Obituaries

Stockton

Lonnie M. Cheeney, 54

Lonnie M. Cheeney, 54, of Stockton, IL passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at his home, doing what he loved, hunting.

He was born on October 24, 1965 to Frank and Loretta (Moe) Cheeney in Freeport, IL. He married Tina Brinkmeier on May 23, 1987 and together they had three children. He worked for many years for Stephenson Service in Stockton as a plant sight supervisor.

Lonnie was an avid hunter, who enjoyed fishing, riding his motorcycle, playing his guitar, and in his younger years, singing karaoke. He was a man with old fashioned values, he would give the shirt off of his back to anyone, and he could fix and build anything. He was kind, and would never hold a grudge. Lonnie had a great sense of humor, and an appetite, always going through the fridge to find a “snack” or dessert. Lonnie’s family was his biggest blessing, he especially loved his grandchildren.

Lonnie is survived by his children; Jeff (Jessica Dowd) Cheeney of Nora, IL, Tamra (Jason) Brown of Lena, IL and Caleb Cheeney of Pueblo, CO, grandchildren; Braelynn and Brinley Cheeney, Alyssa, Carter, and Willow Brown, mother; Loretta Cheeney of Warren, IL, brothers; Leon (Lori) Cheeney, and Troy (Mary) Cheeney, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Father Martin, brother Curtis Cheeney, and beloved dog Mickey.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL. Visitation was from 4:00-8:00 PM on Friday, November 29, 2019, and again from 10:00 AM until time of services on Saturday at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Burial will be at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

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

Freeport

Dean E. Werkheiser, 75

Dean E. Werkheiser, age 75 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the University of Madison Hospital in Madison, WI.

He was born February 19, 1944 in Lena, IL to Mervin and Marian (Koesler) Werkheiser. He was a 1962 graduate of Pearl City High School. Dean married Patsy Haight on November 20, 1966.

He had worked various tool & die jobs in the area over the years and retired from Sauer-Danfoss. He attended First Free Methodist Church of Freeport. His memberships included the Freeport Piolet’s Association and Freeport Fishing Club. His passion was flying and he owned his own plane. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing his dulcimer, which he did as a volunteer for FHN Hospice music therapy. Most of all Dean loved spending time with his family, especially taking them fishing and enjoying ice cream together.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patsy Werkheiser of Freeport; son, Kevin (Connie) Werkheiser of Charleston, TN; daughter, Laurie (Tim) Coleman of Freeport; grandchildren, Kristopher (Emily) Valkema, Kyle (Tiffany) Valkema, Michael (Cori Curtis) Smith, and Ashley (Grayson) Kent; great grandchildren, Aiden Valkema and Luna Mae Smith; brother, Charles Werkheiser of PA; and sister, Karen (Ron) Targo of Glendale, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert.

A visitation was held on Sunday, December 1st from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary in Freeport. The funeral service was Monday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at First Free Methodist Church in Freeport. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Condolences may be shared at http://www.walkermortuary.com.