Larry L. Allen, 75, of Woodland passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on February 25, 1948 in Watseka, a son of Melvin and Helen (Marsh) Allen. Larry married Rosie Hawthorne in Woodland on November 17, 1973 and she survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Jami (Tim) Harris of Woodland and Amy Allen (Fiancé, Tangeva Stevens) of Woodland; eight grandchildren, Brock, Isaiah, Desiray, Asia, D.J., Diara, Zoe, and Wyatt; five great-grandchildren, Jude, Gunner, Maya, Charlie Rhea, and Myleigh; one sister, Peggy (Fred) Hill of Danville; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Terry Allen.

Larry was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He was the founder of the Poverty Rods Car Club. Larry was a former committee member of the Woodland Fun Days. He was a member of the Machinist Union. Larry loved to watch drag racing. He also enjoyed car shows and mushroom hunting. Larry had worked for UARCO and Watseka Suzuki Honda.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka from 11:00 a.m. to the 1:00 p.m. funeral service. Ed Highfill will officiate and burial will follow in the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

Please share a memory of Larry at www.baierfuneralhomes.com.

Karen E. Harrison, 76, of Gilman passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana. She was born February 10, 1947 in Watseka, the daughter of Robert and Eleanor (Hilgert) Hewitt. She married Harlan E. Harrison on July 5, 1966 in New London, MO and he preceded her in death on May 30, 1986. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Arnold and Robert Hewitt; one sister, Helen Henrichs; one niece, Amy Hewitt; three nephews, Adam Hubner, Ryan Harrison and Grant Harrison; one brother-in-law, Gary Harrison; and one sister-in-law, Sharon Weakley.

She is survived by one son, Richard (Tina) Harrison of Lafayette, IN; one daughter, Toni Harrison of Gilman; two grandchildren, Nathan Harrison (Brittany Fortwendel) of Zionsville, IN and Nicole Harrison of Lafayette, IN; two great-grandchildren, Alex Laposi and Elise Harrison; three sisters, Sheryl (Francis) Schunke of Gilman, Janet K. (Bruce) Schunke of Danforth and Barbara (Jon) Hubner of Lafayette, IN; one brother, Ralph (Terri) Hewitt of Avon, IN; three brothers-in-law, David Harrison, Roger Harrison and Scott Harrison; and several nieces and nephews.

Karen was a waitress at Hicks Plaza for many years and enjoyed visiting with people at the restaurant and reading.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Knapp-Redenuis Funeral Home in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Karen at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Carolyn Margene (Gutwein) Kaufman of Cissna Park, Illinois went to be with the Lord on May 25, 2023 at the age of 94.

Born on August 17, 1928 in Francesville, Indiana to the late Conrad and Lena Gudeman Gutwein, Carolyn married Calvin Kaufman of Cissna Park, IL on June 6, 1948, who proceeded her in death in 2017, just short of their 70th anniversary. The union bore five children, the oldest of which, Steven, passed away in 2015. Her four surviving children are Cindy Stock (husband Bob) of Cary, NC, Kevin (wife Sandy) West Lafayette, IN, Kent (wife Rhonda) of Cissna Park, IL, and Billy (wife Malissa) of Kankakee, IL. She is also survived by twenty-two grandchildren and eighteen (soon-to-be nineteen) great-grandchildren and a sister, Irma Germann of San Pierre, IN.

Preceding her in death are sisters Helen Hild, Ruth Heinold, and Florence Bucher and brothers Ray, Clarence, Lewis, Richard (Bud), and Melvin Gutwein.

A founding member of Grace Bible Church in Cissna Park, IL, Carolyn was much involved in world missions and women’s ministry as a teacher and mentor. She and her husband were also instrumental in the founding of the Arc of Iroquois County, Watseka, IL, which provides services to individuals with special needs.

Carolyn and Cal raised their family across the highway from Kaufman Grain Company. After living for a time at Kellart Lake outside of Cissna Park, they (and son, Steven) moved to a house beside the lake at the beloved Kaufmann Timber. Finally, they spent fourteen happy years amongst family and friends at Creekside Prairie Community in Cissna Park.

Carolyn will be remembered for her fervent love of Jesus and of people, her hospitality, her love of reading, canning, and baking, her beautiful singing voice, her organized and clean house, and her sweet and infectious smile. (But she will always be most famous for being the mother of Stevo!)

