Virginia Mae Roberts

 Virgie Mae Roberts, 93, of Sidney passed away at 4:21 AM, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Monday June 22, 2026 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.  Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.  Visitation will be from 10 to 11AM, Monday at the funeral home. 

Mrs. Roberts was born September 10, 1932 in Somers Township, Champaign County, a daughter to Paul W. and Marie Amy McCormick Woller.  She married Jake Roberts on December 14, 1953 in Urbana, he preceded in death on December 10, 1996.

Surviving are three children: Joe (Vicki) Roberts of Sidney, Jill (Danny) Shutt of Ogden and Jeff (Nicole) Roberts of Sidney, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her siblings; Amy Martin of Urbana, Pat Mitchell of Omaha, NE, Jerry (Marilyn) Woller of St. Joseph, and Earl (Julie) Woller of Sellers.

She was preceded in death by two great-grandsons, sisters; Jean McCall, Wilma Harrel and Virginia Sadler, and a brother; William Woller.

She graduated from St. Joseph High School and was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church.  She was a seamstress working from home.  She loved to garden and care for her flowers.

Memorials may be made to Countryside UMC of Sidney Fire Department.

Ronald L. "Butch" Bryant

 Ronald L. "Butch" Bryant, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on September 14, 1940, in the heart of Champaign, Illinois, Ron was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and devotion throughout his life. His passing, surrounded by family and his cherished dogs, Lucy and Doc, marks the end of a remarkable legacy filled with love and service.

The son of Ray and Lucille Bryant, Ron was the youngest of ten children. He is now joyfully reunited with his parents and nine siblings who preceded him in death.

A devoted husband, Ron shared 33 beautiful years with his wife, Susan. Their bond was a testament to enduring love and companionship. Together, they blended a family that became his greatest pride and joy, rooted in love and togetherness. Ron leaves behind his wife, Susan, and his children: Crystal Merrit (Jon), Linda Judd (Richard), Ron Bryant (Janet), and Jodi Ferris. His legacy continues through three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his spirit and values. Ron's influence also extends to two great-great-nieces, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends who were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Ron was a dedicated public servant, serving as a Champaign Police Officer for 25 years. His commitment to protecting and serving his community was unwavering. Following his retirement from the police force, Ron ventured into the world of business by purchasing Leonard's Pawn Shop in Champaign. For 23 years, until his full retirement, Ron owned and operated the shop, creating a place where community members could find a friendly face and a helping hand.

Ron was a man of deep faith, a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where his spiritual life was nurtured and strengthened. His faith was a guiding light, shaping his interactions with everyone he encountered.

Beyond his professional life, Ron was a man of many interests. Until the age of 80, he played softball with a youthful exuberance that inspired all who saw him. An artist at heart, Ron loved drawing and painting, creating stunning murals that captured the beauty he saw in the world. His passion for construction was evident in the meticulous care he put into every project, whether large or small.

The celebration of Ron's life will take place on June 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM at The Elks Lodge, located at 903 Dunlap Ave, Savoy, IL, 61874. Family, friends, and all whose lives were enriched by Ron's presence are invited to join in honoring his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to TunnelsToTowers, an organization close to Ron's heart, continuing his legacy of service and care for others. Ron's life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and community. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will be cherished forever.

https://evergreencremationservices.net/obituaries?name=ronald-l-bryant

Diana Elizabeth Thrush

 Diana Elizabeth Thrush

The Villages, Fla. - Diana Elizabeth (Hartman) Thrush, 79, of The Villages, Fla., formerly of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, after a courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Oct. 11, 1946, in Urbana, Diana was the daughter of Ernie and Alberta Grove Hartman. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Hartman.

Diana is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Samuel; her children, Melanie (Patrick) Butterfield of Anna, Texas, and Todd (Jamee) Thrush of Vancouver, Wash.; and her cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Matthew) Maynard of Allen, Texas; Lauren Knox of Gold Beach, Ore.; Alyson (Shay) Bubnack of Gilbert, Ariz.; and Drew Thrush and Camden Thrush of Vancouver, Wash. She also leaves behind six beloved great-grandchildren: Ezra and Isla Maynard; Lennon and Myers Knox; and Hayes and Nellie Bubnack.

