Charles F. Arie, 86, Watseka, IL

Charles F. Arie, 86, of Watseka, IL passed away on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, IL.

Visitation will run from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with a wake service to be held at 7:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Edmund’s Catholic Church in Watseka. Rev. Lee Ryan will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. Military graveside rites will be provided by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and the Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Mr. Arie was born May 9, 1923 in Urbana, IL, a son of Charles T. and Agnes Egar Arie. He married Bonnie J. Izard on Sept. 19, 1945 in Haywood, CA. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2008.

Survivors of Mr. Arie include one daughter, Diane Tegtmeyer of Watseka; one son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Peggy Arie of Watseka; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Thomas Arie of Urbana and John and Jeanette Arie of Bondville, IL; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Mary Margaret Wood of Urbana, Ruth Miller of Dorchester, MA and Patricia and Rex Thompson of Champaign, IL; five grandchildren and spouses, Thad and Michelle Tegtmeyer of Fort Wayne, IN, Nathan and Jennifer Tegtmeyer, Nicholas and Kristy Arie and Andrew Arie all of Watseka and Megan Williams of Chicago; and five great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

Mr. Arie was manager of Watseka Farmers Grain Elevator for forty years. He served on the First Trust & Savings Bank board for over forty years. He was a member of St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus of Watseka and a member of the Watseka American Legion Post #23. He was also a Donovan Park Trustee for many years. In 1987 he was voted Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, St. Edmund’s Catholic Church in Watseka or the Anna Donovan Trust (Donovan Park in Watseka).

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Kenneth B. Gaffield, 76, Sheldon, IL

Kenneth B. Gaffield, 76, of Sheldon, IL passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Visitation will run from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and for one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. The Rev. Donald Love will officiate. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City, IL. Military graveside rites will be provided by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and the Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Mr. Gaffield was born Feb. 22, 1933 in Sheldon, IL, a son of John and Veneosa Simmons Gaffield. He married Mona M. Meyer on Dec. 27, 1964 in Watseka, IL. She preceded him in death on Dec. 11, 2009.

Survivors of Mr. Gaffield include two daughters and one son-in-law, Priscilla and Robert Carey of Watseka and Karen Gaffield of Sheldon; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Tonya Gaffield of Sheldon; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters.

Mr. Gaffield was a member of the U.S. Army, serving as a Corporal during the Korean War from March 31, 1953 – Jan. 5, 1955. He was a police officer for the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Dept. and the Sheldon Police Dept. He was also a part-time carpenter. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka and was also a member of the National Rifle Association.

Memorials may be made to Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ruth Ann Gray, 66, Clifton, IL

Ruth Ann Gray, 66, of Clifton, IL passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Visitation will run from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29 with the Rosary being said at 7 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 30 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton. The Rev. Vern Arseneau will officiate. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.

Mrs. Gray was born Oct. 28, 1943 in Kankakee, IL, a daughter of Willard “Tip” and Mardelle Gagnon Reid. She married Jerry T. Gray on May 25, 1963 in Clifton and he survives.

Other survivors of Mrs. Gray include one daughter and son-in-law, Kerri and Craig Carlson of Channahon, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Carri Gray of Clifton and Ricky and Donna Gray of Channahon; and ten grandchildren, Amber, Zachary and Kayle Gray, Meghan, Hanna and Fallon Gray and Grace, Gavin, Ella and Garrett Carlson.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Gray was a retired cook from the Central Community Unit 4 School System. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clifton and St. Peter’s CCW. She enjoyed vacationing in Florida, shopping, flower gardening and spending time with her family.

Memorials may be made to the Lymphoma Society.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Esther B. Johnson, 94, Watseka, IL

Esther B. Johnson, 94, of Watseka, IL passed away on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Visitation will run from 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Tom McCann and Rev. John Dolan will officiate. Interment will be at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL.

