Elizabeth Janet Victery Pruitt, 80, of Greer, South Carolina passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at TerraBella Thornblade Senior Living in Greer, South Caroline. She was born on April 19, 1945 in Goose Creek, Texas, the daughter of M.H. and Margaret Amilee (Ashabranner) Victery. Elizabeth married Russell Lash in 1965 and then later married Thomas Pruitt in Milford, Illinois on May 16, 1992 and he preceded her in death on January 20, 2018.

Elizabeth is survived by one daughter, Suzanne Lash Garrison of Greer, South Carolina; one son, Ryan Lash of Louisville, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Benjamin Garrison and Remy Lash; one brother, Donald (Winona) Victery of Fairfield, California; three step-daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Pruitt-Hammond of Fitchburg, Wisconsin; Emilee (Ryan) Goon of Lebanon, Indiana, and Hannah Rice of Monticello, Indiana; seven step-grandchildren, Josie, Eve, Landry, Reese, Aiden, Gage, and Anna.

Elizabeth grew up in Crockett, Texas and was a 1963 graduate of Crockett High School, where she won The University Interscholastic League Girls’ Tennis Doubles AA First Place Finish in the 1962 State Meet. She then attended Trinity University in San Antonio. Elizabeth was very active in church, giving numerous speeches for various church groups. She also played the piano at church as well as played in the handbell choir. Elizabeth loved antiquing and gardening.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home, 201 W. Jones St., Milford, Illinois. A graveside service will follow at 2:15 p.m. at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to American Stroke Association.

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

Nancy M. Schriefer Zachgo, 87, of rural Onarga, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee with her loving family by her side. She was born the daughter of Nan Johnson Schriefer and Alfred Schriefer of Gilman on August 26, 1938 in Watseka.

Nancy attended Gilman Grade School and was a 1956 graduate of Gilman High School. She married Rolland E. Zachgo on August 4, 1957 in Gilman. Rolland preceded her in death on August 9, 2022.

Surviving are four children, Derhonda (Doug) Blair, Tamara (Tim) Hamilton, Darin (Virginia) Zachgo, and Dana (Amy Adams) Zachgo; also 16 grand and step grandchildren; and 34 great grand and step great grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother and sister-in-law, Ryland and Carol Schriefer; three sisters-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law, Harry and Virginia Mogged, Charlotte Johnson, and Ron and Sylvia Herr. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Deceased are one brother, Myron Schriefer and one brother-in-law, Gus Johnson.

Along with raising four children and managing farm records, Nancy worked at the Gilman Public Library and was a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Nancy enjoyed reading, camping, boating, painting, and loved spending time with her family. She was always happy to help in any way she could and was a wonderful story teller. Nancy was a life long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman where she served on the church council numerous terms, was a member of the alter guild, and the Prayer and Faith Circle.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 2: 30 p.m. and a funeral service will then begin at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 116 N. Thomas St., Gilman. Rev. Chris Schoon and Rev. Rich Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at the Gilman Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Gilman Fire, St Paul Lutheran Church, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please share a memory of Nancy at knappfuneralhomes.com.

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

Donald “Donnie” A. Gerdes Jr., 65, of Thawville passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at his residence. He was born on October 7, 1960 in Fairbury, a son of Donald “Pudge” A. and Ramona A. (Zirkle) Gerdes Sr. and they preceded him in death.

Donnie married Sherri Fuoss in Gilman on February 16, 1980 and she survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Amanda (John) Toohill of Onarga; one son, Jacob (Lindsey) Gerdes of Bentenville, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Kailin Gerdes, Nautica McNeely, Hadley Gerdes, Hayden Gerdes, Harper Toohill, Sawyer Toohill, and Paisley Toohill; five sisters, Becky (Gary) Fuoss of Thawville, Kathy (Duane) Menigoz of Onarga, Lisa (Curtis) Bloom of Foosland, Ronne (Sandy) Gerdes of Onarga, and Diane (Larry) Neste of Spooner, Wisconsin.

Donnie was a member of Immaculate Conception/Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Gilman. He was also a member of Fur Takers of America.

He lived by the mission statements of two organizations, The Fur Takers of America: “The cruelest thing we can do to wildlife is fail to manage it.” and the US Forest Service: “Caring for the Land and serving people.” He instilled these values into his kids and grandkids. They also carried into his professional life where he retired from EIEC as a forestry foreman.

He loved to share his knowledge with others. In addition to his children and grandchildren he touched many lives through coaching little league, teaching others to hunt, trap, track wild game, and properly and safely maintain trees and so much more.

He loved to cheer on his kids and grandkids in everything they did. The avid outdoorsman somehow coerced Sherri, his partner in all other things, to become his hunting, tracking and trapping partner, traveling with the finest accommodations (tent) near and far, from Colorado mountain tops to Arizona desert.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Burial will be at a later date at the Del Rey Cemetery in Onarga.

Memorial may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Fair Haven, which provides housing for families of seriously ill patients at no cost.

