Stanley John Kopmann

 GIFFORD — Stanley John Kopmann, 78, of Gifford passed away at 11:12a.m. Friday (June 25, 2021) at home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 1, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford, with Pastor Scott Guhl officiating. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Stanley was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Paxton, the son of John J. and Martha A. Johnson Kopmann. He married Donna J. Geiken on April 30, 1967, at Schwer Lutheran Church, Milford. She survives.

Along with his wife, Donna, he is survived by three daughters, Kimberly J. (Mark) Porter of Gifford, Tamela S. (Sean) Weary of Gifford and Nicole R. Bullington of Penfield; five granddaughters, Shaunna Weary Kincaid (Kyle), Megan Porter Pearson (Jordan), Sarah Porter, Kyla Bullington and Isabel Bullington; one great-grandson, Tanner Kincaid, a sister, Patricia J. Camp of St. Joseph; and two brothers, Dale E. (June) Kopmann of St. Joseph and Collin K. (Becky) Kopmann of Rantoul.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Stanley graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1961 and from barber school in Decatur in 1962. He was a barber for 58 years, custodian and bus driver at Gifford Grade School and worked for Gordon Hannagan Auction Company.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford, and served on the Gifford Fire Department as a fireman and trustee. He was also a member of the Gifford Centennial Committee. In his younger years, he was a member of the 4-H Club and showed Brown Swiss cattle at state and county fairs.

Stan enjoyed auctions, camping and old cars and was an avid collector of many things. He always loved a good deal!

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Gifford Fire Department or family choice. Memories and condolences may be shared at baierfuneralservices. com.

NG 6/29/2021

Stephen F. Layden

 OAKWOOD — Stephen F. Layden was born on June 20, 1949, in Danville, to Bernice Brickner and Thomas Layden. He had a rich childhood on a Hoopeston farm with his six siblings.

He is survived by his siblings; mother- in law, Wini Thomas; two children, Matt (Vivi) and Abbie (Ryan, Justin); and five grandchildren, Raenen, Ollie, Taddy, Ave’ Pettit and Yelka Layden. He also had very special bonds to his 52 first cousins, beloved 15 nieces and nephews and 23 great-nieces and -nephews.

The smartest decision he ever made was to marry his high school sweetheart Kathy Thomas. He loved her his whole life.

He was a legendary basketball player and all around athlete in Rossville, followed by DACC, and ISU.

He was a successful entrepreneur in the siding/ window business and enjoyed farming part time with his dad and cousins.

Steve was adventurous and loved to travel with his wife and children. He loved going on cruises, exploring other countries and spending time at their Florida home.

But the best part of his life began when he became Papa to his grandchildren. He and “Jammie” made breakfasts for the grands before driving them to school. They had weekly sleepovers, Saturdays at Steak ‘n Shake, followed by hikes in Kickapoo. Not missing a ballgame, track meet or music concert was their norm. Papa taught all the grandkids how to water and snow ski, snorkel and scuba and to drive golf carts, mowers and boats. These years were full of laughter and play.

Steve was a curious, eager, lifelong learner. In the last years, he took classes in photography, sculpture, piano and yoga. He especially loved spending time with his dear friend, Susan Ennis.

A celebration of life will take place lakeside at 23 Ayrshire Court, Oakwood, at 10:30a.m. Saturday, July 3. Coffee and danish at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club in Danville. Online condolences at rortvedtfuneral services.com.

NG 6/27/2021

Rob Heimburger

 GIFFORD — Rob Heimburger, 66, of Gifford passed away unexpectedly Friday, June 4, 2021, at home.

He was born Dec. 16, 1954, in Urbana, a son of Wilbur and Gloria (Wilson) Heimburger.

