Gerhardt Richard Mohr

 
Gerhardt Richard Mohr, 84, of rural Homer, IL, passed away on November 6, 2024, at Carle Hospital, Urbana with his daughter by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents whom he cared for until their passing in 1998, and his brothers, Hilbert and Frederick Mohr.

Gerhardt was born on August 21, 1940, in Jarman Hospital, Tuscola, IL, to John H. and Evelyn Reifsteck Mohr. He attended school in Allerton which later consolidated with Broadlands and Longview to form ABL. His 1958 graduating class was the first to hold commencement in the newly constructed building. He was a charter member of the ABL Future Farmers of America chapter and was active in FFA and school interests throughout his life.

From 1958 to 1962, Gerhardt attended the University of Illinois where he graduated with a BS in Animal Science and received his commission as a Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps through the U of I Army ROTC program. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Germany for four years during the Berlin Wall Crisis before being released from active duty into the reserves. Upon returning to the family farm, Gerhardt, along with his brother Fred, built a substantial pork producing operation. He was an avid farmer- grain and livestock. Gerhardt worked with the Champaign-Vermilion County Pork Producers, served on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Farmers Board from 1968 to 1972, and was elected to the ABL School Board and later the Heritage School Board. He kept in touch with his military colleagues from the 14th Quartermaster Battalion and was a lifelong Illini fan.  Gerhardt was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was dedicated to many activities including the choir. He was also a member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau, the Homer American Legion Post, and the Singing Men of 'GNN. 

Gerhardt was married to Gisela Zumkeller and has two children- Christina Mohr, MD of New York, and Richard Mohr, LTC (R) of Colorado, and 2 grandchildren- Nicholas and Maxine Mohr. Gerhardt loved his family and grandchildren deeply. He remained active in farming and pork production until 2017. Gerhardt's strong faith, sustained by the grace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, guided him throughout his life. He consistently spoke of "God's Blessings" to others.

Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, IL, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. with the Singing Men of 'GNN and the American Legion Post 201 from Newman performing. Lunch will be provided at the church following the ceremony.  For further information, please contact Christina Mohr (either through phone or Facebook) or Immanuel Lutheran Church (at 217-834-3289 or their Facebook page). Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Homer Funeral & Cremation Services, which is handling Gerhardt's final arrangements.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Gerhardt-Mohr. 5/9/2025

Charles "Charlie" Hedrick

 PENFIELD — Charles “Charlie” Hedrick, born June 27, 1948, in Urbana, passed away peacefully on Sunday (May 4, 2025) in Penfield.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and lifelong farmer, Charlie made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A proud graduate of Illinois State University, Charlie dedicated his life to farming and was well-respected in his community for his hard work and integrity. He married his wife, Marcia, in 1971, and together they shared 53 wonderful years filled with love, laughter and resilience.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. He found great joy in spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren, Gavin, Elie, Alivia, Jax and Janie. His spirit will forever be remembered through the love and values he instilled in them.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia Hedrick; their children, Staci (Matt) Lomax and Megan (Chris) Learned; siblings, Beverly (Delmar) Schmidt and Phyllis (Rudy) Schmidt; in addition to his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Tena Hedrick.

Visitation will be on May 8 from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral service at noon at Sunset Funeral Home — Lux location, at 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Pastor Scott Smith will officiate the service, celebrating Charlie’s life and legacy.

Charlie Hedrick will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome. com.

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home’s Lux Chapel

5/7/2025

Robert Roland "Bobby G" Garrison

 BROADLANDS — Robert Roland “Bobby G” Garrison, 67, passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 3, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Bob was born on Oct. 9, 1957, in Baltimore, the son of Erminia Trovato Garrison Nejberger of Orange Park, Fla., and Roland Garrison. He married Margaret “Peggy” Pfaab on Aug. 19, 1983, in Homer.

He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, Linda Trovato and Laura Garrison.

Bob was most proud of the family he and Peggy created, especially his three loving and dedicated daughters, Casey Marie Garrison of Philo, Leslie Joanne (Chris Irwin) Garrison of Ogden and Carley Elizabeth (Dominik) Harmon of Farmer City; and their four amazing grandchildren, Vance Robert McComas (17), Kellyn Landry Irwin (15), Ripken Archie Irwin (8) and Zaylin Jane Harmon (10 months).

Along with his mother; wife; children; and grandchildren, Bob is survived by his stepfather, Claude Nejberger; one sister, Deborah Gallion of Middleburg, Fla.; and many aunts; uncles; nieces; and nephews.

Bob was born in Baltimore, where his love of the outdoors and water began. He loved crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay, going to Ocean City, Md., every summer and working with his Uncle Vince at his marina.

Bob was an exceptional mechanic and was first introduced to auto mechanics by his stepfather. He later moved to Florida, where his father had a small-engine repair business. There he continued developing his skills working as an auto and diesel mechanic. Eventually, he worked on lawn mowers, generators, air conditioners, golf carts, washing machines, dryers, etc. — if it broke, Bob could fix it!

Bob moved to Illinois in 1977 and, around 1981, moved to Broadlands, where he found his true home. He loved his small town and believed strongly in his personal responsibility to the community. He quietly repaired equipment at the park, cleaned up after storms, and helped his neighbors and friends whenever he could. A few years ago, he opened a neighborhood snow-cone stand so the local kids (of all ages!) had something new to enjoy.

Bob was so much fun to be around. His love for all types of music was unmatched. He could sing or whistle any song and was quick to add his own silly lyrics. And, back in the day, he could really bust a move! His mischievous sense of humor kept everyone laughing, and we will miss it tremendously.

Bob’s family invites friends and family to join them in celebrating Bob’s life on Friday, May 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Bob’s Garage — where you could find Bob most of the time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Broadlands Community Club and the Ayers Township Veterans Memorial.

NG 5/7/2025

Jacqueline J. "Jacque" Childers Anderson

 TOLONO — Jacqueline J. “Jacque” (Childers) Anderson, 78, of Tolono passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

She was born July 29, 1946, in Champaign, to the late Russell and Mary Ellen (Motsinger) Childers.

Jacque graduated from St. Joseph Ogden High School in St. Joseph, where she was a drum major.

Jacque worked as a secretary for the University of Illinois for several years and had also held several other jobs after leaving the university.

Surviving are a son, William (Terina) Anthony Thomas of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and two sisters, Kay Burry of Lafayette, Ind., and Glennda Buckner of Urbana. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jacque was preceded in death by two daughters, Callie Bradam and infant Michelle; as well as three brothers, Jim Childers, Butch Childers and Mike Childers.

There will be a memorial graveside service on Saturday, May 10, at 11a.m. at Old Homer Cemetery, Homer, with David Barcus officiating.

You may leave memories and condolences at soller-baker.com.

NG 5/7/2025

Joane M. Wilson

 THOMASBORO — Joane M. Wilson, 83, of Thomasboro died at 6 a.m. Saturday (May 3, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at noon Tuesday, May 6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul. Visitation will be two hours before the service Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Joane was born Nov. 25, 1941, in Urbana, the daughter of Ekke and Anna Johnson Flessner. She married Eddy R. Wilson on Nov. 21, 1970, in Rantoul. He preceded her in death April 9, 1989.

She is survived by two sons, Greg (Rhonda) Wilson of Thomasboro and Todd (Tammy) Wilson of Thomasboro; five grandchildren, Tyler (Brynn) Wilson, Allyssa (Scott) Wilson, Ashley (Justice) Long, Kaylie (Tyler) Brenner and Adam Wilson; four great-grandchildren, Hunter Wilson, Oliver Long, Auden Long and Elodie Brenner; and a brother, Clarence “Hans” Flessner of Rantoul.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Robert Flessner.

