ARGYLE – Warren F. Paulson, 90, of Argyle was reunited with his wife and son Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012.  Born July 14, 1922, in Caledonia, on the family farm, son of Wilhelm Fremont and Abbie C. (Carlson) Paulson.  Graduated from Central High School, Rockford.  Married Helen M. Hull on Dec. 11, 1943.  Warren and his wife farmed from 1943 to 1989.  Owned and operated his own farming implement company where he installed and repaired farm machinery, retiring in 1991.  Founded Paulson Agriculture Museum of Argyle in 2006.  In 2010, he donated the land, buildings and antiques to the museum.  Member of Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, Stateline Toy Collector Club, Cast Iron Seat Collector Club, Northern Illinois Tractor Association, Ford Model A and T Clubs and Winnebago County Historical Society.  He and his wife were avid bowlers and enjoyed traveling.  Warren loved attending the Boone County Fair.  Survivors include granddaughters, Tina (Dale) Axelson, Tricia Paulson and Jennifer Paulson; great-grandchildren, Colten Boomgarden and Cameron Gniadek; daughter-in-law, Darlene Paulson; sisters, Alice (Bob) Vandewalker and Phyllis Blair; numerous nieces and nephews; special caregiver, Lily McMillan; and special friend, Jack Houck.  Predeceased by wife; son, Wayne; five sisters; and three brothers.  The family wishes to thank nurse, Tammy.

Service at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, 7300 Argyle Road; the Rev. Judith March Hardie will officiate.  Burial in Argyle Scottish Cemetery.  Visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in Delehanty Funeral Home Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Warren Paulson Trust.  For more information, visit delehantyfh.com.

Florence Ann (Harlow) Burger of Belvidere passed away on Monday, Dec. 17 following a brief illness. She was 87 and had been hospitalized in Rockford.

Ann, as she preferred to be called, was born in and lived in Belvidere for all but a few years of her life. In 1944, while she was a student at the University of Illinois, she met Raymond Burger, a pilot who was stationed at nearby Chanute Field, than a training ground for the Army Air Corps. They married the following year, on Feb. 2, 1945 in Champaign, Ill. After spending two years on the east coast after the end of the war, Ann and Ray returned to Belvidere in 1947 to settle and raise their family, which was always at the center of Ann’s life.

Through the years, especially after her children were grown, Ann was active in a number of civic organizations. She was president of the Friends of the Ida Public Library, president of the Boone County Garden Club, head of the Yard and Home Garden Club and a member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary.

She and Ray were longtime members of Bel-Mar Country Club, where they enjoyed countless rounds of golf with their family and friends. She also was an avid bridge player and belonged to several local bridge clubs that played a large role in her social life over the last 15 years.

Ann was born on June 27, 1925 to William and Ann (Walz) Harlow. William died in Belvidere in 1932 of pneumonia. Ann Harlow died in 2001 a t the age of 104. Ann Burger’s two older brothers, Ronald and William, died in 1979 and 1997 respectively.

Ray Burger, who owned an insurance agency in Belvidere, died in 1996. The Burgers were married for 50 years.

Ann is survived by three children: Joan Burger and her partner Linda Tillis of DeKalb; Vicki Smallenberger and her husband Ron of Morton; and William Burger and his wife Susan Greenberg of Andover, Mass. She leaves six grandchildren: Jason (Melissa) Smallenberger, Jodi (Erik) Ciotti, James (Jillian) Smallenberger, Devon Burger, Jordan Burger and Carly Burger, as well as three great-grandchildren: Ella Smallenberger, Evan Ciotti and Andrew Ciotti.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Belvidere Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 at the funeral home. Pastor Mary Gay McKinney will officiate.

Burial will be at the Belvidere Cemetery, and there will be a fellowship meal at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford at 5 p.m.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made tot eh Belvidere Ida Public Library.

