Conley Funeral Home, 116 W Pierce Street, Elburn, IL (2025)

12/21/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
SCOTT SEMMERLING

Scott Semmerling, age 61, of Maple Park, IL, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Wednesday afternoon, December 17, 2025.
He was born on May 11, 1964.

Scott grew up in Wheaton, IL and attended local schools. As a child, Scott often visited Cantigny Park and could be found ice skating on the creek in the winter months.

Scott’s education came mainly from the “school of hard knocks” where he honed a work ethic as tough as the masonry he handled. If you looked close you could see the marks he made working at Navy Pier, the R.R. Donnelley building, and the Art Institute of Chicago, many times hanging above the ground at perilous heights. You would think this would have made him nervous, but to Scott, it was just another day on the job.

Scott and Dawn Wriske grew up within a block of each other in Chicago, met as preteens through mutual friends and were united in marriage on July 4, 1987. Dawn made his life complete while they settled on Thomas Rd. in Burlington. The family moved to Genoa for a time before leaving the state, making a home in Penrose, CO, in 1994, where Scott found work moving houses. In 1997, they moved back to the prairie state, eventually settling in Maple Park.

Scott enjoyed reading and had a love of getting into the wind on his Harley Davidson Sportster. Adventures Scott and Dawn took on the bike included going to Sturgis in 1996 and in 2003, the Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary in Milwaukee, WI. Scott loved adventure and made harrowing memories on a few boar hunts in Tennessee, but home was where his heart was. Music was a constant companion throughout his life. While his tastes shifted over the years and often returned to classic rock, the one constant was that is had to be played LOUD. One of his favorites being "One" by Metallica.

He leaves his loving wife of 38 years, Dawn Semmerling; two children: Curtis Semmerling and Amber (Brian) Signorella and two grandchildren, Ella and Abby; several nieces and nephews: Brian (Sarah) Madl, Candace Madl, Jarret (Samantha) Kacirek, Joshua Kacirek, Anita (Seth) Hartman, the late Joe (Taylor) Meitl, Keith Meitl, Kevin (Kaitrin) Meitl, Karl Meitl, James Meitl, Ashley Wriske, and Billy Wriske as well as a family of friends who will miss him dearly.

He now joins his loving in-laws, William and Anita Wriske, one brother-in-law, Keith Wriske, one brother, Roger Semmerling, and parents, Walter and Jacque Semmerling who preceded him in death.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org or to Toys For Tots, https://secure.toysfortots.org. Memories and tributes may be made on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

12/16/2025

We were honored to have Tom Toftey, author of "Unexpected Gifts," join our December "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" Grief Book Club. Tom's book tells the story of his friendship with Tim Hartwell, who battled Glioblastoma, and explores the themes of mortality, grief, and legacy, offering a heartfelt look at the impact we leave on others. To learn more about Tom or find his book please see the link below
https://www.tomtofteyauthor.com/. ❤️

