Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Thomas

 
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Thomas, 95 of Philo, passed away at 9:24 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at home.

Funeral services will be 11:00AM, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Mrs. Thomas was born July 25, 1930 in Arcola, a daughter to Perry Harrison and Nellie Reed Gardener.  She married Harold H Thomas Sr. on September 14, 1946, married a week shy of 79 years, he survives.

Also surviving are five children; Sharon (Larry) Campbell of Genesco, Harold (Veronica) Thomas Jr. of St. Joseph, Peggy (Wayne) Clem of Philo, John (Ruth) Thomas of Philo, and Joseph (Audra) Thomas of Champaign, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Since moving to Philo in 1955, Betty was very active in Junior and Senior Women’s Club, Home Extension and American Legion Auxiliary.  She also was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and taught Sunday School for many years.

She served on the Champaign District United Methodist Women’s board for 12 years, including 4 years as District President.  She served on the board of the Cunningham Children’s Home and the Central Conference Board.  She also served as President of the Untied Methodist Women at the Countryside United Methodist Church.

Freese FH 9/8/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/notices/ElizabethBetty-Thomas

David F. James Jr.

 
David F. James, Jr 98 of Savoy, formerly of Urbana, passed away August 8, 2025 at Carle Hospital.  David was born April 24, 1927 in St. Joseph Township, Champaign County, the son of David F. and Mildred Mae (Robbins), James Sr.  He married Aleta Stark August 22, 1945 and she preceded him in death on October 12, 1998.  He married Betty Coon on June 10, 2000 and she preceded him in death on October 9, 2024. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Robert James.

David is survived by sons, Jeff James of Havana, FL, Scott (Tina) James of Rantoul, a daughter, Cindy Williams of Urbana, grandson, Joshua James, Stepchildren, Marvin Coon of Clear Water, FL, Bonnie Kumm (Ervin) of Champaign, Susan Wedig (Rick) of St. Joseph, step grandchildren, Jennifer Gussman, Nic Wedig, Ryan Wedig, Karen Turnbough and five step great grandchildren.

David served in the Navy during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific.  After the war, he worked at Inskip Co., had his own heating company, and then worked at Reliable Plumbing & Heating.  He finished his career as a sheet metal worker at the University of Illinois in 1988.  He was a lifelong member of Quest Church, a Community of Grace, previously Grace United Methodist Church, Urbana. 

David called square dances for 32 years across Illinois and locally for Boots & Bows square dance club in which he and his wife, Aleta made many friends.  He loved music and attended dinner theaters and other music shows in the area.  He enjoyed camping with friends in the earlier years and then wintering in Florida.  He could fix anything and enjoyed doing just that!  He was an avid Bears, Bulls, and of course, an Illini fan.  Betty and David watched them all.  He also liked his coffee group outings with friends at McDonald’s.

David loved his family dearly and would do anything for them.  He loved spending time with all his family especially his grandson, Joshua.  He enjoyed bringing flowers home weekly to his wife, Betty, and texting daily messages to all of his family.  He cared deeply for all and was the best Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be on Monday August 18 at 10:00 AM Monday with A Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM Monday, both at Renner-Wikoff-Chapel & Crematory.  Pastor Linda Vonck will officiate.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo, following the service.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

NG 8/16/2025

Gale E. Painter

 VILLA GROVE - Gale E. Painter, 82, of Villa Grove passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday (Feb. 19, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

He was born on May 24, 1942, in Homer, to David and Agnes (Reynolds) Painter. He married Celeste "Dolly" McCabe on March 4, 1967.

He is survived by his son, Max (Jami) Painter; two grandsons, Andrew (Hannah Anderson) Painter and Alec (Bri Reifsteck) Painter; seven siblings, Hellen Painter, Judy (Jim) Wells, Harold Painter, Dale (Sandy) Painter, Lyle Painter, Jerry Painter and Terry Painter; and three brothers-in-law, Bill McCabe, John McCabe and Marty Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly Painter; parents, David and Agnes Painter; two siblings, Clarence Painter and Anna Markle; and one sister-in-law, Beverly Painter.

Gale attended and graduated from ABL High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for several years. After serving his country, he worked for the University of Illinois for 30 years and always enjoyed watching Illinois football and basketball.

Gale loved to be outdoors camping with his siblings and fishing with his grandsons, and enjoyed his time bowling with them as well. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family and was very close with all of his siblings.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 27, at Joines Funeral Home, Villa Grove, with a funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/gale-painter-obituary?id=57651068

David J. Bosch

 

David J Bosch, 62, of Broadlands, IL, left this world way too soon on December 23, 2024, when his heart suddenly stopped in an ambulance.  He left Traci, his wife of 37 years, and his sons and daughters-in-law, Jacob (Lauren) and Clayton (Larissa), in shock, lost, and in grief.  He was so proud of his sons and taught them everything in life.  He taught them how to love and laugh.  He taught them to build and repair homes, and to repair engines and farm equipment.  They called him often just to chat or to get a second opinion on any given subject.  Most of all, he taught them to love and honor God.

