Obituaries

Kent

Donna L. Kempel, 87

Donna L. Kempel, age 87 passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the Manor Court in Freeport, IL. She was born on December 5, 1936 in Kent, IL to Paul Boyer and Orlena (Thompson) Boyer. She was a graduate of Pearl City High School in the class of 1955.

She married Ronald Kempel on July 23, 1955, at Donna’s parent’s farm home, Kent, IL. She farmed with Ronald until 1977. In the mid 1980’s Donna started her own business “Weigh-to-Life” in Lena, IL. She was a member of the Lena United Methodist Church in Lena until joining the First United Methodist Church in Freeport, IL in 2017. She was a member of the Laureate Gamma Omicron Sorority in Lena, IL. She enjoyed sewing, shopping, flowers and butterflies. Her greatest joy was her family, she enjoyed going to her children’s and grandchildren’s events and spending time with her great grandchildren.

She is survived by her 3 sons; Gregory (Heather) Kempel of Freeport, IL, Bradley (Diane) Kempel of Lena, IL, and Douglas (Connie) Kempel of Lena, IL .; grandchildren; Chris Kempel, Curt Kempel, Chelsea (Chad Colliver) Kempel, Jason (Jennifer) Kempel, Bethany (Teag) Haughan, Jake Kempel, Rachel (Roger) Bedeker, Danielle (Ryan) Thomas; Step-grandson; Erik Eiseman, step-granddaughter Kelsey (Eric Ramirez) Eiseman. 11 great-grandchildren; Owen, Emma, Lucas, Liam, Ava, Mason, Logan, Laine, Cayla, Max, Sabrina. 1 sister- Deborah Hughes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ronald in 2016, and 2 brothers, Boyd and Richard Boyer.

Funeral services were at 11:00 AM Thursday November 7, 2024, at the Leamon Funeral Home. Visitation was from 10:00 till the time of service on Thursday. Officiating was Pastor Natarsha Gardener. Burial will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport.

A memorial has been established in her name. Friends and family may send condolences to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Hanover

George Panfil, 88

George Panfil of Hanover, IL passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd. George was born in Chicago, IL on September 1, 1936. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 30 years, Crystal Novak Panfil, and cherished brother to Therese Panfil and sisters-in-law, Lonnie Novak, Cheryl Shea and Karen Malmin, and brother-in-law, Jerry Malmin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Wanda Panfil, his brother, Gerald Panfil, his first wife, Mary Kay Malmin Panfil, children, Mary Kittridge, Danny and Dale Panfil and brother-in-law, Clarence Malmin.

George was a man whose life was as full of stories as it was adventures. He had a deep love for the outdoors and nature. He was a skilled duck and turkey hunter and etched his name in Illinois history by shooting the first turkey when the state opened turkey season. His love for the wilderness took him to Canada where he hunted moose and forged unforgettable memories. He was also known for his talent as a mushroom hunter, fisherman and expert turkey caller.

In his professional life, George worked as a commercial artist specializing in retouching photos. He also was a very talented wildlife artist. His career started in 1954 allowing him to blend his artistic talents with his meticulous eye for detail. After nearly four decades, he retired in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and creativity.

George was charming, funny and always the life of the party. Whether at a hunting camp or at a family gathering he was known for his story telling, a gift that allowed him to turn any moment into an unforgettable experience. He never met a stranger. Everyone he encountered was met with a warm smile and a kind word. His closest friends, including his late, best friend, John Bourke, will forever remember his charisma and wit.

A connoisseur of life's simpler pleasures, George enjoyed nothing more than a cold Busch Light and a bag of Cheetos while watching the hummingbirds on the front porch with his friends.

George leaves behind a legacy of friendship and laughter. He will be remembered not only for his skills as a hunter, fisherman, and artist, but the way he has touched the lives of everyone around him.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Crystal, his sister, Therese and countless friends and family who will forever treasure the stories and memories he shared.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring with a date to follow.

Apple River

Roberta F. Stocks, 88

Roberta F. Stocks, age 88, of Apple River, IL passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024 at Midwest Medical Center in Galena, IL. She was born on August 9, 1936 in Clyde, Wisconsin to Robert and Anna (Biser) Sturdevant. She was a 1954 graduate of Lone Rock High School. Roberta married Albert Stocks on May 18, 1956, and they moved to Apple River in 1961. She owned and operated the Dew Drop Inn in Apple River, IL. In 1999, after 30 + years of service, Roberta retired from Honeywell in Warren. She also worked at Stockholders in Apple River after her retirement, serving the coffee clutch crew.

She was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple River, and a past member of the Apple River Legion Auxiliary. Roberta enjoyed dancing, baking and cooking, shopping, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Roberta is survived by her children; Father Ryan Stocks, Greg (Val) Stocks, Tracy (Ernie Hess) Stocks, Grant (Amanda) Stocks, and Tara Stocks-Kaderly, grandchildren; Stephanie (Wes) Cocagne, Geoff (Dr. Liz) Stocks, Bridgette Stocks, Cole (Heather) Stocks, Erica Stocks, Mitchell (Stephanie) Stocks, Anna Stocks-Hess, Riley Stocks, Alisyn Kaderly, Jamie (Belle Jordan) Stocks, and Olivia Kaderly, ten great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Albert, great-grandson Brooks Stocks, sister Anna Marie Ramsden, and her brother-in-law Homer Ramsden Jr.

Memorial Mass was held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 8, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple River. A visitation was from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Friday, November 8, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple River. Father Morrissey officiated the services.

Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Apple River. Cremation rites have been accorded.

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

Lena

LeOwen L. Rackow, 96

LeOwen L. Rackow, age 96 of Lena, IL passed away on Friday November 1, 2024 at the Lena Living Center. He was born on August 13, 1928 in Stephenson County IL to Lester and Edna (Kortman) Rackow. He married Joyce Reed on September 12, 1948 in Freeport, IL at Joyce’s parent’s home.

He was a dairy farmer in rural McConnell, IL until 1959. He then worked as a custodian at the Orangeville Grade School until his retirement in 1990. In retirement he delivered parts for his son at Bocker Automotive.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena, IL.

He is survived by his wife Joyce of 76 years, children; Marsha Delis of Covington, LA, Dennis (Denise) Rackow of Freeport, IL and Susan (Mike) Shaffer of Leesburg, FL, six grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, and a sister; Violet Witt.

Preceded in death by his parents, infant son, sons-in-law William Delis and Duane Kelher, brothers; Leo, Eldon and Melvin Rackow.

Funeral services were at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena. A visitation was from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena. Paster Jason Shaw officiated the services.

Burial will take place at Richland Salem Lutheran Cemetery in McConnell.

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