Shelton Rylan Fowler, 8 mos., Ambia, IN

Shelton Rylan Fowler, 8 months, of Ambia, IN passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at his home.

Shelton was born September 18, 2011 in Lafayette, IN, a son of Dustin Michael and Erica Lee Sutherland Fowler and they survive.

Other survivors include five brothers, Kory Trumble of Martinton, Klayton Trumble of Ambia, IN, Hunter Palm of Ambia, IN, Blake Fowler and Sladen Fowler both of Bradley; paternal grandmother, Paula Fowler of Watseka; maternal grandmother, Stacey Ward of Onarga; maternal grandparents, Michael and Tina Sutherland of Dix; and maternal great-grandmother, Wilma Walters of Onarga.

He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandfather.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Milford Christian Church. Rev. Gary Milton will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded after the services.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and for 1 hour prior to the services at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Shelton Rylan Fowler Memorial Fund.

Please sign the online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

 

Pearl Rothery, 93, Cissna Park, IL

Pearl Dewey Rothery, 93, of Cissna Park passed away on Monday, May 28, 2012 at the Hoopeston Community Memorial Nursing Home.

Pearl was born March 12, 1919 in Ash Grove Twp., a daughter of Robert and Myrtle Dewey Baker.  She married Thomas Rothery Jr. on May 27, 1939 in Kentucky and he survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Sandra Wyss of Cissna Park; one son, Bruce (Patty) Rothery of Danville; four grandchildren, Foti (Belinda) Burtzos, Demmie (Anthony) Williams, Tom (Tina) Burtzos and Danny Rothery; twelve great-grandchildren, Trevor (Natali) Burtzos, Alyssa Burtzos, Alexandra Burtzos, Andrew Burtzos, Chris Balignasay, Tylar Rothery, Kayla Rothery, Marissa Williams, Marcus Williams, Jordan Williams, Kristen Burtzos and Merideth Burtzos; one great-great-grandchild, Alana Balignasay; and one sister-in-law, Norma Jean Carter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Harold Baker, Homer Baker, Lee Baker and Clarence Baker; one sister, Roberta Baker; one grandson, Christopher Rothery; and two sons-in-law, Andrew Burtzos and Gerald Wyss.

Mrs. Rothery was a member of the Cissna Park United Methodist Church.  She was a cook at the Cissna Park High School for many years and also worked at her son’s jewelry store, Rothery Jewlers.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Cissna Park United Methodist Church.  Rev. Janet Longtin will officiate.  Burial will be in the Cissna Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Peace Meals.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Robert W. Shankland, 81, Milford, IL

Robert W. Shankland, 81, of Milford passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at the Danville VA Medical Center.

Robert was born June 9, 1930 in Milford the son of Leonard and Anna Pearl Cox Shankland.  He married Edith Louise Parker and she preceded him in death.

Surviving are two grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Robert Lee Shankland; and one daughter, Anna M. Brotherton.

Mr. Shankland served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.  In his younger days, he used to break horses and he owned and operated Bob’s Phillips 66 for many years.  Robert enjoyed guns and cars.

Cremation rites were accorded and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.  Burial of cremains will follow the service.

Memorials may be made to the Danville VA Medical Center.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Paul W. Bennett, 97, Thawville, IL

Paul W. Bennett, 97, of Thawville passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the Piper City Rehab & Living Center.

Paul was born April 3, 1915 in Kankakee, the son of Jay C. and Florence Simpson Bennett.  He married Violetta A. Crawford on February 15, 1939 in Paxton and she preceded him in death on September 6, 2005.

Surviving are one daughter, Sharon Bennett of Chicago; one son, Rodger Bennett of Thawville; one grandson, Jay (Beth) Bennett of Rantoul; and one great-granddaughter, Kinzie Violet Bennett.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Opal Black.

