Obituaries

Kent

Jacob Allen Green, 22

Jacob Allen Green was a young man whose heart belonged to the outdoors. He was born July 9, 2002 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Randy and Jennifer (Krogman) Green. From the time he was a little boy, he wanted to be outside playing or working. He enjoyed the whisper of the wind through the trees and the satisfaction of a day spent working with his hands. Jacob was raised in a family that valued tradition, hard work, and the simple pleasures of life. He was known as an "old soul," someone who cherished the wisdom of his elders and found joy in the stories of days gone by.

Jacob's uncles played a significant role in shaping the man he would become. He spent countless hours at their sides, listening intently as they recounted tales of the past, filled with laughter, life lessons, and the occasional tall tale. These moments were precious to Jacob, and he held them close to his heart. He was happiest when surrounded by family. He loved getting his hands greasy, working together on the family's beloved Allis-Chalmers tractors. Restoring those tractors wasn't just a hobby; it was a way for Jacob to connect with his roots, to honor the legacy of his family, and to keep the past alive.

Jacob was fiercely independent. When he set his mind to something, he saw it through with determination and grit. This trait served him well, whether he was trying to fix a stubborn engine or raise a new batch of chickens. His love for animals began in high school when he joined the Future Farmers of America (FFA) at West Carroll High School. It was there that he discovered a passion for raising chickens, a passion that grew over the years to include turkeys, ducks, and even a few dogs. If Jacob saw an animal for sale on Marketplace, it wasn't long before it found a new home on his growing farm. He also loved to deer hunt, go snowmobiling, and fishing with friends.

Jacob graduated from West Carroll High School in 2020, a year that brought its own set of challenges, but also new beginnings. Two years ago, he met the love of his life, Libby Dixon. Libby was his partner in every sense of the word, and together they began building a beautiful country life in Kent, Illinois. Libby brought out the best in Jacob, encouraging his love for the outdoors and his passion for animals. They made a perfect team, creating a home filled with love and laughter.

Jacob's favorite moments were those spent with family. Whether it was a Sunday dinner with his parents, a tractor show with his uncles, or simply a quiet evening on the porch with Libby, Jacob always wanted to be surrounded by the people he loved. Recently, he and Libby had the opportunity to travel to Nashville and Gulf Shores, Alabama, creating memories that they would cherish forever.

Jacob will be dearly missed by his parents, Randy and Jennifer Green of rural Elizabeth; a brother, Matthew Green; his loving companion, Libby Dixon; maternal grandparents, Earl (Deb) Krogman of Clinton, and Jan (Herb) Shafer of Fulton; two maternal great grandmothers, Saundra Bengston and Mardella Krogman; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lyle Sr. and Lorena Green.

A Celebration of Life service was held 11am Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Visitation was from 4 – 7pm Wednesday, August 21 at the funeral home. A private burial took place in Albrecht Cemetery, Massbach, following the service.

Elizabeth

Richard “Dick” Dean Norman, 88

Richard “Dick” Dean Norman, 88, residing in Elizabeth, IL, formerly of Downers Grove, IL passed away at Midwest Medical Center, Galena, IL on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Dick leaves behind his children, Jeffrey (JoEllen Albrecht) Norman, Terri (Joseph Kaiker III) Oldenburg and Dean (Denise) Norman; his stepchildren, Pam (Jeff) Higgins and Robert (Debbie) Padgett; his grandchildren, Emily Higgins, Brianna Meier, Mary (Henry) Meyer, Michael (Cadence) Meier, Sarah Higgins, Danielle (Justin) Bonner, Grant Padgett and Lindsey Norman; and his great grandchildren, Tucker Meier and Braxton Bonner. Dick also leaves behind his sister, Bettie Noble; his sister-in-law, Joan Norman; and his brothers, Jack (Barbara) Norman, Larry Norman and Ralph (Susan) Norman. Dick was also loved by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dick is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara J. Norman, his parents, Emmett & Marie Norman and his brothers, James Norman & Roger Norman, and his brother-in-law, Delbert Noble & sister-in-law, Lorraine Norman.