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

Gregory “Greg” J. Norder, 63, of Sheldon passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026 at his home. He was born on July 31, 1962 in Watseka, a son of Edwin “Jake” and Beverly (Courtney) Norder. He married Diann “Annie” Wood on August 15, 1992 in Watseka and she preceded him in death on May 12, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Diane; and one son, Michael Ferral.

Greg is survived by two children, Chad Norder of Crescent City and Kristyn Garabedian of Watseka; two step-children, Misty (Curt) Walkup of Goodland, IN and Shawn Marcum of Sheldon; one brother, Doug Norder of Sheldon; ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Greg was a very active member of the First Christian Church in Watseka. He served in the U.S. Army from 1980-1983 and was a semitruck driver for Vision Logistics. Greg loved driving his truck and spending time with his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Robert Petry officiating. Burial will follow the service at Gaffield Cemetery near Iroquois.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Watseka or American Cancer Society.

Please share a memory of Greg at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Kelly Charles Smith, 72, of Milford passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026. He was born on March 26, 1954 in Watseka, a son of Charles and Ruth (Davis) Smith and they preceded him in death along with one brother, Dan Smith.

Kelly married Cheryl Longest on February 27, 1982 in Milford and she survives.

Also surviving are one son, Derek Smith of Lafayette, Indiana; one daughter, Kristen Smith (Charlie Reeder) of Milford; four grandchildren, Waylon, Iris, and Neil Champion, and Madyson Reeder; one niece, Jennifer (Edwin) Makiwa of South Africa; one nephew, Wesley (Tara) Smith of Mapleton; one sister-in-law, Judith Smith of Bloomington; five brothers and sisters in-law, Lori (Randy Luecke) Longest, Alan (Anita) Longest, James (Penny Galloway) Longest, Tricia (Bill) Huff, and Jeff (Kristie Jo Johnson) Longest.

Kelly was a member of Milford Christian Church, where he was currently serving on the church board. He worked in telecommunications for over 35 years, where he retired from Sprint/T-Mobile. He loved electronics and was known as Mr. Stereo. Kelly had his own eBay Business for over 25 years. He also had his own sales and service business for over 40 years. Kelly loved several music artists and enjoyed going to concerts. He enjoyed listening to Bluegrass and Rock and Roll. Kelly was an avid Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan. Most of all, Kelly loved his family and loved going to their school sporting and music events.

Visitation will be on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026 at the Milford Christian Church in Milford with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating. In memory of Kelly, everyone is asked to wear a Hawaiian shirt.

Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery near Stockland.

Memorials may be given to the Milford Christian Church or Milford Ambulance.

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

Jean Owens, 81, of Cissna Park passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Gibson Area Hospital. She was born on February 21, 1945 in Gallatin County, Illinois, a daughter of Harlan “Ginger” Blazier and Nancy Louise (Mills) Blazier. Jean married Delmar Owens on December 28, 1964 in New Haven and he preceded her in death on August 21, 2024.

Survivors include one daughter, Ginger (Lance) Gibas-Cohen of North Palm Beach, Florida; one son, Del (Martha) Owens of Cissna Park; three grandchildren, Torrie (Tyler) Chambers, Kyle Owens, and Parker Owens; three great-grandchildren, Beckett, Hudson, and Wrenley Chambers; two sisters, Laura (Tootie) Steffey of Rantoul and Darla Williams of Monticello.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; two brothers, George Blazier and Harvey Louis Blazier; three sisters, Helen Theobald, Velma Goodman, and Mildred Blazier; and one granddaughter, Samantha Owens.

Jean was a graduate of Southern Illinois University. She dedicated over 20 years to the Head Start program, where she nurtured and educated young children, leaving a lasting impact on countless families in her community. Jean was an active member of the Cissna Park Methodist Church.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park with Pastor Ashley Clifton officiating. Burial will follow in the Cissna Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Methodist Church in Cissna Park.

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

Don Richard Raines, 49, of Clifton, was joyously embraced in the eternal love of Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Born on August 14, 1976, in Kankakee, IL Don was a beloved son of Jessie Raines Jr. & Kathy Isley.

"Putt," as he was affectionately known, was a shining light to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He possessed a rare and beautiful gift for making others smile and laugh, and his infectious spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who crossed his path. Putt’s commitment to spreading love and kindness was evident in every interaction.

His passing leaves a deep void, but we ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived and for the profound impact it had sharing his love of Jesus.

A graduate of Bay High School Panama City, FL in 1994, Putt immediately dedicated himself to service by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably stationed at Ft. Sill, OK.

Putt was very involved with Herscher Christian Church and was a Co-Founder for Vet Mission Ministries. He was very involved in the veteran community as well as a member of Chebanse American Legion. His greatest earthly treasure was his family.

