Chatsworth In The News 2015

Chatsworth in the News 2015

Tidbits of Chatsworth News from the Area Newspapers

This article is from the Pontiac Daily Leader 12.24.2014

This report is from 2014 but it starts this new page off right.

Story of how one person views Chatsworth at Christmas time.

Thanks to this reporter for reporting how most of us feel about our hometown!!

CHATSWORTH

BY MARE REARDANZ

There is much to be said about Christmas in a small town. It is free of the congestion, traffic and over stimulation. It relieves you of the rush and hurry of finding the perfect gift times one hundred. You don't have to stand in line to check out and never wonder if the gift you bought will be duplicated. Big cities have public transportation and cabs to wait for, small towns will never have that. The list goes on and one.

But Christmas in Chatsworth is more like it used to be. We have time to say hello to a neighbor--even if it is at a stop sign just for a moment. Our postal workers know you by name and everyone in your family.

They share the excitement when a package arrives in your box. They go out of their way to make sure your packages arrive on time.

When you walk down Locust Street and see the greenery planted in all the planters sparkling with ornaments, it is obvious that someone in town cares enough to decorate hoping to bring a smile to a passerby. Maybe walking down that street will rekindle a memory of parents and children and how many years have passed. Where does the time go?

The town employees have spent much of their days hanging decorations from the light poles. Even the town board members pitched in and assisted in the project to keep everyone safe. The town glows with small town pride. There is a peaceful silence as you listen to the Christmas music playing in the distance, the smell of a fireplace burning logs. Wrap your coat around yourself and remember the way your Mom used to do it before she let you play outside. Bring the happy memories out and relive the joy.

Christmas is still a lot more than 50 percent off sales and meeting deadlines, buying online and spending money. It's baking cookies to share and emphasizing your blessing. The appreciation for the loved ones you share this holiday season that might not be here next year. It's the children. The gifts money can't buy. Time. Taking time out to forget the job and the bills, the shortcomings and the failures. Love yourself, your family, your town and your country.

Merry Christmas everyone, from the town of Chatsworth.

Obit of Carol Kay (Rigsby) Haas

Carol Kay Haas, 72, Seymour, TN, formerly of Urbana and Fairbury, passed away Saturday, December 20,
2014 at her residence in Seymour, TN.
A private graveside service will be held Sunday, December 28, 2014 at the Chatsworth-Charlotte Cemetery,
Chatsworth with Pastor Spencer Homan officiating. The family suggests memorials be given to the Humane
Society chapter of their choice. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Haas was born August 10, 1942 in Fairbury, IL the daughter of Arnold and Mary Zorn Rigsby. Her
parents and step father, Delmar Petersen of Ashkum preceded her in death.
Survivors include one son, Shawn Haas, Elkins, WV; two sisters, Linda (Ervin) VanWinkle , Seymour, TN; Ruth
(James) Winterland, Sevierville, TN; one brother, Dale (Cathy) Rigsby, Fairbury; one step sister, Ruth (Darryl)
Kleinert, Chebanse; one step brother, Roy (Vicki) Petersen, Ashkum.
Mrs. Haas graduated from Fairbury-Cropsey High School and the University of Beauty Culture. She was a
hairdresser for 50 years and co-owned Pickle Tree Farm restaurant, Mahomet. She also worked with
Heirlooms by Gorham.

Obit of Phyllis (Lee) Shols

Chatsworth – Phyllis Shols, 89, of Chatsworth, passed away at 12:38am, December 20, 2014 surrounded by her family, at Fairview Haven Retirement Community.

Funeral will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church,

Chatsworth. Pastor Jerry Gentes will be officiating. Burial will be in Chatsworth Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00pm, Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chatsworth and one hour prior to services on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Chatsworth

Fire Department or donor’s choice.

Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis was born March 29, 1925 in rural Melvin the daughter of William and Marie Eiben Lee.

She married Donald Shols on October 22, 1944 in Chatsworth. He passed away on September 25, 1996.

