Lela J. Huls

 FLATVILLE — Lela J. Huls, 92, of Flatville died at 2:58 p.m. Friday (April 4, 2025) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Lela was born Feb. 18, 1933, in rural Urbana, the daughter of Eilert and Johanna Ihnen Buhs. She married Melvin E. Huls on May 4, 1952, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. He preceded her in death Dec. 24, 2015.

She is survived by one son, Marlon (Betsy) Huls of Bloomington; one daughter, Deanne Hinrichsen of Normal; six grandchildren, Kelly Borri, Andrea Loger, Jamie Daily, Laura Curtis, Carly Franks and Ross Hinrichsen; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, Leslie Huls; her sister Norine Rademacher; an infant sister, Marlys Buhs; and her son-in-law, Daniel Hinrichsen.

Lela farmed with her husband in the Flatville area. She was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville.

She enjoyed baking and teaching her grandkids to bake bread. Her family loved her biscuits and sausage gravy, taco salad and homemade bread.

The family would like to thank Country Health for caring for her the past three years, Carle 4NT for care during her recent stay and Carle Hospice during the last 24 hours of her life.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville or Country Health Care & Rehab. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfunerlservices. com.

NG 4/7/2025

Mike Behrens

Behrens, 61, of Ogden passed away at 9:23 A.M, Saturday April 5, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday April 9, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Gary Maxwell will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

 Mike was born November 22, 1963 in Urbana. The son of Gary L. and Connie (Sharp) Behrens. He married Kristie Baker on September 12, 1987 in Royal. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Katelyn (Calvin) Carter of Sidney, Jacob Behrens of New Mexico, Abby Behrens of Ogden. Granddaughter Lilith "Lily" Carter. Brother Doug (DeAnn) Behrens of St. Joseph. Aunt Sandra Criss of Mendota, IL. Brother in law Blaine (Darcy) Baker. Nephew Mason Behrens. Nieces Anna (Adam Cass) Behrens, Kylie (Dylan) Kaufmann, Karlie Baker, and two great-nieces.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Mike was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal where he previously served as the youth group leader, on the church council and as council president. He also served at Ogden Township Supervisor.

 He was a graduate of the University of Illinois in 1993, Eastern Illinois University with a Master's in 2000. He taught school at Deland-Weldon and coached for one year. He then went to work at St. Joseph-Ogden High School and taught and coached football, girls basketball, boys basketball and boys baseball for 20 years. He taught math at parkland College at night for nine years. He then served as the Director of the Assessment Center at Parkland College for 10 years.

 Mike and his brother Doug competed in Dart tournaments, they also had a catering business together called Fat Stacks.

 Mike coached all of his kids in various sports t-ball, baseball and softball and basketball.

 He looked forward to Pheasant hunting with his son, brother, nephew and cousin's every year. He was a huge St. Louis Carninal fan, enjoyed making homemade pizza and trying new recipes.

About 10 years ago he became a health and fitness enthusiast. He loved to ride his bike and on his 61st birthday rode 61 miles. He competed in a Spartan race with his son.

 Mike was a hard worker and could fix anything. He loved family vacations and was very devoted to his family. Mike was loud, loved to laugh and loved being a gramps.

Freese FH 4/7/2025

Janet Lynne Franzen

 Janet Lynne Franzen, 81, of Sidney, passed away April 3, 2025.

Janet was born on June 24, 1943 to Buren and Alta Rosnett in Danville. She graduated from Ogden Community High School in 1961. Janet married Murray G. Franzen in 1963. Janet is survived by her loving husband Murray, three children, Chad, Brett, and Jill, as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She started her career as a secretary and a beautician. During retirement she enjoyed volunteering at local hospitals and fostering rescue dogs.

Her pride and joy were her grandkids that she cherished and enjoyed taking to parks, zoos, sporting events, and family gatherings.

Janet was a kind, soft spoken person to everyone she met. She built long lasting friendships with neighbors in several states and abroad.

A memorial service will be held on April 8 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. Family visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with service to follow. Grave site service will take place at Stanton Friends Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands.

Freese FH 4/4/2025

Regina "Kay" Akers

 Regina “Kay” Akers, 77 of Sidney, born to Ollen and Hellen Carpenter Shelby of Sidney.  She is survived by a daughter; Jennifer Akers of Savoy, many stepchildren, brothers; Elba Shelby of Sidney, Dennis Shelby of Sidney, and sister; Lois Ann (Ron) Jaggers of Sidney, along with many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by husband; Nathan Akers, her parents, sisters, brothers and niece; Savannah.

Kay married Nathan Akers Nov 11, 1977.  She was an avid bingo player and a big sports fan.  Kay loved babysitting all her nieces and nephews.  She was also known to be very generous to her family.  Kay loved all her animals.

Kay passed peacefully on April 5, 2025 surrounded by her family.  Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com 4/5/2025

Bryan K. McCoy

 ST. JOSEPH - Bryan K. McCoy, 62, recently of St. Joseph, formerly of Las Vegas, passed away at 4 p.m. Thursday (March 27, 2025) at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood.

Bryan was the son of the late Oathia McCoy and the late Barbara Fitch.

He is survivied by three daughters, Nicole (Brad) Wakefield and Randi Keeling, both of Mahomet, and Taylor McCoy of Urbana; three grandsons; three sisters; and one brother.

The family wishes to thank cousin Donald Allen Glenn Jr. and wife Sarah, who provided housing, care and support during his illness. Special thanks to the medical staff of the Loyola University Medical Center transplant, oncololgy and palliative care teams for his medical care and support of the family.

A celebration of life will be held at a time, date and locaton to be determined at a later time.

NG 4/4/2025

Crystal L. Dawson

 HOMER - Crystal L. Dawson, 57, of Homer passed away at 11:57 a.m. Saturday (March 29, 2025) surrounded by family in her home.

She was born on Jan. 10, 1968, in Indianapolis, the daughter of Eugene and Sharon (Dillman) Dawson. She married Mary Kay Anderson on Sept. 13, 2014.

Crystal is survived by her spouse, Mary Kay Anderson; sisters Juanita Stanley and Jo Ann Dawson, both of Urbana; uncle, Carson; aunt, Garrie; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a niece, Ashley; and her sister Bernice.

Crystal graduated from Homer High School in 1986.

She was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed playing softball and played on several leagues as an adult. She was an artist and showered family with many pictures, pieces and poetry. She also loved crafts. She collected dachshund figurines. Spending time with family and friends was very important to her.

Funeral services will be on Friday, April 4, at 1 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana. Pastor Bobbi Dykema will be officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton, with Pastor Heju Nam.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Ships, mercyships.org. Condolences may be made at renner-wikoff.com.

NG 4/4/2024

Alvin D. Schluter

 

URBANA - Alvin D. Schluter, 76, of Urbana died at 4:13 a.m. Wednesday (April 2, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at noon Monday, April 7, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford, with Pastor Gary Maxwell officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery, with military honors accorded by Royal American Legion Post 996. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visitation will be two hours before the funeral service Monday, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the church.

Alvin was born Jan. 19, 1949, in Urbana, the son of Mike and Elfrieda Hesterberg Schluter. He married Evelyn VanGeison on Aug. 12, 1989, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gifford. She survives.

Along with his wife, Evelyn, he is survived by their children, Candace (Ricky) Robb, Beth Schluter and Justin (Ashleigh) Schluter, all of Oklahoma City, Gayla (Don) Matejowsky of Champaign, Dayna Taylor of Lexington, Ky., and Annette Flood of Urbana; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister Evelyn (Larry) Miller of St. Joseph; and a twin brother, Marvin Schluter of Gifford.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jason Schluter; his brother Lawrence Schluter; and a sister, Marie Hoveln.

Alvin graduated from Rantoul Township High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968-1974. He was a heavy-equipment operator for the IUOE Local 841 and a truck driver.

He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gifford and served on the church council and the youth organization. He was also a member of the Gifford Lions Club. Alvin enjoyed boating and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved to work, but his greatest joy was spending time with his grandkids and family.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gifford or Kopmann Cemetery. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

NG 4/4/2025