Conley Funeral Home, 116 W Pierce Street, Elburn, IL (2026)

02/14/2026

Life Story and Service Details for
DAKOTA "CODY" PHILLIPS

Dakota Phillips, 26, of Kaneville, affectionately known by his family and friends as “Cody”, left this earthly realm far too soon on February 13, 2026, leaving those closest to him dreaming of a world where his spark could continue to illuminate their lives.

He was born in Geneva, Illinois, on May 27, 1999, to proud and loving parents Kevin Phillips and Aimee Lave.

Cody spent the first seven years of his life living with his mom, dad, and two sisters in Kaneville. The family then packed up and moved to South Dakota. As a young child Cody was a bright and inquisitive boy. He was emotionally in tuned to his surroundings and loved to strike up a conversation with his family, friends, and even strangers he met out and about. He was down to earth, loved life, and his family referred to him as a gentle giant who gave the best hugs. You could always find him out riding his bike and he surrounded himself with a tight group of friends. As he entered his early teens he developed a love for gaming on his Xbox. He never limited himself to one game and thoroughly enjoyed his vast catalog. Right before Cody started his senior year of high school his family returned to Kaneville where they remain to this day. Cody graduated from Kaneland High School class of 2017.

For the past three years Cody diligently worked at the Valvoline in Elgin as the shop manager. He was well respected by his coworkers for his determination, strong work ethic, and kind reliable nature. He poured so much of his time and energy into his work and prioritized his job. He will clearly be missed by all of his coworkers, who will certainly be feeling a void.

Cody’s zest for life was never missed on his family. One constant in his life was the running theme of family always comes first. He took full advantage as a young child of the fact that he lived right next door to his grandma and grandpa. He constantly stopped over and always looked forward to his grandmother’s French toast. Throughout his life he had an affinity for playing cards which he most likely inherited from his mother. On game nights he would be the only young person at the table amongst his aunts. They loved to play Hand in Foot and Cheat Your Neighbor. Growing up his first best friends were his cousins which were all close in age. Him and his cousin Brandon both had a shared love of the tv show Family Guy and could easily quote the show verbatim, laughter would fill the air anytime they were together. He loved his dog Freya more than anything, she was often by his side while he gamed but always loved to snuggle up to him at night. She will miss him dearly. When Cody’s mother, Aimee passed away she saved multiple lives through organ donation which brought Cody immense pride. Cody, also being an organ donor would be at peace knowing that he himself saved many lives as well through his own organ donation. His bright and infectious spirit may no longer be in our presence, but his family and friend’s memories will be where he lives on.

Cody is survived by his father, Kevin Phillips; his sisters: Cecily (Josh) Duehning and Courtney (Chris) Cashen; his paternal grandmother, Jane Phillips; many loving aunts and uncles and cherished cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Aimee Lave; his paternal grandfather, Donald Phillips Jr.; his maternal grandparents, Harold and Marlene Lave; and his cousin, Nicholas McCarney.

Family will be holding services and interment privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal shelter of your choice in Cody’s memory. Memorials may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

02/10/2026

Life Story and Service Details for
JANICE KINNUNEN

Janice Kinnunen, age 64, passed away into the arms of her Savior, Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

She was born on November 8, 1961, to loving parents, Harold and Wilda May.

Janice grew up in Chicago and attended local schools, including Carl Schurz. Following her schooling, Janice began working at an answering service part time, before moving to Aurora for a time.

Janice met the love of her life through mutual friends. No one knows if it was the way Wayne looked in his uniform or something else, but a friendship grew into a lifelong love. They were united in marriage on September 2, 1989, in Aurora, IL. They began their new life in Aurora until they began raising a family of two children. They settled in Maple Park and have been making wonderful memories ever since.

She was a happy member of the Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Club and fully embraced being a mother of twins.

Janice didn’t travel often, but when she did, she made it count. Ireland was her favorite destination, but many happy times were spent camping and visiting her friends in Colorado. She was an avid reader and a movie buff. Her hands were rarely idle and when they weren’t turning pages of her favorite author, Stephen King, Janice was happy to create the most mouthwatering aromas in the kitchen. Janice had an eye for finding a bargain and was known to wander the aisles of thrift stores in search of the next great treasure. Sewing and knitting also kept her busy at times, making drapes, blankets and mending anything that was a little worn but too loved to donate.

