Sari Charlene Brandenburg, 81, of Kankakee passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024 at her home.   She was born on May 15, 1942 in East St. Louis, IL, the daughter of Paul and Cora Mae (Thomas) Campbell and they preceded her in death.  She married Ralph Edward Kincade and he preceded her in death on August 16, 1962.   She later married Alvin Dale Brandenburg Sr. and he preceded her in death January 4, 2016.  She was also preceded in death by one brother, Jerry Campbell; two sisters, Joanne Campbell and Linda Howard; and one daughter, Osena Louise Kincade-Armendariz.

She is survived by five sons and daughters, Rhonda Ayala (Davinder) of Kankakee, Deanna (Luis) Gaytan of Kankakee, Denise (Jesus) Martinez of Bradley, Alan (Lisa) Brandenburg of Kankakee, and Randy (Nikki) Brandenburg of Kankakee; two sisters, Nita (Steve) Calhoun of Charleston and Donna Burtcheard of Mattoon; one brother, David Burtcheard of Arizona; lifelong special friends, Jesusita Montya and Debbie Camargo; twenty-five grandchildren; thirty-eight great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Brandenburg enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and her pets.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka as well as thirty minutes prior to the funeral service on Saturday.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Please share a memory of Sari at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Myra N. Garner, 89 of Bartow, FL and formerly of Sheldon passed away on Friday January 26, 2024 in Lakeland, FL.  She was born on June 26, 1934 in Watseka a daughter of Glynne and Helen (Hogle) Long.  Myra married Thomas Garner in Sheldon on June 18, 1955 and he preceded her in death in November 2017.  Survivors include three sons- David Garner of Jacksonville, FL, Robert Garner of Jacksonville, FL, and Michael (Peggy) Garner of Bartow, FL; four grandchildren- Jennifer Cherry, Stephanie Haworth, Jessica Garner, and Ambre Thornton; four great grandchildren- Jadelyn Rose Garner, Rory Haworth, Preston Cherry, and Logan Cherry; and twin sister- Mary Muehling of Champaign.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother- Robert Long.

She was a member of the Florida Auctioneers Association Auxiliary and National Auctioneers Association Auxiliary.  Myra was a loyal Jacksonville Jaguars fan who loved family get togethers and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She enjoyed traveling around the world, reading and doing genealogy research.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 3, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  Visitation will be from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois County Historical Society.

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

Dennis “Cobby” Maubach, 71, of Watseka passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at his home.  He was born on July 26, 1952 in Pontiac, the son of Joseph and Doris (McCutcheon) Maubach and they preceded him in passing.  He married Marla Schuh in Las Vegas, NV on February 8, 2001.

Surviving are his wife, Marla Maubach of Watseka; one son, Craig Maubach of St. Anne; his brother, Mike (Lynn) Maubach of Normal; two sisters, Jo K. Maubach of Pontiac and Jane Dronenberg of Pontiac; and four grandchildren.

Mr. Maubach loved camping at Plato, fishing, and tinkering in the yard.  He was a Chicago Bears fan as well as enjoyed NASCAR.  Cobby was a member of the Teamsters Union and retired from Iroquois Paving Corporation after more than thirty years there.

A memorial visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  A 7:00 pm memorial service will follow.  Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.

Burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Beverly Louise Stair, 76, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.  

Beverly was born on June 12, 1947 in Danville, the daughter of Jasper and Lula (Werienga) McLain and they preceded her in death as well as one brother, Richard McLain; one sister, Bonnie Mathys; and one son, Jeffery Stair. Beverly married Marvyn “Ollie” Stair on January 8, 1966 in Watseka.

She is survived by her husband, Ollie Stair of Sheldon; one daughter, Jody (Bob) Conidi of Itasca; two grandchildren, Kirstin (Joe) Godinez of Itasca and Katie (fiancé, John O’Malley) Conidi of Chicago; three great-grandchildren, Carter Scarpelli, Aubrey Scarpelli and Julien Godinez; and her nieces and nephews.

