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Obituaries

Lena

Linda K. Brose, 68

Linda K. Brose, 68, of Lena, Illinois passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020 from pneumonia at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 23, 1952 in Freeport to Albert and Anna (Lott) Baldauf of Pearl City. She attended school in Pearl City, and Northern Illinois University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Mental Health. Linda married Michael Brose of Freeport on June 19, 1976. They had two daughters, Stephanie Brose and Amy Hoffman.

Linda worked many jobs in the mental health field through her career. She retired in 2020. Linda and Mike moved to rural Lena in 1980 where she dabbled in raising a variety of animals. She liked traveling, especially to Europe, Africa and Asia. The family visited Israel together, where they visited the Holy Land.

Linda is survived by her husband Mike, daughters; Stephanie Brose of Freeport, and Amy (Jason) Hoffman of Coleta, Illinois, two wonderful grandchildren; Aria and Quinn Hoffman, her brother; Kenneth (Darlene) Baldauf of Pearl City, and her sister; Lorraine Kaiser of Afolkey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Albert and Anna Baldauf, and her brother-in-law Robert Kaiser.

A visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, November 20, 2020 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, Illinois. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks will be required.

A private family funeral will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Burial will be at Lena Burial Park in Lena, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded.

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

Ben E. Mayer, 90

Ben E. Mayer, age 90, passed away on Wednesday November 4, 2020.

He was born on April 6, 1930 in Lena, IL, to Ben and Verna (Runkle) Mayer. He graduated from Lena High School in 1948. He married Gail Fluegel on November 21, 1954 at the Salem United Church of Christ. Ben started as a teller at Lena State Bank and worked his way up to Chief Executive Officer, retiring June 30, 1999. He was a lifelong member of the Lena Lions, Lena Riffle Club, Lena American Legion, and Ducks Unlimited.

He is survived by his wife Gail of Lena; daughter Rhonda (Don) Coyier of Madison, WI; 2 grandchildren DeDe (Todd) Heid of Appleton, WI and Kelsey (Aaron) Pearson of Oconomowoc, WI; 5 great grandchildren- Braelyn, Gianna, Otto Mayer, Theo and Viviana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Ryan in 1981, two brothers Robert and Allen Mayer, and two sisters Dorothy Trappen and Mildred Price.

Ben was passionate about serving the Lena community and found joy in the many hours of dedicated work he quietly gave. Ben was a loving man who was full of life and had an infectious smile. Ben took great pride in his family, who proudly call him “Poppa” and he loved them unconditionally. He was a big kid at heart who said that Mickey Mouse was his hero, “Because he makes everyone happy.” Ben led his life with a focus around kindness, compassion and stewardship.

A private family funeral will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL. Rev. Rick Bader will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers at Ben’s request a memorial has been set up in Ben Mayer’s name for the Le-Win Education Foundation through Lena State Bank.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Robert Lee “Big Bob” Lyvers, 83

Robert Lee “Big Bob” Lyvers, age 83, of Lena, passed away Monday, November 9, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Chicago on August 7, 1937 to Carsey and Dorothy (McKnight) Lyvers. Bob graduated from Parker High School in 1955. He married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Leibfried on February 23, 1957 at Salem Evangelical Reformed Church in Chicago. They moved to McConnell in 1960, and together they raised 3 children. Bob was a lifelong truck driver for various companies and retired from H&W Motor Freight in 1994. Upon retirement, he enjoyed working for the Village of Lena and was a proud member of the community.

Bob was a devoted member of the Lena Lions Club, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Freeport Transportation Club, Lena Historical Society, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lena. He enjoyed deer hunting, dancing, gardening, and making recycle trips to the salvage yard.

Bob was a proud husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He was known for his sense of humor and larger-than-life personality. He was always quick witted and had a joke for any occasion. He was never without words.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years Lynn, his children, Susan (Dan) Milligan of Bloomington, Robert (Martha) Lyvers II of Lena, and Sherry (Matt) St. Eve of Belleville; grandchildren Adam, David, and Dan Milligan, Kellee Doctorian, Robert and Michael Lyvers, Anna Hoffman, Mary Beth Wampfler, Jamie Shultz and Jana St. Eve; 9 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Terry Sloatman, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Lyvers, sister JoAnn Sheldon and sister-in-law Susan Sloatman.

A private family service will be held at Lena Burial Park in Lena. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory for FHN Hospice and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Lena Living Center and FHN Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Debra Farmer, 62

On November 2nd, 2020 Debra Farmer, loving wife and mother, passed away at age 62 after battling cancer for 11 years.

Deb was born on September 20th, 1958 in Monroe WI, to George and Norma Jean Drye. She graduated from Lena-Winslow in 1977. After graduation, Deb worked at K-mart for many years before transitioning to surgical housekeeping at FHN. On October 7th, 1989 she married Richard Farmer. They raised two daughters; Jenny and Sara.

Deb loved others deeply and lived selflessly. She was an active member of her church, where she taught Sunday school with her husband. Deb loved photography, especially in the fall. She was best known for her kind heart, contagious laughter, and love of Jesus.

Deb was preceded in death by her mother, NormaJean Drye, her grandmother, Leona Grebner and her nephew, Colton Drye.

She is survived by her husband Richard, her two children, Jenny (Jacob) Keltner, Sara (Chris) Rothschadl, father, George Drye, siblings: Greg (Kathy) Drye, Darla (Rob) Lingle, Rich (Deanna) Drye, multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and “fur grand-babies” Brutus, Daisy, and Brennan.

