Linda Gaines, 79, of Watseka, Illinois, passed away at her home on June 10, 2026.

 

Born on January 6, 1947, in Ashkum, Illinois, to Louis and Marie Stein, Linda shared a special bond with her parents throughout her life. She spoke of them with love and gratitude, and their influence remained with her always.

 

On January 6, 1977, Linda welcomed her son Ryan — born exactly 30 years to the day after her own birthday. It was a date they would share and celebrate together for the rest of her life.

 

Linda married John Gaines on September 22, 1973. In their later years, they grew especially close, enjoying day trips together to explore new places and create lasting memories before John’s passing in 2019.

 

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, John, and her parents, Louis and Marie Stein.

 

She is survived by her son, Ryan Gaines, and her grandchildren, Grady and Oliver (14) and Molly (11).

 

Linda began her career as a beautician, setting up shop in her parents’ home — a reflection of the close relationship they shared. Later, she spent many years as a cook in the Unit 9 school district, where she found joy in bringing together two of her passions — cooking and being around young children.

 

Linda embraced life wholeheartedly. She loved Elvis, shopping, spending time with friends, and dancing like nobody was watching. She enjoyed arts and crafts and had a natural green thumb, taking great pride in planting and tending her flowers — she had a knack for making just about anything grow. She also loved driving her convertible with the top down on a beautiful day.

 

In her later years, she became a spirited Chicago Cubs fan who rarely missed a game — especially enjoying the moments of flying the “W” and hearing “Go Cubs Go” after a Cubs win. Anthony Rizzo was her favorite Cub, though whether it was for his play or his looks was always up for debate.

 

Linda will be remembered for her warm heart, lively spirit, and the friendships and family connections she valued so deeply throughout her life. Her memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and moments shared by those who knew and loved her.

 

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 20, 2026, at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, Illinois. Visitation will take place from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a ceremony commencing at 3:00 p.m.

 

All who knew and loved Linda are welcome to gather and honor her memory.

 

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

Sandra K. Good, 85, of Urbana passed away on June 8, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on December 12, 1940 in Donovan, a daughter of Oscar William and Helen Marie (Shafer) Winroth. She married Gaylord Good on June 26, 1965 in Donovan and he preceded her in death in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Doris Winroth-Nourie and Rita Winroth-Reynolds; one niece, Gloria Zirkle; and one nephew, Alan Nourie.

 

She is survived by two nieces, Brenda Emkes of Urbana and Karen Nourie of Greenbrier, TN; and one nephew, Phillip (Pam) Nourie of Chetek, WI.

 

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Beaver Cemetery near Donovan.

 

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Please share a memory of Sandra at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Michael L. McGary Jr., 40, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at his residence. He was born on May 5, 1986 in Watseka, a son of Michael McGary Sr. and Valorie Alder.

 

Michael is survived by his parents, Terry “Butch” and Valorie Walwer of Watseka; son, Paxton Lee McGary of Kentland; maternal grandmother, Marge Alder of Watseka; four siblings, Melissa (Josh) DeLahr of Crescent City, Chad Walwer of Watseka, Alicia (Matt) Wilkins of Center, North Dakota, and Joseph (Lexi) Walwer of Mahomet; two honorary daughters, Skyler and Koko Bickers of Milford; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Michael McGary Sr.; two brothers, Christopher Walwer and Nathan Walwer; maternal grandfather, James Alder Sr.; paternal grandparents, Charles and Marilyn Walwer and Bob and Louise McGary.

 

Michael was a member of Centennial Christian Church in Watseka. He was a fan of Notre Dame, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and UFC. Michael worked for T&D Metal. He enjoyed fishing and music. Most of all, Michael loved spending time with his family, especially his little man.

 

Visitation will be on Monday, June 22, 2026 at the Centennial Christian Church in Watseka from 10:00 a.m. until the memorial service at noon with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at Iroquois Memorial Park near Watseka.

 

Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

 

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Donald W. Baker, 96, of Chebanse passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on February 6, 1930 in Charlotte, Illinois, a son of Wilbur and Bernice (Bitner) Baker. Donald married Rita Nordmeyer on June 5, 1954 in Chebanse and she preceded him in death on January 3, 2022. Don was a very loving husband to his wife, Rita, and they enjoyed 67 years of marriage.

