Betty D. Bohlen

 

Betty D. Bohlen, 91, of Savoy formerly of St. Joseph, passed away on November 14, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. She was born April 13, 1932 in Mahomet to Dale and Nellie  (Furnish) Warren. Betty attended schools in both Mahomet and Urbana.

 Betty married Harm Bohlen Jr. on November 17, 1951 and moved to St. Joseph in 1955 to raise their family. Harm preceded her in death in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Charles and Vincent, and her son-in-law, James Luecking.

 She devoted her life to her husband and her children, Stephen Bohlen of Louisville, KY and Brenda Luecking of Urbana. She was a proud and loving Grandmother to Sara (Matt) Cecil and Laura (Zeke) Evans both of Kentucky, and Gretchen (Nate) Pendell of Florida. She also has two great-grandsons whom she adored, Liam and Noah Evans of Kentucky.

 Betty was sweet natured and strong, even after facing several serious health issues over the years. She had a love of cooking and baking, and no one ever left her home hungry! Her family will always remember how she made the holidays magical and the wonderful meals she prepared. Betty and her husband moved to Lake Mattoon to live out their retirement years. they enjoyed "Lake Life" and having family and friends join them on weekends for boating, swimming and cookouts.

 When her husband passed away Betty chose to move closer to her daughter and son-in-law and called the Savoy Villas of Hollybrook home. There she made wonderful friendships with both staff and residents and enjoyed the many activities offered there. Her nickname was "Bingo Betty" for her love of the game and the many Bingo Bucks she won. 

 Visitation will be held Saturday November 18, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Graveside services will immediately follow at Friends Cemetery in rural St. Joseph. Pastor Dennis Meyer will officiate.

 Betty and her family were members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and request memorial donations be sent to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St. St. Joseph, IL 61873 

Freese FH 11/15/2023

Sara Nora Ross

 URBANA - Sara Nora Ross, 73, of Ogden died Saturday evening (Nov. 11, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

There will be a visitation Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., C, with the rosary recited at 6 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 708 W. Main St., U. Sara will be cremated after the Mass, and her cremated remains will be buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in a ceremony next week.

Sara was born on March 22, 1950, in Pennsylvania, to Charles and Frances (Leaman) Donelson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Alan Donelson.

She is survived by her three children, Joan Crist (Josef Dou), Paul Ross and Charles Ross; her sister, Cecilia (John) Geist; and grandchildren, Willy, Jack, Katie and Taylor.

In her early years, Sara worked as a self-employed CPA. She was active in her parish (St. Andrews), where she created the youth program and was a Jesuit spiritual director.

She later earned a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary studies with a specialty in psychology and conflict resolution. She became a professor and program director at Antioch University and was a consultant for local government issues. Sara was also a co-editor for an academic journal. She completed her last edit just weeks before her death.

NG 11/14/2023

Harlin G. "Sam" Park

 

PENFIELD — Harlin G. “Sam” Park, 75, of rural Penfield passed away at 5:03p.m. Monday (Nov. 13, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith and the Rev. Steve Lombardo officiating. Burial will follow in Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul, with military honors by American Legion Post 1153 Penfield-Gifford. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Sam was born Sept. 14, 1948, in Champaign, the son of John Carl and Mildred Rosetta Rewerts Park. He married Janet Ellis on Sept. 13, 1970. She preceded him in death Jan. 15, 2010. He married Judy Farmer Ideus on Dec. 8, 2016, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford. She survives.

Along with his wife, Judy, he is survived by a daughter, K i m b e r ly (Bruce) Cline of Penfield; a son, Justin (Megan) Park of Rantoul; six grandchildren, Kaitlynn (Jade) Bruns, Jordan (Hailey) Park, Faith Cline, Joshua Park, Gracie Park and Andrew Potts; three great- grandchildren, Sage Park, Ryker Bruns and Avery Bruns; a sister, Georgene Gardner of Rantoul; a brother, Carl Park of Penfield; a stepdaughter, Darcy (Neal) Silver; two stepgrandchildren, Carlee (Brennon) Breymeyer and Kate (Layne) Ingrum; and three stepgreat-grandchildren, Brenley Breymeyer, Brody Ray Breymeyer and Blair Ingrum.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Sam graduated from Armstrong High School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was an ironworker, certified welder and crane operator. He had also been an ironworker superintendent for Roessler Construction for many years. He was a former president of Ironworkers Local Union 380.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford, where he had served on the church council, and was an associate member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. He was very involved with the men’s Bible studies. Sam was Kerr Township road commissioner and a member of American Legion Post 1153 Penfield-Gifford. At one time, he owned and operated the Middlefork Bow Shop and was currently in business with his grandson Joshua at the Park Wildlife Seed Company.

Sam enjoyed fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He was a man with a big heart and would help anywhere he was needed. His greatest joy was his family.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, the American Diabetes Association or an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

NG 11/15/2023

Johanne A. Bloch

 

Johanne A. Bloch, 81, was called to her eternal home on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Aspire Senior Living in Kimberly, Wisconsin.  She was also formerly of St. Joseph, Illinois.  She was particularly dedicated to her family and loved small children, as they made her smile- even up to her last days.  Johanne loved baking, sewing, singing, and playing piano. She could often be found singing a song while baking for her family.  During her time in Canada and Minnesota, she directed children’s choirs for her church family.  Johanne enjoyed working with international students as the housing director for the YMCA of the University of Illinois at Champaign- Urbana. She will be remembered by all as a loving mother and grandmother, as well as a loyal and true friend. 

