Linda Rae Frerichs

 CHAMPAIGN — Linda Rae Frerichs, 70, of Champaign, originally from Royal, passed away at 8:57 p.m. Saturday (March 27, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Linda was survived by Loretta (Gene) Elliot, sister- in-law Rita Frerichs, Larry (Eunice) Frerichs, LaVeda Pollock. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Most everyone knows that she has a twin sister (LaVeda) who always amazed everyone how different they looked. She is also survived by her beloved neice and great-neice, Amber and Hanna Kocher, who everyone knew she thought of them as her daughter and granddaughter. They were her heart and soul. She also left behind her beloved cat, Cappie.

Linda was a devoted lutheran and a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal. She gave 30 years of her life working at Carle Clinic and Carle Foundation Hospital. She lived most of her life in Royal, where most of the kids in town would sneak over to jump on her trampoline and where she taught a generation how to decorate cakes. She moved to Champaign in 2003, where she always loved to decorate for every season, and she loved to plant the most beautiful flowers in her yard. She was very artistic and enjoyed painting with watercolors and designing floral

arrangements. She loved to travel. She made it to Germany twice. She was known to set off on an adventure to see the beauty of the world and hunt down unique and primitive antiques.

Linda cherished her friends and always said they were her family, too. Words cannot describe how much she was there for everyone. She attended every sporting event or occasion to show support for all. We all knew we could count on her to take amazing pictures for every event. She was loved by all and will truly be missed by everyone.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/.

Funeral services will be at 10:30a.m. Thursday, April 1, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

NG 3/30/2021

Louise R. Thompson

 Louise R. Thompson, 82, passed away peacefully at 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon (March 23, 2021) at home on Bayles Lake. Her loving and dedicated family were by her side.

Visitation for Louise will be from noon to 1p.m. Monday, March 29, at Rosenbaum Funeral Home, Gibson City. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Gary Fairchild officiating.

Louise was born on March 29, 1938, in Madison, Wis. She was the first daughter of Ernst and Dorthea Rosenberg Rintelmann. Louise married Raymond (Murph) Thompson on Aug. 19, 1961, in Theinsville, Wis., and then the adventure began.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Raymond “Murph” Thompson; sister, Nancy A. Lee of Paxton; sister-in-law, Linda (Frank) Page of Sibley; and several nieces and nephews.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents.

Louise began her teaching career in 1961 in St. Joseph. She was an educational consultant and was well known around the world, especially in the Boston area, where she lived with her husband from 1976 to 2018. Louise retired in 2010. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Louise Thompson Education Fund. The mailing address is 1014 Parker Terrace, Loda, IL 60948. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at rosenbaumfh. com.

NG online 3/27/2021

 

PAUL RECTOR

March 5, 1921 -
March 24, 2021

Paul was born in Afton, Oklahoma on March 5, 1921 to John Fred and Edna (Harris) Rector.  He was 8th generation in America in the family lineage.  He was youngest of eight. Earl Rector; Mary Fern (Rector) Atwood; Lottie Bernice (Rector) LaFuze; Dennis Rector; Orton Rector; John Henry Rector; Leo Harris Rector.

He grew up in Urbana delivering both the Courier & News Gazette.  He was an active Boy Scout and always enjoyed visiting Camp Drake. He was proud to be an Eagle Scout and was so proud of his son Jim and grandson Dale that also achieved that honor.   He was a State champion wrestler for Urbana High School.   He graduated from Urbana High School in 1940 and after three semesters at the U of I studying Business and Accounting he was drafted into the Army.

After receiving his commission as 2nd Lt. in 1943 he could afford to marry his high school sweetheart, Billie West, from Sidney, IL.  They married in the family home and later renew their vows in front of the same fireplace 67 happy years later.  Paul & Billie had three children.  Sharon Rector, James (& Gail) Rector, Sue (& Skip) Inskip.  Paul counted his blessings in his eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Paul completed basic training at South Camp Polk, Louisana.  Pay was only $21.00 a month.  His Eagle Scout rank helped him qualify for Officers Training School which he completed at Fort Knox, KY.  He served in the 775th Tank Battalion in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

Service was a Rector family affair.  Paul had 2 brothers in uniform.  Leo Rector served in Europe and Orton Rector received a medical discharge.  His parents went to Ohio to work on the gliders that took soldiers behind the lines to protect the bridges. Brother John Rector was a machinist at the Hanford Project in Richland, WA, helping to craft the plutonium sphere for the second atomic bomb…the one that was dropped on Nagasaki and forced the Japanese surrender.

Paul was discharged as a 1st Lt. and returned home to Urbana on Christmas Day, 1945.  That is when his wife found him with another lovely lady in his arms…he was just getting acquainted with his daughter, Sharrie on her 1st birthday.

After his discharge from the Army, Paul first went to work as head inspector at the R.H. Bishop Co.  He became a member of the Local 149 Plumber & Steamfitters Union in 1949.  He also worked for F.R. Inskip Plumbing and Heating as head of the Service Department.  He and Billie also worked together in restoring their rental properties.  Between the two of them, they could repair just about anything.  Together, they were always working on a fix-up project.

Billie retired from Robeson’s department Store where she sold jeans to teenagers.  She was a dedicated volunteer to the First Presbyterian Church and to the Girl Scouts.  She also had quite a reputation in our family as a poet and seamstress.

It was a longstanding tradition in the Rector family to gather for family reunions.  From earlier gatherings in Smithfield, Illinois where his parents lived, to the current family tradition of gathering in different destinations, He has not missed one.  He continued to travel well into his 90’s with family reunions trips to Hawaii, Puget Sound of Washington to Outer Banks of North Carolina & Branson, Missouri just 2 years ago.  Travelling the U.S. was his hobby.  He loved to drive across the U.S. and explore and visit family members along the way.   He took his family on many camping trips to just about every state park in Illinois and Indiana. Paul & Billie enjoyed being close to other family members and were active in the First Presbyterian Church in Champaign.  They went on several mission trips for their church and enjoyed their bible study groups.

If you asked him, Paul would say his greatest accomplishment was his three children.  Through Paul and Billies’ examples of caring, support and love, they created a close family bound by love and loyalty.  The world is a better place because he was in it.  He will be greatly missed.  He will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 

Private family services will be on Monday with burial in Sidney.  The family is requesting no flowers, but if you would like to make a donation to Wounded Warriors or your charity of choice in Paul’s honor it would be appreciated

Morgan FH website 3/27/2021

Ronald D. Frerichs

 THOMASBORO — Ronald D. Frerichs, 71, of Thomasboro passed away at 7:05 a.m. Tuesday (March 16, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 11a.m. Friday, March 19, 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 11a.m. at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Ron was born Jan. 21, 1950, in Urbana, the son of Harm W. and Evelyn C. (Albers) Frerichs. He married Kathy Suits on Sept. 15, 1990, in St. Joseph. She survives.

He also is survived by his children, Travis Frerichs of Roselle and Jenna Frerichs of Providence, R.I.; three brothers, Dan (Karlene) Frerichs, Mitchell (Debra) Frerichs and Marc (Cindy) Frerichs, all of Royal; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ron was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in Vietnam from 1971 to 1973. He worked at Hamburg Distribution/ National Wine and Spirits for 26 years. He then worked at Danville Area Community College for the past 18 years. Ron enjoyed traveling and going to Indiana Beach. Most of all, he loved to spend time with his family.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be offered at freesefh.com.

Freese FH 3/18/2021

Ray Buck

 GIFFORD — The Gifford and Penfield communities mourn the loss of Ray Buck upon his passing early Sunday (March 14, 2021).

Ray was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Ray was a farmer who for years toiled the land along with two of his brothers to support 30 of their beloved family members. Ray was a CROW’S seed corn salesman, antique dealer, Saint Lawrence Catholic Church member and chocolate connoisseur.

Raymond J. Buck was born July 18, 1927, at home in Penfield. Ray was the fourth child of Leo Buck and Lucinda (Early) Buck. Ray was one of 10 Buck siblings: Frances Buck (deceased), Bernard Buck (deceased) (Ruth Laley, deceased), Maurice Buck (deceased) (Helen Cler, deceased), James Buck (deceased), Catherine Watson (deceased) (David, deceased), Therese Yankowiak (Bob, deceased), Bridgie Cler (Frank, deceased), Bernadette Vogel and Gertie Richardson (Jim).

