Gene W. Stinebring, age 86, of Buckley passed away on Monday, October 28th in Buckley. 

Gene is survived by his wife, Pearl Stinebring; his son Mark Stinebring of Thawville; his daughter Vicki Jackson of Terre Haute, IN; his step son Tony Pitzer of Nahaunta, GA;  step daughters Tammy Doyle of Lebanon, IN and Lisa DeBrutn of Momence as well as 3 Grandchildren;8Great-Grandchildren;8 Step-Grandchildren and 13 Step-Great-Grandchildren.

A funeral service is set for Monday, November 4th at 1:00pm at the Congregational Church in Thawville with a visitation 2 hours prior to the 1:00pm service. 

Burial will follow at a later date at Ridgeland Twp. Cemetery in Thawville.

Knapp Funeral Home will be conducting the service. 

Rusty J. DuBois Sr., 61, of Clifton passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee.

He was born October 15, 1958 in Kankakee, the son of Edgar and Marjorie (Deany) DuBois Jr. and they preceded him in death in addition to one sister, Kelly Wilson and one brother-in-law, Brian Denault.

He married Linda Dion on July 2, 1992 in Chebanse and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Rusty DuBois Jr. of Chebanse; one brother, Scott (Andrea) DuBois of Bradley; and one sister, Kimi DuBois Denault of Chebanse.

Rusty was an avid pool player and enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Nascar.

Visitation will be from 4:00-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Please share a memory of Rusty at knappfunerlhomes.com

James Butler Sr., 90, of Piper City passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019 at Piper City Rehab & Living Center. He was born February 17, 1929 in Waterford Co., Ireland, the son of Nicholas and Hanna (Baldwin) Butler. He married Nora “Christina” Hughes in April of 1961 in Chicago and she passed away on April 2, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.

He is survived by five children, James (Tina) Butler of Peotone, Maura (Kevin) Culver of Peotone, Martin (Kimberly) Butler of St. John, IN, Michael (Julie) Butler of Wheaton and Monica (Edward) Wantuch of Schererville, IN; two brothers, Richard Butler of Piper City and Quan (Kathleen) Butler of Ireland; one sister, Nan (James) Geraghty of Ireland; and ten grandchildren, Sean (Fiancee, Sara) Culver, Christine Culver, Matthew (Fiancee, Hannah) Culver, Rebecca Butler, Brian Butler, Grace Butler, Jack Butler, Eamon Wantuch, Molly Wantuch and Kate Wantuch.

James was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Piper City and Chatsworth Knights of Columbus #730 4th Degree. He was a produce manager at High-Low Foods in Chicago for 15 years, Wiseway Foods for 12 years, Cub Foods for 10 years, and retired in October of 1993 from Horizon Foods. James loved gardening, fishing, walking, bike riding, and volunteered for the Piper City Food Basket.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2019 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Piper City. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:15 p.m. also at the church with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Piper City.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church in Piper City or Donor’s Choice.

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

Please share a memory of James at knappfuneralhomes.com

Terry "Pete" Elbert, age 67, of Chebanse passed away on Friday, October 25th, 2019. 

Terry is survived by his Wife Diana Elbert of Chebanse, 3 daughters; Heidi Lyles of Kearney, MO.;Heather Kent of Clifton; Nicole Strawson of Chebanse. Along side 6 Grandchildren, Terry is survies by his two brothers; Rick Elbert of Milton, WI; Ron Elbert of Bourbonnais and two sisters; Diane Mathy of Chebanse and Mary Herman of St.Anne. 

A memorial service is scheduled for 1.00pm on Saturday. November 2nd, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with a visitation at 11am that saturday morning. 

Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse. 

Arrangements are being made possible by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. 

Velma Esther Carley, 95, of Watseka died on October 24, 2019, at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born on November 1, 1923, in Ash Grove Township, Iroquois County, the daughter of Walter and Emilie (Hopman) Scheiwe. She was baptized on November 18, 1923, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Woodworth by the Rev. F.A.C. Meyer. Her childhood was spent in the rural Milford area. She was confirmed in the faith by Rev. N. Heimsoth on April 10, 1938. She attended grade school at St. Paul Parochial School and graduated from Crescent-Iroquois High School.

