Ronald William Thompsen, 86, of Donovan passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on August 16, 1938 in Crescent City (Crescent Twp.), a son of Reinhart and Lydia (Lehmann) Thompsen and they preceded him in death in addition to two brothers, Donald and Francis Thompsen; and one sister, Delores Judy.

Ronald married Betty Avery on December 27, 1964 in Baudette, MN and she survives. Also surviving are one son, David (Jennifer) Thompsen of Clifton; one daughter, Cheryl (Tom) Vargo of Homewood; six grandchildren, Hannah (Michael) St. Aubin, Benjamin Thompsen, Katherine Thompsen, Joseph Thompsen, Nora Vargo and Lydia Vargo; one brother, Gordon (Linda) Thompsen of Martinton; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Thompsen served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the Cissna Park American Legion and Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. He was a pilot, owned Thompsen Aviation, flew a jet for Roper’s, and was a repairman for IBM for 30 years. Ronald enjoyed restoring old international tractors and was a member of the Central Green Club.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka with Rev. Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer with graveside military rites by the Cissna Park American Legion.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka or Uplifted Care Hospice.

Please share a memory of Ronald at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ricky Lee Roth, 65, of Danforth and formerly of Boswell, IN passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at his home. He was born on February 8, 1959 in Paxton, the son of Bobby A. and Nelda (Ailey) Roth, they both survive.

He married Shirley Seyfert on September 8, 1979 in rural Milford, she survives. Also surviving are two daughters and their families, Lesley (Tim), Kailey, Aley, and Miley Vaske and Meghan (Justin), Mayson, and Jordyn McFall all of Danforth; two sisters-in-law, Sheila (John) Mecklenburg of Wawaka, IN and Sandy (Harold) Wilken of Danforth; and one brother-in-law, Phillip Seyfert of Milford.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Mary Jane Seyfert; one brother-in-law, William Seyfert; and one niece, Janie Wilken.

Rick was formerly a member of the Boswell United Methodist Church and recently attended Cornerstone Church in Woodland. Rick’s hobbies include attending his daughter’s and grandchildren’s school events and spending time with them every chance he got.

He enjoyed working with farmers and spent most of his career with his service truck on farms changing Ag tires throughout western Indiana and eastern Illinois. He was a great mechanic that loved working on his vehicles and took pride in keeping them clean and well maintained.

Please join us in celebrating his life.

Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 pm CST on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am CST on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Jerry Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery near Stockland.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois County Fairgrounds or Cornerstone Church in Woodland.

Please share a memory of Rick at baierfuneralhome.com.

Alban V. Pitts, 98 of Watseka passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on October 12, 1925 in Ambia, IN, a son of Matt and Mary (Mertes) Puetz. Alban married Martha F. Kincade Scherf in Dunnington, IN on November 14, 1981 and she preceded him in death on April 2, 2004.

Survivors include one daughter- Jo (Rod) Newman of Sheldon; 4 grandchildren- Johon Williams, Tyler Newman, Layn Hill, Jalyn Newman; 5 great grandchildren Bradley Williams, David Williams, Kennedy, Harper and Wyatt Newman; and one brother- Fr. Richard Puetz of Delphi, IN.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by 2 daughters- Marsha Lynch and Mary Fegett, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, 1 grandchild, and 1 great grandchild.

Alban was a farmer in the Ambia, IN area for over 40 years and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dunnington. He enjoyed watching baseball and basketball games. Alban served in the US Army during WW II in the Pacific Theatre.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford with Father Mike Powell officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior also at the funeral home in Milford. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Alban at www.knappfunerahomes.com

Warren M.E. Peters, 96, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Faith Place in Danforth. He was born on July 7, 1928 in Onarga, a son of Herman and Miriam (Lisse) Peters. Warren married Frances M. Grohler on July 24, 1949 in Thawville and she preceded him in death on November 13, 2016.

Warren is survived by one son, Daniel (Jill) Peters of Cincinnati, Ohio; two daughters, Nancy (Jim) Fritsche of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Pamela (Doug) Dirks of Watseka; one son-in-law, John Hartman of Saulsbury, Tennessee; three sisters, Elizabeth Darby of LaJunta, Colorado, Ruth Peck of Sanford, Michigan, and Miriam Larkin of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; two sisters; and one daughter, Paulia Hartman.

Warren was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. He was employed at Uarco in Watseka for 39 years. Warren also drove the Show Bus for many years.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 23, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. funeral service at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka with Pastor Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be given to the Calvary Lutheran Preschool or to Faith Place in Danforth.

