Adeline M. Nottke, 81, Clifton, IL

Adeline M. Nottke, 81, of Clifton passed away on Friday, January 28, 2011 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Adeline was born January 17, 1930 in Kankakee, a daughter of Charles and Violet Burling Brinkman.  She married William H. Nottke on February 11, 1950 in Kankakee and he survives.

Survivors also include one daughter, Cynthia Cailteux of Clifton; two sons, William (Lora) Nottke Jr. of Sunset Hills and Alan (Pam) Nottke of Bourbonnais; eight grandchildren, Leslie (Mike) Simmons, Chad (Sue) Cailteux, Troy (Jamie) Cailteux, Crystal Mueller, Ashley (Luke) Wilson, Brandt Nottke, Daniel Nottke and Alicia Nottke; seven great-grandchildren, Drew Simmons, Kate Cailteux, Pierce Cailteux, Kira Cailteux, Addison Cailteux, Benne H. Mueller and William Wilson; and one brother, Charles (Carolyn) Brinkman of Bonfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Elmer Brinkman.

Mrs. Nottke was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Kankakee for 70 years, the Quadrille Club, the Emblem Club of Elks and the No Fuss No Muss Club.  She enjoyed flower gardening, traveling, playing cards and being with her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Kankakee.  Rev. Steve Goodin will officiate.  Burial will be in Mound Grove Gardens in Kankakee.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to the Asbury United Methodist Church in Kankakee.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Howard Swan, 80, Onarga, IL

Howard Swan, 80, of Onarga passed away on Friday, January 28, 2011 at his home.

Howard was born April 26, 1930, in Blue Island, a son of Howard M. and Ernestine A. Bisson Swan.  He married Marise A. Anderson on April 7, 1955 in Lexington, KY and she preceded him in death on November 29, 1998.

Surviving are one son, James (Gina) Swan of Westchester; two daughters, Terry Swan of Crystal Lake and Laura Swan of Onarga; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one daughter, Cate Swan.

Mr. Swan served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Onarga VFW.  Howard had been employed by the State of Illinois Department of Transportation for many years and later worked for the Village of Onarga for 14 years.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 4, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.  Joe Hughes will officiate.  Burial will be in the Onarga Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Onarga American Legion Post #551.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Samuel C. “Sam” Adsit, 81, Wellington, IL

Samuel C. “Sam” Adsit, 81, of Wellington passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Faith Place in Danforth, IL.

Sam was born June 10, 1929, in Wellington, a son of Wendell and Viola Briggs Adsit.  He married Cathyleen “Kate” Gray on March 18, 1950 in Milford and she preceded him in death on December 20, 2010.

Surviving are three sons, Edward (Dawn) Adsit of Berthoud, CO, Nicholas (Roxanne) Adsit of Wellington and Stephen (Rhonda) Adsit of Veedersburg, IN; seven grandchildren, Nathaniel Adsit and Alison Adsit both of Berthoud, CO, Benjamin (Amanda Tyler) Adsit of Fort Collins, CO, Tyler (Jami) Adsit of Wellington, Rachel (Aaron) Morgan of Miamisburg, OH, Beth (Christopher) Burchett of Rockville, MD and Amos (Ashlie Ziegler) Adsit of Lafayette, IN; four great-grandchildren, MaKena, Lydia and Clara Morgan all of Miamisburg, OH and Camren Burchett of Rockville, MD; one sister, Arsene Adsit Burton of Hannibal, MO; one brother-in-law, Vernon Sidler of Bella Vista, AR and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Janis Adsit Sidler in 1977; one brother-in-law, Dr. Dale Burton in 1992 and one nephew, Rodney Burton in 2007.

Mr. Adsit was a member of the Wellington United Methodist Church, Wellington Lions Club and Unit 7 Wellington School Board.  Sam farmed in the Wellington area, was co-owner of Wellington Fertilizer, sold Metropolitan Life Insurance and Pioneer Hybred Seed, was owner of Adsit CB Sales  and Adsit Stamp and Coins in Wellington.  He also had his realtor license.  Sam enjoyed fishing, golfing, going to the horse and dog tracks and collecting stamps and coins.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at the Wellington United Methodist Church.  Rev. Janet Eggleston will officiate.  Burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopston.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Friends wishing to honor Sam’s memory with a charitable contribution are asked to consider Wellington-Greer Fire Department, Faith Place at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth or Wellington Lions Club.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Rosalie Ann Mabbitt, 81, Urbana

Rosalie Ann Mabbitt, 81, of Urbana, IL, formerly of Sheldon, IL passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011 at Manorcare Health Services in Champaign.

