Chad Michael Hemp, 46, of Clifton passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at Amita Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. He was born May 18, 1975 in Kankakee, the son of Rick and Debra (Loy) Hemp and they preceded him in death.

He married Amy Moore on July 23, 2005 in Clifton and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Wesley Hemp of Kankakee; two daughters, Tori Hemp of Bloomington and Sydney Moore of Clifton; two brothers, Anthony (Katherine) Hemp of Chebanse and Jason (Cara) Hemp of Normal; and several nieces and nephews.

Chad was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. He worked in IT at CSL for 15 years and then was employed at Titian Software. He enjoyed hunting, camping, working with both of his brothers on race cars, watching his brother, Tony, race, and watching his children’s sporting events.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Rev. Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will follow at the Danforth Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for the family’s wishes (please make checks to Amy Hemp).

Please share a memory of Chad at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Marjorie Anne Krueger, 73 of Milford passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021 at her residence.

Marjorie was born on September 25, 1948 in Danville, the daughter of Ralph J. and Maxine E. (Kietzmann) Newman and they preceded her in death along with three brothers, Jim, Patrick, and John Newman. She married Melvin Wayne Krueger on August 20, 1976 in Joliet and he survives.

Besides her husband, Melvin Krueger of Milford, she is survived by three daughters, Lori (Mike) St. Peter of Cissna Park, Linda (David) Dexter of Crescent City, and Andrea Krueger of Chicago; one son, Tim (Ruby) Krueger of Ashton; brothers and sisters, Dan (Margie) Newman of Vero Beach, FL, David (Carol) Newman of Sierra Vista, AZ, Barb (Harvey) Brusky of Dixon, Kathy (Cobe) Mueller of Effingham, Joe (Alicia) Newman of Libertyville, Sue (Steve) Worley of Sycamore, Dianne (Marvin) Barnes of Sycamore, Matt (Shelly) Newman of Ludlow; one sister-in-law, Barbara Newman of Cary, NC; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marjorie enjoyed sewing and watching the Noon News and The Bold and the Beautiful. She worked at FMC in Hoopeston for more than twenty-five years.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:30 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Burial will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Barbara Jean Schunke, 74, of Milford passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born October 16, 1947 in Watseka, the daughter of George and Lucille B. (Wilken) Matson Jr. and they preceded her in death in addition to one sister, Diana Langellier and one nephew, Michael Matson. She married Lawrence “Junior” Schunke in Watseka.

She is survived by one daughter, Jeannie (Jim) Fritch of Milford; one son, Jeremy (Heather Clyden) Schunke of Milford; two sisters, Sandra (Bobby) Glenn of Monticello, IN and Joann (Bill) Kincade of Milford; one brother, Kenneth (Luom) Matson of Cape Coral, FL; eight grandchildren, Jordan Fritch, McKenna Fritch, Jared Schunke, Gavin Schunke, Levi Schunke, Hannah Shelton, Jalynn Shelton and Easton Vorck; and several nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a member of the Milford Christian Church. She worked at Howards in Milford and retired from CST Bosch in Watseka. She loved watching her grandkids’ sporting events, being with her family, and taking rides in the car at night.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Steven J. Kuntzman, 55 of Watseka passed away on Saturday October 23, 2021 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on May 22, 1966 in Kankakee, son of Larry Kuntzman and Rebecca Morgan. Steve married Julie L. Allain in Watseka on March 19, 1994 and she survives. Also surviving are two sons- Cameron (Carley) Kuntzman of Watseka and Thomas Bright (Heidi Pelke) of Woodland; two granddaughters-Cora Kuntzman and Taylor Bright along with Baby Kuntzman on the way; mother- Rebecca Paquette of Pontiac; sister- Sheri (Jerry) Turnbull of Taylorville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister- Kathrina Dalcanton.