Joane graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1958. She retired as a dental assistant and had worked for Dr. Hewitt.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. She enjoyed playing dominos with her friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfunralservices. com.

NG 5/05/2025

Michael A. Rosnett

 Michael A. Rosnett, 77, passed away peacefully at 3:45 a.m. at the Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton, Fla. on Good Friday (April 18, 2025).

     Mike was born August 26, 1947 to Buren and Alta (Smoot) Rosnett of Fairmount. He graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1965.

    On November 15, 1969, Mike married his childhood sweetheart, Gay (Williams) Rosnett, who survives. They lived in Arizona for a few years and then returned to Illinois where they resided until moving to Florida in 2015.

     Mike worked as an IUOE Local 841 heavy equipment operator, retiring after 40 years of working for Urban Sand and Gravel. He was known as "Underdog" by his friends and co-workers.

     Mike was an Illini and Cubs fan. He loved to be out in nature, hunting mushrooms or fishing. He was the King of Puns and always joking. Spending time with his friends and family, and a cold Coors Light, were his greatest joys.

    Michael was a member of New Hope Church in Fairmount, which was founded by his great-grandfather. He volunteered for St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District for many years.

     Survivor includes: two children, Megan Miwa of Bradenton Fla, and Joe (Sara) Rosnett of Sidney; three dearly loved grandchildren, Akira Miwa, Maisie Miwa and Ellia Rosnett; siblings, Kay Lacey of Homer, Jim (Glynis) Rosnett and Susan Williams, both of St. Joseph, and Dan (Linda) Rosnett of Indianola; brother-in-law Murray Franzen of Sidney; and many nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings, Gordon "Butch" Rosnett and Janet Franzen; in-laws, Gaylord and Ethel Williams; and brother-in-law, Dan Williams.

     A Celebration of Life will be held in Illinois at a later date.

     The family would like to thank the Tidewell Hospice House staff for their kindness and care of Mike during his last days

    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mike’s honor to Tidewell Hospice Foundation, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239

Geraldine "Gerry" Ann (Shortsleeve) Truett Osterbur

 Geraldine “Gerry” Ann (Shortsleeve) Truett Osterbur, 97, of Royal, IL, died Thursday, April 24, 2015 at Country Health Care in Gifford IL.

Visitation will be at 10AM, April 29, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, followed by the funeral service at 11AM. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery in Royal. Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Gerry was born on March 14, 1928, the daughter of Roland H. and Gertrude E. (Kienietz) Shortsleeve of Royal. She was married twice; first to Vernon C. “Charlie” Truett on September 11, 1949, and then to Robert E. Osterbur on October 18, 1980.

In addition to her husbands, Gerry was preceded in death by her parents and her twin sister Polly
(Shortsleeve) Collins. She is survived by her son Scott (Leigh Lindahl) Truett of St. Peters, MO, her
grandson Chris (Abbie) Truett of Kansas City, MO, and 4 great granddaughters...Aliviah, Alexis, Chloe, and Madison.

Gerry was a lifetime resident of Royal, a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, and a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Royal.

After graduating from Ogden High School, Gerry attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. 

Following her graduation in 1948, she worked as a nurse at Mercy and for several doctors in the
Champaign/Urbana area.

In the 1960s Gerry became a bookkeeper for her father at the Royal Insurance Agency, a position she held into the 1980s.

Gerry and her sister Polly were best known as “The Shortsleeve Twins" in the Royal area, and they used their nurse’s training to provide emergency first aid and medical care for dozens of people over the years. Gerry was an avid gardener and loved to cook and bake. But most of all, she was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, and she was a friend to everyone she met.

Memorials can be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, Country Health Care in Gifford, or to the Crisis Nursery in Urbana, IL.

Gerry’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Country Health Care for the care they have provided to Gerry over the last 9 years.

Freese FH 4/25/2025