Obituary Archives for 2/2009

Bobby G. Williams, 62, of Chebanse, IL

Bobby G. Williams died Monday, February 9, 2009 at Riverside Medical Center, Kankakee. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, until the 7:00 p.m. funeral service at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Pastor Stephen Wilkinson will officiate.

Cremation rites will follow the services. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Mr. Williams was a truck driver for F J Sibr Tank Lines for 13 years and RCD Trucking for two years. He was born May 10, 1946, in Russellville, Ark., the son of Carl Henry and Gladys Bowden Williams. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He was a member of Teamsters Local 705. He loved fishing, wildlife and being in the out of doors.

Surviving are his wife, the former Kathy L. Perkins of Chebanse, whom he married Jan. 17, 1969, in Kankakee; one daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Michael Dion of Kankakee; one son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Michelle Williams of Kankakee; three grandchildren, Bryce Dion, Kathryn “Kassi” Dion and Jenna Williams; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Carol and David Donahue of Elgin, S.C., Shirley and Rodney Evans of Baytown, Texas, Sandy Williams of Atkins, Ark.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Johnny G. and Gloria Williams of Chebanse, Frank and Cynde Williams of Kansas City, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Deceased are his parents, one brother and one sister.

John Kuntz, 70, of Lake Iroquois, Loda, IL

John Kuntz passed away Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. at his Lake Iroquois home at Loda, surrounded by his loving family. This was the end of his courageous journey battling fourth stage pancreatic cancer for nearly four years, a health burden he carried with dignity and grace, and was an inspiration to many.

John Marvin Kuntz was born Nov. 16, 1938, in Paxton, the only child of Vernette (Fredrickson) and Marvin Kuntz. He married Marjorie Weakley on Dec. 22, 1957 at the Onarga Methodist Church.

John is survived by his wife, Marjorie at Lake Iroquois, Loda; two sons, John David (Taina) of Fowler, Ind. and Jeffrey Mark (Kara) of Frankfort; one daughter, Mindy Sue Hagan (Mick) of Sheldon; sister, Deborah (Michael) Gallagher of Bloomington; sister-in-law, Linda Schneider of Lincoln; two brothers-in-law, Jerry (Terri) Weakley of Bonfield, Bill (Diana) Weakley of Crescent City; nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives. Surviving grandchildren are Shannon (Ryan) Hill of Cedar Lake, Ind., Jeremy (Kristin) Kuntz of Fowler, Kourtney Kuntz of Frankfort, Anna Marjorie Hagan of Sheldon and Karn “Lui” Lertpisarnchai of Thailand, now living in St. Charles; stepgrandsons, Jake Hagan of Watseka and Gregory Deno of Fowler; and stepgranddaughter, Kyndl Deno of Fowler; two great-grandsons, Timothy and Nathan Hill, both of Cedar Lake; as well as one great-granddaughter, Makenna Kuntz of Fowler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Timothy Paul; one brother, Perry Schneider; his stepmother, Bernice Kindig Kuntz; stepfather, William Schneider; sister-in-law, Lillian (Weakley) Powers; and brother-in-law, Tom Weakley.

Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga, and from 9:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at The Life Church in Gilman, until the 10:00 a.m. funeral service. Pastor Jim Harkins and the Rev. Elizabeth Reis will officiate. Burial will be in Onarga Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to “The John Kuntz Hustle Award” fund established to honor a graduating boy or girl athlete from Iroquois West High School each year that has given 100 percent in practices as well as games of any sport without being told to hustle, hustle. The recipient will receive a plaque as well as a cash award. Memorials may also be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or to the Onarga Academy Benefit Fund.

William M. Hammond, 85, Watseka, IL formerly Kentland,IN

William M. Hammond died Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at Watseka Rehab and Healthcare in Watseka. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service at the Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Watseka. Memorials may be made to the family or to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Mr. Hammond was a farmer in Kentland and Watseka for many years. He was born March 15, 1923, in Gates City, Va., the son of Colonel and Cassie McDavid Hammond. He enjoyed hunting and playing cards.

