Patrick Baker died January 23, 2017, after a lengthy illness.

He lived in Port Charlotte, Florida, with Sue, his wife of 45 years.

They had five children, Greg, Brian, Matt, Jon and Amanda, and eight grandchildren.

Pat worked for the Postal Service in St. Paul, Minnesota, and also worked as a sales rep for many years.

David C. Bast died on June 22, 2022, of congestive heart failure.

He married Jean Gidburne on December 19, 1970.

David graduated from George Williams College in 1971. They had three sons, Robert, Bryan and Justin. They also had an infant daughter who died shortly after birth.

David was very active with the YMCA, as a camp councelor, and other positions at numerous camps. He was a Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Heritage YMCA Group. He also was active with the North American Fellowship of YMCA Retirees.

They lived in Warrenville, Illinois.

David was 74 years old.

James A. Becker died May 2, 2017, of cancer.

Jim married 1966 classmate Nancy Stuart on October 3, 1993. Nancy died April 14, 2008.

He was an area manager for J.C. Penney and Target.

Jim was survived by two sons, Jeff and Brian, and two grandchildren.

Jim Becker was 70 years old.

Pamela Corinne Becker died January 11, 2003 at age 54 after a long illness.

Pam married Larry Slaght on September 16, 1990. Larry preceded her in death on August 22, 2000.

They lived in Freeport.

Pam Slaght is buried at Grandview Cemetery.

Roger James Beldt died July 15, 2012.

He graduated from the University of Florida and Emory University School of Dentistry.

He was an accomplished dentist and pharmacist.

For most of his life, Roger was a commercial pilot for Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines. He started flying for Northwest on February 6, 1978.

Roger and his family lived in Destin, Florida.

He was survived by his wife of 34 years, Gisele, daughter Lindsey, and son Bret.

Roger was 64 years old.

John Bell, Jr., died on October 8, 2015, in Orange, California.

He was survived by a son, John, and a daughter, Kyong.

John "Booga" Bell was 67 years old.

Gary Bollon died on January 5, 1979, presumably of cancer, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Gary appeared in the Polaris in our Junior year.

Gary Lee Bollon married Vickie Lynn Leatherwood.

Gary and Vickie had three children, Joshua, Michael and Kelly.

Gary was 31 years old.

Larry Bordner died November 17, 2019, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon, from complications from diabetes.

I went all through school with Larry, from first grade at Union School all the way through high school.

Lawrence Merrill Bordner III served in the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant during Vietnam.

My wife and I visited Larry at the Oregon Veterans Home a couple of years before he died.

He was buried on November 26, 2019, in the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, Section 8, Site 896.

Larry was 71 years old.

Linda L. Bucher died on June 17, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.

Linda was a Nurses Aide and managed an antique business, Blahnik Place.

She moved to Algoma, Wisconsin, where she worked for nearly 30 years for the von Stiehl Winery.

She had a special talent of gauze wrapping certain wine bottles, and did that for many years for the winery.

Linda married Orville Moreau on December 7, 1984. He preceded her in death. She was survived by two sons, George Nath and David Nath, three sisters and three brothers.

Linda Moreau was 66 years old.

Billy Joe Burchell lived in Freeport in 1991, but was listed as deceased in our 40th reunion booklet in 2006.

He worked for Micro Switch, and later Tech Pacific Scientific in Rockford.

In 1970 he married Margaret Jean Winters, Class of 1969. They divorced in 1977.

I have found no record of his death online.

Kimberlee A. Burdick died June 20, 2004, in Rockford, of diabetes. She was 56.

Kim attended Southern Illinois University and Columbia College at Highland Community College studying psychology.

Kim worked for GTE Telenet as an instructor, and was an avid writer. She had eight published poems.

Kim lived in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, in 1991.

Kim was survived by her mother and three sisters. Her body was cremated.

Jeanne K. Buss died April 5, 2017, in Sarasota, Florida.

Jeannie married Michael Hiveley in Freeport. They resided in North Port, Florida.

She was survived by her husband, sons Troy and Chad, a sister and two granddaughters.

Jeannie Hiveley was 68 years old. She died just 16 days short of her 69th birthday. Her cousin Pam died just two months before her.

Pamela S. Buss died February 2, 2017, at her home in Neponset, Illinois.

A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Pam married Ernest H. Benecke on January 23, 1973. Ernie died May 18, 2011.

Pam worked as a tech at the Walmart Pharmacy in Kewanee for 20 years, and later at a Publix grocery store in Florida.

Pam and Ernie had three children, Tiffany, Shanna and Matt, and were also survived by two grandchildren, Kara and Nolan.

Pam was cremated, and per her wishes, no memorial service was held. Pam was just 68 years old.

Richard Campbell died January 11, 1998. He was 50 years old.

He lived in Oakland, California for two years, then lived in Monroe, Wisconsin.

Richard was a tree trimmer, then a carpet layer for Carpet Village before he became ill. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Eagles.

Richard was survived by his wife, Sharon, and children Gidget and Jason.

Richard is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Monroe.

Anthony C. Cannova died July 4, 2012 of cancer.

He retired from Honeywell in 2006 as a senior buyer.

Tony was the drummer for many Freeport bands, most notably the Nomadds, and after retirement, the MADDmen.

On October 1, 2010, he played in the sold-out Nomadds Reunion Concert, the first time they had played together since 1965!

He was survived by his wife, Tina, and daughters Maria and Christina.

He is buried in Oakland Cemetery.

Tony was 64 years old.

Marcia K. Carpenter died October 24, 2013, in her home in Davis, Illinois.

Her married name was Vondra. She was 65 years old.

Marcia was retired from Union Savings Bank in Freeport.

She enjoyed gardening, hiking, riding motorcycles, going to the beach, and spending time with her grandchildren. She lived for a while in Montgomery, Alabama.

