Myrna Lee Baier, 94, of Cissna Park, IL, passed away at 5:15 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Accolade on Pells in Paxton.

Born on August 15, 1931, she was the oldest daughter of Leonard L. and Lena Potts Leiding. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth, IL?on February 14, 1932. She was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cissna Park, IL on July 27, 1952.

She resided in Crescent City, IL?for 3 years and then in Watseka, IL, until the time of her marriage to Richard D. Baier at First Christian Church in Watseka on July 2, 1950. She graduated from Watseka Community High School in 1949 and continued her education at Ray Vogue School of Dress Design in Chicago.

She and Richard lived in Wrightsville Beach, NC, and Alexandria, VA from January, 1951, until October of 1951 while he was in the Marine Corps, and then moved into their home on North First Street in Cissna Park. During their retirement years they wintered at Everglades City, FL. In 1958, they formed Baier Publishing Company, where they published the Cissna Park News and Rankin Independent and did job printing. Myrna worked as bookkeeper and proof reader for many years until son, Rick and wife, Sharon, took over and purchased the business.

She served as bookkeeper, treasurer and box office manager for the Country Theatre Workshop for many years. In 1993, she became treasurer and overseer for the timeshare, River Wilderness in Everglades City, FL, where she and her husband lived during the winter months. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and an associate member of Everglades Community Church. Myrna was a long time member of the Cissna Park Jr. Woman’s Club, Trinity Ladies Aid LWML where she served as President, and also the American Legion Auxiliary. She served as President of the Illinois Association of Fire Protection District Ladies Auxiliary for 4 years. Myrna was dedicated to her family, an avid quilter and made quilts for family members. She loved playing games with her family, doing jigsaw puzzles and reading.

Survivors include four children, David Lee (Beth) Baier, Ricky Alan (Sharon) Baier, Bruce Edward (Venetia) Baier, and Barbara Ann Baier, all of Cissna Park; six grandchildren, Kara (Andy) Peabody of Noblesville, IN, Mitchell Baier of Tacoma, WA, Trevor (Jill) Baier of Ames, IA, Lauren (Jake) Sanders of Mahomet, Logan (Sami) Baier of Chatham, and Whitney (Jake) Wise of Loda; nine great grandchildren, Kalianne, Annika and Alden Peabody, Ian, Brynn and Dylan Baier, River and Skye Sanders, and Lucas Baier; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Leonard and Lena Leiding; two sisters, Patricia Barth and Joyce Henke; and an infant nephew, Paul Edward Barth.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Cissna Park or its sewing group.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park with Rev. Dale Fjordbotten officiating. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.

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

John L. “Jack” Hutchinson Jr., 81, of Watseka passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on March 26, 1944 in Washington D.C. the son of John L. and Betty (Brink) Hutchinson. Jack married Sue Strand in Iroquois, IL on January 21, 1967 and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Jacob (Kristen) Hutchinson of Naperville and John (Marcy) Hutchinson of Watseka; 5 grandchildren, Isaac, Stella, Jack, Ellie, and Alex Hutchinson; three brothers, Rick (Judy) Hutchinson of Poplar Grove, Larry (Karen) Hutchinson of Carol Stream, and Bob (Nadine) Hutchinson of Wheaton; one sister, Leslie (Sandy) Rothe of Lone Tree, CO. Jack was preceded in death by his parents.

A gifted athlete, Jack excelled at Wheaton Community High School in basketball, track, and football. He earned First Team All-Conference honors in basketball in 1961 and 1962, was named a Chicago Sun-Times Area All-Star, received All-State recognition, and became Conference Scoring Champion. In track and field, he was a two-time Conference Champion in the High Jump, placed fifth at the State Meet in 1962, and competed in the broad jump and 880 relay. He also started in football at offensive end and defensive back. In 2024, he was inducted into the Wheaton Community High School Hall of Fame.

Jack attended Bradley University on a full scholarship and was a proud member of the 1964 NIT Championship basketball team.

While athletics shaped his early years, service defined his life. Jack served as President of Iroquois Farmers State Bank from 1980 to 2010 and later as Chairman. He was an active member of the Illinois Bankers Association for more than 25 years, serving on its Board and as President from 2001 to 2002. He also served on the Board of Iroquois Memorial Hospital, including as Chief Financial Officer, and was a dedicated Kiwanis member for 30 years.

