John Castle

ST. JOSEPH – John Castle, 81, of St. Joseph passed away at 6:59 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 16, 2017) at his home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ. Greg Smith and David Barcus will officiate. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

John was born June 27, 1936, in Homer Township the son of Mason and Olive Fiock Castle. He married Ruth Ann Winter on June 24, 1962, at St. Joseph. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Jo Ann (Troy) Creek of Tolono, Connie Taylor of Cape Canaveral, Fla., and Karen Castle of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren, Jordan, Shelby, Carter Creek, John Michael (Marissa), Justin, Elizabeth and Ashley Taylor; three great-grandchildren, Donaven and Izaiah Taylor and Kaison Johnson; sisters, Edna (Don) Fruhling of St. Joseph and LaVerne David of Theodore, Ala.; and brother, Lloyd Castle of St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francis Castle; and grandson, Cameron Creek.

John farmed in the St. Joseph area all his life. He was a member of the St. Joseph Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and trustee.

He was a member of the American Agriculture Movement, the Champaign County Farm Bureau and a honorary member of the FFA.

John enjoyed camping, tinkering in his shed and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a lover of all things John Deere.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Edgar Tingley

CHAMPAIGN — Edgar Tingley, 89, of Champaign, formerly of Sidney, passed away at 2:45 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 10, 2017) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at Sidney United Church with the Rev. Mike Picklesimer officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Military rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Mr. Tingley was born Dec. 7, 1928, at Longview, a son to Walter and Nellie Tapscott Tingley. He married Marjorie Toppe on Aug. 20, 1950, at Sidney; she survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Tom (Cathy) Tingley of Sidney, Rick (Shelley) Tingley of Ankeny, Iowa, and Greg (Cheri) Tingley of Toledo, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Jennifer

Drennan, Laura Smith, Sara Stone, Tiffany Gross, Michael Tingley, Brian Tingley, Daniel Tingley and Bradley Tingley; 11 great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Jerry Berbaum.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Dolores Berbaum.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Sidney United Church, Homer American Legion, Champaign County Farm Bureau and NRA.

Memorials may be made to Sidney United Church, GAR Cemetery in Homer or an organization of the donor’s choice.

TINGLEY

Noah C. Jelks Sr.

ST. JOSEPH — Noah C. Jelks Sr., 66, of St. Joseph passed away on Monday (Dec. 4, 2017).

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Community Temple Church of God in Christ (759 S. Jackson St., Decatur) with visitation one hour before service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Decatur.

Please visit www.walkerfs. com for complete obituary viewing. Professional

services were entrusted to Walker Funeral Service.

Faith Schreyer

ST. JOSEPH — Faith Schreyer, 66, of St. Joseph passed away at 2:40 a.m. Sunday (Dec. 3, 2017) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Faith was born Oct. 23, 1951, in Danville, the daughter of Dale and Mary Nichols Strader. She married Arthur “Butch” Schreyer on Aug. 3, 1996. He survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Aaron Warner ofMilton, Fla., and Justin Warner of Fairhope, Ala.; three granddaughters, Haleigh Buckner, Cydnee Warner and Brittney Warner; sisters, Robin Roberts of San Diego, Calif., and April Osterbur of Royal; and brother, Tim Nichols of Royal.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Faith was a friendly person who could talk with anyone. She was an animal lover with cats and dogs. She was a member of the Humane Society. She was loved by her family, friends and neighbors.

She was a endearing wife; her memory will be cherished forever.

Arnold K. Hinrichs

ROYAL — Arnold K. Hinrichs, 90, of Royal passed away at 2:09 a.m. Monday (Dec. 4, 2017) at Country Health Nursing Home, Gifford.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Arnold was born Jan. 20, 1927, in rural Urbana, the son of Klass and Emma Meier Hinrichs. He married Carolyn Frerichs on June 29, 1947, in Royal. She preceded him in death on Oct. 16, 1995.

He is survived by one son, Rodney (Margie) Hinrichs of rural Urbana; three daughters, Karlene (Dan) Frerichs of Royal, Melinda (Mike) Huls of Royal and Jody (John) Leevey of Ogden; eight grandchildren, Cory Hinrichs, Kent Hinrichs, Kelly Lay, Ryan Frerichs, Josh Huls, Christopher Huls, Jessica Buesing and Jeremy Leevey; and 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

Arnold was a lifelong farmer. In 1993, he moved from the farm to Royal. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where he sang in the church choir, served on the church council and had been a Sunday school teacher.

