Lonnie R. Freeman

Lonnie R. Freeman, 67 of Royal passed away at 7:40 A.M. Saturday November 26, 2022 at O.S.F. Sacred Heart Medical Center, Danville.

 A Celebration of Lonnie's life will be held from 3:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Friday December 2, 2022 at Freeman's Tavern in Royal.

 Lonnie was born July 1, 1955 in Urbana. The son of Richard D. and Joyce (Clark) Freeman. He married Debbie Pearson on May 5, 1984, in Royal. She survives.

 He is also survived by his daughters; Brooke (John Ross) Wilsey of Royal, Taylor (Ryan) Bird of Geneva, IL. Four grandchildren; Easton Dean Wilsey, Avery Leigh Wilsey, Tayleigh Elizabeth Bird and Jocelyn Anne Bird. Aunts Linda Hartley of Covington, IN, Suzanne Zumwalt of Danville. Several cousins.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Larry Freeman.

 Lonnie graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1974 and from DACC in 1976 where he played baseball.

 He retired from SuperValue in 2006. He then operated the family tavern in Royal.

 Lonnie loved the pool and watching his grandchildren swim. He was a Cubs and Bears fan. He enjoyed  E.I. Baseball which he played for many years. He also liked going to the movies.

 Memorials may be made to the Royal Youth League. 

Freese FH 11/28/2022

Ernest Lee Goyne

 Ernest Lee Goyne 85, of St. Joseph passed away Monday November 21, 2022 at home with his loving family at his side.

 Per his wishes, there will be graveside services for the family.

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

 Ernest was born October 18, 1937 in Urbana, son of Harold and Edna (Cox) Goyne. He married his true love Sue Marshall on January 11, 1958. She preceded him in death on January 14, 2019.

 They have two surviving children: Beverly (Jim) Barden of Urbana, and Donald (Mellisa) Goyne of Chattanooga, TN, 7 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Brother Richard (Wanda) Goyne of Sherman, IL.

 Ernie is preceded in death by his loving wife, their oldest son Larry and their youngest son Ronald Goyne, his parents and his sister.

 Ernie and Sue moved to St. Joseph in 1966 where they built a home and raised their family.

 Ernie started Ernie's Brake Shop and Garage in St. Joseph in 1970 and retired in 2011. After retiring he enjoyed doing a little wood working, helping his neighbors with auto repairs and being a handy man around the house. He will be remembered for his since of humor and growing tomatoes. He really enjoyed growing tomatoes and having bragging rights to the first ripe tomatoes. He would start them from seed in January and baby them to produce as many as they could.

 He also proudly served his country in the Army National Guard.  

Freese FH 11/22/2022

Barbara Silver

 

Barbara Silver, 86 of Champaign, formerly of Philo, passed away at 1:35AM, Monday, November 14, 2022 at home.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.  Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 26 at the funeral home.

Mrs. Silver was born February 20, 1936 in Charleston, a daughter to Russell and Thelma Bryant Johnson.  She married Robert Silver on May 20, 1961, he preceded her in death on May 14, 2016.

Surviving are two sons; Aric (Laurie) Silver of Royal and Dale (Andrea) Silver of Champaign, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son; Ted Silver, and a sister; Elizabeth Coffey.

She enjoyed camping, square dancing, playing cards, reading books and croetching.

She was a member of Ladies Auxiliary in Philo and St. Joseph and Philo Presbyterian Church.

She retired from Social Security Administration.  She also was employed by Unit 7 as an aid, and Philo Exchange Bank.

Memorials may be made to Philo Presbyterian Church.

Freese FH 11/19/2022

Carol Whitfield

 Carol Whitfield, 88 of Sidney passed away at 7:54AM, Friday, November 18, 2022 at home.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

Mrs. Whitfield was born September 24, 1934 a daughter to Ollen and Minta Liddle Shelby.  She was raised by Ollen and Helen Shelby.  She married Don Rusher he preceded in death in 1978.  She married Gary Whitfield on June 20, 1987, he preceded in death on January 21, 2004.

