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Torman Funeral Home, 510 Flagg Street, Paw Paw, IL (2026)

04/08/2026

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Phil Foster

Phillip Walter Foster, 86 of Shabbona, IL passed away Tuesday April 7 2026, in his home with his loving wife Shirley beside him.

Phil was born to Floyd & Ruby Foster on March 26, 1940. He married the love of his life, Shirley Walzer Foster on December 26, 1959. The two shared 66 beautiful years together.

An innovator, a business leader, an avid golfer, an active member of his community, a captivating storyteller, Phil made it his mission to love people, serve people, and leave his community a better place. Phil was known far and wide for his generosity to everyone he met. He was a dedicated and loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa!

In earlier days, Phil worked at and then purchased the Lee Blacksmith Shop (LBI) in 1960. He worked and built up the business until 1977 when he sold it. He then started Farmers Factory Co. (FFC) with his daughter Annie in 1982. Phil designed and patented a number of pieces of equipment; many of which are still used today. Over the course of his life, Phil’s talents and background included, Fire Chief, Pilot, Member of School Board, community groups, and Painter.

Phil was never happier, than when surrounded by family. Never one to run shy of stories to share, he could often be found surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren telling stories, cracking jokes, and offering encouragement and wisdom. Until the day he passed, Phil’s terrific sense of humor outlasted any pain he had. He was always quick to smile and offer a hug.

Deeply important to Phil was his Catholic Faith in God and Jesus Christ. He woke up early each morning to spend multiple hours in prayer for his family, his friends, his community, and his country. His faith lent him to being extremely generous, kind and loving.

Phil is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons: Chip (Dea) Foster of Maple Park, Charlie (Patty) Foster of Shabbona, Jerry (Sue) Foster of Shabbona; son-in-law Daniel Sanderson of Malta; grandchildren: Kyle (Gresha) Foster, Brock Foster, Camden (Kelli) Foster, Trevor Foster, Tyler Foster, Seth (Lauren) Sanderson, Kalia (John) Switzer, and Sara (Brandon) Hershey; and 13 great-grandchildren. Phil is also survived by his sister Carolyn and many nieces and nephews.

Phil is preceded in death by his dear daughter Diane (Annie) Sanderson, his parents Floyd & Ruby, and his brother & sister-in-law Dean & Nancy Foster.

Cremation care has been provided by Torman Funeral Home. The wake will be held from 4:00 to 8:00pm on Thursday, April 16th at St. James Catholic Church Parish Hall in Lee, IL. Funeral Mass will be Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00am at St. James Catholic Church in Lee, IL. Friends are invited to join for lunch and celebration of life at the St. James Church Parish Hall following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital in Phil’s memory. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

03/08/2026

In loving memory of Dave Sanderson

David Raymond Sanderson, 71, of Steward, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 5, 2026. He was born April 19, 1954, in DeKalb, Illinois, to Donald and Evelyn Sanderson, who both preceded him in death.

He is survived by his brothers, Doug Sanderson and Dan Sanderson; his children, Chelsey Sanderson Zuzow and her children Andrew Zuzow and Elaine Zuzow; Bailey Sanderson and her children Thaden McKoy and Harper McKoy; and Austin Sanderson and his children Ella Sanderson and Emersyn Sanderson. He is also survived by his partner, Erica Scudder.

David spent much of his life farming in the Malta area, was a volunteer firefighter, and tended the Union cemetery at Calvary Lutheran Church. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched throughout his years.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services and celebration of life will be held at a later date at Calvary Lutheran Church, 19 Perry Road, Lee, Illinois. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

03/05/2026

Our condolences to the family of Lois Darlene Rorah

Lois Darlene Rorah, 67, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in Lakeland, FL. She was born on May 10, 1959, in Rochelle, IL, the daughter of Gerene and Iva (Wilson) Underwood.

Lois was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Her work ethic was impeccable.

Lois is survived by four children: Kenneth (Brandi), Leroy, and Samuel Rorah all of Lakeland, FL and Julia Hill of Aberdeen, SD; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Laura Ysco of Compton, IL and Kathy (Edward) Shorter of Bethel Springs, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Lois is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; daughter, April French; and a nephew, Adrian Shorter.

