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OBITUARIES Joan Strauss POLO – Joan Strauss died peacefully, with her family by her side, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wis. Joan Ruth Strauss was born Nov. 25, 1934, in Dixon, to Harold and Ruth McCleary. Joan graduated from Polo Community High School and attended Shimer College in Mount Carroll. She married Edwin Strauss on Oct. 2, 1954, at her parents’ family farm in Polo. Joan knew that her true calling was to follow in her father’s footsteps, and ultimately began the process with Edwin to take over the family farm. Joan loved the family farm and took pride in working the land and raising livestock. In addition to farming, she also was a licensed realtor, broker, and appraiser. She worked hard at everything she did, and always had an attention to detail. Joan also enjoyed playing
bridge with her close friends and euchre with her family. She also took pleasure in traveling, gardening, and any activity with her grandchildren. She will be missed dearly. Survivors include her husband, Edwin Strauss of Polo; two children, Susan (Jerry) Love of Gilbert, Ariz.; Steve (Janet Henning) Strauss of Polo; six grandchildren, Kailey, Mason, Jacob, Curtiss, Lauren, and Kate; and one brother, Elliot McCleary. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert; and her sister, Jean. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Polo Family Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.
Esther L. Hamstra MORRISON – Esther L. Hamstra, 77, of Morrison, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at Resthave Home in Morrison. She owned and operated Hamstra Carpet Cleaning for 25 years with her husband. Esther was born May 3, 1936, in Morrison, the daughter of Renzie J. & Iva (Tichler) Buikema. She married Donald G. Van Zuiden on March 30, 1956, in Morrison. He preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1973. She married Gerald L. Hamstra on Oct. 4, 1974, in Morrison. She was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison. Survivors include her husband, Gerald; two daughters, Debra Van Zuiden and Deane (Mike) Patten, both of Morrison; two sons, Gary (Monica) Van Zuiden of Dunlap and Rodney (Deann) Van Zuiden of Morrison; one stepdaughter, Marsha Hamstra of East Moline; four stepsons, Kevin (Barb) Hamstra and Gregg (Tammy) Hamstra, both of Prophetstown, Brad
Hamstra of Morrison, and Arlyn (Lisa) Hamstra of Prophetstown; 24 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Janice (Tom) Patten of Morrison, Shirley (Doug) Borop of Machesney Park, and Beth (Steve) Wroble of Morrison; and one brother, Allen (Hope) Buikema of Morrison. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Ken Renkes, director of congregational care at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, officiating. Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. Memorials have been established to Resthave Home and Ebenezer Reformed Church, both in Morrison. Visit www.bosmarenkes.com to send condolences.
Obituary information All obituaries, including death notices, are due by 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday if sent via email, obituaries@saukvalley. com or fax, 815-625-9390. Obituary corrections and clarifications will appear in the Corrections
box on Page A2 the next publication day after we are notified of an error. Receipt of all obituaries must be confirmed by phone. For more information, call 800-798-4085 ext. 530 or 502.
