Obituaries

Lena

Johanne Wingert, 91

Johanne Wingert, 91, of Lena, IL, passed away on Thursday June 23, 2022, at the Lena Living Center.

Johanne was born on March 16, 1931, in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Ervin and Esther (Blocher) Biesemeier. She attended Rees School and graduated from Lena High School in 1949. She married Boyd Wingert on March 4, 1950. They observed their 72nd anniversary this year. They farmed west of Lena for many years, and in later years, enjoyed many winters in their home in Winter Haven, FL. She enjoyed genealogy, the piano and organ, and playing the organ for church services for many years. Johanne was a secretary for West Point Mutual Insurance and a member of the Lena United Methodist Church.

Johanne is survived by her husband Boyd; daughter Anne (Gerald) Schultz of Lake Carroll and their children Brenden (Stephanie) Schultz, Lanark, Julie Schultz, and Emily Schultz, Lake Carroll; daughter Barbara Sargent of Blaine, MN, and her children Jonelle (Paul) Meyer, Blaine, MN, Janitra (Cory) Thomson, DePere,WI, and Jarrod (Jeannie) Sargent, St. Cloud, MN; nine great grandchildren Alyssa, Luke, and Blake Meyer, Jocelyn and Kaylin Thomson, Tristan and Delaney Sargent, Jocelyn Ruppert, and Elliana Schultz; sister-in-law Ruth Wingert, Lena; nieces Nancy (Gary) Price, Lena, and Marcia (Neil) Connor, Sun Prairie, WI; nephew Charles Wingert, Freeport; and cousin Dennis Endress, Pearl City.

She is preceded in death by her parents and son Lyle (2003), parents-in-law Floyd and Laurene Wingert, sister-in-law Ada Mae Welker, brothers-in-law Kenneth Welker and Arnold Wingert, nephew Fred Welker, niece Vicki Campbell, and great-niece Deidra Campbell.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 2, 2022, at the Lena United Methodist Church with a visitation from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Officiating was Pastor Keri Rainsberger. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name for the Lena United Methodist Church and the Lena Historical Society.

Carole L. Esser, 87

Carole L. Esser, age 87, of Lena, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. She was born November 18, 1934, to Ferdinand and Mabel (Harrington) Foote in Albany California. She married Albert Esser May 6, 1955, in Oakland California. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren had a great passion for God. She was an avid member of the First Free Methodist Church of Freeport.

Carole is survived by her husband Albert, children; Jeanna (Paul) Strader, Robert (Debbie) Esser, Lori (Matt) Erends, Michael (Kelli) Esser and Stephen (Kelli) Esser, Sister Sharon Brasher. 11 grandchildren; Christpher (Amanda) Esser, Jennifer Esser, Jamie (Gary) Watkins, Jarad (Melissa) Esser, Jason (Molly) Esser, Jacob Esser, Janelle Sarandi, Brendan Esser, Ashlyn Esser, Isabella Esser and Sophia Esser. Numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister; Beverly (Robert) Bergdahl, brother; Duane “Sonny” Foote, and brother-in-law; Wayne Brasher.

Funeral Services were held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday June 30, 2022 at the First Free Methodist Church of Freeport. A visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Officiating was Reverend Don Jamerson.

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

Lanark

Constance J. Port, 79

Constance J. Port, following a brief illness, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2022, at home surrounded by her family. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 27, 2022, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark, IL. Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Lanark Cemetery.

Constance Jean, Connie to family and friends, was born October 21, 1942, the only child of Donald W. and Hazel D. (Bowers) Blair, she lived her entire life in Lanark. Connie graduated from Lanark High School with the class of 1960, and after high school she worked in the credit union at Micro Switch. Connie married her former classmate, Duane R. Port on December 7, 1963, together they raised four daughters, Shelley, Darcey, Kelley and Alisha. In later years Connie did the books for the family business, D & D Hardware, until it closed.

Connie loved being a mother, in the summer almost every night after supper, she and her girls would go for a bike ride around town. Once she had grandchildren, they became her pride and joy, they always put a smile on Grandma’s face. Connie loved spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, working in her flower gardens and listening to her wind chimes, she loved all animals but especially cats, Diesel, Boots and Sassy were her fur babies.

Connie will be dearly missed by her husband, Duane of 60 years, her daughters, Shelley (Frederick) Clark of Mt. Carroll, Darcey (Michael) Shuman of Lanark, Kelley (Mark) Marti of Freeport and Alisha (Ryan Giedd) Metz of Lanark, four grandchildren, Devin (Mallory Bergstrom) Shuman, Taylor (fiancée, Kyle Hemmersbach) Metz, Tyler Metz and MacKenzie Marti, her beloved cats, numerous four-legged grandbabies and her “bonus” grandkids, The Kid Club kids, who always had to walk down and see “Grandma” Connie. She is preceded in death by her parents and her cats, Snickers, Smokey, Buddy and Motor.

