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Obituaries Archives for 2019-07

Randall Glen Garrett, 70, of Milford

Randall Glen Garrett, 70, of Milford passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at his home. He was born April 18, 1949 in Byrdstown, TN, the son of Arthur and Jane (Neal) Garrett and they preceded him in death in addition to two brothers, four sisters and one son, Ernie.

He married Anna “Dids” Bryant on April 10, 1969 in Milford and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Quinton Q. Garrett of Milford; one brother, Leslie (Bonnie) Garrett of Smyrna, TN; one sister, Aleta Cain of Brentwood, CA; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Garrett served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion in Rossville. He worked at FMC for 20 years. Glen enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and any challenge to fix things that didn’t work.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the Milford Christian Church. Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Milford Christian Church.

Memorials may be made to the Glen Garrett Memorial Fund or Donor’s Choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Catherine Buhrmester, 56, of Watseka

Catherine Buhrmester, 56, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born December 28, 1962 in Kankakee, the daughter of James and Sandra (Donaldson) Warner and they preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death, two brothers, James Warner and Stacey Warner; one sister-in-law, Katherine Warner; her grandmother, Darlene Donaldson; one son, Dean Buhrmester; and one daughter, Rebecca Buhrmester.

Catherine married Gary Buhrmester at Milford Christian Church on August 24, 2001 and he survives. In addition to her husband, Catherine is survived by four daughters, Christine Farahs of Gardner, Jammie (Roger) Brys of Watseka, Missy Buhrmester of Momence, and Breanna (Paulo Lara) Buhrmester of Donna, TX; one son, Steven Buhrmester of Seattle, WA; one sister, Shaunda Jenkins of Hobbs, NM; one brother, Brian Warner of Hobbs, NM; 5 grandchildren, Johnathan Buhrmester, Patrick Farahs, Meghan Buhrmester, Amaya Buhrmester, and Hazel Lara; one great grandson, Oliver; two uncles, Carl Donaldson of AL and Charlie Donaldson of Rockford; six aunts, Toyna Sarcent of Cissna Park, Sharon Stalnecker of Kankakee, Mary Klonowski of Danforth, Carlene Jester of OK, Donna Montague of Bradley, and Lois McFaren of FL; special friends, Tammy Kilgore, Don Breky, “Gump”, and Gwen Childress; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Buhrmester loved her grandchildren, making jewelry, listening to music, playing her Nintendo DS, watching scary movies, shopping, cooking, and baking.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Family’s Wishes. 

Richard C. Knol, 87, of Watseka

Richard C. Knol, 87, of Watseka passed away on Friday, July 19, 2019 at his home in Watseka. He was born July 8, 1932 in Chicago, the son of Cornelius and Nellie (Tuitman) Knol and they preceded him in death. Rich married Marlene Frederick in Chicago on February 8, 1958 and she preceded him in death on May 27, 1999.

Rich is survived by three sons, Thomas (Laura) Knol of Manteno, Daniel Knol of Crown Point, and Andrew (Candi) Knol of Lowell, IN; one daughter, Carrie (Jake) Schroeder of Watseka; fourteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two sisters, Mildred Peterson of Minnesota and Dorothy Rex of Tennessee; and one brother, Robert (Maggie) Knol of California.

Rich graduated high school at Pullman Tech in Chicago. He served in the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War and was later a design engineer at International Harvester for many years. Rich enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family. He was a loving father, a man of strong faith, and was always willing to help others.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Jack McCormick will officiate. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chicago.

Memorials may be made to Youth for Christ. 

Gordon E. Winger, 84, of Cissna Park

Gordon E. Winger, 84, of Cissna Park passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Faith Place in Danforth. He was born January 28, 1935 in Cissna Park, the son of George A. and Gladys K. (Hari) Winger and they preceded him in death. Gordon married Aldine Young in Cissna Park on June 28, 1959 and she survives.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Guy (Sarah) Winger of Cissna Park and Gil (Anita) Winger of Bloomington; one daughter, Abby (Bud) Petry of Cissna Park; three sisters, Irma Jean Knapp, Lila Winger, and Marilyn Winger all of Cissna Park; seven grandchildren; and one great grandson.

Gordon served in the United States Marines during the Korean War. He later worked at Uarco as a pressman from 1954 – 1994. Mr. Winger attended the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, traveling, and loved the outdoors.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park. Tom Stock will officiate. Burial will follow the service at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, or Iroquois Memorial Hospice. 

