Friday, March 6, 2026

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

Tuesday, March 3, 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

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Calina Gonzalez


 Calina Gonzalez, a beautiful soul taken far too soon, will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. At just 16 years old, Calina brought light, depth, and quiet strength into the world in a way that will never be forgotten.

Calina was a devoted daughter to her mother, Samantha Coronado, and her father, Adrian Gonzalez. She was a cherished sister to Andrea Gonzalez and Adrian Gonzalez Jr., and a loving big sister to her four younger brothers, Jordan, Andy, Samuel, and Richie Gonzalez.  She was an Aunt to Izzy, Adrian III, and Vonny. She held a special place in her family, where her true personality shined brightest.

Though shy with the world, Calina was outspoken, warm, and expressive with those closest to her. She had an amazing personality—sweet, caring, understanding, and deeply loving. Her heart was gentle, her spirit kind, and her presence comforting. She had a way of making those around her feel seen and loved without needing many words.

Calina was a student at Fisher High School and was known for her intelligence and tech-savvy mind. She had a passion for Formula 1 racing, finding excitement and joy in the speed, precision, and thrill of the sport. She also deeply loved her pets, caring for them with the same tenderness she showed her family.

Above all, Calina loved fiercely. Her family meant everything to her, and that love will continue to surround them, guiding and comforting them in the days ahead. Though her time on this earth was brief, her impact was profound.

Calina is now at peace, embraced by God’s love, watching over those she left behind. Her beautiful soul, radiant smile, and loving heart will remain forever etched in our memories. Until we meet again, Calina —you are loved beyond measure and missed more than words can say

 A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday February 21, 2026 at St. Malachy's Catholic Church 340 E Belle Ave, Rantoul. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph and also Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Calina-Gonzalez

Kim L. Plant

 
Kim L. Plant, 55 of Danville passed away at 4:07 P.M. Wednesday February 18, 2026 at her home.

 Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday February 27, 2026 at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview, IL.

 Kim was born December 1, 1970 in Vincennes, IN. The daughter of Leon and Beatrice (Davis) Plant.

 She is survived by her sisters Marie Anderson of Covington, IN, Debbie McCoy of Urbana, and Misty Maxon of Indiana. Aunt Tootsie Thorp. Several nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her parents.

 Kim dealt with numerous health problems in her life, but still found great joy in cats and watching her shows on T.V.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Kim-Plant

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Errol E. Bergman


 Rantoul - Errol E. Bergman, 83, of Rantoul died at 1:03 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 7, 2026) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. There will be no visitation. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Errol was born Feb. 2, 1943, in Champaign, the son of Harm E. and Hilda L. Sieberns Bergman. He married Charlene A. Meier on Nov. 29, 1969, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Urbana. She survives.

Along with his wife, Charlene, he is survived by three daughters, Stacy E. (Cris) Wimmer of Eads, Tenn., Tina K. (Michael) Buhr of Gifford and Carrie A. (Jim) Conner of Thomasboro; four grandchildren, Mason and Camryn Conner and Henry and Christian Buhr; two sisters, Bernita (James) Rusk of Rantoul and Lau Rea (Jerry) Perkins of Monticello; and two brothers, Rodney (Peggy) Bergman of Rantoul and Dennis (Terese) Bergman of Rantoul.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Loren Bergman.

Errol graduated from Gifford Grade School and Rantoul Township High School. He was a life underwriter and certified financial planner for CUNA Mutual for 40 years. He was also co-owner of BP Cleaners in Rantoul for 12 years.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, where he served on the church council and was a member of the Cathedral Choir and Men's Chorus. Errol loved golfing at the Brook Hill Golf Course and was a member of the Grasshoppers Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/errol-bergman-obituary?id=60751131

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I started collecting obituaries on this blog as a means of being able to quickly search and access them.  Generally they are from the easter...