Surviving are her children Gary Shols of Rehoboth Beach, DE, Wayne (Kay) Shols of Chatsworth, and Bill

Shols of Dwight; grandchildren, Sarah (Dan) Kukuck of Colfax, Becky and (Brian) Miller of Fairbury, Phil and (Angie) Kratochvil of Fairbury, Steve (Sue) Shols of Abington, MD, Kevin (Sharon) Shols of Wickford,

England, and Dustin Shols of Dwight; great-grandchildren, Emily Shols, Rylee Kukuck, Mia and Reed Miller, Ainsley, Ashlyn and Acer Kratochvil and Rory and Melanie Shols; sister-in-law, Arleen (Max) Newby and her best friend Virginia Wahls. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Brenda Shols, brother, Alfred Lee, sisters,

Mildred Read and Edna Gillett.

Phyllis and her husband farmed for many years. She was a member of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran

Church, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and Chatsworth American Legion Auxiliary.

Her hobbies were camping, playing card and working in her flower garden.

Phyllis was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great friend; this was her favorite hobby.

See photo here.

Obit of G. Douglas Hibsch

Husband of Nancy Zedyk Gerdes

G. Douglas Hibsch, 68, Fairbury, died at 7:33 am Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at OSF St. James-John Albrecht
Medical Center, Pontiac.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, December 22, 2014 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury
with Pastor Tom Krieger officiating. Burial will be in the South Graceland Cemetery.
Visitation will be 2:00 to 6:00 pm Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and
9:00 to 9:45 am Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to South Eastern Livingston
County Ambulance Service or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Doug was born August 29, 1946 in Fairbury, IL the son of George and Anna Louise Aellig Hibsch. He married
Nancy Zeedyk Gerdes on July 28, 2001. She survives in Fairbury, IL.
Other survivors include 1 daughter, Lori (Jay) Hibsch Dietz, Naperville, IL; 1 son, Michael (Cindi) Hibsch,
Franklin, TN; 4 grandchildren, Claire and Jack Dietz, Sophia and Tyler Hibsch; 1 sister, Barbara (Ron)
Kanemura, Huntington Beach, CA.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Doug was a 1964 graduate of Fairbury-Cropsey High School. He worked at Technical Metals, Fairbury for
over 40 years and enjoyed mentoring others in his work place. He was a current City of Fairbury alderman; a
former board member at Indian Creek Golf Course and member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury. As a
lifelong resident of Fairbury he was honored to serve his community. He had a passion for golf, which
included playing many courses around the country and his club making business. Doug’s many interests
include farming, supporting the Fairbury Fair, traveling the world and spending time with family and friends.

Obit of James L. Haberkorn

James L. Haberkorn, 86, of Chatsworth, IL, passed away at 5:15 pm on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Heartland Health in Normal.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Chatsworth with Father Richard Brunskill officiating.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the Mass at church. Christian burial will follow at Chatsworth Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Livingston County Humane Society.

Jim was born September 11, 1928 in Chicago, IL a son of William and Helen (Koehler) Haberkorn. He married Shirley Hoelscher on October 18, 1950 in Pontiac, IL. She passed

away on May 15, 2009.

He is survived by his siblings: Alan Haberkorn of Chatsworth, Wayne (Karen) Haberkorn of Mundelein, Delores Wagner of Titusville, FL, and Jerome Haberkorn of Albuquerque, NM; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one brother: William Haberkorn.

Jim with his wife, Shirley, owned and operated Culkin Hardware Store starting in 1946 until 1994. He was a loving brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him.

Obit of Sieg Albrecht

Per email from Bob Saathoff:

Sieg Albrecht, 69, died November 16, 2014. He was born June 14, 1945, in Schwetzingen, Germany. His family immigrated to the United States in 1956. He graduated from Chatsworth High School, Chatsworth, Il. in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army where he served for three years. He lived in the Chicago, Il. area during his adult years where he was self-employed as a transportation agent. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Elsa Albrecht, a sister, Elsa, and a son, Sean. He is survived by his wife of forty six years, Margaret Sharon, nee Belsky; a daughter, Shannon (Shannon) Lange of IL; two brothers, Michael (Kathleen) of AZ. and Otto (Anne) of CA.; two sisters, Erika (David) Bekermeier of OR. and Angelika (Larry) Brooks of OR.; and four grandchildren, Matthew, Amanda, Conner, and Elizabeth.