Marvin Perzee 76 of Ashkum

Marvin E. Perzee, 76, of Ashkum passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born October 9, 1942 in Watseka, the son of Nellie (Koets) Perzee. He was preceded in death by his mother; one brother, Wendell Perzee; one daughter, Karen Cox; one grandson, Zachary Rabideau; and one niece, Alana Perzee.

He married Sharon K. Durst on September 21, 1979 in Danville and she survives. Also surviving are two brothers, Merle Perzee of Danforth and Wayne (Cheryl) Perzee of Olathe, Kansas; one daughter, Kim (Robert) Rabideau of Clifton; one son-in-law, Kevin Cox of Bloomington; grandchildren, Quentin (Christy) Rabideau, Alex and Sean Rabideau, Jeremy Giles, Cory (Marisa) Giles, and Noah, Annalise and Conner Cox; great-grandchildren, Camden and Grayson Rabideau, Amina, North and Ani Rabideau, and Cillian Giles; and nieces and nephews, Chrissy (Kevin) Marose and Aaron Perzee.

Marvin was a member of many professional organizations and received several awards and honors including: in 1963, American Farmer Degree – FFA; 1963-1969, Army Reserves; 1963-1992, Iroquois County Republican Precinct Committeeman and Chairman for 14 years; 1965 to present, leader of the Ashkum Chargers 4-H Club; 1965 to present, served on the Board of Directors of the Iroquois County Agricultural and 4-H Fairs Association and was elected President in 1973 and then assumed the role of Vice-President in 2019; 1968 to present, member of Elks Club, Moose Club, American Hampshire Sheep Association and Farm Bureau; 1971-1981, member of Iroquois County Extension Youth Council; 1971, Vice-Chairman American National Red Cross Fund Campaign; 1973, Outstanding Young Farmer Award recipient – Illinois Jaycees; 1974, appeared in Awards Volume of Outstanding Young Men of America; 1979 to present, member of Legislative Committee for the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs and Chairman for 40 years; 1979-present, Vice-President of Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Association – Northern District; 1979-1984, member of Department of Agriculture Advisory Board; 1980, recipient of the Iroquois County Extension Council Alumni award for distinguished service; 1982-1983, President of Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Association- Northern District; 1983-1984, member of Advisory Board for Division of Fairs and Horse Racing; 1984-1989, Director of Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs; 1984, recipient of Department of Agriculture, Fairman of the Year Award; 1990-1998, appointed to the State Fair Advisory Board; 1990-1991, President of Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs; 1992-1996, Director at Large of Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs; 1999, Prairie Farmer – Master Farmer Award; 1999-2003, appointed to Attorney General Jim Ryan’s Advisory Board; 2005, Watseka Times Republic – Lifetime Achievement Award; 2006, Kankakee Daily Journal – Farm Family of the Year Award; 2007, inducted into the University of Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame; 2014, Certificate of Appreciation – OPTIONS Center for Independent Living; 2014 to present, State of Illinois Advisory Board Carnival Safety Board; and 2019, Recognition of Service to Fair Industry From Illinois House and Senate.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until the 5:00 p.m. funeral service on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds 4-H Building, north of Crescent City. Visitation will also resume after the funeral service. Pastor Don Gillespie will officiate. Burial will be on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the Danforth Reformed Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Iroquois County Fair.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Marvin at knappfuneralhomes.com

Dale Louis Cupples, 76, of Piper City

Dale Louis Cupples, 76, of Piper City passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Dale was born November 4, 1942 in Ottawa, IL, the son of Roy and Eva (Oster) Cupples. He married Barbara Jean Bacon on February 13, 1965 in Jacksonville and she preceded him in death on August 4, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Phyllis, Marilyn, and Janet; and twin grandchildren, Alexandra and Olivia.

He is survived by one daughter, Cassandra Lea Cupples of Naalehu, HI and one son, Brian Alan (Elisa) Cupples of Normal; three sisters, Carol Mardis of Fayette, AL, Jean Petersen of Wilmington and Sharon Cottingham of Streator; one brother, Don (Rosemary) Cupples of Wilmington; and four grandchildren, Brady, Shea, Tanner, and Reanne.

Dale was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend to many. Mr. Cupples taught Social Studies in Piper City, Ford Central, and Tri-Point school districts for 43 years. He was a member of and inducted into the IBCA (Illinois Basketball Coaches Association) Hall of Fame. He was very well respected in the coaching community. Dale was a Green Bay Packers fan, Chicago White Sox fan, loved fishing and Indy Car Racing, and most of all loved his children and grandchildren. Mr. Cupples enjoyed his small town community and was very proud of that.

