Obits of Loved Ones

2024

Greg Weller, husband of Pam (Marshall) Weller

Gregory L. Weller, 76 of Bayles Lake, Loda, died at 7:16 p.m. Monday, February 5, 2024, at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Loda with Father Nestor Sanchez officiating.  Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton with a rosary beginning at 3:15 p.m.

Greg was born December 15, 1947, in Paxton the son of Ivor and Marjorie Gregerson Weller.  He married Pamela A. Marshall May 22, 1971, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Paxton.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Pam, he is survived by three sons, Michael (Cierra) Weller of Glen Ellyn, Christopher (Dana) Weller of Batavia, Alan (Jessica) Weller of Montgomery; one grandson, Declan Weller and a sister Linda (Les) Luhrsen of Buckley.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and a brother, James Weller.

After retiring from AT&T, he was employed by various consulting firms working on engineering reroutes for AT&T cables. His last employment was with JMC Engineers and Associates where he worked with many longtime friends consulting on a variety of AT&T related projects.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Loda.  Greg was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Illini fan.  He enjoyed fishing, reading, golfing and wintering in Bonita Springs, Florida.  He loved spending time with his family. He was active with his sons in scouting as well as with their sports and activities. He loved watching sports, especially his grandson play baseball.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Loda or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.  Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

2023

Frederick Manzke, father of Linda Manzke Yearsley

Frederick Frank Henry Manzke, 98, of Paxton passed away Monday, September 4, 2023, at Goldwater Care of Gibson City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2023 at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells St, Paxton with Rev. Debra Domeier officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton with military honors accorded by Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Fred was born September 13, 1924 in Tinley Park, Illinois, the son of Frederick and Mathilda (Willie) Manzke. He married Mabel Rust on April 25, 1948, in Orland Park, Illinois.

Fred is survived by his children: Fred (Cathy) Manzke of Tuscola, Linda L. Yearsley of Urbana, Richard (Twila) Manzke of Loda, Marianne Milligan of Paxton, Donna (Tom) Anglin of Champaign; 13 grandchildren: Steven (Jennifer) Manzke of Edwards, Jessie (Nate) Tate of Tolono, Emmett Yearsley of Urbana, Angela (Clint) Gifford of Eyota, MN, Amanda Dippel of Loda, Amber (Doug) Pryle of Loda, Alane Manzke of Loda, Alisha Manzke of Loda, Jason Milligan of Paxton, Ashley (Mark) Bordenga of Gibson City, Bridget Milligan of Gibson City, and Brittany Anglin of Champaign, and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister, wife Mabel, twin sons, one granddaughter and two great grandchildren.

He served in the United States Army from 1946-1947. Fred was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Paxton. He retired from farming and cutting woodcrafts. He loved playing cards and looked forward to playing weekly with his family. He enjoyed bingo, putting puzzles together, but mostly, gatherings with his family.

Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Paxton, or Goldwater Care of Gibson City. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

 

Mary Ann Miller, mother  of Kathy Miller Cearlock

Mary Ann Miller, 95, of Savoy, formerly of Paxton and Minier, passed away Sunday (July 30, 2023).

She was born on Aug. 30. 1927, in Chicago, the daughter of Everett and Blanch Gastineau. She married her high school sweetheart, John P. Miller, in 1947 in Peoria. He preceded her in death after 71 years of marriage in 2017.

She is survived by her four daughters, Linda Alley of Metamora, Kathleen Cearlock (William) of Ogden, Susie Overstreet of Champaign and DeeDee Cook (David) of Mahomet; five grandsons, Cory Overstreet (Giselle) of Chicago, Clayton Overstreet (Krista) of Mahomet, Craig Overstreet and Ross Cearlock (Lana) of Champaign; and one stepgranddaughter, Adrienne Hirsch (Dan) of Tinley Park; five great-grandchildren, Christian, Gabrielle and Frances Overstreet of Chicago, Kaitlyn and Garrett Overstreet of Mahomet and Grant Hirsch of Tinley Park; and three nieces, Cynthia Baldwin (Gary) and Peggy and Patty Best.

In addition to her husband, Mary Ann was preceded in death by a grandson, William Laskey; two sons-in-law, Tom Laskey and Randy Alley; and a brother and sister-in-law, Kenny and Eleonor Best.

John and Mary Ann moved their family from the Peoria area to Paxton in 1958, where they raised their four daughters. Mary Ann retired from Chanute Air Force Base after serving 10 years as the base visual merchandiser.

Mary Ann was a Lifetime PTA member, Girl Scout leader and a Worthy Matron and grand representative of Illinois in Eastern Star. Her artistic talents won her blue ribbons in the Town and Country Art Shows and the admiration of her family and friends. She was an excellent seamstress, making her own wedding dress and many dresses for her four daughters as they grew up. She also was known for her delicious pies and cakes except for the time she forgot to put the sugar in a pie, something her sons-in-law never let her forget! Mary Ann was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and looked forward to singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch. She loved spending time with children (especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren) and was known for her infectious laugh, which will be missed by all.

Graveside services will be held at Oakview Cemetery, Armington, on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital. Memorials and condolences can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

 

Timothy J Phillips, former classmate

Timothy J Phillips, 73, of Paxton, died Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Per his wishes, there will be no service.  Cremation rites were accorded by Evergreen Cremation Services. 

Mr. Phillips was born in Paxton on Feb 26, 1950, the sone of George and Patricia Phillips.  He married Patsy Merkle. 

Surviving are two daughters, Terri Olson of Lisle and Debbie Hendrichs of Orlando, Fl; one son, Travis Phillips of Greenville, SC; six grandchildren; three great-grandchilden; one brother, Dan Phillips of Paxton; and one sister, Mary Vinczi Philllips of Northbrook.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one nephew, Patrick Phillips; one daughter-in-law, Kim Phillips, one son-in-law, Matt Henrichs; and his best fur buddy, Sophie III.

2022

Beverly P. Griswold, mother of Dave Griswold

Beverly P. Griswold, 93, of Anderson, passed away on December 9, 2022, at her residence. 

She was born on January 31, 1929, in Paxton, Illinois, the daughter of Lee C. and Hilda (Busing) Brison. 

Beverly graduated from Paxton High School in 1947. She later attended Wesleyan University and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. 

On December 19, 1948, she married George W. Griswold and together with four children, they lived East of Ludlow, IL, for 22 years. 

She taught piano and organ lessons and was active in the Ludlow Christian Church and the American Legion Auxillary. 

In 1970, Bev moved to Anderson, Indiana, where she was in business for many years. After retirement, she and Bill enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida. Beverly was an excellent Bridge player and played until she was 90 years old, and also played the piano until July of this year. 

She is survived by her children, David (Barbara) Griswold, Kristi (Jim) Stanley, Sherri West (companion, Robert McDowell), and Jamie Griswold; 9 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, twin great-great grandsons, as well as a number of step-great grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren; nephew, Bryce Bankert, of California; and loving cat, Iris. 

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George W. "Bill" Griswold; sister, Bonnie Bankert; and granddaughter, Michele Giddings. 

Visitation will be held at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 West 53rd Street, Anderson, IN, 46013, on Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. 

Services will be at the funeral home on Thursday, at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Gary Klinger officiating. 

Burial will take place at Ludlow Cemetery, Ludlow, Illinois, at a later date. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice. 

www.loosecares.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Beverly P. Griswold please visit our Sympathy Store.

 

2020

Bob Fulling, our Civics teacher

RANTOUL — Robert “Bob” Neal Fulling, 75, of Rantoul and San Antonio, was born at home on a dairy farm in Palestine, Ill., on March 22, 1945, the sixth child of Byrl and Dorothy Fulling.

On Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, surrounded by his wife and family, he was peacefully welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and savior.

He devoted himself to being the best husband, father, grandfather, leader, disciple, friend, neighbor and witness possible.

Growing up on a farm, he woke up early every day to milk the cows before school. After school, he enjoyed playing basketball and competing in track at Palestine High School, where he graduated in 1963. He went to college at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), where an assigned-seating chart in an education class placed him right next to his future wife and the love of his life, Karen Rogers. Because she had to walk the length of campus to get to the class, he always beat her there and took her seat, leaving her (a right-hander) to sit in the left-handed desk that had been assigned to him!

He graduated from EIU in 1967, and he and Karen were married May 27, 1967. That fall, Bob started teaching history at what is now Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School. Bob left teaching after a year to join Rogers Supply Company, and he and Karen began growing their family, all of whom survive — Scott (Teresa) of Bloomington, Greg (Joy) of Shelton, Wash., Doug (Sheila) of West Chester, Pa., and Brian (Anne) of Pawcatuck, Conn.

And their family continued to grow with the newest members, who adored their beloved Grandpa, “Papa.” Scott and Teresa started the additions with Andrew (24), Jessica (24) and Jonathan (23). Greg and Joy increased the count with Noah (13) and Sydney (10). Doug and Sheila brought Lauren (16), Ella (16) and Avery (13) to the mix. And Brian and Anne completed the Fulling grandchildren roster with Emily (15), Addison (13), Aaron (11) and Elizabeth (6).

Beyond being a devoted family man, Bob (along with Karen) also successfully led Rogers Supply for 32 years, where he earned the trust, respect and love of employees through his gentle, thoughtful and calm ways, as well as his legendary event-planning skills. Every year, he and Karen took their employees on a trip, and the “men’s trip” usually involved fishing in a remote location, experiencing the beauty of God’s creation and sharing good food and many laughs.

He and Karen loved to explore the world and meet new friends from different cultures, visiting places as far flung as Australia, New Zealand, England and Hawaii. They celebrated 53 years of marriage in 2020. He adored her, and their love for each other was evident to all who knew them. On his last day, when asked what he wanted, he pointed to Karen and said “to be with her.” He often demonstrated his love for her via elaborate surprises, including a special celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary, based off of a scene in her favorite movie, “Pretty Woman,” where he whisked Karen and their family away on a private jet to Kansas City for a surprise celebratory dinner. 

But his most impactful role was his dedicated service to sharing the Gospel in his community and around the world. Bob was a man of great faith who never did anything for his own glory. He led countless Bible studies. He mentored and supported many international students, including some at the University of Illinois. He served on five mission trips to China to support the work of pastors there. Most important, he exemplified, through his words and deeds, how to embody the message of Christ. He lent a helping hand wherever he was called or needed; he always forgave, and he found the joy and beauty in each of God’s creations on Earth.

He will be remembered as a caring, selfless and giving man who loved nothing more than helping others, usually without anyone knowing. We will undoubtedly continue to learn about his acts of kindness for years.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Byrl and Dorothy, as well as all five of his siblings, including two who died within just a few weeks of him.

A private family burial is scheduled for Dec. 5 at Maplewood Cemetery, Rantoul, and a celebration of Bob’s life will be scheduled next spring when it is safe to gather. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to Rantoul First Baptist Church, 401 Glenwood Drive, Rantoul, IL 61866, or Not On My Watch c/o Herb Bernette, 3209 County Road 1700 East, Rantoul, IL 61866.

Carol Ostendorf, mother of Hope Miller

Carol E. Ostendorf, 98 of Paxton, passed away at 6:24 a.m. Sunday, August 30, 2020, at her home.

A family graveside service will be held at Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Carol was born January 12, 1922 in Edwardsville the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Daech Soehlke. She married Olin O. Ostendorf June 4, 1944 in Edwardsville. He preceded her in death August 1, 1989.

She is survived by one daughter Hope (Harold “Jack”) Miller of Paxton; one son, Tadd Ostendorf of Paxton; 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, one daughter, two sisters, two grandchildren, a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law.

Carol was a member of the Paxton First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Paxton American Legion Auxiliary, Prospect Chapter No. 367 O.E.S. and a former Brownie and Girl Scout Leader.

She enjoyed playing bridge, board games, pinochle and painting. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Champaign County Down Syndrome Network, Paxton First United Methodist Church or Paxton Peace Meals Program. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Margaret Teesdale, mother of Cindy (Tessdale) Hotler

Margaret Adah Teesdale, 95 of Paxton passed away at 8:31 am. Monday, September 14, 2020, at the home of her daughter.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2020, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells Street, Paxton.

A private family funeral service followed by burial in Rankin Union Cemetery will be held.

Margaret was born June 26, 1925 in Rankin the daughter of James Curtis and Anna Fredricka Grafelman McMurry. She married Frank Teesdale July 17, 1942 in Rankin. He preceded her in death November 1983.

She is survived by her children Connie (Larry) Carnes of Mooresville, NC, Cynthia (Dave) Hotler of West Lafayette, IN, Frank Curtis (Debbie) Teesdale of Marysville, WA, Randall (Nancy) Teesdale of Bartlett, Gary Teesdale of Buckley, Vickie (Steve) Foster of Paxton, Valerie “Jene” Ecker of Springfield, MO, Joel Teesdale of Bartlett; 19 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; a brother Melvin (Gail) McMurry of Spring, TX and a sister-in-law Gloria McMurry of Holland, MI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother William Curtis “Bud” McMurry and one sister Revetta Jean Downen.

Margaret attended Paxton High School. While working as a housekeeper at the Middlecoff Hotel she met the love of her life, Frank. After their marriage she assisted her husband with farming in Rankin and Paxton. She then went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and was employed by Mercy Hospital, Urbana, Ford County Nursing Home and Illinois Knights Templar Home for 25 years. After her retirement from nursing she worked at the Rantoul Walmart for the next 15 years.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Paxton and a board member of the Paxton Thrift Shop. She enjoyed plants and gardening, sewing, knitting and crocheting. She also liked to write, read, cook and look at recipes and cookbooks. Her greatest joy was being a wife and mother and taking care of her family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Baby Fold, Normal, Illinois, First Lutheran Church, Paxton, Grace Lutheran Church, Rankin or Champaign County Humane Society. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

 

Steve Earley

MONTEZUMA, Ind. — Stephen Jo Earley, 70, of Montezuma, Ind., passed away on Wednesday (June 24, 2020).

He was born in Paxton on Dec. 9, 1949, to D.C. Earley and Marilyn K. Stalter Earley.

Steve was a graduate of Urbana High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Illinois University.

He was co-owner of six grocery stores, IGA and Save-a-Lot. He was an Elks Club member, Rockville Lodge. He was a lifelong White Sox fan. Known as “Gramps” by all of his grandchildren, he also was an avid dog lover. Farm living was his lifelong dream.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gary Earley.

Survivors include his wife, Tressa Earley; two sons, A.J. Earley and Andy (Cierra Barker) Earley; a sister, Mary R. (Craig) Vallowe; and three grandchildren, Avery Briddick, Addie Jo Earley and Ava Earley.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Rockville Elks Club. Funeral services will be on Thursday, July 2, at 11 a.m. at the Independent Baptist Church in Montezuma for family and close friends. Pastor Keith McIntyre will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Parke-Vermillion County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at visitation and funeral services.

Ted Polson

OGDEN — Ted W. Polson, 70, of Ogden, formerly of Paxton, died at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at his home.

