Chatsworth Illinois Memories

Happy New Year to all. May it bring you whatever will make you happy and content with life!!

If you like visiting this blog, don't forget that these posts are only highlights of the information found at my regular website, "Chatsworth Illinois Memories". There you will find tons of info on the history of Chatsworth, Illinois and on "The Great Chatsworth Train Wreck". I am continually adding new
"Files from the Chatsworth Plaindealer" and adding to the lists of "Our War Heroes". Be sure to visit!!

Obit of Reva (Stanlake) Krueger

CHATSWORTH — Reva Lillian Krueger, 97, Chatsworth, passed away at 7 p.m. Monday (Dec. 16, 2013) at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Chatsworth United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ivy Silas officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church. Burial will follow the service in Gilman Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Chatsworth United Methodist Church, OSF Hospice or Fairview Haven Retirement Community.
Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Chatsworth, is handling arrangements.
Reva was born Sept. 30, 1916, in Clarence, Iowa, a daughter of Robert and Emma Weitrich Stanlake. She married Harold F. Krueger on Feb. 3, 1936. He passed away Aug. 13, 1989.
She is survived by her two daughters, Reva Darlene Winterland and Shirley (Allan) Kietzman, both of Chatsworth; three grandchildren, Vicki Nettleingham, Cullom; Lori Denton, Edwards; and Cheri (Shawn) Malloy, Greenwood, Ind.; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Evelyn Taghon, Moline; two sisters-in-law, Lucy Stanlake, Davenport, Iowa, and Helen Krueger, Lindenwood; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Reva was a homemaker and seamstress. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and spending time with her family and friends. Reva was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She was a loyal Christian and member of Chatsworth United Methodist Church and loved her God and lived by his teachings.
A guestbook can be signed at www.calvertmartinmemorial.com.

Obit of Wayne Bertram

Wayne Bertram

Husband of Barbara Jean Warder

MELVIN – Wayne Russel Bertram, age 80, of Melvin died at 6:55 a.m. Sunday (Dec. 15, 2013) at Heartland Health Care in Paxton.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Roberts, the Rev. Priscilla Geerdes officiating. Full military rites will be conducted by the Wagner Davis American Legion.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service on Wednesday at the church.
Wayne was born March 18, 1933, in Roberts, a son to William and Florence E. (Underwood) Bertram. He married Barbara Warder on July 27, 1953, in Hoopeston. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Lorie (Patrick) Enriquez of New Mexico and Catherine (Wayne) Hunter of Roberts; a son, Richard (Becky) of Smithfield, Va.; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Howard (Olive) Bertram of Gibson City and Edwin (Elsie) Bertram of Roberts; and three sisters, Dolores Kenney of Normal, Beverly Rueck of Roberts and Judy (Steve) Tolbert of Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William Jr. and Robert; and a grandson, Kurt Kurtz.
Wayne retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 28 years. He served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.
Wayne helped a few farmers after his retirement. Wayne restored and showed hit-and-miss engines. He was a member of the I&I Engine Club. His most recent hobby was toy trains.
Memorials may be made to the Gibson Area Hospital or a charity of the donor's choice.
Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City is in charge of the arrangements. 

Obit of John W. "Bill" Knittles

John W. "Bill" Knittles

Wednesday, May 01, 1929 - Tuesday, November 19, 2013

John William “Bill” Knittles, 84, of Chatsworth passed away at 4:42 pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac.

Funeral services for Bill will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 22, 2013 at Calvert & Martin

Funeral Home in Chatsworth with Rev. Ivy Silas officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. According to the wishes of the family, cremation rites will follow services. Private family burial will be at a later date at Chatsworth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Piper City Rehab and Living Center.

Bill was born May 1, 1929 in Chatsworth, a son of George and Reva (Wells) Knittles. He married Etta Steinman on November 21, 1952. She passed away on October 3, 1984. He later married Florence Hoekstra on September 11, 1996. She passed away on February 7, 2013.

He is survived by his two daughters: Lisa Knittles of Piper City and Julie Burkhalter of Chatsworth; two sisters: Norma Boyce of Lexington and Jeanne (Earl) Dieken of Hazelhourst, WI; and his beloved dog: Sammy. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; brother-in-law: Johnny Boyce; son-in-law: Jeff Burkhalter; and his beloved dog: Bandit.

Bill was educated in the Chatsworth Schools. He owned and operated K & K Woodworking for a number of years and worked at Homeshield for over twenty-five years.

He enjoyed woodworking, making flyable model airplanes, and helping Julie package Christmas candy. He was a die-hard Cubs fan. After retirement, Bill liked to go to K & H in Gilman and reminisce with other retired employees of Homeshield. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chatsworth.

Bill loved his family. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs. Bill was a caring man who will be greatly missed.

Obit of Fred L. Montag,Sr.

Fred L. Montag Sr., 76, of Chatsworth, IL passed away at 7:30 am on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at his home in Chatsworth.

A prayer service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 15, 2013 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth with Father Scott Archer of Saint Andrew Parish officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Friday at the funeral home. Following the service, cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Fred was born June 1, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, a son of Ervin and Francis (Banas) Montag. He married Marilyn A. Janda on June 6, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving are his children: Fred (Sharon) Montag Jr. of Villa Park, Illinois, Michelle (Barry) Montag Lowy of Springfield, Illinois and William Montag of Villa Park, Illinois; one daughter-in-law: Tina Montag of South Elgin, Illinois; his grandchildren: Samantha, Sarah, Abraham, Joshua, William Allen, Joseph, Ryan, and Alyssa; one sister: Patricia (Gene) Reinbacher of Lacon, Illinois; one brother: Gerald (Wendy) Montag of Naperville. He was preceded in death by: his parents; one brother: Donald Montag; one son: Daniel Montag; and one grandson: Tyler.

Veteran's Day

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In Honor of Veteran's Day

I have been reworking  "Our Men in the Wars" pages.

I have added links to each name to pictures, biographies, memorials, obits and records for each man. They are not completed, but I have added quite a few to date. Some day I may get them all done !! But check it out. 

Chatsworth, Charlotte and Germanville

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Obit of Stephen Bernard Saathoff

CHATSWORTH — Stephen Bernard Saathoff, 67, Dixon, went to be with our Lord and Savior Sunday (Nov. 3, 2013) at his home.
He was the president of the Franklin Grove Bank, a position he held for 38 years before retiring in July of 2013.
Stephen was born May 27, 1946, in Chatsworth, the son of Bernard Frederick and Josephine Durkes Saathoff. He graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1964, and graduated from Millikin University, Decatur, in 1968.
Steve was the platoon leader of the 2nd Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He served in the Central Highlands in South Vietnam and was the recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart during combat operations in Vietnam.
He married Mildred “Millie” Maly on July 24, 1971, in Clarendon Hills.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Dixon; SAE Fraternal Organization; American Legion Post 497, Franklin Grove; Franklin Grove Farming Heritage; Masonic Friendship Lodge No. 7; and Union League Club, Chicago.
Survivors include his wife of Dixon; one daughter, Becky Saathoff; one son, Stephen Benjamin (Christine) Saathoff; and two grandchildren, Courtney and Tyler Saathoff. Steve will continue to live in the hearts of those who loved him.
A memorial visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon.
A service to celebrate Steve’s life will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church, Dixon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Dixon Food Pantry or Wounded Warrior Project.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschillingfuneralhome.com.

Obit of Timothy Alan Agner

Timothy Alan Agner, 64 of Chatsworth, went to be with the Lord at 1:15 pm on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community in Fairbury.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Chatsworth United Methodist Church with Rev. Frank Silas officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm on Friday, November 1, 2013 at the Chatsworth United Methodist Church and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will follow services at Chatsworth Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Tim’s name may be to the Make-A-Wish Foundation; the Chatsworth United Methodist Church; The Prostate Cancer Foundation (www.pcf.org); or a charity of the donor’s choice. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth is handling arrangements for the family.

Tim was born January 7, 1949 in Patterson, New Jersey a son of Charles and Blanche Maurie (Wood) Elliott of Chatsworth. He married his High School sweetheart, Priscilla Ann Lang on May 17, 1970. They celebrated 43 years of marriage in May of 2013. She survives in Chatsworth.

Also surviving is his daughter: Kathy (Bruce) Robertson of Gibson City; his beloved grandchildren: Kallen and Kacely Robertson of Gibson City; one sister: Patricia (Dave) Hubly Cutting of Rockford; one brother: James Elliott of Chatsworth; his mother-in-law: Veva Lang of Chatsworth; his sisters-in-law: Betty Lang, Dian (Gerry) Shubert, Gloria (Dick) Hitchens, Debbie (John) Sterrenberg, Karen (Danny) Freehill, Beverly (John) Ulitzsch and Linnea (Galen) Donley; his nieces and nephews: Lynn (Tom) Momberger, Karen (Bill) Lynch, Lara Morrison, Mark Elliott, Michael (Kim) Elliott, Micah Hill, Jill (Ryan) Petersen, Amy (Andy) Dunbar, Jack Sterrenberg, Kristi (Chad) Ramer, Jason (Sarah) Freehill and Deena (Jay) Folz; and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law: Carl Lang; maternal grandparents: George and Neva Wood; paternal grandparents: Charles and Elsie Elliott; and one brother-in-law: Carl Lang Jr.

Tim graduated from Chatsworth High School in the Class of 1967 and later from Southern Illinois University’s Vocational Technical Institute in Carbondale with a degree in Automotive Technology. He operated Tim’s Shell Service in Chatsworth from 1970-1987 and worked in the manufacturing industry from 1987 until his illness. He was a member of the Chatsworth United Methodist Church.

Tim was known for his gentle and caring ways and his desire to help others. For years, he was instrumental in creating and constructing the Annual Heritage Days float for the Citizens Bank of Chatsworth. In recent years, he also constructed a go-kart entry for Kallen and Kacely to participate in the parades that included: the Batmobile, Iron Man, M&M cars and a Race Car for Kallen’s 5^th birthday; and most recently a “Shellmobile” to commemorate his seventeen years of service to the community. The family often wore T-shirts, caps and other attire to keep with each theme as they traveled the parade route. He often had small notebooks, pencils, bracelets, key rings, and of course, treats for his grandkids to throw out to the children along the parade route. Tim served on various committees at the Unite Methodist Church and helped there with the maintenance and Christmas decorating. He also volunteered his time to work in the Chatsworth Mini Park with trimming and mowing. He was a loving husband, father, papa, son, brother, and uncle to his family. He especially enjoyed attending events and activities for his grandchildren and encouraged them to always put forth the best effort whatever they did and always enforced a positive attitude towards life.

The family wishes to thank all the individuals who provided care, support, prayers, and other help for Tim and his family during his three and a half years battle with prostate cancer. We know that God has welcomed home a faithful servant. He will be greatly missed.

See photo here.

Chatsworth Township Library Update

CHATSWORTH TOWNSHIP LIBRARY UPDATE

Groundbreaking is Sunday, Nov. 10

Please plan to attend to enjoy the program and experience a

once in a lifetime happening for Chatsworth.

See newpaper story here.

Check this out!!

