William Fourez

William Fourez

ST. JOSEPH – William Arthur Fourez, 78, of St. Joseph passed away the morning of Dec. 28, 2013. He was at home surrounded by his wife, son and daughter-in-law.
William was born Dec. 1, 1935, and enjoyed a successful life of farming in the Sidell/Fairmount area. His parents were Felix and Marie Fourez. He married Sherry Fourez in 1987.
Surviving are his wife and two sons, Steven (Melinda) Fourez and David (Sue) Fourez; two step-children, Steven (Angie) Fitzsimmons and Jackie (Karl) Kern. Also surviving were lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was respected and loved by them all.
William served during the Korean war in the U.S. Air Force as a jet mechanic.
No services will be held; his ashes will be scattered at a later date. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a donation in William's name may be sent to the St. Joseph-Stanton Volunteer Fireman's Fund, P.O. Box 911, St. Joseph, IL 61873. They were kind enough to give their Christmas morning to take care of William.
Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Wienke

Robert Wienke

EL RENO, Okla. – Robert Chester Wienke passed away Monday (Dec. 16, 2013) at home in El Reno, Okla.
He was born Dec. 11, 1933, on the family farm in Homer, to Earnest and Emma (Rahn) Wienke.
After graduating, he served his country in the United States Army. Before moving to Oklahoma, he and his sister and brother-in-law operated the local dry cleaners (Wienke and Taylor Dry Cleaners) in Homer and St. Joseph. He also managed and worked for his father-in-law at the Pink House Bar and Grill in Ogden. He was also a faithful member, in all his years in Homer, of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands.
After moving to Oklahoma, he worked in the natural gas and oil industry for almost 30 years, and after retiring from the field, he worked at the local Wal-Mart.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda (Strohl) Wienke; his parents; brothers, Earnest Wienke Jr. and Maurice Wienke; sister, Laura (Wienke) Offenstine and her husband Danny; brother-in-law, Ralph Swan, and sister-in-law, Barbara Wienke.
Survivors include his daughter, Teresa, and fiance Danny of El Reno, Okla.; sons, Robert A. Wienke of Yukon, Okla., and Bradley Wienke and wife Megan of Yukon, Okla.; grandchildren, Heather (Horse) McCaskil and husband Cody of Blanchard, Okla., Kristin Horse and Tianna Horse, both of El Reno, Okla., and Bryce, Riley, Laney, Hunter and Jillianne Wienke of Yukon, Okla.; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Horse-Cagle, Koby Espinoza and two more on the way in early 2014; brother, Vern Wienke of Homer; sisters, Lois Swan of Aurora, Orthalene Taylor and husband Bill of Homer, and Irma Clem and husband Don of Homer; sisters-in-law, Marion Wienke and Bonnie Wienke of Homer; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Glen and Barbara Hathaway of El Reno, Okla., and Rod and Pat Zenner of El Reno, Okla., and Bob and Marilyn Strohl of Peoria; and many nieces and nephews he loved very much.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in El Reno, Okla., with burial in the El Reno Cemetery. Services are under direction of Wilson Funeral Home in El Reno, Okla.

Mary Ann Miller

Mary Ann Miller

ST. JOSEPH – Mary Ann Miller, 75, of St. Joseph passed away at 9:25 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 14, 2013) at Heartland Health Care Center in Champaign, surrounded by her family.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., following the visitation. Carle chaplain Tony Crouch, who brought comfort to Mary Ann and her family, will officiate at the service. A private burial will take place at a later date in Eastlawn Burial Park, Urbana.
Mrs. Miller was born Sept. 21, 1938, in Champaign, to parents Paul and Nancy (Baily) Greenwell. She married Harold Glenn Miller on Oct. 26, 1958. He preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 2003.
Surviving Mary Ann are two sons, Michael Miller (Laurie) of Ogden and Jesse Miller of Paxton; a sister, Jennie Rodgers of Champaign; three grandchildren, Blake, Shane and Christina Miller; and one great-grandson, who will be born in February.
Mary Ann was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother.
Mrs. Miller had a wide range of occupational talents. Among her favorite workplaces were Holiday Inn, where she was a restaurant manager, and Western Bowl.
In addition to volunteering with the Amvets Auxiliary, she enjoyed watching her grandsons play in the St. Joseph youth football league. In later years, she became an avid fan of the Illini women's basketball team.
Mary Ann always put those she loved before herself. Although she missed her husband dearly after his passing, she took pride in her independence. One of her greatest joys was helping others.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Ann's memory to the Carle Center of Philanthropy, Hospice, at www.carle.org/giving/donate.aspx. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Lewis Osterbur

Lewis Osterbur

DANVILLE – Lewis Osterbur, 82, of rural Oakwood passed away Dec. 11, 2013, at the Indianapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
He was born Oct. 12, 1931, in Royal, the son of Henry Jr. and Annie Eilers Osterbur.
He was married to Jo Ann on June 30, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Terre Haute, Ind. She survives.
He is survived by his son, Matthew Osterbur; and special friend, Kelly Crabbe; his daughters, Cindy (Ron) Pridemore and Michelle (Joe) Gue; his sister, Hellen (Ben) Jeffords; his sisters-in-law Helena, Rosa Lee Osterbur and Wanda Bohlen; grandchildren, Rachal (Brad) Roach, Nathan Pridemore and special friend Kristian Aue, Amber Gue, and Kyle Gue and special friend Danielle Fouse.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David Osterbur; his six brothers, Frank, Alvin, Robert, and Herbert Osterbur, William and Bernard Bohlen; and two sisters, Louise Frerichs and Marie Ackerman.
When Lewis was a young man he enjoyed working with his hands on anything mechanical. Even in Lewis' later years he could be found fixing his John Deere mower or his Ford tractor.
Lewis served his country in the Korean War. He was on the front lines for the better part of the war, and was also a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was part of the 7th ID "The Light, Silent, and Deadly."
Upon his return to the States, he got a job at Hyster, where he retired after 42 years as the Quality Control inspector.
He was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danville. Lewis also loved to garden vegetables with his wife and daughters. Above all else, Lewis loved his family, and he will be sorely missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.
A celebration of Lewis's life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, in Danville. A visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 16, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Please join the Osterbur family in sharing memories, pictures and videos of Lewis's life on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Jimmy Walters

