Eleanore Mae Taden, 98, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at her home. She was born on June 3, 1927 in Crescent City, a daughter of Alerich and Pearl Mae (Randolph) Beckman. She married Robert S. Taden on November 19, 1950 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on June 5, 2007.

She is survived by her two daughters, Candra Renfrow and Cheryl Smith; one son, Jerry Cahoe; nine grandchildren, Rabecca Howard, Tonja Aughenbaugh, Shannon Steidinger, Jamie Hall, Randi Leslie, Bill Taden, Wick Taden Jr., April Taden, and Kati Smith; many great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; one sister, Joan Cothern; one brother, John Beckman; two sons, Wendell Wade Taden and Lorin Wick Taden.

Eleanore was a school teacher for over 45 years. She was devoutly religious. Eleanore had a love for animals as well as genealogy.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge the care and compassion given by her four caregivers, Kim Taden, Terecia Senesac, Tammy Simington, and Shyann Kohl.

Also, a special thank you to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice team for their care.

A graveside service will be held at a later date with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery near Watseka.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Humane Society or another charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

Judith (Judy) Arlene Bernice (Bess) Hanson, age 79, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, in Danforth, Illinois, after a long and courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease. Throughout her journey, she remained a woman of quiet strength, deep kindness, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and community.

Born on January 14, 1947, in Kankakee, Illinois, Judy grew up surrounded by the values of family, community, and resilience. These guiding principles shaped her character and influenced the way she approached life.

On September 4, 1965, Judy married Larry Hanson in Clifton, Illinois, beginning a partnership that spanned sixty years. Their union was marked by devotion, humor, and steadfast companionship. Together, they cultivated a loving home that radiated warmth and loyalty, offering a gentle presence that made everyone feel welcome.

As a dedicated farm wife, Judy was a steady and reliable force behind the scenes. She diligently journaled the family’s daily farming activities, ensuring their story was preserved. Judy prepared meals to sustain everyone through long days in the fields, and accompanied Larry in the tractor whenever she could, providing comfort and encouragement. Her unwavering support made the hard work of farming feel a little lighter, and her quiet dedication helped maintain the rhythm of farm life for her family.

Judy’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children: Dawn Haigh (Russell) from Chebanse, Donna Hanson?Spencer (Ken) from Livonia, MI, Doug Hanson (Lisa) from Danforth, IL, Debbie Cyr (Tim) from Chebanse, IL.

She was a proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren: Larry Haigh, Heidi Justice (Ricki), Miranda Spencer (Dylan), Romney Spencer, Rhianna Cyr, Sheridan Spencer, Maddie Buckley (Joe), Kylie Cyr, Isabella Hanson; and a loving great?grandmother to three great?grandchildren: William, Catherine, Carter Justice.

Judy is also survived by her siblings: Robert Bess (Denise), Helen Bess, Kathryn Maisonneuve, Kathleen Lyons, Verna Lee Lehning, Chuck Bess (Tara); her sister?in?law Dee Bess; and her brother?in?law Richard McHugh and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Vernon Bess (Elaine), her mother Opal “Maxine” Watson (Chester), her siblings Ina Mae Lindgren (Kenneth), Vernon Lee Bess, Bonnie McHugh, and one great?grandchild, Jake Justice.

Judy lived a life rich with simple joys and heartfelt passions. She loved sewing, puzzles, snowmobiling, and camping, and she never missed a chance to enjoy a good Hallmark movie or cheer on her beloved Chicago Cubs. But above all, she was best known for being a card shark. With her famous poker face and quiet confidence, she could outplay nearly anyone — especially in her favorite game, Skip?Bo, where she won more often than not.

Judy will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her compassion, and her ability to make others feel seen and valued. Even as Huntington’s disease became part of her story, it never dimmed the love she gave or the light she carried.