NEW WEBSITE FOR THE CHATSWORTH TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

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Obit of Birdie Hoogstraat

Birdie Hoogstraat, 72, of Chatsworth, passed away at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at Piper City Rehab and Living Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 25, 2013 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Friday, October 25, 2013 prior to the service. Burial will follow services at Chatsworth Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Arthritis Foundation.

Birdie was born April 15, 1941 in Golconda, IL a daughter of Harlow and Mary (Barger) Roberts. She married Robert Hoogstraat on December 10, 1977 in Chatsworth, IL. He survives.

Also surviving is her son: David (Carolyn) Roberts of Forrest; one step son: Randy (Pam) Hoogstraat of Piper City; three grandchildren; four step grandchildren; one sister: Sue (Bill) Jones of Kankakee; and one brother: Charles (Shirley) Roberts of Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, two brothers, and one step daughter: Rebecca Lynch.

She was born and raised in the Golconda area. Birdie worked for over 25 years at Homeshield in Chatsworth, where she started as an operator and became a receiving clerk.

Birdie enjoyed collecting beanie babies and putting puzzles together. Most of all, family was important to Birdie; she went to every game of her grandchildren and loved spending time with each one of them. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed.

Obit of Nelda Eileen (Wait) Sims

FORREST — Nelda Eileen Sims, 97, Forrest, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 15, 2013) at Eastern Star Home, Macon.

A graveside service of her cremated remains will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Sunny Slope Cemetery, Saunemin. A memorial service will also be held at a later date. Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Macon, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials can be made to Eastern Star Home, P.O. Box 317, Macon, IL 62544, or to Forrest Public Library, 301 W. James St., Forrest, IL 61741.

Mrs. Sims was born May 18, 1916, in Forrest, the daughter of Ora and Elizabeth Gagnon Wait. Nelda graduated from Fairbury High School in 1934. She married Milford Sims on Oct. 17, 1936, and lived in Chatsworth. Shortly after Milford passed in 1983, Nelda moved to Fairbury. She remained in Fairbury until 2004, where she moved in with Scott and Connie Wait in Forrest, before deciding to move into the Eastern Star Home in Macon on Feb. 1, 2013.

She was initiated to Eastern Star on May 4, 1939, in Chatsworth. Nelda was a 74-year member. She devoted most of her life to Eastern Star, especially after Milford passed. She was worthy matron in 1981, and several times after that in the Chatsworth chapter. She was the grand representative in New Hampshire in 1986, as well as in Missouri in 1996. She is currently a member of Felicity Chapter 387 of Normal and a dual member of Royal Chapter of Watseka 217. She continued to meet with her 1981 Eastern Star friends until she entered the Eastern Star Home in Macon.

Nelda is survived by Larry (Carol) Wait, Quincy; Scott (Connie) Wait, Forrest; Tom, Bloomington; Julie (Joe) Plattner, Bloomington; Colleen (Karl) Doering, Hudson; Susie Wait, Flower Mound, Texas; Chester (Sandy) French, Dixon; Lyan (Gary) Rausch, Sauk City, Wis.; Bill (Yvette) Yake, Manassas, Va.; Liz (Brian Nash) Yake, Salt Springs Island, British Columbia, Canada; Gordon (Barb) Yake, Rockwood, Ontario, Canada; Richard Yake; Tim (Jodi) Wait, Franklin, Tenn.; John (Linda) Wait, Granville, Ohio; Kevin (Denise) Wait, St. Johns, Fla.; and Richard (Sue) Faust, Dwight; one stepgranddaughter, Linda Saye; one stepgrandson, Steve Rabe; two stepgreat-grandsons; one stepgreat-great-grandson; one stepgreat-great-granddaughter; 13 great-nephews; 25 great-nieces; nine great-great-nephews; and 13 great-great-nieces.

Nelda was one of a kind. She was a LADY to her very core. Her passing marks the end of an era.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.

See Photo here.

Obit of Ida Lou (Miller) Scher

NORMAL — Ida Lou Scher, 88, Liberty, Ky., mother of a Normal resident, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 12, 2013) in her home.

The daughter of John and Opal Smith Miller, she was born in Bourbon, Ind., on Feb. 2, 1925. She graduated from Plymouth High School. She joined the Women’s Army Corp. in 1945, and worked as a clerk during World War II.

Ida married Jacob T. Scher on July 20, 1946, in Walters, Okla.

In 1955, the couple and their family moved to Illinois. There, she was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the United Methodist Church. She also worked in a grocery store owned by their good friends, the Costellos.

Jacob’s job caused him to travel a lot and Ida took over many household duties. But, she was a natural homemaker. Ida enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting and was a great seamstress. She handmade all of her children’s clothes growing up. She was a fabulous cook and liked to can. She also collected bears of all kinds. The family traveled all over the states together.

Ida is survived by her husband, Jacob, and their children, Margaret Whitney, Liberty, Ky.; John Scher, Normal; Barbara Hassan, Morganton, N.C.; Jerry Scher, Sylacauga, Ala.; James Scher, Liberty, Ky.; and Janet Whitney, Birmingham, Ala. She has eight grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Her surviving siblings are Virginia Block, Liberty Mills, Ind.; Marshall Miller, Silsbee, Texas; and Orland Miller, Camas, Wash.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, John, Edison and Robert Miller and Katherine Crum.

Her funeral will be at noon today at New Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel, Plymouth, Ind., with the Rev. Ed Friberg officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the chapel. Burial will follow in New Oak Hill Cemetery. Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Plymouth, Ind., is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.

The sharing of memories and notes of condolence may be sent at www.johnson-danielson.com.

See Photo here.

