Charles L. High

 HOMER — Charles L. High, 80, of Homer passed away Sunday (Nov. 17, 2024) at home in Homer.

Charles was born on Sept. 14, 1944, in Danville, to Cleve and Naomi (McNeese) High Sr. He married Janet Simmons on Sept. 2, 1966, in Broadlands; she preceded him in death.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Betty Wolfe and Nancy Setser; an infant brother; and significant other, Teresa Akers.

He is survived by two sons, Marty (Connie) High and Myron (Jessica) High; two grandchildren, Jaidyn High and Russell High; one brother, Cleve “Snook” (Darlene) High Jr.; two cousins, Jerri “Knocks” Waller and Gayla Kistler; and his significant other’s children, Terry (Leah) Akers, Jeremy (Amber) Akers, Jacob (Caryn) Akers and Savannah (Robert) Helminiak.

Charles graduated from Jamaica High School in 1962 and served in the U.S. Army from 19631966. He held many jobs throughout his life, such as being a shade tree auto mechanic, working for Craig Yallaly for several years doing maintenance at his laundromats, and was a custodian for the Cunningham Children’s Home, from which he retired.

Charles enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all, he loved to spend time with his family.

Visitation will be from 10a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 22, at Joines Funeral Home, Newman, with the funeral service following immediately after; Pastor C. W. Greer will be officiating. Burial will be in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family.

NG 11/20/2024

Robert "Bob" Sarnecki

RANTOUL — Robert “Bob” Sarnecki, 78, of Bucyrus, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at St. Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park, Kan.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 Tuesday morning at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Father Joel Phelps will officiate a service beginning at 11. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rantoul.

Bob was born on July 6, 1946, in Champaign, the son of Frank and Ruby (McIntyre) Sarnecki. He grew up in the Champaign area and graduated from Champaign Central High School with the Class of 1964.

After high school, Bob enlisted with the U.S. Army in August 1964. He proudly served his country for three years during the Vietnam War. Bob was honorably discharged in August 1967 and was very proud of his military service.

He was united in marriage to Kathryn Remesch on Nov. 16, 1968, in Urbana. From this union, they had three children, Philip, Todd and Katie. The family made their home in Homer and St. Joseph for many years. The couple was happily married for nearly 56 years.

Bob worked for the University of Illinois in the housing division for 33 years before his retirement. He served as the volunteer coordinator for the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) for many years while living in Homer. Bob was an avid storm chaser. He also worked part time as an EMT on the ambulance service for many years.

In 2012, Bob and Kathy moved to Bucyrus to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He was a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea parish for 13 years.

After moving to Kansas, Bob became a loyal fan of the Kansas City Royals and hardly missed watching a game on TV. He collected HO gauge train sets and enjoyed “casual fishing” on occasion. Bob enjoyed coffee and cinnamon rolls with his closeknit group of friends and loved having conversations with anyone over ice cream. Bob also loved his music. In his younger years, country/ western music was his favorite. And in his later years, ’60s music was always on the radio. Bob enjoyed the old country western TV shows and watched them on repeat. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruby Sarnecki; sister, Frances Good; and a cherished fourlegged friend, Deogee.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Sarnecki, of the home; three children, Philip (Heidi) Sarnecki of Bucyrus, Todd (Stacie) Sarnecki of St. Joseph and Katie (Thomas) Kazyak of Derby, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Emily, Blake, Ava, Malorie, Carson, Shelby (Travis), Bailey, Riley and Rubey; one great-grandchild, Skylar; three brothers, Frank (Barbara), Mike and Pat Sarnecki; one sister, Paula Butcher; and his Shiatzu mix, Rue; as well as many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Disabled American Veterans or Children Incorporated, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, KS 66053.

To share your memories of Bob or to send a special condolence message to his family, please click the “Share A Memory” tab.

NG 11/08/2024

Paul Edward Bretz

 
VILLA GROVE — Paul Edward Bretz, 95, of Villa Grove passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon.

Paul was born on Sept. 14, 1929, on the family farm near Broadlands. He was the fourth child of Adolph and Blanche (David) Bretz. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Ayers Township until the fourth grade, when they moved to Douglas County and he attended Carmack School in Murdock Township through the eighth grade. He graduated from Villa Grove High School in 1947. He joined the Army Air Corps shortly after and served 2½ years in the occupation of Japan and Korea before the Korean War with the 20th Weather Squadron, 5th Air Force. Paul was honorably discharged in 1950, and came back to Villa Grove to work on the family farm. He farmed with his son and grandsons until his retirement.

On Jan. 4, 1953, he married Doris Combs in Murdock. She preceded him in death. They were blessed with three children: Thomas (Ruth) Bretz and Joyce Bretz, both of Villa Grove, and Susie Bretz Yerxa of Woodland Hills, Calif. They have six grandchildren: Rachel (Andy) De-Witt, Timothy (Amanda) Bretz, Jonathan Bretz, Thomas “Ted” Yerxa, Danielle Yerxa, and Julianna Jobe. He also has two great-grandchildren: Zachariah DeWitt and Owen Meador.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, one brother Charles (Nancy) Bretz, nieces and nephews, and his longtime employee Jr. (Nancy) Raymer. Preceding him in death was his wife, Dodie, his parents and brothers: Louis Bretz, David Bretz, sisters: Dorothy Balanski, Zella Mae Revell, and Jaunita Baldridge, and two infant brothers.

Paul was a member of the Douglas County Farm Bureau and was instrumental in forming Illini FS, serving as secretary on the first board of directors. Paul was a member of the Walter Jones Post VFW in Villa Grove, a member of the President’s Counsel of the University of Illinois, the I-Fund, and longtime season ticket holder in basketball and football. Paul loved to support the Junior League Football program and the high school football team, serving many years as part of the chain gang. Paul also served as a Camargo precinct committeeman for several years.

In his lifetime, Paul went from helping his dad farm with horses to farming with tractors that can drive by themselves, having no phone to the party line to your own personal smartphone, and so many more things that the young boy could never have dreamed about.

Funeral services will be held at the Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at 2 p.m., with the visitation starting one hour before the service. Burial will follow the service at the Murdock Cemetery, Murdock.

Memorial donations may be made to the Villa Grove VFW or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

NG 11/1/2024 

https://www.joinesfuneralhome.com/obituary/Paul-Bretz

Michael Alan Christenson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Alan Christenson, who left this world peacefully at home in Sidney, IL, at the age of 53. Born on July 4, 1971, in Elmhurst, IL, Michael brought joy, love, and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew him.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Christenson, and his daughter, Courtney Christenson, whom he cherished deeply. He is also survived by his mother, Linda Bebar, his father, Ronald Bebar and his brother, Jeffrey Bebar. Michael’s love for family and friends was unwavering, and he always went out of his way to lend a helping hand, providing comfort to all who were fortunate enough to be near him.

A man with a deep love for the country life, Michael found joy in playing his guitar and listening to music at full volume. He was also a devoted fan of Illini hockey, loved spoiling his dog, Bean, and treasured every moment spent with his loved ones. His passions and his laughter filled the lives of those he loved, and his memory will forever be cherished.

Michael’s presence will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who were touched by his warmth, generosity, and steadfast support.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you keep Michael’s spirit alive by offering kindness to others in his memory.

Celebration of Life will be 4:30 PM Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.  Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:30PM at the funeral home.

Freese FH 10/31/2024

Edgar W. "Bill" Kizer

 

Edgar W. "Bill" Kizer, 100, of Homer passed away October 27, 2024 at his home.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday November 2, 2024 at Homer New Life Church of Faith 505 W. Crittenden St. Homer. Rev. C.W. Greer and Rev. Raymond Gordon will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer.

 Edgar was born January 14, 1924 in Vermilion, Co. The son of Chester and Jennie (Rutan) Kizer. He married Rose Burton on June 9, 1946 in Homer. She preceded him in death on January 16, 2010.

 He is survived by his daughters; Peggy Kizer Poole of Homer, Debra Kizer Dyck of Bend, OR. 2 grandchildren David Poole of Homer and Kayla McKenzie (Matt) Reilly of Bend, OR. 3 great-grandchildren; Ty Poole of St. Joseph, Tegan (Parker) Poole of Homer and Indy Rose Reilly of Bend, OR.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Willard and sister Lorena.

 Edgar farmed in the Homer area all of his life. He was a member of the Homer New Life Church of Faith.

 He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, playing cards and supporting the Fighting Illini.

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Homer New Life Church of Faith, 505 W. Crittenden St. Homer 61849

Freese FH 10/30/2024

Trudy Lee Johnson

Trudy Lee Johnson entered the world on April 27, 1951, as the youngest daughter of 5 children to Jacob and Virginia Herrenknect. She left this world suddenly on October 23, 2024.

Trudy is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Roy; daughter, Candy (Brad); stepdaughter, Angel; and brother Jim (Linda); along with 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, and a brother.

Trudy will always be remembered as the one who was there for you when you needed her and as one of the hardest working women around. During her 35+ years at Horizon Hobby, she was the “go to gal” who could solve and fix every problem.

Her family will remember her as the glue that held the family together. She was always there to pull you up and help in anyway, anytime we were in a difficult situation. Trudy enjoyed her time building memories with the family while traveling in the RV to and from Talladega, AL, swimming in Lake Mattoon, and drinking Captain and Diet Coke by the pool.

Trudy was the one to make sure that everyone else was taken care of, before herself. She always made sure to that we knew she loved us; from the best hugs to the hand holding pat. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Freese FH 10/25/2024

Linda Sue Hadley Marsh

 Linda Sue Marsh (Hadley),66, of St. Joseph, woke up in Heaven with Jesus at 5:15am on Tuesday (October 22, 2024). 

 Linda’s journey earth side began on January 25th, 1958 in San Antonio, Texas. She was the first daughter of Donald Hadley and Lucille (Wildermuth) Hadley. The family moved back to central Illinois when Linda was a year old and she graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School (SJO) class of 1976. 

 Bradley D. Marsh swept Linda Sue Hadley off of her feet and they were married on June 27, 1981 in Urbana; he survives. Together, they built their home on a farm in rural St. Joseph where they raised their 2 children, Sheryl & Andrew. 

Linda enjoyed various jobs over the years but her passion was caring for, not only her own children & Grandchildren, but any child! Every little one she had in daycare was loved as one of her own. 

Being a Mother & Grandmother was so special to Linda and she poured her heart into creating special memories with them. Her granddaughter Indira will always remember playing card games & how grandma Linda usually lost at them! Alyssa (My Boo, as she was affectionally called) will never forget Grandma being the loudest “cheerleader” in the stands! Olivia will be reminded of grandma Linda every time she eats banana bread as she enjoyed baking it together with her. Linda’s grandson Maddyx always enjoyed BINGO night, that Grandma did, with all the cousins. And Coltyn could never get enough of grandma Linda’s spaghetti dinners!

Linda’s smiling face was among the crowd at almost every sporting event, music concert, dance recital or theatre event that her children & grandchildren had. Her presence at those events will be missed very much. 

The cornerstone of Linda’s life was her faith in her savior, Jesus Christ. In 2019 when she was diagnosed with rare appendix cancer; her faith that God was in control gave her peace that passed all understanding. Her faith never wavered. Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” God was the anchor for her soul that provided security in the waves of life. Linda always enjoyed the waves, the beach, the lake or any body of water! That was her happy place for relaxation. 

Proceeding her in death was her Father, Donald Hadley. Her mother, Lucille Hadley, of St Joseph, survives and is left with many wonderful memories of her daughter! They loved watching the Illini basketball games together with Linda cheering loudly, of course! (She did that for any sport she watched, especially football) Linda grew up going to the lake with her parents and her mother will never forget how Linda slalom skied. Lou and Linda both had a love of flowers and every spring they would go together to buy & plant flowers. These memories and traditions will always be close to Lou’s heart.

Also surviving is her sister, Nancy (Mark) Whitaker, of North Carolina; Linda’s husband of 43 years, Brad Marsh, of St Joseph; children Sheryl Robinson (Karl Last) of St. Joseph; Andrew (Kelsey) Marsh of St. Joseph; 5 grandchildren, Indira, Alyssa, Maddyx, Coltyn, Olivia, all of St. Joseph; as well as SO MANY other wonderful family and friends. 

“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live” (Stewart Scott) Anyone that met Linda knew she lived for Jesus, her family & helping others. The polish pottery she passed down to us will be cherished as we use it. And we will try to make everything into a song just as she always did! Linda was a small woman but left a big impact on this earth. Her void will be felt everyday as we try to navigate this life without her beside us. 

The family invites you to Linda’s Celebration of Life Service on Saturday October 26th at 4pm; Faith Baptist Church (4601 North Market St, Champaign) with visitation beforehand 1pm-4pm. Private graveside service & burial will be held Sunday October 27th. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to SJO High School Football, Cheerleading, Band or Drama department. (Donors choice) PO Box 890 St. Joseph, IL 61873.

Freese FH 10/25/2024