John Wilson Cramer, 73, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 8:40 P.M. Monday January 22, 2024, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. He was born October 23, 1950, in Danville, IL, the son of Lloyd Raymond “Bud” and Lois Faye (Carter) Cramer. He married Sandra Irene Goodrum on February 26, 1971, in Hoopeston. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by one son, Casey W. (Amber) Cramer of Watseka, IL; and one granddaughter, Summer Faye Cramer of Canton, GA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; one sister, Melody Cramer Rickart; and one niece, Brandi Rickart.

John worked at Silver Bros. in Hoopeston for several years and later at Milestone Construction in Lafayette, IN, until his retirement in March of 2016. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and attending his granddaughter, Summer’s, sporting events.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday January 26, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday January 27, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of John to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view John’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Jose Maria “Chema” “Grandpa” Colunga, 78, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:53 A.M. Wednesday January 17, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born September 2, 1945, in Edinburg, TX, the son of Amadeo and Oralia (Serna) Colunga. He married Nora Rangel on June 24, 1964, in Rochelle, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by two daughters, Oralia (Rick) Garcia of Mission, TX and Irene Colunga of Hoopeston, IL; two sons, Jose (Sally) Colunga, Jr. of Newman, IL and Daniel (Gloria) Colunga of Hoopeston, IL; four sisters, Carolina Salinas of Hoopeston, IL, Eulalia (Octavio) Martinez of Hoopeston, IL, Martha Zamarripa of Hoopeston, IL and Thelma (Daniel) Lugo of Hoopeston, IL; seven brothers, Guadalupe Colunga of Mission, TX, George Colunga of Mission, TX, Amadeo (Margie) Colunga Jr., of Hoopeston, IL, Armando (Donna) Colunga of Potomac, IL, Johnny (Cristina) Colunga of Mission , TX, Mario (Lori) Colunga of Swartz Creek, MI, and Sergio (Brenda) Colunga of Milford, IL; 18 grandchildren, Ricky Jr., Roland (Aaliyah), Robert (Samantha), Rebecca (Philip), Andrew (Meagan), Aaliyah (Aaron), Adam, Anthony, Abel, Zabrina (Tyler), Kernea, MJ, Robert, Andre (Paige), Davion (Alyssa), Kiara (Ezra), Makhia, and Marcus; 23 great-grandchildren; and one aunt, Paula Serna of Loredo, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Brenda Colunga; one sister, Paula Zarate; two sisters-in-law, Sylvia and Meregilda Colunga; and three brothers-in-law, Victor Salinas, Valeriano Zarate, and Rafael Zamarripa.

Jose worked as a mechanic at Joan of Arc in Hoopeston for 44 years until his retirement in 2013. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hoopeston. Known as Grandpa by everyone, he was very family oriented. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching the Dallas Cowboys’ games with his sons and grandsons, and country cruising with his brothers-in-law. Jose’s hobbies included woodworking, gardening, barbecuing, listening to music, and dancing. He also enjoyed traveling and loved farm animals.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday January 25, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL, with a rosary service being held at 4:30 P.M. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday January 26, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 423 S. Third St. Hoopeston, IL. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Jose’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

June Mary Campbell, 100, of Chillicothe, MO, formerly of Hoopeston, passed away at 8:28 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at Morningside Center, in Chillicothe.

She was born on June 4, 1923, in Hoopeston, the daughter of George Washington and Silvia (Davis) Goudy.  She married William Campbell Jr. on December 28, 1941, in Chicago Heights, Illinois.  He preceded her in death on August 29, 1997.

She is survived by her daughter- Charlene Elwood of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; grandson- Patrick Joseph Smith; three step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, son- Charles William Campbell, sister- Marjorie Thomas and brother- Earl Goudy.

June worked as a secretary at Glenbard East High School, in Lombard, Illinois for several years, until her retirement in 1976.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing cards, traveling, and camping.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024, at Floral Hill Cemetery, with Dr. Judy Ridlen officiating.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring June’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Donald Leroy Anderson Jr., 73, of Hoopeston, passed away at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center.

He was born on January 18, 1950, in Danville, the son of Donald Leroy and Mary Elizabeth (Chew) Anderson Sr.  He married Carol Lynn Foster on March 21, 1986, in Danville.  She survives.

He is also survived by two daughters- Kelly (Justin) Wallace of Rossville and Becky (Kelly) Teeguarden of Henning; two sons- Michael (Pam) Van Leer of Danville and Greg VanLeer of Danville; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers; five sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Don graduated from East Lynn High School, and he worked for 31 years as a farm laborer for Ed Layden.  He was a member of the Hoopeston VFW.  Don enjoyed camping, spending time with his family and riding around in his golf cart.

According to his wishes cremation rites will be arranged and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston to assist them in honoring Don’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

George M. O’Neill, 72, of Hoopeston, passed away at 8:36 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at his home.

He was born on March 14, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John “Jack and Dolores “Dolly” (Bergeron) O’Neill.  He later married Arlene Jozefiak on December 29, 2000, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Morris, Illinois.  She survives.