She was survived by her mother Charlotte Harris, her fiance Rod Slamp, brothers Robert & Mark, sister Diane M. Semmen; her daughter Susan Johnson, and three granddaughters.

Marcia Vondra touched many hearts with her beautiful spirit. She is buried at Davis Cemetery with a nice bench marking her grave.

Bill Carroll and his wife Cindy Deuth Carroll, Class of 1964, were killed in a motorcycle accident north of Monroe, Wisconsin, on July 29, 2019.

The photo at left was taken at our 45th reunion in 2011. Bill and Cindy got married on March 28, 1985. Combined, they had three daughters and two sons.

Bill spent 30 years working as a draftsman, Products Manager, Quality Control Manager, and Product Designer. He then worked for many years as a claims representative at the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Bill served in the Navy during Vietnam and earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and had served as Vice Commander and Chaplain of VFW Post 998.

Bill played in various bands. He sang, and played guitar, sax and drums. He was also an artist, drawing and painting. He was a 1984 graduate of Highland Community College.

Bill was a member of the Elks, Eagles and Moose, and was active in Vietnow, Motoring Vets, Disabled American Veterans and ABATE motorcycle club. Bill and Cindy toured the country in his Corvettes and on his Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Cindy graduated from Northern Illinois University, then worked for Economy Insurance and worked with Bill at the Illinois Department of Employment Security. She caned chairs and made stained glass creations.

Gene William "Bill" Carroll was 71 years old; Cindy was 72.

Christine Carter died July 14, 1984, of cancer.

She married Gerald Crouse on March 31, 1973. He died in 2005.

Chris Crouse was survived by her husband and two daughters, Jessica and Jennifer, who was an outstanding basketball player for the Pretzels, the University of North Dakota, and several professional basketball teams around the world.

Chris and Gerald are buried at Oakland Cemetery.

Chris was just 36 years old.

Jon Coon died August 6, 1976, at his home in Rockford after a brief illness.

He was survived by four brothers and five sisters.

Jon is buried in Chapel Hill Cemetery.

John Michael Coon was 30 years old.

Cynthia Cummins died on April 17, 1999 on her 51st birthday.

She married Robert Lestikow on August 29, 1972. He died April 12, 2008.

Robert and Cynthia Lestikow were survived by a son, Timothy.

Cynthia and Robert are buried at Oakland Cemetery.

Frank DeMichele died February 17, 2021, at home in Freeport.

He married Betty Ann Hasken on December 21, 1968, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Freeport.

Frank "Butch" DeMichele worked for the Freeport Water Department for 30 years, and after retiring, worked an additional 10 years in security at FHN. He then became the Facilities Manager at Winter Associates.

He is survived by Betty, three children, 11 grandchildren, and some great-grandchildren.

Frank was 72 years old.

Jim Dixon died August 28, 2024, of cancer

Jim joined the United States Air Force out of high school, and served from 1966-1970.

After the Air Force, Jim returned to Freeport and began his career in insurance at Crum & Forster, where he met Sandy Shianna. They married on January 2, 1971. Jim and Sandy had two sons, Brian and Scott.

Jim earned a degree from Highland CC. Jim and Sandy moved to New Jersey, Texas, and finally to Georgia. In 1988 Jim founded RSUI, a successful insurance agency.

Jim was 76 years old.

Donald Jan Doelker Jr. died July 30, 2004, in New York.

Jan went through school with us, but in junior high, he suffered a devastating injury from weight-lifting, and missed a year of school.

He graduated in 1967.

Jan was survived by his sister Deborah Hope Doelker.

He is buried in Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg, Virginia.

Jan Doelker was 56 years old.

Lee DySard died unexpectedly on April 22, 2024, at Gulf Coast Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida, after a severe brain hemorrhage and stroke.

The DySard family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, during our sophomore year. Lee graduated from Maryland High School in Baltimore, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida.

Lee served two years in the United States Navy. He was a professional land surveyor in Naples, Florida, for over 30 years.

Lee was survived by his wife Robin, several children, brother Harrison, and sister Ruth. Leland DySard was 75 years old.

Johnnie Edison died on January 29, 2023, in Racine, Wisconsin.

Johnnie served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969.

He worked for many years for Modine Manufacturing in Racine.

Johnnie was survived by his mother, his three children and 11 grandchildren.

Johnnie Allen Edison was 74 years old.

Louise Eichmeier died April 5, 2021, at her home in Freeport at age 73.

Louise married Donald Neff on January 16, 1968. They had two sons.

Louise Neff was the second woman in Illinois to have an AAU boxing judges license.

She worked as a private duty nurse, then at the Department of Home and Family Services for 22 years.

On February 13, 1999, Louise married Dennis "Buck" Crase.

Louise Ann Crase was survived by her children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Linda Endress died January 28, 2023, at Freeport's Manor Court.

On October 14, 1978, Linda married Jonathan Baker. Jon died October 9, 2016.

Linda worked at Swiss Colony for many years.

Jonathan and Linda are buried at Chapel Hill Cemetery.

Linda Endress Baker was 74 years old.

Dennis Farrar died in Madison, Wisconsin, on March 16, 2005, at the age of 59.

His twin brother, David Farrar, Class of 1965, died September 12, 2009, in Portland, Oregon, at age 64.

Dennis was a musician and employee of Taylor Park School. He was also employed by Walmart in Madison.

He was survived by four brothers and two sisters.

David was originally buried in Portland, but later their family had David's body moved to Freeport, and both David and Dennis are buried in City Cemetery.

Wendy Fluegel died on October 25, 2020.

Wendy Louise Fluegel Heyden of Orangeville graduated from La Molo School of Beauty Culture.

