his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Lori of Yuma, AZ; daughter, Becky (Bob) Potter; son, Rick (Romie) Brubaker; step-son, James (Renee) Eversoll; grandchildren, Randy (Makenzie) Potter, Ryan Potter, Khyle Brubaker, Kira Brubaker and step-grandchild, Sierra Eversoll; one brother, Ed Brubaker; and one sister, Kathy (Lonnie) Fox. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wayne Brubaker; and sister, Donna Green.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton, IL. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please dress casually if you wish. Burial will take place at Morseville Cemetery in Stockton. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

McConnell

Claire “Kelly” T. Cross, 87

Claire “Kelly” T. Cross, 87, of McConnell, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the Lena Living Center.

He was born on July24, 1932 in his home in McConnell, IL to Roy and Martha (Shippy) Cross. Claire graduated from Winslow High School in 1950.

He married Helen Rupnow on February 24, 1952. They were crowned their High School Homecoming King & Queen. Claire worked for Lena Farmers Exchange for 41 years. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Claire loved the Chicago Bears, playing cards, was a hunter in his younger years, camping in Sauk City, WI at Snuffy’s. Claire and Helen got the privilege to travel all over from his sales through Kent Feeds. They traveled to Hawaii twice, made several trips to Europe, an Alaskan cruise, and to Mexico.

He is survived by his wife; Helen of 67 years, two sons; Ron Cross of Freeport, IL, and Robin Cross of Lena, IL, a sister-in-law; Charlotte Cross of McConnell, and several nephews and nieces.

Preceded by his; parents, siblings; Dale, Wayne, Keith and a sister in infancy.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 10:30am at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lena, IL. Visitation was held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Leamon Funeral Home, Lena, IL. Pastor Miho Yasukawa officiated the service. Burial will be at the Salem Cemetery.

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

South Wayne

Sonja L. Wolff, 85

Sonja L. Wolff, 85, of South Wayne, WI passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Monroe Hospital with her family by her side.

Sonja was born on March 23, 1934 in Monroe, WI. Sonja was the salutatorian of her class of 1951, South Wayne High School. She married Edward R. Wolff Sr. on June 9, 1951; he preceded her in death on December 26, 2012.

Alongside her husband, Sonja and Ed farmed for many years, and raised their seven children. Once her children were grown, she re-entered the workforce as a dietary aide at the Monroe Clinic and Hospitals for 14 years.

Faith was such an important part of her life. She was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Warren, where she served on the church council and sang in the choir.

She served her community and was on the Blackhawk School board, where she was the first female president of the school district. In addition, she was a member of the South Wayne Community Foundation and the Village Election Board.

Sonja is survived by her children Rhonda (Joe) Hartwig of South Wayne, WI, Rod Wolff of South Wayne, WI, Russ (Sheila) Wolff of Cottage Grove, WI, Rita (Tim) Crotty of Shullsburg, WI, Tim (Kristen) Wolff of Monroe, WI; daughters-in-law Kay Wolff of Montello, WI, and Bonnie Wolff of Minnesota; 21 grandchildren, 24 Great-grandchildren; brothers Roger (Sallie) Ellingson, and Robert (Sherri) Perdue, and a sister Sharon (Dennis) Paulson; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Earl Ellingson, her mother, Shirley Purdue her step-father Jim Perdue, husband Edward Wolff in 2012, her brother Terry Ellingson, sons Edward “Rick” Wolff and Randall “Randy” Wolff, and a granddaughter Alyson “Aly” Wolff.

Sonja was an excellent role model for her family and those around her. We will miss her love, strength, and inspiration!

Funeral services were held at 12:00 PM Noon on Friday, January 31, 2020 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Warren, IL. A visitation was from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Warren. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, IL. Vicar Michelle Knight officiated the services.

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

Freeport

Patricia Ann Leverton, 74

Patricia Ann Leverton, age 74 of Rockford, formerly of Freeport, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Generations at Neighbors Nursing Home in Byron, IL. She was born, March 13, 1945 in Freeport to the late LaVern and Berniece (Miller) Evans.