Steve was a member of Trinity Church in Watseka and enjoyed wood working, carpentry, golfing, and spending time with his family. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Visitation will be on Thursday October 28, 2021 from 4-7 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will be on Friday October 29 at 10:30 am at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Ryan Mustered officiating. Burial will be at Body Cemetery near Woodland with graveside military rites.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Cierra Jean Hanlin, 32, of Gilman, IL, passed away at 11:40 P.M. Wednesday October 20, 2021, at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oaklawn, IL.  She was born September 20, 1989, in Urbana, IL, the daughter of Ross Hanlin and Cyndi (Swope) Houston.  Her father survives in Maine and her mother preceded her in death. 

She is survived by three daughters, Ataleah Hanlin-Reyes of Westville, IL, Natalie Hanlin-Reyes of Westville, IL, and Nurriah Benjamin of Grand Rapids, MI; two sisters, Markisha (Jason) Wisdom of Hoopeston, IL and Samantha Hanlin of Danville, IL; one brother, Dakota Hanlin of Danville, IL; special friend, Paige Hensley of Westville, IL; seven nieces and nephews, Brittany, Jason Jr., Skylynn, Derrik, Keagen, Kah’mari, and Princeton; one great-niece, Ellie; and one great-nephew, Michael. 

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her grandparents. 

Cierra was a homemaker, caring for her family.  She enjoyed baking, making crafts, and traveling with her family. 

There are not enough words in the English language to describe the impact Cierra had on those who were blessed to have known her.  She was an excellent mother, who always put her children first.  They were the light in her eyes, and she loved them more than life itself.  She was an incredible daughter who took care of her mother up until her very last days.  She would do anything for her brother and sister, and no matter how many times they bumped heads, it was them against the world.  Her friendship was one that people only dream of having.  She was always just a phone call away; even at 3 AM she would answer.  “Aunt Cereal” was a name given to her by all her nieces and nephews, biological or not.  They all adored their Aunt Cereal because she spoiled them rotten.  Cierra loved kids, and her motherly instincts made her such a wonderful caregiver to everyone’s children.  She did not know a stranger and would give you the shirt off her back even when you didn’t deserve it.  She was so forgiving, kind and nurturing.  She had the ability to see the good in everyone.  Cierra did everything out of love and with good intentions and her soul was too pure for this Earth.  Even though God called her home after only 32 short years, the memories she was able to create with all her loved ones will forever leave a lasting impression on our hearts. 

Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.  A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Monday November 8, 2021, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Monday November 8, 2021, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. 

Memorials may be made to Anderson Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Lela M. Hofer, 98, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at her home. She was born on September 9, 1923, in Cissna Park, the daughter of Herman and Bertha (Hoffman) Knake. She married Earl Hofer on October 6, 1940 in Cissna Park and he preceded her in death on February 4, 2003.

Mrs. Hofer is survived by one son, Jerry Hofer of Crescent City; three daughters, Janice (Robert) Lubben of Crescent City, Sandy (Tom) Williams of Watseka, and Betty Mortensen of Watseka; one sister, Helen Bell of Watseka; one sister in law, Dorothy Knake of Milford; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; one daughter, Phyliss Buckley; one son, Glen Hofer; two sons in law, Alan Buckley and Jim Mortensen; three brothers; and two sisters.

After getting married, Lela and Earl lived in Claytonville for five years before moving to a farm near Watseka to begin farming. She enjoyed helping out on the farm, especially by preparing meals and lunch. Lela was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. She loved to spend time with her family.

Private family services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery north of Cissna Park.

Arrangements by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

April A. Steiner, 72, of Cissna Park passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on April 17, 1949 in Milford, the daughter of Edwin and Lavonne Eileen (Theesfeld) Schaumburg. She married Richard N. Steiner on August 23, 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer and he preceded her in passing on June 8, 2009.

She is survived by two daughters, Heather (Daniel) Erckfritz of Woodstock and Angela Steiner of Rankin; one grandson, Brody Richard Holmes; one brother, Tyrone (Marilyn) Schaumburg of Milford; four sisters, Marleen (Jerry) Purdin of Mascoutah, Seiri (David) Schippert of Cissna Park, Holly Milar of Watseka, and Dawna (Don) Steiner of Cissna Park; and many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Timothy Schaumburg.

