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Obituaries Archives for 2020-12

Helen Kimble - Vaughn, 93, of Watseka

Helen Kimble - Vaughn, 93, of Watseka passed away on Wed, December 23rd at the Watseka Rehab & Healthcare Center.

 

A graveside service is set for Thrusday, December 31st 2020 at 2:00pm at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka. 

 

A visitation will be held starting at noon, 12/31/2020 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. 

 

Baier Funeral Home is handeling arrangments.

Patricia "Pat" Ann Mockbee, 76, of Potomac

Patricia “Pat” Ann Mockbee, 76, of Potomac, passed away at 4:02 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2020, at home.

 

Pat was born on January 24, 1944, in Danville, the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt and Alice Agnes (Sands) Hunt. She married Gary Mockbee in 1965, in Danville. He survives.

 

She is also survived by three daughters- Melinda (Tommy) Winiger of Rossville, Angela (Jason) Sefrhans of Paxton and Michele (Casey) McQuinn of Paxton; one son- Rick Mockbee of Potomac; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother- Ronnie (Debbie) Hunt; two sisters- Bert Bland and Pauline Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister- Geraldine Delp and brother- Delbert Hansbrough.

Pat graduated from Danville High School. She enjoyed going to the casino boat and spending time with her children and especially her grandchildren.

 

A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 26, 2020, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Raymie Gordon officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Potomac Cemetery. Due to the current health concerns, masks and social distancing will be required.

 

Memorials may be made in Pat’s name to the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family on Pat’s everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

James G. Hack, 80 of Champaign and formerly of Ashkum

James G. Hack, 80 of Champaign and formerly of Ashkum passed away on Monday December 21, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on August 31, 1940 in Pontiac, IL a son of LeRoy and Emily Ommen Hack. Jim married Barbara A. Sterrenberg in Cullom on January 28, 1961 and she survives. Also surviving are two sons- Kevin (Tara) Hack of Ashkum and Gordon (Lisa) Hack of Chatham, IL; one daughter- Pamela (Jeff) Scott of Mahomet, IL; six grandchildren- Bryan (Regan) Hack, Andrew Hack, Jeremy (Frances) Hack, Nathan (Valerie) Hack, Evan Scott, and Ella Scott; two great grandchildren- Auburn and Blakely Hack; and one brother- Alan Hack of Cullom. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother- Ronald Hack.

Jim was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Champaign and former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum. He was a charter member of the Ashkum Lions Club. Jim was in sales and grain elevator construction for many years. He started out with Ford-Widholm and later worked for Tiffany Industries in St. Louis as Vice President of Overseas Operations building grain elevators in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. He also worked for Big Wheels Fertilizer Applicator in Paxton as a salesman and Chief Operating Officer of the company. He most recently became self employed owning Jim Hack and Associates retiring in 2006. For the past 16 years, Jim took pride in making several trips to El Salvador with Habitat for Humanity International and Thrivent. Jim was recognized with a Habitat for Humanity Award for Solidarity for his work in El Salvador. He was also a recipient of the Champaign News Gazette 70 over 70 award this year.

Private funeral services will be held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with Pastors Scott and Melissa Keeble officiating. Burial will be in the Westlawn Cemetery in Cullom.

Memorials may be made to Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Champaign, Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in El Salvador, or Cristo Rey of Hope for children in El Salvador.

Mary Jane Keigher, 92 of Gilman

Mary Jane Keigher, 92 of Gilman passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 surrounded by her husband and family. She was born on January 9, 1928 in Joliet, the daughter of Leo and Marie (Reiter) O’Connor.

Mary Jane married James Keigher in Symerton on September 15, 1951 and he survives. She is also survived by ten children, Leo (Debbie) Keigher of Minooka, Dick (Lorene) Keigher of Danforth, Don Keigher of Gilman, Bob (Candy) Keigher of Scottsbluff, NE, Ann (Tim) Kulow of Paxton, Cliff (Michele) Keigher of Onarga, Ray Keigher of Champaign, Kay (Ron) Vinson of Manhattan, Margie (Dave) Woolridge of The Villages, FL, and Jay (Maureen) Keigher of Melvin; 29 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ed (Angela) O’Connor of Moline; and one sister-in-law, Theresa O’Connor of Wilmington.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jerry O’Connor.

