William (Bill) H. Morse

 

William (Bill) H. Morse, 82, of Sidney, IL, took his last fishing trip to the big lake in the sky on March 12, 2023.  Bill was born on November 21, 1940 to Ira and Lorraine Morse, attended Taylorville schools and graduated Villa Grove High School in 1958.  Bill married his high school sweetheart Barbara Crouse Morse in 1960 and they lived primarily in Sidney Illinois where they had a family of four children:  William J. Morse, Timothy Morse, Julie Morse Cary (Jack Sr.), and Bonnie Morse McArthur (Joel).  

Retiring from a 30 year career at the University of Illinois, Bill was a lead operating engineer at Abbott Power plant. He also founded and owned Morse Heating and Air Conditioning. Bill was engaged in the community as President and member of the Unit 7 school board,  member and Past Master of the Sidney Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason for 38 years, and an Ansar Shriner.  Sidney United Methodist Church was an important part of Bill’s life and he helped build and relocate the church.  In his retirement, Bill and Barb traveled the Southwest fishing, camping, and boating and then enjoyed their Florida lake home.  

Preceding Bill in death are his parents Ira and Lorraine, his sister Marlana Hutchinson, and several in-laws from the Crouse family.   William is survived by his wife, Barbara, his four children, and seven grandchildren:  Alex Morse (Justina), Kalene Morse (Zac), Jenna Cary, Jack Cary, Jr., Lyndsay McArthur, Lauryn McArthur, Jacob McArthur, and two great grandchildren:  Elijah and Nora, along with his step brother Joe Morse (Mariah) and in-laws, nieces and nephews.  

Services will be on Saturday, March 18th at Countryside United Methodist Church, 1807 County Road 1000 North, Urbana, IL. Visitation is from 1:30 pm to 3 pm with funeral and Masonic rights to follow.  Private graveside services will be held at a later date. 

Freese Funeral Home 202 W. Main Sidney is in charge of arrangements.

 Memorials may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church or Shriner's Hospital.

Source:  Freese FH website 3/16/2023

Ronald Ray Dodd

 Urbana – Ronald Ray Dodd, 87, of Urbana, IL, formerly of Homer, passed away at 12:12 am Monday, March 13, 2023, at Gardenview Manor in Danville.

He was born on December 25, 1935, in Homer, IL the son of Wilbur & Berniece Dodd. Survivors include two sons: Barry (Darla) Dodd of Homer and Royd Dodd of Deland. He grew up in Homer, IL, with his five brothers, Max, Jack, Elmer, Byron & David, who all preceded him in death. Ronald was a veteran of the US Army. He was a member of Living Word Family Church in St. Joseph, IL. He was a man who loved to work.

A private burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer, IL. He’s free as a bird now. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

source: Robinson Chapel website 3/16/2023

James Ransom Paden

 

JAMES PADEN OBITUARY

ST. JOSEPH - James (Jim) Ransom Paden, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Stone Creek Health and Rehab in Asheville, N.C. 

He was born in Greenup on Christmas Day in 1935, to James Fredrick Paden and Irma Ennis.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Peggy Louise Paden. 

Jim and Peggy had one child, Jimmy Paden (LoriKay) of Asheville, N.C. Jim grew up in Champaign and graduated from Champaign High in 1954.

In 1968, the Paden family moved to St. Joseph, establishing many friendships that still exist today. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and worked for several tech companies such as Magnavox and Hewlett-Packard. He retired from HP in 1996 after working there for 29 years. 

Aside from work, his favorite pastime was spending time with Peggy and his family on trips, watching the grandkids' sporting events or just following Peggy around town. Jim volunteered wherever he was needed and loved spending time at the St. Joseph Church of Christ, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous mission trips. He was always there to lend a helping hand. Jim's wit and dry sense of humor were unique, and he could make you laugh when you would least expect it. After Peggy passed in 2017, he moved to the Asheville area to be closer to family.  He did love the mountains and the beautiful landscape of North Carolina. 

Jim loved the Lord with all his heart. His faith spoke through his actions more than his words.  His love for the Lord was modeled in such a way that his entire family will carry on and live out this faith for the Kingdom. Thanks be to God for his life and his legacy.

A celebration of life will be held in St. Joseph at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Jolee Paden and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Washington, D.C. www.fcadc.org.

Published by The News-Gazette on Mar. 12, 2023.

Mary Negangard

 

MARY NEGANGARD OBITUARY

SIDNEY - On Friday, March 10, 2023, an angel gained her wings when our good Lord delivered Mom to her heavenly home. At the age of 87, Mary Negangard has struggled with various chronic illnesses and with the help of her daughter, Sue, was able to maintain her independence at home, which is where she passed.

