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.