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Obituaries Archives for 2021-02

Eleanor Hamrick, age 92, of Watseka

Eleanor J. Hamrick, 92, of Iroquois passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born on July 3, 1928 in Cissna Park, the daughter of Emil and Martha (Siegle) Muehling. She married Lloyd F. Hamrick in Kentland, IN on July 28, 1951 and he preceded her in death on August 26, 1977.

 

Surviving are one son, Kevin (Dorothy) Hamrick of Donovan; two grandchildren, Derick (Chelsey) Hamrick of Fowler, IN and Alison (Brandon) Setty of Donovan; two brothers, Larry (Arlene) Muehling of Watseka and Ross (Nancy) Muehling of Fishers, IN; and two sisters, Linda Kottke of Buckley and Phyllis Ehmen of Watseka.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; four brothers; four sisters; and one granddaughter, Alexis.

 

Mrs. Hamrick was a member of Iroquois Methodist Church in Iroquois. She taught elementary and special education for over forty years. She belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma where she was a founding member of the Iroquois County chapter and was recognized for fifty-five years of service. Eleanor volunteered with Iroquois County Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, and American Red Cross blood drives.

 

A memorial service will be at 12:00 noon on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Iroquois Methodist Church in Iroquois. Rev. Vicki Killus will officiate. Burial will follow at Amity Cemetery in Goodwine.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Iroquois Methodist Church.

 

Arrangements are being handled by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to The Eleanor Hamrick Memorial Scholarship to be used for future educators.

 

Please share a memory of Eleanor at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Eleanor J. Hamrick please visit our Sympathy Store.

Adeline M. Nielsen, 92, formerly of Milford

Adeline M. Nielsen, 92, formerly of Milford passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Gilman Health Care.

Adeline was born on September 15, 1928 in Ash Grove Twp., the daughter of August and Alwina (Rehborg) Nielsen and they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Arnold Nielsen and Elmer Nielsen; two sisters, Mildred Meyer and Leona Pfingsten; and one nephew, Les Pfingsten.

She is survived by two nieces, Mary Ann Sobkoviak of Iroquois and Karen Gocken of Crescent City; and one nephew, Richard Pfingsten of Crescent City.

Ms. Nielsen was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Rev. John Franklin officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday. Private graveside services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth.

Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

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

Shirley A. Walker, 85, of Iroquois

Shirley A. Walker, 85, of Iroquois passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 at her home in Iroquois. She was born on September 29, 1935 in Cissna Park, the daughter of Emil and Martha (Siegle) Muehling. She married Curtis V. Walker in Watseka on July 5, 1958 and he preceded her in death on March 30, 2009.

She is survived by one son, Michael (Janet) Walker of Roberts; one step granddaughter, Sara (Jerome) Powell of Las Vegas, NV; one step great grandson, Jace Powell of Las Vegas, NV; two brothers, Larry (Arlene) Muehling of Watseka and Ross (Nancy) Muehling of Fishers, IN; three sisters, Eleanor Hamrick of Iroquois; Linda Kottke of Buckley, and Phyllis Ehmen of Watseka; and several special nieces and nephews including Kevin and Dorothy Hamrick, Derick (Chelsea) Hamrick, and Alison (Brandon) Hamrick-Setty.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers, and three sisters.

She was a member of Iroquois Methodist Church and was active with Church Council. She volunteered with the American Red Cross blood drives and enjoyed gardening.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Iroquois Methodist Church in Iroquois. Rev. Vicki Killus will officiate. Burial will follow at Cissna Park Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 12:00 noon service on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the Iroquois Methodist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to American Red Cross or American Diabetes Association.

Tari A. Scheiwe, 57, of Crescent City

Tari A. Scheiwe, 57, of Crescent City passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born June 23, 1963 in Watseka, the daughter of Glenn and Irma (Thomas) Scheiwe and they preceded her in death.

