Helen June Sanford

 Helen June Sanford Brown, 98, passed away on May 20, 2022 at Farmer City Nursing Home.

Helen was born June 3, 1923 in Robinson, Illinois. A daughter of Elmer and May (Cramer) Sanford.  She married Oggie Brown on February 1, 1944.  They may a home in Sidney, Illinois for many years.  He preceded her in death in 1982.  Together Helen and Oggie had three son, Michael and Ronald who have both passed and Douglas, who survives.  She was also preceded in death by five sisters and a brother.  Helen is also survived by, four grandchildren, nine, great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

Many thanks to all who assisted Helen is her last years.  The wonderful people at Farmer City Rehab and also the wonderful care from Bloomington Hospice.

Private family graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

Memorials may be made to Bloomington Hospice or donor’s choice.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 5/26/2022

John C. Parker

 John C. Parker of Sidney, IL, 57 years old, passed away peacefully at Carle Hospital on Sunday, May 22nd, 2022. He was born on April 24th, 1964, in Urbana, IL, attended Unity schools in Tolono, and lived in and around Sidney his entire life.

John shot a mean game of pool and was quite an accomplished karaoke singer! He absolutely loved being out and about in Urbana-Champaign and surrounding towns; going to see live music, drinking coffee at Café Kopi, attending downtown festivals, and spending time with his friends. John truly enjoyed the simple things in life.

John was also an avidly obsessed Bingo player. You could find him weekly at Monticello Bowl and Lounge, Mean Mugz in Ogden, Shae’s Pub & Grub in Arcola. Over the years, John became a loyal member of the Atomic Bingo family, not just playing but also helping with raffles for people in need, social gatherings, and a bunch of other things this little family does together. Don’t you DARE make fun of Bar Bingo when this group is around! On a serious note though, he found some of his most treasured friendships in this family and he will be missed.

Anyone who knew John was touched by his generous spirit. When John arrived at any social gathering, you could feel Love walk in the room. He was also a friend of Bill W. and beloved by his community; and he wants us to know that he has “been given a quiet place in bright sunshine,” and he’s happy to have escaped disaster with us, having commenced shoulder to shoulder our common journey. Neither we nor John will ever know how many hundreds of people he helped along the way on his path, sharing his experience, strength, and hope.

He is survived by his daughters, Jackie Parker of Ottawa, Kansas, Rachel Phillips (Dave) of Champaign, and Ashley Parker (Gordo) of Champaign; his sisters, Sheryl (Jim) Ingerson of Villa Grove and Doris (Travis) Henderson of Evansville, Indiana, and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard "Red" Parker and Karla Gebbink Parker.

There will be a service open to all at Freese Funeral Home at noon on Saturday May 28, 2022.  If you wish to leave condolences for the family or share about John, please visit: freesefh.com

A celebration of John’s life, which we are calling “The After Party” because John would love that, will follow at Henson Place/Fellowship Circle at 8 Henson Place, Champaign, IL, 61820.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations to either Fellowship Circle, PO Box 71, Champaign, IL 61820 (please put “John Parker” in the memo) or to

WEFT Radio at P.O. Box 1223, Champaign, IL 61824 (donation forms can be downloaded here: http://new.weft.org/downloads/donation_form_spring_2022.pdf).

Freese FH 5/26/2022

Norine M. Rademacher

 
Norine M. Rademacher, 81, of Royal passed away at 8:20 P.M. Wednesday May 25, 2022 at Country Health, Gifford.

 Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday June 1, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 108 E. Church St. Gifford. Pastor Scott Guhl will officiate. Burial will be in Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

 Norine was born November 13, 1940 in Champaign, the daughter of Eilert and Johanna (Ihnen) Buhs. She married Vernon Rademacher on February 8, 1959 at Flatville. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2014.

