Virginia G. Vinson

ST. JOSEPH – Virginia G. Vinson, 89, of St. Joseph passed away at 2:20 p.m. Monday (March 28, 2016) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Paul Dinges officiating. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Virginia was born Aug. 3, 1926, at St. Joseph, the daughter of Howard and Orena Skinner Marsh. She married William Vinson on Sept. 5, 1953. He preceded her in death on Sept. 8, 2000.

She is survived by her children, John William Vinson of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Susan Vinson of St. Joseph; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, David Marsh of St. Joseph; and a sister, Dorothy Vinson of St. Joseph.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Calvin Marsh.

Virginia was a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1944 as co-valedictorian with her cousin. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1948 with a degree in home economics and was a member of the Chemistry Honors Society. She completed her dietitian internship at the University of Minnesota.

She worked at Carle Hospital and Rush Presbyterian Hospital, Chicago. She was a nursery Sunday school teacher for 25 years. She was a member of the Champaign County Home Extension.

Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

David Downs

ALLERTON – David A. Downs was called home to the Lord on Saturday (March 26, 2016) after 21 years as a cancer survivor.

Born on Oct. 26, 1948, to J. Kenneth and Dorothy Downs, he married Janece Ann Jurgens on Dec. 28, 1968. She survives, as does his mother.

Also surviving are a sister, Carole (John) Brodbeck of Streator; a brother, Jim (Barb) Downs of Broadlands; two sons, Doug (Dawn) Downs of Tolono and Rob (Amy) Downs of Champaign; two grandchildren, Samantha and Justin Downs of Tolono; and several nieces and nephews.

His father preceded him in death.

A lifelong advocate for agriculture, upon graduating from Southern Illinois University, he worked for the USDA until beginning his ultimate career as a farmer in 1977 through retirement in 2014.

Through his career, he served seven years as Edgar County executive director for Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Service for USDA, and 15 years on the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

He served on the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Board for 10 years and as president from 1993 to 1996. In 1997, he was named the Champaign News-Gazette Farm Leader of the Year.

He also served 10 years on the Board of Directors for Illinois Farm Bureau, representing Champaign, Vermilion, Douglas and Edgar Counties; as well as 10 years on the Board of Directors for Country Companies Insurance.

In 2007, he was recognized as Prairie Farmer Master Farmer.

He also served as a director on the boards for the Illinois Council on Food and Agriculture Research (C-FAR) for seven years and Midwest Grain Processors Co-op for nine years.

David was very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he loved to take for golf cart rides.

In addition to his interest in agriculture and ag policy, he was a member of the United Methodist Church in Allerton and a lifetime member of Lions Club, serving three terms as president.

He also enjoyed golfing, vacationing in the Missouri Ozarks and spending quality time with family and close friends.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Clyde Snyder officiating. Burial will be in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Allerton United Methodist Church, Broadlands United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

John Mumm

SIDNEY – John D. Mumm, 78, of Sidney passed away on Monday (March 21, 2016) at Cornerstone Hospice House, Tavares, Fla.

Funeral services will be at noon Monday, March 28, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, with the Rev. Al Simonson officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the funeral home.

Mr. Mumm was born on Nov. 8, 1937, at Champaign, a son to Lawrence and Velma Schultz Mumm. He married Eunice Boten on Jan. 24, 1970, in Champaign; she survives.

Also surviving are four children, Cheryl (Ray) Hettinger of Tolono, Michael (Cindy) Mumm of Philo, Laurie (David) Umbarger of Homer and Jana (Donnie) Perry of Philo; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, stepmother and grandson.

John attended Sidney Grade School and graduated from Unity High School, Tolono.

He was a sergeant at the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. After his father retired, he farmed the homestead which he was so proud of. It will soon be 150 years that it has been owned by the Mumm Family.

He was a 50-year life member of the Moose and held the office of governor. He was also a member of the Champaign-Urbana Elks, Sons of the American Legion and National Rifle Association.

He enjoyed every afternoon taking a ride in the country to check out all the other farms.

The most prestigious honor he received was last fall when he was inducted into the Unity Athletic Hall of Fame.