He served on the Armstrong High School board andwas a former member of Rantoul Lodge 1496 Loyal Order of Moose.

He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Illini fan. He enjoyed bowling and playing euchre with his monthly card club.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, the American Cancer Society or the American Breast Cancer Foundation. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices. com.

Cecil Busboom

URBANA – Cecil Busboom, 79, of Urbana, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away at 9:57 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 29, 2017) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, with Pastor Seth Jersild officiating.

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

Cecil was born on Nov. 9, 1938, at Champaign, the son of Hie and Margaret Schmidt Busboom. He married Bonnie Towner on Aug. 29, 1959, in Urbana. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Michael Busboom of Atlanta, Ga., Marc Busboom of Elgin and Marcia (Brad) Robbins of St. Joseph; three grandchildren, Ashley Gallo, Bryant Robbins and Hailee Robbins; three great-grandchildren, Ava, Will and Carson Gallo; and two brothers, Dale (Loretta) Busboom of St. Joseph and Dean (Sally) Busboom of Austin, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cecil farmed in the area, and also worked at the Anderson Elevator in Champaign. Cecil developed Whiltshire subdivision in St. Joseph. He and his wife also had a glass business on Marco Island, Fla.

Cecil was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. He also served on the St. Joseph school board.

He enjoyed traveling and most of all spending time with his family.

Larry Ray Frick

HOMER — Homer-Larry Ray Frick, 74, of Homer, passed away at 7:56 p.m. Monday (Nov. 27, 2017) at Carle Foudation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, with Rev. Teri Shane officiating. Burial will take place at GAR Cemetery, Homer. There will be a visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Larry was born Feb. 8, 1943, in Danville, the son of Raymond and Frances Johnson Frick. He married Judy Wright on Aug. 12, 1962, in St. Joseph. She survives.

Survivors also include son, Randy (Kimberly)

Frick of Longview; daughter, Tracy Dunn (Tim Smith) of Villa Grove; grandchildren Austin Kelley, Dylan (Taylor) Frick, Shane Frick, Ashley (Donny) Patton and Logan Dunn (Amanda McCollum); and great-grandchildren, Andrew Patton, Harmony Dunn and Kinsley Dunn.

Larry was a lifetime farmer. He was a member of Homer United Methodist Church, Longview Lions Club and Longview Volunteer Fire Department. He served as Farm Bureau vice president and drainage commissioner. His hobbies included hunting and fishing.

Memorials can be made to Homer United Methodist Church or donor’s choice.

Braelynn Grace Kosik

CATLIN — Braelynn Grace Kosik, 3-monthold daughter of Matt and Diane Kosik, went to Heaven at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 22, 2017) at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

There will be a funeral service at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Homer New Life Church of Faith in Homer. Pastor Dave Ashby and Pastor C.W. Greer will officiate.

There will be a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church with a fireman walkthrough scheduled for 6 p.m. Kirby Funeral Home, Homer, is in charge of arrangements.

Braelynn was born on Aug. 24, 2017, in Urbana, the daughter of Matt and Diane Happ Kosik of Catlin. She is survived by her parents; a brother, Bryson Kosik at home; maternal grandparents, Don and Deb Happ Jr. of Homer; paternal grandparents, Dave and Denise Kosik of Cresent City, and Cathy Kosik and Mike Mulck of Crescent City; maternal great-grandparents, Don and Dorothy Happ Sr. of Philo and Dale and Nondus Wakefield of Homer; paternal great-grandmother, Alice Grabow of Pittwood, Ill.; uncle and aunts, Kyle Kosik and Danielle Torp of Lexington, Ky., and Darren and Caryn Happ of Newman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Braelynn Grace Kosik

Mel Schwartz

URBANA — Mel Schwartz, 85, of Urbana died on Thursday (Nov. 23, 2017) at Kirby Medical Center Hospice Unit, Monticello.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2200 S. Philo Road, Urbana. The Rev. Bob Rasmus will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney, with military rites by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Post 71. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana.

