Obituaries

Freeport

Janet L. Arnold, 84

Janet L. Arnold, 84 of Freeport, IL, formerly of Lena, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, December 27, 2024, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport.

She was born on June 27, 1940, to Bernard and Deloris (Hecklesmiller) Stodden in Galena, IL. She married Donald Arnold on June 25, 1960, in Galena, IL and together they raised 5 children. She stayed at home raising her children until they were older, and she went to work at Kolb-Lena for several years. In the 1970’s she started at the Lena-Winslow School District as a bus driver, where many of her students knew her as “Don”. In the early 1980’s she worked at the Moose Club in Freeport as a cook until her retirement.

Janet loved collecting lady bugs, in her 60’s she even got a ladybug tattoo. In her retirement she often took the bus trips over to Dubuque to the casinos playing the slot machines aka the “1 armed Bandit”. Most of all she loved her family and her dog Mia, she never turned down a chance to hang out with them.

She is survived by her 5 children, Don (Gina) Arnold of Lena, IL, Kevin (Cindy) Arnold of Orangeville, IL, Brian Arnold of Apple River, IL, Michael (Lori) Arnold of Warren, IL, Daniel Arnold of Orangeville, IL; 9 grandchildren- Brandon, Brittni, Jonathan, Angela, Michael, Christopher, Jacob, Danielle, and Lee; 9 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Cathy Stodden of Freeport, IL.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Don in 2005, and brother, Michael Stodden.

Funeral Service were held on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 11 am at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lena. A visitation took place from 10:00 am until time of service. Father Andrew Hernandez officiated the service.

Burial will take place at St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Lena.

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

Lena

Janet S. Lindenman, 61

Janet S. Lindenman, age 61 of Lena, passed away at on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford. She was born on June 1, 1963 to Earl and Bev (Moyer) Lindenman in Waddams Grove Township.

Janet was a 1981 graduate of Lena-Winslow High School. She spent her career in finance and banking and worked for Citizens State Bank of Freeport for the past 16 years. Janet also spent her time as the Treasurer/Secretary of the PepperPlace Condo Association. She loved watching Wisconsin Badger games, camping, NASCAR, annual trips to Florida and spending time with her nieces and nephews. Janet was proud to be an Organ donor and gave the gift of life to others.

Janet is survived by her fiancé Kevin Pax of Lena; 3 sisters- Laura (Tony Celletti) Hartney of Freeport, Debbie Harder of Evansville, WI, and Susan Woods Snyder of Freeport; nieces and nephews- Nicky Betthauser, Brandon Harder, Bradley Harder, Tegan Woods, Cassi Kriebs, Damon Pax, Devin Pax, Austin Pax, and Madysen Pax; Fiancé Kevins brothers- Douglas (Theresa) Pax, LaVerne (Marcia) Pax, Steven (Jen) Pax; great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, niece Hailey, and nephew A.J.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Lena United Methodist Church in Lena. Pastor Melwyn Alagodi will officiate the service. Interment will take place at the Lena Burial Park. Luncheon to follow at the church.

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

Wheaton/Lena

Brian C. England, 62

Brian C. England, age 62 of Wheaton, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 surrounded by his family. Brian was born on October 15, 1962, in Ripon, WI to DeWitt and Dorene (Meyocks) England. He was a graduate of Lena Winslow High School Class of 1981. He attended Southern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Finance. He married the love of his life Heather (Logemann) on May 20, 1995. He continued on to get his MBA from the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management. Brian served in multiple leadership positions over the past 34 years. He successfully graduated from Bank of America’s top commercial banking program in Los Angeles and San Franscisco, CA. He would go on to be awarded Top National Sales at Citibank two years in a row, and in 2001, he was selected as one of Chicago’s Suburban Market’s “Top Executives under age 40”. Brian was lucky enough to finish his career as the top commercial loan sales producer for Providence Bank and Trust.

He held multiple coaching positions throughout his children’s youth sports careers in baseball, basketball, and football. Brian was the head football coach for St. Michael’s football team and was able to lead the team to a single game conference scoring record. Brian considered his family his greatest accomplishment in life, but also enjoyed Canada fishing trips, family vacations, and Chicago sports.

