Merle R. Mott

HOMER — Merle R. Mott, 87, of Homer passed away at 7:05 p.m. Saturday (July 25, 2020) at home.

Per his wishes, there will be no services. Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is assisting the family.

Mr. Mott was born June 11, 1933, at Hartford, Ohio, a son to Clifford and Louella Mott. He married Alvena Cooper on Feb. 29, 1960; she survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Ginger Gwen (Mike) Wahl of Minnesota, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He also has four siblings surviving, Earl, Joe, Marge and Jane.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Floyd Weets; a daughter, Norma Coon; a brother; and two sisters.

He was a member of Iron Workers Local 380. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed working in his garden and shooting trap.

NG 7/27/20

Helen Luth

NEWMAN — Helen Smith Luth, 89, of Newman passed away Monday (July 27, 2020) at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living, Chrisman, where she had been residing.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 30, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. with interment following in the church cemetery. Joines Funeral Home (Newman) is assisting the family with arrangements.

Helen was born Oct. 31, 1930, in Indianapolis, Ind., the daughter of Lucille (Hammond) and Lowell E. Smith. Helen attended Newman Township schools and graduated from Newman High School.

She attended Eastern Illinois University before marrying Virgil L. Luth in 1950. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Lana Sanstrom and Krista Freebairn.

Helen was strong in her Christian faith from a young age and was a confirmed member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school when her daughters were young. Helen also attended Women’s Bible Study Fellowship in Champaign for a number of years.

Helen was active in her children’s activities, including being a room mother for both daughters and a 4-H leader for her youngest daughter. She loved her grandchildren dearly, attending all of their activities, too, as long as she was able. She was always there to lend a helping hand with everything from medical appointments to attending sporting events to making Halloween costumes and more.

Helen was a member of the Newman American Legion Auxiliary Post 201, in which she served as an officer in multiple capacities including president. At the district level of the American Legion Auxiliary, she held every office of District 19 except director.

As an active member of the Newman Woman’s Club, she worked up through the offices to serve as president. Helen was an avid reader and patron of the Newman Township Library, where she also served on the board for a number of years.

She was an Illini, pro golf and St. Louis Cardinals fan as well as an avid golfer and bridge player. Helen was a member of the Tri City Country Club and a past club champion of the women’s golf organization.

She was a member of a local ladies bridge club. As a member of the American Contract Bridge League, she played duplicate bridge at Ginger Creek, Champaign. To further challenge herself, she did daily crossword puzzles and played solitaire up until she was in her early 80s.

One of Helen's memorable experiences was to appear twice on the 1960s national television show "I've Got a Secret" with the two other Helen Luths, all from the Newman area. Both shows can be seen on YouTube.

Helen is survived by her two daughters, Lana (Jim) Sanstrom and Krista (Paul) Freebairn, both of Newman; five grandchildren, Jacquelyn Teague of Champaign, Scott Sanstrom of Urbana, Matthew (Cassie) Joines of Champaign, Patrick (Jaye) Sanstrom of Newman and Sarah (Eric) Andresen of Villa Grove, and a stepgrandson, Christian Freebairn of White Health; 10 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Lowella Biddle of Champaign and Roberta (Luke) Cain of Babson Park, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant brother, Lowell Everett Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Helen’s name be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, or the Champaign County Humane Society.

NG 7/31/20

William Adam "Bill" Langenwalter

William Adam "Bill" Langenwalter passed away in peace at his daughter’s home in the City of Roanoke at the age of 85 on July 25, 2020. Bill leaves behind his two children, Karla and Kurt. Granddaughter, Coree and grandson, Ryan, great grandchildren, Caedyn and Chloee. Bill was the only child of Clara Grace Fisher of St Joseph Illinois who passed in 1944 and William Tobias Langenwalter of Vandalia Illinois who passed in 1958. His early education was in Peters School which was a one room school consisting only of grades 1-8 located in St Joseph. The family moved to Ogden Il in 1942 where he completed Ogden Elementary School. He graduated Ogden High School with the "Class of 1952". Upon graduation of high school, he joined the USN.
Early Military Summary
After enlistment in the Navy, he was hoping for boot camp in San Diego. Instead, he traveled to Great Lakes and attended boot camp. He graduated boot camp and completed rating testing. Selected as Radarman, he transferred to Treasure Island San Francisco for RD Class “A” School during 11/24/52 – 03/02/53. After basic training, he was selected as a Radarman Rating. Officially designated as RDSN, he transferred to USS PCE 870 stationed in New Orleans. The duties onboard ship were surface radar tracker and Mississippi River Helmsman. When the USS PCE 870 decommissioned, he transferred to the USS PCE 842 with the same duties. The PCE 870 was taken to Green Cove Springs Fl for decommissioning and sold to the Navy of South Korea. He was now turning the age of 21 and began discharge out of the USN As of Sept 20, 1955, he served from age 17 to 21.

Onto Civilian Life Summary
He was attending the University of Illinois, but had an unfortunate car situation; so continuing his education was halted.
A bookkeeper job was obtained until his car could be fixed. He and his father were living in a trailer in Ogden, Il while his dad was employed at a forging company, Clifford- Jacobs. The civilian life was short lived.

Back to the USN
It was time to join the Navy again. Reenlistment guaranteed 2nd class rank and a tour on the USS Saratoga. The stint was short from Mar 1956 to Nov 1956, but a new qualification of Air Plotter was completed. It was time for a new tour on the USS Hermitage serving as CIC Watch Officer and Radar Navigation Officer from Dec 56 – Aug 57 as rank RD1. Shore Duty was next attending Dallas RD “D” School NAS for Air Controllers (ACR); this provided for a better opportunity for Instructor Training positions. Multiple trainings were available at GCA Unit Henley Field Arlington, TX. Qualifications were met on MPNI/MPN5/CPM4’ all “GCA Units” low visibility approach equipment. Then more education continued once again at Treasure Island for Class “B” Maintenance and Operational Phase from Feb 60 – Oct 60. It was now time to head back to sea duty on the USS York County as RD1. His positions included CIC Watch Officer, Radar Navigation Officer and Helo Controller. Upon completion of that tour, CIC School was completed, then another sea duty tour began on the USS Raleigh as RDC and an added qualification as Bridge OOD. Another shore tour opened at FAAWTC Dam Neck stationed in Va. Beach. During his tour as Navy Tactical Data System Instruction, promotions to RDCS and W1 were quickly obtained. He served on the USS John F Kennedy next starting Jul 68. During this stint, he was promoted to CWO2. Sea duty was nearing to an end and one final shore tour started on Jul 71 at US Naval Academy Annapolis, MD. He served as a Seamanship and Tactics Instructor until point of military retirement Jul 03, 1972 and moving into Civil Service.
Civil Service
Retirement followed with new career, Integrated Systems Supports Inc, located at Fleet Combat Directions System Support Activity Dam Neck Virginia Beach. After completion of this tour, he entered Federal Civil Service as a GS-9/11 Computer Programmer in Apr 1974. Upon completion of Civil Service, he retired as GM-14 Supervisory Computer Systems Analyst completion date 1997. He honorably retired from Military and Civil Service serving the country he loved as well as the family he loved. His full life will be celebrated and remain in our memories.
Honoring Memories
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Viewing will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with services immediately following located at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel, at 3600 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. He requested you dress comfortably. Interment Services will also be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date TBA.
Always Thankful
He also wanted to thank all people who helped during these trying times especially family, friends, hospital staff and the doctors who gave us a little more time to enjoy family. A special heartfelt thank you to Kindred Hospice of Virginia Beach, Va, Cancer Unit Team at Sentara Virginia Beach General, Kindred Hospice of Roanoke, Va., Drs: Mitchell Miller and Bruce Johnson
Remembering Our Veterans
For our entire family, we thank you all. Our father’s wish; if any donations were offered to be placed, donate to our Veterans at: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Adam Langenwalter please visit our Tribute Store.

Betty Ashley

ST. JOSEPH — Betty Ashley, 85, of St. Joseph passed away at 2:07 p.m. Monday (July 27, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph. The Rev. Mike Mack will officate. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

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

Betty was born Aug. 28, 1934, in Effingham County, the daughter of John William and Frances (Beach) Everett. She married Jim Ashley on Feb. 4, 1951. He preceded her in death on April 29, 2019.