Sheila McCarty DIXON – Sheila Ann McCarty, 61, of Dixon, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at KSB Hospital in Dixon. She had fought a long and courageous 33-year battle with cancer. Sheila worked at KSB Hospital in the intensive care unit for more than 20 years before retiring. Sheila was born April 29, 1952, in Shawneetown, the daughter of Clyde Franklin and Shirley Gail (Sheets) Morris Jr. She married the love of her life, Michael McCarty, on Jan. 10, 1980, in Sterling. Sheila graduated nursing school as a licensed practical nurse in 1981, while also undergoing radiation treatments for her first battle with cancer. She went on to become a registered nurse in 1986. It was this determination and stubbornness that led so many other family members to become nurses. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, including her dogs, Boo Boo and Ovi, and her granddogs, Macie Rae, Cooper, Lacy, and Radisson. Survivors include her husband, Michael McCarty of Dixon; one
son, David (Kris) Vancil of Arnold, Mo; two daughters, Sheila Hummel and Kimberly (Keith) Liescheidt, both of Dixon; five grandchildren, Dennis and Kayla Vancil of Arnold, and Devon Fane, Samantha Vancil, and Alyssa Hummel of Dixon; one sister, Nancy (John) Varga of Dixon; two nephews, Ryan (Nicole) Varga of Dixon and Jeff (Jenni) Varga of Sherman; and two great-nieces, Zoey and Addyson Varga, both of Dixon. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at PrestonSchilling Funeral Home in Dixon. Visitation also will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday and the funeral at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bobby D. Sheets, senior pastor at Riverside Community Church in Machesney Park, officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested all donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit www.prestonschillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR THE WEEK Today’s visitations: Linda Chavera OF $IXON A M AT 3T 0ATRICK #ATHOLIC #HURCH IN $IXON Richard L. “Dick� Langenfeld OF $IXON NOON P M AT 3T !NNE #ATHOLIC #HURCH IN $IXON Robert I. Coats OF 3TERLING P M AT -C$ONALD &UNERAL (OME IN 3TERLING Janet E. Guist OF /REGON P M AT &ARRELL (OLLAND 'ALE &UNERAL (OME IN /REGON Sheila McCarty OF $IXON P M AT 0RESTON 3CHILLING &UNERAL (OME IN $IXON Jill M. Ringenberg OF 0ROPHETSTOWN P M AT "OSMA 'IBSON &UNERAL (OME IN 0ROPHETSTOWN Floyd “Ray� Boyer OF 3TERLING P M AT -CDONALD &UNERAL (OME IN 2OCK &ALLS Arvilla Brechon OF $IXON P M WITH THE ROSARY RECITED AT P M AT *ONES &UNERAL (OME IN $IXON Today’s funerals: James D. Shaw FORMERLY OF -ORRISON A M AT -C$ONALD &UNERAL (OME IN 2OCK &ALLS Delvin D. Rajnowski FORMERLY OF 2OCK &ALLS A M -ASS AT 3T !NDREW #ATHOLIC #HURCH IN 2OCK &ALLS Jovita Burke OF !URORA A M -ASS AT /UR ,ADY OF 'OOD #OUNSEL #HURCH IN !URORA Linda Chavera OF $IXON A M -ASS AT 3T 0ATRICK #ATHOLIC #HURCH IN $IXON Marvin G. Harms OF 3TERLING A M AT )MMANUEL %VANGELICAL ,UTHERAN #HURCH IN 2OCK &ALLS Richard L. “Dick� Langenfeld OF $IXON P M -ASS AT 3T !NNE #ATHOLIC #HURCH IN $IXON
Saturday visitations: Sheila McCarty OF $IXON A M AT 0RESTON 3CHILLING &UNERAL (OME IN $IXON Janet E. Guist OF /REGON A M AT 4RINITY ,UTHERAN #HURCH IN -OUNT -ORRIS Forrest R. Frank OF 3TERLING A M AT 3T -ARY #ATHOLIC #HURCH IN 3TERLING Karen S. Gilpatrick OF 2OCK &ALLS P M AT -C$ONALD &UNERAL (OME IN 2OCK &ALLS Saturday funerals: Arvilla Brechon OF $IXON A M PRAYER SERVICE AT *ONES &UNERAL (OME IN $IXON FOLLOWED BY THE -ASS OF #HRISTIAN "URIAL AT A M AT 3T -ARY #ATHOLIC #HURCH IN 7ALTON Floyd “Ray� Boyer OF 3TERLING A M AT -C$ONALD &UNERAL (OME IN 2OCK &ALLS Sheila McCarty OF $IXON A M AT 0RESTON 3CHILLING &UNERAL (OME IN $IXON Robert I. Coats OF 3TERLING A M AT %AST *ORDAN 5NITED -ETHODIST #HURCH IN 3TERLING Janet M. Ringenberg OF 0ROPHETSTOWN A M AT &IRST ,UTHERAN #HURCH IN 0ROPHETSTOWN Forrest R. Frank OF 3TERLING A M -ASS AT 3T -ARY #ATHOLIC #HURCH IN 3TERLING Janet E. Guist OF /REGON A M AT 4RINITY ,UTHERAN #HURCH IN -OUNT -ORRIS Karen Alfrejd OF 3TERLING A M AT 2IVERSIDE 0RESBYTERIAN #HURCH IN 2IVERSIDE Martha K. White OF 3UBLETTE CELEBRATION OF LIFE NOON P M AT %LLICE $INGES #ENTER IN 3UBLETTE Karen S. Gilpatrick OF 2OCK &ALLS P M AT -C$ONALD &UNERAL (OME IN 2OCK &ALLS
