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Obituaries Archives for 2020-05

David Lee Tucker Sr. 77, of Chebanse

David Lee Tucker Sr, 77 of Chebanse, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 22, 2020 with his wife, daughter, and beloved dog, Bella, at his side. He was born on January 25, 1943, the son of Lewis and Ruth (Durbin) Tucker. He married Mary Scott on November 7, 2014 in Clifton.
Surviving are the love of his life, his wife, Mary Scott of Chebanse; his children, David L. Tucker Jr of Oglesby, Tina Tucker (Aron Dietzel) of Morris, Bret Curtis of Joliet, Debbie Raboin of Trenton, and Marshall Scott Sr of Gilman; grandchildren, David L. Tucker III of Ottawa (son of David L. Tucker Jr and Debbie Tucker), Madeline Tucker and Maxwell Tucker both of Morris (children of Tina Tucker and Jim Tucker), Pedro Garcia Jr of Onarga, Lisa Burrow of O’Fallon, Holly Garcia of Rockford, Noel Swartz of Gilman, and Marshall Scott Jr of Idaville, IN; seven great grandchildren; sisters, Juanita Baggerly of Kansas City, MO, Marilyn Hayes of Burbank, CA; sister in laws, Mildred Tucker of Pontiac and Ann Hess of Clifton; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Mona April of Chebanse; and many others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Lewis Tucker; brothers, Louis Tucker (passed away in WWII) and Wayne Tucker; sister Lois (Orris) Reynolds; brothers in law, Gene Hess and Arnold Hess; and niece, Linda Hess.

Dave graduated from Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School in 1961 and then went to work for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad as Agent Yard Master and retiring in 1988. He worked many years at Super Wash and Jewel-Osco. Beyond his work, he loved life with Mary and Bella. Dave enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events, including everything from theater performances, dance, and sports to milestone celebrations. He loved being outside. Mr. Tucker attended drag racing events every summer for nearly thirty years, and never missed. He enjoyed ‘wienie roasts’ every fall with his family. Dave’s garden was always well kept with his towering sunflowers and unique tomatoes. If given the chance, Dave would gladly sit and watch any trains and barges go by. Though soft spoken, he always had a quick sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh.

One of his favorite hobbies included his craftiness, as he was always transforming a simple piece of wood into an incredible gadget. Perhaps more than anything else, Dave will be remembered for the love he had for his friends and family.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Due to current circumstances with the pandemic in our country, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

A special thank you to Joliet Area Community Hospice for the exceptional care provided and Dad’s comfort.

Joyce Ann Highfill, 86, of Milford

Joyce Ann Highfill, 86, of Milford, passed away at 2:23 a.m. Monday, May 25, 2020, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, in Watseka.

Joyce was born on May 19, 1934, in Watseka, the daughter of Edwin and Tena (Wilken) Walker. She married Charles E. Highfill on November 1, 1952, in Milford, Illinois. He preceded her in death on August 19, 1986.

She is survived by one daughter- Tammy (Jim) Kunce of Milford; two sons- Rick (Charlene) Highfill and Ed (Carol) Highfill both of Milford; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister- Gloria “Jean” Lauterbauch.

Joyce graduated from Milford High School, in 1952. She was a drum majorette in school, where she became a very talented baton twirler. After high school she taught baton twirling for years. She was a member of Milford Christian Church. Joyce worked as a site manager for Peace Meal, in Milford, for over 20 years, until she retired in 2018. She enjoyed camping, loved animals and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Maple Grove Cemetery, in Milford, with Pastor Brent Zastrow officiating. Memorials may be made to the Milford Christian Church or Iroquois Memorial Hospice. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston to assist them in honoring Joyce’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com

Brenda Sue Hedger, 60, of Ashkum

Brenda Sue Hedger passed into her next life on Sunday, May 24, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born September 15, 1959, in Kankakee, the daughter of Kenneth and Betty Schoon. She married Leslie Hedger on June 11, 2011.

