Obituaries

Lena

Marlin M. Mason, 73

Marlin M. Mason, age 73, of Lena, IL passed away on Thursday October 10, 2024 surrounded by his family, after a brief illness. He was born on December 21, 1950 in Rockford, IL to Harrison and Betty (Link) Mason. Marlin graduated from Winnebago High School in 1970. After graduating from high school, Marlin proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard. On May 21, 1983, Marlin was united in marriage to Carol Lee.

Marlin served on the volunteer fire department in Winnebago. His waste water career started in Winnebago, but he retired from the Village of Lena Water Department after 30 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Lena Masonic Lodge 174 and enjoyed being outdoors. Marlin loved fishing, shooting, camping, and listening to country music. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, and he also enjoyed watching NASCAR. Marlin was a people person, who could often be found laughing his famous belly laugh. But, spending time with his family was his favorite.

Marlin is survived by his wife Carol of Lena, son Scott (Chari) Holland of Minnesota, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, son Michael Holland, brothers Don Mason and Chuck Mason, and a sister Phyllis Burns.

Per Marlin’s request, no services will be held. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Harry E. Hughes, 96

Harry E. Hughes, 96, of Lena, IL passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

He was born on July 11, 1928, to Harold and Beatrice (McNeil) Hughes. He graduated from Lena High School and then served his country in the United States Army. Harry married Nancy York on March 13, 1954. He was a truck driver for George McPhillips and then Werhane trucking and was a lifelong farmer in the rural Lena area. Harry was a past Lena Lions member. He enjoyed his morning coffee at the restaurant and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Harry is survived by his 4 children- Genise (Duane) Tessendorf, LeeAnn (Dan) Brinkmeier, Dan (Paris) Hughes, and Lori (Dan) Rankila; 9grandchildren- Nicholas and Michael Trappen, Matthew Brinkmeier, Marshall (Stephanie), Mason (Taylor), and Mitchell (Jordyn) Hughes, Morgan (Steve) Simmons, Brandon (Kayla) Rankila, and Jacob Rankila; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Nancy, granddaughter Jennifer Mielke, grandson Craig Brinkmeier, siblings- Doris Lobdell, Betty Stamm, and Jerry Hughes.

Visitation was held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Leamon Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Lena Burial Park.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Stockton

Susan Lynn McKee, 69

Susan Lynn McKee, beloved mother, friend, and devoted farmer, passed away after a long illness on October 15, 2024, in Rockford, IL. She was born on February 21, 1955, in Freeport, IL, to Duane and Kay (Lyden) Broshous.

Sue graduated from Stockton High School in 1973 and married her high school sweetheart, Brian McKee, on December 18, 1971. Together, they cultivated a life full of love and hard work on their farm, where they raised dairy cows, hogs, horses, rabbits, and an array of animals, including cats, dogs, and yes, even raccoons. Her compassion for animals was evident as she hand-raised many of them, showcasing her nurturing spirit.

For 20 years, Sue worked as a patient service representative at the FHN OB Clinic. In addition to her professional and farming endeavors, she was actively involved in her community. She was a member of the Greenvale Neighborhood Club, Freeport Western Riders, and the Rock River Valley Horse and Pony Exhibitors Association. She volunteered for Safe Haven, an animal rescue. She also served as an election judge and was a mentor to many, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Sue cherished her time spent with family and friends, creating lasting memories while farming and enjoying her animals. Known for her love of jewelry, she had a special bracelet for every occasion. Her family fondly remembers her "grandma meals," particularly her famous cheesy hashbrowns, which no one could replicate.

Thoughtful, independent, and fierce, Sue found joy in surprising others with amazing gifts and experiences. She was adventurous, traveling to new places and even water skiing just last year. Her spirit of adventure and zest for life will be deeply missed.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Brian, who passed away on August 8, 2005, as well as her parents, Duane and Kay Broshous; her parents-in-law, Cletus and Lila McKee; brothers-in-law, Lloyd and Allen McKee; sisters-in-law Lynette McKee and Carol Tucker; and Uncle Bill Lingle.

She is survived by her daughters, JoAnn (Jeff) Eden and Jennifer (Seth) Degnan; grandchildren Jamie (Nick) Ege and Justin Eden; sisters Peggy Drane, Kathy Broshous, and Laura Broshous; Paul Drane, sister-in-law Maureen McKee; nieces Leslie Drane, Ally Broshous, and Chloe Broshous; nephew Eric (Jordan) Drane; and great aunts Ardale (Marlow) Townsend and Gayle Lingle, and best friend Jan Zarn and grand-nieces Nora and Finley Drane.

Visitation was held from 9 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, October 19, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Edwin Upitis, 95

Edwin Upitis, age 95, of Stockton, IL passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024 at FHN Hospital in Freeport. He was born on February 12, 1929 in Latvia. Edwin married Anneliese on February 26, 1966 in Galena, IL. Anneliese passed away October 7, 2023.

Edwin was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton. He served in the U.S. Army, 3rd Infantry Division, in Korea. He retired from Kraft Cheese after 36 years. Edwin loved to fishing and taking his family on vacation. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed photography.