Mrs. Keigher was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman, where she cleaned and ironed linens on the altar as well as provided flowers for the altar until she was 80 years old. She was the former C.C.W. Woman of the Year, and loved traveling, visiting and spending time with family, crossword puzzles, flowers and arranging flowers, and bird watching.

Private visitation and funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman. Fr. John Balluff will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gilman.

Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral home in Gilman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church C.C.W.

Robert "Bob" Atkins, 87, of Watseka

Robert "Bob" Atkins, 87, of Watseka passed away on Saturday,12/19/2020 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

 

A private funeral service will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial to follow the private service at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka. 

 

Knapp Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

Merry L. Hill, 71, of Watseka

 

Merry L. Hill, 71, of Watseka passed away on Friday December 18, 2020 at her home. She was born on December 26, 1948 in Gary, IN a daughter of Wesley E. and H. Elaine Miles Johnston. Merry married Richard “Boot” Hill in Portage, IN on November 3, 1968 and he survives. Also surviving are two sons- Rod (Brenda) Hill of Louisville, TN and Randy (Natasha) Hill of El Paso, IL; one daughter- Kathy (Tommy) Graves of Watseka; one brother- James Johnston of Valparaiso, IN; one sister-Patti Johnston of Watseka; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; mother in law- Mary Hill of Watseka; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother- Stanley Johnston, and one grandson-Aaron Lavoie.

Merry was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka and enjoyed reading, boating, water sports, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Tuesday December 22, 2020 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm with Rev. Alex McNally officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Dell Cemetery in Iroquois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Cecil H. Carroll Jr., 77, of Clifton

Cecil H. Carroll Jr., 77, of Clifton passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 at his home. He was born on January 28, 1943 in Allerton, IL, the son of Rev. Cecil Hickman Sr. and Audrey (Richey) Carroll and they preceded him in death.

He married Sharon Holtman in Chrisman on December 28, 1968 and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Christel Helene (Reuben) Seelund of Auburn; one son, Cecil H. Carroll III of Clifton; four siblings, Norman (Mary) Carroll of Gainesville, GA, Norma (Dick) Krohe of Industry, Mary Gleckler of Iowa, and Barbara Carroll of Charleston, SC; five grandchildren, Ariel, Jeanette, Jordan, Mattson, and Joseph; and one great-grandchild, Kaleb.

Mr. Carroll was a member of Church of the Nazarene and the Ashkum United Methodist Church. He retired from the U.S. Army where he served 28 years, which included service during the Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Iraq wars. Also, during those years, he served as Infantry Quartermaster, Company Commander of a Field Staff Unit, Headquarters Army General Staff Pentagon, and Headquarters Secretary of Defense staff.

Private funeral services will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Graveside services will follow at Clifton Cemetery with Dr. Marvin Jones officiating and graveside military rites by Central VFW Post #2131.

Mr. Carroll was a wonderful husband to his wife of almost 52 years, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

A scripture that was important from Cecil to you was Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”.

Everyone should know that Cecil enjoyed having his butter pecan ice cream with all of you.

Memorials may be made to Olivet Nazarene University Music Dept.

Erna Jensen, 90, of Rural Chebanse

Erna Jensen, 90, of rural Cehbanse, IL passed away on Monday, 12/14/2020 at her home.

 

A private funeral mass at St. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Chebanse with burial to follow at St. Mary & Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Chebanse. 

 

A private visitation will also be held at the church.

 

The Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton is handling arrangements. 

Wilmond "Willy" V. Breymeyer, 98, of Watseka

Wilmond “Willy” V. Breymeyer, 98, of Watseka, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 at home surrounded by family. He was born on May 23, 1922 near Cissna Park to William and Ella (Munsterman) Breymeyer. Wilmond married Eileen Focken on June 8, 1947. He is survived by his wife Eileen of 73 years; daughters, Barbara (Rex) Cluver of Watseka and Cheryl (Donald) Vogel of Surprise, AZ; grandchildren, Heather Cluver and Kyle (Brittany) Cluver of Watseka; step-grandchildren, Ryan (Patti) Vogel and Abbie (Al) Sonnichsen; and two great-grandchildren, Parker and Helena Cluver.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Bernice Reutter; and brothers, Gilbert, Clarence, Lester, and Homer Breymeyer.

