January 2017 obituaries and announcements in the Bloomington–Normal area. View obituaries any time at Pantagraph.com/Obituaries.
ATLANTA — Forrest Lee Appleton, 73, went to be with the Lord Friday morning (Jan. 27, 2017) in Peoria.
Lee was born June 13, 1943, in Logansport, Ind., to Forrest Leo and Hanna Fultz Appleton, both preceding him in death. He was raised in Camden, Ind., along with his three brothers.
Upon graduation from Camden High School, Lee attended Purdue University for two years and played trumpet in the band before he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1964 at the age of 20. A Vietnam veteran, 1965-1966, Lee reached the rank of staff sergeant while serving his country at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., where he met his bride-to-be, Geraldine "Gerre" Higgins. He completed his service at the Pentagon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, leaving active duty in 1971.
Lee and Gerre moved to Stanford, where he began working for State Farm in Bloomington, and raising three children, Forrest David, Theodore "Ted" Appleton and Laura Appleton Shuler. He also worked for Mitsubishi Motors and as a truck driver, a profession he enjoyed while in high school and college. Lee was also very active in his community as a Freemason since the age of 21 in the Scottish Rites, 32nd degree, belonged to the Bloomington Consistory, and the Minier Comet Lodge. He participated in the Passion Play at the Consistory, enjoyed woodworking and shooting, and was a historian and published author. Later in his life, Lee researched and published multiple articles and books on the railroad system in Indiana and historical articles pertaining to central Indiana, where he grew up. He also spent as much time as he could loving on and enjoying his grandchildren.
Loved and respected by all who met him, Lee Appleton was a man of honor, loyalty and integrity; believed in hard work; was a good friend of many; and a provider for his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gerre; brothers, Dean, Brian and Bill Appleton; sons, Dave and Ted Appleton; daughter, Laura (Kevin) Shuler; and eight grandchildren, Amber Kasner; Alek, Kendra, Alyana and Talon Appleton; and Gavin, Carlee and Aubrey Shuler.
His celebration of life is being planned for June 13 at First Baptist Church in Camden, Ind., and he will be interred in a family plot at the Camden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shriner's Hospital for Children.
Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home, Atlanta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
ELLSWORTH — Jack R. Doyle, 88, of Bloomington, formerly of Arrowsmith, passed away at 8:50 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Burial will be at Dawson Cemetery, Ellsworth. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Ellsworth United Methodist Church or Dawson Cemetery Association.
Jack was born July 6, 1928, in Lexington, the son of John and Eileen Shanks Doyle. He married Emily Crusius on Feb. 11, 1950, in Downs. She passed Feb. 13, 1999.
Surviving are two sons, Mike (Vickie) Doyle, Ellsworth, and Doug (Susan) Doyle, Bloomington; two grandchildren, Kristy (Chris Moody) Doyle, Ellsworth, and Katie (John) Dougherty, Bloomington; two stepgrandchildren, Kristin (Tyler) Welborn, Gibson City, and Grant (Katie) McConnell, LeRoy; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Adalynn Welborn, Gibson City, and and Allison McConnell, LeRoy.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Roger and Lee Doyle.
Jack farmed in the Arrowsmith and Ellsworth area since 1950. In 1975, he and his wife, Emily, started Doyle Oil in Ellsworth, and he was active in the family business until Christmas Day. Jack served on the Saybrook Arrowsmith school board from 1970-1979. He also served on the Sangamon River Drainage District. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.calvertmemorial.com.
ATLANTA — Joyce A. Compton, 80, of Atlanta, passed away Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Her graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Atlanta Cemetery. Andy Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in the Atlanta Cemetery.
Joyce Ann Johnson was born June 29, 1936, in Atlanta, the daughter of Oren Brock and Alma Leesman Johnson. She married Orville E. "Speed" Compton on July 10, 1954. He preceded Joyce in death on March 25, 2012.
Joyce is survived by their children, Peggy Aper, Atlanta; Susan (Dean) Benedict, Atlanta; and Matthew (Nancy) Compton, Colorado Springs; nieces, Shelly (Randy) Brooks, Atlanta, and Julie (Paul) Homan, El Paso, to whom she was a caring mother; six grandchildren, Angie Neville, Atlanta; Elizabeth (Darrell) Miller, Danvers; Elaina (R.J.) Romani, Washburn; Lyndi (Kory) Leesman, Hartsburg; and Meghan and Rachel Compton, Colorado Springs; five great-grandchildren, Kolton Neville; Raelyn and Clayto Romani; and Levi and Luke "Little Speed" Leesman; one brother, James L. (Barbara) Johnson, Minier; two cousins, Gaylord Wikle, Waynesville, and Ben Leesman, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Jane Bottoms and Judy Ford, and one son-in-law, Ron Aper.
Joyce was a 1954 graduate of Atlanta High School. She had served as president of the Atlanta Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1824 Auxiliary. Joyce enjoyed reading, playing cards, crocheting, hunting for morel mushrooms, and fishing at Patterson Bay.
Memorials may be made to the Atlanta Christian Church or the Atlanta Public Library.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home, Atlanta.
BLOOMINGTON — Frank A. Thomson, 78, of Bloomington, passed away Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at his home.
Frank was born Sept. 3, 1938, in Chicago, the son of Frank W. and Margaret Hills Thomson. He married Carol Drenth on June 23, 1961, in Chicago. She survives.
Also surviving are their daughters, June (Roy) Becker, Palatine; Julie (Brad) Burns, Bloomington; and Heather (Bob) Bronkhorst, Bloomington; eight grandchildren, Jonathan and Jeremy Becker; Joshua, Matthew and Jessica Burns; Rachel, David and Rebecca Bronkhorst; a brother, William (Gloria) Thomson, Dyer, Ind.; and a sister, Sandy Thomson (Ron) Conrad, Bloomington.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Frank was a lifetime educator in a variety of school districts in the Chicago area, serving as a teacher, principal and superintendent. You could often find him on the Constitution Trail, biking or running. He was a member of Eastview Christian Church, faithfully serving in the Kidsview and Heritage Health ministries. Frank was a gifted communicator and had a way of encouraging and affirming those whose lives he touched. His life was a great testimony to the changing power of Jesus Christ.
His celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Eastview Christian Church, Normal. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service Wednesday, both at Eastview Christian Church. Burial will follow the service in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastview Christian Church, Normal. East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is handling arrangements.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
NORMAL — Dianna L. Pettorini, 70, of Normal, died Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at her home.
She was born March 12, 1946, in Dixon, the daughter of Edward and Ruth "Sally" Oester Ackert. She had been a hair dresser/beautician and had also worked in the accounting department for Snyder Corp., Bloomington.
Dianna married Roger Pettorini on July 13, 1968, at St. Mary's Church, Walton.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, David and Dennis Ackert.
Survivors include her husband; two children, Michael (Kate) Pettorini, Normal, and Jennifer (David) Craft, Junction City, Kan.; five grandchildren, Jamison O'Neil; and Grace, Katelyn, Luke and Erin Craft; three stepgrandchildren, Marek, Jarod and Dylan Maki; two sisters, Becky Gray, Bloomington, and Susan (Edward) Leffelman, Amboy; four brothers, Carl (Dorine) Ackert, Dixon; Ron (Tami) Ackert, Amboy; John (Jackie) Ackert, Dixon; and James (Maureen) Ackert, Walton; five sisters-in-law, Carol Rhodes, Bluefield, W.Va.; Judith Cassens, Sterling; Elaine (Mike) Williams, Cantonment, Fla.; and Bonnie Ackert and Lana Ackert, both of Dixon.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Walton, with the Rev. Richard Kramer officiating. Cremation will follow with burial of cremains at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery, Harmon. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Walton, with the rosary at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Illinois Cancer Care Foundation, Bloomington. Arrangements by the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home, Amboy.
Condolences may be sent at www.thejonesfh.com.
LINCOLN — Dorothy J. Paxton-Butler, 84, of Lincoln, died at 8 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at Christian Village, Lincoln.
Service: 1 p.m. Friday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, with Ron Otto officiating.
Burial: following service at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington.
Visitation: noon to 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association.
Survivors: her children, Allan Butler, Kansas City, Kan.; Charles Butler, Lincoln; Suzan Butler, Milwaukee, Wis.; Sherri (Wade) Wimp, Bloomington; and Mike Butler, Normal; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Bunn, Glenda, 10 a.m. at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
Frank, Robert, 10 a.m. at Apostolic Christian Church, Tremont.
Habermeyer, Mary, 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bloomington.
DANA — Wayne H. "Schuster" Johnson, 70, of Dana, passed away at 7:35 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at his home.
He was born Oct. 25, 1946, in Blackstone, to Jay and Leona Hansen Johnson. He married Sharon Breese on Aug. 18, 1973, in Ancona. She survives in Dana.
Also surviving are five brothers and sisters, Gerald (Mary) Johnson, Fairbury; Irene (Robert) Burris, Roanoke; Ron (Jean) Johnson, Dana; Marsha (Jim) Lowery, Wentzville, Mo.; and Karen (Brad) Hall, Chenoa; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenny and Ralph.
Wayne worked at Dana Grain for more than 30 years before retiring in 2000. He was a member of the Dana Fire Department for more than 25 years. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and served on the Dana Village Board. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Dana Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Dana Fire Department or the Minonk-to-Peoria St. Jude Run.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
GIBSON CITY — Loretta Bode, 87, of Gibson City, died at 6:35 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at Heritage Health, Gibson City.
The rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Gibson City, followed by a memorial Mass at 11 a.m., with Father Thomas Theneth officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Township Cemetery, Gibson City.
Loretta was born Dec. 13, 1929, in Chatsworth, a daughter of Charles V. and Mary Endres. She married Albert H. Bode on Feb. 3, 1948, in Chatsworth. He died April 25, 1993.
Surviving are her children, Marjorie (Jerry) Brown, Gibson City; James (Karen) Bode, Gibson City; John (Nancy) Bode, Champaign; Robert (Cheryl) Bode, Gibson City; Ellen (Mark) Coons, Normal; Irene Bode, Rockville, Md.; and Wayne (Ann) Bode, Gibson City; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Florence Davis, Chatsworth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, four brothers, two sisters and a great-granddaughter.
She was a very active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. She volunteered at Heritage Manor nursing home for many years and also helped with delivering Meals on Wheels.
Memorial tributes may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Heritage Health or Alzheimer’s Association. Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, is assisting the family.
GIBSON CITY — Sherman L. Bowen, 78, of Gibson City, died at 11:20 p.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2017) at Gibson Area Hospital Annex, Gibson City.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. His funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
Sherman was born Sept. 18, 1938, in Gibson City, a son of Charles E. and Irene M. Beck Bowen. He married Aura Mae Ferguson on Jan. 6, 1957, in Fairbury. She died May 9, 2012.
Surviving are two daughters, Teresa (Roy) Acree, Gibson City, and Tina (Terry) Acree, West Lafayette, Ind.; one son, Don (Barb) Bowen, Mesa, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Daniel; and two brothers, Trueman and Ron.
He graduated from Drummer Township High School in 1956. He was employed at Kraft Foods for 35 years and retired as superintendent of distribution. After retirement, Sherman farmed with Harold and Rick Young.
Memorial tributes may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.
NORMAL — Jean Ann Bates, 90, of Normal, passed away at 12:40 p.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Home, Meadows.
Her celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Calvary United Methodist Church, Normal, with Pastors Randy Reese and Debbie Reese officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Entombment will be in Park Hill Mausoleum, Bloomington. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Normal.
Jean Ann was born March 22, 1926, in Normal, the daughter of Harvey and Beulah Wilson Otto. She married Roy William Barclay on July 7, 1946, in Normal. He preceded her in death on June 19, 1976. She then married Paul Bates on June 25, 1977, in Normal. He preceded her in death on Feb. 8, 2011.
Surviving are her son, Ray (Charlotte) Barclay, Riverton; daughter, Debby (Steve) Paullin, Carlock; three stepchildren, Glen (Cathy) Bates, Berwyn; Barb Busick, Normal; and Judy (Mark) Hendrickson, Champaign; five grandchildren, Tami Jackson, Scott Shriver, Heather Plattner, Meredith Brown and Eric Paullin; seven stepgrandchildren, Leslie Smith, Megan Fishel, Paul Busick, Kyle Busick, Sam Busick, Tracy Jackson and Kara Hendrickson; 12 great-grandchildren; and 18 stepgreat-grandchildren.
In addition to her husbands, Jean Ann was preceded in death by her parents and a great-granddaughter, Zoe Paullin.
Jean Ann graduated from University High School in 1944. She worked with her husband Paul in his business, Bates Commodities.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Normal; As You Like It Club; Garfield Club and Antique Club.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed.
Condolences and memories of Jean Ann may be shared with the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
CHATSWORTH — Alma J. Brand Hines, 77, of Chatsworth, passed away at 5:51 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
According to her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and there will be no services. Inurnment will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Chatsworth Cemetery. Memorials in her honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Chatsworth, is in charge of the arrangements.
Alma was born Nov. 7, 1939, in Chatsworth, a daughter of Charlie and Alma G. Dellinger Brock. She married Thomas Brand in 1985. They later divorced, and he survives. She then married Walter J. Hines in 1986. He passed away in 1997.
Surviving are sons Mike (Ava) Brand, Chatsworth, and David (Brenda) Brand, Elkville; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Joey Brand; brothers, Bobby Brock and Delbert Brock; and sisters, Monnie Kirk and Carol Fellers.
Alma worked for Nichols Homeshield in Chatsworth for more than 25 years.
This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.
Corry, Frances Mae, 88, Bloomington, formerly of LeRoy, 5:10 a.m. Monday (Jan. 30, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, LeRoy.
Holland, Ralph, 73, Wapella, 2:38 a.m. Monday (Jan. 30, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
Ryan, Edna, 77, Oreana, 5:40 a.m. Monday (Jan. 30, 2017) at her home. Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta.
Thomas, Glen R., 75, Delavan, 10:21 a.m. Monday (Jan. 30, 2017) at his home. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Delavan.
Vandiver, Ruth, 81, Clinton, 3:35 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at Manor Court, Clinton. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
Wilson, Roger, 81, Roanoke, 9:11 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29 , 2017) at Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke. Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke.
NORMAL — Daniel L. Woodard, 70, of Normal, passed away at 2:33 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at his home.
His memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington. Pastor Terry Strom will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard at the memorial home.
Inurnment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington. The family suggests memorials be made to Advocate BroMenn Hospice program or the Disabled Veterans Association.
Dan was born May 12, 1946, in Bloomington, the son of Samuel and Alma Rexroat Woodard. He married Maxine Dubbelde on June 25, 1966, in Bloomington. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Tim (Teresa) Woodard, Normal, and Tom Woodard, Bloomington; two granddaughters, Katie and Chloe Woodard, Normal; and a nephew, Tony Woodard, Illinois.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ron Woodard; and a sister-in-law, Carol Woodard.
Dan graduated from Bloomington High School in 1964. He worked for Country Insurance, Bloomington, for 38 years, retiring in 2003. He served three years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Dan was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bloomington.
He was a wonderful PawPaw to his two granddaughters and a very caring husband, father, uncle, brother in-law and friend.
He enjoyed going to the races and spending winters in Destin, Fla., sitting on the balcony, drinking a glass of wine and watching the Gulf of Mexico. Dan had a very strong faith, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.beckmemorial.com.
Doyle, John, 88, Bloomington, 8:50 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington.
Robertson, Sally L., 73, Normal, 12:50 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at Heritage Health Care, Normal. Beck Memorial Home Bloomington.
Slagel, Cheryl A. (Brown), 64, Bloomington, 6:35 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 28, 2017) at her residence. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Woodard, Daniel L., 70, Normal, 2:33 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 29, 2017) at his residence. Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Bachman, Jean, 11 a.m. at Mennonite Church of Normal, Normal; 3 p.m. in Stewart Harmony Cemetery, rural Metamora.
Bishop, Gladys, 12:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy.
Brown, Patricia, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lexington.
Hughes, David, 11 a.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Moberly, Olive, 11 a.m. at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
Penn, Frank, 10 a.m. at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal.
BLOOMINGTON – Norma J. Well, 77, of Rockford, formerly of Bloomington, passed away Jan. 17, 2017, at Cherryvale Place, surrounded by her family.
Norma was born Feb. 16, 1939, in Bloomington, the daughter of Ernest William and Mary Quiggins Glasscock. She married Elmer Well on July 1, 1978. He preceded her in death.
Surviving are her daughters, Brenda (Mark) Stubblefield Smith and Kim (Joe) Nixon; two sons, Gary (Lorraine) Stubblefield and Troy Well; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Hamilton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a sister.
Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 3 at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Heartland Hospice.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
NORMAL — Mary A. Habermeyer, 82, of Normal, passed away at 10:01 a.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Her memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. R. Anthony Lee officiating. Interment will be private. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Memorials may be directed to Community Cancer Center, Normal or Cattails Feline Rescue, LeRoy.
Mary was born April 18, 1934, in Bloomington, the daughter of Norbert and Helen Klingberg Redmond. She married Eugene J. "Gene" Habermeyer on Jan. 22, 1966, just celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. He survives.
She is also survived by a daughter, Gina Habermeyer, Normal, and a son, Rod Habermeyer, Bloomington.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Christi Habermeyer Erschen.
Mary was a 1952 graduate of Trinity High School. She had worked for the Illinois Supreme Court Reporter, retiring to raise her family. Mary and Gene were charter members of Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal, where she was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society. Mary was a lifelong Cubs fan.
The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Abadeer, Dr. Chae Chu and also Dr. Alan Ginzburg for all their concern and wonderful care of Mary.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynnn.com.
NORMAL — Barbara T. Regan of Normal died Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, after a brief illness. She was 65.
Barb was born June 11, 1951, in Amsterdam, N.Y., to Theresa Zagula and the late Celian Peter Trzaskos.
A graduate of Central Connecticut State University, Barb was retired after working many years in the healthcare and banking industries.
She is survived by her husband, David Regan, Normal; mother, Theresa Trzaskos, Bristol, Conn.; sisters, Deborah Craig, Leeds, Maine; Christine Heckman, Plainville, Conn.; and Karen Schwartz, Newington, Conn.; and several nieces and nephews. Her brother, Thomas Trzaskos, predeceased her. Oliver, her dachshund and constant companion, will also miss her.
Barb had many interests in life; in fact, life itself was her life’s interest. She made friends instantly and for life.
She and her husband loved road trips and traveled across the country at least three times. In earlier years, Barb painted, did needlepoint and other crafts. In later years, she took up genealogy and researched her family, locating lost relatives and new internet friends. Her family and pets were always her prime interest. They will all miss her.
Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm St., Rocky Hill, Conn. A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at at Rose Hill. A memorial service in Bloomington will be held at a later date. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with local arrangements.
While Barbara loved flowers, it is requested a donation to St Jude’s Children Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., be considered.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
NORMAL — Frank E. Penn, 86, of Normal, passed away at 9:55 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at his home.
His funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with the Rev. Monsignor Eric S. Powell officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with a prayer service at 5 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Epiphany Catholic Church or Central Catholic High School football program.
Frank was born Aug. 22, 1930, in Waukegan, the son of William Donald and Esther Louise Steinke Penn. He married Helen “Jean” Swearingen and they had 55 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on June 5, 2009.
He is survived by a daughter, Mystic “Mysty” (Rick) Lyftogt, Phoenix, Ariz.; two sons, Rick (Patti) Penn, Bloomington, and Kurt “Ed” (Cindy) Penn, Wauconda; seven grandchildren, Aaron (Alyssa Bruck) Thomas, Tyler (Stephanie) Penn, Andrew Thomas, Michelle (Ben) Maya, Morgan Penn, Peyton Penn and Parker Penn; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Chuck (Carolyn) Penn, Normal; two sisters-in-law, Dixie Penn, Normal, and Sharon Ashley, Bloomington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Karl Penn, and two grandsons, Frank Ryan Penn and Nicholas Andrew Thomas.
Frank graduated from Trinity High School, where he was a football standout. He attended St. Ambrose College and served in the U.S. Army. After his service to his country, Frank began a 40-year career with the railroad, which included 20 years as a carman and 20 years as a supervisor.
Frank also worked as a handyman and did many jobs over the years. He was a charter member of Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal.
Frank enjoyed trips to Florida with his wife, Jean; hunting; and his cabin on the Mackinaw.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
TREMONT — Robert D. Frank, 80, of Tremont, passed away at 2:40 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 28, 2017) at Apostolic Christian Restmor, Morton.
Funeral: 10 a.m. Tuesday at Apostolic Christian Church, Tremont. Church ministers will officiate.
Visitation: 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Tremont, and one hour before the service Tuesday.
Burial: Apostolic Christian Cemetery, Tremont.
Memorials: Apostolic Christian Timber Ridge or Apostolic Christian Restmor.
Survivors: his wife, Rose M. Huette Frank; three daughters, Beth Walder (Jim Walder), Paxton; Diane (Phil) Koch, Tremont; and Cheryl (Steve) Eisenmann, Cissna Park; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Raymond (Shirley) Frank, Morton; five sisters, Mildred (Wes) Knapp, Eureka; Marilyn (Don) Clark, Morton; Dee (George) Taylor, Morton; Anna (Larry) Miller, Morton; and Donna (Michael Durbin) Frank, New Mexico.
CHENOA – Anne P. Higgins Schopp, 86, of Chenoa, passed away at 4:04 a.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Her funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chenoa, with Father Carl LoPresti officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Chenoa.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa, and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home. A rosary will be recited at the conclusion of the visitation Tuesday night.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Chenoa Peace Meals or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chenoa.
Anne was born July 16, 1930, at St. James Hospital, Pontiac, the daughter of James P. and Agnes (McCarthy) Donovan. Anne and her twin sister, Mary, were baptized and confirmed at Ashkum Catholic Church. Anne and Mary were fortunate to be able to attend St. Angela Academy, Morris, for one school year.
The Donovan family moved to Chenoa in August 1945. Anne was a 1948 graduate of Chenoa Community High School. Following graduation, Anne and Mary went to work at State Farm, Bloomington. Anne entered Illinois State Normal University in 1949, in her words "returning to real world in June 1951," when she became an assistant to the buyer of women’s dresses at Roland’s, Bloomington.
On June 20, 1953, she married Thomas E. Higgins II at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chenoa. Tom preceded her in death March 17, 1992. On July 22, 1995, Anne was married to Donald J. Schopp at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Don preceded her in death on Oct. 26, 2001.
At Anne’s 55th class reunion, she reconnected with classmate Joseph R. Scott. Joe was her faithful and loving companion until his death.
Anne was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chenoa, and the Altar and Rosary Society, serving as president.
She was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Chenoa, and was site supervisor of Chenoa Peace Meals for many years.
