Listeners Club

Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

Obituaries Archives for 2018-10

June E. Focken, 103, of Danforth and formerly of Crescent City

June E. Focken, 103, of Danforth and formerly of Crescent City passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born January 24, 1915 in Roberts, the daughter of Burton and Elizabeth (Ortlep) Harwood and they preceded her in death along with one sister, Arlene Salisbury, and two daughters; Betty Whaley and Mary Jean Harms. She was also proceeded in death by her first husband, Harley Harms and she later married Arnold G. Focken on June 16, 1940 in Gilman and he preceded her in death on October 3, 2005.

She is survived by one son, Gary (Linda) Focken of The Villages, FL; one daughter, Harlean Barth of Chicago, 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 15 great great-grandchildren.

June graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s in Education. She was a member of St. Peter’s Luther Church in Crescent City, Martinton Christian Ladies Society, Royal Neighbors of America, and Iroquois County Historical Society where she served on the board. She was also a member of the Iroquois County Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, and the National Retired Teachers Association. June and Arnold were active members of the Iroquois and Kankakee County Soil and Water Conservation Districts and loved to travel throughout the United States and Europe throughout the years. June was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Rev. Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City, Iroquois County Historical Museum, or Illinois Retired Teachers Association.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Ila L. Bailey, 91, of Watseka

Ila L. Bailey, 91, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born April 6, 1927 in Odell, the daughter of Harley and Hattie (Branz) Shelton and they preceded her in death. Ila married Earnest Bailey in Emington, Illinois on June 8, 1946 and he survives.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, James (Judy) Bailey of Ashkum; six daughters, Kathleen (Michael) Hughey of Wilmette, Cynthia Curl of Chebanse, Elaine (Robert) Tammen of Danforth, Ila Jayne (Russell) Hiatt of Danville, Lois (Todd) Bayston of Kankakee, and Marjorie (Kevin) Clabby of Chebanse; one brother, Fred Shelton of Dwight, 15 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Ila was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, baking, and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Robert Sabo will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date. 

Betty J. Henrichs, 83 of rural Onarga

Betty J. Henrichs, 83 of rural Onarga passed away on Saturday October 27, 2018 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born on November 29, 1934 in rural Paxton the daughter of Harvey and Beulah Callahan Landrey. Betty married Melvin Henrichs in Woodworth on June 2, 1956 and he survives. Also surviving are three sons- Dennis (Suncha) Henrichs of O’Fallon, IL, Alan (Rhonda) Henrichs of Onarga, and Kenneth (Glenda) Henrichs of Wellington; one daughter- Penny (Tom) Smith of Springfield; one sister- Gloria Charlier of FL; one brother in law- David Finney of FL; 12 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, one sister- Judy Finney, one grandchild, and one great grandchild.

She was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth. Betty was a farmer’s wife and Certified Nursing Assistant for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her family.
Visitation will be on Tuesday October 30, 2018 from 4-7 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and one hour prior to service at the church. Funeral services will be on Wednesday October 31, 2018 at 11:00 am at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth with Rev Michael Stoerger officiating. Burial will follow in St Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Alzheimers Association in memory of her sister, Judy.

Please share a memory of Betty at knappfuneralhomes.com. 

Kenneth Paul Leonard, 62, of Milford

Kenneth Paul Leonard, 62, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at his home. He was born October 26, 1955 in Mendota, the son of John Robert and Mary Lou Conklin Leonard. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Leonard of Earlville; three brothers, Kevin (Diane) Leonard of Sartell, MN, Kelly Leonard of Earlville and Kris (Sharon) Leonard of Elmhurst; nieces and nephews including, Matthew Leonard, Michael Leonard, Laura Leonard, Michaelene Leonard, Katherine Leonard and Sean Leonard; one aunt, Kay (Roger) Cantlin of Naperville; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Leonard was a teacher for 38 years with his last position being at the Milford School District. He coached many girls and boys basketball teams at the Jr. High and High School level throughout his career. Ken was a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame having been inducted in May 2018. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame and Indiana University basketball and legendary coach Bobby Knight. Ken loved running and competed in over 300 races including several half-marathons and the Chicago Marathon. He also established and organized the annual Milford Fun Days 5K walk/run.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Milford Grade School South Gymnasium. Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Earlville at St. Theresa Cemetery.

