Timothy A. Meier, 60, of Gilman passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at his home. He was born on December 23, 1964 in Worth, IL, the son of Elmer Meier and Shirley Fulford.

He is survived by one daughter, Anna Meier of Urbana; four siblings, Danette (Anton) Fernando of Chicago, Jeffrey (Patricia) Andrist of Bradenton, FL, Brenda (Steven) Andrist of Lemont, and JoAnne Redwing of Ashkum; seven nieces and nephews, Logan, Allison, Evan, Grace, Nathan, Alaina, and Carson; and his cat, Whiskers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Meier; and one son, David Meier.

Tim was a jack of all trades, an inventive mind, a master mechanic, and a joyful collector of all kinds of treasures. Creative to his core, he loved building and tinkering, dreaming up new ideas, and capturing life through his videos. His deep love for animals reflected his gentle spirit. Above all, Tim was defined by his kindness and willingness to help family, friends, and strangers alike. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, curiosity, and care that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A memorial visitation will be from 11:00-1:00 pm on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. A private family graveside service at Brenton Twp. Cemetery in Piper City will be at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Please share a memory of Tim at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Sheryl D. Hemp, 80, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on June 8, 1945 in Donovan, a daughter of Earl T. and Mariann (Houghton) Seibring. Sheryl married Donald G. Hemp on September 2, 1977 and he preceded her in death on March 21, 2025.

Sheryl is survived by one daughter, Robin (Jeff) Hildenbrand of Crescent City; three sons, Larry (Brenda) Hemp of Wigham, Georgia, David (Debbie) Hemp of Wildersville, Tennessee, and Michael (Julie) Hemp of Beaverville; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; six sisters, Becky Milsap of Phoenix, Arizona, Mary Jo Mucci of Springboro, Ohio, Beth Hawthorne of Bloomington, Julie Duncan of Manteno, Jennifer Marcotte of Atlanta, Georgia, and Natalie Meyer of Southlake, Texas.

She was also preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Steve Seibring; and one son, Mark Hemp.

Sheryl was an OB Nurse at Iroquois Memorial Hospital for over 31 years, where she helped deliver over 5,000 babies. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and playing the piano at the Centennial Christian Church. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois with Joe Hughes officiating and a Nurse Honor Guard Service. An open house will follow at their home.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

Lyla M. Reed, 93, of Paxton passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Country Healthcare in Gifford. She was born on May 30, 1932, a daughter of Ervin and Verna Lucille (Weber) Hoover.

Lyla married Russell Reed on July 28, 1950 in Roberts and he survives in Paxton. She took great pride in being married for 75 years.

Also surviving are her four children, Wayne (Bonnie) Reed of Russellville, Indiana, Darlene Merkle of Paxton, James (Shirley) Reed of Boulder City, Nevada, and Robert (Amy) Reed of Onarga; eleven grandchildren, Tina Lawson, Eric Eilts, Nathan Reed, Karee Voges, Kim Eilts, Seth Reed, Cole Reed, Ty Reed, Matt Reed, John Reed, and Adam Reed; 19 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Wanda (David) Caldwell of Marietta, Georgia, Gail (James) Snow of Bloomington, Pastor Bob Hoover of Decatur, and Sharon Lee of Onarga.

Lyla was preceded in death by both of her parents; her in-laws, James Reed and Gladys Lovett; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Floyd and Dolores Hoover and Marvin and Marilyn Hoover; one sister and brother-in-law, Ervaleen and Forrest Smith; one brother-in-law, Jim Lee; one sister-in-law, Darlene Hoover; and one grandson, Aaron Reed.

Lyla was a member of Living Word Church in Roberts, where she loved helping out in many ways. Lyla had a strong faith and a great love for Christ. Lyla was especially proud of her family and loved being a mother and grandmother.

Visitation will be at Living Word Church in Roberts at 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at noon on Saturday, August 30, 2025 with Pastor Doug Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgeland Township Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Memorials may be made to the Living Word Church in Roberts or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Gertrude “Trudy” Kottke, 75, of Alexandria, IN and formerly of Papineau, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025 at her home in Alexandria. She was born on September 11, 1949, the daughter of Eugene and Betty (Hanes) Watts. She married Ronald F. Kottke in Watseka on January 16, 1986 and he preceded her in passing on May 31, 2016.