Patricia was a 1963 graduate of Orangeville High School and had worked for Mitek for many years. She loved NASCAR and dirt track racing. She also enjoyed gardening and sewing, but most of all, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Sherri Leverton-Johnsrud of Rockford and Michelle (Charles) Leverton-Pierce of Rockford; her son, Douglas Leverton of Rockford; her brothers, Robert (Mary) Evans of Lanark and Michael (Karen) Evans of Freeport; her grandchildren, Jamie (Rachel) Leverton, Jesse Johnsrud, Jace Johnsrud, Briana (Devontae) Shackelford, Brielle-Nicole Pierce, Ashley Koch and Aleisha Koch; her great grandchildren, Kaleah, Kyleigh, Emma, Berniece, Kathleen and Camden; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Beth Leverton; her brothers, Ronald and Donald; and her niece, Martha Evans.

There will be a committal service in the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport at a later date. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Robin Cross, 65

Robin Cross, age 65, of Freeport, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 28, 2020 at the Lena Living Center.

He was born on June 21, 1954 in Monroe, WI, the son of Claire and Helen (Rupnow) Cross. Robin graduated from Lena-Winslow High School in 1972. He attended Highland Community College and continued his education at Western Illinois University where he obtained a Business Degree. Robin worked at Newell Window Furnishings for many years and then at Piedmont Hardware Brands until he retired. Robin enjoyed watching the Chicago Bulls and was also a big NFL fan; he especially loved the Colts, even after they relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis. He was an avid coin collector.

Robin is survived by his mother Helen of McConnell; a brother Ron Cross of Freeport and numerous cousins.

He was preceded by his father Claire and his grandparents.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 10:30am at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lena, IL. Visitation was held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Leamon Funeral Home, Lena. Pastor Miho Yasukawa officiated the service. Burial will be at the Salem-Shippee Cemetery, McConnell, IL.

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

Stockton

Carol Jane (Hill) Tucker, 83

Carol Jane (Hill) Tucker, age 83 of Stockton, IL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.

She was born on October 12, 1936; the daughter of the late Cletus and Lyla (Newman) McKee. She attended country school at Puckett, Garfield, & Greenvale. Carol married George W. Hill on June 27, 1954. She later married Clarence E. Tucker on March 29, 1981.

Carol farmed in the Stockton area until moving to Stockton in 1981. She worked as a bookkeeper at Don’s Jack & Jill in Stockton from 1984-1985. She was also office manager at Stockton Herald News and the Stockton/Warren Gazette for 11 years and 1 month until the office closed in 1997. Carol was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton where she was also a member of the choir. She was also a member of the Greenvale Club. She loved watching NASCAR, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

She is survived by her sons, Don (Connie) Hill of Lena, IL, Ricky (Shanna) Hill of Stockton, Dean (Debra) Hill of Lead Mine, WI; step-son, Ken (Sally) Tucker of Stockton; Grandchildren, Michele (Lynn), Mark (Carla), Matthew, Mackenzie (Bruno), Miles, Amanda (Doug) , Quinn (Sarah), Evan, Lona (Ken), Dana (Justin), Hailey, and David (Courtney); great grandchildren, Alisha, Haley, Grace, Jacob, Nathan, Kendra, Ethan, Hayden, Freeman, Kaydin, Archie, Regan, Wyatt, Landon, Addison, Roman and Warren; and great great grandson, Declan; and brother, Lloyd (Maureen) McKee. She is preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; son, Mark Anthony; step-son, Gerald Tucker; brothers, Franklin, Allen, Brian; sister, Lynette DeMuth.

She had many friends who talked to her on the phone and will miss her, including her special friend Phyllis who she had coffee with every morning for the last 40 years. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

The funeral service was held on Monday, February 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Warren

Richard “Dick” G. Heller, 83

Richard “Dick” G. Heller, 83, of Warren, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at his home.

He was born on January 23, 1937 in Council Hill, IL to Harold and Gladys (Gray) Heller. He was a graduate of Warren High School. Dick proudly served his country in the United States Navy, passing the Submarine testing. He married Patricia Bausman on November 27, 1960 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Warren, IL. When Dick and Patricia first got married, he was a farmer on the Paige farm. Dick was a supervisor for Kelly Springfield Tires, a truck driver for Patterson, and also worked at Stockton Cheese. He was a very hard worker who loved playing cards, especially Euchre, the Minnesota Vikings, and working in his yard. Dick enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his children; Jeff Heller of Rockford, IL, Steven (Grace) Heller of Apple River, IL, Sherry (Scott) Raisbeck of Warren, IL, and Rhonda Marcure of Warren; nine grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; a brother Bill Heller of St. Petersburg, FL, and many nieces and nephews; and a special nephew Jerry Edwards of Scales Mound who would frequently visit with Dick, and his beloved dog Foxy.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Patricia in 2010.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

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