Visitation will run from 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, until the 11 a.m. service at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon. Rev. Paul Copeland will officiate.  Burial will be at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Rosalie was born Aug. 31, 1929 in Watseka, a daughter of John and Lena Meyer Meents. She married Maxwell “Pete” K. Mabbitt Jr. in Oct. 1947 in Sheldon and he preceded her in death in March 1971. Rosalie had been a bookkeeper.

Survivors include three sons, Michael (Linda) Mabbitt of Rochester, MN, David (Penny) Mabbitt of Houston, TX and Roger (Sally) Mabbitt of Glendale Heights, IL; one sister, Henrietta Rice of Elkhart, IN; one brother, Terry Meents of Washington, IN; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials may be made to NAMI or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Geneva C. Driskell, 88, Kankakee, IL

Geneva C. Driskell, 88, of Kankakee passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Manorcare of Kankakee.

Geneva was born July 31, 1922, in Advance, MO, a daughter of Charles and Anna Wright Killian.  She married Robert A. Driskell on September 5, 1942 in Rolla, MO.  He preceded her in death on November 18, 1975.

Surviving are five daughters, Carol (Gary) Casper of Newport Richey, FL, Janet (Ray) Bertsch of Chebanse, JoAnn Driskell of Clifton, Linda Driskell of Danforth and Pamela (Clark) Childress of Cullom; one brother, Olan (Wilda) Killian of Lancaster, CA; nine grandchildren, Kelly, Jody, Mike, Kasie, Erin, Joe, Josh, Amanda and Shanna and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, one son and one grandson.

Mrs. Driskell was a member of the Ashkum United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Deacon Ron Gagnon will officiate.  Burial will be in the Clifton Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Hospice.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Delmar Dippel, 87, Buckley, IL

Delmar Dippel, 87, of Buckley, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City.

Delmar was born July 1, 1923, in Buckley, a son of Frank and Esther Hilgendorf Dippel.  He married Joseleen Lustfeld on March 12, 1949 in Buckley.  She preceded him in death on July 4, 1997.

Surviving are one son, Dwain (Chris) Dippel of Buckley; one daughter, June (Bob) Bane of Paxton; one sister, Arliss (Ken) Dettmering of Buckley; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Glen Dippel and one daughter, Shirley Ehrlich.

Mr. Dippel was a member of and elder at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buckley and a school board member for St. John’s Lutheran School in Buckley.  Delmar served in the U.S. Army and was a farmer.  He enjoyed square dancing and dart ball.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buckley.  Rev. Dr. Daniel Olson will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Buckley with military graveside rites by the Buckley American Legion.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or School in Buckley or No Kill Shelter For Animals.

Arrangements by Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Lenore B. Dieter, 69, Clifton, IL

Lenore B. Dieter, 69, of Clifton passed away on Friday, January 21, 2011 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Lenore was born July 24, 1941, in Rochester, NY, a daughter of Paul and Maxine Wells Brule.  She married Robert F. Dieter on May 18, 1963 in Kankakee and he survives.

Survivors also include her mother, Maxine Brule of Kankakee; three daughters, Susan (Christopher) Gregory of Shorewood, Kathy Kinka of Winnebago and Joan (Tom) Klonowski of Bourbonnais; one son, James Dieter of Kankakee; one sister, Bonnie (Jim) Kundert of Ft. Atkinson, WI; and five grandchildren, Luke, Karla, Danielle, Dylan and Skylar.

She was preceded in death by her father, one brother, Terry and one sister, Cheryl.

Mrs. Dieter was a registered nurse for many years.  She enjoyed gardening, baking, reading, canning and spending time with her family.  The family would like to thank the staff of Riverside Medical Center 5 ICU for their excellent care.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Fr. Dan Balanger will officiate.  Private graveside services will be held at a later date at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Clifton.

Visitation will be from 4:30-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Nellie Wolfe Disosway, 88, Indianapolis, IN

Nellie Wolfe Disosway, 88, Indianapolis, passed away on January 19, 2011.  She was born April 11, 1922 in Stockland, Illinois to Fannie M. Wolfe and Floyd P. Wolfe.  

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Fred C. Disosway, whom she wed in Palmyra, Missouri on March 22, 1941.   Other family members who have previously passed include her mother, Fannie M. Wolfe, father, Floyd P. Wolfe, sister, Mae Stichnoth, brother-in-law, Arthur Stichnoth, brother, Leslie Wolfe, sister-in-law, Marjorie Wolfe and son-in-law, Douglas W. Conrad. She is survived by her daughter, Janice K. Conrad, and granddaughter, Kimberly L. Conrad, both of Indianapolis.

 Nellie filled her life with love of family, friends and community.  A product of rural Illinois farm life, she graduated Stockland High School in 1940.  Her kind, compassionate heart was conveyed as a professional care-giver in Illinois at the Happy Siesta Nursing Home in Sheldon and the Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.  In addition, she provided loving care and support of many close family members in their later years including her mother, father, brother, sister-in law, mother-in-law and husband.  

 A vital and active woman, she displayed her love of life indoors and out.  In her prime, Nellie routinely mowed and hauled grain on the two farms she and her husband owned in Sheldon, Illinois. That routine of hard work and simple farm living conditioned her as an early–riser. She invested much of that time in the pursuit of her deeply cherished faith, and in the company of a multitude of friends drawn from all ages and walks of life.  

The ability to laugh, smile and inspire the same in others was a hallmark of Nellie’s full life. Rarely seen in public without a hat, her personal fashion signature, she was equally well-known around Indianapolis as “Miss Nellie” or simply “The Hat Lady”.  Either way, her positive and uplifting presence was inescapable to those who encountered her. 

She channeled her boundless energy and community pride into a long list of civic and social institutions including the Speedway Christian Church , Indianapolis;  American Legion Auxiliary,  Sheldon, Illinois; Daughters of the American Revolution, Watseka, Illinois chapter;  Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Watseka, Illinois;  Senior Spirit at Westview Hospital, Indianapolis;  Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Flying Farmers.

 A private funeral service was held on January 21, 2011 at Conkle Funeral Home in Speedway, Indiana.  Nellie will be buried at Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, Illinois at a later date to be announced.

 Memorial contributions  in memory of Nellie can be sent to:  Speedway Christian Church, Renovation Fund, 5110 W. 14th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224

Local arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Please sign the online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Glenn R. Smith, 68, Watseka, IL

Glenn R. Smith, 68, of Watseka passed away Friday, January 21, 2011 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Glenn was born August 21, 1942 in Medaryville, IN, a son of Paul E. and Hazel Savoree Smith.  He married Lorraine Bourguinon on July 1, 1962 in Elmhurst, NY and she survives.

Survivors also include two daughters, Sandy (Don) Hamende of Watseka and Donna Smith of Bourbonnais; one son, Stephen Smith of Channahon; two sisters, Joan (Riley) Burns of Silver Lake, OR and Barbara (Gary) Leveque of Sandwich; six grandchildren, Levi (Shallen) Sowers of Watseka, Stephanie Sowers of Crescent City, Andrew (Dionne) Smith of Milwaukee, WI, Mark (Jessica) Smith of Minooka, Jacob Smith of Channahon and Trent Hamende of Watseka; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Paul K. and Marion “Mike” Smith.

Mr. Smith was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka and Watseka Elks.  He had been the Controller at Iroquois Memorial Hospital for 40 years retiring in 2007.  He really enjoyed sports and was a member of the 1955 Watseka Little League team that went to Wrigley Field in Chicago.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 24, 2011 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Rev. Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Martinton.

Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 23 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with a Rosary being held at 7:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Larry Dean Harms, 65, Belmont, OH

Larry Dean Harms, 65, of Belmont, OH passed away Jan. 18, 2011 at his home. He was born the son of Edward and Jennie (Bruns) Harms on March 9, 1945 in Kankakee, IL.

Surviving is one son, Jason Harms of New Baden, IL; three daughters, Mindy (John) Harms-Coleman of O’Fallon, IL, Lori (Oscar) Ortiz of Miami, FL and Kendra Harms-Aurella of Miami, FL; one sister, Dorothy Eshleman of Ashkum; two brothers, Ed (Marilyn) Harms of Ashkum and Richard (Wendy) Harms of Roberts. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Melvin Harms; and one sister, Ruth Harms.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Pastor Bart Koester will officiate. Burial will be held at the Ashkum Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.

