Obituaries

Stockton

John Bradley Sullivan (Sully) 80

John Bradley Sullivan (Sully), age 80, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 10th, 2020, at Mercy One hospital in Dubuque Iowa.  A private mass was held for immediate family only on Saturday, August 15th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic church in Stockton IL.  John was laid to rest with full military rites at the Holy Cross Catholic cemetery immediately following mass.

John was born May 29, 1940 in Stockton, IL.  He was one of 10 children born to Philip and Leonilla (Carroll) Sullivan.  He lived in Stockton throughout his childhood until he graduated from Stockton High School in 1958.

After high school, John met his love, his confident and soul mate and his rock, June Ann (Webster) Sullivan.  He enlisted in the Army on April 15th, 1959 and shortly thereafter, John and June were married on June 27.  John embraced patriotism and achieved the rank of E-4 before being honorably discharged on February 6th, 1961.

After completion of his military service, John returned to Stockton for one year until relocating to Platteville, WI where he began his career as a full time meat cutter for Dicks Supermarket.  During his seven years in Platteville, he learned more of the meat cutting trade and other valuable tools for success. Most significant was how important it is to be fair to your employees, vendors, and his customers.  In September 1967, John and June moved to Savanna, IL where they purchased their own grocery store, previously under the banner Sullivan’s Super Valu, and now known as Sullivan’s Foods. He went on to expand his stores, at highest count a total of 16 grocery stores and two Ben Franklin’s, quite an achievement as an Independent grocer.

John was successful in expanding because he was an entrepreneur, a visionary man before his time, and an innovator of change. He was one of the first to introduce scanners at the checkout, and to operate 24 hours a day.  His marketing skills netted him a world record as he merchandised the largest Pabst Blue Ribbon beer display.

Although John’s work ethic was endless, he was also very civic minded and a faithful citizen to his community and his trade.  He always felt it important to give back to his community.

His volunteer services included being an active member and President of the Savanna Chamber of Commerce, member of the Savanna School Board of Education, President of Savanna Hospital Board for 10 years, Honorary Fireman (both Savanna and Platteville), he helped establish the Savanna Ambulance Department, Chairman of the Local Redevelopment Authority at the Savanna Army Depot, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, an active member of his church serving on his church council, a member of the American Legion, Moose, VFW and The Elks. Within his trade, he served as a board member of the National Grocers Association, President of the Illinois Food Retailers Association, and in 2006 he was honored with the highest recognition as Illinois Grocer of the Year.

It should be noted, he was also a member of the Savanna Rotary Club on three separate occasions, but was kicked out of the club because he couldn’t make the weekly lunch meetings – John was simply too busy gearing up for truckload meat sales, coordinating produce tent sales, preparing Customer Appreciation days or even scrubbing floors!

Despite being a successful business man, John would acknowledge his greatest accomplishment was his family.  Together John and June were family oriented raising six wonderful children.  He was a family man, with a loving heart, an iron rule and an Irish spirit.  John loved spending time with his family, whether it be on the Mississippi river, traveling the United States loaded up in a motor home, or perhaps the most memorable, a trip of lifetime to Ireland with his full entourage of children and grandchildren by his side.

Outside of his children, John also enjoyed time and conversation with his siblings, as long as it wasn’t about politics! He also enjoyed his trips with his many friends whether it be fishing in Canada, hunting, rafting or jeeping in Colorado, or his annual Wisconsin motor cycle adventures. But his ultimate paradise was his time spent with June on their farm in Derinda.

As John would say, “I think I’ve said enough, it’s time to get back to work!”

John will be forever missed by his wife June Sullivan of Elizabeth, IL; six children, Kathryn (Steven) Christensen of Savanna, IL, Scott (Jeanie) Sullivan of Savanna, IL, Bryan (Christine) Sullivan of Savanna, IL, Susan (Kent) Dauphin of Elizabeth, IL, John Michael (Jennifer) Sullivan of Savanna, IL, and Julie (Andrew) Mensendike of Stockton, IL; 16 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and eight siblings; Philip (Mona Lisa) Sullivan, Judy Doherty, Peggy (Richard) Magee, Ann Testa, Stephen (JoAn) Sullivan, Jim (Deb) Sullivan, Kelly (Doug) Dawson and Mary Stanton, in addition, many nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Leonilla; one sister, Colleen McNett.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.  Due to the pandemic, there will be a celebration of life announced at a later date.

Norme Abel Binns, 88

Norme Abel Binns, age 88 of Stockton, IL passed away Friday, August 14, 2020 at Waverly Place in Stockton.

He was born on January 15, 1932 in Elizabeth to the late Henry and Rosina (Beyer) Binns. Norme married Marian Hampton on November 19, 1955 in East Dubuque.

Norme attended Long Hollow School. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Core in Korea from 1952-1954. Norme was a member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church and Wesley United Methodist Church. He enjoyed playing cards. Norme loved the outdoors, gardening, tending to his flowers, cutting wood and picking raspberries.

He is survived by his wife, Marian Binns of Stockton; his daughters, Cheryl (Gary) Jay of Stevens Point, WI and Carolyn Hollmer of Rock Island, IL; his sons, Michael Binns of Rockford and James (Valerie) Binns of Stockton; his five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great great grandson; his sister, Rosemary Morhardt of Rockford; his sister-in-law, Alice (Richard) Deininger of Galena, IL; and his furry friend, Penny. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ed and Anna Hampton; two grandsons; three sisters; one brother; one son-in-law; six brother-in-laws; and two sister-in-laws.