Brian is survived by his wife, Heather, and his children- Owen England, Brianne (Evan) Lane, Evan England; brothers- Douglas (Janet) England, Brad England; sisters- Janis (Richard) Jones, DeAnn Saeli, Kathleen England; mother-in-law Marcia Logemann; brother-in-law- Bret (Darla) Logemann, sister-in-law- Lori Logemann; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law- Russell “Corky” Logemann, brother- James England and brother-in-law- Randy Saeli,

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lena. A visitation was from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Leamon’s Funeral Home in Lena. Father Andrew Hernandez officiated the services. Burial will take place at Lena Burial Park in Lena, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Elizabeth

Shirley L. Ege, 86

Shirley L. Ege, long time resident of Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away on December 23, 2024. Born on June 21, 1938, to Henry and Dorothy (Bonjour) Albrecht, Shirley grew up on the family farm outside of Woodbine with her seven siblings.

Shirley's life was a beautiful tapestry of faith, family, and color. A devoted member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, she found solace and community in her faith, attending services every Sunday and actively participating in the church's Ladies Guild and Quilters Group, and Sunday School. In her later years, Shirley discovered a passion for coloring, creating hundreds of beautiful pictures that brought joy to her and to those around her. She truly added color to life in every sense.

Shirley married the love of her life, Walter Ege, in 1958. Walter and Shirley raised four children, and celebrated 57 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love and hard work on their farm north of town. Known as a great cook, Shirley's kitchen was a haven of warmth and delicious aromas, with her pies, cinnamon rolls, and her cherished specialty, filled noodle soup, being family favorites.

A gardener at heart, Shirley cultivated both vegetables and flowers throughout her life, filling her home with the fruits of her labor and the beauty of nature. Her home was always open to family, where she instilled strong values and a love for life in her children.

When her kids were younger, she cherished Sunday afternoons spent mushroom hunting and playing the organ by ear at home. Shirley will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love for her family, and the colorful legacy she leaves behind.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 30th, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Elizabeth. Visitation was from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial followed in Elizabeth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Shirley will be dearly missed by her four children, Jeff (Diane) Ege of Warren, IL, Jennifer (Ronald) Zimmerman of Harker Heights, TX, Rhonda (Leslie) Bonvillain of Elizabeth, and Ronald Ege of Elizabeth; eight grandchildren, Justin (Sheila) Zimmerman, Adam (Andrea) Ege, Ashley (Ryan) Wills, Nicole (Jorge) Zimmerman, Leigh Ann (Billy) Edwards, Kyle Ege, Nick (Jamie) Ege, and Amy Bonvillain; two step-grandchildren, Wendy Bahr and Bobbi Bahr; 12 great-grandchildren, Hayden, Drew, Peyton, Jackson, Addey, Ayla, Cody, Blake, Mason, Chase, Alannah, and Clay; one step great-grandchild, Amarhea; and six siblings, Jean (William) Kammer of Round Rock, TX, Nelda (Roger) Beyer of Billings, MT, Don (Shelby) Albrecht of Schofield, WI, Rose Albrecht of Freeport, Sally Powell of Freeport, and Larry (Kristi) Albrecht of Huntly, MT.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Walter, her parents, Dorothy and Henry, her daughter-in-law, Sherry Ege, her sister, Ruth Richtemeyer, and her husband Dean, brother-in-law Randy Powell, sister in-law Lucy Ege and Herman and Lenore Ege.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and the staff at the Midwest Senior Care facilities for their care of Shirley over the past 17 months.

Allen Dale Wurster, 90

Allen Dale Wurster, age 90, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away December 22, 2024 at Allure Nursing Home, in Mt. Carroll, IL. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 28, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Massbach, IL. Visitation took place from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., prior to the service. Burial followed at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. A light lunch will follow.

Allen was born January 7, 1934, in Pleasant Valley Township, the son of Raymond and Viola (Endress) Wurster. He attended Bethel Country School through the eighth grade then made the decision to work full time for his family’s farm, and also for neighboring farms.

