Helen Marie Burwell

 GIFFORD — Helen Marie Burwell, 94, went to join her Lord and Savior in heaven Wednesday (Sept. 22, 2022) joining her husband, Bill, and many other family and friends who went before her.

Helen lived in Arcola all of her young life, graduating from Arcola High School. She married the love of her life, William Burwell, on June 12, 1948, and they lived out their life in Urbana, raising three children, eldest Richard Burwell (Paula), Allen Burwell (Pam) and Teresa Twigg (Tom). She went on to become a beautician, working in several small salons, then taught beauty school and later opened a shop in her home. She served many of her family and clients over the years. She enjoyed crocheting and made many afghan blankets. She was an avid camper, enjoyed square-dancing and played cards with friends on a regular basis.

Helen was blessed to have six grandchildren, Jim (Trish), Susan, Anna, Christy (Jim), Tyler (Brittany) and Laura (Douglas); and eight great-grandchildren, Amber, Jamie, Britney, Chelsea, Rylee, Emersyn, Charlee and Harper.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; and brothers, Paul (Lillian), Don (Pete), Linden (Lou) and Burlie.

She leaves behind many who loved her, including the wonderful staff at Country Health in Gifford and her best friend and roommate of the last several years, Melba Jonnson. I hope all of you never forget what a wonderful part of her life you became. Thank you!

Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, U, with visitation from 1:30 to 3:30. Pastor Jon Scott will officiate. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

NG 9/26/2022

Richard (Dick) Conklin

 Richard (Dick) Conklin, 85 passed away on Thursday evening (September 22) at home.

Dick was born on September 27, 1936 in Urbana, IL to Glen and Sarah Katherine (Mattingly) Conklin.  He married Nedra Frederick on December 26, 1959 in Champaign, IL.

Surviving are his wife Nedra; daughter, Lauri (Kevin) Harden of Tolono; grandsons Nick (Wendy) Harden of Seattle, WA; Clay Harden of Urbana; great grandchildren, Felix and Luna Harden of Seattle, WA; sister, Betty Egbert of Virginia and two brothers, Bill (Donna) Conklin of Phoenix, AZ and Bob Conklin of Packwood, WA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.

He served in the National Guard and the United States Army.

Dick worked at Illinois Power Company for 18 years; was in partnership with his brother Bob owning a PIP Printing franchise in Auburn, WA; and then retired from CERL USA in 1999.

He was an elder at Sidney Christian Church.  Dick was a member of the Sidney Lions Club and the American Legion Post 433.

A visitation (10 to 11 a.m.) and a celebration of life service (11 a.m.) will be held Thursday, September 29 at Sidney Christian Church.  

Memorials may be made to the Sidney Christian Church, Sidney, IL.

Freese FH 9/27/2022

Richard W. Mumm

Richard W. Mumm, 94 of Sidney passed away at 9:20 AM on September 22, 2022 at Reflections Memory Care, Savoy.

Richard was born September 14, 1928 to Luther and Anna Mumm in Sidney.  He married Phyllis Kirby on July 13, 1951, she survives.

Also surviving are their children; Thomas (Cheryl) Mumm of Sidney, Daniel (Dottie) Mumm of Mahomet and Barbara (Stanley) Gerdes of Savoy, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by four brothers; Vernon, Johnny, Robert, and Pete Mumm and a sister; Velma Trees.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany.

He was a home builder all his life and he loved to fish.

There will be no services.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 9/27/2022

Randy "Rock" Rademacher

 GIFFORD — Randy “Rock” Rademacher, 62, of Gifford died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Randy will always be remembered for his courage during difficult times. Unfortunately, this time, the pain was too much to endure, and he went to be with our heavenly Father. 

Randy was born April 29, 1960, a son of Ernie and Marleen Rademacher. He graduated from Armstrong Township High School in 1978. On Nov. 10, 1979, he married Teresa Johnson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford. 

Randy is survived by his wife, Teresa; a daughter, Lindsey (Brian) Keyes of St. Joseph; a son, Michael (Kami) Rademacher of St. Joseph; five grandkids who were his pride and joy, Mason Keyes, Rexley Rademacher, Harper Keyes, Brekyn Rademacher and Grayden Rademacher; his parents; two brothers Rodney Rademacher of Gifford and Rich (Cindy) Rademacher of Penfield; a sister, Ranae (Jeff) Ault of Penfield; his siblings-in-law, Randy (Lorinda) Johnson of Rankin, Marvin (Nancy) Johnson of St. Joseph, Marlys Johnson of Gifford and Gene Severins of Thomasboro; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Randy was preceded in death by an infant brother, Wesley Rademacher; his paternal grandparents, Frank and Hiske Rademacher and John and Grace Huls; his father- and mother-in-law, John and Frieda (Fruhling) Johnson; and a sister-in-law, Carol Severins. 

