Obituaries

Lanark

Conrad E. Aschenbrenner, 95

Conrad E Aschenbrenner passed away peacefully in his sleep on the evening of August 23rd, 2024 at Allure of Mount Carroll. Conrad (Con) was born in Amboy Illinois to Eno and Caroline Aschenbrenner in 1928. He grew up working in his father’s pharmacy, which still allowed the private time to experience all the adventures a boy could dream of.

After High School he attended Illinois State University, where in addition to his study, he became a member of the schools very first swim team. During his university summers he worked at YMCA camps teaching swimming (“My favorite job” he said).

Very soon after graduating university with his teaching degree, he was surprised with a “change of career” being thus drafted into the Army! His new career found him soon in the 3rd Infantry Division, in another country, serving in Korea. Like many a combat veteran he did not talk much about his service, but he came home with the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal (with 2 bronze stars, each star indicating participation in a campaign) and the title of Sergeant First Class.

After the Army, Conrad made Lanark his new home when he finally entered his career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Lanark High, soon marrying Caralee in 1955, becoming a husband, then a father the following year with the birth of daughter, Cara. A few years found him as a father for a second time, with the completion of the family by the arrival of Maggie.

For 50 years he and Caralee worked on their “old house” on the westside of town, fixed up a historic home for their Lanark Museum all the while painting houses, teaching, coaching, and getting in several fishing trips as far as Canada.

Conrad (“Coach” as many knew and called him) made a difference in the lives of generations of Lanark & “Eastland” kids through his teaching, and especially his coaching of football, “Pop Warner”, basketball (boys and girls), girls track, and in running summer recreation programs for youth.

Conrad retired from teaching when Lanark consolidated only to return to “Eastland” for 10 more years when asked back to teach “Shop”.

Conrad loved raising his two girls, but he really liked having his two grandsons to take fishing and play ball with as well as cheer on from the sidelines during football and basketball games.

When his wife Caralee passed away, he gave up “other work” and kept busy going to games of his great grandsons, having meals at Brothers with Ed while catching up on the community activities and playing dominos with his “Domino Ladies” or anyone else he could find to play.

Conrad’s family would like to thank his team of caregivers whose kindness, talents and love permitted him to be home as long as possible. Special thank you goes to Brenda, Darla, Linda, Ellen, Bev, Christie, Avery as well as the good many others who worked, visited, brought a meal, and made his smile in his final years.

Conrad was preceded in death by his parents, Eno and Caroline; sister, Carol; brother, Charles; wife, Caralee; daughter, Cara (Lonnie, living/ wife Cheryl).

He is survived by daughter, Maggie (Mark); grandson, Karl (Sarah) their children, Benjamen, Kamden, Hudson; grandson, John (Jessica) their children, Ronan and Ryan. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Annie; along with many nieces and nephews.

Services for Conrad Aschenbrenner were September 14 at the First United Methodist Church in Lanark. Visitation was from 9:00am to 11:00am in the “Fireside” room with Main Services immediately followed in the main chapel. A small private graveside ceremony was held at the Lanark Cemetery after the main service.

A memorial to Lanark’s Summer Youth Leagues has been established.

Stockton

Roland “Rol” DeBauche, 73

Roland, “Rol” DeBauche, age 73, of Thorp, WI, passed away at home on Saturday, September 7, 2024. A Celebration of Life for Rol will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Meadowview Golf Course, in Owen, WI.

Roland Richard DeBauche was born on May 16, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI and was adopted at the age of 6 months by Richard J. and Bernice (Writt) DeBauche. He was raised and received his education in Stockton, IL, graduating from Stockton High School in 1970.

After high school, Rol began working as a self-employed painting contractor. He was united in marriage to Susan L. Fisher on October 9, 1982 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp. They resided in Stockton until moving back to Thorp in 1984. They were the proud parents of Sara Beth and Richie DeBauche, born in 1985 and 1987. Rol continued painting until he retired, and then worked at Meadowview Golf Course in Owen for the last 8 years. Intermittently, he was a dedicated caretaker for troubled youth and disabled adults.

He was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Wisconsin Trailblazers Sled Dog Club. Rol had many interests, but especially loved dog sledding, which he did for many years, hunting, golfing, and model trains.

Rol will be dearly missed by his wife, Susan, of Thorp; one daughter, Sara Beth DeBauche of Granite Falls, MN; one son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Jessica DeBauche, of Waunakee, WI; and one grandson, Carson DeBauche.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Jane DeBauche.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given in Rol’s name to continue the work he left behind at Meadowview Golf Course.

Elda Dorothy Goodmiller, 98

Elda Dorothy Goodmiller, age 98, of Pleasant Valley, IL passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Allure of Mt. Carroll. She was born in Pleasant Valley on July 25, 1926 to the late Howard and Luvia (Groves) Goodmiller.

Elda was a 1944 graduate of Stockton High School. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Massbach and the quilting club. She was also a member of the Palisades Art League. Elda farmed most of her life and was very active in 4-H, where she served as leader for over 60 years. She loved gardening and even held garden tours. She also enjoyed photography, bird watching, and sewing. Elda babysat for numerous neighbors throughout the years.

She is survived by honorary family members and friends, Kay Blair, Ann Johnson, Rebecca Rath, Allen Hoffman, Mark Hoffman and Teresa Raab; and her cousin, Karol Mack. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church in Massbach at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Zion Cemetery in Savanna. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Pearl City/Lena

Carol J. (Manthei) Phillips. 69

Carol J. Phillips, age 69, of Mount Horeb, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. She was born on March 1, 1955 in Freeport, IL to Carl and Dorothy (Reuber) Manthei. Carol married Robert (Bob) Phillips on November 21, 1979.