Please share a memory of Warren at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Steve Massey, 70, of Crescent City passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 at his home. He was born on March 11, 1954 in Rantoul, a son of V.C. and Carrie (Riley) Massey and they preceded him in death.

He married Lucille Lackey and she survives in Crescent City. Also surviving are six children, Stephen (Jill) Massey of Crescent City, Craig (Julie) Massey of Watseka, Ryanne (Brad) Flinn of Remington, IN, Josh (Tawney) Massey of Taylorville, Carly Massey (Brock Davenport) of Sheldon and Nickole Oaks of Watseka; two brothers, Tom (Leana) Massey of Paxton and Ken (Jennifer) Massey of Paxton; three sisters, Janet (Brad) Jones of Michigan, Linda Carter of Paxton and Sandy Massey of Paxton; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Steve loved Harley Davidson motorcycles, guns, and was a huge Trump supporter. He enjoyed Chinese food and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Steve at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Delmar “Sleepy” Gillespie, 83, of Watseka passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024 at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana. He was born on September 7, 1941 in Percy, IL, the son of Glover Gillespie and Grace (Brown) Rednour. He married Maria Elena Garcia in Watseka on July 19, 1991.

Surviving are his wife, Maria Elena Gillespie of Watseka; eight children, Dorothy Ramon, John (Julie) Gillespie, Alvin Gillespie, Allida (Julio) Hernandez, Romer Gillespie, Burl Gillespie, Magali Gillespie, and Delmar Gillespie Jr; one brother, Glover Gillespie; one sister, Sharon Parks; twelve grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

He was preceded in passing by his parents; one brother, Roy Gillespie; and one sister, Margaret Allen.

Sleepy loved music, especially playing piano and singing. He was a resident of the Watseka area for sixty-two years. He had a passion for golf. Mr. Gillespie owned and operated Sleepy’s Autos for many years.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Baier Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Sleepy at baierfuneralhome.com.

Tina Louise Gooding, 58, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at her home. She was born on June 9, 1966 in Watseka, the daughter of Carl and Effie Stone and they preceded her in death.

She married John Gooding on May 27, 1995 in Kentland, IN and he survives. Also surviving are four children, Travis (Becca) Paro of Thrall, TX, Samantha Gooding of Watseka, Maxwell Gooding of Watseka and Raegan Gooding of Watseka; one sister, Joyce (Eddie) Thomas of Sheldon; one brother, Jeff Stone of Oakwood; her special friend, Tina Schaumburg of Watseka; and five grandchildren, Jaxton, Jory, Bellamy, Boden and Theodore Paro of Thrall, TX.

Tina was a nurse for over 30 years followed by 5 years as the Administrator of Sheldon Nursing Home. She attended Trinity Church in Watseka.

Tina had a gift for hospitality. She loved company and could whip up a variety of snacks and had a knack for making a great cocktail.

She was drawn to the water, loved to camp and have movie nights with her family, and insisted Dr. Phil remain on the TV always.

She was an active member of the community as a member of both the JFL and Show Choir Board as well as a proud member of the CARE group.

She enjoyed shopping and any opportunity to spoil her grandchildren. Her competitive spirit drove her love for sports and playing games. And most of all Tina loved being a wife, sister, aunt, grandma, friend, and mother.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

A Rosary recited by Fr. Michael Powell will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Ryan Mustered officiating. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Watseka Athletic Booster Club, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or American Cancer Society.

Please share a memory of Tina at baierfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth “Kenny” Bruce Vaughn, 74, of Manteno passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Veterans’ Home at Manteno in Manteno, IL. He was born on December 18, 1949 in Streator, the son of Alfred Vaughn and Louise Edgar.

He is survived by one son, Brandon Vaughn of Bloomington, IL; two daughters, Kendra (Rick) Joyal of Minonk, IL and Sara (Matt) Reid of Mt. Juliet, TN; brother, Tim (Lisa) Vaughn of Clifton, IL; one sister, Tammi (Louis) Larson of Kankakee; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in passing by two brothers, Gary (Mike) Vaughn and Weldon Dewey Dotson; father, Alfred Vaughn; stepmother, Mary Vaughn; mother, Louise Edgar-Bosley; and step father, Louis Bosley.

Mr. Vaughn served in the United States Navy as a Seabee during Vietnam. Kenny was a member of Disabled American Veterans.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Interment and graveside military rites will be at 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans.

