Janece A. Downs

ALLERTON – Janece A. Downs of Allerton passed away peacefully on Sunday (July 24, 2016) after seven years a cancer survivor.

Born on July 27, 1949, in Decatur to Orville and Eloise Jurgens, she married David Downs on Dec. 28, 1968. He preceded her in death on March 26, 2016.

She is survived by her sons, Doug (Dawn) Downs of Tolono and Rob (Amy) Downs of Champaign; a brother, Steve (Joyce) Jurgens of Arthur; grandchildren, Samantha and Justin Downs; and several nieces and nephews.

Janece was raised on her family's farm near Arthur and graduated Arthur High School in 1967. She then attended Southern Illinois University and Danville Area Community College.

Janece dedicated her life to serving her family and others in countless ways. She was a school and church volunteer for many years while raising her own children before beginning a career in government service in 1988. She worked for the USDA Farm Service Agency and Social Security Administration, both in Vermilion County, before retiring in 2009.

Janece and David were also farmers and champions for agriculture throughout their lives. She developed a lot of strong friendships with her co-workers and others she met in organizations through the years, and she touched the lives of many.

In her retirement, her passion was spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing bridge, traveling with friends, Bible study and volunteering with churches in Sidell and Allerton.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 29, at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, also at the funeral home in St. Joseph, with burial at Fairview Cemetery, Newman, immediately following.

Memorials may be made to the Allerton United Methodist Church, Sidell United Methodist Church or Broadlands Community Church.

John Frederick Ordal

URBANA – John Frederick Ordal, 73, of Urbana passed away at 7:27 p.m. Wednesday (July 20, 2016) at Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.

He was born on June 18, 1943, in Chicago to Zakarias John and Dorothy Lenore (Munson) Ordal.

Throughout his life, John was known for his generous heart, always lending a helping hand to others. He showed up without being asked, bringing food, tools, skills and whatever was needed. He had a practical approach to life. People were more important to him than things.

He was born in Chicago but lived most of his life in central Illinois. He was a 1961 graduate of Urbana High School and attended both the North Dakota State School of Science and Parkland Community College.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, 517th Engineering Company and stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Campbell and Vietnam in 1965-66. As a combat engineer, he cleared roads of mines and hazards and rebuilt the roads. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

On his return, he lived in North Dakota and worked on cattle ranches. He married Linda Welch in 1969 and soon returned to Illinois where he worked for the University of Illinois and in construction, including work on the Clinton nuclear power plant and several pipeline projects.

Together, Linda and John had three children: James, Russell and Danyse.

John retired in 1996. He met Rosa Navas after Linda passed away in 1992 and they were married in 2007. Together they enjoyed travel, spending winter months in El Salvador and taking trips in the U.S. John cherished his newly extended family.

He was active in Central Labor Union No. 703, preparing food boxes and delivering to those in need.

John had a large garden with produce to share. He loved a good barbecue and enjoyed gatherings with food, drink and stories. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner.

John leaves behind his beloved wife Rosa, children James and Russell Ordal and Denise Robinson; siblings Tom, Carolyn and Mary Ordal; extended family Raphael and Alex Canas, Edith Peacock, 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Z. John and Dorothy Ordal.

In memory of John, please lend a helping hand to others. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and his cremated remains will be scattered at a scenic beach in El Salvador.

Rortvedt Funeral Services & Crematory in Tilton is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com.

Logan Myers

HOMER – Logan Anthony Myers passed away on Thursday (July 21 2016). He was brought into this world on Aug. 13, 2014, with the bluest eyes and blondest hair.

He is a beloved child of mother Katie (Richard) Myers and father Michael Myers of Homer. Logan will forever be loved by his brothers, Nicholas Myers and Jacob Myers. He has loving grandparents Shaunna Fondren, Mike Myers, Martha Richard and Duane Richard. Logan has many aunts and uncles whom he adored.

