Bobby D. Jackson

 Bobby D. Jackson, 71, of Ogden passed away at 5:30 A.M. Thursday December 30, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Bobby was born February 8, 1950 in Champaign. The son of Bobby Dean and Juanita June (Zindars) Jackson.

 He is survived by his life partner of 31 years Shirl Woodward of Ogden. Son Ryan Dean Jackson of Ogden. Two step-children Jeremy Woodward and Jennifer Woodward   Brother Dave (Molly) Jackson of St. Joseph. Sister Jan (Robert) Starr of Smithville, MO. Grandchildren; Nicklas Jackson, Owen, Carson, Savannah and Summer.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and son Jason Jackson.

 Bobby was a veteran of the U.S. Army having been stationed in Germany.  He worked for Grussing Ag for many years. He also worked as a farmhand in the area. 

 Bobby enjoyed NASCAR and fishing.

 Per his wishes Bobby was cremated. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

 Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is handling arrangements. 

Marilyn J. Erb

 SIDNEY — Marilyn J. Erb, 87, of Sidney passed away at 12:32 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 21, 2021) at Arbor Rose, Charleston. 

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at Sidney Christian Church, Sidney, with the Rev. Barry West officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.

Mrs. Erb was born Aug. 12, 1934, in Longview, a daughter Merton and Eva Warnes Parks. She married Howard Erb on Nov. 1, 1953, in Villa Grove, and he survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Geri (Kirk) Kirkland of Philo and Joni (Keith) O’Banion of Armstrong, 11 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Debbie; and a brother, Robert Parks.

Mrs. Erb was employed at CIB Bank in Sidney where she retired as an officer. She was also a homemaker who loved to knit, crochet and bake for family dinners. She loved organizing celebrations with family and others. She was active in the Sidney Christian Church, teaching Sunday school, Bible school and singing in the choir.

Memorials may be made to the church or Gideons International. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

Betty J. Stewart

Betty J. Stewart, 90, of Sidney passed away at 5:05PM, Monday, December 20, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Private services will be held at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Mrs. Stewart was born October 20, 1930 in Hobart, IN, a daughter to James and Gladys Hilborn Crouse.  She married Dennis Stewart on, he preceded in death.

Surviving are three children; Dennis (Amy) Stewart Jr. of Carrolton, TX, Rick (Doyla) Stewart of Savoy, and Denise (Phil) Miles of, FL, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and four siblings; Dick (Wanda) Crouse of Villa Grove, Barbara (Bill) Morse of Sidney, Sue Crouse French of Charleston, and Ronnie (Liz) Crouse of Auburn, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and four siblings:  Bill Crouse, Alene Virks, Bob Crouse, and Marjie Wilsey.

Betty helped her husband with his home building business, building houses in Champaign County.

Memorials may be made to Sidney Fire Department or Sidney Christian Church.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH website 12/22/2021

Teresa D. Akers

LONGVIEW — Teresa D. Akers, 63, of Longview passed away Thursday (Dec. 16, 2021) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

Teresa was born on March 28, 1958, to James and Georgia (Kilman) Day in Urbana. She married Terry Akers Sr. on April 6, 1974.

She is survived by her children, Terry (Leah) Akers, Jeremy (Amber) Akers, Jacob (Caryn) Akers and Savannah (Robert) Helminiak; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers; one sister; and her boyfriend, Charles High.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two sisters.

Teresa enjoyed cooking and baking and playing with all her grandchildren. She also loved to sit outside and soak up all the sun.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, at Joines Funeral Home, Villa Grove. A graveside service will be held immediately following the visitation at Centennial Cemetery with Pastor Mike Zylstra officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.

