Obituaries

Lena

Donald H. Shere, 84

Donald H. Shere, age 84 of Lena, IL passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the VA Hospital in Madison, WI.

He was born on January 25, 1936 in Tampico, IL, the son of Charles and Helen (Kellner) Shere. Donald served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 – 1959. He married Margaret Oberle on December 30, 1972 in Dubuque, IA. Donald was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena and The Knights of Columbus. His family meant the world to him. He enjoyed gardening, baking (especially cookies and pies), helping his family and watching sports specifically football and the Green Bay Packers. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren thought he was the best Papa in the world. Wife Margaret says, he was the best thing that ever happened to her and her family. Don was an easy-going lovable guy always willing to give a helping hand.

Donald is survived by his wife Margaret; 7 children- Richard (Natalia) Oberle, Louise Workinger, Ronald (Laurie) Oberle, Kathleen Barber, Shirley Workinger, Susan Werkheiser, and Robert (Maxine) Oberle; 20 grandchildren- Melissa Bezyazychnykh, Joseph (Vanessa) Workinger, Christina (Erik) Workinger, Erica (Jason) Kornfeind, Kaitlin (Ryan) Wybourn, Dyllan and Cole Oberle, James (Kylie) Barber, Danielle Barber, Matthew Barber, Amber (Jon) Riley, Andrew Workinger, Sara and Sandra Werkheiser, Robert W. (Kayla) Oberle, Joseph (Abigail) Oberle, Margaret, Jacob, Jesse Anne, and Emma Oberle; 13 great grandchildren- Leilah, Landon, Sawyer, Eli, and Brynleigh Kornfeind, Haven Wybourn, Jayden Jones, Zevlynn Riley, Johnathan and David Boland, Lilith and Ivy Oberle, Reagan Oberle, and baby boy Riley on the way; 3 sisters- Lorraine Dorsey, LaVetta Griffis, and Beverly Graf; 5 brothers- Merle (Mila), Marlo, LeRoy, Jerome (Betty), and Blaine (Deborah) Shere; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister LaVonne Dewey, Darlene Witt, and 3 siblings in infancy.

A private family service will take place. Officiating will be Father Andrew Skrobutt. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Cecil L. Creighton, 87

Cecil L. Creighton, 87 of Lena, IL passed away with family by his side at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport.

He was born on September 6, 1932 to Walter and Mary Ellen (O’Halloran) Creighton. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1951 and served his country in the United State Navy “Naval Air Squadron VP-4”. He married Margaret Collins, of Sydney, Australia, on August 3, 1957 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. Cecil was a lifelong area farmer. Cecil was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, the Knights of Columbus, the Lena Lions Club, and a very active VFW member. He was a past Nora Township and JoDaviess County board member. Cecil was also a private pilot. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

Cecil is survived by his children; Pauline Creighton of Elgin, IL, Carolyn Creighton of Clinton, IA, John (Denise) Creighton of Lena, IL, and Denise (Guy) Starbuck of Waunakee, WI, five grandchildren; Paul, Faith, and Mark Creighton, Creighton and Elizabeth Starbuck, a sister; Marita Moore of Freeport, IL, special friend Alita Lawfer, and good neighbors, Larry and Glenda Lott.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret in 2007, a son Kevin in infancy, brothers Regis and Norman Creighton, and sister Wilma Groom.

In light of recent events, the funeral mass will be private. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Stockton, IL. Father Michael Morrissey will officiate the services.

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

Freeport

Beverly G. Wilkosz, 90

Beverly G. Wilkosz, age 90 of Freeport, IL passed away Friday, May 1, 2020 at Allure of Mt. Carroll.

She was born January 23, 1930 in Eileen, IL to the late Leonard and Evelyn (Wharrie) Cameron. She married Arthur Wilkosz on October 3, 1953. He passed away November 29, 2011.

She had worked as a secretary for 30 years. Beverly was a fantastic seamstress and cook. She enjoyed flowers and gardening.

Beverly is survived by her sister, Marilyn Philp of Shannon and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters Jean Patterson and Roberta Skerik and three brothers-in-law, Raleigh Philp, George Patterson and Tom Skerik.

Private family services will be held in Shannon on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 followed by a 1:00 p.m. graveside in Mt. Auburn Memorial Park in Stickney, IL. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Shannon

Lois Louise Swalve, 92

Lois Louise Swalve, age 92 of Shannon, IL passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Manor Court of Freeport.

She was born in Shannon on September 29, 1927 to the late Peter and Carrie Mohlenkamp. Lois married Reynald L. Swalve on February 22, 1948 in Shannon. Reynald passed away on December 14, 2005.

