Obituaries

Freeport

Wayne Edward Artman, 73

Wayne Edward Artman, 73, Freeport --passed away surrounded by his family Monday November 11, 2024 at home, the result of a battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born November 1,1951, the son of William and Ruth (Flury) Artman.

Wayne married Mary Martin on 2/12/1969. During their 55 year marriage they traveled to several European countries, Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Ireland and for the past 2 winters spent time in Myrtle Beach, N.C. Wayne enjoyed life, loved to travel to new places, always searching out Craft breweries. He always had a bucket list going of places to go and things to see. Wayne was a lifetime Green Bay Packers fan, proud to tell you he had attended 122 Packer games in numerous places. He retired from Kelly-Springfield, after 30 years (he said that was long enough) in 2000 where he worked as a millwright. He was Past President and Secretary at the Eagles Club in Freeport, he was a runner, having finished 5 Marathons. He enjoyed going to the YMCA every morning, getting in his exercise and visiting with his friends while there. He also enjoyed golfing, biking, reading, gardening, helping his kids with odd jobs around their homes, firing up some chicken wings on the grill and drinking beer with family and friends. He was known for his quick wit and one liners.

Wayne is survived by his wife Mary Artman of Freeport, IL; His proudest accomplishment in his life was his 3 children, Stacey (Lee) Block, Pearl City, Michelle (Mike) Queckboerner, Freeport and Bradley (Theresa) Artman of Crystal Lake, IL. His other passion was his grandchildren, Adam (Jodi) Block, Austin (Kyrie) Block, Owen Queckboerner, Lanah Queckboerner, Grace Queckboerner, William Artman and Lily Artman. He loved texting with them and sharing his quirky sense of humor and attending their sporting events. He was so proud of all of them. He also sadly leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Blaire and Calvin Block. He also leaves behind his sister, Nancy (Richard) Voss, sister-in-laws, Linda (Duane) Mork, Bonnie (Kent) Halverson, Pat (Ron) Martin, Pam (Jim) Longtine, Kristie (Kent) Payne. Brother- In-laws, Jim (Laura) Martin, Tom Miles, Don (Rita) Martin, Reid (Sandy) Martin and Doug (Linda) Martin and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, George & Argie Martin, sister-in-law Cindy Miles, brother-in-law Dave Martin and Dave’s wife Linda.

A special thank you to FHN Supportive Care and Hospice for providing compassionate care to Wayne.

There will be a private family service and burial. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Eagle’s Club, 1200 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport. In lieu of flowers a Memorial Fund has been established in Wayne’s memory

Stockton

Brock Kappes, 61

Brock Kappes, age 61, of Stockton, IL passed away Friday, November 8, 2024. He was born in Freeport, IL to Ronald and Kay (Weinkauf) Kappes on April 26, 1963.

He was a 1981 graduate of Stockton High School. He went on to Highland Community College and graduated from Devry University with an engineering degree. Brock worked as a Quality Control Engineer for Bergstrom in Rockford, IL. He also worked with his brother at B&B Hillside Repair in Stockton. He was on the Board of Directors and served as Treasurer for the Stockton Fire Department. Brock enjoyed camping, boating and snowmobiling. He loved watching sports, especially the Stockton Blackhawks and Chicago Bears. Brock was always willing to help others. If you didn’t like him, you didn’t know him. He loved his children and spending time with family and friends. He also loved his cats and playing catch and going for Ranger rides with his granddog, Piper Jo.

Brock is survived by his mother, Kay Kappes; his forever fiancé, Angela Kuehl; his daughters, Whitney (Nathan) Althof and Sidney Kuehl; his son, Ryder Kappes; his brother, Brent (Marisa) Kappes; his Aunts, Nancy Rice and Kaye Clark; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, Ronald; and several Aunts and Uncles.

There was a visitation at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton at 11:00 a.m.

A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Pearl City

Robert D. Gipe, 92

Robert D. Gipe, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Born on July 27, 1932, to Ellwood and Helen (Grimm) Gipe, Robert grew up on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong work ethic and a love for the land, helping care for cows, pigs, and crops. He attended Milledgeville schools and Milledgeville High School before embarking on a career in trucking, which became his life’s work and pride.

On August 24, 1952, Robert married Nancy Farthing, the love of his life. Their partnership spanned 72 years. They were blessed with four children and many joyous family gatherings on their farm near Pearl City, a cherished property Robert owned for 55 years.

Throughout his life, Robert combined his career as a truck driver with entrepreneurial pursuits, establishing both an excavating and trucking business with his best friend and neighbor, Robert Hasselman. Even as he approached his 90s, his dedication to his work remained; he only retired from trucking and farming at the age of 89. Known as a “gentle giant” with a heart of gold, Robert was a craftsman in his spare time, creating handcrafted oak furniture, each piece adorned with a heart—a signature touch loved by his family. He cherished taking long tractor rides with friends, sometimes lasting up to three days.

Robert will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, whose family always came first. His memory will be treasured by his children, Gregory Gipe of Pearl City; Sherry (Bill) James of Cordova, IL; and Dana (Tim) Geerts of Freeport, IL. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren, and his sister-in-law, Betty Wagner. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his parents; his daughter, Tammy; his granddaughter, Josee Pena; his great-grandson, Joey Geerts; his brother, Larry (Carol) Gipe; and his daughters-in-law, Kay Gipe and Patti Wisbeck.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark, IL, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Chadwick Cemetery. In accordance with Robert's wishes, his family requests no cards or memorials.