Beverly was a member of Sheldon Methodist Church, Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and served on the Sheldon Library Board and Sheldon Cemetery Board. She was a Bank Teller at Sheldon Building and Loan and later retired from Iroquois Federal in Watseka. Beverly was an avid bridge player and reader and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed the Chicago Cubs, traveling with her good friends, and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. There will be a celebration of life where sharing of memories will take place at 5:30 p.m. and upon conclusion, the visitation will resume. Private burial will be held at a later date at Sheldon Cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospital.

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

Roland R. Kuhlman, 84, of Watseka passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on September 25, 1939 in Watseka, a son of Raymond and Maxine (Hansen) Kuhlman. Roland married Marilyn Fruendt on June 16, 1962 and she preceded him in death on November 1, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Wayne Kuhlman.

Surviving are his daughter, Lisa (Tim) Gocken of Watseka; two grandchildren, Ashley and Alex Gocken; and one half-sister, Betsy Giacomi of Joliet.

Roland was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Roland worked for 42 years as a pressman at Uarco in Watseka. He served as an umpire in baseball and softball for 17 years. Roland enjoyed bowling and fishing. He was a fan of all sports and loved attending games. Roland even recorded three holes-in-one during his time spent playing golf.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka as well as one hour prior to the memorial service on Thursday at church. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka with Rev. Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with graveside military rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice, American Cancer Society, or donor's choice.

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

Joe H. Barrie, 77, of Watseka passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Joe was born on August 15, 1946 in Lake Village, IN, the son of Henry and Mary (Dobbie) Barrie and they preceded him in death.  He married Roberta Cote on January 9, 1965 in Momence.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta Barrie of Watseka; three daughters, Tammy Nink of Charlotte, NC, Barbara Montoya of Albuquerque, NM, and Mary (Jason) Cahoe of Watseka; nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Melissa) Nink, Samantha Joe Nink (Will Smith), Rocky Nink, Zayne Nink, Jessy Montoya, Clayton Cahoe (Brittany Burton), Tanner Joe Cahoe (Sydni Farris) , Heather Coffey, and Thea (Dan) Campbell; six great-grandchildren, Elloise Nink, Jonah Nink, Braydon DeWitt, Bryton Cahoe, Oakley Cahoe, and Bryson Watts; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Reid and Diana Moore of Hickory, NC; and life-long friends, Donnie and Diana Wiley of Bourbonnais.

Joe was a member and Past President of Illiana Mud Runners.  Joe enjoyed mechanical work, hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and friends, and riding their trike motorcycle together.  He worked at J&R Specialties, Winner's Circle for many years, Supervisor at T&D Metal, and retired from Crown, Cork, & Seal.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the 6:00 p.m. memorial service on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  James Rattin will officiate.  Burial will be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Watseka Gold Star Memorial.

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

Thomas E. Carter, 85, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Tom was born on August 3, 1938 in Gilman, the son of Kenneth and Lois (Ward) Carter and they preceded him in death along with one sister, Alice Strawser.  He married Pauline Crouch on May 1, 1965 at First Presbyterian Church of Watseka.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline Carter of Watseka; one daughter, Julie (Ralph) Mann of Milford; two grandchildren, Lindsay Bowen of Champaign and Jordan Crook of Hoopeston; one great grandson, Carter Keefer of Champaign; one sister, Eileen Hanna of Watseka; one brother, Alan Waterman of Decatur; and one sister-in-law, Gloria Focken of Watseka.

Tom graduated from Crescent City High School and then served in the United States Army.  He worked at Uarco for 43 years where he retired there as a Supervisor in the Press Department.  He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Watseka and Watseka American Legion Post #23.  He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, enjoyed gardening, and liked working on Cushman motor scooters and old bicycles.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. John Franklin will officiate.  Burial will be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Foundation.

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

Sue A. Ritzma, 73, of Crescent City passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at her residence. She was born on April 21, 1950 in Watseka, a daughter of William T. and Marjorie I. (Gordon) Dubble and they preceded her in death. Sue married Dennis Ritzma on November 22, 1969 in Watseka and he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Sandra (Charles) Love of Watseka, James Ritzma of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Jennifer (Dylan) Hendry of Crescent City, and Lara (Zachary) Burton) of Watseka; brother, Wayne Dubble of Evansville; sister, Brenda (Jerry) Sikes of Bradley; her comfort dog, Annabelle; eleven grandchildren; and eight grandchildren.

