Law Jones Cremation and Funeral Care

01/03/2026

John H. Buckley

John H. Buckley, 81, passed away after a sudden illness at home on January 1, 2026, with his beloved wife, Jackie, by his side. A visitation will be held from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth, with a service at 4:00 p.m. Burial, with full military honors, will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.

Born June 13, 1944, in Chicago, John was the son of Thomas and Helen (Freevol) Buckley. He attended Austin High School with the Class of 1962, carrying forward the same grit and good humor that would define him for the rest of his life.

Soon after high school, John answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served as an Airman First Class at Schilling Air Force Base, working with the missile silos and in the motor pool—jobs that demanded reliability, precision, and steady nerves. In 1964, John was sent overseas to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, during a time when the Vietnam War was escalating and the base was alive with nonstop activity. With B-52s constantly landing and taking off, John spent the remainder of his tour on the flight line, doing his part in a mission much larger than himself.

Long before his working years and military service, John’s greatest story had already begun—one that started back in the first grade. That’s when he met a young girl named Jackie Boddy. Their friendship grew through the years, and by high school they were inseparable. On September 21, 1963, John married the love of his life, Jackie, in Oak Park, Illinois. Together they built a life rooted in loyalty, laughter, and teamwork—raising two children, Michael and Michelle, and celebrating an extraordinary 62 years of marriage. John and Jackie truly were a team, and John also cherished his faithful canine companion, Kumo, who rarely left his side.

John was the kind of man people gravitated toward. He “did it all,” and he did it with a grin. A natural jokester and the life of the party, he had a way of making others feel at ease—often with a quick comment, a playful jab, or a perfectly timed story. He would give anyone the shirt off his back, and he genuinely loved helping people. He enjoyed a good scotch, good company, and the simple satisfaction of showing up for others.

John spent decades as an Operating Engineer, operating heavy cranes with the calm focus that comes from skill earned the hard way. He worked for Wagner Benson until 1989, then for Electric Conduit, and later at the Chicago Yacht Yard, retiring in 2013. He was a dedicated member of Local 150 Operating Engineers, and he took pride in the work. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and later became a Shriner. John’s love of cars and motorcycles remained throughout life. His latest gem was an Audi.

John will be dearly missed by his wife, Jackie Buckley of Apple River, Illinois; his son, Michael (Jennifer) Buckley of Marion, Iowa; and his three grandchildren, Daniella, Jesalynn, and Michael II. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle, in 2018; his brother, James (Brenda) Buckley; and both parents, Thomas and Helen Buckley.

John’s legacy is one of love, laughter, hard work, and service—marked by devotion to his family, pride in his craft, and a generous spirit that left people better than he found them.

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01/02/2026

Jari Lynn Sullivan

Jari Lynn Sullivan was born in Camas, Washington to parents Billie and Don Wilson and passed away in her Illinois home at the age of 85 in the loving arms of her husband on January 2, 2026 after a lengthy illness.

Jari lived in several places before landing in Ulysses, Kansas where she graduated from Grant County Rural High School. She then attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. She had 3 daughters and moved to California where she fell in love with horses while working as an administrative assistant for a land developer of horse properties. She also worked at Source Capital for a number of years. Jari loved and watched all manner of sports, most especially football. Go Cowboys!

In 1988, Jari attended her 30-year high school reunion in Colorado Springs, Colorado where she was reacquainted with Dan Sullivan who she first met in the 3rd grade. They quickly fell in love and wed on February 4, 1989. Jari was married to Dan for 36 years and was happiest on their horse farm located near Elizabeth, IL.

Jari and Dan lived in Northwest Illinois from 1995 and got into horses and the breeding of horses. Jari supervised a Thoroughbred breeding herd with up to 60 horses on her farm and sold many to China as it was revitalizing its racing. Later, Jari helped with a cow calf herd as the family withdrew from horse racing as age advanced.

Jari is survived by her husband, Dan Sullivan, her daughters, Jennifer Lyn (Jack) Hicks of CA, Jamie Lea Taylor of AZ, and Julie Leone (Joe) Banigan of IL, her stepchildren, Daniel (Cindy) Sullivan of IL, Colleen (Eli) Pars of IL, and Heather (Al) Maldonado of IL, her niece, Heather Meeks of Tx, her grandchildren Stefanie, Dustin, Emily, Nicole, Tristan, Ramsey, Keegan, and Jaiden, her step grandchildren Mary, Maggie, Jillian, and Spencer, and great grandchildren Sofia, Parker, Westin, Wyatt, Henley, and Jazz.

