Obituaries

Orangeville

Brian A. Markel, 61

Brian A. Markel, 61, or Orangeville, IL passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 with his family by his side at SSM St. Mary Hospital in Madison, WI.

Brian was born on April 16, 1962 to Kenneth and Beverly (Werkheiser) Markel in Freeport, IL. After Brian graduated from Orangeville High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country until 1982. On October 8, 1983, Brian married the love of his life; Julie Willhite, and together they raised two daughters. He was most recently employed as a truck driver for Pearl City Elevator.

Brian loved watching the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. He loved spontaneous trips, he always made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed taking trips to Ely, MN with all of his special friends and family. Brian’s greatest love was watching his grandkids.

Brian is survived by his wife Julie of Orangeville, two daughters; Jessica (Shawn) Ward of Orangeville, Kaite (Mike) Wells of Rock City, IL, four grandchildren; Kinley, Hudson, Maelynn, and Kyson, two sisters; Laurie Markel, and Terri (Doug) Bramhall, two special aunts; Karen (Mike) Strohecker, and Connie (Jake) Geerts, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private family graveside services will take place at Sunset Acres in Orangeville. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Lena

James “Jim” England, 76

James “Jim” England, age 76, of Lena, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at SSM Monroe Hospital surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on May 8, 1947 in Belle Plaine, IA to DeWitt and Dorene (Meyocks) England. He was a 1965 graduate of Princeton High School. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse with a degree in Economics and also graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Engineering. During Jim’s career, he worked for A.C Nielsen Company out of Los Angeles, CA, Oracle out of Dallas, TX, Merck out of New Jersey, and Brown and Root out of Houston, TX.

Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting, gambling and watching sports.

Jim is survived by his two daughters- Erica England of Chicago, IL and Jackie (Kyle) Runde of Cuba City, WI; two grandchildren- Nora and Theo James; siblings- Janis (Rich) Jones of Mission Viejo, CA, Douglas (Janet) England of Lena, IL, Deann (Randy) Saeli of Jurupa Valley, CA, Bradley England of Houston, TX, Brian (Heather) England of Wheaton, IL, Kathleen England of Hawaii, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family service will be held. 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.

Brett J. Kaiser, 53

Brett J. Kaiser, 53 of Lena passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. He was born on March 21, 1970, to James “Jim” and Ruth (Hintz) Kaiser in Freeport, IL. Brett loved all things sports but especially the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and the Chicago Cubs. You could always find him any given day watching a game or two. If you knew Brett, you knew he was a kind and loving man to all. He especially had an unconditional love for his daughter Elizabeth and his nieces.

Brett is survived by his daughter- Elizabeth Kaiser; parents- Jim and Ruth Kaiser; brother- Joe (Kelli Jo) Kaiser; sister- Melissa (Jeff) Leverington; 3 nieces- Haley (Jake) Kordus, Morgan Leverington, and Kierra Leverington; great niece- Addalynn Kordus; as well as many friends.

He is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-4 pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Browntown Civic Center in Browntown, WI. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established in his name.

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

Stockton

Anneliese I. Upitis, 87

Anneliese I. Upitis, age 87, of Stockton, IL passed away Saturday, October 7, 2023 at her home. She was born on August 30, 1936 in Berlin Germany. She married Edwin Upitis on February 26, 1966.

She is survived by her husband, Edwin; her sons, Erik and Peter; her sister, Ilse of Berlin; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Gila.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.