Stanley J. Wojciechowski, age 82, of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away on December 28, 2025. Born on November 2, 1943, in Joliet, Illinois, he was the son of Stanley Sr. and Margaret Wojciechowski.

Stanley lived a life defined by service, discipline, and devotion to family. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to duty and responsibility. His military service reflected the values he carried throughout his life—integrity, reliability, and quiet leadership.

Following his service, Stanley devoted himself fully to his family and community. He was known for his steady presence, thoughtful nature, and strong sense of loyalty. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing Euchre and Cribbage, finding joy in the camaraderie and connection those games brought with friends and loved ones.

Stanley was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lorraine Wojciechowski, in October 2024. Together, they built a life rooted in love, partnership, and shared purpose.

He is survived by his children, Larissa Wojciechowski of Oakland, California, and Stephen (Michelle) Wojciechowski of Joliet, Illinois; his cherished grandchildren, Madeline and Aidan Wojciechowski; and his siblings, Margaret Wojciechowski (Jim Hatcher), Daniel Wojciechowski, Julius (Carol) Wojciechowski, and Theresa Wojciechowski (Maurice Hartnett). Their enduring bond remained a source of strength throughout his life.

Stanley’s legacy of service, commitment, and family devotion will be remembered and honored by all who knew him. His life stands as a quiet but enduring example of what it means to serve one’s country and care deeply for those closest to home.

Robert Phinney Froelich was a proud American who answered the call to serve during the Korean War. Born on September 25, 1929, he grew up in an era defined by resilience and sacrifice. He enlisted in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Sergeant and served honorably during one of our nation’s most challenging conflicts. His dedication to duty and country represents the courage of his generation—the men and women who stood guard for freedom half a world away.

After his military service, Robert continued a life rooted in integrity, community, and quiet strength. He made his home in Elgin, Illinois, where he lived until his passing on May 15, 2025, at the age of 95. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery—a fitting resting place for a Veteran who served his nation with honor.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars recognizes Robert Phinney Froelich for his faithful service to the United States Army and his enduring example of duty and patriotism. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Angelo Di Liberti was born in Dunkirk, New York, to Anthony and Margaret (Bianca) Di Liberti. He always referred to himself as American, not Italian-American. His childhood was spent in Buffalo, New York. After high school, he enlisted in the Army. His unit was preparing for the invasion of Japan when WWII ended. He often said that Harry Truman was his best friend.

He married Barbara Gurney in 1953. They moved to Abilene, Kansas where he worked for the Department of the Army and joined the Army Reserve. He completed the Basic Infantry Officer course at Ft. Benning GA in 1956 and the Command and General Staff Officer course in 1967. A high point in his career was serving as an aide to Senator Darby and General Omar Bradley during the funeral for former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He retired from the Reserve as a Lt. Colonel in 1983.

While in Abilene, he also worked as the Dickinson County Civil Defense Director. The family has fond memories of shelter drills with c-rations and crackers. The family moved to Illinois in 1971. He worked for the 82nd Airborne and completed jump school at the age of 46, the oldest person to do so at that time. He continued to jump well into his 80s. One of his proudest moments was a group jump with some of his daughters and grandchildren.

After retirement, he opened a private detective agency, a lifelong dream. He became quite active in various veterans’ organizations, including American Legion Post 342 St. Charles, where he was a past commander; VFW Post 5036 St. Charles; Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO); a former president of the Canadian Air Forces Association (CAFA). He founded AMVETS Post 503 St. Charles. Many of the friendships that he made here lasted until his death. As his health declined, he received immeasurable support from these friends.

He loved to travel, especially driving. He drove all over the U.S. and parts of Canada. The family made annual treks to Buffalo; nine people crammed into a sedan with a squeaky Styrofoam cooler. Most of these trips were before the interstate system. He tried to find new ways to get to Buffalo. There weren’t many. Angelo and Barbara shared a passion for history and stopped at every historical marker on the side of the road. He was enthralled by Niagara Falls. Every trip to Buffalo involved 2 stops at the Falls: coming and going.

He went to Europe several times. A high point of his travels was a trip to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

He was a gifted storyteller. Although many of the stories of his exploits were apocryphal, they were always entertaining. He could always be counted on to fill in details of any incident or era under discussion.

He loved holidays, especially Christmas and the Fourth of July.

He was a lifelong, practicing Catholic, often serving as an usher in his parishes.

Both parents encouraged higher education for their daughters. There were many nights when he drove an hour, after working all day, to attend classes, usually with an eye to forwarding his military career.

