Wanita McKinney

ST. JOSEPH – Wanita McKinney, 97, of St. Joseph passed away at 8:41 a.m. Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2017) at the Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Pastor Jane McKinney will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Wanita was born on April 3, 1920, at Danville, the daughter of Byron and Matie Bales Kilbourne. She married Virgil McKinney on May 20, 1946. He preceded her in death in 1994.

She is survived by her children, Rick (Vikki) McKinney of St. Joseph, Lori (Bob) Bell of Urbana and Patti McKee of Ogden; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mildred; and an infant son, Richard Dean.

Wanita worked at Christie Clinic in the Insurance Department. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and watching Illinois basketball.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph United Methodist Church or the American Diabetes Association.

Doris Koeck

Doris Koeck

SIDNEY — Doris Mae Labancz Koeck, 92, of Sidney passed away on Saturday (Aug. 26, 2017) at home.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at St. John Lutheran Church, 509 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign, with Pastor Jeff Caithamer officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.

Mrs. Koeck was born on April 16, 1925, at Chicago, a daughter to Elmer R. and Henrietta S. Labancz. She married Dr. Martin Koeck III on June 22, 1946, in Chicago; he preceded her in death on Feb. 11, 2016.

Surviving are three daughters, Jane (Earl) Breeden, Chris (Duane) Reifsteck and Jackie Compton; four grandsons, Gregory (Jennifer) Wood, Kurt (Katie) Reifsteck, Erik (Stephanie) Compton and Bryce (Caley) Compton; and nine great-grandchildren.

She attended Wright Junior College and graduated from Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in 1947.

She was a life member of the Burnham City Hospital Auxiliary, charter member and past president of the Champaign County Medical Society Auxiliary, Sweet Adelines International and St. John Lutheran Church, Champaign.

She started the Candy Striper program at Burnham City Hospital.

Memorials may be made to Toast of Champaign, Sweet Adelines Chorus.

Beverly B. Savage

ST. JOSEPH — Beverly B. Savage, 92, of St. Joseph passed away at 10:55 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. We d n e s day, Sept. 6, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Pastor Eric Simpson will officiate. Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm St., Champaign, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carle Hospice program.

Condolences may be offered at www.Heathand-Vaughn.com.

SAVAGE

Jo Ann Buller

ST. JOSEPH — Jo Ann Buller, 85, of St. Joseph passed away at 10:28 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 19, 2017) at her home with loved

BULLER

ones by her side.

A memorial reception will be held at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory in Urbana from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. Ms. Buller’s cremated remains will be buried in Clements Cemetery in Urbana at a later date.

Jo Ann was born on April 4, 1932, in Urbana to parents John and Myrtle

( Johnson) Slade. They preceded her in death.

Survivors include six children: George Walker (Janice) of Urbana, Leland Walker (Cheryl) of Broadlands, Sherald Koliboski of Moreno Valley, Calif., Gale Miller of Atlanta, Ga., Tammy Bedell (William) of Fayetteville, N.C., and Tracy Lee of Carlyle.

Jo Ann is also survived by two siblings, John Slade of Urbana and Rosemary Meister of Fort Myers, Fla. Fifteen grandchildren, 18 greatgrandchildren and one great- great- grandchild also survive.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by one daughter, Marcia Vincent, and two sisters, Violet Evans and Dolly Ducker.

Ms. Buller was selfemployed as a professional housekeeper.

She continued in this line of work for more than 45 years.

She enjoyed playing bingo, vacationing in Las Vegas and traveling the U.S. to visit her family. Halloween was her favorite holiday by far, with Christmas coming in at a distant second.

She was a great cook and her homemade pie crusts were legendary.

She was the matriarch of the family and lived her life as a rock for her family. Though her family is comforted that she lived a long, fulfilling life, they will still miss her deeply.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Lee Jessup

Lee Jessup

MAHOMET — Leamon Kemp Jessup — “Lee/Paw-Paw” — 66, of Mahomet died at 7:05 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 20, 2017) at Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.

Lee was born on Sept. 9, 1950, in Urbana to Annie L. and Bobby Gene Jessup.

