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Obituaries Archives for 2018-09

Henry O. Stone, 100, of Watseka

Henry O. Stone, 100, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the Gilman Health Care Center. He was born November 3, 1917 in Pittwood, the son of William T. and Lottie Sigmund Stone. He married Thelma E. Cahoe on July 6, 1940 in Watseka and she preceded him in death on July 29, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; three sisters; one son, David Stone; three sons-in-law, Mack Oaks, William Cross and Frank Appelbaum; and one grandson, Henry Clarence Oaks.

He is survived by two daughters, Carolyn (Ron) Bogenschneider of Watseka and Connie Cross of Watseka; one son, Tim (Lynda) Stone of Watseka; daughter-in-law, Suzie Stone of Watseka; and 54 grandchildren.

Mr. Stone loved God and his family. He was proud to serve in the United States Navy during WWII. Henry worked as a mason for many years and did construction work in Watseka. He enjoyed hunting, reading, and raising sled dogs.

Cremation rites were accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Living Hope Church/First Christian Church in Watseka.

J. Michael Cleary, 64, of Ashkum

J. Michael Cleary, 64, of Ashkum, passed away Sunday September 23rd at Presence St. Marys Hospital in Kankakee following a short illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 29, 2018 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum with Revs James Holup and Douglas Hauber officiating. Burial will be in the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Memorials may be made to AIDS Legal Council of Chicago or Vital Bridges of Chicago .

Mr. Cleary was born on May 20, 1954 at Kankakee, the son of Jeremiah J. and Victoria Leszczewicz Cleary. They preceded him in death along with one brother, Patrick Cleary. Mr. Cleary is survived by his life partner, John Friend of Ashkum. He is also survived by a sister and two nieces, Ann E. Flink and Katie Jo Curtis.

Mr. Cleary was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. He was a graduate of St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN and had worked for over 30 years in the Medical Industry and was currently an advocate for the aged. Mike was good natured, enjoyed life and was always willing to give anyone a helping hand.

Robert L. Dannehl, 92, of Watseka

Robert L. Dannehl, 92, was called home on September 23, 2018 by the Creator of all things. A retired judge and attorney, Judge Dannehl was the ninth of twelve children born to his parents William Dannehl and Gussie Racuglen Dannehl on Labor Day, September 6, 1926. Born in Thawville, Illinois, he moved to Onarga, Illinois and attended Onarga Public Schools, the University of Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in June of 1950. While an undergraduate, he played varsity basketball for the Fighting Illini during the 1945-46 season (Oskee Wow Wow!!) and was a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity. His college days followed military service as a 17-year-old volunteer in the United States Navy during World War II in 1944 and 1945. He served in anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic arena in the winter of 1944 and 1945. He operated a then top-secret high-frequency direction finder and was privy to the top-secret knowledge that the German secret code had been broken.

In September 1950, he opened a general law office in Watseka, Illinois with law classmate Billy Davis, and served two terms as state’s attorney of Iroquois County from 1956 to 1964. In 1976, he was appointed Circuit Judge to succeed Judge David Oram. His service commenced January 1, 1977 and concluded with his retirement October 31, 1995. He served in Iroquois, Kankakee and Will counties.

