Nadirah Carolyn Kay Edwards

 ST. JOSEPH — Nadirah Carolyn Kay Edwards (July 18, 2003-Dec. 3, 2020).

One lovely afternoon just as the sun had set, an infinite being forgot, for the very briefest of moments, that they were in a finite world and fell out of our view. This magnificent creature has left those of us that knew her with hearts full of love and the permanent imprint of an unbelievably unique and wonderful example of human character.

Born in Lafayette, Ind., Nadirah was the youngest of three children. Nadirah and family moved to St Joseph in 2008, where she had attended school since.

Nadirah was a lover of cheese, coffee, boiled potatoes, chopsticks, broccoli, pumpkins, bears and anything sweet and covered in whipped cream. She was a uniquely gifted and prolific artist, seldom to be found without a sketchbook or iPad.

She enjoyed playing the flute, cooking and hanging out with her beloved sister. Nadirah had a compassionate heart and a keen mind. She recognized that all voices must be heard and listened to.

Nadirah was an Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society. She had a profound respect for her teachers and a hungry mind.

Nadirah is survived by her mother, Tracy; father, Brad; sister, Avery; and brother, Mason, to carry on without her. Nadirah has her grandparents Ron and Jody Teter of Tipton, Ind., and Susan and Stuart Edwards of Pendleton, Ind. Last but not least, her cat, Lily, who currently waits for Nadirah to come home and turn on her heater.

Nadirah will be forever missed and loved.

An outdoor flag-raising service will be held at 4p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at the St. Joseph-Ogden High School football field.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is assisting the family with services. Condolences may be offered at freesefh.com.

NG 12/6/2020

William Henry Reitmeier

 William Henry Reitmeier departed his earthly life to join his heavenly father on Nov. 30, 2020. He was born June 9, 1935 to Christian J.H. Reitmeier and Mary Christina Huls Reitmeier in Stanton township, north of St. Joseph. He came into this world with one older sister, Clara. Three brothers came along later John, Raymond, and Melvin “Pete”.

He met my mom, Norma Carol Pribble, after school one day near the old Ogden IL High School where she attended school. She was 15 when they met and they had to wait until she turned 16 to marry. She turned 16 on Sept. 9, 1956 and they were married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, 8 days later on Sept. 17, 1956.

In spite of just an 8th grade education from the Wilson Grade School in Stanton Township, He made a good living and always provided for his family. He was a mechanic by trade and worked at several gas stations including Ted Brown’s Service Station in Urbana, the former Chanute Air Force Base Exchange Service Station in Rantoul and was one of the managers at Meier-Duitsman Oil Co. In Royal until his retirement in 2000. People would drive some distance just to have him work on their vehicles. He was a Ford man and wasn’t afraid to tell you the main problem with your car was that it was a Chevy.

Dad was talented musically and enjoyed playing with his brothers and sister in their family band “The Western Rangers” for many years. He played the drums, guitar, and sang some too. The Oasis in Penfield was on of his favorite gigs.

Dad was an Army veteran and worked as a mess hall cook. He attended basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and was stationed at Ft. Hood in Texas before being sent overseas to Gelnhausen, Germany. There, he had the experience of serving his country alongside Elvis Presley. He was able to bring back a few autographs but said Elvis was kind of cocky and aloof- this was very early in his rise to fame.

When dad got back from his stint in the Army in 1960, he and my mom decided to start their family. I was born the following year on June 11, 1961. They named me Debra Ann and called me Debby. On October 26, 1962 my baby brother, Dennis Wayne “Denny” was born. Tragically, Denny’s life was cut short in a motor vehicle accident when he was 17 – just a couple months after his high school graduation. They say you never really get over losing a child and I can say with certainty that was the case with both my mom and my dad. The ache of dad’s passing is eased somewhat by knowing that he and my brother are reunited again – hopefully enjoying a cold one on the perfect fishing day.

Dad was very proud of having built his own house. Of course, he had help from many family members and friends but he put a lot of sweat and tears into that house. It wasn’t perfectly constructed, but there was so much love put into it. He completed construction in about a year working on it nights and weekends.

I will always have fond memories of my dad taking us places when we were kids. He always took us to the Champaign County Fair where we enjoyed the rides, and took in a race or a demo derby. He also took us trick or treating every year. Then there was fishing – always fishing. We used to fish the creeks up around Gifford and Penfield and always had so much fun. Dad got into tractor pulling for a while and it was fun to go with him to the pulls too. He had an old tractor that didn’t look like much which made it all the better when he smoked his better-looking opponents. I fondly recall him bringing his newest trophy in to show mom. As an adult, I enjoyed annual trips to the Covered Bridge Festival in Rockville, IN and Christmas shopping trips to Danville.

Dad was former Stanton Center Grade School board member, a volunteer with Ogden-Royal Fire Department, and a member of the Royal American Legion Post 996.