He is survived by his mother, Gloria, of Gifford; a brother, Steve Heimburger of Gifford; three aunts, Barbara Busboom of Gifford, Golda Sanders of Arizona and Betty Vest of California; and an uncle, Bill (Jody) Schlueter of Fisher.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Rob was a 1973 graduate of Rantoul High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. He loved to read and watch the History Channel. He was a sports fan, and a big fan of the Cleveland Indians and Browns.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 1, at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. The Rev. Matt Bahnfleth will officiate. The family will be receiving friends for one hour prior to the service.

Rob loved nature and his ashes will be spread in various places of meaning.

GO TRIBE!

NG 6/27/2021

Barbara Jean Griffiths

 URBANA — Barbara Jean Griffiths (Thompson) was born Oct. 10, 1932, in Decatur and passed away June 16, 2021, at home in Urbana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Willard Thompson; infant son, Robert; sister, Iva (Leonardelli); and son-in-law, Carl.

She is survived by her daughter, Vickie, and son in- law, Robert DeShong; three grandchildren, Julian Hoban, Melody Hoban and Shawn Costley; a great-granddaughter, Alexis “Barbara Jean” Costley (her namesake); and many nephews, nieces and friends whom she all adored.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1203 W. Green St., Urbana. Burial will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Barbara graduated from Decatur High School, received her bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University and her master’s degree from the University of Illinois. She retired from private and public teaching after 35-plus years in secondary and higher education, having taught English, speech, theater, world literature and art.

She wrote, produced, directed and acted in hundreds of plays, musicals and shows throughout her professional career, most notably with a long run as Mary Magdalene and Herodias in “The American Passion Play” in Bloomington while being their dramatic director.

She also owned and operated Playhouse Lane School of Dramatic Arts and taught at Millikin University. She founded WUHS radio station for students to learn broadcasting, especially football- game announcing.

Having illuminated so many students along the way, she successfully mentored many to reach their highest goals of becoming a professional in their field. Several achieved worldwide fame and notoriety. She was affectionately dubbed “Mrs. G.” by her students at Urbana High School, where she officially retired from her teaching career.

Barbara was an avid fan of the Illini, the Chicago Cubs and Bears (her father played on the Staleys team when he worked at A.E. Staley Manufacturing as a chemist after World War I). Her passion for Broadway plays and live theater led her on many traveling journeys. Time in the mountains was a favorite retreat of hers. Her dogs brought her an abundance of peace, joy and love. Family was her focus. She lived through 16 U.S. presidents.

Barbara lit up a room by her mere presence, and with her bubbly personality, she could carry on a conversation no matter what your interests, politics or profession.

She topped the charts as highly intelligent with a great sense of humor, was the epitome of unconditional love and truly an amazing soul!

Now, through it all and though the footlights have dimmed to a fade, her final curtain call has been made.

Her starry memory will forever shine in the spotlight of life as we carry on her legacy, while she proudly directs us from the heavens, because in Barbara’s own words, “The show must go on!”

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

NG 6/27/2021

William E. "Ed" Pflugmacher

 William E. “Ed” Pflugmacher, 79 of Gifford, passed away at 2:04 a.m. Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 28, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford with Pastor Scott Guhl officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is handling arrangements.

Ed was born November 21, 1941 in Champaign the son of Hans William and Lena Loschen Pflugmacher. He married Alvina Sjuts December 15, 1963 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford. She survives.

Along wit his wife, Alvina, he is survived by four children, Lisa (Tracy) Pannbacker of Gifford, Sara (Jeff) O’Brien of Ballwin, MO, Amy (Tim) Dillman of Gifford, Mark (Kristi) Pflugmacher of Thomasboro; ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren; one brother Robert (Dorene) Pflugmacher of Gifford and one sister Carolyn Frerichs of Royal.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ed graduated from Armstrong High School in 1960. He was a life-long farmer, farming in the Penfield, Gifford and Royal areas. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford and the Champaign County Farm Bureau. Ed served on the church council for a number of years and had been a Compromise Twp. Trustee for 40 years.

He enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, checking out the crops and his Allis Chalmers and 61 John Deere tractors. Ed loved farming. He welcomed and always looked forward to friends stopping by his shed to visit.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Earl F. Ideus

 GIFFORD — Earl F. Ideus, 87, of Gifford went to be with his Lord and savior at 9:25a.m. Wednesday (June 23, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 3p.m. Saturday, June 26, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford, with Pastor Scott Guhl officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling the arrangements.

Earl was born on the family farm in Flatville on Aug. 6, 1933, to Fred and Gesina (Buhs) Ideus. He married Delores Sjuts at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville on Feb. 19, 1956. He was a loving husband and devoted caregiver to Delores over the many years she suffered from Parkinson’s disease. She preceded him in death on Aug. 8, 2010.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alfred Ideus.

He is survived and will be missed by his son, Royce (Shauna) Ideus of Gifford; daughter, Karen (Kevin) Uden of Mahomet; grandchildren, Tyler (LeAnne) Uden of Monticello, Chasity (Daniel) Thompson of St. Joseph, Brock (Addlea) Ideus of Flatville and Chelsea (Branden) Veach of Oakland; and six great-grandchildren, Carson, Cutler and Colton Uden of Monticello and Kendall, Asher and Farrah Thompson of St. Joseph.

He is also survived by his beloved and devoted sister, Gladys Freed of Champaign; brotherin- law and sister-in-law Don and Norma Sherfey of Royal; and sister-inlaw Evelyn Sjuts of rural Urbana.

Earl left high school in the 10th grade to help with the family farm. He was drafted into the Korean War, stationed in Germany, and served from 1953-1955. He completed his GED at Rantoul High School upon returning stateside. Earl farmed in the Flatville/St. Joseph area his entire life. Earl and Delores loved their family, and they enjoyed ballroom dancing and vacationing in Florida.

Upon retirement from active farming in 2005, he and Delores left the family farmstead and built a home in Gifford. Earl loved everything about Gifford — his church; Monday night Bible study group; Farmer’s Ag Service, where he stopped every weekday for his morning cup of coffee; the North Forty, where he would go to his “meeting” every afternoon to have a Pepsi; and he always said he had the best neighbors.

Earl was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, where he served in many capacities, including Church Council, and a school board member at Flatville Grade School. Upon moving to Gifford, he transferred his church membership to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Gifford Lion’s Club.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Danish Thameem, pulmonologist at Christie Clinic, and Dr. Lakshmi, former cardiologist at Christie Clinic, for the wonderful care they provided Earl over the past many years.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford or Country Heath Care & Rehab in Gifford.

NG 6/25/2021

Janice Faye Magers Wienke

 

URBANA — Janice Faye (Magers) Wienke, 79, of Urbana, formerly of Homer, passed away at 1:55 a.m. Monday (June 21, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 25, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 County Road 2400 East, Broadlands, with the Rev. John Sharp officiating. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. There will be a visitation at the church starting at 9 a.m. until the time of service. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is handling the arrangements.

Janice was born Sept. 20, 1941, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Danville. She was the daughter of John and Mabel (Turner) Magers. She married her high school sweetheart, James Wienke, on March 25, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. He survives.

Survivors also include her sons, Kerry Wienke of Oakwood and Kevin (Tammy) Wienke of Homer; and grandchildren, Erin (Parker) Smith of Sidney, Taylor (Jacob) Hughes of Roscoe and Connor Wienke of Homer.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Wienke; parents, John and Mabel Magers; sister, Jean Woods; brother-in-law Gary Woods; and brother-in-law Richard Keller.

Janice worked at the University of Illinois Graduate College before she and James had their three sons. They farmed in the Homer area for many years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands since August 1961, where she served as Sunday school teacher and she and her husband served as counselors for the youth group. She donated her time serving on the food committee for church funerals and with the women’s sewing group. Janice and her husband were also members of the Ford Crown Victoria Association from 1986 to present.