She worked at Orangeville High School, Malcolm Eaton Enterprises, and Presence/Provena St. Joseph Center taking care of others.

Wendy is survived by two daughters, two stepsons, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and multiple other family members.

Wendy is buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. She was 71 years old.

Jeffrey Forsythe died March 8, 2024, at Forest City Rehab in Rockford, Illinois.

Jeff served in the United States Navy during Vietnam. After service, he returned to Freeport and earned an Associates Degree at Highland Community College.

He worked at Second Time Around record store, Meals on Wheels, and drove a school bus for Immanuel Lutheran School.

Jeff was married and had two sons, Jared and Jonathan. He is buried at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Jeff was 75 years old.

Randy Frankenfield died on January 3, 2002, at home in Freeport.

He attended Highland Community College and Northern Illinois University.

Randy served in the Army in Vietnam and Cambodia.

He was survived by his brother Robert, also Class of 1966, and sister Cheryl, Class of 1967.

Randy is buried in the Memorial Gardens of Chapel Hill Cemetery.

He was only 53 years old.

He was preceded in death by his brother Randy, also Class of 1966.

Robert married Sarah Hille, and they had a son, Anthony.

Robert is survived by his mother, his son Anthony, and his sister Cheryl, Class of 1967.

Robert Miles Frankenfield is buried in the Memorial Gardens of Chapel Hill Cemetery.

He was 70 years old.

Don Franz died July 31, 2023, at his home in Freeport.

He worked as a tool and die maker at Honeywell for 48 years!

Don married Victoria Griffin on September 19, 1997. She survived him, as did several children, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don was a Civil War enthusiast and participated in many reenactments. He played the fife at reenactments, parades, schools and nursing homes. He gave presentations on the Civil War at local schools and nursing homes.

Don stayed active physically and completed 13 marathons!

Donald W. Franz was just 74 years old.

Mike Fryer died March 12, 1996, in Clinton County, Indiana, at age 47.

In 1971 he graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications. He was a production analyst and supervisor at Federal Mogul, a company that makes aftermarket automotive products.

Mike served in the Navy Reserves.

Mike married Linda A. Dubley on August 26, 1972. They moved from Rochelle, Illinois, to Frankfort, Indiana, in 1978.

He was survived by his wife, Linda, and their daughter, Katie.

Robert Gassman died September 14, 2020, at his home in Littleton, Colorado.

Bob Gassman was a running back for the Pretzel football team.

After high school, Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University. He met his wife there. He and Mary Hertz Christiansen were married 26 years. They had one son, Brent.

He worked for CBI Services (Chicago Bridge and Iron) in Kankakee after college.

Bob was 72 years old.

Diantha Gimple died January 14, 2024, at the Citadel in Rockford.

She attended Western Illinois University.

On September 11, 1971, Diantha married William Landowski in Freeport. They had a daughter, Sara. William died June 19, 1999.

Diantha was employed for 16 years at the State Employment Retirement System.

Diantha J. Gimple Landowski was 75 years old.

Robert Grabow died of melanoma cancer on April 15, 2023, at University of Wisconsin Health.

"Butch" worked at W. E. Kautenberg Company until its closure. He later worked as a mechanic and carpenter.

On July 23, 1982, he married Lana in Rockton. He had three daughters and two sons, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Robert Frank "Butch" Grabow, Jr., was buried at Oakland Cemetery.

He was 74 years old.

Dennis Greier died October 29, 2020, in Rockford, of cancer.

Dennis graduated from Highland Community College in 1968, and from Northern Illinois University in 1970.

He married Judith Woker on August 8, 1970. They had three children and seven grandchildren.

Dennis Lynn Greier was buried in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport.

Dennis was 72 years old.

Larry Griswold died after a brief illness on March 6, 1997, in San Francisco. He was 49 years old.

Lawrence Richard Griswold served in the army in Vietnam, receiving six medals, including the Purple Heart.

In 1975 he graduated from San Francisco State University. He was the national sales manager for Furuno USA, a company that makes marine electronic equipment.

Larry was also a poet, a championship-caliber pool player, and a "renaissance man." Those who knew him described him as a person with a superior intellect and an extraordinary ability to help others.

For our 25th reunion booklet Larry wrote, "When I tell stories about my high school experiences, most people think I am making them up!"

His sister, Pamela Susan Griswold Pohlman, died of cancer in Florida on July 7, 1996, at age 43..

Larry is buried at Grandview Cemetery.

Sylvia Hamon died October 13, 2021. She went through grade school with the Class of 1966, but was always one of the youngest, and struggled with school. She dropped back a year and thrived, graduating with the Class of 1967.

On August 15, 1968, Sylvia married James Drake. They had two sons together. James served as an SP5 in the Army in Vietnam. On August 3, 1976, at the age of 29, James died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sylvia married Leslie Schrader in 1980. He died February 17, 2024.

Sylvia J. Hamon Drake Schrader was 72 years old.

Pamela K. Harnish died January 31, 2012. She was 65 years old.

Her married name was Wise.

She worked at Burgess Battery.

She was survived by a daughter, Lisa Otto, of Freeport.

Pamela Wise was preceded in death by a grandson, SPC Norman Cain III, who was Killed In Action in Afghanistan in 2009.

Pam is buried at Dakota Cemetery.

Jonathyn (Mike) Hartman died January 5, 2005 in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Mike served two tours of duty in the Army, in Okinawa, Japan, for more than two years and in Germany for four years.

He earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and management from Madison Business College.

Mike drove for JB Hunt Transportation for 10 years.

He married Elaine Joyner on March 7, 1992, in Lowell, Indiana.

Mike was survived by Elaine and their children Mike and Kristi.

Mike was buried at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville, Indiana. He was 56 years old.

Michael Harvey died of cancer on January 18, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas.

