All Obituaries

Lawrence Michael Bernier, Jr., 61, of Cherry Valley, IL, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021.  Larry lived his life on his own terms.  He was kind, generous and thoughtful.  He would give you the shirt off his back if he happened to be wearing one at the time. He is survived by his mother, siblings and family who were so glad to have him as part of their lives. Private services were held.  He is truly now a "free bird."  Should you desire,...

Donna Marie (Buckland) O’Brien, also known to some as short grandma, 74, of Machesney Park, IL passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, August 22, 2021.  She was born on September 13, 1946, in Escanaba, MI.  She is survived by her loving husband, Dennis O’Brien of Machesney Park, IL; daughters, Pam (Tony) Vitale of Loves Park, IL, Julie Colwell of Winnebago, IL; step-daughter, Jodi (Mark) Hubler of Fort Myers, FL; granddaughters, Megan...

William Haydary, 71, of Loves Park passed away August 6, 2021. Cremation rites are to be accorded. No services planned at this time. 

Debra "Deb" Tallacksen, 64, of Rockford passed away July 27, 2021. Deb was a loving wife, the best Mother, Grandmother, teacher, friend and neighbor. Deb was born August 27, 1956 in Rockford. The daughter of Wesley and Alvina (Butler) Knutson. Deb married Rod Tallacksen on December 15, 2006 in Rockford. Deb was a graduate of Guilford High School and attended Patricia Stevens College. Deb was a secretary at Rockford Feeder Company. She had several hobbies and interests,...

Glenda Joyce Nettles, 57, of Rockford, passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021. She was born on August 27, 1963 in Kennett, Missouri to Billy and Lila (Mofield) Murphy. Glenda had a passion for helping people and was a nursing assistant for over 30 years. She was known for her big heart and giving character. Glenda was family oriented and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching the show Big Brother.  Survivors include her children, Melissa Murphy,...

On July 7, 2021, Rockford lost one of its beloved native sons, Gerald (Jerry) Wayne LaFayette, to natural causes.   Born to Gunhild Elvira Schelin and Lincoln Grant LaFayette on July 18,1940 at Rockford Memorial Hospital, he spent his entire life and livelihood here. Jerry is survived by his two sisters: Marcia (John) Carmichael of Erie, CO, and Cynthia (Dennis) Laumer of San Antonio, TX, and predeceased by his best friend and brother, Larry (Barbara) LaFayette...

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Angela Renate Asplund on the morning of July 1, 2021 after a brief illness. Angela was employed by the Winnebago School District and was skilled in early childhood development and devoted to the success of the students she worked with. Angela is survived by her son, Sam; mother, Inge; brother, Wayne (Debra); nieces and nephews, Scott, Ayla, Jessica, Heather, Wyatt, Davin; along with special friends, Gordon and Karen. Predeceased...

Gwendolyn I. Erbentraut, 72, of Rockford passed away June 29, 2021. Born January 7, 1949 in Rockford, the daughter of Earl and Merline (Cass) Vincent. Married Merrill Erbentraut in Rockford. A member of St. James Catholic Church where she loved attending. A resident of Forest City Rehab for 15 years where she made many friends. Gwen enjoyed drawing and writing letters to loved ones. Survivors include siblings, Sharon (Paul) Pennington, Terry Craig, Allen (Gerry) Vincent and Darryl...

Debra Johnson, 66, of Rockford, IL, passed away on June 22, 2021.  She was born in Rockford, Illinois on July 18, 1954. She graduated from East High School.  She loved baking and cooking, taking long drives and spending time with her Family who were her Heart. Debra is survived by her two Sons, Cecil and Jesse; six Grandchildren, Colton, Wyatt, Jack, Jordan, Myles & Adam; her three Brothers, Scott, Michael & Rick; her Nieces and Nephews, Zachary, Ashley,...

Bonnie Orleans-Voss, age 60, passed away on June 8, 2021 at River Bluff Nursing Home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Daughter of Donna DiGuiseppi (deceased). She is survived by her daughters, Maxime and Indiana Voss (Amsterdam, the Netherlands); husband, Ernst Voss, (Amsterdam), loving care-givers/cousins, Robin & Larry Prentice; cousins, Karen (Ted) Andrus, Vicki Fish Anderson, Rick & Cindi Tucker, brother, Vernie (Kathy) Petersen, Debra (Don) Luke, and...