Jack will be remembered for his competitive spirit, steady leadership, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Private graveside services will be held at Prairie Dell Cemetery in Iroquois with Pastor John Franklin officiating.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospital and Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements are by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

Edwin Tammen, 86, of Danforth, passed away on February 18 at his home. He was born October 22, 1939 in Gilman to Anton and Helen (Conrad) Tammen. He married Jo Anne (Allain) Summers on May 10, 1997. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Samantha (Eric) Burgess, Ashkum, and Bobette Tammen of Danforth. One son, Robert (Tracy) Brandenburg, Watseka. Grandchildren includes Skyler Kissack, Anya (Bob) Ragsdale, Zayden Brandenburg, Blake Tammen, and Bryce Fairley. Great-grandchildren Olivia and Adrian Kissack and Uriah Ragdale. Brothers John (Marge) Tammen and Dale Tammen, Danforth. Three sisters Jo Ann (Robert) Arends, Marilyn Koester, and Diane Murray.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and one brother.

He was avid in the Dairy Business, Trucking, and farming. He was in the Army National Guard as a Marksman sharp shooter, enjoyed Nascar racing, fast cars, and gardening. His 1970 Chevelle was his pride and joy.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 23, 4:00-7:00 at the Trinity Ashkum Campus. Funeral will be Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 11:00 am at Trinity Watseka Campus with visitation one hour before service. Burial at Body Cemetery, Watseka, II.

Donations can be made to IMH Hospice, Trinity Church, or to ICARE.

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

Sherry L. Jones, 74, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet. She was born on August 2, 1951 in Watseka, the daughter of Willis and Etta (Pace) Howell. She married Thomas J. Jones in Watseka on March 12, 1971.

Surviving are her husband, Tom Jones of Watseka; two daughters, Sara (Gary) Onsen of Coal City, IL and Stephanie (Justin) Pierce of Mazon, IL; three grandchildren, Kimberly (Cody) Clubb, Jacob Pierce, and Nicholas Pierce; two great grandchildren, Stella and Levi Clubb; two sister in laws, Ev Jones of Watseka and JoAnn Williams of Bridgeview, IL.

Sherry was preceded in passing by her parents and one granddaughter, Jenna Onsen.

Mrs. Jones was in business with her husband, Tom and they owned TJ’s Signs in Watseka. She always enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon. Joe Hughes will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Lightways Hospice.

Please share a memory of Sherry at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Judith “Judy” A. Meyer, 89, of Danforth and formerly of Chebanse passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Judy was born on March 6, 1936 in Ashkum, the daughter of Donald and Albertha (Patnaude) Tascher. She married Vernon Meyer on September 26, 1959 in Ashkum and he survives.

Besides her husband, she is survived by four children, Sheila (Greg) Knorr of Clifton, Dan (Michelle) Meyer of Peoria, AZ, Wendy (Scott) Hautala of Surprise, AZ, and Rodney (Nancy) Meyer of Chebanse; sixteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and one brother, Donald Tascher.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Duane; one sister, Janice; and one grandson, Mason Knorr.

Judy was a sixty-year plus member of the No Fuss No Muss Club. She loved being a farmwife and cooking. Judy was very artistic and found joy in oil painting, China painting, and quilting. Judy loved the sunshine, where she spent many winters in Arizona. She had fond memories of traveling to Germany and really enjoyed Oktoberfest. Judy loved to spend time outdoors and enjoyed playing cards with her friends. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family and especially her grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. prayer service. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kankakee with Bishop Christopher Glancy officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Memorials may be given to Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Shirley Ann (Carney) Finnell, 90 of St. Joseph formerly of Gilman passed away at 4:48 P.M. Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Amber Glen Memory Care, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 20, 2026 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave, St. Joseph. Burial in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation 1:00 P.M.to 2:00 P.M. prior to service.

Shirley was born August 10, 1935 in Litchfield, IL The daughter of Leroy N. and Ruth (Jackson) Carney. She married Dr. James H. Finnell in Rantoul, IL. He survives.

She is also survived by her daughter Kim (Husband Terry Hill) Blair of St. Joseph. Grandchildren; Megan (Jason) Wheatley of St. Joseph, Mitch Blair of Newport, CA, and Maddie (Chris) Brooks of Aiken, SC. Great-Grandchildren Reese, Raegan and Roman Wheatley, and Carter Brooks. Brother Gary (Gayle) Carney of Running Branch, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law Michael Blair.

Shirley grew up in Rantoul and graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1953. She worked as a secretary at Chanute Air Force Base, where she met her future husband Dr. James Finnell, the base veterinarian. They settled in Gilman where she supported her husband's business Piper City Veterinary Clinic by answering radio calls for the clinic. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Gilman. She volunteered at the church and worked part time at the Gilman-Danforth District Library.

