Carl "Scott" Hunter

 

Carl "Scott" Hunter 81 of St. Joseph passed away at 1:30 A.M. Wednesday July 27, 2022 at Clark-Lindsey, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Monday August 1, 2022 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Pastor Kathy Murphy will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Scott was born October 14, 1940 at Urbana. The son of Carl E. and Edna (Scott) Hunter. He married Darlena Kay Richards on September 23, 1962. She preceded him on July 20, 2010.

He is survived by his daughters; Linda Christine Farris of Pikeville, TN, Pamela Jill (Todd) Young of Monticello. Three grandchildren Meghan (Thomas) Foust, Devyn (Spring) Morgan and Thomas M. Young. Sisters; Helen Joyce (Jim) Staff of Vandalia, IL and Betty Joan Butkus of Woodstock, IL. Several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Mary Ellen Hunter, Carolyn Sue Pinney, Judy Seaton.

Scott was a 1958 Graduate of Champaign High School. He started in the newspaper business at a young age delivering papers in Vandalia. He continued that by working in the News- Gazette mailroom in high school. After high school he went to work for the Urbana Courier in the pressroom as a apprentice, moving on to journeyman then night pressroom Forman. When the Courier closed Scott and Darlena started The Leader Newspaper in Ogden printing the first paper on June 14, 1979. Everyone recieved a copy in their coverage area in the mail.

He retired and sold the paper to care for his wife and spend more time with his family. Scott had a great sense of humor and was just a little stubborn. He liked spending time with his grandchildren,  fishing, enjoying the outdoors, traveling and watching football games and Illini basketball games.

 His hobbies were woodworking and making clocks. He joined the C-U Woodshop in 2010. Scott also liked to talk history and politics.

 Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Freese FH 7/28/2022

Zeke Daniel McKinney

 

COWDEN — Zeke Daniel McKinney, 44, of Cowden, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Monday (July 25, 2022) at home.

Zeke was born on March 9, 1978, in Urbana, the son of Jack McKinney and Carolyn Sue (Frerichs) McKinney. He owned and operated McKinney Landscaping in Seymour, Tenn. Zeke enjoyed time spent with his loved ones.

Surviving are his parents, Carolyn Sue McKinney of Cowden and Jack (Carolyn Faye) McKinney of Seymour; grandparents, Jo Ann Severns of Cowden and Harris (Marge) McKinney of Urbana; son, Tristen McKinney of Sevierville, Tenn.; brothers, Troy (Sabrina) McKinney of Kodak, Tenn., and Travis McKinney of Sevierville; sister, Crystal Sexton of Seymour; and one niece, one nephew and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John Severns.

Funeral services will be at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home, Cowden, with Pastor Nate Harper officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of services. A private family burial will take place in Holly Hills Memorial Park, Knoxville, Tenn. Lockart-Green Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Zeke’s honor at lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.

NG 7/29/2022

Shaun Viles Knipfer

 THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Shaun (Viles) Knipfer, 62, from the hometown of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 19, 2022, after a 7-year battle with cancer.

Shaun was born July 6th, 1960, in Champaign County, the daughter of Wanda & Wendell Viles (both deceased now).

She graduated from St Joseph-Ogden High School in 1978, and then graduated from Parkland College as a surgical technician in 1980.

Shaun married Delmer “Buddy” Knipfer, her high school sweetheart, on June 7th, 1980, when they began their lives together for 42 years of marriage. Shaun went back to Parkland College in 1990 and graduated as a registered nurse working in operating rooms. She worked in several hospitals: Burnham Hospital & Carle Hospital in Champaign-Urbana, and then Sherman Hospital and Alexis Brothers Hospital in the suburbs of Chicago. She was very proud to be an operating room nurse, but we believe she worked more for the social interaction with her peers and doctors than the work. That was her gift. Every room she entered was filled with her love of life, friends, music, and compassion. If you knew her, she left you with admiration and a smile. She loved vacations, cooking, crafting, boating, and having people over at her “all inclusive” hosting of her homes.

