Erich John Blum, 51, a resident of Mt. Pleasant, WI, passed away December 21, 2023 at his home.  He was born October 6, 1972 in Chicago, IL to Walter and Lorraine (nee: Zagata) Blum.

Erich loved the Packers, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his kids and grandkids.  He enjoyed traveling and Miller Lite.

Erich is survived by his children Kristina Blum of WA, Erich Blum of IL, and Ashley (Edgar) Aguayo of NC, his grandchildren Melanee Aguayo and Harper Aguayo both of NC, and his brother Worthington Blum of WI.  He was preceded in death by his wife Kimberly Blum, and his parents Lorraine and Walter Blum.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, December 29, 2023 at 10:00am at the funeral chapel.  Entombment will follow the services at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

Raymond William Listman, age 54, a resident of Ingelside, IL, passed away on December 15, 2023 at his home.  He was born on October 17, 1969 in Libertyville, IL to Raymond and Jane Listman.

Ray is survived by his wife, Debby of 7 years whom he married on September 17, 2016 in Kenosha; his brother, Ron (Harla); his aunts, Rita (Raymond) Kehoe and Jean Caroll; his nieces and nephews; Bobby Holm, Hunter Wais, Taylor Wais; Breezy Listman, and Bella Alexander; his mother-in-law, Linda Holm; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob (Dawn) Holm, and Dawn (John) Wais. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his nephew, Matt Listman.

A Funeral Service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 4pm.  A visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral chapel from 12pm until 4pm.  Interment will be held privately.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/J3YZQBGR6P4P6WHF

Ursula L. Harrison, age 80, a resident of McHenry, IL, passed away on December 18, 2023 at JourneyCare Hospice Center in Barrington, IL after a short illness. She was born on September 30, 1943 in Prague Czechoslovakia, coming to the United States and settling in Waukegan, Illinois in 1954. In June of 1962, she married her husband Roy, with whom she had two daughters, Bonnie and Jackie.

Ursula retired from the Illinois Tollway and spent time with her “best little dog ever”, her beloved TeeCee, whom she rescued after TeeCee’s previous owner passed away. She loved feeding and watching the birds, squirrels and other wildlife that visited her home’s backyard every day. She also liked to hop in her red Ford Edge whenever she got the itch, and venture out to visit her favorite local slot machine hot spots, while also visiting her favorite ‘Little Store’ for a scratch off lottery ticket or two. Ursula had a soft spot for all animals and children, making annual donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie (Mark) Hartmann of Lake Villa, and Jackie (Sal) DeTomaso of Round Lake Beach; her grandchildren, Derek (Rebecca) Hartmann of Crystal Lake, Craig Hartmann of Monroe, WA, Cameron Hartmann of Lake Villa, Gerald DeTomaso of Grayslake, Brittany DeTomaso of Round Lake Beach, and Salvatore (Roselle) DeTomaso of Round Lake; and her 3 great grandchildren; Bryan DeTomaso, and Madelyn and Greyson Hartmann. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Harrison; and her parents, Lieselotte and Alphonse Dumont.

A committal service will be held in private at Highland Memorial Park, 33100 Hunt Club Road, Libertyville, IL 60048. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

Sharon Lee Warren, age 70, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 16, 2023. She was the beloved sister of Sandra Warren, and was preceded in death by her parents George and Florence Warren and brother Richard Warren. Cherished cousin to Carol (Terry) Breese, Kenneth (Jackie) Novak, Lawrence (Celine) Zigmont, Dianne Janus, Julie (John) Havemann, Dave (Elizabeth) Breese, Carrie (Todd) Cummings-Pegler, and a loving extended family. Sheri was an avid golfer who loved spending time on the golf course and was an LPGA-Certified instructor and sports journalist/photographer who covered national events for several major golf publications. Sheri loved her Bassett Hounds and even helped her recent fur baby, Russell Theodore, “write” his own blog. She was an amazingly lucky contest winner who was always generous in sharing her good fortune with family and friends. Her humor, warmth, and connection to people came through in her dedication to her work, enthusiasm for all kinds of music, and her talent in the kitchen, but most importantly, in her love for her family and friends who will miss her presence every day. Her passing is a tremendous loss, but she leaves behind many happy, cherished memories for all who knew her.