She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Keefer of Alexandria, IN and Tonia Kottke of Watseka; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Ron, she was also preceded in passing by her parents; one brother, Tom Watts; one sister, Sandy Guynn; and a son, Brian Richardson.

Trudy enjoyed riding motorcycles, gambling and scratch-off tickets, and loved her dogs. She always enjoyed sitting around the campfire with her family.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Joe Hughes will officiate. Burial will follow at Papineau Cemetery.

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

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Please share a memory of Trudy at baierfuneralhome.com.

Charles “Dave” Milar, 77, of Watseka passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025 at Momence Meadows Nursing Center in Momence. He was born on December 14, 1947 in Watseka, a son of Charles Lyman and Bessie Irene (Dunn) Milar, who both preceded him in death.

Dave married Doris E. Milar on June 22, 1972 in Watseka and she preceded him in death on April 4, 2025.

He is survived by his 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; six great-grandchildren, Zoey and Kyler Ortiz, Ivey Carter, Alayna and Lane Stiers, and Scotland Grace Saltzman-Stiers.

Dave served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam War combat veteran. He worked at Stam’s and Lyons through the years. Dave was an avid Bears and Cubs fan.

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

A memorial graveside service and burial will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Lyman Cemetery, north of Watseka for both Dave and Doris. Joe Hughes will officiate. Graveside Military rites will be provided for Dave’s service to the United States Army.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.

Please share a memory of Dave at baierfuneralhome.com.

Myrtle Marie Henrichs was born April 25, 1925, in Danforth, celebrating her 100th birthday this past April. Her parents were Henry J. Henrichs Sr. and Ida Wilken Henrichs. Myrtle had four brothers, Orval, Wilbur, Elmer and Roy, all born in Danforth.

Myrtle never married, but was a God mother to Richard, Howard, and Dean Henrichs, deceased nephews, and Harold Wilken.

She was a Sunday School teacher and treasurer of the St. John's Lutheran Sunday School for 50 years. Myrtle also taught Bible School at St. John's for 10 years.

She was employed by the Postal Service for 61 years. Myrtle was an election judge for many years.

Myrtle is survived by several nieces and nephews: Keith and Mark Henrichs, Judy Wubben, and Janet Schahl, and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, nephews, Ronald, Richard, Howard, Dean and Dennis Henrichs, niece, Joan Henrichs Schluep, and niece-in-law, Sandy Parbs Henrichs.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service all at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth with Rev. Ron Rasmussen officiating. Burial will follow in the Danforth Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth.

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

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

Donna Jean Flesher was born on May 30, 1947, to Sim “Cliff” and Fern Sather in Everett, WA. Her father, a Washington native, fought in World War II as a combat veteran, spending a portion of his service as a prisoner of war. Her mother was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker from Carthage, Illinois. Her parents met, married, settled in Washington and welcomed her older brother Lynn Sather before Donna arrived. Donna was baptized at the Calvary Evangelical Norwegian Lutheran Church in Everett. Her baptism verse was Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. This was a charge that would stay with Donna for her entire life as an educator and example to many of how to lead a life guided by the principles of love, kindness and faithfulness. Donna’s beloved younger brother, Terry, joined the family before they relocated to Crescent City, Illinois to be closer to family and for her father to join the rural mail careers.

After a few years in Crescent City, the Sather’s purchased a piano which was Donna’s first love. She excelled in Crescent City schools and enjoyed being a student, participating in theater, choir, band and a variety of social activities. Her love of music led her to the John Phillip Sousa award as a senior and further cemented her passion as a musician.

As a child, Donna was active in the church her family attended, St Peter’s Lutheran Church. She was confirmed at the church and was a devoted servant of the music and children’s ministries, playing the organ, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. The verse her pastor chose for the confirmation class was Ephesians 2: 8,9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.” Donna took this passage to heart and rarely accepted accolades when sharing her God-given talents. She had faith that her contributions to the world would impact others in a meaningful way. And she was right.

