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2/14/2006 Donna Marie Sweet
Donna Marie Sweet, 43, Woodstock, died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006, at Centegra Memorial Medical Center, Woodstock. She was born March 24, 1962, to Melvin and Phyllis (Hansing) Sweet. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock. Survivors include her mother, Phyllis (stepfather Russell) Reed, Woodstock; a daughter, Sarah Bernhardt, Woodstock; two sisters, Linda (Ken) Konetski, Roscoe, and Deborah (Patrick) Howden, Harvard; a niece, Griffen; and two nephews, Joshua and Joe. She was preceded in death by her father and two infant brothers, Richard and Michael. Visitation was Feb. 12 at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. The funeral was held Feb. 13 at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock, with the Rev. Arthur Bergren officiating. Burial will be in McHenry County Memorial Park, Woodstock. Memorials can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock, IL 60098, or to the family to be used for Sarah's education.
2/14/2006 Louann Mims
Louann Mims, 79, Woodstock, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, at Centegra Memorial Medical Center, Woodstock, She was born Dec. 4, 1926, in Maringouin, La., to Harvey and Mary (Tircuit) Mims. She was employed as an operating room technician for a hospital. Survivors include a daughter, Melissa (John Fornick) Mims, Woodstock; a grandson, Dylan Fornick, Woodstock; and a brother, Eddie Mims, Louisiana. The Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Feb. 11 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. Private burial was in Louisiana. Arrangements were made by Honquest Family Funeral Home & Crematory, Woodstock.
2/14/2006 Marilyn Louise Arl
Marilyn Louise Arl, 77, Crystal Lake and formerly of Holiday, Fla., died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, at The Fountains Nursing Home of Crystal Lake. She was born March 7, 1928, in Chicago, to Arthur and Elizabeth (Fry) Winans. She married Theodore A. Arl Aug. 31, 1947. She worked at International Harvester for more than 30 years. She enjoyed an active retirement in Florida with her husband. They especially enjoyed cruise-trip travel and summer trips to Illinois and Door County, Wis. She adored her family and delighted in her grandchildren. She loved spending time with family and friends. She was an accomplished seamstress and an avid gardener. She was a volunteer on the care team at her congregation, King of Glory Lutheran Church, New Port Richey, Fla. Survivors include a daughter, Janet (Robert) Skolnick, Woodstock; a son, Theodore Arl Jr., Carol Stream; four grandchildren, Justin Skolnick; and Zachary, Tyler and Jessica Arl; two sisters, Joan Wagner and Diane Winans; three nieces, Karen Wagner, Laurie Wagner-Buyer and Eileen Neil; a grandniece, Ashley Neil; and a grandnephew, Charlie Burns. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a granddaughter, Amanda Skolnick. The memorial service was held Feb. 11 at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock, with the Rev. Randy Willers officiating. Interment will be in Florida. Donations can be made to King of Glory Lutheran Church, 4820 Florimar Terrace, New Port Richey, FL 34652. Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.
3/15/2006 Dorothy S. Dieter
Dorothy S. Dieter, 94, Woodstock, died Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at Hearthstone Manor, Woodstock. She was born June 16, 1911, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to John and Wilhelmina (Baur) Schmitt. She married George Dieter April 4, 1936. She was a member of the Methodist church and a resident of Woodstock for more than 30 years. She volunteered with the hospice program and was a great supporter of the Opera House. Survivors include two sisters, Wilma Fuchs and Helen Bungay; a brother, John Schmitt; many nieces and nephews; and good friends, John and Nancy Jung. She was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, David and James; and a brother, Ralph. No services are scheduled at this time. Memorials can be made to Hearthstone Manor or a charity of the donor's choice. For information, call Honquest Family Funeral Home, Woodstock, at 337-1500.
