All Obituaries

Gabriele (Gabe) Helga Smith was born in Burglengenfeld Germany on June 1, 1956. She passed away on October 22, 2020. Gabe graduated from Harlem High School in 1974. She worked at Atwood Mobile products for 30 years. She then surprised everyone by going back to school and diligently completing her degree, maintaining her place on the Dean’s list. She started a new career working for the Home Services Program for IDHS (Doors). She recently retired from Landstar. Gabe was fiercely loyal...

Maria Michel passed away on October 11,2020. She was 53 years old. Maria was a proud mother of 5 children and very loved by her 9 grandchildren. She was a hard working women and very independent. She was very passionate about flowers and plants. The Dahlia’s were her favorites. She would go on and beyond for her family. And all her children were proud to call her mom. Maria is survived by her mother Cristina ,her five children Juan Salas, Erika Salas , Karla Salas , Reyna Castro and...

Obituary Emma Lee Tharps 91, of Rockford, IL departed this earthly life on Thursday, October 8, 2020. She was born in Brownsville, Tennessee on May 20, 1929 to Monroe and Winne Outlow. She came to Rockford, Illinois as a child and she attended East High School. She married Cleveland Tharps on July 9, 1965. She worked in the Finishing Department at Amerock and retired December 2, 1987. She was a member of New Fellowship Baptist Church where she served on the Mothers Board, the mission and...

“Melody Ann Rodriguez passed away on October 8, 2020 at the age of 46. She worked for the Harlem School District as a para professional with Special needs students. Melody enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters. Bringing family and friends together always sparked joy in her.  Melody was a loving, wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She was a caring, self-less woman who left a positive mark on all of those around her. Her legacy lives on through...

Deacon Janka “John” Valukievic, 89, born in 1931 in Zalesse, Belarus, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2020 in his home surrounded by his family.  Married on Nov. 1, 1953 to his wife of 66 yrs, Nina (Woloch).  Became a citizen of the United States on Oct. 8, 1957.  Ran his own business with his son and was a member of the local Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers for 50 yrs.  Was ordained an Orthodox Deacon on Oct. 15, 1961 at Christ the Savior...

DONALD M. LYON, age 89, was born on July 9, 1931, in Egeland, North Dakota to Frank Lyon and Florence (Booher) Lyon.  The family later moved to the State of Oregon, where he lived until he moved to Rockford, Illinois.  He was the youngest of four children and the last to be called home.  While attending Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa; Don married his childhood sweetheart, Donna Faye Swaggart in Eugene, Oregon on August 9, 1951 and 69 years later they were still as...

Daniel Leroy Egbert passed away at home on September 23, 2020 at the age of 79.  He was born to Richard and Ava (Penley) Egbert in Rockford Illinois and was a lifelong resident. After his father’s death at a young age, Daniel worked tirelessly to support his mother Ava, brother Richard and his own young family. Daniel married Susan Paige in 1961, eventually settled down to raise five children. He was a licensed mechanic, working at various auto shops and dealerships in the...

Visitation Monday September 21, 2020 time 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christion Burial September 22, 2020 time 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Aurora, IL Burial in Lincoln Memorial Park