Obit of David Thomas Lawless

SPRINGFIELD - David "Dave" Thomas Lawless, 68, of Springfield, died at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at his home after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Dave was born on August 6, 1944, in Fairbury, IL, the son of Joseph P. and Marjorie E. (Ashley) Lawless of Sibley, IL. He married Karen June Preckwinkle on August 8, 1970. They celebrated their 40th anniversary in August 2010 with a trip to the northwest, which included a cruise to Alaska. After his father returned from WW II, Dave lived on farms near Strawn and Chatsworth, IL. In 1952, he moved to Camp Grove and then in 1954 to Chillicothe, IL, which Dave considered to be his hometown. In 1960, he moved to Rockford with his mother and sisters and graduated from Rockford East H.S. in 1962. From 1966 to 1968 he served in the U. S. Army. Dave attended Bradley University and later graduated from SIU-C. He enjoyed a 30 year career traveling through Illinois providing seminars for the Illinois Department of Revenue Training Division, retiring in 2002. Dave's passion for life was best seen through his various interests. For many years, Dave was an accomplished auto-racing photographer, concentrating on sprint cars. He was a 3-time winner of the Dale Mueller Memorial Photography Award and worked as a track photographer at Eldora Speedway in Ohio. His racing photo collection was donated to the Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2012. Dave also won awards for his fine art and nature photography, including the local "On Your Own Time" contest. Throughout Dave's life, he had an uncanny ability to put his handprint on everything he was involved in. Dave proudly belonged to American Legion Post 32 where he built the Memorial Walkway and enjoyed helping take care of the grounds. He also built and maintained the Val-E-Vue Memorial Park in his beloved neighborhood. He was a cofounder of the Lawless Family Association and helped organize multiple "Lawless Family and Friends Reunions." He was a longtime member of the ACLU, the Nature Conservancy, and a number of national conservation and historical societies. Dave was also a member of the Reisch Brew Crew and built a treasured collection of breweriana. Dave was also avidly involved with Springfield youth baseball for several decades. In 1993, he founded the American Legion Post 32 Springfield Pride Baseball Team. For eleven years, the Pride played against American Legion baseball teams in top tournaments throughout the Midwest. In honor of his years of commitment to youth baseball, the Springfield Park District named a local park associated with youth baseball the "David T. Lawless Park" in October 2012. Dave will also be inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame – Friend of Sport category in April 2013. Dave was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. His pursuit of knowledge was never ending and he enjoyed numerous hobbies including gardening, backyard birding, reading, traveling, genealogy and volunteering his time to various causes. He was preceded in death by his mother and his father. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen; two sons: John and Ryan (wife, Colleen) Lawless and granddaughter, Sydney, all of Springfield; grandsons: Neil and Nick Lawless of Mt. Olive; sisters: Marjo Schmidt of Springfield and Janita Kemnitz of Elk Grove. He also leaves a wonderful extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends. Cremation service was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 18, 2013, at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery with military honors. Memorial Contributions may be made to the David Lawless Park Fund – Springfield Park District, c/o Bank of Springfield, P.O. Box 19301, Springfield, IL 62794 and/or St. John's Hospice, 800 East Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences. 

Obit of Vicki (Beller) Schlabowske

From www.nieburfh.com

Vicki Diana (Beller) Schlabowske, 65 of Pearl, IL, formerly of Dwight, IL, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at her home. Vicki was born May 29, 1948 in Pontiac, IL, a daughter of Victor and Maude Maniott Beller. She married the love of her life, Leon F. Schlabowske on August 27, 1966.

Leon and Vicki worked side by side for over 35 years styling hair as the owner of Final Touch in Dwight, IL; but they didn’t call it work; “Spending time with old friends making them look and feel good about themselves.” Vicki was a friend to everyone that sat in her barber chair and has celebrated happy times and helped with difficult times to each and every person she met. She was a very upbeat and positive person that knew just what to say to make someone feel better. She gave great advice, and was a fantastic listener. She had many special qualities about her that makes her very memorable and we will all cherish her memory in our hearts. She will be greatly missed; the world was truly a better place with her in it.

Vicki enjoyed spending her free time with her grandkids. The often baked cookies, went for walks, played games, went camping, and spent time outside. She has been the best role model anyone could ask for and was always there for them, making them into the wonderful young men and young ladies they are today. Vicki enjoyed the company of her cats, and you would often leave the garage door cracked if there was a poor stray in need of a few days of food and water. She especially enjoyed spending time with their closest friends, Cindy and Duane Rients of Pontiac, exploring wineries and dancing.

She is survived by her husband, Leon of Pearl; two sons, Stephen (Paula) T. Schlabowske of Dwight, IL and Jeffrey S. Schlabowske of Morris, IL; four grandchildren, Nicholas Connor of Chenoa, IL; Ryan Schlabowske of Dwight, IL; Hayley Schlabowske of Dwight, IL; and Carli Schlabowske of Dwight, IL. Vicki is also survived by one sister, Jeanette (Ron) Dodson; two brothers, Jack (Sharon) Beller and DeWayne (Trudy) Beller, all of Pontiac, IL.

Vicki considered Leon’s family her family too. Surviving her from Leon’s family is her step mother-in-law, Mary Schlabowske of California; sister-in-laws, Andrea Dalton of Michigan; Donna (Ray) Offill of Centralia; Debbie (Bob) Weber of Pittsburgh; Teresa Antwine of St. Louis and Kim (Mark) Baker of California. Brother-in-laws surviving are Rodney (Becky) Schlabowske of Chatsworth; Dave (Renae) Schlabowske of Sherman; Jeff Schlabowske, of California; Mark (Lori) Gibson of California and many nieces and nephews all over the United States. Preceding her in death were her parents, Victor and Maude Beller of Pontiac, IL.