In 2015, Shaun was diagnosed with stage four cancer with one year to live. Like the rest of her life, she embraced the situation and showed the same spirit and love for life to defy those odds for another seven years. Shaun and her husband retired in 2016 and started to snowbird to Florida. Ultimately they moved to Florida permanently, where she was surrounded with new friends that had the same admiration of such a strong soul. She left this world on her own terms. She was on their pontoon boat four days before she passed. We can all still hear her laugh!

Shaun is survived by; her husband, Delmer “Buddy” Knipfer, brother Warren Viles married to Jeanna (Thompson) Viles with nephew Steven Viles and niece Donna (Viles) Hawk with three children Trey, Trent and Nathin. 

Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery of Mayview with a private graveside service to be held and a celebration of life event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Donations on her behalf can be made to Parkland College in Champaign.

NG 7/24/2022

Mary Lou Webber

 Tilton, Illinois – Mary Lou Webber, 85, of Tilton, Illinois passed away at 1:51 am on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Accolade Healthcare, Danville, Illinois.

Mary was born May 29, 1937, in Urbana, Illinois to Hiram Wesley and Grace Mae (Grigsby) Knott. She married Earl M. Webber on June 5, 1955, in Danville, Illinois. He preceded her in death on January 20, 2016. Surviving are: two daughters: Debbie (Dave) Cornett and Phyllis (Chris) Clem; two sons: Earl Duane (Kimberly) Webber and David B. (Mary) Webber; seven grandsons: Allen (Renee) Cornett, Brian Cornett, John (Nicole) Clem, Wes Webber, Earl J. (Ashley) Webber, Andrew (Emilie) Webber, and Ryan (Hilary) Cerutti; three granddaughters: Teresa Cornett, Angela Clem (Mario Altius), and Amber Martin; thirty-two great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and several family members.

Mary graduated in 1955 from Danville High School. She worked at Vermilion County title for over 50 years doing title and abstract work. She enjoyed baking, knitting, crocheting, gardening, and flowers.

Funeral services 12 noon on Monday, July 25, 2022, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois with Pastor Kevin Cox officiating. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Danville, Illinois. Visitation 11 am to 12 noon on Monday, July 25, 2022, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

Dorothy J. Gordon VanCamp

 Dorothy J. (Gordon) VanCamp, 84, of Danville, Illinois and beloved wife of Larry W. VanCamp transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 5:25pm surrounded by her loving family at Accolade Healthcare of Danville.

Born on May 4, 1938 in Danville, Illinois, she is the daughter of William M. and Orlis L. (Parsons) Gordon. She was married July 6, 1959 in St. Joseph, Illinois to Larry W. VanCamp, who survives. Together they cherished 62 years of marriage.

She is a mother to 4 children, grandmother to 4 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 6 great grandchildren whom she loved and adored.

She will be sadly missed by her 4 children, Dory Bates of Oakwood, Illinois, Carol Fuentes, Larry (Carrie) VanCamp II, and Robert VanCamp all of Danville, Illinois. Four grandchildren, Benjamin (Kelly) Walsh of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Anthony Fuentes, Jr. of Danville, Illinois, Christopher (Tiffany) VanCamp of Clinton, Indiana, Allison (Thanh Le, fiancé) VanCamp of Urbana, Illinois. And six great grandchildren, Landon VanCamp, Preston Fuentes, Alivia Fuentes, Nora VanCamp, Henry Le, and Emmitt Le. Also surviving is her sister, Love Sisson, of Danville, Illinois, along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents, 1 brother, Bill Gordon and 3 sisters, Elsie Ponder, Virginia Leigh and Flora VanValkenburg.

Dorothy took on life as a great leader being an encourager to others in good times and bad. Some of her fondest memories in her life were as a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader when her daughters were school age. She also treasured the relationships she made with many while being a TOPS member in the Danville #315 chapter. She was an elected officer for many years.

