Mary F. Walters, 83, of Brook, IN passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at George Ade Memorial Healthcare in Brook, IN.

Mary was born on August 29, 1938 in Earlington, KY, the daughter of Paul and Stella (Jones) Morgan and they preceded her in death.

She had three sons, Roy Douglas Walters of Akron, OH, Carl Dean Walters of Sheldon, and Alan Dale Walters of Goodland, IN; two daughters, Kimberly (David) Gray of Crossville, TN and Stella Snyder of Sheldon; several grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

Mary enjoyed music and poetry.

A celebration of life will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

David E. “Smitty” Smith, 73, of Sheldon passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at his home. He was born on October 1, 1948 in Kankakee, the son of Don and Irene Smith. He married Linda Buchta in Morgan County, MO on June 16, 1983 and she preceded him in passing on December 18, 2008.

Surviving are three children, Joel (Dawn) Cartier of Denver, CO, Christian Sansom of St. Louis, MO, and Theresa Wright of St. Louis, MO; eight grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren.

David was preceded in passing by his parents; wife, Linda; brother, Hal Smith; and a half-sister, Joyce (Smith) Wall.

Mr. Smith served in the United States Marine Corp. during Vietnam. Dave was a member of the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-214 The Black Sheep. He was a biker, builder, artist, and motorcycle mechanic. David was a devoted husband and father. He was an equally talented and ornery individual that will be greatly missed.

Cremation rites are being handled by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka. Graveside military rites will be accorded. A reception will take place following the service at 2:00 pm at The Porky Barn in Watseka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Semper Fi Fund.

Gordon L. Langellier, 80, of Pensacola, FL and formerly of Watseka, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022 at his daughter’s residence in Pensacola, FL. He was born on June 25, 1941 in Williams County, OH, the son of Raymond and Wilma (Hicks) Langellier and they preceded him in death along with four brothers; and one sister. He married Nancy Butzow in Watseka on October 7, 1962 and she survives.

Besides his wife, Nancy Langellier of Pensacola, FL, he is survived by one daughter, Pam Weidert of Pensacola, FL; one son, Jon (Angie) Langellier of Virden, IL; three brothers; four sisters; and seven grandchildren, Madeline, Zayne, and Evan Langellier of Virden, IL and Lauren, Janna, and Mandi Weidert of Pensacola, FL and Kenna Weidert of Ft. Collins, CO.

Gordon was a farmer and auto mechanic. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka. Gordon enjoyed playing basketball as a child and into young adulthood and later on in life he enjoyed watching his children, Pam and Jon, and his grandchildren play basketball. He always had a love for basketball, especially women’s basketball including the WNBA.

A private memorial service will be held in Pensacola, FL. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Flesher Cemetery in Crescent City.

Mary E. Davis, 75, of Cissna Park passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born June 23, 1946 in Kankakee, the daughter of Melvin and Florence (Dionne) Karsgaard and they preceded her in death.

She married James M. Davis on July 19, 1991 in Kankakee and he survives in Cissna Park. Also surviving are eight daughters, Theresa Norton of Chebanse, Patty Pappan of Alabama, Cindy (Jerry) Mullin of Alabama, Chris Norton (Chris Musser) of Cissna Park, Carol Norton (Mark Ehlers) of Cissna Park, JonAnne (Brandon) Sellek of Alabama, Carrie (Darwin) Armstrong of Roanoke and Heather (Michael) Labit of Kankakee; three sons, James Davis Jr. of Homer, Jeremiah Davis of Tennessee and Thomas (Rachel) Davis of St. Anne; two brothers, Adrian Karsgaard of Illinois and Terry (Mary) Karsgaard of Jacksonville, IL; twenty-eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

Mary enjoyed puzzles and playing Bingo. She loved spending time with her family.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Burial will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Please share a memory of Mary at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Apolinar Solis Jr., 32, of Milford, IL, passed away at 12:30 A.M. Thursday May 12, 2022, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, IL. He was born October 8, 1989, in Danville, IL, the son of Apolinar and Candice (Petty) Solis, Sr. They survive. 