She leaves her loving husband Wayne Kinnunen; two children: Brett Charles Kinnunen and Molly Jean Kinnunen; one brother, Ted (Cheri) May; several nieces, nephews and a community full of friends.

Janice is reunited with her parents, Harold and Wilda May and two brothers: Pat May and Tom May who preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. with a funeral service to celebrate her life to follow at 4 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Conley Funeral Home 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tails Humane Society at https://tailshumanesociety.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

02/09/2026

Life Story and Service Details for
Vicky B. Doyle

Vicky Benita (Chapman) Doyle, 82, of St. Charles, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026.

Born in Lexington, KY to Benjamin and Lo**ta Chapman, Vicky grew up with her two sisters and brother in Batavia, IL. After graduating from Batavia High School, she moved on to working in the dental field. It was while working as a Dental Hygienist in Geneva that she met her husband, John. Together they began their life in Geneva before settling in St Charles in what would be their lifelong home. In June of ‘73, she welcomed her first son, followed by her daughter in August 1979. After becoming a widow, she set forth a strong example of hard work for her children to follow. Vicky was best described as a “firecracker” by people who knew her best: often speaking her mind, showcasing her strong personality, and climbing tall ladders to clean leaves off her roof.

She is survived by her son, Sean and daughter in law Sarah (Wagner) Doyle of Sycamore and her daughter, Cassie (Doyle) and son in law Frank Anson, also of Sycamore. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, Ian, Tessa (Stefan) Hueber, Emma, Lily, Cash, Benjamin, and Charlotte. She also leaves behind her sister, Carleen.

Vicky is preceded in death by her husband, John, sister, Sharon, and brother, Bruce. She also joins her beloved parents, Benjamin and Lo**ta (Haines) Chapman and a much loved great-granddaughter, Cora.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10am to 11am at Conley Funeral Home at 116 W. Pierce Street, Elburn, IL 60119. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 11am also at Conley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of Vicky’s late husband via the following link https://www.cancer.org. Memorials may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

02/05/2026

Life Story for
JOAN I. "ONIE" PETERSON
Private family services will be at a later date.

Joan I. “Onie” Peterson, 76, of Elburn, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 26, 1949, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to parents, Palmer and Lucille Onstad.

Joan grew up in Eau Claire alongside her 5 siblings. She attended local schools, graduating from Memorial High School, class of 1967.

Joan’s future husband, Mark Peterson, grew up just down the street from her. They were acquaintances for many years until they finally met outside the local grocery store. Mark was 4 years her senior, so when Joan was a senior in high school, Mark proposed and of course she said yes. Shortly after high school, Joan and Mark moved to Elburn but would return to Eau Claire to be married on December 24, 1968, at Good Shepherd Church. Eager to have a family of their own, they welcomed their first daughter the following year and over the next several years they would welcome another daughter followed by their son.

Joan was a stay at home mom until the mid 80’s when her youngest was old enough to start school. She first went to work for Trionics in Geneva and stayed with the company when they moved locations to Elburn. At Trionics she worked on the line putting together circuit boards. Her next and final job was at Monitor which was located in Elburn as well. She worked quality control for many years at Monitor and would retire from there in 2011 at the age of 62.

For many years Joan and Mark spent their Friday nights at St. Charles Bowl where they bowled on a league alongside side their best friends.

Joan was a bingo wiz and was more than capable of keeping track of several cards at a time. She loved the group she played with and they fully supported each other’s bingo related superstitions. Something that all of her and Mark’s friends looked forward to were the top-secret poker games they held in their basement. When Joan had free time she loved to indulge herself in a good true crime book or watch the ID Network where her favorite shows were Forensic Files and Law & Order. Ever the fan of country music, you could usually hear from outside the house. Joan loved the holidays, especially Christmas and was known for painting her own ceramic Christmas village. She loved to watch sports, especially football. Originally, she was a Raiders fan but was eventually converted to a Kansas City Chiefs fan after watching Patrick Mahomes’ skills on the field. She closely followed the Cubs as well and was elated when the curse was broken when they won the world series. What Joan loved most though was her family, especially when it came to spending time with her grandchildren. Joan’s vivacious spirit and zest for life will be missed dearly by her family.