A gathering of family and friends will be held to honor Judy’s life. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton with Fr. Doug Hauber officiating. Burial will follow in the Clifton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to organizations supporting Huntington’s Disease research and patient care, in hopes of bringing future families closer to the breakthroughs Judy deserved.

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

Brian Lee Short, 57, of Gilman passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on September 16, 1968 in Watseka, the son of Marion “Bill” and Patricia (Kohlmetz) Short.

He married Carrie Schacht on September 5, 1998 in Gilman and she survives. Also surviving are one son, Brent (significant other, Mercedes) Short of Gilman; one daughter, BayLee Short of Gilman; one grandson, Brycen Short; his parents, Bill and Pat Short of Gilman; one brother, Bill (Kelly) Short of Crescent City; brother-in-law, James (Debbie) Schacht of Kankakee; and sisters-in-law, Tiffany (Troy) Lemenager of Ashkum, Destiny (David) Clevenger of Danville and Lindsay Hargett (Kegan Harris) of Gilman.

Brian was a member of Trinity Church in Ashkum. He was a truck driver for Arseneau Trucking and was a fork lift operator at Incobrasa in Gilman. He enjoyed fishing, playing the guitar, golfing with Andy, gardening, cooking and farming. Brian loved his family, especially spending time with his grandson.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the 1:00 pm memorial service on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Trinity Church in Ashkum. Pastor Tim Tammen will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date.

Please have flowers sent to Trinity Church in Ashkum.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

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

Please share a memory of Brian at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Donald Eugene Waters, 81, of Watseka passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal. He was born on January 18, 1945 in Chicago, a son of Edward D. and Dorothy L. (Peters) Waters.

Donald married Tonda Lue Gass-Mills on September 5, 1965 at the First Baptist Church in Clinton and she survives.

Also surviving are five children, Thomas E. Waters of La Crosse, Kansas, Diana Adams of Watseka, Donna (Donnie) King of Watseka, Spring (Taurus) Bailey of Memphis, Tennessee, and C.J. (Kristi) Waters of Kentland, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Marcia Waters of Watseka; eleven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by both of his parents; stepfather, Roy Stevens; brother, George L. Waters; and his son, David Edward Waters.

Donald attended the Goodwin Grade School in Cicero and Watseka Grade School graduating in the Class of 1960. He then attended Watseka High School and graduated in the Class of 1964. Donald furthered his education at Midstate College in Peoria and majored in Business Management.

Donald was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served from October 25, 1965 to October 10, 1971. He served in the regular Army at Fort Monroe, Virginia. It was the Headquarters of the U.S. Continental Command. He was a Specialist 4 Rank. His duties included personal aid to Brigadier General Chappuis who was the Chief of Staff of Logistics for CONARC. Other duties included personal aid and security to four-star general, James Woolnough, who was Chief of Staff and a highly decorated four-star U.S. Army officer who commanded the United States Continental Army Command (CONARC). Donald assisted with Operation “Quick Kill” Development for training troops to Vietnam. Some of Donald’s notable recognitions included National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Sharp Shooter Award.

Donald worked in the food industry for 53 years. He began at Grab-It-Here in Watseka in 1960. He worked at Kroger during college in Peoria. While he served in the Army, Donald worked at 7/11 stores. He worked for Grab-It-Here, Kroger, and T-Mart as Manager until 1972. He was hired by Bob VanNatta to help set-up Quality Grocery and was Assistant Manager after the fire. He retired in 2013 when Quality was closed.

Donald was one of the early members of the original First Baptist Church in Watseka. He served as Deacon, Song Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Bible School Teacher. Donald was quoted as saying, “My best memory was meeting my wife in the mess hall at the Baptist Camp Assurance in Georgetown, Illinois. We fell in love and dated all thru high school. Enjoyed sports in high school and Army. What a blessing to live in Watseka, Illinois. Just Old Don!”

