Orville E. Rohl

 Orville E. Rohl, 98, of Homer passed away on Tuesday August 19, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Visitation will be Friday August 22, 2025 from 12:30 P.M. to 1:15 P.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church 390 CR 2400 E, Broadlands. Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M.. Pastor Jason Braaten will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

 Orville was born December 22, 1926 in Homer. The son of William and Thelma (Heselden) Rohl. He married MaryAnn Rothermel on September 22, 1951. She preceded him in death.

 He is survived by a daughter Kathleen (John) Mackinson of Odell, son Keith (Brenda) Rohl of Homer. 4 Grandchildren John Mackinson, Kim (Matt) Taylor, Jason Mackinson, Collin (Nicole) Rohl and 9 great-grandchildren.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 3 sisters Orthalyne Ressler, Olive Neihaus, Betty Erwin and a brother William.

 Orville attended Homer schools, during high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy (December 1944) and served on the USS Fillmore during WW II. Upon completion of his tour of duty he returned to complete his senior year at Homer High School.

 He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. 

Orville farmed in the Homer area all his life, his favorite color of machinery was green. Orville never met a day of farm work he did not enjoy. His favorite hobby was farm work.

 Memorials may be made to the Homer Fire Department or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands.

Freese FH 08/20/2025

Arnold Elwayne Nichols, Jr.

 URBANA — Arnold Elwayne Nichols Jr., 81, of Urbana died at 3:44 a.m. on June 25, 2025, at home.

Private family graveside services will be held at Immanual Lutheran Church, Broadlands, at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 30, with Pastor Jeff Caithamer officiating.

Arnold was born on March 19, 1944, to Arnold Sr. and Bonnie (Paul) Nichols. Arnold married his one true love, Myla (Messman) Nichols on Oct. 14, 1972, and they have had 53 wonderful years together.

Arnold is survived by his wife; a nephew, Ryan (Jennifer) Huls of Homer; three nieces, Kendra (Ray) Manselle of rural Urbana, Lorynne Huls of Fox Lake and Lorae Huls of West Lebanon, Ind. Arnold was an avid reader and historian. He also really enjoyed old classic cars. His favorite hymn was “The Church’s One Foundation”.

Mr. Nichols was employed at the U.S. Postal Service for more than 35 years. He worked as a distribution clerk and as an accounting clerk at the Urbana Post Office and served as personnel assistant and injury compensation specialist in Champaign. He was postmaster at Anchor from 1989-91 and was postmaster at Sidney from December 1991 until his retirement in 1999. He authored a book on the history of post office badges and an article for Philatelic Magazine on the same subject. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Historians and the California Law Enforcement Historical Society.

He wasamember of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Champaign. His favorite hymn was “The Church’s One Foundation”.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 509 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign.

Renner-Wikoff Funeral Home in Urbana is in charge of arrangements.

NG 6/28/2025

Gerhardt Richard Mohr

 
Gerhardt Richard Mohr, 84, of rural Homer, IL, passed away on November 6, 2024, at Carle Hospital, Urbana with his daughter by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents whom he cared for until their passing in 1998, and his brothers, Hilbert and Frederick Mohr.

Gerhardt was born on August 21, 1940, in Jarman Hospital, Tuscola, IL, to John H. and Evelyn Reifsteck Mohr. He attended school in Allerton which later consolidated with Broadlands and Longview to form ABL. His 1958 graduating class was the first to hold commencement in the newly constructed building. He was a charter member of the ABL Future Farmers of America chapter and was active in FFA and school interests throughout his life.

From 1958 to 1962, Gerhardt attended the University of Illinois where he graduated with a BS in Animal Science and received his commission as a Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps through the U of I Army ROTC program. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Germany for four years during the Berlin Wall Crisis before being released from active duty into the reserves. Upon returning to the family farm, Gerhardt, along with his brother Fred, built a substantial pork producing operation. He was an avid farmer- grain and livestock. Gerhardt worked with the Champaign-Vermilion County Pork Producers, served on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Farmers Board from 1968 to 1972, and was elected to the ABL School Board and later the Heritage School Board. He kept in touch with his military colleagues from the 14th Quartermaster Battalion and was a lifelong Illini fan.  Gerhardt was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was dedicated to many activities including the choir. He was also a member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau, the Homer American Legion Post, and the Singing Men of 'GNN. 