Janice loved spending time with her family, and her greatest joy was being Grandma to Erin, Taylor and Connor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

NG 6/23/2021

Marvin Dean Flesner

 THOMASBORO — Marvin Dean Flesner, 72, of Thomasboro died at home Sunday (June 20, 2021) after a long illness.

Marvin was a 1967 graduate of Rantoul Township High School. Early in his life, he worked on his family’s farm. He retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation as a highway maintainer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Heye and Margaret Flesner.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 40 years, Maureen Flesner of Thomasboro; daughter, Rachelle Claxton (Kevin) of Fisher; stepsons, Kevin Jones of Seattle and Paul (Ellen) Abney of Savage, Minn.; a sister, Ginny (Terry) Neubeck of Florissant, Mo.; a brother, Ronald of Troy; a special sister- and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Larry Hawk of New Berlin, Wis.; five grandchildren; 10 nieces and nephews; 11 grandnieces and grandnephews; and many cousins and friends, with whom he shared much love, laughter, travel and fishing.

At Marvin’s request, there will be no services.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

NG 6/22/2021

Myron Russell Barbee

 ST. JOSEPH — ST. JOSEPH — Myron Russell Barbee, 87, of St. Joseph passed away at 3:10p.m. Sunday (June 20, 2021) at home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Funeral services will be at 10a.m. Thursday, June 24, at St. Patrick Church, 708 W. Main St., Urbana. Father Anthony Co will officiate. Burial following the services will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Pesotum. Myron was born Nov. 27, 1933, in Tuscola. He was the son of John and Lectna (Cockrill) Barbee. He married Janet Boastick on Nov. 20, 1952, in Lompoc, Calif. She survives.

Survivors include his brother, Dale (Nancy) Barbee; sister, Shirley Hawn; daughter, Denise (Ed) Piat; and sons, Russell (Laurie) Barbee, Steve (Li) Barbee and David (Geri) Barbee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lectna Barbee; and daughter, Sandy (Steve) Cheek. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Myron was a combat Army veteran of the Korean War, retired Army first sgt. (22 years). He also worked at Kraft Foods as a line mechanic and retired (24 years). He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Urbana and the American Legion in St. Joseph.

He enjoyed spending his time working outdoors and repairing machinery, especially cars. He loved to watch old westerns and was an avid John Wayne fan. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather to everyone. He will be missed by all.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Church in Urbana or to the Alzheimer’s Associations. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

, 87, of St. Joseph passed away at 3:10p.m. Sunday (June 20, 2021) at home.

NG 6/22/2021

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Funeral services will be at 10a.m. Thursday, June 24, at St. Patrick Church, 708 W. Main St., Urbana. Father Anthony Co will officiate. Burial following the services will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Pesotum. Myron was born Nov. 27, 1933, in Tuscola. He was the son of John and Lectna (Cockrill) Barbee. He married Janet Boastick on Nov. 20, 1952, in Lompoc, Calif. She survives.

Survivors include his brother, Dale (Nancy) Barbee; sister, Shirley Hawn; daughter, Denise (Ed) Piat; and sons, Russell (Laurie) Barbee, Steve (Li) Barbee and David (Geri) Barbee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lectna Barbee; and daughter, Sandy (Steve) Cheek. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Myron was a combat Army veteran of the Korean War, retired Army first sgt. (22 years). He also worked at Kraft Foods as a line mechanic and retired (24 years). He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Urbana and the American Legion in St. Joseph.

He enjoyed spending his time working outdoors and repairing machinery, especially cars. He loved to watch old westerns and was an avid John Wayne fan. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather to everyone. He will be missed by all.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Church in Urbana or to the Alzheimer’s Associations. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

Ray Bewley

 ST. JOSEPH — Ray Bewley, 71, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully Thursday (June 17, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Ray was born Sept. 20, 1949, in Fort Knox, Ky. He was raised in Glasgow, Ky., by his mother, Mary Ida, with his sisters, Julianne and Mollie. Ray relocated to central Illinois in 1967, where he met his beloved wife, Rose Ann (Hannon), of 52 years.