On June 10, 1951, he married Ruth Ann Nielsen, a graduate from Iowa State University and at the time of their marriage, the head dietician at the Busey-Evans girls dormitory at the University of Illinois. Ruth preceded him in death on June 7, 2011. Surviving are two children, Dr. Karl N. Dannehl (Mary) from Atlanta, Georgia and Sara J. Mikuta-Henry (Robert), from Western Springs, Illinois. Also surviving are the following grandchildren: Joseph Robert Mikuta, Nicholas James Mikuta (Gina), John Zeitler Dannehl, Cherylyn Henry, Laurin Henry Ewing (Andrew) and one great grandchild, Nicholas James Mikuta, Jr. He is also survived by his youngest brother Wayne Dannehl (Carole) from Hayward, Wisconsin and brother-in-law, Charles Lucas, Alexandria, Virginia and many beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Judge Dannehl was highly active, both locally and professionally during his 68-year professional career. Among his civic and business connections were 1955 Commander of the American Legion Post #23; Watseka Elks Lodge 446 (Charter member); Chairman of the Fundraising Committee that built Legion Park Swimming Pool; Appeal Attorney for the Select Service Board; Board Member of both the local American Red Cross and Watseka Library; Watseka Jaycees (Charter member); Board member of Watseka First Trust & Savings Bank, and at his death a long-term board member of Grand Prairie Seminary in Onarga. Among his service to the American Legion Post #23 was the acquisition of additional Fowler property and Bell Pasture, increasing the area and access to Legion Park. He was baptized in the Onarga United Methodist Church and remained a member of the Watseka First United Methodist Church until his death.

His Bar Association activities were constant and included memberships in the local, state and American Bar Association and the American Judicature Society. He served on the Illinois Bar Association Committee to revise and rewrite the Illinois Criminal Code. He was an original board member and founder of an Attorney Assistance program to aid counsel with substance abuse problems. Among his proudest experiences was a six-year appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court to the Supervisory Committee on Jury Instructions in Civil Cases, which also consisted of learning from and working with the best legal minds and trial attorneys in Illinois.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 28, 2018 from 3 until 7 pm at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. The funeral services will be held Saturday, September 29, 2018, at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church of Watseka, with a visitation at 9 am. Burial will be in the Onarga Cemetery immediately after the funeral. A luncheon will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the First United Methodist Church of Watseka, Grand Prairie Seminary scholarship fund or the Greater Peoria Honor Flight.

Patricia Orr 82 of Watseka

Patricia A. Orr, 82, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. She was born on September 21, 1935 in Watseka, the daughter of O. Henry and Helen (Ahlgren) Butzow. She married Rudolph L. Orr in Watseka on November 18, 1956 and he preceded her in death on January 27, 2012. In addition, she was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Bill, Dick, and Steve Butzow.

She is survived by two daughters, Judith (Jeff) Raymer of Sheldon and Susan (Mark) Hettinger of Watseka; one son, Roger (Jolene) Orr of Donovan; five grandchildren, Jake (Lacy) Raymer of Sheldon, Janet Raymer of Sheldon, Robyn (Andrew) Smith of Martinton, Kristyn Orr of Donovan, and Jodi (Ben) Thompson of Watseka; eight great grandchildren, Jordan, Jaxton, Sienna, Sophia, Konnor, Destani, Jessica, and Courtney; and one sister, Nancy (Gordon) Langellier of Watseka.

Mrs. Orr was an Iroquois-Concord Boosters 4-H leader and was also active with the Genealogical Society at the Old Court House Museum. She enjoyed helping her husband farm in the Watseka and Iroquois area for many years.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Wayne Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Dell Cemetery in Iroquois.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, September 24, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois County Genealogical Society or Iroquois County Historical Society.

Marjorie A. Dirks, 81, of Watseka

Marjorie A. Dirks, 81, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Faith Place in Danforth. She was born April 4, 1937 in Watseka, the daughter of Harold and LaVella Busing Sweeney and they preceded her in death. She married John W. Dirks on June 28, 1959 in Watseka and he also preceded her in death on May 15, 2011.

She is survived by three sons, Bill (Pam) Dirks of Watseka, Doug (Pam) Dirks of Watseka and Steven Dirks of Columbia, IL; one brother, Charles (Candy) Sweeney of Watseka; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; six step-great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Lucille Clark of Donovan and Paretta Dirks of Gilman.