A private family service will be held. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery at a later date. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lena

Marilyn Jean Holmes 94

Marilyn Jean Holmes, age 94, of Lena, died Thursday, August 6, 2020 at the Lena Living Center from natural causes. Marilyn was born July 20, 1926 in Freeport, the daughter of Ted and Mary (Ash) Mau. She graduated from Winslow High School and then attended University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA. On March 22, 1946, she married Wayne A. Holmes in Ames, Iowa.

Marilyn had many interests in her life including playing golf and cards, reading, planting and tending to her flower gardens, cooking and baking for her family and friends and beautifully decorating her home for every holiday. Her pecan pie was a hit at many events. As an accomplished pipe organist for 50 years she thoroughly enjoyed playing the organ at the Lena United Methodist Church where she was a member for 60 plus years. Marilyn served as a dedicated employee of the Lena-Winslow School District as a secretary for 30 years. She was very proud of the work she did there serving the students and staff of the district for so many years.

One of the main loves of her life was taking care of many cats she had over her lifetime. Cats who found their way into her home were lucky indeed.

She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Anne (Carroll) Smith of McConnell; Deborah (George) Mau of Monroe, Wisconsin; grandchildren Samuel (Andrea) Kneiss of Port Angeles, Washington; Jonathan (Andrea) Kneiss of Oakdale, California; Elizabeth (Eric) Wendt of Byron, Illinois; seven great-grandchildren; Easton, Emma and Katelyn Kneiss; Mariella and Cameron Kneiss; and Collin and Breelan Wendt.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Holmes, and parents Ted and Mary Mau.

Due to the COVID pandemic, a private service was held with burial at the Cedarville Cemetery in Cedarville, Illinois. Memorials have been established in her name. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Pearl City

Benjamin Dean Strohecker, 35

Benjamen Dean Strohecker passed away at home on August 8, 2020 after a brief but strong fought battle with cancer.

Ben was born to Charles and Arleen Kingery on February 28, 1985 in Sterling, IL. Ben attended schools in Polo and Pearl City, IL. Ben was a jack of all trades and had many jobs over the years including farm work, silage truck driver, F.S. Grain Services, and was most recently employed at Quinn Construction in Lena, IL.

Ben was a father to two great kids, Skyler Dirksen and Angela Strohecker. Ben then married Brittany Ils on December 21, 2007 in Mt. Carroll, IL and together they had three wonderful kids, Lilyann Lou, Casen Benjamen and Jaxson Dean. Ben enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, shooting fireworks, mud boggs, tattoos, spending time in the woods and at the river, building knickknacks for his family, and talking about how great red tractors are to his green tractor loving father-in-law and brother-in-laws. Ben had a great sense of humor and was well known for his jokes and pranks, usually at the expense of his unsuspecting wife and kids.

Ben is survived by his wife, Brittany; his children, Lilyann (12), Jaxson (8), Skyler (17) all of Pearl City and Angela (15) of Hanover; his mother and step-father, Arleen (Ken) Kingery of Lena; his father, Charles Strohecker of Lena; his siblings, Donna (Ken) Quinn of Lena, Nicole (Jeremy) Kingery of Shannon, Jenny Kingery of Freeport and Justin Kingery of Lena; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hank and Lou Ils of Loran, IL; his brother-in-laws, Elijah Ils and Teddy Ils of Loran; his sister-in-law, Montana Ils of Freeport; his grandmother, Donna Rife of Sterling, IL; his grandfather-in-law, Carl Heidenreich of Savanna, IL; his grandmother-in-law, Linda (Bill) Gempeler of Shannon; several very special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and many many great friends and coworkers. Ben is preceded in death by his son, Casen Benjamen Strohecker, August 9, 2010 – November 25, 2010.

A visitation was held on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hermann Funeral Home in Pearl City, IL followed by a private graveside service. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, kind words, meals and all other donations and support. It has helped more than words can say.

Elizabeth

Brian James Krug, 58 

            Brian James Krug, age 58, of Elizabeth, Illinois, formerly of Freeport, Illinois, passed away Sunday August 10, 2020, peacefully at his brother and sister-in-law’s home after a year-long battle of cancer.

            To honor Brian’s wishes, private family services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Derinda, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded.

            Brian was born on August 13, 1961 in Freeport, Illinois to Marvin and Carol (Mueller) Krug. He is a 1979 graduate of the Elizabeth High School.  Brian attended Sauk Valley College in construction and technology. He graduated with the class of 1981.  He held various construction jobs and up to a year ago was employed at ABM Onsite Services –Midwest Inc., now as PCI Services Inc. in Freeport. He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Derinda.

            Brian enjoyed attending family and friends celebrations as well as family reunions. He had a strong faith that guided him throughout life. In the latter years, he enjoyed taking his parents on annual vacations.

            Brian will be dearly missed by his sister, Janice (Ronny) Appleby of Hazel Green, Wisconsin; brother Kevin (Patricia) Krug of Elizabeth, Illinois; six nieces and nephews: Timothy, Megan (Spencer Schwartz), and Stephanie Appleby; and Adam (Bridgette) Krug, Jacob and Jared Krug; two great nephews, Parker and Brennan Appleby, one great niece Nova Krug; two aunts, Nina Mueller and Glenda Mueller and their families.

            He is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Carol Krug; niece Michele Appleby, and two uncles, Donald Mueller and Roger Mueller.

            The family would like to acknowledge the caring professionals at Monroe Hospital and Clinic, Hospice Care of America in Rockford, especially Marley, Melinda, Sue and Laura for their compassion and love as well as Brian’s brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Trish, for welcoming Brian into their home during his final months.

            Law-Jones Funeral Home, Elizabeth, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with Brian’s family at http://www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.