Vicki has asked for no memorial services and any contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) in honor of her two grandchildren that are battling diabetes. Her family welcomes online condolences at www.nieburfh.com. “Keep on Dancing”.

Obit of Rev. Father Richard Eugene Raney

From the Fort Myers News-Press

Rev. Richard Eugene Raney

October 11, 2013 Rev. Richard E. Raney, a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Peoria, IL and chaplain to the Poor Clare Nuns of San Damiano Monastery of St. Clare on Fort Myers Beach, FL passed away peacefully on Oct. 11, 2013, only eight days before his 101st birthday. Father Raney was the youngest of three children of William and Loretta Raney and grew up in Peoria, IL. He attended St. Bernard's Grade School and the Spaulding Institute in Peoria, St. Bede's College in Peru, IL and Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Fr. Raney was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria on June 5th, 1938. His long years of service as a devoted pastor of souls began at Holy Trinity Church in Bloomington, IL and continued at St. Mary's Church in Ottawa and Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Chatsworth; then to St. Edward's Church in Chillicothe and finally to Sacred Heart Church in Moline, IL. During these years, Fr. Raney celebrated many thousands of Masses, responded to numerous sick calls, often in the wee hours of the night, and heard countless confessions. He coached football, basketball and track teams. He also built a church, a school, a rectory and a convent at St. Edwards Parish. In 1980 Fr. Raney retired for reasons of health and moved to Fort Myers Beach, Florida where he had vacationed for many years with his friends Jim and Chris Baldwin. In 1988, when the Poor Clare Nuns founded a new monastery on Fort Myers Beach, Fr. Raney offered to say Mass for the sisters. He endeared himself to everyone who attended his Masses. All who met him were moved by his gentle love, the example of his life, and the simplicity of his message of love for God and one another. In 2010, the Year of the Priest, at the request of the Sisters, Fr. Raney was affiliated to the Order of Friars Minor of Holy Name Province for his many years of service to the Poor Clares. Fr. Raney is survived by his niece, Mary Ann Muller, his nephews, William Muller and Steven Nelson-Raney, many cousins and countless near and dear friends from the north and in Florida. He is pre-deceased by his brother, William Raney and his sister, Gertrude Muller. Fr. Raney will be waked in the chapel of San Damiano Monastery at 6029 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL on Sunday, October 13 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Mass of Christian burial will be held at Ascension Catholic Church, on the same grounds as the monastery on Monday, October 14th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Poor Clare Nuns. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home. - 

Obit of Joan E. (Grosenbach) Sterrenberg

Joan Evelyn Sterrenberg, 93, of Chandler, AZ, formerly of Chatsworth, passed away peacefully with her daughter holding her hand on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 4:45 pm in Scottsdale, AZ.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 23, 2013 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chatsworth with Pastor Tom Krieger officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Monday at the church. Burial will follow services at Germanville Township Cemetery in rural Chatsworth. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chatsworth. Local arrangements are being handled by Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth.

Joan was born in Chatsworth, IL, on March 13, 1920, a daughter of Walter and Reka Grosenbach. She married Clifford M. Sterrenberg on August 10, 1940 in Chatsworth, IL. She moved to Chandler, AZ in 1981. Joan loved her family, with her three children always coming first. She was a religious, sweet woman who always had a smile on her face and made a point to be sure those around her also had smiles. She loved gardening and birds. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Cliff and daughter Joyce. She leaves behind her daughter Judy Michel, her son James Sterrenberg and his wife Elsa, many cousins and dear friends.

The world has lost a wonderful woman who has left this earth a far better place than when she arrived.

Obit of Brenda K. Bell

Brenda K. Bell, 66 of Normal, IL., formerly of Chatsworth died Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 4:40 AM at the home of her daughter in Normal.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 6:00PM at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 4:00-6:00PM at the funeral home. Memorials in Brenda’s name may be made to Hospice Compassus. 

Brenda was born on March 8, 1947 in Zalma, MO., a daughter of John B. and Mary A. (Hedrick) Bell. Survivors include: one daughter: Sasha Bell Gray of Normal, IL. And one grandson: Christian Schenk. Also surviving are five brothers: Jim Bell of Normal, IL.; Gary Bell and Darrell Bell both of Chatsworth, IL.; Larry Bell of Forrest, IL. and Jerry Bell of Advance, MO. Five sisters: Ruth Cantrell of Florissant, MO.; Peggy Higgins of Flora, IL.; Shirley Durham, Sue Kurtenbach and Glenda Faye Baker all of Chatsworth, IL. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, one sister: Verna Humphrey and two brothers; Gene and Ivan Bell.

Brenda was educated in Blodgett, Mo schools and had been employed at Diller Tile and Nichols Home Shield both in Chatsworth. Her grandson, Christian was the joy of her life.

Obit of Edwin C. Kapper

Edwin C. Kapper, 81 of Chatsworth, IL, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 10:55 pm at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 11:00 am at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Chatsworth with Fr. B. Rogers officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Chatsworth, with full military rites. A visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00-7:00 pm at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth with the rosary being recited at 3:30. Memorials in Edwin’s name may be left to American Cancer Society.

Edwin was born on September 9, 1932 in Olney, IL, a son of Cornelius “Neil” and Johanna (Dumstorff) Kapper. He married Mina Halsey on November 24, 1955 in Olney, IL. She preceded him in death on April 23, 1994.

