Janice Marilyn Brackman, 71, of Bloomington and formerly of Watseka passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at The Loft Rehabilitation & Nursing Home in Normal, IL.

Janice was born on October 3, 1950 in Kankakee, the daughter of Harry and Evelyn (Donaldson) Smith. They preceded her in death along with several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by two daughters, Tammy (Reynaldo) Slezak of Bloomington and Kathy Clark; a couple of sisters; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Janice enjoyed watching TV and reading. She loved her friends, family, and most importantly Jesus.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Prairie Dell Cemetery in Iroquois.

Alan Leonard Sams, 61, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Momence Meadows Nursing Center in Momence. He was born on December 19, 1960 in Chicago, the son of Clinton Sams and Shirley Jabczynski. He was preceded in death by his father.

Surviving are his mother, Shirley Jabczynski of Watseka; one son, Nigel Alan Sams of Dayton, OH; one daughter, Nicole Marie Sams of Midlothian, IL; and two grandchildren.

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

Please share a memory of Alan at baierfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Jean Rose, 77, of Watseka passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Watseka Rehab and Healthcare Center in Watseka. She was born on January 30, 1945 in Watseka, the daughter of Hie and Leona (Hansen) Duits. They preceded her in passing.

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

Please share a memory of Nancy at baierfuneralhome.com.

Elaine E. Reiners, 93, of Milford passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at her home. She was born February 2, 1929 in Artesia Twp. (rural Buckley), the daughter of Chris and Erna L. (Schumacher) Steiner. She married Walter C. Reiners on April 28, 1951 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buckley and he preceded her in death on March 21, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Paul and Norman Steiner; one son-in-law, Ron Wagner; and one granddaughter, Alexis Hamrick.

She is survived by four daughters, Marsha (Rick) Anderson of Milford, Nola Wagner (Mike DeMarse) of Watseka; Dorothy (Kevin) Hamrick of Donovan and Verna (Keith) Roth of Milford; one son, Lynn (Brenda) Reiners of Milford; one brother, Delbert (Carmeen) Steiner of Clifton; one sister, Ruth Ann (Keith) Hartke of Buckley; sister-in-law, Donna Steiner of Buckley; twelve grandchildren, Joshua Anderson of Milford, Amber Anderson (Hunter Reece) of Williamsport, IN, Zachary Anderson (Tayler Sharp) of Milford, Nicole (Tim) Regnier of Lake Zurich, Andrew (Britni) Wagner of Brooklyn, MI, Derick (Chelsey) Hamrick of Fowler, IN, Alison (Brandon) Setty of Donovan, Jennifer Reiners (Eric Robertson) of Sun River Terrace, Stephanie (Magnum) Summers of Milford, McKenzie Reiners (Jacob Morman) of East Peoria, Angela (Jerrad) Wilson of Danville and James (Molly) Roth of Cissna Park; one step-grandson, Ryan (Susan) Wagner of White House, TN; fourteen great-grandchildren, Kyle, Callie and Calvin Anderson, Janiah and Aizley Haymon, Brynlee Anderson, Colby Hamrick, Madelyn and Elaina Setty, Alissa, Lucas and Riley Summers, and DJ Hayes and Austin Wilson.

Mrs. Reiners was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer, Charity Circle, Ladies Aid Sewing, and Ash Grove Household Science Club. Elaine was a 4-H Leader for the County Mixers of Milford. She enjoyed playing cards and board games, gardening, and canning. In her later years, Elaine enjoyed crafts, coloring, and especially doing word search puzzles.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer. Pastor Scott Guhl will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer or Milford Ambulance Service.

Please share a memory of Elaine at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Susan E. Brooks, 73, of Putnam passed away Sunday, August 28, 2022 at her home. She was born October 14, 1948 in Fairbury, the daughter of Robert J. and Dorothy (Johnson) Kurtenbach and they preceded her in death in addition to two brothers.

