Trey Wagner

 St Joseph – Michael “Trey” Curtis Wagner, III, 21 of St Joseph, IL, formerly of Danville, IL passed away at 4:24 PM on September 3, 2021 at Franciscan Healthcare in Olympia Fields, IL.

Trey was born on May 30, 2000 the son of Michael Curtis Wagner, II and Jennifer Elizabeth Rauch in St. Louis, MO.

Trey is survived by his mother, Jennifer Elizabeth (Dan) Lilly of St. Joseph, IL, his father, Michael Curtis (Susie Tatman-Baldner) Wagner, II, of Danville, IL, his six siblings, Josh (Ashlee Ronto) Fulton of Normal, IL, Hayley (Kyle) Seifert of Danville, IL, Blake (Maddie Winkler) Wagner of Champaign, IL, Aizik “A.J.” Wagner of St. Joseph, IL, Brianna Sophie Lilly of St Joseph, IL and Matthew Lilly of St Joseph, IL.  He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Carolyn (Pape) Rauch of St Joseph, IL and William and Pat Rauch of Columbia, IL.

Trey is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Michael Curtis Wagner and Maryl (Dixon) Maxfield

Trey was a 2018 Graduate of St Joseph-Ogden High School and graduated from the North American Lineman Training Center Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Program under the provisions established by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission April 2020. Trey was an avid wrestler in high school. He enjoyed spending his free time exercising, golfing, fishing and hanging out with family and friends. Trey passed away doing what he loved after being involved in an accident at work. Trey was someone who brightened any room he was in with his goofy humor, and had a laugh/smile that was as contagious as they come. He was undeniably smart, light-hearted, and a genuinely kind and good person. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church, 1101 N Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832. Adam Harmon will officiate. Cremation Rites will be accorded following the Celebration of Life Service. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St., Danville, Illinois 61834.

It is kindly requested that those in attendance of the visitation and services wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Memorials may be contributed to the Michael “Trey” Wagner Memorial fund at Gifford State Bank, 107 W Warren St, St Joseph, IL  61873. This funding is hoping to support St. Joseph Wrestling and a scholarship for those at SJO High School wanting to pursue a trade school.

Please join Trey’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .

Sunset funeral home 9/8/2021

Karen K. Andrews

 TOLONO — Karen K. Andrews, 78, of Tolono passed peacefully, with family by her side, on Saturday (Sept. 4, 2021).

Karen was born on Oct. 15, 1942, in Allerton, to Erhardt and Pearl (Kirby) Benschneider. She married John H. Andrews on Oct. 5, 1962.

She is survived by her daughter, Janelle Van der Werf; one grandson, Nicolas Van der Werf; and one sister, Carol Snyder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Erhardt and Pearl Benschneider; husband, John Andrews; and two brothers, Ronnie and Earl Benschneider.

Karen retired from a career as an administrative assistant at the University of Illinois, receiving the Chancellor’s Distinguished Staff Award in 1999. In retirement, Karen received accolades for her volunteer work at Willard Airport, the courthouse and Virginia Theatre in Champaign. She attended Faith United Methodist Church. Karen enjoyed social events, gardening, garage sales and her beloved dog, Hunter. She will be missed by her daughter, family and friends of the community she loved.

Please join us for a casual celebration of life in memory of Karen from 2 to 4 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign, with interment beginning at 4 p.m. Pastor Sheryl will officiate. We will be gathering to share memories, laugh, cry and remember a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind (guidingeyes. org).

Sherry L. Bivens

 

Sherry L. Bivens, 74, of St. Joseph passed away at 2:13 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas Ave., St. Joseph. Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

Sherry was born Nov. 14, 1946, in St. Louis, the daughter of George and Lorraine (Johanningmeyer) Spencer. She married Butch Bivens on Aug. 25, 1973, in St. Louis. He survives.

She is also survived by her daughters, Shelby (Mitch) Marsolf of Rockville, Ind., and Shauna Bivens of Pekin; and a granddaughter, Scout Marsolf.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sherry was a retired teller at Busey Bank in Thomasboro.

She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, and was active in Bible Study and the Women's Group.

Sherry enjoyed her time with her granddaughter, Scout, and the granddogs. She taught her family to be kind and that "God has got this!"

Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, or the St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library, P.O. Box 259, St. Joseph, IL 61873.

Lyla L. Schmall

 ST. JOSEPH — Lyla L. Schmall, 90, of St. Joseph passed away at 6:45 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 2, 2021) at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living, Chrisman.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Bellflower Cemetery, Bellflower. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Lyla was born Aug. 27, 1931, in Gibson City, the daughter of Henry and Fern (Bone) May. She married Donald Schmall on Dec. 10, 1961, in Gibson City. He preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 2003.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Jim) Schmall-Ross of St. Joseph; granddaughter, Addison Ross; two brothers, Donald Schmall and Ed Schmall; and one sister, Delores Rutledge.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Lyla retired from the University of Illinois Department of Admissions and Records. She was also active in bowling, having served as the secratary for the Champaign-Urbana Woman's Bowling Association for 30 years.