On Sunday, July 21, 2019 at the Piper City Gymnasium, a memorial service will take place from 2:30-3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Reception will be immediately following from 3:00-6:00 pm.

The Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman is in charge of arrangements.

Gerald G. (Gerry) Frerichs, 65, of Danforth

Gerald G. (Gerry) Frerichs, 65, of Danforth, Illinois passed away on July 10, 2019. Gerry was born on January 22, 1954 the son of Glenn Alger and Mary Ann (Zillins) Frerichs. They preceded him in death. His grandparents, Alger and Gertie (Muller) Frerichs and Frank and Florence (Schriefer) Zillins also preceded him in death.

He will be fondly and forever missed by his sister, Linda Harrison Meister of Aspen, Colorado, her husband Jerome Meister and their daughter Jessica Leanne. Gerry is also survived by his nephew, with whom he had a very special relationship. Gerry considered him more of a son than his nephew and shared many amazing adventures with him throughout the years. Gerald is also survived by Chris’s sons Tate and Roland Harrison, his aunts and uncles, Robert and Shirley (Zillins) Short of Onarga and Bud and Marion (Schuler) Zillins of Michigan and many cousins.

Gerry survived a devastating truck accident in 1978 which left him physically disabled. His strong will triumphed over many complications and diverse obstacles during his life. Though in constant pain, Gerry maintained his remarkable sense of humor and keen wit, never complaining about his crippling afflictions.

Gerald grew up and attended schools in Danforth and Gilman. He loved wildlife and set aside a large pastureland with trees and shrubs as well as CRP land for their protection. He had several special dogs with whom he shared life on the farm. Gerry enjoyed raising livestock and talking and joking with his neighbors and many friends. He was an amazing conversationalist.

Ron and Sharon Henrichs along with their extended family befriended and helped Gerry especially after he became too disabled to drive or run errands for himself. Gerald also wanted to acknowledge his gratitude to everyone else who helped him during those difficult days, including the caring people at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth and his close friends.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Private grave side services will be held at the Danforth Cemetery at a later date per his wishes. 

Nona "Nonie" Lee (Nordmeyer) Lund, 82, of Watseka

Nona “Nonie” Lee (Nordmeyer) Lund, 82, of Watseka entered her eternal home with her Lord on Saturday, July 13, 2019.

Visitation will be 10a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 16, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. A funeral service will follow. Rev. Kene Whybrew will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.

Nonie was born December 3, 1936, in Kankakee, the daughter of Clarence and Minnie (Treptow) Nordmeyer of Chebanse. She married Charles Brough in July, 1955, in Chebanse. They had two children, Lori (Eric “Rick”) Shule of Ashkum, and Lon (Sharon) Brough, of Clifton, who survive. In 1974 she married Carl Fortino who died in 1981. She married Richard Lund in 1984 and he died in 1998.

Also surviving are six grandchildren: Aimee (Greg) Chandler of Onarga; Aaron (Erica) Shule and Adam (Kendra) Shule, of Ashkum; Allie Cailteux of Atlanta, Georgia; Whitney (Joseph) Kieca of Batavia; and Austin (Jessica) Brough of Mahomet. Greatgrandchildren include: Addyson, Aubrey, and Nathan Chandler of Onarga; Landon, Brady, Carter, Myles, Declan, Aiden, and Kane Shule of Ashkum, and another greatgrandchild due in December.

Nonie was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Eugene “Scooter” Nordmeyer.

Nonie was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Chebanse. She was a beloved waitress at Redwood Inn, Kankakee, for more than 25 years and arranged flowers at the Flower Shak in Watseka for nearly 20 years. Nonie loved garage sales and auctions. She loved traveling and especially enjoyed a week every summer in Chetek, WI, with family.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Chebanse; Kankakee Valley Hospice; the Ashkum Lions Club, or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Lewis J. Fritch Sr., 76, of Wellington

Lewis J. Fritch Sr., 76, of Wellington passed away on Monday, July 8, 2019 at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living. He was born on February 8, 1943 in Watseka, the son of Harold and Ervaline (Wells) Fritch. He married Gloria J. Henry in Milford on October 10, 1964 and she survives. In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by one sister, Donna Moore.

