Sara H. Essig

 HOMER — Sara H. Essig, 64, of Homer passed away at 7:50 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Interment of ashes will be held at a later date in Kentucky.

Sara was born April 13, 1957, in Texas City, Texas, the daughter of Seaton Long and Elizabeth Gordon Sumner Hunter. She married Dean Essig on June 25, 1983, in St. Louis.

Survivors include her husband, Dean, of Homer; a daughter, Rosalind (Kyle) Essig Fields of Springfield; two sons, Joe (Audra) Essig of Mobile, Ala., and John Essig of Salt Lake City; a granddaughter, Arlow Essig; and two sisters, Elizabeth (Linda Walters) Hunter of Nicholasville, Ky., and Edith Hunter of New York.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sara was a seamstress and did alterations for many people in Homer. She was the former president of Homer Library Board for many years. She was on the committee for organizing the Homer Farmers Market.

Sara loved to sew, quilt, garden and bird watch. She had a love for music and orange tabby cats. Sara had the fondest love for her kids and family and her cat, Hitch.

Memorials can be made to the Homer Library.

NG 9/27/2021

Steven Louis Jacobs

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Steven Louis Jacobs, 60, passed away Tuesday (Sept. 21, 2021) at The Medical Center, Bowling Green, Ky.

He was born Oct. 2, 1960, to Bob and Ann Jacobs, who survive. He was a member and was deeply involved in Broadway United Methodist Church and loved his Lord and savior. He was strong and independent and never backed down from any challenge. He loved participating in track and bowling for the Special Olympics and was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Steve retired from the University of Illinois prior to moving to Bowling Green and was employed at Greenview Regional Hospital until he retired in December 2020.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Ellen Jacobs and Arthur and Evelyn Farmer; step-grandmother, Lorene Farmer; and several aunts, uncles and two cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters, Cindy Wernigk (Dan) and Sally Thomas (Doug); aunt, Norma Stevenson; uncle, Loren Farmer; nine nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and -nephews; and many cousins.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday with burial to follow in Bowling Green Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Broadway United Methodist Church, the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society or the American Diabetes Association.

NG 9/23/2021

Judy Ann Hester

 URBANA — Judy Ann Hester, 81, of Urbana passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021.

Judy was born Feb. 19, 1940, in Mt. Vernon, the only child of Glen Neal and Edna Mae Rainey. She married Jerry D. Hester, her high school sweetheart, on Sept. 27, 1959, in Mt. Vernon.

Judy graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School in 1958 and worked for Illinois Power Company until her marriage to Jerry, who was stationed at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Colo., at the time. They made their first home in Colorado, later moving to California before finally settling in St. Joseph to raise their family. In 1972, Jerry and Judy purchased Twin City Refrigeration, where Judy worked as a secretary. In 1975, they formed TC & G Refrigeration, where she continued to work until 1980, when she retired to devote her time to her family. In 2000, Jerry formed the family business Polar Refrigeration, Heating & Cooling, and Judy re-entered the work force to help in the office off and on before truly retiring in 2010.

Judy loved to garden and spent countless hours in her yard creating a beautiful landscape. She was also an excellent cook and devoted her life to cooking and baking as a way to show her love to her family and friends. Her family looked forward to their birthday treats. Every year at Christmas, she would spend weeks preparing “goodie trays” for her doctors, dentists, bankers, customers of the family business, friends and family. During a neighbor’s health crisis, she happily prepared weekly meals for the family. It truly was her calling in life.

Upon the passing of her beloved husband, Jerry, as a way to honor the family business he created, she became a collector of polar bears to keep his memory alive. She found pleasure in finding unique polar bear gifts for the family. To her family, polar bears will now represent the memory of Judy as well.

Judy is survived by her three children, Sherry (Robert) Stauffer of Savoy, Steven (Brenda) Hester of Urbana and Scott (Joni) Hester of Homer; five grandchildren, Jesse Hester, Lesli Bose, Jordan Hester, Cheyenne Hollis and Kyle Stauffer; and two great-grandchildren, Maddox Bose and Camden Hollis.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. A private memorial will be held for family at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.

