Laird Funeral Home

James "Jim" Rumsa, 94, of Algonquin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Jim was born on July 1, 1930 in Waukegan to Frank and Anna (Vasilius) Rumsa. He graduated from Waukegan HS in 1948. He attended Marquette University and transferred to Northern Illinois University, majoring in social studies education. He worked at radio station WLBK and NIU's FM station as a sports announcer. He was drafted into the US Army and served in the Instructional Unit at Fort Knox, KY. He married Phyllis Bender in June 1955, the same month he graduated from NIU. He worked as a teacher and coach in Three Oaks, MI through 1960. He began his tenure in District 300 in...

Jean Warring Seyl, Elgin IL, and Punta Gorda FL, passed away 9/1/22. Born in Three Rivers, Michigan to Raymond R. and Erma (nee Duke) Warring. Raised primarily in Winchester, Indiana, after moving to Melrose Park, IL Jean graduated from Proviso East High School, Illinois State University & University of Illinois, obtaining Bachelors and Masters in Education and Mathematics. She Taught Elementary students in Streator, IL and Elgin area schools including Highland, Clinton, Huff, and Hanover Countryside. At U of I, while trying to cancel a blind date scheduled for later that evening; she and the dear friend that had arranged the date, ran into her date, the late Joseph Anthony Seyl, whom...

Shirley Mae Schroeder, 86, of Poynette/Milton, WI, formerly of South Elgin, passed away on January 29, 2022. She was born on September 15, 1935 in Elgin, IL, to Forrest and Lila Kampert. In 1952, she contracted polio, and was proud that her blood was used to help formulate the polio vaccine. On July 3, 1954, she married Lyle E. Schroeder in South Elgin, IL. Shirley was an exceptional seamstress, specializing in bridal attire. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling and fishing. Shirley is survived by her daughter: Debra (Daniel) Seitz and her son: Lon Schroeder; 5 grandchildren: Amber (Todd Zimmerman) Bloss, Wendy (Brian) Garcia, Kyle (Sherri) Seitz, Sherry (Joe) Shereck and...

Margaret 'Suzy' or 'Sue' Rose Buerer-Robson Johnson, age 84 of Canton, GA; formally Delavan, WI, was called home on Friday April 9, 2021. Born on April 5, 1937 in Franklin Park, Illinois, the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Uri) Buerer. Sue married Ed Johnson in 1999 and he preceded her in death on September 18, 2010. As a Lutheran kindergarten and preschool teacher Sue touched many young lives; she served for 35 years, until her retirement from St. John's Lutheran in Elgin, Illinois in 1999. She graduated from Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL, received her Bachelor's degree from Concordia River Forest and later earned her Master's degree in Education. As an adult Sue attended Grace...

Claire C. Conforti (Clara Caterina Pettenuzzo) born in Chicago IL, September 24, 1933 passed away on June 9, 2020 in Elgin, IL surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Russell J. Conforti of Chicago, their four daughters and their husbands, nine grandchildren, and too many friends to count. May she rest in peace. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, www.stjude.org. Laird Funeral Home is in care of the funeral arrangements. Family and friends are encouraged to sign an online guest...

Teraji, Leslie (Postemski), of Schaumburg, IL, passed away at home on Sunday, March 29, 2020. She was born in Flint, Michigan, to Nicholas and Julia (Adams) Postemski. Surviving are her husband, Alan and beloved son, Kevin, her father Nicholas (Katherine), sister Susan (Mike), niece Kayla, brother Michael, brother-in laws James and David, sister-in-law Barbara, niece Robyn and additional family members. Leslie was a member of Willow Creek and involved in their support groups as well a long-term volunteer at their Care Center. Throughout her life she proactively volunteered in and supported many events, causes and charities, especially ones for her special treasured furry friends. A...

Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Mueller, 94 of Crystal Lake, Illinois passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 in her home surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born on May 21, 1925 in Chicago the youngest and last surviving of seven children born to Rose and LeRoy Herbert. She married her childhood sweetheart Joseph Francis Mueller, on October 14, 1944 in St. Mary Cathedral in San Francisco, California before he was shipped off to war. She was a devoted member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Crystal Lake. She is survived by her children Steven (Chris) Mueller, Mary Louise (Patrick) Coleman, Thomas (Cathy) Mueller of Crystal Lake, 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren....