Joan is survived by her children: Jodi (David Gissendorf) Peterson, Kelly Kennedy, John Peterson; her grandchildren: Brett Peterson, Samantha (Ben Haritos) Peterson, Eric (Amanda Sleasman) Heffron, Kayla Kennedy, and Ryan Kennedy; her great grandchildren: Noah Haritos and Lillie Heffron; her sisters: Janice Kasak and Delores “Boots” Siebens; several cousins and many nieces and nephews.

She is reunited with her parents, Palmer and Lucille Onstad; her husband of 48 years, Mark Peterson; her sister, Judy Polus; and her brothers: John Onstad and Richard Onstad.

Services will be held privately in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at a later date.

Memorials may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

01/29/2026

Life Story and Service Details for
Sally Ann Fisher

Sally Ann Fisher, 73, of Kaneville, Illinois passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Aurora, Illinois on August 5, 1952, to parents, Dana and Arlys Cox.

Sally grew up in the Kaneland area and reaped the benefits of living in more populated suburban areas as well as living 13 years on farmland. She attended local schools attending Kaneland High School up until the age of 15 when she left school to begin working as a waitress in Sugar Grove to help financially support her mother.

Sally met her ex-husband and the father of her children, Larry Fisher, in the late 60’s while waitressing at the Starlite Restaurant. The two were married August 28, 1971.

Sally worked for Richardson’s Electronics in Elburn for 3 years where she worked on the assembly line. She also spent many years being a stay-at-home mother looking after her children until the youngest entered first grade. Prior to retirement, Sally worked part-time at Kaneland as a recess monitor. She had great rapport with the students and really enjoyed spending time with them.

Sally was a huge book lover. She was an avid reader and never limited herself to one genre. She loved romance novels, true crime, and mystery books most though. Sally brought a book with her everywhere she went and it was her favorite way to pass the time. She was a huge sports fanatic and closely followed the Bears, Cubs, and always looked forward to spending her Sunday afternoons watching NASCAR. She was a wiz when it came to card games and always seemed to win. Anytime the family got together it was guaranteed they would play a few rounds of Sally’s favorite games, dirty rummy and skip-bo. Sally loved to find amazing deals and would spend the warmer months pursuing the local garage sales looking for a steal of a deal. Sally had an affinity for Chihuahuas and had several over the years. She will be missed dearly by her doggies, Rocco and Bear who were her constant companions. If you asked Sally’s family, they would tell you that she was a stoic woman who was stubborn to her core and feisty as the day was long, but she could also be very loving and reliable, especially when it came to her family. Her vibrant spirit will be missed dearly by her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Dan (Carrie) Fisher, Jason (Michelle) Fisher, Shaun Fisher, and Nicole (Manuel “Ozzy”) Samaniego; her grandchildren: Brian Schnaitman, Tyler Fisher, Abigail Samaniego, Brittany Fisher, and Tony Samaniego; her brother, Charles “Butch” (Joann) Sloat; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She is reunited with her parents, Dana Cox and Arlys Rishel; her stepfather, Everett Rishel; and her sister Ricka Cox who passed in infancy

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 2pm to 5pm at Conley Funeral Home at 116 W. Pierce Street, Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 5pm also at Conley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Sally’s name. Checks may be made to the “Sally Ann Fisher Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

01/28/2026

Life Story and Service Details for
MARY GUSTAFSON

Mary Gustafson, age 79, of Elburn, passed away as the dawn led her into eternity on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

She was born January 2nd, 1947, in Elgin, IL to Margaret (Wilcox) Gliddon & Almer T. Gliddon.

Mary grew up in Elburn, for a few years they lived in a small apartment in the back of Gliddon Drugs, then moved to a house on South Main Street. When Mary’s brother Steve was born, Margaret & Almer built a new brick ranch on the corner of Swain and South 1st Street.

Mary attended Grade School in Elburn and Graduated with the class of 1965 from Kaneland High School.

She graduated from Hamlin University in St. Paul Minnesota in 1969 with a B.A in Art Studies. She then graduated from The University of Iowa in 1971 with a Masters of Art History.

