Robert Kent Lee

HOMER — Robert Kent Lee, a lifelong Homer resident and farmer, died from complications of chronic kidney disease Thursday (July 26, 2018) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Upon turning 90 earlier this year, he said “it took a long time to get here, but it was worth it.”

Kent spent all his years on his family’s farm. He graduated from Homer High School in 1946 and earned a four-year scholarship to the University of Illinois.

Kent was lucky to love his work. Kent’s passion was farming, working alongside his father, his nephews and, most recently, his daughter and son-in-law. A gifted problem solver and self-taught machinist, he owned and operated Lee Machine Shop. He specialized in fixing Volkswagen engines, knowing that a common engineering flaw would cause most engines in the area to make their way to his shop.

He earned his private pilot’s license in 1948 and later became a single engine instrument rated commercial pilot. His airplanes were his favorite machines, and they brought him through many adventures. One such adventure that always made him smile involved the manager at the Homer Grain Company. He had shipped grain to a processing plant in Louisville, Ky. The plant called to say the entire shipment was damaged. The manager knew it wasn’t, and he called on his good friend, Kent, to assist. Kent powered up his plane and had the manager in Louisville meeting with the plant staff within the hour. Needless to say, their story about the damaged grain quickly changed from the entire carload to a cupful.

Kent was a fixture in the local coffee scene. At Gary’s, the Homer bowling alley, the ASC plant and Charlie’s, he would meet with his friends, not to gossip but to compare notes on crops and trade

stories. Kent was a true, trusted and loyal friend to many.

He was a member of Homer United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer for many years. Kent served in the Army Reserves from 1950-1959. He served as a drainage ditch commissioner in both Vermilion and Champaign counties and resigned from the Champaign County district in 2016 after 45 years of service. He was a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau.

Kent was born Feb. 22, 1928, to Henry McCally Lee and Gladys Leoda Rhoades Lee.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marilyn; daughter, Linda, and her husband, Larry Drozt; and his favorite grandson, George. Harold Kilian, his brother-in-law, also survives, along with Kent’s nephews, Keith Lee Kilian, and his wife, Anne, and Craig Alan Kilian and his wife, Lorita. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Norman Kunza; sister-in-law, Paulette Brock, and her husband, Lyle; niece, Jonelle Clark, and her husband, David; nephew, Kory Kunza, and his wife, Lisa; nephew, Mark Johnson, and his wife, Jina; niece, Amy Johnson; and many grandnephews and grandnieces.

Kent’s last words were “thank you,” and in that same spirit, his family wishes to thank the nursing staff on the seventh floor of the old Mercy Hospital and the sixth floor at Carle for their compassionate care during his last weeks.

Kent wasn’t fond of a fuss, and in respect of his wishes, there will be no services. At his request and in an effort to preserve precious farmland, his body will be cremated. Memorials may be made to the Homer Fire Protection District. Kirby Funeral Home, Homer, is assisting the family

News-Gazette 7/30/2018

Jeffrey Hall Reese

ST. JOSEPH — Jeffrey Hall Reese, 69, of St. Joseph passed away at 10:55 a.m. Friday (July 27, 2018) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, at St. Joseph Church of Christ with the Rev. Greg Matthew and the Rev. Hank Sanford offic iating. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Jeffrey was born May 21, 1949, in Champaign, the son of Buren and Marguerite L. Hall Reese. He married Carla Reddick on Jan. 7, 1978, in Cambrige City, Ind. She survives.

He is also survived by his sons, Joshua (Vickie) Reese of St. Joseph and Matthew (Jennifer) Reese of Hume, and five grandchildren, Ainslee and Brocktyn Reese and Gregory, Briana and Hunter Reese.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert Reese.

Jeffrey retired from St. Joseph-Ogden High School after 30 years. He farmed in the area before working at the high school. He was a patched IHSA football official for 49 years. He officiated softball for 30 years. He officiated two state championships. He was inducted into the Illinois Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was a past president of the Champaign Officials Association. He was a FCA sponsor for many years. He was a member of St. Joseph Church of Christ for 50 years and was a current member of CU Church of Champaign.

He loved to go and watch his sons umpire and watch his grandchildren play sports and in other activities.

He was a fan of St. Joseph-Ogden High School, the Fighting Illini and the New York Yankees.

Memorials may be made to the Illini Land FCA in Champaign or the SJO Athletic Department.

Naydine Patricia (Bean) Mowry

ST. JOSEPH — Naydine Patricia (Bean) Mowry of St. Joseph made her leap into eternity Saturday (July 21, 2018) at home with loved ones.

Her husband of 62 years, Richard R. Mowry, preceded her death in 2012.

