Myrna J. Steiner, 82, of Lafayette, IN and formerly of Onarga passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 at St. Mary Healthcare in Lafayette, IN.

Myrna was born March 7, 1938 in Onarga, the daughter of Elmer H. and Dora (Seggebruch) Schumacher. She was a 1956 graduate of Onarga High School. She married Marlyn E. Steiner on April 7, 1957 at Ash Grove and he preceded her in death on May 31, 2020. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Elmer Schumacher, and one son, Dean Steiner.

She is survived by three daughters, Lori (David) Hullinger of West Lafayette, IN, Becky Leydens of Indianapolis, IN, and Cindy (Lonnie) Welch of Pontiac; one sister, Mary Monk of New Braunfels, TX; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Myrna obtained her LPN license at Kankakee Community College in 1973 and later her RN license at Parkland College in 1981. During her 35 year nursing career, she worked at Clifton Hospital, Hawthorne Lodge Nursing Home in Watseka, Sheldon Nursing Home, Gilman Nursing Home, and Kirkwood Manor in Texas.

Myrna was the church organist and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for several years and currently a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Myrna enjoyed playing piano, organ and accordion. She and Marlyn enjoyed playing cards, dancing and an occasional trip to a casino.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Onarga Cemetery. Pastor Dan Eggold will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Lafayette, IN.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Pauline I. Melson, 98, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Pauline was born April 21, 1922 in Dunnington, IN, the daughter of John and Catherine (Gick) Schmidt. She married Earl Langellier in Indiana on September 30, 1942 where they farmed together for many years until he preceded her in death on May 10, 1963. Pauline later met Francis L. Melson at a company Christmas party and were married on June 27, 1970 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on January 1, 2017. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Michelle Bush; one son, Michael Langellier; one grandchild, Jim Koester; six brothers, Herman, Ervin, Charles, Cecil, James, and Joseph Schmidt; and three sisters, Rita LaBeau, Anita Mae Smith, and Rose Mary Puetz.

She is survived by three daughters, Donna (Roy) Koester of Watseka, Pam (David) Harvey of Watseka, and Rita Ballou of Leesburg, VA; one son-in-law, Ed Bush of Cissna Park; one step-daughter, Sherrie (Bill) Ferguson of Eldon, MO; twelve grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Pauline was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. She enjoyed dancing, reading, and spending time with her family.

Private visitation and funeral services will be held at St. Edmund Catholic Church due to coronavirus restrictions with burial to follow at G.A.R. Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to St. Edmund Catholic Church or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Leslie Lee Crabtree, 65, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 1:12 P.M. Saturday April 18, 2020 at his home. Cremation rites were accorded.  A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday July 24, 2020 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, with Rev. Tom Cici officiating.  Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Dorothy Marie (Maul) Martin , 87, Woodland, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020, at the Watseka Rehab & Health Care facility in Watseka, IL. She was born to John and Nettie (Lober) Maul on August 14, 1932, in Hoopeston, IL. Dorothy grew up on a small farm outside of East Lynn, IL where she later attended high school. She was raised in the Apostolic Christian Church of Cissna Park.

She married Marvin Lee Martin on June 30, 1949, in Hoopeston. Soon after marrying, the family lived on a friend’s farm north of Watseka before moving to Woodland in the early 1950s where they lived for many years. Early in her life Dorothy worked at Corn Pack of Milford, as well as the Electronics and Condenser of Watseka. Later she became an Illinois Certified Nursing Assistant and Illinois Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) working at both the Iroquois Memorial Resident Home and on the ambulance service from Iroquois Memorial Hospital of Watseka for several years.

She was a life-long gardener. Many summer vacations she spent camping, boating, and water skiing with her family. Later in life, she and husband Marvin enjoyed the warm winters of central Florida with many friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, parents and step Mother Kathrine ‘Katie’ (Lober) Maul as well as her sister Wilma and brother Glenn. She is survived by her siblings-in-law William Martin of Ft. Collins, Colo., as well as Randy and Bonnie Martin, and Irene Maul of Hoopeston; daughter Patricia Rosenboom of Watseka; and sons Bruce Martin (Shelley) of Prescott, AZ and Dennis Martin (Karen) of Stillwater, Okla.; grandchildren Amy Picarella (Danny), Todd Harrison, Matthew Rosenboom (Heather), Elizabeth Sink (Doug), Morgan Martin-Kovari (Matthew); eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the cemetery of the Apostolic Christian Church outside of Cissna Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to the graveside service at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church of Cissna Park, IL

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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

Alicia L. Behrends, 93 of Danforth and formerly of Kankakee passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Faith Place in Danforth. She was born on September 7, 1926 in Cabery, the daughter of Edwin C. and Florence (Miller) Jensen.

She married Maurice A. Behrends on May 16, 1955 in Corinth, MS and he preceded her in death on January 14, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Donald Wauthier of Clifton.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Burial will be held at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Memorials may be made to Kankakee Valley Hospice or Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

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

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Alicia L. Behrends please visit our Sympathy Store.

Betty Jacqueline Yeats, 95, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 5:39 P.M. Wednesday July 15, 2020 at her home.  She was born July 15, 1925, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Jack and Clara Caroline (Starkey) Hardy.  She married Raymond O. Yeats on August 10, 1944 in Greenville, SC and together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage.  He preceded her in death.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda (Tracy) Farnsworth and Kathy Collier both of Rossville, IL; one brother, James (Helen) Hardy of Sterling, VA; two sisters-in-law, Ruby Stacy of Danville, IL and Ruth Weaver of Tilton, IL; 7 grandchildren, Scott Smith of Valdosta, GA, Sean (Cathy) Smith of Greenville, NC, Steven (Susie) Smith of Port Lavaca, TX, Megan Smith (Garth) Ludeman of Frenchburg, KY, Sara Roels (Andrew) Anderson of Sparta, WI, David (Tammy) Roels of Viroqua, WI, and Chelsea Collier of Champaign, IL; 17 great-grandchildren, Maggie Smith, Ryan Smith, Shaden Smith, Bryland Smith, Chyla Jo Ann Smith, Noelle Smith, Cianndra Barraza, Kaitlinn Smith, Kaylee Turuc, Jessica Ludeman, Quinn Ludeman, Jackson Roels, Henry Roels, Carter Roels, Jacob Anderson, Charlie Anderson, and Charlie Zych; 2 great-great-grandchildren, Zayis Alexander Barraza and Xalleah Ryan Barraza; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Ray, she was also preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Clara Hardy; one daughter, Mary Joyce Smith; one brother and sister-in-law, Jack (Ruthanne) Hardy; one great-grandson, Jacob Turuc; and special friend, Harold L. Smock.

Betty was a homemaker.  She was a life-long member of the Rossville Presbyterian Church and later the Rossville United Methodist Church.  She was also a lifetime member of the Iris Chapter of Eastern Star in Danville, IL, where she held many star point positions, was an instructor, grand representative for Florida and a Worthy Matron.  Betty played bridge for over 65 years.  She enjoyed playing at Hubbard Trail Country Club and the Hoopeston Community Center.  She was an expert seamstress and made all her three daughter’s clothes.  She enjoyed creating Halloween costumes for all her grandchildren and also made costumes for school plays.  Betty also took great pride in making her yard look beautiful.  During her travels to England and Ireland, she traced her family roots.  She spent over 50 years studying her family genealogy.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday July 20, 2020 at Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville, IL, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating. 

Memorials may be made to the Iris Chapter of the Eastern Star in Danville, IL.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

James R. “Jim” Bernard, 80, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 7:37 A.M. Wednesday July 15, 2020 at his home.  He was born October 11, 1939, in Rossville, IL, the son of Margaret Bernard Shields.  He married Carolyn Allen on October 19, 1957, at the Rossville Church of Christ.  She survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Monique (Randy) Lusk of Rossville, IL and Rebecca (Ed) Hickman of Jamesburg, IL; one son, Mark Bernard of Rossville, IL; one sister, Paula Abbott of Danville, IL; three brothers, Donald Shields of Rossville, IL, Michael Shields of Stuart, FL, and Randy (Joan) Shields of Hoopeston, IL; one sister-in-law, Janice Shields of Hoopeston, IL; 3 brothers-in- law, James Cooper, Wayne (Rita) Allen and Ted Kirts; ten grandchildren, Trisha (Allen) Willard, Amanda (Montrell) Hill, Justin Bernard, Natasha (Tyson) Sebens, Kari Bernard, Breanne (Phil) Kelsey, Jenna (Ryan) Atwood, James Hickman, Luke (Cheyenne) Hickman, and Tamar (Ryan) Walder; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a special cousin, Connie (Tom) Downing.

He was preceded in death by his mother; two sisters, Sheila Cooper and Janet (John) Abbott; one brother, Steve Shields; one sister-in-law, Patricia Shields; and one great-granddaughter, Andi Mae Willard.

