Obituaries

Mt. Carroll/Hanover

Darlene A. Irwin, 88

Darlene A. Irwin, of Mt. Carroll, IL, formerly of Hanover, IL, passed away Wednesday, November 16, at Allure Nursing Home in Mt. Carroll. Memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, at the Hanover United Presbyterian Church in Hanover. Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.

Darlene was born April 26, 1934, daughter of Phillip and Zela (Buss) Frontz. She grew up in Mineral Point, WI, attending the small country school, and graduating from Mineral Point High School. After graduating Darlene worked at a shoe store in Madison, WI, then moved home to help her mom, and work as a telephone operator. One day, while showing cattle in Warren, IL, Darlene met Dale Irwin, who she later married. The couple moved to the Irwin family farm in Hanover, and had three children.

In Hanover Darlene worked raising her children, and helping on the farm, milking cows morning and night. Darlene also began working at Eaton Valves and Controls, where she stayed for over twenty years until it closed. Darlene also worked for a time at Woods Manufacturing in Mt. Carroll, until her retirement.

Darlene spent many years learning how to knit different designs of afghans and sweaters through the years for her children and friends. For a number of years Darlene was the Aces 4-H Club leader. She was also an active member of the United Presbyterian Church in Hanover. Darlene loved animals big and small, and over the years raised orphaned pigs and calves that were given to her. When Darlene married Dale, Grandpa Irwin saw something in her right away. He saw her keen eye in always picking the best cattle, and held her talents in high regard.

Darlene knew the meaning of a hard days work. She instilled this work ethic in her children, and the strength to overcome the difficulties of life with a smile.

Darlene will be dearly missed by her three children, Dan Irwin of Stockton, IL, Devon (Patricia Kmetz) Irwin of Moline, IL, and Nanette (George) Irwin Guerra; four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Avis Frontz.

Darlene’s family would like to thank all the employees of the former Elizabeth Nursing Home who where there for her for over 10 years, and to Allure of Mt. Carroll, for taking care of Darlene for these two last difficult years.

Lena/Machesney Park

Frances Trickler, 90

Frances Trickler, 90 of Machesney Park, formerly of Lena passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022. She was born on August 11,1932 to John and Hattie (Holder) Woods. She married Melvin Trickler on July 31, 1950 and together they had a son Robert.

Frances is survived by her son Robert (Janet) Trickler of Machesney Park, IL.

Private family funeral services will be held. Burial will be at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

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

Chadwick

Dennis Lee Ferris, 67

Dennis Lee Ferris, of Chadwick, IL, passed away Saturday, September 24, at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, IL. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 26, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chadwick. Burial will take place in Chadwick Cemetery.

Dennis was born October 21, 1955, son of Ralph Harold Ferris Sr. and Ruth Elaine (Larson) Ferris. He attended Chadwick schools, and graduated from Chadwick High School with the class of 1972. Dennis then went on to Western Illinois University, graduating with a B.A. in business in 1980. He furthered his education at the Dale Carnegie Institute.

Dennis worked most of his life in finance. He worked for Credithrift of America as a branch manager in Princeton and Paris, Illinois. Dennis also worked as a credit manager at Bank of Chestnut and Landmark Credit Union in Danville, Illinois, as well as being bank manager for Kenney Bank. He was a member of the Men’s Club of Kenney, and the Kenney Heritage Association, acting as treasurer for many years. Dennis was a confirmed member of the First Lutheran Church of Chadwick. In his free time, Dennis enjoyed hunting and fishing in northern Minnesota. He was also an avid cyclist and golfer. Dennis was even a certified Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver. He enjoyed diving in waters off Florida and in Lake Superior.

Dennis will be dearly missed by his three brothers, Ralph Ferris Jr. of Chadwick, John (Kimberly) Ferris of Lanark, IL, and James Ferris of Payson, AZ; one sister, Cheryl (Keith) Padgett of Shawnee, KS; and many nieces and nephews. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruth; and his nephew, Michael Reibel.

Dennis’ family would like to give their thanks and gratitude to the compassionate and caring staff of Big Meadows Nursing Home for their care of Dennis.