She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Hafner, Robby Hartman, Sue Hartman, Patty (Roy) Wakefield, all of St. Joseph, and Judy (Jeff) Hartman Linn of Destin, Fla.; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alan and Cindy Thrush of Okemos, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.

Diana retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1995 after more than 30 years of dedicated service. She will be remembered for her infectious smile, sense of humor, love for her family, and the many friendships she cultivated throughout her life. She especially enjoyed cheering on the Fighting Illini and Kansas City Chiefs, spending time with her dogs, and tending to her flower garden.

A private celebration of Diana's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice or the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown throughout Diana's journey.

Published by The News-Gazette from Jun. 12 to Jun. 13, 2026.

Gary Reynolds

 Gifford - Gary Reynolds, 75, of Gifford left this earth on Friday (June 12, 2026).

He was born on June 29, 1950, in Paxton, son of Glen Reynolds and Edith (Parsons) Reynolds.

Gary is survived by his mother; three daughters, Michelle (John) Bohm, Tammy (Corbin) Holtz and Brandy (Gavin) Yeagle; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Linda (Rex) Frye, Jan Reynolds and Pam Reynolds, and their children.

Gary served in the Navy for three years, enjoying sailing the seas. Most of his life was spent farming, his great love, and he worked at USPS. You could find him nearly everyday puttering at the farm. He was a great thinker and very intelligent. He loved the land and was always looking for ways to sustain it in a more natural, productive way. He enjoyed gardening. He was never one to be shy about giving advice or helping someone who needed help, and enjoyed a cold beer and a good laugh.

His last days were handled in grace and dignity, worrying about those he was leaving behind, not wanting to be the center of attention. He was looking forward to "waving hello to Jesus" and reuniting with loved ones gone before.

Arrangements are being handled by Evergreen Cremation Services. A private celebration of life will be held.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/gary-reynolds-obituary?id=61686286

Blane C. Warren

 St. Joseph - Blane C. Warren, 55, passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday (June 15, 2026) at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1971, to William and Betty (Grate) Warren, in Champaign. Blane grew up in Tolono riding motorcycles and was a local paper boy. He was full of energy and intelligence. He attended Tolono schools and St. Joseph High school for a time. He received his associate degree from Lakeland College in Mattoon. Blane was a mechanic, tire man and recycler. He loved to take things apart. He loved music, mostly metal music, which he enjoyed listening to as a security guard for many years at the Canopy Club in Champaign as well as Summer Camp Music Festival. For many years he was the face of the club, reminding you to have your IDs out and ready at the door.

Above all, Blane was a devoted husband to his wife, Lori Ann (Stewart) Warren. He was a father, grandfather, brother and friend. He loved fast cars and motorcycles, and those who knew him will remember his wicked sense of humor, intelligence and personality. Blane was a big man with a big heart and big personality. There wasn't anyone he didn't know.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lori, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his daughter, Malarie Terry; son, Michael Terry; stepson, Kenneth Misner; sister, Ronda (Gary) Sullivan; three grandchildren; and several cousins.

Blane was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Aunt Missie.

The last few years of Blane's life were marked with illness and the inability to walk. Blane's family finds comfort that he is no longer in pain and is walking in heaven now with a perfect body. He will be remembered by the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. with a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CatSnap or a charity of your choosing.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/blane-warren-obituary?id=61707553

Amanda M. Fuller

 Alana M. Fuller, 46, of Champaign passed away at 1:07 A.M. Sunday June 7, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Alana was born October 5, 1979 in Paducah, KY. The daughter of Alan and Belinda (Walters) Middleton. She married Keith Fuller in 1997. He survives.