Mr. Schwartz was born on Sept. 14, 1932, at Sidney, a son of Edgar and Flora (Block) Schwartz. He married Marlene Wienke at Broadlands on Oct. 24, 1954. She died in July 1993. He married Elizabeth Metz Moore at Urbana on Jan. 6, 1996. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Duane Schwartz and wife June of Urbana; two daughters, Karen Sturgeon and husband Mike of Sidney, and Susan Weiss and husband Terry of Ogden.

He was proud to be grandpa to grandsons, Dan (Hannah) Schwartz of New Lenox, Clint (Jessi) Schwartz of Milford, Dylan (Belinda) Sturgeon of Monticello, and granddaughter, Jaime Tabeling of Savoy, and a step-granddaughter, Yancey (Shane) Stewart of Georgia, and delighted to be great-grandpa to great-granddaughters, Olivia Schwartz, Ellie Jo Schwartz, Hailey Schwartz and Arianna Pappas, and great-grandsons, Trace Schwartz and Rowan Stewart.

Also surviving is one sister, Irene (Clay) Lofton of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Raymond Schwartz; and sister, Arlene Schwartz Buhr.

Mr. Schwartz was raised in the Sidney area. He was employed at the Illinois Natural History Survey for 31 years and was head of the Administrative Financial Department and assistant to the chief when he retired in 1987. He operated a Tax Preparation Service business from his home until 2012.

He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 24 and the United Commercial Travelers No. 478. He served as UCT state president in 1985-86 and as UCT international supreme chaplain in 2002-03.

Mel was treasurer for the Prairie Winds Homeowners Association for 10 years.

He was active in scouting, Little League and softball programs in Urbana for many years.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954.

He enjoyed traveling, spending many winters in Florida, where he had a second home. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Fla., when he was in Florida.

He loved and enjoyed his family. He was a good friend to many and a kind and gentle person. Always a smile! He will be missed dearly.

“Say not in grief ‘he is no more,’ but live in thankfulness that he was.”

Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church or to the Food Bank at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2200 S. Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802, or the Food Bank at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista, Sarasota, FL 34239.

Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel. com.

Rita Jo Yount Wingler

URBANA – Rita Jo Wingler, 79, of Urbana passed away at 1:21 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 19, 2017) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. Funeral services will be held following the visitation at 110 a.m. at the funeral home, with Father Keith Walder officiating. Burial will be held at Friends Cemetery in Stanton Township.

Rita was born on April 22, 1938, in Danville to parents Ivan and Helen (Jones) Yount. She married Robert H. "Bob" Wingler on May 23, 1954, in Urbana; he preceded her in death on March 28, 2010.

She is survived by her three children, Tracy Wingler (Paula), Randy Wingler and Jeanie Lynn Daly; and two siblings, Connie Yount Ray and Ivan Dean Yount (Debbie), all of Urbana.

Rita is also survived by seven grandchildren, Joseph "Tater" Daly (Danielle), Robert DeRouchie (Suzanne), Kristin Wingler, Chad Daly (Skylar), Zach Wingler, Shelby Wingler and Rees Wingler; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Wingler's claim to fame was founding the locally famous Apple Dumplin Restaurant in 1985. She loved cooking and also worked for the University of Illinois' Bevier Hall and many fraternities and sororities.

Rita was a simple woman. She was "tough on the outside and soft on the inside." She enjoyed relaxing by working in her flower gardens and cheering for her favorite baseball teams, the Illini and Chicago White Sox.

However, her main joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

About this Blog

I started collecting obituaries on this blog as a means of being able to quickly search and access them.  Generally they are from the eastern part of Champaign County, Illinois.   These include the towns of St. Joseph, Ogden, Royal, Homer, Sidney, Broadlands and a few others from time to time.

I hope you find these useful.

Patty Jean (Block) Palmer

ST. JOSEPH – Patty Jean (Block) Palmer of St. Joseph passed away on Saturday (Nov. 18, 2017).

Patty was born on April 12, 1937, on the Block farm north of Block, Ill., to Frances (Kammin) and Amel Block. She married Ronald Lee Palmer on June 10, 1956. They had two sons, Steven Lee Palmer, born on Oct. 12, 1957, in Fort Sill, Okla., and Jeffrey Wayne Palmer, born on Jan. 13, 1960, at Burnham Hospital in Champaign.