Anne is survived by three children, Thomas A. (Jorj Ann) Higgins, Chenoa; Rita E. (Tom) Hefty, Evanston; and Timothy P. Higgins, Forest Park; three grandchildren, Thomas, Kate and Claire Hefty; one sister, Agnes “Aggie” (James) Yeakel, Panama City Beach, Fla.; one brother, John (Jane) Donovan, Albany, Ore.; and one sister-in-law, Connie Donovan, Morris.
Anne was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, James L. and Joseph J. Donovan; and two sisters, Mary Haas and Rose Gildner Witous.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the CNAs and nurses at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Dr. Samuel Steffen and Dr. Kyle Reynolds for the care given to their mother.
Condolences left for the family and a guest registry are available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
CLINTON — Glenda Mae Bunn, 64, of Clinton, passed away 4:55 a.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2017) at John Warner Hospital and Health Services, Clinton.
Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with Ernie Harvey Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Crum Cemetery, Wapella. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The family requests casual attire.
Memorials may be directed to an education fund for her grandchildren.
Glenda was born Oct. 12, 1952, in Litchfield, the daughter of Roy and Glema F. (Swartz) Smith. She married Charles H. Rasor on Dec. 18, 1972. She later married William W. “Bill” Bunn on Jan. 2, 2004, in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Survivors include her husband, William W. “Bill” Bunn, Clinton; son, Blake (fiancée, Janna Underwood) Rasor, Clinton; stepsons, Troy W. (Amy) Bunn, LeRoy, and Tom (Kristi) Bunn, Lincoln; five grandchildren, Mason Rasor, Kaybree Rasor, Rylee Bunn, Baylee Bunn and Cole Bunn; sisters, Joann (Kenneth) Manley, Clinton; Catherine (Daniel) Rozanski, Decatur; and Janet (Charles) Schram, Clinton; and her beloved dog, Maylee.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Patsy Peavler.
Glenda worked for Ray Moss and Associates before retiring from State Farm Insurance. She loved spending time with her famil,y especially her grandchildren. Glenda also loved to have a good time and laugh, and enjoyed her friends.
Condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.
CLINTON — Olive G. Gibson Moberly, 94, of Clinton, passed away at 4 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2017) at River North Bradley Health and Rehabilitation Center, Bradley. She was six days short of celebrating her 95th birthday with those she left behind.
Her service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will follow at Mausoleum Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church, Clinton, or the scholarship fund for Clinton Eagles FOE 593.
Olive was born Jan. 31, 1922, at home in Lane, the daughter of Reuben L. and L. Lavada Reddish Gibson, and the younger sister of Virgil Gibson. Virgil preceded her in death July 10, 2009. She married William E. Moberly on March 15, 1941, in DeWitt, and they had 59 years together before Bill was called home on May 8, 2000.
Survivors include her children, Ellen K. West, Bourbonnais, and James “Jim” Moberly, Bradley; Olive and Bill always opened their home to their children’s friends, many of whom made lasting friendships with them; four stepgrandchildren, Scott West, Buffalo, N.Y.; Brian West, Clarence, N.Y.; Stephanie (David) Sawyer, Clarence N.Y.; and David (Erin) West, Buffalo, N.Y. There are 10 stepgreat-grandchildren who will miss her as well: Nicolas and Julia West, Denver, Colo.; Joshua West, Nashville, Tenn.; Tyler West, Hamilton, Ohio; Andrew and Audrey Sawyer and Danielle Keitel, Clarence, N.Y.; and Samuel and Ruby West, Clarence, N.Y.; and Sydney Sawyer, N.Y.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Kenneth “Bill” West, on June 26, 2008.
Olive was a member of the First Christian Church, Clinton. During her working years, Olive worked at Kroger grocery store, Gibson’s Ace Hardware store, and finally at First National Bank and Trust. She retired from her position at the bank at age 79.
Olive had two great loves other than her family. She was known for her delicious caramels, toffee and peanut brittle. She took great pleasure in making and sharing her candy with family and friends. Her other love was sports — the Illini, the Bears, the Bulls, the Blackhawks and the Cubs. She was excited to see her beloved team become world champions.
Condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.
KIEL, Wis. — Erica C. Sheets, DVM, 39, of Kiel, Wis., died peacefully Thursday (Jan. 26, 2017) at her home with her family by her side.
Erica was born Sept. 16, 1977, in Ohio, daughter of Webb and Katie Gaab Shaw. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin River Falls in 1999. She continued her education at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2004 with her doctor of veterinary medicine.
On April 1, 2000, she married Steven Sheets in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Erica was employed with the St. Anna Veterinary Clinic; prior to that she was employed with the Kiel Veterinary Clinic as a large animal veterinarian. Erica was a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and American Veterinary Medicine Association.
Erica enjoyed gardening, working with her animals on her hobby farm, running, boating and being active. She had a true love for cows; most of all she loved spending time with her boys and attending all of their activities.
She is survived by her husband, Steve, and two children, Ty and Dominick, all of Kiel, Wis.; her parents, Webb and Katie Shaw, Appleton, Wis.; one sister, Lindsey (Dave) Davis, Minnesota; mother-in-law, Elaine Sheets, Toluca; one sister-in-law, Karen (Randy) Nenne, Toluca; three nieces, Clara Davis, Minnesota; Allison Nenne, North Carolina; and Olivia (Ryan) Stewart, Georgia. Erica is further survived by other relatives in Toluca and many friends.
Erica was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Marian Gaab and Robert and Mary Shaw; father-in-law, Jim Sheets; and uncle, Jim Gaab.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 11608 Lax Chapel Road, Kiel, Wis., with the Rev. Rebecca A. Johnston and Randy Koppenhaver officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Bethlehem UCC. Visitation will continue from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church.
A special thank-you to Froedert Medical College, especially Dr. Nirav Shah and his team, for the wonderful care given to Erica and her family, and St. Nicholas Hospice for all of the care and compassion shown to the Sheets family.
Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home, Kiel, Wis., is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.meiselwitzfh.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Diana J. “Diane” Kemp, 69, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:03 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, after a short battle with lung and brain cancer.
Diane will be cremated and a celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 99 Union Hall, 406 S. Eldorado Road, Bloomington. There will be a graveside service at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Pallative Care, the Office of Spiritual Care or the nursing staff, all at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Diane was born May 14, 1947, in Bloomington, the daughter of Francis Ruth Wegel and Clifton Allen Haines. She married Rodger D. Kemp on Nov. 28, 1964, in Bloomington.
She is survived by her husband; her mother; a daughter, Karen Kemp-Golden; five grandchildren, Corey and Cassie Fortney, Drew Kemp and Devin and Karah Golden; and a great-grandchild, Harper Jane Kemp, all of Bloomington.
She was preceded in death by her father; one daughter, Rhonda Fortney; and one son, Mark Kemp.
Diane loved spending time on the Illinois River. She and Rodger purchased a cabin in Manito in 1984, and spent every weekend from April through October there. She also enjoyed fishing and riding ATVs on the beach and through the woods.
Diane retired from District 87, where she worked in food service.
“Don’t cry for me, I gave it my all.”
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Ashley, Norman, 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Gibson City.
Bell, Claude, 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Normal.
Bryan, Craig, 4 p.m. at Circle II Bar & Grill, Heyworth.
Dehm, Lyle, 11 a.m. at Chatsworth United Methodist Church.
Gaede, Berniece, 11 a.m. at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk.
Kemp, Diana, 2 p.m. at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 99 Union Hall, Bloomington.
Lawson, James, 1 to 5 p.m. at Eagles Lodge, Bloomington.
Roundtree, Janet, 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Wenona.
Vandergrift, Patricia, 10:30 a.m. at Armington Christian Church.
Weppler, Mary, 11 a.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Zimmerman, Louise, 10 a.m. at Fairbury Apostolic Christian Church.
NORMAL — Frank E. Penn, 86, of Normal, passed away at 9:55 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at his home.
His funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with the Rev. Monsignor Eric S. Powell officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with a prayer service at 5 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Epiphany Catholic Church or Central Catholic High School football program.
Frank was born Aug. 22, 1930, in Waukegan, the son of William Donald and Esther Louise Steinke Penn. He married Helen “Jean” Swearingen and they had 55 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on June 5, 2009.
He is survived by a daughter, Mystic “Mysty” (Rick) Lyftogt, Phoenix, Ariz.; two sons, Rick (Patti) Penn, Bloomington, and Kurt “Ed” (Cindy) Penn, Wauconda; seven grandchildren, Aaron (Alyssa Bruck) Thomas, Tyler (Stephanie) Penn, Andrew Thomas, Michelle (Ben) Maya, Morgan Penn, Peyton Penn and Parker Penn; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Chuck (Carolyn) Penn, Normal; two sisters-in-law, Dixie Penn, Normal, and Sharon Ashley, Bloomington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Karl Penn, and two grandsons, Frank Ryan Penn and Nicholas Andrew Thomas.
Frank graduated from Trinity High School, where he was a football standout. He attended St. Ambrose College and served in the U.S. Army. After his service to his country, Frank began a 40-year career with the railroad, which included 20 years as a carman and 20 years as a supervisor.
Frank also worked as a handyman and did many jobs over the years. He was a charter member of Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal.
Frank enjoyed trips to Florida with his wife, Jean; hunting; and his cabin on the Mackinaw.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
HEYWORTH — Jean Eileen Bachman, 91, of Chenoa, formerly of Heyworth, passed away at 11:31 a.m. Monday (Jan. 23, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, rural Chenoa.
She was born on March 23, 1925, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Samuel and Viola I. Roszhart Rediger.
As a young child, she moved to Meadows and graduated from Chenoa High School. Jean met Roy Bachman at the Eureka Pumpkin Festival, and they later married in 1946. She took great joy in the role as a farm wife and mother to their nine children. They had been married 36 years when Roy passed away in 1983.
She is survived by her children, Linda (Paul) Woith, Normal; Leroy (Ethel) Bachman, Auburn; Peter (Connie) Bachman, Lexington; Connie (Calvin) Schick, Ruth (Joe) Haney and Roger Bachman, all of Bloomington; Gary (Linda) Bachman, Hudson; and Phillip (Rhonda) Bachman, Heyworth; 17 grandchildren, Jeff Woith, Tami Cappos, Melissa Courtney-Willis, Chris Bachman, Kim Berg, Cara Penn, Stacy Haney-Strnad, Tony Haney, Eric Haney, Roger Bachman, Ben Bachman, Megan Bachman, Christina Messerschmidt, Noah Bachman, Katie Bachman, Jacob Bachman and Audra Bachman; 26 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Betty; and son, Marlin.
Jean was a member of the Calvary Mennonite Church of Washington and later the Meadows Mennonite Church. She is remembered by her family and friends for her love of baking, gardening, her joyful laughter and spending time with her grandkids. She will be forever missed and held in the hearts of those who knew her.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Mennonite Church of Normal with Pastor Tim Schrag officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to her service at the church. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Stewart Harmony Cemetery, rural Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Community Cancer Center or Meadows Mennonite Nursing Home. Mason Funeral Home, Metamora, is handling arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
LEXINGTON — Patricia A. “Patti” Brown, 67, of Lexington, passed away at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lexington, with Father Carl LoPresti officiating. Burial will follow at Lexington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Lexington Community Center. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Lexington Fire Department.
Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington, is assisting the family with services.
Patti was born Sept. 8, 1949, in Bloomington, the daughter of Joseph Bernard and Mary Elizabeth “Marie” Beckman Grunloh. She married Robert W. Brown on July 6, 1968, in Chenoa.
He survives along with two sons, Kevin (Jodi) Brown, Washington, and Mark (Michelle) Brown, Lexington; one granddaughter, Kylie Brown; one sister, Linda (John) Cheever, Lexington; one brother, Steve Grunloh, Bloomington; three sisters-in-law, Doris (Marvin Cooke) Grunloh, Towanda; Carol (Ron) Eckhart and Patti (Roger) Eckhart, both of Lexington; and one brother-in-law, Pat (Carol) Dust, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Michael; and one sister, Mary.
Patti was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lexington and was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society at the church. She graduated from Lexington High School, Class of 1967. She was retired and had worked as a secretary at Lexington High School. Patti was an avid basketball fan, and loved her Lexington Minutemen and Washington Panthers.
GRIDLEY - Clinton J. “Joey” Gardner IV, 19, of Gridley, passed away at 4:59 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2017) at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
He was born Oct. 18, 1997, in Bloomington, a son of Clinton J. “Joe” III and Angela Leach Gardner. Joey was a freshman at Heartland Community College in Normal and worked for the Gridley Pool and El Paso Recreation Department.
He is survived by his parents, Joe and Angela Gardner, Gridley; one brother, Greyson Gardner, Gridley; maternal grandparents, Janet Leach and Otis (Jerri) Leach, all of Chenoa; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his special friend, Shelby Edwards, Gridley.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clinton J. “Joe” Gardner Jr. and Judith Gardner.
Joey was very active in both his church and school activities. He attended Grace Fellowship Church and was involved with the youth group at Christ Community Church. He was a 2016 graduate of El Paso-Gridley High School, where he participated in football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and the high school play.
His funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Christ Community Church, Gridley. The Rev. Josh Gates and the Rev. Andy Huette will officiate. Visitation will be 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso. Burial will be in Gridley Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Joey Gardner Memorial Fund in care of Flanagan State Bank or to Grace Fellowship Church in El Paso.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
Beal, Marjorie R., 95, Decatur, 9:25 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 26, 2017) at Primrose Retirement Community, Decatur. Calvert Funeral Home, Maroa.
Bunn, Glenda M., 64, Clinton, 4:55 a.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2017) at John Warner Hospital and Health Services, Clinton. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
Habermeyer, Mary A., 82, Normal, 10:01 a.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Schopp, Anne P. Higgins, 86, Chenoa, 4:04 a.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa.
NORMAL — Barry Edward Sprinker, 65, most recently of Normal, passed away at 9:12 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.
A private graveside service will be at a later date. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is handling arrangements.
Barry was born April 21, 1951, in Elgin, to John P. and Valerie Lohbauer Sprinker.
He is survived by his mother, Valerie Sprinker, Bloomington; sisters, Jane (Paul) Hoerdeman, Normal; Mary (Paul) O’Brian, Bloomington; and Susan (David) Vance, Secor; and many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and -nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; his father; and his brother, John Michael.
Barry went to live at Marcfirst residential homes in the early 1980s. Through Marcfirst, Barry held a variety of jobs within the community. He particularly enjoyed working at Jumer’s Hotel in the maintenance department. Barry also loved participating in many social activities within the community through Marcfirst, Special Olympics and Illinois State University Best Buddies.
He had many friends and enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends. He enjoyed dressing up at Halloween and celebrating birthdays with everyone.
Barry’s family would like to thank Marcfirst staff who have supported him for the past three decades. They would also like to express their appreciation for the Advocate BroMenn Hospice staff for their expert care for Barry in the past few months, as well as the entire staff at McLean County Nursing Home who welcomed Barry to their facility. They could not have imagined a more loving and supportive network of caregivers for Barry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Barry Sprinker's Memorial, Best Buddies, c/o Illinois State Credit Union, 1309 S. Center St., Normal, IL 61761, or Marcfirst, 1606 Hunt Drive, Normal, IL 61761.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Gladys A. Bishop, 99, of Sterling, formerly of Bloomington-Normal, died Thursday (Jan. 26, 2017).
Gladys was born June 10, 1917, in Granville, the daughter of Nels P. and Eda (Anderson) Anderson. She married J. Reid Bishop on June 10, 1941, in Granville. He preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 1971.
Survivors include one daughter, Dina Powers, Novato, Calif.; three sons, John R. (Frances) Bishop, Morrison; Paul (Linda) Bishop, Madison, Wis.; and Steve (Marie) Bishop, Peoria; eight grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Edna Middleton, Agnes Anderson and Jeanne Alleman.
A prayer service will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with Beth Wicks officiating, with visitation to follow from 2 to 3 p.m., both at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, Sterling. Graveside service will be 12:30 p.m. Monday with Pastor Jim Davis officiating at Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy.
A memorial has been established to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Multiple Sclerosis Fund.
Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.
LEXINGTON — Patricia A. “Patti” Brown, 67, of Lexington, passed away at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lexington, with Father Carl LoPresti officiating. Burial will follow at Lexington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Lexington Community Center. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Lexington Fire Department.
Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington, is assisting the family with services.
Patti was born Sept. 8, 1949, in Bloomington, the daughter of Joseph Bernard and Mary Elizabeth “Marie” Beckman Grunloh. She married Robert W. Brown on July 6, 1968, in Chenoa.
He survives along with two sons, Kevin (Jodi) Brown, Washington, and Mark (Michelle) Brown, Lexington; one granddaughter, Kylie Brown; one sister, Linda (John) Cheever, Lexington; one brother, Steve Grunloh, Bloomington; three sisters-in-law, Doris (Marvin Cooke) Grunloh, Towanda; Carol (Ron) Eckhart and Patti (Roger) Eckhart, both of Lexington; and one brother-in-law, Pat (Carol) Dust, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Michael; and one sister, Mary.
Patti was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lexington and was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society at the church. She graduated from Lexington High School, Class of 1967. She was retired and had worked as a secretary at Lexington High School. Patti was an avid basketball fan, and loved her Lexington Minutemen and Washington Panthers.
BLOOMINGTON — Mary “Pat" Scharmahorn Weppler, 68, of Bloomington, died at 11:13 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at her home.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. The Rev. Dan Jassman will officiate.
Burial: Wiley Cemetery, Colfax.
Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the memorial home.
Memorials: to her family, in care of her son, Harold Weppler, 145 Daddono Circle, Bloomington, IL 61701.
Survivors: three children, Harold A. Weppler, Bloomington; Sherri Tasker, Groseback, Texas; and Pamela (Mark) Wooley, Texas; six grandchildren; and one sister, Sue Adams, Madisonville, Ky.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
Fischer, Robert, 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Normal.
Hall, Monroe, 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington.
Lawler, Lois, 11 a.m. at Historic St. Patrick’s Church, Bloomington.
Miller, Wayne, 11 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, El Paso.
Petry, Marilyn, 3 p.m. at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Taylor, Myra, 11 a.m. at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Saybrook.
Wiegand, Maria, 10 a.m. at Apostolic Christian Faith Church, Eureka.
BLOOMINGTON — Patricia A. Vandergrift, 71, of Bloomington, formerly of Armington, left this earth Wednesday morning (Jan. 25, 2017) from Heritage Health in Bloomington.
She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Robert Vandergrift; her daughter, Becky Buchenic, along with her sons, Tyler, Jack and Max, of Hubbard Ohio; and daughter, Chrys Beebe, her husband, Mark, and daughters, Kennedy and Lyla, of Columbus, Ohio.
Born in Hermitage, Pa., Patricia was a graduate of Edinboro College in Erie, Pa., with a bachelor’s degree in art. During her multi-faceted career, she taught school, owned and ran her own advertising agency, and was a certified radio marketing consultant for several radio and television stations in Youngstown and Dayton, Ohio, and in Bloomington. She was a proud Rotarian.
She and her husband arrived in Central Illinois in the summer of 2005 to help create radio stations BOB-FM and Magic 100.7 for the new Connoisseur (now Nuehoff) Media, with the company eventually growing from those two to nearly 40 stations.
Her quick wit, good humor and generosity earned her friends around the country. Even as a chemo patient in the last five years of her life, she brightened the days of the nurses, doctors and patients at the Cancer Center with a joke, a hug or a thoughtful gift.
There will be a short memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Armington Christian Church.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Armington Christian Church or the charity of your choice.
Her family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff of the Community Cancer Center of Normal, all her many family members and friends, and the women and men of the Armington Christian Church.
Beale, Carl W., 93, formerly of Mackinaw and Pekin, 8:13 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Shorehaven Health and Rehabilitation Center, Oconomowoc, Wis. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pekin.
BLOOMINGTON — Diana J. “Diane” Kemp, 69, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:03 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, after a short battle with lung and brain cancer.
Diane will be cremated and a celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 99 Union Hall, 406 S. Eldorado Road, Bloomington. There will be a graveside service at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Pallative Care, the Office of Spiritual Care or the nursing staff, all at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Diane was born May 14, 1947, in Bloomington, the daughter of Francis Ruth Wegel and Clifton Allen Haines. She married Rodger D. Kemp on Nov. 28, 1964, in Bloomington.
She is survived by her husband; her mother; a daughter, Karen Kemp-Golden; five grandchildren, Corey and Cassie Fortney, Drew Kemp and Devin and Karah Golden; and a great-grandchild, Harper Jane Kemp, all of Bloomington.
She was preceded in death by her father; one daughter, Rhonda Fortney; and one son, Mark Kemp.
Diane loved spending time on the Illinois River. She and Rodger purchased a cabin in Manito in 1984, and spent every weekend from April through October there. She also enjoyed fishing and riding ATVs on the beach and through the woods.
Diane retired from District 87, where she worked in food service.
“Don’t cry for me, I gave it my all.”
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Bachman, Jean Eileen, 91, Heyworth, Monday (Jan. 23, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa. Mason Funeral Home, Metamora.
Brown, Patricia A. "Patti," 67, Lexington, 12:20 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington.
Gardner, Joey, 19, Gridley, 4:59 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2017) at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso.
Kemp, Diana J. “Diane,” 69, Bloomington, 8:03 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
List, Regina A., 63, Gridley, 4:45 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso.
Moberly, Olive, 94, Clinton, 4 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2017) at River North of Bradley, Bradley. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
Penn, Frank E.. 86, Normal, 9:55 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at his home. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
NORMAL — Sidney David Hughes, 97, of Normal, died at 4 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Pastor Jason Collins will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington.
David was born May 12, 1919, in Lake Villa, to Carl and Maud Miller Hughes. He married Mary Virginia Reid on July 20, 1943, in Rison, Ark. She preceded him in death Oct. 7, 1989. He was also preceded in death by a sister and a brother.
David is survived by two daughters, Kerry (Bruce) Young, Normal, and Kimberly Hughes, Black Mountain, N.C.; two grandchildren, Ryan (Wendy) Young and Kristen Young; and four beloved great-grandchildren, Connor, Chase, Carter and Charlotte Young.
David was an Army veteran of World War II and secretary of the Masonic Temple in Bloomington. He was an admissions counselor for Millikin University and Illinois Wesleyan University. He gave much of his life to music, as a conductor, choral arranger, educator and singer.
David had a full 96 years of independence before being cared for at Heritage Health in the last year of his life. The family is grateful to the staff at Heritage Health for his care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Normal Public Library.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
Baker, Doris, 5 to 7 p.m. at Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington.
Darnall, James, 11 a.m., at Minier Christian Church.
Davis, Geneva, 11 a.m. at Eureka Bible Church.
Hoss, Madeleine, 6 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, Normal.
Ward, Caroline, 11 a.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
BLOOMINGTON — Lois J. Lawler, 85, of Bloomington, died Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at her home, surrounded by her family.
