Obituaries

Everett Wengstrom

Published by admin on Wed, 08/05/2026 - 10:07am

PEOTONE—The world became a little quieter on July 29, 2026, when Everett Steffan Wengstrom, 46, of Peotone, left us. Born on Aug. 28, 1979, Everett lived a life filled with loyalty, curiosity, humor, and a deep, unwavering love for his family. He had a presence that made people feel understood and supported, a gift he shared with everyone who knew him.

Bridget Osborne

Published by admin on Tue, 08/04/2026 - 9:13am

WILMINGTON—Bridget Louise Osborne, 48, of Wilmington, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Joliet.
Born on April 6, 1978 in Joliet, Bridget Louise was the daughter of Joseph Osborne and Debbie Cartwright Chamberlin. She was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the class of 1996.

Clarence S. Rachal

Published by admin on Tue, 08/04/2026 - 9:11am

BRAIDWOOD—Clarence S. Rachal. “Snyder,” 78, of Braidwood, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL.
Born July 16, 1947, in Cloutierville, LA, he was the son of Clarence and Ivy Rachal. He grew up in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago and graduated from Gordon Tech High School with the class of 1965. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps alongside his best friend, Bill, and served his country during the Vietnam War.

Bernard C. Vigna Jr.

Published by admin on Tue, 08/04/2026 - 9:09am

GARDNER—Bernard C. Vigna Jr., “Barney,” 91 of Gardner, passed away Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at the Illinois Veterans' Home in Manteno, IL.
Born July 31, 1935, in Mazon, Barney was the son of Bernard C. Sr. and Violet (née Styber) Vigna.
Barney graduated from Gardner-South Wilmington High School in 1953, where he was a three-sport athlete. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. On Nov. 30, 1957, he married the love of his life, Lois Sandeno. They shared nearly 62 years of marriage before Lois passed away on Nov. 14, 2019.

Lois Bergman

Published by admin on Mon, 08/03/2026 - 12:41pm

FLORIDA—Lois Darlene Bergman, 91, of Moore Haven, FL, passed away July 27, 2026 in Hope Hospice Care.
She was born Sept. 18, 1934 in Ritchie, IL to Lester and Olive Armstrong. She had been a resident of Moore Haven for about 20 years.

Paula J. Simpson

Published by admin on Mon, 08/03/2026 - 10:18am

BRAIDWOOD—Paula J. (nee Thomas) Simpson, 71 of Braidwood, passed away unexpectedly at her home on July 15, 2026.
She was born on April 2, 1955 in Cleveland, OH to Fran Thomas. She married Carrol Simpson on April 12, 1975. Together, they raised Carrol’s three children. They were married 45 years until Carrol’s passing in 2020. Paula worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years. She enjoyed baking, traveling, and her family. She also had a passion for raising her beloved miniature schnauzers.

Zachery A. Sawyer

Published by admin on Fri, 07/31/2026 - 11:40am

BRADLEY—Zachary A. “Zac” Sawyer, 39, of Bradley passed away Monday, July 27, 2026 at his home in Bradley.
Zac was born Oct. 3, 1986 in Streator to Sarah Valerio. He lived most of his early life in Streator and attended Streator grade schools. In his early teens he moved to Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School, class of 2005. After graduation Zac attended Baker College in Muskegon, MI.
Over the years, Zac lived in Streator, Morris and Bradley. For the past 10 years he worked as the manager for the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in Bradley.

Jim Giordano

Published by admin on Fri, 07/31/2026 - 11:17am

COAL CITY—Jim Giordano, 78, of Coal City, formerly of New Lenox, Joliet, and Bloomington, IL; Bloomington, IN; Tampa and Sarasota, FL and Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2026, at Morris Hospital.
Born on Jan. 29, 1948, in Joliet, Jim Albrecht was the son of Dominic and Josephine (Albrecht) Giordano. He was raised and educated in Coal City, where he graduated from Coal City High School with the class of 1966.

Charles L. Schmitt Sr.

Published by admin on Thu, 07/30/2026 - 12:41pm

DIAMOND—Charles L. “Charlie” Schmitt Sr., 80, of Diamond, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
He was born on April 21, 1946 in Joliet to Andrew J. and Rose A. (nee Orvis) Schmidt. He grew up in Braidwood graduating with Reed Custer High School class of 1964. He was employed with Caterpillar, retiring after over 30 years, and enjoyed a second career as an electrician. Charlie was an avid golfer. He was neighborly and enjoyed helping people. A handy man, Charlie built several homes.

Debra Friddle

Published by admin on Thu, 07/30/2026 - 8:41am

WILMINGTON—Debra Lynn Friddle, 71, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.
She was born on Jan. 3, 1955 in Jacksonville, IL to Jonathan A. Rose and Barbara (nee Kappler) Feeley. She grew up with her family on the Kankakee River and graduated from Wilmington High School class of 1972. Deb was a devoted mother to her only son, Justin. They were two peas in a pod. She worked as a pipefitter for Exxon Mobile for 19 years until her retirement.