3/15/2006 Sherry L. Bukowski
Sherry L. Bukowski, 50, Woodstock, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at Rosewood Care Center, Elgin. She was born June 17, 1955, in Woodstock, to Russell and Donna (Willoughby) Freeman. She married Frank Bukowski June 29, 1973, in Woodstock. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. She had been employed in the accounting department of Centegra Memorial Medical Center. She enjoyed shopping and collecting teddy bears. Survivors include her parents, Woodstock; two sons, Jamie (Cinthia) Bukowsi, Lake Geneva, Wis., and Phillip (Jody) Bukowski, Woodstock; a sister, Denise (Karl) Klabunde, Woodstock; three grandchildren, Lynn, Jeremy and Zachary; a brother-in-law, Dave (Jo Anne) Bukowski, Lakemoor; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, June 28, 2005; two brothers, Scott Freeman and Rusty Freeman; and her grandparents, Millard and Elsie Willoughby and Paul and Ella Freeman. Visitation was March 10 at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. The funeral was held March 11 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Arthur Bergren officiating. Interment was in McHenry County Memorial Park Cemetery, Woodstock. Memorials can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock; Provena Hospice; or the Leukemia 7 Lymphoma Society, 651 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60601.
3/15/2006 Frederick L. Rowlen
Frederick L. Rowlen, 67, Nokomis, Fla., and formerly of Woodstock, died Saturday, March 4, 2006, after a courageous battle against cancer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a man of great integrity and humor and will be missed dearly by his relatives and many friends. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; three sons, Paul, Daniel and Jeff; a daughter, Christine; a stepson, Frank; a granddaughter, Mia; his mother, Irene; and two brothers, Jerry and Donald. Visitation was March 9 at Hursen Funeral Home, Hillside/Westchester. The funeral was held March 10 at the funeral home. Interment was in Arlington Cemetery, Elmhurst. Memorial contributions can be made to Tidewell Hospice, 1-800-959-4291.
3/15/2006 Marion P. Andrews
Marion P. Andrews, 82, died Friday, March 3, 2006, at Keswick Multi-Care Center, Baltimore , surrounded by family. She was born in New Jersey. She married Colin (Andy) Andrews in 1942, in St. Augustine, Fla. They moved to Naperville from Decatur, Ala., in 1953. They moved to Woodstock in 1968, and in 1992, she retired to Green Valley, Ariz. She enjoyed her friends and family wherever she lived and participated in the community. She was a volunteer at local hospitals and community programs including Meals on Wheels. She was an avid bridge player, opera lover and world traveler visiting many countries including Ireland, Scotland, Japan, China and Mexico. When her children were young, she led local Brownie troops and Girl Scout troops. Survivors include three daughters, Dorine Andrews (John Manzolillo), Baltimore, Elaine Andrews (Harold Techel), Mundelein, and Karen Andrews-Svendor (Tom Svendor), Sarasota, Fla.; a granddaughter, Kathryn (Hugh) Tague; two great-grandchildren, Jeremy and Ian Tague, West Orange, N.J.; a brother, Robert (Jean) Bray, Conroe, Texas; and three nephews and nieces. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, March 18, at Oakland Cemetery, Woodstock. Memorial donations can be made to the American Lung Association at www.lungusa.org or to the Macular Degeneration Foundation at www.eye sight.org.
12/14/2005 Esther S. Dougan
Esther S. Dougan, 97, Woodstock, died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, at her daughter's home in Cary. She was born Aug. 7, 1908, in Goodhue, Minn., to Ferdinand and Augusta (Degner) Schulz. She married Kenneth E. Dougan Dec. 20, 1940, in Cincinnati. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Woodstock, since 1980. She was a volunteer for Centegra Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. She was involved with the Woodstock Public Library and the Woodstock Fine Arts Association. She was a graduate of the University of Minnesota, class of 1928. She was a designer for the Gibson Greeting Card Company in Cincinnati when she met and married her husband. She loved gardening and bird watching, and she was an avid traveler. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth (Diana) Dougan, DVM, Ft. Thomas, Ariz., and Peter Dougan, Dixon, N.M.; a daughter, Ruth (Reynolds) Tague, Cary; five grandchildren, Kerry Waters, Kelly Schaeffer, Kate Dougan, Chris Tague and Lindsay Tague; and a great-grandchild, Jenna Waters. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Oct. 25, 1991; a grandson, Brahm; two sisters; and seven brothers. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.
