Obituaries

Mt. Carroll

Jackson Thomas Kradle, 18

Jackson Thomas Kradle, age 18, of Mt. Carroll, IL, was taken from us far too soon on July 28, 2024. A 2024 graduate of West Carroll High School, Jackson had the makings of an honest, hard-working, and loving young man, and he will be honored and missed by his family, friends, and by his community as a whole.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, August 9, 2024, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll. Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 8, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll, as well as one hour prior to Friday’s service. Burial will occur at Lower York Cemetery, in Thomson, IL. Following the funeral services, a celebration of Jackson's life will take place at Manny's Too, in Fulton, IL, at 4 p.m.

Jackson was born June 23, 2006, in Freeport, IL, the son of Joshua Sisler and Diana Kradle. It was soon evident that Jackson was destined to light up rooms the rest of his life with his infectious smile. That little guy always had a grin on his face! His mom fondly recalls how it was nearly impossible to tell if that sweet little boy was lying, because that smile was ever-present.

Baseball was one of Jackson’s true passions, and once again, this was clear from a young age. From his first throw, at the age of 2, his parents knew he’d be a player! He’d spend the rest of his years giving that beautiful game his all, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs; and, sometimes wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates hat, but just because he liked the colors!

Jackson was a curious boy who grew into a well-rounded young man. As a child he’d proudly proclaim, “that’s my farm!”, when they would drive by his grandparent’s land, and that “ownership” was well-deserved. He would help grandpa with chores and tasks, and loved to camp on that land, and in their cabin, with his dad, brothers, and sister.

Jackson developed into a disciplined and patient person who would meticulously do the dishes, lining up flatware on the drying mat, in perfect order; but somehow, when it came time for sweeping, he “didn’t know how to use a broom.” Good thing mom was there to teach him!

As he entered his high school years, Jackson participated in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy in Elizabeth, with the goal of one day becoming an auto mechanic. His curious mind was always pushing him to try new things. He recently began learning brick masonry from Dan Becktell, and would often help with his father’s business, Sisler Construction. He’d work at the Sisler shop most weekends and made a routine out of collecting their scrap metal. It became a running joke not to touch that scrap metal, or “Jackson’s gas money” as they lovingly referred to it.

Music always brought joy to Jackson, and just recently he began to play the guitar. He would learn from his dad whenever he could, and would practice and try to self-teach when possible. Now that his childhood years were behind him, Jackson’s taste in music began to change. He started listening to “Dad Rock” as he called it, growing an appreciation for the classic rock that his parents grew up with. One day, while riding in the car with his mom, Jackson was excited to introduce her to a song he recently discovered. He shuffled through his phone, hit play, and low and behold, it was one of her favorites from decades ago. Seeing Jackson embrace the guitar and the music that they loved, brought about a sense of pride in his mother and father, that they will carry with them forever.

The childhood stories and funny quirks are the easy things to sit back and laugh about during a trying time like this. It’s the promise he showed as a man, and how that potential will never be fully realized, that cuts deep and grabs hold of the hearts of those who loved Jackson. He was strong – working to build a life for himself; he was loving – maintaining strong relationships with his loving family, and his treasured girlfriend, Maddie; and he was optimistic – looking ahead to the beautiful things this life can offer, and more importantly to the promise of life everlasting, through the love of God.

Even now, in the face of this tragedy, we who love you Jackson, can rest easy knowing you are smiling down on us, ready to guide us through the next chapters of our lives. Jackson will be dearly missed by his mother, Diana (Jesse Warfield) Kradle, of Savanna, IL; father, Joshua (Jessica Behrens) Sisler, of Mt. Carroll; brothers, Phillip Kradle and Keelin Sisler; sister, Nico Sisler; grandparents, Bob and Darlene Sisler; step brothers, River Warfield and Kacen Neuschwanger; step sister, Angel Warfield; uncles, Joe (Cindy) Sisler, Scott (Cindy) Sisler, Keith Atherton, and Blake Atherton; aunt, Sheri (Dennis) Benters; honorary brother, Ethan Knapp; girlfriend, Maddie Stephens; and his cat, Luna.

