Charles “Chuck” Arthur Walton Sr, 88, passed away on January 29, 2025 at Citadel of Kankakee. Chuck was born on August 11, 1936 in Brazil, Indiana to the late Ada Victoria and Vaughn Walton. He was a devoted husband to his first wife, Maryann (Miller) Walton until her passing in 1999. Chuck was blessed with his second wife, Judith (Moffitt) until she passed in 2017. Chuck leaves behind 5 children - Chuck Jr (Becky), Jim, Aleta, Mark, Abigail (Russell) and 5 step children - Cathy (Rick), Sandra (Tim), Melody (Gale), Shelia (Rick), and Stanley (Carol) as well as a number of well-loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wives, Chuck was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Hoover Miller and brother, William A. Walton.

Chuck was fortunate to find a third love with his friend, Diane, who he leaves behind at Villas of Hollybrook in Rantoul, Illinois. He also leaves behind a son-in-law, Greg, daughter-in-law, Chris, and dear friends, Mary and Bill Langellier.

Chuck was a hard worker having worked at Harrison Steel in Attica, Indiana, delivering milk for Fred Hines in Milford, Illinois, repairing motorcycles for Tedford Brothers of Kankakee, working security at Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station, and at the Birds Nest for Olin Looker. However, most of Chuck’s career was spent farming. He was grateful for the many years he spent farming for Bill Adsit and later during his retirement years with Bill Langellier.

Chuck enjoyed many hobbies including knife collecting, hunting, archery, and shooting competitions. He liked working with wood and passed this love onto his three sons. He was a good man, a loving husband and father, and a friend to everyone he met.

We would all like to thank our brother, Jim, for his love and devotion in watching over Dad in recent years. His determination to be there for Dad when others couldn’t is something we are eternally grateful for.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 also at the Centennial Christian Church in Watseka with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Potomac Cemetery near Potomac.

Memorials may be given to the Centennial Christian Church or donor’s choice.

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

Donald E. Mullikin, 86, of Donovan passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. He was born on October 27, 1938 in Kankakee, a son of Eugene and Dora (Pool) Mullikin and they preceded in death, along with two brothers, Ed Mullikin and George Mullikin; and one sister, Nancy Robbins.

Donald married Janice Arseneau in Bonfield on March 6, 1965 and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Jodi (Dan) Hutson of Bonfield and Jill (Scott) Mullikin-Deneau of Morocco, Indiana; two sons, John (Michelle) Mullikin of Piper City and Joel Mullikin of Fowler, Indiana; one brother, Clinton Mullikin of Bourbonnais; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Donald loved the outdoors and gardening. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Army.

A private graveside service will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

The memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice.

Please share a memory of Donald at www.baierfuneralhome.com.

Leonard (Lenny) W. Arnold, Jr, 89, of Princeton and formerly of Martinton passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Country Comfort Retirement in Princeton, IL. He was born on October 26, 1935 in Chicago Heights, IL, the son of Leonard and Ruth (Holl) Arnold. He married Shirley R. Welsh on August 17, 1958.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Shirley Arnold; his four children, Jeff (Jill Ann) Arnold of Temple, TX, Jill (Barry) Martell of Princeton, IL, John Arnold of Martinton and Jerry Arnold of Martinton; grandchildren, Morgan (Shawn) Hill of Temple, TX, Steven (Veronica) Arnold of Georgetown, TX, and Jessica Martell of St. Joseph, MI; great grandchildren, Jonathan, Jensen, Mason, and Lincoln Hill and Caitlin and Colton Arnold; his special Mexican Family, Alejandra (Alfonso) Orozco of Guadalajara, Mexico; grandchildren, Alitas, Dany, and Poncho; and great grandchildren, Ponchin, Vidal, Tomas, and Nico; one sister, Sue (Norm) Apt of Monee; two brother in laws, Larry (Deanna) Welsh Harry (Bev) Welsh and sister in law, Nancy Welsh, all of Peotone.

He was preceded in passing by his parents and brother-in-law, Bob Welsh.