The funeral service will take place at 12:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Torman Funeral Home, 510 Flagg Street, in Paw Paw with Pastor John Kalebaugh officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Melugin Grove Cemetery in Compton. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

02/27/2026

Our condolences to the family and friends of Edward Tennant

Edward “E.T.” Tennant, 75, of Murphysboro, IL and formerly or Paw Paw, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026, at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. He was born April 3, 1950, in Ottawa, the son of Austin and Leona (Cook) Tennant.

Ed graduated from Paw Paw High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked for the State of Illinois Parks and Outdoor Recreation for his entire career. Ed loved being outdoors, especially riding his Harley or mushroom hunting. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.

Ed is survived by his son, Eric (Virginia) Clark of Idaho; brother, Ronald “Ozzie” (Marcia) Tennant of Sandwich, IL; niece, Julie (Tom) Conlin; nephews, Jeremiah (Chris) Tennant and Adam (Maywish) Tennant; and several great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial graveside service will be at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Wyoming Township Cemetery 662 S. Paw Paw Road, in Paw Paw with Pastor David Hamer officiating. Military rites will be accorded. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

02/27/2026

In loving memory of Jack Jacobs

Jack V. Jacobs, 86, formerly of Paw Paw and Compton, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Manor Court of Peru.

He was born April 14, 1939, in Compton, Illinois, to Jake and Muriel (Johnson) Jacobs. Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, he built a strong work ethic throughout his career, working for Ruan Transportation, Consolidated Freightways, and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

In 1982, Jack married Eleanor “Ellie” Demert.

He is lovingly survived by his children, Dean Jacobs of Arizona, Ed (Kevin) Jacobs of Indiana, and Mary (Tim) Rebholz of Florida. Grandchildren; Amanda (Kale) Davis and Justin (Maddisen) Rebholz. Great-grandchildren; Kamden and Brinley Davis and Jesse Rebholz. Sisters; Diana Little, Jennette (Greg) Lane, Peg (Paul) Legner, and Penny (Hunt) Ozmer. He is also survived by his stepchildren Lori Hanson of Wisconsin, JaLayne (Tom) Lionberger of Troy, Illinois, Dayne Shaw of Sycamore, and Brent Shaw of Mendota. Step-grandchildren; Jessica, Travis, Ashley, Brianne (Roman), Mary, Alli, Jordyn, and Cole. Step-great-grandchildren; Leah, Brayden, Johnny, and Oliver.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his son David, his wife Ellie, his brother Dennis, and his step daughter Becky.

Jack was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and rarely missed a game. He also enjoyed golfing and treasured the time spent with friends and family.

Cremation care was provided by Torman Funeral Home. Jack will be laid to rest beside his wife Ellie at Restland Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 28th at 1 PM, First Presbyterian Church, 398 Chicago Rd, Paw Paw, IL 61353. Following the service, a social gathering will be held at Mendota Golf Course. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

02/23/2026

In loving memory of Thomas "Tom" McNamara Jr.

Thomas “Tom” James McNamara, Jr., 69, of Paw Paw, formerly of Elburn, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at his home. He was born July 30, 1956, in Elmhurst, the son of Thomas Sr. and Helen (Reimer) McNamara.

Tom loved going fast. He enjoyed working on cars and was especially fond of his 1978 Corvette. He also had a passion for lifted four wheel drive trucks and taking them mud bogging. Tom was fond of spending time outdoors, especially being on the water in his super-fast speedboat.

Tom is survived by two daughters, Val and Lynette; one granddaughter; sisters, Madelyn Strand and Marilyn (Bruce) Lake; a brother, Kevin (Cathy) McNamara; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, John Strand.

Cremation care has been provided by Torman Funeral Home in Paw Paw. No services will be held at this time. Please visit www.TormanFuneraHome.com to sign the online guest book.

02/12/2026

In loving memory of Simone Sue Johnson

Simone Sue Johnson, a beloved mother, grandmother, and former educator, passed away on January 24, 2026, in DeKalb, Illinois. She was 75.

Born on August 21, 1950, in DeKalb, Illinois, at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Simone was the daughter of Norman and Carshon (Richardson) Johnson of Lee, Illinois. She was raised on the family farm just north of Shabbona.

Simone was a proud graduate of Shabbona High School in 1968. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1971. She dedicated her life to teaching, serving as an elementary school teacher in Loves Park, Paw Paw, DeKalb, and Malta, and later as a substitute teacher at Indian Creek. From 1992 to 2000, she channeled her passion for education into her own business, Johnson’s ABC, an educational supply store.