Patty is survived by her son, Steve and his wife Macy of Paducah, Ky.; four beautiful grandchildren, Jody Lynn and husband Brent Bohnert of Perryville, Mo., Andrea Rose and husband Randy Shaw of White Heath, Kaelyn Jaye and Kasen Jenner of Paducah, Ky.; four great-grandchildren, Brody Wayne and Jonah Lee of Perryville, Mo., and Dylan Wayne and Avery Rose of White Heath.

She is also survived by one brother, Bennie Block of Sacramento, Calif.; three nieces; and one nephew.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ron; her son, Jeff; and one brother, Ronnie.

Patty loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved to play euchre, go shopping, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini. She was a member of the Church of Christ in St. Joseph.

Patty's ashes will be placed next to her husband Ron and son Jeff in Patterson Cemetery in St. Joseph.

Patty requested that there be no visitation or funeral. She would like a graveside prayer upon placement of her ashes which will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials may be made in her honor to St. Joseph Fire Department at 222 W. Warren St., St. Joseph, IL 61873.

Online condolences may be left at www.lindseyfuneral.com. Lindsey Funeral Home of Paducah, Ky., is in charge of arrangements.

  

Bev K. Suanders

Bev K. Saunders, 69, of Veedersburg, IN passed away 6:20 AM Sunday November 19, 2017 at IU Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana.

She was born July 1, 1948 in Rardin, Illinois the daughter of Ivan and Ersie May (Gaines) Perry.

Surviving family include two daughters, Jenny Windschitl, Champaign IL; Sherrie Saunders, Murfreesboro TN; a sister, Susie (Gary) Cox, Veedersburg; four brothers, Bill (Bonnie) Perry, Veedersburg; David (Andrea) Perry, Homer IL; Jim (Teresa) Perry, Champaign IL; Dan Perry, Champaign IL; four grandchildren, Jake Wren, Lexi Windschitl, Emily Windschitl, Ally Duran; five great-grandchildren, Brielle, Brendon, Gannon, Makenna, Major; and another great grandson coming in January.

She is preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter Yvonne Saunders; two sisters, Rose Marie Perry, Theda “Tootie” Keller; three brothers, Charles Eugene “Gene” Perry, Dewaine Perry, John Allen Perry.; sister-in-law, Diane Perry; and brother-in-law, John Keller.

Bev had worked as hairdresser in St Joseph IL, she had also been employed at Carle Hospital in Champaign and Hospitals in Tennessee over the years.  She enjoyed cooking, going on road trips, and spending time on the beach, mostly in Florida but also in Myrtle Beach SC. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Per Bev’s wishes there will be no services held.

Waneta L. Frick McDaniel

CHAMPAIGN — Waneta L. McDaniel passed away peacefully on November 17, 2017, at Eastview Terrace in Sullivan, Illinois.

Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 South Philo Road, Urbana, Illinois. Pastor Brent Roberson will officiate.

Waneta was born April 29, 1931, in Sidney, Illinois, to Oscar and Mabel Kleinmeyer Frick. She graduated from Longview Township High School. She raised her children in Mahomet and then was a longtime resident of Round Barn Manor in Champaign.

For much of her life, Waneta was an active member of her home church, Sangamon Valley Christian Center in Mahomet.

She was known for her ability to take bits of near nothing and turn them into something, a fixer and a doer who saw problems as challenges. She was as smart as a whip, stubborn as a goat, and cuddly as a teddy bear.

She will be remembered for her kindness, tenacity, and no-nonsense approach to life and its many surprises, her love of two-stepping around her apartment,

and frequent utterances of her favorite phrase, “Oh, whatever.”

She metered out orneriness almost equal to her heaping measures of love, a skill that she has imparted to her children, Pamela (Dan) Ferguson and David (Melody) McDaniel, andher grandchildren, Tiffany (Nick) White, Christopher (Megan Gebbink) McDaniel, Erin (David Mills) Williams, and Maggie (Anne Jackson) Ruch. They will then impart the same to her great-grandchildren: Alexis, Emily, Maddie, Logan, Michael, and Keagan.

Waneta was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Orville Frick and is survived by her brother Kenneth (Joy) Frick and sister-in-law Connie Frick.

The family asks that any donations be made in memorium to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org. Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel. com.

Jeannette Youmans

AVON – Jeannette Youmans, 91, Avon, formerly of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Friday (Nov. 10, 2017) at the Springs of Mooresville, Mooresville, Ind.

