Saunders McFarlin Funeral

Arrangements entrusted to Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home in Harvard, Illinois. For more information, call (815) 943-5400.

Ira "Sam" J. Christenson, 92, of Sharon, WI flew away to be with the Lord on June 27, 2023. Sam was born on January 19, 1931 in Elkhorn, WI the son of Ira W. and Martha F. (Mecklenburg) Christenson. On December 18, 1954 he married the love of his life, Phyllis. He was the oldest member of the Brick Church of Walworth and spent over 32 years maintaining the lawn for the church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, being in the country, gardening, mowing the lawn, and visiting friends. In the springtime, Sam always looked forward to the roar of a Harley. Although he no longer rode motorcycles, they always remained a hobby. Sam is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, his children,...

Margaret Sottosanto, 88, of Harvard, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023. She was born October 29, 1934, in Chicago, IL to Edward T. and Vesta (Landingham) Crowley. Margaret spent many years as an educator and member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL. In addition to her teaching, Margaret enjoyed being a member of the Sweet Adelines singing group. She married Joseph M. Sottosanto on June 13, 1970, in Cary, IL. Margaret is survived by her siblings Vivian (Merrill) Johnson of Harvard and Edward (Lois) Crowley of Iowa City, IA, children Linda Lucas, Gene Sottosanto, Louise (Dave) Moehling, Karen (Steve) Mauk, Joe (Betty) Sottosanto, Angelina Sottosanto, AnnaMaria Sottosanto, and...

Amber L. Bishop, 35, of Harvard, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022. She passed peacefully at home with her husband by her side after a courageous battle against cancer. Amber was born on December 18, 1986 to Joseph Michlig and Wendy A. (Rasmussen) Michlig in Princeton, Illinois. She married Adam J. Bishop on October 1, 2016, in Manlius, Illinois, and they welcomed their son Theodore "Teddy" Bishop on December 21, 2018. Amber graduated summa cum laude from Western Illinois University in 2009 before earning her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2012. She practiced commercial law at the Smith Amundsen firm in Crystal Lake,...

Jesse Brian Perry, 39, of Capron, died Fri. April 1, 2022. Jesse was born May 10, 1982, in Rhinelander, WI to Michael Chadwell and Lisa Perry. He married Teresita Salgado on September 6, 2014, in Woodstock, IL. Jesse was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, hunting, and swimming. He was also an avid Packers & NASCAR fan! What brought him the most joy was spending time with family; he especially liked taking them to the races at Rockford Speedway, taking his son Jesse Jr hunting/fishing. He is survived by his Parents Lisa Perry-Frazier (James) and Michael Chadwell, wife Teresita Perry, children Isabella J. Perry, Jesse M. Perry, step-children Ryan J. Zambrano, Hannah-Leah...