April was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. April was also a member of the Cissna Park American Legion Auxiliary. She worked as a dietary manager at several nursing homes and hospitals for many years and was known to be an excellent cook.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:30 p.m. funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park with Pastor Michael Ruhlig officiating. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Cissna Park American Legion Auxiliary, or Donor’s Choice.

Arrangements by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Richard P. LaMar, 90, of Cissna Park passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston. He was born on December 10, 1930, in Danville, the son of Robert E. and Ella Mae (Sowers) LaMar. He married Beulah Marie DeVors on February 9, 1954 and she preceded him in death on December 22, 1998.

Richard is survived by one son, James (Sandy) LaMar of Claytonville; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Richard served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was member of the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sons, Richard LaMar and Robert LaMar; and two daughters, Marie Caviness and Esther Jones.

Visitation for Richard will be held on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park. Funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park with Pastor Josh Denoyer officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Cissna Park American Legion. Burial will be at a later date in the Allhands Cemetery located in the Kickapoo State Park in Oakwood.

Memorials may be given to donor’s choice.

Betty E. Luecke, 90, of Sheldon passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on July 26, 1931 in Watseka, the daughter of Robert and Dolly (Carpenter) Barr and they preceded her in death. Betty married Norman L. Luecke on October 2, 1955 in Sheldon and he preceded her in death on February 6, 2003. She was also preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

Betty is survived by three sons, Douglas Luecke of Sheldon, Gary (Nancy) Luecke of Sheldon, and Randy Luecke of Iroquois; three grandchildren, Loyal (Brian) Anderson, Kristina (Ryan) Busick, and Andrew (Lauren) Luecke; and eight great-grandchildren.

Betty was a member of the Sheldon Church of Christ. She enjoyed ceramics, gardening, crocheting, and animals.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois with Rev. Van Haas officiating.

Memorials may be given to Sheldon Church of Christ or Donor’s Choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Linda Kay Brandenburg, 55, of Sheldon, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at her home. She was born on April 29, 1966 in Brook, IN, the daughter of Alvin R. and Nancy J. (Hendress) Brandenburg. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy.

Surviving are her father, Alvin Brandenburg of Sheldon; sister, Cindy Brandenburg of Sheldon; niece, Rachel Doan of Sheldon; and her cats, Ali and Taylor.

She loved the outdoors, especially fishing, camping, and hiking. Linda was always up for an adventure and down to do anything. She was a wonderful cook, a huge Chicago Bears fan, and loved her cats.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Private graveside services in Sheldon Cemetery and a public Celebration of Life at Benton County Country Club will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Please share a memory of Linda at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Elroy “Bud” Pfingsten, 90, of Watseka passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021 at his home. He was born near Woodworth on May 2, 1931, a son of Walter and Elma (Schroeder) Pfingsten. Bud attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School of Woodworth and later graduated from Milford High School with the class of “49”. Bud was a hog farmer most of his life. He was on the Farm Bureau for twenty years and Claytonville Oil Coop Board for many years. In his younger years, he played softball with FS and other teams. On August 12, 1956 he married Dolores Brutlag at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Woodworth. After retirement, he took up gardening and enjoyed sharing his produce.

He loved his family and enjoyed having coffee with his morning buddies.

Bud is survived by his wife Dolores Pfingsten of Watseka; one daughter, Yvonne (John) Doggett of Crescent City; one grandson, Patrick (Katie) Doggett of Watseka; siblings, Bernice Bohlmann of Danforth, Evelyn Brutlag of Danforth, Marilyn ZumMallen of Watseka, Kenneth (Linda) Pfingsten of San Angelo, Texas, and Leon Pfingsten of Watseka; and one brother-in-law, Allen Campbell of Northbrook.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Rhianna Doggett; one brother, Wendell (Dorothy) Pfingsten; one sister, Dianne Campbell; brothers-in-law, Frank Bohlmann, Rev. Allen Brutlag, Marvin ZumMallen; and sister-in-law, Sue Pfingsten.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, October 15, 2021 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Woodworth with Rev. Michael Ruhlig officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran School of Woodworth or Donor’s Choice.