Randy began his career at Southland Distribution Center in 1979 and worked there until its closure. He then worked for Ehmen Excavating, which led to his career with Local 841 as a heavy-equipment operator. His years with University Construction/O’Neill Brothers Construction Company brought him pride and joy. Having his own business, Rock’s Excavating, and doing side jobs was his hobby in life. Randy retired from Local 841 in June 2021.

Randy was the light of family gatherings, always making jokes and always welcoming a stranger. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 108 E. Church St., Gifford. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at the church, with Pastor Scott Guhl and Pastor Steven Lombardo officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Pavilion Foundation, 809 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820 or St. Louis Children’s Hospital, One Children's Place, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling services. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

NG 9/21/2022

Viola M. Guess

 Catlin, Illinois - Viola M. “Vi” Guess, 93, formerly of Catlin & Homer, passed away at 4:08 pm Sunday, September 11, 2022, in the emergency room at Carle Hospital in Urbana.

Vi was born July 22, 1929, in Sharpsburg, Iowa to Orville & Ruby Hancock Brown. She married Richard G. “Dick” Guess October 17, 1948, in Tingley, Iowa, he preceded her in death August 2, 1988. Survivors include: one son, Steve (Pam) Guess of Odgen, Illinois; one daughter, Carolyn (Jered) McFadden of St. Joseph, Illinois; one brother, Robert (Judy) Brown of Goodyear, Arizona; two sisters, Betty Donaldson and Jean Fitzgerald, both of Lenox, Iowa; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren also survive. Vi was also preceded in death by one daughter Vicki, two brothers, two infant sisters, one grandson Patrick, and two brothers-in-law.

Vi had been employed for 17 years at the Catlin IGA grocery store and served as assistant manager. She enjoyed crafts, hand sewing, and especially her chihuahua’s. She was an exceptional chocolate chip cookie baker and always had a supply on hand for all who enjoyed them. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and was “Grammy” to the greatgrandchildren. She was a member of the Catlin Church of Christ.

Funeral services 12 noon Thursday September 15, 2022, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Todd Creason will officiate. Burial alongside Dick will be at OakRidge Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation is from 10am till 12 noon on Thursday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Memorials to Ruby’s Rescue & Retreat in care of Robison Chapel Post Office Box 79 Catlin, IL 61817. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

Robinson Chapel website 9/13/2022

Dorthea Mae Grider

 CHAMPAIGN — Dorothea Mae Grider, 90, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living, Paxton.

She was born Aug. 11, 1932, in Ogden. Dorothea married James Everett Grider Sr. on Aug. 18, 1951, in Coronado, Calif.

Dorothea is survived by her children, Danny (Rita) Grider, Barbara Anderson, daughterin- law Pat (JR) Grider, Jolene Grider and Patti Grider; grandchildren, Jim, Jennifer, Jeff, Christina, Jill, David and Nick; eight great-grandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, JR; and sons-in-law, John Anderson and Ken Rauckman.

Dorothea was employed as a secretary at the University of Illinois until her retirement in 1994. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, watching sporting events and was an avid reader.

A memorial visitation will be held in Dorothea’s honor from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, followed by a brief memorial service at 6 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign. A private inurnment will take place at Prairieview Cemetery, Savoy.

Memorial donations may be made in Dorothea’s name to the organization of the donor’s choosing. Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

NG 9/10/2022

Joseph "Joe" Jean

Joseph "Joe" Jean, 86 of St. Joseph passed away at 5;28 A.M. Wednesday September 7, 2022 at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

Services will be held at a later date.

Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph in assisting the family will arrangements.

Joe was born October 15, 1935 at Chicago, IL. the son of Joseph and Anna (Seigel) Jean. He married Antoinette Sromek in 1958 at Chicago. She survives.

He is also survived by his children; William (Suzanne) Jean, Ann Marie (David) Brown, Carol Lynn (Kenneth) Klimowski, Edward (Christina) Jean. Grandchildren Joseph, Gloriann, Antoinette, Stephen, Kathryn, Thomas and Morgan. Great-grandfather to Sawyer, Russell, William, Collins and Arthur.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Albert, 2 sisters Dorothy and Margaret.

Joe was a member of St. Walter Catholic Church, Roselle, IL where he served as a usher.