Stockton

Harold “Paul” Holtz, 80

Harold “Paul” Holtz, age 80, of Evansville, Wisconsin, formerly of Stockton, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022. He was born April 30, 1942, to Harold John and Marie (Jorgensen) Holtz in Elgin, IL. He married Sylvia Johnson in 1967 and their marriage ended after 39 years. They raised 3 children in Elgin, IL, Fort Worth, TX and Stockton, IL. He remarried Sharron Gilbertson in 2010.

He was in The Vietnam War in the U.S. Army. After he was discharged, he became an engineer and worked for Case and Boeing for many years. During that time, he was able to call many cities home such as Seattle, Wichita, Hartford, Fort Worth, and Toronto, Canada. Paul enjoyed car shows and having antique cars himself such as his Charger and Mustang. He would love taking Sunday day trips to various places, singing karaoke, building model cars and planes, he also collected beer steins and elephants.

He is survived by his 3 children- Jill (Michael) Freese of Stockton, IL, Tamara Jacobs of Dublin, TX, Todd Holtz of Stockton, IL; 6 grandchildren- Heather Martin, Cassi (Mark) VanValkenburg, Brandon Martin, Natalie Freese, Delanie Martin, Braden Freese; 2 great grandsons- Jax and Grayson; wife Sharron Holtz.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister-Judy (Vern) Barnes; first wife and mother of his children-Sylvia Holtz; grandson-Dustin; great grandson- Roman, beloved sidekick his dog- Lazer.

A visitation was held Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Leamons Funeral Home in Lena. A Funeral Service was held Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Leamons Funeral Home in Lena. Pastor Sean Hugenin officiated the services.

Cremation rites to be accorded.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agrace Hospice at AGrace.org and in the memo please put IMO Harold Paul Holtz or donations can be mailed to Agrace Foundation, 5395 E Cheryl Pky, Madison, WI 53711

Justin Mark Warner, 42

Justin Mark Warner, age 42, of Arbor Vitae, WI, formerly of Stockton, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022. He was born February 19, 1980 to Dennis and Sharon (Brokaw) Warner. Justin married Alicia Stich on September 19, 2015.

Justin was a 1998 graduate of Stockton High School. He loved the outdoors, especially the Northwoods, and would often spend his free time hunting and fishing. Justin was a handyman who enjoyed building things, working on machines, and welding. Most of all, he loved his family and his dog, and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephew.

Justin is survived by his wife, Alicia; his mother, Sharon (Bill) Zigmont; his father, Dennis Warner; his brothers, Andrew (Melissa) Warner and Robert Warner; his nieces, Leah and Winnie Warner; his nephew, Landon Warner; special friend, Barb James; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and special friend, Barry James.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. There was a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment took place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Pearl City

Nancy Belle Gipe, 88

Nancy Belle Gipe, age 88, of Pearl City, IL, passed away on June 17, 2022 at Polo Nursing Home. A private family memorial service will be held, with burial to follow at Chadwick Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to share in Nancy’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Nancy was born August 21, 1933, in Morrison, IL, the daughter of Marshall and Ivy (Olsen) Farthing. She attended Morrison schools until moving to Chadwick High School for her final two years of high school. On August 24, 1952, Nancy married Robert David Gipe at Chadwick Hope United Methodist Church, where they have remained members, ever since. They would go on to have four children.

Nancy lovingly settled into her role as wife, mother, and homemaker. Above all else she valued time with her children, and eventually grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. As her kids and grandkids came into the world, she would make each of them a quilt, until she couldn’t quite keep up any longer. While her family was her favorite thing, her favorite place was probably the pond across the road from her home, complete with a gazebo and shelter. She and Robert would host all sorts of family gatherings there, and of course, a few shenanigans took place. None more fitting than the icy “plunges” their family would do in the winter. She valued life’s simple pleasures, such as watching the geese and their babies nesting near the pond, and going square dancing with Robert once a month at the old Thomson high school.

Nancy will be dearly missed by her husband, Robert; children, Gregory Gipe, of Pearl City, Sherry (Bill) James, of Cordova, IL, and Dana (Tim) Geerts, of Rockford, IL; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Wagner. Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Ivy; daughter, Tammy Gipe; granddaughter, Josee Pena; great-grandson, Joey Geerts; brother, Lawrence Farthing; sister, Shirley Prowant, parents-in-law, Ellwood and Helen Gipe; and daughter-in-law, Kay Gipe.

