Harold Glen Kilian

 HOMER — Harold Glen Kilian, 92, of Homer passed away at 10a.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 30, at Homer United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main St., Homer, with Pastor Heju Nam officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. Masks and social distancing are required.

Burial will take place at St. John’s Cemetery, Broadlands. Cremation rites have been accorded. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is handling arrangements.

Harold was born Dec. 17, 1928, at home in rural Homer, the son of Clarence Oscar and Freda Wiese Kilian. He married Mary Anne Lee on March 4, 1955, in Homer. She preceded him in death on Feb. 27, 2016.

Survivors include two sons, Keith (Anne) Kilian of Homer and Craig (Lorita) Kilian of Truman, Minn.; five grandchildren, Tricia (Ryan) Kurtenbach, Reid (Shannon) Kilian, Wade (Mary) Kilian, Zachary Kilian and Cydney Kilian; and six great-grandchildren, Gabriel Kurtenbach, Miranda Kurtenbach, Cameron Kilian, Alice Kilian, Adaline Kilian and Sybley- Wylder Crout.

He was also preceded in death by two sons, Brett Kilian and Brian Kilian; and one sister, Marianna Janssen.

Harold was a member of Homer United Methodist Church. He served in the Army and was a farmer.

Memorials can be made to Homer United Methodist Church or Homer Fire and Rescue.

NG 4/25/2021

Ron Boswell

Ron Boswell 75, of St. Joseph passed away Friday April 23, 2021 at the Hawthorne Inn of Danville.

Funeral services will be held at Noon Saturday May 1, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Rev. Sam Stow will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. followed by Masonic services.

Ron was born June 4, 1945 at Chicago. The son of Ralph and Madalynne (Shurtz) Boswell. He married Della Smith on July 7, 1973 at Mahomet. She survives.

He is also survived by his Mother Madalynne Boswell of Champaign. Children; Vicky Boswell of Stewerson, IL, Judy (B.J.) Exham of Mesa, AZ and Joann Boswell of Mesa, AZ. Six grandchildren Rebecca, Kayla, Colton, Ava, Zane, Abbie. One brother David (Diane) Boswell of Sadorus. One sister Sally (Randy) Harris of Sadorus.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother Ricky.

Ron was a member of the Webber Street Baptist Church, Urbana. The St. Joseph Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd degree Mason.

He retired from the University of Illinois in 1998 having worked in food services.

Ron was an avid coffee drinker, watcher of Westerns and liked to fish. Most of all Ron enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and daughters.

Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. 

Freese FH website 4/25/2021

Lawrence “Larry” R. Sapp

 LONGVIEW — Lawrence “Larry” R. Sapp, 94, of Longview died at 2:50 p.m. Sunday (April 18, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital.

Larry was born on April 1, 1927, in Edgewood. He married Doris Sapp on July 22, 1950, in Sidney. She passed away on March 10, 2020.

He is survived by two grandchildren, Sarah (Dan) Goyne and Tristan Henderson; and one great-grandson, Brandon Goyne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a son and a daughter.

Larry was a proud World War II Navy veteran who served from 1945 to 1949. He also enjoyed being outdoors and fishing with family members and friends.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

NG 4/20/2021

Kenneth Wayne Parker

 Kenneth Wayne Parker, 75, of Sidney passed away at 10:18PM, Thursday, April 15, 2021 at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Monday, April 19, 2021 at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Parker was born January 4 ,1946 in Junction, IL, a son to Leonard Earl and Eva Kingston Parker.  He married Mary Ems on January 11, 1966, she survives.  Also surviving are three children; Shawn (Janea) Parker, Michelle (Eric) Payton and Kena (Tim Holt) Parker, eight grandchildren; Molly (Brian) Frank, Emilee Godwin, Casey Godwin, Jesse Godwin, Mason Dowler, Carson Parker, Hannah Parker, and Caylynn Parker, and two sisters; Nancy (Duane) Pfieffer and Myron (Eddie) Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers; Leonard Parker and Don Haynes.

He loved antiquing, garage sales, country music, fishing and USA things.  He also enjoyed Illinois Basketball.  He was employed at Collegiate Cap and Gown.

Condolences may be giving at Freesefh.com

Freese FH 4/19/2021

Annetta J. Frerichs

Annetta J. Frerichs, 98 of Royal passed away at 9:30 P.M. Thursday April 15, 2021 at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday April 24, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.

