Jean Ellen Ewert, 91, of Stelle passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at her home.  She was born on May 12, 1932 in Chicago, the daughter of Chirst and Amy (Jensen) Christensen.  She married David Edward Ewert in Crown Point, IN on May 19, 1948 and he preceded her in passing on April 18, 2008.

Surviving are three daughters, Cynthia L. Eppley of Evergreen Park, Catherine L. Merriman of Wisconsin, and Jennifer L. (Glenn) Margewhich of Stelle; fourteen grandchildren, Brian, Alan, Allison, David, Matt, Colleen, Amy, Sam, Daniel, Richard, Jessica, Emily, Lindsey, and Glen; fourteen great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, David; one brother, Edward Christensen; and her son, David T. Ewert.

Jean loved reading, cooking, gardening, and sewing.  She will be remembered for making beautiful quilts and always thinking of her friends and loved ones with sending them cards.

Funeral services will be at 12:30 pm on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Kankakee.  Pastor Philip Gardner will officiate.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Park Cemetery in Evergreen Park.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral services on Friday, December 8, from 11:00-12:30 pm at church.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church – Kankakee.

Please share a memory of Jean at knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Jean Ellen Ewert, please visit our flower store.

Patricia P. Brammer, 86, of Martinton passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at her residence.  She was born on March 5, 1937 in Morocco, IN, the daughter of Gaylord and Phyllis (Dick) Denton.

Surviving are seven grandchildren, John Brammer of Momence, Kristy (Ryan) Boone of Martinton, Jason Brammer of Donovan, Kiley Allie of Joliet, Jeremy (Nicole) Brammer of St. Anne, Adam (Cherrie) Allie of Worthing, SD, and Abbey (Bob) Garfield of Pleasant View, TN; fifteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; one brother; and four sisters.

She was preceded in passing by her parents; one brother, Jack Denton; two sons, Donald Brammer and Edward Brammer; and one daughter, Cynthia Brammer.

Patricia enjoyed helping on the farm in her early years.  She later worked as a nanny and as a teacher’s aid in Donovan for many years.  She loved puzzles, reading, and talking to her friends.  Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Memorial visitation will be from 11:00-1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  A memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm.  Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Please share a memory of Patricia at knappfuneralhomes.com.

James D. “Buddy” McManis Jr., 65, of Watseka passed away on November 24, 2023 at his residence.

Buddy was born on July 14, 1958 in Watseka, the son of James and Arvella (Tiarks) McManis Sr.  He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his mother, Arvella McManis; one daughter, Kayla McManis of Crescent City; two sisters, Marcia (Keith) Eden of Dorsey, IL and Debra (Charles) Rakers of Burns Harbor, IN; and his life-long friend, Rev. John Cross.

Bud had a gift for music and photography.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Burial will follow at Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be made to Woodland United Methodist Church.

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

To send flowers to the family in memory of James D. McManis Jr., please visit our flower store.

Greg M. Hankey, 60, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at his residence.

Greg was born on April 4, 1963 in Watseka, the son of Jerry F. and Elsie M. (Anderson) Hankey.

He is survived by his mother, Elsie Hankey of Watseka; three brothers, Scott Hankey of Watseka, Daniel (Debra) Hankey of Watseka, and Eric (Beth) Hankey of Woodland; one niece; and four nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; paternal grandparents, Elmer and Vivian Hankey; and maternal grandparents, Clarence and Marie Anderson.

Greg was a lifetime member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka and a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus #4361.  He was a member of Forty Martyrs Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Moose Lodge, Kiwanis, Douglas County Disaster Team and The Ambucs Club all in Tuscola.  Greg was also a member of the Iroquois County Boot Kickers and Line Country Dance Club.  He received the Lila Cassell Volunteer of the Year Award for the American Red Cross in 1986.  He was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, First Aid Instructor from 1981 – 1991, and former Disaster Services Chairman.  Greg was a former paramedic and instructor and later was former owner and operator of Waddington Funeral Home in Tuscola.  He was a 1981 graduate of Watseka Community High School, 1983 graduate of Kankakee Community College with an Associate Degree in EMS, and a graduate from Worsham Mortuary College in Wheeling.  He was a member of Phi Aeta Sigma Mortuary Fraternity, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors Association.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will follow at Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be made to St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Greg M. Hankey, please visit our flower store.

Wilfred T. “Rocky” McKee, 66 of Piper City passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at his home. He was born on August 2, 1957 in Fairbury a son of Wilfred “Bill” and Joyce (Grohler) McKee. Bill and Joyce started raising their family in Decatur and Springfield before moving back and settling in Piper City to farm.

In 1974, the Piper City and Roberts-Thawville school districts consolidated to become Ford Central. The inaugural senior class that year fatefully introduced Rocky to the love of his life, Catherine Rock. They were married in St. Peter’s Catholic Church without air conditioning on a sweltering and humid August 13, 1977. She survives him.

Rocky was incredibly proud of the family and life that he built with Cathy: his two surviving daughters - Natalie (David Cate) McKee of Bloomington; Barbara (Alexander) Radcliff of Bloomington; his surviving son, Watson (Kilie Tilley) McKee of Dwight; and his two grandchildren – Riley Cate and Oliver Radcliff. Also surviving is one sister, Dawn (Mike) Branz, their son Ryan (Jonna) Branz and their children, Jarrett and Kaely, all of Blair, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Rocky worked in and around agriculture his entire life. On the farm, he raised cattle, hogs, wheat, corn and soybeans. For a time, he grew sweet corn for Stokley. In addition to farming with his father, he worked at Tri-Ag, Inc. through all of the ownership changes until the plant’s closure under Heritage FS. Rocky then worked for Lee Farms & Excavating, Inc. until his retirement. He also found great satisfaction in planning and managing an annual garden every year with Cathy at the farm.

Outside of work, Rocky offered his time and talent to the community as a member of the Piper City Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and Piper City Big Days planning and production. He also supported his children’s activities through the years as a 4-H volunteer, softball coach, and anything else his kids roped him into, even into their adulthood. Rocky enjoyed driving fast cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. Summers were often spent with friends and family boating and/or camping at Clinton Lake, Lake Shelbyville, Shaffer Lake, Rend Lake, and Current River. As the kids grew up, Cathy and Rocky found more time to travel further to visit their kids where they were and enjoyed exploring Florida, Colorado, Montana, Mexico, and Norway.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Roberts Gym. Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception of Mary Catholic Church in Roberts on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10:00 am with Fr. Mike Powell officiating. Burial will be in Brenton Twp. Cemetery in Piper City at a later date. If you are unable to attend the services, the family asks that you raise a glass and toast Rocky’s memory as he and Cathy did for those that went before him.

Memorials may be made to Elliott Fire Department, Melvin Fire Department, Piper City Fire Department First Responders, or Timber Pointe Foundation.

Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Gene L. Eilers, 90 of Watseka passed away on Friday November 24, 2023 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.  He was born on June 29, 1933 in Watseka a son of Johann and Lynetta Yvonne (Anderson) Eilers.  Gene married Joyce Peters in Watseka on October 24, 1952 and she preceded him in death on February 7, 2021.  Survivors include two sons- Jeff (Brenda) Eilers of Kentland, IN and J.D. (Julie) Eilers of Naples, FL; one daughter- Colleen Bulington of Sheldon; 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter- Brenda Varboncoeur, one son in law- Joe Bulington, and one daughter in law- Julia Williams.

Gene was a member of Watseka Elks, Masonic Lodge, and Shriners.  He was employed at Watseka Bottle Gas and Hicks Gas for over 60 years.  Gene was most happy when he was surrounded by his family and loved ones.  He loved watching all his grandchildren play sports and enjoyed his time at the coffee shop with his buddies.  Funeral services will be on Monday November 27, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Jeff Elliott officiating.  Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the 1:00 pm service on Monday.  Burial will follow at the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be made to Watseka Elks Lodge or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

John Frigo, 70, of Goodwine passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Rush Hospital in Chicago.  He was born on September 24, 1953 in Chicago, the son of Peter and Virginia (Church) Frigo.  He married Virginia Vires in Markham, IL on December 31, 1997.

Surviving are his wife, Virginia Frigo of Goodwine; one son, Grady (April) Bell of Woodworth; one daughter Shauntel Bell of Watseka; seven grandchildren, Ashley Hatcher, Angelique Hatcher, Linda Bell, Gabrielle Cameron, Alex Bell, Emily Bell, and Natalie Bell; seven great grandchildren and one on the way, Hailee Gilmer, Lauren Brewer, Christine Brewer,  Preston Johnson, Aysia Johnson, Lyndon Nielson, and Scarlett Cameron; two brothers, Tony Frigo and Tommy Frigo; and three sisters, Maria Frigo, Maryann Frigo, and Doreen Frigo.