She is survived by her loving husband, Leslie, and her loving son, Adam. She is also survived by her father, Kenneth Schoon of Ashkum, and sisters, Debbie Cobb of Clifton, Dawn (Julius) Meyer of Clifton, Kimberly (Butch) Meier of Clifton, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her mother, Betty Schoon, a brother, Kevin Paul, and brother-in-law, Harold Cobb.

Brenda was an avid reader and liked to do crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and computer games. She was a wonderful aunt to her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. She enjoyed life and was alot of fun to be around. She will be greatly missed. She enjoyed eating pizza and fried chicken. She loved being an EMT in Ashkum and was previously a housekeeper at Presence St Marys for many years until she received her degree in coding and billing and worked as a medical technician in various medical practices. She attended Ashkum Assumption Catholic Church and was a member of the CCW.

Cremation rites have been accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and no public service will be held due to the pandemic.

Memorials may be made to the family or Hospice of Kankakee Valley.

Please share a memory of Brenda at knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Brenda Sue Hedger please visit our Sympathy Store.

Geraldine R. Farney, 88 of Cissna Park

Geraldine R. Farney, 88 of Cissna Park passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on December 18, 1931 in Eureka, the daughter of Edward and Dorothy (Ashleman) Grusy and they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Wayne Grusy.

 

She married Gerry S. Farney in Roanoke on May 1, 1955 and he survives. She is also survived by three sons, Ronald (Ellen) Farney of Bloomington, Randall Farney of Carlock, and Rodney (Erica) Farney of Oswego; one daughter, Sheryl (Scott) Spohn of Marietta, GA; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Edith (Richard) Payne of Eureka, Merna (Bruce) Zimmerman of Peoria, and Evelyn (Allen) Benedeck of Twin Lakes, WI.

 

Mrs. Farney was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. Prior to her marriage, she worked at Standard Oil Company in Peoria. For 65 years, she assisted her husband with the farming operation.


Private funeral services will be held at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Anyone is welcome to pay their respects by coming to the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park on Sunday, May 24, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a drive by visitation and greeting the family from their cars.

 

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

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

 

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

Darrel W. Parker, 70 of Watseka

Darrel W. Parker, 70 of Watseka passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born on May 2, 1950 in Watseka, the son of Earnest G. Parker and Annabelle Peters Gossett and they preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Gene Gossett.

 

He married Leona Street on April 8, 1995 in Watseka and she survives. He is also survived by one son, Darrel Gene (Charity) Parker of Woodland; one grandson, Falon Keith Parker of Woodland; four sisters, Teresa Willis of Pekin, Jo Ann McKenney of Florida, Carole (Robert) Beerwerh of Plymouth, IN, and Karen (Jim) Jones of Indianapolis, IN; three brothers, David Parker of Indianapolis, IN, Keith (Terry) Parker of Greenfield, IN, and Carl Parker of Indianapolis, IN; and his step-mother, Arline Parker of Indianapolis, IN.

 

Mr. Parker was an active member of Boy Scouts of America. He entered the Explorers in 1969 and became a Sr. Advisor for Explorer Post #123. He later earned The Vigil Honor, the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members for service to lodge, council, and Scouting. He was a former member of Fly Falcon and The Illinois State Rifle Association. He loved spending time with his family and was an avid boater, hunter, and fisherman.

 

Private services will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

 

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Rifle Association.

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

Patsy Sue Thomas, 76, of Sheldon

Patsy Sue Thomas, 76, of Sheldon passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Patsy was born June 20, 1943 in Speedwell, TN, the daughter of Roy and Arletta (Bean) Leach. She married B.J. Thomas on April 11, 1959 in Tazewell, TN and he preceded her in death on June 19, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents; five sisters; and one son, Ronald J. Thomas.