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

Annetta was born April 1, 1923 at Gifford. the daughter of John and Grace (Hinrichs) Franzen. She married John G. "Joe" Frerichs on May 10, 1947 at Flatville. He preceded her in death in 1992.

She is survived by her children; Stephen (Sherry) Frerichs of Fithian, Stan (Diane) Frerichs of Fithian and Pam (Kevin) Long of Cissna Park. Three grandchildren; Jason (Janice) Frerichs, Bruce (Daniele) Frerichs, and Joey (Valerie Hall) Frerichs. Seven great-grandchildren; John "JT", Jace, Lyla, Isabella, Lauren, Kate, and Devven. Sisters Bernice Loschen of Urbana, Evelyn Paul and Lucille Ryan both of Savoy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Erna Mennenga, brother Norman Franzen, one grandson Brian.

Annetta was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. She was involved with Church circle and card group. 

She was a housewife and helped her husband on the farm. Annetta was a big White Sox fan and enjoyed her kids and grandchildren's sporting events.

The family would like to thank Carle Occupational and Physical Therapy Departments and Carle Hospice.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Cemetery or Carle Hospice.

Freese FH website 4/19/2021

Marilyn Sue Hasty

Marilyn Sue Hasty, 70 of Urbana passed away at 4:34 A.M. Tuesday April 13, 2021 at her home.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday April 17, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. Saturday.

Marilyn was born June 12, 1950 in Champaign. The daughter of James and Wilma (Jacobs) Bensyl. She married David Hasty on December 31, 1981. He preceded her in death on April 15, 1987.

She is survived by her children; Jenny (Brian) Patrick of Schaumburg, James (Elizabeth) Hasty of Danville, Rhett (Diane Plewa) Hasty of Urbana. Three grandchildren; Quinne Patrick, Kiernan Patrick and Victor Hasty. Three sisters Sandra (Rusty) Sandberg of Neoga, Ann (Jerry) Schmidt of Florida, Janet (Michael) Brown of Champaign. One brother Gary (Kim) Bensyl of Ogden.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Marilyn graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School Class of 1968.

She loved quilting, sewing, gardening, crossword puzzles and beautiful hats and shoes.

Freese FH website 4/14/2021

Norma Stichnoth

Norma Stichnoth 87 of St. Joseph passed away at 5:15 P.M. Friday April 9, 2021 at her home.

Norma was born March 6, 1934  the daughter of Paul and Bessie (Hofer) Knapp. She married George L. Stichnoth on October 19, 1952. He preceded her in death on November 20, 2020.

She is survived by her daughter Rhoda (Derk) Garmon. Grandson Wesley Garmon. Sister Nola Brackenbury.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter Carrie Stichnoth.

Norma worked as a Secretary. But her true passion was being a farm wife and helping her husband around the farm.

She was a fabulous mother always being there for her family. Norma had a great dry sense of humor.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

Condolences may be made at Freesefh.com

Earl Edward Benschneider

 ALLERTON — Earl Edward Benschneider, 84, of Allerton passed away Thursday (April 8, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Funeral services will be at noon Monday, April 12. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service, at Joines Funeral Home, Villa Grove, with Pastor Duane Piercy officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Broadlands.

Earl was born Jan. 31, 1937, a son of Ehrhardt and Pearl (Kirby) Benschneider. He married Phyllis Jiles on Sept. 16, 1962, in LeRoy.

He is survived by his wife; two sisters, Carol Snyder of Urbana and Karen Andrews of Tolono; two sons, Mark of Hoopeston and Paul of Catlin; son-in-law, Rodney Herrell of Bloomington; eight grandchildren, Matt Benschneider, Emily (Marcus) Rose, Brooke (Tyrone) Atwood, Arron (Katie) Benschneider, Cody (Ashley) Benschneider, Heather Benschneider and Stephen and Samantha Herrell; 17 great-grandchildren, Coltin, Traitin, Bryson, Easton, Mason, Bree’Layden, Lyn’Brajiah, Marcus Jr., Remyingtyn, Braylee, Trenedy, Peytynn, Zoee, Zaelee, Kinzlee, Hunter and Madelynn; and several nieces and nephews who loved their Big E.

Earl was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Mary; great-grandson, Easton Lane; parents; brother, Ronnie; and brother-inlaw, John Andrews.

