Ronald Rockwell

Ronald Rockwell

HOMER – Ronald James Rockwell, 70, of Homer passed away at 4:09 p.m. Friday (March 29, 2013) at Heartland Healthcare in Champaign. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, April 1, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. The Rev. Dennis Anglin will officiate. Burial will be in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer with military rites at the graveside. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Rockwell was born April 8, 1942, in Tulsa, Okla., a son of Earl and Fern Coburn Rockwell. Survivors include his girlfriend of 13 years, Sharon Cutright in Homer; five children, Mary Ray of Eudora, Miss., Lisa (David) Makemson of Danville, Rhonda (Buddy) Wilson of Southaven, Miss., James (Amelia) Rockwell of Gallatin, Tenn., and Sueann Rockwell of Bismarck; 17 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; one sister, Billie Wilsey of Inola, Okla. He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandsons.
Mr. Rockwell helped with maintenance at the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer, through the years worked in water treatment and helped with farming. Ron was a member of the Homer American Legion. He was an Army veteran.
His hobbies included fishing, gardening, camping and loving the outdoors. He enjoyed working on old cars. He was also an avid reader of Louis L'Amour westerns. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cysticfibrosis Foundation.

Herbert Helmick

Herbert Helmick, Sr.

URBANA – Herbert Bradley Helmick Sr., 82, of Urbana passed on at 8:44 a.m. March 24, 2013.
Herb was born Sept. 14, 1930, to Otto Carl and Lola (Isaacs) Helmick. He was married to Florence (Wingler) on Aug. 4, 1950, and they had seven children.
Survivors include a son, Rick (Debbie) Helmick Sr. of St. Joseph; daughters, Patricia L. Helmick of Champaign, Jo Lynn (Marion "Boots") Lewis of Idaho, Vicki L. (Gary) Plackett of Pesotum and Kristi L. (Jack) Helmick of Champaign; 14 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four sisters, Marty Smith of Indiana, Rose (Frank) Burello of Indiana, Helen (Scott) Fisher of Michigan and Judy (Jack) Pease of Urbana; two brothers, Carl Helmick of Indiana and Bob Head of Urbana; half-sister, Lois; brother-in-law, William "Bill" Wingler of Champaign; sister-in-law, Kay (George) Meek of Michigan; sister-in-law, Madonna (Dave) Espling of Indiana; and his two beloved dogs, Hudson and Abby.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years; his parents; three sisters, Elta, Velta and Beulah; two brothers, Delbert and Hubert Helmick; two sons, Herby Helmick Jr. and Jay Helmick; a granddaughter, Lori A. Rivera; and a grandson, Ricky "Boo" Helmick, Jr.
Herb was a hard worker from the age of 8. He enjoyed sharing his skills with others. He worked on jobs that were incredibly difficult. During his life he enjoyed many activities including shooting marbles, playing pool and throwing horseshoes and he excelled at all.
He was in the Army and he was always very patriotic. He worked at and later purchased Hunter Lumber Company. He owned Helmick Lumber Mill, from which he retired in 2003.
Family and friends will gather together to honor Herb at noon Saturday, March 30, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in East Lawn Cemetery in Urbana, next to his loving wife.
As Herb always said, "see you in the funny papers."
Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 71, 107 N. Broadway, Urbana, IL 61801, where Herb was a longtime member, or donor's choice.

Walter Quednau

Walter Quednau

ST. JOSEPH – Walter Carl Quednau, 95, of St. Joseph died at 11:40 a.m. Monday (March 25, 2013) at Canterbury Ridge, Urbana.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Quednau was born on Feb. 9, 1918, in Chicago, the son of Walter Willie and Rosa Dreibrodt Quednau. He married Lois Luebker on June 23, 1945; she survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Jennifer Hixson of Urbana; two sons, Walter Carl Quednau of Bloomingdale and Robert Allen Quednau of St. Joseph; three sisters, Rose Rocklin, Meta Polak and Lorelei Lesak; one brother, Theodore Quednau; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Mr. Quednau was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
He retired as a sales engineer for Interlake Steel.
Mr. Quednau was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, and the VFW.
He loved golfing, fixing VCRs and working with computers.
Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Lynnae Finis

