Doreen S. Fischer, 64, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away August 4, 2023 at her home.  She was born May 8, 1959 in Chicago, IL to John and Doris Ryan.

Doreen loved spending time outdoors and exploring new places. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

Doreen is survived by her daughters Jenna (Curtis) Herchenbach, Kara (Sean) Werchek, and Julia (Jeremy Blauser) Fischer, her grandchildren Laine Herchenbach, Ellis Herchenbach, Cooper Werchek, and Carson Werchek, her sister Colleen Ryan, her brothers Tim (Sue) Ryan, Dan (Kathy) Ryan, and Jim (Jennifer) Ryan, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother John Ryan, nephew Sean Ryan, and her beloved dog Norman.

A celebration of her life will be held at The Chapel of Libertyville 1200 American Way Libertyville, IL 60048 on Friday, August 11, 2023, from 4pm until 7pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, American Heart Association, or an animal rescue of your choice.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

Scott Kohler, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2023. He was born November 13, 1946 in Anna, IL, to Sam and Pauline (nee Fischer) Kohler. Scott graduated from Waukegan High School and soon after, proudly enlisted in the US Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. After working at Abbott Labs for 41 years, he retired in 2005. In the years to follow he enjoyed his hobbies and traveling with his wife, Ann. He had a lifelong interest in cars, retro rods, auto racing, and oldies music.

Scott is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann; three children, Keri Kohler of Washington, DC; Bill (Kim) Kohler of Pleasant Prairie, WI; and Beth (James) Kohler Deadrick of Winthrop Harbor, IL; two grandchildren, Sam and Ella, and a third grandchild on the way; his brother Mike (Janis) Kohler of Bella Vista, AR; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews,  family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, and infant daughter, Katie.  

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, IL 60031 on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 11:30am. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10am. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery.  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.

Clifford James Bradley, born November 4, 1950, was surrounded by his family when he passed on July 21, 2023. Preceded in death by his father, James Bradley, and survived by his mother Margaret. A life companion and husband to Janet; father to Anthony, Christina, Page, James, Jessica; and grandfather and great grandfather. Following graduation from Grant High School, he commenced employment with Sears Roebuck & Co. During these years, he met his beloved Janet; they married in 1977.

He provided for his family through his civil work as a US Postal Service employee.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; he served in various church callings, with his most regular service as a Sunday school teacher. Fellow ward members knew that if he had his briefcase that morning, they could expect to see him teaching Sunday School.

He was a train aficionado, owning a small collection of model railroads; a lover of music—yes, even of the controversial country; a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals; a devoted stamp and coin collector; an author of poetry. He loved history and documentaries, movies, and shows that satiated his interest in travel. In his younger years, he was referred to as “Roads” for his passion of road trips and travels. Favorite memories with his children include board games, building snow forts, gardening, trains, inventing his own jokes, practicing “ventriloquism” with the pets, and always having a handkerchief in the pocket. 

Cliff will be greatly missed by his family and friends and remembered for years to come. In honor of Cliff and a favorite pastime of his, the next time you hear, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” smile and think of Cliff.

A viewing will be hosted Friday August 4^th from 4-8pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL. A celebration of life will be held Saturday August 5, 2023 at 1pm at Strang Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, Ltd. with burial services following at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact 847-223-8122.

Stanley C. Worden, 81, a resident of Round Lake, IL, passed away July 20, 2023 at his home.  He was born July 11, 1942 in Plainwell, MI to Ralph and Annie Laurie Worden.

Stanley was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He enjoyed sailing on his Cape Dory, woodworking, building and playing guitars, model ship building, music, good food and friends. Stanley was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Stanley is survived by his daughters Natalie (Todd) Elyea, Andrea (Mark) Demory-Falotico, and Ashley (Eric) Laufer, his grandchildren Dustin (Amanda Norwood) Castaneda, Sharon Castaneda, Christian (Danielle) Wilkins, Cody (Haley) O’Connell, Kyle O’Connell, Kameron (Tara) O’Connell, Caleb Laufer, and Jacob Laufer, his great-grandchildren Vanessa, Viviana, Logan, Jaxon, Ryder, Hunter, Dawson, and Reign, his sisters Nancy (Bill) Johnson, Marsha (Tim) Reich, and Sandra (Arch) Woodstock, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Vernon Sinclair, his stepmother Beatrice Worden, and his grandson Antouine Castaneda.

