Grace McCarrey

 Grace McCarrey, 94 of Sidney passed away at 6:55AM, Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Clark-Lindsey Village, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 11:00AM Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the funeral home.

Mrs. McCarrey was born January 10, 1927 in Philo, a daughter to Charles and Nellie Williams Lafenhagen.  She married Quentin “Chebo” McCarrey on June 30, 1951 in Sidney.  He preceded in death on December 15, 2014.

Surviving are two sons; Guy (Marci) McCarrey of Normal and C. Andrew (Rosemary) McCarrey of Sidney, four grandchildren; Brandi (Josh) Baird, Lindzy (Branden) Mattocks, John McCarrey and Tom McCarrey, and two great-grandchildren; Bryson Mattocks and Sylvie Baird.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers; Leo Lafenhagen and Glen Lafenhagen.

Grace was active in the Countryside United Methodist Church.  She was a Cub Scout leader in Sidney and enjoyed gardening.

Memorials may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church or Sidney Fire Department.

Condolences may also be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 10/13/2021

Robert L. Wakefield

 Robert Wakefield

Champaign News-Gazette October 13, 2021

HOMER — Robert L. Wakefield, 91, of Homer passed away at 9:24 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at Tuscola Health Care Center, Tuscola.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, with the Rev. C.W. Greer officiating. Burial will take place in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home.

Bob was born Aug. 30, 1930, in Homer, the son of William Irvin and Bessie Peters Wakefield. He married Eileen Umbarger on Dec. 9, 1950, in Homer. She preceded him in death on Oct. 12, 2015.

Survivors include sons, Steven (Trudy) Wakefield of Williamsville, Larry (Mernice) Wakefield of St. Joseph and Dan (Debbie) Wakefield of Tuscola; daughter, Carol Wakefield of Mahomet; sister, Arlene Wakefield of Champaign; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Don, Dale, Ralph and Jim Wakefield; and two sisters, Marie McCoy and LaVerne Cook.

Bob was a member of Homer United Methodist Church and was on the Village of Homer Board from 1979 to 1987. He played trumpet in a big-band called “The Has Beens Orchestra,” and he loved big-band music. Bob also loved ballroom dancing with his wife. He enjoyed going to Homer Lake to watch for deer and other wildlife. He also liked playing golf and traveling with his wife to different areas of the country. Bob was a farmer in the Homer area for many years, retiring in 1992

Doris Miller

Doris Miller, 91, of Sidney passed away at 12:10 AM, Friday, October 1, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

services will be 11:00 AM CST, Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Riverside Cemetery, Brook, IN with Pastor John Sharp officiating.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

Mrs. Miller was born October 31, 1929 at Morocco, IN, a daughter to Chauncey and Amanda Whaley Merchant.  She married William C. Miller on December 1, 1949 at Kentland, IN.  He preceded in death on April 13, 1992.

Surviving are three daughters: Amanda (Mike) Shireley of Williamsport, IN, Sherry (Rick) Gibson of La Plata, MD, and Abbie (Steve) Smith, three grandchildren; Emily (Steve) Martin of Williamsport, IN, Becky Shireley of Spanaway, WA, and Sam Smith of Broadlands, and three great-grandchildren; Mikayla, Katherine, and Stephanie Martin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Kenneth and Dale Merchant, and two sisters; Ruby Berry and Helen Askew.

Doris worked with her husband farming until they got in the grocery business, including the Sidney Star Market until her retirement in 1993.

She was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was also a caring, loving and kind, but also proud to have lived independently in her own home until her death.

Memorials may be given to the Missouri Synod Lutheran Seminary of Fort Wayne, IN

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com

Freese FH 10/5/2021

Thomas Ralph Sattler

Ralph Sattler, 89, died peacefully at home on October 2, 2021. 

Born in Danville, Illinois on August 3, 1932 to William (Shorty) and Mureline (Holler) Sattler. Tom graduated from Ogden High School.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Ogden American Legion.  Tom was an active member of the Ogden United Methodist Church and served as a Trustee throughout the years.  He was a lifelong resident of Ogden and served on the Village Board for a number of years.  Tom loved all kinds of outdoor hobbies and activities:  gardening, pigeons and pigeon racing, bird watching, fishing, turtle hunting and loved to share his knowledge and wisdom with his family. 

No one who spent time with Tom left without learning something.  When Tom was no longer able to pursue his outdoor activities, he became an avid bird watcher and Western watcher. The numerous bird feeders were his priority and must be full at all times.   He could talk endlessly about Western actors, series and movies.  He was a good brother, husband, dad and grandpa to his family and will be truly missed.  He will live forever in our hearts and minds.

