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Obituaries Archives for 2021-02

Betty Lithgow, 83, of Hoopeston

Betty E. Lithgow, 83, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021 at 1:50 P.M. at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston.  She was born November 5, 1937, the daughter of Henry and Laura (Young) Hodel.  She married John P. Lithgow on October 15, 1955.  He preceded her in death on January 8, 2021. 

Betty is survived by four sons, Dennis (Becky) Lithgow of Harrison, AR, Dale (Penny) Lithgow of Hoopeston, IL, Doug (Becky) Lithgow of Huntington, IN, and Darrel (Kay) Lithgow of New Palestine, IN; two sisters, Doris Jacob of Westfield, IN and Brenda (Les) Kimmel of Yorkville, IL; one brother, Kenny (Jan) Hodel of Peoria, IL; one sister – in – law, Donna Lithgow of Gibson City, IL; eight grandchildren, Phil (Lisa) Lithgow, Ashley (Kris) Dukes, Matthew (Dawn) Lithgow, Alesha Berzyne, Adam (Hannah) Lithgow,  and Alex, Nathan, and Brent Lithgow; five great grandchildren, James, Harrison, Jasper, Piper, Chandler, and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Larry Hodel.  

Betty worked at CBS and then Gulbranson as an organ technician.  She later became a homemaker and helped her son, Dale, start Lithgow Automotive.  She was a member of the Antioch Church of Christ where she served in many capacities and later attended Trinity Church in Watseka, IL and Brookville Road Community Church in New Palestine, IN.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, keeping up with politics with John, and helping with the baby blanket charity at church.  Most of all she enjoyed her children and grandchildren and got to meet two of her great grandchildren before she became ill with Alzheimer’s. 

A private family service will be held. 

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Alice Wagoner, 93, of Hoopeston

Alice C. Wagoner, 93, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 6:45 A.M. Thursday February 25, 2021 at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston.  She was born October 22, 1927 in Somerset, KY, the daughter of Oliver and Lela (Compton) Broome.  She married Orville Wagoner and he preceded her in death. 

She is survived by two daughters, Anise Bertram of Asheboro, NC and Joanne Elliott of Hoopeston, IL; two sons, Art Wagoner of Hoopeston, IL and Raymond (Shirley) Wagoner of Tulsa, OK; one brother, Robert (Louise) Broome of Clarksville, TN; 11 grandchildren, Betsy (Jerod) Peters, Melissa (Bill) Crose, Melissa Wagoner, Orville Wagoner, Alice Russell, Jon (Amanda) Elliott, David Elliott, Ronnie (Tosha Piper) Elliott, Tim Bertram, Bill Bertram, and Angie Ball; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her special companion, her cat, Princess. 

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Gordon Bertram. 

Alice was a homemaker and also volunteered at the Hoopeston Hospital.  She enjoyed gardening, antiquing, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. 

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday May 14, 2021 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. 

Memorials may be made in Alice’s memory to the Hoopeston Area Rescue Team (H.A.R.T.) 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942 or to any animal rescue shelter of the donor’s choice. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

  

Diane R. Long, 81, of Hoopeston

Diane Rentsch Long, 81, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 7:00 A.M. Wednesday February 24, 2021 at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston.  She was born October 11, 1939, in Cissna Park, IL, the daughter of Jack and Gertrude (Mathis) Rentsch.  She married James Edward Long on June 1, 1958, in Hoopeston, IL.  He preceded her in death on December 12, 2010. 

She is survived by two sons, Robert (Jane) Long of Hoopeston, IL and David (Donna) Long of Blacksburg, VA; two sisters, Lois (Jim) Pritchett of Little Rock, AR and Joyce Anderson of Hoopeston, IL; three grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, and Sydney and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her husband, Diane was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Marilyn Hemmerling; and one infant brother, Dale Rentsch. 

Diane spent her life as homemaker, caring for her family.  Her hobbies included doing cross stitch, sewing, and square dancing.  She loved her family very much and her greatest enjoyment in life was her children and grandchildren. 

A visitation will be held 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Monday March 1, 2021 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 2:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Kevin Purdy officiating.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.   

Memorials in Diane’s memory may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice 200 Laird Lane Watseka, IL 60970 or to the Lorraine Foundation P.O. Box 247 Hoopeston, IL 60942. 

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements. 