A memorial visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.  The memorial service is scheduled for Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:00am at the funeral chapel.  Interment will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/JLRWXF3MLRMCK629

Julienne Hamby, 63, a resident of Lake Villa, IL, passed away July 25, 2023 at her home.  She was born September 10, 1959 in Waukegan, IL to Joseph Prosen Sr. and Joan (Prosen) Slak (nee:Rutell).

Julienne is survived by her husband of 43 years, Mark W. Hamby, whom she wed on May 16, 1980 in Waukegan, IL, her children Eric (Sarah) Hamby and Sarah (Chuck) Stokes, her grandchildren Emily Stokes, Ali Stokes, Evan Blough, Audrey Stokes, Tyler Hamby, Brooke Hamby, and Ben Blough, her sisters Jean (Mike) Kana and Jennifer (Tom Bettge) Snell.  She was preceded in death by her brother Joe Prosen. 

A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.  A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle 6401 Gages Lake Road Gurnee, IL 60031 on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 10:00am.  Interment will follow the mass at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

To LiveStream Julienne’s funeral Mass, please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/X34IpOy1Z84

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PMXP8FW8QNKNGYLJ

James L Kerwin, 82, of Round Lake, IL, passed away on July 23rd after succumbing to a chronic illness. Jim was born on September 2, 1940, to Emil and Elvira Kerwin in Kohler, WI. Jim graduated from Kohler High School in 1959. After graduating from High School, he joined the Marine Corps and served in the Reserves until his discharge when he started work for Prange’s in Sheboygan as a buyer, then Bergner’s as an assisant manager and then Kohls as a store manager. Upon leaving Kohls, he opened the Bemis Home & Garden store in downtown Sheboygan Falls, from which he would retire.

In 1967, Jim met Patricia Hollander at Riverdale Country Club in Sheboygan and they would go on to celebrate over 50 years of marriage.

In 2006, Jim retired and spent his time traveling, watching auto races at Road America, and in his later years, playing Pickle Ball while wintering in Florida.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Patricia, his daughter Amy, his brother John and his parents Emil and Elvira Kerwin. He is survived by his son Michael Kerwin of Wilmette, IL, grandchildren Aidan Kerwin and Caroline Novak.

Services will be held Saturday July 29 at 1 pm at The Chapel 25270 W IL Route 60, Grayslake, IL 60030. Al funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122 for more information.

Alice K. Meiners, age 85, a resident of Libertyville, beloved daughter to the late Lester and Antoinina (nee Packauskas) Meiners; devoted mother to Michael (Shawna) Karl of Brighton, CO, Katherine Toth of Crystal Lake, Mark (JoAnn) Karl of Lockhart, TX, and Paul (Kelly) Karl of Grayslake; cherished grandmother to Todd (Andrea) Karl, Scott Karl, Khalil (Abigail) Karl, Ryan Toth, Rachel Karl, Daniel Karl, Tirzah Karl, Aidan Karl and great grandchild Reyhuel Eden Marie Karl; loving sister to Marilyn Novak of Ocala, FL, Davin (Char) Meiners of Plainfield, IL, Lynn Barber of Indianapolis, IN and the late Robert Meiners; fond aunt of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her former spouse, George Karl.

Alice was born in Detroit, MI and moved to Illinois after grade school.  She graduated from Visitation High School, Chicago, IL in 1956 and briefly attended Rosary College in River Forest, IL.  She was married in 1958 and settled in Downers Grove, IL where she raised her 4 children and was an active parishioner and volunteer at St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church and School. Once her children were in high school Alice became a career medical equipment specialist and dedicated about 25 years of her life to helping people with medical ailments.