Shirley was a devoted mother and grandmother always supporting her daughter and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her storytelling and boundless energy in playing with her grandchildren. Shirley was known for her witty sense of humor, artistic talents, cooking her family’s favorite foods, and love of music and dancing. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Urbana.

Mildred T. Trumann, 87, of Watseka passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born on September 4, 1938 in Woodland, a daughter of Lemuel and Lottie (Varvel) Walker.

Mildred is survived by her sons, Kevin (Elena Sullivan) Keath of Watseka and Russell Keath of Watseka; two daughters, Debra Bernucho of Mascoutah and Diana Keath of Watseka; daughter-in-law, Peggy Keath of Indianapolis, Indiana; nine grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren.

Mildred was preceded in death by both of her parents; first husband, Russell A. Keath; second husband, Tillman Trumann; special friend, Romeo Arseneau; son, Steven Keath; son-in-law, Paul Bernucho; two brothers; and two sisters.

Mildred was a member of the Nazarene Church as a child and later Centennial Christian in Watseka. She was a cook for over 40 years at various restaurants and loved to cook for the family.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 23, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 11:00 a.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in the Body Cemetery near Woodland.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes to help cover the cost of the funeral.

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

Douglas “Douger” G. Hale, 71, of Ashkum passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on February 2, 1955 in Bloomington, the son of Edgar Wayne and Twyla (Campbell) Hale and preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Emery, Dennis and David Hale and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elwood and Roselma Cailteux. Doug married the love of his life, Rebecca Cailteux on September 1, 1973 in Watseka and she survives.

Besides his wife, Rebecca Hale of Ashkum, he is survived by one daughter, Tina (T.J. Schmidt) Miner of Ashkum; one son, Greg (Kim) Cailteux of Orlando, FL; two grandchildren, Hannah (Bryan) Sumnlers and Gauge Miner; two twin great-grandson, Easton and Slade; one sister, Nancy (Scott) Coffinger of Oro Valley, AZ; four sisters-in-laws, Melinda Hale, Sandi (Jim) Friedli, Cyndi (Roaul) Boudreau and Laurie (Jacky) Chen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doug was a former member of the Ashkum Fire Department, ICLEA, Iroquois County Fair Board and the Slow Boys Tractor Club. He enjoyed camping, traveling, playing cards, but most of all spending time with his friends and family.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am. – 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Sharing stories will occur at the conclusion of the visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Ashkum Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois County Law Enforcement Association, American Cancer Society, or to the family’s wishes.

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

Donna D. Curtis, 90, of Pontiac passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. She was born on July 1, 1935 in Watseka, a daughter of George and Opal Wanita (Taden) Dexter. Donna married James “Bernie” Curtis on March 28, 1953 in Kentland, IN and he preceded her in death on June 25, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Dan Dexter and one sister, Alice Dexter.

She is survived by her children, Connie Curtis of Pontiac and Douglas Curtis of Bloomington; one step-grandchild, Ashley of Delaware; one brother, James (Carol) Dexter of Crescent City; one sister, Martha (Kenny) Redeker of Onarga; sister-in-law, Gale Dexter of Ashkum; and several nieces and nephews.

Donna was a member of the Pontiac First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Bible studies and was very active in the church. She was also a member of the Zonta Club. Donna and her husband, Bernie, were owners and operators of the Pontiac Greenhouse and Flower Shop for 55 years. They also owned flower shops in Gilman and Watseka for several years. She was a member of the Florist Association and loved working with flowers and cooking.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Danforth Reformed Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. also at the church with Rev. Donald J. MacDonald III officiating. Burial will follow in the Danforth Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Danforth Reformed Church, Pontiac First Presbyterian Church or Family’s Wishes.

Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman is handling arrangements.

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

Dakota James Schroeder, 25, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at his residence. He was born on September 10, 2000, a son of Larry and Mary (Espinoza) Schroeder. Dakota married Ashley Langellier on June 14, 2025 in Crescent City.

Dakota is survived by his wife, Ashley Schroeder of Watseka; his parents, Larry and Mary Schroeder of Watseka; one brother, Dustin (Britney) Schroeder of Watseka; one sister, Ashley Espinoza of Watseka; three nieces, Kayleigh, Cadence, and Jasmine; three nephews, Kyler, Kamden, and Hayden; paternal grandmother, Elaine Schroeder; and his dog, Ruger.

Dakota was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ester and John Espinoza; uncle, Roy Espinoza; parental grandfather, Wayne Schroeder; cousin, Dallas Summers; and friend, Ron Schroeder.