In the past he attended many Illini basketball and football games, but when they retired the Chief, he never attended another Illini event.

When the first cold snap happened in Illinois he was ready to go to Florida. He enjoyed so much being a snow bird in the winter and that was where he passed away.

Memorials may be made to the Brandon Umbarger Scholarship Fund, Cornerstone Hospice House in Tavares, Fla., or the donor's choice.

Gladys E. McKinney

CHAMPAIGN – Gladys E. McKinney of Champaign passed away at 8:42 a.m. Thursday (March 24, 2016) at her son's house, where she was staying under hospice care.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. The Rev. Marsh Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

She was born on Nov. 25, 1914, in St. Joseph, the daughter of Edward and Jenne Reese Butzow. Gladys married David H. McKinney Sr. on July 4, 1931, in Kentucky.

Gladys is survived by her two sons, David H. McKinney Jr. of Champaign and Jerry A. McKinney of Bonita Springs, Fla.; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and two sisters.

Gladys enjoyed being with her many friends and family, and talking about the good times in the past and present. She enjoyed listening to big band and swing music and old country western music. She loved watching her shows every day such as "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy."

Gladys was loved by many and had endless love to give. She played an incredibly important role in countless people's lives, and we are all much better people thanks to her.

Mom, we all will miss you very much.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.morganmemorialhome.com.

   

Randall Grussing

ROYAL – Randall Lynn Grussing, 69, of Royal passed away at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., on Friday (March 18, 2016).

He was born in Champaign on Feb. 5, 1947, the eldest son of the late Francis and Katie Frerichs Grussing. On Dec. 29, 1973, he married Angela Gordon at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Penfield.

He leaves his wife, Angie, and brothers Norlyn (Jane) Grussing of Tolono, Wesley (Maleah) Grussing of Royal, Jeff (Nancy) Grussing of Trevor, Wis., and Doug (Denise) Grussing of Villa Grove.

He also leaves sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Thomas (Judy) Gordon, Daniel (Rhonda) Gordon, James Gordon and Joseph (Becky) Gordon; and 13 nieces and nephews.

Randall graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1965. He excelled as a member of the track team and held the high hurdle record for many years.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal. He was a previous member of the Royal Fire Department and was a member of the Sons of American Legion Post 996, Royal.

Randall owned and operated Grussing Agri-Products in Royal.

He loved playing golf. Upon retirement, he started his own golf cart company named Royal Golf Carts. He sold and serviced golf carts in all parts of Illinois and several states. He also served on the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District waterway department.

Randall and Angie vacationed in Arizona for many years. He also enjoyed Chicago Cubs baseball.

Visitation will held at St. John Lutheran Church from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, with prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Penfield.

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

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Barnes Jewish Hospital 2nd Floor LVAD Dept., 216 S. Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Thomas S. Elliott

MONTICELLO – Thomas S. Elliott, 52, of Monticello passed away at 8:15 a.m. Sunday (March 13, 2016).

Tom was born Oct. 18, 1963, in Macomb, the son of Robert K. Elliott and Christy E. (Hausmann) Elliott. He married Christine Marie Bures on Aug. 29, 2003, in Monticello. She passed away on Jan. 23, 2016.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Kayla Elliott and Jenna Elliott, both of Moweaqua; son, Matthew Pieper (Raechel) of Normal; grandchildren, Liam and Elise Pieper; mother, Christy Elliott of Urbana; and sister, Lori L. Elliott of Urbana. Also surviving are his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marilyn and Ken Bures; sisters-in-law, Carin and Melissa; brothers-in-law, Carl and Andy Bures; along with a large number of spouses and children. He was preceded in death by his wife and father.

Tom worked as an IT administrator at the University of Illinois. Tom served in the U.S. Marine Corp and was a member of the USO. He was also a member of the NRA and the Gun Owners of America. Tom was proud to be a longtime blood donor. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, various nature groups, jogging, any sporting events and anything computer-related. Most of all, Tom loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and his large group of rowdy friends often led by his best friend, Mike Astrosky.