Later in life Dorothy would start each morning enjoying coffee with her husband. He doted over her and gladly made her world a better place in numerous ways. She enjoyed conversation reminiscing on what it was like growing up in Danville with her family as a child. She always had a listening ear and offered sound advice to any who asked. She was a great matriarch to the entire VanCamp family as well as a great friend to many throughout her life. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The VanCamp family would like to extend a gracious thank you to OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center staff of doctors and nurses in ER and 4 E/W and OSF Hospice. Also the entire staff at Accolade Healthcare. Their care and tenderness with our Mom is most appreciated.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 10:00 am at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois at 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Burial will be in Atherton Cemetery in Danville. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Please join Dorothy's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at Sunset and Funeral home website.

Danville Commercial News May 30, 2022

Jeffrey Allen Reichard

 Jeffrey Allen Reichard, 53, of Gibson City formerly of Champaign passed away peacefully Monday July 11, 2022 at his home in Gibson City. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to an education fund for Robert and Izabell c/o of Denny Reichard 1480 East Pecos Road, Unit 3071; Gilbert, Arizona 85295

Jeff was born October 21, 1968 in Anderson, Indiana. A son of Dennis L. and Susan Mae Williams Reichard. They have preceded him in death.
He is survived by his children Izabell Reichard and Robert Reichard of Gibson City. A brother Denny (Tricia) Reichard of Gilbert, Arizona and Michelle (Billy) Warren of Champaign. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends also survive.
Jeff enjoyed gaming, fishing, and the challenge of fixing electronics. He cheered for the University of Illinois and the Chicago Cubs. Being with family was most important to him and his favorite time. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Jeffrey Allen Reichard, please visit our flower store.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jeffrey-reichard-obituary?id=35790084

Elizabeth Christein Snider

 
Elizabeth Christein Snider was born in Ogden, Illinois on November 11, 1930 to Alice (Skinner) and Marion Christein. Although her clever mind and artistic acumen were apparent from the start, these young parents in rural Illinois could certainly not have envisioned the life in store for their small baby girl. Elizabeth and her parents moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where she attended Howe High School and at age seventeen married Stanley W. Snider, from Pleasant View, Indiana. By the time these two were 20 years old they had two children. They were equally aspirational and strategized to achieve shared goals. As a young mother, Liz served as president of the PTA and engaged in many creative pursuits such as making costumes for dance performances, designing and sewing clothes, and painting backdrops and murals for school performances. 

In 1965, the family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where she began working as an interior designer for Hemenway Home Furnishers. Her innovative designs and charismatic personality quickly generated a clientele and, at the age of 37 having already been married for 20 years, she transformed herself from a 1950-60’s housewife into a 1970-80’s glamour girl. Once known as Betty Ann, she now was called Liz. She became a blond, moved into a downtown Chicago high-rise located between Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue, drove a Porsche sports coupe, and worked for Futorian Manufacturing Corporation as a furniture designer. One of her most successful early designs was the now ubiquitous shearling bean bag chair. 

While in Chicago, she remarried twice. First, to David Haid, acclaimed architect and protege of Mies Van Der Rohe, and later married war hero and successful business man Alan Drey, founder of Alan Drey Company (AdCo). Liz and Drey maintained homes in the Water Tower in Chicago and on Island Drive in Key Biscayne. Liz opened her own business, The City Child, retailing high-end American and French children’s clothing. She traveled the world as an accessory buyer in the early days of Pier One Imports and IKEA. She participated in a Porsche Road Rally through France, cruised the Yangtze River through China, took the Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town in Africa, toured the major cities of Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. Thoroughbred horse breeding and racing was a passion. She worked as a volunteer in Ecuador’s Andean Highlands recording native weaving and dyeing techniques. She, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and the actor Jane Seymour, served as co-chairs of the National Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala in Chicago. She approached life with exuberant spirit and great vigor.

In 1990, Liz divorced Drey, then briefly moved to Key Biscayne before arriving in Santa Fe. She opened her store, The Elizabeth Drey Collection, on Galisteo Street and sold hand-crafted leather furniture of her own design. These original creations appeared in Architectural Digest and were sold internationally. After Sante Fe, Liz moved to Montecito, California to live on the beach with her beloved Puli, Gabor. She later returned to New Mexico living briefly in Cochiti Lake then Albuquerque. In 2017, she moved to EdenHill Communities in New Braunfels, Texas, to be near her son and his family. She died on May 18, 2022.