Carol spent most of her life in the Pearl City, IL and Lena, IL area. Carol enjoyed cooking and bartending and her and Bob loved going to garage sales, flea markets and antique shops together. After Bob passed, she moved to Wisconsin to be closer to her daughter’s family where she loved going for drives to enjoy the scenery, attending her grandson’s school and sporting events and volunteering at the senior center.

She is survived by her daughter; Danielle (Kevin) Depies. Grandchild; Dane Depies. Sisters; Joanne Gustin of Rockford, IL and Lorraine (Ron) LaCour of Wheaton, IL. Brother; Paul Manthei of Browntown, WI. Brothers-in-law; Tom Phillips of Freeport and Terry (Cheryl) Phillips of Pearl City, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) Phillips, her parents, Brother-in-law; Jim Gustin and Sister-in-law, Melodie Manthei.

The family wishes to thank UW Health Oncology Department and Agrace Hospice for all of their care and support.

Freeport

Lyle A. Bremmer, 85

Lyle A. Bremmer, age 85 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Lena Living Center in Lena, IL. He was born on August 3, 1939 in Freeport; the son of the late Glenn and Luella (Dieterman) Bremmer. He was a graduate of Shannon High School. Lyle married Carolyn (Peiper) Fransen on October 2, 1976.

He had served in the United States Army. Lyle farmed and later worked for Murphy-Gustafson John Deere in Freeport. After retirement, he helped Wilhelm Farms, combining and trucking. He was a member of Park Hills Evangelical Church of Freeport. Lyle enjoyed bowling, boating, snowmobiling, golfing and fishing. He also collected miniature John Deere tractors and loved assembling jigsaw puzzles.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Bremmer of Freeport; sons, David A. (Laura) Bremmer of Dakota, IL and Michael A. (Sandra) Bremmer of CA; step-children, Wendell (Janet) Fransen of Downers Grove, IL, Joy (Jim) Readeker of Freeport, IL; and Susan (Randy) Peterson of Windsor, CO; grandchildren, Tiffany and Briana and their children: Ashtian, Aydian, and Braxton; step-grandchildren, Ryan, Ross, Amelia, Danielle, Kelly, and Sydney; step-great grandchild, Riley; brother, Norris (Beth) Bremmer of Lake Carroll, IL; nephew, Ryan (Bethany) Bremmer; and niece, Robyn (Steve) Stovall. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Loren.

Lyle’s family would like to thank Lena Living Center, FHN, and SSM Health Hospice for their wonderful care.

A memorial service will be held at Park Hills Evangelical Church on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. A private interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport following the service. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Condolences may be shared at http://www.walkermortuary.com.

Warren

Gary L. Fulton, 76

Gary L Fulton, 76 of Warren passed away on September 5, 2024. He was born on December 24, 1947 in Savanna to Ralph and Doris Fulton. Gary was a Navy veteran, member of ARUMC and worked many pancake days with the Apple River Lions Club. He married Nancy Bruun on November 23, 1968.

GF enjoyed a good cup of coffee, a comfortable recliner, and a challenging crossword puzzle.

He is survived by his three children. Two homemade, Sara (Curt) Wybourn, Warren, Corey (Mary) Fulton, Warren, and one ready made Jason (Oni) Fulton, Oak Harbor, Washington. Seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, siblings Patty, Mary Jo, Donnie, Debbie, Kevin, and sister-in-law‘s, Jeanette, Susan, and Rosie. Alongside all of them, Gary and his late wife Nancy devoted a significant part of their lives to fostering over 40 children in their time of need.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Nancy, his parents Ralph and Doris, siblings Ruth, David, Mark, Jeff, and brother-in-laws Tommy, Norman, and Steve.

Services were Friday, September 13, 2024 at Apple River United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Matt Smith.

Dakota

Joan Ardeth Labudde, 90

Joan Ardeth Labudde, age 90, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 5, 2024 after passing away from a long battle with dementia. She was born on February 19, 1934 in Stockton, IL to Lincoln and Katherine (Stadel) Schubert. She graduated from Dakota High School in 1951. Joan married Robert LaBudde on September 19, 1953; he passed on January 3, 2013.

Joan worked alongside her husband in farming until they retired. Joan was a member of Cedarville Emmanuel Church where she was involved in the Missionary Society, choir, helped serve funeral luncheons, and taught Sunday school for many years. She was involved in Stephenson County Home Extension Unit for many years. She was a Home Ec Super-intendant in the Agriculture Department for 25 years at the Stephenson County Fair. She was an avid gardener of vegetables and flowers. She was known for raising gladiolas and other flowers. She was an excellent cook and baker. Her family especially enjoyed her dinner and cinnamon rolls. She loved baking cookies for her grandchildren. Joan showed her flowers, canned goods, and baked goods at the Stephenson County Fair and won many ribbons there. She also enjoyed doing ceramics, crafts, traveling, and square dancing.

Surviving are her children Craig (Penny) LaBudde of Michigan, Dawn (Larry) Mathiot of Cedarville, Kim (Debbie) LaBudde of Bloomer, WI; five grandchildren Stephanie LaBudde, Nathan (Sarah) Mathiot, Ryan (Cat) Mathiot, Megan LaBudde, Joseph LaBudde; 6 great grandchildren; brother David Schubert; special friend, Mary LaBudde; several nieces & nephews; and sister-in-law, Ethel Ascher of Freeport

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; granddaughter, Katie LaBudde; sisters, Ruth Bennehoff and Sharon Soppe; and brothers, Morris Schubert and Dwight Schubert.

Joan’s family would like to thank Walnut Acres and Pleasant View Nursing Home for their wonderful care.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cedarville Emmanuel Church with Pastor Ralph Taylor presiding. There was a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Cedarville Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in her name. Condolences may be shared at http://www.walkermortuary.com.