She was born Feb. 18, 1926, in Wolcott, Ind., the youngest of seven children of Alfred Mathew Jr. and Florence Eck Mathew. She was a 1944 graduate of Wolcott High School; she entered the Mercy School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse in 1947. She was married to the late Austin B. Youmans for 54 years.

Sharing an interest in genealogy, she and her husband were life members of the Charlotte County, Fla., Genealogical Society; as members, they published cemetery books, placing copies in several Florida libraries as well as the Library of Congress. They also published on ancestry book, placing copies in the Illinois and Indiana libraries.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Jeannette was preceded by her brothers, Eugene, George, Edward and Thomas; and her sisters, Sister Esther Mathew and Julia Byron.

She is survived by her children, Austin, Dan (Barbara), Dianne and Jeanne Ann (Michael) Walz; granddaughters, Callie and Erika Youmans; and her nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be held at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday prior to the graveside services.

Abbie A. Huls Demien

GIFFORD – Abbie A. Demien, 97, of Gifford, a former Ludlow resident, passed away at 3:13 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 11, 2017) at Country Health Nursing Home, Gifford.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery, rural Rantoul. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Dier's Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, and also Friday one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Abbie was born Dec. 7, 1919, in rural St. Joseph, the daughter of Poppe Jenson and Katrina Fruhling Huls. She married Rudolph A. Demien on Dec. 4, 1939, in the St. John Lutheran Church parsonage, Royal. He preceded her in death Nov. 20, 1996.

She is survived by a daughter, Ellen (John) Blue of Ogden; a granddaughter, Cindy (Mike) Savely of Davenport, Iowa; a grandson, Brad Blue of rural Ludlow; five great-grandchildren; three bonus great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and one brother, John Jacob Huls of Lincoln.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Ann Wolken.

Abbie was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, the Bible study group and Ladies' Sewing Group. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, canning and her chickens.

She was an amazing lady who read her Bible daily, prayed for everyone she knew and loved, was the foundation of her family and always gave from her heart. She was a lady who could sew and create fabulous handmade creations and did so for so many. With each stitch in a wedding dress, baby blanket, quiet book or many other items were prayers for health, happiness and the Lord to be in the recipient's life.

The family would like to thank Country Health Nursing Home and Rehab for such a wonderful facility to care for and keep our loved ones safe. Many blessings and extra thanks to Rhea, Dyan and Stephanie for their wonderful care.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, or Country Health Nursing Home and Rehab. Online condolences can be shared with her family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Peggy Paden

ST. JOSEPH – Peggy Louise Paden, 80, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully on Sunday (Nov. 12, 2017) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. 

Peggy was born at the Effingham Hospital on May 24, 1937, to Willis Harvey Olinger and Esta (Walker) Olinger. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Peggy married her best friend and love of her life, James R. Paden, on Sept. 3, 1955, in Hernado, Miss. They shared 62 years of marriage together. He still survives. Jim and Peggy had one child, Jimmy Paden (LoriKay) of Asheville, N.C.  Also surviving are two grandchildren, Jolee Paden and Justen Paden. 

Peggy grew up in Champaign and graduated from Champaign High in 1955. In 1968, the Paden family moved to St. Joseph, establishing many friendships that still exist today. Family and friends were Peggy's passion and delight. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and attended many of their activities while they were growing up. She was an active member of the Church of Christ in St. Joseph and volunteered for many events in the community. 

She loved life and loved to laugh. She encouraged so many people through sending cards for all occasions. Thanks be to God for her life and her legacy.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ, 226 E. Sherman St. Funeral services will follow at noon. Pastor Brian Patterson will be officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

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

Geraldine E. Alt

Geraldine E. Alt of Westfield, Ind., formerly of St. Joseph, passed away at 11:35 p.m. EST Friday (Nov. 10, 2017) at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis.

Geraldine was born May 16, 1931, in Hoopeston. She is survived by her children, Deborah Alt of Champaign, Charles Alt of Hoopeston, Gregory (Sherry) Alt of Hoschton, Ga., Nancy (Mike) Devitt of Whitestown, Ind., Terry Alt of Champaign and Mary (Jeff) Brown of Devils Elbow, Mo. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charles W. Alt; her parents, Joseph and Vera Lockhart of Hoopeston; and her 11 brothers and sisters.

