Anita Rae Wienke Whitt

Anita Rae Wienke Whitt, 71, of Homer, passed away at 6:25am on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, IL.

Funeral services will be 10am on Wednesday, July 3 at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main, Homer. Pastor Chris Quick will officiate. Burial will take place at G.A.R. Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 5-8pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Anita was born December 19, 1952 in Champaign, the daughter of Verne and Barbara Lee Temple Wienke. She married Kenny Whitt on November 14, 1970 in Broadlands. He survives.

Survivors also include two sons, Cory (Dana) Whitt of Oakwood and Roger (Hilary) Whitt of St. Joseph; sister Cindy Robbins of Danville; grandchildren Micaela Childress of St. Joseph, Brooks Whitt and Collins Whitt of St. Joseph; and her beloved dog, Jackson.

Anita was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading and loved her grandchildren and watching them play sports. She was an Illini and Cardinals fan.

Memorials can be made to the family.

News-Gazette 6/29/2024

Robert "Bob" Allen

 
Robert “Bob” Allen, 85, of Oakwood, Illinois, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

He was born August 14, 1938, in Homer, Illinois, son of the late Ruth Allen.

Bob married Mary Lou Holycross on October 18, 1959, in Oakwood, Illinois and she survives.

Also surviving are his daughters: Cindy (Jeff) Acton of Danville and Susan (Doug) Canfield of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his grandchildren: Katie (Derek) Davis, Kelly (Andrew) Kaufmann, Cole (Megan) Acton, Shane Canfield and Stephanie (Kurt) Stinnett; and four great-grandchildren. Liyah, Milo and Neil Kaufmann and Chandler Stinnett.

Along with his mother, Bob was preceded in death by one daughter: Cheryl Lynn and two sisters: Barbara and Patricia Allen.

Bob attended and made many new friends at Muncie Baptist church.  He worked for Facilities & Services at the University of Illinois in Steam Distribution for 30 years.  He was a founding member of the Homer Historical Society and served on the inaugural board as Treasurer.  He served on the Board of Education for the Homer School District for many years, including a time as board President.  He also received recognition for his 50 years of service and membership as a Master Mason. Bob enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and playing cards with his family and friends. He never failed to attend his family member's countless events and loved landing deals at flea markets and garage sales, always looking to add cap guns and pocketknives to his collections. Bob will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be from 9AM-11AM on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Homes Oakwood Chapel 105 E South Main Street in Oakwood. A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held at 11AM on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the funeral home in Oakwood. Masonic rites will begin at 10:45AM. Burial will follow at GAR Cemetery in Homer.

Memorials in Bob’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Homer Historical Society.

Please join Bob’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Sunset Funeral Homes Oakwood Chapel 105 E South Main Street in Oakwood is honored to be caring for the family.

https://obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/obituary/RobertBob-Allen

Judith E. Valentine Harris

 MAHOMET — Judith E. Valentine Harris, 84, of Mahomet joined her loved ones who were waiting to welcome her to her eternal home on F r i d a y , June 21, 2024, at Carle Hospital, Urbana, with her best friend at her side.

Services will be held Thursday, June 27, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 402 S. Elm Street, Mahomet, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and an Eastern Star funeral service provided by Hope Chapter Order of the Eastern Star at 12:45p.m., followed by a funeral service with Pastor Bruce Swartz officiating. Interment will be in Ingram Cemetery, Wagon Wheel Road, White Heath.

Judy was born Jan. 10, 1940, in White Heath to Verna E. Hassinger Valentine and Gerald J. Valentine. She attended Monticello High School. She married Robert D. Harris on June 9, 1957. He died October 28, 2005. They had two children, Tamara J. Harris and Gerald D. Harris.

She was predeceased by her parents, both children, two sisters and an infant brother.

She is survived by two grandchildren, Lee A. (Heather) Walters of Summertown Tenn., and Danielle Walters of Elwood, Ind.; nine great- grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; two nieces, Kathy (Dan) Thomas of Hanover, Pa., and Louella Bishop of Urbana; many cousins; and her “guardian angel,” Doris Lawyer of Champaign.

She treasured the time she got to spend with her grandchildren, whether in person, by phone or sharing pictures on Facebook.

Judy and Bob owned and operated Upholstery Specialists of Champaign for 35 years, where her eye for color and design and sewing skills were put to good use!

Judy never met a stranger, always had a smile on her face and a great sense of humor. Her memories of riding motorcycles across the United States with friends brought her great joy.

She also had a special love for children of all ages. She worked with drug-prevention program “Hugs Not Drugs,” meeting with gradeschool kids around the state, and loved to recount her escapades while dressed as a 6-foot bear; she also drove a school bus and worked as a custodian in the Mahomet school district until retirement. She loved music and had a beautiful voice.