Survivors include; three children; Wanda (Johnny) Scott, Rex Rusher and Teri (late Dan) Weisman, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, two sisters; Kay Shelby Akers and Lois Ann Shelby Jaggers, and two brothers; Elba Shelby and Denny Shelby.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters; Marie Shelby, Shirley Scrimpsher, and Christine Raymond, and two brothers; Rusty Hadler and Earl “Skeeter” Hadler.

She was employed at Steak n Shake for 32 years, retiring at age 74.  She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 11/19/2022

Mary T. Hull Evans

 ST. JOSEPH — Mary T. (Hull) Evans, 81, of St. Joseph passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Howell County, Iowa, to Loretta and Fred Hull. Her parents and seven siblings preceded her in death. Mary married John Evans in 1968, and they had two sons, Michael of Lincoln and Kevin of Peoria. Mary had two daughters from previous marriage, Debbie of Long Neck, Del., and Vicki of Barrington. She had 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mary enjoyed spending time with her family and her dog, Bart. She was a fan of Illini basketball.

She was an active member of St. Joseph Church of Christ.

A Gift of Life Celebration will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. Joseph Church of Christ. Donations can be made to the church at 226 E. Sherman St., St. Joseph, IL 61873.

NG 11/17/2022

Teressa L. Morgan

Teressa L. Morgan, 59, of St. Joseph, IL, died peacefully with her loved ones by her side on Saturday, Nov 5th, 2022, at Carle Hospital in Urbana following a 16 month battle with brain cancer. Teressa is survived by her mother, Pat (Smalley) Yates, her husband Dan Morgan, brother Chet Tussey and her ‘bonus' daughter, Alexis (Morgan) Call. She joined her beloved grandparents in Heaven. She graduated from Woodlawn, IL, High School in 1981, then from SIU-C in 1985. She worked in sales, often distinguishing herself through her efforts and personality.

Teressa loved to shop for antiques and go to auctions, read, garden, and indulge in chocolate. She spoiled her grandchildren, Carson and Caroline Call with love and adoration. Teressa was always thinking of others and lived her life, and faced her death, with a positive attitude and giving spirit. Finding the best in other people and putting them at ease was her superpower, and she wielded it freely. Despite some extraordinary challenges that life presented her she never waived from her optimistic outlook.

Teressa will be cremated. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday November 12, 2022 from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.  

In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Freese FH 11/7/2022

Donald E. Woodward

 

Donald E. Woodward 89 of St. Joseph passed away at 10:00 A.M. Monday November 7, 2022 at his home.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday November 11, 2022 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Pastor Jim Davis will officiate. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Don was born March 1, 1933 in Champaign. The son of Thomas T. and Dilila (Buckner) Woodward. He married Shirley Huffman on May 12, 1956 in St. Joseph. She survives.

 Also survived by his children; David E. Woodward of Chesterfield, MO, Steven R. (Gail) Woodward of Woodland Park, CO, Michael D. (Lori) Woodward of Tolono, Cheryl Ann (Derek) Booton of Mebane, NC. Six grandchildren; Sarah Paige Orwick, Josh Woodward, Justin Woodward, Nathan Woodward, Madeline Easton, Andrew Booton. One step-grandson Justin Arbogast. Three great-grandchildren. Three step great-grandchildren.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Arlene (Al) Dierkes.

 Donald was a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

  He retired from the University of Illinois as a Housing Forman.

  Donald enjoyed traveling the country with his wife in their RV. He enjoyed his hobby of model trains and was a member of local train hobbyist group.

Freese FH 11/7/2022

Sandra (Sandy) J. Hennigh

 Sandra (Sandy) J. Hennigh, 75, of Sidney passed away in her home on Friday November 4, 2022 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Wednesday November 9, 2022 at Freese Funeral Home 202 W. Main St, Sidney.  Casual attire is requested.

 

Sandy was born February 2, 1947 in San Francisco, California. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Gearld Hennigh.

 

She is also survived by her children; Amy (Bob) Hennigh, Loren (Jamie) Hennigh, and Raymond (Lyndsie) Hennigh. Beloved grandchildren; Domenick, Tysen, Marcos, Antonio, Maverick, and Indigo.

