Karen K. Wetzel, 60, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born on April 27, 1962, the daughter of Charles and Beverly (Riley) Hall. Karen married Gil Wetzel at George Air Force Base in Victorville, CA on March 3, 1990.

Surviving are her husband, Gil Wetzel of Watseka; daughter, Megan Wetzel of Watseka; son, Micah Wetzel of Watseka; her mother, Beverly Foster of Watseka; and two brothers, Carey (Leslie) Hall of Aroma Park and Edward (Marlene) Hall of Watseka.

Mrs. Wetzel was preceded in passing by her father, Charles Hall.

Karen loved her German shepherds and her two grand dogs, Ruger and Mona.

She was a devout Catholic and taught CCD for several years. She prayed the rosary and had a vast collection of rosary beads that she cherished.

Karen’s greatest joy was her family and she will be deeply missed by all of them.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:45 am on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

A memorial mass will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Please share a memory of Karen at baierfuneralhome.com.

Joel Victor Moore, 53, passed away in the morning of Friday April 21, 2023 at his home. A visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 pm Thursday April 27, 2023 at the Roberts Gym, 200 West Weldon Street in Roberts, Illinois. A Firefighter walk through will take place at 6:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday April 28, 2023 also at the Roberts Gym with The Rev. David D. Diveley Sr. officiating. Burial will take place at the Shiloh Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Thawville Fire Department.

Joel was born January 16, 1970 in Champaign, Illinois.

He married Melisa Plotner on August 9, 2009 in Thawville. Joel is survived by his best friend and wife Melisa Moore of Thawville. A son Christopher Cougill of Mahomet, grandson Parker Cougill, his parents Grace and Kenny Kinder of Mahomet, brother Jimmy Dean of Mahomet and his bird dog Tazzy. As well as many, many friends that he made along the way.

Joel graduated from University of Missouri Rolla with an Engineering degree in 1996. He is the current Iroquois County Highway Department Superintendent, member of the National Association of County Engineers and past president of the Illinois Association of County Engineers. Joel is the Chief of the Thawville Fire Department and member of the Fire Chief Association as well as the State Secretary of the Illinois Red Knights Motorcycle Club as well as past president for ten years and charter member of The Red Knights Chapter 16. He enjoyed tractor pulls and was a board member of the Illiana Tractor Pulling Association. He co-owned Bro-Mance Motor Sports and was the cemetery sexton for Newcomb Township. Joel was a member of the Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar and was dedicated in the training of his dear Tazzy. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Earl William Clauss, 84, of Loda, IL, passed away at 4:18 A.M. Tuesday April 25, 2023, at his home. He was born March 8, 1939, in Watseka, IL, the son of Joe and Nettie (Young) Clauss. He married Gloria Schroeder on February 3, 1968, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth, IL. She survives in Loda, IL.

He is also survived by one daughter, Erica (Eric) Miller of Fishers, IN; one son, Corbenn (Kim) Clauss of Cissna Park, IL; five grandchildren, Cale, Kahne, and Kloie Clauss and Eli and Evan Miller; five sisters, Lois Beer of Milford, IN, Erma Wieland of Peoria, IL, Caroline Sever of Bloomington, IL, Lorna Clauss of Champaign, IL, and Dorothy (Don) Holmes of Hoopeston, IL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stan and Chris Schroeder; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Betty Feller Zimmerman; two brothers, Vernon and Jerry Clauss; three brothers-in-law, Frank Beer, Wayne Wieland, and Edward Feller, Jr.; and one nephew, Keith Beer.

Earl grew up farming in Cissna Park, IL. He was a member of the AMPI (Associated Milk Producers, Inc.) until he retired from dairy farming in 1976. He continued farming with his brother, Vernon Clauss, until 2005. He then happily drove semi-trucks for various farmers in the area until he was in his late 70’s.

Earl served in the United States Army from 1962-1966. A lifelong member of the American Legion Post #527 in Cissna Park, where he recently received a certificate of continuous membership for 50 years, Earl never missed an Old Settlers Reunion until he battled cancer in 2019.

Earl and Gloria enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and each other.

