Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Carolyn Coble

ST. JOSEPH — Carolyn Coble, 83, of St. Joseph passed away at 1:40 p.m. at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana, on Friday (Dec. 27, 2019).
Memorial services will be held Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at St. Joseph United Methodist Church, St. Joseph, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Carolyn was born June 19, 1936, in Hamilton, Ohio, the daughter of Virgil and Thelma ( Campbell) York. She moved to St. Joseph in 1962, spending the rest of her life here.
She is survived by her three sons, Wade (Cathy Armstrong) White of Ludlow, Lonnie (Susan) Fiscus of St. Joseph and Danny (Melissa Siler) Fiscus of St. Joseph; two stepchildren, Dennis Fiscus and Carroll
Vane; seven grandchildren, Hedi White, Travis White, Michael Fiscus, Mariah Scott, Nicole Fiscus, Cody Fiscus and Brandon Fiscus; two great- grandchildren, Justice Scott and Riley Vannarath.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jenett Clark; and two grandchildren, Maddison Fiscus and Sarah Fiscus Carolyn enjoyed being around people, going out to eat, cookies and coffee and scrapbooking.
Memorials may be made to the family.
COBLE

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Jim Beard

OGDEN — Early in the morning of Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, Jim Beard, 65, went to sleep at his home in Ogden, and woke up in Glory with his Jesus. He escaped his earthly trials of congestive heart failure and Parkinson’s Disease and found freedom.
Jim was born Aug. 4, 1954, in Jacksonville, the son of Robert Lee and Violet Davis Beard.
He is survived by one sister and two brothers, Linda (Gary) Stanberry of Champaign, Joel (Tabitha) Beard of Lincoln, and Noel (Kathleen) Beard of Jacksonville. Many nieces and nephews are left to remember Uncle Jim as well as a gaggle of cousins.
Jim was a graduate of Jacksonville High School, class of 1974. He worked at Elm City Rehabilitation Center for many years starting in 1976. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville and was very active in Special Olympics. Mr. Beard even participated in basketball at the International Special Olympics in 1987 at South Bend, Ind., representing the state of Illinois.
After Jim moved to the Ogden area, he continued to participate in Special Olympics and attended
the day program at Developmental Services Center in Champaign. He attended the Ogden Nazarene Church and looked forward to the first Sunday of the month, which was Potluck Sunday.
A special thanks to the Curtis House Group Home in Ogden for their love and care toward Jim his entire stay with them, especially his last days.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Ogden Nazarene Church, 206 Market St, Ogden. Visitation will follow at 2 p.m.
A Memorial Service will be held at a future date in Jacksonville, with private interment at Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
Please consider a gift to Ogden Nazarene Church or Developmental Services Center.
Condolences may be offered at buchanancody. com.

BEARD

Sunday, December 22, 2019

David J. Neukomm

ST. JOSEPH — David J. Neukomm, 76, of St Joseph passed away Friday (Dec. 20, 2019) at Carle Foundation Hospital.
Dave was born in Cissna Park and has lived in St Joseph the past 23 years.
He was a retired pastor at The Vineyard Church in Urbana where he made a difference in countless people’s lives. He spent the last several years doing what he loved, helping friends farm.
He was preceded in death by one son, Robert.
He is survived by five children, Dan, Tara (Stokes), Michele (McMahon), Nicole (Falls) and Nathaniel, and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at The Vineyard Church, 1500 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana. Pastors Mike and Julie Yoder and Pastor Happy Leman will officiate. Burial will be in Cissna Park Cemetery, Cissna Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.
Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of the services.
NG 12/22/2019

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Alfred H. Ideas

RANTOUL — Alfred H. Ideus, 93, of Rantoul, formerly of rural St. Joseph, died at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with Rev. James T. Lehmann and Vicar Ryan Henkel officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is handling arrangements.
Alfred was born Oct. 21, 1926, in Flatville, the son of Fred and Gesina Buhs Ideus. He married Lorine H. Flesner on Jan. 5, 1949, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She preceded him in death on Nov. 13, 2002.
He is survived by a son, Marvin (Pam) Ideus of Rantoul; a daughter, Nancy (Gary) Olson of St. Joseph; six grandchildren, Lindsey (John) Ehler, Rachel (Jeremy) Einck, Bryan (Katy) Ideus, Ory (Nicole) Olson, Isaiah (Kathryn) Olson, Bria (Michael) Cessna; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Earl Ideus of Gifford; and a sister, Gladys Freed of Champaign.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a son, Dale.
Alfred farmed his entire life in the Flatville and Royal area. He was a life member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where he served on the council. He was a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau and had served on the Kopmann Cemetery Board.
Alfred was also a member of the Ehler Brothers morning coffee hour and the Freemans Afternoon Happy Hour. He enjoyed watching his grandkids in their activities and loved spending time with his family.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, Kopmann Cemetery or an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be offered at baierfuneralservices. com.

