Larry A. Kammin

 Larry A. Kammin 87, of Gifford passed away at 4:09 P.M. Thursday May 22, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Larry was born October 1, 1937 in Vance Township. The son of Arthur and Martha (DeVore) Kammin. He married Anna Martin on December 29, 1984 in Gifford. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Roger (Becky) Kammin of Sidney, Brenda Kammin of Sidney. Step children; Donna Stalter of Gifford, David (Lori) Osterbur of Thomasboro. Grandchildren Darren and Brent Kammin of Champaign, Niko Estrada of Alaska, Ryan Osterbur of Gifford, George Stalter of Potomac, Cory Jones of St. Paul, MN, Kelsey (Tyler) Garard of Mahomet, Kaleigh (Michael) Darrow of Champaign. 5 great grandchildren Imogen, Ryan, Nora, Nolan, Rory. Brother John (Pam) Kammin of Homer. Sister Carolyn (Duane) Blaney of Rantoul. Sister-in-law DiAnna Kammin of Sidney.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, son Scott Kammin, brother Jerry Kammin, sister Eva Pruitt.

 Larry was a U.S. Marine veteran serving from 1958 to 1964. Member of the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department were he formerly served as Assistant Chief.

 He was retired from the University of Illinois upholstery shop. He owned Kammin Upholstery.

 Larry enjoyed camping and traveling. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday May 28, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gifford. Pastor Gary Maxwell will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church. Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M. at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

 Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford or the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department.

Freese FH 5/28/2025

Thomas E. "Tom" Wilson

 
Thomas E. “Tom” Wilson, 81 of St Joseph passed away at 6:30 p.m. Thursday May 22, 2025.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday 28, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home, with

visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery in St. Joseph.

Tom was born August 22, 1943 in Urbana, IL, the son of Virgil and Marian (Weeks) Wilson. He

married Janet Rayburn on May 4, 1968.  Tom is survived by: daughters Sheri Bialecke of Ringgold, GA

and Stephanie (Tom) Franey of Champaign, IL; 6 grandchildren – Lindsey, Keagan and McKenna Bialecke, Elizabeth Beyers, J.T.

(Emily) and Mary Beth Franey; and 2 great grandchildren – Wren and Noah Beyers. Sister Judi Wilson of Champaign.

He is preceded in death by: his parents; son-in-law Kenn Bialecke; grandson Kameron Bialecke; and

grandson-in-law Bailey Beyers.

After graduating from Champaign High School in 1961, Tom began working at Clifford-Jacobs

Forging, and joined the Illinois National Guard. During his high school years he was enthralled

with mechanical devices and engines, and he quickly directed his interests into building and

driving dragsters. He, along with many of his high school friends, built dragsters that were

competitive on a national scale in the 1960’s. His interest in the sport continued through the

1980’s when he was involved with other friends and their dragsters.

After becoming an accomplished machinist at Clifford-Jacobs, Tom joined Hansvedt in 1972. He

was recognized as one of the best machinists in the company and was an excellent teacher to

others. He was promoted to Shop Manager in 1980. While he thoroughly enjoyed his work at

Hansvedt, more importantly, he met many co-workers that became life-long friends that he

frequently associated with and traveled with outside of the work environment.

After Hansvedt was sold, Tom joined the University of Illinois in 2002 as an instrument maker,

working in the Noyes Laboratory building. He enjoyed making instruments for chemical

engineering professors and students for their experiments. He also taught classes on how to

use tool and die equipment. Although he reached retirement age in 2008, he continued working

for several years because he enjoyed teaching students. Just before retirement from the U of I,

one of his favorite special projects was to re-make new clock parts for the clock tower on the

Illini Union because replacement parts could not be found.

Tom built his home on Peters Drive in St. Joe in 1973 with the help of close friends with

experience in various trades. Once again, he became surrounded with people that would be life-

long friends. He was one of the founding members of what affectionately became known as the

Eastern Peters Drive Society, a group of neighbors that lived on Peters Drive. On most any

Friday night, the group can be found in a member’s garage solving the world’s problems and

discussing national and local sporting events.