A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Tuesday May 2, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Loda, IL. Military rites will be accorded by the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527 or the Loda American Legion Post #503.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Charles S. Gregory Sr, 93, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on December 1, 1929 in Watseka, the son of Lawrence and Minnie (Yates) Gregory. He married Bonnie Parish in Watseka on May 10, 1952 and she preceded him in passing on January 27, 2003.

Surviving are four children, Charles S. (Connie) Gregory Jr of Milford, Danny (Becky) Gregory of Milford, Linda (Steve) Wright of Evansville, IN, and Debbie (David) Lauterbach of Fayetteville, NC; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.

Mr. Gregory was preceded in passing by his parents; his wife, Bonnie Gregory; two brothers, Lawrence Gregory and Gerald Gregory; and his daughter, Sherri Bray.

Charles enjoyed his dogs and fishing. He was a truck driver for many years.

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

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Charles at baierfuneralhome.com.

Felicia Maria Robinson, 32, of Onarga passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on August 11, 1990, the daughter of Martin and Annette (Panepinto) Alvarado. She married Travis Robinson in Joliet on March 30, 2013.

Surviving are her husband, Travis Robinson of Onarga; one daughter, Elizabeth Robinson of Onarga; father, Martin Alvarado of Piper City; sister, Yolia (AJ) Garza of Piper City; brother in law, Tyler (Shelby) Robinson of Cissna Park; sister in law, Taylor Robinson of Fairbury; mother and father in law, Terry (Terri) Robinson of Del Ray; uncle, Frank Panepinto of Woodridge; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in passing by her mother and one uncle, John Panepinto.

Felicia loved to read, enjoyed music, and was very artsy and into crafts. She loved being an Aunt to all her nieces and nephews. She loved being a mother to Elizabeth.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 1964 N. 1950 E. Rd. in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

Please share a memory of Felicia at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Janice Marion, 83, of Herscher, passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 at Citadel of Bourbonnais. She was born on October 28, 1939 in Danforth, IL to Edna (Blanton) Booi and William Jennings Booi.

She is survived by her children Julie Murray of Traverse City MI, Linda Ciochon of San Diego, CA, Vickie (Steve) McCulloch of Herscher, IL, and John Marion of San Diego CA. She is also survived by siblings Jerry Booi, James Booi, Jeffrey Booi and Judy Dube. A sister, Jean is deceased. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

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

A private burial will be held at Flesher Cemetery in Crescent City, IL.

Please share a memory of Janice at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Doris Gerber Kuipers, 90 of Gilman passed away on Monday April 24, 2023 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on October 12, 1932 in Woodland a daughter of Kenneth and Hazel (Cupp) Seivert. Doris married Marvin Gerber in Danville on November 26, 1949 and he preceded her in death on May 10, 1967. She later married Marvin Kuipers in Gilman on July 8, 1985 and he survives. Also surviving are two sons- Gary (Helen) Gerber of Watseka and Jon (Julie) Gerber of Woodland; one son in law- Dale Crawford of Milford; seven grandchildren- Tara Gerber (Brian Jewell), Amber (Kris) Mackie, Rachel Nelson, Ben Crawford, Amanda Crawford, Jonathon (Jessica) Gerber, and Michelle (Ireland) Hawkins; and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister- Irma Davis, and one daughter- Marla Crawford.

Doris was a member of First Christian Church in Watseka and was a secretary of Unit 9 schools for 27 years. She was a wonderful cook and one of her greatest joys was hosting family dinners with enough food to feed an army. At Christmas, she baked extravagant amounts of goodies to share. Doris enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and crafts.

Funeral services will be held on Friday April 28, 2023 at 12 noon at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Jim Harkins officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Body Cemetery in Woodland.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society.

Verna Marie Mayo, 71, of Ashkum passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at her home. She was born on October 11, 1951 in Metropolis, IL, the daughter of Alfred and Anna Mae (Moore) Wrye. She married Raymond Mayo in Clifton on January 2, 1971.