Logan loved playing with cars and trains. He was loved by many and could put a smile on anyone's face.

Visitation for Logan will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Dave Ashby officiating. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, Champaign.

A memorial fund is being set up for Logan.

Junior Lee Duitsman

ST. JOSEPH – Junior Lee Duitsman, 82, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully on Friday morning (July 22, 2016) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Junior was born on Jan. 25, 1934, in Champaign County, the son of Pete and Tena Bluhm Duitsman. He married Charlene "Champ" Huls on Oct. 25, 1956, in Royal. She preceded him in death on Dec. 16, 1995. Also preceding him in death were infant twin sons Kevin and Kyle and his parents.

Junior is survived by his son, Doug (Denise) Duitsman of Brighton, Ill., and their children, Kaeden Kessinger, Kyle Duitsman and Catey Duitsman; daughter, Staci (Jon) Gray of Naperville and their children, Hailey and twins Drew and Ryan Gray; sister, Corrine Lomax of Lake Forest; brother, Gayle (Sharon) Duitsman of St. Joseph; brother-in-law, Elvin Huls of Ogden; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

He had a strong faith in the Lord and his family was his true pride and joy. He was the proud Opa to his six amazing grandchildren. He loved to surprise them with unique gifts he built just for them - a tandem bike, sandbox, sawhorses, toy boxes and machine sheds.

Junior was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, and also served as president of the church council.

He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1956 to 1958. During this time, he traveled throughout Europe, assisting in the design and construction of bridges.

Junior developed a passion for building and construction at a very early age, starting with an erector set his parents gave him as a child. His natural talent and eye for quality craftsmanship were the foundation of his custom home and commercial construction business, Duitsman Construction, which he operated for 50-plus years.

Junior enjoyed all aspects of history and traveling to new places. He was a proud owner of a Mustang and Thunderbird convertible - a true Ford fan.

Always busy and always curious, Junior was a firm believer in working hard. But those who knew him best understood his even stricter devotion to relishing his downtime. His motto was, "The world stops at 4 p.m. on Friday."

It didn't matter if he was enjoying the weather on his back patio, cruising in one of his convertibles or having a beverage in downtown Champaign. In his eyes, he was "rounding the sharp corners of life" and made a point to embrace it.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana, for their hard work and compassion while caring for Junior.

They would also like to extend a special thanks to Shirley Evans, for the love and companionship she provided Junior, and the endless support she continues to provide the family.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with a prayer service at 8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, St. John Lutheran Cemetery or the donor's choice.

Mary Ann Rohl

HOMER – Mary Ann Rohl, 85, of rural Homer passed away at 4:12 p.m. Wednesday (July 20, 2016) at Meadowbrook Health Center in Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands. Pastor John Sharp will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Broadlands. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Friday) at the church.

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

Mary Ann was born on Jan. 28, 1931, in Danville, the daughter of William and Linda Kuhlengal Rothermel. She married Orville Edwin Rohl on Sept. 22, 1951, in Broadlands. He survives.

She is also survived by daughter, Kathy (John) Mackinson of Morris; son, Keith (Brenda) Rohl of Homer; brother, Willard (Elizabeth) Rothermel of Savoy; sister, Sandra (Dean) Chesnut of Champaign; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, where she was the organist for 65 years. She graduated from Allerton High School in 1949.

Mary Ann was also a member of LWMA, Illinois Homemaker Society of Champaign County and sewing club at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She enjoyed music and bowling.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church Organ Fund.

Darius Harms

FLATVILLE – Darius Dean Harms, 78, of Flatville died at 7:50 a.m. Thursday (July 21, 2016) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1937, in Champaign County, the son of Wilke M. and Anna J. (Huls) Harms. He married Lois L. Busboom on May 31, 1969, in Royal. She survives.

