Shirley C. Arseneau, 97, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born on August 7, 1927 in Donovan, the daughter of Harold and Martha (Robinson) Loblaw. She married Conrad H. Arseneau in Beaverville on October 5, 1946 and he preceded her in passing on January 11, 2016. She was also preceded in passing by her parents and two sisters, Helen Hewson and Ruth Conner.

Surviving are four daughters, Cheryl (Eugene) Grant of Iroquois, Carol “Jeanne” (Martin) Vangundy of Boyd, TX, Kathy Arseneau of Sheldon and Claudia (Travis) Wiser of Gurnee; three sons, James (Pamela) Arseneau of Winnetka, CA, Dale (Kathie) Arseneau of Martinton and Scott (Kelly) Arseneau of St. Anne; thirteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Shirley enjoyed baking, reading, knitting, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Fr. Vern Arseneau will officiate. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home from 1:00-2:00 pm.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Shirley at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jimmie Laverne Schoon, 93, of Clifton passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Gilman Healthcare Center. He was born on February 19, 1931 in Clifton, a son of William and Reika (Eilts) Schoon. He married Barbara Cooper Meier on April 24, 1954 in Danforth and she preceded him in death on December 16, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; four sisters; one son, Terry; one son-in-law, Matt Wulffe; and two grandchildren, Brandon and Brittney.

He is survived by one son, Steven (Rev. Christine) Schoon of Somonauk; one daughter, Diane Wulffe of Bradley; one brother, Kenneth Schoon of Ashkum; one sister, Darlene Papineau of Ashkum; seven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Mr. Schoon was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he drove amphibious ducks, and was proud of his service to his country. He was a member of the Chebanse American Legion and was a past commander in Clifton. Jimmie worked at Armour’s in Kankakee for over 20 years, was the maintenance supervisor for the Clifton Village, and also helped local farmers. He loved to fish, garden, and spend time at his cabin in Wisconsin.

Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and 1 hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman with Rev. Dr. Pete Hinrich officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Clifton Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Central VFW.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman or Uplifted Hospice.

Please share a memory of Jimmie at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jeannine K. Dooley, 86 of Maryville, IL and formerly of Streator passed away on Sunday November 17, 2024 at Liberty Village of Maryville. She was born on January 20, 1938 in Springfield a daughter of Ralph and Mary Ruth (Goodrick) Easley. Jeannine married Samuel L. Dooley III in St. Louis, Mo on June 13, 1959 and he preceded her in death on January 4, 2005. Survivors include two daughters- Colleen (Larry) Henson of Troy, IL and Stacia (Mark) Teegardin of Bradenton, FL; five grandchildren- Samantha (Matt) Flanery, Jennifer (Martin) Prpic, Alexander Henson and Anne Marie Mifflin, Olivia Henson, and Jacob Teegardin; three great grandchildren- Wyatt Henson, Chase Flanery, and Emmitt Flanery; one sister- Diane (Bill) Twyford of Highland, IL and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Jeannine was preceded in death by her parents, one son- Shawn Dooley, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roger and Beverly Morris.

Jeannine graduated from Illinois College in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and married one week after her graduation. She stayed at home in the early years of her children’s lives to care for them and eventually started working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator being hired as the first social worker for the hospital. Jeannine earned her Masters of Social Work degree from University of Illinois at the same time as her youngest daughter Stacia was in college. She was instrumental in establishing the Lifeline program in Streator and the surrounding communities. She was a consummate care giver both in her career and with her family. Her proudest accomplishment was raising her family to be successful individuals. Her greatest joy was time spent with family and friends.

Memorial mass will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday November 27, 2024 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 am – 11:00 am on Wednesday prior to mass at the church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Illinois College: Dean Carol Ann Ryan Faculty Award or American Heart Association.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

David T. Garner, 68, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on November 12, 2024. Born in Chicago, IL, on July 1, 1956, he was the first-born son of Thomas and Myra Garner.

He is survived by his brothers, Robert Garner and Michael Garner; and four nieces, Jennifer Cherry, Stephanie Haworth, Jessica Garner and Ambre Thornton.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Myra Garner.

