Tina Louise Schaumburg, 59, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at her home. She was born on November 11, 1966 in Watseka, a daughter of John and Frances (Mathis) Lietz and her father preceded her in death.

She married Kyle Kenneth Schaumburg on October 20, 2007 in Watseka and he survives. She is also survived by one daughter, Ashley Nichole (née Hall) (Matthew) Arnold of Lithia, FL; one son, Payton Halas Schaumburg of Watseka; two granddaughters, Eden Louise Felts of Lithia, FL and Everly Anna Arnold of Lithia, FL; two brothers, Randy (Jean) Lauterbach of Milford and John (Tracy) Lietz of Watseka; and her mother, Frances Lietz of Florida.

Tina was a registered nurse at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center and also worked as a traveling nurse. She enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her grandchildren’s college fund.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Tina at baierfuneralhome.com.

Elijah R. Tindle, 79, of Watseka passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at his residence. He was born on October 26, 1946 in Chicago, the son of Raymond and Dorothy Tindle.

He is survived by two brothers, Tim Tindle of Chicago and William Tindle of Las Vegas; and one sister, Judy Garber of Indiana,

He was preceded in passing by his parents; two brothers, Larry and Ed Tindle; and one sister, Shirley Mischke.

Elijah was a janitor at McCullough Implement for some time and enjoyed his time at his CILA.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 noon, also at the funeral home with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will follow the funeral at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Memorials may go to The ARC of Iroquois County.

Please share a memory of Elijah at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Evelyn Hilgendorf, 93, of Kankakee, formerly a long-time resident of Chebanse, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Kankakee.

She was born October 24, 1932 to Samuel and Marie (Hasz) Poff. She attended elementary school in Chebanse, and graduated from Chebanse High School. She married Obert Hilgendorf on November 18, 1950 and he preceded her in death on April 7, 2019.

Evelyn was a homemaker for many years before working as a bookkeeper in Kankakee. She loved her family, quilting, church activities and most importantly, God.

Surviving are her four children, David (Debby) of Fishers, Indiana, Brian (Cathie) of Clifton, Susan Lareau of Watseka, and Dale of Chebanse; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn Schroeder and Patricia Ecker; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; daughter-in-law, Connie; four brothers; and two sisters.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service all at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Pastor Ronald Rock officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.

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

Larry Dean “LD” Smith, 65, of Martinton, and formerly of Watseka, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at UI Health in Chicago, IL. He was born on August 4, 1960, in Watseka, the son of Larry Max and Virginia Lee (Badger) Smith.

He is survived by the love of his life, Sue Langellier of Martinton; his stepmother, Shirley Smith; one son, Dustin (Kaitley) Smith, and their children, Max and Ali Smith of Watseka; siblings, Mary Lee Stenstrom, Dorrine “Rene” (Marty) Gahan, Lori Lyons, David Smith, Mark Steele, Brian Steele, Mitch Steele, Lucinda (Mark) Herring, Tami O’Brien, and Tim O’Brien; Sue’s children, Heather (Todd) Miller, Tara (Justin) Russell, Cody (Dana) Langellier, and Dane Langellier; Sue’s grandchildren, David and Ty Miller, Brianne (Tyler) Rude, Penn, Claire, and Madden Russell, and Emmalyn and Denver Langellier; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

LD was preceded in passing by both of his parents; a stepmother, Shirley Smith Howard; a special uncle, Terry Smith; and one grandson, Tripp Smith.

He worked at Geiger Truck Parts for over twenty-seven years. LD was a city council member in Watseka for many years, loved gardening, had a passion for classic cars and motorcycles, and always enjoyed helping others work on their vehicles as the lead mechanic at Smith Auto. He enjoyed coaching his son in Little League and loved being outdoors, especially at gatherings with friends and family.

A visitation will be held from 3:00–7:00 pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Cremation rites will be handled by Baier Funeral Home after the visitation.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Please share a memory of LD at baierfuneralhome.com.

Lonnie V. Zirkle, 58, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at his home. He was born on April 29, 1968 in Chicago, the son of Donald and Sandra (Wood) Zirkle. They preceded him in passing along with one sister.

He is survived by one sister, Janalee Files of Watseka and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lonnie was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors. He always had to wear his cologne and loved rock music. Lonnie was known to have such a big heart.

Memorial visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am. Joe Hughes will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Cremation rites are being handled by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Lonnie at knappfuneralhomes.com.