Please sign the guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michael L. Laird, 63, Watseka, IL

Michael L. Laird, 63, of Watseka, IL passed away on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Visitation will run from 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 until the 2 p.m. service at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Chris Lentz and Joe Hughes will officiate.  Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Mr. Laird was born June 4, 1947 in Watseka, a son of Lloyd R. and Marjorie M. Stanley Laird. He married Michele Joyce on April 10, 1973 in Kankakee.

Survivors include two daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Depatis and Jessica Laird (Jeffrey Norris) all of Watseka; three sons, Patrick (Stacy) Laird, Christopher Laird and Benjamin Laird (Danelle Raymer) all of Watseka; two sisters, Lynnann (Richard) Wethington of Coral Gables, FL and Louann (James) Bockman of Aurora; sixteen grandchildren, Tasha and Mercedes Laird, Taylor Miller, Kaite Miller, Skyler Miller, Caitlyn Laird, Claudia Houseman, Dalton and Morgan Depatis, Austin Baker, Jackson Norris, Erik and Isaac Raymer, Emma Donaldson, Aleah Raymer and Ian Laird; and one great-grandchild, Jordan Kraay.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jeffrey Laird; and one son-in-law, Joe Baker.

Mr. Laird served in the US Marine Reserves from 1970-1971. He was a member of the Laborers Union, Ducks Unlimited and the Watseka Elks. He was a 1965 graduate of Watseka Community High School and was a 1969 graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. While at DePauw he was a member of their golf team. He loved playing golf as well as teaching golf. He was a professional golfer for six years.

Memorials may be made to Family Wishes.

Please sign the on-line guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Coleen Ann Blain, 71, Martinton, IL

Coleen Ann Blain, 71, of Martinton passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at her home.

Coleen was born April 9, 1939, in Kankakee, a daughter of Elmer and Bernice Finegan Strahl.  She married Robert “Bob” Blain on August 12, 1961 in Kankakee and he survives.

Survivors also include two daughters, Michelle (Jim) McCabe of Utica and Melody (Reece) Dewell of West Lafayette, IN; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Blain was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Clifton, SW Cook County Special Education Coop, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Iroquois County Retired Teachers Association and Kankakee Farmers’ Market Vendor Family.  She was a Special Education Teacher and enjoyed sewing.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Clifton.  Fr. Vern Arseneau will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with a Rosary to be held at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Martinton Ambulance Service or Hospice of Kankakee Valley.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Barbara Redeker, 78, Milford, IL

Barbara Redeker, 78, of Milford passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center.

Barbara was born May 25, 1932, in Newton County, IN, a daughter of James B. and Mabel Robb Fleming.  She married Marvin Redeker on December 17, 1954 in Woodworth.  He preceded her in death on November 28, 1988.

Surviving are one daughter, Lisa (Mike) McCann of Milford; one son, Kevin Redeker of Melvin; five grandchildren, Amber Estes, Emily Longest, Hope Longest, Abby Redeker and Cameron Redeker; and one sister, JoAnn Blanck.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, David and Bruce Redeker; and one grandson, Josh Longest.

Mrs. Redeker was a member of the Milford Christian Church and enjoyed cooking, knitting and baking.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at the Milford Christian Church.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Woodworth.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to The Ronald McDonald House in Indianapolis, IN.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Elnore M. Collins, 97, Watseka, IL

Elnore M. Collins, 97, of Watseka passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Elnore was born May 16, 1913, in Donovan, a daughter of Ray and Golda Hurst Foster.  She married Charles T. Collins on December 20, 1939 in Kentland, IN and he preceded her in death on December 25, 1996.

Surviving are one brother, Glen Foster of Bradley and two sisters, Marie Elliott of Watseka and Beverley Hansen of West Lebanon, IN.

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

Mrs. Collins was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Watseka.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, January 21, 2011 at Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.  Rev. Paul Copeland will officiate.

Arrangements by Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Wayne Utke, 59, Milford, IL

Wayne Douglas Utke, 59, of Milford passed away Saturday, January 8, 2011 at his daughter’s home in Goodwine.

Wayne was born January 4, 1952, in La Crosse, WI, a son of Raymond and Mary Lorraine Wheeler Utke.  He was married to Bonnie Malz.  He later married Charmaine Ann Nicholson Grant on November 7, 1994 in Hoopeston and she survives.

