Obituaries

Lake Carroll

Richard Laesch, 82

Richard Laesch, age 82, of Lake Carroll, IL passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023. He was born on June 16, 1941 in New Ulm, MN to the late Carl and Loretta (Dawidiak) Laesch. Richard married Judith Hayes, she passed away in 1979. He married Mary Stevens on September 26, 2009.

Richard was a member of St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Shannon where he was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Lake Carroll Fishing Club and Equestrian Club. Richard had worked as a sheet metal worker for most of his life. He enjoyed working with his horses, visiting with his friends over a donut and cup of coffee, and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters, Sandy McMillian, Cindy Sebion, Mandy Laesch and Wendy (Kevin Carr) Laesch; his step children, Sandra (Tom) Dunmore, John (Elaine) Stevens and Michael (Jody) Stevens; his grandchildren, Brittney, Lanie and Leia; his step grandchildren, Kirstin, Amelia and Ashley; his three great grandchildren; his sisters, Barbara Anderson, Betty Triplett and Deborah Rice; and his brother, Joseph Dawidiak. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judy; and his brothers, Carl and Peter.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Shannon at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Seneca, IL. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Winslow

Patricia “Pat” L. Miller, 92

Patricia “Pat” L. Miller, 92, of Winslow, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL. Pat was born on July 19, 1931 to Leland and Ruth (Bennehoff) Kilian in rural Winslow. She graduated from Winslow High School in 1948 and Brown’s College of Commerce in 1950. Pat married Richard Miller on July 28, 1951 at Amity Lutheran Church in Lena. Pat farmed, ran a restaurant, and was a secretary/bookkeeper at Freeport High School and Lena-Winslow School District 202. After 31 years, Pat retired from Lena-Winslow School District.

Pat liked to read, work jigsaw puzzles, bake, and play piano. She was a member of the McConnell United Methodist Church, the Winslow American Legion Auxiliary, Isabel Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for 70 plus years. For many years, Pat was a secretary for the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and Rock Lily Cemetery.

Pat is survived by her daughter Terri (Ken) Rose of Winslow, IL; two grandchildren Matthew (Traci) Rose of Beaver Dam, WI, and Sarah (Randy) Randolph of Havre, MT; great-grandchildren Dane Rose, Nicole (Chris) Jensen, Carlos “Tony” Gallegos, Joram and Brin Randolph; sister Marjorie Barker, and a brother-in-law, Al (Barbara) Goodman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1992, son Lynn in 1968, sisters Helen Goodman and Carol Dickerson and a brother Kieth Kilian.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. A visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Burial will be at Rock Lily Cemetery in Winslow. Ernest Stabenow officiated the services.

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

Richard Diffenderfer, 87

Richard Diffenderfer, 87, of Winslow, IL passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. He was born on January 21, 1936 to Charles and Edna Diffenderfer. He married Mary Garnhart on July 31, 1955. Together they raised five children.

Richard farmed most of his life. After retiring from farming Richard could still be seen at the sale barns, checking the price of cattle.

Richard is survived by his children- Rhonda (Jim) Wessels, Tammy (Steve) Webster, Mark (Kathy) Diffenderfer, and Todd (Jodi) Diffenderfer.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary and his son Scott.

Richard will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Close Family Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at the Grace Free Methodist Church in McConnell. Visitation was held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the Grace Free Methodist Church. Officiating the service was Pastor Ryan Klein.

Interment will take place at Silent Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Stockton

Sharon Lee Eden, 82

Sharon Lee Eden, age 82, of Stockton, IL passed away Friday, November 24, 2023 at Lena Living Center. She was born in Sioux City, IA on January 28, 1941 to the late Clarence and Mildred (Sherwood) Stilwell. Sharon married Marlin Eden on October 17, 1964. They recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.

She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Massbach. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1959 and went on to Nurses Training and graduated in 1962. After graduation, she traveled with her nurse friends across the U.S. Sharon worked as a nurse for the Denver Hospital, Clinton Hospital, Elizabeth Nursing Home and Stockton Nursing Home before retiring as a Surgical Nurse from Freeport Memorial Hospital. She also helped her husband farm while raising their two children. Sharon enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, playing the piano, singing, quilting, fishing, dancing, playing cards, bowling and watching football on Sundays. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends, especially watching the grandkids sporting events.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Marlin Eden; her daughter, Tammy Cahill; her son, Tim (Rena) Eden; her grandchildren, Chris Cahill, Jackie (Kyle) Dick, Brittni (Jake) Hawkins, Kati Eden (Jake Homan) and Brodi Eden (Maryssa Neels); her great grandchildren, Abraham Dick, Holly Dick and Sabrina Dick; her sister, Linda Kaup; her sister-in-law, June Eden; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers-in-law, Carl Kaup and Kenneth Eden.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Sharon’s caretaker, Karen (David) Sloan, Freeport Hospital, Dr. McFadden and staff, and the very caring staff at Lena Living Center.