She was an empathetic listener. When someone shared something important or personal with her, they felt heard and understood. And she was a prayer warrior. She took her own concerns, and those of others to the Lord.

No doubt, upon arrival in heaven, Jesus spoke these blessed words to Carolyn, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Funeral Services will be held 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Grace Bible Church at Kellart Lake with Pastor Trey Scheffer officiating.

Burial will take place in Cissna Park Cemetery, Cissna Park, Illinois.

Visitation will be two hours prior beginning at 12:30 p.m. before the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grace Bible Missions, Kankakee Area Youth for Christ, or The ARC of Iroquois County.

Alan M. Heimberger Sr., 51, of Shelby, IN passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 in Shelby. He was born on June 30, 1971 in Kankakee, the son of Delbert E. and Rose Heimberger.

Sabrina S. Heimberger, 49, of Shelby, IN passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 in Shelby. She was born on November 17, 1973 in Kankakee, the daughter of William C. and Marilyn I. (Bloodworth) Scott.

Alan and Sabrina were married on September 5, 1990 in Kankakee. Surviving are two sons, Alan (Samantha) Heimberger Jr. of Chebanse and Austin (Corbin LaGesse) Heimberger of Bradley; three grandchildren, Abraham, Dakota, and Ivy Heimberger; and several nieces and nephews. Alan is also survived by three brothers, Lonnie (Dianne) Heimberger of Chebanse, Roger Dunki of Kankakee, and Hans (Alice) Heimberger of Limestone, and two sisters, Linda Bury of Kankakee and Peggi Knigge of Oklahoma City, OK. Sabrina is also survived by one brother, William (Myndi) Scott of Watseka; four sisters, Tammy (Darren Gotter) Scott of Watseka, Dallas (Sean) Ryan of Kankakee, Della (Matt) Naese of Buncombe, and Angela Kerley of Vienna; and her mother, Marilyn Miner of Goodland, IN.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents. Sabrina was preceded in death by her father.

Alan served in the United States Army. He worked in the Service Department at Bill Kay Honda for twenty-five years and he enjoyed working on cars and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Sabrina enjoyed baking, painting, photography, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the 3:00 p.m. memorial service on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Jerry D. Neal, 70, of Hudsonville, MI passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at The Laurels of Hudsonville.

Jerry was born on November 9, 1952 in Monticello, KY, the son of Hubert and Margie (Albertson) Neal and they preceded him in death along with one brother-in-law, Donald Hallock.

He is survived by two sisters, Virginia Hallock of Milford and Shirley Neal of Watseka; one brother, Joe (Lisa) Neal of Kalamazoo, MI; one niece, Jada (Patrick) Joswick of Portage, MI; one nephew, Bryant Neal of Kalamazoo, MI; one great-nephew, Henry Joswick; and one great niece, Eloise Joswick.
Jerry loved to play the guitar.

Private graveside services will be at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.

Barry J. DuFrain, 54, of Woodland passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023. He was born on March 15, 1969 in Watseka, a son of Blaine R. and Dee (Ortega) DuFrain and they survive in Woodland. Barry married Robin S. Weber on June 5, 2004 in Onarga and she survives.

Also surviving are two brothers, Brian Russel (Laurie) DuFrain of Onarga and Ben Olin DuFrain of Woodland; one sister, Dawn Rene (Nolan) Parker of Florence, MS; sister-in-law, Wanda Mae DuFrain of Florida; two stepsons, Kyle Stach of Chicago and Matthew (Kelly) Stach of Geneva; one stepdaughter, Kristin (Mike) Cruson; stepgrandchilren, Aleah and Colton Cruson, Isla Stach, Michaela and Remington Cruson; nieces and nephews, Chelsea Renee Parker, Jesse Cole Parker, Ethan Cole DuFrain, and Jake DuFrain.

Barry was preceded in death by his brother, Blaine DuFrain; his nephew, Jesse Nolan Parker; his niece, Emily Grace Parker; and his beloved dog, Magnum.

Barry loved Halloween Memorabilia and Movie Memorabilia especially Sci Fi. He was the manager at the Barnes and Noble in Bradley. Barry was Associate Producer for “In Search of Tomorrow Definitive 80’s Sci Fi Documentary”. He enjoyed going to the Kankakee Collector Con, C2 E2, and Wizard Con. Barry’s most exciting trip was going to Los Angeles, CA where he was able to walk the red carpet at the Oriental Theatre.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the Onarga American Legion located in Durham Park in Onarga.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois County Animal Rescue, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and I Got Your Six 5k Run.

