Fred B. Focken, 87, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center. He was born August 15, 1935 in Crawfordsville, IN, the son of William and Alpha (Crane) Focken. He married Pearl L. Focken on October 9, 1960 at Schwer and she preceded him in death on August 7, 1989. He later married Barbara J. “Bobbie” Badger on September 21, 1990 in Watseka and she preceded him in death on October 8, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Tami Tincher; three brothers, Paul Cobb, Ray Focken, and Charles Focken; two step-sisters; and one grandson.

He is survived by one son, Kenton “Pete” (Vicky) St. Peter of Loda; one son-in-law, Marvin Tincher of Watseka; two sisters-in-law, Louise Focken of Hot Springs, AR and Gloria Focken of Watseka; two step-sisters; two step-brothers; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Fred served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959 and worked at Uarco in Watseka for 40 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking, having had his own woodshop for years.

A memorial visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am memorial service on Monday June 26, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Aaron Uphoff will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, American Cancer Society or Donor’s Choice.

Please share a memory of Fred at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Our mom, Ruth Ann Penicook, 84, passed away on June 14, 2023.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents Marie (Saathoff) and Leslie Flessner, a sister Gerry Jehle, husband John Penicook, and son John Penicook, Jr. She is survived by her sister Mary Hack, brother Paul Flessner (sister-in-law Diann), brother and sister in-law Gordon and Sherry Penicook, sister-in-law Barb Powell, daughter Janice Havins (son-in-law John), son Brian Penicook, and daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Penicook. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren – Whitney, Jake and Rachel Havins, Katie, Charlie, Robby, and Tommy Penicook, and Traeger and Russell Penicook; and 6 great-grandchildren – Ellis and Rowen Goldberg, Johnny Penicook, III, Reagan Penicook, and twins, Ella and Everett Penicook and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Ruth Ann was born on June 27, 1938 and raised on the Colbourne farm in Kempton, less than 2 miles from the J-Ann Penicook farm where she lived for the rest of her life. Although she lived in only one place, Mom enjoyed an outsized life. Her small high school band traveled to Chicago to perform in the Empire Room at the Palmer House Hotel (she played the saxophone). She attended Gallagher business school in Kankakee to study bookkeeping and accounting. Mom married Dad on January 12, 1957 and they set off on an adventure of farming, family and fun. She was elected and served for three, 3-year terms, at the Ford County Farm Service Agency in Paxton, Illinois.

Mom could do anything. When she made Janice’s dresses, she would also make one for her Barbie doll. She hung wallpaper by herself and upholstered furniture. She loved crafts, especially ceramics, and made large stuffed bears she called “Cookie Bears”. She was an avid reader; there were usually 3 books from the library on her side table at all times. She kept the books for the farm, helped drive the tractors (sometimes with a baby basket in the cabin), cared for the lambs, always had a large garden, fed the farm workers, and raised three children with such ease. She and Dad built our house with indoor swimming pool and a ping pong table where the formal living room should have been which was collapsible to make room for the dance floor. They hosted countless parties and our family Christmas get-togethers. She was always on the go – Dad called her “Wheels”. When she wasn’t traveling, she was helping with the grandkids, loving having them all together whenever she could. Hooper-doopers, Grandma’s queso and hot chocolate were their favorites. She was on one of Piper City’s best bowling teams ever, squared danced (of course, she made her own square dancing dresses), and played lots of Euchre. She was an active member of the Monday Night Reading Circle. She was also a big part of the Piper City Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. She was the church secretary for many years, sang in the choir, and organized rummage sales, church luncheons and vacation bible school sessions. She was a true Christian and faithful servant, doing untold numbers of kind deeds, some small and some not so small. Every time she experienced someone in need, she would help if she could and always did so quietly, with no fanfare or need for public praise. It was her gift and although we do not know half of what she did, every time someone shared a story with us, we were amazed at this unique and loving trait she possessed. She loved her sisters and sisters-in-law and had so much fun with them, traveling to Europe with Aunt Rosie, and spending winters in Mesa, Arizona with Aunt Mary and Aunt Gerry. She and Dad took trips to Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, New York, Louisiana and Texas, and a Caribbean cruise. She enjoyed her sports teams, especially the Illini basketball team, and loved watching her grandkids play sports, never missing a chance to cheer them on.

A special thank you to Mary Hack, Paul Flessner, Valerie Haberkorn, Roger Wycoff, Marie Wahls, Celia Bork, Mary Ellen Penicook and others we may have failed to mention who helped us in the last few weeks.

Mom was many things to so many people, and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

There will be a memorial service for Mom at the Presbyterian Church in Piper City at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Pastor Raymond Lantz will officiate. Prior to the memorial service on Saturday, there will be a 1:00pm graveside committal at Brenton Township Cemetery in Piper City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Presbyterian Church, 219 Margaret Street, Piper City Il, 60959 or a charity of your choosing.

Please share a memory of Ruth at knappfuneralhomes.com

Dorothy June Forrest, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 14th, in her home at Belmont Village in Glenview, IL.

Dorothy Forrest was born to John & Hattie Henrichs on June 22, 1934 in Danforth, IL. Both preceded her in passing, as well as her brother, Herbert Henrichs, and two sisters, Mabel Olson and Bernice Tholen.

Her husband, James "Jim" Forrest, survives, as well as her two children, Karla (Jon) Sorkin of Northbrook, IL, and Greg (Karen Cuculic) Forrest of Scottsdale, AZ, and three grandchildren, Jessica Sorkin, Jakob Sorkin, and Paige Forrest. Dorothy is also survived by four nieces, Carol Hubler, Lisa Boise, Bonnie Mayo, Diane Nowicki, and two nephews, Stanley Henrichs and Larry Olson.

Dorothy grew up in Danforth, IL and lived most of her life in Gilman, IL until 2015, when she moved with Jim to Glenview, IL. Dorothy attended Danforth Grade School and Gilman High School. She was recruited during high school to work at The First National Bank of Gilman and upon graduating, she continued working there until she married Jim on May 1, 1965.

Dorothy was a homemaker and known as an amazing cook and baker. At family gatherings, everyone would rave about her legendary homemade yeast rolls and chocolate pies. Dorothy taught Sunday School at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth. She was also an active member of the Gilman Women’s Club and delivered meals for Meals On Wheels.

Dorothy had unconditional love for her children and grandchildren. She was beloved by all who knew her. Her sweet demeanor, sense of humor, warm wonderful smile, and the twinkle in her eyes will be missed.

The visitation will be held on Monday, June 19th, at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL from 4-6:30pm. The funeral will occur at 11am at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Danforth, IL, on Tuesday, June 20th. A one hour visitation period will be held prior to the funeral beginning at 10am. Dr. Philip Sandi will be officiating. Burial will follow the funeral at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in GIlman.

Address of Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home: 234 N Central St, Gilman, IL 60938
Address of St John’s Lutheran Church: 308 N Front Rd, Danforth, IL 60930

Donations in Dorothy’s memory can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Danforth, or donor's choice

Helen Marie Bruens, 84, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Gilman Healthcare Center. She was born on October 8, 1938 in Gilman, a daughter of Joseph and Marie (Reilly) Krones. Helen married Eugene Bruens in Gilman on May 8, 1965 and he survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Barbara (Jeff) Hartman of Braidwood and Louise Bruens of Watseka; one son, Joe “Breeze” Bruens of Watseka; two grandchildren, Nathaniel Bruens of Clifton and Addison Hartman of Braidwood; one brother, Steven (Patty) Krones of Gilman; one sister, Kathy (Bob) Manahan of Gilman; one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda (Carl) Brazel of Milford; two brothers-in-law, Randy Bruens of Donovan and Harlan (Merridee) Bruens of Bloomington; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Tom Krones, Gene Krones, Jerry Krones, Leo Krones, and Jim Krones; one sister, Mary Ann Anstett; two brothers-in-law, Henry Bruens and Marlan Bruens; and one sister-in-law, Marilyn St. Germain.