Arrangements handled by Strang Funeral Chapel in Grayslake, IL. Internment private. 

The Rev. Dr. Donald L. Batz entered the Kingdom of Heaven on November 28, 2023 in Lake Forest, Illinois. He touched the lives of thousands having served for 71 years as a pastor under appointment in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and then following retirement in the Iowa and Indiana Conferences. He retired (again) in December 2021.
He was born on August 11, 1934 in Peoria, Illinois, the only child of Velma and Otto Batz. He attended Peoria Central High School and upon graduation in 1952, entered the United Methodist ministry at the age of 17, with his license to preach, as a pastor in DeWitt, Illinois and as a student at Illinois Wesleyan University from which he graduated in 1956.  
As a seminary student at Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston and later at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, he was appointed as an Associate Minister at the First United Methodist Church in Peoria, where he had attended as a youth.  Upon graduation from Christian Theological Seminary in 1961 with a Master of Divinity degree, he was appointed to Chatham, Illinois and later to Centenary Church in Jacksonville, Illinois.  While serving in Jacksonville, he returned to Christian Theological Seminary and received his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1971.
Other Illinois churches he served included Murphysboro, McNabb-Magnolia, Ransom, Peoria Bradley Epworth, Quincy Union, and Rock Island First from which he retired in 2004. Upon retirement, he served In the Iowa Conference in Camanche and DeWitt for nine years including three years as pastor of First Congregational Church of Clinton, Iowa.  In 2014, he was appointed as pastor of Colfax United Methodist Church in Colfax, Indiana where he served for 5 years.  He also served at Braceville United Methodist Church and Mazon United Methodist Church in Illinois for two years where he ‘officially’ retired from at age 87.
Two churches, Union, Quincy, in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and St. Marks in Camanche, in the Iowa Conference, honored him as Pastor Emeritus. In 2012, he was the recipient of the Peter Cartwright award for outstanding service to the church in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. 
In conjunction with his ministry, he also taught courses for twenty-one years in Ethics, Philosophy and World Religions at three different community colleges at John Wood in Quincy, Illinois, Scott Community College in Bettendorf, Iowa, and Ivy Tech in Lafayette, Indiana.Though his greatest legacy is the infinite love he bestowed unfailingly to his treasured family including his beloved wife, Aleta Satterthwaite Batz, four children: Dr. Lisa McClure of Peoria, Illinois, Donnelle Pressburger of Normal, Illinois, Matthew Batz (Casey) of Campbell, California, and Dr. Cassondra Batz-Barbarich (Luke) of Libertyville, Illinois, three granddaughters: Jolie Kate Pressburger (21), Eden Nicole Pressburger (18), and Ella Rose Batz (6), and one grandson: Bennett LeRoy Barbarich (born November 27th). 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held on January 6th, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 3:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Peoria, Illinois. It will be officiated by Rev. Lori Kyle.

Daniel J. Bennington, 54, a resident of Round Lake Park, IL, passed away November 22, 2023 at his home.  He was born January 18, 1969 in Great Lakes, IL to Russell and Lynn Bennington. 

Daniel enjoyed music, playing the drums for many bands in his younger days, and Rock and Roll especially KISS. He was an animal lover, a die-hard Bears fan and a member of the Local #11 Roofers Union.  Daniel enjoyed hanging out with family, grilling by the bonfire, a cold beer, and being a grandfather.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 32 years, Debra Bennington, his children Kelsie (Michael) Tanael and Jacob Bennington, his grandchildren Charlotte and Isla Tanael, his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, and his dogs Harley Quinn and Hazel.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents Valeria and James Beemsterboer.

A visitation and funeral service are scheduled for Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 10:00am until 2:00pm with the funeral service commencing at 2:00pm.  Interment will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Orphans of the Storm.  For more information please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122. 

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/WJBBZ2JMHDMT7DCH

James Stacy Kaad, formerly of Wheaton, IL passed away Friday, November 17, 2023 at the age of 78. James spent his childhood in Wheaton and his teenage years in Michigan before returning to the Chicagoland suburbs after getting married to his wife Dawn (Hathaway) in 1968. At that time, he began a 35 year career with the Ford Motor Company. Although he spent many years working long shifts, he never let go of his other interests. He loved writing, especially science fiction and quirky, fun limericks.

