Obituaries

Stockton

Duane “Kupe” G. Kupersmith, 91

Duane “Kupe” G. Kupersmith, age 91, of Stockton, IL passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at St. Joseph Center in Freeport, IL. He was born on March 15, 1931 in Freeport to the late Adolph and Emma Lena (Grebner) Kupersmith. Duane married Donna Evans on June 26, 1955 at the EUB Church in Stockton.

Kupe was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Grey Beards and Stockton VFW. He was also a FFA Alumni and a huge supporter of the FFA program. His passion was farming. His farm, known as Kuper’s Acres had Grade A Registered Purebred Holsteins. He also loved to grow vegetables of all kinds. He had worked for the Stockton School District, Petras Dental Office, in the pit crews at the Freeport race track, and he made donuts for Grandma Lloyds. He also served on the Warren Fair Board. Kupe was an entrepreneur and dreamer who loved to tell stories.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Kupersmith of Stockton; his sons, Bob (Marjorie) Kupersmith of Monroe, WI and Bill Kupersmith of Stockton; his daughters, Barb Williams of Stockton, Bev (Mike) Williams of Scales Mound, Brenda (Keith) Jakel of Scales Mound and Betty (Jeff) Keuter of Platteville, WI; his 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 13 with 3 on the way great great grandchildren and 2 great great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Helen and Harry Evans; his brother, Gary; his son-in-law, Barney Williams; and his daughter-in-law, Kelly.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Calvary United Methodist Church in Stockton at 12:00 p.m. There was a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lena

Sandra Ellen Knutsen, 64

Sandra Ellen Knutsen, age 64, of Lena, IL passed away Monday, March 6, 2023 at home. She was born in Rockford, IL to Gene and Rogene (Beck) Martini.

Sandra had worked at Dura for 20 years and bartended at various locations. She had a passion for animals, especially her horse who she loved to ride. She enjoyed being outdoors, boating and fishing.

She is survived by her mother, Rogene Martini; her significant other, Mike Schiess; her son, Johnnie Maiden; her daughters, Sheena Reilly and Candice Knutsen; and her grandchildren, Connor, Raeann, Callie, Alayna and Anya. She was preceded in death by her father and her grandparents.

No services will be held. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.