12/14/2005 Robert L. Whiting
Robert L. Whiting, 67, a lifelong resident of Woodstock, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005, at Centegra Northern Illinois Medical Center, McHenry. He was born Feb. 21, 1938, in Woodstock, to Lee and Nellie (Staines) Whiting. He married Paula Hyatt Nov. 26, 1960, in Woodstock. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. He served in the Navy from 1956 to 1960, spending most of his time in Guantanimo Bay. He worked for most of his life in sales for Gulgren's Appliances, Crystal Lake. He also worked for Woodstock School District 200 as a custodian. He enjoyed old cars and spending time outdoors fishing and hunting. Survivors include a son, Jeff Whiting, Rockford; two daughters, Julie (Aaron) Smith, Woodstock, and Jill (Gary) Mungle, Woodstock; a brother, James (Juanita) Whiting, Woodstock; a sister, Sharon (Lynn) Kuhn, Pellham, Ala.; and two grandchildren, Kayla Mungle and Rebecca Mungle. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Mass of the Resurrection was Dec. 10 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock, with the Rev. Nicholas Federspiel presiding. Burial was in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Woodstock. Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.
12/14/2005 Thomas Michael Trainor Sr.
Thomas Michael Trainor Sr., 79, Walpole, Mass., died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005. He was born March 20, 1926, in Woodstock, to Wilbur and Frances Trainor. He married Colleen Browne in 1947. He was raised in Woodstock and attended St. Mary School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served in the South Pacific during World War II as a radioman onboard the USS Anchor. He enjoyed a long career in the telephone and communications industry. He received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1958. Upon retirement from GTE Government Systems, Needham, in 1990, he provided volunteer services for the New England Radio Network for the Blind and tax assistance for the elderly with the American Association of Retired Persons. He served as a lector at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, Norwood, Mass., for several years. Survivors include his wife; seven children, Madeline (Timothy) Braun, Lyman, Maine, Kathleen Trainor, Chicago, Thomas (Donna) Trainor, Sherborn, Mass., Mark (Tanya) Trainor, Mesa, Ariz., Daniel Trainor, Andover, Mass., Robert Trainor, Walpole, Mass., and John (Deborah) Trainor, Danbury, Conn.; 13 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and a nephew, Dennis Trainor, Woodstock. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Charles, Wilbur, Agnes and Robert. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Dec. 3 at St. Timothy's, Norwood. Burial was in Westwood Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to St. Francis House, 39 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02112, www.stfrancis house.org. Funeral arrangements were made by Gillooly Funeral Home, Norwood, Mass.
12/14/2005 Joseph N. Petty
Joseph N. Petty, 88, Clinton and formerly of Woodstock, died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005, at the Eagle Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clinton. He was born June 6, 1917, in Flora, to Joseph and Florence McLauglin Petty. He married Phyllis Kreischer Dec. 24, 1941, in Evanston. He graduated from Flora High School in 1936 and Bryant and Stratton Business College, Chicago, in 1948. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army in the European Theater as a chief warrant officer. He was an accountant with Lake Cook Farm Supply, Des Plaines, for 28 years before retiring in 1981. He was active in the Woodstock Bible Church until moving to Clinton in July 2003. Survivors include a daughter, Sharon (Pat) Mooney, Clinton; a son, Joseph (Lynda) Petty, Saugatuck, Mich.; a foster son, Anthony Vecchione, Clinton; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Eula Lee of Fairfield; and a niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, in 1994; a sister and a brother. Funeral services will be held at a later date in Woodstock. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of local arrangements. Memorials can be made to the Eagle Point Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.
12/14/2005 Cynthia Ann Shipley-Dorn
Cynthia Ann (Thiede) Shipley-Dorn, 49, Wonder Lake and formerly of Marengo, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2005, at Centegra Northern Illinois Medical Center, McHenry. She was born Feb. 8, 1956, in Belvidere, to Robert and Elnor (Nates) Thiede. She married Bradley Dorn April 30, 2005, in Woodstock. She was a graduate of Marengo Community High School. She worked for the Woodstock Post Office for 23 years. She loved gardening and boating. Survivors include her husband, Wonder Lake; a son, Tyson Reinbolz, Marengo; five stepchildren; her parents, Marengo; a sister, Bonnie Sawallisch Zuehlke, Joplin, Mo.; a brother, Larry Thiede, Marengo; and several nieces and nephews, Jamey, Scott, Shelly, Shawn and Cassie and Gary, Kevin, Sarah and Stephen. She was preceded in death by her sister, Pam Mains. Visitation was Dec. 4 at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, Marengo. The funeral service was Dec. 5 at the funeral home with the Rev. Richard Russo officiating. Interment was in Garden Prairie Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation, 24 Old Georgetown Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.