Lee is survived by his mother, Annie Jessup; wife, Beverly Jessup; three sons, Jeremy (Nichole), Joshua and Joel (Katie); one daughter, Annie Jane Anglin (Tyler); and three stepchildren, Jacquie Guevara (Matthew), Megan Berry (Lance) and Jake Foley. Lee was blessed with nine grandchildren.

Lee was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Gene Jessup, and brother, Robert G. Jessup.

Lee was a graduate of Illinois State University with a B.S. in education and M.S. in educational administration and worked as a school administrator for over 30 years, retiring in 2005 as principal of Lincoln Trail Elementary School in Mahomet.

Lee began his teaching career in Normal Community School District where he was also a football and wrestling coach. Lee was also an IHSA wrestling official in his spare time during that period.

Lee and his family moved to Mahomet in 1978 when he took the principal’s position at the Seymour Grade School, and when Mahomet and Seymour consolidated he was moved to Lincoln Trail Elementary where he finished his career. Lee spent time as transportation director for the M-S School District.

He was also an elected member of the Mahomet Village Board for a period of time.

Lee believed in the community and wanted to leave things better than he found them

and worked hard to show that example and live those expectations for his family and community members.

Lee believed in community service and sought out ways to serve others. He exemplified what it meant to be a community member — he believed if you were in a community, you had an obligation to serve in that community.

Lee was a believer in faith, family, fellowship and freedom — he was a patriot through and through and stood up for the U.S. flag and Constitution.

Lee was a volunteer coach for his sons for baseball, wrestling and football. He could be found on the sidelines or in the bleachers at athletic events for his children and grandchildren or in the auditorium for musicals and drama club productions or at M-S Marching Bulldog shows.

Lee, before and into retirement, spent time as a mentor in the M-S schools for teachers, staff and most important to him, students. He founded Lee J’s Firehouse Golf and Arcades and Tropical Sno to provide a safe place for his kids to work and community children to play — ultimately donating the Tropical Sno franchise to the Mahomet Area Youth Club.

Lee worked hard and played harder! He rarely missed an opportunity to enjoy a practical joke or a chance to “stir the pot,” so to speak. His smile and laughter were infectious and will be missed!

Lee held leadership positions in nearly every organization he’d been involved in and has left a legacy in and around the community. Lee dedicated over 40 years of service as a volunteer firefighter at Bloomington Township and Cornbelt Fire Protection District, retiring in April 2017 as a trustee at Cornbelt Fire Protection District in Mahomet.

Lee was an instrumental and dedicated member of the Mahomet Area Youth

Club’s Executive Board and believed wholeheartedly in their mission and work in and around the Mahomet Community.

Lee was a member of the Mahomet United Methodist Church and instilled the biblical teachings of the church throughout the fabric of his life and family. Lee was a Freemason and a member of Mahomet Lodge 220.

Lee was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

The family would love to share with any community members who wish to visit on Wednesday, Aug. 23, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Mahomet United Methodist Church at 1302 E. South Mahomet Road.

Additionally, there will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11 a.m. at the church on Thursday, followed by a fellowship meal.

Services are being handled by Blair-Owens Funeral Home and officiated by the Rev. John K. McIntosh.

Even in death, Lee has sought to provide an opportunity for learning and teaching and has requested his body be donated to Northwestern Medical School.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy (Lee despised flowers at funerals), please make any memorial contributions to the Mahomet Area Youth Club, the Mahomet-Seymour Education Foundation or the Cornbelt Fire Protection District Firefighters Fund.

Lee’s signature from his emails sums up his priorities — “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” — Joshua 24:15.

Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes. com.

Elmer J. Freese

CHAMPAIGN — Elmer J. Freese, 89, of Urbana passed away at 9:21 p.m. Friday (Aug. 18, 2017) at Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Jay Johnson officating. Burial will be in Beckman Cemetery, Rantoul. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Elmer was born Dec. 22, 1927, at Royal, the son of John and Marie Rosenbeck Freese. He married Esther Eilers in Gifford on March 27, 1949. She preceded him in death on June 14, 2013.

He is survived by his daughters, Brenda Rossof Monticello, Colleen Lynch of Champaign and Debbie McCarter of Champaign;

four grandchildren, Cassie McConkey, William Lynch, Danna Lynch and Michael McCarter; three great-grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, two brothers, a sister and a grandson, Nathan Ross.