Jimmy Walters

ST. JOSEPH – Jimmy Walters, 23, of St. Joseph passed away Saturday (Nov. 30, 2013) at Carle Foundation Hospital Hospital Urbana.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at Old Homer Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.
Jimmy was born May 14, 1990, at Urbana, the son of Michelle Walters and Jim Johnson.
He is survived by his mother, Michelle (Mike) Moreland of Rantoul; father, Jim (Sheli Paskavich) Johnson of Homer; brother, Robbie Walters of Rantoul; sister, Harlie Walters of Villa Grove; grandmother, Janet Brown of Galesburg; grandfather, Roger Brown of Monmouth; and grandparents, Mike and Jean Moreland of Rantoul.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Patricia Rush.
Jimmy worked at County Materials in Champaign. He enjoyed listening to music, spending time with family and friends, and making people happy.

Dorothy Darby

Dorothy Darby

ST. JOSEPH – Dorothy Darby, 89, of St. Joseph passed away at 5:05 a.m. on Nov. 15, 2013, at Champaign Urbana Regional Rehab in Savoy.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Mike Mack officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be held Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Dorothy was born June 26, 1924, at Edgewood, the daughter of Vernon and Hazel Ligett Ragle. She married Charles Ellis in 1950. He preceded her in death.
She is survived by her sweetheart, Lyle Dillman; children, Linda (Larry) Cutright of Casey, John (Mary) Ellis of St. Joseph and Dennis Ellis of Urbana; four brothers, JR, John, Danny and Roger Ragle; two sisters, Joan Early and Virginia Smith; sisters-in-law Donna Ragle and Erma Ragle; eight grandchildren, Denny Ellis, Dawn Stoltey, Savanna Coronado, Eric Ellis, Heather O'Brien, Jay Bartels, B.J. Wilkins and Becky Althaus; and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Cathy Alcorn; two brothers and one sister.
Dorothy worked at Magnavox, several area restaurants, and drove a truck for three years. She enjoyed spending time at the Eagles and VFW in Champaign dancing the night away. She also enjoyed sewing.

Jerry Johnson

Jerry Johnson

ARVADA, Colo. – Jerry A. Johnson, 79, formerly of Champaign, passed away on July 20, 2013, in Colorado.
Survivors include his wife, the former Donna Hostetler; two daughters, Jill Jackson and Sara Martin; three grandchildren, Casey, Spencer and Tara; and three great-granddaughters, Destiny, McKenzie and Kylie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edford and Hildreth Johnson of St. Joseph.
Mr. Johnson retired as a Navy Chief Petty Officer and later retired as a petroleum landman for an oil corporation in Denver.
A military funeral service was conducted with burial in a military cemetery in Denver.

Lodema Crist

Lodema Crist

URBANA – Lodema M. "Dee" Crist, 95, of Urbana died at 10:39 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 5, 2013) at the Heartland Healthcare Center, Urbana.
A Celebration of Life for "Dee" will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. The Rev. Jeff Stahl will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Crist was born Aug. 11, 1918, in Huntington, Ind., the daughter of Giffen and Goldie Lucas Robertson. She married Lawrence L. "Jack" Crist on June 22, 1941, in Louisiana, Mo; he died on Dec. 24, 1981.
Survivors include three children, Keith Crist of Urbana, Linda Beard of Mahomet and Lawrence "Larry" (Norma) Crist of Atlanta, Ga.; one sister, Zula Hall of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen, Betty and Sareeta.
Mrs. Crist graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1936 and graduated from the University of Illinois Business School in 1938.
She was an Avon rep for over 50 years.
Mrs. Crist previously attended the Mayview United Methodist Church, was a member of First United Methodist Church, Urbana, where she was active for many years, ABWA, was active in many organizations, an election judge for 54 years. Most of all, she was a devoted wife and mother who loved spending time with her family.
Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel.com.

Juanita Parker

Juanita Parker

HOMER – Juanita Z. Parker, 98, of Homer passed away at 2 p.m. Friday (Nov. 1, 2013) at the Heritage Health Nursing Home in Bloomington.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. The Rev. Teri Shane will officiate. Burial will be in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. There will be a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the funeral home.
Mrs. Parker was born on March 19, 1915, in Tilton, a daughter of Charles and Clara Gleason Mitchell. She married Lyle Christian; he passed away. She later married John Parker; he also preceded her in death.
Survivors include a daughter, Joanne Lane of North Fort Myers, Fla.; a stepdaughter; Carol Parker of Rantoul; a granddaughter, Linda (Keith) Shade of Washington, Ill.; two great-granddaughters, Haley and Heather Shade; and one brother, H. Jack (Lonita) Mitchell of Lincoln.
She was preceded in death by one sister and three brothers.
Mrs. Parker worked for many years and retired from Central Illinois Electric and Gas, which became Commonwealth Edison and is now Cilco. She was a member of the Homer American Legion Auxiliary, where she was a former president. She was a very patriotic person and loved to travel. She also had a love for penguins.
Memorials may be made to the G.A.R. Cemetery or Homer American Legion Auxiliary.

Lenore Rhodes

Lenore Rhodes

HOMER – Lenore Thornberry Rhodes, 90, of Homer passed away at 4:10 a.m. Friday (Nov. 1, 2013) at the Country Health Care and Rehabilitation in Gifford.
There will be a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Burial will be in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. There will be a visitation from noon until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Rhodes was born on Aug. 9, 1923, in Granby, Mo., a daughter of Virgil and Ethel Hendrickson Thornberry. She married Frederick Rhodes on Jan. 29, 1944 in Pittsburg, Kan. He passed away on Aug. 29, 2003.
Survivors include one son, Stephen Rhodes of Champaign.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Genieve Robinson and Nancy Douthitt, and one brother, Walter Thornberry.
Mrs. Rhodes was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church. She enjoyed cats and dogs, liked doing word searches and loved antiques.
Memorials may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society or Vermilion County Humane Society.

