INDEX

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER

School personnel began preparing families last week by sending daily emails reminding parents to check their children for symptoms of illness before sending them to school. The message: If you’re sick, stay home. The reminders will continue, Moan said.

Classes were called off Friday to allow the staff to prepare for this week.

Marian Central Catholic High School, which had been back in class for two weeks, is now using remote learning until Feb. 16 after office staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

When D-200 board members voted unanimously Jan. 12 to send students back to their classrooms, they did so after hearing from several parents that remote learning was not effective and that the lack of social interaction was affecting the mental health of their children.

At the Jan. 26 meeting, the board heard from only two parents, both of whom opposed in-school instruction for now.

In an email, one mother called the decision “short-sighted and reckless.”

“It seems children’s mental health is being used as an excuse to ignore that we are still in the middle of a deadly pandemic,” she wrote.

A father urged the board to wait until the vaccine was widely available.

“With help on the horizon,” he wrote, “we need to proceed carefully with the vaccine literally right around the corner.”

But school officials said safety measures would minimize the chance of virus transmission. Those include temperature checks each morning as students and staff enter schools, face coverings for students and teachers, social distancing in classrooms and hallways, hand washing, contact tracing in the event of a confirmed case, and regular building disinfection.

“It will take a full staff and family commitment to keep our schools and community as safe as we can, and we will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal,” Moan wrote in a message to parents Jan. 14. “We continue to work with the McHenry County Health Department and are following their guidance to use both the metrics along with the recommended mitigation steps updated on Dec. 18, which we have in place for a safe return to school.”

Because hybrid-learning students will be in school half-days or on alternating days – and remote learning for the balance of the school day – buildings will be far below capacities, Moan reported.

For example, Woodstock North High School will have fewer than 250 students in class at any one time, and Woodstock High will have fewer than 290, the superintendent said. Each building could have about 1,800.

“We’re talking about a small percentage of building capacity,” Moan said.

Although one school bus route was projected to have 27 students, officials hope to keep riders to 25 or fewer to allow better spacing.

“Most days we will hit it,” he said of the goal. “We’re pretty close to it everywhere.”

Robert was very good in sports and played baseball, basketball, and was on the Association for Individual Development bowling team, which he excelled

Robert Donald Schmidt, 78, of Wood- at. Robert also participated in the Special stock, Ill., passed away peacefully to the Olympics and has received many medals Lord’s care on Jan. 21, 2021, born Dec. 2, over the years. 1942. Robert loved country music and went

He was pre- to many concerts in his younger years. ceded in death by Always outgoing, he loved to talk to everyhis father Donald one and made friends wherever he went. A. Schmidt (1966); His life wasn’t an easy one, but he loved his mother, Jaine his family, church and food, and had the B. Nichol Schmidt kindest, caring heart around. He will be (2015); and a great- missed. nephew, Benjamin A private burial service will be held for Srdanovich (2015). Robert D. family in the spring.

He has two sis- Schmidt Donations may be made in Robert’s ters, Jean Schmidt honor to the Special Olympics. Steward (Greg) and Marilyn Schmidt Expressions of sympathy may be sent Anderson; a brother, Alan Schmidt; a to Marilyn Anderson, 415 Becking Ave., niece, Tamara Stewart Srdanovich (Mirko); Woodstock, IL 60098. great-niece and -nephew, Hannah and Zak; nephew, Chad Steward; and greatnieces, Jennah and Samantha Stewart.

Robert moved to Elgin in 1966 and has lived in group homes in Aurora, St. Charles, and Elgin. While living in these homes, he attended a workshop program that gave him some money to inspire his work ethic.

Ronald J. Thomas, 79, who was born in Woodstock, passed away on Jan. 19, 2021, in Largo, Fla. He is survived by his wife, family and friends. Serenity Funeral Home handled arrangements.

■ Henry Alva Jr., 49, Woodstock, was arrested Jan. 21 in the 1700 block of South Eastwood Drive on two McHenry County warrants charging failure to appear. Taken to jail. Bond $20,000 and to be set. Court date to be set. ■ Jimmy D. Phillips, 57, transient, was arrested Jan. 24 at Benton and Church streets on two McHenry County warrants charging failure to appear. Release on personal recognizance with notice to appear. Court dates Feb. 19 and 26.