Velma married Allen J. Carley on December 25, 1941. They were blessed with 77 years of marriage, and he survives. Also surviving are two sons, Allen Leon (Janet) Carley of Beloit, WI and Kenton (Lisa) Carley of rural Milford; two daughters, Bonita Rajala of Watseka and Virginia (Bob) Buhr of rural Milford; one daughter-in-law, Verla Carley; ten grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; one sister, Marian Taden of Danforth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Russell Carley; one daughter-in-law, Sharon Carley; one son-in-law, Bruce Rajala; two grandsons, Jeff Buhr and Scott Carley; and one sister, Mildred Brutlag.

Velma was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City where she was active in the Women of the Church. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, sewing, garage sales, and jigsaw puzzles. She was fondly referred to as “the Cookie Grandma” because of the many chocolate chip cookies she baked over the years.

Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday at church.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, St. Peter Lutheran Church, or donor’s choice. 

Arrangements are pending at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. 

Dennis M. Siebring, 67, of Ashkum passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Prarieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on November 15, 1951 in Kankakee, the son of Melvin and Marie (Goldenstein) Siebring and they preceded him in death.

Surviving are one daughter, Anna (Jason) Beasley of Iwakuni, Japan; one son, Philip Siebring of Pensacola, FL; one brother, Ronald (Karla) Siebring of Ashkum; and several nieces and nephews.

Dennis was a very kind and humble man to all that knew him. During his lifetime he faced many challenges but endured them all with positivity and determination. He beat cancer and survived a liver transplant. Through all the obstacles he faced, he never lost his joyful spirit and kind heart. He was an enormously proud father of his two children. Dennis was a farmer in the Ashkum area for many years and an active member of his church.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth. Pastor Brian King and Rev. Duane Marburger will officiate. Burial will follow at Danforth Cemetery in Danforth.

Visitation will be prior the funeral service on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth from 9:30-11:00 am.

Memorials may be made to Grace Christian Academy (2499 Waldron Rd. – Kankakee, IL. 60901).

Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Please share a memory of Dennis at knappfuneralhomes.com

Roger E. Franklin, 62, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at his residence.

Roger was born April 1, 1957 in Rockford, the son of Roger W. and Phyllis (Bellars) Franklin. He married Debora Berns on April 23, 1977 in Ashkum and she survives.

Besides his wife, Debora Franklin of Sheldon, he is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Franklin of Sheldon and Ashley Franklin (fiancée William Richards) of Cissna Park; one step-son, Michael Petit of Sheldon; three grandchildren, McKenzie Millard, Cain Millard, and Aubrey Richards; one brother, Charles Franklin of Sheldon; three sisters, Betty Swartz of Watseka, Penny Loucks of Donovan, and Cindy Erwin of Watseka; mother-in-law, Carole Harms of Ashkum; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Gary Berns; one nephew, Aaron Townsend; and one niece, Angie Jackson.

Mr. Franklin was very handy and enjoyed working on cars. He was an avid NASCAR fan.

Visitation will be from 12:00 – 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Graveside services will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Lyman Cemetery in Watseka. Rev. John Franklin will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Marilyn Jean Wilken, 88, of Danforth passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born on January 31, 1931 in Danforth, the daughter of Carl R. and Florence (Schuler) Siemons.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth. Rev. Duane Marburger will officiate. Burial will follow at Danforth Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Monday, October 21, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday.

Marilyn graduated from Gilman High School in 1948. She married Glen D. Miller on September 11, 1948 in Danforth. He preceded her in death on May 13, 1962 in Houston, TX. Marilyn later married Roger L. Wilken on March 1, 1968 and he survives. In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter, Debra Kay Grant.

Marilyn is survived her spouse, Roger; daughter, Nancy (Dennis) Grant of Charleston; sons, Charles (Linda) Miller of Danforth and Bob (Cindy) Miller of Danforth; and step daughter, Sue (Rick) Gray of Gilman; nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

Marilyn enjoyed working at the Danforth Post Office from 1963 until 1992. She was an organist and active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth. Marilyn was a volunteer for the Red Cross blood drives for many years. She was an active quilter, seamstress, and crafter. Marilyn loved going to sales with Roger. She was a homemaker, gardener, flower grower, and a wonderful cook. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice (200 N. Laird Lane – Watseka, IL) or Prairieview Lutheran Home (PO Box 4 – Danforth, IL).

Please share a memory of Marilyn at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Walter H. Hurliman, 95, of Cissna Park passed from this life on Friday, October 18, 2019 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born in Ash Grove Twp. on June 10, 1924, the son of Charles and Sophie (Hoffman) Hurliman. He married Marian Bohlmann in 1946 and she preceded him in death in 1996. He later married Marian R. Hasz in 1998 and she survives.