NG 12/17/2019

Thomas R. Long Sr.

ST. JOSEPH — Thomas “Tom” R. Long Sr., 78, of St. Joseph passed away at 8:50 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St. in St. Joseph. Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Firefighter walk through will be at 6:30 p.m.
Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., is in charge of arrangements.
Tom was born Sept. 19, 2019, in Danville. The son of Joseph I. and Frances (Siedel) Long. He married Doris Farrell on July 17, 1966. She survives.
He is also survived by his children, Tommy (Cheryl) Long of St. Joseph, and Lisa (Kevin) Sage of Ogden; six grandchildren, Danielle and Rebecca Long, Janssen, Jo Hannah, Michael and Olivia Sage; and brother Roger (Mary) Long of Woodstock, Ga.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tom was a graduate of Hoopsten High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps; serving in Vietnam he received two Purple Hearts during his time in the Marines. He was a 50-year member of the American Legion.
He worked at Kraft, retiring in 1999. He then worked at the Carle Cancer Center as a parking valet.
Tom served on the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District from 1973-1996, retiring as the chief.
He loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching sports.
Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph-Stanton FPD.
NG 12/17/2019

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Timothy Allan Morris

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Timothy Allan Morris, 55, of Green Bay, Wis., formerly of St. Joseph, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019.
He was born June 23, 1964, to the late George W. “Bill” Morris and the late Glenda M. Morris, in Champaign. Tim was a graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High and served in the U.S. Army based out of Fort Campbell, Ky., as a Chinook helicopter mechanic, receiving the Army Commendation Medal for “Meritorious Service.”
Most recently, Tim was working and living in Green Bay for Tool-Pro and Simon’s Custom Cycles. Tim, “Sippy T,” enjoyed golfing, fishing and, most of all, riding his Harley with his Green Bay biking family of friends. He is survived by his brother, Brad Morris of Urbana; sister, Penny
(Lorenzo) Gutierrez of Grand Rapids, Mich.; brother, Stephen (Jaime) Morris of St. Joseph; and previous spouses, Beverly and Peggy. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
A memorial is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph, IL 61873. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a service at 11. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

NG 12/15/2019

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Rev. Leland G. Uden

CHATHAM — The Rev. Leland G. Uden entered this world Jan. 13, 1944, in Champaign, the son of Henry and Annette (Loschen) Uden. He was baptized by the late Rev. Herbert Hafferman at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. He confirmed his affirmation of faith there on March 22, 1959, by the late H.H. Diers. His verse of faith is Revelation 2:10.
The Rev. Uden graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1962. He went on to attend Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, and graduated with a B.A. degree in social work.
In the autumn of 1967, he entered Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, to prepare for the Lutheran ministry.
In the summer of 1969, Leland served as a seminary assistant to the late Rev. M.S. Bredow at Christ Lutheran Church, Clinton, Iowa. He served his pastoral internship under the supervision of the late Rev. James P. Hunter, Christ Lutheran Church, Salem, Ore., during the 1967-70 school year. Returning to Wartburg Seminary, he served as a student to the Rev. Robert Oden at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Dubuque.
Leland graduated from Wartburg Seminary with a master of theology degree on May 23, 1971. He was ordained by the late Bishop Alton Zenker at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, on June 13, 1971.
He went on to service parishes in Grygla, Minn.; Washington, Ind.; Normal; and Sterling.
In 1989, he accepted a call to be an assistant to the Northern Illinois Synod bishop in Rockford. In the fall of 1992, he accepted a call to Fremont, Neb. From there, he moved to Quincy, where he served his last full-time parish. He officially retired in June 2010.
In that same year, he moved to Chatham. During that time, he served parttime at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Springfield. In 2013, he resigned due to ill health.
The Rev. Uden is survived by his children, Aaron (Kimberly) Uden and Baryth (Patrick) Bryan, and wife of 52 years, Linda (Thom) Uden.
A son, Adam Linn, preceded him in death.
He is survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Surviving siblings include Kevin (Karen) Uden, Vicki (Tim) Kenyon and Pam (Lyle)
Way. His sister, Connie (Bruce) Hanson, preceded him in death.
The Rev. Uden accepted the call of Christ to life eternal on Sunday (Dec. 8, 2019) in Springfield. Blessed by his memory.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. The Rev. James Lehmann will officiate. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro. Visitation will also be at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Estates Senior Living and Spa, 6513 Winterberry Lane, Springfield, IL 62711; Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2498 County Road 2100 East, Thomasboro, IL 61878-9699; or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702.