She is survived by her two sons, Shane Kern and his wife Nikki, and Christian Kern and his wife Stefanie. Simone was a loving grandmother to Kennedy, Brooklyn, Myles, and Jaxon.

Simone was preceded in death by her parents and her infant sons, Ronald Scott Kern and Jason Norman Kern, and son, Blake Jay Hawbaker.

Per Simone’s wishes, there will be no services or memorial. Arrangements were entrusted to Torman Funeral Home, Paw Paw, IL.

01/30/2026

Our condolences to the family of Sharon Rose Moore

Sharon Rose (Wood) Moore, 80, of Scarboro, IL was born to Charles and Mary (Briner) Wood on June 13, 1945. She was escorted by the Lord to her heavenly home on January 30, 2026, with her children and grandchildren by her side.

She was a faithful member of the United Pentecostal Church of Rochelle for 50 years. She raised her 8 children in the Apostolic Faith. She learned to play the accordion at the age of 12 and loved to entertain her kids and grandkids with her famous “Indian Dance Song.” She married at the young age of 16 and had 4 daughters. She then went on to marry the love of her life, Dave Moore, on June 3, 1968, and added 3 more sons and 1 more daughter. They were married for 53 years until his death on November 17, 2021.

She was also preceded in death by her son Davey (1981); her daughter, Carol Lamberth (2017); her son-in-law, Scott Simms (2025); her parents, Charles and Mary (Briner) Wood; her sister, Betty Frye; her brother, Clarence (Sonny) Wood; and an infant brother, Donald Wood,

She is survived by her children, Pamela (Ray) Sloan of Batesville, IN, Denise Simms of Milan, IN, Jean (Joe) Parrish of Rochelle, IL, Cindy (Rob) Halverson of Rochelle, IL, Rick Moore of Scarboro, IL, and Scott (Ellie) Moore of Brookville, IN; 35 grandkids; 51 great-grandkids; and 12 great-great grandkids.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Sissy Simms (“That Girl,” as mom would call her) and Michelle Mullins for the care and love that you gave to mom for the past 7 months and to Craig Ullrich and Kenny Mershon, who were like sons to her. Thanks also to Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL for the great care that was given to our mom and for always keeping us updated as a family.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 7 at the United Pentecostal Church, 203 Erickson Road, in Rochelle with Pastor Christopher Gentry and Reverend Tyler Voris officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at the church. There will be a meal following the services at the church. Cremation care was provided by Torman Funeral Home of Paw Paw, IL, which has been there for our whole family throughout the years. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

01/11/2026

In loving memory of Richard "Dick" Arjes

Richard Gene Arjes
July 4, 1941 – January 2, 2026

Richard was born in Compton, IL in 1941. Dick, as his family called him, was the youngest of 11 children. He graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1959. Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduation and headed to Camp Pendleton in California. He came back to Paw Paw, IL and married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Hunter on October 28, 1962. They returned to California where they stayed until Richard was honorably discharged. Richard and Carolyn lived in Rochelle, IL and raised their family there until 1978 when they moved to Tempe, AZ.

Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn (2024), his parents Jake Arjes (1966), and Gladys Arjes (1974), siblings, Bernice (Jim) Cardot (2013), Helen (Wally) Davis (2020), Allie (Alice) Arjes (1975), Jake (Peggy) Arjes, Jr. (1989), Robert (Arlene) Arjes (1961), Betty (Webb) Cardot (2016), Donald (Judy) Arjes (1985), Wilma Pat (Kelly) Wyatt (2018), Lindy Lou Arjes (1937) and Jerry Arjes (2003).

He is survived by his children Beth Arjes Parker of Tempe, AZ and Todd (Kelley) Arjes of Gilbert, AZ. His grandchildren Jared and Zachary Parker of Tempe, AZ; Trevor Arjes of Oak Ridge, TN and Kylee Arjes of Mesa, AZ, and step grandchildren Mackenzie and Molly Rhodes of Chandler, AZ. Great grandchildren, Lilly Mae Arjes of Gilbert, AZ and Trait Arjes of Oak Ridge, TN. Sisters-in-law Barbara (Rich) Huls of Queen Creek, AZ and Becki (Bill) Westbrook of Sandwich, IL. Richard has countless nieces and nephews in Illinois and Arizona. Extended family includes Lupita (David) Lyon and their children Sofia (Jacob) Skaalen, Joshua and Daniel Lyon.