Funeral services were held on November 24, 2014, in Alsip, IL. at St. Terrence Church. Burial was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Obit of William J. "Bill" Penicook

Bill is the husband of Joan Hubly

CHAMPAIGN — William J. "Bill' Penicook, 78, of Champaign, formerly of Wellington, died at 4:31 p.m.

Monday (Nov. 24, 2014) of complications from congestive heart failure, at his home surrounded by his

family.

His service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Presbyterian Church, Piper City, with the Rev. Wade Ditty

officiating. Burial will be in Brenton Cemetery, Piper City. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at

Reilly-Redenius Funeral Home, Piper City. There will also be an hour visitation before the service at the

church on Sunday. Memorials may be made to the Eastern Illinois Food Bank, The Salvation Army or

Presence Hospice.

Bill was born July 3, 1936, in Fairbury, to W.J. and Marguerite Siela Penicook. He graduated from Piper City

High School in Piper City and the IBA School of Banking at Southern Illinois University. He began his

banking career at the Piper City State Bank, where he rose to the position of vice president. He later moved

to Wellington to work at the Wellington State Bank and ended his career in the insurance business, owning

the Penicook Agency in Hoopeston and Milford.

Bill married Rosemarie Fiets on Dec. 27, 1958. She passed away on June 9, 2004.

He married Joan Hubly Rhode on Dec. 26, 2008. She survives.

Other survivors include his children, Mike (Ann) Penicook, Paxton; Julie (Dale) Katterhenry, Homer; Jill

Penicook, Hoopeston; Kaylyn (Jeff) Davis, Thawville; Bob (Rebeka) Rhode, Morton; Pat (Clarissa) Rhode,

Peoria; and Karen (Michael) McPherson, Naperville; 16 grandchildren; his older brother, John (Ruth Ann)

Penicook, Piper City; twin sister, Barb Powell, Channahon; and younger brother, Gordon (Sherry) Penicook,

Mahomet.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and first wife, Rosemarie.

He enjoyed getting together every Sunday with his family and traveling with Rosie and then Joan and with

his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Nancy Jacobsen. Golfing was another of Bill's passions,

especially with his brother Gordon and their group. He and Joan enjoyed spending winters in Fort Myers,

Fla., and welcomed family and visitors while there.

Please sign the guest book at www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com.

Obit of Brian B. Gerdes

RANTOUL — Brian B. Gerdes, 56, of Rantoul, passed away at 1:45 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 30, 2014) at

Heartland Healthcare, Paxton, after a battle with cancer.

He was born May 24, 1958, Fairbury, a son of Leo Melicent (Blair) Gerdes.

He is survived by a daughter, Dana (Chad) Marshall, Ludlow; a sister, Marlene (Ed) Clampitt, Rantoul; and

three grandchildren, Gaven, Gage and Grysen.

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

Brian spent his lifetime painting homes and business. He owned and operated Gerdes Painting for the past

14 years. He loved his grandchildren, family and lived to ride on his Harley.

His funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove, Rantoul. The Rev.

Jeffray Greene will officiate. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel. Burial will follow at

Ludlow Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Serenity Shack or the American Cancer Society

Obit of Patricia A. (Kerrins) Monahan

Patricia A. Monahan, 84, of Piper City, and formerly of Chatsworth, passed away at 11:45 a.m. on

Thursday (Oct. 30, 2014) at the Piper City Rehab and Living Center.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Monday until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Saints Peter and

Paul Catholic Church in Chatsworth with the Rev. Richard Brunskill officiating. Interment will follow

at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery near Chatsworth. Funeral arrangements are being handled by

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth. Memorials may be made to the HOPE fund at the

Citizen's Bank of Chatsworth.

