Recent Obituaries and Guest Books

Ahrens, Timothy James 55, of Ruston, Louisiana died May 10, 2013. He was born to Edwin and Ina (Horton) Ahrens on January 24, 1958. He attended Dundee Community School and Hall High School where he was on the wrestling team. He served 7 years in the Illinois Army National Guard. He was a Scout Master with Troup #63, the Camping Chairman for the Chippewa District, and a leader of Venture Crew #9911 out of Carpentersville Illinois. He was a member of the Twin Oaks Baptist Church in Elgin Illinois and the Longstraw Baptist Church in Ruston. He is survived by his wife, Gerry Michelle Ahrens; his children, Cyndee, Stuart, Savannah, Timothy and Scott; his grandchildren, Andrew, Tyler, Helena, Joseph, Devon and Elizabeth. Also surviving are his siblings, Roger, Rebecca, Mark, Martha, Elizabeth, Mary, Paul and Peter. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Baldwin, Juanita R. Age 85, of Brodhead, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2013, at Caring Hands nursing home, Brodhead. She was born on November 3, 1927, the daughter of Gerald and Anita (Hayden) Freund. She married W. Ray Baldwin Jr. on May 26, 1948 in Dundee, IL. He passed away on June 22, 2008. Juanita had worked at APCO of Brodhead, but was primarily a homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and going to rummage sales. She is survived by her children, Pam Kanies, Nashville, TN, Thad Baldwin, LaCrosse, WI, W. Ray "Skip" Baldwin III, Janesville, WI, Kyle (Joe) Glossick, Lakeland, FL, Bandi Bender, Evansville, WI, Toby Baldwin, Monroe, WI, Stacie Baldwin and J. Dan (Judy) Baldwin, Brodhead; twenty grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister, four brothers, and a son, Kirby. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Brodhead, WI, with Father Michael Moon presiding. Memorials may be made to the , P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148. The D.L. Newcomer Funeral Home, Brodhead, WI, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com The family is happy knowing that their Mom and Dad will be celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary together in Heaven on May 26th.

Brant, Richard R. Of Leland, MI, formerly of Elgin, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2013. He was born in 1934 in Cincinnati, OH to Albert and Alice Brant. Dick graduated from Elgin High School and then DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and on the football team. Dick served in the U.S. Air Force, where he attained the rank of Captain during the Korean War. He worked as a marketing manager in telecommunications and spent his career working with AT&T, where he earned three U.S. patents. He was a member of the Elgin and Suttons Bay, MI Rotary Clubs and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the board of Elgin Community College for three years and on the board of the Leelanau Conservancy for nine years. He was also on the finance committee at Leland Methodist Church. Dick enjoyed football and golf. He studied the game of golf as a caddie and carried the bag for Sam Sneed. As a golfer, Dick earned eleven trophies. Dick is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 58 years, Helen Baukin Brant. He is also survived by his two sons, Mark (Tracy) Brant of Bay Village, OH, Eric (Kim) Brant of Leland; his brother, Alan (Nancy) Brant of Warren, OH; his grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Brant; and his nieces. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Kristen Brant Hawkins. A memorial service will be held at 1:30, Monday, June 3, 2013 at the Leland Methodist Church, 106 N. Fourth Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1007 Leland, MI 49654.

Chapman, Ryan C. 43, of Clare, IL, formerly of Burlington, IL, passed away Friday evening, May 17, 2013, at his parents' home in Burlington with his family by his side. He was born June 8, 1969 in Sycamore, the son of Ennis and Virginia (Vogel) Chapman. Ryan was a 1988 graduate of Burlington Central High School. He loved hunting, snowmobiling and any and all outdoor activities. He loved to race at the Sycamore Speedway. Ryan was a longtime heavy equipment operator and a member of Local 150 operating engineers. Surviving are his parents, of Burlington; his longtime girlfriend of 22 years, Maryann Sommers, of Clare and her daughter, Heather (John) Petit, of Sycamore; their children, Kelly and Brody; his sister, Kelly (David) Auwerda, of Morris; his brother, Brad (Jacki) Chapman, of Lily Lake; 1 niece and 3 nephews; his maternal grandparents, Gordon and Florence Vogel, of South Elgin; and many extended family. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Devin Auwerda; and paternal grandparents, Frank and Helen Chapman. A Memorial Service to celebrate Ryan's life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 23, at the Congregational Church of Lily Lake, 44W188 Empire Rd. with the Rev. Peter Akemann officiating. Memorial Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at the Fredrick Funeral Home, 284 Park St., Hampshire. Private burial of cremains will be in the Burlington Twp. Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be directed to the Congregational Church of Lily Lake or to the DeKalb County Hospice. For information call (847) 683-2711.

