Andy Davison

Andy Davison, 46, of Homer passed away at 7:30 A.M. Tuesday November 30, 2021 at his home.

 Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. Sunday December 5, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Rev. Darla Holden will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be held Saturday from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

 Andy was born November 19, 1975 at Urbana. The son of James and Helen (Wolf) Davison. He married Stacey McGarigle on September 19, 1998 at Sidney. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Kenzie Davison and Noah Davison at home. His parents of Homer. Brother Jamie (Nikki) Davison of Homer. Sister Katie (Shannon) Patterson of Homer. Several nieces and nephews; Cody, Kane, Keagan, Clair, Jaden, Rylie, Hannah, Luke and Eli. His faithful Lab, Charlie.

 He was preceded by his grandparents; Don and Doris Wolf, Kenneth and Mary Davison.

 Andy was a union electrician for 27 years in Local 601. He worked for Davis Electrical for 17 years. 

He enjoyed sitting in the garage listening to loud music, collecting guns, cooking and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. 

 The family request everyone wear casual attire to the services.

 Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Freese FH 11/30/2021

Cory A. Abernathy

Cory A. Abernathy 40 of Ogden passed away at 8:35 A.M. Saturday November 27, 2021 at the Richard L. Owens Hospice House, Peoria.

 Visitation will be held Friday December 3, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Gifford Community Building, Gifford Saturday December 4, 2021 from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. with services at 4:45 P.M. Thad Sweet will officiate.

 Cory was born August 14, 1981 in Champaign. The son of Gary and Sandy (Shotton) Abernathy. He married Stephanie Brockway on July 18, 2009 in Rantoul. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Sydney and Wesley Abernathy at home. Father Gary (Irene) Abernathy of Colorado Springs, CO. Mother Sandy Abernathy of St. Joseph. Two sisters Carrie (Gabe) Clements of Ogden, Lori (Jake) Cross of Armstrong. In-laws Ken (Maureen) Brockway of Rantoul.  Several nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his Paternal grandparents James and Jean Abernathy, Maternal grandparents James and Kathleen Shotton, nephew Payne Clements.

 

 Cory worked at Illinois State University as the Intellectual Property and Export Officer. 

 He was a 1999 Graduate of Armstrong High School where he played Basketball and Baseball. He received a B.S. from the University of Illinois and his M.B.A. from Eastern Illinois University.

 Cory loved watching his daughter's sporting events, and thought Wesley was the best baby.

 He was an avid Indiana Jones Movie fan and enjoyed reading Stephen King books. Cory loved to vacation, travel and spend time with friends and family.

 Memorials may be made to the Cory Abernathy Memorial Fund at the Gifford Bank or to the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home 8630 IL Route 91 Peoria, IL 61615

Freese FH website 11/28/2021

Michael D. Showalter

 BROADLANDS — Michael D. Showalter, 73, of Broadlands passed away Tuesday (Nov. 16, 2021) at home.

Michael was born on May 4, 1948, in Waurika, Okla., to Raymond and Juanita (Smith) Showalter. He married Jeanie Ray on July 23, 1967, in Tuscola.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jeanie Showalter; two children, Kevin (Barbi) Showalter and Regina (Rick) Tweedy; six grandchildren, Brittany (Andrew Hudson) Showalter, Lauren (Jon) Ashmore, Bailey (Makenzie) Means, Hunter (Harlee) Tweedy, Dalton (Kenzie) Tweedy and Dillon Tweedy; five siblings, Shirley Foster, Darlene (Dave) Trinkle, Shelba (Dee) Brown, Randy (Donalda) Showalter and Max (Vivian) Showalter; and one brother-in-law, Gary “Butch” Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Juanita Showalter; one sister, Gayle Ryans; two brothers-in-law, Claude Ryans and C.E. Foster; one sister-in-law, Sheila Ray; and his mother- and father-in-law, Claude and Betty Ray.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Joines Funeral Home, Villa Grove, with Pastor Trevor Oetting officiating; military rites will be conducted. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral service (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Broadlands Fire Department or the Newman American Legion Post 201.