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the Body Cemetery near Woodland at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 prior to the funeral service also at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Delmer L. Henrichs of Onarga, IL passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 85. Born in Ash Grove Township on April 20, 1940, Delmer was the son of Herman and Florence (Demien) Henrichs. His beloved wife of 41 years was the late Reatha Henrichs. He is survived by two daughters: Barbara Shields (Jason) of Goodwine, IL and Jennifer Thilmony (Jason) of Cissna Park, IL and four grandchildren Jocelyn Shields, Carson Shields, Raegan Thilmony, and Rylan Thilmony, and a great granddaughter Millie Wittenborn. Also surviving are three sisters: Elvera Carder of Hoopeston, LaVern Carder of Kankakee, and Edith Petry of Hoopeston and two brothers-in-laws Mike Bruens of Texas and Ron Johnson (Debbie) of Milford as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by a brother, Delbert.

Delmer was a lifelong farmer in Ash Grove Township and a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford. He fulfilled his military service as a Corporal in the U.S. Army, serving overseas in Germany.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford at 11 a.m. with Rev. Doug Minton officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Woodworth with military graveside rites by the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20,2026 before the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford or St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Delmer at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Eldridge “Lee” L. Potts, 88, of Ashkum passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Veterans’ Home at Manteno. He was born on July 26, 1937 in Rantoul, a son of Cecil and Edna (Luttrell) Potts. Lee married Mardean Peters on October 13, 1962 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum and she preceded him in death on June 2, 2015.

Lee is survived by one daughter, Kim (Bruce) Yates; one son, Tim (Tina) Potts; five grandchildren, Taylor Yates (Anthony Chapones), Tiffany (Jeff) Haan, Tara (Ryan) Cailteux, Tony (Megan) Potts, and Trey Potts (Max Somerville); nine great-grandchildren; three siblings, Elvis Potts of Gilman, Doug Potts of Arkansas, and Dollie Woodall of Arkansas; sister-in-law, Garnett Potts of Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by both of his parents; brother, Jim Potts; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Potts and Beverly Potts; and brother-in-law, Frank Woodall.

Lee was a proud veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Korean Conflict. Lee worked many different jobs over the years including the family sawmill, manager, gas attendant, and mechanic at Beasley’s Gas Station in Paxton, Paxton Broom Shop, Ropers, Occidental Chemical, Ford Widholm Lumber, Grays Material, Central Community Unit #4, and Village of Ashkum Police Department. He was a member of the ICLEA. Lee was also a devoted husband and caregiver to Mardean. He enjoyed time spent fishing and hunting. Lee loved working on old cars and sitting under the shade tree or on his porch watching the cars go by. He also was a musician with Avert Luttrell and The Country Strings.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026 also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with Dr. Chauncey Lattimer Jr officiating. Burial will be at the Ashkum Twp. Cemetery with graveside military rites by the Central VFW and Ashkum American Legion.

Memorials may be made to the Ashkum Fire Department, Village of Ashkum Police Department, and Uplifted Care.

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

Ronnie L. Brandenburg, 81, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at his home. He was born on June 17, 1944 in Iroquois, the son of Edwin and Leona (Kottkamp) Brandenburg. He married Carol Jane Geisler Milton on February 14, 2001 in Ocala, FL and she preceded him in death on April 13, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Rick Houser and one son, Ronnie.

He is survived by one son, Robert (Tracy) Brandenburg of Watseka; one daughter, Michelle (Rob) Hickman of Watseka; his wife’s children, Dallas Williams, Aaron (Stephanie) Milton and Becky Williams; two brothers, Ed (Nancy) Brandenburg of Hindsboro and Jim (Patricia) Brandenburg of Mahomet; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was the owner and operator of Westside Lounge in Watseka for over 20 years. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. Ronnie enjoyed golfing and gambling with his friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Iroquois Memorial Park Cemetery in Watseka with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23. A celebration of Ronnie’s life will follow the graveside service at Westside Lounge in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Ronnie at baierfuneralhome.com.