He is also survived by two sons, Cayden and Alejandro “Alex” Solis; his girlfriend, Abigail Buell; one sister, Belinda Solis; two brothers, Dustin Solis and Joel Solis; his grandparents, Joes and Olivia Solis; and 9 nieces and nephews, Izzy, Gabby, JJ, Emalina, and Xavier Solis, Dusty Solis Jr., Tanner Bowen, Aubry Solis, and Jorge Antuna Jr. 

Apolinar owned and operated Solis Construction & Repair, which he was very proud of. He attended the Antioch Church of Christ in rural Rossville. While attending school, he was a member of the marching band. Apolinar served as a volunteer at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds and helped many people with construction.  

Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday May 19, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home, with Rev. Earl Eells officiating. No burial will be held. 

Memorials may be made to Apolinar’s family. 

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements. 

Margaret "Peg" Grant, 71, of Watseka passed away May 12th, 2022, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. 

Funeral Service is set for Monday, May 23rd 2022 at 11:00am at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. 

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with a visitation from 10am-11am. One hour prior to the 11:00am funeral service

Rosemary Ann Drake, 92 of Watseka passed away on Friday April 29, 2022 at Watseka Rehab and Healthcare Center. She was born on March 10, 1930 in Cleveland, OH a daughter of William and Colletta (Kruger) Jaros. Rosemary married Robert M. Drake in Cleveland, OH on July 4, 1950 and he preceded her in death on November 21, 2000. Survivors include five sons- Robert Drake of France, David (Bonita) Drake of Melvin, Marty (Cheryl) Drake of Watseka, Paul (Kelly) Drake of Bourbonnais, and Chris (Jennifer) Drake of Watseka; four daughters- Rosemary Drake Medlock of Watseka, Nancy (Brent) Wardell of Elizabeth, CO, Susan Kerr of South Charleston, OH, and Sandy Drake of Watseka; 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, two sisters, and one grandson- Michael Medlock.

Rosemary was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. She enjoyed baking, sewing, and was an avid Chicago Bulls fan who loved raising her children and babysitting many others.

Private services and burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Danny W. Schroeder, 57, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at his residence.

Danny was born on May 15, 1964 in Watseka, the son of Rodney B. and Betty Mae (Jones) Schroeder and they preceded him in death. He married Brenda Craighead on December 17, 1988 in Milford and she preceded him in death on August 20, 2017. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Rodney Schroeder.

He later married Linda Burk on April 28, 2019 in Cissna Park and she survives in Watseka. He is also survived by two daughters, Patty (Kenneth Dean Sr.) Millard of Crawfton, KY and Farida Schroeder of Watseka; two grandchildren, Kenneth Dean (Tasha) Millard of Crawfton, KY and Christian Olivia Millard of Crawfton, KY; three brothers, Tim (Michelle) Schroeder of Tilton, Billy (Charlotte) Schroeder of Thomasboro, and Randy (Margo) Schroeder of Milford; and his step-mother, Addie Calvert Schroeder of Hoopeston.

Danny worked 11 years at Ravens as a Truck Driver.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Pastor Troy Clemens will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Patty, Farida, Kenneth and Olivia’s Education Fund.

Duane F. “Mort” Regnier, 68, of Beaverville passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. Mort was born August 24, 1953 in Kankakee, the son of Audrey “Mort” and Teresa (Finegan) Regnier and they preceded him in death in addition to one brother, Jim.

Mort is survived by two sons, Josh (Lacey) Regnier of Bourbonnais and Morgan (Brandy) Regnier of Fort Benning, GA; one daughter, Jami (Keith) Willis of Clifton; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Blake, Kodie, Jordan, Delani, Theo, Ryker and Wrigley; two brothers, Jay (Diane) Regnier of Georgia and Darren (Cindy) Regnier of Fowler, IN; two sisters, Jill (Norman) Johnson of Donovan and Juanita Regnier of Watseka; many of his classmates from the Donovan Class of 1971; and several nieces and nephews, which he enjoyed watching grow up.