A private family service will be held with a Celebration of Life at a later date. Interment will take place at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Massbach. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Warren

Dennis Davis, 66

Dennis Davis, age 66 of Warren, IL, passed away on Tuesday November 28, 2023 after a year long battle with cancer at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born on November 11, 1957 in Freeport, IL, to William and Marian (Snyder) Davis. He graduated from Warren High School in 1976. Dennis worked at Eaton Corporation, Warren, IL and Sauer-Danfoss, Freeport, IL. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop, collectibles, and had a deep love for his cats and dogs.

He is survived by his son Garrett (Amy) Davis of Monroe, WI; 3 grandchildren- Hudson, Adelyn and Ella; brothers and sisters- William Mark Davis, Brian (Joanne) Toay, Rose (Gary) Cashman, Mary Jo (Rodger) Miller, David (Anna) Davis, Rich (Julie) Davis, Bob (Cindy) Davis, John (Colleen) Davis, Betty (George) Schmelzle, Pat (Gary) Johnson and Marilyn Davis. Also, many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, sister Joyce Davis, brothers James and Larry Davis.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren. Private family graveside services at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Galena.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Kathryn Helene Reed, 88

Kathryn Helene Reed, 88, formerly of Warren, Illinois, passed away on November 25, 2023, at the Lafayette Manor in Darlington, Wisconsin. Kathryn was born on September 18, 1935, to Luke and Berneice (Hall) Saunders, and she married Raymond Lewis Reed on March 3, 1962, in Stockton, Illinois.

Kate worked as a beautician, and after she and Ray built their house, she worked from her shop at their home until she retired because of medical reasons. Kate loved spending time with her grandchildren (never missing a game or event and adorned with their picture pins). She was an avid reader and enjoyed her gambling trips with Ray (and later her grandchildren) when she was not helping him mow yards, and she enjoyed collecting Elvis memorabilia and listening to his music.

During March 2020, Ray and Kate moved to Monroe, Wisconsin, to live in Aster Assisted Living before moving to the Lafayette Manor in 2021 where they resided in rooms next to each other and were cared for by the compassionate staff. She spent her days drinking frappes, eating her sweets, playing bingo, and scratching lottery tickets. Kate loved her visits with family most of all. Her eyes lit up when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren walked into the room.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray, brother Donald Saunders, sister-in-law Charlene Saunders, brother Bernard Saunders, and brother-in-law Francis Reed.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda (Mark) Peterson of New Glarus, WI; granddaughter Carly Peterson of Milwaukee, WI; granddaughter Betsy(Cody) Zirbel of Monona, WI and their son Will; daughter Susan (John) Zambrovitz of Warren, IL; granddaughter Mandy (Matt) Hartzell of Warren, IL and their children Lizzy and Zane; grandson TJ (Jessie) Zambrovitz of Rockford, IL and their children Alyssa, Laynee, and Aidan; son Rick (Sue) Reed of Pearl City, IL; grandson Dustan (Cassi) Reed of Pearl City, IL and their children Deacon and Callee; grandson Aaron (Taylor) Reed of Pearl City, IL and their children Daxton and Dezmond; sister-in-law Barbara Saunders of Warren, IL; and sister-in-law Nelda Reed of Monroe, WI; and many nephews and nieces and their families.

The family held a private service for Kate at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Friday, December 1, 2023. Their burials followed the service at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery. Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family would like to thank the entire compassionate and loving staff at Lafayette Manor who treated her like family; Emilee, Jodi, Melissa and the rest of St. Croix Hospice; and Dr. Solverson of MHLC Primary Care Clinic- Darlington.

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

Scioto Mills

Irene F. Marean, 81

Irene F. Marean, 81, of Scioto Mills, IL, passed away on November 26, 2023 at home. She was born on September 13, 1942 in Freeport, IL, to Floyd E. Simmons and Jessie M. (Stone) Simmons. She was a graduate of Stockton High School in Stockton, IL. She married Wilbur Althafer in June of 1962 in Iowa. She would later marry John Marean on May 9, 1997 in Nashua, Iowa. She had retired from Honeywell. She was a member of Cedarville Baptist Church. Organizations included Moose and Swiss Club of Monroe, WI, and Monroe Welcome Center.