 

Sandy attended University at Davis College in California and graduated with a degree in biochemistry. Sandy worked as a laboratory technician at Provena Covenant Medical Center and retired after 37 years of service.

 

Sandy was a devoted mother and grandmother. She had a green thumb and could make anything grow. When she wasn’t tending to her flower gardens, she could be found reading, or watching Illini basketball. 

 

Sandy will be greatly missed and memories with her will always be cherished. 

Freese FH 11/6/2022

Bruce A. Miller

 HOMER — Bruce A. Miller, 85, of Homer passed away unexpectedly at home Tuesday (Nov. 1, 2022).

Bruce was born in Chicago on Feb. 16, 1937, to William and Leona (Stinson) Miller.

He married Jan (Rademacher) Miller on Aug. 7, 1971.

He is survived by his wife, Jan, and a sister, Nancy (Richard) Jamison of Homer. He has four children, Eric Miller of Tempe, Ariz., Cyndi Pence of Walla Walla, Wash., Kim McGuire of Champaign and Chris (Jay) Coburn of Matteson. He has nine grandchildren, Jason (Sharon) Williams of Chandler, Ariz., Tyler (Alexis) Coburn of Chicago, Stacy McGuire of Perrysburg, Ohio, Janette Ramos of Chicago, Cory Eck of Lewiston, Idaho, Christopher John (Amanda) Coburn of Bonfield, Patrick (Alicia) McGuire of Bloomington, Megan Eck of Lewiston, Idaho, and Nathan (Kaylee) Coburn of Kansas City, Mo. He has eight great-grandchildren with another one on the way.

Bruce graduated from Mahomet High School and received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he also was a student trainer for the Illini football team during the Pete Elliott era. He spent his entire adult life teaching, counseling and coaching, including the Ridge Farm school district, Homer/ Heritage school district and Urbana High School. He was instrumental in initiating the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Homer High School. In addition to his public school teaching, Bruce wanted to impact people’s lives outside of the classroom and off the football field. He chose to do that by teaching private swimming lessons. What began as a small summer job teaching at the Chief Illini Motel at Five Points in Urbana turned into a year-round passion. In the late 1970s, he opened Miller Aquatics and Health Club in Homer. Students from all four corners of the state, as well as some from out of state, came to learn swimming technique and life lessons from Bruce for over 60 years, up to and including the day before his passing.

He was best known for his years of influencing and coaching students in football, swimming and beyond. He was a diehard Illini fan who regularly attended football, basketball, volleyball and swimming events. He was thrilled with the success of this year’s football team and looked forward to the expected success of the upcoming basketball season.

Bruce was a 40-year member of Twin City Bible Church and most recently a regular attender of C-U Church. He dedicated his life to the Lord and encouraged others he came in contact with to do the same.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm St., Champaign. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Twin City Bible Church, 806 W. Michigan Ave., Urbana. Parking will be permitted on the side streets around the church for the funeral service. Pastors Bill Meier and Shannon Caughey will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Champaign. Bruce will be wearing his Illini attire, and we encourage guests to do the same.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Tom Jones Challenger League, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or your local humane society.

NG 11/6/2022

Dorothy Elizabeth Eiskamp

 ST. JOSEPH — Dorothy Elizabeth Eiskamp, 93, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at her home.

Dorothy was born Feb. 7, 1929, the daughter of Jesse Cox and Florence Loar. She married Henry W. Eiskamp on Feb. 17, 1951. He preceded her in death on Feb. 13, 1998.

She is survived by a daughter, Diane K. Eiskamp (Rick Denhart) of St. Joseph; two grandchildren, Elizabeth A. Baker (Shane) and Joshua W. Eiskamp (Chelsea); four great-grandchildren, Austin (Lexi) Baker, Riley Baker, Kaytlyn Baker and Isaiah Eiskamp; a sister-inlaw, Lorraine Cox; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

After moving from the farm to St. Joseph, she worked at the Pizza Plant in St. Joseph. She was a babysitter to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She loved doing word searches and watching “The Price is Right” and “Family Feud.” She loved putting together puzzles, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She requested no visitation.

