Phyllis Ann Franklin, 79, of Donovan passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton.

Phyllis was born September 23, 1933 in Rockford, the daughter of Roy Frank and Helene Perrot Bellars.  She married Roger W. Franklin on September 18, 1951 in Roscoe and he preceded her in death on November 5, 2003.

Surviving are three daughters, Cynthia Erwin of Woodland, Penny Loucks of Donovan and Betty Swartz of Sheldon; two sons, Roger E. (Debora) Franklin and Charles E. Franklin all of Sheldon; one sister, Margo Walker of Watseka; one brother, Howard Bellars of Rockford; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; one sister; and one grandchild.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Lyman Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Clyde E. “Duke” Wilson Jr., 90, of West Salem, WI passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, WI.

Duke was born September 15, 1922 in Guthrie, the son of Clyde E. and Vera Hunt Wilson Sr.  He married Marjorie Ann Burr on June 5, 1948 in Chicago and she preceded him in death on November 5, 1998.

He is survived by one daughter, Jane (Jay) Bowers of Onalaska, WI.

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

Mr. Wilson served in the Army Air Corp.

Private graveside services will be held at the Melvin Cemetery.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Elsie M. Shoufler, 85, of Milford passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston.

Elsie was born March 30, 1928 in London, England, the daughter of Charles and Margaret Cole Sayers. She married Arthur Leon Shoufler on October 27, 1951 in London, England and he preceded her in death on May 27, 2006.

She is survived by one son, William (Peggy) Shoufler of Milford; two grandsons, Clay (Jaclyn) Shoufler of Williamsville, IL and Adam (Karen) Shoufler of Watseka; five great-granddaughters, Lexee, Hallee, Ainslee, Isabelle, and Kolbee Shoufler; two great-grandsons, Blake and Gavin Shoufler; one brother, Peter (Marie) Sayers of London, England; four sisters, Margaret (Brian) Diffy, Joan (Jim) Pullen, Pam (Joe) Rankin, and Rosemary Sayers, all of London, England; one brother-in-law, David Hanss of Milton Keynes, England; one sister-in-law, Patricia Stanley of Okeechobee, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, James Sayers; and one sister, Dorothy Hanss.

Mrs. Shoufler was a member of Milford Christian Church as well as Royal Neighbors. Elsie became a U.S. Citizen in 1959. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, reading, and her grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Monday, June 17, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Rev. Gary Milton will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

Vernon R. Haskins Sr., 71, of Onarga passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Vernon was born June 2, 1942 in Watseka, the son of Ira and Myrtle Hubler Haskins.  He married Linda Davis on December 1, 1961 in Carvington, MS and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Jerry (Paula) Haskins of Oakwood and Vernon Haskins Jr. of Pontiac; one daughter, Tina Haskins of Odell, IL; one brother, Lloyd Haskins of Defuniak Springs, FL; one sister-in-law, Patricia Haskins of Sibley; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.  Vernon was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Haskins served in the U.S. Navy.  He enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Lyman Twp. Cemetery in Roberts.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

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

Elmer Lee Schumacher, 61, of Onarga passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Gibson Community Hospital in Gibson City.

Elmer was born on July 26, 1951 in Paxton, the son of Elmer H. and Dora Seggebruch Schumacher.  He married Carrie Peterson on October 3, 1970 in Gilman.

Surviving is one son, Darrin (Cali) Schumacher of Onarga; two daughters, Kelly (Kent) Ficklin of Onarga and Tracy (Jeff) Hanson of Sheridan, IL; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Schumacher was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove.  He was a farmer in the Onarga area for many years.  Elmer enjoyed hunting, fishing, his dogs, and being outdoors.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove.  Rev. Kevin Wendorf will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Ash Grove.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove, Gibson Community Hospital, or Onarga Firemen.

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

Delbert “Del” E. Heimberger, 79, of Chebanse passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno.