Liz was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Snider (Carol) of New Braunfels, Texas. She is survived by her daughter, Stana Snider (Daniel) McKitrick of Santa Fe; by her sister, Petrine Christein (Garold) Ashley of Chicago; by her grandchildren Rivers Elizabeth Sears of Los Angeles, Christopher (Marsha) Snider of New Braunfels, and Megan Snider (James) Lowe of New Braunfels; by great-grandchildren Eli, Charlotte and Stana Lowe, and Lily and Cooper Snider all of New Braunfels; by niece and nephew Jessica Ashley of Chicago and Seth (Sharon) Ashley of Glen Allen, Virginia.

Those who wish to honor Liz with donations are asked to consider Alzheimer’s Association, Hope Hospice of New Braunfels or Puli Club of America Rescue Trust.

Source:  https://herald-zeitung.com/obituaries/elizabeth-snider-drey/article_7a6e5dba-03ad-11ed-a88a-bb2609f75ce2.html 

Joe T. Smith

 Joe T. Smith, 86 of Sidney passed away at 2:58PM, Monday, July 11, 2022 at Newman Rehab and Health Care Center, Newman.

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Broadlands United Community Church, 300 Lincoln St, Broadlands with Rev. Jessica and Rev. Zach LeCrone officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11AM, Saturday at the church.  A lunch will follow the service at the church.  Burial will be at a later time.

Mr. Smith was born April 28, 1936 in Tuscola, a son to Harold L. and Thelma Tharp Smith.  He married Martha Moore on July 14, 1957 in Broadlands, she survives.  Also surviving are four sons; David (Dianne) Smith of Champaign, Tim (Cindy) Smith of Mahomet, Roger (Isabel) Smith of Mahomet and Bruce (Yu Jing) Smith of Sidney, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister; Mary Carol Struck.

Mr. Smith was the manager of the grain elevators in Broadlands, IL and Rushville, IN.  He was also a DeKalb seed corn dealer.  He also served as Fire Chief on Broadlands and Longview Fire Department.

He enjoyed square dancing, fishing, and camping.  His favorite teams were the Indianapolis Colts and Illinois Fighting Illini.

Memorials may be made to Broadlands and Longview Fire Department, Sidney Fire Department or Circle of Friends Adult Day Center, Champaign.

Freese FH 7/13/2022

Hilda M. Schluter

 
GIFFORD — Hilda M. Schluter went to be with her Lord on Sunday (July 3, 2022) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.  Hilda was born on Aug. 31, 1925, in Compromise Township, the daughter of George and Anna (Hinrichs) Busboom. She married Arnold L. Schluter on March 7, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Hilda was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford, and she was active in the Champaign County Home Extension and Farm Bureau for many years. She worked at Eisner’s in Rantoul during the 1970s. Hilda was a loving farming partner with her husband.

She enjoyed attending Bible studies, reading, sewing, traveling and spending time with her family.

Surviving are three daughters, Anita (Larry) Schluter Wilson of Kankakee, JoAnne Barracks of Rantoul and Kathleen Krewson of Gifford; sister-in-law, Janet Busboom of Green Lake, Wis.; grandchildren, Ingrid (Justin) Brown of Bloomington, Clint (Sara) Krewson of Champaign, Kyler (Farmy) Barracks of Jacksonville, N.C., and Jessica Vickers of Philo; stepgrandchild, Natalee (Robert) Scivally of Kankakee; seven great-grandchildren;  four stepgreat-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Hilda was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold (1994); son, Arthur (1974); brother, Oscar Busboom (2009); and son-in-law, Doyle Barracks (2013).

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford, with Pastor Scott Guhl officiating. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 8, at the church and on Saturday one hour before the funeral service, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. 