There will be no services at this time. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ted was born June 3, 1950, in Bloomington the son of William Porter and Rachel Neathery Polson. He graduated from Paxton High School in 1968. Ted worked for Kraft Foods as a Line Operator for 40 years and retired in 2014. He moved from Paxton to Ogden in 2001.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Becky Sweeney; three brothers Bill Polson, Glen (Sherri) Polson and Jerry Polson all of Paxton and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Jack and Clifford Polson; three sisters, Jean Moyer, Mabel Donaldson and Alice Murphy.

Ted enjoyed NASCAR, trapping, fishing and sitting in the backyard feeding peanuts to the squirrels.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Memories and condolences with the family can be shared at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Anyone wanting to send a flower arrangement to the family of Ted W. Polson, can visit Baier Family Funeral Services’ Sympathy Store.

2019

Arlene Phillips Ogle, mother of Gregg Phillips

PAXTON — Doris “Arlene” Phillips Ogle, 96, a lifelong Paxton area resident, died at 1:39 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City.

Visitation was from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, followed by her funeral at 2 p.m. Burial was immediately after the funeral in Drummer Township Cemetery in Gibson City.

Mrs. Ogle lived at the Villas of Holly Brook in Gibson City for the past three years. She was born Oct. 21, 1922, on a farm northwest of Ludlow, the daughter of Earl Virgil and Edith Pearl (Webster) Johnson.

She married William Perry Phillips on Feb. 17, 1946, at the Ludlow Methodist Church. He died March 30, 1980, after serving in World War II and farming for 34 years and selling insurance.

On Dec 1, 1989, she married Edward Wilbur “Bones” Ogle in Paxton. They lived at Bayles Lake for 14 years and then made their home in Paxton in 2004, spending many winters near Grand Island, Fla. He died on March 17, 2015.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, Herman Frette; a brother, Kenneth Earl Johnson in 1929; and step-siblings Wendell and Warren Frette and Audrey Ward.

Survivors include a son, Gregg (Deb) Phillips of Paxton; a daughter, Barbara (Bruce) Vendt of Ballwin, Mo.; her grandchildren, Daniel (Whitney) Vendt of Reseda, Calif., Capt. Paul (Julia) Vendt of Ft. Huachuca, Ariz., and Christopher (Crickett) Engelbrecht and Kathlene Clark of Paxton; her great-grandchildren, Martin Vendt, J.J. Akers and Caleb Clark; and two stepsisters, Marilyn Lammers and Barbara Frette of Paxton.

Mrs. Ogle attended Farmersville School, a one-room country school, and graduated from Paxton Community High School in 1940. She graduated from Gallagher School of Business in 1942 and worked in civil service at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul as a clerk/stenographer and a court reporter for several years. She later worked for the Paxton Grade School principal and in the Dix Insurance Office in Paxton. She also assisted her father, Earl, and husband, Perry, who were both directors/agents in the Dix Insurance Company.  She eventually made her way back to Chanute Air Force Base, working as a secretary until her retirement.

She played piano in church and other organizations for many years. She was a member of the Paxton United Methodist Church and the Prospect Chapter #367 of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 70 years. She was the church’s organist for more than 20 years. She was also a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Paxton Woman’s Club.  In younger days, she was active in the PTA and Home Extension and was a longtime member of the Pickettsville Club. Her love of piano playing led her to volunteer playing piano in Paxton nursing homes. She also volunteered as a Telecare driver.

Her hobbies and things she enjoyed doing centered around music (piano), ballroom dancing (with Perry), family, friends and travel. She loved to entertain and loved parties. Her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments were always a source of conversation and pride for her. She loved life, loved to chat with friends and loved to laugh. She was a classy, fashionable lady to the end. In her later years she talked about what a good life she had experienced and felt the need to give back to the community by donating money to various organizations that she felt were doing important work.

Memorials may be made to the PBL Area Community Food Pantry in Paxton.

  •  

Harry O. Swenson

Harry O. Swenson

 

WHEATON — Harry O. Swenson, 95, who taught both vocal and instrumental music in the Paxton school system from 1949 to 1964, died in his home in Wheaton on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, followed by a reception at 4 p.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Mr. Swenson was born at home on March 2, 1924, in Salem, Wiss., to Roy and Evelyn Swenson. He grew up on Camp Lake Road in Salem Township and graduated from Union Free High School in Wilmot, Wis., in 1941.

Mr. Swenson attended Milwaukee State Teachers College, where he met Virginia Budil, a fellow music student. He entered the Army Air Corps in February 1943 and received education at Carlton College before serving in Lincoln, Neb., and in Guam. After his service, he married Virginia in June 1946. He studied in the music department at Northwestern University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree and a master’s degree in music.

Mr. Swenson worked as a music teacher in Fort Walton, Fla., for a year before moving to Paxton, where he taught from 1949 until 1964. He patiently taught youngsters of all ages to play any of the instruments he could play, which included just about everything but the Chinese erhu.

Mr. Swenson conducted and arranged for the Paxton Community High School band and tried to teach the band students how to create formations at football games. This task was roughly the equivalent of trying to teach a hippotamus how to tap dance. He also conducted the pep band and numerous small ensembles composed of his instrumental students.  

In the summers, he conducted the Paxton Community Band at the band shelter in Pells Park.  That band included his very talented wife, who was the only one in the community who could play the piccolo counter melody to the “Star-Spangled Banner.” She also gave piano and voice lessons to many children and teens in the community.

Mr. Swenson worked for many years for School District 214 at Forest View and Elk Grove high schools while living in Des Plaines. In the early 1970s, he built his own home on 2.5 acres in South Barrington.  He retired in 1976 and remained active in retirement by starting a handyman business in which he enjoyed helping people, at times at his own expense.

In his retirement years, Mr. Swenson became an avid “barbershopper,” singing both tenor and baritone and contributing arrangements. He was a member of the Elgin chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 40 years and was named Barbershopper of the Year by the Elgin chapter in 1984.

Music was integral to his life, and he loved to sing, teach, compose and arrange music both personally and professionally. He taught professionally for 27 years and served as choir director for the Trinity Methodist Church in Mt. Prospect and published music with Cambiata Press.

It was important to him that his family shared his enjoyment of music, and he taught each of his children to sing and play instruments. Each Christmas he would create musical arrangements based on the instruments that his family played, and he enjoyed leading them on the piano as they performed together.  

Mr. Swenson was also a prolific watercolor artist and recently had a one-man show of his many paintings. He loved to golf with friends and be at home gardening together with Virginia on his land in South Barrington.  

Surviving are his wife, Virginia; three children, Barbara (Joseph) Jakucki of Mesa, Ariz., David H. (Cathy) Swenson of Bainbridge Island, Wash., and Linda (Michael) Krueger of Carol Stream; seven grandchildren, Joanna (Brian) Wilson, Jonathon Jakucki, Kelley and Joel Swenson, and Eric (Alissa), Amy and Steven (Sarah) Krueger; five great-grandchildren, Natalie Wilson, and Patrick, Adalyn, Briana and Eloise Krueger; one brother, Verle (the late Dorothy) Swenson; and a nephew, Dale (Laura) Swenson.

In view of the delight he derived from “barbershopping” and his contributions to that particular musical specialty, the family has suggested that those who learned from Mr. Swenson and cherish the music he gave them consider contributions to: Fox Valley Harmonizers, E018 Elgin Chapter, SPEBSQSA Inc., 410 Suffolk Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Debbie (Peters) Foster

PAXTON — Deborah Louise “Debbie” Foster, 69, of Paxton, died at 9:17 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019, with her family by her side at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Funeral services was at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton. A private family committal service will be held at a later date in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at the funeral home.

Mrs. Foster was born Sept. 9, 1949, in Willow Springs, Mo., the daughter of Edgar and Bernice Schiewe Peters. She married Thomas Ray Foster on Dec. 6, 1970, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. He survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Bonnie (Jeff) Harrison of Paxton, Carol (Lannie) Emfinger of Columbia, Mo., and Erica (Adam) Altman of Chicago; two grandchildren, Michael and Christina Emfinger of Columbia, Mo.; three sisters, Judy Vogel of Cincinnati, Ohio, Cheryl (Dave) Rule of Mt. Airy, Md., and Kris Peters of Champaign; one brother, James (Mark Fleisher) Peters of Richmond, Va.; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Foster graduated from Paxton High School in 1968. She had worked at Patton’s Drive-In in Paxton; Art Schmidt State Farm Agency, where she became a licensed insurance agent; and Plastic Designs in Paxton for the last 15 years.

Mrs. Foster was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Paxton and recently attended the Vineyard Church in Urbana. She was an election judge for many years and was also a member of the Button Township Home Extension, for which she had held many offices over the years.

Mrs. Foster enjoyed quilting and crocheting, cooking, traveling, golfing and reading. She was an avid sports fan, no matter the sport. Most of all, she loved spending time outside walking and sitting on the porch.

Memorials may be made to the Vasculitis Foundation or the Vineyard Church in Urbana.

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

2018

Wendell Frette, father of Nancy (Frette) Dooley

PAXTON — Wendell Frette, 97, of Paxton, died peacefully at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at his home.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Priscilla Geerdes officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery in Paxton with military honors accorded.

Mr. Frette was born in rural Paxton, the first son of Herman and Mary Frette. He was united in marriage for 68 1/2 years to the former Lois Hanson. They were married at the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in rural Elliott. 

Surviving are two daughters, Nancy (Allen) Dooley of Homer and Karen (Don) Talleur of Urbana; one son, Jim (Anne) Frette of Urbana; three grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) Skibbe of Schaumburg, Jeffrey (Dy-Ana) Skibbe of Tolono and Jonathan Frette of Paxton; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Marilyn Lammers and Barbara Frette, both of Paxton.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; a brother, Warren; a sister, Audrey Ward; a granddaughter, Lindsey Frette; and a son-in-law, Tony Ayers.

Mr. Frette received his education in central Illinois in public rural schools. He farmed west of Fisher for five years and west of Paxton for 33 years, retiring in 1985.

Mr. Frette was a lifetime active member of the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in rural Elliott and held many positions in the church. He was baptized and confirmed at the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church.

Mr. Frette served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 during World War II in northern Africa, Italy and France in the 328th Military Police Escort Guard Detachment. He earned the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle East Ribbon, four battle stars, four overseas service bars and one service stripe. He was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4214. He was extremely proud of his military service.

Mr. Frette belonged to the Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau for 55 years. He served as an advisor to the ag program at Paxton High School. He was a member of the Ford County Historical Society, Moose Lodge No. 1496, and the Loda and Rantoul Senior Citizens. He enjoyed reading, traveling, photography, dancing and especially being with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Frette will be remembered by his friends and family as a devoted and faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and Christian. His strength, wisdom and support in all circumstances of life will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.”

The family wants to send a special “thank you” to the Carle Hospice team, especially Vicky and Wendy. They were angels in their time of need.

Memorials may be made to the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in rural Elliott.

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Rodney “Rod” Bixby, (68), of Elgin, IL., passed away on Nov. 9, 2018.

Rod was born in Danville, IL to James and Naomi Bixby on Sept. 29, 1950. After 4 years of football at Paxton High School, Rod attended Western Illinois University where he continued his love of the game as a middle line-backer. Rod served as co-captain of the team and set a record for most career tackles, which he held for 12 years. 

For 31 years, until his retirement from Elgin District U46 in 2005, Rod taught physical education and drivers education. He coached football for over 20 years and finished his career as head golf coach at Bartlett High School. 

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ruth York, and half brothers, Donald and Jim Bixby. 

He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 45 years, Charlotte; son, Brett (Eryca); daughter, Brynn (Mark); brothers, Robert (Joan) Bixby, and Roger (Arlene) Bixby; grandchildren Bella, Nick, and Alex, and several nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of Rod’s life will be held Saturday November 17th at Bowes Creek Country Club of 1250 Bowes Creek Boulevard, Elgin, IL. Visitation will be from 10am to 12pm, followed by a memorial service. Richard Carlson of First United Methodist Church of Elgin, will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rod’s honor to:
The Alzheimer’s Association 
1(800) 272-3900 
www.alz.org/tributes/

 

Tim Moore, brother of Robert Moore

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — Timothy Frank Moore, 71, of Diamond Bar, Calif., formerly of Paxton, died Friday, Aug. 17, 2018.

Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, Aug. 30, at the Church of Our Heritage at Forest Lawn in Covina, Calif.

Mr. Moore was born Nov. 18, 1946, in Champaign to his parents, Vail and Helen Moore. He and his brother, Robert, spent their childhood years in Illinois and Michigan.

Mr. Moore attended Paxton High School in Paxton before studying communications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1968.

Mr. Moore married Sharon Ann Siegel in 1973, and they moved to Los Angeles, Calif. Their first son, Sean, was born in 1976. Their second-born son, Brendan, arrived in 1979, less than a year after the family relocated to what would become their permanent home in Diamond Bar, Calif.

Mr. Moore spent the bulk of his professional career working for New York Life Insurance Co. as a life insurance agent and financial planner. During the course of his 33-year career, he earned the designations of chartered life underwriter and chartered financial consultant from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. Helping families and individuals prepare for a secure financial future was more than a career for him — it became his passion.

Another of his passions was classical music, which he was able to share with the community during the summer and winter months for 10 years through his weekly show, “Going For Baroque,” on the Claremont Colleges’ radio station, KSPC. He was also a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, an avid reader, a lover of puns and trivia, and enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and overseas.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Sharon Moore of Diamond Bar, Calif.; his sons, Sean and Brendan Moore; and his brother, Robert (Diane Johnson) Moore of Paxton.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Vail and Helen Moore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to the American Heart Association or The Salvation Army.

2017

John Miller, father of Kathy (Miller) Cerlock

John Pratt Miller, 91, of Savoy, a former Paxton resident, passed away at 9:53 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at Windsor Court, Savoy.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Ebenezer United Methodist Church, McLean, with Pastor Don Doty officiating. Masonic rites were held before the funeral service at the church at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors followed at Oak Grove Cemetery, Armington.
Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton, is handling arrangements.
John was born on Sept. 7, 1926, in Normal, the son of Arthur B. and Irva Pratt Miller. He married Mary Ann Gastineau on Feb. 21, 1947, in Peoria. She survives.
Along with his wife of 71 years, he is survived by his “four girls,” Linda Alley of Metamora, Kathleen (Bill) Cearlock of Ogden, Susan Overstreet of Champaign and Dee-Dee (Dave) Cook of Mahomet; five grandchildren, Cory (Giselle) Overstreet of Chicago, Clayton (Krista) Overstreet, Craig Overstreet, Ross (Lana) Cearlock, all of Champaign, and Adrienne (Dan) Hirsch of Orland Hills; five great-grandchildren, Christian and Gabrielle Overstreet of Chicago, Kaitlyn and Garrett Overstreet of Champaign, and Grant Hirsch of Orland Hills; a sister, Eleanor Best of Fort Myers, Fla.; one nephew; and three nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, William Laskey.
John graduated from Woodruff High School in 1944. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II from 1944 to 1946.
He earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1976. John and his family moved from the Peoria area to Paxton in 1959 when he started work at Chanute Air Force Base, retiring as chief structural civil engineer in 1982.
In 1986, he and Mary Ann moved back to his family farm in Armington. He enjoyed spending time in the timber with his tractor and his horse, Brandy. He enjoyed building and shooting muzzle loading rifles.
His greatest joy was spending time and laughing with his family. He often said, “Who has more fun?”
John was a member of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church, the Paxton and Minier Masonic Lodges, Order of the Eastern Star, Shriners, American Legion and VFW.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital.