A visitation was held from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, November 13th, 2020 at Leamon’s Funeral Home in Lena, IL. A private funeral was held for her immediate family. Steve Cassell officiated the service.

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

Opal Mae Ritzman, 99

Opal Mae Ritzman, age 99 and a half, passed away on November 11, 2020 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born May 2, 1921, to George Frederick & Rosa Hart in Berreman Township, Jo Daviess County, IL. Opal and Milo P Wachlin were married Dec. 13, 1939, he passed away on June 3, 1961. She and Quincy Leo Ritzman were married July 2, 1962, he passed away on Feb. 1, 1984 Opal was employed by Micro Switch for 35 years retiring in 1985. She was a member of Lena United Methodist Church, Lena American Legion Auxiliary, and Honorary Member of the Lena Woman’s Club.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Eleanor Wachlin, grandson, Larry (Pat) Wachlin, and granddaughter Kellie (Ray Balles) White all of Lena. Great-grandchildren, Brian (Ambre Barnes) White, Scott White, Leslie (Kurt) Bauer, Kyle (Chelsey) White; 6 great-great-grandchildren, Dylan, Tyler, Berkley, Breanna, Isaac, and Elijah; many nieces and nephews; 3 step-granddaughters Sherilynn Marten, Gwen Komaniecki, and Debra James; 2 sisters-in-law, Phyllis Frederick, and Marie Frederick.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers, Wayne, Walter, Russell, Lloyd, and Paul, 4 sisters Lucille Holland, Joyce Pfile, Marcella Gaul, Marjorie Rose Frederick, twin sister of Marcella who died at 8 days, First Husband Milo Wachlin, Second husband Leo Ritzman and son Jim Wachlin.

A visitation was held from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM Noon on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

A private family funeral will be held. Burial will be at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL. Pastor Keri Rainsburger officiated the services.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Stockton

Cory McPeek, 37

Cory McPeek, age 37 of Stockton, IL passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

He was born November 14, 1982 in Freeport, IL to Mark McPeek and Penny Feltmeyer.

Cory attended Stockton Schools and was a member of Willow Winners 4-H Club. He worked for Stockton Stainless for many years and had a love for farming. Cory was always willing to give a helping hand. He enjoyed riding his 3-wheeler, lighting off fireworks, looking for trees that had fallen to split into firewood, spending time with his daughter and taking her to amusement parks, and sitting around a bonfire with good friends. He was also an avid collector of Ghostbuster memorabilia.

Cory is survived by his mother, Penny (Steve) Oppold of Pearl City; his father, Mark (Amy) McPeek of Stockton; his daughter, Madelyn McPeek of Freeport; his brothers, Chad (Jordy) McPeek of Pearl City and Bryan (Rachel) McPeek of Kent; his honorary brother, Patrick Otto of Stockton; his grandmother, Pauline Feltmeyer of Stockton; and his 4 nieces and 1 nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandma and grandpa McPeek; his grandpa Feltmeyer; his sister, Jessica McPeek; and his cousin Jackie McPeek.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 7:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Leland Wesley Pierce Jr. 96

Leland (Bud) Pierce passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at home with family.

Bud was born on December 9, 1923, son of Leland Sr. and Florence (Parker) Pierce. He was a 1941 graduate of Stockton High School, and attended the Farm Short Course at UW, Madison.

Bud married Hazel C. Downs on October 10, 1945. They celebrated 65 years together before her passing in 2011. He was a dear husband, wonderful father, devoted grandfather, and an awesome great-grandfather, always calmly teaching and showing the way.

He was a farmer. He also enjoyed card playing, music, singing, dancing and was self-taught on the piano, organ, ukulele, and banjo. (and surprisingly good at all of it.) He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist church, and also worked on the board of the Morseville Church and cemetery. Bud was involved in the Plum River Masonic Lodge, Wards Grove Township board, Stockton Co-op board, Farm Bureau, and Pioneer Seed sales.

Preceding him in death were his parents, three sisters, Elizabeth (Carson) Herring, Edith (Lendelle) Bauer, and Linda (Donald) Lloyd, an infant son, and sons Danny and Gary. He leaves behind three daughters, Cathy (Tom Brobst) Brandenburg, Sharen (Mark) Mellicker, Connie Finn (Lisa Metcalf) and daughter-in-law Becky Pierce (Craig Priegel). Seven grandchildren, JoLynn (Kevin) Kuhl, Dana (Roy) Probus, Calista (Juan) Cruz, Allison (Mike Farber) Pierce, Gavin Ninow, Emily Pierce and Wesley Pierce. Six great-grandchildren, Alex (Stephanie) Kuhl, Evan Kuhl, Morgan (Chris) Geier, Colton Probus, Raegan Probus and Grey Ninow. One sister Mariam Blair, and brother Max and his wife Mary Pierce. Two sisters- in-law Joyce Zeal and Donna Feltmeyer. Uncle “Bud” will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Bud was kind, hard working and generous, always serving others graciously. He will be remembered by all as the man first in line to help or lend a hand. He was loved and cherished by many. His gentle personality and sweet smile will be missed by all who knew him.

There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Morseville Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Hanover

Lynn Miller, 78

Lynn Miller, age 78, of Hanover, IL, passed away Sunday, November 8th, at his home.

A Memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 13th, at the Hanover Methodist Church. Visitation was held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Church.

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