Lorena A. Smith

 Lorena A. Smith, 89, of St. Joseph died at 11:31 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

She was born Sept. 10, 1932, in Urbana, to Raymond K. and Dena Stein Wilson, and graduated from Urbana High School in 1951. Lorena married her UHS Class of ’51 sweetheart, Robert E. Smith, on Nov. 8, 1952. Bob died April 25, 2005.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother, Ray, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lorena is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cyndi and Scott Paceley of Champaign, as well as friends Katie Andersen, Clayton Bosch, Tammy Knight, Joetta Morgan, Marjorie Taylor and Sandy Wilson.

She enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, feeding and keeping track of her yearly hummingbird residents, and watching the families of deer that visited her yard. Lorena was especially fond of the many 150-year-old trees that grace the family farm.

According to her wishes, private graveside services were held. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, assisted with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Unity Prayer Ministries, 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO; DSC, 1304 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign; or Carle Hospice, care of Carle Center for Philanthropy, 611 W. Park St., Urbana.

Freese FH 11/17/2021

Mark D. Youmans

 ARMSTRONG — Mark D. Youmans, 55, of Armstrong died at 7:32 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 10, 2021) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating. Burial will follow in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Mark was born Sept. 3, 1966, in Danville, the son of Ralph E. and Frances Miller Youmans. He married Teresa Castle on Feb. 23, 1985, at Hope United Church of Christ. She survives.

Along with his wife, Teresa, he is survived by two sons, Travis (Kate) Youmans of Gifford and Michael (Jackie) Youmans of Champaign; three grandchildren, Hannagan, Bentley and Lennon and grandbaby Youmans No. 4 arriving in early December; his mother, Frances Youmans of Armstrong; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ronald and Nancy Castle of Thomasboro; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Mark graduated from Armstrong High School in 1984 and attended Danville Area Community College. Farming was his passion, and he became a third-generation family farmer. Mark was also well known for his one-of-a-kind Toy Tractor Collection, as he has been a collector for over 40 years.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville and the Champaign and Vermilion County Farm Bureau. Mark was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He had an extreme love for his dogs, but his greatest joy was his grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rescue Me Clifford or the Juvenile Diabetes Association. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

11/13/2021 NG

Matthew John Hinrichs

 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Matthew John Hinrichs, 50, passed away Friday (Nov. 13, 2020) in Springfield Mo.

Matt was born in Peoria and raised in Flatville. He married his wife, Debbie Merkle, on Nov. 24, 1990. She survives.

Also surviving are their four children, Austin, Jesse, Lane and Lauren; two grandsons, Kyson and Kylo; brother, James (Lori); cousin, Debbie Elliot; in-laws, Tim and Pat Phillips; many neices and nephews; and best friends, Steve Duitsman and Ward Birch.

Matt is in heaven with his parents, Ken and Delores Hinrichs; a brother, Timothy; and his other best friend, David Nelson. 

Matt's greatest joys were his family and friends, fishing, cookouts, creeks, rivers, arrowhead hunting and traveling. He is dearly missed by us all.

NG 11/13/2021

Emma M. Rademacher

 Emma M. Rademacher, 86, of Royal passed away at 7;28 P.M. Wednesday November 10, 2021 at her home.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday November 15, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be held Sunday from 5;00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

 Emma was born July 12, 1935 at Penfield. The daughter of Lammert and Anna (Blue) Wilken. She married Arnold Rademacher on August 8, 1954 at Gifford. He survives.

 Also survived by her children; Linda (Curt) Blair of Madison, WI, Karen (Richard) Frick of Sidell, Donna (Ron) Townsley of Armstrong, Debra Townsley of Fithian. 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. Two brothers Melvin (Kathy) Wilken of Armstrong and Mervin Wilken of Idaho. One sister Mildred Sage of St. Joseph.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Elmer Wilken and John Wilken sister Marilyn Wilken. One step-granddaughter. 

 Emma was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Freese FH 11/13.2021


 Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or St. John Lutheran Cemetery.

Sam Ehmen

 Sam Ehmen, 38, of Penfield passed away at 5:04 P.M. Tuesday November 9, 2021 at home.

 Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday November 13, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

 Sam was born February 25, 1983 at Champaign. The son of Charles M. and Lori A. (Bever) Ehmen.