12/14/2025

Life Story and Service Details For
KIRK WILLIAMS

Kirk S. Williams, age 57, of Elburn, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Kirk may have been born in Elgin, IL, on September 26, 1968.but the first four years of his life were spent in the sun and surf of the Bahama’s. When his parents went their separate ways, Kirk moved back to IL with his mom Marcia and his younger brother Keith. Eventually Ron Springinsguth was added to the family and became a beloved second father to Kirk when he married Marcia. Two families became one with the addition of Ron’s two daughters.
Kirk attended Burlington Central High School and graduated with the class of 1986.
Though he didn’t know it at the time, Kirk’s future family would mirror his own when he met Cristin at a cousin’s wedding in 2000. Kirk and Cristin had already been blessed with three children, Christian, Connor, and Abby. Their marriage a year later embodied the song, “Bless The Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. Both had traveled different paths that prepared them to find each other and the kind of happiness rarely found. Kirk and Cristin made the family complete with the arrival of their son Carson.
Despite a strong work ethic, Kirk worked to live rather than lived to work, reserving as much time with family and friends as possible. The mouthwatering aromas wafting from his grill and smoker foretold of delicious meats, fish and the occasional pizza and as always, his culinary creations matched Kirk’s spicy sense of humor. It was obvious to everyone that he was Sammy Hagar’s biggest fan, and a devout follower of anything Van Halen. When it came to travel, Kirk couldn’t “drive 55” on his way to Green Lake in Wisconsin because good times were always waiting, and the fish were always biting at The Flying Fish, a family retreat. The excitement and hilarious laughter shared there mirrored the unforgettable times had in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a favorite destination for both family and friends. Kirk was the life of every party he attended and was always ready to vocally unleash, using his distinctive booming and unapologetic 80’s rock voice. He was also the epitome of a “jack of all trades”. Many people called upon his handyman spirit to fix just about anything and everything that found itself broken. He perfectly played the “fun uncle” to a host of nieces and nephews and crafted the most epic and memorable speeches for weddings, toasts and a host of other celebrations. Kirk’s legacy is now left to all his children who always topped the list of things he loved most. It would only take a glance to see the pride in his eyes and joy in his heart whenever he spoke about them. Kirk was one of a kind and as unique as the indelible marks he left on the hearts of all who loved him. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
He leaves his loving wife Cristin; 4 children: Christian Williams, Connor Williams, Abby (Jack) Fulton and Carson Williams; one brother Keith (Karen) Williams, two sisters, Dawn (Tim) Wozniak and Lora Williams; his mother Marcia and Ron Springinsguth; in-laws Mark and Carol West; brother in law Ryan and Kari West, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and “granddogs”.
He now joins his first father, Dennis Williams and his step-sister Karen Morris, and his “soul dog” Ellie who preceded him in death.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Kirk’s life beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Emerald Acres, located at 4N250 Rt. 47, Virgil, IL, with a time of fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Kirk’s name. Checks may be made to the “Kirk Williams Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com for his family to cherish.

12/10/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
JAMES "JIM" WILMATH

James "Jim" Wilmath, age 78, of Maple Park, IL, passed away at his home, the morning Monday, October 6, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. He was born January 28, 1947, in Poe, MO, to proud parents Joe and Betty Wilmath.

Jim grew up on the family farm in Poe, helped with lots of farm chores, learned to hunt and fish, and created plenty of ruckus. Jim attended local schools and, after high school, joined his sister Mary and brother-in-law Dale in St. Charles for a work opportunity. Jim met Elma Wilkison when his brother Jerry married Elma's sister Arlene. Jim and Elma quickly fell in love and planned to marry in June 1966. Instead, Jim received his draft letter in 1966 to report for service in December. At Elma's father's suggestion, the wedding was postponed until Jim returned from Vietnam. Jim returned to the United States in early December 1967 and he and Elma were married on December 16, 1967, at Elburn Community Congregational Church. They moved to Texas for six months while Jim completed his service and then settled in Elburn. Nine months and one day after the wedding, their first son, Richard, was born.

The young family moved to Missouri for a time but returned to the Elburn area in 1969. They welcomed their second child, Joseph, in May 1973 and built a life in the Elburn/Maple Park area. Jim worked at Burgess Norton in Geneva, moved on to Furnas Electric in Batavia, and eventually retired from Senior Flexonics in Bartlett. During retirement, Jim continued to be a news ju**ie, enjoyed going to sales with childhood friend and brother-in-law Buck Sivert, golfing, and traveling. One of his favorite trips was a bus tour with Elma through New England to see the fall colors, but visiting his grandchildren in Georgia was his greatest joy. Jim was a proud member of the Elburn Community Congregational church and a member of the Moose Lodge.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years Elma; his two children, Richard (Susan) Wilmath and Joe Wilmath; two grandchildren, Elisabeth Wilmath and Joshua Wilmath; siblings Jerry Wilmath and Peggy Estep; and many nieces and nephews. Special recognition to his niece Cindi Paschal who gave so much love, support, and care during the last weeks of Jim's life. The family is deeply grateful.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Betty Wilmath; siblings Leo Wilmath, Mary Jennings, and Linda Burger.

Jim's family will be hosting a Celebration of Jim's Life on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at Warehouse on North at 217 W. N Street, Elburn, IL 60119 just to the west of Obscurity Brewing. All are welcome to attend.