Donna attended Olivet Nazarene College as a Music/Music Education Major. Donna’s skill and love of the piano thrived and led her to teaching younger students to play while she was at Olivet and beyond.

While enjoying the 1968 Christmas season, Donna was introduced to the love of her life, Bob Flesher, at a Christmas Card Exchange. Bob and Donna dated for two years and were married on August 15, 1970. They decided to make their home in Watseka, IL, where they have lived for 55 years. Both focused on faithfully serving their community, Bob as a sheriff’s police officer and Donna as a 2nd grade teacher in Sheldon, IL. All the while, Donna was an active musician in the church community as an organist and pianist. If you knew her, it was likely that she played the piano for your wedding. Her girls learned the love songs of the 80’s right alongside nursery rhymes! Before long, Donna paused her career in teaching ALL the little children to focus on being Mom to Kristin Anne. A few years later, Beth Susanne made their family complete. Donna continued teaching piano to students in their home and playing professionally while the girls were little. Once both girls were in school Donna returned to the formal classroom and taught elementary school music and ultimately landed in kindergarten until her retirement from Watseka’s Unit 9 School District.

The third love of Donna’s life was her grandson, Peter Bradley. The consummate teacher, Donna was the most wonderful grandma. She reveled in playing with Peter, doing art projects, making up songs with him and most importantly, showing off pictures anytime she could. They shared a special connection through their love of music.

Donna was a kind-hearted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Her legacy is one of loving and nurturing. Her compassion for others and music are the cornerstones she leaves for those who loved her and the hundreds of students who benefited from her gentle guidance. She loved nature, creatures great and small, and the sea.

Donna goes to her heavenly home to see her parents, Sim and Fern Sather, and her brothers, Lynn and Terry Sather. She is lovingly remembered by those still here: her husband Bob, her daughters Kristin (Brad) Scholtens, Beth (Kristi) Martin and her grandson, Peter.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 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 held on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka with Rev. Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery south of Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to Faith Place Memory Care in Danforth where Donna lived for the last three years of her life. The care, compassion and commitment to serving others mirrors Donna’s guiding life principles. Prior to living at Faith Place Donna volunteered her time and talents entertaining residents for many years.

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

Dale A. Widholm, a lifelong farmer and respected civic leader, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Clifton, Ill. He was 88.

Born and raised on a farm seven miles west of Clifton in Milks Grove Township, Mr. Widholm left the area only briefly to serve two years in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he returned home to join his father in operating the Widholm family farm, established in 1913. With a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, he grew corn and soybeans and raised cattle.

A third-generation farmer, Mr. Widholm subscribed to multiple farming publications, reading them cover to cover to deepen his knowledge of crop and livestock management. His expertise—from the ideal soil depth to cutting the first row at harvest—was sought after well into his final year.

Mr. Widholm also dedicated himself to public service. He joined the Iroquois County Board in 1982 and served as chairman from 1992 to 2000. He also served as supervisor of Milks Grove Township; chairman of the State and County Board Association; board member of the Iroquois County Soil and Water Conservation District; and member of the National Association of Counties’ Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee. He led the Milks Grove 4-H Club and was an active member of the Lions Club.

He cherished time with his family, loved watching the Chicago Cubs and Illini football and basketball, and enjoyed playing cards. He was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Anna Widholm; two sisters, Virginia Sonne and Phyllis Luebchow; a daughter-in-law, Carol (wife of his son Todd); and a grandson, Mitchell Dale Widholm.

He is survived by his wife, Anne, whom he married in 1962; his children, Jeff Widholm of Carmel, Ind., Todd Widholm of Clifton, and Paula Widholm of Chicago; son-in-law, Juan Zarate of Chicago; and four grandchildren: Casey, Alex, Carly and Tyler.

Among family and friends, he was known not only for his steady wisdom and practical outlook but also for his playful sense of humor. One of his favorite sayings was: “Keep your head on straight.” It was advice he lived by—and passed along—to future generations.

