John & Karen (Dehm) Feely 50th Anniversary

NORMAL — John and Karen Feely of Normal celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Feely and Karen Dehm were married March 16, 1968, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Chatsworth. They are the parents of Stephanie (Mike) Ogden, Normal; Mike (Joy) Feely, Argyle, Texas; John (Julie) Feely and Tom (Laura) Feely, all of Normal. They have 13 grandchildren. He was a teacher at Morton High School, retiring in 2006. She was a bookkeeper at The Garlic Press, retiring in 2012.

Obit of Esther (Spence) Iseminger

Esther L. Iseminger, 82, of Heyworth, passed away at 6:25 a.m. Sunday (April 22, 2018) at Aperion Care, Bloomington. Her funeral will be at noon Thursday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth. The Rev. Charles F. Brannock will officiate. Burial will be in Randolph Township Memorial Cemetery, Heyworth. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Fellowship Center, Heyworth. She was born May 9, 1935, in Chatsworth, to Ralph and Geneva Shepard Spence. She married Otis Duane Iseminger on Oct. 31, 1953, in Bloomington. He passed away Oct. 1, 2004. Survivors include one son, Otis Duane (Sheila) Iseminger Jr., Bloomington; two daughters, Dixie (Jack) Casey, Bloomington, and Donna (Michael) Kirkwood, Bloomington; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild; four brothers, Richard Spence, California; Lawrence Spence, Bloomington; Jerry (Sandy) Spence, Hudson; and Rodger Spence, Effingham; and two sisters, Beulah Spence and Mary Anderson, both of Bloomington.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two grandsons; and two brothers, Chuck and Kenneth Spence. Esther had worked for J & W Motors as a secretary. She attended Faith Fellowship Center, Heyworth.

Obit of Carl "Red" Fry,Sr.

Carl "Red" Edmund Fry Sr., 79, of Gilman, IL., passed away at 7:15 A.M., Sunday, April 22, 2018 at his friends home in Gilman following a long illness. His graveside rites will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Wenger Green Ridge Cemetery in Gilman with Pastor John Franklin officiating. Military rites by the Gilman American Legion Post 499. Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice. Red was born on March 18, 1939 in Erie, Pennsylvania to Harry Alfred and Ora Anna Fry. His childhood was spent in Pennsylvania and he attended schools there also. Red came from a family of 12 children. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served on the USS Damato. He was a member of the V.F.W and Gilman American Legion Post 499. Red had lived in Chatsworth, Illinois and retired from the Nichols-Homeshield Screen Factory in Chatsworth after working for 50 years.. He had also worked as a construction roofer. Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL. Please sign the guest book at www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com

Beryl Irwin turns 104 !

Beryl Irwin turns 104 on May 1 !!

Send her a card

Mrs. Beryl Irwin 

Heritage Health Nursing Home 

509 North Adelaide Street 

Room 126-A 

Normal, IL. 61761

April 20 Update

Whitman Barn Quilt

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Suggested by Charles Dennewitz

Old Maps (1899) of Chatsworth on the Library of Congress website.

Obit of Helen B. (Sorey) Beckhoff

Helen Bernice Beckhoff, 83, Fairbury, died at 1:57 pm Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at her residence, Fairbury. Her graveside service will be 2:00 pm Monday, April 23, 2018 at Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury. Visitation will be 1:00 to 1:45 pm Monday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Mrs. Beckhoff was born August 3, 1934 in Tennessee the daughter of Homer and Jesse White Sorey. She married William F. Beckhoff in 1953. He preceded her in death. Surviving is a son, William Lee (Linda) Beckhoff, Foosland; a daughter, Cindy Sue (John) Ellers, Scottsdalle, AZ; six grandchildren, two sisters, Shirely (Bob) Mynatt, Maynardville, Tennessee and Carol (Richard “Spanky”) Dawson, Mahomet. She is preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. Mrs. Beckhoff had been a longtime certified nurses assistant at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury. 