Vickie Lynn Huston, 65, of Rossville, passed away at 5:59 a.m. Monday, October 11, 2021, at home with her family by her side.

Vickie was born on February 26, 1956, in Danville, the daughter of Robert and Ilene Rose (Allison) Phillips.  She married Ed Huston on June 6, 1997, in Danville.  He survives.

She is also survived by her six children- Mike Huston, Christina Phillips, Chad Huston, John Stanley "Bear" Cox, Christie Huston and Jason Cox; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother Dave Phillips; three sisters- Cathy Deck, Diana Jones and Penny Guajardo; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother- Duane Phillips, sister-Mary Phillips and two nephews- Tommy Jones and David Phillips.

Vickie worked as a homemaker.  She enjoyed cleaning and spending time with her family.  She loved spending her time with the great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Vickie's Life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Dan Mikel officiating.  Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow the service in Gundy Cemetery.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Vickie's life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Marsha Sue (Kietzman) Bradshaw, 61, of Buckley passed away on October 11, 2021 at her home.

Marsha was born May 30, 1960 in Watseka, the daughter of Francis and Lillian (Dubbel) Kietzman. She married Gary Bradshaw on June 11, 1978 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman, he survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Erin Bradshaw of Normal, and Teri Bradshaw of Bloomington; and one grandson, Quincy Bradshaw; two sisters, Bev Horridge of Fairbury and Sandy (Sid) Kaufmann of Cissna Park; two brothers, Rich (Diana) Kietzman of Springfield and Steve (Reenie) Kietzman of Onarga.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Don Kietzman.

Marsha was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buckley. She was a bank teller at the Buckley State Bank for almost 33 years. Marsha loved cooking, gardening, flowers, camping and being outside. She also loved her family, especially her grandson.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. Funeral service will also be at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Autoimmune Association.

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

Charlene J. Rieken, 81, of Chebanse, passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at her home after a short battle with cancer.

She was born on March 1, 1940, the daughter of William and Bernice (Martin) Kleinert. She married Ronald R. Rieken on August 27, 1960, he passed away on December, 8, 2010.

She is survived by a daughter Jackie (Randy) Singh of Phoenix, Arizona, two sons, Randy (Merri) Rieken, and Tim (Jill) Rieken, all of Clifton, a step-daughter, Debbie (Denny) Rehn, of Kirkland; eight grandchildren, Ashlyn (Matt) McCoy, Zach Singh, Dustin Rieken, Holly (Chester) Ace, Mariana Rieken, Dylan Rieken, Sarah Rehn, and Molly (Nick) Kisling; three great-grandchildren, Preston McCoy, Paisley Rieken, and Sylvia Rieken; two brothers Darryl (Ruth) Kleinert of Chebanse, and Allyn (Marlis) Kleinert of Ashkum; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charlene graduated from Clifton Central High School in 1958.

She was a member of United Church of Christ in Chebanse. Charlene was a homemaker, worked at First Trust Bank in Kankakee, and also worked in retail while living in Arizona. She loved spending time with her family, classmates, neighbors, and friends. She loved making sure she had a connection with everyone by finding out their family history and where they were from. Charlene enjoyed decorating her house, herself and her dog for every holiday. She was very active in her church and loved to help with the Sunday School Program.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Venita (Vernon) Kelly, and a brother-in-law John Rieken.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 4pm-7pm at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday at United Church of Christ in Chebanse.

A funeral service will be at 10am on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the United Church of Christ in Chebanse with Pastor Marsha Collins officiating.

Graveside services will be held immediately following the funeral service at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ or to Uplifted Care (formerly Hospice of Kankakee Valley).

Debra Hemp, 68, of Clifton passed away on Friday, September 24, 2021 at AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. Debra was born on March 24, 1953 in Park Rapids, MN, the daughter of Durl and Mary Etta (Sartain) Loy and they preceded her in death. She married Rick Hemp on August 12, 1972 in Clifton and he preceded her in death on November 25, 2020. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Kathleen Perzee.

