Donna Rae Mohr

 

Donna Rae (Porterfield) Mohr, 75, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2025, at 8:24 a.m., surrounded by her loving family, after facing Alzheimer’s dementia with courage and grace.

 

Born on May 24, 1949, at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola, Donna was the daughter of Conrad Rae Porterfield and Frieda Myers Porterfield and the stepdaughter of Virgil H. Nonman.

 

She graduated from ABL High School in 1967, was a member of the National Honor Society, and cherished the lifelong friendships she built with her classmates. Donna went on to earn a B.S. in Education from Southern Illinois University in 1971.

 

On September 25, 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Roland (Rick) Mohr, at Fort Campbell, KY, just before his deployment to Vietnam. They shared 55 years of marriage filled with love, commitment, and a partnership that grew stronger with each passing year.

 

Donna is survived by her loving husband, Rick; her sons, Timothy (Joscyln) Mohr of St. Joseph and Thomas (Sarah) Mohr of Tolono. She was a devoted grandmother, affectionately known as “Bebi,” to Cole (Caitlin), Jae, Jackson, and Riley Mohr. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy (Bob) Gordon of St. Joseph; stepsisters, Carol Nonman Seaholm of Leavenworth, KS, and Mary (Mick) Nonman Schumacher of Sidney; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

 

Donna had a fulfilling and meaningful career, balancing professional dedication and love for her family. She worked full-time at the University of Illinois from 1974 to 1979 as a secretary for the Microbiology and Entomology Departments. In 1985, she transitioned to a part-time role as secretary for the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, allowing her to spend more time at home with her children. In 1995, she returned to the University of Illinois, first working in the Economics Department before moving to the School of Music, where she remained until her retirement in 2010.

 

Donna dedicated 18 years to serving on the St. Joseph Elementary School Board, many of those as President. A passionate advocate for her community, she was pivotal in acquiring the land and securing funding for the new St. Joseph Middle School. Her efforts created a lasting legacy that benefits countless students, families, and her two youngest grandchildren.

 

Donna’s passion for community extended beyond her professional life. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, a proud member of the St. Joseph Women's Club, and an avid bridge player, enjoying many years with the St. Joseph and Champaign-Urbana bridge clubs.

 

She loved reading and enjoyed watching movies, especially those by Hallmark. She found joy in baking cherished family recipes, and her Christmas sugar cookies, lemon lush, and beloved banana bread became favorites among her children and grandchildren. "Bebi" was her son’s & grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader, she never missed a single event—whether it was a play, game, dance recital, sporting event, or scholastic bowl—her unwavering support was a constant source of love and encouragement. Donna also loved traveling to Florida with Rick and treasured their memories of taking the grandchildren to Walt Disney World. She visited 49 of the 50 states—Alaska being the only one she missed.

 

Donna’s life was one of love, dedication, and commitment to her family, friends, and community. She leaves behind many memories of kindness, advocacy, and friendship that will be cherished by all who knew her.

 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams at Transitions Care, Carle Home Health, and the Carle Wound Clinic for Donna's excellent care. Their support was invaluable in helping Rick care for Donna at home, and the family is deeply appreciative of their kindness and dedication.

 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, from 4 to 7:00 pm, and funeral service on Friday, February 7, at 10:00 am at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery, Broadlands.

 

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph United Methodist Church, St. John’s Cemetery, or a charity of your choice.

 

A message of condolences can be sent to the family by going to Donna’s obituary page on the Freese Funeral Home website, www.freesefh.com.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Donna-Rae-Mohr

Loren Chesnut

 
 Loren Chesnut, 89, of Fithian passed away at 5:41 P.M. Tuesday January 28, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday January 31, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Pastor Todd Creason will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

 Loren was born September 25, 1935 in Danville. The son of Henry and Berice (Stewart) Chesnut. He married Mary Jo Burke on March 6, 1960 in Danville. She preceded him in death on April 16, 2016.

 He is survived by his children; Gary (Michelle) Chesnut and Lori (Raymond) Campbell both of Fitihian. Six grandchildren; Jerri Pine, Holly Milton, Travis Campbell, Chris Chesnut, Tyler Campbell, Hank Chesnut. Four great-grandchildren; Jobe Pine, Kade Pine, Charlie Milton and Dylan Milton.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Loren farmed in the Fithian area all of his life. He also raised cattle and showed Shorthorn cattle. Loren loved to go fishing and traveling to Canada to fish.

 He was a member of the Ogden Christian Church and attended Hope UCC Church.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Loren-Chesnut

Maxie "Max" Owen Bear

 Maxie “Max” Owen Bear, 85 of Homer, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, peacefully at home with family by his side. Per his wishes he will be cremated and a private family burial will take place at Homer GAR, where he will be laid to rest with his family.

     He was born on October 20, 1939 to Alice (Bill) Smith and Lawrence Bear of Homer. Max worked for Decker Trucking in Philo for many years before retiring in 2006. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and taking care of his garden. He also loved hanging out with his brother Jack; between the two there was never an untold story or joke. Max loved his family dearly.