A memorial visitation will be held 4 – 7 PM Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Law Jones Funeral Home, 107 S. Main St., Elizabeth, Illinois.

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12/31/2025

Jeffrey A. Neuschwanger

Jeffrey Alan Neuschwanger, age 72, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll. In lei of flowers donations in memory of Jeff can be sent to Law Jones Funeral Home ref: Jeffrey Neuschwanger Memorial.

Jeff was born on June 17, 1953, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Glen F. and Alice (Ward) Neuschwanger. A proud graduate of the Mt. Carroll High School Class of 1971, Jeff was a standout individual who excelled both in the classroom and on the field. He was ranked at the top of his class, voted "Best Looking" by his peers, and is remembered for his remarkable athletic talent in both football and baseball.

After attending Western University College for a year, Jeff answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1972. During his nine years of honorable service, he underwent rigorous US Navy Nuclear Training and served as a Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator. His dedication and expertise led him to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Jeff’s final duty assignment was aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN69). For his service, he was highly decorated, receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, and two Good Conduct Awards, among many other honors.

In 1974, Jeff married Susan E. Prehn, and together they raised their two children, Eric and Katie. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1981, Jeff began a distinguished 29-year career at the Clinton, Illinois Power Station. He started as a Control Room Operator and, through his leadership and technical skill, rose to the position of Operations Work Coordinator, while also serving in various management and training roles before retiring in 2010.

Upon retirement, Jeff returned to his roots in Mt. Carroll to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and the peace of the countryside. Above all, Jeff cherished his family. He took great pride in following his grandchildren’s sports and extracurricular activities, and he held a special place in his heart for his "granddogs," whose "shenanigans" always kept him entertained.

Jeff is survived by his children, Katie (Ryan) Waddington and family of Wildwood, MO, and Eric Neuschwanger and family of Aurora, CO; his siblings, Jon Neuschwanger of Mt. Carroll, Mike (Aurlene) Neuschwanger of Edgewood, MD, and Ted Neuschwanger of Heltonville, IN. He is also survived by his nieces, Samantha Neuschwanger and family, Liz (Josh) Jordan and family, and Chloe Neuschwanger, as well as many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Alice; his sister, Gwen D. Neuschwanger; and his sister-in-law, Becky Neuschwanger.

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12/30/2025

Kathleen Marie McGuire

Kathleen Marie McGuire, 60, left this world peacefully on December 26, 2025.

She was born December 4, 1965, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Christine Rochowiak Brown and Joseph “Mick” McGuire Jr.

She is survived by her mother, Christine Rochowiak Brown, her two sisters, Maureen (Douglas) Norris and Colleen (Jeff) Karn, her stepbrother, Len Brown, and her ten nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph M. “Mick” McGuire Jr., her brother, Joseph E. McGuire, her stepfather, Joseph E. Brown, and her grandparents, Edward and Genevieve Rochowiak and Joseph M. Sr. and Jeannette McGuire.

Those who knew Kathleen knew she was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan. Standing on the field at Wrigley when her mom threw out the first pitch at a game was definitely a highlight. Another highlight for Kathleen was earning her certificate from College of DuPage of which she was extremely proud.

Kathleen loved singing everything from 60s and 70s music to Christmas carols. Even though she often didn't know all the words, she sang with gusto. Kathleen was a family historian, sharing memories of family, neighbors, friends, and times spent together with uncanny detail. It was one of her favorite things to do when she got together with family. Family was very important to her. In fact, she traveled all over the country, even to Alaska, to stay connected with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Kathleen loved children, and becoming an aunt brought her great joy. Her broad smile and laugh will remain with us forever.

Visitation will be 11:00 - 11:50 AM, and Mass at 12:00 PM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 318 Chicago Ave, Savanna, IL. A luncheon will follow at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery following the luncheon. Memorials can be made through masses or as donations in Kathleen’s name to the Organization for Autism Research (researchautism.org).

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12/28/2025

Nancy J. Feller

Nancy Janeen Feller, 81, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Preston, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Preston. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, at the church, and also one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Nancy was born on December 1, 1944, the daughter of Warren and Marcella (Carbaugh) Anderson. Raised in Preston, she attended Preston Schools and took great pride in being the first graduate of the new high school in 1963. Following graduation, she attended college for a short time before marrying Frank Feller and beginning their journey of raising three children.