NG 9/22/2021

Robin Kaylene Auteberry

 LONGVIEW — Robin Kaylene Auteberry, 61, of Longview passed away on Aug. 30, 2021, from heart failure at Loyola Medical Hospital.

Robin was born on Jan. 4, 1960, to Robert and Shirley Melvin. She had four children, Casey Auteberry, Angela Bachman, Joshua Auteberry and Jesse Auteberry; along with 11 grandchildren, MaKayla, Victoria, CJ, Omar, Nevaeh, Alishia, Payton, Jaycee, Ty, Austyn and Braylon; and one great-granddaughter, Briella Kaylene.

She is survived by the father of her children, David Auteberry; her daughter, Casey Auteberry; son, Joshua Auteberry; sister, Sandy; brothers, Mike, Gary and Jeff; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Shirley Melvin; brother, Mark Melvin; partner in life, Charlie Simpkins; son, Jesse Auteberry; and granddaughter, Austyn Victoria Auteberry.

Robin always saw the best in people, even when she couldn’t see the best in herself. She loved deeply and as best she could, and that’s really all anyone could ask for. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the VFW in Villa Grove. This will be followed by a graveside service. All family and friends are welcome.

NG 9/21/2021

JoAnn Katherine Lannon

 SIDNEY — JoAnn Katherine Lannon, 86, of rural Sidney passed away early Saturday morning (Sept. 18, 2021).

She was born on Nov. 19, 1934, a daughter of Otto and Marie (Laley) Kleiss. JoAnn married Maurice Lannon at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Nov. 21, 1953. They lived, farmed and raised their family in rural Sidney.

She will be missed by her children, Trish Patrick of Tolono, Sharon (Kevin) Mackinson of Pontiac, Bill Lannon of Sidney, Julie Lannon of Monticello, Terri (Tim) Stigers of Sidney, John (Shari) Lannon of Sidney and Jeanne (Phil) Daly of Sidney.

Also deeply saddened by her death are her 26 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings, Jack Kleiss of North Carolina, Stanley Kleiss of Michigan and sister Dorothy Kilgore of Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Morry Lannon; and their children, Mary Margaret and Bobby. Her sister, Rita Mahaffey, also preceded her in death.

JoAnn enjoyed spending time with her family, cross-stitching, flowers, camping, reading and socializing with friends at Francis’. Later in life, JoAnn and Morry enjoyed traveling with trips to Italy, Alaska, Hawaii and spending many weeks at Gulf Shores, Ala. She was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Altar and Rosary Society.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Bongard, on Saturday, Sept. 25. Rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. with visitation to follow. Burial immediately following services at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bongard.

Memorials may be given to St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

NG 9/22/2021

Kerrin Kay Overholt

 Kerrin Kay Overholt, 78, of St. Joseph died Tuesday, Sept 14, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.  She passed peacefully surrounded by family.

 

She was born April 12, 1943 in Peoria, IL to Helen (Kay) & Fred Goings.  She was a devoted Certified Nursing Assistant at Burnham Hospital and later Champaign County Nursing Home where she retired.  Kerrin is preceded in death by her husband Larry Overholt.  She is survived by two sons, Doug Pettyjohn (Alice) and Mark Pettyjohn.  One grandson, Kyle Pettyjohn.  Her beloved dog, Skipper Ray.

 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, 25th at 10-11AM with Memorial Service immediately following at Freese Funeral Home located at 302 E. Grand Ave in St. Joseph, IL.  There will be no graveside service. 
 

Memorial Donations can be made in her honor to St. Joseph Fire Department.  

Freese FH 9/19/2021

Connie Marie Kirby Jordan

 Connie Marie Kirby Jordan, 72 of rural Urbana, formerly of St. Joseph, sang her way into heaven on Thursday, September 16, 2021.  She passed away at home.