She is survived by one sister, Tammy (Larry) Buess of Lafayette, IN and one brother, Tim Scheiwe of Crescent City. She was referred to as Aunt T by her two nieces, Anna (Kyle) Liedtky of South Bend, IN and Alexis Scheiwe (fiance, Elijah Price) of Watseka; two nephews, Tyler Lauterbach (Brittany Emery) of Elwood, IN and Andrew Buess of Lafayette, IN; and five great-nieces, Gracelynn Price, Zayla Price, Nevaeh Emery, Paislee Emery and Winter Lauterbach.

Ms. Scheiwe was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. She graduated from Concordia University in River Forest earning her teaching degree. Tari taught in Peru, IL and at several schools in the Michigan area. She enjoyed cross stitching.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until the 4:00 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. Pastor Aaron Uphoff will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, Multiple Sclerosis Society, or to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Ralph W. Bohlmann, 86, of Watseka

Ralph W. Bohlmann, 86, of Watseka passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on October 14, 1934 in Milford, the son of Henry and Alma (Brutlag) Bohlmann. He married Margaret Jo Nally in Watseka on September 2, 1956 and she preceded him in passing on March 28, 2013.

Surviving are two sons, David Bohlmann of Watseka and Kevin (Michelle) Bohlmann of Venice, FL; seven grandchildren, Brandon Bohlmann of Valdez, AK, Helen (Nick) Hawkins of Virginia Beach, VA, McKenzie Bohlmann of Bristal, NH, Malina Bohlmann of Bristal, NH, Jeramey Bohlmann of Watseka, Chanin Daily of Boswell, IN, and Chad (Kathy) Bertrand of Watseka; seven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter in law, Glenda K. Bohlmann; and one brother, Norbert (Jeannette) Bohlmann.

Ralph was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. In his younger years, he enjoyed gardening and golfing. He was an avid Cubs, Bulls, and Bears fan. Mr. Bohlmann worked at Kankakee Federal Savings and Loan for thirty-eight years.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. Rev. Aaron Uphoff will officiate. Burial will follow at Onarga Cemetery in Onarga.

Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 noon on Saturday, February 20, 2021 also at church.

Arrangements are by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation.

Please share a memory of Ralph at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Robert M. Mossman, 73, of Watseka

Robert M. Mossman, 73, of Kentland, IN, and formerly of Watseka passed away on January 30, 2021 at Franciscan Health in Lafayette, IN.

 

He was born November 6, 1947 in Watseka, the son of Ray M. and Lois (Rhoades) Mossman. His father died July 22, 1960, his mother died October 5, 1991, and his brother, David L. Mossman died March 17, 1989.

 

He attended Watseka High School for three years and then graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais High School in 1966.

 

Mr. Mossman served in the U.S. Marine Corp until being honorably discharged for medical reasons. He and his brother operated a produce and delivery service as well as a construction business.

 

Private burial services will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

 

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Please share a memory of Robert at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert M. Mossman please visit our Sympathy Store.

Robert L. Fisher, 95, of Chebanse

Robert L. Fisher, 95, of Chebanse passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno.

 

Bob was born on December 8, 1925 in Onarga, the son of Archibald and Ethel (Morgan) Fisher and they preceded him in death. He married Delores Kroll on May 18, 1957 in Kankakee and she preceded him in death on July 17, 1982. He was also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

 

He is survived by two daughters, Debra (David) Anderson of Chebanse and Amy (Mark) Lewis of Clifton; three sons, David (Gina) Fisher of Bourbonnais, Darrin Fisher of Gardner and Dan (Karen) Loftus of Bourbonnais; fifteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Bob served honorably in the United States Army during World War II, from December 7, 1944 through November 20, 1946. He had a rank of Technician Fifth Grade and was awarded the following medals and awards; Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Japan and Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

 

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse, where he taught Sunday School. He retired from A.O. Smith after 35 years, where he served as an accountant and then a truck dispatcher. After A.O. Smith, he enjoyed working as a rural route newspaper carrier for the Kankakee Journal, serving over 300 customers for another 17 years. Bob loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. funeral service on Monday, February 15, 2021 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Rev. Kene Whybrew officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Chebanse American Legion Post #408 at the church. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Onarga Cemetery.