NG 11/6/2022

Estil Newton Carter

 DANVILLE — Estil Newton Carter, 99, of Danville went to be with his Lord and savior on Thursday (Nov. 3, 2022) at 8:52 a.m.

Estil was born on March 18, 1923, the son of Levi and Lydia (Yeager) Carter, in Clemons, Iowa. He married Bernadine Parr on May 12, 1946, in rural Farmer City, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 28, 2017.

Survivors include his two sons, Tim (Mary) Carter of Danville and Bennett (Debbie) Carter of Indianapolis; one daughter, Becky Carter of Danville; one sister in- law, Joan Cox of Clinton; three grandchildren, Sara (Jon) Hill of Joplin, Mo., Lauren (Nestor) Montes of Lebanon, Ind., and Collin (Michelle) Carter of Carmel, Ind.; and four great-grandchildren, Audrey, Isaac, Levi and one due next March.

Estil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bernadine; and five siblings, Vincent, Edytha, Iris Jean, Emily Ellen and Zenobia.

Estil was a member of CrossRoads Christian Church in Danville. He graduated from Robinson High School in 1943, where he was on the football, wrestling and track teams. He served as a radio technician in the U.S. Navy twice, first during World War II and then during the Korean War. Estil also served in the National Guard between tours of duty in the Navy. Prior to moving to Danville, Estil served as an elder at Bethel Church in Farmer City, taught Sunday school at Sidney United Methodist Church, was a member of the Sidney Lions Club, a Boy Scout leader in Sydney, served as an ESDA coordinator in Sidney for many years and was an amateur radio operator who enjoyed making new friends over the radio from all corners of the world. He also played golf until he was 96.

Estil retired from the University of Illinois, where he worked in the Coordinated Science Laboratory. He was always happy to help anyone in need and spent many of his retirement years helping others. His advise to us would be to “Make America Great Again!”

A celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Miles Clark will officiate. Burial will be in Danville National Cemetery with military rites accorded by American Legion Post 210. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in Estil’s memory to Black Box International, P.O. Box 188 Joplin, MO 64802, the Danville Rescue Mission or the Disabled American Veterans organization.

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

NG 11/5/2022

Matthew Karl Drake

Matthew Karl Drake, 38, of Rantoul died at 6:41 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2022, in Homer.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2022, at Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy.

Matthew was born on October 6, 1984, in Champaign, the son of Karl and Mary Marberry Drake.

Survivors include his father of St. Joseph, children, Izabella Schumacher, Bayleigh Drake, Emitt Schumacher and Conner Schumacher of Rantoul, brother and sister in Law, Nicholas and Jennifer Drake and his nephews Liam and Aiden Drake of Knoxville, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Matthew held multiple roles for Schnucks in both Champaign and Urbana.

His children were his greatest joy.

Matthew loved cars, motorcycles, electronics, science fiction, music, and helping anyone he could.

In lieu of flowers, please don’t feel obligated but if you would like to make a donation in my brother’s memory and for his children he leaves behind, you can do so through Zelle (likely in your bank app already) to the phone number 217-621-4083.

Venmo will also work at @nick-drake25 last four of phone is 4083.

Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com.

Renner Wikoff 11/4/2022

Daniel J. Albers

 
FAIRMOUNT - Daniel J. Albers, 38, of Fairmount passed away at 6:41 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with funeral services to follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Shawn Boylan will officiate. Burial will be in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian.

Daniel was born Aug. 26, 1984, in Urbana, the son of James and Barbara (Ashley) Albers. He married Rachel Douglas on Oct. 15, 2011, in Urbana. She survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Holden and Owen Albers; his mother, Barbara Albers of Fithian; a sister, Chandra (Chuck) Fryer of Marseilles; a brother, Kevin (Breana) Albers of Fithian; and two nephews, Emmor Albers and Charlie Fryer.

He was preceded in death by his father; his maternial grandparents, Jim and Betty Ashley; and his paternal grandmother, Hilda Albers.

Daniel worked at the University of Illinois since 2009 as a network engineer with Technology Services. He was also a member of the employee engagement committee. He always had a smile on his face and was respected by his coworkers.