Mrs. Dirks was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. She was a teacher for over 30 years in Watseka, Clifton and Donovan. Marjorie enjoyed knitting, quilting, bird watching and gardening.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral service on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. Rev. Donald Love will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Faith Place in Danforth, Alzheimer’s Association or Donor’s Choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Shirley C. Beam, 86, of Watseka

Shirley C. Beam, 86, of Watseka passed away on Monday, September 17, 2018 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Shirley was born August 8, 1932 in East Lynn, the daughter of Richard and Carol Cornell Camp. She married Harry E. Beam on October 13, 1951 in Hoopeston and he preceded her in death on May 15, 2013. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and two sisters; and one son, Edward.

She is survived by one son, Roger (Donna) Beam of Dadeville, AL; three daughters, Dawn (Mike) Garner of Watseka; Jo Ellyn (Terry) Pheifer of Crescent City, and Holly (Kelli) Beam of Orange City, FL; daughter-in-law, Marie Beam of Watseka; one half-sister, Jodi Barney of Westville; one half-brother, Franklin Camp of Westville; seven grandchildren, Jennipher (Todd) Pangle of Waupaco, WI, Kari (Roy) Scott of Almond, WI, Stacy Beam of Watseka, Ryan (Brittnee) Garner of Watseka, Samantha Garner of Sycamore, Alex Ulitzsch of Watseka, and Brandon Ulitzsch of Crescent City; seven step-grandchildren, Scott (Kim) Howell of Birmingham, AL, Todd (Tanya) Howell of Alexander City, AL, Joshua (Hali) Clark and Harlie Clark both of Alachua, FL, Todd (Christi) Pheifer of Crescent City, Stacy Pheifer of Hoopeston, and Christopher (Lindsay) Pheifer of Crescent City; six great-grandchildren; twelve step-great-grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter.

Mrs. Beam was a member of Pittwood Christian Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher for many years. She managed Girls Softball for many years and enjoyed bird watching, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Mark Bledsoe will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Dell Cemetery in Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Kankakee Valley Hospice, or donor’s choice.

Elsie E. Rascher, 94, of Cissna Park

Elsie E. Rascher, 94, of Cissna Park passed away on Monday, September 17, 2018 at Heritage Woods of Watseka. She was born January 28, 1924 in Paulding, OH, the daughter of Alfred and Mattie Rieches Dettmering. She married Walter Rascher on May 28, 1944 in Buckley and he preceded her in death on May 29, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Marvin; one sister, Gladys; and two sons-in-law, Robert McLaughlin and Jack Strawser.

She is survived by one son, Duane (Carlene) Rascher of Cissna Park; four daughters, Doris (George) Muench of Cissna Park, Elaine (Steve) Walther of Coon Rapids, MN, Donna Strawser of Gilman, and Ellen McLaughlin of Milford; one sister, Ida Rascher of Milford; one brother, Kenneth Dettmering of Buckley; one sister-in-law, Ruth Dettmering of Buckley; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Mrs. Rascher was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth.

Visitation will be from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 21, 2018 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth. Rev. Michael Stoerger will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth, St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Woodworth, or donor’s choice.

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

 

Christina M. Kincade, 39, of Watseka

Christina M. Kincade, 39, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born January 28, 1979 in Watseka, the daughter of Peggy Miller.

She married Forest Kincade in Watseka and he survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Shelby Ann Kincade and Sofie Grace Kincade both of Watseka; her mother, Peggy Hopkins of Watseka; two brothers, Tony (Tricia) Downs of Watseka and Scott (Chris) Flota of Watseka; one sister, Amy (Greg) Hiser of Lucas, KY; her mother-in-law, Janet Kincade of Watseka; and her father-in-law, William Kincade of Milford.

Christina loved to decorate her home, gardening and crafting. Her daughters were her passion.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the 12:00 pm funeral service on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Robert Sabo will officiate. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Memorials may be given towards a trust fund for her daughters.

