Cheryl “Sherry” A. Farris, 68, of Watseka passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born on April 19, 1957 in Watseka, a daughter of Charles W. and Rose Marie (Walker) Farris. They preceded her in death along with one brother, John Farris; and one nephew, J.R. Kissack.

Sherry is survived by one sister, Donna (Dean) Walters of Sheldon; one brother, Dave Farris of Watseka; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka on Thursday, June 5, 2025. A private graveside service will be held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

To send flowers to the family of Cheryl "Sherry", please visit our floral store.

Ronald Dale Yergler, 75, of Cissna Park passed peacefully away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Accolade Healthcare in Paxton on Pells. He was born on March 11, 1950 in Watseka, a son of Dale A. and Anita (Hult) Yergler and they preceded him in death.

Ron married Marcia Markwalder on July 21, 1973 in Cissna Park and she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Abby (John) Faber of Cissna Park, Mitchell (Megan) Yergler of Toledo, Ohio, Marcus (Pamela) Yergler of Philo, and Joanna (Ryan) Ashford of Scottsdale, Arizona; four grandchildren, Tessa and William Faber, and Joel and Henry Yergler; siblings, Jeanette (Les) Longfellow of St. Louis, Missouri, Robert (Judy) Yergler of Crescent City, and Paul (Becky) Yergler of Mahomet; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was a member of Christian Bible Church, where he served many years as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, and Elder. Ron loved God’s Word, especially the Book of Romans. He worked for many years as a salesman for various companies including Cen-Pe-Co, which he enjoyed immensely earning various awards of achievement. Ron loved talking to his customers and attending tractor pulls.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Christian Bible Church south of Cissna Park with Pastor Steve Hall officiating. There will also be a visitation one-hour prior to the funeral beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. A private burial will be at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Christian Bible Church Mission Fund or Transitions Hospice.

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

Michael Townsend of Farmington, Missouri and formerly of Watseka, Illinois, entered eternal rest on May 18, 2025, at Cedarhurst Senior Living, at the age of 89. He was born on September 28, 1935, in Watseka, Illinois, to Richard Townsend and Viola (Wehling) Townsend, both of whom preceded him in death.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Shelby (Salmon) Townsend. They married on July 29, 1956, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Woodworth, Illinois, and together built a life grounded in love, faith, and family.

He is also survived by his children, Douglas M. (Connie Finnegan) Townsend and Kay (Lloyd) Reese; and by his grandchildren, Jackson (Stephanie) Reese and Samuel Reese, all of whom brought him great pride and joy.

Michael graduated from Watseka Community High School and went on to spend his entire working career at UARCO in Watseka, where he was employed as a pressman for 42 years. In his free time, he loved to spend time outdoors, especially fishing and golfing. He also found joy in reading and gardening, tending carefully to his flowers and vegetables each season.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 120 E. Hickory St., Watseka, IL 60970. Pastor Aaron Uphoff will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Calvary Lutheran Preschool.

Local arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share your memories and condolences at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Rheta Norrick, 91, of LaGrange, GA and formerly of Kankakee and Watseka passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange, GA.

Rheta was born on April 14, 1934 in Chicago, the daughter of Samuel and Hazel (Clemans) Ifland. She married Eldon Lowell Norrick on February 3, 1951 in Kankakee and he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents and grandson David Gum.

Rheta moved to LaGrange, Georgia November 2011 where she resided with her daughter, Bonnie.

She is survived by one son, Anthony “Tony” (Kathy) Norrick of Watseka; three daughters, Bonnie Sue Norrick of LaGrange, GA, Carla Dawn Norrick of Paxton, Il and Darlene Rae Dallas of Tolono Il; sister-in-law, Frances Norrick of Kankakee; six grandchildren, Nathan and Adam Gum, Andrew and Daniel Dallas, Sabrina Norrick Witkowski, and Anthony Norrick II; four great-grandchildren, Lorena Witkowski, Tristen, Isabelle and Lilliana Gum; and many nieces and nephews.

