Obituaries

Karen Friddle

Published by admin on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 9:47am

WILMINGTON—Karen Alma Friddle, 79, a life-long resident of Wilmington, passed away on June 15, 2025 at the Arc of Dwight.
Born on Feb. 19, 1946, Karen Alma was a daughter of Melvin and Josephine (Swartz) Friddle. She attended local schools and continued to stay rooted in the community throughout her life.

Neal Smolik

Published by admin on Mon, 06/09/2025 - 10:52am

BRACEVILLE—Neal Joseph Smolik, known to many as "BBKnees," of Braceville, passed away on June 4, 2025, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet at the age of 67.

Glen J. Beverly

Published by admin on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 11:12am

MORRIS—Glen J. Beverly, 68, of Morris, formerly of Plainfield, passed away on May 29, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet. Born on July 23,1956 in Joliet, Glen was a son of Charles and Dorothy (Saxon) Beverly. Glen graduated in 1974 from Plainfield High School, where he was a record-holding cross country runner. He then pursued his career, completing an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 176. Glen dedicated more than three decades of his life, proudly working as a journeyman electrician on many area construction projects.

Shirley A. Marsaglia

Published by admin on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 9:39am

COAL CITY—Shirley A. Marsaglia (Nee, Styber), 98, of Coal City, passed away May 28, 2025.
Born in Coal City, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Antoinette (Cerny) Styber. She was a lifelong resident of Coal City, graduating from Coal City High School with the class of 1944.

Phil Anderson

Published by admin on Fri, 05/30/2025 - 8:37am

WILMINGTON— Phil Anderson, 73 of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Silver Cross Medical Center in New Lenox, IL.
Born Jan. 25, 1952 in Cicero, IL, Philip Wilson was a son of Lawrence and Doris (Wilson) Anderson. He was raised and educated in Cicero and graduated from Morton East High School with the class of 1970.
Phil devoted over four decades of his life to the craft of carpet installation, a career he took great pride in. Most recently, he worked for Apostrophe' Design, and also served as a village trustee for the Village of Symerton.

Gladys Meyer

Published by admin on Thu, 05/29/2025 - 10:33am

MANTENO— Gladys M. Meyer, 82 of Rockville Township, Manteno, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Citadel Care Center in Kankakee.

Stanley Zeb

Published by admin on Thu, 05/29/2025 - 9:41am

BRAIDWOOD— Just four days after his 85th birthday, Stanley “Stan” Robert Zeb of Braidwood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Prime Healthcare Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, IL.
Born to the late Stanley W. Zeb and Lucille Chenski on May 11, 1940, in Chicago, he eventually met his late ex-wife, Rita Ann Zeb, in high school. They married and lived in Chicago into his mid-30s. Eventually, they moved to Naperville, IL, with their two sons, where they lived for another 25 years before he moved to Braidwood in the early 2000s.

Cathryn Fleming

Published by admin on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 11:13am

COAL CITY—Cathryn Lucille Fleming, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Born Nov. 15, 1943, Cathy was the daughter of Louis and Margaret (Cornale) Campo. She was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the class of 1961. On Sept. 24, 1966, Cathy married James Fleming at the Assumption Catholic Church. They resided in Coal City their entire lives and were blessed with two daughters.

Dorothy Serena

Published by admin on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 9:12am

SOUTH WILMINGTON— Dorothy Sue Serena, 76, of South Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born Dec. 5, 1948, in Joliet, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of Edward and Hazel (nee Brackett) Jaros. On June 7, 1969, she married the love of her life, Monty Serena, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington. Together, they built a home filled with a deep devotion to family.

Dena Beth Knutson

Published by admin on Thu, 05/22/2025 - 1:56pm

BRAIDWOOD— Mrs. Dena Beth Knutson (Lyle) a beacon of love and compassion, passed away on May 15, 2025, at the age of 60 after succumbing to complications of a stroke at St. Joseph's Hospital in Joliet.
Born on Sept. 8, 1964. Dena lived a life characterized by her unwavering dedication to family, and the well-being of children. Dena's own family was the cornerstone of her world.