Above all else, Tom was an upstanding father. He always went out of his way to be everything his family needed, from late-night phone calls from his girls about whatever they were going through to always providing them with things they needed. He wasn't just a rock for his girls; if any family or friends were in need, they could count on him. Tom was a giver and made sure everyone's needs were met before his by donating to a number of charities. The world is truly a poorer place with his passing.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 18, at the funeral home with the Rev. Kurtis Bueltmann officiating, and burial will be at 11:30 a.m. in Monticello Township Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, charitable donations to a worthy cancer charity or the USO to support our troops at uso.org will be greatly appreciated.

Condolences may be offered online at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.

Ella Christina Coffman

HOMER – Ella Christina "Chris" Coffman, 46, of Homer, formerly of Villa Grove, passed away unexpectedly at 7:26 p.m. Wednesday (March 9, 2016) in Oakwood.

She was born May 31, 1969, in Tacoma, Wash.

Survivors include her mother, Patty Malloch of Tolono; her stepfather, Steven Malloch of Villa Grove; a son, Adam Shanks of Homer; two daughters, Ashtin (Jeramy) Bader of Homer and Kaitlin (Ryan) Washburn of Newman; two brothers, Kenneth W. Coffman of Homer and James R. Malloch of Tolono; and three grandchildren, Derik and Jerry Bader and Lillian Washburn.

Chris loved travelling, especially to the beach. She will be remembered as a free spirit, a very selfless and giving person, and above all else, a devoted and loving mother.

For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to the National Park Foundation.

All services and interment will be private. Templeton Funeral Home of Paris is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be offered online at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com.

Daniel William Happ

URBANA – Daniel William Happ, 57, of Urbana passed away on Monday (March 7, 2016) at his home after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 10, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Philo. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday with the rosary at 3:30 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Dan was born on Sept. 23, 1958. He is the son to Don and Dorothy Happ of Philo. Dan married Terry McCarthy on July 12, 1980. She survives.

He is also survived by his parents; two daughters, Erin (Matt) Ennis of Sidney and Meghan Happ of Urbana; two grandchildren, Daniel and Haley Ennis; four brothers, Don (Deb) Happ of Homer, Douglas (Anne) Happ of Paris, Ill., David (Lisa) Happ of Philo and Dennis (Lois) Happ of Philo; and a sister, Darla (Rick Gallivan) Coulter of Philo. He is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, a great-nephew, several aunts and uncles and many cousins.

Dan graduated from St. Thomas grade school in 1972 and Unity High School in 1976. He attended the University of Illinois for two years.

He was employed at Consolidated Communications Telephone Co. for 30 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Memorials may be made to St. Thomas School or the American Cancer Society.

Russell "Fuzzy" Frazier

DANVILLE – Russell "Fuzzy" Frazier, 88, of St. Joseph and formerly of Danville, passed away at 11:37 a.m. Sunday (March 6, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at Danville First Church of the Nazarene, 2212 N. Vermilion St., Danville, with Pastor Dave Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Following services, Fuzzy will be laid to rest in Danville National Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 210.

Russell was born on Feb. 18, 1928, in Danville to John and Ethel (Eaton) Frazier. He attended Danville area schools and Danville High School before finishing his education in the U.S. Army. Russell served during the Korean War, where he was a platoon sergeant and sharpshooter, earning him a Good Conduct Medal. He was also manager of the Water Treatment Facility.

Upon his retirement from the service in 1963, Fuzzy worked in construction. Russell liked to garden, landscape, work outside in his yard, refinish furniture, attend antique sales and decorate the house for Christmas (often getting the whole neighborhood to join in the fun). He was also an avid Cubs fan.

Fuzzy married Catherine "Cathy" (Collins) Botkin on Oct. 10, 1976, in Danville and she survives. Also surviving are eight children, Kelly (David) Wallace of Terre Haute, Ind., Pete Frazier of Katy, Texas, Sidney (Brad) Brush of Wichita, Kan., Neil (Angela) Frazier of Danville, Jan (Paul) Burnett of Las Vegas, Nev., Drew (Jeff) Moyes of Santee, Calif., Tamara (Lewis) Botkin-Weisblum of Monterey, Calif., and Joni (Eric) Runck of Huntley; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, George and Johnny Frazier, both of Danville.

