Kyle Helm Morris

Kyle Helm Morris, 41, of Homer, Illinois, closed the gate for the final time on October 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm, surrounded by family and friends. Kyle was born on July 29, 1985 to Rhonda (Daily) Morris, who preceded him in death on April 13, 1986, and William H. Morris, and was raised by William Morris and stepmother, Sheryl (Brooks) Morris.

Kyle devoted his life to agriculture, tending livestock, caring for his beloved pets, and embracing the honest work of each day. Farming was more than a livelihood to Kyle; it was a way of life, a calling, and a reflection of the man he was. He dedicated decades of his life to farming and many years to raising Angus cattle. His calloused hands worked countless hours mending fences, on tractors and implements throughout the seasons, each day bringing another responsibility and task to accomplish. Of all the machinery he worked with, his favorite was his 1942 John Deere A, lovingly restored by his grandfather, Ronald Daily.

Kyle may have been a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. He was the kind of man who would lend a hand to anyone or any animal in need of help or comfort. His kindness was quiet and genuine, shown not through grand gestures but through the steady presence of someone who could always be counted on.

Though farming shaped much of his life, Kyle's greatest joy came from the time he spent with his niece, Emilia, and nephew, Benjamin. Whether sharing silly moments, telling funny jokes, attending t-ball games and taekwondo matches, he treasured the laughter and light they brought into his world. 

He leaves behind a family forged in grit and grace: his beloved wife, Caitlin (Allen) Morris, whom he married on March 31, 2012; his in-laws, James and Crystal Allen; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Levi and Callie Allen; his adored nephew, Benjamin Allen; his loving niece, Emilia Allen; stepmother, Sheryl (Brooks) Morris; stepbrother, Nathan Dale Bartley; his maternal grandfather, Ronald Daily; and a host of cherished aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rhonda & William Morris(April 12, 2022), and grandparents: Joe E. Morris, Jr., James V. Scott, Sally Lewis Morris, and Mary Anne Daily. 

A celebration of life open house will be held on Sunday, November 22, from 1:00-4:00pm at the former Homer Vintage Bakery, 111 S Main St, Homer, IL 61849.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials go towards a scholarship to be given in his name. 

Betty J. Osterbur

 Betty J. Osterbur, 97, of Royal passed away at 1:57 A.M. Sunday October 18, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Betty was born August 20, 1929 in Stanton Township. The daughter of John B. and Katie (Johnson) Duitsman. She married Herbert J. Osterbur on February 26, 1948 in Flatville. He preceded in death on January 25, 2021.

 She is survived by her children; Mitch (Marsha) Osterbur, Stan (Suzanne) Osterbur, Marsha Rubarts. 5 grandchildren; Katie (Quinn) Huber, Jon (Taylor) Osterbur, Craig (Marisa) Osterbur, Lindsey (Dusty) Block, Michael (Shelby) Osterbur. 9 great-grandchildren Alex and Charlie Huber, Hannah Osterbur, Maya Osterbur, Sophia Osterbur, Emma Osterbur, Hank Osterbur, Tanner and Riley Block.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Charlie Rubarts and a infant daughter.

 She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Betty was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

 Betty's greatest joys were her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She helped Herb on the family farm, owned and operated a beauty shop and also cleaned houses.

 Betty was a long-time election judge for Stanton Township. Her hobbies included sharing her sewing talent making quilts for the Lutheran World Relief Quilting Projects at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, IL and, also for her family members. She was dedicated to serving on the Alter Guild for several years.

 She was a great cook and baker and always enjoyed attending Marvin Lee's and Ed Clem's Music concerts. She enjoyed playing cards even though Herb was highly critical of her gaming abilities. Playing Blitz with her card club buddies was always something she looked forward to attending. Betty was also an avid reader sharing important current events, which also made her a great conversationalist. She was an award winning bowler, earning many league trophies.

 Betty often said "I am still waiting for a proper thank-you from Herb, Mitch and Stan, for all the baseball uniforms I've washed for so many years."

 Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday October 22, 2026 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Ryan Sage will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Thursday.

Donna Mae Flessner

Donna Mae Flessner, 92, formerly of Flatville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Goldwater Care Peoria Heights in Peoria Heights, Illinois.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., both in the sanctuary of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, Illinois, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Beckman Cemetery. Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph, Illinois, is coordinating the arrangements.

Donna was born on May 15, 1934, in Urbana, Illinois, the daughter of Charley and Dorothea Miner. She met the love of her life, Reiner Flessner, at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Their shared love of dancing blossomed into a lifelong commitment, and they were married on June 8, 1963, at Mahomet Baptist Church. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love. Reiner preceded her in death in 1993.

She is survived by her two sons, David Flessner of Overland Park, Kansas, and Dan (Melissa) Flessner of Washington, Illinois; four grandchildren, Allie Flessner of Seattle, Washington, Noah Flessner of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jared and Jenna Flessner of Washington, Illinois; her brother, Dan Miner of rural Champaign, Illinois; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Joan Yecny.

