Donald F. Wauthier, 91, of Clifton passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on June 27, 1935 in Clifton, a son of Herman and Alzeta (Boulee) Wauthier and they preceded him in death in addition to one sister, Phyllis LeClair.

He married Shirley Behrends on July 30, 1955 in L’Erable and she survives in Clifton. Also surviving are his four children, Donald “Stephen” Wauthier of Urbana, Nancy (Daniel) Trost of Westfield, IN, Michael (Elizabeth) Wauthier of Clifton and Diane (James) Frankenhoff of Quincy; twelve grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Mr. Wauthier was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable, where he served on the church board, was cemetery sexton, and served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus in Clifton, Farm Bureau, County Zoning Board, Slo Boys Tractor Club, and served as a Drainage Commissioner. Donald was a farmer in the Clifton area for many years and enjoyed dartball, farming and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and made many special pieces over the years.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable with Fr. Doug Hauber officiating. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Donald at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John M. Guerrero, 64, of Milford passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at his home. He was born on April 13, 1962 in Chicago, a son of Rocky and Margaret (Ledwitch) Guerrero and they preceded him in death.

He married Renata Szerlag on July 31, 2004 in Milford and she survives in Milford. Also surviving are three children, Michelle (Kevin) Vorck, Stephanie (Shawn) Edwards and John “JR” Young; eight grandchildren, Jared, Alexys, Gavin, Skyler, Lucie, Bryson, Easton and Corbyn; two brothers, Jeff Reyna and Jarrod (Dawn) Guerrero; one brother-in-law, Stanley (Krystyna) Szerlag; and many nieces and nephews.

John was very outdoorsy and enjoyed fishing, bowling and playing pool. John loved his motorcycle, spending time with his family, and his fur babies, “Hank”, “Charlie” and “Bere”.

A prayer service will be held at 4:45 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating. A visitation will follow from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Northwestern Oncology Dept. or Uplifted Care in Bourbonnais.

Please share a memory of John at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Vernon A. Meyer, 94, of Danforth and formerly of Chebanse passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. He was born on April 20, 1932 in Chebanse, a son of Arthur and Gladys (Cailteux) Meyer. Vernon married Judith Tascher on September 26, 1959 in Ashkum and she preceded him in death on February 18, 2026.

Vernon 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; fourteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by both of his parents; four brothers, Kenneth Meyer, Merle Meyer, Gerald Meyer, and Richard Meyer; three sisters, three sisters, Wanda Wolfe, Idella Brooks, and Lois Teske; and one grandson Mason Knorr.

Vernon loved the farming life and was a farmer all of his life in the Chebanse area. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and experienced the Honor Flight from Chicago to Washington D.C. a few years ago. Vernon served on the Board of Trustees at Otto Twp Fire Department. He earned his pilot’s license and loved time spent fishing in Wisconsin. Vernon was a Wyffels Hybrids Seed Representative for over 25 years and was Conservation Farm Family of the Year in the late 1980s. He had fond memories of traveling to Germany with his wife and really enjoyed Oktoberfest. Vernon enjoyed many memberships including Elks, Moose Lodge, X-Line Sportsman's Club, Chebanse American Legion Post 408. He loved having coffee uptown in the mornings and was a “regular” at Artesia Brewing near Thawville. Vernon truly never met a stranger and enjoyed talking to everyone he met.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and also one hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Rev. Jacob Shepherd officiating.

A private burial will be at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse with graveside military honors by the Chebanse American Legion Post 408.

Memorials may be given to Prairieview Luther Place in Danforth.

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

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Kenneth Louis Hansen—known affectionately to most as Kenny.

A devoted father, step-father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Kenny passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 86 in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by the warmth of his memories and daughter Jennifer Hansen. Kenny was born on May 26, 1940, in Illinois to Orval and Julia Hansen. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962, where he worked as a nuclear weapons specialist.

Following his military service, Kenny demonstrated a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic, founding and operating several small businesses, including a drapery hanging service, farming operations, and his own machine shop. Known for his ingenuity and practical skills, Kenny was a true craftsman who could fix virtually anything. An outgoing and affable man, Kenny lived life with warmth and enthusiasm. He was a keen golfer and cherished his evenings relaxing with friends over a Miller Lite, particularly at "The Legion," where he was always eager to connect with friends and newcomers alike.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed classic Westerns and lively games of poker or Uno. In 1963, Kenneth married Rose Mary Hansen. Together, they had two daughters, Jennifer Hansen (Don) and Pamela England (Rick). On October 22, 1983, Kenneth married Jan Hansen, wholeheartedly embracing his role as stepfather to Debbie Williams, Vance Drouillard, Steve Drouillard, and David Drouillard.