A memorial visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Visitation will also take place Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10-11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church of Clifton. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Rev. Joel Brown officiating. Military rites will follow at Clifton Cemetery provided by the Central VFW and the Ashkum American Legion.

Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church of Clifton or Uplifted Care

Edward “Ed” Vernon Varner, 81, of Watseka, Illinois passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at his home. Ed was born on November 9, 1943 in Paxton, Illinois, son of Edward Vernon and Fleta (Ishmiel) Varner Sr, and they preceded him in death along with his in-laws, Orval and Helen Schroeder; two brothers-in-law, Gary Schroeder and Daniel Schroeder; and one sister-in-law, Cindy Schroeder Bell.

Ed married Mary Lou Schroeder on September 23, 1967 in Milford, Illinois and she survives in Watseka, Illinois.

Ed is also survived by his three daughters, Londa (Glenn) Luehrsen of Plainfield, Illinois, Shana Dorsey of Watseka, Illinois, and Tricia (Steve) Shephard of Watseka, Illinois; four grandchildren, Peyton (Mary) Luehrsen of Justin, Texas, Brant Luehrsen of Plainfield, Illinois, Clay Dorsey of Watseka, Illinois, and Brayden Shephard of Watseka, Illinois; sister-in-law, Carol (Schroeder) Haake of Cadiz, Kentucky; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and special friend, Kade Legan.

Ed was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, Illinois, where he volunteered in many ways. Ed was a proud veteran of the United States Army National Guard and a member of the Watseka American Legion Post 23. He retired after 35 years of service with Illinois Bell/Ameritech, where he worked as a lineman, cable splicer, and cable repairman. He spent 22 years coaching girls’ softball. Ed was a proud supporter of the Watseka Warriors, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago White Sox, and he also tolerated the Chicago Cubs for his family. He enjoyed his time spent hunting. Ed took pride in teaching all of his grandsons how to drive and especially loved attending their sporting events and activities.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka, Illinois and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, Illinois with Rev. Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow in the Iroquois Memorial Park near Watseka, Illinois with graveside military rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, Illinois or Iroquois Memorial Hospice in Watseka, Illinois.

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

Doris “Jean” Houston Jenkins, 99, of Crescent City passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at her residence. She was born on September 23, 1925 in Sheldon, the daughter of Burl and Agnes (Dalton) Houston.

Jean graduated from Sheldon High School at 17. After graduation, she took a government test and went to Chicago to work. Her job was filing for government programs for service men. She then returned back to the area and worked at Radio Condenser Factory in Watseka and then UARCO.

She married Ronald Jenkins of Crescent City. Ronald was a barber for over 50 years in Crescent City where they raised their family. He preceded her in death on March 31, 1995.

They enjoyed the activities and sports of their children and enjoyed their camping adventures with their good friends at LaMor Campground and fishing trips to Wisconsin and Kentucky.

Jean was a member of the United Methodist Church of Crescent City. She enjoyed reading and watching mysteries, the Bulls, Illini Basketball, and golf on television, spending time visiting with her many friends - (she especially enjoyed attending her class reunions in Sheldon), and her favorite past time was being with her family and hearing about the adventures of her grandchildren and grandpuppies!!!!

She loved walking for many years every morning throughout Crescent City with her friends and traveling, visiting her children throughout the country and traveling with her daughter – her favorite was a trip to London and Paris together. Jean is known for her storytelling - she has some great stories from her 100 years with us, and her famous “sayings” and quotes.

Jean is survived by her children, Steve Bolling of Crescent City, Julee Jenkins (Mark) Midden of Crescent City, Rodger (Carol) Bolling of Vero Beach, Florida, Paul Jenkins of McHenry, Michael (Katrina) Jenkins of McHenry; two daughters-in-law, Katie Jenkins of Frankfort and Michelle Jenkins of McHenry; thirteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Burl Houston; two sons, David Jenkins and John Jenkins; and one daughter-in-law, Gloria Bolling.

