Dean Crider

Dean Crider, 93, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:55 A.M. Friday June 13, 2025 at Gibson City Area Hospital, Gibson City.

 Funeral services will be at 11:30 A.M. Saturday June 21, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Matt Crider and Michael Crider will officiate. Burial will be in Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

 Dean was born July 26, 1931 in Stanton Township. The son of Jason and Margie (Wilson) Crider. He married Lois A. Boyd on August 13, 1949 at her parents house. She preceded him on February 1, 20212.

 He is survived by his children; Terry (Mary) Crider of St. Joseph, Dan (Anne) Crider of Arrowsmith, Suzanne (John) Bruns of Cissna Park. Nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

 He was preceded by his parents, sister LaVonne, brother Cleo.

 Dean was a farmer in the St. Joseph area all his life. He served on the Stanton Cemetery Board as President for 50 years. He was the president of the Central Illinois Pony Club. Dean also was a Champaign County Farm Bureau member and with his wife was a member of the Casey Curly Cues Square Dance Club. Dean also enjoyed playing Euchre.

Freese FH https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Dean-Crider 06/13/2025

Janet Lynne Franzen

 Janet Lynne Franzen, 81, of Sidney, passed away April 3, 2025.

Janet was born on June 24, 1943 to Buren and Alta Rosnett in Danville. She graduated from Ogden Community High School in 1961. Janet married Murray G. Franzen in 1963. Janet is survived by her loving husband Murray, three children, Chad, Brett, and Jill, as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She started her career as a secretary and a beautician. During retirement she enjoyed volunteering at local hospitals and fostering rescue dogs.

Her pride and joy were her grandkids that she cherished and enjoyed taking to parks, zoos, sporting events, and family gatherings.

Janet was a kind, soft spoken person to everyone she met. She built long lasting friendships with neighbors in several states and abroad.

A memorial service will be held on April 8 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. Family visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with service to follow. Grave site service will take place at Stanton Friends Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands.

Freese FH 4/4/2025

Janet M. Huls

Janet M. Huls, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

She was born on December 17, 1940, in Urbana, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Dorsey) Frye. She married Elmer Walter Huls on August 2, 1956, in Champaign County. He preceded her in death on January 14, 2020.

She is survived by one daughter- Karen (Ed) Ward of Gifford, IL; three sons- Larry Huls of St. Francisville, LA, Randy Huls of Prairieville, LA and Rodney Huls of St. Joseph, IL; two grandchildren- Adam Ward and Tyler Huls; one brother- Bob (Norma) Frye of Sudbury, MA; one sister- Caroyn Fitch of Ogden, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two grandsons- Gregory and Caleb Huls, and three brothers- Don, Ron and Ralph Frye.

Janet was a member of the Penfield-Gifford American Legion and Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Flatville. She enjoyed wintering in Florida for many years with her husband Elmer and fishing. She also enjoyed a cold beer and watching the Chicago Cubs and Fighting Illini play. Janet also enjoyed following her children and grandchildren in all their activities.

A Celebration of Janet's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2498 County Road 2100 E, Thomasboro, IL 61878, with Pastor Scott Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, at the church. 

According to her wishes cremation rites have been arranged. She will be buried at a later date in Stanton Cemetery alongside Elmer and Caleb Huls. Memorials may be made in Janet's name to the donor's choice. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Janet's life. 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/janet-huls-obituary?id=57452974

Roger K. Flynn

 
Roger K Flynn 79 of Saint Joseph IL, was reunited with his parents and sister on January 2,

2025 at home. He was born March 19 th 1945 to Joseph and Marie Flynn of Saint Joseph. He married
his high school sweetheart, Connie K Mabry of Saint Joseph on August 7 th 1965. He is survived
by his wife and daughter Lori (Pat) Flynn-Walle of Saint Joseph. Grandchildren, Tommy (Maddi)
Mullvain of Saint Joseph, Rachel (Josh) Mullvain of Mahomet, Katie (John) Green of Chrisman.
Five great grand children whom he adored, Skyler, Jaxon, Rosemary, Elenor and Zoey.
Throughout his life he did what he loved, farming in Stanton Township, raising Corriedale and
Cheviot sheep, Trap shooting, Superintendent of the Champaign County sheep division, served
as a 4-H leader for the Royal Ag Club and spent time judging sheep. Roger served on the
Stanton Township Board, Stanton Friends Cemetery and the Stanton Township Drainage Ditch
Board. He enjoyed dates with his wife at the Assembly Hall watching The Fighting Illini and daily
coffee with friends. You could hear his laugh from across the room and watch his cheeks turn
cherry red. Go Cubs Go!

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday January 7, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave.

St. Joseph. David Barcus will officiate. Burial will be in Stanton Cemetery,  St.  Joseph. Visitation will be Tuesday from

9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District.

