Marlan Ray Busboom

 
Marlan Ray Busboom, age 67, of Penfield, Illinois, passed away on August 2, 2025. 

Born on February 3, 1958, to Luella and the late Raymond Busboom, Marlan grew up in a family where hard work, sarcasm, and kindness ran deep. He graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1976 and went on to Wyoming Tech to become a certified mechanic. His hands stayed greasy ever since. 

Throughout his life, Marlan held a variety of jobs, most recently at Plasticpak, but every fall he took off work for his real job—helping on the family farm. Nothing made him happier than being on the land. 

Marlan had a knack for helping people—usually with their vehicles, and always with his signature dry humor. If you asked for help, he was there, tools in hand and probably muttering about how it wasn’t in the budget. 

He was the proudest Papa to his grandchildren: Anton, McKenna, and Raven Cassell; Evan Ingalsbe and Kolbie Busboom; Landon and Rylee Brown. Marlan enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren with snacks and as they got older he was known to give a quick witted comeback or two. Though sports weren’t his thing, he made an exception for his grandchildren and was often found in the crowded bleachers cheering them on. 
Marlan leaves behind his wife, Dorothy; children Amanda Cassell, of Bloomington, Dustin (Tara) Busboom, of Rantoul, and Megan (Dale) Brown, of Harvard; his mother Luella; siblings Melinda Shafer (Bob Hendricks), Maury Busboom, and Melanie (Mark) Hamilton; and a crew of nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father Raymond, his grandparents, two sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and a nephew who are surely greeting him with open arms—and maybe asking for help fixing something. 

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 9 from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, with funeral services beginning at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Scott Smith and Greg Busboom will be officiating. Burial will follow at Kopmann Cemetery. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Kopmann Cemetery or the Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Baier Funeral Home https://www.baierfuneralservices.com/obituary/marlan-busboom

Yvonne Wiesner

 PENFIELD — Yvonne Wiesner left this world peacefully at her home in Penfield on Monday (June 9, 2025), one day after her 81st birthday.

She was born on June 8, 1944, in Cologne, Germany.

Awoman of great spirit and enthusiasm, Yvonne found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was a fan of bingo and delighted in playing slots, often sharing these moments with friends while creating lasting memories. Yvonne had a unique ability to light up a room with her kind smile, and she often took great pleasure in treating those around her, always eager to buy a round for her friends. Her generosity and affectionate nature endeared her to many.

She is survived by her loving family: her daughters, Gabriele R. (Leon) Richard and Bianka (Mick Davis) Lowther; sons Tony (Lori) Leggs and Leroy Leggs; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her beloved pets.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wiesner, and her son Robert Neumann.

A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be at noon Saturday, June 14, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Lux Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. Yvonne will be laid to rest in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Penfield.

Yvonne Wiesner will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved, and her memory will remain a source of comfort and joy for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Please join Yvonne’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

NG 6/12/2025

Charles "Charlie" Hedrick

 PENFIELD — Charles “Charlie” Hedrick, born June 27, 1948, in Urbana, passed away peacefully on Sunday (May 4, 2025) in Penfield.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and lifelong farmer, Charlie made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A proud graduate of Illinois State University, Charlie dedicated his life to farming and was well-respected in his community for his hard work and integrity. He married his wife, Marcia, in 1971, and together they shared 53 wonderful years filled with love, laughter and resilience.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. He found great joy in spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren, Gavin, Elie, Alivia, Jax and Janie. His spirit will forever be remembered through the love and values he instilled in them.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia Hedrick; their children, Staci (Matt) Lomax and Megan (Chris) Learned; siblings, Beverly (Delmar) Schmidt and Phyllis (Rudy) Schmidt; in addition to his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Tena Hedrick.

Visitation will be on May 8 from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral service at noon at Sunset Funeral Home — Lux location, at 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Pastor Scott Smith will officiate the service, celebrating Charlie’s life and legacy.

Charlie Hedrick will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome. com.

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home’s Lux Chapel

5/7/2025

Richard "Dick" Early

 PENFIELD — Richard “Dick” Early, 96, of Penfield passed away Saturday morning (Aug. 24, 2024) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

He was born Dec. 4, 1927, at the family house in rural Penfield, a son of John and Rose (Silvers) Early. He married Sharon Sconce on Feb. 17, 1962, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Penfield. She survives.