James Allen Crouch Sr., 84, of Milford passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital ER.

James was born on October 13, 1938 in Watseka, the son of Glen and Edith (Morecraft) Crouch and they preceded him in death along with one brother, Don Crouch and one sister, Carol Yarno.

He married Judith Anne Alcorn on January 16, 1956 in Sheldon and she survives in Milford. Other survivors include four children, James A. (Anita) Crouch Jr. of Freeport, IL, Wes Don Mel Dean (Joella) Crouch of Valrico, FL, Nathan Drew (Kress) Crouch of Watseka; and Judith Ann Foster of Woodland; thirteen grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Jim worked at UARCO for many years. He was a member of Milford Christian Church and enjoyed the outdoors, deer hunting, fishing, talks on the back porch, and his family.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Milford Christian Church in Milford. Rev. Brent Zastrow and Ed Highfill will officiate. Burial will follow at Body Cemetery in Woodland.

Memorials may be made to Milford Christian Church.

Melinda S. Behrends, 64, of Ashkum passed away on May 21, 2023 at 6:45 p.m. at her mother, June Timm's home. Her husband, Lyle Behrends, held her hand and was surrounded by many family members at her family farm.

She was born November 3,1958 in Kankakee, the daughter of Richard J. and June (Mietzner) Timm of Chebanse.

She married Lyle Behrends at the Chebanse Zion Lutheran Church on August 31,1996, he survives.

Besides her mother, June, her surviving siblings are Alan Timm of Chebanse; Larry and (Sue) Timm of Hoopeston; Wayne (Karla) Timm of Bloomington; one sister-in-law, Dr. Linda Timm of Milwaukee, WI and one sister, Cindy (Paul) Scheunemann of Port Washington, WI.

Also surviving are her in-laws, Duane and Monica Behrends of Chebanse and Diane Behrends of Chebanse; Dennis (Renee) Behrends of Danforth, Glenn (Cynthia) Behrends of Bloomington, Beth Behrends of Ashkum, Alan (Jessie) Behrends of Clifton and David (Sarah) Behrends of Cabery.

"Aunt Melinda" immensely enjoyed her 33 nieces and nephews and 32 great-nieces and nephews. She was a Godmother to Toni Martin, Zackary Timm, Christa Hickman, Sarah Reel and Spring Mau.

She was preceded in death by her father Richard J. and her brother, Dale R. Timm.

Melinda was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse all her life. She was a graduate of Central High School. As a young girl growing up Melinda was a member of the Chebanse Ag 4-H Club showing her family's beloved registered Jersey cattle herd at many county and state fairs.

She worked with her mother at Kraft General Foods in Kankakee for 17 years.

A highlight for her was the annual girls trip.

Melinda and Lyle shared their love of rural America and grew their Behrends Farm and Home Hardware Store in Cabery. Their business and family was their life. In 1998, they bought the the Onarga Hardware Store. Eventually that store was demolished and rebuilt. After months of hard work, and Melinda right beside Lyle every step of the building process their business was expanded. They put up dry wall, taped, sanded painted and organized together for their grand opening in June of 2021. She enjoyed the spring with flowers and plants, and going to hardware buying shows.

Melinda was a fighter, and fought her battle hard against cancer.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. Rev. Benjamin Hayter will officiate. Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to the family’s choice.

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

Susan J. Appell-Harling, 57, of Clifton passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Northwestern Memorial Prentice Women’s Hospital in Chicago. She was born on June 20, 1965 in Clinton, the daughter of Grant and Janet (Pierson) Appell. She was reunited in heaven with her wonderful mother, Janet.

Susan married Vernon O. Harling on August 29, 1987 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton and he survives. Also surviving, two daughters, Alicia (Cory) Donnersberger of Bourbonnais and Brittany (Gabriel) Herman of Mokena; one son, Victor Harling of Paxton; three grandchildren, Bailey Donnersberger, Harper Donnersberger, and Olivia Herman; her father and step mother, Grant and Pat Appell of Kankakee; five brothers, Charles “Charlie” Appell of Plainfield, IN and Andrew “Andy” Appell of Kankakee, Duane “LD” (Debbie) Brumitt of Bourbonnais, Edward “ED” (Julie) Brumitt of South Ripley, NY, and Paul (Antoinette) Brumitt of Bourbonnais.