Condolences may be left at freesefh.com.

Freese FH 9/4/2021

Larry D. Millis

Larry D. Millis, 78, of St. Joseph passed away at 5;11 P.M. Wednesday September 1, 2021 at his home.

 Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday September 6, 2021 at Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph. Pastor Scott Millis will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph.

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

 Larry was born March 2, 1943 at Champaign. The son of Glen and Mary Margaret (Weaver) Millis. Larry married Pam Oakes on August 17, 1963 at Danville. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Scott (Beth) Millis, Sherrill (Jeff) Birkey, Lisa (Russ) Gulliford, Lori (Jeff) Canfield all of St. Joseph. Eight grandchildren; Courtney, Emily, Nathan, David, Holly, Riley, Jeremy, Rainey.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

 Larry was involved in coaching Little League for many years. He was a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK in 1980. In 1981 Larry and his wife Pam started Living Word Family Church with 30 people. For 17 years Larry was a District and Regional Director for Rhema Ministerial Association.

 Larry will be remembered for his legendary sense of humor, deep booming voice, his bearhugs, his love for his family, friends and Jesus.

 Memorials may be made to Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph.

 Online condolences may be made at www.Freesefh.com

Freese FH website 9/2/2021

James I. Cotter

 

James I. Cotter, 55, of St. Joseph passed away at 7:53 A.M. Monday August 30, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Jim was born July 1, 1966 in Paxton. He was the son of Kenneth and Frances (Peters) Cotter of Piper City.

 He married Susan Gronewald on July 18, 1992. She survives.

 He is also survived by his children; Elena Kae Cotter of Normal, Austin James Cotter and Caleb Addison Cotter both of St. Joseph. Brother Robert (Ronda) Cotter of Piper City. Three nephews Kenny and John Cotter of Piper City and Nick Miller of Rochelle. One niece Hannah Miller of Weldon. His Mother Frances Cotter of Piper City. His in-laws Roger and Betty Gronewald of Royal.

 Jim was preceded in death by his father Kenneth and his grandparents.

 To know Jim was to love Jim. He was an avid Cubs, Illini and SJO Spartan Fan. He worked for over 30 years in the University of Illinois Library system. In the evenings and weekends Jim was a freelance writer covering the Fighting Illini, SJO Spartans and other local teams. He wrote for the St. Joseph Leader, St. Joseph Record, Danville Commercial News, Orange and Blue News. He also did radio spots for WGCY in Gibson City.. Jim was happiest when he was in the bleachers or along the sidelines watching his kids activities and the games/events he was covering. Jim coached his kids in T-ball, baseball, softball and basketball.

 In honor of Jim please wear your favorite teams shirt to the visitation and service.

 Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Pastor James Lehmann will officiate. Burial will be in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Thursday at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

Condolences may be made at www.Freesefh.com

Richard "Dick" Duval

 

ROYAL — Richard “Dick” Duval, 64, of Royal, passed away in his home Thursday (August 26, 2021).

Dick was born October 5, 1956, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Marie (Riordan) and Robert “Bob” Duval. He grew up in Herscher and attended Herscher High School. Upon graduation, he attended Illinois State University, majoring in Secondary Education. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he began teaching at Herscher Grade School, Kankakee High School, and Olivet Nazarene University.

He married Lynda Kasten on June 6, 1981, and they had three children, Bobbi, Kiel, and Toni.  He began his 28-year teaching and coaching career in 1988 at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. 

During his tenure at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, his football teams went 251-75, never finishing with a losing record.  The Spartans made it to the “Big Dance” five times throughout his career, bringing home state runner-up trophies displayed proudly in the commons area at the high school.  A 2021 SJO Hall of Fame inductee and 2008 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame honoree, Duval retired from coaching the Spartans after the 2015 season.

Dick was preceded in death by his father (Bob) and brother (Tommy).  He is survived by his wife, Lynda, and his daughter, Bobbi (Cory) Busboom, son Kiel (Katie) Duval, and daughter Toni (Ryan) Barnes, all of St. Joseph; as well as his grandchildren, Cameron (6), Jude (3), Cohen (2), and Myles (3 mo.)  He is also survived by three brothers (Don, Jim, and Steve) and three sisters (Patty, Linda, and Michelle), as well as his mother, Marie.  More widely, he is survived by thousands of former students, players, coaches, and colleagues, which signifies his profound impact on his community and beyond.

While his coaching accolades shine bright, it is the impact he has made as a son, husband, father, brother, teacher, friend, mentor, and “Paw-Paw” that made him special.  His legacy lives on through the lives that he touched and the people that he inspired.  Over three decades of teaching and coaching, he left an everlasting impression on people near and far.  His sense of humor was contagious, and his hugs were second-to-none. A humble man with a tough exterior, those who knew him well figured out quickly that he had a heart of gold and cared a lot about the people around him.

Memorials may be made to the SJO Fan Club (St. Joseph-Ogden High School, Attn: Duval Memorial, PO Box 890, St. Joseph, IL 61873).

Forever a Spartan.

 Private services will be held. Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is assisting the family with arrangements.

Freese FH 8/30/2021