Jackson is preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald and Belinda Atherton, and grandmother, Kelly Behrens.

Lena

Irene J. Molitor, 95

Irene J. (Wloch, aka Wolsh) Molitor, 95, of Lena, formerly of Naperville, Illinois, passed away Sunday, July 28th at FHN Memorial Hospital as the day was drawing nigh. Dearest, beloved wife of 58 years to her gentle, loving husband, Frank T. Molitor, until his passing in 2008. Irene and Frank married on October 1st, 1949, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville, Illinois. Irene was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 16th, 1928 and was the daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Wloch and sister to the late Tillie Hromadka, Eleanor Greenough and Samuel Wloch.

She is survived by her children, Frank P. (Janean) Molitor of Kent, IL; Diane Kelly of Monroe, WI; Annette (Lawrence) Luchene of Wellesley, MA; Ted (Janet) Molitor of Stockton, IL; Michele (Mike) Miller of Harvard, IL; and her 24 grandchildren, Heather Terman, Nora Koehler, Rachel Marsiglio, Daniel Marsiglio, John Marsiglio, Frankie Molitor, Jason Molitor, April Hogeboom, Clint Molitor, Lance Molitor, Kristin Molitor, Tom Kelly, Shawn Kelly, Alyssa Kelly, Stephanie Luchene, Larry Luchene, Jessica Luchene, Jacob Molitor, Adam Molitor, Megan Molitor, Ryan Molitor, Kaylee Molitor, Cody Miller, Victoria Miller and 5 great grandchildren, Ari Terman, Sloane Terman, Hailey Koehler, Lydia Molitor, Ember Molitor. She was preceded in death by her son Larry Molitor (April 2, 1999) and her daughters Laura Marsiglio (March 11, 2008) and Peggy Molitor (September 21, 2017).

Irene graduated from Harrison High School, Chicago, Illinois in 1946. After graduation, she worked at Illinois Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. Irene loved to dance and often took the streetcar with her girlfriends to Chicago’s various ballrooms. Irene met her husband, Frank, at Pulaski Hall where he swept her off her feet and eventually took this “Chicago City Girl” out to the family farm on Knoch Knoll Road in Naperville, Illinois. Irene embraced the farm lifestyle with curiosity, enthusiasm, and excitement. Irene and Frank went on to be blessed with eight amazing children.

Irene was a remarkable storyteller who vividly brought to life her childhood memories of growing up in Chicago and her early years on the farm. Her life was guided by her religion, and she was passionate about sharing her love of faith with her family.

Some of Irene’s favorite activities were family gatherings in the woods, lunch with her daughters at Geneva’s Little Traveler, and trips to downtown Chicago, which always included shopping at Marshall Fields and eating at Berghoff’s. Irene loved baking, cooking, gardening, canning, sewing, singing, dancing, and playing the piano by ear. But most of all, she loved her family.

Even when times were hard on the farm raising eight children, Irene would always make birthdays and holidays special. One year she financed a $70 bike so she could fulfill a birthday wish for her oldest son. She worked tirelessly, sometimes into the late hours of the night, to ready her home for hosting holidays. Fond memories of polish sausage and hot cross buns on Easter morning, her famous dressing on Thanksgiving, and her delectable coffee cake and enormous buffet of cookies on Christmas. While food was a central part of every gathering, it was Irene’s warmth and love that truly made each occasion special.

Irene was passionate about her children experiencing all that life had to offer, and she was dedicated to sharing her many talents with them. She believed it was important for each of her eight children to appreciate the value of farm life while also being exposed to city culture, education, sports, music, and dance. Irene encouraged her children to always do their best in everything they pursued. Her greatest wish was to provide her children with the best life possible.

We know that Frank will be waiting for Irene at the gates of heaven, grinning, holding a pink rose – the first bloom from his mother’s rose bush, continuing his cherished tradition expressing his unwavering love for her.

