Listeners Club

Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

Obituaries Archives for 2018-11

Michelle "Shelly" J. Menard, 61, of Clifton

Michelle “Shelly” J. Menard, 61, of Clifton passed away at her home on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. Shelly was born on May 28, 1957 in Chicago; the daughter of the late Harold J. and Mary Virginia (Draghi) Whynott. Shelly married Alan J. Menard in Ashkum on July 22, 1978; he preceded her in death on December 11, 1999. Shelly was the owner and operator of the WhyNot Stop in Clifton; outside of her work Shelly was very civic minded and was a long time supporter of the Clifton Fun Days. Shelly always loved spending time with and entertaining family and friends; always loving a reason to dress up she loved the holidays especially Halloween. Shelly always loved a good party and enjoyed dancing very much. Shelly was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Clifton.

Shelly is survived by her children: Jami (Steve Purvin) Menard of Chicago, Chad (Brittany Weber) Menard of Temecula, CA, Jace (Taylor Drez) Menard of Oceanside, CA, her brother Rick (Sandy Donnelly) Whynott of Chebanse, father-in-law Edmund Menard of Manteno, sister-in-law Brenda (Greg) Yohnka of Clifton, brother-in-law Carl (Sandi) Menard of Flint, MI, four nieces: Casey (David Thomsen) Whynott of Aroma Park, Nicole Whynott of Littleton, CO, Elizabeth (David) Ferguson of Clifton, Amanda Menard of Flint, MI, two nephews Austin (Erin Huddleston) Yohnka of Nashville, TN, and Lance Menard of Rochester Hills, MI.

Shelly was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law Bernice Menard, her maternal and paternal grandparents, and one niece.

The family will receive guests at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Monday, December 3, from 5-8 pm. A funeral mass celebrated by Rev. Doug Hauber will be on Tuesday, December 4, at 10 am at St. Peter Catholic Church in Clifton. Burial will follow at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.

Shelly’s family would like to give a special thank you to her wonderful friends and caretakers: Cathy Dundas, Julie Phelps, Deidre Deany, Brenda Cordes, Dorcilla Schoolman, Lori Riebe, Mike Hull, Kay Movern, Renee Mathy, Karie Frake, Lee Anne Gilbert, and Eileen Boudreau.

Those who wish are encouraged to leave memorials in Shelly’s name to the Kankakee Valley Hospice.

Russel James Sadler, 91, of Chebanse

Russel James Sadler, 91, of Chebanse passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Merkle Knipprath Nursing Home. Russel was born on June 3, 1927 in Chebanse; the son of the late William and Hilda (Koerner) Sadler. Russel married Elinor Jane Bellee in Chebanse on July 1, 1950; she preceded him in death on January 3, 2008. Russel proudly served our country in the Navy during WWII; after his service to our country he worked for Roper for many years. During his leisure time Russel enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, was a member of the Otto Township Fire Department for 25 years, a member of VFW Post 2131, a longtime volunteer at Evergreen Cemetery, was a member of St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, enjoyed woodworking and carpentry building several houses in Chebanse, and mostly spending time with his family and friends.

Russel is survived by his daughters; Jody (Robert Duis) Lafond of Grant Park, Cris (Daniel “Bo”) Perkinson of Piper City, Terri (Thomas) Koronkowski of Limestone, his grandchildren Mandy; (Patrick) McNeely, Jerod (Jessica) Lafond, Nicholas (Kelly Hogan) Sadler, Ryan Koronkowski, and Sara Koronkowski, his great grandchildren; Ethan and Carson McNeely, a brother Laverne Sadler of Morocco, IN, a longtime friend Melba Meier, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Russel was also preceded in death by 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

The family will receive guests at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Friday, November 30, from 4-7 pm. A funeral mass celebrated by Rev. Doug Hauber will be held on Saturday, December 1, at 11 am at Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Chebanse.

In honor of Russel’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded followed by an inurnment at a later date.