 

Don is survived by two daughters, Cathy (Michael) Schlesinger of Riverwoods and Carol (Edward) Hansen of Palatine; two sons, Mark Baker of Jacksonville, FL and Steven Baker of Chebanse; five grandchildren, Jonathan (Bridget) Schlesinger of Glenview, Lauren (fiancé, Andrew Aube) Schlesinger of Northbrook, Dr. Rebecca (Dayna) Schlesinger of Champaign, Matthew Hansen of Chicago and Ryan Hansen of Chicago; two great-grandchildren, Henry and Adeline “Addy” Schlesinger of Glenview; one brother, Gerald Baker; one sister-in-law, Sandy Nordmeyer; and many nieces and nephews.

 

Besides his wife, Don was preceded in death by both of his parents; one brother, Edwin Baker; two sisters, Irene Schultz and Anna Mae Sherwood; and one daughter-in-law, Charlotte Blackwood-Baker.

 

Don was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse, where he had served as a former elder and on the building committee. He worked for Armour Pharmaceutical for 42 years. He ended his career as a Quality Assurance Supervisor. Don was the Otto Township Clerk for many years. Don was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He took pride in gardening and loved the Chicago Cubs and Fighting Illini.

 

Visitation will be on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Pastor Eric Brown officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Organ Fund, Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth or Trinity Lutheran Food Pantry in Jacksonville, Florida.

 

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

 

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

Beverly Heimlich Martin, age 80, of Cadiz, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at her home in Cadiz.

Born on November 27, 1945, in Watseka, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Ray and Verna (Krumwiede) Heimlich.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marlene Bushman, and her husband, Thomas Raymond Martin, who passed away in 1997.

Beverly was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park, Illinois. She was employed in an accounting role in St. Louis for a number of years and later worked in manufacturing.

Beverly was a member of the Cadiz VFW Post 7890 Auxiliary. She enjoyed crafting and most of all, loved being with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Holly Page of Cadiz, Kentucky, and Beverly Baker of Yuma, Arizona; her grandchildren, Dillon, Austin, Skylar, Dustin, Ashley, Kaylee, and Joey; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; her sisters, Carolyn Wolfe of Cissna Park, Illinois, and Elaine Edwards of Watseka, Illinois; and her adopted daughter, Malinda Johnson (Adam) of Cadiz.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 302 S 4th St, Cissna Park, Illinois. Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, in Cissna Park.

Visitation will precede the service at the Church, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM.

Goodwin Funeral Home, 138 Main Street in Cadiz, Kentucky, is in care of local arrangements.

Penny Dorine Gerber, 72, of Bourbonnais passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at her residence. She was born on July 22, 1953 in Oxnard, California. Penny married Joseph Gerber on September 20, 2008 in Elkhart, Indiana.

 

Penny is survived by her husband and their chihuahua, Heide.

 

She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law; and one daughter, Keisha Winding.

 

Penny loved doing furniture restoration, cooking, reading, and enjoyed watching cop shows on television.

 

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

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

Wilbur Eugene Lauterbach, 89, of Ashkum, passed away on June 3, 2026 at Riverside Miller Healthcare in Kankakee. Wilbur was born on February 8, 1937 in rural Ashkum; the son of John A. and Anna E. (Peters) Lauterbach. He married Carolann Kaiser in Ashkum on June 1, 1957 and she preceded him in death on April 11, 2019.

 

Wilbur retired from Tri Central Co-Op in 2004, after 37 years of service. Wilbur was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum, a former member of Ashkum Township Fire Department and the Danforth Sportsman’s Club. Wilbur enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was an avid Chicago Bulls fan. In addition, he loved collecting cut glass pieces and Red Wing crocks. His favorite and full time hobby, however, was devoting himself to his family, especially his granddaughter.

 

Wilbur is survived by his son Tim (Lori Meredith) Lauterbach, and granddaughter, Tracy Lauterbach all of Howey in the Hills, FL, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers John, Clyde and Edward; also his sisters, Mardella Anderson, Hazel Moore, Edith Reed, and Esther Saathoff.

 

In honor of Wilbur’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. The family will receive guests at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. A memorial service officiated by Jeff Glenn will be held at the funeral home immediately following the memorial visitation. Private graveside services will be held at a later date in the Ashkum Cemetery.

 

Memorials in Wilbur’s name may be made to the Ashkum Fire Protection District.