Bertha Kief, mother of Sandi (Kief) Sparr

Bertha Kief, 88, of Paxton died at 12:35 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living.

Private services will be held with the Rev. Debra Domeier officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton, is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Kief was born Dec. 30, 1928, in Sibley, a daughter of Henry and Christine Schmidt Molck. She married Elmer Kief Feb. 17, 1947, in Peoria. He preceded her in death May 14, 1992.

She is survived by two sons, Duaine E. (Ann) Kief of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and Elmer E. (Karen) Kief of rural Rankin; a daughter, Sandi (Norm Sparr) Kief of Champaign; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorlyn (Armand) Ditman of Rockford; and one brother, Glen M. Molck of Rockford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Norman H. Molck and Gordon H. Molck; and two sisters, Florine E. Hewitt and Eunice R. Molck.

Mrs. Kief grew up on a farm and after her marriage, continued to farm hand-in-hand with her husband.

She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church, Paxton, which included the Smokin' Fingers group. She had also served as a Button Township election judge.

She was involved with her children's activities and enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening and canning.

Memorials may be made to her church or Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living, formerly Illinois Knights Templar Home.

Brian K. Grady, son of Sandy (Swanstrom) Grady

CHATSWORTH – Brian K. Grady, 43, of Chatsworth died at 12:45 a.m. Monday (Oct. 23, 2017) at his home in rural Chatsworth, surrounded by his loving family after a hardfought battle with pancreatic cancer. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Strawn, with Father Archer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. Brian was born on Sept. 16, 1974, in Urbana, a son of Cecil J. and Sandra S. (Swanstrom) Grady. He married Denise Freehill on April 9, 2005, in Gibson City. She survives in Chatsworth. Also surviving are a son, Zach Grady of Melvin; his parents, Cecil "CJ" and Sandy Grady of Paxton; a sister, Kelly (Chris) Morton of Genoa; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and an uncle, Shawn Swanstrom. Brian was a 1992 graduate of PBL. He was a welder at Eagle Wings for 12 years, a farmer and a Scout Master of Troop No. 29. He loved camping, working on cars, riding his Harleys and NHRA Drag Racing. Memorials may be made to Gibson City Boy Scout Troop No. 29 or Handle of Hope. The family requests casual dress for the visitation and funeral: "That's what Brian would want."

Lois Frette, mother of Nancy Frette Dooley

PAXTON — Lois Frette, 90, of Paxton, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at her home.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Baier Family Funeral Home, 406 E. Pells St, Paxton. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Priscilla Geerdes officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery in Paxton.

Mrs. Frette was born in Pekin, the daughter of John and Ruth Hanson. She was united in marriage 68 1/2 years ago to Wendell Frette at the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in rural Elliott. He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Nancy (Allen) Dooley of Homer and Karen (Don) Talleur of Urbana; one son, Jim (Anne) of Urbana; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, John (Marge) of Neillsville, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Florence Hanson, Mary Lovvick and Alice Abrahamson; two brothers, Earl and Chuck Hanson; a granddaughter, Lindsey Frette; and a son-in-law, Tony Ayers.

Mrs. Frette graduated from Paxton Community High School in 1945. She was assistant secretary/treasurer for the Ford County National Farm Loan Association and secretary/bookkeeper for the Rachel Shaw Insurance Agency for five years. She assisted her husband farming west of Fisher for five years and west of Paxton for 33 years.

Mrs. Frette was an active member of the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church. She was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton. She was a member of the Pontoppidan WELCA, serving on the flower committee for years. She was a member of the Perdueville Club, was a 4-H leader of the Lucky Cloverleaf 4-H Club and was a member of the Paxton Home Extension, the Ford County Historical Society, Loda and Rantoul Senior Citizens clubs, Paxton Women’s Club and the NSDAR. She enjoyed being with her family and loved to garden, raise flowers and cook. She also enjoyed dancing and traveling.

Memorials may be made to the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church. 

Clifford Polson, brother of Ted Polson

LODA — Clifford Charles Polson, 77, of rural Loda, died at 1:30 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Mr. Polson was born Nov. 22, 1939, in Bellflower, the son of William Porter and Ada Rachel (Neathery) Polson. He married Patricia Adkins on Dec. 11, 1976, at the United Methodist Church in Rankin. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Tracy (Bob) Carleton of Paxton; two grandsons, Matthew and Clayton; one great-granddaughter, Stella; four brothers, Bill Polson of Paxton, Glen Polson of Paxton, Jerry Polson of Rankin and Ted Polson of Ogden; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jack; and three sisters, Jean, Mabel and Alice.

Mr. Polson attended grade schools in Bellflower, Gifford and Armstrong before his family moved to Paxton. He graduated in 1957 from Paxton High School. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1965 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing. He was a member of Sig Tau Gamma Fraternity and Black Knights of the Embarrass.

After graduating, he worked with Super Q Fertilizer Company, where he traveled to Canada and the northeastern U.S. He was later plant manager with Arco Fertilizer in Perdueville. He then joined Local 751 Union and worked for Lehigh Paving Company for 28 years before retiring. 

Mr. Polson was a member of the I&I Tractor and Gas Engine Club, National Trapper’s Association and Local 751 Union. 

He cherished his time with family and friends. He loved raising livestock, trapping, fishing and playing euchre. He was an avid reader and gardener and loved to share the bounty of his garden with family and friends.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Transitions Hospice or an organization of the donor’s choice. 

2016

Lou Rodeen, mother of Becky (Rodeen) Prina

PAXTON — Mary Louise “Lou” Rodeen, 94, of Paxton, died at 9:27 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, at her home with her two daughters and family at her side.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, to share memories of Mary Louise. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 407 W. Pells St., Paxton, with Father Scaria Thoppil officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton.

Lou was born June 24, 1922, in Fowler, Ind., the daughter of Ralph McKinley “Mike” Kennedy and Louise Ann Trudeau Kennedy. On Jan. 12, 1946, she married her high school sweetheart, Karl Marcus “Mark” Rodeen, with Father Paul Dinan officiating the wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Paxton. They were married almost 69 years before Mark died on Jan. 7, 2015.

Surviving are two daughters, Becky Lou (Pat) Prina of Paxton and Beth Ann (Jack) Lepper of Gurnee; one daughter-in-law, Katherine Rodeen of Paxton; six grandchildren, Mark Prina of Washington, Jerry (Bethany) Prina of Goodfield, Paul Rodeen of Bayles Lake, Kate (Rodeen) Law (Ken) of San Diego, Calif, Joseph Lepper (Heidi) of Portland, Ore., and Sally (Lepper) Tabatsalis (Alexios) of Chicago: and 11 great-grandchildren, Johnny and Lucas Rodeen, Tuesday, Calliope and Magnolia Lepper-McKye, Brylie, Brielle and Patrick Prina, Kamden and Maxwell Law and Illaria Tabatsalis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Karina Lou (2 ½ years) and Beverly Ann Linhoff; and her son, Gerald Paul Rodeen.

Lou lived with her family in the top of the old Paxton Coliseum on West Pells Street. Her grandfather and father transformed it into the Buick Chevrolet dealership which they owned and operated. She was a graduate of Paxton High School in 1940. While in high school she, along with a few classmates, wrote and composed the music for the Paxton High School loyalty song (“On to Victory”). This song was used for 50 years until Paxton High School consolidated with Buckley-Loda High School in 1990. While a student, Lou won the National E-Flat Alto Saxophone Championship six successive years. She was also awarded a scholarship to the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Mich., as the best solo. While attending National Music Camp in 1939, Lou rode the train along with her bandmates to play at the New York World’s Fair.

She was the first woman to be accepted into the Northwestern University Band, Evanston. She was first featured as a soloist her freshman year for the composition “Triphena: An Oriental Fantasy” by De Rubertis, written expressly for Mr. Bainum and the Northwestern University Band. She went on to receive her master of science degree in music education.

Lou was a true Paxtonite, having lived in Paxton her whole life. Lou and her new groom, Mark, returned to Paxton after World War II, and she became a music teacher at Ludlow Grade School. She also taught both vocal and instrumental music in the Paxton school system at all levels. She loved teaching beginners, and music contest season was her favorite time of the year.

Lou was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Paxton, where she was the church organist and choir director for 25 years, playing not only on Sundays but for daily mass, as well. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Women and was named an honorary member in 2006. She was also a member of the Paxton Woman’s Club and was a charter member of the THC Bridge Club.

Although many would not consider her very athletic, she was the first woman at Lakeview Country Club to shoot a hole-in-one, in 1962. She was a Paxton Swedes fan and watched White Sox games daily with her husband, Mark. Many pleasurable hours were filled with knitting and needle-point. She enjoyed traveling abroad several times. Her favorite past-time was attending her grandchildren’s activities, which included Boy Scouts, dancing and sports of all kinds. She was patient, unselfish, humble, kind and always had time to listen. Her greatest joy was her family.

Words cannot begin to express the family’s gratitude and appreciation for the years of loving care given to our mother by Brooke, Margie and Patricia, and our hospice nurse, Wendy.

Memorials may be made to the PBL instrumental music program so that Lou’s love of music may be passed on to future generations; the St. Mary’s Catholic Church choir; or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Lois J. Parsons, mother of Mark Parsons

RANKIN — Lois J. Parsons, 95, of Rankin, died at 3:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at the Knights Templar Home in Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. John Hauck officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, at Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton.

Mrs. Parsons was born April 11, 1921, in Armstrong, the daughter of Chester and Hazel Kitts Kissack. She married Gordon “Bud” Parsons on Jan. 5, 1945, in Paxton. He proceeded her in death on Nov. 25, 2002.

Surviving are two sons, Mark (Becky) Parsons of Paxton and Doug (Mary) Parsons of Paxton; five grandchildren, Chris Parsons, Erin Bagby, Casey (Isaac) Keplinger, Mindi (Marty) Logue and Kelli (Cody) Vaughn; and three great-grandchildren, Kyle Bagby, Lauren Bagby and Vera Vaughn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a daughter, Linda Parsons Bagby.

Mrs. Parsons grew up in Armstrong and graduated from Armstrong High School. She and her husband moved to Rankin in 1945. She attended Pleasant Grove Methodist Church and was a member of a Pinochle club. Along with being a farmer’s wife, she was a cook at the Paxton High School for a number of years.

She enjoyed playing cards and cooking for her family and grandkids, especially for her sons during farming season. During her time at the Illinois Knights Templar Home, she looked forward to playing bingo and being the big-time winner.

Melissa Kellerhals, daughter of Linda (Schmidt) Kellerhals

PAXTON — Melissa Lynn Kellerhals, 37, of Paxton, died at 3:45 a.m. Sunday, July 10, 2016, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 260 S. Union St., Paxton, with the Rev. David Parker and the Rev. Jimm Wood officiating. A private family burial will be held. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton.

Ms. Kellerhals was born May 5, 1979, in Gibson City. She was a 1997 graduate of Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School. She attended Columbia College in Chicago and Parkland College in Champaign. She was an assistant director for group homes for developmentally disabled adults and had also worked at Heartland Healthcare Center in Paxton.

Surviving are her parents, Ray and Linda Kellerhals of Paxton; a son, Ethan Perry; one brother, Michael Kellerhals of Chicago; her maternal grandmother, Doris Stamm of Paxton; her paternal grandmother, Louise Kellerhals of Paxton; a special sister, DeDe Wood; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Scott Kellerhals; and her grandfathers.

Ms. Kellerhals was a very active member of the Hope Vineyard Church of Paxton, where she served as a youth leader and played in the church band. She enjoyed music and singing. She was a loving and caring mother to her son, Ethan.

Memorials may be made to Mercy Ministries, Covenant Harbor or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Mildred Eppelheimer, mother of Gene Eppelheimer

PAXTON — Mildred Eppelheimer, 95, of Paxton, died at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016, at Paxton Healthcare & Rehab.

Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Baier Family Funeral Service, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Jimm Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the funeral home.

Mrs. Eppelheimer was born Oct. 11, 1920, in Onarga, the daughter of Charles “Pete” and Emma Peters Weber. She married Wayne Eppelheimer on Sept. 26, 1940, in Thawville. He died Jan. 28, 2006.

Surviving are one son, Gene (Shirley) Eppelheimer of Paxton; three daughters, Janice (Dennis) Ryan of Wisconsin, Ruth Janaskie of Harrisburg and Diana (Larry) Hale of Roberts; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; two sisters; a daughter, Linda Bane; a son-in-law, Allen Janaskie; and two grandchildren, Clayton Hale and Tracy Eppelheimer.

Mrs. Eppelheimer was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Paxton. She and her husband lived in the Roberts/Thawville area before moving to Paxton in 1962. She worked in housekeeping at the Paxton Community Hospital and Ford County Nursing Home for many years. She was involved in the Paxton Community Welcome Wagon as well as the Red Hats Club. She enjoyed working on crafts and sewing. She was also an avid gardener.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Joanne Swanson, mother of Diane (Swanson) Gagnon

PAXTON — Joanne Swanson, 89, of Paxton, died at 8:10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at her home.

Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home.

Mrs. Swanson was born Feb. 28, 1926, in rural Paxton, the daughter of Albert and Evelyn Tieman Anderson. She married Karl Swanson on Nov. 7, 1944, in Paxton. He died Feb. 18, 1978.

Surviving are eight daughters, Karen Marshall of Paxton, Cheryl Niccum of Paxton, Rhonda (Dennis) Elson of Paxton, Donna (Mike) Auld of Champaign, Debbie (Richard) Vance of Paxton, Brenda (Mitch) Franzen of Rantoul, Lisa (Jeff) Cox of Paxton and Gwen (Nate) Kirchner of Paxton; four sons, Steve (Minnie) Swanson of Paxton, Doug (Kim) Swanson of Paxton, Jim (Wendy) Swanson of Champaign and Brian Swanson of Paxton; 39 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Don Anderson; and two sisters, Marilyn Owens and Joyce Flessner.

Mrs. Swanson graduated from Paxton Community High School in 1944. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo and, most of all, being a homemaker.

Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice, Special Olympics or an organization of the donor’s choice. 

2015

Louise Geers, mother of Joe Geers

PAXTON — Louise Geers, 96, of Paxton, died at 11:50 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at Paxton Healthcare & Rehab.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home.