Lenny served in the United States Army Reserves. He was a lifelong grain farmer in Monee, with his Dad and later in Martinton, with his twin sons. Mr. Arnold had a passion for farming practices that conserved and protected the land.

He was President of the Martinton Fire District Trustees, Donovan District School Board Member, Iroquois County Soil and Water Conservation Farm Family 2007, member of Donovan Methodist Church, and served with Methodist NOMADS doing projects for needy families, churches, and storm victims. Lenny was a volunteer for the Martinton Food Pantry and was a Leader for Iroquois County Rampers, where he helped build over five hundred ramps throughout the area.

Mr. Arnold enjoyed camping, spending time with his family, playing cards, dart ball, and watching the Cubs, Illini, and old westerns. He never met a cookie that he didn’t like.

Baier Funeral Home in Watseka is handling the arrangements for the family.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2024 at Donovan Methodist Church in Donovan. Rev. Kevin Nourie will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation will be from 10:30 am until the 12:00 noon service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Family’s Wishes.

Please share a memory of Lenny at baierfuneralhome.com.

Aldine M. Locher, 94, of Cissna Park, Ill., passed away peacefully on Jan. 26 at LaBella Nursing Home in Clifton, Ill. A cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was born May 23, 1930, in Fountain Creek, Ill. On Dec. 7, 1952, she exchanged marriage vows with Harold C. Locher. They were married for 49 years before his death in March of 2002.

Aldine was a woman of great faith, a pure heart, a true prayer warrior, and an unwavering spirit who made a lasting impact on her community. She and her husband were founding members of Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, and for many years, Aldine served on the church’s Missions Board and volunteered for many of the church’s activities. She helped her husband on the farm and, after his retirement, worked as a baker in the local grocery store. She loved to garden and make food for special occasions. She was well-known locally for her peanut brittle, banana cream pie and dinner rolls.

Surviving are four children, Richard (Jill) Locher of Elkhorn, Wis., Randy (Gwen) Locher of Slidell, La., Reba (Jerry) Goshert of Elkhart, Ind., Renee (Kevin) Small of St. Charles, Ill.; nine grandchildren, Megan (Jordan) Vold, Morgan (Brett) Gordon, Jessie (Mark) Stinson, Kelsie Locher, Allison (Zak) Sobieralski, Brooklyn Goshert, Carissa Goshert, Danae Goshert, Connor (Kaylee) Small; and nine great-grandchildren, Riley, Hadley, Olive and River Vold, Scout and Sonnie Gordon, Jaila Johnson, and Camren and Colby Stinson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Leona Knapp; her husband; a sister, Eva Jean Schaefer; and two brothers, Richard Knapp and Roger Knapp.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park. The funeral service will follow at noon. Officiating the service will be the Rev. Steve Hall. Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to: Christian Bible Church Mission Board, 1202 E. 200 North Road, Cissna Park, IL 60924.

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

Carl R. Smith, 83, of Gilman passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at his home. He was born on November 23, 1941 in Shanghai, China, a son of Noble and Viola (De Souza) Smith.

Carl married Jane White-Fancher in Kankakee on December 19, 1981 and she survives. Also surviving are six sons, John (Edita) Frakes of Fairbury, Tom (Carrie) Smith of Gilman, Noble Smith, Eric Smith, Heath Smith, and Marty (Tammy) Smith; four daughters, Terri (Joan) Frakes of Chatsworth, CA, Lynn (Dan) Saathoff of Bradley, Brenda Smith, and Robin Smith; three sisters, Jody Nolde, Elena Stame, and Donna Rorem; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Kimberly Frakes Smith; and one sister, Stephanie Buff.

Carl was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman, Gilman VFW, and served in the US Air Force. Carl was a member of the labor union and worked at Valspar in Kankakee for many years.

Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman with Fr. Santiago Corona officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman with a prayer service being held at 5:00 pm. Private burial will be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gilman with military graveside rites.

Memorials may be made to Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Please share a memory of Carl at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ronald M. Bear, 81, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home. He was born on February 27, 1943 in Crescent Twp., a son of Wilbur and Faye (Orr) Bear and they preceded him in death in addition to one sister.