Mrs. Johnson was born March 20, 1915 in Lovejoy Twp., Iroquois County, a daughter of Robert and Bertha Swanson Berg. She married Peter C. Johnson on June 25, 1949 in Cissna Park. He preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 1969.

Survivors of Mrs. Johnson include three nephews, Bob Berg of Detroit, MI, Glenn Berg of Cissna Park and Ed Berg of Bartlett, IL; five nieces, Carol Eschner of Milwaukee, WI, Beth Taylor of Elgin, Linda Jacobson of Bartlett, Karen Dolan of Western Springs and Esther Redden of Urbana; two cousins, Ivan Berg of Pekin and Grethe Koenig of Dallas, OR; two sisters-in-law, Helen Busch of Cissna Park and Dorothy Berg of Bloomington, IL; fifteen great-nieces and nephews; and eight great-great-nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Carl, Leonard and Chester Berg; and one sister, Helen Stephens.

Mrs. Johnson was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka, having served as an elder and deacon. She was a founding and charter member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority; a two-term treasurer for the City of Watseka; and a volunteer at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka for many years. She was previously employed at the USDA Office, Iroquois FS and Iroquois Federal Savings & Loan in Watseka. She was proud of her Swedish heritage and traveled to Sweden on several occasions.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com

Grady R. Bell Sr., 79, Hoopeston, IL

Grady R. Bell Sr., 79 of Hoopeston, IL passed away on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital in Hoopeston, IL.

Visitation will run from 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26 until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Pastor Ronald Childress will officiate. Interment will be at Amity Cemetery in Goodwine, IL.

Mr. Bell was born May 29, 1930 in Dyersburg, TN, a son of Rudolph and Nina Doyle Bell.

Survivors include three daughters and one son-in-law, Pamela Bell of Watseka, April and Scott Frye of Goodwine and Marie Bell of Joliet, IL; five sons, Danny Archer and Grady Bell Jr. of Watseka, Gerald Wayne Bell of Tennessee, Terry Bell of Kentland, IN and James Bell of Plainfield, IL; seventeen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Mr. Bell served in the U.S. Army. He was owner and operator of Dollar Saver Plumbing & Drainage for many years.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Maxine L. Thompson, 88, Watseka, IL

Maxine L. Thompson, 88 of Watseka, IL passed away on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at her home.

Visitation will run for one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. The Rev. Donald Love will officiate. Interment will be at Clifton Cemetery in Clifton, IL.

Mrs. Thompson was born January 31, 1921 in Kankakee, IL, a daughter of Chris and Malvina Girard Hansen. She married Richard Thompson on June 30, 1966 in Joliet, IL and he preceded her in death on May 11, 2009.

Survivors of Mrs. Thompson include one son, Roland Kuhlman of Watseka; one step-daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Jock Giacomi of Joliet; one sister and brother-in-law, Nadya and Wesley Peters of Bonfied; one brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Dolores Hansen of Clifton; two grandchildren, Lisa Gocken and Suzanne Kuhlman; two step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Dolores Nakaerts; one son, Wayne Kuhlman; and one grandson.

Mrs. Thompson worked at Esther Williams Dress Shop in Watseka and Robesons Dept. Store in Champaign. She was also a receptionist at the Institute of Laundry and Dry Cleaning in Joliet for several years. She was a member of the Sigma Beta Phi Sorority and Junior Womens Club. She loved flowers, music, playing cards and having coffee with her friends.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

William “Bill” H. Maltman, 79, Onarga, IL

William “Bill” H. Maltman, 79, of Onarga, IL passed away on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at the Gilman Health Care Center in Gilman, IL.

Visitation will run for one hour prior to the 3 p.m. funeral service on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. The Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate. Interment will be at the Onarga Cemetery in Onarga, IL. Military rites will be provided by the Onarga American Legion Post #551.

Mr. Maltman was born Oct. 31, 1930 in Cape May Court House, NJ, a son of William Henry and Bernice Liddel Maltman. He married Mardell Hastings on June 20, 1952 in Champaign, IL and she survives.