Helen was a member of St. Edmund’s Catholic Church. She was a CCW past president from 1984-1986 and was the Women of the Year in 1986. Helen was a member of the Watseka Elks. Her hobbies included reading and word searches. Helen was a Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and loved her Irish Heritage.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka with the Rosary Service at 3:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishe

Vesta A. Metz, 96 of Sheldon passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Prairieview Lutheran home in Danforth. She was born on February 18, 1927 in Crescent City, the daughter of Fred J. and Edna (Schuldt) Meyer. She married William “Bill” Metz in Crescent City on July 31, 1949 and he preceded her in passing on May 12, 1992.

She is survived by two daughters, Beth Schoolman of Sheldon and Becky (Web) Bohn of Martinton; one sister, Vanda (Jay) DuVernay of Lecanto, FL; six grandchildren, Cory (Megan) Butler, Robyn Butler, Sara Weiss, Nicholas (Lindsay) Bohn, Kristy Arie, and Katy Bohn; and ten great grandchildren, Jacob Butler, Alivia Butler, Beau David Butler, Maya Machev, Collin Weiss, Karsyn Arie, Kwynn Arie, Blake Arie, Kooper Bohn, and Kinnley Bohn. She is also survived by two nephews and a niece.

Mrs. Metz was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Bill; her son, Bruce Metz; one brother, Verlin Meyer; one sister, Valera Bohlmann; brother in law, Robert Bohlmann; and niece, Debra Ann Bettermann.

Vesta was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City and the Donovan VFW Auxiliary. She was an avid bowler and champion euchre player. Mrs. Metz worked at the Iroquois County Circuit Clerks Office as well as Iroquois Farmers State Bank in Iroquois.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Rev. Jennifer Hartweg-Brown will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka as well as one hour prior to the funeral services at church on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Prairieview Lutheran Home, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, or American Cancer Society.

Please share a memory of Vesta at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mary D. Arseneau, 93, of Donovan passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Mary was born on August 21, 1929 in Donovan, the daughter of Harry and Martha (Albright) Askew. She married Delmar Arseneau on November 11, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Beaverville and he preceded her in death on November 21, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother; Wesley Askew; and two sisters, Rosetta Barnett and Virginia Sanders.

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Debora Arseneau of Donovan; two daughters and son-in-law, Lynne and Art Fleming of Double Oak, TX, and Kim Emmerson of L'Erable; three grandchildren, Holly (Kolton) Koch, Casey (Reed) Brace, and Kendell Arseneau; one great-grandchild, Kollyns; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Beaverville as well as Beaverville American Legion Auxiliary. She loved gardening, reading, and puzzles.

A memorial visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial mass on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Beaverville. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Beaverville.

Joseph “Joe” N. Nelson, 86, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at his residence. He was born on March 22, 1937 in Hoopeston, a son of Fred Walter and Geneva (Moffatt) Nelson. Joe married Margaret “Peg” Sollars on February 7, 1959 in Hoopeston and she survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Teresa (Jim Machun) Nelson of Grayslake; four sons, Matthew (Kimberly) Nelson of Parker, Colorado, Alan (Julie) Nelson of Canon City, Colorado, Paul (Joelle) Nelson of Watseka, and William (Lesa) Nelson of Pinellas Park, Florida; one sister, Edith Baldwin of Hoopeston; and one brother, Chris (Nancy) Nelson of Oswego; six grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two sisters.

Joe coached baseball and softball for several years. He was an avid bowler. Joe was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He also enjoyed fishing. Joe played Fast-Pitch Softball into his early 50’s.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at the Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston with Fr. Michael Powell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice or the Watseka High School Athletic Department.

Please share a memory of Joe at www.baierfuneralhome.com

Mary Jane Cultra, 98, passed into glory (June 7th, 2023), in the comfort of home surrounded by her family. She was born January 4th, 1925 in Bowling Green, Ohio, the daughter of Mary and Donald Teller. She married Duane Brooke Cultra on June 2, 1944, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He preceded her in death (11-16-20).

Jane had a passion for reading and could often be found engrossed in a book in her spare time. Some of her earliest memories were of her grandfather reading her the Bible on his lap. When she started school, they moved her up a grade because she could already read.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and had her pilots license.

Jane also had a love for the arts. After raising her family, she became active in the National Society of Arts and letters, an organization that sponsors competitions in the various arts to encourage and financially help struggling artists. She traveled the country organizing new chapters and eventually became the National president.