Obit of Jerome J. Rebholz

Jerome J. Rebholz, 96, of Piper City, IL., passed away at 1:20 P.M., Sunday, April 15, 2018 at the Piper City Rehab and Living Center, Piper City. His funeral mass will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 21, 2018 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Piper City with Rev. Rey Treyes officiating. Burial will be in the Chatsworth Charlotte Cemetery, Chatsworth, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, April 20, 2018 at the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. A prayer service will be held at 3:30 P.M. Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church, Rotary or the Piper City Rehab. Jerry was born on March 15, 1922 on a farm in rural Piper City. His parents were John A. and Rose J. (O'Donnell) Rebholz. He grew up on the farm and attended Bishop Grade School and graduated in 1939 from Chatsworth High School. He married Evelyn L. Law on February 15, 1947 at St. Peter's Parsonage in Piper City. She passed away on January 8, 2011. He is survived by nieces and nephews, Janet and Jim Ulbrich, Bill and Jane TeVoert, Joan Watson, Neil and Jennie Walle, Mark and Julie Walle and great and great great nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a brother Francis and sister Mary E. TeVoert. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Piper City. Jerry worked at Producers Crop Improvement Association in Piper City in 1940 which became Producers F.S.Seeds. He was employed by Producers his entire working career in various positions including management. Jerry took early retirement in1983. After retiring he continued working for Livingston and McLean County Service Companies through 1988. He also worked for the Illinois Department of Agriculture and as a seasonal farm hand. Jerry was active in club, community, District and International Service as a Rotarian since 1954, serving in many capacities and received many Recognition awards over the years. He served 35 years on the Greenbrier Lodge Incorporated Board of Directors. Jerry was also an active member of the Chatsworth Council 730 Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree member. He and Evelyn enjoyed nearly 64 years together, being close to their families especially the nieces and nephews. They enjoyed extensive vacations traveling in the United States, Canada and Hawaii over the years. They enjoyed bowling, golfing, boating, water skiing and square dancing. Jerry was an avid Cubs fan. Jerry especially liked people, therefore, valuing the opportunity to travel and met people in his working career and other activities. Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL

Red Cross Blood Drive

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Obit of Blaise DeMuth

Blaise DeMuth, 74, of Chatsworth, passed away at 11:58 p.m. Saturday (April 7, 2018) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chatsworth, with Pastor Mauricio Vieira officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Westlawn Memorial Park, Newton. Memorials in his name may be left to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Chatsworth, is handling the arrangements. Blaise was born Sept. 29, 1943, in Bloomington, a son of James A. and Patricia Cassidy DeMuth. He married Donna Mitchell on June 20, 1965, in Newton. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Lisa Satterfield, Washington, D.C.; Shira (Mike) Dobson, Longmont, Colo.; and Bridget (Steve) Perkins, Alton; nine grandchildren, Danielle, Alissa, Mitchell, Matthew, Garrett, Rhianna, Noah, Audry and Sadie; and one sister, Alana Reeves, Anna. He was preceded in death by his parents. Blaise graduated from Mount Pulaski High School and was an educator in the Chatsworth, Prairie Central, Leroy and later at Tri-Point schools. Blaise enjoyed cross stitch and spending time with his family. This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.

Chatsworth Youth Idol-Heritage Days

Heritage Days in June

Chatsworth Youth Idol Contest

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Chatsworth Bluebird Festival

Details on the Chatsworth Bluebird Festive

Obit of Roberta L. (Wilson) Sterrenberg

Roberta L. Sterrenberg, 90, lifelong resident of Piper City, passed away at 8:30 p.m. Thursday (April 5, 2018) at OSF HealthCare St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford. A celebration of her life will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Piper City United Methodist Church with the Rev. Elizabeth Reis officiating. Burial will be in Brenton Cemetery, Piper City. Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Piper City United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Piper City United Methodist Church or to Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana. Roberta was born Feb. 12, 1928, in Fairbury, to John Elmer and Lilla Marjorie (Snedaker) Wilson. She graduated from Piper City High School as valedictorian of her class and attended college. Roberta married Thees G. Sterrenberg on Oct. 24, 1946, at Piper City United Methodist Church. He passed away Nov. 18, 1995. She is survived by two daughters, Kathy (John) Rannila, Garland, Texas, and Leigh Ann Sterrenberg, Rockford; two grandchildren, Nicholas (Lori) Mahler and Amanda Mahler, both of Wylie, Texas; a sister, Lilla Jean Green, Bridgeville, Pa.; brother-in-law, Orris Seng, Windsor; and sister-in-law, Gloria Sterrenberg, Grapevine, Texas Roberta was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Thees George Sterrenberg II; two sisters, Leigh Thompson and Lois Seng; and three brothers-inlaw, Robert Thompson, Jack Green and Robert Sterrenberg.  She was an active member of Piper City United Methodist Church, serving as organist for almost 50 years. Roberta had been a Sunday school teacher, choir director, and a lay member for annual conference for over 30 years. She had been active in the United Methodist Women, serving locally as officer many times and as a district officer for 20 years. Roberta had served on a committee at Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana. She had served as Brenton Township Assessor, was on the Brenton Township Cemetery Board, was a charter member of the Piper City Community Historical Society and served as treasurer and secretary. Roberta was also a member of the Ford County Historical Society, where she served as trustee. She joined the Monday Night Reading Circle in 1952 and was on its Centennial Celebration Committee in 1999 and served as secretary for 50 years. She also was an election judge for years. Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home, Gilman. Please sign guest book at http://www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com/.

