Obituaries

Stockton

Teresa Kay Magee, 61

Teresa Kay Magee, age 61, of Stockton, IL passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. She was born in Freeport, IL on September 13, 1962, the daughter of LaVerne and Janice (Klepack) Beyer. Teresa married Gene Magee on November 30, 1985 at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton.

Teresa was a 1980 graduate of Stockton High School. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. Teresa had worked as a bookkeeper for M&M Concrete for many years. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, mowing, reading, spending time at the cabin, jet skiing on the river and traveling to their home in Flagler Beach, FL. Most of all, Teresa loved spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Magee; her father, LaVerne Beyer; her daughters, Michelle (Rob Chambers) and Sam (Brady Stuckey); her son, Brian Magee; her grandchildren, Veyah, Knox, Maycee, Maggie, Kael and Luca; and her sister, Lisa Hastings. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janice.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Corner Tap in Stockton. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Pearl City

Carol J. Fischer, 90

Carol J Fischer, 90, of Pearl City went to be with her Savior Monday, December 11, 2023, peacefully in her home in Pearl City Il.

She was born August 14, 1933, in Freeport, daughter of LaVerne & Ruby (Busekros) Gahm. Carol married Verlyn Fischer on June 14, 1953. They celebrated 68 years of marriage.

After marrying Verlyn, Carol traveled with him to Germany where he was stationed in the US Army. After returning home she went to work as the secretary to the President of Economy Fire & Casualty for many years. She also was a lifelong Homemaker and farmer with her husband Verlyn.

As a young girl she was very active in 4-H and showing cattle which led to her being crowned Stephenson County Dairy Queen. Her hobbies later in life included collecting many different patterns of depression glass with American Sweetheart being her favorite.

While she was known as an extremely hard-working woman, there was nothing more important to her and her family as her faith in Jesus Christ. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a member of Zion Community Church of Pearl City where she was very active her entire life. She taught Sunday School for much of her life, served as Youth Leader taking kids on memorable mission trips, led many dramas and plays on Christmas Eve and served as the leader of Lend A Hand for many years.

She enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states and Germany, Luxembourg, Holland, France, England, Mexico, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Panama Canal, Italy, Israel, Switzerland, Canada & Austria.

She is survived by: Daughter; Kathleen Lochowitz of Pearl City and her children, Shari (Dustin) Sickles and their children Emery and Kellyn; Melissa Coulibaly and her children Batan Jr & Sanouhan and Laura Lochowitz (Zach Janssen).

Daughter; Marsha Manthei of Machesney Park and her children Anthony (Nicole) Manthei and their children Spencer, Madisyn & Natalie; Tarah (Kevin) Dumas and their children Keyton & Trinity.

Son, Wayne (Melissa) Fischer of Freeport and their children Austin (Baylee) Fischer and their son Waylon; Skyler (Alexa Sohner) Fischer; Christian Fischer; Jordan (Kayla) Potter and their Children Trace, Jenson and Deacon; Aaron (Mari) Potter and their children Wesson, Rydlee, Barrett and Whittlee; Hayden (Taylor) Potter and their children Grayden and Ledger.

Son, Joe (Jodi) Fischer of Freeport and their children Shania (Eric) Schaney and their children Piper and Haven; Moriah Fischer; Aliya Fischer; Jeremiah Fischer and Megan Fischer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Verlyn; parents LaVerne & Ruby Gahm, brother Theron Gahm; sister-in-law Leona Schneider, mother & father-in-law Harold & Mabel Fischer and grandson, Zachariah Fischer.

The visitation was held Saturday, December 16 and the funeral was held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 17, both at Zion Community Church of Pearl City, 10100 Sabin Church Rd, Pearl City Il, officiated by Pastor and friend Chip Sohl. Burial will follow at Zion Community Church of Pearl City.

A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Apple Canyon Lake

Elizabeth Louise Finnegan, 84

Elizabeth Louise Finnegan, age 84, passed away at her home in Apple Canyon Lake and is now in Heaven with her family.

She was a loving and devoted wife and companion to John (Jack, Jackson, or Finn to her and he called her Betty Boop). They had just celebrated their 66th Anniversary. They retired in Apple Canyon Lake on the golf course. Jack and Betty loved to travel, fish and play golf from Arizona to Hot Springs Village to Texas…

Loving mother to Debbie, Tracy (Bryan), Rick, Laurie and Tiger. Grandma to Danny, Jennifer (Ben), Alex (Jordan), Bri, Erin, Kelli and Jack. Great Grandma to McKenzie (Braden) and Colten and another one coming soon. Betty had numerous nieces and nephews spread across the country who will dearly miss Aunt Betty.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Julia Swift, her sister Jean Ansonia, and her Aunt Lou and Uncle Mac. Betty leaves behind her sister Kathleen Metevier, brothers-in-law Jim Metevier and John Ansonia (Marilyn).

Betty spent her life caring for those around her, her family, her friends and those in her community. She never missed the opportunity to care for the birds, squirrels and stray cats in her yard. She enjoyed watching their antics. She was known as “Betty Bank” during her career at West Suburban Bank. She was not just a banker, but a helpful friend to all her customers.

She was passionate about her faith, passing along her devotions and beliefs to those around her- and she never missed an opportunity to pray for any one in need.

Betty loved with an open heart as those loved by her will tell you. She loved with her joy, laughter, humor and compassion. The stories, laughter and memories she made are cherished by all who were blessed to know her, and they will carry on her legacy of love for years and years to come.

Betty left her loving touch on all those around her and she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. She would lovingly say “last tag” any time she had to say goodbye because goodbyes were hard for her. She tried not to cry by playing this loving game. Betty shared her contagious energy with everyone she met and she’s dancing in the kitchen in Heaven forever now.

“Last Tag” to our beloved Betty… We will cherish your memory and your love forever.

Many 4th of July celebrations with nieces and nephews – Dan (Beverly), Julie (Mike), Ken (Kristi), Tom, Joe and Kathy (Ron) and their kids always ended with the finale countdown at the lake. 1..2…3 This is it!!

There will be a small service at Holy Cross Catholic Church on January 16th (her Birthday). It will be streamed as well. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made in Betty Finnegan‘s name to her Church- Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton, IL.

Memories and tributes may be left on this website: http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com. Or Legacy.com.

Scales Mound

Eileen A. Walton, 93

Eileen A. (Hesselbacher) Walton, 93, of Potosi, WI, formerly of Shullsburg and Scales Mound, IL, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Ennoble Manor Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

Services were at 12:00 (Noon) Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Miller-Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound. The burial will be in Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery.

Eileen was born on December 15, 1929, in Scales Mound, the daughter of Ernest and Amanda (Muehleip) Hesselbacher. She was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, the class of 1947.

She was formerly employed at Swiss Colony, Advance Transformer, and Orville Tregoning farms. She enjoyed gardening, planting a 200’ x 20’ garden and pulling all the weeds by hand. Eileen loved a good game of euchre and 500.

Surviving are two children, Jerry (friend Judy) Walton of Freeport, IL, and Sharon (Jerry) Clark of Harker Heights, Texas; seven grandchildren, 11-great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Amanda, and siblings, Evelyn, June, and Orville.

Online condolences may be left for the family at http://www.millerfhed.com©

Freeport

James C. Swain, 97

James C. Swain, age 97 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Manor Court in Freeport. He was born April 5, 1926 in Ogden, IA; the son of the late DeWitt Swain and Helena (Stock) Swain-Marks. He was a graduate of Stockton High School. James married Marjorie Rogers on June 25, 1951; she passed on January 18, 2015.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He farmed then worked as a maintenance supervisor at Kelly Springfield until retirement. After retirement he enjoyed helping his nephews on the farm and took his last combine ride just a few weeks ago. James was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Lena, IL. His memberships also include the American Legion of Lena and Plum River Masonic Lodge in Stockton, starting his membership in 1948 and recently received his 75 year pin.

He enjoyed gardening, mowing his lawn, playing cards, and traveling with his wife, Margie. He always kept busy and was a talented handyman and he took great pride in making all of his home repairs. He was a “Jack of all trades” and a great teacher to all of his nephews. He loved going out for breakfast on Wednesdays with his group of retired friends, The R.O.M.E.O’s (retired old men eating out.) Every month, on a Saturday, he joined his nephews for breakfast as well.

James is survived by his daughter, Dawn Burkhalter of Freeport; grandchildren: Josh, Scott, and Nick Burkhalter; and 6 great grandchildren. He also dearly loved his many nieces and nephews that admired him greatly.

He is preceded in death by his father, DeWitt Swain; mother and step-father, Helena & Paul Marks; son, David Swain; brother, David Swain; and sister, Mary Williams.

The funeral service was held Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lena, IL. There was a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Parkinson’s Research, and St. Jude’s. Condolences may be shared at http://www.walkermortuary.com.