His greatest joy in life came from the success and company of his girls and their families.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Joseph-Ogden High School Booster Club.

Freese FH 5/24/2025

James P. Compton

 James (Jim) P. Compton went to his Heavenly home to celebrate Mother’s Day at 1:00 am on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Jim was born at home on January 3, 1938 in Allerton, Illinois to Joseph and Lorene (Braedel) Compton.  He graduated from ABL high school in 1956 and went to work on his brother Gerald’s farm after high school. After farm work, Jim went on to work at Producers Dairy in Danville, before being hired at Bohn Heat and Transfer, where he worked for 45 years before retiring in 2008. 

Jim married Carol (Cooper) Compton on September 13, 1959 and they had one son, Michael. They were married for 22 years before going their separate ways. On August 9, 1985, Jim married Patricia (Samson) Harris.  

Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Compton, who passed on October 31, 2024. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers William, Kenneth, and Gerald Compton; along with his sisters Dolores Richard, Janet Branch, Juanita Dowler, and Betty Cain.  He is survived by one sister Rose Hill of McKinney Texas. He is also survived by his son, Michael Compton (Kristine) and grandsons Adam Compton (Anessa) and Jonathan Compton. Additionally he is survived by his seven bonus children and their spouses Donna Pruitt (Sonny), Gordon Harris (Linda), Mari Lynn Peters (Ken), Cheryl Koester (John), Keith Harris (Theresa), Barb Back (Randy), and Mindi Beaumont (Mike). 

He also leaves behind bonus grandkids (15 grandsons, 6 granddaughters, 10 great-grandsons, 7 great-granddaughters, and 2 great-great-grandchildren) along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Jim enjoyed woodworking, gardening,  and spending time with family. He loved traveling to see new places. He was a faithful member of Curtis Road Church of God.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm  to 2:00 pm. Thursday, May 15, at Freese Funeral Home, 407 N Bourne St. Tolono. Funeral proceedings will take place immediately following at the same location. Interment will follow in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, near Newman, where he will be laid to rest near other members of his family. Family members will serve as pallbearers.

Freese FH 5/17/2025

Nancy Gilbreath Bishop

 
Nancy Bishop 81, of St. Joseph passed. away at 9:15 A.M. Saturday May 10, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Nancy was born March 8, 1944 in Danville. The daughter of Clyde and Pansy (Johnson) Gilbreath. She married Terry Bishop on August 19, 1962 in Danville. He preceded her in death on January 17, 2015.

 She is survived by her daughters; Laura (Tim) Reardon of Potomac and Tracy (Todd) Richardson of Ogden. Grandchildren; Jennifer (Beau)Action of Royal, Kristina (Seth) Yazdzik of Indianapolis, Ashley Thomas of Homer and Brock Loschen of Ogden. Great grandchildren Ashton Thomas, Carlee Thomas, Rowen Action, Crew Acton, Julian Yazdzik and Cameron Yazdzik.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 sister and 4 brothers.

 Nancy was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. She enjoyed traveling and her Tuesday morning coffee group.

 Nancy also enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school and sporting events.

 Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday May 16, 2025 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph. Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Sandusky Cemetery, Westville. Visitation will be Friday from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

Freese FH 05/12/2025

Stephen J. Frerichs

 

Stephen J. Frerichs, 77, of Fithian  passed away at 8:50 A.M. Saturday May 10, 2025 at his home.

 A Celebration of Stephen's life will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday May 15, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

 He was born April 21, 1948 in Urbana. The son of John "Joe" and Annetta (Franzen) Frerichs.

 He is survived by his son Jason (Janice) Frerichs of Penfield. Two grandsons John Frerichs and Jace Frerichs. Brother Stan (Diane) Frerichs of Fithian. Sister Pam (Kevin) Long of Cissna Park. Two nephews, Bruce (Daniele) Frerichs and Joey (Valerie) Frerichs.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew Brian Frerichs.

 Stephen was a life member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. He was a 1966 graduate of Armstrong High School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran.

 Stephen retired from Kraft Foods with over 40 years of service. In retirement he stayed busy driving semi's for local farmers. He was active with horses.  Most of all he enjoyed watching his son and grandson tractor pull and attending his grandsons sporting events.

 Memorials may be made to a local horse rescue. 

Freese FH 5/12/2025

Gerhardt Richard Mohr

 
Gerhardt Richard Mohr, 84, of rural Homer, IL, passed away on November 6, 2024, at Carle Hospital, Urbana with his daughter by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents whom he cared for until their passing in 1998, and his brothers, Hilbert and Frederick Mohr.

Gerhardt was born on August 21, 1940, in Jarman Hospital, Tuscola, IL, to John H. and Evelyn Reifsteck Mohr. He attended school in Allerton which later consolidated with Broadlands and Longview to form ABL. His 1958 graduating class was the first to hold commencement in the newly constructed building. He was a charter member of the ABL Future Farmers of America chapter and was active in FFA and school interests throughout his life.

From 1958 to 1962, Gerhardt attended the University of Illinois where he graduated with a BS in Animal Science and received his commission as a Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps through the U of I Army ROTC program. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Germany for four years during the Berlin Wall Crisis before being released from active duty into the reserves. Upon returning to the family farm, Gerhardt, along with his brother Fred, built a substantial pork producing operation. He was an avid farmer- grain and livestock. Gerhardt worked with the Champaign-Vermilion County Pork Producers, served on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Farmers Board from 1968 to 1972, and was elected to the ABL School Board and later the Heritage School Board. He kept in touch with his military colleagues from the 14th Quartermaster Battalion and was a lifelong Illini fan.  Gerhardt was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was dedicated to many activities including the choir. He was also a member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau, the Homer American Legion Post, and the Singing Men of 'GNN. 

Gerhardt was married to Gisela Zumkeller and has two children- Christina Mohr, MD of New York, and Richard Mohr, LTC (R) of Colorado, and 2 grandchildren- Nicholas and Maxine Mohr. Gerhardt loved his family and grandchildren deeply. He remained active in farming and pork production until 2017. Gerhardt's strong faith, sustained by the grace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, guided him throughout his life. He consistently spoke of "God's Blessings" to others.

Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, IL, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. with the Singing Men of 'GNN and the American Legion Post 201 from Newman performing. Lunch will be provided at the church following the ceremony.  For further information, please contact Christina Mohr (either through phone or Facebook) or Immanuel Lutheran Church (at 217-834-3289 or their Facebook page). Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Homer Funeral & Cremation Services, which is handling Gerhardt's final arrangements.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Gerhardt-Mohr. 5/9/2025

Charles "Charlie" Hedrick

 PENFIELD — Charles “Charlie” Hedrick, born June 27, 1948, in Urbana, passed away peacefully on Sunday (May 4, 2025) in Penfield.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and lifelong farmer, Charlie made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A proud graduate of Illinois State University, Charlie dedicated his life to farming and was well-respected in his community for his hard work and integrity. He married his wife, Marcia, in 1971, and together they shared 53 wonderful years filled with love, laughter and resilience.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. He found great joy in spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren, Gavin, Elie, Alivia, Jax and Janie. His spirit will forever be remembered through the love and values he instilled in them.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia Hedrick; their children, Staci (Matt) Lomax and Megan (Chris) Learned; siblings, Beverly (Delmar) Schmidt and Phyllis (Rudy) Schmidt; in addition to his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Tena Hedrick.

Visitation will be on May 8 from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral service at noon at Sunset Funeral Home — Lux location, at 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Pastor Scott Smith will officiate the service, celebrating Charlie’s life and legacy.

Charlie Hedrick will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome. com.

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home’s Lux Chapel

5/7/2025

Robert Roland "Bobby G" Garrison

 BROADLANDS — Robert Roland “Bobby G” Garrison, 67, passed away peacefully on Saturday (May 3, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Bob was born on Oct. 9, 1957, in Baltimore, the son of Erminia Trovato Garrison Nejberger of Orange Park, Fla., and Roland Garrison. He married Margaret “Peggy” Pfaab on Aug. 19, 1983, in Homer.

He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters, Linda Trovato and Laura Garrison.

