Wanda Pfingsten Munsterman, 98, of Danforth passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Faith Place in Danforth. She was born on October 5, 1924 in Watseka, a daughter of Ferdinand and Louise (Harling) Sorensen. Wanda married Melvin Pfingsten on November 23, 1940 in Woodworth and he preceded her in death on January 28, 1991. Wanda married Donald Munsterman on February 1, 1992 in Woodworth and he preceded her in death on February 27, 2019.

Surviving are five daughters, Donna Brutlag of Woodland, Sharon (Robert) Rife of Ocala, Florida, Linda Bauer of Urbana, Carol (Ian) Lutes of Baskinridge, New Jersey, and Marcia Pfingsten of Paxton; many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren.

Wanda was also preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; one sister; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Woodworth. She enjoyed canning, gardening, and helping her husband farm.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Michael Ruhlig and Pastor John Franklin officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral also at the church.

Memorials may be made to IMH Hospice.

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

William F. Reichling, 67, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.  He was born on December 5, 1955 in Chicago, the son of John L. and Beulah (Lindsey) Reichling.

Surviving are his mother, Beulah Carrie of Watseka, several cousins, and many dear nieces and nephews.

William had a love for anything construction and enjoyed working with his hands.  He loved Westerns and looking at family photos.

Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 pm on Monday, August 28, 2022 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  A 5:00 pm mass will follow.

Burial will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Evergreen Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL.

Memorials may be made to the ARC of Iroquois County.

Please share a memory of William at baierfuneralhome.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William F. Reichling, please visit our flower store.

Bernadine A. Buswell, 92, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at the Iroquois Memorial Resident Home in Watseka.  She was born on April 30, 1931 in Beaverville Twp, the daughter of Ben and Eva (Lafond) Arseneau.  She married Ralph D. Buswell in Beaverville on August 8, 1953 and he preceded her in passing on February 1, 2011.

Surviving are three daughters, Rosann (Don) Miller of Watseka, Julie (Steve) Danker of Excelsior, MN, and Pam (Kevin) Verkler of Watseka; five sons, Gregg (Sheila) Buswell of St. Louis, MO, Larry (Diane) Buswell of Watseka, Marty (Suzie) Buswell of Woodlawn, Jim Buswell of Kentland, and David (Cheri) Buswell of Bloomington, MN; thirteen grandchildren, Andrea Batha, Ryan Miller, Ben Danker, Patrick Danker, Haley Benner, Taylor Buswell, Elissa Buswell, Claire Henneike, Jelena Verkler, Danny Buswell, Amanda German, Lauren Buswell, and Nate Buswell; and thirteen great grandchildren, Maddax Batha, Nolan Batha, and Ryker Batha, Charlotte Benner and Evelyn Benner, Brenden Henneike, Blakely Henneike, and Tucker Henneike, Brianna Buswell, Jordyn Buswell, and Bryan Buswell, and Aubrey German and Evan German.

Bernadine was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Ralph; brother, Julian Arseneau; and two grandchildren, Landon Miller and Mara Verkler.

Mrs. Buswell was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka where she was very active within the church as a choir director, organist, secretary, and helping with religious education.  She enjoyed teaching piano lessons for many years and was a 4-H leader.  Bernadine was a supporter of the American Cancer Society where she was actively involved with Iroquois County Relay For Life.

Bernadine loved making quilts for loved ones and spending time with Ralph and family at their cabin in the Northwoods.  She was known as the “puzzle lady” at the nursing home where friends, family and staff would puzzle with her while visiting.  Bernadine will always be remembered for her love of the family she and Ralph created and her strong devotion to her Catholic faith.

Visitation will be on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 2:00-5:00 pm at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  Funeral services will be on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Father Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will follow at Buswell Cemetery outside of Kentland, IN.

Our family would like to thank Iroquois Memorial Hospice and Iroquois Memorial Resident Home staff for their loving care of our mother/grandmother over the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Edmund Catholic Church, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Please share a memory of Bernadine at baierfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Lee Anderson, 84, of Milford, IL, passed away at 4:15 A.M. Friday August 18, 2023, at Arcadia Care in Clifton, IL. She was born October 31, 1938, in Hoopeston, IL, the daughter of Floyd and Lenora (Williams) Sheffield.
She is survived by many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three children; and one sister, Nora Joan Sheffield.
Nancy worked at various hospitals throughout her 45-year career as a surgical nurse. She began her training at Lakeview Hospital in Danville, and then went on to work at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, Hoopeston Hospital, and Rush Medical Center. She was a member of the Milford Christian Church where she helped the parish nurse. She also volunteered as a tutor at Epworth Methodist Church in Chicago. Nancy was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan and was active in the photography club.
A visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. Wednesday August 23, 2023, at the Milford Christian Church, 811 E. Hickory St., Milford, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday at the church with Pastor Brent Zastrow officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Nancy to the parish nurse fund at Milford Christian Church, 811 E. Hickory St., Milford, IL 60953 or to the donor’s choice.

