Fredricka "Fritzi" K. Pardick

 Fredricka "Fritzi" K Pardick (nee Kraus), 83, of Ogden passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 26th, 2023.

Fritzi was born on September 11, 1939 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Walter and Henrietta Kraus.

She is survived by her three daughters Michelle Pardick and Jennifer Pardick of Rantoul, Trisha Bailey of Tolono, one son - Christopher Pardick of Wisconsin, 7 grandkids, and 3 great grandkids.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Michael Pardick.

Fritzi graduated high school at Santa Catalina School in Monterey, California, and later graduated from the University of San Francisco.  She worked at OSF for over 30 years until her retirement in 2014.  She continued to volunteer there during her retirement.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, dogs, and attending University of Illinois sporting events.  

Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church 708 W. Main St. Urbana on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

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

Freese FH 5/29/2023

Phillip August Zindars

 Phillip August Zindars, 88, of Armstrong, passed away at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, September 12th, 2012 at Country Health Nursing Home.

Phillip was born on November 10th, 1923, in Kewanee, Indiana, to Augustus and Mildred (Ripplinger) Zindars. He married Helen Wilson on January 29, 1944, in St. Joseph, Illinois.
Phillip is survived by his wife, children-Phillip Gary (Marijane) of Potomac, Mickey (Marilyn) of Armstrong, Steven Zindars and Richard Hayes of Champaign, Brenda Learned (Charlie) of Penfield, and Mitchel (Melynda) of Rankin; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister-Janet Cler (Walter) of Penfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters- Betty Zindars and Juanita Jackson (Robert), and one daughter- Linda Sandy (Kenneth).
Phil was a graduate of St. Joseph High School. He retired from Chanute Air Force base Civil Service and a farmer his whole life. He was a founding member of the Middlefork Coonhunters Association in Penfield. He enjoyed hunting, pitching horseshoes, raising cattle, fishing and frequently attending area sale barns. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Visitation for Phil will be Sunday, September 16th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac. Funeral services will be Monday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home, with Maureen Hughes and Pastor Sally Swaim officiating. Burial will follow at Partlow Cemetery in Armstrong. Memorial contributions may be made to the Middlefork Coonhunters Association. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.wolfeblurtonfuneralhome.com.

Published by Blurton Funeral Home - Potomac Chapel on Sep. 13, 2012.

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.

Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/michael-becker-obituary?id=38740685

Barbara D. Maier

 

THOMASBORO - Barbara D. Maier, 82, of Thomasboro passed away at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 8, 2023) in Champaign.

Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Peace Lutheran Church, 200 W. Arnold Ave., Thomasboro, with the Rev. Michael Stoerger officiating. Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery, Thomasboro. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Barbara was born Nov. 25, 1940, in Champaign County, the daughter of Ralph and Ella Duitsman Flessner. She married Norman E. Maier on Jan. 29, 1959. He preceded her in death Nov. 20, 2018.

She is survived by a daughter, Debbie (Scott) Loos of Champaign; three grandchildren, Gregory (Shay) Durant, Alyssa (Cory) Hansen and Renee Durant; two stepgrandchildren, Nicole (Tom) Miller and Grant Loos; six great-grandchildren, Asher, Calvin, Millie, James, Harvey and Lucy; and one sister, Bernice Albers of Gifford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter Brenda Kay Maier; and two brothers, Gary and Larry Flessner.

Barbara graduated from St. Joseph High School. She had been a buyer for Robeson's Department Store and had worked at Busey Bank in Thomasboro. She and her husband owned and ran Oak Grove Campground in Branson, Mo., from 1982 to 1990, after which they moved back to Thomasboro. She and Norman were marketing consultants for Trailer Life (Good Sam) Directory from 1992 to 2000. During these years, they traveled all across the United States. They enjoyed spending winters in their winter home in Brownsville, Texas.

She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Thomasboro and a volunteer at Seek and Find Ministries. She enjoyed playing games, Sudoku and shopping. Barbara loved playing Rummikub with her sister.

Memorials  may be made to Peace Lutheran Church in Thomasboro or Carle Hospice.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/barbara-maier-obituary?id=43703595

Marguerite Ruth Sanks

 Danville, Illinois – Marguerite “Maggie / Margie” Ruth Sanks, 83, of Danville, Illinois, graduated to her heavenly home at 7:10 am on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Pleasant Meadows Senior Living, Chrisman, Illinois.

