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Obituaries

Amy Michele Roeder, 47

Amy Michele Roeder, 47, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Woodstock, Illinois. Amy was born on December 27, 1976, in Woodstock, Illinois, to Michael and Kim (Mallory) Pollnow. After graduating from Marengo High School in 1995, Amy earned a degree from Parkland College in 1998 to pursue a career in Dental Hygiene. From there, she practiced for 12 years at Marengo Family Dental in her hometown where she provided the best gift to her patients: a fresh, shiny smile. On September 7, 2002, in Huntley, Illinois, Amy married the love of her life, Paul Roeder, and they went on to have three precious children, Jacob (18), Brandon (16), and Autumn (11). Amy loved nothing more than traveling

Nicholas “Nick” Ledanski, 78

In Loving Memory of Nick L Ledanski Nicholas “Nick” Ledanski passed away on November 4, 2024 at the age of 78, in his residing home of Woodstock, Illinois. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile and hope. Despite the pain, Nick came out a warrior and stayed strong until the end. Nick was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with his two sisters and one brother. He went on to join the Army and proudly served in Vietnam. After Vietnam, Nick was determined to build and enjoy his life. He thrived in his career which took him around the world. While in Germany, at one special moment, he met

Genevieve Enid Crossman, 89

Genevieve Enid Crossman, age 89, of Woodstock, passed away at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital on November 1, 2024, after a short hospital stay, suffering cardiac arrest and complications from diabetes. She was born to Wilmer H. and Louise Reichardt on December 12, 1934, and was raised in Woodstock in a farming family, the youngest of five (5) children. She graduated from Woodstock High School, married, and raised three (3) daughters. During those years she worked at The Casto lite Company in Woodstock, as an aide at Woodstock High School while her daughters attended there, and at Guardian Electric for many years before retiring. For the past 10 years she enjoyed volunteering at The Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Shop in Woodstock, meeting

Kenneth Allen Sporleder, 85

Kenneth Allen Sporleder, passed away on August 18, 2024, one day before his 86th birthday, in Sebring, Florida. Ken was born at home on Aug.19,1938 in McHenry, Illinois to the late Walter and Evelyn (Dalhke) Sporleder. He moved with his family to Woodstock, Illinois in 1943. Ken was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1959 and proudly served stateside until February of 1962. Upon returning to Woodstock, he had a long career in the grocery business starting with Piggly Wiggly, later called Eagle Foods, which was just a couple doors away from the family home. It was at that store where he met the love of his life, Dolores (Holy) Conway whom he married on May 9,1977.

Becky Kent Medins, 72

Becky Kent Medins, a long-time executive with several Chicago-based insurance brokers, died on October 29, 2024 after a decade-long battle with cancer. She was just shy of her 73rd birthday. Born Becky Sue Kent, to Carl and Virginia Kent, she grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, went to Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois, graduated from the University of South Dakota (where she was President of Kappa Alpha Theta) and earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In 1987 she married Peter Medins, and they moved to Woodstock, IL where they had a home until her death. She was active in community organizations, including the Woodstock Fine Arts Association, for which she volunteered 10 years

Joseph (Joe) Russell White, 79

Joseph (Joe) Russell White, 79, of Ft. Myers, Florida passed away suddenly on September 27, 2024. He was born June 28, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Russell and Marian White. Joe was a beloved father, devoted patriot, adored his Lhasa apso pet companions, ate lemons down to the rind, a frequent listener to 97.1 The Drive, always searched for the perfect hue of brown colored socks and held the nickname “The Bakery Fairy” sharing carbs to all those he appreciated. Joe was a graduate of the 1963 Class of Roachdale High School in Roachdale, Indiana. After attending Purdue University for only a semester, he enlisted with the Navy in 1965 serving in the Vietnam conflict. He served

Jack Alan Nieman, 72

In Loving Memory of Jack Alan Nieman Jack left us peacefully surrounded by his family on October 16, 2024, at the age of 72.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched the lives of many. Born on April 22, 1952, Jack was a man of immense dedication and strength, both in his work as a heavy equipment operator and most importantly, in his love for his family.  He spent his life working hard, always ensuring the well-being and happiness of those he cherished most. Jack shared a beautiful life with his wife Ann, celebrating their 53rd anniversary on September 18, 2024.  Together they created countless memories, one of their favorite pastimes being their many cruises, traveling the world.  Most important was

Lt. Kenneth James Larsen, 56

It is with a humbled heart to announce the line of duty death of Lieutenant Kenneth Larsen. A member of the Lake Geneva Fire Department, Lieutenant with Huntley Fire Department, and past member of the Woodstock, Illinois Fire Department. Lt. Kenneth James Larsen, 56, of the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area passed away surround by his friends and family on October 9th, 2024. Lt. Larsen was born on August 25th, 1968, to Ralph and Joanne (Berener) Larsen in Woodstock, Illinois. Lt. Larsen was a member of the graduating class of 1986 from Marian Central High School. On May the 5th, 2005, at St. Mary’s Church in Woodstock, Illinois Lt. Larsen was united into marriage to Karen Hegberg. When you talk about

Loretta (Laurie) Byrnes, 83

Laurie (née Hart) Byrnes, 83, of Salem, SC and formerly of Woodstock, IL died October 4, 2024, surrounded by her family. Laurie was born December 12, 1940, in Evanston, IL to Loretta (née Shelby) and Leo Hart; she was their first surviving child. She grew up in Glenview, IL and was always an accomplished student. She attended Marywood Academy in Evanston and Alverno College (Milwaukee) upon her graduation from high school. While still in high school in 1958, Laurie was set up on a blind date with John Byrnes. They dated for nearly two years before marrying on February 27, 1960, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview, IL. Together they shared a life and marriage that spanned 56

Cheryl Ann Klingenberg, 80

Cheryl Ann Klingenberg, 80, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2024, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington. She was born October 15, 1943, in Woodstock, the daughter of George & Rita (Phannenstill) Haldeman. She married the late Ronald “Ike” Klingenberg on July 29, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Church in Hartland. She was a graduate of Woodstock Community High School, the class of 1961. Mrs. Klingenberg was a member of the Wayne’s Lanes Wednesday Night Victory Bowling League for over 50 years and the Kingston Sunday Morning Hangover League. She was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Oregon Ducks fan. She loved bowling, traveling, reading, gambling, crossword puzzles, playing cards/games, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Top Writers

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Larry Lough

Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.

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Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.

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Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.

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Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.

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