Dr. Girard William Weber (Jerry) of Grayslake, IL passed away on November 11th, 2020 surrounded by family, due to pancreatic cancer at the age of 70. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and community college president. He was a man of big ideas, compassionate leadership, and eternal optimism.

Jerry was born in Watseka, IL. He grew up in Arlington Heights, as the third oldest sibling with eight brothers and sisters. His own father passed away when Jerry was only 20 years old, which led Jerry to become a supportive paternal figure to many of his younger siblings, who he remained close to throughout his life. Jerry was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Mary, in high school. They wed in 1978 and had one daughter and twin sons. Jerry was devoted to his three children. He encouraged them to follow their passions, explore new ideas, and remain open to life’s opportunities. After his children started families of their own, Jerry took pleasure in taking his grandchildren fishing, making ice cream with them, and teaching them checkers and chess.

Jerry spent his entire career working in education. He started as a substitute high school teacher, but quickly transitioned into working at community colleges. He often referred to his work as “the best job on earth.” He loved to work with adult learners because he found them to be deeply focused on their education even while raising families and working other jobs. Jerry was truly committed to every person in society receiving access to education no matter their background.

Jerry received two masters’ degrees, in English literature and Linguistics and Educational Measurement and Statistics. He continued on to receive a Doctoral Degree in Education Administration from the University of Iowa. Jerry began his career teaching English at Harper College. He then transitioned to education administration, serving as an administrator at John Wood Community College and Triton College.

He then went on to become the very first Vice President of Heartland Community College, Jerry helped to transform the school from its humble beginnings in a strip mall into the beautiful sprawling campus that exists today. Jerry’s passion and skills soon led to his advancement into the role of President of Kankakee Community College, where he was able to shape the vision of the college, helping expand educational programs and champion sustainability initiatives at the college.

These ideas became some of the hallmarks of Jerry’s career. He was passionate about sustainability through commissioning energy efficient buildings for college campuses, starting educational programs in renewable energy, and promoting organizations in his field that encouraged resiliency practices. He was the founder of the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN), which helped Illinois community colleges work towards these goals. Jerry continued this important work when he became the President of the College of Lake County and the President of Bellevue Community College.

One of Jerry’s greatest joys was providing mentorship to colleagues within the higher education community. He served a term on the board of directors of the American Association of Community Colleges. Jerry was also active in many organizations within the higher education system and served on numerous local boards and committees.

Jerry was an optimist and a great communicator who brought people together in the pursuit of positive change. He loved traveling around the world to create educational connections and gain new experiences. He enjoyed a good joke and made sure to tell many throughout his final days. His family saw him deal with cancer without complaint, staying positive and finding ways to make those around him laugh and smile. All of his hard work in education truly came full circle while Jerry was sick in the hospital. A nurse helping him told Jerry that this was his pay-it-forward moment because that nurse had received his education at the College of Lake County.

Jerry retired in April 2020, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends while continuing to work on sustainability projects for community colleges. He felt very fortunate to have a supportive and loving family throughout his life. His wife was always by his side while raising their family, listening to all of his big ideas, supporting his career choices, and helping him through his final battle with cancer.

Jerry is predeceased by his parents Margaret and Gerard Weber; survived by his wife, Mary Weber; his 6 brothers Larry, Ron, Don, Jeffrey, Glen, and Chris and two sisters Margaret and Ann; his three children, Lauren (Kevin), Jonathan (Katie), and Gregory (Nicole); and his six grandchildren, Lyla, Hazel, Cole, Emmaline, Adelaide, and Eliza.

Due to Covid, a service will be planned for a later date. Please enter your email here to know the plans: https://www.jerryweber.life/service

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kankakee Community College Foundation http://foundation.kcc.edu/ or the College of Lake County Foundation https://www.clcillinois.edu/aboutclc/clc-foundation.

