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Obituaries Archives for 2019-12

John Oliver "Jonnie" Bell, 79, of Watseka

John Oliver “Jonnie” Bell, 79, of Watseka, IL, passed away at 10:11 A.M. Friday, December 27, 2019 at Watseka Health Care.  He was born July 6, 1940 in Chicago, IL, the son of John Howard and Helen (Beals) Bell. 

 

He is survived by one sister, Christine A. (Lawerence) Wesch of Charleston, IL; one brother, David A. (Cynthia) Bell of Watseka, IL; one niece, Sarah E. (Joe) Combes; one nephew, John H. (Jackie) Bell, II; one great-niece, Ella E. Combes; and three great-nephews, Jack D. Combes, David A. Bell II, and Aiden R. Bell.  John also leaves many long-time close friends in the San Diego area.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. 

 

John was a Major in the United States Air Force and served until his retirement as a navigator for air transport during the Vietnam War.  His hobbies included bicycling and flying remote control airplanes.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and no services will be held.

 

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, 200 N. Laird, Watseka, IL 60970.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view John’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

 

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

 

James A. Baumgartner, 83, of Watseka

James A. Baumgartner, 83, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on January 19, 1936 in South Bend, IN, the son of Charles and Mary (Taylor) Baumgartner, Sr. He married Lila L. Fleming in Kokomo, IN on August 13, 1972 and she preceded him in death on March 24, 2008. 

 

Surviving are two daughters, Carol (Bruce) Besco of Ottawa, ON Canada and Jeanne (Jay) Johnston of Punta Gorda, FL; two sons, James (Linda Norris) Baumgartner Jr. of San Jose, CA and Andrew (Kathryn Ambs) Baumgartner of Ft. Wayne, IN; 3 grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Baumgartner of Vandalia, MI and Charles (Elaine) Baumgartner, Jr. of South Bend, IN; sister in law, Janet Baumgartner of Grand Rapids, MI; brother in law, Larry Brafman of Peru, IL; one step daughter, Marsha Hofbauer of Milford and one step son, Bill (Linda) Decker of Milford; 9 step grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren, and 2 step great great grandchildren. 

 

In addition to his parents and his wife, Lila, Mr. Baumgartner was preceded in death by two brothers, Frederick and John Baumgartner; three sisters, Sister Veronica Baumgartner, Mary Katherine Skibbe, and June Brafman. 

 

Jim was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church and choir, Kiwanis Club, Barbershop Quartet Chorus, and the annual Iroquois County Christmas Cantata. 

 

Visitation will be on Saturday January 4, 2020 from 10:00-11:00 am at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Funeral mass will be at 11:00 am at church with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. 

 

Arrangements are by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Brian D. Musk, 50, of Milford

Brian D. Musk, 50, of Milford passed away December 14, 2019 at his home in Milford. He was born June 24, 1969 in Kankakee, the son of Paul J. and Linda (DePatis) Musk. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Paul J. Musk.

 

Mr. Musk is survived by his four sons, Michael J. (Gabriela) Musk of Watseka, Tyler D. (Lauren) Musk of Watseka, Joshua N. Musk of Milford, and Jonathan L. Musk of Watseka; one grandson, Liam Michael Musk of Watseka; his mother and step father, Linda (Ron) Morrical of Watseka; one sister, Julie (Rob) Simpson of West Chester, OH; and paternal grandmother, Alice Musk of Hoopeston.

 

Brian was an auto mechanic. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

 

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

 

Memorials may be made to Family’s Wishes.

 

Please share a memory of Brian at www.knappfuneralhome.com

Cynthia E. Brady, 70, of Watseka

Cynthia E. Brady, 70, of Watseka passed away on Monday, December 16, 2019 at Watseka Rehab and Health Care in Watseka. She was born on January 15, 1949 in Momence, the daughter of Ivan and Madeline (Skaggs) Graves. She married Milton “Pete” Brady in New Jersey in 1968 and he preceded her in death on March 1, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Mark Graves; two sisters, Pamela Graves and Gloria Fulford; and one son, Michael Joseph Brady.