Susan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved visiting wineries with her husband. She especially loved her role as Grandma Sue and enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters in which she talked about them all the time. You’d either see her with a cup of coffee in her hand or enjoying a glass of wine. Susan loved doing her nails or going to get them done. She loved taking trips to Bishop Hill and was proud of her Swedish heritage. Susan was always so happy & rarely would you never not find her smiling. Her life was a living example of Christ when he met a stranger, always greeting people with love and grace. Susan was always willing to help anyone in need and made it a point to support Shine.FM, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and United Way. She was so proud to work for Uplifted Care and recently retired from Riverside Medical Center after working there for 16 years.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm-8:00pm on Tuesday May 23, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be at 4:30pm on Wednesday May 24, 2023 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton with Pastor Joel Brown officiating.

Memorials may be given to Uplifted Care, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton, Shine.FM, or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Marjorie R. Alt, 96 of Cissna Park passed away on Thursday May 18, 2023 at Serenity Villa in Fairbury. She was born on January 23, 1927 in Buckley a daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Ramseyer) Rinkenberger. Marge married Edward J. Alt in Cissna Park on September 11, 1949 and he preceded her in death on August 8, 2011. Survivors include two sons- Mark (Kai) Alt of Carmel, IN and John Alt of Cissna Park; one daughter- Beth (Bill) Novak of St. Joseph, IL; four grandchildren- Janell (Brad) Shaffer, Philip (Cari) Alt, Seth (Lori) Alt, and Michael (Jamie) Alt; and 21 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, four sisters, one son- Phil Alt, and one great grandchild- Grace Lynn Alt.

She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday May 23, 2023 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park with ministers of the church officiating.

Visitation will be on Monday May 22, 2023 from 3:00-7:00 pm at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and one hour prior to service at the church.

Burial will be at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Serenity Villa in Fairbury.

Daniel “Danny” Ponton, 75, of Ashkum passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023 at his home. He was born July 4, 1947 in Kankakee, the son of Burnal J. and Oleida M. (Rabideau) Ponton. He married Jeanette Jensen on January 22, 1972 in Clifton and she preceded him in death on November 18, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ronnie Ponton; and one daughter, Julie Ponton.

He later married Kim Foster on October 19, 2001 in Las Vegas, NV and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Jessica Pangle of Bourbonnais; one son, Jason (Wendy Martinez) Ponton of Bradley; two step-children, Chad Kohler of Ashkum and Heather (Tim) Jemar of Ashkum; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Lois Jean Phelps of Ashkum; and one brother, Steve (Joanie) Ponton of Ashkum.

Danny worked many years for Meier Oil Co. and was also a volunteer fireman in Ashkum for many years. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Ashkum American Legion. Danny enjoyed woodworking and puttering around the house.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Rev. Dan Shipton will officiate. Burial will follow at the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery with graveside military rites by the Central VFW Post #2131.

Memorials may be made to the Ashkum Fire Dept. or Ashkum American Legion.

Please share a memory of Danny at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Judith E. Furia-Oko, 82, of Gilman passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023 at her home. She was born on May 21, 1940 in Casper, WY, the daughter of Evan and Phyllis Evans.

She married Allan Grosenbach in 1963 and he preceded her in passing in 1975. She then married Bill Kildow in 1988 until his death in 1995. Judi later married Jerry Furia in 1996 until his death in 2012. Judi and Ted Oko have been married since 2015.

In addition to her husband, Ted Oko of Gilman, she is survived by one son, Michal (Lisa) Grosenbach of Elgin, IL; three grandchildren, Jack, Isabella, and Brody Grosenbach of Elgin, IL; one sister, Joyce Evans-Calvin of San Diego, CA; one brother, John L. (Dorothy) Evans of Weiser, ID; and many nieces and nephews.

Judi was also preceded in passing by her parents; one brother, Jim Evans; and her daughter, Aleta Grosenbach.