Visitation was held at the Hermann Funeral Home, 249 North Park Street, Stockton, IL on August 4th, 2024 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Funeral services were held on August 5th at 10 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 223 East Front Avenue, Stockton, IL. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Stockton.

Stockton

Harold Eugene Schamberger, 92

Harold Eugene Schamberger, age 92, of Stockton, IL passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. He was born June 26, 1932 in Stockton, IL to Harold and Esther Schamberger. Gene married Helen Stone on June 4, 1953 in Stockton. He attended Stockton High School and graduated in1950. He then attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA. While attending a Biology class he met his future wife, Helen Stone. Gene served as a cook in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 in Colorado Springs, Co. After moving back from Colorado he took over Schamberger Truck Service, which continues to operate today.

Gene was very civic minded. He served as a volunteer fireman for 25 years and as a Stockton Township Trustee for 40 years. He was a member of the Plum River Mason Lodge No. 554. Along with those memberships, he was a founding member of the Jo Daviess County 100 club. From 2003-2017 he and his wife were part owners of the Country Inn & Suites in Stockton. Gene was the self-appointed breakfast room monitor and cookie tester.

He spent a great deal of time attending a variety of ballgames: basketball, volleyball, football, and baseball. He coached baseball for many years. When he didn't have a child or grandchild to watch he still enjoyed watching kids from the community. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Schamberger and son, Michael Schamberger. He is survived by his children, Sharon Schamberger of Rockford,IL; Bill (Susan) Schamberger of Stockton; Nancy (Dan) Gille of Madison, WI; Kay (Dennis) Oppold of Stockton, IL; and his daughter-in-law Lynn McCourt of Fort Morgan, CO; his grandchildren, Darin Oppold, Stephanie (Justin) Polster, Evan Meyer, Kellie (Zach) Steffen, Lana Schamberger, Courtney Schamberger, Kalli (Eric) Offenheiser, Grady Schamberger, Wade Schamberger, Cole (Espana) Schamberger, Colin Meyer, Derek Gille, and Olivia Clise and twelve great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m at Woodbine Bend Golf Course in Woodbine, IL.

Elizabeth

Henry Richard Groezinger, 54

Henry Richard Groezinger, age 54, of Elizabeth, IL, was welcomed into the presence of Jesus his Savior on July 29, 2024. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Crossroads Community Church, in Freeport, IL. Visitation took place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, August 5, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Elizabeth, as well as one hour prior to Tuesday’s service. Burial was scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, at Derinda Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Henry was born July 19, 1970 in Freeport, IL, the son of Richard and Mildred (Koester) Groezinger. He grew up on the family farm near Elizabeth, and his love for farming started at a very early age. When he was only 2 or 3 years old, he was spending many hours in the shop with his Grandpa Ralph, learning how to make repairs on almost anything.

He graduated from River Ridge High School, in Elizabeth, in 1988. On July 19, 1997, Henry married Susy Hartman, in a cow pasture in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. They raised three children, all working on the farm together.

All of his life he enjoyed learning, especially anything agricultural. In his younger years, he liked to hunt, and in recent years, a favorite pastime was riding the 4-wheeler to check crops and cattle. Henry faithfully took his family to church for many years. He enjoyed good conversations and loved talking and laughing with his family and friends.

Henry’s family will forever remember him as a good, honest, hard-working man, who always had a vision for those he loved. Henry will be dearly missed by his wife, Susy Groezinger; daughter, Lilly Groezinger; sons, H.D. Groezinger and Joey Groezinger; mother and step-father, Mildred and Jimmy Steffes; father and step-mother, Richard and Monica Groezinger; sisters, Pennie (Daryl) Groezinger, Pattie (Doug Gill) Krippendorf, and Heather (Dave Dunham) Ellinor; brothers, Sam (Krista) Groezinger and Ben (Danyel) Steffes; father-in-law, Chuck Hartman; brother-in-law, Dave (Cindy) Hartman; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and mother-in-law, Sharon Hartman.