Geraldine worked 23 years at Busey Bank (State Bank of St. Joseph). After she retired, she enjoyed many years camping and fishing with her husband Charles. She enjoyed cooking, working in her flower and vegetable gardens, and canning. Her greatest joy above all was spending time with her family.

Services will be held at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. Funeral services honoring her life will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with graveside services following.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Erna Mennega

THOMASBORO — Erna Mennenga, 92, of Thomasboro passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, at Helia Healthcare, Champaign.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville, with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m., officiated by the Rev. James Lehman. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.

Erna was born Feb. 9, 1925, in Compromise Township, a daughter of John and Grace (Hinrichs) Franzen. She married Arnold Mennenga on Feb. 19, 1943. He preceded her in death on July 30, 1995.

She is survived by six children, Larry (Charlotte) Mennenga of Champaign, Ronda (Larry) Scott of Thomasboro, Sharon (Gayle)Duitsman of St. Joseph, Denice (Ron) Rock of Apache Junction, Ariz., Renee

Mennenga of Thomasboro and Kim (Mark) Plaza of Arlington Heights; 14 grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren; and four sisters, Annetta Frerichs, Bernice Loschen, Evelyn Paul and Lucille Ryan.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Michele (Rock) Noah, and her brother, Norman Franzen.

Erna was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was a homemaker, volunteer, member of several organizations, and worked side by side with her husband on their dairy operation.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville or the Melanoma Cancer Research in memory of Michele Rock.

Arrangements are being handled by Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul.

Betty Jo Eagan

CHAMPAIGN – Betty Jo Eagan, 92, of Champaign passed away at 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 4, 2017) at Illini Heritage Nursing Home, Champaign.

Private family services will be held.

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

Betty Jo was born Dec. 15, 1924, at Benton, the daughter of Everett and Nancy (Cleveland) Sands. She married Noah Eagan on June 10, 1942, at Old Monroe, Mo. He preceded her in death in 1995.

She is survived by her children, Kandra Miller of Urbana and Randall Eagan of Wheat Ridge, Colo.; four grandchildren, Shelley (Claude) Stanton, Jeremy (Emily) Miller, Amanda Miller and Wesley (Amanda Beth) Miller; and six great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Aidan Miller, Corinne Ferrill and Finn, Mia and Ellie Miller.

She was preceded in death by her husband; son, David Eagan; and son-in-law, Walt Miller.

Betty Jo was a homemaker. She was a member of the Mansfield American Legion Auxiliary.

Memorials may be made to Roanoke Rugby Susan B. Komen Fund, 4809 Pleasant Hill Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018, or the Northside Sandlot Baseball, P.O. Box 785, St. Joseph, IL 61873.

Craig Dutton

TUSCOLA – Craig Michael Dutton, 53, of Tuscola died Sunday (Nov. 5, 2017) at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, due to cancer.

Craig was born on Nov. 21, 1963, in Urbana, to Ted and Lois (Lube) Dutton. He married Pam Leonard on April 1, 2011. She survives.

Also surviving are his mother of Urbana; stepsons, Sam (Kelsey) Leonard and Jack Leonard, both of Tuscola; stepdaughter, Marnie Leonard of Carbondale; granddaughter, Eva Leonard of Tuscola; stepmother, Marilyn of Morristown, Ariz.; brothers, Chris of Eugene, Ore., and Nick of Dallas, Texas; nephews, Derrick (Lisa) Dutton and Joey Dutton; as well as three grandnieces and two grandnephews. He is also survived and terribly missed by his loyal cats: Ginger, Mister, Milo and Rose.

He was preceded in death by his father and paternal and maternal grandparents.

Craig worked as security and grounds manager at Flex-N-Gate in Urbana for 17 years. He was a lifelong Cubs fan. Craig was a man of faith and belonged to the United Church of Christ in Tuscola.

Craig's wish was to be cremated and to have no funeral. We will host a celebration of life service for Craig at It'll Do, 600 S. Washington St., Tuscola, on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Please wear your Cubs gear and bring a funny Craig story to share. We know you have them.

Memorials are suggested to the United Church of Christ or donor's choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Tuscola. Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com.

Thomas R. Fenters

OGDEN – Thomas R. Fenters, 78, of Ogden passed away at 8:40 a.m. Friday (Nov. 3, 2017) at Country Health Care and Rehab in Gifford.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Burial will take place in GAR Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Thomas was born May 8, 1939, in Champaign, the son of Ralph F. and Lois Regina Womacks Fenters. He married Nancy Kay Cruse on Aug. 11, 1961, in Urbana. She survives.

