Richard E. Dodd

 URBANA — Richard E. Dodd, 91, of Urbana, formerly of Sidney, passed away at 8:05 a.m. Tuesday (July 27, 2021) at The Villas of Holly Brook, Savoy.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney, with the Rev. Kathy Murphy officiating. Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Dodd was born on Sept. 24, 1929, in Sidney, a son to Willard and Helen Brown Dodd. He married Peggy Davis on July 8, 1950, in Indiana. She preceded him in death on March 16, 2019.

Surviving are a son, Robert (Martha) Dodd of Lecanto, Fla.; a daughter, Susan (Mike) McGarigle of Urbana; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Phyllis Taylor.

Mr. Dodd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed at CS Johnson for a number of years. He later had a CB radio business in Sidney before closing that business and becoming a truck driver for Illiana Construction. He was also a member of Teamsters Local 26. He and Peggy enjoyed wintering in Arizona.

Memorials may be made to the Sidney Fire Department. Condolences may be made freesefh. com

NG 7/29/2021

Michael R. Brown

 Michael R. Brown, 40, of Danville and formerly of Sidney passed away at 3:04 PM on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at his home. Michael was born in Urbana, Illinois on October 12, 1980 the son of Phillip “Butch" and Pamela Sue (Marlatt) Brown. He is survived by his father-“Butch"; sister- Rachael (Matt) Paceley and brother – Trever (Kelly) Brown; nieces- Maggie and Reagan; nephews- Colin and Cole. Michael graduated from Unity High School were he was a stand out athlete in wrestling. After High School he  worked as a roofer and was a member of the Union roofers. He enjoyed spending time at the grill and sharing his masterpieces with friends and family. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 29 from 5-7:00 PM at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, Illinois, 61802. Graveside service at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Grandview Cemetery, 4112 W. Bloomington Road, Champaign, Illinois 61822. Condolences may be sent to www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

Renner-Wikoff 7/25/2021

Dale Henry LaRoe

 Dale Henry LaRoe, 93, of Urbana passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at his home in Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Monday July 26 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd. Urbana.  Pastor Hank Sanford will officiate.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

Dale was born on July 19th, 1928, in Ogden, IL to parents Raymond and Lula (Jones) LaRoe. On January 25, 1957, Dale married Patricia (Horn) in Champaign, IL. During his career he ran a radio cab for about 14 years and worked hard scrapping metal.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ina, Nina, Louise, Bonnie, and Ruby; half-sister Sharon; and brother Richard.

He is survived by his beloved wife; children Kenneth Dale LaRoe; Melinda (Ricky) LaRoe, and Eddie Wayne LaRoe (Krista); grandchildren Natalie (Brad) LaRoe, Jared LaRoe, Kyle LaRoe, Ashley (Jimmy) Brunelle, Kimberly (Jared) Brunelle, Johnathan LaRoe, Christopher LaRoe, Charles (Kristina) LaRoe, Gage LaRoe, Devin LaRoe, Jessica LaRoe (Makinzee), Eddie LaRoe Jr. (Kaitlyn), Cole LaRoe, great grandchildren; Carson LaRoe, and Greysin LaRoe; Isaac, Joseph, John, Brandon and Benny; great-great grandchildren Wynter, Klyson, Evan, Haden, Kyler and Jax; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and brothers-in-law.

NG 7/24/2021

Dawn Bagby

 Dawn VanBuskirk, 52, of St. Joseph passed away at 1:25 a.m. Wednesday (July 21, 2021) at home.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 25, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 26, at the funeral home. Pastor Randy Boltinghouse will officiate. A visitation on Monday will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in Gundy Cemetery, Bismarck.

Dawn was born March 24, 1969, in Bismarck, the daughter of Daniel L. and Linda Lou (Day) Ribbe. She married Jeff VanBuskirk on April 27, 2012, in Urbana. He survives.

She is also survived by her daughters, Abigail Rowe of Champaign and Cassidy Bagby of St. Joseph; sister, Lindsay Riesel of St. Joseph; brothers, T.J. (Lisa) Ribbe of Bismarck and Daniel (Tonia) Ribbe of St. Joseph; father, Daniel (Charlotte) Ribbe of Bismarck; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother and a brother, Troy Ray Ribbe.