Arliss D. Kinnett, 90, of Rossville

Wednesday February 24th at 10:06am Arliss Kinnett passed peacefully of Alzheimer’s at Heritage Health in Hoopeston. Arliss is survived by his wife Marilyn, they were married 71 years. He was

 born in Illinois to Horace and Lottie Kinnett. He is survived by his brother Curtis Kinnett of Houston, Texas, and his children Michele Kinnett-Cordoba (Berny) of Austin, Texas, Gary Kinnett

 (Debbie) of Russell Springs, Kentucky, Mike Kinnett (Billie) of Havana, Florida, Lynn Kinnett of Rossville, Illinois, and Amy Kinnett-Calhoun (Stanley) of Chicago, Illinois.  

Arliss has 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.  

 

Arliss was a 50-year member of the Hoopeston Masonic Star Lodge #709 and was a 32nd degree Mason. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force having served four years during the Korean War. He was dedicated to farming the land and believed in an honest and hard day's work. He was proud of his family and gave them all he could. Arliss was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather and he will be greatly missed.   

 

 A private graveside service will be held at Rossville Cemetery with military rites being accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arliss Kinnett’s name to Heritage Health in Hoopeston c/o Activity Department or the Veteran’s Administration in Danville c/o Alzeheimer’s Unit. 

 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Eleanor Hamrick, age 92, of Watseka

Eleanor J. Hamrick, 92, of Iroquois passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. She was born on July 3, 1928 in Cissna Park, the daughter of Emil and Martha (Siegle) Muehling. She married Lloyd F. Hamrick in Kentland, IN on July 28, 1951 and he preceded her in death on August 26, 1977.

 

Surviving are one son, Kevin (Dorothy) Hamrick of Donovan; two grandchildren, Derick (Chelsey) Hamrick of Fowler, IN and Alison (Brandon) Setty of Donovan; two brothers, Larry (Arlene) Muehling of Watseka and Ross (Nancy) Muehling of Fishers, IN; and two sisters, Linda Kottke of Buckley and Phyllis Ehmen of Watseka.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; four brothers; four sisters; and one granddaughter, Alexis.

 

Mrs. Hamrick was a member of Iroquois Methodist Church in Iroquois. She taught elementary and special education for over forty years. She belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma where she was a founding member of the Iroquois County chapter and was recognized for fifty-five years of service. Eleanor volunteered with Iroquois County Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, and American Red Cross blood drives.

 

A memorial service will be at 12:00 noon on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Iroquois Methodist Church in Iroquois. Rev. Vicki Killus will officiate. Burial will follow at Amity Cemetery in Goodwine.

 

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Iroquois Methodist Church.

 

Arrangements are being handled by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to The Eleanor Hamrick Memorial Scholarship to be used for future educators.

 

Please share a memory of Eleanor at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Eleanor J. Hamrick please visit our Sympathy Store.

Alice Musk, 97, of Hoopeston, IL

Alice Louise Musk, 97, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 12:40 P.M. Monday February 15, 2021 at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston.  She was born March 2, 1923, in Wellington, IL, the daughter of Glenn Arthur and Myrtle Faye (Dowling) Lockhart.  She married Dale Joseph Musk on July 9, 1943 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria, IL.  He preceded her in death on August 2, 1980.   

 

She is survived by 3 children, Martha Myers of Hoopeston, IL, George (Beverly) Musk of Redmond, OR, and Glen (Kathie) Musk of Gresham, OR; two daughters-in-law, Charlet Musk Holman of TN and Emma Musk of IN and 7 grandchildren, Brandon (Lorie) Musk, Billie Crouch, Julie (Rob) Simpson, Jason (Mary) Musk, Aaron Musk, John Myers, and James (Marina) Myers.  She is also survived by numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren who were all loved dearly. 

 

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Lew and Paul Musk; six sisters; one brother; one grandson, Brian Musk; and one great-grandson, Andrew Myers.            

Throughout her life, Alice held various jobs including office work and real estate and later became a caregiver for many years.  In her earlier years, she was active in the PTA and was a Girl Scout leader and later volunteered at the Multi Agency.  Alice was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary and enjoyed playing cards in various card clubs. 

 

Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a private graveside service will be held.  A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. 

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice 200 Laird Lane Watseka, IL 60970 or any charity of the donor’s choice. 

 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Amber Michelle Hickman, 34, of Covington, Indiana

Amber Michelle Hickman, 34, of Covington, Indiana, passed away at 9:30 a.m. est. Saturday, February 13, 2021, at her home.