Willy worked for Keilsmeier’s Dairy Farm before he began his service with the United States Army. He served 2 years during WWII in Italy. He retired from FS after 38 years as a petroleum gas truck driver.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City, a lifetime member of the Watseka American Legion Post #23, Iroquois County VFW Post #7450, and was fortunate to attend the WWII Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2012.

Private graveside services will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery with Rev. Joel Brown officiating and graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450. Masks and social distancing will be required.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City.

Richard J. Timm, 91, of Chebanse

Richard J. Timm, 91, of Chebanse passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 at Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton. He was born on October 26, 1929 in Kankakee, the son of Louis H. H. and Irene (Ludeke) Timm.

He married June Mietzner in Kankakee on June 7, 1953 and she survives. He is also survived by three sons, Alan Timm of Chebanse, Larry (Sue) Timm of Hoopeston, and Wayne (Karla) Timm of Bloomington; two daughters, Cindy (Rev. Paul) Scheunemann of Port Washington, WI and Melinda (Lyle) Behrends of Ashkum; one daughter-in-law, Dr. Linda Timm of Milwaukee, WI; one sister, Reta (Eugene) Adams of Kankakee; fourteen grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dale R. Timm; and one grandson, Alexander Timm.

Mr. Timm was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse all his life, where he served as janitor and member of the finance committee. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Korean Conflict, and a member of the Chebanse American Legion. Richard also worked at Bradley Roper’s, was a dairy farmer in the Chebanse area, Dairy Superintendent of the Kankakee County Fair, and a member of the Illinois Jersey Cattle Club. He loved Jersey cows and lived on the same farm his whole life. He also played dartball for Iroquois County dartball league.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. Funeral services will follow at 11:15 a.m., also at the church. Rev. Kene Whybrew will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Mardell "Mardy" Shuper, 89, of Watseka

Mardell "Mardy" Shuper, 89, of Watseka passed away on Monday, 12/14/2020 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. 

 

A private service will be held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with burial to follow. 

 

Burial will take place at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. 

 

Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka is handling arrangements.

James Ernest Wallen, 70, of Watseka

 

James Ernest Wallen, 70, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at his home. He was born on February 14, 1950 in Watseka, the son of William and Jody Harper and they preceded him in death.

He married Amy Ramirez in Watseka on January 9, 2013 and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Christa Wallen of Colorado; one sister, Sue Foglesong of Watseka; two brothers, Bruce Harper and Brian Harper, both of Watseka; one aunt, Judy Kilgore of Watseka; and one cousin, Kim Rabe of Crescent City.

Mr. Wallen was a US Navy veteran and served during Vietnam. He enjoyed collecting clocks and going shopping for tools.

Arrangements by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Harriett M. Mowrey, 80, of Stockland

Harriett M. Mowrey, 80, of Stockland passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born on September 12, 1940 in Watseka, the daughter of Lee M. and Mae (Baser) Callahan.

She married Maynard G. Mowrey on November 7, 1960 and he preceded her in death on May 9, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Caleb Mowrey.

Harriett is survived by three sons, Jim (Debra) Mowrey, Ty (Trish) Mowrey, and Jon (Tracy) Mowrey, all of Milford; eleven grandchildren, Jaime (Darren) Bakken of Sheldon, Jennifer Mowrey of Cleveland, OH, Shane (Beka) Lavicka of Leroy, Amie Lavicka of Santa Barbara, CA, Ashlie Lavicka of Watseka, Cody, Caley and Cassidy Mowrey of Milford, Charlee Mowrey of Sheldon, and Jakki and Hunter Mowrey of Milford; four great-grandchildren, Caden, Emmerson, and Adelynn Lavicka and Cecelia Bakken; one sister, Nancy Feller of Bourbonnais; and two brothers, Larry (Gayleen) Callahan of Lowell, IN and Henry Callahan of Watseka.

Mrs. Mowrey was a member of the Milford Christian Church and taught Sunday School for 12 years. She was also a member of the Stockland Township Board for 27 years, the Milford Library Board for 14 years, the Iroquois County Board for 17 years, the Iroquois Memorial Hospital Board for 12 years, and the 911 Board for 4 years.

