Kevin Robert “Zig” Schoolman, 68, of Gilman passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Kevin was born on May 21, 1956 in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, the son of Robert and Shirley (Marggart) Schoolman.

Kevin was a lifelong farmer and farmed many years with his father and brother, Greg, later establishing Schoolman Brothers Farms with Greg after their father's retirement.

Kevin loved farming, camping, his Harley, John Deere and Chevy trucks, even painting an old Chevy truck green and yellow. He especially loved combining. He also loved living in his log cabin in the timber, feeding the birds and deer, canoeing down the creek behind his home and sitting around the campfire.

He was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ. Kevin graduated from Gilman High School in 1974. He loved taking care of his chickens.

Kevin married Anita Runyon on September 9, 2000 on the same spot in the timber where they later built their log cabin.

Surviving is his wife, Anita, of Gilman; his daughter, Ashley (Pete) Fletcher of West Lafayette, IN; his son, Jarrod (Brittany) Schoolman of Gilman: his sister, Melody (Randy) Eimen of Gilman; his brother, Greg Schoolman of Gilman; two grandchildren, Callen and Timber Schoolman; step-daughter, Lacey ( Shane) Croegaert of South Carolina, four step-grandchildren, Lily (Cameron), Tristin, Caitlin, and Kenneth Croegaert; one step-great-grandchild, Rowan; many nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. Also surviving are his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Shirley Runyon of Chatsworth; brothers-in-law, Keith (Lori) Runyon of Ohio and Kurt (Vickie) Runyon of Fairbury.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to the 11:00 a.m. memorial service at the Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman with Rev. Barbara Lohrbach officiating. Burial will be held in the Gilman Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice.

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

Donald R. Wienrank, 98, of Crescent City passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Don was born on October 16, 1926 in Watseka, the son of Christ and Johannah (Elben) Wienrank and they preceded him in death. He married Annabell (Breeding) on June 27, 1944 and she preceded him in death on August 25, 2021. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Larry and Russell Wienrank and one daughter, Donna Wrede.

He is survived by one daughter-in-law, Lucy Wienrank of Crescent City; one son-in-law, Ken Wrede of St. Pete, FL; three grandchildren, Steve (Jill) Massey of Watseka; Craig (Julie) Massey of Watseka; Darren (Natasha) Wrede of St. Pete, FL; and seven great grandchildren.

Don was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City. He loved farming and raising hogs. Don also enjoyed bowling and playing softball.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Pastor Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery outside Crescent City.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at church on Saturday from 9:00-10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Faith Place, or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Don at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Larry Olson, 74, of Gilman passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at his residence.

Larry was born on July 11, 1950 in Thawville, the son of Estol and Mabel (Henricks) Olson and they preceded him in death along with one infant brother, Gregory.

He is survived by one daughter, Megan Marie Olson Yu (Sean) of Lacey, WA; one granddaughter, Melody Yu; two sisters, Carol Hubler and Lisa (Greg) Boise; and nieces and nephews, Tricia, Geoff, Joe, Julie, and Kim.

Larry enjoyed talking about sports, especially baseball, driving around the area looking at the crops, and good meals with people he enjoyed being around. He was always interested in the weather.

Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Ridgeland Township Cemetery in Thawville.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

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

Concepcion (Connie) Dumaran Bohannen, 81, of Cissna Park, Illinois passed away on April 14th, 2025, at Alden Health Care Center in Desplaines, Illinois. She was born on June 14th, 1943, in Camarines Sur a Province in the Philippines, the daughter of Victorino and Iluminada Esguerra Dumaran. They preceded her in death along with her husband Thomas N Bohannen, married in Chicago on December 23, 1978.

She is survived by two sons, Jonathan (Sarah) Bohannen of Mahomet, and Jeffrey Bohannen of Chicago, and one daughter, Beth Anne (Tim) Biggs of Ballwin, MO as well as several grandchildren; Kiley, Nathan, Shelton, Sydney, Lillian, and Everett. She is also survived by her two sisters, Teresita Manila and Celestina Naval, one brother Victorino Dumaran Jr., step sister, Elva Dumaran and preceded her death was one sister, Angelina Dumaran. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews for which she is affectionately known as “Lola” or “Tita Baby”.

Connie graduated from Far East University in 1965 with her bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) and became a Registered Nurse on August 9th, 1966. She subsequently moved to Chicago and officially became a US citizen on January 17th, 1984. She had a long and successful career as a Registered Nurse at both Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Columbus Hospital.