Gerhardt was married to Gisela Zumkeller and has two children- Christina Mohr, MD of New York, and Richard Mohr, LTC (R) of Colorado, and 2 grandchildren- Nicholas and Maxine Mohr. Gerhardt loved his family and grandchildren deeply. He remained active in farming and pork production until 2017. Gerhardt's strong faith, sustained by the grace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, guided him throughout his life. He consistently spoke of "God's Blessings" to others.

Services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, IL, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. with the Singing Men of 'GNN and the American Legion Post 201 from Newman performing. Lunch will be provided at the church following the ceremony.  For further information, please contact Christina Mohr (either through phone or Facebook) or Immanuel Lutheran Church (at 217-834-3289 or their Facebook page). Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Homer Funeral & Cremation Services, which is handling Gerhardt's final arrangements.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Gerhardt-Mohr. 5/9/2025

Willard Frederick Rothermel

 SAVOY - Willard Frederick Rothermel, 88, of Savoy passed away Sunday (Sept. 1, 2024) at home surrounded by his family.

Willard was born Aug. 2, 1936, on his family farm outside Homer, to William (Bill) and Linda (Kuhlenengel) Rothermel. He graduated from Homer High School in 1954 and worked on the family farm his entire life.

In November 1961, Willard married Elizabeth (Tate), and together they enjoyed their farming, gardening and traveling. Willard served in the Illinois National Guard from 1957 to 1962. He was a lifelong, active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, where he served as treasurer for several years. He also served as a member of the ABL school board.

A lifetime bowler, Willard bowled a perfect game on Sept. 7, 2000, at the age of 64. He belonged to several leagues and participated in several national bowling tournaments across the U.S.

Willard loved his cars, and you never saw him drive a dirty one. He and Elizabeth enjoyed playing cards with their friends, and Willard especially enjoyed calling suit in euchre knowing Elizabeth, as his opponent, was probably holding a loner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ann Rohl; and wife.

He is survived by his younger sister, Sandra Chestnut (Dean); children, Kris Farrar (TJ), Dan Rothermel, John Rothermel and Julie Buesing (Butch); and grandchildren, Joe, Max and Jack Butler, Jack and Henry Farrar, Hayley and Molly Buesing and Morgan and Kyley Rothermel.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 County Road 2400 East, Broadlands, with Pastor John Sharp officiating. Burial will take place in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cunningham Children's Home or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, Homer, is assisting the family with arrangements.

https://obits.cleveland.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/willard-rothermel-obituary?id=56213754

Deana F. Dohme

 
F. Dohme of Champaign passed away peacefully on Thursday morning August 15, 2024 at Tuscola Health Care Facility in Tuscola.

Deanna was born on March 26, 1942 to Clarence and Bertha (Rahn) Wienke.

She is survived by her two children; Libby Dohme of Champaign and Darren Dohme of Broadlands.

She was preceded In death by her parents, Clarence and Bertha Wienke, two brothers and five sisters.

Deanna graduated from ABL High School.  She loved classical music and had a beautiful singing voice.  She lived in Naples, Florida for 26 years.  She loved the sunshine and taking her 4-legged companion, Murphy, to the beach.

Graveside service and burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery with Pastor Sharp officiating.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

Freese FH 8/15/2024

Paul Raymond Mohr

 Paul Raymond Mohr, 94, of Broadlands, Illinois passed away peacefully, Tuesday night Jan 9 at Clark Lindsey Village Nursing Home, Urbana.  The funeral will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 12, 2024 with Pastor John Sharp officiating.  Visitation will proceed the funeral at the church from 9:30 to 11:00AM.  Burial will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery following the funeral.

Paul was born April 14, 1929 in Broadlands.  He was a son of Howard and Anna Bergfield Mohr Schumacher.  He had one sister, Margaret Collier of Champaign and one brother, Howard (Dutch) Mohr of Homer, both preceded him is death.  He married Alice Wienke on November 29, 1954, she passed from cancer on June 29, 1980.  He was also preceded in death by his friend of many years, Delores Gustafson of Paxton.

Survivors include; his daughters, Paula Mohr of Broadlands, and Angela (Carl) Smith of Allerton.  He has two grandchildren; Allison (Jordan) Lowe and Parker (Erin) Smith, and three great-grandchildren; Carter and Atlee Lowe and Emma Smith.

Paul was a graduate of Longview High School and served in the Navy’s Air Division.  He was a farmer in the Broadlands area his whole working career.  He loved to golf and traveled a lot and had seen many places abroad.  He so looked forward to the coffee hour each morning at the Broadlands Restaurant and visiting with his friends there.  His family and especially his great grandchildren were his pride and joy. 

Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Freese FH 1/10/2024

Stephen R. Smith

Stephen R. Smith, 68 of Broadlands, passed away at 12:59PM, Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Monday September 25, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, with Pastor Jason Braaten officiating.  Burial will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands.  Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM Monday at the church.

Mr. Smith was born June 11, 1955 in Tuscola, a son to Roland L and Phylis Anne Roller Smith.  He married Abbie Miller on November 30, 1996 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, she survives.  Also surviving are a son; Samuel Smith of Broadlands, sic siblings; Margo (Ed) Jevicky of Greenbriar, AR, victor (Donna) Smith of Sidell, Carl (Angela) Smith of Allerton, Sara (David) Leuellen of Diamond, MO, Justin (Belinda) Smith of Loogootee, IN, and Jason (Sandy) Smith of Hume, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Stephen was fortunate to build his own machine shop and work from home.   His passion was teaching Sunday School over 25 years at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  He loved children and loved his church and teaching about the faith.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 9/21/2023

Betty Colleen Wienke

 URBANA — Betty Colleen Wienke, 91, passed away (June 22, 2023) peacefully at home with her loving family by her side.

Betty was born to Edgar and Lois Fernandes in Newman, on March 27, 1932. She grew up on the Fernandes family farm outside Newman, where she was raised learning the value of hard work and the love of family.

Betty attended school in Newman. She married John C. Wienke on Aug. 28, 1948, at the Newman Methodist Church. They had two children, Pam and Stan. Betty took great pride in being a mom and a farmer’s wife. She maintained a meticulous home and helped run the Wienke family farm. All the while she worked at Thornsboroughs, the Allerton Diner and the Broadlands Grocery Store.

After her husband passed away, Betty worked at Homer Hardware and in Champaign at Do It Best Hardware. She was very well-known for her wit and her ability to help anyone. In fact, she maintained her independence and worked until she was 90. Betty loved keeping busy and being with her friends and family.

In the past year, she moved into Brookdale Assisted Living in Urbana, where she truly enjoyed having fun everyday. She was a hard worker with a loving soul.

Betty is survived by her son Stan and his wife Katie. Betty had seven grandchildren, Scott (Amanda McWilliams) Schaub, Jason (Ashley Apgar) Wienke, Jenna (Tyler) Flessner, Johanna (Paul) Foran, John (Heather)

Wienke, Jud (Kenzie) Wienke and Haven Hatfield. She had 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband John, her daughter Pam Wiltfang, her brothers, Charles, Donald, Harold and Kendall and sister, Marilyn.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 CR 2400 East, Broadlands.

More obituaries, A-6.

Pastor John Sharp will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church of Broadlands in her name.

NG 6/25/2023

Robert "Bob" Rothermel

 Robert "Bob" Rothermel, 93, of St. Joseph passed away at 4:25 A.M. Monday June 12, 2023 at Accolade Healthcare, Paxton.

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday June 17, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church 390 CR 2400 E. Broadlands. Pastor John Sharp will officiate. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands. Visitation will be Saturday from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the church.