The family of Kenneth Rohr is deeply saddened to announce his passing on May 18, 2026, at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee. Born July 20, 1935, in Onarga, Illinois, Ken was the son of James N. and Sadie (Hoel) Rohr and one of seven children consisting of three sisters, Marjorie Rohr, Dorothy (Rohr) Sherman, Norma (Rohr) Elliott, and three brothers, Butch Rohr, Del Rohr, Donnie Rohr, all preceding him in death.

Ken was blessed to share his life with two wonderful wives. He was married to Shirley (Erzinger) Rohr for 24 years, until her passing on September 23, 1979. He was also married to Yvonne (Anderson) Rohr for 45 years until her passing on December 24, 2025. He remained eternally grateful for their companionship and held tight the memories he had, reflecting on them deeply all his days.

Ken lived a full and remarkable life. He was known for his unwavering work ethic, deep commitment to his community, and a sense of humor that endeared him to everyone he met. He was a lifetime member of the Chebanse Masonic Lodge of St. Anne No. 429 and a proud member of the Chebanse Lions Club. Ken was also a founding member of the Chebanse Civic Center and a devote parishioner of The United Church of Christ in Chebanse.

In 1963, Ken founded Ken’s Truck Repair in Chebanse, Illinois, building the business from the ground up. Through decades of changing business climates, he relied on one guiding principle—prioritizing customer service. His competitive spirit carried through every part of his life, whether in business, on the golf course, or out on the water with a fishing pole in hand. Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends.

Ken is survived by his three children: Jim and Sandy Rohr of Chebanse, and Cindy (Doug) Seibring of The Villages, Florida. He leaves behind seven grandchildren—Nicholas (Tracy) Rohr, Bonnie (Scott) Lewis, Sindy (Tim) McCormick, Ryan (Emily) Seibring, Sarah (Josh) Frank, Cheri (Ricardo) Arreola, Vicki Anderson and seventeen great grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.

A private Celebration of Life will be held with a burial in the Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care in Bourbonnais, IL.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

Russell W. Reed, 97, of Paxton passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Country Healthcare in Gifford. He was born on March 18, 1929 in Gilman, a son of James and Gladys (Veatch) Reed. Russell married Lyla M. Hoover on July 28, 1950 in Roberts, whom he loved for 75 years, and she preceded him in death on August 23, 2025.

He is survived by four children, Wayne (Bonnie) Reed of Russellville, Indiana, Darlene Merkle of Paxton, James (Shirley) Reed of Boulder City, Nevada, and Robert (Amy) Reed of Onarga; eleven grandchildren, Tina Lawson, Eric Eilts, Nathan Reed, Karee Voges, Kim Eilts, Seth Reed, Cole Reed, Ty Reed, Matt Reed, John Reed, and Adam Reed; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, Wanda (Dave) Caldwell of Marietta, Georgia, Gail (James) Snow of Bloomington, Pastor Bob Hoover of Decatur, and Sharon Lee of Onarga.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by both of his parents; his in-laws, Ervin and Verna Hoover; two brothers, Don Reed and Wendell (Betty) Reed; one grandson, Aaron Reed; brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, Floyd (Dolores) Hoover, Marvin (Marilyn) Hoover, Ervaleen (Forrest) Smith, Jim Lee, and Darlene Hoover.

Russell was a member of Living Word Church in Roberts. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Russell fought in the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953 as a Sergeant First Class. He was very proud of his service and his country. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the Thawville American Legion Post 700.

Visitation will be at Living Word Church in Roberts from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 with Pastor Josh Hopkins and Pastor Paul Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgeland Township Cemetery. Graveside military rites by the Thawville American Legion Post 700.

Memorials may be made to the Thawville American Legion Post 700 or Living Word Church in Roberts.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

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

Geraldene “Geri” Foley, 80, of Milford passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at her home. She was born on July 4, 1945 in Clifton, a daughter of Francis and Bernice (Pew) Giroux and they preceded her in death in addition to two brothers, four sisters, one half-brother and 1 half-sister.