Also surviving are his four children, Janet (Calvin) Hasselbring of Cadiz, KY, Ruth (Marc) Reutter of Cissna Park, Fred (Bonny) Hurliman of Onarga, and Leah (Gene) McDowell of Danville; eleven grandchildren, Corina Tiberi, Candice Lovejoy, Carissa Griffith, Cynthia Zaloudek, Philip Reutter, Eric Reutter, Rachel Helton, Brett Hurliman, Mitchell Hurliman, Jordan Hurliman, and David McDowell; twenty three great grandchildren; four step daughters, Deanne Olivas of Gilbert, AZ, Debbie Dalbey of Mesa, AZ, Connie Long of Nashville, TN, and Donna Gubbins of Momence, IL; eight step grandchildren; and nine step great grandchildren.

Mr. Hurliman was also preceded in death by his six brothers, Charles, Chris, John, Henry, Louie, and Edgar; four sisters, Selena, Pauline, Ruth, and Edna; and two infant sons.

Walter was a World War II veteran, serving his country in the United States Navy as a radio man aboard the USS Brennan DE-13 in the South Pacific. Walt was a lifelong farmer and an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park where he served as Chairman, Elder, Sunday School Superintendant, and Teacher. He was a bank director at Cissna Park State Bank for many years. Mr. Hurliman was a member of the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. Rev. Tim Hahn will officiate. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be provided by the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the 11:00 am service on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Elevator Fund.

Please share a memory of Walter at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Viriginia Sanders, 95, of Donovan passed away on Sunday October 20th 2019.

She is survived by David Sanders, Thomas Sanders, and Diane Lindgren. 

A visitation is set for Wednesday October 23rd 2019 from 9-11am with a funeral service to follow at 11am at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Prairie Dell in Iroquois County. 

Larry Smith, 8`1, of Watseka passed away on Thursday October 17th, 2019. 

Larry is survived by his wife, Shirley Smith, and 5 children; Larry Smith,David Smith, Lori Lyons, Mary Stenstrom, and Dorrine Giahan.

A visitation is set for Monday October 21st, 2019 from 4-7pm at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. 

A funeral service is set for October 22nd, 2019 at 11am at the Calvary Lutheran Church with another visitation 1hour prior to the funeral service. Burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery 

Aileen M. Miller, 90, of Gilman passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born December 20, 1928 in rural Gilman, the daughter of Frank and Elsie (Peters) Miller.

She is survived by one sister, Charleen Blair of Danforth; two brothers and three sisters-in-law, Eugene (Judy) Miller of Onarga, William (Doris) Miller of Gilman; and Judy Miller of Gilman; one step-sister-in-law, Mary Jane Muller of Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.

Aileen was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Florence Miller; two sisters and three brothers-in-law, Lorraine (Roy) Goldenstein, Elsie (William) Carmichael and Donald Blair; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Robert (Ethyl) Miller and Edward L. Miller; and two step-brothers and one step-sister-in-law, June “Hack” (Mary Mae) Muller and Glenn Muller.

Ms. Miller was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman and Zion Women’s Circle. She retired from Housekeeping at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. Aileen won many prizes at the Iroquois County Fair for her handiwork and loved to knit, crochet and put puzzles together.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:45 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. also at the church. Dr. Rev. Carol Lange will officiate. Burial will be at the Gilman Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Gilman Healthcare Auxiliary or donor’s choice.

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

Please share a memory of Aileen at knappfuneralhomes.com

Elsie E. Storm, 90, of the Crescent City area, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born on April 22, 1929, the daughter of Henry and Eva (Ducat) Hammende. Elsie married Francis F. Storm on December 7, 1946. He preceded her in death on April 17, 2002.

Elsie took great pride in being a farmer's wife, and had milked cows for about 35 years. She was a member of United Methodist Church of Crescent City, as well as the Crescent City Woman's Methodist Group and Grandmothers Group of Crescent City, An avid Chicago Cubs fan, she was happy to watch the team win the World Series. Elsie was also an avid Bingo player, enjoyed going out to eat and spending time at Plato with her family and friends.

She is survived by five children Linda (Gordon) Thompsen of Martinton, Larry

(Marla) Storm of Monticello, IN, Gary (Donna) Storm of Watseka, Debra (Chuck) Tibbetts of Herscher and Jerry (Nancy) Storm of Crescent City; one sister Justine Collins of Louisiana; one brother Vernon (Donna) Hammende of Florida; twelve grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Russell Hammende.

