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Obituaries Archives for 2023-03

Shelby Maddison, 84, of Hoopeston

Shelby J. Masden, 84, of Hoopeston, IL passed away at 9:33 A.M. Wednesday, March 22,2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born July 8, 1938, in Caledonia, MS, the daughter of Emmitt and Pearl (Williams) James. She married Rabon Hinkle on December 22, 1982, and he preceded her in death on November 21, 2020.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, four sisters,and four brothers.
She is survived by one daughter, Teri (Jesse) Hardin of Delphi, IN; one son, Mark (Valerie) Hinkle of wellington, IL; one sister, Delphia Carlisle of Merrillville, IN; three grandchildren, JoHanna (Dan) Gash, Cody (Karina) Hinkle, and Lauren (Conor) McIlrath; 6 great-grandchildren, Madison (Enrique) Aranda, Morgan (Isaiah) Debban, Nathaniel, Colby, and Alijah Gash, and Turner McIlrath; one great-great-grandchild, Haven Grace Aranda; and many nieces and nephews.
Shelby was a homemaker, caring for her family. In previous years, she worked as a custodian at Calumet High School in Gary, IN. She was a devoted member of New Beginnings of Hoopeston Church and was an evangelist in the community. Shelby was a woman of faith who enjoyed reading her Bible and listening to ministers preach on television. She also enjoyed attending the senior dances at Hoopeston Multi Agency, eating breakfast with the Henning's breakfast club at Autumn Fields, and spending time with her family.
A visitation will be held at 12:00 - 3:00 P.M. Monday March 27, 2023, at New Beginnings of Hoopeston Church, 204 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 3:00 P.M. Monday at the church with Pastor Stan Jackowski and Pastor Bruce McQuidgg officiating. A private family burial will be held.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Shelby to New Beginnings of Hoopeston Church, 204 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Shelby's eteral tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

David E. Zachgo, 80, of Danforth,

David E. Zachgo, 80, of Danforth, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Riverside Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 service with Pastor Philip Sandi and Pastor Tim Tammen officiating. Burial will follow at the Danforth Cemetery.

Dave was born August 25, 1942, in Springfield, IL to George and Margaret “Peg” (Spengler) Zachgo, while his father was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was baptized into the Christian faith on August 29, 1943 at the Army Air Base Chapel in Portland, Oregon. He was confirmed on March 25, 1956 at St. John’s, Danforth by Pastor Carl E. Boebel. Dave married the love of his life, Willene Ruth Dexter on November 16, 1963 in Clinton, IL.

Besides his wife of 59 years, he is survived by a son, Mark (Dawn) Zachgo of Independence, MO, a daughter, Lynne (Mark) Olson of Gilman; four grandchildren, Erin (Anthony) Fund of Peoria, Brandon Olson of Edwardsville, Nicholas (Catherine) Zachgo of Moscow Mills, MO, Alex Zachgo of Independence, MO; 2 sisters, Anne (Joe) Hampton of Windsor, Lisa (Kenton) Carley of Milford, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Following his father’s discharge from military service, Dave grew up on the family farm north of Danforth. He attended grade school in Ashkum and Danforth, except during the time his father was activated by the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. At that time, Dave attended grade school in Rapid City, SD. He graduated from Gilman High School with the Class of 1960. During his high school days, he was active in sports, especially football, which he played with vigor. As a senior, he received the football MVP award. He was also active in the music department, where he was often a soloist. Following graduation, Dave enrolled in Greer Technical Institute in Braidwood, IL, where he received a diploma in Construction Equipment and Diesel Mechanics.

Because the Vietnam War was escalating, Dave knew he would likely be drafted soon. Instead of waiting for the draft, he decided to enlist in the U. S. Army Reserves. He was stationed at Ft. Knox, KY for basic training, then sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO for advanced training with the Corps of Engineers.

