Dr. James Harry Acklin

PARIS, Ill. – Dr. James Harry Acklin, 82, of Paris, Ill., passed away at 6:40 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 23, 2015) at Paris Community Hospital. He retired in 1994 after 34 years of service as a family physician.

He was born on Oct. 12, 1932, in Paris, the son of the late Paul and Pauline (Mason) Acklin. He married Sally Elizabeth Bloss on July 10, 1954, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Paris, and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, James Mason (Cindy) Acklin of Ogden and William John (Charisse) Acklin of Indianapolis, Ind.; a daughter, Elizabeth Alice "Betsy" (Tim) Ross of Mount Carmel; seven grandchildren, Emily (Justin) Garrett and Anna Acklin, both of Indianapolis, Louis Acklin of Bloomington, Sarah and John Acklin, both of Ogden, Andrew Ross of Carbondale and Alison Ross of Mount Carmel.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Susan Cecelia; and a sister, Cecelia E. "Teedie" Diehl.

Acklin was awarded a cross country scholarship to Eastern Illinois University. He later attended Millikin University before graduating in 1957 from the University of Illinois School of Medicine in Chicago. He served his internship at Cook County Hospital.

After two years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps as part of the Korean War draft, he returned to Paris to join the newly-organized clinic, and spent the rest of his working life in service to his hometown.

He was a member of The Presbyterian Church of Paris where he had served as a deacon, and was also a member of the American Medical Society. He especially enjoyed the fellowship of the Paris Kiwanis Club after retirement. He was a past recipient of the Mayo Middle School Wall of Fame award, and had been named a Paris High School Basketball Fan of the Year.

The most recent addition to the Paris Family Medical Center was named in honor of Dr. Acklin and his former associate, Dr. Shackelford.

As a physician, Dr. Acklin will be remembered for his energy and work ethic, his unfailing aequanimitas, and his deep respect for nurses. His community will remember his universal regard for all people, his desire to give back to his hometown, and his faithful support of local athletics. His family will remember his love of travel and his motorcycles, his spirit for having fun and making memories, and his pride in their accomplishments.

For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Paris High School Athletic Department, 14040 E. 1200th Rd., Paris, IL 61944.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at The Presbyterian Church in Paris, with the Rev. Rodger Allen and the Rev. Laurie Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Edgar Cemetery.

Memorial visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris, with the family present after 3 p.m.

Visit www.TempletonFuneralHome.com for additional information and to offer online condolences.

James Strawser Sr.

HOMER – James Dwight Strawser Sr., 88, of rural Homer passed away at 9:15 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 22, 2015) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, with Pastor Robin King officiating. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery in Homer with military rites accorded. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

James was born on Dec. 4, 1926, in Oriental, Pa., the son of Frank Benjamin and Carrie Susanna Cope Strawser. He married Carmen Smith on Nov. 26, 1949, in Urbana. She preceded him in death on Sept. 9, 2010.

Survivors include one son, James (Kathy) Strawser Jr. of Homer; three daughters, Beverly (Paul) Noerenberg of Tolono, Becky (Freddy) Smith of Homer and Barb (Larry) Negangard of Urbana; brother, Don Strawser of Pennsylvania; sister, Violet Stailey of Pennsylvania; brother, Leonard Strawser of Pennsylvania; sister, Doris Happ of Kentucky; brother, Wayne Strawser of Pennsylvania; brother, Richard Strawser of Pennsylvania; sister, Kay Strawser of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Jason Smith, Sandy Noerenberg, Heather Farmer, Tasha Strawser, Cori Funkhouser and Darryl Negangard; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant sister, Evelyn Strawser; brother, Charles Strawser; sister, Lillian Herren; sister, Elizabeth Shaeffer; and grandson, Jamie Smith.

James was a jet engine mechanic at Chanute Air Force Base. He served in the Navy during World War II.

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Cheryl Turner Eagles

ST. JOSEPH, IL - Cheryl (Turner) Eagles, 59, died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at home.

She was born Oct. 18, 1955, the daughter of Billy D. and Carolyn J. (Dyer) Turner in Springfield, Ill. She married Jerry L. Eagles at Lincoln Christian Church on Aug. 9, 1974. They were married 41 years. Jerry survives her.