Also surviving are a son, Harold (Mary Beth) Early of Champaign; five daughters, Linda Monroy of Penfield, Sandra Early of Paxton, Mary (Scott) Cropper of Alvin, Charlotte Early of Urbana and Valeria (Jason) Smith of Champaign; a sister, Barbara Overholt of Thomasboro; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by five brothers; three sisters; a son-inlaw, Augy Monroy; a son, John Russell Early; and a granddaughter, Jamie Monroy.

Dick was a graduate of Armstrong High School. He then entered the U.S. Army and served five years during the Korean War. He owned and operated the Gulf Service Station and The Oasis, both in Penfield. He then worked at Griders Truck Repair in Urbana as a mechanic. He retired from the University of Illinois in 2002 from the car pool.

He was a member of the Penfield American Legion for over 60 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

Dick dearly loved his family.

A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Lawrence Church. Burial will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Tuesday evening at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul.

Teresa Simonis Emkes

 

GIFFORD - Teresa Simonis Emkes, 61, of Gifford died Thursday (Jan. 18, 2024) at Farmer City Rehab & Health Care after a valiant battle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease over the last four years.

Teresa was born at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Dec. 8, 1962, the daughter of Kenneth and Barbara (Washolovich) Simonis. She married Kevin Emkes on Oct. 17, 1981, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is also survived by her two children, Cayla (Lyle) Waters of Sellers and Regan (Clayton) Myers of O'Fallon; four grandchildren, Natalie Waters, Robert Waters, Adele Myers and baby Myers due in May 2024; longtime best friend, Diana Phillips-Gray; father- and mother-in-law, John and Norma Emkes of Gifford; and various aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Teresa was a 1981 graduate of Rantoul Township High School in Rantoul. After many years of night and weekend classes, she received her bachelor of arts in general studies from Eastern Illinois University in 2012. She also received her associate in applied science in massage therapy from Parkland College in August 2012.

Teresa was best known for her outstanding cooking and love of get-togethers with loved ones. She thrived on planning and hosting events, oftentimes cooking for an entire army regardless of the number of people invited. She was an avid lover of shoes, dogs, traveling, wine, recipes, family and friends. She was proud to have found her calling in massage therapy and loved helping her clients.

The family has entrusted Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, with Teresa's final wishes. Per her request, a funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul. Father Joel Phelps will officiate. Burial of ashes will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Penfield.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her in-home health caregiver, Stacy Glazik Couch, for the dedication and compassion she's shown to Teresa over the past two years.

For memorials and in lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to the Alzheimer's Association to fund the advancement of research for a cure.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jan. 21, 2024.

Harlin G. "Sam" Park

 

PENFIELD — Harlin G. “Sam” Park, 75, of rural Penfield passed away at 5:03p.m. Monday (Nov. 13, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith and the Rev. Steve Lombardo officiating. Burial will follow in Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul, with military honors by American Legion Post 1153 Penfield-Gifford. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Sam was born Sept. 14, 1948, in Champaign, the son of John Carl and Mildred Rosetta Rewerts Park. He married Janet Ellis on Sept. 13, 1970. She preceded him in death Jan. 15, 2010. He married Judy Farmer Ideus on Dec. 8, 2016, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford. She survives.

Along with his wife, Judy, he is survived by a daughter, K i m b e r ly (Bruce) Cline of Penfield; a son, Justin (Megan) Park of Rantoul; six grandchildren, Kaitlynn (Jade) Bruns, Jordan (Hailey) Park, Faith Cline, Joshua Park, Gracie Park and Andrew Potts; three great- grandchildren, Sage Park, Ryker Bruns and Avery Bruns; a sister, Georgene Gardner of Rantoul; a brother, Carl Park of Penfield; a stepdaughter, Darcy (Neal) Silver; two stepgrandchildren, Carlee (Brennon) Breymeyer and Kate (Layne) Ingrum; and three stepgreat-grandchildren, Brenley Breymeyer, Brody Ray Breymeyer and Blair Ingrum.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Sam graduated from Armstrong High School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was an ironworker, certified welder and crane operator. He had also been an ironworker superintendent for Roessler Construction for many years. He was a former president of Ironworkers Local Union 380.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford, where he had served on the church council, and was an associate member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. He was very involved with the men’s Bible studies. Sam was Kerr Township road commissioner and a member of American Legion Post 1153 Penfield-Gifford. At one time, he owned and operated the Middlefork Bow Shop and was currently in business with his grandson Joshua at the Park Wildlife Seed Company.