NG 12/11/2019

Norma Jean Hepburn


URBANA — Norma Jean Hepburn (nee Franklin) passed away peacefully Nov. 26, 2019, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Kinmundy on Feb. 4, 1933, she was a graduate of Homer High School. Norma married Jack Hepburn of Fairmount on Dec. 22, 1952. The young couple settled in Urbana, where she lived for the rest of her life.
She was an avid traveler, and her trips spanned the world from Hawaii to Europe. She had a great love for animals, particularly dogs and birds. She and Jack were loyal University of Illinois football and basketball fans.
Norma touched many lives of family, friends and others in East Central Illinois with her beautiful handmade wedding cakes. She hand delivered these works of art, and her photos of each one numbered into the hundreds.
She was very talented at sewing and crafting. She regularly entered her cakes, handmade macrame designs and teddy bears into the Champaign County Fair competitions. There wasn’t a craft that Norma couldn’t master.
Norma Jean Franklin Hepburn was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Nellie Franklin, and older brother, Kenneth, all of Homer.
She is survived by her husband, Jack, and sons, Kirk (Julie Ann) of Chicago, Doug (Traci) of Charleston, S.C., and Darin of Urbana. She was quite fond of her three grandchildren, Nick, Alec and Lindsey, all in South Carolina.
A memorial will be held at date to be determined.
“Oh Pooh!”

HEPBURN

NG 12/11/2019

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Lyle K. Dillman


Lyle Dillman PhotoST. JOSEPH — Lyle K. Dillman, 88, of St. Joseph passed away at 6:56 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, at Heartland Senior Living of Neoga.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Mike Mack will officate. Burial will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.
Lyle was born Feb. 28, 1931, in Philo, the son of Jewel and Ruth Dilley Dillman. He married Stella May Guillford in Norfolk, Va., on Oct. 24, 1949. She preceded him in death on Sept. 5, 1992.
He is surivied by his children; daughter Connie Dorsett of Peyton, Colo., and son Lyle K. Dillman Jr. of St. Joseph; brother Glen R. Dillman of Sidney; two grandchildren, Nigil and Katie; three great-grandchildren, Dorian, Raysa and Rowen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, sister Dorothy Koch, and brother William Dillman.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from August 1948 to June 5, 1953. He was employed by the University of Illinois Transportation Department for 32 years.
Lyle's hobbies were motorcycles and country music.
Memorials may be made to Living Word Family Church, P.O. Box 799, 1000 Park Ave., St. Joseph, IL 61873.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Patricia "Patty" Busboom

URBANA — Patricia “Patty” Busboom, 82, of Batavia, formerly of Urbana, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, 2019.
She was born Dec. 27, 1936, in Champaign, a daughter of Clifford Pete and Sally (Wood) Wilborn. She married Wayne Busboom on Feb. 12, 1961, in Rantoul. He preceded her in death on Aug. 26, 2011.
She is survived by two children, Robert Scott (Paula) Busboom of Decatur and Shari (Dave) Lendy of Geneva; two grandchildren, Abby (Shawn) Guenther of Dalton City and Jack Lendy of Geneva; and a great-grandson, Peyton Guenther.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Larry Wilborn.
Patty was the first “Maxi Maroon” of Champaign High School, graduating in 1954. She worked at various businesses in the Champaign area, including Carle, writing a column for the Urbana Courier and bookkeeping for the family farm and was best known for the hot meals she carried out to the farmers in the fields. She served as an officer on the Champaign County Board. She was proud of her involvement in politics and was involved in the Champaign County Farm Bureau. Patty was a former member of the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Funeral Services will follow at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home.
Private family burial will be held at Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul.
The family requests that all memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.
BUSBOOM

