Local Barrington, Crystal Lake, and Lake Zurich, IL Obituaries

Kenneth Lee Degner

Kenneth Lee Degner

Nov 3, 2025

Kenneth Lee Degner passed away on November 3rd, 2025. 

Born on January 11th, 1951, Ken grew up in Barrington, Illinois, graduating from Barrington High School. He attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and obtained his Master’s degree from Saint Louis University. Ken was a Family Practice Physician Assistant for more than 40 years in Antioch and Wauconda caring for generations...

Thomas Edward Breen

Thomas Edward Breen

Sep 25, 2025

Thomas “Tom” Breen, 77, of Lake Barrington, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025. Born on May 7, 1948, in Evergreen Park Chicago, Illinois, to William and Margaret Breen, Tom lived a life marked by service, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he served his...

Norine Auclair

Norine Auclair

Nov 11, 2025

Norine D. (nee Hackman) Auclair, loving wife of nearly 50 years to Raymond Auclair. Together they built a family with their two children, Aaron Auclair and Andrea (Geoffrey) Potts; and Granddogs Myles and the late Mollie. 

Norine was preceded in death by her parents, Aaron and Eleanor Hackman (nee Lazar). She was a beloved sister to Michael (the late Joanne) Hackman,...

Robert "Bob" Lano Brownell, Sr.

Robert "Bob" Lano Brownell, Sr.

Nov 10, 2025

Robert L. Brownell, Sr., 92, of McHenry, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.

On January 28, 1956, Bob married his soulmate, Phyllis Brownell. Together they built a wonderful life, raising their two children, Robert Jr. and Kelly. They shared 59 years filled with love, laughter, and plenty of adventures before her passing in 2014.

Bob proudly served his country in...

William "Bill" H. Bajorat

William "Bill" H. Bajorat

Nov 9, 2025

Dr. William H. Bajorat, 78, passed away on November 9, 2025 leaving a legacy of consistent commitment to family, education, and the community. Bill was born on January 1, 1947 to Walter and Martha Bajorat in Chicago, IL. He was raised in Cicero, IL and a resident of Crystal Lake, IL for the majority of his adult life. He graduated...

Marion J. Mitchell

Marion J. Mitchell

Nov 8, 2025

Marion Joanne (Walsh) Mitchell, 89, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 8, 1936, in Chicago to Edward and Luella (Emerson) Walsh.

Marion married the love of her life, Ronald Mitchell, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, and they shared a wonderful life together until his passing in...

Carolyn Mae Barkstrom

Carolyn Mae Barkstrom

Nov 8, 2025

Carolyn Mae Barkstrom, 43, of Barrington, passed away on November 8, 2025. She was born on February 3, 1982 in Hoffman Estates, IL to Gilbert and Marjorie (nee Kavanaugh) Barkstrom.

Full obituary and services are pending.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, Save the Manatee Club, 317 Wekiva Springs Rd., Ste. 100, Longwood, FL 32779 https://savethemanatee.org/

Irena S. Wielogorski

Irena S. Wielogorski

Nov 8, 2025

Irena S. Wielogorski, 73 years of age and resident of Lake Zurich, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her residence on November 8, 2025.

She was born in Poland on March 28, 1952, to the late Janina and Alexander Kalinowski.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, beginning at 2 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Homes, 941 S. Old Rand Road,...

Ruth A. Banasiak

Ruth A. Banasiak

Nov 7, 2025

Ruth A. Banasiak, 90, of Barrington, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, just two and a half weeks after her husband of 66 years, Thomas.

She was born in Chicago on November 15, 1934, to Charles and Elizabeth (Klawikoski) Locke. Ruth met Thomas Banasiak when they were teenagers, and the couple were married on January 24, 1959. Together they raised their four children...

Edward B. Schulmeister

Edward B. Schulmeister

Nov 5, 2025

Edward B. Schulmeister, 87, of Crystal Lake, IL passed away on November 5, 2025. 

He was born on January 15, 1938 in Chicago, IL and was the older brother to sisters Carol and Susan. As a young boy, he lived for several years in an orphanage in Des Plaines with Carol. His Aunt Marge and Uncle Herb Pump played a lasting...