Dad continued to work after his retirement. He helped Rudy Schmidt farm and worked at the Ehler Bros. plant in Royal. He enjoyed working with Mark Sjuts immensely and said he was the best boss you could ever have. In many ways, Mark was like a son to dad, and Mark’s passing was very hard on him. Another happy heavenly reunion, I’m sure.

Dad was a man who loved his family and the outdoors. He enjoyed the simple things in life and preferred a day on the lake by himself to any event with a crowd. His favorite activities were hunting and fishing.  He could fix just about anything but he wasn’t concerned at all about how it looked when he was done. We affectionately called those fixes “Reitmeier jobs.” He lived most of his life within a mile of his birthplace until declining health forced the sale of the family home and he moved to Savoy to join his wife at the Villas of Holly Brook. When he needed more care than the facility could provide, he relocated again – this time to Accolade Senior Living in Paxton where he resided until his passing. The staff at Accolade were wonderful and took good care of my dad. He enjoyed being ornery and flirting with the young women that worked there.

Bill will be greatly missed by many including his wife Norma – they shared 64 years together!; daughter Debby (Patrick) of Broadlands, IL; granddaughter Ashley (Aaron) Brunkhorst of Tolono, Jessica (Tony) Lucca of Springfield, Rachel (Kyle) Fortin of El Paso, Tx; great grandsons Alton Brunkhorst, Vincenzo “Vinny” Lucca, Giovanni “Gio” Lucca, Everett Fortin; great granddaughter Ayla Brunkhorst; brothers John, Raymond (Andrea), Melvin (Marie); and many nieces and nephews.

Those who have gone before him are parents Chris and Mary, son Denny, sister Clara, brother-in-law Henry Buenting and sister-in-law Norma Jean Reitmeier.

He had his moods when he could be grumpy, but when he was in a good mood, he was so much fun to be around.  He loved to tell jokes and tease his granddaughters.  He could tell a story and have everyone in stitches.  Rest in peace, daddy.  We love you and we’ll see you again.

Baier Family Funeral Services has been entrusted to assist the family with arrangements.  Per his wishes, Bill we be cremated and his ashes interred at Kopmann Cemetery, Royal.  There will be a private graveside service with the Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating. The family will convene after the service for a dinner.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church Flatville or Kopmann Cemetery, Royal.

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Bairer Funeral Home Website 12/3/2020

Robert Gilpin

 NEWMAN — Robert (Bob) Gilpin, 85, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (Nov. 26, 2020) at home. 

He was born on Jan. 9, 1935, in Decatur, the son of Clark and Opal Gilpin. Bob was raised in Atwood and graduated from Atwood High School in 1953, lettering in all sports. Following high school, he attended Eastern Illinois University, where he was a member of the football team for four years and was also a member of the TKE fraternity. He remained an active supporter of both Eastern and the TKE fraternity until the recent pandemic.

Upon graduation from Eastern, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army, and, following active service, he served in the Army Reserve for five years. Immediately following his active service, Bob was married to Nellie (Buoy) Gilpin on Feb. 28, 1958. He then returned to Eastern and obtained a master's degree in education.

In June 1959, he was hired as the industrial arts teacher at Newman High School and coached football, basketball and track. He later became the principal of Newman High School until moving on to be the principal at Homer High School for 18 years. Following his retirement from teaching, he worked for Weberg Furniture and Rhodes Furniture in Champaign.

Bob was an active member of Newman United Methodist Church for over 62 years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nellie; their two sons, Gary E. Gilpin and Brent A. Gilpin (Colleen); grandchildren, Ashley Gilpin, Dakota Gilpin, Joseph Gilpin and Brittany Rondeau; and great-grandchildren, Lexi, Aurora and Theo.

Due to the recent pandemic, private family graveside services will be held Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. with a celebration of life memorial service to be held at a later date. Burial will be in Newman Township Cemetery with arrangements handled by Joines Funeral Home, Newman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Newman United Methodist Church (flower fund) as Bob had cared for the landscaping at the church for many years.

NG 12/2/2020

Janet Lynn Esworthy Reese

Janet Lynn Reese, 74, of Savoy passed away at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday (Nov 25, 2020) at  Reflections Memory Care. 

A graveside service will be at the Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview on Saturday (Nov 28, 2020).  In lieu of  flowers, the family suggests that a memorial be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or Ogden  UMC ‐ Journey. 

Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is in charge of arrangements.

Janet was born September 25, 1946, the daughter of James Burton and Helen Silkey Esworthy who  preceded her in death.  She married Robert Reese on August 21, 1965.  He also preceded her in death. 

