Carol E. Swanson, 61, of Chebanse passed away on Friday, August 30, 2013 at her residence.

Carol was born February 26, 1952 in Kankakee, a daughter of Fred and Leola Green Weedon.  She married Mike Swanson on October 5, 1968 in Bonfield, IL and he survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Paul (Amanda) Swanson of Chebanse and Wayne (Laurie) Swanson of Minooka; one daughter, Heidi (Chris) Corripio of Largo, FL; three brothers, Jerry (Joyce) Weedon of Bonfield, Leslie (Carol) Weedon of Chebanse, and David (Neva) Weedon of Nashville, TN; one sister-in-law, Stephanie Weedon of Clifton; and eight grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Trevor, Casey, Carter, Grace, Camden, and Emma.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Brian and Wayne.

A private memorial service will be held at United Church in Chebanse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Arrangements were made by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

John “Jack” Brammer, 76, of Martinton passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Jack was born November 23, 1936 in Chicago, the son of John Raymond and Virginia Mae Cady Brammer.  He married Vickie Deardurff on April 2, 1983 in Pontiac and she preceded him in death on July 25, 2009.

He is survived by three sons, Edward (Carrie) Brammer of Springbrook, WI, Donald (Pamela) Brammer of Sheldon and Mike (Lindsy) Brammer of Bloomington; one brother, Gary (Charlotte) Brammer of West Lafayette, IN; seven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

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

Jack farmed in the Donovan area for many years.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Joe Hughes will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Thomas G. Blackledge, 54, of Milford passed away on Friday, August 30, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.  He was born February 9, 1959.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2013 at The Roberts Building at The Arc of Iroquois County in Watseka.  Burial of cremains will take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to The Arc of Iroquois County.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Roger D. Everhart, 65, of Sheldon passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at his home.

Roger was born July 19, 1948 in Scottsburg, IN, the son of Bernard and Treva Cowan Everhart. 

He is survived by two sons, James Everhart and Roger Everhart Jr. both of Sheldon; his ex-wife, Barbara Hurt of Sheldon; two brothers, Kenneth and Bernard; four sisters, Roberta, Cindy, Karen and Patsy; and five grandchildren, Aaron, Chris & Ethan and Tia & Tristan.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Vickie Baker.

Mr. Everhart served in the Army during Vietnam.  He enjoyed fishing, stock cars and wrestling.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, September 6, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon.  Burial will be in the Sheldon Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Sheldon American Legion, Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made for the family’s wishes.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Eleanor D. Wade, 92, of Clifton passed away on Thursday evening, September 5, 2013, at 9:20 p.m. at the home of her daughter in Clifton, following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Wade was born on September 14, 1920 in rural Chebanse, the daughter of Henry and Martha Wilhelm Kroll, her parents are deceased. She was married to Fred E. Wade at Davenport, IA on August 13, 1940. He preceded her in death on October 27, 1982.

Surviving Mrs. Wade are three daughters and sons-in-law and two sons and one daughter-in-law, Anna (Gene) Hess of Clifton, Mary (James) Kram of Weatherford, TX, Dorothy “Dodi” (Rev. William) Callister of Clifton, Edwin (Marianne) Wade of Bancroft, WI and William Wade of Madison, WI; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grand child.

In addition to her parents and her late husband, she was also preceded in death by six brothers, five sisters and one grandchild.

Mrs. Wade was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton, the Women of ELCA at her Church and was a former Sunday School Teacher and member of the Sewing Circle. She enjoyed sewing, baking, gardening and being with her family.

Services for Mrs. Wade will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton.  Her son-in-law, Rev. William Callister will officiate. Friends may call at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Friday, September 13th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday for one hour at the church prior to the services.  Burial will be at Mona Twp. Cemetery in Ford Co., IL.  Memorials may be made for the Zion Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, Prairieview Lutheran Home or Hospice of Kankakee Valley.