 

Surviving are two daughters, Terri Lynn Skinner of Georgia and Kathryn McVay of Illinois; one son, Anthony Brady of California; four brothers, Billy Morgan, Billy Graves, Byron Graves, and Michael Graves; one sister, Lyla Goldsmith; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

 

Mrs. Brady was a member of Centennial Christian Church in Watseka. She enjoyed spending time with her family.

 

Cremation rites have been accorded by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. A memorial service will take place at a later date with burial at GAR Cemetery in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to Centennial Christian Church in Watseka.

Bethel C. Murray, 95, of Danforth

Bethel C. Murray, 95, of Danforth passed away December 12, 2019 at Piper City Rehab & Living Center. She was born January 16, 1924 in rural Piper City, the daughter of Elza and Emma (Lytle) Goldsby and they preceded her in death. Bethel married Edward E. Wilson in Gilman on June 28, 1942 and he preceded her in death on April 12, 1972. She later married Delbert Murray in Norfolk, VA on May 23, 1982 and he preceded her in death on April 29, 1990. Bethel was also preceded in death by three brothers, three sisters, and two step-sons.

 

Bethel is survived by her children, Edward (Janet) Wilson Jr. of St. Peters, MO, Lorraine (Wayne) Loque of Champaign, Marjorie (John) Tammen of Danforth, John Wilson of Piper City, Catherine (Darwyn) Wahls of Piper City, and Gerald (Vicki) Wilson of Richland, WA; two brothers, Eugene Goldsby of Gilman and Charles (Mary Ann) Goldsby of Gilman; one sister-in-law, Floriene Goldsby of San Diego, CA; 29 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; seven step-great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Mrs. Murray was a member of the United Methodist Church in Piper City, United Methodist Women, American Legion Auxiliary in Piper City, and the Royal Neighbors. She enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening, and collecting cook books. She worked at the dress factory in Gilman for twenty-three years.

 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service, Saturday, December 21, 2019 at United Methodist Church in Piper City. Rev. Elizabeth Reis will officiate.

 

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church in Piper City, Piper City Rehab & Living Center, or Donor’s Choice.

 

Arrangements provided by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Pamela Jean Williams 54, of Martinton

Pamela Jean Williams passed away on Friday December 13th 2019. She was born on August 7, 1965 in Watseka, the daughter of Alice LaMontagne and Donald Leppard.


Pam was a CNA for many years. She loved to cook, plant flowers, decorate, be out on the water, and ride on the motorcycle with members of the State Line Riders. She had a heart of gold and she cared about many people. She has 5 children and 11 grandchildren and they were her pride and joy.


She is survived by one son, Chad Walwer of Illinois and one daughter, Alicia (Matt) Wilkins of North Dakota; eleven grandchildren, 11 grandchildren, Zachery, Baylie, Chasine, Keirstin, Allison, Haley, Brennah, Jax, Ethan, Kasen, and Peyten; her siblings, Linda (Tom) Wienrank of North Carolina, Raymond (Rhonda) Leppard of Florida, Donnie (Lisa) Leppard of Florida, and Ronnie (Shirley) Leppard of Illinois; her half-sister, Tammy Riston Shepherd of Illinois; step-siblings, Chuck(Teri) Riston of Illinois, Cyndy (Harold) Jefford of Illinois, Craig Riston of Illinois, Curtis (Kathy) Riston of Illinois, Shirley Hinton(Guy Hayes) of Tennessee, Rick (Sharlene) Godby of Tennesse, Randy (Roxy)Godby of Illinois, Mike Godby of Tennessee, Linda Godby of Tennessee, and John (Joy) Godby of Texas and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.


She is preceded in death by her parents Alice LaMontagne Harper and Donald Leppard; step-mother, Ruth Leppard; step-fathers Raymond Riston and Tom Harper; three sons Terry Walwer Jr., Christopher Walwer and Nathan Walwer; two sisters Cathie Riston and Carrie GildeLeon; one niece Tanya Leppard of Florida; great niece Kiley Sue Wienrank of North Carolina; and one nephew Curtis “Bub” Riston of Illinois.


Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Centennial Christian Church in Watseka. Visitation will take place from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.


Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Anita M. Koester, 87, of Watseka

Anita M. Koester, 87, of Watseka passed away December 15, 2019 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born August 8, 1932 in Red Bud, the daughter of William and Martha (Nagel) Buch and they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

Anita married Cletus O. Koester on January 31, 1954 in Red Bud and he survives in Watseka. In addition, she is survived by her children, Brian (Pamela) Koester of Elmhurst, Debra Railsback of Lombard, and Gary (Doreen) Koester of Aurora; three sisters, Leona (Gilbert) Buch of Red Bud, Marie Everding of Red Bud, and Margaret (Don) Blankenship of Durant, OK; one brother, Leverne (Laverne) Buch of New Athens; nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

 

Mrs. Koester was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, and spending time with her family.

 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and a half hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. Rev. Alex McNally will officiate. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., later that day, at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Hillside, IL.

 

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church or American Cancer Society.

 

Please share a memory of Anita at www.knappfuneralhome.com

 

Elizabeth M. Maul, 95, of Cissna Park

Elizabeth M. Maul, 95, of Cissna Park passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

 

Elizabeth was born October 31, 1924 in Cissna Park, the daughter of Louis and Lydia (Moser) Neukomm Sr. She married Norman R. Maul on April 24, 1943 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on October 11, 2005. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, John Neukomm Sr., Aaron Neukomm and Louis Neukomm Jr; one sister, Emma Schmid; one son, Bill Maul; and one grandchild.

 

She is survived by one son, Mike (Kathy) Maul of Cissna Park; one daughter, Helen Edelman of Salem, OR; daughter-in-law, Wanda Maul of Cissna Park; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Kaeb of Cissna Park; and one brother, Harold Neukomm of Fairbury.

 

Visitation will be from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

 

Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2019 at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park with ministers of the church officiating.

Doris J. Kogler, 95, of Schaumburg

Doris J. Kogler, 95, of Schaumburg, IL, formerly of Claytonville, passed away on Friday,
December 13, 2019 at Friendship Village in Schaumburg. She was born June 15, 1924 in Cissna Park, the daughter of Wellington and Eunice (Bishop) Drilling who preceded her in death. Doris married Lester W. “Duck” Kogler on June 17, 1951 in Cissna Park who preceded her in death on January 20, 1994. Doris was also preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

 

Mrs. Kogler is survived by one daughter, Diane (John) Sanfillippo of Hoffman Estates, IL; one son, Keith (Rosemary) Kogler of Sugar Land, TX; one sister, Rosemary Letlow of Claytonville, and two brothers, Roy Drilling of Woodland, CA and Glen Drilling of Buckley, IL. She was the loving grandmother of six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

 

Doris was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years and served as the past president and treasurer of the Ladies Aid. Mrs. Kogler was a member of the bowling team and the Claytonville Civic Club. For many years, Doris was the bookkeeper of the Cissna Park Co-op and in later years she was the Claytonville Assistant Postmaster.

 

Funeral services will be on Wednesday December 18, 2019 at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran
Church in Cissna Park with Rev. Tim Hahn officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from
9:30am-11:00am at the church. Burial will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Cissna
Park.

 

Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park.

 

Arrangements provided by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Ronald D. Merkle, 81, of Cissna Park

Ronald D. Merkle, 81, of Cissna Park passed away on Friday, December 13, 2019 at his home in Cissna Park. He was born on December 13, 1938, the son of Benjamin and Hulda (Hess) Merkle. He married Mary Redman in Crescent City on December 17, 1961 and she survives.

In addition to his wife, Mary Merkle of Cissna Park, he is survived by two sons, Dr. Rodney Dean (Jeanne) Merkle of Bloomington and Rickey Lee (Dawn) Merkle of Cissna Park; five granddaughters, Emily (Charles) Davison of Mahomet, Kathryn Merkle, Bethany Merkle, and Monica Merkle all of Cissna Park, and Andria Merkle of Bloomington; and two great grandsons, Emmett and Eli Davison.

Mr. Merkle was preceded in death by his parents and step mother, Anna Merkle.

Ron was a lifelong resident and farmer in Cissna Park where he graduated from Cissna Park High School in 1956. He was an avid sports fan, who enjoyed socializing with his friends and family, and was very passionate about farming. Ron was a member of Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, Ford-Iroquois County Farm Bureau, and a lifelong member of Cissna Park FFA Alumni.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park. Pastor Josh Benner will officiate. Burial will follow in Cissna Park Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 am on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park.