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Geraldine Jerri Ann Esworthy

OGDEN — Geraldine (Jerri) Ann Esworthy went to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 29, 2019, at 11:10 a.m. at Meadowbrook in Urbana.
The funeral service will be Monday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Pastor Kathy Murphy will officate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.
Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday.
Jerri was born Oct. 19, 1933, the daughter of Harold Wilson and Inez Smith in Homer. She graduated from Homer High School. She married Richard M. Esworthy on May 8, 1953, in Homer. He preceded her in death. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and aunt.
She is survived by her sons: Paul (Loretta) of Homer; Bruce (Cathy) of Brentwood, Tenn.; Dale (Mimi) of Brentwood, Tenn.; Brent (Dorian) of Wichita, Kan.; four grandsons: Michael, Luke, Colin and Parker; six granddaughters: Hannah (Travis), Lauren (Alex), Rebecca, Mia, Morgan and Taylor. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Teresa Wilson; a brother-in-law, Jim Esworthy, a niece and two nephews.
She was preceded in death by a granddaughter and grandson.
Jerri was a member of the Ogden United Methodist Church, where she was the treasurer and helped with the Food Pantry. She retired from Ogden/Longview Bank and was a past Treasurer for the Ogden School Board.
Jerri enjoyed sports and auto racing. She was a devout Illini fan. She enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family.
Memorials may be made to the Ogden United Methodist Church or the Ogden Food Pantry through the church.
NG 11/30/2019

Friday, November 22, 2019

Virgil Ralph Carrington

HOMER — Virgil Ralph Carrington, 87, of Homer passed away on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at Country Health Care and Rehab in Gifford.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, with the Rev. Kim Dancey officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
There will be a visitation from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Virgil was born Jan. 4, 1932, in Jamaica Township, the son of Clyde and
Naoma Bell Carrington. He married Margaret Loretta Mackey on Dec. 23, 1962, in Sidell. She preceded him in death just two months ago on Sept. 16, 2019.
Survivors include daughter Jane (Peter) Carrington-Garceau of Hallandale, Fla.; son Lynn (MaryFrances) Carrington of Columbia, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Betty Wilson Ligda, Wilma Dowers and Lois Minick.
Virgil was a member of
Homer United Methodist Church. He was the manager at Jamaica Farmers Elevator and Homer Grain Company. He served in the Army (1953-1956) as a communications officer in Germany.
His hobbies included travel, and he was an Illini sports fan and Cubs fan.
Memorials can be made to Homer United Methodist Church.
NG 11/22/2019

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Florine "Flo" Bennett

HOMER — Florine “Flo” Bennett, 84, of Homer passed away at 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at her daughter’s home.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street in Homer with Pastor Mike Picklesimer officiating. Burial will take place in Mansfield Cemetery in Mansfield with Rev. Nick Gleason officiating. There will be a visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to the funeral at the funeral home.
Flo was born July 23, 1935, in Fisher, the daughter of Joseph Otto and Bertie Mae Depuy Elkins. She married James H. Davis on June 28, 1951. He passed away Nov. 7, 2005. Flo married Tommy Bennett on Feb. 19, 2000, in Ben Wheeler, Texas. He preceded her in death on April 24, 2003.
She is survived by daughter Pam (Jerry) Stanfield of Homer; son Jeff (Cindy) Davis of Texas; daughter Mary (Mitch) Crawford of Mansfield; daughter Sheri Davis of Homer; son Kenny Davis of Texas; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by son Joe Davis; granddaughter Michelle Davis; granddaughter Racheal Davis; grandson Kenny Sterner; one sister; and two brothers.
Flo was a member of Sidney United Christian Church and Champaign County Home Extension. She was a welcome person at Meijer and volunteer at the former Provena Hospital.