Memorials in Ken’s name may be made to the Milford School Athletic Boosters, 200 S. Chicago, Milford, IL 60953.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

 

Margaret "Maggie" Elizabeth Johnson Martin, 77, of Watseka

Margaret “Maggie” Elizabeth Johnson Martin, 77, of Watseka, IL passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City, MI. She was born July 12, 1941 to Mercedes (McMullen) and J. Lennart Johnson in Bay City, MI.

Maggie attended the University of Michigan and received her Masters in Piano Performance. She was an accomplished pianist and also played the violin and cello. Early in her career she taught at both Interlochen School of Performing Arts and Central Michigan University. Maggie then moved to Chicago and started her own company selling computers. Maggie was named Chicago Businesswoman of the Year in the late 1960’s. It was this honor that gained her an interview with WBBM Radio, which in turn led to her being introduced to “Mr. Wonderful”. She married Richard “Dick” Martin on August 18, 1973 at the 4th Presbyterian Church in Chicago.

In the early 1980’s, Maggie, along with other leading women in the community, began the Iroquois Arts and Education Council. The purpose was to bring string, vocal, and piano lessons to the community. Maggie enjoyed tennis and snow skiing. When she realized that neither of these were going to be something Dick would do, she picked up the game of golf. She had six holes in one. In 1989, Maggie became the General Manager of WGFA Radio. She took the station to the full 50,000 watts it is today and made several positive improvements. Maggie served as Chairperson of the IMH Development Council from 1991-2006. During her tenure as Chair, over $5 million had been generously gifted from area residents and businesses to support the growth of IMH. She served on the IMH Board of Trustees from 2003-2014. Maggie was also on the Board of Governors at the Country Club of Florida in Boynton Beach Florida. Dick and Maggie enjoyed vacationing to Delray Beach Florida during the winters. She was an avid reader. And she and Dick thoroughly enjoyed cocktail hour with the neighbors at the Coney Avenue Drinking Club. Maggie was a kind, generous, spiritual, and loving woman who left her mark on all who knew her. She never met a stranger. She was a dedicated servant to her Lord, church, family and community.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents and 1 grandchild. Maggie is survived by her husband of 45 years, Dick Martin of Watseka; children, Sam (Liz) Martin, Nancy (Mark) Burns, Daniel Martin, Gregory Martin, and Stacey Smith; her step-mother, Bonnie Johnson of Bay City, MI; sister, Debra Gruber of Bay City, MI; brothers, Fred Johnson of MI, Thomas (Brenda) Teeple of Essexville, MI and Pat (Nancy) Johnson of Bloomfield Hills, MI; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 4-7 pm on Friday, October 26, 2018. The funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 9:30 am with the Reverend Tom McCann officiating.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka, the School of Music at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, or curepsp.org.

Please share a memory of Maggie at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Margaret "Maggie" Elizabeth Johnson Martin, 77, of Watseka

Margaret “Maggie” Elizabeth Johnson Martin, 77, of Watseka, IL passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City, MI. She was born July 12, 1941 to Mercedes (McMullen) and J. Lennart Johnson in Bay City, MI.

Maggie attended the University of Michigan and received her Masters in Piano Performance. She was an accomplished pianist and also played the violin and cello. Early in her career she taught at both Interlochen School of Performing Arts and Central Michigan University. Maggie then moved to Chicago and started her own company selling computers. Maggie was named Chicago Businesswoman of the Year in the late 1960’s. It was this honor that gained her an interview with WBBM Radio, which in turn led to her being introduced to “Mr. Wonderful”. She married Richard “Dick” Martin on August 18, 1973 at the 4th Presbyterian Church in Chicago.

