Darla Jean Worley

 ST. JOSEPH — Darla Jean Worley, 62, of St. Joseph passed away at 3:07 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Darla was born June 4, 1958, in Highland, the daughter of Robert and Edna (Burton) Worley.

She is survived by her daughter, Angie (Jason) Kendrick, and three grandchildren, Lance Kendrick, Amber Kendrick and Erin Kendrick, all of Coffeyville, Kan.; her son, Jay Striplin of Dallas; five sisters, Patricia Schreieck of Mt. Sterling, Sue (Tom) Starr of Pocahontas, Cecilia (Rick) Goodfellow of Lytle, Texas, and Monica Wells and Terri (MF William) Vickers, both of St. Joseph; her brother, Wallace (Sharolyn) Worley of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darla was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jacob Joseph Worley; three brothers, Steve Worley, Robert Worley Jr. and Joseph Worley; a nephew, Jason Schreieck; and two brothers-in-law.

Darla enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, cooking, baking, movies, board games, slot machines and cheating at cards and marbles.

Darla was a member of the Vineyard Church of Central Illinois in Urbana.

Services for friends and family will be held at a future date. Freese funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mills Breast Cancer Institute, 509 W. University Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.

Freese Funeral Home 1/31/2021

Debra S. Smith

 LONGVIEW — Debra S. Smith, 66, of Longview passed away at 4:10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at home.

Debra was born on Aug. 15, 1954, in Tuscola, to Leonard and Shirley (Young) McGuffey.

She is survived by one daughter, Amanda Mank of Longview; one brother, Robert (Lori) McGuffey of Arcola; and two sisters, Conna Peters and Cheryl Weaver, both of Danville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Shirley Mc-Guffey.

Debra graduated from Newman High School in 1972. She was a member of the Homer New Life Church of Faith.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, at Joines Funeral Home, 401 W. Gillogly St., Newman. Pastor Greer will officiate. Burial will follow in Newman Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Traditions Hospice.

NG 1/31/2021

Robert Eugene Keoppell

 VICTORIA, Texas — Robert Eugene Keoppell, 91, of Victoria, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday (Jan. 27, 2021).

He was born Dec. 4, 1929, to James Russell Keoppell and Grace Marie Mosier Keoppell, in St. Joseph Township, Champaign County.

All services are private.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Marie Keoppell, and wife, Peggy Keoppell.

Robert is survived by his children, Debbie Melton and husband Dale of Victoria, Texas, and Dottie Legg and husband John of Victoria, Texas; grandchildren, Jenny Tacon and husband Joey of Pisa, Italy, and Lori Frazier and husband Jonathan of Plains, Texas; great-grandchildren, Madeline Tacon, Alex Tacon Jr., Jonathan Frazier and wife Jasmine, Madison Kaulukukui and husband Alex and Clayton Frazier; and great- great- grandchildren, Liam Frazier and Iris Frazier.

Robert was a military veteran and served in the U.S. Navy from Dec. 28, 1950, through Oct. 24, 1954. During his service, he spent his time aboard the USS Shelton (DD 790). He was ranked EM1 when he was discharged. Upon his discharge, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; China Service Medal (3); Korean Service Medal (4); Naval Occupation Service Medal (Asia Clasp); and Good Conduct Medal. Two years before leaving the service, Robert married his loving wife, Peggy Joan Wacker, on June 12, 1952, and together they started their life. On Dec. 31, 1989, he retired from Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Ind., after working there for 30 years. Robert was a member of Western Hills Baptist Church in Victoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Western Hills Baptist Church, 1076 Raab Road, Victoria, TX 77904, in Bob’s Memory.

Thoughts and memories may be shared online at gracefuneralhome.net. Arrangements and services under the personal care of Grace Funeral Homes & Cemeteries.

NG 1/30/2021

Herbert J. Osterbur

 ROYAL — Herbert J. Osterbur, 94, of Royal passed away at 8 a.m. Monday (Jan. 25, 2021) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Herb was born on Nov. 22, 1926, in Royal, the son of John and Catherine (Huls) Osterbur. He was baptized, confirmed and a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He married Betty Duitsman on Feb. 26, 1948. They were blessed with 73 years of marriage; she survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Mitch (Marsha) Osterbur and Stan (Suzanne) Osterbur; one daughter, Marsha (Charlie) Rubarts; one brother, Erwin (Elsie) Osterbur; and one sister-in-law, Gerry Osterbur.

