Carol J. Plyman, a resident of Grayslake, passed away Saturday January 18, 2014, at her home surrounded by her loved ones, at the age of 76. She was born December 7, 1937 in Chicago, IL to Peter and Bernice Bisgaard. Carol was a member of Faith Church in Grayslake and she had retired from Underwriter’s Laboratory. Carol is survived by her sons Jeffrey (Karen), David (Joann), and Daniel (Wendy), her sisters Barbara (George) Zuponeck and Betty (Ted) Wojtowicz, her brother Butch (Carole) Edgar, her sister-in-law Joyce (Tom) Rogers, her grandchildren Kyle, Kaitlin (fiancé Bryant Popp), Matthew, Ryan, Sarah, and Jason (Amy), her great-granddaughter Liahna, several dear nieces and nephews, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Layton whom she wed on April 25, 1959, her parents, and her sisters Peggy (Frank) Flores, and Merry (Bernie) Kainz. A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday January 21, 2014 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel, located at 410 East Belvidere Rd., Grayslake IL. 60030. A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2014at 10:30am at Faith Church 954 W. Brae Loch Rd. Grayslake, IL. Interment will follow at Avon Centre Cemetery in Grayslake, IL. A special gratitude to Advocate Hospice and Comfort Keepers. For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Henrietta “Hattie” Van La Moen Buerger, age 86, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday January 8, 2014 in Grayslake, IL. She was born February 20, 1927 in Kimberly, WI. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother who had countless adoring friends. Hattie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Carlton “Red”, her children Micele (Dean Drach) Buerger, Katherine (Brian) Sobel, Stephen (Lauren) Buerger, Thomas (Julie) Buerger, Mary Murdy, and Robert Buerger, her grandchildren Tabitha, Ryan, Sean, Reed, Paige, Lindsey, Michael, Matthew, Mark, Kate, John, August, and Grace, her great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Hunter, and Robert, and her sister Mary (James) Wehnes.  She was preceded in death by her sister Jane and brother-in-law Patrick Waters. A memorial mass is scheduled for Saturday February 22, 2014 at 11:00am at St. Mary of Annunciation 22333 W. Erhart Rd. Mundelein, IL, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be given in Henrietta’s name to Advocate Hospice of Lake Zurich, IL or to a preferred charitable organization of your choice. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, for more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Charlotte J. Baker a resident of Round Lake Beach, passed away Thursday January 16, 2014, at the age of 95. She was born June 5, 1918 in Ingleside, IL to James and Mary Dalziel. Charlotte is survived by her children Richard E. (Jackie) Baker, Dianne L. (William) Samec, Suzanne J. (Ronald) Christiansen, and Barbara J. Hoeldt, her grandchildren Jeannine, David, Jennifer, Jessica, Bill, Gwen, Robin, Chris, Kelly, Randy, and John, her 18 great-grandchildren, and her 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her 1 brother, and her 2 sisters. All services were privately held and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. For further information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Sandra S. Phelps, a resident of Lindenhurst, passed away Sunday January 12, 2014 at the age of 61. She was born on May 18, 1952 in Chicago, Il to William and Ursula (nee: Mendrys) Phelps. Sandra loved to travel, read, and her cats. Sandra is survived by her life partner and her best friend of 16 years, David Crilly, whom she met at work, her siblings Kathy (Bruce) Stephens of Round Lake Park, Marty (Sue) Phelps of Schaumburg, Jim Phelps of Rockford, Mary (Bob) Altieri of Northbrook, Dan Phelps of Chicago, and Paul (Lisa) Phelps of Holiday Hills, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Friends of the family may visit at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Wednesday January 15, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled for Thursday January 16, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Interment will follow at West Batavia Cemetery 900 S. Batavia Rd. Batavia, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus, Orphans of the Storm or the charity of your choice. For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Arline Ruth Clavey, 86, of Grayslake, passed away Friday January 10, 2014 at Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center in Glenview, IL. She was born December 17, 1927 in Evanston, IL to Christian and Catherine Henrichsen. She had worked and earned her solo pilot’s license at Skyharbor Airport in Northbrook, IL early in her life where she met her husband. Arline is survived by her husband of 63 years, W. James Clavey Sr., whom she wed on February 17, 1950, loving mother to Kimberly Ann Clavey and Reverend W. James Clavey Jr., loving grandmother to Daniel W. Bergquist, Bradley J. Bergquist, and Steven M. Bergquist, a wonderful extended family, and dear compassionate friends, including those at Carillon North in Grayslake. She was preceded