Tom worked as a plasterer.  He was a proud Union member of Local 143 Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons, Champaign, IL. He worked daily until his retirement in 1997. 

Tom married Audrey Jeanette Peterson on December 14, 1957.   Audrey proceeded him in death (2010).  Tom is survived by his three children Thomas Sattler, Jr. (Decorah, IA), Sue Esposito (Ogden, IL) and Barbara (Matt) Fleming (Royal, IL).  Tom was blessed with six grandchildren, MacKenzie, T.J., Bill, Samantha, Mickaela, and Daniel.  As well as three great grandchildren, Irissa, Lorelei and Fynnlei.   He was proceeded in death by his mother, Mureline; his father, William and his brother John.  He is survived by a sister, Billie Joyce Busboom of Royal, IL and a brother, Robert Sattler (Joan) of Milford, IL. 

There will be a visitation, Saturday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 A.M.  At the Ogden United Methodist Church. Rev. Jeff Stahl will officiate. A private graveside services will follow the funeral.

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

 Condolences may be made at www.Freesefh.com

  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Tom Sattler’s name to the Ogden-Royal Rescue Squad or the Ogden United Methodist Church.

Freese FH 10/5/2021

Doris Hamilton

Doris Hamilton 91, of St. Joseph passed away at 8:35 P.M. Monday October 4, 2021 at Country Health, Gifford.

 Funeral services will be Friday October 8, 2021 at 11:00 A.M.  at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. David Barcus will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be Friday from 9:30 A.M.-11:00 A.M.


 Doris was born May 4, 1930 at Charleston. The daughter of Leonard and Lela (Orr) Archer. She married Harold Hamilton on October 1, 1949. He preceded her in death on January 17, 1980.

 She is survived by her children; Lana (Randy) Wolken of St. Joseph, Harold (Diana)Hamilton of St. Joseph. Four grandchildren Stephanie (Kurt Simmons) Hamilton, Chaley (Ryan) Hausle, Kristi Mitchell and Brad (Stacey) Wolken. Nine great-grandchildren Brianna, Brody, Holden, Ethan, Evan, Grant, Garrett, Chase and Blake.


 She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.


 Doris enjoyed car rides in the country especially around the Homer Lake area. She was a member of the St. Joseph Women's Auxiliary Club.

 Most of all Doris enjoyed her grandchildren and attending their activities.

 Memorials may be made to the donor's choice or the St. Joseph American Legion.

Freese FH 10/5/2021

Sara H. Essig

 HOMER — Sara H. Essig, 64, of Homer passed away at 7:50 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Interment of ashes will be held at a later date in Kentucky.

Sara was born April 13, 1957, in Texas City, Texas, the daughter of Seaton Long and Elizabeth Gordon Sumner Hunter. She married Dean Essig on June 25, 1983, in St. Louis.

Survivors include her husband, Dean, of Homer; a daughter, Rosalind (Kyle) Essig Fields of Springfield; two sons, Joe (Audra) Essig of Mobile, Ala., and John Essig of Salt Lake City; a granddaughter, Arlow Essig; and two sisters, Elizabeth (Linda Walters) Hunter of Nicholasville, Ky., and Edith Hunter of New York.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sara was a seamstress and did alterations for many people in Homer. She was the former president of Homer Library Board for many years. She was on the committee for organizing the Homer Farmers Market.

Sara loved to sew, quilt, garden and bird watch. She had a love for music and orange tabby cats. Sara had the fondest love for her kids and family and her cat, Hitch.

Memorials can be made to the Homer Library.

NG 9/27/2021

Steven Louis Jacobs

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Steven Louis Jacobs, 60, passed away Tuesday (Sept. 21, 2021) at The Medical Center, Bowling Green, Ky.

He was born Oct. 2, 1960, to Bob and Ann Jacobs, who survive. He was a member and was deeply involved in Broadway United Methodist Church and loved his Lord and savior. He was strong and independent and never backed down from any challenge. He loved participating in track and bowling for the Special Olympics and was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Steve retired from the University of Illinois prior to moving to Bowling Green and was employed at Greenview Regional Hospital until he retired in December 2020.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Ellen Jacobs and Arthur and Evelyn Farmer; step-grandmother, Lorene Farmer; and several aunts, uncles and two cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters, Cindy Wernigk (Dan) and Sally Thomas (Doug); aunt, Norma Stevenson; uncle, Loren Farmer; nine nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and -nephews; and many cousins.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday with burial to follow in Bowling Green Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Broadway United Methodist Church, the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society or the American Diabetes Association.

NG 9/23/2021