James R. Mumm

 SIDNEY — James “Jim” R. Mumm, 76, of Sidney passed away Saturday (March 1, 2025) at home, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. with funeral services Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney. Graveside services will immediately follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

Jim was born July 22, 1948, the son of Russell and Lillie Mae (Taylor) Mumm, in Urbana.

He is survived by his three children, James (Niclole Elliot) Mumm Jr. of Sebring, Fla., Ryan (Tosha) Mumm of Sidney and Stefanie (Andrew) Siemsen of St. Joseph; three grandchildren, Julianne (Storm) Slaybaugh of Alva, Fla., and Ayden Siemsen and Sofiya Siemsen, both of St. Joseph; two great-grandchildren, Lakeyn and Braxton Slaybaugh of Alva; and one sister, Connie Mumm of Fort Myers, Fla.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; as well as his brother, Steve Mumm; and sister, Jackie Hawk.

He was a graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School and attended United Electronics Institute in Kentucky. He was a member of the Army National Guard. Jim retired from University Asphalt in Champaign and farmed with his brother, Steve.

Jim cherished the time spent with his grandchildren at all their sporting events, as well as tinkering around the house with them every chance he could. He loved spoiling his new great-grandchildren on all their visits with new baby dolls, toy trucks and Christmas trains. He was avid antique collector and enjoyed sharing his latest finds with family and friends. His most special moments were spent every day with his beloved dogs, Pearl, Macy, Dallas and Jenny. He was very generous with all his harvests from his garden to everyone and was always the first person to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Memorials may be made in honor of Jim to Ruby’s Rescue and Retreat of McLean.

NG 3/5/2025

Mark E. McClain

 ST. JOSEPH — Mark E. Mc-Clain, 62, of St. Joseph passed peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.

Mark was born in Urbana to Carol Reynolds and Robert McClain. He graduated in 1980 from Centennial High School. He later joined the Navy and was an aviation electronics technician. He served aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

He was employed at Colwell and in 2001. He took the position of internal technology specialist at Parkland College until his retirement in 2004.

Mark was an experienced boater and loved boating at Lake Shelbyville. He also enjoyed dirt-track racing, drag racing, NASCAR, Cardinals baseball Illinois basketball and football.

Mark had the highest respect for his country, military and veterans.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his only brother and his grandmother.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn McClain; sons, Josh (Kris) McClain of Farmer City, Kyle (Heather Harlan) McClain of St. Joseph and Jerod (Amanda) Wycoff of Alabama; father, Robert McClain; stepfather, Curtis Wheat; sister, Autumn McClain; sister-in-law, Barbara McClain; grandchildren, Taylor, Cole, Lorllii, Bella, Daniel, Konnor and Brooks; and special family friend, Robert (Amber) Drake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mark’s name to a Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign. Officiating will be Pastor Eric Friedmann. Visitation will be from 9 to 11a.m. at the funeral home. As per Mark’s wishes, cremation will follow services.

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

NG 3/5/2025

Betty Miller Ehmen Medrow

 

ST. JOSEPH — Betty Medrow, 85, of St. Joseph passed away at 10:18 a.m. Sunday (March 2, 2025) at home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 10, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., Joseph. Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 to 5p.m. at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Betty was born July 1, 1939, in Stanton Township, the daughter of Herman and Emma (Carmien) Miller. She married Donald W. Ehmen on Feb. 14, 1960. He preceded her in death May 20, 1981. She married Daniel Medrow on Aug. 28, 1994. He preceded her in death June 8, 2019.

She is survived by her children, DeAnn (Kenny) Buhr of Flatville and Daniel (Laura) Ehmen of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Travis (Melissa) Fruhling, Tanna (Greg) Suits, Emily (Brandon) Williams, Taylor (Alex) Heape and Kinze (Devin) Raup; 10 great-grandchildren; her brother, Larry (Evelyn) Miller of St. Joseph; two stepchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and stepgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, David; sister, JoAnn Busboom; in-laws, Bill and Emma Ehmen; and nephew Randall Busboom.

Betty was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.

She worked at Montgomery Wards, Collegiate Cap and Gown and as a waitress and pie baker at Bidwell’s. She retired from Carle after 25 years.

Betty was a former 4-H leader, member of the St. Joseph Women’s Club, Card Club and numerous church groups. Betty proudly hosted numerous Thursday night get togethers. She was active attending her grandchildren’s activities and loved to host Sunday night family dinners at her home. Betty was famous for “Betty Pies.”

Memorials may be made to Kopmann Cemetery. Condolences may be left at freesefh.com.

NG 3/5/2025

Larry White

 CHAMPAIGN — Larry White, 79, of Mahomet died Sunday (March 2, 2025) at Haven of Meadowbrook, Champaign.

He was born in Champaign to Carl and Hazel Lewis White on Oct. 11, 1945. He graduated from Urbana High School in 1963 and then from Greer Trade School in Chicago. He was a material handler and a member of the Machinists Union.

He was a hard worker and took pride in being honest and treating people fairly. His cat, Muffy, held a special place in his heart and was his inspiration.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and a sister.

Graveside services for Larry will be held on Friday, March 7, at 11 a.m. in GAR Cemetery, Homer.

Arrangements handled by Heath & Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm St., Champaign.

NG 3/5/2025

Jeffrey Ray Wilson

 Jeffrey Ray Wilson, 57, passed away peacefully at his home in Mahomet on February 27, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 10, 1967, in Urbana, IL, he was the son of Clifford Eugene and Ruth Ann (Harmon) Wilson, who preceded him in death.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jeff’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Wilson; his children, Nichole (Jason) O’Neill, Wesley (Patrick) Bissell, and Daniel Wilson; his cherished grandson, William Bissell; and grand dogs, Callie, Zoey, and Winston. 

Jeff’s love extended beyond his immediate family—he deeply valued his close-knit circle of extended family and lifelong friends, who were like family to him.

Jeff grew up in Urbana and graduated from Urbana High School in 1986. He spent over 20 years working at ImpactLife, where he was passionate about his role and the connections he formed with colleagues and community members. Jeff had an incredible ability to make friends wherever he went, always ready to lend a hand and offer support in any way he could.

A man of many interests, Jeff found joy in music, cars, motorcycles, home improvement projects, and the outdoors. Whether listening to old country songs, camping under the stars, or setting off on a motorcycle adventure, he embraced life’s simple pleasures. Known for his sharp wit and signature sarcasm, he could bring laughter to any room and was always there when someone needed a helping hand.

Jeff’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His legacy of love and kindness will live on in the many lives he touched.

Visitation will be held on March 5 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, IL. A funeral service will take place on March 6 at 12:00 PM, followed by a procession to Mount Olive Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802. The family also encourages you to honor Jeff’s legacy by donating blood, a cause he was passionate about. Visit bloodcenter.org to learn more about how you can make a difference. Condolences may be shared online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

https://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com/obituary/Jeffrey-Wilson

Gale E. Painter

 VILLA GROVE - Gale E. Painter, 82, of Villa Grove passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday (Feb. 19, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

He was born on May 24, 1942, in Homer, to David and Agnes (Reynolds) Painter. He married Celeste "Dolly" McCabe on March 4, 1967.

He is survived by his son, Max (Jami) Painter; two grandsons, Andrew (Hannah Anderson) Painter and Alec (Bri Reifsteck) Painter; seven siblings, Hellen Painter, Judy (Jim) Wells, Harold Painter, Dale (Sandy) Painter, Lyle Painter, Jerry Painter and Terry Painter; and three brothers-in-law, Bill McCabe, John McCabe and Marty Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly Painter; parents, David and Agnes Painter; two siblings, Clarence Painter and Anna Markle; and one sister-in-law, Beverly Painter.

Gale attended and graduated from ABL High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for several years. After serving his country, he worked for the University of Illinois for 30 years and always enjoyed watching Illinois football and basketball.

Gale loved to be outdoors camping with his siblings and fishing with his grandsons, and enjoyed his time bowling with them as well. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family and was very close with all of his siblings.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 27, at Joines Funeral Home, Villa Grove, with a funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/gale-painter-obituary?id=57651068

Sharon Ann Hoveln

Sharon Ann Hoveln, 81, of Rantoul passed away at 8:42 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Villas of Holly Brook, Rantoul.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville with 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 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2025 in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Sharon was born July 25, 1943 in Streator, Illinois the daughter of Vernon and Helen Wilson Husted. She married Edgar E. Hoveln April 1, 1962 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. He preceded her in death June 18, 2023.

She is survived by children, Brenda (Doug) Barr of Ogden, Jeff (Shari) Hoveln of Urbana, Nancy (Steve) Valenti of Scottsdale, AZ, Julie (Dan) Pappas of Springfield; nine grandchildren, Jesse (Kaylee) Barr, Trent (Bailey) Hoveln, Ross (Rachel) Barr, Leah (Mason) Lakatos, Brant (Kate) Hoveln, Cade Valenti, Braedyn Pappas, Shay Valenti, Josie Pappas; 6 great grandchildren; a brother, Rob Husted; and two sisters, Janey Huls and Susie (Allan) Schlueter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edgar and a sister, Judy Blackford.

Sharon graduated from Armstrong High School in 1961 and the Avenue School of Beauty Culture in Champaign and was a beautician for a couple of years. In 1977 she and her husband founded Hoveln Heating & Cooling, Inc. where she was the office manager.

Sharon was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville where she was a former member of the Altar Guild, the Church Choir, helped with Vacation Bible School and was a past Church Council Secretary. Sharon was also an associate member of LaCasa de Crista Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, Arizona. She was a member of the Prairie A’s Model A Club and past president of the Prairieview PTO.

Sharon enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking and playing Euchre with her card club.
She always looked forward to wintering in Surprise, Arizona.

Memorials may be made to Kopmann Cemetery. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.