MIke married Kathy in Freeport. They raised their two daughters in San Antonio.

He was a 4-year veteran of the United States Air Force, and served as a Sergeant in Vietnam..

Mike is interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Michael David Harvey was 71 years old.

Pamela Marie Heck died at home in Freeport on December 7, 1971, after an extended illness.

She married Class of 1964's Terry E. Sueltman in September 1970.

Pam attended Highland Community College, where she was a cheerleader.

She is buried at Oakland Cemetery.

Pam Sueltman was just 23 years old.

William Henning died January 21, 2021, in Rockford.

William served honorably in the U. S. Army from 1967-1969, earning several honors in Vietnam.

He married Mary Ann Barcelona on March 15, 1969, in Freeport. Mary Ann died January 11, 2006. They had one son, Andrew, who survives William.

He worked for Micro Switch as a millwright for 42 years.

William was 73 years old.

Ardell Hilton died on October 25, 2014, at Rockford Memorial Hospital.

At FHS, he was a member of the A Capella choir.

He served in the army as a drill sergeant.

Ardell worked at Kelly Springfield Tire Company for 33 years.

Ardell sang and was a drummer for "The Ascots."

He was survived by three children, his wife, brothers and sisters, including his twin sister, Estelle Hilton Kahanna, who graduated in 1965.

He is buried at Oakland Cemetery.

Ardell was 67 years old.

James Holt died on March 20,2024, in Littleton, Colorado.

Jim married Class of 1966 classmate Marilyn Johnson. They had one daughter, Lisa, who gave them three grandchildren.

Jim graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Business Education.

He immediately put his degree to work. The young family moved to the Denver area and bought Adams Rental, an equipment rental and sales store. He ran the business for 42 years!

James Phillip Holt was 75 years old.

Charles M. "Chuck" Hutchins died of lung cancer, on July 1, 2016, in his home in South Beloit, with his wife by his side.

Chuck served in the United States Navy from 1967-1971 as a radio operator.

He married Mary Pike on November 26, 1993, in Rockford.

Chuck worked as an accountant and business analyst with Cable Vision and River City Millwork.

Chuck's lifetime goal was to have a farm, and his passion was growing vegetables for the farmer's market in Beloit, farming, reading, and his love for dogs, especially cocker spaniels.

He is survived by his wife, Mary and his two dogs, Amos and Freckles. He is buried in Westminster Columbarium, Rockford.

Chuck was 68 years old.

Cathy Ifert died at her home in Freeport on October 17, 2018.

She married Jon Staben (Class of 1965) on July 13, 1968. They were married 50 years!

Cathy was survived by Jon, their son, and their grandson.

She worked at Newell as an accounts payable clerk, but her passions were taking care of children in in-home daycare and her miniature Dachshunds.

She is buried at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Cathy was 70 years old.

Daniel James Irwin died January 20, 2011 in Houston, Texas, of complications from surgery for colon cancer. He was 62.

In 1991, Dan lived in Appleton, Wisconsin.

He worked as a training consultant and civil engineer with Flight Safety Company.

Dan was a graduate of Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He earned a degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech.

He married Camelia on May 12, 1971, in Colorado Springs.

By 2006, Dan lived in Houston, Texas.

He was survived by his wife, Camilia Simona Irwin.

Dan is buried in Calvary Hill Cemetery in Humble, Texas.

Richard L. Jacobs died of cancer on February 12, 1991.

He was a market manager for Hy-Tek, a material handling company for industrial truck applications in Columbus, Ohio.

He was survived by his wife, Estella Poling, daughter Jennifer, and a brother and a sister.

Richard is buried in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

He was 43 years old.

Jerry Jenner died in an auto accident on October 7, 1968.

He was home on leave before being sent to Vietnam.

More about Jerry on his Vietnam Memorial section.

He served with Company D, 63rd Engineer Construction Battalion.

Jerry is buried in the Garden of Devotion, Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Jerry Elwyn Jenner was 20 years old.

Larry L. Kaiser died August 26, 2010, at Rockford Memorial Hospital of a brain hemorrhage.

He went through most of school with us. When he was starting high school, his parents moved to Orangeville, where he graduated.

Larry worked for Kelly Springfield for 35 years, retiring in 2005. After retirement, Larry worked part time for the Freeport Park District as the "duckmeister," restoring the duck barn that was destroyed in a flood.

He married Judy K. Steve on June 8, 1968. She died December 15, 2005. On October 4, 2007, Larry married Connie Foulker in Freeport.

He was survived by his wife Connie and children Tim, Tracy, and Tammy; and Steve, Donnie, Tim and "Toby." Larry was 62 years old.

Craig Kaney died January 15, 2023, in Wittenberg, Wisconsin, following an extended illness.

Craig earned his Bachelor's degree in education from Carthage College, and a Masters from Illinois State University.

He was a high school principal. After retiring, Craig made furniture in his home workshop, raised vegetables and canned them.

Craig married Nancy Hilden on August 1, 1970. Nancy and three sons survive Craig.

His remains were cremated.

Craig was 74 years old.

Donald Keep was Killed In Action in Vietnam on January 8, 1968, during the Tet Offensive in the Mekong Delta.

His mother, Jennie Keep, was presented his medals and citations, which included the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster for bravery in action, and the Purple Heart for wounds that took his life. Don was Cited for returning enemy fire and refusing medical evacuation after suffering severe wounds.

More about Don on his Vietnam Memorial section.

He was buried with full military honors in the Chimes Tower Garden at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Don was just 19 years old.

Dennis Keith died December 27, 2023, of cancer, at the Monroe Clinic Hospice Home.

Denny "Bullseye" Keith graduated from Highland Community College where he led the baseball team in Earned Run Average.