 He is survived by his parents of Penfield. Sister Christina Ehmen of Rantoul.

 He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, niece Autum Rae-Lynn, Uncle Dennis Ehmen and Aunt Lynn Crandall.

 Sam enjoyed canoeing, hiking, painting, landscaping, cooking and being with friends and family.  

Freese FH 11/11/2021

Kathleen Thiede

 November 11, 1930 -

November 4, 2021

Kathleen Thiede, 7 days shy of her 91st birthday, passed away on November 4. She lived at least nine lives, saved many times by caregivers Kim (daughter), Regina (21 yrs. caregiver), Janice (17 yrs. caregiver), and Michelle. Kathleen was the last of 9 children, raised on a farm in Homer, worked hard all her life, and was a beloved mother and wife. Upon entering Heaven, she was greeted by her husband, Alfred, who extended his hand with a smile on his face, and said “Honey, I’ve been waiting for you.” And Kathleen took Alfred’s hand with a smile on her face, and they walked forward. They walked standing straight, with no pain, with no sorrow, but only with happiness and conviction. Survived by daughters Karen Lunebach (Jerry), Trudy Lapic, and Kim Thiede. Special gratitude to Kim Thiede, who cared for both parents, for over a period of 20+ years. Predeceased by daughter Cindy Sigmon. Memorial service to be held Friday, November 12, 10 a.m. at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Dr W, Savoy IL 61874.

Morgan FH 11/11/2021

Harold Everett "Chuck" Martin

 Harold Everette “Chuck” Martin, 85, of Waynetown passed away Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

He was born Oct. 27, 1936, at Ogden, Illinois, and was the son of the late Hubert Francis and Beryl Boyd Martin. On Feb. 7, 1959, Chuck married Gwendolyn D. McManomy at the Waynetown Christian Church and she survives. Chuck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends. 

Surviving, along with Gwen, his wife of 62 years, are three of his children, Michelle Glaze of Crawfordsville, Brenda (Gregg) Jaynes of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jim (Maria) Martin of Jenks, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeff Martin of Florida. 

Chuck is also survived by his grandchildren, Blake (Michelle) Cotten of Illinois, Clint (Jessica) Cotten of Crawfordsville and Lindsey Glaze of Florida, Molly Jaynes, Brian (Mallory) Jaynes and Abby (Ryan) Warren, all of Oklahoma, and Ryan Martin and Taylor Martin both of Texas; and his great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Mila Cotten of Illinois and Siddalee and Aubrey Cotten of Crawfordsville.

He is also survived by sister-in-law Barbara Ramsay of Crawfordsville and numerous loving nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to Chuck’s parents and son, he is preceded in death by his brother, Dale Martin and wife Patty of Waynetown; his sister, Louise Kummerer and husband Bob of Wisconsin; and his brother-in-law Ted Ramsay of Crawfordsville. 

Chuck was a 1954 graduate of Hillsboro High School. He served in the Navy from 1958-1962. He began working at Alcoa Aluminum of Lafayette in 1955 until he retired on Dec. 31, 1998, at the age of 62. In addition to working at Alcoa, he helped at his parent’s farm until the family farm was sold in the mid 1980s. Chuck was an active member of the Waynetown Christian Church, the Alcoa Retiree Club, the Alcoa 25 Year Club, the Moose Lodge and the American Legion. Chuck enjoyed playing the game of Euchre anytime he could, often playing two or three times a week. His love of games didn’t stop there, he and Gwen also joined a special group of friends every Friday and Sunday evening to play various dice games. 

Chuck was also an avid sports fan. He loved to watch baseball, specifically the Chicago Cubs, any chance he got whether on TV or in person. He played baseball in his teenage years and went on to umpire games for the local baseball and softball leagues. A highlight of his baseball loving life was when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. A special night indeed for him.

He loved basketball and football as well. His favorite college basketball team was the Indiana Hoosiers and his favorite pro football team was the Chicago Bears. In addition to his love of sports and card games, he had a passion for collecting pocket knives. 

Services will be with Family and Friends Funeral Home in Wingate. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9. Funeral services are at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, with Pastor Steve Wever officiating. Graveside services/interment will follow in the Waynetown Masonic Cemetery.