Alice retired and lived in Saddlebrook Farms, Grayslake, IL for over 22 years.

She last resided at Libertyville Manor for 8 months.

A visitation and memorial service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 10am until 11am, with the service commencing at 11am.  Interment will be held privately. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.com.

To view slideshow click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/N5JPYKNJ8YMLKBSF

Robert C. Kubicek, age 95, a resident of Lake Villa, passed away on July 23, 2023 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  He was born on January 24, 1928 in Chicago to Robert and Crystal (nee Schumann) Kubicek.

Young Robert lost his mother at the age of 5 years old. With four lovely sisters to guide him, he learned the deep value of family connection. Growing up in Chicago following the Depression, he helped support his family by working at Riverview during summers. At seventeen he joined the Navy and became a seaman. He married Margaret when he came home and had six children. After twenty years, he remarried to Linda and had six children. Since then, a total of 21 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren have blessed the family. Under the direction of his loving Uncle Ed, he honed the skills of marble setting and worked in many churches with his trade, eventually becoming an expert in all trades of construction. Over a 75 year span, his career encompassed managing the construction of countless buildings in Chicago and suburbs.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Robert (Kathy) of Crystal Lake, Keith (Jane) of Crystal Lake, Susan (Tom) Leahy of Crystal Lake, Lance (Carol) of Crystal Lake, John (Jayne) of Rockton, Margaret Riordan of Las Vegas, NV, Kara (Mark) Wilson of Lake Villa, Mathew of Lake Villa, Mark (Tamika) of Milwaukee, WI, Kraig (Jana) of Gilbert, AZ, and Kristina of Scottsdale, AZ; his 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Eleanor Elias.  He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Lee Kubicek; and his siblings, Joan Higgins, Rosalie Rodiek, and Maryann Kelley.

A visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 9:30am until 10am, with a Funeral Mass commencing at 10am.  Interment will be held at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.  All funeral arrangements were handled by Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

Ian Michael Kay, age 76, of Grayslake, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at his home. He was born on February 20, 1947 in Widnes, England to John Kay and Marjorie (nee Hoxworth) Henson. 

Ian proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.  Ian graduated from UW Stout with a Masters Degree in Education.  Before his retirement in 2006, Ian worked for 30 years at American Foundry Society, Schaumburg, IL, retiring as Vice President of Education and longtime Director of Cast Metals Institute. Ian enjoyed fishing, traveling, providing tech support to friends and family, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Ian is survived by his wife, Catherine, of 52 years; his children, Ian Micheal (Rebecca) Kay of Libertyville, and Lauren (Stephen) Beaudoin of Cypress, TX; his grandchildren, Aidan Kay, Sophia Beaudoin, and Graham Beaudoin; his siblings, Robert Kay of Grayslake, and Yvonne (Anthony) Reid of Frodsham, England.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services are private.  Interment at a later date at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery in Lake Forest, IL.  Donations to AFS Institute or American Heart Association are appreciated.  All funeral arrangements were handled by Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org. 

July 13, 1941 – July 20, 2023

Ella (Gavenia) Renner, 82, was called home to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 20, 2023 after declining health in her last few years.

Ella was born in Bütow, Germany and immigrated to the U.S. at age 15 when the family moved to Chicago, preceded by her brothers’ arrival. She often told stories of coming to America, meeting her husband Walter at one of her beloved German dances and spending time with her dear and close friends.

After high school Ella found a job working for Union Carbide selling industrial gases. Ella was very social and met some of her friends at this first job. In these early years in America Ella was carefree and adventurous. In 1962 Ella and her friend decided to visit a beach in Florida. While at the beach they remarked how few people were at the beach. Only later on returning home did they realize the Cuban missile crisis was unfolding.

Ella married Walter and had two children after which she took on many roles. Ella was a mother, housewife and worked alongside Walter in the family business as his office manager. Ella also worked at different delicatessens over the years. Ella enjoyed food in all aspects including cooking, presentation and serving friends and relatives at many events she hosted.

Ella could often be found cooking delicious German food in her kitchen while listening to her favorite German folk music. She also enjoyed reading her favorite German magazines, singing, dancing, crossword puzzles and entertaining many friends and family. At one New Year’s Eve party, Ella found there was no room in the refrigerator for 3 pounds of sausages her sister Marta had brought with and decided to place them outside on the deck where it was freezing cold. The next day they discovered a racoon had decided to also enjoy a New Years snack of sausage, leaving only very small pieces behind. Ella cherished her visits with her sister Meta in Germany and her brother Franz.

Ella is survived by her beloved husband, Walter; son, Michael (Sara); daughter, Kristine (Brian); sister, Meta (Helmut) Kratz; brother, Franz Gavenia; 5 beloved grandchildren, Alec, Haley, Christian, Jack and Sophia; and many nieces and a nephew. Ella was preceded in death by her parents, Jonas and Auguste Gavenia; Marta Gudat (sister); and Heinrich Gavenia (brother).

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 East Belvidere Road (Rt 120), Grayslake, IL. A visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and followed by a Christian celebration at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, IL.

To LiveStream Ella’s funeral service, please use the following link: https://venues.vimeo.com/1688676628014?lang=en-US

Dierdre Kay Blanton, age 61, a resident of Lake Villa, passed away on July 14, 2023 at her home.  She was born March 30, 1962 in Waukegan to Floyd and Wanda (nee Stewart) Robison.

Deedee was a strong woman with a heart as beautiful as as she was. Her greatest love was family, she loved fiercely and took care of those around her. Her greatest joy was her grand babies, she was their best friend and incredibly proud of each one of them. 

In her final days she was surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Deedee will be missed terribly; but lives on through the memories/stories we share. 

Dierdre is survived by her husband, Dan of 40 years who she married on October 30, 1982 in Waukegan; her mother, Wanda Robison; her children, Tiffany (Nicholas) Godinez of Lake Villa, Amber (Michael) Schroeder of Lake Villa, and Caitlin (Martin) Alessi of Trevor, WI; her grandchildren, Riley, Noah, Evan, Martin, Ava, Braelyn, Oliver, Mason, and Miles; and her sisters, Debbie Anderson of Lake Villa, Kim Craft of Lake Villa, and Lori Alcorn of Gurnee.  She was preceded in death by her father, Floyd Robison.  

A visitation and memorial service will be held at Living Waters Assembly of God, 525 N Atkinson Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 11am until 12pm with the memorial service commencing at 12pm. 

A Celebration of Life lunch is open for anyone who would like to attend at Reflections on Deep Lake, 38564 N Edgewood St, Lake Villa, IL 60046 following the service from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers there is a gofundme to offset costs https://www.gofundme.com/f/dees-battle-with-lung-cancer?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&fbclid=IwAR2ocKlTwuC64_CSRgHCrfyfKlJ0M84ygQGSvSb1nFWZ46ilwA7Bkl1ZX6o

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. 

With deepest sorrow, we announce that our beloved son, brother, and uncle, Matthew Christopher Smialek passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer at the young age of 40 years old.

Matthew graduated with a Culinary Arts Degree from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute in Chicago. He worked at world renowned Michelin Star Restaurants.  He was awarded the prestigious James Beard Award in 2010 for Outstanding Service. He was an executive sous chef that was passionate about cooking and developing new recipes for the restaurants he worked for.  He prided himself on his cooking and entertaining for family and friends as well. Our holidays will never be the same without his cooking.

As always, the consummate gardener, his garden was his pride and joy, growing fresh vegetables and herbs to have the freshest ingredients to cook with.