Private funeral services will be held at the Milford Christian Church with Rev. Brent Zastrow and Rev. Gary Milton officiating. Burial will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Milford Swimming Pool or Milford Christian Church

James Francis Green, 62, of Watseka

James Francis Green, 62, of Watseka, passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Riverside Medical Center, in Kankakee.

 

James was born on August 16, 1958, in Gilman, Illinois, the son of Francis A. and Henrietta (Meints) Green. He married Patricia Baker on October 31, 2001, in Watseka. She survives.

 

He is also survived by two daughters- Karen Coffey of Sheldon and Pam (Brian) Howell of Watseka; two sons- Michael Robinson of Sheldon and Steven Robinson of Watseka; three grandchildren- Brandon Rogers of Donovan, Heather Coffey of Hoopeston and Kayla Rogers of Watseka; five great-grandchildren- Brayden, Bryton, Aubrianna, Brielle and Lincoln; one brother- Michael Green of Kankakee; and cousin- Diane Gustafson of Paxton.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Mary Ann Green.

 

James served in the United States Army. He worked at Pride Metal Products, in Watseka and he later owned Boomers’s Bar, in Watseka. James enjoyed riding around town and playing with his great-grandchildren. He also loved spending time with Patricia.

 

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston. A Celebration of James’ Life will begin at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020, at the funeral home. Following services cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to the family to assist them with the funeral expenses. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring James’ life. Condolences may be sent to the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

James W. Pence, 84, of Watseka

James W. Pence, 84, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the Iroquois Memorial Resident Home in Watseka.

 

Jim was born on March 3, 1936 in Watseka, IL, the son of Earl and Gertrude (Troup) Pence and they preceded him in death. He married Lucille Deno on May 25, 1957 in Goodland, IN and she preceded him in death on March 3, 2020. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Merwin Pence, and one daughter-in-law, Debbie Pence.

 

He is survived by four children, Terry (Rhonda) Pence of Watseka, Lynette (Rich) Moyer of Watseka, Mike (Phyllis) Pence of Marshall and Scott (Kelly) Pence of Bourbonnais; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Wanda Pence of Clarksville, IN and several nieces and nephews.

 

Jim was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, the Watseka Lions Club and the Watseka Elks Club.

 

Jim and Lucille started Pence Oil Company in 1965 out of their home. They retired in 2005 and enjoyed travel, camping and fishing. They loved spending time with their family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Private visitation and Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Watseka Lions Club or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

 

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

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

Edward E. Elliott, 66, of Paxton

Edward E. Elliott, 66 of Paxton, passed away at 7:36 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living.

 

A graveside service will be held at Floral Hill Cemetery, Hoopeston at a later date. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements.

 

Ed was born July 9, 1954 in Danville the son of Franklin and Bernice Scarlet Elliott. He married Julie Behncke July 27, 1974 in Danville. They were school sweethearts and have spent 46 years happily married. She survives. Along with his wife, Julie, he is survived by two sons Chad (Sarah) Elliott of Rantoul, Joshua (Ashley) Elliott of Richland, WA; two grandchildren, Oliver and Isabel; one brother David (Belva) Elliott of Danville and one sister Sue (Charles) McChesney of Loves Park, IL Ed graduated from Danville High School in 1972 and from Eastern Illinois University in 1982. He received an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan in 1998. Ed had been the purchasing manager for FMC Hoopeston and later worked for the Alamo Group, Gibson City. They moved from Danville to Paxton in 2006. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and an Eagle Scout with Troop 19, Danville. Ed always brought light into the room and had a way about getting a smile out of every one he spoke with. He loved being outdoors – whether grilling, gardening, camping and especially fishing. He was at home outside with nature – loved playing with his dogs and feeding the birds and squirrels in the neighborhood. Ed followed the Lord, the 12 points of the Scouts Law and his heart – he was a good man. Memorials may be made to The Boy Scouts of America.

 

Please share your condolences and memories with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

 

Diane Houmes, 73, of Watseka

Diane Houmes, 73, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, Nov 28th, 2020.

 

A private funeral service will be held. A public graveside service is set for 12:00pm Saturday, December 5th at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. 

 

The Baier Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

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