Dawn was truly an incredible person. She had a contagious smile and laugh that would light up every room. She never met someone she didn’t invest her time into. Her whole life was dedicated to her family and acts of service for her community and others. The legacy that Dawn leaves is one that we should all emulate. One thing she always wanted others to know was that they were valuable. 

A lover of sand between her toes, sunshine on her face and the company of loved ones, living everyday as if it was paradise. She was a true businesswoman who excelled at anything she put her mind to. She loved her careers, which were all diverse forms of hospitality. Every peer and client she ever worked with soon became her friend. We joked as a family that everywhere we went, she knew someone. She was an inspiration that always pushed others to achieve their goals standing proud of their accomplishments. 

A pool at her house was a necessity; temperature above 85 degrees, no splashing the ladies, don’t push her off her raft and, seriously, everyone was invited! She loved her murder-mystery books, even though the author couldn’t keep up with her. We never went on a car trip without her perfectly organized stack of newspapers. Being an avid booty-shaker, dining-and-wining and rock star she was, if you ever hear the song "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-Lot, you should shake it for her.

Source Freese FH 7/23/2021

Charles "Chuck" Carmichael

 Charles “Chuck” Carmichael, 83, of St. Joseph, Illinois passed away on July 20th, 2021 after a long battle with both Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He was surrounded by loved ones at Amber Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center when he passed. Chuck was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was born on October 12th, 1937 to parents Morris and Gertrude Carmichael (nee Heinrich) in Huntington, Indiana.

            Chuck married Sharan Carmichael (nee Rincker) on April 28th, 1968 in Strasburg, Illinois. They were married for 53 years before he passed. He is survived by his wife Sharan, their three children, Steven Carmichael (Molly) of Ballwin, MO, Cathy Carmichael (Jason Schiedemeyer) of Naperville, IL, and Carla Marshall (Douglas) of Waterloo, IL; his seven grandchildren, Madison Kempen, Drew and Brady Marshall, Grace and Daniel Carmichael, and Alexander and Nicholas Sherrow; and Carter and Kate Schiedemeyer, whom he adored. Also surviving are his mother-in-law Mildred Rincker and in-laws Frank and Belva Rincker, Deanna and Tony Uphoff, Linda and William Orr, Wanda and Roger Kessler, Julie and John Bishop, and Debbie and Geo Glasscock in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Morris and Gertrude Carmichael and father-in-law Ivan Rincker.


            Chuck served in the United States Navy where he was commissioned out of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. After serving, Chuck attended Purdue University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management in 1963. During this time, he was a member of the Purdue University band and played the string bass. After college, he worked for Dun and Bradstreet for 37 years. After his retirement, Chuck was employed at Bridgestone-Firestone until 2001. While living in St. Joseph, he was a member of the American Legion Post 634, Jaycee’s Organization, and a council member at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.


            Chuck was a lifelong sports fanatic. His favorite teams included his alma mater Purdue University and The University of Illinois Fighting Illini, where he and Sharan held season tickets during football season for many years. They also attended Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field and traveled frequently to watch the Cubs spring training in Arizona. Chuck loved to travel and spent as much time as possible with his family and friends in his favorite places Branson, MO and Central Florida. In addition, he loved to read and play his favorite games including Hand and Foot, Golf, Dominos, Euchre, and Canasta, where he generally crushed the competition. 


            Those who knew Chuck knew him as a selfless, intelligent, humorous, and outgoing individual. He will be deeply missed by everyone he touched during his life.


            His family would like to thank all the wonderful people at Amber Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center and Synergy Home Care who helped make his last several months that much better.

            All services will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church located at 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph, Illinois 61873. The visitation is scheduled for Monday evening, July 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. There will also be a viewing at 9:30 am on Tuesday, July 27th followed by the funeral services at 10:30 am. Graveside services will be Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 P.M. at Grace Cemetery, Strasburg, IL.

Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.Freesefh.com


 In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to the Parkinson’s Foundation 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL  33131 or online at parkinson.org and/or to Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL  60601. Memorials may also be made to the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.