James owned and operated Bernard Construction.  He was a member of the Rossville Church of Christ.  He loved spending time reading scriptures, riding 4-wheelers, and sitting in the sun.  Jim especially loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday July 21, 2020 at Mann’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Rossville, IL with Pastor Kevin Purdy officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105 or Rossville Church of Christ 514 E. Attica St. Rossville, IL 60963.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Rose R. Hageman, 82 of Oak Lawn passed away on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. She was born on August 4, 1937 in Park Grove, MT the daughter of Willie and Louise (Huber) Hueth. They preceded her in death.

She is survived by two sons, Walter Hageman of Onarga and Jeff (Leah) Hageman of Tacoma, WA; two daughters, Karen Cale of Madison, AL and Sue (Mark) Natzke of Santa Clarita, CA; eleven grandchildren; and one sister, Rosella Deland of Redondo Beach, CA.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rose R. Hageman please visit our Sympathy Store.

Carol Ann Bishop, 74, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 6:05 P.M. Tuesday July 14, 2020 at her home.  She was born September 26, 1945, in Hoopeston, IL, the daughter of Clarence Alfred and Cora Juanita (Goin) Denton.  She married Harold Junior Bishop on September 15, 1962, in Hoopeston.  He preceded her in death on November 22, 2019.

She is survived by two daughters, Sandy (Roger) Burton of Hoopeston, IL and Karen (Ken) Sweet of Hoopeston, IL; one sister, Brenda (Bill) Crusinberry of Hoopeston, IL; one brother, Clarence Denton Jr. of Hoopeston, IL; one grandson, Kyle Scot Sweet of Monticello, IN and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Carol was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Mary Ellen Davis; and her in-laws.

Carol worked at Schumacher Electric for over 20 years before her retirement.  Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, fishing, and baking.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated, and no services will be held.

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Theresa F. Clement, 93 of Watseka passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on June 2, 1927 in Woodland, the daughter of Mannis and Nellie (Strawser) Martin.

She married Wesley R. Clement on January 10, 1948 in Woodland and he preceded her in death on October 4, 2018. She was also preceded in death by one son, William Martin Clement; two son-in-laws, Joe Elliott and John Gibson; four sisters; and one brother.

She is survived by her children, Larry (Sue) Hattabaugh of Milford, Marcia Elliott of Marion, Dana Clement of Watseka, Helen (Barry) Roberts of Frankfort, daughter-in-law, Debbie Clement of Indiana, Lee (Pat) Clement of Darien, Lisa (Mark) Harris of Sevierville, TN, Jodi Gibson of Pacific, MO, Don Jensen of Watseka, Donnie (Sandy) Hamende of Watseka, Dale (Liz) Hamende of East Peoria, Janet (James) Bunting of Watseka, William John (Tira) Clement of Watseka, Linda (Amie) Clement of Oxford, IN, J.R. (Terri) Wynn of Danville, and Bruce (ChrissAnn) Chaput of Tennessee; 28 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Clement was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watseka. She had fostered almost 300 children throughout her life.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Private funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020 with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, First United Methodist Church in Watseka, or Alzheimer’s Association.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Theresa F. Clement please visit our Sympathy Store.

Leon Earl Caldwell, 77, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:39 P.M. Saturday July 11, 2020 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, IL.  He was born September 14, 1942, in Danville, IL, the son of Melvin and Vivian (Briggs) Caldwell. 

He is survived by two daughters, Tracey (Jon) Layden of Hoopeston, IL and Colleen Caldwell of Milford, IL; 6 grandchildren, Mason (Devin) Layden, Trey Layden, Conner Estes, Baylee Estes, Cale Estes, and Saylm Estes; and a special friend, Mary Anne Sorenson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Elaine Crozier.

Leon was a lifetime farmer until his retirement.  He was the past school board president at Wellington High School.  He enjoyed driving his corvette, riding his Harley, traveling, and gambling at the casino.  Leon also enjoyed fishing and woodworking.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and no services will be held.

Memorials may be made to the Wellington-Greer Fire Department, 2532 E. 300 North Road Wellington, IL 60973.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Vicki Jo Lackey, 67, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 5:52 P.M. Tuesday March 17, 2020 at her home.  She was born June 1, 1952, in Pine Village, IN, the daughter of William Mack and Olive Mae (Perrin) Craig. 

She is survived by two daughters, Stephanie (Bob) Herman of Hoopeston, IL and Brenda (Pedro Jr.) Zarate of Bainbridge, IN; one son, Travis (Darci) Lackey of Hoopeston, IL; one brother, Richard Craig of Stonefort, IL; seven grandchildren; two nephews, Bill and Tim Reynolds; and special friends, Janet, Nora, Connie, and Sharon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sharon Reynolds; and brother-in-law, Dick Reynolds.