He married Carol Watts on August 26, 1961 in Watseka and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Laura (P.C.) Wellborn of Watseka and Lisa (David) Janssen of Westpoint, TN; two sons, Ronald L. (Laura) Bear of Decatur and Jeffrey Bear of Watseka; one sister, Myrna Mack of Danville; seven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was a truck driver specialist at Grace Trucking.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka and services will not be held at this time.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Please share a memory of Ronald at baierfuneralhome.com.

Mary E. Hinrich, 94, of Clifton passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born on November 30, 1930 in Hinsdale, a daughter of Harry and Myrtle (McCorkle) Kraft and they preceded her in death in addition to one brother, Fred Kraft and two sisters, Caroline Schiller and Ethel Clark.

She married Harry R. Hinrich on June 6, 1954 in Downers Grove and he survives. Also surviving are one son, Pete (Bernie) Hinrich of Clifton; two grandchildren, Anthony Hinrich of Chicago and Carrie (Shane) Greenley-McWhorter of Bourbonnais; and three great-grandchildren, Adelynn, Benson and Kayden.

Mrs. Hinrich was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. She taught at Central School and along with her husband, she was the owner of Hinrich Incorporated of Clifton. Mary loved traveling, gardening and reading.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. Rev. Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will follow at the Clifton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Please share a memory of Mary at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Becky L. Smith, 67, of Watseka passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at her home. She was born on September 15, 1957 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the daughter of Gene and Lois J. (Liggett) Smith.

She is survived by her parents, Gene and Lois Smith of Watseka.

Becky lived as a CILA resident with the ARC of Iroquois County. She loved being around people.

Funeral services will be at 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Private burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka on Friday.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until the 6:00 pm funeral on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to ARC of Iroquois County.

Please share a memory of Becky at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ronald L. Schroeder Sr., 76, of Milford passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on August 1, 1948 in Watseka, a son of Charles and Ruth (Carter) Schroeder and they preceded him in death in addition to five brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by two sons, Eric Schroeder of Milford and Ronald (Rhonda) Schroeder Jr. of Bourbonnais; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Ronald served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was an auto mechanic for 35 years and a Certified Nurses Assistant for 22 years. For 71 years, he was a fancy pigeon breeder.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford with Rev. Gary Milton officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23.

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

Please share a memory of Ronald at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Edward E. Howe, 73, of Beaverville passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on December 26, 1951 in Watseka, the son of Frederick and Waunita (Bailey) Howe. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Curby in Beaverville on June 10, 1972.

Surviving is his wife, Linda Howe of Beaverville; three children, Sarah Howe of Bourbonnais, Matthew (Melanie) Howe of Palatine, and Emily (Scott) Shold of Bourbonnais; eight grandchildren, Taylor, Hailey, Alexis, Avery, Everett, Madeline, Elena, and Elijah; sister, Shirely Smith of Punta Gorda, FL; sister-in-law, Martha Howe of Watseka; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in passing by his parents; three brothers, Jim Howe, Bert Howe, and Fred Howe; and three sisters, Stella Wagner, Norma Lenz, and Diana Keys.

Edward served in the Army National Guard. He was also a longtime Fire Chief for Beaverville. He had a degree in horticulture and previously owned flower shops in Watseka and Gilman. He was employed at Curby’s True Value Hardware Store, and later worked at Big R for many years as a merchandise buyer. Most recently, Mr. Howe worked for Catholic Charities as a program coordinator for Seniors. He enjoyed golfing and watching baseball and softball. He was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren whose events he loved to attend.

Visitation will be from 11:00-1:00pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. A funeral service will follow at 1:00pm. Cremation rites will follow his funeral service.

Memorials may be made to the Beaverville Fire Department, Kankakee Catholic Charities, or to the family.

Please share a memory of Edward at baierfuneralhome.com.

Betty Ann Busick, 89, of Kentland and formerly of Watseka passed away on January 14, 2025 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born on August 3, 1935 in St. Anne, the daughter of Oscar and Mae (Waters) Koenig. She married Donald L. Busick in Watseka on July 27, 1952 and he preceded her in passing on March 9, 2005.