Amber was born on February 21, 1986, in Danville, the daughter of Scott Hickman and Lynette (Williams) Gherna.

She is survived by her mother- Lynette Gherna; fiancé- Morgan Peaslee of Covington; step-mom- Phyllis Hickman of Wellington; two sons- Xavier and Elais Peaslee both of Covington; three brothers- Nathan Gherna of Danville. Jordan Gherna of Danville and Austin Hickman of Wellington; sister- Autumn (Charlie) Hahne of Minnesota; three step-brothers- Marshall, Matt and Mark Peaslee all of Danville; grandfather- Wilbur “Tack” Hickman of Jamesburg; and lots of extended family who she loved to spend time with.

She was preceded in death by her father- Scott Hickman, maternal grandmother- Alice Williams and paternal grandmother- Charlene Hickman.

Amber graduated from Bismarck-Henning High School, in 2004. She worked as a USPS rural mail carrier, in the Covington area. Amber enjoyed drawing and loved being outdoors. She enjoyed life and loved being a mom. Amber also loved spending time with her family.

A Celebration of Amber’s Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Morningstar Church, in Rossville, with Pastor Dan Mikel officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be made to the family to assist them with the funeral expenses. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Amber’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Pedro Zarate, 84, of Hoopeston

Pedro Zarate, 84, of Hoopeston, passed away December 31, 2020, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, in Urbana. Arrangements are pending at Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston. --

 

Robert M. Mossman, 73, of Watseka

Robert M. Mossman, 73, of Kentland, IN, and formerly of Watseka passed away on January 30, 2021 at Franciscan Health in Lafayette, IN.

 

He was born November 6, 1947 in Watseka, the son of Ray M. and Lois (Rhoades) Mossman. His father died July 22, 1960, his mother died October 5, 1991, and his brother, David L. Mossman died March 17, 1989.

 

He attended Watseka High School for three years and then graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais High School in 1966.

 

Mr. Mossman served in the U.S. Marine Corp until being honorably discharged for medical reasons. He and his brother operated a produce and delivery service as well as a construction business.

 

Private burial services will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

 

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Please share a memory of Robert at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert M. Mossman please visit our Sympathy Store.

John Carlson, 85, of Milford

John G. “Johnnie” Carlson, 85, of Milford, IL, passed away at 9:50 A.M. Thursday February 11, 2021 at his home.  He was born August 23, 1935 in Wellington, IL, the son of Julius and Tillie (Johnson) Carlson.  He married Linda Phillips and together they had three children, Julie, Joni, and Jay.  Linda preceded him in death on September 12, 2006.  He later married Kay Ingram on January 21, 2008 at the Milford Christian Church and she survives in Milford. 

He is also survived by his children, Julie (Steve) Lacine in Camargo, IL, Joni (Matt) Morgeson of Wellington, IL and Jay (Darla) Carlson of Milford, IL; step-children, Michelle (Tracy) Marcum of Gibson City, IL,  Kathy (Lionel) Hammond of Palmyra, MO and Jason (Paula) Ingram of Leroy, IL; two sisters, Lillian Anderson of Hoopeston, IL and Mary Lou Means of West Lebanon, IN; twenty grandchildren, Jon Lacine, Stephenie Lacine, Ellie Pruitt, Michael Lacine, Mary Kercheval, Betsy Lacine, Kayla Gretencord, Kelcey Daily, Elizabeth Carlson, Andrew Carlson, Rebecca Carlson, Rochelle Morgeson, Matthew Morgeson, Holly Halliwell, Jordynn Marcum, Taylor Marcum, Brock Bollin, Kenzie Bollin, Mason Ingram, and Sawyer Ingram; and twenty great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Louise Hodge, Esther Webb, and Irene Carlson; one brother, Lloyd Carlson; and one great-grandchild, Jaxton Pruitt. 

John was a farmer for 61 years, never truly retiring, as he continued to help his son carry on the family farm.  He served in the United States Army from 1955-1956, serving in Germany.  He was a member of the Milford Christian Church where he had also served as a trustee and board member.  He had also served as a board member at Prairie Green Church of Christ and the Federal Land Bank and was a member of the Wellington Lion’s Club.  John had many hobbies including photography, astronomy, woodworking, pen making, and golfing and was an avid Illini basketball and Chicago Cubs fan.  He was also very proud of his Swedish heritage.   