He is survived by two sons: Edwin (Kim) Kapper of DeKalb, IL and Tom (Shawn) Kapper of Madison, WI; two daughters: Cindy Hanauer and Janet Kapper both of Normal, IL: six grandchildren: Brent (Mary) Kapper, Aaron Kapper, Daniel Kapper, Kimberly Kapper, Michael Olson and Emily Olson; four brothers: Lester Kapper of North Carolina, Bill Kapper of Indiana, Jim Kapper of Illinois and Jerry Kapper of Illinois and five sisters: Jean Stacy of Oklahoma, Eileen Beuthien of Michigan, Mary Dowty of Illinois, Janice Morgan of Illinois and Marjorie Blunt of Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Judy Crosby.

Edwin graduated from Olney High School. He served our country in the United States Army from December of 1952 until October of 1954, serving in Korea. He attended college on the GI Bill, graduating from Eastern Illinois University in 1960. He taught history and government at Chatsworth High School and Prairie Central High School for over 35 years. On school breaks he spent working as a carpenter, enjoying the outdoors and being able to see the completed projects of his labor. He was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Chatsworth and the Chatsworth American Legion.

Ed was reserved and kind. He had a dry sense of humor and appreciated a joke. He took comfort in his church and served in the choir until the time of his passing. He never lost his taste for Westerns from the movie theaters of his youth and loved the “western channel” later in life. His wife preceded him in death, but he soldiered on for 20 more summers, time enough to see his grandchildren grow up and become the wonderful legacy of his strong sense of good and fairness in dealing with all aspects of life. He was, in a sense, an ordinary man. But everyone is extraordinary to some people in some ways. He had idiosyncrasies. He always wore shoes, even in the house. He never ever wore shorts. Amazingly, growing up his children never heard him swear, not once. His children always remember his hands were always warm, and they were still warm at the end. And every Christmas, in a joking way he said all he wanted was a kind word. This is it.

Obit of Mary Agnes (Bouhl) Oliver

Mary Oliver

Sept. 07, 2013, 10:08 am 

Mary Agnes Bouhl-Oliver, 89, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., passed away Thursday (Aug. 29, 2013) at the home of her daughter in Port St. Lucie. A celebration of life service is being planned for Mary and Emery on Sept. 22, 2013, at the home of her daughter, Nancy Pearson, of Wilmington. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice. Mary Agnes was born Feb. 24, 1924, in Chatsworth, the daughter of Edward and Nellie Fischer Bouhl. She was married to Emery W. Oliver on Aug. 30, 1947, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Chatsworth. The couple were longtime residents of Kankakee and New Orleans, La. He preceded her in death April 11, 2011. Surviving are daughters, Marietta "Penny" Oliver and Sandy Christensen, both of Port St. Lucie, Nancy Pearson, of Wilmington, and Jane Christie, of Gilman; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerome Bouhl and Robert Bouhl; and a grandson, Wayne E Pearson.

Obit of Elizabeth (Aberle) Culkin

Elizabeth Anna "Betty" Culkin, 87, of Bloomington, formerly of Forrest and Lake Bloomington, died at 4:16 pm, Friday, August 30, 2013 at her home.

Her funeral will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday (9-4-13) at St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington with Monsignor Gerald T. Ward officiating. A graveside service will be at 2:30 pm, Wednesday in Forrest Cemetery, Forrest. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm, Tuesday (9-3-13) at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington and from 10:30-11:00 am, Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Christian Home For the Handicapped, 2125 Veterans Rd., Morton, Il 61550.

Elizabeth was born on July 29, 1926 in Strawn, Illinois, the daughter of Carl Jacob and Lydia Veronica Baer Aberle. She married Clarence E. Culkin on June 26, 1948 in Peoria. He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Diane (John) Hoke, Carbondale and Teresa (Steve) Flury, Wilmington, NC; one son, Thomas (Mary Lou) Culkin, Fairbury; ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; two brothers, Reuben "Pete" (Kathleen) Aberle, Florida and Harold "Hank" Aberle, Chatsworth; three sisters, Ann (Roy) Maurer and Rose Huette, both of Bloomington and Lois (George) Fisher, California. She is also survived by one brother-in-law, James Byrd, Eureka; one sister-in-law Judy Aberle, Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, Michael E. Culkin; three brothers, Elmer, William and Ezra Aberle and one sister, Leota Byrd.

During WWII, Elizabeth served as a "Rosie the Riveter" and worked for Lockheed Martin in Arizona and California. She graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria and while at school, she became an Army Cadet Nurse. Elizabeth practiced nursing for several years and later became a private duty nurse for many years. She worked briefly at Fairbury Hospital. In the early 1960's, Elizabeth was an advocate and instrumental in getting schooling established for children with mental challenges in Livingston County. She also assisted her husband, Clarence in the ambulance and funeral service industry at Culkin Funeral Homes in Forrest and Chatsworth.

Later in life, Elizabeth was an artist and enjoyed painting. She did oil painting and china painting, including china dolls. She was a member of St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington.

Elizabeth's joy in life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com

Remembering 9-11-01

 

TRIBUTE TO 9-11-01

 

Let your flag fly, for all to see,

As we wonder what the future will be. 

Let there be prayer and let there be praise,

As around this country,  

Our flags do raise.

To honor the fallen and brave rescuers too, 

Oh, God, we wish, we had only knew.

But it was not to be, no knowledge had we. 

So we must come together in many ways,

To make sure there's a future for those we raise. 

As we realize, we all can hate,

Don't let that be our children's fate. 

Let them learn of honor, patriotism and love,

As we raise our flags to the heavens above.  

 

COPYRIGHT:MARY RUNYON HANSHEW

SEP.17,2001

Obit of Tony R. Masden

Mr. Tony R. Masden, age 72 of Benton, KY., passed away Friday, August 23, 2013, at the Marshall Co. Hospital in Benton, KY. Born November 24, 1940 in Cleaton, KY., he was a machine operator for the TPW railroad. He attended Faith Gospel Temple in Gilbertsville, KY.

He is survived by five sons; Edvern Masden of Pontiac, IL., Tony Glen Masden of Chatsworth, IL., Carlos Brasher, wife Barb of Nortonville, KY., Jeff Brasher, wife Cathy of Calvert City, KY., Phillip Brasher, wife Shawn of Nortonville, KY., two daughters; Frieda Bussey, husband Ken of Grand Rivers, KY., Sandy House, husband Dewayne of New Hope, AR., brother; Rodger Masden, wife Shelby of Hoopeston, IL., five sisters; Andrea Lewis of Hamilton, AL., Renda McDonald of Gilman, IL., VaRetta James of Gary, IN., Austeen James, husband Waylon of Wheatfield, IN., Vinell Miranda, husband Efrain of Muncie, IN., ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

One Aunt, Sue Mahon of Beechmont, KY., a special niece who served as caregiver, Cindy Neal also survives.

He was preceded in death by his father; Howard Masden, his mother; Irene (Vincent) Hughes, his wife; Earline (Phelps) Masden, son; Randy Joe Masden, daughter; Theresa Menser

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Collier Funeral Home in Benton. Rev. Terry Phelps and Rev. Mark Shumaker will officiate. Interment is to follow the service in the Marshall County Memory Gardens.

Friends may visit with the family after 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 2;30 p.m. in the chapel of the Collier Funeral Home in Benton, KY.

Obit of John McGuire

John E. McGuire, 84, of Watseka, passed away at 1:57 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 24, 2013) at the Piper City Living Center in Piper City.

He was born Sept. 3, 1928, in Piper City, the son of John and Genevieve Gain McGuire. His wife, the former Marilyn Derr, whom he married Aug. 8, 1953, in Chatsworth, preceded him in death May 5, 2004.

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

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

John was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Watseka American Legion Post 23, Watseka Elks Lodge, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a truck driver for many years and worked for D.E. Lynch Construction as a heavy equipment operator. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with a Vespers service at 6:45 p.m., at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Father Michael Powell will officiate. Burial, with military graveside rites conducted by the Watseka American Legion Post 23 and Iroquois County VFW Post 7450, will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or to Passages Hospice.

Please sign his online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Obit of Lenore (Stow) Bryant

Lenore Bryant 

Lenore Bryant

January 17, 1928 - August 24, 2013

Lenore Bryant, 85, of Searcy, died peacefully Saturday morning, August 24, 2013, surrounded by her children.

She was born to the late Albert and Delia Gilliland Stow on Tuesday, January 17, 1928 in Strawn, Illinois. Lenore married Robert L. Bryant on January 29, 1948 in Roberts, Illinois and enjoyed almost 31 years of marriage until Robert’s death in 1979.

For most of her adult life, Lenore was a stay at home mother and wife. After the death of her husband, she began working full time outside the home while still raising her three youngest children. Later in life, Lenore became an avid sports fan, rooting on the Dallas Cowboys, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and her beloved Arkansas Razorbacks. She relished the opportunity to watch sports with her children and grandchildren. Her children cherished the values that she instilled through word and example. Lenore found joy in the mundane: a hot cup of coffee, sermons on the radio, Jeopardy, word search puzzles and old movies. Lenore was a member of Searcy First Baptist Church where she faithfully attended when her health permitted.

Lenore is survived by her six children: Diana Langley of Iowa, Peggy Yancey of Searcy, Phyllis O’Reagan and her husband Rick of Nikiski, Alaska, Teresa McConnell and her husband Stewart of Conway, Michael Bryant and his wife Jennifer of Cabot and Tina Bryant of Cordova, Tennessee; fifteen grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters all from Illinois.

Private graveside services will be Monday, August 26, 2013 at 11:30am, in White County Memorial Gardens. Interment will follow under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home (501)268-3546.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Arkansas Hospice or the Humane Society.

Pallbearers include Christopher Bryant, John Bryant McConnell, Jeffrey McConnell, Davie Webb and Drew Pruitt.

Honorary Pallbearers include Tammy Pruitt, Michelle Dykstra, Bobbie Ann McConnell, Jennifer Parsons, Megan McConnell, Sara Beth Bryant, Abigail Bryant and Miriam Pruitt.

Judith Joy visits the Little School Museum

A very nice lady, Judith Joy, writer and feature editor for the Centralia Morning Sentinel visited the Little School Museum August 13, 2013 and learned a little history of the school and the Chatsworth Train Wreck

Obit of Betty Plank

Betty Plank

Chatsworth- Betty Plank, 99, formerly of Chatsworth, passed away at 7:45 am on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at Piper City Rehabilitation Center in Piper City.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at Melvin Cemetery. Rev. Ivy Silas will officiate. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chatsworth Township Library or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Betty was born July 24, 1914 in Melvin, Illinois, the daughter of John M. and Elma J. (Thompson) Plank. Surviving is her cousin: Meta Jean Mosher of Plainfield, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She was a member of the Chatsworth United Methodist Church. Betty was a former nurse, having worked several years ago both in the Chicago and Chatsworth areas.

