Ray W. “Peanut” Focken, 89, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at his home in Watseka. He was born on January 20, 1930 in Onarga, the son of William and Alva (Crain) Focken and they preceded him in death. He married Gloria Crouch in Crescent City on May 7, 1954 and she survives.

In addition to his wife, Gloria Focken of Watseka, Ray is survived by one son, Tim (Janet) Focken of Watseka; one daughter, Teena (Jeff) Crosswell of Watseka; five grandchildren, Travis Harwood, Daniel Focken, Alex (Taylor) Crosswell, Zach Crosswell, and Emily Crosswell; two brothers, Charles (Louise) Focken of Little Rock, AR and Fred Focken of Watseka; and one great grandchild on the way.

Mr. Focken was a 1948 graduate of Watseka High School. He worked at UARCO for 35 years, becoming a Supervisor in the Comp. Department. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. Peanut loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka. Rev. Alex McNally will officiate. Burial will follow in Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka. Graveside military rites will be provided by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka as well as one hour prior to the services on Thursday at church.

The Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Ray at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Donald J. Kemarly, 80, of Onarga passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at his home. He was born December 28, 1938 in Montpelier, OH, the son of Harry and Beatrice (Gregg) Kemarly and they preceded him in death.

He married Pat Geisler on February 5, 1963 in Petersburg, VA and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Shirley (Dale) Melton of Normal; two sons, Steven (Angel) Kemarly of Gilman and Kevin (Tyler) Kemarly of San Antonio, TX; and two grandchildren, Ashley Motes and Megan Kemarly.

Mr. Kemarly served during the Vietnam War; serving in the U.S. Army for 7 years and in the U.S. Navy for 23 years. He worked at Louis Melind for 21 years.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Private graveside services will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Onarga Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Onarga American Legion Post #551. Rev. Elizabeth Reis will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the Donald Kemarly Memorial Fund.

Lois R. Schroeder, 93, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Riverside Senior Living in Kankakee. She was born on July 19, 1925 in Watseka, the daughter of Albert and Martha (Rock) Schroeder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one special cousin, Ethel Lamie.

Surviving is one cousin, Marilyn Blew of Palos Hills, IL; special family caregivers, Judy (Chuck) Price of Chebanse and Tom (Donna) Lamie of Kankakee; additional cousins, Bill (Tonya) Lamie of Tennessee and Patty Lamie of Kankakee; and several other cousins.

Lois was a member of Immanuel’s United Church of Christ in Papineau where she at one time served as Treasurer of the Women’s Guild. She enjoyed traveling on the First Trust Bank Trips, especially visiting Branson, MO. Mrs. Schroeder loved going to musicals, attending stage shows, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Immanuel’s United Church of Christ in Papineau. Rev. Craig Forwalter will officiate. Burial will follow in Papineau Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral services at the church.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley.

Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please share a memory of Lois at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ruth Lillian Kope, 96, of Gilman and formerly of Joliet and Stockton, KS passed away on April 18, 2019 at Gilman Health Care.

Ruth was born May 2, 1922 in Fort Defiance, Arizona, the daughter of Walter and Pauline (Melito) Blatchford and they preceded her in death along with eight brothers and sisters. She married William Kope in Farmington, New Mexico and he preceded her in death in July of 1983.

She is survived by two daughters, Charlotte (Barry) Cornell of Peotone and Rojean (John) Gager of Junction City, KS; one son, Ken Kope of Chicago; four grandchildren, Zain Razvi of New Lenox, Rehana (Mark) Renaud of Mokena, Cody Molloy of Junction City, KS, and Alaina Molloy of Junction City, KS; two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Benjamin Blatchford.

Mrs. Kope was a florist, having owned Kreations by Kope in Stockton, KS. She loved painting, drawing, and was liked by everyone. Ruth was an active member of Stockton United Methodist Church in Stockton, KS.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will take place at a later date at White County Memorial Garden Cemetery near Carmi, IL.

Memorials in Ruth’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.

erry W. Huckleby, 70, of Milford passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019 in Hoopeston. He was born on August 25, 1948 in Burkesville, KY, the son of Robert E. and Mary M. (Dean) Huckleby. He married Violetta Cooley in Rossville on August 25, 1967 and she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Aaron Huckleby of Milford and Anson (Aimee) Huckleby of Wellington, FL; five grandchildren, Morgan Huckleby, Drezden Huckleby, Kayla Huckleby, Logan Huckleby, and Parker Huckleby; one great grandchild, Clarity Cotton; three sisters, Dorothy Allison of Hoopeston, Margaret (Terry) Clark of Milford, and Sheila (George) Fix of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Marshall Huckleby, Jimmy Huckleby, Donald Huckleby, Robert Huckleby, Bobby Huckleby, and Hallond Huckleby; and two sisters, Dolly Flynn and Shirley Allison.

Terry was a very athletic and competitive person and he especially enjoyed golfing. He loved all sports and was an avid Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts fan.

Graveside services will be held at 11:15 am on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland. Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate. Graveside military rites will take place.

Knapp Funeral Home in Milford is in charge of arrangements.