12/08/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
BETTY BOHLANDER

Betty Bohlander, 79, of Sugar Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. She was born on September 15, 1946, in Phillip, South Dakota, to Richard and Audrey McIlvary.

Betty grew up on her family's ranch in Phillip, South Dakota, riding horses, even to school. She graduated from Phillip High School in 1964.

Betty went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from South Dakota State University in 1968.

While at the university, Betty met her future husband, the love of her life, Clarence Bohlander. She was attending a convention when she was introduced to her friend's brother, Clarence. What began that day became a lifelong relationship built on loyalty and commitment, even on the hard days. Through their warm and encouraging actions, they would teach their child what a true partnership looked like. The two were married on August 21, 1971.

Both educators, Betty and Clarence began their careers on the Flandreau Indian Reservation—she teaching home economics, he teaching math. After several rewarding years, Clarence accepted a position with the Federal Aviation Administration, and they relocated to Illinois, settling in Aurora before finding their forever home in Sugar Grove in the late 70’s.

When her son Adam joined the Boy Scouts, Betty got involved—and stayed for decades. She became instrumental in training Scout leaders and forged lifelong friendships, continuing to meet her Scouting friends for dinner and ice cream long after stepping back from formal duties. She also found a spiritual home at Sugar Grove United Methodist Church in the early 1980’s.

An avid quilter with a sharp eye for detail, Betty poured her love into hundreds of quilts over the years. A perfectionist, she would often redo her work until it was just right. She belonged to several quilting groups and delighted in gifting her creations to family and friends—each one a labor of love.

Betty loved nothing more than a good mystery and could often be found at the local library searching for her next favorite read. She always looked forward to breakfast with her best friend, Diane Weekly, where they would catch up and share stories. They were two peas in a pod who supported each other through the years. Betty also found loyal companionship in her orange tabby, Oliver "Ollie." She was elated to become a grandmother and cherished every moment with her family.

Betty had a gift for connection. She could strike up a conversation with anyone—in the grocery line, at church, wherever life took her. Approachable, patient, and genuinely kind, she left an impression on everyone she met. Her easy-going, generous spirit lives on in the generations she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed.

Betty is survived by her son, Adam (Claire Rasmussen) Bohlander, and her grandchildren, Eleanor Bohlander and William Bohlander.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Clarence Bohlander; her parents, Richard and Audrey McIlvary; and her brother, Robert McIlvary.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce Street, with a memorial service immediately following at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Betty's memory to the Lymphoma Research Foundation via the following link https://lymphoma.org/. Contributions may also 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 .

12/01/2025

Life Story for
PEGGIE JENSEN

Peggie J. Jensen, 75, of Sycamore, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 24, 1950, to parents, Harry and Florence Dykeman.

Peggie grew up in Chicago where she attended local schools. She was a student at William Howard Taft which she attended until she was 16 at which point she entered beauty school. Peggie had always wanted to become a beautician and was excited to begin the training for her dream job.

Peggie was married to a Chicago police officer, Kenneth Winkie for 19 years, in which time they had three children. Kenneth sadly passed away at the age of 40 leaving Peggie to raise her children on her own. Peggie had been invited to a 50-year grammar school reunion party that was hosted by Glenn Jensen at his home. The two reconnected and hit it off that night and were married on October 28, 2011.

Working as a beautician, Peggie decided to open her own shop in Chicago, Peggie Jo’s House of Beauty. She sold her shop to stay home and raise her children after which she worked as a manager for a local bakery and finished her working career as a general manager at a print shop.

In her free time Peggie liked to read a good mystery book. She also enjoyed knitting, especially for her family. She knitted many blankets over the years for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Peggie and Glenn traveled all over the country hot rodding in their 1957 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery with windows, which was a rare find. They loved seeing all of the beautiful sights America had to offer. Peggie was a great traveling companion, and Glenn has countless memories from their hot rodding trips. She loved being a grandma and spent as much time with her grandchildren as she could. Peggie loved to seek out information; she was inquisitive by nature. She was friendly and loving and her caring nature will be missed dearly by her family.