 She is also survived by her children Treton (Alexis) Fuller of Champaign, Ayanna Fuller of Champaign. Grandson Joshua Fuller. Her parents in Springfield. Sister Melissa Middleton of Hindsboro. Grandmother Anna Walters of Paducah, KY. Many nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded by her paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather.

 Alana was a 1997 graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School. She worked in hospitality for over 20 years.

 She enjoyed reading, kayaking, water sports and baking. Most of all she loved her family and those she worked with that became like family.

 Services will be held at a later date.

 Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is in charge of arrangements.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Alana-Fuller

D. Laverne Lafenhagen

D. LaVerne Lafenhagen (Dutton), 93, of Sidney, passed away at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12 at Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana with funeral service and burial (Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney) directly following. Rev. Jeff Stahl will officiate. Freese Funeral Home of Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

LaVerne was born October 17, 1932, the oldest of five children, to Richard and Hattie Dutton of Homer, IL. She married John Lafenhagen Sr. in 1950.

LaVerne and John had three children: C. Dianne Lafenhagen, John (Terry) Lafenhagen Jr., and Joanie (Kenny) Bonnell; five grandchildren: Tenaya (Josh) Reifsteck, Jordan (Joey) White, Michael, Devan, and David (Lexi) Lafenhagen, and six great grandchildren: Rylee Reifsteck, Haley and Lydia White, O’Mari Thomas, Amira Westfield, and Anakin Clark.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her son, John Jr; her sister, Joyce (Russel) Block; her brothers Richard (Joyce) Dutton, Ted (Marilyn) Dutton, and Frank (Diane) Dutton; along with many friends and loved ones.

LaVerne was the administrator at Green Briar Nursing Home and later became the personnel director for the Chancellor Hotel and Aunt Sonya’s Restaurant, all in Champaign.

She enjoyed dancing with John, was a fabulous cook and the best chocolate pie maker, had a great sense of humor, loved visiting with family and friends, and was a die-hard Illini Men’s Basketball Fan. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/D-Lafenhagen

Cheryl A. Baird

Cheryl A. Baird, 73, of Homer, passed away at 6:31PM, Monday June 1, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana,

Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM, Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.  Private burial will be at later date.

Cheryl was born May 23, 1953 in Champaign, a daughter to RF and Dortha Bowles Gerald.  She married Mark Baird on July 14, 1973 in Homer, he survives.

Also surviving are two children; Shauna (Michael) Baird Marsoobian of St. Louis and Justin (Jessica) Baird of Sidney, two grandchildren; Athea and Reese Baird, and four brothers; Darrell Gerald of Champaign, Larry (Denise) Gerald of Broadlands, Tim (Jan) Gerald of Tolono and Mark Gerald of St. Joseph.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

She was a dental assistant for 33 years.  She loved to cross-stitch, her flower garden and watching birds.  She was also a member of a quilting club.  She cherished her grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Homer Fire Department.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Cheryl-Baird

Helen Virginia Bear

 
Helen Virginia Bear went to Heaven on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11AM, with funeral services to follow at 11AM on Saturday May 30, 2026 at Homer United Methodist Church, Homer.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

She was born November 17, 1922, the daughter of the late Albert and Emma Pruitt in Homer.  She married Marion “Ned” Bear on June 30, 1941.  He preceded in death on November 7, 2009.  They had been married 68 years.

Preceding her in death are her husband, her brothers, Don and Bill Pruitt, her sisters; June Larkin, Betty Dean and Wanda Peck and a nephew Elbert Rogers.

Helen leaves behind two sisters; Lucille Goad and Darlene Clark, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed being a wife and farmer, traveling, baking and spending time with family and friends.

Helen was a member of the United Methodist Church in Homer.  A special Thank You to her care team in her final years.

Memorials can be made to the Homer United Methodist Church or the Homer Fire Department.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Helen-Bear

Keri Elizabeth Fonner

 

Kari Elizabeth Fonner, 38, of Danville passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at her home. Kari Beth was born September 30, 1987, in Urbana, the daughter of Lester and Cindy (Kamerer) Fonner.