Survivors also include his son, Thomas (Molly) Fenters of St. Joseph; daughter, Cyndi (Skip) James of Homer; grandchildren, Wade Frerichs, Lauren (John) Kasprzak, Chelsea (Tim) Stanley and Zach James; and great-grandchildren, Ryan and Reagan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy Osterbur.

Thomas was a member of Ogden Christian Church and St. Joseph Sportsman Club, and served as clerk of Ogden Township for 50 years. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1957.

Thomas was a lifelong Cubs and Bears fan. His hobbies included bowling, camping, motorcycle riding and mowing. He enjoyed going to Danville Dans baseball games.

Memorials can be made to Ogden Rescue Squad.

Gene Frerichs

ROYAL – Gene Frerichs, 78, of Royal passed away at 4:20 p.m. Friday (Nov. 3, 2017) at his home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officate. 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. A prayer service will be held at 8 p.m.

Gene was born Jan. 19, 1939, at Champaign, the son of Gerhard and Anna C. (Busboom) Frerichs. He married Carolyn Pflugmacher on Oct. 15, 1961, in Gifford. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Steven (Mary Lou) Frerichs of Fithian and Stacy (Fred Cast) Anderson of Collison; six grandchildren, Wade and Matthew Frerichs, Alex and Zach Anderson, and Paige and Paiton Frerichs; sisters, Sandra (Darold) Meier of Urbana and Lana (Dave) Sund of San Antonio, Texas; and brother, Randy (Glenda) Frerichs of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Kevin Frerichs.

Gene was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. He farmed all his life. Gene was a licensed real estate agent and broker for 45 years.

He enjoyed studying new forms of energy, organic farming and soil conservation. He loved to read and pursue his hobbies.

Gene shared a love of quarter horse racing with his son Kevin.

He enjoyed the cowboy lifestyle and spending winters in Arizona.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Daniel Reed

URBANA – Daniel Reed, 60, of Urbana passed away at 3:40 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 2, 2017) at his home.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Randy Boltinghouse officating. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Dan was born Aug. 2, 1957, at Danville, the son of Frank and Marjorie (Landsdown) Reed.

He is survived by his father, Frank (Sharon) Reed of Normal; two brothers, Mike (Valerie) Reed of Fort Myers, Fla., and Jeff Reed of Sunrise Beach, Mo.; one sister, Jean Ann Pumphrey of St. Joseph; half sister Nicole (Pete) Wiedman of Normal; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Kathy Tomlinson.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Dan retired from Ameren Illinois. He supported the Urbana VFW Post 630. Dan enjoyed spending time in Osage Beach, Mo., where he enjoyed boating on the lake.

Dan owned several miniature schnauzers in his life and enjoyed their company. He belonged to the St. Joseph Church of Christ. He was a St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 630 or the Humane Society.

Carl Austin Parks Jr.

SIDNEY – Carl Austin "CJ" Parks Jr., 18, passed away on Thursday (Oct. 26, 2017) in Tolono as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.

CJ was born on Jan. 7, 1999, in Urbana. He is survived by his parents, Carl and Heather Parks of Sidney; sister, Chelsea (Austin) Dixon of Peoria; and grandparents, Rodney and Teresa Crozier of Pembroke Pines, Fla.

CJ was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard Parks and Patricia Stout-Cookson.

CJ was a wonderful young man with a kind heart and a big personality. CJ was very outgoing and had many friends whom he loved. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad. His most recent hunt involved hunting doves, which he and his dad enjoyed for the first time together. CJ's greatest joy was being with family and friends.

CJ graduated from Unity High School in May 2017. During his time in high school he loved playing football and fishing on the bass team which he did for all four years. He began attending Parkland College this fall. He worked at Attie's Bar and Grill as a server. CJ was a hard worker.

CJ will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Arrangements include the visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, and celebration of life services at 10 a.m. Thursday at First Christian Church in Champaign.

Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main, Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.

Joseph Allen Gudeman

ST. JOSEPH – Jason Allen Gudeman, 40, of St. Joseph died at 8:18 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 22, 2017) at St. Mary's Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Emmanuel Southern Baptist Church, 1255 South Lake Ridge Ave., Decatur. Pastor Scott Andrews and Chaplain Kit Troeger will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the church. Military honors by the Illinois Army National Guard will follow the service at the church. Private family burial will be held at a later date.