She was born Lois Gildner on Feb. 17, 1931, in Bloomington, the daughter of Francis and Pauline Ulbrich-Gildner. Lois married Robert Deal on Feb. 23, 1952; he preceded her in death on March 14, 1971. Together, they had five children, Nancy (Jim) Orsulak, Normal; Robert (Tamara) Deal, Bloomington; Mary (Dane) Mooney, Bloomington; and Amy (Larry) Robinson, Leland, who survive, and her daughter, Linda, who is deceased. She was preceded in death by sisters, Jacqueline and Sharon, and grandson, Zachary.
Lois married Ward G. Lawler on June 24, 1978. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 2006. Lois had four stepchildren, Ted (Chris) Lawler, Mount Vernon, Iowa; Glenn (Martha) Lawler, Peoria; Greg (Angela) Lawler, Bloomington; and Angie Prang, Bloomington.
Lois enjoyed her five grandchildren, 12 stepgrandchildren and her 21 great-grandchildren.
Lois enjoyed a long career as a medical secretary. She and Ward enjoyed traveling to Arizona for many years and spending winters in their home in Mesa. She was thrilled to see her Cubs win the World Series. Lois was an excellent cook who excelled in baking, never fully disclosing her secret ingredients.
Lois was a member of Historic St. Patrick’s Church, Bloomington.
The family would like to thank her care companion, Lin, and Angela Lawler for her friendship with Lois.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Historic St. Patrick’s Church, Bloomington.
Condolences can be made at www.carmodyflynn.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Robert N. “Bob” Fischer Jr., 91, of Bloomington, died at 10:08 p.m. Monday (Jan. 23, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.
Service: 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Normal. The Rev. Larry Gaylord will officiate. Military rites will be accorded at the church by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard.
Burial: private inurnment at Funks Grove Cemetery, McLean.
Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church.
Memorials: Kemmerer Village, Assumption, or Westminster Village Foundation. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is handling arrangements.
Survivors: his wife, Patricia J. “Pat” Fischer; two children, John (Marilee) Fischer, Columbia, Mo., and Nancy Russell, Salem, Ore.; and four grandchildren.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com
SAYBROOK — Myra Taylor, 89, of Saybrook, passed away at 1:10 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Heritage Health, Gibson City.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, 302 E. Lincoln St., Saybrook, with Pastor Wayne Giermann officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Saybrook. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Wesbein United Methodist Church roof fund.
Myra was born Feb. 14, 1927, in Saybrook, a daughter of Roy V. and Lulu Myers LaTeer. She married Garth T. Taylor on Feb. 17, 1946, in Piggott, Ark.
She is survived by her husband, Garth T. Taylor, Saybrook; daughter, Sidney Ann (Larry) Schaefer, Saybrook; son, Lyndall Taylor, Saybrook; two granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Ganna Vida Keim, Edmonds, Wash.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.
She was a member of the Wesbein United Methodist Church, Saybrook, and a member of the 1934 Canasta Club of Saybrook.
LeROY — Ralph Eugene “R.E.” Wilson, 86, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) in Bryan, Texas.
Born on Feb. 26, 1930, in LeRoy, Ralph spent his career as a truck driver and involved in the trucking industry, which allowed him to see most, if not all, of our country while logging more than 6 million miles. He never ran out of ideas on how to improve or modify his equipment. He had his truck frame stretched to provide a large enough “house” for his wife to join him, and duly named it “The Whopper.” He couldn’t wait to get home, enjoy a beer with his friends and large family, and tell of his many adventures while out on the road.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Frances Louise “Lucy” Allen, 88, and their seven children, Daniel Wilson, Alvin, Texas; Diane Green, Greenville, Texas; Debra Wilson, Hearne, Texas; Delayne Nichols, Victoria, Texas; Dana Wilson, Porter, Texas; Derek Wilson, San Saba, Texas; and Joe Wilson, Porter, Texas. Ralph is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew and loved him.
Plans for a memorial service and celebration of life are pending.
NORMAL — Monroe Hall, 102, of Normal, passed away Monday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.
Monroe was born Sept. 21, 1914, in Piggott, Ark., the son of Marion and Nellie Hall. He married Mildred Lindstrom on Jan. 30, 1938, in LeRoy.
Surviving are a son, Carl (Patricia) Hall, Bloomington; two daughters, Debra (Kerry) Brandon, Kuttawa, Ky., and Carmen Clark, Willard, N.C.; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and seven siblings.
Monroe worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He worked at the original Steak ’n Shake/Shell in Bloomington. He retired as a serviceman from Sears and touched many families. He enjoyed his gardens and yard.
The family would like to thank the doctors and the nursing staff at the hospital and nursing home. They also would like to thank his neighbors and church caregivers.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. Friday until the time of the service at the church. Private interment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
CHENOA — Louise Steffen Furrer Zimmerman passed away at 8:50 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, 100 W. Maple St., Fairbury. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Fairbury Apostolic Christian Church with visitation at the church beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.
Louise is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jack Cotter of Lexington, and son and daughter-in-law, Samuel and Pam Furrer of Saint Joseph. She was very proud of her three grandsons, Andy Hall and Adam (Kacie) Hall of Lexington and Joel (Laura) Furrer of Saint Joseph. Also surviving are her brother, Richard (Lou Ida) Steffen of Forrest, and sister-in-law, Betty Steffen Zimmerman of Fairbury. She held dear her “second son,” Ed (Sue) Zehr of Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, and their daughter Christy Zehr of San Francisco. Stepgrandchildren Jackie Fogarty of Chenoa and Jeff (Dawn) Cotter of Pontiac and stepchildren Steve, Jay, Sam, and Cal Zimmerman and Peggy DeFries also survive. Additionally, she has a number of stepgreat-grandchildren and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews. Also surviving are in-laws, Glenn, Vernon, Donald, Alvin and Irvin Furrer and Janet Stoller, Marceil Haab, Emily Fulcher and Doris Kachelmuss.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Kenneth Furrer and Lester Zimmerman; her parents, Sam and Anna Steffen; two brothers, Hartzell and Earl Steffen; and nephew, Dougie Steffen.
Louise was born at home near Cropsey on March 17, 1933, to Samuel T. and Anna M. Zehr Steffen. She attended Potosi and Bee Hive grade schools and Fairbury High School. In 1956, she earned a nursing degree through the Chicago Public Schools’ Practical Nursing Program, graduating first in her class of 111 nursing students. In April 1957, she married Kenneth L. Furrer of Wolcott, Ind. He died in September 1970, and she moved back to Fairbury. In 1998, she married Lester Zimmerman. He passed away in 2010. She thoroughly enjoyed her long career as a nurse at Fairbury Hospital and Helen Lewis Smith Pavilion, Fairview Haven, Evenglow Lodge, Asta Care, and Heritage Manor. She cared deeply for her residents and always had a special place in her heart for the nurse’s aides who worked for her. The special feeling she held for the direct caregivers continued when she became a nursing home resident.
Louise was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Fairbury. Throughout her life, she volunteered as a blood drive worker and a community educator with the American Red Cross.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Illinois Red Cross or AC Home for the Handicapped. The family sincerely thanks the staff at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community and Vitas Hospice for their loving and quality care and enduring patience.
NORMAL — Anna K. Downen, 59, of Normal, passed away at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at her home.
Her celebration of life visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Anna was born Sept. 8, 1957, in Bloomington, the daughter of Phillip and Ruth Ann Potter Emery. She married Stephen Downen on Nov. 25, 1979, in Bloomington. He survives.
She is also survived by a daughter, Stephanie Downen, River Forest; a grandson, Kaleb Downen, and his mother, Ashley Downen, of Washington; her parents, Phillip and Ruth Ann Emery, Bloomington; her mother-in-law, Mary Ann Downen, Bloomington; and two brothers, Phillip Emery, Mackinaw, and Tim Emery, Bloomington.
She was preceded in death by a son, Benjamin Downen, and her father-in-law, A. Wayne Downen.
Anna graduated from Bloomington High School. She was a cook at the Parkview Inn for many years, owned and operated the Velvet Freeze in Normal and was a Realtor for Brady Realty for many years. Anna was an active volunteer during her children's school years. She loved her pets and feeding the birds.
Anna will be remembered as the nicest person we knew. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend who will be dearly missed.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Mary “Pat" Scharmahorn Weppler, 68, of Bloomington, died at 11:13 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at her home.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. The Rev. Dan Jassman will officiate.
Burial: Wiley Cemetery, Colfax.
Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the memorial home.
Memorials: to her family, in care of her son, Harold Weppler, 145 Daddono Circle, Bloomington, IL 61701.
Survivors: three children, Harold A. Weppler, Bloomington; Sherri Tasker, Groseback, Texas; and Pamela (Mark) Wooley, Texas; six grandchildren; and one sister, Sue Adams, Madisonville, Ky.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
CHATSWORTH — Lyle D. “Ike” Dehm, 91, of Chatsworth, passed away at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at his home.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Chatsworth United Methodist Church with the Rev. Roosevelt Smith officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at Chatsworth Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Chatsworth, is handling arrangements for the family.
Ike was born June 2, 1925, in Piper City, a son of William and Harriet DeBoor Dehm. He married Wilma Ferguson on Sept. 15, 1945, in Chatsworth. She passed away on Feb. 2, 2015.
He is survived by his children, Angela (Tom) Melody, Chatsworth, and Jeffrey (Floral) Dehm, Chatsworth; three grandchildren, Brad Dehm, Ashley Talleur and Nicole Graham; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Eric Dehm; and four brothers, Weldon, Lloyd, Glen and Leland Dehm.
Ike attended Piper City schools. Wilma and Ike owned and operated Westside Drive-in in Chatsworth for five years before their children were born. After that, Ike and Wilma owned and operated Dehm Bus Service for 63 years. Ike was a member of Chatsworth United Methodist Church.
He was an avid collector of tractors, always buying, fixing and driving them. Ike loved going to parades in the area and listening to music, especially the old time “jams” in the surrounding towns. He was known for his quick wit and storytelling.
Ike was a loving dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to the family at calvertmemorial.com.
EL PASO — Wayne Miller, 80, of El Paso, passed away at 10:01 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) in Normal, and went to join his Lord.
He was born March 15, 1936, in El Paso Township, a son of Fred and Hilda Weber Miller.
Surviving are one daughter, Sandy Edwards, El Paso; two sons, Richard Miller, El Paso, and Steven (Cricket) Miller, Hudson; one brother, Gene (Sharon) Miller, El Paso; two sisters, Ruth Murrell and June (Ron) Arnold, both of El Paso; four grandchildren, Buffy (Mike) Fleming, Gridley; Melissa and Matt Edwards of El Paso; Ryan Miller, Bloomington; and three great-grandchildren, Kylie, Kenderick and Kamden.
He joins his mom and dad; four brothers, Lyle, Buck, Don and Dale; and four sisters, Helen, Louise, Betty and Virginia, in Heaven.
Wayne worked for the city of El Paso as a street commissioner and retired after 47 years with them.
He was a member of Community Bible Fellowship Church. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Cubs fan. He said he could die happy with the Cubs winning the World Series. His funeral will be casual, and everyone should wear their Cubs apparel if able.
His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Evergreen Cemetery, El Paso. The Rev. Wes Ooms will officiate. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s name to the Secor Sportsmen’s Club, McLean County Humane Society or El Paso Rescue Squad.
Condolences may be sent to www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
MINONK — Berniece A. Gaede, 104, of Minonk, died at 12:48 p.m. Monday (Jan. 23, 2017) at Heritage Health, Minonk.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. The Rev. Dr. Harry Sanders will officiate.
Burial: Minonk Township Cemetery.
Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials: Stained glass fund at First Baptist Church, Minonk.
Survivors: six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent to www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
NORMAL — Mary Alice Conlon, 87, of Winter Haven, Fla., formerly of Normal, passed away peacefully Jan. 12, 2017, at her son's home in Winter Haven, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born to James and Anna Carroll in Chicago, where she was raised and attended school. She married John William Conlon in 1951, and together they began the adventure of raising five children in Normal: John (Medy) Conlon, Patrick (Sharon) Conlon, Jean Ann (George) Gasick, Michael Conlon and Mary Catherine (Tony) Wheet.
In September 1964, she and her husband, John, were founding members of Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal. She also worked many years as an executive secretary for Illinois State University Food Center. They retired to Winter Haven in 1998. They enjoyed golf, traveling and taking an active role in St. Matthew and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Winter Haven. She was a Eucharistic minister, minister to the sick, bereavement committee chair at St. Matthew and a volunteer teacher and mentor at St. Joseph School, Winter Haven.
She was predeceased by husband, John; sister, Ann; and brother, Jim.
She is survived by her children; sister, Margaret (Dennis) Mallon; nine grandchildren, Cassandra, Patrick, Kelly, Alex, Christopher, Shannon, Amanda, James and Travis; and three great-grandchildren, Thomas John "TJ," Cormac "Mac" and Ava.
Her funeral Mass was Jan. 16 at St. Matthew Church, Winter Haven, with visitation prior. Memorial contributions may be made to Life Choice Pregnancy Center, P.O. Box 2336, Winter Haven, FL 33883.
BLOOMINGTON — Robert N. “Bob” Fischer Jr., 91, of Bloomington, passed away at 10:08 p.m. Monday (Jan. 23, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, 2000 E. College Ave., Normal. The Rev. Larry Gaylord will officiate. Military rites will be accorded at the church by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Private inurnment will be at Funks Grove Cemetery, McLean. The family suggests memorials be made to Kemmerer Village, Assumption, or Westminster Village Foundation. Arrangements are being handled by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Bob was born Oct. 19, 1925, in Mount Carmel, the son of Robert N. Sr. and Golda Lankford Fischer. He married Patricia J. “Pat” Hollowell on Sept. 2, 1950, in Bloomington. She survives.
Also surviving are two children, John (Marilee) Fischer, Columbia, Mo., and Nancy Russell, Salem, Ore.; and four grandchildren, Ryan Ward, Columbia, Mo.; Kay Fischer, Columbia, Mo.; Christopher Russell, Bloomington; and Alison Russell, Salem, Ore.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John W. “Bill” Fischer.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served from 1944 to 1946, and was involved with the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. He obtained the rank of corporal. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1950. Bob worked for State Farm from June 1950 to December 1986, and retired as vice president of life claims. He served as past president of the International Claim Association. He volunteered and had done fundraising for more than 20 years for Kemmerer Village, Assumption, a child care agency for disadvantaged children.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.calvertmemorial.com
LEXINGTON — Paula K. Martin-Jordan, 66, of Lexington, formerly of Decatur and Clinton, died at 6:21 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Service: private graveside service at a later date at Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown.
Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington. Cremation rites will follow.
Memorial: a local humane society or Illinois Scottish Terrier Rescue.
Survivors: a daughter, Jessica (Josh) Noland, Lexington; a brother, Greg (Barb) Martin, Washington; a sister, Rebecca (Linda) Martin, Farmer City; and five grandchildren.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
Doss, Amanda, 5 p.m. at McLean Christian Church.
Ketchmark, Thomas Jr., 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk.
Schaller, Shirley, 10 a.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Yasenchak, Alta, 11 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dwight.
LEWISTOWN – Freida Louise Braden, 84, the mother and grandmother of area residents, died Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at her home in Lewistown.
She was the mother of Dave (Kay) McClelland, LeRoy; and the grandmother of Stacy (Andy) Schiltz, Farmer City; Krista (Johnny) Gwin, LeRoy; and Jana and Trisha McClelland, Bloomington.
Cremation rites were accorded. Burial is Wednesday in Mount Sterling City Cemetery.
She married James Lewis McClelland on March 12, 1949. He died Feb. 27, 1965. She married Don R. Braden on July 14, 1972. He died July 10, 2002.
She also was preceded in death by her parents and her only sibling, Lorena Gabbert.
Henry-Lange Memorial Home, Lewistown, is assisting the family with arrangements. To view Freida’s life tribute video or to send condolences visit www.henrylange.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Gail A. Swaney, 64, of Bloomington, died Jan. 18, 2016, in Normal.
She was born July 17, 1952. She married Tom Swaney on July 17, 1981. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and two brothers.
She is survived by a daughter, Michelle Smith, Farmer City; son, Charles Robertson, Bloomington; sister, Sherry (Bill) Byrd, Wisconsin; two brothers, Steve (Sally) Preister, Farmer City, and Mark (Patty) Preister, Elliott; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She retired from The Eureka Co. She worked many years at Clothesline Too.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her son, Charles Robertson.
Zimmerman, Louise, 83, Fairbury, 8:50 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Home, Chenoa. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.
NORMAL — Alma Jean Bridgewater, 80, of Normal, passed away at 9:50 a.m. Monday (Jan. 23, 2017) at Heartland Heath Care Center, Normal.
Alma was born April 22, 1936, in Bloomington, to Andrew and Ethel Kopp. She graduated from Normal Community High School. She retired from Illinois State University.
She was married to Donald Gamble, who passed away. She married James Bridgewater, who preceded her in death in 2007. She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Barb and Pat.
She is survived by her children, Teresa (Scott) Thoennes, Donald (Kristin) Gamble, Susie Bell, Lisa (Billy) Burger, Jenny Bridgewater, Jody Lane and Jimmy Bridgewater; grandchildren, Brandy, Brandon, Jaden, Serenity, Jonathan, Kevan, Korey, Annie, Andy, Christi and Caleb; and great-grandchildren, Jerry, Lorien, Abagail, Bella, Calisita, Jacob, Hunter, Brady and Cash.
There will be a private family graveside service. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
SECOR — Maria Ruth Wiegand, 9, of Secor, passed away at 1:08 p.m. Monday (Jan. 23, 2017) at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
She was born April 15, 2007, in Peoria, a daughter of Jake and T. Anne Rudin Wiegand. She attended fourth grade at the Countryside Private School in rural Eureka.
Maria is survived by her parents, of Secor; five sisters, Anna, Emma, Sara, Ella and Amelia; three brothers, William, Abram and Linus, all at home; paternal grandparents, Dale and Friedora Wiegand, Eureka; maternal grandparents, Craig and Trudy Rudin, Chatsworth; maternal great-grandmother, Mildred Zimmerman, Forrest; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Maria’s sparkling eyes and contagious smile could light up the room. She showed much love of life with care and concern for her family and friends.
Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Apostolic Christian Faith Church, Eureka. Church ministers will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Faith Cemetery, Eureka.
Memorials may be made to the Countryside Private School or the Wiegand Family Benefit Account in care of Morton Community Bank.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
CLINTON — Wesley H. Rosenberger, 84, of Clinton, passed away at 1:07 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
A private graveside service will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, assisted the family with cremation rites.
Memorials may be directed to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Wesley was born Aug. 11, 1932, in Aurora, the son of Francis G. and Bessie Lane Rosenberger. He married Patricia C. Rice on Nov. 11, 1951, in Clinton.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia C. Rosenberger, Clinton; children, Diana (David) Massey, Clinton, and Wesley Steven (Terri) Rosenberger, Heyworth; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Charles (Lita) Rosenberger, Walnut Park, Calif.; and mother-in-law, Erma Spencer, Clinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.
Wesley was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 42 years. He was a sheet metal worker with Union Local 1.
Condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.
NORMAL — Madeleine Hoss, 89, died Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Calvary United Methodist Church, Normal, with her funeral service immediately following. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is handling arrangements.
Madeleine was born April 18, 1927, in Haifa, Palestine, the daughter of George and Victoria Msarsa. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Victor Msarsa. She is survived by her two sons, Eric (Terri) Hoss, Bloomington, and Kevin (Susan) Hoss, Normal; five grandchildren, Chris, Daniel, Alex, Rachel and Tyler Hoss; and her brother, Maurice (Johnnie) Msarsa, Knoxville, Tenn.
Madeleine graduated from Schmidt’s Girls School and Training College in Jerusalem in 1944, with the goal of being a teacher. After the 1948 war with Israel, she taught Palestinian children of all ages until she left Israel for the United States in 1959. She studied at George Williams College in Chicago, where she graduated with a degree in group work education in 1962. She married Frank Hoss in 1962 in New Market, Ind.
She received her master’s degree in library science from Indiana University in 1968. She held various jobs in the field of library science in Kansas City, Mo.; Bloomington, Ind.; Lake Forest; Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Normal. When she arrived in Normal in 1981, she was employed in the library at Normal Community High School and was later named head librarian at University High School library and finally Zimmerman Library at Metcalf Lab School. She retired in 2005. Madeleine frequently spoke about multicultural issues and the role of the library at universities around the world during her tenure at the lab schools in Normal, and was awarded the Strand Diversity Award in 2000.
Madeleine was always proud of her heritage as a Palestinian Arab. She visited many churches and schools around Illinois speaking about her background as an Arab, teaching kids how to count and speak in Arabic, and promoting a message of peace. As a self-taught pianist, she enjoyed playing songs wherever she went, including schools and nursing homes in Bloomington-Normal.
Madeleine will always be remembered for her outgoing personality and smile. She never met a stranger and would talk about her life in the Holy Land to any and all people that would listen. A lifelong educator, she loved to teach children of all ages about her life and the importance of accepting others, no matter their religious background or heritage. More than anything, Madeleine loved her family and was so proud of her two boys and her grandchildren. She never hesitated to brag about their accomplishments to anyone. To her oldest friends, she was “Maddy,” to her students she was “Hoss the Boss,” and to her grandkids she was simply “Teite.” Madeleine will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name to Calvary United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be left at carmodyflynn.com.
PONTIAC — Roger D. Schuler, 71, of Pontiac, died at 5:15 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Service: private family graveside service at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery, Pontiac. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is handling arrangements.
Survivors: his wife, Susan Schuler, Pontiac; his children, Karen M. (Rob) Chapman, Algonquin; Brent E. (Sue) Barnes, Sykesville, Md.; and Amanda S. (George) Krasnican, Streator; sister, Nancy (Charles) Russow, Pontiac; and six grandchildren.
Memorials: Pontiac Veterans of Foreign Wars post and Pontiac Sportsman’s Club.
Condolences may be left at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.
HEYWORTH — Marilyn M. Petry, 88, of Heyworth, went to be with Jesus at 2:43 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
Her memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with the Rev. Ken Martin officiating. A private family interment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Full Gospel Tabernacle, Heyworth.
Marilyn was born May 20, 1928, in Chicago, the daughter of Marion and Ethel Hantz Conn. She married Paul M. Petry on April 26, 1952, in Chicago, and for 65 years, they shared a marriage that was “made in Heaven.” He survives her.
Also surviving are her children, Paul S. (Barbara) Petry, Plano; Susan (Robert) Slusarek, Plainfield; Sharon Smith, Winnebago; Mark (Charlotte) Petry, Plainfield; and Janet (Ken) Martin, Bloomington; 17 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother and a brother, Don Conn.
Marilyn had a deep love of the Lord and was a true Proverbs 31 woman. To her family and others who knew her she was the most self-sacrificing, kind, considerate and generous person.
Marilyn was a phenomenal wife, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by all those who knew her.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Constant, Frances I., 71, Lincoln, Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at home. Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln.
Gaede, Berniece, 104, Minonk, 12:48 p.m. Monday (Jan. 23, 2017) at Heritage Health, Minonk. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk.
