Obituaries

Lena

Richard “Rick” Vrstal, 83

Richard “Rick” E. Vrstal, 83 of Lena passed away on Monday, March 13, 2022 at SSM Monroe Hospital. He was born September 25, 1939, in Berwin, IL to Edward and Joan (Horna) Vrstal. He married Penelope Ford in 1959 and together they had Jeffrey, Martin, and Joseph their infant son who passed at birth. In his later years, Rick then went on the find the love of his life Sharon Wilson in 1990.

He liked to say he had worked for over 100 years between 30+ years of teaching, and 30+ years at JC Penny’s, 40+ years as a photographer. During his teaching career he taught at Warren from 1962-1966 until he took a job at Lena-Winslow Jr. High where he taught Social Studies and took pictures at different sporting events for the yearbook until his retirement in 1993. He enjoyed taking pictures for wedding, senior pictures, wildlife, and nature. At many of his family gatherings you would find Rick taking candid photos. For many years he would take portraits and candid photos at the Bunny Hop as well as being the photographer for the Jo Daviess County Queens Pageant. At JC Penny’s he helped a lot of gentlemen find suiting for special events until he retired from there in 2003.

He loved going to his children’s, grandchildren’s, great grandchildren’s, niece’s, nephew’s events. He enjoyed cooking, sharing his recipes and gardening. He loved the outdoors and went bow hunting and fishing along the Apple River. Throughout the years he traveled to many different places.

He is survived by his wife Sharon; children-Jeff Vrstal, Marty (Raeann) Vrstal; step children- Angie (Tim) Mazurkiewicz, Adam Wilson; grandchildren- Shayna (Scott) Lincoln, Lindsey (Dan) Yoder, Nick Vrstal (Chivone), Daphne Booth, Tiffany Vrstal (Matt Burkehalter), Christian (Isabelle Insko) Mazurkiewicz, Jadyn Mazurkiewicz, Braxton Mazurkiewicz, Mason Mazurkiewicz, Kameryn Wilson, and Lillie Wilson; great grandchildren- Brycen, Macyn, Lincoln, Max Vrstal, Jack Yoder, Kiah and Danny Guzman, Blake Ladow, Cooper, Anastasia, Evangeline Booth, Athena Burkehalter; brother- Jack Vrstal; sister- Kathy (Dan) McKean; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Joseph; sister-in-law- Janet Vrstal.

A Memorial service was held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Leamons Funeral Home in Lena, IL with a visitation from 10:00 AM till time of service. Officiating was Pastor Doug Carroll. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Condolences may be sent to the family on our website http://www.Leamonfh.com.

Pearl City

Joyce E. Miche, 88

Joyce E. Miche, age 88, of Pearl City, IL passed away Friday, March 10, 2023 at home. She was born in Freeport, IL on November 26, 1934 to the late Harold and Marie (Grinnell) Spangler. Joyce married Duane Miche on October 6, 1956. Duane passed away July 10, 1996.

Joyce graduated from Freeport High School in 1952. She then received her Nurse’s Degree from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in 1955. Joyce had worked as a nurse for St. Francis Hospital and Microswitch before retiring in 1996. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Pearl City. She was a Green Bay Packer and NASCAR fan. Joyce enjoyed travelling with her husband Duane to Washington Island, WI three times a year.

She is survived by her sons, David Miche and Keith (Ruth) Miche; her grandchildren, Derek (Christy), Heidi, Christina and Shawn; her great grandchildren; her sister, Marsha (Steve) Meinert; and her sister-in-law, Linda Spangler. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Michael; her great grandson; and her brother, Richard.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Hermann Funeral Home in Pearl City, IL at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment took place at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Stockton

Ronald E. Polhill, 78

Ronald E. Polhill, age 78, of Stockton, IL passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023. He was born January 30, 1945 in Freeport, IL to the late Raymond and Thelma Lucille (Noller) Polhill.

Ron was a 1963 graduate of Stockton High School. He served in the United States Army and was a member of the Stockton American Legion. He spent the first part of his working life in refrigeration then went on to woodworking and antique restoration. Ron was very witty and always had a funny comment. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, going to parks, travelling backroads and building things. He also loved his dogs.

Ron is survived by his significant other, Linda Lord; his son, Eric (Colleen) Polhill; his granddaughter, Alyssa Polhill; and his sisters, Nancy (James) DeZell. He was preceded in death by his parents.

As requested by Ron, no services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Rockford

Sarah Eikstadt, 46

Sarah Eikstadt, beloved daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother; Sarah Denise Eikstadt passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023 with her parents at her side, following a long, hard fought illness.

Sarah was born on January 19, 1977 to Keith and Kathleen (Crowe) Eikstadt in Medina, Ohio. She attended school in Ohio, then moved to Rockford in 1995 to be near family. She graduated from Rockford Career College with an accounting degree in 2012.

Sarah will be forever loved and missed by her mother Kathleen Crowe (Rockford), her father Keith Eikstadt (Lena, IL), children; Anna Kathleen Eikstadt (grandchildren Aleesa and Alivia), and Justian Eikstadt (Rockford), brother Richard “Ricky” (Julia) Eikstadt of Ann Arbor, MI and their children Zorianna and Griffin.

All that knew her loved her sweet nature and gentle ways. She was smart and loyal, yet she could be fierce when needed. She enjoyed fishing, and loved spending time with her grandbabies, and enjoying family gatherings. Sarah was a wonderful provider for her family, working tirelessly even through her illness.

The world hast lost a bright, loving soul, whose spirit will live on in all who loved her. Godspeed, dear Sarah-we miss you forever.

“What is Remembered lives”

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.