Below are obituaries written in local newspapers:

• Country Herald (Kankakee Community College): https://www.countryherald.com/featured/former-kcc-president-jerry-weber-passes-away/
• Daily Herald (College of Lake County) https://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20201113/college-of-lake-county-announces-passing-of-former-president-jerry-weber

Ruben Paz, age 75 passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020.   A visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. During this time we will be adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines including mandatory wearing of face masks and a maximum of 25 people in the funeral chapel.  A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 10:00am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 910 14^th St, North Chicago, IL 60064. Interment will be held Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Barbara Ann Tucibat (née Marker), 83, went to be with the Lord late Monday November 09, 2020 after a brief period on hospice at The Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, IL.

Barb was born on February 15, 1937 in Chicago, IL to parents Walter and Alice Marker. After graduating high school, she met and married the love of her life on September 1, 1956. She worked in her dream job as a secretary for over 40 years in various law practices. Barb and Bob both retired to Sevierville, TN in 1999 to the home she designed.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Robert, both parents Walter and Alice Marker, and nephew Carl Vachlin.

Barb is survived by her ever growing family: sisters Lilian (Jim) and Mary (Carl); children Mary (Barrie), Pamella, Robert, and Ronald (Ginger); grandchildren Jeremy (Sandy), Jason (Amy), Jennifer (Jose), Vanessa, Ryan, Madeline, Alyssa, and Brittany (Dustin); great-grandchildren Bailey, Chiara, Zachary, Aiden, Ethan, Caitlyn, Julian, Ella, Tylor, Henry, Maya, Blaze, Melrose, McKenna, Casen, and Michael; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

She deeply loved her family and friends, and is known for her vast impact on all their lives. Barb made friends everywhere she went and enjoyed scrapbooking, crafting, and traveling. Barb and Bob traveled to all 50 states and several countries in Europe, often accompanied by several family members. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.

Barb will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but all will take comfort in the great memories they have with her.

Visitation will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake on Saturday November 14, 2020 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. During this time we will be adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines including wearing of face masks and a maximum of 25 people in the funeral chapel.

Richard “Dick” Otto Mitchell, 94, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2020 at his home.  He was born in Chicago on December 30, 1925.  He was graduated from Nixon Elementary School in 1940 and from Kelvin Park High School in 1944.  He enlisted in the Army Air Force on December 14, 1943; flew 35 combat missions to the Empire of Japan on a B-29 crew from Tinian Island.  He was awarded the air medal with four oak leaves, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Pacific Theater Ribbon.  He was honorably discharged on October 19, 1945.  In 2010 he was privileged to on go on an Honor Flight.  He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with a BA degree on May 30, 1949.  He graduated from Loyola University School of Social Work with a Master’s Degree on June 10, 1953 in Chicago.  He married Priscilla Nelson on June 5, 1953 at the Norwegian Lutheran Children’s Home (NLCH) at 6000 N. Canfield Ave. in Chicago which is now known as Park Ridge, Illinois.  His professional work history includes being promoted from caseworker to superintendent of the NLCH (Edison Park Home) from April 2, 1951 to October 27, 1958.  He worked at the VA hospital “Downey” (North Chicago VA) from January 1, 1959 to July 27, 1962 where he was promoted from caseworker to supervisor.  He then worked at the Psychiatric Institute Circuit Court from August 1, 1962 to August 31, 1967 where he was the Assistant Director of Social Work Service. He served as the Executive Director of the Family Service Agency of North Lake County from September 1, 1967 to December 31, 1990 when he retired.  His community involvement included serving on Kiwanis Club in Park Ridge from 1951 to 1958.  He was a member of the Exchange Club of Waukegan, IL from 1967 to 1990 for which he was a past president.  He served on the board of the Lake County Family YMCA and on the membership committee in 1997.  He is the past president of the AARP Grayslake Chapter from 1990 to 1995.  He served in Special Touch Ministries Inc. from 1985 to 2005 during which he also served on the board.  From 2000 to death he served as the treasurer for the Special Hearts Lake County Chapter.  This church involvement has included being a past superintendent of Sunday school for Trinity Lutheran Church in Ingleside, IL and a charter member of Shepherd of the Lakes church in Grayslake, IL.  He served as an elder in the Wildwood Presbyterian Church in Wildwood, Calvary Temple A/G in Waukegan and Living Waters A/G church in Grayslake, IL.  Dick is survived by his wife of 67 years, Priscilla Mitchell, his children David (Yvonne) Mitchell of Chickamauga, GA, Daniel (Barb) Mitchell of Long Grove, IL, Mark (Sopheap) Mitchell of Morris, IL and Mary (Scott) Campbell of Madison, AL, his 10 grandchildren, and his 7 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his sisters Elsie Sotira and Marion Turek. Due to Covid-19 concerns, memorial services will take place at a later date.  All funeral arrangements are being held privately and entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will be held at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Every Home for Christ World Literature Crusade PO Box 64000 Colorado Springs, CO 80962-9913.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Bernice S. Dziedzic, 92, a resident of Kenosha, WI and formerly of Niles, IL, passed away Monday, November 02, 2020, at Aurora Hospital in Kenosha, WI.  She was born October 17, 1928 in Chicago, IL.  Bernice is survived by her children George Dziedzic, Michael (Jacquelyn) Dziedzic, Matthew (Ronnie) Dziedzic, Deann Dziedzic, and Jennifer Dziedzic, her grandchildren Warren (Rebecca) Dziedzic, Judith Alstrom, Andy Scott, Kristi Dziedzic, Kellie Dziedzic, Mattsen Dziedzic, and Maren Dziedzic, and her great-grandchildren Arya, Benjamin, Ava, and Briella.  She was preceded in death by her husband Harry Dziedzic, her daughter Debbie Jozitas, and her siblings.  A visitation is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2020 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  The funeral mass will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 11:00am at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church 8149 W. Golf Rd. Niles, IL.  Interment will be held privately.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Edward Alexander Kroll, age 95, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Charter Senior Living in Vernon Hills.  He was born on September 29, 1925 in Waukegan to Alexander and Angeline Kroll.  Edward was a member of St. Gilberts Catholic Church and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club.  He worked for Citizens National Bank for 43 years where he held the position of Senior Vice President.  He loved to golf and garden. 