Hughes, David, 97, Normal, 4 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
WENONA — Janet C. Roundtree, 72, of Wenona, died peacefully Jan. 16, 2017, in OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in First Presbyterian Church, Wenona, with the Rev. Frank Silas officiating. Burial will be in Wenona Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the church. The Hurst Funeral Home, Wenona, is assisting her family.
She was born April 25, 1944, in Streator, to Emory and Edna Wilson Loser. She married John R. Roundtree on July 15, 1988. She worked at Owens Glass, Streator; American Hearst, Peru; and then Quantum Chemical in Morris.
She is survived by one son, Richard “Dean” Davidson, Wenona; one daughter, Tamera (Rodney) Prestin, Wenona; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Donald (Lucy) Loser, Wenona.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Feb. 27, 2015; one son, Scott Davidson; and two sisters, Linda Loser and Donna Haig.
Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com.
Hilgendorf, Gene, 10 a.m. at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln.
Houck, Elizabeth, 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Dwight.
Rinn, Karolyn, 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Pontiac.
Rogers, Naomi, noon at Tri-Valley Baptist Church, Downs.
Schaefer, Elmer Jr., 10 a.m. at Carmody-Flunn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Shaffer, Kathleen, 1 p.m. at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington.
BLOOMINGTON — F. Caroline Ward, 81, of Bloomington, passed away Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at her home.
Caroline was born Oct. 24, 1935, in Towanda, the daughter of Percy and Alta Robinson Miller. She married Jerry Carver. Later in life, she married Russell Ward.
Surviving are her children, Paula Atkins and Brian Carver, both of Bloomington; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents, five brothers and two sisters.
Caroline retired from The Eureka Co. after working there 40 years. She later worked at the Law & Justice Center, Bloomington. She was a member of the Bloomington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 454 Women’s Auxiliary. She loved attending Illinois State University basketball games.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Pennell Cemetery, Towanda. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bloomington Ladies Auxiliary Junior Unit.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Gary L. Woolridge, 64, of Bloomington, passed away Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Cremation services were provided by East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Memorial contributions may be made to his wife and family at Heartland Bank of Bloomington or Normal or the Heart Association.
Gary was born Sept. 29, 1952, in Memphis, Tenn., to Ray and Marilyn Milton Woolridge. He was raised in LeRoy. He proudly served in the Army National Guard. He was a lifelong fan of NASCAR, St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. He loved to cook and enjoy the outdoors and fishing. He worked at Beich/Nestle for 23 years in the shipping department and was a member of the Teamsters union. He was a steward and loved the challenge.
He married Sue E. Rash on April 17, 1984. She survives.
Also surviving are his mother, Marilyn Woolridge, LeRoy; a son, Gary Ray (Alicia) Woolridge, Bloomington; one grandson, Sebastian Wooldridge, Bloomington; three brothers, Jim (Joanna) Woolridge, Downs; Tom (Kathy) Woolridge, Atlanta; and Jeff Woolridge, LeRoy; four nephews; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-nieces and -nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.
He enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandson and dogs, Sammie and Pooky.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com
ROANOKE — Geneva Pearl Davis, 93, of Roanoke, passed away at 6:50 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at the Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke.
Born in Douglas County, on Dec. 28, 1923, to Homer and Nellie Allen Mathews, she married Paul W. Davis on Feb. 23, 1940. He passed away July 15, 2007.
She is survived by four sons, Dan (Diana) Davis, Roanoke; Ron (Christa) Davis, LaMoille; Matt Davis, Roanoke; and Jeff Davis, Eureka; three daughters, Sherry (Gary) Garber, Metamora; Connie (John) Nafziger, Gahanna, Ohio; and Trudy Davis; Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Clifford, Kenneth, Joe and Bert Mathews; and three sisters, Ruth (Charles) Turek, Ruby (Harold) Homme and Dorothy (Wayne) Clesson.
Geneva was a homemaker and also worked alongside her husband Paul in their woodworking shop in Mason City. She was a lady with many talents. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, doll making, oil painting, stone carving and was a wonderful cook and pie maker.
She was a member of Eureka Bible Church, Eureka, where her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday. Pastor Aaron Zehr will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Stanford. Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Association for the Developmentally Disabled of Woodford County.
Condolences may be sent to the family at knappjohnsonharris.com.
LEXINGTON — Doris J. Baker, 69, of Lexington, passed away at 5:03 a.m. Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at Richard L. Owens Hospice House, Peoria.
Cremation rites were accorded. Her celebration of life service will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington. Memorials may be made to the Lexington Ambulance or Richard L. Owens Hospice House, Peoria.
Doris was born May 31, 1947, in Bloomington, the daughter of Carl “Mike” and Henrietta Scharfenberg Burmaster.
Surviving are three children, Robin Winter, Bloomington; Mike Baker, Lexington; and Pamela (Bob) Pulliam, Chenoa; five grandchildren, Michael and Starr Baker; and Tammara, Hannah and Quincy Pulliam; and two sisters, Betty (Leo) Omicinski, Sellersburg, Ind., and Mary (John) Moore, Bloomington.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Doris was a day-care operator for 26 years and has worked as a funeral assistant at Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home for many years. She also worked as the manager of the Lexington Community Center for several years. She was an avid Denver Broncos and N.Y. Yankees fan. She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports and spending time with her family.
Brennan, Maria, 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Downs.
Lay, Henry, 2 p.m. at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Delavan.
Martello, Ramon, 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church of Merna.
Weston, Leola, 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Piper City.
Hoss, Madeleine M., 89, Bloomington, 11:25 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Martin-Jordan, Paula K., 66, Lexington, 6:21 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Calvert-Johnson & Muselman Memorial Home, Lexington.
Moos, William A. "Bill", 69, Springfield, Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at his home. Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln.
Petry, Marilyn M., 88, Heyworth, 2:43 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 22, 2017) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Rosenberger, Wesley H., 84, Clinton, 1:07 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
MCLEAN — Amanda Doss, 31, originally from McLean, died at 10:28 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) in Missouri.
She was born Nov. 12, 1985, in Bloomington.
She is survived by her daughter, Aleeya Doss; her parents, Elizabeth and Larry Doss; and two sisters, Brooke Davis and Brittany Doss.
Amanda was manager of Metro PCS. She was a very outgoing, lovable person. She knew no stranger and could fill the room with her smile and laughter.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at McLean Christian Church, McLean. Donations can be made to the Amanda Doss Memorial Fund at the Atlanta National Bank, Atlanta, for her surviving daughter, Aleeya.
NORMAL — Scott L. Foster, 53, of Normal died at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at his home.
A celebration of Scott’s life will be announced at a later date. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to P.A.T.H. Crisis Center, 201 E. Grove St., Ste 200, Bloomington, IL 61701, or to the Illinois Valley Parachute Club, 7497 Mackinaw Rd., Minier, IL 61759.
He was born Oct. 8, 1963, in Santa Rosa, Calif., the son of Les and Marilyn Hunter Foster. He married Julia Lilienthal on Aug. 20, 1985.
Surviving are three children, Nicholas Foster, Normal, Cameron Foster, Kappa and Lauryn Foster, Normal; his parents, Les and Marilyn Foster, Normal; a sister, Stacey (Dale) Danklefsen, Danvers; a niece and two nephews, Alyssa (Brandon) Nicol, Nathan (Kelsey) Frankfather and Scotty Schultz; and several great-nieces and nephews.
Scott graduated from Illinois State University and was employed by State Farm Insurance Companies for 27 years. Known for his adventurous spirit, Scott was an avid skydiver with over 1,500 jumps and was a member of the Illinois Valley Parachute Club and Discover Powered Paragliding. He was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed motocross and NASCAR. Scott enjoyed working with his hands and was a skilled craftsman. More than anything, he will be remembered for his selflessness; he was always willing to help another in need, expecting nothing more than their appreciation in return.
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
ODELL — Karolyn M. “Dodie” Rinn, 73, of Odell died 5:44 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) at her home.
Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church, Pontiac, with Father David Sabel officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded after the funeral, and private inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Pontiac. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, with the rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. Memorials in Dodie’s name may be made to St. Mary’s School, St. Paul School or Livingston County Humane Society.
Dodie was born June 1, 1943, in Pontiac, a daughter of Ivan and Bernadine (Gschwendtner) Bruce. She married John Martin on Nov. 24, 1962, in Pontiac. She later married Charles Rinn on Dec. 30, 1984, in Pontiac, at their home and their marriage was convalidated later at St. Mary’s Church.
He survives in Odell. Also surviving are three daughters, Kristene Ryan, Anchorage, Alaska; Lyn (Tom) Tucker, Odell; and Megan (Steve) Bennett, Pontiac; six grandchildren, Liana Wesselhoff, Makani Zaima, Parker Bennett, Alaska Bennett, Lucas Tucker and Claire Tucker; three brothers, Dick Compton, Seattle, Wash.; Gary Bruce, Pontiac; and Arthur Bruce, Streator; one sister, Shari LeVack, Seattle, Wash.; one aunt, Alzina “Cug” Porter, Pontiac; and one uncle, John “Buck” Gschwendtner, Pontiac.
Dodie was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.
Dodie was raised by her grandparents, Bernard (who she affectionately called Daddy) and Gertrude Gschwendtner, on the family farm south of Pontiac. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Pontiac.
Dodie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.
MINIER — James A. Darnall, 87, of Minier died Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.
Jim was born Sept. 2, 1929, in Minier to Gerald and Helen Millard Darnall. He married Treela F. Myers. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Mary (David) Stockle of Minier; three sons, Michael (Karon) Darnall, Hawaii, Dennis (Debbie) Darnall, Bluffton, S.C., and David (Julie) Darnall, Minier; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister, Linda (Ralph) Larson, Florida.; and one brother, Millard (Pat) Darnall of Washington.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Ryan.
Jim farmed in the Minier area for 70 years. He also owned and operated Darnall’s Dairy Barn and Darnall’s Home Furnishings with Treela, in Minier. He was a member of Minier Christian Church.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, at Minier Christian Church. The Rev. Rusty Richards will officiate. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services.
Haensel Funeral Home in Minier is assisting the family with arrangements. Burial will be at Minier Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Minier Christian Church 405 E. Stringtown Road, Minier, IL 61759.
Online condolences may be made at www.haenselfuneralhome.com.
GIBSON CITY — Norman Beecher Ashley, 84, of Gibson City died Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church with burial following at Drummer Township Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Anchor.
Norman Beecher Ashley was born May 20, 1932, the son of Clyde and Rose Beecher Ashley. Survivors include his sister, Sherilyn (Donald) Bathgate; nieces and nephews, Elaine (Mark) Ploense, Diane (Bob) Edgington, Cindy (Gary Omar) Bathgate, Kevin (Tami) Bathgate, Carla (Karl) Kinch and Carrie Ashley, and many great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Rose Beecher Ashley; his brother, Wesley Ashley; and his nephew, Eric Ashley.
Norman graduated from Sibley High School, and went on to study at the University of Illinois. During his time there, he was active in the ROTC. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, and then went back to the family farm where he spent many years as a farmer until his retirement.
Although quiet, Norman was a strong man, physically and mentally. His family was number one to him and he will be deeply missed.
DWIGHT — Alta Irene Yasenchak, 98, of Morris, formerly of Dwight, died at 4:55 a.m. on Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at Park Pointe Healthcare and Rehab in Morris.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dwight with Father Chris Haake officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the services on Wednesday, at Hager Memorial Home in Dwight. Burial will follow services at Round Grove Cemetery in Reddick. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or the American Heart Association.
Alta was born on the family farm in Reddick, on Dec. 6, 1918, the youngest of five children to Frank and Hattie (Brownsey) Clover. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Reddick High School in 1937. Alta met and married George Yasenchak in 1940. They settled in Dwight where they lived for more than 50 years.
She took great joy in her role as a homemaker and mother to their two children, Ronald and Judith. Later she worked with George at his State Farm Agency in Dwight. In 1996, George and Alta moved to Morris. They had been married 61 years when George passed away in 2002.
Alta leaves behind her children, Ronald (Becky) Yasenchak, Lincoln City, Ore. and Judith (Wayne) McComb, Morris; her grandchildren, Ronda Wiles, Jeffrey McComb, David (Gabrielle) Yasenchak and Douglas McComb; and her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Megan, and Alex McComb, Connor Wiles and Zoe Yasenchak. She was preceded in death by brothers Ervin, Donald, and Merrald Clover, and her sister, Lotus Grob.
Alta is remembered by her friends and family for her gentle nature, and her unconditional love, loyalty and generosity. She will be missed and held in the hearts of those who knew her forever.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.hagermemorial.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Ivan E. Scott, 83, of Bloomington, passed away at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
There will be no service. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Memorials in Ivan's name may be made to Centennial Christian Church, 1219 E. Grove St., Bloomington, IL 61701, or Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707.
Ivan was born July 27, 1933, to Clarence "Emil" Scott and Maude Fern Scott. He married Mildred Evelyn Lee on Jan. 25, 1958. She survives.
Also surviving are his two children, Sheila Scott and Sherri (Scott) DeLeonardis, both of Bloomington, and two grandchildren, Carly Stephens, Round Rock, Texas, and Makenzie DeLeonardis, Bloomington.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents.
Ivan was retired from The Eureka Williams Co. He was a 59-year member of Felicity Chapter OES of Illinois, a 61-year member of Wade Barney Lodge AF&AM, and a 58-year member of the Valley of Bloomington Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, receiving the Meritorious Service Award in 1981. He was a member of the Bloomington York Rite Bodies.
He was a former trustee and 55-year cast member of the American Passion Play. He was a member of Centennial Christian Church of Bloomington.
The family would like to thank Advocate Hospice for their loving care. He was well known for his humor and generosity. He will be dearly missed by his family.
TOWANDA — Elmer L. Schaefer Jr, 63, of Towanda, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at his home.
His funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, where visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
He was born July 31, 1953, in Bloomington, son of Elmer L. and Patricia M. Hancock Schaefer. His parents preceded him in death.
Surviving are one sister, Christine Moss, Towanda; one brother, Edward (Mary) Schaefer, Bloomington; and two nephews, Joshua and Jordan Schaefer.
Elmer graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering from Bradley University in Peoria. He retired from the city of Bloomington Water Department as assistant director.
He enjoyed traveling and playing golf.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
BLOOMINGTON - Kathleen M. Shaffer, 86, of Bloomington, passed away at 7:51 a.m. Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.
Funeral: Graveside at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, with Pastor Billy Newell officiating. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church.
Survivors: her daughter, Maeleen (Michael) Dutton, St. Charles, Mo.; and three grandsons.
Condolences and memories of Kathleen may be shared with the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
LINCOLN - Gene M. Hilgendorf, 91, passed away at 7:09 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.
Funeral: 10 a.m. Tuesday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, with Ryan Edgecombe officiating.
Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Burial: Hartsburg Union Cemetery with full military rites accorded by Emden American Legion Post 506.
Memorials: Christian Village.
Survivors: children, Sue O’Hara, Lincoln, and William (Debbie) Hilgendorf, Lincoln; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
BLOOMINGTON – Claude Anderson Bell, 95, of Bloomington, passed away at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.
A memorial service for Claude will be 4 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, Normal, with the Rev. Larry Gaylord officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is handling arrangements.
He was born June 14, 1921, to Lloyd and Leska Powell Bell in Hamlet, N.C., and graduated from Monroe, N.C., High School. His love of “The land of the long leaf pine, the summer land where the sun doth shine, where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great … the Old North State” continued throughout his life and well into generations that follow.
Claude enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1942. He was a gun crewman in the Light Artillery Canon Company, 311th Infantry, 78th Lightning Division. Claude was engaged in ground combat in Germany and was discharged in March 1946.
Claude married Emma Jean Horine on July 22, 1944. She passed away on July 14, 2010, just days short of their 66th wedding anniversary and the wedding of their sixth grandchild.
In 1947, he earned his undergrad degree from Western Kentucky at Bowling Green. His master’s degree in education was earned in 1948 from University of Missouri. Claude taught at Central High School in Charlotte, N.C., where he drew the plans and contracted construction of his family's first home, including a pine-paneled family room.
In August 1956, the family moved to Normal, where he taught at University High and Illinois State Normal University. Jean and Claude joined “Newcomers,” a group of faculty and wives who met monthly for a meal except for the month of December, when everyone was too busy during the holidays. The group remained close, with almost family ties, ending their regular monthly meeting schedule 58 years later.
When Old Main, the original building and the center of ISNU campus life, was razed in 1958, Claude used some of the huge pine timbers from which it was built to craft a bedroom suite for his son. He also made many other pieces of furniture for their home. He refinished an oak table found at auction with enough leaves to host children and grandchildren. He then re-caned enough matching chairs to provide the seating for all. Wood was his medium.
He spent summers and a sabbatical in Columbia, Mo., where he completed his Ed. D. in 1964. He used his love of woodworking and furniture making to teach wood shop for many years and later taught mechanical drawing and drafting classes. Subject matter aside, his ongoing commitment was to developing young people as they became functioning ethical adults. Claude retired from ISU in December 1986 and was “roasted” as the “Conscience of the Industrial Arts Department.” He continued teaching throughout his life, leading folks of all ages to learn life lessons and supporting past students in their careers.
After Claude and Jean moved to Westminster Village, he enjoyed Wednesday coffee with the “ISU guys,” Golden K activities, gardening by the barn, and hours on the stationary bike. When the Foundation garden walk was built, he planted a red bud tree in his wife’s memory and later an eastern pine to honor Old Main, the faculty and staff at ISNU and ISU.
Claude is survived by his daughter, Barb (Rod) Lundgren, Normal; son, Bruce Bell, Chesapeake, Va.; six grandchildren, Kim (Alberto) Sandoval, Scott Lundgren, Katie (Eric) Nolan, Amy Fitz, Laura Rauch, Adam (Stephanie) Bell; and 10 great-grandchildren who are left to follow his legacy.
Claude was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Normal, for 60 years, serving in various capacities. He was a deeply religious, highly ethical man committed to his country, church, education and his family. Many will miss the quick “zingers” which highlighted his sense of humor.
Memorial contributions may be made to an ISU scholarship established in his name. Checks should be made to the ISU Foundation with a memo line “Gift for Technology Legacy Scholarship in Memory of Claude Bell” and mailed to Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
Darnell, James A., 87, Minier, Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. Haensel Funeral Home, Minier.
Roundtree, Janet C., 72, Wenona, Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Hurst Funeral Home, Wenona.
Yasenchak, Alta, 98, Dwight, 4:55 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 21, 2017) at Park Pointe Healthcare, Morris. Hager Memorial Home, Dwight.
ODELL — Karolyn M. “Dodie” Rinn, 73, of Odell, died 5:44 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) at her home.
Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church, Pontiac, with Father David Sabel officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded after the funeral, and private inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Pontiac. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, with the rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. Memorials in Dodie’s name may be made to St. Mary’s School, St. Paul School or Livingston County Humane Society.
Dodie was born June 1, 1943, in Pontiac, a daughter of Ivan and Bernadine (Gschwendtner) Bruce. She married John Martin on Nov. 24, 1962, in Pontiac. She later married Charles Rinn on Dec. 30, 1984, in Pontiac, at their home and their marriage was convalidated later at St. Mary’s Church.
He survives in Odell. Also surviving are three daughters, Kristene Ryan, Anchorage, Alaska; Lyn (Tom) Tucker, Odell; and Megan (Steve) Bennett, Pontiac; six grandchildren, Liana Wesselhoff, Makani Zaima, Parker Bennett, Alaska Bennett, Lucas Tucker and Claire Tucker; three brothers, Dick Compton, Seattle, Wash.; Gary Bruce, Pontiac; and Arthur Bruce, Streator; one sister, Shari LeVack, Seattle Wash.; one aunt, Alzina “Cug” Porter, Pontiac; and one uncle, John “Buck” Gschwendtner, Pontiac.
Dodie was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.
Dodie was raised by her grandparents, Bernard (who she affectionately called Daddy) and Gertrude Gschwendtner on the family farm south of Pontiac. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Pontiac.
Dodie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.
LeROY — Bernice Collins Wheet, 88, passed away Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) in Mesa, Ariz. After cremation, private graveside services will be held in LeRoy at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to LeRoy First United Methodist Church or the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
She was born July 27, 1928, in Brimfield, a daughter of Alvan and Lula Bateman Collins. She married Paul E. Wheet on March 13, 1949, in Champaign. He died July 15, 2012, after 63 great years of marriage. Also preceding her in death were their son, David P. Wheet, Phoenix, Ariz.; an infant granddaughter; two sisters, Doris Jeane Trail and Arlene Hade, both of Illinois; and two special sisters-in-law, Lois Collins, Towanda, and Mary Collins, Houston, Texas.
She is survived by a daughter, Nancy (Dirk) Howard, Mesa, Ariz.; son, Tony (Mary) Wheet, LeRoy; daughter-in-law, Kathy Wheet, Phoenix, Ariz.; brothers, Jim Collins, Towanda, and Ron Collins, Houston, Texas; grandchildren in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana and Massachusetts; great-grandchildren in Illinois and Indiana; and a special great-grandson, Cooper James Kehoe in Arizona, whose baptism and his first two birthday parties she attended.
After suffering two strokes, her life revolved around watching the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns on TV. She attended a Cubs spring training game on March 17, 2016, with her Illinois and Arizona families. She loved watching the Cubs win a World Series.
In spite of health problems, she had a good outlook on life and was happy and thankful for her many blessings. She always said she would die trying. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
POTTSVILLE, Pa. — Barbara E. Littell, 74, of Pottsville, Pa., passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 15, 2017, while traveling in Arizona.
Born in Minneapolis, Minn., on Dec. 4, 1942, she was a daughter of the late Bernice (Peacock) and Charles Donaldson.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by sons, Timothy Scott and Brian David Littell, and brother, Curtis Donaldson.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Stephen L. Littell, to whom she was married 51 years; daughter, Jennifer L. Amoratis, Pottsville; grandchild, Dakota Amoratis; sister, Kay McCance.
She was a member of Grace Bible Church, Hawk Mountain. Barbara was a 1961 graduate of Valley High School, Fairview, Ill., and enjoyed cooking and traveling throughout the United States.
Barbara worked for and later retired from the Offices of Senior Services, where she served as an intake referral clerk.
Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, with Pastor Leland Stauff officiating. A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 10 a.m. Tuesday until time of service.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Tha family request contributions in Barbara's memory be sent to American Cancer Society, 101 W. Frack St., Frackville, PA 17931 or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed at www.lordbixler.com.
DWIGHT — Elizabeth Ann Houck, 87, of Dwight, passed away Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) in Dwight.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. Tuesday until the time of service at United Methodist Church, Dwight, where her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Pastor Lance Leeds will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Dwight. Memorials in her name may be left to the charity of the donor’s choice. Hager Memorial Home, Dwight, is handling arrangements.