Surviving are her daughter, Carrie (Joe) Bertrand of Bourbonnais; her son, Kevin Mayo of Ashkum; grandchildren, Brady (Olivia Lorenc) Bertrand of Bourbonnais, Bailey Mayo of Las Vegas, NV, Brook Mayo of Las Vegas, NV, Bridget Bertrand of Bourbonnais, Bella Mayo of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Barb Robinson of Bourbonnais and Sharon (Tom) Martin of Kankakee; and brothers, Alan Wrye of Kevil, KY and Don (Rose) Wrye of Bradley; special cousin, Dale (Marilyn) Dassing of Metropolis; sister in law, Faye Wrye of Metropolis, IL; aunt, Rebecca Graham of Clifton; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Mayo was preceded in passing by her parents; two brothers, Larry and Ron; sister in law, Debbie Wrye; and brother in law, Larry Robinson.

Verna was a graduate of Central High School Class of ’69. She was a member of Maternity BVM Catholic Church in Bourbonnais. She worked at Riverside Medical Center for 36 years. Verna was a huge part of the Emergency room family and over the years her coworkers became lifelong friends. There were good days, long days and bad days but they were always filled with comradery and laughter. Verna even won the best sense of humor award in her office for 2 consecutive years.

Verna was an amazing sister, cousin, Aunt, godmother, NaNa, mother, and friend who loved her family fiercely. Her two children were always her priority and her love for them was like no other. She spent most of her free time being the biggest fan for her grandchildren. She was at every game cheering them on in football, baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball, dance and soccer. Verna loved to read and watch old TV shows, particularly Andy Griffith and anything starring John Wayne or Elvis. She was an avid royal watcher and was excited for any news related to their social outings. Verna was famous in her family for her love of naps, the way she shuffled at her own speed, her nickname “Jones” and her never ending belief in their Cherokee heritage. She looked great in any Irish hat that she wore and was rarely without a Diet 7-up, even though she secretly enjoyed a Dr. Pepper now and then. Verna loved to travel and was always excited for the next trip with family. She was not an animal lover until her Grand dogs, Louise and Bryant won her over. She adored the holidays, spending time catching up and laughing with family. Her laugh was one of a kind and if you heard it, you knew it was her. She was a fabulous chat companion and was happy to talk for hours with family or friends on random conversations about life.

Verna had an unwavering faith in God. She was recently initiated into the catholic faith and shared the importance of this spiritual journey with loved ones often. Verna was very proud to be catholic and notably called it life-changing. Her smile, laugh, gentle hugs, and her sweet-sweet heart will forever be missed and never forgotten.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and one hour prior to the funeral mass on Wednesday at church.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Maternity BVM Catholic Church in Bourbonnais. Fr. Moises Mesh will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Gerald J. Gray, 88 of Martinton and formerly of Ashkum passed away on Saturday April 22, 2023 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. He was born on March 25, 1935 in Ashkum Township a son of Bernard and Minnie (Weber) Gray. Survivors include his fiancee- Joye Brown of Martinton; one brother- Paul (Joann) Gray of Champaign; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers- Bernard, Leo, James, Thomas, and two sisters- Patricia and Delores.

Gerald served in the US Army and was a member of the Watseka American Legion where he served as past commander. He was also a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum, 4th degree Knights of Columbus and former member of the Watseka Elks and Kankakee Moose Lodge.

Funeral services will be on Thursday April 27, 2023 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum with Fr. Vern Arseneau officiating. Visitation will be from 8:30 am until 10:00 am at the church on Thursday. Burial will be in the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery. Graveside military rites to be conducted by the Watseka American Legion.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

George Nelson Rasmussen, 87, of Kankakee and formerly of Manteno passed away on March 19, 2023.

George was born on February 11, 1936 in Manteno, the son of Edward and Anna (Franke) Rasmussen and they preceded him in death along with two brothers, Howard and Gerald; four sisters, Edith Dubbert, May Stadt, Mary McKinstry, and Ida Schroeder; one niece, Lynette Walker; and one nephew, Richard Dubbert.

He is survived by sixteen nieces and nephews, Carol A. Suprise, Irma J. Huschka, David M. Stadt, Deborah S. Purkapile, Brenda L. Meudt all of Wisconsin, Laurie Anderson of Peotone; Larry Schroeder of Beecher, Linda McCall of Montana, Nancy Costello and Cliff McKinstry of Florida; Joyce Bollhorst of Kankakee, Don Dubbert of Manhattan, Gayleen Spry of Bradley, James Rasmussen of Sheldon, and Gregg Rasmussen and Joshua Rasmussen of Clifton.

