Loren Lee Kohler, 76, of Watseka passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 at his daughter’s home in Watseka. He was born on December 11, 1944 in Watseka, the son of Carl John and Ida-Belle (Rife) Kohler. He married Sandra Kay Jensen in Gilman on June 28, 1968.

Surviving are his wife, Sandra Kohler of Watseka; one daughter, Alissa (Niel) Stevens of Watseka; two grandchildren, Kadyn Stevens and Kobi Stevens, both of Watseka; one sister, Norma Tooley of Robinson, IL; brother in law, Maurice Saxsma of Gilman; sister in law, Pat (Mike) Butler of Martinton; brother in law, Dennis (Shirley) Jensen of Shelbyville, IN; and very special nieces and nephews, Darcy, Dusti, Derek, Colton, and Carsyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elmer Kohler; sister, Elaine Saxsma; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Phyllis and Charles Utter; and father-in-law, Robert Jensen.

Loren was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watseka, American Legion Post #23, Watseka VFW #7450, and was the former Mayor of Martinton. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. Mr. Kohler loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially attending their sporting events.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Joe Hughes will officiate. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

Travis A. Leadingham, 44, of Kankakee, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on January 23, 1977 in Kankakee, the son of Michael Lee Leadingham and Sharon (Perzee) Roth Paraday. Travis married Elizabeth Hoover on February 16, 2017 in Watseka.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Hoover Leadingham of Kankakee; his children, Noah Hoover and Miracle Leadingham, both of Kankakee; his mother, Sharon Perzee Roth Paraday (Tim) of Limestone; three brothers, Jason Leadingham of Dwight, Brent (Cara) Leadingham of Cortland, IL, and Jeffery Leadingham of Brook, IN; father-in-law, Kenneth Hoover of CA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rebecca Hoover and Brian Hoover, both of Las Vegas, NV; two step-brothers, Brandon (Bridget) Paraday of Chebanse, and Todd (Krissy) Paraday of Orland Hills; and seven nieces and one nephew, Brena Leadingham of GA, Julyn Leadingham of Cortland, Rachel Davison of Carmi, IL, Sebrina Dee of Kankakee, Haley Leadingham of Brook, IN, Hunter Leadingham of Brook, IN, Krissy Croker of Dwight and Romeo Cruz of Las Vegas, NV.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Lee Leadingham; one brother, Michael W. Leadingham; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Perzee and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Leadingham; mother-in-law, Jorie Hoover; and a sister-in-law, Sheryl Leadingham.

Travis enjoyed playing Bags, fishing, listening to music and watching the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He loved to cook, especially on the grill. Most of all, Travis loved spending time with his children.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 4-8pm at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 10:00am, also at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Walter “Jack” Hancock, 91, of Milford, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Heritage Woods of Watseka. He was born on March 29, 1930 in Valparaiso, IN, the son of Wilford and Pearl (Euans) Hancock. Jack married Edna Cade on October 15, 1949 in Milford. She preceded him in death on October 23, 1999.

He is survived by five children, Jackie (Dan) Worthey of Watseka, Warren (Barbara) Hancock of Stockland, Richard (Teresa) Hancock of Milford, Debra (Duane) Henrichs of Pontiac, and Darla (Jay) Carlson of Milford; eleven grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife, Edna, he was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Erma Cade; one brother, Wilford Hancock; one sister, Helen Redburn; a daughter-in-law, Linda Hancock; one son, Robert Hancock; a grandson, Michael Worthey; and a great-grandson, Ian Little.

Jack was a Carpenter and ran his business, Hancock’s Home Repairs, for more than 26 years. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting and going to flea markets and antiquing.

Jack was a lifelong member of Milford Christian Church.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 12:00pm at Milford Christian Church, with visitation starting at 10:00am. Pastors Brent Zastrow, Gary Milton and Neil Larimore will officiate. Inurnment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Stephen Carl "Steve" Fix, 80, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Milford, IL, passed away at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton,FL. He was born May 4, 1941, in Talbot, IN, the son of Roy and Cozetta Fix. He married Dixie (Wilken) Fix in Milford, IL on September 1st, 1963. She survives in Bradenton.