Elizabeth was born Aug. 26, 1929, in Dwight, a daughter of Walter and Ester (Mickelson) Houck.
She is survived by a son, Mark (Linda) Olsen, Dwight; brother, James (Margaret) Houck, Texas; grandchildren, Colin Olsen, Westland, Mich., and Marissa Olsen, Redding, Calif.; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Walter Houck; a brother in infancy; and nephew, Jim Houck Jr.
A lifelong resident of Dwight, she attended Dwight schools, was a member of Dwight United Methodist Church, Willing Workers group and United Methodist Women, where she earned Woman of the Year. She was also a member of duplicate and other bridge groups and was a member of Dwight Senior Citizens.
Over the years, she worked for Boyer Buick and spent more than 20 years at the Dwight Correctional Facility as an accountant.
This obituary may be viewed and guest book signed at www.hagermemorial.com.
BLOOMINGTON - Thomas Dean "Tommy" Ketchmark Jr., 50, of Champaign, formerly of Bloomington and Minonk, passed away at 6:19 a.m. Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Visitation will be 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church. His memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Minonk with Fr. Stephen McKinley officiating. Burial will follow at Minonk Township Cemetery.
Tommy was born on April 15, 1966, a son of Thomas Dean Sr. and Pearl Jacqulyn "P.J." Davis Ketchmark.
Surviving are his mother, P.J. Ketchmark, Minonk; three sisters, Colleen (Wayne) Weber, Christie (Randy) Ruestman and Cindy (Craig) Meyer, all of Minonk; nieces and nephews, Cody, Logan and Abby Weber, Morgan (Rick) Koehler, Jordan (Jon) Meyer, Trent (Tracy) Ruestman and Zach, Nick and Kenzie Meyer; and great nieces and nephews, Cali, Braxton, Ricki, Clayton Koehler and Bentley Weber.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Thomas Dean Sr.; and a niece, Lindsay Weber.
Tommy graduated from Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School in 1984. He was a 30-year employee of the United States Postal Service. During that time, he worked as a clerk, carrier and mail handler serving in the Minonk, Bloomington and Champaign offices.
Tommy was a thoughtful and kind person, with a generous soul; generous not only to his family, but everyone around him and anyone who crossed his path. He believed in "paying it forward" and consistently gave to those in need. He taught us to be true to ourselves, always love one another, be grateful for what we have, give to others and smile.
Thank you to the medical staff who cared for Tommy during his six-week battle with brain cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Heartland Community College Foundation – Donny Bounds Nursing Scholarship.
Condolences and memories of Tommy may be shared with the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
FAIRBURY — Verda Stahly Maurer, formally of Fairbury and Bloomington, passed away Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) in Fullerton, Calif. Respecting her wishes, there will no memorial service. Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is in charge of her private memorial service.
Verda was born March 25, 1917, to Anna and Ali G. Stahly of Carlock. She graduated from ISNU (ISU) with a teaching degree in home economics, and she taught both in Springfield and Fairbury. Verda married Robert Joseph Maurer of Pekin on June 28, 1940, in the North Danvers Mennonite Church where they were members and where they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary by walking down the same aisle that they had walked in 1940.
Survivors of Verda include her daughter, Jo Ellen (Jeff) Sandburg, Palm Coast, Fla.; son, Dr. Rob (Dr. Jody) Maurer, Fullerton, Calif.; granddaughters, Jorie Sandburg (Matt) Orsi, Aurora, Colo.; Anne, Lauren, Erin, and Robyn Maurer, Fullerton, Calif.; and great-granddaughter, Ella Eze Orsi. She has one surviving brother, Ali Stahly Jr., Eureka; and two dear sisters-in-law, Louise (Norval) Stahly, Bloomington, and Lillian (Lory) Stahly, Cape Girardeau, Mo. She has many nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed visits at home, in the Mennonite Church, at family reunions and celebrations, and at Westminster where she and Bob happily resided due to such wonderful care.
Verda was always appreciative of family who helped her with sudden illness when her children were not close by. She chose to remain near her birthplace until she was 94, when she moved to California to be near Drs. Rob and Jody and her four granddaughters. They have provided much love and care to her these past five years.
Verda was very involved in women’s groups and educational, community, church, social and charitable activities while residing with her family in Fairbury. She began the first kindergarten in the Fairbury/Cropsey school district, led the Junior Department of the United Methodist Church, and was active in leading Cub/Boy Scout troops and Brownie/Girl Scout troops. She was asked to help with several Fairbury wedding receptions due to her culinary and decorating skills.
Verda was a member of the Women’s Club and Shakespeare Club, and she worked tirelessly for the betterment of her community, especially in support of all the activities of her husband, Bob. One of their honors was being chosen as the 2009 alumni queen and king of ISU’s Homecoming weekend. With red velvet crowns on their heads, they cheered the Redbirds and fans from their parade-day convertible ride, and then were honorees at a private reception in President Bowman’s home. She and Bob were also chosen for the cover of the ISU Alumni 2008 winter issue, which featured ISU grads who had married an ISU grad and were working together to improve their communities.
Verda will be remembered as always a lady, honest, kind to all, and beautiful inside and out. She embodied one of her favorite sayings: “It is better to give than to receive.” She, with Bob at her side, made many lives in their communities and family richer with the gifts that they selflessly gave.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the North Danvers Mennonite Church, 5517 E. 1950 North Road, Danvers, IL 61732.
LeROY — Naomi M. Rogers, 82, of LeRoy, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at her home.
A celebration of life service will be at noon Tuesday at Downs Tri-Valley Baptist Church with Pastor Ron Woodrum officiating.
Naomi was born Oct. 7, 1934, in Effingham, daughter of William and Melvina Bishop. She was married to Loren G. Rogers in Louisville, Ill.
She is survived by five children, Tina Simmons, LeRoy; Ronald (Meg) Rogers, Springfield; Dennis Rogers, LeRoy; Mary (Bob) Hankins, LeRoy; Sue (Tom) Brooks, LeRoy; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Pat (John) Monical; two brothers, Wallace (Jeanette) Bishop, Springfield, Mo., and Bill Bishop, Yuma, Colo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Loren G. Rogers; daughter, Patricia Bryant; one brother, Floyd Bishop.
Naomi was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend. She made life adventures joyful, and always had a word of wisdom when needed.
She will be greatly missed!
BLOOMINGTON — Ramon Albert “Ray” Martello, 89, of Bloomington, formerly of Darien, died Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at his home.
Funeral: 11 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington, with the Rev. Michael Pica officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Bloomington/Normal American Legion Honor Guard.
Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Burial: Committal service at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 7201 Archer Road, Justice, IL 60458.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homes of Hope, 705 E. Lincoln, Suite 313, Normal, IL 61761, or the American Legion Louis E. Davis Post 56, 2505 Fox Creek Road, Bloomington, IL 61704.
Survivors: his wife, Barbara, of Bloomington; two daughters, Susan Martello, Normal, and Lynne (Steve) Sugai, Bloomington; three grandchildren; and special nieces and nephews.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
NORMAL - Shirley A. Schaller, 83, died Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) in Athens, Ga.
Friends are invited to a visitation at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, wth the Rev. Kathy King-Nobles officiating. Shirley will be laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
Shirley was born Sept. 14, 1933, in McConnelsville, Ohio, the eldest child of Kathleen (Kate) and Raymond (Tod) Wells. She grew up in Lancaster and Sugar Grove, Ohio. Shirley graduated from Berne Union High School in Sugar Grove and married her high school sweetheart, John (Jack) Schaller.
Shirley and Jack had six children: Steve, Kathy, John (Stephen), Kristi (Marybeth), Susan (Michael) and James (Christiane); 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, Joshua, Tyler, Sara, Jennifer, John, Jeffrey, Skylar, Avery, Madison, Ella, Natalie, Dylan, Kaylie, Tristan, Josh Jr. and Seth. After raising their children, Shirley and Jack were blessed with “bonus” family, Corina and Florian Ardelean and their sons, Alex and Lucas.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Shirley is survived by her cousin and dear friend, Sally Wells Cook, and her sisters-in-law and dear friends Becky Wells and Elaine Wells, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents, brothers Tom and Jim, sister Connie and nephew Michael.
Shirley graduated from Bliss Business College in Columbus, Ohio. She worked at the Ohio School for the Deaf early in her career. Shirley and Jack moved to Normal in 1970 and she worked most of her career at Illinois State University in the Colleges of Education and Communication, in the Office of the Director of the Bone Student Center, and for Extended University. Shirley loved working at ISU and made many lifelong friends there. Her children remember students, faculty and staff joining the family for holidays; Shirley always offered her home and meals to those who were unable to go home for holidays. Shirley volunteered for the PATH hotline after moving to Normal. After retirement, she and Jack delivered meals together for Meals on Wheels. Shirley and Jack seemed to always take care of others in need, whether family, friends or complete strangers.
Shirley and Jack made many friends in Bloomington-Normal; neighbors on Normal Avenue and Nikki Drive, friends from ISU, and friends from Arnie’s at the airport and the Moose Lodge. Shirley loved her friends and loved to socialize. She also loved to sing and once was a member of Sweet Adelines. She was known to break into song, whether at home, work or social events.
Shirley and Jack moved to Georgia in 2008 to be closer to children and grandchildren.
Shirley’s family wishes to thank all family and friends for their support during her illness. A special thank you is extended to the team at Thrive of Athens, Dr. Petros Nikolinakos and his team at University Cancer and Blood Center as well as the wonderful nurses and staff of St. Mary’s Hospice.
If desired, memorials may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia (P.O. Box 49309, Athens, GA 30604) or to St. Mary’s Hospice Services (P.O. Box 6588, Athens GA 30604).
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Maria Louise Brennan, 51, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., formerly of Bloomington, passed away at 3:03 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at St. Thomas West Hospital, Nashville, Tenn.
Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Church, Downs. Burial will be in Frankeberger Cemetery, Ellsworth. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, LeRoy.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House Foundation. www.fisherhouse.org.
She was born Aug. 28, 1965, in Chicago, to Paul and Diane Mottram Viane. She married Michael Joseph Brennan Sept. 14, 1985, at St. Marcelline, Schaumburg. He survives in Murfreesboro.
Also surviving are her parents, Paul and Diane Viane, Schaumburg; two sons, Joe (Renee) Brennan, Bloomington, and Sean (Emily Shickel) Brennan, FE Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming; two daughters, Rebecca (Tom) Potter, Franklin, Tenn., and Samantha (Skyler ) Atkins, Bloomington; six grandchildren, McKenzie, Gavin, Camdyn, Emery, Lillian, Madelynn, and ever growing family; one brother, David (Jen) Viane, Tampa Bay, Fla.; and one sister, Liz (Paul) Smith, Hoffman Estates.
Maria was preceded in death by her sister, Christine; her grandparents; and other loved ones.
Bush, Becky, 1 p.m. at Christian Faith Center, Bloomington.
Coleman, Darlene, 10 a.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Finefield, James, 4 p.m. at American Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gibson City.
Gibson, Mack II, 10:30 a.m. at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City.
Hall, Donald, 3 p.m. at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth.
Loeffler, Mary, 10 a.m. at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln.
Rippel, Michael, 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, El Paso.
Schieler, Grace, 11 a.m. at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac.
Snellenberger, Evelyn, 10 a.m. at Eureka Church of the Nazarene.
Summers, Dottie, 11 a.m. at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington
Webb, Edgar, 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington.
NORMAL — Mary Lou Vannice, 84, Normal, died 12:45 a.m. Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.
Funeral: none. Cremation services were provided by Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Burial: Private inurnment at Eureka Cemetery, Eureka, Texas.
Survivors: her husband, Wilson Vannice; three children, Cindy (Rick) Kopp, Normal; Brian Vannice, San Francisco, Calif.; and Jeff Vannice, Fort Myers, Fla.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Jo Curry, Sulphur Springs, Texas; four nieces.
View the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.beckmemorial.com.
MOUNT JULIET, Tenn. — Thomas William Niedermeyer, 72, a longtime resident of Mount Juliet, Tenn., passed away Monday (Jan. 16, 2017).
Tom was born in 1944 in St. Louis, Mo. He received a B.S. in education from Central Methodist College in Fayette, Mo. Tom loved socializing with his friends over morning coffee, archery, dancing and spending time with his family. He enjoyed giving his time tutoring and coaching archery.
He is survived by children, Debbie (Steve) Bishop, Tracy Niedermeyer, Patrick (Tonja Loendorf) Niedermeyer, Rob (Amanda) Niedermeyer, Darren Niedermeyer and Allison Niedermeyer; and grandchildren, Cooper, Shannon and Austin.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Bond Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mark Youngman officiating. Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Bond Memorial Chapel, North Mount Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mount Juliet, Tenn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Old Hickory Lake Bowmen’s Club or Broken Arrow Archery Club in Mount Juliet, Tenn. Call 615-773-2663 or visit www.bondmemorial.com.
ROBERTS — Leola Mae Weston, 78, of Roberts, died at 10:20 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) at Gibson Area Hospital Annex, Gibson City. Her services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church, Piper City, with the Rev. Elizabeth Reis officiating. Burial will be in Chatsworth-Charlotte Township Cemetery, Chatsworth. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Redenius Funeral Home, Gilman, and at the church Monday one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Piper City.
Leola was born July 10, 1938, in Fairbury, to Harold and Gertrude (Dorsey) Hoppler. Her childhood was spent in rural Roberts. She attended rural schools in the Roberts and Thawville areas and graduated from Roberts High School.
She married Robert P. Weston on April 27, 1958, at the United Methodist Church, Piper City. He survives.
Also surviving are her children, Michael (Tina) Weston, Roberts; Renee (Ron) Decker, Piper City; and Michelle Weston, Fort Collins, Colo.; six grandchildren, Katie (Ryan) Porth, Jan Weston, Leslie (Kendal) Hornstein, Perry Weston, Amanda Decker (Devon) and Brandon Decker; six great-grandchildren, Lexa, Tessa, Ellie, Brock, AJ and Abby; one sister, Ethelyeen (Fred) Holy, Champaign; and a cousin, Marilyn (Al) Heyen, Greenview.
Leola was preceded in death by her parents.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Piper City, and served as the church treasurer for many years. She was a church board member and active with the United Methodist Women. Leola also was a member of the school board for Ford Central High School.
She worked at Huber’s Clothing Store in Fairbury, was a receptionist and secretary at Producers Seed, and a secretary for Custom Farm Service, both of Piper City.
Leola loved spending time with her family and friends, being on the farm and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, cross-stitch and tending to her flowers.
Arrangements by Redenius Funeral Home, Gilman. Please sign the guest book at www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com.
Baker, Doris J., 69, Lexington, 5:03 a.m. Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at Richard L. Owens Hospice House, Peoria. Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington.
Ketchmark, Thomas Dean "Tommy" Jr., 50, Champaign and formerly of Bloomington and Minonk, 6:19 a.m. Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at Advociate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Scott, Ivan E., 83, Bloomington, 4:36 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Shaffer, Kathleen M, 86, Bloomington, 7:51 a.m. Friday (Jan. 20, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington.
DELAVAN — Henry C. Lay, 84, of Delavan, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) at his home.
Funeral: 2 p.m. Monday at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Delavan. Pastor Justin Schmidt will officiate.
Burial: Prairie Rest Cemetery with military honors by his American Legion Post.
Visitation: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials: Delavan American Legion.
Survivors: one son, Roger (Sheila) Lay, Delavan; two daughters, Julie (Rick) Burrell, Delavan, and Janelle (Wes) Kennedy, East Peoria; one son-in-law, Scott Campbell, Bloomington; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one brother, Edwin (Jane) Lay, Rifle, Colo.
To express condolences, visit www.davisoswaldfh.com.
WAYNESVILLE — Steven Ross, 64, of Decatur, passed away on Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Steven was born on Feb. 3, 1952, in Waynesville, the son of Donald and Waunita (Finger) Ross. He proudly served his country in the USMC. He loved dogs and motorcycles.
Surviving are his sister, Terri Keim (Kevin), Georgia; stepdaughter, Shelley Jun (Andy), Bloomington; grandchildren, Rebekah, Luke, and Adam.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Honoring Steven’s wishes, cremation will take place at Graceland/Fairlawn Cremation Center. Service will be at a later date.
ODELL — Karolyn M. “Dodie” Rinn, 73, of Odell, died 5:44 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) at her home.
Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church, Pontiac, with Father David Sabel officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded after the funeral, and private inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Pontiac. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, with the rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. Memorials in Dodie’s name may be made to St. Mary’s School, St. Paul School or Livingston County Humane Society.
Dodie was born June 1, 1943, in Pontiac, a daughter of Ivan and Bernadine (Gschwendtner) Bruce. She married John Martin on Nov. 24, 1962, in Pontiac. She later married Charles Rinn on Dec. 30, 1984, in Pontiac, at their home and their marriage was convalidated later at St. Mary’s Church.
He survives in Odell. Also surviving are three daughters, Kristene Ryan, Anchorage, Alaska; Lyn (Tom) Tucker, Odell; and Megan (Steve) Bennett, Pontiac; six grandchildren, Liana Wesselhoff, Makani Zaima, Parker Bennett, Alaska Bennett, Lucas Tucker and Claire Tucker; three brothers, Dick Compton, Seattle, Wash.; Gary Bruce, Pontiac; and Arthur Bruce, Streator; one sister, Shari LeVack, Seattle Wash.; one aunt, Alzina “Cug” Porter, Pontiac; and one uncle, John “Buck” Gschwendtner, Pontiac.
Dodie was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.
Dodie was raised by her grandparents, Bernard (who she affectionately called Daddy) and Gertrude Gschwendtner on the family farm south of Pontiac. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Pontiac.
Dodie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.
NORMAL — Darlene Coleman, 81, of Normal, died at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal.
Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. The Rev. Jason Collins will officiate.
Burial: Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington.
Visitation: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the memorial home.
Memorials: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Survivors: three children, Melanie Symons, Helena, Mont.; Rob (Page) Coleman, Findlay; and Cheryl (Steve) Cope, Normal; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
FAIRBURY — Verda Stahly Maurer, formerly of Fairbury and Bloomington, passed away Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) in Fullerton, Calif.
Respecting her wishes, there will no memorial service. Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is in charge of her private memorial service.
Verda was born March 25, 1917, to Anna and Ali G. Stahly of Carlock. She graduated from Illinois State Normal University (now ISU) with a teaching degree in home economics, and she taught both in Springfield and Fairbury. Verda married Robert Joseph Maurer of Pekin on June 28, 1940, in the North Danvers Mennonite Church where they were members and where they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary by walking down the same aisle that they had walked in 1940.
Survivors of Verda include her daughter, Jo Ellen (Jeff) Sandburg, Palm Coast, Fla.; son, Dr. Rob (Dr. Jody) Maurer, Fullerton, Calif.; granddaughters, Jorie Sandburg (Matt) Orsi, Aurora, Colo.; Anne, Lauren, Erin and Robyn Maurer, Fullerton, Calif.; and great-granddaughter, Ella Eze Orsi. She has one surviving brother, Ali Stahly Jr., Eureka, and two dear sisters-in-law, Louise (Norval) Stahly, Bloomington, and Lillian (Lory) Stahly, Cape Girardeau, Mo. She has many nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed visits at home, in the Mennonite Church, at family reunions and celebrations, and at Westminster where she and Bob happily resided due to such wonderful care. Verda was always appreciative of family who helped her with sudden illness when her children were not close by. She chose to remain near her birthplace until she was 94 when she moved to California to be near Drs. Rob and Jody.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.calvertmemorial.com.
PIPER CITY — James Lee Bryant, 80, of Piper City, formerly of Sullivan, died at 11:50 p.m. Jan. 4, 2017, at Piper City Rehab Center, Piper City.
Service: none. Cremation rites have been accorded by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Survivors: children, Doug Bryant, Gregory Bryant, John Bryant and Rebecca Bryant, all of Texas, and Nikol Martin, Illinois; sister, Norma Thompson, Bethany; stepsister, Karen Van Hook, Bloomington; stepbrother, Phillip Westfall, Danvers; and seven grandchildren.
Kenney, Jeanne, 11 a.m. at Eureka United Methodist Church.
Mies, Marguerite, 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Pontiac.
Murphy, Donald, 1:30 p.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Schrock, Dorothy, 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Community Fellowship, Farmer City.
Stephens, Luella, 10:30 a.m. at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.
Sutton, S. Blanche, 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Downs.
PONTIAC — Grace Mae Schieler, 94, of Pontiac, died at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Home, rural Chenoa.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, with Dr. Rev. Richard Riley of the First Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Rooks Creek Cemetery, rural Pontiac. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Saturday until the hour of service. Memorials in Grace’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Grace was born Aug. 22, 1922, in Livingston County, a daughter of Roy Nelson and Nina Mae Hahn Howland. She married Charles William Schieler in 1942. He preceded her in death on Feb. 27, 1976.
Survivors include one son, Charles William (Beverly) Schieler Jr., Chenoa; one daughter, Carol (Kerry) Foster, Pontiac; seven grandchildren, Jeff (Pam) Foster, Jay (Jill) Foster, Jodie DeBartoli, Jackie Huxtable, Brian (Wendy) Schieler, Chris (Karen) Schieler and Joe (Brandy) Foster; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, including Memory Grace Toppel, who was named after her; one brother, William Howland, Gardner.
Grace was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother.
Grace was a 1940 graduate of Joliet Township High School. She had been a secretary for several offices in Pontiac, including Ada Fabricator and Evenglow Lodge; was a matron for Livingston County Sheriff’s Department; and her last employment was at Mid Central Community Action in Pontiac for six years. Grace was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Pontiac.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed.
This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.
Bell, Claude A., 95, Bloomington, 6:40 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Martello, Ramon Albert “Ray,” 89, Bloomington, formerly of Darien, Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at his home. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Rinn, Karolyn M. "Dodie," 73, Odell, 5:44 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 19, 2017) at home. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac.
Schaefer, Elmer, 63, Towanda, 3:13 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at his home. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
BLOOMINGTON — The Rev. Edgar L. Webb, 91, of Bloomington, formerly of rural Heyworth, passed away at 1 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.
His celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. Vaughn Hoffman officiating. A private family burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington.
The Rev. Webb was born Nov. 10, 1925, in Kansas, Ill., the son of Harry Lee and Mabel McVicker Webb. He married Shirley Jean Grove on June 23, 1951. She preceded him in death on Nov. 7, 1958. He married Marietta "Marty" Althouse Keller on May 29, 1961, in Arlington Heights. She preceded him in death on Sept. 20, 2009.
Survivors include four children, Greg (Luann) Webb, Bloomington; Gail (Rod) Brady, Rockford; Kathy (Steve) Hettick, Wenatchee, Wash.; and Bill Keller, Warrenton, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Nick and Jennifer Webb; Sarah (Mike) Ogdon; Amy Mayberry and Ben Brady; Christian (Erin) Hettick; Nathan (Sara) Hettick; Ingrid (Drew) Nishiyama; and Jacob Keller; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, the Rev. Arthur Webb, Rockford, and Tom (Doris) Webb, West Terre Haute, Ind.