He dealt with his dementia diagnosis for almost 17 years with patience, respect for all of his caretakers, and yet still threw out one-liners to surprise everyone and to make people laugh. Sometimes his own jokes would make himself smile. He lived his entire life with great regard for others and frankly the world, even when his memories would come and go. In addition to his quick, sometimes fierce wit, he was creative and incredibly intelligent. His heart was broken when losing his wife after almost 49 years of marriage and then his son Chris and grandson Ryan the following year. His surviving daughters, Amy (Kevin) Wagner and Stacy (Chris) Hoffmann, and grandchildren, Nick (Bre), Jack, Cate, Ella, Madeline and Emily have memories that will last a lifetime and bond them together like nothing else could.

James is preceded in death by his wife Dawn, son Chris Kaad, grandson Ryan Kaad, his parents George and Catherine Kaad, his brother John (Mary) Kaad, mother-in-law Micki Kampf, and his father and step mother-in-law Buell and Edith Hathaway.
May he finally be soaking in the sun while sitting at the Gulf of Mexico in Florida – his retirement dream. A private service will be held at a later date.

Olimpia Hidrogo, 83, a resident of Round Lake, IL passed away on November 16, 2023 at Condell Hospital in Libertyville, IL. She was born on March 7,1940 in Jaralillo, Nieves, Zacatecas to Jose Hidrogo and Rita Hernandez. She Married Francisco Cruz on March 4,1959 in Mexico.

Olimpia is survived by her husband of 64 years, Francisco Cruz; her children, Manuel J. Cruz  (Carmen Dominguez), Ilda Cruz (Manuel Lira), Monira Cruz, Francisco  (Juanis) Cruz, Nago (Maria ) Cruz, Adalberto (Martha) Cruz, Homero Cruz (Rosario Hidrogo); her grandchildren, Hilda, Adan, Daisy, Cesar, Clara, Lupe, Luis, Karen, Mayra, Giovanni, Kelly, Alex, Charlie, Diana, Sebastian, Oli, Emily, Camila, Jimena, Valeria, Diego;her 19 great grandchildren; her 1 great great grandson; and her siblings, Antero Hidrogo, Erasmo Hidrogo, Hortencia Hidrogo, and Lesbia Hidrogo.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose Hidrogo and Rita Hernandez; her grandson, Jaime: her son-in-law Cesar Chairez; and her siblings, Arcadio Hidrogo, Emma Hidrogo, Leonarda Hidrogo, Manuel Hidrogo, and Santos Hidrogo.

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 4pm until 8pm. A Funeral Mass at Saint Joseph Catholic Church 114 Lincoln Ave. Round Lake, IL. 60073 will be held on Saturday November 25,2023 at 9:30 burial will follow at Grant Cemetery 26730 West Molidor Road, Ingleside, IL. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

To view slideshow click here:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/3CLXM5MRC9BFHCX4

Deborah Faye Shearer, 73, a resident of Round Lake Beach, IL passed away on November 14, 2023 at her home.  She was born on May 31, 1950 in Waukegan, IL to Ervin and Lenora Steil. Deborah was loved by all who knew her, she was a fun-loving person.  She loved her family, friends, and her time in her “Grandma’s Club”.  She made the best Christmas cookies.  She had a big heart for animals, especially cats. 

Deborah is survived by her son, Darrell of Pleasant Prairie, WI; her daughter-in-law and caregiver, Joy Shearer of Lake Villa; her grandchildren, Jakob Zeitler of Grayslake, Kailee (Dalton) Hamilton of Virginia, Ethan Shearer of Lake Villa, and Gina “Marie” Shearer of Lake Villa; her great grandson, Eastyn Hamilton; and her dear friends, Linda (George) Tieman and Karen Olson.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; her son, Doug; and her parents. 

A graveside service will be held at Avon Centre Cemetery, 21300 W Shorewood Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 11am.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

Maurice “Tom” Shepherd Jr., 82, a resident of Gurnee, IL, passed away November 10, 2023 at his home.  He was born October 7, 1941 in Waukegan, IL to Maurice Sr. and Virginia Shepherd.

Tom had worked for 24 years as a Corrections Officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and was a veteran of the US Army.  He was an avid bowler, golfer, and hunter.  Tom enjoyed old cars, Elvis, woodcrafts with his late wife and was a rabid fan of all Chicago sports teams.