She married Burton J. Brooks on April 5, 1975 in Gilman and he survives in Putnam. Also surviving are two daughters, Kim (Alex) Gonchar of Naperville and Jennifer Brooks of Putnam; one sister, Nancy (Dave) Carpenter of Piper City; and one brother, Steve (Ruth) Kurtenbach of Towanda.

Mrs. Brooks was a member of DAR and worked for Quest Laboratories in Woodale, IL for 20 years.

A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Piper City. Rev. Marek Herbut will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Piper City.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at St. Peter’s Catholic Parrish Hall in Piper City.

Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities.

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

Please share a memory of Susan at knappfuneralhomes.com.

“Rob” (Robert R.) Read of Piper City, IL, and Naples, FL, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022, near Marathon, FL from a medical emergency while participating in one of his favorite activities, flying his own private plane.

Rob was born October 10, 1953, to Bob and Bonnie (Lange) Read in Pittsburg, PA while his father was in the service. In 1976 while in the hospital after surgery, he met the love of his life, nurse Sue Berry. They were married on January 14,1978. Together they raised their three sons on the family farm.

Rob and his brother Gary have farmed together for several years. Rob enjoyed farming, flying, boating, fishing, bowling, and spending time with his three grandsons. Rob is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sue, his two sons, Jeff (Julie) Read of Onarga, IL, and Craig Read of Fort Collins, CO. He leaves behind three beloved grandsons, Tyler, Trenton, and Teagan Read.

He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Lynn) Read of Roberts, IL, his mother-in-law Betty Berry, brothers-in-law Doug (Kelly) Berry and Bill (Sue) Berry all of Piper City, IL, several nieces and nephews, several cousins and many friends, since he was a friend to anyone he met. He was very generous and kind. Rob was preceded in death by his parents Bob (2012) and Bonnie (2020) and beloved son Andy (1994).

Rob was a member of the EAA, Sons of American Legion, Pella Township board and Piper City United Methodist Church. He was also a former Pella Township Republican Precinct Committeeman. He enjoyed camping in Shelbyville with best friends, wintering in Naples with the Lange families and friends going to Oshkosh and being on the Read farm. Rob was also a member of the NRA and enjoyed collecting guns. Sue would like to thank all family, friends and neighbors for their support, love and compassion during this difficult time.

Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, September 5, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Piper City Community Center at 64 W. Peoria St., Piper City, IL. The family requests casual attire be worn to the memorial visitation.

Memorials may be made to a scholarship set up through Parkland College in Rob’s name for aspiring pilots, Family’s Wishes or the Donor’s Choice.

Arrangements will be by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL.

Please share a memory of Rob at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Joanne K. Hustedt, 78, of Clifton passed away on August 19, 2022 surrounded by her family at home.

Joanne was born on June 12, 1944 in Kankakee, the daughter of Roland and Mary Dorothy (Stemke) Savoie and they preceded her in death. She married Elmo Dale Hustedt on February 23, 1963 in L’Erable and he preceded her in death on October 24, 2007. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Debra Kraetzer.

She is survived by one daughter, Kristina (Michael) Andrews of Crete; two sons, Jon (Paula) Hustedt of Chesterfield, MO and Jason (Deborah) Hustedt of Dublin, OH; six grandchildren, Spencer and Grace Andrews, Alyssa and Blake Hustedt, and Brooke and Alexi Hustedt; four brothers, Mark (Darla) Savoie of Kankakee, Jeff (Cindy) Savoie of Clifton, Vernon (Suzanne) Savoie of Vienna, VA, and Dennis Savoie (Barbara Rahn) of Walton, KY.

Joanne was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable and the Clifton Lioness Club. She enjoyed musical theater, baking and decorating cakes, sewing, crafting, gardening and traveling.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable.

Mary Jane Cowsert, 82, of Gilman passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman. She was born on November 1, 1939 in Harrisburg, IL, the daughter of Charlie and Eula (Robinson) Gibbons. She married James Cowsert in Harrisburg on June 6, 1959 and he preceded her in passing on October 12, 2007.