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Albers of Fitihian and Denise Patton of Paxton; four grandchildren, Chandra (Chuck) Fryer, Daniel (Rachel) Albers, Kevin (Breana Wright) Albers and Drew (Jess) Patton; great-grandchildren, Charlie, Holden, Owen, Trenton, Cole and Garrett; sisters, Mary Reardon, Irma Lingreen and Judy Conaway; and brother, Charles Everett.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Opal Everett; and brother, John Everett.

She was a member of Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph. Betty was famous for her pies and enjoyed gardening.

Betty did child care in St. Joseph watching multiple generations. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph.

Charles (Skip) W. Thompson

ST. JOSEPH — Charles (Skip) W. Thompson, Lt. Colonel, Retired, USAF, 84, of St. Joseph peacefully passed away unexpectedly with his family in attendance at 6:52 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

He was born in Chicago, the son of George W. and Dorothy E. Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Madonna (Donna) M. Thompson; two daughters, Amy E. Preen (Martin) of Elizabethtown, Ky., and Terry A. Thompson (Todd Reed) of St. Joseph; and four grandchildren, Macy Reed, Zachary Preen, Annabelle Preen and Toby Reed.

His parents and sisters, Jane Ann Oakes and Barbara Weaver, preceded him in death.

He loved caring for his family, rural homestead and farm, which he did up until the day he passed. He enjoyed always staying busy, being productive, remaining active and physically fit, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He frequently donated blood and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He donated his body to medical science and research to put death in the service of life.

He was a generous, caring, thoughtful, loving, fun, playful, energetic, kind and conscientious husband, dad and grandpa. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Urbana.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

NG 7/19/20

Glenn Michael Rotermel

CAMARGO — Glenn Michael Rothermel, 60, of Camargo, passed away on Wednesday (July 15, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m.

Mike was born on June 20, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa. His parents were Glenn E. and Shirley Rothermel. Mike graduated in 1978 from ABL High School in Broadlands. He married his wife, Judy, on Oct. 21, 1982, and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran of Broadlands.

Mike was a member of the Blacksmith and Boilermakers Local 1626. He was also a member of the Laborers Union for over 20 years. Mike worked at Clifford-Jacobs Forging for 16 years. He loved his family and enjoyed weekend camping trips to Lake Mattoon.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; his mother, Shirley of St. Joseph; his daughter, Rebecca (Darrell) St. Clair of Charleston; his sister, Susan (David) Allen of St. Joseph; his granddaughter, Mariah St. Clair; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn E. Rothermel, on April 18, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the family.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoff chapel.com.

NG 7/19/2020

Clifford Lee Brooks

ST. JOSEPH — Clifford Lee Brooks, 53, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at his home with his family around him. He fought so hard the past several months to stay with his family for as long as possible.

Cliff had a strong faith in God; he was a fiercely loyal and loving husband and family man. Cliff was married to his wife and best friend, Tracy, for 30 years; they loved doing life together.

Cliff’s passion was bass fishing, especially with his son, Zach. They shared many trips together to different lakes across the country. Cliff would go anywhere to spend time with his daughters, tattoo parlors with Serena Carly and cheer competitions with Isabella Daisy.

He loved camping and family vacations. He would get up early and would start frying bacon to wake everyone up.

Cliff had a close bond with his brothers, Carl and Ed. They enjoyed discussing End Times and sharing videos and Scriptures. He had a special place in his heart for “Tracy’s sisters,” Stacy and Maria, and has been a strong and secure part of their lives for the past 34 years. His card-playing buddy was his sweet sister- in-law, Earlene.

Cliff was thrilled when Shelby joined our family and held a special place in his heart for her. He was so proud to be Papa to his grandsons, Blaine and Bennett; they brought him many smiles and snuggles.

Cliff was a fun uncle to Jenny, Eddie, Bratney, Tristan, Becca, Chris and Carl.

He worked at Sam’s Club for the past 29 years, his co-workers were his second family. Cliff was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan (2020 Super-Bowl champs); he enjoyed fishing tournaments and participated in The Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail. Cliff and Tracy were foster parents for over 25 years and welcomed many children into their home.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Judy Brooks; sister, Geraldine; and sister-inlaw, Kim.