Please sign her online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Loretta J. (Christiansen) Lane, 84, of Springfield and formerly of Rankin passed away on April 20, 2013 at her home in Grapevine, TX. She was born on September 27, 1928 in Rankin.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rankin Union Cemetery.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Lori Dixon (Lane-Keith), her son-in-law, Art Dixon, and grandchildren, as well as many special family members and friends. Mrs. Lane lived in Springfield, IL until 1981 and then moved with her husband, Hubert G. Lane, and their daughter, to their dream location in Clearwater, FL. In 2010, she joined her daughter and son-in-law, in Grapevine, TX, to enjoy being close to family as she completed her life journey. She is preceded in death by her wonderful husband, and one daughter, Susan K. Lane Fones, as well as her parents, brother, and extended family. Loretta was an amazing woman of faith and had an undeniable sense of humor. Donations can be made in her memory to: Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, FL.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jerry J. Jones, 80, of Haines City, FL, and formerly of Watseka, IL passed away on Friday, September 6, 2013 at his home in Haines City.

Jerry was born March 13, 1933 in Milford, the son of Joseph and Clara Irene Walton Jones.  He married Shirley Wilt on January 10, 1959 in Watseka and she survives.

He is also survived by one son, Christopher (Pat) Jones of Bourbonnais, IL; two daughters, Judy Burton of Haines City, FL and Sally (Craig) Schofield of Hahira, GA; one sister, JoAnn (Raymond) Williams of Bridgeview, IL; one brother, Tom (Sherry) Jones of Watseka, IL; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John Jones and Jim Jones; and two sisters, Betty Schroeder and Regina DeVillers.

Jerry was a member of Centennial Christian Church in Watseka, a retired sergeant for the Watseka Police Department after 23 years of service, and a retired veteran of the United States Navy after serving 27 years.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Joe Hughes will officiate.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford, IL.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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

Arthur “Art” Norder, 74, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at his residence. 

Art was born September 21, 1938 in Watseka, the son of John H. and Nona D. Bear Norder.  He married Nancy A. Lucht on November 29, 1964 in Schwer and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Joy A. Norder of Watseka; one son, Jon A. (Amy) Norder of Watseka; two sisters, Kathy (Jim) Mazza of Arlington, TX and Anna D. Burton of Watseka; one sister-in-law, Janet (Darrell) Kiesel of Oglesby, IL; mother-in-law, Ann Lucht of Watseka; and two grandchildren, Katelyn and Adam Norder.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth R. Norder and Edwin R. Norder; one sister, Sadie M. Norder; and one brother and sister-in-law, Peggy and Duane Baillie. 

Mr. Norder was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka.  Art was a lifetime Iroquois County farmer.  He was an avid antique tractor collector, enjoyed playing practical jokes, and loved his family and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka.  Rev. Donald Love will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday. 

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka or to the donor’s choice.

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

Mrs. Linda Lee Sadler, 72, of rural Chebanse passed away Monday morning, September 9, 2013, at the Merkle-Knipprath Catholic Home at Clifton following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Sadler was born on January 16, 1941 in Kankakee, the daughter of George and Leah Willett Witt and they preceded her in death. She married Laverne Sadler in Chebanse on June 17, 1961 and he survives. Also surviving are three daughters and two sons-in-law and one son and daughter-in-law, LeeAnne (Jess) Brandt of Chebanse, Laurie Sadler Essington of Chebanse, Stacy (Mark) Constable of Oreana and Bill (Laura) Sadler of Chebanse; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister and brother-in-law, Kay (John) Hagler of Clifton.

Mrs. Sadler was the Librarian at the Clifton Grade School prior to its’ closing and had driven a bus for 28 years for Central CUSD #4. She was a lifelong member of the Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Chebanse and the Church’s CCW. She enjoyed her many hobbies, holidays and being with her grandchildren.

At her request, cremation rites have been accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. There will be a memorial visitation on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 from 4-6 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and a memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. Rev. Craig Crombar will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in Sts. Mary and Joseph Cemetery at Chebanse.