Survivors also include his mother, Mary, from Minnesota; eight children, Jeannie (Keith) Young of Rankin, Tricia Shannon of Minnesota, Beth Utke of California, Brian (Noella) Utke of Chicago, Stephennie Sawyer of Yorkville, Robert W. (Laurie) Grant of Schaumburg, Rebecca (Adam) Vice of Goodwine and Christopher (Beth) Utke of Milford; one brother, Steven (Sonja) Utke of Colorado; one sister, Sandra (Jeff) Frohock of Minnesota; his mother-in-law, Marcella Nicholson of Joliet; and 20 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Utke served in the US Navy. He was a police officer for over 25 years, then he was a police officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Woodworth and Iroquois Law Enforcement Association.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Woodworth.  Rev. Benjamin Meyer will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Woodworth with military graveside rites by Milford American Legion Post #723, Watseka American Legion Post #23, Iroquois County VFW Post #7450, Cissna Park American Legion Post #527 and Great Lakes Honor Guard.

Visitation will be 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 14, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Woodworth.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Geraldine Conrad, 82, Ashkum, IL

Geraldine “Gerry” Conrad, 82, of Ashkum passed away on Friday, January 7, 2011 at Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton.

Gerry was born April 17, 1928, in Campus, a daughter of Allie and Josie Flynn Weller.  She married Everett H. Conrad on August 9, 1952 in Ashkum and he preceded her in death on March 9, 2001.

Surviving are two sons, Dennis (Cindy) Conrad of Euless, TX and Steve (Bobbie) Conrad of Ashkum; one daughter, Kathy (Garry) Lanoue of Martinton; one brother, Leo (Rita) Weller of Cullom; two sisters, Marjorie (Mike) Deany of Franklin Park and Rita Deany of Herscher; five grandchildren, Melinda (Ryan) Busby of Paxton, Laura Lanoue (Mike Neeland) of Ashkum, Brent (Christi) Lanoue of Springfield, David (Karen) Conrad of Austin, TX and Brian Conrad of Euless, TX; three step-grandchildren, Denise Nicholson of St. Anne, Bobbie (Jeff) Adams of Cissna Park and Jeff (Diane) Reves of Murfreesboro, TN; four great-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Paul Weller.

Mrs. Conrad was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum, as well as their C.C.W. and of Women of the Moose in Bradley.  She had worked at Ashkum Fertilizer, Occidental Fertilizer, as a cashier at Diekens Superway in Danforth & Ashkum and later at Shovens Foodmart.  Gerry also worked as an Election Judge in Ashkum for over 50 years.  She enjoyed volunteering and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan .

A funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum.  Rev. James Holup will officiate.  Burial will be in the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and 1 hour prior to the service on Wednesday also at the funeral home.  There will be a 4:00 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association, Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton or for Masses.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Anthony “Tony” Denoyer, 53, Rantoul, IL

Anthony “Tony” Denoyer, 53, of Rantoul passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Tony was born June 25, 1957, in Kankakee, a son of Harold and Shirley Ponton Denoyer.  He married Stephanie Baker on February 17, 1991 in Lakewood, CO and she survives.

Survivors also include four sons, Shawn Denoyer of Denver, CO, Anthony Weber of Sheldon, Jason Genson of Denver, CO and Jim Zimmermann of New Orleans, LA; one daughter, Samantha Bjork of Las Vegas, NV; his mother, Shirley Denoyer of Paxton; six brothers, Joseph (Elizabeth) Denoyer of Kansas, Jeffrey (Monica) Denoyer of Watseka, Robert (Misty) Denoyer of Paxton, Timothy Denoyer (Keith Smith) of Champaign, Russell (Barbie) Denoyer of Watseka and Joshua (Amy) Denoyer of Sheldon; one sister, Christina (Alec) Anderson of Rantoul; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; two nephews, Shane Matthew and Dalton Lee; and a special uncle, Russell Ponton.

Tony grew up in St. Anne and moved to Colorado in 1983 where he lived until 2010.  He enjoyed watching movies with his wife , spending time with his family, cooking and grilling.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Rev. Vern Arseneau will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable. 

Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2011 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Family Wishes.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Geraldine O’Donnell, 96, Crescent City, IL

Geraldine O’Donnell, 96, of Crescent City passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton.

