Lionel R. Schneider, 91, of Clifton passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee. He was born on December 6, 1931 in Buckingham, a son of William and Irene (LeCocq) Schneider. Lionel married Lorretta E. Correll in L'Erable on November 30, 1957 and she preceded him in death on April 5, 2023.

Surviving are one daughter, Dawn Williams of Bourbonnais; one grandson, Kyle Haynes of Limestone; two great-grandchildren, Kassadie and Kolton Haynes of Limestone; and three brothers, Ronald Schneider of Buckingham, Jerome Schneider of Buckingham, and Dennis Schneider of Bonfield.

Lionel was also preceded in death by both of his parents; one daughter, Elizabeth Schneider; and two brothers, Robert Schneider and Gerald Schneider.

Lionel was an employee of Kankakee Ropers for 35 years. He loved woodworking and doing crafts.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse with Fr. Vern Arseneau officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Family's Wishes.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

Linda “Auntie” Holt, 78 of Watseka passed away on Monday September 25, 2023 at her home.  She was born on December 22, 1944 in Watseka, IL a daughter of Leonard and Mildred (Gocken) Goldsberry.  Survivors include one son- Donald Holt of Watseka; one daughter-Connie (Darrell) Bushong of Sweeny, TX; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren-Eric Holt and son Wilder, Tonya and Joey Ursitti and son Anthony, Casara and Brandon Holcombe and children Wyatt and Paityn, Cody Tomanetz and children Zoey and Cody Jr, Courtland and Beverly Bushong and children Hunter and Ainsley, Cory and Becky Brown and Xavion, Matthew Brown, and Megan Rash; one sister- Mona (Jim) Gordon of Watseka; one brother- Dennis “Joe” Goldsberry of Woodland; special niece- Lisa Banga-Graham of Watseka; special great nephew- Austin Banga; special sister in law- Shirley Goldsberry; her grand dog- Molly Mae; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Bonnie Jean Holt, one brother- Delbert “Butch” Goldsberry, one sister- Dorothy Griffith, and one great grandchild- Addisynn Holcombe.

Linda loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren (especially going to the beach and watching them play on the farm). She enjoyed gambling trips to Vegas with her friends from Circle W, country music, and traveling to horse shows with Lisa.

Funeral services will be on Monday October 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Gary Minard officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral.  Burial will be in Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois. 

Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care or Concord Fire Department.

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

Jimmy R. Jackson, 76 of Sheldon passed away on Friday September 22, 2023 at his home.  He was born on December 9, 1946 in Charleston, MO a son of Ralph W. Jackson Sr. and Mary M. Sivia.  Jimmy married Sharon A. Conrad in Sheldon on April 4, 1992 she survives.  Also surviving are four children- James Richard Jackson, Shari (Joe) Choata, Kevin (Anila) Aagersen, and David Edward Jackson; 11 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; one brother- Mike Jackson; one sister- Gail Hamilton; five brother in laws- Pete Conrad, Richard Conrad, James Conrad, John Conrad, and Alan Conrad; one sister in law- Jan Conrad; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jimmy served in the US Marine Corp from 1964-1968 having served in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966.  He enjoyed NASCAR racing, football, and playing cards with his family.

Funeral services will be on Friday September 29, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka at 1:00pm with Matt Kreeb officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Sheldon Cemetery with graveside military rites provided by Gilman American Legion and US Marine Corp.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gilman American Legion Post 499 or The ARC of Iroquois County.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Jimmy R. Jackson, please visit our flower store.

Kay Taylor Zirkle (86), long-time resident of Onarga, IL, died on Friday, September 22, 2023 at home surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer. She was born in Watseka, IL on December 5, 1936 to the late Bill and Gladys Taylor.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Robert Zirkle, of 67 years, four children, Robert Jr. (Karen) Zirkle, Mike (Cathy) Zirkle, Tom (Kim) Zirkle, Mark (Lisa) Zirkle along with many adored grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two children, Mary and Tim Zirkle. 

Kay grew up in Onarga, IL and graduated from Onarga High School in 1954. She attended the Brokaw School of Nursing for 2 years. While raising five boys at home, she attended the University of Illinois where she graduated with her degree in teaching. Kay went on to teach in Onarga and Gilman schools for 22 years.

Kay and Bob were avid travelers and visited all 50 states in their adventures together. They spent 25 winters in Florida and Texas where she enjoyed singing in the RV Park church choir and ringing the bells.

Kay was a member of the Catholic church and spent many years singing in their church choir as well. Her other hobbies included reading, gardening, playing the piano, and spending time with loved ones.

Kay was a talented artist and painted many of the building murals in Onarga, IL including the movie theater, the hardware store, “Princess Onarga”, and even a nod to her favorite children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are”, on her garage. 