Other survivors of Mr. Maltman include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Robert E. and Paula Maltman of Centralia, IL and Wayne A. Maltman of Illinois; two daughters and one son-in-law, Vickie J. and Garry Cole of Colfax, IL and Cindy Green of Bloomington, IL; seven grandchildren, James, Sarah, Alesha, Ashlei, Haleigh, Jennifer and Chelsi; and one great-grandchild, Anthony.

Preceding Mr. Maltman in death were his parents; one daughter, Linda M. Wise; and one granddaughter, Lori Michelle.

Mr. Maltman was a retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt., having served during the Korean War. He enjoyed gardening.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michael F. “Mickey” Kamp, 69, Chebanse, IL

Michael F. “Mickey” Kamp, 69, of Chebanse, IL passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at Momence Meadows Nursing Home in Momence, IL.

Visitation will run from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at Faith Baptist Church in Bourbonnais where funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. The Rev. Terry Anglea will officiate. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse, IL.

Mr. Kamp was born March 10, 1940 in Kanakakee, IL, a son of Donald and Coletta Gresens Kamp Sr. After Coletta passed away shortly after Michael’s birth, Donald Kamp Sr. married Dorothy Winkel and she adopted Michael as her son.

Survivors of Mr. Kamp include one brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Korenn Kamp of Aroma Park, IL; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Leo Dumas of Bonfield, IL and Carol and Eugene Morgan of Lapine, OR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.

Mr. Kamp worked at KCTC for 30 years. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Bourbonnais. He enjoyed cycling.

Memorials may be made to Kankakee Hospice or Faith Baptist Church.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Vera L. Hoy, 89, Onarga, IL

Vera L. Hoy, 89 of Onarga, IL passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 at the Gilman Health Care Center in Gilman, IL.

Visitation will run from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25 at  Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga, where  funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 11 a.m. The Rev. James Small will officiate. Interment will be at the Onarga Cemetery in Onarga, IL.

Mrs. Hoy was born Feb. 29, 1920 in Onarga, a daughter of George and Laura Meadows Lowe. She married John W. Hoy on July 4, 1937 in Kentland, IN. He preceded her in death on June 6, 1988.

Survivors of Mrs. Hoy include four sons and daughters-in-law, George and Barbara Hoy, Ronald and Sally Hoy and John E. and Sandra Hoy all of Onarga and Larry and Rosalie Hoy of Robinson, IL; one daugher, Gloria Whitt of Onarga; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, preceding her in death were her parents; one brother, Ira Lowe; two sisters, Charlotte Atkins and Georgia Wilson; two sons, Richard and Glen; one granddaughter, Lisa Kronz; one grandson, Donald Hoy; and one great-grandson, Brett Hoy.

Mrs. Hoy had worked at ECW for several years. She was a member of the Onarga Christian Church. She enjoyed bingo, word search puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Onarga Christian Church or Gilman Health Care Center.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com

Opal May Blair, 86, Longview, TX

 

Michelle A. Rust, 16, Cissna Park, IL

Michelle A. Rust, 16, of Cissna Park passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Swann Special Care Center in Champaign.

Michelle was born November 5, 1993, in Urbana, a daughter of David and Rhonda Weber Rust.  She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park.

Surviving are her parents, David and Rhonda Rust of Cissna Park; two sisters, Jessica and Jamie Rust; paternal grandparents, Harold and Wilma Rust of Cissna Park; and maternal grandmother, Marion Weber of Cissna Park.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 22, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park with the Rev. Christopher Decker officiating.  Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Cissna Park.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Cissna Park or Cissna Park Fire Department.

Amanda Jo Harris, 27, Mazon, IL

Amanda Jo Harris, 27, of Mazon, IL, formerly of Watseka, IL passed away on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL, as a result of an automobile accident.

Visitation will run from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Friday, Jan. 22, also at the funeral home. Chris Lentz will officiate. Burial will be at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland, IL.

