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Obituaries

Deborah L. Randels (Wlson), 67

Deborah L. Randels (Wilson), 67, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on August 5, 1959, to Frank and Nancy (Thompson) Wilson in Woodstock Illinois.  As a registered nurse, Debbie excelled at taking care of people, with a special place in her heart for her geriatric patients. She worked as a Floor Nurse, Rehabilitation Coordinator and Director of Nursing during her 15 years at Valley Hi Nursing Home.  She later continued her career at AbbVie until retiring in 2025. Debbie loved to explore the world, traveling to Portugal, Paris, and finally enjoying her long‑awaited Alaskan cruise. Above all, she cherished her family. Time with her five grandchildren—especially their annual trips to her happy place in

Denise M. Hoover, 79

Denise M. Hoover (August 19, 1947 – September 12, 2026) passed peacefully, surrounded by family, art, and music; the very things that shaped her life and spirit. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Denise grew up in a lively family of seven. She was lovingly guided by her mother, alongside her eldest sister Annette and her brothers Peter, Carl, and her twin, Lou. From an early age, Denise was captivated by the arts. That passion carried her to St. Mary’s College and Notre Dame, where she earned her Art Degree (Go Fighting Irish!). After graduation, Denise spent a memorable period photographing the Detroit Ballet Company. Although photography didn’t become her long-term profession, she found steady footing in the insurance industry.

Stephan Paul Rosater, 58

Stephan was born in Elk Grove Village, IL to parents James and Jean Rosater.  He grew up in Woodstock, IL, graduated from Woodstock High School, and attended Northern IL University, where he met his wife, Joanne (Rack).  Together, they had 3 sons, Andrew Rosater, Paul James Rosater, and Stephen Rosater, and resided in Denton, TX.  He enjoyed a long career with FedEx. Stephan passed away at the age of 58 due to complications from diabetes and is preceded in death by his son, Andrew Rosater and mother, Jean (Pavelchak) Rosater.  He is survived by his wife, Joanne Rosater, his sons PJ Rosater and Stephen Rosater, father James Rosater, brother Jason Rosater, sister Jennifer Rosater, and aunts, an uncle, nephews, and cousins. Steve had a

Kathleen Mary Batjes, 82

Kathleen Mary “Kathy” Batjes, 82, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026. She was born January 30, 1944, in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Frank Martin McHugh and Beatrice E. (Ofenlock) McHugh. Kathy married John Wayne Batjes on August 19, 1967, and together they built a life centered around family and faith. Kathy was a committed Christian whose faith was evident in the way she lived and in her genuine appreciation for everyone she encountered. She was an encourager, a trusted source of wise counsel, and a natural leader. Her kindness, warmth, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her. Education was an important part of

Joseph Anton Pienschke, 85

Joseph Anton Pienschke, 85, passed away on September 5, 2026, at Valley Hi Nursing Home in Woodstock. He was born on June 28, 1941, in Belvidere, IL and grew up in Elmwood Park, IL.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp at the age of 17, serving from 1959 to 1963. Joe was a plumber for over 60 years and was the Plumbing Inspector for 10 years with the City of Crystal Lake, and part time Plumbing Inspector for the Village of Carpentersville. He also served as a Plumbing Inspector with B&F Technical Code Service and TPI Building Code Consultants.  He was a past President of the Northern Illinois Plumbing Association.  Joe was the Owner and President of Independent Plumbing

Donna Jean Freeman, 89

Donna Jean Freeman, 89, of Woodstock, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at her home in Woodstock, IL, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Woodstock on January 24, 1937, to Millard and Elsie (Kruger) Willoughby.  She married the love of her life Russell Freeman on February 2, 1952. She worked as an aide at the Learning Center at Woodstock High School for many years until her retirement.  She was an active participant at SOAR@Dorr (Serving Older Active Residents), calling bingo was one of her favorite activities.  She enjoyed camping and gardening. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears.  She loved birds, especially cardinals.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her loving family. She

Diana Rose Neumann, 66

On Aug. 16, 2026, Diana Rose Neumann went home to be with Jesus. She was at peace, surrounded by her family, and her last words were to say that she loved us. If you knew her well, you will be unsurprised to know that she was more concerned for her family than for herself.Diana made family everywhere she went. She is survived by her husband, Dave Neumann; her children, Sarah Heinlein (Tim) and Joshua Given (Crystal); her mother, Eunice Kurtz; and her siblings, Debra Kennedy (John), Tim Schuett (Ana), Rebecca Schuett (Craig), Beau Schuett, Brianne Schuett-Turner (Robb), Paige Wisdom, and Jodie Kurtz-Osborne (Bill).She was a loving grandmother – Grandma Didi, or just Didi – to Justin Heinlein, Kayla Heinlein, Landon

Jacqueline Medins Bacon, 94

Jacqueline Medins Bacon, 94, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026 at Cedarhurst of Woodstock, Woodstock, IL. She died serenely just as she had lived, after a long life of care for others. Formerly of Byron, IL, she was born July 27, 1932 in Oregon, IL, eldest daughter of Willard “Jiggs” Burright and Ferne Henderson Burright. Jackie attended Oregon schools, graduating from Oregon Community High School. She went on to study nursing at Rockford Memorial Hospital, graduating in 1953 with her class in the newly built hospital. During her career she continued her dedication to learning, graduating with both Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Nursing from Northern Illinois University. She was the first in her family to graduate

Dallas Keith Larson, 83

Dallas Keith Larson, 83, of Woodstock, Illinois, passed away Friday, July 24th, 2026 at Valley Hi Nursing Home in Woodstock. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 14th, 1943 to Russell and LaVerne (Olsen) Larson as part of the fourth generation of Larsons from Chicago, and grew up in the Edgebrook neighborhood. He attended high school at North Park Academy and later earned his bachelor’s degree at North Park College (now University). He went on to earn his Master of Hospital Administration from the Business School (now the Ross School of Business) at the University of Michigan. On March 9th, 1968, he married Ellen Rautenberg in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dallas proudly served our country in the United States Navy, active

Per Robert Andersson, 59

Per Robert Andersson, age 59, passed away on June 21, 2026, after a yearlong battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.  He was born on September 28, 1966, in Arvidsjaur, Sweden to Sten and Gunnel Andersson. In his youth in Sweden, Per was a prolific downhill skier.  He also played guitar with his dad and in garage bands, playing for many throughout his life.  He had a love for AC/DC, Formula 1, driving and sliding cars, and was famous for driving his dirt bike on one wheel, claiming to hold a wheelie for over 2 kilometers.  He served in the Swedish Armed Forces as a Green Beret where he was voted “best comrade” by his battalion. Per immigrated to the United States from Sweden

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