Joanne Therese Pfabb

HOMER – Joanne Therese Pfaab, 83, of Homer passed away at 10:26 a.m. Monday (Aug. 15, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Father Michael Menner will officiate. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, with a rosary recited at 10:45 a.m.

Joanne was born on Oct. 26, 1932, in Chicago, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Newman Kelley. She married Donald J. Pfaab on Feb. 9, 1952, in Chicago. He preceded her in death on Dec. 25, 2003.

Survivors include two sons, Steven (Margie) Pfaab of Champaign and George (Sindy) Pfaab of Richmond, Texas; five daughters, Terry (Mike) Maire of Jackson, Mo., Mary Pat Tyner of Katy, Texas, Donna Lynn (Tonti) Yon of Tacoma, Wash., Peggy (Bob) Garrison of Broadlands and Debbie (Teddy) Burgin of Champaign; two sisters, Dorothy Fitch and Gerry Martens; one brother, James Kelley; grandchildren, Ryan Tyner, Kellie McCubbin, Timothy Maire, Christine Long, Bryan Kieran, Austin Yon, Ericka Pfaab, Forrest Pfaab, Casey Garrison, Leslie Garrison, Charley Garrison, Alexis Burgin and Spencer Burgin; and two great-grandchildren, Vance McComas and Kellyn Irwin.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Kellie Pfaab, and a sister, Donna Jean Carrano.

Joanne was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church, Altar and Rosary Society, and Homer American Legion Auxiliary.

She helped the veterans at Danville Veterans Hospital and was a volunteer at Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.

Joanne loved to bake and was known in town for her cinnamon rolls. She loved reading and helping others. Joanne loved her church family and community. Her favorite times were spent with her children and grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to Homer Fire and Rescue, Homer Library, Homer American Legion Auxiliary or St. Charles Borromeo Church.

Ruth M. McNear

ST. JOSEPH – Ruth M. McNear, 91, of St. Joseph passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 16, 2016) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Brother Judd Travis officiating. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Ruth was born on March 22, 1925, at Cowden, the daughter of Jesse and Grace (Mummel) Severe.

Ruth married David McNear on May 29, 1945. He preceded her in death on Jan. 4, 1993. Also preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Jesse Glee Severe; stepson, Marion McNear; and a step-great-grandson, Jimmy Frazier.

She is survived by seven children, Jesse McNear (Anna) of Louisville, Ky., Jerry McNear of Urbana, Rhonda Mitchell (Danny) of Champaign, Roberta McKee (Bill) of Sidney, Randy McNear of St. Joseph, Ramona Hauersperger (Martin) of Pesotum and Rosemary McNear of Homer.

Also surviving are three stepchildren, Charles (Anne) McNear of Hilton Head Island, S.C., Doris (Mike) Boggs of Brownstown, Ill., and Jane Head of Purdin, Mo.; 14 grandchildren, Angela McNear (Demetreaus) of Louisville, Ky., Jerome McNear (Trisha) of Louisville, Ky., Jason McNear (Tanya) of St. Johns, Fla., Misty (Chris) Grossman of Mount Zion, Gena McNear of Cisco, Justin Jett (Carrie) of Pflugerville, Texas, Marci Mitchell of St. Joseph, Bryan McNear (Angel) of Westville, Erin Bailey (Brian) of Sidney, Josita Recinos of Louisville, Ky., Brandise Atkinson (Brian) of Palm Springs, Calif., Derek Hauersperger of Pesotum, Joshua Pizell of Homer and Taylor Pruitt of Homer; 15 step-grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one step-great-granddaughter; and one step-great-great-granddaughter.

Ruth attended Cowden High School in Cowden.

She was a warm, compassionate, caring person who brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. She never met a stranger, she loved to read, do find-a-word puzzles and spend time with family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed. Heaven is getting a special angel.

Memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice, 1550 Bishop Court, Mount Prospect, IL 60056; or Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011; or to an organization of the donor's choice.