Pat was born Sept. 19, 1930, the daughter of John and Margaret Kerrins, of Chatsworth. They

preceded her in death. She married Leo F. Monahan on Nov. 17, 1973. He preceded her in death on

Aug. 12, 1993.

She was a graduate of Chatsworth Community High School, a lifelong member of the congregation

for Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth, and a member of the church's Altar and

Rosary Society.

Surviving are one son, Michael (Valera) Monahan, of Bloomington; one daughter, Lynn (Rodney)

Frechette, of Piper City; grandchildren, Jessica Frechette, of Washington, Bryant Frechette, of

Pontiac, and Kean and Kerri Monahan, of Bloomington; cousins, Mary Ruth Donahue, of Oak Lawn,

Paula Farrell, of Woodridge, Mary Rathbun, of Fairbury, and Jim Trost, of Kankakee.

Although generally content with the rural downstate lifestyle, Pat did enjoy an occasional adventure.

As a teenager, she often visited a like-aged cousin in the Chicago area and the two of them would

sometimes explore the city via mass transit while the parents were at work. On another occasion, Pat

and a friend traveled by train to New York City to visit the Statue of Liberty and other sites just so

they could say they did so.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Piper City Rehabilitation and Living Center for their

sensitive and caring support during Pat's final days. Pat will be missed by her family, acquaintances

and friends, including the breakfast regulars at Ne's Restaurant in Piper City.

We will miss you "Mama!"

Please sign her online guestbook at calvertmemorial.com.

See Photo here.

Obit of Lauretta Ellen (Shell) Stehle

Lauretta Ellen Stehle, 91, of Piper City, IL, formerly of Chatsworth and Strawn, passed away at 8:30 pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Piper City Rehab and Living Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Forrest with Rev. Roosevelt Smith officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at Strawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lauretta’s name may be made to Piper City Rehab and Living Center.

She was born April 18, 1923 in Lutesville, MO a daughter of Monroe Jesse and Ida Mae (Eaker) Shell. She married Raymond Stehle on September 15, 1978. He passed away on October 24, 1996.

She is survived by one sister-in-law: Lorene Shell Kelly of Fort Wayne, IN; and twenty nieces and nephews. Lauretta is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers: Corum, Lester, Elmer and Raymond Shell; sisters: Opal Farney, Dorothy Donley, and Zetta Yoder.

Lauretta spent her childhood in Charlotte and Saunemin. She lived in Strawn for thirty-five years until she married Raymond and moved to Chatsworth.

She worked at Elwood Arsenal during WWII and then worked at Fairbury Hospital as a CNA for over twenty-five years until her retirement.

Special thanks to the entire staff at Piper City Rehab and Living Center for the excellent care given for our “Aunt Cheetie Bird” for the many years she resided there.

Pat (Ferguson) & Neil Hornickel 60th Anniversary

CHATSWORTH — Neil and Pat Hornickel of Chatsworth celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a

family get-together.

They were married Sept. 19, 1954, at First Lutheran Church, Pontiac.

They are the parents of Cindy (Keith) Henrichs, Forrest; Vicki (Darrell) Haag, Kempton; Lori Shafer,

Chatsworth; Rich (Colleen), Fairbury; and Tami (Don) Pitzer, Danville. They have 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He farms and retired after 31 years as Chatsworth Township road commissioner.

See photo here.

Obit of Charles W. Loveall, Sr.

Charles W. Loveall Sr, 59, of Chatsworth, passed away at 8:47 pm Friday, September 12, 2014 at at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Cremation Rites will be accorded and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Calvert & Martin

Funeral Home in Chatsworth is handling the arrangements.

Charles was born on September 4, 1955 in Joliet, IL, a son of Charles M. and Christina “Pat” (Flemings) Loveall. He married Alice Kuykendall in Missouri on August 22, 1972, she survives. He is also survived by 2 sons: Charles W. (Debbie Gomez) Loveall Jr of Gibson City, Michael “Scotty” (Karen) Loveall of Chatsworth; daughter in law: Sue Loveall of Chatsworth; sister: Kathy (Jessie) Ramirez of Joliet: 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Tina Coffman.