Lloyd Anderson Sr., 79, of Danforth, passed away Friday, April 19, 2019. Lloyd was born October 12, 1939 in Watseka, the son of Carl and Bernadine (Tascher) Anderson. He married the love of his life, Nancy (Wilhoyt) Morrissette on January 6, 1968 in Gilman and she survives.

Besides his wife, Nancy Anderson of Danforth, he is survived by four children, Lloyd Jr. “Andy” (Virginia) Anderson of Danforth, Ryan (Danielle) Anderson of Danforth, William “Bill” Morrissette of Danforth, and Kimberly (Ron) Miller of Kankakee; ten grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Matthew, Michael, Parker, Bennett, Cooper, Lily, Marley, and Kase; and one sister, Sylvia Hanson of Gilman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Angela Bea Sharp; and his beloved son, Christopher. 

After graduating Gilman High School in 1957 he joined the United States Army. When he returned home from the service he was employed by General Foods for several years, before returning home to take over the family farm. He also worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for ten years. Lloyd’s passion was to promote soybean use around the world which led him to travel to China, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Turkey, and Alaska to teach about soybeans. He served on many boards and committees including, The President of the Illinois Soybean Association and The Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Operating Board. In the early 90’s Lloyd was appointed to the Illinois Agriculture Mining Council by Governor Jim Edger. In 1992 Lloyd was appointed to the National Agriculture and Extension Users Advisory Board by President George Bush. 

He was a board member of the Danforth-Gilman Grain Elevator for many years. He was very involved with the Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau. He was a third generation Free Mason out of the Piper City Lodge serving as Worshipful Master several times. He was also 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a member of the Oddfellow’s, a member of the Slow Boys Tractor Club and the Illinois Corn Growers Association. Lloyd was a lifelong Republican, he served many years as a precinct committeeman, then achieving his goal of becoming the Iroquois County Republican Chairman. He was a member of the Gilman United Methodist Church. With all Lloyd’s accomplishments in his life, he was most proud of the family he built. 

Lloyd was a devoted father and coached many of the local sports teams. He enjoyed boating and spending winters in Florida. In his younger years he enjoyed being in a bowling league. But what he loved most was being on the farm and spending his time with his kids and many grandchildren. Even after a stroke and numerous injuries he never stopped working hard on the farm. He never met a stranger, always had a friendly smile on his face, and had a laugh that would light up the room. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Gilman United Methodist Church. Rev. Malcolm Jones will officiate. Private burial will be held at a later date at Danforth Cemetery with graveside military rites by Danforth, Gilman, and Onarga American Legions.

Michelle A. Redenius, 57, of Ashkum passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019.

Michelle was born April 29, 1961 in Watseka, the daughter of George and Ruth (Harms) Mikeworth and they preceded her in death along with one brother, Mark. She married Dean Redenius on November 10, 1979 in Ashkum and he survives of Ashkum.

Other survivors include one son, Jeffery (Kimberly) Redenius of Ashkum; three daughters, Julie (Joe) Kolosky of Clifton, Kelly (Jessie) Barnhill of Ellsworth, and Heidi (Brice) Breymeyer of Onarga; one sister, Marcia (Rodney) Papineau of Clifton; one brother, Michael (Ellen) Mikeworth of Ashkum; seven grandchildren and one more on the way, Alyssa, Klayton, and Kohlton Kolosky, Emma Barnhill, Braxton Breymeyer, and Derek and Trace Redenius; and one sister-in-law, Delphine (Dean) Engelbrecht of Bloomington.

Michelle was a loving wife and mother who loved the farm life, cats, and Christmas. Her grandchildren were what she lived for most in life.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Private funeral services will be held with Rev. Joel Brown officiating and private burial will take place at Ashkum Cemetery.

Kendra L. Haskins, 49, of Watseka passed away on Monday, April 15, 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born November 11, 1969 in Pensacola, FL, the daughter of Kenneth and Patricia (Brown) Thiele.

She is survived by one daughter, Autumn Haskins of Watseka; her parents, Kenneth and Patricia Thiele of Watseka; one sister, Julie (Tim) Moore of Kentland, IN; two nephews, Eric Moore of Martinton and Matthew Moore of Kentland, IN; and several aunts, uncles and special cousins.

Kendra was preceded in death by one brother, Bryan Thiele; her maternal grandparents; and her paternal grandparents.

Ms. Haskins was of Catholic faith and attended St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. She suffered from Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. Kendra was a former cashier at AutoZone. She loved flea markets, craft shows, reading, buying jewelry on QVC, and going on trips especially to amusement parks, where she loved riding roller coasters.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Martinton.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with a prayer service being held at 3:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Autumn’s Education Fund.

Norman D. Knapp, 77, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at his residence in Watseka. He was born on October 14, 1941, the son of Clarence and Naomi (Young) Knapp. He married Elinor Elledge in Watseka on October 14, 2015 and she survives.