Please share a memory of Christina at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Von Cile Schuit, 63, of Sheldon and formerly of Bayles Lake

Von Cile Schuit, 63, of Sheldon and formerly of Bayles Lake passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at her home in rural Sheldon. She was born on July 12, 1955 in Chicago, the daughter of Hugh C. and Jacqueline (Covert) Tripp. She married Nicholas Schuit in Alsip, IL on June 27, 1992 and he survives.

In addition to her husband, Nicholas Schuit, she is survived by one son, Carey D. (Jessica) Gorski of Wilmington, IL; one daughter, Olivia (Jake) Harms of Milford; one brother, Hugh (Joann) Tripp of Dyer, IN; and six grandchildren.

Von Cile was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Kit Grace Evans.

Mrs. Schuit was a member of Christian Life Church in Rantoul and the Piece Makers Quilt Club. She enjoyed quilting and spending time with her grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Private graveside services at Body Cemetery in Woodland will be held at a later date.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, September 21, 2018 at Christian Life Church in Rantoul, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice or to Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center.

Mary Etta Kingdon, 90, of Watseka

Mary Etta Kingdon, 90, of Watseka passed away on Monday, September 17, 2018 at her residence.

Mary Etta was born November 14, 1927 in Watseka, the daughter of Elmer and Vena Faupel Fry and they both preceded her in death. She married Lloyd Kingdon on April 3, 1948 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on March 11, 2012.

She is survived by four sons, Robert (Dorothy) Kingdon of Watseka, Ken Kingdon of Watseka, Brian Kingdon (special friend Kathy Lawrence) of Watseka, and Scott (Sarah) Kingdon of Watseka; one brother, Delmer (Bernie) Fry of Watseka; six grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

Mrs. Kingdon was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka and enjoyed traveling.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Robert Sabo will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Dell Cemetery in Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice in Watseka.

 

Esther L. Boyce, 91, of Cissna Park

Esther L. Boyce, 91, of Cissna Park passed away on Monday, September 10, 2018 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born July 13, 1927 in Lac Qui Parle Co., MN, the daughter of Jonas and Melinda Klinkkamer Onken. She married Vernon “Vic” Boyce on December 5, 1948 in Nassau, MN and he preceded her in death on September 26, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; four sisters; and one daughter, Amanda.

She is survived by three daughters, Marilyn (Rick) Holcomb of Northlake, TX, Carol (Thomas) Delaney of Las Vegas, NV and Lori Boice of Champaign; one son, Kevin (Diann) Boyce of Cissna Park; ten grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Boyce was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. She was a registered nurse at Hoopeston Hospital for over 30 years and enjoyed playing bridge, making doll clothes and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral service on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. Rev. Tim Hahn will officiate. Burial will follow in Amity Cemetery at Goodwine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Creekside Prairie in Cissna Park, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park or the Cissna Park Fire Department.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Please share a memory of Esther at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

Larry Lee Pray, 60, of Watseka

Larry Lee Pray, 60, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at his home. He was born October 23, 1957 in Watseka, the son of LaVerne and Anna F. Laney Pray and they preceded him in death in addition to three sisters, Thelma Gore, Doris Pray and Delores Pray.

He married Debbie Roth on September 14, 1985 in Watseka and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Clint Pray of Watseka; three sisters, Kathy (Lloyd) Hoover of Beaverville, Helen Ingram of Donovan and Pat Knapp of Tucson, AZ; brothers-in-law, Randy Roth of Woodland and Keith (Verna) Roth of Milford; sisters-in-law, Sandra (Shane) Harris of Watseka and Donna (Don) Bedeker of St. Anne; mother-in-law, JoAnn White of Watseka; and several step-brothers-in-law and step-sisters-in-law.

Mr. Pray served in the Air Force. He was a truck driver for A.B.F. for 19 years and was a member of Teamsters #710. Larry loved collecting train sets, fishing and hunting with his son, being outdoors, and his dogs, Tobie Two Toes and Louie Little Legs.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Bart Koester will officiate. Burial will be in Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, September 14, 2018 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Larry at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

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