He is also survived by one daughter, Stephanie Wilson(fiance Scott Schneider) of Milford, IL and one son, Clinton Fix of Bradenton, FL; two sisters, Shirley Lane of Hoopeston, IL, Carolyn Longest of Hoopeston, IL; one brother, George Fix(Sheila) of Englewood, FL; three grandchildren, Brianna Castonguay, Zack Castonguay, and Shane Wilson; one great grandchild, Hadley Pratt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Virginia(Ginny) Probasco and Joyce Williams, two brother-in-laws Ronald Lane and Leon Probasco.

Steve worked at Uarco in Watseka, IL for 33 years retiring in 1999. Steve and Dixie owned and operated Dixie's Kitchen in Milford, IL.

Steve loved to garden, mow, and visit with friends. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in Times Republic from May 24 to May 27, 2021.

Myron Charles Cailteux, 86, of Clifton passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 due to a farming accident. He was born on November 16, 1934 in Clifton, the son of Erwin F. and Irene C. (Wauthier) Cailteux.

He married Linda Hynd at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’erable on January 12, 1963 and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter-in-law, Lynn Cailteux of Tallahassee, FL; four children, Gerald (Julie) Cailteux of Clifton, Julie (Craig) Tholen of Bristol, Kenneth (Tammy) Cailteux of Clifton, and Andrew (Jennifer) Cailteux of Lewis Center, OH; fourteen grandchildren, Brandon and Brian Cailteux, Ryan (Tara) Cailteux, Rebecca (Shane) McNally, Rachel Cailteux, Abigail, Benjamin, and Samuel Tholen, Bethany (Stanley) Bouguszewski, Ethan (Autumn) Cailteux, Kelly (Bradley) Gifford, Logan Cailteux, and Tyler and Brady Cailteux; six great-grandchildren and one on the way; four foster great-grandchildren; one sister, Carol (Jerry) Deany of Richton Park; and one brother-in-law, Wayne Jordan of College Station, TX.

Myron was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Harold Cailteux; two sisters, Noreen Saathoff and Dorothy Jordan; one son, Richard Cailteux; one brother-in-law, Alvin Saathoff; and one sister-in-law, Sue Cailteux.

Mr. Cailteux was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, a lifelong farmer in L’erable, and a U.S. Army veteran. He loved playing cards, going to casinos, making hook rugs, watching the Lawrence Welk show, and raising popcorn for his family.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’erable with graveside military rites by Chebanse American Legion Post #408.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorial may be made to the donor’s choice.

Rafael P. Melgoza, 71, of Gilman passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at his home. He was born November 6, 1949 in Ejido, Nuevo Camaron, Rodriguez, N.L., Mexico, the son of Bartolo and Felicitas (Perez) Melgoza and they preceded him in death in addition to one son.

He married Anita Lopez on January 21, 2005 in Watseka and she survives. Also surviving are five children, Sofia Melgoza of Gilman, Olivia Melgoza of Gilman, Jose Ma Melgoza of Mexico, Karla Romero of Mexico and Guadalupe Olivares of Mexico; seven siblings, Augustin Melgoza of Gilman, Isidro Melgoza of Gilman, Teodoro Melgoza of Gilman, Jose Melgoza of Onarga, Maria G. Gonzalez of Onarga, Dora Magana of Tennessee and Felicitas Hernandez of Texas; and many grandchildren.

Mr. Melgoza was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman and was very active in the church. He was a welder for Ficklin’s Grain Wagons and enjoyed playing the guitar, fishing, and reading.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman. Father John Horan will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Gilman.

Memorials may be made for the family’s wishes.

Please share a memory of Rafael at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Lawrence “Pete” Bauer, 81, of Cissna Park passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at Fairview Haven Nursing Home in Fairbury. He was born April 9, 1940 in Loda, the son of Ernest and Mary (Yergler) Bauer and they preceded him in death in addition to three brothers and five sisters.

He is survived by two sisters, Dorothy Walder of Cissna Park and Carol (John) Waldbeser of Cissna Park; one brother, Bob (Sonnie) Bauer of Cissna Park; and many nieces and nephews.

Pete belonged to the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. Ministers of the church will officiate. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Fairview Haven Nursing Home in Fairbury.