Peggie is survived by her husband of 14 years, Glenn Jensen; her children: Carrie (Brian) Krueger, Sarah (Kevin) Peter, Joe (Kelly) Winkie; her 17 grandchildren; and her 7 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Florence Dykeman, first husband Ken Winkie, her sister Diane Howery , her brother Steven Dykeman and great grandchild
Treasure Borre.

The family will not be holding any services.

Contributions 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.

11/27/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
ANDREA S. PURCELL

Andrea Purcell, 76, of Elburn, Illinois, passed away suddenly at her home on Monday, November 24, 2025. She was born in Gilmanton, Wisconsin on January 26, 1949, to parents, Sherman and Dorothy Cooke.

Andrea grew up in the Gilmanton, Wisconsin area where her family lived on a farm where they grew crops and raised cattle. She attended Gilmanton High School through her sophomore year at which point her family moved to the Barrington, Illinois area. She completed her high school education at Barrington High School, graduating class of 1967.

While living in an apartment complex in Mount Prospect, Illinois, Andrea would bump into Daniel Purcell, another resident in her apartment building. Little did she know she had met her future husband. Daniel became very fond of Andrea and asked her on a date. The rest was history in the making. The two married September 28, 1974, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Andrea worked as a typesetter for Star Printing for several years. She would leave Star Printing to work for the family business, Shamrock Container where she worked as a bookkeeper for around 15 years. Prior to retirement she did the bookkeeping for her church, Kaneville United Methodist Church.

Andrea was a woman of strong faith in her Lord and Savior; she was a member at Kaneville United Methodist for over 30 years. Andrea was also a member of “The Card Girls”. Her and her friends always looked forward to playing pinochle, bunco, and a variety of card games.

To keep busy Andrea loved spending time tending to her expansive flower garden. She looked forward to the summer when she could spend her days outdoors. In the winter or on a rainy day she kept her hands busy with cross stitch and jigsaw puzzles. She loved her dog, Fergie, more than life itself. Fergie was by her side up until the very end. When her children were growing up, she gladly took out her sewing machine and made clothes for her son and daughter. On the weekends, she could be found hitting up the local antique shops, trying to find some treasures to take home with her. In retirement she stepped up and baby sat for several families in her neighborhood. She was a nurturer by nature and showed great care to the children she watched. She loved her family and never turned down the opportunity to watch her grandson, Kael. She was a die-hard Packers fan and never missed a game. Andrea was a bright and vivacious woman; she was outgoing and could strike up a conversation with anyone. She was always the last to leave church after starting a conversation. Her family will miss her contagious laughter and larger than life personality.

Andrea is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Daniel Purcell; her children: Daniel Purcell III and Heather Purcell; her grandson, Kael Adkins; her sister, Marsha McConnell, and a whole community of friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Dorothy Cooke.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 10a.m. to 11a.m. at Kaneville United Methodist Church at 46W764 Main Street Rd, Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00a.m. also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Andrea’s memory to Kaneville United Methodist Church at 46W764 Main Street Rd, Elburn, IL 60119. Contributions can also 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.

11/27/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
MICHAEL S. LEWIS

Michael S. Lewis, 78, of Maple Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. He was born in Sussex, England on March 17,1947, to parents Henry and Marjorie Lewis.

In Sussex, Michael attended local schools. After he was done with his formal education he went into construction.

In 1987, being a history buff, Michael was touring the local historical sites when he ran into Karen Kruty. It was love at first sight. Fate brought them together at just the right moment because Karen was three days away from returning home to the US. They married nearly immediately on March 17, 1987, St. Patrick’s Day. After several years of marital bliss in England, Karen returned to the US and Michael would follow her two years later in 1994.
While working in construction in London, Michael worked on the Chunnel, which he was particularly proud of. After coming to the US he worked for his stepson’s telecommunications tower business, Tower Works. He worked for Tower Works for over twenty years, retiring in 2015.