Charles attended Joliet Central High School and served our country in the United States Marine Corp.

Stories of the Hobo Poet

News

If you're interested in the Hobo Poet that visited Chatsworth during our 1964 Fourth of July celebration,

I have added a few links where you can read about his visits to other towns,

and also see a photo of him.

Hobo Poet Returns to Chatsworth for Celebration 

Star Spangle Banner turns 200 !!

"Star Spangled Banner"

200 Years

Madison Rising

Help Madison Rising keep the Banner flying and show EVERYONE that you are one of the millions of hard working people in this country that is still proud to be an American.

Elery Perkins turns 99!

September 13, 2014

Chatsworth---Elery Perkins of Chatsworth will celebrate his 99th birthday with a card shower.

He was born Sept. 9, 1915, in Chatsworth. He married Margery E. Hoff on March 29, 1941. She died March 13, 2006. Her son is Ronald Perkins of Chatsworth. She four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is a retired farmer.

Obit of Antone Lloyd "Tony" Kemnetz

URBANA — Antone Lloyd "Tony" Kemnetz, 79, of Urbana, passed away suddenly at 4:48 p.m. Friday (Sept.

5, 2014) at his residence.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Shrader Funeral Home, Arcola. Graveside service with military graveside rites accorded will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Arcola Township Cemetery, Arcola.

Tony was born May 19, 1935, in Chatsworth, the son of Lloyd D. and Irene M. Hummel Kemnetz. He married Shirley Moriarty on March 26, 1960. She preceded him in death. He married Phyllis J. Kelly on Sept. 3, 1988, in Champaign. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Bryan J. (Jennifer) Kemnetz, Stillwater, Minn.; Michael G. (Carol) Kemnetz, LeRoy; and Steven Daniel Kemnetz, Washington; three daughters, Julie Ann (Kent) Smith, Lafayette, Ind.; Mary G. Kemnetz, Rantoul; and Geraldine M. Kemnetz, St. Paul, Minn.; stepson, Dr. Terry M. (Lauren) Kelly, Tampa, Fla.; stepdaughter, Kristen J. (Zach) Henderson, Mahomet; nine grandchildren, Ivy Kemnetz, Grant Smith, Heather Smith, Jenny Smith, Justin Kemnetz, Shelbie Kemnetz, Kaila Kemnetz, Tyler Kelly and Lauren Henderson; sisters, Mardelle A. McPherson, Boca Raton, Fla.; Nancy Varner, Edmond, Okla.; and Darla K. Rogganbuck, Bourbonnais; and brother; Lloyd D. Kemnetz, Chatsworth.

Tony retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves after having served for 28 years. He worked as a grain elevator manager for 25 years, including at Frito Lay in Sidney. Tony received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from the University of Illinois and two associate degrees from Parkland College.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Condolences to the family may be shared via www.hilligossshraderfh.com.

See photo here.

Obit of Ronald "Kurt" Shafer

Ronald “Kurt” Shafer 73, of Chatsworth passed away at 7:45 am on Friday, September 5, 2014 at his residence in Chatsworth. A chorus of Angels sang perfect harmony as God personally welcomed Kurt into heaven. God will sit for eternity in the center with Kurt on one side and Jesus on the other and together they will watch every Detroit Tiger’s game ever to come.

A visitation and memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth. According to his wishes, cremation rites will take place. Memorial contributions may be made for a fund for his children.

He was born November 15, 1940 in Detroit, MI a son of Ronald and Ruth (Thompson) Shafer. He previously married Babita Lachhman. She survives in New Lennox, IL. Also surviving are his two children: Kimra Shafer of Bloomington, IL and Brandon Shafer of New Lennox, IL; five siblings: Tod (Donna) Shafer of Romeoville, IL, Karen Kanin of Schaumburg, IL, Jill (Frank) Hughes of Dexter, MI, Greg Shafer of Chatsworth, IL and Scott (Statta) Shafer of Chatsworth, IL; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Kurt served his country in the United States Army. He worked for the government and Peace Corps all his life. Kurt wrote a book about his vast travels. He had been to 200 countries of the World, 321 of the Travelers Century Club, and the United Nations 193 Member States.