Mrs. Geers was born March 29, 1919, in Ozona, Texas, to John and Lillye Gilbert Williams. She grew up on their ranch in West, Texas. Along with her father and sister, she participated in rodeos in the West, Texas, area.

After graduating from Ozona High School in 1936, she attended Draughon’s Business College in San Antonio, Texas, graduating in 1938.

She married Zeno “Jack” Geers on Oct. 11, 1939, in Ft. Worth, Texas. 

Zeno was in radio operations in what was known as the Army Air Corps. Zeno retired from the Air Force as chief warren officer in 1957.  He continued his career at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul as commission officer in the civil service, retiring Jan. 1, 1975. He died March 9, 1975. 
Living the service life, the Geers family moved from place to place, settling in Paxton in 1961.

Mrs. Geers was a former secretary/treasurer for the Evangelical Covenant Church Sunday school. She served many years in the Scouting program as den mother, Cub Scout leader and Brownie leader. She also held several positions in the Paxton PTA as room mother, Ways and Means chairman, vice president and president. She also served on the Illinois State Board for the PTA as director of District 6, which served four counties. She also organized the first school Halloween Parade in Paxton.

Mrs. Geers worked in retail management at Roland’s, Pines, and Just Petites in Market Place Mall. She owned and operated Cloud 9 Bridal Shop in Rantoul, and after closing the shop she returned to work at JC Penney in Market Place Mall in Champaign in 1987. She retired in 1997.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Joe Benny at age 29 and Timothy Scott at age 17; her only sister, Pauline Chandler; and a daughter-in-law, Alice.

Survivors include one daughter, “Jacqueline” Geers of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sons, John Ed Geers of Rantoul and Jackie Geers of Paxton; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or an organization of the donor’s choice. 

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Wickie Roy, brother of Karren (Roy) Bussey

PAXTON — Thomas “Wickie” Roy, 71, of rural Paxton, died at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Colleen Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded by Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150.

Mr. Roy was born Dec. 21, 1943, in Tolono, a son of Thomas E. and Dorthy Wilson Roy. He attended Paxton schools.

Mr. Roy served in the U.S. Army as a mortar gunner in Korea. His unit was situated north of the Imjin River along the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, providing early warning of any possible Communist buildup.

Mr. Roy was a heavy equipment operator for 47 years and belonged to Operating Engineers Local 841. He was affiliated with the First Baptist Church in Paxton and was a member of the I&I Tractor Club. He spent his life working with and showing draft mules, barrel racing and anything and everything to do with horses.

Surviving are two sons, Michael (Cathy) Roy of Loda and Damon (Sara) Roy of Melvin; two grandsons; three sisters, Kathie (Jerry) Houser of Paxton, Deborah Roy-Payne of Madison, Wis., and Karren Bussey of Nashville, Tenn.; and two brothers, Murle (Elona) Roy of Paxton and Rex (Linda) Roy of Paxton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Memorials may be made to the Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School FFA chapter, an animal shelter or an organization of the donor’s choice. 

Virginia Quinter, mother of Deborah (Quinter) Burklund

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Virginia Quinter, 92, of Lewisville, Texas, formerly of Greenup and Paxton, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, at Autumn Leaves of Flower Mound in Texas.

A graveside funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Hazel Dell Cemetery. Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup is assisting the family.

Virginia was born in Greenup on Aug. 9, 1923, the daughter of Franklin and Grace (Laymon) Tharp. She married Donald Quinter on Jan. 15, 1943. He preceded her in death in 2013.

Surviving are one son, Donald (Sheila) Quinter of Flower Mound, Texas; one daughter, Deborah Burklund of Irving, Texas; one brother, Dan Tharp of Mahomet; one sister, Nancy Gard of Casey; three grandchildren, Jason (Cheryl) Quinter, Brian (Sophia) Quinter and McKenna Fenton; and two great-grandchildren, Michael and Nicole Quinter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Janet Quinter; two brothers, Jesse Tharp and Dale Tharp; and one sister, Mary Roberta Ozier.

Before retiring to Greenup, the Quinters lived in Paxton, where Virginia worked and retired from the electronics plant.

Darrell Lee, brother of Bill Lee

BAYLES LAKE — Darrell K. Lee, 69, of Bayles Lake in rural Loda, died at 12:59 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2015, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton.  Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the funeral home.

Mr. Lee was born Aug. 1, 1945, in Urbana, the son of Kenneth V. and Mary E. Johnson Lee. He married Katherine Kirk on Nov. 28, 1970, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Thomasboro. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Joe (Susan Kehrer) Lee of Paxton and Kenny (Debbie Lamb) Lee of Watseka; and a brother, Bill (Cyndi Jensen) Lee of Urbana. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Lee graduated from Paxton High School in 1963. For many years, he worked with his father in the filling-station business and later was owner and operator of Lee’s Co-op in Paxton. He was employed by Baltimore Air Coil in Paxton and Central Soya of Gibson City, retiring in 2005.

Mr. Lee lived in Paxton until 2003, when he and his wife moved to Bayles Lake in rural Loda. He was a member of the Rantoul Moose Lodge No. 1496, the Paxton Masonic Lodge No. 416 AF & AM and the Loda Sportsman’s Club. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing cards, Cushman scooters and antique cars. He always enjoyed Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School football, and if he wasn’t able to attend a game he would listen to the game on the radio.

Memorials may be made to the PBL football program or the Paxton Little League. 

Ann Lindauer, mother of Patty (Lindauer) Hufmeyer

PAXTON — Ann S. Lindauer, 92, of Paxton, passed away at 9:15 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Brookstone Estates in Rantoul.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 1, at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, rural Elliott, with Pastor Priscilla Geerdes officiating. Burial will follow at Pontoppidan Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, June 1, at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is handling the arrangements.

Ann was born Jan. 6, 1923, in rural Paxton, the daughter of Andrew and Louisa Chally Seim. She married Loyal R. Lindauer at her parents’ rural Paxton home on Jan. 6, 1945.  He preceded her in death on Dec. 24, 1990.

She is survived by  one son, Richard (Brenda) Lindauer of Jefferson, Ga.; three daughters, Patricia Hufmeyer of Rantoul, Debbie (Randy) Swan of Paxton and Pam (Kevin) Schultz of St. Anne; nine grandchildren, Bryan (Tamara) Lindauer, Justin (Katie) Hufmeyer, Kim (Brandon) Higgins, Brent (Ashley) Lindauer, Jeremy Murden, Brandon Dorche, Lindsay (Chad Moore) Murden, Paige (Ryan) Parker and Seth Staton; and eight great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Lawrence and Marion Seim, Arthur and Ruby Seim and Orville and Lelah Seim;  and two sons-in-law, Gayle Murden and Julius Hufmeyer.

Ann graduated from Paxton High School in 1941. She was a homemaker and had been a cook at the Illinois Knights Templar Home for 20 years.

She was a lifelong member of the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church and was a member of the Pontoppidan Ladies Aid.

She enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning and flowers. She was especially devoted to her family — her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Kitty (Larson) Anderson

PAXTON — Katherine “Kitty” Dorsey-Larson Anderson, 64, of rural Paxton, died at 12:45 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2015, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Federated Church, 221 W. Center St., Paxton, with the Rev. Colleen Lawrence  officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is handling the arrangements.

Mrs. Anderson was born Sept. 29, 1950, in Urbana, a daughter of H.P. “Bud” Larson Jr. and Wanda Spencer Larson. She married Greg Anderson on June 12, 1976, at the Federated Church in Paxton. He survives.

Also surviving are two children, Matt (Sarah) Anderson of Chicago and Anna (Nick) Ragle of Champaign; one granddaughter; two brothers, H.P. (Donna) Larson III of Arlington, Va., and Bobby Larson of Tucson, Ariz.; one sister, Judith (Dr. William) Larson Hay of Denver, Colo.; her mother-in-law, Maxine Anderson of Paxton; one sister-in-law, Gayle (Calvin) Jordan of rural Paxton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Jane Hemrich.

Mrs. Anderson graduated from Paxton High School in 1968 and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University. She was a teacher in the Rantoul City Schools district for many years.

Mrs. Anderson was an active member of the Federated Church. She was involved with the Paxton Carnegie Library and  was instrumental in getting Paxton’s public swimming pool re-opened several years ago.  She enjoyed swimming, reading and gardening. Her family was very important to her. She was especially devoted to her children and granddaughter.

Memorials may be made to the Federated Church in Paxton, Paxton Carnegie Library or the Paxton swimming pool.

Victoria Stuckey, mother of Anne (Stuckey) Alt

PAXTON — Victoria “Vickie” Stuckey, 96, of Paxton, died at 5:05 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2015, at Heritage Health in Gibson City.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 407 W. Pells St., Paxton, with Father Thomas Teneth officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with a rosary service beginning at 3:45 p.m. Friday.

Mrs. Stuckey was born Nov. 11, 1918, in Paxton, the daughter of Frank and Mary Elizabeth Muller Horridge. She married John Z. Stuckey on July 3, 1939, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Paxton. He died Nov. 30, 1994.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary O’Brien of Estero, Fla., and Ann (Stan) Alt of Gibson City; two sons, John (Sharoll) Stuckey of Rolla, Mo., and Tom Stuckey of Gibson City; a daughter-in-law, Mary Stuckey of New Jersey; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Jim Stuckey and Mike Stuckey; three sisters; and one brother in infancy.

Mrs. Stuckey graduated from Paxton High School. She and her husband owned and operated Stuckey’s Café from 1959 to 1973. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Paxton, the St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Women and the church choir. She taught CCD.  Her hobbies included crocheting, making baby blankets and sewing. She made all her own clothes. She loved gardening, especially roses, and playing the piano.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Paxton or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

"Bones" Ogle, father of Jeff Ogle, step-father of Gregg Phillips

PAXTON — Edward Wilbur Ogle, 88, of Paxton — known locally as “Bones” Ogle — passed away at 8:40 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2015, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2015, at the Paxton Church of Christ, 400 W. Ottawa Road, Paxton, where he had been a lifetime member. The Rev. Tom Anders will officiate the services. Burial will follow in Drummer Township Cemetery in Gibson City, with military honors accorded. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Paxton Church of Christ and one hour before the funeral service on Saturday. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Wilbur was born June 10, 1926, in Perdueville, a son of Guy and Cecil Creighton Ogle.  He married Arlene Johnson Phillips on Dec. 1, 1989, in Paxton.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Arlene; two brothers, Kenneth (Barbara) Ogle of Indianapolis, Ind., and Paul Ogle of Rantoul; two step-children, Gregg (Deb) Phillips of Paxton and Barbara (Bruce) Vendt of Ballwin, Mo.; three grandsons, Daniel (Whitney) Vendt of Encino, Calif., Paul Vendt of Denver, Colo., and Chris (Crickett) Engelbrecht of Paxton; a granddaughter, Kathlene Clark of Paxton; two great-grandchildren, Caleb and J.J.; and a cousin, Peter (Ina) Tomaras of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Wilbur graduated from Paxton Community High School in 1944 and was a star athlete.  He was very proud of his U.S. Navy service from 1944 to 1946. He served on the USS Santa Fe and enjoyed attending their reunions. Following World War II, he helped lay bricks on the University of Illinois campus for many of the university’s new buildings. During the weekdays, he worked as a brick mason. He was a hard worker, working long days and nights. He also built the Paxton Skateland and ran it every night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with kids coming from area towns to rollerskate. He was a member of the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post No. 150 and was a union brick mason.

Memorials may be made to the Paxton Church of Christ, Paxton United Methodist Church or an organization of the donor’s choice. 

Mark Rodeen, father of Becky (Rodeen) Prina

PAXTON – Karl Marcus "Mark" Rodeen, 92, of Paxton died at 6:50 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 4, 2015) at his home surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton, with military honors by the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mark was born May 1, 1922, in Chicago, the son of Karl E. and Irene Wesslund Rodeen. On Jan. 12, 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Louise Kennedy, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Paxton. This month marks their marriage's 69th year.

Alongside his wife, Mary Lou, he is survived by two daughters, Becky Lou (Pat) Prina of Paxton and Beth Ann (Jack) Lepper of Gurnee; one daughter-in-law, Kathy Rodeen of Paxton; six grandchildren, Mark Prina of Washington, Jerry Prina of Washington, Paul Rodeen of Bayles Lake, Kate (Rodeen) Law of San Diego, Calif., Joseph Lepper of Portland, Ore., and Sally (Lepper) Tabatsalis of Chicago; and seven great-grandchildren, Johnny and Lucas Rodeen, Tuesday and Calliope Lepper-McKye, Brylie Prina, and Kamden and Maxwell Law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Mildred Lundberg Rodeen; and his son, Gerald Paul Rodeen.

Mark graduated from Paxton High School in 1940, then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from DePauw University, Indiana.

During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a staff sergeant in the 5th Army 88th Infantry Division in North Africa and the Italian Campaign. On his 24th birthday, Mark received the Bronze Star for heroism under heavy fire.

After the war, he and his new bride returned to Paxton where he became sales manager for the C.A. Kennedy Chevrolet-Buick Agency in Paxton. Upon sale of the dealership, he became a Civil Service employee at Chanute Air Force Base. He found enjoyment in his retirement years cutting and selling firewood. 

Mark was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Paxton, a member and past commander of the Paxton VFW Post 4214, a member of the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150, a member and past president of the Lakeview Country Club in Loda, and a lifetime member of the Paxton Pioneer Chapter Pheasants Forever. 

He was an avid Chicago White Sox and Paxton Swedes baseball fan. He enjoyed golfing, pheasant hunting, Canadian fishing trips, playing cards and traveling. He was reinvigorated daily by visits to his farm. His love of horses led him to own and train harness racing horses.

His greatest joy in life was family, a trait he passed on through generations. 

Words cannot begin to express the family's gratitude and appreciation for the years of loving care given to our father by Ashley, Brook, Margie and Patricia. 

Memorials may be made to Pheasants Forever, Paxton VFW Post 4212, or an organization of the donor's choice.

2014

Marie Ann Fairchild, mother of Rick Fairchild

PAXTON — Marie Ann Fairchild, 86, of rural Paxton, passed away at 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at her home. 

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with  Dennis Daniel officiating.  Burial will follow at Rankin Union Cemetery, Rankin. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday before the service.

Marie was born in rural Rankin on Sept. 15, 1928, to William and Mabel Jane Clifton Stock. She attended East Lynn schools. She married Jene Fairchild on March 14, 1948, in Rankin. He preceded her in death on Sept. 3, 2002.

Surviving are three sons and their wives, Rick (Jodi) Fairchild of  Hendersonville, Tenn., Jeff (Liz) Fairchild of Monticello and Dennis (Michelle) Fairchild of Paxton; two daughters, Lisa (Paul) Vandiver of La Cygne, Kan., and Lori Fairchild of Paxton; one brother, Gilbert (Kathy) Stock of Watseka; one sister, Lillian Davis of Hawaii; one sister-in-law, Wilma (Fred) Stock of Hoopeston; four grandsons, Matt (Amanda) Fairchild, Michael Vandiver, Aaron Fairchild and Andy (Ashlee) Fairchild; three granddaughters, Barbara (Dan) DeMick and Summer and Mikala Fairchild; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Two grandsons, three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

Marie was a member of the Christian Life Church in Rantoul. Her faith, family, friends and farming were important to her. She was an avid reader and loved flowers and hymns.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or The American Cancer Society.

Shirley Eileen Weburg, mother of Trudy (Weburg) Gibbs

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Shirley Eileen Weburg, 94, a longtime Paxton resident, died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Mrs. Weburg was born May 29, 1920, in Paxton. She operated a beauty shop in Paxton for some years. Her husband was known for many years as “the well driller” in the Paxton area.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one brother and her husband, Earl Marvin Weburg, who died in 1995.

Surviving are a daughter, Trudy Gibbs or Scottsdale, Ariz.; and a son, Michael, in the Show Low, Ariz., area; a granddaughter; two grandsons; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. 

Mrs. Weburg may be remembered as the pianist for the First Baptist Church in Paxton. She and her husband were among the founders of the church.

She remained sharp and alert and intensely interested in her faith and Bible study, along with keeping track of her family. She leaves many happy memories, including times  while vacationing on Wisconsin lakes, where she was once seen trying to catch fish with pieces of hotdogs. That was a rare failure, as she usually accomplished what she sat out to do. Marvin came home from work one day and found she had torn down a living room wall.    

Shirley lies at rest beside her husband in Greeenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix, Ariz.

Leon Bennett, brother of Roger Bennett

XENIA — Leon Bennett, 66, of Xenia, Ill., passed away at 2:14 a.m. Friday, July 25, 1914, at his home.

Leon was born July 8, 1948, at Johnsonville, Ill., to Ferman Luther and Dorothy Dorene (Burgess) Bennett. He married Charolette Sue Caudle on May 3, 1969, at Xenia, Ill.

Leon was an auto-diesel mechanic, a maintenance man for Continental General Tire for more than 30 years, and a U.S. Army infantry veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, laughing and making people happy.  He was a member of Community of Christ Church at Zenith, Ill., and Cisne American Legion.

Leon is survived by his wife, Sue, of Xenia, Ill.; one daughter, Ginger (Troy) Workman of Xenia, Ill.; and two brothers, Roger Bennett of Versailles, Ky., and Garry Bennett of Gibson City. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Jacob Bennett of DeSoto, Ill., and Kirsten Workman of Xenia, Ill.

Preceding Leon in death were his parents; two sisters-in-law, Barbara and Orella Bennett; and a nephew, Keith.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Harrell Cemetery in Zenith, with full military rights at the graveside. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Following the graveside service, a Celebration of Life service will be held at the home of Ginger Workman.

Memorials may be given to Brush Creek Community of Christ Church and will be accepted at Hosselton Funeral Home.

George W. Griswold, father of David

ANDERSON, Ind. — George W. “Bill” Griswold, 92, of Anderson, Ind., and Venice, Fla., died Thursday,  July 3, 2014, at Community Hospital Anderson. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a Masonic service at 12:45 p.m. at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 West 53rd St., Anderson, Ind.. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donna Goings officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Ludlow Cemetery in Ludlow.

Mr. Griswold was born Jan. 16, 1922, in Champaign and was a member of the Christian Church in Ludlow. He attended Gallagher school in rural Ludlow and graduated from Paxton High School in Paxton  in 1939.  He joined the Army on Feb. 11, 1941, serving during World War II in France, Italy, Africa, Germany and Austria.

Before marriage to Beverly, he completed HVAC training in Chicago. Following his marriage, he bought the former Gallagher school, converting it into a home where he and his family resided for 20 years.  While there, he was a plumber, sold home insurance and farmed with his father.  In 1970 he moved to Anderson, Ind., where he purchased the McDonald’s restaurant in downtown Anderson. Following retirement in 1987, he owned and operated Griswold Travel.

Mr. Griswold was a life member of the VFW and American Legion, and he was also a member of 40/8, the Elks in Venice, Fla., and Paxton, the Masonic Lodge, Murat Temple of Indianapolis, International Shrine Club of Indianapolis, Madison County Shrine Club of Anderson, Ind., and the Madison County Legion of Honor, and he was a former participant of the Madison County Desert Patrol and member of the Society of the 3rd Infantry.

Mr. Griswold enjoyed traveling in the U.S., Europe, Central and South America, Hawaii, New Zealand, Alaska, the Greek Islands, Egypt and Israel.  He also enjoyed dancing and playing cards. He spent four years building his 1929 Mercedes and enjoyed parading in it.

Surviving are his wife, Beverly (Brison) Griswold, whom he married Dec. 19, 1948; and their children, David W. (Barbara Demlow) Griswold of Anderson, Ind., Kristin L. (James) Stanley of Anderson, Ind., Sherrilyn L. West of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., and James W. Griswold of Anderson, Ind.; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; Barbara’s four children; eight great-grandchildren; and five nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George R. and Anna B. (Watson) Griswold; a granddaughter, Michele Giddings; and three siblings, Helen Kennedy Price, Alice Bartell Williamson and Richard Griswold.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent’s Anderson Regional Hospital and/or Community Hospital Anderson.

Clarabel Alred, mother of Emory Alred

PAXTON — Clarabel Alred, 92, of Paxton, died at 7:53 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.

Private services will be scheduled at a later date. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is handling arrangements.

Mrs. Alred was born May 13, 1922, in Murrayville in Morgan County, the daughter of Ellis and Stelle McCallister Grider. She married Clifford L. Alred on Nov. 3, 1943, in Rockford. He died July 14, 2008.

Surviving are one son, Emory (Jill) Alred of Rantoul; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, one son, one brother and three sisters.

Mrs. Alred graduated from Murrayville High School in Murrayville and worked in food service for the Paxton school system for many years.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Paxton and the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed cooking at her church, quilting, sewing and camping.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Paxton.

Lois Purtill, mother of Patti Purtill

PAXTON — Lois Purtill, 92, of Paxton, died Saturday, March 29, 2014, at her home.

Private family services will be held at Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton with burial at Glen Cemetery in Paxton.

Mrs. Purtill was born Sept. 18, 1921, in Cissna Park, the daughter of J. Henry and Emma F. Tarter Wann. She married James Purtill on Jan. 4, 1945, in Detroit. He died July 5, 1975.

Memorials may be made for the family’s wishes.

 

SCOTT KELLERHALS, son of Linda (Schmidt) Kellerhals

PAXTON — Scott A. Kellerhals, 39, of Paxton, died at 12:34 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Craig Pinley and the Rev. Jim Wood officiating.  A private family burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 14, at the funeral home.

Mr. Kellerhals was born Feb. 10, 1975, in Gibson City, a son of Raymond A. and Linda M. (Schmidt) Kellerhals.

Surviving are his parents, of Paxton; two daughters, Destiny and Ella Kellerhals of Paxton; a brother, Michael Kellerhals of Chicago; a sister, Melissa Kellerhals of Paxton; his maternal grandmother, Doris Stamm of Paxton; his paternal grandmother, Louise Kellerhals of Savoy; and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Arthur Kellerhals and Arthur Schmidt.

Mr. Kellerhals graduated from Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School in 1993. He was employed as a diesel mechanic. He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton. He enjoyed playing drums and building and riding motorcycles. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. 

Memorials may be made to the family for an education fund to be established for his daughters or an organization of the donor’s choice. 

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Wendell Johnson, father of Diane Johnson

Wendell Quentin Johnson, 93, of Paxton died Friday, January 24, 2014 at Illinois Knights Templar Nursing Home in Paxton. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Sunday, January 26, 2014 at the Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E Pells ST, Paxton with Rev. Craig Pinley officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton with military graveside rites by the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150. . Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral.

Mr. Johnson was born on October 6, 1920, in Paxton, IL, the son of Ed E. and Esther (Johnson) Johnson. He married Shirley Hileman on November 2, 1946. She died in April, 2011. He is survived by a daughter, Diane Johnson, and son, Duane Johnson, both of Paxton, and five grandchildren, Jane Andrew of San Francisco, CA, Jean Andrew of Ellsworth, Kara Kinzinger of Gibson City, and Victor Johnson and Brock Johnson of Paxton. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and son Dale Johnson.

Mr. Johnson graduated from Loda High School and served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II on the USS Acacia. After the war, he and his brother joined their uncle in his insurance and real estate business that had been established in 1898. Mr. Johnson owned and operated the business, Johnson & Johnson, until his retirement in 1986. Until recent years, he continued working there as mentor and consultant to his children and grandchildren who now operate the business.

A very active community leader in Paxton, Mr. Johnson was instrumental in establishing the Nelson Field Ball Park as a place for returning servicemen to play fast-pitch softball. The ball park later became a Little League baseball field where Mr. Johnson was a Little League coach and manager for over twenty years.

He was active in Paxton Chamber of Commerce, Paxton Service Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Evangelical Covenant Church where he was a deacon and church treasurer. He was a long time Republican Party precinct committeeman and vice-president of the Ford County Republicans.

He was on the board of directors of the Paxton Building & Loan, Agricultural Banking Corp., and on the First National Bank in Paxton Board of Directors for over 50 years.

As a hobby, he spent many years assisting local auctioneers as an auction clerk and helped with the Paxton Community Sale in the same capacity. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, attending Chicago Cub games, and University of Illinois basketball and football games as a season ticket holder for over 65 years. On family vacations, he took his children to nearly all the major league baseball stadiums in the U.S.

Memorials can be made to Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton, American Legion Prairie Post 150, or the Paxton Veterans of Foreign Wars.

2013

Clifton Brown, step-father of Marcia (Hill) Berry

PAXTON — Clinton J. Brown, 89, of Paxton, died at 6:05 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, at the Illinois Knights Templar Home in Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Ludlow United Methodist Church, 304 W. Thomas St., Ludlow, with the Rev. Dr. Bong-Choul Hwang officiating.  Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery in rural Gifford. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, and from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Mr. Brown was born Jan. 22, 1924, in Cumberland County, a son of Lewis Sherman and Eva Gertrude Kingery Brown. He married Hattie Flesner; she died July 2, 1974. He then married Frances Grace Shorb Hill on Aug. 18, 1979; she died Dec. 21, 2002.

Surviving are a step-daughter, Marcia (Chris) Berry of Claremont, Calif.; two step-grandchildren; four sisters, Eva Lois (Laurence) Kirby of Urbana, Annabelle Clark Anderson of Paxton, Beverly Jan Brown of East Peoria and Patricia Carol (LeRoy) Elliott of Paxton; two brothers, Jewel (Jacqueline) Brown of Bourbonnais and Lewis Sherman (Corinne) Brown Jr. of rural Paxton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-daughter, Peggie Arnold; five brothers; and three sisters.

Mr. Brown grew up in Cumberland and Champaign counties and moved to rural Paxton in 1942. During World War II, he worked at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. 

Mr. Brown was co-owner and operator, along with Elwood Stagen, of the Phillips 66 station in Paxton for two years.  He then settled on a career in farming and farmed in Champaign and Ford counties until his retirement, at which time he moved into Paxton.

Mr. Brown was a member of the Ludlow United Methodist Church and the Champaign County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed squaredancing, working on farm equipment and mowing. One of his greatest joys was providing a corner lot for neighborhood kids to play ball.

Memorials may be made to the Ludlow United Methodist Church, the Illinois Knights Templar Home or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Peggie (Hill) Arnold, sister of Marica (Hill) Berry

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Peggie E. (Hill) Arnold, 66, formerly of Paxton, died Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013, at her home after a battle with cancer.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Arrangements are being handled by Baier  Family Funeral Services in Paxton. A memorial service was held in California on Aug. 19.

Mrs. Arnold was born Oct. 10, 1946, in Paxton, to the late Leonard L. Hill and Frances Grace (Shorb) Hill. She married Dennis Arnold on Nov. 4, 1967. He died in 2004.

Mrs. Arnold and her husband lived in Champaign-Urbana and Peoria before moving to San Diego. She was a graduate of Paxton High School and had a long career in the insurance industry. She recently retired from DIS Insurance, where she worked as an underwriter and office manager for many years.

Surviving are her sister, Marcia (Chris) Berry of Claremont, Calif.; a daughter, Annie Berry of Washington, D.C.; a son, Tom (Denise) Berry of Claremont, Calif.; her stepfather, Clinton Brown of Paxton; her father-in-law, Glenn Arnold (Kim) of Sarasota, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Robin (Arnold) Strater of Indianapolis; and her daughter, Rian (Strater) Roland of Chicago.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Ella Mae (Stanford) Arnold.

Memorials may be made to the Ludlow United Methodist Church Youth Camp Fund in honor of Peggie and Dennis Arnold at 304 W. Thomas St., Ludlow, IL 60949.

Dorothy Houston, mother of Vicki (Houston) Kaiser

PAXTON — With family by her side, Dorothy Houston, 92, a retired school secretary and housewife, passed away at 2:28 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2013, at her home in Paxton that she and her husband built with their own hands in 1949.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2013, at the Church of Christ, 400 W. Ottawa St., Paxton.  Burial is to be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.
Visitation will also be held Sunday, July 28, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, and also at the church Monday, July 29, one hour before the service.

Dorothy Houston was born Sept. 23, 1920, at the former Bremer Farm near Perdueville, the youngest of six children of Carl and Clara Skog Skonberg.

On May 8, 1943, she married Eugene Houston at the Church of Christ, Paxton, prior to his service in the Navy Seabees in World War II. Dorothy moved to Richmond, Va., briefly to be near him as he trained for the Navy. They were married for 65 years before his death in 2008, all of which, except for the war years, were spent together in Paxton.

In addition to her husband, Dorothy’s parents, two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

Surviving are four sons and two daughters: Randy (Mary) Houston of Paxton, Tami (Kevin) Berry of Carol Stream, Kent (Nita Boyce, fiancé) Houston of Cody, Wyo., Roger (Gillian) Houston of Nashua, N.H., Vicki (Robert, deceased) Kaiser of Carlazzo, Italy, and Douglas (Laura) Houston of Boulder, Colo.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Emily, Andrew, Nicola, Alice, Melissa and John Houston, and Tyler and Kyle Berry.

Dorothy was raised in the Swedish immigrant farm community west of Paxton. She attended elementary school at Froyd rural school, later driving into town each day to attend Paxton High School, graduating in 1938.

In addition to raising six children, Mrs. Houston served as school secretary at Clara Peterson Elementary School in Paxton for many years beginning in 1968, and was the co-owner, with her husband, of Houston Plumbing & Heating in Paxton. The business now continues as Houston’s, owned by a son, Randy Houston.

Dorothy loved art and was noted for her oil paintings of family scenes. Her cat “Snapple” and backyard rose garden filled with birds and squirrels were special joys. 

