2 entries
The Guest Book is expired.
|
 ALGONQUIN – Phyllis A. Lange-Connelly, 76, of Algonquin, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Sherman Hospital, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Phyllis was born in Elgin on Oct. 14, 1935, the daughter of the late William C. and Frederika (nee Reimer) Werneke.
Phyllis was a lifelong resident of the Dundee and Algonquin area, and a 1953 graduate of Dundee Community High School.
Phyllis was an accomplished church organist and musician who dedicated her life to serving God through his gift of music to her. She began playing the organ for church services at the age of 16 and thus began her lifelong commitment to church music and teaching. She worked diligently to build music programs in various churches, including adult and children's vocal choirs, handbell choirs, instrumentalists and soloists – all to God's glory and to enrich the worship life of the church. To further her desire to encourage a love for the organ, she hosted children's workshops where she invited children to play and learn about the organ.
She worked with many area clergy and musicians in planning countless Christmas concerts, organ concerts and church services. She was instrumental in planning and playing for the "Dickens in Dundee" Christmas celebration.
Phyllis worked at several area churches, including St. Philip Episcopal of Palatine; Holy Trinity Lutheran of Elgin; St. Paul UCC of Barrington; Bethlehem Lutheran of Dundee; St. John's Lutheran of Algonquin, where she was baptized; and St. James Episcopal of Dundee, where she was a faithful member.
Phyllis taught piano and organ at McHenry County College and Elgin Community College, and she gave private lessons in her home for more than 30 years. She spent her life instilling and fostering a love for church music and the ability it has to praise our Lord and inspire and uplift all who participated or were witness to its beauties. She firmly believed as Martin Luther proclaimed, "Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music." Phyllis attended Valparaiso University and received her master of music degree from Northern Illinois University.
Phyllis was an active member of the Dundee Township Lions Club, Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce and American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, and a member of the board of trustees for Elgin Symphony Orchestra and the American Guild of Organists, where she was the dean of the northwest suburban chapter. Most notably, Phyllis founded the Dundee Lenten Organ Recital Series, now in its 17th year, and the Festival Palm Sunday Choral and Instrumental Concert. The concert involved local clergy and a 110-voice choir from area churches, along with brass, woodwind, hand-bell and percussion instruments, and was always enjoyed by a full house.
After the death of her first husband, Jerry, she was blessed to meet and marry the second love of her life, Jim Connelly. They enjoyed a wonderful life together for the past 12 years. In addition to her husband, James A., Phyllis is survived by her children, Cathy (Jeff) Gathman, Debbie Lange and Mark (Carol) Lange; stepchildren, Martha (Kevin) Derleth and James (Roxanne) Connelly III; grandchildren, Lauren (Pat) Budny, Ryan Gathman, Kristen Lange, Katie (Cordiaral West) Lange and Rich and Joe Lange, Valerie, Eric and Michelle Derleth, and James Connelly IV; and great-grandchildren, Brynn Lange West and Cameron Derleth.
Besides her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her first husband, Gerald E. "Jerry" Lange; and an infant daughter.
The visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 15, in the Miller Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St., West Dundee. Family and friends will gather for funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, July 16, in St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St. (corner of 6th and Washington streets) in West Dundee. The Rev. Donald Frye, rector, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Dundee Township East Cemetery, East Dundee.
The omission of flowers is requested. Memorials may be made to either the Dundee Township Lions Club or the American Guild of Organists Scholarship Fund.
For information, call the funeral home at 847-426-3436. To leave an online condolence, visit www.millerfuneralhomedundee.com.
Published in the Northwest Herald on July 13, 2012
![]() |
|
Bookmark this memorial on Facebook with the My Memorials™ application. My Memorials™ helps you honor departed family members, friends, and even favorite celebrities – all on your Facebook page.
|
Thank you. You have now memorialized on Facebook.
 |
The My Memorials Facebook app allows you to:
- Connect with memorials that are important to you.
- Get updates on your memorials in your Facebook News Feed.
- Share your memories with your Facebook friends.
|
|
|
|
You are searching
|
 |
|
|