Del was born August 25, 1933 in Chebanse, the son of L. Herschel and Verneal Schultz Heimberger.  He married Holly Lavasseur in Kankakee and she preceded him in death in 1998.  He later married Rose Dunki and she also preceded him in death.

He is survived by three sons, Lonnie (Dianne) Heimberger of Chebanse, Hans (Alice) Heimberger of Limestone, and Alan (Sabrina) Heimberger of Clifton; one daughter, Peggi Knigge of Colorado Springs, CO; three sisters, Dorothy (Lavern) Seibring of Martinton, Marcella (Tom) Woods of Manteno, and Eileen (Gene) Pope of Chebanse.  Also surviving are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Barb Johnson; and one brother, Bill Heimberger.

Mr. Heimberger served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He owned and operated his own lumber and pallet company, D.E. Heimberger and Sons and later retired from Roper Appliances Division in 1996.  He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Kankakee.  Del enjoyed antiques and country dancing.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Private graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Memorials may be made to Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno.

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

Pat Brennan, 96, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Pat was born March 18, 1917 in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of Luke Joseph and Loretta Ryan Hayes.  She married James Brennan on January 14, 1939 in Chicago and he preceded her in death on July 22, 1975.

She is survived by one daughter-in-law, Mellanie Brennan of Wilmette; seven grandchildren, Patricia Brennan of New York, NY, Kathleen Brennan of Chicago, Michael (Stephanie) Brennan of Chicago, Laura (Tom) Kellen of Alton, IA, Jacquelyn (Eric) Reel of Seattle, WA, Mary Patricia Krones of Palatine and Richard (Samantha) Krones of Edmonds, WA; six great-grandchildren, Megan, James and Meredith Kellen of Alton, IA and Gabriella, Jackson and Benjamin Krones of Edmonds, WA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Alice Hayes and Laurette Thompson; two sons, James J. Brennan and Donald A. Brennan; and one daughter, Judine “Judy” Krones.

Mrs. Brennan was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka and C.C.W.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:15 p.m. at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Rev. Fr. Mike Powell will officiate.  A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2013 at Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Faith Place in Danforth.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Josephine Helen Pruitt, 90, of Milford passed away on June 23, 2013 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston.

Jody, the daughter of Joseph and Helen Meyer Callahan, was born September 24, 1922 on Callahan Road north of Milford. She married Franklin Adsit Pruitt on August 22, 1948 in Milford. He preceded her in death on January 8, 1990.  She is survived by two sons, Thomas (wife Elizabeth) of Unadilla, NE and Richard of Brookings, SD; daughter Cathy (husband Larry Bevirt) of Collinsville, IL; granddaughters, Jennifer, Emilee, Hannah and Sherry; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Josephine, Gage and Landry; sister Waneta (husband Myron Erdman) of Chenoa, IL; and brother, Gene Callahan (wife Ann) of Springfield, IL. Her brother Francis Callahan and his wife Elaine of Milford preceded her in death.

Jody attended New Athens country school, graduated from Milford Township High School and received her teaching degree from Illinois State College at Normal. She taught school in Potomac, Stockland and Watseka, IL. Frank, Jody and their three children lived and farmed south of Milford.

Jody was quick to volunteer as a room mother, den mother, Red Cross fund raiser, election judge and was president of the Milford Women’s Club.

Jody was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Milford, where she taught Sunday School for 20 years and was a long time member of the Dorcas Society and LWML. She was a devoted member of the Comforters that make and distribute quilts to people in the community, Hospice and World Relief.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 26, 2013 from 4 to 8 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home, Milford. Funeral services will be held 10:30 am, Thursday, June 27 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Milford. Rev. Karl Gibbs will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church Building Fund or to the Milford Crossroads Youth Center.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michael G. Cordes, 43, of Clifton passed away Tuesday evening June 25, 2013 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Mr. Cordes was born September 8, 1969 in Clifton, the son of Glenn and Cheryl Wendel Cordes. He married the former Christina L. Whitaker on December 13, 1996 in Kankakee and she survives.