Survivors include her son Merle Althafer, daughter Lynne Crawford, husband John Marean, 1 brother Lee Simmons, 4 stepchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren, 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 1 on the way.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Wilbur, mother, father, 6 brothers, 1 sister, 1 step son-in-law, 1 stepson, and 1 stepmother-in-law.

A funeral service was held on Saturday December 2, 2023 at 1 PM, with visitation from 11 AM until time of service, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport. Pastor Jason Pankonin officiated the service. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery - Pearl City.

Apple River

LaVonne T. Spillane, 80

LaVonne T. Spillane, 80, of Apple River, Illinois passed away peacefully at home with her beloved family at her side. She was born February 16, 1943, in Menominee, Illinois, the daughter of Albert & Theresa (Imbus) Erner. She graduated from Galena High School. LaVonne married her high school sweetheart Robert J Spillane (RJ) at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee on April 20, 1962. Together they were blessed with three wonderful daughters Mary, Patty & Connie.

LaVonne believed in hard work and a caring heart. She worked at the Apple River Dairy until it closed and then went on to work as an in-home caretaker for the elderly until she retired. LaVonne was the backbone of their family business, Stagecoach Trails Livery. Together, her and Bob hosted large groups and gave stagecoach and sleigh rides for many years. They eventually created Stagecoach Trails Limestone together. LaVonne believed in service to her community. She sat on the board for Echoes of the Past throughout its entirety and truly enjoyed sharing the weekend with all who came. She was a member of St Joseph's Catholic Church, served on the Pastoral Council and was an active member in the Altar and Rosary Society where she served as Treasurer until her passing. LaVonne was very dedicated to the renovation of the St Joseph’s cemetery, even asking for improvements to be made in her final days.

LaVonne loved her family with her whole heart and as a family they made an abundance of treasured memories. LaVonne's greatest joy besides her daughters and son in laws were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family trips to Colorado, Ireland, Wyoming, Idaho, Texas & many camping trips along the way as well with her children and grandchildren. LaVonne and Bob were known to jump in the car and go for a drive to New Diggings on a Sunday for good music and a cold beer. LaVonne could always be found cleaning her house and enjoyed walking to the farm to feed the cows and then down to the cemetery to visit Bob. She enjoyed sitting on her front porch watching the hummingbirds and shelling corn for the squirrels. She loved quiet moments visiting with friends and family and her grand-dogs. As a grandma, LaVonne will be remembered for throwing the best New Years Eve sleepovers that her grandchildren still talk about today. She was known for cooking the best peach cobbler, beef stew and pasty. LaVonne wasn't one to sit around but she did love watching Daniel O'Donnell every Saturday night on TV after attending mass at St Joseph’s in Apple River. Her daughters were very blessed to take her to see him weeks before her illness.

She is survived by her daughters Mary (Jerry) Willer Peosta, IA, Patty (Mick) Arand, Stockton, IL and Connie (Greg) Kruger Scales Mound, IL. Ten grandchildren; Jessica (Winston) Storey, Bobbi (Brandon) Decker, Kevin (Molly) Arand, Jordan (Victoria) Arand, Destiny (Whitney) Perkins-Willer, Jenna-Lynn Willer (fiancé, Andie), Paige Willer, Katie (Greg) Leahy, Ryan Kruger (fiancé, Kristen), and Kristy Kruger. Nine great grandchildren; Stetson & Blakely Storey, Mayci, Brigson & Griffin Decker, Baylor & Briley Arand, Tyson Leahy, and Pacey Perkins-Willer, and baby boy Perkins-Willer due in January.

LaVonne is also survived by her sister Elaine (Clinton) White; brother in laws: Ron Spillane, Barry (Janet) Spillane, Bobby (Sue) Stietz, Billy (Judy) Stietz; and sister in laws; Diane (Ed) Holland, Rosemary Crawford, Jean Maxwell, many nieces and nephews and her church family.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents, husband RJ, her sister Grace and brothers-in-law Leroy Fields, Jim and Joe Spillane and her sister-in-law Rose Spillane. She will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Funeral mass was held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple River. A visitation was from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Apple River. Father Andrew Hernandez officiated the services.

A memorial has been established for St. Joseph’s Altar and Rosary Society and FHN Hospice.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and nurses at SSM Health in Monroe, FHN Hospice, Leamon’s Ambulance Service, and everyone else who made it possible for LaVonne to live her final days at home.

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