He was preceded in death by four brothers and infant son, Keith Lynn Webb.
The Rev. Webb graduated from Kansas High School, served four years in the U.S. Navy, graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University and Garrett Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a United Methodist minister and served faithfully in Potomac, Tolono, Chatham, Milford, Tonica, Moweaqua and Ridgefarm, retiring from the ministry in 1977. He went on to work at the Pontiac Correctional Center where he ministered to the residents. He was very involved in CUP (Citizens Upholding Persons) ministering to previously incarcerated people.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
NORMAL — Darlene Coleman, 81, of Normal, passed away at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal.
Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. The Rev. Jason Collins will officiate. Burial will be at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the memorial home. The family suggests memorials be made to Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Darlene was born Sept. 8, 1935, in Bloomington, the daughter of Floyd H. and Ella C. Caldwell Scharfenberg. She married Andrew Robert Coleman on June 6, 1954, in Bloomington. He passed away Oct. 15, 1976.
Surviving are three children, Melanie Symons, Helena, Mont.; Rob (Page) Coleman, Findlay; and Cheryl (Steve) Cope, Normal; seven grandchildren, Marissa (Guy Boysen) Cope, O’Fallon; Stephanie (Darin) Holthaus, Springfield; Honor (Cathy) Coleman, Normal; Jenna (Joe) Wiemelt, Urbana; Tyler (Geri) Symons, West Pueblo, Colo.; Reed (Rachael Follmer) Coleman, Urbana; and Caitlyn (Mark Thompson) Symons, Helena, Mont.; and nine great-grandchildren, Lucas, Nicholas, Caden, Augustus, Dylan, Cam, Tyson, Logan and Owen.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law, Roy Symons.
Darlene was a graduate of University High School, Class of 1953.
Darlene was a retired telecommunicator at the Bloomington Police Department, working there from May 1970 to July 1993. She was the “mom” to all the officers, but especially her third-shift crew. The family would like to thank Advocate Hospice and Heritage Health for the loving care provided to Darlene & family.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.calvertmemorial.com.
GIBSON CITY — James E. Finefield, 75, Gibson City, died at 10:33 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at the Gibson Area Hospital Annex, Gibson City.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the American Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gibson City. His celebration of life service will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Jim Davis officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Lee Lowery American Legion Post 568. Burial will be at a later date.
He was born Oct. 13, 1941, in Kempton, a son of Elton Eugene and Hazel Bernice Monahan Finefield. He married Katherine L. Schoolcraft on Aug. 2, 1984, in Springfield. She survives in Gibson City.
Also surviving are five children, Rick Finefield, Gibson City; Kristina Finefield, LeRoy; Chad (Danielle) Christensen, Cory (Karen) Christensen and Tara (Chuck) Gawthorp, all of Gibson City; eight grandchildren; a brother, Bob (Linda) Finefield, Rantoul; and two sisters, Nancy (Elvis) Potts, Gilman, and Janice (Steve) Glawe, Cumming, Ga.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Joe.
Jim was the past owner and operator of Lammle Lanes in Gibson City. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam veteran, serving from 1966-1968. He was a member of the Lee Lowery American Legion Post 568 and was a past commander; a member of the Elliott AMVETS and a past member of the Gibson City Moose Lodge. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and a Chicago Bears fan.
Memorials may be made to the family. Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, is in charge of arrangements.
EUREKA — Evelyn F. Snellenberger, 96, of Eureka, passed away at 7:25 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at Eureka Apostolic Christian Home, where she had been a resident.
She was born Dec. 9, 1920, in Calhan, Colo., a daughter of Archie M. and Lula Mary Cooprider Wilson. She married the Rev. Paul C. Snellenberger on Sept. 29, 1940, in Roxana. He passed away on June 28, 1996.
Surviving are four daughters, Shaari (Larry) Massey, Ellenton, Fla.; Ruth (Eric) Stromberg, Kansas City area; Paula (Don) Bard, Bloomington; and Susie (Dale) Wyss, Goodfield; eight grandchildren, Bret (Pam) Massey, Brian (Laurie) Massey, Christina (Justin) Grotheer, Alisa (Scott) Shanks, Becky (Jonathan) Nance, Debbie (Tim) Mason, Josh (Jenn) Wyss and Mindy (David) Stalter; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, A. Paul Wilson; and one grandson, Justin Wyss.
Evelyn was a member of the Eureka Church of the Nazarene where her husband was the pastor for many years. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at her church. The Rev. Bret Massey, her grandson, will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Eureka, and one hour before the service Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Olio Township Cemetery, Eureka.
The family holds the Eureka Apostolic Christian Home in the highest regard and wishes to thank everyone who cared for their mother so lovingly. Words cannot express their gratitude.
Memorials may be directed to the Eureka Apostolic Christian Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.argoruestmanharris.com.
PIPER CITY — James Lee Bryant, 80, of Piper City, formerly of Sullivan, died at 11:50 p.m. Jan. 4, 2017, at Piper City Rehab Center, Piper City.
Service: none. Cremation rites have been accorded by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Survivors: children, Doug Bryant, Gregory Bryant, John Bryant and Rebecca Bryant, all of Texas, and Nikol Martin, Illinois; sister, Norma Thompson, Bethany; stepsister, Karen Van Hook, Bloomington; stepbrother, Phillip Westfall, Danvers; and seven grandchildren.
NORMAL — Jacquelyn "Jacki" Barker, 80, of Normal, formerly of Canton and Downs, passed away at 8:30 p.m. Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal.
She was born Aug. 24, 1936, in Bernadotte Township, on her grandparents' farm, to Dale and Harriett Dean Pigg.
Survivors include her two daughters, Terri (Brad) Thede, Normal, and RuthAnn (Mike) Petrov, Morton; her brother, Charlie Pigg, Morton; nine grandchildren, Kyle, Eric and Sara Thede, and Max, Gage, Malachi and Grace Petrov; two foster grandchildren; and several cousins.
Jacki was a 1954 graduate of Canton Senior High School and then attended business school in Omaha, Neb. She worked at Western Union and State Farm Insurance before the birth of her children. She grew up as a member of South Park Methodist Church in Canton. She was an active member of the LeRoy Christian Church for many years and later attended Living Hope Christian Church in Downs. She deeply loved her family and was particularly proud of her grandchildren.
Jacki was married to Gene Barker for 36 years, and he preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at White Chapel Memory Gardens, Canton. Pastor Brent Salm will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Sweet Home Ministries, Bloomington.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
Nelson, Duane E., 83, Delavan, 1:05 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Bickford House, Peoria. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Delavan.
Robertson, Robert L., 79, Normal, 1:39 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa. Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Webb, the Rev. Edgar L., 91, Bloomington, formerly of rural Heyworth, 1 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
BLOOMINGTON — Senna Blanche Sutton, 102, of Bloomington, passed away at 11:04 a.m. Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Church, Downs, with the Rev. Gregory Ketcham officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, 530 NE Glen Oak, Peoria, IL 61637, or the Ladies of the Knights Auxiliary at St. Mary’s Church in Downs, 108 E. Washington St., Downs, IL 61736.
She was born July 6, 1914, in Camargo, Montgomery County, Ky., a daughter of Henry Coleman and Senna Belle Richardson Kelly. She married Charles Francis Sutton on Feb. 25, 1937, at the Holy Trinity Rectory in Bloomington. He preceded her in death on July 1, 1992.
Surviving are three children, Ronald (Kay) Sutton, Bloomington; Wendell Sutton, rural Bloomington; and Cindy Sutton, Bloomington; two grandchildren, Jeff (Leanne) Sutton, Heyworth, and Tim (Staci) Sutton, rural Bloomington; five great-grandchildren, Mike Sutton, Brady Sutton, Nate Sutton, Matt Sutton and Loghan Sutton; and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Edith, Opal and Lucille; and three brothers, Wayne, Wendell and Baird.
Blanche was the last remaining charter member of Local 342 of the Paul F. Beich Candy Co. She was a Kentucky colonel, an election judge for more than 25 years and a member of numerous local organizations. The oldest living member of St. Mary’s Church in Downs, Blanche was known as the pie lady by all of the members of the church. Her greatest role was as a farmer’s wife where she was active in helping her husband in the running of the farm.
The Sutton family would like to thank Lisa Friedmansky, Debbie Abbott and Kathy Abbott for all of the faithful and loving care they provided to Blanche.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
DELAVAN — Marion George Sinn, 89, of rural Delavan, passed away at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at Hopedale Medical Center emergency room.
He was born Nov. 13, 1927, in rural Tremont, to John W. and Ida Woerner Sinn. He married Delta Pearl Rankin on Nov. 7, 1953, in Cambria, Wis. She passed away June 9, 2015.
Surviving are one son, David (Cindy) Sinn, Delavan; two daughters, Jeanie Larkin, Pekin, and Susan (Kevin) Funke, Bellevue, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Sinn, Janice (Jeremy) Hanshaw, Michael Sinn, Christina Sinn, Tim (Myra) Larkin and Mark Larkin; Katherine, Scott (Amy) and Claire Funke; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Sinn, Park Ridge; and his "bodyguard," Willie, will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Otto Sinn, Daniel Sinn and Carl Sinn; and one infant sister.
He was a lifelong farmer, progressing from horses to tractors, and was a turkey producer all of his life.
He served as a medic in the U.S. Army in Korea and Hawaii. On May 5, 2016, he had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C., with the Greater Peoria Honor Flight.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Delavan, where he served on the session, was a Sunday school teacher, and delivered sermons from the pulpit. He was also a member of the Tazewell County Farm Bureau, Illinois State Turkey Growers Association and Delavan American Legion.
He cherished his family and will always be “Daddy” in our hearts. As a humble man, he generously donated his time and gifts without need for recognition.
Cremation has been accorded. According to his wishes, private services will be held with burial in Prairie Rest Cemetery, Delavan. There will be no visitation. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Delavan, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hopedale Medical Foundation.
To express condolences, visit www.davisoswaldfh.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Mary Kathryn Berry, 88, of Bloomington, formerly of Olney and Clay City, died at 8:32 p.m. Jan. 12, 2017, at her daughter’s home in Bloomington.
Service: private memorial service and inurnment at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ste. Marie. Cremation rites have been accorded by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Memorials: Sainte Marie Foundation.
Survivors: her children, Sharon (Dan) Uhlir, Bloomington; Janice (Robert) Weidner, Clay City; Tom (Carol) Yost, Normal; Dave Yost, Watson; and Elaine (David) Gill, Bloomington; 21 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Geltz, Oswego; and two sisters, Betty Knell, Warrenville, and Evelyn Kocher, Willow Hill.
Condolences may be left at www.carmodyflynn.com.
VIOLA, Wis. — Grayselda “Grace” Clark, 77, of Viola, Wis., passed away Saturday (Jan. 14, 2017) at Gundersen Medical Center, LaCrosse, Wis.
She was born Jan. 25, 1939, in Joliet, to Malcolm and Myrtle Johnson Frederick.
She is survived by her husband, Wesley, Viola, Wis.; her son, Darrel, Viola Wis,; one grandson, Spencer; one brother, James (Sheila) Frederick, Taylors, S.C.; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Delmer Thedens; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Peace Lutheran Church, Readstown, Wis., with Pastor Chuck Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, rural Viola, Wis. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, both at the church. The Sime Funeral Home, Readstown, Wis., is serving the family.
BLOOMINGTON — Dan Littell, 84, of Bloomington, passed away at 3:40 p.m. Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
There will be no service or visitation. Private inurnment will be at a later date at Lyons Cemetery, London Mills. Cremation rites have been accorded by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 454 in Bloomington.
He was born Dec. 28, 1932, in London Mills, son of William and Merle Rose Littell. He married Patricia Shriber in 1957, and they had three children. He later married Martha Little Brown in 1989; she preceded him in death in 2011. He was also preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Darla Brown, in 2013.
Surviving are two daughters, Leslie Littell, Normal, and Dannette (Michael) Cardwell, Akron, Ohio; one son, Chris Littell, Bloomington; and one stepdaughter, Dena Brown, Apopka, Minn. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Jason Spencer, Arizona; Roxanne Cardwell, Texas; and Michael Cardwell, Ohio; and one brother, Tom (Becky) Littell, London Mills.
Dan graduated in 1961 with a bachelor's degree from Knox College, where he was active in basketball and baseball. He was proud to be captain of the 1959 basketball team that was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean conflict; was a member of the VFW Post 454 since June 6, 1974; and was a former member of its board of directors.
Dan began his career at FS Services in 1962, where he traveled frequently to Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. FS Services later became Growmark Inc., where he retired in 1994 as petroleum division manager.
He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, hunting, fishing, morel mushroom hunting and playing softball for Beer Nuts in the 1960s; his greatest passion came from playing the game of golf. Dan was a member of Crestwicke Country Club since 1974, where he also received multiple awards for his hole-in-one accomplishments. He was also a winner, multiple times, of the City Tournament at Highland Golf Course and remained active in the golfing network within the community up until the time of his death.
Dan will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for walking, never riding, the golf course while enjoying a cigar. He could also be found walking his beloved dog, Abbie.
He will be missed dearly by those who loved him.
To express condolence, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
MASON CITY — Donald L. Hall, 53, of Mason City, passed away at 5:14 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2017) at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth. His funeral is at 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Randolph Township Cemetery, Heyworth. Military honors will be by Carl E. Miller Post 624, Heyworth. Memorial donations may be made to the family.
Donald was born Dec. 20, 1963, in St. Louis, Mo., to Donald L. and Lorraine Collins Hall. They preceded him in death.
Surviving are wife, Connie Leamon-Hall, Mason City; children, Josh, Hannah, and Sarah Sherman, all of Bloomington; Colton Hall, Effingham; Jacob Hall, Newton; Ashtyn Hall, Louisville, Ill.; stepchildren, Chet (Lizz) Leamon, Casey (Josh) Ring and Christina (James) Jones, all of Mason City; four brothers, Robert (Cindy) Sampson, O’Fallon, Mo.; Tim (Carol) Sampson, St. Louis, Mo.; Richie (Janet) Daughty, Heyworth; and Patrick (Judy) Daughty, Lehigh Acres, Fla.; one sister, Janice (Brian) Kindred, Heyworth; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Richard Daughty.
Donald was a member of the Army National Guard, serving in early 1980s in the Panama region. He was an avid Cardinals and Packers fan. Most of all, he loved the outdoors. He loved to go fishing and always went mushroom hunting during season.
Donald was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.
LINCOLN — Mary Loeffler, 94, of Lincoln, died at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.
Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, with Ron Otto officiating.
Burial: Zion Cemetery, Lincoln.
Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials: Lincoln Christian Church.
Survivors: her children, Jay (Debbie) Loeffler, Normal; Marcia Horn, St. Charles; and Jim (Diana) Loeffler, Lincoln; one sister, Delores Berger, Lincoln; one brother, John Davison, Middletown; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Krause, Thomas H., 10:30 a.m. at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal.
Mounce, Luella, 11 a.m. at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington.
FAIRBURY — Luella M. Stephens, 92, Fairbury, formerly of Forrest, died at 3:55 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury, with ministers of the Fairbury Apostolic Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in Sunny Slope Cemetery, Saunemin.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Luella was born Jan. 16, 1925, in Forrest, the daughter of Carl and Elsie Wenger Waibel. She married Raymond Shelby Stephens on March 10, 1945, in Peoria. He died on April 2, 2007.
Family was very important to Luella, and she is survived by her children, Linda (Bill) Johnston, Bloomington; Duane (JeriNell) Stephens, Lees Summit, Mo.; Dennis (Pam) Stephens and Lori (Chuck) Power, both of Fairbury; one daughter-in-law, Suzi Stephens, Bloomington; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Glen Waibel, Forrest; Gene (Sandy) Waibel, Morton; and Eldon (Marge) Waibel, Fairbury; and two sisters, Ethel (David) Wiegand, Urbana, and Carol (James) Arden, Reno, Nev.
She was preceded in death by one son, James; one grandson, Justin; and one brother, Harry Waibel.
Luella was the valedictorian of the Forrest High School graduating class of 1943. She was a homemaker and had been employed at Walton’s Department Store, Fairbury, for several years.
Luella’s family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff, administration and volunteers at Fairview Haven Retirement Community. Their love and support over the last seven years has provided great comfort to her family.
A guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
DANVERS — Earl W. Knick, 65, of Danvers, passed away at 1:32 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 14, 2017) at his home.
A celebration of life service will be at a later date in early spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Community Cancer Center, Normal, in remembrance of his wife, Carolyn, or to a charity of the donor’s choice in Earl’s memory. Cremation services provided by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Earl was born Aug. 4, 1951, in Bloomington, the son of Wilbur Roy Sr. and Mildred E. Smith Knick. He married Carolyn S. Holliger on June 24, 1978, in Carlock. She passed away Oct. 27, 2015.
Surviving are his sister, Barbara Knick, Ellsworth; father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Betty Holliger, Carlock; sisters-in-law, Marlene K. Myers, Bloomington, and Brenda (Mason) Brookshier, Coffeen; brother-in-law, Ken (Tina Snow) Holliger, Bloomington; nephews and nieces, Joey (Melissa Dalton) Hosna Jr., Park Hills, Mo.; Mary Ann (James) Ward, High Ridge, Mo.; Darci (Phil Trout) Brookshier, Carlock; and Zach (Chelsie Hulvey) Brookshier, Greenville; and great-nephews and -nieces, William Joseph Hosna III; Thomas Joseph Hosna; Garrett Cain; Jessica, Courtney and Rebecca Ward, and James Ward Jr.; Lane and Sadie Brookshier; Kipton, Brycen and Brayleigh Trout.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Suzanne Hosna; and brother, Wilbur Roy Knick Jr.
Earl graduated from Cahokia High School, Cahokia, in 1969. He retired from Bloomington Dennison Toyota where he worked as the lot manager for many years. Earl was a Harley Davidson enthusiast his entire life. He shared a mutual love with his father, Wilbur, in ’55-’57 Chevrolets, and was in the process of restoring one his father had owned. He, along with his wife Carolyn, took many memorable trips on their Harleys together, including Sturgis, over the years. They loved taking long weekend trips and just going where ever the bikes took them, ending up in many mom and pop places across the state.
Those who knew Earl can testify that he was the most loyal, informed and devoted number 1 Green Bay Packers fan they would ever have the privilege of knowing. To his friends, he was the life of the party; his garage was the place to be. His humor and quick wit were given freely and often to all those he knew and even those he did not.
Earl was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by many.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.calvertmemorial.com.
FARMER CITY — Mack Leon “M.L.” Gibson II, 43, of Farmer City, passed away at 4:50 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 15, 2017) in Mansfield.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City. Pastor Jeremiah Thompson will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Farmer City. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bonnie L. Gibson.
He was born Dec. 19, 1973, in Champaign, to Leon and Bonnie L. Dolbert Gibson.
Survivors include his mother, Bonnie L. Gibson, Farmer City; his father, Leon (Judy) Gibson, LeRoy; his girlfriend, Tiffany Phillips, Mansfield; three half brothers, Matthew J. (Debbie) Barton, Bloomington; Mark D. (Kathy) Gibson, Bloomington; and Scott A. (Amy) Gibson, Oswego; four half sisters, Michelle B. (John) Wolfe, Chandler, Ariz.; Melinda S. (Richard) Wallace, Andalusia, Ala.; Monica L. (Scott) Ohlenkamp, Farmer City; and Brenda S. (Jim) Casino, Bloomington; 15 nieces and nephews; and six great-nieces and -nephews.
M.L. was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
DOWNS — James R. “Jimmy” Lawson, 57, of Downs, passed away on Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017), at his home.
James was born July 2, 1959, in Bloomington, the son of Roger and Beverly Lawson. He married the love of his life, Brenda Zimmerman, on Oct. 18, 1980. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Tisha (Jeremy Detloff) Lawson and Zachary Lawson, both of Bloomington; two grandsons, Caleb Lawson and Lawson Detloff, both of Bloomington; sisters, Jackie (Larry) Brown and Sharon (Heavy) Baize, both of Bloomington, and Dodie Slaughter, Terre Haute, Ind.; a brother, Mark Slaughter, Terra Haute, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews. He left behind many special friends, especially Dick Hayes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Eldridge and Myrtle Price; paternal grandparents, Harry and Wilma Lawson; and a special uncle, Howard, and aunt, Babe.
James worked as a roofer for many years. He was employed at Republic Services as a roll-off truck driver for 17 years. His hobbies were being with his family and his dogs and hunting. He was an avid NASCAR and Bears fan. His pride and joy was his grandsons.
He will be greatly missed.
His celebration of life will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 28 at Eagles Lodge, 313 S. Main St., Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his family.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
WESTCHESTER — William E. Dildine, 80, of Westchester, died Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) in Melrose Park.
He was the beloved husband of Elaine Cato Dildine; loving father of Jeff (Jennifer), Jason and Jerry; proud grandfather of Matt; dear brother of Jim (Joyce); fond uncle of Rick and Rhonda, and great-nieces, Julia and Brooke.
Family and friends will be received from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester (two blocks west of Mannheim Road). He will lie in state from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd., Westchester. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
Condolences may be left at www.conboywestchesterfh.com.
Goben, Mary, 10 a.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Jones, Paula, 11 a.m. at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Normal.
Santrock, Rock, 10 a.m. at Covell Community Church, Bloomington.
WAPELLA — Dottie Rosalie Summers, 77, of Wapella, died at 5:20 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 15, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, with Pastor Keith Barclay officiating.
Burial: Long Point Cemetery, Wapella.
Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, both at the memorial home.
Memorials: Juvenile Diabetes Cure Alliance or a charity for dementia or neurological disease.
Survivors: her children, Dennis Wagner, Clinton; Julie Hinrichs, Edwardsville; and Jill (Michael) Smith, Eureka; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Linda Summers, Wapella; and three brothers, Ken (Kae) Summers, California; James (Kay) Summers, Clinton; and David (Terri) Summers, Farmer City.
Condolences may be left at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
TOLUCA — Steven “Suds” O. Sidebottom, 64, of Toluca, formerly of Walnut, passed away Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at home.
Steve was born June 12, 1952, in Princeton, the son of Creed and Irene Wolfe Sidebottom. He married Judy E. Schulte on Nov. 25, 1972, in Ohio. She preceded him in death on June 29, 2015.
Steve worked as a seed corn salesman and owned Sidebottom Trucking. He also owned and operated Sud’s Bar and Grill in Toluca for many years. Steve was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Toluca.