He is also survived by his daughter- Elizabeth (Adam) Condon; two sons- Peter (Kim) and Quinn (Michelle) O’Neill; children’s mother-Melody McIntosh O’Neill; three brothers- John Patrick (Kathleen) O’Neill, Michael (Denise) O’Neill and Joseph O’Neill; three sisters- Mary Margaret Dyas, Donna Coleman and Mary Beth (Dr. John) Timmons; brother-in-law- Bob Hoyt; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters- Michelle O’Neill and Coleen O’Neill, brother- Daniel O’Neill, sister- Barbara Hoyt and step-mothers- Fran and Betty.

George graduated from Lockport Central High School and Governors State University, with his master’s degree in communication.  He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era.  Following the service, George worked as a nuclear reactor power operator for 20 years, in Dresden, Illinois.  He later worked as an estimator for the Metropolitan Company, in Romeoville, Illinois, until his retirement.  George and Arlene then moved to the Hoopeston area to be closer to family.  He was a faithful and active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.  He believed in the Church teachings regarding Confession and forgiveness and found a wonderful support and spiritual director in Pastor Father Mulenda of St. Anthony’s Parish. 

George was gifted with superb artistic talent, award-winning writing, and excellent chess skills.  He loved good books as much as he savored multiple bowls of pasta with cheese.  His willingness to help others was shown when they needed him most.  His mother-in-law, Irene, benefited from his efforts to move him closer to family after she developed cognitive decline.  Whenever he was able, he always made sincere efforts on behalf of those weaker or more fragile than himself.  He was the quintessential Christian man. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 20^th, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Ignatius Mulenda officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston.  According to his wishes, cremation rites will be arranged following the Mass and he will be buried in Floral Hill Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials may be made in George's name to either St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Greatest Needs Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center or Greatest Needs Carle Foundation Hospital.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring George’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com..

Kenneth Wayne Deck, 68, of Alvin, passed away at 9:45 a.m. Monday, January 15, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 26, 1955, in Danville, the son of Henry and Marjorie (Foxworthy) Deck.  He married his first love Teresa Compton in 1975 and together they had two children-Jessica (Juan) Ybarra and Jeffrey (Amber) Deck.  He later married Mary Lawrence, on January 17, 1981, in Alvin. Together they have two daughters- Tanya (William) Mockbee and Traci (Jeremy) Allison.

He is survived by his wife, four children, ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister- Linese Lund.

Kenneth worked for Reffett Construction for 17 years and Freight Car America for 17 years, until his retirement in 2013.  He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting and playing men’s slow-pitch softball.  Kenneth was known for telling a good story and enjoying a good cold beer with family and friends. 

A Celebration of Kenneth’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with Pastor Dwayne Sovdi officiating.  He will be laid to rest following the service in Bethel Cemetery.  The visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Kenneth’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Larry R. Stevens of Oakwood passed away on January 8, 2024, at OSF Sacred Heart in Danville surrounded by his beloved wife and three daughters.  Larry was born on March 9, 1953, in Danville, to Lawrence and Ruth (Walters) Stevens, who preceded him in death. 

Larry and Rita were married in Danville on February 1, 1974, and were anticipating celebrating 50 years of marriage this year.  They had 3 daughters Maranda Stevens of Oakwood: Mindy (Scott) Ohlmiller of Danville and Megan Stevens (Reuben Spain) of Potomac.  Larry was devoted to his grandchildren Kenzie Spain, Addison Ohlmiller, Bo Spain, Brady Ohlmiller, Leighton Ohlmiller and Paisley Spain and many others claimed by love. 

Prior to becoming a full-time grandpa Larry worked first for the local carpenter's union and then 20 years for Danville Township.  He was passionate about equitable pay and workers' rights.  Advocating at grassroots local and state levels.  Anyone who knew Larry knew of his love for music.  He had an eclectic taste for rock and roll, blues, and bluegrass.  He enjoyed attending local musical performances and the chance to perform.  He ran Magic, Light and Sound DJ service for many years bringing music and joy to weddings and other special occasions.  He spent extra time coaching his daughters’ football and softball teams and being a Girl Scout volunteer.  He was a longtime fan of the Chicago Bears. 

Larry is survived by his wife Rita, daughters, grandchildren, sister Pat Boots, brother Dave Stevens, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren claimed by love, and many special lifelong friends to know Larry was to enjoy good discussion, tell winding stories, and jam to music.

Larry was 5th of 7 children; he was preceded in death by his brother Bill Stevens, sisters Mary Stinnet, Caroline Fisher, and Kathy (Bill Knipe of Oxford, In) Knipe. 

Celebration of Larry's Life will be held at Blurton Funeral home in Potomac on Friday, January 12, 2024, with visitation from 11:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. and funeral service officiated by Rev. Adam Harmon immediately following at 1:00 p.m.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Girl Scouts of Central Illinois or OSF Hospice.  Following the services according to his wish's cremation rites will be arranged.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Larry's life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Nancy Ellen Norman, 69, of Hoopeston, formerly of Danville, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Methodist Hospital, in Indianapolis.