Richard "Rick" L. Jessie, 61, of Milford

Richard “Rick” L. Jessie, 61, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born November 2, 1957 in Iroquois, the son of George and Betty (Brady) Jessie and they preceded him in death in addition to one brother, Jeff and one sister, Sheryl Jessie.

He married Janice Savoree on December 15, 1979 in Gulfport, MS and she survives. He is also survived by two sons, Tracy (Susan) Jessie of Milford and Joseph Jessie of Milford; two daughters, Nechole (Dean) Fisk of Milford and Tasha Bowling of Florida; three sisters, Sharon (William) Clay of Kentland, IN, Marie Lewis of Watseka and Brenda Jessie of Watseka; five brothers, Robert (Sally) Jessie of Vineland, NJ, Donald (Vicki) Jessie of Martinton, James (Lisa) Jessie of Watseka, Michael (Tammy) Jessie of Shipshewana, IN and Timmy (Denise) Jessie of Lafayette, IN; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Rick worked in construction for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, playing cards with his sisters, and also enjoyed when family and friends stopped to visit.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service on Monday, December 3, 2018 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon. Joe Hughes will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Dell Cemetery in Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Rick at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jennie Marie Torbet age 89 of Milford

ennie Marie Torbet age 89 of Milford passed on to the loving arms of her Savior on November 23 , 2018 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston, IL. Jennie was born August 11, 1929 in Milford the daughter of Eric and Ruth (Newman) Johnson. She married Bernard R Torbet in Watseka on January 31, 1948 and they were married 65 years. She is survived by their 4 children: Stephen (Diana) of Rossville, IL, Larry (Vicki) of Clarklake, MI, Charles (Debbie) of Milford, IL and Ruthanna (John) Dougherty of Cortez, CO.

Also surviving are her grandchildren Angela Cruppenink of Danville, IL, Heather (Tim) Lehman of Shannon, IL, Jerry Torbet of St. Louis, MO, Kory (Carmen) Torbet of Homer, MI, James (Jennie) Torbet of Dowagiac, MI, Robert Torbet of Elkhart, IN, Alan Torbet of Milford, IL, Monica (Ed) Davenport of Puyallup, WA, Christina (Matt) Saunders of Auburn, MI, Amy Dougherty and fiancé Hunter Cridelich of Reedsburg, WI and a step granddaughter Emmy (Gabe) Combs of Greenville, NC.

Also surviving Jennie are her brother, Robert Johnson of Watseka, IL and sister Sue Constant of Morrow, OH, several nieces and nephews and a special niece, Vicki Tempel of Pesotum, IL. She had 14 great grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Kirby Torbet and sister Shelby Jean (Jackie) Mercer of Ohio.

Jennie was a member of Milford Christian Church for 56 years. She was a bookkeeper at Howard Industries, Crows, and the Ford Garage.

Jennie loved to work with her hands. She would always have a project going. She made many quilts and cross stitch items over the years which are cherished by all. She loved to read and listen to gospel music. She also loved flowers and always had lots of them inside and outside to enjoy.

Services will be on Friday November 30, 2018 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford with visitation from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00. Pastor Tim Lehman and Pastor Brent Zastrow will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials can be made to the Milford Christian Church of which she was a longtime member.

Lorraine M. Tobeck, 88, of Watseka

Lorraine M. Tobeck, 88, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at her home in Watseka. She was born on April 30, 1930 in Woodland, the daughter of Timothy and Vergil (Bookless) Sullivan. She married Raymond H. Tobeck in Woodworth on May 20, 1950 and he preceded her in death on August 14, 2008. In addition to her husband and parents, Lorraine was preceded in death by one brother, Lawrence Sullivan.

Surviving are four children, Sheila Tobeck-Mastin of Watseka, Timothy (Barbara) Tobeck of Magnolia, TX, Marijo (Michael) Stevenson of Kankakee, and Gloria (Rick) Sims of Seneca, IL; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two step grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; one step great-great grandchild; one brother in law; and three sisters in law.

