All Obituaries

Amanda Kay Tompkins-Petryshyn             Amanda Kay Tompkins-Petryshyn, age 39, of Walnut, died Saturday, January 16, 2021 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.             Amanda was born April 10, 1981 in Dixon the daughter of Randy and Pam (Nevenhoven) Tompkins.  She married Clayton Petryshyn on September 15, 2015 on a beach in North Carolina.  She was...

            WALNUT – Leonard G. Strader, age 79, died Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.             Leonard was born on July 4, 1941 in Princeton the son of Ben F. and Mildred (Beaver) Strader.  He married Mary Jane Haefner on June 6, 1964 in Dixon.  Leonard was employed as Assistant Superintendent with the Village of Walnut for 41...

Lyle R. Schrader, age 91, of Walnut, passed away peacefully Monday January 11, 2021 at the Walnut Manor Nursing home with family members (in person as well as in prayer) and his wonderful caregivers at his side. Lyle was born October 16, 1929 in Sublette IL., the son of George and Ethel (Christiansen) Schrader. As a young child, Lyle successfully battled Polio. This never hindered his love for people, a good adventure and the ability to tell an enthralling story. He was active in the Boy...

Mark L. Serio, age 62 of Putnam, died suddenly, Friday, January 08, 2021 at his home. Mark was born on November 8, 1958 in Berwyn, the son of Anthony and Patricia (Green) Serio. He married Debbie Burch on July 4, 2004 at Lake Thunderbird. Mark was the Lake Manager/COO of Lake Thunderbird since 2016. Mark’s passion in working for the community of Lake Thunderbird was felt by all and will truly be missed. He was previously a self-employed contractor in LaGrange Park, IL for many years....

WALNUT – Lester Lee Meisenheimer, 86, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Heritage Manor in Walnut, with his wife at his side, and among caring nurses and aides. The oldest son of Loyal and Marjorie (Wirth) Meisenheimer, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Lester attended Bureau Township grade and high schools, graduating salutatorian of his class in 1953. The following year, employed as school secretary/bookkeeper, he accepted...

WALNUT – Beth Marie Rudiger, age 82, died from COVID-19 on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Heritage Health in Walnut.           Beth was born on March 12, 1938 in New Bedford the daughter of Audie and Ruth (Hoffman) Swanson.  She married Robert Rudiger on July 21, 1956.  He preceded her in death on May 3, 2015.  Beth was employed as an Office Manager for 30 years at Kory Farm Equipment in Manlius.  She loved her grandsons and...

Lillian Mae Burke, 70, of Riverview Haven, Rock Falls died at CGH Medical Center, Sterling on January 1, 2021. Lillian fought the Covid-19 pandemic for 5 days until her body didn't have the strength to fight any more. Lillian expressed her undying love and passion for work at Self Help Enterprises for over 40 years.  Lillian was born on February 14, 1950 in Tampico, Illinois to John William and Mary Eileen (Long) Burke. Lillian attended Tampico Grade School and...

  Walnut – Donna Manak, age 84 passed away at Heritage Health in Walnut on December 29, 2020 due to complications of Covid-19 She was born on July 7, 1936 in Sterling, the daughter of Edward and Genevieve (Pyse) Fritz. She married the late James Manak of Berwyn, IL on July 20, 1957 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville. She enjoyed many careers in her lifetime, most notably as Activity Director for Walnut Manor from 1974 – 2004. After retirement she remained...

WALNUT – Dale I. Magnuson, 92 of rural Walnut died Monday December 28, 2020 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. He was born on March 6, 1928 in Sublette, the son of Harry and Millie (Peach) Magnuson. Dale was a veteran of the Korean Wart having served in the US Army. He married Shirley M. Hippen on July 19, 1953 in Sterling. Dale farmed for many years and also was the broker and real estate agent for Magnuson Realty in Walnut for several years. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; his...

SUBLETTE – Lynda K. Blaine, 69 died Sunday December 27, 2020 at Mac Neal Memorial Hospital in Berwyn. She was born on October 16, 1951 in Princeton, IL the daughter of Gail and Blanche (Johnson) Watkins. She married James Blaine on August 30, 1975 in Dixon and later divorced. Lynda worked as a Teachers Aid in the Amboy School District for over 20 years. Survivors include her daughter Jessica (Christian) Haydel of Davenport, IA; her son Joshua Blaine of Rock Island; her sister Jeanna...