She is survived by one daughter, Mitsi (Roger) Morsch of Chandler, AZ; one son, Eddie (Joyce) Thomas of Sheldon; six grandchildren, Beth (Adam) Stephens of Katy, TX, Matthew (Laura) Morsch of Cambridge, MA, Jessica White of Sheldon, Carly White of Earl Park, IN, Amanda (Joe) German of Milford, and Danny (Kim) Buswell of Tomball, TX; twelve great-grandchildren; and one sister, Billie Evans of Speedwell, TN.

Patsy enjoyed baking, sewing, quilting, and doing puzzles. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Patsy had an unwavering faith and was a member of the Newton County Baptist Church.

Private services were held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with burial in Gaffield Cemetery in Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to Relay for Life of Iroquois County and mailed to Knapp Funeral Home, 219 S. 4th Street, Watseka, IL 60970.

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

Delsie G. Lease, 69, of Watseka

Delsie G. Lease, 69, of Watseka passed away on May 11, 2020 at her home in Watseka. She was born on June 15, 1950 in Burkesville, KY, the daughter of Holland and Pauline (York) Graham. She married Terrance “Terry” Lease in Kankakee on August 29, 1970 and he preceded her in death on June 24, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and three sisters.

She is survived by two sons, Peter Lease (Tammy Crawley) of Watseka and Terry M. Lease of Watseka; one daughter, Beth Ann (Andy) Smith of Watseka; one brother, Danny Graham of Burkesville, KY; one sister, Peggy Reynolds of Burkesville, KY; and six grandchildren.

Private family graveside services will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Arrangements by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Delsie at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Esther McGehee, 84, of Gilman, IL

Esther McGehee, 84 of Gilman passed away at home on Saturday, May 9, 2020. She was born on March 16, 1936 in Danforth, the daughter of Pierce Erwin “Irvin” and Minnie (Saxma) Cotter.

She married Kenneth McGehee in Danforth on September 12, 1953 and he survives. She is also survived by three sons; Stephen McGehee of Gilman, Jeffrey (Julie) McGehee of Onarga, and Michael (Darlene) McGehee of Gilman; one daughter, Lisa (LaMoyne) Hawley of Pleasant Prairie, WI; seven grandchildren, Jerrod (Emily) McGehee, Jesse (Cherie) McGehee, Alexis McGehee, Joshua (Ericka) McGehee, Caitlyn McGehee, Jace McGehee, and Shelby (Nicholas) Anderson; sixteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Cotter of Gilman; two sisters-in-law, Becky Cotter of Gilman and Iris Cotter of TN; and one brother-in-law, Marvin Becker of Olympia Fields.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Norman Cotter and Russell Cotter; and one sister, Aletha Becker.

Mrs. McGehee was a member of the Danforth Reformed Church. Within the church, she was a member of the Altruist Circle, the Guild, and the church choir; she also taught Sunday School and Catechism. Esther graduated from Gilman High School in 1953. She was a farm wife, a lunch lady at Danforth Elementary School, and loved to garden.

A private graveside service will be held at Danforth Reformed Cemetery. Rev. Don McDonald will officiate.

Anyone is welcome to pay their respects by coming to Danforth Reformed Cemetery in Danforth on Saturday, May 16, 2020 from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. and greeting the family from their cars.

Memorials may be made to Gilman Healthcare Auxiliary, the Danforth Reformed Church, or to IMH Hospice.

Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Phyllis M. Walsh, 88, of Gilman, IL

Phyllis M. Walsh, 88, of Gilman, IL passed away on May 9th, 2020 at the Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton, IL

 

A private funeral service will be held.

 

Anyone wishing to pay thier respects is invited to the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Gilman on May 13th, 2020 from 4pm-6pm. The family will greet you from your cars. 

