Obituaries

Stockton

William Robert Brooks, 90

William Robert Brooks, age 90, of Stockton, IL passed away Friday, March 17, 2023 at the VA Hospital in Madison, WI. William was born on May 10, 1932 in Fort Dodge, IA to the late William and Abby (Collins) Brooks. William married Nancy Boekholder on November 17, 1962 at St. Joseph’s Church in Freeport, IL.

William was a graduate of Fort Dodge High School and St. Ambrose University. He proudly served in the United States Navy. William was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton and the Model Airplane Club. He had worked as a Quality Control Manager for Eaton. William enjoyed reading, building model airplanes, tinkering, and remodeling.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Brooks; his daughters, Thea Brooks and Lisa (David) Craig; his son, William Brooks; his 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elaine; and his granddaughter, Haley.

A service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with a visitation at 9:30 a.m. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com

Orangeville

Mary K. Schmid, 86

The world’s biggest Elizabeth Taylor fan, Mary K. Schmid, passed away peacefully at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Monroe on Sunday, May 21. She was born on July 9, 1936 in Freeport, Illinois to Delbert and Gertrude (Tyler) Stabenow. Her brother Richard completed the family in 1938.

Mary graduated valedictorian of her class at Orangeville High School in 1954. She was united in marriage to Edwin Schmid on July 31, 1955. They operated the Wuetrich Cheese Factory for 14 years. During this time, Mary and Ed welcomed 4, yes FOUR, girls to their family.

Mary was the first female employee at the Monroe Post Office and the first union rep for the clerks who worked there. She was a familiar face to many who came in for stamps and to mail packages. She retired in 1998 after 28years of service. Retirement allowed her more time to do what she loved—travel with friends and family, play Skipbo and other card games, cross-stich and embroider pillowcases, towels and quilts, collect all things giraffe, be an active volunteer for the Orangeville United Methodist Church, Monroe Women’s Club and Monroe Arts Center. She was a devoted fan of UW women’s basketball along with a close group of friends. She was well known for her yearly Liz Taylor birthday party extravaganzas. She played the organ at her church for 50+ years, retiring on her 70th birthday. She made the best black raspberry pies, frosted cutout cookies and baked macaroni and cheese. She had a sharp sense of humor and delighted in being G’ma Mary to her 6 granddaughters and 10 great grandchildren.

It was stunning to her family when we got the call that she had passed—we believed she might live forever! She was preceded in death by her husband Ed, her parents Gert and Buck, in-laws August and Helen Schmid, brother Richard and brother-in-law David Thibodeau. She is survived by her daughters—Kathy (Paul) Gregersen, Connie (Mark) Pelton, Pamela Schmid and Sharon Schmid (Jeff Luthanen)…Granddaughters, Kate Stuart, Anne Steinmann, Emma Pelton, Elizabeth Pelton, Ellen Stumpf and Madeline Luthanen….and her great grandchildren Breleigh, Brady, Cale, Emmy, Lane, Audrey, Delilah, Evelyn, Quinn and Elsie….and one special grand dog, Walter Guernsey Tyler. She is further survived by extended family that includes ValRey Stabenow, Helen Thibodeau, Bill and Joan Schmid, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

A special thank you to the staff at Pleasant View Nursing Home for their extraordinary care the last 4 ½ years. Also, thanks to so many of her family and friends who visited, sent cards, kept her in chocolate, asked about her and prayed for her. Your kindness will always be remembered.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 31 at the Orangeville United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon with the funeral at noon, followed by a luncheon. Private burial services will be later.

Memorials may be designated to Friends of Pleasant View Nursing Home, The Mighty Richland Players Theater or The Monroe Women’s Club Christmas Stocking Fund.

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

Kent

Dennis Paul Janicke, 74

Dennis Paul Janicke, age 74, of Kent, IL passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023 at home. He was born in Freeport, IL on May 3, 1949 to the late Paul and Marian (Nichwander) Janicke. Dennis married Sara Yeoman on September 30, 1967 in Pearl City, IL.

