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Obituaries Archives for 2021-03

Robert E. Green, 89, of Watseka

Robert E. Green, 89, of Watseka, IL passed away on Saturday, March 20th, 2020 at his home. 

 

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, March 25th at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 4pm-7pm. 

 

A funeral service is set for 11:00am on Friday, March 26th at the Milford Christian Church. 

 

Burial to follow at the Suger Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

 

 

Edward Alan Koets, 64, of Ashkum

Edward Alan Koets, 64, of Ashkum passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his home. He was born on March 4, 1957 in Watseka, the son of Almon and Rachel (Saxsma) Koets.

He married Dawn Brinkman on August 4, 1979 in Ashkum and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Pamela Koets of Ashkum; one son, Robert (Molly) Koets of Ashkum; one granddaughter, Kamille Joy of Ashkum; sisters-in-law, Diane (Dennis) Poskin of Ashkum and Donna (Brent) Clark of Pontiac; brothers-in-law, Duane (Lori) Brinkman of Kentland, IN, Daryl Brinkman of Huntsville, AL, and Donald (Judy) Brinkman of Ashkum; and godson, Mark Chamness of Silver Springs, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Rebecca Ellen.

Ed was baptized at Danforth Reformed Church and his childhood was spent in Gilman. He worked for Reilly Ambulance Service, Shear Construction, Theesfeld Construction, and was a member of Carpenter’s Local #496. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, detailing his cars, and drinking beer. He liked spending time with his family and friends. His favorite time was spent with his pride and joy, Kami.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Earnest L. Bailey, 93, of Ashkum

Earnest L. Bailey, 93 of Ashkum passed away on Monday March 8, 2021 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

 

He was born on November 5, 1927 in Kempton the son of Avis and Cora Savage Bailey. Earnie married Ila L. Shelton in Emington on June 8, 1946 and she preceded him in death on October 30, 2018. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death three brothers, four sisters, and one son in law-Tom Curl. Survivors include one son- James (Judy) Bailey of Ashkum; six daughters- Kathleen (Michael) Hughey of Wilmette, Cynthia Curl of Chebanse, Elaine (Robert) Tammen of Danforth, Ila Jayne (Russell) Hiatt of Danville, Lois (Todd) Bayston of Kankakee, and Marjorie (Kevin) Clabby of Chebanse; two sisters- Fay Meredith of Clifton and Jeannie Norgaard of Dwight; 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

 

Earnie was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka and was an Iroquois County farmer for 40 years. He was active with the Swine Show at the Iroquois County Fair and served on the Soil & Water Conservation Board for many years.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday March 13, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Kara Berg officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 am on Saturday. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Watseka or the donor’s choice.

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

William E. Stopher, 79, of Watseka

 

William E. “Bill” Stopher, 79, of Milford, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

 

He was born September 11, 1941 in Jefferson Township, OH, the son of Eugene and Geraldine (Truax) Stopher.

 

Bill came to The ARC of Iroquois County on February 28, 1973. He enjoyed picnics, going on outings, and lounging around with his friends.

 

Mr. William Stopher is survived by his guardian and special friend, Jill Smith of Crescent City; caregivers, Tina and Melanie; and numerous other staff at the Cila; and one sister, Barbara (Charles) Davidson of Iowa.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and Eugene Stopher.

 

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date due to Covid restrictions.

 

Burial will take place at Ridge Cemetery in Middle Point, OH.

 

Memorials in Mr. William Stopher’s name can be made to Donor’s Choice.

Geniece M. Allen, 92, of Milford

Geniece M. Allen, 92, of Milford passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at her home. She was born on June 19, 1928 in Milford, the daughter of George and Minnie (Brumfield) Mann.

 

She married Denny O. Allen on June 19, 1946 in Milford and he preceded her in death on December 23, 1977. She was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; three sisters; and one son, Dennis W. Allen.

 

Geniece is survived by two daughters, Sharon Torbet of Milford and Karen (Glenn) Thrush of Milford; nine grandchildren, Alan Torbet, Monica (Ed) Davenport, Kasey (Jenny) Thrush, Kelsey (Charles) Cox, Golene Thrush, Kyle Thrush, Kylie Thrush, Gosie Thrush, and Gared Thrush; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Sue Kissack of Milford; and one brother, Scott Mann of Hoopeston.

Mrs. Allen was a member of the Milford Christian Church and a lifetime Bearcat member. She graduated from Milford High School in 1946. Geniece worked for Howard’s, Tuttle’s IGA in the deli, and at the Watseka Subway for twenty years.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Milford Christian Church. Rev. Brent Zastrow and Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

 

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., also at the church.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

 

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or the Bearcats Boosters.

 

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

Shirley Louise Keefe, 96, of Piper City, IL

Shirley Louise Keefe, 96, of Piper City passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at the Piper City Rehab and Living Center. She was born on March 9, 1924 in Chicago, the daughter of Adolph and Caroline (Livenick) Bruning.

She married John Keefe of Piper City on July 25, 1941 and he preceded her in death February 1993. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Paulette Johnson, and son, William (Bill) Keefe.

Shirley is survived by her daughter in law, Sandra (Chapman) Keefe of Towanda, two grandchildren Chad (Erin) Keefe of Normal, Shelley (Jeff) Fincham of Chenoa and four great-grandchildren, William (Will) Keefe, Delaney (Laney) Keefe, Amber Fincham and Morgan Fincham.

Shirley was a telephone operator in Piper City for many years and also worked as a secretary at American Screen Products in Chatsworth. Shirley was a member of the United Methodist Church in Piper City.

Shirley was a member of the Good Sam camping club where she traveled all over the United States. She was known locally for her beautiful rose garden and her granddaughter will continue this tradition. Shirley was an avid Bingo player and bowler and also enjoyed having people come to her fun basement bar called the “Dog House”. Shirley loved spending time with her family and we know she will be raising a glass and cheering with a Tequila Sunrise.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice and Piper City Rehab and Living Center.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley Louise Keefe please visit our Sympathy Store.

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