Following retirement in 1993, Connie and her family moved to Kellart Lake in Cissna Park, IL where she enjoyed her new role as caretaker for her many animals- Sunny, Cher, Kiwi, Hickory, Dickory, Doc, Oreo, Charlie and of course the Muscovy Ducks that Tom insisted on raising.

She filled her days with many of her friends at the Kankakee Art League, watercolor painting, bird watching, planting flowers, gardening her many herbs, fruits and vegetables, enjoying the night sky staring at the stars, eating new and exotic foods, photography, traveling, and enjoying time with family and friends. She loved spending countless hours on the phone with her sisters and cousins. Connie was the “queen of selfies” and would never just take one picture, and if you were lucky, you would make it on her Facebook page usually stuffing your face with food while she grins ear to ear with her beautiful smile. She would often be found admiring the sunset and trying to capture all the brilliant colors in a photo, whether that be from the passenger side of the car or her backyard. She was able to find beauty anywhere. Connie found joy in preparing meals for others which included her biscotti, shrimp linguine, teriyaki beef, Italian beef, and numerous Filipino dishes which served as the family favorites.

Connie was a caring, compassionate, faithful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to everyone she met and is dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka, IL. A short memorial visitation will also be held on Friday, 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Knapp Funeral Home with a Catholic Mass to immediately follow at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, IL at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be at Bailey Cemetery in Latona, IL on a later date.

Please share a memory of Connie at knappfuneralhomes.com.

David G. Webster, 73, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, formerly of Martinton, passed away at Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville on Friday, April 11, 2025. He was born on September 18, 1951 in Watseka, a son of Verlyn and Wyona (Varbounker) Webster and they preceded him in death. David married Sandra Sue Wehling on August 21, 1971 in Watseka and she preceded him in death on August 6, 2014.

David is survived by his son, Scott (Michele) Webster of Sweetwater, Tennessee; one brother, Jeff (Michele) Webster of Martinton; one granddaughter, Tiffany Webster (Caleb Collins) of Sweetwater, Tennessee; two great-grandchildren, Greyson Carter Collins and Abigail Hazel Sue Collins.

David was a member of the Strickly Street Rob Club. He was the owner and operator of Dave’s Rod Works and FOB Fabrication. David was a member of the Martinton Fire Department and a Trustee for over 50 years, as well as being a Village Board Member.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at also at the Baier Funeral Home with Chauncey A. Lattimer Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery near Martinton.

Memorials may be made to the Martinton Fire Department or the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

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

Peggy Ann Miller-Hopkins, 77, of Watseka passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on March 17, 1948 in Watseka, a daughter of Donald L. and Helen C. (Meyer) Miller Sr. She married Charles “Hoppy” Hopkins and he preceded her in death in addition to her parents and one daughter, Christina Kincade.

She is survived by two sons, Tony (Tricia) Downs of Watseka and Scott Flota of Sheldon; one daughter, Amy (Greg) Hiser of Marco Island, FL; one brother, Don (Rosann) Miller of Watseka; one sister, Donna (Donald) Leonard of Watseka; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Peggy loved crocheting, coffee hour at McDonald’s, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka with Rev. John Franklin officiating.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Peggy at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mark David “Zeke” Ziebart, 52, of Milford passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

He was born on April 8, 1973 in Watseka, a son of Harlan W. and Vivian J. (Robbins) Ziebart and they survive in Wellington. Also surviving is one brother, Bruce Ziebart of Milford; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mark faithfully attended Milford Christian Church. He was a faithful Christian and avidly studied the Bible. His first railroad job and former employment was with Indiana Railroad as a Locomotive Engineer. Mark then worked for the BNSF Railway with the “Steel Gang”. Mark went to Bible College for one year in Minnesota. After that he went to Mitchell, South Dakota to tech school studying welding for one year and also studying welding at DACC. He also attended the Modoc Railroad Academy in Sacramento, California studying everything railroad, graduating top of his class. Mark also worked at home on the farm occasionally, but the railroad was a passion of his from the time he was a small child. He served on many mission trips over the years with Teen Mission USA traveling to Barbados and Arizona. He also did mission trips with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, traveling to Greece and Kentucky. Mark accepted his Lord and Savior on a mission trip in Arizona at 20 years old.

Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Milford Christian Church and also one hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be on Thursday, April 17, 2025 also at the Milford Christian Church at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Brent Zastrow and Ed Highfill officiating. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery near Stockland.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Memorials may be given to the Prairie States Christian Service Camp, Crossroads Youth Center, or donor’s choice.