Rheta was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka and United Methodist Women where she served as former Treasurer. She was also a member and former Worthy Matron of Royal Chapter 217 Order of the Eastern Star.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the 12 noon funeral service on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Darla Holden will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Watseka.

Roy Lee Linder, 93, loving father & grandfather, of rural Ash Grove passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at his home, with family by his side. He was born on July 2, 1931 in Wayne County, IL, the son of Arlo Jackson Linder and Dessie (Close) Linder. Roy married Adele “Della” Krumwiede at St. John’s Church- Ash Grove on June 11, 1961 and she preceded him in death on April 15, 2008.

Surviving are one daughter, Kay (Rajendra “Reggie”) Sinha of Clive, IA; one son, Mark (Karen) Linder of rural Onarga; four grandchildren, Ashley Sinha, Ashwin Sinha, Ella Linder, and Arlo Linder; one brother, Dave Linder of Fairfield, IL; and one sister, Mary Kelly of Johnsonville, IL.

Roy was preceded in passing by his wife, Adele, both parents, and one sister, Gladys “Vi” Ryberg.

Mr. Linder was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he served during the Korean Conflict. He was a lifelong farmer in the Ash Grove area. Roy was a longtime active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove. Roy was a Crow’s Seed Corn dealer and enjoyed working on the farm, bird watching, spoiling his dogs, Luna and Storm, the outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, May 23, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church – Ash Grove. Rev. Dale Fjordbotten will officiate. Burial will follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery – Ash Grove.

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

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church – Ash Grove (Maintenance Fund).

Please share a memory of Roy at knappfuneralhomes.com.

James Ray “Blackie” Schultz, 92, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born on December 29, 1932 in Martinton, a son of Victor E. and Margret (Hale) Schultz and they preceded him in death in addition to one son, James Ray Schultz Jr. and one son-in-law, Bryan Lambert.

He married Ila Lehnus on June 19, 1954 in Herscher and she survives in Watseka. Also surviving are two daughters, Janice (Erwin) Wood of Joliet and Joann Lambert of Watseka; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Mr. Schultz was a member of the Martinton Church of Christ, a 40+ year member of the Martinton Fire Department, and a member of the Kankakee Model Railroad Club. James was employed at Uarco in Watseka for 35 years, was a Boy Scout Leader, and loved planes and trains.

A memorial visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. memorial service on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the Martinton Church of Christ.

Memorials may be made to the Martinton Church of Christ or Martinton Fire Department.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Blackie at baierfuneralhome.com

Rodney E. Spangler II, age 88 (b. September 22, 1936), passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the Reyburn family farm in Danforth, Illinois. Rod was the beloved husband of Rebecca Reyburn Spangler, father of Elizabeth S. Meyer (John C. Meyer) and Stuart Reyburn Spangler (Julie Emanuel Spangler), and grandfather to Peyton Wells Meyer, William Emanuel Spangler, Colin Spangler Meyer, and Sydney Reyburn Spangler. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Rod’s life was defined by his love for family, the outdoors, and his long and dedicated professional career. A long-time resident of Hinsdale, Illinois; Tucson, Arizona and Walloon Lake, Michigan, Rod was a graduate of Millikin University and served his country honorably for two years in the U.S. Army.

Rod distinguished himself in his professional life, working as an institutional municipal bond broker for over 50 years, advising clients from his offices in Chicago, Peoria, and Tucson. Rod’s greatest passion-aside from his family-was duck hunting. He was a proud member since 1969 and past president of the Senachwine Duck Club, where he passed on his love of hunting to family and friends. Rod enjoyed golfing and tennis and was an active member of the Walloon Lake Country Club beginning in 1968. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, he cheered for his team through every season, win or lose.