Kari is survived by her father, Lester (Vickie) Fonner of Ogden, her brother, Chad (Candy) Fonner of Philo, her sisters, Amber Fonner of Tolono and Shelbie (Codie Swan) Murphy of Champaign. She is also survived by her nieces Emmie, Sienna, and Asjah, and her nephew Ashton.

Kari grew up in Philo as a typical small-town girl who was extremely close to her maternal grandparents, Richard and Fayetta Kamerer, and her many uncles, aunts and cousins. She attended schools at Unity and was an active member of Countryside United Methodist Church.

When Kari Beth was 15 years old, her mother tragically passed away from leukemia. At that time, she went to live with her father in Ogden and she attended St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Whatever school Kari attended, she had many friends. She enjoyed hanging around her father’s workplace, Long’s Garage in Urbana.

Kari really enjoyed old and new country music. Her favorite part was singing country songs with her mother or her father while they were driving on “country cruises”. Cindy and Kari both loved Patsy Cline’s songs.

At age 21, Kari developed Type I diabetes and was physically disabled for the balance of her life. At that time, she became friends with Steve Miller who helped her meet her health challenges. Together they built a deep friendship, attending many Illinois sporting events and enjoying boating. They traveled throughout the Midwest, including the 2008 Kentucky Derby, Justin Beiber concerts with Shelbie and vacations to Table Rock Lake in Missouri. They also attended the Salvation Army on Prospect Avenue in Champaign where Kari became reacquainted with her uncle, Barry Kamerer. The congregation welcomed her with constant love and support, and Kari loved them in return. Many others assisted in Kari’s care in the last 18 years, including her most recent beau, Mike Mullins.

Kari was passionate about everyone and everything who meant anything to her, especially her dogs, including Nyah Jean, Cheeko Alfred, Baby Girl, Scrappy, and Bella (still living). Her dogs were her heart and the ashes of the dogs who have gone before her will be buried with her.

Kari was a light in the world and she loved hard. She was sweet to her very core, and she will be missed terribly. She had lots of friends and always wanted to be the life of every party. She loved all children, and they all loved her. Her deepest regret was not being able to bear children of her own.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney. Burial will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo. Visitation is one hour prior to the services from 10 to 11 a.m.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Kari-Fonner

Francis A. "Fran" Bosch Jr.

 Francis A. "Fran" Bosch Jr., 69, of Homer entered into heaven at 1:39 A.M. Saturday May 23, 2026 at his home.

 Fran was born April 10, 1957 in Urbana. The son of Francis A. and Mary Ellen (Melton) Bosch Sr.. He married Vicki Kurlakowsky on September 26, 1998 in Ogden. She survives.

 He is also survived by his son Anthony "A.J." Bosch of Homer. Sisters Theresa Bosch of Champaign, Mary Bosch of Arthur, Dianne (Basil) Auteberry of Longview, and Susan (Mark) Zwilling of Pesotum. Mother-in-law Helen Foht of Tolono. Sister-in-laws Nancy Keck of Tolono, Candy (Tom) Foster of Tolono, and Tammy Kurlakowsky of Greenwood, LA. Several nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joe Bosch.

 Fran was retired from the University of Illinois as a large animal caretaker. He was the owner operator of FHG Farm and  Equestrian Center. Homer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Fran was a charter member of Lighthouse Church in Pasadena, MD. He loved his family, enjoyed having a farm and gardening and being outdoors.

 Visitation will be held Thursday May 28, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home 407 N. Bourne St. Tolono. A service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday with the Rev. Ken Young and Rev. Mike Mack officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Bongard.

Freese FH 5/25/2026 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Fran-Bosch

Dorothy Buhr

 Dorothy Buhr, 86 of Tolono formerly of Royal, passed away at 6:29  P.M. Saturday may 16, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital.