Please sign her online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John E. Pelehowski Jr., 64, of Iroquois passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at his home.

John was born March 19, 1949 in Bradley, the son of John E. and Virginia Craig Pelehowski Sr.  He married Martha Rimmer on April 10, 1982 in Momence and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Sherry Dubey of Bourbonnais and one son, John E. Pelehowski III of Martinton.

There will be no visitation or funeral services.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Maxine Jeanette Kirsche Darr, 89, of Paxton passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Heartland Health Care Center in Paxton. 

Maxine was born June 16, 1924 in Paxton, the daughter of Alfred and Jessie Leander Kirsche.  She married Harold D. Darr on July 8, 1942 in Bowling Green, MO.  They were married sixty-eight years before his death on November 27, 2010.  She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Denny; her parents; one sister, Shirley Marie Kirsche; and one brother, John Robert Kirsche. 

Surviving are three daughters, DarLa Bean of 1215 Raptor Drive in Hanahan, SC, DeRinda Darr of Paxton, and ShaLyn (Ian) Pettman of Paxton; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren; and one great great grandson. 

Maxine graduated from Paxton High School and worked for a short period of time for Index.  She was very involved in her children’s activities, Girl Scouts, Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post #150, and was an active member of the Lutheran Church’s Ladies Aide.  She enjoyed baking, playing cards, camping, and attending sporting events of her children. 

Do not be sad!  This is a tribute and celebration of her life.  For it matters not what we own in this world but rather how we live and love.  There are those who are waiting on the other side for her coming, rejoice!  She was loved.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Glen Cemetery in Paxton.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements made by Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton.

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

Edward L. Smith, 93, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital.

Edward was born January 5, 1920 in Sparta, WI, the son of Edward E. and Emma M. Minicki Smith.  He married Gertrude Mohring on May 18, 1947 in Sparta, WI and she preceded him in death on August 23, 2012.

Surviving are one son, Douglas E. Smith of Oak Lawn; two grandsons, Christopher Smith of Oak Lawn and Jacob Lahey of El Reno, OK; one granddaughter, Robyn Adinamis of Cincinnati, OH; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother; two sisters; and one daughter, Sandra L. Smith.

Mr. Smith served in the Army during WWII, owned & operated the Ben Franklin Dime Store in Milford for 26 years and retired from being the Milford Twp. Supervisor after 20 years.  He was a member of the Milford United Methodist Church, Iroquois County VFW Post #7450 and was a lifetime member of the Milford Lions Club.  Edward was a civic minded person and served on the Milford Chamber of Commerce and assisted in the planning and opening of the Milford Swimming Pool.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Gene Turner will officiate.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to the Milford Ambulance Service or Milford United Methodist Church.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Leroy G. Pfingsten, 83, of Winter Haven, FL died of heart complications on Monday, September 16, 2013 at Lifecare Center of Winter Haven.

Leroy was born January 7, 1930 in Onarga, the son of Gustav and Sophia Meyer Pfingsten and they preceded him in death along with four brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Ellen Pfingsten of Winter Haven, FL; two daughters, Jean Ellen (Gavin) Steele of Monticello, IL and Joan (Chuck) Brooks of Winter Haven, FL; two brothers, Lawrence Pfingsten and Arnold Pfingsten both of Watseka; one sister, Darline Bleich of Crescent City; and three grandchildren, Gavin Steele, Devon Brooks and Kendall Brooks.

Leroy served in the Army from 1953 to 1955 and he was honorably discharged.  He was a farmer in Illinois until he moved to Florida in 1971 where he worked for Cypress Gardens as a painter and later retired.  He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and American Legion Post #8 in Winter Haven, FL.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Woodworth.  Rev. Benjamin Meyer will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery at Woodworth with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

William “Bill” R. Fesselmeyer, 98, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Private family services were held with arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Max Barrett, 25, of Ashkum passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at his home.

Max was born May 11, 1988 in Kankakee, the son of John and Cindy Kennedy Barrett.  He is survived by his parents of Ashkum; one daughter, Nora Marie Barrett of Bonfield; his paternal grandmother, June Barrett of Bradley; and extended family including several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas C. Barrett Sr. and his maternal grandparents, Ned & Bonnie Kennedy.

Max was a land surveyor for Tyson Engineering.  He loved to cook and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his daughter.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at the Clifton Community Building with arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Nora Marie Barrett Trust Fund at Homestar Bank.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Wayne L. Wall, 85, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Miller Center in Kankakee.

Wayne was born November 28, 1927 in Middleport Twp., the son of Clarence and Edith Starkey Wall. He married Joyce Smith on June 3, 1950 in Rensselaer, IN and she survives.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, he is survived by two daughters, Paula Wall Duis of Champaign, IL and Sue (Rick Kimnach) Wall of Bloomfield, IN; one son, Tom (Charlotte) Wall of Hopedale, IL; one sister, Betty Leonard of Watseka; eight grandchildren, Julie (Dustin) Blunier, Robbie (Chelsea) Duis, Kate (Dennis Paras) Duis, Leslie (Kyle) Matherly, Britton Sobkoviak, Kristin (Jacob) Jones, Ashley Wall, and Lucas Wall; and seven great-grandchildren, Avery Blunier, Landon Blunier, Delaney Blunier, Addison Duis, Ashton Matherly, Logan Matherly, and Emmerson Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Wall served in the U.S. Army during World War II. A lifelong resident of Iroquois County, he farmed and raised livestock in the Watseka area for many years. During this time, he was Vice President and Concessions Manager of the Iroquois County Fair Board, member of the Illinois Polled Hereford Association, and a 4-H Leader. He was a former alderman for the City of Watseka. Wayne was a groundskeeper for the Iroquois County Fair for the past seventeen years. He was happiest when surrounded by his family at a cattle show.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. Rev. Wayne Meyer will officiate. Military rites will take place by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois County Fair.

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

Samuel Fredrick Gudeman, 59, of Watseka passed away on October, 29, 2013 at Watseka Rehab and Health Care Center in Watseka. He was born November 8, 1953 in Watseka, the son of Leonard W. and Louise A. Rudin Gudeman.

He is survived by eight sisters, Sarah (George Jr.) Melton of Peoria, Esther (Paul) Andreas of Bourbonnais, Mary Gudeman of Watseka, Judy (Urban) Edelman of Onarga, Edna (Jerry) Cluver of Cissna Park, Leah Joy (Lyle) Oberg of Cottonwood, AZ, B. Jean Robra of Seelze, Germany, and Aldine (Scott) Blunier of Santarem Para, Brazil; and five brothers, Charles Gudeman of Kalispell, MT, John (Sandy) Gudeman of Wildwood, MO, Alfred Gudeman of San Diego, CA, Dan (Myrna) Gudeman of Florence, OR, and David (Debbie) Gudeman of Watseka.

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

Mr. Gudeman enjoyed visiting with people and spending time with his family.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park. Pastor Silas Montgomery will officiate.  Burial will be in the Cissna Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Passages Hospice or Watseka Rehab and Health Care Center.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Gertrude “Gertie” E. Brenner, 100, a former resident of Cissna Park, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston.

Gertie was born July 28, 1913 in Great Falls, MT, the daughter of Robert E. and Elizabeth Houdak Crockett.  She married Paul J. Brenner on January 29, 1939 in Watseka and he preceded her in death on January 2, 2004.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary Anne Sorenson and Linda Brenner both of Hoopeston; one son, Gene (Nancy) Brenner of Wheaton; six grandchildren, Bret (Becki) Brenner of Ambridge, PA, Brian (Colleen) Brenner of Lake Bluff, IL, Robin (Darren) Martin of Hoopeston, Paula (Jim) McCullough of Hoopeston, Penny Warner of Rankin and Amy Warner of Hoopeston; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; a half-sister, Doris Crockett; and a daughter, Carole Lynn Brenner.

Mrs. Brenner was a member of the Union Church in Cissna Park, Dorcas Society and Iroquois County Homemaker Extention.  She wrote local articles for the local papers.  Gertie loved making afghans, sewing, antiques, gardening, crocheting, crossword puzzles, cooking, baking, playing the harmonica and making homemade wine with her husband, Paul.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.  Rev. Bill Featherstone will officiate.  Burial will be in the Cissna Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John James Blasey “Ashkum, IL. 60911”, 68, of Ashkum passed away on November 1, 2013 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

John was born March 18, 1945 in Kankakee, the son of W. Donald and Esther “Sally” Livingston Blasey.  He married Sheila Cailteux in L’Erable on December 6, 1969.

Surviving are his wife, Sheila of Ashkum; two sons, Jonathan (Heather) Blasey of Clifton and Joel (Michelle) Blasey of Bellevue, NE; one daughter, Megan (Donovan) Songer of Gilman; nine grandchildren, Nick and Ryan Blasey, Jack, Luke, Ella, and Anne Blasey, and Lindsey, Kristen, and Aaron Songer; one sister, Ann Blasey (Bill Rab); and his mother-in-law, Marjorie Heeler.

Mr. Blasey was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Mr. Blasey was a union chemical worker at CSL Behring since 1974.  He enjoyed fishing in Minnesota, hunting, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends.  John served in the United States Army during Vietnam.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  A funeral mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum with Fr. James Holup officiating.  Burial will take place at L’Erable Catholic Cemetery in L’Erable with military rites.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

Howard A. Meyer, 84, of Chebanse passed away on Friday, November 1, 2013 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth. 

Howard was born December 3, 1928 in Chebanse, the son of Albert and Lucille Schultz Meyer.  He attended grade school in a small, one room country school a half mile south of his home.  For several years he was the only boy.  He would ride his pony early in the morning to school to start the fire in the heating stove so the room would be warm when the teacher and the pupils would arrive.  He belonged to 4-H for several years and showed steers for his project.  He had several champions in which he took to the state fair.  He later became a 4-H leader. 

He graduated from Chebanse High School with the class of 1946.  On February 5, 1949 he married his high school sweetheart and classmate Melba Droste at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.  He helped his father farm and also drove a school bus.  He then worked for the Village of Chebanse putting in the water lines.  He farmed for twenty years in the Chebanse area before having the opportunity to buy the Schultz Insurance and Real Estate Agency in Chebanse that his uncle Louis M. Schultz owned.  The business had been started by his grandfather, Louis C. Schultz in 1937.  The agency is now known as the Meyer Agency Inc.  Howard went on to be a Bank Director for the Federated Bank for twenty-five years.  He served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Farmers Insurance Association for several years.  He was also a member and served on the board for several years of the Kankakee-Iroquois Co. Board of Realtors. 

In addition to his wife, Melba, he is survived by one son, James (Adele) Meyer of Chebanse; one daughter, Jeanne (Joseph) Mathy of Clifton; four grandchildren, Jason (Michelle) Mathy of Chebanse, Brett (Cory) Long of Clifton, Jennifer (Adam) McMullen of Streator, and Sarah (Stanton) Long of Mt. Juliet, TN; ten great-grandchildren, Andie, Kaylee, and Brooklynne Mathy, Hudson and Halle Long, Anna, Charli, and Wyatt McMullen, and Elizabeth and Eli Long; one sister, Darlene Stephens of Bourbonnais; one sister-in-law, Bonnie Potts of Chebanse; and one brother-in-law, Vernon Brault of Martinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Nelda Walters; two sisters-in-law, Betty Wood and Donna Brault; four brothers-in-law, Philip Stephens, Wesley Walters, Donald Potts, and Donald Wood.

Before his stroke, Howard loved to hunt, trap shoot, and fish.  He was a member of the NRA, Pheasants Forever, and Ducks Unlimited.  He always enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.  Rev. Kene Whybrew will officiate.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or to the family’s wishes.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com