Surviving are his wife, the former Barbara Miller, whom he married Sept. 2, 1945, in Watseka; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sherry and Gail Lambert of Sheldon, Mary Jo and Morris Long of Rossville; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and one brother and sister-in-law, Vern and Betty Hammond of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Deceased are one brother and two sisters.

Florence M. Horton, 97, of Charleston, WV (formerly of Crescent City, IL)

Florence M. Horton died Monday, Feb. 16, 2009 at her home. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at the Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. The Rev. Bobbi Schultz will officiate.

She is survived by one daughter, Patricia (Paul) Cantrell of Charleston, WV; one nephew, Frank Campbell of Wheaton; and one niece, LeAnn Hahn of Indianapolis, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, LeRoy Campbell.

Mrs. Horton was a school teacher and supervising editor for the War Department. She was born Jan. 6, 1912, in Crescent City, the daughter of Frank and Mae Hitchens Campbell. Her husband, Robert L. Horton, whom she married Jan. 7, 1942, at Fort Myer, Va., died Dec. 19, 2005. She was a graduate of Watseka High School and Illinois State University. She enjoyed lapidary pursuits, crafts, gardening, books and animals. She was an Army wife, an avid reader and traveled extensively before moving in 2002 to West Virginia to be near her family.

Burial will be in Flesher Cemetery, Crescent City. Memorials may be made to the Watseka Public Library or to Crescent City Methodist Church.

Robert E. Malcolm, 78, of Watseka, IL

Robert E. Malcolm died Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, at the Watseka Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. Private services will be held in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Mr. Malcolm was a retired tool and die maker from Ford Motor Company. He was born August 20, 1930, in Belle Rive, the son of Robert C. and Loretta Ramsey Malcolm. His wife, the former Ruth Brower, whom he married August 27, 1975, in Watseka, died August 8, 1996. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Surviving are one sister, Jeannine Thompson of Watseka; and one nephew, Bryan Thompson of Watseka.

Deceased are two brothers and one sister.

Wayne E. “Shock” Stimpson, of Punta Gorda, FL (formerly of the Watseka & Milford area)

Wayne Edward “Shock” Stimpson died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at Tidewell Hospice & Pallative Care in Arcadia, FL. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, and from 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, until the 1:30 p.m. funeral service at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. The Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford. Memorials may be made to Tidewell Hospice Care Center.

Mr. Stimpson retired from Uarco in 1988. He was born June 12, 1929, in Milford, the son of Lloyd Edward and Hazel V. Breeding Stimpson. His wife, the former Delores A. Legan Moore, whom he married March 8, 1970, in Watseka, died March 2, 2000. He graduated from Milford High School and moved to Florida in 1989. He was a member of Moose Lodge 2121 and coached Little League. He enjoyed bowling, woodworking and flea marketing.

Surviving are two sons and one daughter-in-law, Thomas and Sara Stimpson of Atlanta, GA., Gregory Moore of Romeoville; four daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Dale Heffelfinger of Milford, Sandra E. and Paul Thomas of Cissna Park; Sharon and Mike Oliveira of Champaign, Sally and Dave Rasdall of Port Charlotte, FL.; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are two grandchildren and one brother, T. Clyde.

Robert W. Dunker, 79, of Paxton, IL (formerly of Onarga, IL)

Robert W. Dunker died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009 at Asta Care Center of Ford County. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2009 at Onarga Cemetery. Pastor Jim Wood will officiate.

Mr. Dunker was a illustrated parts breakdown writer for many years. He was born Jan. 6, 1930, in Onarga, the son of Herman J. and Rena Tilstra Dunker. He served in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean Conflict from 1951-1955.

Deceased are his parents; one brother, Clarence; and one sister, Grace.

Kirby Ray Thompson, 52, of Watseka, IL

Kirby Ray Thompson died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. today (Mar. 2, 2009) until the 10:00 a.m. services at the Segur-Knapp Funeral Home, Watseka. Mr. Joey King officiated.

Burial was in Body Cemetery, Woodland. Memorials may be made for Cops for Kids.

He was born Oct. 17, 1956, in Watseka, the son of Harry and Helen Vliet Thompson.