Connie was born July 24, 1949 in Paxton, to Lawrence and Eva Kirby, who preceded her in death.  Connie had two brothers, Eugene of Champaign and Larry (Jennifer)of Rantoul.

Connie was married on July 28, 1972 to Gary Jordan and they had three sons, Jacob (Jeanetta) of Tompkinsville, KY, Joshua (Lamonica) of Dublin, TX and Matthew of Urbana.  There are also three grandchildren, Nikolas, Lucas, and Lily.

Connie was the first full time secretary for the Champaign Fire Department, taking short hand and typing over 85 words per minute.  Later she typed papers for her husband while he attended the University of Illinois.  She also typed briefs and contracts for her husband as he was a union official for the A.P.W.U. in Champaign.

Connie loved the Lord, children and elderly people.  She was pro-life.  She had a Christian Daycare in rural St. Joseph for 12 years.  Connie helped and ran a Christian Teen Center at the St. Joseph Church of Christ for over 10 years.  Connie in her later years became a CNA and worked for Diversified Healthcare, specializing in elderly people.  She loved caring for people.

Connie performed and sang at many nursing homes, churches, and sporting events.  She also enjoyed the Bible, gardening, knitting and embroidery.  She will be missed, and is loved by many.

Graveside services will be held September 25, 2021 at 1:30PM at the Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo, Il, friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to help defer the cost of funeral services.  Contributions can be made out to Freese Funeral Home c/o Connie Jordan, 202 W. Main, Sidney, Il 61877.

Freese FH 9/19/2021

Marjorie Rowand Craddock

 SIDELL — Marjorie Rowand Craddock, 97, passed away Wednesday (Sept. 15, 2021) at Autumn Fields, Savoy, where she has lived for several years and called home.

Marjorie was born on March 16, 1924, in rural Allerton, to Elmo and Hazel (Bollar) Rowand.

She worked for Production Credit Association before marrying Eldon W. Craddock and settling down on a farm in the Sidell area. They moved to Sidney upon retiring and later would move to Autumn Fields.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Hazel Rowand; husband, Eldon Craddock; two brothers, Leo and Elmo Rowand; and one sister, Eileen Craddock.

She is survived by two children, Steven (Peggy) Craddock of Allerton and Annette (Larry) Luth of Hume; five grandchildren, Lori Lovings, Brad Luth, Jeff Craddock, Tim Craddock and Amy Heppe; and eight great-grandchildren.

Marjorie enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, canning, her flowers, crafts, woodworking and, in later years, jigsaw puzzles. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She had been a 4-H leader and was a life long member of Sidell United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday school leader. She was very close to her friends from the church and other Sidell area friends, some of whom joined her living at Autumn Fields. She loved everyone who lived and worked there, and they all said they loved her marvelous smile.

A private family service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Sidell United Methodist Church with Pastor Jie Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Joines Funeral Home, Newman, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sidell United Methodist Church or to Hospice Hearts, P.O. Box 17605, Urbana, IL 61803.

NG 9/17/2021

Lisa Chesnut

 Lisa Chesnut passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 after experiencing an aneurysm at home. Lisa was born on January 23, 1955 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the daughter of Kenneth and Luanne Johnson. She moved to Champaign, Illinois in 1975 to begin her life in the area.

Lisa married Lee Chesnut on April 26, 1980. Born to this marriage were three wonderful sons: Christopher (Emily) of Elkhart, Indiana, Jason of Homer, Illinois, and Andrew (Blair) of Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. She has five beautiful grandchildren: Khloe, Taylor, Weston, Owen, and Bristol.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Jimmy, and her in-laws. Lisa is survived by her sisters, Jan Chell and Amy Teeters, and sister-in-law, Shelly Johnson, and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a cherished relationship with her best friend of 46 years, Diane Bunn and her four-legged friends, Sophie (cat) and Maizie (Yorkie).

Lisa recently had the pleasure of re-owning her dream car, a shiny blue Volkswagen Bug, which she traveled to Minnesota to purchase and named, “Annie”. Lisa enjoyed buzzing around town in her bug with Maizie riding on her shoulders as her companion.