In addition to his wife, Elinor Knapp of Watseka, he is also survived by one daughter, Diane Lamb of Tucson, AZ; one son, Randy Knapp of Tucson, AZ; three grandchildren, Amanda Pratt, Jessica Darby, and Nicole Thomas; five great grandchildren, Hailey, Khloe, Ryan, Kolton, and Emma; two brothers, Wes (Judy) Knapp of Cissna Park and Aaron (Charlene) Knapp of Rankin; two sisters, Lucille Knapp of Hoopeston and Marilyn Knapp of Danville; one step son, Robert Reed of Chicago; and one step daughter, Tammy Brown of Downers Grove.

In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by three sisters, Marguerite Beckman, Sylvia Knapp, and Arlene Knapp.

Mr. Knapp loved fishing and camping. He enjoyed driving around on his moped when he was younger.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. Ministers of the Church will officiate. Burial will follow in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Visitation will be one hour prior the service on Wednesday, from 9:00-10:00 am at the church.

Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Memorial may be made to the American Lung Association or donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Norman at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Lou Holt, 89, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Sheldon Health Care Center. She was born May 24, 1929 in Chrisman, the daughter of Harry and Nellie Jeffers. She married Charles B. Hopkins and he preceded her in death in 2003. She was also preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Bernard D. Jeffers, Francis “Rabbit” Jeffers and Donald L. Jeffers.

She is survived by two sons, Jeff Hopkins and Charles M. Hopkins both of Watseka; two grandchildren, Charles A. Hopkins of Watseka and Alcy Mae (Andy) Anderson-Poulas of Watseka; and one great-grandchild, Lucian Jeffrey Poulas of Watseka.

Mary Lou was a member of Trinity Church in Watseka.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and burial will be held at a later date at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Please share a memory of Mary Lou at knappfuneralhomes.com

Ronald L. Leiding, 75, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on August 23, 1943 in Watseka, the son of Edwin and Agnes (Pasel) Leiding and they preceded him in death.

Ronald is survived by one son, Deihl Leiding of Watseka and several cousins and close friends.

Ronald was a lifelong farmer in the Crescent City area. He was a member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Mr. Leiding was a past member of the Illinois Tractor Pullers Association. He was the recipient of the Antique Puller of the Year Award and was the co-founder of J & L Puller Tires.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka, as well as one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., also at the Knapp Funeral Home. Rev. Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will follow the service at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to Crescent-Iroquois Fire Department or Donor’s Choice

Karen J. Ahrens, 77, of Watseka passed away on March 29, 2019 at her son’s home in Kankakee following a long illness. She was born on July 23, 1941 in Champaign, the daughter of Joel and Carrie Schippert Feller. Karen married Francis O. Ahrens in Watseka on September 6, 1959 and he preceded her in death on December 1, 1991.

Survivors include one son, Timothy (Angelique) Ahrens of Kankakee; one brother, Roy (Kate) Feller of Watseka; daughter in law, Tina Ahrens of Bourbonnais; and nine grandchildren, Tyrece, Tyra, Eleanor, Millicent, Nicholas (Melisa), Samantha, Marilynn, Bobby (Megan), and Steven.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Jeffery and Michael; one grandson, Tyson; and two brothers, Curtis and Robert.

Karen was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka and worked at Iroquois Memorial Hospital and Watseka Tire Center for many years.

Funeral services will be on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Alex McNally officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be at Iroquois Memorial Park Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Kankakee Valley Hospice or Limestone Fire Dept.

Please share a memory of Karen at knappfuneralhomes.com

Sandy Olson, 79 of Onarga passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 30, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family, after a long battle with MS. She was born on March 11, 1940 in Onarga to Willard and Edna Ishmiel French. Sandy married her high school sweetheart, Gene Olson in August 1959 in Gilman and they were partners for life. Her husband, Gene survives along with three daughters- Becky (Roger) Morgan, Lori (Herb) Henrichs, and Pam (Carlos) Valdez all of Onarga; two grandchildren- Kayla (Jesus) Garcia of Brownsburg, IN and Eric Zuniga of Gurnee; one great grandson- Milan Garcia; one great granddaughter- Joey Garcia; one brother- Bud (Sandy) French of Bourbonnais; and one half-sister- Vicki (Gary) Grunstad of Ottawa. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents.

Besides her passion for flowers, her true love in life was her family and especially her best friend, her husband.

Sandy will have a private burial in Onarga Cemetery with arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Dorothy V. Bettermann, 91, of Crescent City passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born May 21, 1927 in Martinton Twp., the daughter of Fred and Margaret Koester. She married Reuben R. Bettermann on July 22, 1951 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on February 3, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Victor, Melvin and Donald.

She is survived by one daughter, Suzanne (Mark) Rogers of Boerne, TX; two sons, David Bettermann of Crescent City and Alan Bettermann of Madison, WI; four grandchildren, Megan (Adam) Murtishaw of Utah, Jennifer Rogers of Las Vegas, NV, Michael (Jessica) Rogers of South Carolina, and Delaney (Jason) Kohlberg of Iowa; six great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Janet Koester of Crescent City; and various nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Bettermann was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. She was an LPN at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka for over 50 years. Dorothy loved gardening, sewing, babies, and animals of kinds.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. Rev. G. Robert Heimgartner will officiate. Burial will follow at Flesher Cemetery in Crescent City.