In the early 1980’s, Maggie, along with other leading women in the community, began the Iroquois Arts and Education Council. The purpose was to bring string, vocal, and piano lessons to the community. Maggie enjoyed tennis and snow skiing. When she realized that neither of these were going to be something Dick would do, she picked up the game of golf. She had six holes in one. In 1989, Maggie became the General Manager of WGFA Radio. She took the station to the full 50,000 watts it is today and made several positive improvements. Maggie served as Chairperson of the IMH Development Council from 1991-2006. During her tenure as Chair, over $5 million had been generously gifted from area residents and businesses to support the growth of IMH. She served on the IMH Board of Trustees from 2003-2014. Maggie was also on the Board of Governors at the Country Club of Florida in Boynton Beach Florida. Dick and Maggie enjoyed vacationing to Delray Beach Florida during the winters. She was an avid reader. And she and Dick thoroughly enjoyed cocktail hour with the neighbors at the Coney Avenue Drinking Club. Maggie was a kind, generous, spiritual, and loving woman who left her mark on all who knew her. She never met a stranger. She was a dedicated servant to her Lord, church, family and community.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents and 1 grandchild. Maggie is survived by her husband of 45 years, Dick Martin of Watseka; children, Sam (Liz) Martin, Nancy (Mark) Burns, Daniel Martin, Gregory Martin, and Stacey Smith; her step-mother, Bonnie Johnson of Bay City, MI; sister, Debra Gruber of Bay City, MI; brothers, Fred Johnson of MI, Thomas (Brenda) Teeple of Essexville, MI and Pat (Nancy) Johnson of Bloomfield Hills, MI; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 4-7 pm on Friday, October 26, 2018. The funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 9:30 am with the Reverend Tom McCann officiating.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka, the School of Music at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, or curepsp.org.

Please share a memory of Maggie at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Vicky L. Hasting, 64, of Milford formerly of Loda

Vicky L. Hasting, 64, of Milford formerly of Loda passed away at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m. Monday, October 15, 2018 at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells, Paxton with Rev. Debra Domeier officiating. Burial will be at a later day in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Loda.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Donnabell "Donna" Wrede, 73, of Liberty, MO

Donnabell “Donna” Wrede, 73, of Liberty, MO passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. She was born on October 29, 1944 in Watseka, the daughter of Donald and Annabell (Breeding) Wienrank. She married Kenneth C. Wrede on October 22, 1967 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City and he survives.

In addition to her husband, Ken, of Liberty, MO she is survived by one son, Dr. Darren and wife Dr. Kristin Wrede of Maryville, MO; two grandsons, Parker and Logan Wrede of Maryville, MO; her parents, Donald and Annabell Wienrank of Crescent City; one brother, Russell Wienrank of Crescent City; and one sister-in-law, Lucy Wienrank of Crescent City.

Donna was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Wienrank.

Mrs. Wrede was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church in Kansas City. She was very proud to work as a registered nurse throughout her life. She was also an avid shopper and garage saler. Donna enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, MO. She loved her family unconditionally and was a proud “Mimi” to her two grandsons, Parker and Logan.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Pastor Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, October 12, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and one hour prior to the services at church on Saturday.

Memorials may be made for the family’s wishes.

Dr. John T. Orme, 63, of Watseka

Dr. John T. Orme, 63, of Watseka passed away on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 19, 1955 in Danville, IL, the son of John W. and Irene L. Tallman Orme. John married Kathy Drenckpohl in Mahomet on September 15, 1979 and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters: Jennifer Orme of Champaign, Abigail (Tate) McMillin of Chicago, and Elizabeth (Alex) Runzo of Rockville, MD; and one sister, Becky (Bill) Powers of Columbia, IL. John was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a previous member of First Christian Church in Watseka and a current member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka. John enjoyed playing the trumpet for the Danville Municipal Band, Parkland College Band, and Newton-Jasper County Band. He was a doctor of chiropractic in Watseka for over 32 years. He enjoyed woodworking, old cars, and was an avid University of Illinois and St. Louis Cardinals fan. John was a member of Watseka Masonic Lodge 446 as a Past Master and District Deputy, Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, and a 32 degree Mason having received the Meritorious Service Award.

A celebration of life visitation will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 3:00-6:00 PM at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Danville Municipal Band, First Christian Church in Watseka, or First United Methodist Church in Watseka.