Freese FH 1/6/2025

Gary Lane Bowman

 

Garry Lane Bowman 77, of St. Joseph passed away at 5:35 P.M. Tuesday September 17, 2024 at his home.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Monday September 23, 2024 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Burial will be in Friends-Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

Garry was born August 18, 1947 in Monroe County, IN the son of Leslie G. and Verna (Wright) Bowman. He married Phyllis Varney on August 3, 2007. She preceded him in death on January 20, 2017.

 He is survived by his sister LuAnn (Ned) Ianno of Lincoln, NE. Nephews and Nieces; Terry (Dixie) Bowman, Troy (Jennifer) Bowman, Travis Bowman, Leslie (Chris Fielder) Ianno, Carla (Ben) Casier, Joseph (Megan) Hershier Ianno, Bethany (Mike) Umphenour. 16 great-nephews and nieces and 5 great-great nephews and nieces.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Larry G. Bowman.

 Garry worked as the Champaign Fire Department Building Safety Supervisor for over 30 years.

 He enjoyed playing and coaching softball and traveling with Phyllis.

 Memorials may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Garry-Bowman

Phyllis Ann Shelmadine

Phyllis Ann Shelmadine, 88, of Champaign passed away at 11:11 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at Accolade Healthcare of Savoy.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. July 19 at Friends-Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph.

Phyllis was born Sept. 26, 1935, in St. Joseph, the daughter to Otis and Floriss Gillespie Hudson. She married Robert Shelmadine on Nov. 28, 1953, in Champaign. He preceded her in death on Dec. 12, 2007.

She is survived by Sean Patrick Shelmadine of Fisher; three grandchildren, Brock Matthew, Reghan Renee and Peyton Rihanna Shelmadine of Champaign; and her sisters, Pam (Darrin) Franzen of St. Joseph and Pat West of Effingham.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Phillip Hudson.

Phyllis retired form Birkey's Farm Store as an office manager. She was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and enjoyed spending time with her family.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/phyllis-shelmadine-obituary?id=55525549

Betty D. Bohlen

 

Betty D. Bohlen, 91, of Savoy formerly of St. Joseph, passed away on November 14, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. She was born April 13, 1932 in Mahomet to Dale and Nellie  (Furnish) Warren. Betty attended schools in both Mahomet and Urbana.

 Betty married Harm Bohlen Jr. on November 17, 1951 and moved to St. Joseph in 1955 to raise their family. Harm preceded her in death in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Charles and Vincent, and her son-in-law, James Luecking.

 She devoted her life to her husband and her children, Stephen Bohlen of Louisville, KY and Brenda Luecking of Urbana. She was a proud and loving Grandmother to Sara (Matt) Cecil and Laura (Zeke) Evans both of Kentucky, and Gretchen (Nate) Pendell of Florida. She also has two great-grandsons whom she adored, Liam and Noah Evans of Kentucky.

 Betty was sweet natured and strong, even after facing several serious health issues over the years. She had a love of cooking and baking, and no one ever left her home hungry! Her family will always remember how she made the holidays magical and the wonderful meals she prepared. Betty and her husband moved to Lake Mattoon to live out their retirement years. they enjoyed "Lake Life" and having family and friends join them on weekends for boating, swimming and cookouts.

 When her husband passed away Betty chose to move closer to her daughter and son-in-law and called the Savoy Villas of Hollybrook home. There she made wonderful friendships with both staff and residents and enjoyed the many activities offered there. Her nickname was "Bingo Betty" for her love of the game and the many Bingo Bucks she won. 

 Visitation will be held Saturday November 18, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Graveside services will immediately follow at Friends Cemetery in rural St. Joseph. Pastor Dennis Meyer will officiate.

 Betty and her family were members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and request memorial donations be sent to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St. St. Joseph, IL 61873 

Freese FH 11/15/2023

Caleb Huls

 ST. JOSEPH — Caleb Huls, 27, died at 10 p.m. Thursday (June 16, 2022) in rural St. Joseph.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Flatville, 2498 County Road 2100 East, Thomasboro. The Rev. James T. Lehmann will officiate. Burial will be in Stanton Friends Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in Diers Hall at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is in charge of arrangements.

NG 6/20/2022

George R. Hill

 George R. Hill, age 92, of St. Joseph, IL, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022, at Carle Hospital. 

 George was born on November 26, 1929, in Villa Grove, IL. He was the fourth child of John and Eva (Shafer) Hill.  His family moved to St. Joseph when he was a child, and that is where he graduated from high school in 1947.  He married Clara Ann Roessler on September 20, 1953.  They were married for 65 years.

George was employed at the University of Illinois Physical Plant for 32 years.  In addition, he did some construction work with his brother John Hill and worked on the family farm with his brother Gene Hill for many years. 

