Obituaries

Lena

Wesley W. Thill, 91

Wesley W. Thill, 91, of Lena passed away peacefully on January 17, 2020 at Pearl Pavilion in Freeport.

He was born on Christmas day in 1928 in Clayton WI to William and Ruth (Bruss) Thill. He married Betty Keppen in August 1948 at the Brethren Church. Wesley was a cheese maker at Excelsior Cheese Factory in Lena alongside his father William, receiving many awards during his career. In his free time Wesley and his wife Betty enjoyed going camping and were apart of Good Sam’s Camping club, Freeport Campers, Stagecoach campers and Blackhawks Campers.

He is survived by his daughters; Diana Thill-Reed of Freeport, IL, Christine Woolcock of Waddams Grove, IL , son; Mark (Linda) Thill of Dakota, IL, Grandchildren; Helen Reed, Laurinda (Nathan) Howe, Talena (Scott) Wuebbels, Victoria Thill, 5 great-grandchildren, brothers; Lowell Thill, David (Pat) Thill, Ronnie (Henrietta) Thill, and Carlyle (Claire) Thill.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty in 2015, and his brother Marvin Thill.

Visitation was held from 6-8:00 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Leamon’s Funeral Home in Lena, IL. Funeral service was held at 12:00 PM Noon, on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Freeport Church of the Brethren in Freeport, IL. Officiating was Pastor Christina Singh. Interment will take place at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

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

Savanna

Alice Jeannie Rogers, 89

Alice J. Rogers, age 89, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020, at her home in Savanna.

A funeral service was held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, January 23, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna. Visitation was held from 10:00-12:00 noon, prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Savanna Public Library. Family and friends are invited to share in Jeanie’s life at http://www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Jeanie was born August 3rd, 1930 in Freeport, Illinois, to Frank and Frances (Clouser) Garner. Upon the death of her mother Frances in 1945, Jeanie went to live with her uncle and aunt, James (Matt) and Lilian Garner. She graduated from Lanark High School in 1948 and from Blackburn College in 1950. Jeanie married Edward A Rogers in Savanna in 1952. They were parents of six children. She enjoyed playing golf, reading, and playing cards. Jeanie was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Savanna. She did volunteer work at the church.

Jeanie is survived by her children, David (Barb) Rogers, Kathleen (Floyd) Wehr, Thomas (Marlana) Rogers, Steven (D’Arcye) Rogers, and Amy Rogers; eight grandchildren, Kali, Blake, Samuel, Michael, Anne, Lilian, Nick, and Alex; two step grandchildren, Ryan, and Lindsey; two great grandchildren, Dagney, and Archie; and three step great grandchildren, Kira, Luka, Eli.

Jeanie is preceded in death by her mother and father, her aunt and uncle, her sister Barbara Roth, her husband, her son Michael, and by her daughter-in-law Cathy.

Freeport

Andrew Harmon Bro, 89

Andrew Harmon Bro, Episcopal priest, playwright, co-founder with Donald Mackay of Timber Lake Playhouse summer stock theater, and fund raising executive, died Thursday January 16, 2020 in Freeport IL. He was 89.

Andrew (“Andy”) was born in Chicago (Hyde Park) IL, the youngest of four children, to Albin Carl and Margueritte Harmon Bro, educational missionary parents who had transitioned from their clerical assignments in China to work at the University of Chicago. Andy began his public schooling in Hyde Park. At the age of 8 he transferred to the Mount Carroll IL public schools when his father began serving as the president of Frances Shimer Junior College, then located in the same town. He attended two years of high school at the Peddie School in Highstown NJ and returned to Mount Carroll, completing high school under a special diploma (signed by his father at Shimer College).

In 1948 he matriculated at Denison University of Granville OH, a member of the Sigma Chi social fraternity. From 1950-1951 he took a gap year to join his mother, an established and well-published author, on a circumnavigational trip. Aboard an old Danish cargo ship, they were the only passengers. The trip took them from New Orleans LA, through the Panama Canal, and across the Pacific Ocean to Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Djakarta Indonesia. There they disembarked to meet Andy’s father who was on leave from Shimer, assigned as a Foreign Service Reserve officer and cultural attaché at the United States embassy. Andy stayed on several months to visit the country as his mother collected information to compose her next book. On his own, Andy completed his world tour aboard several more ships, traveling through the Suez Canal, the Strait of Gibraltar, to England, and ultimately returned to New York City by ocean liner. He graduated Denison University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Theater. After his graduation, he returned to Chicago to begin a three year Masters in Theology program at the University of Chicago and also worked with a theater group around Hyde Park for two years. At the request of Bishop Frank Burrill, Diocese of Chicago, Andy spent the third year at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, located in Evanston IL.