Donna graduated from Champaign High School in 1952. Following graduation, she worked as a long-distance telephone operator for 11 years and volunteered with the United Service Organizations (USO), supporting members of the armed forces. She later devoted herself to her family and life on the farm alongside Reiner. A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, she worked tirelessly to create a loving home grounded in Christian faith, kindness, and the Golden Rule. Having participated in 4-H herself, Donna went on to serve for many years as a 4-H volunteer and judge. She also devoted 50 years of service to Champaign County Home Extension and demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit through her Avon, Amway, and Fuller Brush businesses.

A longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, Donna faithfully served her church and community. She taught Sunday School for many years, sharing her love of the Lord with generations of children. Her faith remained an important part of her life.

Donna found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved working in her yard, tending her garden, and baking in her kitchen while listening to WDWS and Christian radio. She was a devoted Fighting Illini and Chicago Cubs fan, cheering on her favorite teams through the good seasons and the challenging ones.

Above all, Donna treasured her family, especially her grandchildren. She delighted in showing them around the farm, spending time together in the kitchen, and baking countless cookies. Those moments created cherished memories that will live on for generations.

Donna will be remembered for her loving heart, strong faith, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her life was a beautiful example of love, service, perseverance, and the importance of treating others as you would want to be treated.

Although she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in God’s promise of eternal life and the hope of a joyful reunion with those who have gone before her.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Donna-Flessner

Michael Lee Osterbur

 Michael Lee Osterbur, 56, of South Bend, passed away unexpectedly at home on October 8th. Michael was born in Decatur, Illinois on July 24, 1970 to Francis and Margy (Hissong) Osterbur. After graduating high school he went on to study cosmetology. A career that led him to the Michiana area. He took great pride in his house, from simply keeping the yard immaculate to all the projects that make it a home.

Michael is survived by his loving parents, Francis and Margy Osterbur, his sister, Susan Osterbur, along with a nephew, all of Savoy, Illinois.

As per his wishes cremation is to take place. Hanley and Sons Funeral Home is assisting Michael’s family with arrangements and express deepest sympathy to all of Michael’s family and friends.

Irene Plotner Kern

 Irene (Plotner) Kern

Brighton, Colo. - Irene (Plotner) Kern, 79, longtime former resident of Ogden, died in Brighton, Colo., on Wednesday morning (Oct. 14, 2026) after a sudden illness.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Tom Kern, in Brighton, where they have lived the past 19 years near their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by her children, Melissa Hart (Jeff Green) and Kevin Kern (Leah Rech); three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Nancy (Ray) Sanden of Savoy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant twin sister, three brothers and a stepgranddaughter.

A celebration of life for Irene will be held in central Illinois sometime in spring 2027; details will be announced later. Family and friends will gather Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. (Mountain Time) at the Alli Event Center, Brighton, to remember her.

The family asks that memorials in Irene's name be made to the Alzheimer's Association (donorservicers.alz.org) or the American Heart Association (heart.org).

Published by The News-Gazette from Oct. 17 to Oct. 21, 2026.

David Charles Bruns

 David Charles Bruns, M.D., a longtime physician, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 5, 2026 at IU North Hospital in Carmel, IN.

He is survived by 3 sons, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren:

Son, Matthew (Lesa) Bruns of Westfield, IN and grandsons, Andrew (Libby) Bruns and great granddaughter Anna, Michael (Chrissy) Bruns and great grandson August, Nathan (Serena) Bruns and great granddaughter Lucy, and Benjamin Bruns.

Son, Mark (Jody) Bruns of Carmel, IN and granddaughters, Sarah Bruns, Kate Bruns, and Claire Bruns.

Son Luke (Karen) Bruns of Dallas, TX and grandchildren, Rachel (Jared) Seltzer and great granddaughter Sloane, Julia Bruns, Natalie Bruns, and Joshua Bruns.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Ellen Mae (Meyer) Bruns in 2007. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret VanHoveln and Esther Flessner, and two brothers, Paul Bruns and James Bruns.

David attended Holland High School in Holland, IN and graduated from Fisher High School, Fisher, IL in 1957. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA for two years then transferred in IU Bloomington before attending IU School of Medicine and graduating in 1964. After finishing his Intern year at Marion County General Hospital he was drafted into the US Army at the rank of Captain and served from 1965-1967. He then moved to Gifford, Illinois to serve as the town doctor and surrounding community until 1977. He worked for the Indiana State Medical Review team from 1978 until April of 2026. He was a physician for 62 years and was known to most as “Doc”.

David was a lifelong Lutheran. He was born in Watseka, IL as the fourth child of Rev. Heye Esterd Bruns and Elizabeth (Harms) Bruns. He was confirmed in 1953 by Rev H. E. Bruns at St. James Lutheran in Holland, IN.

David loved to sing. He was a member of the Castle Singers while at Wartburg College and the Mens Lutheran choir for many years. He loved his family, anything German (especially Audi cars), his Gifford home, and watching sports, mainly baseball and basketball. Talking to people was his gift!