Elmer worked for Pioneer Seed Co. for 38 years. He loved the Cubs and enjoyed gardening. He had a greenhouse and enjoyed growing flowers. Elmer liked to fix TVs. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and bowling. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Champaign.

FREESE

Darlene Hawk Trumbull

URBANA — Darlene Trumbull, 79, of Urbana passed away at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 15, 2017) at her home.

Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, Aug. 19, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Don Orr and Pastor Bob Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the funeral home.

Darlene was born on Oct. 22, 1937, in Stanton Township, the daughter of Stanley and Fontella ( Firebaugh) Hawk. She married Robert Trumbull on June 3, 1956, at St. Joseph. He survives.

She is also survived by her children, Selena (Gerald) Douglass of St. Joseph, Deb (Don) Orr of Savoy, Scott (Stacy) Trumbull of St. Joseph and Kim (Jeff) Hutcherson of Ogden; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death

by her parents, one brother and one sister.

Darlene went to a oneroom schoolhouse through the sixth grade and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Now she is home with Christ, whom she loved with all her heart.

Darlene courageously faced many physical trials without complaint, and always thought of others’ needs.

She was a longtime active member of First Christian Church in Champaign and enjoyed writing her Sunday school class newsletter, crocheting and spending time with friends and family.

Betty Louise Ross

URBANA — Betty Louise Ross, 96, of Urbana passed away on Monday (Aug. 14, 2017) at Carle Foundation Hospital Hospice.

Graveside memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at Mount Hope Mausoleum Chapel, 611 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Champaign. Arrangements are being handled by Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory in Urbana. Pastor Hank Sanford will officiate.

Betty was born on Feb. 28, 1921, in Ogden, a daughter of Charles Wright Jr. and Cora “Lee” Wright. She graduated from Urbana High School. She married Robert C. Ross Sr. on Nov. 2, 1940, in St. Charles, Mo.

Survivors include her son, Robert C. Ross Jr. (Irene) of Urbana; six grandchildren, Jim Ross (Carol) of Ogden, Becky Dillman of Urbana, Jack Ross (Pam) of Ogden, Robin Wynne (Steve) of Champaign, Chuck Ross (Lori) of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Nikki Butler (Chuck) of Urbana; 13 great-grandchildren; and 13 greatgreat- grandchildren.

She is also survived by a sister, Helen Stonerof Urbana; a sister-in-law, Beverly Starwalt (Paul) of St. Joseph; a nephew, Michael Stoner of Geneva; a nephew, Brad Wright of St. Joseph; a niece, Cathy Graver (Craig) of St. Joseph; and 21 great-nieces

and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Sonny Wright; both parents; her husband; a brother-inlaw, Gene Stoner; a nephew, Eugene Stoner; and a great-nephew.

Betty was employed at the City of Urbana Parking Department and at Leal School cafeteria. She was a caretaker of many over the years, enjoyed sewing and cooking, was a huge Illini football/basketball and Cubs fan, and had a great love for dogs.

Many of her great-grandchildren lovingly referred to her as Nini Betty. She was loved by all who came to know her.

Our family wants to thank the first responders and all the medical professionals at Presence who transported her to Carle, where such wonderful care was given to both Betty and our family during her remaining time here.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society.

Linda Marie Francisco

VANDALIA — Linda Marie Francisco, 54, of Vandalia, formerly of Champaign, passed away on Sunday (Aug. 13, 2017) in Vandalia.

Linda was born in Champaign on Nov. 26, 1962, the daughter of the Rev. Robert and Euna Francisco. She attended schools in Ogden and St. Joseph, and graduated from the St. Colletta’s School in Wisconsin.

After graduation she worked at the Developmental Services Center in Champaign before going to Vandalia to work at FAYCO Developmental Center.

Linda was baptized a Christian as a child and lived her life as a Christian.

She enjoyed reading her Bible, listening to her Christian music, CDs and watching religious programs on her TV.