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

 Bob was born January 26, 1930 in Broadlands. The son of John and Esther (Quest) Rothermel. He married Dorothy Luth on September 7, 1957 at Immanuel Lutheran. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Martha (Don) Hall of Maryland, Charles Rothermel of Florida, Joe (Deanne)Rothermel of Broadlands. Eight grandchildren; Frank and Frederick Hall, Lauren, Jenna, Jordan and Jamie Rothermel, Rianna and Torie Rothermel.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenneth Rothermel.

 Bob was a life member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands.

 He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954 serving in Korea. Bob farmed in the Broadlands area all of his life.

 He enjoyed playing Euchre, fishing and traveling the U.S. and Europe.

 Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Freese FH 6/13/2023

Susan Joy Messman

 Susan Joy Messman, 66, of Homer, Illinois, passed away on April 27th, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Susan was born on June 19th, 1956, to Ralph and Betty Taylor in Germany. She graduated from ABL High School in 1974. She graduated from Parkland College in 1976 with a degree in medical record coding and began her career working at Burnham Hospital/Covenant Hospital where she worked for 40 years.

In 1974, she met her husband, Paul Messman, and they wed in 1976. In 1978 and 1984 they were blessed with the birth of their sons Craig and Jeff. Her boys were her life, and she did everything she could to be with them. Even until the end she made sure to let her sons know she never stopped fighting.

Susan loved all things that evolved around athletics. She would regularly attend football and basketball games cheering on her beloved Illini. She also loved to travel, especially if there was a beach.

Anyone who knew Susan knew that she was a the most loving mother and wife a family could ask for. Susan is survived by her loving husband, Paul Messman, of Homer, IL; her sons, Craig and Jeff Messman, Son-in-Law, Troy Molitor, Daughter-in-Law, Sarah Messman, three grandchildren, Lucy, Luke, and Maggie, and sister, Sandy Erwin. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Betty Taylor (Homer) and grandparents, Louis and Floy Mosier (Ridge Farm) and John and Robeka Taylor (Homer).

A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Sunday, April 30th, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 Country Rd 2400 E, Broadlands, IL 61816. Flowers or memorials may be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

Freese FH 4/28/2023

Charles Edward Negangard

 SIDNEY — Charles Edward Negangard, 90, of Sidney passed away a 1:40 p.m. Monday (Oct. 24, 2022) at Newman Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Newman.

Mr. Negangard was born April 27, 1932, in Sidney, a son to Ralph and Wilma Duncan Negangard.

Surviving are his wife, Donna Negangard; and five sons, Larry (Barb) Negangard of Urbana, Roger (Pam) Negangard of Sidney, Tom (Rody) Negangard of Homer, Steve (Debbie) Negangard of Riverton and John (Dorothy) Negangard of Springfield; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Negangard; and sister, Mary Kay (Cloyd) Staples.

Charles was a graduate of the first class of Unity High School (1950), served in the U.S. Army (1952 to 1954) and then farmed in the Sidney area for his entire career. He served as a trustee on the Sidney Township Board, Sidney Fire District and Sidney Township Cemetery Board; served as commissioner for the Sidney Drainage District No. 2; and serves as a school board member for the Unit 7 school district.

He enjoyed farming, raising livestock, showing livestock at county fairs in his younger days, shearing sheep, hunting, fishing and especially spending time with his family and visiting with friends. In the fall of every year, he enjoyed entertaining kids when visiting the Negangard Pumkin Patch.

He was a life-time member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau and a few other organizations.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m. at Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 County Road 2400 East, Broadlands.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Broadlands Immanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

NG 10/26/2022

Elizabeth Rothermel

 

SAVOY — Elizabeth Rothermel passed away Sunday (Aug. 28, 2022) at home surrounded by her family.

Elizabeth was a wife, mother, sister and friend, but she was also a farmer who enjoyed gardening, canning and driving a grain truck for over 40 years.

Elizabeth was a member of the Women’s Committee for the Champaign County Farm Bureau, a member of Art Needle sewing club and an avid bridge player and St. Louis Cardinals fan. She will be remembered for her delicious homemade pies and her volunteer work selling nuts for Pathfinders. Some of the greatest times spent as a family were around the dinner table enjoying Elizabeth’s good cooking. She always made sure to make more food than necessary so leftovers could be enjoyed later.

Elizabeth was born Sept. 3, 1942, in Champaign, to Ray and Julia Umbanhowar Tate. She loved her brother, Donnie (Joan) Tate, and sister, Barbara (Jim) Downs, very much. She married the love of her life and best friend, Willard Rothermel, on Nov. 18, 1961. He survives.

Survivors also include her four children, Kris (TJ) Farrar, Dan Rothermel, John Rothermel and Julie (Butch) Buesing; and nine grandchildren, Joe, Max and Jack Butler, Hayley and Molly Buesing, Morgan and Kyley Rothermel and Jack and Henry Farrar.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, with Pastor John Sharp officiating. Burial will take place in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at the church. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services are handling the arrangements.

Memorials can be made to Cunningham Children’s Home, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Immanuel Lutheran Church

NG 8/31/2022

Connor Dalton Wienke

 

Connor Dalton Wienke, 23, of St. Joseph, formerly of Homer, passed away on August 28, 2022 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was born on May 31, 1999 in Urbana at Covenant Medical Center, the son of Kevin and Tammy (Dalton) Wienke. He graduated from Heritage High School in 2017. While in high school he competed in basketball and baseball. After high school, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Southern Illinois University.

Following graduation, Connor came home to work on the family farm with his father and grandfather, James Wienke. He enjoyed golfing with friends, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, driving his Ford Mustang, spending time with his family, and especially making his niece laugh every chance he got. Connor will be remembered by all those that knew him as a loyal, thoughtful, devoted son, brother and friend. Whether he was asked to or not, he showed up when his family and friends needed him - not to be thanked, but to make others feel loved. He lit up every room he walked into with his big smile, sense of humor and contagious laugh. To know him was to love him, and he was loved by so many.

Connor is survived by his parents, Kevin and Tammy Wienke, of Homer; his sisters, Erin (Parker) Smith and Taylor (Jacob) Hughes; his niece, Emma Smith; his grandfather, James Wienke; his grandparents, Butch and Kathy Dalton; his uncles, Kerry Wienke, Brad Dalton, and Matt (Marla Sullivan) Dalton; his cousins, Chandler Dalton, Paige Dalton, Reese Dalton, Brodie Sullivan and Tyler Sullivan; and the love of his life, Brooke Doxtator. He is preceded in death by his uncle, Kenny Wienke, and grandmother, Janice (Magers) Wienke.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 1st, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 390 County Road 2400 East, Broadlands, with the Rev. John Sharp officiating. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. There will be a visitation at the church starting at 9:00 am until the time of service. Freese Funeral Home in Sidney is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Connor’s family to be used towards a memorial in his honor.

Freese FH 8/29/2022

Charles E. Benner

 HOMER — Charles E. Benner, 83, of Homer passed away at 11:50 p.m. Sunday (April 3, 2022) at home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, with Pastor John Sharp officiating. Burial will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands. There will be a visitation on Thursday, April 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main St., Homer. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Charles was born July 20, 1938, in Danville, the son of Max E. and Leona Mae Walters Benner. He married Karen Le Ann Kresin on July 31, 1966, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. She survives.

Survivors also include his son, Charles Chad Benner of Homer; daughter, Kresin Kerrylynne Humphrey, and her husband, Jack (Jay) Humphrey, of Homer; and two grandchildren, Paige Le Ann Humphrey and Jack Ethan Charles Humphrey, both of Homer.

Charles was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands. He served his country in the National Guard. Charles attended college at EIU. He was employed as a mail messenger at the UI before his retirement. Charles was also a member of the Pollywog Association, NRA, ISRA and gunssavelife.com. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, auctions, travelling, nature, morel mushroom hunting, cars and historical markers. He liked attending Civil War battlefields and was a Homer historian. He loved many things, but he loved his country and family the most.

Memorials can be made to Homer Fire and Rescue, Immanuel Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

News-Gazette 4/6/2022