John G. "Jack" Trumbull

TILTON – John G. "Jack" Trumbull, 77, of Tilton passed away at 12:39 a.m. Monday (Aug. 8, 2016) at his home.

Jack was born Oct. 24, 1938, in Urbana to John Byron and Phyllis Julia Williams Trumbull.

Surviving are one son, Douglas Frank Trumbull of Port Charlotte, Fla.; one daughter, Leslie Savarese of North Carolina; two brothers, William Theodore (Joyce) Trumbull of Urbana and Robert Byron (Darlene) Trumbull of Urbana; and one granddaughter, Amanda Wilson.

Jack was a 50-year member of the Local No. 143 Plaster & Cement Masons of Champaign. He served as business agent for Vermilion County for several years. Jack enjoyed playing golf with his friends, hunting and fishing.

Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with Robert Trumbull officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be offered online at www.robisonchapel.com.

Judy Roach

ROYAL – Judy Roach, 55, of Royal passed away at 12:10 p.m. Monday (Aug. 8, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Judy was born June 13, 1961, at Champaign, the daughter of Herbert and Lois Hunter Frerichs.

She is survived by her children, Josh (Jen) Martin of Rantoul, Kristin Wingler of Dieterich and Kenna Roach of Jacksonville, Fla.; granddaughters, Kailee McConkey, Cheyenne Martin, and a granddaughter on the way; mother, Lois Frerichs of Royal; sisters, Susan (Mark) Loschen of St. Joseph and Lori Krutsinger of Thomasboro; and brother, Tim (Teri) Frerichs of St. Joseph.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herb; maternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Hunter; paternal grandparents, John and Anna Frerichs; and stepgrandmother, Louise Frerichs.

Judy loved the beach, puzzles, ceramics, the Florida sun and her family. She always had a smile on her face. Judy was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Vernon E. Huls

CHICAGO – Vernon E. Huls, 67, of Chicago died at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

He was born Sept. 12, 1948, in Champaign. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest J Huls. His mother, Margie L. (Olson) of the Knights Templar Home, Paxton, survives.

He is also survived by siblings, Velma of Champaign, Vera of Gifford and Virgil of Gifford; nieces, Angie McCabe and Amy Hennigh; nephew, Brandon Boastick; one great-niece; two great-nephews; one great-great-niece; and two great-great-nephews.

Vernon graduated from Rantoul Township High School and Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He worked at various accounting firms in the Chicago area and was active in the LGBTQ community.

His wishes were to be cremated and ashes scattered on the family farm. Memorial service and ash ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2016, at the family farm, 2565 County Road 2300 E, Gifford.

Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Kevin D. Peters

ST. JOSEPH – Kevin D. Peters, 57, died at 6:55 p.m. Monday (Aug. 1, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Peggy Ball of Savoy; his three amazing children, Amanda Peters Miller of Ogden, Andrea R. (Troy) Ray of rural St. Joseph and Joshua D. Peters of Ogden; six grandchildren who are loves of his life, Graham Michael Ray, Easton Charles Ray, Lake Marie Ray, Aubrey Linn Miller, Atleigh Rae Miller and Ace Maverick Miller; a brother, Michael Ray (Cheryl) Peters of St. Joseph; and sister, Sharon Lee (Brian) Ball of rural Dewey. His mother, Marilyn Peters of St. Joseph, also survives, as well as many beloved cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Gene Peters; his maternal grandparents, Claude and Elsie Schartiger; and his paternal grandparents, Bill and Opal Lange.

Kevin was born on March 22, 1959, in Urbana to parents Ray Gene Peters and F. Marilyn Schartiger Peters. He grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1977.

During his lifetime, he worked for Carriage House furniture store in Champaign; at Alloy Casting; and finally enjoyed a career as a corrections counselor at the Illinois Department of Corrections, working in Adult Transition Centers, and was cited several times for having perfect attendance.

In 2015, Kevin retired as a stores supervisor from the Danville Correctional Center, making time for more Cubs baseball games, yard work and most importantly, his wonderful, loving family and beautiful grandchildren.

Kevin was a life member of the National Rifle Association and loved hunting. He was very proud of his 10-point buck.