She leaves behind two sons, Geoff Mowry (Ellen March) of Fisher and Todd Mowry of Champaign; and a daughter, Gina Carr (Ricky) of Berlin. She also leaves a brother, Robert Bean of Champaign, and three granddaughters, Mendal Harms of Winston-Salem, N.C., Samantha Mowry (Jacob Schmit) of Chicago and Kimberly Mowry (Jason Lanoue) of Orem, Utah.

She majored in home economics at the University of Illinois, where she met her future husband. They were married in 1949 at University Place Christian Church, Champaign, where they were members for over 60 years.

Naydine was a blessing to everyone she met and an ardent believer in Jesus Christ.

Naydine was an avid BMW motorcyclist, winning numerous awards for riding the farthest, being the oldest female and having the oldest motorcycle at rallies all over the US. She and her husband, each on their own bikes, rode to and camped in several U.S. states and Canada.

She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing clothes for her entire family,including two tuxedoes for her son when he was in a college fraternity. She quilted with several groups at her church and in the Champaign County Homemakers Extension, where she had many friends and had been a member for 62 years.

Naydine and her husband were both involved with Scouting. Naydine was a den mother for Boy Scouts and a leader in Girl Scouts for over a decade, touching many lives. They also attended all SJO wrestling matches, football, softball and volleyball games as long as they were able.

Her very dry sense of humor was exceptional, as was her appetite for ice cream. She could easily down an entire gallon in one day and often did. This is one trait she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

She loved to sit and read but also liked to walk; participating in every 5k, Turkey Trot, Run for the Health of It, Jingle Bell Run and Twin City Twosome for many years. In addition, she enjoyed taking the Polar Bear Plunge in Mahomet for several years, even into her 80s. She stayed physically fit until her memory began to fail.

Besides her family, Naydine leaves behind countless friends in St. Joseph, at Champaign County Homemakers Extension, IBEW Local 601, University Place Christian Church and Berlin, Ill. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

She requested her body be donated to the science community. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, was in charge of arrangements. There will be no service, but donations may be made to University Place Christian Church, Champaign.

Charles "Chuck" William Krukewitt

HOMER — Charles “Chuck” William Krukewitt, 77, formerly of Homer, passed away on July 18, 2018. He was a survivor and a tough guy, but beloved by all who knew him.

Chuck was born on Oct.18, 1940, and grew up on a dairy farm in Homer. He graduated from Homer High School in 1958 and married his high school sweetheart (he was a self-proclaimed football and basketball star, and she was a cheerleader), Carol, in 1960.

After graduating from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a Bachelor and Master of Science in Forestry in 1965 and 1966, Chuck served with the U.S. Forest Service in Missouri, Illinois and Minnesota for several years before coming home to take over the family farm. But his love of forestry called him back to his former career, as he was the Forestry Manager of the Red Lake Chippewa Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota for more than 20 years. Throughout his forestry career, he was proud to serve on over 250 forest fires across the United States.

Chuck loved to fish, play cards and board games with his children and grandchildren, listen and sing along to country music, and he loved to read. He was well-known for his dry sense of humor and story-telling ability. He was also a lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago Blackhawks fan.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Carol Burton Krukewitt; his daughters, Jamie (Joe) Pawlak of Chicago, Jodi (Darren) Stayton of New Braunfels, Texas; and grandchildren, Cole and Rayna Coffey of New Braunfels, Texas. He is also survived by his brothers, Ron (Sharon) Krukewitt of Largo, Fla., Dave (Molly) Krukewitt of Houston and Kathy Bown of Port Angeles, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews, who loved to call him “Uncle Buddy.” He was the best father, husband and Opa anyone could ever ask for, and his family will miss him greatly.

Services will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, July 23, at United Congressional Church in Homer. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Homer Village Hall.

Champaign News-Gazette 7/20/2018

John Albert Huls

FITHIAN — John Albert Huls, 96, of Fithian passed away at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday (July 17, 2018) at Meadowbrook Health Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

He was born Jan. 30, 1922, in Compromise Township, Flatville, to his parents, Jasper John and Taalke Alberts (Ehmen) Huls. He married Betty Lou Anaker on Dec. 18, 1954, with Pastor Ben Merrill of Villa Grove Christian Church officiating.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, and their three children, David John (Cheryl) Huls of Armstrong, Kenneth Dean Huls of Normal and Barbara Louise (Glenn) Carter of Chehalis, Wash. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Grandchildren are Sean Joseph (Anna) Huls, Stephen Carl (Dawn) Huls, Stanley John Huls, Jonathan David (Brigette) Huls, Robert Martin (Leanna) Huls, Eric Joseph (Misty) Huls, Nicholas John Carter and Caroline Taalke Carter. Great-grandchildren are Andrew John (Sean); Morgan Grace, Madison Christine, Makenzie Ann and Macey Elizabeth (Stephen); Colton John and Casen Dale (Stanley); Rowan Vera and Carys Ainsley (Robert); and Gavin Barbee and Zade Kenneth (Eric).

He was preceded in death

by his parents; five sisters, Ida (Louis) Duitsman, Trientje (John) Sage, Anna (Willie) Wilken, Bertha Johanna Huls and Antke (Herman) Peters; and four brothers, Albert (Rose) Huls, Bernard (Betty) Huls, Luis (Rose) Huls and Lawrence Huls.

John was a farmer all his life. He started when he was 17 and semiretired when he was 65. He continued to farm some land until he was 69 and worked in farming until he was 90 by helping his son and grandson. He also did construction work and raised hogs, lambs and beef cattle.

He served as a Fithian Grade School board member for four years and was a drainage commissioner for Oakwood Union District 1 and Ogden District 2 for 21 years. He also served as a deacon at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal for four years and as a church building committee member for four years. He was on the advisory board of the Fithian Boy Scout troop for two years, president of the Fithian-Muncie Little League for one year and was on the fundraising committee for the original construction of Country Health Nursing in Gifford.

John’s hobbies were trapping and hunting, traveling, reading, camping with his family, walking, writing family history, telling stories and any farm work, especially discing.

Memorials may be made to the Fithian-Muncie- Collison Volunteer Fire Department or St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Betty Jarrett Hasty

Betty Hasty

ST. JOSEPH — Betty Jarrett Hasty, 84, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at Illini Heritage in Champaign. She was lost to Alzheimer's.

She was born in Tolono, to Raymond and Ruth (Boston) Merritt. She was the youngest of four children. Her siblings included her two brothers, Elmer Merritt of Waukesha, Wis., and Glen Merritt of St. Joseph; and sister, Esther Elarde of San Diego.

She married Ted R. Jarrett, on March 3, 1952, and later married Russell Hasty Jr. on Feb. 14, 1981. They all have preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son, K. Bruce (Peggy) Jarrett of Lapel, Ind.; daughter, Gayle (Mark) Jarrett Jannusch of St. Joseph; grandson, Kyle Jannusch of Villa Grove, Kerry Jannusch of Champaign and Tracy (Wes) Jarrett Miller of Muncie, Ind.

Betty grew up in St. Joseph along the banks of the Salt Fork, playing with all the animals, cats, dogs and chickens, and she even rode the cows. From her farm roots, she gained her love for being outdoors, had pets all of her life and was quite the avid gardener.

She graduated from St. Joseph High School and held a variety of jobs throughout her life. In the early '60s, she and Ted ran Jarrett Plumbing and Heating in St. Joseph. She was not afraid of hard work or getting her hands dirty. She really enjoyed working with the Music Camp at the University of Illinois in the summers.

She retired to California to be with her beloved sister Esther. They had many adventures as two farm girls explored southern California. She was a volunteer for the local theater and the senior center. She loved it when her kids came to visit. All the funs things to do: Disneyland, Sea World, the zoo, Legoland, but the best part for her was just spending time with her loved ones.

She moved back to St. Joseph to be close to her family. She loved her grandkids very much. She didn’t care what they did together, camping, boating, picnics or family gatherings, just spending time with them made her happy. She was so proud of each of them. When she wasn’t reading, playing with her dog or spending time with friends, she had many hobbies: sewing, painting, ceramics, antiques, and she was always crafting something out of household products.

She became a 50-year member of the Eastern Star of Champaign in 2011, and over the years, she served in several functions including Worthy Matron in 1966. She was also a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

The family expresses their appreciation for the care she received at Illini Heritage and the compassion of the team at Harbor Lights Hospice.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to either Illini Heritage or the Champaign County Humane Society in care of Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand, St. Joseph, IL 61873.

A celebration of life will be from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, July 13, 2018, at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph. A memorial service will be at noon, with Pastor Gene Turner presiding. A family graveside service and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Betty Jean Routh