A vigorous traveler late in life, she visited her children throughout the U.S. and traveled to many countries in Europe, exploring Scotland with her son Roger. After an energetic visit to Rome, her 89th birthday was spent in Italy at the home of her daughter Vicki.  Dorothy twice visited her father’s family in Sweden — in 2000 for her 80th birthday and, most recently, for her 90th birthday in 2010, with grandkids in tow.

She was a member of the Paxton Church of Christ. 

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

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Donald R. Quinter, father of Deb Quinter

GREENUP — Donald R. Quinter, 90 of Lewisville, Texas, and formerly of Greenup and Paxton, died at 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at Cross Timbers Rehab and Care in Flower Mound, Texas.

Graveside funeral services with full military rites by Cumberland County Veterans were in the Hazel Dell Cemetery in Cumberland County at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6. There was no visitation. Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup assisted the family.

Mr. Quinter was born in Reading, Pa., the son of Raymond and Abbigail (Moore) Quinter on July 22, 1922. He married Virginia Tharp on Jan. 15, 1943. She survives.

Also surviving are a son, Don (Sheila) Quinter of Flower Mound, Texas; a daughter, Debora Burklund of Edwards, Colo.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Janet; a brother, Raymond; and two sisters, Ethel Shoener and Olive Fidler.

Mr. Quinter retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 20 years. He served his country in the Army Air Corp.  and also was a member of the United Methodist Church in Paxton.

 

Mabel Manzke, mother of Linda (Manzke) Yearsley

PAXTON — Mabel Irene Manzke, 83, of Paxton, died at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2013, at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Emil Blobaum officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Manzke was born July 26, 1929, in Orland Park, the daughter of Joseph and Olive Young Rust. She married Fred Manzke on April 25, 1948, in Orland Park. He survives.

Also surviving are their children, Fred (Cathy) Manzke of Tuscola, Linda L. Yearsley of Urbana, Richard (Twila) Manzke of Cape Coral, Fla., Marianne Milligan of Paxton and Donna (Tom) Anglin of Champaign; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, a sister and twin sons.

Mrs. Manzke was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Paxton. She was retired from Paxton Electronics. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo, family gatherings, working puzzles with her husband and tole painting on wood pieces cut by her husband.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

 

Art Schmidt, Father of LInda (Schmidt) Kellerhals

PAXTON — Arthur J. “Art” Schmidt, 83, a retired Paxton businessman, died at 5:20 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Craig Pinley officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at the funeral home.

Mr. Schmidt was born June 15, 1929, in Crescent City, the son of Johann and Elisabeth Schuster Schmidt. He married Patricia Harrington on July 9, 1982, in Paxton. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Linda (Ray) Kellerhals of Paxton and Nikki (Glen) Foss of Buckley; one son, Chad (Nancy) Riggleman of Paxton; eight grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; and one brother, William Schmidt of Watseka.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ronald; one brother, John; and one sister, Aline Leaver.

Mr. Schmidt graduated from Crescent City High School. He farmed several years in the Crescent City area before becoming a State Farm agent in Paxton and retiring after 36 years.

Mr. Schmidt was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton and the Paxton Lions Club. He was chairman of the Paxton Community Sale for many years and a volunteer for the Paxton Emergency Services & Disaster Agency. He enjoyed collecting farm toys and vegetable and flower gardening.

Memorials may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton or an organization of the donor’s choice.

 

Dick Anderson, father of Mark Anderson

PAXTON — Richard D. “Dick” Anderson, 90, a lifelong Paxton farmer, died at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Heartland Healthcare Center, Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 260 S. Union St., Paxton with the Rev. Craig Pinley officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is handling arrangements.

Mr. Anderson was born July 25, 1922, at Paxton, the son of Elmer C. and Ellen M. Burklund Anderson. He married Dorothy A. Johnson on March 8, 1943. She died April 3, 1979.  He then married Shirley Blaser Keyes on Aug. 29, 1980, at the United Methodist Chapel in Rantoul. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Mariellen (Keith) Anderson of Geneva; two sons, James (Mary) Anderson of Tampa, Fla., and Mark (Pat) Anderson of rural Paxton; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three stepsons, Jay (Tammi) Keyes of Santa Margarita, Calif., Jeff (Debbie) Keyes of Rantoul and Mark (Lora) Keyes of Rantoul; one stepdaughter, Nancy (Dean) Roessler of Rantoul; eight step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren.

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

Mr. Anderson attended Pleasant View Country School for eight years and graduated from Paxton High School in 1940.  He farmed his entire life northwest of Paxton.

He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton, where he served as chairman of the board for one year and also as trustee and deacon. He was a 50-year member of the Paxton Masonic Lodge No. 416 AF&AM. He was also a member of the Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau, a former member of the Paxton school board for nine years and a member of the Loda Sportsman’s Club.

He and his wife wintered for several years in Florida and Arizona. His hobbies included hunting and fishing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Paxton, Heartland Health Care Center in Paxton or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Mike Stuckey, brother of Ann Stuckey Alt

CLIFFWOOD BEACH, N.J. — Michael J. Stuckey, 69, of Cliffwood Beach, N.J., a native of Paxton, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at his home.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 1, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a funeral service at 7 p.m. at the Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 501 Highway 79, Morganville, N.J. Final disposition will be held privately.

Born and raised in Paxton, Mr. Stuckey was a resident of Morganville, N.J., before moving to Cliffwood Beach, N.J., seven years ago. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army in the early 1960s. After his service, he worked at International Flavors & Fragrances in Union Beach, N.J., for many years.

An avid hunter and fisher, he enjoyed hunting on his grounds in Clinton, N.J., with his son Michael Jr.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Stuckey, and brother, Jim Stuckey.

Surviving are his children, Michael J. Stuckey Jr. of Cliffwood Beach, N.J., and Dawn Hode of Toms River, N.J.; his mother, Victoria Stuckey; two brothers, Tom and John Stuckey; two sisters, Mary O’Brien and Ann Alt; and a granddaughter.

 

 

Wanda Larson, mother of Kitty Larson Anderson

TUCSON, Ariz. — Wanda Spencer Larson, 95, formerly of Paxton, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Tucson, Ariz., following a brief illness.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Federated Church of Paxton.

Mrs. Larson was born Jan. 21, 1918, in Bridgeport, the only girl in a family of four brothers. Her father, Charles Spencer, was an undertaker and owned furniture and hardware stores until 1927 when he moved the family to Champaign, with the intention of his children attending the University of Illinois. After his death in a train accident in 1928, Mrs. Larson’s mother, Maude Spencer, raised her five children in Champaign.

Mrs. Larson graduated from the University of Illinois in 1938 at the age of 20. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority, the Mortar Board and Torch societies, and was active in the Women’s League.

After graduating college, Mrs. Larson taught at Champaign Junior High until 1942, when she married Paxton native and fellow U of I alumnus H. P. “Bud” Larson Jr.
During Bud’s wartime service as a pilot in the Army Air Corps, Mrs. Larson moved to Paxton to live with her in-laws, H.P. “Had” Larson and Katherine “Kit” Larson. At the end of World War II, Mrs. Larson and her husband made their home in Paxton, where Bud wrote for the Paxton Record before taking over his family’s business interests, including men’s clothing store P. Larson & Co.

Their four children attended Paxton schools and were the center of the Larsons’ interests and activities.

Both Mrs. Larson and her husband worked actively to preserve and better Paxton. Mrs. Larson served on the boards at the Paxton Carnegie Library and at the Federated Church and as president of the American Legion Auxiliary. Mrs. Larson taught school in Paxton off and on for 25 years and initiated the Title 1 math program in Paxton.

Family and friends remember Mrs. Larson as sparkling with humor and energy. She valued hard work and education. She was independent of mind and a quiet leader. She was always interested in learning people’s histories and would have a stranger at ease, sharing his life story within minutes of meeting. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, never done taking care of her family, always with time and interest for hearing about a child’s activities, or reading a grandchild’s school reports.

Mrs. Larson is survived by her four children, Pete (Donna) Larson of Arlington, Va., Judy (Bill) Hay of Denver, Colo., Kitty (Greg) Anderson of Paxton and Bobby Larson of Tucson, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Melissa (Alex) Nesic, Emily (Bill) Hinsdale, Andrew (Ayse) Hay, Matt (Sarah) Anderson, Anna Anderson, Amanda Larson, Spencer Larson and K.J. Larson; and five great-grandchildren, Clara Hinsdale, Rose Hinsdale, Sebastien Nesic, Huxley Nesic and Kaan Hay.

 

2012

 

Ginny Masterson, mother of Rick Masterson

PAXTON — BettyJane “Ginny” Masterson, 84, of Paxton, died at 11:05 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 2012, at Heartland Health Care Center, Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 27, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Bill Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Masterson was born July 11, 1928, in Blue Island, the daughter of Rudolph and Cora Bohne Mason. She married Wesley L. Masterson on June 12, 1948, in LaPorte, Ind.  He died Dec. 14, 1991.

Survivors include a son, Rick (Linda) Masterson Sr. of Paxton; a daughter, Peggy Taiclet of Ft. Worth, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and two brothers, Ronnie Creveling of Indiana and Norm (Barb) Creveling of Buckley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Wesley “Bat” Masterson Jr. and Randy Masterson; and a brother.

Mrs. Masterson grew up in the Chicago area. She and her husband moved to Paxton in 1952.  She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Prospect Chapter No. 367 of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, yard work and flower gardening.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Bud Peden, father of John Peden

PAXTON — Edward K. “Bud” Peden, 91, of Paxton, died at 7:05 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2012, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Milton Cruz officiating.  Burial will be in the East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, with military honors accorded. Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Peden was born Jan. 23, 1921, in Towanda, the son of Samuel Gaither and Mary Pearl Hargrove Peden. He spent his childhood in Towanda and graduated from Towanda High School.

Mr. Peden entered the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1939. He was active army in 1942 and served in the U. S. Air Force from 1947 to 1960, having achieved the rank of senior master sergeant. He received many awards and decorations during his military service including the American Defense, American Campaign, European Theatre with three combat stars, crew member wings, Army commendations, Army Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

He married Margaret W. Potts on Jan. 16, 1950, in Yorkville. They moved from Rantoul to Paxton in 1953. She died Jan. 19, 1996.

Surviving are two sons, John (Kim) Peden of Vienna, Va., and Jim Peden of Ludlow; a daughter, Susan (Ron) Graham of Alabama; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, William Peden; two brothers; and three sisters.

Mr. Peden was a civil service training specialist at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, from 1960 to 1981. He was awarded several commendations.

Mr. Peden was a member of the Paxton Church of Christ.  He was also a member of the Loda Sportsman’s Club, Paxton American Legion Post 150, Towanda VFW and a 50-year member of the Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 AF&AM.

He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and trap shooting. He enjoyed morning coffee with his many friends and his daily visits  to Market Street Barber Shop.

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

Ed Morris, brother of Wes Morris

PAXTON — Wayne Edward “Ed” Morris, 70, of Champaign, formerly of Paxton, died at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2012, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Eric Coulter officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton, with military honors by the Paxton American Legion Post 150. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service Sunday at the funeral home.

Mr. Morris was born May 4, 1942, in Paxton, the son of Wayne H.W. and Frances M. O’Neal Morris. He married Marsha Miller on Dec. 21, 1962, in Elliott. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Chuck Morris of Urbana and John W. Morris of Fisher; a daughter, Dawn D. Morris of Champaign; six grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara (Bill) Sailler of Kansas City, Mo., and Toni Molck of Paxton; two brothers, Wes (Pat) Morris of Rantoul and John Morris of Urbana; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Rosemary Bailey.

Mr. Morris graduated from Paxton High School in 1960 and served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 in army intelligence. He worked as a letter carrier for the Champaign Post Office for 28 years.

He and his wife moved from Paxton to Champaign in 1968.  He was a member of the First Wesleyan Church, Urbana and the National Association of Letter Carriers.  He was an avid Illini fan.

Memorials may be made to Provena Hospice, C-U Dialysis or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Troy N. Tweady

RANTOUL — Troy N. Tweady, 39, of Rantoul, father of a Loda man, died on the morning of Friday, April 27, 2012, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove St., Rantoul. The Rev. Bill Thompson will officiate. Burial will follow at Olivet Cemetery, Dogtown, Ill. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lux Memorial Chapel.

Troy was born March 19, 1973, in Champaign, a son of Greg and Marilyn (Hood) Tweady. He married Cathy (Adkins) Roy on Oct. 19, 1991.
Surviving are his son, Brett M. Tweady of Loda; his mother, Marilyn Jeakins of Rantoul; and a brother, Scott Jeakins of Rantoul.

Also surviving are his grandmothers, Clara Tweady of Alabama and Anna Hood of Gifford.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Earl Tweady and William Hood; and his father, Greg Tweady, who died in May of 1987 aboard the U.S.S. Stark, which was struck by an Iraqi missile.

Troy was baptized in 1986 at Oak Harbor Baptist Church of Atlantic Beach, Fla. He was a 1991 graduate of Rantoul Township High School. He enjoyed sports, family, friends and being outdoors.

Memorials may be made to the Huntington’s Disease Research or the Suicide Prevention Association.

Olga Baquero, mother of Ines Baquero

Carbondale, CO- Olga Baquero, 89, of Carbondale, CO, formerly of Danville, Rankin, and Paxton, passed away at 11:58 AM on April 15, 2012 at the Heritage Park Care Center. She was born on September 1, 1922 in Moscow, Russia to Paul and Maria Woitowicz. She married Alfonso Baquero on June 18, 1949 in Switzerland. He preceded her in death on April 11, 1984.

Surviving is a daughter, Ines Baquero of New Castle, CO; son Eric (Cathie Werkman) Baquero, also of New Castle, CO; and two grandchildren, Alexander (Amy) Baquero and Stefanie Baquero. 
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Nicholas. 
Olga was a classical concert pianist, performing in concerts all over the world. Music was her passion. She taught many music students in Danville and Paxton over the years. In addition to her music, Olga was very active, even late into life. She would go skiing until the age of 75, and also enjoyed traveling, flower gardening and just being in nature. 
A service to celebrate the life of Olga Baquero will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Entombment will follow at a later time at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 1-4 PM prior to the service on Sunday, also at Sunset in Danville. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Humane Society. 

Larry Niccum, brother of Keith Niccum

PAXTON — Larry D. Niccum, 65, of Paxton, died at 9:43 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Terry L. Westerfield officiating and with a private family burial. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Mr. Niccum was born Jan. 22, 1947, in Urbana, the son of Max W. and S. Gladys Thomas Niccum. He married Carol Nieft on Dec. 1966. She died Nov. 17, 1979. He married Cheryl Swanson in September 1980 at the First United Methodist Church of Paxton. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Jodi Lukens of Paxton and Stacey Johnson of Paxton; one son, Scott (Marie) Niccum of Charleston; five grandchildren, all of Paxton; two brothers, Keith (Nancy) Niccum of Portland, Ore., and David Niccum of Dewey; one niece; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Niccum graduated from Paxton High School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army for a couple of years and was stationed in Texas. He was employed by Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative as a lineman for 29 years, retiring in 1997.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton, the Loda Sportsman’s Club and the Paxton American Legion Post #150.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Illini fan and enjoyed bowling, farming and hunting.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Ford County Food Pantry or an organization of the donor’s choice.

