Ilene Annetta Frerichs Ackerman

 

Ilene Annetta Frerichs Ackerman, 91, of Rantoul passed away at 10:27 a.m. Monday (July 29, 2024) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with the Rev. Emil Blobaum officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Ilene was born Aug. 30, 1932, in Champaign County, the daughter of John and Anna Ackerman Frerichs. She married William "Billy" H. Ackerman on Nov. 10, 1949, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. He preceded her in death Jan. 16, 1998.

She is survived by four children, Cheryl Johnson of Leesburg, Fla., Arlen Ackerman of Champaign, Becky Barnett of Palmetto, Fla., and Denise Hannagan of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Jason Johnson, Justin Johnson, Joel Rosenbeck, Lindsay Berlatsky and Drew (Ashlie) Hannagan; several great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Beverly (Lester) Wolken of Thomasboro and Marilyn Frerichs of Sullivan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Louise Osterbur Frerichs; two grandchildren, Layne Freeman and Emily Hannagan; three brothers, Mervin Frerichs, Herbert Frerichs and Louie Frerichs; a son-in-law, Mark Johnson; and a daughter-in-law, Sandy Ackerman.

Ilene was baptized, confirmed and married at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal. She spent many years cleaning houses and loved working at Gordyville over 30-plus years with her friends. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Her favorite trip was going to a St. Louis Cardinals game for a win and, of course, a hotdog. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jul. 31, 2024.

Phyllis Ann Shelmadine

Phyllis Ann Shelmadine, 88, of Champaign passed away at 11:11 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at Accolade Healthcare of Savoy.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. July 19 at Friends-Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph.

Phyllis was born Sept. 26, 1935, in St. Joseph, the daughter to Otis and Floriss Gillespie Hudson. She married Robert Shelmadine on Nov. 28, 1953, in Champaign. He preceded her in death on Dec. 12, 2007.

She is survived by Sean Patrick Shelmadine of Fisher; three grandchildren, Brock Matthew, Reghan Renee and Peyton Rihanna Shelmadine of Champaign; and her sisters, Pam (Darrin) Franzen of St. Joseph and Pat West of Effingham.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Phillip Hudson.

Phyllis retired form Birkey's Farm Store as an office manager. She was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and enjoyed spending time with her family.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/phyllis-shelmadine-obituary?id=55525549

Shirley Mae Stone Ethridge

Shirley May (Stone) Ethridge, 86, of Mahomet formerly of Homer, passed away at 10:34PM, Saturday, July 27,2024 at Bridle Brook Assisted Living, Mahomet.

Mrs. Ethridge was born November 21, 1937 in Champaign, a daughter of Charles R. and Florence During Stone.  She married her high school sweetheart, Gene, on December 18, 1955 in Rantoul, he survives.

They have three daughters, Jackie Sturdyvin of Oakwood, Judy and Lyle Hawkey of St. Joseph and Joni and Mark Bonner of Elburn, Il, seven grandchildren, Tracy, Jason, Teri, Kyle, Nick, Matthew, and Justin, seven great-grandchildren; Samantha, Tyler, Warren, Olivia, Kara, Charlotte, and Sophie, and a sister; Sylvia Deerwester of Normal.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a stepfather; George Boise, and a daughter; Janene Butler.

Shirley worked for several years as a part-time secretary for the Victory Christian Center in Homer, Sidney Untied Church in Sidney and Sohirgo Fertilizer in Sidney.

Her interests include crocheting, embroidery, and painting ceramics.  She also loved to cook and bake for her family.

A Celebration of Life will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the Homer New Life Church of Faith, 505 W. Crittenden St, Homer.  A private burial will be at GAR Cemetery, Homer.

Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

Freese FH 7/30/2024

Jack W. Peterson Jr.

Jack W Peterson Jr., 75, of Sidney passed away at 12:36 PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at home.

Celebration of Life will be 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 10, 2024 at C-U Church, 107 S. Webber St., Urbana, with Rev. Hank Sanford officiating.  Visitation will be from 1-3 PM Saturday at the church.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

Jack was born December 27, 1948 in Honolulu, HI, a son to Jack W. and Roselin Roque Peterson Sr.  He married Linda Rosson on February 13, 1970, she preceded in death on December 14, 2014.

He is survived by a son; Jack W. Peterson III of Sidney, a daughter; Cassandra (Adam) Grubb of Sidney, two grandchildren; Thomas Peterson and Isabella Grubb, and siblings; Cindy (Jon) Thomas of Newman, Bruce (Grace) Peterson of Orange Park, FL, Gwen (Jim) Brokaw of Tiskilwa, IL and Donna York of Thomasboro. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister; JoAnn Deaville, and a brother; Donny Peterson.

He was a BA for Union Carpenters Local 44 until becoming the Director of Organizing.  He was member of C-U Church in Urbana.  He loved golfing and fishing.  He enjoyed his time with Romeo Club having lunch at Perkins.  He loved helping people with projects around their homes and he did extensive work at Little Galilee Camp in Clinton, IL.  Most of all he was a family man, enjoying family cookouts and spoiling his grandchildren.