Dick was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather & great grandfather. Dick & Barb married on August 2, 1980 at her parent’s home in Elizabeth, IL. They spent time traveling, farming, learning, restoring the farm, building a new forever home together and enjoying their family. Dick worked for Bal-Mir Cement Co. as a cement finisher and foreman for over 30 years. He retired in 1991 and moved to Elizabeth, IL with Barb where they made a lot of new friends, tried their hand at raising horses, burros, pigs and cows, along with jumping in to learn as much as they could about farming and fitting in with the locals. Dick loved sports, hopefully he’ll be working some magic from above for the White Sox this year! If you ever experienced a sore hand from a handshake, you know you met Dick…best handshake EVER! Forever memories will live in our hearts of his humor, warmth and authenticity as a gentle bear of a man. When you saw a red truck rolling down Scales Mound Road, (maybe 4 or 5 times in a day), you knew it was Dick. Kessler Whiskey of Clermont, KY has been notified of Dick’s passing.

A special “Thank You” to Dr. Vandigo, the staff at Midwest Medical Center, the staff at Hospice of Dubuque and all Dick’s friends in Elizabeth who he loved so much.

Service was held on Friday, August 23rd at 10:30 AM at Schapville Zion Church, 635 East Schapville Road, Elizabeth, IL 61028. Graveside burial of Dick & Barb was held in the Schapville Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Midwest Medical Center, Galena, IL or Hospice of Dubuque, IA.

Hanover

Betty Lou Patterson, 85

Betty Lou Patterson, age 85, of Hanover, IL, passed away at Midwest Senior Care Center, in Galena, on August 18, 2024. A funeral service was held Thursday, August 22, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Hanover, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation took place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 21, also at the funeral home. Burial followed at Log Church Cemetery in rural Hanover.

Betty was born December 9, 1938, in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Verlas and Clara (Keister) Woker. She attended Stockton schools, graduating from Stockton High School with the class of 1956. She then went to work for Farm Service, where she would meet her future husband. On November 29, 1958, Betty married Robert Patterson.

They began their married life residing north of Woodbine, before moving to a farm in rural Hanover in 1963. Betty settled into life as a farm wife and mother while her children were young. Once they all grew to be of school age, Betty started working for the Hanover State Bank, retiring after 32 years. She was a member of the Hanover United Presbyterian Church and worked for the Village of Elizabeth for 17 years, first as a clerk, then treasurer.

Betty loved camping with Robert and hopping in the car to go get a bite to eat. Burger King and Culvers were two of her favorites, but nothing beat their Saturday nights at Pizza Hut! Well, except for her Sunday night dinners she would cook for her beloved family.

In her down time, Betty enjoyed puzzle books, game shows, and Elvis Presley. As she grew older, with many grandkids now a part of the picture, she treasured watching them compete in sports. Seeing her grandchildren succeed always brought her the most joy.

Betty will be dearly missed by her children, Diana Harms, of Hanover, Kay (Bommer) Temperly, of Hanover, Terry (Lori) Patterson, of Elizabeth, IL, Kevin Patterson, of Durand, IL, and Rita (Stephen) Brown, of Hanover; 11 grandchildren, Raymond Greene, Ryan (Tiffany) Patterson, Nick Greene, Carissa Barajas, Devin (Kristen) Patterson, Caitlin (Adam) Kaiser, Derek Patterson, Ashley (Clint) Anderson, Makenzie (Dylan Dawson) Brown, Hannah (Drew Bausman) Brown, and Tayden (Riley Finn) Patterson; 23 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 1 step-granddaughter, Sheri (Thom) Wasmund; 3 step-great-granddaughters; brothers, Richard Woker, of Freeport, and Randy (Harriet) Woker, of Freeport; sister, Charlene (Albert) Davis, of Oglesby, IL; sisters-in-law, Judy Vesely, of Hanover, Shirley (Dale) Dodson, of South Dakota, and Carol Woker, of Iowa; brother-in-law, Richard (Deb) Patterson, of Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Verlas and Clara; husband, Robert; brother, Eugene Woker; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Mae Patterson; and brother-in-law, Vince Vesely.

The family would like to thank Dr. Crist, Dr. Vandigo, Midwest Medical Center, Midwest Senior Care, and Hospice of Dubuque for their great care of Betty.