Sue was a member of the Iroquois County Genealogy Society and D.A.R. Sue loved spending time with her grandchildren and her comfort dog. She loved watching game shows and enjoyed genealogy. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service with S.A.M. Lynne Culkin officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois County Genealogy Society or to Uplifted Care.

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

Jack Hansen, 88, of Chebanse passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on December 4, 1935 in Chebanse, a son of Oscar F. and June O. (Brenneisen) Hansen. Jack married Martha Joan Humblet on December 1, 1956 in Ashkum and she preceded him in death on December 22, 2022.

Surviving are four children, Dana (Larry) Voigt of Normal, Jill Hansen of Clifton, Jackie (Bob) Fischer of Bourbonnais, and Jay Hansen of Chebanse; seven grandchildren, Jenna (Dan) Zegleman, Emma Voigt, Kirstin (Tommy) Robertson, Gretchen Fischer, Brittin Fischer, Jayce Hansen, and Megan Hansen; four great grandchildren; five sisters, Marilyn Yohnka of Chebanse, Carolyn Cox of Chebanse, Bobby Gray of Ashkum, Susan (David) Larsen of Chebanse, and Peggy (Bill) Mattox of Clifton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Dick, Merritt, and Harry; two sisters, Dard and Sandy; three sisters-in-law, Gwen, Sally, and Verna; three brothers-in-law, John Cox, Bill Beck, and John Gray; and  brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Darlene Humblet.

Jack was a member of Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Chebanse. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Jack retired from Illinois Bell. He was a retired member of the Otto Twp. Fire Department. Jack was a lifelong member of the NRA and was a gun enthusiast. He also had a love for music. 

Visitation will be on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with Fr. Charles Wheeler officiating. Burial will follow at Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Chebanse with graveside military rites by the Chebanse American Legion Post 408.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Otto Twp. Fire Department.

Mardene Gail Arnold, 80, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.  She was born on August 8, 1943 in Herscher, the daughter of George and Mary Etta (Arthur) Arnold.

She spent her last years at a CILA in Watseka ran by the ARC of Iroquois County.  Her parents passed away in 1952 and from then on, she was raised by her sisters, Dora and Dorothy Arnold.

She is survived by her niece and guardian, Vicki Sain of Aroma Park; special nephew, Randy Arnold (Gregg Fernandez) of Colorado; also, Richard Miller of Geneseo; and of course, very close to all the Wingerter children (of Martinton) spread all over the country; and of course, her CILA roommates and staff.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Welty Arnold and George Arnold; and seven sisters, Lucille Cousin, Edith Palermo, Gertrude Martin, Tevis Wingerter, Velma Blanton, Dora Arnold, and Dorothy Arnold.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, January 22, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Pastor Joe Hughes will officiate.  Burial will follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens just outside of Kankakee.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, from 10:00-11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The ARC of Iroquois County.

Please share a memory of Mardene at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jennifer Leigh Landrey-Curtis, 40, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.  She was born on July 29, 1983 in Watseka, the daughter of Robert and Gale (Otto) Landrey.

Surviving are her parents, Robert and Gale Landrey of Watseka; her three children, Caden Curtis, Ava Curtis, and Canaan Curtis, all of Watseka; four siblings, Judith (Jim) Smith of Mendota, Dwayne (Kelly) Landrey of Indianapolis; Mark (Vicki) Garfield of Watseka, and Kristen (Peter) Garfield-Gentile of Plainfield; five nieces and nephews, Timmy Schultz, Katelin Clapp, Kyle Schultz, Ashten Jensen, and Breckin Gentile.

She was preceded in passing by her grandmother, Lorraine Otto.

Jennifer was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka.  She loved supporting her children at all of their sports and activities.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka.  Pastor Aaron Uphoff will officiate.  A memorial visitation will be two hours prior to the service, from 12:00-2:00 pm at church.

Cremation rites are being handled by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to a custodial account at First Trust and Savings Bank in Watseka for the benefit of her three children.

Please share a memory of Jennifer at baierfuneralhome.com.

Cora Marie Mallon, 89, of Watseka Illinois, lost her battle with Multiple Myeloma on Friday, January 12, 2024. She was surrounded by the love of her family at her home.