Also surviving are their children, Teri (Paul) Travis of Flatville; Toni (Jeff) Brown of Decatur; Derek Harms of Flatville; Dirk (Audrey) Harms of Flatville; eight grandchildren, Abby Harms, Brett Brown, Hallie Harms, Brooks Brown, Brodie Harms, Bryce Brown, Korinne Travis and Kelsie Harms; a sister, Marlys (Greg) Cooper of Thomasboro; a brother and sister-in-law, Les (Sheila) Busboom of Royal; and five nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Darius farmed in the Flatville area his whole life. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville, serving as council president and on the Historical Committee for many years.

He was a founding member of the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association and the NTPA, as well as an honorary Kentucky colonel.

He was a longtime member of the I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club and the International Harvester Collectors Club Chapter 10.

In addition, he was among the founding members of the Half Century of Progress Show and was superintendent of tractor pull events at the Champaign County Fair for over 40 years.

He enjoyed sharing his love of farming and tractors with others, and put his heart and soul into shows which demonstrated the progress of farming from the early 1900s to the current time. He actively shared his memories of days past while looking to the future and what could be. He and Lois made countless friends over the years through this shared love of agriculture.

He had a strong faith in the Lord and his family was his true pride and joy. He loved being Opa to his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Rev. James Lehmann will officiate. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery, Flatville.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, also at the church.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the donor's choice.

The family would like to thank the teams at Presence and Country Health for their wonderful care of Darius in the last year, along with the support of many friends and neighbors. May God bless his memory.

Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling the arrangements.

Lance Anderson

CHAMPAIGN – Lance Anderson, 48, of St. Joseph passed away on Wednesday (July 20, 2016).

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 24, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Lance was born on May 8, 1968, at Danville, the son of Paul and Norma Kiifner Anderson.

He is survived by his mother, Norma Anderson of St. Joseph; his children, Bryant Wesley Anderson of St. Joseph, Austin Dorsey Cleburne Anderson of St. Joseph and Evgeni Easton Anderson of Danville; stepdaughter, Kendra Renee Pundt of Danville; brother, Shane Anderson of Champaign; aunt, Nancy (Dan) Edwards of Urbana; and uncles, Albert Kiifner of Mahomet and Allan (Kathy) Kiifner of Franklin, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Anderson.

Lance was a good and loving father to his children. Lance started the Roller Hockey program in St. Joseph. He coached youth football and the Champaign Chiefs Ice hockey team.

He was a amateur expert on the Civil War. Lance enjoyed exploring old railroad lines. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell and Korea.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Lance Anderson Memorial Fund for the benefit of his children's education. Checks may be made to the Lance Anderson Memorial Fund C/O Longview Bank, 220 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, IL 61873.

John W. Huls

ST. JOSEPH – John W. Huls, 91, of St. Joseph passed away at 9:15 a.m. Sunday (July 17, 2016) at his home.

Mr. Huls was born Feb. 23, 1925, in Champaign County, the son of Herman and Johanna (Reitmeier) Huls. He married Dixie B. (Vaughn) Huls in Flatville. They were married for more than 50 years.

He is survived by his brother, Elmer (Jan) Huls of St. Joseph; sister-in-laws, Norma Huls of St. Joseph and Elsie Stiles of Bossier, La.; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother, Ernest Huls.

John owned his own welding business for several years. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville.

Graveside services for John Huls will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Beckman Cemetery, 2649 County Road 1800 East, Thomasboro, with Pastor Lehmann officiating. Military Rites will be accorded. According to his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded by Blurton Funeral Home. The family has entrusted Blurton Funeral Home, Potomac to assist them in honoring Mr. Huls' life. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Memories or photos may be shared with the family on his memorial page at www.blurtonfuneralhomes.com.

John Wesley Simpson Sr.

ST. JOSEPH – John Wesley Simpson Sr., 75, passed away on Saturday (July 9, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

He was born on Nov. 22, 1940, in Champaign to Walter and Lela (Norman) Simpson. John married Patricia Ann Kelm on July 13, 1962, in Champaign.