Memorial may be made to C-U Church or Vermilion County Animal Shelter.

Freese FH 7/25/2024

John "Phil" Daly

 John “Phil” Daly, 59 of Sidney passed away at 10:40PM, Saturday, July 20, 2024 at home.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Tuesday at the church with the rosary at 9:30AM.

Phil was born July 30, 1964 in Urbana.  A son to John Joseph and Maxine Wacker Daly Jr.  He married Jeanne Lannon on March 31, 1986 in Urbana, she survives.

Also surviving are five children; Morgan (John) Zeman of St. Joseph, Thomas “Tad” (Rebecca) Daly of Homer, John “Colin” (Gaby) Daly of Philo, Max Daly of Chicago, and Maureen Daly of Sidney, eight grandchildren; Lucy, Lily and Molly Zeman, Evie, Bryson and Issy Daly and Lorelai and Claire Daly, a brother Bob Daly of Philo, and a sister Donna (Mike) McHenry of Philo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister; Catherine Daly.

He served in the United State Marine Corp from 1984 to 1988.

Upon returning from his service, he became a truck driver where he travelled all over the country to support his family.  When he was home, he enjoyed spending time with them.  Whether taking them on road trips to state and national parks or just enjoying another family party.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception, Bongard and St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo.  

Memorials may be made to Champaign County Down Syndrome Network.

Freese FH 7/24/2024

Ronald Wesley Krukewitt

 
Ronald Wesley Krukewitt, 78, of Charleston, IL (formerly of Homer, IL), passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL. He was born on January 7, 1946, in Urbana, IL, the son of Donald Rudolph and Helen Elizabeth (Tibbetts) Krukewitt. On May 6, 1967, he married Sharon Kay Pedersen in Dwight, IL.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sharon Kay (Pedersen) Krukewitt of Charleston, IL; his sons, Brent Krukewitt (Devany) of Mattoon, IL, and Doug Krukewitt (Kim) of Sidney, IL; his grandchildren, Camilla Krukewitt and Alexis Sargent, both of Mattoon, IL, Hannah Eberhard (Adam) of Springfield, IL, Heather Krukewitt of Sidney, IL, and Ronnie Krukewitt of Champaign, IL; his great-grandchildren, Winston Perry of Mattoon, IL, Wesley Sargent of Charleston, IL, and Maxwell Eberhard of Springfield, IL; his brother, Dave Krukewitt (Molly) of Houston, TX; his sister, Kathy Bown of Port Angeles, WA; and his beloved dog, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Chuck Krukewitt.

Ron was a 1964 graduate of Homer High School, where he was honored as a hall-of-fame player. He received a football scholarship from New Mexico Highlands University. Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from 1965-1968 with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He also served as a Staff Sergeant in Charleston, SC. Ron served in the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart for his service. He later studied at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, where he received his bachelor's degree in business management in 1971. Ron retired from Peoples Bank and Trust in Charleston, IL, in March 31, 2013 as the company's Vice President.

Ron was a faithful member of Sidney Christian Church in Sidney, IL. He was a member of several organizations, including the Charleston VFW Post #1592 (where he was a former post commander), Mattoon American Legion Post #88, Marine Corps League, Charleston Rotary Club, Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Mattoon Lions Club, and Charleston Country Club.

Ron was very active in sports and community affairs. He enjoyed farming, livestock judging at local fairs, coaching his boys' little league teams, playing basketball and slow-pitch softball on his church league, golfing, and was an avid Illini and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Above all, he adored his dog, Buddy.

A Memorial Service with Military Rites be held on Saturday, July 27, at 12:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, with Pastor Doug Krukewitt officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sidney Christian Church, 305 E. Main St., Sidney, IL 61877 or Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center c/o Progress Care Unit, 1000 Health Center Dr., Mattoon, IL 61938.

To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.

https://www.adamsfuneralchapel.com/obituary/Ronald-Krukewitt 7/24/2024

Gearld L. Hennigh

 Gearld L. Hennigh, 76, of Sidney passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2024.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Monday July 15th, 2024 at Freese Funeral Home 202 W. Main St., Sidney. Casual attire is requested.

Gearld was born October 14, 1947 in Dewey, Illinois. He is survived by his children; Amy (Robert Haney) Hennigh, Loren (Jamie) Hennigh, and Raymond (Lyndsie) Hennigh. Beloved grandchildren; Domenick, Tysen, Marcos, Antonio, Maverick, Indigo and Oak. His sister Gerry (Ed) Burdette, brother Gene Hennigh, numerous family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 41 years, Sandy Hennigh.

 

Gearld graduated from Rantoul Township High School.

He served in the U.S. Army and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He was a butcher and meat judging hobbiest. 

Gearld worked as an engraver and retired from Trophy Time after a decade. 

Gearld spent his summers fishing, boating, and helping his friends at Cardinal Campground in Shelbyville, Illinois. 

Gearld will be greatly missed. 

Freese FH 7/18/2024