He left a legacy of patriotism, respect for the military, love of history, and love of travel.

He is survived by daughters: Victoria Maxwell, Barbara Di Liberti, Susan Collins, Mary Di Liberti, Margaret (Andy) Goodman, Charity Di Liberti, Julia di Liberti; 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; a sister Josephine Di Liberti of Buffalo; several cousins. Predeceased by his parents and his brother John.

James Sherman Morgan, (79 years old), passed away in Saint Charles, IL on March 14, 2025.

Jim was born in Madison, WI on August 15, 1945, VJ Day (Victory over Japan). His parents were John S. Morgan and Emilia (Koch) Morgan.

Jim served proudly in the U.S. Air Force. He was a Patriotic American who served in Vietnam.

Jim attended Peebles grade school, in Albany, WI. Jim and two others graduated from the one room schoolhouse. He graduated from Dundee High School.

Survived by his wife of 52 years Mary Morgan, his son Michael Morgan two fosters sons Hayden (Hogi) Will and James Duvall. Grandchildren Zachary Morgan, Emily Morgan, and Joseph Weeden. Sister Joyce (Larry). Brother’s John and Rhonda Morgan of Algonquin IL, Eugeen and Jean Morgan Burlington, IL, and Edwin Marie Morgan of Bartlett, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father John, mother Emilia, grandad John Morgan (WW1 Veteran), and Grandmother Alice Morgan.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Saint Charles, IL. Jim was also a Post Commander of the St. Charles VFW. He was a truck driver and a crane operator for 40 years.

Jim loved God, country, family and friends. He lived his life with honesty and loyalty. Jim will be missed by his family and friends. He was a foster parent for 20 years through Jane Stover of Easter seals. Jim’s grandchildren were the light of his life. His family is grateful that his suffering on earth is over, and he is in God’s loving arms.

Here is an article from Army.mil that covered his Honor Flight Chicago

https://www.army.mil/article/271205/army_reserve_officer_co_pilots_final_honor_flight_of_the_season

Harvey B. Sweigert, 94 formerly of Batavia passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025 in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Harvey was born November 13, 1930, in Aurora, IL. the son of James and Margaret Sweigert. He was united in marriage to Joyce Brooking July 1, 1950 at Calvary Episcopal Church in Batavia.

Harvey served in the United States Army. Following his service time, he returned back to Batavia and was employed by River View Dairy and late Dean Foods until his retirement in 1989. He was involved with Batavia Softball Leagues which he enjoyed playing until age 50. Following his retirement Harvey and his wife Joyce lived in Texas for a few years and Harvey began his love for softball and played again until the age of 59. Harvey had a young and energetic spirit for his entire life. He enjoyed athletic hobbies, worked hard and never allowed his age or illness to keep him from doing things he loved.

He is survived by his three sons: Paul (Natalie) Sweigert, David (Pam) Sweigert and Dan Sweigert. Seven grandchildren. A brother Bob (Margo) and sisters Beverly Miller and Marilyn (Herald) Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, brother Jim, and Herbert and sister Donna Anderson.

Ernest Kashnowski, a longtime resident of St. Charles, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loving friends on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the age of 94.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary (LoPresti) Kashnowski and his parents Edmund and Anna.

Ernie was a loving husband, proud father of 3 children, an honored Army veteran, and had been retired from Lucent technologies for 37 years. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family in festive times of celebration, vacations, and holidays. He truly enjoyed his role as “Papa” in a loving family, providing lighthearted humor everywhere he went.  He was the life of the party andd will be missed by his family and friends.

He leaves behind his 3 children, Martin (Linda) Kashnowski, Judy (Joel) Turk, Richard (Susanna) Kash. 8 grandchildren: Dan ( Angela ) Turk, Diana (Justin) Wolf, Kari (Tom) Kolicko, Brooke ( Ryan) Walker, Katelyn Kashnowski, Jenna Kash, Lyndsay Kash, Jack Kash, an 6 great grandchildren: Nina, Asher, Evan, Lilah, Kash, and Brayden.

Michael Frank Hahn of Elgin IL, passed away at the age of 76, on August 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.

He was born on July 5, 1948, and graduated from Downers Grove North High School. He was a proud Vietnam Combat Veteran and successful entrepreneur, building over 40 custom homes throughout his career.