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

James Harry Owens, Jr., 63, of Milford passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at his residence. He was born on February 27, 1962 in Danville, a son of James Harry and Marlene (Swope) Owens Sr. He married Joyce Harris on October 28, 1998 in Watseka.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Harris-Owens of Milford; two sisters, Michelle (Bill) Clingenpeel of Hoopeston and Lynn Green of Watseka; and several nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by both of his parents; one brother, William Killian; one sister, Jocill Killian; and a special uncle, Raymond Owens.

Harry was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He served during Desert Storm as a mechanic on airplanes while traveling all over. Harry enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, grilling, and entertaining. He loved attending prayer services on Wednesdays in Stockland.

Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

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

Robert “Bob” Gene Duis, 76, of Grant Park, Illinois, passed on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at Fairview Haven Nursing Home in Fairbury, Illinois.

Bob was born October 22nd, 1948, in Watseka to Carl M. and Engelina J. (Wienrank) Duis. He was a graduate of Donovan High School and the University of Illinois College of Agriculture.

After college, he returned to the family farm near Donovan where he was a grain farmer and cattle producer. Throughout his tenure in the industry, he raised many champions on a state and national level. He was particularly proud of raising the grand champion steer of both the junior and open shows at the Illinois State Fair. He also bred, raised, or owned many successful females and bulls at the state and national level in the Shorthorn and Chiania breeds. He was a longtime supporter of junior livestock exhibitors nationwide.

He enjoyed fishing, breakfast at the coffee shop with his friends, and hosting hunters on the farm property. After his retirement, he could often be found assisting with farm operations, at the local elevator watching the grain markets, or at the sale barn in Milford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Nancy, and his longtime companion of 30 years, Jody LaFond.

He is survived by his three children: Julie (Dustin) Blunier of Hanna City, IL; Robbie (Chelsea) Duis of Petersburg, IL; Kate (Dennis Paras) Duis of Cheverly, MD; and their mother, Paula (Wall) Duis of Champaign, IL. Grandchildren Avery, Landon, and Delaney Blunier; Addison Duis; and Owen Paras. Sisters Linda Ash and Kathy Anderson, several nieces and a nephew. He is also survived by his godson, Mike (Christy) Duis of Sheldon who over the last few years played a large role with the day to day operations of the farm.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to the 1:00 p.m. memorial service all at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. A private graveside service will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery near Crescent City.

Memorials can be made to the Iroquois County Fair Beef Department.

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

James Andrew Claffy, 59, of Sheldon passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025 at his home. He was born on March 30, 1966 in Chicago, the son of Daniel P. and Theresa (Reyno) Claffy. James was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his mother, Theresa Claffy; one daughter, Heather Claffy; four siblings, Daniel (Karen) Claffy, Jefferey (Kimberly) Claffy, Pamela Claffy, and Lawrence (Lucyna) Claffy; as well as one grandson.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of James at baierfuneralhome.com.

If you asked him, he was the funniest person and knew everything. His family might say he was a complicated man.

Survived by his children, Autumn (Derek) Bradberry, Taylor (Melissa) Bogard, Elizabeth (Nick) Bogard, Roy Ebersold, and Jessica Ebersold; grandchildren, Peyton Bradberry, Alexis Bradberry, Connor Bradberry, and Maeve Bogard; brother, Bobby-Joe (Cindie) Bogard; sister, Gayle Trammell; best friend, Ken Clark, and many nieces and nephews.

Greeted in Heaven by his mother, Elva Bogard; father, Robert Bogard; sisters, Laurel Schmoe, Sue Tammen, and Cheryl Bogard; brother-in-law, Dean Schmoe; nephews, Nathaniel Bogard and Jacob Bogard; and a very happy dog, Eddie.

He fought hard, not ready to give up with so much more he wanted to do. In his life he completed the Chicago marathon, drove a semi, worked as a laborer, and held his HVAC certificate.

From his dad he had a love for fishing and from his mom a love for listening to the Chicago Cubs on the radio, even though he was a Chicago White Sox fan.

You could always find him on his front porch with a beer in hand, ready for any company, and with enough food to feed an army. He was a master gardener, chef, and thrifter. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix on his own. He loved keeping his F250 up and running.

He passed on his talent of spotting a deer in any field to all of his children. Enjoyed watching sports with his best friend and son, gardening with his youngest daughter, passing on his truck and all the maintenance to his son-in-law Nick, and sneaking sweet treats with his grandkids.

His I love yous came in the form of a monkey bite, sending food from his garden, checking your oil before you left, and telling you the right way (which is always his way) to do something.