 She is survived by her daughters; Sharon (Dennis) Osterbur of Gifford, Lori (Ron) Bensyl of Royal, Daughter-in-law Beth Rademacher of St. Joseph. Eight grandchildren; Tammy (Troy) Vallee of St. Joseph, Dallas (Kacie) Osterbur of Penfield, Kristen (Nate) Massey, of St. Joseph, Kyle (Leah) Rademacher of St. Joseph, Kurt (Maria) Rademacher of St. Joseph, Kelsie (Seth) Blackford of Potomac, Ryan (Ariana) Bensyl of Mt. Prospect, Kalee (Mark) Williams of Philo. Great-grandchildren; Jordyn, Macy and Payton Vallee, Emma and Kinsley Osterbur, Korbin, Kadyn and Kolsen Massey, Noah, Ellee, Aubree and Josiah Rademacher, Kaelynn and Kenzie Rademacher, Bryce and Noel Blackford, Gabriella Bensyl. One sister Lela Huls of Gifford.

 She was preceded in death by her son Leon Rademacher, great-grandchildren Kolin and Kora Massey, sister Marlys Buhs.

 Norine was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gifford.

 She enjoyed spending time with her family, going to their ballgames and activities.

 Norine left a legacy of the importance of faith and family.

 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

 Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Samaritan's Purse P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607

Freese FH 5/26/2022

Ronnie Lee Wilson

 

URBANA — Ronnie Lee Wilson, 63 of Champaign passed away at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

He was born May 4, 1959, in Champaign, the son of Robert Lee and Laverne (Elam) Wilson. 

He is survived by three sisters, Christine Griggs of Milwauke and Patricia Wilson-Flowers and Darlene Wilson-Johnson, both of Champaign; a daughter, Taryn Wilson of Savoy; two grandchildren, Aiden Taylor and Myles Short; four nieces; four nephews; his right-hand man, Tony Hutchinson; his dear friend, Stephany Winston-Howard; a special group of longtime friends that were like brothers, Calvin Miller, Danny Douglas and Albert Murray; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Laverne Wilson; a sister, Irish Jean Wilson; a brother, Donny Wilson; and his paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents.

Ronnie attended Unit 4 schools and was a graduate of Champaign Central High School Class of 1978. He was employed by the University of Illinois in the Central Stores Department. He served in the Illinois Army National Guard stationed at the National Guard Armory in Urbana.

Ronnie had a great passion for sports, especially the Illini and Chicago Cubs. Ronnie was a part of “The Fast Four” for Edison Junior High Class of 1975 440-yard relay team. He was a longtime member of Rad Rock Softball Club.

Ronnie also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his family and friends. And we can’t forget his newfound love for Western shows!

While we will miss him dearly. God had a different plan for him and chose to call him home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana, with burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Elder James Harden will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at the funeral home.

NG 5/22/2022

Hellen June Sanford Brown

Helen June Sanford Brown, 98, passed away on May 20, 2022 at Farmer City Nursing Home.

Helen was born June 3, 1923 in Robinson, Illinois. A daughter of Elmer and May (Cramer) Sanford.  She married Oggie Brown on February 1, 1944.  They may a home in Sidney, Illinois for many years.  He preceded her in death in 1982.  Together Helen and Oggie had three son, Michael and Ronald who have both passed and Douglas, who survives.  She was also preceded in death by five sisters and a brother.  Helen is also survived by, four grandchildren, nine, great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

Many thanks to all who assisted Helen is her last years.  The wonderful people at Farmer City Rehab and also the wonderful care from Bloomington Hospice.

Private family graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

Memorials may be made to Bloomington Hospice or donor’s choice.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 5/22/2022

Margaret (Maggie) Kehaulani Webb Orr

 

MAHOMET — Margaret (Maggie) Kehaulani Webb Orr, 73, passed away peacefully at home in Mahomet last Saturday evening (May 14, 2022).

Maggie was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, over a decade before it became our 50th state. As a child in Hawaii, Maggie grew up enjoying everything Hawaii had to offer, especially swimming and surfing in the Pacific Ocean with her friends and family. After graduating from Waipahu High School in 1965, Maggie met a young Navy man from St. Joseph named Ronald Orr. Ron was stationed in Hawaii between Vietnam tours, and the two fell in love. They were married on June 17, 1967, in Hawaii.

According to Maggie’s two sons, she “must’ve loved Dad a lot,” because he convinced her to leave her home in Hawaii and move to central Illinois. She arrived in St. Joseph on a very cold November day in 1968 (with no winter coat!) and settled in over the years, making Illinois her permanent home.

