Eldon E. Rademaker

 ST. JOSEPH — Eldon E. Rademaker, 85, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:15a.m. Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023) at home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820, with Steve Bonk officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Eldon was born April 9, 1937, in Stanton Township, the son of William and Anna Albers Rademaker. He married Marilyn J. Bunting on April 25 ,1965. She survives.

Along with his wife, he is survived by two sons, Doug Rademaker of St. Louis and Don Rademaker of Clarksville, Tenn.; one brother, Edwin (JoAnn) Rademaker of Oakwood; and sisters-in-law, Cris Rademaker of West Covina, Calif., and Judy Rademaker of Rantoul.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Melvin and Ray Rademaker.

Eldon graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1955. He worked at Kraft Foods for 34 years before retiring in 1998. He then went on to be a courier for 15 additional years for Carle Clinic.

He was a member of Rantoul Church of Christ. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, nature walks and spending time with his family.

NG 1/31/2023

Judith Ann Carlos

 

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. - Judith Ann Carlos (Tatman/Bryant), previously of Champaign, passed away unexpectedly at 8:30 p.m. Monday (Oct. 17, 2022) at Cumberland Medical Center, Crossville, Tenn.

Judy was born in Urbana on March 15, 1941, to Lawrence and Dorothy (Inskeep) Tatman, who are both deceased. She attended school at St. Joseph High School.

Her brother, Robert (Nancy) Tatman, and sisters, Linda Tatman and Becky (Mike) Mabry, are both deceased.

She is survived by one sister, Mary Rose (Michael) Middleton, who resides in Crossville. She is also survived by her loving partner, Bill Stalnaker.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jerry Carlos; one stepson, Chris; and survived by three stepsons, Paul, Stephen and Tyler. In addition, she is survived by her ex-husband, Ronald Bryant, and their three children, Crystal (John Johnson) Merritt, Ronald (Janet) Bryant and Linda (Richard) Judd; three grandchildren, Virginia (Patrick) Thomas, Miranda (John) Holyer and Phillip (Ali) Judd; and four great-grandchildren, Greta Holyer, Eleanor Holyer, Ila Judd and Jac Judd. She also left behind many nieces, nephews and friends.

Judy married young and worked hard to raise her kids and make some "pin money." She later worked at Bank of Ogden and Bank of Illinois, then at Koch and Associates in Champaign as a bookkeeper. With friends and family, she always took the time to listen. Judy was supportive with her children and always encouraged them to do what made them happy. She suffered with chronic pain most of her adult life, which made her determined to live her life to the fullest. In her later years, she traveled, went on cruises and, most importantly, had fun with her friends in Texas and Tennessee. Her greatest joy was sitting on her back deck, feeding the birds, chipmunks and deer.

A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. at Renner Wikoff Chapel and Crematory on Philo Road in Urbana. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery, Mahomet, with a luncheon served after interment.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your local animal shelter in her name or send a donation to the National Wildlife Federation, who certifies Backyard Wildlife Habitats, at nwf.org/CERTIFY.

Published by The News-Gazette on Oct. 25, 2022.

Michael E. Becker

THOMASBORO - Michael E. Becker, 74, of Thomasboro passed away Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at his home after fighting a battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 2, 1948, in Terre Haute, Ind., a son of Roy and Ellen (Weaver) Becker. He married Cindy DuChesne on March 26, 1974, in Champaign County. She survives.

Also surviving are his daughter, Michele Becker, two stepdaughters, nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Michael Becker.

Michael graduated from St. Joseph High School. He worked for JM Jones (SuperValu) for over 25 years. He was a true blue Cubs fan and loved to go camping and fishing. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul, is handling arrangements.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jan. 25, 2023.

Viola V. White

 SIDNEY - Viola V. White, 92, of Sidney passed away peacefully at home on Sunday (Jan. 22, 2023) a strong and resilient woman, leaving a wonderful legacy in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was born the 11th child of Addison and Flossie (Thompson) Kirby on Oct. 14, 1930, in Sidney. Her entire life was spent in Sidney, having attended Sidney Grade School and graduating from Sidney High School in 1948.

Viola was married to Louis Joseph White on Sept. 4, 1949. To this union were born sons Larry (Debbie) and Jim (Marilyn) and daughters Marsha Davis (Mike) and Sally Graning (Joe), all surviving her.

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Shannon (David) Stinebaugh, Kelly (Annie) White, Joey (Jordan) White, Jeff (Farah) Davis, Karen (Jake) Brennan, Dustin (Jennifer) Copass, Amber (John) Carver, Andy (Lisa) White, Molly (Drew) Weldon, Evan (Chelsea) Graning and Adam (Jordan) Graning; as well as 25 great-grandchildren, Finnegan, Daleigh and Killian Stinebaugh, Henry and William White, Haley and Lydia White, Charlie and John Davis, Blythe and Reid Campbell, Lara, Claire and Luke Copass, Denver and Shay Carver, Sam, Quinn, Brooke and Graham White, Olivia and Sydney Weldon, Kaladin and Natalie Graning and Penelope Graning.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Louie; sisters Fern, Rose, Thelma, Elma, Opal, Dorothy and Lois; and brothers, Floyd, Lavern and Scotty.