To this union were born three sons: Jeremy (Svetlana) Eagles, Jonathan (Celina) Eagles, and Joel Eagles. She is also survived by Andrea Eagles (daughter-in-law) as well as eight grandchildren, whom she loved very deeply: Michael, Sophia, Corban, Thaddeus, Maewyn, Kylie, Gabriel, and Nathan Eagles.

Also surviving are her parents; four brothers: Gerald Wm. (Susan), David M. (Anne), Brent M. and Brian M. (Anne); and her two sisters, Cynthia J. (Donald) Cornell and Pamela J. Turner.

Cheryl graduated from Williamsville High School in 1973. She was active in many high school programs, including singing in Kaleidoscope, Rainbow Girls, Future Teachers of America, DAR Award Winner, Betty Crocker Award, National Honors Society, Illinois State Scholar, and High Honor Roll.

She graduated from Lincoln Christian College with a degree in Christian Education, and Illinois State University for both a BS in Education and a master's degree in education. Cheryl received straight A's in every class for every degree, except for one single class for which she received her only B – she was very disappointed. She taught at St. Paul Junior High School in Danville, Ill., for nine years and at Prairieview-Ogden in Flatville, Ill., for 14 years. Cheryl was admired, respected and loved by both her students and peers.

She was called from her earthly home by her guardian angel to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, where she may be found singing and playing.

Visitation: Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph, Ill., from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Funeral Service: Williamsville Christian Church in Williamsville, Ill. at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015. An additional visitation will be held one hour before service.

Burial: Walnut Hill Cemetery north of Williamsville with dinner at the church following interment.

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sj-r/obituary.aspx?n=cheryl-eagles-turner&pid=175560086&fhid=30378#sthash.dAGu0W5K.msl2QK3O.dpuf

Mildred Noreen Manual

ST. JOSEPH – Mildred Noreen Manuel was born to Lester and Pearl Potter in Red Top, Mo., on Jan. 16, 1921, and died on Aug. 12, 2015, in St. Joseph, Ill., at the age of 94.

Surviving siblings include her brother, Dean (wife Dolly) Potter of Buffalo, Mo., and her sister, Reva (husband Jim) Hill of Fair Grove, Mo.

She married Richard Burk Manuel in New Mexico in 1944; he died in 1988.

Surviving children are Linda McGill (Texas), Patricia Van Wicklan (New York) and Rex Manuel (Florida). Mildred had eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

She retired from KDEB Fox 27 at 77 years of age. They called her a "Human Dynamo" and she was the 1993 Missouri Older Worker of the Year. Throughout 30 years, she never missed a day of work due to illness.

Mildred made a home in Arkansas, Illinois and Missouri. She moved back to her birthplace to take care of her parents, and then moved back to Illinois for her elder years.

She enjoyed traveling, gardening, knitting, crocheting and quilting. Quilting was her passion; she hand-pieced and hand- quilted hundreds of quilts. She completed her last quilt in the summer of 2014 and always had the next quilt planned out.

She loved her "poopy tail" Sparky, a Bichon Frise, who could always be found on her lap. She lived long and worked hard and was one of the strongest people you would ever meet.

Funeral services will be held in Missouri at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mildred's name to the Champaign County Humane Society.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Herbert Frerichs

ROYAL – Herbert Henry Frerichs, 81, of Royal passed from this earthly life to his eternal life at 3:51 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2015) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, with his family by his side.

Herbert was born Feb. 8, 1934, in his parents' home near Royal. He was the son of John H. Frerichs and Anna (Ackerman) Frerichs. He attended a one-room schoolhouse near Royal then on to Ogden High School, where he played basketball and baseball.

On Jan. 10, 1954, he married Lois Arlene Hunter of Royal. She survives. Also surviving are their children, Susan Frerichs of St. Joseph, Lori Krutsinger of Thomasboro, Tim Frerichs (Teri) of St. Joseph and Judy Roach of Royal. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include his three sisters, Ilene Ackerman, Marilyn Frerichs and Beverly (Lester) Wolken; one brother, Lewis (Diane) Frerichs; two sisters-in-law, Florence Frerichs and Kay Fiscus; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Mervin Frerichs; stepmother, Louise Frerichs; father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Dorothy Hunter; and brothers-in-law, Bill Ackerman and John Fiscus.