Denny served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After completing his enlistment, he was hired by Civil Constructors and was a Teamsters oil truck driver from 1973 until his retirement in 2007.

Denny once bowled a 300 game!

He twice shot his age in golf at age 71.

Denny was survived by his daughter Ashlii and three grandchildren.

Denny was 75 years old.

Clifford Kleindl died May 8, 2007 at the V.A. Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

He was an Air Force veteran in Vietnam.

He was a route coordinator for Golden Meals in Freeport for many years.

Cliff was survived by a son, John, and four daughters, Amy, Michelle, Cher'ie, and Krissy, and special friend Bonnie.

He is buried in Oakland Cemetery.

Clifford Allan Kleindl was 60 years old.

Dennis Koehn died February 26, 2023, at his home in Freeport.

Denny served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He was a member of Vietnow.

Denny worked for Modern Plating for 43 years!

He married Dawn Black in Lena on December 20, 1985.

Denny was survived by his wife, their son D.J., his step-daughter Angie Black, and his dog, Turbo.

He is buried at White Oak Cemetery in Forreston.

Denny was 75 years old.

Sheldon Lee Koester died on May 5, 2000, from an enlarged heart and ankylosing spondylitis.

He lived in Tucson, Arizona.

Sheldon was survived by his wife of 30 years, Pamela, a son Danny, and daughters Dionne and Kirsten.

Sheldon studied fashion and merchandising in Chicago. He married Pamela Shuminas on February 14, 1970. They moved to Arizona where he graduated from Pima CC and in 1972 he graduated from the University of Arizona. He earned two masters in education and counseling from the University of Phoenix. He was working on his doctorate at the time of his death.

He was an art teacher for pre-k through grade 3 at the Drachman School in Tucson. Sheldon had previously been a junior and senior high school teacher and advisor.

Sheldon was only 51 years old.

Thomas Henry Kortemeier died December 18, 1981 in his home in Los Angeles, California.

He was a 1971 graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.

Tom moved to Los Angeles in 1973 and became a part owner of Many Horses Art Gallery.

He is buried at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Tom Kortemeier was just 33 years old.

Richard Kraft died April 2, 2011 in Freeport.

He was an army veteran, serving in Vietnam.

Richard married Vickie Worley on June 17, 1974, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He was employed by Thermos until his retirement.

He was survived by his wife, Vickie, and three sons, Richard, Dustin and Clayton.

He is buried in the Garden of Our Savior, Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Richard was 62 years old.

Jeanne Kuntzelman died November 15, 2019, of liver cancer.

She met Teddy Williams, and he took leave from the Army to attend our high school graduation. That night he asked her to marry him. They were married on June 13, 1966, just four days after we graduated, having never actually gone on a date. They stayed married until his death in 2012. They had three children, Teddy Jr., Aprile, and Lacey.

Jeanne was the office manager for Carrel Chiropractic Clinic. She had been a wedding reception planner and an office organizer.

She was compassionate and giving, active with her church, needlework and baking.

She is buried with her husband in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.

Jeanne was 71 years old.

Karl Lamb died July 28, 1992.

He was an aircraft mechanic on the aircraft carrier, John F. Kennedy.

He lived in Jacksonville, Florida from 1985 to 1992. He also lived in Dekalb, Ill.

He is buried in the Garden of Devotion at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Karl was 44 years old.

Ann Laurence died August 17, 2021, at her home in Springfield, Illinois.

Ann attended Freeport Community College and the University of Illinois Circle Campus in Chicago.

In August of 1973 she married Ross Richardson. They had a son Daniel.

Ann's two passions were food and politics, and she was active in both industries.

Ann joined the Dan Walker for Governor campaign in 1971. She was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Miami in 1972 and cast her ballot for George McGovern. During that time, she was interviewed by Newsweek Magazine.

She moved to Springfield to work for Governor Dan Walker as assistant to John Houlihan, Director of the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs.

In 1977, Ross and Ann opened The Feed Store, which quickly became a popular lunch spot for the next 43 years. They bought and rehabbed an 1860 storefront in downtown Springfield. Local polls declared their restaurant the "Best Place for Lunch" and home of "Springfield's Best Soup." They had many prominent customers, including President Barack Obama in 2016. When the pandemic shut down many businesses, Ross and Ann decided to close the restaurant. Ann was proud that The Feed Store was the first Springfield restaurant to prohibit smoking in 1994.

Ann fought for equality and women's rights. She believed that we all bear the responsibility to help others through participation in civic life.

Per her request, there was no memorial service, and her body was cremated. Ann was just 73 years old.

Linda Leahy died April 12, 1994, in Freeport.

She lived in Phoenix, Arizona.

She is buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Linda was 46 years old.

Linda Lehman died June 7, 2023, after a long illness.

Linda was a Payroll Clerk Senior at Kelly Springfield Tire.

She was survived by her 27-year companion, Jeff Krupke, her mother Jane, her sister and four brothers.

Linda Kay Lehman was 75 years old.

Scott W. Leininger died on February 12, 2004, in Tucson, Arizona, after a long illness.

Scott married 1966 classmate Misty Drake in 1968. He attended Highland Community College and the University of Montana.

Scott was the proprietor of the Packing Shed Restaurant in Charlotte, Virginia, and sold time-share condominiums in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Jamaica.

Scott was survived by son Chad and daughter Tiffany.

Scott was 56 years old.

Michael Carroll Mansheim died October 7, 1997 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Mike went to college to be an electrical engineer. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army in Vietnam.

In addition to his work as a mechanical and industrial engineer, Mike was a police officer and an EMT. He was Vice President of the Stephenson County Sheriff's Auxiliary in the 1980s. He had a tool for every maintenance job.