in death by her parents. Friends of the family may visit at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Tuesday January 14, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday January 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation starting at 9:00am at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center 2050 Claire Ct. Glenview, IL 60025. For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Barbara Jo (Branson) Klauber, 55, went home to be with her Lord on January 4, 2014. She died unexpectedly in her sleep, at her home in Grayslake, Illinois. Barb, and her twin brother Bob, were born on November 2, 1958, in Oconto, Wisconsin, to Donald and Bonnie Branson. Barb grew up in Eau Claire and graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1977 where she was proud to sing with Memorial’s Madrigal Choir. Four years later she graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in Finance. With her degree she became one of the first female stock brokers in Eau Claire. Barb also lived and worked in Madison where she met Martin Klauber. Marty and Barb were united in marriage in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on May 30, 1987. Barb worked in finance until the joyful births of their daughter, Bonnie Jo, and son, William Martin. She then made her home and family her priority, in Grayslake, Illinois. Faith and family meant so much to Barb. Each and every holiday was celebrated together. It was so important to her to celebrate these traditions with her entire family. She loved her Lord and continually
sought to learn and grow in her faith. Barb is survived by her husband Marty; daughter, Bonnie; son, Billy; her mother, Bonnie (George) Branson-Stone of Eau Claire; twin brother Bob (Jane) Branson of Hudson; sisters, Susan Stein (Todd Krueger), and Ruth (Ray) Nyland, all of Eau Claire. She will also be deeply missed by her loving nieces, nephews and cousins, including Johanna, Rachel and Dan Stein, Ben (Janet), Sarah and Davy Branson, Anna and Bobby Nyland. She is also survived by her husband Marty’s extended family. Barb was preceded in death by her father, Donald C. Branson and grandparents.  Services for Barb will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E.  Belvidere Road, Grayslake, Illinois, on Saturday, January 11, 2014. Visitation will be  from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm with the service following. Burial will be at Lakeview
Cemetery in Eau Claire at a later date.For information, please call 847-223-8122  or visit http://www.strangfuneral.org/. “We love you so much Barb. May you find peace in the Garden, for you are His own.”

Michael K. Jeffers, 52, of Wildwood, passed away Saturday January 4, 2013 at his home. He was born August 31, 1961 in Waukegan to Edward and Nancy (nee: Knapp) Jeffers. Michael was an avid Cubs and Bears fan who like to fish and play golf. He loved to listen to Styx and just being with family and friends. Michael is survived by his wife of 15 years, Beth, whom he wed on February 14 in Gatlinberg, TN, his mom Nancy, his son Corey, his siblings Daniel (Laurie) Jeffers of Gages Lake, Susan (James) Wilson of Burlington, WI, and he was a loving uncle to 4 nephews and 1 niece. He was preceded in death by his father Edward. Friends of the family may visit at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Wednesday January 8, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled for Thursday January 9, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Judith A. Nykaza, age 69, of Grayslake, passed away January 1, 2014 in Shamrock, WI.  She was born June 22, 1945 in Chicago to Peter and Ann (nee: McGovern) Klug.  Judith was an avid snowmobiler, who loved spending time in Wisconsin at her family’s dream log home in the North Woods.  She loved being with her family and grandchildren and going on many family vacations.  Judith loved to cook and take care of others.  She was an excellent home designer.  Judith loved and adored her childhood sweetheart and husband of 51 years.  Judith is survived by her husband Robert, whom she wed on June 9, 1962 in Chicago, her children Robert Jr. of Barrington Hills, IL and Jeffrey Allen Sr. (Jennifer) of Lakemoor, IL, her grandchildren Ariana, Jeffrey Jr., Elizabeth, Mikayla, and Nathan, her siblings Dorothy Royal of Palatine and Lorraine (Joe) Godawa of Grayslake, her sister-in-law Sarah Klug of Virginia, her step-sister Kathy Rita of Bartlett, and many loving nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Klug, and her sister Laverne Miltmore.  Friends of the family may visit at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Tuesday January 7, 2014 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.  The funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday January 8, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL.  Interment will follow at St. Michaels in Palatine, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Judith’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave. Ste 1700 Chicago, IL 60601. For further information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.  