2011

Arthur Haile, father of Eddie Haile 

PAXTON — Arthur J. Haile, 87, of Paxton, died at 4:44 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services were held Nov. 1 at Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton, with Marcus Rawls and Don Haile officiating.  Burial followed in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation was Oct. 31 at the funeral home.

Mr. Haile was born Feb. 12, 1924, in Wayne County, the son of Fred T. and Mary E. Calvin Haile.  He married Ferne L. Pepple on Dec. 22, 1945, in Fairfield.  She survives.

Also surviving are: a daughter, Carol (Paul) Rawls of Brighton, Colo.; two sons, Eddie Haile of Paxton and Jerry (Cindy) Haile of Paxton; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Wanda Sparks, Florence Estes and Lena Rainwater; and four brothers, Don Haile, Earl Haile, Ray Haile and Harold Haile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and two brothers.

Mr. Haile moved to the Paxton area in 1939. He farmed and worked for Kraft Foods of Champaign for 20 years, retiring in 1989.  He and his wife spent their winters in Texas for 22 years. He enjoyed camping, gardening, fishing, woodworking and antique tractors.

Memorials may be made to Provena Life Connections.

 

Ralph Schimanski

PAXTON — Ralph Schimanski, 93, of Paxton, died at 1 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, at the Illinois Knights Templar Home, Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at the First United Methodist Church, 220 W. Center St., Paxton, with the Rev. Terry L. Westerfield officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Cemetery in Paxton, with military graveside rites by Paxton American Legion Post 150.  Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is handling arrangements.

Mr. Schimanski was born Jan. 21, 1918, at Rockford, the son of George and Anna Bender Schimanski. He married Erma McKinney on Sept. 22, 1945, in Denver. She died Jan. 10, 1990.

Survivors include: one daughter, Joanna (Scott) Bayles of Bayles Lake, Loda; three grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Kay Schimanski of Asheboro, N.C.; one step-grandchild; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; one sister; and a son, Richard “Rick” Schimanski.

Mr. Schimanski graduated from Rochelle High School and Northern Illinois State Teachers College. He was a member of Epsilon Pi Tau, National Honorary in Vocational Education and Northern Illinois Letterman’s Club.

Mr. Schimanski served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. 

Mr. Schimanski was employed as a civilian with the Air Force at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul as an educational specialist for 32 years.  He also owned a real estate business specializing in Bayles Lake properties.

Mr. Schimanski was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton for more than 50 years, the Paxton American Legion Post No. 150, Eastern Star Prospect Chapter No. 367 O.E.S. and Masonic Lodge No. 416 A.F. & A.M. 

Mr. Schimanski served as a board member of Paxton unit schools, the Paxton Fire Protection District, Lakeview Country Club, Bayles Lake Lot Owners Association and the Iroquois County Board. He also served as a Paxton area 4-H club leader for many years.

He had farming interests; and he enjoyed gardening, golf, boating and fishing.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Paxton or to an organization of the donor’s choice.

Donna Jo Meuser Murphy

DeQUEEN, Ariz. — Donna Jo Meuser Murphy, 62, of DeQueen, Ariz., formerly of Paxton, died Thursday, May 5, 2011, at her home.

Her family received friends from May 6 at the Wilkerson Funeral Home in DeQueen, Ariz. Funeral services were held May 7 at the funeral home, with the Rev. George Frachiseur officiating. Burial followed at Redmen Cemetery in DeQueen, Ariz.

Mrs. Murphy was born Nov. 17, 1948, in Gary, Ind. She graduated from Paxton High School.
Surviving are: her husband, Ron Murphy of DeQueen, Ariz.; one son, Jeff (Christy) Murphy of DeQueen, Ariz.; two daughters, Kim (Jeff) Watson of Texarkana, Ariz., and Micki (Jimmy) Copeland of Broken Bow, Okla., five grandchildren; one grandchild; four sisters, Sue (Dennis) Janssen and Mary (Doug) Parsons, both of Paxton, and Bonnie (Mike) Marron and Carol Coplea, both of Dallas; one brother, Paul Meuser of Moore, Okla.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Vera (Jeffress) Meuser of Paxton.

Mrs. Murphy enjoyed music and singing with her family. She worked for Southern LP Gas in DeQueen, Ariz., for 33 years.

 

Vail Hall Moore
PAXTON - Vail Hall Moore, 99, of Paxton, died Sunday, April 24, 2011, at his home.

Under Mr. Moore's wishes and instructions, no funeral or memorial services will be held. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is handling arrangements.

Mr. Moore was born Dec. 18, 1911, in Schuyler County, Ill. In 1917, he and his sister Helen started attendance at Parrott School, a one-room country school located half a mile from the Moore home. 

In 1924, Mr. Moore enrolled in Rushville High School. Upon graduation, he pursued a pre-engineering curriculum at Illinois Wesleyan University from September 1928 to June 1930. In 1931 he enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 1933 with a bachelor's degree in general engineering.

During 1934, Mr. Moore surveyed water wells in Schuyler County and was secretary-treasurer of Macomb Production Credit Assocation. From 1934 to 1936 he held various positions with the Illinois Emergency Relief Commission in Schuyler County and in the District Office of the Works Progress Administration in Peoria. In 1936 he enrolled in the Civil Engineering Graduate School at the University of Illinois, but soon became an instructor in engineering drawing. From 1937 through 1941 he was an instructor in engineering drawing, descriptive geometry and topographic mapping in the College of Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin.

From 1941 to 1946, Mr. Moore was an engineer for the Illinois State Water Survey in Urbana, a research assistant in the chemistry department and instructor in engineering problems, physics, surveying, public water supply and sewerage at the University of Illinois.

From 1946 through 1955 he was an engineer with Warren & Van Praag Inc., consulting engineers in Decatur. From 1956 to 1959 he was an engineer with Hazen & Sawyer, consulting engineers in Detroit, in the planning and construction supervision of a major addition to the Springwells Water Filtration Plant for the City of Detroit.

In June 1959, Mr. Moore opened his own consulting engineering business at 101 W. Ottawa Rd. in Paxton, adding land surveying in 1961. His firm supervised the design and installation of Paxton's citywide sewer system during the mid-1960s.

Even though he retired in his later years, he remained semi-active in the business, often walking the several blocks from home to office and back until he was 98 years old.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Helen Kathryn (Granger) Moore, who died in 1998. 

Surviving are two sons, Robert Moore of Paxton and Tim Moore of Diamond Bar, Calif., and a sister, Aileen Boehm of Macomb

Shirley Johnson
PAXTON - Shirley Johnson, 85, of Paxton, died at 1:57 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011) at Carle Foundation Hospital. 

Funeral services will be held at Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral, with burial in Glen Cemetery in Paxton.

Mrs. Johnson was born Oct. 31, 1925, in rural Loda to Edmund (Ned) and Florence Fretty Hileman. She attended Farmersville country school and graduated from Paxton Community High School in 1943. She married Wendell Johnson of Paxton on Nov. 2,1946. He survives.

Also surviving are: daughter Diane Johnson and son Duane Johnson, both of Paxton; sister Lois Vealey of Ocala, Fla.; and five grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and sister, and a son, Dale Johnson.

Mrs. Johnson spent her adult life in Paxton as a homemaker. She was active in numerous clubs and organizations including being a Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader. She was also a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton Library Board, VFW Auxiliary, Antique Study Group, Paxton Hospital Auxiliary, Paxton Women's Club, Great Decisions Study Group, and the Ford County Historical Society, for which she served as secretary for 20 years. 

Mrs. Johnson co-authored a book, "A Ticket to the Best," with Dr. W.W. Sauer about the history of Paxton. She loved history, antique collecting, and playing the piano and organ.

Memorials can be made to the Ford County Historical Society or the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Harry Eugene "Gene" Allen
PAXTON - Harry Eugene "Gene" Allen, 83, of Paxton, died Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Carroll Hospice Dove Center in Westminster, Md.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8, at Glen Cemetery in Paxton with military graveside rites. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton.

Mr. Allen was born May 11, 1927, in Paxton, a son of Loran H. and Dora Trotter Allen. He married Pattie "Mickey" Hook on Nov. 17, 1945, in Morganfield, Ky. She died July 16, 2007.

Surviving are one daughter, Pamela R. (Leonard G.) Powell of Finksburg, Md.; one sister, Louise Winkel of Yarrington, Nev.; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

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

Mr. Allen was a member of Church of Christ in Paxton. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp. and was a supervisor at Kraft Foods. Gene enjoyed watching the Bulls, Cubs, Bears and Gibson City Falcons, 10-pin bowling and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Hospital or American Cancer Society

 

Gerald P. "Gerry" Rodeen

PAXTON - Gerald P. "Gerry" Rodeen, 63, a Paxton attorney, died at 1:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, in rural Loda.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at the First Lutheran Church, 301 S. College St., Paxton, with the Rev. Jeff Cottingham officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Rodeen was born April 14, 1947, in Paxton, the son of Karl Marcus and Mary Louise (Kennedy) Rodeen. He married Katherine M. Hustedt on July 6, 1975, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Buckley. She survives.

Also surviving are: his parents, of Paxton; a son, Paul (Shana) Rodeen; a daughter, Kate (Ken) Law; a grandson; two sisters, Becky (Pat) Prina of Paxton and Beth Ann (Jack) Lepper of Gurnee; nephews Mark Prina of Paxton, Jerry (Bethany) Prina of Washington and Joe (Heidi) Lepper; daughter Tuesday, of Chicago; and a niece, Sally (Alexios) Tabatsalis of Chicago.

Mr. Rodeen was a graduate of Paxton Community High School, earned his bachelor of science degree in accounting in 1969 and his J.D. in 1973, both from Indiana University. Upon graduation from Indiana University in 1969, Mr. Rodeen was employed by Touche Ross Certified Public Accountants for a year and a half prior to re-enrolling at the University to pursue his law degree. While at the University, he received the American Jurisprudence Award in Tort Law and prepared a revision of the state of Indiana parole law. After receiving his J. D. in 1973, he began practice as Gerald P. Rodeen and Associates, Ltd. in Paxton and later purchased the sole practice of Sidney H. Dilks. 

Mr. Rodeen had concentrated his practice in personal injury litigation, workers compensation, criminal defense and family law. He had extensive trial experience, having successfully represented criminal defendants in first-degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated kidnapping, rape and other criminal felony jury trials. He had participated in and argued civil and criminal appeals in the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts.

Mr. Rodeen was a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Indiana State Bar Association, Ford County Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

As a member of Illinois Pheasants Forever, Mr. Rodeen was voted Outstanding Member in recognition of his founding of the first Illinois chapter and his continuing dedication to the organization and served on the National Board of Directors of Pheasants Forever. He drafted and successfully lobbied for the Illinois Pheasant Stamp legislation, which currently provides millions of dollars statewide for pheasant habitat on public and private land. 

In 1994, Gov. Jim Edgar appointed Mr. Rodeen as a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Department of Conservation Foundation Board. 

Mr. Rodeen was also a member of the Upland Habitat Stamp Advisory Board to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In January 2007, at the Chicagoland Outdoors Show, Mr. Rodeen was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Illinois Outdoor Writers Association. He was previously the chairman of the development committee of the National Board of Directors of Pheasants Forever, which committee commenced a 25 million dollar endowment campaign fund drive and served on the National Board since 1987.

Mr. Rodeen loved fishing which was evidenced by 30 years of fishing trips to Canada with his best buddies.

Memorials may be made to Pheasants Forever or Pheasants Forever Young Guns, or memorial gifts in his honor may be made to a charity that supports depression and bipolar research or an organization of the donor's choice.

 

Lawrence E. "Larry" Smith Jr.
PAXTON - Lawrence E. "Larry" Smith Jr., 84, of Paxton, died at 11:16 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at the Piatt County Nursing Home in Monticello.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Tom Jones and the Rev. Terry Westerfield officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the funeral home.

Mr. Smith was born Dec. 25, 1926, in Edwardsport, Ind., the son of Lawrence E. and Verbie (Williams) Smith. He married Norma L. Coventry on Aug. 16, 1952, in Findlay. She died Feb. 26, 2002.

Surviving are: one daughter, Jodi (Jim) Baldwin of Decatur; four sons, Kevin (Carla) Smith of Mahomet, Kurt (Kim) Smith of Paxton, Kelly (Jennifer) Smith of Monticello and Kris (Pam) Smith of Springfield; 10 grandchildren; and one brother, Robert (Jean) Smith of St. Joseph, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Pat Taft.

Mr. Smith was a 1945 graduate of Moore Township High School in Farmer City. He served in the post-occupation of the Philippines from 1946-47 with the U.S. Army. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Normal State Teachers College and took advanced courses at the University of Illinois in the mid 1970s.

Mr. Smith moved to Paxton in 1950 to begin his teaching career at Paxton High School. His responsibilities over the years included coaching freshman/sophomore football, basketball and track coach from 1950-1959. He served as head basketball coach from 1959-1974. He also taught driver's education, industrial arts, history and social studies. In 1984 he became interested in the locksmith business and started Security Services on a part-time basis. Upon retirement from teaching in 1987 he went into the locksmith business full-time until 2005.

Mr. Smith was a Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed gardening, physical fitness and doing handyman jobs around his house.

Memorials may be made to the PBL Education Foundation.

 

2010

Gladys Niccum, mother of Keith Niccum

PAXTON – S. Gladys Niccum, 83, of Paxton died at 10:25 p.m. Friday (Oct. 22, 2010) at the Illinois Knights Templar Home in Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, the Rev. Terry L. Westerfield officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Gladys was born Feb. 17, 1927, at Penfield, the daughter of Louie and Opal Meece Thomas. She married Max W. Niccum on April 14, 1946, at Ludlow. He preceded her in death Feb. 8, 1997.

She is survived by three sons, Larry (Cheryl) Niccum of Paxton, Keith (Nancy) Niccum of Portland, Ore., and David Niccum of Dewey; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Earl Thomas and Allan Thomas, both of Ludlow; three sisters, Wylodene Samples of Rantoul, Marlene Albers of Rantoul and Lela Vandermolens of Fond du Lac, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

Gladys grew up in the Rantoul and Ludlow areas. She graduated from Rantoul Township High School and from the Illinois Commercial College in Champaign. She was a homemaker but also did sewing for others and worked part time at Laybourn's Apparel and Oli's Shoe Store, both in Paxton.

She and her husband wintered in Florida for 29 years. She was a very active member of the United Methodist Church of Paxton and was also a member of the Royal Neighbors. She enjoyed bowling, sewing, growing roses and spending time with her family.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Illinois Knights Templar Home of Paxton.

 

 

 

Anna Franzen, mother of Patty Franzen Alred

GIFFORD – Anna F. Franzen, 95, of Gifford went to be with her Lord in the early morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, at Country Health Nursing Home, Gifford.