Putt is survived by his beloved wife, Jaime Raines of Clifton, sons, Mike Raines (Alisa Murray) of Phoenix, AZ; Putty Raines (Savannah) of Newport, VA; daughter Amber Raines (Valerie Wherle) of Ashkum, IL; stepsons Brody Sertich and Perry Mason; his dogs Tank, Layla & Abram; his father, Jessie Raines Jr. of Panama City, FL; his mother, Kathy Isley of Panama City Beach, FL; three brothers, Rob (Debbie) Raines of Panama City, FL; Jessie (DeAnn) Raines of Clifton, IL; Tim Redwing of Clifton, IL; stepbrother Steve (Mitch) Isley of Kankakee, IL; stepsister Dena (Carl) Sanders Kankakee, IL. Proud PopPop of Mavrick and Ellis Reyling of Ashkum, IL and Camden Raines of Newport, Va; father in law and mother in law Jeff (Marla) Graham of Clifton, IL; brother in law, Ben (Edna) Graham of Sugar Grove, IL; and countless uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, friends all who are called family.

Putt was preceded in death and met with open arms by his son, Taylor Raines; his nephew, Seth Raines; his niece, Jessica Jo Raines; and his stepfather, Gary Isley.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. on Monday, April 6th 2026, at the Herscher Christian Church 30 E. Tobey Dr. Herscher, IL 60941. There will be a service at 5:00 P.M. with military honors to follow. Pallbearers: Mike Raines, Putty Raines, Trey Raines, Perry Mason IV, Tim Redwing, and Evan Redwing.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorials be made to Vet Mission 9936 N. Burnt Mill Creek Road, Panama City, FL 32409.

Please share your favorite memories of Putt at knappfuneralhomes.com or on Putt’s Facebook page to help keep his light shining for his family.

Maxine Lehmann, 101, of Savoy passed away at Autumn Fields Savoy on March 28, 2026.

Celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer with the visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the church. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Gilman Cemetery.

Maxine was born January 14, 1925, in Gilman, Illinois. Maxine was the daughter of Henry and Florence (Meyer) Salomon.

She attended schools in Gilman and graduated from high school in 1942.

She was employed by the First National Bank of Gilman until her marriage to Arnold Lehmann of Milford. Arnold and Maxine were married in Zion United Church of Gilman on January 26, 1947. They were blessed with two children, Joy and Lee.

In later years, she worked at the First Trust & Savings Bank of Watseka until she and Arnold moved to Salem, Arkansas where they owned and operated a cattle ranch. Due to Arnold's ill health, they retired and moved back to Milford, Illinois in 1993.

Arnold passed away in April 2000. Maxine moved into assisted living in Savoy, Illinois in 2018.

Survivors include her son, Lee and wife, Judy of St. Joseph, 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arnold, daughter Joy, son-in-law Tim Schaumburg, brother Robert and sister-in-law Joyce Salomon.

Maxine enjoyed music, traveling, gardening, playing table games, and most of all spending time with family.

She belonged to Grandma's Club of Milford, Home Extension in Illinois and Arkansas, Milford Fashion Show and Pepper Card Club.

Memorials may be given to the church youth program.

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

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

Jewel Lynn Legan, 59, of Iroquois passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at her residence. She was born on May 5, 1966 in Kankakee, a daughter of Everett and Edith (Ward) Parrott.

Jewel married Kim Legan on September 15, 1984 in Kankakee and he survives.

Other survivors include her three children, Brandon (Margo) Legan of Watseka, Kimber Legan (Mike Matthews) of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, and Corey Legan (Ashton Gore) of Cissna Park; six grandchildren, Karsyn and Kade Legan, Bennett, Rowan, and Oliver Legan, and Jaxson Matthews; mother, Edith Davison of Chebanse; mother-in-law, Carolyn Legan of Bourbonnais; several siblings and siblings-in-law; many nieces and nephews; lots of beloved cousins; special friends; and her loyal dog, Myllo.

She was preceded in death by her father, Everett Parrott; stepfather, Ed Winge; grandfather, Carl Ward; grandmother, Ruby Yearian; father-in-law, Leonard Legan.

Jewel was the IT Coordinator for the Donovan Community Unit School District 3 for over twenty years. She enjoyed her work and truly loved the staff at Donovan. She had the best work family! From her time at Donovan schools, Jewel became close friends with Cheryl Grant and valued their friendship. She was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church and the Iroquois Community Center. Jewel cherished her lifelong friendship with Chris Shea having met and maintained their friendship since elementary school. Jewel enjoyed all things outdoors including hiking, camping, swimming, and gardening. She was an avid puzzle fan until the end and even gave some of her puzzles, along with a challenge to complete, to Carley and Traci from Iroquois Memorial Hospice. Jewel enjoyed playing games with friends and family. She recently completed a puzzle with her sister-in-law, Lori Legan, which Jewel wanted to display at her memorial service. Jewel especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and took pride in attending all their events.

Visitation will be on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the 12:30 p.m. memorial service at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Brett Legan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Iroquois Community Center, or Kickapoo State Park to their HOPE Fund to benefit the park trails.

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