12/20/2005 Harold Irwin Shotliff
Harold Irwin Shotliff, 83, Oregon, Ill., died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005, at Skaalen Sunset Home in Stoughton, Wis. He was born April 22, 1922, in Powers Lake, Wis., to Fred and Grace (Kimball) Shotliff. He married Marion L. Brandt July 27, 1957, in Union. The couple farmed and raised their children in Alden, Richmond and Oregon. He was a member and officer of the Alden-Hebron Grange for more than 50 years. He was a member and officer of the Oregon FFA Alumni. He delivered meals and volunteered as a driver escort for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program with his wife for many years. He enjoyed taking care of his dog, Rusty, and planting flower and vegetable gardens. He also enjoyed listening to his grandchildren and hearing about all of their adventures. Survivors include his wife; four children, Keith (Sandy), Oregon, Craig (Pam), Belmont, Marian Kay (Doug) Viney, Belleville, and Laura (Perry) Jorgensen, Brooklyn; 10 grandchildren, Aaron, Brian and Brad Shotliff, Samantha (Rob) Spangler and Sean Shotliff, Matthew, Michael and Benjamin Viney, and Emma and Lee Jorgenson; a brother, Wayne (Clara), Harvard; other relatives; and a host of friends and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Glen, Bill and Melvin; and a sister, Dorothy. Visitation was Dec. 18 at Gunderson Oregon Funeral Home, Oregon. The funeral service was held Dec. 19 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Oregon, with the Rev. Steven Ristau Hanson presiding. Internment was at Storytown Cemetery, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Skaalen Sunset Home or HospiceCare. The family would like to thank the staff at Skaalen Sunset Home and the staff at the Dean Medical Clinics.
12/20/2005 Gregory M. Dechambre
Gregory M. Dechambre, 54, Woodstock, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005, at his home. He was born in Highland Park to Gerald and Eleanor (Nevins) Dechambre. He served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in the Green Berets for the 82nd Airborne Division. He worked for True Value Hardware Company for 30 years. He enjoyed playing golf. Survivors include his parents, Woodstock; three daughters, Jordan (Garrett) Childers, Wauwatosa, Wis., Katie Dechambre, Milwaukee, and Sara Dechambre, Milwaukee; a brother, David (Cecile) Dechambre, Flagstaff, Ariz.; a sister, Annette (Kevin) Butler, Woodstock; two nieces, Brett and Claire Dechambre; and two nephews, Michael (Jennifer) Butler and Jonathan Butler. A memorial Mass was held Dec. 20 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. Burial was private. Memorials can be made to the James Green Memorial Fund, which is used for tuition assistance at St. Mary Catholic School, Woodstock. Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.
12/20/2005 Mabel W. Merwin
Mabel W. Merwin, 88, Woodstock, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005, at her home. She was born Aug. 16, 1917, in Woodstock, to George and Elizabeth (Norton) Meyer. She married Donald Merwin Sept. 12, 1936. She was a homemaker and a member of the Woodstock Elks Doe Club. Survivors include two daughters, Donna (Donald) Stephens, Woodstock, and Diane (Joseph) Kersten, Woodstock; a daughter-in-law, Helen Merwin, Mendota; a sister, Betty Anderson; a brother-in-law, Alvin Christopherson; a sister-in-law, Audrey Meyer; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Oct. 5, 1994; a son, Thomas Merwin; a grandson, Brett Stephens; two brothers; and three sisters. A memorial service was held Dec. 19 at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock, with the Rev. Roger Olson officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood. Memorials can be made to Angels By Your Side or Hospice of Northeastern Illinois.