Please share a memory of Kenny at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Robert P. Weston, 88, of Gibson City and formerly of Roberts passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Gibson Hospital Anex in Gibson City. He was born on April 13, 1936 in Piper City, the son of Perry and Leona (Weakley) Weston. He married Leola Mae Hoppler at Piper City United Methodist Church on April 27, 1958 and she preceded him in passing on January 19, 2017.

Surviving are three children, Michael (Tina) Weston of Roberts, Renee (Ron) Decker of Piper City, and Michelle Weston of Fort Collins, CO; six grandchildren, Katie (Ryan) Porth, Jan Weston, Leslie Weston (True Boehme), Perry Weston, Amanda (Devon) Knowles, and Brandon (Kristin) Decker; ten great grandchildren, Lexa, Tessa, Ellie, Brock, AJ, Abby, Tristen, Tucker, Brady, and Landon; one brother, Richard (Ruby) Weston of Piper City; two sisters, Nancy Grohler of Piper City and Virginia Hardesty of Forrest.

Robert worked at FS Seed Warehouse in Piper City and then started farming with his brother, Richard. He raised Angus Cattle all of his life. He was a member of Piper City United Methodist Church where he served on the board, Piper City Lions Club, and was in a bowling league. He loved to attend the Saturday night races in Fairbury with his sisters and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Piper City United Methodist Church. Rev. Elizabeth Reis will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Chatsworth-Charlotte Cemetery in Chatsworth.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service on Wednesday at church, from 11:00-1:00 pm.

The Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Thomas Mark “Tommy” Kroll, 71, of Kankakee passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at his home. He was born on October 28, 1952 in Fairbury, the son of James and Marie (Kemp) Kroll. He married Debra Byard on February 19, 2011 in Kankakee.

Surviving are his wife, Debra Kroll of Kankakee; one daughter, Stephanie Kroll Piacenti of Bourbonnais; two step sons, Randy (Heather) Pierce of Clifton and Derek (Marissa Klaman) Pierce of Kankakee; two grandsons, Adrian Piacenti of Indianapolis, IN and Ethan Piacenti of Bourbonnais; four step granddaughters, Lily (Garrett Manny) Pierce of L’Erable, Randi Pierce of Clifton, Dallas Pierce of Kankakee, and Madisen Platt of Kankakee; one step great grandson, Sutton Manny of L’Erable; sister, Jane (Charley) Wirtz of Bradley; and brother, Daniel (Shelly) Kroll of Bradley.

He was preceded in passing by his parents; one sister, Angela O’Conner; and two brothers, Richard Kroll and Michael Kroll.

Tommy was an auto body technician most of his life and retired from Precision Auto Center in 2018. He was of the Lutheran faith.

Tommy, or better known by his nickname, “Cocktail”, was a dirt track stock car racer for forty years. He retired from racing in 2009. He won twelve track champions titles throughout his racing career. He drove a late model, Limited late model, sportsman, and modified. Tommy raced at Kankakee Speedway, Fairbury, Farmer City, Santa Fe Speedway, and several other tracks. He loved all of his racing fans.

Tommy enjoyed living on the Kankakee River while boating, fishing, and just relaxing. He would take his dog, Max, for rides on the jetski. He would go camping in Florida in the winter months and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be from 12:00-3:00 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care Hospice.

Please share a memory of Tommy at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Leslie H. Lavender, 87, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center. He was born on June 13, 1937 in Old Fort, NC, the son of Clark and Lucy (Gibson) Lavender and they preceded him in death in addition to one brother. He married Elsie Goocher and she preceded him in death on July 11, 2011.

He is survived by one sister-in-law, Doris Lavender of Watseka; one niece, Sandi (Mertin) Weaver of Gilman; two nephews, Greg (Sandy) Lavender of Mahomet and Tim Lavender of Indianapolis, IN; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Leslie served in the United States Army. He loved reading and word search puzzles.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the Gilman Cemetery with military graveside rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Leslie at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Waneta J. Dailey, 91, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee. She was born on January 12, 1933 in Martinsville, Indiana, a daughter of Paul and Gladys (Baugh) Maxwell and they preceded her in death. Waneta married the love of her life Dr. James E. Dailey on August 28, 1954 in Muncie, Indiana and he preceded her in death on February 18, 2000.

Waneta is survived by her three daughters, Brenna (Dave) Johnson of Watseka, Suzelle (Bill) McCullough of Park City, and Kristin (John) Straubinger of Summerville, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Scott Johnson of Watseka, Kyle (Kelli) Johnson of Bloomington, Kaity (Zak) Ellrick of Watseka, Erin McCullough of San Antonio, Texas, Laine McCullough of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Brett Straubinger of Summerville, South Caroline; four great-grandchildren, Jackson “JJ” Johnson, Alida McCullough-Furness, Emmett McCullough-Furness, and Audrey McCullough.