Officiating high school baseball and basketball (IHSA) was an important part of Kevin's life for 35 years. He was a dedicated and talented official who had great respect from fellow officials, coaches and athletic directors in Illinois.

He was a member of IBOA (Illini Basketball Officials Association) and officiated at the Girls' State Basketball Tournament three times, in 2010, 2011 and 2013. It was one of the biggest honors of his life to referee the championship game at this tournament in both 2011 and 2013.

Friends knew Kevin as easygoing and having a wonderful smile, which he wore almost all the time. His children are his pride and joy. The grandchildren made him extremely happy.

In 2006, he married Peggy Ball in Champaign, who waited her whole life of 47 years just for him.

Those who knew Kevin knew he was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs and greatly enjoyed their recent success and looked forward to great things from them.

A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

A funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, also at Freese Funeral Home. Pastor Jay Johnson of the St. John Lutheran Church in Royal will officiate.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations can be directed to the American Heart Association.

William Paul Manning

CHAMPAIGN – William Paul "Bill" Manning, 76, left this earthly life to meet his Lord and Savior on Thursday (Aug. 4, 2016).

He was born April 15, 1940, in Homer, the son of Wilbur T. and Nora B. (Marlow) Manning. His mother died in a car accident in January 1953, and he was then adopted by Mary L. Manning and his father.

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Janet S. Sanders, on Oct. 17, 1959. They had one son, Jeffrey Todd, on July 1, 1963. He preceded Bill in death on Sept. 17, 2010.

Bill graduated from St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph, on May 27, 1958, and continued his education at Champaign Commercial College. He also attended Parkland College to strengthen his knowledge in accounting and was in that field at Clifford-Jacobs Forging Co., Bacon & Van Buskirk Glass Co. and the University of Illinois Student Financial Aid Office for 47 years.

Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy. He was baptized into the Christian faith in 1956 and served the Lord as youth counselor, deacon, elder and treasurer, and taught youth, adult and special ed Sunday school. Bill served the children at First Baptist in the Awana program and vacation Bible school.

During his life, he traveled to Honduras and Africa on mission trips. One of his mission trips included serving 19 days in the Democratic Republic of the Congo helping to construct a water retention system. In Honduras, Bill served at an orphanage and helped to build furniture for the children.

Bill served on the board of directors of the Champaign County Association for the Mentally Challenged as treasurer and was instrumental in opening the first group home in Champaign for people with disabilities. He was on the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission serving on the Community Action Board, was a life/active member of the Carle Hospital Auxiliary and was a member of the University Club. Bill enjoyed traveling, dancing, bowling and playing bridge.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janet, and his sister, Lois E. (Chuck) Sadler of Fithian, their children Steve and Donna Sadler (sons Spencer and Sam), Linda and Jim Riggs (daughters Susan and Kristen and Jeremy Wise) and Deana Sadler. He is also survived by Janet's sister, Carol, and her husband, Dan Mullis of Danville, and their son Matt and Claire Mullis (daughters Olivia and Hannah).

Bill and Janet "unofficially" adopted a young family 15 years ago. They are Jared and Julianne Webber and their children Christoff, Megan, Kade, Mia and Caleb.

In addition to his son Jeff, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, James A. Manning of Gifford, and sister, Doris (Don) Wolf of Homer, as well as his parents.

There will be a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy. A celebration of life service will be at the church (corner of South Prospect and Burwash avenues, Savoy) at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, with Pastor Ron McDugle officiating. A visitation at the church will begin at 10 am. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Developmental Services Center, 1304 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61822, or to Camp New Hope, P.O. Box 764, Mattoon, IL 61938, in memory of Jeff Manning and Bill.

The family would like to thank Carle Hospital and Carle Hospice, its doctors, nurses, aides and other caregivers and specialists for their services this past year. All have been so kind and sensitive to Bill's needs. We also thank our family, friends and our First Baptist Church family for their prayers, food, cards and care support this past year. The love we have received is beyond measure.

Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, is in charge of arrangements.