Surviving are one sister, Tondra King of Watseka; one niece, Janelle (Adam) Jaskula; and two nephews

Donald M. Sweeney, 84, of Chebanse, IL

Donald Merle Sweeney passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at the home of his daughter, Sara Mitchell in Huntley. Mr. Sweeney was born July 20, 1924, in Gilman, the son of Thomas and Ida Melis Sweeney. He married Zita Jean St. Peter on March 29, 1947, in Gilman.

Mr. Sweeney is survived by 13 children, Steve (Linda) Sweeney of Manteno, Stan (Martha) Sweeney of Clifton, Stu (Jane) Sweeney of Laguna Beach, Calif., Sue (Dan) Mortier of Highland Park, Sam (Roxanne) Sweeney of Ashkum, Scott (Diane) Sweeney of Frankfort, Sherm (Julie) Sweeney of Rock Island, Sharon Sweeney of Normal, Sheila (Karl) Buch of O’Fallon, Sally (Lyn) Rosenboom of Clifton, Sean (Maria) Sweeney of Barrington, Sara (Scott) Mitchell of Huntley, Shannon (Lisa) Sweeney of Herscher. There are 42 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Dorothy Dermody of Pico Rivera, Calif., along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by a dear cousin, Elizabeth Gleason; and honorary granddaughter, Venda Menclova.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Zita Jean Sweeney; his parents, Thomas and Ida Melis Sweeney; brothers, Harold and Raymond Sweeney; sisters, Mable Rogers and Rosemary Johnson; and a grandson, Korey Thomas Mitchell.

A veteran of World War II, with U.S. Navy submarine service, he married Zita Jean St. Peter on March 29, 1947, in Gilman. They raised their family of 13 children and resided in the same house in Chebanse for the last 52 years. He was a member of Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Chebanse. He served as president of the Central Unit 4 School District Board of Education and retired after 39 years with the Roper Corporation, Kankakee, in 1985. Mr. Sweeney had been the supervisor of the drafting and design department. He had also served as the president of the Roper/A.O. Smith Technical Engineers Union. His hobbies included spending time with his family, playing cards, fishing, and woodworking. He was an avid Cubs fan. He was a follower of the local high school sports activities and attended the Illinois State Wrestling Tournament for many years with a group of his children and grandchildren.

Friends may call from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 1, at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Mar. 2, at Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church. The Rev. Vern Arseneau will officiate. Burial, with military honors by the Momence Honor Guard, will be in Sts. Mary and Joseph Cemetery, Chebanse. Memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America or to Autism Speaks.

Michael A. Allen, 44, of Thawville, IL

Michael A. Allen Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. A private memorial service will be held at the family farm. Memorials may be made to the family.

Mr. Allen was born July 3, 1964, in Chicago, the son of Billy R. and Olga Rosenberger Allen.

Surviving are his mother of Chicago; three sons, Michael R. Allen of Ludlow, Steven J. Allen of Indianapolis, Ind., Scott J. Allen of Thawville; one sister, Michelle Knapp of Thawville; and two brothers, Bill Allen and Troy J. Allen, both of Covington, Ky.

Mary A. Peters, 78, of Ashkum, IL

Mary A. Peters died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum, where she was a member. The Rev. James Holup will officiate.

Burial will be in Ashkum Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Clifton Food Pantry, the National Right to Life Association, or to the donor’s choice.

Mrs. Peters was a registered nurse for 30 years. She ran blood drives for many years for the Iroquois Chapter of the Red Cross. She was born June 22, 1930, in Hayes, the daughter of Edwin Leo and Dorothy Mary Tascher Yonke. She was educated at the Mercy School of Nursing in Urbana. She was a member of the CCW at her church. She was a volunteer for the Clifton Food Pantry and also at the Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home and Prairieview Lutheran Home on music days.

Surviving are her husband, Gerald “Pete” Peters, whom she married Nov. 3, 1951, in Ashkum; two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Brent Eden of Wyoming, Mich., Julie and Eddie Robertson of Spring City, Tenn.; one son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Laura Peters of Chatham; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren; and her mother, Dorothy M. Yonke of Ashkum.

Deceased are her father and one brother, Robert Yonke.