He loved being a grandpa and great-grandpa to five grandchildren, Katie (Quinn) Huber, Jon (Taylor) Osterbur, Craig (Marisa) Osterbur, Lindsey (Dusty) Block and Michael (fiance Shelby) Osterbur; five great-grandchildren, Alex and Charlie Huber, Riley and Tanner Block and Hannah Osterbur; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Anna Busboom and Bertha Osterbur; three brothers, Henry Osterbur, Martin Osterbur and Robert Osterbur; and an infant daughter.

Herb graduated from Ogden High School. He farmed in the Royal-Flatville area all of his life in addition to owning Osterbur Construction. He was on the Flatville school board and was trustee for Stanton Township.

Herb enjoyed bowling; pitching horseshoes; playing euchre; going out for coffee with friends; country music shows, especially Marvin Lee; and was an usher for the Fighting Illini at State Farm Center for over 25 years.

He loved the game of baseball. He played EI baseball in his younger years and later coached the Royal Little League, Legion Ball, managed the Royal Giants for several years and in 1973 managed them to the tournament title. Above all, he loved the Cincinnati Reds and was thrilled when he got to meet Pete Rose.

A special thank-you to the caring nurses at Country Health. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Freese FH 1/27/2021

Delmar Gene Grussing

 RANTOUL — Delmar Gene Grussing, 85, of Rantoul passed away at 10:32a.m. Sunday (Jan. 24, 2021) at home surrounded by his family.

With the help of the doctors and health care teams at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center and his own determination, he was able to fight a 3½-year battle with AL amyloidosis.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann, STS officiating. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery, rural Rantoul. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed; please bring your mask.

Del was born June 28, 1935, the son of John Harvey and Anna Lena (Bergman) Grussing. He married Judith Wheeler on Oct. 31, 1968, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She survives.

Along with his wife, Judy, he is survived by one son, Todd Grussing of Fairbury; four daughters, Jeri (Chris) Eckel of Sullivan, Robyn (Mike) Lindenmeyer of Arcola, Jill Grussing of Sullivan and Nicole (James) Crites of Flatville; 14 grandchildren, Brandi Binder, Schuyler Eckel, Kelsey Binder, Ryan Eckel, Amber Grussing, Jenna Flessner, Johanna Feran, John Wienke, Judson Wienke, Matt Rhodes, Aaron Grussing, Adam Crites, Anna Crites and Ava Crites; 16 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Madelyn, Caden, Lane, Jude, Dawson, Beckham, Michael, Cameron, Campbell, Claire, Benjamin, Everett, Maeve, Emma and Brecken, and great-grandchild No. 17 due in July 2021; and his friend of 80-plus years, Elmer Christians.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael; and a sister, Eleanor Busboom.

Del was the fourth generation to be born in the family farmhouse near Flatville. He was so happy that Nicole and family are now the fifth and sixth generations on the farm. Del often told stories about attending Kentucky School. In sixth grade, he and his three classmates were overwhelmed when they joined about

20 students at the “big school” in Flatville. Del graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1953 and from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute. In addition to farming, Del had been a Champaign County deputy sheriff for 14 years. He was also a semi driver, and he and Judy worked part time for 16 years at the Assembly Hall and for 12 years at Memorial Stadium Premium Seating.

Del was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. He was a volunteer at Presence Medical Center, Urbana. Del enjoyed camping and woodworking, and he and Judy traveled to all 50 states. He was never at a loss for words and always enjoyed a good conversation. His grandchildren were his life, and he always looked forward to spending time with them.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at baierfuneralservices. com.

Dennis Wayne Hough

 KILLEEN, Texas — Dennis Wayne Hough, age 80, died on Jan. 13, 2021, at a local hospital.

Dennis was born Oct. 26, 1940, in Clinton, Iowa, to Bonnie and Henry Hough. He graduated from high school in Homer, and afterward joined the U.S. Army, where he spent 21 years.

He had duty assignments at the White House Communications Agency; Korea; Springfield, Mass.; Fort Lee, Va.; Vietnam; Fort Hood, Texas; Okinawa; Fort Lewis, Wash.; and Germany. While working at the White House, he met Eugenia Rogers. After retiring from the Army, he worked for Chinook Middle School in Lacey, Wash., for 20 years.

He attended Trinity Baptist Church in Harker Heights and was a lifetime member of the VFW in Copperas Cove. He enjoyed many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, restoring old cars, playing football, coaching youth football, playing golf and making golf clubs. Before joining the Army, he enjoyed racing midgets.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bonnie and Henry Hough; his two brothers, Raymond and Harold; and his stepmother, Bernetha O’Dell.

He leaves behind his wife, Eugenia; daughter, Teresa Lynn; sons, Dale (Rosalinda) and Eric (fiancé, Michelle Zapf); seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Encompass Home Health and Visiting Angels for the care they provided. In lieu of flowers, give to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758540, Topeka, KS 66675-8540; or charity of your choice.

NG 1/24/2021

Donald A. Lane

 Donald A. Lane 79, of Ogden passed away at 8:15AM, Friday, January 22, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph, with Rev. Mike Mack officiating.  Burial will be at Stearns Cemetery, Fithian.  Visitation will be from noon to 1:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.  Military rites will be accorded.

Mr. Lane was born April 25, 1941 at Cheneyville, IL, a son to Floyd and Florence Malady Lane.  He married Diana Sandusky on May 28, 1994 at Oakwood, she survives.  Also surviving are four children; Donald A. (Joy) Lane Jr. of Vassar, MI, Perry T. (Debbie) Lane of Clinton, TN, Brenda (Dale) Cogdill of Danville, and Anthony “Tony” (Dea) Crose of Rockford, Il, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two sisters; Betty (Norm) Carter and Marilyn (Ed) Tourangeau both of Hoopeston.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister; Mary Quinn, a brother; Robert Lane, a grandson, Cole David Tressler, a great-grandson; Walker James Cogdill and a daughter-in-law; Dea Crose.

Mr. Lane retired from the United States Army after serving for nine years.  He was employed with Department of Energy in Oakridge, TN where he served as Chief of Operations over Emergency Preparedness for 30 years.  He enjoyed woodworking, road trips (taking the scenic route) and spending time with his family.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.

Herbert John Bluhm

 WINSTON- SALEM, N.C. — Herbert John Bluhm, 89, passed away suddenly at his home in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021.

Herb was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Herbert was born on Dec. 13, 1931, in Ogden Township, the youngest child of Kathryn (Osterbur) Bluhm and Frederick Bluhm. After graduating from Ogden High School, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served in the Korean War. After leaving the service, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois and a doctorate degree in organic chemistry from the University of Iowa.

Herb moved to Winston- Salem, where he obtained a position with the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco company. He served as a patent agent, dealing with patents and patent attorneys until retiring in 1988. While in Winston-Salem, he met and married his beloved wife, Nancy Swaringen Bluhm.

Herb loved tennis, taking in theater productions and spending time with his family and friends. His wry sense of humor will be missed by all.

He is survived by his sons, Brian (Cynthia) Bluhm and Kevin Bluhm of Tobaccoville, N.C.; grandchildren, Claire Bluhm and Gavin Bluhm of Los Alamos, N.M.; and sisters, Irene Buhr of Thomasboro and Helen Comnick of Minneapolis.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; sisters, Emma Raup and Anna Franzen; and brothers, Ernest Bluhm and Alvin (Kelly) Bluhm.

Sandra K. Mills Beckman

 Sandra K. Beckman, 79, passed away on January 17, 2021 at 2:10 am. She was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Wallace Mills of St. Joseph, Illinois. She married her husband, Jim, of 53 years on October 28, 1967. They were blessed with two beautiful children who honored them with a 50th Anniversary celebration in October 2017 at the Jacoby Arts Center.