For much of her life, Nancy was a dedicated homemaker, pouring her heart into caring for her family. She was well known for her green thumb; her vegetable gardens were a source of bounty, and her children fondly remember the countless jars of tomatoes and beans she canned each year. Her support for her children was unwavering. She never missed a sporting event or music performance, and she gave back to her community as a volunteer for the Boy Scouts and as a Girl Scout leader.

As her children grew, Nancy entered the workforce, eventually finding her calling at the Preston Meat Locker. She spent many years there, a role she truly loved because it allowed her to visit and share a smile with everyone in town. She was a hardworking fixture of the community who greeted every customer with genuine warmth.

Nancy’s life was enriched by her hobbies and community involvement. An avid bowler from a young age, she inherited the love of the game from her parents and passed that passion down to her own children. She was a mainstay in the women's bowling league in Maquoketa for many years. She was also a past member of the Preston Homemaker’s Club and the Woman’s Club. A talented knitter, Nancy’s handmade scarves, potholders, towels, and afghans are cherished keepsakes within her family, serving as warm reminders of her love.

At the very center of Nancy’s world were her children and grandchildren. She lived for the moments spent together and would do anything to support the ones she loved.

Nancy will be dearly missed by her three children, Clark (Heather) Feller of Cedar Rapids, IA, Richard "Rick" (Yumiko) Feller of Fort Worth, TX, and Renee (Richard) Gerardy of Maquoketa; six grandchildren, Sarah Feller, Hannah Feller, Erika Feller, Jeremiah Gerardy, Kayla Gerardy, and Jessica Gerardy; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte Gerardy, Joshua Gerardy, and Patrick Miller; two step-great-grandchildren, Lizzy Miller and Renesmae Miller; a nephew, Craig; and a niece, Dana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Marcella Anderson, and her brother, Keith.

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12/26/2025

Thomas Saenz, Sr.

Thomas Saenz, Sr, age 92, of Savanna, IL passed away surrounded with love and his devoted wife by his side, December 24, 2025 at FHN hospital in Freeport, IL. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2025 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, IL. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., before the service. Burial will follow at Savanna Township Cemetery.

Born on August 11, 1933 in McAllen, TX, Thomas was the son of Daniel and Hipolita (De La Garza) Saenz, Sr. He attended Pharr San Juan Alamo High School in Pharr, Tx but left early to enlist in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. Thomas served honorably as a combat medic during the Korean War, extending his service by an additional year to earn a legal honorable discharge, due to his early enlistment. His time in the Army shaped him into the man he became.

After returning home, Thomas met the love of his life, Emilia Morales, while spending time with her brother. It was love at first sight and they were married on March 15, 1957. Together they raised seven children. Thomas and Emilia moved from Texas to the Chicago area where he worked at Western Electric in Cicero, IL. They later settled in Romeoville, IL before returning briefly to McAllen, TX. Ever committed to providing for his family, Thomas accepted a job with 3M in Cordova, IL. He bought a home and finally settled in Savanna, IL to raise his family.

Not only was Thomas an honorable soldier, he was also an honorable veteran. After retiring from 3M, he embraced the opportunity to travel with Emilia to many prominent places in the U.S. for Korean War reunions, reconnecting with his platoon. He also served in many local and McAllen military funerals and fundraisers. He was a proud member of the VFW.

Thomas was a devoted husband, father, grand and great grandfather and “tio”, mentoring nieces and nephews, as if they were his own. He cherished his time with his grandchildren. Affectionate and playful, he delighted in making lasting memories with them all, taking them to Adventureland, fishing or even a simple trip to “Mick and Donald’s “.

He will be dearly missed and always loved. He is survived by his beloved wife, Emilia; children, Belinda Saenz, of Savanna, Thomas Saenz, Jr., of Tulsa, OK, Ruben Saenz, of Freeport, IL, Raquel (Dalen) Dreyer, of Stockton, IL, and Samuel (Michelle) Saenz, of Chicago, IL; 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Hipolita Saenz, son, Robert Saenz, daughter, Rebecca (Steven) Green, granddaughter, Carmen Dreyer, sister Christina (Louis) Riojas and brother, Daniel Saenz, Jr.

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12/25/2025

From all of us at Law Jones, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

The holidays have a way of reminding us of what matters most, which is the time we get to spend with the people we love. For many in our community, this is a season of celebration. For others, it can be a bit more difficult, especially if you are missing someone dear to you this year.

