Obituaries
Robert “Duke” McKinney III
September 8, 1948 – September 28, 2025
With heavy hearts yet deep gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert “Duke” McKinney III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He slipped gently from this life on September 28, 2025, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of courage, love, and steadfast devotion.
Born at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California, on September 8, 1948, Duke carried the spirit of service from his earliest days. He answered his country’s call with valor, enlisting in the United States Army as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division. During his service in Vietnam, he displayed extraordinary bravery—surviving having his aircraft shot down three times and earning Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in the line of duty. His service was more than obligation; it was a defining expression of his character, one he would carry with quiet pride for the rest of his life.
Duke was a man who lived fully. He was drawn to the wilderness—the quiet of deep woods, the patience of a fishing line, the thrill of a hunt. He shared that love with his sons and grandsons, teaching them to see wonder in a sunrise, courage in a storm, and faith in every winding trail. Many afternoons found him outdoors, with rod or rifle in hand, passing on tradition, reverence, and resilience.
He was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan through and through—through wins, losses, and every Sunday in between. He savored time with friends: a cold beer, good company, laughter, and earnest conversation. Duke had a way of making people feel seen, of remembering birthdays, sending thoughtful notes, offering gratitude. He believed relationships were sacred, and he invested in theirs.
Duke was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Mac” McKinney, Jr. and Loretta McKinney of Lake Isabella, California, and by his beloved son Bob Bryant of Washington.
He is survived by:
- His sons, Jason McKinney (wife Erica) of Royce City, Texas, and Chad McKinney (wife Heather) of Brentwood, California
- Grandsons Logan and Landon (Jason’s sons)
- Grandsons Tyler, Grayson, and Seth (Chad’s sons)
- His grandchildren Sam and Caroline (children of his late son Bob)
- His siblings: Erin McKinney of El Paso, TX; Michial McKinney of Milton, WA; and Dawn Carver of Granite Station, CA
- His many nieces, nephews, and friends who will continue to carry forward his spirit
A memorial service celebrating Duke’s life will be held at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery in the coming weeks, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, Duke’s family asks that gifts be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, in tribute to his lasting commitment to those who served.
We will miss Duke more than words can say. His steady strength, his kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering love will live on in every heart he touched. May his memory remain a blessing, and his example continue to inspire us all.
Jacob Isaac Ortega
June 30, 1997 - February 22, 2024 (26 years old)
Jacob Isaac Ortega was born on June 30, 1997 in Mesquite, Texas. At the tender age of 26, he was loved by many when he went to be with the Lord on February 22, 2024. Jacob is survived by his loving wife Ivy Ortega; daughters Evelyn and Adeline; parents Augustine and Dahlilia; brother Adrian and sisters Angelina, Miranda, Micaela, Gabriella, Alyssa; grandparents Mercedes, Gloria, Augustine; great grandmother Julia, Aunts Patricia, Belinda, Lori, Cristina; cousins, nephews, nieces; preceded in death by mother Singapore, brother John and grandpa John. Jacobs favorite pass-time was sitting outside grilling, enjoying the weather, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 27, at 2:00pm at Keystone Church 1575 Clay Mathis Rd, Mesquite, TX 75181 (use google maps). Burial will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, 4600 N. Belt Line Rd., Sunnyvale, TX 75182.
In lieu of flowers please deliver to Keystone Church 1575 Clay Mathis Rd., Mesquite, TX 75181 and donations can be made by Zelle to Belinda Ortega at 469-744-2918 or belindaoct22@icloud.com
Mary Johnson
August 18, 1942 - May 13, 2022 (79 years old)
Mary M Johnson, 79, of Sycamore, IL, passed away on Friday May 13th at Kishwaukee Hospital following a brief illness. She was born on August 18th, 1942 to Walter and Betty Wojack in Chicago, IL. She grew up in Franklin Park where she graduated from East Leyden High School.
She married Walter Wilcox of Waterman, IL in 1961 and had 4 children, William, Angela, Edward, and Michele. She was active as a member of Waterman Methodist Church, Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Eastern Star, and Job’s Daughters International. She was a Bookkeeper for Wilcox Welding for many years before holding positions at Kishwaukee Hospital and Duplex.