Mr. Bennett was a member of the Thawville United Methodist Church and a former member of the Ford-Iroquois Fire Protection District.  Paul worked at A.O. Smith in Kankakee and was a farmer in the Thawville area.  He graduated from high school in Raymond, NE in 1933 and enjoyed reading, fishing, traveling and old time radio.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2012 at the Thawville United Methodist Church.  Rev. Stanley Rapp will officiate.  Burial will be in the Ridgeland Twp. Cemetery in Thawville.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Piper City Rehab & Living Center or the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Marie E. Thompson, 92, Cissna Park, IL

Marie E. Thompson, 92, of Cissna Park passed away on Friday, May 18, 2012 at Heartland Health Care in Paxton. 

Marie was born on October 28, 1919 in Vermilion County, IL, a daughter of Thomas E. and Nelle Jane Rusk Williams.  She married George F. Thompson on January 10, 1943 in Little Rock, AR and he preceded her in death on November 12, 1977.

Surviving are one son, Donald (Sandy) Thompson of Cissna Park; one daughter, Kay (Tom) Wilken of Hoopeston; two sisters, Lorraine Dorman of Rankin and Doris Knapp of Cissna Park; two grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

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

Mrs. Thompson was a self-employed beautician for many years.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the 1:00 pm funeral service on Monday, May 21, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park with Rev. Janet Longtin officiating.  Burial will be in Cissna Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice, Cissna Park Fire Protection District, or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Verdell Middleton, 87, Crescent City, IL

Verdell Eugene Middleton, 87, of Crescent City passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Faith Place in Danforth.

Verdell was born February 17, 1925 in Pratt, MO, the son of John Henry and Teena Mae Shirrell Middleton.  He married Edda Janssen on September 6, 1980 in Crescent City and she preceded him in death on December 31, 2007.

Surviving are one son, Kevin (Carol) Middleton of Toledo, OH; one daughter, Sharon (David) Shafer of McHenry; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; and one grandchild.

Mr. Middleton served in the Navy during WWII.  He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City, Men in Mission, Thrivent and Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.  Verdell was the owner & operator of Middleton Mortuary Service in Arlington Heights, formerly owned Middleton Chapel in Onarga and had been employed at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  Rev. Pete Hinrich will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Tim E. Storm, 61, Milford, IL

Tim E. Storm, 61, of Milford passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at his home.

Tim was born August 30, 1950 in Watseka, a son of Robert and Ruth McCarty Storm.  He married Annette Heeren on June 25, 1972 at Schwer and she survives.

Other survivors include two daughters, Gretchen (Tim) Evans and Rachel (Josh) Funk all of Lafayette, IN; one son, Robert (Melissa) Storm of Milford; four brothers, Terry (Gail) Storm of Orangeville, Dean (Karen) Storm of Ashkum, and Dan (Chris) Storm and Scott (Nancy) Storm all of Donovan; his mother, Ruth Storm of Danforth; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Storm was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer, Gideons Bible International and Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association.  He was the owner & operator of Agri-Tech Service Inc. from 1978 until 2011.  His hobbies included antique tractors.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer.  Rev. Matt Steendahl will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer or Gideons Bible International.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Eileen Sisk, 92, Watseka, IL

Eileen Sisk, 92, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center.

Eileen was born December 14, 1919 in Chicago Heights, a daughter of Albert E. and Louise Austin Schmidt.  She married Ralph Sisk on August 9, 1938 in Portage, IN and he preceded her in death on December 8, 2004.

Surviving are one daughter, Penny Baatz of Watseka; one brother, Robert Schmidt of Florida; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; three sisters; and one son, Dale Sisk.

Cremation rites were accorded and a memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012 at the residence of Penny Baatz, 597 E. Grant St., Watseka, IL  60970.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

James P. Davis, 61, Milford, IL

James P. Davis, 61, of Milford passed away on Friday, May 11, 2012 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

James was born on February 12, 1951 in Milford, the son of James Lewis and Minnie Lee Williams Davis.  He married Barbara Beavers on February 14, 1970 in Lawton, OK and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Robert (Barb) Davis of Sheldon and Steve (Tina) Davis of Greenville, SC; one daughter, Jen (Levi) Solomon of Petersburg, IL; one adopted daughter, Holly (Nathan) McCann of Stanford, IL; one brother, John (Betty) Davis of Milford; one sister, Pam Moser of Milford; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his two parents.