Lynnae Finis

ST. JOSEPH – Lynnae Reese Finis began her life's journey on Jan. 16, 1985, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
A struggling diabetic, Lynnae faced many challenges throughout her life's journey. Lynnae reached her final destination on Sunday (March 24, 2013) at the University of Wisconsin Medical Center.
She was a 2003 graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School and attended Parkland College.
Lynnae loved being with her family and spending time with her cousins and friends. She was a St. Joseph Panther/Spartan fan to the end, enjoying supporting (and coaching) her dad's girls' basketball team.
She loved getting to know the girls on the team and always had her front-row seat in the bleachers. She was proud of all of her dad's accomplishments, especially when he accepted the head coaching position at the high school level.
She was very close to her family and made it her primary goal to keep in touch with everyone. She was proud of her sister and strived for her sister to be proud of her. She welcomed her new brother-in-law Jacob with open arms.
She received the gift of life with a kidney/pancreas transplant in 2011. The family was pleased to learn that Lynnae would be able to extend the gift of life to at least two other families, thus allowing her amazing strength and spirit to continue. Lynnae's incredible perseverance and determination is to be admired and remembered.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ.
Memorials can be made to the Finis Family for the establishment of a Girls' Spartan basketball scholarship or to Restoring Hope Transplant House in Middleton, Wis.
She is survived by her parents, Jeff and Teresa Finis of St. Joseph; her sister, Brianna (Jacob) Varner of Rantoul; her beloved dog Narley; her paternal grandparents, Doug and Carolyn Finis of Bellflower; her maternal grandfather, Glenn Dillman of Homer; maternal great-grandmother, Elnora Felkner of Newman; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother and her angel, Judy Dillman.
Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements

Lynn Fenter

Lynn Fenter

URBANA – Lynn Ray Fenter, 58, of Urbana died at 8:25 a.m. Thursday (March 21, 2013) at home.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. Pastor Eric Colter will officiate. A reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Mr. Fenter was born Aug. 11, 1954, in Bryan, Ohio, the son of Merlyn and Carolyn Mock Fenter. He married Marsha Reiss on Sept. 2, 1989. She survives.
Also surviving are his parents of Florida; one son, Aaron Carl (Michelle) Fenter of Sidney; one daughter, Kylie Rae (Danny) Cloninger of Sidney; two sisters, Vicki Rickard of Oklahoma and Deb Reese of Indiana; two brothers, Merle Fenter of Florida and Chris Fenter of Florida; and six grandchildren, Alex, Ava and Allison Fenter, Raelyn, Rylee and Kodee Cloninger.
Mr. Fenter retired as a line technician for Kraft Foods.
He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, NRA, ISRA, Corvette Club of Champaign County and "The Lantern House Clubhouse."
Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Illinois.
Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Charles Steffey

Charles Steffey

OGDEN – Charles R. Steffey, 78, of Ogden passed away at 5:28 a.m. Wednesday (March 20, 2013) at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Ted Rohde will officiate. Burial will be in the G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Kirby Funeral Home.
Charles was born Dec. 13, 1934, in Ogden Township to William Lester and Dorothy Bumgart Steffey Sr.
He married Margaret Holycross on Oct. 27, 1957, in Danville. Margaret survives as well as two daughters, Salena (Ron) Peters of Urbana and Sharon (Jim) Ingrum of Ogden; one son, Rick Steffey of Homer; five grandchildren, Lindsey (Stuart) Purcell, Nicole Peters and her fiance, Ian Stanberry, Dana Peters, Hannah Ingrum and Layne Ingrum; one brother, William (Laura) Steffey Jr. of Homer; and several nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded by his parents and one sister, Dea Allison.
He attended the #10 Church of Christ. Charlie farmed in the area all his life. He enjoyed old cars, antiques and toy tractor shows. Some of his favorite times were spent at Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends.
You could always count on Charlie to be at the Colonial Pantry or Stallings Ford most mornings with a story to share with the local farmers.
The family would like to thank the 7th floor nurses and staff at Provena Covenant and Dr. Chaudhry for the excellent care provided during his illness. Memorial contributions may be made to Provena Covenant Foundation in memory of Charles R. Steffey.