Per Elsie's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. The family will hold a  

Celebration of Life at a later date, with inurnment at Wilson Cemetery to follow. Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of Crescent City or Crescent Iroquois Fire Department.

Please sign her guestbook at www.baierfuneralhome.com

John E. Crusie, 65, of Milford passed away on October 15, 2019 at his home in Milford. He was born on December 29, 1953 in Sheldon, the son of Raymond and Ellen (Fawbush) Crusie. He married Carol Ann Reed in Milford on June 26, 1993 and she preceded him in death on April 23, 2018.

He is survived by two daughters, Gina L. (Tim) Worthey of Milford and Tina (Tom) Tatlock of Bloomington, IN; three sons, Harold Biggs of Etna, OH, John (Tina) Crusie of Sullivan, IN, and Scott (Barbara) Crusie of Chicago Heights; one sister, Shirley Hayden; one brother, Butch Crusie; eleven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Carol Ann Crusie, he was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Raymond Crusie; and one sister, Mary Trevino.

Mr. Crusie was an avid Chicago Cub’s fan, collected model trains, and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Milford Ambulance Service.

Please share a memory of John at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Kent First, 54, of Sheldon passed away on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. He was born on January 7, 1965 in Danville, the son of Harold First. Kent married Therese Karczewski on May 30, 1992 in University Park.

Kent worked for Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee for 22 years and Iroquois Mental Health in Watseka. He enjoyed listening to White Sox games, cheering on the Oakland Raiders, fishing, and going to flea markets with his wife, Therese.

He is survived by his wife Therese First of Sheldon; his children Seph First of Danville, Aaron Garcia of Sheldon, Evan First of Sheldon and Erik First (Jaiden LaFond) of Gilman; one brother Daniel (Brandy) First of Danville; two brothers-in-law William “Billy” (Joan) Karczewski of Grant Park and Daniel “Danny” (Joy) Karczewski of Missouri; one sister-in-law Loretta “Lori” (Scott) Zimmer of Bourbonnais; mother and father-in-law William and Dorothy Karczewski of Waltonville; his fur babies Annabelle, Lily, Chico and Simon; and many nieces and nephews, including four great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Christopher Karczewski.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. memorial service on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorial may be made to the family's wishes

Katherine H. Longfellow, 53, of Laporte, IN formerly of Watseka passed away on Friday, Oct. 11th, 2019.

Arrangements are pending with Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Joseph Kusman, 70, of Donovan passed away on Wednesday Oct. 9th, 2019 

Arrangements are pending at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL. 

Eliner Meierle, 81, of Watseka passed away on Monday Oct. 7th, 2019 

Arrangements are pending with Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL

Paul Petry, 94, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday Oct. 8th, 2019. 

Paul is survived by his wife Betty Petry and 12 children. 

A visitation is set for Wednesday Oct. 16th, 2019 from 1pm-3pm at the First Baptist Church in Watseka with the Funeral Service to follow the visitation starting at 3pm.

Burial will be the following day, Thursday Oct. 17th, 2019 at 1pm at Lisle Cemetary in Lisle, IL. 

Baier Funeral home will be conducting the services. 

LoAnne A. (Sunnen) Schriefer died on Friday, August 30th, 2019 under the care of Journey Care Hospice in Libertyville, IL surrounded by her daughters, Noreen & Lynda. LoAnne was born on July 25, 1937 in Portland, OR to George & Mildred (Meade) Sunnen who both proceeded her in death.

She married Dale Schriefer on November 9, 1956. They were married 48 years before his death on November 11, 2004. Survivors include: daughters and sons in law Noreen & Bob Buss of Wilmington, NC and Lynda and Rich Lavin of Lake Villa, IL and son Alan (Karen) Schriefer. LoAnne had 8 grandchildren: Carson Lavin, Mackenna Lavin, Mitchell Lavin, Nicole (Schriefer) & David Mc Gill, Stephanie (Schriefer) & Dan LaGesse, and Adam Schriefer. LoAnne also had 3 great grandchildren: Alexis & Gavin McGill, and Garrett LaGesse. LoAnne’s surviving siblings are Liz (Sunnen) Roberts and Ruth (Sunnen) Savoie. Her brother, Leslie Sunnen, died in 2017.

LoAnne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who loved reading, crossword puzzles, movies, flower gardening, camping and traveling with family and friends, dancing with Dale to big band music, volunteering at the Zion UCC, and playing cards and dominoes with dear friends. And she made THE BEST peach and pecan pies. She was also an avid Chicago Bears fan. She lived most of her life in Gilman, IL with her family.

