Marie Minniear

 GIFFORD — Marie Minniear, born on March 20, 1926, in Gifford, passed away peacefully in her beloved hometown on Sept. 12, 2025.

A spirited and feisty individual, Marie touched the lives of all who knew her with her vivacious personality.

Marie is survived by her children, Darrell (Joyce) Minniear, Chuck Minniear, Cindy (Charles) Schlatter and Gaile (Gary) Bradford. Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Marie’s greatest accomplishment was being a devoted mother, and she embraced her role with pride and dedication.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Uvah Alcorn; her brother, Raymond Alcorn; and her son, Larry Minniear, who all hold a special place in her heart.

Marie found joy in the simple pleasures, whether it be playing bingo or exploring games on her laptop. She also enjoyed the companionship of her cats.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., both taking place at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Lux Chapel 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. She will be interred in Welles Cemetery in Penfield.

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Lux Chapel 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul.

Please join Marie’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Cannon

 
URBANA - Barbara Cannon, 94, formerly of Urbana, passed away peacefully on Saturday (Sept. 6, 2025).

Born in Tuscola on June 7, 1931, to Frank and Bertha Hartman, Barb graduated from Tuscola High School in 1949. She married Clifford Cannon on June 13, 1951.

Barbara Cannon was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; brothers, Charles Hartman and James Hartman; sisters, Virginia Bailey, Dorothy Parker and Catherine McCumber; and longtime partner, Chuck Brooks.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Eva) Cannon and Patricia Cecil; grandchildren, Steve (Sarah) Peters, Alexandra Cannon, Andrea Cannon and Rebekah Cannon; three great-grandchildren; and the families of nieces and nephews. Barb will be greatly missed by her loving family and the many close friends who felt like family.

She is fondly remembered for the years of Cannon's Dairy Lane in St. Joseph, where she cherished everyone and loved making people smile and laugh. Subsequently, she worked at the Champaign County Nursing Home, Carle Pavillion, and as a part-time caregiver. In retirement, Barb really enjoyed traveling with Chuck and Cat.

While in long-term care at Heartland, University Rehab and Hilltop, Barbara continued as a bright, always complimentary light. She appreciated all the friendships she developed with staff members. She considered you all her family. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh and warm kindness that made everyone feel at home.

There will be a visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign. The funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 405 W. Clark St., Champaign. Entombment will be in Mount Hope Mausoleum, Champaign.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/barbara-cannon-obituary?id=59412405

Richard Dean "Dick" Reinhold

 
URBANA - Richard Dean "Dick" Reinhold, 90, of Urbana passed away Tuesday (Sept. 9, 2025) at home with his family.

Richard was born on June 26, 1935, in Urbana, to William and Rosa (Hren) Reinhold.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings, Katherine (Entler), Frederick, Walter, Edward, Robert, Gene and Sharon.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Betty Jean (Johnson); daughter, Kelly (John) Vogel of Royal; son, Jeff (Brenda) Reinhold of Champaign; and beloved granddaughters, Sara (Devin) McDermand of Urbana and Megan Reinhold of Clinton. He also leaves behind many "kids" he loved as his own throughout the years, including Brian, Nicholas, Lauren, Rachel and Robin.

Graduating from Urbana High School in 1955, Richard was a standout wrestler and football player. He won three letters in football and two in wrestling. He was a two-time state qualifier in wrestling. As a junior, Richard was awarded the Pittman Memorial Football Award for outstanding linebacker of the year and was All-State on the Chicago Sun Times team as a senior offensive guard. He received a football scholarship to the University of Illinois and married his high school sweetheart, Betty, on Dec. 3, 1955. Due to continued military presence after the Korean War's armistice, he was not able to take the field with the Illini and instead served in the Army as an MP in Korea until 1959. In 1983, he was inducted into the Urbana High Sports Hall of Fame.

Richard was employed with Northern Illinois Water Corp for 42 years before retiring and also worked as the press-box elevator operator at gate 18 in Memorial Stadium, until its reconstruction in 2008. He never missed an Illini home game and enjoyed his time with the reporters and box owners.