She is survived by her sister Phyllis Mumm and her sisters-in-law, Linda Kirby and Doris White.

Along with raising her family, Viola worked for many years in the successful family businesses that she and Louie established, L.J. White Roofing and Lumber Company and Ace Hardware stores in Sidney and Homer.

A living memorial service was held, where many family and friends were able to visit with her and her children prior to her passing. A private memorial service will be held in her Sidney home of 70 years at a later date. Condolences may be offered at freesefh.com.

Published by The News-Gazette from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26, 2023.

Connie Jean Castle Taylor

 

ST. JOSEPH - Connie Jean Taylor, 52, passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at Health First Cape Canaveral Hospital, Cocoa Beach, Fla., with her kids by her side.

Connie was born on Feb. 8, 1970, to John and Ruth Ann (Winter) Castle. She was raised in St. Joseph and attended St. Joseph-Ogden High School. She was a resident of Cape Canaveral, Fla., where she enjoyed spending time at the beach. She was an animal lover who would take in any animal that needed a home. She had multiple cats that she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father.

She is survived by her mother; four kids, John Michael (Marissa), Justin, Elizabeth and Ashley Taylor; four grandchildren, Donaven and Izaiah Taylor, Kaison Johnson, and Landon Roberts; and two sisters, Jo Ann Creek and Karen Castle.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jan. 28, 2023.

William F. McKee

 SIDNEY — William “Bill” F. McKee, 83, of Sidney passed away at 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Crown Point, Ind.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m.

Bill was born March 21, 1939, in Clinton, the son of John and Cathleen (Stone) McKee. He married Roberta Mc-Near on June 30, 2003. She survives.

He also is survived by seven children, Steve McKee of Forsyth, Debbie Henja of Upper Marlboro, Md., Ron McKee of Augusta, Ga., Don McKee of Mt. Zion, Kim Bell of Colorado Springs, Colo., Connie Mulcahey of Carmel, Ind., and Jeff McKee of Sidney; a stepson, Bryan McNear of Westville; a stepdaughter, Erin Bailey of Sidney; 23 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Marc McKee-Neito; four brothers; one brother-in-law; and two grandsons.

Bill worked in transportation logistics for most of his life. He was the owner of McKee Express.

He retired, then went back to work pulling campers and horse trailers across the U.S. and Canada.

He then worked for 160 Driving Academy as an instructor.

Bill was a foster parent and raised many children.

He enjoyed living in the country so he could raise animals and be a hobby farmer.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Freese FH 1/4/2022

Donald K. Hicks

 

Donald K. Hicks, 80, of Royal passed away at 1:22 A.M. Monday January 2, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday January 7, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Friday at the church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M.

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

 Donald was born November 22, 1942 in Plainfield, IL. The son of Merl and Thelma (Pettinger) Hicks. He married Linda J. Hiller on May 24, 1969. She preceded him in death on February 28, 2022.

 He is survived by his sons; Matthew (Kimberly) Hicks of Collierville, TN, Andrew (Casey) Hicks of Evanston, IL. Two granddaughters Presley and Caroline Hicks. Sister Diane (Eric) Siese of Galena, IL.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob Hicks and sister Joan Hamilton.

 Donald was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

 He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving 4 years and discharged as a Lieutenant.

 Donald retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2019 as the Chief of Facilities Division after 34 years of services.

 He enjoyed farming and most of all spending time with his granddaughters.

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

Freese FH 1/4/2023

Jason Swisher

 

Jason Swisher, 42, of Danville, Illinois passed away at 12:53 a.m. Thursday December 1st, 2022 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, Illinois.

He was born November 30, 1980 in Burlington, Iowa the son of Terry and Debbie (Fleming) Swisher.

He leaves behind two children, Alexis and Joshua; two brothers, Terry Allen Swisher and Christopher Swisher; girlfriend, Lottie Bower; and both parents Terry and Debbie Swisher

Jason graduated from Saint Joseph-Ogden High School in 1999 where he played as Linebacker for the Spartan football team and was part of the ’97 State Championship runner-up team.

By trade, Jason worked most of his life as a Painter and Dry Waller with Broeren-Russo and Vic Treat and Son Dry Wall.

He loved to cook, hunt and fish, ride ATV’s, go to the beach, and spend time with his son, Josh and his nephews as well as Zack and Kylee.  His most treasured time was when he spent time after school watching Sponge Bob with his son.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

For those that who are able to help during this time, the family asks that you consider, in lieu of flowers, donating funds towards Jason’s final expenses and toward the needs of his children. Donations can be sent to Terry Swisher @ 1148 Clark Street Rantoul, IL 61866.