William Rushing

William E. Rushing (December 16, 1927 - October 26, 2013)  Send Flowers Send Sympathy Gifts Send Sympathy Card Guest Book | Sign Guest Book | Send Private Condolences William E. Rushing 85 of Urbana died at 1:45 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Heartland Healthcare Center, Champaign. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, Rev. Eric St. Pierre officiating. Burial will be in the Nokomis Cemetery, Nokomis. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. He was born on December 16, 1927 in Pinckneyville, the son of Thomas A. and Esther Viola Tanner Rushing. He married Myrtle Logsdon on December 24, 1948 in Nokomis; she died on April 18, 2010. Survivors include two sisters; Shirley Stallings of Edgewood, Kentucky, Dolly Majors of Sarasota, Florida, two sisters – in-laws; Ruth Sanders of Nokomis, Betty Slagell of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. Mr. Rushing was a graduate of Homer High School. He joined the U.S. Navy right out of high school and spent five years in WW II and the Korean conflict. Mr. Rushing retired from Janitor Supplies Inc. Champaign after 39 years and was a long time resident of Urbana. Mr. Rushing was a member of First Christian Church, Champaign and the American Legion Post 71 of Urbana. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church. Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoff.com.

Robert Pearson

Robert Pearson

Penfield – Robert "Deano" Pearson, 90, of Penfield passed away at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday (Oct. 30, 2013) at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John Cemetery, Royal, with Pastor Jay Johnson officating. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.
Deano was born July 21, 1923, at Fithian, the son of Oscar W. and Nina Mae Glover Pearson. He married Bettie Ann Werts. She preceded him in death in 1992.
He is survived by daughters, Karen (Dennis) Mika of Aurora and Debbie (Lonnie) Freeman of Royal; and granddaughters, Brooke (John Ross) Wilsey of Royal and Taylor Freeman of Naperville.
Deano was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II. He farmed in Champaign County. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Assocation and was a breeder, exhibitor and registered judge. He was inducted into the Illinois Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Deano was a avid St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved to watch Brooke and Taylor play softball for St. Joseph Ogden and Parkland.
Donations may be made to the St. Joseph Ogden Spartan Fan Club.

Robert Alsip

Robert Alsip

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. – Robert "Bob" Allen Alsip, 61, of Englewood, Fla., passed away on Saturday (Oct. 26, 2013) at Bay Pines (Fla.) Veterans Affairs Hospital.
He was born in Champaign County on April 8, 1952, to Stanley and Cecile (Cheuvront) Alsip. He grew up in Ogden, and attended Ogden and St. Joseph-Ogden High School before joining the U.S. Navy and served as a boatswain's mate second class on the USS Bagley during the Vietnam War.
Following his return from military service, Robert pursued a career in construction and building maintenance in the Champaign-Urbana and Danville area. He was very artistic and skilled with his hands.
Following Bob's retirement in 2008, he moved to southwest Florida. He was currently a member of Venice, Fla., American Legion Post 159. He enjoyed fishing, all sports, beach excursions, and basking in the warm climate.
Bob enjoyed his extended family and particularly visiting with his many nieces and nephews. He was well liked by everyone.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret Anne Miller; his great-nephew, Robert Bailey; and a loving sister-in-law, Marlene K. (Beard) Alsip.
He is survived by his brothers, Donald (Brenda) Alsip of Ogden and Larry (Kathy) Alsip of Paxton; and sister, Suellyn (Merrill) Norton of Englewood, Fla. Also surviving are nephews and nieces, Steven Rogers, Janette Green, Carole Rogers, Cindy Neeley, Lori Frerichs, Michelle Trame, Michael Alsip, Matthew Alsip and Melissa Ward; and numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Family burial services will be held at a later date in Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Fla. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
A celebration of Bob's life will occur in the spring of 2014 in his hometown of Ogden.
Condolences may be offered on his obituary's guest book at www.news-gazette.com.

Lester Mennenga

Lester Mennenga

GIFFORD – Lester E. Mennenga, 69, of rural Gifford died at 8:34 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 19, 2013) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with Rev. James T. Lehmann and Pastor Bradley Shumaker officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery with military honors by Royal American Legion Post 996.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, in Dier's Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton, is handling arrangements.
Lester was born March 30, 1944, in Champaign, a son of Ernest and Anna Ehmen Mennenga.
He is survived by two sons, Mark and Paul Mennenga; a brother, Lowell (Ellen) Mennenga of Savoy; two nephews, Robb (Bonnita) Mennenga of Milwaukee, Wis., and Edward (Lindsay) Mennenga of Lincoln, Neb.; and numerous other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Lester graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1962 and served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965.
He retired from Super Value, Champaign, after 30 years of employment. After his retirement, he worked as a handyman for the Vineyard Church for several years.
Lester was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, and a man of great faith. He was also a member of the Royal American Legion Post 996. He always enjoyed his morning coffee with the boys.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Vets, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.
Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Barbara Wakefield

Barbara Wakefield

HOMER – Barbara Lynn Wakefield, 66, of Homer passed away at 9:02 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 20, 2013) at her home.
There will be a funeral service at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Diane Leman will officiate. Burial will be in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer.
There will be a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the funeral home.
Mrs. Wakefield was born on March 21, 1947, in Aurora, a daughter of William and Betty Ballow Webb. She married Mike Wakefield on Sept. 30, 1967, in Homer. He survives.
Also surviving are her mother, Betty Webb of Mahomet; two sons, Craig Wakefield of Homer and Keith (Tiffany) Wakefield of Palm Harbor, Fla.; four grandchildren, Victoria, Cole, Mila and Ezra; two sisters, Diane (Frank) Dutton of Mahomet and Donna (George) Heppe of Homer; and one brother, Dave Webb of St. Joseph.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Barb was an early childhood development teacher. She had worked through the years at Rocking Horse, Champaign County Child Care, Elite Early Learning and out of her home.
She was a member of the Vineyard Church in Urbana. She was a mother to everyone she met and will be deeply missed.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family has requested donations go to Homer Fire and Rescue, Carle Hospice or an organization of the donor's choice.

