Kenneth Thomason Heyen

 Kenneth Thomason Heyen, 91 of Broadlands passed away at 12:59PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at The Haven in Tuscola.

Private graveside services will be held.  Freese Funeral Home, Tolono is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Heyen was born Nov 15, 1934 in Petersburg, IL, a son to Julius and Ruby Thomason Heyen.  He married Awanda Lee Limkeman on Sept 20, 1958 in Sutter, IL.  She preceded him in death on August 31, 2023.

Surviving are two sons; Kevin (Susan) and Kendall (Brenda), a daughter; Alisa (Tim) grandchildren; Brandon (Hannah), Brittany, Makenzie (Alexis), Alexander and Maddison, two great-grandchildren; Cecelia Kay and Lucca and three step-great-grandchildren; Dean, Liam, and Ellie.

Mr. Heyen graduated from Ipava High School, then graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Education.  While receiving his master’s degree with served in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He was employed at Unit 7 Schools as the band and music teacher from 1970 to 1991.  He grew up on the family farm in Carthage, IL, where he and his children would go back in the summers and help with planting and harvesting the crops.  He was an avid Illini sports fan.  He also enjoyed watching his children’s and then his grandchildren’s activities, playing the organ and accordion, and going to tractor pulls, he especially enjoyed the Allis-Chalmers tractors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Haven of Tuscola for their kindness and compassion.  Over the years, they became more than just Ken’s caregivers; they became family.  Their commitment to treating him with love, dignity, and respect will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be made to Unity Music Boosters at PO Box 1063, Tolono, Il 61880.

Robert Wayne Acton

 Collison – Robert Wayne Acton, 76, of Collison passed away at 3:25 PM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on May 15, 1950, in Danville to Robert L. and Leone (Liggett) Acton. He married Deanna R. Armantrout on August 29, 1971, in Potomac. She survives.

Also surviving are three children, Jessica (Ted) Hartke of Sidney, Justin (Lisa) Acton of Rossville, and Jared (Kari Fowler) Acton of Collison; and five grandchildren, Phillip, Sophia, Ava, Ella, and Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Gabriel Hartke.

After High School, Wayne went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from Illinois State University. His career was varied but always centered around his vast knowledge of the agricultural industry. Wayne shared this passion as an Ag Teacher at Oakwood High School before moving to livestock and ag equipment sales. He also operated the family farm where they specialized in raising Beefalo cattle. Wayne served as the Vice President of the American Beefalo Association due to his expertise with the breed. As a stroke survivor, Wayne volunteered as a lobbyist for the American Heart Association to support improved treatment options for stroke patients. He also worked in real estate as a realtor and broker.

Wayne loved the community he lived in and served as the Pilot Township Clerk and on the Middlefork Pilot Multi-Township Assessment District Board. He was a lifetime member of the Collison United Methodist Church and was recently honored as a 50-year member of the Collison Masonic Lodge. Music was also a very important part of Wayne’s life. With his band, Latigo, and other bands he performed with such as the Tumble Weeds and Yesterday’s Country, he played at numerous events such as the CU Arts Festival, several Cowboy Country Churches, and he organized outdoor concerts during the summer months at the Collison Masonic Lodge. He was a long-time Lions Club member and organizer of their annual “Potomac Goes Country” music show and later their “Let’s go Country” music shows. He received multiple songwriting awards and recognitions and a music video award and was President of the Illinois Group in the North America Country Music Associations International (NACMAI). He invested his time and support in grade school music programs to pass his love of music on to future generations.

Most of all, Wayne loved his family and enjoyed being present with them whenever he could. He will be missed dearly by them all.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Wayne Acton will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Pilot Township Community Building in Collison, IL with visitation prior to the service held from 1:30-3:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to gather for a dinner and additional time for visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm that same evening. He will be laid to rest at Collison Cemetery. Cremation has been entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. In lieu of flowers, memorials made in Wayne’s name may be made to the Collison United Methodist Church (PO Box 103, Collison, IL, 61831) or to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in St. Louis (Hope Lodge, 4207 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63108).

Please join Wayne’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

https://obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/robert-acton

Marilyn Louise Paul

 Marilyn Louise Paul, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away on August 21, 2026, one day after celebrating her 89th birthday. She was born August 20, 1937, in Winner, South Dakota, to Francis and Alfred Clementz.

 A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday August 29, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 708 W. Main St. Urbana. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Champaign. Fr. Anthony Co will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 A. M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

Marilyn devoted 38 years of her life to education. She spent 36 of those years teaching at Thomasboro Grade School, where the majority of her years were spent teaching kindergarten. She was a passionate teacher who believed deeply in the importance of learning and in the potential of every child. She earned her degree in education from Mount Marty College and later returned to college at the University of Illinois, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. Her commitment to learning continued throughout her life.

Marilyn’s lifelong love of learning became a deep curiosity about the world around her. She channeled that curiosity into genealogy and travel, always eager to discover more about her family, other places, and the stories that connected people across generations.

She also loved to entertain and, more than anything, loved making people feel welcome. If you stopped by her home in Sellers for a visit, you could be sure she would offer you a “little something to eat”—and she would remember your favorites. Her hospitality was an expression of her love, and many people will remember the warmth, generosity, and care they felt in her home.

Marilyn was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she made herself available to a variety of church and community activities. She also served for many years on the County Zoning Board, giving her time and energy to the community she loved. She was an active member of the colonists and the alliance chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Alfred Clementz; her beloved husband, Norman Austin Paul.