She worked several years for Sears Department Store in Champaign, Illinois. After her children were born, she operated a home daycare which she continued until her children were in school. Then she worked at the Circuit Clerks Office for 17 years before retiring.  Lisa enjoyed meeting up with her former co-workers for lunch or dinner on a regular basis.

Lisa never met a stranger she could not make a friend! She could pick up a conversation with anyone, even while shopping, which she loved to do.

Private services will be held at Freese Funeral Home with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Sidney, Illinois. If you wish to make a donation in Lisa’s honor, please donate to Champaign County Humane Society, as Lisa loved all animals.  

NG 9/17/2021

Dale L. Smith

 LAKE OF EGYPT, MARION— Dale L. Smith, 79, of Lake of Egypt, Marion, died at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at SIH Herrin Hospital, Herrin.

A private family memorial service will be held on Oct. 9 at Union Cemetery, Altamont, with the Rev. Maria Bonine officiating.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dale Lee Smith was born on Monday, Aug. 10, 1942, in St. Joseph, to Leslie B. “Tom” and Thelma M. (Higgs) Smith. He married Nancy A. Milleville on Nov. 26, 1960, in Altamont. They enjoyed almost 54 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on Nov. 16, 2014. He retired from Champaign County in the maintenance department.

Dale enjoyed NASCAR, Illini basketball, garage sales, auctions, flea markets and woodworking, building just about anything out of wood. He loved living in the Lake of Egypt area, where he had made many friends and was always willing to help out around the neighborhood with mowing or putting his carpentry skill to work.

He is survived by his daughter, Annette Whitehouse of Champaign; son, Bradley D. Smith and wife Sunday Wright-Smith of Potsdam, N.Y.; brother, Les (Judy) Smith of Altamont; twin sister, Gail Lefler of Loxahatchee, Fla.; sister, Brenda Hofmann of Altamont; four grandchildren, Rory (Cassidy Jones) Meier of Royal, Brenna (Jose) Nunez of Tilton, Virginia Grace and Kainan Smith; great-grandson, Lincoln Meier; great-granddaughter, Emerson Meier; numerous friends; and special friend, Carol Perkins of West Frankfort.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Brian Keith Smith and Randy Lee Smith; brothers, Gerald “Pood” Smith and Ray Allen Smith; and sisters, Roberta Woodmansee and Sue Cochran.

Online condolences may be expressed at giesekingfh. com.

NG 9/17/2021

BJ Hackler

 BJ Hackler, 83, of St. Joseph, passed away at 5:00 pm, Tuesday, September 7, 2021 as he joined the love of his life, Dixie, for their upcoming 60th wedding anniversary.

BJ was born January 21, 1938, in Ridgefarm, IL, the son of Olen and Frances Hackler.  He grew up in Ridgefarm and after graduating from Ridgefarm High School, graduated beauty school in Danville.  A quick study, BJ was cutting hair, rolling rollers and wrapping permanents early in the 6 month program – the owner said he had the knack.  That knack led him to become part owner in the Ridgefarm beauty shop and later, own his own shop, BJ’s Beauty Shop, St Joseph in 1964; a career that spanned over 60 years. 

BJ met Dixie Myers while washing show hogs at county fairs.  Their meeting later led to a date and they married October 27, 1961. 

Soon after getting married, BJ and Dixie headed to Fort Carson located in Colorado Springs, CO while BJ served in the Army as a cryptographer.  Their first daughter, Traci Jarvis (Greg) was born there.  In 1964, they settled in St. Joseph, IL.  Second daughter Tonya Hackler-Bayler (Oscar), was born and shortly after, Dixie and BJ bought their first home where they raised their girls. 

While working as a beautician in both Ridgefarm and St Joseph, BJ completed the necessary training to be a volunteer firefighter.  His involvement with the village of St Joseph led him to serve as a Village Board Trustee for 10 years after which he ran for Village President/Mayor in 1980 and served in that capacity for 36 years.  St. Joseph saw many changes during those 36 years!