In 1954, Allen enlisted in the United States Army, serving until 1956. On March 29, 1959, Allen married Shirley Winter. They would go on to have three children and remain lifelong farmers of rural Elizabeth. Allen also served as Director for Woodbine Mutual Insurance, was a church council member at St. John’s and a Trelay corn dealer.

Allen and Shirley created a life full of love and happiness. They worked hard on their family and their farm, and loved to play cards with friends and in card clubs, and would regularly go dancing on the weekends.

After his long days on the farm, Allen would often unwind with basketball and softball leagues, in his younger years, and he always enjoyed attending stock car races and tractor pulls.

Throughout his years, Allen assembled quite the collection of farm toys, and rarely missed a chance to cheer on his Chicago teams; Bears, Cubs, and Bulls. Despite his limited formal education, Allen possessed a curious mind and never stopped learning; even continuing to read encyclopedias into his 80’s. And it was that curious mind that made him such a delight to run into at a coffee shop, or just out and about. He could carry on a conversation with anyone and genuinely enjoyed his fellow community members. But above all else, his children and grandsons meant the world to him. He enjoyed seeing their achievements in life.

Allen will be dearly missed by his wife of 65 years, Shirley; daughters, Vicki Wurster, of Elizabeth and Debra Wurster, of Freeport, IL; grandsons, Dawson Wurster and Owen Wurster; sister, LaVonne (Eden) Clyde, of Stockton, IL; brother, Marvin (Linda) Wurster, of Elizabeth; and sisters-in-law, Jean Thornlund and Barb (George) Cromwell. Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Viola; son Dale Wurster; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Conrad and Louise Winter; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Orangeville

William Irvin “Bill De Zee Sr, 91

Our Patriarch, who seemed invincible, went to heaven to be with his beloved wife Phyllis after being surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Orangeville, Illinois on January 1, 2025 at the age of 91.

William Irvin "Bill" De Zee Sr was born May 1, 1933, in Joliet Illinois to Harold and Margaret (Zinser) De Zee in Joliet, Illinois He graduated from Joliet Central High School and Joliet Junior College.

He married the love of his life, Philomena “Phyllis” Benco, and they were blessed with 7 children, and he dedicated his life to providing love and support to his family. He worked for the Public Service Electric Company and later Commonwealth Edison as an Electrical Utility Supervisor until his retirement in 1991.

He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, offer an ear to listen, and be the one people turned to for sound advice. He volunteered as a 4H leader and taught faith formation. He was strong and what he called "determined" but most of us would have said stubborn. He was a self-taught repairman, jack-of-all-trades, and seemed he could fix anything. Many calls were made to Dear Old Dad, who always seemed to know how to save the day. He was always tinkering with something to get it exactly right. He had an extremely strong work ethic and was a mentor and teacher to many. He led quietly by example, and to many of us, he was our hero. He took great pride in his home and yard, spending many hours working hard to keep things looking pristine. He and Phyllis loved to travel, spending winters in Naples for 20 years and made many dear friends along the way.

He is survived by his children Deborah (Douglas) Kohls-De Zee of Madison, WI, Margaret De Zee of Kenosha, WI, Michael (Rebecca) De Zee of Lakeland, FL, and Mary (Darrell Scace) De Zee of Monroe, WI, and daughter in law Jane De Zee of Kenosha, WI; 18 grandchildren Anthony (Colleen) De Zee, Nicholas De Zee, Shane De Zee, Angelique (Tony) Bailey, Krystal (Craig) Jones, Kathryn (David) Harless, Heather De Zee, Jennifer De Zee, Jacqueline De Zee, Ruebin (Julia) Conterez, Robert Kohls, Rachael (Sean) Murphy, Christopher Baker, Patrick Baker, Samantha De Zee, Alexander De Zee, Ava Scace and Mya Scace and 21 great-grandchildren Riley (Nakia), Hawk, Ivy, Tanner (Macey), Piper, Willa, Gabriel, Logan, Solomon, Hezekiah, McKenna, BreAnna, Antonio, Carmine, Jaxson, Tyler, Marilyn, Nikolai, Tobias, Violet and Zade all of whom he dearly loved and was incredibly proud of, his sister Peggy Yanchick and of course many dear family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Phyllis who had dementia and he was proud to have cared for her at home until her very last breath, his sons Jacque DeZee, William De Zee Jr. and Kenneth De Zee, granddaughter Marlene De Zee, his parents, his father and mother-in-law Joseph and Margaret Benco and siblings Marilyn, Randy, David, and Georgine.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Monroe, Wisconsin. Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

The family is thankful for the care received by the St Croix hospice team. Most importantly, he was a man of great faith. He always said “We are put on this earth for a purpose. When your purpose is fulfilled, you leave this earth”. Rest easy Dad, your work here is done, and your legacy will live on with your family.