Mike had a passion for fast cars and freedom! He traveled Route 66 in his Vette and Sturgis on his motorcycle. He cultivated joy by sharing his love for life with his friends and family. Visiting China, Iceland, Hawaii, Mexico, and nearly the entire United States always bringing someone along, sometimes the entire family. As fervent music aficionado he enjoyed dancing, attending concerts, and boisterously singing along to his favorite songs. He was actively involved in the lives of his family and was very proud of his Team Hahndo legacy. In the past few years his faith strengthened, and he recommitted his life to Christ.

He is survived by his loving wife Jean (Kaschub), children Michael (Melinda) Hahn and Heather Hahn, stepchildren Karla (Deb Bolen) Kaschub and Keith (Kristin) Kaschub, grandchildren Madden & Mason Hahn, Tess Bolen-Kaschub, Keitin, Kinzlee & Karsyn Kaschub, sister Linda (Don) Fisher, nephew Jason Fisher and favorite sister-in-law Judy Andrews. Mike was predeceased by his parents Frank and Henrietta Hahn and his Uncle Bill Hahn.

Your presence we miss, your memories we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never. Spread your wings and fly proudly, Papa. You have earned it! 

Joseph R. "Joe" Compton, age 80, of Geneva, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at home.

He was born January 9, 1944, in Chicago, the son of Raymond and Hazel (Perry) Compton.

Joe was an avid lover of trains and would share his love and knowledge with family and friends every chance he got.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn; siblings James (Karianne) Compton of Prairie Grove and Judith Prangley of Galena; daughter Heidi (Rafael Jr.) Chavez of Rockford; daughter-in-law Abigail (Raymond) Compton of Rockford; stepchildren Serena Mason of Arkansas, Raymond Soto of Geneva, and Mark (Molly) Soto of North Aurora; grandchildren Alexis Compton of Rockford, Sarah (Kenneth)Lansdell of Hawaii, Jacob Mason of Geneva, Jason Soto of North Aurora, Jordan Soto of North Aurora, and Catalina (Pablo) Baez of Rockford.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; son Raymond Compton; and sisters Patricia Rae Compton and Margaret Lilek.

James Lawler Machin, age 76, of Saint Charles, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Picture from 2013 LN reunion.

I learned of self-written obituaries recently and decided I would take this opportunity to express gratitude for my life to God and highlight the experiences that defined me.

I was named Stanislav Drab after my father, who was killed by the Communists when I was three years old in Slovenia in 1945, along with several other family members. My mother Alojzija Drab worked tirelessly to protect my younger brother Anton and me and arranged our eventual immigration to the United States in 1957 after years of personal difficulties and sacrifice.

We immigrated through the legal process and paid back our sponsor. We worked hard and no job was beneath us to make our own way. I was a good student and blessed with athletic abilities. With the help of The Christian Brothers, who were my teachers, and several coaches who were mentors, I went to Loyola University on a track scholarship and on to dental school.

I married in June of 1966 during dental school to Camille Carsello with whom I had three children.

My first love and dream was always to be a fighter pilot, but I was not yet a United States citizen at the time I applied. One of my proudest moments was becoming a citizen in the year 1967.

After achieving my DDS degree I joined the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1968, was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Hospital and then volunteered for Vietnam duty and had life experiences during that war that changed me forever. I was learning to fly helicopters during my off time while serving on the USS Ticonderoga.

After three deployments to Vietnam I resigned my commission in the Navy and began my career in private practice while working as a professor at the University of Illinois Dental School and other jobs to supplement my income while I built my practice. I built a successful practice and enjoyed relationships with my patients that went beyond the dental office.

My first wife passed on of cancer, and I later remarried Carmen Vechart in 1986. We adopted each other’s youngest children and built a life together blending our families to this day through hard work, an abundance of love, devotion and caring.

My biggest joys in life were of course my family. We shared many of my favorite sports and hobbies together which included running, skiing, car racing, soccer, volleyball, target shooting and days on the beach in Mexico sharing sunsets together. 

I was diagnosed with heart problems in 1999, GIST cancer in 2005, a second cancer in 2006 (lung) and was hospitalized with many complications of cancer throughout the years. Never give up is my attitude.

I experienced so many things in my lifetime there are too many to list but through all the tragedies and high points of my life my faith in God was the strength I needed to prevail. And I am so grateful to have lived through all these moments.

My love for my family and friends will go on forever.

Stanley Drab passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at his home in St. Charles with his loving family by his side.

He was born July 20, 1942 in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, the son of Stanislav and Alojzija (Nartnik) Drab.

