Billy Aten

ST. JOSEPH — Billy Aten, 66, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019.

Billy was born in Kankakee on March 17, 1953, to Leo and Lois (Tuttle) Aten. He married the love of his life, Judith “Jan” Francisco, on Oct. 9, 1983.

Surviving are his loving wife, Jan; daughter, Casey Aten of St. Joseph; sons, Billy Aten (Kierra Fonner) of Champaign and Austin Aten of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Colton and Casen Huls, Kali Fonner and Kash Aten; and his best friend and cousin, Max Aten of Greenville.

Billy earned a bachelor’s

in education from Northwest Missouri State University and received the honor of being an All-American college athlete while playing baseball. When he wasn’t on a ballfield, you could usually find him at the nearest pond. If they were biting, he was fishing.

He cherished his grandchildren and took the responsibility of “papaw” to another level.

Whether it was walks at Homer Lake, days on the golf course, “car talk” or watching tennis tournaments, he always put his family first.

Billy was known as B.A. in the car biz for more than 30 years.

He never met a stranger and was everybody’s “best” friend.

A celebration of life will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at Eastland Suites, 1907 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana. This will be a time for all friends and family to gather and share their stories and memories.

Memorials are suggested to Papaws Legacy Memorial for his grandchildren, in care of Barkley Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 381, Greenup, IL 62428.

CU News-Gazette 11/6/2019

Norma L. Huls

ST. JOSEPH — Norma L. Huls, 82, of St. Joseph passed away at 9:54 a.m. Friday (Nov. 1, 2019) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Pastor James Lehmann will officiate. Burial will be in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Norma was born Feb. 1, 1937, in Ridge Farm, the daughter of Chester and Daisy (Tate) Strohl. She married Ernest Huls on Feb. 24, 1956, in Homer. He preceded her in death Dec. 27, 1988.

She is survived by her son, Gary (Julie) Huls of St. Joseph; three grandchildren, Josh, Greg and Alicia; and four greatgrandchildren, Alexia, Chase, Austin and Avery.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and four sisters.

Norma was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She retired from the University of Illinois. Norma enjoyed camping and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the family.

NG 11/3/2019

David L. Hooker

SIDNEY — David L. Hooker, 56, of Sidney passed away at 9:29 a.m. Friday (Nov. 1, 2019) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

Mr. Hooker was born May 14, 1963, in Champaign, a son to Paul and Patricia Hannah Hooker. He married Donna Williams on June 30, 1990; they had a son, Derek Hooker, and he survives in Sidney.

Also surviving are a brother, Dwight (Terri) Hooker of Mahomet, 12 nieces and nephews; and four great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

David retired after 30 years from the University of Illinois in the printing services department. He also worked with the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department and was a trustee for both the Sidney Township and Sidney Cemetery boards. He enjoyed detailing and washing cars, Illinois sports, the St. Louis Cardinals and NASCAR. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Memorials may be made to the Sidney Fire Department.

NG 11/3/2019

Irene E. Lofton

SAVOY — Irene E. Lofton was born Feb. 2, 1930, in rural Sidney. Irene began her heavenly life at 5:06 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 23, 2019) at Northwestern University Hospital. She was a daughter of Edgar E. Schwartz and Flora (Block) Schwartz. She was married to Clay Lofton at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ on July 16, 1949.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney, with the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at the funeral home. Burial will be immediately following at Mount Hope Cemetery in Sidney.

She is survived by her loving husband of more than 70 years, Clay; daughters, Sharon (Marty) Conatser of Champaign and Pam (Harl “Butch”) Ray of Springfield. She also leaves five grandchildren whom she loved very much, Rick Malloch, Bryan (Erica) Malloch, Sara (Jonathan) Helmus, Ami (CJ) Stephens and Richard (Patsy) Conatser. Irene’s seven great-grandchildren will always remember her smile and hugs, which were a must! She is also survived by many Schwartz, Lofton and Block family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister.

Irene was born and raised in rural Sidney.

She graduated from business school at Illinois C o m m e rcial College and worked at the University of Illinois as manager of Steno services for more than 25 years.

Irene was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and a paid-up-for-life member for more than 67 years serving as department (state) president in 1983-84 and as National Central Division vice president 1989-90. Irene was always there to help anyone she could, and she was loved by anyone that ever met her. Her family and her country were always the main focus of her life.