She was born with perfect pitch and played the piano at an early age. She could hear a tune on the radio and then sit down and play it on the piano. She later took up the guitar with one of her daughters.

She learned her love of cooking and sewing from her mother and the game of golf from her father. Together with Jim, she added tennis and snow skiing to her growing list of passions.

After she met Jim and had two of her three daughters, they moved to Watseka and created a wonderful life together. Waneta became very involved in the community and served on the school board for several years. She was also very involved in the Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She loved to give back to her community, supporting her husband and the work he did as a local physician, and taking care of her three daughters.

Near the top of the list of things that Waneta loved was bridge. Her love for this game started in college and was a social pastime that included regular ladies bridge clubs and the occasional couple’s bridge. Later on, she and a dear friend plunged into the world of competitive duplicate bridge and she never looked back. One of her proudest moments was earning her ACBL Life Master.

More than anything, she loved vacations with her family, especially Fair Hills in Minnesota and Hilton Head Island. She actually loved them so much; you could always find her driving around with her ILUVHH license plates. She loved being able to travel with her family and make memories with them that will last a lifetime.

Throughout her adult life, Waneta was the happiest when she was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren competing in sports and doing what they loved. Waneta was the first one to celebrate in their accomplishments and be there for them. She always talked about how proud her husband, Jim, would have been of the life that they created together and always reminded the kids that their grandfather was celebrating with them.

Waneta had one of the sharpest minds and never lost interest in the world around her. There was never a conversation with her that didn’t involve who won the golf match that past week, what football team was playing that night or who she thought would win the tennis open coming up. Every night you could find her catching up on the latest game that was on TV and playing competitive bridge online.

Waneta will always be remembered for her love of her family, generosity, grace and quick wit.

A Private Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with Pastor Jerry Parker officiating.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

James “Jim” Donald Manssen, 66, of Danforth passed away on August 31, 2024 at his residence.

Jim was born on January 18, 1958 in Watseka, the son of Donald Robert and Joanne Rovine (Wiltjer) Manssen and they preceded him in death along with his brother-in-law, Greg Rubin; and his nephew, Jonathan David Rubin.

He is survived by one sister, Judy Rubin of Danforth; one niece, Kristy Rubin of Danforth; and several cousins.

Jim attended Gilman High School and worked at A.O. Smith in Kankakee and Lifetime Doors in Watseka. He enjoyed spending time with his Dad where they fixed up classic cars, listened to old radio shows and watching Old Westerns together. Jim enjoyed Lum and Abner as well as fixing and updating computers.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Danforth Reformed Church in Danforth. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Donald J. MacDonald III officiating. Burial will be at Danforth Reformed Cemetery in Danforth.

Memorials may be made to the family's wishes.

Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Please share a memory of Jim at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michelle Denise Knapp, 52, of Roberts passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at her home. She was born on June 19, 1972 in Champaign, the daughter of Bill and Olga (Rosenberger) Allen.

She married Kent Knapp on December 24, 2008 in Thawville and he survives. Also surviving are three sons, Taylor (Morgan) Behrens of Roberts, Travis (Alyson) Knapp of Cissna Park and Brandon Knapp of Clifton; one brother, Troy Allen of Covington, KY; her mother, Olga Allen of Covington, KY; and four grandchildren, Maren Knapp of Cissna Park, Carter Knapp of Clifton, Emma Behrens of Roberts and Theo Behrens of Roberts.

She was preceded in death by her father and two brothers.

Michelle worked in sales at the Times Republic in Watseka. She loved spending time with family, friends and her dogs.

Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Merle Charles Perzee, 77, of Danforth passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on January 8, 1947 in Watseka, the son of Russell and Nellie (Koets) Perzee.

Merle married Linda Breakey and she preceded him in death on July 18, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wendell and Marvin; and one niece, Alana.

He is survived by one brother, Wayne (Cheryl) Perzee of Olathe, KS; two nieces, Christina (Kevin) Marose of Overland Park, KS and Jennifer Ortega of California; two nephews, Aaron Perzee of Boise, ID and Josh Breakey of California; two great-nephews, Brendan and Rylan Marose of Overland Park, KS; and his special friend, Mary Anne Graeber of Gilman.