“Cliff was always our calm and steady. He had an awesome smile and was always trying to make others smile too. He will be forever missed, never forgotten and always loved.” The family has entrusted Sunset Funeral and Cremation Center in Champaign, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820, with his arrangements.

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

James Bues

HOMER — James “Jim” Bues, 75, of Homer passed away Wednesday (July 8, 2020) at home, surrounded by his family.

A celebration of his life will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the Walnut Hill Pavilion in Homer Lake Park.

Jim was born April 5, 1945, in Leon, Iowa, to Mary J. (Rush) and Charles D. Bues. He married Nancy J. Manganelli on Feb. 13, 1965, in Miami, Fla. They shared 55 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy J. Bues of Homer; son, Michael (Wendi) Bues of Wildwood, Tenn.; daughter, Shannon (Leonard) Rosenkrans of Hannibal, Mo.; sister, Mary (Thomas) Crisman of Hopewell Junction, N.Y. ; grandchildren, Victoria, Zachary and Andrew (Rosa) Rainey, Alexander and Emily Edwards, Amanda Rosenkrans and Amelia (Grant) Godfrey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary J. Bues of Clearwater, Fla.

Jim graduated from Coral Gables Senior High in 1964, then he enlisted in the Air Force after graduation and served a tour of duty in Phan Rang, Vietnam. He returned to the States and finished his service as an instructor.

In 1976, he received a degree in accounting from Eastern Kentucky University, with honors. He worked for the IRS

before opening his own accounting firm in Champaign. Over the course of 38 years, he and his assistant, Abbie Smith, built the business to over 1,000 clients, many of whom became close friends. He worked with the Sidney Lions Club and served as president for several years.

Jim and Nancy loved to travel. In retirement, they worked at several national parks as camp hosts. Jim had a love

of boats, sailing and fishing. They lived in San Carlos, Mexico. They lived on a houseboat on Lake Mead and volunteered at the senior center in Boulder City, Nev. They loved to return to their rural home outside of Homer overlooking the Salt Fork river.

They were also motorcycle enthusiasts and traveled the U.S. and Canada on their Harleys. They especially loved spending time and traveling with the grandkids.

NG 7/14/20

Ted Rohde

ST. JOSEPH — Ted Rohde of St. Joseph went home to be with God at 9:10 p.m. Monday (July 6, 2020) at Carle Hospital in Urbana.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather; a lover of dogs, of music and of history. Ted loved people and had a generous nature. His legacy of faith lives on through his extended family at Number Ten Church of Christ. And his legacy of leadership lives on through the family business, Rohde Piano Tuning & Repair.

Ted was born on Aug. 5, 1952, to Jake and Maude Rohde in Effingham. He married Debbie on Aug. 28, 1971, in Effingham; she survives.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob; and sister, Sue. His sister, Peg, survives.

In 1974, Ted graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor of arts in music education. Two years later, he and Debbie moved to St. Joseph and started the family business, Rohde Piano Tuning & Repair. The family expanded with the addition of sons Jay and Jeff in 1979 and 1982.

After son Jeff recovered from a congenital birth defect, Ted felt the Lord call him into the ministry. In 1991, he graduated from Lincoln Christian Seminary and eventually found his way to Number Ten Church of Christ in Potomac, where he served as minister for over 30 years.

Ted’s life was full of blessings. In 2006, Jeff married Valeria and daughter Kendra Riddle; they are expecting another baby Rohde in 2021. Jay married Cynthia in 2010 and had two boys, Jacob and Caleb. The roles husband, father and grandfather were as important to Ted as any other aspect of his work or life.

The family business grew — Ted’s piano tunings always came with a personal touch and were more like a conversation with an old friend. The business continues to thrive in Debbie and Jeff’s hands. Under Ted’s tutelage, the members of Number Ten have received a world-class education in Christian history.

Ted saw the value in every person he met. He changed lives, one at a time, by listening, caring, connecting and

helping as he could in each unique situation.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held with an open visitation at Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac on Friday, July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The funeral service at Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home will be by invitation only Saturday, July 11, at 10:30a.m. All are welcome to join the family graveside at Embury Cemetery, Hope, following the service.

Donations to a memorial can be made to the family.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks and social distancing will be observed.