BJ loved his town as was evident in the success he helped foster for the St Joseph community.  He became active in the  Village President/Mayor SUMOA league as a member and then President.  That involvement led him to be appointed to the Illinois Municipal League board, later serving as President and Past-President.   An additional appointment to the national EPA committee, as did SUMOA and IML, allowed him to be a voice at the federal and state levels for small towns. 

While raising the girls with Dixie, giving back to the community, and owning his own business, he still found time for his many interests which included his love of collecting Abraham Lincoln pieces and reading Lincoln history, elephants, snow skiing and most of all, fishing.  As a member of the Champaign Ski Club, he competed in his first downhill race at age 50.  An avid fisherman, he traveled to Canada annually for 15 years with friends and family.  His fishing rod and tackle box were permanent fixtures in his vehicle as you never knew when you might have time for a few casts.  He loved parades and most recently, enjoyed decorating his golf cart for any event. BJ’s faith was strong and he was an active member in the St. Joseph United Methodist church since he and Dixie settled in St Joseph. 

Even before retiring in December 2017, BJ and Dixie got the travel bug having gone to France with the ski club to ski the Swiss Alps.  They joined Traci and her family and traveled to London and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with the whole family on a cruise to Mexico.  Many trips with family and friends followed his retirement including Niagara Falls, the western U.S. and New England area, Alaska, Jamaica, and Ireland.  A must was always the Hackler family reunion held in Virginia.   It never failed, wherever he traveled he always ended up seeing someone he knew and making new friends. 

After retiring from the beauty shop and Village President, BJ continued to give back to the community through his volunteer efforts be it the church’s mission work, Feed the Need program and Miss Piggy’s Pork Palace, St Joseph American Legion Post #634 and so many others. 

Grandkids include Kiersten Jarvis (Jeremy Cantor), Ross Baker (Rosie), Sean Jarvis, Carson Baker (deceased) and Sydney Meltzer (Daniel); great-grandkids Addie, Clark and Mark Baker and Ewan Cantor. 

BJ was preceded in death by Dixie, his parents, brother, in-laws and grandson.

BJ loved life.  He had many friends, all of which say they were better off having known him.  Anyone that met with BJ always left with a smile on their face.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 19, 2021, at BJ Hackler Park, 1400 Park Ave, St. Joseph, IL. A golf cart shuttle service will be available from Living Word Church parking lot. Visitation will be from 12pm-4pm with the service following. Burial will be at the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer.

Out of respect for everyone attending, the family asks that social distancing practices be followed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in BJ’s name can be made to the Feed the Need/St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 205 N 3rd St, St. Joseph, IL or the Parks & Recreation Fund/Village of St Joseph, 207 E Lincoln St, St. Joseph, IL. 

Funeral arrangements handled by Freese Funeral Home, St.  Joseph, IL.

Freese FH 9/11/2021

Linda Sue (Dunwoody) Fletcher

 ST. JOSEPH — Linda Sue (Dunwoody) Fletcher, 74, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Chrisman.

Linda was born Feb. 7, 1947, to John and Pauline (Haworth) Dunwoody, in Danville. She married William Fletcher on Nov. 26, 1966.

She is survived by her children, Theresa (Jim) Lacey, Kristi Seaman and William (Melissa) Fletcher of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Preston Welch, William Glowiak and Dominick Fletcher, all of St. Joseph, Cody Lacey of Homer and Kristin Fletcher of Champaign; one great-grandson, Jesse Evans; a brother, John Dunwoody of California; brother-in-law, Tom Fletcher of Tilton; sisters-in-law, Debbie Dunwoody of Danville,  Sharon Fletcher and Janis Fletcher of Tilton, Saundra Fletcher of Veedersburg, Ind., and Regina Baker and Nellie Cox of Newman; and many neices and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a brother, Robert Dunwoody; and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Dunwoody of California.

Linda was well known in the community. She worked at the IGA for many years. She worked at the grade school and middle schools for many years until her retirement.

