Roger Mason Corrary

 
Roger Mason Corray, age 90, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2024 at his home, with children and grandchildren by his side.

Visitation will be from 10am –12pm on Sunday, December 8 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Rd., Urbana, IL 61802. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Olive cemetery at 12:30 p.m. in Mayview, IL.

Roger was born at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign on February 13, 1934, to Frank Mason and Gladys “Jane” (Dallas) Corray. Roger married Judith Corray in Urbana on October 26, 1957. The couple lived in Seattle, WA, where Roger worked for Boeing before returning to Urbana in 1959.

Roger is survived by daughter Elizabeth “Katie” (Terry) Andersen of St. Joseph, grandchild Kimberly Andersen and great-grandchildren, Lindsey and Jacob Rowland of Hampton, Virginia, grandchild Brian (Amanda) Andersen and great-grandchild Brooke of Mahomet; daughter Debbie (Max) Corray Calvo of St. Joseph and grandchild Emily Corray of Urbana; son Michael (Denise) Corray and grandchildren, Aidan, Jaren and

Shannon Corray of Charleston; brother Robert Corray of St. Joseph; and sister Norma Pittman of Loda (a blessing when his father remarried in 1950). Roger was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Judy; his mother Jane, from complications during his birth; his father; and his brother-in-law Don Pittman.

Roger spent his early years on his grandparents’ Harmon and Elizabeth Corray’s farm in rural Urbana, then moved to town and attended Urbana schools. The family later moved to St. Joseph where he graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1952. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, both active and reserve duty, for six years, serving on the USS Finch and USS Yuma as an engine dieselman. After working for several years for the Secretary of State’s Office and Urbana Township, Roger served the citizens of Champaign County as a sheriff’s deputy for 25 years.

Well-liked and personable with a twisted sense of humor, he worked his way through the ranks, having served as a captain over the detectives. His personality was steadfast and unflappable, even in the worst situations. When he retired in 1996, Roger was a captain supervising the patrol division.

He gleefully boasted that he had been retired longer than he worked.

When he wasn’t engrossed in police work, Roger was an avid fisherman, especially in retirement. He and Don Pittman were longtime members of the Pollywog Association in Oakwood, IL. The Corrays and Pittmans spent two weeks each summer for 50+ years, fishing on Deer Lake at Linden Grove Resort.

Roger also took a keen interest in local issues, particularly those affecting St. Joseph. For many years he served as president of the Yearsley Cemetery Association in Somer Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph Recreation Fund, PO Box 11, St. Joseph, IL 61873 for the new community building.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

https://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com/obituary/Roger-Mason-Corray

NG 12/5/2024

Ramela C. Butler

 Pamela C. Butler (Pam) passed away on November 25, 2024 at the age of 69. Preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, Jimmy Fahrenholtz and her parents Robert Butler and Barbara Butler.

She is survived by her brother, Bruce Butler, Festus, MO,  sister, Jean Butler, Denver, CO. and nephews Matt Butler (Amy) and Brian Butler (Heather).
Pam was the Co-founder of the University of Illinois Alumni Club in New Orleans. She worked as a diabetic educator, volunteered at the WW II Museum and AARP Louisiana. She enjoyed running, swimming, golf and watching University of Illinois sports.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Pam on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA. 70001 from 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donation in Pam’s name to:

-WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA. 70130

-Bridge House/ Grace House: https://www.bridgehouse.org/donate

Or a Charity of your choice

https://www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com/tributes/Pamela-Butler

Janet M. Manning

URBANA - Janet M. Manning, 79, of Urbana, died at home Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in the afternoon. 

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Friends and family are encouraged to wear pink in honor of Janet. 

Janet was born on Feb. 6, 1945, in Champaign, a daughter of Russell and Ruby (LaRoe) Harmon. She married James E. Manning Sr. on June 27, 1964, in Puyallup, Wash. 

She is survived by her husband of 60 years; two children, James Manning Jr. of Urbana and Sharon Manning of Champaign; three brothers, Russell Harmon Jr., Paul (Margie) Harmon and Cecil Harmon, all of Urbana; and her beloved grandpuppies, Hope, Faith and Love. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ruth Ann Wilson. 

Janet was a school bus driver for the Urbana School District for 30 years. She loved playing bingo and going to casinos. 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/janet-manning-obituary?id=56893376

Steven "Steve" Michael Hoveln

 OCEANSIDE, Calif. - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven "Steve" Michael Hoveln, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and community servant.

Born on March 5, 1959, Steve devoted himself to service in both his personal and professional life. Alongside his wife, Marie Hoveln, he co-founded the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization that builds and delivers beds to children in need in the community. Previously, he served in the PONY baseball league for over 20 years as a field director. Steve's commitment to helping others extended far beyond North County, including humanitarian work with Builders Without Borders in Tijuana, Mexico.

Steve was proudly employed at Hunter Industries for over 30 years, where he was known for his hard work and camaraderie. Steve's role as a product manager allowed him to connect with people across the globe, and his direct approach made him a source of sage wisdom for many.

Outside of his professional and charitable endeavors, Steve was an avid Padres fan, loved attending NASCAR races and enjoyed camping. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, always putting family and community first. His legacy of service and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Marie Hoveln; children, Jason Hoveln and wife Stacy Hoveln; daughter, Victoria (Vikki) Almond and husband Matt Almond; grandchild, Evelyn Almond; mother, Marie Hoveln; and brothers, Dave (Karla) Hoveln and Ron (Sarah) Hoveln.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Hoveln.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held on Friday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, San Diego County North Chapter, in Steve's honor, continuing his mission to ensure "no kid sleeps on the floor in our town."