Survivors include three daughters, Jennifer (Brad) Fandel, Toluca; Christine (Sean) Cunningham, Minonk; and Karen (Derek) McCully, Morton; one son, Steven (Keli) Sidebottom, Minonk; 11 grandchildren, Merceades Fandel, Peyton Fandel, Sierra Fandel, Brayden Cunningham, Kyra Cunningham, Lucas Sidebottom, Parker Sidebottom, Mila Sidebottom, Isabelle McCully, Maya McCully and Dylan McCully; one sister, Patricia Madson, Campbellville, Ky.; mother-in-law, Marie Schulte, Walnut; four sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Don) Wallace, Kathy Schulte, Joyce (Dean) Geldean and Carla (Tim) Gonnigam; three brothers-in-law, Virgil (Judy) Schulte, Marc (Carol) Schulte and Jim (Cindy) Schulte; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Garland Funeral Home, Walnut. His funeral will follow at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Ryan H. Anderson, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Toluca, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Eastern Marshall Co. Ambulance Service, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Central Illinois Kidney Fund and Meals on Wheels.
For condolences, please visit www.garlandfuneralhome.com.
ROBERTS — RoseMarie Bushman Fairley, 75, of Roberts, died at 6:02 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 14, 2017) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
Service: none. Cremation rites were accorded. Redenius Funeral Home, Gilman, is handling arrangements.
Survivors: her husband, Rodney Fairley; children, Kelly (Todd) Scheffert, Bloomington, and Chris Fairley, Roberts; and sister, Viola Kumpf, Roberts.
Condolences may be left at www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com.
FARMER CITY — Dorothy Lee Schrock, 83, of Farmer City, passed away at 10:15 p.m. Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) at her home after a brief, inspirational battle with cancer.
Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity Community Fellowship, 1300 W. Clinton Ave., Farmer City, with Pastor Dave Ashby officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Farmer City. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Community Fellowship, Farmer City. Memorials may be made to Trinity Community Fellowship. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, is in charge of the arrangements.
Dorothy was born Jan. 27, 1933, in Brandenburg, Ky., a daughter of Robert Lee and Mary Ellen Thornhill Daily. She married Walter M. Schrock on Dec. 14, 1963, in Springfield. He passed away on April 20, 1985.
Survived by her son, Greg (Cathy) Schrock, Farmer City; daughter, Rhonda (Curt) Ellis, Danville; six grandchildren, Jordan (Holly) Schrock, Jessica Schrock, Tyler Ellis, Taylor Ellis, Lauren Ellis and Lexi Ellis; and great-grandson, Rylan Tull.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter M. Schrock; one brother and one sister.
Before retiring, she was a secretary at Moraine View State Recreation Area, LeRoy. Dorothy was a member of Trinity Community Fellowship. She was an avid reader; enjoyed walking her loving dog, Sadie; and loved her grandchildren, great-grandson and family.
Dorothy was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend to all, and used her faith as a living testimony.
BLOOMINGTON — Luella Mae Perkins Mounce, 88, of Bloomington, peacefully passed away at 4:44 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 15, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, with Pastor Peter Weeks officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the memorial home.
Interment will be at Pennell Cemetery, Towanda. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.
Luella was born July 3, 1928, in Chatsworth, a daughter of Russell and Annis Harlan Perkins. She married Walter E. Mounce on July 12, 1947, in Bloomington. He preceded in death July 21, 2016.
Surviving are her son, Michael A. (Pam) Mounce, Normal; daughter, Susan E. Stewart, Champaign; brothers, Charles (Marlene) Perkins, Chenoa, and Donald (Pat) Perkins, Fairbury; sister, Marlene (Leon) Thompson, Manteca, Calif.; granddaughter, LeAnn Jennings, Bloomington; grandson, Bryan (Sara) Mounce, Bloomington; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Kenneth Perkins.
Luella grew up on a farm in Chatsworth during the Depression. She learned the lessons of sacrifice that followed her through life. She always put her family before herself.
She graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1946. She loved being a Chatsworth Bluebird and frequently sang the school song for her children.
Luella was a loving wife. When she saw Walter for the first time, she fell in love and vowed to marry him. They had many great times as they traveled across the country after their retirement. Florida was their favorite vacation spot. There was laughter and love continuously through the years. They would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this year.
She was a loving and dedicated mother. From going to every baseball game to attending many band concerts, she was always there. She made things better for her children and wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Luella was proud of and renowned for her cooking. Her family enjoyed the best fried chicken, and she was the only one in the family who could make gravy. Her potato salad was always in demand, as well as her pies and cakes made from scratch. Thanksgiving and Christmas family dinners were always turkey with oyster dressing. Cooking brought Luella joy as well as to her family.
She worked 18 years at Kathryn Beich Candy Co., and later Nestle USA, in the shipping department. Luella loved her job, which included contacting truckers to make sure her chocolate was delivered on time. She was proud of her work and was a joy to work with.
Luella was a member of the Emblem Club and a devoted member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Bloomington.
Luella’s family extends their sincere thanks to the staff at McLean County Nursing Home for the care and concern given Luella over the last 2½ years.
Condolences and memories of Luella may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
EUREKA — Jeanne E. Kenney, 84, of Eureka, passed away at 10 p.m. Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) at Maple Lawn Health Center, Eureka.
She was born Nov. 10, 1932, in Pontiac, a daughter of Eli and Florence Schott Casson. She married Phillip C. Kenney on Dec. 21, 1951, in Pontiac. He survives.
Also surviving are her children, Mark (Jennifer) Kenney, Ashburn, Va., and Carrie (Darwin) Armstrong, Roanoke; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and eight nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Dale Casson.
Jeanne graduated from Chenoa High School. She had worked for Woodford County Service Co. during the late 1950s and early ’60s as a bookkeeper.
She was a member of the Eureka United Methodist Church and Order of Eastern Star, a former member of the United Methodist Women, PEO, Eureka Women’s Club and 4G Club.
Jeanne loved flowers and gardening. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Eureka United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paul Wier will officiate. There will be no visitation. Cremation rites will be accorded. Inurnment will be at a later date in Olio Township Cemetery, Eureka. Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Eureka, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Eureka United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.argoruestmanharris.com.
FAIRBURY — Janet E. Fortna, 77, of Urbana, formerly of Fairbury, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Jan. 9, 2017, at her home.
She was born Nov. 18, 1939, in Fairbury, to Fred Sr. and Caroline Kuenzi Haas. She married Paul E. Fortna on April 3, 1960, in Forrest.
Survivors include her husband, Paul Fortna, Urbana; two daughters, Denise (Darren) Cloud, Urbana, and Deanne Jones, Decatur; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Caroline Shelby, Garden Grove, Calif., and Mary Slagel, Fairbury; and two brothers, John (Edna) Haas, Fairbury, and Nelson Haas, Gulfport, Miss. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Fred Haas Jr.
Janet was a 1957 graduate of Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School. A celebration of Janet’s life will take place in the spring. Memorials may be directed to Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana, or Evenglow Lodge, Pontiac.
Sinn, M. George, 89, rural Delavan, 10:35 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at Hopedale Hospital emergency room. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Delavan.
Stephens, Luella M., 92, Fairbury, formerly of Forrest, 3:55 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 17, 2017) at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.
BLOOMINGTON — Senna Blanche Sutton, 102, of Bloomington, passed away at 11:04 a.m. Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Church, Downs, with the Rev. Gregory Ketcham officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, 530 NE Glen Oak, Peoria, IL 61637, or the Ladies of the Knights Auxiliary at St. Mary’s Church in Downs, 108 E. Washington St., Downs, IL 61736.
She was born July 6, 1914, in Camargo, Montgomery County, Ky., a daughter of Henry Coleman and Senna Belle Richardson Kelly. She married Charles Francis Sutton on Feb. 25, 1937, at the Holy Trinity Rectory in Bloomington. He preceded her in death on July 1, 1992.
Surviving are three children, Ronald (Kay) Sutton, Bloomington; Wendell Sutton, rural Bloomington; and Cindy Sutton, Bloomington; two grandchildren, Jeff (Leanne) Sutton, Heyworth, and Tim (Staci) Sutton, rural Bloomington; five great-grandchildren, Mike Sutton, Brady Sutton, Nate Sutton, Matt Sutton and Loghan Sutton; and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Edith, Opal and Lucille; and three brothers, Wayne, Wendell and Baird.
Blanche was the last remaining charter member of Local 342 of the Paul F. Beich Candy Co. She was a Kentucky colonel, an election judge for more than 25 years and a member of numerous local organizations. The oldest living member of St. Mary’s Church in Downs, Blanche was known as the pie lady by all of the members of the church. Her greatest role was as a farmer’s wife where she was active in helping her husband in the running of the farm.
The Sutton family would like to thank Lisa Friedmansky, Debbie Abbott and Kathy Abbott for all of the faithful and loving care they provided to Blanche.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
PINEHURST, N.C. — Ernest Neal “Tex” Ritter, 87, of Pinehurst, N.C., passed away Monday (Jan. 16, 2017) at the Pinehurst Health & Rehab Center, Pinehurst, N.C.
His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Boles Funeral Home, Pinehurst, N.C. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Neal was born on March 22, 1929, in Candor, N.C., to Joel and Gertrude Robinson Ritter. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. Neal enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing and riding on his Gold Wing motorcycle. After retiring from the military, he worked at Illinois State University in Normal as an electronics technician. Later, he moved to Hartsville, S.C., and worked at Progress Energy until retirement.
He was the husband of the late Emily Ritter. He was the father of Patricia (Dennis) Rich, Rick (fiancée, Jenny) Ritter, Russell (fiancée, Deb) Ritter, Roger (Charlotte) Ritter and Bradley Ritter. He was the brother of Shirley Hale and Gwen (Eugene) Lamonds and the late Joel Ritter Jr., Hazel King, Lucille Luck, Catherine Luck and Ethel Ritter. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be made at www.BolesFuneralHome.com.
Boles Funeral of Pinehurst is assisting the family.
FARMER CITY — Margaret Helen “Meg” Anderson, 82, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Jan. 7, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
She was born March 30, 1934, in Farmer City. She graduated from Moore Community High School in 1952 and spent one year at Illinois State University. She married Richard Monroe Anderson in 1960, and is survived by two sons, Shawn and Chris.
Memorial service details are yet to be arranged. Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
HEYWORTH — Craig “Huggy” Bryan, 47, of Heyworth, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2017), at his home, surrounded by his family.
Craig was born May 15, 1969, the son of Dan and Letha Bryan. He married Melissa Merritt on Nov. 8, 2006, in Clinton. She survives.
Also surviving are their children, George Bryan and LeeAnn, Mark and Sara Merritt; his mother, Letha Bryan; brothers, Bruce (Vickie) Bryan and Jeff Bryan; three grandchildren, and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his father, Dan Bryan.
Huggy was known for his hard work ethic. Huggy drove a truck for many years until he started working for Randolph Agriculture Services.
The family would like to thank the many friends and family who helped take care of Huggy in this trying time and for all their thoughts and prayers. The family would like to thank the doctors who took care of him.
Cremation has been accorded; there will be a celebration of life at 4 p.m. Jan. 28, 2017, at Circle II Bar & Grill, Heyworth. Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Cancer Care Center for brain cancer research.
To leave condolences for the family, visit eastlawn-bloomington.com.
LINCOLN — Paula K. Jones, 52, of Lincoln, formerly of Bloomington, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Friday (Jan. 13, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Normal, with Pastor Jeff Henricks officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to SOAR (Special Opportunities Available in Recreation).
Paula was born July 15, 1964, in Bloomington, a daughter to Jimmy P. and Annie Foster Jones.
Surviving are her mother, Annie Allen, and stepfather, Larry Allen, both of Normal; stepmother, Carol Jones, Bloomington; and sister, Julie (James) Drake, Bloomington.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy Jones, and her maternal and paternal grandparents.
She attended MarcFirst, Illinois State University Laboratory School and Sarah Raymond Early Childhood School.
Paula was employed at MarcFirst in Normal and Tri-County Special Education Association in Lincoln. She enjoyed bowling at SOAR with her friends.
She was from a large family who all loved her dearly.
Condolences and memories of Paula may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
FAIRBURY — Janet E. Fortna, 77, of Urbana, formerly of Fairbury, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Jan. 9, 2017, at her home.
She was born Nov. 18, 1939, in Fairbury, to Fred Sr. and Caroline Kuenzi Haas. She married Paul E. Fortna on April 3, 1960, in Forrest.
Survivors include her husband, Paul Fortna, Urbana; two daughters, Denise (Darren) Cloud, Urbana, and Deanne Jones, Decatur; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Caroline Shelby, Garden Grove, Calif., and Mary Slagel, Fairbury; and two brothers, John (Edna) Haas, Fairbury, and Nelson Haas, Gulfport, Miss. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Fred Haas Jr.
Janet was a 1957 graduate of Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School. A celebration of Janet’s life will take place in the spring. Memorials may be directed to Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana, or Evenglow Lodge, Pontiac.
Bishop, Rodney, 5 p.m. at Victory Christian Center, Bloomington.
Casali, James, 10:30 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington.
Davies, Mary, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bloomington.
Harmon, Betty Jane, 92, Lincoln, Saturday (Jan. 14, 2017) at home. Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln.
Mounce, Luella "Lou" May, 88, Normal, 4:44 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 15, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Plunk, Davey R., 43, Washburn, 4:43 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 15, 2017) at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Eureka.
Sutton, Senna “Blanche,” 102, Bloomington, 11:04 a.m. Monday (Jan. 16, 2017), at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
BLOOMINGTON — Richard Alan Chrisman, 85, of Danville, formerly of Bloomington, died at 11:30 p.m. Friday (Jan. 13, 2017), at his home.
Service: 11 a.m. Friday at St. James United Methodist Church, Danville, with Pastors Justin Snider, Donald Jones, and Zach Lacrone officiating. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Danville, is handling arrangements.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Park, Danville.
Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Danville.
Memorials: to the Preachers' Aid Society and Benefit Fund, 5900 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62711.
Survivors: wife, Anna; daughter, Nancy (Lon) Henderson, Danville; sons, Paul (Evie) Chrisman, Suwanee, Ga.; Greg (Deborah) Chrisman, Jericho, Vt.; and Stephen (Amy) Chrisman, Danville; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Condolences may be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
RANSOM — Raymond H. Talty, 86, of Ransom passed away at 9:28 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017), at OSF St. James Hospital, Pontiac.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick’s Church, Ransom.
There will be no visitation. Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator, is in charge of the arrangements.
Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Ransom.
Born Feb. 21, 1930, in Seneca, he was the son of Edward and Leticia McClosky Talty. He married Betty J. Albertson on Jan. 24, 1957, at St. Patrick’s Church, Ransom.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Talty, Ransom; daughters, Karen (Bill) Thacker, Normal; Judy (Harry) Thomas, Streator; and Jill (Richard) Nowotnik, Metamora; sons, Mike Talty, Ransom, and Tom Talty, Ransom; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Talty, Streator; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David Talty; sisters, Marie Jenkins, Lucille Talty and Genevieve Crays; and brothers, Bernard and Frances Talty.
Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.solontelford.com.
Knick, Earl W., 65, Danvers, 1:32 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 14, 2017), at his residence. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Summers, Dottie R., 77, Wapella, 5:20 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 15, 2017), at Heritage Health, Normal. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Doyle, Lee, 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bloomington.
Grizzle, Mark, 11 a.m. at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City.
Harris, E. Ruth, 10 a.m. at Bellflower Township Cemetery, Bellflower.
Harris, Myla, 10 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Colfax.
Kinsella, David, 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington.
Lartz, Raymond Jr., 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bloomington.
Lewis, Betty, 11 a.m. at Colfax United Methodist Church.
Olsen, Janet, 11:45 a.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Talty, Raymond, 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, Ransom.
BLOOMINGTON — James Warren Casali, 51, of Bloomington, died at 7:41 p.m. Jan. 7, 2017, at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington.
Memorials: to the family in care of Jane Becker. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is handling arrangements.
Survivors: children, Jade A. Casali, California; Jacob W. Casali, Bloomington; and James G. Casali, Bloomington; and brothers and sisters, Debbie (Darrell) Cochran, Rebecca (William) Reinholz, Vernon (Robbin) Casali and Chris Casali, all of Bloomington, and Mark (Karen) Casali, Normal.
Condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.
MORTON — Ivan L. Steiner, 89, of Morton, passed away Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
He was born March 18, 1927, in Morton, to John and Lucy Heiniger Steiner. He married Erma Rocke on Aug. 1, 1948, in Peoria. She preceded him in death on July 16, 1996. He later married Lucille Meyer on April 2, 1998, in Manito.
Surviving are his wife, Lucille, Morton; one daughter, Melanie (Roger) Geyer, Peoria; one son, Jeff (Nancy) Steiner, Morton; one stepdaughter, Fonda Robbins, Lincoln; one stepson, Kent (Barbara) Bowlby, Lincoln; five grandchildren, Deanna Adjodha, Peoria; Penny (Jay) Araujo, Washington; Jay (Christine) Geyer, Broomfield, Colo.; Jennifer Steiner, Park Forest; and Rachel (Daniel) Cushman, Morton; five stepgrandchildren, Cameron Robbins, Travis (Emily) Bowlby, Tera (Tom) Stopoulos, Reuben Bowlby and Edward Bowlby; eight great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Melvin Steiner, three half brothers and six half sisters.
Ivan farmed in the Morton area all his life and was a school bus driver for over 20 years for Morton School District 709.
He attended the United Methodist Church in Manito.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home, Morton. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hirstein Cemetery, Morton.
Memorials may be made to Morton Fire Department - Paramedic Service or to St. Jude Runners Association.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.knappjohnson.com.
STREATOR — Pamela M. Chaffer, 72, of Morton, passed away Friday (Jan. 13, 2017) at her home.
She was born Nov. 10, 1944, in Streator, to Amos and Ramona Andrews McDonald. She married James Chaffer on Dec. 26, 1970, in Streator.
Surviving are her husband, Jim, Morton; three sons, Erik Chaffer, Coshocton, Ohio; Todd (Rachel) Chaffer, Morton; and Jeff Chaffer, Morton; one brother, Daniel McDonald, Tulsa, Okla.; and three grandsons, Miles, Benjamin and Jacob.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
Pamela worked for State Farm for 10 years in accounts payable. She also worked in the loan department for Heartland Bank, Washington, for 10 years.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at Bethel Lutheran Church, Morton. A funeral will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Anderson and Pastor Mark Anderson officiating. A graveside service will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Glendale Cemetery, Washington.
Pamela was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Morton.
Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran School, 325 E. Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Morton, has been entrusted in handling arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.knappjohnson.com.
MERNA — David J. Kinsella, 70, of Merna, passed away at 9:09 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
His memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington, with the Rev. Michael Schaab officiating. Military rites by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard will follow the Mass. A private family burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Merna. There will be no visitation. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Towanda Volunteer Fire Department, 203 N. Jackson St., Towanda, IL 61776, or to St. Patrick Church of Merna, 1001 N. Towanda Barnes Road., Bloomington, IL 61705.
David was born Aug. 18, 1946, in Bloomington, the son of Daniel J. and Lucille Buck Kinsella. He married Patricia "Trish" Larkin on Jan. 4, 1969, in Merna. She survives.
He is also survived by two sisters, Barbara (Michael) Schmidt, Normal, and Rebecca (Phillip) Pollacci, Scottsdale, Ariz.; a brother, Dennis (Kay) Kinsella, Creston, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
David graduated from Trinity High School in 1964 and from Joliet Junior College in 1966. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and later joined the Army Reserves. David worked for FS before returning to the family farm and eventually retiring in 2010. He served on the McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals.
David was loved by many and will be missed by many.
To express condolences please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Mary Hope Goben, 89, of Bloomington, passed away Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.
She was born Sept. 15, 1927, the daughter of Grover C. and Edith Morling Pendelton. She married Lincoln E. “Pete” Goben in Gibson City; he preceded her in death.
She is survived by her son, Ronald (Janine) Goben, Bloomington; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Joan Welch, Belleville; one brother, Morris Pendelton, Gifford; and nephews and nieces.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a stepson, James R. Goben; a granddaughter, Kim Goben; and siblings, Helen Hudgens, Ruth Wills, Carol Fonger, her twin Betty L. Smith, Raymond Pendelton, Lyle Pendelton and Corlyn Still.
Mary, along with her husband Pete, owned Pete’s Café in Bloomington. She liked to swim at Four Seasons and loved baking. She lived in Honduras with her son Ron for about three years, and one of the highlights of her life was a road trip with him driving from Honduras back to Illinois.
Arrangements are under the direction of East Lawn Funeral Home, 1102 Airport Road, Bloomington. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with interment following at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
Memorials may be made to YWCA, Bloomington.
Condolences may be left at www.eastlawn-bloomington.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Arlene M. Jones, 82, of Bloomington, passed away at 6:40 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington, followed a family prayer. Private inurnment will be at East Twin Grove Cemetery, Bloomington. The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arlene was born Aug. 25, 1934, in Bloomington, the daughter of Jess W. and Opal F. Whitehouse Stauffer.
Surviving are two sons, Michael Steven Jones, Spanaway, Wash., and Brian Wade Jones, Danvers; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Frances Rentz, Texas; Judy Jones, Oregon; Kay McGuffin, Kentucky; and Robin Hines, Florida.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; one son, David Lee Jones; one sister, Beverly Atkins; and a brother, Billy Stauffer.
Arlene retired from Nestle Beich Candy Co., where she had worked for many years. She was loved by all. “Ma Jones” is saying goodbye to family, friends and co-workers.
Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories at www.beckmemorial.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Harold C. “Rock” Santrock, 95, of Bloomington, died at 10:40 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.
His funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Covell Community Church, Bloomington. Pastor Chad Sparks and Associate Pastor Jeff Kibler will officiate. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, where military rites will be performed by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard.
Rock was born Aug. 1, 1921, in Shumway, to John and Mattie Francis Santrock. He first married Dorothy Smith. Later he married Jewel Provin on Aug. 13, 1956, in Champaign. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by three brothers.
Rock is survived by three children, Ronnie (Sherry) Santrock, Urbana; Harold C. Santrock Jr., Urbana; and Sharon Santrock, Bloomington; many grandchildren, and a special nephew, Delbert Santrock, Michigan.
Rock proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy and earned three battle stars for service in the Pacific while aboard the USS Rooks. He worked over 40 years for Purity Baking Co. as a supervisor. He retired in 1985. He was a member of Covell Community Church. He was a loving and Godly father, brother and grandfather. Rock especially loved his pet dogs.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
Corey, Jack Ray, 84, Bloomington, formerly of Rockford, 9:48 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 14, 2017) at Heritage Health, Bloomington. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Morrisey, Mary Ann “Minnie,” 96, Dwight, Saturday (Jan. 14, 2017), in Ottawa. Hager Memorial Home, Dwight.
Wright, Barbara A., 79, Clinton, 5:09 p.m. Friday (Jan. 13, 2017), at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
EL PASO — Michael Eugene Rippel, 71, of Tiskilwa, formerly of Morton and El Paso, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 22, 2016, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, El Paso. Pastor Jonathan Boehne will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, El Paso.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, El Paso.
Mike was born Aug. 4, 1945, in Bloomington, the son of Clarence and Elisabeth Molitoris Rippel. He married Diana Vandersall in 1976 in Morton.