She married Royce Foley on August 31, 1963 in Birdtown, TN and he survives in Milford. Also surviving are two daughters, Lisa Rutledge of Paxton and Sherri (life partner, John Crook) Sans Souci of Bourbon, MO; six grandchildren, Zach (Tania) Rutledge of Thomasboro, IL, Kelli (Marcus) Bailey of Bourbon, MO, Lyndzie (fiance, Brandon Dolan) Rutledge of Rantoul, IL, Dana (Jared) Appel of Rockton, IL, Jake (significant other, Joeann Rath) Messer of Tuscola, IL and Eric (fiancé, Grace Glaser) Sans Souci of Bourbon, MO; seven great-grandchildren, Shyann, Ace, Elijah, Athena, Lilly, Carson and Dax; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Geri was a member of the Milford Christian Church. She loved reading, yardwork, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026 also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Milford Ambulance Service.

Please share a memory of Geri at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ronald L. Lynn, 86, of Ashkum, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at his residence. He was born on March 25, 1940 in Watseka, a son of Raymond and Helen (Weidert) Lynn. They preceded him in death along with one sister, Barbra Sunderland; and one son, Denis Lynn.

Ronald married Julie A. Duzenbery on March 21, 1998 and she survives in Ashkum.

Also surviving are three daughters, Denise Lynn (Bill Ehr), Lynn Corbin, and Jill Tarro (Brian Lowe); and four grandchildren, Andy Corbin, Ellen Corbin (Pierce Brimmer), Jonathan Tarro, and Jacob (Kasey) Tarro.

Ronnie was a member of the Watseka Elks Lodge. He was a Lifetime member of Long Lake Duck Farm near Browning, Illinois. Ronnie loved hunting, fishing, and boating. He was a farmer and a heavy equipment operator. Ronnie especially loved jeep rides in the country with his wife Julie and spending his winters with her in Florida.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Ashley Clifton will officiate. Burial will follow at Beaver Cemetery near Donovan.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

Judith Ann Sweet, 83, of Clifton passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at her residence. She was born on August 25, 1942 in Kankakee, a son of Walter Henry and Bernice Loraine (Regnier) Beland. Judy married Charles R. Sweet in Chicago in 1970 and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2012.

She is survived by three daughters, Donna (Jeffrey) Gardner of Clifton, Julie Radtke of Clifton, and Jane Murphy of Houston, Texas; two sons, Rob (Christine) Sweet of Watseka and Donald Murphy of Clifton; seventeen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; one son-in-law, Rick Radtke; and one granddaughter, Danielle Radtke.

Throughout her life, Judy pursued many passions. While attending Kankakee High School, she was a proud member of the color guard, participating in numerous local and Chicago parades. She also enjoyed showing and riding horses, playing cards, watching drum and bugle corps competitions, and attending family gatherings. Additionally, she was an avid bird watcher who truly loved her birds. Judy was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.

Professionally, Judy worked as a CNA throughout the 1980s at various nursing homes in Houston, Southern California, and Illinois. She later served as an LPN for Riverside from 1990 to 2013, where she discovered her true passion for home health care. She deeply valued the opportunity for one-on-one care and the meaningful relationships she developed with her patients, many of whom requested her specifically for their care.

Funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Pastor Ronald Rock officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior beginning at 10:00 a.m. also at the church.

Mausoleum Entombment will follow the funeral service at the All Saints Cemetery and Mausoleum near Bourbonnais.

Memorials may be given the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, VA Home, or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

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

Gene E. Dickenson, 85, of Crescent City passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on August 11, 1940 in Onarga, a son of George and Frances (Siple) Dickenson. Gene married Nancy K. Morrison on August 24, 1963 in Onarga and she preceded him in death on November 14, 2018.

Gene is survived by one son, Tyler (Catherine) Dickenson of Waxhaw, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Delaney Dickenson and Kellen Dickenson; one brother, George Dickenson of Onarga; one sister, Sharon Bennett of Detroit, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by both of his parents; and two brothers, John Dickenson and Tom Dickenson.

Gene was a Sixth Grade Science Teacher for many years. He enjoyed landscaping in the summer months and spending time with his grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service all at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Burial will follow at the Flesher Cemetery near Crescent City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

John David “J.D.” Zirkle, 86, of Watseka, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at home surrounded by his family due to a reoccurring battle with cancer.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a funeral mass following all at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL, with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial to follow with a graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gilman, IL, with graveside military rites by the Gilman American Legion Post 499.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-9959).