George loved working on the dairy farm.

A memorial visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Terry D. Sather, 71, of Martinton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 7, 1951, in Everett, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sim Clifford and Fern Maxine (Smith) Sather, and one brother, Lynn Sather.

Terry married Mary Anne Strom on August 3, 1974, in Donovan, Illinois, and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Meagan (Eric) Ceci of Crescent City and Abby Sather of Martinton; one grandson, Bertie Ceci; and one sister, Donna (Robert) Flesher of Watseka.

Terry was an active member of Trinity Church in Watseka. He was also an active member of the Retired Postmasters Association. His hobbies included landscaping, spending time with Jimmy, his Yorkie, and spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Trinity Church in Watseka, Illinois, with Pastor Ryan Mustered officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Church in Watseka or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

Kelly G. “Shorty” Focken, 57, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at his residence.

Kelly was born on July 31, 1965 in Watseka, the son of Donald and Rita (Ellis) Focken.

He is survived by his mother, Rita Focken of Watseka; three sisters, Lori (Tony) Glazik of Loda, LuAnn (Rick) Nurczyk of Joliet, and Lynde Wurl of Woodland Hills, CA; eight nieces and nephews; five great-nieces and great-nephews; and one brother-in-law, Ken Wurl of Chatham, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandparents; and paternal grandparents.

Kelly loved fishing and hunting. He served in the U.S. Army from 1983-1989.

Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with military graveside rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23.

Memorials may be made to German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. (P.O. Box 5092, Skokie, IL 60077).

William Krumwiede, 67, of Buckley, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Accolade Senior Living in Paxton. Cremation rites have been accorded.  A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 9am until the 10am memorial service at St. John's Lutheran Church in Buckley. Inurnment will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Buckley. Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Paxton is assisting with arrangements.

Ruth J. Miller, 85, of Herscher peacefully went to be with our Lord and Savior on April 17, 2023. She was born on May 27, 1937 in Kankakee, the daughter of Alvin J. and Vina (Wabbena) Wilken.

Ruth graduated as Salutatorian from Gilman High School in 1955. She went on to study nursing at Capitol University in Columbus, OH where she earned her BSN in 1959.

Ruth married Larry Miller on July 11, 1959 in Danforth. After Larry completed military service, they moved to Normal where Ruth worked at Brokaw Hospital and as a clinical instructor at Wesleyan University.

In 1964, they moved to Herscher and raised their two sons, Gregory and Steven. Ruth worked part-time as an RN at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee until 1979, when she took the position as school nurse for Herscher School District.

In 1994, Ruth retired and enjoyed reading and spending time with her family.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of sixty-three years, Larry; sons, Gregory (Sherry) of St. Louis, MO and Steven (Bunny) of Rochelle, IL; grandchildren, Lauren Morris, Nathan Miller, Shane Miller, Samantha Miller, and Owen Miller; great-grandson, Alex Morris; brother, Alvin D. Wilken; and sister in law and best friend, Joyce Miller.

A memorial service will be celebrated for Ruth at Trinity Lutheran Church in Herscher on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 11:00 am. Pastor Eric Brown will officiate. Burial will be at Danforth Cemetery in Danforth. There will be no public visitation.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Little Lambs Preschool (Trinity Lutheran Church). Sharing Jesus with our youngest ones was a ministry for which Ruth felt a strong affinity.

Please share a memory of Ruth at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michael J. Mills, 66, of Sheldon passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on July 1, 1956 in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of David and Muriel (Hernan) Mills. They preceded him in death along with one brother-in-law, Ron Martin.

Mike married Sherrill Frey in East Peoria on November 15, 1974 and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Christina (Leon) Batchelor of Morocco, Indiana; one son, Jason (Jessica) Mills of Paxton; three sisters, Jeanie Martin of Hopedale, Barb (John) Hopkins of Miner, and Nancy Wilson of Pekin; two brothers, David Mills of Warren, Ohio and Terry (Emily) Mills of Freeborn, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Ashton, Christopher, Shealyn, Payton, Paisley, and Maren; one great-grandson, Gavin.