Dave attended Missouri Auction School in 1978. He worked in the family company, First Coast Auction Company, for 46 years. He was a member of the National Auctioneer’s Association and the Florida Auctioneer’s Association. Dave also worked for a local video and production company since the mid-80s. He was a talented wrestler. As a young man, he briefly represented Team USA on a tour of Ireland and Scotland. While attending Florida Tech University, now known as the University of Central Florida, he qualified for the 1976 United States Olympic trials. Dave was a quiet, humble man with a kind and generous heart. He was exceptionally intelligent. His eyes would light up when he talked about the space program, American history, the wonders of the world, or the marvels of God’s creation. He was also an extremely gifted artist. Over the years, he created many beautiful paintings and wood carvings that are treasured by the fortunate few he shared them with. Dave was a devoted son with a very close relationship to his mother and father. In their later years, he would visit them several times a week to have dinner, watch Jacksonville Jaguars football games, or attend his mother’s painting class. To his younger brothers, he was their best friend, their teacher, and their protector—everything a big brother should be. He lovingly cared for many dogs throughout his life. His dogs were his family, and nothing was more important to Dave than his family.

Visitation will be held on November 23, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. memorial service at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in honor of Dave to First Coast No More Homeless Pets, 464 Cassat Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254.

Please share a memory of Dave at baierfuneralhome.com.

Donald “Don” David Kaufmann entered the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 20, 2024, at 6:40 a.m. at Serenity Villa at Fairview Haven in Fairbury. He was 92.

Don was born in Cissna Park to Albert and Bertha (Feller) Kaufmann on January 19, 1932. He married Glady Steffen of Elgin, on Feb. 14, 1954, in Elgin. She preceded him in death. He is survived by five children: Nancy (Russell) Schwartz of Kissimmee, FL; Jim (Nancy) Kaufmann of Normal; Tal (Heidi) Kaufmann of Ballwin, MO; Valerie (Brian) Burcham of Bloomington; and Mark (Jennifer) Kaufmann of Traverse City, MI, along with 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law: Ruby Kaufmann and Phyllis Kaufmann, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 8 brothers: Robert, William, Clyde, Calvin, Benjamin, Wilmer, Albert “Jun,” and Archie, and 7 sisters: Lydia Rocke, Laverne Kaufmann, Emily Eisenmann, Martha Rinkenberger, Margaret Kaufmann, Marcella “Sal” Markwalder, and Bertha “Tootie” Sinn.

As one of 16 children, Don, along with his siblings, attended Possum Trot School, later graduating from Cissna Park High School. Following graduation, he briefly worked at the community grocery store before moving to Chicago to work in a machine shop. A year later, Don returned to Cissna Park and worked as a carpenter before going to work for Alltel. Don and Glady raised their family in Cissna Park, where he served many years on the town council. “Uncle Don” was a Boy Scout leader for a number of years. He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church, where he also served as a Sunday School teacher.

Upon moving to Normal in 1992, Don worked part-time for Charlie Knapp Builders. He and Glady spent part of each year in Ft. Myers, FL, where they enjoyed many good times with family and friends. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed wood carving.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 24th, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Bloomington, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 25th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Church in Bloomington, with visitation one hour preceding the service. Church ministers will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Haven.

Knapp Funeral Homes in Cissna Park is handling the arrangements.

Marcia A. Decker, 70, of Onarga passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. She was born on February 15, 1954 in Kankakee, the daughter of Kenneth and Virgina (Cheiver) Lafond. She married Mike Decker in Onarga on July 15, 1995.

Surviving are her husband, Mike Decker of Onarga; three children, David Barber of Onarga, Melissa (Corey) Hall of Gilman, and Becky (Tim) Conn of Thawville; five grandchildren, Gatlin, Anslei, Owen, Avery, and Emmitt; three sisters, Paula (Craig) Bull, Sue (Tom) Frye, and Donna Lafond; two brothers, Joe (Cindy) Lafond and John (Angie) Lafond; and many nieces and nephews.

Marcia was preceded in passing by both of her parents.

Mrs. Decker enjoyed camping, bowling, fishing, and playing BINGO. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Marcia was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman and attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Beaverville whenever possible. Marcia formed many relationships through the years as a beautician at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth and as a teacher’s aide at Nexus Academy and Iroquois West School District.

Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga as well as one hour prior to the funeral on Friday at church.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Beaverville. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville.

Memorials may be made to Boobie Bingo or Donor’s Choice.

Sharon Etta Alberts, 62, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on March 7, 1962 in Watseka, a daughter of Edward and Irene (Sparenberg) Alberts and they preceded her in death.