 

Please share a memory of Wilbur at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ella M. Haberkorn, 101, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on April 2, 1925 in Martinton, a daughter of Lee and Celina (Lecocq) Stuckey. She married John L. Haberkorn on November 6, 1943 in Martinton and he preceded her in death on October 15, 1980. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Isadore, Clarence and Gerald Stuckey; three sisters, Leota Boudreau, Dorothy Knoblauch and Lavella Arp; her son-in-law, Bill Dirks; and one grandson, Charles Reeves.

 

She is survived by two daughters, Crystal Reeves (Paul Hodgdon) of Sandy Springs, GA and Lonnie Dirks of Crescent City; two grandchildren, Lonnette (Herman) Neill and Scott (Becky) Dirks; granddaughter-in-law, Christine Reeves; and six great-grandchildren, Amanda Neill, Nichola Reeves, Mark Neill, Corey Reeves, Mallary Dirks and Seth Dirks.

 

Mrs. Haberkorn was a member of the First Christian Church in Watseka, Iroquois Toastmasters, Watseka Women’s Club, Friends of the Library, and Opera Guild. She worked at JC Penney for nearly 50 years. Ella enjoyed reading, gardening, painting and bird watching.

 

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the First Christian Church in Watseka. Pastor Robert Pettry and Pastor Roy Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Watseka or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

 

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Please share a memory of Ella at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Saundra Sue Behrends, 86, of Clifton passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Memory Haven of Tolono. She was born on December 6, 1939 in Kankakee, a daughter of William and Dorothy (Herron) Stearns. Saundra married Dale Herman Behrends on August 22, 1959 in Bradley and he preceded her in death on August 17, 2017.

 

Saundra is survived by her children, Roxanne (Lyle) Kellogg of Box Elder, South Dakota, Michael (Sandy) Behrends of Clifton, Cynthia (Chuck) Hendrickson of Hartville, Missouri, Christina (John) Kidwell of Gilman, and Seth Behrends of Clifton; 15 grandchildren;15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Drechsel of Naples, Florida.

 

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, William Stearns; two sisters, Vicki Kroll and Patricia Howard; and two grandchildren, Cole Fleming and Tucker Fleming.

 

Saundra loved gardening and was a very talented crafter, especially with baby dolls. She was very involved with 4H. Saundra loved to train dogs as well as show dogs and goats. She started the Iroquois County 4H Dog Obedience Program, 4H “Rough Riders”, and “Kids with Kids” 4H Goat Club.

 

Visitation will be on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman with Rev. Chris Schoon officiating. Burial will follow at the Gilman Cemetery.

 

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois County 4H Dog Obedience and Memory Haven of Tolono.

 

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

Gloria J. Fritch, 79, of Wellington passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston. She was born on June 25, 1946 in Watseka, a daughter of William and Helen (Schuff) Henry. She married Lewis J. Fritch Sr. on October 10, 1964 in Milford and he preceded her in death on July 8, 2019 in addition to her parents and one brother, Patrick Henry.

 

She is survived by two daughters, Pamela (Pete) Ellsworth of Clinton and Cynthia (Pete) Neal of Hoopeston; one son, Lewis “Jim” (Jeannie) Fritch Jr. of Milford; one sister, Judith (John) Sheridan of Milford; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

 

Gloria owned and operated The Coffee Corner in Wellington for over 35 years.

 

A graveside service for both Lewis and Gloria will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 8, 2026 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with an intimate dinner following.

 

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

 

Please share a memory of Gloria at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Peggy A. Johnson, 76, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at her residence. She was born on June 18, 1949 in Rensselaer, Indiana, a daughter of Vernon “Sam” and Evelyn (McAleer) Shindelar and they preceded her in death along with two infant children, Andrew and Julie.

 

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Schroeder of Alto Pass; two grandchildren, Jack Fegan of Port Orange, Florida and Joseph Fegan of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; two sisters, Pam (Randy) Ocker of LaPorte, Indiana and JoAnn (Mark) Simons of Watseka; four nieces, Allison (Gaylon) Lewis of Lafayette, Indiana, Olivia Simons of Champaign, Sarah Dudley of LaPorte, Indiana, and Samanta Hedrick of LaPorte, Indiana; and seven great nieces and nephews.

 

Peggy was a member of the Catholic faith. She loved animals, especially rescue dogs and cats. Peggy enjoyed music, antique collecting, and gardening. Peggy worked for many years at the lab at Iroquois Memorial Hospital.

 

Visitation will be at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to the 3:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service with Joe Hughes officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to River Valley Animal Rescue or Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team.