Ray was a faithful member of Grace Bible Church and lived his life for the Lord.

He owned Nance Refrigeration for 20 years, after which he worked for the postal service, where he retired after 15 years of service. Ray loved spending time watching his kids play sports and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Ann Bewley; four children, Amy (Troy) Hottman of Tolono, Doug Bewley of Urbana, Steve (Valerie) Bewley of St. Joseph and Kevin (Sarah) Bewley of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren; and two sisters, Julianne (Cecil) Blakley of Mahomet and Mollie (John) Lasater of Bremerton, Wash.

Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ida Ash.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. and funeral services on Tuesday, June 22, at 10 a.m. at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Burial will be in Bailey Memorial Cemetery, Tolono.

Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome. com.

Sarah R. Justus

 SIDNEY — Sarah R. Justus of rural Sidney passed away Sunday afternoon (June 13, 2021) at the age of 95.

She was born on May 12, 1926, a daughter of J. Carl and Daisy Ramsey, near Hendersonville, N.C.

She married Harry Justus on Jan. 1, 1948. He preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 1996.

Also preceding her in death was one sister, Beulah Morgan of Hendersonville.

Survivors include her very dear friend and companion, Richard (Dick) Clark.

Also, two sons, Jeffery A. (Jeff) Justus and Craig E. Justus; two granddaughters; and a great-granddaughter.

Sarah loved being a wife and mother and was just a great person to be around.

She farmed alongside her husband for many years. As partners, they worked hard and built a successful farm operation. But above all, she was a great wife and mom.

Sarah enjoyed travelling with her husband, whether it was by airplane that they owned, by car and, in later years, they owned an RV and spend winters in Texas. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafting and playing the piano at the church.

Sarah was a member of Sidney Methodist Church, which became Countryside United Methodist Church, for many years. She played piano and sang in the choir for many years.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church or the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department.

Sarah will be cremated, and private family services will be held. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

Jane Cole

 Jane Cole, 84, of Champaign, died on Feb. 14, 2021, in Dallas.

Freese Funeral Home in Sidney will handle graveside services at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Pastor Jeff Stahl will officiate.

She was born June 16, 1936, in Champaign to Lloyd Cole and Gertrude Chambers Cole. Her sisters, Jean Busey and Ann Cole Lowrey, both preceded her in death.

Her lifelong love of education began with a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and culminated in her position as director of operations at the Graduate School of Management, University of Dallas.

She survived polio and cancer with strength and grace.

She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Nicole Cole Martinez, and son-in-law, Willie Martinez, of Dallas; granddaughter Claudette Martinez Hurley and husband

Ryan and great-grandson Lennox of Tampa, Fla.; and friends and family.

Condolences may be offered at freesefh.com.

NG 6/15/2021

Robert Franklin Wolf

 SIDNEY — Robert Franklin Wolf, 96, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2021, at Advent Hospice, Palm Coast, Fla.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mabel (Fritzi) Wolf; parents, C.H. and Hazel Wolf; sisters, Dorothy Drews and infant Wanda June; and brother, Don Wolf.

He is survived by his children, Roberta (Warren) Hahn of Ormond Beach, Fla., Evelyn Kay (Craig) Hubert of Port Orange, Fla., and Conard (Sue) Wolf of Zanesville, Ohio; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob served as a Navy corpsman in WWII and was involved in numerous landings in the South Pacific. After the service, he ran a sawmill with his wife and father.

He was a police officer at the University of Illinois and had his own construction company, Wolf and Son, for many years. Bob retired as a bus driver for Illini Swallow Lines.

A 1:30p.m. graveside service will be held Monday, June 28, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney, where he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Fritzi.