Edward A. Fabish, 86, of Belvidere passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012 at his home with his family by his side. He was born June 9, 1926 in Chicago, the son of Edward J. and Frances (Suchalski) Fabish. He graduated from Lane Tech High School, Chicago and from Illinois Institute of Technology. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He married Adella S. Schoenenberger on Oct. 1, 1949 in Chicago.

A Belvidere resident since 1991, Ed had formerly lived in Buffalo Grove, Ill. He was a retired floor installer for Creaney Floors in Wilmette and also was a real estate agent. He was Trustee for the Village of Buffalo Grove and was Past President of Buffalo Grove, and Past President of the N.W. Municipal Conference Planning Commission.

In Belvidere he was a member of St. James Catholic Church, former Belvidere City Council member, former Boone County Board member, member of the V.F.W. and Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife Adella S. Fabish; children: Susan (Thomas) Tristano, Robert Fabish, Mary Rose (John) Cottingham, Katherine (Edward) Haering; grandchildren: Katie (Evan) Tristano-Finley, David Tristano, Michah Cottingham, Luke Cottingham, Rachel Marie Haering, Joshua Haering, Benjamin Haering; sisters: Dolores Martini and Gloria Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas Fabish, and sister Alice Fergus.

Visitation will be held Thursday at Belvidere Funeral Home from 5 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Belvidere, with Rev. Brian A. Geary officiating. Interment will be in Belvidere Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to St. James School or St. James Church. Condolences may be shared at belviderefh.com.

BELVIDERE – Esther Rae Stedman passed away Dec. 14, 2012. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 1637 Seventh Ave.

James Robert Thomas “Jim Thomas, Good Guy”, 68, of Poplar Grove, IL passed away in Belvidere, IL with family by his side on January 21, 2013 as a result of a traumatic head injury.  Jim was born in 1944 in Vancouver, BC, to William Robert Thomas and Thelma Kathleen (Pollack) Kornacki.  Jim married Joan Marie King on December 26, 1964 in Superior, WI.  He retired from Chrysler in 2007 after 20 years as a welder repairman and among previous jobs during his 49 years in the Rockford area; he had been a police officer for the City of Rockford, and an EMT/Fire fighter for the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department.  He was a friend of Bill W. and proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous since May 25, 1989.  He was also a member of the Alano Club of Rockford, UAW Local 1268 and the Rock River Valley Blood Center, working on his 17th gallon.

He was a car guy and enjoyed competing in the sports of autocross and drag racing.  He enjoyed every aspect of building, rebuilding, and fixing Corvettes and was well known for always having the part that someone else needed at a competition.  He was a member of the Midwest Region (MWR) of the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) since 1994.  He was a member of Mad City Vettes, and previously a long time member of the Northern Illinois Corvette Club.  He is the NCCC 2010 National Champion and the NCCC Drag Class 2G Record Holder.  He is the 1997 and 2005 MWR Champion and served as their 2001 and 2002 Competition Director.  Many thanks to Rev. William Wentink, staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, and Manchester Country Kennels.

Survived by his wife Joan; daughters Katy Jackson, Sandi (John Hoeksema) Thomas; son James “Duffy” Thomas, II; grandchildren Ashley McMullin, John McMullin, II, Erik Jackson, Karl Jackson, James “Fox” Thomas, III, Roark Thomas; great-granddaughter Brynlee McMullin; mother Thelma; brother William L.; aunts; uncles; cousins; brothers and sisters-in-law Joyce Driessen, Reni and Tom Lynch, Geri and Gale Kafka, Bob and Pat King, Barb King, Pete and Deb King, Steve and Anita King; many nieces and nephews; loyal companion Piper.  Predeceased by father William R., brothers-in-law Ron King, Leon Kiener, Manny Driessen, and longtime sidekick Barney, the Racing Dog.

Funeral service was Saturday, January 26, 2013 in Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere with Rev. William Wentink, chaplain of OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Alano Club of Rockford or Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary.  For online condolences visit buckwheelerhyland.com.