Bob was most proud of the family he and Peggy created, especially his three loving and dedicated daughters, Casey Marie Garrison of Philo, Leslie Joanne (Chris Irwin) Garrison of Ogden and Carley Elizabeth (Dominik) Harmon of Farmer City; and their four amazing grandchildren, Vance Robert McComas (17), Kellyn Landry Irwin (15), Ripken Archie Irwin (8) and Zaylin Jane Harmon (10 months).

Along with his mother; wife; children; and grandchildren, Bob is survived by his stepfather, Claude Nejberger; one sister, Deborah Gallion of Middleburg, Fla.; and many aunts; uncles; nieces; and nephews.

Bob was born in Baltimore, where his love of the outdoors and water began. He loved crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay, going to Ocean City, Md., every summer and working with his Uncle Vince at his marina.

Bob was an exceptional mechanic and was first introduced to auto mechanics by his stepfather. He later moved to Florida, where his father had a small-engine repair business. There he continued developing his skills working as an auto and diesel mechanic. Eventually, he worked on lawn mowers, generators, air conditioners, golf carts, washing machines, dryers, etc. — if it broke, Bob could fix it!

Bob moved to Illinois in 1977 and, around 1981, moved to Broadlands, where he found his true home. He loved his small town and believed strongly in his personal responsibility to the community. He quietly repaired equipment at the park, cleaned up after storms, and helped his neighbors and friends whenever he could. A few years ago, he opened a neighborhood snow-cone stand so the local kids (of all ages!) had something new to enjoy.

Bob was so much fun to be around. His love for all types of music was unmatched. He could sing or whistle any song and was quick to add his own silly lyrics. And, back in the day, he could really bust a move! His mischievous sense of humor kept everyone laughing, and we will miss it tremendously.

Bob’s family invites friends and family to join them in celebrating Bob’s life on Friday, May 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Bob’s Garage — where you could find Bob most of the time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Broadlands Community Club and the Ayers Township Veterans Memorial.

NG 5/7/2025

Jacqueline J. "Jacque" Childers Anderson

 TOLONO — Jacqueline J. “Jacque” (Childers) Anderson, 78, of Tolono passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

She was born July 29, 1946, in Champaign, to the late Russell and Mary Ellen (Motsinger) Childers.

Jacque graduated from St. Joseph Ogden High School in St. Joseph, where she was a drum major.

Jacque worked as a secretary for the University of Illinois for several years and had also held several other jobs after leaving the university.

Surviving are a son, William (Terina) Anthony Thomas of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and two sisters, Kay Burry of Lafayette, Ind., and Glennda Buckner of Urbana. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jacque was preceded in death by two daughters, Callie Bradam and infant Michelle; as well as three brothers, Jim Childers, Butch Childers and Mike Childers.

There will be a memorial graveside service on Saturday, May 10, at 11a.m. at Old Homer Cemetery, Homer, with David Barcus officiating.

You may leave memories and condolences at soller-baker.com.

NG 5/7/2025

Joane M. Wilson

 THOMASBORO — Joane M. Wilson, 83, of Thomasboro died at 6 a.m. Saturday (May 3, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at noon Tuesday, May 6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul. Visitation will be two hours before the service Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Joane was born Nov. 25, 1941, in Urbana, the daughter of Ekke and Anna Johnson Flessner. She married Eddy R. Wilson on Nov. 21, 1970, in Rantoul. He preceded her in death April 9, 1989.

She is survived by two sons, Greg (Rhonda) Wilson of Thomasboro and Todd (Tammy) Wilson of Thomasboro; five grandchildren, Tyler (Brynn) Wilson, Allyssa (Scott) Wilson, Ashley (Justice) Long, Kaylie (Tyler) Brenner and Adam Wilson; four great-grandchildren, Hunter Wilson, Oliver Long, Auden Long and Elodie Brenner; and a brother, Clarence “Hans” Flessner of Rantoul.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Robert Flessner.

Joane graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1958. She retired as a dental assistant and had worked for Dr. Hewitt.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. She enjoyed playing dominos with her friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfunralservices. com.

NG 5/05/2025