Stockton

Carol Jean Hand, 92

Carol Jean Hand, 92, of Stockton passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Sunday, December 22, 2024. She was born in Spragueville, IA on March 19, 1932, to Harold and Wilma (Lingle) Jensen. She married Cecil Hand on December 24, 1950, in Sabula, IA at the Calvary Lutheran Church. She started in 1972 at the Stockton Community School as a cook and retired from there after 15 years.

Carol enjoyed crocheting, painting ceramics, reading, going to casinos and spending any time she could with her family. She was an amazing cook and was known for her one-of-a-kind potato salad. Every night you would find her watching Wheel of Fortune and she hardly ever missed. In her retirement, her and Cecil enjoyed traveling to Florida, Arizona, the Dakotas and many other places, often with her sister Bernitia and brother-in-law Lenord.

Carol is survived by Daughter Cheryl Bourland of Stockton; 8 grandchildren-Gabe (Brianna) Greve, Matthew (Anna) Greve, Carolyn (Adam) Frandsen, Caitlynn (Jake) Snyder, Jolynn (Jacob) Wendt, Nikki Bourland, Jeffrey (Brook)Hand and Jennifer (Andrew) Busser; and 19 great grandchildren- Evan, Olivia, Roxy, Amelia, Aurora, Eliza, Lars, Evelyn, Nora, Wrenly, Navy, Cameron, Jesse, Peanut, Amaria, Spencer, Jenna, Dayne, and Liam; sister- Bernitia (Lenord) Klass and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Cecil in 2017 and son Dale Hand in 2016.

Funeral Service were held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. A visitation was held from 10:00 am until time of service. Sean Huguenin officiated the service. Burial will take place at the Lena Burial Park in Lena.

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

Betty Ann Mackeben, 94

Betty Ann Mackeben, age 94, and life-long resident of Stockton, IL passed away with family by her side at Winn Prairie Assisted Living Facility, Freeport, on December 29, 2024. She was born in the family farmhouse just outside of Woodbine, IL on April 29, 1930. The daughter of the late John and Anna Jones, Betty learned strength, devotion and love from being raised on the farm with four older brothers. Betty married her high school love, Clifford Mackeben, on February 10, 1952. They were graduates of the Stockton High School Class of 1948.

Betty’s life was centered around love for family, and friendships. Her love for “Cliff” never wavered over 68 years of marriage. She missed him immensely after his passing in 2020. Together they raised four children, travelled the country visiting all fifty states, and built many friendships in Stockton. They established a second community of friends having spent winters in Myrtle Beach, SC for 25 years. For many years, she and Cliff were an active team in many euchre and bridge card clubs around town. It’s safe to speculate they were considered champions of the once very active bridge club of Stockton!

Following high school graduation Betty attended hair salon school in Rockford, IL earning her credentials in hair styling. From the early 1950’s until retiring in 1992 she maintained an in-home beauty salon, servicing many Stockton residents.

Betty is survived by her children, Joan Lee Mackeben of Franklin, TN, David Mackeben of Sycamore, IL, Dan (Karen) Mackeben of Lodi, CA, Cathy (Butch) Magee of Stockton. Grandchildren, Mark Mackeben, Melanie (Chris) Stearns, Ben (Cora) Magee, Anna (Alex) Goulart, Dylan Mackeben, and great-grandchildren Audrey and Anthony Goulart, Grant and Colin Stearns, and Owen Magee, whose sister will be born in April 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers, Lester, Kenneth, Gerald (“Bud”), and Delmar.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date when a memorial fund will be established. Condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com

Dianne Lynn Frazier, 73

Dianne Lynn Frazier, 73, of Stockton, Illinois, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024. She was born October 15, 1951, to Kenneth and Shirley Frazier in Stockton, Illinois. Dianne was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and member of the Stockton community.