Mark W. Brandebury, 51, of Cherry Valley went to heaven on Jan. 30, 2013. Memorial visitation will take place Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 9:30 a.m. till the start of the service at 10:30 a.m. at Cherry Valley Methodist Church.

FREMONT, Ind. – You remember Rhonda. Some of you were friends and co-workers at Green Giant.

Some, regular customers at the White Hen Pantry when she worked there. Or maybe you were there when she nabbed a shoplifter at Farm & Fleet, or Marshall Fields. Perhaps you were in her Sunday school class, or a member of her beloved Sunbeam troop.

No matter how you met her, you remember her, for she had the gift of being able to touch the lives of good people in a good way. Join us in remembering her now. After a long battle with several medical conditions, she has gone to join her son Josh in Heaven. We, her family, love and miss her.

Rhonda Louise Barker (nee Schad), 1960 – 2013.

DODGEVILLE, Wis. – William J. “Bill” Meckley, 91, of Dodgeville, Wis., formerly of Belvidere, passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville, Wis.

He was born on August 8, 1921 in Byron, Ill., a son of the late William D. and Gladys T. (Artz) Meckley. Bill served in the U.S. Army during W.W. II. He married Viola Alt on November 18, 1945 in Belvidere. He worked at Rockford Screw Product and later farmed for Welsh Brothers and Carey Cattle Co., in Mineral Point and Allan Jewell, in Dodgeville.

Bill is survived by his children, Wilma J. Tobias, of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; Wanda (Donald) Moen, of Rewey, Wis.; Eunice E. Johnson, of Rewey, Wis.; and Larry (Phyllis) Meckley, of Fennimore, Wis.; 21 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife,Viola, his daughters, Agnes Marie Arneson and Debbie Ann Meckley, his son, William Wayne Meckley, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, February 25, 2013 at the Gorgen-Mcginley & Ayers Funeral Home in Dodgeville, where Military Graveside Rites will be accorded by the Ridgeway American Legion at 7 p.m. Burial will be held in Highland Gardens of Memories, 9800 Illinois Route 76, Belvidere, Ill. at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

BELVIDERE – Mary Jane Gorham, 95, of Belvidere, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at Northwoods Care Center, Belvidere. She was born June 23, 1917 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Charles Matthew and Bessie (Kennedy) Lofdahl.

Mary Jane worked as a waitress at the Beacon Restaurant in Belvidere for 30 years. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and family. She also loved to travel every year to Arizona, California and Washington state to visit her brothers and sisters. Mary Jane was an avid Cubs fan. She enjoyed her Fannie May chocolates and loved animals, especially her daughter’s bulldog, Joe.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Jane Bement, Rockford; son, Charles William (Mary) Gorham, Belvidere; daughter-in-law Arlene Gorham, Rockford; six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; sister Katherine Killip, Vancouver, Wash. She was preceded in death by her parents, son David Gorham, brothers John Lofdahl, Frank Lindell, and Charles Lofdahl.

Memorial service will be held Friday, March 1, 2013 at 4 p.m. in Belvidere Funeral Home with Rev. Gregory Carlson officiating. Visitation will be Friday at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until time of the service. There will be a private interment.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.belviderefh.com.

BELVIDERE – Dorothy Mae Reser, 90, of Belvidere passed away Tuesday Feb. 26, 2013 at HomeBridge Center, Belvidere. She was born July 4, 1922 in Belvidere, the daughter of Bernard E. and Viola (Gokey) Hauth. She attended Belvidere schools. Dorothy married James Reser on Dec. 6, 1958 in Poplar Grove. A life-long Belvidere resident, Dorothy worked as a dietary aid for many years at St. Joseph Hospital, Belvidere. She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Dorothy, along with her late husband Jim, loved to volunteer for many organizations, including the Keen Age Center, the Boone County Conservation District and Belvidere Chamber of Commerce. Dorothy was a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Award.

