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

Jeffrey Layman

Jeffrey Layman

Dec 15, 2025

Jeffrey Scott Layman, age 69, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, on Monday, December 15, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Jeania M. Layman (née Dillard), and passed on what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary.

Jeffrey was born in Mountain Home, Idaho, on September 25, 1956.

Jeffrey had a long and distinguished...

Norbert P. Kunz

Norbert P. Kunz

Dec 15, 2025

Norbert P. Kunz, 84, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025. He was born on June 4, 1941, in Germany to the late Arthur and Christine Kunz. Raised near the Danish border, in Flensburg, Germany, Norbert grew up with a deep appreciation for both cultures. As a youth, he spent cherished time in Denmark on his family’s farm, where his...

Joseph A. Schutz

Joseph A. Schutz

Dec 10, 2025

Joseph A. Schutz, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the age of 87.

He was born March 19, 1938 in Chicago, the son of the late Adam and Adeline (Gallo) Schutz.

A dedicated car enthusiast and skilled restorer, Joe was a longtime member of the Model A Restorers Club and CAATS - Centerville Antique Auto Touring Society....

Gene A. Bengston

Gene A. Bengston

Dec 9, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Gene A. Bengston of Crystal Lake announces his peaceful passing on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the age of 93. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Barbara Dubow; John (Cheryl) Bengston; Susan (Kevin) Diebold; grandchildren: Kari (Cody) Whirry; Andy Dubow; Katelyn (Alex) Schuman; Michael Bengston; Courtney Diebold; and Erin...

Dennis "Buck" Ahrens

Dennis "Buck" Ahrens

Dec 8, 2025

Dennis “Buck” Ahrens, 81, of Crystal Lake passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025. He was born in Elgin on October 29, 1944 to Gerald and Aileen Ahrens.

Buck proudly served in the United States Navy. In 1969, he married Sherry Niswander and together they shared more than 56 years.

He was the 3rd of 4 generations to serve the City of...

Anne McKneally

Anne McKneally

Dec 7, 2025

Anne McKneally, 91

November 15, 1934 – December 7, 2025

Anne McKneally, a woman of wit, independence, and flair, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the age of ninety one. She was born on November 15, 1934, in Newburgh, New York, to George and Alice (nee Fogarty) McKneally.

The eldest of four siblings, Anne was a fond older sister to Martin,...

Onkar N. Sharma

Onkar N. Sharma

Dec 7, 2025

Onkar N. Sharma, 85, of Palatine, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Funeral ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047.

Doretta Elizabeth Schwarz

Doretta Elizabeth Schwarz

Dec 6, 2025

Doretta E. Schwarz, 65 years of age and resident of Algonquin, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.

She was born on December 10, 1959, daughter of the late Beniamino and Christina Mazzone. Doretta was a graduate of Buffalo Grove High School. On October 14, 1978, she was united in marriage to the love of her life,...

Michael Robert Updike

Michael Robert Updike

Dec 5, 2025

Michael Robert Updike, 60, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 30, 1965, Mike was the son of Robert and Kathleen (Kraft) Updike of Aurora, Illinois. Mike grew up in Palatine and was a proud graduate of St. Theresa, Palatine High School, and St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota....

Paul J. Georgy

Paul J. Georgy

Dec 5, 2025

In the end, it was his heart. The doctors said it was weak. But to anyone who crossed his path, they would believe the opposite. Paul’s heart was his compass with service to others as his North Star.

Paul’s happy place was in nature and on a farm. From an early age, he loved working with animals, tending to fields, and...

Laura Jean Anderson

Laura Jean Anderson

Dec 4, 2025

Laura Jean Anderson, 57, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025. She was born in Chicago to Roy and Jeanette Anderson.

Laura was unforgettable in every way. She was funny, full of classic Laura-isms, a riot, and always a lot of fun. She would give you a run for your money and keep you laughing the whole time. She liked her coffee with two...

Jack T. Smerecky

Jack T. Smerecky

Dec 4, 2025

Jack Thomas Smerecky, 62, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025.

Born on March 2, 1963, Jack was the beloved son of the late John J. and Frances (née Niewinski) Smerecky. He grew up with a strong sense of family and community, values that guided him throughout his life.

Jack had a deep love for country music, a...

Bridget Lynn Boix

Bridget Lynn Boix

Dec 3, 2025

Bridget Lynn Boix, 67 years of age and resident of Fleming Island, Florida, passed away on December 3, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois. 

She was born on August 12, 1958, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, daughter of Richard Clay and Marguerite (nee Simpson) Schoppert.

Full obituary and service information are currently pending. 

Joseph Loch

Joseph Loch

Dec 2, 2025

Joseph Loch, 83 years of age and resident of Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025.

He was born on October 9, 1942, to the late Leonard and Maria Loch. Later, Joseph was united in marriage to Maria (Mandoki) Loch.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Maria; children Joe (Sara), Tony, John, and Tom (Sirje) Loch; grandchildren Ryan,...

Gregory A. Thomas

Gregory A. Thomas

Dec 1, 2025

Gregory Thomas, born on May 13, 1960, was the youngest child of Calsie and Doris Thomas, who preceded him in death.

Greg grew up in Chicago and attended St. Mel Catholic Elementary School, where he was baptized. He later graduated from Lane Technical High School and continued his education at Illinois State University. He built a successful career as a manager...

John Robert Hummel

John Robert Hummel

Nov 30, 2025

John Robert Hummel, 72 years of age and resident of Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025.

John was born on January 24, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Robert Nicholas and Ida Nickolida (Koch) Hummel. On April 11, 1981, he was united in marriage to Delane “Dee” (Herbert) Hummel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The two shared...

Brent Bartels

Brent Bartels

Nov 29, 2025

Brent A. Bartels passed away peacefully November 29, 2025 in Barrington. He was born May 20, 1947 in Napoleon, OH to Alvin and Thelma Bartels.

After graduating from The Ohio State University he served his country in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps. He then went on to complete his MBA at Bowling Green State University. In 1977, Brent moved to the...

Wendy Johnson

Wendy Johnson

Nov 29, 2025

Wendy Johnson, 71, of Trout Valley, passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2025 . She was born May 10, 1954 in Dayton, OH, daughter of the late Charlotte (Grafton) and Frank Hudson.

Full obituary is pending.

Services for Wendy will be held privately.

Marianne Laga

Marianne Laga

Nov 29, 2025

Marianne G. Laga, of Crystal Lake, formerly of Elk Grove Village, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the age of 90.

She was born April 17, 1935 in Chicago, the daughter of the late John Irmen, Sr. and Vivian (Jennett) Irmen.

Marianne was an original employee of The Popcorn Factory and remained there for many years, even offering her...

Kenneth "Ken" Mola Sr.

Kenneth "Ken" Mola Sr.

Nov 28, 2025

Kenneth J. Mola Sr. born to eternal life on November 28, 2025, at the age of 89. Raised in Berwyn IL he graduated from Elmhurst (IL) University and then entered the United States Army based in Fort Ord, California. At 6’2” tall, Ken was a player in his Army’s basketball league.

After meeting his wife Em at the Spiegel Catalog Company,...