Obituaries

Allan Vrdsky

Published by admin on Fri, 10/24/2025 - 8:45am

WILMINGTON— Allan A. Vrdsky, 91 of Wilmington, and formerly of Chicago, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 22, 2025 surrounded by family at his home.

Ellis Schott

Published by admin on Tue, 10/21/2025 - 11:54am

BRACEVILLE—Ellis Ray Schott, 96, of Braceville passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 21, 2025.
He was born Nov. 26, 1928 in Pontiac to Howard and Mabel Schott. Ellis married the love of his life, Delores (nee Leonard) on Sept. 18, 1948. They would go on to have seven children.

Steven A. McCawley

Published by admin on Tue, 10/21/2025 - 8:42am

COAL CITY—Steven A. McCawley, 37, of Coal City, passed away peacefully at Lightways Hospice on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 after valiant efforts to overcome so many challenges and adversity for so long.
Born March 20, 1988, Steven faced many challenges throughout his life, and he met every obstacle with resilience. He communicated with his own unique vocabulary of happy sounds, smiles, his eye blinks, and an occasional furrowed brow to let us know his thoughts and emotions. Steven gave the best cheek to cheek hug which showed the depth of his love.

John Love Jr.

Published by admin on Tue, 10/21/2025 - 8:41am

CUSTER PARK—John Love Jr., 93, of Custer Park, passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at Miller Rehabilitation Center in Kankakee.

Marsha Wenberg

Published by admin on Mon, 10/20/2025 - 10:43am

JOLIET—Marsha Kay Wenberg, 73, of Joliet, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.
Born March 22, 1952 in Springfield, Marsha Kay was a daughter of Vernon and Trula (Guthrie) Harvey. She was raised and educated in Joliet and graduated from Joliet East High School with the class of 1970. Marsha was a hard worker her entire life, holding many positions over the years, and spent the last 10 years of her career working as a yard checker for BNSF Railway until her well earned retirement.

Gwendolyn L. Vacca

Published by admin on Mon, 10/20/2025 - 10:42am

COAL CITY—Gwendolyn L. Vacca, 64, of Coal City, passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2025.
Born on May 30, 1961, in Joliet, she was a cherished individual whose kind spirit will be missed by many.
Throughout her life, Gwen exhibited a great appreciation for the beauty of nature, particularly reflected in her love of gardening and watching hummingbirds. A creative soul, Gwen also found joy in crafting, bringing beauty into the world. But perhaps Gwen's greatest joy came from the laughter shared with her family and friends.

Peter Cinotto

Published by admin on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 9:40am

New Athens, IL— Peter A. Cinotto, 83, of New Athens, IL, born March 10, 1942, in Braidwood, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Pete was a man of generosity, warm-hearted nature, and deep faith, who dedicated his life to hard work, family, and helping others. Pete’s easy-going nature and wonderful sense of humor made him pleasant to be around.

Charles Carr

Published by admin on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 9:10am

WILMINGTON—Charles L. Carr, 94, of Wilmington, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, 2025.
Born Feb. 10, 1931, in Custer Park, Charles Leonard Carr was the son of Harry Benjamin and Arzola May (Calhoun) Carr. He was raised and educated in Douglas County, IL, and after graduating from high school, proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Norman L. Lardi

Published by admin on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 8:54am

SOUTH WILMINGTON— Norman L. Lardi, 86, of South Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Oct. 14, 2025.
Born Aug. 10, 1939 in South Wilmington, Norman was a son of Sereno Zene and Natalie (Dinelli) Lardi. He was raised and educated in South Wilmington and was a proud member of the Gardner-South Wilmington High School Class of 1957.
On Nov. 28, 1959, Norman married his soulmate, Donita Arthur, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington. Their marriage was the foundation of a loving home where they raised their family and shared a lifetime of memories.

Royce “Dick” A. Smith

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 1:00pm

Royce “Dick” A. Smith

Age 84, of Gardner, IL, formerly of Custer Park, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL. Born April 14, 1941, in Bradley, IL, he was the son of Royce R. and Mary D. (née McQueary) Smith.

On November 15, 1974, Royce married the love of his life, Judy Mack, at the United Methodist Church in Essex, IL. Together they shared nearly 51 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another.