Mary Thomsen

Mary Thomsen

ST. JOSEPH – Mary J. Thomsen, 74, of St. Joseph passed away at 4:58 a.m. Monday (Oct. 21, 2013) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, after a brief illness.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Urbana. Burial will be in Danville National Cemetery, Danville. A receiving line will be held from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Thomsen was born July 23, 1939, in Chicago, the daughter of Hugh and Mary Scott. She married Raymond Thomsen of Port Chester, N.Y., on Oct. 21, 1961, in Amarillo, Texas.
Surviving are one son, Raymond P. Thomsen of Urbana; two daughters, Mary Jo Bridgewater of St. Joseph and Dawn Thomsen of Phoenix, Ariz.; a granddaughter, Erin E. Bridgewater; two brothers, Jack Scott of Oak Forest and Thomas Scott of Chicago; one sister, Kathy Shapiro of Lombard; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond and her sister Alice Dudman.
She was a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired after 20 years from the University of Illinois.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary, St. Joseph.

Virginia Risley

Virginia Risley

URBANA – Virginia Risley, formerly of St. Joseph, passed peacefully at Presence Covenant Medical Center on Friday (Oct. 18, 2013) following complications from hip surgery.
There will be a visitation on Tuesday, Oct 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Blair-Owens Funeral Home, 102 E. Dunbar St., Mahomet. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. at University Place Christian Church, 403 S. Wright St., Champaign. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield.
Virginia was born April 22, 1926, in Foosland, the only daughter of Arthur and Naoma Ball. She married William Risley on Nov. 25, 1950, in Foosland, the coldest day on record (as she often recalled). William died Jan. 13, 2013.
Virginia attended Gibson City High School and Illinois Commercial College, achieving a proficiency of clerk typist 6 - skills she applied during her varied secretarial career. She was a homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She will be missed by four sons, David (Eileen) of Rochester, Martin (Candice) of Long Beach, Calif., James (Angela) of Mahomet and John (Gayle) of Belvidere; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Beth Boze. She will also be missed by many who considered her a second mom.
Virginia was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Robin Davis.
Virginia and William were longtime members of the University Place Christian Church, where she volunteered as an office secretary for many years. Her love of music was nurtured by her father and she was an excellent piano player.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674).
Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.

Virginia Risley

Virginia Risley

URBANA – Virginia Risley, formerly of St. Joseph, passed peacefully at Presence Covenant Medical Center on Friday (Oct. 18, 2013) following complications from hip surgery.
There will be a visitation on Tuesday, Oct 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Blair-Owens Funeral Home, 102 E. Dunbar St., Mahomet. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. at University Place Christian Church, 403 S. Wright St., Champaign. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield.
Virginia was born April 22, 1926, in Foosland, the only daughter of Arthur and Naoma Ball. She married William Risley on Nov. 25, 1950, in Foosland, the coldest day on record (as she often recalled). William died Jan. 13, 2013.
Virginia attended Gibson City High School and Illinois Commercial College, achieving a proficiency of clerk typist 6 - skills she applied during her varied secretarial career. She was a homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She will be missed by four sons, David (Eileen) of Rochester, Martin (Candice) of Long Beach, Calif., James (Angela) of Mahomet and John (Gayle) of Belvidere; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Beth Boze. She will also be missed by many who considered her a second mom.
Virginia was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Robin Davis.
Virginia and William were longtime members of the University Place Christian Church, where she volunteered as an office secretary for many years. Her love of music was nurtured by her father and she was an excellent piano player.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674).
Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.

Gail Mann

Gail Mann

ST. JOSEPH – Gail Mann, 55, of St. Joseph passed away at 4:35 a.m. Friday (Oct. 18, 2013) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Celebration of Life service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Seth Jersild officating. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
She was born Feb. 13, 1958, in Urbana to Ansel and Janet Anderson.
She was a graduate of Champaign Central High School, class of 1976.
She received an associates degree in Radiology Technology from Parkland College in 1978. Gail worked in the Radiology Department at Carle Foundation Hospital for 35 years.
She married Steven R. Mann on May 18, 1985. He survives.
She is also survived by her parents of Champaign and her two children, Courtney Mann (Brandon Sisney) of Urbana and Todd (Ashalie) Mann of Fithian; one grandson, Paityn; and brother, Alan (Brenda) Anderson of Rantoul.
Other survivors include uncles Denny (Helen) Anderson of Lubbock, Texas, and Neil (Joyce) Belles of Wilmington, Del., aunts Eloise (Lewis) Miller of Berwick, Pa., and Christine Belles of Warren, Mich., and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friend Kathy (Carl) Sweet of Pesotum.
She was precedes in death by uncles Duane Belles and Marshall (Irene) Anderson, and lifelong friend Pamela Bennett.
Gail dedicated her life to her children and her family. She was devoted to her coworkers, whom she considered a second family. Gail enjoyed fitness classes and walking her dog at Homer Lake Forest Preserve.
She was a member of St. Joseph Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mills Breast Cancer Institute.

Albert Craig

Albert Craig

ASHMORE – Albert Craig Jr., 93, of Ashmore passed away at 4:38 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 12, 2013) at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney. Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Craig was born Sept. 8, 1920, in Philo to Albert and Ethel Guard Craig. He married Thelma Ruffner on June 18, 1939 in Urbana. She preceded him in death on March 21, 1991. Surviving are three daughters, Donna Smith of Covington, Ga., Judy Fargusson and Darlene Fillenworth, both of Springfield; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Richard; and his parents.
He farmed in the Sidney, Philo and St. Joseph area. He attended Sidney and St. Joseph schools. He was employed at St. Joseph Grade School as custodian and bus driver for 30 years. He raised cattle, pigs and had a vegetable garden in Oakland after his retirement. He enjoyed collecting key rings. He loved his cat "Buck" and spending time with his family.
He was a member of Knights of Pythias in Sidney and St. Joseph, where he served in all chairs while a member and was also Chancellor of Commander.
Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society.