She was born July 5, 1915, in Royal, a daughter of Fred and Katie (Osterbur) Meier. She married Henry E. Franzen on July 31, 1936, in Royal. He preceded in death on March 28, 2001.

She is survived by a son, Ron (Barbra) Franzen of Mount Carmel; two daughters, Karen (Stephen) Ross of Goshen, Ind., and Patty Alred of Mount Dora, Fla.; a brother, Jerry Meier of Savoy; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

She was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where she was involved in Ruth's Circle, sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Ludlow Home Extension.

Anna was involved in the Lutheran Women's Society. She loved gardening and sewing.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford. The Rev. Steve Lombardo will officiate. She will be buried beside her husband at Huls Cemetery, Gifford.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service.

Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Country Health Nursing Home or St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

 

Mary Lou Anderson, sister of Pam (Marshall) Weller
Mary Lou Anderson, 63, of Paxton, died at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at her home.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 2, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 407 W. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Ron Hart officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Baier Family Funeral Service, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with a rosary at 3:30 p.m.

Mrs. Anderson was born Dec. 26, 1946, in Paxton, the daughter of Harold W. and Louise R. (Gutzwiler) Marshall. She married Richard L. Marshall in 1967 and married David Anderson on Sept. 5, 1987. Dave died Jan. 14, 2000.

Surviving are: two daughters, Lynn (Jeff) Rubarts and Michelle (Kelly) Swanson, both of Paxton; six grandchildren; two sisters, Pam (Greg) Weller of Loda and Jane (Cliff) Bell of Tegacay, S.C.; and six nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Anderson graduated from Paxton High School in 1965. She was employed by Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative of Paxton as a bookkeeper for 31 years and retired in 1997. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Paxton and the PBL Booster Club. She was an avid fan of the Cubs, Illini and PBL athletics. She enjoyed spending time with her EIEC Retiree Lunch Bunch and following her grandchildren's extracurricular activities.

Memorials may be made to the PBL Booster Club, St. Mary Catholic Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

 

Lucille Schneider, mother of George (Skip) Schneider
GIBSON CITY - Lucille Schneider, 90, of Paxton, died at 5:27 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 12, at Baier Family Funeral Service, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, with the Rev. Priscilla Gerdes officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Schneier was born Feb. 26, 1920, at Sherman, Texas, the daughter of William F. and Cenia Elizabeth Vaughn Dixon. She married George W. Schneider on May 25, 1940, at Gary, Ind. He died March 26, 1992.

Surviving are: three sons, Richard M. Schneider of Cabot, Ariz., Dennis W. (Bonnie) Schneider of Paxton and George W. (Georgiann) Schneider of Fisher; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Schneider attended schools in Sherman, Texas; and Gary, Ind. She and her husband moved to Paxton in 1955. She was employed by Edwards Hardware and Olie's Shoe Store, both of Paxton. After working in the shoe store for 14 years, she purchased the business in 1974 and retired in 1982. After her retirement, she became a librarian at the Paxton Carnegie Library.

Mrs. Schneider was a member of the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church and a former member of the Business and Professional Women's Club of Paxton and the Paxton Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed playing softball with her great-grandkids while she was in her 70s. She also enjoyed playing the piano and organ, reading, traveling and family camping trips.

Memorials may be made to ASTA Care Center of Ford County.

 

Bernice E. Swanson, mother of Dave Swanson dies
MATTOON - Bernice E. Swanson, 89, of Mattoon, formerly of Paxton, died at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, after a four-month illness. 

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St, Paxton. The Rev. Craig Pinley will be officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. 

Mrs. Swanson was born Jan. 3, 1921, in Alvarado, Minn., a daughter of Emil and Emma Olson, both Swedish immigrants. She was the second youngest child of 11 siblings. 

Mrs. Swanson was orphaned at age 13 and went to live with her older sister, Dagny Lawson, and her husband, Frank, in Galesburg. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1939. 

In 1941, she graduated from a one-year child and infant nursing training at Augustana Nursery in Chicago. She then became a nanny to several families in the northern Chicago area. On Sept 1, 1943, she entered the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). She was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in January 1946.

On March 16, 1946, she married Vernon P. Swanson at the Galesburg Covenant Church. They moved to Paxton, Vernon's hometown. While there, she supported her husband's two businesses, The Paxton Community Grocery Store and The S & M Sealtest Dairy. She also worked as a secretary at the Eastern Illinois Co-op, as a nurse's aide at the Paxton Hospital, and sold Avon products.

She and her husband retired and moved to Orange City, Fla., in 1986. Her husband died Jan. 14, 1989. Mrs. Swanson moved to Mattoon in July 2001. While in Mattoon, she attended the First Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are: her two children, Kathryn (Tom) Oakley of Mattoon and David (Amy) Swanson of Alpharetta, Ga.; four grandchildren; three great-grandsons; one sister, Elsie Glinski of Grand Forks, N.D.; and a sister-in-law, Myrtle Bankson of Paxton.

Mrs. Swanson was a member of the Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church and the Paxton American Legion Auxiliary. While living in Paxton, she also was a member of the Paxton Women's Club and the Home Extension.

Memorials in her memory may be donated to the Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton, IL 60957

 

Dorthy Roy, mother of Karren Roy Bussey dies
Dorthy Roy, 91, of Paxton, died at 3:43 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services were scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at the First Baptist Church SBC, 430 S. High St., Paxton, with the Rev. William Thompson and the Rev. John Davenport officiating. Burial will follow at Elliott Cemetery, Elliott. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, and for one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.

Mrs. Roy was born June 2, 1918, in Dorena, Ky., the daughter of Walter and Lola Johnson Wilson. She married Erwin Roy on Sept. 25, 1936, in Fonthill, Ky. He died Sept. 25, 1982.

Surviving are: three sons, Murle (Elona) Roy, Wickie Roy and Rex (Linda) Roy, all of Paxton; three daughters, Kathie (Jerry) Houser and Debbie Payne, both of Paxton, and Karren Bussey of Brentwood, Tenn.; one daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Darwin) Roy; 16 grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Burdean Gosser of Norwood, Ohio.

Mrs. Roy was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Darwin and Garrie Roy; two daughters-in-law, Mildred Vest Roy and Janie Larson Roy; five brothers; and three sisters.

Mrs. Roy was a charter member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Paxton and served in many capacities. She was also a volunteer at Ford County Nursing Home for 32 years; she served as the custodian of the First Baptist Church for 10 years; and she was a child-care provider and also worked at a tomato-canning factory. She enjoyed her garden, flowers, sewing, baking and helping others.

 2009

Kathryn Foster, mother of Jim Foster dies
Kathryn T. Foster, 94, of Paxton, died at 10:22 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Church of The Nazarene, 302 W. State St., Paxton, with the Rev. Robert G. Killion officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, and one hour before the service Monday at the church.

Mrs. Foster was born Oct. 12, 1915, in Orion Township in Canton, the daughter of George and Mary Hannah Milner Meyer. She married Russel S. Foster on Oct. 12, 1941, in Canton. He died Feb. 10, 1979.

Surviving are: four sons and two daughters, Wayne Foster, Leslie (Kay) Foster, James D. (Barbara A.) Foster and Darrell (Russella) Foster, all of Paxton, and Charlotte (Bert) Bowen of Paxton and Barbara Foster of Kankakee; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter in infancy, three sons in infancy and two sisters.

Mrs. Foster graduated from Canton High School in 1933. She attended God's Bible School in Cincinnati and also the Olivet Nazarene College in Olivet. She received her teaching certificate from Illinois State University in Normal. She taught school for several years at the Wide Awake School in Orion Township and the Lilly Dell School in rural Paxton. After her marriage, she and her husband moved to rural Paxton where they farmed. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene of Paxton. 

She enjoyed reading, keeping up on current events, crossword puzzles, and reading and writing poetry. Her favorite quote was "spend your youth to make your wealth; spend your wealth to save your health." 

Memorials may be made to the Nazarene World Mission or a charity of the donor's choice.

 

Darwin Roy, brother of Karren Roy dies

Dallas Roy    

PAXTON – Dallas Darwin Roy, 70, of Paxton died Monday (June 1, 2009) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the 4 p.m. funeral service on Saturday at Paxton Church of Christ. The Rev. John Davenport will officiate. A private graveside service also will be held on Saturday at Glen Cemetery in Paxton.

Mr. Roy was born Nov. 14, 1938, in Windsor, Ky., a son of Erwin and Dorothy Wilson Roy. He married Mildred Vest on May 31, 1958, in Paxton. She died on Dec. 28, 1995. He then married Cheryl Raum on June 15, 1997, in Paxton. She survives.

Survivors also include his mother, Dorothy Roy of Paxton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Jim Dahlman of Johnson City, Tenn. and Barbara and Gary Vance of Loda; four stepchildren, Tally Bauer of Newman, Terese (Darby) Robertson of Morton, Trent Raum of Decatur and Torrie (Andy) Jones of Paxton; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Kathie and Jerry Houser of Paxton, Karren Bussey of Nashville, Tenn., and Debbie Payne of Paxton; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Murle and Elona Roy, Wickie Roy and Rex and Linda Roy, all of Paxton; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Garrie.

Mr. Roy served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1963. He was a self-employed carpenter and also was co-owner of Andrews Lumber and Hardware for eight years. He belonged to the Levis and Lace Square Dance Club and was an active member of Paxton Church of Christ, where he was currently serving as Elder, Prairie States Christian Camp and never wavered in his faith. Mr. Roy was also a longtime member of Paxton Lodge 416 AF & AM, Ford Chapter 113 Royal Arch Masons, Paxton Council 129 and Mount Olivet Commandery 38/Knights Templar. He was a Cornbelt Shriners Clown for 40 years. Darwin loved dancing, golfing, bowling and camping, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.


Evelyn Nuss Dies.  If you went to elementary school at Clara Peterson, perhaps she was your teacher.

 

Evelyn L. Nuss, 76, a lifelong Paxton resident, died at 9:20 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2009, at the Illinois Knights Templar Home in Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 11, at the United Methodist Church of Paxton, 210 W. Center St., with the Rev. Terry L. Westerfield officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, and at the church Thursday one hour before the service.

Mrs. Nuss was born Nov. 18, 1932, in Wall Township in rural Paxton, the daughter of Millard and Julia Brackney Weaver. She married Edward Nuss on June 13, 1954, in Paxton. He died July 18, 1979.

Surviving are: daughter Kim (Dan) Evans of Paxton; son Tim (Karen) Nuss of Roberts; two grandsons, Eric and Cody Evans of Paxton; one brother, Bert Weaver of Galesburg; and numerous other relatives. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Edith Bohanan, and one brother, Loren Weaver.

Mrs. Nuss graduated from Paxton High School in 1950. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Illinois State University, Normal, and her master's degree in education from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Her first teaching job was at the Rural Moffett School of Paxton. She was hired as the first teacher at the Clara Peterson Elementary School in Paxton before the building was completed. She taught first grade and in the same classroom her entire teaching career and retired after 47 years. She also taught summer school and tutored students in her own home. 

She was a member of the Paxton United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Stevens Ministry, Walk for Emeus, Retired Teacher Association, an ISU Alumni and served as a church usher. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, working in her yard, dancing, meeting new people and visiting with everyone.

Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Paxton or a charity of the donor's choice.

 

Linda Parson, sister of Mark Parsons, dies

NORMAL - Linda Jane Parsons Bagby, 57, of Normal, passed away at 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at her home.


Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton. A Memorial Services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Terry Westerfield officiating and Chaplin Art Beale in attendance. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Linda was born October 31, 1951, in Danville, the daughter of Gordon and Lois Kissack Parsons. 

Linda graduated from Paxton High School in 1969 and Illinois State University with a degree in education in 1973. She also earned a degree in accounting in 1993. Linda retired after 34 years of service at Illinois State University in 2005 as Director of Purchases.

Linda is survived by her mother of Rural Rankin; a daughter, Erin Bagby of Normal; grandchildren Kyle and Lauren Bagby; two brothers, Mark (Becky) Parsons and Doug (Mary) Parsons of Paxton and nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her father.

The family would like to say thank you to Dr. Jeong and his staff at the Community Cancer Center and BroMenn Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Community Cancer Center, 407 E. Vernon, Normal, Ill., or Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, Rankin.

 

 

Norm Henderson Dies

PAXTON - Norman "Norm" Henderson Jr., 74, North Fort MyersFla., passed away May 2, 2009, after an 8-year battle with cancer.

A memorial service was Friday at Hope Hospice, Cape CoralFla.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Paxton-Buckley-Loda Booster Club or the American Cancer Society.

Norm was born Oct. 12, 1934, in SapulpaOkla. He married Carole Anderson on June 1, 1958. They lived in Paxton from 1965 thru 2004.

Surviving are three brothers and one sister, all residing in California, and two daughters, Ann Netzel, Punta Gorda,Fla., and her son Zackery; and Julie (David) DeMerchant, MariettaGa., and their three children, Kaleigh, Melody and Jonathan.

Norm was preceded in death by his wife, Carole; his father, Norman Henderson Sr.; and his mother, Delcie Henderson.-;

Norm grew up in California and played football at Bakersfield Junior College where his team won the Junior Rose Bowl and were National Junior College Champions in 1954. He then served two years in the Marine Corps before moving to Macomb, where he played football for two years for Western Illinois University.

Norm was an educator, guidance counselor, football coach and mentor. He began his career at Orion High Schooland Polo High School before moving to Paxton in 1965, where he coached from 1965 to 1978 and ended with an 81-42 record. Norm coached at Clifton Central High School in Clifton from 1978-1989 and earned an 80-32 record. Norm returned to coach at Paxton in 2000. Norm was inducted into the Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame in 1986.

Norm was an avid golfer, loved fishing, and was a die hard fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Fighting Illini, where he was an alumnus.

 

Bill Hansen Dies, brother of Peg Hansen Warner dies
GRIFFITH, Ind. - William H. Hansen Jr., 61, of Griffith, Ind., a native of Paxton, died March 29, 2009, at home.

Interment is at 
Elmwood CemeteryHammondInd.

Mr. Hansen was born Jan. 14, 1948, in Paxton, the son of the late William H. and Lois M. (Bittermann) Hansen. He attended the Paxton school system where he was known for his skills in basketball for the Paxton Mustangs. He graduated in 1966 and attended the University of Illinois in the Department of Architecture and belonged to the Sigma Nu fraternity.

His career of designing and creating point-of-purchase trade show displays took him from 
Illinois to New Jersey,UtahMinneapolis and Chicago
. While in Chicago, he changed careers and was employed at Frankel & Company in downtown Chicago as a graphic artist creating computer generated add designs in print and TV for major national companies including McDonalds and Ford Motor Company.

He leaves sons Josh and Billy of Griffith, Ind. Also surviving are his sister Peggy and her husband, Bill Warner, ofExeterR.I., and his aunt and uncle Norm and Annie Bittermann of StoweVt.