Sandra was born on June 18, 1941 at Carle Hospital in Urbana, IL. She grew up on a farm near St. Joseph and always said it was the best life anyone could ever have. At 4 ½ years of age she began taking piano lessons, and her parents recognized her God-given talent for music. It became her passion and choice of career. While in high school, Sandra was the organist for her church, played for weddings and funerals, and gave piano lessons after school. That continued later as she was organist/pianist for several Alton area churches, played for weddings, and accompanied Alton students for their music contests.

Sandra graduated from the University of Illinois in FAA and began her first years teaching music in Chrisman, IL and then Champaign. While Jim was serving in the Air Force, stationed in Izmir, Turkey, she joined him and taught for a while in the American schools there. Upon returning to the states in the fall of 1969 with their first born, Jamie (9 mo.), Sandra began teaching music in the Alton School District until 1976 when she began teaching Kindergarten. She was a much beloved Kindergarten teacher until retiring from the district in 2001. She was blessed by the many friendships over the years and cherished the wonderful mentors she had, especially Ken Conrady and Dick Propes. She loved sharing the teaching scene with Jim, who also taught in the Alton Schools.

Sandra was most honored to be asked to join the Carillon Guild in 1996, performing each summer on the Carillon bells for the Sunday evening concerts at the Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden in Gordon Moore Park. In 2007, she was honored as a “Woman of Distinction”. She was a past member of Godfrey Women’s Club and volunteered over the years at Caravan, Oasis, Beverly Farms, and the Hope Center.

After she and Jim retired, they enjoyed traveling all over the beautiful USA and spending winters in Fort Meyers, FL. They have lived in their home for 47 years and have the very best neighbors, Rod and Marcia Thornton, that anyone could ever have!

Besides her husband, Sandra is survived by her wonderful and extremely talented family: daughter, Jamie (Tom) and grandchildren Sarah and Jacob Pullen of Alton; son, Randy (Carol) and grandchildren Joseph, Reese, and Andrew Beckman of Wood River; step-granddaughter, Kira (Robert) and great-grandchildren Joey and Canzada Cowan of Wood River; and step-grandson, Christopher (Nikki) and great-grandchildren Jovie and Jackson Marsh of Wood River.

Other very special surviving family are her “Mills” family in the St. Joseph-Ogden, IL area: her brother, Dan (Brenda) Mills; nephews Greg (Becky) Mills and John (Beth) Mills; great-nieces Ava, Bailey, and Carson Mills; great-nephews Bryan (Cara) Mills and Steven (Katie) Mills; and great-great-nieces Hadleigh Mills and Reagan Mills.

Just as special and surviving are her “Beckman” families: sister-in-law Shirley Bozorghmehr of Alton; sister-in-law Mary (Moine) McGibany of Atlantic Beach, FL; brother-in-law Don (Ruby) Beckman of Rockford, IL; nephews John Bozorghmehr of Alton, Ryan McGibany of Neptune Beach, FL and Steven Beckman of Byron, IL; great-nieces Kailee McGibany of Neptune Beach and Alexis Beckman of Byron; and great-nephew Bradley Beckman of Byron.

She was a loyal and proud member of Faith Fellowship Church in Godfrey and loved her pastors, Dr. Daymond (Cindy) Talkington, David (Allyn) Blackburn, and Jeff (Jean) Heil, and all the wonderful and supportive friends there that made church so extra-special. She and Jim looked forward to their Pullen family performing on Sundays in the praise band. Her families meant everything to her. She was so grateful that they are all followers of Christ and faithful members of a church and that their actions reflect that. She and Jim were so proud of their families and all their many accomplishments and were always there to support their interests and performances.

Sandra was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2018. She was well taken care of by all the staff at the Washington University Siteman Cancer Center and Barnes Jewish Hospital. She was so grateful for all the encouragement, prayers, and uplifting cards she received from her families, church prayer circles, and the many friends she has made over the years. She so enjoyed weekly outings with Barb Norman, Carolyn Bumbacher, Lanita Sims, and Mary Wiley. She and Jim loved eating out at the local restaurants in the area, but Sunday evenings were Family Day when she and Jim hosted dinner and card playing for their children and grandchildren. Everyone’s support everywhere she went was overwhelming and was the reason she was able to stay positive throughout the treatments. As God was her Savior, she knew He had a plan for her…..and she accepted it with grace.