Linda Marie Francisco is survived by her parents, the Rev. and Mrs. Robert L. Francisco, pastor of the First ChristianChurch, Vandalia; sister, Rebecca Hatter of Mattoon; brothers, Robert Francisco of Crete, Ill., Michael Francisco and Kris ofRoyal, and Charles Francisco and Trinity of Killeen, Texas; uncles, Charles J. Francisco of Richmond, Va., Robert J. Trent and Jeane of Paradise, Texas, and David Trent and Donna of Rogersville, Tenn.; aunts, Beuna O’Connor of Urbana, Martha Francisco of Urbana, Phyllis Myersand Derryl of Morristown, Tenn., and Beatrise Wallace of Queensland, Australia;

five nieces; five nephews; three grandnephews; and many cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by grandparents; nephew, William Michael Hatter; her aunt, Norma Campbell; and uncle, William Leroy Francisco.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at First Christian Church, Vandalia.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. A private family interment will be held in Champaign.

Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, is in charge of the arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh. net.

Vicki Rae Johnson Fry

Vicki Rae (Johnson) Fry, 78, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of St. Joseph, Illinois passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Pilgrim Manor. Vicki was a devoted mother, wife, and teacher. She will always be remembered for her impact in so many lives throughout the years – inspiring her children, grandchildren, classroom students, friends, and neighbors. Vicki was a cultivator. She blessed students with her positive qualities, her compassion and her empathy. She helped them discover their passion for a subject and for learning itself. She looked to see them grow and continued to follow many into their adult lives. Outside teaching, Vicki’s interests included flower gardening, quilting, sewing, arts and crafts, antiquing. She loved and worshipped her little Rat Terrier dogs – Lady and Liza. They were her second children in later years and were always at her side welcoming people at the door. Vicki was always creating unique art and craft projects for her classroom students, her own children, or just for sharing with friends and neighbors. She loved watercolor painting. She was always making unique heirlooms such as personalized quilts and stuffed animals for her grandkids and others. She enjoyed going to art museums and perusing art books. She cherished her long-term friendship with her former high school and college classmates. They continued reunions and trips together for many years. Vicki was born in 1939, in Canton, Illinois to Raymond and Margaret Johnson. She graduated from Canton High School and earned her teaching degree from Illinois State University at Bloomington. On June 18, 1961, she married Bobby Fry. Vicki retired from teaching at St. Joseph Elementary School after 30+ years there. She and Bobby attended the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph for many years. She and Bobby traveled extensively to numerous locations including Alaska, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other European countries such as France, Switzerland. Survivors include her brother, Gary Johnson; husband, Bobby; a son, Charles (Carleen) Fry; daughter, Rajene (Gregg) Betz; grandchildren, Carissa Fry, Molly Fry, Tristan Betz, James Fry, Kameron Betz. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Tom Johnson. A private graveside service will be held in Canton, Illinois. Please visit Vicki’s personal web page to learn more of her life story, share a memory or sign the guest book at www.lifestorynet.com.

Wesley A. Book

ST. JOSEPH — Wesley A. Book, 55, of St. Joseph passed away at 10:50 p.m. Saturday (July 29, 2017) at his residence.

A private family service will take place at a later date.

Wesley was born on March 28, 1962, in Champaign, to parents Larry and Marlene (Brinkman) Book. His father Larry passed away on Nov. 23, 2016. On Sept. 29, 2007, Wesley married Kim McClain in Rantoul.

Wes is survived by his wife, Kim Book of St. Joseph; his mother, Marlene Book of Urbana; his children, Rory Book of Homer and Wesley Tyler Book (Ashley) of Seymour; his stepchildren, David McClain of St. Joseph and Missy McClain (Chris) of Thomasboro; and his granddaughter, Amelia. His brother, Tom Book (Ruth) of Urbana, and his sister, Gayle Silvers of Largo, Fla., also survive him.

Wes was a 1982 graduate of Urbana High School and worked in building maintenance and systems repair. He worked at Clark-Lindsey Village for nine years, and as an HVAC programmer at Newman Hall for many years.

Wes loved to go camping and cook, was very interested in history and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Most of all, he lived for his family — especially his wife, his children and his granddaughter, along with his cat, Barney, and his dog, Coco, whom he loved so much.

Memorial contributions may be made to benefit the education fund for granddaughter Amelia, either by sending to Renner-Wikoff Chapel or to Kim Book.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel. com.