If you knew Richard or talked to him for any length of time, you would know the importance of his faith. A true servant of God he felt his purpose on this earth was to make sure everyone knew about the salvation of Jesus. He will be remembered for how he loved his kids, and for his devotion to his wife and the selfless role of caretaker as her health declined. He put others first in big ways and small, including pulling a chair out for someone, offering to drive anyone anywhere, and praying for those he knew and did not know. He made friends easily and encouraged others.

The Arjes’ attended First Baptist Church in Rochelle where they served as Youth Leaders. He was an usher at Grace Community Church in Tempe, AZ for 30 years. He was active in the Men’s Ministry, Momentum Sunday School Class and attended Summit Senior Adult Class at Grace when his health permitted. In recent years he attended Arizona Community Church and appreciated the online services. Both he and Carolyn enjoyed watching their kids sing in the choir and you would find them coming early to watch rehearsals.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 10:00 am -11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 810 Woolf Ct., Rochelle, IL 61068. A funeral service will immediately follow at the church at 11:00 am. Richard will be laid to rest in Melugin Grove Cemetery in Compton, IL. The family invites everyone to enjoy a luncheon to share memories and stories of Richard following the graveside service. The lunch will be provided at First Baptist Church. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

12/03/2025

Our deepest condolences to the Thomas and Richardson families as well as the many friends and extended family of Kristen Thomas

Kristen Elyse Thomas (nee Richardson), 36 of Arvada, CO, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2025. She was born on April 4, 1989, to Gary and Rosalyn Richardson of Shabbona, IL. Along with her three sisters, Kristen spent her childhood in Shabbona where she developed a love for horseback riding, exploring the outdoors at the family farm, swimming, soccer, golf and euchre. She attended Rollo United Church of Christ where she was both baptized and confirmed.

Kristen is a 2007 graduate of Indian Creek High School in Shabbona. Kristen attended Aurora University for a year before transferring to Northern Illinois University. After graduating from NIU in 2011 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Kristen moved to Scottsdale, AZ. She had been living in Scottsdale for a year when she decided to join two of her sisters and moved to Denver. It was there, in 2013, where she met the love of her life, Jarod Thomas. The two were engaged in September 2015 and married on September 2, 2016 in Lakewood, CO. Jarod was the perfect partner for Kristen. They shared a love of traveling and were constantly getting their passports stamped with trips to Vancouver, Spain, Switzerland, Iceland, Andorra, Austria, New Zealand, Australia and Aruba. In the summer months, they would spend their free time playing golf, hiking in the mountains, and road tripping to Minnesota and Illinois to see family and friends. In the winter months, they would ski and snowboard. And year-round, they could be found playing euchre for hours on end. Kristen would often partner with her mom and Jarod would partner with her dad. The “Girls vs. Boys” euchre showdown would go on for over 10 years with the ladies ultimately being the victors! In January 2019, Jarod and Kristen welcomed their beautiful daughter, Remi. Another beautiful daughter, Reese, joined in June 2020 completing the family of four. Kristen loved being a mother more than anything. She was thrilled when both girls would join her on the driving range or when the entire family (including their three dogs!) would hike the gorgeous trails of Colorado. Always the encouraging mother, Kristen would cheer her girls on as they learned to read and write, play soccer, and listen to their stories born from their imagination.

Shortly after Reese’s second birthday, Kristen was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic NET cancer. With the same drive and focus she had to become the youngest club champion at Indian Oaks Country Club in 2007 or to earn a Master’s Degree in Health Promotion and Education in 2016 or to run the Colfax Marathon in 2017, Kristen fought this terrible disease. While the prognosis was not good, she was determined to see Remi start Kindergarten in August of 2024. In true Kristen fashion, she smashed that goal and was at Reese’s first day of Kindergarten in August of 2025.

Kristen passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025 with her husband by her side. While her family and friends are heartbroken to have lost her, we are grateful she is now cancer-free and resting peacefully in God’s kingdom. We would like to thank every single person who has prayed for her and cheered her on as she courageously fought her battle. She, along with Jarod and both the Richardson and Thomas families, felt that love and were humbled by the never-ending support from so many friends and family members from all over the country.