Ms. Harris was born Sept. 1, 1982 in Watseka, IL, a daughter of William Shane and Sandra Lynn Roth Harris.

Survivors of Ms. Harris include her parents of Watseka; one sister, Amy Harris of Marseilles, IL; maternal grandmother, JoAnn White of Watseka; paternal grandparents, William and Claudette Harris of Marion, IL; fiancee, Jeff Cromwell of Mazon, IL; future father- and mother-in-law, Tom and Kandy Cromwell of Mazon, IL; two uncles, Randy “Sid” Roth of Woodland and Keith (Verna) Roth of Milford; five aunts, Debbie (Larry) Pray, Pam (Tom) Ely, Kim Menigoz and Julie White all of Watseka and Donna (Don) Bedeker of Chebanse; and several cousins.

Ms. Harris was a Sales Project Manager at CMC Rebar in Kankakee, IL for five years. She was a 2000 graduate of Watseka Comminty High School and also graduated from Kankakee Community College with a degree in busines. She was an EMT for Martinton and later for Mazon. She enjoyed bowling in Kankakee and Morris.

Memorials may be made to Martinton EMTs; St. Jude Children’s Hospital; or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mary W. Jacobs, 82, Virginia Beach, VA

Mary W. Jacobs, 82, of Virginia Beach, VA, formerly of Sheldon, IL passed away on Jan. 16, 2010 at her niece’s residence in Charlottesville, VA.

Visitation will run for one hour prior to the 1 p.m. funeral service on Monday, Jan. 25, at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon. Burial will be at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, IL.

Mrs. Jacobs was born Nov. 26, 1927 in New York City, NY, a daughter of Joseph and Laura Jane Burleson Wishnieff. She married William C. Jacobs in Elkin, NC. and they were married for 42 years when he preceded her in death on June 1, 1988.

Survivors include five nieces and 3 nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two half-brothers; and two half-sisters.

Mrs. Jacobs grew up in Sheldon. For the last fifty years she lived in Virginia Beach, VA, where she rose from a clerical position to Vice-President of Corporate Trust at Virginia National Bank, which is now part of Bank of America.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneral homes.com.

Denny Eshleman, 63, Onarga, IL

Dennis Lyle “Denny” Eshleman, 63, of Onarga, IL passed away on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 at his home.

Visitation will run from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at The Life Church in Gilman, IL where funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. Jim Harkins will officiate. Burial will be at the Onarga Cemetery in Onarga, IL.

Mr. Eshleman was born July 12, 1946 in Kankakee, IL, a son of Glenn Lee and Annadel Marie Reitz Eshleman. He married Margaret Theresa “Terry” Fernandez on April 12, 1973 in Sunnyvale, CA and she survives.

Other survivors include one son, Joe Eshleman of Chicago, IL; two daughters, Jessica Eshleman of St. Louis, MO and Christine Eshleman of Onarga, IL; one brother, Roger Eshleman of Champaign, IL; one sister and brother-in-law, Glenda and Quentin Eshleman Raspberry of Kennett, MO; one aunt, Alberta Steiner of Chrisman, IL and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding Mr. Eshleman in death were his parents.

Mr. Eshleman served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971 during the Vietnam era. He was owner and operator of Denny’s Sporting Goods in Onarga for 28 years. He enjoyed all school sports, which he attended as much as possible. He enjoyed many years of coaching baseball, basketball and softball. He also enjoyed working at his store and being with his family. Denny was an all-around encourager and mentor to many children.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Justin R. Kaiser, 33, Sheldon, IL

Justin R. Kaiser, 33, of Sheldon, IL passed away on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL.

Visitation will run from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Masonic Rites and Order of Eastern Star Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Glenn Raymond Gymnasium in Watseka. Dr. Hyrum LaTurner, President of the Watseka Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will officiate. A private burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Justin was born July 16, 1976 in Rice Lake, WI, a son of Robert and Sherrie Hover Kaiser. He married Diana Westmoreland on Aug. 3, 2001 in Franklin, TN and she survives.