Michael could always be found with a good book and was an avid reader. He loved anything to do with history from visiting historical sites to reading historical literature. He was a big fan of country music, and you could guarantee his radio was always tuned to country music radio. Karen loved to cook and Michael loved to eat. He liked all kinds of food and never turned down a good meal. In the warmer months Michael looked forward to spending time outdoors and tending to his vast vegetable garden; there was nothing he couldn’t grow. Michael was a family man and spent his days surrounded by his loved ones and grandchildren. His outgoing and vivacious personality will be his legacy, passed down onto the generations to come.

Michael is survived by his children: Thomas (Marisha) Lewis and David Lewis; his stepchildren: Elizabeth (Greg) Surace, Eddie (Laura) Finley, and Lisa (Sam) Lucente; and his many grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marjorie Lewis; and his wife of 32 years, Karen Lewis.

The family will be hosting a private celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Michael’s memory to the American Cancer Society at the following link American Cancer Society . Contributions can also 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.

11/27/2025

OUR PHONES ARE NEVER ALONE.....But our office will be closed for Thanksgiving. If you need to make an appointment, please give us a call at any time, 630-365-6414. To those this Thanksgiving that have an extra chair at the table please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

11/25/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
LLOYD M. DA MASK SR.

Lloyd M. Da Mask Sr., 94, of Maple Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 22, 2025. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 21, 1931, to parents, Leo and Myrtle Da Mask.

Lloyd grew up in the northwest side of Chicago where he attended local schools, graduating from Wells Highschool, class of 1953.

After graduating from high school, Lloyd stepped up to protect his country when he joined the Marines. In the Marines, Lloyd worked as a communication specialist. He served three years in active duty followed by three years in the reserves. In 1954 while serving in the reserves, Lloyd started his college education at the Allied Institute of Technology. He graduated in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

While serving in the Marines, Lloyd’s high school sweetheart, Marie Diakow, waited for his return. When Lloyd returned from active duty, he and Marie were married in Chicago on January 23, 1954. Lloyd and Marie were the epitome of a strong and faithful marriage, setting an amazing example of love and loyalty for their children and grandchildren. They would go on to have four children which they surrounded with love and care.

Lloyd worked for White Cap Manufacturing in Chicago for 50 plus years where he worked as a senior project engineer. Lloyd loved his job and thoroughly enjoyed traveling for work where he visited countries spanning the entire world.

Lloyd was an active member of the Moose Lodge for 15 years. He was also a member of the Elburn American Legion Post 630 where he was a Sergeant-at-Arms. He and Marie were avid square dancers and belonged to the Flying Squares. Lloyd was the oldest member of his church in Chicago, Irving Park Lutheran Church, where he was bestowed the title of oldest council person emirates. When his children were growing up, Lloyd was a boy scout leader with his church. He was also a member of the DeKalb County Marine Corps League.

After retiring from White Cap, Lloyd and Marie moved out of the city settling in Maple Park on a farm where they looked forward to enjoying their retirement and spending time with their grandchildren. Lloyd was a man of many interests and always kept himself busy with his many hobbies He spent his free time woodworking in his basement where he also made wine. He enjoyed taking care of his property where he gardened and always looked forward to mowing his lawn. He loved to bake cookies, pies, and bread. He was an amazing cook, and he loved to feed his family and they certainly didn’t complain. Every Thursday night he would make popcorn for the American Legion. At his core, Lloyd was first a man of great faith and helped establish and build his church from the ground up and was a hardworking family man who spent every second he could with his family. He loved his country, was proud to be an American, and was a true patriot. His family and friends will miss him dearly. His legacy will carry on through the lives of his loving family.

Lloyd is survived by his children: Donna (Thomas) Elkin, Lloyd (Dawn) Da Mask Jr., and Thomas (Vanessa) Da Mask; his grandchildren: Brandon Reum, Rhianna Magan᷉a, Weston Da Mask, Scott Da Mask, Jenna Da Mask, Ryan Da Mask, Brittany Da Mask, Michael Da Mask, Madeline Da Mask, and Mackenzie Da Mask; his 19 great grandchildren, his brother, Leo Da Mask II, and a whole family of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Myrtle Da Mask; his beloved wife, Marie Da Mask; his son, Robert Da Mask; and his siblings: Laverne Da Mask and Leroy Da Mask.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 9a.m. to 12p.m. at Conley Funeral Home at 116 W. Pierce Street, Elburn, IL 60119. Following the visitation at the funeral home a visitation will be held at Irving Park Lutheran Church, at 3938 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, from 2:30p.m. to 3:00p.m. followed by a funeral service at 3p.m., also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Elburn American Legion Post 630 in Lloyd’s memory. Tributes may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119, shared on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com