Mike proudly served in the United States Army, where he was a former sergeant. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Youngstown, Ohio.

A Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Kentland Depot (First Street, Kentland, Indiana 47951) with Joe Hughes officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior beginning at 9:00 a.m. also at the Kentland Depot.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Alice Valentine, 67, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at the Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born on October 4, 1955 in Danville, a daughter of James and Frances (Morrison) Crozier. Alice married Wilbur Lee Valentine in Watseka on November 25, 1981 and he preceded her in death on May 8, 2005. She was also preceded in death by both of her parents; her stepmother, Elaine Crozier; and two sisters, Lucinda Crozier and Joan Crozier.

Alice is survived by two sons, Michael (Marcy) Valentine of Watseka and Stewart (Kevin) Smith-Valentine of Bristol; one daughter, Terri (Jerry Wireman) Valentine of Watseka; four grandchildren, Mackenzie, Ian, Karsyn, and Mylee Valentine.

Alice was a member of the Watseka United Methodist Church. She loved gardening, feeding squirrels, shopping, and going to garage sales. Alice especially loved her grandchildren and playing board games with them. She was also a retired RN from the Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, April 14, 2023 at the Baier Funeral Home with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

Kevin Donald Robert, 53, of Wheeling, IL passed away on April 2, 2023 at his residence.

Kevin was born on April 22, 1969 in Flint, MI, the son of Charles and Mary Ann (Fly) Robert. He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his three children, Trinity, Adelynn, and Charles; his mother, Mary Ann Robert of Watseka; two sisters, Terri (Skyler) Hasselbring of Watseka and Cindy Kay (Donald) Kaminski of Costa Rica; and several nieces and nephews.

Kevin was a Senior Presentation Designer at PayPal. He enjoyed running, cross-fit, trail biking and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Indianapolis Colts fan. Most importantly, he loved most being a DAD.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Cornerstone Church in Woodland, IL. Pastor Jerry Parker will officiate.

Memorial gifts may be given by check to Covenant Point Bible Camp, at 358 W. Hagerman Lake Road, Iron River, MI 49935. (Memo: In memory of Kevin Robert). Or, gifts may be given via online portal, www.cpbc.com/donate (Please select "memorial gift" and note "In memory of Kevin Robert). These gifts will be designated to support our autism family campers - ensuring this program continues and remains available at minimal cost.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kevin Donald Robert please visit our Sympathy Store.

Craig Ewerk Bruniga, 73, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on August 22, 1949 in Watseka, a son of Wayne R. and Margaret E. (Ewerks) Bruniga and they preceded him in death, along with one sister-in-law, Sheila Bruniga.

Craig married Linda L. Stam in Crescent City of May 3, 1970 and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Andrea (Jeremy) Yates of Watseka; one son, Aaron Bruniga of Watseka; three grandchildren, Kelsey (Kevin) DeRouen of Watseka, Zachary (Kaleigh) Yates of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and Austin (Zhayna) Yates of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; five great-grandchildren, Asher Kane and Rylee Grace DeRouen, Sophia Eloise and Oaklynn Claire Yates and Lily Grace Yates; and one brother, Robert Bruniga of South Bend, Indiana.

Craig proudly served in the Illinois Army National Guard. He was a member of the Watseka American Legion Post 23, where he served as a past commander and on the color guard. Craig was a Chairman of the Veteran Assistance Commission of Iroquois County. He was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City.

Visitation will be Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral service will be on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will follow in the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois with graveside military rites by the American Legion Post 23.

Memorials may be given to the ARC of Iroquois County in Watseka or to the Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

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

Lorretta E. Schneider, 84, of Clifton passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. She was born on October 27, 1938 in Kankakee County, the daughter of Truman and Helen (Homberg) Correll. She married Lionel Schneider in L’Erable on November 30, 1957.

Surviving are her husband, Lionel Schneider of Clifton; one daughter, Dawn Williams of Bourbonnais; one grandson, Kyle (Brittany) Haynes of Limestone; two great grandchildren, Kassadie and Kolten Haynes of Limestone; and two sisters, Nadine Davis of Huntington Beach, CA and Virginia Moyer of Papineau.