A private service will be held for family, and a Celebration of Life event will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Fellowship or Siteman Cancer Center.

Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences and guest book can be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Funeral Home website 1/19/2021

Vernon "Vernie" Lee Ehler

 RANTOUL — Vernon “Vernie” Lee Ehler passed away peacefully on Sunday (Jan. 17, 2021) at home in Rantoul, surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old.

The youngest of five children, Vernon was born in Urbana to John and Tida (Duitsman) Ehler on Nov. 12, 1933. He graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1951, where he excelled at baseball and football. It was here that Vernon would meet the love of his life, Kay, whom he married shortly after her graduation in 1953. Drafted by the Army in 1956, Vernon and Kay would continue their adventure in Germany, where they spent two years before returning back to the Rantoul area. Upon his return, Vernon began his life’s work as a farmer, primarily with Seeber Farms for over 60 harvests.

Above all of Vernon’s accomplishments, he was best known for his devotion to God, his family, his relatives and his friends. There was nothing in life that made him happier than taking his family out to dinner or ensuring he had plenty of quarters for the children to play pool during the annual family vacation to Chetek, Wis. He was a man of faith, every Sunday he could be found at American Lutheran Church in Rantoul, where he was a member for over 50 years. Vernon was a kind, generous, hard-working man whose spirit will continue to live on with his family and community for years to come. His was truly a life well lived that is worth celebrating.

Vernon leaves behind his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 67 years, Kay (Sparks) Ehler. In addition to his wife, Vernon is survived by his son, Dane (Lisa) Ehler, and daughter, Danette (Dave) Higinbotham; six grandchildren, who absolutely adored him; and three great-grandchildren.

Vernon was predeceased by his daughter, Dana Buerkett; sonin- law, Jon Buerkett; granddaughter, Morgan Buerkett; brothers, Roy and Ray Ehler; and sisters, Irene Franzen and Nora Dabney.

In addition, his family would like to thank Vicki and Carol for their loving care, making sure he was comfortable in the final chapter of his life.

Vernon will be laid to rest alongside his loving parents in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro, at a private ceremony. In his honor, his family asks that you take a moment out of your day to put a smile on someone’s face and lend a helping hand, just as he would have done. Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling the arrangements.

NG 1/19/2021

Velma L. Wolken

 GIFFORD — Velma L. Wolken, 91, of Gifford went to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at Country Health Care and Rehab, Gifford.

She was born Jan. 12, 1930, in Champaign County, a daughter of  John and Amanda (Miller) Bergman. She married Walter H. Wolken on Jan. 12, 1951, in Flatville. He preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 2018.

She is survived by a son, Stanley D (Beverly J.) Wolken of Gifford; a daughter, Brenda (Kenny) Self of Rantoul; five grandchildren, Brad (Amanda) Evans and Corey (Jamie) Evans, both of Gifford, Clay (Samantha) Evans of Fisher, Trent (Taylor) Wolken of Thomasboro and Terra (Eddie) Mullins of Urbana; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, a sister and her stepmother, Minnie Bergman.

Velma was a member of the American Lutheran Church where she loved to make quilts for those in need. She worked alongside her family on the farm and was a wonderful cook. She also loved woodworking, canning, gardening, sewing and knitting. Family was important, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private funeral service will be held. The public is invited to the graveside service at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro.

Memorials may be made to the American Lutheran Church. 

Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul is handling arrangements.

NG 1/17/2021

Charles William "Bill" Rohl

 ST. JOSEPH — Charles William “Bill” Rohl, 86, died peacefully at home in St. Joseph on Sunday morning (Jan. 10, 2021).

Bill was born on Feb. 8, 1934, in Homer, the youngest of the five children of William and Thelma Heselden Rohl. He graduated from Homer High School in the early 1950s. Bill worked at Brewer’s Chevrolet in Homer, drove a school bus for Unit 7, and walked tunnels as a steam distribution operator at the University of Illinois until he retired in 1994. He married his wife, Martha (Mills), on Oct. 21,1979, and moved to St. Joseph in 1989.