Money from sales goes to programs GOODWILL
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That way, Wooden said, they constantly have new things available for shoppers. Sterling has been fortunate to receive enough stock in community donations to keep the store full in recent years. “We try to salvage everything, including broken electronics that come through,� she explained. “If they can’t be repaired, they are sent to a recycling center.� Goodwill stores are “so much more� than a place to discard items no longer needed, or a place to pick up a good deal on something – new to you, she said. The money earned through sales of donations goes toward various programs. Classes locally are based on need. Its primary focus, “Let’s Go to Work,� is one of its fastest-growing programs.
It offers job training to the disabled. The Sterling store now has six employees. They are taught skills needed to find jobs and become more independent. Some workers, like Haley Paone, 19, end up being hired on full-time by Goodwill. Paone said the program means a lot to her. She said she had been diagnosed with a form of autism, known as pervasive developmental disorder, and bipolar disorder. “They trained me how to cope in the workforce,� she said. “This is the first time I have been stable in a job.� Aside from teaching her basic job skills, she said, the program showed her she can have a bright future and live out her dream to become an investigator for a social services agency. Her rough past, losing her 3-year-old brother and fighting her disorders, caused her to think
a future might not be possible. Her job coach at Goodwill helped her not to simply land a job, but to believe in herself. “I love working here,� she said, “and I would like to thank them for giving me a second chance.� Wooden said everyone benefits. “Participants who may have a disability, do everything alongside of us, and are paid as much as us,� she said. “They really love it.� “Attire for Hire� is another program offered locally. “We help them with whatever the job would require,� Wooden said. “If someone needs clothes for an interview, or they needed two pairs of jeans and two shirts, coveralls, a business suit, whatever, we will get them.� The program has no official qualifications. “If there is a need, we are here to help them,� Wooden said. “Come in and talk to us.� Other classes and pro-
grams offered include a GED course, rĂŠsumĂŠ writing with access to computers, skills assessments, career counseling, help with interviewing skills, and placement services. During tax season, Goodwill also offers free tax preparation in the store. Wooden said education and employment are the main focuses of Goodwill, because with one comes the other. “Finding jobs right now, with the economy, it’s hard,â€? she said. “We want to help them get out and on their feet. Locally, that I think is the biggest need.â€? Goodwill is at 2216 E. Fourth St., is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information about donations, contact Jaclyn Wooden at 815-625-1740. To register for Goodwill’s programs or learn more, call 815-965-3795 or visit the website at www.goodwillni.org.