He is survived by his sons, Erik of Freeport and Peter of Stockton and his brother, Elmar of Downers Grove. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his brother, Arvid.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.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.

Hanover

Josephine Amedeo Invergo, 83

Josephine Amedeo Invergo, born on June 19, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to James and Marie (Demma) Amedeo, passed away surrounded by her family. Growing up in Chicago, Josephine developed a strong work ethic that became the foundation of her life, evident in everything she did.

A proud graduate of Kelly High School, Josephine met and married Kenneth Invergo, the love of her life. Together, they lived in the Chicago area before moving to Hanover in 1985, fulfilling a dream of purchasing a 20-acre plot of land in 1980. As a devoted wife, Josephine was a steadfast supporter of Kenneth's passion for falconry and hawk banding, standing by his side as they built their life together.

Josephine's dedication extended beyond her role as a wife and mother. She held numerous jobs throughout her life, including positions as a pharmacy technician at Galena Hospital, a cashier at Walmart, and a customer service representative at Coyote Exhibits. In each role, Josephine was admired for her reliability, unwavering commitment, and the pride she took in her work.

Family was the heart of Josephine's world. Alongside Kenneth, she lovingly raised four children—Kathy, Ken, Kari, and Keith—instilling in them the same work ethic and values she embodied. Her greatest joy came from her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her home became a gathering place, filled with laughter, homemade cream puffs, and cherished memories.

Despite the health challenges she faced later in life, Josephine’s generosity, kindness, and strength never faltered. Her love for her family remained steadfast, and she continued to be a pillar of support for all who knew her.

Josephine is survived by her children: Kathy (Bob) Hansen of Lemont, Illinois, Ken (Barb) Invergo of Hanover, Kari (Bill Hoebbel) Invergo of Hanover, and Keith (Jodi Switzer) Invergo of Hanover; along with her beloved grandchildren and siblings. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, in 2001.

A visitation was held for Josephine on Saturday, October19th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Law Jones Funeral Home in Hanover, funeral service followed at 2:00 PM. She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her beloved Kenneth.

Josephine’s legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched. Her strength, love, and values will forever be cherished.

Luanne C. Sullivan Pieper, 67

Luanne C. Sullivan Pieper, 67 of Hanover, Illinois passed away peacefully in the arms of her sister on Sunday October 6, 2024 after a courageous short battle with cancer. A funeral service was held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at St. John’s the Evangelist Church in Hanover. A visitation was held at 9:00 am - 11:00 am before the funeral mass.

Luanne was born on July 27, 1957 in Savanna, Illinois, the daughter of Bertrand and Audrey (Crane) Sullivan. Luanne graduated from Hanover High School, with the class of 1975, where she was involved in many extracurricular activities including volleyball, softball, basketball and cheerleading. She attended Western Illinois University in Macomb. Luanne had a very successful career in food and beverage at Chestnut Mountain Resort, Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, and Woodbine Bend Golf Course and Restaurant. She also owned and operated her business, Small Town Trash, which featured unique collectibles and antiques. She retired from Woodbine Bend in August of 2022.

Luanne met her future husband, Art Pieper, in 1990, and they spent the next 25 years together traveling and working around their house and gardens.

Luanne had many passions in her life. She loved gardening, decorating and antiquing and always added her own personal touch. Luanne was known for her sharp wit, infectious laughter and vibrant personality. She had a unique and colorful sense of humor, often sharing limericks and jokes with her sparkling Irish charm. Her warmth and easy-going nature made her unforgettable to all who knew her. Luanne had a heart of gold and would often give of herself and expect nothing in return. Her generous spirit was such a beautiful testament to all who loved her.

Luanne had an uncanny ability to find the fun in any situation, turning mundane moments into cherished memories. Luanne’s mischievous spirit and love for life drew people to her, making her the heart of every gathering. Whether sharing an outrageous story or engaging in a friendly prank, she left a lasting impression, reminding us all to embrace our playful side. Her warmth and infectious laughter will be profoundly missed but forever cherished.

Luanne spent her life surrounded by the things she loved the most...her husband, family, friends and her beloved animals. Throughout her life she cared deeply for her pets especially her dogs, Max and Maizy, and her two kitties, Willy and Dutch, who brought her immense joy and comfort.

Luanne is now reunited with the love of her life and husband, Art (10-1-15); along with her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry Joe (11-16-98) and Virginia (10-14-03); and her parents, Audrey (11-4-78) and Bert (4-16-86) Sullivan and great niece, Maevi Willkom (6-17-22).

Luanne will be dearly missed by her surviving siblings, Jackie (Jerry) Crawford and Tommy (Gerri) Sullivan; nieces and nephews, Kristin Crawford (Duncan Stephens), Caitlyn Crawford (Brad Kemp), Colleen (Jim) Wagner, Maureen (Ross) Willkom, Jeremiah (Krista) Sullivan, Michaela (Mike) Casper, Joe (Tessa) Sullivan and Christina Sullivan; great nieces and great nephews, Nora and Freya, Vinny, Ford and Kapri, Bo and Haven, Luke and Miles, Lila and Isaiah; and all that were lucky enough to know and love her.