Dan was a member of the Fairmount Village Board, the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Department and Trinity Lutheran Church in Urbana.

Daniel was always willing to help out and do for others. He also did what it took to make his family happy and support them to make the best memories.

He also enjoyed working on motors and motorcycles. He was a member of the Honda CB750 Motorcycle Group.

NG 11/2/2022

Lucas S. Bohlen

 

HOMER — Lucas S. Bohlen, 36, of Ogden passed away Saturday (Oct. 29, 2022).

Lucas was born in Urbana on April 5, 1986, to Elton and Lea Bohlen.

He married Christina Stathos on Aug. 28, 2022, in Champaign.

He is survived by his wife; father, Elton Bohlen; daughters, Zara and Mila; sisters, Jessica Sprouls (Dustin) Amanda Thomas, Marissa Taylor (Michael) and Cyrenus Bohlen; and several nieces and nephews.

Lucas is a graduate of St. Joseph High School. He graduated from Wyo-Tech as a diesel mechanic and worked for First Student. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Champaign.

For anyone who knew Luke, he was such a kind, caring, hardw orking young man. Always willing to help others in need, no project was too big for him to take on. He loved spending his time in the garage working with his dad, spending time in nature, listening to music, playing his guitar, going on adventures and enjoyed goofing around.

Funeral services will be at 2p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at St. John Lutheran Church, 509 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign, with visitation at 1 p.m. prior to service time. Pastor Jeff Caithamer will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. A celebration of life will take place at a later date to honor Lucas, Daniel and Matthew.

Memorials may be made for a tree planting in his name, and condolences to the family at renner- wikoffchapel. com.

Troy Irven Brand

 URBANA — Troy Irven Brand, 54, of Normal passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, at home.

He was born Oct. 17, 1967, in Urbana, the son of Robert Irven and Peggy Louise (Matsler) Brand.

Troy is survived by his mother, Peggy Brand of Urbana; brother, Darrell Lee Brand (Darcie) of Liberty Township, Ohio; nieces, Katie and Kassidy; nephew, Kooper Brand; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Brand.

Troy is a 1985 graduate at Urbana High School and was in the Urbana High School choir with Director Willie Summerville. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Demolay. He attended Parkland College and graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College and worked as a diesel mechanic service writer. He grew up in Illinois, and over the years, he lived in Kansas City, Mo., Louisville, Ky., Nashville, Tenn., Dallas, Texas, and came back to Illinois. He was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Champaign, Eastview Christian Church in Normal and a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He has a passion for anything automotive, especially Edsels, Mustangs and Thunderbirds. He also had a passion for cooking and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.  Pastor Mark Smith will officiate.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Troy’s name can be made to Bible Baptist Church, Champaign.

John H. Decker

John H. Decker, 57, of St. Joseph, passed away at 9:16 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022, at his home.

John was born on January 7, 1965, in Hoopeston, Illinois, the son of Alta Compton.  He was previously married to Kathy Decker.

He is survived by one daughter- Tiffany Lynn (Joseph Smoteck) Decker of Katy, Texas; one sister- Barbara Brewster- of Hoopeston; uncle- Leonard Compton of Hoopeston; special cousin- Terry and Trudy Compton of St. Joseph; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, maternal grandparents-Lee Howard and Clea Compton, four uncles- Steven, Jep, Jim and Daniel Compton and one aunt- Shirley Bogard.

John graduated from Hoopeston Area High School.  He worked for the State of Illinois, as the caretaker for the Salt Kettle Rest Area, in Oakwood.  He enjoyed coin collecting, fine arts, being a gemologist and spending his time with his dog.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Floral Hill Cemetery, with Terry Compton officiating.  Memorials may be made in John’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston to assist them in honoring John’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Blurton Funeral Home Web 11/01/2022

Charles Edward Negangard

 SIDNEY — Charles Edward Negangard, 90, of Sidney passed away a 1:40 p.m. Monday (Oct. 24, 2022) at Newman Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Newman.

Mr. Negangard was born April 27, 1932, in Sidney, a son to Ralph and Wilma Duncan Negangard.