Tanzyus Logan Funeral Services, Decatur, is in charge of the arrangements.

Jason was born on July 12, 1977, in Champaign, the son of Don and Martha (Zike) Gudeman. Jason was a graduate of Oakwood High School and Parkland College.

He was a carpenter for Local Union 243 in Champaign.

Jason was in the Illinois National Guard for 20 years and served his country in Iraq, achieving the rank of SFC.

Jason is survived by his parents, Don and Martha Gudeman of St. Joseph; brothers, Doniel Gudeman and wife Charlene and Michael Gudeman, all of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister, Jennifer Nelson and husband Brian of Eagle Grove, Iowa; and two nieces.

Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Please sign the family guestbook at www.tanzyuslogan.com.

Christopher Eugene Matthis

NEWMAN — Christopher Eugene Matthis, 58, of Newman passed away at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 17, 2017) in Broadlands as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. M o n d a y, Oct. 23, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana. Deacon Anthony Nickrent will officiate. There will be no visitation. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is handling arrangements.

Christopher was born Feb. 9, 1959, in Rantoul, the son of Billie J. and Mary M. Mueller Matthis. He married Patricia Chandler on Nov. 23, 1996. She preceded him in death on Sept. 12, 2015.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Matthis ofFithian; son, Christopher (Jaci) Matthis II ofPlainfield, Ind.; daughter, Kaylee (Jake) Oltean of Tuscola; daughter, Kaysee Matthis of Broadlands; son, Seth Matthis of Broadlands; two stepchildren, Shaylah

Jones and Joe Clark; grandchildren, Harper Grace Matthis, Noah Christopher Matthis and Kolton Trey Oltean; sister, Marianne (Ken deceased) Reid; sister, Deborah (David) Richardson; brother, Jeff (Kim) Matthis; brother, Craig (Michele) Matthis; sister, Dawn (Brett) Coddington; sister, Jodi (Mark) Muller; and 16 nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his father, grandparents and nephew, Justin Matthis.

Christopher was selfemployed in construction. He loved cooking, fishing and bowling. He was a handyman who loved to fix stuff.

Memorials can be made to the GoFundMe account under Jodi Muller.

James Markus Hurley

 ST. JOSEPH – James Markus Hurley, 4 months old, left his heartbroken family to join his Heavenly Father on Monday (Oct. 16, 2017) at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.

He was born on June 4, 2017, in St. Joseph to James and Jenna (Lockhart) Hurley.

Baby Jamie was a Rainbow Baby and a Heart Warrior. His courage and fortitude were an inspiration to the thousands of people who followed his miracle story. He survived a congenital heart defect at birth, open heart surgery at 3 days old and a lifetime of recovery. He smiled throughout it all. He spread his joyful light even during his darkest hours.

Jamie's favorite things during his short but happy life were lots of kisses, tickles and staring in wonder at the sun-dappled trees. We knew from the moment he was born that he was called to do something special. We were not wrong.

Despite the brief journey he had, he brought strength and love to all who met him; he reminded us of the preciousness of our lives, and he gifted us with a vision of God's own love for us.

We will never forget how bright and frequent his laughter was, nor how strong his heart tried to be. He will be forever missed and cherished. Until we meet again, Fuzz Head, rest in Heaven.

Jamie is survived by his parents; grandparents Tom Jr. and Christy Lockhart and Mike and Tina Hurley; great-grandparents Nancy Holler, Tom Lockhart Sr. and Tamara Lawson; cousins Penelope Greer, Claire, Eric, Spencer, Natalie, David, Leira, Erin, Paul, Faith, William, Anthony, Bridget and Lucas; aunts and uncles Michael (Julie) Hurley of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Thomas (Megan) Hurley, Liz (Sharma) Sookarry of Danville, David (Katie) Hurley of Danville, Jeff (Brandi) Hurley of Danville, Paul Hurley of Danville, Zach Lockhart, Tommy Lockhart III and Ashton Lockhart.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather David Holler and uncle Mark Hurley.

A celebration of Jamie's life will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 405 W. Clark St., Champaign. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign.

Memorial donations may be made in Jamie's name to Children's Hospital of Illinois: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Please join Jamie's family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.