Cora was born in Watseka, Illinois on June 1, 1934, the daughter of Clarence E. and Margaret M. (Stockert) Norder. She married Merlyn Mallon, the love of her life, on June 4, 1955 in Watseka. Cora enjoyed her grandchildren, helping others, baking and fellowship with her church group.

Cora was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and three sisters. She is survived by two brothers, one sister, her husband, three children, Michael (Nancy), Twila, and Tammy (Steven), eight grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Jerry Parker officiating. Lunch will follow at Cornerstone Church in Woodland, IL.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice in Watseka and or Cornerstone Church Woodland. IL.

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

Michael David Keller, 70, of Sheldon passed away at his home in Sheldon on Monday, January 8, 2024.  He was born on March 6, 1953 in Oxnard, CA, the son of Paul Edward and Nita Jean (McCloskey) Keller.  They preceded him in passing.  Michael married Anita Wyatt in Sheldon on August 9, 2014.

Surviving are his wife, Anita Wyatt of Sheldon; his three children, Whitney Keller (Matthew Winkeler) of Highland, IL, Lindsey (Marcus) Dierlam of Watseka, and Ethan Keller (fiancé – Corinn Posteluk) of Joliet; one granddaughter, Lorelai Dierlam of Watseka; three sisters, Kathy (Don) Lindsey of Sheldon, Kim (Jeff) Mabbitt of Sheldon, and Candace Keller of Sheldon; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Keller enjoyed his time working with individuals who had developmental and intellectual disabilities.  He was proud to serve his country in the United States Army as well as the Reserves.  He was an avid gardener and painter.  Mr. Keller was known for his superior storytelling and generosity.  He was a collector and connoisseur of Native American Artifacts, a topic of which he lectured on and had his private collection on display at the Old Courthouse Museum in Watseka.  He loved playing cards and was an election judge for years.  His selflessness and hospitality were unmatched.  His infectious smile and laughter will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the Sheldon Community Center in Sheldon.

Cremation rites are being handled by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois County Historical Society, Sheldon TIES, Sheldon EMS, or to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Michael at baierfuneralhome.com.

Terry Lee Pheifer, 70, of Crescent City passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on February 2, 1953 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, a son of George and Mary (Phelps) Pheifer. Terry married Jo Beam in Harrison, Arkansas on March 21, 1999 and she survives.

Also surviving are four sons, Todd (Christi) Pheifer of Crescent City, Chris (Lindsay) Pheifer of Gilman, Alex (Danielle) Ulitzsch of Sullivan, and Brandon Ulitzsch of Watseka; one daughter, Stacy (Scott) Miller of Hoopeston; ten grandchildren, Taylor (T.J.) Eades, Kaite Miller, Skyler Miller, Aubrie Pheifer, Blake Stua, Kaiden Pheifer, Hunter Pheifer, Adalynn Ulitzsch, Arianna Ulitzsch, and Wrenley Ailey; one great-grandchild, Georgia Eades; one brother, Dennis Pheifer of Gilman; two sisters, Linda (Mark) DiBello of Stelle and Sandy (John) Barnes of Gilman; and one sister-in-law, Tita Pheifer of Gilman.

Terry was preceded in death by both of his parents; one brother, George Pheifer; and one sister, Barb Hendron.

Terry spent 35 years as coordinator and EMT for Crescent Ambulance. He was a member of the Crescent City Fire Department for 25 years. Terry also owned his own business. Terry loved fishing and traveling. Most of all, Terry loved spending time with his family and grandkids.

Cremation rites accorded by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman and per Terry's wishes, there will be no services.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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

Maxine J. Essmann, 92, of Gilman passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Piper City Rehab and Living Center in Piper City. She was born on June 23, 1931 in Linton, North Dakota, a daughter of Harry and Johanna (Kraft) Kunsch. Maxine married Kenneth C. Essmann on May 21, 1950 in Gilman and he preceded her in death on July 27, 2022.