We want you to know you aren’t alone. Our thoughts are with the families we’ve served and everyone in our community.

We hope your Christmas is filled with peace and the comfort of good memories. We wish you nothing but the best as we head into the new year.

With sincere care,
The Law Jones Funeral Home Family

12/22/2025

Jane Kehoe

Jane Kehoe, age 88, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, at Allure of Mt. Carroll. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Savanna. Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Jane was born on November 11, 1937, the daughter of Richard and Bessie (Endress) Carroll. She was raised in Stockton, Illinois, where she graduated from Stockton High School with the Class of 1955. In 1969, Jane married the love of her life, Lee Kehoe. Together, they built a beautiful life and celebrated 51 years of marriage before Lee’s passing in 2020.

Jane’s professional journey began at National Lock, but her true passion eventually led her to entrepreneurship. She opened "Jane’s Cakes and Specialties Shop" out of her home, where her talent for baking and decorating became a staple of the community. For years, Jane’s kitchen was the source of countless wedding, anniversary, and birthday cakes. Her family fondly remembers her artistry, and the occasional challenge of keeping little fingers out of the frosting. There were times when Jane was left with just barely enough to finish a masterpiece, much to her playful dismay.

A woman of faith, Jane was a longtime and dedicated member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, where she served actively in the Altar Guild. Outside of her work and church, she was an avid bowler, spending many years competing in the women’s bowling league. She possessed a deep love for the holidays and took great joy in meticulously decorating her home for every season. In her leisure time, Jane enjoyed antiquing and visiting craft shows with friends, and she often found peace in the pages of a good book.

While Jane could be a quiet and private person, her heart was expansive when it came to those she loved. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest pride, and the time spent with her family remained her most cherished treasure.

Jane will be dearly missed by her five children: Sherry (Bob) Worley of Freeport, IL; Scott (Lana) Green of Forreston, IL; Susan (Tom) Slater of Baileyville, IL; Steven (Kathy) Green of Florida; and Michael (Diane) Kehoe of Dakota, IL. Her legacy also lives on through her 16 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee; her parents, Richard and Bessie; and her sister, LouAnn.

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12/20/2025

Stanley J. McCrudden

Stanley John McCrudden, “Little Stan,” “Mclovin,” “Stanta,” “the Gentle Giant,” as my sister lovingly said, and my personal favorite he was my “old dude dad.” He was a man of many names to many of us over the years. My dad was born on September 27th 1970 to Stan and Marilyn (Kall) McCrudden in Clinton, IA. From the very beginning, his life was filled with love, laughter, and connection, growing up in the close-knit village of Thomson, Illinois. Growing up it always felt like my dad knew everyone everywhere that we went, a run to the gas station, the grocery story, Manny’s for pizzas and tacos just wherever we went there was always someone to stop and say hello.

When he was younger, he loved basketball, a passion passed down from his father, Coach or Big Stan, and he carried deep pride in the history of the year little Thomson made it to state and in general he just had so much pride for the area he called his home.

My dad lived his life like a well-loved song: rooted in family, rich with stories, and always meant to be shared. His love of music brought people together and made moments unforgettable. Over the years, his love for music adapted from 8-tracks to CDs to Napster/LimeWire and eventually a sizeable iTunes library, but vinyl was forever and always his favorite. There are fond memories for so many of live concerts, some even hosted out at “the Pond.” Seeing him continue to explore a wide variety of artists throughout the years especially with the help of YouTube pretty cool. He would show you a video of Ren, a British rapper who does street performances, followed by Lindsey Stirling dancing it up with her violin, he adored her music. He also loved live music from festivals and concerts to little performances especially his best friend Grant just singing around a bon fire, and I know those nights live in so many of our memories. I am also sure there are so many memories of my dad during “Camp Freedom week” where the music was blasted so loud, I can remember the Jimi Hendrix version of the Star Spangled Banner on the 4th of July echoing through the bluff as loud as he could make it! A favorite memory of all of us kids is probably the song, “Some Kind of Wonderful,” would play, and Stan would love when Seth would sing it loud and proud even with the wrong lyrics: “Can I get a WHIPPIN,” instead of “Can I get a witness.” Even after we moved out he would play it and sing it wrong while remembering us. Stan also introduced us kids to the magic of musical comedy with works such as Fish Heads a Dr. Demento classic as Phillip recalled. Occasionally, he even made up his own little songs for us kids too. If there was anyway to honor Stan, some good tunes with loved one would be where it is at.

