Bonnie G. Finfrock

DECATUR — Bonnie G. Finfrock, 91, of Decatur, formerly of Urbana, passed away at 11:40 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2020) at Tanglewood Village in Decatur.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at Mount Olive Cemetery in Mayview.

Bonnie was born in Lowe Township on Oct. 16, 1928, to Joda H. and Orpha Bella (Collins) Perkins. They preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were three sisters and two nephews.

Bonnie married John H. Finfrock in Urbana on April 6, 1961; he passed away on Feb. 13, 1997.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Barbara (Greg) Foster, Terry (Tim) Lane, Becky (John) Flanders, Tammy (Jim) Jones, Wilma Tortorice, Linda Finfrock, Carol Toombs, Randy Finfrock, David Finfrock, Diana Finfrock- Farrar and Marilyn Finfrock-Stratmann. Many great-nieces and -nephews also survive her.

Bonnie graduated from Atwood High School; she worked as the secretary of Finfrock Law Offices for many years.

She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Tuscola and a former member of the Urbana Country Club, Tuscola Moose Lodge and the Ultrusa Club.

Bonnie loved bananas and ice cream. She enjoyed

lilies and working on puzzles.

Bonnie loved cats so she requested that memorial contributions be made to the Champaign County Humane Society. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Leona E. Saathoff

GIFFORD — Leona E. Saathoff, 98, of Gifford, formerly of Urbana, passed away at 12:34 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 22, 2020) at Country Health, Gifford.

Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul. Pastor Bob Rassmussen will officiate.

Leona was born Nov. 28, 1921, in Ogden Township, the daughter of George J. and Katherine J. (Behrens) Frerichs. She married Raymond Saathoff on Feb. 15, 1946. He preceded her on June 7, 2014.

She is survived by a sister, Clarine Saathoff of Mahomet; brother-inlaw, Elvin Huls of Ogden; sister-in-law, Annetta Frerichs of Royal; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joe Frerichs and Herman Frerichs; and sisters, Eleanor Lubben, Rosetta Richards, Bernice Huls and Carolyn Hinrichs.

Leona was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Urbana, and American

Legion Post 24 Auxiliary.

She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Leona enjoyed spending time with her family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Country Health in Gifford for the care they gave to Leona.

Memorials may be made to Country Health in Gifford.

NG 1/24/2020

Doug Maxwell

ALLERTON — Doug Maxwell, 61, of Allerton passed away at 5:09 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Burial will be in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Doug was born March 18, 1958, at Champaign, the son of Donald and Jean (Fry) Maxwell. He married Wendy Partenheimer on April 4, 2014. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Samantha (Michael) Harper of Royal, Brandton (Brianne) Baxter of Pulaski, Tenn., Elissa (Paul) DeVore of Urbana and Evan Wilson of Allerton; four grandchildren, Maxwell

Stanley Harper and Summer, Dessa and Bracelynn DeVore; sister, Sue Lawyer of Texas; and two brothers, Don (Linda) Maxwell of White Heath and Dick (Bonnie) Maxwell of Royal.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jesse Maxwell.

Doug worked for Central Illinois Mutual Insurance Co. for 20 years as a claims adjuster.

He was an avid sports fan, having been an umpire and referee since age 14.

Doug enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and family and attending sporting events. He liked to play cards.

He never met a stranger and will be missed by all.

Marge Bluhm

ST. JOSEPH — Marge Bluhm, 80, of St. Joseph passed away at 3:23 p.m. Monday (Jan. 20, 2020) at Kindred Hospital, Peoria.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. The Rev. Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Marge was born on July 9, 1939, at St. Paul, Minn., the daughter of the Rev. Waldemar and Helen (Winters) Bartell. She married Leon Bluhm on June 19, 1960, in Peoria. He survives.

She is also survived by her children, Mark (Lisa) Bluhm of Charleston, Doug (Lori) Bluhm of St. Joseph and Mary (Chris) Schmitz of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren,

Laura McHenry, Matthew Bluhm, Emily Bluhm, Evan, Johanna, Allison and Ryan Schmitz; one great-grandchild, Beau Garrett; two brothers, James (Nadine) Bartell of Peoria and Richard Bartell of Peoria; and one sister, Catherine (Ric) Hula of East Lansing, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Danel Bartell.

Marge was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. She was a 50-year member of the Home Extension. She was a faithful Cubs and Illini fan.

Her greatest joy was spending time with and doing special things for her grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or cemetery.

Rhoda Pauline Willard

HOMER — Rhoda Pauline Willard, 97, of Urbana passed away at 2:37 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2020) at the home of her caregivers in Homer.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana, with visitation one hour prior to service time. Pastor Phil Hanson will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Rhoda was born Dec. 9, 1922, in Tulsa, Okla., the daughter of George and Ruby (Deem) Auld. She married Byron James Willard, and he preceded her in death. She is survived by a daughterin- law, Shirley Willard of Urbana; and sisters, Mary Dyson of Champaign and Ruby Greenwall of Apache Junction, Ariz. She is also survived by grandchildren, Craig Willard and Cory Willard; great-grandchildren, Travis, Tyler, Galen, Carson and Kaitlyn; and nieces and nephews, Loretta Jones, Loraine Mattox, Donna Maly (Jerry), Carol

Hagler (Steve) Bill Ebeling (Deb), Steve Dyson (Suzanne), Gloria Ericson (Jerome) and Barbara Schroeder.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron; son, Robert Willard; sisters, Betty Shaw, Barbara Auld and Maxine Auld; brother, Robert Auld; and niece, Sharon Huffman.