Mrs. Tobeck loved spending time with her family. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka and before that was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hoopeston where she taught Sunday School and served as the church secretary. In her early years after high school she worked as a telephone operator. Lorraine was employed at Hoopeston Hospital for thirty-five years. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am on Friday, November 30, 2018 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. Rev. G. Robert Heimgartner will officiate. Burial will follow at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.
Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, Calvary Lutheran Pre-School, or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Lorraine at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

Wayne W. Hickman Jr., 78, of Watseka

Wayne W. Hickman Jr., 78, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at Sheldon Healthcare Center. He was born June 22, 1940 in Rensselaer, IN, the son of Wayne W. and Elizabeth K. (Polen) Hickman Sr. and they preceded him in death. Wayne married Elaine M. Easter in Iroquois on June 24, 1962 and she survives.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Wayne (Tammy) Hickman III of Watseka, and Rob (Michelle) Hickman of Watseka; two grandchildren, Zachary and Vanysah; one step-granddaughter, Ashley Hall; one step-great-granddaughter, Eden Felts; and one sister Patricia (Bill) Tucker of Watseka.

Wayne worked at Iroquois Insurance for many years as a stockbroker and financial advisor. He loved bowling, fishing, and woodworking. Wayne was also the 1958 Iroquois County Pole Vault Champion.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral service will be held Thursday, November 29 at 10:30 a.m., also at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Robert Sabo will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lewy Body Dementia or Iroquois Memorial Hospice. 

Charles F. Knapp, 97, formerly of Rankin, Hoopeston, and Bloomington

Charles F. Knapp, 97, formerly of Rankin, Hoopeston, and Bloomington passed away on November 25, 2018 at Meadows Mennonite Nursing Home in Chenoa, IL. He was born on July 4, 1921 in East Lynn a son of Adam J. and Elizabeth A. Frank Knapp. Charles married Jeanne H. Maxwell on December 12, 1943 in Little Rock, AR and she preceded him in death on November 23, 2009.

Survivors include two sons, Vernon (Kathie) Knapp of Cottonwood, AZ and Donald (Pamela) Knapp of La Cañada Flintridge, CA; three grandchildren, Meghan, Christopher, and Justin; one brother and four sister in laws, Wayne (Delores) Knapp of Watseka, Doris Knapp of Cissna Park, Mary Knapp and Verena Knapp of Bloomington; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Fred; three brothers, Melvin, Earl, and Ralph Knapp; and one sister, Alma Dreyer.

Charles was a very busy auctioneer with 2,045 sales in forty four years. He was also a real estate broker and appraiser for thirty eight years as well as farmed for forty one years. He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church, attended the Burden Country School, took courses at Danville Area Community College, attended seminars in Chicago and Indiana University and the school of auctioneering at Mason City, IA. Charles was a life member of the Masonic Star Lodge #709 in Hoopeston, a twelve year member of Rankin High School Board, Past President and Director of Iroquois-Ford Board of Realtors, Past President of the Illinois State Auctioneers Association and member for forty five years, realtor and farm appraiser for twenty five years, and sold three weekly livestock sales for thirty five years. He also auctioneered at a monthly horse and pony sale for twenty years. After his retirement at the age of 75, Charles and Jeanne spent winters in Arizona and California near their three sons.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday December 1, 2018 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park with ministers of the church officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Nancy K. Dickenson, 76, of Crescent City

Nancy K. Dickenson, 76, of Crescent City passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She was born October 15, 1942, the daughter of Fred C. and Marjorie L. (Lester) Morrison and they preceded her in death. Nancy married Gene Dickenson in Onarga, on August 24, 1963 and he survives.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Tyler (Catherine) Dickenson of Waxhaw, NC; one sister, Jo Ann Morrison of Crescent City; and two grandchildren, Delaney and Kellen Dickenson.