Tom is survived by his daughters Shelley Shepherd and Kim (Brian) Scott, his grandchildren Chelsea (RaDarius) Pough, Arrick McGee, Masen Clark, McKenzie Scott, Delaney Scott, and Ryan Scott, his great-grandchildren DaNae Pough and Kayde Pough, his sister-in-law Peggy (Dennis) Kurek, brother-in-law Augie Baumgart, and his nieces and nephew Becky, Melissa, Jennifer, DeAnn, Bryan, Denise, Debbie, and Kenda; also, many great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy Shepherd, his sister Gail (Shepherd) Wilford and sister-in-law Barbara Baumgart.

Please wear a Chicago sports team shirt to the memorial visitation and service that is scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2023 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.  The memorial service will commence at 8:00pm.  Interment will be held privately.  Memorials contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.  For more information, please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

To view slideshow click here:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/J2PZD4RWTG2CTNG4

Roland W. Van Empel, age 72, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away at home, peacefully in his sleep with his beloved wife and family by his bedside on November 6, 2023.  He is now together again with all of his loved ones who have gone before him. He was born on January 29, 1951 in the Netherlands to Joop and Eva Van Empel.

Roland worked at Carter Hoffmann for 40 years as a welder. He took pride in never being late to work, was always very punctual and dependable in anything he did.  After retirement, Zofia, his wife, and Roland moved to Saddlebrook.

Roland and Zofia were married for 37 years and were each others best friend. He was a loving and committed husband. They enjoyed traveling abroad, dancing, gardening, music and cherished spending time with family and friends. Roland loved his wife and family very much. By being married to Zofia, his faith and spirituality became stronger and his daily prayers became an important part of his life.

Roland had many hobbies and interests that he enjoyed which included, artistic metal work, playing the drums, which he learned at a young age. Later in life he taught himself how to play the harmonica- his passion was music. He also enjoyed home improvement tasks, upholstering furniture and complex sewing jobs. He was very handy and could fix anything and everything. Roland loved being outdoors, working in the yard and took pride in his work. He loved animals, especially Eddie and Fluffy, his favorite cats. Daily, he enjoyed feeding squirrels and birds in his backyard.  Roland was very creative and full of ideas, he was always busy doing something. 

Roland impacted many people with his generous and caring personality.  He was always helpful to everyone in need, especially his family, friends and neighbors, he kept his word and promises. He will be remembered as a hard to follow example of dedication, loyalty, selflessness, hard working husband, father and grandfather. 

There is one more gift that Roland had, a beautiful smile and a loud, unique laugh- one of a kind. He loved to talk and laugh with his family, friends, and neighbors, and he had a great sense of humor.  If you were in the vicinity of that laugh you couldn’t help but chuckle or laugh right along with him. Your day just got better. He will be in our hearts forever and we will miss him dearly. 

Roland is survived by his wife of 37 years, Zofia Van Empel, his children Jack (Sarah) Mider, Margaret (Patrick) Hollihan, his granddaughter Hannah (Sawyer) Schexnider, his brother Raymond Van Empel, and his nephews Ted Van Empel, Michael Binder, and Robert Binder.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joop and Eva Van Empel, his brother Theodoor Van Empel, and his sister Wilma Tackett. A visitation is scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2023 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 8:00 am until 9:30am.  The funeral Mass will follow the visitation at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 22333 W. Erhart Rd. Mundelein, IL 60050 at 10:00am.  The interment will follow the mass at St. Mary Cemetery next to the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital. For more information contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org

Emma Canlas, 80, a resident of Wauconda, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2023.  She was born on November 15, 1942 in the Philippines to Policarpio and Miguelita (nee Salazar) Cruz.

Emma is survived by her children, Aimee (Reno) Sioson, Alex (Marieleth) Canlas, Armand Roy Canlas, and Alvin (Jeanette) Canlas; her grandchildren, Noah Sioson, Isabel Sioson, Kyle Canlas, Kim Canlas, Nathan Canlas, and Keith Canlas; and her sister, Cynthis Cruz.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Armando Canlas; her brothers, Orlando and Jaime Cruz; and her parents.

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 2pm until 6pm, with a funeral service commencing at 6pm. Interment will be held privately. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.