Surviving are two daughters, Debra Clement of Noblesville, IN and Sandy (Tom) Dewing of Kentland, IN; five grandchildren, Cory Groover, Sam Dewing, Joe Dewing, Shannon Matthews, and Ramey Martin; and eight great grandchildren, Rylie Ishmiel, Michael Dewing, Cora Groover, Reese Dewing, Claire Dewing, Sloan Dewing, Kenzie Mae Matthews, and Isla Ann Matthews.

She was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Donald; three sisters, Kathleen, Marjorie, and Mary; and one son in law, Bill Clement.

Betty enjoyed spending time with all of her family. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Watseka and will be remembered for being such a friendly and kind person. Mrs. Busick enjoyed many happy years with her husband in Sheldon and loved visiting with all of the ladies at her home beauty shop there through the years. She was always so proud to call Watseka home, often referring to it as “good ole Watseka town”.

One of Betty’s fondest memories included Disney trips with the whole family. In her early years Betty enjoyed roller skating, bowling, and playing softball. Later in life she enjoyed her daily morning coffee group, visiting the library, reading John Grisham books, and she loved watching her favorite series Downton Abbey.

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

A private graveside service will take place at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon.

A celebration of life service will take place on her 90th birthday, on August 3, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Legion Building at Legion Park in Watseka.

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

Doyle R. Cook, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the age of 63.

Doyle was born on November 4, 1961, in Watseka, Illinois, the son of Arvid and Geraldine (Parks) Cook. He married Betty Coffman in Pontiac, IL at the First United Methodist Church on April 28, 1990 and she survives him in Centralia.

Doyle was a dedicated Correctional Officer at the Lawrence Correctional Center. His commitment to his profession was matched only by his dedication to his country, having served honorably in the United States Army where he served from 1979-1988. He collected and assembled model trains, which reminded him of his dad who worked on the IC Railroad. He enjoyed 4-wheeling, riding his motorcycle, and most importantly his love of fishing, where he would spend the whole month of May every year in Wisconsin. He spent many of hours shooting his firearms. His greatest enjoyment was his family. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering integrity.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Cook of Centralia, and their children, son Kyle Cook of Centralia, and daughter Melissa Padilla and her husband Matthew of Washington, Illinois. Doyle was a proud grandfather to his two cherished grandchildren, Zander and Hailey Padilla. He is also survived by his three brothers, David Cook and his wife Denise of Sebastian, Florida, Dennis Cook and his wife Shirley of Gillman, Illinois, and Donald Cook and his wife Michelle of Midland, Texas, along with several nieces and nephews.

Doyle was preceded in death by his parents, Arvid and Geraldine Cook, and his father and mother-in-law, Harry and Ruby Coffman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association or to the Shriners Hospital. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman for his hometown friends and family. Burial will be at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

Please share a memory of Doyle at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Randall “Randy” J. Rosenboom, 63, of Herscher passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Northwestern Palos Hospital in Palos Heights. He was born on August 27, 1961 in Kankakee, a son of Russell J. and Marilyn J. (Bass) Rosenboom.

He married Richelle “Shelly” Campe on July 1, 2011 in Herscher and she survives. Also surviving are five children, Jessica Rosenboom of Herscher, Jennifer (Zach) Wainright of Raton, NM, Josephine (Adam) Rood of St. Charles, MO, Jasmine Rosenboom of Newark and Jonathon Rosenboom of Herscher; three step-children, Chris (Kiersten) Shires of Clifton, Arianna (Scott) Melsome of Herscher and Devin (Taylor) Shires of Cabery; five grandchildren, Jay Shires, RJ Wainright, Amelia Shires, Sophia Shires and Natalie Melsome; his parents, Russell and Marilyn Rosenboom of Clifton; and one brother, Rick (Joy) Rosenboom of Clifton.

Randy was preceded in death by one infant sister, Cheryl.