Rodney E. Spangler II’s legacy is one of devotion to his family, his friends, and the traditions he held dear. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his warmth, good humor, and zest for life.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Danforth. Rev. Joel Brown will officiate.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Rod at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Web A. Bohn, 71, of Martinton passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at his home. He was born on March 6, 1954 in Watseka, the son of Wesley and Margaret-Ann (Campbell) Bohn.

Web married Becky Metz on September 10, 1977 in Crescent City and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Nicholas (Lindsay) Bohn of Ashkum and their children, Kooper and Kinnley; two daughters, Kristy Arie of Crescent City and her children, Karsyn, Kwynn, and Blake), and Katy Bohn of Bloomington; two sisters, Becky Bohn (Geoff) Kern of Chicago and Amy (Mark) Cannon of Urbana; his step-mother, June Kraft of Urbana; his sister-in-law, Beth Schoolman of Sheldon; one nephew, Cory (Megan) Butler; two nieces, Robyn Butler and Sara Weiss; and great-nieces and nephews, Jake (Kat) Butler, Colin Weiss, Maya Machev, Alivia Butler and Betty Jo Butler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Gene Campbell; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Vesta Metz; and brother-in-law, Bruce Metz.

Web spent all of his life as a semi-truck driver working the last 18 years for N&M Transfer out of Neenah, WI. Web and his wife are the former owners of the Longbranch Restaurant in L’Erable. Web enjoyed fishing in Wisconsin with his best friend, Jim Peters and his dog, Copper. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren playing sports.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and also from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery near Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please share a memory of Web at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Gary Dean Enlow, 77, of Woodland passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on August 4, 1947 in Watseka, the son of Harold Enlow and Vivian Marie Kempen and they preceded him in passing. He married Sandra S. Sexton in Sheldon, on September 15, 1967.

Surviving are his wife of fifty-eight years, Sandra Enlow of Woodland; daughter, Tamra Lynn (Josh) Sparling of Milford; three siblings, Gerald Enlow of Virginia, Susie Hall of Georgia, and Dale Pardy of Watseka; two grandchildren, Tyler Dre Rowell and Jacob R. Sparling; and several nieces and nephews.

Gary served in the United States Army from 1967-1973 reaching the rank of Sergeant with the 4th Battalion 60th Artillery and serving in Vietnam from February 1969 till September 1969. He was a member of the VFW, enjoyed woodworking, attending car shows, and working on his street rod. He was also a member of Goodguys Car Club and National Street Rod Association. Gary worked at UARCO as a pressman for thirty years, Nutrien as a semi truck driver for twenty four years, and even farmed for several years.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Jerry Parker will officiate. Burial will follow at GAR Cemetery in Watseka. Graveside military rites will be provided by Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral, from 12:00-2:00pm on Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Gary at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Dennis “Dennie” M. Alberts, 73, of Watseka passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born on December 10, 1951 in Lafayette, Indiana, a son of Marvin and Barbara (Moehring) Alberts and they preceded him in death along with one step-daughter, Jennifer.

Dennie married Barbara Becker on January 8, 2022 in Woodland.

Dennie is survived by his wife, Barbara Alberts of Watseka; two children, Shelli (Jeff) Stine of West Chester, Ohio and Chris Alberts of Monticello, Indiana; two step-children, Jon (Angie) Schriner of Kentland and Jessica Schriner of Columbus, Ohio; two children-in-love, Drew (Melissa) Becker of Sartell, Minnesota and Brooke (Jack) Derby of Wabash, Indiana; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Tom (Sheryl) Alberts of Richmond, Indiana; and two sisters, Arnetta (Dave) Berenda of Remington, Indiana and Suzy (Paul) Bauer of Warren, Michigan.

Dennie was a member of Cornerstone Church in Woodland. He loved hunting and enjoyed working where he was always trying to help people out.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. Celebration of Life on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Cornerstone Church in Woodland with Pastor Jerry Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon.