After his marriage to Willene, Dave took over the farming and dairy operations on the Zachgo Family farm. When an opportunity presented itself to join the L. E. Myers Highline Construction Company in Decatur, IL, he seized it because it would give him a chance to use some of his training from Greer Tech. He continued the farming operation, but time constraints didn’t allow him to continue with the dairy. Later, he became an apprentice in the electrical trade with the same company. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, he advanced to foreman of an electrical highline construction crew. After 15 years with the L. E. Myers Company, he took the same type of position with CIPS (now Ameren) in Gilman, IL. His work in the electrical highline trade took him all over Illinois, as well as other states, especially if ice storms, tornadoes, or hurricanes had caused massive power outages. He was not afraid of heights, and actually enjoyed climbing poles before the use of bucket trucks came into being. On at least one occasion, he climbed to the top of a 90 foot pole and surveyed the surrounding farms, grain elevators, and small towns up and down I-57. He also enjoyed competing in the International Electrical Highline Rodeo, where his team competed against teams from around the world in events such as the speed climb and pole top rescue. Even though he was older than many of his competitors, he always placed high in the standings.

Dave was a very community-minded person who served on several local boards throughout the years, including the president’s role in each. He served on the Board of the parent organization of Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth, the Lutheran Home for the Aged Development Corporation. Dave was instrumental during the construction of Luther Place and was very adamant that the new construction should also include a rehab facility so that local residents would not have to drive so far to receive treatment. He served on the church council of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth, where he was a life-long member. He also served as a member of the Board of Education for both the Gilman-Danforth and the Iroquois West Community School Districts for a total of 32 years. He helped to make a smooth transition during consolidation with Onarga in 1983. Dave believed in quality education for all students so they would be prepared for college, trade school, or the workforce, while at the same time holding the line on spending for the sake of taxpayers. At times, it was quite a balancing act! As an athlete himself, Dave supported the athletic department, but was an even greater supporter of the music department, especially when he could see that, at times, there were efforts to short-change the program. He had been part of the music program during the years when Gilman High School band and chorus achieved state champion status in Illinois. He was thrilled when his grandchildren were also part of an excellent music program that earned state champion status.

Dave had many other interests, one of which was traveling. As a history buff, he enjoyed visiting historical places he had read about. He and Willene traveled throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. He also enjoyed traveling abroad, where he even got the hang of driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. In Australia, his climbing instincts kicked in when he arrived at Ayers Rock (Uluru to the aborigines), and he climbed the 2800 feet to the top of the big red rock.

Dave was definitely family oriented. He enjoyed watching all the activites of his children and grandchildren, attending family reunions, and visiting relatives near and far that were part of his genealogy. He was even able to visit the beautiful church where his 5th great grandfather had been the church organist in Germany for 30 years. This same musician/composer was a music teacher to young G. F. Handel, who composed The Messiah.

Dave was also one to lend a helping hand to those in need. One such incident involved stopping to assist victims of a traffic accident along an icy I-57. He received a letter of commendation from the Illinois State Police for his efforts.

Dave was a teacher. He passed on his farming and mechanical skills to his son. He took time to teach special techniques and safety precautions to young guys breaking into the electrical highline trade.

Unfortunately, it was during a storm job near Springfield in 2003 that Dave received very serious head injuries that left him partially paralyzed. Even so, he enjoyed 20 more years with his family. He loved being Grandpa!

Memorials in Dave’s name may be given to Prairieview Lutheran Home or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, both in Danforth, or to the donor’s choice.

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

Kevin C. Lange, 60, of Watseka

Kevin C. Lange, 60, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the VA Illiana Health Care in Danville. He was born on June 6, 1962 in Watseka, a son of William H. and Judith A. (Coon) Lange. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Kevin is survived by one daughter, Christy (Samantha) Lange of Houston, Texas; one son, David Lange of Cissna Park; one grandson, Jensen Lange; his father, William Lange of Crescent City; four brothers, Keith (Melinda) Lange of Crescent City, Kent (Heidi) Lange of Flatville, Korrie (Tina) Lange of Watseka, and Kurt (Amie) Lange of Germany; and several nieces and nephews.

Kevin was a 1980 graduate of Crescent-Iroquois High School and a member of the Crescent City United Methodist Church. He was a volunteer for the Crescent-Iroquois Fire Department. Kevin was a dispatcher for the Watseka Police Department prior to his service in the United States Army having served in Desert Storm. He was a past commander of the Watseka American Legion Post 23. Kevin enjoyed watching NASCAR and the New York Yankees.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. The funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Kevin Nourie officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilman Cemetery with Graveside Military Rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23 and the United States Army.

Memorials may be made to the Jensen Lange Education Fund or the donor’s choice.