Craig Jr., Joseph Michael Mike Craig, 73, of Independence, MO passed away April 19th, 2013. Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 25th 2013 at The American Legion Hall, 820 S. Liberty St. Elgin, IL. A private inurnment will be held at a later time at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mike was born April 26th, 1939 in Keokuk, IA to Joseph Michael Craig, Sr. and Fanchion (Buckmaster). He graduated from St. Edwards High School in Elgin, IL. Mike worked as a dental technician before enlisting in the Navy. He worked for many employers, most recently, the U.S. Canning Co. in Bartlett, IL for 20 years as Inspector. Mike enjoyed fishing, yard work, feeding the birds, and especially his rat terrier, "Baby." He is loved and will be missed. He is survived by wife, Maggie (Brewton) Tucker of Independence; daughter, Shelly; daughter, Nikki; son, Chris Craig; sister, Jane E. Craig of Elgin IL; sister, Jennifer E. Naglieri of Houston, TX; brother, James P. Craig of Carlsbad, NM. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jeffrey P. Craig and sister, Judith E. Lamp. Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816)252-7900.

Fitzgerald, Bernice Carol 93, of Sycamore, died Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Bethany Healthcare and Rehab Center in DeKalb. She was born September 17, 1919 to Earl A. and Martha Z. Mapes on her grandmother, Elizabeth Mapes, farm on the corner of McDonald and Corron Roads in Plato Township. She started grade school at the age of four at Plato Corners Country School moving down on McDonald Road she attended DeLancey Country School in 1932. She attended Plato Township High School graduating in 1936 at an early age. Bernice played the violin in the high school orchestra when they were state champions. She helped her folks on the farm, being too young to get a job anywhere. She worked at Elgin Watch Company, Watch Case Company, Majestic Radio, and finally Rawhide. She married James A. Fitzgerald in June of 1955 in Belvidere and settled in Elgin and later moved to Sycamore. She worked part time for 18 years at Henderson's Department Store in Sycamore. Bernice was a member of Lily Lake Congregational Church. She loved her cats, flowers, housework, reading, crossword puzzles, her boys, and her three grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Matthew Fitzgerald of Sycamore, Michael Fitzgerald of DeKalb; three grandchildren, Sarah Fitzgerald, Samantha Fitzgerald, James A. Fitzgerald III; cats, Missy, DumDum, and Squeaky. She was predeceased by her parents; husband in 1983; son, James Fitgerald, Jr.; two brothers, Howard Mapes, Lester Mapes; one sister, Lois Mapes; loving Aunt Ruth and Uncle Earl Hageman. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Olson Funeral Service and Cremation Services, Ltd., Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore with the Reverend Peter Akemann officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral chapel prior to the service. For information or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.olsonfh.com or 815-895-6589.

Freise, Kenneth G. 74, of Union, IL passed away Monday May 20, 2013 at Journey Care Hospice, Woodstock. He was born in Palatine on August 20, 1938 the son of Henry and Elvira (Heide) Freise. Kenneth was a National Guard Veteran, a butcher for 50 years at Freise Meat Market, Union and a retired carpenter from Otto Rausch Contractors formerly of Elgin. He is survived by his mother, Elvira of Marengo; his sister, Lois Reiser of Marengo; brother, Donald Freise Sr. of Union; seven nieces and nephews; one great-niece and five great-nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, Henry H. Freise; a brother, Henry W. Freise; a niece, Debbie Freise and a brother-in-law, Floyd Reiser and a sister-in-law, Jane Freise. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 pm Monday May 27th, and from 10 am, Tuesday, May 28th at Zion Lutheran Church, 412 Jackson St. Marengo 60152 until the time of service at 11 am. Interment McHenry County Memorial Park, Woodstock. Memorials may be made in his name to Zion Lutheran Church or to the family. Arrangements entrusted to Fredrick Funeral Home Hampshire, IL 847-683-2711