John is survived by his wife; children, Angella Anderson Simpson and John (Brenda) Simpson Jr.; grandchildren, Joshua and Eric Anderson; and sister, Joyce Deakin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim Norman and George Simpson; sisters, June Bateman, JoAnne Gossett and Mary Margaret Wheat; and his beloved dog, Goldie.

After graduating from Champaign High School, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1958 until 1962. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid and earned a Sailor of the Month award.

He met the love of his life while on leave during his enlistment, while visiting the family of one of his best friends, who would then become his brother-in-law. He said he fell head-over-heels in love with Patty the first time he saw her.

After leaving the Navy, he worked for Illinois Bell as a PBX installer, working on telephone systems in people's homes and in businesses, and would retire after many changes by the company as it finally became AT&T.

Dad was passionate about fishing, hunting and watching NASCAR. He and mom spent six months of the year in Okeechobee, Fla., where they spent days and even nights on the lake fishing and spent time with friends.

Most importantly, dad loved his family most, and loved spending time with his family, and laughter usually followed him wherever he went as he told stories of his childhood antics. He could tell any story and have the room in stitches.

A celebration of John's life will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign. Graveside committal with military rites will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made in John's name to the Champaign County Humane Society, Salt & Light, or an organization of the donor's choice.

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall atwww.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Elmer A. Nicklas

ST. JOSEPH – Elmer A. Nicklas, 77, of St. Joseph, formerly of Catlin, passed away at 7:19 a.m. Saturday (July 9, 2016) at Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.

He was born on June 27, 1939, in Danville to Elmer C. and Martha Knoll Nicklas. He married Sylvia Slykas on Feb. 12, 1966, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westville. The couple marked their 50th wedding anniversary, and Sylvia survives, as well as one daughter, Jane (Eric) Cramer of St. Joseph; one cousin, Art (Sallie) Nicklas of Plainfield; and two granddaughters, Allison Cramer and Kathryn Cramer.

Elmer had been both and engineer and maintenance supervisor at the General Motors Tilton Foundry for over 30 years, retiring in 1993. He attended the General Motors Institute in Flint, Mich.

Elmer had been a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westville and served on the financial board. He was a member of the Catlin Lions Club and had served as club president. He also had an eight-year term on the Catlin School Board.

Elmer and Sylvia relocated to St. Joseph to be near Jane and family. He became active on the Crest Lake Homeowners Board and attended Holy Cross Catholic Church in Champaign.

He enjoyed boating, fishing and antique cars, as well as collecting antique fishing lures and restoring outboard motors.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Danville. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church or the Kidney Foundation.

Online condolences may be offered at www.robisonchapel.com.

Marianne Wolken

CANADIAN LAKES, Mich. – Marianne Wolken, 68, of Canadian Lakes, Mich., died on Wednesday (July 6, 2016) in her home after a year-long battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, Mich. Family will greet friends from 10 a.m. to the time of service.

She was born on Feb. 26, 1948, in Martinez, Calif., to Raymond and Martina Thielen. She married Lee Wolken on Oct. 16, 1971, in Flatville.

She attended Eastern Illinois University and worked for an aerobic dance company in the Detroit area for many years. She was very involved in community service, volunteering for years at her children's schools, Manna Pantry in Big Rapids, the Dump n Run event with Ferris State University, the Morton Township Library Gala and an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, Mich.

Marianne was a loving, caring, generous person who enjoyed cooking and hosting theme parties, reading, watching movies, especially horror movies, loved animals, being a genuine cat lady, and delighted in spending lots of imaginative play time with her grandsons.

She is survived by her husband, Lee; daughter, Pamela O'Neal of Ann Arbor, Mich.; son, Timothy (Desiree) Wolken of Utica, Mich.; and grandsons, Joe O'Neal, Thomas Wolken and Daniel Wolken.