Maggie was born July 31, 1939, in Danville, Illinois, the youngest and only daughter of Frank and Ruth Peyton Anders.  She married Sheldon “Bud” Dean Sanks on May 30, 1963, in Danville, Illinois.  He preceded her in death on November 19, 2011.  Surviving are:  one son:  Mikel P. Sanks of Danville, Illinois; two daughters:  Linda J. (Jim) Volkel of Perrysville, Indiana and Shelly (Jerry) Eggimann of Naperville, Illinois; 12 grandchildren: Angellinda, Mikel P. Jr, Cory, and Rachel Sanks, Ryan Stitt, Lara Walker, Amanda Bush and Thomas John (Jennifer) Walker, Tyler and Tanner Sanks, Hayley and Kelsey Eggimann ; eighteen great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She enjoyed serving as “gramma” to Katey Hall and Sammy White.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, one son:  Christopher P. Sanks; four brothers:  Royce, Melvin, Richard, and John; and one sister:  Ollabelle.

Maggie was a 1959 graduate of Danville High School. She joined the Sanks family in 1963 and brought with her our precious brother of three years, Chris. She was always there for her Mom acting as taxi driver and they enjoyed canning together. She was a stay-at-home Mom and housewife and was an award- winning Avon representative and an active member of KOPS and TOPS.  Being raised in the Lutheran Church, she knew God but she began attending Grape Creek Baptist Church with her friend and neighbor, Doris Spickard, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Funeral services at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois with Pastor Dave Leary officiating.  Burial in the GAR Cemetery, Homer, Illinois.  Visitation from 10 to 11 am on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois.  Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

Robinson Chapel website 5/25/2023

Donald L. White

 

Donald L. White, 80, of Ogden passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Don was born January 21, 1943 in Urbana, the son of Leonard and Lorena White.  He married Judith A. Thompsen on February 14, 1965 at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, Illinois.  

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Michelle Harris of Heyworth and Laura (Aaron) Ketchum of Ogden, and six grandchildren:  Olivia, Kenneth, Diana, Jonathan, Hunter, and James.    He is also survived by his brother Charles (Charlotte) White and sister Bonita White.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Helen, and his nephew, Brian.

Don graduated from Ogden High School in 1961.   He served in the United States Navy for 7 years achieving the rank of Engineman First Class Petty Officer. He later worked at University of Illinois Abbott Power Plant where he was awarded the Chancellor’s Staff Award.  He retired in 1995, after 27 years.

Don was a member of St. John Lutheran Church where he was active in the adult choir, men’s Bible study, served as past council president, and was a faithful volunteer.  Don was instrumental in forming the Village of Ogden Beautification Committee and spent many hours planting and hanging flower baskets around the village.  He collected and preserved Ogden High School memorabilia and enjoyed doing genealogy research. He was a member of the Ogden American Legion.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 10:30am at the St. John Lutheran Church, Royal , IL.   A visitation will be held at the church on Friday, May 26 from 5:00-7:00pm. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate.

The family requests any memorials be directed to the St. John’s Funeral Hospitality Fund.

Freese FH 5/24/2023

Frances Doyne Proudfit

 Frances Doyne Proudfit, 98, of Savoy passed away at 2:09 p.m. Sunday, May 14, 2023 at the Windsor of Savoy.

 Private family services will be held at a later date.

 Doyne was born January 31, 1925 in St. Joseph. The daughter of Oscar and Hazel (Fisher) Hissong. She married Willard "Bill" Proudfit on August 10, 1946. He preceded her in death on June 14, 1997.

 She is survived by her sister Margy (Francis) Osterbur of Savoy, along with several nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Leland "Bud" Hissong.

 Doyne graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1942. After high school, she graduated from the University of Illinois with degrees in English and Music. She taught for a short time at schools in St. Charles, Missouri, and several schools in Champaign County. After teaching she joined the staff at the University of illinois where she was the long-time secretary to Dr. Nathan M. Newmark, Professor of Civil Engineering. After retirement, Doyne and Bill moved to Cape Coral, Florida. She made many friends and spent time volunteering at the Cape Coral Hospital. She returned back  to central Illinois in 2005 when her sight began to fail.

 The family would like to thank her wonderful caregivers Rennie and her entire crew, along with the Transitions Hospice Nurses, for making her final months comfortable.

Freese FH 5/15/2023

Richard Lintner Sumption

 Richard Lintner Sumption, 77, of St. Joseph passed away at 3:21 P.M. Sunday May 14, 2023 at Farmers City Rehabilitation and Health Care, Farmers City.

 He was born on May 1 ,1945 in St. Louis, MO. the son of Merle R. and Lois (Lintner) Sumption.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Dorothy Engman..

 In 1947 , the family moved to St. Joseph where he resided the rest of his life. Mr. Sumption attended St. Joseph schools and then graduated from Eaastern Illinois University in 1967. and graduated with a master's degree from Indiana State University in 1969.

 He worked 32 years at the University of Illinois, Illini Union Accounting Office retiring in 2003.

 Surviving are a nephew Paul (Kelly) Engman of Wooster, OH, two great nephews, Joel (Emily) Engman and Joshua Engman and several cousins.

 Memorial donations may be made to donor's choice.

 Visitation will be from 2;00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday May 20, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M.

 Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Mechanicsburg, OH on Monday May 22, 2023.

Freese FH 5/15/2023

Margaret Pribble

 Margaret Pribble, 96, passed away at 9:45AM, Sunday May 14, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.  She was born March 21, 1927 in rural Sidney, the daughter to Elmer and Nellie (Johnson) Denny.  She married Ray Pribble on November 13, 1950.  He passed away on January 7, 2012.  She is survived by their son Bradley of Broadlands.  She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Murrell, Harold, and Byron, and a sister, Helen.

After graduation from Sidney High School, Margaret worked at Collegiate Cap and Gown for a number of years.  In the later years, she worked for an agricultural seed research company for 27 years.

Margaret was an avid reader during her life.  She also enjoyed flower gardening, feeding birds (especially Humming Birds), oil painting, needle work, puzzles, and music.

Per her wishes, there will be a private graveside service at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.  There will not be a visitation.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 5/15/2023

Roger B. Wingler

 HOMER — Roger B. Wingler, 82, of Homer passed away at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday (May 10, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Steve Burwell will officiate. There will be no visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Roger was born March 29, 1941, in Urbana, the son of Walter and Lucille Randall Wingler. He married June Burwell in October 1962 in Thomasboro. She survives.

Survivors also include her son, Jay (Lisa) Wingler of Benton, Ky.; daughter, Penny (John McCracken) Qualls of Homer; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Roger was a truck driver, working for Rinker Trucking in Florida before his retirement. He enjoyed fishing. He will be dearly missed by his family.

News-Gazette 5/12/2023

William Randall Carlisle

 OGDEN — William Randall Carlisle, 79, died Saturday (May 6, 2023) in Villa Ridge, of complications from cancer.

Born Feb. 26, 1944, in Urbana, to Harry Randall and Susie Ellen (Wells) Carlisle, Bill was raised in Royal. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1962.

The next year, Bill enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard. He received an honorable discharge in 1969.

Also in 1969, he entered Ironworkers Local 380. Bill remained a journeyman in the local for about 30 years, connecting iron on bridges and buildings across Illinois.

He took an absence from the local in the early 1970s to work on ranches in Wyoming, and again from 1992 to 1997 to manage a horse and cattle farm in Pecatonica.

After leaving iron working for the last time, Bill obtained a thoroughbred horse trainer license. He raced horses in Illinois and Kentucky from 2005 through 2009.

Bill spent his last years in Southern Illinois, watching horse racing, listening to Illini football and basketball and Chicago Cubs games on the radio and devouring Shakespeare with a local reading group.

In 1977, he married Brooke Harlan. They had three sons. The couple divorced in 1997.

Bill’s parents and a sister, Nina Lou Fudge, preceded him in death.

Bill is survived by a sister, Betty Tarr of Fisher, and three sons, Nate (Brook) Carlisle of Salt Lake City and Tyler and Colter Carlisle, both of Los Angeles.

A viewing for family will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge – St. Louis, 4215 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Online condolences may be left at freesefh. com.

Freese FH 5/12/2023

Keylan "Kiwi" Wayne Henry

 

Keylan “Kiwi” Wayne Henry, 20 of Ogden, IL gained his angel wings on Monday May 8th, 2023.

He was born on July 1st, 2002 to Wayne D. Henry and Lindsey A. Dressler, in Urbana, IL. Keylan graduated from Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in November of 2020. Keylan played high school football that he loved so much. Keylan was the life of party and that’s with all the emphasis! He had the most energetic smile that could light up the room or make a rainy day seem sunny. Keylan loved playing football and fishing with his little brothers and nephews, who he loved more than anything. He was the most kind hearted, generous, loving soul you would ever meet. Keylan was an amazing loving son, brother, uncle and nephew. 

Left to cherish his memory are his parents Wayne Henry (Kari) and Lindsey Dressler (James), five brothers Nick, Kam, James, Dorsey, Cooper and One sister Mariah. His grandmothers Bridget and Rebecca, two aunts Tena and Shoni, two uncles Bo and Cory, one niece A’zaria, three nephews Jaiavi, Ayden, Kyree, and two cousins Chase and Tyler. He was preceded in death by his two grandfather’s Martin Dressler and Lowell Pease, one grandmother Vali Black, one uncle Matt Black, and two great grandfathers James Into and Lowell Pease Sr.

A Throwback celebration is arranged for Keylan on Saturday May, 13th at 5pm-9pm at One T’s Corner Pocket located at 123 S. Mattis Ave. Champaign, IL - also formerly known as ‘’Goldys” in the Countryfair Plaza.

Any donations can be made to the GoFundMe located on Lindsey’s Facebook page, to his father Wayne Henry. Flowers may be sent to Keylan’s parents.

Evergreen Cremation services website 5/10/2023

Doug Stevens

 

Doug Stevens 58, of Ogden passed away at 7:11 P.M. Monday May 8, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 A celebration of Doug's life will be held from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Friday May 12, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

 Doug was born December 2, 1964 in Danville. The son of Ronald L. and Sharon (Jones) Stevens.

 He is survived by his mother of Ogden. Son Derek Stevens of Bloomington. Daughter Erin Stevens of Sadorus. Brothers Scott (Cindy) Stevens of Crawfordsville, IN, Michael (Deb) Stevens of Bettendorf, IA.

 He was preceded in death by his father.

 Doug worked as a car salesman at Worden-Martin.

 He enjoyed collecting model cars, advertising memorabilia, and cooking on the grill.

 Most of all he enjoyed time with his family and friends.

Freese FH 5/10/2023

Petrine Jane Christein Ashley

 Petrine Jane Christein Ashley, 76, was a teacher who brought her classroom everywhere she went, a storyteller, writer, and artist. Born on January 12, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Alice Skinner Christein and Marion "Cope" Christein, she became a ballet dancer, Job's Daughter, and member of Calvary Baptist Church. She attended PS81 and Arsenal Technical High School. At University of Evansville, Petrine earned a merit scholarship and met lab partner Gary Ashley. They protested the war and wrote an underground newspaper with friends that the FBI may or may not still have on file.

Her nearly 40-year career began in Booneville, Indiana. After moving to Chicago in 1969, she taught for Chicago Public Schools, and was devoted to her second-grade Spry School students. Petrine earned master's and ABD doctorate degrees from National Louis University, then served as a reading specialist and leader in the Chicago Area Writing Project. After retiring, she volunteered at Ravenswood Elementary. An active St. Pauls United Church of Christ member, she hand wrote cards for every congregant's birthday and was called The Mayor by her kids for constantly shaking hands and kissing babies. She held all the family history in the palm of her hand. Petrine's favorite students and teachers were her children and grandchildren.

Petrine Ashley is survived by Garold Ashley, her husband of 55 years, children Jessica Ashley and Seth Ashley (Sharon), and grandchildren, Ethan Ashley-Ferguson, Grace Ashley-McGraw, James Ashley, and Jacob Ashley. Always in her heart were best friends Marcia Franz and Linda Young, niece Stana McKitrick, sisters-in-law Joy Brinkmeyer and Shirley Couts, and an address book full of people she adored. Petrine is embraced in heaven by her parents, sister Elizabeth Christein Drey, dear family and friends. Services will be held on May 13, 2023 at 2 pm at St. Pauls UCC. Donations are welcome at Three Angels Haiti, threeangelshaiti.org.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 7, 2023.

Heidi Susanne (Norsen) Rivers

 Heidi Susanne (Norsen) Rivers, 45 of Catlin, IL passed away at 11:48 PM on Thursday May 4th, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday May 9, 2023 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E Douglas St in St Joseph IL.  The interment will be at Patterson Cemetery in St Joseph IL. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 1:00PM to 2:00 PM prior to the funeral at the church.

Heidi was born June 4th, 1977 in Toledo, OH, the daughter of Jack and Gretchen (Mittendorf) Norsen, and grew up in Rockford, IL.  She is survived by her mother Gretchen of St Joseph IL, brother Tim (Diane) Norsen of Colorado Springs CO, her former spouse Chris Rivers of Fairmount IL, and her two beloved children, Henry and Britta Rivers.  She was preceded in death by her father. 

Donations will be accepted to establish a fund for Henry and Britta’s future education and financial needs.

Heidi lived in Illinois for most of her life.  She went to elementary, middle, and high school in Rockford, where she met lifelong friends while attending Lutheran schools.  After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she lived in the Chicago suburbs before moving back downstate. She lived in Homer, Fairmount, and ultimately Catlin, where she had a strong network of friends and family.  Most people are lucky to have just a few close friends in their lives; Heidi had too many to count.

Heidi had a love of art from a very young age.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design in 2000, and worked for the University of Illinois in different capacities since 2006.  For over eight years, she was a senior designer in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, and was an integral part of literature, signage, and graphic creation for the department. Most recently, she was a senior graphic designer at the Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning. 

Heidi’s children were her life and passion. The two best days of her life were when Henry and Britta were born.  She loved being their mother and spending time with them and their friends.  She encouraged them to do a wide range of activities including playing sports, enjoying the outdoors, caring for animals, and building friendships.  She taught them to live life to the fullest, and she led by example, seeking adventures and beauty each day, and never taking small things for granted.

Heidi was a person to whom one was only a stranger once. She brought joy and laughter to everyone in her life. She will live on in heaven, and in our hearts.

Freese FH 5/7/2023

Thomas McPherron

 
ST. JOSEPH — Thomas McPherron, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away at 8:11a.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in June at the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, with the date to be announced.

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

Tom was born Dec. 2, 1937, in Lansing, Mich., the son of Ernest and Bertha (Fassler) McPherron. He married Phyllis Reese on March 29, 1956, in Northwood, Iowa. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Timothy McPherron of St. Joseph, Kelly (Dan) Molchan of Valparaiso, Ind., and Stephanie Neff of Ogden; stepgrandchildren Daniel (Courtney) Molchan, children Harper and Lennon; Cory (Katie) Molchan, children Baker and Lincoln; brothers Charles (Pamela) McPherron of San Diego, Calif., and Douglas McPherron of Clayton, N.Y.; sister-in-law Phyllis Jones of Decatur; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert McPherron.

Tom was a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines.

He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. degree, Colorado State University with a master’s and a doctor of veterinary medicine.

He was a former associate professor of food animal science. After teaching, he went back to private practice.

Tom was a Denver Bronco’s, Cubs and Illini fan.

Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

News-Gazette 5/7/2023

Lynn D. Osterbur

 

Lynn D. Osterbur, 75  of Ogden passed away at 11:43 P.M. Tuesday May 2, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday May 8, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

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

 Lynn was born January 31, 1948 in Urbana, the son of Henry J. and Theresa (Habben) Osterbur. He married Donita Ehmen on December 19, 1970 in Flatville. She survives.

 He is also survived by his sons Chad (Renee) Osterbur of St. Joseph, Christopher (Lisa) Osterbur of Ballwin, MO; Grandchildren Kayla, Conner, Mason and Lucas Osterbur; sisters-in-law Carlotta Ehmen and Lonna Osterbur; 5 nieces and nephews.   

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Leon Ehmen. 

Lynn worked for Xerox for 32 years and retired in 2005. 

 He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving as a Seabee in Vietnam.

 Lynn loved his family and was so proud of the lives they have created for themselves.  He loved his grandkids and was very  proud of their accomplishments in school and sports, but more so for just being the great kids that they are.  Give Lynn a challenge and he would take it.  He could find a way to fix anything.    Last, but definitely not least, he loved his dog Murphy. 

 Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Freese FH 5/5/2023

Rebecca "Becky" Chambliss Gerald

 

Rebecca "Becky" Gerald (Chambliss), 62 of St. Joseph passed away at 9:35 P.M. Sunday April 30, 2023.

 Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday May 9, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Inurnment will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

 Becky was born November 2, 1960 in Champaign. The daughter of John "Jack" and June (Smith) Chambliss. She married Mark Gerald on March 3, 2006. He survives.

 She is also survived by; Her mother June of St. Joseph. Children Bryan (Sarah) Elder of Fisher, Jesse (Katelyn) Elder of Murphysboro, IL, Daniel Elder of Murphysboro, IL. Her bonus daughter Laura Boyd of Ogden. Six grandchildren; Abigale, Landon, Khloe, Korbin, Aydon, Daxton, and one more on the way. Becky was a mother figure to countless others in the area.

 She was preceded in death by her Father.

 Becky retired in 2005 after 30 years from the University of Illinois having worked at SURS.

 During her retirement she helped manage Billy Bob's in Ogden for the last 18 years.

 Most recently, she spent many years working on, beautifying, and mapping the genealogy for over 300 of those buried at Bodkin Cemetery, Fithian. She was very proud and passionate of this project. 

Becky loved to go fishing, flower gardening, camping and baking. She also made baby blankets, grave blankets, wreaths, flower arrangements, raffle baskets, and pretty much anything anyone asked for or needed.

 Becky had a open door policy. Anyone was welcome at anytime for anything. She had immense love and respect for our military and was  great Veteran's advocate.

 Memorials may be made to Bodkin Cemetery.

Freese FH 5/2/2023

David Wayne Barber

 

David Wayne Barber, 71, of Ogden, died at 2:30 a.m. Sunday (April 30, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, after a three-week hospitalization for a non-COVID lung infection. He was born October 8, 1951, in Mattoon, Illinois, to Letha Marie Lindley Barber and Marvin Wayne Barber. He lived in Neoga for the first several years of his life, then moved to Danville, Illinois. He graduated from Danville High School in 1969, attended Danville Area Community College, and graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education. He earned a master’s degree in education with a computer technology focus from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign in 2000.

He taught industrial arts/graphic arts and later was the Technology Coordinator in the Danville School District until 1998. He then worked at St. Joseph-Ogden High School as the Technology Coordinator and taught computer technology classes. He retired as a teacher in 2006 but continued to work at SJO High School as a network administrator until 2020.

His parents, his step-father William Smith, and his infant brother Timmy Smith preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Peggi White; his children, Lindsay Barber-Peddycoart (Brent Peddycoart), Beau Barber (Katherine Vande Pol), Sean Barber (Rachel Tautges); his granddaughter, Lillian Peddycoart; sisters, Kathy O’Brian and Deborah Seifert, brothers William Smith, Jr. and Michael Smith; multiple nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and special family friend Collin Collier. He loved his children and granddaughter with all his heart.

David was not a stranger to adversity. In 1991, David survived being lost in the Costa Rican jungle, and in 1996 he survived an F3 tornado that damaged his home and community. David was a ready volunteer and served on the Mapping the Future committee to rebuild Ogden after the 1996 tornado. In addition, he loved to travel and enjoyed a family trip to his ancestral homeland, Ireland, England, and Scotland.

David could find a connection with every person he met. He was an early adopter of technology and a lifelong learner. He was a skilled carpenter, and it was reflected in his highly calloused hands. He was retired but did not know it and worked every day on his property or in his workshop. He especially enjoyed rural living on four acres adjacent to the Kickapoo Rail Trail.

His life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 309 W. Green Street, Urbana where he was a long-time member. The Rev. Karen Bush will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. The family requests that everyone be masked for the funeral and the visitation. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling the arrangements. Condolences can be offered at freesefh.com. Memorials can be made to the Kickapoo Rail Trail, https://www.onekrt.org/donate in David’s name.

Freese FH 5/2/2023