Herb was a lifelong farmer. He farmed and lived on a farm for 51 years, then moved to Royal, where they have lived for 10 years. He drove a school bus for 15 years for St. Joseph-Ogden High School and Prairieview Grade School.

He played EI Baseball for 10 years. He also was an auctioneer and an avid hunter and fell in love with draft horses, Belgian, Clydesdale and Percheron. He helped bring several colts into this world. They were the most loving and playful horses and he enjoyed them tremendously.

He was also an avid Cardinal fan. Grandpa Herb loved going and supporting all his grandkids' and great-grandkids' activities.

He was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church of Royal, where he was baptized and confirmed. He was chairman of the council for a couple terms.

The visitation for Herb will be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, followed by the funeral service at 3:30. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery just east of Royal.

Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials can be made to St. John Lutheran Church of Royal, American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

Darrell Lee Mennenga

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Mr. Darrell Lee Mennenga, 69, of Franklin, Tenn., passed away on July 27, 2015.

He was born on March 9, 1946, in Champaign County, a son of Carl and Marie Mennenga.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Mennenga; son, Chris (Karen) Mennenga; daughters, Traci (Robert) Bluhm and Wendy (Scott) Morefield; and grandchildren, Erik and Kyle Bluhm, Amelie and Bridgette Mennenga, Sydney and Tyler Morefield.

Mr. Mennenga graduated from the University of Illinois, served in the Vietnam War and retired from Alltel after 25 years of employment. He was most proud of his marriage of 47 years to Marilyn and their loving family.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 30, 2015, at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Franklin, Tenn., with Pastor David Hood officiating.

Memorials will be used to establish a scholarship at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements (615-794-2289; www.williamsonmemorial.com).

Dane Paul Lareau

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dane Paul Lareau passed away on the morning of Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at the Washington, D.C., Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was 45 years old and a proud veteran.

Dane is survived by his fiancee, Sonia Hutchinson Trask; three children, Austin (20), Madison (11), and Caitlyn (5); five siblings, Cherie Libka of Homer, Susan (Mike) Scruggs of Bourbonnnais, Michele Lareau of Savoy, David (Phyllis) of Allerton and Dan of Urbana; and close family and friends.

Dane was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Mary (Morris) Lareau of Allerton.

He served in the U.S. Army for six years as a diagnostic radiology technologist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WDC) and in Frankfurt, Germany, achieving the rank of E4. Later, he served as an interventional radiology technologist at George Washington University Hospital (WDC).

He was a member of the Broadlands Masonic Temple Lodge 791. As a constant learner, Dane continued his professional education at Howard Community College (Columbia, Md.).

Dane was a kind, caring, deeply emotional man who will be dearly missed by his family and numerous friends around the world. His presence in our lives will be greatly missed.

Cremation has been accorded. A celebration of life event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Walnut Hill Shelter at Homer Lake Forest Preserve.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please send donations to The Lareau Children Education Fund at Morton Community Bank, 721 W. Jackson St., Morton, IL 61550.

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Sharen E. Kloster

ST. JOSEPH – Sharen E. Kloster, 77, of St. Joseph at 8:30 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 6, 2015) at home.

Graveside services will be at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield.

Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Kloster was born on May 29, 1938, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Earle and Ida Maxine Fryrear Kloster. He married Judith E. Nipp on Jan. 30, 1965, in Oquawka; she survives.

Also surviving are one son, Mark David Kloster of Antioch; one brother, Daniel Andrew Kloster of Snowmass, Colo.; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Daniel Andrew Kloster.

Mr. Kloster received his master's degree from the University of Illinois with honors.

He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Mr. Kloster retired from the Army Corps of Engineers as an environmental protection specialist.

He was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Association of Former Intelligence Officers and AARP.

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Kevin Grice

ST. JOSEPH – Kevin L. Grice, 57, passed away at 5 p.m. Thursday (July 23, 2015) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Kevin was born on March 6, 1958, in Urbana to F. Sonny Grice and Deloris Trimble Grice. He was a lifelong resident of St. Joseph. He graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1976.