Kay will be missed dearly by family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 1-3PM with a funeral service following at 3:00PM at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga, IL. Family and friends are invited to attend a dinner at the Catholic Church Parish Hall in Gilman, IL following the funeral service. 

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

Jerome Manos, 64, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Jerome was born on August 1, 1959 in Chicago, the son of Thomas and Judith Ann (Dagnillo) Manos Jr.  He married Barbara Easter on May 21, 1983 at St. Edmund Church in Watseka.

He is survived by his wife, Barb Manos of Watseka; one son, Andrew (Kayla) Manos of Belfast, TN and one daughter, Katherine (Vincent) Giannola of Belfast, TN.  Jerome was Papa-Q to his grandchildren, Rhett and Easton, who were his pride and joy.  He is also survived by his mother, Judith Manos of Cape Coral, FL; one brother, Anthony “Tony” (Jennifer) Manos of Flossmoor; one sister, Christina “Chris” (George) Miller of San Diego, CA; and one brother-in-law, Michael Lareau of Watseka.

He was preceded in death by his father; one brother, Thomas Manos III; and one sister, Regina “Jean” Lareau.

Jerome served as a Watseka Fire Department Captain for many years as well as earning the achievement of Eagle Scout.  He was also active in Boy Scouts of America.  Jerome enjoyed hunting, cooking, camping, and traveling.  He was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka and a 4th Degree member of Knights of Columbus.  

A memorial visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

A memorial mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.

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

Aldene Perzee, 89, of Danforth passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Faith Place in Danforth.  She was born on January 15, 1934 in Watseka, the daughter of John and Irene (Conrad) Janssen.  She married Donald E. Perzee on October 4, 1952 in Danforth and he preceded her in death on September 12, 1991.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister-in-law, Theresa Janssen.

She is survived by two sons, Bruce (Nancy) Perzee of Gilman and Gary (Cathy) Perzee of Gilman; four grandsons, Clint, Lyndon, Luke and Ryan Perzee; two granddaughters, Abby Perzee and Cali Schumacher; seventeen great-grandchildren, Sara, Garron, Clayton, Harley, August, Karleigh, Kyrah, Claire, Hank, Lydia, Abe, Jenssen, Gentry, Kristin, Haven, Bentley and Louie; one sister, Martha (Gerald) King of Cissna Park; and one brother, Harold Janssen of Colorado.

Mrs. Perzee was a member of the Danforth Reformed Church, where she was very active in church activities.  Aldene was a farm wife and worked at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth for over 20 years.  She loved being with her children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Danforth Reformed Church.  Rev. Donald J. McDonald will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Danforth Reformed Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Danforth Reformed Church.

Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Please share a memory of Aldene at knappfuneralhomes.com.

George E. Heagle, 75, of Martinton passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.  He was born on October 12, 1947 in Kankakee, the son of Orville and Arvilla (Cole) Heagle.  He married Cheryl LeClair in Kentland, IN on May 24, 1966.

Surviving are his wife Cheryl Heagle of Martinton; two sons, Scott (Denise) Heagle of Martinton and Jeff Heagle of Watseka; three grandchildren, Lauren (Tyler) Musk of Watseka, Morgan (Aric) Deno of Brook, IN, and Logan (Natalie) Heagle of Manteno; five great grandchildren, Olivia, Adalynn, Evelyn, Lillian, and Carter; two brothers, Larry (Marlene) Heagle of Kankakee and Charles (Diane) Heagle of Clifton; and two sisters, Jane (Michael) Delabre of Clifton and Joann Gall of Aroma Park.

Mr. Heagle was preceded in passing by his parents and two sisters, Ruth Hartman and Rosena Williams.

George was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Bourbonnais.  He was a longtime farmer in the area that also enjoyed excavating work.  Mr. Heagle loved to go camping and was an avid antique collector.  He was a member of the Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau, past president of Ford-Iroquois Special Education Board, and was a sixteen-year past member of the Donovan School Board.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Faith Baptist Church in Bourbonnais (1280 Armour Rd) with a visitation taking place one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 am at church.

Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church Bus Ministry.

Please share a memory of George at baierfuneralhome.com

Dale R. Reinagle, 84 of Piper City passed away on Friday, August 25th.  He was born on October 9, 1938 in Fairbury, to Theadore and Dorothy (Gourley) Reinagle. 

Dale married Linda Stamm on July 14, 1973, at the First Presbyterian Church in Piper City.   He is survived by his son, Larry R. Reinagle, Colfax; daughter Barbara L. (Kameron) Cox, Normal;  two grandchildren, Meagan Reinagle, Mount Prospect and Darren Reinagle, Bloomington;  brothers Robert (LuAnn) and Rex of Piper City.

