Delilah Buethene LeSage, 97, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Buethene was born on June 21, 1926 in Watseka, the daughter of John W. and Pearl (Anderson) Muller and they preceded her in death.  She married Leonard “Slick” LeSage on September 1, 1951 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on September 1, 2007.  She was also preceded in death by one sister, Inez Edwards, and one infant daughter.

She is survived by two daughters, Gilda (Greg) Maurer of Clinton and Stacia Galloway of Watseka; five grandchildren, Amanda (Drew) Goebel of Clinton, Jennifer Maurer of Bloomington, and Matthew (Katie) Maurer of Jacksonville, FL, Joey and Jonathan LeSage of Watseka; and four great-grandchildren, Kate, Ben, and Luke Goebel, and Shannon LeSage.

Buethene was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Royal Neighbors, and American Legion Auxiliary.  She worked as a bus driver and at J.C. Penny’s for many years.  Buethene enjoyed bingo, shopping, coloring games on the computer, and the Chicago Cubs.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

Mary Louise Sorensen, 88, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Gifford Country Health in Gifford, IL. She was born on October 23, 1935 in Wellington, a daughter of John and Ella (Lanie) Sheridan. Mary married Kenneth E. Sorensen in Hoopeston on January 14, 1958. He preceded her in death on March 10, 2023.

Survivors include three children- Kathy (Steven) Howell of Champaign, Michael Sorensen (Suzanne Seyfert) of Milford, and Karen McKinley of Champaign; one brother- John (Judy) Sheridan of Hoopeston; five grandchildren- Melissa Zavala, Christopher (Rori) Sorensen, Jacob McKinley, Lucas McKinley, and Nicolas McKinley; three great grandchildren- Javy and Ava Zavala and Madilyn Sorensen.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one sister- Phyllis Davenport.

Mary was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka and C.C.W. She was a 1957 graduate of St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in Danville, IL. She was a registered nurse for over 60 years serving at Cushing Memorial Hospital, Leavenworth, KS, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, Watseka, and Riverside Medical Center, Kankakee. She was also a parish nurse for St. Edmund Catholic Church and a lifetime member of Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with the Nurses Honor Guard Ceremony at 10:30 a.m.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka with Fr. Michael Powell officiating.

Burial will be at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth.

Memorials may be made to St. Edmund Catholic Church or Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.

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

Lawrence E. "Larry" Farrar, 97, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on July 2, 1926 in Woodland, a son of Ed and Mattie (Marsh) Farrar. Larry married Marietta Marcott on January 31, 1948 in Watseka and she preceded him in death on September 30, 2016.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Sandie (Brian) Bohlmann of Watseka; one son, Steve (Becky) Farrar of Bourbonnais; two grandchildren, Michael Gaines (Katy) of Bloomington and Andrew Gaines of Las Vegas, Nevada; two step-grandchildren, Todd (Jaymi) Bohlmann of Watseka and Amy (Bob) Shelton of Hughesville, Maryland; four step-great grandchildren; and his granddogs, Jax and Jacie Bohlmann.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Edwin Farrar; two sisters, Audrey Smith and Wanetta Newland; and his granddog, Baisley Bohlmann.

Larry was a proud veteran of the United States Navy having served during World War II. He was a life time member of over 60 years with the Watseka American Legion Post 23. Larry enjoyed woodworking, yard work, and reading. He especially loved spending time with his family, including taking car rides with his granddogs.

Private graveside services will be held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with graveside military rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Memorials may be made to the Prairieview Lutheran Home.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Clyde L. Seefeldt, 91, of Watseka and formerly of Crescent City passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Heritage Woods in Watseka. He was born on April 10, 1932 in Wausau, WI, the son of Robert and Marie (Plautz) Seefeldt. Clyde married Mary L. Bruniga in Crescent City on April 10, 1954 and she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Les (Peggy) Seefeldt of Watseka and Larry (Norine) Seefeldt of Homer; two daughters, Leigh (Tim) Hurtz of State College, PA and Lynn (John) Reinhardt of Dade City, FL; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Laura Seefeldt.

