Obituaries
Sterling, Illinois Obituaries
Local obituaries for the Sterling, Il area
Janice E. Wilson
Nov 8, 2025
Janice E. Wilson passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, with family by her side.
Janice was born October 24, 1935 in Adel, Iowa. After high school she went to Minneapolis to Lab/XRay School. After graduation with her degree she moved to Sterling where she would meet the love of her life. They married in 1955 and raised two daughters....
William Ludwig
Nov 8, 2025
William Ludwig, affectionately known as “Luds” to all his students, died peacefully on November 8, 2025 in Sterling, IL.
A devoted educator and compassionate soul, Luds dedicated his life to teaching, mentoring and serving others. He began his teaching career at Talas American Ortaokulu in Turkey where he inspired countless students with his warmth, humor and passion for learning. ...
Pamela Sue Tegeler
Nov 6, 2025
Obituary for Pamela Sue Tegeler
Pamela Sue Tegeler, 71 of Sterling, Illinois, passed peacefully November 6, 2025 surrounded by her family at CGH. Pam was born in Sterling, IL on July 4, 1954 to Virgil and Donna (Whaley) Tegeler. After graduating from Polo Community High School, Pam attended Rockford Business College. Pam served as Administrative Assistant for many years at...
Michael Fisher
Nov 5, 2025
Michael A. Fisher, 57, of Milan died November 5, 2025. Michael was born January 10, 1968 in Moline, the son of Franklin and Etta (Miller) Fisher.
Michael grew up attending Gospel Temple Hope Church, where he discovered his love for music. He began singing with the Sunshine Kids and, at age 16, started his DJ career. Over the years, he became...
Shirley Ann Conklen
Oct 28, 2025
Shirley Ann Conklen, 78, of Sterling passed away Tuesday October 28, 2025 at Rock River Hospice & Home. Shirley was born September 30, 1947 in Dixon the daughter of Herman and Gesine (Bruns) Michels. She married Keith Conklen on November 20, 1965.
Shirley served as an assessor for various townships since 1979 and retired in December 2024. She was a charter...
Kathryn "Kathy" Hazel Thomas
Oct 25, 2025
Kathryn (Kathy) Hazel Thomas, 78 of Naperville, passed on the morning of Saturday, October 25th in the loving care of St. Catherine Hospital in Dixon.
Kathy was born on June 13th, 1947 in Chicago IL. to William and Gloria (Schiller) Brown. Kathy was the oldest of four siblings, Bill, John (Tommy), Jamie and Glen.
Kathy married Norman Milton Thomas...
Mary Lou Maple
Oct 24, 2025
Mary Lou Maple, 97, of Sterling died on Friday, October 24 at the home of her daughter Marta Saville.
Mary Lou was born on February 29, 1928 in Johnston City, IL to Charles and Bessie (Sutton) Perdue. The daughter of a coal miner, she and her two sisters grew up in Harco, IL, a small town where homes were...
John McMunn
Oct 17, 2025
John Carter McMunn, 89, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025. Born in Champaign, Illinois, John met the love of his life, Kay, while attending the University of Illinois.
John earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Illinois and went on to complete his Aerospace Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. After completing his master’s,...
Gordon R. Rolofson
Oct 13, 2025
Gordon R. Rolofson, 89, of Sterling passed away Monday October 13, 2025 at Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling. Gordon was born March 3, 1936 in Rock Falls IL the son of Burl and Jessie (McCallister) Rolofson. He married Sharon Carbaugh on May 19, 1959 in Coeur d'Alene ID. Sharon passed away April 18, 2009. Gordon then married...
Donna Aguilar
Oct 13, 2025
Donna Elaine Aguilar, 84, of Sterling passed away on Monday October 13, 2025 at Allure of Sterling. Donna was born April 2, 1941 in Prophetstown the daughter of Donald and Elaine (Hill) Majeski. She married Francisco G. “Frank” Aguilar on October 5, 1968.
Survivors include her husband Francisco G. “Frank” Aguilar; one son Kevin Aguilar; two daughters Annette (Jody)...
