Burt Erickson, 100 years young, formerly of Briarcliff Manor, New York and Chicago, Illinois passed away peacefully on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the Veteran’s Association Nursing Home in Montrose NY where he received wonderful care.  

Burt was born on March 8, 1923 in Chicago, the son of Frances and Burton Erickson. He was the oldest of 3 children. He was predeceased in death by his sister Gertrude “Trudie” Hodges and his brother Jerome “Jerry” Erickson. 

Burt married the love of his life Rita Marie Jerome on December 27, 1952. They were married 61 years until her death on April 17, 2014. Burt is survived by his daughter, Lynn (Brendan) Malley of Cortlandt Manor NY, son, Burt Erickson (Bevin) of Charlotte, NC and his four grandchildren, Luke and Caitlin Malley and Elizabeth and Thomas Erickson.  

Burt served in the United States Army from January 1943 to March 1946, earning the rank of Sergeant.  Prior to the service Burt attended Wright Junior College for a year where he studied physics, mathematics and participated in intercollegiate boxing. After the service Burt enrolled in Depaul University, where he met Rita in a Shakespeare class, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  

Burt began his career at Continental Can in Chicago before being transferred to NY where his role took him all over the world, including Egypt, Iran and throughout Europe.  After that he spent many years at Technicon in Tarrytown, NY.  

Burt loved coaching his kids soccer teams and was an avid tennis player, jogger, reader, and skier. He and Rita loved spending time together and with the family in Lake Placid, NY.  Our Dad was a special man and a fantastic father.  We will miss him. 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Darrow Church of Christ near Sheldon.  Pastor Aaron Burnett will officiate.  Burial will follow at Sheldon Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers to NYS Veterans Home at Montrose, NY. 

Vivian R. Jordan, 101, of Onarga passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at her residence. She was born on July 30, 1922 in Gibson City, a daughter of John F. and Laura E. (Ringler) Sheppelman. Vivian married Gilbert E. Jordan in St. Charles, Missouri on August 28, 1941 and he preceded her in death on January 17, 1982.

Surviving are two daughters, Donna (Danny) Woods of Onarga and Judy (Alan Norvell) Pfister of Fruitland Park, Florida; one son, Richard Jordan of Onarga; two grandchildren, Patricia Vest of Clarksville, Tennessee and Holly Hummel of Champaign; and two great-grandchildren, Bradyn Vest and Kayleigh Vest.

She was preceded in death by both her parents; one brother, John; one sister, Elvera; one son, Ronnie; one daughter, Loretta; one daughter-in-law, Sue Jordan; and one granddaughter, Kelsey Hummel.

Vivian was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. Vivian and her husband farmed for many years around the Gibson City and Onarga areas. She enjoyed online euchre, puzzles, and playing cards. Vivian especially loved spending time with her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga with Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral service beginning at 9:00 a.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Vivian at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Roger L. Morgan, 67, of Onarga passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Onarga Cemetery in Onarga.  The public is welcome.

Roger was born on October 5, 1956 in Lafayette, IN, to Robert O. Morgan and Norma (Bower) Morgan, both of Kentland, IN.  He married Becky Olson Zuniga on June 19, 1993 in Watseka.  She survives.

Also surviving are Eric Zuniga (Jayme) of Round Lake Beach, IL; grandson, Cullum Zuniga; and two grand pups, Brinley and Chelsea.  Also surviving is his mother, Norma A. Morgan of Gilman; brother, Gary Morgan of Milford; and sister, Joanie Kauffman (Dwayne) of Holts Summit, MO; and three nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Robert; grandparents, Edmund and Agatha Bower of Kentland, and several aunts and uncles.

Roger was a life long truck driver and knew no strangers.  He had many friends scattered along the highways and byways of the US.  Especially close were the O’Town boys of Onarga, a town he dearly loved.

His hobbies were talking to people, playing cards, and playing with his grandson and grand pups.  Roger loved his family, extended family, and his community.

Memorials may be made to Onarga Fire Department.

Please share a memory of Roger at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Joyce Ann Bork, 85, of Onarga passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at her residence. She was born on May 26, 1938 in Watseka, a daughter of Floyd and Hilda (Kreeb) Froehling. She married Leslie E. "JR" Bork Jr in Gilman on June 28, 1959 and he preceded her in death on July 19, 2022. Joyce was also preceded in death by her parents and her son, Patrick Bork.

Surviving are her brother, Paul (Karen) Froehling of Franklin, Wisconsin; her sister, Norma (Carl) Schalber of Dahinda; her brother-in-law, Carl (Mary) Bork of Onarga; and several nieces and nephews.