Nancy was a 1960 graduate of Crescent-Iroquois High School. She attended Silver Cross Nursing School in Joliet and later was employed at Iroquois Memorial Hospital for over 4o years, retiring in 2004. Mrs. Dickenson was a member of the Crescent City Methodist Church. She enjoyed gardening, her pets, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., also at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will follow the service at Flesher Cemetery in Crescent City.

Memorials may be made out to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Terry Allen, 63, of Sheldon

Terry Allen, 63, of Sheldon, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at his home.

He was born on January 16, 1955 in Watseka, Illinois, the son of Melvin Allen and Helen (Marsh) Allen.

Terry was a mechanic for Wagner’s. He enjoyed working on older machines in his spare time.

Surviving Mr. Allen is his daughters, Melinda (Chris) LePretre of Orland Park, IL, and Danielle (Ryan) Bowman of Lebanon, IN; brother, Larry (Rosie) Allen of Woodland, IL; sister, Peggy (Fred) Hill of Danville, IL; significant other, Lynn Kirland of Sheldon, IL; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He is also preceded in death by both his parents.

A Gathering of Friends will take place on Monday, November 19, 2018 from 4-6pm, at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL, with a Memorial Service to follow at 6:00 pm. Pastor Joseph Hughes will officiate.

Sharon Gerber, 82, Martinton

Sharon Gerber, 82, Martinton, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2018.

She was born July 21, 1936 in Belmont Township in a farm house, the daughter of Mearl Eckstein and Florence (Leveque) Eckstein.

Sharon married Robert Gerber on October 13, 1956 at the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka, IL. He preceded her in passing April 11, 2014.

Mrs. Gerber ran a license Day Care from home from 1983 until 2016. Sang in the Watseka Cantata from 1988 until 2016, worked at Radio Condensor/TRW for ten years, Watseka McDonald’s for nine years, sang in Prairie Singers for five years, and Hardee’s for four years. She was a member of the Donovan Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School for twenty-nine years, youth group assistant for six years, first woman to serve communion in the church, on the church board as a treasurer for twenty-six years, song leader for the last five years until the church closed and then sold in October of 2011. She later became a member of the Methodist Church of Christ in Donovan, IL. Sharon was also a member of the Tender Loving Karegiver of Our Young Day Care, Watseka Day Care Association, and Watseka “Share” Program. Her hobbies included doing word books, reading, being outside, working with children, being with family and friends, baking, canning, gardening, and playing the organ.

Surviving Mrs. Gerber is sons, Daniel (Diane) Gerber of Manteno, IL, Joseph (Penny) Gerber of Watseka, and Retired Captain Steven (Jenny) Gerber of Waverly, TN; daughter, Susan Gerber of Watseka; sister-in-law, Jean Yates of Watseka; sister, Nancy Leach of Fresno, CA; grandchildren, Scott Neff of Watseka, Shawn (Alyssa Hanford) Neff of Lafayette, IN, Stephanie and Sydney Gerber of Louisville, KY; step-grandchildren, Wesley and Cobie Turpin of Waverly, TN, Keisha Winding of Mansfield, Texas, Jeremy (Kim) Aldridge of Bradley, and Aaron Farley of Manteno; great-grandchildren, Scott Neff of Watseka and Brooke Neff of Lafayette, IN’ step-great-grandchildren, Clayton, Ayden, Skyler, Ryder, Lilly Aldridge of Bradley, IL and several nieces and nephews.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Beverly Eckstein; brother-in-law, Jerry Leach; and twin nephews, Ricky and Richard Ritter

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 from 4-7pm, at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL.

Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 11:00 am, at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL. A one hour visitation will take place prior to services. Pastor Robert Sabo will officiate.

Burial will take place at Iroquois Memorial Park Cemetery in Watseka, IL

Barbara H. Hillary, 92, of Watseka

Barbara H. Hillary, 92, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born February 11, 1926 in Chicago Heights, the daughter of Earl and Helen Talbert Hurt. She married Howard Hillary on November 9, 1957 in Kentland, IN and he preceded her in death on August 6, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Marge Jones; and one son, Bobby Thornburg.

