All Obituaries

Darlene B. Jones, 92, lifelong Oregon area resident, died Thursday, January 21, 2021 in Oregon Living & Rehabilitation Center. Born August 5, 1928 in rural Sterling, the daughter of Clifford and Myrtle (Shoffner) Young. Married to Robert E. “Pete” Jones August 16, 1946 in Mt. Morris; he died July 25, 2002. She was employed as a cook at White Pines Ranch, retiring in 1990 after 18 years of service. Darlene was a friend to everyone and enjoyed crocheting, making blankets for...

Lillian “Eileen” Carlson, age 89, passed away on January 19, 2021 at Pinecrest Manor in Mt. Morris. She was born on August 3, 1931 in Cotton, MN the daughter of Jacob and Esther (Peterson) High. She married Ted Carlson in 1952. Eileen worked at the Ben Franklin Store in Byron and then went on to work for Cacciatore Byron Food Mart and later County Market before retiring. She enjoyed going to church and was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Byron. Eileen was an avid reader...

Gretel Anne Heuerman Jones, age 83, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021 at her home in Oregon after a lengthy battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Anne was born on September 19, 1937, the second child of six, to Ailt and Lila (Hendrickson) Heuerman. Anne graduated from Oregon High School in 1955 and was married on December 18th, 1987 to Leonard D Jones. They renewed their vows on December 9th with Pastor Dave Rogula, the pastor that married them over 33 years ago. She was a...

  Oregon – Jeffrey Lynn Thorp, age 74, died Thursday, January 14, 2021 at KSB Hospital in Dixon, Illinois surrounded by his loving family.  He was born July 8, 1946 in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin the son to Benjemin and Jane (Foltz) Thorp.  He worked for many years at Kysor Westran in Byron, IL.  He married Kathy Gates on Feb. 20, 1987 in Oregon, IL. Jeffrey loved to fish and enjoyed camping and being with his family. He was an avid NASCAR Fan and especially followed...

Harry J. Beauchem, 83, longtime Byron resident, died Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in Generations at Neighbors, Byron. Born December 26, 1937 in Biggsville, IL, the son of Eugene and Margaret (Stubb) Beauchem. Married to Marilyn Noble April 20, 1963 in Loves Park. Harry was a 1956 graduate of Oregon High School and owned and operated Beauchem Alarm & Electrical Company in Byron for 30 years. He was a member of Leaf River Baptist Church and enjoyed fishing. Survived by his wife, Marilyn...

Rodney R. Rapp Sr., age 74, lifelong Byron resident, passed away on Sunday January 10th, 2021. Born February 2, 1946, the son of Russell and Carol (Nelson) Rapp. Survived by sons; Rod Rap Jr., Bob Rapp, and Tom Rapp; daughter, Jessica Rapp; sisters, Nancy Hillman and Mary Ann Swanson; and great grandchildren Draven Collazo and Fallon Marcoux. He is predeceased by his parents, and brothers Tom, Steve, and Mike Rapp; sister Pat Scadden and granddaughter Chelsea Rapp. Rod attended and graduated...

 Brenda J. “BJ” Messenger, 66, of Chana and formerly of Oregon, died Saturday, January 9, 2021 in KSB Hospital, Dixon. Born November 29, 1954 in Oregon, the daughter of Kenneth and Shirley (Good) Marth. Married to Lawrence L. “Tim” Messenger December 7, 1974 in Oregon; he died October 15, 2008. Brenda was a lifelong Oregon area resident, a 1973 graduate of Oregon High School and worked at Ben Franklin and then The Dollar Store in Oregon for many years. She...

 Dawson C. Rowland, 83, of Amboy and formerly of Oregon, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021 in his home; his family lost a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Born November 16, 1937 in Haldane, the son of Floyd and Geraldine (Martz) Rowland. Married to Marie Sanford July 25, 1964 in Oregon. Dawson enjoyed family time, camping at Woodhaven Lakes, going for walks with his dogs (Pixie & Ziggy), traveling with his wife and watching the wildlife. He worked at...

Rockford, IL – Maureen L. Rekemeyer, age 73, died Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.  She was born August 30, 1947 in Rockford the daughter of David and Lelah (Knott) Wetherell.  She graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1965.  Maureen married Joe Rekemeyer on May 24, 1991 in Rockford. She worked 30 years for Sundstrand in Rockford.  She was given the Silver Snoopy award from NASA for her accomplishments on the...

Marina L. Spitzer, age 56, passed away at home on January 5, 2021. She was born on July 29, 1964 in Rockford the daughter of Wayne and Dianna Kretsinger. She married Douglas Spitzer on June 21, 1986. Marina was devout in her faith to God. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and gigi. Family was always of the utmost importance to her and she would never hesitate to be there for them and took care of anyone who needed her. She will be remembered as a good friend and role model to many....