David B. Lowe
Oct 12, 2025
David Barton Lowe, 95, of Sterling, Illinois, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at Morningside of Sterling on October 12, 2025.
David was born on February 25th, 1930 in Melrose, Massachusetts to William J. and Margaret (Tibbets) Lowe. After graduating from Melrose High School in 1948, David attended Tufts University, graduating in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration....
Frances "Franny" Lynn Wessels
Oct 7, 2025
Frances "Franny" Lynn Wessels, born on May 8, 1955, passed away on October 7, 2025 surrounded by family at the age of 70.
Franny was known for her fierce independence, unwavering determination and a stubborn streak that was as much a part of her charm as her boundless love. She lived life on her own terms, as a true "single pringle".
She...
Donna J. Crawford
Sep 25, 2025
Donna J. Crawford, 88, of Sterling passed away surrounded by family Thursday September 25, 2025 at Citadel of Sterling. Donna was born March 1, 1937 in Sterling the daughter of Harold and Edna (Jacquet) Miller. She married Lige Crawford March 7, 1954 in Rock Falls. He preceded her in death on February 5, 1985.
Donna enjoyed traveling with her...
Emilio Alba
Sep 23, 2025
Emilio Alba “Oly”, 66, of Sterling died Tuesday September 23, 2025. Emilio “Oly” was born April 20, 1959 the son of Marcial and Margarita (Lopez) Alba.
Oly was an avid writer, he also had a passion for music, art and movies.
Survivors include one son Gabriel Alba; one daughter Sarah Alba; three brothers Ruben Alba Pablo Vasquez, and Frank...
Robert James Sutkay
Sep 21, 2025
Robert James Sutkay passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday September 21, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1933, in Flint, MI. The son of Joseph and Thelma Sutkay. He was a graduate of Flint Central high school and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Economics. He also was a member of the R.O.T.C. and...
Gertrude "Trudie" Lowrie
Sep 21, 2025
Gertrude “Trudie” Lowrie, 97, of Sterling died Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Morningside of Sterling.
Trudie was born August 1, 1928 in Webster City, IA, the daughter of John and Rosina (Brown) Leopard. She married Raymond Lowrie on September 5, 1964 in Sterling. He preceded her in death on March 31, 2004. She was a faithful member of Open...
Larry McKee
Sep 15, 2025
Larry D. McKee, 81, of Rock Falls passed away Monday September 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. Larry was born June 6, 1944 in Sterling the son of Cecil and Donzetta (Clemente) McKee. He married Glenna Jones on June 11, 1965 in Rock Falls.
Survivors include his wife Glenna; one daughter Michelle (Jeff) Phillips; one son Michael...
Dorthea Phillips
Sep 14, 2025
Dorthea "Helen" Phillips, 97, of Sterling passed away Sunday September 14, 2025 at Citadel of Sterling. Dorthea was born March 11, 1928 in Bardwell KY the daughter of Samuel and Ruby (Todd) Brown. She married Charles Phillips on November 30, 1944 in Mound City IL. He preceded her in death on December 26, 2000.
Helen Worked at Borg-Warner and...
Arne August Gronlund
Sep 7, 2025
Arne August Gronlund was born the third of nine children, on November 10, 1928, to William and Hilda (Komppa) Gronlund in Sebeka, MN. He passed away peacefully on the morning of September 7, 2025.
Arne served as a United States Army combat medic in Korea and was awarded two Bronze Stars for bravery under fire. He was honorably discharged...
Randy Fritsch
Sep 2, 2025
Randy Fritsch, 72, of Rock Falls passed away Tuesday September 2, 2025 at CGH Medical Center. Randy was born June 29, 1953 the son of Audy and Ann (Peterson) Fritsch. He married Mary (Sedig) Sisson on June 22, 1993.
Survivors include his wife Mary Fritsch; one son Clint Fritsch; one brother Gregg Fritsch; step children Chris and Andrea Sisson.
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Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation offers a collection of obituaries for Sterling, IL & Whiteside County. With services throughout Illinois that are updated regularly. Find local Sterling, Illinois obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.