12/20/2005 Herbert W. Kreft
Herbert W. Kreft, 88, Woodstock, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005, at Woodstock Residence Nursing Home. He was born Oct. 17, 1917, in Northfield, to William and Lillie (Kaup) Kreft. He married Lillian Grandt Oct. 25, 1941, in Northfield. He was a member of Lord & Savior Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion. He was a farmer all his life and mostly farmed in McHenry County. Survivors include his wife, Woodstock; a daughter, Barbara (Bernard) Dowey, Woodstock; two grandchildren, Brian Dowey and Bruce (Erin) Dowey; and a sister-in-law, Elsie Kreft. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Irvin Kreft; and two sisters, Melinda Fick and Clara Henke. Visitation was Dec. 19 at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. The funeral service was held Dec. 20 at Lord & Savior Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake. Burial was in Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Plaines. Memorials can be made to Lord & Savior Lutheran Church, 9300 Ridgefield Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
12/20/2005 Anthony 'Popcorn' Alessi
Anthony "Popcorn" Alessi, 55, Woodstock, died Monday, Dec. 12, 2005, at Centegra Memorial Medical Center, Woodstock. He was born June 20, 1950, in Chicago, to Tony and Rose (Luna) Alessi. He married Mona Greenwald June 3, 1972, in Chicago. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division as a tank commander from 1970 to 1971. He was an avid sports fan, with particular interest in the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears and all the other Chicago area teams. He was a past member of VietNow and AMVETS. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. Survivors include his wife, Woodstock; two sons, Anthony (Amy Ray) Alessi, Woodstock, and Mike Alessi, Woodstock; three daughters, Vicki (Ty) Thompson, Texas, Debbie Alessi, Woodstock, and Gina Alessi, Woodstock; six grandchildren, Alexis Hermanson, Austin Alessi, Joey Alessi, Ty Thompson II, Tatum Thompson and Aidan Alessi; two brothers, Albert (Kathy) Alessi, Joliet, and Sam (Anna) Alessi, San Diego; and three sisters, Carmen Alessi, Arizona, Theresa (Jeff) Lichte, McHenry, and Mary (Ken) Lynn, Paducah, Ky. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation was Dec. 16 at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. Mass of the Resurrection was held Dec. 17 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock, with Monsignor James McLoughlin officiating. Interment was in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Woodstock. Memorials can be made to Cure Autism Now, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
1/4/2006 Barbara Ann Wallace
Barbara Ann Wallace, 57, Woodstock, died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2005, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 1, 1948, in Oak Park, to Anthony and Rosemary (Mirabelli) Azzaro. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock. She loved animals and was a volunteer for different dog rescue organizations through the years. Survivors include a son, David (Kerri) Roush, McHenry; two daughters, Renee (Anthony) Pappas, Woodstock, and Heather (Brad) Anderson, Batavia; five grandchildren, April Marie Roush, Bradley Joseph Anderson, David Paul Roush, Madalyn Grace Roush and Jacob Ryan Roush; and a brother, Anthony (Jerry) Azzaro Jr., Batavia. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary Ellen Parker; and a brother, Joseph Azzaro. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Dec. 27 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock, with Monsignor James McLoughlin officiating. Burial was in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Woodstock. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 410 S. Hager Ave., Barrington, IL 60010-4196. Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.