She was a life time member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon. She was a 1946 graduate of Shannon High School. Lois farmed with her husband, was a cook at the Shannon Nursing Home, and had worked at Micro Switch. She enjoyed traveling with her husband on seed corn trips, cooking, baking and spending time with her family.

Lois is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Bob) Ditzler of Pearl City and Jan (Pat) Miller of Shannon; her son, Dennis (Kathy) Swalve of Florence Station; her grandchildren, Becky (Ryan) Guentner, Angie Dieterman, Wendy (Shawn) Bean, Troy (Jamie) Miller, Shannon (Tony) Dick and Daniel Swalve; and her great grandchildren, Olivia Guentner, Drew Dieterman, Payton Bean, Jack Guentner, Kylie Dieterman, Kayla Bean and Carson Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Dorothy Groen and Helen Swalve; and her brother Lamoine Mohlenkamp.

A committal service was held on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport at 11:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established for the Shannon Ambulance and Bethel United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Massbach

William Elden Green Sr. 71

William Elden Green, Sr., age 71, of Massbach, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2020 in his home. A private family funeral service will be held in his honor, with burial taking place at Albreicht Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to share in Bill's life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Bill was born December 4, 1948, in Savanna, IL, the son of Lyle and Lorena (Johnson) Green, Sr. On November 12, 1965, he married Donna Mae Sipe, in Savanna. He made a career of the railroad, working for Milwaukee and River Point Railroads for 30 years. He retired in 2008.

Bill loved to 'coon, rabbit, and squirrel hunt. He loved it so much, that even when, in his later years, he was put on oxygen, he'd load his tank onto the lawn mower, and drive out into the woods, rifle in hand, looking for a squirrel. Simply put, Bill just loved the outdoors. He's spend countless hours mowing the lawn, cutting wood, and of course, playing horseshoes with his brothers. He especially enjoyed tending to his oversized garden with his beloved Donna working at his side. Every year that grew enough potatoes and vegetables to feed not just the neighbors, but the whole countryside.

But most of all, Bill loved his family. That focus of that love began with his wife, Donna, and spread to his children and grandchildren, and all the members of his very large extended family. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Donna; son, William Green, Jr., of Savanna, IL; daughter, Lisa (Tony) Kinder, of Savanna, IL; four grandchildren, Kristin (Mike) Hart, of Sterling, IL, Patricia Green, of Oklahoma, Katelyn (Jeremiah) Kaberlein, of Springfield, MO, and Stacie Herrington, of Savanna, IL; three great grandchildren, Addison Hart, Eleanor Hart, and Jorden Green; mother, Lorena Green, of Savanna, IL; four brothers, Lyle (Mary) Green of Elizabeth, IL, Enoch (Ramona) Green, of Elizabeth, IL, Tony (Vicki) Green, of Savanna, IL, and Randy (Jennifer) Green, of Elizabeth, IL; two sisters, Bonnie Howard, of Mount Carroll, IL and Laurie (Jim) Kehl, of Massbach, IL; sisters-in-law, Bernice Johnson, Harriet Olson, and Linda (Pete) Southerland; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his father Lyle Green, Sr .; sister, Lyla; brothers, Larry, Russell, Danny, Earl, Doug, Ray, and Andrew Green; sister-in-law Debra Green; and nephew Brian Green.

Hanover

John “Jack” Whitney White, 84

John “Jack” Whitney White would light up a room with his storytelling and laughter. At the age of 84, Jack passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, May, 3, 2020.

Jack was born January 27, 1936, in Hanover, IL and was the son of Alvin White (1895-1947) and Dorothy (Girot) White-Whalen (1901-1987).

Jack graduated from Hanover High School, then proudly served in the U.S. Military, stationed in France. After being discharged from the military, he worked as an Illinois State police officer for a number of years. He then worked as a heavy equipment operator before ending his working career as a farmer on his family’s farm. He enjoyed cruising around the county in his Jeep, having coffee with friends discussing daily happenings, and golfing at Storybrook Country Club. He was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover, and a proud member of the Hanover community.

Jack is survived by his wife of 44 years, Shirley (Conover) White; two daughters, Barbara (David) Klever of Elizabeth, and Amy (Lenn) Fogel of Lena; five step-children including Mark Kinnaman of Sterling, IL, Linda “Denise” Garza of Colorado Springs, CO, Daniel (Lori) Kinnaman of Hanover, Michael Kinnaman of Sterling, IL, Joseph (Kathy) Kinnaman of Peosta, IA; and many grandchildren.

A private family funeral service will be held. A memorial fund has been established. Friends and family are also invited to share in Jack’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.