Ray D. Moorhous

ST. JOSEPH — Ray D. Moorhous, 85, of St. Joseph passed away at 8:07 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph. Pastor Dennis Meyer will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.
Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.
Ray was born March 7, 1934, in Ogden Township, the son of Earl and Julia (Chestnut) Moorhous. He married Maria Cook on Feb. 14, 1978. She survives.
He is also survived by his children; Deanna (John) Buss of St. Joseph, Cathy (Randy) Goyne of St. Joseph, Rod Moorhous of Royal, Julie (Bill) Jankowski of Danville, Ind.; six grandchildren, Tara Smith of St. Joseph,
Nathan Buss of St. Joseph, Ryan (Shilpa) Buss of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Joel (Chrissy) Goyne of Sidney, Megan Shipley of Danville, Ind., Mitchell (Samantha) Jankowski of Indianpolis; 10 greatgrandchildren, Raegan and Payton Smith, Brady and Tyler Buss, Bastian and Baron Buss, Marek Shipley, Boston and M.J. Jankowski, and Barbara Farney; and sister Jean Motsinger of Savoy; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Patricia Barrett.
Ray farmed in the St. Joseph area until retirement in 2002. He was an avid St. Joseph-Ogden and Illini sports fan.
Ray loved to play cards and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a loving and generous Husband, Father and Grandpa Ray.
Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas, St. Joseph, IL, 61873.
NG 11/19/2019

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Steve Wayne Higgs


Urbana — Steve Wayne Higgs, 70 of Urbana, passed away at 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at University Rehab, Urbana.
Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.
Mr. Higgs was born April 18, 1949, in Altamont, a son to Wayne and Nancy Spoor Higgs.
He is survived by two sisters; Jackie O’Leary of San Diego, Calif., and Belinda Barton of
St. Louis, Mo. He was preceded in death by three sisters; Connie Jones, Rita Inskeep, and Tamera Barton, his parents, a great-uncle Jerry “Pete” Frye, and his grandmother, Ruby Spoor.
He graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1967. After 30 years retired from University of Illinois in the operation and maintenance department. He was a member of the grounds crew. He was a fan of motorcycle and car races, sprints, midgets, and drag cars. He enjoyed traveling around the country with his buddy Craig Stephen. “Nothing was better that a race and a cold beer.”

NG 11/13/2019

Daniel Ennis

SIDNEY — Daniel Ennis, 11, of Sidney died at 4:13 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Daniel was born Dec. 15, 2007, in Urbana to Matt and Erin (Happ) Ennis. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Daniel Happ; maternal great-grandfather, James McCarthy; paternal great-grandfather, Norman Ennis; paternal great-grandmother, Eileene Hart; paternal great-grandfather, Roy Hart; and his favorite dog, Georgia Bean.
He is survived by his parents, his sister Haley of Sidney, grandparents Andy and Nancy (Hart) Ennis of Urbana, Terry (McCarthy) Happ of Urbana, great-grandmother Louise Ennis of Sidney, great-grandmother Jenilee McCarthy of Savoy, great-grandparents Donald and Dorothy (Bosch) Happ of Philo, Aunt and Uncle Bryan and Holly Ennis of Champaign, Aunt and Uncle Meghan Happ and Cameron Walters of Champaign, many great aunts, great uncles, family members and numerous friends.
Daniel was currently a sixth-grade student at Unity Junior High School in Tolono. He loved bowling, baseball, playing video games and spending time with family and friends. He also loved the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks and the Fighting Illini.
Visitation will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at First Christian Church, 3601 S. Staley Rd., Champaign.
Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at the church.
Donations may be made to the Daniel Ennis Memorial Fund at Longview Bank.
Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is handling arrangements.
ENNIS

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Christy Ellen (Hausmann) Elliott

Christy Ellen (Hausmann) Elliott, 77, of Urbana passed away peacefully at 1:48 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2019 at her home surrounded by family.
Private graveside services will be held at a later date at Rushville Cemetery, Rushville, IL.
Christy was born in Chicago on November 22, 1941 to parents Gustav and Helen (Pippig) Hausmann. They preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her son Thomas Elliott.
She grew up in Chicago and Fox Lake.
On March 3, 1963 Christy married the love of her life, Robert Elliott in Macomb, IL. They learned to collaborate and taught each other many things. Robert passed away in December of 1995.
She is survived by her daughter Lori Elliott of Urbana, three grandchildren; Kayla Elliott, Jenna Elliott and Matt Pieper and five great grandchildren.
Christy earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois; she was a teacher for over thirty years, retiring from Urbana School District #116.
Christy loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them over the years. She loved celebrating the holidays, volunteering with very dedicated individuals and watching the new generations develop.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Champaign County Humane Society.
Renner Wikoff Funeral Home 11/10/2019