Other survivors include two brothers, Shaun Kaiser and Devon Kaiser, both of Eau Claire, WI and his parents.

Justin was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Watseka; the Sheldon Masonic Lodge #609; the Watseka Order of Eastern Star #217 and the Iroquois County Toastmaster Club. He was also a former board member of the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce and a recipient of the Staff Achievement Award presented by the Watseka Area Chamber of Commmerce. He was Operations Manager of WGFA Radio in Watseka, where he was also President of the WGFA Radio Breakfast Club and he was owner and operator of Creative Identify Group.

Memorials may be made to Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Dorothy L. Kamp, 89, Danforth, IL

Dorothy L. Kamp, 89 of Danforth, IL, formerly of Chebanse, IL passed away on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. The Rev. Kene Whybrew will officiate. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Mrs. Kamp was born March 12, 1920 in Chebanse, IL, a daughter of Edward and Dorothea Nordmeyer Winkel. She married Donald F. Kamp Sr. on Aug. 16, 1941 in Chebanse, IL. He preceded her in death on April 3, 1996.

Survivors of Mrs. Kamp include two daughters, Dorothy Dumas of Bonfield,  IL and Carol Morgan of Palm Harbor, FL; two grandsons, Michael Kamp of Momence, IL and Donald Kamp Jr. and his wife, Korenn of Aroma Park, IL; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Lois and Norman Cooper of St. Anne, IL and Edna Witheft of Herscher, IL; one brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Betty Winkel of Bourbonnais, IL; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, preceding her in death were her parents; four brothers, Ed, Kenneth, Raymond and Robert; one sister, Marjorie; one son, James; and one daughter, Donna Hubner.

Mrs. Kamp was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. She enjoyed music and playing cards.

Memorials may be made to Family’s Wishes

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jody M. Geisler II, 24, Bourbonnais, IL

Jody Micheal Geisler II, 24 of Bourbonnais, IL passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, IL.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 12 noon. The Rev. Brent Zastrow will officiate. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais.

Mr. Geisler was born June 11, 1985 in Watseka, IL, a son of Jody and Lisa Wilson Geisler. He married Sharon Cole on March 16, 2008 in Jacksonville, IL and she survives.

Other survivors include four sons, Andrew Solis, Austin Cole and Jayden Geisler all of Bourbonnais and Jody Geisler III of Olive Branch, IL; his mother, Lisa Urban of Hoopeston; six sisters, Tasha Salyer of Hiddenite, NC, Jennifer Wilson of Fruitland, MO, Nicole Jarvis of Rosiclaire, IL, Brittiney Deaton of Hoopeston, IL, Megan Beattie of Elizabethtown, IL and Heidi Geisler of Marion, IL; paternal grandparents, Ryland and Sharon Geisler of Aroma Park, IL; maternal grandfather, Tom Wilson of Watseka; three aunts; three uncles; and sixteen nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father and one brother, Brandon Taden.

Mr. Geisler was a construction worker. He was a member of Trinity Church in Watseka. He enjoyed fishing, boating and the outdoors.

Memorials may be made to his Family’s Wishes.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Helen M. Thomas, 89, Crescent City, IL

Helen M. Thomas, 89, of Crescent City, IL passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, IL.

Visitation will run for two hours prior to the 11 a.m. service on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. The Rev. Kevin Wendorf will officiate. Interment will be at the Danforth Cemetery in Danforth, IL.

Ms. Thomas was born Feb. 8, 1920 in Danforth, IL, a daughter of William and Hannah Duits Thomas.

Survivors of Ms. Thomas include two sisters and one brother-in-law, Betty Conrad of Watseka and Irma and Glenn Scheiwe of Crescent City; one brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Sandy Thomas of Cissna Park; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ms. Thomas in death were her parents, seven brothers and three sisters.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Idaville.

Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Idaville.

Sinda S. Martin, 61, Kankakee, IL

Sinda S. Martin, 61, of Kankakee, IL passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Mrs. Martin was born Jan. 26, 1948 in Chicago, IL, a daughter of Charles and JoAnn Johnson Sever. She married Norman B. Green on Dec. 13, 1971 in Kankakee and he preceded her in death on Dec. 25. 1984. She then married Ernest L. Martin in 1989 and he preceded her in death on March 1, 2000.

Surviving Mrs. Martin is one daughter, Kathleen L. Green and her fiancee, Jason Hull of Kankakee.

Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Linda Sever.

Mrs. Martin worked as a school cook and was a member of the Kankakee VFW. She loved to read.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

Arrangements by Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka, IL.

Wilford William Hancock, 82, Toluca, IL

Wilford William Hancock, 82, of Toluca, IL, formerly of Milford, IL, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at Asta Care Nursing Home in Toluca, IL.

Mr. Hancock was born April 30, 1927 in Iroquois County, a son of Wilford and Pearl Euans Hancock. He married Jeanette Gier on Jan. 4, 1969 in Chicago, IL and she preceded him in death.

Survivors of Mr. Hancock include two step-sons, David Gier of Illinois and Kim Gier of Wisconsin; one step-daughter, Julie Smith of Arkansas; and one brother, Jack Hancock of Milford.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Roy Redburn; and an infant sister, Amanda Hancock.

Mr. Hancock had worked as an interier decorator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and working.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford, IL.

Donna B. Liebenow, 90, Watseka

Donna B. Liebenow, 90, resident of Iroquois Memorial Residence Home, formerly of Sheldon, died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010.

She was born Dec. 23, 1919 in Watseka, the daughter of William and Minnie (Wielert) Kane. She attended schools in Sheldon and Watseka, graduating from Watseka High School. She attended beauty school in Kankakee. She married Harold Liebenow on June 28, 1941 in Kahoka, MO. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters.

After raising her own children, Mrs. Liebenow ran a daycare in her home in the 1970’s and the 1980’s. Her love of children was matched by her love of gardening. Both bloomed under her care.

She was a member of the Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Sheldon United Church.

Preceding her in death were her husband Harold and sons Dave and Steve. She is survived by her daughters, D’Ann (Bill) Hamm of St. Charles and Carol (Darrell) Schaubert of Watseka; a daughter-in-law, Kay Liebenow of Towanda; six grandchildren, one step-grandchild and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will run for two hours prior to the the 11 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon. Gary Milton will officiate. Interment will be in Sheldon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospital and Resident Home Auxiliary.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Lucille Stenson, 89, Savoy, IL

Lucille (Ryberg) Stenson, age 89, formerly of Savoy and Paxton, IL passed away on Jan. 9, 2010 at 8:15 a.m. at Illini Heritage Nursing Home in Champaign, IL. She was born to John P. and Laura (Sandquist) Ryberg on March 12, 1920 in Paxton, IL. She married Olav Stenson on June 23, 1946 in Paxton, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, Gordon, and her husband. She leaves behind a brother, John L. Ryberg of Paxton, IL; also three nieces, Carol (Bob) Nofftz of Savoy, IL, Cheryl (Ken) Mennenga of Paxton, IL and Barbara (Paul) Taylor of Ridgeville, SC; two great-nephews, Les (Amy) Mennenga of Forest, VA and Brad (Beth) Mennenga of Champaign, IL; and a great-great-niece, Taylor Mennenga of Forest, VA.

Lucille graduated from Paxton High School. She was a retired secretary for the Ford County Circuit Clerk.

Lucille belonged to the First Lutheran Church of Paxton for most of her life and served on serveral different church committees. She was a member of the Alters Guild at the Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed boating, swimming, fishing, golfing, camping, bowling and taking trips.  Contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Paxton.