Mary Butler

Mary Butler

St. Joseph – Mary Butler, 87, of West Lafayette, Ind., formerly of St. Joseph, passed away at 10:30 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 12, 2013) at Greentree Assisted Living in West Lafayette.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mary was born April 25, 1926, at Springfield, Ohio, the daughter of John C. and Edna Rapp Holloway. She married Richard D. Butler on Oct. 31, 1954. He preceded her on April 9, 1995.
She is survived by two daughters, Debra (Michael) Kreger of West Lafayette, Teri Pierce of Snyder, Okla.; three grandchildren, Amanda Kreger of West Lafayette, Daniel Pierce of Savoy and Robert Pierce of Champaign; and three great- grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Holloway and Otto F. Holloway; and one son, Gary Butler.
Mary was a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.
Memorials may be made to the Gary Butler Memorial Fund at Busey Bank or donor's choice.

Ray Ideus

Ray Ideus

Thomasboro – Ray E. Ideus, 64, of rural Thomasboro (Flatville) passed away at 11:33 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2013) at his home after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with Pastor Barbara Busboom and Pastor James Lehmann officating. Burial will take place at Kopmann Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Friday) at Diers Hall at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.
Ray was born Feb. 9, 1949, to Heye and Dorothy Ehler Ideus. He married Judith (Judy) Farmer on Feb. 18, 1967, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She survives.
Ray is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Ideus Bahls of Country Health Nursing Home, Gifford; one daughter, Darcy Silver; son-in-law, Neal Silver; granddaughters, Carlee Rae Silver and Katey Lynn Silver, all of rural Rantoul; sisters, Delores (Alan, dec.) Harms of Royal, Linda (Gary) Carmien of rural Urbana; brother, Ron (Nancy) Ideus of rural Flatville; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Ray was preceded in death by his father and grandparents Ulfert and Grace (Bluhm) Ideus and Reiner and Sena (Kopmann) Ehler.
Ray graduated from Flatville grade school and Rantoul Township High School class of 1967. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served on church council, was a Luther League sponsor and enjoyed serving as an usher.
His interests included attending his granddaughters' events, camping, spending time with the family and friends, buying and selling farm equipment, and his passion and love of farming.
Ray and his family wish to express their gratitude for the care and support shown to them by everyone at Christie Clinic, Presence Hospice staff and his wonderful caregivers, Carleen and Jodi, whom the family could not have done without.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, or donor's choice.

Lena Hinrichs

Lena Hinrichs

URBANA – Lena Blue Hinrichs, 99, of rural Urbana passed away Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2013) at Heartland Health Care Center, Paxton.
She was born March 2, 1914, the daughter of Oltman and Engel (Thompsen) Blue. She married Martin Hinrichs on Dec. 13, 1934. He preceded her in death on April 13, 1993.
Survivors include a son, Arlan (Donna) Hinrichs, and a daughter, Janice (Roger) Welch, all of rural Urbana. She was Oma to five grandchildren, Marcille Umbarger, Steve (Karen) Welch, Sharon (Bill) Albaugh, Robin Heintz and Wade Hinrichs; 11 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandsons; two step-great grandchildren; and one step-great-great grandson. She is also survived by two sisters, Erna Ehmen and Alma Ackerman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters.
Lena's love for family and friends was ever present. She will always be remembered for her hospitality; having coffee and "a bite to eat" for relatives and visitors.
Lena was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, in Diers Hall at Flatville with a prayer service at 4 p.m. Lux Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
A special thanks to the nurses, CNAs and staff at Heartland Nursing Home in Paxton and Iroquois Memorial Hospice for their care.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice.

Robert Reese

Robert Reese

URBANA – Robert Buren Reese, 67, of Urbana died Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2013) at his home.
He was born Aug. 3, 1946, to Buren and Marguerite Reese in Champaign. He married Janet Esworthy on Aug. 21, 1965, in St. Joseph.
Robert was a graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School class of 1964. He also graduated from Illinois Commercial College in Champaign in 1965. He worked for several years as an accountant in Bloomington-Normal. In 1972, he became a farmer and farmed for 41 years.
He is survived by his wife, Janet of Urbana; daughter, Diana (Mete) Sarabi of Champaign; son, James Reese of Urbana; one grandson, Roman Sarabi; and one brother, Jeff Reese of St. Joseph.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Visitation will be held at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 12). Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Freese Funeral Home, followed by a burial service in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview.
Memorial contributions may be made to Neuro Muscular research Fund at Washington University in the memory of Robert Reese; attn: Traci Christenson, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Box 8111, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Guy Bauman

Guy Bauman

St. Joseph – Guy G. Bauman Jr., 93, of St. Joseph died at 10:05 a.m. Friday (Oct. 4, 2013) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Guy was born Sept. 28, 1920, to Guy G. and Pearl Mae Benefiel Bauman in Urbana. He married Ann Arvilla Shirley on Nov. 16, 1949, in St. Joseph.
He is survived by his wife of St. Joseph and several nieces and nephews.
Guy was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a brother.
Guy served with the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, Guy and his father operated Bauman Heating. Later, he became a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local No. 230 and worked with them for many years. Guy was a member of the Church of Christ in St. Joseph. He loved to fish.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with David Barcus officating. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Inez Britt

Inez Britt

Ogden – Inez Britt, 83, of rural Ogden died Friday (Sept. 20, 2013) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana,
She was born Sept. 10, 1930, in Jesse Lake, Minn., the daughter of Magnes and Inga Kongsjord. She married Robert Britt of Ogden on Sept. 13, 1954. He preceded her in death.
She is survived by three sons, Jeffrey Britt of Eagan, Minn., John Britt of Champaign and Paul Britt of Indianapolis, Ind.; a daughter, Deborah Britt of Livermore, Calif.; and a grandson, Daniel Britt of St. Peter, Minn.
She worked for 30 years as a bookkeeper at Meier Duitsman Oil Co. in Royal.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph. Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Alma Denhart