 

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse, Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno or Chebanse American Legion Post #408.

 

Arrangements are by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

 

Please share a memory of Bob at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert L. Fisher please visit our Sympathy Store.

Joyce A. Eilers, 85, of Watseka, IL

Joyce A. Eilers, 85, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021. She was born on March 7, 1935 in Watseka, the daughter of Otis and Mary (Donaldson) Peters.

 

She married Gene Eilers in Watseka on October 24, 1952 and he survives. She is also survived by two sons, Jeff (Brenda) Eilers of Kentland, IN, and J.D. (Julie) Eilers of Naples, FL; one daughter, Colleen Bulington of Sheldon; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

 

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; step mother, Kate Peters; one daughter, Brenda Varboncoeur; one son-in-law, Joe Bulington; and one daughter-in-law, Julia Williams.

 

Mrs. Eilers was a former member of the Methodist Church. She was also the school secretary at Wanda Kendall Grade School for many years.

 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Jeff Elliott will officiate. Burial will follow at Body Cemetery in Woodland.

 

Memorials may be made to Iroquois memorial Hospice or to the donor’s choice.

 

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

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joyce A. Eilers please visit our Sympathy Store.

Leni J. Hethke, 10 months old, of Buckley, IL

Leni J. Hethke, 10 months, of Buckley passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at her home in the arms of her loving family. She was born on March 12, 2020 in Gibson City, the daughter of Keith and Ashley (Price) Hethke.

 

Leni is survived by her parents; two sisters, Charlotte and Stella Hethke, both at home; maternal grandmother, Donna (Joe) Rorem of Gilman; maternal grandfather, Bill (Debbie) Price of Onarga; paternal grandparents, Roger and Kathy Hethke of Thawville; paternal great-grandparents, Lloyd and Mary Lustfeldt of Buckley; one aunt, Darby Sweeney of Gilman; two uncles, Matt Price of Onarga and Kevin Hethke of Onarga; and seven cousins, Rowan Bork, Merrek Sweeney, Noah Price, Max Price, Nathan Price, Liam Hethke, and Maecie Hethke.

She was preceded in death by an angel sibling.

 

Leni radiated light and joy to all who came to know her during her short stay on Earth. She had the most infectious smile and heartwarming laugh. She absolutely adored her big sisters, and her most favorite place to be was in the arms of her mommy and daddy. She was smart, funny, curious, and always so happy. Leni touched many lives because of her incredible courage, strength, and resiliency throughout her lifelong fight with infant Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Her entire life, she knew nothing but love and kindness.

 

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Memorials may be made in Leni’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Leni J. Hethke please visit our Sympathy Store.

Alberta June Whaley Johnson, 84, of Thawville

Alberta June Whaley Johnson, 84, of Thawville, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Alberta was born on June 9, 1936 in Donovan, the daughter of Albert Earl and Lucy Elizabeth (Paris) Whaley and they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by three brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald Whaley (Edna (Dolly) Whaley), Howard Whaley (Dorothy Whaley) and John Whaley (Inez Whaley); one son-in-law, Dave Mattheessen; and one grandson, Brent McTaggart.

She married Louis Leroy Johnson on April 14, 1956 in Martinton and he survives.

Besides her husband, Louis Johnson of Thawville, she is also survived by five children, Roland (Cindy) Johnson of Thawville, Peggy (Les) Seefeldt of Watseka, Kevin (Lori) Johnson of Danforth, Allen Johnson (Fiancee, Cary Hagen) of Crescent City and Laurie Mattheessen of Peoria; twelve grandchildren, Angela (Marc) VonDrehle of Thawville, Abbie (Chad) Thompson of Gilman, Michael (Kate) Johnson of Washington, Casie (Jim) Hanson of Watseka, Darren (Marilyn) Seefeldt of Chicago, Calley (Michael) Kaeb of Cissna Park, Ashley Johnson of Watseka, Adam (Lauren) Johnson of Pontiac, MO, Amber (Andy) Rippy of Bloomington, Brock (Heather) Johnson of Crescent City, Ethan Johnson of Buckley and Hayden Mattheessen of Peoria; 19 great-grandchildren; a niece, Sandy (Butch) Lambert of Piper City; a nephew, Terry (Nancy) Whaley of Sierra Vista, AZ; and two step-grandchildren, Bryan Mattheessen of Dover, DE and Brandon Mattheessen of Morton, IL.