Johanne was born October 24, 1942, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Stewart) Pehkonen in Devils Lake, ND. She married James H. Bloch on April 7, 1962, in Milwaukee, WI. He passed away January 11, 2017.

Survivors include a son: Matthew Bloch; daughters: Rachel (Steven) Osthus of Greenville, Wisconsin; Rebecca (James) Cain of Wayne, Pennsylvania; and Sarah Bloch of Springfield, Illinois; her sisters: Elizabeth Schoessow, Karen (Richard) Timian, and Mara (Philip) Pehkonen; brothers Karl, William, and Eric (Kori) Pehkonen; five grandchildren: Michelle and Emily Osthus; Evan, Aidan, and Arla Cain; and a great-grandson Levi Osthus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother John Pehkonen Jr., and a sister Carole Shaff.

The Christian Funeral Service for Johanne will be held on Monday, November 13, at 10:30 AM, at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 601 E. Glendale Avenue in Appleton, Wisconsin with the Rev. Adam Bridgman officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.  Johanne and Jim will be buried together at Dartford Cemetery near Green Lake.

The family would like to express their thanks to the caregivers from Moments Hospice and the caring angels at Aspire Senior Living.  We know how much you loved Johanne and how she became part of your family.   We will never forget your kindness.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/johanne-bloch-obituary?id=53554396

Willodean Roberts Rusher

Willodean (Roberts) Rusher, 83, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on November 7, 2023 at her home in Sidney.

Willodean grew up in Kentucky and later lived in Urbana, St. Joseph, and Sidney, IL.  She married Bud B. Rusher on May 5, 1958.  They were married for 43 years until she was widowed in 2001.  She spent the remaining 20 years of her life with her partner Elba Shelby of Sidney.

She was a stay at home mom and provider while raising her children.  She retired from Collegiate Cap and Gown in 2000.

She is survived by her five children, Kim Litchfield, Rod (Donna) Rusher, Vicki Rusher, Peggy (Matthew) Staske, and Gregory Rusher, 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, her partner, Elba Shelby, her sister, Judy DeLong and brother, Terry Roberts.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, three brothers, and a great-grandchild.

A very special thanks to the Carle Hospice team who took great care of mother.  She will be deeply missed by who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com. 

Freese FH 11/9/2023

Janet Beck

 

Janet (Jan) Beck, 80 of Bella Vista, Arkansas, formerly of Decatur and St. Joseph, IL died on November 5, 2023, at Rogers Health and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by family.  She was born September 24, 1943, in Urbana, IL to J. Paul and Mary Ann (Arbuckle) Rayburn.  

Janet attended Champaign High School and worked for Country Companies for most of her working career.  She married Richard Beck on September 1, 1989, in Decatur, IL.  Janet and Dick loved the retired life in Bella Vista, AR where they could golf almost all year long and work on her beautiful flower beds as well. She also participated in a women's golf league, house walks, and was very active at the Highlands golf course where they lived.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son in law, Kenn Bialecke; and grandson, Kameron Bialecke.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Beck of Bella Vista; sister, Carol (Jon) Lindhjem of Omaha, NE; children, Sherilyn (Wilson) Bialecke of Ringgold, GA, Stephanie (Wilson) (Tom) Franey of Champaign, IL, and Chris Beck of Porter, TX; grandchildren, Lindsey Bialecke, Keagan Bialecke, Aubrey McKenna Bialecke, Elizabeth (Bailey) Beyers, JT (Emily) Franey, Mary Beth Franey, Alex Beck and Christopher Beck; and great grandchildren, Wren Beyers and Bo Beck; niece Allison (Ryan) Tickner; 
and nephew, Matt (Stephanie) Lindhjem.

A private service will take place at a later date. The burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations cans be made in her name to www.bestfriends.org/northwest-arkansas for her love of animals. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralnation.com.

11/9/2023 https://www.funeralmation.com/obituary/janet-jan-beck

Norman "Norm" Paul

 
Norman "Norm" Paul, 84, of Urbana passed away at 5:41 P.M. Tuesday October 31, 2023 at his home.

 Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday November 4, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Urbana. Fr. Anthony Co will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Champaign. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

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

 Norm was born August 7, 1939 in Urbana. The son of Austin and Beulah (Dunn) Paul. He married Marilyn Clementz on August 26, 1961 in Urbana. She survives.

 He is also survived by his son Austin (Brenda) Paul of Paris, KY. Daughter Ellyn (Karl) Mead of Kingwood, TX. 5 grandchildren Ross Mead, Paul Mead, Gretchen Mead, Spencer and Nelson Paul. 1 sister Kathy (Morris) Clabaugh of Tuscaloosa, AL.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Norm was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was a graduate of St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and University High School.

 He worked for the Illinois Department of Agriculture as a Inspector, then Supervisor and finally as the state Compliance Officer before retiring.

 Norm loved to fish and hunt. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, winters in Texas, classical guitar and country music. 

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or St. Jude's Children Hospital.

Freese FH 11/1/2023