Richard was a 50-year member of the St. Joseph Freemason Lodge No. 970 A.F. & A.M., a St. Joseph Webelos Pack Leader, and longtime coach of the Champaign Wild Cats pee-wee football team. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, riding his bicycle, and truly lived each day to its fullest.

A memorial service with honors will be held at noon Thursday, Sept. 18, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, with the Rev. Lutz Braunig officiating. Visitation will be prior to the memorial service, beginning at 10 a.m. Cremation rites have been accorded.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite children's charity.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/richard-reinhold-obituary?id=59412399

Mary Ann Griffet

URBANA — Mary Ann Griffet, 84, of Homer passed away peacefully on Friday (Sept. 5, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. She was born on March 2, 1941, in Pontiac, Mich., the daughter of Leslie Hubert and Loyal Delores (Hudson) Dunning.

Mary is survived by her husband, Michael Griffet of Homer; daughters, Trudy Parks of Urbana, Twila of Tolono and Trina of Mahomet; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Paul Dunning and Vivian Ellis.

She graduated from Marion High School in Marion, and worked as a clerk at Colwell Systems/ Patterson Office Supply in Champaign for 28 years.

Mary will be remembered for her love of family, her generosity, and the many lives she touched. Her devotion, laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew her.

A private viewing for the family will be held at Renner-Wikoff Funeral Home, Urbana. Condolences may be shared online at renner-wikoffchapel. com. 

NG 9/9/2025

Shirley Huls

PONTIAC — Shirley Huls, a beloved daughter, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday (Sept. 6, 2025) in Pontiac.

Born Sept. 21, 1951, in Champaign, Shirley’s life was marked by her kind spirit and warm smile.

Shirley was involved in the Futures Unlimited Inc. program and was a resident at Mosaic Independent Living in Pontiac.

Shirley leaves behind her sister, Pat (Tom) Crane; along with several cherished cousins and her dear friend Marcie Buhr. Their collective memories of love will forever honor the joyful spirit and smile that Shirley brought into their lives.

She enjoyed her shared love of music with her mother, doing needlework, and spending time with her housemates, friends and family. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for many years and then became a member of First Lutheran Church in Pontiac. Shirley was a resident of Martin Luther Home in Beatrice, Neb., for several years. She later moved to a new location developed by Martin Luther Homes, which later became Mosaic in Pontiac.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Lorene (Aden) Huls, and grandparents.

A visitation to celebrate Shirley’s lifewill be held on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sunset Funeral Home’s Lux location, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866. A service will follow at 11 a.m. Shirley will be interred in Huls Cemetery, Gifford.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made in Shirley’s name to Mosaic in Pontiac or Huls Cemetery in Flatville. Please join Shirley’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome. com.

 

Sharon Jane Morisette

 LONGVIEW — Sharon Jane Morrisette, B.S. Ed, M.S., CAD, 76, of Longview passed away Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Born Oct. 6, 1948, in Chillicothe, Sharon lived a life devoted to love, family, learning and service.

For 56 years, she shared a joyful marriage with her husband, Fred, building a partnership rooted in family, friendship and faith. Together, they raised two daughters, Lahn and Lisa Jane, of whom Sharon was immensely proud. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend — loved deeply by all who knew her. Sharon will be remembered not only for her wisdom and encouragement, but also for her boundless kindness, compassionate heart, engaging smile, and infectious laugh that brought warmth to every room she entered.

Teaching was Sharon’s true calling. For more than three decades in the classroom, she inspired students in science, English and social studies, instilling curiosity and confidence in young minds. Even after retiring from Unit Seven Schools in Tolono, she pressed forward with her own education, earning her master’s degree and pursuing a Ph.D. in her 60s. She taught and mentored student teachers in the classroom at the University of Illinois, influenced the curriculum, and, later, following her full retirement, she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher at Tolono Junior High, always reminding those around her that learning never ends.

Her impact extended far beyond the classroom. Sharon was active in her church, community and book clubs. She deeply cherished her “Mary Poppins” group of lifelong friends from the Fischer movie theater in Danville. She lived her life with compassion and perseverance, showing by example that true education is about shaping lives with love.

Through the gift of organ donation, Sharon continues her lifelong lesson in caring for others. Just as she nurtured generations of students and gave of herself to her family and community, she now offers the gift of life and healing to others in need.

She is survived by her husband, Fred Morrisette of Longview; daughters, Lahn Henn and husband Andrew of Fayetteville, N.C., and Lisa Jane Morrisette of La Mesa, Calif., and husband Jon Zapp of Carbondale; grandchildren, Jordan Neill and wife Sierra and their children, Lincoln, Britton and Callum of Brocton, Jacob Neill and wife Cailynne and their children, Finley and Sutton of Hume, and Madison Henn of Marshall; siblings, Kai Lynch and husband Dale of Chesapeake, Va., Scott Richey and wife Linda of Rossville, Ind., and Cindy Anderson and husband Jim of Lafayette, Ind.; as well as her beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Marilyn Richey.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m., with the funeral service following, at the Villa Grove United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Villa Grove United Methodist Church.

Sharon’s story reminds us all that one life lived with purpose, kindness and love can change the world in ways that never end.

NG 9/9/2025

Gayle Robert Thomas

 
NOKOMIS, Fla. - Gayle Robert Thompson, 86, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Nokomis, Fla.

He was born Dec. 12, 1938, in St. Joseph, to Robert and Almedah White Thompson. A 1957 graduate of Unity High School, Gayle graduated in 1961 from the United States Naval Academy, where he became a naval aviator and military test pilot. He was a member of the eight-man rowing team that won the Olympic Trials competition to represent the United States at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, where the team finished fifth. In 1991, Gayle was honored as one of the first names included in the Champaign Park District's Olympic Tribute at Dodds Park. In 2022, he was inducted into the Unity High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his son, Jeff of White Lake Township, Mich.; grandson, Garrison of Westland, Mich.; granddaughter, Caitlyn of White Lake, Mich.; sister, Jan Renn of Goreville; and sister, Judy Wirth of Naples, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; son, Greg; and sister, Barbara Watson.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/gayle-thompson-obituary?id=59370969

A celebration of life is planned for a later date, following his interment in Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida.

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Thomas

 
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Thomas, 95 of Philo, passed away at 9:24 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at home.

Funeral services will be 11:00AM, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Mrs. Thomas was born July 25, 1930 in Arcola, a daughter to Perry Harrison and Nellie Reed Gardener.  She married Harold H Thomas Sr. on September 14, 1946, married a week shy of 79 years, he survives.

Also surviving are five children; Sharon (Larry) Campbell of Genesco, Harold (Veronica) Thomas Jr. of St. Joseph, Peggy (Wayne) Clem of Philo, John (Ruth) Thomas of Philo, and Joseph (Audra) Thomas of Champaign, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Since moving to Philo in 1955, Betty was very active in Junior and Senior Women’s Club, Home Extension and American Legion Auxiliary.  She also was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and taught Sunday School for many years.

She served on the Champaign District United Methodist Women’s board for 12 years, including 4 years as District President.  She served on the board of the Cunningham Children’s Home and the Central Conference Board.  She also served as President of the Untied Methodist Women at the Countryside United Methodist Church.

Freese FH 9/8/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/notices/ElizabethBetty-Thomas

John Robert "Bob" Wilson

 FITHIAN — John Robert “Bob” Wilson, 87, of Fithian died Tuesday (Aug. 26, 2025) at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand, St. Joseph. Pastor Todd Creason will officiate. Burial will take place in Stearns Cemetery, Muncie. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Bob was born on June 18, 1938, in Urbana, the youngest of two boys born to the late G. Woodrow and Thelma Phillips Wilson. A 1956 Oakwood Township High School graduate, Bob was a National Honor Society inductee and lettered in both football and basketball. While at the University of Illinois, Bob was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, and he received a bachelor’s in agriculture in 1960. Bob was also a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1961 to 1967.