Memorials may be made to the Cornerstone Church in Woodland or to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

William R. Cooper, 89, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Bickford of Bourbonnais in Bourbonnais, IL. He was born on July 21, 1935 in Chicago, the son of William S. and Ruth A. (Wulff) Cooper. He married Betty McAdams in Cherry Hill, IL on February 1, 1975 and she preceded him in passing on April 2, 2009.

Surviving are four sons, Michael (Kelly) Elderson of Bourbonnais, Keith (Tracey) Elderson of Bourbonnais, David (Gina) Thompson of Braidwood, and Peter (Jamie) Cooper of Demotte, IN; eight grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.

Mr. Cooper was a United States Air Force veteran. He retired as a millwright from Carpenters Local 174 in Joliet after working there for many years. He enjoyed midget and modified stock car racing, while building most of his own cars. William was inducted into the Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Grundy County in 2022.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Andy Hamilton will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:30-1:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Newton County Animal Shelter.

John Jay Nolin, 88, of Sheldon passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on May 6, 1937 in Ambia, IN, the son of John M. and Harriet R. (Batt) Nolin. He married Beverly J. Norder in Watseka on March 7, 1964.

Surviving are his wife, Beverly J. Nolin of Sheldon; twin daughters, Diana (Bill) Dyche of Bourbonnais and Debra (Scott) Weaver of Bloomington, IL; four grandchildren, Jonathan Dyche (Nicole Giannonatti), Allison Dyche, Kristin Weaver, and Rachel (Brian) Rohman; one great grandchild, James Nolin Rohman; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in passing by his parents and three sisters, Marilyn Herriman, Dorothy Truby, and JoNelle Spickler.

Mr. Nolin was a 1955 graduate of Stockland High School. John served in the United States Army from 1960-1962. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, where he served as Church Elder for twelve years. He enjoyed gardening, watching rodeos, and loved working with his daughters and their 4-H Steers.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. Pastor Aaron Uphoff will officiate. Burial will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland. Graveside military rites will be provided by Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 am on Wednesday, also at church.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka.

Please share a memory of John at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Roger Wendell Rabe, 90, of Kankakee formerly of Crescent City passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Riverside Miller Healthcare in Kankakee. He was born on January 16, 1935 in Schwer, a son of William “Bill” and Hulda (Windhorn) Rabe. Roger married Mary Kay Houmes on February 3, 1962 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka and she preceded him in death on March 2, 2020.

Roger is survived by his children, Teresa (Jeff) Parish of Catlin, Mark (Crystal) Rabe of Crescent City and Ruthanne (Paul) Hammett of Chicago; his siblings, Stuart (Neva) Rabe and Sandra Rabe; his six grandchildren, Jeremy (Courtney) Parish, Autumn Parish, Nicholas (Nikki) Leveque, Trenton (Jessica) Rabe, Madison (Zachary) Fox and Lauren Hammett; and ten great-grandchildren, Kyli, Ellie, Adeline, Charlotte, Evan, Liam, Audrey, Sebastian, Raylan and Sadie.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; three brothers, Robert, Kenneth and Dennis; two sisters, Barb Bohlmann and Sharen Graham.

Roger was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. He worked at UARCO as a Pressman for over 40 years. Roger was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He loved to “play” all sports including, fast pitch softball, ice skating, hunting, and gardening. Roger liked to dance and loved to listen to music.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka with Pastor Aaron Uphoff officiating. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral service at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth. Graveside military rites will be provided by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

A luncheon will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church following the committal.

Memorials may be made to Heritage Park in Crescent City, Calvary Lutheran Church and Preschool or Smile Train.

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

Angela “Angie” C. Taylor, 57, of Donovan passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. She was born on September 14, 1967 in Watseka, a daughter of Melvin and Shirley (Schmitt) Lavoie. Angie married Aaron Dean Taylor on November 11, 1989 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on March 11, 2025.