Fuzzy was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Archie Andrews and James Frazier; and two sisters, Mary Louise Wills and Jenny Hamilton.

Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.papefuneral.com, or on the Pape Family Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made in Russell's name to Danville First Church of the Nazarene.

Patricia Marie Beard

HOMER – Patricia Marie Beard, 71, of Homer passed away at 11:59 p.m. Friday (March 4, 2016) at her home.

Private family services will be held on Friday with the Rev. Teri Shane officiating. Inurnment will be in GAR Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer.

Patricia was born on June 23, 1944, in Danville, a daughter of Oscar W. and Rachel A. Teel Taylor. She married Darrell W. Beard on March 2, 1963, in Homer. He survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Todd (partner Tony Custin) Beard of Champaign and Tyler (Susie) Beard of Bloomington; two granddaughters, Audrey and Ruby Beard; and one sister, Peggy (Dennis) Robards of Philo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Rodney Beard; and one brother, Kenneth Taylor.

Patricia was a member of Homer United Methodist Church. She loved going to Florida and walking on the beach. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Carle Oncology Department and extend a special thank you to Carle Hospice.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Carle Philanthropy Department

Jennifer Kay Rothermel

HOMER – Jennifer Kay Rothermel, 45, of Homer passed away at 1:15 a.m. Friday (March 4, 2016) as a result from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, with Pastor John Sharp officiating. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is handling arrangements.

Jennifer was born on June 13, 1970, in Urbana, the daughter of Rodney and Teresa Albers Crozier. She married John Rothermel on June 9, 2012, in Broadlands. He survives.

Survivors also include her parents, Rodney and Teresa Crozier of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; in-laws, Willard and Elizabeth Rothermel of Savoy; one son, Brandon Malinowski of Tolono; one daughter, Brittany Malinowski of Tolono; two stepdaughters, Morgan Rothermel and Kyley Rothermel, both of Homer; and two sisters, Stephanie (Jacob) Glaser of Pembroke Pines, Fla., and Heather (Carl) Parks of Sidney.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Jennifer was a loving and respectful daughter and daughter-in-law to Rodney and Teresa and Willard and Elizabeth. She was a devoted wife to John, whom she served selflessly. As a mother and stepmother to Brandon and Brittany and Morgan and Kyley, Jennifer showed unconditional love and support. She was a trusting and loyal friend to her sisters, sister and brothers-in-law and friends. She simply loved serving people, and it showed in her daily kindness and sincere helpfulness.

In addition to traveling with John to the lake or to see a Cardinals game, Jennifer loved cooking, scrapbooking and decorating her new home.

In spite of whatever life threw her way, Jennifer met every challenge with patience, graciousness, forgiveness and a beautiful smile. She loved the Lord and knew the joy of her salvation through Jesus Christ. She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She will be terribly missed by all.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Mary Anne Kilian

HOMER – Mary Anne Kilian, 85, of Homer passed away on Feb. 27, 2016, at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, Calif.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, at Homer United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Teri Shane officiating. There will be no visitation. Burial be in St. John's Cemetery, Broadlands.

Kirby Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Mary Anne was born on Sept. 1, 1930, in Homer, the daughter of Henry and Gladys Rhodes Lee. She married Harold Glen Kilian on March 4, 1955, in Homer. He survives.

Survivors also include three sons, Keith (Anne) Kilian of Homer, Craig (Lorita) Kilian of Truman, Minn., and Brian Kilian of San Mateo, Calif.; five grandchildren, Tricia (Ryan) Kurtenbach, Reid (Shannon) Kilian, Wade (Mary) Kilian, Zachary Kilian and Cydney Kilian; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Kurtenbach, Miranda Kurtenbach and Cameron Kilian; and one brother, Kent (Marilyn) Lee of Homer.

She was preceded in death by her son, Brett Kilian, and her parents.

Mary Anne was a member of Homer United Methodist Church. Her hobbies included music and travel. She spent winters in California for many years.