Leonard Gene Foster, age 94, passed peacefully into glory and was joyfully reunited with his wife in heaven on March 6, 2026.

Gene was born on March 9, 1931 in Buckley, IL to Vernon and Maude (Workman) Foster.

His family moved to Jasper County and later settled in Kankakee, IL. He married LaFerne Alyce Wakeman on October 9, 1950 in Kankakee. Gene served in the army during the Korea War and was a part of the military police. He was discharged in the fall of 1953. After his return, the young couple moved to Chebanse where they built their new home. He was a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Kankakee where he served tirelessly in the background helping as needed. He recently became a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Harwood Heights, IL. He retired from A.O. Smith where he worked as an electrician and then from Olivet Nazarene University where he worked in the maintenance department. After retirement the couple enjoyed being snowbirds in Florida. They resided in Leesburg and recently Largo, Florida each winter. He loved spending time with family and had many fun vacations with his 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Gene had one daughter, three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and over 40 nieces and nephews.

Gene is survived by his daughter Kathleen (John T.) Orton of Volo, IL; Grandchildren: John R. (Amanda) Orton of Palatine, Kristine (Dr. Bernard) Nartey of Mequon, WI, Kimberly Orton of Chicago; Great-Grandchildren: Noah and Madison Orton; Liliana, Joanna, Micah and Josiah Nartey; Siblings: Virgil Foster of St. Anne, Mary Helen Carlson of Bradley, Donald Foster of Nevada.

Preceding him in death are his parents, brothers Russel Foster of Colorado and Orville Foster of Kankakee and sister Ruby Seedoof of Kankakee.

Funeral services will be on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church (1300 W Hawkins St, Kankakee, IL 60901). The visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral at the church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately after the funeral service in Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse with graveside military rites by the Central VFW and Ashkum American Legion.

Gene and LaFerne had special pride in their grandchildren. John as a church youth director, Kristi as a nurse and mom and Kimberly who was recently welcomed as a Converge Global worker. As Kimberly begins her support raising, we ask In lieu of flowers to send any memorial gifts to Converge at Department 9930, P.O. Box 850001, Orlando, Florida, 32885, (with Kimberly Orton on the memo line) to help get Kim to the mission field.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

Vernon L. Frye, 89, of Piper City passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at his home. He was born on September 17, 1936 in Donovan, a son of Vernon W. and Alice (Merile) Frye and they preceded him in death along with one sister, Donna Frye.

Vernon married Marla Higgins on December 1, 1967 in Donovan and she survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Dana (Mike) Dunn of Claremore, Oklahoma, Sasha Frye-Gebo of Piper City, and Crystal Creek of Watseka; one son, Jason (Debbie) Creek of Grayslake; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, William (Karen) Frye of Murphysboro, Tennessee and Roland (Kyong) Frye of Murphysboro, Tennessee.

Vernon was a life-long farmer. He showed dairy goats for many years and worked for 20 years at the Donovan Egg Farm.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Prairie Dell Cemetery near Iroquois.

Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

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

Mark Baillie, 66, of Thawville, Illinois, passed away on March 2, 2026.

Mark is survived by his wife of 44 years, Pam Baillie; three children, Michelle (Doug) Kafer, Nicole (Mandar) Mali, and Thomas Baillie; three granddaughters, Kinsley Kafer, Aasha Mali, Chloe Kafer; two grandsons, Camden Kafer, Arlo Mali; brother, Ralph (Linda) Baillie; sister, Donna Stewart; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Salena Baillie; and by his siblings, Shirley Karpowycz, Duane Baillie, and John Baillie.

Mark was born into a farming family in Thawville and grew up with a passion for the land and a love of agriculture. He obtained his Accounting degree from Illinois State University where he met his wife by helping her with their computer class homework. In a whirlwind courtship they got married shortly before graduation and then returned back to the farm where they spent years restoring their future family home.

In addition to farming, Mark spent 9 years as an accountant and then 25 years as a crop insurance adjuster where he met some of his lifelong friends.