Mrs. Schneider was preceded in passing by her parents; three sisters, Marie Turner, Dolores Hartman, and Dorothy Behrends; and her daughter, Elizabeth Lynne Schneider.

Lorretta loved cooking, camping, crafts, and gardening. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 11:00-12:00 on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A graveside service and burial will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse with Fr. Vern Arseneau officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

Please share a memory of Lorretta at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John E. Hoy Sr., 80, of Onarga passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Gilman Healthcare Center. He was born December 1, 1942 in Watseka, the son of John W. and Vera (Lowe) Hoy and they preceded him in death in addition to three brothers, Glenn, Richard and George Hoy; one sister, Gloria Whitt; and one grandson, Brett Hoy.

He married Sandra A. Schroeder on July 4, 1964 in Onarga and she survives. Also surviving are three children, John E. (Florence) Hoy Jr. of Dwight, James E. (Peggy) Hoy of Ashkum and Jennifer E. (Michael) Renehan of Thawville; two brothers and three sisters-in-law, Ronald (Sally) Hoy of Onarga, Larry (Rosalie) Hoy of Crescent City and Barbara Hoy of Onarga; eleven grandchildren, Nathan Hoy, Allison Hoy (James Weakley), Bianca McConkey, Brian McConkey, Michael Lade, Brittney Watson, Lucas (Jessica) Hoy, Kinley Hoy, Elaina (Terry Jr.) O’Hara, Alexander Renehan and Austin Renehan; and nine great-grandchildren, Jacob Weakley, Myles Seats, Gavin Seats, Wade Seats, Griffin Weakley, Gracie, Coen O’Hara, Ruby O’Hara and Rory Hoy.

John was a longtime treasurer of the Clifton Sportsman Club and a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Clifton. He was an avid gardener. John loved cooking, baking and sharing it with the community. He loved and truly enjoyed his time with his family. He liked socializing and never met a stranger.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga with Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of John at knappfuneralhomes.com

Sue Ann Parsons, 80, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Sue was born on December 2, 1942 in Watseka, the daughter of Roy Clem and Mary Anice (Potzler) Baird and they preceded her in death along with one brother, LeRoy Alvin Baird and one great granddaughter.

She married Jack Lee Parsons on June 26, 1962 in Kentland and he survives in Watseka. Other survivors include one daughter, Mary Lee (Tim) Bohlmann of Watseka and Jack Alan (Shelly) Parsons of St. Anne; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Sue was a member of Centennial Christian Church in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Roy Fay Petersen, 80, of Ashkum, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Roy was born March 31, 1943 in Ashkum, IL, the son of Delmer and Ethel (Menigoz) Petersen. He married Vicky Gaffney on January 20, 1968 in Ashkum.

Roy graduated from Central High School in 1961. He lived in Germany for 3 years while in the Air Force. He owned and operated Petersen Construction until he took over his dad’s farming in the 1980s. He was a lifelong member of ABVM Catholic Church, where he was an usher and Parish Council member. He was a member of the Ashkum Lions Club, and built and ran the dime pitch at the homecoming for over 40 years. He was the current Commander for the American Legion of Ashkum. Nearly every day after retiring from farming, he could be found enjoying coffee and popcorn at the Ashkum Grain Elevator. He enjoyed all types of puzzles, rock and arrowhead hunting, home improvement projects with his children, and spending time with his children and grandchildren who were the joy of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vicky; daughters Brenda (Matt) Wasilewski of Sheffield, IL, and Sara (Jack) Reid of Frederick, MD; son Jason (Teresa) Reeves of Newport, MI; grandchildren Alaina, Ryan and Audra Wasilewski, Crimson, Daelyn and Jillian Reid, and Jason Jr., Noah and Bentley Reeves; one sister, Ruth (Darryl) Kleinert of Chebanse, IL; one sister-in-law, Carol (Wes) Knepp of Watseka, IL; one brother-in-law, Ed (Melissa) Gaffney of Gallatin, TN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at ABVM Catholic Church in Ashkum with Fr. Dennis Spies officiating. Interment with military rites will follow at the Ashkum Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Ashkum Lions Club or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.