She was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman. Judi was a Kankakee Women’s Club member, past church choir director, and enjoyed volunteering both with her church and civically. As a social worker, she worked with abused women and children. Judi had a love for gardening, crossword puzzles, soap operas, and the Chicago White Sox.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman. Rev. Dr. Carol Lange will officiate. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at church on Thursday, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Memorials may be made to Clove Alliance of Kankakee or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Judi at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Raymond F. Lucht, 98, of Martinton passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on November 25, 1924 in Hebron, NE, the son of Frerrich and Margaretha (Norder) Lucht. He married Ruth E. Tipton in Donovan on January 12, 1974 and she preceded him in passing on April 27, 1999.

Raymond is survived by one step son, James Temple of Bourbonnais; one step daughter, Susan Wilson of Loda; two grandchildren, Kacey Lombard and Jeremy Lombard; two great grandchildren, David and Kay Lee Lockeny; and his sister, Dorathy Fangmeyer of Waunakee, WI.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by both of his parents; and three brothers, Jonas, Reinhardt, and Norman.

As a young man, he grew up in Nebraska while surviving The Great Depression and The Dust Bowl. Raymond worked at General Foods, A.O. Smith, as well as farmed in the Martinton area. He was a member of the Martinton Church of Christ where he served as a church elder. Mr. Lucht was also a member of Martinton Lions Club and was a Martinton Township Trustee and Martinton Fire Department Trustee. He volunteered with Iroquois County Ramp Builders, was a volunteer for Christmas Sharing, and was a salesman for Frontiersmen Hybrids in Kentland. Ray loved traveling and visiting with people.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10:30 am at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Charles Alt will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Martinton Church of Christ, Martinton Fire Department, or Iroquois County Ramp Builders.

Please share a memory of Raymond at baierfuneralhome.com.

Matilda “Jane” Smith, 96, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Heritage Woods in Watseka.

Jane was born on January 31, 1927 in Stockland, the daughter of John and Clarissa (Nolin) Houmes and they preceded her in death. She married Claire D. Smith on June 30, 1946 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on November 12, 2011. She was also preceded in death by four brothers; two sisters; one foster son, Don Gore; and one adopted son, Ramon Gama.

She is survived by one daughter, Lois (Robert) Dyer of Greeneville, TN; one son, William (Cheryl) Smith of Forest, VA; nine grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and one foster daughter-in-law, Mai Gore.

Jane was a member of Trinity Church in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Trinity Church in Watseka with Pastor Bob Kracht and Pastor Bart Koester officiating. Private burial will be held at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Memorials may be given to Rio Grande Bible School - Edinburg, Texas or Donor's Choice.

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

Mary Lou Malmer McLeroy departed this world on February 8, 2023 at age 77. Prior to moving to North Carolina, she spent her life in the Kankakee area. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Marie Cnudde; brothers, Myron, Marvin, and Merton; and first husband, Mike Malmer.

After the death of her father, she moved to North Carolina near her closest friend, Penny Krueger (Billerbeck). In 2010, she met her second husband, Floyd McLeroy, whom she married in 2011. During this period, they lived in a small community and did extensive travel, both in the U.S. and abroad.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd; stepchildren, Daniel Malmer and Kara Rivera; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton on Wednesday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Please share a memory of Mary Lou at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Lou Malmer McLeroy please visit our Sympathy Store.

James “Jim” R. Van Natta, 71, of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Watseka, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at his residence. He was born on October 5, 1951 in Peoria, son of Robert O. and Marie (Fischaupt) Van Natta. Jim married Catherine P. Sack on January 7, 1972 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Surviving are his wife, Cathi Van Natta of Bradenton; three sons, Matthew (Christy) Van Natta of Portland, Oregon, Neil Van Natta of Urbana, and Aaron (Kelsey Graber) Van Natta of Champaign; his loving granddaughter, Freyja Van Natta of Portland; one sister, Karen Vakinov of Clarksville, Tennessee; and a special nephew, Kirk Ruff of Tucson, Arizona.

Jim worked for 43 years for their family owned and operated Quality Supermarket in Watseka until his retirement in 2013. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the Watseka Lions Club, the Watseka Elks, and Shewami Country Club. Jim served on the First Trust and Savings Bank board of directors for 16 years, retiring in 2019. He currently served on the Iroquois Title Company board of directors for the past several years.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Jim Harkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with graveside military rites by the American Legion Post 23.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Watseka Lions Club or the Watseka Public Library.