She is survived by her son Dennis Jams (Barb) Reser, Poplar Grove; daughter Carol Ann Arterburn, Rockford; grandchildren Megan, Joshua, and Mike Grenlund; great-grandchildren Lundsey, Erhen, Hannah and Trey; step-grandchildren Amber Westness, Kyle Riley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James Reser, grandson Justin Grenlund, and brother Robert E. Hauth.

Funeral services will take place Monday March 4, 2013 at 10 a.m. in Belvidere Funeral Home with Rev. Ivan Schoen, pastor of Spring Creek United Church of Christ, officiating. Interment will be in Highland Garden of Memories. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday, March 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. Memorials may be made to the V.F.W. Hugo Kaiser Post #1461 Ladies Auxiliary. Condolences may be made at www.belviderefh.com.

POPLAR GROVE  – Daren M. Gibbs, 43, of Poplar Grove, passed away at his home Feb. 28, 2013. He was born April 27, 1969 in Albany, Georgia, the son of David and Cynthia (Varney) Gibbs. He graduated from high school in Camdenton, Mo.

He was a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Daren’s daughters meant everything to him and he loved spending time with them. He is survived by his parents David and Cynthia Gibbs, Poplar Grove; daughters Courtney Gale Gibbs and Sierra Dawn Gibbs both of Bland, Mo.; sisters Mary Beth (Jeff) Roemer, Springfield, Mo.; and Jennifer Lynn Dunning, Auxvasse, Mo.

Cremation rites were accorded and burial of cremains took place in Missouri. There are no services locally.

BELVIDERE – Anita Mae Taylor Ross, 88, passed away on March 3, 2013 at her home in Belvidere after a long illness.

Born in Sand Springs, Oklahoma on Nov. 11, 1924, Anita graduated from Bartlesville High School and studied home economics at Oklahoma A & M College (now Oklahoma State University), where she was a member of the Chi Omega fraternity. She married her high school sweetheart, Russell H. Ross, in June, 1944. They lived in California, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Illinois. Anita was a homemaker and an accomplished cook. She also enjoyed entertaining, playing bridge, books, art and music. Anita was a long-term supporter of the aerospace industry and military veterans’ organizations.

Anita was predeceased by her husband Russell, her parents Maurice W. and Ival Taylor, her sisters Christine Bond and Maureen Goodhue, and brother-in-law Jack Ross. She is survived by her son John; daughters Connie (Gregory) Fowler and Nancy (Dennis) Brewer; grandchildren Rusty Ross, Christopher Fowler, Benjamin Fowler, Jonathan Fowler and their families; sister-in-law Barbara (Robert) Kurland and many nieces and nephews.

Anita’s family thanks Dr. Shoba Iyengar and her staff, Heartland Hospice Care, PEAK Home Health Care Services, Heritage Woods of Belvidere, and Maple Crest Care Centre for their professional and loving care. Memorials should be directed to the American Cancer Society or veterans’ organizations. Burial will be in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Belvidere Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Gordon J. Harris, age 76, of Pickett, WI, fought a long, hard battle with cancer and died with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.