 

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

 

 

Janice A. Ringler, 85, of Milford passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026 in Covington, Indiana. She was born on April 25, 1941 in Milford, a daughter of Harm and Erna (Schultz) Lauterbach. Janice married William C. Ringler III on June 22, 1963 and he preceded her in death on April 18, 2002.

 

Janice is survived by six children, Casey “Bill” (Sheryl) Ringler, Craig (Nina) Ringler, Arlene (Pat) Vandegrift, Chris (Michelle) Ringler, Cory (Ashley) Ringler, and Cary (Amber) Ringler; two sisters, Joanne Sloan of Milford and Marilyn Albee of Elmhurst; and ten grandchildren, Jordan, Alec, Lauren, Hayley, Kaitlyn, Jacob, Addison, Carrington, Carrick, and Luke.

 

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both parents; one brother; one sister; and one grandson, John.

 

Janice was a graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in math degree. She taught for thirty-eight years between Onarga and Milford. After retiring from teaching, she worked the next 20 years at Watseka Walmart enjoying everything except being a cashier. She was heavily involved in many aspects of Boy Scouts, including Cub Scouts den mother and Webelos troop leader, and also Milford Lions Club, most recently serving as treasurer for Milford. Janice was often seen behind the scenes at the Lions Pancake Breakfast and the fish fry. She always had a jigsaw puzzle going and was planning her next trip. Janice enjoyed her daily lunches with her sister at Hennings and the bowling alley in Hoopeston. Janice loved watching her kids play in sports growing up and also watched her grandkids play sports. Family was especially important to her. Janice adored her family and was so proud of her children. She spoiled and loved her grandchildren more than anything.

 

Visitation will be on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. funeral service all at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Rev. Joe Frech will officiate. Burial will follow at the Sugar Creek Cemetery near Stockland.

 

Memorials may be given to the Milford Lions Club.

 

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

Ruth Heideman (nee Gassler), 97, of Ashkum passed away peacefully on May 26 after a long life filled with family and friends, social events, and community engagement. She was born at home in Cullom on May 11, 1929, to Andrew and Irene Gassler. She had thirteen siblings, and she placed third in the family.

 

Ruth married Glenn Heideman on June 19,1954. They met at a dance in Ashkum, and together they enjoyed polka dancing. They moved to Ashkum after their marriage and continued to serve the community through volunteer work. Ruth never missed an opportunity to contribute her delicious pies for the Ashkum Homecoming, funerals, and other events. The couple were known as good neighbors, reliable and generous pillars of the community, who could be called upon to volunteer in any event. Glenn died on May 22, 1991, and Ruth continued their tradition throughout her life. She was a member of the Assumption B.V.M. Catholic Church, member and past president of the Council of Catholic Women, named Woman of the Year on two occasions, member and President of The American Legion Auxiliary, Ashkum Township Clerk (elected on at least seven occasions).

 

Raising children and working outside of the home was not the norm for her generation, but Ruth valued her family and her work. She raised four children and a bonus son who lived with the family for several years to finish high school.

 

Ruth’s first job was at the Katharine Beich Candy Company in Bloomington. After marrying, Ruth worked at Ashkum Fertilizer/Occidental Chemical Company with Glenn until a nepotism policy ended her employment, and Meier Oil offered her a position when they heard the news. She continued to work at Meier Oil (later Manito) until the age of eighty-four.

 

Ruth is survived by three children, Jean (Scott Szala), Paul (Tracy), and Roger (Carol), five grandchildren—Kayla, Randy, Anna, Thomas, and Emily, and one great-grandchild, Oliver. Survivors include two sisters, Phyllis Moritz (Edward) and Sharon McCoy, a brother, Richard (Leslie Kopp), and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. A brother-in-law, Marion, survives. Ruth has three surviving godchildren--Margaret Wilkens, Michael Biagini, and Keith Moritz.

 

Preceding her in death in addition to her husband, Glenn, include Daniel, her son; Robert Massey, her bonus son; six brothers—John, Arthur, Eugene, Robert, Merle, and Wendell; two sisters—Frances and Gloria; two infant sisters—Margaret and Betty.

 

In the final chapter of her life, she received excellent and compassionate care from Kathy Koch, Sue Riley, Judy Harling, the Uplifted Care Team, and the Westwood Assisted Living staff. The family is eternally grateful. The family also expresses gratitude to the numerous individuals (family and friends) who visited during these past two years.

 

Visitation will be on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. Burial will follow in the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ashkum American Legion Auxiliary or CCW.

 

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