Throughout our childhoods, Stan, my dad, taught us so much about nature and life. Camping, gardening and food preservation. I will miss my dad’s homemade salsa more than anything mine never even comes close. He taught us all so much about different plants, trees, animals, so much about living on the land, he taught us to fish, to hunt, to shoot, how to be avid Morel hunters and more all while teaching us to be good people and good to each other. I know there are probably so many out there with the best camping memories thanks to him he allowed so many people to come out and camp in his little sliver of paradise.

Stan was so smart. He often said he had a photographic memory, and as his daughter, I remember how great he was at math. He could do sales-ad math at the grocery store in his head so fast. I remember Seth and I getting yelled at a lot for being too loud when he was trying to think but as a mom now, I get it. This came with creative punishments like making us hug the rest of the way in the store if we fought. He also pushed us to think outside the box and to be creative. One of my all-time favorite memories that my dad still loved to bring up was the time I had to do a “how-to speech.” His genius idea was to do a “how-to” on how to fail your speech. I stood with my back turned to the class for two minutes, turned around, and said, “And that’s how you fail your speech.” I got an A+, and he was proud for years.

I am not surprised he worked his way up after so many years at Metform into the roles he had over the various years, I know that he took so much pride in his work and all that he mentored and worked with over the years. My dad also had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel, I am so thankful he had an opportunity to see some cool places Jerusalem, Japan, and Poland to name a few, I know those trips were highlights of life for him.

I have enjoyed nothing more in my adulthood than watching him embrace the role of Santa at the holidays, with Kris as his Mrs. Claus by his side. I know that this gave him so much joy because he was spreading joy to all the little kids. I know in my heart that this filled a void in his because all of us kids had to go and grow up. This was his way to keep holiday magic in his heart and for others. Christmas will always be a reminder of the man my dad was in his heart. Even before his Santa days, Stan always had someway of making Christmas and Wintertime magical be it the year he spray painted the snow green for me because I missed the grass, the year we got a 4 wheeler, the sledding and ice skating we did at “the Pond,” it is all a childhood my dad blessed us with. Together, over the years, they raised five of us kids but truly, it was many more. There was never a friend of ours who wasn’t welcome in a time of need. Stan would have given the shirt off his back to anyone. It’s probably why he so often wasn’t wearing a shirt at all. He had one of the biggest hearts so many of us have ever known. It was this that inspired me to become a social worker—to help anyone and everyone, no matter who they were, where they came from, or what they had done. Everyone deserved kindness and help when it was needed. Stan embodied this in his life in a way that I am so proud of him for.

In recent years, if he wasn’t playing Santa, he was playing darts with his dart league or golfing at benefits, spending time with his grandkids or other family whenever he could. He enjoyed helping out with various things at the Moose in Savanna, especially at pizza taco nights.

When my mother-in-law called to give me her condolences, I truly believe that she said it best, “you had a larger-than-life dad,” to know him was to love him and to be loved by him, he was all about the love. In writing this, I felt like I could say so much more, and I also felt like I wrote far too much, a friend said, “You just can’t cut your dad’s life short.” So I hope everyone who his life touched can help us honor him at Majestic Pines, Saturday the 27th at noon for a Celebration of Life, or as I think my dad would like to say – one last party with him. Stop in and share a memory with us! Dart sign up to start at 1 and darts to start at 2.

I know somewhere he is up there with his record player in paradise spinning some good tunes something like Jimmy Buffet or Johnny Cash, he is jamming out with Coach, Larry Keenan, Curt Pidde, Moby (Micheal Allen), and Phil Hamm (Indian) and I just know that they’re all having a nice cold beer together for the first time in a long while.

Stan is proceeded in death by both parents. He leaves behind his loving wife Kristine Bentley, they were married 10/07/2002. His children: Phillip Cassaday (Elizabeth Rexroat) of Clinton IA, Kia (Shawn Bluhm) of Mount Morris IL, Seth (Madalyn) Bentley-Holst of Clinton IA, Kassandra Weltzin (Jakob Heide) of Thomson IL, Jacinda McCrudden (Damian Sedivy) of Savanna IL. His beautiful granddaughters; Charlotte, Luna, Nova, Kalicia, Taytym, and Emery. His handsome grandsons; Paxton, Fischer and Ashton. He also leaves behind one brother, Sean McCrudden of Davenport IA, and two sisters Sherry (Terry) Fife of Clinton IA, and Sandy (Al) Dierckman of Monroe WI. And many, many more nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends.