Alma Denhart

ST. JOSEPH – Alma Denhart was graciously lifted up into the loving arms of her Lord on Sunday (Sept. 8, 2013).
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph, with a 7 p.m. prayer service.
Alma was born Dec. 3, 1922, in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, a daughter of Heinrich and Katherina Funk. She met Merle Denhart while he was stationed in Germany after the war. After the war, Alma came to the United States and was married on Dec. 2, 1947, in Linden, Ind.
She is survived by her children, Ellen (Alan) Woods of St. Joseph, Christina Weyer of St. Joseph and Roger (Lanna) Denhart of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Anthony (Larisa) Woods of Hillsboro, Ore., Elizabeth (Mike) Barber of Fort Collins, Colo., Stacia Denhart of Mesa, Ariz., Matthew Weyer of Aurora, Marcus Weyer of St. Joseph, Jeff (Nicki) Steinman of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Brooke Steinman of Wixom, Mich. Great-grandchildren are Oliver Woods, Timothy, Mary, Lucas, Andrew and Joseph Barber and Alex Steinman.
Alma was preceded in death by her husband Merle, her parents, two brothers, and a daughter, Linda Holmberg.
Alma was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Royal Neighbors of America, and the St. Joseph Senior Citizens.
Alma loved to watch sports. She was a Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and an Illini fan. She would ride her bike to watch her grandchildren participate in sporting events or any other activity that they participated in.
She loved vegetables and flower gardening. She won prizes for her gardening talents at the St. Joseph Fall Festival and the Champaign County Fair.
She loved riding her bike all around town to do her grocery shopping, going to special events and visiting special friends and family, as this was her only method of transportation, since she never drove a car. Occasionally she would ride the Office of Aging van that picked up seniors in rural areas if she wanted to go to Champaign-Urbana. Her family would also take her places.
She loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She really loved people and never met a stranger.
She will be greatly missed by all who are thankful for her life on this earth.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Homer Kuder

Homer Kuder

ST. JOSEPH – Homer M. Kuder, 93, of St. Joseph passed away Tuesday (Sept. 3, 2013) at Country Health Nursing Home, Gifford.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Kric Light officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Homer was born Oct. 4, 1919, in St. Joseph, the son of Frank and Juanita Gibson Kuder. He married Wanda LaVon Wacker. She preceded him in death on March 3, 1986. He then married Ruth L. Madsen Wacker. She died on Nov. 25, 2010.
He is survived by his son, John (Andrea Kabcinel) Kuder of Ithaca, N.Y.; and daughters, Karel (Rich) Earl of St. Joseph and Gayle (Mike) Massingiill of Fithian. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Howard.
Also surviving are a stepson, Gary (Terry) Wacker of Champaign; a stepdaughter, Debra (Tom) Yeagle of Farmer City; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Barbara) Kuder of Texas; and former son-in-law, Terry Howard.
He was also preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, John.
Homer was a member of the University Place Christian Church, Champaign Lions Club and Illini Alumni Club. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1941.
Homer was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving as an officer during World War II. Homer got to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Homer worked for the USDA as a soil scientist from 1945 to 1975. Homer also liked to camp and enjoyed traveling all over the world. He was also a member of the St. Joseph American Legion.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer Association or donor's choice.

Willard Cox

Willard Cox

OGDEN – Willard R. Cox, 85, passed away at Heartland Healthcare Center in Champaign on Sept. 4, 2013.
Visitation will start at 2 p.m., followed by a short funeral service at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Pastor Kathy J. Murphy will officiate. Burial and military rites will follow in Stearns Fithian-Muncie Cemetery.
Willard was born May 5, 1928, in Urbana Township, the son of Elmer Daniel and Olive Edith Cox.
He attended elementary school in Sidney, and graduated from Pontiac Township High School. In 1952, Mr. Cox received an honorable discharge from the Army after serving in the Korean Conflict, where he served in the infantry repairing military tanks and trucks.
He retired from the University of Illinois, where he met his wife of 46 years, Dorothy M. Cox, who passed away on Dec. 20, 2012.
Willard was also preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Delores Weber and Lois Brownfield; his brother, Wayne Cox; and one great-grandchild.
Survivors include two stepsons, Donnie K. Harlan (Tina) of Estero, Fla., and Bobby C. Harlan of Ogden; one stepdaughter, Sandra Osterbur (Randall) of Urbana; and five granddaughters, Deanna Burgess of Urbana, Melinda Shafer (Chris) of Troy, Valerie No of St. Louis, Mo., and Kimberly Walden (Mike, deceased) and Kelly Kuchefski (Eric), both of Urbana; and five great-grandchildren.
Willard was known for having a hammer, nail or shovel handy and was able to realize his lifelong dream of building his own home.
The family is grateful to the staff at Heartland Healthcare Center for their care, kindness and compassion shown to Willard and his family during his time there.
Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Nancy Chamnik

Nancy Chamnik

ST. JOSEPH – Nancy Jean Chamnik was born Sept. 21, 1941, to Harry Eugene Wilson and Iola Mary Wilson and completed her life on May 28, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nev. Her last loving act was to donate her tissues and organs to others and her remains for medical study.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, Frank Hoffner and William Thomas Chamnik. William died March 18, 1996.
She is survived by her children, Tammy Josephine Wisenhunt, Diana Veronica Hoffner, Frank Michael Hoffner and Martin Jay Hoffner; grandchildren and her half-brother, Robert N. Drew (Jolene G. Drew) of St. Joseph.
Her cremated remains will be buried beside her mother and grandmother in Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka, with a private graveside service.