Clyde was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City and Watseka American Legion Post 23. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and enjoyed fishing.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City with graveside military rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Clyde at www.knappfunerahomes.com.

Donald L. McGuffin Jr, 61, of Clifton passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on September 6, 1962 in Chicago, the son of Donald L. and Rita (Pedersen) McGuffin Sr.  He married Sheri Jorritsma in Whitinsville, MA on November 6, 1987.

Surviving are his wife, Sheri McGuffin of Clifton; three children, Lauren (Jamie) Oates of Clifton, Benjamin (Ashley) McGuffin of Manteno; and Sarah McGuffin of Clifton; six grandchildren, Keyone, Warren, Grayson, Liam, Gwendolyn, and Luca; two sisters, Susan Barnhart of Papineau and Mary (Roy) Brady of Manteno.

He was preceded in passing by both of his parents.

Mr. McGuffin served in the United States Army.  He was the owner and operator of Midwest American Delivery and Logistics.  Donald enjoyed camping, traveling, and was a volunteer fire fighter for Glenwood and Chebanse Twp. Fire Departments.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it.  Donald loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

A celebration of life service will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to The Clifton Food Pantry.

Please share a memory of Donald at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Karen J. Rogers, 84, of Chebanse passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Karen was born on December 3, 1939 in Chebanse, the daughter of Frank and Florence (Aderson) Nottke and they preceded her in death along with 2 brothers, Leonard Nottke and Wayne Nottke, and one sister, Norma Jean Papineau.

She is survived by one son, Kerk Rogers; one daughter, Tammy (Chris) Mead; one step-son, Keith Rogers; four grandchildren, Cody Rogers, Courtney (Nick Ippert) Mead, Chloe Mead, and Abigail Mead; one great-granddaughter, Lydia Kay Ippert; and one brother, Larry (Sharon) Nottke of Limestone.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

DeAnn Michelle Reynolds, 57, of Crescent City and formerly of Iroquois passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

DeAnn was born on April 19, 1966 in Chicago, the daughter of Jerry and Janet (Taylor) McVey.  She married Shane Reynolds on May 3, 1992 in Donovan and he preceded her in death on September 27, 2021.  She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Arielle Reynolds.

She is survived by one daughter, Justine Reynolds of Crescent City; her parents, Jerry and Janet McVey of Donovan; and two brothers, Tim (Michelle) McVey of Fairbury and Shawn (Deborah) McVey of Suffolk, VA.

DeAnn was active and served on the board for the Iroquois Community Center.  She enjoyed cardinals, snowmen, and music, especially Classic Rock.  DeAnn was a family-oriented person who was dedicated, compassionate, and giving to others.  She was very passionate about being a Nurse, something she worked extremely hard to become later in her life.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Donovan United Methodist Church.  Rev. Kevin Nourie will officiate.  Private burial will be held at Morris Chapel Cemetery near Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to the family's wishes.

Wanda Marie Berns, 62, of Clifton passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at her home.  She was born on September 12, 1961 in Clifton, the daughter of DeWayne and Margaret (Dutour) Hemp.  She married Randall "Randy" Berns in L'Erable on August 8, 1981.

Surviving are her husband, Randy Berns of Clifton; two sons, Brad (Sarah) Berns of Aurora and Adam (Carissa) Berns of Gilman; her mother, Margaret Hemp of Winter Haven, FL; two grandchildren, Evelyn and Colsen Berns; two sisters, Susan (Larry) Peters of Ashkum and Debora Hemp of Milford; three brothers, Terry (Kris) Hemp of Crescent City, Brian (Lynn) Hemp of Winter Haven, FL, and Kevin (Trisha) Hemp of Attica, IN; several nieces and nephews; her father in law, Robert Berns of Clifton; her mother in law, Barbara Berns of Ottawa and two sister in laws, Kim (Eric Brandt) Johnson of Kankakee and Bobbi (Dan Clements) Henry of Ottawa.

She was preceded in passing by her father and one sister, Janice Hemp.