She spent her early years in North and South Dakota where her parents were teachers on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. In 1950, her parents moved the family to Gilman to open the Gambles Store. LoAnne graduated from Gilman High School in 1955. She worked at A.O. Smith right out of high school, then later at K&H when they first opened. She also worked at Gilman Motor Company for several years. But her favorite position was at Gilman Grade School (later known as Iroquois West Elementary) where she was the unit secretary for 20 years. She retired from Iroquois West in 1999. She moved to the Lake Villa, IL area in 2012 to be near her daughter Lynda when LoAnne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

LoAnne proudly served on the Gilman Library Board for 12 years and was part of the board responsible for the fund raising, design, and building of the new Gilman/Danforth Library. She was an active member of Zion United Church of Christ where she served on the church council, was a youth group sponsor with Dale, an Evening Guild member, and sang in the choir. After retirement, she also enjoyed volunteering with the children’s reading program at Iroquois West Elementary School.

James Millard Fletcher, 83, of Gilman passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman.

He was born on May 10, 1936 in Mason City, the son of Harry Dillard and Leona (Brewer) Fletcher. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Harry Fletcher; and four sisters, Wilma Smith, Joyce Schoonover, June Hernan, and Joanne Steen.Mr. Fletcher is survived by many nieces and nephews.

He served in the United States Army as a medic in England. James taught in the Gilman area for many years.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
Burial will take place at a later date in Mason City Cemetery in Mason City, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Gilman Danforth Library District.
Please share a memory of James at knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Millard Fletcher please visit our Sympathy Store.

Cheryl K. Broderick, 68, of Gilman passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born February 13, 1951 in Savanna, the daughter of Ervie and Almira (Reineck) Guenzler. She was preceded in death by her father and one sister, Renae Brown.

She married James “Jim” Broderick on January 29, 1972 in Savanna and he survives. She is also survived by one son, Keith (Becca) Broderick of Eagle River, Alaska; one sister, Connie (Bob) Sigrist of Hartland, WI; her mother, Almira Guenzler of Hartland, WI; brother-in-law, Tom Brown of Dixon; one niece, Ashley Sigrist of St. Petersburg, FL; one nephew, Sean (Allison) Sigrist of Wauwatosa, WI; two great-nephews, Benjamin and Henry Sigrist of Wauwatosa, WI; brother-in-law, Tom Broderick of Peoria; and sister-in-law, Mary (David) Broderick Kreir of Viroqua, WI.

Cheryl was a Special Education Teacher for 39 years at the Gilman and Iroquois West Schools and retired in 2016. She was a member of the teacher’s union and was on the executive board for quite a few years. She gave reading programs with seminars and classes. Cheryl impacted students for three generations, was on the Family Reading Night Committee, and did mentor children after she retired. She enjoyed traveling, having traveled all over the United States and Ireland. Cheryl also enjoyed sports, plays, and was an avid reader.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. A funeral service will follow at 5:30 p.m. also at the funeral home with SAM Lynn Culkin officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.

Please share a memory of Cheryl at knappfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Cheryl K. Broderick please visit our Sympathy Store.

Jamie Lynn Neumann, 67, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 28, 2019, at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka after a long battle with cancer. She was born January 4, 1952, in Princeton, Indiana, to James and Bettye (Brines) Cox. She married Frederick Neumann on June 22, 1996, in Watseka. He survives.

She is also survived by two step-sons and their wives, Bradley and Jeanette Neumann of Long Beach, California and Brian and Rebecca Neumann of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Ethan, Benjamin, Evan, and Luke of Wisconsin and Sydney and Jorja of California; her brother, Keith (Diana) of Indiana; and her sister, Marsha of Indiana. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Jamie grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from the University of Evansville. Most of her career was spent in Human Resources. She retired at the end of 2017 from the Iroquois Memorial Hospital and Resident Home after 25+ years as the Director of Human Resources.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and especially liked playing games with the grandkids. Jamie loved spending time in northern Wisconsin where the family vacationed yearly. She especially liked watching the Bald Eagles soar overhead.

Jamie was a very active member of the First Christian Church in Watseka. She was especially involved with Youth activities and the Daycare.

Jamie was a tremendous woman and will be missed by many. She had a large, positive influence on the lives of many others.

