Daniel McKenzie

 Daniel (Dan), 84, of Urbana passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023 after losing his battle with a cancerous brain tumor. Dan was born in Chicago to Gilbert and Letha McKenzie on September 20, 1938. 

As a teenager his family moved to Homer, Illinois. Dan married Angela Lynch in 1958 and they had three children. He then married Kathy Shaw on November 20, 1993. 

Dan leaves behind his three children, Kristi (Paul) Lewis of Sidney, Kevin (Julie) McKenzie of Danville, and Lisa (Jeff) Covington of Ozark, Mo. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren to be born this summer. 

Proceeding him in death were his parents and his sister, Betty Cooper. 

Dan graduated from Homer High School in 1956, where he lettered in football, track, and basketball. He set the school record in track in the 880, which stood until metric was used for distances in track. Dan also graduated from Eastern Illinois University and was a Certified Purchasing Agent. 

Dan worked for many years in banking and then went on to work at the University of Illinois in the Purchasing Division as a purchasing agent. He also worked as an accountant for the University Library. Dan taught accounting part-time at Parkland College for 18 years, a job he enjoyed very much. 

Dan was a member of the Homer Lions Club and then the Urbana Lions club. He served as president for both clubs. He was also a member of the Corvette Club of Illinois and served as a trustee and publicity chairman. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Urbana where he served on the Finance Council, counted the collections, and helped with funeral dinners, and the annual church garage sale. 

Dan was a coach for his kids’ sports teams and was also a Boy Scout leader. He was also a big Illini fan and had season tickets for football and basketball for many years. Dan and Kathy attended many away football and basketball games, and several bowl games, including the Rose Bowl. 

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dan’s hospice nurse, Bonita Kopmann and his Certified Nursing Assistant, Kari Genzel. We are so very grateful and appreciative of your professionalism and your exceptional care and kindness. Thank you for the comfort you gave Dan, as well as the wonderful insights, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our family. 

Visitation for Dan will be Friday, June 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 at Renner Wikoff Funeral Home, Urbana. There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, July1, at 10:00 at St. Patrick Church, Urbana, immediately followed by a luncheon. Burial of cremains will be held Wednesday, July5 at 10:00 at Mt Olive Cemetery, Mayview, Il. In leu of flowers and plants, donations may be made in memory of Dan to St. Patrick Church, 708 West Main St, Urbana, il. 61801.

News-Gazette 6/29/2023

Kenneth H. "Herb" Lacey

 
Homer, Illinois – Kenneth H. “Herb” Lacey II, 81, of Homer, Illinois, passed away at 10:45 am on Tuesday, June 27, 202, at his home.

He was born on September 17, 1941, in Urbana, Illinois, the son of Kenneth Herbert and Betty Sanford Lacey I. He married Marilyn Kay Rosnett on December 11, 1960, in Homer, Illinois. She survives. Also surviving: one son, Kenneth Jay Lacey of Homer; two daughters, Karen kay Lacey of Nashville, TN and Kristine Gay Lacey of Nashville, TN; one brother, James (Theresa) Lacey of Homer; and one sister, Bonnie (Jeff) Taylor of Homer.

Herb worked as a truck driver for Super Value and J.M. Jones. He served for a time on the Village of Homer town board. He was a longtime member of the New Hope Community Church in Fairmount and was active in the major renovation of the church building several years ago. He enjoyed woodworking and was knowledgeable in the mechanics of older cars and enjoyed working on them. He also enjoyed Indy car racing.

Funeral services 12 Noon Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at New Hope Community Church in Fairmount with Pastor Ron Weishaar officiating. Burial in Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount.  Visitation 10-12 Wednesday, July 5 at the New Hope Community Church. Memorials to the New Hope Community Church in his memory. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service details. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.  

Robinson Chapel website 6/29/2023 https://www.robisonchapel.com/obituary/kenneth-lacey

Betty Colleen Wienke

 URBANA — Betty Colleen Wienke, 91, passed away (June 22, 2023) peacefully at home with her loving family by her side.

Betty was born to Edgar and Lois Fernandes in Newman, on March 27, 1932. She grew up on the Fernandes family farm outside Newman, where she was raised learning the value of hard work and the love of family.

Betty attended school in Newman. She married John C. Wienke on Aug. 28, 1948, at the Newman Methodist Church. They had two children, Pam and Stan. Betty took great pride in being a mom and a farmer’s wife. She maintained a meticulous home and helped run the Wienke family farm. All the while she worked at Thornsboroughs, the Allerton Diner and the Broadlands Grocery Store.

After her husband passed away, Betty worked at Homer Hardware and in Champaign at Do It Best Hardware. She was very well-known for her wit and her ability to help anyone. In fact, she maintained her independence and worked until she was 90. Betty loved keeping busy and being with her friends and family.

In the past year, she moved into Brookdale Assisted Living in Urbana, where she truly enjoyed having fun everyday. She was a hard worker with a loving soul.

Betty is survived by her son Stan and his wife Katie. Betty had seven grandchildren, Scott (Amanda McWilliams) Schaub, Jason (Ashley Apgar) Wienke, Jenna (Tyler) Flessner, Johanna (Paul) Foran, John (Heather)

Wienke, Jud (Kenzie) Wienke and Haven Hatfield. She had 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband John, her daughter Pam Wiltfang, her brothers, Charles, Donald, Harold and Kendall and sister, Marilyn.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 CR 2400 East, Broadlands.

More obituaries, A-6.

Pastor John Sharp will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church of Broadlands in her name.

NG 6/25/2023

David Merrill Hamilton

 
David Merrill Hamilton 75, of Ogden passed away at 11:02 A.M. Tuesday June 13, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Dave was born May 11, 1948 in Danville, the son of Lyle and Lucile (Elliot) Hamilton. He married Brenda Abbott on December 7, 1968. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, Sadie (Greg) Immke of St. Joseph, a son Nolan (Trina)) Hamilton of St. Joseph, a brother Steve (Laura) Hamilton of Ogden, seven grandchildren: Shelby, Abby, Brock, Atleigh, Isaiah, Alyssa and Shayne. Two great grandsons: Blaine and Bennett.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Lyn.

 Dave graduated from Potomac High School in 1966. He served in the United States Navy for 4 years. He worked at Kraft Foods and retired after 44 years. He served on the Ogden Grade School board, and he was the trustee of Ogden Township for many years. In his younger years Dave was a junior state horseshoe champion. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed gardening, mostly taking care of his Peppers and tomatoes. Dave enjoyed coaching his kids in softball and baseball. What he loved the most was watching all his grandkids sporting events, Dave made it known that he would always be there to watch their games, and anyone that knew him knew that he would always be there to support his grandkids. His grandkids were the light of his life. Lastly to all those who got a chance to know Dave, knew he was someone who always cared about others before himself and he always had this light around him that made peple gravitate toward him. He will always be in our hearts, looking down on us, and loved by so many.

 Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Friday June 16, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Pastor Dennis Meyer will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M..

Freese FH 6/15/2023

Edgar E. Hoveln

 RANTOUL — Edgar E. Hoveln, 80, of Rantoul passed away at 1:05 p.m. Sunday (June 18, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 10:30a.m. Thursday, June 22, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7p.m. Wednesday, June 21, in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Edgar was born May 5, 1943, in Champaign, the son of Fred and Anna Buhs Hoveln. He married Sharon Husted on April 1, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She survives.

Along with his wife, Sharon, he is survived by his children, Brenda (Doug) Barr of Ogden, Jeff (Shari) Hoveln of Urbana, Nancy (Steve) Valenti of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Julie (Dan) Pappas of Springfield; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his brother Harold (Darlene) Hoveln of Royal.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Claas Hoveln and George Hoveln.

Edgar graduated from Armstrong High School in 1961. He worked for Sears for 16 years. In 1977, Edgar founded Hoveln Heating & Cooling Inc. and worked until his son took over the business in 2008. He continued working part time with his son until 2018. The business now includes the third generation. His heart has always been in Hoveln Heating & Cooling.

He was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where he was very active in various capacities, including as Church Council president, Sunday school superintendent, the Parish Education Committee and the Historical Committee. Edgar was a member of the Kopmann Cemetery Board, where he was secretary and treasurer for 40 years. He was also a member of the Gifford Lion’s Club and The Prairie A’s Model A Club, Urbana.

Edgar was an antique car enthusiast and enjoyed woodworking, golfing and being outdoors. He also enjoyed performing a comedy act with the Marvin Lee Show. He was an avid Illini and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He looked forward to wintering in Surprise, Ariz. Edgar loved attending the activities of his grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Kopmann Cemetery, Royal, or an organization of the donor’s choice. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices. com.

NG 6/20/2023

Mark Hodgson

 
Mark Hodgson, 65, of Oakwood, IL passed away at 2:12 AM on June 12, 2023 at Gardenview Manor in Danville, IL.

Mark was born on December 18, 1957 the son of Donald and Evelyn (Henley) Hodgson in Champaign, IL. He married Angela Bounds on January 18, 1990 in Oakwood, IL and she preceded him in death on May 5, 2015.

Survivors include his children, Brandon (Kristi) Hodgson of Dennison, IA, Andrea Pittman of Greenfield, WI, his father, Donald Hodgson of Homer, IL, his stepchildren, Justin (Julie) Behrens of Danville, IL and Jason (Andrea) Geiling of Newman, IL, siblings, Mike (Nancy) Hodgson, David Hodgson, Steve (Sue) Hodgson and Donna (Bruce) Silcox as well as four grandchildren.

Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Hodgson and his wife, Angela Hodgson.

Mark was a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years and enjoyed spending his free time boating, camping, gardening and working in his yard as well as spending time with his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Sunset’s Oakwood Chapel, 105 E. South Main Street Oakwood, IL. Jay Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM Friday, June 23, 2023 at the funeral home in Oakwood.

Please join Mark’s family in sharing memories, photos and video of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .

Source: https://obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/obituary/Mark-Hodgson

Robert "Bob" Rothermel

 Robert "Bob" Rothermel, 93, of St. Joseph passed away at 4:25 A.M. Monday June 12, 2023 at Accolade Healthcare, Paxton.

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday June 17, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church 390 CR 2400 E. Broadlands. Pastor John Sharp will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands. Visitation will be Saturday from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the church.

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

 Bob was born January 26, 1930 in Broadlands. The son of John and Esther (Quest) Rothermel. He married Dorothy Luth on September 7, 1957 at Immanuel Lutheran. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Martha (Don) Hall of Maryland, Charles Rothermel of Florida, Joe (Deanne)Rothermel of Broadlands. Eight grandchildren; Frank and Frederick Hall, Lauren, Jenna, Jordan and Jamie Rothermel, Rianna and Torie Rothermel.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenneth Rothermel.

 Bob was a life member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands.

 He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954 serving in Korea. Bob farmed in the Broadlands area all of his life.

 He enjoyed playing Euchre, fishing and traveling the U.S. and Europe.

 Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Freese FH 6/13/2023