Following Jan’s passing, Kenneth was blessed to find companionship again with Eileen Hansen, with whom he shared his later years. Kenneth is survived by his first wife, Rose Mary Hansen; his daughters, Jennifer and Pamela; his stepchildren, Debbie, Vance, Steve, and David; and his grandson, Jonathan England.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Jan Hansen and Eileen Hansen; his sister, Lavern Hansen; and his granddaughter, Bethany England.

Kenny’s legacy of hard work and camaraderie will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am Friday, October 23, 2026 at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.

Arrangements are being handled by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

Mary Jerrine “Jerry” Jacoby, 97 of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and formerly of Watseka passed away on Friday October 16, 2026 at Nspire Healthcare in Plantation, FL. She was born on January 26, 1929 in Crawfordsville, IN a daughter of Frank W. and Enid L. (Greene) Jack. Jerry married Hugh Wayne Jacoby in Crawfordsville, IN on October 5, 1952 and he preceded her in death on July 20, 2013. Survivors include three sons- Jeff (Micaela) Jacoby of Huntington Beach, CA, Jack (Lisa) Jacoby of Brighton, CO, and Jim (Dede) Jacoby of Granbury, TX; one daughter- Julie Jacoby of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; one foster son Darryl (Sara) Boatman Watseka, IL; three grandchildren; and one sister- Linda Tincher of Salinas, CA. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; infant son- Jack Allen Jacoby; two sisters- Maxine Overton and Janice Perry; and one son in law- Terry Brooks.

Jerry began working at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in 1970 as the Volunteer Director. Over the years she played an important leadership role in the hospital and for a time served as Vice President of Community Services. She was involved in many professional and community organizations including: Charter member of Illinois Society of Directors of Volunteers (ISDVS), member of East Central Illinois Area on Aging-Advisory Council, member and former District Director of the National Business and Professional Women’s Organization (BPW), member of the Illinois Hospital Association Constituency on Volunteers and Steering Committee, charter member of the Early Risers Toastmasters Club, lifetime member of the Iroquois Memorial Auxiliary and served as Auxiliary President from 2003-2005. Jerry was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka and sang in the choir and previously served on the Board of Trustees. Over the years Jerry received many honors for her dedication and service including being named Woman of the Year by BPW in 1988, the Professional Achievement Award from ISDVS in 1990, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce and the Times Republic Newspaper in 1998. In 1983, Jerry’s relentless efforts led to the establishment of IMH’s Lifeline Program. It enabled many area seniors to stay in their homes and get help in the event of an emergency.

After retiring, Jerry and Wayne were both voracious readers and enjoyed traveling around the US in their motorhome.

After Wayne passed, Jerry moved to Ft Lauderdale FL in 2015 and spent many years in the sun and having great adventures all around the state with her daughter Julie. They enjoy many plays, musicals and theater. Jerry swam every day and had quite the suntan!

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Private graveside services will be held at Oak Hill Grant Cemetery in Crawfordsville, IN.

Memorials may be made to IMH Auxiliary or First United Methodist Church in Watseka.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

Bruce A. Peters, 82, of Scottsdale, AZ and a native of Clifton, IL passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at his home in Watseka. He was born on January 29, 1944 in Kankakee, the son of Bernard J. and Marjorie J. (Valencourt) Peters. He married Diana Tonelli in 1969 and she preceded him in passing in 1992. He later married Lynelle Looker in Watseka on May 12, 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Lynelle Peters of Scottsdale, AZ; siblings, Rosann Seibel, Marjorie Bergeson Biemiller, Lorene Walter, Loren (Peggy) Peters, Pat (Dan) Duax, Sue (Dennis) Sweeny, Michael (Perri) Peters, and Tom (Barb) Peters; sister in laws, Gladys Peters and Charlotte Peters; sister in law, Lynara (John) Tonner; and numerous special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bruce was preceded in passing by his parents; his first wife, Diana; brothers, Harold Peters, John “Jack” Peters, and infant brother, Joseph; and brother in laws, Ron Seibel, Jack Biemiller, and Gerald Walter.

