Obituaries

Kelley Clay Smith
Kelley Clay Smith, 82, of Long Grove, Illinois, passed away on December 27, 2025. Born in Ottumwa, Iowa, he was a U.S. Army Colonel with over 25 years of service, including Desert Storm. A devoted husband of 60 years, he was active in the Orchard Church and community
He is survived by his wife,...

Pauline Franks
Pauline Franks lived with a strong faith and focused her life on her family. Her faith was expressed inward with constant prayer and quietly supporting others in need. May she continue to be an example to all of us. May her memory be eternal.
Survived by daughter Anna Maria (Garen) Toloken,...

Priscilla Lee "Gidget" Bazsali
Priscilla Lee "Gidget" Bazsali, 82, passed away on November 2, 2025. Fredrick Funeral Home in Hampshire is assisting the family. Information 847-683-2711 or visit www.fredrickfuneralhome.com

Barbara Anne McLaughlin
Barbara Anne McLaughlin, 88 of St. Charles died December 28, 2025. Arrangements are being made by the Yurs Funeral Home St. Charles. 630-584-0060

Valerie D. Arnesen
A Memorial visitation for Valerie D. Arnesen (nee: Juhl), 83, of Hawthorn Woods will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 pm. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 415 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich.
Valerie was born November 14, 1942 in Chicago and she passed away...

Kevin William Schwartz
Kevin William Schwartz, age 51, of Bristol, Wisconsin, passed away on December 19, 2025. He was a devoted father who loved his children deeply and always did his best to provide for his family. After college, Kevin joined his father in the family insurance business in Libertyville, Illinois, a...

David A. Pepper
David A. Pepper, 66, of Sharon, WI died December 17, 2025 peacefully at home. He was born in Elgin, IL and was a 1977 graduate of Lake Zurich High School. David was known for his love of animals and his most cherished collie, Elsie. His outgoing nature resulted in many cherished friendships...

Aviator Robert S. Bos of Elk Grove Village, whose piloting record earned him the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award designation in 2005, passed away December 15, 2025 at Alexian Brothers Hospital.

He was born May 18, 1930. By the time Bob reached his 17th birthday, he had qualified as a private pilot. At 18, while...

Judie Witnik Bryla
March 18, 1942 - Dec. 15, 2025
Judith Barbara Veronica was born to Joe and Julia (nee Kurdziel) Witnik, growing up on Chicago's West Side, attending St. Francis Assisi grammar school and graduating from Providence High School in 1959, proudly serving as her Senior Class's Vice President. It was...

March 18, 1942 - Dec. 15, 2025

Judith Barbara Veronica was born to Joe and Julia (nee Kurdziel) Witnik, growing up on Chicago's West Side, attending St. Francis Assisi grammar school and graduating from Providence High School in 1959, proudly serving as her Senior Class's Vice President. It was during this time...

Margaret W. Sames
(Margaret Jane Wray)
Dec. 17, 1962
- Dec. 2, 2025
Hudson, WI
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Margaret Sames, professionally known as Margaret Jane Wray, a beloved wife, mother, and celebrated opera singer. She passed away Tuesday, December 2nd, surrounded by family. Born...

Sherman A. Wathen
Sherman A. Wathen, 83, passed away Friday, December 12.
Beloved husband of the late Judy Wathen. Loving father of Bryan, Chris (Mary Kay), and Adam (Caroline). Cherished grandfather of Greyson, Nora, Jill, Jack, Annie, and Molly. Dear brother of Jackie (the late Rolf) Fritz. Fond uncle of...