Majorie Clark

Marjorie Clark

ST. JOSEPH – Marjorie A. Clark, 89, of St. Joseph passed away at home at 7:07 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 7, 2013).
Celebration of Life memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paul Dinges will officiate.
Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm St., Champaign, is assisting with arrangements.
She was born June 27, 1924, in Waggoner, a daughter of Edgar and Bertha (Lewis) Arnold.
She married Darrel Clark on June 22, 1944, in Charleston. He preceded her in death in 1966.
She is survived by two sons, Ross (Paige) Clark, of Arcadia, Fla., and Gregory (Dana) Clark, of Carmel, Ind.; one sister, Carol Stevens, of Springfield, Ill.; a brother, Thomas Arnold, of Farmersville, Ill.; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her parents and a son, Richard (twin brother to Ross).
Before her retirement, Mrs. Clark was a receptionist at Doddson Travel Agency and a receptionist for Dr. H. J. Kolb, in St. Joseph.
Known for her delicious cherry pies, she enjoyed baking pies for family and friends.
She was a member of St. Joseph First United Methodist Church, Senior Citizens of St. Joseph, and a member of Curves. She was a St. Louis Cards fan.
Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.HeathandVaughn.com.

Janice Freeman

Janice Freeman

OGDEN – Janice Virginia Freeman of Ogden and Bradenton, Fla., passed away at 96 on Sunday (Sept. 1, 2013) at her home in Bradenton, surrounded by family.
Janice was the daughter of Stella Divan and Fernie Clark. She was the loving wife of Carl Freeman.
She is survived by her daughter, Jan Freeman of Bradenton, Fla., and her son, Gary Freeman of Novato, Calif. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Estella, Clark and Maggie of Bradenton, Fla., and Jennie and Laurel of San Francisco. There are three great-grandchildren, Shawn Isaac, Ella and Lucine.
Janice graduated from Ogden High School as well as beauty college in Chicago. For a time she ran a beauty shop in Ogden.
Janice and Carl owned and ran a bar and restaurant in Ogden for many years. They also owned a beach cafe on Anna Maria Island, Fla., called Skinny's.
Janice lived a rich, full life. She loved to travel, especially by train. She was a fan of live theater and ice skating shows and she loved to tell stories of her life in Ogden.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the GAR Cemetery in Homer. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements. There will be an informal gathering afterwards at the family home in Ogden. All are welcome to either or both. For information, call Jan Freeman at 941-580-2267.
The family will miss mom, grandma, Gigi, very, very much.

Roche Cain

Roche Cain

ST. JOSEPH – Roche A. Cain, 34, passed away Aug. 29, 2013, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, Wis.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the Vineyard Church, 1500 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, with Pastor Dan Putnam officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ivesdale. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.
Roche was born Jan. 30, 1979, at Urbana, the son of Roche A. Cain and Louise Manning.
He is survived by his parents, Roche (Heather) Cain of St. Joseph and Louise (Jim) Bryant of St. Joseph; a daughter, Gracie Cain, at home; fiancee, Jackie Larson and his unborn daughter of Urbana; siblings, Kara and Nathan Rewerts, Jason, Austin and Payton Cain, all of St. Joseph; paternal grandmother, Doris Cain of Savoy; and maternal grandmother, Maxine Manning of Urbana.
He was preceded in death by both his grandfathers.
Roche was a member of the Sheetmetal Workers Union. He enjoyed cooking, his dogs, playing softball and spending time with his family. Roche just enjoyed having a good time in life.
Memorials may be made to Angels for Roche Jr. at Busey Bank, St. Joseph.
In honor of Roche, the family will have a balloon release at the cemetery after the service.

Bruce David

Bruce David

ST. JOSEPH – Bruce David, 97, of St. Joseph passed away at 5:20 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 31, 2013) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Jud Travis officiating. Burial will be in Murdock Cemetery, Murdock. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Bruce was born Dec. 24, 1915, at Murdock, the son of Louis and Cora Chaffin David. He married Louise Duncan on Oct. 4, 1938. She survives.
He is also survived by a son, Ronald (SunHu) David of California; grandson, Bruce David of California; and sister Alice Shumaker of Broadlands.
He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
Bruce farmed in the St. Joseph area until 2006 and also worked as a locksmith. He lived on the farm from 1941-2006.
Bruce enjoyed fishing and woodworking and loved gardening and spending time with his wife.

Dorothy McCown

Dorothy McCown

St. Joseph – Dorothy McCown, 95, of St. Joseph died at 4:15 a.m. Friday (Aug. 23, 2013) at the Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana. She was born Feb. 13, 1918, to John Wesley and Oma Gay (Comer) Truax. She married Lewis Edwin McCown on Oct. 13, 1946. He preceded her in death in 1965.
Dorothy graduated from Homer High School, Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Master's of Education.
She taught first in a one-room schoolhouse near Homer, and later taught second grade at St. Joseph Grade School. Dorothy was a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, where she taught an adult Sunday School class; she belonged to the United Methodist Women, Home Makers, Red Hats and Senior Citizens. She also played bridge with various groups and enjoyed reading.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings (Sarah Ellen Postle, Beulah Hyman, John Charles Truax) and daughter (Carol Elizabeth McCown). She is survived by son, Donald Edwin McCown of O'Fallon, Mo.; daughter, Jean Louise McCown of St. Joseph; granddaughter, Lynne Marie McCown of Savoy; niece, Ann Marie (Postle) Richter of Chicago, whom Dorothy and Edwin helped raise; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with the funeral to follow at 5 p.m.
The family requests memorials to your favorite charity, in lieu of other expressions of sympathy.

Larry Aden

Larry Aden

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Larry C. Aden, 71, of Spokane Valley, Wash., formerly of Royal, died Friday (July 26, 2013) after a long heart-related illness.
He was born July 13, 1942, in Urbana, son of Clarence G. Aden and Minnie Buhr Aden, who preceded him in death.
Larry grew up and lived in Royal for many years. He served as a Seaman Apprentice for the U.S. Navy. After his return home he farmed the family farm and worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation. For the past 22 years he resided in Spokane, Wash.
Larry is survived by his loving partner of 21 years, Kathy Maisenbacher of Spokane Valley, Wash.; children of a previous marriage, Kelly Aden of Champaign and Mark Aden of Wasilla, Alaska; a grandson, Nathaniel Aden of Wasilla, Alaska; and stepchildren, Christy Panday and Adrian Maisenbacher. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Aden; and sisters, Brenda Aden and Sandra Aden.
A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, at Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Community Cremation and Funeral Spokane Valley, 13127 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley, WA 99216; 509-926-2020. www.CommunityCremationandFuneral.com.