Peter Darwin Hansen, 89, of Ashkum, passed away in the late evening of Thursday, August 17, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born November 15, 1933 in rural Ashkum, the son of the late Fred A. and Evelyn L. (Post) Hansen.

A life long businessman and entrepreneur, he started Hansen Honey Company of Ashkum in 1951 which produced, packed, and sold honey. In addition to his own label, for many years his honey was also under the IGA brand at their grocery stores.

Beginning in 1975 he added a commercial honeybee pollination service. His customers included  many national brands and individual farmers throughout Illinois, the Midwest, all the way to the gulf coast of Mississippi and Florida. Working tirelessly with his long time hired hand and friend Mike Gerard until his very last days.

Peter was very active in the beekeeping community as a member of clubs and organizations. He offered his time as an instructor and advisor for workshops, and lectured a variety of audiences. He was a technology enthusiast, a life long learner, enjoyed taking photos and loved to share a laugh. Peter was a member of the Lutheran Church in Danforth.

Like his father and grandfather, he was a proud area farmer. He worked for the State of Illinois as a Correctional Officer and in his later years an Apiary inspector. He also served his country during the Korean War.

His only greater source of pride than beekeeping was his family. He married his wife, Lois G (Trepton) Hansen on February 4th, 1962, she survives.

He is also survived by daughters, Debbie Hansen, Lisa (Michael) Brewer, Lori (Michael) Partridge. He was Papa to grandchildren, Brandon (Rachel) Fecht, Aaron Partridge, Cory Partridge, Payton (Kaleb) Vaughn, Peter Partridge, Cameron (Breanna) Brewer, Caleb (Dolly) Brewer, and Jason Kelly. He was also blessed with great grand children, Gwendalynn Fecht, Harper Vaughn, and Chloie Brewer. He was excited for two more great grand children, Baby Brewer and Baby Vaughn, who are on the way.

He is also survived by a sister Janice (Glenn) Schoolman of Clifton, and his nephew Darwin Schoolman and niece Dawn Schoolman.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Dana Schoolman.

Tyler S. Fanning, 24, of Milford passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023. He was born on April 7, 1999 in Lafayette, Indiana, the son of Terry and Jody (Lyon) Fanning.

Surviving are his parents of Milford; his sister, Bailee Fanning of Milford; grandmother, Carol Ball of Milford; aunt, Julie (Phil) Jensen of Newton and cousins, Mark and Aaron Jensen; aunt, Stacey Piwoni of Bourbonnais and cousins, Austin and Jacob Piwoni; uncle, Tim (Diana) Fanning of Rankin; cousin, Sierra (Justin) Moyer; aunt, Linda Larimore of Milford and cousins, Brianna (Tom) Sechriest and Wyatt Alt.

Tyler was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, John Lyon; and his paternal grandparents, Larry and Janet Fanning.

Tyler was a member of the Milford Christian Church. He was also a member of the Milford FFA and the Sugar Creek 4-H Club. Tyler was a 2021 graduate of the University of Illinois. Tyler enjoyed all things farming and had a love for showing swine. He also loved listening to country music and especially loved spending time with his friends and family.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Milford Christian Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Milford Christian Church with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating. Burial will follow at the Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Memorials may be given to the Milford Fire and Ambulance.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

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

Wendell Eric Heeren, 67, of Milford passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at his residence. He was born on June 7, 1956 in Watseka, a son of Harry A. and Evelyn M. (Smith) Heeren. Wendell married Carole Wolfe on April 16, 1977 at St. John's Lutheran Church at Schwer and she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Josh (Erin) Heeren of Watseka and Jake (Liz) Heeren of Sheldon; one daughter, Danielle (Daniel) Walls of Watseka; five grandchildren, Lydia, Elijah, Luke, Anna, and Elle Heeren; two granddogs, Luna and Willow; two sisters, Sherrill Grimes of Gresham, Oregon and Annette Storm of Milford; two brothers, Richard (Judy) Heeren of Colorado Springs, Colorado and John (Marcy) Heeren of Westville.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Dave Grimes and Tim Storm; and his granddog, Sadie.

Wendell loved farming. He was a member of Cornerstone Church in Woodland. Wendell also loved doing sound for the band, Hallel, which was truly a band of brothers. Wendell was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Wendell truly enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events and loved to teach them about farming. He also loved taking his granddogs on truck rides.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the Cornerstone Church in Woodland. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. also at the Cornerstone Church in Woodland with Pastor Jerry Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park near Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice or St. Paul's Lutheran School of Woodworth.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

Joyce Ann Knauth, 84, of Milford passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023, at her home. She was born on February 13, 1939, in Watseka, the daughter of Clyde and Pearl Ann (Harrison) Johnson. She married Karl P. Knauth in Watseka on August 13, 1960, and he preceded her in passing on August 6, 2022.