9:44 a.m. – 1200 block of Davis Road, unintentional transmission of alarm/other; engine 12:14 p.m. – 2600 block of Queen Anne Road, no incident found on arrival; engine 5:34 p.m. – 1400 block of Wheeler Street, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, engine, ambulance

12:07 a.m. – 1000 block of Jewett Street, smoke scare/odor of smoke; truck 12:57 a.m. – 1200 block of Dean Street, malfunctioning sprinkler activation; shift commander, truck, engine, ambulance 11:40 a.m. – First block of North Street, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, engine, ambulance 3:41 p.m. – 1500 block of Seminary Avenue, smoke scare/odor of smoke; truck 10:07 p.m. – 1400 block of Commons Drive, no incident found on arrival; engine, shift commander

2:31 p.m. – 15000 block of St. Patrick Road, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, engine

5:58 p.m. – 900 block of Bunker Street, smoke or odor removal; engine

8:49 a.m. – 14100 block of West South Street, unintentional smoke detector activation, no fire; shift commander, engine 12:56 p.m. – 2200 block of Commons Drive, unintentional alarm system activation, no fire; shift commander, truck, engine, ambulance

1:31 a.m. – 300 block of Leah Lane, lockout; truck

10:52 a.m. – 1500 block of McConnell Road, unintentional transmission of alarm/other; shift commander, truck, engine, ambulance 6:24 p.m. – Thompson Road and Route 120; traffic accident with injuries; shift commander, ambulance 9:25 p.m. – 6700 block of Sands Road, Crystal Lake, canceled en route; ambulance

Billy Dean Barger, 84, of Woodstock, Ill., passed away on Jan. 24, 2021, due to complications from dementia. He was born April 30, 1936, at home in Pope County, Illinois, to Clifford and Wilma Barger. After graduation from Galatia High School, he joined the United States Air Force and Billy Dean proudly served his Barger country at O’Hare International Airport, working on airplane hydraulics.

After his enlistment, he used the veterans’ bill to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. He trained as a certified vocational machines instructor. After one year of teaching special education industrial arts in Murphysboro, he obtained a teaching position in Woodstock, where he taught vocational machines, drafting, woods, and welding for 34 years. He married Sharon Heuerman in 1970 after meeting at Woodstock High School as teachers. He retired in 1994 to take care of his terminally ill daughter, Betsy.

Billy was an avid woodworker. He loved making wooden toys. He also made grandfather clocks, toy boxes, and dollhouses for his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Bill’s joys in life were his granddaughters, Jennifer and Katie, and his great-grandchildren, Finn, Kinzie, and Palmer. Even when suffering from dementia, he would light up when he heard their voices or saw their faces.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, of 50 years; his brother, Kenneth; two sisters, Mary Anne (Kenneth) Dennis and Brenda Lee (Ed) Baine; granddaughters, Jennifer (Zach) Miller, Katie (Jake) Homuth; greatgrandchildren, Finn Rypkema, Kinzie Miller, and Palmer Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Hervie DeWane (Bud) and Lonnie Lee; and his daughter, Betsy Ann.

Bill was cremated, and memorial services will be scheduled at a later date.

The family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family wishes to thank the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, Northwestern Medical Huntley Hospital staff, and Journey Care Barrington for the care given to their loved one.

Arrangements entrusted to Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at querhammerandflagg.com.

McHenry, Ill.

She was born on Jan. 14, 1925, in Detroit, Mich., to Edward and Elizabeth Cox. Mary was preceded in death by her dear brother, Jack, and beloved sisters, Barbara J. (Thomas) Briceland and Ellen J. (John) Revesz.

Mary taught second grade at St. Theresa’s School in Palatine for many years and was a faithful member of St. Thomas of Villanova in Palatine, Sts. Peter and Paul in Cary, and St. Mary parish in Woodstock. She volunteered at Twice Blessed Resale Shop for Miseracordia in Palatine for well over 20 years as one of the “Thursday” Ladies.

After graduating from Marygrove College in Detroit, she joined Capitol Airlines and met the love of her life, Thomas J. Haley. They were married for 29 years before his death in 1979.

Mary is survived by her five children, Deborah A. (Steven E.) Reick, Thomas N. Haley, Stephen P. Haley, Michael K. Haley, and Maureen E. Haley; six grandchildren, Keri M. (Josh) Francavilla, Thomas N. Karst, Matthew H. Reick, Jennifer (David) Daniel, Katie Haley, and T.J. (Jessica) Haley; 10 great-grandchildren; and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock IL 60098, on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, from 3 until 5 p.m., with a rosary starting at 4:30 p.m.