Rhoda is a graduate of Champaign Central High School. She retired from the National Council of Teachers of English after 25 years. She was a member of Grace United Methodist, now known as Quest Church: A Community of Grace in Urbana.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel. com.

NG 1/18/2020

Elmer Walter Huls

ST. JOSEPH — Elmer Walter Huls, 85, of St. Joseph passed away at 9:57 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Elmer was born on Aug. 11, 1934, in Champaign County, the son of Herman and Johanna (Reitmeier) Huls. He married Janet Frye on Aug. 2, 1956, in Champaign County. She survives.

He is also survived by one daughter, Karen (Ed) Ward of Gifford; three sons, Larry Huls of St. Francisville, La., Randy Huls of Prairieville, La., and Rodney Huls of St. Joseph; and three grandsons, Adam Ward and Tyler and Caleb Huls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John W. Huls and Ernest H. Huls; and one grandson, Gregory Huls.

Elmer was a member of IBEW Local 601 for 56 years. He retired from Prairieland Electric and farming. He was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, where he served on the church council. He enjoyed horseshoeing, camping, listening to country music, wintering in Florida and fishing. Elmer always had a pan ready to fry fish.

Graveside services will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Stanton Cemetery, with Pastor James Lehmann and Vicar Ryan Henkel officiating. According to his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to honor Mr. Huls' life.

NG 1/16/2020

Dixie Myers Hackler

ST. JOSEPH — Dixie Myers Hackler, 80, of St. Joseph passed away at 2:18 p.m. Friday (Jan. 17, 2020) at home with tears of sadness and joy.

Dixie was born July 29, 1939, in Danville, the daughter of Hubert and Pearl (Place) Myers. She grew up outside of Catlin and graduated from Georgetown High School. Dixie met BJ Hackler, and they married on Oct. 27, 1961.

Soon after getting married, Dixie and BJ headed to Fort Carson located in Colorado Springs, Colo., while BJ served in the Army. Their first daughter, Traci Jarvis (Greg), was born there. In 1964, they settled in St. Joseph. Second daughter Tonya Hackler-Bayler (Oscar) was born and shortly after, Dixie and BJ bought their first home, where they raised their girls. 

Growing up on a farm, Dixie and her family were involved with farming, livestock and county fairs. She was avid in girls' sports, participating in GAA in high school. Dixie was also a member of the Georgetown High School marching band as the baton twirler. Her love of sports continued as an adult as she herself played slow-pitch softball and then helped start the girls' fast-pitch summer softball league for St. Joseph, coaching for many years along with helping start girls' basketball. She retired her softball glove at age 50 after playing on slow pitch teams with her daughters. 

Dixie worked for Illinois Bell then became a homemaker. She later rejoined the workforce sharing her seamstress talents at The Treadle and Joann Fabrics before joining the Champaign County clerk's office and later transferring to the Champaign County Circuit Clerk with the Traffic Court section. Dixie retired in December 2000, which allowed her time to be a full-time gramma and help care for her mother, aunts and uncles. She also traveled with BJ to attend his various municipal events.

Traveling became more frequent when BJ retired in 2017. Together, Dixie and BJ traveled to several places, including London, the western U.S., New England area, Niagara Falls, Jamaica and Ireland, but her favorite being Alaska. We could always count on seeing pictures she’d taken on her phone and postcards sharing the sights seen. 

Grandkids include Kiersten Jarvis (Jeremy Cantor), Ross Baker (Rosie), Sean Jarvis, Carson Baker (deceased) and Sydney Baker (fiance Daniel Meltzer); and great-grandkids are Addie, Clark and Mark Baker and Ewan Cantor. 

Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, brother and in-laws.

Dixie was very active in St. Joseph United Methodist Church since 1964.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Christie Clinic Oncology and Radiation staff and the OSF Hospice staff for the wonderful care they provided during Dixie’s bout with cancer.

Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at St. Joseph United Methodist Church, St. Joseph.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon with the service and luncheon immediately following. A family graveside service will be held at a later time.

Memorial donations in Dixie’s name can be made to St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 205 N. Third St., St. Joseph.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Karter Michael Finefield-Millar

ST. JOSEPH — Karter Michael Finefield-Millar was born Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, at 11:22 p.m., and at 1 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, gained his heavenly wings peacefully in his parents’ arms at Prentice Women’s Hospital at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago.

In addition to his parents, Connor and Robin Millar of St. Joseph, Karter is survived by his older siblings, Trentyn, Kohltyn, Claire and his twin Kamptyn; paternal grandparents, Michael and Debbie Millar of Rantoul; maternal grandparents, Robert and Tary Finefield of St. Joseph and Sharon and

Mark Kuehl of St. Joseph; as well as great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and extended family who also love him dearly.