Visitation will be Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 9-11 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, IL with Funeral services at 11:00 am and burial immediately following at Kopmann Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran church of Flatville, 2498 County Rd 2100 East, Thomasboro, IL 61878.

https://www.baierfuneralservices.com/obituaries/david-bruns-md

Rita Evelyn Jessup

 

St. Joseph - Rita Evelyn Jessup passed away Saturday (Oct. 10, 2026) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, surrounded by her children, Natalie (Everett) Miller, Thomas Bedwell and Jamie Jessup.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney, IL 61877, followed by graveside services at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

She was born Oct. 6, 1946, in Hymera, Ind., at home to Curtis Ira Dayton and Dixie Marie (Brown) Dayton. She was one of nine children.

She is survived by her siblings Mattie Vaughn, Dorothy Swalls and Brenda Bedwell; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Blanche Corey, Mae Nash, William "Bill" Dayton, Waine Dayton and Velma Sam's; and husbands, Thomas Lee Bedwell Sr. and James Grant Jessup.

Rita loved spending time with her family, friends and cats and dogs. She also appreciated helping people during her 37-year career at the Social Security Administration and 100-year support at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul.

She was a fabulous mother, grandma (Michael), great-grandma (Axle and Gunnar), sister, aunt and wonderful friend. She will be missed forever.

Darlene Kay Uken

 Urbana - Darlene Kay Uken, 83, of rural Urbana, died at 5:37 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Addington Place, Rantoul.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Beckman Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, and one hour before the funeral service on Thursday from 9-10 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Darlene was born May 11, 1943, in Urbana, the daughter of Fred J. and Anna Lubben Fruhling. She married Norman Uken on June 17, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. He survives.

Along with her husband, Norman, she is survived by a daughter, Brenda (John) Mingee of St. Joseph; two sons, Brian (Paula) Uken of Raleigh, N.C., and Bradley (Christine) Uken of Prairie du Sac, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Amber (David) Cluver, Kelsey (Ryan) Munsterman, Lacy Uken, Brooke (Perry) Rudolph, Nicholas (Britta) Uken, Tyler Uken, Jill Uken; eight great-grandchildren, Henry, Elsa and George Cluver, Matthew, Noah and Adam Munsterman, Edward and Stockton Rudolph; and a sister, Joan Cleary of Rantoul.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Zachary Mingee.

Darlene graduated from Rantoul Twp. High School in 1960. She worked as an administrative assistant for the deans in the Colleges of Music, Engineering and ACES at the University of Illinois and retired Jan. 1, 2004, after 23 years.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, and former member of the church choir. Darlene enjoyed yard work, gardening, traveling and reading. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/darlene-uken-obituary?id=62734520

Keith Rohl

 Keith Rohl, 69, of Homer passed away Saturday October 3, 2026 at his home.

 Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Thursday October 8, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 P.M.. Pastor Jason Braaten will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. 

 Keith was born November 23, 1956 in Champaign to Orville and MaryAnn (Rothermel) Rohl of Homer.

 He is survived by his wife Brenda, son Collin (Nicole) Rohl and three beautiful granddaughters, whom he loved dearly, Margaret, Evalynn, and Elisabeth, a sister Kathy (John) Mackinson and their family. Keith felt blessed to have in his life Deana (Tom) Wolf, Mitch Sonsteng and their families.

 Keith lived in the Homer area his entire life. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, where he joyfully served the Lord on many committees and construction projects over the years. Keith graduated from Homer High School and later was a School Board Member. In his life he enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles, fishing, and like his Dad-- farm work. Driving past a field at 55 mph he could spot a weed on the back side of an 80 acre field. He could build, trouble shoot and fix anything; he was a master at auto repair, restoration and painting. Most of all he felt so blessed to have worked and farmed with his dad on a daily basis for over 50 years and also his son.

 One tearful day several weeks ago he knew he would be going to be with Jesus but what saddened him was to leave us all here.

 Memorials contributions can be made to the Homer Fire Department or Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands.

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

Lester Wayne Kinney

 Lester Wayne Kinney, 90, passed away peacefully at home, born on October 20, 1935, to Basil and Maxine Kinney, Lester grew up in Illinois and proudly served his community and state in the Illinois National Guard. On April 30, 1965, he married Marilyn Mosely Bennet, in Paxton, Illinois.

For most of his career, Lester was a familiar and dependable face in Ford parts departments. Outside of work, he enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and he was happiest when tinkering on his workbench or finding creative solutions to fix anything around the house.

He is survived by his Children: David (Kori) Kinney of Urbana, IL, and Jennifer (Ghassan) Ksaibati of Riverview, FL, brother Larry Kinney and sister Linda Walker, five grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

Lester has been reunited in peace with his beloved wife, Marilyn; his parents, Basil and Maxine; his infant daughter, Kathy; his infant brother, Ronald; and his brother, Gary Kinney.

He was deeply loved by his family, who will forever cherish his gentle spirit, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Private graveside services will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

Memorials may be made to Sidney Fire Department or

Carle Hospice.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com