Mr. Davis graduated from Milford High School class of 1969.  He also attended the University of Oklahoma at Lawton, OK.  Jim was a drill sergeant in the U.S. Army in the artillery division and trained individuals who were later going to Vietnam at Fort Sill Oklahoma.  Jim was a member of the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and farmed for many years.  He was co-owner of Robert Davis & Son Welding.  Also, Jim designed and owned Field Pup fuel trailers.  Jim was an avid Euchre player, as well as golfer.  He enjoyed old western movies, traveling, and the outdoors.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland with graveside military rites by American Legion Post #23 and VFW Post #7450. 

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. 

Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Andrew “Andy” Kellerhals, 59, Prophetstown, IL

Andrew “Andy” Kellerhals, 59, of Prophetstown, formerly of Milford, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in Chicago after a short battle with cancer.

Mr. Kellerhals was born November 15, 1952 in Danville, a son of Albert “Abe” and Mary Young Kellerhals.

Survivors include one son, Josh (Octavia) Kellerhals of Michigan; one brother, Al (Linda) Kellerhals of Milford; three sisters, Nancy (Tom) Bruch of Oglesby, Elizabeth St. John of Moyock, NC and Tricia (Vernon) Weber of Hermiston, OR; one grandson, Shaye Kellerhals; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.

Mr. Kellerhals was a former member of the Milford Christian Church. He was a laborer at several places until his diving accident in 1980 that left him a paraplegic. He lived at Winning Wheels in Prophetstown since 1981.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate. Burial will be at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL.

Visitation will run from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to Winning Wheels in Prophetstown or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Dean Rouch, 85, Martinton, IL

Dean Berwyn Rouch, 85, of Martinton passed away on Friday, May 4, 2012 at Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton.

Dean was born April 14, 1927 in Jacksonville, FL, the son of Spiridon Mayraganis and Gladys Rouch.  He married Lucille Amburn on November 25, 1964 in Joliet and she preceded him in death on January 24, 2011.

Surviving are one daughter, Susan Riley of Martinton and two grandchildren, Tina Porter of California and Cheyanne Riley of Martinton.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; one son; and one daughter.

Dean served in the Army during WWII.  He was a truck driver for Texaco in Lockport for 40 years.

Cremation rites will be accorded and there will be no services.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ividelle T. Bowers, 90, Kankakee, IL

Funeral services for Ividelle T. “Ivy” Bowers of Kankakee will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2012 at the American Lutheran Church in Bourbonnais.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. Friday until the time of the services at the church.  Rev. Jill Flynn will officiate.  Burial will be in the Danforth Cemetery.  Mrs. Bowers died on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at ManorCare of Kankakee.

Mrs. Bowers was born on October 26, 1921 in Ashkum, the daughter of Ekke and Gerandena Zimmering DeVries.  She married Sidney L. “Red” Bowers on May 20, 1944 in Ashkum and he survives in Kankakee.

Also surviving are two nephews, Keith Bowers of Limestone and Dennis DeVries of New Jersey; one niece, Barbara DeVries of the Gibson City area; one great-niece, Jeanette Fritz of Iowa; very special friends, Bud and Mary Lou Bates and family; and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter.

Mrs. Bowers belonged to the American Lutheran Church in Bourbonnais and the Women of the Moose.  She was an avid Cubs fan.  Ivy was a former employee of Bear Brand Hosiery for 23 years.  She had also cooked at the former Kankakee Hotel and at Taft School.

Memorials may be made to the American Lutheran Church in Bourbonnais.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Wendell Janssen, 74, Milford, IL

Wendell Janssen, 74, of Milford passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center.

Wendell was born on July 15, 1937 in Watseka, the son of Hiram and Hazel DeMik Janssen.  He married Patricia Behrens on June 14, 1964 at Ash Grove and she survives.

Other survivors include two daughters, Lisa (Bryan) Garra of Lynchburg, VA and Rebecca Clark (Jeff Bridge) of Earl Park, IN; one son, Bill (Misti) Janssen of Milford; and four grandchildren, Levi Wheeldon of Brookston, IN, Dylan and Lindsey Janssen of Milford and Bryce Clark of Earl Park, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Juanita Redeker; and one son-in-law, Matthew Clark.