Much of Mark's leisure time was spent outside. He loved water skiing and enjoyed teaching others so they could experience the same rush of excitement while immersed in nature. Bonfire parties at "the pond" were a summer staple, as were family camping trips which were always somewhere near water.

Mark was a devoted father who nurtured in his children a love of family, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for finding a good deal. As a grandfather, his softer side shone through. Mark's grandkids loved when he would take them to feed the fish. Even Santa seemed to sound suspiciously like grandpapa.

Although he never retired, preferring to farm up through his last harvest season in fall 2025, Mark enjoyed going south to Florida for the winter where he and Pam enjoyed a steady stream of visitors and friends, taking them for fishing excursions, sunny beach trips, kayaking outings or simply a day by the pool with a cold beer and country music on the radio.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga as well as one hour prior to the services at church on Tuesday at church.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Thawville. Pastor Brian King will officiate. Burial will follow at Ridgeland Township Cemetery in Thawville.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church – Thawville or American Cancer Society.

Please share a memory of Mark at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Kathleen Marie (Smith) Evans, 65, of Watseka and formerly of Goodwine passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Kathy was born on February 2, 1961 in Glendale, Arizona, the daughter of Gayle C. Smith and Judy Pixley Smith and they preceded her in death.

She married Dee Evans in September of 1985. They had four children: Derek (Erin) Evans of Mackinaw, IL; Deidre (Howard) Wilson of Aledo, TX; Kristopher (Marisa) Evans of Wheaton, IL; and Kyle (Kara) Evans of Iroquois, IL.

Besides her children, she is survived by her brothers Jeffrey (Belinda) Smith of Houston, TX and Michael (Camellia) Smith of Sarasota, FL. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Anna “Pix” Wilson of Aledo, TX; Cooper, Hudson and Oliver Evans of Mackinaw, IL; and Bruce Evans of Wheaton, IL. Kathy is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Kathy worked as a cook at the Milford Dairy Queen in Milford, IL and prior to that a custodian at Standard Register/Uarco in Watseka, IL.

She enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and Bears play. She loved spending time in Arizona and the culture of the southwest. Many close to her would say she was very proud of watching her adult children thrive - establish careers and start their own families. Kathy was a very proud military mom, as well.

In her younger years, she enjoyed homemaking for her four children, gardening in Goodwine, watching every episode of “Days of Our Lives”, spending time at Timbered Meadows with her former husband and kids, shopping with her daughter, going to all of her children's sporting events, Poverty Rods car club, NHRA Drag Racing events, Disney World, and family vacations to Florida. She was also a member of the VFW auxiliary.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. memorial service all at the Milford Christian Church on Friday, March 6, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Watseka Area Food Pantry.

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

Elaine Schroeder, 91, of Watseka passed away on February 28, 2026 at Prime Healthcare St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. She was born on July 20, 1934 in Albion, Nebraska, a daughter of Frank and Inez Virginia (Watson) Short. Elaine married Wayne Schroeder on April 30, 1955 in Woodworth and he preceded her in death on January 20, 2015.

Elaine is survived by one daughter, Connie (Jon) Cooley of Kentland; one son, Larry (Mary) Schroeder of Watseka; four grandchildren, Derrick Carmichael, Andrea Carmichael, Ashley Espinoza, and Dusty (Britney) Schroeder; granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Schroeder; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Don (Mary Ann) Short of Fulton, Missouri.

Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by both of her parents, two half-brothers, Roy and Frank Jr., and one half-sister, Dorothy; and one grandson, Dakota Schroeder.

Elaine was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. She loved her neighbors, “The Hickory Nuts”. Elaine was a lunch room supervisor for many years at Nettie Davis and also was a water meter reader for the City of Watseka. She enjoyed bowling, buying cookbooks, and cookouts on the 4th of July. Elaine especially loved time spent with her family and grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery near Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

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