But her great love was for her family and as she grew older her great grandchildren became her supreme delight. Her family returned that love in great measure.

Her surviving children are Terry Cultra (Donna) of Paxton, Illinois, Cynthia Harford (Doug) of Washington, Illinois, Shane Cultra (Peg) of Onarga, Illinois, and Melissa Downey (Jim) of Conway, Arkansas. She had one deceased daughter, Brooke Wilken (Alvin) of Kansas City, Missouri. She had 17 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

The service will be held at the Onarga Christian Church on Tuesday June 13 at 11:00. Rev. Austin Madewell will officiate. There will be a one-hour visitation prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice.

Elias Nicholas “Louie” Kantzioris, 77, of Frankfort and formerly of Watseka passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in Palos Heights, IL. He was born on August 31, 1945 in Theologos, Greece, the son of Nicholas and Eleni Kantzioris. He married Cecelia Hernandez-Kantzioris in 1976 in Chicago and she survives.

He is also survived by one daughter, Elena (Jorge) Kantzioris-Bustos of Chicago; three sons, Nick Kantzioris of Frankfort, Chris Kantzioris of Frankfort, and Alex Kantzioris of Frankfort; four grandchildren, Liliana Bustos, Cloey Kantzioris, Melanie Kantzioris, and Sophia Bustos.

Mr. Kantzioris was preceded in passing by his parents; one sister, Athanasia Paraskevopoulos; one niece, Maria Paraskevopoulos; and one granddaughter, Catarina Bustos.

Louie served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Greece’s Hellenic Armed Forces. He immigrated to the United States from Greece in 1965. His love for food and cooking started immediately and followed into several ventures in the restaurant business, most notably VIPS in Watseka. He had a love for family, sports, and traveling. Louie loved meeting new people and putting smiles on their faces. He left a lasting impact on many people along the way, especially with his time in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Private burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Hammond, IN.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Please share a memory of Louie at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John Franklin Noel Jr., 45, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

John was born on November 3, 1977 in Watseka, the son of John “Jack” Noel Sr. and Elaine (Schaumburg) Noel-Hubbard. He married Roxann Myers on December 29, 2001 in Watseka.

He is survived by his wife, Roxann Noel of Watseka; two daughters, Hailey (Thomas Leonard) Noel and Ciara Noel both of Watseka; two sisters, Ruby Noel and Jeanette (Porter Waskosky) Noel; one brother, Terry Noel; his father, Jack (Celeste) Noel Sr. of Martinton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Michael D. and Lori Myers of Kentland; brother-in-law, Brett Myers; their best friends, Chris and Lindsay Pheifer; maternal aunt & uncle, Gene and Deb Schaumburg, maternal aunt, Sylvia Clark, and paternal aunt, Verna Noel; several nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother; one brother, Jacob Noel; grandfather-in-law, Carl Hall; paternal grandmother, Edna “Granny” Noel, and maternal grandparents, Bob and Elva Schaumburg.

John enjoyed fishing, camping, the beaches in Florida, and most importantly making memories with his family on vacations. He made handcrafted jewelry, was a talented artist, and loved his Doberman Dog, Kane. Most of all, John was an amazing husband and father.

A celebration of life will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Martinton Church of Christ.

Memorials may be made to Newton County 4-H Dog Obedience, Til Valhalla Project, or family’s wishes

Herbert F. Shell, 93, of Piper City passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Luther Place in Danforth. He was born on March 15, 1930 in Piper City, the son of Albert Rosewell and Matilda (Upchurch) Shell. He married Beverly Ann Stinebring in Thawville on January 26, 1950.

Surviving are his wife, Beverly Shell of Piper City; one daughter, Barbara Myers of Charleston, IL; three sons, Duane Shell of Los Angeles, CA, Stephen Shell of Paducah, KY, Larry Shell of Muscatine, IA; four grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in passing by his parents; three brothers; and one sister.

Mr. Shell enjoyed collecting antique tractors and attending antique tractor shows with his wife. He also enjoyed family get-togethers.

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

Memorial service will be held at a later date.