Timothy Donald DeLahr, 59, of Watseka

Timothy Donald DeLahr, 59, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at his residence.

Tim was born on January 6, 1964 in Watseka, the son of Donald A. and Jean (Gerber) DeLahr.

He is survived by four daughters, Ashley DeLahr of Kankakee, Brandy (Heath) Osborne of Watseka, Celsey (fiancé, Max) DeLahr of Watseka, and Dylan DeLahr of Dothan, AL; his mother, Jean Yates of Watseka; two sisters, Beverly Karkau of Marana, AZ and Jennifer (Doug) Morgeson of Milford; six grandchildren; three nieces; and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald DeLahr and step-father, Gerald Yates.

Tim loved his jeep, fishing, and watching wrestling.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. memorial service on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church in Watseka with Pastor John Franklin officiating. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Kenneth E. Sorensen, 86, of Watseka

Kenneth E. Sorensen, 86, of Watseka passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Carriage Crossing Senior Living of Champaign. He was born on October 10, 1936 in Watseka, the son of George and Louise (Teske) Sorensen. He married Mary Sheridan in Hoopeston on January 14, 1958.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Sorensen of Champaign; three children, Kathy (Steven) Howell of Champaign, Michael Sorensen (Suzanne Seyfert) of Milford, and Karen McKinley of Champaign; five grandchildren, Melissa Zavala, Christopher (Rori) Sorensen, Jacob, Lucas and Nicolas McKinley; and three great grandchildren, Javy and Ava Zavala and Madilyn Sorensen.

He was preceded in passing by his parents and two sisters, Irene Wilken and Eunice Reiners.

Mr. Sorensen was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth. He proudly served in the Army at Ft. Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary as a Military Police Officer. He drove a bus for Iroquois County Special Ed students, owned and operated Sorensen Lawn Care, and farmed for over thirty years in the Ash Grove Township area.

Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth. Rev. Michael Ruhlig will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be provided by Watseka American Legion Post 23 and Iroquois Country VFW Post 7450.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Ronald D. Borchers, 89, of Crescent City

Ronald D. Borchers, 89, of Crescent City passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Faith Place in Danforth.

Ron was born on July 26, 1933 in Gilman, the son of Albert and Leona (Eden) Borchers. They preceded him in death along with one sister, Marian Reitz.

Ron grew up in Gilman, where his parents owned Borchers Men’s Wear and Dry Cleaning. He was a thirty-seven-year employee of UARCO in Watseka where he met his wife, Judy Albrecht and they married on April 30, 1961 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Borchers of Crescent City; three sons, Brian (Audrey) Borchers of Neenah, WI, Brad (Liz) Borchers of Chicago, and Bob (Yvette) Borchers of Bloomington, and eight grandchildren; Lindsey, Haley, Alex, Sam, Annie, Maddie, Molly, and Carly.

Ron served as a jet engine mechanic in the United States Air Force, was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City where he served on the church council, and also served on the Crescent Iroquois High School board. Mr. Borchers was an accomplished trumpet player, loved cars, boats, camping, golfing, country dancing, and much more. He was a craftsman that could build or fix anything. Ron was an amazing artist, enjoyed traveling with Judy, his family and friends, and had a great sense of humor. He “always“ had a funny joke or story to share. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was affectionately known as Papa to them. Ron and and Judy have been rich in all the ways that really matter. Rich in a lifelong love affair with each other, an incredible family, and more friends than anyone could count. His legacy lives on through a lifetime of touching others.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Rev. Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post 23.
Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service at church on Saturday.

Memorials in Ron’s name may be made to Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth, Illinois, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Robert John Koester, 72, of Cissna Park

Robert John Koester, 72, of Cissna Park passed way on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at his home in Cissna Park. He was born on September 3, 1950 in Watseka, the son of Albert and Lovine Koester and they both preceded him in passing.

Surviving are several cousins and his cat, Brinkley.

Robert was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church – Ash Grove. He was the owner and operator of Koester Plumbing and Heating for many years. Mr. Koester always enjoyed helping his friends out whenever he could. He was very proud to be from Cissna Park.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, March 10, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove. Rev. Michael Ruhlig will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am until the 11:00 am service on Friday at Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Cissna Park Fire Department.

Please share a memory of Robert at knappfuneralhomes.com.

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