Obituaries

Stockton

Irene May Schubert, 89

Irene May Schubert, age 89, of Stockton, IL passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Saturday, April 25, 1931 in Jo Daviess County, at the farm home of her parents, Chester McKinley Pilson and Gladys May (Willis) Pilson. She attended the Upper Kent School in Kent, IL for 8 years, then graduated from Pearl City High School, in 1948. Irene married James Eugene Schubert, Friday evening, February 4, 1949 in the Methodist parsonage living room in Stockton, IL, by Rev. Glen Ames.

Irene loved her job as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and homemaker. She loved the Lord, her family, church family and many many friends. She also loved to cook, can, garden, flowers, hobbies, and “family get-togethers”. She taught Sunday School for many years and the MYF young people for 10 years. Her and Jim enjoyed ball room dancing and also enjoyed square dancing for 20 years, with The Stockton Twirl-A-Ways Club, making a lot of wonderful friends.

She helped on the farm, also worked for the USDA-ASCS office for 25 years. She was a member of Kent United Methodist Church, the Women’s group and the Stockton Women’s Club. Time spent with her family and friends and with the Lord was a very important part of her life.

Irene is survived by her two sons, James M. (Judy) Schubert of Stockton, IL, and Tony P. (Dixie) Schubert of Kent, IL; her two daughters, Deborah D. (Robert) Gallo of Parker, CO, and Marilyn M. Zueger of Wheaton, IL; her son-in-law, Erwin A. Zueger of Stockton, IL; her 7 grandchildren, Jason J. (Tania) Schubert of Lena, IL, Jodi D. Schubert (U.S. Navy) of Oak Harbor, WA, Nathan G. Gallo of Parker, CO, Nichole M. Kooi, of Parker, CO, Christopher E. (Caroline) Zueger on Montreal, Canada, Patrick M. (Megan) Zueger of Woodridge, IL, and Michael J. (Cara) Zueger of Brookfield, MA; her two step-grandchildren, Wendy A. (Lance) Deverich of St. Maries, ID and Michelle Gallardo of Mexico; her 8 great grandchildren, Samantha A. (Sammuel) Flores and Alyssa V. (Schubert) Bernal of Oak Harbor, WA, Christina J. and James W. Schubert of Lena, IL, Kasia and Kasen Kooi of Parker, CO, Camille Zueger of Woodridge, IL and Vienna Zueger of Montreal, Canada; her great-great grandson, Samson A. Flores of Oak Harbor, WA; her 5 step-great grandchildren, Camren and Ryen Atkinson of St. Maries, ID, Kimberly Gallardo, Brandin and Fernandez Jr. Lopez of Mexico; her brother, James R. (Bonnie) Pilson of Sulphur Springs, TX; her brothers-in-law, Robert (Kitty) Watson of Rockford, IL, Richard (Robbie) Schubert of Lena, IL, Harold Meeker of Freeport, IL; her sisters-in-law, Bernice Schubert of Warren, IL, Lorraine Schubert of Lena, IL, Nance (JD) Clemens of Rockford, IL, Orpha Schubert of Weaverville, NC, Sally Buchenau of Lena, IL, and Cindy Schubert of Lena, IL; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; her grandparents, Wm. and Anna (Miner) Willis and Robert Harvey and Anna (Heise) Pilson; her two sisters, Bertha Wise and Janet Watson; her 7 brothers-in-law, Oscar Schubert Jr., Dale Schubert, Gary Schubert, Roger Schubert, Randy Schubert, Ronald Buchenau and Gerald Wise; her 3 sisters-in-law, Alta Hutmacher Becke, Betty Meeker, and Neva Schubert; and many Aunts and Uncles.

The funeral service was held on Monday, July 6, 2020 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 10:30 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Morseville Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Edward Lee Keech, 78

Edward Lee Keech, age 78, of Stockton, IL passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at Vista Medical Center in Waukegan, IL.

He was born June 15, 1942 in Freeport, IL to the late Lyle and Ruth (Brubaker) Keech. Edward married Glenda Mae Endress on April 14, 1963.

He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton. Edward had worked as a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed flying planes with Freeport RC Modelers, kites, trains and tractors. He was a member of the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club where he was the King in 2006. He was a Chicago Bear and Chicago Cubs Fan, he loved to ride his Motorcycle and Scooter around town. Edward enjoyed laughing and joking around with his family and friends, plus he was always there to help others out.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Mae Keech of Stockton; his daughters, Blenda Mae (Donnie) Gallup of Thomson, IL, Cindy Sue Keech of Mesa, AZ, and Tina Marie (Ryan) Schuster of Freeport, IL; his granddaughter, Stephanie (Aaron) Lohberg – Huizenga, his great grandkids, Madison Dau, Nathen & Taylor Lohberg; his step-grandkids, Abby and Brooke Huizenga; his grandson, Timothy Lee (Crystal) Keech; his step great grandson, Nicholas (Hannah) Aqrabawi; step great great granddaughter, Amaya Aqrabawi; step great granddaughter, Sierra Hemm-(Devin), step great grandson, Bryce Hemm; and his granddaughter, Kayla Marie Gallup. Edward is also survived by his brothers, Gary and Donald Keech; his sisters, Glory Keech, JoAnn (Ralph) Boatwright, Marlene Ahrens and Donna Keech; his step brother, David Alleman; his sisters-in-law, Barb (Jerry) Bazala-Schuelke, Betty (Ed) Eagan, Nancy (Jim) Marsh, and Bonnie Endress; his brother-in-law, Kenny Endress; and many nieces and nephews.

