Thursday, July 24, 2025

James Richard "Dick" Freeman

 HOMER— James Richard “Dick” Freeman, 90, of Homer passed peacefully on Friday (July 18, 2025) at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, at Homer United Methodist Church. Pastor Bobbi Dykema will officiate. There will be a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will take place in G.A.R. Cemetery following the luncheon.

Dick was born Jan. 4, 1935, in Danville, the son of Gordon and Ruby Strohl Freeman. He married Diane Loeschen on Dec. 2, 1956, at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal. She survives.

Survivors also include his daughters, Karin Fish, Patricia (Dan) Rang, Judith (Mark) Metzger and Brenda (Geoff) Brieden; 10 grandchildren, Kelly (Jake) Hubert, Audra (Doug) Cisna, Allison and Alexa Rang, Douglas (Jocey) Metzger, Ryan (Kathleen) Metzger, Nicholas Metzger and Anna, Harry and Eric Brieden; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joan (Harry) Allen and Marilyn (George) Ehinger; brother, Robert Freeman; and great-granddaughter Livia Hubert.

Dick was a member of Homer United Methodist Church. He was a volunteer for the Homer fire department for 50 years, served on the Homer School Board for 16 years, and was a former member of the Lions Club. Dick was a farmer and enjoyed woodworking, bowling and his cattle.

Memorials can be made to the Homer fire department or G.A.R. Cemetery.


NG July 24, 2025

Monday, July 21, 2025

Gretchen Butzow Perry


Gretchen Butzow Perry

August 8, 1955 – July 16, 2025

Gretchen Butzow Perry, 69, of St. Joseph, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025 12:35 A.M. at Carle Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on August 8, 1955, in Urbana, Gretchen grew up on the family farm—a place she would always consider her favorite in the world. It was there that her deep love for animals blossomed. From spiders to chipmunks, raccoons to cats, every creature was a treasure to her, and she cared for them all with gentle devotion.

That same spirit extended to the people in her life. Gretchen had a rare ability to see the best in everyone she met. She took people at their word, trusted freely, and invested herself wholeheartedly in others. While some may have seen her openness as naïveté, it was in fact a profound generosity of spirit—one that found joy in lifting burdens, celebrating others' happiness, and making the world a little kinder for those around her.

Gretchen poured this generous heart into her work as an elementary school teacher at St. Joseph Elementary, where she taught for many years, following in the footsteps of her beloved mother, Marjorie. Teaching was not just her profession—it was her calling. She delighted in what made each child unique—their strengths, quirks, and passions—and was unwavering in her commitment to helping them succeed. She rejoiced in their accomplishments and worked hard to equip them with the tools to overcome obstacles that would otherwise have held them back. She was always brainstorming ways to improve the educational system.

Gretchen earned her undergraduate degree in education from Illinois State University in December 1976. She was named to the Dean's List in each of her seven semesters and graduated with honors. She later earned a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois.

Beyond her family, Gretchen was deeply loved by a circle of lifelong friends. Her tight-knit teaching cohort, bonded through years of nurturing young minds (and occasionally bucking administrators, as the best educators are wont to do), remained fiercely loyal. She also cherished her friendship with Kathy Bretzlaff, her best friend since junior high, which endured through time and distance. Gretchen and Kathy traveled the world together. Gretchen also shared a decades-long bond with her dear neighbor Judy Tevebaugh, whose presence brought daily joy and comfort. And finally there was Tony Haley, her beau over whom she swooned. 

Gretchen is survived by her sister Karen Butzow Young; her brothers Charles Butzow (Mary Waters Butzow) and Thomas Butzow (Marguerite Maron Butzow); and by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who adored their Aunt Gretchen with all their hearts. Each one carries with them countless fond and funny memories to hold close. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Marshall Reese Butzow and Marjorie Carson Butzow.

A celebration of Gretchen’s life will be held at noon on October 5 at Homer Lake. And yes, Mountain Dew will be served in her honor. May the ‘Dew runneth over.

She loved classic television—Star Trek, Matlock, Gunsmoke, and countless others. She frequently neglected her cell phone, much to the exasperation of those trying to reach her, but to the delight of those lucky enough to be in her physical presence. Her humor, quirks, and unapologetic love for the things she enjoyed are part of what made her so beloved. Her memory will live on in every life she touched—with compassion, curiosity, silliness, and a deep and enduring love.