She is survived by one sister, Linda Radzom of Watseka; and two cousins, Craig (Kimberly) Alberts of Ashkum and Cindy (Jeff) Savoie of Clifton.

Sharon belonged to Little People of America. She loved to travel and photography.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and burial will take place at a later date in Ashkum Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Sharon at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Dean E Moser, 68, of Cissna Park passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 14, 1956 in Watseka, the son of George and Arlene (Bauer) Moser. He married Belinda Dannehl in Onarga on October 1, 1977.

Surviving are his wife, Belinda Moser of Cissna Park; three children, Deana (Dave Morgeson) Clark of Cissna Park, Brian (Caryn) Moser of Cissna Park, and Marvin Moser of Cissna Park; four grandchildren, Kaylee, Briar, and Avanelle Clark and Elliot Moser; one sister, Barb (Doug) Knapp of Urbana; one brother, Tom (Nancy) Moser of Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in passing by his parents; two brothers, Marvin Moser and his identical twin, Dale Moser; and two grandchildren, Dimitri and Kendra Moser.

Dean was born and raised on the home farm. Dean and Belinda moved there after marrying and farmed for many years in the Cissna Park area. He worked and farmed for Hinkle Produce for many years. Dean enjoyed bowling, golfing, hunting, and showing cattle with his kids. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was a lifetime Chicago White Sox fan.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Christian Bible Church. Pastor Steve Hall will officiate. Burial will follow at Amity Cemetery in rural Goodwine.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Donor’s Choice.

Please share a memory of Dean at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Charles G. Nichols, 87, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on July 6, 1937 in Austin, IN, the son of James and Ruby (Artebarry) Nichols. He married Martha Swartz on September 14, 1956 and she preceded him in passing in February 1999. He later married Wanda Sue Meadows in Champaign on August 18, 2008.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Sue Nichols of Watseka; one son, Charles E. (Susan) Nichols of Polk City, FL; one daughter, Shawnda (Rick) Shipman of Fairdealing, MO; one step-daughter, Pam (Mark) McTaggart of Gilman; one sister, Valerie Taylor of Auburndale, FL; one brother, Lee Nichols of Auburndale, FL; sixteen grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Martha, he was preceded in passing by three brothers; one step-son, Tim Felvman; one son, Ralph Nichols; and one daughter, Juwanda Compton.

Charles was a veteran who served in the United States Navy and was a member of The American Legion. He was also a member of the Watseka Masonic Lodge.

Cremation rites are being handled by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Body Cemetery in Woodland. Pastor Darla Holden will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Charles at baierfuneralhome.com.

Donna Jean Rowe, 77, of Iroquois passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born on May 20, 1947 in Iroquois, the daughter of Vernon and Alice (Meirle) Frye. She married Orrin Rowe in Watseka on August 10, 1993 and he preceded her in passing on March 19, 2020.

Surviving is one son, David Mays of Iroquois; two grandchildren, Alexis Mays of Rankin and Dallas Mays of Bradley; and four grandchildren, Brayden, Brently, Karma, and Kharisma.

She enjoyed birdwatching, cooking, and antiquing. Donna also loved gardening, canning, and pickling.

Cremation rites are being handled by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Donna at baierfuneralhome.com.

Joan Marie VanHoveln, 84, of Milford passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on April 30, 1940, in Watseka, the daughter of Peter and Helen (Garrelts) Lucht.

She married Dewaine L. VanHoveln on June 8, 1957 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer and he preceded her in death on August 6, 2024. Her parents and one brother, Verlin Lucht also preceded her in death.

Surviving are seven children, Thomas (Girtie) VanHoveln of Ward, AR, Theresa (Arlyn) Anderson of Milford, Brian (Katie) VanHoveln of Momence, Anthony (Anna) VanHoveln of Sunrise Beach, MO, Nathan VanHoveln of Milford, Denise (Larry) Burton of Martinton and Matthew (Sharon) VanHoveln of Sherwood, AR; thirteen grandchildren, Stacey (Paul) Hoppe, Jason (Joy) Anderson, Kelly (Dan) Grabow, Erin, Nicole and JoAnna VanHoveln, Andrea (Marcus) Sykora, Adam (Kim) VanHoveln, Krista (Cody) McCormick, Kyle Burton, Malynda (Blake) Joyner, Makenzie (Jeffery) Rodgers and John (Emily) VanHoveln; and twenty-three great-grandchildren.

Joan was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer, where she was a Sunday School teacher, WMF member and also where she held many office positions. She was very instrumental in the Music Department of the church, as a music director, organist, pianist and choir member. Joan was a farm wife and helped Dewaine on the farm in many capacities. She was also a bus driver for special education. Joan was a 4-H leader and a devotion leader at Prairieview Lutheran Home and volunteered at the Fall Festival. Many people knew Joan for sending greeting cards over the years for encouragement, birthdays and holidays. Her hobbies included knitting, puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer and also 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer. Rev. Joe Frech will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Joan at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Paulette S. Edwards, 77, of Woodland passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on June 29, 1947 in Watseka, the daughter of Walter and Jessie (Dale) Ferdinand. She married Gregory Edwards in Woodland on December 23, 1965.

Surviving are her husband, Gregory Edwards of Woodland; two sons, Michael (Kathy) Edwards of Woodland and Shawn (Stephanie) Edwards of Woodland; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one sister, Cynthia (Gil) Schleef of Champaign.

She was preceded in passing by her parents; one brother, Jerry Ferdinand; one sister, Carol Ferdinand; and her son, Eric Edwards.

Paulette was a member of Trinity Church in Watseka and ICLEA. She was an avid hunter, 4H Leader for many years, enjoyed feeding the birds, and planting in her garden. Mrs. Edwards loved quilting, sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She enjoyed canoeing with her husband and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Ryan Mustered will officiate. Burial will follow at Body Cemetery in Woodland.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Paulette at baierfuneralhome.com.

Joe Wilken, 60, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on May 16, 1964 in Watseka, a son of Clyde and Bernice (Trumann) Wilken and they preceded him in death in addition to one brother, Roger Wilken; sister-in-law, Mary Wilken; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Edna Schroeder; and brother-in-law, Robert Ryan “Moe” Schroeder.

Joe married Sheila Schroeder on May 25, 1985 in Milford and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Tyler (Jen) Wilken of Hoopeston; one daughter, Samantha (Shane) Carter of Norfolk, VA; six grandchildren, Hunter, Skylar and Rachel Wilken and Montana, Rowdy and Sadie Carter; and one sister, Peggy Wilken of Murphysboro.

He graduated from Milford High School in 1982. Joe worked at Useful Products in Goodland, IN and also was the outside lead at the Free Elevator. He enjoyed trips to the Smoky Mountains and attending Jimmy Buffett concerts. Joe loved fishing, mushroom hunting, old cars and bikes, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until the 1:00 pm graveside service on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Sugar Creek Cemetery near Stockland. Pastor Ed Highfill will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Please share a memory of Joe at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Leland L. Webster, 66, of Sheldon passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born on March 29, 1958 in Watseka, the son of Dale and Betty (Houghton) Webster. He married Diana Musser at the Danforth Chapel on June 11, 1994.

Surviving are his wife, Diana Webster of Sheldon; four brothers, Thom (Chris) Webster of Southern Illinois, Bryan (Michelle) Webster of Ft. Wayne, IN, Kevin (Kathy) Webster of Beaverville, and Bruce (Teresa) Webster of Arizona; special friends, Claire Wetmore of Sheldon and Andrew Wetmore of California; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in passing by his parents and one brother, Doug Webster.

Leland enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, was an airplane enthusiast, and was just an exceptional human being to all those that knew him.

Cremation rites are being handled by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Per his wishes, there will be no services at this time.

Memorials may be made directly to Iroquois Memorial Hospice in Mr. Webster’s name.

Please share a memory of Leland at baierfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family of Leland, please visit our floral store.

Florence Nimz, 104, of Watseka passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on October 18, 1920 in Pence, IN, the daughter of Oval and Burness (Drollinger) Ping. She married Clarence W. Nimz on September 13, 1939 in Peru, IN and he preceded her in death on March 14, 1998.

Surviving are two daughters, Dianne Thomas of Watseka and Ellen (Rick) Beyer of Paxton; two sons, Dr. Richard Nimz of Floresville, TX and Robert (Linda) Nimz of Battle Creek, MI; 10 grandchildren, Erik (Kathy) Nimz, Jennifer (Jesse) Dominguez, Lezlie White, Gregg Thomas, Brian Thomas, Karen (Ron) Wall, Kim Thomas, Kevin Thomas, Angela Brandon and Scott Beyer; 17 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Florence was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Ival “Jim” Ping; one sister, Lulabell Portwood; one son, William Nimz; and one grandson, Robert Nimz II.