Even while working full time, he spent many additional hours doing carpentry work, building and remodeling for businesses and independently. His proudest accomplishment was serving as general contractor and building several houses for himself and family members. After retirement, Bill helped his brother-in-law John Mills with farming work until he had to stop at age 73 because his knees wouldn’t cooperate. For his whole life, he was a strong man and a hard worker.

When he wasn’t working, Bill was often surrounded by friends and neighbors, telling stories of former years in Homer and cracking jokes. An avid football and baseball fan, he cheered on his favorite teams on TV and in person: the Bears, the Cardinals and the St. Joseph- Ogden Spartans. Bill was a fierce card player and especially enjoyed beating people at euchre. He also got a kick out of watching the horses run and figuring out which ones to wager on.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Orthalyne Resseler, Olive Neilhaus and Betty Irwin; and survived by his brother, Orville.

He is also survived by his wife Marti; daughters, Becky (John) Bennett and Julie (John) Doorn; sons, Scott (Joy), Shawn (Kelly) Skinner and Chris (Linda); grandchildren, Jeremy, Michael, Melissa, Shane, Todd, Tyson, Erinn, Conrad and Tommy; great-grandchildren, Silas, Oliver, Weston and Rhett; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph. Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church Wednesday. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at freesefh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his honor to the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire & Rescue Squad or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Freese FH 1/12/2021

Harriet Agnew Moir

VENICE, Fla. — Harriet Agnew Moir — vocalist, pianist, organist and music educator — passed away from complications of COVID-19 on Dec. 18, 2020, in Venice, Fla. She was 96.

Harriet was born March 3, 1924, in Ogden to Dr. T. Lee and Agnes Faris Agnew. She pursued a degree in music from the University of Illinois.

As a performer in productions offered by the McKinley Foundation, she met fellow performer James F. Moir, whom she married in 1944. Jim’s Air Corps/Air Force career as a meteorologist took the growing family to Florida, Illinois, Japan, Nebraska, Puerto Rico and Massachusetts. Later, she joined her daughters in the Northern Mariana Islands and Hawaii. She made her final home in Venice, Fla.

All her life, until her retirement from her final church-organist position at age 92, music was Harriet’s passion. Throughout her career, she taught piano and voice; served as church soloist, pianist, organist and choir director; performed as soloist and pianist for church and community programs; brought musical and dramatic roles to life in community-theater productions; and provided music education in elementary and secondary schools.

Highlights of her career included performances in Tokyo hospitals for soldiers wounded during the Korean Conflict; creating and performing one-woman shows in communities in eastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod; helping to found Saipan Community Theatre in the Northern Mariana Islands; and furthering the musical training of the next generation. In Venice, she was able to help support this mission through participation in Venice Musicale.

Harriet’s creativity also nurtured other interests. Her love of writing was reflected in numerous published articles and columns in local and national publications, her first being a column on “Grade School News” for the Ogden Courier.

She was a voracious reader, created beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, and loved exploring the great outdoors, nurturing her extended family, crafting witty puns and celebrating any excuse for a holiday.

A seventh-generation descendant of a Revolutionary War patriot, Harriet was an active participant with the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Hawaii Loa Chapter), where she served as the Honorary Chair of the Sunshine Committee. She also was an enthusiastic member of the American Guild of Organists (Cape Cod and Islands Chapter), The Order of the Eastern Star (Lei Aloha chapter), the International Music Fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, the University of Illinois Alumni Association, Lyman Museum (Hawaii), Venice Musicale, the Venice Theatre Guild and the Senior Friendship Center of Venice.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Theodore Lee, Allen, Donald and John; and her son, Timothy.

She is deeply missed by her daughters, Melody Actouka of Venice and Barbara Moir of Hawaii; sons, Robert Moir of Pennsylvania and John Moir of Venice; grandchildren, Aria, Airika, Colin and Garrett; great- grandchildren, Richard, Lily, Marley and Kailani; her loving sister, Marion Wagner (Ogden); her sister-inlaw, Marilyn Agnew of North Carolina; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family thanks Tidewell Hospice and Farley Funeral Home for their compassionate care. Thoughts may be shared at farleyfuneralhome.com

Celebrations of Harriet’s life will be held at a later date.