Shari Marie Sullivan

Shari Marie Sullivan

Nov 4, 2025

Shari Marie Sullivan, 58, of North Barrington, passed away surrounded by her family on November 4, 2025. She was born on November 9, 1966 in Elgin, IL to Merle and Joellen Gaschler.

Shari grew up in Wauconda, IL, where her bold spirit and sense of style first began to shine. Known for her flair for fashion and fearless approach to life,...

J. Gale Roberts

J. Gale Roberts

Nov 3, 2025

J. Gale Roberts, age 82, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025.

Gale was born on February 25 in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Rubye and Leroy Lonnie. She was a proud graduate of Lanier High School in Jackson and continued her education at Utica Junior College in Utica, Mississippi.

After completing her studies, Gale moved to Chicago, where...

Robert "Bob" Edward Baur

Robert "Bob" Edward Baur

Nov 3, 2025

Robert (Bob) Baur died peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospital on Monday, November 3, 2025. 

Bob was born on May 9, 1945, in Chicago before his family moved to Burtons Bridge. On May 9, 1985, he married Patricia Kolak. They were married for 40 years. He was loved by all and will be missed especially by his bird Shasta. 

Bob is survived by...

Yogendrabhai J. Patel

Yogendrabhai J. Patel

Nov 3, 2025

Yogendrabhai Jesangbhai Patel (Dada) passed away peacefully at home on November 3, 2025. He was surrounded by his loved ones, including both of his kids Priti and Bhadresh, his wife Ushaben, and immediate family.

Dada had been struggling with declining health for the past 4-5 months, where he cut off eating and drinking almost entirely. He put up a great fight...

James F. De Spain

James F. De Spain

Nov 1, 2025

James F. De Spain of Barrington, 70, born April 17, 1955, in Akron, Ohio, passed away Saturday, November 1 at Good Shepherd Hospital. James retired from a successful career in retail management at Toys R Us and Venture, and was a graduate of Saint Viator High School, and attended Harper College in Palatine.

James was also a member of Saint Anne's...

Sherry Sue VanOchten

Sherry Sue VanOchten

Nov 1, 2025

Sherry Sue (nee Oswald) VanOchten, 79, of Tower Lakes, Illinois, died peacefully on November 1, 2025, due to complications from multiple strokes.

She was born in Bay City, Michigan on March 9, 1946, to parents Carl and Mary (nee Bailer) Oswald. Sherry married Bob VanOchten on February 19, 1966. Sherry spent most of her employment years with Saginaw Grey Iron Foundry...

Margaret G. Huart

Margaret G. Huart

Oct 29, 2025

Margaret Gertrude “Gertie” Huart, of Huntley, formerly of Roselle, passed away October 29, 2025 in Crystal Lake.

She was born May 16, 1935 in Big Clifty, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Ernest and Sallie (Cundiff) Fulkerson.

Gertie is survived by her children, Ted Jr. (Connie) Huart and Steve (Betty) Huart; her grandchildren, Cole (Vickie) Huart, Lindsay (Rich Alexander) Huart, Michael (Tomissa)...

Laverne Gloria Sams

Laverne Gloria Sams

Oct 28, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Laverne Gloria Sams, age 89, of Lake Barrington, Illinois. Laverne passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Nursing Center in Round Lake Beach, Illinois.

Born in Greenville, Mississippi, to Fred Sias and Eliza Pickens Sias, Laverne lived a life defined by faith, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. She placed...

Patrick Martin

Patrick Martin

Oct 26, 2025

Patrick W. Martin, age 68, of Deer Park, Illinois, died peacefully on October 26th, 2025.

Patrick was born in Müenchweiler, Germany, October 26, 1957, the son of the late William and Marcia (nee Meabon) Martin.

He is survived by his wife Lisa Martin, his sister Pam (Tony) Cronyn of Clarence Center, NY and his brother, DJ (Mary) Martin of Glastonbury, CT. He...

Arthur G. Pollasky Jr.

Arthur G. Pollasky Jr.

Oct 25, 2025

Arthur Gerard Pollasky Jr., age 72, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on October 25, 2025.

Arthur’s life was firmly rooted in faith and family, the two pillars that guided everything he did. He lived each day with trust in God and a steadfast commitment to doing what was right. His faith shaped how he...