Dominic E. "Ditty" Lynch Jr, 91 of Watseka

Dominic E. “Ditty” Lynch Jr, 91 of Watseka passed away on Sunday May 10, 2020 at Faith Place in Danforth. He was born on July 3, 1928 a son of Dominic E. and Mary Ellen Nally Lynch Sr. Ditty married Bonnie L. Scott in Macomb, IL on August 16, 1952 and she preceded him in death on February 17, 2018.
Survivors include one son-Michael (Patti) Lynch of Kankakee; four daughters- Nancy Cowan of Watseka, Kathy (Joe) Kubal of Crest Hill, Chris (Kevin) Bossong of Watseka, and Jennifer (Mike) Dixon of Watseka; twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers - John (Jack) Lynch and Patrick Martin Lynch.
Ditty was a 1946 graduate of Watseka High School and a 1953 graduate of Western Illinois University, where he earned three varsity letters in football, was named First Team Defensive Player of the Year and was inducted into the Western IL University Football Hall of Fame in 1983. He served in the US Army during WWII in the 1st Infantry Division and was stationed in Bad Tolz, Germany. A lifetime citizen of Watseka, Ditty, along with his brother Jack, carried on his father’s business as the former owner, operator, and vice chairman of D.E. Lynch Construction Company, which later became Iroquois Paving Corporation. He also served as a two-time past President of the IL Asphalt Pavement Association and member of Associated General Contractors of Illinois. He was a devout member of St. Edmund Catholic Church, 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity at Western IL University, Watseka Chamber of Commerce, Watseka Lions Club, Watseka American Legion, past exalted ruler of Watseka Elks Lodge No.1791 and a member of the Union League Club of Chicago. He was also a member of the Shewami Country Club, where in 1984, he was instrumental in helping to organize the construction of the back nine. Ditty was a recipient of the Western Illinois University Alumni Association Achievement Award, WCHS Athletic Achievement Award and the Sam Walton Business Leader Award.
Despite his many successes in life, nothing brought Ditty more joy than his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially enjoyed watching them participate in WCHS Athletics, and rarely missed a game or an event.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Western IL Athletic Association, Watseka Athletic Booster Club, St Edmund’s Catholic Church, Prairieview Lutheran Home, or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.
Due to the unforeseen circumstances, a memorial service and Catholic Mass will be held at a later date.
The Family invites you to share a favorite memory or story of Ditty at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dominic E. "Ditty" Lynch Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.

Bernice Kleinert, 98, of Chebanse

Bernice Kleinert, 98 of Chebanse passed away at her home on Sunday, May 10, 2020. She was born on October 25, 1921 in Momence, the daughter of Elmer and Brittana (Vail) Martin.

She married William F. Kleinert on February 28, 1939 in Momence and he preceded her in death on October 27, 2005. She was also preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers; six sisters; three grandchildren, Steven Kleinert, Katherine Kleinert, and Gary Kleinert; and one great-great-grandchild.

She is survived by two sons, Darryl (Ruth) Kleinert of Chebanse and Allyn (Marlis) Kleinert of Ashkum; one daughter, Charlene Rieken of Chebanse; nineteen grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Kleinert was a member of the United Church of Christ in Chebanse and Harmony Circle of the United Church of Christ. She was also a member of Mills School Mother’s Club.

Private services will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Pastor Marsha Collins will officiate. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ in Chebanse.

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

Dale L. Schumers, 64, of Onarga, IL

Dale L. Schumers, 64, of Onarga, IL passed away on Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City. 

 

A Memorial service may be held at a later date. 

 

Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga is handling arrangements.

Ronald Arthur Neveu, 69, of Gilman

Ronald Arthur Neveu, 69, of Gilman, passed away Sunday morning, May 3, 2020, surrounded by love, at his home. He was born January 13, 1951, in Watseka, to Francis and Maxine (Powell) Neveu. Ron was raised east of Clifton on the family farm that was purchased by his Great-Great Grandfather in 1868. He graduated from Central High School in 1969. Following graduation, he farmed with his dad and started driving a semi-truck.

