Charles "Chuck" Marion Chesnut

 Charles "Chuck" Marion Chesnut, 74 of Ogden passed away on Saturday Oct 31, 2026 at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn.

Chuck was born October 26, 1952 at Burnham Hospital, Champaign to William Wayne and Violet Marie (Taylor) Chesnut.

He is survived by his wife Denise Chesnut, his brother Dean (Sandra) Chesnut, his children; Joe (Shawn) Chesnut, Chad (Laura Taylor) Chesnut, Shaun (Sarah) Chesnut, Mark (Mandy) Chesnut, Melissa (Todd) Jamison and Jesse (Lane) Dial. His grandchildren; Nicole, Shayna, Charles, Skyler, Alexis, Karleigh, Violet, Faith, Beau, Connor, Brooke, Taylor, Addison, and Mason. His great-grandchildren; Joseph, Jackson, Greyson and Benjin.

He graduated from Unity High School in Tolono in 1971. He then attended Lincoln Tech School in Indianapolis.

He was proud to serve as a Sidney police deputy while starting his career at Solo Cup in Urbana for over 25 years before retiring from Kraft at the age of 64.

 Chuck was known for being a hard worker and was always helping friends and family with literally anything. He was a Longview Fire Department volunteer firefighter for many years. He was a Sadorus Sportsman Club member who served many years on the board where he spent countless hours helping maintain and improve the property, shooting events and dinners while enjoying the time he had to relax camping there as well. Chuck enjoyed target shooting and pheasant hunting with family and friends. He was involved at the Savoy Elk's Club doing roadside clean up and Wreaths Across America for the Danville National Cemetery.

After retirement he enjoyed helping friends farm, taking him back to his roots, hanging out with his buddies, making it to as many as his grandchildren's events as he could, and spending time with the dogs Lizzie and Chester.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Claribell (Harold) Irvin, his siblings; Gene Paul "Dick" Chesnut, Norma (Richard) Dunkman, John (Judy) Chesnut and Lee (Lisa) Chesnut.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday November 12, 2026  at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana. Visitation will be Wednesday November 11, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church, Champaign.

Connie Lynn Flessner

 
Connie Lynn Flessner, 61 of Thomasboro, passed away at 8:22 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at her home.

She was born October 4, 1965, in Paxton the daughter of Charlie and Vicki Nuss Harris. She married Rodney Flessner December 9, 1991, at the First United Methodist Church of Paxton. He survives.

Along with her husband, Rodney, she is survived by her parents, Charlie and Vicki Harris of Loda; three sons, Ryan Edenfield of Paxton, Clayton (Lauren Elam) Flessner of Mansfield, Kyle (Emily) Flessner of Brookhaven, Mississippi; four grandchildren, Ryanna, Laina, Caden and Jack Bennett; two sisters, Cristal (Tim) Watson of Paxton, Kelly (Tom Curtis) Pound of Ludlow; her aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph and Lottie Nuss, Romulus and Vernece Harris and father-in-law, Robert Flessner.

Connie graduated from Paxton High School in 1983. She worked as a typesetter at Paxton Printing for many years. Connie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton.

She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed watching her boys play baseball. Connie also enjoyed going on walks, reading and baking. Her greatest joy was spending cherished time with her grandchildren.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

https://www.baierfuneralservices.com/obituaries/connie-flessner

Diane S. Michaels

 
Diane S. Michaels, 70 of Rantoul, died at 1:43 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul with Father John Verrier officiating. Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Thomasboro.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2026, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton.

Diane was born April 29, 1956, in Rantoul the daughter of Jack and Penelope Dorset Floodas. She married Bill Michaels August 30, 1980, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul. He survives.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; a daughter, Rhea (Todd) Modglin of Rantoul; a son, Travis Michaels of Champaign; two grandchildren, River and Remington - her “loveys”.

She was preceded in death by her father and many beloved friends.

Diane graduated from Rantoul Twp. High School in 1974. She worked in the banking and finance industry for more than 35 years. She was so very loved and appreciated by her many co-workers and clients over the years. Diane was a person that desired to serve and take care of all that she met and interacted with.

She served on many boards and committees throughout her years including: The St. Malachy Garden Angels, Champaign County Board, Parkland Foundation, United Way Board, Exchange Club, Rotary, STM Ed. Commission Board and so many more.

Diane enjoyed traveling, baking, and being active in her community. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, every chance she got.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henry J. Smith Foundation. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family atwww.baierfuneralservices.com.

https://www.baierfuneralservices.com/obituaries/diane-michaels

Clyde Frank Smith

 A Celebration of Life for Clyde Frank Smith will be held Saturday November 7th at 2:00 pm at the Homer United  Congregational Church.

 Clyde was born August 11, 1937 to Frank and Pauline West Smith. Clyde passed away September 6, 2026.

He graduated from Homer High School in 1955 and the University of Illinois in 1959, majoring in Agronomy.

He was in Army ROTC at Illinois.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army.  He attended Officer Basic School at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO serving his commitment in the Illinois and New York National Guard.

He obtained his Masters Degree at the U of I and his PhD at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.  After obtaining his PhD he began a career of academia teaching at the University of Texas, University of Maryland and Odessa college in Texas.  He retired and returned to Illinois where he taught at Lincoln Christian College.  He then moved to Greenville SC.