Debra is survived by three sons, Jason (Cara) Hemp of Normal, Chad (Amy) Hemp of Clifton, and Anthony (Katherine) Hemp of Chebanse; two sisters, Nancy Ford of Vienna and Judy (Jim) Bailey of Ashkum; two brothers, Kenneth Loy of Florida and Darin (Gina) Loy of Kankakee; and seven grandchildren, Wesley Hemp, Tori Hemp, Sydney Moore, Isabelle, Clayton, Lorne, and Lena Hemp.

Debra was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton where she served on the Alter Guild. She worked at Clifton Hospital, Prairieview Lutheran Home for twenty years, Village Inn, the Loft in Ashkum, and Russ and Rosie’s. She was a Den Leader, member of the Clifton Jaycees, and had her Dietary Manager Certification.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021 also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with Rev. Joel Brown officiating. Burial will follow at the Danforth Cemetery in Danforth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton.

Oscar Otto Martin, 97, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Oscar was born on June 5, 1924 in Milford, the son of Sam and Nettie (Shipman) Martin. He married Dallas A. Hinkle on November 24, 1946 in Onarga and she preceded him in death on March 3, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Merle; one sister, Kathleen; one son, Stanley Bruce Martin; and one daughter, Lynne Carol VanGrevenhof.

He is survived by one son, Randy Martin of Silvis, IL; one son-in-law, Dave VanGrevenhof; six grandchildren, Lance Martin, Heath Martin, Ross Martin, Kyle Martin, Heather Kracik, and Courtney Barrett; ten great grandchildren, Morgan and Cassidy Olesen, Julia Kracik, Clara and Everett Martin, Chase and Spencer Martin, Charlotte Martin, and Caesar and Serenity Weston; one great-great-grandson, Greyson Garcia; and one sister, Lois.

Oscar served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked at UARCO for many years and later at Watseka Ford. He was a life-long member of First Christian Church in Watseka as well as member of the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450. Oscar was a Past Master and Life Member of Watseka Masonic Lodge #446 where he has been a member for 68 years. He was a member of the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite where he was honored with the 33rd degree. He was also a member of the Eastern Star and Shriners.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. masonic service and then followed by the funeral service on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Wayne Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Foundation.

William “Bill” L. Walker, 74, of Coal City passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Lightways Joliet Hospice in Joliet. He was born June 6, 1947 in Clarksville, TN, the son of Cecil and Virginia (Jackson) Walker and they preceded him in death in addition to one brother, Richard. He married Edith “Gay” Hertz on November 10, 1973 in Watseka and she also preceded him in death on June 24, 2017.

He is survived by one son, Robbie (Amy) Walker of Coal City; three daughters, Lori (Shawn) Edwards of Watseka, Justi (David) Winke of Diamond and Natalie (Tyler) Sharpe of Watseka; eight grandchildren, Jordan, Addi, Sydney, Paige, Griffin, Lanie, Braden and Vincent; and one brother, Phillip (Diane) Walker of Parrish, FL.

Bill was a cook in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Roy Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery in Watseka with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Nicholas Barbosa 47, Onarga.

Visitation will be held Wednesday 10/6 from 4pm to 7pm with a 7pm service all at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. 

Rev. Wilbur McCasky, 88, of Crescent City passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on September 5, 1933 in Toluca, the son of Albert A. and Hilda A. (Henn) McCasky and they preceded him in death. Wilbur married Carolyn M. Scheer in Greene, Iowa on September 7, 1957 and she preceded him in death on November 13, 2012.

Surviving are two daughters, Cristin (Adam) Johnson of Ridgway, CO and Leanne Schroeder (Tim Winchester) of Englewood, FL; one son, Tim McCasky of Crescent City; one sister in law, Susan Melby of Plover, WI; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and one son, Jon McCasky.

Rev. McCasky was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City where he was an active leader. He was a former minister in Castleton at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church for six years, then minister at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer for twenty years, and then was the minister at Trinity Lutheran Church in Shumway for four years. He received his Masters of Divinity through Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA. He served as Chaplain at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. Rev. McCasky was a true gentleman and scholar who loved history and was an avid model railroader. Rev. McCasky loved his family, which also extended to his church and community. He started “Bring Your Own Mug” Coffee Hour at the Crescent City Community Center, which also performed several community service projects.