NG 7/6/2022

Donna L. Beard

 
Donna L. Beard, 77, of Tavares, Florida, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022. Born to Fred and Reka Sage of Royal IL, she married Carl Beard in 1963 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, Illinois. She worked as a bookkeeper at Sadler Feed Mill and at Ron Stevens Insurance until her retirement in 1999. Donna was a Girl Scout Leader and member of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, Illinois, where she served on the Altar Guild and Church Council. While living in Illinois, she enjoyed spending time each winter in Vero Beach. She loved quilting, thrifting for vintage items for her tea parties, and spending as much time as possible with her family and grandchildren. Donna enjoyed traveling with Carl and her family, camping and exploring many areas of the United States, including Alaska. She and Carl traveled to Costa Rica 11 times to visit their grandchildren, explore the beautiful country, and meet interesting people. After living in central Illinois many years, they moved to Tavares in 2007 from St Joseph, Illinois.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Carl Beard of Tavares, FL; two daughters, Christine MacLean of Mount Dora, FL and Melanie (Roy) Akers of Villa Grove, IL; brother, Myron Sage of Gifford, IL; sisters-in-law, Roxie Sage of Ogden, IL, Millie Sage of St. Joseph, IL and Regina Eich of Bloomington, IL; three grandchildren, Allison (Brennan) Staves of Jacksonville, FL, Caroline MacLean of Tampa, FL,
Cameron MacLean of Jacksonville, FL; and great grandson Miles Mac Staves. Donna is predeceased by her parents; infant son, Michael Wayne Beard; brothers, Wayne and Darold Sage; sister-in-law Marlene Alsip; brother-in-law Graham Eich; and son-in-law Charles “Mac” MacLean. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on July 23 at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal. Memorial donations may be made to Eastern Illinois Food Bank or Kopmann Cemetery.

James “Jack” John Fiscus

 ST. JOSEPH — James “Jack” John Fiscus, 72, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2022, at home in St. Joseph.

Jack was born on Feb. 26, 1950, in Champaign to Myrlen and Margaret (Staver) Fiscus. He married Jessica A. Gaines on Oct. 6, 2008, in Champaign. 

Jack is survived by his wife; three daughters, Pamela Cohan, Debra Ford and Heather Ford; three sons, Joseph Ford, Robert Fiscus and Mike Fiscus; grandchildren Katrina Cohan, Seth Fiscus and others; and a sister, Kathy (Bob) Leischner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Randolph Fiscus; three dogs, Babe, Molly and Tipsy; and a cat, Snowball. 

Jack loved to work on cars and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He also loved to hunt when he was younger.   

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2022, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign. Services will follow at 6 p.m. Burial of cremated remains with military rites will be held at a later date in Grandview Memorial Gardens.

Please join Jack’s family in sharing memories on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

NG 7/5/2022

Donald Lee Blankenship

 
CHAMPAIGN — Donald Lee Blankenship (aka "Barney"), 88, of Champaign, a former long-time resident of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at 5:38 a.m. Sunday, July 3, 2022, from COVID-19.

He was born Jan. 18, 1934, in Chicago and grew up in Kewanee until he entered the The Western Military Academy in Alton, where he graduated in 1953. He served in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War.

In 1962, he completed his training at the University of Illinois Police Training Institute and was hired as a meter maid for the Champaign Police Department, where he became a patrolman and retired after 22 years of service. 

Following retirement, Barney became one of the most die-hard St. Joseph Spartans fans in town and enjoyed driving football equipment to the away games. He loved that during the Fall Festival parade, the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Department would wind up the siren on his request. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and telling stories to anyone that would listen. The problem was you never knew if the stories were true!!!

Barney leaves behind his daughter, Ellen ‘Ellie’ Pohlmann (Rick); and three grandchildren, Robert Joe, Mackenzie Pohlmann and Brynlee Pohlmann. 

He was proud to be an American Christian man who was a firm believer in "if you give respect, you will receive respect."

Barney ("the old man that lived on the alley") requested no services as he never wanted to be a bother to anyone; therefore, the family will respect his wishes.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Peacemaker Project 703. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

Freese FH 7/5/2022