A memorial service will be held at the First Lutheran Church, College Street, in Paxton on Jan. 16, 2010 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Barbara Busboom officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Private burial will be at a later date in Glen Cemetery in Paxton.

Arrangements by Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Bernice M. Hagan, 86, Kentland, IN

Bernice M. Hagan, 86, of Kentland, IN, formerly of Sheldon, IL passed away on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Visitation will run from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11 at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon and for 1 hour prior to the 11 a.m. service on Tuesday, Jan. 12, also at the funeral home. Pastor Ken Marsh will officiate. Burial will be at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, IL.

Mrs. Hagan was born Feb. 7, 1923 in Brook, IN, a daughter of Gray and Sadie Breese Cole. She married Albert A. Hagan on April 27, 1941 in Lafayette, IN. He preceded her in death on June 1, 1983.

Survivors of Mrs. Hagan include two daughters, Betty Long of Sheldon and Mary Jo Hagan of Crown Point, IN; one grandson, Ryan Patrick Long and his fiancee, Catherine Cooke, of Indianapolis, IN; two sisters-in-law, Donna Cole of Brook, IN and Ellen Hagan of California; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Robert Cole; and two sisters, Mary Ownbey and Janice Laird (her twin sister).

Mrs. Hagan was a homemaker. She was a member of the Sheldon Church of Christ and Kentland American Legion Auxilary. She loved to play cards.

Memorials may be made to Donor’s Choice.

Charles A. Clawson, 84, Watseka, IL

Charles A. Clawson, 84, of Watseka, IL passed away on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 at Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman, IL.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12. The Rev. Joe Dapelo will officiate. Burial will be at G.A.R. Cemetery in Watseka.

Mr. Clawson was born Nov. 4, 1925 in McEwen, TN, a son of Allen and Esther Spring Clawson. He married Norma Pardy on March 30, 1957 in Watseka and she survives.

Other survivors of Mr. Clawson include one daughter, Deana Clawson of Watseka; one sister, Eloise Gray of Watseka; one sister-in-law, Vivian Pardy, of Watseka; one grandson, Garrett White of Watseka; and serveral nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mr. Clawson in death were his parents; one sister, Rita Raymond; and one son, Danny Clawson.

Mr. Clawson served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka and the Watseka V.F.W. He retired from Iroquois Paving Corp. after 30 years of service. He enjoyed coin collecting and antiques.

Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or Donor’s Choice.

Ruth M. Clausen, 80, Chebanse, IL

Ruth M. Clausen passed away on Jan. 6, 2010 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL.

Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 10 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service on Monday, Jan. 11 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. The Rev. Kene Whybrew will officiate. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Mrs. Clausen was born Sept. 12, 1929 in Aurora, IL, a daughter of Arthur and Hattie Moeller Holldorf. She married Walter W. Clausen on June 1, 1957 in Aurora, IL. He preceded her in death on Jan. 21, 2002.

Survivors of Mrs. Clausen include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Kenneth Clausen of Chebanse and Jim and Christine Clausen of Geneva, IL and two grandchildren, Caity and Tanner Clausen.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.

Mrs. Clausen had been an elementary teacher. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse, the Ladies Aid Society and  Senior Citizens of Kankakee. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, traveling with her senior citizen companions and playing cards.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.

Edna E. Prather, 94, Clifton, IL

Edna E. Prather, 94, of Clifton, IL passed away on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 at the Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman, IL.

Visitation will run from 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6 until the 2 p.m. service at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. The Rev. Steve Hartman will officiate. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Mrs. Prather was born May 21, 1915 in Topeka, KS, a daughter of James and Myrtle Lavina Roberts. She married Orville Prather on Aug. 16, 1948 in Marion, IN. He preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 1998.

Survivors of Mrs. Prather include one daughter-in-law, Jeanette Fate of Clifton; four grandchildren, Juanette and Gary Hemp of Ashkum, Judy and Richard Howell and Joanne Meents of Bourbonnais, and Jimmie F. and Mary Fate of Clifton; seven great-grandchildren; thirteen great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; one sister; and one son, Jimmie.