NG https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/steven-hoveln-obituary?id=56901012

Angela "Angie" Hunter

 

Angela “Angie” Hunter 53, of Ogden passed away at 4:15 p.m. on November 7, 2024, at Crawford Memorial Hospital, Robinson, IL.

Angie was born on April 27, 1971 in Corydon, Indiana the daughter of Richard & Mary (Cash) Henson. She married Scott Hunter on May 25th, 2003 in Mahomet, IL.

She is survived by her parents, husband- Scott; sons- Kalvin Kaufmann of Paxton, IL, Andrew Kaufmann of Buckley, IL and Brandon Hunter of Five Points, TN; daughter- Nancy Benko of Urbana, IL; Grandchildren- Saylor and Aspen Hunter, Maxwell Valdes, Liyah, Milo and Neal Kaufmann; sisters- Sherrie Henson of Newburg, IN, Emmy Clementz of Villa Grove, IL and Sophie Mitchell of Owensboro KY; niece- Erin Allen of Covington, IN and great nephew Tristan Lane of Covington, IN and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Angie graduated from Paxton High School in Paxton, IL. She was a member of New Hope Fellowship in Mahomet. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting, writing poems and spending time with her family.

A Celebration of life service will be held on November 29th at her home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

https://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com/obituary/Angela-Hunter

Charles L. High

 HOMER — Charles L. High, 80, of Homer passed away Sunday (Nov. 17, 2024) at home in Homer.

Charles was born on Sept. 14, 1944, in Danville, to Cleve and Naomi (McNeese) High Sr. He married Janet Simmons on Sept. 2, 1966, in Broadlands; she preceded him in death.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Betty Wolfe and Nancy Setser; an infant brother; and significant other, Teresa Akers.

He is survived by two sons, Marty (Connie) High and Myron (Jessica) High; two grandchildren, Jaidyn High and Russell High; one brother, Cleve “Snook” (Darlene) High Jr.; two cousins, Jerri “Knocks” Waller and Gayla Kistler; and his significant other’s children, Terry (Leah) Akers, Jeremy (Amber) Akers, Jacob (Caryn) Akers and Savannah (Robert) Helminiak.

Charles graduated from Jamaica High School in 1962 and served in the U.S. Army from 19631966. He held many jobs throughout his life, such as being a shade tree auto mechanic, working for Craig Yallaly for several years doing maintenance at his laundromats, and was a custodian for the Cunningham Children’s Home, from which he retired.

Charles enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all, he loved to spend time with his family.

Visitation will be from 10a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 22, at Joines Funeral Home, Newman, with the funeral service following immediately after; Pastor C. W. Greer will be officiating. Burial will be in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family.

NG 11/20/2024

Robert "Bob" Sarnecki

RANTOUL — Robert “Bob” Sarnecki, 78, of Bucyrus, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at St. Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park, Kan.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 Tuesday morning at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Father Joel Phelps will officiate a service beginning at 11. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rantoul.

Bob was born on July 6, 1946, in Champaign, the son of Frank and Ruby (McIntyre) Sarnecki. He grew up in the Champaign area and graduated from Champaign Central High School with the Class of 1964.

After high school, Bob enlisted with the U.S. Army in August 1964. He proudly served his country for three years during the Vietnam War. Bob was honorably discharged in August 1967 and was very proud of his military service.

He was united in marriage to Kathryn Remesch on Nov. 16, 1968, in Urbana. From this union, they had three children, Philip, Todd and Katie. The family made their home in Homer and St. Joseph for many years. The couple was happily married for nearly 56 years.

Bob worked for the University of Illinois in the housing division for 33 years before his retirement. He served as the volunteer coordinator for the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) for many years while living in Homer. Bob was an avid storm chaser. He also worked part time as an EMT on the ambulance service for many years.

In 2012, Bob and Kathy moved to Bucyrus to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He was a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea parish for 13 years.

After moving to Kansas, Bob became a loyal fan of the Kansas City Royals and hardly missed watching a game on TV. He collected HO gauge train sets and enjoyed “casual fishing” on occasion. Bob enjoyed coffee and cinnamon rolls with his closeknit group of friends and loved having conversations with anyone over ice cream. Bob also loved his music. In his younger years, country/ western music was his favorite. And in his later years, ’60s music was always on the radio. Bob enjoyed the old country western TV shows and watched them on repeat. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruby Sarnecki; sister, Frances Good; and a cherished fourlegged friend, Deogee.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Sarnecki, of the home; three children, Philip (Heidi) Sarnecki of Bucyrus, Todd (Stacie) Sarnecki of St. Joseph and Katie (Thomas) Kazyak of Derby, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Emily, Blake, Ava, Malorie, Carson, Shelby (Travis), Bailey, Riley and Rubey; one great-grandchild, Skylar; three brothers, Frank (Barbara), Mike and Pat Sarnecki; one sister, Paula Butcher; and his Shiatzu mix, Rue; as well as many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Disabled American Veterans or Children Incorporated, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, KS 66053.

To share your memories of Bob or to send a special condolence message to his family, please click the “Share A Memory” tab.

NG 11/08/2024