Harriet would be honored by donations to the Venice Musicale Scholarship Fund at venicemusicale. org or 2357 S. Tamiami Trail #3, PM Box 179, Venice, FL 34293 or to

Lyman Museum, 276 Haili Street, Hilo, HI 96720.

NG 1/10/2021

Glenn Fisher

 

Glenn Fisher, 81 of St. Joseph passed away at 10:40 A.M. Thursday January 7, 2021 at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday January 11, 2021 at Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph.

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

Glenn was born July 22, 1939 at St. Joseph  the son of  Floyd and Louise Redenbough Fisher. He married Mary Carson on June 5, 1965 at St. Joseph. She preceded him on April 16, 2017.

He is survived by his daughter Leslie Fisher of Champaign, Granddaughter Karson Peters of Champaign. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Andrew, daughter Karen Fisher-Peters.

Glenn was a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. 

He worked at St. Joseph-Ogden High School for 30 plus years as the Head Custodian.

 Glenn took pride in making sure the ball field were in excellent condition.

 He was a board member and cemetery sexton at Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. 

 Condolences may be offered at Freesefh.com

Janet Kay Wombles

 HOMER — Janet Kay Wombles, 58, of Homer passed away at 10:45 a.m. Monday (Jan. 4, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Jan. 8, at Bethel Cemetery, Danville, following a visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor C.W. Greer will officiate. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will only be 10 people allowed in the funeral home at a time, and everyone is required to wear a mask.

Janet was born Feb. 15, 1962, in Danville, the daughter of Arthur and Bonnie Treadway Powell. She married Steven A. Wombles on May 7, 1983, in Danville. He survives. Janet lovingly kept her husband in line for 38 years.

Survivors also include her father, Arthur Powell of Tilton; son, Bradley Smith of Chicago; daughters, Jenna (Sara) Wombles-Jagodzinski of Elgin and Stephanie K. Wombles of Homer; and sister, Jeanette Fern Schmidt of Naples, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Bonnie.

Janet was a lifetime member of Southside Church of the Nazarene in Tilton. She attended Danville High School and Parkland College, where she was on the dean’s list.

Janet enjoyed jewelry making, mushroom hunting, antiquing and flea markets. She loved to travel and attend covered bridge.

Janet was a strong, giving woman who prayed for and reached out to others no matter her own troubles. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Memorials can be made to the church of your choice.

NG 1/7/2021

Ronald Orr

Ronald “Ron” Orr, 75, of Mahomet, formerly of St. Joseph, IL, died just before 8pm on New Year’s Eve at Carle Heart and Vascular ICU in Urbana.

Ron was born as one of twin sons to Kenneth Orr and Audrey (Johnson) Orr in Danville, IL. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret “Maggie” (Webb) Orr, son Sean Orr (Barb) with grandsons Zachary Orr and Matthew Orr, son Bryan Orr with grandson Kai Nelson-Orr. Also surviving are his mother Audrey Orr, his older brother Rick Orr and twin brother Donald Orr (Judith) of Sonoma, California.

Ron graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1963. In 1965, Ron joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as boatswain’s mate aboard the USS Cochrane, DDG21, for the next four years, where he completed three tours in Vietnam. He met his wife, Maggie, a Hawaiian girl, and was married June 17, 1967. After an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1969, Ron and his family settled in St. Joseph, IL. In 1970, Ron started his 35-year career at United Parcel Service, where he moved up the ranks from loading trailers and washing trucks to being Center Manager for East Peoria, Danville, Urbana, and Marion, IL, where he retired in 1995, returning to Central Illinois to be closer to family, and focus on his most important job as “Paw-Paw” to his grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be held at Homer G.A.R. Cemetery, presided by Pastor Eugene Turner of the United Methodist Church of St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army outlet of your choice. 

Freese FH 1/3/2021