Surviving are one daughter, Dana (Kevin) Schade of Gilman; one son, Scott (Rhonda) Cowsert of Peoria; three grandchildren, Kale Schade of Chebanse, Katie Schade of Crescent City, and Brittny Cowsert of Rosiclare, IL; three great grandchildren, Hudson Schade, Georgia Jane Schade, and Lennon Jane Cornelius; two brothers, Tom Gibbons and Ron Gibbons; and one sister, Virginia Metcalf.

Mary Jane was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, James; and one sister, Wilma Faye Rister.

Mrs. Cowsert was a member of Gilman United Methodist Church where she served on many committees through the years. She was also a member of the Gilman Women’s Club and IOOF Rebekah. Mary Jane retired from the Iroquois County Circuit Clerks office.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, August 22, 2022 at Gilman United Methodist Church in Gilman, IL. Pastor Mark Crawford and Pastor Vicky Killus will officiate. Burial will follow at Gilman Cemetery in Gilman. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service at church from 11:00-1:00 pm.

Memorials may be made to Gilman United Methodist Church or Donor’s Choice.

Please share a memory of Mary Jane at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Rolland E. Zachgo of Onarga, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022, at the Gilman Healthcare Center with his loving family present. He was born the son of Sylvia Myers Zachgo and Herman Zachgo of Onarga on July 23, 1937, in Kankakee.

He attended La Hogue Grade School, Gilman Grade School, and was a graduate of Gilman High School and the University of Illinois. He was a lifelong farmer and livestock raiser taking pride in his herd of registered Angus Cattle.

He married Nancy Schriefer Zachgo on August 4, 1957. She survives as do four children, Derhonda (Doug) Blair, Tamara (Tim) Hamilton, Darin (Virginia) Zachgo and Dana (Amy Adams) Zachgo, also 16 grand and step grandchildren and 33 great grand and step great grandchildren. Also surviving are 3 sisters and 3 brothers in law and one sister in law, Harry and Virginia Mogged, Charlotte Johnson, Ron and Sylvia Herr, and Ryland and Carol Schriefer. Deceased are two brothers in law, Gus Johnson and Myron Schriefer. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Rolland was a community minded person and served many years on the board of organizations he felt were most important. He was treasurer and president of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he was a 65 year member. He served as chairman on both the Parish Hall and Sanctuary Building Committees, was a 20 year member of the Gilman School Board, also serving as secretary, and was a 30 year trustee member of the Gilman Fire Department. Many of those years as president. He also served several terms on the Gilman Danforth Grain Elevator Board.

Visitation will be from 1:00-3:30 pm on Sunday, August 14, 2022 and a funeral service will then begin at 4:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 116 N. Thomas St., Gilman. Rev. Pete Hinrich will officiate. Burial will follow at the Gilman Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Donor’s Choice.

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

Brian Lee Carlton, 54, of Urbana passed away on June 4, 2022 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on May 30, 1968 in Chicago, a son of Gene and Elizabeth (McLain) Carlton and his father preceded him in death. Brian married Michaela Müller in Vejle, Denmark on May 21, 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Michaela Carlton of Urbana; one son, Christopher Gene (Tyshiana Janae) Carlton of Clarksville, Tennessee; one granddaughter, Amora Amaris Carlton of Clarksville, Tennessee; mother, Elizabeth Wilkening of Rantoul; one sister, Catherine (Daniel) Luhrsen of Pesotum, two brothers, Gary Gene (Tammy) Carlton of Oakland, Tennessee and David Michael (Julie) Carlton of Riverview, Florida; brother-in-law, Güter (Inge) Kern of Bad Windsheim, Germany; sister-in-law, Diana (Augustine) LaBarge of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Brian served in the United States Army during Desert Storm having worked as a crew chief and mechanic on Blackhawk Helicopters. He was a lifelong member of the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527. Brian was a real estate agent and a retired postal worker. He was a very handy man having remodeled an apartment building with his son. Brian also loved to tinker and figure out new ways to make a variety of things.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022 at the Cissna Park Cemetery north of Cissna Park with military rites by the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527.