Vicki was a homemaker and home health care worker.  She enjoyed watching movies, visiting with friends and family, and loved her dog, Mack.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. CDT Saturday July 18, 2020 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. CDT at Boswell Cemetery with Rev. Earl Eells officiating. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions anyone planning to attend the visitation is recommended to wear a face covering and groups of 50 people will be allowed in the building at one time.

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

To express sympathy to the family please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Michael R. Ervin, 57, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 7:44 A.M. Wednesday July 8, 2020 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.  He was born October 2, 1962, in Danville, IL, the son of Raymond E. and Winifred L. (Marks) Ervin.

He is survived by several aunts and uncles and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Marti L. Ervin.

Mike worked at Tee Pak in Danville and later worked at AutoZone.  His greatest enjoyments include watching Nascar and spending time with friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday July 17, 2020 at Rossville Cemetery in Rossville, IL, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Rossville United Methodist Church 116 Maple St. Rossville, IL 60963 or Pheasants Forever.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements

Nancy Eileen Rapier, 73, of Plainfield, IL, passed away on May 1, 2020 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. She was born on March 15, 1947 in Danville, IL, the daughter of Edgar Walter and Maxine Myrle (Menagh) Potts. She married Harold Lester Rapier in Bourbonnais, IL on October 12, 1984. He preceded her in death.

She is also survived by one son, Aaron and Deborah Warner-Rapier of Fountain Hills, AZ; three step-sons, Douglas and Linda Rapier of Taipei, Taiwan, Michael and Mary Jo Rapier of Springfield, IL, and Frederick and Barbara Rapier of Scottsdale, AZ; four step-daughters, Martha and James Bloomquist of New Buffalo, MI, Karen and Michael Steele of Tucson, AZ, Mary and Steve Champagne of Michigan City, IN, and Marissa Rapier of Kankakee, IL; brother, Glenn and Jeanette Potts of River Falls, WI; sister, Linda and Jim Smith; step-daughter-in-law, Kristine Rapier-Kufa of Illinois; four grandchildren; twenty-three step-grandchildren; seventeen step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, David Rapier; one step-daughter, Maureen Rapier-Kufa; and first husband, Al Jon Longfellow.

Nancy worked as a teacher. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing field hockey in her younger years. She was also a member of the Methodist Church.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2020 from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm. Graveside Services will follow at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, with Pastor Jemiriye Fakunle officiating. 

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, anyone planning to attend the visitation is recommended to wear a face covering and groups of 50 will be allowed in the building at one time.

Memorials may be made to Donor’s Choice.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Perry Lee Rethelford, 84, of Hoopeston, passed away at 1:56 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

Perry was born on August 28, 1935, in East Lynn, Illinois, the son of Paul and Dora (Campbell) Rethelford.  He married Barbara Catron on March 4, 1967, in Anna, Illinois.  She survives.

He is also survived by two brothers- Bob (Rita) Rethelford of Hoopeston and Marvin (Judy) Rethelford of Catlin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers- Harry, Paul, and Dick Rethelford and one sister- Joanne Free.

Perry graduated from John Greer High School.  He owned and operated Rethelford Flooring, in Hoopeston, for several years, until his retirement.  Perry and Barbara built Rosewood Terrace in 1987.  He enjoyed working and taking care of Rosewood Terrace.  Perry was an avid golfer and member of Hubbard Trail County Club.  He was also a mason and shriner for several years. 

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2020, at Floral Hill Cemetery, with Pastor Tom Cici officiating.  Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston United Methodist Church or to H.A.R.T. 

The family has entrusted Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Perry’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

The family of Timothy Stone would like to announce there will be a graveside service Saturday, June 11th 2020 at 1PM. The service will be held at the Rankin Union Cemetery to honor the life of Timothy Stone.

Ted Rohde of St. Joseph, IL, went home to be with God at 9:10pm on July 6, 2020 at Carle Hospital in Urbana.  He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather; a lover of dogs, of music, and of history.  Ted loved people and had a generous nature.  His legacy of faith lives on through his extended family at Number Ten Church of Christ.  And his legacy of leadership lives on through the family business, Rohde Piano Tuning & Repair.

Ted was born on August 5, 1952 to Jake and Maude Rohde in Effingham, IL.  He married Debbie on Aug 28, 1971 in Effingham, she survives.  Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bob and sister Sue.  His sister Peg survives.