He had worked for Modern Plating and Sunstrand then started his own business, Janicke Trucking. Dennis also had numerous side jobs throughout his life. He was a people person who was always making new friends and enjoyed socializing. In his spare time, Dennis liked woodworking, gardening, gambling, music and dancing. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Sara Janicke; his sons, Rick (Teresa) and Dave (Tammy); his brother, Harold Janicke; his sisters, Sharon Kuhlemeier and Peggy (Jim) Quinn; his brother-in-law, Jim Gorham; his 6 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bonnie Gorham; his sister-in-law, Janice Janicke; and his brother-in-law, Vern Kuhlemeier.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Hermann Funeral Home in Pearl City at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Kent Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Apple River

Rosanne C. (Hume) Stansberry, 70

Rosanne C. (Hume) Stansberry, age 70 of Monticello, WI formerly of Apple River, IL passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023. She was born on March 18, 1953, in Freeport, IL to John “Max” and Helen (Egan) Hume. She married James Stansberry in Wisconsin. She worked for many years at WPS Health in Madison, Wisconsin until her retirement in 2014. She loved playing games like Euchre, Spades, Bingo, and Uno with her daughter Michele. She enjoyed making Cheesecakes for Michele as well. Rosanne was known for making the best deviled eggs. In her spare time, you would find her watching the Hallmark channel.

She is survived by her daughter Michele Hume of Madison, WI, 3 sisters- Judy (Duane) Maupin of Apple River, IL, Marcia Hume of Elizabeth, IL, Lori Hume of Freeport, IL; 2 brothers Roger Hume of Bellevue, IA and Ron (Bonnie) Hume of Dubuque, IA; 2 step-children- Vickie Hayes and Anthony Hayes; step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews as well as various friends at the Wittwer Apartments in Monticello, WI.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Husband James. 2 infant sons Michael and John and her infant sister Mary.

A private family graveside service will take place at a later date. A celebration of life will take place in Monticello, Wi at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

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

Lena

Marita Moore, 96

Marita Moore passed away Wednesday May 24, 2023. She was born January 26, 1926, in Stockton, IL to the late Walter and Mary Ellen (O’Halloran) Creighton.

She graduated from Stockton High School in 1943 after which she attended St. Francis School of Nursing in Freeport, IL. She married Clyde “Sandy” Moore on May 12, 1945, and was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest child started school. Marita was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, a member of Lena Woman’s Club, Lena Historical Society, a 50-year member of Lena Home Extension, a member of Micro Switch/Honeywell 25-year club, a member of the Red Hat Society, and had belonged to several card clubs. After retiring from Micro Switch/Honeywell in the purchasing dept., she worked as a home nurse/companion at FHN, volunteered at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard working with young moms, and was a volunteer at FHN. Marita loved to entertain and was a wonderful cook and baker. Marita and Sandy enjoyed many years of traveling together. Marita took her dream trip to her ancestor’s homeland in Ireland while in her 80s.

She is survived by her three children: Gary (Sharon) Moore of Freeport, La Rae (Gene) Gothard of Savanna, and Karyn (Bob) Collier of Freeport. She is also survived by her son-in-law Sam Gadola, of Hardwood Hts .; seven grandchildren; Mark (Kathryn) Moore of Tennessee, Becky Moore of Machesney Park, Tony (Kendra) Gothard of Savanna, Tracy Madura of Bolingbrook, Robyn (Josh) Joens of Shannon, Troy Collier of Freeport, and Brian Gadola of Hardwood Hts .; 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sandy, her daughter Roberta Gadola, sister Wilma Groom, and brothers Regis, Cecil, and Norman Creighton.

A memorial mass was held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, Illinois. A visitation was from 10:00 AM until time of services on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, Illinois. Father Peter Snieg officiated the services.

A private family burial will take place at Lena Burial Park in Lena, Illinois. A memorial fund has been established in her name. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.