Maggie raised two sons while the family moved from St. Joseph to Bethalto, from Bethalto to Argenta, from Argenta to West Frankfort, from West Frankfort to Mackinaw, and from Mackinaw back to St. Joseph. When she returned to St. Joseph, Maggie earned her associate degree with a focus on travel and tourism from Parkland College. She worked as a travel agent from 1995 to 2022.

Maggie is survived by her sons, Sean (Barbara) and Bryan; and three grandchildren, Zachary Orr, Matthew Orr and Kai Nelson-Orr.

Maggie was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Orr; father, George Webb Sr.; mother, Margaret Kanaka’ole Webb; sister, Diane Webb Akau; and brother, George Webb Jr.

A private family graveside service will be held at Homer G.A.R. Cemetery on Friday, May 20.

Because Maggie’s mother passed away during childbirth, the Salvation Army assisted in raising Maggie in Honolulu. Her sons have asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Salvation Army in Hawaii at hawaii.salvationarmy.org or at any Salvation Army outlet you choose.

NG 5/18/2022

Jose Alejandro Canas Valdez

Josè Alejandro (Poppy’s or Papi Jando) Cañas Valdez , 81, of San Salvador, El Salvador passed away on Saturday, May 7th, 2022, at his residence. 

 Josè was born November 15, 1940, in San Salvador (Cuscatancingo), El Salvador to Rafael A. & Angela Cañas Valdez. The second of five Siblings. Josè married Rosa Navas on July 29, 1962 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

 He is survived by Rosa Navas, as well as, three sons: Alex Cañas of Urbana, Josè Cañas Jr. of Urbana Illinois; Rafael Cañas of Saint Joseph, IL; one daughter: Edith Peacock of Saint Joseph, IL.

Also surviving are his grandchildren Princess Cañas, Liila Bagby, Jennifer Bagby, Wesley Bagby, Nolan Peacock, Andrea Cañas, Kayla Cañas, Amir and Diamond Cañas and three great-grandchildren Ruby Joy Bagby, Clover Cañas and Paz Cañas. 

 He enjoyed working on cars, riding his bike, dancing, and playing pool.

Visitation will be from 11:30 A.M.- 1:30 P.M. Tuesday May 10, 2022 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

 Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

 Online condolences may be made at Freesefh.com

Freese FH 5/14/2022

Karen Pridemore

Karenetta (Karen) Pridemore 79 of Sidney,IL died at home May 5, 2022 after

a 3 year battle of Cancer. She was born Feb 1,1943 at Burnham Hospital in

Champaign IL . She was the daughter of the late Charlie ( Doc) and

Marjorie (Marge Mosely) Potts.



Karen married Larry Pridemore Sept, 6, 1958. They settled in Sidney, IL

She retired from Carle Hospital. Karen enjoyed cruising around Homer Lake

and through the country looking for deer.



Karen was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Marge Potts and

in-laws Ray and Ethel Pridemore.



Survivors include Husband Larry Pridemore of Sidney,  Sons Chuck (Jeri)

Pridemore of Sidney, Rich (Sherry) of Sidney, Daughter. Kelly Pridemore of

Sidney, Sister Pam (Potts) Griffin of Pleasantville, PA. Grandchildren

Jessica (Pridemore) Vandiver of Sidney, Jennifer (Pridemore) LIndsey of

Sidney, Danny Tanner of Hudson, IL, Atlee Hardesty Champaign, IL ,Sarah

Ard of San Diego CA. 13 Great Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews,

Bonus Sister Anita Robinson and Best Friend Velma Wright.



There will be no visitation. Graveside Services Mount Hope (Sidney) Cemetery at a later date.

 Freese Funeral Home 202 W. Main Sidney is assisting the family.

Freese FH 5/14/2022

Jesse W. Penrod

 Jesse W. Penrod, 76, of Champaign passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Illini Heritage in Champaign.

Jesse was born on April 20, 1946, Urbana Township in Champaign County.  Preceded in death; parents; Jesse F. and Violet P. Penrod, sister; Frances (Larry) David, brother-in-law Gerald Bloemker.  He is survived by his children; Anthony (Julie) Penrod of Schofield, WI and Russell (Cindy) Penrod of Kronenwetter, WI; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, sisters; Elizabeth Bloemker and Margaret (Edward) Smith.

