All Obituaries

Karla Sheahan, 84, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Rockford, IL. She was born on November 17, 1938, in Belvidere, Illinois, and her life was filled with passion, creativity, and love. Karla had a fulfilling career at the Chrysler - Belvidere Assembly Plant. Retiring in 1996 after many great years of service, leaving a legacy of dedication, as well as hard work. Karla’s heart belonged to her beloved husband, Kenneth Sheahan, with whom she shared a delightful 67 years of...

Lorene “Sis” Ruth Benzel, 95, of Rockford, IL formerly of Belvidere, IL passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023. She was born on September 15, 1927, on the family farm in New Glarus, WI to the late Clarence J. and Amelia (Schiesser) Hoesly. She graduated from New Glarus High School, earned her B.S. degree from UW-LaCrosse, and her M.S. degree from Northern Illinois University. She taught physical education in the Belvidere School System for 20 years and was employed by the State of...

Judith Ann Racz, 78, of Belvidere, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023. She was born on December 2, 1944 in New Brunswick, NJ to the late George and Elizabeth (Wilson) Harris. She married the love of her life, Andrew Racz, on June 10, 1967 in New Brunswick, NJ. Judith is loved and will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Andrew; sons, David (Teresa) Racz, Joseph (Leah) Racz, Tim (Brandy) Racz, Mark (Maryann) Racz; daughters, Elizabeth (Keith) Racz-Burton, Susan (Adam)...

Paul Andrew Balsitis (81), was quickly called to his eternal life of peace in heaven after an unexpected death at his home in Poplar Grove, IL on the evening of May 20, 2023.   Paul was born February 15, 1942 to Frank and Marjorie Balsitis in Chicago, IL. He was the oldest of 3 brothers, Richard and Lawrence. In 1962 a friend introduced him to Diane (Jarvis) and on June 19, 1965, they married.  Paul and Diane’s loving marriage produced 5 hardworking, jovial children:...

Phillip Lee Long, 75, of Belvidere, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at his home. Son of the late Roy T. and Mae (Brown) Long, he was born on Monday, January 21, 1946 in Belvidere, IL. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Phillip married the love of his life, Linda Crull, on Friday, July 3, 1970 in Rockford, IL. Phillip is loved and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Linda; sons, Eric Long, Phillip Long; daughter, Stephanie...

Marie K. Shook, 88, of Belvidere, IL passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. She was born on April 18, 1935, in Belvidere, IL to the late Claude and Catherine (Hemmens) Rose. She married the love of her life, Virgil Shook, on June 9, 1956, in Belvidere, IL. Marie is loved and will be deeply missed by her sons, Terry (Judy) Shook, Virgil Todd (Diane) Shook; daughters, Mickey Shook; grandchildren, Jennifer Ferry, Ryan Shook, Joe (Melissa) Ferry, Matt Shook, Kayla Shook, Michael Shook, Nicoletta...

Patrick Noel Freeman, 74, of Belvidere, ended his battle with cancer on May 1, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home. Born in Belvidere on December 31, 1948, to Kenneth and Deloris (Williams) Freeman. He was the 10th of their 12 children. He attended Belvidere High School and joined the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971, stationed in Alaska. On February 1, 1974, Pat married his beautiful and loving wife Ruthann Gamlin in Rockton, Illinois. He went on to work at Belvidere Disposal and Mi...

Trudy Lynn Snell, 72, of Belvidere, IL, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023. She was born on April 20, 1951, in Belvidere, IL to the late LaVerne and Luella (Ollmann) Lawton. Trudy is loved and will be deeply missed by her sons, Gib Brewer, Robert Horner; daughters, Dawn Brewer, Tina Follis; grandchildren, 12; great grandchildren 4; brother, Tuffy Lawton; sisters, Sandy Lawton, Judy Lawton; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, LaVerne and Luella; son,...

Bige Raymond Baker III, 21, of Belvidere, IL, formerly of Burnside, KY, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023. He was born on March 11, 2002, in Somerset KY to Bige Raymond II and Leslie Renee (Lewis) Baker. Bige enjoyed a vast number of vehicles and motorcycles, camping, fishing, and hiking. He was a talented gamer, and especially enjoyed watching football with his father, sitting by a bonfire with his mother, or taking his big sister for a ride in his car so he could show her his latest...

June H. Lindahl, 91, of Rockford, IL passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. She was born on February 20, 1932, in Chicago, IL, to the late Oscar and Evelyn (Thorsen) Erickson. She married the love of her life, Norman Lindahl, on September 30, 1950, in Chicago, IL. June enjoyed ceramics, bowling, gardening, but most of all being with her family. June is loved and will be deeply missed by her son, Kenneth Lindahl; grandchildren, Kenneth (Sybrena) Lindahl, Christopher (Anna) Lindahl, Kaline...