Mary was born Nov. 19, 1935, the daughter of Lowell and Mildred Davis, who preceded her in death, as did siblings Lowell Davis Jr. and Doreen Fitzgibbon.

Surviving are her four children, David (Dianne Noland) Negangard of St. Joseph, Jody (Doug) Reifsteck of Tolono, Susan (George) Lawrence of Sidney and Daniel Negangard of Catlin. Her family also includes 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Surviving siblings include Barbara Bonnell of Sidney, George Davis of Texas, Alice Hayes of Woodstock and Linda Allen of Crawfordsville, Ind. Mary has also been blessed with numerous nieces and nephews.

Always a working mom, she still found time to be a room mother, coach softball, drive kids to practice and never missed any of our special events. Mary was employed at Sidney Grain Co. as a bookkeeper for many years. She then moved on to Burnham City Hospital for multiple years in the accounting office. Eventually she joined the Circuit Clerk's Office for Champaign County. It was from there she retired.

Mom was quite a cook, fixing Sunday dinner for all of us every Sunday until she couldn't anymore. Known mostly for her pies. She loved to garden and you could always find her there or sitting on her deck. The neighborhood birds who frequented her many feeders year round will miss her almost as much as we will.

She was a avid Illini fan. An accomplished seamstress many have been gifted one of her beautiful quilts. It was very apparent that Mary had an immense love of family as she always enjoyed talking about and visiting with her large family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney. The Rev. Jeff Stahl will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m.

Condolences may be left at Freesefh.com.

Published by The News-Gazette on Mar. 12, 2023.

Donald Patterson

 

Donald "Don" Patterson 72, of Homer passed away at 5:32 A.M. Thursday March 9, 2023 at Amber Glen, Urbana.

 Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Monday March 13, 2023 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Rev. Heju Nam will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A Fire fighter walk through will be held at 4:30 P.M.

 Don was born March 21, 1950 in Olney, IL. The son of Earl and Joan (Roth) Patterson.

 He is survived by his sons; Shannon (Katie) Patterson of Homer, Jason Patterson of Tuscola. Four grandsons; Cody, Keagan, Zachary, Trenton Patterson. One brother Tom (Pam) Lynn. two sisters; Paula (Phil) Clark, Dee (George) Williams. Several nieces and nephews.

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

 Don retired from Frontier Communications working in Telecomm repair. He was a member of I.B.E. W. Local 51. Don also worked for the Illinois Department of Transportaion. 

 Don was a member of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years and had served as a trustee. He was also had served as a trustee for South Homer Township. He was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church. Don was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

 Don was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.

 Memorials may be made to the Homer Volunteer Fire Department.

Freese FH 3/9/2023

Alma "June" Palmer

 

Alma "June" Palmer 92, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:36 A.M. Tuesday March 7, 2023 at Amber Glen, Urbana.

 Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday March 11, 2023 at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. David Barcus will officiate.

 June was born April 24, 1930 in Stanton Township. The daughter of Ernest and Joyce (Anderson) Shirley. She married Reid Palmer on October 25, 1946. He preceded her in death on October 2, 2012. 

 She is survived by her sons; Michael (Linda) Palmer and Greg (Annette) Palmer both of St. Joseph. Five granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.

 She was preceded in death  by her parents, 3 brothers, 1 sister and 3 half sisters.

 June was a member of the Church of Christ, St. Joseph. She was retired from Sears

 She liked camping, sewing and knitting.  

Freese FH 3/9/2023

Michael Olson

 

Michael was born February 22nd, 1966 and thankfully adopted by Mervyn and Velma Olson. Michael grew up working on the farm, loving animals, and working on all sorts of cars and machinery. In his adult years he was an amazing brick layer and mason, landscaper, baker, and all around handyman. He loved dogs, especially his prized Labrador bloodline, Ravens Prairie Magic and Carly. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Mervyn Olson, four infant siblings, and his grandparents. He is survived by his two children, Mckayla Olson (Cory Thurber) and Hunter Olson; his three granddaughters, Sophia, Wrenlee, and Josie; his mother Velma Olson, and his siblings Debra Olson, Laryn Olson, and Lacinda Olson-Carrington. Michael passed March 3rd, 2023 at Carle hospital in Urbana surrounded by family. He was a loving son, brother, and father and will be missed by many. Memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Philo. Visitation will be at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph, IL Tuesday March 7th, 2023 from 10am to 12pm with funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery.

Freese FH 3/8/2023