Obituaries

Orangeville

Steven Hildebrand

Steven Hildebrand, age 71 of Orangeville, IL passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 16, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born on December 26, 1951 in Rockford, IL to Neal and Janet (Shelden) Hildebrand. Steven attended Orangeville High School. He married Marilyn Day on June 3, 1970 in Orangeville, IL.

Steven worked 38 years at Newell-Rubbermaid in Freeport in the building maintenance department. He retired from Monroe Truck Equipment in 2011. Steven enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing and trapping. He also enjoyed watching the birds and doing yardwork. Steven also loved his cats. Spending time with his friends and family, and having a few cold ones were some of his favorite things.

Steven is survived by his wife Marilyn or Orangeville, two sons; Brian (Deanna) Hildebrand of Orangeville, and Mark (Tiffany) Hildebrand of Verona, WI, his grandchildren Sierra and Madalyn Hildebrand, Lucas, Dylan, and Colton Hildebrand, his sisters Susan (Jene) Eberly of Monroe, WI, Nancy (Steve) Rodebaugh of McConnell, and Bonnie (Jeff) Clark of Freeport, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Sally (Dennis) Nolan.

A celebration of Steven’s life will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Brush Creek Golf Course in Orangeville, IL. 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.

McConnell

Eugene “Skinny” M. Knoll, 94

Eugene “Skinny” M. Knoll age 94, of McConnell, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday February 12, 2023, at the Lena Living Center.

He was born April 3, 1928, in Sparta, WI and was one of thirteen children, him being the third youngest. At the age of 17 he served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1949. He was married to Grace Paulson, she passed away in 2009. Eugene married Bernice Martin in 1965 and she passed away in 2011. He worked at Burgess Battery for many years until they closed and then went to work at Kelly Springfield Tire Company until his retirement. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena since 1949. He was a member of the Legion for over 50 years and a member of the McConnell Fire Department. In his later years he loved the outdoors, hunting, trapping, fishing. He enjoyed putting together puzzles and going on vacation with Bobby and Tina. One of his most memorable trips was going to visit his Tennessee hillbilly family. Most of all he enjoyed being with his family. Gene was always a leader; he did not seek attention but always lent a helping hand to his neighbors and friends. There wasn’t anything he could not do, if he put his mind to it, he would accomplish it!

He is survived by his children; Nancy (Charlie) Hilgenbrinck, Norman (Leigh Ann) Knoll, Randy (Gloria) Knoll, Bob (Tina) Martin, Glenda Heath, and Mark (Tammy) Knoll. 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandhildren . Sister; Violet Good and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 wives; Grace and Bernice, 2 daughters; Deborah in infancy in 1953 and Pam in 2021. Grandson; Chad Martin in 2017, great grandson; Tylor in 2006, son-in-law “Woody” Heath and 11 siblings.

Funeral services were held on Friday February 17, 2023, at 12:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena with a visitation from 10:00 AM till time of service. Burial was in Lena Burial Park. Officiating was Rev. Rick Bader.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory.

Stockton

Gerald Glen Gerlach, 78

Gerald Glen Gerlach, age 78, of Stockton, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2023. He was born in Sterling, IL on April 5, 1944 to the late Harold and Leona (Whittington) Gerlach. Gerald married Linda Johnson on December 30, 1966 at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton.

Gerald was a 1962 graduate of Stockton High School. He was a member of the Warren Lions Club and the Badger State Tractor Pullers. Gerald farmed his entire life. He enjoyed tractor pulling, traveling and driving around to look at the crops. Most of all, he loved spending time with his friends and family.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Linda Gerlach; his son, Michael (Teresa) Gerlach; his daughters, Marcia Dubach and Lora Cross; his grandchildren, Trent (Mariah) Gerlach, Taylor (Dan) Flannery, Luke Dubach, Jack Dubach, Jason Dubach and Helen Cross; his great grandchildren, Baylor Gerlach, Chet Gerlach and Stetson Flannery; his sisters, Kathy (Dave) Dittmar and Marian Koester; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Larry and Mike; his sister, Charlotte; his mother-in-law and father-in-law; his brothers-in-law, Robert Johnson and James Koester; and his nephews, Tim Koester, Danny VanHorn and Carl VanHorn.

Private family services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared with Gerald’s family at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.