All Obituaries

On August 23, 2023, Luella "Lou" Marie McNeal, born April 2, 1950, to Ted and Martha Cieslak, went to the greatest craft room in the sky. Lou and her husband Dennis met via mutual friends and were married December 16, 1967. Soon after, they had three children: Stephanie, Dennis, and Melissa. Lou was the life of the party.  We'd like to remember her dancing to Tom Jones, her amazing birthday party planning, and her ever-meticulous, never-ending until pure perfection...

Ivan J. Overturf, 75, of Machesney Park passed away August 14, 2023.  No services are planned at this time.       

Terry L. Robinson, 66, of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023. Terry was the son of Percese Ribison and Kattie Mae Lee. He was born in Hughes, AR on January 24, 1957.     

Thomas “Tom” Charles Ottowitz, 57, of Machesney Park, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at home with his wife by his side.  He was born in Rockford, IL on March 10, 1966, the son of the late James and Shirley (Watson) Ottowitz. Tom was a loving husband and father.  He was fun loving and enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved being a “Popa”. He was always willing to help his family and friends.  Tom loved the pets he...

Dan L. Schiro, 62, of Loves Park, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023.  He was born on June 2, 1961 in Rockford to Anthony and Mildred (McDaniel) Schiro.  He was a graduate of West High School.  He married Sharon Schiro in Rockford on September 5, 1981.  He lived in the area for 32 years after serving in the U.S. Army for ten years.  He was a member of New Life Pentacostal Church of Harvard for 10 years and recently started attending Firstborn Ministries...

Mr. C. A. Barnett, 74, of Rockford, Illinois died June 9, 2023 in his residence.  Cremation rites have been accorded by Quest Cremation Services onsite crematory.        

The dearly departed Chelsea Annette Bankord left a hole in many people’s hearts. Born November 14th, 1987, she so sadly passed on May 20th, 2023. She was a fun, loving and caring person. She was a free spirit with a big smile and heart of gold. A very talented artist with a special love and affection for animals. She attended Lincoln Middle School, Jefferson High School, and earned a degree in Massage Therapy at Rockford Career College. She is survived by her father, Gregory Bankord;...

Michael "Mickey" Dickens, 65, of Rockford, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023 with his family by his side. He was employed by Warner Lambert/Mondelez for 35 years before becoming ill. No services are planned at this time.      

Mary Beth Dyke, aged 65, passed away on April 21, 2023, in Rockford, Illinois after a brief, sudden illness. She is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Jean (Harmon) Dyke and her brother, Frank Harmon Dyke. She is survived by her father, Frank H. Dyke; two nephews, Frank Louis Dyke (Elaine) and Andrew Dyke (Jenni) and great-nieces, Lexi and Elizabeth Dyke; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Michigan, North Carolina, California, Nevada and elsewhere, who...

Shirley Buis passed away peacefully on Monday, April 17, 2023 surrounded by her family. Shirley Josephine Buis was born on February 13, 1928, in Chicago, IL to Louis and Gertrude Schueler. She graduated high school and became a very talented seamstress. She met William Buis and they married in 1968. They moved to Streamwood and spent a wonderful life together, sharing so much love for each other and their family.  Shirley had three children, Alan, Kathy and Joan. She...