Mrs. Berns was an office manager for Reinville Gaming in which she recently retired from.  Wanda loved spending time with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed helping with the Gold Star Memorial, camping, and boating.  She also enjoyed crafts, crafting, and gardening.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Pastor Jim Harkins will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Gold Star Memorial Fund.

Please share a memory of Wanda at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Berneda A. Robb, 86, of Indian Head Park and formerly of Onarga passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.  

Berneda was born on March 5, 1937 in Onarga, the daughter of Lehnard and Edna (Demien) Henrichs.  She married Clement Franklin Robb on May 9, 1971 at Trinity Lutheran in Burr Ridge and he preceded her in passing on March 19, 1984.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Roberts Henrichs; both parents; and one sister, Doris Lucht.

She is survived by her four grandchildren, Ashley (Alex) O'Brien of Watseka, Nicole (Ory) Olson of St. Joseph, Justin (Rebecca) Henrichs of Onarga, and Michael Henrichs of Onarga; her daughter in law, Pam Henrichs of Onarga; ten great grandchildren; one brother, Norvan (Dottie) Henrichs of Minneapolis, MN; and one brother-in-law, Francis Lucht of Milford.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Another visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023 prior to the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. funeral all at the Hope Lutheran Church in Countryside, IL.  Rev. Steven J. Anderson will officiate.  Burial will follow at Lyonsville Cemetery in Indian Head Park, IL.

Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to the Family's Wishes.

Marilyn Ann Tatro, 77, of Chatsworth, formerly of Ashkum passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at her home. She was born on June 10, 1946 in Chicago Heights, a daughter of Edwin and Norma (Siefker) Riegal and they preceded her in death. She married Armand J. Tatro on August 31, 1974 in Crete and he preceded her in death on September 19, 2017.

She is survived by her son, Andrew (Heather) Tatro of Strawn; her daughter, Annette Tatro of Rapid City, South Dakota; six grandchildren, Emma Tatro, Will Tatro, Ava Tatro, Meadow Hancock, Abigail Roberts and Bella Roberts; two brothers, Orlin Riegal of Crete and Donnie Riegal of Beecher; and one sister, Phyllis (Dave) Long of Manteno.

Marilyn attended Crete Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Crete-Monee High School. She worked as a nurse's aide at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights as well as Bensonville Nursing Home.

A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

Cynthia K. Schroeder, 76, of Gilman passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at her daughter's residence in Gibson City. She was born on January 8, 1947 in Kankakee, a daughter of Carl Sapp and Mary Fritz Sapp Inkster. She married Daniel Jon Schroeder on April 25, 1965 in Kankakee and he preceded her in death on October 5, 2022.

Cynthia is survived by two daughters, Dawn M. (Tom) Ulrichs of Danforth and Karen A. (Jeff) Roach of Gibson City; daughter-in-law, Julie A. Schroeder of Clifton, two brothers, Carl Sapp of Florida and Charles (Lisa) Sapp of Indiana; 8 grandchildren, Jon (Craig) Schroeder, Jordan (Tiffany) Schroeder, Ariel (Brad) Zulker, Jared (Alyssa) Schroeder, Matthew (Lyndsie) Ulrichs, Megan Ulrichs, Ashley (Cody) Loy and Samantha Loy; and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by both of her parents; her brother, Clyde Sapp; and her son, Jon H. Schroeder.

Cynthia was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. She worked as a Pharmacy Tech for Gilman Drug, Doc's Drugs, CVS in Gilman and Watseka for many years.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman with Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. also at the church. Burial will follow in the Danforth Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman or to the donor's choice.

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

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

Russell C. Patnaude, 91, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at his residence.

Russell was born on June 2, 1932 in Watseka, the son of Raymond and Maude (Matthew) Patnaude.  He married Eula Wauthier Bechtel on July 10, 1971 in L’Erable and she preceded him in death on September 18, 2008.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Eunice Neisewander.

He is survived one niece, Marlene (Ed) Hall of Watseka; two nephews, Ronnie Neisewander of Martinton and Norman Neisewander of Watseka; one great-nephew, Nathan Neisewander; three great-nieces, Jeanette Noel, Mariah Hall, and Miranda Hall; one great-great niece, Joelle Waskosky; one great-great nephew, Maxxon Neisewander; and special friend, Joanne Fox.