Wayne E. Karolczak, 80, of Harvard passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee. He was born August 27, 1939 in Chicago the son of Edward and Bernice Carlsen Karolczak. He had been a resident of Harvard since 1971 and had been employed as an electrician with Gus Berthold Electric Co., Chicago before retiring. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Harvard. Surviving are his wife, Norma Marengo Karolczak whom he married on April 20, 1963, a daughter, Dawn (Joe) Huff, a brother, Dick (Angie) Karolczak, 4 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. ...

Claire Elaine Kent, 87, of Algonquin, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington. She was born on February 8, 1932 in Butte, NE the daughter of Richard J. & Clara M. Tappe Fuehrer. In 1932 she moved with her parents to Sioux City, IA. She was first employed at the RKO Orpheum Theater and later took a position of bookkeeper and secretary to the manager of the Sioux City Auditorium. Claire was a member of the Congregational Church of Algonquin. She married Richard C. Kent on August 10, 1957 at South Sioux City, NB. Transfers with his job took them to Sioux Falls and Yankton in South Dakota and then to the Chicago area in 1962. As a homemaker, Claire...

William Daniel Moylan, Jr., 77, passed away November 27, 2019 at home in Hospice. He was born in Chicago December 31, 1941 to William D. Moylan, Sr. and Catherine Smith Moylan . He grew up in Oak Park.IL and attended Marmion Military Academy and St. Meinrad Seminary. He graduated from Loyola University with a B.A. in History in 1963, and an M.A. in History in1965. He began teaching history at Rockford Boylan High School (1965 to 1973) while attending Northern Illinois University to attain his Administrative Certificate. His administrative career began as the first principal of Huntley High School from 1973 to 1978. He then joined the administration in the Crystal Lake High School District...

Janice F. Conley, passed away on November 26, 2019 in Huntley surrounded by family. She was born February 10, 1942 in Harvey, ND to Arthur and Lydia Somerville. She was a loving wife and mother. She loved spending time with family, cooking, and dogs especially her dog Sassy. She was a seamstress and loved quilting. She enjoyed recreational bowling with her husband and her monthly outings with her close friends. Was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church for many years and worked for Precision Twist Drill for 34 years. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years Eldon, her daughters Deb Thompson, Annette Hammortree, step daughters Shelly Zoellick and Kelly Marugg, grandchildren Kaitlin...

Mary McLaughlin, 80, of Lake in the Hills, passed away on Wednesday November 13, 2019 surrounded by family in her home. She was born December 10, 1928 in Chicago to Ernest and Marguerite Essig. She was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Algonquin. She was a school bus driver in Barrington for over 40 years. "Grandma Mac" was extremely loving, positive, and found the good in everyone. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her children: Mary Kate Drew, Helen (Allen) Morse, Deborah (Hubert) Pepin, Carol Jasper, Ann (Geary) Shaw, Dennis (Petra), Andrew (Beth), Elizabeth, Patricia Essig, Charles (Allissa), Julie, Cecilia, and Timothy. 25 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren,...

Ethel M. Yamashita, 94 of Algonquin, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence in Elk Grove Village, IL. She was born on October 7, 1925 in Honolulu, HI. She was the daughter of Riusuke and Matsuyo (nee Kanda) Machida, one of seven children. Her parents, both pharmacists, worked in their family owned drugstore where her mother was the first woman pharmacist in the state of Hawaii. Ethel graduated from Farrington High School in 1943 in Honolulu, but her dream of attending college in the states was shattered by the outbreak of the war when all modes of transportation from the islands were terminated. Ethel went to beauty...

George H. Cumpata, 68, of Elgin passed away suddenly on Friday, October 25, 2019 in Flint, MI while helping family. He was born July 10, 1951 in Elgin, the eldest son of Frank and Rosebud Cumpata. George had a fulfilling career as CPA and Managing Partner at Gleeson Sklar Sawyers & Cumpata, which later merged with Plante Moran. He fathered four beautiful daughters and married Pamela Hoffman on November 8, 2003. George enjoyed traveling and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles. After his retirement in 2012, the two purchased a second home in Charleston, South Carolina where George spent much of his time. He perfected woodworking and spent a lot of time in his wood shops both in Elgin...

Katherine L. Poggensee, 80, of Rockford, formerly of Algonquin passed away on October 12, 2019. She was born on January 2, 1939 in Chicago the daughter of George & Lee Kelly Vogeler. She is survived by her children: George Parker, Pam (Jay) McManaman, Curtis Poggensee and Mark Poggensee; step children: Tamara Johnson, Robert (Carrie) Poggensee; a grandson Brandon Parker; sister in law Irene Vogeler. She was preceded in death by her parents, Husband William M. Poggensee, a son Greg and a granddaughter Kathy, brother Don Vogeler. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin. Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services, 51...

Jeffrey H. Giertz, 65, of East Dundee passed away Monday, September 30, 2019 at Highland Oaks, Elgin. He was born December 27, 1953 in Elgin the son of Harrison L. and Dorris Haas Giertz. He had been a resident of the Elgin area all of his life and was a graduate of Larkin High School in 1972. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Marines and was the owner of River Valley Land Improvement before retiring. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Hampshire. He was a member of the Elgin Riverside Club where he was Man of The Year in 2000. He was a member of Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers for 45 years. Surviving are his mother, Dorris of Elgin, 2 children,...

Patricia (Patti) Anderson, 79, of West Dundee, passed away surrounded by family on September 22, 2019. She was born in Elgin, IL on January 1, 1940 to Andres and Maybelle Aguirre. She worked for Renz Center as an Addiction Counselor for 29 years. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Bruce Anderson, Sons Thomas Anderson and David Anderson, Daughters Kathleen Taylor and Mary (Tim) Dewees. Grandchildren Grace Anderson, Sarah Mika, Patty Taylor, Emily Brammerson, Kevin Haggard, Katie Anderson, Willy Taylor, Mary Alta Anderson, Michael Anderson, and David Anderson, and 4 Great Grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents and her son Michael Anderson and a Brother Jerry Aguirre. She...

Louis Shore Mortimer, 90, of Algonquin passed away September 20, 2019 at home under the watchful eye of his loving wife Wanda Mortimer. His working career consisted of many years of farming in Wisconsin, Quaker Oats Research Farm in Barrington, IL., construction laborer with Ladd Enterprise in Crystal Lake IL., and maintenance at the Woodstock Hospital. He loved to travel, always with sandwiches packed for the long trip. He also enjoyed helping any of his 7 children with whatever projects he could be of assistance with. Louis was married to Wanda (Moser) on June 6, 1948. Their 71 years of marriage were filled with great love, happiness, and above all Faith. Louis is survived by his loving...

Thomas L Johnson, 78, of North Fort Myers, Fl, formerly of Algonquin, IL, passed away on September 8, 2019. He was born on November 6, 1940, in Hart, MI, the son of Robert Johnson and Margaret (Carl) Bangert. Thomas worked as a union carpenter 40+ years and the Village of Algonquin as a building inspector prior to retirement and was a charter member of the Algonquin Jaycee's. Thomas enjoyed camping, boating, traveling, woodcarving and spending time with family. He will be deeply missed. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years: Barbara (Przybyla) Johnson; four children: Paul (Janet) Johnson, Vickie (Bill Todd) Johnson, Rob (Laurie) Johnson and Brian (Yaping) Johnson; seven...

Gary W. Toberman, 68, of Crystal Lake passed away on September 4, 2019. He was born in Ferguson, Missouri on November 28, 1950 to George and Charlotte. Survivors include his daughter, Karen (Bert) Fry; grandchildren, Klarissa and McKayla; brother, Robert (VanEthel) Toberman and Richard Toberman; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by parents. All services will be private. Arrangements by Laird Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-836-8770 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com

Jewel Kay Maloney, 84, of Crystal Lake, passed away on July 31, 2019. She was born March 28, 1935 in Randall MN to Rodney and Lillian Oberton. She is survived by her children Roger (Edna) Olson, Scott Olson, Luann Page, Lynn Beaudry, Lonny Stark, Vickey Alexander(Lee Williams) , and Michael (Tina) Wells, grand children Micki Benz, Sarah Dowel, David Wolff, Jeremiah Johnson, Emily Scott, David Olson, Brandon Page, Amber Astar, Patty Delli, Justin Olson, Katie Beaudry, John Wells, Dana Perrill, Jessica Wells, and Chloe Alexander, 6 Great Grandchildren, and special family friend Lynn Looper. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. The family would like to thank Dr....