Maxine is survived by her son, Roger (Susan) Essmann of Earlville; her daughter, Nancy (Bruce) Perzee of Gilman; six grandchildren, Aaron Essmann, Kira (Justin) Bender, Kelsey (Jorge) Martinez, Ryan (Michelle) Perzee, Abby Perzee, and Cali (Darrin) Schumacher; eleven great-grandchildren, Jackson and Hannah Bender, Maverick and Madelyn Martinez, Jenssen and Gentry Perzee, Kristen Perzee, Claire, Hank, Lydia, and Abe Schumacher; three great-great-grandchildren, Haven Benton, Bentley and Louie Bartolini; her Goddaughter, Noreen Schriefer Buss; and one sister-in-law, Elsie Kunsch of Gilman.

She was also preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Harry Kunsch Sr.; and one sister-in-law, Phyllis Walsh.

Maxine was a member of the Gilman United Methodist Church, where she served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 50 years. She was also the manager of the grocery store in Gilman for 50 years. Maxine belonged to the Gilman Women's Club. She enjoyed playing cards with 4 special friends. Maxine truly loved the time she spent with her grand and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Gilman United Methodist Church in Gilman and also one hour prior to the funeral. Funeral services will be on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilman United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Crawford and Pastor Jim Harkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Wenger Cemetery in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to the Gilman United Methodist Church or to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

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

Barbara Dianne Offill, 70, of Gilman passed away on January 4, 2024 at her home. She was born on August 20, 1953 in Caloma, Michigan, a daughter of Robert and Patricia (Siegfried) Fingerhut. Barb married Herschell W. "Pete" Offill Jr. on January 13, 1973 in Gilman and he preceded her in death on July 31, 2021.

Barb is survived by one daughter, Shelly (Timothy) Gray of Frohna, Missouri; one son, Scott Offill (Significant Other, Rachel Kitchens) of Danforth; three grandchildren, Christian, Lauren, and Rebecca Gray of Frohna, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Blakely and Amayah Gray; three sisters, Jennifer Blood of Hamilton, Michigan, Penny Lane of Kibler, Arkansas, and Susan Wrede of Bellflower.

She was also preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Randal Fingerhut; one unborn child; and one unborn great-grandchild.

Barb was an active member of Trinity Church, where she was a Celebrate Recovery Leader. Barb also loved to attend Bible studies and church activities. She served as secretary for the Iroquois County Republican Central Committee since 2014. Barb was a member of the board for the Iroquois Public Health Department since 2020. She served on the Iroquois County Board since 2016 where she served in many roles, such as Chairperson of the Health Committee, Vice Chairperson of Tax/Zoning Committee, and was a member of the ARPA Committee. Barb was in various clubs such as Book Club, Card Club, and Music Club. She loved cooking and baking for family and friends, singing, playing cards, and Bingo. Barb served others with a big, generous, and loving heart.

Visitation will be on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Church in Watseka. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. also at the church with Pastor Bart Koester officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilman Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Family's Wishes.

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

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

Sheila Y. Siebert, 88, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at her home.  She was born on March 6, 1935 in Lafayette, IN, the daughter of Millard and Laura (Hughes) DeLong.  She married James Siebert in Monon, IN on October 10, 1954 and he preceded her in passing on September 24, 2016.

Surviving are two sons, Mark Siebert of Tulsa, OK and David Siebert of Noblesville, IN; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and one sister, Marcia (Ronald) Eaton of Valparaiso, IN.

Mrs. Siebert was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watseka for fifty-five years.  She was active with U.M.W. and taught Sunday School for many years.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Pastor Darla Holden will officiate.  Burial will follow at 1:30 pm at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Rensselaer, IN.

Visitation will be from 9:00 until the 10:30 am funeral service on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Sheila at knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Sheila Y. Siebert, please visit our flower store.

Lana Lea Beaupre, 81, of Clifton passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at her residence. She was born on August 20, 1942 in Kankakee, a daughter of George J. and Anna M. (Arseneau) Boudreau. Lana married Norman Paul Beaupre in Kankakee on March 13, 1965 and he preceded her in death on May 30, 2004.

Lana is survived by one daughter, Kymber "Kim" Corbin of Phoenix, Arizona; two sons, Bryan (Michele) Beaupre of Bourbonnais and Jeff Corbin of Kingman, Arizona; 10 grandchildren, Jessica, McKenna, Summyr, Tess, Lucas, Sean, Nicole, William "Chase", Geordyn, and Trey; 14 great-grandchildren.