Sam enjoyed fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He was a man with a big heart and would help anywhere he was needed. His greatest joy was his family.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, the American Diabetes Association or an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

NG 11/15/2023

Christian Johann Rocker

 
GIFFORD - Christian Johann Rocker, 104, of Gifford went to be with the Lord on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at Country Health Care and Rehab, Gifford.

Chris was born June 1, 1919, near Gifford to A. Henry and Grace (Schluter) Rocker. He was baptized and confirmed at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Gifford, where he was a lifelong member and later served on the church board. He married Anna L Osterbur on Aug. 11, 1940, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. They spent their entire lives on the farm working the land in the Penfield and Gifford areas and raising farm animals.

Dad was born during the Spanish flu pandemic and lived to have COVID-19 and survived that. He lived during the Great Depression and saw poverty, especially in others who came to their farm just to have something to eat and to sleep in the barn. When he was 12, his father said he was old enough to farm, and so with a harrow and a team of horses, he farmed the land. When he was ready for a car, he trapped along the local ditches and earned enough to buy a Model A. Going to church and reading the Bible was an important part of their lives.

He was predeceased by his parents; an infant sister, Anna Catherine; a grandson, Anthony Baker; a granddaughter, Amy (Mike) Zinchuk; and our Mom on March 27, 2002.

He is survived by five children, Eileen (Kenny) Owens of Howard, Colo., Leon Rocker of Gifford, Pauline (Mike) Clements of St. Joseph, Lois Forster of Washington, D.C., and Patricia (Terry) Evans of Mahomet; five grandchildren, Neil (Diane) Baker, Julie Baker, Gabriel (Carrie) Clements, Tina (Kyle) Smith and Marc (Angie) Evans; 14 great-grandchildren, Nicole (Darren) Suits, Christopher (Jessi) Baker, Katie (Mike) Reid, Elizabeth (Josh) Stultz, Ethan and Matthew Zinchuk, Payton and Rylee Clements,  Brayden, Dylan, Nolan, Corbin and Jensen Smith, and Jianna Evans; 10 great-great-grandchildren, Leo, Lucas, Albie and Dash Suits, Eli and Raleigh Baker, and Kaleb, Everly, Ollie and Isla Reid.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 108 E. Church St., Gifford. The Rev. Scot Guhl will officiate. Chris will be buried alongside his wife in Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Visitation will be for one prior to the service at St. Paul's.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's or Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary, 3134 E. Medicine Lake Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55441.

Lux Memorial Chapel in Rantoul is handling arrangements.

Published by The News-Gazette on Sep. 19, 2023.

Dorothy May Uken Fruhling

 
PENFIELD — Dorothy May Fruhling, 86, was called home by her heavenly father Sunday (Oct. 30, 2022).

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov 3, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery. Visitation will also be held in Dier’s Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, and at 10 a.m. Thursday prior to the ceremony.

Dorothy was born May 14, 1936, in Champaign, the daughter of Ralph and Ella (Ackerman) Uken. She married John J. Fruhling on Sept. 19, 1954, who preceded her in death in 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her five children, Debbie (Mitchell) Frerichs of Royal, Rhonda Fruhling of Iowa City, Iowa, Sharon (Garron) Lukas of Landrum, S.C., Perry (Marlys) Fruhling of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Lisa (David) Crowder of Asheville, N.C.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Troy (Kelli), Brandon, Bryce, Garron II (Brittany), Amy (John), Chantal (Antonio), Ashley, Caleb (Emma), Amanda and Ella; and nine great-grandchildren, Hayden, Carson, Colton, Sophie, Garron III, Adan, Nicole, Alejandra and Olen.

She is also survived by her three brothers, Raymond (Elaine), Norman (Darlene) and Darrell (Donna) Uken.

Dorothy was known for her creativity through music (as the children’s choir director at church and the Fruhling Sisters’ mother), as a cake decorator and various other projects. She was also a big support in running the family farm.

From our human perspective, her serving in these capacities were cut short 36 years ago due to an onset of an inoperable benign brain tumor or AVM. Little did we know that God would use her medical issue for her light to shine brighter modeling what true faith and contentment look like. She took on a new role of being an encourager to friends and family and her faith in Jesus was an inspiration to others.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Joni & Friends (Joni Erickson Tada’s ministry of Sharing Hope through Hardship – based on Luke 14:21,23 “Go out quickly … and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame … so that my house will be full.”) or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Country Health Care & Rehab who cared for her over the past five years. May God bless you.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville.

