Obituaries

Stockton

Judy Mae Ven Huizen, 82

Judy Mae Ven Huizen (82) joined her fellow saints in heaven on August 25, 2022. She was born March 31, 1940 in downtown Pleasant Valley, IL to Christoph and Marian (Haas) Beyer, the third of seven siblings. Judy attended Stockton High School before marrying Arnold (Arnie) Ven Huizen on March 10, 1956. Together they raised five amazing children on the family farm outside of Stockton.

Judy’s life of service began nearly immediately as she raised and instilled a life of hard work and generosity in her family and community. She found one of the best ways to reach people was through their stomachs. Judy baked hundreds of cakes, served thousands of meals and was a part of countless special occasions for families throughout the region with her restaurant and catering business.

Judy’s commitment to community was unmatched. More than being the catalyst of long-standing community events, she had an infectious positivity that attracted everyone to volunteer and trust in her vision. As a business owner, Judy entertained, hosted and was pivotal in the creation of the Stockton Christmas Walk and Taste of Stockton. Judy had a way of getting people involved in community projects and always let them know that the world was a better place for their efforts.

Main Street Café and The Gathering Place were the site of many good deeds and small miracles for those who took refuge within their doors. Patrons didn’t just come for a good meal, but also the shared wisdom, quick witty quip, extra encouragement and helping hands. A stranger never left the door of the café. She was appropriately named the “Mother of Main Street or MOMS” by her dear friend Lucy Miele, and the title could not have been more fitting for Judy.

Even after the café closed and catering occasions were retired, Judy continued to feed the community and anyone she met with her amazing food and love for each person. Anyone who passed through her doors was greeted with a warm smile, understanding conversation and left full of love and treats. She was an amazing organizer and volunteer for Christ Lutheran Church committees including ladies fellowship, Ruth Circle, as well as the church board.

While Judy preferred to work her good deeds in private, her efforts were called to attention many times with awards and accolades. She always believed in getting involved to help make things happen for the betterment of Stockton and Jo Daviess County. She found worthy commitments with the Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, Stockton Development Committee, Stockton Centennial Committee, Good Hope Memorial Cemetery, co-chair of the Stockton Kraft Family Reunion, Stockton Heritage Museum and co-chair of the Christ Lutheran Church Sesquicentennial. Judy was a pioneer for strong women business owners and was honored and surprised by her nomination for the Auxi Award for Women Business Owners from the Galena-Strauss Hospital Auxiliary in 1992.

Even more than her endless bags of popcorn, pans of rolls, and dishes of candy, Judy will be missed for her unrivaled kindness and support. Judy will always be celebrated by her dear children, Denise Albrecht, Dale (Stacie) Ven Huizen, Deanna Dow, Dixie (Bill) Zueger; all of Stockton, and Dawn (Chuck) Tillett of Cedar Park, TX. Judy’s 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren were her favorite people in the world; she would tell anyone who would listen. Judy is also survived by her two sisters Beverly Paisley of Stockton and Mila Beyer of Freeport and many close friends and extended family members.

She joins in heaven her husband Arnie, her parents, siblings Joanne Hoffman, Cletus Beyer, Gary Beyer, Melody Randecker, and son-in-law Dennis Albrecht.

The funeral service took place at Christ Lutheran Church at 10:30 am on Monday, August 29. A memorial has been established in her name. Condolences may be shared with Judy’s family at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Savanna

Charles Ernst Cahill, 68

Charles Ernst Cahill, of Savanna, IL, passed away Sunday, August 28, at his home. A celebration of Charles life was held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 3rd, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, followed by a memorial service.

Charles was born June 27, 1954, son of Charles and Henrietta (Heinrich) Cahill. He attended North Scott High School, graduating with the class of 1972. Charles served honorably in the United States Marine Corp. He attended and graduated from Iowa State University, Iowa University, and Syracuse University.

Charles served honorably at the Rock Island Arsenal for Joint Manufacturing Command, Joint Munitions Command, and Army Sustainment Command. Charles was deployed three times to Iraq, and three more times to Afghanistan. Charles served as master of Davenport Masonic Lodge #37, and Fraternal #221 Monarch of Mohassan Grotto. Charles was President of Illinois Grotto Association, as well as a member of KAABA Shrine.

In his free time Charles loved to fish and travel, and would often combine the two on fishing trips with family and friends. On trips to exotic lands, Chuck would use his vast knowledge to act as tour guide, explaining the sites. Chuck was always aware of what was going on in the world following the news and the stock market. If he felt like getting outside he would often golf or hunt.

Charles will be dearly missed by his loving wife Misty of Savanna; two step-sons, Kenneth Quinn of Savanna, and Dalton Quinn of Lena, IL; one step-daughter, Terri Howe; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; six siblings, Diane, Mary, Timothy, Daniel, Louise, and Patricia; and his life long friends, Kenny and Kathie Noel of Fruitland, IA.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 42 years, Patricia; and step-son, David.

Pearl City

Phyllis Louise (Schaffer) Purple, 81

Phyllis Louise (Schaffer) Purple passed away at her home on September 1st, 2022 in Byron, IL surrounded by her loving family after an extended illness.

She was born on March 14, 1941 in Peoria, IL to Ralph and Ruth (Bain) Schaffer. Phyllis married her high school sweetheart, Thomas J. Purple, on August 16 1959.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 63 years, sons Thomas Jr. (Tina) of Florida, Steven (Brenda) Pearl City, and daughter Christina (Patrick) Southwick of Byron. She was a loving and proud Grandmother to Tyler (Andrea) Volkers, Brandie (Nick) Mowell, Ashley (Andrew) Gronewold, Ryan (Kaleb) Southwick, Amy (Nick) Mullens, Jeffrey (Sara) Purple, Jacquelyn (Samuel) Entrenza, and nine great grandchildren. She is also survived by her Sister-in-Law Carol Kulas, a special family friend Karen Smith and their exchange student Yuko Sugata from Japan.

Preceding her in death are her parents, brothers Donald Schaffer and Eldon Schaffer.

Early in her work life she was employed as graphic artist for an advertisement company for various newspapers in the Midwest. Her artwork was used for advertisements of various services and merchandise. Her experience and talent as an artist gained the attention of many. She was approached to illustrate two children’s books and took great pride in sharing her talents with many young readers. Later she worked for the Illinois Department of Employment Security for several years before her retirement from the State of Illinois.

Phyllis shared her artistic creativity with her family and friends by painting and decorating their homes. She also enjoyed taking vacations within the United States and internationally with her husband and with her “girls”. She also enjoyed her dogs, gardening, old movies and being a grandmother and aunt. She adored her family and kept in touch with nieces and nephews as well as the family in Scotland.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Community Church in Pearl City. There will be a visitation on Friday, September 9, 2022 also at the church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.