Lyle Eugene Lannon

 SIDNEY — Lyle Eugene Lannon, 95, formerly of rural Sidney, passed away Saturday (Feb. 18, 2023) at Arbor Rose, Tolono.

He was born on June 16, 1927, to parents Patrick Lannon and Mildred (Wyant) Lannon. Lyle married his late wife, Barbara, on Feb. 26, 1949.

Lyle was a lifelong farmer who also loved to travel. He spent much of his time on the road in his motorhome, exploring new places and making memories with his family and friends. Lyle belonged to numerous local clubs, including Moose, Elks, Knights of Columbus, I& I Tractor Club and the Farm Bureau. He was a beloved member of his community and will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

Lyle is survived by his daughter, Carol Lamb of Champaign; grandchildren, David Riggins of Papillion, Neb., Stephanie Lamb (John) of Phoenix and Jeremy Lamb of Sidney; great-grandc hildren, Dustin Riggins (Shawna) of Coralville, Iowa, and Kirsten (AJ) Jackson of Elkhorn, Neb.; greatgreat- grandchild, Miles Riggins of Coralville; and his sister, Betty Sappenfield of Philo.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Maurice Lannon; and wife, Barbara.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Joines Funeral home, Villa Grove, with a rosary service beginning at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Bongard Immaculate Conception Church with Father Keith Walder officiating; burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, where Lyle will be laid to rest.

The family requests any donations to be made to the Philo Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund or to the family for a memorial bench.

Lyle will be remembered for his kind heart, hard work and love for his family and friends. His spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved him.

NG 2/201/2023

Norman J. "Norm" Reiser

 

Norman J. “Norm” Reiser, 81, of Morton passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born on October 24, 1941, in Springfield, Ill., to Leonard and Mildred (Mavis) Reiser. Norm married Carol Kepner on August 24, 1963, in Springfield, Ill.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Reiser of Morton; two children, Craig (Laura) Reiser of Springfield, Ill., and Amy (Bryan) Willmore of Tremont; five grandchildren, Lauren (Zach) Rawles, Luke (Abby) Reiser, Will Reiser, Aliza Willmore and Dylan Willmore; two great-grandchildren, Madeline Rawles and Anna Reiser; and one sister, JoAnn Elder of Jacksonville, Ill.

He was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Melissa Reiser; and one brother, Ron Reiser.

Norm graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education from Illinois State University in 1963 and a master’s degree in administration from University of Illinois in 1970.

Norm was an educator and coach at Coal City, Chrisman and St. Joseph Ogden, before coming to Morton High School, where he taught and coached varsity basketball from 1971 to 1995. Norm had an overall record at Morton of 434–195. He led Morton to their first regional title in 1974. Norm ended his career in Morton with 8 regional titles and 4 sectional runner-ups. Under Norm’s leadership, Morton High School had a Mid-Illini Conference record from the 1982-1983 season to the 1994-1995 season of 120-32, with a total of 8 conference titles in 13 seasons. Norm also had 2 Pekin Holiday Tournament Championships.

He was elected into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame with his overall coaching record of 587-246. At the time of his retirement in 1995, Norm was 21st on the all-time Illinois basketball victory list and he was ranked 16th in Illinois basketball career winning percentage (71%).

Norm loved his family dearly and dedicated his life to his Carol; his kids, Craig and Amy; his beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Luke, Will, Aliza and Dylan; and his new great-grandchildren, Madeline and Anna. He loved watching sports and going to Illinois football and basketball games. Norm and Carol enjoyed going to numerous NCAA Final Fours. In his later years, he enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their sports and favorite activities. Norm enjoyed antiquing and loved working in his yard. In his retirement, many fantastic winters were spent in Naples, Florida, with Carol.

Norm was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Morton, where a Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023, with Msgr. Gerald Ward officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Further visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Friday, prior to Mass at the church. Burial will be in Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.

Memorials may be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

State Journal Register February 3, 2022 https://www.sj-r.com/obituaries/pils0416395