Edward is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan whom he married on September 17, 1949 in Waukegan at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; his children and their families, Kathy Herbert of Chicago, Donna (Glen Poulson) Kroll of Bartlett, Michael Kroll of Gurnee, John (Sandy and Ryne) Kroll of Grayslake, and Mary (Nick, Taylor and Brooke) Puccini of Schaumburg.

All services were held privately. 

Memorial donations in Edward’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org

 Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.

Samuel “Sam” J. Pease, 92, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2020 at his home in Grayslake.  He was born December 21, 1927 in Steelton, PA to Joseph and Blanche Pease.  Sam was a veteran having served with the US Army during World War II.  He was a salesman with US Steel having retired after 35 years and a member of the American Legion.  Sam is survived by his sons Greg (Jackie) Pease and David (Julie) Pease, his grandchildren Nicole (Scott) Schimpff, Tyler (Allyssa) Pease, Megan Pease, Kristin (Travis) Moye, Karen (Mike) Soto, and Sam Pease, his great-grandchildren Jack, Isabella, Ella, Lennon, and Molly, and his siblings Madeline Obringer and Gabe Pease.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Merle Pease, and his sister Mary Boyer.  A visitation and funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2020 from 10:00am to 11:00am with the funeral mass starting at 11:00am at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL.  Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s cemetery in Mundelein, IL. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association at www.alz.org. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Joanne F. Bargren Moline, 73, formerly of Gages Lake, IL, died early Tuesday, October 13, 2020 in Rockford, IL.  Joanne was born February 1, 1947 in Rockford, daughter of Emil and Edith Bargren.  She attended Rockford schools and in 1965 was a proud member of the second graduating class of the new Guilford High School. She studied elementary education at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. After graduating in 1969, she began teaching at Spring Bluff Elementary in Winthrop Harbor, IL.  In 1981 she completed her Master’s in Education degree from Carthage College.  Over the course of her teaching career, Joanne made a lasting impression on many students, parents and coworkers.  She had a reputation for developing positive relationships with her students and their families. Joanne married Daniel Moline in July 1991.  Dan and Joanne enjoyed fishing, traveling and visiting casinos. They spent 23 wonderful years together until Dan’s death in October 2014. In June 2002 Joanne retired after 33 years of teaching second and third grades.  She spent her entire teaching career at Spring Bluff Elementary.  Following retirement, she worked part-time from 2007 to 2012 as a Prevention Specialist with Nicasa Behavioral Health Services. Joanne was a member of Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Grayslake.  She enjoyed singing in the church choir and was also involved in several other choirs over the years.  Joanne is survived by her brother, David (Peggy) Bargren of Cherry Valley, IL.  Her nieces and nephew, Michelle (Warren) Adam of Rockford, IL, Melinda (Deven) Etnyre of Poplar Grove, IL and Andrew (Nicole) Bargren of Loveland, CO and her great-niece and great-nephews, Marley, Nathan, Jet, Scout, Ryden and Tanner. Joanne is also survived by her stepchildren, Loren (Veda) Moline of Benson, AZ, Gale (Kris) Moline of Briones, CA, Stephen Moline of Grayslake, and Cheryl Moline of Hainesville, three step-grandchildren, and several step-great grandchildren.  Joanne is also survived by her dear friends Gloria, Jerry and Joe. A memorial visitation is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL.  Interment will occur on a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Grayslake, IL.