11/19/2025

**UPDATED LUNCHEON INFORMATION UNDER SERVICE INFORMATION**

Life Story and Service Details For
James "JIM" MacRunnels

James “Jim” MacRunnels, 68, of Sugar Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 31, 1956, and was raised by his mother Julia and stepfather Eugene Cover.

Jim grew up in Dixon, Illinois and graduated from Dixon High School, class of 1975.

After graduating from high school, Jim attended George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration in 1979.

At George Williams College, Jim would meet the love of his life, Colleen Powers. The two shared the same major and were married at St. Joan of Ark Catholic Church in Lisle, Illinois on November 27, 1982.

Jim was a financial advisor working as an independent broker for 35 years. He always looked forward to helping his customers reach financial security and loved what he did so much that he never truly retired.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and especially loved hunting and fishing. He always looked forward to wild game hunting with his hunting buddies and loyal hunting dogs through the years. He enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada where he surrounded himself with his many friends fishing during the day and cooking up their catch in the evening. He loved traveling to Mexico where he spent his time at the pool with a good book and enjoying fresh seafood at his favorite restaurants. Jim always made sure mornings in Mexico were extra special by preparing delicious breakfasts for friends and family with Kahlua and coffee. Jim had a big heart and was an avid supporter of the Special Olympics. He made sure that no one ever felt left out and referred to the athletes as his posse. Over the years, he raised nearly 2 million dollars for Special Olympic athletes.

Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Colleen MacRunnels; his son, Jamie MacRunnels; his son-in-law Bobby Hammer; and his siblings: Charles MacRunnels, Linda (Russ) Monson, Shelby (Galen) Boyd, Cindy (Steve) Bonnell, Phil MacRunnels, and Dwayne (Lisa) MacRunnels.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Eugene Cover.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church at 123 S County Lind Rd, Maple Park, IL 60151. A luncheon will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at the Maple Park American Legion Post 312 at 203 Main Street, Maple Park, IL 60151.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Fox Valley Special Rec Foundation at https://fvsrf.networkforgood.com/projects/264602-in-memory-of-jim-macrunnels or to Opportunity House at https://www.ohinc.org/in-loving-memory-of-jim-macrunnels.html. Tributes may also be forwarded to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119, the Conley Funeral Home page, Or at www.conleycare.com.

11/18/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
JUDITH "JUDY" NIELSEN

Judith Nielsen, 87, of St Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025. She was born on April 8, 1938, to Jessie Brown and Joan VanElla.

Judy grew up in Forest Park up until 3rd grade when her family moved to Franklin Park. She attended local schools and graduated from Leyden High School where she met the love of life, Raymond Nielsen. The two would graduate together class of 1956.

When Judith and Raymond were juniors, Raymond made a call to a mutual friend and asked if they thought that Judy would go out with him, she did, and the rest was history. The two were married March 8, 1958, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Franklin Park. That day would set off a partnership that was full of love and adventures.

Judy and Raymond always kept busy and surrounded themselves with good people. In their down time they enjoyed, sailing on their sailboat the Wind Witch, fishing, camping, and always being around water. Judy was such a good person, she loved her husband with all her heart. Her three daughters and her large family meant everything to her. She will be truly missed.

Judy is survived by her husband of 67 years, Raymond Nielsen; her daughters: Susan Hendricksen, Sheryl (Ken) Sands, Christine (Kevin) Taylor; her eight grandchildren; and her nine great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Brown and Joan VanElla; and her sister, Michelle Cicmmanec.

A celebration of life will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Breast Cancer Foundation in Judy’s memory via the following link https://www.abcf.org or make a donation to an animal shelter of your choice. Contributions can 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.

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