Following his high school graduation, Ray was drafted into the Army for two deployments as a guard patrolmen in World War II (September 1946 to May 1947) and in the Korean War (December 1950 to December 1952) as a medic corporal. During Ray’s service in Korea, he was injured. Ray was a decorated veteran receiving the following awards: Silver Star, Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal at Japan, Three Bronze Stars, Medical Badge, Korean Service Ribbon and the U.N. Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Ray met his sweetheart of 61 years, Joan Decker.

Ray and Joan had eight children, Greg Buck, Mary Buck, Cecelia Buck Vermillion (Dave), Julie Buck (John Dixon), Denise Buck Griffith (Todd), Lisa Buck Bartley (Rob), Kathleen Ann (deceased) and Brian Eli (deceased).

All of Ray’s living children went on to attain college degrees. Ray loved watching his kids and, later in life, his grandkids in their sporting events and musical performances, and he appreciated living to see them grow into the young adults they have become.

His grandkids are Cassandra Griffith (Johnny Oliger), Jacob Griffith (Erica Griffith), Alex Vermillion (Natalie Shaw), Ashley Bartley, Chad Vermillion, Ryan Bartley and Nicole Vermillion. Ray was proud of all of his kids’ and grandkids’ academic achievements and milestones.

During his 93 years, Ray and Joan saw much of the United States, including Yellowstone and Arizona. They experienced a journey on the Alcan Highway during a trip to Alaska, the wineries in Vermont with family members, and special trips with their grandkids. Another memorable trip was the 2012 Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. The 60-plus veterans and their guardians viewed the monuments in Washington, D.C., erected in their honor. In his 90s, he celebrated several of his birthdays by whitewater rafting, a hot air balloon adventure and a ride on a motorcycle.

Holiday gatherings were rarely without some competitive games of euchre. Joan and Ray were patient teachers of the game and enjoyed watching their grandkids win their first game. In the most recent years, Yahtzee was the game of choice with family and friends and was never turned down.

Ray relished his time as a Penfield Grade School board member, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Penfield/Gifford American Legion Post 1153, DAV and NFO (National Farmers Organization). Ray enjoyed being a faithful servant assisting in mowing the Catholic cemetery into his 80s and was an active member with any organization he was a part of.

Many people from central Illinois know Ray from his antique sales at Gordyville and the I& I Tractor Club. What may look like junk to some, Ray viewed as hidden treasure. Though he wasn’t one to barter, Ray’s kindness always prevailed. For example, a handful of buffalo coins disappeared while he was on a lunch break. Ray said, “That’s OK. They must have needed those more than me.”

Ray’s hobbies included coin collecting and hunting. Ray enjoyed socializing with the locals over coffee or beer at the local watering hole.

As a seed corn salesman, Ray earned many awards, trips and recognitions. The employees at CROW’S, as well as others in his life, would agree, they don’t make them like Ray anymore. He was often known to hum and whistle while he was working.

The family invites you to celebrate the life of Raymond J. Buck on Saturday, March 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866, followed by a service and burial at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and Cemetery, Penfield. Please observe social distancing, wear your mask, and follow all other guidelines by the funeral home and CDC. If you are unable to attend, please keep Ray and the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church. “We can’t all be heroes … some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.” — Will Roger

NG 3/18/2021

Margaret (Maggie) E. Marko

 Margaret (Maggie) E. Marko, 90, of Saint Joseph peacefully passed away at home Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m, Friday March 19, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church,
Urbana. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. with burial at Mount Olive, Mayview.

Margaret was born in Champaign, Illinois, on April 25, 1930, to Don and Elaine (Wilson) Somers. She was raised in Saint Joseph, Illinois, graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1948. She attended the University of Illinois School of Music, graduating in 1952 with Bronze Tablet Honors.

While residing in Bloomington, Indiana, Margaret was employed at the City of Bloomington. After more than thirty years of service, she returned to live in St. Joseph. Margaret was an avid traveler, traveling the world with friends. She was an accomplished pianist, organist, and bridge player, achieving the life master certificate from the American Contract Bridge League. Margaret also had a great love of animals, devoting much time to her beloved pets.