Larry L. Gullquist 70, of rural Clifton

Larry L. Gullquist 70, of rural Clifton, Illinois passed away on Thursday October 4, 2018 at RML Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois following a lengthy illness. Funeral services for Mr. Gullquist will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday Oct. 11th at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton, Illinois. Friends may call on Wednesday at the Funeral Home in Clifton from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse, IL. Memorials are for St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital and the American Heart Association. Please share a memory of Larry at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Gullquist was born on November 23, 1947 at Clifton, Illinois the son of Harold J. and Mary Christina Frantz Gullquist, his parents are deceased. He married the former Vickie Ann Sorenson on March 16, 1968 at Chebanse, Illinois and she survives at Clifton. Also surviving are daughters, Tina (Jennifer) Gullquist of Diamond, IL and Pamela Gullquist of Clifton, IL and two sons David (Debbie) Gullquist of Chebanse, IL. and Keith Gullquist of Clifton, IL. There are five grandchildren Clayton and Payton Gullquist, Lilah and Zoey Meredith and Tanner Gullquist. In addition Mr. Gullquist is survived by two sisters and brothers in law and one brother and sister in law; Carol Ann and Romeo LeBeau of Chebanse, IL and Lola and Tom Schafer of Bonfield, IL and Raymond and La Rae Gullquist of Bourbonnais, IL.

Mr. Gullquist was a 1965 graduate of Central High School. He farmed all his life and prior to becoming ill he was employed by K&M Farms and Lindgren Enterprises. He enjoyed doing dot-to-dot puzzles while watching television, farming, going out with friends and being with his grand children. 

Michael J 'Mick' O'Brien 80 of Ashkum

Michael J 'Mick' O'Brien 80 of Ashkum passed away Friday October 5 at Riverside Medical Center. Born March 30 1938 to Joseph and Leta Toune O'Brien, he married Mary E Boucher on November 5 1966 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Manteno.

Surviving is his wife of 51 years. Also surviving are daughter Erin (Matt) Delaney of Alpharetta GA, sister Carol Lowder of Cleveland TX, brother William Patrick O'Brien of Plainfield IL and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by his parents and daughter Kerry Lee O'Brien.

Mick spent his childhood in Martinton IL, graduating from Donovan High School in 1956. He served with the US Army in Panama. His first job was a truck driver with Midwest Emery moving on to H. C. Christians, and Meier Oil Service finally retiring as a salesman for Meier Brothers Tire.

Mick was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum and was a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus. He also served as a Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Adorer for 23 years.

Mick was community minded approaching everything he did in that spirit. He was a respected Fire Chief of the Ashkum Fire Department for 19 years later serving as a trustee. In his service as a member of the Ashkum Village Board Planning Commission, he made himself accessible to members of the community. He proudly served funeral honor guard as part of the Ashkum American Legion Post 643.

Constantly challenging himself, Mick was certified to drive any vehicle with any endorsement even buses. He was licensed to fly any aircraft smaller than commercial planes. He parachuted out of perfectly good airplanes, put thousands of miles on his motorcycles and had the same determination throwing darts at 80 years of age for the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church dart ball team in L'Erable.

In retirement, Mick was an avid reader of history, politics, crime and Louis L'Amour - reading a Louis more than once to "clear his mind". Another passion was wood working. In his workshop he created wooden toys and puzzles for children as well as numerous gifts for friends. He proudly made the Stations of the Cross located on the banks of the Little River for St. Francis of the Assisi Catholic Church in Townsend TN.

Mick always found time to help others in any way he could. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone, loved shaking hands and left everyone with a smile on their face. He was truly one of a kind.

Visitation will be from 4-8PM Tuesday October 9 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10AM Wednesday October 10 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. Burial will follow at the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery. Fire and Military rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ashkum Fire Department or Appalachian Bear Rescue in Townsend TN.

Wesley R. Clement, 97, of Watseka

Wesley R. Clement, 97, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born September 10, 1921 in Watseka, the son of Herman and Bertha Boring Clement and they preceded him in death in addition to three brothers, Marion (Helen) Clement, Kenneth (Florie) Clement and an infant brother; one sister, Mildred (Bob) Hotaling; one son, William Martin Clement; and one son-in-law, Joe Elliott.