NG 11/01/2022

Larry L. Flessner

 Larry L. Flessner, 74, of Springfield (formerly of St. Joseph), passed away Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in St. Joseph.  Larry was born March 13, 1948, in Champaign to Ralph and Ella (Duitsman) Flessner.  Larry spent his early days farming alongside his father on the family farm.  

Larry was a 1966 graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School.  Larry was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving two years active duty during the Vietnam War.  

Larry farmed most of his life in the St. Joseph and Penfield areas.  He passed on his love of farming to his son.  Larry also worked for Illiana Construction/Champaign Asphalt Company and University Asphalt.  Later, he was the owner and operator of Larry’s Limousine.

Larry was a member of the Royal American Legion Post 996 and St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.  He was a loyal fan of the Fighting Illini and St. Louis Cardinals.  He was active in the Champaign and Springfield Corvette Clubs.  Larry enjoyed participating in car shows, Corvette rallies, and local parades.

Larry was proceeded in death by his parents; his brother, Gary Flessner; brothers-in law Norman Maier and Leland Albers; a niece, Brenda Maier, and his beloved son, Brad Flessner.  

He is survived by his daughter, Tricia (Chip) Wagner; and grandchildren, Callie and Ian, all of Springfield.  Larry loved watching his grandchildren play sports.  He is also survived by sisters, Bernice Albers and Barb Maier, sister-in-law Linda Flessner, and many nieces and nephews.  

A visitation is planned from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday Oct. 14, 2022, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.  Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m.  Burial will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Penfield.  

Memorial donations may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. 

Freese FH 10/16/2022

Patty Hannagan Frerichs

 Patty Frerichs 62, of Ogden passed away at 1;05 P.M. Monday February 7, 2022 at her home.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday February 12, 2022 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 302 E. Main St. Penfield. Fr. Michael  Menner officiating. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Penfield. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

 

Patty was born October 6, 1959 at Urbana.  The daughter of Gordy and Jan (Fager) Hannagan. She married Randy Frerichs on July 10, 1982 at Penfield. He survives.

She is also survived by her children; Kate (Travis) Youmans of Gifford, Jordan Frerichs of Penfield. Grandchildren; Hannagan, Bentley, Lennon and Sutton Youmans. Siblings; Mary Hannagan of Gifford, Sister-in-law Hillary Hannagan of Penfield, Eddie (Lisa) Hannagan of Penfield, Jody (Jay) Quiram of Sidney, Jimmy (Angie) Hannagan of Gifford. Mother-in-law Florence Frerichs. In-laws Cindy (Charlie) Koonce, Kerry (Annette) Frerichs and Peggy (Jim) Vermilion. Several nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Buddy Hannagan. Father-in-law Mervin Frerichs.

 

Patty was The Voice of Gordyville,the horse show announcer for 33 years. She ran the Gordyville Flea Market and Antique show since they have been held.

She was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association Hall of Fame, Breeder of the National Reined Cowhorse Futurity Winner and World's Greatest Horseman winner, Oh Cay and Short. She was also an All American Quarter Horse Congress NCHA Amateur class champion. Patty enjoyed raising and riding cutting horses and always shared her love of horses with everyone.

Patty was a graduate of Armstrong High School, Cosmetology School and the Missouri School of Auctioneering. She was a Beautician in the area for 40 years.

Most of all Patty loved spending time with her family and friends. She was loved by everyone and was always the light and the life of the party. The world sure won't be as fun without her.

 

Memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church P.O. Box 49 Penfield, IL 61862, Gateway Family Services Equine Therapy for Children with Trauma  7757 US RTE 136 Potomac, IL 61865 or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 1500 Rosecrans Ave. Suite 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Condolences may be made at Freesefh.com

Freese FH 2/9/2022

Sam Ehmen

 Sam Ehmen, 38, of Penfield passed away at 5:04 P.M. Tuesday November 9, 2021 at home.

 Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday November 13, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

 Sam was born February 25, 1983 at Champaign. The son of Charles M. and Lori A. (Bever) Ehmen.

 He is survived by his parents of Penfield. Sister Christina Ehmen of Rantoul.

 He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, niece Autum Rae-Lynn, Uncle Dennis Ehmen and Aunt Lynn Crandall.

 Sam enjoyed canoeing, hiking, painting, landscaping, cooking and being with friends and family.  

Freese FH 11/11/2021

Ray Buck

 GIFFORD — The Gifford and Penfield communities mourn the loss of Ray Buck upon his passing early Sunday (March 14, 2021).

Ray was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Ray was a farmer who for years toiled the land along with two of his brothers to support 30 of their beloved family members. Ray was a CROW’S seed corn salesman, antique dealer, Saint Lawrence Catholic Church member and chocolate connoisseur.

Raymond J. Buck was born July 18, 1927, at home in Penfield. Ray was the fourth child of Leo Buck and Lucinda (Early) Buck. Ray was one of 10 Buck siblings: Frances Buck (deceased), Bernard Buck (deceased) (Ruth Laley, deceased), Maurice Buck (deceased) (Helen Cler, deceased), James Buck (deceased), Catherine Watson (deceased) (David, deceased), Therese Yankowiak (Bob, deceased), Bridgie Cler (Frank, deceased), Bernadette Vogel and Gertie Richardson (Jim).

Following his high school graduation, Ray was drafted into the Army for two deployments as a guard patrolmen in World War II (September 1946 to May 1947) and in the Korean War (December 1950 to December 1952) as a medic corporal. During Ray’s service in Korea, he was injured. Ray was a decorated veteran receiving the following awards: Silver Star, Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal at Japan, Three Bronze Stars, Medical Badge, Korean Service Ribbon and the U.N. Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Ray met his sweetheart of 61 years, Joan Decker.

Ray and Joan had eight children, Greg Buck, Mary Buck, Cecelia Buck Vermillion (Dave), Julie Buck (John Dixon), Denise Buck Griffith (Todd), Lisa Buck Bartley (Rob), Kathleen Ann (deceased) and Brian Eli (deceased).

All of Ray’s living children went on to attain college degrees. Ray loved watching his kids and, later in life, his grandkids in their sporting events and musical performances, and he appreciated living to see them grow into the young adults they have become.

His grandkids are Cassandra Griffith (Johnny Oliger), Jacob Griffith (Erica Griffith), Alex Vermillion (Natalie Shaw), Ashley Bartley, Chad Vermillion, Ryan Bartley and Nicole Vermillion. Ray was proud of all of his kids’ and grandkids’ academic achievements and milestones.

During his 93 years, Ray and Joan saw much of the United States, including Yellowstone and Arizona. They experienced a journey on the Alcan Highway during a trip to Alaska, the wineries in Vermont with family members, and special trips with their grandkids. Another memorable trip was the 2012 Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. The 60-plus veterans and their guardians viewed the monuments in Washington, D.C., erected in their honor. In his 90s, he celebrated several of his birthdays by whitewater rafting, a hot air balloon adventure and a ride on a motorcycle.

Holiday gatherings were rarely without some competitive games of euchre. Joan and Ray were patient teachers of the game and enjoyed watching their grandkids win their first game. In the most recent years, Yahtzee was the game of choice with family and friends and was never turned down.

Ray relished his time as a Penfield Grade School board member, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Penfield/Gifford American Legion Post 1153, DAV and NFO (National Farmers Organization). Ray enjoyed being a faithful servant assisting in mowing the Catholic cemetery into his 80s and was an active member with any organization he was a part of.

Many people from central Illinois know Ray from his antique sales at Gordyville and the I& I Tractor Club. What may look like junk to some, Ray viewed as hidden treasure. Though he wasn’t one to barter, Ray’s kindness always prevailed. For example, a handful of buffalo coins disappeared while he was on a lunch break. Ray said, “That’s OK. They must have needed those more than me.”

Ray’s hobbies included coin collecting and hunting. Ray enjoyed socializing with the locals over coffee or beer at the local watering hole.

As a seed corn salesman, Ray earned many awards, trips and recognitions. The employees at CROW’S, as well as others in his life, would agree, they don’t make them like Ray anymore. He was often known to hum and whistle while he was working.

The family invites you to celebrate the life of Raymond J. Buck on Saturday, March 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul, IL 61866, followed by a service and burial at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and Cemetery, Penfield. Please observe social distancing, wear your mask, and follow all other guidelines by the funeral home and CDC. If you are unable to attend, please keep Ray and the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church. “We can’t all be heroes … some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.” — Will Roger

NG 3/18/2021