Mike married Julie Rehor on March 17, 1993, in Freeport. They lived in Amery, Wisconsin, and later Almena, Wisconsin. He was survived by his wife and three children, Brian, Bernice and Basil.

He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Hayward, Wisconsin.

Mike was 49 years old.

Jim Manske died September 24, 2024, at St. Joseph's Ascension Living Center in Freeport. His remains were cremated.

Jim served in the U. S. Army in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne, and after Vietnam with the Army Reserve.

He worked at Chrysler for 42 years.

Mike was survived by his wife, Marsha, five children, 11 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

His brother Mike, Class of 1965, died December 29, 2023.

James W. Manske was 75 years old.

Wayne W. Marassa died July 11, 2021.

He served in the U. S. Navy in Vietnam..

Wayne was 74 years old. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery.

David Marsh died of a heart attack on December 10, 1988.

He was a marketing representative for 7-Up Kemmerer Bottling in Rockford.

David was a past president of the Freeport Jaycees, a member of Evergreen Masonic Lodge, Freeport Consistory, St. John UCC, and was a commissioner and coach for Freeport Junior Tackle.

He was survived by his wife, Anita, son Todd, daughter Stacey, and a brother.

David is buried in Oakland Cemetery.

Dave was just 40 years old.

Julie Mast reportedly died in late September, 2017.

She lived in Woodstock, Illinois, and worked as a freelance writer. She married Frank Mills, a science teacher. They had a daughter, Amanda.

I have not been able to find any record of her death.

Julie Mast Mills would have been about 69 years old.

Jon R. Meyers died September 14, 2013, at his home after a four month battle with cancer.

A Vietnam veteran, he served four years in the Navy.

He was employed by the Freeport Post Office for 30 years.

Jon was survived by a daughter Angela, a son John, grandchildren, his parents, and three brothers, Jim, Pat, and Kevin. He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel.

He is buried at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Jon was 65 years old.

Thomas Migliore died August 27, 2023.

Tom was married for 52 years to Sandra Oglesby. They had two children.

He taught more than 1000 students during his career at Orangeville Grade School.

Tom enjoyed playing, umpiring and watching baseball his entire life.

Thomas William Migliore was 74 years old.

Gerry Minear died June 21, 2014.

He and his wife owned a swimming pool company (Skinee Dip Pools) in Palm Harbor, Florida. He also managed his son's physical therapy clinic. He was retired from 17 years at GTE.

Gerry was survived by his wife Diane (Stake), Class of 1965 and son Todd. Gerry and Diane were married for over 44 years.

He was a 1970 graduate of Iowa State University, where he was a Phi Delta Theta.

According to his obituary in the Tampa Bay Times, he was a gregarious man who never met a stranger and lived every day to the fullest.

Gerry was just 66 years old.

Darrel Moore died September 26, 2018, of cancer, at his home in Loves Park at age 70.

Darrel served in the Army from 1968-1971.

He married Katie Valencia.

Darrel was a drummer in many Freeport area bands, including Gary Downing and the Classics, Jason Stone and the Classics, The Bonnevilles, We Have Been, Clark and the Westerners, Four Play, and Juke Box Rock and Roll.

He worked at MetLife for many years as an insurance adjuster.

Darrel is survived by Katie, two daughters, Kimberly and Mindy, and four grandchildren.

Larry Morhardt died March 29, 1993, at age 44.

Larry was pictured with us in our Sophomore year in the 1964 Polaris.

Larry James Morhardt married Barbara Louise Meyer. They had three daughters, Beth, Lori and Jill. Barbara died in 2002.

Larry and Barbara are buried in the Garden of Hymns at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.

Linda Moritz died June 14, 2018, at age 69.

Linda earned her RN from Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, her BSN from the University of Madison, and her MBA from the University of San Diego.

She spent most of her career in psychiatric nursing. She worked in admissions, treatment rooms, adult Intensive Care, and retired from administration in 2013.

USAF 2nd Lieutenant Linda Moritz served as a Registered Nurse.

After retirement, Linda lived in San Diego.

Linda had an abdominal aortic aneurism. Her body was cremated, and her ashes scattered.

Marchia Otto died May 18, 2021. She was one of our cheerleaders.

She married James David Maney, Jr., on May 28, 1973, and they had two sons, Christian and Evan.

Marchia earned a Bachelor of Science at Southern Illinois University.

She and David were well-known caterers and restaurant people, including Sugar N' Spice starting in 1976, and the Wine and Dine Restaurant in the late.1970s.

Her body was cremated.

Marchia Cheryl Otto Maney was 73 years old.

Vicki L. Pizzolato died August 16, 2003, at age 55.

She was married to Jason Kerlin.

Vicki Kerlin lived in Freeport in 1991.

Marta Pontual died of cancer. Her death was reported via Facebook on February 13, 2020.

Marty was one of our three foreign exchange students. She was from Recife, Brazil.

Marty Pontual Dantas was about 71 years old.

Raymond Reed died on February 11, 2021, in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Ray married Melody Boeke, Class of 1967, on October 7, 1967. Melody died of cancer on June 22, 2015.

Ray joined the United States Coast Guard and served as a Quartermaster. He was a carpenter, a professional photographer and a software programmer/analyst until his retirement in 2014.

He is survived by four children, Michael, Michellle, Melinda and Mandy, as well as seven grandchildren.

Ray is buried alongside Melody at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Ray was 73 years old.

Mary E. Reynolds died June 7, 2005 in Freeport.

She married 1966 classmate Paul Brauer on April 23, 1968.

She was a career military wife.

They lived for many years in Redlands, California.

They had a daughter, Amy, and two sons, Christopher and Steven. Mary was involved with both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts for many years.

She was survived by Paul and her children.

She is buried in the Garden of Hymns at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Mary Brauer was 57 years old.