Bruce was a 1962 graduate of Clifton Central High School. He later graduated with several degrees from the University of Illinois with his Bachelors Degree, a Masters Degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and his MBA from the University of Southern California. He worked for Kraft Foods, Carnation, Borden, Hunt Wesson, Beatrice Foods, AG Edwards, and later from Wells Fargo where he retired in 2008. Through the years, Bruce resided in Naperville, IL, Huntington Beach, CA, and later in Scottsdale, AZ.

He was a member of USC Skull and Dagger Honor Society, was a season ticket holder to USC Football, as well as served on the board for the USC Marching Band. Mr. Peters was a past president of Huntington Harbor Anglers. He enjoyed playing tennis, pickleball, ping pong, golfing, and sailing. Bruce loved to go deer hunting. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton.

Mr. Peters always loved his time in Iroquois County and greatly appreciated the farming industry. He was proud and respectful of his roots in agriculture and where he came from.

Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. There will be a rosary service at 3:30 pm.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton with Fr. Doug Hauber officiating. Burial will follow at Clifton Cemetery in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois West Rifle Club or Clifton Central FFA.

Please share a memory of Bruce at knappfuneralhomes.com

Karlene J. Bucksteeg, 88, of Gilman passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Gilman Healthcare in Gilman. She was born on June 8, 1938 in Chicago, a daughter of Karl and Wilma (Noll) Bucksteeg. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; along with two sisters, Lois Morris and Willie Schunke; and one nephew, James Lee Schunke.

Karlene is survived by her nephews and nieces; Tom (Susan) Morris of Seneca, South Carolina, Lori (Mike) Kendall of Mattoon, Tim (Pam) Morris of Waterloo, BJ (Janet) Morris of Gilman, Dale Schunke of Gilman, Jaye Lynn (Eric) Gravitt of Normal, and Michelle (Chris) Edwards of Ellicott City, Maryland; and several great nieces and nephews.

Karlene was a devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She enjoyed spending time with her family and visiting with people over the years. Karlene also loved days spent as a volunteer at the Gilman Nursing Home.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. all at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Mark Hoover will officiate. Burial will follow in the Wenger Cemetery near Gilman.

Memorials may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

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

Wilma Jean (Baer) Walder, 86, of Cissna Park, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

She was born on June 9, 1940 in Peoria, a daughter of Louis and Helen (Miller) Baer. Wilma was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church. On November 14, 1965, she married Charles L. Walder in Princeville and he preceded her in death on June 3, 1989.

Wilma is survived by her four children, Jim (Beth Frank) Walder of Paxton, Judy (Mark) Hartman of Fairbury, Susan (Dale) Waldbeser of Cissna Park, and Dan (Pam Eisenmann) Walder of East Lynn; sister, Gloria White of Dunlap, sister-in-law, Dorothy Walder of Cissna Park, sister-in-law, Gloria Walder of Eureka; 21 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joan Berchtold; 8 brothers-in-law; and 9 sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 3–5pm and 6–8pm.

A funeral service will be at the Cissna Park Apostolic Christian Church at 1pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026 with a visitation prior from 12–1pm. Church ministers will officiate. Burial will follow in the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice or to the donor’s choice.

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

Nancy K. Pankey, 88, of Clifton passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at her residence. She was born on April 22, 1938 in Watseka, a daughter of Leroy and Margaret (Smith) Wasmer.

Nancy married Glenn “Moose” Pankey on November 22, 1958 in Clifton and he survives. She spent 68 years married to her best friend.

She is also survived by four daughters, Beth Ann (Brian) Gillum of Gordonville, Texas, Paula Maffet of Saunemin, Becky Schmidt of Bloomington, and Amy (Jason) Eberle of Gibson City; brother-in-law, Jim Weinlader of Danforth and Judy Lamie of Marion; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren and one on the way in March.

Nancy was preceded in death by both of her parents; her second mother, Lorraine “Sis” Wasmer; one brother, Bill Wasmer; one sister, Marilyn Weinlader; one son, Todd Pankey; one son-in-law, Steve Schmidt; two grandsons, Ryan Allen and Kyle Gillum.

Nancy was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton, where she was active with CCW and enjoyed helping with funeral dinners. She loved time spent gardening and tending to her flowers and yard. Nancy owned and operated The Figurine Gift Shop and Bridal Boutique in Clifton with her best friend Betty Podowicz. Nancy was a caregiver to everyone. She spent many years participating in the Iroquois County Christmas Canata. Her family was always most important to her.

Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton with Fr. Doug Hauber officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral mass at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Burial will follow the funeral mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.

Memorials may be given Uplifted Care in Bourbonnais or St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton.

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