NG 12/21/21

Charles "Chuck" Cecil Walker

 BROADLANDS — Charles “Chuck” Cecil Walker, 79, of Broadlands passed away Sunday (Dec. 19, 2021) at home surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Chuck was born on May 19, 1942, in Tuscola, to Forrest and Francis (Tharp) Walker. He married Bobby Davis on Aug. 4, 1961.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bobby Walker; three sons, Brad (Renee), Brian (Darla) and Brett (Kate); grandchildren, Dustin (Brittany) Buchholz, Devin, Megan (Alex) Craciun, Dylan (Anish), Erin, Brandon, Zoyie and Jackson; great-grandchildren, Parker and Kenzy Harris and Hydra and Maverick Craciun; siblings, Gary (Jean) of Broadlands and Betsy Knapp of Marine City, Mich.; and nephews and nieces, Erik (Chris), Ellen, Forrest (Amberly), Chad (Jamie) and Sean (Kara).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Francis Walker; brother-in-law, Jim Knapp; and a niece, Elizabeth Knapp.

Chuck was a trucker for 40 years, and once retired, he went back to work to help a friend farm. He had a strong work ethic and was always happy to lend a helping hand. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed competing in local tractor pulls and also helped to start the Night Hawk Bowling League at the Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy. Chuck was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

A funeral service will be at noon Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Joines Funeral Home, Newman, with Pastor Dave Trover officiating. Burial will follow in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral service from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck’s name to the Cunningham Children’s Hospital (cunninghamhome.org/ways-give/give-now).

NG 12/21/21

Marilyn Jane Kinney

Marilyn Jane Kinney 90 of Sidney passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at 3:25PM, Sunday, December 19, 2021 at home.

Private graveside services will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.

Mrs. Kinney was born December 31, 1930 in Elgin, Il, a daughter to Joseph and Viola Lingle Mosley.  She married Lester Kinney on April 30, 1965 in Paxton, IL, he survives.  Also surviving is a son; David Kinney of Tolono and a daughter; Jennifer (Ghassan) Ksaibati of Riverview, Fl, five grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter; Kathy and a brother; Ralph.

She was employed at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign and Sears Department Store, Champaign.

Memorials may be made to Sidney Fire Department or Carle Hospice.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 12/21/21

Carolyn S. Yoos

Carolyn S. Yoos, 82, of St. Joseph passed away at 9:16 A.M. Thursday December 16, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 

 Memorial services will be held at a later date.

 

 Carolyn was born July 20, 1939 at Centralia, IL. The daughter of Roy E. and Helen (Willbright) Hall. She married Stuart Yoos Jr. on June 29, 1958. He preceded her in death on April 17, 2017.

 She is survived by her children; Paul Yoos of St.  Joseph, Hedi (Steve) Shierry of Villa Park, IL. Grandson Roy Yoos of St. Joseph. Brother Gary Hall of Central City, IL.

 She was preceded in death by her parents.

 Carolyn retired from the University of Illinois as a Administrative assistant. She was a member of St. Peters United Church of Christ, Champaign. Where she was a member of the choir.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening, angels, and butterflies. Most of all her grandson Roy. She was a graduate of Centralia High School. She attended nursing school in St. Louis.

 Memorials may be made to St. Peters United Church of Christ 905 S. Russell, Champaign, IL 61821

Loretta Louise Miller

 CHAMPAIGN — Loretta Louise Miller, 79, of Champaign, formerly of Venice, Fla., passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, in Gifford.

Loretta was born Sept. 6, 1942, in Ayers Township, the daughter of Ivan and Treva ( Williams) Lookingbill.

She is survived by two siblings, Kenny (Alice) Lookingbill of Ogden and Robert (Joyce) Lookingbill of Lakeland, Fla.; three children, Deanne Johnson of Champaign, Greg (Susan) McCullough of Normal and Andrea (Kirk) Thorne of Cheboygan, Mich.; seven grandchildren, Marcia (Corey) Mathis of White Health, David Johnson of Champaign, Michael (Tara) McCullough of Bloomington, Sarah (Patrick) Long of Normal, Eric (Lexi) McCullough of Wentzville, Mo., Ryann Dopp of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Jordan (Jack McCall) Dopp of Locust Grove, Ga.; four great-grandchildren, Katelynn Mathis, Gavin Mathis, Makenzie McCullough and Hayden McCullough; and several nieces and nephews.