Private burial will be in the Flesher Cemetery near Crescent City.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the United Methodist Church in Crescent City with Ms. Robin Gregory officiating.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Ron Hotler, 74, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at his home. He was born on September 11, 1950 in Quebec City, Canada, the son of Kenneth A. Hotler and Elizabeth M. (Rougher) Hotler. They preceded him in passing along with his late wife of thirty years, Linda Hotler. He married Latisha “Tish” McCullough in Watseka on October 18, 2020.

Surviving are his wife, Latisha “Tish” Hotler of Watseka; three sons, Mike Balding, Mark Balding, and Chad Hotler; six additional children, Terry (Angie) Watts, Raymond (Lisa) Watts, Amanda (Mike) Horney, Kasi (Derek) Johnson, Corey Measaw, and Mathew Measaw; his siblings, Kathy Shedrow and John Hotler; twelve grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Ron participated in demo derby’s, mud drags, and circle track racing. He was very handy and could fix just about anything including all things mechanically. Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing. Most of all, he loved spending time with friends and family.

A memorial visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Ron at baierfuneralhome.com.

John Barber, 73, of Gilman passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee. He was born on April 19, 1952 in Onarga, a son of Lenmore and Emma “Ferne” (Zirkle) Barber and they preceded him in death along with his step-father, Charles Watson.

John is survived by his children, David Barber of Onarga, Melissa (Corey) Hall of Gilman, Becky (Tim) Conn of Thawville; step-daughter, Jennifer Miller of Donovan; sisters, Cheryl (Dave) Kienast of Danville and Darla (Jeff) Sparenberg of Gilman; seven grandchildren, Gatlin, Anslei, Owen, Avery, Emmitt, Mason, and Makenna; and several nieces and nephews.

John was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the Onarga American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, motorcycle riding, and cooking. Above all, he loved time spent with his family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. Military rites will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Onarga Cemetery by the Onarga American Legion Post 551.

Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

Evelyn Meyer Donisch, 103, of Arlington Heights formerly of Crescent City passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2025 at Lutheran Life Communities in Arlington Heights. She was born on June 19, 1922 in Gilman, a daughter of Warren A. and Martha (Lubben) Hotaling and they preceded her in death. Evelyn married Raymond C. Meyer on December 6, 1942 in Crescent City and he preceded her in death on June 24, 1981. Evelyn married Herbert E. Donisch of April 19, 1983 in Elmhurst and he passed away on July 13, 2003. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Robert Hotaling; and one sister, Eileen Dorsey.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Linda (Terry) Rammacher of Elgin; step-daughter; Linda Lieder of Lombard; step-son, Robert (Karen) Donisch of Wheaton; one grandson, David (Jenny) Rammacher of South Elgin; five step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, Dylan Rosalez and Alexis Dominguez; eight step-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, Isabella and Mateo Dominguez.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

Violetta Marie Cooley, 77, of Milford, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 7, 2025.

Violetta was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose love touched all who knew her. She spoke of her grandchildren and great grandchildren nearly every time you spoke to her. Violetta cherished time spent with her family, and her warmth and gentle spirit will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her son, Anson Huckleby, as well as several beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Violetta was preceded in death by her son, Aaron Huckleby; her husband, Terry Huckleby; her sister, Sherry Cooley; her brother, Terry Cooley; her mother, Winefred Wilken; and her father, Bernard Cooley.

Her legacy lives on in the love she shared and the memories she leaves behind.

A graveside service will be held to honor her life at the Stockland Sugar Creek Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. on August 15, 2025. Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate. All friends and family are welcome to join the graveside service. A funeral luncheon will be served immediately after at 4:00 pm at Milford Christian Church in Milford.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to remember Violetta by sharing a kind word, a helping hand, or a cherished story in her memory.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Roberta L. Ferris, 65, of Watseka formerly of Grant Park, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She was born on October 29, 1959 in Kankakee, a daughter of Gilbert and Fern (Baragar) Gustafson. She married Jeffery Dawson on June 2, 1979 in Momence and he preceded her in death on March 5, 1988. Roberta married Richard Marek in Grant Park on June 24, 1989 and he preceded her in death on April 18, 2021.