Mort was a driver for Highway Transport. He was an avid bowler, having bowled two perfect games. He played softball for many years. He enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports at Clifton Central and was always ready to talk about his grandkids.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Monday, May 16, 2022 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Fr. Robert Bernotas will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Beaverville. His grandchildren will be honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Clifton Central Athletics or to the donor’s choice.

Claude C. Wildman, 81, of Thawville passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at his residence. He was born on December 11, 1940 in Bonfield, the son of George and Lydia (Schmidt) Wildman. Claude married Donna Friesner in Kankakee on January 12, 1961.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Wildman of Thawville; three daughters, Tina (Michael) Weston of Roberts, Tammy (David) Mylcraine of Piper City and Margie (Thad) Eshleman of Onarga; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert; three sisters, Phyllis, Deloris and Vivian; and one grandson.

He was a member of the Onarga United Methodist Church and truly loved his dogs.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Ridgeland Twp. Cemetery near Thawville with Rev. Elizabeth Reis officiating.

Memorials may be given to the Humane Society or to the Donor’s Choice.

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

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

Jacqulyn Petersen, 82, of Gilman passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born December 28, 1939 in Wilmington, NC, the daughter of Ralph Waddell and Sarah Ruth (West) Herring and they preceded her in death in addition to one brother and one sister. She married Richard Eugene Petersen in Myrtle Beach, SC in 1982 and he also preceded her in death.

She is survived by two daughters, Terri (Dink) Schellhase of Gilman and Tammy (Will) Palmer of Myrtle Beach, SC; two sisters, Evelyn Herring of Charlotte, NC and Waddell (Larry) Thompson of Rock Hill, SC; two grandchildren, Megan Durgan of North Myrtle Beach, SC and Molly Maynard of Myrtle Beach, SC; and three great-grandchildren, Lorna, Dutch and Alex.

Jacqulyn was a bank teller at South Carolina National and retired from K-Mart. She was a NASCAR fan.

Burial will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Cemetery in Conway, SC.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

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

Please share a memory of Jacqulyn at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Anthony (Tony) Shuper, 96, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on December 11, 1925 in Lyons, IL a son of Matt and Mary (Brkljacich) Shuper. Tony married Mardell Winslow in Brookfield, IL on May 26, 1951 and she preceded him in death on December 14, 2020. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by one brother, two sisters, one son, Jeffrey Shuper, and one son-in-law, Jim Swartz.

Survivors include one daughter, Kathie Swartz of Watseka; one son, George (Donna) Shuper of Watseka; one brother, Matt Shuper Jr of Palm Beach, FL; four sisters, Mary Allen of Orlando, FL, Rose Dockery of TN, Ann Begley of AZ, and Elizabeth Galbraith of AZ; six grandchildren, Stacey (Jim) Bruno, Ryan (Abby) Swartz, Jamie (Josh) Jolley, Danielle (Josh) Creek, Haley Shuper (fiancé Jaylen Edwards), and Matthew Shuper (Hannah Hartman); 6 great-grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; and several step-great-grandchildren.

Tony served in the US Army during WW II. He was a member and past commander of the Watseka American Legion and Iroquois County VFW and the Disabled American Veterans. He attended the First Christian Church in Watseka and was a heavy equipment and truck operator with M & S Transport.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Fr Michael Powell officiating. Visitation will be Friday, May 13, 2022 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion and VFW.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors.

Gordon L. Langellier, 80, of Pensacola, FL and formerly of Watseka, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022 at his daughter’s residence in Pensacola, FL. He was born on June 25, 1941 in Williams County, OH, the son of Raymond and Wilma (Hicks) Langellier and they preceded him in death along with four brothers; and one sister. He married Nancy Butzow in Watseka on October 7, 1962 and she survives.

Besides his wife, Nancy Langellier of Pensacola, FL, he is survived by one daughter, Pam Weidert of Pensacola, FL; one son, Jon (Angie) Langellier of Virden, IL; three brothers; four sisters; and seven grandchildren, Madeline, Zayne, and Evan Langellier of Virden, IL and Lauren, Janna, and Mandi Weidert of Pensacola, FL and Kenna Weidert of Ft. Collins, CO.

Gordon was a farmer and auto mechanic. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka. Gordon enjoyed playing basketball as a child and into young adulthood and later on in life he enjoyed watching his children, Pam and Jon, and his grandchildren play basketball. He always had a love for basketball, especially women’s basketball including the WNBA.

A private memorial service will be held in Pensacola, FL. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Flesher Cemetery in Crescent City.

Patricia “Patti” Martin, 69, of Hoopeston passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on December 3, 1952 in Watseka, the daughter of Herman H. and Arcelia (Kaufman) Bauer. She married Randal “Randy” Martin in Cissna Park on August 31, 1975.

Surviving are her husband, Randy Martin of Hoopeston; three daughters, Christina Hall of Carmel, IN, Rebekah (fiancé Pete Vela) Martin of Indianapolis, IN, and Jessica (Matt) Hall of Clinton, IL; one granddaughter, Evelynn Hall; one sister, Ann Hillenburg of Danville; and one brother, David Bauer of Hoopeston.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Patti was a member of Cissna Park Apostolic Christian Church. She was a school teacher for seventeen years in Hoopeston School District and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Patti enjoyed spending time with her family and referred to her granddaughter as her ‘precious angel’.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday at church.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, May 6, 2022 at Cissna Park Apostolic Christian Church. Ministers of the church will officiate. Burial will follow in Cissna Park Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Lester H. Stock, 91 of Cissna Park passed away on Saturday April 30, 2022 at his home. He was born on January 17, 1931 in Fountain Creek Township, a son of Edward and Lydia (Hari) Stock. Les married Arlene Martin in Hoopeston on June 9, 1951 and she preceded him in death on August 16, 2007. He later married Joyce Bauer on November 16, 2008 and she preceded him in death on April 18, 2022. Also preceding him in death were two brothers- Charles and Emanuel Stock, one sister- Martha Smith, one son in law- Kurt Mitchell, and one daughter in law- Lori Stock.

Survivors include seven children- Gloria (Wayne) Laubscher of Mackinaw, Steve Stock of Towanda, Stan (BJ) Stock of Covington, IN, Pat (Morris) Young of DeKalb, Ed (Dawn) Stock of Cissna Park, Tom (Karol) Stock of Cissna Park, and Donna Mitchell of Champaign; one step daughter- Julie (Doug) Walder of Hoopeston; 20 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, and 5 step great grandchildren.

Les was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. He was a hard worker and in addition to farming he wore many hats, always finding something to tinker with or fix.

Most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday May 4, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. Visitation will be on Tuesday May 3, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and one hour prior to service at the church. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Apostolic Christian Church.

Carolyn L. Reed, 74 of Watseka passed away on Thursday April 28, 2022 at OSF Heart of Mary Hospital in Urbana. She was born on November 24, 1947 in Watseka a daughter of Walter and Lorene (Knake) Rieches. Carolyn married Roger D. Reed in Woodworth on June 25, 1967 and he survives. Also surviving are one daughter- Jean (Randy) Lauterbach of Milford; one son- Jeff (Ngoc) Reed of Danville; four grandchildren- Tyler Lauterbach, Jeffrey M. Reed, Jessica Spry, and Jacob Reed; one great grandchild- Aubrieanna Grace Reed along with one on the way; two sisters- Mary Salm of Watseka and Linda Thompson of Watseka. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother- Wayne Rieches.

Carolyn was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford and was a secretary at Crows Hybrid in Milford for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday May 3, 2022 at 10:30 am at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford with Pastor Doug Minton officiating. Visitation will be on Monday May 2, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery near Stockland.

Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or donor’s choice