Dianne grew up on the Frazier farm, riding in the pickup truck beside her younger sister, Cindy. She enjoyed farm life, fishing, and many family vacations, including whitewater rafting in Colorado and a trip to New York City to see the World's Fair. Dianne was often spotted in town walking over to the Corner Tap to enjoy an ice-cold beer and a cheeseburger. She is now having her favorite meal — her mom's famous fried chicken and mashed potatoes — with Kenny, Shirley, and Cindy.

Dianne graduated from Stockton High in 1970 and was a member of Calvary Church of Stockton. Dianne worked at the Apple Canyon egg farm for over 30 years and most recently worked at The Workshop in Galena, Illinois.

The family would like to thank everyone in our Stockton village who cared for and looked out for Dianne over the years, especially her good friends at The Workshop. A special thanks also to Corky and everyone at the Anderson House.

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Shirley Frazier, and her sister, Cindy (Frazier) Reschke. Dianne is survived by her sister, Lori (Frazier) Rivera of Kenosha, Wisconsin; three nephews: Jeffrey Domain with wife, Jamie, Steven Domain Sr., and Jake Rivera with wife, Jenny; and a niece, Molly Rivera with partner, Jon.

A service will be held on Thursday, January 16, at 1:00 pm at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton, Illinois. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Workshop to support adults with disabilities in Jo Daviess County. Gifts can be made online at theworkshopgalena.org.

Karli Marie Weltzin, 39

Karli Marie Weltzin passed away on December 27, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on July 9, 1985 to Tina Buske and Tim Dower. Karli was known for her strength, love for her family and friends and dedication to her community.

Karli was a 2003 graduate of Stockton High School. She continued her education and graduated from Capri College in Dubuque, Iowa. She owned and operated Tomori Salon in Stockton until March of 2024. She was a dedicated member of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce and Stockton Strong, always committed to building and nurturing the community she grew up in. Karli married the love of her life, Josh Weltzin on July 26, 2014. Together, they brought two beautiful children into the world, Mia Marie Weltzin (5) and Lane Timothy Weltzin (3).

Karli was a woman of incredible strength and determination. She lived with a fierce commitment to health and wellness, passionately advocating for toxin-free living and natural remedies. Her conviction to stand by what she believed in was something that was admired by everyone who knew her. Although her journey with Triple Negative Breast Cancer came with immense challenges, Karli faced it with grace, courage, and an unwavering spirit. She taught all that knew her what it meant to live authentically and to fight for what truly matters. Her passing has left an irreplaceable void, but her light and her legacy will continue to shine on in our hearts and in the lives she touched.

Karli is survived by her husband, Josh, and their children, Mia and Lane; her parents, Tim and Tina Buske and Tim and Ronda Dower; brothers, Brandon (Kaydra) Heller, Nolan Buske and Garrett Buske; one sister, Madalyn (Jerek) Pontius; nephews, Tyler Heller, Jonathon Heller, Paul Heller and Bryer Pontius; soon-to-be niece, baby Pontius; grandparents, Jerry & Mary Feltmeyer, John and Mieko Dower and Shirley Toepfer; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her cousin, Daniel Santisteven.

A celebration of Karli’s life will be held on January 4, 2025, from 1-5 pm, at Woodbine Bend Golf Course in Stockton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for her children.

Terry Lee, 77

Terry Lee was a man with a gentle heart, artistic talent, generous spirit, and a witty sense of humor. He was born in Freeport, IL, on January 29, 1947, to the late Howard and Eleanor (Dick) Lee and passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, at FHN Hospital in Freeport.

Terry lived most of his 77 years in Stockton, IL. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1966 and went on to become a Barber serving the Stockton, Lena, Freeport and Galena communities. Terry loved his work. At his shop, the Yankee Clipper, the conversation was friendly, the haircuts were cheap and the TV was always playing old cartoons and shows.