Roberta married John Ferris on October 5, 2002 and he survives in Watseka. Also surviving are three daughters, Elizabeth (Brandon) Tomblin of Kankakee, Samantha (Michael) Holmes of Bradley, and Emily Marek of Watseka; three step-children, Amanda (Mark) Long of Bourbonnais, Laura (Robert) Lebda of Bourbonnais, and Austin Ferris of Kankakee; and ten grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by both of her parents; two brothers, Ronald Gustafson and Raymond Gustafson; and one grandson, Logan Adams.

Roberta loved antiques and gardening. She worked as an Advanced Medical Assistant for Riverside Hospital. Roberta also served as Firefighter and Paramedic for Grant Park for many years.

Visitation will be on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to the 1:00 p.m. funeral service all at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

Sheila M. Neel, 85, of Clifton passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Prime Healthcare St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. She was born on March 26, 1940 in Chicago, a daughter of Edward and Ann (Leonowich) Bradley. They both preceded her in death along with a sister, Eileen McMillan.

Sheila is survived by three daughters, Lisa Neel, Wendy (Michael) DeBellis, and Patty Neel; her beloved friend, Bobbie Klarich and daughters, Teri (Larry) Starosta, Debbie (Bill) Izzi, and Janet Oboikovitz; her brother, Brian (Sally) Bradley and her niece, Kelly (Eric) Engle; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many other friends and family.

Sheila was a devout member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable. She loved birds, flowers, camping, traveling, and all things outdoors. Sheila enjoyed reading and most of all, she loved time spent with her family.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable with Fr. Doug Hauber officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable.

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

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Marvin L. Windhorn, 101, of Cissna Park passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at the Cumberland Pointe Health Campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. He was born on March 3, 1924 in Ash Grove Twp., a son of Ernest and Elizabeth (Kuhlman) Windhorn and they preceded him in death. Marvin married Eunice Evelyn Salmon on April 20, 1944 and she preceded him in death on March 7, 1979. He was also preceded in death by his son, Rodney Windhorn.

Marvin is survived by his two daughters, Jean and Ronald (Deceased) Rasmus of West Lafayette, Indiana and Kendra and Dave Perzee of Watseka; six grandchildren, Joel and Nancy Rasmus of West Lafayette, Indiana, Ronda Black of Arizona, Leah and Douglas Ehmen of Cloverdale, Indiana, Phillip Perzee and Tamie Miller of Gilman, Tara and Glen Rewerts of Bourbonnais, and Jarrod and Kelly Windhorn of Bloomington; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Marvin was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. After graduation from high school, he was drafted by the Giants Professional Baseball Team, but decided to start farming instead. He spent his lifetime farming in the Cissna Park, Onarga, and Thawville areas. Marvin also played for the Iroquois County over 35-year-olds State Champions.

Visitation will be on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service all at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park with Rev. Dale Fjordbotten officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery of Woodworth.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Frank William Morrical Jr., 77, of Fordsville, KY passed away on July 23, 2025 in Fordsville, KY. He was born on September 11, 1947, a son of Frank William and Dorothy (Schumaker) Morrical Sr. and they preceded him in death along with three sisters, Eleanor, Pat, and Debra; and his companion, Betty Crowe.

He is survived by his five children, Timothy Sean (Grecia) Morrical of North Carolina, Christopher (Gamora) Morrical of Crescent City, Laura (Steve) Morrical of North Carolina, Patrick (Heather) Morrical of Cissna Park, and Tony (Amanda) Morrical of Kankakee; 16 grandchildren; and two sisters, Peggy (Bill) Brough and Cheryl Williamson.

Frank was a graduate of Clifton High School in 1965. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War from 1966 – 1969. From June of 1967 to June of 1968, he was proud to be a part of the First Air Cavalry Division Airmobile. Frank was employed for many years as a train dispatcher for Illinois Central which later became Canadian National. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and making practical jokes.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Rev. Donald J. McDonald III will officiate. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse. Graveside military rites will be provided by Central VFW and Ashkum American Legion.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 10:00-12:00.

Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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