In 1955 he met Adalu “Lu” Carpenter, originally from Las Vegas NV. They were married July 28,1956 at the Church of the Redeemer in Hyde Park and set up house in Evanston IL as Andy completed his studies. On December 21, 1957 Andy was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in a ceremony at Saint James Cathedral, Chicago. He remained a canonical resident of the Diocese of Chicago for his clerical tenure. Over his 62 years in the ministry he supplied part-time to a dozen Episcopal parishes in rural Illinois and Iowa and served as interim priest at a number of parishes.

Following his ordination and first job as an assisting priest at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Wilmette IL, he accepted the position of Chaplain in the fall of 1959 at Shimer College, now a coeducational Great Books college. His initiatives to broaden the speech and theater program at the college resulted in the development of the Green Curtain college club of players. In time he met Don Mackay, Carroll County landowner, craftsman, and nursery proprietor, and in 1961, with Don’s donation of land and lumber, they founded together Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), a summer stock theater venue two miles outside of Mt. Carroll. With a coterie of dedicated local and regional volunteers and business owners, the theater opened in 1962. Nearly 60 years later TLP is Illinois’ oldest continuously operating professional and resident summer stock theater company. Andy served as its principal Artistic and Executive Director during its first two decades and mentored many young theatrical artists, some of whom went on to larger professional careers in acting, directing, stage managing, and technical theater.

Andy and Lu moved with their two young children to Iowa City IA in 1964 to complete tandem graduate degrees at the University of Iowa. Alongside completing his Master of Fine Arts in playwrighting in 1969, Andy traveled frequently to New York City to meet with theater professionals there, with hopes of launching his play on Broadway. The contacts he made during his graduate school days would remain his closest friends and confidants over the years.

In the 1980s Andy transitioned into fundraising for air and space museums, capitalizing on his love of airplanes. Andy shared a personal, numerological link with the Wright brothers who flew the first successful airplane on December 17, 1903. Andy was born on this day in 1930.

In 1988 he formed The Prentice Company, serving as its CEO until its dissolution in 2012. The company engaged in conglomerate efforts with other business and arts management groups to raise money for dozens of national museums and organizations, to include the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh WI; the Museum of Flight in Seattle WA; the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Honolulu HI; and the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC. Andy worked closely with members of the British Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation (RAFMAF) to establish its foothold within the US. On a 2003 visit to England during a celebration of the Wright brothers’ 100th anniversary of their historic flight, Andy met Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the leading sponsor of the RAFMAF.

Despite Andy’s beginnings on Chicago’s South Side, he became an avid, die-hard Chicago Cubs baseball fan early on and took advantage of most any opportunity to catch the Cubs at Wrigley Field or at their spring training ground in Arizona. Once before a spring training game he picked up a random baseball that had rolled away from the main practice and caught Ernie Banks in time to get his signature on the ball.

Andrew is survived by his beloved wife Lu of 63 years; his daughter Sarah (Chad) Bro of Frederick MD; his son Gustav “Gus” Bro of Santa Barbara CA; several cousins; and three generations of devoted nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Albin and Margueritte Bro, brothers (and sisters-in-law) Harmon (June) Bro, Kenneth (Patricia) Bro, and his sister (and brother-in-law) Alice (Emanuel) Racher.

A funeral service followed by an informal reception will take place at 11:00 AM at Grace Episcopal Church, 10 S. Cherry Street, Freeport IL on Thursday January 30, 2020. The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of Chicago, will preside. All are invited to attend. Law Jones Funeral Home is overseeing arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road; Mount Carroll IL; 61053. Indicate “Andy Bro Memorial” on the donation.

Warren

Charles R. Bailey II, 79

Charles R. Bailey II, age 79 of Warren, IL, formerly from Aurora, IL, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born December 31, 1940 in New Albany, MS; the son of Charles R. and Ada Marie (Hall) Bailey. He married Lois Hudspath on September 5, 1959 in Aurora, IL.

Charles worked for Faskure Division in Aurora. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #682 of Aurora. He enjoyed fishing and car racing. Charles and Lois bowled on leagues throughout the years. He also loved to go camping with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Bailey; daughters, Peggy (Rick) Raper, Joyce (Dean) Weber, and Lisa McNett; son, Charles R. Bailey III; grandchildren, Stacy Weber, Crystal Lemon, Ann (Mike) Heath, Robert (Brittney) Landreth, Christopher Landreth, Nikolai (Joss) McGee, Jessica (Cory) Newingham, Jerod McNett, and Charles Bailey IV; great grandchildren, Katrina Weber, Mario Ruiz, Shawn Heath, Hailey Landreth, Rylan Heath, Rowan McGee, Layla Selzer; sisters, Faye Wallingford and Jackie Holland; and brother, Carl Craig.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Craig; father, Charles Bailey I; sister, Helen Littlejohn; brothers, Julius Craig, Danny Craig, and Ricky Craig; son-in-law, Jerry McNett; and many aunts, uncles & cousins.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family service will be held. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

June Dawson, 85

June Dawson, age 85 formerly of Warren, IL, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Walnut Acres in Freeport, IL.

