Obituaries

Lena

Larry Nelson, 78

In loving memory of Larry Nelson, who peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Lena Living Center in Lena, Illinois. Born on August 19, 1945, in Morrison, Illinois, Larry was the beloved middle child of Francis and Dorothy Nelson. On June 7, 1968, he embarked on a lifelong journey of love and companionship when he married Kimberlee “Kim” Schoonhoven, of Lanark, IL.

Larry spent his formative years on a Shannon, Illinois farm. He attended Shannon Schools and pursued his passion for education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, where he earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Throughout his life, Larry wore many hats. He dedicated over three decades of his career from 1967-2000 as a High School English teacher in the Lena-Winslow School District, shaping the lives of countless students. After retirement, he transitioned to a new chapter, working as an insurance adjuster and inspector for West Point Mutual Insurance Company of Lena from 2002 to 2017.

Larry had a passion for writing and primarily was a self-taught photographer. Before beginning his teaching career, he contributed stories and images to the Rockford Morning Star. He was particularly proud of his article and pictures capturing the Lena train wreck on Christmas Eve 1968, which made front page headlines and on the national wire services. He had a photo darkroom in his basement and loved seeing a picture come to life on paper. Through the years he was known for his captivating photographs, especially of barns, which he turned into calendars and books. His snapshots of the Village of Lena Water Tower were made into postcards and puzzles which were sold at Lena Drug Store. His photographs captured the beauty and emotion of the world around him and were his way of connecting and giving back to his community. His photography also documented landscapes, flowers, animals, and birds of Northern Illinois, with a special affinity for eagles and bluebirds. He lent his talents to the Northwestern Illinois Farmer and Shoppers Guide paper where he had a column called “Patch” If Larry wasn’t using his camera, he was often seen on his trusty Ford tractor with his tiger cat riding along while he mowed the lawn and enjoying nature.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Kim Nelson of Lena, Illinois; his children, Rachel Zipsie of Greenville, Michigan, and Corey Nelson of Lena, Illinois; one grandchild, Aleese (Rane) Stone of Kansas City, Kansas; two great-grandchildren, Odin and Rhys Stone; two sisters, Gayle (Wayne) Schou and Martha (Jim) Moellenberndt, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Larry was a member of the Lena United Methodist Church, where he held various positions on church committees, choir, and men’s singing group called Joyful Noise. He was also actively involved in the school’s Panther Press and founder of LW-TV. Since it’s inception at the Lena Winslow High School, channel 10 was the place to have community access to events happening in the community, a telethon to raise money for the food pantry, and live broadcasting of sporting and other school events. He was recognized in 2000 as Grand Marshal of the Lena Fall Festival.

A funeral service in honor of Larry’s life will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport, Illinois, with Pastor Doug Carroll officiating. The service will be private, reserved for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Lena-Winslow Foundation, a scholarship fund supporting students pursuing education majors, or Odin’s Heart Foundation.

If you would like to share memories about Larry, please sign the online guest book at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Beverly “Bev” Lindenman, 83

Beverely “Bev” Lindenman, 83, of Lena, IL passed away peacefully on September 29, 2023 at Parkview Home in Freeport, IL. Bev was born on May 19, 1940 to Kenneth and Sylvia (Frenzel) Moyer in Dixon, IL. She graduated from Freeport High School in 1958. Bev married Earl Lindenman on September 29, 1961 and together they raised four daughters.

Bev farmed alongside her husband Earl while raising their four daughters. Once the girls were grown, Bev started working at various businesses throughout the area; Kolb-Lena, Lena State Bank, Shopko, Moore Business Forms, and Swiss Colony. She was a past member of Lena United Methodist Church. Bev enjoyed collecting figurines such as lighthouses and deer. She enjoyed watching Earl pull his tractor at tractor pulls, bowling, watching figure skating and traveling the United States; especially anywhere that she could watch the wildlife. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She enjoyed watching their sporting events, but most of all, she loved spending time with them.

Bev is survived by her daughters; Laura (Tony Celletti) Hartney of Freeport, Janet (Kevin Pax) Lindenman of Lena, Debbie Harder of Evansville, WI and Susan Woods of Freeport, four grandchildren; Nicky Betthauser, Brandon (Tara) Harder, Bradley Harder, and Tegan Woods, three great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and her siblings; Charlene Jackson, Kendalyn Sherman, and Kim (LuAnn) Moyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, great-granddaughter Hailey Betthauser, and her son-in-law Michael Woods.

Per Bev’s request, no services will be held.

Gerald K. Rogers, 86

Gerald K. Rogers, 86 of Lake in the Hills, IL, formerly of Lena, IL passed away with his family by his side on October 2, 2023. He was born on June 14, 1937, to Ernest and Anna Marie (Koehne) Rogers in Darlington, WI. He graduated from Darlington High School in 1956. He joined the US Army on September 19, 1956, and served his country for the next two years. He then was in the army reserves until 1962. He attended the University of Wisconsin- Platteville where he obtained his bachelor’s degree before going onto Northern Illinois University to complete his master’s in education. He had a long career with District #25 in Arlington Heights, IL. On August 5, 1971, he married Beverly Cazel in Arlington Heights, IL.