Jesse loved to make people laugh, enjoyed movies, fishing (is an urban legend for catching a Sturgeon on Lake Wausau in WI), a retired laborer (who began working at the age of 8), had a big heart and will forever live on in our memories. 

Funeral Service is Tuesday May 17, 2022, at Freese Funeral Home in St Joseph. 302 E Grand Ave, St Joseph, IL 61873. Visitation is from 11:00-12:00 with a worship service to follow. 

The family would like to express a special thanks to all the nurses, CNA’s and staff at Illini Heritage Rehab & Health for their tender care of Jesse.     

Freese FH 5/14/2022

Wendell Gene Viles

 

Wendell Gene Viles, 89, of St Joseph passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 at his home. Wendell was born February 2, 1933 in Champaign County a son of Vesper and Leona (Wright) Viles.  He married Wanda (Craig) Viles on February 25, 1956 and were married for 59 years before she preceded him in death on January 20, 2016.

Wendell was a Korean War veteran for the Navy from 1951-1955 and was a lifelong member of the VFW and American Legion. He worked in central receiving for the University of Illinois in Champaign- Urbana for 34 years and was proudly retired for 34 years. He was a life long Cubs fan, loved his family time, and was always the person consoling / chatting with life-long friends. While retired, he rarely missed home town visitations to share memories and his never ending positive energy.

Wendell is survived by; son Warren Viles married to Jeanna (Thompson) Viles and two grandchildren  Steven Viles and Donna (Viles) Hawk with three great grandchildren Trey, Trent and Nathin.  daughter Shauncey (Viles) Knipfer married to Delmer “Buddy” Knipfer.

Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery of Mayview, Illinois and a gravesite service will be held at a later date.

Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave., St Joseph , is handling arrangements. Condolences may be offered at Freesefh.com.

Freese FH 5/14/2022

Roy McCarty

Roy McCarty, 83, of St. Joseph passed away at 6:24 P.M. Friday May 13, 2022 at his home.

 Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday May 16, 2022 at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Chaplin Glenn Corbly will officiate.

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


 Roy was born September 8, 1938 at Champaign. The son of Onis and Bertie (Rush) McCarty. He married Phyllis Price on June 23, 1956. She survives.

 He is also survived by his son Rodney McCarty of St. Joseph. Two grandsons Joshua McCarty, of Fl and Bryan Cramer of St. Joseph. Nine great-grandchildren. Brother Lorin McCarty. Several nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Roy McCarty.

 Roy retired from the University of Illinois as a Forman in Steam Distribution with over 30 years of service. He served on the St. Joseph Village Board for over 10 years and on the Planning and Zoning Board.

 He enjoyed working with his hands, building things and keeping active. He was a member of the St. Joseph Sportsmans Club.

 In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorials be made to the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District.

Freese FH 5/14/2022

Betty Sue Mahaffey

 HOMER — Betty Sue Mahaffey was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She left this world on Friday, April 15, 2022, at age 80.

Betty was born to the late Fred and Lucille Chatman on Feb. 10, 1942, and grew up in the Elk Creek/Taylorsville, Ky., area on a dairy farm. She learned many lessons on the farm, including the value of hard work and also to take the emergency brake off the Studebaker truck when bailing hay, perhaps learning the hard way that it might catch on fire.

After graduating high school in Taylorsville, she chased a dream to go to college, becoming the first in her family to do so by graduating from Georgetown College in Kentucky. While at college, she met the love of her life, James (Jim) O. Mahaffey, at the school’s library, where she always told her kids that she was only there to study. Betty and Jim married shortly after her graduation until his death in 2011, and they had four sons.

Betty was blessed to find joy in many things throughout her life. She taught elementary school, helped her boys by being a den mother in scouts and actively supporting the boys' many endeavors when they were growing up. Betty painted pictures and loved doing arts and crafts. Betty also felt the calling to be a United Methodist minister and graduated seminary after being out of school for over two decades. Pastor Betty served churches in central and southern Illinois, where she enjoyed sharing, talking and counseling parishioners over the years. After her retirement in 2007, Betty returned with Jim to the family farm she loved and where the foundation for her beliefs began. When Jim died in 2011, Betty traveled to see her children in Illinois for extended periods of time and eventually relocated to be near her boys and their families. Betty truly loved spending time with her family and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty’s survivor’s include four sons, Kenneth A. Mahaffey (Sidonna) of Morrison, Jonathan M. Mahaffey (Kimberly) of Homer, Christopher L. Mahaffey of Decatur and David O. Mahaffey (Becky) of Illiopolis; and was blessed to have 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Betty loved her sister, Martene McKinney, and brother, Freddy Chatman (Devra), and many nieces and nephews.