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Monday February 15, 2021 at Milford Christian Church 811 E. Hickory St. Milford, IL.  The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Monday at the church with Pastor Brent Zastrow, Rev. Gary Milton, and Rev. Neil Larimore officiating.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday February 16, 2021 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston with military rites by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. 

Memorials may be made in John’s memory to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Milford Ambulance, or the Milford Christian Church. 

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

 

Robert L. Fisher, 95, of Chebanse

Robert L. Fisher, 95, of Chebanse passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno.

 

Bob was born on December 8, 1925 in Onarga, the son of Archibald and Ethel (Morgan) Fisher and they preceded him in death. He married Delores Kroll on May 18, 1957 in Kankakee and she preceded him in death on July 17, 1982. He was also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

 

He is survived by two daughters, Debra (David) Anderson of Chebanse and Amy (Mark) Lewis of Clifton; three sons, David (Gina) Fisher of Bourbonnais, Darrin Fisher of Gardner and Dan (Karen) Loftus of Bourbonnais; fifteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

 

Bob served honorably in the United States Army during World War II, from December 7, 1944 through November 20, 1946. He had a rank of Technician Fifth Grade and was awarded the following medals and awards; Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Japan and Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

 

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse, where he taught Sunday School. He retired from A.O. Smith after 35 years, where he served as an accountant and then a truck dispatcher. After A.O. Smith, he enjoyed working as a rural route newspaper carrier for the Kankakee Journal, serving over 300 customers for another 17 years. Bob loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. funeral service on Monday, February 15, 2021 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Rev. Kene Whybrew officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Chebanse American Legion Post #408 at the church. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Onarga Cemetery.

 

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse, Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno or Chebanse American Legion Post #408.

 

Arrangements are by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

 

Please share a memory of Bob at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

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

Shelly Ann Henson, 66, of Hoopeston

Shelly Ann (Franklin) Henson, 66, of Hoopeston passed away on February 6, 2021 at Carle in Urbana surrounded by family.  Shelly died from natural causes after a brave battle with rheumatoid arthritis, which she fought for over 40 years. 

Shelly was born on April 1, 1954 in Traverse City, MI, to Carl E. and Mary Ann (Hoag) Franklin.  Both preceded her in death.  She is survived by her sister, Jan (Larry) German, nephew Andrew, and niece Elizabeth, all of Normal, IL.  Shelly was assisted in recent years by her friends Mary, Angie, Marlo, and Ivy. 

As a young adult, Shelly enjoyed spending time in nature, including camping.  She spent a lot of time visiting extended family in Michigan and took every opportunity to be surrounded by trees or near Lake Michigan. Shelly originally graduated with a degree in small animal biology from the University of Illinois but was unable to pursue it due to the onset of her rheumatoid arthritis.  Instead, Shelly pivoted and obtained a B.S. and M.S. in speech pathology from Illinois State University.  She practiced speech pathology in Danville, supporting in-home and hospital patients until her disability led to an early retirement.  

Shelly was a lover of animals and nature.  She cared for many rescue pets, such as dogs Maggie and Bella, and supported multiple animal charities, including The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.  Her home was filled with giraffe and elephant figurines, plants, and artwork.  When she was still able, Shelly loved being outside, working in the yard, and flower gardening.  She was often shocked that more people didn’t enjoy raking leaves.  She encouraged those of us who physically could rake to enjoy it more.  Shelly was a great baker and enjoyed word puzzles, Jeopardy, and listening to all types of music.  She also loved spending time with family and friends.  Shelly was a longtime viewer of the soap opera Days of Our Lives and was an adamant fan of Bo and Hope. 

Per Shelly’s wishes, she was cremated and there will be no funeral service.   

In lieu of flowers, Shelly requested donations be made to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team or any animal/nature charity of your choice. 

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Bonnie E. Wolfe, age 86, of Hoopeston

Bonnie E. Wolfe, age 86, of Hoopeston, passed away on February 6, 2021, at 10:55 a.m., at Hawthorne Inn, in Danville, with her husband by her side, due to natural causes.

Bonnie was born September 2, 1934, in Paxton, the daughter of Glenn and Blossom (Hemphill) Olson. She married Donald C. Wolfe, on August 21, 1959, in Rankin. They renewed their vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, on August 21, 1986.