David Devore

David Devore

SAVOY – David R. Devore, 57, of Savoy went home to be with our Lord on Monday afternoon (March 18, 2013) at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis. After months of very poor health, he was diagnosed with widespread cancer. His pastor and church friend was by his side.
Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Savoy United Methodist Church. All family and friends are welcome.
David was born to Lester and Norma Jean (Dow) Devore on July 18, 1955, in Champaign. His mother preceded him in death in 1970, leaving him with father and three brothers, Richard (Karin) of Plainfield, Michael (Judy) of Naperville and Dale (Eddi) of Yuma, Ariz.
David's father, Lester, later remarried in 1975 to Carol Shore. She brought into the family her daughter, Teresa (Terry Hitt) of St. Joseph, and her son, Walter (Jill) Shore of Urbana. This made a blended family of five brothers and one sister. He leaves a host of aunts, uncles and cousins, plus a multitude of friends.
As per David's wishes, he was cremated. At a later date, he will be placed in the cemetery beside his mother's grave in Southern Illinois. His mother was struck down by cancer, as was David.
David was working at Hawthorn Suites until his health forced him to retire. He then volunteered with friends for light duty jobs at his church, which he loved.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Savoy United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

Kenneth Irle

HAGERMAN • Kenneth Irle passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho, after a seven-year battle with cancer. Wife, Linda, and daughter, Mendi, were by his side.
Ken was born Jan. 3, 1946, in Champaign, Ill., to Harriett and Kenneth Irle. He was graduated from Champaign High School and the University of Illinois Medical Center, School of Pharmacy in Chicago, Ill. Ken married his high school sweetheart. After graduating from Pharmacy School, they moved to St. Joseph, Ill.
Ken and Linda owned and operated two drug stores for 20 years. After selling the drug stores, they moved to Indianapolis, Ind. They worked for Cub Food Pharmacy, where they had real days off and vacations. While taking one of those vacations to Yellowstone National Park, they decided they had to move to Idaho – so they did first, to Weiser for a year, then to Hagerman for the past 12 years all the while he worked as a pharmacist for Ridley’s Family Market, mostly in Buhl. He loved being a pharmacist, but looked oh so forward to retiring, which he did in 2011. But instead of traveling, he spent his time at Mountain States Tumor Institute.
Ken is survived by his wife, Linda, of 49 years; daughter, Mendi Brown (Alan); son, Kenny Irle; granddaughters, Joanne and Gabby Brown; grandsons, Kenneth and Jonathon Irle; sisters, Linda (Ray) Drebes and Pam (Terry) Seaman; sister-in-law, Becky (Bob) Obenland; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Hagerman Valley Senior Citizen Center. Donations may be made to the Hagerman Senior Center, 140 Lake St. W., Hagerman, ID 83332