A private funeral Mass and burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Mich., will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Mary’s name to Miseracordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, or Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago would be greatly appreciated.

For more information, call the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or visit the website at slmcfh.com.

Helena ‘Leni’ Ideler, 94, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 18, 2021, surrounded by family.

She was born in Dinklage, Germany, on Feb. 3, 1926, to Bernhard and Emma Moellers. In her 20s she followed her fiancé (Albert Ideler) to the United States, where they were married several months later. Leni and Albert celebrated 65 years of marriage on Nov. 12, 2020, raising their family in Woodstock, Ill.

Leni was a loving wife, mother, oma, and omama. She was a talented seamstress who shared her talents with many over the years. In addition to sewing, she loved to knit, crochet, and do amazing needlework. Her hands were never idle; she was always creating something beautiful. She was also an avid gardener who spent many hours outside tending her vegetable garden and especially her beautiful flower gardens, which surrounded their home.

She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock, spending many years as a Mariola club member, serving on several committees, and singwing in the church choir.

After her husband retired, they enjoyed many wonderful trips around the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, visiting family in Germany, and spending the months of March in Arizona for 25 years. Leni’s biggest passion was her family. After raising their four children, she jumped right into the role of oma to her eight grandchildren and then omama to her 16 great-grandchildren. She loved nothing more than spending time with her ever-growing family, cooking the best meals, babysitting, providing rides to and from school, providing after-school snacks to her grandchildren and any friends they might have brought with them that day, and helping out wherever she was needed. She was adored and known as oma to all. In recent years, she was most proud of her 16 greatgrandchildren, who never failed to put a smile on her face. She loved it when her house was overflowing with little ones.

Leni is survived by her husband, Albert; four children, Edgar, Rita (Ray) Caywood, Monica (Dan) Starck; and Maria (Paul) Sandall; eight grandchildren, Elizabeth (Eric) Sullivan, Amanda (Mike) Rindt, Jessica (Adam) Estrada,, Justine (Jonathan) O’Brien, Jason (Katie) Stack, Nathan Starck, Tanner Sandall, and Travis Sandall; 16 great-grandchildren, Logan, Caleb, and Bentley Sullivan, Shylee, Braelyn, and Della Rindt, Dakota and Easton Estrada, Bria, Weston, Shelby, and Chase O’Brien, Bailey and Helena Starck, and Carson and Belle Starck; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernhard and Emma Moellers, and her siblings, Hedwig, Josef, Anna, Maria, Heinz, Ewald, and Lissy.

There was a short visitation at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, followed by the funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hartland, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Journey Care (Hospice) Foundation, journeycare.org/donate.

For information, contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710, or visit slmcfh.com.

Laverne Lucille Shepley, 84, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021.

She was born March 4, 1936, in Chicago, the daughter of the late Theodore W. and Erna M. (née Limberger) Mannheim.

Laverne was the loving mother of Darwin (Robbin) Shepley Jr. of Woodstock, Wendy Heaven of Crystal, Minn., Denise Evans of Lee, Mass., Hope (Joel) Amettis of Wonder Lake, Heather Tate of Oakfield, Tenn; and daughter-in-law, Regan Shepley of Crystal Lake; beloved nana to Jennifer Sheran, Laura Lindberg, Douglas Evans, Nathan Amettis, Stephen Shepley, Carly Amettis, Mark Evans, Amanda Amettis, Pamela Heaven, Desi Coen, Emily Torres, Zachary Amettis, Madison Shepley, Chase Shepley, Liberty Tate; cherished great-grandmother of 24 and one on the way; loving sister of Jill Wonsil; beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews; and former spouse of Darwin (Jan) Shepley of Montgomery, Ill.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Mannheim; grandson, Julian Tate; son-inlaw, Mark Evans; and son, Aaron Shepley.

Laverne loved working on her crafts–knitting, crocheting, creating beautiful needlepoint pictures, and making blankets, hats, and scarves for her family and friends. She was also a plant whisperer – Laverne Lucille anyone with ques- Shepley tions about plants consulted Laverne. She loved the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Most of all, Laverne’s family and extended family were very important to her throughout her entire life.

A private memorial service will be held for her family.

Donations may be made in Laverne’s memory to the American Heart Association at heart.org; JourneyCare Hospice, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010; Helping Paws Animal Shelter, 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098; or to the charity of one’s choice.

For online condolences visit davenportfamily.com or call 815-459-3411 for information.