Along with his wife, Gloria Fritch, he is survived by two daughters, Pamela (Pete) Ellsworth of Clinton and Cynthia (Pete) Neal of Hoopeston; one son, Lewis “Jim” (Jeannie) Fritch Jr. of Milford; one sister, Judith Lynch of Watseka; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Fritch served in the United States Army in Germany in the Big Red One Division. He was a retired press operator.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Cremation rites have been accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Memorials may be made to The Arc of Iroquois County.

Richard E. Price, "Dick", 81, of Danforth

Richard E. Price, “Dick”, 81, of Danforth, IL. passed away at his home on July 6, 2019.

Dick was born on June 27, 1938 in East Peoria, IL, the oldest child of Perry and Edna (Grider) Price. They preceded him in death.

He attended school in East Peoria until the age of 7, when he and his family moved to Onarga, IL. He then attended Onarga schools and graduated from Onarga High School, where he was a proud member of the football team. Dick was very proud of the education he was provided in Onarga and attended every Alumni celebration and class reunion that he could.

He married Mary M. Henrichs on August 10, 1955, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Danforth, IL. They were married for 43 years prior to her passing on May 29, 1998.

Dick is survived by two sons, Dean Price of Onarga, IL and Dale Price of Dixon, IL and two
daughters and sons in law, Kelly and Bud Lewis of Daytona Beach, FL and Kimberly and Glenn Miller II of Paxton IL. Grandchildren include Emily and Kyle Drake and Heith and Lisa Price, all of Charleston, IL., Kira and David Ebert of Onarga, IL, Kyle Miller of Chatham, IL, and Alex Price of Dixon, IL. His great-grandchildren include Lexy and Gavin Drake and Alli, Ella and Cale Price, all of Charleston, IL and Kinze Ebert of Onarga, IL. Dick is also survived by his brother and sister in law Bill and Debbie Price of Onarga, IL and his sister and brother in law Joan and Ron Thomas of Webster, FL. He is also survived by his dear friends, Barbara Hoy of Onarga, IL, Rod Read of Danforth, IL. and Joe Mathy of Clifton, IL, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dick worked for his father in the family business, Price’s Tree Service, for many years, prior to becoming owner of the company.

In 1981, he and Joe Mathy became the Sheriff/Undersheriff duo in Iroquois County, roles they held together for 20 years until Dick’s retirement in 2001. The two were very proud to be successfully re-elected for 4 terms in their tenure together. A great friendship was born between these two men through this career. He always said that those 20 years were some of the best years of his life and he was proud to have served the people of Iroquois County.

Dick was a member of the Iroquois County Merit Board and was the Mayor of Danforth for many years. He was very proud of the Danforth Centennial celebration that was held under his direction as Mayor. Through this, the town of Danforth was able to establish the Danforth Centennial Park, where Dick was able to enjoy watching his granddaughter Kira play softball for many years. He coached baseball for his sons and many football and baseball games were played in his large front yard for anyone in town who wished to join in.

Annual family fishing trips were one of his greatest joys. He planned these trips to the greatest of detail and enjoyed his time spent with Dean, Emily, Heith, and his great-grandchildren. Dick was also a member of the Danforth Sportsman Club where he was a director trustee for the past 10 years.

Dick enjoyed traveling and visited many wonderful places. Many memorable vacations were had and he planned an agenda for each day. He enjoyed taking Kira and Kyle to Disney World, carrying on a tradition his parents did with their grandchildren. He enjoyed being a “snowbird” in Florida with Barb and spending time with Kelly and Bud. He also enjoyed his “Bucket List trip” to Gettsyburg, PA with Kim and Kyle. Glenn was his personal “tech guy” and could fix anything he needed and taught him so much about computers and his television. One of his greatest joys was sitting outside in his “Man Cave”, enjoying his life, tinkering around, reminiscing about “the good old days” and drinking a cold beer with his best friend Rod Read. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his great granddaughter Kinze and watching her grow. He was an amazing “Big Papa” to her.

Dad sustained a massive heart attack at the young age of 39, and from that day forward lived every day to the fullest. He was fortunate to be surrounded by a community of loving, giving, caring people who helped fulfill his wishes of living his life to the fullest in the home that he and Mary created together to raise their family.

Dick was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan and was thrilled to see the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

Visitation for Dick will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 4pm to 8pm at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga, IL. Visitation will also be held 1 hour prior to his services on Thursday at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at 1pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Danforth, IL, with Pastors Duane Marburger and Neil Larimore officiating.

He will be laid to rest at the Danforth Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Heith Price, Kyle Miller, David Ebert, Kyle Drake, Matt Price, Steve Warns, Vic Hari and Rod Read.

Honorary pallbearers include Joe Mathy, Nita Dubble, Bonnie McWhood, Randy Rabe, Bob
Soucie and Mike Shackleford.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Danforth Sportsman Club, or in lieu of donations, please take a child fishing for a day in his honor.

Mary Louise Gudeman, 76 of Bourbonnais

Mary Louise Gudeman, 76 of Bourbonnais passed away on July 5, 2019 at her home. She was born on November 3, 1942 in Cissna Park, IL a daughter of Leonard W. and Louise A. Rudin Gudeman. Survivors include seven sisters, Sarah (George Jr) Melton of Peoria; Esther Andreas of Bourbonnais; Judy Edelman of Onarga; Edna (Jerry) Cluver of Cissna Park; Leah Joy (Lyle) Oberg of Cottonwood, AZ; B. Jean Robra of Norden, Germany; and Aldine (Scott) Blunier of Brazil; five brothers, Charles Gudeman of Columbia Falls, MT; John (Sandy) Gudeman of Wildwood, MO; Alfred Gudeman of San Diego, CA; Dan (Myrna) Gudeman of Florence, OR; and David (Debbie) Gudeman of Watseka. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Joseph and Samuel Gudeman; one brother in law, Paul Andreas; one nephew and one niece.

Mary attended First Christian Church in Watseka and was a care giver to many area people. She enjoyed reading, embroidering, and spending time with her family.

Funeral services will held on Tuesday July 9, 2019 at 11:30 am at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Silas Montgomery officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in the Cissna Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois County Historical Society.

 

Joann "Jo" Yarneau, 77, of Watseka

Joann “Jo” Yarneau, 77, of Watseka, IL, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019.
She was born April 26, 1942 in Kankakee, IL, the daughter of Clifford Cyrier and Ruth (Boone) Cyrier.
Joann married Robert “Bob” Yarneau on July 15, 1972 at the St. Anne Catholic Church.
Mrs. Yarneau was a Teacher’s Assistant at the Watseka Highschool for Special Education for fourteen years. She was a member of the CCW (Counsel of Catholic Women), St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, Grandmothers Club, and Senior Citizens Club. Joann volunteered at the Watseka Healthcare and Rehab Center. She loved spending time with family and friends, going on trips to Branson, MO, and playing bingo and cards, especially euchre.
Surviving Mrs. Yarneau is her husband, Robert “Bob” Yarneau of Watseka; daughter, Joy Yarneau of Kankakee, IL; son, Brian Yarneau and fiancé Saundra of Wolcott, IN; two sisters, Clarise Herrmann of Orland Park, IL, and Carol and Ron Futcher of St. Anne; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Maynard and Donald Cyrier; sister-in-laws, Dorothy Cyrier and Danielle Cyrier; and one brother in law, Donald Herrmann.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, 2019 from 4-7pm, at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL.
Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 10:00 am, at St. Edmund’s Catholic Church in Watseka, IL. Another visitation will take place at 9:30am until Mass. Father Powell will officiate.
Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville, IL.
Memorials in Mrs. Yarneau’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society or Donor’s Choice.

Richard L. Kemnetz, 89, of Piper City

Richard L. Kemnetz, 89, of Piper City passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at his home. He was born January 1, 1930 in Piper City, the son of Fred and Goldie (Reed) Kemnetz.

He married Betty Lou Price on April 21, 1955 in Piper City and she survives. Other survivors include three sons, Len (Pat) Jackson of Piper City, Dale (Deanna) Kemnetz of Piper City and Michael Kemnetz of Gilman; six grandchildren, Kyle Kemnetz, Sheena Kemnetz, Kristy (Dan) Sheridan, Anita (Shawn) Platz, Sharon (Aaron) Schuette and Melinda (Mike) Breen; and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Donald Kemnetz; and one sister, Mary Jane Stahl.

Mr. Kemnetz served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he was a radio and telegraph operator. He was a member of the Piper City United Methodist Church, American Legion and VFW in Piper City, and was a volunteer for the Piper City Fire Department. Richard’s first job was at People Coal & Lumber in Piper City. Next he began in sales for Sears in Chatsworth and then owned and operated the Sears Catalog Store in Pontiac. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the Piper City United Methodist Church. Rev. Liz Reis will officiate. Burial will follow at Brenton Twp. Cemetery in Piper City with military graveside rites by the Piper City American Legion.

Memorials may be made to the Piper City American Legion or Piper City United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

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