Dorothy Boise

Dorothy Boise

CHAMPAIGN – Dorothy "Dotty" Boise, 78, of Champaign passed away at 7:17 p.m. Friday (July 19, 2013) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday July 24, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, followed by graveside services at 11:15 a.m. at Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Pastor Paul Dinges will officiate.
Dotty was born July 20, 1934, at Champaign, the daughter of Percy W. and Eva Benefield Schuman. She married Joseph Boise on May 11, 1952, at St. Joseph. He survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Ginger (Kent) Lenz of Champaign; a son, Gregory (Lisa) Boise of Tolono; seven grandchildren, Erica Bales, Aleene Lenz, Jana Lenz, all of Champaign, Kimberlee Boise of Clinton, Julie Boise of Tolono, Geoffrey Boise of Tolono and Joseph Boise of Tolono; six great-grandchildren; and a niece, Patricia Baker of Lakewood, Colo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and a niece.
Dotty was a member of St. Joseph United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the VFW Post 5520 Auxiliary and the Eagles of Champaign Auxiliary.
Dotty enjoyed bingo and music. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Lung Association or St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

Virginia Davis

Virginia Davis

SAVOY – Virginia May Craver Davis died at Clark-Lindsey Village, Urbana, on Sunday (July 14, 2013) after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She lived life to its fullest!
Virginia was born on Jan. 26, 1927, in Las Vegas, Nev., to her proud parents, Nolan C. and Hazel M. Craver. Nolan was a physical education teacher and coach at Las Vegas High School. Longing to return to the Midwest, the family relocated to Crawfordsville, Ind., in 1928.
When Virginia was 13, they moved to Homer, where she graduated from Homer High School in 1945. Virginia's maternal grandfather, Louis V. Jurgensmeyer, was a lifelong Homer businessman and farmer who served as mayor for many terms.
Following high school, Virginia went to MacMurray College, Jacksonville, where she majored in art. She met a handsome World War II Air Force pilot, Capt. Robert Davis, at church and she invited him to a dance at MacMurray. They were married two years later at Homer United Methodist Church on June 30, 1948.
Virginia and Bob were both active members of the Homer community for over 50 years. They owned and operated Big D Seed Farm for many years. Virginia was the consummate volunteer! Whether she was leading an organization at Homer United Methodist Church, cooking for Lions Club, leading the MYF youth group, serving as a Girl Scout leader, volunteering in the gift shop at Burnham Hospital or leading a committee for the Homer Women's Club, everyone knew that she would be providing kind and loving leadership to all she met along the way.
Virginia had many hobbies. She enjoyed working in her garden, knitting, doing crafts, going to the movies, being with her friends and family and playing bridge. She was a passionate, lifelong fan of Illini basketball and football. She and Bob loved to ballroom dance. They danced for decades and enjoyed the friendships that they made while doing something they loved to do. Virginia was an excellent cook who prepared and served many delicious meals over the years at her home, her cottage and her church, all with loving care and compassion.
Traveling was also a passion. For over 65 years, Virginia enjoyed spending time in Door County, Wis., with her family and friends at the family cottage. In addition, she and Bob traveled to Europe, took wonderful sailing trips in the Caribbean and spent several months at their home in Venice, Fla., during the cold Illinois winters. Since 1970, Virginia drove to Wisconsin to visit her daughter's family nearly every six weeks, as recently as Christmas 2012.
At the age of 64, Virginia started her Mary Kay business. She proudly served her Mary Kay customers for 22 years, making her last deliveries in June 2013. Her customers and her colleagues became dear friends.
In 2001, Virginia and Bob moved to Savoy. Virginia remained close to her Homer friends, while making new friends in the Champaign-Urbana community. She and Bob joined Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign in 2001. After Bob's death in 2003, Virginia immersed herself into volunteerism.
At Faith, she worked with the Youth Club and other church groups. Cunningham Children's Home was another special place where she volunteered, helping those in need. At the time that Virginia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2013, she was still volunteering as an usher at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and driving "old people" to the doctor several times a week. She was an active member of the Art Needle Club in Homer, played bridge in various bridge clubs and continued helping at Faith United Methodist Church.
Virginia is survived by her three children, Georgiana Giese Schwandt (Michael) of Portage, Wis., Nancy Kurre (Joe) of Hollywood, Fla., and Bill Davis (Mary) of Ogden. In addition, she leaves six grandchildren, Chris Giese (Abby), Pete Giese (Jacqueline), Chas Prange, Rob Prange (Susan), Alicia Kolton (Neil) and Elaine Davis (Aaron Shelksohn). Two great-grandchildren, Connor Davis Giese and Kendall Paige Giese, will dearly miss their Great-Grandma Davis who loved them deeply. Virginia's brother, Nolan C. Craver Jr. and his family, also mourn her passing as well as many, many friends of all ages.
A private inurnment service will take place at the Jurgensmeyer family mausoleum at the Homer GAR Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family in celebrating Virginia's life at Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign, at 3:30 p.m. July 19, 2013. Guests are asked to share memories and bring favorite photos of Virginia. Following the service, attendees are invited to visit with the family at the church and enjoy refreshments.
Virginia requested that memorials in her memory be made to Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana. Even in her passing, she continues to help others.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Meadowbrook at Clark-Lindsey Village for the loving care and concern for Virginia during her brief stay there. Virginia's love and kindness made the world a better place. She set an example for her family and community on how to love, how to serve and how to treat others. We love you and will miss you forever. Kirby Funeral Home in Homer is in charge of arrangements.