Memorials may be given to the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527 or to the Champaign Salvation Army.

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

Dr. Thomas Maudlin, age 90, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2022 in Hoopeston, Illinois surrounded by family.

Tom was born on January 21, 1932 to Allen and Hallie (Carter) Maudlin of Georgetown, Illinois. His family were members of the Elwood Quaker Church. The core tenets of the Quaker religion served as a foundation for Tom throughout his entire life.

He graduated from Georgetown High School and attended University of Illinois at the encouragement of his Ag teacher. While attending the U of I, he was introduced to Roberta Callahan, a roommate’s cousin, who was a senior at Ridgefarm High School. This blind date changed his life forever, and they were married on June 13, 1954.

Tom graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1956. Wanting to work with dairy cattle, he took a job in Cissna Park, Illinois where he went on to practice both large and small animal medicine for 47 years. For 17 of these years his practice included an office in Hoopeston, IL. Doc Maudlin always said that the best thing about being a veterinarian was the people he met and worked with.

Tom and Roberta made their life in Cissna Park where they raised 6 children of whom he was very proud. Although he was a busy country veterinarian, he was also involved in the community, United Methodist Church, Claytonville Civic Club, and Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed watching his kids’ sports activities, playing golf, and supporting Illini football and basketball. Roberta’s adventurous side kept him busy too. They visited Europe, Asia, South America, Antarctica, and Australia. Their final trip, in October 2013, was to France where they toured the WWI Western Front and the locations where Tom’s father, a conscientious objector, had served in the Army as a cartographer.

Tom very much enjoyed antique automobile restoration projects. One of his great achievements was taking an unrecognizable mess and turning it into a fully restored 1910 Buick Toy Tonneau. He was active in the Illini Collector Car Club and International Harvester Collectors Club. Tom donated his restored 1908 Cadillac Model S to the Gilmore Car Museum where he was thrilled to know it would be maintained and driven. This hobby, particularly after retirement, was a source of immense joy that led him and Roberta to make wonderful trips and develop lifelong friendships all around the country and world–even as far away as Australia and New Zealand. Tom will be remembered for his inquisitive nature, desire to help others succeed, tremendous empathy, and generosity of spirit.

Tom is survived by Roberta, his wife of 68 years, children Jeff (Elsa) Maudlin, Jackie (Stephen) Murley, Jay (Sarah) Maudlin, Julanne (Stephen) Speer, and Joanna (Jun) Pangilinan; twenty grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jennifer, sister Alice Albert, and brother Carroll Maudlin. His family would like to thank Heritage Woods of Watseka, Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, Heritage Health Hoopeston, and IMH Hospice for their extraordinary care. Additionally, the family would like to thank the Cissna Park Volunteer Fire Department for all their assistance over the years.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 am August 18, 2022 immediately followed by a memorial service at 11:00 at the United Methodist Church in Cissna Park, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Heritage Woods of Watseka Memory Care or the Cissna Park Volunteer Fire Department by designating your choice in the memo section of your check payable to Thomas Maudlin Memorial. If unable to attend the service but wish to send a condolence, please mail all correspondences to Knapp Funeral Home, 219 W Blaine St, Cissna Park, IL 60924.

Patricia Lou Hendrickson, 83, of Clifton and formerly of Chebanse, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Arcadia Care in Clifton. She was born on September 27, 1938 in Paxton, the daughter of Leonard and Selma (Theesfeld) Koschnick. She married Harold Dale Hendrickson in Buckley on August 17, 1957 and he preceded her in passing on March 18, 2000.

Surviving are four children, Crystal Black of Roberts, Scott Hendrickson of Gillespie, Mark Hendrickson of Roberts, and Joel (Beth) Hendrickson of Chebanse; eleven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

Pat was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Leonard; two brothers, Stanley and Wilfred Koschnick; son in law, Stuart Black; and one son, Robert Eugene Hendrickson.