Other survivors include two daughters and three sons, Haylie Cordes of Utah, Alyssa Cordes at home and Cody, Dalton and Brayden Cordes all at home; one grandson, Gabriel Cordes of Utah; his father, Glenn Cordes of California; a brother, Joey Cordes of Clifton; and four half brothers, Dusty Cordes of California, Ben Cordes of Arizona, Roy Klein of Maryland and Austin Cordes of California. Mr. Cordes’ mother is deceased.

Mr. Cordes was a graduate of Central Community High School. He owned and operated his own steel fabrication business in Clifton. He enjoyed building things, golfing, boating and spending time with his family. He was a team sponsor for the Clifton Little League.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2013 at the Clifton Baptist Church, the Rev. Morris Baker will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Monday evening at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation by Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for the family’s wishes.

Please sign his guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Catherine L. Compton, 72, of Sheldon passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Catherine was born October 27, 1940 in Concord Twp., the daughter of William E. and Dorothy Mae Hedger Dulin. She married James L. Oden Jr. on Sept. 2, 1960. She later married Charles D. Compton on April 8, 1971 in Kankakee and he preceded her in death on October 23, 1996.

She is survived by one daughter, Lori (Jon) Miller of Sheldon; two step-daughters, Anna (Junior) Lucas of Delphi, IN and Eva (Rick) Flachsenbuger of Demotte, IN; five step-sons, Bruce Compton of New York, Chuck (Claudette) Compton of Onarga, George (Debbie) Compton of Chicago Heights, Michael (Betty) Compton of Shelby, IN and Ted Compton of Hammond, IN; one sister, Patricia Swan of Rensselaer, IN; four grandchildren; twelve step-grandchildren; and several step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; and three sons.

Mrs. Compton was affiliated with the Iroquois Methodist Church and was committee chairman for the Sheldon Boy Scouts.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon with Rev. Debora White officiating.. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Iroquois.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

William F. “Wild Bill” Rasmussen, 96, of Bourbonnais and formerly of Ashkum passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Presence Our Lady of Victory in Bourbonnais following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Wednesday July 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., Mr. Donald Gillespie will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Burial with military honors by the Ashkum American Legion will be in the Clifton Cemetery. Memorials are for the Family’s Wishes. Please sign his guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Rasmussen was born on January 25, 1917 in Ashkum, the son of William J. and Carrie Peterson Rasmussen, his parents are deceased. He married the former Emma Chaput in Ashkum on April 6, 1957 and she preceded him in death on October 12, 1990.

Surviving Mr. Rasmussen are four nephews and five nieces, Jerry (Gayle Lamie) Rasmussen of Chebanse, Gary (Paulette) Rasmussen of Fountain, CO, Brian (Kim) Rasmussen of St. Anne, Russell Rasmussen of Chebanse, Diana Torres of Kankakee, Joyce Rasmussen of Kankakee, Janet (Joe) Scroggins of Kankakee, Connie (Don Naese) Rasmussen of Kankakee and Gloria (Joe Simmons) Rasmussen of Kankakee. There are numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and one step-sister.

Mr. Rasmussen was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum, the Ashkum American Legion and Central VFW Post 2131. He was a veteran of service with the US Army during WW II. He enjoyed playing bingo and the out of doors. He was a retired trucker and was a long time member of the Ashkum Twp. Fire Dept.

Lorene M. Sirois, 93, of rural Martinton passed away Tuesday morning, July 2, 2013, at the Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home at Clifton following a short illness. Mrs. Sirois was born on September 8, 1919 near Kankakee, the daughter of George Mervin and Francis Kowalski Mervin, her parents are deceased. She was married in Kankakee County on October 28, 1938 to Roger M. Sirois and he preceded her in death on November 20, 1990.

Mrs. Sirois is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Joanne and Gerald McTaggart of Martinton and Judy and Chuck Reeves of Georgetown, Texas; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Sirois was also preceded in death by a sister, Lucille Blaha and one son, James Sirois.

Mrs. Sirois was a longtime member of St. Anne Catholic Church and former president of the St. Anne Sodality. She was a former election judge and enjoyed sewing and gardening flowers and vegetables.

Private burial will take place Friday, July 5, 2013 at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Aroma Twp. with arrangements by the Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton. There will no visitation and a Memorial Mass will be conducted at the St. Anne Catholic Church at a later date.

Please sign her guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michael Scott Baugh, 48, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2013.

Michael was born August 19, 1964 in Logansport, IN, the son of Charles C. and Edna Louise Vincent Baugh. 

He is survived by three daughters, Heather Baugh and Cheyanne Baugh both of Frankfort, IN and Crystal Schwartz of Milford; three sons, Harley “Tony” Anglin of Logansport, IN, Charles Baugh of Frankfort, IN and George Elpers of Milford; one brother, Rob Baugh of Logansport, IN; three sisters, Cindi Pam of Pine Bluff, AR, Judy Latta of Peru, IN and Penny Dominguez of Albuquerque, NM; eight grandchildren; and his companion, Pam Elpers of Milford.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and two sisters.

Cremation rites will be accorded and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com

Gearldean E. Peters, 100, of Ashkum passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Gearldean was born September 3, 1912 in Gilman, the daughter of Henry and Trace Dirks Duits.  She married Raymond F. Peters on October 17, 1935 in Gilman and he preceded her in death on June 11, 1984.

She is survived by one daughter, Mardean (Eldridge “Lee”) Potts of Ashkum; five grandchildren, Kim (Bruce) Yates of Clifton, Tim (Tina) Potts of Ashkum, Tom Martin of Ashkum, Don Martin (Patty Doran) of Buckley and Barb (Tommy) Hanson of Ashkum; ten great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and one brother, Lloyd Ziehr of Paxton.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; two sisters; one son, Melvin Martin; and one daughter-in-law, Elfrieda Martin.

Mrs. Peters was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum, Altar Guild and Church Quilters.  She was also a member of Thrivent Lutheran and helped at Share Foods.  Gearldean enjoyed sewing, baking, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum.  Pastor Don Gillespie will officiate.  Burial will be in Ashkum Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton as well as one hour prior to the funeral services on Thursday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum or Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Shantz, 65, of Onarga passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Robert was born October 16, 1947 in Chicago, the son of Goodrich and Genevieve Dorothy Meyer Shantz.  He married Kathy Meyer on November 22, 1966 in Country Club Hills, IL and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Liz Ruel of Onarga; one son, Donnie (Jackie) Shantz of Watseka; one brother, Richard Shantz of Texas; and five grandchildren, Jodi, Alex, Haley, Zach, and Joe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Allen Shantz; and one grandson, Jeremy.

Mr. Shantz served during the Vietnam War from 1967-1969.  He enjoyed fishing and restoring cars.  Robert was also family-oriented.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga and no services will be held at this time.

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

Linda Keisler Keehn, 65, of Maple Hill, NC and formerly of Clifton passed away Monday, July 8, 2013 at her North Carolina residence following a lengthy illness, surrounded by her family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Clifton.  Rev. Fr. Doug Hauber will officiate.  Friends may call at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Burial will be in the St. Peters Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital.

Mrs. Keehn was born on October 6, 1947 in Kankakee, the daughter of Robert E. and Josephine Fiore Leggott, her parents are deceased. She married John Keehn at Maple Hill, NC on October 24, 2012 and he survives. Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Amy (Doug) Dean of Lincoln, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gunnery Sgt. Christopher (Jennifer Anne) Keisler of the Marine Corps Depot at Camp Pendleton, CA and Brent (Holly Spencer) Keisler of Maple Hill, NC; five grandchildren, Meghan, Ryan, Karrah, and Adam Dean and Mea Keisler; a brother and sister-in-law, David (Kathy) Leggott of Bonfield; two step-daughters, Jane Anne (Brad) Gerdes of Saunemin and Jeannie Rae (Jason) Keehn of Kankakee; three step-grandchildren; two nieces; one nephew; and three special cousins, Rose Mary Alberts, Stephanie Sorensen and James DiGregorio.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Hunter.

Mrs. Keehn was a graduate of Central High School, office manager and rental agent for 18 years for Alexander Construction Rental and a member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Clifton. She enjoyed antique shopping, fishing, gardening, NASCAR Racing and being with her grandchildren.

Please sign her guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ruth Casper, 83, of Cissna Park passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at the Gilman Nursing Home.

Ruth was born August 29, 1929 in Topeka, KS, the daughter of John and Gertrude Tammen Arends. She married Alexander Anthony “Tony” Casper on September 9, 1947 in Wichita Falls, TX and he preceded her in death on February 21, 2006.

She is survived by two daughters, Connie Shepherd of Paxton and Judy Casper of Gilman; three sons, Jim Casper of Cissna Park, Tim (Pam) Casper of Marion, AR and Tom Casper of Demotte, IN; one sister, Velva Reence of Tonkawa, OK; fifteen grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lucille Tingley, Margaret Lutes and Josephine Arends; and one grandson.

Mrs. Casper was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park and Onarga Music Club. She was active with the Country Theatre Workshop since its inception. Ruth wrote for the Cissna Park, Watseka, Kankakee, Danville and Champaign newspapers as a reporter for many years and was a bus driver for the Cissna Park Schools for over 35 years. She enjoyed weaving rugs, playing music, taking pictures, gardening and animals. Ruth loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. Rev. Tim Hahn will officiate. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park, Alzheimers Association, National Autism Association or Wounded Warriors.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Arthur M. Newman, 80, of Milford passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Arthur was born October 18, 1932 in Milford, the son of Waldon and Doris Geddes Newman.  He married Delores E. Balanoff on August 31, 1950 in Greenup, KY and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Kathy (Scott) LaFond of Delphi, IN; two sons, Doug (Diane) Newman of Milford and Rodney (Jo) Newman of Sheldon; eight grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard; and two sisters, Bernice Wolfe and Dorothy McCray.

Mr. Newman served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Arthur was a lifelong Milford farmer.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

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

Delrey V. “DeeDee” Elberts, 83, of Chebanse passed away Sunday evening, July 14, 2013, at Edward Hines V.A. Long Term Care Facility in Maywood, following a lengthy illness. Cremation rites will be accorded for Mr. Elberts by the Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton following private services. Inurnment will take place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for the family’s wishes. Please sign his online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Elberts was born on February 14, 1930 in Chebanse, the son of Louis and Laura Hansen Elberts, his parents are deceased. He married the former Vernis Ailene Larsen in Kankakee on June 20, 1953 and she survives.

Also surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Louann (Tippie) Holmes of Kankakee and Christine (Randy) Jensen of Florida; one step-daughter, Susan Stewart of Florida; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two-step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mildred “Mick” Elbert of Chebanse; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Elberts was retired from Kankakee Roper – stove division following 28 years of employment. He was a member of the VFW and enjoyed fishing, car trips and doing puzzles.

James W. “Jim” Wade, 77, of Clifton passed away Monday evening, July 15, 2013, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Funeral services for Mr. Wade will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton.  Rev. William Callister will officiate.  Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Friday at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and again at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Ashkum Cemetery. Memorials may be to made to the Zion Lutheran Church of Clifton or Prairieview Lutheran Home at Danforth.

Mr. Wade was born in rural Kempton on September 22, 1935, the son of Evan H. and Frances Kroll Wade, his parents are deceased. Mr. Wade married the former Dorothy Wilken at Clifton on September 29, 1956 and she survives.

Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Jackie (Larry) Johnson of Levelland, TX; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Kip (Laura) Wade of Danforth, Chet (Brenda) Wade of Gilman and Jay Wade of Nashville, TN; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and god children.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother and sister-in-law, Milton “Dick” and Barbara Wade.

He was a life long farmer and member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Clifton. Mr. Wade was a member of the National Corn Growers Association and was a former National Corn Growing Champion and had also won the State Title numerous times. He had also operated his own trucking business for 10 years.

Please sign his online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.