Source:  Freese FH 7/23/2021

Teresa A. Wilson

 HOMER — Teresa A. Wilson, 87, of rural Homer passed away at 10:50 p.m. Friday (July 16, 2021) at home.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Raymie Gordon and Pastor Brad Wilson will officiate. Burial will take place in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. There will be a visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Teresa was born Oct. 13, 1933, in Homer, the daughter of Howard and Vida Boise Lacey. She married Charles Alan Wilson on Sept. 16, 1951, in Homer. He preceded her in death on May 26, 2005.

Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Wilson of Homer; sons, Jeffrey (Debbie) Wilson of Homer and John (Janice) Wilson of Rogers, Minn.; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Herbert; and sister, Reva Ingram.

Teresa was a member of United Congregational Church and Homer Extension. Teresa owned and operated Wilson Tree Farm for 20 years. She sold Avon for over 35 years and worked at Sam’s Club for 10 years. Teresa drove special-needs schoolchildren to school. She enjoyed spending time with her family.

The family would like to thank the Oncology Department at Christie Clinic for a wonderful job. Memorials can be made to Homer Fire and Rescue.

NG 7/18/2021

Kenneth Edward Kirby

 HOMER — Kenneth Edward Kirby liked people to call him “Kirby”; a loving son, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Kirby was born Nov. 17, 1940, to the late Dewey and Helen Louise (See) Kirby of Farmer City.

He was preceded in death by his significant other, M. Irene Christenson; and brothers-inlaw, Butcher Woods and John Johnson.

Kirby transitioned to heaven on April 5, 2021, at the age of 80 years.

Kirby was owner and funeral director of the Kirby Funeral Homes in Homer, Broadlands and Fithian. He graduated from Moore High School in 1959 from Farmer City. He was a master mason for Masonic Lodge 199 in Homer for 56 years. He was also a longtime Lion’s Club member.

Kirby is survived by his four children, Randy Kirby, Richard (Susan) Kirby, Rebecca (George) Kuhn and Rodney Kirby (significant other Kim); 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Woods and Linda Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on July 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the American Legion in Farmer City.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donation to a charity of your choice.

NG 7/18/2021

Linette Albers

 RANTOUL — Linette Albers, 76, of Rantoul passed away at 1:05 p.m. Wednesday (July 14, 2021) at home.

Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at Huls Cemetery, Gifford, with the Rev. Matt Bahnfleth officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton.

Linette was born May 14, 1945, in Orange County, Calif., the daughter of Leroy O. and Mary Catherine Elizabeth Wargo Hensley. She married Duane E. Albers on July 4, 1965, at American Lutheran Church, Rantoul. He preceded her in death Feb. 6, 2019.

She is survived by a son, Todd (Angie) Albers of St. Joseph; and sister, Deborah Hensley of La Porte, Ind.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Linette graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from cosmetology school in Champaign. She worked as a beautician out of her home for several years. She then worked for the Champaign County Credit Bureau and later as an administrative assistant for Rantoul City Schools until her retirement.

She and her family lived in the St. Joseph area before moving back to Rantoul in 1987. She was a member of American Lutheran Church, Rantoul, and the Thomasboro Improvement Association.

Linette enjoyed cooking, gardening and the outdoors. She loved to entertain and was always ready to help others.

Memorials may be made to American Lutheran Church, Rantoul, or Huls Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices. com.

Nancy Marilee Lambert

 HOMER — Nancy Marilee Lambert of Homer passed away Tuesday (July 13, 2021) at home.

She was born April 7, 1952, the daughter of Robert and Aleela Mingee McCleary. She was married to Jack Lambert in Tolono on July 22, 1978.

She is survived by her siblings, Robert C. McCleary (Dee Dee) of Golconda, Deborah Jeanne Ward (Robert) of Mahomet, David Philip McCleary (Carol) of Tolono and Michael William McCleary of Dearborn, Mich. Also surviving are many loved Lambert family members and nieces and nephews from both the Lambert and McCleary families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, and parents.

Nancy was funny, witty, bright and a talented individual who always brought joy and laughter to those who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

According to her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded by Freese Funeral Home, Tolono. She will be laid to rest at a later date.

Memorial donations in Nancy’s honor may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 E. Main St., Urbana, IL 61802.

NG 7/15/2021

Sharon Kay Willfong

 ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Sharon Kay Willfong, 79, of St. Cloud, Fla., formerly of Ogden and Sadorus, passed away Saturday, July 3, 2021, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born April 19, 1942, to John and Gladys (Turner) Dyar in Danville. Sharon worked for the University of Illinois Airport and Toys R Us and had owned her own ceramic shop for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, John Dyar, and daughter-inlaw, Stacy Whitlock.

Sharon is survived by three daughters, Debra L. (Duane) Eckerty of Madison, Wis., Brenda K. (Patrick) Charters of Monticello and Melissa A. Willfong of St. Cloud, Fla.; three sons, Randy W. (Ginny) Whitlock and Scott A. (Stacy) Whitlock, both of St. Joseph, and Robert D (Melissa L) Willfong Jr. of St. Cloud, Fla.; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and another on the way; a sister, Linda (Richard) Stanton of Danville; and a brother, Gary Dyar (Debora) of Belmont, Mich.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Newman.

Condolences may be offered at freesefh.com.

Juliet Elizabeth Karlau

 OGDEN — Juliet Elizabeth Karlau, 95, passed away at University Rehabilitation Center of C-U, Urbana, on Saturday (July 3, 2021). She will forever be in our hearts.

She was born in Alpena, Mich., one of 13 children.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Louie of 67 years. They lived all their married life in Ogden after World War II, as she was an American war bride. Julie was always volunteering in the small-town community and spent many hours involved in the Women’s Auxiliary, helping every year with the Ogden Carnival and other community functions.

She is survived by her three married daughters, Patricia Allen (Dick), Paula Hill (Mike) and Carol Maddock (Steve). She will be sadley missed by her seven grandchildren, Shawn and Brian Allen, Travis, Troy and Tim Ray, as well as Renee Osterbur and Michael Maddock; and 15 great-grandchildren.

She will long be remembered due to a treasure trove of family memories, including

her lovely birthday cakes she would make for her grandchildren. Who can forget the large green alligator cake she made using candy corn for teeth! Julie always had a smile on her face, a kind word for all and love in her heart. We were blessed to have her in our lives.

Private family services will be held. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

Gary P. Hanks

 WHITTIER, Calif. — Gary P. Hanks, 71, of Whittier, Calif., passed away peacefully on May 12, 2021, in Whittier.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Salt Fork Center at Homer Lake on Tuesday, July 13, from 3 to 8 p.m. Please join us to celebrate Gary’s life by sharing stories and memories about Gary with family and friends.

Gary was born on March 16, 1950, in Champaign, the son of Chet and Myrl (Purselley) Hanks, and is survived by his wife of 31 years, Ana.

He is also survived by his sister, Sonja Hanks of Danville; nieces, Alice Rice and Sarah Evans; nephews, Jesse Evans and Joe Evans; six great-nephews; three great-nieces; two greatgreat- nephews; two great-great-nieces, all of Illinois; cousins, Prudence Hungate of Westminster, Calif., Clovis Hungate of New Mexico and Raleen Hungate of Oregon; mother-in-law, Gloria Garduno; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gloria and Dan Hernandez and Rose and Chuck Anderson; nephew, Daniel; and niece, Celeste, all from California, and lots more extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gary retired from IT from the County of Los Angeles in California. He grew up in the St. Joseph/ Homer communities and developed long-lasting friendships with many in the area, which he always cherished. He was a graduate of University High School, Normal, and attended the University of Illinois. Gary was a member of the California Association of Sunbeam Tiger Club (CAT) and the Corvette Club of Los Angeles and enjoyed engine rebuilding and design.

He enjoyed sports, especially basketball, riding motorcycles with buddies locally and in California, dirt bikes with friends from Idaho, attending NHRA Drag Racing with his buddy, Aaron Booher, and testing high-performance tires with his buddy, Steve.

Gary was very passionate about learning and researching his family’s genealogy and enthusiastically shared his findings with others. This led to the wonderful opportunity of meeting new-found family members in Indiana and across the country.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice