Carleen Sue Taylor

 
Homer - Carleen Sue Taylor, 67, of Homer passed away March 16, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

There will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

Carleen was born Aug. 27, 1958, in Urbana, the daughter of Harley and Mildred Dial Rogers.

Carleen is survived by her son, Colin Taylor of Columbia, S.C. and her granddaughter, Cora Mae Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Preston Taylor; and two sisters, Connie Rogers and Carla Wisehart.

Carleen was an administrative assistant for the College of Law at the University of Illinois for 25 years. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Homer Food Pantry. Carleen enjoyed crocheting, reading, nature, and spending time with her family.

NG 3/21/2026

Jon E. Mohr

 NEWMAN — Jon E. Mohr, 82, died in Newman on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

He was the son of Ernst and Eugenia Mohr of Allerton, the oldest of four siblings. He graduated from ABL High School as valedictorian in 1961 and completed his bachelor and master’s degrees at the University of Illinois in 1966 and 1973.

Jon had worked with Deere, the UI and Allerton Implement Company. He also taught for the University of Phoenix. Jon resided in Crawfordsville, Ind., until 2021, when he moved to Newman.

He is survived by his daughter, Laura in England; sons, Todd in California, Bob in Illinois and Douglas in Georgia; and his muchloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His parents; wife, Kay; and a granddaughter preceded him in death.

Jon was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands. He loved to sing and had recorded favorite hymns. His children and grandchildren were especially dear to him, and his trust was in his Lord Jesus.

Plans for a gathering in remembrance will be announced at a later time. Please join his family in sharing memories and photos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome. com.

NG 3/10/2026

Jeffrey Lynn Fisher

 TOLONO — Jeffrey Lynn Fisher, 64, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and lifelong farmer, passed away Friday (March 6, 2026) surrounded by the love of his family.

His life was defined by faith, hard work and a deep commitment to the people he cherished.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Susie, whom he met during his time at Illinois State University. Their love began on campus and grew into a lifetime partnership filled with devotion, laughter and unwavering support. Together, they raised four children — Stacy, Corinne (Paul), Jordan (Kodey) and Carson — each of whom brought him immense pride. Jeff was also blessed with six grandchildren, Caroline, Noah, Daisy, Grant, Lyndie and Rylee, who were the light of his life.

He is also survived by his parents, Gary Fisher (Linda) and Marcia Fisher; brother, Brian; sister, Julie; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who loved him dearly. Jeff also leaves behind many lifelong friends who remain with us today, each carrying memories of his kindness, humor and steady presence.

A 1979 graduate of Unity High School, Jeff continued his education at Illinois State University before returning home to pursue his lifelong calling — farming. He was a daily farmer in every sense, tending the land with dedication and integrity. His passion for agriculture extended into service as an active member of the Farm Bureau, the Young Farmers Committee and the American Quarter Horse Association.

Jeff’s faith guided him throughout his life. He was a committed member of the Tolono Presbyterian Church, where he found fellowship and purpose. He also served proudly in the Masonic Lodge, contributing his time and leadership to an organization he deeply respected.

Jeff found his greatest joy outdoors — whether working the fields, caring for his horses or spending time with his family under the open sky. His gentle spirit, steady presence and quiet strength touched everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be at Freese Funeral Home, Tolono, on Thursday, March 12, from 4 to 7p.m. Masonic rites will be at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will follow on Friday, March 13, at 11 a.m., at Tolono Presbyterian Church. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the land he nurtured, the friends who continue to honor his memory, and the countless lives he impacted with kindness and integrity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff’s honor to the Tolono Presbyterian Church or to the Champaign County Farm Bureau.

Nathaniel Alan Price

Nathaniel Alan “Nate” Price, 41, of St. Joseph, IL passed away at 11:31 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Nate was born on October 6, 1984 in Mattoon, IL. He was the son of Timothy Alan and Penny Darlene (Navel) Price.

He is survived by two children, Clowie Taylor Price and Jac Austin Price of St. Joseph, IL, his parents, Tim and Penny Price of Ogden, IL, one sister, Lindsay Hesselmann and her husband Greg of St. Joseph, IL, and a nephew, Brayden Hesselmann of St. Joseph, IL.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Danille “Dana” Price, his paternal grandparents, Bill and Billie Price, and his maternal grandparents, Allen and Nancy Navel.

Nate proudly served in the United States Marines, completing one tour in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan.

He was a dedicated father who was very close to his children and loved them dearly.

Memorials may be made in memory of Nate to a scholarship fund for his children, Clowie and Jac Price, checks may be made to Tim Price, P.O. Box 403, Ogden, IL 61859

Melissa Williams

St. Joseph - Melissa Williams, 60, of St. Joseph passed away after a battle with cancer on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on Nov. 14, 1965, in Streator, Melissa was the beloved daughter of Jack and Sandy Babey. She grew up in South Bend, Ind., and Champaign. She graduated from Champaign Centennial in 1984. She worked as a bookkeeper for County Market for 30 years, and most recently, she worked for Black and Company.

She married Rod Williams on July 14, 1990, in a ceremony in her parents' backyard.

She enjoyed spending time with her family on outdoor excursions. Melissa loved animals, especially cats and birds.

She is survived by her mother, Sandra Babey; brother, Richard Babey; husband, Rod Williams; and sons, Kyle Williams and Jonathon William.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Babey.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

News-Gazette 3/5/2026

Mary Jane Byrd

 
Mary Jane Byrd, 75 of Sidney passed away at 8:13 PM, Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 26, 2026 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo with Rev. Keith Walder officiating.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Philo.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Wednesday at the church, with the rosary at 4:30PM.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is handling arrangements.

Mrs. Byrd was born June 14, 1950 in Urbana, a daughter to George and Mary Lucille Whalen Armstrong.  She married Jerry Byrd on September 23, 1972 in Penfield, he survives.

Also surviving are three children; Jenny (Jon) Daly of Urbana, Allison (Terry) Moffitt of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Bill (Chelsea) Byrd of Philo, three grandchildren; Quinn Moffitt and Liam and Levi Byrd, a sister Julie Judy of Rossville and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother Dan Armstrong. 

She was employed at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana for 44 years.  She was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church.  She was a master gardener, loved to sew quilts and make clothing.  She also loved to camp and the outdoors.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas School, Philo.

Freese FH https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Mary-Byrd

Stephen Weisman

 Stephen Weisman, 74 of Homer passed away at 5:32 AM, Friday, February 27, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney with Pastor Scott Millis officiating.  Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Weisman was born January 11, 1952, in Champaign a son to LeRoy Weisman and Ellen Parmar.  He married Cynthia Booe on July 29, 1972, she preceded in death on February 8, 2018.

Surviving are two children; Robert (Tami) Weisman of Homer and Jami Meade of Homer, grandchildren; Owen (Kayla) Weisman of Homer and Addison Weisman of Homer, siblings; David Weisman, Sue Weisman and Doug (Sawn) Weisman.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Dan Weisman.  

He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, his lil red car and to fish.

Memorials may be made to donors choice.

Freese FH https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Stephen-Weisman