Surviving are his wife, Donna Negangard; and five sons, Larry (Barb) Negangard of Urbana, Roger (Pam) Negangard of Sidney, Tom (Rody) Negangard of Homer, Steve (Debbie) Negangard of Riverton and John (Dorothy) Negangard of Springfield; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Negangard; and sister, Mary Kay (Cloyd) Staples.

Charles was a graduate of the first class of Unity High School (1950), served in the U.S. Army (1952 to 1954) and then farmed in the Sidney area for his entire career. He served as a trustee on the Sidney Township Board, Sidney Fire District and Sidney Township Cemetery Board; served as commissioner for the Sidney Drainage District No. 2; and serves as a school board member for the Unit 7 school district.

He enjoyed farming, raising livestock, showing livestock at county fairs in his younger days, shearing sheep, hunting, fishing and especially spending time with his family and visiting with friends. In the fall of every year, he enjoyed entertaining kids when visiting the Negangard Pumkin Patch.

He was a life-time member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau and a few other organizations.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m. at Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 County Road 2400 East, Broadlands.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

NG 10/26/2022

Alice M. Lookingbill

 OGDEN — Alice M. Lookingbill, 80, of Ogden passed away at 10:28 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Private graveside services will be held.

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

Alice was born Dec. 25, 1941, in  Pilot Township, the daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Wray) Cunningham. She married Kenny Lookingbill on May 19, 1961. He survives.

She is also survived by her children; Kim (Gary) Bensyl of Ogden, Kelly (Bruce) Wolken of St. Joseph, and Kerry Lookingbill of Ogden. Four grandchildren, Ashley (Michael) Brazelton, Adrianne (Steven) Wimer, Brooke (Tim) Sojken, and Andy (Korynn) Bensyl. Ten great-grandchildren. Two brothers, David Cunningham of Muncie, and Bob Cunningham of Chersterton, Ind. Sister Nina Wernick.

She was preceded in death by her parents and eight brothers and sisters.

Alice was a cook at Ogden Grade School for over 30 years.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals, Fighting Illini, and SJO Spartans.

Condolences may be made at Freesefh.com.

NG 10/31/2022

Dorothy May Uken Fruhling

 
PENFIELD — Dorothy May Fruhling, 86, was called home by her heavenly father Sunday (Oct. 30, 2022).

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov 3, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery. Visitation will also be held in Dier’s Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, and at 10 a.m. Thursday prior to the ceremony.

Dorothy was born May 14, 1936, in Champaign, the daughter of Ralph and Ella (Ackerman) Uken. She married John J. Fruhling on Sept. 19, 1954, who preceded her in death in 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her five children, Debbie (Mitchell) Frerichs of Royal, Rhonda Fruhling of Iowa City, Iowa, Sharon (Garron) Lukas of Landrum, S.C., Perry (Marlys) Fruhling of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Lisa (David) Crowder of Asheville, N.C.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Troy (Kelli), Brandon, Bryce, Garron II (Brittany), Amy (John), Chantal (Antonio), Ashley, Caleb (Emma), Amanda and Ella; and nine great-grandchildren, Hayden, Carson, Colton, Sophie, Garron III, Adan, Nicole, Alejandra and Olen.

She is also survived by her three brothers, Raymond (Elaine), Norman (Darlene) and Darrell (Donna) Uken.

Dorothy was known for her creativity through music (as the children’s choir director at church and the Fruhling Sisters’ mother), as a cake decorator and various other projects. She was also a big support in running the family farm.

From our human perspective, her serving in these capacities were cut short 36 years ago due to an onset of an inoperable benign brain tumor or AVM. Little did we know that God would use her medical issue for her light to shine brighter modeling what true faith and contentment look like. She took on a new role of being an encourager to friends and family and her faith in Jesus was an inspiration to others.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Joni & Friends (Joni Erickson Tada’s ministry of Sharing Hope through Hardship – based on Luke 14:21,23 “Go out quickly … and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame … so that my house will be full.”) or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Country Health Care & Rehab who cared for her over the past five years. May God bless you.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville.

NG 11/01/2022