Kenneth Thomason Heyen

 Kenneth Thomason Heyen, 91 of Broadlands passed away at 12:59PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at The Haven in Tuscola.

Private graveside services will be held.  Freese Funeral Home, Tolono is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Heyen was born Nov 15, 1934 in Petersburg, IL, a son to Julius and Ruby Thomason Heyen.  He married Awanda Lee Limkeman on Sept 20, 1958 in Sutter, IL.  She preceded him in death on August 31, 2023.

Surviving are two sons; Kevin (Susan) and Kendall (Brenda), a daughter; Alisa (Tim) grandchildren; Brandon (Hannah), Brittany, Makenzie (Alexis), Alexander and Maddison, and two great-grandchildren; Cecelia Kay and Lucca E.

Mr. Heyen graduated from Ipava High School, then graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Education.  While receiving his master’s degree with served in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He was employed at Unit 7 Schools as the band and music teacher from 1970 to 1991.  He grew up on the family farm in Carthage, IL, where he and his children would go back in the summers and help with planting and harvesting the crops.  He was an avid Illini sports fan.  He also enjoyed watching his children’s and then his grandchildren’s activities, playing the organ and accordion, and going to tractor pulls, he especially enjoyed the Allis-Chalmers tractors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Haven of Tuscola for their kindness and compassion.  Over the years, they became more than just Ken’s caregivers; they became family.  Their commitment to treating him with love, dignity, and respect will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be made to Unity Music Boosters at PO Box 1063, Tolono, Il 61880.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Kenneth-Heyen

Blane C. Warren

 St. Joseph - Blane C. Warren, 55, passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday (June 15, 2026) at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1971, to William and Betty (Grate) Warren, in Champaign. Blane grew up in Tolono riding motorcycles and was a local paper boy. He was full of energy and intelligence. He attended Tolono schools and St. Joseph High school for a time. He received his associate degree from Lakeland College in Mattoon. Blane was a mechanic, tire man and recycler. He loved to take things apart. He loved music, mostly metal music, which he enjoyed listening to as a security guard for many years at the Canopy Club in Champaign as well as Summer Camp Music Festival. For many years he was the face of the club, reminding you to have your IDs out and ready at the door.

Above all, Blane was a devoted husband to his wife, Lori Ann (Stewart) Warren. He was a father, grandfather, brother and friend. He loved fast cars and motorcycles, and those who knew him will remember his wicked sense of humor, intelligence and personality. Blane was a big man with a big heart and big personality. There wasn't anyone he didn't know.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lori, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his daughter, Malarie Terry; son, Michael Terry; stepson, Kenneth Misner; sister, Ronda (Gary) Sullivan; three grandchildren; and several cousins.

Blane was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Aunt Missie.

The last few years of Blane's life were marked with illness and the inability to walk. Blane's family finds comfort that he is no longer in pain and is walking in heaven now with a perfect body. He will be remembered by the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. with a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CatSnap or a charity of your choosing.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/blane-warren-obituary?id=61707553

Dorothy Buhr

 Dorothy Buhr, 86 of Tolono formerly of Royal, passed away at 6:29  P.M. Saturday may 16, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital.

 Dorothy was born September 24, 1939 in Sidney. The daughter of Lou and Lena (Poll) Wienke. She married Harold Buhr on September 8, 1957 in Broadlands. He preceded her in death on October 5, 2006.

 She is survived by her daughters Lisa (Gary) Mitchell of Tolono and Karen Buhr of Danville. Four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

 She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

 She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. She retired from the University of Illinois.

 Dorothy loved baking. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and attending her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's events.

 The family would like to thank the Carle Hospice team especially the nurses for the professional care given to Dorothy.

 Memorials may be given to St, John Lutheran Church 203 Church St. Royal, IL 61871.

 Private family services have been held.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Dorothy-Buhr

Jeffrey Lynn Fisher

 TOLONO — Jeffrey Lynn Fisher, 64, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and lifelong farmer, passed away Friday (March 6, 2026) surrounded by the love of his family.

His life was defined by faith, hard work and a deep commitment to the people he cherished.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Susie, whom he met during his time at Illinois State University. Their love began on campus and grew into a lifetime partnership filled with devotion, laughter and unwavering support. Together, they raised four children — Stacy, Corinne (Paul), Jordan (Kodey) and Carson — each of whom brought him immense pride. Jeff was also blessed with six grandchildren, Caroline, Noah, Daisy, Grant, Lyndie and Rylee, who were the light of his life.

He is also survived by his parents, Gary Fisher (Linda) and Marcia Fisher; brother, Brian; sister, Julie; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who loved him dearly. Jeff also leaves behind many lifelong friends who remain with us today, each carrying memories of his kindness, humor and steady presence.

A 1979 graduate of Unity High School, Jeff continued his education at Illinois State University before returning home to pursue his lifelong calling — farming. He was a daily farmer in every sense, tending the land with dedication and integrity. His passion for agriculture extended into service as an active member of the Farm Bureau, the Young Farmers Committee and the American Quarter Horse Association.

Jeff’s faith guided him throughout his life. He was a committed member of the Tolono Presbyterian Church, where he found fellowship and purpose. He also served proudly in the Masonic Lodge, contributing his time and leadership to an organization he deeply respected.

Jeff found his greatest joy outdoors — whether working the fields, caring for his horses or spending time with his family under the open sky. His gentle spirit, steady presence and quiet strength touched everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be at Freese Funeral Home, Tolono, on Thursday, March 12, from 4 to 7p.m. Masonic rites will be at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will follow on Friday, March 13, at 11 a.m., at Tolono Presbyterian Church. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the land he nurtured, the friends who continue to honor his memory, and the countless lives he impacted with kindness and integrity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff’s honor to the Tolono Presbyterian Church or to the Champaign County Farm Bureau.

Gayle Robert Thomas

 
NOKOMIS, Fla. - Gayle Robert Thompson, 86, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Nokomis, Fla.

He was born Dec. 12, 1938, in St. Joseph, to Robert and Almedah White Thompson. A 1957 graduate of Unity High School, Gayle graduated in 1961 from the United States Naval Academy, where he became a naval aviator and military test pilot. He was a member of the eight-man rowing team that won the Olympic Trials competition to represent the United States at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, where the team finished fifth. In 1991, Gayle was honored as one of the first names included in the Champaign Park District's Olympic Tribute at Dodds Park. In 2022, he was inducted into the Unity High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his son, Jeff of White Lake Township, Mich.; grandson, Garrison of Westland, Mich.; granddaughter, Caitlyn of White Lake, Mich.; sister, Jan Renn of Goreville; and sister, Judy Wirth of Naples, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; son, Greg; and sister, Barbara Watson.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/gayle-thompson-obituary?id=59370969

A celebration of life is planned for a later date, following his interment in Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida.