Marion Jordan’s life on earth ended on July 12, 2013 in Englewood, Colorado.  Her only child, Judith J. Stephenson, was at her side.  Marion was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1916 to Oliver and Daisy (Hetherington) Olson, and she grew up in Watseka, Illinois. 

After graduating from Watseka High School, she attended Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri.  Following graduation she worked in many fields such as Education, Medicine, and Real Estate Development.  Marion married Wayne Jordan in 1938.  He preceded her in death.  The family moved to Denver in 1957.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Watseka, Illinois, and was active in P.E.O., Wellshire Presbyterian Woman, Society of Military Widows, Red Hats, and many others.  Marion’s priorities in life were faith, family and friends.  She loved Denver and Aurora and was quietly active volunteering and/or donating to charities and churches.  She will be remembered for generously serving the community and her clubs, and for supporting worthwhile medical, military, environmental, animal, and religious groups. 

A memorial service will be held at Blossoms, 2888 So. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora, Colorado on Friday, July 26, 2013, at 11:00.  Refreshments will follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aurora Police K-9 Unit.  Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka, Illinois.

Local arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

L. Mason Burd, 89, of Watseka and formerly of Armstrong  passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Mason was born November 10, 1923 in Armstrong, the son of Lester M. and Edna F. Wernigk Burd.  He married Josephine Campbell on February 26, 1949 in Seattle, WA and she preceded him in death on February 10, 2001.

He is survived by one daughter, Mary (Richard) Taylor of Sidell; two sons, Richard Burd of Palatine and Bob (Julie) Burd of Watseka; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Taylor, Ben (Mandy) Taylor, Brent Burd, Justin Burd, Brandon Burd, Brittany Burd and Blake Burd; his first great-grandchild is due in January 2014; two nieces, Sue Elston-Rogner and Jane Booth; and several cousins.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Julia Elston; and one son, Sherman Burd.

Mr. Burd attended Armstrong High School and the University of Illinois.  He served in the Army, farmed in the Armstong area his entire life on the family’s Centennial Farm and represented Funk’s G Hybrid Seed Corn for over 30 years.  Mason served as 4-H leader and tractor school teacher.  He served as board member and chairman for the Vermilion County Farm Bureau, was a member of the Masonic Lodge, 32nd Degree Mason in the Valley of Danville, served in Eastern Star and was a member of the Potomac Masonic Lodge.  Mason was active in church, having belonged to the Armstrong Methodist Church, the Sidell United Methodist Church and the Ely Methodist Church.  He served as Methodist District Lay Speaker leader and filled the pulpit in many area churches as a lay speaker.  He was an accomplished bowler and served faithfully on a men’s bowling team.  With his wife, Josephine, he chaperoned travel groups to Alsaka and points beyond.  He enjoyed raising orchids in his greenhouse, did intricate counted cross stitch work and loved fishing and spending summers near Ely, Minnesota at his summer home.  Music was an important part of Mason’s life, singing in choirs and as a soloist in  church and community events.

Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until the 3:30 p.m. funeral service on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at the Sidell United Methodist Church, 202 S. Chicago St., Sidell, IL  61876.  Rev. Charles Graul and Rev. Don Shane will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sidell United Methodist Church or Ely United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Patrick Novak, 60, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Patrick was born August 7, 1952 in Chicago, the son of Frank and Lorraine Frisch Novak.  He married Debra Novak in Chicago and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by two daughters, Kathtrina Novak (fiance, Gary Huttenhoff)and Kristy Novak of Watseka; two sons, Patrick J. Novak and Phillip Novak of Watseka; the mother of his children, Gloria A. Novak of Watseka; eleven grandchildren, Gloria S. Novak, Gregory Novak, Anthony Beaver, Brian LaGace, Jackie Novak, Devon Novak, Darrien Pocius, Alyssa LaGace, Elijah Novak, Hannah Novak and Kayla Novak all of Watseka; three great-grandchildren, Joel Tiffany, Zoey Novak and Liam Tiffany all of Watseka; and several brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 1:00 p.m. memorial service on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Joe Hughes will officiate.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Lorraine Louise Rogers, 88, of Danforth passed away Monday, July 22, 2013 at her residence in Danforth following a short illness. Funeral services for Mrs. Rogers will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Deacon Ron Gagnon will officiate. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. services. Burial will be in the L’Erable Catholic Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to the donors’ choice.

Mrs. Rogers was born in Bradley on November 6, 1924, the daughter of Oliver and Viola Kadow Lamie, her parents preceded her in death. She married Thomas William Rogers in Kankakee on July 21, 1943 and he passed away on April 8, 2013.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law and two sons and daughters-in-law, Teresa (Ben) Harville of Danforth, Suzanne (Howard) Smith of Mesa, AZ, David (Lois) Rogers of Bourbonnais and John (Rose) Rogers of Gilman; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters and one brother, Jeannine Preston and Judy Preston, both of Kankakee and Edwin Preston of Bradley.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death by one son, Dennis Rogers; one daughter, Carole Boudreau; and one brother.

Mrs. Rogers was of the Catholic Faith. She enjoyed crocheting, collecting knick-knacks, country music and making photograph albums. She was a longtime employee of Kroehler Manufacturing and was retired from Kroehler as a finisher.

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

Lynn C. Sather, 68, of Champaign, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Lynn was born September 12, 1944 in Everett, Washington, the son of Sim Clifford and Fern Smith Sather.  They preceded him in death.

He is survived by one sister, Donna (Robert) Flesher of Watseka; one brother, Terry (Mary Ann) Sather of Martinton; and four nieces, Kristin (Brad) Scholtens of Grand Rapids, MI., Beth (Greg) Holcomb of Springfield, IL., Meagan Sather of Martinton, and Abby Sather of Martinton.

Mr. Sather served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He received the Vietnam Service Medal as well as the American Defense Medal.  He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  Lynn was a former member of Boy Scouts of America, as well as worked as a bellboy at Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, IL.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  Rev. Joel Brown will officiate.  Visitation will be from 11:00 until the 1:00 p.m. service at the church.

Burial will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com

Gerald D. “Jerry” Langellier, 58, of Stockland passed away on Monday, July 29, 2013 at his home.

Jerry was born June 17, 1955 in Stockland, the son of Raymond and Wilma Hicks Langellier.  He married Rose Jones on June 16, 1988 in Pine Village, IN and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Andrea Langellier of Watseka; one son, Jason Langellier of Watseka; one step-son, Brad (Jamie) Denham of Chesterfield, SC; one step-daughter, Jessica (Cory) Birch of Milford; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four brothers, Delmar Langellier of Hoopeston, Ray (Nancy) Langellier of Wellington, Gordon (Nancy) Langellier of Watseka and Ronnie (Fran) Langellier of Stockland; and five sisters, Gloria (Ray) Henthorn of Danville, Sue Langellier of Watseka, Betty Carmin of Texas, Barbara (Steve) Blackwell of Hoopeston and Donna (Jim) Caspers of Rankin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Louis Langellier, Morris Langellier and Lloyd Langellier.

Jerry was a lifelong farmer in the Stockland area and helped Mowrey Auction for 10 years by driving the Auction Truck.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and talking to friends at the various restaurants.  Jerry was always good for a laugh.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and 1 hour prior to the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to the Milford FFA, Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Funeral services for George H. Mikeworth, 81, of Ashkum will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. The Rev. Sandy Onken will officiate. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday also at the funeral home. Burial, with Military Honors by Central VFW Post 2131, will be in the Ashkum Cemetery. Mr. Mikeworth passed away Monday, July 29, 2013 at Faith Place in Danforth following a lengthy illness. Memorials may be made to Faith Place.

Mr. Mikeworth was born on December 30, 1931 in Melvin, the son of Frank Orville and Mamie Lenore Mickens Mikeworth and his parents are deceased. He married the former Ruth M. Harms on November 6, 1955 in Kankakee and she preceded him in death on February 16, 1972.

Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law and one son and daughter-in-law, Marcia (Rodney) Papineau of Clifton, Michelle (Dean) Redenius of Ashkum and Michael (Ellen) Mikeworth of Ashkum.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Lucas (Amy) Papineau, Lacey (Beau) Johnson, Elissa Mikeworth, Tara (Mitch Cambridge) Mikeworth, Dylan Mikeworth, Julie (Joe) Kolosky, Kelly (Jessie) Barnhill, Heidi (Brice Breymeyer) Redenius, and Jeff (Kimmy Lange) Redenius; eight great grandchildren, Benjamin, Savannah, Jase, Baily, Charlie, Kohlton, Klayton and Alyssa; one brother, Lloyd Mikeworth of Onarga; and one sister, Virginia DeFries of Evansville, IN.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was also preceded in death by a son, Mark; 5 brothers, Wesley, Raymond, Elvin, Roger and Dennis; and 2 sisters, Bethel and Mary.

Mr. Mikeworth was a member of the Ashkum United Methodist Church. He was a former Ashkum Village trustee and was mayor of Ashkum from 1977-1985. For many years he had been involved with the Ashkum Athletic Association, The Red Cross and was a member and former president of Danforth Sportsman Club. He was a longtime deputy with Iroquois County and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a former longtime Cub and Boy Scout Leader and was former coordinator of the Ashkum ESDA Unit. Mr. Mikeworth was a veteran of the Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of Central VFW Post 2131. He had worked for UPS, Masterpiece Mirror, Occidental Chemical, F-S, Rabideau Grain and had retired from Tri-Central Co-Op where he was in Fertilizer Sales.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Marguerite M. (Ferrero) Potter Fidler 82, of Franklin, IN and formerly of Watseka passed away on Monday, July 29th in Franklin. She was a resident of the Franklin United Methodist Community in Franklin and former longtime resident of Watseka, Illinois. She was born on January 18, 1931 in Chicago to Peter and Katherine (Panozzo) Ferrero. She married Donald E. Potter on July 20, 1950. He preceded her in passing. She later married Robert J. Fidler from Cherokee, Iowa on April 28, 1990. He also preceded her in passing.

Marguerite is survived by two sons, James D. Potter of Bloomington, Illinois and Craig H. Potter of Franklin, Indiana; one daughter, Laurie Potter Christie of Danville, Indiana; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are three brothers, Jack Ferrero of Crescent City, Illinois; Peter Ferrero, III of Astoria, Oregon and Gary Ferrero of Naples, Florida and one sister, Fayrene Runck of St. Joseph, Illinois and a host of dear friends. She was preceded in passing by her youngest daughter, Susan Elena Potter Wagner in 1993.

Marguerite was a graduate of Watseka Community High School and studied Journalism at the University of Illinois. She was a member of the St. Andrew Anglican Catholic Church in Franklin, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service on Friday, August 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. Wes Osborn will officiate.  Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the American Alzheimers Association @ alz.org.

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

Anthony A. Allegretti, 68, of Gilroy, CA and formerly of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at his residence in Gilroy.

Anthony was born January 26, 1945 in Geneva, IL, the son of Anthony A. and Treasure L. Grains Allegretti.  He married Donna K. Ryan on June 10, 1966 in Macomb, IL and she preceded him in death on August 16, 2011.

He is survived by two sons, Brant (Cheryl) Allegretti of Keller, TX and Brett Allegretti of Gilroy, CA; two daughters, Aimee Allegretti of Chicago and Amanda Allegretti of Nashville, TN; two grandchildren, McKenzie and Gabe Allegretti of Keller, TX; one brother, Andrew Allegretti of Chicago; and one sister, Louise (Ara) Pashinian of Northfield, IL.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Anthony A. Allegretti, known to his colleagues and friends as Tony, started his newspaper career at 7 years old as a carrier at his parents’ paper in Watseka, Illinois.  The journey since then has been accomplished and illustrious.

Allegretti is a futuristic thinker and terrific newspaperman.  He has also proved to be a dedicated leader through his five years as an officer of the California Newspaper Publisher Association, culminating as President of the Association from 2008-2010.  On his watch, he started the innovative statewide banner ad program, and recruited sponsors widely to assure the success of the 2010 CNPA Summit.

With almost 40 years in the community newspaper business, he has served in the senior executive positions with the Park Communications, Ingersoll Publications and MediaNews Group.

Knowing that his forte and goal was to own his own operation, he achieved that objective in 1989 when he became president and Chief Executive Officer of Independent Media Group (IMG) which grew from four dailies with $11 million in revenue to 44 dailies generating $47 million annually in the upper midwest.  IMG was sold to Lee Enterprises and Liberty Publishing Group in 2000.

Allegretti then headed to the West Coast to join Pacific-Sierra Publishing as president and CEO.  After McClatchy acquired much of Pacific-Sierra in the central valley of California, Allegretti formed MainStreet Media Group, which now publishes 20 separate titles in both northern and southern parts of the state.

His optimistic and opportunistic approach to the business has renewed his faith in the future of newspapers but also in rapidly moving to embrace the digital age.  Allegretti has a strong commitment to excellence in producing quality local publications and websites.  He understands the vital role and responsibilities of local journalism, achieving this by giving his unstinting support to his publishers and their staff.

In addition, he most recently was the Owner and CEO of Amador Home Town Media and recognized by his hometown and fellow classmates as the 2008 WCHS Academic Inspiration Award winner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will be in Iroquois Memorial Park Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Watseka Warrior Athletic Booster Club.

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

Wayne Jacoby, 81, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Watseka Rehab and Health Care in Watseka.

Wayne was born March 21, 1932 in Indianapolis, IN, the son of Boyton and Vera Baird Jacoby.  He married Jerry Jack on October 5, 1952 in Crawfordsville, IN and she survives.

Other survivors include three sons, Jeff (Micaela) Jacoby of Huntington Beach, CA, Jack (Lisa) Jacoby of Thornton, CO, and Jim Jacoby of Cotulla, TX; one daughter, Julie (Terry) Brooks of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Walter Jacoby; and one son, Jack Alan Jacoby.

Mr. Jacoby was a member of Watseka Masonic Lodge, Mohammed Shriners, and Iroquois Valley Shrine Club.

A private visitation will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Graveside services will be on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. CST (2:00 p.m. EST) at Oak Hill Grant Cemetery in Crawfordsville, IN.  Richard Shirar will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Watseka Public Library.

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

James “Jim” Jones, 78, of Watseka passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Jim was born April 21, 1935 in Milford, the son of Joseph and Clara Irene Walton Jones.  He married Evelyn T. Maxfield on May 11, 1953 in Watseka.

He is survived by one daughter, Beth (Murray) Schaumburg of Watseka; one son, Steven (Jeanie) Jones of Watseka; seven grandchildren, Kyle (Tina) Schaumburg of Watseka, Angela (Drew) Parsons of Watseka, Amber (Todd) VanHoveln of El Paso, Abby (Ryan) Swartz of Watseka, Amanda Kinsel of Milwaukee, WI, James Jonathon Jones of Kenosha, WI and Jacob Allen Jones of Niles, IL; two step-grandchildren, Brian (Deanna) Barnard of Watseka and Curtis Taden of Watseka; ten great-grandchildren, Sawyer VanHoveln, Wyatt VanHoveln, Easton VanHoveln, Rylie Parsons, Kinzie Parsons, Tate Parsons, Ava Swartz, Owen Swartz, Payton Schaumburg and Ashley Hall; two brothers, Tom (Sherry) Jones of Watseka and Jerry (Shirley) Jones of Haines City, FL; one sister, Joann (Raymond) Williams of Bridgeview; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Jones; two sisters, Betty Schroeder and Regina Jones; and one step-grandson, Brandon Taden.

Jim moved to Watseka in 1952 and worked for Joe Hines at The Sanitary Dairy that later became Bordens Dairy which he owned and operated until 1985.  He also owned and operated J.J.’s Bowling & Lounge, Eva-lons Roller Pallace and Jones Homes & Developement when he built over 300 homes and also owned many buildings in Watseka.   He was a member of the Watseka Elks Lodge and carried a membership card for the ARC of Iroquois County.  Jim was a Watseka volunteer fireman for over 20 years, having battled the Crescent City fire in 1970.  He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Watseka Chamber, was active in local demo derbys and was an avid NASCAR fan, particularly of Jimmy Johnson.  He enjoyed operating his backhoe, playing cards and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. Donald Love will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also 1 hour prior to the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Linda Kay Schoon, 64, of Ashkum passed away Tuesday evening, August 6, 2013 at Presence St. Marys Hospital in Kankakee following a short illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2013 at the Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. The Rev. Fr. James Holup will officiate. Friends may call on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton from 2-6 p.m. There will be a parish rosary at 2:15 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Sts. Mary and Joseph Cemetery in Chebanse. Memorials may be made to the Linda Kay Schoon Memorial Fund or for Masses. Please sign her on-line register book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Schoon was born on April 13, 1949 in Kankakee, the daughter of Euclid Z. and Eva M. Lussier Papineau, her parents are deceased. She married Russell L. “Butch” Schoon in Chebanse on June 28, 1969 and he survives.

Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Carri (David) Gray of Clifton; a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis (Jenn) Schoon of Bradley; five grandchildren, Meghan Gray, Hanna Gray, Fallon Gray, Trevor Farley and Treyson Schoon; four brothers and 3 sisters-in-law, Eugene (Liz) Papineau of Sun City, AZ, Bruno (Sue) Papineau of Kankakee, Harold (Darlene) Papineau of Ashkum and Ronnie Papineau of Chebanse; one sister, Theresa Timm of Canton, GA; and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Esther Howland of Clifton.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a daughter, Darci Lynn Schoon; three brothers, Oscar, Theodore and Ed Papineau and two sisters, Joann Mitchell and Rita Adams.

Mrs. Schoon was a licensed practical nurse and had been employed by the Merkle-Knipprath Catholic Home at Clifton for 30 yrs. and at retirement she was the Director of Social Services at Merkle- Knipprath. She was a graduate of the Nursing Program at KCC. She was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church at Ashkum and it’s Council of Catholic Women. She enjoyed gardening, being with her grandchildren and was a faithful participant in her church’s Adoration Program.

Mildred VanHoveln, 98, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Mildred was born March 9, 1915 in Crescent Twp., the daughter of Edward and Christina Duis Lehmann.  She married John E. VanHoveln on May 20, 1934 in Crescent Twp. and he preceded her in death on January 9, 1993.

She is survived by one daughter, Karen Burgett of St. Charles, MO; six sons and daughters-in-law, Dewaine (Joan) VanHoveln of Milford, Paul (Leslie) VanHoveln of Onarga, Dennis (Diane) VanHoveln of Milford, Timothy (Linda) VanHoveln of Jerseyville, Mark (Shari) VanHoveln of Pontiac and Jonathan (Sandy) VanHoveln of Watseka; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Hilda Lehmann of Milford and Maxine Lehmann of Milford; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; one sister; and one son, Thomas VanHoveln.

Mrs. VanHoveln was a member of St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer and its Charity Circle.  She enjoyed handwork, reading and church activities.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, August 16, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer.  Rev. Matt Steendahl will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer, Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth or donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ray Craighead, 56, of Milford passed away on Friday, August 16, 2013 at his home.

Ray was born July 1, 1957 in Watseka, the son of James B. and Shirley Sloan Craighead.  He married Carol Dawson on July 19, 1974 in Milford and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Tom Craighead and Jim Craighead both of Milford; one daughter, Carrie (Kyle) Brazel of Milford; an “adopted” daughter, Jessica Mann of Milford; one brother, Joe (Jerri) Craighead of Milford; one sister, Brenda (Dan) Schroeder of Milford; ten grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Mr. Craighead was the former owner of C&R Hobbies in Milford and was a Contractor Salesman for Alexander Lumber for 22 years.  He loved fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, building stock cars and doing carpentry work.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Memorials may be made to the Milford Ambulance Service & Fire Department, Iroquois Memorial Hospice or donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Heaven gained an angel on August 18th, 2013 late in the evening with the addition of Laverne Iris Lober Bell. As this beautiful soul slipped out of this world, she was surrounded by her family at home – just as she wanted.

Laverne was born on November 21,1926 in Cissna Park. She married Donald E. Bell on November 2, 1946 in Cissna Park. She joins her husband, Don, in heaven as well as her parents, Alpha and Anna Heiberger Lober and one brother, Merwin Lober.

She is survived by a multitude of family and friends, her siblings: June Kraft, Darrell (Glenna) Lober and Gene (Mary Jo) Lober; her four children: Sheryl Shields, Barry (Gloria) Bell, Karen (Dan) Rodgers and Jacqueline (Dan) Bauer; thirteen grandchildren: Jami (Jim) Rogers, Angie (JD) Jennings, C.J. Shields, Jennifer (Ben Tipsord) Boyle, Annie (Scott) Duewer, Adam (Jill) Shields, Jason (Barb) Shields, Camden Rodgers, James (Stephanie) Bell, Chris Rodgers, Elizabeth (Nate) Smith, Jesse Bauer and Taylor Bauer; twenty-five great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Laverne worked at the post office in Cissna Park and retired as post master in 1989 after many years of service. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as a president for a term and as an officer for many years. She knew everyone in Cissna and never knew a stranger. Her bubbly personality and loving nature made her a favorite wherever she went. She was known as “Grandma Bell” to many children and adults of Cissna Park. She was an avid eater and loved eating out with her sister, June. Laverne would order about 5 things off of the menu and then spend the next 2 hours eating, laughing, and conversing with whomever she was eating with and the surrounding tables of strangers. She was a magnet for fun. Laverne was also a passionate gardener and loved any and all types of perennials. She could plant a stick and a tree would sprout. She had the ability to put together wonderful pots and hanging baskets. Her porch was always an array of colors from her flowers. She did, however, have the unfortunate inability to remember how big her perennials would get. This is how she ended up with a 2 story tree and 3 full grown blue spruce trees in her garden beds. Her yard was lovingly called “The Forest.”

Laverne will always be remembered as someone who had a most loving heart. She believed in second chances and she believed in God. She loved her family and friends with everything she had, she will be missed beyond words can express.

Visitation arrangements are being held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park on Thursday, August 22 from 4pm to 8pm. The funeral arrangements are at Christian Bible Church in rural Cissna Park on Friday, August 23 at 11am, with visitation one hour prior to service. Rev. Silas Montgomery will officiate.  Graveside services are at Cissna Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park  or Cissna Park Athletic Boosters.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneral homes.com.

Marie Snyder, 94, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at her home.

Marie was born October 17, 1918 in Chicago, the daughter of Thomas R. and Katherine Pringle Nugent.  She married Ralph Snyder on November 15, 1941 in Chicago and he preceded her in death on September 9, 2000.

Surviving are four sons, Ralph (Katherine) Snyder III of Chadwick, IL, Tom (Penny) Snyder of St. Augustine, FL, Pat (Jeanne) Snyder of Watseka and Sean (Kelley) Snyder of Grand Tour, IL; one daughter, Kathy (James) Blunk of Watseka; and seven grandsons, Ralph IV, Michael, Nicholas & Shane Snyder, Adam & Patrick Dorsey and Dax Snyder.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Agnes Bucher.

Marie was born and raised in Chicago and attended Vogue School of Design.  After WWII, she and her husband, Ralph, moved to Watseka.  She was a housewife and mother and in 1970 joined Ralph in the jewelry store, which became Snyder’s Jewelry & Gifts, until retiring in 1983.  Marie was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka and Red Hatters.  She enjoyed bridge, golf, spending time with her family and traveling.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral Mass on Friday, August 23, 2013 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Fr. Mike Powell will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or St. Edmund Catholic Church Roof Fund.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John E. McGuire, 84, of Watseka passed away at 1:57 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Piper City Living Center in Piper City.  He was born on September 3, 1928 in Piper City, a son of John and Genevieve Gain McGuire.  He married Marilyn Derr in Chatsworth on August 8, 1953 and she preceded him in death on May 5, 2004.

Survivors include one son, Steve (Lana) McGuire of Houston, TX; two daughters, Margo Lucido of Florissant, MO and Marla (Greg) Fuesting of St. Charles, MO; one brother, Francis “Butch” McGuire of Piper City; and one sister, Peg Bargemann of Piper City.  Also surviving are six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bob McGuire.

John was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Watseka American Legion, Watseka Elks Lodge, and Knights of Columbus.  He was a truck driver for many years and worked for D.E. Lynch Construction as a heavy equipment operator.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Fr. Robert Bernotas will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with graveside military rites to be conducted by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with a Vespers service at 6:45 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association, American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or Passages Hospice.

Please sign online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

Larry “Joe” Boyce, 64, of Claytonville passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Joe was born April 9, 1949 in Watseka, the son of William “Bill” and Carolyn Phillippo Boyce and they preceded him in death.

He is survived by one daughter, Angie (Ralph) Faber of Princeton; one brother, James “Jim” (Darlene) Boyce of Pueblo, CO; one sister, Marcia Gudeman of Citrus Valley, CA; and several local aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mr. Boyce served in the Army from 1970-1972 during the Vietnam Era and was a member of the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.  He was a truck driver for 45 years and liked working with cars and trucks.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.  Sid Kaufmann will officiate.  Burial will be in Amity Cemetery in Goodwine with military graveside rites by the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Roland P. Herreweyers, 50, of Sheldon passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at his home.

Cremation rites will be accorded with a memorial service to be held at a later date per the family’s request.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Darlene M. (Tambling) Haselow, 85, of Clifton passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at her home.

Darlene was born September 23, 1927 in Streator, the daughter of Claude and Marie Bowers Tambling.  She married Melvin H. Haselow on June 23, 1945 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2012.

She is survived by one daughter, Diane (Rick) Ducat of Chebanse; two grandsons, Paul (Amy) Ducat of Chebanse and Michael Ducat of Clifton; one granddaughter, Stacey Haselow of Rensselaer, IN; and three great-grandchildren, Ella Ducat, Eli Ducat and Emma Ducat.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Terry Haselow; and one grandchild, Hazel Ducat.

Mrs. Haselow was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse and Home Bureau of Herscher, where she was president and held many offices.  She enjoyed working with her husband, Melvin, on the farm around Clifton and Chebanse.  Darlene loved canning, freezing, cooking for her family, family birthday parties, taking family vacations to Lake Chetek every year, dancing with Melvin and doing the Polka.  She was a charter member of the No Fuss No Muss Club.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.  Rev. Kene Whybrew will officiate.  Burial will be in Kankakee Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.