   Max is survived by five children: Jeffrey (Cheryl) Bear, Maxie (Teresa) Bear Jr, Justin (Bailey) Bear, Jolene (Todd) Sowers, and Jana Hanner. Also surviving is a sister Laura Bear, twenty-four grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Max was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, two brothers: Bill Mouser and Jack Bear, a sister: Ruth Bear, and two grandchildren: Jeffrey Bear Jr and Chance Owen Bear.

     Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor The Bear Family to Homer Lake Park through the Champaign County Forest Preserve.

https://www2.funeralwebhost.com/kgc/notices/maxiemax-bear 1/20/2025

Catherine L. Funk

 
Catherine L. Funk, 91, of Urbana passed away on January 16, 2025 at Carle Foundation.

She was born on October 26, 1933 in Thomasboro, Il the daughter of Wayne & Florence Reed (Lavanture) Delaney. She married John Funk on September 1956 in Champaign. He passed away on June 29, 2013.

Catherine is survived by her son- Thomas (LaDonna) Funk of Monroe, MI and daughter- Elizabeth Funk of Urbana, IL; 3 Grandchildren & 8 Great Grandchildren; sister- Mary Lou and brother- James Delaney.

She is preceded by her parents, husband, son- John Funk, daughter- Patti Funk, siblings- Richard, Hazel and Ruth.

Catherine is a graduate of Urbana High School.  She worked in the office for Eisner Food Store as an administrative assistant. Catherine enjoyed spending time outdoors birdwatching and traveling. She was one of the original Bluebird ladies at Homer lake.

A private burial will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens at a later date. Condolences may be made at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

https://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com/obituary/Catherine-Funk

Sherri (Short) Mallory

 

CHAMPAIGN - Sherri (Short) Mallory, 55, of Plainfield, formerly of Homer, passed away at 9 p.m. Jan. 3, 2025, at home.

She was born in Champaign on Nov. 25, 1969, the daughter of David and Sandra (Kay) (Pridemore) Short.

Sherri is survived by her parents; son, Preston Mallory; daughter, Madison Mallory; and brother, Doug Short.

She is preceded by her grandparents, Delmar and Margaret Short and Ray and Ethel Pridemore; uncles, Gary Pridemore, Ron and Mike Short; and aunt, Susie Dodd-Casey.

Sherri graduated from Homer Community School in 1987. She worked as a caterer for Caston Tips, a California company thru Sam's Club, in Montgomery. Sherri enjoyed gourmet cooking and spending time with her children.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's.

NG 1/11/2025

Denis "Hoggy" F. Ray

 

NEWMAN - Dennis "Hoggy" F. Ray, 83, of Newman passed away Friday (Jan. 3, 2025) in Newman.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1941, in Rossville, the son of Fred Ray and Faustene Nicoson.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila; children, Traci (Paul) Jensen, Angie Decker (Jerry) and Denise (Doug) Grussing, all of Villa Grove; grandchildren, Alisha (Bob) Beringer of St. Charles, Dane (Kara) Jensen of Villa Grove, Jordyn Ray of Villa Grove, Jena Decker of Champaign and Brandon McConkey of Fisher; and great-grandchildren, Laken, Jake, Spencer, Adalyn and Aiden. He is also survived by his mother; brother, Jack (Pam) Ray of Rossville; and sister Sandra (William Albert) Wilson of St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Ray; stepfather, Ted Nicoson; and sister Fredna Glover.

Dennis served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. Once discharged, he worked as an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad, from which he retired. He was an avid fisherman and hunter known worldwide for his famous hog calls. He loved his Farmall tractors, Harley riding, fish fry's, his friends and family and his dogs. He also enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Fighting Illini.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held in his honor at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Newman American Legion.

NG 1/06/2025

Roger K. Flynn

 
Roger K Flynn 79 of Saint Joseph IL, was reunited with his parents and sister on January 2,

2025 at home. He was born March 19 th 1945 to Joseph and Marie Flynn of Saint Joseph. He married
his high school sweetheart, Connie K Mabry of Saint Joseph on August 7 th 1965. He is survived
by his wife and daughter Lori (Pat) Flynn-Walle of Saint Joseph. Grandchildren, Tommy (Maddi)
Mullvain of Saint Joseph, Rachel (Josh) Mullvain of Mahomet, Katie (John) Green of Chrisman.
Five great grand children whom he adored, Skyler, Jaxon, Rosemary, Elenor and Zoey.
Throughout his life he did what he loved, farming in Stanton Township, raising Corriedale and
Cheviot sheep, Trap shooting, Superintendent of the Champaign County sheep division, served
as a 4-H leader for the Royal Ag Club and spent time judging sheep. Roger served on the
Stanton Township Board, Stanton Friends Cemetery and the Stanton Township Drainage Ditch
Board. He enjoyed dates with his wife at the Assembly Hall watching The Fighting Illini and daily
coffee with friends. You could hear his laugh from across the room and watch his cheeks turn
cherry red. Go Cubs Go!

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday January 7, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave.

St. Joseph. David Barcus will officiate. Burial will be in Stanton Cemetery,  St.  Joseph. Visitation will be Tuesday from

9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District.

Freese FH 1/6/2025