Melanie J. Roenneburg died December 15, 2003, in Rockford.

She lived in Freeport and worked as a word processor for Viking Insurance Company.

Melanie photographed live concerts and children.

She is buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Melanie was 55 years old.

Larry Ruckman died August 5, 2017, in Dixon. He is buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon.

Larry married Joan Mattic on July 12, 1968. They had two sons, David and Douglas.

Larry served in the Army Reserve until 1974.

He co-owned LeBaron and Ruckman Furniture in Freeport until his retirement in 1999.

Larry was an avid gardener, growing vegetables and flowers in his garden and greenhouse.

Larry was 69 years old. His wife, children and four grandchildren survive him.

Lynn Rudy died September 8, 1992.

He farmed just south of Freeport.

Lynn was survived by his wife Connie, daughters Tricia and Tonya, and son Troy.

He is buried in the Chimes Tower Garden at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Lynn was just 44 years old.

Gary Lee Sager, Sr. died December 23, 1988, at Clark Air Force Base, in the Philippines.

He served in the Air Force for 21 years, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.

Gary was survived by his wife Evelyn, sons Eric and Gary Lee Jr., and daughters Melinda, Michelle and Mileitt.

Gary is buried in Oakland Cemetery.

He was 40 years old.

Mary Salter died January 7, 1991.

Mary Lyndia Salter Parker was 42 years old.

Peggy Ann Scheider died July 21, 2020, in Freeport, of Parkinson's Disease.

Peggy married John Euler just four days after we graduated, on June 13, 1966. She worked at Honeywell for 31 years.

Peggy was survived by her husband, two sons, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Peggy was 72 years old.

Karen Schnitzler died from cancer on December 16, 2019, at her home in Dakota.

Karen married George Hoefer on August 23, 1972, in Freeport. They had four children, Teresa, Cherie, Mandy, and Steve, and nine grandchildren.

Karen graduated from Lamolo Cosmetology School. She worked as a hair stylist at several beauty shops, and finally worked for Park View Nursing Home for more than 25 years.

She was a licensed HAM radio operator.

One person wrote about her, "She was always smiling and her laugh was contagious."

Karen E. Schnitzler Hoefer was 71 years old.

Kenneth E. Schnitzler died July 6, 2004, at the University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

He married Dawn Capps on December 11, 1970.

He attended college in Chicago before returning to Freeport to work at Micro Switch.

Ken loved playing golf and was very involved with his five grandchildren.

He is buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. He was survived by his wife, two daughters and one son.

Ken was 56 years old.

Tina Schriver died on June 26, 2023, at Heritage Woods of Freeport.

She married John Nortridge (Class of 1964) on August 5, 1965, after our junior year. John died in 2003 after 38 years of marriage. In 2012 Val married Alvin "Tuck" Hein.

Tina earned a degree in nursing and worked in a large hospital in Chicago. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross after hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

She was survived by Tuck, five daughters, 10 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.

The photo is Tina as a junior in the 1965 Polaris.

Valentina Y. Schriver Nortridge Hein was just 74 years old.

Vicki Schulthess died on November 28, 2014, after a brief illness.

Vicki was in our class through our sophomore year.

She married Richard Anderson on April 3, 1971. She worked for Micro Switch, Thermos and Anchor Harvey.

Vicki L. Anderson was survived by her husband, two sons and a daughter, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Vicki was 66 years old.

Curtiss Dean Scudder died March 24, 2004, in Freeport.

He is buried at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Curt was 58.

Dolf Warren Seeds died December 17, 2012.

He retired in June 2012 after 14 years as a bus driver for Shelby County, Alabama, Schools.

Dolf married Anne Loyd.

After serving in the U. S. Navy, he and Anne ministered to the addicted in Ireland, Kazakhstan, New Jersey, Atlanta and Birmingham.

Dolf was an accomplished linguist, author, artist and graphic designer. He owned the Center for Bible Linguistics. In his spare time, Dolf painted back bayou scenes around the east side of Mobile Bay, Alabama.

He lived in Montevallo, Alabama. Anne preceded him in death; he was survived by their son, Peter.

Dolf was 64.

Linda K. Sheetz died October 25, 2005, in Belvidere, Illinois, following a six-month battle with cancer.

She married Terry Wickler on July 9, 1966, in Freeport.

They lived in Belvidere for 30 years.

Linda worked for Northwoods Health Care Center for 20 years.

She was survived by her husband, daughter Rachel and son Robert.

Linda Wickler was just 57 years old.

Darla Springer died April 17, 2021, in Eugene, Oregon.

She had lived in Freeport and Rockford, Illinois, and Albany and Eugene, Oregon.

Darla was an accountant.

Darla was 73 years old.

Timothy A. "Saint" St. Andrews died November 3, 2016.

Tim moved to Freeport in 1965, and joined us for our Senior year.

He married Mary Marten on April 24, 1971. They had two daughters, Kim and Michelle.

Tim owned and ran Mort and Saints Bar and Grill, and also worked for Northern Illinois Outdoor Advertising. For a while Tim was the branch manager of Pearl City Elevator.

Tim St. Andrews was 68 years old.

Robert Stebbins died January1, 1980.

He was 31 years old.

Jim Stingley and Ken Stingley were both in our class up through our sophomore year, but did not graduate with us.

Identical twins, I could never tell them apart.

Kenneth Lee Stingley died on June 10, 2005. He was a Vietnam veteran. He had been married to Linda Cali from the Class of 1968, and was survived by son Michael, daughters Lisa and Amy, two brothers and two sisters. He was an Army veteran, serving in Germany during the Vietnam era. Ken was 57.

James L. Stingley died January 17, 2009 at the Stephenson Nursing Center. He was a bartender in Freeport for many years. Jim was 60.

