Charles "Chuck" Marion Chesnut

 Charles "Chuck" Marion Chesnut, 74 of Ogden passed away on Saturday Oct 31, 2026 at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn.

Chuck was born October 26, 1952 at Burnham Hospital, Champaign to William Wayne and Violet Marie (Taylor) Chesnut.

He is survived by his wife Denise Chesnut, his brother Dean (Sandra) Chesnut, his children; Joe (Shawn) Chesnut, Chad (Laura Taylor) Chesnut, Shaun (Sarah) Chesnut, Mark (Mandy) Chesnut, Melissa (Todd) Jamison and Jesse (Lane) Dial. His grandchildren; Nicole, Shayna, Charles, Skyler, Alexis, Karleigh, Violet, Faith, Beau, Connor, Brooke, Taylor, Addison, and Mason. His great-grandchildren; Joseph, Jackson, Greyson and Benjin.

He graduated from Unity High School in Tolono in 1971. He then attended Lincoln Tech School in Indianapolis.

He was proud to serve as a Sidney police deputy while starting his career at Solo Cup in Urbana for over 25 years before retiring from Kraft at the age of 64.

 Chuck was known for being a hard worker and was always helping friends and family with literally anything. He was a Longview Fire Department volunteer firefighter for many years. He was a Sadorus Sportsman Club member who served many years on the board where he spent countless hours helping maintain and improve the property, shooting events and dinners while enjoying the time he had to relax camping there as well. Chuck enjoyed target shooting and pheasant hunting with family and friends. He was involved at the Savoy Elk's Club doing roadside clean up and Wreaths Across America for the Danville National Cemetery.

After retirement he enjoyed helping friends farm, taking him back to his roots, hanging out with his buddies, making it to as many as his grandchildren's events as he could, and spending time with the dogs Lizzie and Chester.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Claribell (Harold) Irvin, his siblings; Gene Paul "Dick" Chesnut, Norma (Richard) Dunkman, John (Judy) Chesnut and Lee (Lisa) Chesnut.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday November 12, 2026  at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana. Visitation will be Wednesday November 11, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church, Champaign.

Connie Lynn Flessner

 
Connie Lynn Flessner, 61 of Thomasboro, passed away at 8:22 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at her home.

She was born October 4, 1965, in Paxton the daughter of Charlie and Vicki Nuss Harris. She married Rodney Flessner December 9, 1991, at the First United Methodist Church of Paxton. He survives.

Along with her husband, Rodney, she is survived by her parents, Charlie and Vicki Harris of Loda; three sons, Ryan Edenfield of Paxton, Clayton (Lauren Elam) Flessner of Mansfield, Kyle (Emily) Flessner of Brookhaven, Mississippi; four grandchildren, Ryanna, Laina, Caden and Jack Bennett; two sisters, Cristal (Tim) Watson of Paxton, Kelly (Tom Curtis) Pound of Ludlow; her aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph and Lottie Nuss, Romulus and Vernece Harris and father-in-law, Robert Flessner.

Connie graduated from Paxton High School in 1983. She worked as a typesetter at Paxton Printing for many years. Connie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton.

She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed watching her boys play baseball. Connie also enjoyed going on walks, reading and baking. Her greatest joy was spending cherished time with her grandchildren.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

https://www.baierfuneralservices.com/obituaries/connie-flessner

Diane S. Michaels

 
Diane S. Michaels, 70 of Rantoul, died at 1:43 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul with Father John Verrier officiating. Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Thomasboro.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2026, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton.

Diane was born April 29, 1956, in Rantoul the daughter of Jack and Penelope Dorset Floodas. She married Bill Michaels August 30, 1980, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul. He survives.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; a daughter, Rhea (Todd) Modglin of Rantoul; a son, Travis Michaels of Champaign; two grandchildren, River and Remington - her “loveys”.

She was preceded in death by her father and many beloved friends.

Diane graduated from Rantoul Twp. High School in 1974. She worked in the banking and finance industry for more than 35 years. She was so very loved and appreciated by her many co-workers and clients over the years. Diane was a person that desired to serve and take care of all that she met and interacted with.

She served on many boards and committees throughout her years including: The St. Malachy Garden Angels, Champaign County Board, Parkland Foundation, United Way Board, Exchange Club, Rotary, STM Ed. Commission Board and so many more.

Diane enjoyed traveling, baking, and being active in her community. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, every chance she got.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henry J. Smith Foundation. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family atwww.baierfuneralservices.com.

https://www.baierfuneralservices.com/obituaries/diane-michaels

Clyde Frank Smith

 A Celebration of Life for Clyde Frank Smith will be held Saturday November 7th at 2:00 pm at the Homer United  Congregational Church.

 Clyde was born August 11, 1937 to Frank and Pauline West Smith. Clyde passed away September 6, 2026.

He graduated from Homer High School in 1955 and the University of Illinois in 1959, majoring in Agronomy.

He was in Army ROTC at Illinois.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army.  He attended Officer Basic School at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO serving his commitment in the Illinois and New York National Guard.

He obtained his Masters Degree at the U of I and his PhD at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.  After obtaining his PhD he began a career of academia teaching at the University of Texas, University of Maryland and Odessa college in Texas.  He retired and returned to Illinois where he taught at Lincoln Christian College.  He then moved to Greenville SC.

Clyde married Phyllis Knight on February 1, 1959, she proceeded  him in death in 2019.  Survivors includes a daughter Paula, son Roger (Emily) 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 2 brothers, Dick and Bob Smith.