Earl was a member of Victory Church in Camargo. He lived on the family farm his whole life and retired from farming in 1999. He was known for his good sense of humor and never met a stranger. He enjoyed going to Gordyville activities, the state fair, tractor pulls and local town festivals. In the winter, he would be seen with his green tractor and snow blade cleaning out driveways of family and friends. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

The family wants to give a special thanks to his faithful caregiver, Clara.

Memorials can be made to the Allerton Fire Department or an organization of the donor’s choice.

NG 4/10/2021

Geraldine "Geri" Martin

 Geraldine “Geri” Martin, 81 of Gifford passed away at 9:15PM, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at home.

Funeral services will be 11:00AM, Saturday, April 10, 2021 at American Lutheran Church, Rantoulwith Pastor Matt Bahnfleth officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the church.  Burial will be at Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro.  Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph is handling arrangements.

Mrs. Martin was born October 2, 1939 at Champaign County, IL, a daughter Heye and Martha Busboom Lubben.  She married Henry Martin on October 2, 1960 in Flatville, he preceded in death on April 27, 1990.

Surviving are two daughters; Barbara (Monty) Viets of Buffalo, MO and Deborah (Rick) Tyler of Gifford, two granddaughters; Victoria Viets of Hermitage, Mo and Lauren Viets of Shawnee, KS, a sister; Rosemary Ellis of Penfield, sisters in law, brothers in law, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson Shawn Martin and a brother Leonard Lubben.

She was a member of American Lutheran Church, Rantoul, and Champaign County Home Extension.  She retired from the Rantoul School District after 30 years.

Memorials may be made to American Lutheran Church, Rantoul.

Freese FH website 4/9/2021

Dale A. Barcus

 URBANA — Dale A. Barcus of Urbana passed away at 1:17 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at home in Urbana.

He was born Nov. 14, 1940, son of Raymond Lewis Barcus and Blanche Frances Nettie Selpf. Dale married Linda Louise Grein of Urbana on April 8, 1962.

Dale was proceeded in death by his wife, Linda; parents, Raymond and Blanche Barcus; grandson, Joshua York; and brother, Duane Barcus.

Dale has two children, daughter Cindy (Dan) York and son Mike Barcus (Ann West, daughter Sara West and grandson Logan West).

Dale had five grandchildren, Ashley, Justin, Matthew, Danielle and Marea. Dale also had two great-grandchildren, Bryton and Maverick.

Dale graduated from St. Joseph High School in St Joseph. He also graduated from DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago. Dale retired from the Abbott Power Plant. He also retired from Busey Bank as maintenance because he loved to stay busy. His hobbies included traveling the United States with his wife and grandchildren, gardening, feeding his outdoor animals and taking pictures of his family during the holidays and pictures of his trips around the U.S. He also loved collecting Hess trucks.

He’s a jack-of-all trades, master-of-none.

A celebration of life visitation will be held in honor of Dale and also his wife, Linda (who passed Feb. 3, 2021), at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana, on Friday, April 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a private service on April 10 at Faith Church, Urbana, with burial following in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Pastor Marsh Jones will officiate.

Flowers for the family can be sent to Renner- Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, or memorial contributions may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel. com.

Karen Leona Grissom Stayton

 HOMER — Karen Leona (Grissom) Stayton passed away at 7:19 a.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

She was born Nov. 12, 1944, in Effingham to Jesse Arlo and Millie Marie (Wood) Grissom. She was the youngest of 12 children. She married Larry R. Stayton on March 7, 1964, and they resided in Homer all of their married life.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Larry; their children, Darren (Jodi) Stayton of Canyon Lake, Texas, and Mindy (Keith) Wolf of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Wolf, Karsyn Stayton, and Cole and Rayna Coffey; three siblings, John (Garnett) Grissom of Decatur, Wanda Forren of Marshall and Patsy Gray of Greentown, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Mary (stillborn) and Bonnie Washburn and Norma Cheely; five brothers, Wood, Lester, Russell, Donald and Doyle Grissom; and three brothers-in-law, Marshall Forren, Leonard Cheely and Leon Gray.

Karen was a member of Homer Church of Christ. She worked at the First National Bank of Homer for 19 years. She then worked at the University of Illinois as a secretary in admissions and records.

Karen enjoyed a good TV sitcom and laughing. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Homer Fire and Rescue.

Funeral services will be at 2p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. The Rev. Chuck Alt will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Condolences may be offered at Freesefh.com.