He is survived by his son, Jesse Grice of St. Joseph.

Kevin "Chip" retired after 31 years from the University of Illinois. He was the Laboratory Animal Care supervisor with managerial oversight of the veterinary medicine research farm.

He enjoyed volunteering his time as a Scout leader in St. Joseph for Troop 40. He spent most of his free time attending SJ-O sporting events and cheering on his son.

He also loved spending time outdoors riding horses, boating, camping, four-wheeling and riding around on his side by side. He was a teller of stories and loved sharing moments from the past. Chip knew no stranger and was loved by everyone who met him.

Visitation will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Royal Community Building, followed by a celebration of Chip's life.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, contributions can be made to the Spartans Fan Club, St. Joseph-Ogden High School, 301 N. Main St., St. Joseph, IL 61873.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joan Lynn

ST. JOSEPH – Joan Lynn, 84, of St. Joseph passed away on Sunday (Aug. 2, 2015) in Chrisman after a long illness. She was surrounded by family.

Joan was born in Olney on June 23, 1931, to Jack and Florence Roth.

She is lovingly survived by son, Don Patterson of Homer; son, Tom Lynn (Pam) of Saddlebrooke, Mo.; daughter, Dianne Williams (George) of Bay Village, Ohio; and daughter, Paula Clark (Phil) of St. Joseph.

She is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles Roth of Lawrenceville, Bob or "Jim" of Olney and George Roth of Newton; sister, Pauline Frohning of Newton; as well as numerous extended family members and friends, particularly, her sister, friend Marilynn Cooper of Newton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Jack Roth; sister, Charlotte; daughter, Cathy Vandergraft; and son-in-law, Gene Zuber.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, IL 61873. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery in Mayview. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Pleasant Meadows Senior Living Caregivers Fund, 400 W. Washington, IL 61924, 217-269-2396.

Menke Henry Franzen

RANTOUL – Menke Henry Franzen, 95, of rural Rantoul passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday (Aug. 2, 2015) at Illinois Knights Templar Home, Paxton.

He was born Oct. 9, 1919, in Champaign County, a son of Henry and Anna (Osterbur) Franzen. He married Margaret Kathryn Albers on March 17, 1940, in Champaign County. She preceded him in death on July 23, 2002.

He is survived by four children, Gary (Beverly) Franzen of Libertyville, Gayle (Peggy) Franzen of Chicago, Kathleen (John) Swanson of Bartlesville, Okla., and Todd (Pam) Franzen of Taylor Ridge; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Thea Suits.

Mr. Franzen worked as a deputy sheriff for Champaign County for 20 years. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where he was president of Luther League and served as deacon for four years, on the building committee of the Flatville Parish Hall, treasurer for 14 years and as president of the Lutheran Brotherhood.

He served the community in many capacities, such as: He helped organize Rantoul Little League under Mayor Hap Parker where he served as an officer for four years and president for two years; played baseball for Flatville Eastern Illinois League for 14 years; was president of Gifford Elevator for 15 years, president of Gifford Lions Club, drainage commissioner for 30 years, precinct committeeman for Compromise Township, treasurer for Champaign County Law Enforcement, council member of Garden of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, Fla., property chairman for two years and a member of the Rantoul Moose Lodge.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Rev. James Lehmann will officiate. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Everett J. Duitsman

URBANA – Everett J. Duitsman, 82, of Urbana passed away at 10:50 a.m. Monday (Aug. 3, 2015) at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal with Pastor Jay Johnson officating. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Everett was born Jan. 12, 1933, in Ogden Township, the son of Louis H. and Ida C. Huls Duitsman. He was married to Eunice Ehmen from 1958 to 1983.

He is survived by his children, Steve (Mary) Duitsman of Mackinaw, Colleen (Jesse) Cantu of Mahomet, Melanie (Leon) Sieberns of Penfield and Greg (Joy) Duitsman of Mahomet; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Marvin (Alice) Duitsman of Royal.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Virgil Duitsman.

Everett farmed in the area. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany. He was a member of V.F.W. Post 24. Everett enjoyed playing cards and pool.