A family memorial service will be held in Kentucky at a later date as Betty will be laid to rest with her husband, Jim.

In lieu of memorials, the family suggests making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or another cancer research/support facility in her name.

NG 5/4/2022

Max Eugene Baker

Urbana — Max Eugene Baker, 93, of Urbana passed away Monday (May 2, 2022).

Max was born on April 3, 1929, in Champaign, to Florence and Lee Baker. He married Bernida (Bert) Eiskamp on June 24, 1956. She survives.

Also surviving are two children, Gary (Michelle) Baker of Champaign and Lori (Jim Hallett) Baker of Terre Haute, Ind.; four grandchildren, Lindsay (Jeff) Zanoni, Westin Orberson, Tobias Baker and Catlyn Baker; two great-grandchildren, Mattison and Oliver Zanoni; and one sister, Susie (Robert) Eaton of Channahon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Lee Jr. and Don Baker.

Max was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of Local 218 as a sheet metal worker.

Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, May 7, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Burial will be in Beckman Cemetery, Flatville. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, or the Beckman Cemetery Association. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com. 

NG 5/4/2022

Betty Jean Wright

 Betty Jean Wright, 81 of Royal passed away at 6:48 P.M. Monday May 2, 2022 at her home.

 She was born December 23, 1940, in Ashville, NC, to Clyde L. and Ruth V. Edwards. Her mother died when she was 13 years old and she was in the Children's Home of Rockford, IL from 1952-1955. She was fostered to Andy and Barbara Youtzy of rural Winslow, IL. On the farm she was joined with the Youtzy children, Mary Lee, Linda and Greg. She graduated from Lena-Win High School and then graduated in 1960 from the Sterling School of Beauty Culture. She then went to work at Mae's Motif in Freeport, Il. While working in Freeport she meet her future husband James M. Wright and they were united in marriage on July 20, 1963 in Peoria Heights, IL. He preceded her in death on March 20, 2022.

 In 1979 they purchased the Brash Flower Shop in Urbana, she worked at the shop until 1985 when they sold it. She later was a Baker at Eagle Foods, Urbana and a Hostess at Craker Barrel in Des Moines, IA and Urbana.

 While living in Kankakee she received the Award of Merit, from the Kankakee River Patrol for saving the life of a 4 year old boy at Lake Kimberly Joe in Oakdale Acres, IL on May 20, 1977.

 She is survived by her daughters; Lisa A. (Vincent) Perri of Champaign, Courtney S. (Brian Zbinden) Schlueter of Royal. Five grandchildren Lindsey and Michael Perri of Champaign, Maggie,  Jesse and Jake Schlueter of Royal. Sisters Judy (Don) Setzer of Kissimmee, FL, Mary Lee (Kevin) Lingle of Winslow, IL. Brother Greg (Cindy) Youtzy of Kentwood, MI.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents and Foster parents.

 Betty enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, flower gardening and watching the White Sox. Most of all she loved to spend time with her family.

 Private services will be held. Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave.St. Joseph is in charge of arrangements.

Freese FH 5/4/2022

Alivn "Al" H. Ackerman

 Alvin “Al” H. Ackerman, 90, of Urbana, passed away peacefully at his home, Urbana, on May 2, 2022.

Al was born March 17, 1932 in Champaign County, son of Harm and Minnie (Aden) Ackerman. He married Verna (Ihnen) Ackerman November 7, 1954 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She preceded him in death October 24, 2018.

Al was a Korean War veteran. He trained in the military police camp and then spent 16 months in railway security in South Korea. He was a lifelong member of the VFW and American Legion.

After returning home, Al worked as a carpenter for Estes Construction Co, Rantoul, for three years, then as a foreman for Hudson Construction and Huron Development, Rantoul, for nine years, then as general foreman for English Bros, Champaign, for 20 years before retiring. He was an honorary member of Carpenter and Joiners of America for over 30 years. In his spare time he enjoyed drawing up floor plans for new homes. Al also farmed part time his entire life.

Al and his wife, Verna, loved playing golf. They moved to Florida and enjoyed the sport year round for 21 years. They were married 63 years when his wife passed. Al was preceded in death by his wife, their son, Gary, his parents and brother Merl and sister Evelyn

Al is survived by two children, Rick (Annette) Ackerman of Urbana, Connie Wolken (Jeff Dore) of North Venice, Florida; four grandchildren, Jason (Kelly) Ackerman of Edwardsville, Kelly (Kenny) Carter of St. Joseph, Brooke Wolken (Jacob Herbert) of Paxton and Stephanie (Jason) Maier of Thomasboro; and seven great-grandchildren, Maddux, Payton, Lillian, Avery, Gunner, Emma and Jaxon.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 am Thursday, May 5th at Prince of Peace Church 802 E Douglas, St. Joseph, with funeral services immediately following. Burial will be in Beckman Cemetery.

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

Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Church, St. Joseph

Freese FH 5/4/2022

Dennis Duden

 Dennis Duden, 80, passed away suddenly on April 28, 2022 doing what he loved - spending time outdoors and helping a friend.  Dennis was born on October 10, 1941 to John and Anna (Frerichs) Duden.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Luthern Church in Royal, IL.  Dennis was raised in rural Gifford and later Fithian.  He graduated from Oakwood High School in 1959 and remained close to his classmates. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Korea.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marvin, also of Fithian.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Jean Bell, whom he married August 10, 1968.  He was a member of Fithian United Methodist Church.  While he was known more for his witty zingers than for being a romantic, it was obvious to all how much he loved Jean. Dennis always praised her cooking and referred to her as his bride until the day he died.  

Together, they raised their three daughters in his hometown; Christine (Robert) Street of La Canada, CA, Marla (Bruce) Gibson of Belleville, IL, and Debra (Matt) Malick, St. Charles, MO. He was a loving and involved father who attended countless sporting events, coached many softball teams, and spent hours with his girls fishing, raising rabbits and teaching them to live life.  He valued a strong work ethic, both of himself and of his girls. He had a ready smile and sharp wit, which no doubt contributed to his many sayings.  His favorites included, “there are no weenies in this house,” and “you’ve got to be tough to work construction.”  He and his brother, Marvin, owned D&D Construction and spent several decades building custom homes together.  In addition to his work ethic, he was known for being highly skilled at building or fixing anything. He had the mind of an engineer and took great pride in doing things right, oftentimes to the frustration of his family, who didn’t always agree that a row of beans needed to be perfectly straight or that a board required quite so many nails.  He worked hard and sacrificed mightily for his family.

He retired in 2003 and thoroughly enjoyed this phase of his life. He was the proud Papa to four granddaughters (Abigail, Elise, Anna & Ellie) and two grandsons (Sam & Eli.)   In retirement, he passionately pursued his love of shooting.  He was a member of several sportsman clubs.  His shooting friends became like family, and he spent hours traveling to various events in the region. He was saddened when COVID ended his weekly pool game, as he enjoyed spending time with friends away from the range. It’s difficult to say whether he invested more energy in perfecting his shots or in giving his friends a hard time when he beat them.  If you believed his stories, he won most of the time.

His final few years were challenging but still rewarding. After a serious accident, his stubbornness motivated him through a difficult recovery and allowed him to retain more mobility than was expected. He was grateful for the kind and skilled care of the physical therapists at Carle’s In-Patient Rehab unit and the support of his friends and family.  He kept his wit and sense of humor despite dealing with significant pain, and he relied on pure grit to stay active because “I can’t just sit here!” In his last conversation, he talked about his love for his wife and said that he “wake[s] up every day and doesn’t take it for granted.”

A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph, IL from 3:00-5:00 pm  with a funeral service at Fithian United Methodist Church 101 E Clinton St. Fithian on Monday at 10:30 am.  Burial will follow at Stern Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made in his honor to Fithian United Methodist Church or St. Joseph Sportsman’s Club.

Freese FH 5/1/2022