Gerald was an avid reader, dedicated historian, and a fan of all things Wisconsin.

He is survived by his wife Beverly, son Jeffrey (Kathleen) Rogers and 3 grandchildren- Ryan, Katelyn, and Erin Rogers.

He is preceded in death by his parents and numerous siblings.

A visitation took place on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 10:00am-12:00 pm at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. A private family burial will take place at Lena Burial Park.

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

Stockton

Dorothy Jean Schreck, 79

Dorothy Jean Schreck, age 79, of Madison, WI, and formerly Stockton, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. After a debilitating battle with lung disease, Dorothy waded through the shallow waters to The Far Side Banks of Jordan and into the waiting arms of her beloved daughter, Kelly Jean, who pre-deceased her in 1978.

Dorothy was born May 17, 1944, to Francis and Ferne (Wills) Gallagher in Freeport, IL. She was a 1962 graduate of Warren High School. That same year she married Robert Schreck on June 3, 1962, in Nora, IL. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and the Naomi Circle, Stockton, IL.

Dorothy was a wife, mother and homemaker until 1978, then she began her first responder career as a Charter Member of the Stockton Community Ambulance. She was a longtime CPR Instructor/Trainer for the American Heart Association and a First Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross. Her other careers included co-owning and operating DJ’s Village Variety in Stockton, Atwood/Excel Industries first aid and administrative offices, and later retiring from Freeport Health Network as a medical transcriptionist. After retirement, she was a founding member of The Council Hill Station Band and cat mom to Gus and Lady Gray.

Survivors include her husband, Robert, of Madison, WI; two children, Michael (Jamie) Schreck; Colorado Springs, CO; Cammie Schreck (David Ringoen), Madison, WI; Gus the cat; grandchildren Jennifer Wright, Hawley, TX and Jenni (Josh) Weiland, Petosi, WI; five great-grandchildren Macie (Devin) Baker, Ravin Wright, Gage Wright, Sylas Stevens and Jurnee Gerber; one great-great grandson Weston Baker; brother William (Suzanne) Gallagher and sister Ruth (Jim) Sturtevant all of Freeport, IL; sisters-in-law Diane Foley and Linda Lowery of Chehalis, WA, and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Kelly Jean; in-laws Douglas and Hazel Schreck; brothers-in-law Bernie Schreck and Chuck Foley; and Lady Gray.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 9, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church, Stockton, IL. Family burial will be at Ladies Union Cemetery, Stockton, IL, on Tuesday, October 10.

Dorothy’s family would like to thank the following staff for the care and compassion provided as her health needs increased; Freeport Health Network, Tri-State Homecare, Renaissance Senior Living - Hilldale, UW Hospital & Clinics, UW Health Care Direct Home Health and Agrace Hospice Services.

Dorothy will be remembered fondly for many things and among them; she was always willing to whip up a slow cooker of beans or a dessert for a potluck or luncheon, league bowling with friends, midnight trips with Bob to the casino to “drop a few coins” and playing music with family and friends in her later years. But remembered most of all as a loving amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend. She lived her life with patience, grace and a subtle Irish wit. Rest Easy Dot.

Donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to honor Dorothy’s favorite causes. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Gratiot

William “Bill” Raisbeck, 78

William “Bill” Robert Raisbeck, 78, of Machesney Park, IL passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday September 27, 2023 at Javon Bae Hospital in Rockford, IL. Bill was born on June 25, 1945 to Robert and Arlene (Robertson) Raisbeck in Darlington, WI. He married Marlene Sue DeVoe and together they raised two children. For the last 27 years, Bill has been with his life partner, Jake Snider.

Bill enjoyed traveling to casinos, especially Ho-Chunk and Las Vegas. He enjoyed playing cards with his siblings, and spending time with his grandchildren. Selfless, free-willed, and helpful; Bill would help anyone, and give anyone the shirt off of his back.

Bill is survived by his sons; Cory (Kim) Raisbeck of Paris, TN and Toby (Jenny) Raisbeck of Mazomanie, WI, grandchildren; Bryanna (Ricky) Henry, Kanyen Raisbeck, HaVin Raisbeck, and Eastyn Raisbeck, and one great-grandchild due in December, his life partner; Jake Snider of Machesney Park, IL, siblings; Barb Bunker, Wayne Raisbeck, John Raisbeck, Rick Raisbeck, Janet Bennett, Dale Raisbeck, Gail Raisbeck, and Kathy Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings; Danny Raisbeck, Mark Raisbeck, Randy Raisbeck, and Becky Burris.

Per Bill’s request, no services will be held. A private family burial will take place at the Gratiot Cemetery in Gratiot, WI.

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