Please share a memory of Pete at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Margaret “Dode” Thorne, 90, of Paxton and formerly of Onarga passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City. She was born on July 10, 1930 in Onarga, the daughter of Albert and Angela (Gulczynski) Kanosky. She married Gleason C. Thorne in Gilman on April 20, 1949 and he preceded her in death on April 5, 2008.

Surviving are two sons, Lloyd (Hortensia) Thorne of Oceanside, CA and Buzz (Becky) Thorne of Paxton; three daughters, Chris Ornelas of Onarga, Patricia Thorne of Palm Desert, CA, and Liz Sellek of Paxton; fifteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; two sister in laws, Margaret Kanosky and Dorothy Kanosky; several nieces and nephews; and her dog, Cooper.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers and five sisters; and two son in laws, Marlin Corbitt and Jeff Sellek.

Dode worked at Best Supermarket for over twenty-four years. She enjoyed the Game Show Network, Lifetime movies, and her coffee club with the gals. She loved to spend time with all of her family.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. Pastor Brian King will officiate. Burial will follow in Onarga Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Margaret at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Julie A. Ladd, 63 of Watseka passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021 at her home. She was born on October 8, 1957 in Watseka a daughter of Charles and Virginia McShanog Foster. Julie married Larry L. Ladd in Watseka on February 25, 1978 and he survives. Also surviving are two sons- Nick Ladd of Watseka and Jake (Christina) Ladd of Watseka; three grandchildren- Gavin Ladd, Olivia Ladd, Mackenzie Urban; her mother- Virginia Foster of Watseka; one sister- Mary Beth (Dix) Firestone of Centerville, OH; one brother- Mike (Lyla) Foster of Noblesville, IN; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father.

Julie was a 1975 graduate of Watseka Community High School and member of St Edmund Catholic Church and Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce. She was a sales manager for Illinois Valley Cellular and enjoyed spending time with her friends, family, and grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Zelda Williams, 94, of Piper City passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Piper City Rehab and Living Center in Piper City. She was born on January 18, 1927 on the family farm east of Cullom, IL to Wesley C. and Minnie (Dehm) Harms. She married Edwin “Toad” Williams on November 25, 1945 in Cullom and he preceded her in death on March 12, 2012.

Surviving are their three children, Cynthia L. (Dennis) Saxsma of Huntingburg, IN; Ronald E. (Debbra) Williams of Piper City, and Donna M. Kretzer (special friend, Ted Johnson) of St. Joseph, IL; six grandchildren; two step grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and six step great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Ivan Wesley Harms; and foster brother, H. Roy Harms.

Zelda was educated in the Cullom Schools and graduated in 1945. She worked at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington prior to getting married. Later, she worked at Piper City Tri-Ag. Zelda loved to play cards and she and Edwin were members of the “Jolly Twelve” euchre club for many years. She and Edwin traveled extensively and spent twenty years wintering in Apache Jct., Arizona.

She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Piper City. She was active in the Women’s Association, Lydia Circle, and volunteered for Meals-On-Wheels.

Zelda loved her family and especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, May 24, 2021 at the First United Presbyterian Church in Piper City. Rev. Wade Ditty will officiate. Burial will follow in Brenton Twp. Cemetery in Piper City.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am on Monday, May 24, 2021 also at church.

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

Memorials may be made to First United Presbyterian Church, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, or Piper City Rehab and Living Center.

Anita Jean “Jeannie” Williamson was born July 12, 1935 at home in rural Woodland to Elmer and Maude (Lee) Martin. She married Sam Williamson on June 12, 1953.

Jeannie is survived by her husband, Sam; beloved grandchildren, Rachel (Mike) Morris of Santa Monica, California, Ross (Brooke) Williamson, and Carrie (Kevin) Girard of Watseka; one adored great-grandchild, Jack Bruce Williamson of Watseka; and daughter-in-law, Paula Gross Williamson (Mark) Hodak of Kankakee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Bruce Williamson; brother, John Martin, who lost his life in the Battle of the Bulge; and sister, Kathy Francisco.