John was born on November 30, 1939 in Delrey, IL to Clyde and Mary (Gillespie) Zirkle. He attended Onarga Grade School and graduated from Onarga High School. During his High School years, John met the love of his life, Gloria A. Reynolds. They wed on August 15, 1964 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Gilman. Following High School, John completed four years at Chicago Heights Trade Academy, then was in the Army Reserves for 3.5 years as an encrypted tele typer. He left the Reserves with Honorable Discharge due to Gloria being pregnant with twins.

John went on to lead a large workforce in Chicago Heights Local Union 272 for approximately 20 years. He then retired from the Union and started his own local contracting business, Zirkle Construction.

John’s greatest passion was fishing and hunting. He loved to roll dice and play cards with family and friends. John enjoyed spending his time on the lakes of Wisconsin. Later in life, John picked up the hobby of raising exotic turkeys and pygmy goats. John was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Moose Lodge of Gilman, American Legion, US Army, Carpenters Local 272, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, and Iroquois County Ducks Unlimited.

John is survived by son, John T. (Dianne) Zirkle of Gilman; daughter, Jodi (Mike) Schuler of Watseka; five grandchildren, Hilary (Mike) Barkley of Vicksburg, MI, Austin (Kenna) Zirkle of Watseka, Natalie Zirkle (fiancé, Jordan Hamilton) of Crescent City, Dylan Schuler (Morgan Soderlund) of Champaign, Mackenzie (Ross) Walwer of Watseka; special friend, Mary Ostrowski; eight great-grandchildren, Adley, Rowan, and Maisyn Zirkle, Calvin and Caden Barkley, and Kason, Tate, and Mavren Walwer; one brother, Bob Zirkle; three sisters, Mary Mulligan, Nina (Tom) Dundas, and Joan Sterk.

Gloria preceded him in death on July 15, 2015. John was also preceded in death by both of his parents; son, Daniel James Zirkle; and sister, Ramona Gerdes.

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

Michael G. Marshall, 74, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born on October 31, 1951 in Watseka, a son of Francis Gordon and Eleanor Katherine (Haynes) Marshall. They preceded him in death along with one sister, Terry Mabbitt.

Michael is survived by one sister, Stella Cyr of Woodland; two brothers, Maynard Marshall of Sheldon and Milo Marshall of Sheldon; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Michael was a lifelong basketball fan while also playing both in high school and college. He was fortunate to travel all over while working as a long-haul truck driver.

Cremation rites are being handled by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon with Pastor John Franklin officiating.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

Jean L. Hiles, 90, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born on January 13, 1936 in Normal, a daughter of Otto and Lois (Pulsipher) Schaefer. Jean married J. Wayne Hiles on July 27, 1958 in Saybrook and he preceded her in death on October 27, 2005.

Jean is survived by two sons; Scott (Heddamarie) Hiles of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin and Dale (Stephanie) Hiles of El Paso, Illinois; and four grandsons, Alexander (Alya), Benjamin, Nathaniel and Eric; and one brother, Larry (Sidney) Schaefer of Saybrook.

Besides her husband, Jean was also preceded in death by both of her parents; one son, David Hiles; two sisters, Ann Thacker and Carol Mossen; and two brothers, Dale Schaefer and John Schaefer.

Jean was a member of the Crescent City United Methodist Church. She was an educator for 20+ years as a home economics teacher and special education aide. Jean was very active with the Iroquois County Fair, 4-H Leader for 27 years, and a 2006 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. She was a member of the Republican Women's Club and the Retired Teachers Association. Jean was a volunteer for many years for the American Cancer Society, United Methodist Church Women’s Club, and the Iroquois County Historical Society. She was Precinct Committee woman and County Board member for many years.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Crescent City with Ms. Robin Gregory and Rev. Kevin Nourie officiating. Burial will follow at the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be given to the Iroquois County 4-H Foundation; Crescent City United Methodist Church, or Iroquois County Historical Society.

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

Juan Perez, 47, of Onarga, passed way on Monday, May 4, 2026 at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He was born on January 17, 1979 in Watseka, a son of Jose and Maria (Patlan) Perez and his father preceded him in death.

Juan is survived by his mother, Maria Perez of Onarga; brother, Roy Perez of Onarga; sister, Lorena Perez of Onarga; son, Izec Perez of Onarga; nephew, Niko Barham of Onarga; and his son’s mother, Ashley (Josh) Kanosky of Onarga.