A fifth-generation farmer, Bob farmed his entire life in Vermilion and Champaign counties. Also a pilot, Bob especially enjoyed flying his yellow 1947 J-3 Piper Cub, checking crops from the air. People observing him from the ground may have witnessed his “wing-waggle” of greeting as he flew by. Bob was very well read and had eclectic interests ranging from astronomy to opera.

Bob was also a loyal member of the NRA, and was a collector of many items, including World War I- and II-era memorabilia.

Bob was married to Sandra Brown for 30 years and to Stella Fairchild Marvel for 20 years.

He is survived by his only daughter, Julie Wilson of Appomattox, Va.; son-in-law, Roy Wilson of Appomattox; stepsons, Jay Marvel of Land O’ Lakes, Fla., and Kirk Marvel; grandchildren, Thomas and Chloe Wilson of Appomattox; and brother, William A. Wilson of St. Joseph.

The family wishes to show much gratitude to the caregivers from Nurse Next Door of Ogden, Brookdale Assisted Living of Urbana, Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells and Transitions Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

James Russell "Jim" Salrin

 Fairmount, Illinois – James Russell “Jim” Salrin, 94, of Fairmount, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Oaks Manor in Oakland, Illinois.

James was born November 15, 1930, in Sidell, Illinois, the son of Russell and Ethel Burgett Salrin. He married Annabelle Williams on March 18, 1951, in Fairmount, Illinois. She preceded him in death on September 21, 2023. Survivors include: one son: Doug Salrin of Fairmount, Illinois; one daughter: Judy (Frank) Lucas of Sidell, Illinois; two brothers: Richard Salrin of Oakwood, Illinois and Ed Salrin of Arkansas; three grandchildren: Heide (Rob) Knoebel, Haley (Clint) McQueen, and C.J. Lucas; and seven great grandchildren: Owen Knoebel, Eian Knoebel, Calvin Lucas, Penalope Lucas, Cooper McQueen, Adlee McQueen, and Anna McQueen. He was preceded in death by one sister: Josephine Salrin.

James served in the US Army was a former Fairmount, Illinois Postmaster and had worked for Hyster for 35 years. He was a member of New Hope Community Church. He was a 33rd degree Mason and was a member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge as well as Danville Consistory. Jim & Annabelle enjoyed square dancing and their euchre card group. He liked playing horseshoe pitching and trap shooting. In later years, Jim became quite accomplished at jig saw puzzles.

Funeral services at 11 am on Friday August 29, 2025, at New Hope Community Church in Fairmount, with Pastor Ron Weishaar officiating. Burial in Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Visitation is from 10 am till service time on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the church with Masonic rites at 10:55 am. Memorials may be made to New Hope Community Church or Catlin Masonic Lodge. Robison Chapel in Catlin is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

Marjorie Ann Izard

 Marjorie Ann Izard (Marge), age 89, of Homer passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025

Marge was born September 17, 1935 in Danville to Edward and Mattie Bateman Gogerty.  She attended Schlarman High School in Danville.  After graduation she met and married Ronald Izard on October 23, 1954 at St. Patrick’s Church in Danville.  Together they raised six children in Homer.  They enjoyed Euchre Club with friends, raising horses, and annual trips to Florida.  Above all Marge was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother embracing every moment with family.  She was a long-time parishioner of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Philo.

She is survived by four sons; Dan (Kelly) Izard of Danville, Tim (Kathy) Izard of St. Joseph, Greg (Julie) Izard of St. Joseph, Doug (Judy) Izard of Traverse City, Michigan, two daughters; Julie (Jack) Johnston of St. Joseph, and Lori (Ivan) Torres of Rantoul, fifteen grandchildren, and twenty-eight great grandchildren.  She is also survived by two brothers; Ed and Tom Gogerty, and one sister, Linda Heeren.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ronald, and one great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM, Friday, August 29, 2025 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Rev. Keith Walder officiating.  Burial will be at GAR Cemetery, Homer.  Rosary will be at 4:30 PM, Thursday at the church with visitation to follow from 5 to 7 PM.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

Freese FH 8/25/2025

Audrey Lanier Orr

 Audrey Lanier Orr

The daughter of Glada and Albert Johnson, Audrey Lanier Orr was born on April 20th, 1921, on a farm south of Rankin, Illinois. Audrey spent her early childhood in the Potomac and Rankin areas. When she was 8 years old, she moved to Fithian, Illinois where she finished her grade school years. She graduated from Oakwood Township High School in 1939.

She married Kenneth Orr, (from Homer Illinois) on June 7th 1941, at the Fithian Methodist Church. Together they had 3 sons: Richard, Ronald, and Donald. During the first years of their marriage, they lived on a farm south of St. Joseph IL. They moved to St. Joseph in 1964, and both found work at the University of Illinois. Audrey proceeded to work there until she retired at the age of 80. Audrey spent 25 years working in accounting and then worked part-time for 16 years in the NCSA.

She was a member of the St. Joseph Methodist Church and Seniors group, the Danville Iris Chapter of the Easter Star, and was once also part of the St. Joseph Garden Club. She made many good friends while being involved in the community and her work. She would like to give thanks to all of those she holds dear. She would also like to thank the girls who kept her flower garden beautiful, the two that took her to lunch and shopping, her Houston friend, and all her caregivers and visitors. A special thank you goes to her great friend/handyman and who she referred to as her 4th son, Bob Silva.

She is survived by her two sons: Richard Orr of Champaign IL, and Donald (Judi) Orr of Sonoma CA; her 3 grandchildren: Sean (Barb) Orr of Mahomet IL, Bryan (Debbie) Orr of Hanover Park IL, and Jennifer Caramucci (Gary Wilbanks) of Novato, CA; and her 7 great-grandchildren: Zachary and Matthew Orr, Kai Nelson-Orr, Julia and Sara Klein, McKenna and Garrett Caramucci. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth and her son Ronald and his wife Margaret.

Memorial donations on her behalf can be made to:

The St. Joseph IL Library 201 N 3rd Street, St. Joseph IL 61873

St. Joseph Fire and Rescue 228 E. Warren St, St. Joseph IL 61873

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph.  Burial will be at GAR Cemetery, Homer.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at the funeral home. 

Freese FH 8/25/2025

Martha Mae Barnett

 Martha Mae Barnett, 85 of Gifford, died at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at her home.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date with burial in Huls Cemetery, Gifford.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is handling arrangements.

Martha was born September 20, 1939, in Tuscola the daughter of Delbert Eugene and Mabel Faye Eckerty Warnes.  She married Jim C. Barnett on September 12, 1964, in Longview.  He preceded her in death January 22, 2018.

She is survived by a son, John W. Barnett of Gifford; two grandchildren, Darren (Amber) Barnett of Mahomet and Elaine Barnett of Rantoul.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant daughter, Twila Faye, one sister and two brothers.

Martha was a member of the Gifford United Methodist Church.  She retired as an accountant from the University of Illinois.

She enjoyed crocheting, reading and was a collector of frog-themed items.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Georgianna Noel

 HOMER — Georgianna Noel, 91, of Homer passed away Tuesday (Aug. 19, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Burial will take place in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Georgianna was born Jan. 4, 1934, in Danville, the daughter of Oliver and Cora Krabbe Lewis. She married Donald Noel on Aug. 22, 1954. He preceded her in death in 1987.

Survivors include her daughter, Stacy (Guy E.) James of Tuscola; grandchildren, Dalton James, Sophia James (Ryan Caulfield) and Parker James (Ayla DeLeva); great-granddaughter, Ava James; and faithful little companion, Scooter.

She was also preceded in death by S. Paul Krabbe, who was like a brother to her.