Elizabeth

Glen L. Shaw Jr., 88

Glen L. Shaw Jr., 88, Elizabeth, snuck away from us peacefully on Friday, June 17th, 2022 at Galena Stauss Senior Care Center, his home for the past 8 months. He had loved ones and caring staff at his side.

Glen (Junior) was born March 2, 1934 in Elizabeth, the son of Mary (Williams) and Glen L. Shaw Sr. (Skinny). On August 1st, 1954 he married his sweetheart from Elizabeth High School, Glynn Ellen Stadel, daughter of Mildred (Mitchell) and Leonard Stadel. They were both only children and one was as stubborn as the other. Together they did an amazing job raising their 2 children, Randy and Lynn.

Junior was a farmer for almost the entirety of his life and was literally born in the same house that he lived in until his move to Galena Stauss. When he wasn’t milking cows, hunting, bailing hay or tinkering on farm machinery, he most likely had a fishing pole in his hand or was trying to invent a way for some gadget to work better than it was originally intended.

When he “retired” he looked forward to fishing with his buddies at Apple Canyon Lake every other Monday in the summer. A fish fry with bluegills (more delicious than any you have ever tasted), chips, adult beverages and Wayne’s brownies would follow then after that many games of Euchre.

Junior loved to tease and tell stories. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a caring friend. He was totally devoted to his 2 great grandson’s, Owen (5) and Ivan (2) and made sure that no matter what those 2 rascals did, they did NOT get in trouble at Papa’s house.

Junior is survived by his 2 children, his son Randy Shaw (fiancée Mary Amici Kozi) and daughter Lynn Kay (Lynn Allen) Pease, 5 spoiled grandchildren Bill (Katie) Longmore, Jessica Pease (Ben Drury), Michael Pease, Derek Pease and Sandy (Wes) Offenheiser, his right hand for many years. He is also survived by 4 “can do no wrong” great grandsons Landis and Jerry Longmore and Owen and Ivan Offenheiser.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents and his side kick of 63 plus years, Glynn Ellen who passed on June 13, 2017. He would also want us to mention the fishing buddies who went before him. There is no doubt he and Glynn have already hosted a heavenly fish fry and card party.

Visitation was Tuesday, June 21 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth and on Wednesday June 22 at First United Methodist Church in Elizabeth with the service following.

Junior’s family would like to thank the amazing staff at Galena Stauss Senior Care Center and Dubuque Hospice. Each and every one of you were special to him and treated him like a king. We also want to thank the care givers that helped us keep him at home as long as possible – Amy, Kara, Kris, Margo, Megan and Patti. He loved you all. Thanks.

Mt. Carroll

Lois Amanda Kloepping, 86

Lois Amanda Kloepping, 86, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois passed away with family by her side, Saturday June 25, 2022 at Freeport Memorial Hospital, Freeport Illinois. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 1, 2022, at the Mt. Carroll Church of God. Visitation was held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2022, at the Mt. Carroll Church of God and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Pastor Tim Yoder will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded with a private family graveside service on a later date.

Lois was born on July 27, 1935 in the family farmhouse in Lanark, the daughter of Wallace and Helen (Turnbaugh) Ware. She was the youngest of three daughters. Lois graduated from Lanark High school, class of 1953. She married Keith Kloepping, Sr. on November 27, 1953 in Chadwick, Illinois. They celebrated 51 years of marriage before his death in 2005.

Lois and Keith soon started a family raising 3 boys and 3 girls. Along with raising her family, she eventually had various jobs such as Dot’s Cafe in Mt. Carroll (where they made the best donuts ever), Micro Switch in Freeport and then her 35-year career at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Mt. Carroll. She was the Director of Housekeeping and Laundry and was very passionate about her work. She was the employee that would clock out when her time was up and then go back to work a couple more hours.

Her goal in life was to be a grandmother, and at the age of 40 that was accomplished! She was eventually blessed with 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, with 2 more coming soon. Lois’ happy place was in her home with family, and the more little ones around her the bigger her smile. The love she had for her family was like that of no other love! Later in her retirement she enjoyed watching the Cubs games, doing her puzzle books and watching The Game Show Network.

Lois will be dearly missed by her children, Cindy (Leon) Weems of Mt. Carroll, Keith Jr. (Deloris) Kloepping of Mt. Carroll, Peggy (John) Leslein of West Plains, MO, Mike Kloepping of Pearl City, Jeff (Niff) Kloepping of Mt. Carroll and Wendy, (Bill) Houghtby of Savanna; 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Lois is preceded in death by her parents, husband Keith, two infant daughters, and her sisters Betty Shoup and Carol Barthel.