 Dorothy was born September 24, 1939 in Sidney. The daughter of Lou and Lena (Poll) Wienke. She married Harold Buhr on September 8, 1957 in Broadlands. He preceded her in death on October 5, 2006.

 She is survived by her daughters Lisa (Gary) Mitchell of Tolono and Karen Buhr of Danville. Four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

 She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

 She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. She retired from the University of Illinois.

 Dorothy loved baking. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and attending her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's events.

 The family would like to thank the Carle Hospice team especially the nurses for the professional care given to Dorothy.

 Memorials may be given to St, John Lutheran Church 203 Church St. Royal, IL 61871.

 Private family services have been held.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Dorothy-Buhr

Sharon Struck

 
Sharon Struck was born in Champaign on 21 Jan 1941 to Leslie Ray and Marie Nora (Sitts) Mitchell. Sharon grew up in Champaign, IL, graduating from Champaign High School, class of ’59, and attending Commercial College. Sharon spent a decade in Florida as co-owner of Splendid Co., an architectural accessory company. After moving back to IL, she was employed at Buhrmester Accounting and later at ASC, retiring in 2013. During this time, she married Marty Struck of Broadlands, IL, and had two children, Elizabeth “Betsy” Lancaster and Corey Struck. Sharon was a longtime active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, IL, who enjoyed sewing, playing cards, reading, crossword puzzles, and traveling with siblings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Martin “Marty” Struck, her parents, her sister, Carolyn (Earl) Davy, and her brother, Nolan (Pat) Mitchell.

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Elizbeth “Betsy” (Dave) Lancaster, her son, Corey (Laura) Struck; grandchildren, Trenton Thompson, Kallie Lancaster, and Henry Struck; sister, Gloria (Larry) Buhrmester; brother, LeRae Jon Mitchell; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10 AM-11 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11 AM on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Broadlands, with Pastor Jason Braaten officiating. Burial will follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Sharon-Struck

Linda Kay Butzow (McCamy)

 Linda Kay Butzow (McCamy) died peacefully surrounded by family on April 29, 2026.

She was the beloved mother of Martha McCamy, Faye McCamy; dearest grandmother of Mac Staples (Sophia Caruccio), Zack McCamy-Staples; joyful “mother-out-law” of Chris Staples; darling sister of Drew Butzow; dear aunt of Angie (Butzow) Albers (Todd Albers), Mark Butzow (Traci Cokely). She is preceded in death by her parents C. Gleason and Eleanor (Phillips) Butzow; partner in the important things Colin McCamy; sister-in-law Kathy (Garman) Butzow; and son-in-law Roan Kaufman. She will be missed by her many friends, including those young people who found in her the sort of maternal unconditional love and acceptance everyone deserves.

Linda was born in 1942 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, grew up in St. Joseph, Illinois and ultimately made Spring Green and Madison, Wisconsin home. She completed studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Dental Hygiene and worked as a hygienist in Madison and Mineral Point. But Linda found her true professional stride as an entrepreneur—at a time when mothers were not single and women were not found in board rooms and town halls, she founded Rosy’s Rubbish Removal, the first rural garbage pick up service in the River Valley area. Linda was as capable at presenting to boards, as she was at driving the thirteen speed garbage truck with a red rose emblazoned on the packer. After selling to a larger waste management company, Linda helped run the office for party planning business It’s Your Party, before eventually becoming a successful realtor for Stark, Keller-Williams and then Restaino.

Anyone who spent time with “Mamalinda” knew her life wasn’t all about work. Her love for traditional folk music was born in Carbondale and nourished in Madison among those who gathered at Glenn ’n’ Ann’s Cozy Inn. She went on to sing in “Jake’s Band” that frequently played the Walker House in Mineral Point. She prioritized traveling as well as sharing coffee and her unforgettable laugh with family and friends. Linda took great delight in spending time with her niece and nephews in her hometown, especially during harvest season. She supported and nurtured the curiosity and humor of her grandchildren, and was unwavering in her always-there love and support of her “girls”.