William J. Stephens, 39, a resident of Antioch, passed away October 17, 2020 in Antioch, IL.  He was born December 17, 1980 to Bruce and Kathy Stephens.  William is survived by his fiancé, Nicole Benner, his father Bruce Stephens, his daughter Jessa Stephens of Antioch, IL, and his sisters Denise (Kenneth) Cox of McKee, KY and Dawn (Justin) Henderson of Byron, MN.  He was preceded in death by his mother.  A visitation and funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm with the funeral service starting at 2:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  Interment will be held privately.  For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Rita Clara Irvine, 80, a resident of Hainesville, IL, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL.  She was born November 29, 1939 to Otto and Clara Ziegler.  Rita was a member of St. Gilbert Catholic Church in Grayslake, IL.  She worked at Little Sisters of the Poor in Chicago as a Personnel Assistant.  Rita is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert G. Irvine, her children Robert J. “Bob” (Karen) Irvine and Sharon (Dean) Petree, her grandchildren Chloe, Lily, Natalie, and Brandon (Jade) Petree, and her sister-in-law Ellen Ziegler.  She was preceded in death by her brother Max Ziegler and her parents.  All services were held privately.  Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.

Albert Leonard “Lenny” Johnson, 79, a resident of Fox Lake passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at his home.  He was born November 25, 1940 in Chicago to Albert and Virginia Johnson.  Lenny was carpenter and owned his own custom home company. He was extremely avid fan of NASCAR, basketball, football and the Chicago Cubs.  He also enjoyed spending his time outdoors and hunting.

Lenny is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sandra; his children, Michelle and Davin Johnson; step-children, Todd (Liz) Gilliland, Nicole (Jerry) Curran, and Paige (Pete) Houle; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christopher, and Michael; step-grandchildren, Jay, Joey, Grace, Will, Taylor, and Amber; siblings, Roy (Barbara) Johnson, Diane (Ray) Quigley, and Bob (Karen) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.  Lenny was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation and funeral service are scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with the funeral service commencing at 7:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. During this time we will be adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines including wearing of face masks and a maximum of 50 people in the funeral chapel, family members will be given priority seating for the funeral service.  For information, please call 847-223-8122 or go to www.strangfuneral.org.