 

The definition of a Legend is a notorious person, especially in a particular field. As far as we’re concerned, this was Ron. He was one of the last of the “old time truckers”. He was an amazing mechanic and spent 50 years working on his old trucks. When he retired last year (not by choice), he was still driving his 1988 Flat Top Peterbilt.

 

Ron and Vickie hauled produce to California in the early 1970’s. They later started their business, Midwest Enterprises Refrigerated Transportation, Inc. During their career, Ron and Vickie traveled to 48 states, Canada, and Mexico together. One of the highlights of trucking for Ron, was his son Brandon joining Midwest 20 years ago.

 

Ron helped with his children’s Youth League. He also helped Vickie with Old Boys and Girls Golf Outings. (As long as they could keep him away from the golf carts) He was one of a kind.

 

Ron is survived by his wife, whom he described as “the love of his life”. He married Vickie Wells on February 26, 1979, in southern Illinois. He dearly loved his three children, Amy (Dave) Coggins of Clifton, Brandon (Kari) Neveu of Chebanse, and Rona (John) Smith of Gilman. He was “Papaw” to seven grandchildren that were his world, Nate (Sara) Coggins, Justin (Rachel) Coggins, Kaden Neveu, Brynna Neveu, Beau Neveu, Samantha Smith, Dalila Smith, and one great grandson, his namesake, Ron Coggins. He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Judy (Terry) McCoy of Monroe City, IN, Angela (Martin) Dreiman of Vincennes, IN, and one brother-in-law James (Kaela) Wells of Patoka, IN, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Ron attended the Zion Lutheran Church of Ashkum. His ashes will be buried at the Clifton Cemetery.

Due to COVID-19, services will be held at a later date.

 

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital or Donor’s Choice.

 

Arrangements are by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

 

Please share a memory of Ron at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Wallace Engelbrecht, 94, of Clifton, IL

Wallace Engelbrecht, retired Milk’s Grove Township farmer, passed away May 4, 2020 at 1:00 a.m. Wallace was born June 1st, 1925 at rural Cissna Park, IL, son of Oscar and Alvina (ZumMallen) Engelbrecht. He married Marjorie Rusk on November 29th, 1953 in Rantoul, IL. She preceded him in death June of 1990.

 

Surviving are son, Dean (Del) Engelbrecht of Bloomington, IL; daughters, Judy Engelbrecht of Fairbury, IL and Peggy Lambert of McGregor, TX; five grandchildren, Bryan (Mary) of Galesburg IL, Michael (Laura) of Saratoga Springs, NY, John (Laura) of Decatur, IL, Melody (Eric Bauman) Normal, IL and Sean Lambert of Plano, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Dominik and Tess.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Victor; and sister, Mildred Wilken.

Mr. Engelbrecht was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gilman Il, attending Sunday School regularly, and had spent his life farming originally 5 miles north of Crescent City, Il., then in Milk Grove Township and Kankakee County.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Paul Lutheran Church of Gilman, IL, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cissna Park, IL or as donor wishes.

 

Private graveside services will be held at the Danforth Cemetery in Danforth, IL with Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating.

 

Pallbearers will be grandsons Bryan, Michael, and John Engelbrecht, Sean Lambert, and Eric Bauman.

 

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

 

Please share a memory of Wallace at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Betty J. Waters, 81, of Danville and formerly of Kankakee,

Betty J. Waters, 81, of Danville and formerly of Kankakee, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Danville. She was born on September 5, 1938 in Watseka, the daughter of Thomas E. and Opal (Parks) Ponton. She married George L. Waters in Watseka on January 26, 1957 and he preceded her in death on April 8, 2015. In addition, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, two sisters, two grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Surviving are one daughter, Sandra L. (Philip) Pucek of Danville; two sons, Dennis (Bonnie) Waters of Rochester, MN and Jerry Waters of Hardin, KY; two brothers, Rick (Kathy) Ponton of Watseka and Thomas (Dinees) Ponton; one sister, Lynne (Gary) Bulman of Mena, AR; seven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

Betty was a member of River Valley Christian Fellowship in Bourbonnais where she served as church secretary for many years.