Loretta was an avid softball player. She played for over 30 years and received awards from the American Softball Association for “Outstanding Pitcher.”

She was the founder of H& M Encore Travel, Champaign, and enjoyed traveling around the world; she was also a member of New Life Church in Venice, Fla. After she retired as vice president of mortgage lending with Chase, she retired to Venice, Fla.

She was passionate about the communities where she lived, volunteering at church, teaching adults with illiteracy to read and do basic financial tasks, mentoring young women and volunteering her time coaching girls’ softball.

Loretta loved spending time with her family and friends and playing bingo and will be remembered for her strength, guidance, faith, confidence and deep love for her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lorene Robeson; a brother, Leonard Lookingbill; and her devoted and loving husband, Fred Miller.

A celebration of life and graveside service will be announced at a later date.

Memorials can be sent to Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford; New Life Church, Venice, Fla.; or the American Cancer Society.

The family has entrusted Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, with her cremation. Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

NG 12/12/2021

Loranna Rohrscheib

 Loranna Rohrscheib, 96 of Savoy formerly of Homer, passed away at 6:18AM, on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney with Rev. C.W. Greer officiating.  Burial will be at GAR Cemetery, Homer.  Visitation will be from 11:00AM to 1:00PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Rohrscheib was born November 23, 1925 in Mt. Vernon, IL but grew up in Lawrenceville, Il, a daughter to Frank and Mildred Franey Wright.  During World War II she was a “Rosie the Riveter” employed at Boeing Airlines, Seattle, WA, building aircraft to be used in the war.

She married Roy Rohrscheib on Jan. 23, 1946 they spent 41 loving years together before his death on Jan. 11, 1987.  She then married Wayne Brewer on May 1, 1989, they spent 15 happy years together prior to his death on April 13, 2005.  Later in life she was married to Bill Klein, he preceded her in death.

Surviving is a daughter; Nancy (Larry) Anders of Homer, two grandchildren; Mike (Ellen) Anders of Tolono and Amber (Brian) Loschen of Royal, and six great-grandchildren; Tyler Porter, Brooke (Luke) Rund, Alexis (Makenzie) Heyen, Lucas Downing, Brock Loschen, and Royce Loschen.  She was preceded in death by a brother; D. F. “Bud” Wright.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  She was always ready for the next party dressed in sparkles and heels.  She will be dearly missed for her fun stories and laughter.

Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers, American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or charity of donor’s choice.

Condolences may be made at Freesefh.com

Freese FH web 12/11/2021

Shirley Maxine Leird

 ALLERTON — Shirley Maxine Leird, 92, of Allerton passed away Thursday (Dec. 2, 2021).

Joines Funeral Home, Newman, will handle arrangements. There will be a graveside service at GAR Cemetery, Homer, on Dec. 11, at 10a.m. with the Rev. Clyde Snyder officiating.

Mrs. Leird was born on Jan. 19,1929. She was the daughter of Virgil and Ethel Taylor. She married John Leird on Nov. 27, 1949, at the Homer Methodist Church. She was a member of the Allerton Methodist Church.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Shirley B. Taylor; two nieces, Luann (Bill) Nanneman of Columbia, Mo., and Kimberly (Steve) Welborn of Kildeer; several great-nieces and -nephews; and longtime friends, Angie Ruwe and Ron Brewer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Leird; brothers, Max Taylor and Larry Taylor; sister-in-law, Shirley Lou Taylor; and nephew, Tim Taylor.

She went to Lost Grove country school and Homer High School. She attended beautician school in Champaign and operated a beauty shop in her home for several years. Shirley and her mother owned a ladies clothing store in Homer. She worked as a bookkeeper for Allerton Implement. She enjoyed sewing and even made wedding dresses.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Allerton Methodist Church, Homer GAR Cemetery or the Homer American Legion.

The family would like to invite everyone to lunch immediately following the service, which will be at the Lincoln Street Lounge, Broadlands.

NG 12/7/2021

Terry L. Libka

HOMER — Terry L. Libka, 67, of Homer passed away at 6:17 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at Arcadia Care, Danville.

Terry was born Jan. 26, 1954, in Champaign, to Leo and Carolyn Larrance Libka.

Surviving are three daughters, Lacey (Michael) Blue of Huntington, Ind., Dallas (Matthew Varrecchia) Libka of Akron, Ohio, and Tiffany (Joel) Wright of Fithian; one sister, Shelley (Gary) Place of Homer; nine grandchildren, Reagan Blue, Gigi Blue, Kinley Blue, Spencer Brown, Anthony Varrecchia, Maddison Varrecchia and Karsyn Varrecchia; one nephew, Andy (Kirsten) Place and family; and one niece, DeEtta Miller and family.

Terry was a farmer who volunteered for the Homer Legion at the G.A.R. Cemetery. He was a Boy Scout and loved fishing and reading, especially western books. He was an auctioneer who enjoyed Barrett-Jackson auctions. He was a good cook and loved farming and cattle. He loved going to Las Vegas.

Terry was really talented and could do just about anything. He was fearless and quick witted. He always had a story. He loved his parents, aunt and uncle and many friends who passed on. Hope he’s having the best time drinking a beer with them and reminiscing about the good ole times! 

Private graveside rites were held at G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Chaplain Glenn Corbly officiated. 

Memorials to any local 4-H or FFA program. Robison Chapel, Catlin, handled the arrangements. Online condolences at robisonchapel.com. 

NG 12/7/2021

Richard K. Lindstrom

 Richard K. Lindstrom, 72, of St. Joseph passed this life to eternity on Thursday December 2, 2021 at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph, IL. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview following the service. Pastors Kris Light and Judy Ridlen will officiate.

 Richard was born January 12, 1949 to Rueben E. Lindstrom and Josephine M. Lindstrom (Anderson); he was their only child. They preceded him in death. He married Priscilla Jo Walker on September 16, 1978; she survives.

 Richard was a member of University Place Christian Church, Champaign. Born and raised in the Galva and Kewanee, IL area, he graduated from Kewanee High School in 1967 and then studied at Blackhawk College and the University of Illinois. He was a Realtor and member of the Champaign County Association of Realtors for 45 years; owning his own firm Beacon Realty.

 Richard also loved antiques and researching a piece was what he enjoyed most. His passion in antiques was Chinese and Japanese porcelain.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Richard's name be made to University Place Christian Church, 403 S. Wright St. Champaign, IL 61820 or Grace Lutheran Church 313 S. Prospect Ave Champaign, IL 61820.

Freese FH 12/7/2021

Norma Jean Olds

 Norma Jean Olds, 92, of Sidney passed away at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney with Rev. Barry West officiating.   Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Friday at the funeral home.

Norma Jean was born October 20, 1929 in St. Elmo, Il, a daughter to Samuel Shannon and Myrtle Ruth Stine Fristoe.  She married Fred Olds on November 21, 1966 in Corinth, MS, he survives.  Also surviving are six children; Larry (Barbara) Berg of Effingham, Gary (Deborah) Berg of St. Elmo, Karen (Ronald) Omark of Danville, Sharon Fulton of Chicago, Michelle Holland of Altamont, and Robin (Mike) Kuhnline of Brighton, nine grandchildren; Jason (Sara) Berg, Victoria Omark, Ben Omark, Alicia (Lantz) Wills, Erica (Kris) Biggs, Adam (Kelly) Sloan, Amanda Sloan, Rebecca (Brian) Sass, and Drew (Crystal) Harlow, many many great-grandchildren, and sister; Joyce (Everett) Smithson of Farina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister; Mary Lou Fristoe.

Norma Jean was a homemaker, a wife, a mother and a gardener.  She was a member of the Sidney Christian Church where she volunteered much of her time.  She also volunteered her time at the Sidney Grade School and at nursing homes.

Memorials may be made to Oblong Christian Children’s Home or donor’s choice.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH website 12/2/2021