Condolences may be left at Freesefh.com

Freese FH 9/8/2022

Linda Marie Schluter Meek

 THOMASBORO — Linda Marie (Schluter) Meek, 79, of Thomasboro went to be with the Lord on Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 6, 2022) at Illini Heritage Rehab & Health, Champaign.

She was born March 25, 1943, in Champaign, a daughter of John and Emma (Aden) Schluter. She married Frederic B. Meek on Aug. 23, 1970, in Rantoul. He preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 2020.

She is survived by a son, Michael Meek of Champaign; daughter, Marcy Todd of Champaign; and granddaughter, Olivia. Also surviving are three sisters, Marlys Morris of Rantoul, Joan Shurbet of Thomasboro and Diane (John) Dailey of Thomasboro; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Rhodes.

Linda graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1961. She began work at Chanute Air Force Base, where she met the man who would become her husband. She stayed at home to care for her family then returned to Chanute as an administrative assistant in the wing commander's office until the base closed in September 1993. She then worked as an admin in recruiting for Carle Foundation Hospital through Stratum Med for another 15 years.

After her retirement, she volunteered at the Chanute Octave Air Museum. She was a lifelong member of the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul, where she was in the Senior Choir, played piano for the Junior Choir and was a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed crocheting, was on a bowling league and was an avid fan of Illini sports and the Chicago Cubs. But her first love was always her family.

Funeral services will be at 11 Saturday morning at American Lutheran Church, 500 Church St., Rantoul. The Rev. James Lehmann will officiate. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Lutheran Church.

NG 9/8/2022

Ronald Alvin Hilpipre

 HOMER — It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ronald (Ronnie) Alvin Hilpipre, 84, of Homer. Ronald passed away Monday (Sept. 5, 2022).

Ronnie was born on Feb. 25, 1938, in Webster City, Iowa, the son of Alvin and Charlotte Hilpipre. He has two siblings. He served in the U.S. Air Force for a number of years. He married Betty (Ammerman) Hilpipre in 1959 in Webster City, Iowa, then moved to Homer, where he worked for the University of Illinois Willard Airport in Savoy before retiring after 30 years. He also worked for the city of Urbana for 10 years.

He was well loved by all and leaves behind his wife, Betty; three children, Jody Hilpipre, Rhonda Kasper and Scott Hilpipre; his siblings, Michael Hilpipre and Patricia Hoverstein; seven grandchildren, Stephanie, Alona, Kirsten, Austin, Dillon, Nikki and Michael; and 10 great-grandchildren, Aidan, Jordan, Lauryn, Tucker, Paisley, Macelynn, Gracie, Emma, Nevaeh and Riley.

Please join the family for a celebration of Ronnie’s life from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Homer Community Building, 500 E. Second St., Homer.

News-Gazette 9/8/2022

Delores "Dee" Irene Sprague

 

Dolores "Dee" Irene Sprague passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022. She was born on June 21, 1929, the daughter of Virgil Julian and Arvilla L(Menges) Neuman.

She married James E. Sprague in Covington, Indiana. He preceded her in death.
She is also preceded in death by her sons, Rodger D. Sprague, Steven R. Sprague, Phillip L. Sprague, brothers Joseph A. Neuman, Robert E. Neuman, George D. Neuman, Jerry W. Neuman,
a sister, Virgene Neuman Miller, who was her best friend, and a granddaughter Stacy Sprague.
She is survived by her brother Richard D. Neuman of Danville and her grandchildren, Andy Sprague (Champaign), Marybeth Sprague (Scottsdale, AZ), Chad (Paula) Sprague, Matthew Sprague, Jeremiah (Laura) Sprague, Katie (Trent) Seaman all of Williamsport, Indiana, Jamie Sprague and Christina Sprague of Jacksonville, Florida. 17 great grandchildren, 2 great-great Grandchildren and daughters-in-laws, Cheryl Sprague, Jane Sprague and India "Angel" Sprague.
Dee loved spending time with her family and her amazing group of friends who met weekly to drink coffee and enjoy each other's company. She was without a doubt a very spiritual minded person and was also an ordained reverend who married some of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and friends. She was often referred to by most her nieces and nephews as the "favorite" Aunt. one of the kindest ladies to walk this earth and never met a stranger that she wouldn't hold a conversation with. She loved to travel with her sister and her friends all over the world. Dee was an on-the-go person. She enjoyed her yard and took pride in her flowers and trees she had planted. Dee enjoyed watching her hummingbirds feed by her windows and she was fond of Angels and collected a lot of them. Dee will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Graveside service will be held Noon, Friday, September 9, 2022, at Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph, Illinois.
Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com

Danville Commercial News 9/3/2022