Ernest Frank "Ernie" Rademcaher

 

Gifford - Ernest Frank "Ernie" Rademacher, 89, of Gifford died at 1:54 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 11, 2026) at home.

Private family funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford.

Ernie was born May 24, 1936, in Fithian, the son of Frank and Hiske Schlueter Rademacher. He married Marleen Huls on June 16, 1957, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. She survives.

Along with his wife, Marleen, he is survived by a son, Rich (Cindy) Rademacher of Penfield; a daughter, Ranae (Jeff) Ault of Penfield; eight grandchildren, Reanna Rademacher, Lindsey (Brian) Keyes, Michael (Kami) Rademacher, Justin (Kaitlyn) Rademacher, Jordan (Kendra) Rademacher, Austin Rademacher, Jenna (Preston) Miles and Joni (Anthony) Hornbeck; 14 great-grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Teresa Rademacher; two sisters, Elaine (Marvin) Flessner of St. Joseph and Carolyn (Duane) Schluter of Penfield; three brothers, Norman (Jeanne) Rademacher of Gifford, Marvin (Shirley) Rademacher of Rantoul and Wayne (Glenna) Rademacher of Fithian; and a brother-in-law, Ron Suits of Urbana. He is also survived by Barry Vilven, who was like an additional son, and Tanner McLain, who was like a grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Wesley Rademacher, Rodney Rademacher and Randy Rademacher; a grandson, Jared Rademacher; two brothers, Arnold and Vernon Rademacher; and a sister, Janet Suits.

Ernie graduated from Armstrong High School in 1954. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gifford. After graduation, he worked in construction, and in 1957, he started Rademacher Construction with his brothers, Arnold and Norman. He was also a grain and cattle farmer.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Youth Ministry in Gifford. Condolences and memories can be shared with family at baierfuneralhome.com

Published by The News-Gazette from Jan. 12 to Jan. 14, 2026.

Stephen Glasgow

Fairmount - Stephen R. Glasgow, 52, of Fairmount passed away Saturday (Jan. 10, 2026) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Stephen was born on July 18, 1973, in Urbana, to Gene and Jeanne McCurdy Glasgow. He married Dawn Bidner on June 5, 2004, in Savoy. She preceded him in death in 2010.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Denise Patterson.

Stephen is survived by his children, Gwynna Glasgow and Drew Glasgow; and parents, Gene and Jeanne Glasgow.

Stephen graduated from Jamaica High School in 1991 and received a fine arts degree from Parkland College and a fine arts degree from the University of Illinois.

Growing up, he enjoyed going to Turkey Run to hike on the trails and loved to play on the computer and received most of his computer knowledge from his mother. This computer knowledge helped him begin his career as an independent commercial graphic designer, then he received a job at the UI as a graphic designer, and finally got a job at Carle Foundation Hospital as a lead designer.

He had a passion for design and art outside of work as well. He spent many hours working on his own projects and selling them at various local events and posting a lot of his work on his Facebook page for all to see. Stephen was involved in creating podcasts with friends from various parts of the country, attended Comic-Con for a few years, and loved to read an array of different genres of books, with some being science fiction, fantasy fiction, biographies and historical fiction. He also had a love of online video games, which is shared with his son and daughter, and was a member of the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 County Road 2400 East, Broadlands, with a funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Fairfield Cemetery, north of Newman.

Memorial donations may be made to the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church. 

Published by The News-Gazette from Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, 2026.

Raymond T. Johnson

 

Thomasboro - Raymond T. Johnson, 87, of Thomasboro died at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Peace Lutheran Church, 200 W. Arnold Ave., Thomasboro, with the Rev. Michael Stoerger officiating. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Raymond was born Dec. 16, 1938, in Urbana, the son of Theodore and Edna Janssen Johnson. He married Sherry K. Boggess on March 18, 1967, at Peace Lutheran Church, Thomasboro. She survives.

Along with his wife, Sherry, he is survived by two daughters, Lisa (Don) Johnston of The Villages, Fla., and Melissa (Peter) Hartman of Champaign; four grandchildren, Brandon (Carlie McCleary) Johnston, Allie Johnston, Jacob Hartman and Nathan Hartman.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Raymond attended Allen School from 1944-1952 and graduated from Urbana High School in 1956. In 1975, he graduated from the Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin. Raymond served in the U.S. Army 1962-1965.

In June of 1956, he started as a bookkeeper at Champaign County Bank. He went on to become a proof operator, internal accountant, auditor, cashier, chief operations officer and vice president. After leaving the bank in 1987, he became a full-time farmer with his father.

Raymond was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Thomasboro; currently serving as church treasurer. He previously served as congregation chairman. In 1990, he was appointed trustee and treasurer of Beckman Cemetery.

He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Raymond loved spending time with his family.

Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, Thomasboro or Beckman Cemetery. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

NG 1/17/2026

Guy Lynn James

 
Guy Lynn James (from river rat to village trustee), 78, of Homer, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at his home.

Funeral services will be 10am Friday, January 16 at Homer New Life Church of Faith, 505 W. Crittenden in Homer. Pastor C.W. Greer will officiate. Burial will take place at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. There will be no visitation. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Guy was born March 11, 1947 in Champaign, the son of Joseph Carl and Phyllis Dean Wrather James. He married Georgia Darlene Bear on June 6, 1965 at Homer Church of Christ. She survives.

Survivors also include sons, Guy Edward (Stacy) James of Tuscola and Michael Lynn (Mindy) James of Homer; grandchildren: Audra (Kody) Shields, Kenzie (Hunter) Wasser, Dalton James, Sophia James and Parker James; 4 great grandchildren plus one on the way; sisters Carol Kirby, Donna Ward, Linda Krukewitt, and Deborah Theesfeld; and brothers Joe James and Daniel James.

Guy ran his own business, James Plumbing, Heating & AC. He was a member of Homer New Life Church of Faith. Guy served on the village board for 16 years, was a volunteer fireman for 16 years, belonged to the Lions Club, was on the Church of Christ board and was on the Homer Recreation Board. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, gardening, singing, bird watching and was a baseball coach.

Memorials can be made to Homer New Life Church of Faith.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Guy-James

Phyllis Gayle Willfong

 

Phyllis Gayle Willfong, 85, born in Champaign County, Illinois, to Wayne and Dorothy Lindsey on June 19th 1940 passed away peacefully on January 11th 2026. Her first job was at Scott's Five and Dime at 18 years old. She worked continuously through her lifetime at various jobs to help support her family. These included being employed at Magnavox, the University of Illinois, Collegiate Cap and Gown, was a cook at the Penfield Grade School and at PVO, worked in daycare and at the Forest Preserve, cleaned houses, worked at the Oasis, IGA, and at Casey's in Gifford, and volunteered at the I & I, up until the age of 78. Phyllis loved fishing, mowing the yard, playing softball, bowling, dancing, was an avid reader, and kept her mind sharp with puzzles and word search, and was also an avid churchgoer at the Methodist churches in St Joe, Ogden, Penfield and Potomac.

She was a loving mother and grandmother. Her greatest passion was her family. She would help anyone in need. She was preceded in death by her parents and her eldest son, Tim Willfong.

She is survived by her husband, Richard "Dick," two sisters, Barbara Cox and Marilynn (Jerry) Woller, and a brother Gerald (Sally) Lindsey, her sons Don (Sandy) Willfong, Brian (Jeny) Willfong, adopted grandson Richard "Jake" Walker, six other grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. Saturday January 17, 2026 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Pastor Gary Maxwell will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday.

Her family, friends, and neighbors will greatly miss her. We are saddened to be separated from her for a time. However, we are confident that Phyllis is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She had adamantly proclaimed her faith and trust in Him.

Freese FH 1.12.2026

Lorin G. McCarty

 St. Joseph - Lorin G. McCarty, 89, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully on Jan. 4, 2026, at The Point at Kilpatrick in Crestwood.

Lorin was born on Aug. 24, 1936, in St. Joseph, to Onis and Bertha (Bertie) McCarty.

In his younger years, Lorin was a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He worked for the Universal Bleacher Company for many years before beginning a second career as an automobile salesman.

Lorin was preceded in death by his parents, Onis and Bertha (nee Rush) McCarty; his son, Michael McCarty; his daughter-in-law, Tina McCarty; his brother, Roy McCarty; and his nephews, Roy Lee McCarty and Rodney McCarty.

He is survived by his son, Jeff McCarty of Urbana; his daughters, Rhonda Bates of Tolono, Karen McCarty of Floyds Knobs, Ind., and Kelly (Luke) Castrogiovanni of Oak Lawn; his sister-in-law, Phyllis McCarty; along with his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many friends.

In accordance with his wishes, Lorin will be cremated and laid to rest at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Mayview. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

Lorin's kind spirit and welcoming nature will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

NG 1/10/2026

Agnes Hazel Martinie Watson

 PLANO, TEXAS — Agnes Hazel Martinie Watson, 92, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, after influenza exacerbated her existing heart condition.

Throughout her life, Agnes was concerned about the well-being of people around her and never failed to recognize the love and care she received.

Agnes Beck was born on Nov. 22, 1933, in Cortland, N.Y., the 11th child of Ida Pauline (Weinke) Beck and Joseph Beck. She spent her early years on the family farm in Broadlands. Agnes had many memories of growing up on the farm, walking barefoot to school (as she didn’t like her shoes) and the joy of helping to care for the animals.

Agnes graduated from Allerton High School then went on to attend business school in Urbana. She was initially employed at the Farm Bureau. She married Douglas Watson, and they began a family. Her five children are Belinda Sue Corker (Vince), Paul D. Watson (Michelle), Daniel L. Watson (Margaret), Phyllis I. Hasty (David) and Nancy G. Bosch.

During their early years, Agnes worked at different restaurants and other jobs in Champaign. These jobs taught her some important lessons in cooking that she used throughout her life. Once her children were in school, Agnes got the job that no man said she would ever get — that of working on the line at Kraft Foods. It was a physical job that required meticulous attention, but that didn’t stop Agnes. She stayed at Kraft for 25 years before “retiring” when her cheese line was discontinued. After Kraft, Agnes picked up a part-time office job at Champaign Surplus. Agnes gathered the Wachtels into her life, and she loved Lynn and Ira as members of her family. Agnes retired from Champaign Surplus at age 77, saying she would have continued working longer if the work had not become so computerized.

Agnes loved all her family. Along with her five children, she was involved with her five grandchildren, Heather Robles (Nick), Ryan Corker (Behka), Lauren Shaner (Jeremy) and Weston and Wiley Hasty. She was also very pleased to welcome five great-grandchildren into this world.

Agnes was raised by her mother with two of her brothers. Her father raised the other children in New York with his new wife. Agnes kept in touch with all of those in her family and often coordinated get-togethers in Illinois or in New York.

Agnes loved cooking and provided many dishes for different functions, including her chicken with homemade noodles. She also made a great bean salad, strawberry pie and cranberry pear relish. She was involved in the Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League (LWML) at Osman Lut h e r a n Church and the Champaign County Home and Community Education Group.

Agnes married Carol Martinie in 1995. He was the “love of her life” and brought her joy every day. Carol had children of his own, and Agnes was happy to have more people to bring into her fold. Carol passed away in December 2015.

In 2019, Agnes moved to Plano to be near her son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Margaret Watson. She eventually moved into Hope Springs Memory Care, where she was supported and cared for. She returned all the love and support, never failing to provide daily hugs and a cheerful welcome to all the caregivers. At Hope Springs, Agnes developed her artistic side, completing many crafts and coloring the most beautiful pictures. She also enjoyed all the entertainment: dancers, singers, musicians, along with movies and parties on the patio.

Agnes will be remembered and missed by her children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and stepchildren, Kevin, Richard (Bobbie), Timothy (Catheryne) Martinie, Jane Cook and Debra (Ed) Tiedemann, and their children. She will also be missed by her siblings Frank Beck (Lois), David Beck, Helen Carter (Robert) and Jeanette Beck (George’s wife); and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Douglas Watson of Urbana and Carol Martinie of Fisher; and siblings Clara Hoyt (Raymond) of Brewerton, N.Y., Esther Roux (Francis) of Aberdeen, Md., Raymond Beck of Broadlands, Loren Beck (Mary) of Alma, George Beck (Jeanette) of Marcellus, N.Y., Martha of Cleveland and Lawrence, Elizabeth and Mary Beck, who passed during their childhood. Agnes will also be remembered and missed by the caregivers at Hope Springs in Plano.

A celebration of life service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at Messiah Lutheran Church, Plano. There will be a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Osman, with a reception to follow. Agnes will be laid to rest in Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands Cemetery in Broadlands.

Donations may be sent to Messiah Lutheran Church in Plano in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be offered at owensfuneralhomes. com.

NG 1/6/2026