Obituaries

Lena

Tom “T” Holtz, 72

Tom “T” Holtz, 72, of Lena, IL passed away unexpectedly at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL on Friday, May 13, 2022.

Tom was born on February 28, 1950 to Amiel and Leora (Schult) Holtz. He married Sue Simmons on January 10, 1976 in Belmont, WI. After Tom retired from Pearl City Elevator, he enjoyed working for Wolf Hollow Golf Course as one of the grounds men. Tom enjoyed playing softball in his younger years when he lived in Belmont, WI, where he was also a former assistant fire chief until 1987 when he moved to Lena. Tom was a member of the Lake Le-Aqua-Na Sportman’s Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting, especially with his granddaughter, and would always make time for a cold one with his friends.

Tom is survived by his wife Sue of Lena; two children- Adam (Missy) Holtz, and Amy (Eric) Boyer both of Lena; three grandchildren- Pacey, Addie, and Karlee; brothers- Bob (Sharon) of Marshall, WI, Jerry (Joni) of Belmont, WI, Bill (Jayne) of Fort Collins, CO; sister Karen (Tom) Schwartz of Darlington, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers-in-law- Bill, Jim, Bob, and Ron

A celebration of life was held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2022 at Wolf Hollow Golf Course in Lena, IL.

Family would like to thank the individuals and first responders from Leamon’s Ambulance, Lena Police Department, Illinois State Police Department, that assisted on scene, as well as all medical personnel who cared for Tom at FHN Memorial Hospital.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

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

Stockton

Janet H. Groezinger, 63

Janet H. Groezinger, age 63, of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022 at home surrounded by her family after a year and a half courageous battle with Sarcoma Cancer.

She was born April 17, 1959 in Freeport, IL to the late Willard “Bill” and Beverly (Brininger) Nowak. She always dreamed of marrying a farmer and Janet made that a reality when she married Norman Groezinger on June 4, 1978 in Lanark, IL.

She was a 1977 graduate of Lanark High School. Janet was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton where she taught Sunday School and belonged to the Rebecca Circle. She farmed alongside her husband Norm and loved her goats. She enjoyed gardening, canning, mowing and flowers. If you knew her at all, you know she excelled at all of her many titles including wife, mom, sister, friend, but her absolute favorite title was grandma to Emma and Hannah.

Janet is survived by her husband, Norman of Stockton; her daughter, Jennifer (Bryan) Wiebel of Altoona, IA; her son, Brian (Vikkie) of Stockton; her daughter, Angela (Brandon) Edwards of Normal, IL; her two granddaughters, Emma and Hannah Groezinger; her sisters, Barbara (Sam Tucibat) Nowak and Julie (Dave) Wright; her sisters-in-law, Mary Ellyn Gibbs and Norma Jean (Jerry) Replogle; her brother-in-law, Gary (Mary Lynn) Groezinger.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Clyde Kent; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Margaret and Earl; and her brother-in-law, Marvin.

The funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton. There was a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared with Janet’s family at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Rosemary Irene Schultz, 94

Rosemary Irene Schultz, age 94, of Stockton, IL passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Liberty Village in Freeport, IL. She was born April 24, 1928 in Lancaster, WI to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Rinniker) Adams. Rosemary married Morris F. Schultz, Sr. in February of 1947. Morris passed away March 15, 2007.

Rosemary was a graduate of Lancaster High School. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, especially quilts, baking and decorating cakes, playing chinese checkers and playing cards, her favorite was euchre.

She is survived by her son, Stephen Schutlz of Elroy; her daughters, Charlene Boldt of Freeport, Mariam Huseman of Stockton, Katherine Schultz of Stoughton, WI and Elizabeth (Jay) Miller of Camp Douglas, WI; her grandchildren, John Schultz, Matt Schultz, Paul Wuebben, Tina Wuebben, Ryan Wuebben, Angela Garcia, Jon Meyers, Cynthia Fluegel, Christina Meyers and Theresa Singles; and her sister, Cecelia Breihan.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sons, Morris Jr. and Martin; two daughters, Karen and Madonna; two grandsons, Daniel and Joseph; and 10 siblings.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Baileyville

Richard H. Mertz, 77

Richard H. Mertz, age 77, of Christmas Mountain, WI passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Meriter Hospital. He was born August 7, 1945 in Dixon, IL to the late Haorld and Alta (Janssen) Mertz. Richard married Sandra Kampen on June 18, 1965 in Shannon, IL

Richard was a 1963 graduate of Forreston High School. He spent his life farming in the Baileyville area. He enjoyed guns and reading. Richard was always willing to give a helping hand, especially when his daughters had car troubles.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Mertz; his daughters, Wendy (Troy) Derrer and Michelle (Chad) Griffiths; his grandchildren, Daniel Derrer, Garrett (Lucy) Paul, Katherine (Chris) Eytalis and Dalton Paul; his step grandchildren, Mary Jo (Adam) English, Sydney Griffiths and Quinn Griffiths; his sisters, Barb (John) Ott and Sue (Terry) Mueller; and his nieces, Jennifer (David) Spencer and Elizabeth Ott; He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Jonas Derrer.

A private family graveside will be held at Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.