Clyde married Phyllis Knight on February 1, 1959, she proceeded  him in death in 2019.  Survivors includes a daughter Paula, son Roger (Emily) 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 2 brothers, Dick and Bob Smith.

Scott Robert Ducey

 Scott Robert Ducey, 57, passed away at 9:00 A.M. Saturday October 24, 2026, at The Haven of Arcola. Scott was born April 2, 1969, in Urbana to Robert L. Ducey and Mary Peters Ducey.

 He attended Champaign schools and Lincoln College of Technology in Indianapolis. He worked as a mechanic and in computer technology.

 Scott is survived by his mother, Mary Gallivan, of Phoenix, AZ, stepfather John Gallivan of St. Joseph, sisters Lynn (Eric) Bazarnic, also of Phoenix, and Sherry (Ron) Lucido of Hoffman Estates, stepsisters, Tracy (Virgil) Jones of Champaign and Kimberly Mayer of Grand Chain. He also leaves several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Scott was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

 Graveside services are planned for 10:00 A.M., Thursday October 29 at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Mayview with Pastor Nixon Estioko officiating. Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand St. Joseph is in charge of arrangements.

Kyle Helm Morris

Kyle Helm Morris, 41, of Homer, Illinois, closed the gate for the final time on October 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm, surrounded by family and friends. Kyle was born on July 29, 1985 to Rhonda (Daily) Morris, who preceded him in death on April 13, 1986, and William H. Morris, and was raised by William Morris and stepmother, Sheryl (Brooks) Morris.

Kyle devoted his life to agriculture, tending livestock, caring for his beloved pets, and embracing the honest work of each day. Farming was more than a livelihood to Kyle; it was a way of life, a calling, and a reflection of the man he was. He dedicated decades of his life to farming and many years to raising Angus cattle. His calloused hands worked countless hours mending fences, on tractors and implements throughout the seasons, each day bringing another responsibility and task to accomplish. Of all the machinery he worked with, his favorite was his 1942 John Deere A, lovingly restored by his grandfather, Ronald Daily.

Kyle may have been a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. He was the kind of man who would lend a hand to anyone or any animal in need of help or comfort. His kindness was quiet and genuine, shown not through grand gestures but through the steady presence of someone who could always be counted on.

Though farming shaped much of his life, Kyle's greatest joy came from the time he spent with his niece, Emilia, and nephew, Benjamin. Whether sharing silly moments, telling funny jokes, attending t-ball games and taekwondo matches, he treasured the laughter and light they brought into his world. 

He leaves behind a family forged in grit and grace: his beloved wife, Caitlin (Allen) Morris, whom he married on March 31, 2012; his in-laws, James and Crystal Allen; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Levi and Callie Allen; his adored nephew, Benjamin Allen; his loving niece, Emilia Allen; stepmother, Sheryl (Brooks) Morris; stepbrother, Nathan Dale Bartley; his maternal grandfather, Ronald Daily; and a host of cherished aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rhonda & William Morris(April 12, 2022), and grandparents: Joe E. Morris, Jr., James V. Scott, Sally Lewis Morris, and Mary Anne Daily. 

A celebration of life open house will be held on Sunday, November 22, from 1:00-4:00pm at the former Homer Vintage Bakery, 111 S Main St, Homer, IL 61849.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials go towards a scholarship to be given in his name. 

Betty J. Osterbur

 Betty J. Osterbur, 97, of Royal passed away at 1:57 A.M. Sunday October 18, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Betty was born August 20, 1929 in Stanton Township. The daughter of John B. and Katie (Johnson) Duitsman. She married Herbert J. Osterbur on February 26, 1948 in Flatville. He preceded in death on January 25, 2021.

 She is survived by her children; Mitch (Marsha) Osterbur, Stan (Suzanne) Osterbur, Marsha Rubarts. 5 grandchildren; Katie (Quinn) Huber, Jon (Taylor) Osterbur, Craig (Marisa) Osterbur, Lindsey (Dusty) Block, Michael (Shelby) Osterbur. 9 great-grandchildren Alex and Charlie Huber, Hannah Osterbur, Maya Osterbur, Sophia Osterbur, Emma Osterbur, Hank Osterbur, Tanner and Riley Block.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Charlie Rubarts and a infant daughter.

 She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Betty was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

 Betty's greatest joys were her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She helped Herb on the family farm, owned and operated a beauty shop and also cleaned houses.

 Betty was a long-time election judge for Stanton Township. Her hobbies included sharing her sewing talent making quilts for the Lutheran World Relief Quilting Projects at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, IL and, also for her family members. She was dedicated to serving on the Alter Guild for several years.

 She was a great cook and baker and always enjoyed attending Marvin Lee's and Ed Clem's Music concerts. She enjoyed playing cards even though Herb was highly critical of her gaming abilities. Playing Blitz with her card club buddies was always something she looked forward to attending. Betty was also an avid reader sharing important current events, which also made her a great conversationalist. She was an award winning bowler, earning many league trophies.

 Betty often said "I am still waiting for a proper thank-you from Herb, Mitch and Stan, for all the baseball uniforms I've washed for so many years."

 Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday October 22, 2026 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Ryan Sage will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Thursday.