Mary Married Allen Johnson of Shabbona, IL in 1992. Together they were active leaders in Bethel #66, DeKalb, Job’s Daughters International, eventually rising to leadership positions in the Grand Bethel of Illinois. Mary and Al were very interested in genealogy and actively traced both their family lineages. They would often travel in pursuit of family records that were not available online.
Mary is survived by her brother, Walter (Diane) Wojak of Rochelle, IL, sister, Valerie (Robert) Keisel, Green Valley, Arizona, children William Wilcox of San Antonio, TX, Edward (Kristina) Wilcox, Belvidere, IL, Dawn (Dean) Carlson of Bloomington, IL, Michael (Elizabeth) Golen-Johnson, Vashon, WA, Robert (Naomi) Johnson, Kenosha, WI, Michele
(Michael) Zibrun, Sycamore, IL, and Sharon (Dale) Malone, Orangeville, IL, 21 Grandchildren, and 17 Great Grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her parents, brother Charles Wojak, daughter Angela Davis and Husband Alan Johnson.
The Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Audubon Society, The Shriners Children’s Hospitals, or the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Dorothy R. Smith
March 29, 1927 - April 25, 2022 (95 years old)
DEWITT-Funeral services for Dorothy R. Smith, 95, of DeWitt, Iowa, will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 29, 2022, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf, Iowa. Burial will follow at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa. Family will greet friends on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.
Dorothy passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022, at WestWing Place, DeWitt. Dorothy Rahlf was born on March 29, 1927, in Davenport, the daughter of Carl and Euphemia (Moeller) Smith. She graduated from Davenport High School in 1945. She married Phillip Codling on November 19, 1948, in Davenport. He preceded her in death on August 9, 1984. She then married Warren Smith on November 30, 1991, in Bettendorf. He preceded her in death.
Dorothy worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Co and later worked as a bartender at the 19th Hole. She did a lot of volunteer work at the Veteran's Administration and Luther Manor Generations. She was well known for blankets she made and sold, including "The Lord's Prayer".
Dorothy was a member of AARP, QC Plus 60 Club, American Legion Auxiliary #17, Ipava, Illinois, QC Diabetes Association, Bettendorf Parks and Recreation, Senior Citizen Club, RSVP volunteer at Veteran's Administration of Bettendorf, Drove #217, for the Eastern Star, Davenport Chapter #178. She was a long-time member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bettendorf, where she served as a Sunday school teacher.
Survivors include her sons, Thomas (Judy) Codling of Bettendorf, Iowa, David (Sue) Codling of Knoxville, Tennessee, Alan (Nancy) Codling of Omaha, Nebraska, stepsons, Larry (Mary Ellen) Smith of Cincinnati, Ohio and Stuart (Becky) Smith of Bettendorf; step-daughter, Marsha (Roger) Garrow of Davenport; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; brother, Carl (Darlene) Rahlf of Dubuque, Iowa, God-Daughter; Sharon (Douglas) Hartman, and daughter-in-law; Jolynn Codling of Davenport, Iowa.
In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Litscher; son, Marvin R. Codling; a step-granddaughter a great-great-grandson and daughter-in-law; Deb Codling.
Memorials may be directed to the Quad Cities Diabetes Association or Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Bettendorf, Iowa.
Robert Williams
1928 - May 6, 2021
Robert Bob Williams died Thursday, May 6, 2021. Bob was married to Lillian Sakaluk for 62 years, Lillian preceding him in death December 9, 2013. He is survived by his daughter Linda Herrell and husband Ken (of Monrovia, California); son Kenneth, his wife Ellen (of Houston, Texas); son Doug and wife Lilli (of Dallas, Texas); 4 loving grandchildren Robert, Emy (and husband Cole Cook), Kendall, Graham; as well as a large extended family, most living in Ontario, Canada. Bob had a long career at Texas Instruments, and was heavily involved in the Texins Dive Club, Dallas Astronomy Club, Richardson square dancing, and water and snow skiing.