Mr. Frigo was preceded in passing by his parents; one daughter, Mary Beth Frigo; and a great granddaughter, Elaina Johnson.

He loved shooting pool, fishing, camping, four wheeling, and snowmobiling.  John was an avid outdoorsman.  He worked for many years at Modern Drop Forge in Blue Island.

Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00 pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. 

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

Please share a memory of John at baierfuneralhome.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Frigo, please visit our flower store.

Kenneth “Kenny” W. McGehee, 89, of Gilman passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.  He was born on November 4, 1934 in Clifty, KY, the son of Wilbert and Ilene (Slaughter) McGehee and they preceded him in death.  He married Esther Cotter on September 12, 1953 in Danforth and she preceded him in death on May 9, 2020.

He is survived by three sons, Stephen McGehee of Lady Lake, FL, Jeffrey (Julie) McGehee of Onarga and Michael (Darlene) McGehee of Gilman; one daughter, Lisa (LaMoyne) Hawley of Pleasant Prairie, WI; seven grandchildren, Jerrod (Emily) McGehee, Jesse (Cherie) McGehee, Alexis McGehee, Joshua (Ericka) McGehee, Caitlyn (Tony Lee) McGehee, Jace (Trisha) McGehee and Shelby (Nicholas) Anderson; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Verna Mae Hurt of Elkton, KY and Linda (Morris) Wells of Greenville, KY.

Mr. McGehee was a member of the Danforth Reformed Church, where he was a former Elder and Deacon, Danforth Twp. Board, Slo Boys, and Farm Bureau.  He farmed in Iroquois County for many years.  Kenny enjoyed farming, reading about farming, and working on his “51” Kaiser.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, November 17, 2023 at the Danforth Reformed Church.  Rev. Donald McDonald will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Danforth Reformed Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Danforth Reformed Church Parking Lot Fund or Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Please share a memory of Kenny at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John Grabow, 67 of St. Anne passed away on Sunday November 12, 2023 in Petersburg, WV.  He was born on September 6, 1956 in Kankakee a son of Leo and Alice (Wieringa) Grabow.  John married Pamela Martell in Watseka on February 14, 2003 and she preceded him in death on October 11, 2022.

Survivors include one daughter- Jamie (Derek) Goad of Crescent City; three sons- Dan (Kelly) Grabow of Crescent City, Justin (Jessica) Grabow of Clarence, IL, and Jeff (Jayme) Grabow of Crescent City; three sisters- Diane Swanson of Donovan, Linda Floriant of Watseka, and Cathy (Mike) Molck of Crescent City; seven grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers in laws- Tony Swanson and Leroy Floriant; and one step daughter- Ginny Foster.

John enjoyed spending time at his cabin in West Virginia and loved his dogs- Woodstock and Sadie.

Visitation will be on Saturday November 18, 2023 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka 2 hours prior to the 1:00 pm funeral service at the funeral home with Pastor Aaron Uphoff officiating.  Burial will be in Lyman Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to his grandchildren’s education.

Please share a memory of John at www.baierfuneralhome.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Grabow, please visit our flower store.

John A. Graham, 76 of Watseka passed away on Monday November 13, 2023 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.  He was born on January 13, 1947 in Terre Haute, IN a son of John Robert and Sara (Jones) Graham.  John married Carol Byland in Carrollton, IL on August 17, 1969 and she survives along with a half- brother- David Lee Graham of New Haven, CT.

John received his Bachelor of Education from Eastern Illinois University, Masters in Music Education from Illinois State University, and post graduate work at U of I, NIU, and WIU.  He was music director at Glenn Raymond and Woodland school for 35 years.  John was the former chair of Iroquois County Junior High Band Festival and presenter of Iroquois County Teachers Institute along with serving as an officer and President of UNEA.  He performed several duties at Unit 9 including umpiring boys and girl’s games, scoreboard operator, announcer for Watseka Marching Band Invitational and emcee of Watseka Swing Choir Invitational.  During his 53 years in Watseka, he was a member of Watseka Jaycees, United Way, and IKAN for curriculum development.  He enjoyed traveling, hiking, visiting National Parks, avid amateur photography, and baseball fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox.  Upon retirement, he starred and performed in a few Sally Webb productions.  

