Mary Helen Moser

 

Mary Helen Moser - She was born in Van Wert, Ohio and lived there thru first grade. In 1928, her family moved from Van Wert to rural Sydney, Illinois. Mary Helen and her brother Bill attended a rural grade school at Block Station. She graduated from Sidney High School and completed three years at the University of Illinois on scholarship. Her college career was put on hold when love intervened, she and Wayne Moser eloped and were married in St. Louis, August 19th, 1941. They took up residence in the Moser family farm east of Urbana and started to raise a family. Steve was born in 1943, Chuck in 1944 and Cindy in 1949. While taking courses to complete her degree she was hired to teach fifth grade at St. Joseph Elementary.  In 1963 she completed her degree and continued to teach until retirement. She and Wayne purchased a winter home in Apollo Beach Florida that they were able to enjoy until Wayne’s death in 1993.  After Wayne’s death, Mary Helen moved from the farm to an English Tudor cottage on McHenry street in Urbana. She continued to winter at her Florida home in Caribbean Isles Mobile Park in Apollo Beach.  She was an unattached widow for several years until she met and married fellow resident, Lou Jedlick in 2001.  The years spent with Lou were happy times with lots of travel, games, and socializing. Lou died in 2019.  As the problems of aging took their toll, she maintained her cheery attitude; a delight to everyone around her. Mary Helen loved her family and her church. She had a love of reading, poetry, painting, writing, bird watching, traveling, and playing games.  She lived a wonderful life.  There will be an open house to celebrate her life on Sunday, September 10th from one to five PM at Hudson Farm four miles east of Urbana.  The address for Hudson Farm is 1341 County Rd. 1800 E, Urbana. Website:  hudsonfarmweddings.com. During the open house at 2:00 PM, there will be an open microphone for those who want to share memories.  Gifts in Mary Helen’s name to The United Methodist Church, Urbana . Condolences may be made at www.renner-wikoff.com     

James Alan Davison

 

James Alan Davison, 75 of Homer passed away at 10:08 PM, Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Amber Glenn, Urbana.

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

Mr. Davison was born August 31, 1947 in Urbana, a son to Kenneth and Mary Wilson Davison.  He married Helen Wolf on June 7, 1969 in Sidney, she survives.

Also surviving are two children; Katie (Shannon) Patterson and Jamie (Nikki) Davison, both of Homer, six grandchildren; Cody and Keagan Patterson and Kenzie, Kane, Noah, and Clair Davison all of Homer, and two sisters; Sue Clover and Carol (Ricky) Hannah both of Urbana.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a son; Andy Davison.

He was a journeyman electrician, retiring from the University of Illinois.  He was a member of IBEW Local Union #601 for 52 years.  He served in the United State Army Reserves.  He was also a member of Urbana American Legion #71.

Memorials may be made to Homer Fire Department.

Freese FH 8/31/2023

Maurice Neil Frost

 Maurice Neil Frost, 81 born December 12, 1941 to Donald Charles Earl Frost and Leota Bernice (Claybaugh) Frost at 602 W. University Ave his parents home, he was delivered by his mothers sister Aunt Clara. Preceding him in death were his son Don Frost, 2 brothers Dick and Eugene, 1 sister and brother in law Shirley Nadine and John Huls, his grandparents Susan and Charles Frost and his grandparents Claybaugh. Two neices Susie and Karen, nephews Rob and Darren, special family members Fay Ethel Ferguson, Charlie and Maxine Ward, Jim, Diane and Darrin Ward.

 He was a father to three boys Don, Skip and Dick Frost and Dad to Greg, Brad and Allen. He loved them all and was proud of them all. He brought them up with an iron fist and a whole lot of love, he was quite a man to have for a Father and Dad. He had 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, many niece and nephews some called him Uncle Buddy and some called him Uncle Jack.

 He married Carolyn K. Ward Frost in Urbana on October 18, 1986, they would have celebrated their 37th Anniversary on October 18, 2023.

 He attended Champaign Central High School, Class of 1960, However in his senior year he had to quit school to help his father in the family business Illini Linen Service. While in High School he worked at Eisner Grocery Store on Neil St. in Champaign as a stock boy. Jack then worked  and help set up the Carle Hospital Power Plant, also doing maintenance work at Carle Hospital. He then moved on to his trucking career. He was an owner operator for North American Van Lines, out of Fort Wayne, IN. Jack worked at ACHumco, Clifford and Jacobs, he didn't like it so back on the road he went. First with McCleen Trucking out of Indiana, then Global Van Lines out of Champaign. He found his home at JM Jones where he worked for 29 years making many friends at JM Jones and at all the stores he delivered to. Next was TLC, Champaign for 3 years and finally he bought a Red Volvo Semi and hired his best trucking buddy Frank Wheisman and they hit the road. He had to retire due to health, but the memories were wonderful!

Jack was a lifetime member of NRA and OOIDA the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, he received his 3 million mile safe driving award from JM Jones/SuperValue plus 3 beautiful award rings and other jewelry items.

 The family would like to give a very special thank you to Carle Hospice, Nurse Kirsten and Angie, social worker Aarmina and director Marge for all their caring, kindness and love to Frostie and the whole family.

 Also mourning his death is his dog Rocko and cat Miss Kitty.

 Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Tuesday August 22, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St .Joseph. Mark Billings and Danny Matthews will officiate the service. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Freese FH 8/20/2023

Richard C. Tester

 

Richard C. Tester 73, of Foosland passed away 3:38 P.M. Saturday August 19, 2023 at his home.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday August 24, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Pastor Matthew Crider will officiate. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. on Thursday.

 He was born April 24, 1950 in Neva, TN. The son of Vonnie and Pearl (Hicks) Tester. He married Darlene Reisner on April 27, 1968 in Ogden They just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Julie Hatfield of Villa Grove and Todd (Jennifer) Tester of Mahomet. Grandsons Zach Hatfield, Jarod Hatfield and Jacob Tester. Two great grandchildren. 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.

 Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam . He retired from Kraft after 31 years of service.

 He greatly enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. Richard was a good Christian man who followed the Lord.

Freese FH 8/20/2023

Robert A. "Bob" Wade

 
Robert A. "Bob" Wade, 69 of St. Joseph passed away at 10:20 A.M. Friday July 11, 2023 at his home.

 Services will be held at a later date.

 He was born March 23, 1954 in Urbana. The son of Kenneth A. and Elaine Parham Wade. He married Judy Anaya Wade on August 8, 2020. She survives.

 He is also survived by two brothers Ronald (Nancy) Hoover of Crete, IL, Leonard (Rebecca) Wade of Buena Vista, AR. Son Jason Wade of Philo, Il. Sister in law Ruth Hoover of Urbana.

 Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gary Hoover and sister Cheryl (Joseph) Yette.

 Bob retired from the Urbana School District Maintenance Department. He enjoyed collecting things, Nascar and Antique car shows.

 Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Freese FH 8/15/2023

Ericka Donelle Uskali

 

Ericka Donelle Uskali, 54, of St. Joseph, IL was welcomed into heaven on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Ericka’s was a life well-lived, marked by zest for family, boundless creativity, lifelong learning, flamboyant fun, and a stalwart faith in Jesus Christ.

Ericka was born in Jerseyville, IL on August 17, 1968, the daughter of Donald Jerome Stuckey and Mary Ruth Stuckey of Medora, IL. The youngest of four children in a fun-loving home that valued faith, family, and education, Ericka recalled that in the Stuckey home, they were taught “to pray, trust God, forgive, give to others, set goals and strive to reach them, use their creativity, love music and the power of words, and to live their lives focused more on others than self.” These lessons were evident in Ericka’s relationships, education, and career.

Ericka married Timothy Uskali on April 3, 2004. She was always bragging on her sweet Tim, describing him as, “the love of my life, the one who truly amazes me with his kindness, follows hard after God’s heart, loves his children and grandchildren, and makes me laugh out loud with his ‘Timisms.’” In marrying Tim, she was also blessed to become a mom to his three children: Mike, Aaron, and Amber Leigh. Tim and Ericka welcomed a fourth child, Isaiah Timothy, on September 18,  2008. Ericka once recounted, “For years and years, I wanted to be a mom. My dreams came true when these four gifts came into my life. I didn’t become a mom by giving birth, but three came as a bonus with their dad and one came because of his heroic birth mom. I may not have become a mom through traditional methods, but God knew that these four amazing individuals would fill the missing piece of my heart.”

Ericka was led to faith by her mother, and dedicated her life to Jesus at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Medora, IL. At an early age, she felt the call of God to the mission field. While attending Eastern Illinois University, Ericka served for three months each summer as a missionary in Florida and Colorado. After college, she accepted a position as a missionary in Togo, West Africa with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. For two years, Ericka taught the children of missionaries serving in Togo and became an integral part of their community and ministry. While abroad, Ericka faced many life-threatening adversities, which served to strengthen her faith. These years ignited in her a passion for travel and many more mission trips, returning to Africa several times.

Ericka’s creativity shined brightest through her role as an educator. Upon her return from Togo, she taught middle school social studies and language arts at Yorkville Middle School, Bethalto Middle School, and Triad Middle School. Her passion for experiential learning and outstanding instructional practices opened up opportunities far and wide to aid in middle school reform and research, promoting best practices in education and inclusive opportunities for all students. Notably, in Ericka’s professional career, she served as the assistant executive director for the Association of Illinois Middle-Level Schools, which worked to improve struggling schools across the state. She later became the executive director of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, inspiring teachers from Washington D.C. to China. Closer to home, Ericka worked as the Transformation Officer in Danville Community School District, and most recently as the Director of Curriculum and Student Learning in Urbana School District. While navigating a dynamic career, Ericka earned her Master of Education in Administration, and a Specialist degree in Superintendency and Educational System Administration from Eastern Illinois University.

Ericka believed in the centrality of family, and she exemplified intentionality in all of her many family relationships. She was thrilled to have four beloved children: Mike (Briana) Uskali of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aaron Uskali of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Amber Uskali of Powder Springs, Georgia, and Isaiah Uskali of St. Joseph, Illinois. She was also a proud grandmother to Abigail, Emery, and Rhys Uskali. Ericka shared a strong bond with her siblings: Richard (Candy) Stuckey of Brighton, IL, Cristie (Tim) Lewis of Troy, IL, and the late Melissa (Harry) Clendenin of Sidney, OH. One of her greatest joys in life was that of being an aunt, and she poured much love and silliness into the lives of Sarah, Jesse, Shaun, Andy, Valerie, Lindsay, Brad, Gail, Nate, Jalee, and Sam. She was preceded in death by her sister Melissa and her parents, Don and Ruth Stuckey. We can only imagine the grand reunion that is happening with them in heaven today.

Ericka’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the hallmark of her life, and she dedicated her days to sharing the gospel, both at home and abroad. Ericka spent her life faithfully serving her church family, and was a member of Living Word Family Church in St. Joseph, IL for nearly 20 years. Though she served in various areas of church life, her heart belonged to worship ministry, where she felt she could best express her love of God. Through the trials and triumphs of life, Ericka lived by this motto: “I have faith in the faithfulness of God. He is ALWAYS faithful!”

Ericka’s family will receive family and friends for visitation on Thursday, August 17, 2023 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Living Word Family Church in St. Joseph, IL. A celebration of Ericka’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Scott Millis officiating. The burial will be at Medora Cemetery, where Ericka will be laid to rest alongside her parents. Funeral arrangements are in care of Freese Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Living Word Family Church in honor of Ericka. Condolences may also be expressed to the Uskali family at the funeral home’s website www.freesefh.com.

Freese FH 8/14/2023

Bonnie Jean Orr Hitt

 

Bonny Jean Orr was born January 18, 1934 in Stanford, IL, the sixth child of Ernest and Lillie Rearden Orr. She grew up on farms near Standford and attended the one room grade school, Stanford Institute until moving in to Stanford in 7th grade attending Stanford Grade and graduating Stanford High School in 1951.  While in school, she worked part time at the grocery store, local restaurants, and corn detasseling. Following high school graduation she began working at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, IL

She married Robert (Bob) Hitt on February 14, 1952 in Sumter, South Carolina near the Shaw Air Force Base. Bob served in the US Air Force but returned to Hopedale, IL following the death of his father. She returned to work at State Farm. In 1954, their son Terry was born and Bonny worked part time jobs at the Hospital, Grocery Store, General Electric and was a news correspondent.

In 1960, several job transfers for Bob from Hopedale to Eldridge,IA eventually moving to St. Joseph in 1962 where Bonny worked as a bookkeeper and then settled into her 44 year career in banking starting at the State Bank of St. Joseph in April 1964. In 1966, their second son Todd was born. Their two sons were the joy of their lives!

Bonny became vice-president of State Bank of St. Joseph in 1966 and in 1989 she became manager for Busey bank after the two banks merged. She received her General Banking degree from Parkland College and graduated from the University of Illinois Graduate School of Banking in 1986. In 1994, she successfully completed the Foundations in Financial Planning with the College of Financial Planning. She was a past president of the American Institute of Banking and served on the Banking Advisory Board of Parkland College. Bonny was the St. Joseph Village Clerk until 1977 and the St. Joseph Township Clerk from 1984 to 2021. In 1994 she transferred to the Urbana Busey Bank to be the Director of the Senior Club, Fortune Five-0. She retired in 1997 as the Director and continued for 11 years as a travel planner and escort for the Fortune Five-0 Club, leading tours accompanied by Bob to a multitude of destinations in the United States, French Riviera, Italy, Monte Carlo, San Tropez, Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Jamaica. She loved the sun, beach and water, no matter where she was in the world, the memories were endless.

Along with her banking career, she was a 60 year plus member of the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as the President of the Hopedale Chapter in 1953. She was also a Den Mother, a member of the Junior and Senior Women’s Clubs, Altrusa International and Past President of the Chamber of Commerce.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lillie and Ernest Orr, Stanford Il. Four brothers, Homer Orr, Ralph Orr, Russell Orr and Charles Orr, all of Stanford, IL and one sister, Marilyn June Smith of Champaign.

Great pleasure was the time spent with surviving family, sons Terry (Teresa), Neoga, IL and Todd (Jamie) St. Joseph, Grandson Tracy Hitt, Glen Carbon, Grandaughters Tiffany (Neil) Rew, Hillsboro, IN,  Jody (Brent) Bohnert Perryville, MO, Jessie (Tyler) Parsons, St. Joseph and great grandchildren, Colten Badgley, Cayden Rew, Maria Rew, Caley, Hannah, Jase and Jaxon Hitt, Brody and Jonah Bohnert, Peyton and Charlee Parsons. Great great-granddaughter Brixley. Bonny also greatly enjoyed spending time with her friends, “The Six Pack”. They all enjoyed going out to lunch or dinner followed by a spirited game of Dominoes.

 Memorials may be made to Friends Fore Life P.O. Box 12 St. Joseph, IL 618763

 Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday August 17, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Pastor Dave Ashby and Pastor Jim Davis will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Freese FH 8/14/2023

Keneth Frick

 SIDNEY — Kenneth Frick of Sidney passed away peacefully on Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2023) at home.

He was born on Nov. 22, 1933, the son of Oscar and Mabel ( Klienmeyer) Frick.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Dona Joy (McQueen) Frick; and their three sons, Tim (Susan) Frick of Longview, Gary (Tammy) Frick of St. Joseph and Don (Kris) Frick of Woodstock; along with seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his older brother, Orville Frick, and sister, Waneta McDaniel.

Kenneth lost his father at the age of 5, which lead to a life of hard work, and he didn’t know how to slow down until his health started failing a few years back.

Kenneth graduated from Longview High School in 1951, married Joy in 1953 and served in the Army from 1954 to 1956. He loved farming in the Longview area and in the winter time could be found remodeling neighbors’ homes. He was very active in the community, serving as a volunteer fireman, on the ABL school board, a member of the Longview Lions and held many positions at the Longview United Methodist Church. He enjoyed woodworking and later in life took up caning chairs.

Kenneth and Joy spent hours sitting in the bleachers and on lawn chairs watching their boys’, grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ sporting events. They enjoyed camping, pinochle and square-dancing with their friends and helping at their church.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at Sidney United Church, Sidney, with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Pastor Lee Jenkins will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Sidney United Church.

NG 8/13/2023

Cheryl Darlene Bundy

 

Cheryl Darlene Bundy, 76, of Urbana passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

She was born October 9, 1946, in Urbana to Donna F. (Smith) Baum, and James R. Baum. She was preceded in death by her mother, maternal and paternal grandparents and former spouse Floyd D. Bundy.

She is survived by her father, daughter Donna McCoy (Wesley) of Neoga, IL. Grandson Austin McCoy (Brandi) of Neoga, IL, three sisters; Charolette, Archer, Mona Boyce, and Sandra McGlasson (Bruce), a niece Lisa Biagioni (Ray) 4 nephews, James Boyce, Scott McGlasson (Monica) Brian McGlasson (Romi), Keith McGlasson (Jennifer), many great-nephews, great-nieces and many friends.

Cheryl was a member of the Sidney United Church, enjoyed attending church and bible study with her good friend Patti Grider. Cheryl was an accomplished crocheter, loved to read, assemble puzzles, and play solitaire.

In Liew of flowers, donations can be made to the Sidney United Church, in Cheryl’s memory.

https://piccolo-wedge-23kl.squarespace.com/obituaries?name=cheryl-darlene-bundy

Carl G. Erb

 

Carl G. Erb, 87 of Sidney passed away on Wednesday August 9, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Carl was born June 2, 1936, at Block Station, the son of Glen Erb and Ella (Block) Erb.

He married Carol (Hall) on August 25, 1961, at Champaign, she survives. They would have celebrated 62 years of marriage in a few days.

His children Kristin (Anthony) Williford, Kevin (Mary Jo) Erb and Kolin (Keli) Erb all survive. He is survived by two sisters, Marjorie Miller and Mary (Richard) Waller, Carl was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Elmer Miller.

Carl graduated ABL in 1954 and attended Parkland College

Carl worked at Eisner Bakery, the University Illinois Central Food Stores/Bakery and was a life-long farmer.

Carl was a member of Illinois Farm Bureau, enjoyed repurposing wood to construct new buildings and houses and was generous to many organizations and others.

Carl also proudly served his country in the Illinois National Guard for 6 years.

Carl was baptized and confirmed at St Paul’s E. & R. Church, Sidney; later became “Sidney United Church”

Donations can be made to Eastern Illinois Food Bank or Sidney Fire and Rescue.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.  Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

Freese FH 8/10/2023 website.

Rodney Dean Moorhous

 

Rodney Dean Moorhous, 66 of Royal passed away peacefully surrounded by his three sisters on August 8, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. He was born on November 17, 1956 to Ray Dean Moorhous and Margaret Eiskamp Moorhous in Champaign.

 Rodney is survived by his stepmother Maria Moorhous, his three sisters Deanna (John) Buss of St. Joseph, Cathy (Randy) Goyne of St. Joseph and Julie (Bill) Jankowski of Avon, IN. Also surviving are stepdaughters Samantha (Jeff) Stevenson and sons of Richmond Hill, GA and Christina (Brad) Henry and daughters of Leroy, IL. He is also survived by his Aunt ean Motsinger, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

 Rodney graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1974. He was a long time employee of Ogden Overhead Doors and cooked at several local establishments over the years. Rod loved family gatherings and his church family and friends. He also loved all sports, especially Illini Basketball and Football and the Cubs. He enjoyed fishing and cooking. He was very active in St. John Lutheran Church in Royal where he previously served on the church council and was a Sunday School teacher as well as Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a current Village of Royal Trustee.

 Visitation will be held on Friday August 11, 2023 from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer service at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. The funeral will be Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at the church with Pastor Emil Blobaum officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

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

 Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Freese FH 8/9/2023