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

Bill G. Tucker, 82, of Watseka passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Faith Place in Danforth. He was born on May 2, 1941 in Watseka, the son of Nathan A. and Cecil E. (Butcher) Tucker. He married Patricia A. Hickman in Woodland on July 29, 1961.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Tucker of Watseka; and sixteen nieces and nephews including Orin Tucker of Watseka, Mary Merkle of Cissna Park, Pam McConnell of Bloomington, and Patty Leppard of Wellington.

He was preceded in passing by his parents; six brothers; six sisters; and the best daughter in the world, L. Renee Tucker.

Bill was a volunteer fireman for the Village of Woodland for fifty years. He also served on the Iroquois County Fair Board for fifty years. Bill worked in parts and sales for John Deere for eighteen years and later delivered fuel for Farm Service for twenty-two years.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at G.A.R. Cemetery in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Bill at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Carolyn F. Wright, 79, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at her residence. She was born on December 28, 1943 in Chicago, a daughter of Donald and Betty (Freeston) Harder. She married Duane Williams I in 1969 and he preceded her in death on December 20, 2012. Carolyn was also preceded in death by both of her parents; two sons, Duane Williams II and Scott Williams; and one daughter, Maria Smith.

Carolyn is survived by three sons, James (Dar) Williams of Sheldon, Brian Williams of Emden, and Korey (Misty) Williams of DeBary, Florida; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and one sister, Betty (Tom) McClain of Pontiac.

Carolyn formerly worked as a CNA and caregiver. She loved crocheting and spending time with her family.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will be held at a later date at the Sheldon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association.

Please share a memory of Carolyn at www.baierfuneralhomes.com.

James Franklin O’Malley, 99, of Clifton passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Arcadia Care in Clifton. He was born on October 26, 2023 in Chicago, the son of Patrick E. and Susan (McKeown) O’Malley. He married Annie Dixon, Alma Dixon, and Rena Clair who all preceded him in passing. In addition, he was preceded in passing by his parents; step mother, Fanny Smith; two brothers, Ralph and George; and a daughter, Margaret Ann.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Jim was a World War II Veteran and served in the United States Army Signal Corps as a high-speed radio operator located in Okinawa in the Pacific Theater. He was one of the top Morse Code operators.

After service to his country, Jim began working in retail clothing sales. After many years in retail sales, he went to work for Riverside Hospital in the food department. He worked there until his retirement.

Mr. O’Malley was well known in the area as a musician. He was an accomplished violinist and played for many groups even well into his retirement. He also played the harmonica and on September 5, 1988, at WKAN studios, he set the record for continuous playing at nine hours and thirteen minutes.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable. Graveside military rites will be provided by Central VFW. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services from 10:00am – 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Masses.

Please share a memory of James at knappfuneralhomes.com.

William J. “Lucky” Lucht, 83 of Watseka passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Wheaton Village.
Lucky was born on July 11, 1939 in Goodwine, the son of Heye and Dorothy (Green) Lucht and they preceded him in death.

He is survived by one brother, Paul (Dawn) Lucht of Franklin, WI; two sisters, Ione (John) Perhay of West Chicago and Mary (Steve) Hauck of Sun Prairie, WI; three nieces, Shelley Lucht, Sara Lucht, and Christy Hauck; his pampered pet, Sugar; and many other friends and relatives.

Lucky was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka as well as volunteered for Iroquois Mental Health Center and Harbor House. He was an avid stamp coin collector, train aficionado, NASCAR fan, and most recently took enjoyment in his hand painted canvases.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. immediately followed by a funeral service at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Aaron Uphoff will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Schwer.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, Harbor House, or Traditions Health Hospice.

Robert G. “Izzy” Flowers, 57 of Watseka passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on September 14, 1965 in Hammond, IN, the son of Robert L. and Mildred (Purcell) Flowers.

He is survived by two sisters, Pamela (Jack) Allison of Milford and Judy (Russell) Keith of Palestine, IL; one brother, Ronald Flowers of Watseka; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who all referred to him as Uncle Bobby.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle. Robert was a fun-loving guy to all that knew him. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during Desert Storm.

A memorial visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland. Everyone is encouraged to meet at 11:00 am at The Porky Barn in Watseka where they will then go to the cemetery and then return to The Porky Barn following the committal service at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or State Line Riders.

Please share a memory of Robert at baierfuneralhome.com