Funeral services for Rev. McCasky will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer with Rev. James Lehmann, Rev. Steve Jensen, and Rev. Joel Brown officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the 3:00 p.m. funeral service. Burial will be held at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Toluca.

Memorials may be made to Prairieview Lutheran Home of Danforth or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Mary Ann Thomas, 86, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at her home in Watseka. She was born on September 23, 1935 in Gibson City, the daughter of Harvey C. and Margaret (King) Reynolds. She married Oscar Thomas on November 19, 1952 and he preceded her in passing in September 2006.

Surviving are one son, Jeff (Darla) Thomas of Watseka and one daughter in law, Sue Thomas of Texas; four grandchildren, Lisa, Sarah, Megan (Bobby) McDaniels, and Jeff Jr.; eight great grandchildren, Tessa, Katie, Samantha, Austin, Roderick, Briel, Jo’leigh, and Emonie; two great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, one sister, and one son, Danny.

Mary worked at UARCO. She enjoyed sewing, ceramics, and playing cards.

Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon. Rev. Joe Hughes will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

Marian L. Cluver, 93, of Watseka passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Piper City Rehab in Piper City. She was born on February 9, 1928, in Ashkum, the daughter of Leo and Edna (Engehausen) Reynolds. She married Lawson E. Bleich in Buckley on June 22, 1947 and he preceded her in passing on November 21, 1992. She later married Paul Cluver on August 7, 1994 in Watseka and he preceded her in passing on April 24, 2016.

Surviving are two daughters, Karen (Dean) Storm of Ashkum and Beth (Mike) Warren of Watseka; two grandchildren, Catherine (Nicolas) Long and Benjamin Warren; three great grandsons, Everett, Oliver, and Alden Long.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; three brothers; one sister and brother in law, Arlene and Herb Kaufmann; and one son, Dean Bleich.

Marian was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. She was a nurse’s aid and unit secretary at Iroquois Memorial Hospital for fifteen years. Marian enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting, and playing cards.

Private funeral services will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Aaron Uphoff will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, American Diabetes Association, or Donor’s Choice.

Shane A. Reynolds, 49, of Iroquois passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 at AMITA St. Mary’s in Kankakee.

Shane was born February 27, 1972 in Brook, IN, the son of Alton and Zora (Koenig) Reynolds. He married DeAnn McVey on May 30, 1992 in Donovan.
He is survived by his wife, DeAnn Reynolds of Iroquois; one daughter, Justine Reynolds of Watseka; mother and father in-law, Janet and Jerry McVey of Donovan; three sisters, Kim (Roy) Leach of Pacifica, MO, Yvonne Pylant of Reynolds, IN, and Michelle (William McCormick) Reynolds of Kentland, IN; and; one brother, Dana Reynolds of Indianapolis, IN; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Arielle; one brother, Blane Reynolds and one niece, Kayla Kaleshoff; and one nephew, Anthony Martin.

Shane loved reading about politics. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, golfing, and hunting.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. memorial service on Monday, October 4, 2021 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Kevin Nourie will officiate. Burial will follow at Morris Chapel in Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to family’s wishes.

Arielle Denee Reynolds, 28, of Iroquois passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at her home. She was born on October 14, 1992 in Lafayette, IN, the daughter of Shane and DeAnn (McVey) Reynolds.

She is survived by her mother, DeAnn Reynolds of Iroquois; one sister, Justine Reynolds of Watseka; maternal grandparents, Janet and Jerry McVey of Donovan; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Her father, Shane, passed away on September 27, 2021. She was preceded in death by special cousins, Kayla Kaleshoff and Anthony Martin; and an uncle, Blane Reynolds.

Arielle enjoyed painting and reading.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. memorial service on Monday, October 4, 2021 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Kevin Nourie will officiate. Burial will follow at Morris Chapel in Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to family’s wishes.

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