She returned to Kane County and was hired at the St Charles Chronical by C.V. Amenoff, the Editor of the paper and Mayor of St Charles (previously the editor of the Elburn Herald), where she oversaw the Classified Advertising Department. A few weeks after starting that job, Ken Gustafson was hired as an Advertising Salesman after his discharge from the US Army.

Ken & Mary’s Desks were back-to-back at the St. Charles Chronical; they started dating, fell in love and were married on the shores of Geneva Lake in Fontana Wisconsin. This was a special place to the Gliddon family as this is where Mary & Steve spent summers growing up (Margaret & Almer purchased a summer home there in 1958).

Mary & Ken continued working at the Chronical until 1977. Almer, Mary’s father had decided that he would like to retire, so Mary & Ken applied to St. Louis College of Pharmacy where they were accepted into the Pharmacy Program. They both graduated with B.S. of Pharmacy in 1981. They returned to Elburn where Mary helped her father run Gliddon Drugs. During this time, Mary & Ken started their family. They welcomed a son, Eric, into the family in 1983. They completed their family when Jon arrived in 1986.

When Almer retired, Ken later joined Mary to run Gliddon Drugs. They purchased the store from Almer and continued to run it until 2007 when Jewel-Osco arrived in Elburn and bought out Gliddon Drugs. Ken and Mary were both employed as pharmacists at Jewel-Osco where they worked until they retired.

Mary was active in the Elburn Business Council (now the Elburn Chamber of Commerce). She volunteered at various events at the Elburn Lions Club where both her father & Husband were members. She also enjoyed being active in Cub Scouts with her sons and being the picture lady when Eric and Jon were in Grade School. Mary volunteered at the Elburn Library helping to compile Elburn History. Mary also served on the Elburn Plan commission for several years.

Mary loved spending time at the family Lake House on Geneva Lake in Fontana, WI. Not only did she grow up spending time there but she had the pleasure of bringing her sons there as often as she could. As time went on, there were many joyous gatherings at the Lake House with friends, family and friends that feel like family.
Mary was a voracious reader; she loved reading everything she could but enjoyed mysteries and suspense the best. A notable accomplishment was finishing the whole Game of Thrones series!
Mary tended her flower garden with pride, her yard was always filled with hostas, black eyed Susans, Shasta Daisys & roses. She loved bird & wild life watching in her yard as well as at the Lakehouse.

Mary was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan!

Mary is survived by her Husband Ken, Her son Eric & his wife Laura, her son Jon & his wife Ashley, her sister-in-law Beverly Few and Nephew Mike Few & his wife Shellie.

She was preceded in Death by her Parents, Margaret & Almer Gliddon, her in laws Elnor & Everett Gustafaon, her brother Steve, Brother-in-law Guy Few and Niece Wendy Few.

The family will be hosting a celebration of life on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1pm to 5pm at the Elburn Lions Club at 500 Filmore St, Elburn, IL 60119.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Mary’s memory to the Elburn Lions Club or the Elburn American Legion. Contributions may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

01/26/2026

***Updated Service Information:
A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 1-5 p.m. at the Elburn Lions Club, 500 Filmore St., Elburn, IL 60119.

JOANN STOVER

Joann Stover, age 92, of Elburn, passed into eternal peace, supported by the love and prayers of her family on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

She was born January 24, 1933, in Aurora, IL, to proud and loving parents, Oscar and Ora Tebell.

Joann grew up in Aurora and attended local schools. She graduated from West Aurora High School with the class of 1951.
Two hearts became one when Joann married Duane “D**k” Stover on July 26, 1952. They began their new lives together in Elburn where D**k began Stover Bros. Trucking with his brother Eugene.
Joann held many different positions over the years. She kept the books for Campana, Mooseheart, and Stover Bros., was a crossing guard with her beloved crossing dog Aunt Pepsi, and lastly worked with Ream’s under her self-appointed, unofficial title of we**ie peeler.

It was the title of mother that she was proudest of. Joann wasn’t just a mother of five — she was everyone’s mom and had a profound impact on everyone she met. Her home was always filled with her children’s friends as the daily after-school hangout. Her fondest memories were in that house, filled with furious activity, fighting, laughter, and making baked treats with unique and completely original Stover-provided names.

Joann was a faithful member of the church choir at the Elburn Community Congregational Church, the Quivira Club, and the Fraternal Order of the Moose in St. Charles.