She was a member of Watseka First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for several years. Florence was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, Iroquois County Home Extension, and was a 72 year member of the Order of Eastern Star Royal Chapter. She worked for the City of Watseka and First Trust and Savings Bank for many years. Florence enjoyed crocheting and knitting and was a Grand Champion at the Iroquois County Fair for knitted afghan.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Watseka First United Methodist Church with Pastor Darla Holden officiating. Visitation will be 9:00-11:00 am Tuesday at the church.

Burial will be at Iroquois Memorial Park at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Watseka First United Methodist Church or Watseka Food Pantry.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Florence at baierfuneralhome.com.

Kermit W. Wasmer, 89, of Watseka passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Riverside Miller Healthcare in Kankakee. He was born on July 20, 1935 in Onarga, a son of Clarence and Harriet (Tilstra) Wasmer and they preceded him in death along with one brother, Larry Wasmer and an infant daughter, Karen.

Kermit married Donna L. Malany on January 20, 1957 at the First Christian Church in Watseka and she survives. Also surviving is one son, Kevin Wasmer of Darien.

Kermit was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka. He worked at UARCO as a pressman for many years. Kermit was an avid coin collector. He was a member of the ILNA Coin Club and had formerly served as the president. Kermit also served in the National Guard.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Graveside service at Iroquois Memorial Park will follow at 1:30 p.m. with the Pastor John Franklin officiating.

Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka.

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

Lois West, 90, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at her residence. She was born on March 10, 1934 in Wellington, a daughter of John and Dona Marie (Hocutt) Orcutt. Lois married Ben R. “Buzz” West on January 20, 1952 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on April 21, 2014.

Lois was married to Buzz for 62 years. They farmed together that entire time where Lois would drive grain to the elevator and help move equipment to the next field. They would always joke about their roles; often switching who was “the boss”. Lois even bought Buzz a sweatshirt that said, “Yes Dear” and that became the whole family’s saying. Lois was a wonderful mother and grandmother; rearing children with a firm hand and a great sense of humor. She loved spending time with her family and was the premier “Sleepover” grandma. She loved to plan family boating trips where she’d provide great snacks and entertainment, often throwing grapes from the back of the boat to the skier to catch in their mouth. She taught her girls her hobbies; to cook, sew, and garden. As her kids and grandkids grew up she discovered she loved dogs, mainly just one, her beloved Jackson.

Lois also gave back to her community and was awarded Iroquois County Citizen of the Year. She was active in the Watseka Methodist church leading the Watseka Methodist Women and running the church kitchen for numerous local wedding and funeral meals. Lois was awarded Disciple of the Year. She drove for Meals on Wheels. She also led the Woodland Cardinals 4-H Club for most of the years her daughters were in it. When her grandson, Josh, ran for office she was a great campaigner and is credited with getting him on the ballot because she collected so many signatures. Folks would often ask why she didn’t run instead of Josh.

Lois loved to GO! Didn’t matter where, but she loved an outing especially if a cup of coffee was involved. She and Buzz made numerous trips to Texas to see family and would bring some of the Illinois clan with them each time. She was credited for knowing all the outlet malls between Watseka and Houston and talking Buzz into stopping at each one. Even as her health failed every trip to the doctor was a chance to go on an outing and she wasn’t about to miss one. Just 2 months before her death she completed her bucket list by taking the entire family to see The Ark Encounter, one of her lifelong dream outings.

She is survived by a family who dearly loved her and left a legacy of love and sharing. Lois is survived by three daughters, Pam Harms of Watseka, Lynn West of El Lago, Texas, and Ann Mooney of Watseka; seven grandchildren, Jon (Amy) Harms, Josh Harms, Jake (Olivia) Harms, Katy Kennedy, Taylor Kennedy, Nicole (Josh) Kinberg, and Patrick Mooney; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by both of her parents, three brothers, John D. Orcutt, Howard Orcutt, and Charlie Orcutt; two sisters, June Perry and Charlotte Hamilton; one son-in-law, Jeff Harms; and one daughter, Sara West.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service all at the First United Methodist Church in Watseka with Pastor David Perry and Pastor Darla Holden officiating. Burial will follow in the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice or First United Methodist Church in Watseka.

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