In Lieu of Flowers

Please consider making a donation in Gretchen’s memory to your local animal shelter or public school. Even more, honor her by bringing a little lightness and gentleness into the world. Love first and ask questions later—just as Gretchen would. And if, in doing so, you drive your family a bit crazy with your hopeful naïveté, she’d smile and probably give you a good grade.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Sam "Sammy" Shonkwiler

 

Sam “Sammy” Shonkwiler,18, of St. Joseph passed on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Sammy was born on January 23, 2007, in Urbana, the son of Craig and Carly (Koebel) Shonkwiler.

He is survived by his parents of St. Joseph, brother Max Shonkwiler of Champaign, grandparents Frank and Cindy Koebel of Monticello, grandmother Janet Shonkwiler of Monticello, great-grandmother Jean Ashbrook of Monticello, aunt Katie (John) Miglin of Bloomington, uncle Kent (Jenny) Shonkwiler of Bement, and cousins Calin, Ellie, and Aiden Shonkwiler.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather Deak Shonkwiler and aunt Stephanie Shonkwiler.

Sammy was a 2025 graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School where he played football and track. He was a member of the Early College Career Academy, Construction Trades, at Parkland College during his senior year. 

Sammy had such a big heart and a smile for everyone. He was always willing to talk to anybody. He loved our dog Bella and had a special bond with Coco, our kitty, who would call for him outside his bedroom door until he let her in so they could hang out.

He loved working out at the gym, playing video games and working on vehicles with his friends. Hanging out with his friends meant a lot to him. He enjoyed going on road trips for breakfast at various places with them too. On a recent senior trip to Cancun, he developed a kinship with some guys from Canada. One of the guys told a buddy that everyone needs a Sammy in their life. His family and friends will always love and miss him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

For those wishing to make a donation in Sammy’s honor, a memorial fund has been set up in his name at the Gifford State Bank in St. Joe. The fund will provide scholarships to Sammy’s alma mater, St. Joseph-Ogden High School, focusing on seniors who wish to receive training in construction building trades.


Lisa Marie Huls

 

Lisa Marie Huls, of Earlham, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 48, after a courageous battle with ALS from a VCP gene mutation. A Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, July 20 from 2pm to 5pm at El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, 7420 Douglas Ave, Urbandale.
Lisa was born February 19, 1977, in Urbana, Illinois to John George and Cleo Ann (TeKippe) Scheidel. She grew up in Ogden, Illinois and graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School with the class of 1995.
With a love story beginning in 1992, Lisa married Josh Huls on September 21, 1996. The birth of their daughter, Alexis, on November 6, 2000, made them complete. They moved to Iowa in 2002, and soon after planted roots in Earlham.
Lisa retired from American Prosthetics & Orthotics (Clive, Iowa) in 2021. She was known for her big heart, delicious cooking (especially pickle rollups and cheesecakes), and unwavering support for family and friends. From Sir Mix-a-Lot to Backstreet Boys to George Straight, she loved belting out tunes and busting some moves. Her light-heartedness and humor were her shining light.
Lisa is survived by her husband, Josh; daughter Alexis Huls of Earlham; sister Karla (Brian) Gundersen of Adel; nephew Cameron (Brey) Wright of Minneapolis, MN; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. She was proceeded in death by her parents and grandparents.
In appreciation of their support for Lisa's care, and in hopes of continued research to find a cure, memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association and Cure VCP Disease, Inc. in lieu of flowers.
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lisa-huls-obituary?id=58874992

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Steve Woodworth

 
Steve Woodworth 66, of Homer passed away at 1:55 P.M. Tuesday July 1, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Steve was born February 8, 1959 in Urbana. The son of Fran and Theresa (Eckstein) Woodworth. He married Brenda Shelby on April 18, 1988 in Wisconsin. She survives.

 He is also survived by his son Ramey Williams of St. Joseph. Sisters Cheryl (Dick) Cain of Savoy, Celia (Dave) Shanahan of South Dakota and Amy Richardson of Tolono. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Steve was a truck driver for Woodworth Trucking and Illinois Brick. He loved to go camping and motocross.

 Private services will be held.

 Memorials may be made to CatsNap 1713 S. State St. Champaign, Illinois 61820, or the American Heart Association.

Freese FH 7/2/2025

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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...