Dave left behind two beautiful grandbabies that filled his heart with joy.  His phone was full of pictures of Scarlett and Maxwell.  He loved to hear them say “Hi Papa”.  He left behind his mother and stepfather Vera and Don Maase.  He left his siblings and spouses, Mark (Marsha) Bosch, Linda (Rudy) Huber, and Robert (Tanya) Bosch.  He left his mother-in-law, Edna Fruhling, and Traci’s siblings, Tami (Mike) Fruhling-Voges, Teri (Tim) Frerichs, and Trini (Fred) Fruhling-Bensyl.  Dave left many nieces and nephews.  He will be missed so much by all.

Dave loved life and gave himself in every way.  He was a baseball coach, boy scout leader, and booster club member.  He was on the Broadlands-Longview Fire Protection District for 10 years, and recently rejoined as a Trustee.  He was on the Heritage School Board for 16 years, ending as President of the Board.  He was Trustee for Raymond Township and just recently refiled to run again.  He loved being active in the I & I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club and was Co-Vice President.  He was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and prepared the church for Mass every Sunday.  He loved meeting and talking to people and could not go anywhere without running into someone he knew.

Dave graduated from ABL High School in Broadlands and from Parkland College in Champaign.  He worked for Allerton Implement Company in Allerton until they closed, starting as a mechanic and ending in sales.  After AIC closed, a kind-hearted man named Norman Duitsman asked Dave to join his staff at Shaff Implement.  Dave loved every minute of selling New Holland equipment and Walker lawn mowers, but he was starting to mention retirement and future plans more often.  Dave bled “Green” and collected antique John Deere equipment.  He could tell his boys everything about a John Deere tractor and quizzed them often to make sure they remembered the facts.  However, his blood was starting to become “Bluer” after attending New Holland conferences to learn more about their tractors and combines.

Dave is now joining his loved ones in Heaven, including his caring father and stepmother, William and Jane Bosch, his beloved Aunt Rita Bosch, and his wonderful father-in-law, Donald Fruhling.  We cannot believe we are having to write this.  He will truly be missed in this world and will be thought of and talked to in Heaven every day.  Dave was the most loving, laid-back husband and father.  He was our best friend.

A Celebration of Life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Philo, IL  at 10:30 A.M. Monday December 30, 2024. Fr. Keith Walder will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Bongard, IL.  Visitation will be at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo on Sunday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

 In lieu of flowers mass intentions may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Freese FH 12/26/2024 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/David-Bosch

John "Phil" Daly

 John “Phil” Daly, 59 of Sidney passed away at 10:40PM, Saturday, July 20, 2024 at home.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Tuesday at the church with the rosary at 9:30AM.

Phil was born July 30, 1964 in Urbana.  A son to John Joseph and Maxine Wacker Daly Jr.  He married Jeanne Lannon on March 31, 1986 in Urbana, she survives.

Also surviving are five children; Morgan (John) Zeman of St. Joseph, Thomas “Tad” (Rebecca) Daly of Homer, John “Colin” (Gaby) Daly of Philo, Max Daly of Chicago, and Maureen Daly of Sidney, eight grandchildren; Lucy, Lily and Molly Zeman, Evie, Bryson and Issy Daly and Lorelai and Claire Daly, a brother Bob Daly of Philo, and a sister Donna (Mike) McHenry of Philo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister; Catherine Daly.

He served in the United State Marine Corp from 1984 to 1988.

Upon returning from his service, he became a truck driver where he travelled all over the country to support his family.  When he was home, he enjoyed spending time with them.  Whether taking them on road trips to state and national parks or just enjoying another family party.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception, Bongard and St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo.  

Memorials may be made to Champaign County Down Syndrome Network.

Freese FH 7/24/2024

Teddy R. Cross

 

Teddy R. Cross, 75, of Ogden passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, on Thursday (March 16, 2023).

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 20, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.

Teddy was born April 11, 1947, in Flippin, Ky., the son of Henry Ted and Mildred L. (Atkins) Cross. He married Janine Pembor on Dec. 24, 1967, in Brocton.

He is survived by his wife, Janine; son, Tom Cross (Anne Carbonneau) of Champaign; daughter, Cathy Cross of Urbana; brother, David Cross (Mai) of Westmoreland, Tenn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jayce Cross and Roger Cross; and his sister-in-law, Dee Cross.

Teddy was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam. When he could, he loved spending time woodworking, going for drives and tinkering with lawn mowers. He also was always up for a game of Zilch or Yahtzee, where he undoubtedly dominated. Teddy collected lots of unique salt and pepper shakers. He loved his family unconditionally.

Memorials can be made to the Ogden-Royal Fire Protection District.

Freese FH 3/17/2023