Linda enjoyed reading, campfires and spending time with her family.

According to her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or an organization of the donor's choice.

NG 07/30/2021

Trey Wagner

 St Joseph – Michael “Trey” Curtis Wagner, III, 21 of St Joseph, IL, formerly of Danville, IL passed away at 4:24 PM on September 3, 2021 at Franciscan Healthcare in Olympia Fields, IL.

Trey was born on May 30, 2000 the son of Michael Curtis Wagner, II and Jennifer Elizabeth Rauch in St. Louis, MO.

Trey is survived by his mother, Jennifer Elizabeth (Dan) Lilly of St. Joseph, IL, his father, Michael Curtis (Susie Tatman-Baldner) Wagner, II, of Danville, IL, his six siblings, Josh (Ashlee Ronto) Fulton of Normal, IL, Hayley (Kyle) Seifert of Danville, IL, Blake (Maddie Winkler) Wagner of Champaign, IL, Aizik “A.J.” Wagner of St. Joseph, IL, Brianna Sophie Lilly of St Joseph, IL and Matthew Lilly of St Joseph, IL.  He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Carolyn (Pape) Rauch of St Joseph, IL and William and Pat Rauch of Columbia, IL.

Trey is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Michael Curtis Wagner and Maryl (Dixon) Maxfield

Trey was a 2018 Graduate of St Joseph-Ogden High School and graduated from the North American Lineman Training Center Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Program under the provisions established by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission April 2020. Trey was an avid wrestler in high school. He enjoyed spending his free time exercising, golfing, fishing and hanging out with family and friends. Trey passed away doing what he loved after being involved in an accident at work. Trey was someone who brightened any room he was in with his goofy humor, and had a laugh/smile that was as contagious as they come. He was undeniably smart, light-hearted, and a genuinely kind and good person. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church, 1101 N Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832. Adam Harmon will officiate. Cremation Rites will be accorded following the Celebration of Life Service. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St., Danville, Illinois 61834.

It is kindly requested that those in attendance of the visitation and services wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Memorials may be contributed to the Michael “Trey” Wagner Memorial fund at Gifford State Bank, 107 W Warren St, St Joseph, IL  61873. This funding is hoping to support St. Joseph Wrestling and a scholarship for those at SJO High School wanting to pursue a trade school.

Please join Trey’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .

Sunset funeral home 9/8/2021

Karen K. Andrews

 TOLONO — Karen K. Andrews, 78, of Tolono passed peacefully, with family by her side, on Saturday (Sept. 4, 2021).

Karen was born on Oct. 15, 1942, in Allerton, to Erhardt and Pearl (Kirby) Benschneider. She married John H. Andrews on Oct. 5, 1962.

She is survived by her daughter, Janelle Van der Werf; one grandson, Nicolas Van der Werf; and one sister, Carol Snyder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Erhardt and Pearl Benschneider; husband, John Andrews; and two brothers, Ronnie and Earl Benschneider.

Karen retired from a career as an administrative assistant at the University of Illinois, receiving the Chancellor’s Distinguished Staff Award in 1999. In retirement, Karen received accolades for her volunteer work at Willard Airport, the courthouse and Virginia Theatre in Champaign. She attended Faith United Methodist Church. Karen enjoyed social events, gardening, garage sales and her beloved dog, Hunter. She will be missed by her daughter, family and friends of the community she loved.

Please join us for a casual celebration of life in memory of Karen from 2 to 4 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign, with interment beginning at 4 p.m. Pastor Sheryl will officiate. We will be gathering to share memories, laugh, cry and remember a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind (guidingeyes. org).

Sherry L. Bivens

 

Sherry L. Bivens, 74, of St. Joseph passed away at 2:13 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas Ave., St. Joseph. Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

Sherry was born Nov. 14, 1946, in St. Louis, the daughter of George and Lorraine (Johanningmeyer) Spencer. She married Butch Bivens on Aug. 25, 1973, in St. Louis. He survives.