Surviving are her children, Diana (Mete) Sarabi, Jim Reese and her grandson, Roman Sarabi.  Also  surviving is her sister, Karen (Lou) Bluhm; her sisters‐in‐law Sandi Esworthy and Carla Reese; her  nephews Dave Esworthy, Josh Reese, Matthew Reese, Lou Bluhm, Burton Bluhm and her niece Lori  Chien. 

She worked at the University of Illinois for many years in various secretarial roles.  She loved to play the  piano and do her needle work.  She gave piano lessons for many years. She played the organ and piano  for church services, weddings and funerals.  She was very involved in the St. Joseph Church of Christ,  Webber Street Church of Christ, and the Vineyard Fellowship in several teaching roles. She had a  wonderful sense of humor and a bubbly personality.  She will be missed.

Freese FH website 12/1/2020

Custer Dean Stevens

 FA I R BURY — Custer Dean Stevens, 95, of Fairbury passed away at 11:45p.m. Sunday (Nov. 29, 2020) at Fairview Haven, Fairbury.

Private graveside services will be held at G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is handling the arrangements.

Custer was born Nov. 24, 1925, in Homer, the son of Herman and Charlotte Villars Stevens. He married Ila Wolf on Dec. 24, 1948. She preceded him in death in July 1987.

He was also preceded in death by his longtime companion, Ursula Schmidt, in March 2017.

Survivors include his son, Mark (Ellen) Stevens of Mokena; daughter, Linda (Michael) Eads of Champaign; grandchildrenm, Timothy (Michelle) Stevens, Kyle (Tanya) Stevens, Jennifer (Brian) Stevens, Michael (Jodi) Stevens, Julie Staehling and Rachel Stratton; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by one infant daughter, Julie Ann.

Custer was a member of First United Methodist Church in Champaign and Homer American Legion Post 290, where he was a member for over 75 years. He served in the Navy during WWII (March 1944 to July 1946). He worked at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul as an offset duplicating press operator. Custer was a member of the Illini Collector Car Club for many years as well as many other car clubs. He had a deep passion for cars (mostly Thunderbirds). His prized possession was his 1964 Ford Thunderbird.

Memorials can be made to the Diabetes Association, American Legion Post 24 in Champaign or Fairview Haven.

NG 12/1/2020

Tim L. Adkins

 LONGVIEW — Tim L. Adkins, 67, of Longview passed away at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at home.

Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at Tuscola Township Cemetery.

Mr. Adkins was born June 21, 1953, in Heston, Ky., the son of Samuel M. and Delcia M. Cross Adkins. He married Linda F. Smiley on Dec. 11, 1971, in Lewisport, Ky. She survives.

Also surviving are a son, Don (Amber) Adkins of Newman; a daughter, Angela (Gaylon) Mitsdarffer of Sidney; four grandchildren, Devon (Megan) Mitsdarffer, Brianna Mitsdarffer (Nick Tarter), Kiera Riggleman and Tristan Walsh; six great-grandchildren, Rolyn, Zyler, Zoey, Corbin, Cooper and Kai; two brothers, Robert Adkins of Ashmore and William Henry Adkins of Villa Grove; and a sister, Linda Walters of Broadlands.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Tim Adkins; a brother, Danny; and two sisters, Joan and Sue.

Tim served his country as a member of the Kentucky Army National Guard.

He retired from Developmental Services Center in Champaign, where he worked in facility maintenance for 25 years, retiring in 2013. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or American Wildlife Federation.

Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 S. Main St., Tuscola, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be offered at hilligossshraderfh.com.

NG 11/22/2020

Elvin John Huls

 Elvin John Huls, 94, of Ogden passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital at 1:25 a.m. Friday (November 20, 2020). A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at St. John Cemetery, Royal. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Elvin was born March 31, 1926, in Ogden Township, the son of Harm and Bertha (Franzen) Huls. He married Irene Bernice Frerichs on June 29, 1947.

His surviving family includes his sons and their wives, Terry and Donna Huls of Champaign, Norbert and Maris Huls of Penfield and Tim and Susi Huls of St. Joseph; six grandchildren and their spouses, Kim Huls and Wells, Kerry Huls, Michelle and Shaughnessy Rice, Michael and Alyson Huls, Tracey and Jeff Mathis and Craig and Rachel Huls; and ten great-grandchildren, Alexis Rosenberry, Lily, Roisin, Shaughnessy Michael, and Griffin Rice, Milo and Maisy Huls, Blair and Levi Mathis, and Ava Johnson; and a sister-in-law, Annetta Frerichs of Royal.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Marilyn Huls Britt, and Charlene Huls Duitsman.

Elvin was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. Throughout the years he served on various committees and also the church council.

Elvin spent his entire life farming and raised livestock for many years. He had a mind for building things from scratch and if he couldn’t find what he wanted, he found a way to make it. He enjoyed time with his family and loved to play cards and go dancing with Bernice.

Memorials may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America or the St. John’s Cemetery, Royal.

Freese FH 11/22/20