Angie is survived by one son, Jacob Dallas Taylor (Angie Boesche) of Urbana; one daughter, Jenna Ann (Tyler) Riem of Champaign; two grandchildren, Ezra Jacob and Soren Paul Riem both at home; three sisters, Jean (Ty) Herron of Crescent City, Mary (Scott) Quinn of Bloomington, and Michel Lavoie of Austin, Texas; mother-in-law, Sharon Taylor of Iroquois; two brothers-in-law, Dave Fink of Onarga and Kenton Munsterman of St. Anne; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; two sisters, Pam Fink and Barb Munsterman; and father-in-law, Bob Taylor.

Angie was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Crescent City. She was a very dedicated lifelong member having served in various roles over the years, including Church Board Member having held multiple offices, CCW, and lector. Angie enjoyed helping her mother-in-law with the basket weaving and ceramic painting business. She was quite an artist in her own right. Angie was currently employed by KBS Railroad as an office manager. She also worked for many years for the United States Postal Service. Angie was a loyal truck pulling wife. She loved being a mom and grandma and valued time spent with them, her sisters, and her family.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka with Fr. Mike Powell officiating. Burial will follow in the Morris Chapel Cemetery near Donovan.

Memorials may be made to the Concord Fire Department/EMS, St. Joseph Catholic Church CCW in Crescent City, or to the family’s wishes.

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

Phyllis A. McCoin, 72, of Martinton passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Riverside Miller Healthcare in Kankakee. She was born on June 7, 1952 in Kankakee, daughter of Louis and Dorothy (Graf) Wood. She married Duane “Joe” McCoin in 1992 in Kankakee and he preceded her in death on November 6, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one son, Daniel Canon Edwards.

She is survived by her four sons, Jeremy (Tina) Douglas of Watseka, Michael (Britt) Douglas of Salem, Tim (Amy) Douglas of St. Anne and Matt (Courtney) Edwards of Bradley; one step-daughter, Jennifer (Jon) Meents of Ashkum; one step-son, Randy (Morgan) McCoin of Stover, MO; fifteen grandchildren, Josh, Drew, Nate, Ella, Martin, Adeline, Carter, Jarrod, Julia, Canon, Haley, Austin, Addison, Rowen and Reagan; and three great-grandchildren, Adyson, Sylus and Sawer.

Phyllis cherished spending time with all of her family and many friends. She served on the St. Anne Fire Department and Riverside Ambulance as an EMT for over 20 years, always wanting to help others. She loved her animals and was a farm girl at heart. Phyllis especially enjoyed watching 90 Day Fiance and Naked and Afraid.

A memorial visitation will be on Friday May 16, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka from 4:00pm until 6:00pm with a memorial service to immediately follow. Pastor Aaron Uphoff will be officiating. A family graveside burial will be at Kankakee Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Kankakee County Humane Society.

Please share a memory of Phyllis at baierfuneralhome.com.

John B. Lurgio, 86, of Clifton passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at his residence. He was born on December 30, 1938 in Chicago, a son of Emil and Erma (Smith) Lurgio and they preceded him in death. John married Michele Cosman in Kankakee on April 14, 1972.

Surviving is his wife, Michele Lurgio of Clifton; sister, Bobbie Klarich of Clifton; and many nieces and nephews.

John was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable, where he served on the parish council and helped with the church and ground maintenance for many years. John was an outdoor person and loved spending time in nature. He took great pride in providing habitat and food for all animals and birds. John was a proud veteran of the United States Marines. He worked for many years as an accountant with ICG Railroad. John was an avid fisherman. He especially loved bass fishing. John had a talent for woodworking and had a love for antiques. John will be truly missed.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable with Rev. Doug Hauber officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable with graveside military rites by the Central VFW Post 2131.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

Anne M. Drayer, 80, of Cissna Park passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at her residence. She was born on September 10, 1944 in Watseka, a daughter of Ernest and Ardena (Hasselbring) Cluver. Anne married Samuel L. Drayer in Ash Grove on May 25, 1963 and he preceded her in death on January 12, 2017.