Kristen is survived by her husband, Jarod, their two daughters, Remi and Reese; her loving parents, Gary and Ros Richardson; her three sisters, Leah (Andrew) Myers of Geneva, IL, Jodie Richardson of Dekalb, IL, Lindsay (Kyle) Clark of Parker, CO; her mother-in-law, Kristen Krall of Westminster, CO; her father-in-law Gary (Amy) Thomas of Arvada, CO, her brothers-in-law, Raymond Krall of Westminster, CO, Joe (Allison) Thomas of Arvada, CO, Jonathon Thomas of Fort Collins, CO, Caleb (Allison) Thomas of Longmont, CO, Luke (Megan) Thomas of Littleton, CO, Seth Thomas of Arvada, CO, and her nieces and nephews: Thomas, Penny, Phoebe, Liam, Emmett, Gabriel, Simon, Lindsey, James and Hannah. Kristen is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Paul and Shirley McDowell, her paternal grandparents, Garland and Carol Richardson, and her aunts, Kristine McDowell Guy and Paula McDowell.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 2 PM MST at Arvada Covenant Church, located at 5555 Ward Rd in Arvada, CO.

Funeral arrangements have been arranged by Torman Funeral Home of Paw Paw, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20 from 9 AM to 12 PM CST at Rollo UCC in Rollo, IL. Funeral services will follow the visitation at the church with Pastor David Fraccaro officiating. Burial will follow at Wyoming Cemetery in Paw Paw, IL. All are invited back to the church for a luncheon after the graveside service. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

11/25/2025

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Anita Marie Vaessen

Anita Marie Vaessen, of West Brooklyn, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon, IL. She was 86 years old.

Anita was born December 27, 1938 in Spring Valley, IL the daughter of Gilbert and Matilda (Funfsinn) Vaessen. After high school at Mount St. Clare Academy in Clinton, IA, she worked as an administrative assistant at Black Bros Co, Mendota. She pursued her education and earned an undergraduate degree at St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA and two master’s degrees from the University of Iowa.

Anita worked as a medical social worker for 18 years at Moline Public Hospital, six years at St. Luke’s Hospital (Genesis) in Davenport, IA, and six years at The Canticle in Clinton, IA.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Joseph Vaessen.

She is survived by a brother, Louis (Carol) Vaessen (Sublette) and a sister, Mary Vaessen (Amboy), and five nieces and nephews: Audrey (Randy) Moreno, Michael (Brenda) Vaessen, Peter (Barbara) Vaessen, Carmon (Craig) Conderman, and Martin Vaessen along with many great (and great great) nieces and nephews, and many many cousins from both here, the Netherlands and Germany. She is also survived by a special friend, Ray Jauch.

She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Sublette.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Sublette, IL with lifelong friends Fr. Timothy Piasecki and Fr. Brian Miclot officiating. Visitation will be at the church before Mass from 9:00 A.M. -10: 30 AM. Memorial gifts may be directed to Holy Cross Catholic Grade School, Mendota, IL and Serenity Hospice Home, Oregon, IL. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

11/12/2025

Please hold the Schoenholz family close during this time and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers

Emmett Paul Schoenholz, beloved son, brother, and light of his family’s life, passed away on November 7, 2025. Though his time with us was brief, Emmett’s joyful spirit and infectious smiles touched everyone he met in ways that will live on forever.

Born on August 6, 2025, in DeKalb, Illinois, Emmett was a cherished son and adored little brother. He brought immeasurable joy to his parents and filled the home with warmth and happiness. Emmett loved to be cuddled and was happiest when someone held him close, exchanging gentle coos together. Every day began and ended with his sweet, cheerful smile.

Emmett is survived by his devoted parents, Evan and Allison Schoenholz of Paw Paw, Illinois; siblings Adelynn Duke, Easton Schoenholz, and Sawyer Schoenholz; grandparents Janna Schoenholz of Paw Paw, Illinois, Christie Leadley of Delavan, Wisconsin, and Gary (Debra) Leadley of Mendota, Illinois; and a loving circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins who cherished every moment with him.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ronald R. Schoenholz.

A private family service will be held to celebrate Emmett’s life and the love he inspired. The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Schoenholz family for a memorial fund to be established in the future. Donations may be directed to the Schoenholz Family, ℅ Torman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 357, Paw Paw, IL 61353. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.

Although Emmett’s time with us was short, his love will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, sweet Peanut.

Torman Funeral Home

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