Russell served in the U.S. Army.  He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable.  Russell enjoyed raising sheep, tractor pulling, farming, Hereford cattle, and his family.  He was employed at AO Smith in Kankakee for twenty years. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable.  Rev. Doug Hauber will officiate.  Burial will follow at L’Erable Catholic Cemetery with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23.

Memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable (for Masses) or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

Raymond P. Gibson, 85, of Milford passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on March 20, 1938 in Onarga, a son of Martin C. and Mary G. (Kanosky) Gibson and they preceded him in death. Ray married Phyllis Jameson in July of 1984 and she preceded him in death on April 23, 2021.

He is survived by two daughters, Rae Ann Gibson (Kenny Woodburn) of Naples, Florida and Stephanie (Joe) Berko of Naples, Florida; two sisters, Mary Anne (Randy) Cultra of Onarga and Nancy Delaney of Bloomington; three brothers, Dave (Barb) Gibson of Champaign, Mike (Pam) Gibson of Milford and Steve (Aleta) Gibson of Naperville; and two granddaughters, Emma and Lila Mastro.

Ray attended Onarga schools for all 12 years and graduated from Onarga High School in 1956. He was an outstanding athlete (especially football) and was so proud that he earned 15 of the possible 16 varsity sports letters. He went on to continue his football days as a member of the Fighting Illini at the University of Illinois in Champaign until a serious knee injury ended his playing days. After graduating from the U of I, like so many young men in the 1960s, he served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. He then returned to Iroquois County and started his teaching career in Crescent City, then two years as head football coach at Gilman High School (season 1967 and 1968), where he was so proud that they only lost one game in those two seasons. After those two successful years, he became an assistant football coach at Proviso East H.S. in Maywood. He then decided to relocate to Florida, where he started a real estate brokerage business. After several years there, he decided to move back to Iroquois County and became head football coach at Hoopeston High School and later ending his long teaching career at Watseka High School. He loved fishing and hunting. Besides athletics, Ray had a special fondness of reminiscing about his boyhood days growing up in Onarga and walking the numerous fields hunting rabbits and pheasants with friends Wayne Dannehl, John Kuntz, Quen Cultra, and Dick Price to name only a few. So many great memories he loved to share with family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga with Minister Ed Highfill officiating. The visitation will be two hours prior beginning at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery with Graveside Military Rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Rest in Peace, thanks for all the memories! We love you and he will be dearly missed by so many.

James D. “Bo” Bargmann, 62 of Champaign, IL passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital.

Bo was born in Watseka, IL, on July 7, 1961, to Clyde Burnell “Burley” and Carol Ann (Rademacher) Bargmann. He was the youngest of 5 children.

He graduated from Gilman High School in 1979, then worked one year at L.E. Myers before attending college. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1986 earning a B.S. in Economics.

On June 16, 1984, he married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Merkle at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman, IL. She survives.

Family was everything to him. Bo and Mary dedicated their lives to raising their two children, Drew D. (Laura) Bargmann of Champaign, IL and Annie C. (Paul) Rohrer of Inverness, IL. Bo was the best Papa to Everett, Jordan, Samuel Bargmann and Parker, Beau, Jacob Rohrer. He loved them fiercely and was known for his chocolate chip cookies, sleepover breakfasts, and having coffee and milk on the back porch.

He had a passion for sports. He developed many lifelong friends through the sports he played. Bo was proud to have played on a State Championship Softball team. He loved cheering on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events with words of encouragement. Many of his favorite times were spent at the lake; swimming, fishing, playing games, and grilling for those he loved.

After working for 20 years at K & R Painting, he established his own successful business; Bo’s Quality Painting. Due to his work ethic, discipline, dedication, sense of humor, and quick wit he was well loved and respected by his clients, many of whom became close friends.