She had many lifelong friends from high school who remained close throughout their lives. She saw the world, traveling to Hawaii, Mexico, Aruba, and other exotic locations with friends Willard and Jean Smith from the Midwest Truckers Association. When she met George and Darlene Stoffa, she found the best friends in the world.
Many adventures were shared with George and Darlene: road trips to Florida listening to Gene Tracy and Gary Puckett cassettes, slot tournaments in Las Vegas (often more than once a year), Friday night dinners at Hanson’s Back 80, and impromptu gatherings filled with laughter and stories from a lifetime of friendship. While Joann continued her Vegas trips for years to come, the family also took more leisurely trips to Lake Ripley, Wisconsin. There, they enjoyed a small cabin and made memories in peaceful solitude — something nearly unachievable with five children, yet somehow accomplished.
Joann was truly one of a kind and broke the mold. She always had a joke or a trucker-approved story ready and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or stage a protest — sometimes figuratively, and sometimes literally. She’d be the first to overfeed you, then ask if you’d put on some weight, always with a smile. She loved to shop and couldn’t resist a good deal, especially on Alfred Dunner slacks and unapologetically ugly sweaters she proudly claimed were two for ten dollars. She loved to eat at “Donny’s” and often lamented how expensive it had become since her youth, usually followed by stories of how much she could buy with a quarter and still have change left over. There are countless Joann stories and memories. While she may no longer be here physically, her love, laughter, and light will remain and never be forgotten.

She leaves five children: Paul “Griz” (Cassie Haag) Stover, Gary (Kathy) Stover, Rick (Barb) Stover, Wendy (Brian) McClay, Roger (Laura) Stover; three grandchildren: Aimee (Matt) Lewis, Will (Rachel) Stover, and Brandon (Jessica) Cunningham who she loved like a son. Four step-grandchildren; Brandi (Brian) Schmaranzer, Bret Tanzer, Caren Lolley and Wade (Lori) Lolley; great-grandchildren: Aaron, Paige, and Dylan Lewis, Anthony, Alexzis, Elizabeth, Zack and Jason Stover; step-great-grandchildren: Lola and August Tanzer, Imogen Lolley, Wyatt, Jayden, Lilly and Lola Lolley. She also had many nieces and nephews including a special bond with Ronda Downing, and a countryside full of friends that will miss her dearly.

She is reunited with her husband Duane “D**k” Stover, her parents, Oscar and Ora Tebell, her sister Jean Bohn, one son Mike Stover in infancy, one grandson Tony Stover.

Following cremation, the family will host a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Please consider making a contribution in Joann’s memory to the Community Congregational Church 100 E. Shannon St. Elburn, IL 60119. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

01/23/2026

Life Story and Service Details For
JOHN OLSON

John A. Olson, 85, of Maple Park, Illinois passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Aurora, Illinois on July 13, 1940, to parents, Albeon and Miriam Olson.

John was raised in the Kaneland area where his family were tenant farmers, living on four different farms while John grew up. Starting at the age of 10, John started helping out on the farm, driving tractors, and picking up where his parents left off. His time working on the various farms instilled in John a strong work ethic from a young age. He attended local schools and graduated from Maple Park High School, class of 1958. While earning his high school education, John played on the school basketball team as a forward.

John met the love of his life, Anna Mae Larsen while attending Maple Park High School. The two would start dating their senior year and married April 8, 1961, at Kaneville United Methodist Church. Shortly after they were married they began a family of their own. Over the next few years, they would welcome three sons.

John worked for the bulk of his adult life as a supervisor at Anaconda Wire and Cable in Sycamore for 20 years and working for Drive-Lok Manufacturing, also in Sycamore where he worked as a sales representative for 20 years. In 2002 at the age of 62 he would enter semi-retirement. After retirement, John worked part-time for Hintzche’s Feed and Grain where he drove a fertilizer truck. He really enjoyed working in the farming sector again as it reminded him of working on the farms with his family in his youth.
John was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church in Maple Park, IL. He was also a volunteer firefighter for around a dozen years starting in the 70’s. He was particularly proud of the pancake breakfast fundraiser that he helped start during his time volunteering, which they still hold to this day. In his downtime, John enjoyed hitting the green and was a member of the Maple Park men’s golf league