He married Theresa Martin on January 10, 1948 in Woodland and she survives. Also surviving are fourteen children, Larry (Sue) Hattabaugh of Milford, Marcia Elliott of Marion, Dana Clement of Watseka, Helen (Barry) Roberts of Frankfort, Lee (Pat) Clement of Darien, Lisa (Mark) Harris of Sevierville, TN, Jodi (John) Gibson of Pacific, MO, Don Jensen of Watseka, Donnie (Sandy) Hamende of Watseka, Dale (Liz) Hamende of Watseka, Janet (James) Bunting of Watseka, William John (Tira) Clement of Watseka, Linda (Amie) Clement of Oxford, IN and J.R. (Terri) Wynn of Danville; 28 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Clement was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watseka, served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and was an Alderman and Mayor of Watseka. He enjoyed fishing, was an avid White Sox fan, and was a passionate Watseka Warrior fan.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the 10:00 am funeral service on Monday, October 8, 2018 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Robert Sabo will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Watseka, Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450 or Iroquois Memorial Hospice – We Honor Veterans Program.

Darin G. "Big D" VanHoveln, 43, of Milford

Darin G. “Big D” VanHoveln, 43, of Milford passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Darin was born February 24, 1975 in Watseka, the son of Dennis and Diane Schleef VanHoveln. He married Kristi Kestner on July 30, 2005 at Schwer and she survives.

Besides his wife, Kristi VanHoveln, of Milford, he is survived by two sons, Jack and Alex VanHoveln of Milford; father and mother, Dennis and Diane VanHoveln of Milford; one brother and sister-in-law, Craig (Jennifer) VanHoveln of Milford; one nephew, C.J. VanHoveln of Milford; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth (Cheryl) Kestner of Quincy; and one sister-in-law, Teri Kestner of Golden.

Mr. VanHoveln was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer. Darin worked at Crows and later worked for Agritech & Van Horne. He enjoyed fishing, farming, and watching Chicago professional sports.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer. Rev. Steven Jensen will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford as well as one hour prior to the funeral services on Saturday at church.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer, Milford Ambulance, or scholarship funds for the boys.

James Vincent Gray, 95, of Clifton

James Vincent Gray, 95, of Clifton passed away peacefully on Monday, October 1, 2018, with his family at his bedside, at Bickford House in Bourbonnais. James was born on April 9, 1923 in Ashkum, the son of Bernard and Minnie Webber Gray. He attended school in Ashkum and Cullom. James married Lois Smith on April 25, 1950 and they had six daughters and one son; Linda (Jerry) Bartusch of North Carolina, Janet (Roger) Cast of Bradley, Judy (Gary) Kolesar of Manteno, Joyce Timmerman of Pontiac, Carol (Steve) Kolesar of Manteno, Carla (Dan) BeDell of North Carolina and Dale (Patricia) Gray of Clifton; 21 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren, and two brothers, Paul Gray of Cullom and Gerald Gray of Ashkum.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, a granddaughter and a great granddaughter, three brothers and two sisters.

James farmed all of his life in the Ashkum, Cullom and Essex areas. During WWII he started his own trucking company hauling steel throughout the war years. Later he went to work for A.O. Smith Corp. and remained there until his retirement. James loved traveling, was an avid sports fan and most of all he really loved spending time with his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 5, 2018 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Clifton, the Rev. Douglas Hauber will officiate. Friends may call at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Thursday from 4 until 8 pm. Burial will be in St. Peters Catholic Cemetery at Clifton. The family requests that memorials be only in the form of a gift for St. Peters Catholic Church in Clifton. 

Connie L. Blanck, 72, of Claytonville

Connie L. Blanck, 72, of Claytonville passed away on Wednesday, October 03, 2018 at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana.

Connie was born July 18, 1946 in Danville, the daughter of Curtis and Maxine Hedgecock Harris and they preceded her in death along with their spouses, Lester and Anita. She married Loren Blanck on August 30, 1964 in Woodworth and he survives.

Besides her husband, Loren Blanck of Claytonville, she is survived by one daughter, Carisa Hylton of Virginia; one son, Preston (Angie) Blanck of Onarga; five grandchildren, Caleb, Theran, Caitlyn, Mason, and Kinley; three sisters, Cheryl, Lyn, and Kathy; and two brothers, Larry and Jeff.

Mrs. Blanck was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. When she wasn’t able to attend church, she watched Charles Stanley In Touch Ministries. Connie enjoyed camping, loved traveling to Florida with her husband for the winter, and was an advocate for the Scleroderma Foundation.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. Rev. Tim Hahn will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth.

Memorials may be made to Scleroderma Foundation.

On Air Now

Becky Puetz
Becky Puetz
10:00am - 2:00pm
Afternoon Show

Listen on Alexa

Facebook

Weather