Veva Lang turns 90!

August 31, 2014 12:00 am

CHATSWORTH — Veva Lang of Chatsworth is celebrating her 90th birthday with her family and with a card

shower.

She was born Sept. 10, 1924, in Pella Township, Piper City. She married Carl Lang on Nov. 3, 1944. He is

deceased.

Her children are Carl Lang Jr., deceased; Diana Shubert, Pontiac; Priscilla Agner, Chatsworth; Gloria

Hitchens, Piper City; Debbie Sterrenberg, Kirkwood, Mo.; Karen Freehill, Sulphur, Okla.; and Beverly

Ulitzsch, Chatsworth. She has nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

She enjoys bird watching. She attends Calvary Baptist Church in Chatsworth.

Cards may be sent to 110 W. Locust St., Chatsworth, IL 60921.

See photo here.

Obit of Adam C. Masterson

Adam C. Masterson, 39, of Chatsworth died at 4:20 a.m., Sunday, August 31, 2014 following a car accident west of Paxton.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2014 at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton with Steve Bonk officiating. Burial will follow at Ridgeland Township Cemetery, Thawville with military honors by Tracy Smith Post 700 Thawville American Legion. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of the service at the funeral home.

Adam was born May 27, 1975 in North Myrtle Beach, SC a son of Larry Wayne and Nancy Boyle Masterson. He married Kristen Coffey at the First Southern Baptist Church in Paxton on June 25, 2011. She survives. Also surviving are his father in Lincoln, his mother in Rantoul, children Tabitha Masterson, Chatsworth, Zechariah Pace, Saybrook, Hannah Pace, Colfax, Rachelle Pierro and Blane Pierro, Chatsworth, a brother, Brian (Larissa) Masterson, Wichita Falls, TX; a sister Lora (Jason) Loger, Andover, MN; nephews, Austin Masterson, Wichita Falls and Joshua Masterson, Andover, MN, nieces Reagan Masterson and Rhiannon Loger, Andover, MN, his maternal grandparents Alfred and Madeline Boyle of Mattoon and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Eileen Masterson. 

Adam spent his childhood in Rantoul and was a 1994 graduate of Rantoul Township High School. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a truck driver for Systems Transportation in Spokane, WA.

Adam enjoyed camping, fishing, grilling out and spending time with his family. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Memorials may be made to Kristen Masterson.

Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com

Obit of Geraldine (Martin) Wiles

Geraldine “Geri” Wiles, 76, of Chatsworth, passed away at 8:52am, Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at her residence in Chatsworth.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, August 30, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Fairbury with Pastor Steve Anderson officiating. Burial will follow the service in Chenoa Twp. Cemetery, Chenoa, IL.

Visitation will be from 4-8:00pm, Friday, August 29, 2014 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and one hour prior to her service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be directed to First Baptist Church of Fairbury or Fairview Haven Retirement Community.

Geri was born May 18, 1938 in McLeansboro, the daughter of Harley R. and Wilma (Hutchcraft) Martin. She married John Wiles on November 17, 1956 at the Chenoa United Methodist Church, Chenoa. He survives in Chatsworth.

Other survivors include one son, James (Janice) Wiles of Fairbury, IL; one daughter, Judy (Mike) McCoy of Gays, IL; eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; five sisters, Norma (Franklin) Fosdick of Fairbury, IL; Mary (Bill) Decker of Grand Rivers, KY; Delores (Bob Fauber)Meiss of Danvers, IL; Connie Aberle of Benton, KY; LaVerne (Mark) Aberle of Chatsworth, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one grandson, Austin Wiles.

Geri was a 1956 graduate of Chenoa H.S. She was employed by Zimmerman’s Hardware in downtown Fairbury for over 20 years and later was a Certified Nurses Aid at Fairview Haven Retirement Community for 36 years.