She is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Thornburg (Victoria Goller) of Watseka, Donna (Greg) Crouch of Milford and Bonnie Thornburg (Sonja Strahl) of Iroquois; three grandchildren, Dustin McCullough of Alabama, Darci (Erik) Thordarson of Indiana and Danielle (Ross) Huntley of Indiana; five great-grandchildren, Paityn, Ainsleygrace & Emery Thordarson and Asher & Keaton Huntley; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Hillary was a member of the Watseka Rebecca Lodge and Watseka V.F.W. She worked in the nursery at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka for 18 years. Barbara enjoyed baking, sewing, quilting, playing cards and Bingo, watching Wheel of Fortune, and spending time with her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 12:00 pm funeral service on Friday, November 16, 2018 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Ryan Mustered will officiate. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Iroquois Resident Home or the Donor’s Choice.

Daryl "Popcorn" Thada, 59, of Cissna Park

Daryl “Popcorn” Thada, 59, of Cissna Park passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on November 18, 1958 in Belmond, Iowa, the son of Dean and Alvira (Meinders) Thada and they preceded him in death, along with his mother-in-law, Doloris Luhrsen. Daryl married Bobbi Luhrsen at Ash Grove on September 3, 1988 and she survives.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Mike (Joey) Fisher of Peru; one daughter, Erica (Jason) Rayfield of Cissna Park; one brother, Byron (Karen) Thada of Crawfordsville, Indiana; one sister, Diane (Dan) Schultz of Clear Lake, Iowa; four grandchildren, Kayla Fisher, Jack Wessels, and Justin and Jamie Rayfield; and his father-in-law, Bob Luhrsen of Cissna Park.

Daryl was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. He enjoyed gardening, was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan, and loved spending time with his grandkids. He was employed in the agriculture industry for many years and most recently was employed by Greene Galvanized Stairs in East Lynn.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, November 9, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. Rev. Tim Hahn will officiate. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Cissna Park Fire Department or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Homes in Cissna Park. 

David A. Meyer, 55, a lifelong resident of Gilman

David A. Meyer, 55, a lifelong resident of Gilman, Illinois passed away at 10:29 A.M., Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at the Iroquois Memorial Emergency Room in Watseka, Illinois following a sudden illness. His funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 5, 2018 at the Danforth Reformed Church in Danforth, Illinois with Rev. Donald J. MacDonald III officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M., Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Memorials may be made to the Donor's Choice.

David was born on June 22, 1963 in Fairbury, Illinois to Arnold Meyer and Doris Finckbone. His mother Patricia Louise (Zirkle) Meyer raised him from an early childhood. His childhood was spent in Gilman and he graduated from the last class of Gilman High School in 1981.

He married Rhonda R. Hall on September 10, 1994 in Watseka. She survives.
David is also survived by his children Aimee Meyer of South Bend, Indiana; Zak (Brittany) Trumann of Sanford, Florida; Morgan Essington of Kankakee, Illinois; Dani Meyer of Gilman, two grandsons Logan Trainor and Wyatt Trumann, his father Arnold Meyer of Gilman, mother Doris Lavender of Watseka and his siblings Jim (Melissa) Meyer of Danforth, Robert (Kimberly) Meyer of Phoenix, Arizona; Paul Meyer of Pontiac, Illinois and Sandi (Marty) Weaver of Gilman. David was preceded in death by his mother Patricia Meyer, a sister Lori Ann Meyer and a brother Earl Thomas Meyer.

He attended the Danforth Reformed Church.
David owned and operated Dave's Carpentry and was the General Contractor.
He had been a member of the Iroquois Highlife Pool League. He was an avid card player and enjoyed shooting pool, cooking, gardening, canning, watching the Cubs and loved his German Shepherds.

On Air Now

Regular Programming
6:00pm - 12:00am
Regular Programming

Listen on Alexa

Facebook

Weather