In Sympathy: Mr. Vi Tran
Mr. Vi Tran, spouse of Rev. Brian Gilbert of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 37.
Robert "Bob" Lacock, spouse of Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on his birthday, Friday, February 28, 2025, at his home. During Rev. Dr. Oberwise Lacock’s ministry, she served at Lyndon, Freeport: Faith and Aurora St. Luke Medical Center as well as serving in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. She was instrumental in the Conference on Native American Ministries and shared her expertise with the Wisconsin Annual Conference as well.
Mr. Lacock was 73 years old.
A memorial service will be held on March 6 at 5 p.m. with visitation starting 4 p.m. at Salem UMC (541 Hwy WI-59, Waukesha, WI 53186). Reverand Paola Benecchi and Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin will be officiating.
A second service will be held on March 29 at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. at Kingston Mines UMC (405 3rd St, Kingston Mines, IL 61539).
Messages of condolence may be sent to Rev. Oberwise Lacock and family.
Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock
S 79 W 31370 Green Meadows Drive
Mukwonago, WI 53149
Memorials may be given to Salem UMC or Morning Sky Initiative, Inc. for a Native American ministry project entitled, Healing with Dignity.
Mr. Vi Tran, spouse of Rev. Brian Gilbert of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 37.
The NIC delegates to the 2020/2024 General Conference celebrate the ratification of the four constitutional amendments that affirm the UMC as a fully inclusive church.
Methodist and Muslim leaders gathered at Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin for an evening of shared faith, dialogue, and fellowship under the theme “United in Solidarity and Pe…
Pastors and lay members from small-town and rural churches gathered at Grace UMC in Dixon for the annual Town and Rural Church Festival, themed “Glimpses of God’s Grace.” The event…