Dakota was a proud member of the Watseka Fire Department. He was a member of the Living Hope Church in Watseka. Dakota enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching stock car races. He loved to watch the Chicago Blackhawks, Cardinals Baseball, and Green Bay Packers.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home with Pastor Ben Stone officiating. Burial will follow in Iroquois Memorial Park near Watseka.

Memorials may be made to “Dakota Strong” at First Financial Bank in Watseka.

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

Frederick “Fred” L. Wilking, 74, of Chebanse passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on May 18, 1951 in Kankakee, a son of Vernon and Bethel (Gierke) Wilking. Fred was preceded in death by his father and one son, Lester Raymond Wilking.

Fred is survived by his two sons, Craig (Jessica) Hartman of Sheldon and Joshua (Shalon) Hartman of Chebanse; one daughter, Nicole (Bryan) Ayres of Peoria, Arizona; two sisters, Peggy Wilking (George Pfeffinger) of Kankakee and Priscilla Williams of Bourbonnais; mother, Bethel Wilking of Danforth; twelve grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Fred was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. He enjoyed playing golf. Fred loved watching the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears. He was a truck driver for many years.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Memorials may be made to Willie and Friends for Relay for Life of Kankakee County.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

Shirley Mae Bratcher McCullough, 93, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at her home near Watseka, Ill.

Shirley was born April 1, 1932 in Culver, Ind. to Hazel Linna (Kessinger) and Arthur Bratcher.

She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Earl McCullough, on Dec. 10, 1950 in Watseka, and celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage before his death in 2020. The couple had six children.

Shirley spent her life caring for others. After her marriage, her brother, Artie, came to live with the couple as their family grew. She cared for her ailing parents throughout their lives. Later, she would be instrumental in the caring of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley worked alongside Bob on the family grain and livestock farm and also worked outside the home as a telephone operator, school bus driver, and bookkeeper.

She volunteered with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Iroquois United Methodist Church, 4-H, and the Iroquois County Genealogical Society. She enjoyed league bowling, roller skating, researching family history, camping, and traveling.

Shirley and Bob loved their adventures and some of their favorite memories were fishing for great northern pike in Minnesota, driving a station wagon up Pikes Peak, and hosting the annual Labor Day Campout at The Campgrounds at Old Texas.

In their later years, they enjoyed RV camping in Florida with family and friends. The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have precious memories of their adventures. Shirley documented all of the family’s activities with her video camera, and those movies brought great joy at family gatherings.

She is survived by one son, Daniel Robin (Ellen) McCullough of Watseka; three daughters, Janet Lin Anderson of Sheldon, Judy Mae Bingman of Champaign, and Patti Jo Jenkins (Robert Taylor) of Florida; five grandchildren, Amy (Dennis) Hofbauer of Mahomet, Bobbi (Chance) Clatterbuck of Milford, Sarah Johnson (Urbana), Jenny Mae (Tony) Blankenberger of Carmi, and Wil Bingman of Champaign; 10 great-grandchildren, Carrie Riston, Brianna Hamm (Gabe Jenkins), Deanna Auxier, Arthur and Hannah Hofbauer, Jacqueline McCullough (Seth Bushur), Allison (Devon) Guerrettaz, Kayla (Turner) McCullough-Ruechel, Alexis Vogel (Devan Thomas), Gage Vogel, and Isabella Mae Blankenberger; one great-great-grandchildren, Mikhyel Berry; several nieces and nephews, including Eric (Kim) Bratcher of Franklin, Tenn., and Alan (Stephanie White) Bratcher of Heyworth; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doris and John Ash.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents, Hazel and Arthur Bratcher; one infant son, John Robert; one daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Carroll Haven; one grandson, Christopher McCullough; one brother and sister-in-law, Artie Lee and Louanne Bratcher; two sisters, Toni Rae and Carol Ann Bratcher; one son-in-law, Dr. Keith Jenkins; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka, with visitation beginning one hour prior. Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery near Watseka.

Memorials may be given to the Iroquois Cultural and Community Center or a charity of the donor’s choice and given at the funeral home.

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

Patrick William Pfister was born on April 14, 1954 in Bassett, Nebraska and passed away February 1, 2026 following a short illness at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Clement Patrick Pfister, his mother, Ola Marie Porter Pfister Wood and his stepfather, Harold Wood.

Patrick is survived by his only daughter, Patricia Ann Pfister Vest of Clarksville, Tennessee who was the light of his life. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Bradyn Matthew Vest and Kayleigh Rose Vest and a joyful great grandfather to Monroe Vivian Vest all of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his sister, Wanda Griffioen of Monroe, Georgia and his brother, Robert Pfister of Onarga, Illinois along with many extended family members and friends who held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Donnie Trammell Jr. and the entire Trammell family. Your friendship, kindness and steady presence meant a great deal to Patrick and brought him comfort and joy. Your support continues to mean so much to his family.

Patrick spent many years as a labor operator and took pride in an honest day’s work. He was an avid woodworker who found peace and satisfaction in creating, repairing and improving things with his hands. He was a proud member of Local 751 Laborers and Operators 150 and valued the camaraderie friendships and respect that came with it.

Patrick lived simply and genuinely with a strong work ethic, a generous spirit and a quiet sense of humor that never needed attention to be felt. He showed love through action, always willing to help lend a hand or offer what he had. Family meant everything to him and he took great pride in the generations that followed. His presence will be deeply missed and his memory will be carried forward with love.

Visitation will be held to celebrate Patrick’s life and to share stories, laughter and remembrance. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that if at any point over the years you borrowed tools, equipment or anything else from Pat, please feel free to return it during the visitations. He would be pleased to see it come back around and as Pat would say with a grin, “It is probably still useful.”

Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Lastly, please continue to keep his family in your prayers.

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

Jeremy James Hays, 49, of Danville passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026 at his residence. He was born on September 28, 1976 in Danville, the son of Malcom W. Hinton and Becky S. Morgan and later he was adopted by Paul D. Hays.

Jeremy married Maria Rebelo in Tilton on April 5, 2014 and she preceded him in death on August 27, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Becky Ashcraft and father, Malcom Hinton; maternal grandparents, Dick and Darlene Ren; paternal grandparents, Mary and Harlan Hinton; one brother-in-law, Kyle Halley; and two aunts, Lori Byrne and Joni Ford.

He is survived by one sister, Katrina Hays of Cissna Park; one son, Jacob (Lily) Pundt of Danville; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Barb Morgan of Tilton; two nieces, Aubrey Halley of Florida and Alexis (Trey) Halley of Danville; five great nieces, Akenna Zamora, Aspen Irvin, Carmen Phillips, Kora Williams, and Paris Williams; one great nephew, Asher Irvin; his two beloved pets (his girls) Bella and Renesmee; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jeremy graduated from Potomac High School as Salutatorian in 1994. He loved wrestling, cooking, playing board games, skulls, and his animals. He was a jokester, full of sarcasm, and took great pride in his clothes and fashion. Most importantly, he maintained his love for his family as his main priority even throughout his illness.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 pm funeral service on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park. Burial will follow at the Potomac Cemetery.

Per the family’s request, come and celebrate as you wish – there is no dress code so please be as casual as you’d like.

Memorials may be made to Vermilion County Animal Shelter or DaVita Vermilion County Dialysis.

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

Holly S. Janssen (nee Johnson), 77, of Crescent City passed away at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee on January 30, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was born on July 9, 1948 in Tinley Park, Illinois to John and Helen “Holly” (Whetherhult) Johnson.

Holly moved to Crescent City in 1971 and married Werner Janssen at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on April 8, 1972. He survives.

Holly is also survived by her two daughters; Martha (Glenn) Knake of Cissna Park and Emily Janssen of Crescent City; three granddaughters, Alexis Knake of O’Fallon, Illinois, Lauren (Cooper) Johnson of Orlando, Florida, and Mikayla (Kenton) Sinn of Cissna Park; two grandsons, Henry and Augie Schunke of Crescent City; and one brother, Dennis (Aneida) Johnson of Arkansas; several nieces and nephews.

Holly was preceded in death by her mother, Holly Hartke; her father, John Johnson; one brother, Michael Johnson; one niece, Sarah Johnson; her in-laws, Emil and Martha Janssen; sister-in-law, Edda Middleton; and brother-in-law, Verdell “Mid” Middleton.

Holly was a farmer’s wife and a bookkeeper for many years. She was a jack of all trades and could be counted on to come up with a plan at a moment’s notice. Her family affectionately referred to her as McGuyver. Holly was also a talented miniature enthusiast and spent many hours crafting dollhouses. Holly was known to volunteer wherever she was needed. She spent years cooking eggs on the breakfast shift in the St Peter’s Lutheran Church food tent at the Iroquois County Fair, volunteered at the Red Cross blood drive, and was an election judge. Her greatest joy was crafting and creating projects for her grandkids to complete in her workshop.

Funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service beginning at 4:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.