Calvert-Martin Funeral Homes

Obit of Douglas Aberle

Douglas (Doug) William Aberle, 65, of Hudson, IL passed away at 6:30 P.M. on Sunday, July 21, 2013, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Mattoon.
Cremation has been accorded.
A celebration of life service will be at 2 P.M. on Saturday, July 27, 2013,at Vale Community Church, Bloomington, IL. Bro. Ricky Cunningham will be officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2013, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and one hour prior to the service on Saturday July 27th.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Pilot Dogs, 625 W. Town St. Columbus, OH 43215 or an education fund for Doug's grandchildren established at Commerce Bank.
Doug was born August 13, 1947, in Fairbury, IL, the son of William and Jean (Zimmerman) Aberle. The eldest of four children. He married Connie Martin on November 16, 1973, in the home of his parents.
He is survived by his wife Connie; one son Jeff Aberle of Hudson; one daughter, Marie (Thomas) Emery of Benton, KY; three grandchildren, Kayla, Brianna, and Logan Emery; one brother Mark (Lavern) Aberle of Chatsworth, two sisters, MaryJo (Mark) Rieger of Mahomet, and Dawn (Randy) Steidinger of Forrest.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Doug was the graduate of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Applied computer science for the blind). He was a Senior Systems Analyst at State Farm Insurance for 29 years. He loved camping with his family and spending time with his grandchildren. Doug also loved helping people in need and he loved serving God in any way he could. 

Ronald K. Harris

Thursday, August 11, 1932 - Tuesday, July 02, 2013

Ronald K. Harris, 80, of Chatsworth, IL passed away at 5:40 am on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Rivedrside Hospital in Kankakee following a long illness.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, July 5, 2013 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at Onarga Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or the American Cancer Society.

He was born August 11, 1932 in Elmwood Park, Chicago, Illinois. He married Mary Joanne McBride on March 31, 1978.

Surviving is his wife, Mary Joanne Harris of thirty-five years; one son: Joseph (Kasey) Harris; one daughter: Carol Harris; three brother-in-laws: Richard McBride, Roger McBride, and Wayne (Janice) McBride; two sister-in-laws: Ellen (Tom) Hanlon and Marie McBride; three granddaughters: Kassidy and Josie Harris, and Mariah Turner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son: Ronald L. Harris.

Ronald loved fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be laid to rest next to his son, Ronald L. Harris and his mother-in-law, Piney McBride.

He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and friend who will be greatly missed.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to his family physician and friend, Dr. Benjamin Brewer and his staff at Prairie Family Medicine in Forrest for all the love and care that he received for many years and also to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Piper City Rehab and Riverside Hospital for the excellent care that he received in his last days there.

Clarence & Elizabeth (Aberle) Culkin 65th Anniversary

June 23, 2013 12:00 am

BLOOMINGTON — Clarence and Elizabeth Culkin of Bloomington will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary with a family dinner at a later date and a card shower.
Culkin and Elizabeth Aberle were married June 26, 1948, at St. Marks Catholic Church, Peoria. Their attendants were the late Charles Culkin and Phyllis Burdette.
They are the parents of Diana (John) Hoke, Carbondale; Teresa (Steve) Flury, Wilmington, N.C.; Thomas (Mary) Culkin, Fairbury; and the late Michael Culkin.
They have 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He built and owned funeral homes in Forrest and Chatsworth, serving the communities for 33 years. He also owned Culkin Insurance Agency. She is a retired registered nurse and assisted her husband in his profession.
Cards may be sent to 10 Aspen Court, Bloomington, IL 61704.

Gene & Jeannie Weber 50th Anniversary

FAIRBURY — Gene and Jeanne Weber of Fairbury, formerly of Chatsworth, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family celebration this summer.

Weber and Jeanne Noye were married June 22, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Danforth.

Their children are Joe (Helen) of Virginia; Rebecca (Brian Bounds) of Fairbury; Sarah (Doug Reno) of Florida, and Dan (Heather) of Flanagan. They have 13 grandchildren.

See photo here.

Obit of Betty L. (Metz) Nussbaum

DUNLAP - Betty L. Nussbaum, 87, of Fairbury, Ill., formerly of Chatsworth, the mother of a Dunlap woman, passed away and went to be with her Lord at 2:53 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2013, at Meadows Mennonite Home in Chenoa.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Forrest, where she was a member for 65 years, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be in the North Apostolic Christian Cemetery in rural Forrest, Ill. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2013, at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Forrest and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty's name may be made to Fairview Haven Retirement Community or Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community.
Betty was born Jan. 12, 1926, in Forrest, a daughter of Roy and Martha (Haab) Metz. She married Dean Nussbaum on Jan. 12, 1946, in Pontiac.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dean; her children, Terry (Deborah) Nussbaum of Fairbury, Luann (Jerold) Endress of Dunlap, Jay (M. Ann) Nussbaum of Bloomington, and Elaine (Lynn) Stoller of Gridley; 14 grandchildren, Joseph Livingston, Abby (Dan) Eisenman, Lucas (Raya) Nussbaum, Tessa (Ben) Herr, Clint (Stefanie) Endress, Troy (Lindsay) Endress, Brett (Cassie) Endress, Ty (Erin) Endress, Will (Alexis) Nussbaum, Casey (Tyler) Zimmerman, Candice (Michael) Dohman, Holly (Will) Kellenberger, Natalie (Tommy) Hoerr and Wendy (Josh) Schick; 27 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mildred Allen of Fairbury, Ruth Thiel of Colorado and Royalene Toombs.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Earl (Isabelle) and Ivan (Juanita); one sister, Mary Ann (Ed) Plattner; one grandson, Jacob Nussbaum; and three brothers-in-law, Fritz Masters, Cyril Allen and Robert Toombs.
Betty loved her family and music, and she served many years as a Sunday School teacher in her church. She was an active volunteer at Fairview Haven in Fairbury and with her church's World Relief organization.
She enjoyed sewing, quilting, attending garage sales and auctions, and operated Betty's Bargain Barn in Chatsworth for many years. Betty and Dean owned and operated Nussbaum Chevrolet in Chatsworth and farmed in the area. Betty especially looked forward to family gatherings, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
This obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at calvertmartinmemorial.com.

Published in Peoria Journal Star on June 16, 2013