She is survived by her daughter- Deborah S. Shuler of Lafayette, Indiana and her two sons-Royce M Wolfe of Westville and Rodger B. (Marj) Wolfe of Oakwood.

She is also survived by four grandchildren- Brandon Shuler of Lafayette, Tiffany (Chad) Bruens of Oakwood, Taylor (Brock) Baker of Collison and Alexandra (Brock) Gale of Danville; seven great-grandchildren- Madisyn, Makynzie, Keatyn and Jorie Bruens, Bodee and Averee Baker and David Gale; two sisters- Glenna Diskin and Linda (Emery) Zimmerman of Hoopeston; one brother-Carl (Becky) Olson of Rankin; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son-in-law- Larry B. Shuler, brother-Donnie Olson and sister- Margaret “Maggie” Diskin.

Bonnie attended Rankin Township High School. One of her proudest moments along with her family was upon the completion and receiving of her GED, from Danville Area Community College, in 1981.

Bonnie retired from Chanute Air Force Base, where she spent 25 years as the 1st Cook in the dining hall. After her retirement, Bonnie spent several years as the owner and operator of Traditions Flower Shop, in Rossville. She enjoyed ceramics, cooking, listening, and dancing to big band music, attending dinner and dances at the Hoopeston Multi Agency and spending time with her family and friends.

She was a member of the Potomac Women of Today, Red Hat Society and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, in Hoopeston, with Father Thomas Gibson officiating. She will be laid to rest following the service in Union Cemetery, in Rankin. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2021, at Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac. A rosary service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Multi Agency. The family has entrusted the Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Bonnie’s life. Condolences may be sent to the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Donald C. Wolfe, age 83, of Hoopeston

Donald C. Wolfe, age 83, of Hoopeston, passed away on February 8, 2021, at 1:45 p.m., at Hawthorne Inn, in Danville, with his family by his side, due to natural causes.

Don was born February 12, 1937, in rural Cissna Park, Illinois, the son of Clarence and Lucy (King) Wolfe. He married Bonnie E. Olson, on August 21, 1959, in Rankin. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2021. They renewed their wedding vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, on August 21, 1986.

Don is survived by his daughter- Deborah S. Shuler of Lafayette, Indiana and his two sons-Royce M Wolfe of Westville and Rodger B. (Marj) Wolfe of Oakwood.

He is also survived by four grandchildren- Brandon Shuler of Lafayette, Tiffany (Chad) Bruens of Oakwood, Taylor (Brock) Baker of Collison and Alexandra (Brock) Gale of Danville; seven great-grandchildren- Madisyn, Makynzie, Keatyn and Jorie Bruens, Bodee and Averee Baker and David Gale; one brother- Charlie (Gloria) Wolfe of Tilton; and his sister-in-law- Carolyn Wolfe of Cissna Park.

He was preceded in death by his father-Clarence, in 1944 and his mother Lucy, in 1947, his brother-Glynn Wolfe, son-in-law-Larry B. Shuler and sister-in-law- Phyllis Joan Wolfe.

Don graduated from Rankin Township High School, in 1956 and earned his Associates degree, at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, in 1973.

Don is a 32nd degree Mason and member of Potomac Masonic Lodge #782, Scottish Rite, Valley of Danville Consistory, and the Potomac Lions Club. He served in the United States Marine Corp, from 1956 to 1959.

In 1974, Don opened Wolfe Funeral Home, in Rankin and later opened locations in Potomac, Rossville, Westville, Rantoul and Hoopeston. In 2000, he retired actively due to complications from a stroke.

From 1982-2004, he entertained many households being the DJ and Host of the Sunday Night Showcase, on WHPO radio, playing the Big Band Sound.

He enjoyed his Abe Lincoln collection and antique die cast cars. When you met Don, you would leave feeling as though you had been friends for years. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and kindness, but most of all he will be remembered for the many people that he helped over the years.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family and talking to the many friends he met over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, in Hoopeston, with Father Thomas Gibson officiating. He will be laid to rest following the service in Union Cemetery, in Rankin, with full military honors conducted by Cissna Park American Legion Post #527. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2021, at Wolfe-Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac. A rosary service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Boy’s Town, 14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010. The family has entrusted the Wolfe-Blurton

Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Don’s life. Condolences may be sent to the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Joyce A. Eilers, 85, of Watseka, IL

Joyce A. Eilers, 85, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021. She was born on March 7, 1935 in Watseka, the daughter of Otis and Mary (Donaldson) Peters.