Patricio J. Paret, , a resident of Grayslake, passed away Friday, December 27, 2013 at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, IL, at the age of 71. He was born April 5, 1942 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Jacinto and Carola (Lertora) Paret. Patricio was a member of St Bede Catholic Church. He loved the Bears and working with his model trains. He cherished his family most of all. He is survived by his wife, Anna Marie, father Jacinto; his children, Yvette McNabb of Ingleside, Jon (fiancé Mary Pat) of Round Lake, Andre and Angela Paret of Kenosha, WI, Carlos and his husband Keith of Chicago; his grandchildren Nicole of Ingleside, Sean and Jenn of Tucson, AZ, Patrick of Ingleside, Matthew of Round Lake, Joseph of Round Lake; his great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Victoria and Alex; his siblings Nelson of Ecuador, Jose and Leonor of Ecuador, Maria of Miami, and Pierre of Virginia. Patricio was preceded in death by his mother Carola.. Friends of the family may visit from 11 AM -3PM on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 with services at 3:00pm Tuesday, December 31. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or log on to www.strangfuneral.org.

Karen Alfrejd, a resident of Sterling, passed away Tuesday December 23, 2013, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL, at the age of 69. She was born July 27, 1944 in Chicago, IL to Peder and Karen (nee: Hansen) Westnes. Karen loved to cook, garden, sew, and enjoyed antiquing. Karen is survived by her children Jill (nee: Alfrejd) (Chris) Thibaudeau of Grayslake, and P.J. (April) Alfrejd of Pleasanton, CA, her grandchildren Lincoln, Erik, Reed, Zoe, Dylan, and Kaylynn, and her sister Sylvia (Wayne) Penn of Riverside, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband William and her son Matthew. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday December 28, 2013 at 11:30am at Riverside Presbyterian Church 116 Barrypoint Rd. Riverside, IL 60546. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Lung Assoc. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Alexander Queen, (known to most as Scotty or Lex) passed over on December 20, 2013 to reunite with his wife, Margaret, and his son, Stephen. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Lex moved with his family to Wildwood, IL in 1972, where he joined his sister, Joan, and quickly made many friends. Lex was a talented carpenter. He was devoted to the Green Bay Packers, Bonanza reruns and his daily “shot and a pint” at the Firehouse and/or Les’ Lounge and/or The Gages Lake Inn. He enjoyed telling stories, joking with friends, and complaining passionately about a myriad of topics with special attention given to the Chicago Bears, all politicians, banks and most doctors. Lex leaves behind his sister, Joan Heron (George); his nephews, Brian Lindahl (Kim), Paul Coburn, Graham Coburn (Mairi); and his nieces, Angela Barnes and Lynette Lindahl. Lex’s family wishes to extend special thanks to Joe and Mo Grady, Steve Sesko and his caretaker, Amber Brinegar for their kind attention to Lex throughout his long struggle with declining health. All services will be held privately and were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium www.strangfuneral.org.

Todd J. Auskalnis, a resident of Round Lake, passed away Thursday December 19, 2013 at Advocate Condell Hospital in Libertyville, at the age of 43. He was born June 12, 1970 in Evergreen Park, IL to James and Grace (nee Armon) Auskalnis. Todd loved to golf with his son, Joshua and was his biggest baseball fan and coach to Joshua. Todd is survived by his wife of 13 years, Jodi, whom he wed on June 17, 2000 in Lake Forest, IL, his father James, his son Joshua, and his siblings Kim (Joe) of Wauwatosa, WI and Jay (Marta) of Grosse Pointe, MI. He was preceded in death by his mother Grace. A memorial mass is scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 11:30am in the chapel of  St. Gilberts Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium. For information, call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Joan Margrat Atkins, age 79, of Round Lake, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. She was born on August 22, 1934 in Chicago.  Joan was a homemaker and a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Round Lake.  She is survived by her sons, Jeff McMahon and John McMahon; her daughter, Joann Isaac; her grandchildren, Erica, Jennifer, John, Krystal, Mike, Kameron, Chase, Sophie and Kendall; and her great-grandchildren, Cassie, Alyssa, John and Alexis.  Friends of the family may visit from 4:00pm to 8:00pm Friday, December 20, 2013 at STRANG FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  Funeral mass will commence at 10:00am, Saturday, December 21, 2013 at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville. For information, please call 847-223- 8122 or log on to www.strangfuneral.org.