Pastor John Michael Cross, 67, of Milford passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at Gilman Healthcare Center. He was born on November 11, 1958 in Watseka, a son of George “Bill” and Wanetta (Gossett) Cross. They preceded him in death along with two stillborn sisters; sister-in-law, Jimmie Joy Cross; and great nephew, Levi Cross.

John is survived by his four brothers, Mark (Beverly) Cross of Woodland, Steve (Sue) Cross of Milford, Rodney (Barbara) Cross of Milford, and David (Sandy) Cross of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

John was a member of Living Hope Church in Watseka and was active in "Walk to Emmaus". John earned a Liberal Arts Science Degree with a minor in Theology from the University of Illinois. He later went on to earn a Masters in Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. John had spent many years as a United Methodist Church Minister. He loved to make art with stained glass.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Living Hope Church in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 also at the church with Pastor Ben Stone, Rev. Andy Adams, Rev. Bruce Schwartz, and Daniel Cross. Burial will follow at the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be made to Living Hope Church in Watseka or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

Dale Gercken, 82, of Watseka passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on February 4, 1943 in Aurora, a son of Louis and Helen (Green) Gercken. They preceded him in death along with one daughter, Michelle Perzee.

Dale married Karen Duby on April 27, 1968 in Watseka and she survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Christi Sheals of Crestview, Florida and Amy (William) Creek of Piper City; two grandchildren, Kaylen and Emma Creek of Piper City; three siblings, Roger Gercken of Ottawa, Myron Gercken of Watseka, and Carol (David) Percefull of Lafayette, Indiana.

Dale loved hunting deer and arrowheads. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War. Dale was a member of the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 28, 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. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Anne Township Cemetery with graveside military rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

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

Donald R. Estes, 83, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston. He was born on October 1, 1942 in Summershade, Kentucky, a son of Lyron W. and Camilla (Moran) Estes and they preceded him in death.

Don married Dianne M. Rapp on October 3, 1964 in Milford and she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Darrell Estes of Hoopeston and Dale (Christine) Estes of Summershade, Kentucky; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Bobby Estes of Cecilia, Kentucky; and one sister, Becky Pennington of Glasgow, Kentucky.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Sugar Creek Cemetery near Stockland with Pastor Doug Minton officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to the start of the funeral service also at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

Randy S. Hurt, 67, of Piper City passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at his home. He was born on July 29, 1958 in Fairbury, the son of Junior and Geneva (Sorey) Hurt.

Mr. Hurt is survived by his sister, Debra (Mike) Brown of Piper City; his brother, Gary (Rose) Hurt of Pontiac; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in passing by his parents and one sister, Vicki Brand.

Randy was employed at several places over the years, Cooks IGA and most recently, ATS. He had an awesome sense of humor and was well known for his jokes. He was fond of cats and was known for feeding the feral ones on his block. Randy was especially attached to his cat, Layla.

Per his wishes, cremation rites are being handled by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. There will be no services at this time.

The family requests that memorials may be made to any Humane Society.

Please share a memory of Randy at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Phyllis A. Garfield, 98, of Watseka passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Villas of Holly Brook in Danville. She was born on December 19, 1926 in Milford, the daughter of Ben and Ruth (Davis) Fanning. She married William Garfield in Watseka on February 9, 1949 and he preceded her in passing on May 3, 2020.

She is survived by two grandchildren, Marta (Jeremy) Mitchell of Bismarck and Zachary Garfield of Springfield; five great grandchildren; and special friends, Bob and Diana Luecke of Milford.

Phyllis was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, William; one son, Larry Garfield; three brothers; and five sisters.

She was a member of Woodland Methodist Church and enjoyed antiques.

Services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Joe Hughes will officiate. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Monday, from 10:00-11:00 am.

Memorials may be made to Watseka American Legion Post 23.

Please share a memory of Phyllis at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Jean Hartlep, 97, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman. She was born on February 22, 1928 in Beaverville, the daughter of Hilaire and Luella (Dionne) Lafond. She married Lawrence “Larry” Ray Hartlep in Beaverville on June 14, 1958 and he preceded her in passing on November 7, 1990.