Geri enjoyed gardening, spending time at their home on Lake Mattoon with her dog Benji never far from her. Above all she loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Obit of Francis N. Walle

Many will know this gentleman:

BLOOMINGTON — Francis N. Walle, 101, of Bloomington, died at 7:12 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 23, 2014) at

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, with his family surrounding him.

A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Church of Downs, with Monsignor Greg Ketcham

officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home,

Bloomington, with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be 30 minutes prior to Mass Friday

at the church. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Melvin Cemetery, Melvin. In lieu of flowers,

memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church of Downs, Melvin Fire Department or American

Cancer Society.

Francis was born Oct. 26, 1912, in Pella Township, near Piper City in Ford County, to Frederick G. and

Matilda Bouhl Walle. He married his love and lifetime partner, Ardell A. Zimmerman, on Jan. 28, 1943, in

Piper City.

Surviving are his wife, Ardell; five children, Carol (Gordon) Dremann, Princeton; Steve Walle, Bloomington;

Dean Walle, Tucson, Ariz.; Mary (Stephen) Peterson, Bloomington; and Richard Walle, Tucson, Ariz.;

daughter-in-law, Karen Walle, Petersburg; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers; son, David Walle; and grandson, Eric Peterson.

He graduated from Piper City Community High School in 1930, continued to help on the family farm for

several years, then went to work for Ford County Service Company (later called Growmark FS) in Melvin,

from which he retired 40 years later.

Francis belonged to St. George Catholic Church in Melvin for 60 years, serving as parish council president,

lector, choir member and parish hall manager. He was past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post

6334 in Melvin, past president of Melvin Lions Club, 66-year member of the American Legion in Melvin,

Peach Orchard Township trustee for 29 years, 31-year volunteer of Melvin Fire Department and a member

of the Melvin State Bankers bowling team for 40 years. After moving to Downs 10 years ago, he became a

member of St. Mary’s Church of Downs, VFW Post 6289 in Gibson City and Downs Senior Citizens group.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1942, and served in World War II as a lieutenant in the 310th Field Artillery

Battalion attached to the 79th Infantry Division in Europe (England, France, Belgium and Germany) from

1944-1945.

Francis was a musician who sang and played by ear many instruments, beginning as a boy with the Walle

Brothers band in Piper City. He was trumpeter for the Jolly Sailors dance band that performed in Central

Illinois in the 1940s and 1950s, and played taps for military funerals and patriotic holidays until he was well

into his 80s.

Francis was an entertaining, charismatic fellow who was liked by everyone he met.

Underneath his jovial charm, Francis had a strength of character that inspired others — he showed by

example that every person is worthy of kindness and respect, and that you can lead a good life by workinghard and loving each other. It's hard to say which he did better: make you laugh or make you feel loved.

Endlessly interested in his physical world, he was a gifted gardener and could fix almost anything. He liked

watching sports, especially the Cubs, Bears and Illini basketball. In particular, he enjoyed family gatherings,

where he loved to tell stories of his many life experiences. His memory will always bless his loving wife and

family.

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

Obit of Lila M. (Wilson) Dohman

Lila M. Dohman, 91, of Cullom, passed away at 9:13 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 23, 2014) at Tjardes Health Care Center at Evenglow Lodge.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Wednesday until the 11 a.m. funeral services at St. John's Catholic Church in Cullom, with the Rev. William Kiebler officiating. The family requests those attending dress casual. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in Cullom. Memorials may be made to Cullom Fire Department or Livingston County Humane Society.

Lila was born on Sept. 2, 1922, in Chatsworth, a daughter of Claude and Mayme (Berlet) Wilson. She married William C. Dohman on Feb. 24, 1941, in Cullom. He preceded her in death on Oct. 1, 1994.

Surviving are one daughter, Marcia (Ronald) Green, of Cullom: two grandchildren, Christopher Fraher, of Rantoul, and Eric Dohman, of McHenry; two great-grandchildren, Westyn Fraher, of Montrose, Iowa, and William C. "Liam" Dohman, of Antioch; one brother, Claude Wilson, of Dwight; four sisters, Lois Wallrich and Marilyn Dehm, both of Chatsworth, Frances Friedman, of Fairbury, and Mary Lou West, of Knoxville.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Gerald Dohman; five brothers; and one sister.

