Obituaries

Lena

Sawyer Kruse Kempel, 0

Shortly after coming into the world, Sawyer Kruse Kempel, passed away peacefully in the arms of his parents William and Codi (Sandell) Kempel at Javon Bea in Rockford, IL on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. His time here on earth was short, he was loved more than words can say and will always be in our hearts.

Sawyer is survived by his loving parents William and Codi; his brother Oliver; grandparents- Don (Kristen Keith) Kempel and Dennis (Monica) Sandell; great-grandparents- Margaret Kempel and Ron (Sherri) Brown; Aunts and Uncles- Matthew (Emiley) Kempel, Phillip Kempel, and Hannah Sandell; as well as numerous great aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his Grandma Martha Kempel; great-grandparents- Dean Kempel, Theo (Dianne) Sandell, and Francis (Mary Charlene) Bangasser and great uncle Jon Daws.

A Private Family Catholic Funeral Mass will be held. Father Mike Morrissey will be officiating the service. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Lena.

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

Freeport

Connie Maureen Bollon, 77

Connie Maureen Bollon, 77, of Freeport, passed away, Friday, February 2, 2024 at Manor Court of Liberty Village.

She was born April 29, 1946 in Freeport, Il, the daughter of Arthur James and Evelyn Elaine (Brooks) O’Neill. Connie married William “Bill” Bollon October 21, 1963 in Princeton, IL. Connie and Bill were together for 61 years. Connie was a graduate of Freeport High School. She worked at Honeywell, Thermos, Anchor Harvey, Freeport School District 145 and the Freeport Animal Hospital. Connie’s life was made full by her devotion to her family and enriching their lives. She loved to cook and make everything perfect. She was friendly to all and everyone loved her smile. Her family was her pride and joy. She was a wonderful beautiful lady, who will be missed by all that knew her.

Connie is survived by her husband, William Bollon of Freeport, IL; sons, Billy (Toni) Bollon of German Valley, Il and Bobby Bollon of Davis Junction, IL; brothers, Jaime (Karen) O’Neill, Craig (Donna) O’Neill, and Kevin O’Neill; grandchildren, Tyler (Aurora), Hannah (Corey) Vandeberg, Kelsey (Brian), Tori, and Dayton; great-grandchildren, Kellan and Shalie; a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; and her beloved dog, Tootsie.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Evelyn O’Neill, her grandson, Tanner, and daughter-in-law, Amy.

A memorial service was held at 4:00 PM Friday February 9, 2024 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, IL. Visitation was from 2:00 PM until the time of service. A reception followed the service at the Freeport Eagles Club. Please visit http://www.burketubbs.com to share a memory of Connie.

Stockton

Glenda Mae Young, 94

Glenda Mae Young, age 94, of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Ascension St. Joseph Nursing Home in Freeport. She was born on June 1, 1929 in Darlington, WI to the late Clarence and Myrtle (Raisbeck) Mullen. Glenda married Charles Larson then later married Henry Young, Jr. on July 23, 1952 and Henry passed away on March 9, 1988.

She was a member of WA-TAN-YE and was an avid Stockton Booster and Chicago Cubs fan. Glenda had ran a daycare for many years. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, coon hunting, attending women’s final four tournaments, fast pitch tournaments and Country Thunder. She also wintered in Tucson, AZ and visited Hawaii.

Glenda is survived by her daughters, Linda Lou Brandt of Stockton, Laurie Samples of Freeport, Kris (Dennis) Boyer of Stockton and Kathi (Dennis) Starr of Stockton; her sons, Gary (Marsha) Larson of Lena, Terry (Diane) Larson of East Troy, WI and Dennis (Suzy) Young of Stockton; her 27 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren; her step brothers Dave and Ron; and her step sister, Karen. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her children, Larry Larson and Pat Dampman; two grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers, Bill and Bernie; two sisters, Judy and Doris; and step sister, Vicki.

A funeral service was held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.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.

Richard Phillip Thompson, 81

Richard Phillip Thompson, age 81, of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday February 4, 2024 at Lena Living Center. He was born in Freeport, IL on May 9, 1942 to the late Charles and Violet (Pannell) Thompson. Richard married Adeline Chorlton on September 3, 1966.

He attended Freeport Schools. Richard was a long haul hauler for many years. He enjoyed reading and tinkering with old cars.

He is survived by his wife, Adeline Thompson of Stockton; his daughter, Kimberly (Eric) Thomas of Ca; his son, Danny Thompson of Stockton; his five grandchildren; and his sisters, Sandy and Rose. He was preceded in death by his parents; his four brothers; and one sister.

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

Shannon

James Schmidecamp, 86

James Schmidecamp, born June 24, 1937, to John and Alma Schmidecamp in Stephenson County, died at home January 31, 2024. He married Janet Brandt on June 17, 1961. He and his wife farmed in the Shannon area until his retirement in 2009. In addition to farming, Jim served as a township auditor, was a member of the Carroll County Livestock Feeders Association, and was runner-up as Carroll County’s Outstanding Young Farmer in 1972. He also served in the Nation Guard.

His hobbies in addition to farming, were few. He enjoyed wood working and home improvement projects made for his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed music, family activities, attending his grandchildren’s events, and supporting members of his church family at Zion Community Church in Pearl City. Jim delighted in travel to the western United States, with trips to Alaska and Hawaii being among his favorite journeys. He made sure that his family always took yearly vacations.

His talents included being able to create new uses for repurposed items, long before recycling became popular. Always a farmer, his favorite phrase was “it depends on the weather”, which resulted in many family jokes through the years.

Survivors include his wife, Jan, his daughters, Lori (Dennis) Byrd and Lisa (James) Cassioppi, and their families, including three grandchildren, CJ, Ben, and Anna. He is also survived by a sister, Marilyn (Gary) Flickinger. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jackie.

A funeral service was held on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Zion Community Church of Pearl City at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.