He is survived by his wife Carmen (Vechart); children Richard (Margaret) Drab of Arlington Heights, Jeanine Drab of St. Charles, Brian (Colette Basil) Drab of River Forest, Haley (Timothy) Brunelle of Minnesota, and Kymberly Drab of St Charles; grandchildren Matthew, Elizabeth, Katherine, Rose, Cameron, Brigitte, and Elise Drab and Maksymilian, Ellington, and Felix Brunelle; brother Anthony (Irene) Drab of Wheaton; and many other dear relatives and friends.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents.

Eugene "Gene" Earl Gaik, age 91 of St. Charles, passed away on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Bria of Geneva.

He was born May 22, 1930 in Chicago to Eugene "Jerry" and Katherine (Hinds) Gaik.

Gene enjoyed being with his friends. You might have seen him hanging out at Jim and Sam's Bar in Chicago, playing practical jokes on neighbors on Yorkshire Lane in Crystal Lake, and attending a Friday night happy hour at Del Webb in Huntley. He loved cooking, working out, dancing with his wife, traveling, woodworking, and watching the Bears on Sunday. Most of all, Gene loved spending time with his family whether it be fishing, swimming in his daughter's pool, playing a raucous game of cards or just enjoying each other's company.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Dawn (Niemann) Gaik, daughters, Glori (Joseph) DeJure of St. Charles and Elizabeth "Betsy" (George) Dowse of Wisconsin; 6 grandchildren, Alison, Natalie and Russell (fiancé Aylissa) Gaik, Emma (fiancé Jason) and Jackson DeJure, and Abby Dowse; and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Major Eugene W. Gaik (USA, Ret.) and his son-in-law, Joseph DeJure. 

Dale Joseph Honeyman, 85, of St. Charles passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021 from complications following a long battle after he suffered stroke. Dale was born July 17, 1935 in Chicago, he was the son of Claude and Alice (Pozar) Honeyman. He married the love of his life, Nancy Sagert, on December 3, 1955, they were married for over 66 years.

Our father, Dale, was a great man who will be remembered for his hard work, his generosity, his dedication to his family and his willingness to always help others. Dale was the founding father of our family business, The Bike Rack in St. Charles. He was always behind the scenes figuring the finances; he was the glue that held the family business together. Over the last 46 years The Bike Rack had some amazing accomplishments, and Dale was there to back us up whatever it took. He never wanted recognition but was always there as a great leader. We all have some big shoes to fill. Dale taught everyone a lot over the years, we encourage everyone to do their best in life to honor his legacy.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy; four children, Hal (Julie), Scott (Colleen), Tammy (Kevin) Simmons, Lance (Dede); eleven grandchildren, Dane (Eva), Jacob, Clare and Emily Honeyman, Brian (Ashley) Honeyman, Bobby (Rachal) Honeyman, Maggie (David) Moore, Christopher (Jane) Simmons, Melissa (Nick) Burke, Katherine (Brandon) Reda, Jessica (John) Simon, and Daniel (Taylor) Honeyman; nine great-grandchildren, Logan, Victoria, Brody, Cali, Russell, Shelby, Bentley, Paisley, and Harper; and by his siblings, Gary, Donna, Diane, Bunny Honeyman and Sharon Davern.

He is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Alice and his siblings, Dick, Claudia, Char, Ron, and Roger. 

Raymond R. Harness, Jr. (92) of Oswego, formerly of Aurora, IL passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020 surrounded by loving family. He was born April 13, 1927 in Aurora, IL, the son of Raymond and Mary (Molitor) Harness. He was a Veteran of the US Army. Raymond was employed by Jim Popp Builders in Aurora for many years. He then owned and operated his own business of cutting Pulp wood in Oxford, MS. He returned to the Aurora area and later was employed as a Supervisor at Ace Coffee Bar in Elgin. He had a passion for building custom cabinets and also built two homes; enjoyed repairing and riding bikes, and in his younger years he was a semi pro weight lifter and body builder.

He is survived by his two daughters, Heidi A. (John) Coop of Oswego and Amanda Rae "Mandi" (Bob) Rediger of Oswego; 4 grandchildren, Heather (Chris) Skowronski, Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Ronnie) Sobol, Haley (Chris) Nickolaou and Art (Elise) Coop; also survived by Sashas Husband, Brett Bamforth; 7 great grandchildren with one on the way and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by one son in infancy, Michael J. Harness, one granddaughter, Sasha Bamforth and 3 sisters, Lorraine, Rita and Ione.