Juan was a member of the Life Church in Gilman. He was a 1998 graduate from Iroquois West High School. Juan was a manager at ProComm, Inc. He loved music and playing drums. Juan enjoyed baking. He especially loved time spent fishing with his son, Izec, and watching Izec’s sporting events. Juan was always willing to help his friends and also liked spending time with his family and friends.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service all at the Life Church in Gilman with Pastor Jim Harkins officiating. Burial will follow at the Onarga Cemetery in Onarga.

Memorials may be made to the Life Church in Gilman or to Izec’s Education.

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

Larry Lee Fisher, 89, of rural Gilman, passed away on April 28, 2026, at Heritage Health in Hoopeston, IL. He was born the son of John Homer Fisher and Rheta Eleanor Fisher (Austin) in his grandparent's home near Del Rey, IL on Monday - November 2, 1936.

Larry attended Onarga Grade School and was a 1954 graduate of Onarga High School. He married Ann Elizabeth Wasmer on February 5, 1956 at the Onarga United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Ann (whom he has been married to for 70 years); four children: Cheryl A. Rabe (Onarga); Greg L. Fisher (Deanne) of Shirley, IL; Gary A. Fisher (Kerry) of Shelbyville, IL; Gene E. Fisher (Pamela) of Anna, IL. Larry has nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Ellen Schilling of Lebanon, IL.

Deceased are his father Homer, mother Rheta and one sister, Barb Johnson.

Along with raising four children, Larry was a farmer, raising row crops, alfalfa, dairy and beef cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens and wild game birds. Larry also worked a number of years at ag equipment implement dealerships, and finished his career with the Iroquois West Middle School system. He and Ann both retired in 1996.

Larry enjoyed fishing, boating, gardening, playing cards, attending sporting events and spending time with his family. He was a lifelong member of the Onarga United Methodist Church. He and Ann were active in numerous organizations and activities, including: Onarga Lions Club, Meals on Wheels, were members of the Onarga Historical Society, and played cards with a euchre group for years. Larry and Ann were recipients of the The Onarga Citizen of the Year Award in 2011. It was rare to see Larry without his devoted wife, Ann, at his side.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and a funeral service will then begin at 11:30 a.m. at Knapp Funeral Home - 115 West Seminary, Onarga, IL 60955. Pastor Vicki Killus will officiate. Burial will follow at the Onarga Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Onarga Historical Society or the Onarga United Methodist Church.

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

Larry Gene Mabbitt, 79, of Sheldon passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Danville VA Medical Center. He was born on September 4, 1946 in Watseka, a son of Joe and Viola (Whiteman) Mabbitt.

Larry met the love of his life, Susie, at Indiana Beach on July 11, 1965 and they married 5 years later on July 11, 1970 in Stockland.

Larry is survived by his wife, Susie Mabbitt of Sheldon; two daughters, Kelsey (Joe) Testa of Interlochen, Michigan and Kylie (Chad) Wright of Sheldon; seven grandchildren, Aliana (Benny) Al-Ashari, Micah (Lexi) Testa, Annalia (Isaac) Painter, Nate Testa, Alivia Testa, Brynlee Wright (fiancé Jayce Meier), and Beau Wright; one great granddaughter, Poppy Mae Painter; three siblings, Don Mabbitt of Sheldon, June (Tom) Mattox of Goodland, Indiana, and Crys (Wayne) Trotter of Downs, Illinois; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Maureen and Garry Hinkle of Danville, Illinois and Sally and Ron Schultz of Coral Springs, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Maurice and Earlyne Brasel; his beloved sister-in-law, Connie Mabbitt; and infant sister, Caryl Isabel.

Larry graduated from Sheldon High School in 1965. He then graduated from Peoria Barber School before serving in the US Army from 1966-1968. Larry barbered for over 55 years with the majority at his own shop, “Larry’s Haircut Store”, in Sheldon. He enjoyed all of his customers and said he learned something new every day. While barbering he also farmed for 12 years and worked for Creative Office Systems in Watseka for 10 years. Larry was also a member of the Sheldon United Methodist Church and the American Legion.

Larry and Susie lived on the farm in the home he grew up in. They enjoyed traveling, the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with their families, especially their girls and grandchildren. He was a very special "Uncle Larry" to his nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Joe Testa officiating. Burial will follow in the Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon with graveside military rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Memorials to the VA Illiana Health Care System to benefit the Danville VA and the Sheldon United Methodist Church.

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