NG 7/9/20

Judith Evelyn Rhoton

HOMER — Judith Evelyn Rhoton was born Jan. 4, 1945, at Jarman Hospital, Tuscola. She passed away at 5:40 a.m. Saturday (July 4, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

She was the daughter of Loyd Elisha and Thelma Zillah Lawless Skinner of Broadlands. Judy married James Rhoton on March 4, 1966, in Broadlands, and lived in Homer for the rest of her life.

Judy is survived by her husband and two children, daughter Melissa Sue (Ray) Bear of Homer and son James Michael (Amber) Rhoton of Ogden; two grandchildren, Regina Bear (Ben) Fryer of Mahomet and Ainsley Rhoton of Ogden; two stepgrandchildren, Ethan and Abbey Mizer of Ogden; and one great-granddaughter, Faith Renea Fryer.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, James Martin Skinner of Broadlands.

Judy enjoyed being with her family on special holidays and Mother’s Day. She also enjoyed her flower gardens and feeding and watching the birds in her backyard.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, with the Rev. Kathy Murphy officiating. A private funeral will follow, then a public graveside service at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at GAR Cemetery, Homer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.

NG 7/7/20

Esther Trientje Kopmann

GIFFORD — Esther Trientje Kopmann, 93, of Gifford passed away at 8:41 p.m. Sunday (July 5, 2020) at Country Health Care and Rehab, Gifford.

Private funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Esther was born Aug. 1, 1926, in rural St. Joseph, the daughter of Klaas and Hiemkie Huls Saathoff. She married Wilbert Kopmann on Jan. 11, 1947, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. He preceded her in death in May 2000.

She is survived by her children, Beverly Heiden of Gifford, Merle (Lynn) Kopmann of Gifford and Sandy (Rich) Norris of Savoy; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Gerry) Hinderberger, Traci (Scott) Harris, Corissa Kopmann, Jeremy (Michelle) Kopmann, Matthew (Nikki) Kopmann, Joshua (Marianne) Kopmann and Erin (Andy) Cler; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Harm, Garrelt, Peter and John; and two sisters, Ann and Ethel.

Esther was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She enjoyed working as a volunteer and spending time with her family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Carle Auditory School. Please share your memories and condolences at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

NG 7/7/2020

Gary D. Wrather

Obituary of Gary D. Wrather

Bedford - Gary D. Wrather, 75, of Bedford, died at 11:43 am on Saturday July 4, 2020, at University Hospital, Indianapolis. There will be a private visitation and funeral at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor Gary Zakian officiating. A private burial will be held at Green Hill Cemetery. Born June 5, 1945, in Champaign County, IL. Gary was the son of Claude Kentner Wrather and Dorothy Marie (Todd) Wrather. Gary married Diane Mae Buss on February 24, 1968. Gary graduated from The General Motors Institute class of 1968 in Flint, MI. He worked at Central Foundry, Danville and GM Powertrain, Bedford for a total of 42 years and 3 months. He retired as a Senior Engineer in 2005. Gary was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and as a Deacon. Gary loved any kind of sports and was an avid Fighting Illini, Bears, and White Sox fan. He spent many hours helping coach his Granddaughters’ Fastpitch Softball Team and watching his grandson play football and basketball. Gary cherished his grandchildren and never missed their school events. Survivors include his wife of 52 years Diane; his two sisters Judy Studer and husband Leo of Champaign, IL, Sharon Peterson and husband Gary of Mahomet, IL, his brother Alan Wrather and wife Betty of Venice, FL; four children, Gregory Wrather and wife Angela of O’Fallon, IL, Timothy Wrather and wife Rebecca of St. Clair Shores, MI, Stacie Leach and husband Justin of Williams, IN, and Stefanie Morron and husband Mark of Orleans, IN; six grandchildren, Samantha Holmes, Cassidy Gross, Jacob Lesinski, Jacob Leach, Colten Leach, and Liam Wrather. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Dorothy Wrather, one brother, Ronald Wrather, and one grandchild, Emily Rosemarie Wrather. Pallbearers will be Jacob Leach, Colten Leach, Jacob Lesinski, Liam Wrather, Austin Holmes and Nathan Gross. Memorials: Calvary Lutheran Church, Children’s Heart Association and Lawrence County Community Foundation. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com

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