John was a people person at his very core and never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and he would often seek out connections with strangers. He was proud of his Swedish roots and was so happy to be able to explore Sweden with his family and see where his father was born. John loved sports and enjoyed the competitive aspect of sports. That desire for competitiveness carried over in his own life in regards to golf, but more than anything he really enjoyed the camaraderie that came with golf and of course having a beer with his friends at the end of the game. John and Anna Mae loved nothing more than to drive around the countryside in their 1973 Chevy Caprice convertible. They would take in the sights while traveling to visit with their friends. In the 1970’s, John and Anna Mae got into snowmobiling and would take their three sons to snowmobile in the Kaneland area as well as Northern Wisconsin. John could drive just about anything due to his farm work experience. In the warmer months he looked forward to riding his tractor while he mowed his lawn. For over 20 years, John and Anna Mae spent their winters in Meza, AZ. The two were also avid line dancers which they enjoyed doing in the Kaneland area as well as in Arizona. John was a family man and a hard worker; his work ethic was woven through his DNA and taught by his parents as he grew up. His family, friends, and dear acquaintances will feel the void of his loss, and he will be missed dearly.

John is survived by his three sons: Kevin (Jane) Olson, Kurt Olson, Kenneth (Janet) Olson; his grandchildren: Katie (Jimmy) Flores, Amy (Jonathan) Hardesty, William (Liz Bonnett) Olson, and Emma (Nico Marrin) Olson; his great grandchildren: Drake Flores, Kalysta Flores, Jonas Flores, Royce Flores, and Maraya Flores; and a whole countryside of friends.

John is reunited with his parents, Albeon and Miriam Olson; his wife of 64 years, Anna Mae Olson; and his sister, Margaret (Eugene) Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 2pm to 5pm at Faranda’s Banquets at 302 Grove Street, DeKalb, IL 60115. Services and interment will take place privately with John’s family prior to the celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in John’s memory to Grace United Methodist Church at 506 Willow Street, Maple Park, IL 60151. Memorials may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

01/23/2026

Life Story and Service Details For
WALTER "Wally" CLAUSS

Walter “Wally” Clauss, age 94, of Plato Center, IL, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 15, 2026.

He was born on May 31, 1931 in River Forest, IL.
Wally grew up in River Forest and attended local schools for a time. His battle with asthma brought him to Arizona where he finished his high school education.

Wally received a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and returned to Illinois to join the landscaping family business, Clauss Brothers Landscaping and Contractors.

At a local coffee shop, more than the rich aroma of freshly brewed joe was in the air when Wally met the manager, Judy Loshbough. The two kindled a romance that grew into a lifelong love. They began their new life together in Roselle, IL along with Judy’s son Brian, and moved to Itasca shortly after they were blessed with their daughter Sherry who made the family complete.
Wally was built to run the family business and continued in his father’s footsteps. Retirement was never an option for Wally, and he was reluctant to give anything up, though eventually he begrudgingly slowed down.
Wally was a member of ILCA, the Illinois Contractor Association and served on several committees, garnering Man of the Year honors in 1982.

Wally was a man with stout convictions and a work ethic to match. His dedication to his craft and business led him to look forward to Summer Field Days where he was a key organizer for 30 years. You never needed to worry about how you stood with him because Wally was the first one to tell you. He was immensely proud of his yard, as a landscaper should, and made sure it was magazine worthy even though it never graced the cover of a publication. Wally was a man unto himself and embodied a cowboy spirit who enjoyed peaceful and relaxing times gazing from his “throne” on the back porch, but also the solitary feel and landscape of Arizona. He will not soon be forgotten.

Wally leaves his daughter, Sherry Gehrke; daughter-in-law, Patricia Clauss; 3 grandchildren: Clint Clauss, Natalie (John) Seper and Nathan Campbell; 7 great-grandchildren: Levi Clauss, Christopher, Ian and Kevin Seper and Nolin and Wade Campbell and Jacob Arnold; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is reunited with his wife Judy Clauss, his parents, his son Brian Clauss and one sister, Carol Raycraft who preceded him in death.
A memorial visitation will be from 9-11 a.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119, on Monday, February 16, 2026. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Cremation interment will follow the service at Lily Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Wally’s name. Checks may be made to the “Walter H. Clauss Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

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