Mrs. Prather was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ashkum and the Chebanse Order of the Eastern Star.

Memorials may be made to Family’s Wishes.

Shirley A. Savoree, 74, Chicago, IL

Shirley A. Savoree, 74, of Chicago, IL, formerly of Watseka, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL.

Visitation will run from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and from 9 a.m. on Wed. , Jan. 6 until the 10 a.m. service, also at the funeral home. Pastor Claude Mariottini will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Mrs. Savoree was born July 29, 1935 in Petersburg, IL, a daughter of Marshall and Irene Gum McGary. She married Joseph O. Savoree on May 1, 1952 in Watseka. He preceded her in death on July 21. 1997.

Survivors of Mrs. Savoree include four daughters and two sons-in-law, Brenda and Andrew Ramirez, Debra Muniz, and Marsha Savoree, all of Chicago and Janice and Rick Jessie of Sheldon; two sisters, Carol Wessels of Woodland and Sheila Corke of Watseka; one brother, Bennett Willis of Watseka; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert and Bill McGary; and one son, Ronald Savoree.

Mrs. Savoree was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Chicago. She enjoyed needle-pointing, music and dancing.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Ruth E. Sheldon, 83, Clifton, IL

Ruth E. Sheldon, 83, of Clifton, IL passed away on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010 at the Gilman Nursing Center in Gilman, IL.

Cremation rites were accorded with burial at the Clifton Cemetery in Clifton, IL.

Mrs. Sheldon was born January 7, 1926 in Hidalgo, IL, a daughter of Elza and Emma Lytle Goldsby. She married Charles E. Sheldon on July 16, 1950 in Gilman. He preceded her in death on Dec. 22, 2002.

Survivors of Mrs. Sheldon include one sister, Bethel Murray of Danforth, IL; and three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Earl Goldsby of San Diego, CA, Gene and Ruth Goldsby and Charles and Mary Ann Goldsby all of Gilman.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Sheldon had been a seamstress in a furniture factory.

Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton was in charge of arrangements.

Louise Drayer Manz, 93, Cissna Park, IL

Louise Drayer Manz, age 93, of Cissna Park, passed away at 11:40 pm, Jan. 2, 2010 at her daughter’s home in Princeville, IL. She was born on April 18, 1916 near Cissna Park, IL., a daughter of William and Lizzie Neukomm Farney. Louise married Samuel Drayer Sr. in Watseka on April 15, 1936 and he preceded her in death on Sept. 27, 1972. She later married Emanuel Manz in Cissna Park in July 1975 and he preceded her in death on May 6, 1997.

Survivors include three sons & daughters-in-law, Bill and Judie Drayer of Cissna Park, Samuel and Anne Drayer Jr. of Rankin, and Wayne and Gloria Drayer of Fairbury; four daughters & sons-in-law, Helen and Elmer Burgett of Goodwine, Edna Martin of Princeville, Velma and Wayne Ekhoff of Crescent City, and Mabel and Phil Evans of White, GA; son-in-law, Randall Verkler of Cissna Park; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Clara Bodager and Lucille and Frank Baker all of Jeromesville, OH, Martha Farney of East Lynn and Marjorie and Frederick Knapp of Congerville; two step-sons, Ron and Merrie Beth Manz of Union, MO and Paul and Sandra Manz of Paulding, OH; three step-daughters, Vergina Manz and Viola Manz both of Paulding, OH, Helen and Pete Hurd of Haviland, OH. Also surviving are forty-five grandchildren, seventy great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Louise was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; seven sisters; one daughter, Diane Verkler; one great-grandson, Trey Luecke and one step-great-grandson.

She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park and she enjoyed quilting, baking and playing Yahtzee.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wed., Jan. 6, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park with the ministers of the church officiating. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park. Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church or Methodist Hospice.