She married Gene Eilers in Watseka on October 24, 1952 and he survives. She is also survived by two sons, Jeff (Brenda) Eilers of Kentland, IN, and J.D. (Julie) Eilers of Naples, FL; one daughter, Colleen Bulington of Sheldon; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; step mother, Kate Peters; one daughter, Brenda Varboncoeur; one son-in-law, Joe Bulington; and one daughter-in-law, Julia Williams.

Mrs. Eilers was a former member of the Methodist Church. She was also the school secretary at Wanda Kendall Grade School for many years.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Jeff Elliott will officiate. Burial will follow at Body Cemetery in Woodland.

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

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

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joyce A. Eilers please visit our Sympathy Store.

Leni J. Hethke, 10 months old, of Buckley, IL

Leni J. Hethke, 10 months, of Buckley passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at her home in the arms of her loving family. She was born on March 12, 2020 in Gibson City, the daughter of Keith and Ashley (Price) Hethke.

 

Leni is survived by her parents; two sisters, Charlotte and Stella Hethke, both at home; maternal grandmother, Donna (Joe) Rorem of Gilman; maternal grandfather, Bill (Debbie) Price of Onarga; paternal grandparents, Roger and Kathy Hethke of Thawville; paternal great-grandparents, Lloyd and Mary Lustfeldt of Buckley; one aunt, Darby Sweeney of Gilman; two uncles, Matt Price of Onarga and Kevin Hethke of Onarga; and seven cousins, Rowan Bork, Merrek Sweeney, Noah Price, Max Price, Nathan Price, Liam Hethke, and Maecie Hethke.

She was preceded in death by an angel sibling.

 

Leni radiated light and joy to all who came to know her during her short stay on Earth. She had the most infectious smile and heartwarming laugh. She absolutely adored her big sisters, and her most favorite place to be was in the arms of her mommy and daddy. She was smart, funny, curious, and always so happy. Leni touched many lives because of her incredible courage, strength, and resiliency throughout her lifelong fight with infant Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Her entire life, she knew nothing but love and kindness.

 

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Memorials may be made in Leni’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Leni J. Hethke please visit our Sympathy Store.

Donald R. Foley Jr, 59, of Hoopeston, IL

Donald R. Foley Jr, 59, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 8:08 A.M. Saturday January 30, 2021 at The Waters of Covington in Covington, IN.  He was born September 24, 1961, in Danville, IL, the son of Donald Ray Foley Sr. and Susan Parker Foley Henning.  His father preceded him in death in May 1965 and his mother on April 19, 2018. 

He is survived by his step-father, Melvin Henning of Hoopeston, IL; four siblings, Ralph Foley of Knoxville, TN, Patrica (Phillip) Asselin of Ward, AR, Charlie (Jill) Henning of Lafayette, IN, and Patrick Henning of Hoopeston, IL; four nieces, Rian, Carolyn, Madeline, and Aubrey; and 7 nephews, Riley, Cameron, Christian, Dylan, Hayden, Waylon, and Zachary. 

Donald worked as a mechanic.  He later drove a truck for Troy Holmes and most recently drove for LMJ Transportation.  He served in the United States Army.  Donald was an avid racing and sports fan.  He enjoyed watching Nascar, especially Bill Elliott and Chase Elliott.  He was also a fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Green Bay Packers. 

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and services will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hosital 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105. 

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements. 

 

William J. "Buddy" Hendry III, 73, of Watseka

William J. “Buddy” Hendry III, 73, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021 in Gilman.

 

He was born on May 12, 1947 in Watseka, the son of William J. and Violet (Wiergna) Hendry II. He married Rebecca Poskin and she preceded him in death as well as one daughter, Paula Hendry.

Surviving are two daughters, Tracy (Frank Burmeister) Hendry of Watseka and Mellissa Shepard of Bradley, IL; three grandchildren, Shantel Duffy of Sheldon, Amanda Teel of Watseka, and Dylan (Jennifer) Hendry of Crescent City; four great grandchildren, Makaylah Weber, Destinee Taden, Kayson Duffy, and Kinsley Duffy; special friend, Roscoe Durflinger; cousin, Beverly Stair of Sheldon; two step children; three step grandchildren; and his former wife, Carla Jensen.

 

Cremation rites accorded by Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.

 

Burial of cremains will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishes.

 

Please share a memory of William at baierfuneralhome.com

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