Forrest R. Frank STERLING – Forrest Richard Frank, 88, of Sterling, passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at his home. He was born April 7, 1925, in Sterling, the son of John and Nellie (Gilbert) Frank. He attended Jordan School and Sterling High School. Immediately after graduating school, he joined the Navy. He served on the supply ship USS Rutilicus AK-113 from 1943 to 1946, during World War II in the Pacific war zone. After the war, he worked at the former Tritz Implement Co., where he met Lois Burke. He later married her on June 17, 1955, at St. Mary Church in Sterling. Forrest also worked at the former Bun Austin Chevrolet, Price Motors, Northwestern Steel and Wire Co, Dana, Dixon Pharmacy, and Lundstrom Florist. Surviving are two daugh-
ters, Lynn Sotelo and Gail (Bruce) Henson, both of Sterling; five grandchildren, Sean Crossley, Ryan Sotelo, Megan Sotelo, Brady Henson, and Brianna Henson; and one sister, Genevieve Barnett of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Phyllis Oelrichs; and his son-in-law, John Sotelo. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:55 a.m. Saturday and the Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, with the Rev. James Keenan, celebrant, officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling. McDonald Funeral Homes are handling arrangements. A memorial will be established. Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.
Karen Alfrejd STERLING – Karen Alfrejd, a resident of Sterling, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2013, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, at the age of 69. She was born July 27, 1944, in Chicago, to Peder and Karen (neÊ Hansen) Westnes. Karen loved to cook, garden, and sew, and enjoyed antiquing. Karen is survived by her children, Jill (neÊ Alfrejd) (Chris) Thibaudeau of Grayslake, and P.J. (April) Alfrejd of Pleasanton, Calif.; her grandchildren, Lincoln, Erik, Reed, Zoe, Dylan, and Kaylynn; and
her sister, Sylvia (Wayne) Penn of Riverside. She was preceded in death by her husband, William; and her son, Matthew. A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 116 Barrypoint Road, Riverside. Strang Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in Grayslake is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association. Visit www.strangfuneral.org to send condolences.
Martha K. White SUBLETTE – Martha K. White, 70, of Sublette, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at her home. She was born Feb. 2, 1943, in Princeton, to William and Anna M. (Forrestall) Metzen. She married Everett White on Dec. 19, 1958, in Sparta, Tenn. She was employed as a dispatcher for Woodhaven Campgrounds before retiring. Survivors include her husband, and one daughter, Maurece Bruder, both of Sublette; four sons, Don (Lori) White of Joliet, David (Judy) White of Boston, William (Julie) White of West Brooklyn, and James (Sheila) White of Broken Arrow, Okla.;
eight grandchildren, Jason Arbuckle, Samantha Schinzer, Hannah, Traci, Bryant, Michael and Samantha White, and Kimberly Hedgepeth; one great-grandson, Sawyer White; and one sister, Shirley Willis of Amboy. She was preceded in death by her parents. There will be a celebration of her life from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Ellice Dinges Center in Sublette. Her body was donated to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family or the donor’s choice.
Robert F. Everest ROCHELLE – Robert F. Everest, 94, of Rochelle, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at his home. Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle is handling arrangements.
Brechon: City should get treatment facility review SEWER
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“I think it’s more important that we be fiscally responsible for our citizens, rather than giving them a token $1.25 a month reduction on their sewer bill, and look at the long-term repercussions it could have,� Considine said. Considine and Blackburn feared that by freezing the rates for 5 years, the city could be faced with an unforeseen repair or Environmental Protection Agency-mandated upgrade and not have the funds needed. Both commissioners said a 1-year freeze would be better and allow the city to address the issue again next year. Brechon supported the 5-year freeze, she said, because a 1-year freeze wasn’t enough, and it would also contribute to a “confidence factor� that the city can handle what
may come. She also recommended the city bring in engineers from Strand Associates Inc. to review the wastewater treatment facility. Bringing in Strand was unanimously supported by the City Council. “I don’t think it would be wise to lock in with the 5-year [freeze],� Blackburn said. “If you want to do it, do it for this year. Let’s get the survey done and go from there and make analytical decisions, rather than decisions upon emotion.� The City Council also voted unanimously to approve the execution of an assignment, assumption and consent agreement with Allied Waste Transportation Inc. to take over the city’s garbage collection from Affordable Waste Systems LLC. The change, made after Allied bought out Affordable, won’t affect garbage collection, city officials said.