Mrs. Hendrickson was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their sporting events. Pat loved to travel with her husband, especially going to casinos. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved the Friday Night Friends gatherings she would have.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. Pastor Benjamin Hayter will officiate. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at church, from 9:00-11:00 am.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse or Clifton Food Pantry.

Please share a memory of Pat at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Gloria Ann Roberts, 84, of Watseka, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee.

She was born on March 13, 1938 in Watseka, the daughter of Armand and Ruth (Babb) Anderson. She married the love of her life, James “Jim” Roberts at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka on May 31, 1958 and he preceded her in death on July 13, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by two daughters, Dawn (Rev. Jeff) Hammer of Elizabethton, TN and Dr. Darlene Roberts of Watseka; three grandchildren, Mindy (Justin) Cavaness of Fairbury, Samantha (Scott) Hardman of Pontiac and Matthew (Rebecca) Hammer of Jonesborough, TN; and ten great-grandchildren, Tristin, Kevin, Gabbie, Hunter, Kaden, Alyssa, Isaiah, Luke, Matthew, and Kayla.

Gloria was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka where she played the organ for many years. She enjoyed shopping, collecting Cherished Teddies, her flower garden, and traveling with their favorite companions, Guy and Shirley. She was avid reader, especially enjoying mystery books.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday August 12, 2022 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at GAR Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Watseka Public Library, American Heart Association, St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, or family’s wishes.

Hope M. Reeder, 69, of Claytonville passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana. She was born on August 26, 1952 in Watseka, a daughter of Kenneth “Bud” and Louetta “Jean” Smith Feller. Hope married Thomas G. Reeder on May 20, 1973 in Milford and he preceded her in death on January 14, 2022.

Hope is survived by two daughters, Alisha Reeder of Grain Valley, Missouri and Lacy (Mark) Clifton of Watseka; two grandchildren, Logan and Gavin Clifton.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Billy Joe Feller.

Hope was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. She enjoyed barrel racing and bowling. Hope loved tending to her flowers and mowing lawn. She especially loved spending time with her two grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with Pastor Jim Harkins officiating. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow the burial service at the Life Church in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Jared E. Johnson, 38, of Onarga passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022 at his home. He was born August 12, 1983 in Kankakee, the son of Kevin and Joni (Schlaich) Johnson.

He is survived by one daughter, Layla Johnson of Onarga; his mother, Joni (Mike) Weakley of Onarga; his father, Kevin (Nancy) Johnson of Momence; two sisters, Jeanna (Michael) Robinson of Crescent City and Amy Johnson of Momence; three brothers, Justin Johnson of Momence, James Weakley of Bourbonnais and Joshua Weakley of Watseka; and several nieces and nephews.

Jared liked the Packers and Cubs.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Trinity Church in Watseka. Pastor Bart Koester will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

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

Please share a memory of Jared at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Karl Phillip Knauth, age 84, of Milford passed away on Saturday, August 6th, 2022 at his home in rural Milford. Karl was born December 22, 1937 in Chicago, a son of Otto and Sarah (Morse) Knauth. He married Joyce Johnson on August 13, 1960 in Watseka.

Karl is survived by his wife, Joyce Knauth of Milford; two sons, Keith (Marsha) Knauth and Kirk (Tana) Knauth, both of Watseka; grandchildren, Kyle (Ellen) Knauth of Milford, Kassandra (Jordan) Hurliman of Cissna Park, Kelcy (Ryan) Kunce of Sheldon, Kinsey Knauth of Sheldon, and Konnor Knauth of Watseka; great-grandchildren, Kolton and Knox Knauth, Kenlie and Kamryn Kunce, and one on the way; siblings, Kurt (Betty) Knauth of Ft. Myers, Florida, Kenneth (Becky) Knauth of Watertown, Wisconsin, Ruth (Walter) Marcis of Greensboro, Georgia, and Marie (William) Bittner of Albany, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Louise Siess and Helen Beloof.

