Walter A. Wood

After a short illness, Walter A. Wood, 59, of Mineral Point, WI, was called home on Sunday, September 19, 2010 while at HospiceCare in Madison, WI. Just as Walt’s life was lived, he was surrounded by friends and family as his suffering ended and his last breath expelled.

Walt was born on October 20, 1950 and grew up in rural Lansing, Iowa. After graduating from Lansing High School in 1968 as salutatorian, he attended University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. In 1969, he worked at Decomet in Lansing, IA where he met his first wife, Marti (Stussy) Wood. They were married in 1970 and started their family later that year. In 1972, they moved to Chadwick, IL for his job with Wick Buildings where they raised their four children.

On April 27, 1996, he married Carol Hartman Wood and later that year relocated to Blue Mounds, WI – again for a promotion with Wick as Production Manager. Since 2006, they have lived on “a little piece of heaven” outside of Mineral Point, WI. Side note: Although he moved to “Packers Territory”, Walt remained a true Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed razzing friends and co-workers every time the Bears would take out those Packers. GO BEARS GO!

It was easy to get through Walt’s tough exterior to find his big, warm heart not far beneath. He is survived by his wife Carol, four children Jody (Carmen) Wood of LeRoy, IL; Michelle (Roger) Bray of Clinton, IA; Amber Wood of Morrison, IL; Bridgett (Clint) Wood of Cedar Rapids, IA; seven grandchildren Natalie, Olivia, Abby, and Cole Wood; Carson Bray; Noah and Zoie Lunden; two brothers Kenneth (Vickie) Wood of Cedar Rapids, IA and John (Sharon) Wood of Harpers Ferry, IA, two family pets Lady and Angel; and many special friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother George and sister-in-law Sharon.

Strong-willed and filled with integrity and pride, Walt always pushed himself to do his best and for a job well done while encouraging others to do the same. He had many accomplishments throughout his life. Several were at work with Wick Buildings over the last 40 years. He was the only one to ever bowl a perfect 300 game at Palisades Bowl, Savanna, IL. He was active with the Jaycees, Chadwick City Council, Chadwick Masonic Lodge #867, Savanna Moose Lodge #1095, and other social groups. Walt knew that hard work was necessary to enjoy things in life like fishing, golfing, sports (Bears, Cubs, Badgers), bowling, shooting darts & pool, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. He never shied away from a challenge – personal, professional, or otherwise.

To honor Walt’s life, Services will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Hope Lutheran Church in Mineral Point. Pastor Steve Kottke will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at the Gorgen Funeral Home in Mineral Point and on Thursday from 10:00 am until time of service at the church. A Masonic Lodge service will be held on Wednesday evening at 8:00 pm

Death is not the greatest loss in life.  The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live. ~Norman Cousins

Stanley L. Smith

North Fort Myers, FL. – Stanley L. Smith, 67, passed away on Friday, Sept. 17, 2010 at Hope Hospice Center, Cape Coral, FL. following an extended illness. A memorial was held for family and friends on September 24, at the Hospice House Chapel in Cape Coral, officiated by Pastor Wes Furlong.

Stan was a proud veteran, and served aboard the USS Carp Submarine, U.S. Navy. He was a journeyman wireman for IBEW Local 364 of Rockford, IL for 35 years. He and his wife, Jane, were married Dec. 30, 1983, and resided in Bryon, IL for 20 years. The couple had recently retired in North Fort Myers, FL.

Born April 1, 1943, in Milledgeville, IL, he was the son of Paul H. Smith and Lula Mae (Kendall) Smith.

He is survived by his wife; 2 daughters, Teri (Chuck) McParland and Tracy (Karl) Seaman, both of Cape Coral, FL; 1 son, Eric (Maribel) Smith, US Navy, Panama City, FL; 3 step-daughters, Karlene (Eric) Knisley of Monticello, IL, Tracy (Jeff) Eastman of Byron, IL, and Wendy (Lincoln) LaFayette of Medina, OH; 1 step-son, Rick (Stacy) Johnson of Des Moines, IA; 1 brother, Don (Anita) Smith of Eureka, Ark.; 2 sisters, Helen Itken and Wanda Hinrichs both of Sterling, 4 sister-in-laws; Carol Smith, Marion Smith, Nancy (Ronald) Munz all of Milledgeville, and Janet (Dick) Vaughn, Sterling, 2 brother-in-laws, Dick Weigle, Sterling and Walt Mennenga, Milledgeville, 18 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and 2 beloved dogs, Molly and Tucker.

Preceding him in death were his parents; 2 brothers, Nelva (Dutch) Smith and Gene “Ivan” Smith, both of Milledgeville; 2 sisters, Neva Weigle and Eunice Hackbarth both of Sterling, Paula Schryver of Milledgeville; 1 sister-in-law, Barb Mennenga of Mt. Carroll, Il.; and first wife Karen (Gatz) Smith of Ft. Myers, FL.

Visitation will be at the Dutchtown Church of the Brethren, 25257 Dutchtown Rd. Milledgeville, IL. on Friday, October 1, 2010 at 2:00 pm with funeral services at 3:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Rick Koch. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling, Il. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Mary Clare Eckerson

Mary Clare Eckerson who retired to Lake Carroll, IL for 15 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 24, 2010 at Tabor Hills Healthcare Center in Naperville. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 29, 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, Naperville. A Celebration of Mary’s life will begin at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

Ruth Elizabeth Hall

Ruth Elizabeth Hall, age 75, of Apple River, Illinois, died Friday, September 24, 2010 at Swedish-American Hospital, Rockford, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at the Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church, Schapville, Illinois with Reverend Dottie Morizzo officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., prior to the memorial service at the church. Burial will be in the Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the church or the A.S.P.C.A. in Ruth’s memory.

Jesse D. Foley Sr.

Jesse D. Foley Sr., age 68, of Savanna, Illinois, died Saturday, September 25, 2010, at his home. Cremation rites will be accorded. A potluck and time of fellowship will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the Eagle Club, 222 1/2 S. 2nd St, Clinton, IA 52732. A memorial fund has been established in Jesse’s memory.