Randy was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. He was a lifelong farmer in the Herscher and Clifton areas, a private pilot, and a Captain of the Kankakee Sheriff’s Auxiliary Police.

Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton with Rev. Joel Brown officiating. Burial will follow at the Clifton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clifton F.F.A. or Herscher F.F.A.

Please share a memory of Randy at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Cody Michael Gregory, 30, of Watseka passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the people he loved most. Cody put up the fight of a lifetime and showed how strong of a Warrior he really was until the very end.

Cody was the oldest child of Angie Gregory and John Marshino and the best big brother and protector of his two sisters, Jaylen Daniel and Bailey Craft. Cody was the oldest grandson of Chris and Carol Lamie, Terry and Staci Flanders, and Jim and Donna Marshino.

You could always find Cody watching a Cubs game, a Bears game, or most importantly a Purdue game (Boiler Up). Cody also loved coaching in the Watseka Youth Football League for some of his favorite boys. Cody enjoyed fishing and spending time out at the campground. But most of all, Cody enjoyed being with the love of his life, Noelle Setty and his 3 children Rowan (11), Parker (3) and Briggs (11 months). These four are the reasons Cody put up such a long and hard fight.

Cody was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Caroline Kissack, Richard and Madge Kissack, Sidney Gregory, and Lillian and Harold Enlow.

Cody was huge into family and leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, mother-in-law, Jen, and many of his homies. Cody will be remembered for being the best daddy and also for his smile and signature peace sign, but most importantly Cody will be remembered for forever being Cody Strong.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 2:00 p.m. until the 5:00 p.m. memorial service with Pastor Joe Hughes officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gregory Benefit Fund established at Iroquois Federal for the benefit of his children’s education.

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

Dale A. Pool, 91, of Onarga passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on July 4, 1933, a son of Oscar F. and Aldeau M. (Rabideau) Pool. Dale married Joyce Seggebruch on May 28, 1955 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove and she preceded him in death on October 30, 2022.

Dale is survived by two daughters, Barb (Jerry) Nims of Onarga and Sherrie (Gary) Dietz of Gilman; one son, Steve (Diane) Pool of Onarga; six grandchildren, Jake Nims, Leslie Laycock, Brian (Kelsie) Pool, Shelisa (Andy) Henrichs, Mark (Sarah) Dietz, and Scott (Jaye) Dietz; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, John (Joyce) Pool of Thawville and William “Bill” (Joan) Pool of Gibson City; one sister, Linda (Douglas) Porick of Fishers, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his step-mother, Alice Movern Pool, three brothers, Richard (Norma) Pool, James (Grace) Pool; and Robert Pool; two sisters, Rita (Ron) Crosby and Infant Sister, Helen Pool; one niece; and one nephew.

Dale was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ash Grove. He was a proud member of the United States Army and served in the Korean Conflict. Dale was a member of the American Legion. He also served on the Onarga School Board and was a board member for the Delrey Farmers Grain. Dale farmed in the Onarga area from 1955- 2001. Most of all, he loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga with Rev. Dale Fjordbotten officiating. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice.

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

Gloria A. Novak, 71, of Donovan passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born on August 30, 1953 in Dallas, TX, the daughter of Gregorio Chavez and Carmen Rangel.

Surviving are four children, Kathtrina Novak of Donovan, Patrick Novak of Chicago, Kristy Novak of Watseka, and Phillip Novak of Donovan; thirteen grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in passing by her parents; one brother; and her husband, Patrick Novak.

Gloria loved humming birds.

Memorial visitation will be from 11:00-1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice.

Please share a memory of Gloria at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ella B. Wilkey was born Ella Bridget Kelly on July 31, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. She died Tuesday, January 7, 2025 in Hospice in Fairbury at Serenity Villa. Her parents were John and Nellie (Gallahue) Kelly from Piper City, Illinois. She attended Piper City schools until she went to high school at the Villa de Chantel in Rock Island, Illinois. She studied nursing at St. Luke’s in Davenport, Iowa in 1966 and later at Olivet in Bourbonnais, Illinois. She worked at Shapiro Developmental Center until retiring in 2002.