When he wasn’t in the kitchen, he was an avid sports fan for the White Sox, Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls.  If there were sports games on, he was watching them. Golfing and snowboarding were high on his list to be out doing. Matthew felt most at peace on the water with a fishing pole in his hand.  The sport of fishing lost a great sportsman and angler. He was always working on his fishing tackle and wiling to share new tackle information and fishing strategies on how to catch the “Big One” with anyone who would listen.

Matthew never missed the opportunity to spend time with his family, especially his niece and nephews who lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Mafoo”. His dogs were treated with loved and compassion just like people.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Matthew M. and Mary Smialek; his siblings, Holly (Jame) Kelly, Scott-Michael (Pamela) Smialek, Susan-Lily (Christian) Garcia; and his nieces and nephews, Jimmy, Emberlynn, and Gavin.  Matthew will be missed and, in our hearts, forever.  We will always cherish and keep his memories alive.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 2:00pm.  A visitation will be held on Friday at church from 1:00pm until the time of Mass.  Interment will be held privately.  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.

Lynne Kaye Fuller, 83, of Round Lake, IL, and former longtime resident of Columbus, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 17, 2023, surrounded by the comforting love of her family.  Born September 10, 1939, in New Sharon, IA, Lynne was the oldest of Ken and Joyce Newport’s five children.  She married a self-described “lucky Iowa farm boy”, named Charles Lee Fuller, on June 14, 1958, and they remained together, devotedly lovestruck, until Charlie’s passing in July of 2018.   Together, they enjoyed their years as small-town grocers with Super-Valu and Piggly Wiggly.  Charles and Lynne were blessed with many life-long friendships that were dear to them and their family. Lynne was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, and she filled her spirit with selfless care and prayer for her loved ones.  She was an iron-strong anchor in the form of a gentle rose.  Lynne reveled in the joys of her generations of offspring.  For many years Lynne sang soprano in the United Methodist Church Choir, singing every Sunday. She loved her piano, she loved to sing, and she loved her hours-long calls with her sister, Marcia.  Though we are comforted that her reunion with Charles must be glorious, Lynne will be missed forever.

Lynne is survived by her children, Lori June (Tom) Fuller Ehrke, Brad Fuller, Kirsten Anne (Steven) Fuller Kaufmann, and Jamison Brooks (Denise) Fuller; her grandchildren, Drennan Charles, Molly Jean, Zachariah Louis, Anna Lynne, Tessa Pratt, Kaitlyn Joy, Mitchell Lee; her great grandchildren, Lauryn, Grayson, Deacon, Benjamin, Jocelyn, Tyler, Alexa, Amelia, Ben, and Austin; and her siblings, Marcia Short and Greg Newport. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles; her parents, Kenneth & Joyce; brother, Blair Newport; Sister, Rachel Stout; Granddaughter, Samantha Kaye; and many adored In-Laws and friends.

A visitation and funeral service will be held at United Protestant Church, 54 S Whitney St, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, July 21, 2023 from 11:00am until 12:00pm, with the funeral service beginning at 12:00pm. Interment will be held at Jackson Township Cemetery in Owasa, Iowa on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11:00am.  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.

Groh, Julianne (nee: Manacek), age 73, of Fox Lake, Il, entered eternal rest on June 23, 2023.  Born August 14^th, Beloved Daughter of the late Edward and Mildred Manacek.  She grew up in Chicago, graduated from Stout State University, WI with a degree in education.  She taught for many years in the Lake County Area.  A loving Mother to Christopher Groh, Sara Thomas (nee:Groh), Mother-in-Law (Nathan), Grandma (Gigi) to Marlowe, Piper, and Kingston, Sister to (Edward & Marianne), Sister-in-Law (Gayle & Andy), Aunt (Matt, Mitch, Eric, Tracey & Eric), close Friend to (Karimi, Rachael, Sirze, Leo, and Romiro), and a Friend to many.

A Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 13^th at “The Shores of Turtle Creek” 7908 Winn Road Spring Grove, IL from 1:00pm until 5pm.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to “Hop on a Cure Foundation, Inc.” for ALS.  All 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.