All Obituaries

Carrie A. Stahl, 49, of Bruceton, Tennessee, passed away on February 27, 2026. Carrie was born on May 21, 1976, in Sterling, Illinois, to Dave Cummings and the late Roberta Cummings. Carrie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother who deeply loved her family. She found joy in the simple things in life and cherished the time she spent with those closest to her. Carrie especially loved fishing, gardening, boating on the river, caring for animals, and spending time with ...

Vernon P. " Butch " Schwitters, age 74, of Dixon died Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Serenity Hospice in Oregon. He was born May 21, 1951 , in Dixon and is the son of Vernon and Tillie ( Weiser ) Schwitters. He married Paula Payne on August 8, 1980,  in Morrison, IL. He worked for ComEd and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Survivors include his wife, Paula, one son, Eric Schwitters, one step -daughter, Carrie O'Neal , all of Dixon , and 4 granddaughters.  He is also ...

Gwendolyn L. Gallentine, 91, of Dixon, passed on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Heritage Square of Dixon. Gwendolyn was born on October 22, 1934, the daughter of Leon and Pearl (Beatty) Brooks. She married Eugene Gallentine on August 3, 1952, at the Brethren Church of Dixon. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2013. She proudly raised exotic birds and enjoyed caring for them. She collected art glass, especially pieces by Lalique. She loved nature and animals and found great joy in ...

Marilyn L. Smallwood, 96, of Harmon, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at OSF Saint Katherine Medical Center of Dixon. Marilyn was born on November 23, 1929, to Arthur and Wilma (Krafock) Schmidt. She married Frank Smallwood on September 3. 1950 in Harmon, Illinois. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2011. She is survived by two daughters, Dawn Foss and Gay (Don) Janssen both of Dixon; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Jessica) Chupp, Jamie Rodriguez, Destinee Foss, and Skyler Foss; eight ...

Henrietta L. Reed-Hillman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away on December 7th 2025 at the age of 99. She was born on March 26th 1926 in Silver Creek, Illinois, where her remarkable life journey first began. Henrietta was known for her kindness strength and for the unwavering love she showed to everyone around her. Throughout her life, she worked as a clerk at Kroger Grocery in Dixon, Illinois. Her presence brought comfort, wisdom, and joy to ...

James G. Kirby, 93, of Dixon, died on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at OSF HealthCare of Dixon. James was born on March 14, 1932, the son of James and Lora (Burgess) Kirby. He served over 35 years as the Dixon Township Road Commissioner. He is survived by his wife, Carol Kirby of Dixon; one son, Steven (Kathy) Kirby of Queen Valley, AZ; two grandchildren, Jeffrey (Valerie) Kirby of Dixon and Nicole (Brian) Ranken of Queen Valley, AZ; five great grandchildren, Alexander (Destiny) Becker of ...

Judy Jane Widergren (Schmall) August 10, 1941 – November 15, 2025 Judy June Widergren, age 84, of Rockford, IL,  passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025 in Titusville, FL. She was born on August 10, 1941, in Dixon, Illinois, to John Joseph and Ellen May (Hill) Schmall. Raised in the Catholic faith, Judy’s spiritual journey later led her to practice as a devoted Methodist, reflecting her lifelong commitment to God and to a life of faith. Judy was a loving wife, mother, ...

Lula E. Portner, 87, of Rock Falls, died Saturday, November 15, 2025 at home in Rock Falls.                Lula was born on April 21, 1938, to Harold and Ruby (Hart) Quimby. She was a loving wife to Donald Portner. They shared 64 wonderful years together. He preceded her in death August 5, 2020. Lula was a devoted mother and very loved.                ...

Donald W. Houck, 93, of Dixon, died on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Saint Anthony Medical Center of Rockford. He was born on June 11, 1932, in Woosung, Illinois, the son of John and Sadie (Farster) Houck. He married Carole Johnson on March 13, 1959 at Rock Falls Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2014. Don grew up with his 12 siblings and parents in Woosung, where he first learned the importance and love of family and taking care of each other. He lived that lesson ...

Donald W. Houck, 93, of Dixon, died on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Saint Anthony Medical Center of Rockford. He was born on June 11, 1932, in Woosung, Illinois, the son of John and Sadie (Farster) Houck. He married Carole Johnson on March 13, 1959 at Rock Falls Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2014.  Don grew up with his 12 siblings and parents in Woosung, where he first learned the importance and love of family and taking ...