Gordon was born October 10, 1936, the first born son of Lloyd and Effie (Larson) Harris in Capron, IL. When he was growing up he became the man of the house for his family and started his love of farming. He later met Donna L. Kyle and they married on June 11, 1966 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard, IL. At that time, he worked as a driver for Pete Freight Lines of Woodstock, IL. With his love of farming, he convinced Donna that they should purchase a farm, which they named, “Udder Hillside Dairy” in Pickett, WI. They operated it from 1973-1985. He then was a mechanic for the local canning factory until he retired in 2002. In his retirement, Gordon restored his faithful friend the John Deere tractor. He ended up collecting and restoring multiple tractors and equipment. His blood truly bled green. He also was involved with and a former board member of the Pickett Community Center, a former member of the Pickett Jaycees and the Pickett Lions Club, Capron, Illinois Fire Department and Utica Fire Department, the Pickett Steam Club and the Fox Valley Two Cylinder Club.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of 46 years; his daughters, Barbara Sager of Capron, IL, Kimberly (Robert) Dearman of Onalaska, WI, Shelly (Jack) Fruehbrodt of Rush Lake, WI; son John (Vickie Kolb) Harris of Pickett, WI; grandchildren, Scott, Sherri, Seth Sager, and Bayle Dearman; his sisters, Carol Robertson, Janice Carlson, Kay (Robert) Marincic, LaVerne (Kay) Harris, all of Illinois. He is also survived by his faithful co-pilot chocolate lab, Ty, whom he rescued. He was Pa Harris to many. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Marjorie Harris, Effie Harris, his in-laws, Donald and Velma (Carney) Kyle; brothers-in-law, Walter Kyle and Bernard Robertson and nephew Thomas Robertson.

Visitation for Gordon Harris was held Saturday, March 9,  at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral Service for Gordon Harris were held on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home in Ripon. Pastor Dan Gibson will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Liberty Prairie Cemetery in the Town of Utica, WI. A memorial is being established.

The family would like to thank the Aurora Hospice and the Aurora Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Oshkosh, WI.

Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send online condolences.

Marie Erickson, formerly of Belvidere, IL, died peacefully at the age of 97 at Linden Grove Care Center in Mukwonago, WI.  Valera Marie Mulvane was born on January 19, 1916, near Robinson, IL, the elder daughter of Thomas and Della Coulter Mulvane.  Marie graduated from Robinson (IL) High School in 1934 and the University of Illinois in 1939 with a degree in Home Economics and Nutrition. She and her college sweetheart Carl Erikson were wed on October 12, 1940, a marriage that lasted 62 years until Carl’s death in 2003.  She then moved to Wisconsin to live near her daughter and family.

Marie loved gardening and nature, creating outstanding woodland gardens for each of the three homes she and Carl built together on the same plot of land between Belvidere and Rockford.  She was an excellent cook who loved to entertain family and friends with elegant and delicious dinners.  She and Carl were avid travelers and campers, spending one summer camping throughout Europe.  Marie taught Sunday School for much of her adult life and eventually served as Christian Education Director at First Presbyterian Church in Belvidere.  Later in life, she and Carl became active in the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford.  But above all she will be remembered and cherished by her family and friends for her unfailing love and patience, gentle optimism and courageous but creative approach to life’s adversities.

Survivors include son Larry (Sharon) Erikson of Dallas, TX; daughter Irene (Chuck) Roberts of Eagle, WI; granddaughters Angie (Nick) Nelson, Leslie Reynolds, Kathryn Roberts, and Kristianna Roberts; great-granddaughters Courtney Lange and Cassie Reynolds; nephews and nieces.  She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Carl, sister Norma (Walter) Mann, and sister-in-law Phyllis (Richard) Beck.

A brief visitation at 4 pm, followed by a memorial service at 5 pm will be held on Tuesday, March 26th at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner Street in Rockford, Illinois.  Rev Lisa Taylor, great-niece of the deceased, and Rev. Colleen McDonald of UUC will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations either toward a memorial garden at Linden Grove Mukwonago 837 Cty Rd NN East, Mukwonago, WI  53149 or to Home & Hospice Advantage, 1155 Quail Ct, Pewaukee, WI

FRIENDSHIP, Wis. – Rodney J. Oncken, 93, of Friendship, Wisconsin died Monday, April 1, 2013 at St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield, Wis.  Born August 28, 1919, in Morrison, Illinois to Alfred and Adeline Oncken. Married Doris Marshall on May 23, 1942. They shared a long, happy life together and were about to celebrate their 71st anniversary on May 23.

