Trust the Torch!

Obituaries

Eugene Limbaugh, 84

Eugene Limbaugh, known by everyone as Gene, of Woodstock, IL passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born on July 6, 1940, to Robert James and Francis (Trisler, Chumley) Limbaugh in Woodstock, IL. After graduating Woodstock High School in 1958, he married Helen (Lois) Hunt on June 14, 1958. They were married for 66 years. He had a strong work ethic and willingness to help others, which he demonstrated when he worked at Woodstock Tire in the early 60’s, working with a lot of farmers in the area. Those were the days when the service call usually took him to a customer’s farm or maybe the farm field. In 1965, Gene partnered with

Salvatore Amato, 96

Salvatore Amato has passed away at age 96. He was one of four boys and four girls in the Amato family. His three brothers were Tony, Vince and Frank who all served in the military. Salvatore was Captain of LST 753 in WW II. He married Mary Crecelius, a woman from the Quad Cities. Salvatore spent thirty years with General Motors in the Mid-West where he was a Special Agent. He has three children: Gregory, Dwight and Beth. Dwight and Beth reside in Arizona and Gregory still lives in Woodstock, Illinois. Sal was an avid day sailor and possessed a 16-foot boat that he used in Browns Lake. He rode his bicycle across Iowa on RAGBRI, a 500-mile bike ride

Mary Elizabeth (Klocek) Gillis, 72

Mary Elizabeth (Klocek) Gillis, was residing in Huntley, Illinois and passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025 at the age of 72. Born in Woodstock, Illinois, Mary lived a life full of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. Mary is survived by her seven beloved children and grandchildren, daughter, Theresa Francis (Gillis) HarriSon and husband: Timothy Edward HarriSon Jr. and their children, Timothy Edward HarriSon III, Amelia Ann HarriSon, Vivian Rose HarriSon and Scarlett Elizabeth HarriSon; son, Vincent Adam Gillis; daughter, Anna Marie (Gillis) Zuchora and husband John Zuchora. And their children, Peyton Julian Zuchora, Harper John Zuchora, and Emersyn Grace Zuchora; son, Michael Scott Gillis and his wife Kimberly Ann Weybrecht-Gillis; daughter, Samantha Christine Gillis and her

Joan Anne Purdy, 69

Joan Anne Purdy, 69, of Waupaca, WI—formerly of Woodstock, IL—passed away peacefully at home on May 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). To know Joan was to love Joan. She had a magnetic presence, a gift for conversation, and an infectious laugh. Her warmth, humor, and boundless devotion to her family and community were hallmarks of a life well lived and deeply cherished. Born in Indianapolis, IN on January 23, 1956, Joan was the beloved daughter of Jean A. (Johnson) and John L. Oberrieder. She grew up in Deerfield, IL and graduated from Deerfield High School. Joan went on to attend Drake University, where she met the love of her

Larry (Smitty) Smith, 71

Larry (Smitty) Smith, 71, of Woodstock, IL passed away in Rochester, MN, on May 14th, 2025, surrounded by his family. Larry was born in Harvard, IL, on January 31, 1954 to Marion and Betty Smith. He attended Woodstock schools and was a member of Woodstock High School Class of 1972. Larry was a Woodstock United States Postal Service letter carrier for 30 years. On May 14, 1977 he married Peggy Dhom at Saint Mary’s Church. They raised four children together. Larry is survived by his wife Peggy, son Scott (Jessica) Smith, daughter Sarah (Dave) Kanak, daughter Lindsay (Todd) Loehner, daughter Lauren (Seth) Hoadley, sister Marilyn (David) Rice, brother Ken (Kristy) Smith, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and good friends. Larry was

Rudolph E. Pahl Jr., 97

It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of our delightful father, Rudolph Eric Pahl, Jr. At 97 years old, he was living a full, independent life until a tragic fall in his home. He transitioned peacefully on May 4, 2025, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington surrounded by family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, at least those who could appreciate his wit, sense of humor, honesty, and love of people. Rudy lived his life with ease. He had a flair for decorating, was constantly working around the house, and never missed an opportunity to go dancing. He loved his home and his family. He also loved a challenge! He could do ANYTHING!

James W. Kniebusch, 72

James W. Kniebusch, 72, of Woodstock died suddenly in his home in Woodstock on Sunda,y May 11, 2025. He was born in Woodstock on March 15, 1953, to William and Hazel (Beilke) Kniebusch. Jim worked for many years in roofing and also worked as a machinist at Bolt Switch. He was also a former volunteer member of the Woodstock Rescue Squad. Jim was a member at First United Methodist Church in Woodstock. He was a lifetime member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge and a Life Scout. Jim was an avid sports fan and especially fond of the White Sox and Chicago Bears. He is survived by a daughter, Megan (Matthew) Quick; two grandchildren, Tori and Alexis Quick; sisters, Peggy (Ken)

Rebecca A. Pender, 66

Rebecca A. Pender, 66, of Woodstock, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 8, 2025, after a 5-year battle with cancer.She was a graduate of Woodstock High School Class of 1977, and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Woodstock. Becky married her sweetheart, Tim, in 1984. She loved raising two sons, Scott (Leah) and Todd (Emily), and then watching them build lives of their own. She was blessed with two daughters-in-law and four cherished grandchildren: Hannah 4, Ted 3, Amelia 3, and Lillian 1, all of whom were the light of her life. Becky was a woman of grace, always with a heartfelt smile, exhibiting love and compassion throughout life. She lived by the

Patricia ‘Pat‘ Herbst, 64

A life beautifully lived: Patricia “Pat” Herbst (Jan. 8, 1961-April 8, 2025)It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Patricia “Pat” Herbst, a woman whose radiant spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and impeccable style touched the lives of all who knew her. Pat departed this world peacefully on April 8, 2025, in Woodstock, surrounded by her loving family, a testament to the immense love she cultivated throughout her life. Born on Jan. 8, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Mich., Pat was the cherished daughter of John and Marilyn Lierman. From her earliest days, she possessed a vibrant energy and a remarkable ability to connect with others. As one of six siblings, she

Dale Edward Lavan, 86

There will be a Celebration of Life for Dale Edward Lavan on May 10, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Stage Left Cafe, Woodstock. Dale was born on April 22, 1938, in Chicago to Edward and Bernice (Skokal) Lavan. He quietly passed away on Oct. 27, 2024, in Paducah, Ky., where he had retired in 2018. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cary Sue (Byerly); his son, John (Kristi); daughter, Debra Shook; his brother Ed (Cathi); sisters Mary Ellen Lavan (Dennis Howe, deceased) and Ann Marie (Bill) Dominguez; and many nieces and nephews. Dale served his country for four years in the Air Force in the late 1950s. Most of his career was in quality

Top Writers

Picture of Larry Lough

Larry Lough

Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.

Picture of Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio

Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.

Picture of Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray

Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.

Picture of Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli

Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.

Keep Exploring

By Ruth Raubertasnews@springgreen-pigeon-339172.hostingersite.comThree local women have each received a $2,000 scholarship to further their education in pursuit of ne…
Buffalo Wild Wings GO set to open and other news around townBy Susan W. Murraynews@springgreen-pigeon-339172.hostingersite.comWork on the storefront for Buffalo Wild …

Subscriber Access

Login