Lana was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, George, Duane, and Ivan; one sister, Velma; and one daughter, Lanette Lea Beaupre.

She was a member of the Catholic faith. Lana worked at the Merkle-Knipprath/Acadia Care for over 25 years and most recently volunteered there. She loved to play board games, card games, and loved Elvis.

A Celebration of Life/Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Please write down a story of Lana to share with the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association.

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

Carole Orland Livingston Greene, 89, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at her residence.

Carole was born on May 29, 1934 in Aurora, the daughter of John and Carolyn (Backes) Host and they preceded her in death along with two brothers, Chuck and Bud Host; two sisters, Jeanette Williams and Marilyn Hicks; and one grandchild, Matt Orland.

She is survived by five sons, Joe (Judy) Orland of Watseka, Dave (Elaine) Orland of Memphis TN, Tom (Marianne) Orland of Winfield, Rob (Carmen) Orland of Batavia, and Bil Orland of Watseka; a step-son Mike Livingston of Bloomington, and a step-daughter Lynn (Tom) Davis of Woodstock, GA; six grandchildren, Luke (Anabel Tergas) Orland, Anna (fiancé Avery Ennis), Michael Orland, Heather (Bobby) Nesse, Chelsea (Joe) Cheshire, and Marisa Orland; two step-grandchildren, Tyler and Emma; and two great-grandchildren, Río and Rowan.

Carole worked as a nurse’s aide at Mercy Center in Aurora and at Prisco’s Grocery in Aurora. She was a member of Life church in Gilman and IMH Hospital Auxiliary. Carole loved reading, volunteering, and her family.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8pm on Thursday, January 4th and the funeral service will begin at 10am on Friday, January 5th; both will be at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Jim Harkins officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. Everyone is invited to a lunch at Life church in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to Life church’s ministry to local needs.

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

Bill J. Portwood, 88, of Sheldon passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Gilman Nursing Home.

Bill was born on August 21, 1935 in Sheldon, the son of George and Lulabelle (Ping) Portwood.  He married Cleta J. Johnson on July 24, 1955 in Climax, CO and she preceded him in death on April 17, 2012.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and one son, Timothy Portwood.

He is survived by one son, Mark (Amy) Portwood of Sheldon; five grandchildren, Ashlen (Matt) Risley, Alex (Allison) Portwood, Alaina (fiancé Konnor Knauth) Portwood, Adin Portwood, and Page Portwood; and two great-grandchildren, Addy Risley and Airabella Davenport.

Bill served in the U.S. Army.  He was a member of Watseka American Legion Post 23, Sheldon Masonic Lodge, Danville Consistory, and Shriners.  Bill worked at Uarco for 34 years and enjoyed traveling.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. Masonic Service on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  Funeral services will be held after at 11:00 a.m. and burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post 23.  

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.

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

Leona V. Rieches, 101, of Cissna Park, fell peacefully asleep in Jesus’ eternal embrace on Sunday, December 31, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Champaign, Illinois. 

Leona was born on October 29, 1922 in Ash Grove Twp., the daughter of Henry and Dora (Meyer) Rascher and they preceded her in death. She married Irvin H. Rieches on May 25, 1941 in Buckley, Illinois and they shared over 70 years of a beautiful marriage. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2012. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Anita Henrichs and Myra Rust; and one son, Lee I. Rieches.

She is survived by three sons, Ronald (Sharon) Rieches of Buckley, Richard (Kim) Rieches of Onarga, and Ryan (Marian) Rieches of Santa Ana, CA; one daughter, Joy Lou (Jay) Walker of Champaign; eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Leona's greatest accomplishment was her family and being present for them when they needed her and throughout all the milestones in their lives.  She loved to have photos of her family displayed throughout her home and in numerous photo albums. Her hobbies included gardening, canning, baking and making quilts for her family.  She loved to collect and display her Salt & Pepper shaker collection of over 500 pair.  She loved to travel with Irvin in their retirement years. Above all, she was the Lord's faithful servant, instilling that faith and kindness into her children, grandchildren and everyone she met. 

Leona was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park as well as attended St. John Lutheran Church in Champaign for the last twelve years.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday January 6th, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. Revs. Dale Fjordbotten and Jeff Caithamer will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Ash Grove.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park or St John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

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