Karter and Kamptyn were diagnosed with twin to twin transfusion syndrome and were delivered at just under 28 weeks with Karter weighing 2 pounds, 15 ounces, and Kamptyn weighing 2 pounds, 10 ounces. Karter made the ultimate sacrifice to give his brother the greatest chance for survival. He is our hero and is now a guardian angel to our family.

He joins his greatgrandparents, Margaret and William Millar, Shirley Pufahl

and Larry Davidson.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, will handle the arrangements, including a private graveside service which will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made to the NICU Department at Prentice Women’s Hospital at Northwestern Memorial and the Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Ambrocio (Frank) Rodriguez

SIDNEY — Ambrocio (Frank) Rodriguez, 81, of Sidney passed this life Monday (Jan. 6, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the son of Guillermo and Carmen Rodriguez and brother to Amelia, Aden, Guillermo, Adolpho, Daniel and David.

Frank was a truly kind and gentle man whose heart knew no greater joy than time spent with his family.

He was the cherished husband of 51 years to Betty Venturi Rodriguez; loving father to Deborah (Von) Young, Jeff Richards, Connie Rodriguez and Juli (Roger) Lamm; and beloved grandpa, papaw and grandpoppy

to his nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was especially blessed by special friends Tammy and Bill Painter, Gene and Shirley Ethridge and John Bear.

He owned and operated Rodriguez Auto Center in Danville for many years.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Online condolences at rortvedtfuneralservices. com.

Carla L. Wisehart,

HOMER — Carla L. Wisehart, 61, of Homer passed away at midnight on Jan. 6, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

There will be a visitation from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Celebration of Life gathering at Charlie’s in Homer will follow starting at 5:30 p.m.

Carla was born Aug. 27, 1958, in Urbana, the daughter of Harley and Mickey Dial Rogers. She married George Wisehart in 1995 in Urbana. He survives.

Survivors also include her mother, Mickey Rogers of Homer; daughter, Tammi (Roland) Chavez of New Lenox; son, David Wisehart of Villa Grove; son, Joe Wisehart (fianc& eacute; Chelsey Lowe) of Homer; daughter, Chelsey Wisehart (Dustin Morgan) of Mahomet; son, Cole Wisehart of Homer; sister, Carleen Taylor of Homer; and five grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father and her sister, Connie Rogers.

Carla was a waitress at Charlie’s in Homer. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, painting and woodworking.

Christine Johnson

GIFFORD — Christine Johnson, 86, of Gifford passed away Jan. 6, 2020, at Country Health Care & Rehab in Gifford. She was born April 30, 1933, in Danville to Cora and William Bird. They preceded her in death.

A private memorial service was held on Jan. 7, 2020, at Country Health Care & Rehab in Gifford.

Christine married Duane E. Johnson on April 28, 1967, in Potomac. He preceded her in death in May of 2011. Also preceding her in death were her eight brothers and sisters.

She is survived by daughters Lynnette (Jason) Dodds of Champaign and Lisa (Dick) Price of Homer; son Kevin Johnson of Indiana; grandchildren Abbey, Eric and Matthew Johnson, Hayden and Olivia Dodds, Ashley (Mathew) Johnson- Kirkpatrick, and Tyler Price. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Adalynn and Ava.

She was a member of St. Joseph United Methodist Church, the St. Joseph American Legion Auxiliary, and the VFW Auxiliary. She had a passion for reading, sewing and exercising.

Her family will be laying her to rest in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston next to her husband. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.morganmemorialhome. com.

Carri (Stichnoth) Graham

ST. JOSEPH — Carri (Stichnoth) Graham, 60, of St. Joseph passed away at 9:15 a.m. Monday (Dec. 30, 2019) at home.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Pastor Gene Turner will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Carri was born Oct. 2, 1959, in Watseka, the daughter of George and Norma (Knapp) Stichnoth.

She is survived by her parents, George and Norma Stichnoth of St. Joseph; sister, Rhoda (Derk) Garmon of Homer; and a nephew, whom she adored, Wesley Garmon.

She loved children and animals as well as her St. Joseph United Methodist Church family.

Carri was a truly good and caring person who will be missed by many.

Donations in Carri’s honor can be made to the Champaign County Humane Society.

Elizabeth “Betsy” McMahon

OGDEN — Elizabeth “Betsy” McMahon, 62, of Ogden passed away at 10:32 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2020) at home.

Services will be held at a later date. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Betsy was born Oct. 12 ,1957, in Chicago, the daughter of William and Alice (Boulware) Fox. She married Robert McMahon on Aug. 12, 1978, in Champaign. He survives.

She is also survived by her children, Brian (Darcy) McMahon of Ogden

and Katie (Adam) Wanka of Durham, N.C.; three grandchildren, Conner, Andrew and Leo; mother, Alice Fox of Hilton Head, S.C.; and brothers, Peter (Kim) Fox of Chapel Hill, N.C., Andy (Muffy) Fox of Riverside, Conn., and Bruce (Jennifer) Fox of Middleton, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Betty enjoyed art, animals and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.