Crawfordsville, IN Journal Review 11/8/2021

Mervyn Lee Olson

Mervyn Lee Olson, 88 of Philo, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Newman Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. He was surrounded by his wife and children.

 

Mervyn was born May 31, 1933, in Champaign County, son of Oscar and Hilda (Huls) Olson. Mervyn married Velma J Sjoken on March 13, 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

 

Mervyn farmed his whole life aside from the two years he proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed attending auctions, playing euchre and talking to anyone he would meet. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Philo, IL.

 

Mervyn was preceded in death by his parents, four infant children, and his brothers Wendell Olson and Vernon Olson.

 

Mervyn is survived by his wife of 66 years; four children, Debra Olson (Greg Goluska) of Rockville, IN, Laryn Olson of Urbana, IL, Michael Olson of Sidney, IL and Lacinda Olson-Carrington of Champaign, IL; seven grandchildren, Jason (Kelly) Ackerman of Edwardsville, IL,Kelly (Kenny) Carter of St. Joseph, IL, Victoria Carrington of Urbana, IL, McKayla Olson of Monticello, IL, Chris Kingston of Urbana, IL, Gunnar Olson of St. Joseph, IL, Hunter Olson of Philo, IL; and seven great-grandchildren, Maddux, Payton, Lillian, Avery, Sophia, Renlee and Josie.

 

Visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 pm Monday, November 8, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E Grand Ave, St. Joseph, IL. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church, 201 E Church St, Royal, IL. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hooves of Hope in Potomac or Kopmann Cemetery.

NG 11.7.2021

Mildred "Mickey" Rogers

HOMER — Mildred “Mickey” Rogers, 81, of Homer passed away at 2 a.m. Friday (Nov. 5, 2021) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

There will be a visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Burial will take place privately in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Mickey was born June 3, 1940, in Glasgow, Ky., the daughter of Linvel and Mary Magdalene Walden Dial. She married Harley Rogers on Oct. 27, 1960. He preceded her in death in 2007.

Survivors include her daughter, Carleen Taylor of Homer; grandchildren, Preston Taylor, Colin (Leslie) Taylor, Chelsey Wisehart and Cole Wisehart; one great-granddaughter, Cora Taylor; and four brothers, Donald (Ellen) Dial of Columbus, Ind., Alan (Martina) Dial of Urbana, Randy (Doni) Wheeler of Charleston and Jerry (Dina) Wheeler of Bowling Green, Ky.

She was also preceded in death by two daughters, Connie Rogers and Carla Wisehart, one sister and one brother.

Mickey was part owner and operator of Homer Auction for over 30 years. She enjoyed fishing and crocheting.

Memorials can be made to the Homer American Legion Auxiliary.

NG 11.6.2021

Stephanie Costa

OGDEN — Stephanie Costa, 33, of Ogden passed away Sept. 30, 2021.

Stephanie was born March 28, 1988, in Kansas City, Mo., to Michael J. Costa and Sharon Oxley.

Stephanie is survived by her sister, Christina Costa; loving son, Axel; loved daughter, Lacey; cousins, Linda and Joey; friends who loved her much; foster mom, Cyndi McCloud; and longtime good friends, Rachael Mengarelli, Myra Monte, Adele Allen and Theresa (Allen) Houmes.. 

Stephanie was preceded in death by her father, Michael J. Costa III; mother, Sharon Oxley; and great-uncle, Joseph Costa.

It's not how long the flower blooms, but how beautifully. Stephanie was beautiful inside and out. She had a witty sense of humor that could light up any room. She attended the University of Illinois for her master’s degree in psychology and later worked in human resources. She also did her internship with United Airlines; through this she traveled the world for a year and met and explored many interesting people and places. While in Cancun, she ziplined and rode ATVs. She was a good listener and, overall, a good person who always tried to do her best. God gave Stephanie her life because she was strong enough to live it.

Farewell Stephie! We will honor your request to be sprinkled in the ocean, and then you can travel the whole world! WE LOVE YOU!

Cremation rites have been accorded and private family services will be held Nov. 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. The family has entrusted Illiana Cremation Society to assist them in celebrating Stephanie’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at illianacremationsociety.com.

NG 11.5.2021