In 2017, Judy moved to The Glenwood Assisted Living in Mahomet. There she started an exercise program, led sing-a-longs, headed up arts-and-crafts projects, called bingo and redecorated the building for each holiday and season. Judy loved to crochet and made countless blankets, shawls and hats for infants in neonatal intensive- care units.

Judy was a 55-year member of First Baptist Church in Mahomet, where she taught Sunday school and led a children’s choir, and she started a summer Bible school program at Candlewood Estates that continues today.

She is a 48-year member of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron in Mecca Chapter and Hope Chapter, Urbana. A highlight of her life was being appointed as Grand Representative of Kansas in Illinois in 2007.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at The Glenwood for providing such love and care and the Grand Lodge of Illinois’ Illinois Masonic Outreach Services for their assistance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to First Baptist Church of Mahomet, 402 S. Elm St., Mahomet, IL 61853; Order of the Eastern Star, Educational Trust Fund, P.O. Box 317, Macon, IL 62544; or The Grand Lodge of Illinois, Attn: IMOS Program, 2866 Via Verde, Springfield, IL 62703. Morgan Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome. com.

NG 6/24/2024

Judith Ann Gones Chesnut

 SIDNEY — It is with great sadness that the family of Judith Ann Chesnut announces her passing. She fought a long, courageous battle with cancer and died peacefully Friday, June 14, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Dec. 4,1942, in Muncie, Ind., Judy was the daughter of John (Jack) and Frances ( Berniece) Gones. She married John Chesnut on Sept. 2, 1960. They have three daughters, Ramona (Pete) Harrison, Rebecca Chesnut and Ragina (Brian) Lindley; two grandchildren, Taylor Black and Gracie Cox; and one great-grandson, Elijah Black; they all survive.

Also surviving are her brother, Doug (Linda) Gones, and her sister, Janet Jackson. Preceding her in death were her parents; her brother, John Gones; and her nephews, Dirk Seymour and Brad Dunkman.

Judy was a very caring and generous daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt and friend.

She was very blessed to have many wonderful friends. Known by ‘Nan’ to her grands and their friends, she found great joy in attending their events and activities. Judy also took great pride in her home and loved living in the country with John surrounded by her beautiful flowers and horses.

John, Judy and their daughters raised and showed Quarter Horses. Judy was the heart and soul of all the horse ventures. The family traveled to horse shows frequently throughout the Midwest, which Judy thoroughly enjoyed.

She was also very competitive, especially in regard to sports. She was Ragina’s head summer softball coach and was her family’s biggest cheerleader at games.

Judy was a hard worker both at home and as a caregiver for 20 years. Her patients and their families were always pleased with the care and kindness she showed.

To say Judy had a green thumb is an understatement. Known for her outstanding flower gardens and home decor, Judy was highlighted in the At Home in Central Illinois magazine in 2015, 2016 and 2020. She also loved helping her daughters with their landscaping and decorating their homes. She truly had a keen eye for beauty.

To honor Judy, the family will hold a celebration of life from 1 to 4 p.m. July 7, at the Sidney Village Community Building, 211 E. Main St.

Memorials can be made to the Champaign Humane Society or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Evergreen Cremation Services is assisting the family.

News-Gazette 6/25/2024

Chad M. Wilsey

 
Chad M. Wilsey, 46, of Broadlands passed away at 4:40 P.M. Sunday June 23, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Chad was born January 5, 1978 the son of Michael and Vicki (Brandon) Wilsey.

 He is survived by his parents of Rankin. Sister Nikki (Jamie)Davison of Homer. Brother Jarin (Julie) Wilsey of Alvin. Sister-in-law Laura Wilsey of Avon, IN. Nieces and nephews; Kane and Clair Davison, Eric and Landon Wilsey, Henry, Hattie and Brynn Wilsey.

 He was preceded in death by his brother Shandy Wilsey, uncle Jim Wilsey, cousin Easton Wilsey, Paternal grandparents Clifford and Marjorie Wilsey, maternal grandparents Don and Adora Strohl.

 Chad was a man of many talents, including percussion and working complex tech and electronic projects, and was inspired to always learn something new. He was passionate about astronomy and made a trip to see the solar eclipse, which made him very emotional as he watched in awe and wonder. Chad was a big fan of supporting the Illini basketball and football teams as well as his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

 Chad was always known to have a smile on his face and cherished the moments he shared making memories with others. He never complained about anything, no matter the magnitude of adversity he was experiencing. He so loved kids and making them laugh, especially with his Barney impersonation.

 Memorials may be made to the Chad Wilsey Memorial Fund at any local Longview Bank.

 Services will be held at a later date.

Freese FH 6/25/2024

 Donald  Johnson II, 60, of Fairmount passed away at 7:31 A.M. Tuesday June 18, 2024 at his home.

 Services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday June 25, 2024 at the Ogden Nazarene Church 206 N. Market St. Ogden. Rev. Wade Stine will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P..M. at the church.

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

 He was born July 8, 1963 in Urbana. The son of Donald E. and Rosetta (Anglin) Johnson. He married Sharon fry on March 19, 1982 in Ogden. She survives.

 He is also survived by his daughters; Elizabeth Johnson Drake of Danville, Sarah Johnson of Germany. 3 brothers Mike (Brenda) Johnson of Ogden, Geoff (Val) Johnson of TN, Ralph (Christa) Johnson of Fairmount.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter Jennifer.

 Donald was a graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School Class of 1981 and of Olivet Nazarene University.

 He was a member and associate pastor at the Ogden Nazarene Church. He was the owner of Econ-O-Way Construction. He enjoyed fishing and going to Florida, but most of all spending time with his family and friends.

 Memorials may be made to the Ogden Nazarene Church 206 N. Market St. Ogden 61859.

Freese FH 6/20/2024

Ellen Rose "Susie" Mohr

 HOMER - Ellen Rose "Susie" Mohr, 95, of Homer met her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Autumn Fields in Savoy.

Born Aug. 4, 1928, in Tuscola, she was one of four children of Othel and Myrtle (Farrier) Mooday of Hindsboro. She had three siblings who preceded her in death; Betty Gross Snodgrass, Dale Mooday and Marietta Lindsay.

Susie was baptized on Jan. 10, 1943, at Villa Grove United Methodist Church. She became a member of the United Methodist Church in Homer in 1976 and remained a faithful servant there for 30 years. Susie also attended bible study at St. John's Lutheran Church in Broadlands and was confirmed at St. John's on May 19, 2019.

Susie married Howard Franklin Mohr on Oct. 12, 1949, in Villa Grove. He preceded her in death on March 24, 2007. They had two sons, Greg and Brad; Greg preceded them in death on Jan. 7, 2006.

Susie is survived by a son, Brad (Sherrill); and five grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Ome", Melinda (Mike) James, Axel (Kelly) Mohr, Dana Mohr (Travis Kuhns), Zach (Nicole) Mohr and Kristin (James) Maley; 11 great-grandchildren,  Audra (Kody) Shields, Mackenzie (Hunter) Wasser, Landrey, Ella, Lillian, Oxley, Brixton, Eliza and Ryker Mohr and Ellie and Wyatt Maley; and three great-great-grandchildren, Asher, Raelynn and William Shields. 

As a teen, Susie worked at the Villa Grove theater and jewelry store. She retired from Burnham Hospital as a bookkeeper and then as a multi-township tax assessor for South Homer Township. 

Susie and Howard lived in Broadlands before moving to Homer, where they raised cattle, goats, horses and chickens. They enjoyed going to auctions and buying antiques. Susie enjoyed working puzzles, bowling, card club, mowing, the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers, baking Angel Food cake, and traveling; with her most memorable trip being Athens with friend Diane Freeman.

Many thanks for the care and compassion of caretakers at Autumn Fields and the family members and friends who sat with Susie in her final days.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. Family and friends are invited. A celebration of life service will be held at a later time. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jun. 15, 2024.

Betty E. Danner

 OCALA, Fla. - Betty E. Danner, 88, of Ocala, Fla., had recently moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., to be closer to family. She was formerly from Homer and passed away on Sunday (June 9, 2024).

Betty was born Oct. 9, 1935.

She is survived by her immediate family.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, John, of 68 years, who passed away six weeks prior. They are now together again.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Debbie.

Her passion was spoiling her six children and John, plus helping him with the hot-rods. She loved her family deeply and will be dearly missed.

The children have already celebrated both John and Betty in Florida.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jun. 14, 2024.

Darla Rae (Harsha) Mintz

 Darla Rae (Harsha) Mintz, 64, of Mahomet passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Champaign on December 21, 1959, the daughter of Ronald and Marcella (Grussing) Harsha. Darla married the love of her life, Martin Mintz, on August 10, 2002, he survives.

Darla is also survived by her 5 children, Shane (Summer Wilson) Beddow, Trina (Phil) Fridel, Alon (Rotem) Mintz, Yael Mintz, Nadav Mintz; 3 grandchildren, Kameryn, Alivia, Brynn; siblings, Barbara (Ron) Frazier, Kristin (Shawn) Megenhardt, Stan (Linda) Harsha, several nieces and nephews as well as her 2 beloved dogs, Sampson and Oliver.

She is preceded in death by her mother Marcella, her father Ronald, and her stepfather Lyle McWethy.

Darla was a fun-spirited soul who took on many passions. After graduating high school, she attended cosmetology school before realizing she preferred the ever-evolving world of Information Technology. She would remain in IT until her retirement. Darla had incredible artistic talent and throughout her life, she enjoyed various types of crafts, including Cricut designs, glass fusion, and Swedish weaving. In her spare time, she could be found reading a good book, spending time on the boat or camping, and spending winters in Florida with Martin.

Visitation will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Sunset’s Mahomet Chapel 1102 Churchill Rd. Mahomet, IL. Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church 200 W. Arnold Ave., Thomasboro, IL, with Pastor Michael Stoerger officiating. The burial will take place at Beckman Cemetery in Flatville, IL.

Please join Darla’s family in sharing memories and photos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

NG 6/12/2024

Bruce Voges

 ‘A LIFE WELL LIVED’, Bruce Voges, 98, of Saint Joseph, IL, passed away at his home on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 1:25PM. Bruce was surrounded by family and friends and he left this earth as peacefully as the day he was born.  He was reunited with his wife, Katie, and got to meet Jesus.

 

Bruce was born in Terre Haute, IN on April 28, 1926, in the family home.  He left school early, lied about his age, and enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17. He served this great country for 21 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.  He served in the Pacific Theater during WWII and continued his service throughout the Korean War.  At the Battle of Iwo Jima, his landing ship, the LST725, was the first successful LST to reach the beach. 

 

On June, 12, 1954, Bruce married Kathryn Wehlage (Katie).  They had three children, Mike (Tami) Voges of Saint Joseph, Michele (Terry) Lawhead of Saint Joseph, and Tim (Sherri) Voges of Urbana.  Bruce was happily married until Katie’s passing in 2011.

 

Bruce was blessed with five grandchildren, Jessi (Jon) Wrench, Jonah (Kelsey) Lawhead, August Voges, Mason (Karee) Voges, Jordan (Jennifer) Lawhead, six great grandchildren, Liam and Briella Wrench, Pierce and Sawyer Lawhead, Lincoln and Hudson Lawhead.

 

After Bruce’s retirement from the Navy, his family moved to Ogden, IL.  He worked for Magnavox in Urbana just prior to it relocating.  He made a decision to not move the family again and accepted a position as a bank teller at The First National Bank of Ogden. Over the course of his career at the bank, he advanced to the position of bank president before retiring in 1988.  Bruce and Katie, along with Rosie and Don Hayn, also owned and operated the Lincoln House Restaurant in Ogden , a food staple back in the day.

 

In his retirement years Bruce stayed very active.  In addition to his awesome woodworking skills, he helped out extensively with the original renovation of the Vermillion County War Museum. In 2000, Bruce, along with 26 other Navy veterans, average age 72, went to Greece, and brought back to life an old WWII landing ship.  The LST was made sea worthy after over six months of work by these men, and eventually sailed back across the Atlantic to The United States.  He was the Chief Boatswain  on the voyage and was affectionately known as ‘Boats’ by all who served with him.  Boats was instrumental in the continued care and restoration of the LST over the years.   LST325 is currently a working WWII museum ship moored in Evansville, IN.

 

In recent years, Bruce truly loved his quiet corner on Grand Ave.  Sitting in his garage with the door up, many who drove by honked or waved.  People walked by, kids rode bikes and waved, and runners called out during early morning runs.  Many stopped to visit.  Strangers became friends.  Neighbors were treasured .  Every Halloween, kids and families were treated to pizza and hot dogs.  He even dressed in creative costumes with a special family friend.  He really enjoyed mowing and even did so a few days after his recent 98th birthday.  Religiously playing pinocle almost daily with his three kids, every win was tallied.  Thankfully, Bruce won his last games two days before he passed.

 

The family will greet friends for two hours beginning at 10AM, on July 6, at  Freese Funeral Home, Saint Joseph, IL.   A procession to Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, IL, for a Military Honor burial will be at noon.  All are encouraged to attend the military services at the cemetery as Bruce had specific requests for his final farewell to friends and family.  A celebration will immediately follow at the home of Tim and Sherri.

 

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Bruce’s name to the USS LST325 Ship Memorial.  610 NW Riverside Dr. Evansville, IN, 47708 or SJO Constitution Team

“We the People”, St. Joseph-Ogden High School, 301 N. Main St., St. Joseph, IL.  61873.

 

‘Fair Winds and Following Seas”

Philip "Phil" McMahon

 

MCMAHON, PHILIP “PHIL”, was born in Ogden, Illinois on March 12, 1928. Phil passed away on Jan. 12, 2011 at home. He retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years and retired from Palm Beach County Utilities in 1993. He was a POW in Korea and a Bronze Star recipient. The youngest of four boys, he is survived by his brother, John McMahon of Urbana Il.; his son, David (Kathleen); his devoted grandchildren, Bree, Ryan and Reagan of Orlando. Services will be held at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church 6200 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Fl 32806 at 1:00 on Saturday, January 22, 2001. Please make contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project in lieu of Flowers.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/obituaries/philip-mcmahon-fl/

Alice Madge (Trimble) Warters

 

ALLERTON - Alice Madge (Trimble) Warters, 90, of Allerton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed peacefully on Tuesday (June 4, 2024) at Kirby Medical Hospital, Monticello.

Madge was the daughter of Orval and Belle (Bishop) Trimble of Newman. She was a graduate of Newman High School and attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Madge married Dean Warters on Sept. 21, 1952. They were married for 58 years, until Dean passed in December 2010.

The couple had four children, Kim Warters of Allerton, Ginger Stanfield of Charleston, Tammy (Gary) Frick of St. Joseph and Tim Warters of Allerton.

Madge was preceded in death by their infant son, Kim (1953); son Tim (2005); husband, Dean (2010); parents, Orval and Belle Trimble; brothers, Gene and Doyle Trimble; and sister-in-law, Anne Trimble (who was like a sister to Madge).

Madge and Dean farmed northeast of Allerton. They also raised hogs and polled shorthorn cattle. Madge loved every aspect of the farm life. She felt the best place to raise a family was on a farm. Madge played a vital role in all the work on their farm … from driving the combine during harvest to cooking, she did it all. Besides her family, farming and raising livestock was one of the joys of her life. Their family traveled all over the Midwest to countless state and county fairs showing their livestock. Madge was a charter member of the Shorthorn "Lassie" organization, which was very involved with the promotion of the polled shorthorn cattle breed. She served on most of the various boards and committees related to this organization, being named National Lassie of the Year in 1981.

Another passion (besides her family) was music. Her brother Gene started an orchestra in Newman when he was in high school. Madge started playing saxophone in the Gene Trimble Orchestra when she was 12 years old. She filled in for several members in the saxophone section as they left for World War II. She played first sax for over 60 years in his band. The band also performed as a "Clown" band for entertaining lots of people and various events. The clown band played at the Illinois State Fair for over 50 years. She was looking forward to playing again this summer with the Charleston Community Band, which is directed by her daughter Ginger.

Madge loved the joy of worshiping and working with the members of the United Methodist Church in Allerton.

Throughout her entire life, Madge's biggest priority was her family. She loved being around them every chance she had.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at St. Joseph United Methodist Church, with the celebration of life beginning at 11 a.m. Pastor Clyde Snyder will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to the Allerton United Methodist Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jun. 7, 2024.

Darrel Meuser

 CHATSWORTH — Darrel Meuser, 81, of Chatsworth entered eternal paradise with his heavenly father and beloved family on Thursday (May 30, 2024) at home.

He loved his savior Jesus Christ more than anything and often spoke about dancing with his family in the streets of heaven. Faith was the foundation of his life.

He lived a simple and humble life. He died as he lived, innocent, kind, loving and a friend to all who had the privilege and honor of knowing him. He touched the lives of everyone he met, and he gave so much more than he ever gained from this world. He was a constant source of warmth and light, a force of nature whose spirit was as boundless as his capacity to love.

D a r rel was a teacher his whole life. He taught lessons of life such as patience, kindness, empathy and courage. He taught how important a smile is and how music is food for the soul. It is heartful gratitude and love we have for a man whose presence in our lives was a true blessing.

Darrel was born Nov. 5, 1942, in Urbana, a son of John and Anna (Franzen) Meuser and brother of Dale Meuser, all of whom preceded him in death.

He leaves behind his bonus family, Darrell and Tanya Bell of Chatsworth; many cousins; and myriad friends.

He loved music, singing, animals, cars, travel and the Fairbury races.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday

at American Lutheran Church, 500 Church St., Rantoul. The Rev. James Lehmann will officiate. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Rantoul. A gathering of friends and family will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to any animal-welfare agency of the donor’s choice.

Do not cry because he is gone, but smile with joy and love that he lived! Darrel’s love, laughter and memories will continue to comfort us.

NG 6/4/2024