Obituaries

Lena

Suzanne “Sue” McGivern, 84

Suzanne “Sue” McGiveron, 84, of Lena, IL passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021, at the Monroe Clinic Hospital in Monroe, WI.

Sue was born on June 27, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of LaClare and Elizabeth (Hearn) Smith. She attended Toledo University. Sue loved working at Golf Oil as an account representative in Toledo.

Sue married David McGiveron in May of 1964 in Dubuque, Iowa. After living in numerous places, they eventual moved “home” to Marshfield, Wisconsin, where they raised their four children on a Registered Angus operation. She was heavily involved with the farm as she did all the day-to-day farm records and “every errand Dad sent her on.” Sue believed strongly in volunteerism and lived her life serving various groups. She volunteered for the Wood County 4-H Association. She served as the County Leader’s Association Treasurer, Golden Glow 4-H Club Leader, Central Wisconsin State Fair Junior Fair Board Member, and on the Wisconsin State 4-H Leader Council. Sue was active in the Wisconsin (WJAA) and National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) and named both WJAA and NJAA Advisors of the Year.

In 1993, Sue and Dave purchased Lena Maid Meats and moved to Lena, Illinois. Sue managed the office and enjoyed talking with customers. Sue volunteered for the Lena Business and Professional Association.

Over the years, Sue had numerous hobbies including sewing, ceramics, basket weaving, scrapbooking and quilting. In her retirement, she loved making doll clothes, often referred to as Suzanne’s Doll Fashions, for her grandchildren, fundraisers and numerous children across Illinois and Indiana.

Sue is survived by her children- Ray McGiveron, Leanne McGiveron, Dan (Kelly) McGiveron and Dianne (Paul) Handsaker ; grandchildren- Ryleigh, Max, and Jake McGiveron, Garrett and Cheyenne Handsaker, and Josh and Paul McGiveron; sister Natalie Sawyer; brother-in-law Paul (Ann) McGiveron; and sister-in-law Paula Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband David on March 1, 2021, brother Ray Smith, and a son in infancy, Joey McGiveron.

No services will be held per Sue’s wishes. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Sue’s name and may be sent to the 4-H Foundation of Stephenson County at 2998 West Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL 61032, St. John’s Lutheran Church at P.O. Box 234, Pearl City, IL 61062, Columbus Catholic Schools at 710 South Columbia Avenue in Marshfield, WI 54449, or Northern Illinois Angus Association Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 25 Pearl City, IL 61062.

Elizabeth

Richard T. Gesiorski, 70

Richard T. Gesiorski, age 70, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away Sunday, April 18, 2021 at University of Iowa Hospital, in Iowa City, IA.

A funeral mass was held in his honor at St. John Catholic Church, in Hanover, IL, on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 10am. Visitation occurred one hour prior to mass. Burial will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, in Elwood, IL. Memorials may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America or the Chicago Police Dept. Memorial. Family and friends are invited to share in Richard’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Richard was born June 2, 1950, in Chicago, IL, the son of Thomas Gesiorski. In 1969, Richard joined the United States Army, faithfully serving his country in Vietnam through 1971. Following his time in active duty, he went on to service in the National Guard for a number of years. In 1981, Richard married Dolores Sweeney. The couple enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage, together.

Richard’s service to his country and his community didn’t end with his military career. He spent 50+ years in law enforcement, first for the Chicago Police Dept., then the Illinois Gaming Board. He remained a proud member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 928, of Northwestern Illinois. In his free time, Richard enjoyed fishing and golf, and was an avid dog lover, caring for many beloved dogs throughout his life.

Richard will be dearly missed by his wife, Dolores; brothers, Thomas Gesiorski, Richard (Patricia) Gesiorski, John (Veronica) Sweeney, and Guy (Susan) Sweeney; uncle, Donald Kaner; a niece; and numerous nephews and cousins. Richard is preceded in death by his father, Thomas.

Stockton

Murnice “Gene” Bartch, 91

Murnice “Gene” Bartch, age 91, of Stockton, IL passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born at home in Stockton on October 11, 1929 to the late Jesse and Alvie (Johnston) Bartch. Gene married Delma Endress on May 8, 1953. Delma passed away November 19, 2017.

Gene proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1954-55. He was very proud of his service and loved talking about it. He was a member of the Stockton VFW. Gene farmed his whole life and enjoyed fixing machinery and keeping an eye on the neighborhood. Most importantly, Gene was dedicated to his family and loved spending time with them.

He is survived by his sons, Thomas (Valeria) and Robert (Christina); his granddaughters, Michelle Bartch, Kimberly Bartch, Alisha Bartch and Katie Bartch; his grandson, Tyler Bartch; his great grandchildren, Daphney Bartch, Ivan Wickler, James Wickler, River Brenner, Wade Feltmeyer, Jedd Feltmeyer, Keller Otto and Weston Otto; his great great grandchildren, Scarlett Bartch and Oliver Pina; and his brother, Wayne (Jean) Bartch.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Roger R. Behrens, 76

Roger R. Behrens, age 76 of Stockton, IL passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021 at home.

He was born September 28, 1944 in Madison, WI to the late Edwin and Ethel (Flornes) Behrens. Roger married Janet McPeek in August of 1994.

He served in the U.S. Airforce during the Vietnam War. After the war, Roger served on the Arlington Heights Fire Department for over 25 years before retiring. He had also worked at the Stockton Blackhawk Golf Course and the Woodbine Bend Golf Course. Roger loved the outdoors, he was an avid fisherman and hunter, especially with his buddies from the Fire Department. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Behrens; his step children, Bobby, Andy, Rachel and Patrick; numerous step grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Earl and Edward; and his sister, Dolores.

He will always be remembered for his dry sense of humor and his huge heart, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Cremation rites have been accorded. No services will be held. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.