Also surviving are his parents, Burley and Carol Bargmann, mother-in-law Patricia Merkle, siblings Candy (Bret) Schmid, Cindy (Bob) Miller, Brenda Bargmann, and David “Dink” (Jacquie) Bargmann, as well as brothers-in-law David, Kevin, John (Mindy), James (Julie), and Robert (Kirsten) Merkle, sisters-in-law Gayle Matt, Lisa (Jim) Redenius, Sue Merkle, Kathy Morrison; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal & paternal grandparents, brother Michael Bargmann, father-in-law Eugene Merkle, brothers-in-law Stuart and Ross Merkle, and sister-in-law Diane Merkle.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023 at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL with a 2:30 p.m. Rosary Service. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman, IL with Rev. Marek Herbut officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Gilman, IL.

Memorials may be made to a College Fund for his grandchildren.

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

Waide A. Nicholson, 42, of Ashkum passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at his home. He was born on April 25, 1981 in Kankakee, a son of Larry A. and Cathy L. (Sanor) Nicholson and they survive in Ashkum.

He is also survived by one sister, Danielle (Wade Mullett) Guild of Ashkum; one nephew, Truen Mullett of Bourbonnais; paternal grandmother, Marge Nicholson of Chebanse; 12 aunts and uncles; and numerous cousins.

Waide was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Duane and Lois Sanor; his paternal grandfather, Roy Nicholson; and his aunt, Janet Sanor.

Waide was a jokester, very loyal, trustworthy, and always protective of his family. He loved to go fishing and especially enjoyed spending time on the river. Waide was also an excellent welder. Most of all, he loved being around his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall in L'Erable. Family is invited at 11:00 a.m. with the public welcome to come at 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Veterans Home at Manteno or to the Bradley or Watseka American Legions.

Please share a memorial of Waide at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Waide A. Nicholson, please visit our flower store.

Arnold “Butch” G. Lambert, 80, of Piper City passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living.

Butch was born on September 8, 1943 in Watseka, the son of Russell and Helen Tholen Lambert.  He married Sandra Treesh on March 27, 1969 in Anchor, IL. She preceded him in death as well as his parents and one sister, Barbara Coyne.

Butch is survived by one daughter, Lori (Howie) Dillman of Sidney; one step-daughter, Jana McDade of Urbana; one step-son, Jeff (Scottie) Treesh of Argos, IN; 8 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; 8 sisters, Betty Krones, Yukon, OK; Lois Krones, Chenoa; Sandy (Kenny) Curtis, Calvert City, KY; Shirley Langellier, Martinton; Linda Hensen, Morton; Sharon (Dave) Wilson, Sun City West, AZ; Carol (John) Hanlon, Gilman; Sal Krones Lawrence KS.  Also surviving is his former wife, Armella Eshleman.

Butch was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman.  He was a mechanic, retired from Uarco, and enjoyed hunting.

A visitation will be on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. A memorial service will follow at the church at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  

Cremation rights have been accorded by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Arvella L. McManis, 95, of Watseka passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Arvella was born on January 4, 1928 in Ash Grove Twp., the daughter of Fred and Frieda (Koester) Tiarks and they preceded her in death.  She married James D. McManis Sr. on January 8, 1949 in Ash Grove Twp. and he preceded her in death on January 25, 2002.  She was also preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters, Irene Sennholtz, Elmer Tiarks, Erwin Tiarks, Elwin Tiarks, Lorna DeRose, Bernice Zabel, and Elaine Steinman; and one son, James D. “Buddy” McManis Jr.

She is survived by two daughters, Marcia (Keith) Eden of Dorsey and Debra (Charles) Rakers of Burns Harbor, IN; five grandchildren, Kim (Dana) Dann-Messier, Lance (Amanda Barrett) Eden, Kelsey (Jeff Wenzel) Rakers, Casey Rakers, and Kayla McManis; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Arvella attended the Woodland Methodist Church and was a 1946 graduate of Cissna Park High School.  She enjoyed decorating, dancing, working in her flower garden, knitting, and crafting.  She shared with her children her appreciation for music, dance, and reading.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Pastor Darla Holden will officiate.  Burial will follow at Body Cemetery near Woodland.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Arvella L. McManis, please visit our flower store.