Terry was a faithful member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Stockton his entire life. It is there you can find the largest collection of Terry’s stained-glass art. He spent thousands of hours creating beautiful original stained-glass masterpieces and repairing pieces for people across the region.

He was a legendary storyteller, who enjoyed spending time with family & friends, eating mint chocolate chip ice cream, and traveling the world with the love of his life – Sara. On Saturday nights, he could usually be found watching Svengoolie and maybe a round of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Everything he did in life was done with kindness and gratitude. Terry will be incredibly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his significant other, Sara Abbott of Stockton; his daughter, Jennifer (Leo Medrano) Carpenter of Winnebago; his step children, Molly (Greg) Schwebach of Middleton, WI and Andrew (Phuong) Young of Denver, CO; his grandchildren, Mikah, Jayda, Leo Jr., Leah, Greta, Marta, and Prescott; and his sister, Carol (Ron) Dallager of Two Harbors, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation was held on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Unitarian Universalist Church in Stockton from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A private family service was held last Monday. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Apple River

LaVerne F. Jordan, 82

LaVerne F. Jordan, 82 of rural Pecatonica, formerly of Apple River, IL passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Lena Living Center in Lena, IL. He was born on April 21, 1942, in Winslow, IL, to Henry and Vera (Lloyd) Jordan. He married Janene Gutzmer on October 23, 1970 in Peace Church in Browntown, WI. He was a member of the Warren United Methodist Church.

LaVerne is survived by his wife Janene, 3 daughters- Sherri (Rob) Zimmerman, Sheila (Rick) Amborn, and Jennifer (Sean) Pendleton; 7 grandchildren – Kaitlin Jackson, Kyle Zimmerman, Zachary Amborn, TJ Amborn, Merissa Ritschard, Michael Pendleton and Cody Pendleton; 12 great-grandchildren, sister Shirley Cardascio, and many extended family of loved ones and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Phyllis Hook.

Per LaVerne’s request no services will be held. Cremation rites to be accorded.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Lena Living Center Staff for their compassionate care and to St. Croix Hospice Staff for their comfort and support to LaVerne and his family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Lanark

Evan Mac Queckboerner, 83

Evan Mac Queckboerner, age 83, of Lanark, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Manor Court of Liberty Village.

He was born to Elsie (Schuchardt) and Harve Queckboerner in Freeport, IL on May 6th, 1941. He was baptized and was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church of Chadwick, then later Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lanark.

Evan enjoyed playing baseball and basketball for Chadwick High School, where he was one of thirteen students in his class, and despite never playing football, was even offered a football scholarship, although he chose not to accept. After graduating in 1959, he attended an auctioneer school in Mason City, IA and performed a few local auctions.

Evan was working on the family farm when he met Sharon Fuglsang and they married soon after on April 20th, 1962 in Clinton. IA. They celebrated 62 years of marriage together.

He stayed busy selling seed corn while farming and then later worked in sales. His final act of his working career was running his own lawncare business; something he always enjoyed.

In retirement, you could catch him on the golf course, playing cards with his buddies, and watching Illinois basketball. He very much enjoyed watching his three boys show cattle at the local fairs. One of his proudest moments was seeing them win Grand Champion Steer, at the Illinois State Fair in 1982. Later, a favorite activity of his was taking his grandchildren fishing and watching everyone’s sporting events. Evan was a member of various clubs including Masonic Temple and Lions club in Chadwick as well as the Fraternal order of Eagle’s (Freeport).

Proceeding him in death were his parents; brother, John; and sister, Margery. Evan is survived by his loving wife Sharon; three children, Scott (Janet) of Urbandale, IA, Terry (Christina) of Lewis, KS, and Mike (Michelle) of Freeport, IL; grandchildren, Jordan (Eryn), Jared, Tarah (Keegen), Evan, Owen, Lanah, and Grace; great grandchild, Korra; sister-in-law, Jan; nieces, Tammy and Sherri; and nephew, Tracy.

A private funeral service will be held for family at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lanark, IL, with a private burial to follow at the Chadwick Cemetery. Cremation rights will be accorded.

A memorial fund has been established.