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12/20/2025

Diane Marie Sipiera

Diane Marie Sipiera lived a beautiful and deeply meaningful life—one defined by learning, love, and a lifelong sense of wonder for the world around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and community leader whose passion for science, nature, and family touched countless lives.

Diane was born on December 20, 1955, in Joliet, Illinois, the daughter of John and Rosemary (Wruk) Vidmar. Much of her upbringing was shaped by her beloved grandmother, Mary Vidmar, an immigrant from Croatia, and her Uncle Bill Vidmar who played a pivotal role in Diane’s early life. Diane inherited a deep appreciation for nature, a curiosity about the stars, a “grit” to how she approached life, and a belief in lifelong learning—values that would guide her throughout her life.

She attended high school in Lockport and Joliet, where she enjoyed playing tennis and entertaining her friends. Diane continued her education at Joliet Junior College, earning the title of Will County doubles tennis champions two years in a row. She would graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Saint Francis and later, at National University in Lombard, she earned her master’s degree. Her passion for science and space led her west to Colorado, where it would become a significant chapter in her early adulthood. She earned a second master’s degree in aerospace education and began presenting engaging science and space programs to schools, and inspiring young minds with her enthusiasm and knowledge. This talent for creating a “spark” in young science enthusiasts would only gain momentum in the years that followed.

Diane taught at the U.S. Space Foundation in Colorado Springs and welcomed her first daughter, Andrea, in 1986. Her zest for life only continued. She would bungee jump off the Royal Gorge Bridge, and climb Pikes Peak with good friends and Andrea strapped to her back. She always had a thrill for life and would jump at new and exciting experiences.

Diane and Andrea returned to Illinois, where she became an educator at Schilling School in Homer Glenn. It was there that she invited a guest speaker into her classroom—Paul Sipiera. What began as a professional connection later grew into a friendship, and ultimately a love that would shape the rest of her life. Diane and Paul were married on May 22, 1993, in Elizabeth, Illinois, beginning a partnership rooted in shared passions and mutual respect. Together, they raised three daughters—Andrea, Paula, and Caroline—and celebrated 32 years of marriage.

They created their first home in Algonquin, Illinois. Diane was a remarkable homemaker. Not only did she create a special place for her family to grow up, she would welcome the Havlik girls and school friends as if they were her own children. Later, they would move to Galena for a “slower” lifestyle, but nothing could slow Diane down.

Diane had a special gift for making life feel magical. Holidays were particularly dear to her, with the Fourth of July and Christmas being her favorites. She had a wonderful sense of humor, which she lovingly passed on to her daughters. Diane cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and delighted in encouraging their curiosity, often gifting them science kits and creepy crawly finds from around the Galena home—earning her the affectionate nickname “Grandma Bugs.” She also shared her love of music through piano and dancing which nurtured their creativity and joy for being silly and letting loose.

Diane and Paul were truly a team. She quickly became pivotal to the success of his career. They shared a love of astronomy, science, nature, gardening, caring for animals, and listening to the music of John Denver. She and Paul founded the Planetary Studies Foundation, reflecting their shared commitment to education and outreach. She would support Paul to accomplish unimaginable things like Antarctic expeditions and countless friendships with American astronauts.

Travel was one of their greatest joys, especially trips to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, as well as adventures to New Zealand, Hawaii, Rome, and many other memorable destinations. Their shared love of education also led them to co-author 25 children’s science books, leaving a lasting legacy in elementary science education.

Diane believed deeply in giving back to her community. While living in Galena, she served as president of the Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce. A talented seamstress, Diane created many of the period costumes used at the historical Apple River Fort. She was a life member of the Elizabeth Historical Society, always eager to preserve and celebrate local history.

Diane will be dearly missed by her husband, Paul, of Galena; her daughters, Andrea (Ryan) Nolan of Chicago, Paula (Cole) Feiner of Edgerton, Wisconsin, and Caroline (Robert) Sipiera of Galena; and her four cherished grandchildren, James, Roc, Olivia, and Miles.

A celebration of Diane’s life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced. Her legacy lives on in the knowledge she shared, the love she gave, and the curiosity she inspired in generations to come. The family thanks the Midwest Nursing Center in Galena for the care and incredible love that they showed to Diane and their family during this difficult time.

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