He is survived by his wife, Diana; their children, Katherine Schutte, Orion, and Edward Rippel, Champaign; grandchildren, Aidan, Sara and Samuel Schutte, all of Orion; and two sisters, Judy (William) Kummer, Missouri City, Texas, and Kathy (George) Miller, Normal.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mike grew up in El Paso, attending El Paso Elementary and El Paso High School, and church at Trinity Lutheran. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1969 with a degree in civil engineering.
He worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as a civil engineer for District 4, based in Peoria, until retirement in 2003, at which time he was chief of operations in charge of maintenance and traffic for District 4. He was a highly respected engineer for the department.
A passionate pilot, Mike greatly enjoyed flying his Cessna, especially on family vacations and for distant trips such as one to Alaska. He was a sincere and devoted husband and father. He was a brilliant yet quiet and unassuming man who was loved for his fount of knowledge and advice, his sense of humor, and his kindness, honesty and generosity. Michael will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Rodney L. Bishop, 57, of Bloomington, died at 9:28 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at his home.
Service: 5 p.m. Tuesday at Victory Christian Center, Bloomington, with Pastor Ed Herald officiating.
Visitation: 4 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
Burial: private inurnment at a later date. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, provided cremation services.
Memorials: to his daughter, Beverly Fenton, 501 W. MacArthur St., Bloomington IL 61701, for funeral expenses.
Survivors: parents, Robert L. and Arlene Bishop, Normal; two daughters, Beverly Fenton, Bloomington, and Jami Bishop-Leesman; two grandchildren; two sisters, Gay (Bill) Cochran, Bloomington, and Becky (David) Tharpe, El Paso.
Condolences and may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Minerva H. Lierman, 96, of Lakewood, Colo., formerly of Bloomington, died Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2017) at Western Hills Health Care Center, Lakewood, Colo.
Minerva was born Aug. 22, 1920, in Bloomington, to Merle Edmunds Sr. and Clara Walters.
Surviving are four grandchildren, Misty McGuire (Scott) Keyoth, Colorado, and Bradley (Olya) McGuire, Gregory McGuire and Mark (Patti) McGuire, all of of California; and four great-grandchildren, Joshua and Justin Keyoth of Colorado; Brianna McGuire, California; and Amanda Jackson, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Lierman; her daughter, Kay McGuire; two brothers, Merle Jr. and Norman; and one sister, Geraldine Mohr.
She leaves behind numerous very close friends and the much appreciated staff of Western Hills.
Minerva’s passion was for music. She played piano for many bands, her favorite being the Everett Lierman’s Dance Club Band. At a very young age, Everett and Minerva discovered that their daughter Kay was a natural-born singer and encouraged her to share her beautiful voice. “Jam sessions” were routine in their homes.
Minerva loved traveling, Jeeping, hiking, rock hunting and sight-seeing across the country, but had a special love for the Colorado mountains. At age 88, she discovered that she enjoyed geocaching. At age 92, she rekindled her talent for fishing with her great-grandsons Josh and Justin. At age 93, she took on the role of analyzing missing person cases. Throughout her senior years, she continued to take on new adventures, some of which involved shenanigans we won’t mention here. She retired from State Farm after working there for 35 years.
"Granny, we love you and will miss you more than words can express."
Her family will have a private service. Minerva will be cremated and buried in Golden Cemetery, Golden, Colo., next to her daughter, Kay McGuire.
In lieu of flowers, please help someone in need.
BLOOMINGTON — Mary Lorraine Davies, 90, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:40 a.m. Friday (Jan. 13, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. Gregory Nelson officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
Lorraine was born April 27, 1926, in Gillespie, the daughter of James and Mamie Pianfetti Sandretto. She married Joseph Davies Jr. on July 26, 1947, in Gillespie. He preceded her in death on June 4, 1974.
Survivors include a daughter, Stephane Elise (David) Booth, Stow, Ohio; a brother, James (Rosalie) Sandretto, Gillespie; five nieces and nephews, Joan Libra and Brett Sandretto, both of Gillespie; Becky (Jon) Frieda, St. Louis, Mo.; Gayle Lanter, Huntsville, Ala.; and Terry (Sandra) Lanter, Alabaster, Ala.; six great-nieces and two great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Virginia Lanter.
Lorraine was a distribution secretary for Library Book Selection Service for many years. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bloomington, and was very active in the St. Mary’s Mother’s Club. She volunteered for Heritage Health, Bloomington, and was a great cat lover.
To express condolences please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
NORMAL — Charles F. Childers, 90, of Normal, passed away peacefully Thursday evening (Jan. 12, 2017) at his home, with his granddaughters Cori and Courtney by his side.
We are now comforted in knowing he is now home with the Lord and rejoined with the love of his life, his wife, Marge; son, Curtis Lee; and his mother and father, Cora and Curtis Childers, who all preceded him in death.
He was born Oct. 20, 1926, in Pontiac. He married Marjorie Helen Myers on July 9, 1948, in Alton.
He is survived by his son, Charles Michael (Christine) Childers, Noblesville, Ind.; his daughter, Cheryl Lynn (Steve) Floyd, Normal; and his beloved friend, Loren (June) Devore, Heyworth. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, and burial will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
Condolences may be left at www.eastlawn-bloomington.com
FAIRBURY — Richard Dean Steidinger, 80, of Chatsworth, died at 11:58 a.m. Friday (Jan. 13, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Private services will be Tuesday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury, with minsters of Fairbury Christian Apostolic Church officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to Fairview Haven Retirement Community or South East Livingston County Ambulance Service, both in Fairbury.
He was born Nov. 25, 1936, in Forrest, the son of Joseph and Bertha Ifft Steidinger. He married Anna Lydia Breitenoeder, formerly of Peoria, on Jan. 23, 1966, in Forrest. She survives in Chatsworth.
Also surviving are their children, Anna, Helen, Margaret, Mary Beth, Dean, Dale, Edna and Daniel Steidinger, all of Chatsworth; six sisters, Alta, Vera, Norma, Doris, Edna and Alice Steidinger, all of Fairbury; and three brothers, Ivan Steidinger, Forrest; George Steidinger, Fairbury; and Joseph W. (Dorothy) Steidinger, Forrest.
He was a lifetime farmer and a member of Fairbury Christian Apostolic Church.
A guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
BLOOMINGTON — James Leo "Lee" Doyle, 91, of Bloomington, passed away at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.
His funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. Jeff Windy officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, both in Bloomington.
Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lee was born April 11, 1925, in rural Lexington, the son of John and Eileen Shanks Doyle. He married Mary Lou Harris on June 26, 1954, in Bloomington. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2000.
He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Smith; a brother, Jack Doyle; and a sister-in-law, Suzanne Ensenberger, all of Bloomington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Timothy Doyle; a brother, Roger Doyle; and a son-in-law, John Smith.
Lee graduated from Ellsworth High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1944 to 1945. He worked at State Farm for 40 years in both Bloomington and Birmingham, Ala.
Lee was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Father John D. Ring Knights of Columbus Council 574, the Bloomington Elks and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Lee was a 25-year volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry and in 2006 was awarded the Pere Marquette Award from the Catholic Diocese of Peoria for his dedication and service.
The family would like to thank the nurses, aides and administration at Martin Health Center, as well as OSF Hospice, for their care.
To express condolences please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
EUREKA — Steven George Shaw, 59, of Walland, Tenn., formerly of Eureka, died Dec. 23, 2016, at his home.
Service: at a later date.
Survivors: his wife, Debra Shaw; mother, Barbara Crist, Prescott Valley, Ariz.; stepmother, Shirley Shaw, Cleburne, Texas; son, Robert (Danielle) Shaw, Eureka; daughter, Anna (Dan Troyer) Shaw, Bloomington; brothers, Robin (Michelle) Shaw, Abilene, Texas; Timothy Lane, Larned, Kan.; Christopher Lasica, Prescott Valley, Ariz.; David (Rosetta) Lasica Jr., Trenton; Tommy (Andrea) Shaw, Belton, Texas; sisters, Rhonda (Bert) Thomas and Valorie Shaw, both of Corpus Christi, Texas; Tonja Turner-Asher, Cottonwood, Ariz.; Jackie (Gary) Tate, Joshua, Texas; stepson, Mark Davis Jr., Walland, Tenn.; stepdaughter, Cindy Davis, Grundy, Va.; three grandchildren.
Carter, Delmar Dean, 10 a.m. at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.
Cothern, Mary, 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Gibson City.
Dawson, Madeline, 10:30 a.m. at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City.
Embry, Colombus, 11 a.m. at Saybrook Christian Church.
Evans, Darren, 11 a.m. at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso.
Hinshaw, Betty, 11 a.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Kastor, Patricia, 3 p.m. at Tri-Valley Middle School, Downs.
Moore, Anthony, noon to 3 p.m. at Salvation Army Corps Community Center, Bloomington.
Pendleton, Gary, 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chatsworth
Rueger, Dennis, 11 a.m. at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Skinker, William, 10 a.m. at Carmody Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Stull, Charles, 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Ransom.
Wallace, Lois, 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON – Betty E. Tosh Hinshaw, 93, of Bloomington, passed away Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.
Betty was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Danville, the daughter of Andrew and Ruth Whitecotton Alkire. She married Kenneth Tosh in 1946. Later in life, she married Wayne Hinshaw in 1989.
Surviving are her two children, James “Jim” Tosh of Normal and Jeannie (Anthony) Phillips of Goodfield; six grandchildren, Andrea Zurkamer, Normal; Jeremy (Jamie) Tosh, Normal; Alaina Tosh, Normal; Joshua Phillips, Philadelphia; Caleb (Christy) Phillips, Lane; and Nicole (Joseph) Bernhardt, Plainfield; three great-grandchildren, Luke and Addison Phillips, and Maddox Tosh. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; her parents; a brother, William Alkire; and a sister, Margaret Frances Doan.
Betty worked in downtown Bloomington for many years as well as WJBC Radio, Dale Color, and American Legion State Headquarters. Betty was a member and past president of both the American Legion Auxiliary and the Daughsis Club. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Bloomington VFW. Betty was a longtime member and taught Sunday school for years at Park United Methodist Church in Bloomington.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McLean County Nursing Home or Home Sweet Home Ministries.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
Bishop, Rodney L., 57, Bloomington, 9:28 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at his home. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Davies, Mary Lorraine, Chenoa, 90, 8:40 a.m. Friday (Jan. 13, 2017) at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Kinsella, David J., 70, Merna, 9:09 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Jones, Arlene M., 82, Bloomington, 6:40 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Jones, Paula K., 52, Lincoln, 12:45 p.m. Friday (Jan. 13, 2017) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington
PONTIAC — Marguerite H. Mies, 92, of Pontiac, passed away at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2017) at Evenglow Lodge, Pontiac.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Pontiac, with the Rev. Canessa Lagan officiating. Burial will follow at Southside Cemetery, Pontiac. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements.
Marguerite was born Jan. 29, 1924, in Pontiac, to Fred G. and C. Marguerite “Marjorie” McAllester Harris. She married Harold H. Mies on Jan. 28, 1947, at First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac. He passed away Aug. 23, 1999.
She is survived by her children, Barbara J. (Kevin) Chapman, Phillips, Wis., and Henry H. (Jane) Mies, Pontiac; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Erin and Brian Eberhardt Chapman and their daughter, Ruby, Copenhagen, Denmark; Kelly and Tucker Johnson and their son, Max, Phillips, Wis.; Andy and Misti Mies and their children, Logan, Mackenzi, Camryn and Hayden, Pontiac; Chris and Misti Mies and their children, Madelyn, Amelia and Gwenyth, Bloomington; Joe and Erin Mies and their children, Evan, Grant and Josselyn, Maple Grove, Minn.; and Rachel Mies, Ottumwa, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; one infant son, George Fredrick; two brothers, John Harris and Joe Harris; and one sister, Mary Swager Becker.
Marguerite was a graduate of Pontiac Township High School and Blackburn College and received her nursing degree from Mennonite School of Nursing. She was a cadet nurse during World War II and a registered nurse for more than 50 years, working for St. James Hospital and Livingston County Health Department.
Marguerite was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Pontiac; American Legion Auxiliary; Cosmo Club; Athena; Red Hat Society; a group of retired RNs called WRECKS; and was very active in her church.
Marguerite was always willing to try something new without hesitation, and everybody was a friend.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Pontiac; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; and Evenglow Lodge.
Condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.
CHATSWORTH — Mark A. "Grizz" Grizzle, 61, of Chatsworth, died at 11:39 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017), with his family by his side, after a hard-fought battle at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. Burial will be at Wiley Cemetery, Colfax. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
He was born July 10, 1955, in Bloomington, a son of Myron and Lois O'Brien Grizzle. He married Kay L. Tauber on March 14, 2004, in Florida. She survives in Chatsworth.
Also surviving are a daughter, Heather (Jared Milton) Grizzle, Colfax; a granddaughter, Alexis Molck; five siblings, Dennis (Barb) Grizzle, Jayne Cook, David (Tamara) Grizzle, Robert (Patricia Puetz) Grizzle and Joseph (Tina) Grizzle; a brother-in-law, Sam (Barbara) Tauber; and his beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Rick Cook; sister-in-law, Jane Tauber; and mother-in-law, Verla Tauber.
Mark worked at Alamo Group Inc., Gibson City, for 42 years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and NASCAR fan, especially Jeff Gordon. Mark particularly enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and pets.
Memorials may be made to the Chatsworth fire and emergency medical services department, American Cancer Society or Central Illinois Small Animal Rescue.
BLOOMINGTON — Janet L. Staudenmaier Olsen, 79, of Bloomington, passed away Sunday (Jan. 8, 2017) at UnityPoint Health-Methodist, Peoria.
Janet was born Nov. 16, 1937, in Peoria, the daughter of Alvin and Frances Lewis Staudenmaier. She married Gene Olsen. He preceded her in death.
Surviving are a brother, Michael (Kathy) Bachman, Bloomington; a niece, Amanda Bachman, and a nephew, Lee Michael Bachman, both of Bloomington; cousins, Karen (David) Spurlock, Washington, and Marjorie Geick, Metamora; five stepchildren, Cathleen Olsen, Barbara Wallace, David Olsen and Mark Olsen, all of Bloomington, and Barbara Olsen, Eaton, Ohio; an aunt, Margaret “Rita” Rosenberg, Washington; and many stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a stepson, Mike Olsen; a sister, Anna Marie Bachman; and a cousin, Larry Geick.
Janet graduated from Washington High School in 1955. She joined Bloomington Moose Lodge 745 on Oct. 15, 1958. She was awarded the academy of friendship degree in 1961, and served as senior regent in 1964 and 1965. In 1967, she received the college of regents degree, the highest awarded by a chapter. She was the past star recorder, past deputy grand report and meeting coordinator. She was also involved in the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for many years.
Cremation has been accorded. Her memorial service will be at 11:45 a.m. Monday at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Burial of ashes will take place after the service in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. A gathering will be held from 11 a.m. Monday until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Bloomington Moose Charities, American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
BLOOMINGTON – Betty E. Hinshaw, 93, of Bloomington, passed away Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal.
Betty was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Danville, the daughter of Andrew and Ruth Whitecotton Alkire. She married Kenneth Tosh in 1946. Later in life, she married Wayne Hinshaw in 1989.
Surviving are her two children, James “Jim” Tosh of Normal and Jeannie (Anthony) Phillips of Goodfield; six grandchildren, Andrea Zurkamer, Normal; Jeremy (Jamie) Tosh, Normal; Alaina Tosh, Normal; Joshua Phillips, Philadelphia; Caleb (Christy) Phillips, Lane; and Nicole (Joseph) Bernhardt, Plainfield; three great-grandchildren, Luke and Addison Phillips, and Maddox Tosh. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; her parents; a brother, William Alkire; and a sister, Margaret Frances Doan.
Betty worked in downtown Bloomington for many years as well as WJBC Radio, Dale Color, and American Legion State Headquarters. Betty was a member and past president of both the American Legion Auxiliary and the Daughsis Club. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Bloomington VFW. Betty was a longtime member and taught Sunday school for years at Park United Methodist Church in Bloomington.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McLean County Nursing Home or Home Sweet Home Ministries.
Condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
Bryan, Craig A., 47, Heyworth, Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2017) at his home. East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Doyle, James Leo “Lee,” 91, Bloomington, 3:40 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Santrock, Harold C. “Rock,” 96, Bloomington, Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Weyhrich, Barbara D., 80, Delavan, 10:15 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 12, 2017) at Hopedale Medical Center. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Delavan.
CLINTON — Calvin L. Lighthall, 86, of Rockford, passed away Monday (Jan. 9, 2017) in Rockford.
He was born Nov. 11, 1930, in Clinton, to Leon and Grace Maple Lighthall. He married Carolyn Reeser on May 4, 1952, in Weldon. He was owner and operator of C.L. Lighthall Accountants.
Local survivors include his wife, Carolyn Lighthall; daughters, Diana (Tom) Nealey, Dawn (Mike) Enevoldsen and Tanya (David) Blumenshine; daughter-in-law, Dawn Lighthall; grandchildren, Kelli Nealey (Ky) Kizzee, Carrie Nealey (Alan) Bardwell, Haley Nealey (Michael) Black, Justin (Jessica) Wolfe, Lindy Nealey, Shaun Wolfe, Michael Wolfe, Jason Enevoldsen and Paul Enevoldsen; great-grandchildren, Josey, Allie, Kinley Kizzee, Ansley and Avery Bardwell; and brother, Niles Lighthall.
He was predeceased by beloved son, Larry Lighthall; his parents; three brothers; and three sisters.
His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, with a visitation from 1 p.m. Sunday until time of service. Memorials may be given to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.honquestfh.com.
COLFAX — David Harvey Trembley, 67, of Apopka, Fla., a native of Colfax, died Monday (Jan. 9, 2017) in Apopka.
He was born Nov. 5, 1949, in Colfax. He enjoyed time with his family and friends; boating, golfing, and each year going to the NASCAR event.
He was preceded in death by his father, La Rue Trembley, and mother, Mildred Trembley.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Lynda “Lynn” Trembley, Apopka, Fla.; children, Michael (Charri) Trembley and Marc Trembley, both of Illinois; brothers, Gary Trembley, Robert Trembley and John Trembley, all of Illinois; five grandchildren, Ellysse Trembley, Matthew Trembley, Cullen Trembley, Teagan Trembley and Grace Trembley, all of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were entrusted to Loomis Funeral Home, Apopka, Fla. Visit www.loomisfuneralhomes.com.
BLOOMINGTON — Donald P. Murphy, 93, of Bloomington, died at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2017) at Bloomington Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Bloomington.
Service: 1:30 p.m. Friday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, with military rites accorded by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. The Rev. Angie Lee will officiate. The family requests casual attire.
Burial: Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington.
Visitation: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the memorial home.
Memorials: Disabled Veterans Association.
Survivors: his wife, Lorene Murphy; two children, Donald E. (Pamela) Murphy Sr., Bloomington, and Cindy M. (Pete) Shoultz, Bloomington; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Jesse Murphy, Bloomington; and one sister, Audry Murphy, Colorado.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
COLFAX — Betty Lewis, 91, of Colfax, passed away at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2017) at Champaign-Urbana Nursing and Rehab, Savoy.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Colfax United Methodist Church. Pastor Gifty Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Wiley Cemetery, Colfax. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Monday at the church.
Memorials may be made to Colfax United Methodist Church or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
Betty was born Aug. 14, 1925, in Springfield, the daughter of Howard and Grayce McBride Collins. She married William Lewis on May 29, 1948, in Virginia. He passed away on Feb. 20, 1992.
Surviving are her children, Jeanne Ann (Bill) Kerber, Bloomington; Morgan (Miki) Lewis, Japan; Karen (David) Scott, Mahomet; and Carole Lewis, St. Joseph; grandchildren, Christopher (Abby) Kerber, Elizabeth (Josh) Hayn, William Lewis, Rachael (Blake) Diehl, Jennifer Lewis, Aaron Scott and Ben Hinton; great-grandchildren, Ava Diehl, Garrett Hayn and Everly Hayn; and brother, John Collins, Ashland.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.
Betty graduated from Western Illinois University with a teaching degree.
Betty and Bill owned and operated Lewis True Value Hardware in Colfax from 1975 to 1992.
She was a member of Colfax United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, the American Legion Auxiliary and Colfax Chamber of Commerce, and she was a board member of Cunningham Children’s Home, Urbana.
Condolences and tributes may be made to the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
NORMAL — H. Thomas Krause, 85, of Normal, passed away at 5:24 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2017) at Heritage Health, Normal.
His memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with the Rev. Eric Powell officiating. Military rites by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard will follow. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with the rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Epiphany Rectory Building Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Tom was born May 1, 1931, in Austin, Minn., the son of Hillary Jacob and Patricia Haggerty Krause. He married Carol Jean Perl on Aug. 6, 1955, in Austin, Minn. She survives.
Also surviving are three children, Kevin (Christy) Krause, Downers Grove; Anne (Steven) Flagg, Sioux City, S.D.; and Kathleen (Jerry) Fuller, Rockford; six grandchildren, Hillary, Zachary (Megan) and Patricia Krause, Amber and Ashley Engelkes and Krystin Fuller; one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Krause; and a sister, Rita (Robert) Otto, Pittsburgh, Pa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Mark Joseph Krause.
Tom graduated from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minn., and received his master's degree from the University of Colorado. He then served in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War.
Tom spent 40 years with State Farm, retiring in 1996 as assistant vice president of accounting. He had several designations, including CLU and IASA.
Tom volunteered at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center for 10 years and in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. He was past president and member of the Golden K Kiwanis, as well as past president of the Illinois State University Senior Professionals.
Tom was a charter member of Epiphany Catholic Church, a member of Thomas Carmody Knights of Columbus Council and American Legion Post 635, all in Normal, and VFW Post 454, Bloomington, and was an avid ISU Athletic Booster for over 50 years.
Tom was very involved in his children's activities and was always there to volunteer. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.
To express condolences, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Atteberry, Billy, 10:30 a.m. at Tremont Baptist Church.
Blanchard, Sarah, 11 a.m. at Mason Funeral Home, Metamora Chapel.
Cinnamon, Elmer Jr., 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Streator.
Dietz, Nelda, 11 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, Cullom.
Gordon, Phyllis, 10 a.m. at Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home, Atlanta.
Green-Fieser, Rickel, 6 p.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Hopkins, Annabelle, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bloomington.
Kraft, Vivian, 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Bloomington.
Mills, Dale, 3 p.m. at Moose Lodge, 614 IAA Drive, Bloomington.
Murphy, Donald, 1:30 p.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington
Webber, June, 1:30 p.m. at multipurpose room, Westminster Village, Bloomington.
BLOMINGTON — Raymond Claire "Ray" Lartz Jr., 87, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:03 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2017) at Martin Health Center, Bloomington.
His funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bloomington, with Pastor Thomas Wirsing officiat