1/4/2006 Albert Bryan III
Albert Bryan III, 63, Woodstock, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2005, at his home. He was born Nov. 13, 1942, in Richlands, N.C., to Albert and Norma (Maready) Bryan Jr. He married Barbara Hobbs April 7, 1979, in Evanston. Survivors include his wife, Woodstock; his mother, Richlands, N.C.; a son, Michael Bryan, Charlotte, N.C.; two daughters, Kelly Bryan, Woodstock, and Amy Bryan, Austin, Texas; a brother, Ernest Ray (Bernice) Bryan, Houston; and a sister, Phyllis (Ernest) Huffman, Richlands. He was preceded in death by his father. Visitation and the funeral service were held Dec. 30 at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery, Woodstock. Memorials can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
1/4/2006 Candice V. Cole
Candice V. Cole, 22, Woodstock, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2005, at her home. She was born March 28, 1983, in Barrington, to John and Kathy (Strain) Cole. She was a member of St. Mary Church in Woodstock, graduating from St. Mary School in 1997 and Marian Central High School in 2001, and she was currently a senior at Columbia College, Chicago. While attending school in Woodstock, she was active in many programs including basketball, volleyball, pom pons and drama. Family and friends described her as a fun-loving, gregarious person who helped others whenever she could. She particularly enjoyed working on the Christmas Clearing House project. She was a world traveler, visiting several countries in Europe, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. While on spring break, she drove cross-country from Chicago to California. Survivors include her parents, Woodstock; her grandmothers, Donna Strain, Woodstock, and Marie Cole, England; her aunts and uncles, Chuck (Carol) Strain, Las Vegas, Doug Strain, McHenry, Gary Cole, London, Marsha Giles, Woodstock, and Rose (Dave) McKay, Woodstock; six cousins, Elizabeth (Dave) Zeh, Erin (Brian) Benak, Howie Giles, Sarah Cole, Lawrence Cole, Howie Giles and Chris McKay; a great-uncle, Chris Burden of Woodstock; and many, many loving friends. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers James Strain and Eddie Cole. Visitation was Dec. 26 at St. Mary Church. Mass of the Resurrection was held Dec. 26, with the Rev. Nicholas Federspiel officiating. Interment was in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Woodstock. Memorials can be made to St. Mary School, Marian Central High School, St. Mary Church or the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.
12/27/2005 Mary P. Endres Fyfe
Mary P. Endres Fyfe, 91, Woodstock, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005, in her home, finally succumbing to Alzheimer's disease. She was born Feb. 16, 1914, in Macomb, to George and Cora (Spear) Pollock. When she was 18, she began teaching in a one-room school in McDonough County. She loved teaching and was a very good teacher. She retired from Governors State University. She served as superintendent of McHenry County schools and later as superintendent of Rural Consolidated District 10, a consolidation of 25 one-room schools surrounding Woodstock which she helped create. Her own education began in a one-room school. She earned a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and a master's degree from the University of Chicago. She was awarded a doctor of education by the University of Chicago. She created and developed an elementary program at Purdue University in Indiana, where she worked for 17 years. Other employment included two years at the Urban Education Laboratory in Atlanta; one year at the University of Punjab, Pakistan, developing teacher training programs; and two years in Nigeria developing in-service teacher training. During her years at Purdue, she was also a consultant to Head Start in Bolivar County, Miss.; a project adviser to the Hough Parent and Child Center in Cleveland; a consultant to Tippecanoe County Child Care in Lafayette, Ind., and at the bequest of the governor of Indiana, a member of the Advisory Committee on Day Care Services. When the Illinois State Legislature created Governors State University, she applied for the position of vice president for academic affairs. She served on three governance committees - Fellowship of Reconciliation in Nyack, N.Y.; Friends World Council for Consultation in Philadelphia; and New Call for Peacemaking. Upon retiring from Governors State, she became a successful business person with her Stitchery Plus Shop. She was married to Bill Fyfe in 1984 under the care of the Thorn Creek (Quaker) Meeting and then returned to McHenry County to live. She then founded the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles. She was very pleased when Woodstock School District 200 named its new school after her, Mary Endres Elementary School. Survivors include a brother, Alvin Pollock; nieces and nephews, Lois Arlene Moon, George Pollock, Doris Ann Blakeman, William J. Pollock, Richard Lee Pollock, Patricia Joan Coker, Linda Lou Carter, Rebecca Ann Gardner, Janice Wetzel Leonard, Geraldine Wetzel Zerse, Alan Pollock Wetzel and Annette Wetzel Reed; three stepsons, Beye Fyfe, Allen (Jane) Fyfe and John (Linda Mansfield) Fyfe; a stepniece, Mary Fyfe Engelbrecht; two stepnephews, James Fyfe and Robert Fyfe; and three very special friends, Alex, Evelyn and Ellen. She was preceded in death by her husband, May 7, 2001; her parents; a sister, Genevieve Pollock Wetzel; a brother, Ralph Pollock; a nephew, Lawrence Pollock; two brothers-in-law, Gerald Wetzel and James Fyfe; and a stepniece, Ellen Fyfe Thompson. A Quaker-style memorial service will be held in the Woodstock area in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the P.T.O. of Mary Endres Elementary School, 2181 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. Arrangements were made by George R. Justen & Son Funeral Home, McHenry.