Preceding him in death were his parents; Theadore and Dorothy Reinagle, siblings; Mary DeLong, Glenn Reinagle and wife Linda Reinagle.  

Dale served in the United States Army as a PFC in the 661st Ordnance Company 4th Army.  He worked as an operator/mechanic at Vulcan Materials for over 35 years.   His most prized possession was his 1952 Power3 King Garden Tractor, which he used to roll lawns, till gardens and plow snow.  He had a passion for Oliver tractors and his tools.  Dale loved building birdhouses, rebuilding lawnmowers, fixing cars and working with his hands.  Dale loved to challenge anyone’s knowledge of the latest tool relic he collected.  He owned and helped farm on the Century farmland with his brothers.  He cherished spending time with his family and wintering with his wife in Florida.  

Visitation will start at 2pm on September 10th, with the Celebration of Life at 3pm at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral home in Gilman, IL with Pastor Brian King officiating.  Military service to follow by the American Legion Gibb Post 588 in Piper City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

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

Derry Behm, 88, of Ashkum, IL, passed away on September 3, 2023, in Kankakee, IL. He was born on November 15, 1934, in Chebanse, IL. Derry was a caring and giving individual who had a deep love for high school sports, especially track and football. In his early years, he enjoyed fishing, but 14 years ago, he discovered his passion for golf. As superintendent of schools in Georgetown, he will be remembered for making an impact on numerous people in need.  Derry was also known for his dedication to keeping his extended family together. He initiated annual family reunions that brought together siblings, cousins, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. 

Derry is survived by his daughters, Deb (Rick) Winkel and Denise Rattigan, and his sons, D. Skip (Melissa) Behm and David Behm. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Jeannette Glenn was his companion. Derry was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Behm.

Derry's educational journey included obtaining an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and a Masters from Eastern Illinois University. He dedicated his career to education and served as the Superintendent of Schools in Georgetown, IL, until his retirement in 1990.

Derry worshipped at the United Methodist Church in Ashkum. 

Visitation will be held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Service to celebrate Derry's life will be at 10:00 am at the United Methodist Church in Ashkum on Friday, September 8, 2023 and will be followed by internment at the Ashkum Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of Ashkum.

Please share a memory of Derry at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Marie Ann Norton, 88, of Watseka passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Marie was born on January 2, 1935 in Lyman Twp., the daughter of Gustav and Elizabeth (Kietzman) Johnson and they preceded her in death.  She married James C. Norton on July 17, 1957 in Nashville, TN and he preceded her in death on July 28, 2012.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Butch and Gustav “Dunk” Johnson and one sister, Rosamond “Minnie” Bleich.

She is survived by one daughter, Julie (Rodger) Morefield of Watseka; one son, Bill (Linda) Norton of El Paso; four grandchildren, Ryan (Alyse) Morefield of Watseka, Tyler (Jacqueline Grim) Morefield of Watseka, Taylor Norton of Bloomington and Nicholas Norton of Lexington; two great-grandchildren, Oliver Norton and Rowan Norton; two brothers, Gary (Sheila) Johnson of Gilman and Ray (Rita) Johnson of Gibson City; and two sisters-in-law, Chod Johnson of Iowa and Nancy Johnson of Thawville.

Marie was a member of First Christian Church in Watseka.  She worked as the Dietary Manager at Iroquois Memorial Hospital for several years.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  Pastor Roy Johnson will officiate.  Burial will follow at Prairie Dell Cemetery in Iroquois. 

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Resident Home or First Christian Church in Watseka.

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

Patricia "Pat" Ponton, 76, of Ashkum passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee. She was born on January 5, 1947 in Kankakee, the daughter of Leo and Gertrude (Aden) King. Pat married Ronald B. Ponton in Ashkum on August 17, 1963 and he preceded her in death on June 7, 2021.

Surviving are her daughter, Tammy (Rick) Saathoff of Ashkum; her son, Todd (Shelley) Ponton of Ashkum; three grandsons, Alan Ponton, Jordan Saathoff, and Jared Saathoff; three sisters, Bonnie Siedentop of Herscher, Carol Karsgaard of Ashkum, and Donna (Charles "Bub") Chandler of Clifton; two brothers, Ronnie (Sandy) King of Clifton, Bob (Sandy) King of Ashkum; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers-in-law, Dale Siendentop and Dallas Karsgaard.

Pat was a member of Assumption BVM in Ashkum. She was the owner of "The Loft" in Ashkum and was also a hairdresser for years in Ashkum. Pat enjoyed shopping, fishing, and gardening. Her biggest joys were found in being a grandma to her three grandsons.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with Fr. Doug Hauber. Burial will follow in the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery in Ashkum. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Donor's Choice.