Please share a memory of Ron at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

Marjorie Howe, 91, of Watseka,

Marjorie Howe, 91, of Watseka, IL, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
She was born February 28, 1928 in Hoopeston, IL, the daughter of James Daugherty and Hazel White.
Marjorie married Robert Howe Sr. on March 28, 1947 in Gilman, IL.
Marge worked for Baltimore Air Coil in Paxton before retiring. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, sewing, and cats.
Surviving Mrs. Howe are her sons, Robert and Donna Howe of Watseka, Russell Howe of Paxton, and Ronald and Jackie Howe of Hoopeston; daughters, Diana Mason of Beloit, WI, and Kimberly and Steve Pickle of Clinton, MS; sister, Shirley Eells of Hoopeston, IL; eleven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; sister, Betty Clark; and brother-in-law, Jerry Eells.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 from 4-7pm, at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL.
Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 10:00 am, at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL. Another one hour visitation will take place prior to services.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka, IL.
Memorials in Mrs. Howe’s name can be made to Junior Diabetes or Donor’s Choice.

 

Maynard L. Jensen, 82, of Ashkum

Maynard L. Jensen, 82, of Ashkum passed away on December 7, 2019 at his home in Ashkum. He was born on October 13, 1937 in Clifton, the son of Roy and Alice (Mathy) Jensen. He married Ruth B. Wilken in Clifton on August 24, 1963 and she survives.

In addition to his wife, Ruth Jensen of Clifton, Maynard is survived by one daughter, Laurie (Daniel) Ballard of Bourbonnais; one son, Richard L. (Michelle) Jensen of Bradley; four grandchildren, Adam Jensen, Justin Ballard, Brandon Ballard, and Josh Jensen; one sister, Norma LaReau of Gilman; one sister in law, Dorothy (Mike) Cresswell of Watseka; and nine step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and their spouses, Harold (Vialta) Jensen and Arnold (Katherine) Jensen; brother in law, Merrill S. LaReau; and father in law and mother in law, Gary and Eleanor Wilken.

Mr. Jensen was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. He worked for Roper in Kankakee for twenty years and later worked at Gould Inc. in Kankakee. Maynard served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1962, serving in Japan for two years. He was an avid White Sox fan. Maynard enjoyed camping, stock car racing, and attending country music concerts.

Funeral services will at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. Fr. Doug Hauber will officiate. Burial will follow at Ashkum Catholic Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be provided by Central VFW Post 2131.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Assumption BVM Catholic Church, Prairieview Lutheran Home, or Ashkum Riverside Ambulance Service. 

Annabelle M. Schladenhauffen, 90, of Watseka

Annabelle M. Schladenhauffen, 90, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at her residence.

Annabelle was born March 31, 1929 in Buckley, the daughter of Ford and Anna Mae (Coleman) Wilson. She married Glenn E. Schladenhauffen on July 24, 1949 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on March 8, 1986. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ford Wilson Jr.

She is survived by three daughters, Glenda (David) Bohlmann of Watseka, Janice Torbet of Syracuse, IN, and Diane Cross of Watseka; one son, Tim (Kelly) Schladenhauffen of Woodland; nine grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.

Mrs. Schladenhauffen was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka and Tops Club. She was employed at TRW, Value Village, Littlefuse, and K-Mart. After retirement, she worked with the Mothers Day Out Program at Watseka United Methodist Church where she enjoyed childcare.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until the 2:00 pm funeral service on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Alex McNally will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Linda M. Hess, 56, of Chebanse

Linda M. Hess, 56, of Chebanse passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at her home. She was born February 10, 1963 in Watseka, the daughter of Ronald E. and Sandra K. (Hilgert) Hess and they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Tonya Hess; one sister, Dawn Hess; and one brother-in-law, Kevin Welge.

She is survived by a special friend, Mona Aprile of Chebanse; three sisters, Sharon Welge of Clifton, Rhonda (Louis) Gasperini of Clifton and Donna Hess (Mark Lafond) of Clifton; one brother, Mark (Danielle) Hess of Chebanse; her step-mother, Anna Hess of Clifton; and several nieces and nephews.

Ms. Hess was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. She enjoyed collecting clowns and Mickey Mouse memorabilia. Linda loved her dog, Roger.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. Rev. Joel Brown and Rev. William Callister will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ashkum Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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