Geraldine was born April 9, 1914 in Bradley, a daughter of Tom Z. and Mable Wertz Jones.  She married Ed O’Donnell on June 11, 1938 in Kankakee.  He preceded her in death on March 20, 1975.

Surviving are one brother, Tom Jones of Crescent City and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Julia Hoskins, Lois Linden and Barbara Chace.

Mrs. O’Donnell was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crescent City and D.A.R.  She farmed with her husband all of her life.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Martinton.  Rev. James Holup will officiate. 

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Shirley Mae Crane, 83, Clifton, IL

Shirley Mae Crane, 83, of Clifton passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton. She was born the daughter of J.J. & Freida Schreiffer Post on December 24, 1927 in Watseka. On April 23, 1950 she married Arthur E. Crane in Kankakee. He passed away February 20, 2004.

Survivors include one daughter, Joyce (Bruce) Hamende of Corpus Christi, Texas; one son, James (Beth) Crane of Clifton and one brother, David Post of Kankakee; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 daughters; Carol & Barbara, and one grandson.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 8, 2010 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton with a one hour prior visitation. Rev. William Callister will be officiating. Burial will be in Clifton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home.

Please sign the guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Wayne R. Bruniga, 90, Crescent City, IL

Wayne R. Bruniga, 90, of Crescent City, IL passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, IL.

Visitation will run from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7 at Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service on Saturday, Jan. 8, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City. Rev. Joel Brown will officiate. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Mr. Bruniga was born May 10, 1920 in Crescent City, a son of Richard and Laura Henning Bruniga. He married Margaret Ewerks on Aug. 24, 1942 in New Orleans, LA and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Robert (Sheila) Bruniga of South Bend, IN and Craig (Linda) Bruniga of Sheldon; three sisters, Doris Gocken and Mary Seefeldt both of Crescent City and Jean Green of Kankakee; one granddaughter, Andrea (Jeremy) Yates of Yorktown, VA; one grandson, Aaron Bruniga of Sheldon; and three great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Zachary and Austin Yates.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gaylord Bruniga and one sister, Ruth Hanford.

Mr. Bruniga served in the US Army during World War II. He was retired from Uarco. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City where he was an usher, a member of their Sunday School staff and Men of Mission. He was a member of the American Legion for 60 years, a charter member of the V.F.W., the Uarco Retirees Club and was a charter member of the Crescent-Iroquois Fire Department and served for over 50 years. He was also Past President of the Eastern Illinois Mutual Aid, a Trustee of Iroquois Township and Ringmaster at the Iroquois County Fair. He enjoyed draft horses and playing cards.

Memorials may be made to Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth, IL, the ARC of Iroquois County or the Iroquois County Volunteer Ramp Builders.

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Harry F. Beebe, 82, Clewiston, FL

Harry F. Beebe, 82, of Clewiston FL passed away on Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 in Clewiston.

Mr. Beebe was born May 7, 1928 in St. Charles, IL, a son of Alonzo and Florence Hills Beebe. He served in the US Marine Corps during World War II and also during the Korean Conflict. He married Mary C. Pampel and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Brad Beebe of Naples, FL and Chris Beebe of Rockford, IL; one daughter, Brenda Erwin of Rockford, IL; one brother, Harold Beebe of Clewiston, FL; two step-sons, Steve Walker of Kingsland, GA and Dan Walker of Mount Juliet, TN; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. Rev. Tom McCann will officiate. Military graveside rites will be provided by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Arrangement by Segur-Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

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Jane W. Brown, 75, Milford, IL

Jane W. Brown, 75, of Milford passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Jane was born September 18, 1935, in Watseka, a daughter of John and Gwladys Jones Adams.  She married Donald Cluver in Milford and he preceded her in death on December 12, 1956.  She later married Jesse Brown in Kankakee and he preceded her in death on December 12, 1987.

Surviving are one granddaughter, Jessica Patterson of Milford; one great-granddaughter, Kylie Lynn Maples of Hoopeston; special friend, Pam Allison of Milford; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, five sisters and one daughter, Diana Patterson.

Mrs. Brown was a member of the Milford Christian Church.  She had worked at Howard Industries and had been a waitress at the Elbow Room and the Farmers Cafe both in Milford.

Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2011 at the Milford Christian Church.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2011 at the Milford Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Milford Christian Church, Milford Ambulance Service or Kylie’s Education Fund.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

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