She was born on October 11, 1954, in Danville, the daughter of Norman D. and Roberta (Grayson) Stingley.  She married Tony Norman on December 27, 1986, in Muncie, Illinois.  He survives.

She is also survived by one daughter- Nicole Michelle Espinoza of Lafayette, Indiana; one son- Anthony Alan Norman of Janesville, WI; eleven grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; two brothers- Norman Dale Stingley Jr. of Danville and Michael (Jamine) Stingley of Tilton; two sister- Frances Brady of Crawfordsville, IN and Norma Jean Robinson of Dana, IN; three stepsisters; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister- Wanda Stargell and stepbrother- Larry Murphy.

Nancy graduated from North Vermillion High School in 1973 and later took CNA classes.  She worked as a CNA at the Knights Templar Nursing Home, in Paxton.  She enjoyed collecting cows, doing cross stitch, watching TV and she loved her dogs.

A Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.  She will be laid to rest following the service in Floral Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Nancy’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Thomas Kent “Tom” Sheridan, 82, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 6:56 A.M. Friday January 5, 2024, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. He was born October 11, 1941, in Danville, IL, the son of Francis “Fanny” and Mary (Dukes) Sheridan. He married Barbara Winger on October 14, 1962, in Cissna Park, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.

Tom is also survived by one daughter, LeAnn (John “Pappy”) Golob of Athens, GA; one son, Todd (Paula) Sheridan of Elmwood, IL; and three grandchildren, Jacob Thomas (Marion) Golob, Tyler Sheridan, and Abby Sheridan.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

After taking the business over from his father in 1968, Tom and his wife, Barbara, owned and operated Sheridan’s Appliance in Hoopeston until their retirement in 2013. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Hoopeston. Throughout the years, Tom was active in his community serving as a former Hoopeston Police Commissioner and past President of Hubbard Trail Country Club. He was a member of the Illiana Skeet and Trap Club and a 50-year member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society. Tom enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his family at Lake Freeman in Monticello, IN. His greatest passion was bird hunting, and once the hunting season closed each fall, his attention turned to target shooting. Among his many achievements, his greatest legacy is passing his love of hunting and shooting to his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday January 8, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. A private family service will be held with military rites being accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Tom to the Hoopeston American Legion Color Guard, 502 E. Penn St., Hoopeston, IL 60942 or the Illiana Skeet and Trap Club, 399 Gun Club Road, Cayuga, IN 47928.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Tom’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Eva Virginia Neeland, 90, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 8:56 P.M. Monday January 1, 2024, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. She was born June 9, 1933, on a farm west of Rossville, IL, the daughter of Lanie and Pearl (Rayburn) Smith. As a child she attended elementary school at Squankum and Redtop then graduated from Rossville High School in 1951. On November 1, 1953, she married Robert L. Neeland at the Rossville Church of Christ, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage prior to his death on December 12, 2021.

She is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Pruitt of Rossville, IL and Patricia (Gregory) Paquette of Katy, TX; two sisters-in-law, Darlene Smith of Fremont, NE and Lois Galliher of Junction City, KS; four grandchildren, Kyle Zarate of Adairville, KY; Seth (Traci) Zarate of Rossville, IL; Chelsea Paquette of Peabody, MA; and Matthew (Jeri) Paquette of Midland, TX; two great-grandchildren, Reed Zarate of Rossville, IL; and Mackenzie (Wes) Ravens of Wellington, IL; and two nieces.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Lloyd C. Smith; two sisters, Ruby Smith Breeding and Anna Irene Smith, in infancy; son-in-law, David Pruitt; and one nephew, Lane R. Smith.

After high school she worked as a bookkeeper at Chanute Air Force base in Rantoul, where she met Bob.  After her marriage she continued to work in bookkeeping for FMC, Dr. A.K. Bush, and John Deere Vermillion Works.  In 1968 she began working as the bookkeeper for Rossville – Alvin School District where she remained until her retirement in 1998.  After retiring, she enjoyed spending time working with the Rossville Historical Society where she worked extensively on genealogy projects, the newsletter, and in the museum office.  She and Bob enjoyed road trips to visit family and historic sites.  She loved touring old cemeteries, no matter the weather, as the whole family can attest. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren & later the great-grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities whenever possible. When she was unable to go to their games, she would request a full report of each event.   Eva enjoyed her yard at the house in Rossville where she spent many hours watching birds, squirrels, and other backyard creatures.  She was known to use her pellet gun from the kitchen window to discourage “those nasty starlings” from chasing the songbirds away! 

She was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church and was active in the Rossville American Legion Auxiliary where she was a Past-President. 

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Monday January 8, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Eva to the Rossville Fire Protection District or Transitions Hospice.

Her family would like to thank the many caregivers who made it possible for her to live her best life over the last 6 years. The staff at Autumn Fields Hoopeston, who were always kind and supportive during the difficult transition from independent life.  The entire staff at Heritage Health Hoopeston, especially Peg, Joyce, and Missy, as they provided kind and compassionate care during the final years of her life.  The team at Transitions Hospice worked with the Heritage staff with compassionate care to ease her final journey.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Eva’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.