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Obituaries

Stockton

Mary Katherine Cook-Kmucha, 78

Mary Katherine Cook-Kmucha, age 78 of Stockton, IL passed away Friday, April 23, 2021 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL. She was born June 30, 1942 to the late Lawrence and Opal (Smidt) Kappes. Mary married Gary Cook on December 24, 1961.

She was a 1960 graduate of Stockton High School. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton where she had taught Sunday School for many years. She served as district leader for the Boy Scouts of America for several years. Mary volunteered at several places, including; Contact, a domestic violence hotline, and Hills and Dales, a home for mentally and physically disabled children. She had worked as a waitress at The Village Inn, Countryside Café and Log Cabin. Mary had also worked for Murnice Breed and John Fischer Tax Services, Tim Kirk Insurance, and as a home mortgage consultant at Dupaco Community Credit Union in Dubuque. Mary enjoyed singing, playing her accordion and writing stories and Christmas plays for the church.

She is survived by her three sons, Wade (Tonya) Cook, Brian Cook and Scott Cook; her grandchildren, Rachael Cook, Ethan Cook, Zachary Cook and Matthew Cook; her great grandson, Kane Dagle; her brother, Robert Kappes; her sisters, Kaye Clark and Nancy Rice; her sister-in-law, Kay Kappes; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ronald Kappes and Richard Kappes; her grandson, Mitchell Dagle; her brothers-in-law, Dale Clark and Norman Rice; her sister-in-law, Vernetta Kappes; and her brother and sister-in-law, James (JoAnne) Kammerer.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton. There was a visitation before the service beginning at 11:00 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.

Brian L. Randecker, 54

Brian L. Randecker, age 54 of Stockton, IL passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at home. He was born August 8, 1966 in Freeport, IL to Larry and Melody (Beyer) Randecker. Brian was a 1985 graduate of Stockton High School.

He farmed his entire life and enjoyed scrapping metal, fishing, hunting, making people laugh and talking on the phone.

Brian is survived by his dad, Larry (Tresa Wilkinson) Randecker of Stockton; his daughters, Courtney (Mark McKee) Randecker of Mt. Carroll, IL, Brittany (Ben Stoewer) Randecker of West Bend, WI, and Alyssa (Mathew Stadel) of Stockton, IL; his son, Jon Randecker of Stockton, IL; his sister, LeAnne (Troy) Christians of Lanark, IL; his brothers, Todd (Melinda) Randecker of Shannon, IL, Steven (Tricia) Randecker of Savanna, IL and Richard (Stephanie Brown) Randecker of Mt. Morris, IL; several nieces and nephews; and his former wife and mother of his children, Diane (Allen) Randecker. He is preceded in death by his mother and his grandparents.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. There was a visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date at Good Hope Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be left at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Savanna

Burdette “Burt” Dauphin, 71

Burdette “Burt” Dauphin, age 71, of Savanna, Illinois passed away Monday, April 26, 2021 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 1, 2021, outdoors at the First United Methodist Church, Savanna. Visitation was held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Burial will take place in Savanna Township Cemetery with full military rites. Memorials may be made in his memory for local charities.

Burt was born May 3, 1949 in Savanna, the son of Charles and Edna (Deuel) Dauphin, Sr. He grew up on the family farm, and attended Center Hill School and Savanna High School, graduating with the Class of 1967. In high school, Burt wrestled and played baseball. Burt enlisted in the US Army right after high school, serving in Vietnam. Burt became engaged to his future wife, Margaret “Peg” Malley, on Christmas Eve in 1968 when Burt was home on leave from the military. The two married on December 12, 1970. Together they celebrated 48 years of marriage, and raised three daughters, Elaine, Kristine and Marjorie. Peg passed away December 18, 2018.

Burt began his Postal career in Freeport as a clerk. He worked his way up and eventually became a Postmaster serving in Lena and Savanna. Burt also helped lead other post offices in Rock Falls, Mt. Morris and Lanark throughout his career. He left his mark in Postal Service in northwest Illinois, retiring in 2007. Burt and Peg then went back to the family farm called Paradise Acres near Savanna, and began raising and caring for cattle as they made their life on the farm.

Burt was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Savanna where he served on the board as a trustee. Burt and Peg were youth group leaders at Pearl City Methodist Church for several years. Burt and Peg welcomed several foreign exchange students into their home throughout the years. He also coached softball for his daughter’s teams. Burt was always ready to help others, passing this practice down to his daughters. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Burt will be dearly missed by three daughters, Elaine (Rod) Howard of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, Kristine (Jeffrey) Davidson of Boonsboro, Maryland and Marjorie (Dan) Volkers of Marengo, Illinois; 14 grandchildren; two sisters, Diana Chaplin of Baileyville and Gloria (Lyle Eichelberger) Roberts of Freeport; one brother, Charlie (Marcia) Dauphin of Savanna; a brother-in-law, Russell Malley of Mt. Carroll; and a special friend and companion, Kim Riley. Burt was especially proud to have fourteen grandchildren: Skylar, Kobe, Mila, and Kataleya Howard; Erika, Jakob and Rebeka Davidson; Taylor, Blake, Alyssa, Tess, Sarah Kate, Cody, and Lukas Volkers. Burt is preceded in death by his wife, Peg; both parents; and a brother in infancy, Jason Dauphin.

Lanark

Pauline Marie Erbsen, 84

Pauline Marie Erbsen, 84, of Lanark went to be with her Lord on April 28th, 2021. She was born December 29, 1936 in Lanark, IL, daughter of Paul & Blanche (Guenzler) Diffenderfer. She married Kenneth Erbsen on August 4, 1957 in Lanark.

Pauline graduated from Lanark High School in 1954. Her first job was at Zentner Drug Store where she met Kenneth. Upon marriage her and Kenneth became full time dairy farmers, working side by side until his death in 1994. She and her family continued the farming operation and development of Erbacres Holsteins.

She was an active member of the Lanark First Brethren Church where she served as a deaconess, member of Women’s Missionary Circle, and sang in the choir. She also served as a 4-H Leader and was involved in many agricultural activities throughout Carroll County. Along with her family, she was an active member of the Illinois Holstein Association and was honored with their Distinguished Service Award in 2010.

Pauline welcomed many international guests into her home over the years and maintained lifelong friendships with these young people. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, baking, and serving others. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Survivors include her six children: Paula (Rick) Bovre, Fond du Lac, WI, Kathleen (Bob) Opperman, Rockford, IL, Kevin (Wendy) Erbsen, John Erbsen, and Carl (Becky) Erbsen, all of Lanark, IL, and Carla (Jon) Mickey, Taylorville, IL, nine grandchildren: Justin (Brenda) Opperman, Megan (fiance Travis Schafer), Connor, Nathan, Nevin, Payton, Delana Erbsen, Tanner and Drew Mickey, and six great-grandchildren: Adalynn, Leighton, Willah, Justus, Evers, and Haddon Opperman. She is also survived by sisters MaryAnne (Bill) Dailey, Alice (Dave) Nix, and Janet Gruhn, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, parents Paul & Blanche Diffenderfer, and in-laws Theodore & Emma Erbsen.

Services were held 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Lanark First Brethren Church, with visitation 5:00 - 800 p.m. Sunday, May 2, 2021 at the Church, and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be in the Lanark Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Pauline’s memory. Law Jones Eastland is in charge of arrangements.

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