Anne is survived by two daughters, Joline Drayer Luecke of Champaign and Kristi (Darren) Hoskins of Cissna Park; one son, Shane (Tracy) Drayer of Rankin; seven grandchildren, Jamie Luecke, Shelby (Tyler) Robinson, Sterling (Jaida) Young, Mattie Drayer, Ryan (Tessa) Drayer, Sadie Drayer, and Derek Drayer; three great-grandchildren, Laken Luecke, Luke Howell, and Drayer Robinson; and two sisters, Julie (Max) Bauer of Normal and Beth (Charlie) Nave of Aroma Park.

Besides her husband, Anne was preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Mark Cluver; and one grandson, Trey Luecke.

Anne enjoyed collecting antiques and gardening. She was very artistic and loved to paint. Anne was a registered nurse for over 30 years.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park with a Nurses Honor Guard Service at 10:40 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dale Fjordbotten officiating. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Cissna Park.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.

James R. Leonard, 67, of Gilman passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2025. He was born on January 20, 1958 in Bell Fourche, South Dakota, a son of James S. and Mary (Johnson) Leonard.

He married Sarah Schroeder on September 27, 1980 in Gilman and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Amy (Tony) Miller of Gilman; one son, Joshua (Jennifer) Leonard of Danforth; eight grandchildren, Clayton, Cannon, Cort and Phylicity Leonard and Ashton, Auston, Aayden and Autumn Miller; his father, James S. Leonard of Beecher; and one sister, Nancy Baker of Beecher.

James was preceded in death by his mother; one brother, John Leonard; and one sister, Debbie King.

Mr. Leonard was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1975-1978 and was stationed in Germany. James was a retired carpenter with Union Local 496. He liked working around the house and building things, watching his grandkids play sports, and spending time with his family.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. Rev. Dr. Pete Hinrich will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Danforth with military graveside rites by the Onarga American Legion Post 551.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois West Youth Sports or donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Please share a memory of James at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Todd Brent Neuhaus, 60, of Watseka passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025 at his residence after a brief illness. He was born on December 12, 1964, the son of Richard Neuhaus and Connie June (Stone) Cross.

He is survived by his mother, Connie Cross of Watseka; one sister, Tammy (David) Mayes of Crescent City; three nieces; and several great nephews and a great niece.

He was preceded in passing by his father, as well as his grandparents.

Todd loved spending time on the river in his boat with his best dog, Colt.

Cremation rites are being handled by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Per the family’s wishes, no services will be held at this time.

Please share a memory of Todd at knappfuneralhomes.com

Darlene Elizabeth Hilsabeck, nee Gerken, 89 years old died on May 1, 2025. She was born on September 22, 1935 to John and Dorthy Gercken in Onarga, IL.

Darlene attended Concordia College in River Forest IL and became a special education teacher. She taught in CO, MO and OH retiring from Columbus Public Schools.

On July 10, 1960 she married James Roy Hilsabeck who preceded her in death on April 7, 2002.

Darlene is survived by her three children; James (Janet) Hilsabeck, Rebecca (David) McEvoy and Janice (Steven) Jessberger. She has seven grandchildren Emily (Josh), Molly, Maxwell (Kai), Alexander (Kate), Andrew (Som), Catherine and Melissa; and four great-grandchildren, Roy, Marshall, Toviah and Titus.

Preceded in death by her parents and sister Maxine (Harry) Drinen.

She is survived by siblings Glenn (Dottie) Gercken and John (Barbara) Gercken with nephew Scott (Rebecca) Gercken.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga with Pastor Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow in the Onarga Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family (c/o Janice Jessberger, 628 Wintergreen Dr., Purcellville, Virginia, 20132) and the money will be directed to Concordia University Chicago – College of Education in River Forest.

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