Private funeral services will be held. Burial will take place at Body Cemetery in Woodland.

Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse.

Please share a memory of Betty at knappfuneralhomes.com.


 

Lois G. Ristow, 89, of Cissna Park

Lois G. Ristow, 89 of Cissna Park passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on August 10, 1930 in Claytonville, the daughter of Daniel F. and Vita (McCray) Hamrick.

She married Paul Ristow Jr. on October 29, 1952 in Claytonville, and he preceded her in death on April 21, 1985. She was also preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Loren “Buck”, Lloyd, Wayne, and Dan “Beaner”.

 

She is survived by two daughters, Colleen (David) Pihl of Champaign and Pam (Glen) Berger of Mahomet; two sons, Bruce (Pam) Ristow of Cissna Park and Sam Ristow of Cissna Park; thirteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty Steiner of Cissna Park and Maxine Geiger of Watseka.

 

Lois was a member of Claytonville U.B. Church. She graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Kankakee and was a nurse for over 51 years. She was affectionately known as “Nurse Lois” by her patients and as “Aunt Lo” by her nineteen nieces and nephews. Lois purposed that the greatest calling with which she could honor and please the Lord was to be a devoted and loving wife, make a home for her husband and children, and be a mother who loved her children and sacrificed for them.

Anyone is welcome to pay their respects by coming to Amity Cemetery near Goodwine on Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and greeting the family from their cars. A private graveside service will be officiated by Pastor Josh Denoyer.

 

Memorials may be made to the Claytonville U.B. Church or to the Cissna Park Fire Department and be sent to 239 N. 1500 E. Rd., Cissna Park, IL 60924.

 

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

 

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

William L. Garfield, 92, of Watseka

William L. Garfield, 92 of Watseka passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston. He was born on December 18, 1927 in Watseka, the son of Merle and Gladys (Shafer) Garfield and they preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by one son, Larry Garfield.
He married Phyllis Fanning in Watseka on February 9, 1959 and she survives. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Marta (Jeremy) Mitchell of Bismark and Zachary Garfield of Springfield, five great-grandchildren, and two very special friends, Bob and Diana Luecke of Milford.

Mr. Garfield was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. He was also a member of Woodland Methodist Church, Watseka American Legion Post #23, and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450. He was a retired farmer and enjoyed antiques and gardening.

Private services will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois County Historical Society.

Martha M. Hamende, 89 of Washington, MO formerly of Watseka

Martha M. Hamende, 89 of Washington, MO and formerly of Watseka passed away at her home on Sunday, May 3, 2020. She was born on October 2, 1930 in St. Helena, CA, the daughter of William and Josephine (Daniel) Rothsprack.
She married Russell H. Hamende on October 26, 1952 in Gardnerville, NV and he preceded her in death on March 26, 1985. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Dorothy Goebel; three sons, Lynn, Allen, and Mark; one daughter, Cheryl Hamende, and one son-in-law, Mark Houser.

She is survived by two sons, Russell Hamende Jr. (Beth) of Plainfield and Bruce Hamende (Joyce) of Corpus Christi, TX; two daughters, Sheila Newman (Jarod) of Washington, MO and Martha J. Hamende (Ron Gloriodi) of Washington, MO; fifteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Anne Kwiatkowski of Syracuse, UT; and one daughter-in-law, Janet Hamende of Tyler, TX.

Mrs. Hamende was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watseka and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Washington, MO. She was also the past Lt. Governor of Kiwanis Intl. and received the Foundation Award from Kiwanis.

Private graveside services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable. Rev. Wayne Meyer will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or to Kiwanis Intl.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

Norene L. (Fuoss) Ronna, 97, of Murray KY formerly of Onarga

Norene L. (Fuoss) Ronna, 97, of Murray, KY and formerly of Onarga, IL passed away on April 30, 2020 at Spring Creek Health Care in Murray, KY. She was born January 12, 1923 in Thawville, IL, the daughter of Edward J. and Augusta (Kaeding) Fuoss. She married Arnold Ronna on December 20, 1942 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Thawville, IL and he preceded her in death on May 21, 1995. She was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Ray, LeVoy, Robert, Lonny and Benny Fuoss; one sister, Mary Jean Ronna; two sons-in-law, Al McKinzie and Gary Osman; and one great-granddaughter, Emily McKinzie.

She is survived by four daughters, Eldora (George) Friebel of Murray, KY, Arna Osman of Mt. Juliet, TN, Merry (Larry) Lyons of Onarga, IL and Kathy McKinzie of Murray, KY; one son, Edward (Diane) Ronna of Onarga, IL; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Loretta Kemmer, Wilda Wright and Maureen Fuoss; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Ronna was the last charter member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murray, KY. She enjoyed baking, canning, and crossword puzzles.

Private funeral services will be held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga, IL with Rev. Tim Hahn officiating. Burial will be in the Onarga Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murray, KY or Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley, IL.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Spring Creek Health Care in Murray, KY for their compassion and care.

Please share a memory of Norene at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Gerald "Jerry" Robert Fertig, 76, of Donovan

Gerald “Jerry” Robert Fertig, 76 of Donovan passed away at his home on Saturday, May 2, 2020. He was born on August 16, 1943 in Plymouth, IN, the son of Leonard Robert and Marga Ellen (Clouse) Fertig and they preceded him in death.

He married Joyce M. Morgan on October 22, 1966 in Morocco, IN, and she survives. He is also survived by three daughters, Denise S. (Rodney) Lareau of Donovan, Traci M. (Tracy) Prater of Seymore, TN, and Mandi L. (Jeremy) Abernathy of Seymore, TN; five grandchildren, Paige (Kris) Jones, Weston and Paiton Lareau, and Kendall and Dylan Abernathy; two sisters, Marlen (Leo) Hudson of Argyle, TX and Julie Ventrella of Tampa, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Fertig was a member of the Donovan United Methodist Church. He also served in the U.S. Navy as a Navy Seal and was a member of the Watseka American Legion Post #23. He loved his grandchildren and was a huge sports fan. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the family or Kankakee Valley Hospice.

Please share a memory of Jerry at www.baierfuneralhome.com

Gladys M. (Fegett) Williams, 72, of Milford

Gladys M. (Fegett) Williams, 72, of Milford passed away on April 23rd, 2020 in Urbana. 

 

A private graveside service will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery. 

 

Knapp Funeral Home is in charge of the service

Roger D. Wilken, 71, of Milford

Roger D. Wilken, 71, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at his home. He was born February 25, 1949 in Watseka, the son of Clyde and Bernice (Trumann) Wilken and was preceded in death by his father.

 

He married Mary Harding on August 11, 1971 in Watseka and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Amy (Frank) Schuler of Normal and Brandy (Anthony) Back of Loda; one brother, Joe (Sheila) Wilken of Stockland; one sister, Peggy Wilken of Carbondale; his mother, Bernice Wilken of Stockland; and six grandchildren, Joshua Schuler, Benea Schuler, Joey Schuler, Sydnee Schuler, Bryson Crow and Bryer Back.

 

Mr. Wilken was of Christian Faith. He served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam and earned a Vietnam Service Medal and two Bronze Stars. Roger was the owner and operator of Wilken Construction. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Illini fan and enjoyed playing cards, woodworking, fishing, and taking trips to Mexico. Roger loved family gatherings and spending time with his family and grandkids.

 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland. Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate. Military graveside rites will be by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

 

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Donor’s Choice.

 

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

 

Please share a memory of Roger at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Roger D. Wilken please visit our Sympathy Store.
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