Visitation will be November 9, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 3:00-7:00 p.m. There will be a Memorial Service at the First Christian Church in Watseka on November 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Ben Stone and Roy Johnson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to First Christian Church, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, or Iroquois Memorial Hospital.

Please share a memory of Jamie at knappfuneralhomes.com

Timmy J. Powell, 59, of Gilman passed away on Monday, September 30th. 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. 

Timmy is survived by his sister, Judy Sacotnik as well as 4 children; Taylor Powell, Olivia Powell, Christopher Powell, and Clayton Powell. Timmy is also survived by 8 Grandchildren. 

A Funeral Service is scheduled for 1pm on Friday, October 4th, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford with a visitation 1 hour prior to the 1pm service. 

Knapp Funeral Home will be conducting the service. 

William Maul, 74, of Cissna Park passed away on Tuesday, October 1st at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana

William is survived by his wife, Wanda Maul of Cissna Park as well as his 6 children. 

A visitation is set for Saturday, October 5th at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park from 3-8pm as well as 1 hour prior to the Sunday service at the Church

A funeral service is set for 12:30pm on Sunday, October 6th at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. 

Knapp Funeral Home will be conducting the services. 

Levi Josiah Cross, 2, of Watseka passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at his family’s home.

Levi was born December 17, 2016 in Watseka, the son of Daniel and Pamela (Jones) Cross and they survive.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his big brother, Liam Cross (6); grandparents, Mark Dennis and Beverly Jean Cross of Milford and Sue and Ken Cantrell of Donovan; great-grandparents, Wanetta Waltz of Marshall, Connie Cross of Watseka, and Joan Cantrell of Bourbonnais; six aunts and uncles, Cynthia R. Cross, Heather Jones, Jay Jones, Carrie, Parry (Christina) Jones, and Tammy Arthur; great aunts and uncles, Steve (Susan) Cross, Dave (Sandy) Cross, John Cross, Rodney (Barbara) Cross, Julie (Jorge) Jones, Judy VanAntwerp, Chuck (Donna) Cantrell, and Kathy LaVoie; and many, many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Richard and Margaret Jones; his great-grandpa, Bill Cross; an aunt, Jackie; a great uncle, Greg LaVoie; and his older sister in heaven.

Levi was a very happy, always smiling little guy who loved to dance and swing, especially with his big brother. Levi enjoyed falling asleep to worship music and Oh how Levi loved to pray, even when he wasn’t feeling well, he prayed. Most importantly, his big brother was the best medicine; he would help Levi to walk and dance and to move around once they were home after each treatment. Things Levi loved was the color green, Paw Patrol, Trains, and all of his stylish accessories.

Visitation will be from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Watseka Community High School Gymnasium. Pastor Ben Stone will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or OSF Children’s Hospital Wing in Peoria, IL.

Mighty Levi – he may have been tiny, but he was mighty in the Lord.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Levi Josiah Cross please visit our Sympathy Store.

Levera M. Bowen, 104, of Milford passed away on Monday, September 30 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Levera is survived by her two daughters, Delores Bowen of Milford and Phyllisann Burke of Martinton. Levera is also survived by her 3 Grandchildren, 7 Great-Grandchildren, 21 Great-Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great-Great- Grandchild, and serveral Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. 

A visitation will take place two hours prior to the 11:00am Funeral Service on Saturday, October 5th at the Milford Christian Church.

Burial will follow at the Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Knapp Funeral Homes in Milford will be conducting the services.

Nina Varbounker, 95, of Watseka passed away on Monday, September 30th, 2019. 

Nina is survived by her sister, Inis Grant

A funeral service will be held Friday, October 4th, 2019 at 11am at St. Edmunds Catholic Church with a visitation 1 hour prior to the 11am service. 

Burial to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville, IL.

Baier Funeral Home is conducting the services. 

Barbara J. Brewer, 81, of Gilman passed away on Monday, September 30th at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. Barbara is survived by her son, Mark Brewer of Monticello IN, and her daughter, Beth Brewer Zirkle of Gilman, as well as 5 Grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are set for noon on Thursday, October 3rd at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman with a visitation set 2 hours prior to the noon service.

Burial will follow at the Danforth Cemetery.

Glenn Mize, 70, of Campton Hills, IL passed away on Sunday, September 29 at his home. Glen is survived by his wife Kimberly Mize of Campton Hills. 

A funeral Mass is set for Wednesday, October 2nd at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Beaverville at 1pm.

A visitation will be held two hours prior to the Mass at the church.

Burial will follow at the St. mary's Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville.