Robert Pflugmacher

Robert was born June 11, 1937, the first child of Hans and Lena Pflugmacher. He married Dorene Sjoken on January 11, 1959, in Gifford. Robert and Dorene have three children: Michael (Lori), Jon Allen (deceased), and Vonda (Todd) Jenkins, along with seven grandchildren: Shanan (Carlos) Meza, Janna (Steven Russell) Pflugmacher, Brandan (De’Monique Brown) Pflugmacher, Savanna (Aveek Kapat) Pflugmacher, Nathan (Grace Stalter) Pflugmacher, Alyson (Micky) Mann, and Taylor (Blake) Bertolino, and seven great grandchildren.

Robert was a farmer most of his life in the Royal/Penfield/Gifford area. He and Dorene worked side by side and you rarely saw one without the other. Upon retirement, he worked for a time at Farm and Fleet. Because he could build and fix anything, he especially enjoyed helping customers get the right tools and supplies for their projects. He was always willing to lend a hand to his friends and neighbors. 

Robert and Dorene were in a card club for years. While Robert was not a fan of losing a card game, they still loved the club and the lifelong friendships that it created. 

Robert was also active at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Royal, serving as the custodian for several years as well as a member of the church council. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, a son, and his brother, Edward.

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

 Funeral services will be a 2:00 P.M. Monday November 17, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Emil Blobaum will officiate. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M..

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Robert-Pflugmacher

Joan Elizabeth "Jody" Bryan

 
Joan Elizabeth “Jody” Bryan, 97, of Homer, passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Jody was born in rural Homer to Alford and Lizzie Bowen on December 3, 1927. She attended Homer schools and graduated from Homer High School in 1945. She was a member of GAA and the choir. She was also editor of the school newspaper and assistant editor of the yearbook. Jody liked recitations and public speaking as a youth and later as an adult. She was an avid reader and loved to write poetry throughout her entire life. She was also in 4-H and became a 4-H leader as an adult.

Jody married Robert E. Bryan on January 21, 1947. Together, they farmed until retirement in 1998. They enjoyed a lifelong marriage of 74 years until his passing in 2021, setting an example of a beautiful lifetime commitment for their family. Jody loved being a farm wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Their greatest challenge came when Jody contracted polio and they had an 8-month-old baby. She eventually learned to walk again and was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.

Jody and Robert “Bob” had two sons, Jeffrey (Jan) of Guyton, GA, and Bruce (Jami) of Homer, IL. They often said that Jeff and Bruce were the best crops they ever raised. They had four grandchildren, Justin Minick (Cori) of Meridian, MS, Jessica Seckinger (Jimmy) of Rincon, GA, Chase Bryan (Alison) of Sidney, IL, and Bailey Knilands (Timothy) of Allerton, IL. Bob and Jody have five great-grandchildren, Mason Minick of Meridian, MS, Emily Seckinger of Rincon, GA, Caroline Seckinger of Rincon, GA, Ella Minick of Meridian, MS, and Caden Bryan of Sidney, IL. Jody’s greatest joy was indeed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jody and her husband both loved to travel. She visited every state and Canada. They drove to Mexico on their honeymoon. In their younger years, they enjoyed camping, especially with friends and family together. They also showed registered Hereford cattle, a legacy passed down from Bob’s father.

She truly liked being a homemaker and farm life. She kept track of the farm activities until the end of her life. Jody loved flowers, which she shared with the church and her neighbors, and she had a large vegetable garden. She canned and preserved her produce for many years. Jody wrote poetry throughout her life which she compiled into a book that she published and gifted to friends and family. In recent years, she wrote poems for the church newsletter and delighted in being creative again.

Jody was a member of Home Extension, Homer Women’s Club, and Homer Historical Society. She also was a volunteer at Homer Lake. Jody was a member of Homer United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in many other church activities over the years. She truly considered it her extended family. Recently, she was attending the weekly coffee hour at the local library, where she relished friendships old and new.

Jody had several “adopted grandkids” with whom she enjoyed spending time and kept track of their lives until her passing. She also wrote to many of the college students from her church. She felt they needed some encouragement during their first time from home. She would send them cards, jokes, and even cut out comic strips to send them. Jody just loved people, no matter their age or station in life. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

A visitation will be held Friday, September 26th at Homer United Methodist Church from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 27th at Homer United Methodist Church. Pastor Bobbi Dykema will officiate. Jody will be laid to rest in G.A.R. cemetery next to her beloved husband Bob following the service. A luncheon at the church will follow interment. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Memorials can be made to Homer United Methodist Church or the Homer Community Library.

William Roger Taylor

 It is with deep love and gratitude that the family of William Roger Taylor announces his passing. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud veteran, William’s life was defined by hard work, service, and a steadfast commitment to his community.

William was born on January 11, 1935, to William Edward Hall Taylor and Arabelle (McCormick) Taylor, on the Coffeen Farm just west of Homer, Illinois, where his father worked as a tenant farmer. As an only child, he grew up learning the value of responsibility, self-reliance, and the rewards of honest labor—principles that guided him throughout his life.

At the age of seventeen, William enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. He was stationed in Panama, where he served honorably as a Sea Plane Rescue Specialist. His four years of service reflected his courage and dedication; values he would carry into civilian life and instill in those around him.

Upon returning home to Homer, William married Orthalyne J. Wienke in 1957. With the help and support of both the Wienke and Taylor families, the couple built their first home together—a symbol of their shared determination and enduring partnership.

They were blessed with two children: Kelley M. Bensley, born in 1959, and Brian R. Taylor, born in 1962.

William and Orthalyne owned and operated Wienke & Taylor Cleaners and managed two laundromats, one in Homer and another in St. Joseph. Later, William began a long and rewarding career with Kraft Foods, where he worked as a mechanic for 25 years. After retiring from Kraft Foods, he returned to work as a General Maintenance employee at Fox Development, where he worked for an additional 15 years.

Deeply rooted in the Homer community, William gave his time and energy to countless civic and charitable causes.

He served as President of the Champaign County Sportsman Club, where he played a pivotal role in lobbying for the creation of the Homer Lake Forest Preserve.

He dedicated twenty years as a Homer Volunteer Firefighter and served on both the Homer Village Board and the Homer School Board.

As a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands, he was an active Sunday School teacher, Trustee, and member of the Board of Lay Ministry.

William’s passion for youth and local sports was evident in his leadership as President of the Homer High School Booster Club, where he was instrumental in developing the football field lighting and crow’s nest projects. He also coached Little League and supported Cub Scouts, shaping the lives of many young people through his mentorship and example.

An avid outdoorsman, William found joy and peace in fishing—a passion that led him to win several local tournaments. He took pride in crafting his own jigs and lures during the winter months, a reflection of both his creativity and patience.

He was also an expert marksman, renowned for his precision with a rifle. Friends often marveled at his ability to flip a coin into the air and hit it mid-flight. Local farmers relied on his skill to manage groundhogs, foxes, and other pests.

Above all, William will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He is survived by his cherished wife, Orthalyne; their children, Kelley (Brett) Bensley and Brian (Monica) Taylor; five beloved grandchildren; Kirsten Place, Emma Webb, John Taylor, Bryanna Bensley, Ryan Bensley and six great grandchildren who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be 2pm on Friday, October 31st at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands with Pastor Jason Braaten officiating. Burial will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 1pm until the time of service at the church. After the burial, light refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to honor William’s memory through acts of service or donations to Homer Fire Department or Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/William-Taylor

Shirley Mae Cromwell

Shirley Mae Cromwell, 90, of Homer, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Graveside services will be 11am Wednesday, September 24 at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main Street in Homer is handling the arrangements.

Shirley was born October 14, 1934 in Oak Creek, Colorado, the daughter of Richard and Ada Gooch Woodard. She married Harold Cromwell on January 18, 1953. He preceded her in death on September 14, 2008.

Survivors include her sons: Rick (Ann) Cromwell of St. Augustine, FL, Dave (Laura) Cromwell of Monticello and Gary (Karen) Cromwell of Sidney; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Wilfred Woodard and sister, Marilyn Miller.

Shirley was a bookkeeper for Brewer Chevrolet, Fithian Grain and Homer Grain. She was a member of Homer United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, and Homer Historical Society. Shirley was the best pie maker! She enjoyed attending her kids and grandchildren’s ball games, attending Covered Bridge Festival, mushroom hunting and playing Bunko and Bingo. She had a fondness for cats and loved going to garage sales. Shirley loved old TV shows, westerns, and Andy Griffith.

Memorials can be made to Homer Fire Dept./Homer Fire and Rescue.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Shirley-Cromwell

Helen Landreth

Helen Landreth of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on November 2, 2025, at the remarkable age of 103. Born Helen Opal Lambdin on July 25, 1922, in St. Joseph, Illinois, she lived a long and fulfilling life marked by education, service, and dedication to her family and community.

Helen graduated from the University of Illinois in 1944 with a degree in Home Economics. She worked at the University of Illinois Horticultural Lab, where she contributed to quantitative analysis of apples and peaches.

In 1946, Helen married Russell Landreth. Together, they established homes in St. Joseph, Downers Grove, and Springfield, Illinois. Their first home in St. Joseph was remarkable in that it was purchased from Sears Roebuck, unloaded from a railroad boxcar and built from the ground up with help from family and friends.

An accomplished seamstress and tailor, Helen worked at Elliot's on the Square men's clothing store in Springfield and taught sewing classes at the YWCA. She generously volunteered her skills, sewing chemo caps and pillowcases as a member of the American Sewing Guild.

Helen was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and actively participated with the Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church choir for 51 years. She served on several church committees and was a dedicated member of the UMC Mariam circle. Even into her late-90s, Helen continued to prepare items for layette kits as part of the Methodist Midwest Mission Ministry.

Helen enjoyed gardening, sewing, bowling, singing in the church choir, and participating in Elderhostel study travels. She was active in several organizations, including the American Sewing Guild, the Home Economists of Sangamon County (HESCO), the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and various United Methodist Church committees.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, and her brothers, Stephen and Philip Lambdin. She is survived by her son, Bruce (Sue) of Anthem, Arizona, and her granddaughters Jessica (Ari) Vlacos of San Francisco, California, and Erica Landreth of Boulder, Colorado.

A memorial service honoring Helen’s life will be held at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Avenue in Springfield on Saturday December 6th at 10 AM, with refreshments to follow. Donations in Helen’s memory may be directed to the church.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-il/helen-landreth-12592251

Mary B. Compton

 Mary B. Compton Homer - Mary B. Compton, 71, of Homer passed away Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at her home following a 10-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Mary was born May 29, 1954, in Urbana, the daughter of Gerald R. and Beulah Ruth (Wilson) Compton. Survivors include her daughter, Ariel (Zachary) Wells of Homer; two beloved grandsons, Elijah and Gabriel Wells of Homer; two brothers, Ray (Sherry) Compton of Indianapolis and Paul (Bonnie) Compton of Homer; the family cat, MJ, who was her constant companion and often found by her side; and many nieces and nephews. Mary received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois. She enjoyed drawing, painting, and loved cats. Mary worked as a secretary in the Housing Department at the University of Illinois prior to retiring. She was a selfless mother, and loved her family. She especially cherished her role of 'Little Grandma' to her grandsons, Elijah and Gabriel. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mary was very loved and will be deeply missed by her family. Memorials can be made to Homer Fire Department and Homer Community Library.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/mary-compton-obituary?id=59947091

Stan Duitsman

Stan Duitsman, a dedicated member of the Ogden-Royal community, passed away Saturday (Nov. 8, 2025).

Born in Champaign on Nov. 12, 1963, to Marvin and Alicia Duitsman, Stan grew up farming and went on to drive a semi for Hicks Gas for many years.

He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Ogden-Royal fire department and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Stan loved cooking, hunting and the outdoors.

He is survived by his parents, Marvin and Alicia Duitsman; son, Neal Duitsman; and sister, Jody Martinie.

Stan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Marie Duitsman and Ralph and Engel Roelfs.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Royal. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Royal. Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/stan-duitsman-obituary?id=59998376