Georgia “Dody” Dretske, age 85, of Waukegan, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at the Pavilion of Waukegan.  She was born May  9, 1935 in Waukegan to the late George and Pearl Teeling.  She was a lifelong resident of Waukegan, attending Whittier Grade School and Waukegan High School.  After graduation, she worked for the City of Waukegan where she met her late husband, Walter, who was a mail carrier at the time.  They married in Waukegan in 1956 and raised three children there.  She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish (Blessed Trinity). She was the business manager and an owner of Dretske Electric since 1976.  Dody will be remembered for her smiling Irish eyes and laughter, big celebratory dinners at the holidays, and for her love of Elvis Presley and word find puzzles.  Survivors are her three children Cindy (Bill) Kolanko; Dan Dretske, and Diana Lynn (Al Westerman) Dretske; two grandsons Danny and John Quinn Kolanko; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, her parents, and her sisters Marilyn (Jack) Bleck and Bonnie Marie Teeling.  The family thanks the home care services provided by Right at Home as well as the compassionate coordination of hospice care through Star Hospice of Gurnee.  Funeral services will be held 10:30am on Monday, October 19, 2020 at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  Friends may call from 9:30am until 10:30am at the church only.  Interment will be at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (stjude.org) or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  All arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information please call 847-223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

Michael Phillip Andrews (Mike) of Grayslake Illinois was born August 20, 1955 in Chicago Illinois.  He passed on September 20, 2020 after a brief illness at Highland Park Hospital, at the age of 65.  He is survived by his wife Joan (Schur), his brother George (Kathie Till) Andrikokus, his sister Catherine Andrews, his sister Mary Andrews, several nieces, several cousins, and many friends and colleagues.  He was preceded in death by his parents Agnes (Maher) and Gus Andrews.

Mike has “Gone West”. He was an accomplished pilot who first soloed in 1999 and earned his Private Pilot-Airplane certificate in 2000.  He was the proud owner of a Piper Cherokee 235  airplane (N284M). He created and co-hosted the Pilotcast, the first successful pilot podcast, by and for pilots in 2005. Mike was a founder of Pilots of America, an online pilot community which led to friendships world-wide. He was a member of the EAA and AOPA pilot associations.  He was the Campbell Airport (Grayslake) AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer.

Mike worked at AT&T for 25 years as a Senior Technical Architect and Systems Network IT Infrastructure Engineer. He used his IT expertise extensively in his aviation endeavors as the FAA moved an ever increasing amount of pilot information and control systems to the internet.

Prior to working for AT&T, he owned a security alarm business.

Mike worked for Steve Fossett (the record setting balloonist) in a data managing capacity for several of Steve’s businesses.

Mike was a great friend and mentor and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He had a love for hats of all sorts as well as a love of any techie gadget or computer.  He also supported animal rescues, flying rescue dog missions to new homes – and had a special place in his heart for bulldog rescues.  He was Daddy to American Bulldogs Dakota and Wilbur.

He was a member of computer clubs: UniForum of Chicago, Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE) and Office Hours- Zoom live stream media discussion group.

Memorial donations in Mike’s name can be made to the 2×2 Animal Rescue – Merrillville IN, Making a Difference Rescue- Channahon IL, Young Eagles, EAA or AOPA.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of Mike’s life had been delayed.  A memorial visitation and celebration of life will be held Saturday August 14, 2021at 11:00 am at Campbell Airport (C81) in Grayslake.   A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until commencement of the celebration.  Urn internment will be private.

He will be truly missed and forever in our hearts.

Blue skies and tailwinds, Mike.

Kenneth F. Riehle, a resident of Grayslake, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Lexington Health Care Center of Lake Zurich at the age of 94.  He was born February 24, 1926 in Sheboygan, WI.  He was a member of Arlington Heights First Presbyterian Church.  Kenneth was a proud Boy Scout of America and served our country in the US Navy.  He was a graduate of the University of Michigan and  loved Green Bay Packers football.  He was a wholesale florist sales rep.  Kenneth is survived by his wife, Janet D., who he married on June 30, 1951; four daughters, Linda Riehle, Kathy Riehle, Sandy (Dannie) Decker and Candiss Riehle; and three grandchildren, Ryan Decker, Michelle (Austin) Schaffer and Kody Riehle. He was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Roberts (Riehle) and his mother, Leona Riehle.  Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Sheboygan, WI.  Memorial donations in Kenneth’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information please log onto www.strangfuneral.org or call (847) 223-8122.