Gary Lane Bowman

 

Garry Lane Bowman 77, of St. Joseph passed away at 5:35 P.M. Tuesday September 17, 2024 at his home.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Monday September 23, 2024 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Burial will be in Friends-Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

Garry was born August 18, 1947 in Monroe County, IN the son of Leslie G. and Verna (Wright) Bowman. He married Phyllis Varney on August 3, 2007. She preceded him in death on January 20, 2017.

 He is survived by his sister LuAnn (Ned) Ianno of Lincoln, NE. Nephews and Nieces; Terry (Dixie) Bowman, Troy (Jennifer) Bowman, Travis Bowman, Leslie (Chris Fielder) Ianno, Carla (Ben) Casier, Joseph (Megan) Hershier Ianno, Bethany (Mike) Umphenour. 16 great-nephews and nieces and 5 great-great nephews and nieces.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Larry G. Bowman.

 Garry worked as the Champaign Fire Department Building Safety Supervisor for over 30 years.

 He enjoyed playing and coaching softball and traveling with Phyllis.

 Memorials may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Garry-Bowman

Howard W. Hackney

 

Howard H. Hackney, 80, of Homer, passed away at 11:25 pm on Monday, September 9, 2024 at his home.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, September 14 at Charlie’s Grub & Suds in Homer from 3-6pm. All who knew Howard are invited to attend and have a slice of pizza and say hi.

Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

Howard was born July 2, 1944 in Champaign, the son of Irvin S. and Wilma Harmeson Hackney. He married Molly Lynne Clatterbuck on September 9, 1966 in Oakwood. They just celebrated 58 years together.

Survivors include his wife, Molly of Homer; son, Terry (Mary Jo) Hackney of Wake Forest, NC; daughter, Sherry “Sheppy” Cler of Tolono; grandson, Hayden Hackney; sister, Joyce Farris of Gibson City; and grand dog Louie.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Lewman.

Howard retired from Colwell Systems after 23 years as a paper cutter. He also worked at Casey’s for 10 years making dough. Howard was a member of the Church of Christ. He served in the Marine Corp during Vietnam. Howard enjoyed fishing, riding around town in his golf cart and mostly sitting on his front porch waving to the passing cars.

The family would like to thank the people of Synergy, OSF Hospice and Homer United Methodist Church.

Memorials can be made to Homer Fire Department or Homer Lake.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Howard-Hackney

Jackie Lee Blue

Jackie Lee Blue, Jack, was born on October 25, 1954 in Urbana, IL. He was the youngest son of Dale and Lucille Shoaf Blue. Jack moved from his family's farm in Ludlow to Champaign at a young age and attended Champaign schools.

Jack married Theresa Palmisano in Champaign, IL on July 24, 1976, she survives. He is also survived by his only child, Amanda Durst.

Throughout his life Jack enjoyed working with his hands and used this talent to establish his own business which he operated until his death.

Jack made friends easily and was always generous with his time and talents. Whenever he saw a need that he could help meet, he dedicated himself to helping without reservation and would rarely accept any compensation beyond a heartfelt thank you from the recipient.

Some of Jack's hobbies included tinkering in his workshop, he particularly loved making things to solve a problem, watching college football and basketball, especially if his Illini were playing, and having discussions with his dear friends deemed "The Shop Boys". His absolute favorite thing was spending time with his grandchildren. He attended countless youth sport games, scouting events, and anything else they invited him to so they would always know "Papa" was watching.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Lucille Blue, his brother Steve Blue, and his sister Jeannie Beasley.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Theresa Blue of Mahomet, his daughter Amanda Durst (Jared) of St. Joseph and his beloved triplet grandchildren, Jaqueline, Rebekah, and James Durst of St. Joseph. He is also survived by his brother Dale (Kathy) Blue of LeRoy, and sister-in-law Bonnie Blue of Champaign.

Burial will be at Mt. Olive cemetery.  

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/274250487/jackie-lee-blue

https://www.owensfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Jackie-Blue

Mary Lou Allen

 

Mary Lou Allen, 87, of Oakwood, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois.

She was born on March 8, 1937, in Danville, Illinois, daughter of Kleemon and Nancy (Swank) Holycross.

Mary Lou married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Allen, on October 18, 1959, in Oakwood, Illinois. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. He passed away June 22, 2024 and his passing truly broke her heart.

Surviving are her daughters: Cindy (Jeff) Acton of Danville, IL, and Susan (Doug) Canfield of Fayetteville, AR; her 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; one sister, Margaret Steffey; and two brothers: Dean Holycross, and Donald Holycross.

Along with her husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her young daughter, Cheryl Lynn, one sister and three brothers.

Mary Lou and Bob lived many years in Homer, IL prior to building their dream home in Oakwood. She retired from Colwell Systems/Patterson Printing in Champaign, IL, in 1999.

As a proficient homemaker, Mary Lou made every meal special, renowned for her exceptional pies and desserts. She was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for her daughters and quilts for ladies in the nursing home. One of her true passions was tending to her beloved garden and canning the fruits of her labor. She found joy in visiting with her Oakwood neighbors and friends who were a great blessing to her.

Above all, Mary Lou cherished her family. She was one of eight children, and she often shared stories of growing up in a large family. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. She also enjoyed lively card games with friends and sharing pie with her “ladies”.

Mary Lou was a member of Muncie Baptist Church. Her strong faith led her through life, and she rarely missed a Sunday morning church service.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Muncie Baptist Church, 205 Main Street, Muncie, IL. A celebration of life for Mary Lou will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024, also at the church. Burial will be at GAR cemetery in Homer, IL.

Memorials in Mary Lou’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Homer GAR cemetery.

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

Willard Frederick Rothermel

 SAVOY - Willard Frederick Rothermel, 88, of Savoy passed away Sunday (Sept. 1, 2024) at home surrounded by his family.

Willard was born Aug. 2, 1936, on his family farm outside Homer, to William (Bill) and Linda (Kuhlenengel) Rothermel. He graduated from Homer High School in 1954 and worked on the family farm his entire life.

In November 1961, Willard married Elizabeth (Tate), and together they enjoyed their farming, gardening and traveling. Willard served in the Illinois National Guard from 1957 to 1962. He was a lifelong, active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, where he served as treasurer for several years. He also served as a member of the ABL school board.

A lifetime bowler, Willard bowled a perfect game on Sept. 7, 2000, at the age of 64. He belonged to several leagues and participated in several national bowling tournaments across the U.S.

Willard loved his cars, and you never saw him drive a dirty one. He and Elizabeth enjoyed playing cards with their friends, and Willard especially enjoyed calling suit in euchre knowing Elizabeth, as his opponent, was probably holding a loner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ann Rohl; and wife.

He is survived by his younger sister, Sandra Chestnut (Dean); children, Kris Farrar (TJ), Dan Rothermel, John Rothermel and Julie Buesing (Butch); and grandchildren, Joe, Max and Jack Butler, Jack and Henry Farrar, Hayley and Molly Buesing and Morgan and Kyley Rothermel.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 County Road 2400 East, Broadlands, with Pastor John Sharp officiating. Burial will take place in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cunningham Children's Home or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, Homer, is assisting the family with arrangements.

https://obits.cleveland.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/willard-rothermel-obituary?id=56213754

William G. Loschen

 William G. Loschen, 94, of Royal passed away at 3:01 P.M. Thursday September 5, 2024 at Country Health Care and Rehab, Gifford.

 Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday September 8, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Richard Lewis and Pastor Emil Blobaum will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be Sunday at the church from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

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

 William was born March 7, 1930 in Pilot Township. The son of George G. and Grace (Flesner) Loschen. He married Verna J. Duitsman on March 25, 1950 in Royal. She preceded him on March 30, 1990.

 He is survived by his children Randy (Deanna) Loschen of Ogden, Jill (Dan) Henderson of Royal, Kathy (Richard) Lewis of Gifford. 7 grandchildren Tonya Ayers, John Henderson, Craig (Molly) Loschen, Amy (Sean) Wells, Ryan (Lindsey) Loschen, Rick Lewis, Valerie (Nick) Lieffers. 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Sister-in-law Janis Loschen of Royal.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Elvin and Arnold Loschen, sister Annette Uden.

 William was a lifelong member of St. john Lutheran Church, Royal.

 He farmed in the Royal area all of his life and enjoyed playing golf and fishing.

 Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or St. John Lutheran Cemetery.

Freese FH 9/5/2024

Kimberly Kay Osterbur Walden

  
Kimberly Kay Osterbur Walden passed on September 4, 2024 after a 4 year battle with metastatic breast cancer.

But REJOICE! She heard the country twang of Alan Jackson playing nearby, saw the campfire, and joined her sweet Waldo for eternity.

Kim was born to Randall and Sandra Harlan Osterbur on December 4, 1971 and had a magnificently average Midwestern childhood growing up in Ogden with her sister, Kelly (Eric) Kuchefski. Her parents always encouraged her interests in the sciences, and she fell in love with nature and insects, in particular.

 

Kim graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1990 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Millikin University in Decatur in 1994. She was a member of the social sorority, Alpha Chi Omega and met life-long sisters there. She married Michael Lee Walden on January 1, 1994, her high-school sweetheart, and they were blessed with two children, Spencer Michael in 2000 and Samantha Grace in 2008.

 

Kim and Mike enjoyed almost 25 years together until he preceded her in death on February 4, 2011 due to septic shock. She earned her Master’s of Science Degree in Entomology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1996. She then worked as a lab manager for 20 years for Dr. Hugh Robertson, to whom she will always be indebted to for his kindness and generosity throughout her career in the Department of Entomology. When Hugh retired, Kim began working for the Carver Biotechnology Center in 2017, joining the High-Performance Computing in Biology research group.

 

Kim enjoyed reading, working in her flowers, watching the hummingbirds, but mostly chasing her favorite rascals, Spencer and Samantha. She occasionally taught Sunday School at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, IL, actively volunteered in the kids’ Urbana schools as they grew up, and enjoyed working with the costume shop volunteers at the Champaign-Urbana Ballet Company.

 

Kim was preceded in death by her grandparents, Willard and Dorothy Cox of Ogden, IL and Ernest and Irene Osterbur of Ogden, IL. Kim is survived by her parents of Urbana, her sister and brother-in-law, Kelly (Eric) of Urbana, her son, Spencer (Shelby) of Urbana, her daughter, Samantha at home, Mike’s parents, Jimmy and Helen Walden of St. Joseph, Mike’s siblings Cindy (Chris) Little of Tuscola, Rich (Denise) Walden of Sidney, Denise (Scott) Jean of Ivesdale, and all her beloved nephews and nieces: Luke (Danielle) Little, Brody (Nikki) Little, and Jared (Kristin) Little, Miranda (Kyle) Logsdon, Brady and Bailey Walden, Calli and Carson Robinson, Reagan, Rush, Lincoln, Owen, Eli, Piper, Parker, and Kennedy Little. Kim also enjoyed the companionship of Allen Mohr of rural Philo for 12 years after Mike’s passing, despite Allen’s allegiance to the Green Bay Packers. Kim always appreciated Allen letting her be the best parent she could be.

 

Kim wanted to thank all of her family, friends, and caregivers through the Carle Cancer Center Network for their kindness and care over her years of treatment.

 

Visitation will be from 2 to 4pm Sunday, September 8th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 East Douglas in St. Joseph, IL.

Funeral services will be at 10:30am Monday, September 9th at the church with burial following at Bill Huss Chapel Cemetery, rural St. Joseph, IL.

Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph is in charge of arrangements.

 

Memorial contributions can be made at Central Illinois Bank for the benefit of Spencer and Samantha. With the checks made payable to Spencer Walden.

Freese FH 9/5/2024