She enjoyed her work at Welles School as a music teacher until 1973 when she and her
husband purchased The Jewel Box which they owned and operated in downtown Watseka for 23 years. She was an avid lover of music and animals.

She passed peacefully at home on Monday, May 17, 2021, surrounded by her beloved family.

Services will be held at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka on Friday May 21, 2021. A visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm followed by a funeral service at noon.

Memorials can be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Jeannie at baierfuneralhome.com.

Edward L. Harms, 72, of Ashkum, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Ed was born on March 28, 1949 in Kankakee, the son of Edward S. and Jennie (Bruns) Harms. Ed married Marilyn Kay Gillespie on August 29, 1970 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. She preceded him in death on March 20, 2020.

Ed is survived by one daughter, Erin (Kenneth) Sorensen of Ashkum; one son, Ryan E. Harms of Clifton; two granddaughters, Andie Mathy (Nina Crowley) and Kaylee Mathy (Jasmine Clark); and one sister, Dorothy Eshleman of Cullom.

Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Melvin Harms, Richard Harms and Larry Harms; and one sister, Ruth Mikeworth.

Ed worked maintenance for BASF for over 20 years. He was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum, as well as a former member of the Ashkum Lions Club. Ed was also an American Red Cross Blood Donor. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, playing Scrabble, crossword puzzles, and playing shuffle board with his buddies.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 5-8:00pm at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11:00am, at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. Fr. Doug Hauber will officiate. Burial will follow at Ashkum Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Uplifted Care Hospice.

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

Robert Harrison Randall was born to Robert D. and Lucilla Hall Randall who owned and operated Randall’s in Normal, IL. He married Joanne Fissel on November 24, 1955 in Bloomington.

Harrison spent most of his youth in Bloomington and was a graduate of University High School and Illinois Wesleyan University. He was most proud of his service as a United States Marine from 1952-1954, and served during the Korean War. Harrison and Joanne moved to Gilman in 1961 where they owned and operated the Ben Franklin Store until it closed in 2006. He was member of the Christian Science Church of Boston, Mass and enjoyed his daily calls from Marlin Fourman, Jr. with the daily reading. He was a proud member of his community serving on the Park District Board, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. In 2018 he was able to be an honoree of a Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He loved trains and the weather and continued to track both daily.

He had many special friends who continued to visit him at the Gilman Nursing Home. His “coffee group” who met for many years at the local coffee shop continued to meet at the nursing home and he loved his routine outings, often running into someone who had a warm hello or “Hi, Josh.” The dedication of these friendships remained strong in phone calls and window visits when the pandemic made in-person visits not possible. He was so grateful to all of you.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Joanne (December 4, 2009). He leaves behind his cousin G. Kay (Frank) Boyd, sister-in-law Jarie (Clarence) Ford, nieces Lisa Ford and Carrie (Doug) Leathers, great nieces Katie (Ryan) Casselman and Gracie Ford, a great-great niece Abbie Casselman and great-great nephew, “finally a boy” Lucas Casselman.

The family would like to acknowledge special friends Susie, Gloria and Holly who made his last years extra special and who were a tremendous support to his well-being. To the caregivers at Gilman Nursing Home, thank you for being there. Harrison lived a beautiful life and his presence will be remembered by many. Our hearts are full knowing he is reunited with family who went before him, especially the love of his life, Joanne.

Services will be held at Mann Park Pavilion on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Susie Offill will officiate and military rites will take place by Gilman American Legion Post 499 and United States Marine Corps. A short social will immediately follow. Inurnment will be at Gilman Mausoleum at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mann Park.

Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Janice Louise “Jan” Kuhns, 93, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 9:25 A.M. Monday March 22, 2021 at her home.  She was born July 7, 1927, in Clinton, IN, the daughter of Cassel and Louise (Jordan) Kuhns.   

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jack Kuhns. 

Jan graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in music.  After graduation, she began teaching music at Rossville Grade School where she taught for many years.  She loved playing golf and was a member of Hubbard Trail Country Club.  She also enjoyed playing Bridge and teaching the game to young people. 

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a  graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday May 20, 2021 at Rossville Cemetery in Rossville, IL with Pastor Kevin Purdy officiating.. 

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T.) 901 W. Main St Hoopeston, IL 60942 or to the Humane Society of Danville 1225 N Collett St. Danville, IL. 61832. 