Lila was educated in Chatsworth schools, was a homemaker and helped her husband on the farm. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Cullom.

Please sign her online guestbook atcalvertmartinmemorial.com.

Obit of Harry Keith Cluts

TREMONT - Harry Keith Cluts, 83, of Tremont passed away at 6:55 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin.

He was born Jan. 11, 1931, in Normal to Sylvester F. and Agnes C. Shipley Cluts. He married Eleanor Sue Westfall on Dec. 22, 1956, in Bismark and she passed away March 3, 1993. He then married Shirley I. Nash on Feb. 16, 2001, in Pekin and she survives.

Also surviving are one son, Larry K. Cluts of Peoria; one daughter, Patricia E. Zellner of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one stepson, Charles Nash of Mississippi; five grandchildren, Valorie Mills, Christopher Cluts, Alisha Zellner, L.J. Zellner III and Anthony (Shannon) Zellner; four step-grandchildren, Troy Nash, Robert Nash, Jocelyn Nash and Chad Turner; four great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and one sister, Eleanor Marie Dayton of Mason, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Ray and Francis Owen. Keith graduated from I.S.U. in Normal in 1957 with a B.S. in education. In 1964, he received his master's degree in science. He taught music for two years at Chatsworth School District and 28 years at Tremont School District, retiring in 1986. After retiring, he worked at Sears in Pekin and Sherwin Williams Co. for several years.

He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, attaining the rank of boatswain mate 3rd class.

He was a member of Tremont United Methodist Church, Arts & Crafts Lodge 1017 in Bloomington, Bradley Community Chorus, Tremont Masonic Lodge 462, Tremont American Legion Post 1236 and Laborers Local 231 in Pekin. He was a former member of Peoria Philharmonic Chorus and the Pekin Civic Chorus. Keith was grand marshal of the 1986 Tremont Homecoming Parade.

His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at Tremont United Methodist Church. Pastor Dan Perry will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont, followed by a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military honors.

Memorials may be made to Tremont United Methodist Church music department.

To express condolences online, visit www.davisoswaldfh.com

Obit of Harlan D. Kahle

Harlan D. Kahle, 85 of Bloomington, died at 8:55 PM, Friday, August 15, 2014 at his residence in

Bloomington.

His funeral service will be held at 11am, Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at the Resurrection Lutheran Church,

Bloomington with Pastor Jerry Koch officiating. Burial will be in Germanville Cemetery, rural Chatsworth.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7:00 pm, Monday, August 18, 2014 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury; and

one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be

directed to Resurrection Lutheran Church, Bloomington, OSF Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Mr. Kahle was born July 27, 1929 in McLean County, the son of Edward and Esther (Gillan) Kahle. He married

Erma Rhoda on September 2, 1951 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chenoa. She survives in

Bloomington.

Other survivors include his children, Gary Kahle of Chatsworth, IL; Linda (Bill) Kahle-Langston of Davis

Junction, IL; Steven (Kathy) Kahle of Gibson City, IL; Susan (Michael) Andresen of Bloomington, IL; David

(Norah) Kahle of Seattle, WA; one sister, Dorothy (Jerome) Rhoda of Chenoa, IL; two sister in-laws, Pat Kahle

of Bloomington, IL; and Alma (Robert) Brucker of Chenoa, IL; six grandchildren, Matthew and Sarah

Langston, Douglas Kahle, and Bradley (Michelle) Kahle, John and Kahlee Andresen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Lowel Kahle, Keith Kahle and daughter in-law,

Barbara Kahle.

Harlan was a member of many community boards, some of which are the Chatsworth Area Planning Society,

Vermilion Valley Bank Board, Lyman Drainage District Board, Chatsworth Lutheran Church Council, and both

Chatsworth and Livingston County school boards.

Harlan was a lifelong farmer and cultivated his faith as he did his crops. Although Harlan loved farming, his

greatest love was his family.