Hines, Henry R. "Hank" 93, of Naples, FL, died Monday, May 13, 2013. Formerly of Elgin, IL, he had been a Naples resident since 1985. He was born November 15, 1919 in Elgin, the son of Henry and Mabel (née Snyder) Hines. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, serving the entire duration of World War II in both the European and Pacific Theatres. Following his service, he returned to Elgin and married the love of his life, Minerva (née Bartelt) in 1945. He was co-owner of Williams Manufacturing (now Standex) and sat on the Board of Directors of Home Federal Savings of Elgin. He was a former member of the Elgin Country Club. Mr. Hines is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Minerva; his loving daughters, Nancy J. (Louis) Hughes of Longmont, CO and Carol R. (the late Jerry) Hansen of Westminster, CO; and his cherished granddaughters, Lindsay Burton and Kelsey Hansen. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Adam Burton in 2011. At his request, services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Honor Flight, 300 E. Auburn Ave., Springfield, OH 45505, www.honorflight.org or to the . Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home (239) 992-4982 Bonita Springs, Florida

Lundy, Rhett P. 14, of Elgin, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. He was born on June 3, 1998 in Elgin, the son of Steven and Victoria (English) Lundy. Rhett was a 2012 graduate of St. Laurence School, which he had attended since kindergarten. At St. Laurence he had participated in Cub Scouts, Basketball and Volleyball. Rhett played for the Crusader Youth Football organization for many years. He was a student at South Elgin High School and a member of the bowling team. Rhett was a diligent student, interested in math, science and engineering. He loved playing video games and was intrigued by game design and animation. Rhett was in honors classes and complete his freshman year with a 4.2 GPA. He was a talented percussionist and a proud member of the South Elgin High School drum line. Rhett loved animals and nature. He had developed an interest in the political process and enjoyed debating with others. Family, friends and casual acquaintances all recognize that love and joy permeated Rhett's life. He brought laughter to others, and possessed the ability to lift the spirits of those around him. His absence will leave an emptiness in the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Steven and Victoria; his brother, Ryne Joseph; grandparents, Joe and Laura English, Richard Lundy and Carol Lundy; uncles, Scott Lundy and Joe Donndelinger; aunt, Valerie (English) Donndelinger; along with great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins and best friends. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Laurence Catholic Church, Elgin. Burial will be private. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2:00-9:00 P.M at the Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State St., Elgin IL 60123 and on Monday at the church from 9:15 A.M. until the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Laurence School or South Elgin High School for band uniforms. For information, 847-741-8800 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com

Poleck, Elsie M. 87, passed away Monday, May 20, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Elsie Poleck was born July 19, 1925 in Norge, Virginia the daughter of Halsted and Hannah Berner. Elsie grew up in Chicago, IL and later lived for many years in Elgin, IL and most recently in Champaign, IL. She married the late Eugene J. Poleck on January 21, 1950. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her eldest son, James E. Poleck in 2009. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Thomas (Nicholas Papadopoulos) Poleck of Chicago, IL, Kathryn (Randall) Broadwell of Redmond, WA, Marybeth Poleck of Champaign, IL; daughter-in-law, Terry (James) Poleck of Kenosha, WI, and her grandchildren, Lindsey, Matthew and Chester Poleck and Christopher Broadwell. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 1185 W. Algonquin Rd. Palatine, IL 60067. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Elsie's favorite charities; the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the ALS Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or the American Red Cross to support Oklahoma disaster relief. For further info, call Michalik Funeral Home, 312-421-0936 or sign guestbook at www.michalikfuneralhome.com.