She was born June 15, 1934 in Apple River, IL, the daughter of Roy and Edna (Farrey) Downs. June married Donald Dawson on February 9, 1952 at the Warren United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed gardening, playing Bingo, and bowling on the Sisterett’s team. June loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Warren Women’s Club, and the Warren United Methodist Church Women’s Club.

June is survived by her three sons- Dennis (Vickie) Dawson, Steve (Jackie) Dawson, and Chuck (Jeannie) Dawson all of Warren; grandchildren- Celeste Dawson (Barry Hodge, fiancée) of Warren, Corky (Jennifer) Dawson of Freeport, Dylan Dawson of Warren, Alicia (Dustin) Sigafus of Gratiot, Andrew (Megan Hutmacher) of Pearl City, Logan Dawson of Warren, and Lynnea Dawson (Calvin Gahm) of Warren; great grandchildren- Theron Kurth, Taylor and Trevor Dawson, Addison, Evan and Layla Sigafus; sisters Joyce Zeal of Warren and Donna Feltmeyer of Warren, and brother-in-law Leland “Bud” Pierce of Stockton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald Dawson in 2006, six sisters and a brother.

Visitation was from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren. Funeral Service took place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Warren United Methodist Church. Officiating was Rev. Roger Bronkema. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery. Luncheon followed at the Warren United Methodist Church.

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

Stockton

Dolores A. Dee Hacker, 89

Dolores A. (Dee) Hacker age 89 of Cary, IL died Monday, January 13 at Waverly Place of Stockton in Stockton, IL.

She was born August 15, 1930 in Oak Park, IL to William and Loretta (Curtis) Hacker. She grew up in Barrington, IL and was a member of the 1948 Graduating class. One of the last classes to graduate from the “old” Barrington High School on Hough Street.

She had originally worked for Brandt Dairy in Barrington, later bought by the Borden Dairy and remained with them for a total of 23 years. She later worked for Tru-Cut, Inc. in Cary, IL (owned by the Lebar Family) and retired after 23 years with that company. She worked in the Accounting Department for both companies. She was originally a member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Barrington, IL and then became a member of St. Peter and Paul Church when she moved to Cary, IL in 1966. Dee had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, playing cards and bowling. She was a fan of the White Sox, Chicago Bears and The Bulls. Her favorite T.V. show was Jeopardy.

She is survived by a niece Laurie (Jim) Brenner of Stockton, IL. A Nephew James Brandel of Amboy, IL. Grand Nephews Nathan (Susie) Brenner, Shane and Chase Brenner, Harley and Mason (Kristina) Brandel. A Grand Niece Brooke Moore. Her great grand nieces and nephews Eve, Eli, Eden, Ezri Moore, Lucas and Leo Brenner and River Brenner.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother in law Ruth and Olen Brandel and friend of 30 years Homer (Pat) Patten.

Memorials in her name may be made to: St. Jude Children’s research Hospital Memorial and Honors Program Memorial and Honor Gifts P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142 Or a Charity of the Donor’s Choice.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton at 6:30 p.m. A committal service was held on Monday, January 20, 2020 in the chapel at Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary in Cary, IL at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Robert W. Zarn, 81

Robert (Bob) W. Zarn, 81, of Stockton, passed away suddenly on his farm on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.

Born on November 7, 1938 in Lemont, IL, Bob was the son of Arthur and Antionette (Herbert) Zarn. He graduated from Downers Grove High School. He farmed near Woodridge, IL until he moved to Stockton to continue farming. Bob met Janice in Woodridge, and they married on July 10, 1971. They were married 48 years.

Bob enjoyed his life on the farm milking cows. After retiring he enjoyed watching his favorite Westerns on television, mowing the lawn, taking care of the birds and his canine companion, Minnie. Bob loved all his tractors and wasn’t picky about the color. He enjoyed the time he had with his grandchildren. Bob grew some great pumpkins for his grandkids and continued to farm by baling hay for the horses.

Survivors include his wife, Janice; two daughters, Cheryl Zarn of Winnebago, IL and Jennifer (Ty) Malcom of Dubuque, IA; two grandchildren, Henrey and Riley Malcom; and one brother, Harold Zarn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Zarn; sister, Laverda Mammen; and niece, Ardella Heinz.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. also at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared with Bob’s family at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.