George enjoyed his hobbies.  He was an avid skier who took many trips with the Champaign Ski Club and with his family.  In addition, anyone acquainted with George knew he traveled extensively on his BMW motorcycle, including trips to BMW bike rallies, Alaska, and all western states.

George was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in St. Joseph.

George is survived by his son Terry Hill (Kim Blair) of St. Joseph, IL; his daughter Laura Woodard of Fitchburg, WI; grandson Jared Hill of Iowa City, IA; grandson Alex Brownstone (aka Matthew Woodard) of Los Angeles, CA; and granddaughter Michelle Woodard of Fitchburg, WI.

George was preceded in death by his dear wife Clara Ann Hill, his parents John and Eva Hill, his sisters Fae Kiifner – Jackson and Margie Reynolds, and his brothers John A. Hill and Gene O. Hill.


Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church located at 802 E. Douglas Street, St. Joseph.  Pastor Dennis Meyer will officiate.  Burial will be at Stanton Cemetery. Prior to the service on June 11, a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  

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

 Condolences may be made Freesefh.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Youth Mission Trip or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

George will remembered by his family and friends as a humble, kind, and generous person.

Freese FH 6/5/2022

Norine M. Rademacher

 
Norine M. Rademacher, 81, of Royal passed away at 8:20 P.M. Wednesday May 25, 2022 at Country Health, Gifford.

 Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday June 1, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 108 E. Church St. Gifford. Pastor Scott Guhl will officiate. Burial will be in Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

 Norine was born November 13, 1940 in Champaign, the daughter of Eilert and Johanna (Ihnen) Buhs. She married Vernon Rademacher on February 8, 1959 at Flatville. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2014.

 She is survived by her daughters; Sharon (Dennis) Osterbur of Gifford, Lori (Ron) Bensyl of Royal, Daughter-in-law Beth Rademacher of St. Joseph. Eight grandchildren; Tammy (Troy) Vallee of St. Joseph, Dallas (Kacie) Osterbur of Penfield, Kristen (Nate) Massey, of St. Joseph, Kyle (Leah) Rademacher of St. Joseph, Kurt (Maria) Rademacher of St. Joseph, Kelsie (Seth) Blackford of Potomac, Ryan (Ariana) Bensyl of Mt. Prospect, Kalee (Mark) Williams of Philo. Great-grandchildren; Jordyn, Macy and Payton Vallee, Emma and Kinsley Osterbur, Korbin, Kadyn and Kolsen Massey, Noah, Ellee, Aubree and Josiah Rademacher, Kaelynn and Kenzie Rademacher, Bryce and Noel Blackford, Gabriella Bensyl. One sister Lela Huls of Gifford.

 She was preceded in death by her son Leon Rademacher, great-grandchildren Kolin and Kora Massey, sister Marlys Buhs.

 Norine was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gifford.

 She enjoyed spending time with her family, going to their ballgames and activities.

 Norine left a legacy of the importance of faith and family.

 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

 Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Samaritan's Purse P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607

Freese FH 5/26/2022

Ross Booker

 Ross Booker is a beloved son to Dave & Marita, little brother to Anthony, and cherished friend to many.  He was looking forward to having a sister-in-law, Cassie, who he referred to as a lovely woman.  Ross has a huge heart, he loved big and spent his life helping others.  He served his community as a volunteer fire fighter, rescued stranded motorists as a tow truck operator and was a gifted mechanic.  He was a self-proclaimed mommas boy whose heart belonged to Jesus.

When Ross wasn’t out saving the world; you could find him in his dad’s shop crafting beautiful handmade wooden furniture.  Anyone who knew Ross would describe him as an old soul with the hands of a 50-year-old, calloused from working his whole life and had the projects to prove it.  He was known for his ’95 F150 red truck he lovingly called “Oldfurd.”

Though he loved being a tough guy showing off his guns; he was a softie at heart who loved big and could wrap you in a magic hug that would make your troubles disappear.  Although he could be quiet, he also enjoyed being the center of attention.  Booker’s smile could light up a room and made it impossible to be angry with him for long.  

Ross graduated from SJO high school and devoted his time to excel in FFA, where he proudly served on the officer team.  He achieved the highest honor possible, earning his American FFA degree last fall - an honor bestowed on less than 1% of all members.  He was adventurous and loved to compete.  As a senior he decided to go out for the football team, having never played and ended up starting most of his senior year as a defensive lineman.  Last week he completed the diesel mechanic program at Parkland and was excited to start his internship as a diesel mechanic.

Ross impacted many lives during his 20 years and his family is praying that he will continue to live on in the lives of his recipients.

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be made for a scholarship to be established in  Ross's memory.

 Graveside services will be held Saturday March 12, 2022 at Stanton Cemetery 2030 CR 2100 N St, Joseph. Rev. Gene Turner will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday, with a Firefighter walk-through at 6:30 P.M.  at the St. Joseph-Ogden High School Gym.

Freese FH 3/9/2022