Helen Gore Hawn

Helen Gore Hawn

CHAMPAIGN – Helen Myrtle McCartney (Gore) Hawn, 95, of Champaign passed away at 10:25 a.m. Saturday (March 16, 2013) at her home.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 21, at Stratford Park Bible Chapel. Jeremy Sander will officiate. Burial will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana.
Helen was born on Oct. 5, 1917, to parents Austin Elza and Mary (Humm) McCartney in St. Joseph. On Feb. 23, 1936, she married John Ethan Hawn in Indiana. He preceded her in death in 1959.
Helen is survived by five sons, John (Naomi) Hawn of Urbana, Harold (Betty) Hawn of Urbana, Jerry (Jan) Hawn of Tuscola, Dwain (Linda) Hawn of Champaign and Damon (Judy) Hawn of Monticello.
Survivors also include grandchildren, Kim (Robert) Hawn of Naples, Fla., Lee Allen (Jacquie) Hawn of Naples, Fla., Carol (Jim) Ross of Odgen, Russell Hawn (deceased), David (Beth) Hawn of Bement, Jim (Jett) Hawn of Murdock, Julie (Jim) Kellems of Urbana, Janie (Jeff) Hawn of Mansfield, Jeff (Angel) Hawn of Ludlow, Tina (Scott) Taylor of Tolono, Brian (Christina) Hawn of St. Joseph, Ryan (Cassandra) Hawn of Hammond, Michael Hawn of Urbana, Jennifer (Darren) Sebens of Monticello and Laural Fungate of Danville.
Also surviving are 46 great-grandchildren, including Dale Manthei, Ricky Goforth, John Cameron Hawn, Ethan Hawn, Kristi Cox, Blair Ross, Heather Ross, Courtney Ross, Cody Hawn, Josh Hawn, Angel Hawn, Miranda Hawn, Mackinze Hawn, Hayley Hawn, James Hawn, Michelle Skojec, Paulette Hawn, Dustin Hawn, Adam Kellems, Cheridan Kellems, Jada Hawn, Chayton Hawn, Holly Hawn, Lynnsey Hawn, Codey Shreeves, Chelsie Shreeves, Brandon Taylor, Cayla Hacker, Logan Hawn, Morgan Hacker, Victoria Hawn, Mariah Hawn, Samaryah, Kaiser Hawn, Noah Hawn, Dylan Sebens, Justin Ounkham, Jory Ounkham, Nathan Ounkham, Jacinda Ounkham, Chad Ounkham, Kristen Fugate, Kai Fugate and Klayton Fugate.
Also surviving are 30 great-great-grandchildren, including Haley Love, Rickie Allen Goforth, Gabriel Goforth, Mianna Goforth, Scarlette Hawn, Gage Cox, Hunter Cox, Kiera Cox, Luke Ross, Kalystra Thompson/Kemper, Blayne Hawn, Cody Hawn, Caylie Hawn, Silas Hawn, Seth Hawn, Brody Hawn, Brooklyn Kellems, Nathen Skojec, Cheyyen Skojec, Austin Knusden, Blake Knusden, Colton Hawn Morrison, Hailey Whipple, Mathew Owen, Autumn Weeks, Summer Weeks, Cloey Shreeves, Avery Eden and Roman Ounkham.
Helen cooked for many years for various University of Illinois fraternities. She was a great cook, well-known for her chicken and noodles and black walnut cake.
Helen was the owner and operator of Helen's Upholstery until she retired at the age of 86. She loved her flower garden and was a loving role model, always willing to step up to the plate when asked to do so. She was also an avid Illini basketball fan.
Helen was a dedicated wife to her husband and has missed him greatly.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; brothers, Paul and Everett McCartney; sisters, Charlotte Sielu, Hazel Shore and Edna McCartney; and grandchild, Melodie Ounkham.
Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

John McMahon

John McMahon

URBANA – John H. McMahon, 89, of Urbana, formerly of Ogden, passed away at 9:30 a.m. Friday (March 15, 2013) at the Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand, St. Joseph, with the Rev. Guy Keysear officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
John was born March 2, 1924, in Ogden, the son of James and Pauline Hiller McMahon. He married Bonita Hiser on July 25, 1947, in Ogden. She survives.
He is also survived by two sons, William (Paula) McMahon and Robert (Elizabeth) McMahon; one daughter, Mary (Tom Dennis) McMahon, all of Ogden; two grandchildren, Brian and Katie; two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandsons.
He was preceded by his parents and three brothers, William, James and Phillip McMahon.
John graduated from Ogden High School and the University of Illinois. He farmed his entire life and retired in 1987.
He was a member of the Ogden United Methodist Church. He had served on the Ogden High School Board and the St. Joseph-Ogden High School Board. He also served on the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Farmers Home Administration Board. He was a trustee on the Ogden Royal Fire Prevention Board.
John was a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau and a life member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association. John was a member of the Ogden American Legion. He served three years in the Army in the 788th Field Artillery during World War II.
Memorials may be made to the Ogden United Methodist Church.

Olga Reese

Olga Reese

ST. JOSEPH – Olga Reese, 96, of St. Joseph died at 5:20 a.m. Monday (March 11, 2013) at Country Health Nursing Home, Gifford.
Funeral services will be at noon Monday at Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, MN 55082.
Burial will be in Willow River Cemetery, Stillwater, Minn. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the Stillwater funeral home.
Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Fairfield

Robert Fairfield

ST. JOSEPH – Robert M. Fairfield, 91, of St. Joseph passed away at 4:20 p.m. Friday (March 8, 2013) at Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview.
Robert was born July 29, 1921, at Fisher, the son of Merle and Lenore Baylor Fairfield. He married Faye Lorraine Jeffers on Aug. 13, 1944, at Merkele, Texas. She preceded him on April 22, 2012.
He is survived by his children, daughter, Alesia (Terry) Price of St. Joseph and son, Thomas (Christine) R. Fairfield of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Robert was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in the European Theater.
He was co-owner with his father of Fair Security services. He retired from the State Geological Survey. He enjoyed working on and fixing different things and being outdoors. He was a resident of St. Joseph for over 50 years.