Georgianna enjoyed gardening and sharing laughs and drinks with her longtime friends. She will be dearly missed by her family.

Memorials can be made to G.A.R. Cemetery or the Champaign County Humane Society.

NG 8/21/2025

ROHL

Orville E. Rohl

 Orville E. Rohl, 98, of Homer passed away on Tuesday August 19, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Visitation will be Friday August 22, 2025 from 12:30 P.M. to 1:15 P.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church 390 CR 2400 E, Broadlands. Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M.. Pastor Jason Braaten will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

 Orville was born December 22, 1926 in Homer. The son of William and Thelma (Heselden) Rohl. He married MaryAnn Rothermel on September 22, 1951. She preceded him in death.

 He is survived by a daughter Kathleen (John) Mackinson of Odell, son Keith (Brenda) Rohl of Homer. 4 Grandchildren John Mackinson, Kim (Matt) Taylor, Jason Mackinson, Collin (Nicole) Rohl and 9 great-grandchildren.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 3 sisters Orthalyne Ressler, Olive Neihaus, Betty Erwin and a brother William.

 Orville attended Homer schools, during high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy (December 1944) and served on the USS Fillmore during WW II. Upon completion of his tour of duty he returned to complete his senior year at Homer High School.

 He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. 

Orville farmed in the Homer area all his life, his favorite color of machinery was green. Orville never met a day of farm work he did not enjoy. His favorite hobby was farm work.

 Memorials may be made to the Homer Fire Department or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands.

Freese FH 08/20/2025

Ryan Michael Peccenino

 
Ryan Michael Pecchenino, age 42, of St. Joseph, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025

at his home. He was born on January 31,1983, in Kankakee, the son of Nathan and Patricia
(Lamie) Pecchenino.
Ryan was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was loved by many and
will be dearly missed, especially by his wife and children. Ryan had many passions, including
sports, especially golf and baseball, poker, and cooking, but nothing compared to the love he
had for his family. He was always the life of the party and had a knack for telling the best
stories. Known as Chef Ryan by many, his dishes were as pleasant and robust as his presence
in a room. The food, and company, shared at his family gatherings will surely be missing a key
ingredient in his absence.
Ryan was a gifted athlete in his adolescence and carried his passion for sports into adulthood.
In 1995, his Little League team, the Aroma Park Lions, won the Illinois State Championship,
forever cementing his love for the game. Following in his older brother’s footsteps, he went on to
play golf for Bishop McNamara High School, where he could also be found playing poker with
his friends during lunch.
After high school, Ryan harnessed his culinary gift and began his career as a chef at the Elk’s
Country Club in St. Anne. After some time, he accepted a new position which required
relocating to Danville. There, he met Autumn, who would later become his wife. They eventually
moved to St. Joseph and started building their family together. He most recently worked at the
local IGA where he quickly became well-known around town for the delicious and distinctive
menus he provided.
In adulthood, Ryan was an avid fan of many Chicago sports teams, including the Bears,
Blackhawks, and most of all, the Cubs. He also enjoyed watching professional golf and would
relive his glory days by watching the Little League World Series. Above all else, he loved to
cook for people and to spend time at home with his family.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Autumn Pecchenino of St. Joseph; four children, Riley Ferber of
Catlin and Arianna, Nathan, and Enzo Pecchenino of St. Joseph; his father, Nathan Pecchenino
of St. Anne; one sister, April (Nick) Mancuso of Marseilles; and one brother, Eric (Amanda)
Pecchenino of Kankakee. Several nieces and nephews, and his in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Lamie; brother, Matthew Pecchenino; and his
maternal and paternal grandparents.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23rd from 12:00PM-2:00PM at Freese’s Funeral
Home in St. Joseph, IL., with a service directly following at the funeral home.
All friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life from 3:00PM-6:00PM at Homer
Lake Forest Preserve at the Walnut Hills Shelter. An outdoor luncheon will be provided, please
dress accordingly to the weather. 2573 S. Homer Lake Rd., Homer, IL 61849.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Freese FH 8/19/2025