Friends may share a memory with the family at the church or online at janowiczfh.com

Eldred E. Schmidt

FLATVILLE – Eldred E. Schmidt, 92, of Flatville died at 11:52 p.m. Sunday (July 3, 2016) at Heartland Healthcare Center, Paxton.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery, rural Thomasboro.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Eldred was born on Sept. 21, 1923, in Champaign County, the son of Frank Henry and Meta (Minnie) Osterbur Schmidt. He married Marie Mennenga on Jan. 20, 1945. She preceded him in death on Dec. 23, 2011, after 66 years of marriage.

He is survived by two sons, Leon (Mary Ann) Schmidt of Thomasboro and Larry (Deb) Schmidt of Whitefish Bay, Wis.; six grandchildren, Lisa (Aaron) Jackson, Matthew (Kim) Schmidt, Amy (Nathon) Jones, Adam (Noelle) Schmidt, Emily (Craig) Sikora and David Schmidt; and six great-grandchildren, Garrett Jackson, Benjamin Jackson, Graydon Schmidt, Gianna Schmidt, Natalia Schmidt and Anya Sikora.

Eldred was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where he served as Sunday School superintendent for six years.

He farmed for 70 years starting at the age of 16. Eldred had a passion for the land he farmed and animals he raised, his wife and family and his Lord. His constant companion after his wife passed was his Boston terrier, Smooches.

Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Brandon Markel

HOMER – Brandon Lee Markel passed away unexpectedly at home in Homer on July 4, 2016, less than a month away from his 30th birthday.

Brandon was born on Aug. 6, 1986, to Joni (Lynch) Markel and William "Bill" Louis Markel Jr. He grew up on the family farm in Sidell. He was a 2005 graduate of Jamaica High School, where he played football. He graduated from the Wind Energy Technician Program at DACC.

He was happily employed by City of Urbana Public Works.

Anyone who knew Brandon knew what a bright soul he was. He loved live music, being outdoors and seeking new adventures. His beautiful smile and magnetic personality made him seem larger than life, but he was only human. He fought a courageous battle against addiction. He was charming and hopeful even through his struggles.

He leaves behind a heartbroken family: his parents, sister Lindsey (Larry) Gates-Markel, grandmothers Janet Markel and Marilyn Lynch, many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, and one nephew.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney. Burial will follow the memorial service at Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Robert Lane

OGDEN – Robert Lane, 81, of Ogden passed away at 8:56 a.m. Sunday (July 3, 2016).

Robert was born in Hoopeston on June 25, 1935, the son of Floyd Morris Lane and Florence Wilma (Malady) Lane. On June 27, 1982, Robert married the love of his life, Barbara (Curry) Lane; she survives.

Also surviving are a son, Robert Lee Jr. (Tisha) Lane of Carbondale; two stepsons, Lawrence (Teresa) Allen and Charles E. (Vicki) Frazier of Ogden; one daughter, Diane Marie Lane of Hoopeston; one brother, Donald Allan (Diana) Lane; three sisters, Mary Francis (Alan) Quinn of Knoxville, Tenn., Betty Carolyn (Norman) Carter of Hoopeston and Marilyn K. (Stanley) Tourangeau of Arizona City and Rossville; eight grandchildren, Levi Lane of Milford, Christopher Fowler of Urbana, Stephanie Vincent of North Dakota, Kallie Long of North Carolina, Sherry Stipp of Fisher, Krista Lane of Southern Illinois, Ashley Rollind of Paxton and Taylor Long of Danville; and four great-grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Daniel Eugene (Brenda) Lane; and one daughter, Terri Joe Lane.

Robert was a very loyal person and spent 20 years of his life serving in the U.S. Army where he went on many tours, including several to Vietnam.

In his spare time, Robert also enjoyed spending time with his family, including his many grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville. Burial will be in Stearns Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Please join Robert's family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall atwww.sunsetfuneralhome.com.