Rodney, or “Doc” as he was called by many of his friends, and Doris lived and raised their family in Belvidere, Illinois before retiring to Friendship, Wisconsin in 1985.  He worked for Central Rubber Co. in Belvidere prior to serving as tech sergeant in the US Army for two years in Italy during WWII.  After returning from service, he resumed work for Central Rubber, where he worked his way up to President.  In 1976 he and a partner left Central Rubber and formed their own company, where he stayed until his retirement.  He was a long-time member of the First Methodist Church in Belvidere, Illinois and subsequently the Trinity Congregational Church in Adams, Wisconsin. He was an active member of the Lions Club and the American Legion in Belvidere, and the VFW in Wisconsin.

He is survived by his wife, Doris, a son, Gerald (Joan) Oncken and a daughter Nancy (Gordon) Wells as well as three grandchildren, Andrea Oncken of Boise, Idaho; Adelina Thelen and Joshua Oncken, both of Issaquah Washington, and five great-grandchildren.

Service at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, Illinois Saturday April 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service.  Burial in Highland Gardens Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.

Robert L. Strack Jr. (Louie) 68, formerly of Belvidere, born January 13,1945 in Dixon, Ill., passed away at home in Leasburg, Mo. on 3/25/2013 at 3:25am. He was surrounded by his daughters Toni (Bubba), Valli (Sissy) & Tina (Skeeter).

Louie was a retired electrician who loved spending time with his family. He loved hunting, fishing, traveling & having coffee with his buddies.

Per his wishes, there will not be a traditional memorial service held. To honor Louie’s life, there will be a gathering in Belvidere, IL. this summer for all family and friends. Date & location will be announced by public notification once determined.

He is survived by his children: Tonya (Lorie) Houseman, Valli (John) Ertl, Tina (Dustin) Cornman, Teresa (Jeff) Hyde, Billy Olsen,and his beloved Fred (our hairy brother). Siblings: Lee(Ardith) Strack, Gary(Sherry) Strack, Juanita Schober and Wes Strack. Grandchildren:  Robert, Jacob, Nicholas, Skylar, Chantel, Dalton, Cody, Creeanna, Wyatt, Dakota, Austin, Christopher, Brianna, Jase, Chase, Hannah, Helena, Naveah. Great-grandchildren: Tyson, Charley, Daimin and Blair. Also by his mother Marcella (Green) Peterson and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Robert L. Strack Sr., step-mother Darlene (Ehlert) Strack, and a sister Ardith (Strack) Potnic.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to be made to the Louie Strack memorial fund set up at Chase Bank made out to Tonya Houseman, account #2951531083.

Charlene Tripke, 80, a long-time resident of Belvidere, died February 13, 2013, in Rockford, Ill., of a heart attack.

Charlene was born on August 3, 1932, the daughter of Edwin and Marjorie Huston.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lucinda Tripke, in 1978.  She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Ansermet, of San Francisco and her grandchildren, Julien Ansermet of Los Angeles and Lydia Ansermet of Nashville, TN.  Her son, Robert Tripke, of Bloomington, IL, survives, as well as her grandchildren, Alex and Brielle Tripke, also of Bloomington.

Charlene spent many years as a hairdresser and owner of “The Hair Affair” salon in Belvidere.  In later years she became a travel agent at the Colonial Village Bergner’s in Rockford, which she enjoyed immensely as she always loved traveling.  She was always quick with a joke, and she was often very entertaining.  She will be truly missed.

A private memorial will be held.

Maxine A. Scherwitz died on March 31, 2013 at the age of 94. Beloved wife of the late Walter. Loving mother of Kay (Ed) Ramsey of Portland and Susan Scherwitz of La Crosse. Dearest sister of George (Millie) Griffis of Milton. Adored grandmother of Sara Ramsey of Portland and Maria (Tony) Greenman of Tacoma. Great grandmother of Lauren, Rachel and Ryan. Also survived by her sisters-in-law Helen Griffis and Gladys Scherwitz and other relatives and friends. Maxine was preceded in death by her sisters Shirley and Lucille and her brother Harvey.