NG 6/13/2021

Diana Sue Armstrong

 URBANA — Diana Sue Armstrong, 73, of Ogden passed away Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, surrounded by her loving husband and family. On this day, she was welcomed home by her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Diana was born on July 23, 1947, in Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, John V. Adams and Mary Jean Todd; and sister, Penny Ward.

She is survived by her loving husband, Roger W. Armstrong, who spent 58 years married with an unwavering love for Diana. Other survivors include her brother, Chuck Adams of Ogden; five children, Roger V. Armstrong of Ogden, Beth Russell of Ogden, Colleen (Mark) Blackburn of Paxton, Valerie Armstrong (Mike Jones) of St. Joseph and Raechel (Matt) Pieper of Chenoa; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her numerous grand and great-grand furbabies.

Diana loved spending time with her family, especially her grand- and great-grandchildren; traveling on vacations with her loved ones; gardening — she had a super green thumb; cooking — an unlimited supply of crab legs; a great love for any and all animals, especially rescuing and caring for stray cats; and spending time with her church family at the Living Word Family Church in St. Joseph.

She had a strong love, faith and commitment to Jesus. She volunteered for Merci Refuge, attended bible studies and was very active in her church.

She was the kind of person who would help any person or animal without hesitation.

Her love for animals rippled to donating money to shelters, adopting and offering to neuter/spay animals for anyone.

In addition to her family, she had many friends that she considered as family/ grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by us all, her family and friends.

Diana’s family and friends will honor her with visitation services from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign, with services to immediately follow. Burial will follow at 12:30p.m. in Maplewood Cemetery in Rantoul.

NG 6/13/2021

Larry Bowman

 Larry  Bowman 78 of Paris passed away Tuesday June 8, 2021 at Union Hospital, Terre Haute, IN.

 Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 16, 2021 at 12:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph, IL. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery St. Joseph, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. on Wednesday.


 Larry was born May 29, 1943 in Monroe County, IN. The son of Leslie and Verna (Wright) Bowman.


 He is survived by his children; Terry (Dixie) Bowman of Oakwood, troy (Jennifer) Bowman of Ogden, Travis Bowman of Sidney. Four grandchildren; Clayton Bowman, Emily Gilkison, Jacob and Jason Bowman. Four great-grandchildren. One brother Gary Bowman of St. Joseph. One sister Luann (Ned) Ianno of Lincoln, NE. Three nieces and one nephew.


 He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Phyllis Bowman.


 Larry was a truck driver since he was 18. He saw 48 states, Canada and Mexico while working.

 He enjoyed model trains and going to the coffee shop to vist with his friends.

 Most of all Larry loved his kids and grandchildren.

Donald O. Clem

 HOMER — Donald O. Clem, 91, of Homer passed away at 12:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Accolade Healthcare on Pells of Paxton.

Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, June 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, with the Rev. John Sharp officiating. Burial will take place in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is handling the arrangements.

Donald was born June 17, 1929, in Homer, the son of Herbert and Adria Taylor Clem. He married Irma Wienke on Feb. 10, 1957, in Broadlands. She survives.

Survivors also include his son, Robert “Bob” (Laveda) Clem of Urbana; two daughters, Vicki Clem of Pleasant View, Tenn., and Julie Slater of St. Joseph; four grandchildren, Neal (Nicole) Clem, Natalie (Adam) Fricke, Adria (Jordan) Morris and Nora Slater; and three great-grandchildren, Calvin Clem, Lucas Clem and Pyper Fricke.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Everett, Walter, Ray and Kenny Clem; and three sisters, Frances Thomas, Dorothy Rohrscheib and Betty Humphrey.

Don was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He worked for Illini FS for 22 years and United Fuel for 20 years as a petroleum salesman.

He was an avid Cardinals fan and enjoyed Illini football and basketball. Don loved watching his grandkids and great-grandkids play ball.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Homer Fire and Rescue.

NG 6/6/2021