Mr. Knauth was a veteran of the United States Marine Reserves. He was a lifelong farmer. Mr. Knauth devoted his time to his family and their farm, raising row crops and livestock. His passion for the agriculture industry has been passed on to all generations of his family. Mr. Knauth was proud of his sons and grandchildren, which was evident in his eyes as he watched them carry traditions set by him and his wife. Mr. Knauth was an avid Fighting Illini Fan and enjoyed spending time in Champaign-Urbana tailgating with friends and family and attending Big Ten basketball games.

Funeral services for Mr. Knauth will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating. The visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will be held at a later date at the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Woodland Fire Department.

Please share a memory of Mr. Knauth at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Donald E. Brough, 72, of Chebanse passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at his home. He was born on August 17, 1949 in Kankakee, the son of Francis and Dorothy (Potts) Brough. He married Sandra Wallace in Kankakee on October 12, 1974.

Surviving are his wife, Sandra Brough of Chebanse; one son, Daniel (Nicole) Brough of Clifton; two daughters, Jennifer (Jason) Silcox of Cedar Rapids, IA and Lisa (Jeff) Kesinger of Highlandville, MO; three grandchildren, Justin, Jordan, and Joel Silcox of Cedar Rapids, IA; two brothers, Chuck Brough of Bethune, SC and Bill (Peggy) Brough of Arthur, IL; and one sister, Janet O’Dell of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Jean Kohler; and his beloved dog, Niu.

Mr. Brough proudly served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He was employed at Armstrong in Kankakee for over thirty-five years. He served on Chebanse Fire Department for many years, was a member of Central VFW Post #2131, collected model trains, and enjoyed playing solitaire on his computer.

Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral services will immediately follow at 6:00 pm.

The family does request that anyone attending the services to please wear a mask, if possible, for the safety of everyone.

Private burial will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood with full military rites.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

Marvin Purvis, 82, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at his home. He was born on June 8, 1940 in Watseka, the son of Alfred “Bud” & Edna Redburn Purvis and they preceded him in death. Marvin married Abby McCain Denham in Watseka on October 11, 1986.

Surviving are his wife, Abby Purvis of Watseka; two daughters, Michelle (Terry) Brutlag of Crescent City and Marcia (John Feener) Purvis of Hobe Sound, Florida; stepson, Greg Denham of Watseka; brother, Duane (Pam) Purvis; sister, Joyce (Craig) Franklin; four grandchildren, Jenna Brutlag, Austin Hrzic, Hally Denham and Todd Martson; one great-grandson, Trevor Martin; and several nieces and nephews.

Upon graduation from Watseka High School in 1958, Marvin worked at the Watseka Republican newspaper and Uarco Business Forms in Watseka. Then he and his brother Duane established Purvis Carpet Service and enjoyed a successful business installing floor coverings and tile for 35 years. He was dependable & hard working and a perfectionist who preached “you do the job right or don’t do it at all”. He was also knowledgeable in antiques and bought and sold antiques and collectables as a side business. He was a multi-talented person who could do many things and was successful at everything he tried to do. He enjoyed many activities including collecting, gardening, traveling, woodworking, and reading (especially Louis L’Amour’s books) and was an avid snow skier. Marvin and Abby enjoyed an annual ski trip in the western mountains until Marvin was 70 years old.

He cared deeply for the community; serving eight years as alderman on the Watseka City Council and was appreciated for his honesty, availability, response to constituent’s needs and a common sense approach to issues. He was never afraid to stand his ground if he believed in something. He was a member of the Watseka Elks for many years.

He was a generous, loving, outgoing, upbeat person who “never met a stranger” and who was devoted to family and would forego anything to spend time with them. He was married to Abby for 35 years and rarely was one seen without the other. They could frequently be seen enjoying a night on the dance floor and they maintained a Friday night date tradition for their entire marriage, often at Greg’s Bar and Grill (formally Miss Karol’s) where anyone was invited to pull up a chair and join them.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tom McCann officiating. Internment of ashes will follow at the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to Watseka Elks Lodge Children’s Coat Drive or to the Watseka Fire Department.