Judith Elaine Kopmann

ROYAL — Judith Elaine Kopmann, 77, of Royal passed away Friday (Nov. 8, 2019) at home.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. There will be no public visitation. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Judith was born July 23, 1942, the daughter of Martin and Anna Albers Flessner. She married Lorence J. Kopmann on Nov. 20, 1960, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. He preceded her in death Oct. 30, 1967. She later married Delmar Schlueter, and he also preceded her in death.
She is survived by one son, LeRoy (Tana) Kopmann of Bismarck; one daughter, Bonita Kopmann of rural St. Joseph; four grandchildren, Levi (Elise) Kopmann of rural St. Joseph, Kallie (Aaron) Horn of Gibson City, Tyre Stephens of Bloomington and Karsen Kopmann of Springfield; two great-granddaughters, Braylee and Everlee Horn; and two sisters, Sylvia Flessner of Royal and Ellen (Lonnie) Ferguson of Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands and daughter, Anita Kopmann.
Judy spent her childhood in Stanton Township and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1960. She worked for many years at Chanute Air Force Base in Civil Service and helped on the family farm. Judy later retired from CERL in Champaign. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, and a past church secretary. Judy was also a member of the Homemakers Extension in Royal and the TWIN club.
She enjoyed sewing and making blankets for her children and grandchildren; cooking, particularly baking; and riding her Gator around Royal. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her great-granddaughters.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals or Kopmann Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at baierfuneralservices.com.
News-Gazette 11/10/2019
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Saturday, November 9, 2019

Sharon L. Cook

URBANA — Sharon L. Cook, 78, of Urbana, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday (Nov. 5, 2019) at Brookdale Senior Living, Urbana.
Sharon was born Oct. 16, 1941, in Urbana, the daughter of Seymour and Helen Lewis. She was one of seven children. She married David Cook on May 16, 1965, in Urbana, and he survives.
Sharon is also survived by a daughter, Kimberly Ann Coyne of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Blair Ann Coyne of St. Joseph and Justin Awalt of Orange County, Calif.; and greatgrandchildren, Cain Awalt and Jax Awalt, also of Orange County.
Sharon graduated from Champaign Central High School in 1960 and was a telephone operator at
Illinois Bell, which later became AT& T. She retired after 30 years of service. She enjoyed being with her family and spent the next years traveling and assisting them in their businesses. She enjoyed, for entertainment, playing slot machines.
The Cook family sincerely appreciates the care and caring of Harbor Light Hospice and its staff and the Brookdale Senior Living staff and facilities with Sharon’s seven-year battle with cancer.
There are no services planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel. com.

CU News-Gazette 11/9/2019

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Billy Aten

ST. JOSEPH — Billy Aten, 66, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019.
Billy was born in Kankakee on March 17, 1953, to Leo and Lois (Tuttle) Aten. He married the love of his life, Judith “Jan” Francisco, on Oct. 9, 1983.
Surviving are his loving wife, Jan; daughter, Casey Aten of St. Joseph; sons, Billy Aten (Kierra Fonner) of Champaign and Austin Aten of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Colton and Casen Huls, Kali Fonner and Kash Aten; and his best friend and cousin, Max Aten of Greenville.
Billy earned a bachelor’s
in education from Northwest Missouri State University and received the honor of being an All-American college athlete while playing baseball. When he wasn’t on a ballfield, you could usually find him at the nearest pond. If they were biting, he was fishing.
He cherished his grandchildren and took the responsibility of “papaw” to another level.
Whether it was walks at Homer Lake, days on the golf course, “car talk” or watching tennis tournaments, he always put his family first.
Billy was known as B.A. in the car biz for more than 30 years.
He never met a stranger and was everybody’s “best” friend.
A celebration of life will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at Eastland Suites, 1907 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana. This will be a time for all friends and family to gather and share their stories and memories.
Memorials are suggested to Papaws Legacy Memorial for his grandchildren, in care of Barkley Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 381, Greenup, IL 62428.
CU News-Gazette 11/6/2019

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