Believing friends are family you choose for yourself, Margaret had many friends that will cherish her memory.

Freese FH 3/17/2021

Joseph Donn Rowand

 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Joseph Donn Rowand, 78, formerly of Homer, passed away Feb. 25, 2021, in Chapel Hill, N.C.

He was the second son of Lawrence and Kathryn Davis Rowand. They and older brother James (“Jim”) predeceased him.

Survived by one sister, Janice Rowand Manzo (Joe) of White House, Tenn.; nephew, Jared B. Manzo (Lauren) of Joelton, Tenn.; and several Rowand and Davis cousins.

He was born July 11, 1942, at the “old” Burnham City Hospital in Champaign.

Joe grew up on the family farm southeast of Homer and graduated from Homer High School in 1960. Several of those class members remained close over the years, a special part of his life.

His interest and training in the arts began as a teen, in the school band, woodworking and painting. He graduated from the School of Fine Arts at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

He worked for a number of years in New York City and White Plains, N.Y., gaining additional art training at Parsons School of Design.

He was employed by Burroughs- Wellcome Pharmaceutical Company in advertising and design. The transfer of its corporate headquarters took him to the Chapel Hill area. He then became an independent businessman, opening The Studio Frames, custom picture framing. That business grew, and also he saw the need for a particular kind of art gallery.

This led to the founding of Somerhill Gallery, which he developed and oversaw for the next 40plus years. In semi-retirement, he continued to enjoy working in the art field with Joe Rowand Fine Art Services LLC.

He was quite active in the Chapel Hill-Raleigh-Durham art world in his many years living and working there. He was blessed with a large circle of friends and the constant company of his “fur kids,” his canine companions.

Interment will be in his beloved North Carolina, his home of 50 years. A celebration of life is being planned at a future date.

Also, he loved his home community (Homer) and his many friends there. Maintaining ties to Homer, donations to the Homer Community Library are suggested.

NG 3/14/2021

Sharon L. Dawson

 HOMER — Sharon L. Dawson, 77, of Homer passed away at 5:26 p.m. Monday (March 8, 2021) at home.

She was born March 19, 1943, in Mattoon, the daughter of William Elvin and Frances Louise (Titus) Dillman. She married Eugene Allen Dawson, and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughters, Crystal L. Dawson (Mary K. Anderson), Joann M. Dawkins (John) and Juanita M. Stanley (Doug Pruitt); grandchildren, Michael, Thomas, Cassye, James, Susanne Aaron, Brandi, Stephanie, Nathan, Thomas and A.J.; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Carson N. Dillman; sister, Garrie L. Dawson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a sister, Pamela Monroe; a brother, Tony Dillman; a daughter, Bernice I. Burton; and a granddaughter, Ashley D. Stanley.

Sharon attended high school and graduated from college and CNA training. She worked for Citizens Gas & Coke as a secretary in Indianapolis, as a CNA at the former Carle Arbours Nursing Home in Savoy and at Hardees in Champaign. She loved crocheting, cooking and her family.

Special thanks to OSF Hospice, Carle Home Health Care, Christie Clinic, OSF Hospital and Homer Rescue Team.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana. Pastor Heju Nam will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to service with burial in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel. com.

NG 3/12/2021

Clarene "Corny" Johnson

 Clarene "Corny" Johnson 89 of Fithian  passed away at 7:51 A.M. Friday March 5, 2021 at Country Health, Giffford.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday March 13, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the church.

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

Corny was born October 24, 1931 at Collison. The daughter of Carl and Fredia (Loeschen) Hayn. She married Richard "Dick" Johnson on May 29, 1965. He preceded her in death on January 9, 2006.

She is survived by her daughter Anita "James" Lieb of Fithian. Sister Helen Humphrey of Ogden, Lois Samson of Coppers Cove, TX, JoAnna Lynch of Newman.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Don Hayn.

Corny worked hard all of her life she owned the Burr Oak Restaurant in Royal from 1978-1994. 

She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. She was a St. Louis Cardinals and Illinois Basketball fan.

She enjoyed cooking and playing Euchre.

The family would like to thank Country Health, Gifford and Transitions Hospice for the care they gave.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal.

Freese FH 3/6/2021

Robert D. Chandler

 BROADLANDS — Robert D. Chandler, 86, of Broadlands passed away Thursday (March 4, 2021) with family by his side.

Bob was born on Dec. 11, 1934, to Ralph L. (Red) and Marie (Murphy) Chandler, at home in rural Hume. He married the love of his life, Marlene A. Franzen, on Oct. 5, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Royal. She preceded him in death, after 57 years of marriage, on Nov. 1, 2015.

Surviving Bob are his sons, Brian (Jamie) of Tolono and Brent (Shelley) of Gilbert, Ariz.; four beloved granddaughters, Hannah Chandler-Cooley (Kate) of Sacramento, Calif., Alyssa Chandler of Gilbert and Cadence Chandler of Tolono; sisters-in-law, Marsha Goldenstein of Savoy and Myrna (Gary) Craig of St. Joseph; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene; sister, Jeanne Nasados; and brothers-in-law, John Goldenstein, Joe Nasados and Charles Reeves.

As a child, Bob attended schools at Brocton, Hume, Palermo and Maple Grove before his family settled in Allerton. Bob graduated from Allerton High School in 1952. He then entered the U.S. Army Reserves and later the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1963, where he proudly served his country.

Bob had a lifelong career in the local agriculture field. He started with Allerton Implement Company in 1950 and was instrumental in starting John Deere’s first Service Center in the nation located in Ogden. In 1973, he partnered with Ernie Mohr and family and managed Mohr Inc. in Danville. In 1991, Bob sold his shares of the company to the Mohr family and moved into the assistant manager position in Allerton. After being dismissed from the company, Bob was welcomed into the family at Birkey’s in Oakland. Bob greatly enjoyed finishing his career at Birkey’s, fully retiring in 2011 because of health issues.

Bob was very committed to supporting his community and church. As a member of the Allerton Lions Club, Allerton Fire Department, Allerton Village Board and Broadlands Community Club, Bob helped organize and hold many community events. With his love of sports, Bob played and managed the Allerton Deere’s basketball team and coached many years of Allerton Little League. Bob was a longtime member of Allerton United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities and as a board member.

Bob’s commitment to his marriage and family was an example for all to follow. His four granddaughters were his pride and joy, and he always made time to be with them and attend their school and extracurricular activities. Throughout their 57 years of marriage, Bob and Marlene simply loved to be together and enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states and other countries throughout the world.

Bob was an avid Illini, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears fan, having season tickets to Illini football and basketball games for years. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends to many sporting events throughout the years.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney. A private family service will be held, with Pastor Clyde Snyder officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Broadlands.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Allerton United Methodist Church or any charity of the donor’s choice.

Freese FH 3/6/2021

Patricia "Patty" Laurent

 SIDNEY — Patricia “Patty” Laurent, 59, of Sidney, formerly of Sadorus, passed away Tuesday (March 2, 2021) surrounded by her family.

Patty was born April 11, 1961, in Geneva, N.Y., the daughter of Paul and Mary Catherine Taney. She married Douglas Laurent on Oct. 25, 1980, in Tolono.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas; three sons, Michael (Holly) Laurent of Tolono, Matthew (Kathleen) Laurent of Sidney and Nicholas (Rachel) Laurent of Sidney; five grandchildren, William, Wyatt, Sutton, Hallie and River Laurent; three sisters, Kathleen (Eddie) Champlin of Geneva, Ann (Tom) Natti or Meridian, Idaho, and Chrissy (Gavin) Deane of Geneva; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Linda Koeller, Kathy Laurent and John Laurent; and a host of longtime friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Paul and Mary Catherine Taney; and parents-in-law, Charles and Marcella Laurent and Hazel Warmouth.

Patty retired from Christie Clinic after a dedicated career of over 30 years. She was a beloved and devoted wife, mother and nana. Patty loved to host and spend time with her friends and family. She was very proud of her family and leaves nothing but beautiful memories.

A visitation will be held Monday, March 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. The family has requested a private burial at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Barnes Jewish Hospital. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.

NG 3/4/2021