Memorials can be made to Homer Fire and Rescue or Homer United Methodist Church.

Betty Hurd

SIDNEY – Betty J. Hurd, 89, of Sidney passed away at 5:45 a.m. Friday (March 4, 2016) at Heartland Health Care, Champaign.

Memorial services will be at a later date. Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is assisting the family.

Mrs. Hurd was born on May 17, 1926, at Sadorus, a daughter to Elmer A. and Mary R. (Cramer) Sanford. She married Harold J. Hurd Jr. on July 30, 1950, in Champaign; he survives.

Also surviving are three sons, James Daniel (Gale) Hurd of Dora, Mo., Harold Stephen (Deanna) Hurd of San Jose, Calif., and Jeffrey Paul (Jill) Hurd of Mansfield, Ill.; a sister, Helen Brown of Urbana; six grandchildren, Lyndsey Hurd of Dora, Mo., Kerry Hurd of Champaign, Sara (Chad) May of Urbana, Jake (Eleesha) Hurd of San Jose, Calif., Luke Hurd of San Jose, Calif., and Alexandria Hurd of Fort Myers, Fla.; and five great-grandchildren, Korey James Murphy, Emma, Jayden and Suzanna May and Charlie Hurd.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Elmer A. Sanford Jr.; and four sisters, Pauline Starr, Evelyn Louks, Muriel Maxwell and Anita Kay Norton.

She was a wonderful person who will be missed by all who knew her.

Thomas Martin Wilson

SIDNEY – Thomas Martin Wilson, 81, of Sidney passed away at 10:23 a.m. Wednesday (March 2, 2016) at home.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at Freese Funeral Home in Sidney. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Countryside United Methodist Church, 1807 CR 1000 N, Urbana.

Tom was born on April 1, 1934, on Easter Sunday, in Urbana, the son of Arthur and Rosella Brown Wilson. He married Joyce Hale on Aug. 27, 1960, at the Methodist Church in Sidney. They enjoyed 55 years of married life. She survives.

Also surviving are sons, Thomas Martin "Marty" Wilson Jr., (fiancee, Kathy Schindler), of Broadlands; Paul (Tracy) Wilson of St. Joseph; Ross (Jen) Wilson of Windsor; Douglas Wilson of New York, N.Y.; John Wilson of Taylorville; and Steven Wilson of New York.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Jamie Meharry, Joshua Wilson, Lyndsay Tharp, Rachel Wilson, Matthew Wilson, Melissa Wheeler, Meghan Wilson and Evan Wilson; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ronald Wilson; two sisters, Mary Davison and Helen Hales; a grandson, Tyler Thomas Wilson; and great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Wheeler.

Tom went to Pleasant Hill Grade School and graduated from Longview High School in 1952. He attended Parkland College and graduated with an associate degree in applied science, agriculture business management, in 2002.

He served in the Air Force during the Korean War as an airplane mechanic. Tom farmed for 40 years in rural Broadlands, also working at Brewer Chevrolet in Homer, and McKinley Foundation Hospital.

He owned and operated Wilson Farm Drainage and during his farming career was able to improve the drainage on the entire family farm. After retiring from farming and moving to Sidney he drove a school bus for the St. Joseph-Ogden School District.

Tom received his pilot's license in 1986 and belonged to the F & W Flyers. He loved vanilla ice cream, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Illini sports, Longview School reunions, John Deere tractors, his "Blue Diesel VW Bug" and greatly enjoyed his morning "safety meetings" and his "Tom and Jerry Trips." He enjoyed woodworking and made numerous picture frames using wood recycled from the barn once located on the family farm.

Most of all, he enjoyed being with his family, grandchildren and countless friends! He will truly be missed and never forgotten by our entire family! Forever in our hearts!

He was active in the Sidney American Legion Post 433 and he once served as Champaign County commander. He was a past member of the Sidney Lions Club, Methodist Men and the Champaign County Farm Bureau. He was an honorary Chapter Farmer of the ABL Vocational FFA Agriculture.

Donations may be made to the Sidney American Legion Post 433, Countryside United Methodist Church or the donor's choice.