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Catherine "Cath" Parrish Van Natta, 72, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Watseka passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida. She was born on June 26, 1951 in South Bend, Indiana, a daughter of Winston and Marjorie (Parrish) Sack and sister of Mary (Sack) Ruff. Cathi married James "Jim" R. Van Natta on January 7, 1972 in Honolulu, Hawaii and he preceded her in death on May 11, 2023.

Surviving are three sons, Matthew (Christy) Van Natta of Portland, Oregon, Neil Van Natta of Urbana, and Aaron (Kelsey Graber) Van Natta of Champaign; her loving granddaughter, Freyja Van Natta of Portland, Oregon; and nephew, Kirk Ruff of Tucson, Arizona.

Cath was born and raised in South Bend, IN but also spent some of her childhood in Rensselaer, IN before attending Valparaiso University for one year.

Cath was an avid supporter of the arts, especially music. She loved the Beatles and saw them at the Indiana State Fair in 1964.  She played the French horn, like her father before her, and two of her sons, Matthew and Neil after her. She happily spent many years attending band concerts and traveling to drum and bugle corps competitions across the country, with Jim and Aaron in tow.

For years she volunteered at the Red Cross.

Cath loved to travel and spend time with her vast group of friends, recently taking a trip to Quebec City and hosting girlfriends at her home in Florida. She most looked forward to her trips to visit her sons in New York City, San Diego, and especially Portland so she could spend time with her granddaughter, Freyja.

She worked alongside her husband at Quality Supermarket, their family owned grocery store, for 15 years before retiring with Jim in 2013.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Jim Harkins officiating. A private burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Watseka Public Library or the Unit 9 Academic Foundation to be directed to the Music Departments and Band.

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

Carol Lucretia Ark, 89 of Piper City passed away on Friday November 10, 2023 at Piper City Rehab and Living Center.  She was born on December 5, 1933 in Paxton, IL a daughter of Charles and Jennie (Smith) Joyce.  Carol married J. Richard (Dick) Ark Sr. in Paxton on June 2, 1951 and he preceded her in death on July 14, 2023.

Survivors include one son- John R. Ark Jr. of Piper City; one daughter- Judy K. Kietzman of Piper City; four grandchildren- John J. (Lindsay) Ark, Jennie (Chuck) Black, Josh (Alison) Kietzman, and Jeff (Melissa) Kietzman; 12 great grandchildren- Trevor Black, Connor Black, Arianna Schafer, Katie Schafer, Malachi Ark, Suzie Ark, Hadley Ark, Cooper Kietzman, Rowan Kietzman, Harper Kietzman, Harry Kietzman, and Finn Kietzman.  She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers- Ed, Bob, Donald, J. Laverne, and Rex; three sisters- Charlotte, Elaine, and Doris; granddaughter- Angela Ark Schafer; son-in law- Gary Kietzman; and daughter in law- Kathy Ark.

Carol farmed with her husband and son for over 70 years and had the reputation of being one of the hardest working, selfless, and caring women around.  She enjoyed her winters in Florida and spending time outside with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Carol will be deeply missed by her family and friends.  She was the glue that held the family together and the fuel that kept everything moving forward.

Visitation will be on Wednesday November 15, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.  Private graveside services will be held at Brenton Twp. Cemetery in Piper City.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

To send flowers to the family in memory of Carol Lucretia Ark, please visit our flower store.

Naoma J. Ahlden, 71, of Ashkum passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee.  She was born on December 1, 1951 in Watseka, the daughter of Norman W. and Erlene (Runyon) Storm.  She married Paul Ahlden in Watseka on November 6, 1971.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul Ahlden of Ashkum; two daughters, Stacy (Jason) Connor of Danforth and Kelly (Paul) Milk of Crescent City; one son, Jason (Julie) Ahlden of Ashkum; one brother, Osborne (Collette) Storm of Ashkum; nine grandchildren, Jacob, Morgan, and Wes Connor, Grace (Korbin) Alderton, Nolan and John Ahlden, and Garrett, Victoria, and Evangeline Milk.

She was preceded in passing by her parents and one brother, Ronald Storm.

Naoma was active in Crescent City Grade School Boosters when her children were younger.  She served as a secretary for S & A Concrete and later Concrete Construction Unlimited.  She enjoyed photography, often exhibiting her work at the Iroquois County Fair.  Naoma was a devoted wife, mother, and grandma who enjoyed her porch visits with friends and family.

After suffering kidney failure in 1994, two years later she received a kidney from a living donor (her sister-in-law, Lindy McIntyre) and took care of the kidney for twenty-seven years.

Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Trinity Church in Watseka as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, November 13, 2023 at Trinity Church in Watseka.  Pastor Ryan Mustered will officiate.  Burial will follow at Flesher Cemetery north of Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

Stuart Roger Nimz, 66, of Watseka passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.  He was born on November 28, 1956 in Watseka, the youngest son of John and Lillian (Forrest) Nimz.  He married Shawn M. Killion in 1980 and she preceded him in death on November 22, 2005.  He married Margaret S. “Peg” Stalzer on July 15, 2013 in Tennessee.

Surviving are his wife Margaret “Peg” Nimz of Watseka; three step sons, Jason (Mia) Noir of California, Nick (Amy) Pacholski of Kankakee, and Andrew Pacholski of Urbana; five grandchildren, Makayla, Kinleigh, Emerlynn, Stella, and Edison; one brother, Paul Nimz of Ashkum; two sisters, Kimberly Shor of Palatine and Susan (Jon) Guimond of Limestone; his sister in law, Cheryl Nimz of Champaign; three brother in laws, Joseph (Cathy) Stalzer of Worth, IL, Mark (Karen) Stalzer of New Lenox, and John (Sue) Stalzer of Frankfort; and one sister in law, Mary (Joan Stohl) Stalzer of Chicago.

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Shawn; and his brother, John Nimz Jr.

Mr. Nimz was a longtime employee at McCullough Implement in Watseka.  He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.  He enjoyed NASCAR, visiting the Smokey Mountains, and tinkering in the garage.  Stuart loved spending time with his grandkids.  He had a unique and dry sense of humor and loved his cats.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 1:00-4:00pm as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, November 13, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

Please share a memory of Stuart at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Evelyn M. Johnson, 97, of Watseka passed away at Prairieview Lutheran Home on November 4, 2023. She devoted her 97 years of her life on this earth to her family, her friends, her community, and her church.

Evelyn was born in Ash Grove Township, IL on October 27, 1926 to George and Frieda Hulse. She married Karl E. Johnson on August 17, 1947 and they spent 63 years together until his passing in 2010.

Evelyn was a loving mother to her three children – Michael (Debi) Johnson of Broken Arrow, OK, Vicki Longfellow of Oswego, IL, and Pamela Guenette of Watseka, IL. She was a proud and caring grandmother to her five grandchildren – George (Dawn) Longfellow Jr, Sara Carson, Eric (Michelle) Johnson, Tyler Guenette, and Zachary Guenette, as well as her five great-grandkids (Sydney, Cam, Carter, Laura, and Cooper).

Evelyn was a member of Faith Lutheran Church since 1964, after moving from Milford to Watseka.  She spent many hours serving her church family through various committees. Evelyn worked at Roberts Clinic for many years. She was also the Welcome Wagon lady in the Watseka area for over 20 years and was instrumental in organizing the Newcomers Club for new residents of her community. More recently, she volunteered at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in various capacities.

She enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, keeping an immaculate home, traveling with her husband, volunteering, and caring for her family.

Evelyn is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Karl, her parents, her sister (Loretta Crabtree), her brother (Virgil Hulse), and a son-in-law (George Longfellow Sr.).

Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth has been Evelyn’s home for the past 6+ years where she was cared for and loved well. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. memorial service on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  Pastor Alex McNally will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date at St John Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer.

Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka or Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Please share a memory of Evelyn at www.baierfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Joan Bohlmann, 91, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Arcadia Care Clifton.

Barbara was born October 3, 1932 in Crescent Township, the oldest daughter of William and Hulda (Windhorn) Rabe.  She married Weldon Bohlmann on November 29, 1953 in Watseka, Illinois. He preceded her in death on July 16, 2014.  She is survived one son, Kevin (Kim) Bohlmann of Watseka and one daughter, Roberta Kempen of Watseka; 2 granddaughters Dakota and Hunter Bohlmann; one step grandson Chris Kempen; two step great grandchildren, Lauryn and Cruz Kempen; three brothers Dennis and Roger Rabe of Kankakee, Stuart Rabe of Cissna Park and one sister, Sandra Rabe of Edwardsville, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

She was preceded in death by son-in-law Stephen Kempen; one step grandson Nick Kempen: two brothers Robert and Kenneth Rabe and one sister, Sharen Graham.

Mrs. Bohlmann graduated from St. Paul’s Grade School, Woodworth and Crescent-Iroquois High School, Crescent City.

