Joseph Lee Boise

 

Joseph Lee Boise, 93, of Champaign formerly of St. Joseph passed away at 8:26 A.M. Monday August 10, 2026 at his home.

 Visitation will be Monday August 17, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Graveside services will be at 11:15 A.M. at Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Rev. Paul Dinges will officiate.

 Joseph was born March 28, 1933 in Homer. the son of George and Ruth (Bryant) Boise. He married Dorothy Schuman on May 11, 1952 in St. Joseph. She preceded him on July 19, 2013.

 He is survived by his children; Ginger (Kent) Lenz of Champaign, Gregory (Lisa) Boise of Tolono. 7 grandchildren Erica Bales, Aleene Lenz, Jana Lenz all of Champaign, Kimberlee Boise of Buffalo, MO, Julie (Jeff) Dorner of Western Springs, IL, Geoffrey (Grace) Boise of Ogden, Joseph (Tiffany) Boise of Tolono. 8 great-grandchildren; Gered (Jane) Bales, Austin (Krystal) Ray, Kelsi (LeAntwone) Davis, Alex Bretzlaff, Jordyn Lenz, Tyson Sigler, Kennedy Dorner, Avery Dorner.  8  great-great grandchildren. 3 sisters Marlene Passarello, Meredith (Alex) Chisholm, Michelle (Russ) Bryan.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother George Lynn Boise.

 Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Life member and past Commander of VFW Post 5520, Champaign. Member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

 He retired from Superior Printing after 60 years of service. He also worked as a courier for Busey Bank. He also enjoyed singing karaoke.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph United Methodist Church or Transitions Hospice.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Joseph-Boise

Robert Mumm

 
Robert "Bob" Mumm, 57, of Champaign passed away Thursday July 2, 2026 at 8:24 A.M. at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

He was born February 22, 1969 in Urbana. The son of Steve Mumm and Margaret "Kay" (Williams) Charles.

Bob is survived by his mother Margaret "Kay" (Ron) Charles of St. Joseph. Sisters Angela K. Mumm of Cape Coral, FL, and Vicki Sparks of St. Joseph. Niece Kayla (Garrett) Flessner and nephew Brandon (Micaela) Sparks. Numerous good friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Steve Mumm. Maternal grandparents Murray and Ruth Williams and Paternal grandparents Russell and Lillie Mae Mumm. Dear friend Suzanna Kramer.

Bob worked at CDG in Champaign for many years where he met friends that he considered family. Most recently he was working at CVS Pharmacy in Champaign.

He loved to spend time with his friends. Several nights were spent at Texas Roadhouse, the Axe Bar, and Pia's in Champaign, IL and the Monkey Bar in Cape Coral, Fl

Services will be held at a later date.

Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. is in charge of arrangements

Richard M. Corn

 Richard M. Corn, 88, of St. Joseph, Illinois, passed away on July

13, 2026, at Accolade Health Care Senior Living Center in Paxton, Illinois. He
received compassionate and loving end-of-life care from the staff at Accolade
Health Care, in partnership with Transitions Hospice.
He was born May 24, 1938, in Coe, Ind., to R. Floyd and Stella Corn. He was the
youngest of nine children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Stella Corn; all eight of his
siblings and their spouses; and one newborn great-grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of 69½ years; his sons, Dale (wife, Michele)
and Jeff (wife, Terri); five grandchildren, Bryan Corn, Isaac Corn, Lydia Crouse,
Tasha Rickman, and Raychel Brandt; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Richard and Carolyn were married by her father, Elder Lloyd Clapp, in
Champaign, Ill., on January 27, 1957.
Richard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school and served
most of his military service in Florida. He was very proud to be a veteran. He
returned to Illinois, where he attended Illinois Commercial College. He worked in
many different jobs, including 20 years at Super Valu and as part owner of the St.
Joseph IGA. He retired in 1998 after 13 years with Rehabilitation Education
Services of Danville. After retirement, the couple traveled extensively throughout
all 50 states and parts of Europe.
Richard was a lifelong member of the New Liberty Primitive Baptist Church in
Champaign, Ill, where he served as a deacon.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 22, 2026, with funeral
services immediately following, with Elder Chris Crouse officiating, at Freese
Funeral Home in St. Joseph, Ill. Graveside services will follow at Mt. Olive
Cemetery in Mayview, Ill.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the
American Diabetes Association.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Richard-Corn

Kenneth F. Meier

 Kenneth F. Meier, 88, of Champaign passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at Memory Haven of Tolono.

Kenneth was born on January 9, 1938 in Champaign, IL the son of Jerry F. and Ida D. (Wolken) Meier. They lived in St. Joseph Illinois and Kenneth graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1956

He was baptized in January of 1938 at Flatville Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. He was confirmed in April 1954.

Kenneth married Carol J. Janssen and they had two children. Steven Meier of Boulder Colorado who preceded him in death, and Brian Meier of Chicago Illinois.

Kenneth later married Karen G Helm and welcomed two stepchildren, Michael Helm of Dallas Texas and Stacey Helm (Stoner) of New Hampshire. Additionally, he is survived by one granddaughter; Raleigh Meier of Chicago Illinois and one grandson; Dane Meier of Hanford California. Kenneth had three brothers, Derald (Sandra), Dale who preceded him in death (Jean), and Virgil (Jane).

Kenneth attended the United Electronics Institute in Louisville Kentucky and subsequently worked at Magnavox in Urbana and Zenith Corporation in Paris Illinois. He spent many years working for Manny & Martin TV and Appliances in Champaign and ended his working career at Hobbico in Champaign. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Champaign.

Services for Kenneth will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Morgan Memorial Home1304 Regency Dr. West, Savoy with Rev. Jeff Caithamer officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. (The family suggests casual attire) Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Kenneth’s name to Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org).

https://www.morganmemorialhome.com/obituaries/Kenneth-F-Meier?obId=49204257

William A. Wilson

 William A. Wilson, 90, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, leaving behind a life deeply rooted in family, faith, friendship, and the farmland he tended for more than six decades.

Bill was a graduate of Oakwood High School and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve. He shared his life with his wife, Sandra (Ray) Wilson, and together they built a family and a lifetime of memories. He was the proud father of William J. (Julie) Wilson and Allison (Joe) Sinclair. 

For 65 years, Bill farmed in Champaign and Vermilion Counties, dedicating his life to the land and to a way of life he deeply valued. Farming was more than his occupation—it was part of who he was. He knew the anticipation of planting, the long days of summer, the urgency of harvest, and the satisfaction that came at the end of another season. Through good years and difficult ones, he remained a farmer at heart, always looking ahead to the next crop and the next season.

Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit extended well beyond his own farm. Throughout his life, he was a partner in a number of local agricultural businesses, including ventures in fertilizer, farm equipment, and grain elevators. These partnerships reflected not only his knowledge of agriculture and business, but also his commitment to the farming community and the relationships he built throughout his lifetime.

Bill was a member of Ogden United Methodist Church, where his faith and church family were an important part of his life.

While he worked hard, Bill also appreciated life’s simple pleasures. He especially enjoyed time spent with his coffee shop friends, where conversation and a good cup of coffee were an important part of the day. And those who knew Bill knew there was always room for something sweet—he never met a dessert he didn’t like.

Above all, Bill’s greatest legacy is his family and the values he leaves with them: hard work, perseverance, faith, loyalty, and an appreciation for the simple blessings of everyday life.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his children, William J. (Julie) Wilson and Allison (Joe) Sinclair; grandchildren, Mary Pat (Eric) Beatty, Wilson (Rachel) Sinclair, Hugh (Becca) Sinclair, Hannah Wilson, and Olivia (Ryan) Bott; and eight great-grandchildren. Mother in law Faustene Nicoson

He was preceded in death by his parents, G. Woodrow and Thelma Wilson; his brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Stella Wilson; and his great-granddaughter, Grace Beatty.

Visitation will be held Sunday August 9, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph, Illinois. Funeral services will be held August 10, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at Freese Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Visitation 9:30 A.m. to service time on Monday

Memorials may be made to Ogden United Methodist Church.

Bill’s life can be measured in many ways—in 90 years well lived, 65 years of farming, countless acres planted and harvested, businesses built, cups of coffee shared with friends, and more desserts than anyone could count. But most importantly, it can be measured in the family he loved, the friendships he made, the faith he carried, and the legacy he leaves behind.

The fields will continue to change with the seasons, but the life he built and the values he planted will remain for generations to come.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/William-Wilson

Lee Allen Chesnut

 
Lee Allen Chesnut, 72, of Sidney, Illinois, passed away on August 3, 2026 at home with family by his side.

Lee was born on October 13, 1953 at Burnham hospital in Champaign, Illinois to William Wayne Chesnut and Violet Marie Taylor Chesnut. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose quiet strength, generous spirit, playful banter, and lighthearted wit will be remembered by all who knew him.

On April 26, 1980, Lee married the love of his life, Lisa (Johnson) Chesnut. Together they shared 41 wonderful years of marriage until Lisa's passing on September 15, 2021.

Lee is survived by his three sons: Christopher (Emily) Chesnut, Jason (Tara Dewitt) Chesnut, and Andrew (Blair) Chesnut. He is also survived by two brothers: Dean (Sandra) Chesnut and Chuck (Denise) Chesnut. He will truly be missed by his dear grandchildren: Khloe, Taylor, Weston, Owen, Bristol, and Elsie. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish his memory. Lee also leaves behind his cherished four-legged friend Maizie (Yorkie).

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lisa Chesnut, his parents, William Wayne Chesnut and Violet Marie Taylor Chesnut; and his siblings Gene Paul "Dick" Chesnut, Norma (Richard) Dunkman and John (Judy) Chesnut.

Lee graduated from Unity High School in Tolono in 1972. He then attended business school in Peoria, Illinois at Midstate College where he earned an Associates degree. He spent much of his career in the food and hospitality industry, including the day-to-day operations of the family business, Marbles Catering. He later joined the University of Illinois food service, where he worked until his retirement.

Lee found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved fishing, tending his garden, visiting botanical gardens, searching for hidden treasures at auctions and appreciating art which were frequent finds at the auctions. Lee had a genuine appreciation for experiences that brought people together. He was never the life of the party, but he really enjoyed hosting parties and making sure everyone had a wonderful time. He will be known for making the most beautiful and delicious deviled eggs for our family get-togethers.

Above all, Lee treasured time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was always eager to go to their sporting activities, hear about the new hobbies and interests they were exploring, and never missed an opportunity to see pictures of their latest adventures. Their stories brought him immense joy, and nothing made him happier than watching them grow.

A celebration of life to be held at a later date.

In honor of Lee, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Lee-Chesnut