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements. 

Eugene Gerald Goldsby, 93, of Bloomington and formerly of Gilman passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at The Villas of Hollybrook in Bloomington. He was born on September 1, 1927 in rural Thawville, the son of Elza Earl and Emma Edith (Lytle) Goldsby. He married Ruth Anna Kuipers on April 17, 1949 at Danforth Reformed Church in Danforth and she preceded him in passing on May 15, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents; son in law, Bill Crippin; four brothers, Merle, Kenneth, Elza Earl Jr., and Charles Goldsby; and four sisters, Bethel Goldsby Wilson Murray, Betty Goldsby Dillow, Ruth Goldsby Sheldon, and Ruby Goldsby Dean.

Eugene is survived by three daughters, Jan (Ken) Springhorn of DeSoto, Joyce Crippen of Carbondale, and Gloria (Doug) Jameson of Bloomington; seven grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; two sister in laws, Florene Goldsby of San Diego, CA and Mary Ann Goldsby of Gilman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Goldsby served in the Army Medical Corp during WWII from 1946-1947 and was a motor sergeant of the 22nd Station Hospital in Guam. He was a dedicated father and a loving husband to his wife, Ruth for sixty-three years. He helped take care of her after she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1967. He was a lineman and foreman for Eastern Illinois Power Coop for over thirty years from 1955 until 1987. Mr. Goldsby also worked at Si Workman Filling Station prior to the service, WD Orr International Harvester Dealership from 1948-1955 and worked as an electrician from 1964-1980 at EG Goldsby Electric. Eugene was a lifelong member of Danforth Reformed Church and a volunteer with the Gilman Fire Department.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Danforth Reformed Church in Danforth. Pastor Donald MacDonald will officiate. Burial will follow at Danforth Reformed Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 12:30-2:00 pm on Saturday, May 15, 2021 also at church.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to Danforth Reformed Church.

Samuel Joseph Ochs, 76, of Milford, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on October 3, 1944 in Olney, IL, the son of Henry and Susie (Frauli) Ochs. Samuel married Deborah Forristall in 1967, at St. John’s Catholic Church on the University of Illinois Campus.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Ochs of Milford; a daughter and son-in-law, Sarah (Jason) Bond of Marion; a brother, Kenneth Ochs of Olney, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Susie Ochs; two brothers, Sylvan Ochs and John Ochs; a sister, Esther Ochs; a sister-in-law, Marcella Ochs; and his father-in-law, Delbert Forristall.

Sam graduated from East Richland High School in Olney, and furthered his education at the University of Illinois, Class of 1967, obtaining a Degree in Agricultural Education. He taught Agriculture at Watseka High School and Cissna Park High School, as well as the Iroquois County Career Center. He then transitioned to computer training for Business and Industry. For 44 years, he and Debbie served as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Iroquois County Fair. Sam was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church, Cissna Park American Legion Post #527, Illinois Farm Bureau, a Life Member of the Illinois FFA Alumni, and was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and traveling with his wife, Debbie. Sam was best known for his generosity, and loved spending time with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law.

Sam was a Veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and provided care and comfort on medivac planes.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka with Fr. Michael Powell officiating.

Private burial will be held at Danville National Cemetery.

Robin Renee Robinson, 59, of Rankin, IL, passed away at 1:39 P.M. Monday May 3, 2021.  She was born January 26, 1962, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Bobby Ray and Roseline (Watson) Robinson.   

She is survived by two sons, Andrew Robinson (Betsy Ratliff) of Lexington, IL and Christopher Robinson of Rankin, IL; two sisters, Roberta Funk (Tony Webber) of Woodland, IL and Ronda (Gene Jr.) Breeden of Loda, IL; 3 grandchildren, Dylan, Brendan, and Baylee Robinson; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant twin sisters, Rebecca and Rita; and one brother, Robert Robinson. 

Robin was a waitress and had previously worked at The Coffee Cup in Hoopeston and Merita’s Family Restaurant in Rossville.  She attended Wellington High School where she was a cheerleader.  She enjoyed visiting with people and her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family. 

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a service will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be made to Robin’s family. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com