ALS robbed him of many days, days with his family and friends, and days to be the grandpa he was excited to be, but there is no doubt he is now at peace sitting on a porch with his loved ones.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

Please share a memory of David at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Doris Milar, 76, of Watseka passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025 at her residence. She was born on February 22, 1949 in Watseka, a daughter of Walmar and Martha (Littlepage) Cluver and they preceded her in death along with her daughter, Jessica Mae Breymeyer.

Doris married Charles David Milar on June 22, 1972 in Watseka and he survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Jill Breymeyer Stiers (Jeff Simmons) of Woodland; three grandchildren, Jessica Godbold of Southport, North Carolina, Payton (Kennedy) Stiers of Abilene, Texas, and Jacey (Sophia) Saltzman-Stiers of Wilmington, North Carolina; five great-grandchildren, Zoey and Kyler Ortiz, Ivey Carter, Alayna and Lane Stiers, and baby Scotland is on the way; six siblings, Marilyn (Mike) Swanson, Edna (Ron) Osborne, Kenny Cluver, Paula Horner, Pam (John) DeMarse, and Janet Sue Little (Terry Hutchinson); and many nieces and nephews.

Doris worked at QSE and later Scotchman’s for 25 years. She loved hummingbirds, crossword puzzles, taking pictures, and loved flowers. Most of all, Doris loved spending time with her family.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka at noon with a one-hour prior visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date at the Lyman Cemetery near Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Arlene J. Hines, 92, Milford, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee. She was born on August 17, 1932 in Buckley, a daughter of Herman and Ella (Seggebruch) Rieches. Arlene married Fred L. Hines on June 28, 1953 in Milford and he preceded her in death on July 11, 1983.

Arlene is survived by one daughter, Susan (Richard) Crawford of Milford, three sons, Frank (Karry) Hines of Milford, Fred Hines (Christy Whaley) of Milford, and Marty (Lisa) Hines of Cissna Park; two brothers, Melvin Rieches of Milford and Robert (Chris) Rieches of Milford, four grandchildren, Hillary (Nathan) Kaeb, Kali (Trace) Nims, Emily Hines, and Jessica Hines; six great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Kenna, Leif, and Lawson Kaeb and Nash and Violet Nims.

Besides her husband, Arlene was preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister, Ruby Hasselbring.

Arlene started her career right out of high school with the Iroquois County Clerk’s Office in 1950. She was hired in the Circuit Clerk’s Office in 1952 and was elected Circuit Clerk in 1996 and retired in 2008 having served 3 terms as Circuit Clerk with a total of 58 years for Iroquois County. Arlene was a lifelong member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Iroquois County Republican Woman’s Club. Arlene loved summer vacations at Holiday World with her grandchildren and family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Memorials may be made to Milford Ambulance or Our Savior Lutheran Church Radio Ministry.

Karla A. Dubree, 82, of Gilman passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on July 2, 1942 in Belmond, Iowa, a daughter of Henry and Leona (Bischoff) Knoploh. Karla married James “Jim” Dubree on February 11, 1961 in Benson and he preceded her in death on March 10, 2015. Karla was also preceded in death by both of her parents.

Karla is survived by two children, Teresa (Michael) LaReau of Louisville, Kentucky and Richard Dubree of Paxton; five grandchildren, Jeremy LaReau, Brandon and Amanda LaReau, Adam (Megan) Dubree and Kelsey (Kyle) Pool, seven great-grandchildren, Lillian LaReau, Landon LaReau, Sadie Grace Dubree, Emma Jean Dubree, Brynnley Bell, Bria Bell, and Bayler Pool; and one sister, Rita (Doug) Hilbrands of Iowa.

Karla was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman and the Gilman American Legion Auxiliary.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman with Rev. Dr. Pete Hinrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilman Cemetery in Gilman.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman or to the Gilman American Legion Auxiliary.

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

Michael Lee Norder, 75, of Crescent City passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on October 30, 1949 in Watseka, the son of LeRoy and Alice (Bohlmann) Norder and they preceded him in passing.

Surviving are two brothers, Steven (Phyllis) Norder of Plainfield and Rodney (Barbara) Norder of Cape Girardeau, MO; one sister, Judy (Robert) Yergler of Crescent City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City and worked at Casey’s there for many years. Michael was an avid sports fan, loved playing euchre, and enjoyed watching old tv shows.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Rev. Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at church on Saturday, from 10:00-11:00 am.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Prairieview Lutheran Home.

Please share a memory of Michael at knappfuneralhomes.com.