She married George Wilkey in Piper City on December 26, 1966. They had four children. Ella was a girl scout leader, a cub scout leader and an active member of the Catholic Council of Women and the Illinois Nurses Association. She was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Piper City. Her many leadership roles included being an officer of the Illinois Nurses Association, the Council of Catholic Women, the Deanery Board and the Diocesan Board as well as the Piper City Library Board.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents. Ella leaves behind her husband, George, children, Mary (Brian) Currier of Austin, TX, Patrick Wilkey of Vernon Hills, IL, Phillip Wilkey of Watseka, IL, Thomas (Karla) Wilkey of Fairbury IL, grandchildren Emily and Kelly Wilkey of Fairbury, IL, and Camron Currier of Austin, TX, her sister, Mary Jewell of Fort Wayne, IN, and many nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends.

Her family will hold a visitation at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, Illinois on January 13th from 4 to 7 pm. A service will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Piper City on Tuesday, January 14th at 9:30 am with a rosary before the mass. She will be buried at Calvary Cemetery in Piper City at a later date.

She touched many lives and will be missed by those who knew her and loved her.

Memorials may be made to the Piper City Public Library or the donor’s choice.

Patsy A. Giroux, 87, of Watseka formerly of Onarga passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on May 1, 1937 in Watseka, a daughter of Elmer and Virginia (Howe) Myers. She married Vernon Giroux on April 5, 1964 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on April 5, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, David, Kenneth, Jake, and Bobby.

She is survived by three sons, Gary (Tracy) Giroux of Woodland, Rick (Julie) Giroux of Watseka and Chris (Mary) Giroux of Gibson City; two brothers, Larry “Butch” (Rose) Myers of Independence, Kansas and Lonnie (Jean) Myers of England; one sister, Sara (Robert) Sloan of Shawnee, Kansas; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at the Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman with Rev. Barb Lohrbach officiating. Burial will follow at Ridgeland Twp. Cemetery in Thawville.

Memorials may be made to the Watseka Public Library, Onarga Public Library, or Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman.

Please share a memory of Patsy at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michael Ray Schoon, 64, of Ashkum passed away on December 28, 2024 at his residence. He was born on February 6, 1960, a son of Leroy and Patricia (Schafroth) Schoon and they preceded him in death. He married Lisa VanHoveln in Schwer and she preceded him in death on March 9, 1997. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Don Schoon and one sister, Bobbie Conrad.

Mike is survived by his sons, Jordan (Karissa) Schoon of Watseka, Jacob Schoon of Watseka, and Justin Schoon of Alton; eight grandchildren, Kaiden, Klaus, Killian, Keanu, Blake, Bristol, Ozias, and Dexter; four sisters, Sue (Fran) Gullquist of Ashkum, Sandy (Bob) King of Ashkum, Becky (Stan) Saathoff of Ashkum, and Tina (Jim) Burrow of Florida; three brothers, David (Janice) Schoon of Danforth, Mark (Mistie) Schoon of Danforth, and Todd (Pavla) Schoon of Easley, South Carolina; sister-in-law, Becky Schoon of Ashkum; and brother-in-law, Steve Conrad of Ashkum.

Mike loved car shows. He worked for Matt Lindgren Farms as a Farm Mechanic. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and especially the grandchildren.

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

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

Carol Ann Bray, 83, of Danforth passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born on July 2, 1941 in Castle Rock, WI, a daughter of Charles and Mayme (Hrubes) Biba. Carol married Edward R. Bray in Fennimore, WI on July 9, 1966 and he survives.

Also surviving are two sons, David (Trisha) Bray of Mesa, AZ and Daniel (Lori Hutchison) Bray of Mesa, AZ; five grandchildren, Mason Bray, Amelia Bray, Elizabeth Bray, Nathaniel Bray, and William Bray; two sisters, Magdalen (Robert) Miller of Fennimore, WI and Rose (Jack) Dering of Madison, WI.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Dean Bray.

Burial will be held at a later date at Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore, WI.

Arrangements are by Knapp Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

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