Merle served in the U.S. Army Reserves and retired from service. Merle owned and operated his own full-service gas station in Danforth for over 20 years before going to work as a mechanic and supervisor for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation.

A memorial visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024 followed by a prayer service at 1:30 p.m. at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will be in the Danforth Cemetery following the service.

Mary E. Hurt, 78, of Crescent City passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Arcadia Care in Clifton. She was born on October 17, 1945 in Kankakee, the daughter of Harvey J. and Ruth (Cordes) Creek. She married Charles Garyon Hurt on June 11, 1966 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on January 27, 2023. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, James Creek; two sisters, Caroline Casley and Janet Wolfe-Carley; and one grandchild, Kolin.

She is survived by one son, Bradley (Tonya) Hurt of Clifton; two granddaughters, Kyra (Joshua) Wolfe and Kali Hurt; two sisters, Martha (Michael) Kristin of Tucson, AZ and Myrna (Tom) Conrad of Newburg, MD; three brothers, Tom Creek of Downing, MO, Richard Creek of Smithfield, UT and David (Judy) Creek of Danville; and sister-in-law, Janet Creek of Bloomington.

Mrs. Hurt was a member of Trinity Church of Watseka. She was the owner and operator of Mary’s Hairdressing for many years.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Trinity Church of Watseka. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. also on Sunday at the church. Pastor Ryan Mustered and Pastor Bart Koester will officiate. Burial will follow at the Gilman Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity Benevolence Fund.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Mary at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Andrew Robert (Andy) Roselius, 37, of Clifton, Illinois, passed away suddenly on September 1, 2024. Born on June 5, 1987, to Tom and Deb (Nelson) Roselius. Andy was a dedicated farmer, a respected first responder, and a loving family man.

From a young age, Andy dreamed of continuing his family's farming legacy. He took over the family farm south of Crescent City, Illinois, which had been in the family for over a century. He always said his job was to feed the world. In 2016-17, he was honored as a Soybean Ambassador by the Illinois Soybean Association, showcasing his expertise through national and international trips. Andy also raised beef cattle and later worked as a Crop Specialist at Heritage FS, in Gilman, Illinois. He was known for his warm and friendly demeanor.

Andy was a first responder for almost 20 years. He served as an Engineer/Paramedic with the Bradley Fire Department from 2007 to 2013 and was a long-time volunteer at the Crescent-Iroquois Fire Protection District, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He was dedicated to educating local students about fire safety. He met his wife, Tari, during their time together at the Bradley Fire Department.

Andy was deeply devoted to his wife, Tari, and children, Owen and Cora. He took immense pride in Owen’s intelligence and baseball skills and cherished Cora, whose birth he considered the happiest day of his life. Uncle Andy was adored by his nieces and nephews, who loved his playful nature and affection, whether he was holding them upside down, playing tickle spiders, or simply talking nonsense. Andy also enjoyed playing guitar, including with his band Flak Jacket, and listening to Green Day.

He is survived by his wife, Tari (Downs) Roselius; children, Owen and Cora; parents, Tom and Deb Roselius; brother, Joe (Tricia) Roselius; sister, Katie (Calvin) VanHoveln; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Denny and Sue Downs; sister-in-law, Tanya; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 PM on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka, Illinois. The funeral service will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Association of Mental Illness, www.nami.org, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, www.dbsalliance.org, or the Crescent-Iroquois Fire Protection District.

Dane Robert Lamont, 74, of Clifton passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. He was born on November 30, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Robert David and Jane Lillian (Kutina) Lamont and they preceded him in death.

He married Anita Marie Demers on September 27, 1980 in L’Erable and she survives. Also surviving are three sons, Robert Dane (Katie) Lamont of Bourbonnais, Edward Joseph (Madonna St. Pierre) Lamont of Champaign and Joseph James (Katelyn) Lamont of Kankakee; one daughter, Katherine Rose Lamont of Bradley; two brothers, Robin (Leslie) Lamont of New Lenox and Jim (Lynnda) Lamont of Dyer, IN; one sister, Bonnie Lamont (Jack Reichenberger) of St. John, IN; and three grandchildren, Avery Grace, Ashton Dane and Aria Kate.

Dane served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was a member of the V.F.W. in Chebanse. He was an airplane mechanic and inspector at the Kankakee Airport.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with funeral services at 5:00 p.m. followed by military rites by the Chebanse American Legion. Rev. Mike Seed will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable.

Memorials may be made to the Clifton Food Pantry.

Please share a memory of Dane at knappfuneralhomes.com.