She is also survived by her daughters, Shelby (Mitch) Marsolf of Rockville, Ind., and Shauna Bivens of Pekin; and a granddaughter, Scout Marsolf.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sherry was a retired teller at Busey Bank in Thomasboro.

She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, and was active in Bible Study and the Women's Group.

Sherry enjoyed her time with her granddaughter, Scout, and the granddogs. She taught her family to be kind and that "God has got this!"

Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, or the St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library, P.O. Box 259, St. Joseph, IL 61873.

Lyla L. Schmall

 ST. JOSEPH — Lyla L. Schmall, 90, of St. Joseph passed away at 6:45 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 2, 2021) at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living, Chrisman.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Bellflower Cemetery, Bellflower. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Lyla was born Aug. 27, 1931, in Gibson City, the daughter of Henry and Fern (Bone) May. She married Donald Schmall on Dec. 10, 1961, in Gibson City. He preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 2003.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Jim) Schmall-Ross of St. Joseph; granddaughter, Addison Ross; two brothers, Donald Schmall and Ed Schmall; and one sister, Delores Rutledge.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Lyla retired from the University of Illinois Department of Admissions and Records. She was also active in bowling, having served as the secratary for the Champaign-Urbana Woman's Bowling Association for 30 years.

Condolences may be left at freesefh.com.

Freese FH 9/4/2021

Larry D. Millis

Larry D. Millis, 78, of St. Joseph passed away at 5;11 P.M. Wednesday September 1, 2021 at his home.

 Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday September 6, 2021 at Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph. Pastor Scott Millis will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph.

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

 Larry was born March 2, 1943 at Champaign. The son of Glen and Mary Margaret (Weaver) Millis. Larry married Pam Oakes on August 17, 1963 at Danville. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Scott (Beth) Millis, Sherrill (Jeff) Birkey, Lisa (Russ) Gulliford, Lori (Jeff) Canfield all of St. Joseph. Eight grandchildren; Courtney, Emily, Nathan, David, Holly, Riley, Jeremy, Rainey.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

 Larry was involved in coaching Little League for many years. He was a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK in 1980. In 1981 Larry and his wife Pam started Living Word Family Church with 30 people. For 17 years Larry was a District and Regional Director for Rhema Ministerial Association.

 Larry will be remembered for his legendary sense of humor, deep booming voice, his bearhugs, his love for his family, friends and Jesus.

 Memorials may be made to Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph.

 Online condolences may be made at www.Freesefh.com

Freese FH website 9/2/2021

James I. Cotter

 

James I. Cotter, 55, of St. Joseph passed away at 7:53 A.M. Monday August 30, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Jim was born July 1, 1966 in Paxton. He was the son of Kenneth and Frances (Peters) Cotter of Piper City.

 He married Susan Gronewald on July 18, 1992. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Elena Kae Cotter of Normal, Austin James Cotter and Caleb Addison Cotter both of St. Joseph. Brother Robert (Ronda) Cotter of Piper City. Three nephews Kenny and John Cotter of Piper City and Nick Miller of Rochelle. One niece Hannah Miller of Weldon. His Mother Frances Cotter of Piper City. His in-laws Roger and Betty Gronewald of Royal.

 Jim was preceded in death by his father Kenneth and his grandparents.

 To know Jim was to love Jim. He was an avid Cubs, Illini and SJO Spartan Fan. He worked for over 30 years in the University of Illinois Library system. In the evenings and weekends Jim was a freelance writer covering the Fighting Illini, SJO Spartans and other local teams. He wrote for the St. Joseph Leader, St. Joseph Record, Danville Commercial News, Orange and Blue News. He also did radio spots for WGCY in Gibson City.. Jim was happiest when he was in the bleachers or along the sidelines watching his kids activities and the games/events he was covering. Jim coached his kids in T-ball, baseball, softball and basketball.

 In honor of Jim please wear your favorite teams shirt to the visitation and service.

 Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Pastor James Lehmann will officiate. Burial will be in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Thursday at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

Condolences may be made at www.Freesefh.com