Obituaries
Obituaries in Mt. Morris and Surrounding Areas in Illinois
Sandra L Drexler
Feb 2, 2026
Sandra L (Samsel) Drexler, 75 of Byron, II passed away on 2/2/26 in her home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Sandra was born to Robert and Evelyn Samsel on January 12, 1951, in Rockford, IL.
Childhood began in the German Valley area and then moving on to Winnebago from 3'° grade on where she graduated in 1969.
Sandy married Del...
Donna Hagemann
Jan 23, 2026
Leaf River, IL Donna Hagemann, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Rockford, IL. She married Leonard “Tobe” Hagemann on April 5, 1953, and they were married for 69 years; and they moved to the farm “Sunset Acres Farms” in Leaf River, IL. She helped alongside her husband in all...
Charles Joseph Spear
Jan 11, 2026
Charles Joseph Spear, 1982 - 2026
Charles Joseph Spear, 43, of Leaf River, Illinois, passed away on January 11, 2026. Charles was born on November 2, 1982, in Rockford, Illinois, to Charles B. Spear Jr. and Anne K. Spear (Lauchiskis). Charles graduated from Byron High School, Byron, Illinois, in 2001.
On October 3, 2015, Charles married Monica L. (Miller) at the Jarrett...
James P Bryant
Jan 6, 2026
James Patrick Bryant, 74, was returned to the universe on January 6, 2026. Jim was born February 15, 1951 in Danville, Illinois, #4 son of Leo and Harriet (McCollum) Bryant. He is predeceased by his mother and father, his wife Debra, his brother Ed, Ed’s wife Kay, and his brother Mike.
After a childhood in central Illinois; Jim’s middle and high...
Michael "Sparky" P Remhof
Jan 4, 2026
Leaf River, IL, Michael “Sparky” Peter Remhof, age 72, passed away on January 4, 2026, in his home with his children by his side. Mike was born on September 15, 1953, in Madison, WI, the son of Richard Charles & Doreen Mary (Simmons) Remhof. Soon after Mike was born his father went off to serve during the Korean Conflict; and...
Joyce A Baldwin
Dec 30, 2025
Joyce A. Baldwin, age 86, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully December 30th 2025.She was born in Galva Illinois to Marian and Leeland Johnson in 1939. Joyce was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother that enjoyed golfing, skiing, and her water aerobics group at Peak Fitness and her grandchildren's sporting events. She made her home in Rockford where she was...
Karen E Larson
Dec 28, 2025
Karen Eileen Larson, age 84, passed peacefully into our Lord's arms on Sunday December 28, 2025. Karen was born September 26, 1941 in Rochelle, IL the daughter of Helen and Walter Larson.
Karen, a proud Mounder, graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1959. She received her Bachelors degree in business education from Eastern Illinois University. She taught business education...
Robert D Macklin
Dec 23, 2025
Mt. Morris, IL Robert D. Macklin, age 72, passed away on Tuesday December 23, 2025 in Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon, IL. Robert was born on January 2, 1953 in Peru, IL; the son of Dean & Mabel (Sprague) Macklin. He graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1971. Robert married Kimberly Petitt on March 29, 1988 in Las...
Ruth L Stauffer
Dec 14, 2025
Ruth L. Stauffer – 100 of Mount Morris passed away at her home December 14, 2025. Ruth was born July 29, 1925 in Dixon the oldest daughter of Edward C. and Marion E. (Snyder) Zumdahl. A 1943 graduate of Mount Morris High School and a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Mount Morris. Ruth married Clarence E. Stauffer December...
Donna L. Waddelow
Dec 12, 2025
Mt. Morris, IL, Donna L. Waddelow, age 95, passed away on Friday December 12, 2025 at Allure of Pinecrest Manor, Mt. Morris, IL.
Donna was born on August 5, 1930 in Mt. Morris, IL, the daughter of Irvin and Helen (Schwartz) Fleer. She married Darrel L. Waddelow on June 23, 1951 in the United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL, and he...
Donald S Koesler
Nov 30, 2025
Donald “Don” Steven Koesler, 79, of Mount Morris, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Rose Senior Living Providence Park in Novi, MI.
Don was born on August 6, 1946, in Dixon, IL to Charles and Helen (Wasmund) Koesler. He married Jane Susan (Wiswell) Koesler on March 21, 1970, and together they shared many wonderful years. She preceded him...
Ronald Durkee
Nov 25, 2025
Ronald Durkee, 74, of Belvidere, IL passed away on Nov 25, 2025 after a long fight with Parkinson’s. Ronald was a decorated Vietnam Veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/ Device, Vietnam Service Medal. Ronald was a dedicated father and is survived by his 4...
Lila Lee Baker
Nov 20, 2025
Lila Lee Baker (nee Kirk) died November 20, 2025, after a brief illness at Allure of Pinecrest in Mt. Morris, IL, with her family at her side. Born July 15, 1923, in Quincy, IL, Lila was 102 years old. She was the oldest of five children born to Anna Kirk (nee Howanitz) and David D. Kirk.
Lila was an 81-year resident...
Jeanne L Ewart
Nov 19, 2025
Jeanne Lee Ewart, 82, of Mt Morris, IL, passed peacefully on November 19, 2025.
Jeanne Lee Ewart (née Hibberd), age 82, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, in Oregon, Illinois. Born on January 26, 1943, in Aberdeen, Washington, Jeanne lived a life marked by deep devotion to her family, a generous spirit, and an infectious sense of humor that brightened...
George Howe Jr.
Nov 13, 2025
George Howe Jr., age 67, of Oregon IL passed away suddenly, and unexpectedly on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, at his home. This obituary could quickly escalate into a novel, or an epic for that matter. George Howe Jr. was a remarkable, one-of-a-kind gentleman. A true renaissance man. And although his time on this Earth ended prematurely, his accomplishments and accolades...
DeAnna J Hickman
Oct 27, 2025
Pecatonica, IL, DeAnna J. Hickman, age 55, passed away on Monday October 27, 2025 in Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon, IL. DeAnna was born on December 20, 1969 in Freeport, IL; the daughter of Wayne “Brad” & LaVerne (Wagner) Davis. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1988. She married Brian Hickman on February 23, 1991 in Mt....
Rhonda Louise Cheek
Oct 21, 2025
Rhonda Louise Cheek, age 56, passed away on October 21, 2025 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Rhonda was born in Peoria, Illinois on February 16, 1969 to birth parents James and Emma Bush. She had five siblings. In 1980 she was adopted by Denise Cheek and began her life in northern Illinois. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School...
Beverly J Grove
Oct 18, 2025
Beverly Jean Grove
May 22, 1941 – October 18, 2025
Beverly Jean Grove, 84, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at Generations at Neighbors in Byron, Illinois.
Born May 22, 1941, in LaSalle County, Illinois, Beverly was the beloved daughter of Richard and Rosella Thompson. She grew up surrounded by family, faith, and a love of animals that lasted her whole life....
Silas Jackson "Jack" Deen
Oct 13, 2025
Silas Jackson “Jack” Deen, age 77, of Adeline, Illinois passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025. He was born May 3, 1948, in Sedgwick, AR to Henry and Gay Deen. The second of four children, Jack married Barbara “Bobbi” England in 1974, raising four children together. Jack retired from Quality Metal Finishing after many years of service and commitment. He...
Sandra C Goodson
Oct 10, 2025
Sandra Catherine Goodson passed away peacefully with her family by her side on 10/10/2025 at 10pm. The number 10 symbolizes completeness, perfection, and the end of a cycle and the starting of a new one. Sandra was born on September 4th, 1946 in Carlinville, IL to Raymond and Ruby Todt, the youngest of nine children. She graduated Raymond High School...