She is survived by one son, Carl Hartlep of Sheldon; one sister in law, Judy Lafond of Lawrence, KS; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Larry; one brother, Donald Lafond; one sister, Eileen Buckley; and one brother in law, Vincent Buckley.

Mary Jean was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Royal Neighbors for fifty years, I.E.A, N.E.A, and Retired Teachers Association. She taught school in Iroquois County for over thirty five years. Mrs. Hartlep enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word games, and volunteering.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral mass at St. Edmund Catholic Church from 10:00-11:00 am on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to St. Edmund Catholic Church – Watseka or St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Beaverville.

Please share a memory of Mary Jean at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ronald D. Gerdes, 83, of Cissna Park passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on May 25, 1942 in Rensselaer, Indiana, a son of Meinhart and Lorene (Brucker) Gerdes. They preceded him in death along with his brother, Dale Gerdes, and son, Gary Gerdes.

Ron married Sheryl R. Jacob on September 26, 1964 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove and she survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Greg (Ronda) Gerdes of St. Joseph, Glen (Stephanie) Gerdes of Lake Villa, and Garvin (Amy) Gerdes of Monticello; six grandchildren, Alyson Gerdes, Jordyn Gerdes, Peyton Gerdes, Olivia Gerdes, Maddux Gerdes, and Corinne Gerdes; two brothers, Rodell (Marcie) Gerdes of Paxton and Stanley (Barbara) Gerdes of Savoy; and one sister, Charlene Hauptli of Morton.

Ron was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove. Ron was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War. He was an active member and past commander of the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527. Ron was an avid golfer and a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He spent 38 years as a contractor with Morton Buildings. After retiring, he loved spending time with his three son's families, especially his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove with Rev. Dale Fjordbotten officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Ash Grove with graveside military rites by the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove, Cissna Park American Legion Post 527, or the Cissna Park Fire Department.

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

Herbert W. Clatterbuck, 92, of Watseka formerly of Martinton passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. He was born on May 16, 1933 in Kankakee, a son of Dallas and Priscilla (Tatro) Clatterbuck. Herb married Norma J. Garfield on November 24, 1951 in Donovan and she passed away on March 14, 2003.

Herb is survived by his four children, Dennis (Linda) Clatterbuck of Watseka, Paula (Tom) Martell of Groveland, California, Pam (Mick) Thurston of Watseka, and Darrel (Diane) Clatterbuck of Donovan; ten grandchildren, Darin (Taryn) Clatterbuck, Debra (Clint) Goodwin, Alison (Dan) Webber, Nicholas McBroom, Brian (Lezlie) Tiarks, Crystal Tiarks, Paul (Stephanie) Tiarks, Brant (Kayli) Clatterbuck, Shana (Jake) Revere, and Blake (Brianna) Clatterbuck; 28 great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; special friend, Janice Johnson; two sisters, Patricia (Harlan) Gerber of Rowlett, Texas and Louetta (John) Hockersmith of Wonder Lake; sisters-in-law, Janet (Carrol) Grant of Auburn, Carol Lane of Remington, Indiana, and Janice Garfield of Bourbonnais.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by both of his parents; father-in-law, Glenn Garfield; mother-in-law, Lois Garfield; brothers-in-law, Wayne Garfield and Bill Lane, and great-grandson, Braeden Seabert.

Herb was a member of Donovan United Methodist Church in Donovan as well as a former member of the Watseka Elks. He was the owner and operator of C&C Auto Service in Iroquois. Herb also had worked at the Joliet Arsenal in the “5th Army”. He had many hobbies including gardening, hunting, and fishing.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Ashley Clifton officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois.

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

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

Roberta J. Barrie, 79, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on March 27, 1946 in Kankakee, a daughter of Wayne and Mary (Penley) Cote. Roberta married Joe H. Barrie on January 9, 1965 in Momence and they almost celebrated sixty years of marriage together before he preceded her in death on January 19, 2024.

Roberta is survived by three daughters, Tammy Nink of Charlotte, NC, Barbara Montoya of Albuquerque, NM, and Mary (Jason) Cahoe of Watseka; nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Melissa) Nink, Samantha (Will) Nink-Smith, Rocky Nink, Zayne Nink, Jessy Montoya, Clayton Cahoe (Brittany Burton), Tanner Joe Cahoe (Sydni Farris), Heather Coffey, and Thea (Dan) Campbell; six great-grandchildren, Elloise Nink, Jonah Nink, Brayden DeWitt, Bryton Cahoe, Oakley Cahoe, Bryson Watts, and Vivian Roberta Cahoe due in March; one sister, Diane (Reid) Moore of Hickory, NC; and life-long friends, Donnie and Diana Wiley of Bourbonnais.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents and in-laws, Henry and Mary Barrie.

Roberta loved cooking and doing crafts. She took great pride in gardening and enjoyed watching the birds. She worked as a beautician and also spent many years doing CNA work. Roberta and Joe loved time spent riding their trike motorcycle together. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

The family would like to make a special thank you to the staff and volunteers at Iroquois Resident Home.

Memorials may be given to the Iroquois Resident Home Activity Fund.

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

Roberta J. Barrie, 79, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on March 27, 1946 in Kankakee, a daughter of Wayne and Mary (Penley) Cote. Roberta married Joe H. Barrie on January 9, 1965 in Momence and they almost celebrated sixty years of marriage together before he preceded her in death on January 19, 2024.

Roberta is survived by three daughters, Tammy Nink of Charlotte, NC, Barbara Montoya of Albuquerque, NM, and Mary (Jason) Cahoe of Watseka; nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Melissa) Nink, Samantha (Will) Nink-Smith, Rocky Nink, Zayne Nink, Jessy Montoya, Clayton Cahoe (Brittany Burton), Tanner Joe Cahoe (Sydni Farris), Heather Coffey, and Thea (Dan) Campbell; six great-grandchildren, Elloise Nink, Jonah Nink, Brayden DeWitt, Bryton Cahoe, Oakley Cahoe, Bryson Watts, and Vivian Roberta Cahoe due in March; one sister, Diane (Reid) Moore of Hickory, NC; and life-long friends, Donnie and Diana Wiley of Bourbonnais.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents and in-laws, Henry and Mary Barrie.

Roberta loved cooking and doing crafts. She took great pride in gardening and enjoyed watching the birds. She worked as a beautician and also spent many years doing CNA work. Roberta and Joe loved time spent riding their trike motorcycle together. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

The family would like to make a special thank you to the staff and volunteers at Iroquois Resident Home.

Memorials may be given to the Iroquois Resident Home Activity Fund.

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

Wanda Irene Fisher, 89, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on January 8, 1936 in Milford, a daughter of Charles and Hazel (Laird) Callahan. Wanda married Russell Leroy Fisher on October 11, 1953 in Milford and he preceded her in death on February 20, 2021.

Wanda is survived by one daughter, Joy Lee (Jeff) Fricke of Cortland, Illinois; three granddaughters, Amanda (Levi) Neukirch, Jennifer Lee Fricke, and Susan Nichole (Abe) Duran; and two great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Nathan Neukirch.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother, Bob; and three sisters, Dorothy, Margaret, and Floy Anne.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Monday, November 17, 2025 at the First Christian Church in Watseka with Pastor Robert Pettry officiating. Burial will be held that afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Sugar Creek Cemetery near Stockland.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Watseka.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

George Arthur Mead, 72, of Chebanse passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at his home. He was born on January 19, 1953, the son of James and Eveline (Lindhal) Mead. George married Kimberly Brucker in Chebanse on June 16, 1972.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Mead of Chebanse; one son, Christopher (Tammy) Mead of Chebanse; one daughter, Amy Moriconi of Chatam; seven grandchildren, Cody, Courtney, Connor, Macy, Chloe, Seth, and Abigail; two great grandchildren, Lydia and Owen; his brother, William Mead; and his sister, Evelyn Haigh.

Mr. Mead was preceded in passing by his parents; two brothers, Robert Mead and Terry Mead; and four sisters, Eva Moman, Dorothy Morse, Sharon Dillon, and Mary Mead.

George enjoyed reading, watching NASCAR, and the Chicago Bears. He loved spending time with all of his family.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

There will be a celebration of life get together at the Chebanse Community Center in Chebanse from 3:00-6:00 pm on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Please share a memory of George at knappfuneralhomes.com.