Mrs. Bohlmann was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka where she taught Sunday School, Saturday School and was a member of the Ladies Guild.  She also served as an election judge for many, many years.  She also worked along side her husband farming for more than 50 years.  She will be forever remembered for her rice pudding dessert.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka.  Rev. Aaron Uphoff will officiate with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday., November 3, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and one hour prior to church service.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Dorla Dean Cooper of Chebanse passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at her home in Chebanse where she was born 89 years ago.  Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, November 6, 2023 at United Church of Christ in Chebanse.  Rev. Dr. Marsha Collins will officiate.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Dorla was born on August 9, 1934 in Chebanse, the daughter of Sylvester and Agnes (Anderson) May.  She graduated from Central High School in 1952 and attended Mary Crest Business College.  She worked for Charlotte Shourd Catering, was a floor supervisor at the Bear Brand Hosiery for seven years, and Deerwood Nursing Home.

She married Paul L. Cooper on November 19, 1960 in Chebanse.  She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Paul; three children, Gary (Michelle) Cooper of St. Anne, Renee (Dennis) Behrends of Danforth, and Jerry (Angela) Cooper of Chebanse; eleven grandchildren, Kevin (Kate) Behrends, Alicia (David) Kirkpatrick, Candace (Tober) Corrigan, Melanie (Austin) Bauer, Theresa (Nathan) Milewski, Angela (Brock) Bridges, Bobby (Elizabeth) Cooper, Andrea Cooper, Joshua Cooper, Grace Cooper, and Christina Cooper; seven great grandchildren and one on the way; one sister, Wilma Ligthart of Bourbonnais; brother in law and sister in law, Norman and Lois Cooper; several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in passing by her parents; infant brother, Eugene May; brother in law, Marvin Cooper; and great grand babies, Aaron and Charlie Behrends.

Dorla was a past president of the Limestone PTA and life member of Illinois PTA.  She was a member of the order of the Rose: preceptor laureate degree; 50th Golden Circle Ritual: The Laureate Kappa Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi for 50 years.  She was a 50+ year member of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Kankakee.  She volunteered at the Kankakee County Fair for 30 years in the Arts and Crafts building.  She also loved to quilt and was a charter member of the Kankakee Quiltmakers and part of the mad quilters group at Asbury United Methodist Church.  She also made Quilts of Valor for Heritage Village.  One of her greatest accomplishments was making over forty quilts for the Wounded Veterans.  Dorla continued to make quilts until just two months ago.  She was a 30+ year member of the Chebanse American Legion Auxiliary.  She loved helping people with their history and was a member of the Chebanse Historical Society.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary of Chebanse, United Church of Christ in Chebanse, or to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Dorla at knappfuneralhomes.com.

David Edward Waters, 53, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at his residence. He was born on August 17, 1970 in Watseka, a son of Donald E. and Tonda L. (Mills) Waters and they survive in Watseka.

He attended Watseka Grade School and High School. David graduated in the lass of 1989. He worked at McDonald's in Watseka until he lost his eyesight in 1992. Blind, he attended Danville Junior College where he received an Associate Degree in Sports Medicine. He graduated 2nd in his class with Magna Cum Laude honors and received a standing ovation. Next, he attended the University of Illinois and carried a B Average. At that time, the state stopped funding for his talking computer, which forced him to quit. While in college, David and Marcia each had guide dogs who they received from uiding eyes of New York. David's friend was Alysse and Marcia's was Wiley. Both dogs died of cancer within 6 months of each other.

David and Marcia (Melton) Gowler suffered from Type One Diabetes. Both were blind when they were married in Centralia on June 21, 1997 and she survives. Together they have shared a home in Watseka.

David has an older brother, Thomas Waters in La Crosse, Kansas; twin older sisters, Diana Adams and Donna (Donnie) King both in Watseka; a younger sister, Spring Bailey in Memphis, Tennessee; and a younger brother, C.J. (Kristi) Waters in Kentland, Indiana.

David has a daughter, Miranda Waters of Watseka; Marcia's two boys, Chris (Sadie) Gowler of Watseka and Jeromy Gowler of Champaign. They are blessed with 8 grandchildren.

David and Marcia have a great faith in Jesus Christ and would tell you how he has carried them thru so many dark and difficult trials in their lives. What a great testimony!

Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 at the Body Cemetery near Woodland at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating.

Memorials can be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York.

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