ST. JOSEPH — Betty Jean Routh (nee Saddoris), 94, passed away at 10:54 p.m. Friday (July 13, 2018) at home.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph United Methodist Church. Pastors Gene Turner and Dr. John Sims are officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.
Betty was born Jan. 24, 1924, to Will and Elsie (Ervin) Saddoris in the family home in Mayview. She married Lowell Routh on June 24, 1942, at Mayview Methodist Church. He preceded her in death July 6, 2003.
From that 61-year union four children were born, Lea Myrl Reeves (deceased), Mark William Routh of New Port Richie, Fla., Paul Lowell Routh of St. Joseph and Sara Jean Routh of Champaign; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Halle Blaemire Miller; husband, Lowell Routh; and daughter, Lea Reeves.
She was a lifetime member of Mayview Methodist Church until it’s closure in 1982, when she became a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. She was an active member in both churches as both a teacher and leader of women’s organizations.
She was an active soloist, performing locally and throughout the state. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a charter member of the Auxillary of the American Legion, Homemakers Club, Red Hats, Carle Auxillary and the former Women’s Club of St. Joseph. She volunteered at the St. Joseph grade school library and the Champaign County Forest Preserve, where she volunteered for 16 years and was known as the Bluebird Lady.
Prior to her husband’s death in 2003, Betty and Paul enjoyed entertaining friends and family as well as traveling both in the U.S. and abroad.
A special thank you to the caregivers that assisted in her care during the past year, Sherri Welty, Tracy Runck, Brenda Zoller, Sharon Busboom, Kim Knight and Lisa Stone.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Methodist Church, Cunningham Children’s Home or donor’s choice.

Wilma L. Unzicker

RANTOUL — Wilma L. Unzicker, 79, of Rantoul, formerly Fisher, went to join her husband in Heaven on the morning of Sunday (July 8, 2018) at home.

She was born March 17, 1939, in St. Joseph, a daughter of Omer and Gladys (Jamison) Reed. She married J. Robert “Bob” Unzicker on Sept. 7, 1954, in Fisher. He preceded her in death Feb. 28, 1983.

She is survived by six children, Beverly Unzicker, Donald (Debbie) Unzicker, Cheryl Blackburn, R. Ryan (Christy) Unzicker, Rose Street and Joan Grider; a brother, John Reed; three sisters, Carolyn Ranken, Wanita Schneider and Evelyn Eppelheimer; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister.

Wilma spent her life caring for others both in work and personal life. She loved her family and had great pride and joy in spending time with both her family and her dogs.

She will be buried in a graveside service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at East Bend Memorial Gardens, rural Fisher. Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling the arrangements.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to CU Dialysis for their compassionate care.

Rosemary Fisher

CHAMPAIGN — Rosemary Fisher, 70, of Champaign died at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday (July 4, 2018). Rosemary lost her brief battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surr ounded by family and friends and the loving staff of Country Health Care and Rehab, Gifford, in her final days.

Rosemary was born May 9, 1948, to Dorothy and Paul Felkner Sr. in Urbana. They both preceded her in death. She married Floyd E. Fisher I on June 17, 1967, in Urbana; he also preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Faye Resky.

Rosemary is survived by her four children, Tracy Wilson (Jim) of Champaign, Stacy Uebelhoer (Brian) of Mahomet, Kacie Fisher (James) of Champaign and Floyd Fisher II (Tami) of Villa Grove; eight grandchildren, Audralee (Ryan), Jaimee, Jessee (David), Cole, Owen, Alyssa, Alexys and Addison; and four great- grandchildren, Parker, TJ, Caroline and Dallas. Also surviving are her sisters, Connie Symmonds (David) of Crystal Falls, Mich., Donna Grob (Warren) of Thomasboro, Patty Harris (Jim) of Gibson City and Linda Slaughter (Jim) of Ellenton, Fla.; her two brothers, Paul Felkner Jr. (Marcia) of Champaign and Ronnie Felkner (Susan) of St. Joseph; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Rosemary operated a home day care for over 30 years. Her interests included interior decorating as well as anything her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren were doing. She also spent many years managing 16th Avenue Band, where her husband Floyd so proudly played music in the area.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 9, with a memorial service at 11 a.m., at Faith Community Church, 2111 N. Willow Road, Urbana. Pastor Marsh Jones will officiate.

Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel. com.

Allan Eugene Cole

DEWEY — Allan Eugene Cole, 50, passed away on Wednesday (July 4, 2018) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

He was born on April 23, 1968, in Champaign, to William and Carolyn (Nees) Cole. Allan married Stefanie Pierson on July 7, 2009, in Urbana.

Allan is survived by his wife; former wife, Kristine Martin; children, Nicholas Cole, Emily Cole, Ryan Cole and Ryan Meents; brother, Gary ( Melinda) Cole; sister- in- law, Terri Cole; mother- inlaw, Rebecca Pierson; and nieces and nephews, Caitlin Cole, Douglas Cole and Brody Cole. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Larry Cole.

Allan enjoyed camping, boating, hunting and motorcycles. He was always working on a project; he liked working with his hands and staying busy. Allan loved spending time with his family.

A celebration of Allan’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2018, at Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 8, 2018, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in Allan’s name to the American Diabetes Association. Please join Allan’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome. com.