Surviving are two sons, Keith (Marsha) Knauth of Watseka and Kirk (Tana) Knauth of Watseka; five grandchildren, Kyle (Ellen) Knauth of Milford, Kassandra (Jordan) Hurliman of Cissna Park, Kelcy (Ryan) Kunce of Sheldon, Kinsey (Donnie) Mabbitt of Sheldon, and Konnor Knauth of Watseka; five great-grandchildren, Kolton and Knox Knauth, Kenlie and Kamryn Kunce, and Krew Mabbitt, and one great-grandchild on the way.

In addition to her husband, Joyce was preceded in passing by her parents and one sister, Kay Foster.

Joyce went to college at Northwestern to follow in her mom's footsteps and become a registered nurse.  Once she graduated from college she worked for many years in Watseka as a registered nurse.  When she retired from nursing she devoted as much time as she could to working on the farm with her husband, as well as volunteering for the cancer association. When she wasn’t driving the tractors or volunteering you could find her in the garden or baking the best homemade pies and sweets.  She had a passion for sewing and quilting and was always working on a project in her spare time.  She also enjoyed going to her Beta Sigma Phi sorority meetings with her sorority sisters. Joyce loved tailgating with her husband and all their friends and family at the Fighting Illini games and attending Big Ten basketball games.  Joyce was very proud of her sons and the lifestyles they have created and the traditions they have carried on.  She enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren, and you could always find one of them in her arms or on her lap.  

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate. Burial will follow at Body Cemetery near Woodland. Visitation will be two hours prior to the memorial service on Sunday, from 11:00- 1:00.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.

Please share a memory of Joyce at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Denver C. Didier, 58 of Rankin passed away on Friday August 4, 2023 in Cissna Park.  He was born on March 8, 1965 in Paxton, a son of Orville Rorem and Shirley (Felten) Didier.  Survivors include two brothers- Keyo (Maureen) Didier of Prince Frederick, MD and Jimmy (Becky) Didier of Cissna Park; three half-brothers- Reo (Tammy) Rorem of Port Orange, FL, Steve (Holly) Rorem of Port Orange, FL, and Joe Rorem of Gilman; one half-sister- Kay (Larry) Hitz of Clifton.  And three special nieces - RaeAnn, Desirae and Kathryn.  Denver was preceded in death by his father Orville on September 15, 2011, his mother Shirley on June 22, 2023, one brother- Kelly Didier and two half-brothers- Jeffrey Didier and Marc Rorem. 

Whether floating down the Kankakee River in an inner tube, riding in the back of a pickup truck with his dog Thor, jumping off a cliff with Kelly, having a cold one with his buddies, rescuing stray cats, squirrels and almost any needy animal (except snakes), saving a drowning lady, working on thousand-foot towers for Midwest Aerial Structures, or telling us how the drywall should be hung, Denver always smiled and made you feel he was glad to see you. Denver was a true free spirit with a heart of gold. He was the first to notice a pretty sunrise or the full moon. Denver enjoyed watching the thunderstorms or the fog roll in from the field.  All these things, and so many more, will make us think of him.  Denver will be in our hearts until the day we see him again in heaven.  He will be missed more than you may know.  As Denver was as laid back and casual as they come, please attend in casual attire.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 17 from 4pm to 8pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.  Private burial will be at a later date at the Cissna Park Cemetery.

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

Berwyn L. Stephens, 88, of Piper City passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at his residence. He was born on October 28, 1934 in Piper City, a son of Berwyn and Rosamond (Goodrich) Stephens. Berwyn married Retha Louise Edwards in Pontiac on November 24, 1972 and she survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Tracey (Dave) Godsey of Sloan, Iowa, Connie Finnegan of Watseka, and Karen Moreland of Gilman; one son, Shane (Kim) Stephens of Wataga, Illinois; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Berwyn was preceded in death by both of his parents; two brothers, Ellis Stephens and Milford Stephens; three sons, Timmy Stephens, Travis Stephens, and Steven Brauman; and two granddaughters, Stephanie and Chanel.

Berwyn loved model airplanes, hunting, fishing, and playing cards. He worked for many years at the Department of Corrections in Dwight. Berwyn was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force having served 10 years.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in Piper City. Funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Liz Reis officiating. Burial will follow in the Brenton Township Cemetery with graveside military rites by the United States Air Force.

Memorials may be given to the Donor’s Choice.

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

Cremation rights have been accorded. 

Kevin M. Kaufman, 54, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Watseka. He
was born on September 7, 1968 in Champaign, the son of Gail Francis and Delores Carol
(Johnson) Kaufman. He was preceded in death by his mother and one nephew, Casey
Kaufman.

He is survived by his father, Gail (Marie) Kaufman of Watseka; one brother, Gary (Maggie)
Kaufman of Martinton; one sister, Tamara Bauer of Bellevue, NE; two sons, Michael and
Derek; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the 1:00 pm memorial service on Saturday, August 5,
2023 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will be
at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for the family’s wishes.