Joyce was the Vice President of the Onarga State Bank and Federated Bank. She was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. Joyce served as the church organist for many years and was very active in other church activities. She also enjoyed helping out and volunteering at the Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. Joyce was a Chicago Cubs fan. She also loved the outdoors and cooking.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman with Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior beginning at 9:00 a.m. also at the church.

Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman or to the donor's choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Please share a memory of Joyce at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Virginia “Jenny” Sue Pitzer, 57, of Melvin, Illinois, passed away at 8:12 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

Jenny was born on March 10, 1966, the daughter of George and Kathleen (Howard) Longest Sr.  She is survived by her step-son-Shawn (Christie) Pitzer of Georgia; two step-grandchildren; six sisters- Jayline Quillen of Rossville, Frances Clarkston of Williamsport, Indiana, Janet Upperman of Rossville, Linda (Linden) Coffey of Hoopeston, Cora Lister of Williamsport, Indiana and Lisa (Daryl) Irvin of Hoopeston; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-daughter- Amber Pitzer, one brother- George Longest Jr, and two sisters- Vickie and Lori Clarkston.

Jenny graduated from Attica High School.  She worked in housekeeping at the Gibson City Nursing Home.  Jenny enjoyed watching old western movies, listening to country music, going to demo derby’s, riding motorcycles and visiting with family and friends.

According to her wishes cremation rites will be arranged and a family gathering will be held at a later date.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, to assist them in honoring Jenny’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Ruth A. Salm entered into eternal rest on her birthday October 16, 2023, at Miller Health Care Center in Kankakee.  Ruth was born October 16, 1943, in Chebanse, Illinois, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna Marie (Rabideau) Ahrens. They preceded her in death. Her husband, Harold “Buck” Salm preceded her in 2011. They were married June 24th, 1961, and were married almost 50 years. Also, among many not listed that preceded Ruth in death were granddaughter, Zoey DeLahr; two brothers, Harold Ahrens and Francis Ahrens, four sisters, Geraldine Hinrichs, Doris Taber, Lois Kennedy and infant sister Joanna Ahrens.

Ruth is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Son, Pastor Scott (Connie) Salm of Bedford, Ind. Their Children: Katie (Phillip) Collier, Kristen (Pastor Brady) New, and Karissa Salm; Daughter: Glenda Salm of Watseka. Son: Pastor Gary (Lori) Salm of Metamora. Their Children: Audrey (Justin) Sprinkel, Caleb, and Abigaile; Daughter: Kandi (Phil) DeLahr of Watseka. Their Children: Peyton and Faith; Great grandchildren, Ellie Collier, Eli New, Lilly Collier, Evangeline New, and Camden Collier. Four sisters, Betty Ahrens, Rita Meyers, Kay (Jim) Green, and Anita (Darrell) Speers and one brother Rudolph “Rudi” (Patricia) Ahrens. Unlisted are countless in-laws with nieces and nephews who were all dear to her heart.

The love of her life was our dad, Harold “Buck” Salm. They met at the roller rink and the rest was history. They settled in Martinton, and both worked most of their lives in Watseka. There’s was a small-town love story with family, extended family and friends at the center of most of their activities. Her faith was very important to her and was reflected in many kindnesses shared in the form of meals and serving. Ruth was an encourager of hearts, she was always sending cards for birthdays, anniversaries with sympathy cards as well. She loved cooking meals and baking cookies for family and friends.

A stay-at-home mom for several years, Ruth did everything from babysitting to assembling cereal box “toys” in our home. Every summer she canned 100’s of quarts of green beans, tomatoes and froze corn to provide awesome meals for her family. After the kids went to school, she worked at the Watseka Manor many years, making friends of all the people she served. Subsequently she worked at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, where once again she was friends with seemingly everyone. In her later years she cleaned homes and loved her clients. 

Ruth was an avid White Sox fan and a closet Cub fan. We have forgiven her for the rooting for the Cubs during 2016. Most days she enjoyed watching Family Feud and Hallmark movies, and she could watch them over and over, knowing the ending of course to all of them. (So did we.) But most of all, she loved hosting her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They brought her the most joy. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Cornerstone Church in Woodland.  Pastor Scott Salm and Pastor Gary Salm will officiate the service.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka as well as 30 minutes prior to the funeral service on Friday at church.

Memorials may be made to SIDS of Illinois.

Ronald Lee Martin, 79, of Clifton passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.  He was born on September 20, 1944 in Kankakee, the son of Herbert A. and Edna C. (Hall) Martin.  He married Marlene R. Petersen in Ashkum on May 17, 1969.