Michael Stodden died July 22, 2023, at Medina Nursing Home in Durand.

He served in the United States Army for four years, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Michael married Catherine Thruman on June 15, 1968. They had four children.

He worked for Kelly-Springfield for 31 years, and was later a consutant for Titan Tire.

Michael W. Stodden was 74 years old.

Nancy J. Stuart died April 14, 2008, of pancreatic cancer.

She was married to 1966 classmate James Allen Becker.

They lived in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin.

Nancy was a purchasing agent, receptionist, and a computer programmer.

Jim survived her by nine years.

She is buried in the Chimes Tower Garden at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Nancy Becker was 59 years old.

Julie J. Thomasson died July 25, 2010.

She married Robert Skaggs in 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia. They lived in Sandy Springs, Ga.

Julie graduated from the LaMolla School of Beauty in 1972.

Julie Skaggs was a hair stylist at the Blue Fox Hair Salon in Atlanta.

Her husband survived her.

Julie was about 62.

(Clarence) Kip Triplett died December 18, 2012, from prostate cancer, one day after his 64th birthday.

He legally changed his name from Clarence to Kip Eugean Triplett in 1970.

From his formative years in public housing, through the psychedelic sixties, to bookstores, the west coast, the midwest, and New York City, he remained true to his pursuit of individual intellect and spiritual curiosity.

At various times Kip lived in San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Chapel Hill, Gallup, Seattle and Portland. He mostly worked in publishing sales and marketing, especially audio books. He rarely lived in one state longer than three years. Kip was a national sales manager in a publishing hall in New York City, one of the first African-Americans at that level within the company.

He spent a lifetime in pursuit of knowledge and his own path through life. His life and wisdom touched many with his infectious laugh and warm smile. Kip was my friend for many decades.

Kip was survived by two sons, Damion and Merlin, and his fiance, Susan.

Donald Eugene VanMatre died October 27, 2000, and is buried at Grandview Cemetery.

He was 52.

Eddie Washington died December 19, 2019, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Eddie was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He was awarded the Bronze Medal for his actions.

Eddie retired from the post office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was survived by his wife Denise, daughter April, and step-children Michelle, Tyrone, Howard, Letrice, Jason and James, and several grandchildren.

Eddie was 71 years old.

Orania M. Watter died in January 1989.

She married George S. Jones in November 1969.

Both George and Orania Jones worked at Burgess Battery.

Oriana was 40.

Wayne Watz died February 2, 2009, at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

He married 1966 classmate Barbara Hewins on June 28, 1969. They lived in Baileyville, Illinois.

Wayne served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He had worked for Honeywell for 40 years, and at the time of his death was employed at Wahl Clipper in Sterling.

Barbara survived him, as did their two sons, Randy and Jayson.

Wayne was 60 years old.

Thomas Weaver was killed December 7, 1969, while serving in the navy.

More about Tom on his Vietnam Memorial section.

He was married to Patricia A. Weaver.

He is buried in the Chimes Tower Garden at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Tom was 22 years old.

Anne Louise Weckerly died August 6, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.

She married Class of 1966's Ron Fusco in 1969. They had a son, Todd. Anne and Ron divorced in 1987.

A longtime resident of Springfield, Illinois, Anne was an artist. She was active in the Springfield Arts Council, First Night Springfield, and New Salem's Theatre in the Park.

She was known for award-winning baskets and her nature photography.

She was cremated.

Anne Fusco was 66 years old.

/Ron Weckerly died June 17, 2023, of pancreatic cancer, at home, surrounded by family.

Ron was a father, an educator and an author. His book, Poems, Pathways and Peace: A Baby Boomer's Journey With ADHD, related his journey through Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

After FHS, Ron enlisted in the Air Force and served in Vietnam, then attended Illinois State University where he earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology-Anthropology, and a Masters of Science in Education. He was certified in Learning Behavior Specialist I, Learning Disabilities, Social and Emotional Disorders, and Self-Contained General Education (K-9).

During Ron's 31 years of teaching, he taught 4th, 5th and 6th grades in elementary school, as well as behavioral disordered and learning disabled students. For the last 10 years of his teaching career he taught U. S. History to 8th graders.

Ron was nominated six times to "Who's Who Among American Teachers."

Ron suffered with undiagnosed ADHD all through his years growing up in Freeport. According to the intro to his book, the ADHD led to abusing alcohol, flunking out of college, two divorces, excessive eating, and disruptive behavior. He was not expected to graduate from high school, was labeled lazy, unmotivated, hyper, and retarded, but did graduate in the bottom 50 of our class.

Ron's book is open and telling about his ADHD and his struggles. He said that the experience of writing his book was painful, yet enlightening. His process of self-actualization involved pain, honesty, lonesomeness, frustration, anger and acceptance.

Ron was survived by his wife Lisa, daughters Heidi and Ginnie, grandchildren, numerous relatives, his dog, many friends and lots of grateful students.

Ron Weckerly was 75 years old.

Janet Wiegmann died February 10, 2005.

She was married to Raymond D. Heister.

Raymond and Janet Heister lived in Freeport in 1991.

He survived her, as did their two children, Robert and Angela.

Janet was about 56.

Art Williamson

Deceased before 2006.

Nancy Yokers died January 30, 2024, at FHN Memorial Hospital.

Nancy lived in Pecatonica until our high school years.

She started nurses training in Freeport, then joined the Air Force and completed her nurses training at Edwards AFB in California.

Nancy earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant Reservist (nursing).

She married Ronald E. Lassiter on June 23, 1972.

Nancy was the Director of Nursing at Freeport Manor Nursing Home and Fair Oaks Nursing Home for many years.

She was survived by her son Chad Lassiter and four grandchildren.

Nancy Lee Yokers Lassiter was 75 years old.