The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of Northwestern University Cardiovascular Department for their care and support. Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Pham were talented and caring. The nurses were helpful and supportive throughout our time working with them. We also wish to thank the staff and friends at the Villas of Hollybrook in Savoy, where they currently reside. Their love and support mean the world to Clay aLOFTON

Delbert W. Ihnen

PENFIELD — Delbert W. Ihnen, 56, of Penfield passed away at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 23, 2019) at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann, the Rev. Mark Wilkerson and Vicar Ryan officiating. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

 Visitation will be two hours before the service, from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Delbert was born May 24, 1963, in Champaign, the son of Dennis and Betty Buhr Ihnen.

He is survived by his mother, Betty of Rantoul; daughter, Savannah Ihnen of Fisher; two brothers, David Ihnen of Lizton, Ind., and Dale Ihnen of Penfield; his favorite sister, Carleen (Tony) Lantis of Gifford; godparents, Wilbert and Marie Buhr of Gifford; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis; and grandparents, Charlie and Seana Buhr and Anton and Charlotte Ihnen.

Delbert graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1981 and from ITT Tech with high honors. He was a commercial copier sales representative throughout Illinois and Indiana.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, president of the Hardley Riders Club and the proud owner of Delbert’s Uniquely Functional Animal Farm. He enjoyed hosting cookouts for the RTHS football team and was their number one fan. His greatest joy was attending his daughter’s sporting events and hanging out with his nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be offered online at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Jimmy Lee Maddock

ST. JOSEPH — James “Jimmy Lee” Maddock, 73, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:35 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 22, 2019) at home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph. Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Thursday) at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Jimmy Lee was born July 31, 1946, in Urbana, the son of Orval and Lena (Miller) Maddock. He married Peggy Williams on Nov. 13, 1965, in Champaign. She preceded him in death Dec. 22, 2010.

He is survived by his children, Julie (Mark) Rahn of St. Joseph and Kim (Brian) Conner of Denver; grandchildren, Jordyn Bialeschki, Jake Rahn and Keegan and Ryleigh Conner; great-granddaughter, Tinleigh Bialeschki; brother, Steve (Carol) Maddock of St. Joseph; and several cousins and friends whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Vietnam War. Jimmy worked at Kraft for 40 years. He also farmed in the St. Joseph area. Jimmy enjoyed watching Illini sports and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. He had lived in Denver from 2007 to 2017 and enjoyed spending time with friends at the Parkway while there.

Jimmy Lee had a smile that could light up a room. He was best known for his contagious laugh, fun-loving, outgoing personality and love for life. The family is requesting you wear your favorite Illini wear to the visitation.

Memorials may be made to the Post 5520 Honor Guard.

Esther Gesina Freida Loeschen

GIFFORD — Esther Gesina Freida Loeschen passed away at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 8, 2019) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

She was born May 23, 1928, at Burnham City Hospital to Fred and Grace Gerdes Loeschen. Esther married Wilbert Osterbur on Nov. 11, 1952, in Flatville. He preceded her in death Dec. 28, 1999.

Wilbert and Esther farmed and also worked at Ogden High School and St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Later, she did house cleaning in Champaign. She taught Sunday school at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville and later at St. John Lutheran in Royal, as well as teaching vacation Bible school. While working at Ogden High School, she received her GED by taking classes at Champaign Central.

Esther was a leader in her community. She cared deeply for her family and friends and had a servant’s heart in caring for others. Esther’s confirmation verse was Psalms 37:5, “Commit thy way unto the Lord. Trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass.” She lived her faith and was committed to Christ in every breath.

She is survived by two children, Tyrone (Laurie) Osterbur of Weldon and Tiana (Charlie) Montgomery of Monticello. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Pastor Taryn Montgomery (Christoph) of Center City, Minn., Matthew (Rachel) Osterbur of Clinton, Teresa (Jim) Kleiss of Pesotum and Trena Montgomery of Minneapolis. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren, Magdalene, Rhoda and Peter Schmidt of Center City, Minn.; Lucy, Cecilia, Anastasia, John and Agnes Kleiss of Pesotum; and Kylee Osterbur of Clinton.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilbert, in December 1999; three brothers, Harm, Henry and William; and twin sons on May 27, 1957.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Pastor Jay Johnson and Pastor Taryn Montgomery will be officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, St. John Lutheran Cemetery or Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

CU News-Gazette 10/10/19