Surviving are his wife, Marlene Martin of Clifton; and one sister, Karen (Bob) Bossert of St. Anne.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, one brother, Charles; and an infant daughter, Dana K. Martin.

Mr. Martin was a member of Clifton Baptist Church.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton from 4:00-7:00 pm.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Pastor Chad Ozee will officiate.  Burial will follow in Clifton Cemetery in Clifton with graveside military rites by the Chebanse American Legion.

Memorials may be made to Clifton Baptist Church or Chebanse American Legion.

Please share a memory of Ronald at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Duane E. "Dewey" Feller, 62, of Cissna Park formerly of Bloomington passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on September 13, 1961 in Watseka, the son of Edward and Betty (Clauss) Feller Jr. and they preceded him in death along with one brother-in-law, Orlen "Orlie" Munsterman.

Dewey is survived by his three sisters, Dianne (Kenny) Verkler of Bloomington, Donita (Tom) Cluver of Cissna Park, and Deb Munsterman of Cissna Park; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

Dewey loved the Chicago Cubs, his family, and friends. He always enjoyed making people laugh.

Funeral services will be at noon on Friday, October 20, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park with a two-hour prior visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Cissna Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Cissna Park Food Pantry or to the donor's choice.

Please share a memory of Dewey at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon Stuart Link, 77, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at his home.  He was born on July 27, 1946 in Evanston, IL, the son of Oren R. and Beatrice F. (Fee) Link.  Gordon married Linda Ann Zaino in Joliet on January 28, 1984.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Ann Link of Watseka; one son, James S. (Elizabeth) Link of Littleton, CO; one daughter, Melissa Winters (special friend-Peter Tolen) of Chicago Heights; three grandchildren, L.J. Winters, Josephine Link, and Beatrice Link; one brother in law and three sister in laws, Peggy Vaughn, Edward J. Zaino, Mary Ellen Zaino, and Jo Ann (Jim) Zaino-Garard; his “favorite” nieces and nephews, Derek, Dakota, Corbin, and Dalton; and one great niece, Jocelynn.

Gordon was preceded in passing by his parents, Oren and Trixie and one brother, Scott O. Link.

Mr. Link was a jack of all trades and a master of them all.  He enjoyed cutting wood, gardening, woodworking, and riding motorcycles.  He loved spending time with his friends and family.  Gordon was a traveling gypsy by heart who loved to have a good cold one.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 9:00am until 7:00pm at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Cremation rites will be accorded after the visitation.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date, next year on July 27, 2024 at Legion Park in Watseka at 11:00am.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

Please share a memory of Gordon at baierfuneralhome.com.

Julie Anne Brault, 67, of Gilman passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at her residence. She was born on January 24, 1956 in Watseka, a daughter of Orville and LaVonne (Billerback) Plante. They preceded her in death along with her sister, Connie Lou Plante.

Julie married Rod Brault on February 8, 1975 in Ashkum and he survives. Also surviving is her son, Nick (Katrina) Brault of Alexandria, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Joel, Olivia, and Abigail Brault all of Alexandria, Minnesota; and one brother-in-law, Kirk (Bobbie) Brault of Gilman.

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. Julie enjoyed being a big part of her church and community.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman with Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilman Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Julie at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Marilyn Jeanette Fritz, 86, of Clifton passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Arcadia Care of Clifton.

Jeanette was born on December 13, 1936 in Stark County, the daughter of Harold and Edith (Shafer) Klepfer and they preceded her in death.  She married Kenneth M. Wyss in March of 1957 in Peoria County and he preceded her in death on May 19, 1987.  She later married Gerald Fritz on January 16, 1991 and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2017.  She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Pam Wyss, two sisters, Betty Donsbach and Martha Etter, one brother, Bill Klepfer, one step-granddaughter, Andrea Fritz; and one grandson-in-law, Greg Kibbons.

She is survived by one son, Kenneth (Linda) Wyss Jr. of Chebanse; one daughter, Becky (David) Kraft of Clifton; three step-sons, Andy (Darla) Fritz of Kankakee, Jason (Shelley) Fritz of Kankakee, and Steve (McGee) Stewart of Texas; two sisters, Marcella Wildey and Fran (Roger) Higgs; four grandchildren, Amy Kibbons, Rachel (Michael) Davis, Katie (Kevin) Hooten, and John Wyss; 7 step-grandchildren, Jaeleigh (Kevin) Jackson, Matt, Lauren, Logan, and Leah Fritz, Will Stewart, and Tim Kraft; and 5 great-grandchildren, Harper Kibbons, Nathan Davis, Paisley Kibbons, Zachary Hooten, and Lukas Hooten.

Jeanette, known to her grandchildren as Grandma Slim, loved spending time with family and friends, listening to country music, cross stitching, sewing, playing cards (especially euchre), and traveling to Branson, MO where she enjoyed attending shows there.  Jeanette also loved cooking family meals at gatherings and everyone always looked forward to her Easter ham.

Private family services will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with burial to follow at Clifton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Leukemia Research Foundation or Kankakee Valley Hospice.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Marilyn Jeanette Fritz, please visit our flower store.

Lori J. Nichols, 65, of Crescent City passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at her residence. She was born on June 6, 1958 in Watseka, a daughter of Myron and Alice (Murphy) Hull. She married John S. Nichols on October 7, 1978 in Ashkum and he preceded her in death on February 6, 2018.

Surviving are her son, Blake (Rachel) Nichols of Ashkum; daughter-in-law, Cindy Nichols of Gilman; four grandchildren, Faith and Grace Nichols of Ashkum and Ayla and Delanie Nichols of Gilman; one brother, Milton (Judy) Hull of Clifton; five sisters, Donna Schmitz of Ashkum, Mary Sides of Ashkum, Pat (Randy) Storm of Watseka, Diane (Roger) Kimmel of Danforth, and Barb (Tom) Peters of Crescent City; two fathers-in-law, Robert (Kathi) Nichols of Bonfield and Richard Leveque of L’Erable; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Hull of Ashkum and Sharon Hull of Clifton; and many nieces and nephews.

Lori was also preceded in death by her two sons, Nathan Nichols and Dustin Nichols; one daughter, Nicole Nichols; both parents; four brothers, Robert Hull, Russell Hull, Myron R. Hull, and Donald Hull;  and two brothers-in-law, Frank Schmitz and Orville Sides.

Lori was a member of the Ashkum United Methodist Church. She enjoyed cooking, shopping, and attending family sporting events. Lori was a loving mother whose greatest joy was her children and grandchildren.

Private services will be held at a later date with burial in the Ashkum Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Lori at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Lori J. Nichols, please visi

Gary E. Buff, 64, of Clifton passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee.  He was born on April 6, 1959 in Watseka, the son of Eldon S. and Alice M. (Thorndyke) Buff.  He married Rose Gross in Clifton on October 20, 1979.

Surviving are his wife, Rose Buff of Clifton; three daughters, Casey (Pam) Bertrand of Herscher, Danielle (Seth) Kleinert of Ashkum, and Amanda (Devon) Goodrich of Ashkum; six grandchildren, Gavin (Sierra) Taylor, Masin Buff, Lillyin Plumley, Ava Goodrich, Alba Goodrich, and Aurora Goodrich; one great grandson, Walker Taylor; and two sisters, Patricia Vaughn and Sandy (Mike) Behrends.

He was preceded in passing by his parents and one brother in law, Don Vaughn.

Gary worked at Buff’s Service Center with his father and later owned and operated Buff’s Auto Clinic.  He was a trustee for the Clifton Fire Department and a member of the Clifton Sportsman’s Club.  Gary enjoyed playing pool, camping, dirt track racing, and spending time with his friends and family.

A memorial visitation will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Burial of cremains will take place at a later date at the Clifton Cemetery in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Fairbury American Legion Speedway.

Betty Reetz, 64 of Cissna Park passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on May 19, 1959 in Watseka, a daughter of Norvin and Edna (Hartke) Wagner. Betty married Robert Reetz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth on September 9, 1989 and he survives.

Also surviving are three sons- Dustin Reetz of Cissna Park, Brandon Reetz of Cissna Park, and Dylan (Lindsay) Reetz of Paxton; two grandchildren- Aleiyah Frichtl and Wrenley Reetz; two brothers- Ronald (Barb) Wagner of Onarga and Dennis (Eileen) Wagner of Onarga; one sister- Ruth Newman of Cissna Park; brother-in-law and sister-in-law- Ken and Amy Reetz of Milford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother- David Wagner; brother-in-law- Tim Newman; great niece- Emily Huse; and mother-in-law and father-in-law- Rosella and Stephen Reetz.

Betty was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Woodworth and was the Culinary Superintendent at the Iroquois County Fair. She owned and operated Betty’s Beauty Shop for many years. She loved to spend time with her family and her grandchildren. She was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and a Fighting Illini Basketball Season Ticket Holder.

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 3-7 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and one hour prior to funeral services at the church. Funeral services will be on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Woodworth with Rev. Michael Ruhlig officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery of Woodworth.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or St. Paul’s Lutheran School.

Please share a memory of Betty at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Reetz, please visit our flower store.