She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory her children, Austin Paul (Brenda) of Paris, Kentucky, and Ellyn Mead (Karl) of Springdale, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Ross Mead of Nashville, Tennessee; Paul and (Michelle) Mead of Clinton, Mississippi; Gretchen Mead of Houston, Texas; Spencer and (Miranda) Paul of Paris, Kentucky; and Nelson Paul of Paris, Kentucky; her two precious great-grandchildren, Lucienne Mead and Austin Paul as well as three younger sisters, Anita Breidenbach Kathleen Enders and Trish Kramer.

Marilyn’s legacy lives on in the many children she taught, the family stories she preserved, the people she welcomed into her home, and the lives she touched through her kindness, curiosity, and love of learning.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Marilyn’s memory may make a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Marilyn-Paul

Kenneth Thomason Heyen

 Kenneth Thomason Heyen, 91 of Broadlands passed away at 12:59PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at The Haven in Tuscola.

Private graveside services will be held.  Freese Funeral Home, Tolono is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Heyen was born Nov 15, 1934 in Petersburg, IL, a son to Julius and Ruby Thomason Heyen.  He married Awanda Lee Limkeman on Sept 20, 1958 in Sutter, IL.  She preceded him in death on August 31, 2023.

Surviving are two sons; Kevin (Susan) and Kendall (Brenda), a daughter; Alisa (Tim) grandchildren; Brandon (Hannah), Brittany, Makenzie (Alexis), Alexander and Maddison, and two great-grandchildren; Cecelia Kay and Lucca E.

Mr. Heyen graduated from Ipava High School, then graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Education.  While receiving his master’s degree with served in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He was employed at Unit 7 Schools as the band and music teacher from 1970 to 1991.  He grew up on the family farm in Carthage, IL, where he and his children would go back in the summers and help with planting and harvesting the crops.  He was an avid Illini sports fan.  He also enjoyed watching his children’s and then his grandchildren’s activities, playing the organ and accordion, and going to tractor pulls, he especially enjoyed the Allis-Chalmers tractors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Haven of Tuscola for their kindness and compassion.  Over the years, they became more than just Ken’s caregivers; they became family.  Their commitment to treating him with love, dignity, and respect will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be made to Unity Music Boosters at PO Box 1063, Tolono, Il 61880.

https://www.freesefh.com/notices/Kenneth-Heyen

Helen Lucille Comnick

Helen Lucille Comnick

Minneapolis - Helen Lucille Comnick, 96, entered eternal rest on Aug. 8, 2026, in Minneapolis.

Born on March 18, 1930, in Ogden, Helen lived a life of faith and devotion and is now in the loving embrace of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Helen pursued higher education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree. She later married Russell E. Comnick, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage until his passing in November 2000.

Helen's legacy lives on through her four children: Grant, Jeanne, Anne, and Mark; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Her love and guidance will be cherished by all who knew her.

A celebration of Helen's life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal. In honor of Helen's favorite color, attendees are encouraged to wear something purple as a tribute to her memory.

May Helen's unwavering faith and the love she shared bring comfort and peace to those who mourn her passing.

Published by The News-Gazette from Aug. 14 to Aug. 22, 2026. 

Paula Kaye Rogers

 Paula Kaye Roberts, 58, of Urbana, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2026.

Paula was a very loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She found joy in the simplest things; especially crafting, being outdoors, gardening, cooking and spending time with family and her cats. One of her favorite pastimes was setting up her hummingbird feeders and watching for hummingbirds to visit. Those quiet moments surrounded by nature brought her great happiness.

Paula is survived by her two children, Nicholas(Demi) Rogiers, 36 of Chicago and Justin(Haleigh) Rogiers, 32 of Rantoul; her grandchildren, Owen, 14, of Mahomet; Sophia, 14, of Rantoul; Rose, 8, of IN; Layne, 5; Slade, 4; Soren, 3, all of Rantoul; and her brother, Frank Roberts jr, of Littleton, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Carlene Roberts; her partner, Steve Fleming; and her grandson, Sawyer Rogiers.

Paula will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her gentle enjoyment of crafting, love for gardening and outdoors, passion for animals, amazing cooking and so much more! Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Contact Nicholas or Justin for details.

NG 8/14/2026

Ruth H. Roderick

St. Joseph - Ruth H. Roderick, 89, of St Joseph, passed away at Kahl Home in Davenport, Iowa, on Aug. 8, 2026.

Ruth was born on Aug. 14, 1936, the daughter of Louis C and Lena (Kubler) Wendling in Altamont. She married John Roderick on July 17, 1966, in Altamont, and they raised three daughters.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, John Roderick of St. Joseph, her daughters, Amy (Jim) Heise of Andover, Mass., Jennifer (David) Phillips of Dayton, Ohio, and Jill (Todd) Frankel of Bettendorf, Iowa, her grandchildren, Emery Heise, Wyatt Phillips, Elias Phillips, Jacob Frankel, Alexa Frankel and Helene Frankel, as well as two siblings, Bill Wendling of Altamont, and Jim (Gerry) Wendling of Overland Park, Kan.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents and one sibling, Bob Wendling.

Ruth was a teacher and Sunday school teacher for many years. She was active in her church, Immanuel Lutheran, loved working with the preschool-age children, and enjoyed spending her free time gardening and giving away tomatoes.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1930 N. Bowman Ave., Danville, IL 61832. The Rev. James Yonkers will officiate. Burial will be in Walnut Corner Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 at the church in Danville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1930 N. Bowman Ave., Danville, IL 61832. Please note: Vacation Bible School/Sunday School.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family invites you to share memories, photos, and messages of comfort on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. 

NG 8/14/2026