In 1974 Ted graduated from Western Illinois University with a BA in music education.  Two years later he and Debbie moved to St. Joseph, IL and started the family business, Rohde Piano Tuning & Repair.  The family expanded with the addition of sons Jay and Jeff in 1979 and 1982.

After son Jeff recovered from a congenital birth defect, Ted felt the Lord call him into the ministry.  In 1991 he graduated from Lincoln Christian Seminary and eventually found his way to Number Ten Church of Christ in Potomac, IL, where he served as Minister for over thirty years.

Ted’s life was full of blessings.  In 2006 Jeff married Valeria and daughter Kendra Riddle, they are expecting another baby Rohde in 2021.  Jay married Cynthia in 2010, and had two boys, Jacob and Caleb.  The roles husband, father, and grandfather were as important to Ted as any other aspect of his work or life. 

The family business grew--Ted’s piano tunings always came with a personal touch and were more like a conversation with an old friend.  The business continues to thrive in Debbie and Jeff’s hands.  Under Ted’s tutelage, the members of Number Ten have received a world-class education in Christian history.  Ted saw the value in every person he met.  He changed lives, one at a time, by listening, caring, connecting, and helping as he could in each unique situation.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held with an open visitation at Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac, IL on Friday July 10^th from 5-8 pm. 

The funeral service at Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home will be by invitation only Saturday, July 11^th at 10:30 am.  All are welcome to join the family graveside at Embury Cemetery, Hope, IL, following the service.

Donations to a memorial can be made to the family. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks and social distancing will be observed. 

Alfred Eugene Pate, 93, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 11:32 A.M. Sunday July 5, 2020, at his home.  He was born November 30, 1926, in Mitchell, IN, the son of John Fletcher and Audrey Ella (Flinn) Pate.  He married Gertrude Marie Maul in Wellington, IL, on September 18, 1947.  She preceded him in death.

He is survived by five children, Larry (Cathy) Pate of Milford, IL, Linda (Scott) Mann of Hoopeston, IL, Betty (Gene) Roach of Rossville, IL, Gayle (Cindy) Pate of Greenville, IL, and Lucy Pate of Hoopeston, IL;  one sister, Carol (Dale) Livingston of Hoopeston, IL; 17 grandchildren, Tom Pate, Tami Harwood, Garalyn Ipock, Holly Borgers, Nikki Jones, Shawn Tuggle, Jesse Roach, Keri Darby, Jarett Roach, Travis Pate, Lindsey Roeder, Heather Pate, Donnie Inman, Jamie Gudgel, Sara Pate, Sadie Pate, and Sally Swartz; 35 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one son, David; one sister, Rose Kent; two brothers, John and Donald; one grandson, Ian Tuggle; and one great-granddaughter, Pate Schultz.

Al worked at FMC until his retirement.  He served in the United States Navy and was a World War II veteran.  He attended the Prairie Green Church of Christ where he has previously served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, and trustee.  Al was a former Little League baseball coach and enjoyed bowling and golfing. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday July 8, 2020 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, with Pastor Brent Zastrow officiating.  Due to the recent health concerns anyone wishing to not attend the graveside service may line North Market Street at 10:45 A.M. Wednesday July 8th to greet the family as they proceed to the graveside rites.  Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. 

Memorials may be made to IMH Hospice 200 Laird Lane, Watseka, IL 60970.

M. Jeanette Deck, 64, of Hoopeston, formerly of Rankin, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020 at her home. She was born on October 26, 1955, the daughter of Marvin and Joan (Cleary) Hofer. Jeanette married Gary Deck on January 24, 1975 in Rankin.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Deck of Hoopeston; her father, Marvin Hofer of Rankin; three children, Leon Deck of Hoopeston, Jeremy (Megan) Deck of Hoopeston and Ashley Deck (James Whitaker) of Hoopeston; two brothers, Mike Hofer of Hoopeston and Vern Hofer of Cary, NC; three grandchildren, Brenna (Jacob) Schmid, Colin Deck and Mason Whitaker; and two great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Addison.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joan; maternal grandmother Margaret Cleary; and paternal grandparents Eli and Fern Hofer.

Jeannette was a 1973 graduate of Rankin High School and was a resident in Rankin for 38 years before moving to Hoopeston. She tended bar at PJ’s in Rankin for many years. Jeanette enjoyed camping, bowling, and traveling – especially to Indiana Beach and Raccoon Lake – and had a love for hummingbirds. Most importantly, she loved being with her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Per Jeanette’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

If you would like to extend your sympathies to the family, please mail cards to: Jeanette Deck Family, c/o Cox-Knapp Funeral Home, 142 W. Patton St., Paxton, IL 60957.