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Obituaries

Helen Lois Limbaugh, 85

Helen Lois Limbaugh, known by everyone as Lois, of Woodstock, IL passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025 at her home.  She was 85.    She was born on May 22, 1939, on her maternal grandmother’s birthday, to Stanley and Helen (Thompson) Hunt in Hartland IL.   Lois was raised in the Ringwood community, along with 4 brothers and 1 sister, attended the 2 room Ringwood grade school and the Ringwood First United Methodist church.   She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school.   She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1957.   On June 14, 1958, she married Eugene (Gene) Limbaugh in Woodstock, where they raised 3 children, Elaine, Lynell and Brad.   Growing up her greatest passion was sewing, starting at age 8 in 4-H.   Along with sewing, embroidery,

Joseph B. McCarthy, 76

Joseph B. McCarthy, affectionately known as Joe, passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Walworth, with his loving wife by his side. Born on July 25, 1949, in Rockford, Illinois, Joe lived a life defined by faith, family, and service. A devoted member of St. Mary Parish in Woodstock for over 40 years, Joe’s unwavering commitment to his faith was reflected in his long-standing membership with the Knights of Columbus and his role as an usher at Sunday masses. Beyond his parish, Joe actively contributed to the Woodstock Little League and was a cherished member of the “Dream Crew.” For nearly 20 years, he tirelessly volunteered his time to help rebuild and maintain the Dream Field, leaving

Dale Edward Lavan, 86

There will be a Celebration of Life for Dale Edward Lavan on May 10, 2025 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Stage Left Cafe, Woodstock, IL. Dale was born on April 22, 1938, in Chicago to Edward and Bernice (Skokal) Lavan. He quietly passed on October 27, 2024 in Paducah, KY where he retired in 2018. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cary Sue (Byerly); his son, John (Kristi); daughter Debra Shook; his brother Ed (Cathi); sisters Mary Ellen Lavan (Dennis Howe, deceased) and Ann Marie (Bill) Dominguez; and many nieces and nephews. Dale served his country for four years in the Air Force in the late 1950s. Most of his career was in Quality

Charles F. “Chuck” Michling Jr., 78

Charles F. “Chuck” Michling Jr., 78, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully at his home for the past five years, Valley Hi Nursing Home, on March 15, 2025. Chuck was born on Jan. 26, 1947, to Charles Sr. and Caroline (Kirchgassner) Michling in Chicago. Chuck was the oldest of four children, and the family moved to rural McHenry County in December 1956. Chuck’s love of and vast knowledge of history made it only fitting that he passed on The Ides of March. Chuck was a 1965 graduate of Woodstock High School, a 1969 graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island with a history degree, and then in 1982 from Roosevelt University in Chicago he received a paralegal degree. Chuck’s work life

Peggy Dhom, 75

Peggy Dhom, 75, of Woodstock, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at her home. Born on August 10, 1949, in Harvard to Earl and Fern (Gile) Hoey, Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Dhom, on November 25, 1967. After dedicating herself as a stay-at-home mom, Peggy began working at Guardian Electric in Woodstock. She later worked at Shamrock Fibers and concluded her career at Centegra Health Systems in McHenry, handling payroll. A woman of many talents, Peggy had a love for crafting, gardening, and was a wallpapering expert. She had a green thumb and could turn any space into something beautiful. She was fortunate to have lifelong friends, and countless camping trips over the years created treasured memories

Hermon L. Wesby, 80

Hermon L. Wesby, 80, of Aurora, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Northwestern Hospital in Huntley. Hermon was born on April 22, 1944, in Lafayette, La., to Julius and Pearl Wesby. He served in the U.S. Army and received a rank of E5. He was honorably discharged on June 15, 1971. Hermon was employed at Caterpillar Tractor in Montgomery, Ill., for 30 years. He made friends with everyone he met, no matter where he met them. He was an avid pool player, bowler, and loved camping. He enjoyed traveling around the states on his Gold Wing, pulling along his trailer and his partner, Marilee. Boating on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers was another activity that brought joy

Scott S. Johnson, 62

Scott S. Johnson was born Oct. 30, 1962, in Harvard, Ill., to Stanley and Marjorie (Cosman) Johnson. He passed away suddenly of natural causes in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at his home in Woodstock. Scott graduated from Woodstock High School in 1981. He then graduated from Bob Jones University in 1985. Scott is survived by his children, Mick Johnson, Courtney Larsen, Julia (William) Repke, Wyatt (Alison) Johnson, Hunter Johnson, and Solomon Johnson; grandchildren, Kaiya, Elianna, and Thias Larsen, Clara and Evan Repke, and Theo Johnson; his parents, Stanley and Marjorie Johnson; sister, Rosemary (Timothy) Williams; as well as nieces, Rebecca and Colleen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gennifer, whom he met in

Christopher (Chris) W. Slack, 61

Chris W. Slack, 61 years old, died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at his home. He was born Oct. 28, 1963, in Woodstock to Lloyd and Sarah (Klabunde) Slack. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1981. On June 21, 1986, he married Karen Flanum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Chris was employed with Gandrud Chevrolet in Green Bay for over 30 years as manager of the parts department. Chris was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, traveling with his family, baking, stamp collecting, and helping others. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Joseph Slack, Emily (Silas) Klug, Rebecca (Charles) Ouradnik, and Rachel (Ethan) Filipek; granddaughter, Violet Klug; parents, Lloyd and Sarah Slack; his

Lois E. (Rudsinski) Smith, 97

Lois E. (Rudsinski) Smith, of Woodstock passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at the age of 97 at JourneyCare in Barrington, Ill. Lois was born Nov. 17, 1927, in Algonquin, Ill., to Arthur and Frieda (Holtz) Rudsinski. Lois married Harold C. Smith in Algonquin on Feb. 14, 1953. He passed away Jan. 16, 2004. Born and raised on a dairy farm, she married a dairy farmer and worked hard her whole life. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woodstock. She enjoyed being outside. She loved digging trees with her family. She was passionate about her grandchildren and their well-being. Survivors include one son, Darren (Julie) Smith of Woodstock; seven grandchildren, Brian (Jennifer) Manke, Todd (Melissa)

Kevin J. Sheahan, 68

Kevin J Sheahan, passed away peacefully in his home in Wonder Lake, IL on February 19, 2025.  Kevin was born July 2,1956 in El Paso, Texas to Daniel P. and Diane M. (Parker) Sheahan, Jr. while his dad was in the Army stationed at Fort Bliss. He married Sandra Anderson on May 4, 1983, in Woodstock and together they shared over 41 years of marriage as best friends.   Kevin was a 1974 graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School. He was a talented mechanic by trade but was a true Master Craftsman who could build, fix or sketch anything.  He loved exploring the outdoors/unknown, nature, his music/art, cars but most of all he had a love and passion for his country

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