Mrs. Johnson graduated from Donovan High School. She was a member of Onarga Christian Church. Alberta enjoyed camping and loved spending the winters in Florida and Texas, but her greatest love was spending time with her family.

Private funeral services will be on Friday, February 12, 2021 at the Onarga Christian Church with Rev. Van Haas officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Ridgeland Township Cemetery in Thawville.

Memorials may be given to Onarga Christian Church, ARC of Iroquois County or Down Syndrome Foundation (425 N. Missouri Ave, Morton, IL 61550).

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

Please share a memory of June at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Claudia J. Schultz, 71, of Sheldon

Claudia J. Schultz, 71, of Sheldon, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 4th, 2021. 

 

A visitation is set for Tuesday, Feb. 9th, 2021 from 10am-12pm at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL with the funeral service to follow. 

 

Cremation rites have been accorded following the service. 

 

Baier Funeral Home in Watseka is handling arrangments. 

Robert "Bob" Pool, 84, of Danforth and formerly of Onarga

Robert “Bob” Pool, 84, of Danforth and formerly of Onarga passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Faith Place in Danforth. He was born on June 15, 1936 in rural Piper City, the son of Oscar F. and Aldea M. (Rabideau) Pool.

He is survived by three brothers, Dale (Joyce) Pool of Onarga, John (Joyce) Pool of Thawville, and William “Bill” (Joan) Pool of Gibson City; one sister, Linda (Douglas) Porick of Fishers, IN; one brother-in-law, Ronald Crosby of Republic, WA; 16 nieces and nephews; and 24 great nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Alice Movern Pool; two brothers Richard and wife Norma Pool and James and wife Grace Pool; two sisters, Rita Crosby, and infant sister, Helen Pool; and one niece and one nephew.

Mr. Pool was a member of East Central Fur Takers Organization, where he was an officer for twenty years, and was a lifetime member of Fur Takers America. He graduated from Onarga High School in 1954, was a U.S. Army veteran, and farmed in Thawville, Crescent City, Buckley, and Onarga throughout his life. Bob ran hundreds of 5K and 10K road races, three river-to-river relay races in southern Illinois, and several half marathons. He was a member of Second Wind Running Club in Champaign, where he was awarded Runner of the Year in 2000, Starved Rock Running Club, Vermillion Valley Striders, Kennekuk Running Club of Danville, Lake Run Club in Bloomington, and Kankakee River Running Club. After retiring from farming, Bob became an avid golfer with a membership at Shagbark Golf Club, where he participated in Thursday night men’s golf league.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at Del Rey Cemetery.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

William J. "Buddy" Hendry III, 73, of Watseka

William J. “Buddy” Hendry III, 73, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021 in Gilman.

 

He was born on May 12, 1947 in Watseka, the son of William J. and Violet (Wiergna) Hendry II. He married Rebecca Poskin and she preceded him in death as well as one daughter, Paula Hendry.

Surviving are two daughters, Tracy (Frank Burmeister) Hendry of Watseka and Mellissa Shepard of Bradley, IL; three grandchildren, Shantel Duffy of Sheldon, Amanda Teel of Watseka, and Dylan (Jennifer) Hendry of Crescent City; four great grandchildren, Makaylah Weber, Destinee Taden, Kayson Duffy, and Kinsley Duffy; special friend, Roscoe Durflinger; cousin, Beverly Stair of Sheldon; two step children; three step grandchildren; and his former wife, Carla Jensen.

 

Cremation rites accorded by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Burial of cremains will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

 

Please share a memory of William at baierfuneralhome.com

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