Rheta Anne Bretzman, 87, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on December 14, 1935 in Leonard, a daughter of Charles and Loretta (Meints) Decker. Rheta married William J. "Bill" Bretzman in Danforth on July 11, 1954 and he preceded her in death on April 28, 2000.

Surviving are two sons, William C. (Connie) Bretzman of Chebanse and Eric Bretzman of Milford; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a special nephew, Raymond (Nancy) Rohr of Florida, who lived with Rheta for many years.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother; one sister; and one daughter, Lori Loveless.

Mrs. Bretzman was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, where she enjoyed going to Bible Study two times a week. She was a member of the Dorcus Society, was in the Quilting Club, and also loved to knit and crochet. Rheta first worked at a dry cleaners in Gilman and later worked for Decker's Livestock, where she retired after 39 years. She enjoyed playing cards, but most of all, she loved being with her family, friends, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday at church. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford with Rev. Doug Minton officiating. Burial will follow at the Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Memorials may be given to Our Savior Lutheran Radio Ministry, Mahlah Comfort Dog Ministry, or to the donor's choice.

Please share a memory of Rheta at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jesus “Jesse” Martinez Jr, 41, of Watseka and formerly of Milford passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at University of Chicago Medicine Advent Health in Hinsdale, IL.  He was born on May 14, 1982 in Watseka, the son of Jesus and Genoveva (Lopez) Martinez.  Both of his parents have preceded him in passing.

Surviving are one brother, Alberto (Kenia) Martinez of Milford; two sisters, Patricia Millard of Nortonville, KY and Sandra (fiancé Christopher Banner) Martinez of Rantoul; his longtime girlfriend and partner, Heather Harper of Watseka; two step children, Kassidy and Brayden; two nieces, Lily Martinez and Olivia Millard; two nephews, Avery Martinez and Kenny Millard; and three step grandchildren, Kysen, Wesley, and Manny.

Jesse was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  He enjoyed playing video games and spending time with his family, friends, and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.  Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service from 11:00am-1:00pm.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes to help with expenses.

Please share a memory of Jesse at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Edwin D. Nighsonger, 84, of Springfield passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at his residence. He was born January 14, 1939 in Onarga, the son of Harold and Lillian (Lawson) Nighsonger.  He married Alice Martin in Onarga on August 10, 1957.

Surviving are his wife, Alice Nighsonger, of Springfield; one daughter, Sherrie (Doug) Miller of Onarga; and one granddaughter, Katie Reagan of Savoy.

Preceding him in death are his parents; five sisters; Pauline Stock, Maxine Keith, Barbara Coleman, Lois Hickman, and Ruth Garrelts.

Ed was a member of the Onarga Christian Church, where he and his wife had served many years as nursery class Sunday School teachers.

Ed had worked at Ficklin Machine Company in Onarga for 27 years.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating. Burial will follow at the Onarga Cemetery in Onarga.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Ed at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Edward V. Vadbunker, 76, of Ashkum passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.  He was born on February 22, 1947 in Watseka, the son of Rudolph Vadbunker and Ida “Mickey” Vadbunker Wolgast.  He married Sandra Jensen in Ashkum on September 30, 1967.

Surviving are his wife, Sandra Vadbunker of Ashkum; two sons, Edward (Amanda) Vadbunker of Olathe, KS and Stanley (Rene’) Vadbunker of Ottawa, IL; two daughters, April (Anthony) Lyons of Ashkum and June (Kevin) Tambling of Bradley, IL; eight grandchildren, Eddie (Sidney) Vadbunker, Whitney (Mike) Cotter, David (Nicole Wheeler) Lyons, Thomas (Daniela Rodriguez) Vadbunker, Derek Lyons, Devin Tambling, Dylan Tambling, and Andrea’ (Doug) Pocius; four great grandchildren, Teddy Vadbunker, Evelyn Vadbunker, Kaylynn Cotter, and Millie Vadbunker; three sisters, Mary Sparks, Rita (Roy) Gray, and Jean (Rick) Dubree; one brother, Larry “Butch” (Joyce) Vadbunker; sister in law, Diana Hull; and many nieces and nephews.

Edward was preceded in passing by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Fred Vadbunker; and two sons, Kenneth and Dale Vadbunker.

He was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum, Ashkum Cemetery Board, Ashkum American Legion, and Central VFW.  He loved to play cards, go fishing, and enjoyed any other outdoor activities.  He was always tinkering with something and could fix about anything. 

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum.  Father Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will follow at Ashkum Cemetery.  Graveside military rites will be provided by Central VFW and Ashkum American Legion.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Edward at knappfuneralhomes.com.