Maxine was born on the Fourth of July in 1918 to Harvey Griffis and Minnie Tiffany. On March 10, 1945 Maxine married Walter in Milton, WI. They were married for 60 wonderful years. Maxine worked as a housewife and as a clerk for Trim N Tidy cleaners. She was a charter member of the Mukwonago United Church of Christ and a member of the Homemakers Club. Maxine kept a detailed diary and often wrote long and frequent letters. She also enjoyed traveling with Walter.

A visitation will be held at the MUKWONAGO UNITED CHURCH OF CHIRST, S93 W30740 Hwy NN Mukwonago, on Saturday April 13, 2013 from 10 AM until the time of service at 11 AM. Burial will take place at UNION CEMETERY in the Town of Sumner at 3PM. Memorials appreciated to the Mukwonago Catastrophic Medical Fund, Linden Grove of Mukwonago or to the Mukwonago Untied Church of Christ.

December 24, 1926 – April 6, 2013

Zita passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, April 6, 2013. She was 86.

She was born in Belvidere, Illinois, to the late Martin F. and Olive Kelley. She was the wife of Eugene Francis Rohr, deceased.

Zita grew up on her family’s farms and retained the country girl charm. Although she was shy, she made many life-long friends. She attended Marymount College in Kansas, with her sisters, where she obtained her teaching degree, majoring in Home Economics. While teaching all grades of school in Selden, Kansas, she met her future husband, Gene, who also became a teacher. Zita and Gene moved to California in 1952 and lived there throughout their lives.

They were members of the LA Group Camping Club, and were founders of The Happy Wanderers Camping Club. While working as an elementary school teacher, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Education. Zita and Gene enjoyed 19 years of a very active retirement together. She enjoyed living with her two grandchildren and their dogs for the last several years. She liked to go on outings and kept her sense of humor through her illness. She is profoundly missed.

She is survived by daughters Jaci Rohr and Kelli Schneider; grandchildren Heather Schneider and Brett Schneider; son-in-law, Gregg Miner and sister, Audrey Pfeuffer.

Donations may be made in her name, Mary Zita Rohr, to The American Lung Association of California. http://www.lung.org/associations/states/california/

Services will take place at Oakdale Memorial Park in the Oakdale Chapel.

Visitation and Rosary – Friday, April 12, 2013 at 6:00 pm

Funeral service – Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 3:00 pm

1401 S Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740

(626) 691-2000

Thelma M. Karr, age 93, died peacefully in her sleep on April 19, 2013 at Agrace HospiceCare in Madison, Wisconsin.

Thelma was born June 29, 1919 in Clinton, Illinois to Jesse and Anna (Irvine) Douglas. She married Raymond Willis Karr, September 1, 1945 after he returned from serving in the European Theater during WWII. They farmed in Wapella, Illinois until 1960 when they moved to a dairy farm in Clinton, Wisconsin. Thelma was a cook at Manchester grade school and worked at The Bottle Cap/Champion Package in Belvidere, Illinois until her retirement. Thelma had a very busy life as a farm wife, 4-H leader, mother grandmother and great grandmother. She loved to cook and enjoyed keeping a nice home.

Thelma is survived by her only son, Douglas Earl (Phyllis) Karr, De Forest, Wisconsin, her granddaughter, Kimberlee Karr, Minneapolis, Minnesota, her grandson Jeffrey (Tiffany) Karr, her great-grandchildren, Dylan and Weston Karr, Poynette, Wisconsin, and her sister Elverda Kleemann, Wapella, Illinois.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in 1998, her brothers and their wives, Raymond and Jerri Douglas and Russell and Dorothy Douglas, and her parents.

Visitation will be held at the Calvert Funeral Home (201 S. Center Street, Clinton, IL) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 10am. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with J. Kent Hickerson, officiating and burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL.

The family is very grateful for the exceptional care form Agrace Hospice. Memorial donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or the American Cancer Society.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” -Unknown.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com