Mr. Janssen was a lifetime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford and a lifetime farmer in the Milford area.  Wendell enjoyed woodworking, gardening, mowing his lawn and working in the shop.  He loved his kids, grandchildren and dog, Baby.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford.  Rev. Karl Gibbs will officiate.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Milford Ambulance Service, Show Bus or donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Manuel J. Arellano, 49, Danforth, IL

Manuel J. Arellano, 49, of Danforth passed away on Friday, May 4, 2012 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Manuel was born December 20, 1962 in Chicago, a son son Manuel E. and Diane M. Borowski Arellano.

Surviving are his mother, Diane Luptak of Danforth; two sisters, Cynthia Arellano of Milford and Sandra Gleason of The Woodlands, TX; one brother, Joey Luptak of Chicago Heights; two nieces and five nephews, Louie, Joshua, Jason, Mary, Michael, Sandy and Joey; great-nieces and nephews, Camren, Saniya, Emily, Hannah, Haden, Nichole and Asher; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Mr. Arellano attended the Danforth Reformed Church.  He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Cubs, Bears and Bulls.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 3:00 p.m. funeral service on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. Donald MacDonald will officiate.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral services.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Richard E. Burrow, 64, Chebanse, IL

Richard E. Burrow, 64, of rural Chebanse passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 28, 2012 while vacationing in Pace, FL.  Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  A memorial service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening also at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Rev. Daniel Gansch-Boythe will officiate.  Cremation rites have been accorded and inurnment will take place at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at Elwood. 

Mr. Burrow was born on May 10, 1947 in Fairbury, the son of Arthur B. and Geneva G. Warder Burrow.  He married Susan Orwig on May 19, 1973 at St. Stanislas Catholic Church in Kankakee and she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Joel Burrow of Kankakee and Joshua Burrow of Santa Clara, CA; one sister, Debbra (Ronald) Williams of Piper City; one aunt, Sibyle Warder of Wahneta, FL; numerous nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mona and Ray Orwig of Clifton.

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

Mr. Burrow was a veteran of the US Marine Corps, having served during the Vietnam Conflict and was a Purple Heart recipient.  He was retired from the Henkel Corporation after many years of service.  Richard belonged to the United Church of Christ in Chebanse, Marine Corps League, VFW Post 2131 and Chebanse American Legion Post 408, having served as its current commander.  Richard was a former member of the Otto Twp. Fire Dept. and an EMT.  He belonged to the Chebanse Civic Center Board of Trustees and the Exline Sportsmans Club.  He enjoyed shooting, fishing and traveling.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Manteno Veterans Home or the Chebanse American Legion.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Velma M. Reichert, 89, Watseka, IL

Velma M. Reichert, 89, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton.

Velma was born April 23, 1923 in Martinton, a daughter of George and Anna Arseneau Boudreau.  She married Wendell E. Reichert on June 1, 1946 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on November 28, 2003.

Surviving are one brother, George (Beverly) Boudreau of Martinton; one sister, Lana Beaupre of Clifton; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Ivan and Duane Boudreau.

Mrs. Reichert was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  She formerly worked at JC Penney’s and Gambles Store in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. funeral mass on Monday, May 7, 2012 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will be in Body Cemetery in Woodland.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Don E. Reutter, 89, Cissna Park, IL

Don E. Reutter, 89, of Cissna Park passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Faith Place in Danforth.

Mr. Reutter was born March 28, 1923 in Cissna Park, a son of Gottlieb and Emma Rentsch Reutter. He married Jean Patterson on April 23, 1944 in Loda and she survives.

Other survivors include three sons, Gregory (Fern) Reutter of St. Charles, Marc (Ruth) Reutter and Don (Laurel) Reutter all of Cissna Park; two sisters, Evelyn (Carl) Hoerr of Peoria and Charlene (John) Somerholder of Phoenix, AZ; ten grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

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

Mr. Reutter was a lifelong farmer in the Cissna Park area and enjoyed fishing and boating. He attended Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012 at Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park. Rev. Silas Montgomery will officiate. Burial will be at Cissna Park Cemetery.

Visitation will run from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, Faith Place in Danforth, The Autism Program of Illinois or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.