Linda always led with heartfelt expression in song and conversation. Her timing in reaching out with encouraging words was impeccable. Her patient listening and deep empathy were unmeasurable. Near the end of her life, she reflected on being five years old and seeing a picture of Jesus with children on his lap. What she remembered most clearly was that the children were all different colors—a testament to her enduring belief in the importance of love and belonging. Linda’s passion for beauty and kindness will reverberate in the lives of her family and friends.

Linda will be buried at a small private burial at the Old Helena Cemetery. A memorial gathering will be held at SlowPoke on Jefferson St in Spring Green on Monday, May 4 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. At the request of Linda, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Community Food Pantry of Spring Green.

https://www.staffordfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Linda-Kay-Butzow?obId=48274248&sfnsn=mo

Roger Lee Gebbink

 

Roger Lee Gebbink, 68, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away on Sunday, April 19,

2026.

Roger was born on February 11, 1958, in Champaign, Illinois. He spent most of his life in

St. Joseph, Illinois, before moving to Palm Harbor, Florida in 2016.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Gebbink and Ruth (Kitchen) Gebbink,

and both sets of grandparents.

Roger is survived by his older brother Morris, his three children Matthew, Megan, and

Kimberly and his grandchildren. Roger is also survived by his very special longtime

friend, Sandra, whom he knew for years in Illinois before later becoming roommates in

Florida.

Roger was a proud and patriotic man who loved his country. He served for several years

in the National Guard as a Reservist. He was a long-time member of Legion Post #634 in

St. Joseph, Illinois, including as a former commander. Roger also served on the St.

Joseph-Ogden school board.

He enjoyed collecting model cars, trucks, and ships. He loved spending time in the

country and was very knowledgeable about plants and animals.

Roger spent his final working years as an over-the-road semi-truck driver and enjoyed

the opportunity to travel and see most of the United States.

He will be dearly missed.

https://www.brewerfuneral.com/obituaries/Roger-L-Gebbink?obId=48175701#/obituaryInfo

Derek J. Morgan

 Derek J. Morgan, 47, of Ogden, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Derek was born on July 28, 1978, in Urbana, the son of Donnie and Teresa (Sanders) Morgan. On April 12, 2003, he married the love of his life, Amy Latham, in Ogden, and together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and laughter.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Amy; his daughter, Sandra (Jack) Vaughn of Fisher; and his sons, Blake and Deacon Morgan of Ogden. He is also survived by his father, Donnie (Kristi) Morgan of Potomac; his mother, Teresa Morgan of Savoy; brothers, Jason (Michelle) Morgan of Mahomet and Jaycen (Katie) Herndon of St. Charles, Missouri; sisters, Brittany (Kal) Lutz of Broadlands, Brianna (Patrick) Gones of Sidney, and Rae-Ann (Matt) Jones of Chatham; sister-in-law, Beth McCall of Potomac; maternal grandparents, Dawn and Glen Sanders of Mission, Texas; paternal grandfather, Jim (Barb) Morgan of Tilton; and his father- and mother-in-law, Riley and Sherry Latham of Ogden. Derek is also lovingly remembered by his aunts and uncles, Glenda (Rick) Estes of Danville, Cindy (Paul) Burow of Rantoul, and Rick (Joann) Ren of South Carolina, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dustin Morgan; his paternal grandparents, Darlene and Richard Ren; his aunts, Becky Ashcraft and Lori Byrne; and his sister-in-law, Kristina Wills.

Derek graduated from St. Joseph–Ogden High School in 1996 and later worked for several years as a tree technician with Spring Green. He was a passionate sports fan, proudly cheering for the Illini, Yankees, Cubs, and Bears. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards, and listening to country music. Above all else, Derek's greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Potomac Community Building. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Greg Breeden officiating. Burial will take place in Potomac Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. The family asks that everyone come casual or wear your favorite Illini apparel to honor Derek.

The Morgan family has entrusted Blurton Funeral Home with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/derek-morgan-obituary?id=61149286