Edward was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Harry; his brother-in-law, Ronald Ahrens; his sisters-in-law, Becky Keech and Phyllis Keech as well as his step-sisters, Sylvia Kauffman and Linda Geiseman; his father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Glen and Clarabelle Endress.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Freeport

Allan W. McAuliffe, 72

Allan W. McAuliffe, age 72 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2020 at Monroe Clinic Hospital in Monroe, WI.

He was born February 3, 1948 in Gratiot, WI; the son of the late Frances and Charlotte (Harvey) McAuliffe. Allan was a 1966 graduate of Gratiot High School. He married Janice Ditsworth on August 31, 1968.

He worked for MicroSwitch for 35 years. He was a member of the Freeport Eagles Club and the Antique Engine Club. Allan enjoyed canning, classic cars, woodworking and hunting, especially deer. He loved to watch his grandsons play baseball.

He is survived by his wife, Janice McAuliffe of Freeport; daughter, Kimberly (Molly Camacho) Patten of North Liberty, IA; grandsons, Caleb Patten, Willie Nelson, Marcus Camacho and Mason Comacho; brothers, James McAuliffe of Hazel Green, WI, John (Judy) McAuliffe of Benton, WI and Tim (Donna) McAuliffe; and sisters, Anette (Fred) Vick of Warren, IL and Cathy Mellenberger of Cuba City, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Mary and Theresa.

A private family service will be held and interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Condolences may be shared at http://www.walkermortuary.com.

Mt. Carroll

Michael Terry Hook, 66

Michael Terry Hook, age 66, of Mount Carroll, IL, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020, at FHN Hospital in Freeport, IL. A celebration of life visitation will take place at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mount Carroll, from 1pm to 3pm, with a service at 3pm. As per the request of the family, face coverings will be required. Thank you for your understanding. Family and friends are invited to share in Mike’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com

Mike was a true country boy with an outstanding work ethic. As a young boy he would help his grandma Shepherd clean out the chicken coop and horse barn every weekend. As he got older, he was given the duty of mowing the lawn and helped the neighbors out with hay baling. Mike had a passion for mechanical work, gaining most of his knowledge at the elbow of his father Don. Once he got his driver's license he could be found in his future brother's-in-law, Terry and Scott Young's garage tinkering on a car or other projects. Mike's greatest car passion was the '55 Chevy, but his true passion was for his wife of 44 years, Jo Ann.

In 1983 he heard the calling of the open road and took his first job driving semi. A career that spanned 23 years over the road and 14 years at him current employment with Moring Disposal. As much as Mike liked driving truck, he always looked forward to coming home to his wife and pets at the end of the week. He had a great fondness for German Shepherd's and especially the love of his Golden Retriever's, Josie, Zoe and Annie, who got him to walk off a week’s worth of sitting behind a steering wheel every chance they could get.

After the passing of his parents, he had an even bigger job ahead of him, cleaning up their estate. But with the helping hand from his friend Lyle Diddens, the clean-up went much faster and many wondrous treasures were uncovered. The treasures of lives well lived now include the treasure of a son well raised.

Mike will be dearly missed by his wife, Jo Ann; brother, Jim Hook, of Lanark, IL; sister, Tami Hook, of Rock Falls, IL; brother-in-law, Scott Young, of Savanna, IL; nephew, Joseph Young, of Brazil, IN; his best friend, Lyle Diddens, of Baileyville, IL; and his golden retriever, Annie and cat, Jake. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Euveta; grandparents, Eber and Edna Shepherd; brother-in-law and dear friend, Terry Young; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chuck and Betty Young.

Savanna

Elena Jessica Schaefer, 5

Elena Jessica Schaefer, age 5, of Savanna, IL, passed away tragically on Sunday, June 28, 2020.

A visitation was held, Monday, July 6, 2020, from 2pm to 5pm at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Savanna, IL. There was a time of sharing at 5pm, that day. A memorial fund has been established in Elena’s name. Family and friends are invited to share in her life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Elena was born July 24, 2014, in Clinton, IA, the daughter of Ernst and Jessica (Nicewanner) Schaefer. It quickly became apparent to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her, that she was a beautiful soul. She loved her family dearly, and that love always was, and will continue to be reciprocated by her family, on to sweet Elena. During this incredibly difficult time, Jessica and Ernst put together some words, capturing Elena’s spirit and legacy.

“Elena was taken from our family too soon. She was a bright star in our lives. She had a beautiful personality, and just as beautiful of a smile. She loved everyone she came in contact with. If you were having a bad day, she was there to make you forget your problems. Our family will miss her dearly. She took a piece of all of us when she left.”

Though we’ve lost a shining light in our community, we can find some solace in knowing that sweet little Elena will be with all those whom she loved, now and for all of their days. She will be dearly missed by her parents, Ernst and Jessica; her siblings, Jonathan and Breanna Schaefer; grandparents, William “Bill” and Mary Schaefer, of Palatine, IL, and John and Barb Statdfield, of Freeport, IL; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Elena is preceded in death by her great grandmother, Betty “Mimi” Miller