Obit of James W. Gulliford Jr.

Many here knew Jim. 

James W. “Jim” Gulliford Jr., 74, of Forrest, passed away 4:05 p.m. Friday (April 6, 2018) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. A Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rose Catholic Church, Strawn, with Father Scott Archer officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Forrest. According to his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following services. Burial will be at a later date at Forrest Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Forrest Historical Society. Jim was born Sept. 8, 1943, in Fairbury, a son of James W. Sr. and Delpha Mae (Davis) Gulliford. He married Joyce Doyle on Oct. 12, 1963, in Ivesdale. She survives in Forrest. Also surviving are his children, Brad (Gail) Gulliford, Forrest; Leslie Gulliford (Pete Victora), Muscoda, Wis.; and Scott (Amy) Gulliford, Shorewood; five grandchildren, Derrick, Mitchell, Natalie, Nick, and Grace Gulliford; two sisters, Jacque (Bob) Schrock and Debbie (Ron “Tiss”) Steidinger, all of Forrest. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim was educated in Forrest schools. He worked for Honegger Farms from 1963 to 1971. In August 1971, he went to work for Nichols Homeshield (Quanex) in Chatsworth. He worked his way up to vice president of building products before retiring in 2004. He was currently the village of Forrest resident (mayor), serving for the last 10 years. Jim was a visionary for the town of Forrest with his latest project being transitioning the village offices to the former St. James Mission, as well as voting and all senior citizen activities for easier accessibility. Jim served on the board of directors for Futures Unlimited in Pontiac, eight years on the Foundation Board at Gibson Area Hospital, and on the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Committee Board. He was a member of the Forrest Lions Club for more than 15 years. He also served as the treasurer for the Forrest Historical Society and was instrumental in the restoration of the Hampsher Hotel and the Wabash Train Depot. Jim was a member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Parish. He loved golfing with his dad, sons, grandkids, Wednesday morning group at Wolf Creek, and in Arizona. He enjoyed going to Arizona to White Sox spring training every year, old juke boxes, '50s and '60s records, and antique cars.

Obit of John R. Brown

John R. Brown, 57, Chatsworth, died at 9:15 am Thursday, April 5, 2018 at his residence, Chatsworth. Visitation will be 2:00 to 6:00 pm Monday, April 9, 2018 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. The family suggests memorials be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. John was born January 3, 1961 in Mt. Vernon, IL the son of Cecil T. and Cora “Pat” Lemons Brown. He married Viola Cassity on February 24, 2006 in Paducah, KY. She survives in Chatsworth. Also surviving are three daughters, Subrina (Josh) Sergeant, Pontiac; Heather Hobart, Streator; Hillary Brown, Chatsworth; one step daughter, Christina (Kenneth) Riley II, Chatsworth; three brothers, Wendall (Toots) Brown, Davenport, IA; Thomas Brown, Secor; Richard Brown, Champaign; two sisters, Diana (Bobby) Chrestman, Pontiac; Teresa (John Eggenberger) Eby, Saunemin; twelve grandchildren and six step grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Misty. John had been employed as a mill operator at PTC Alliance, Fairbury for 39 years.

Thank you from Mrs. Weller

Mrs. Weller sends a big "Thank you, Thank you" !! for all the nice cards.

April 5 Update

****APRIL UPDATES*****

NEW OBITS

Judy (Howell) Lazar

Shirley Mae (McCarty) Mowery

FOUND NEWS TREASURES 2018

Hugo Nomenilli Accident-1948

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Read the Oliver vs Oliver Court Case from 1930

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NEW PHOTOS

2 New photos have been added to the Hornickel/Swanick Family Album

To read 2 new Swanick files go here.

Scroll down to Swanick Castle Directions and Swanick Letters Transcript

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Obit of Shirley Mae (McCarty) Mowery

Shirley Mae Mowery, 56, Fairbury, died at 8:25 am Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at her residence, Fairbury. Her funeral Mass will be noon, Friday, April 6, 2018 at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth with Fr. Richard Brunskill and Fr. Carl LoPresti officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Piper City. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:45 am Friday at the church. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with arrangements. The family suggests memorials be given to the Shirley Mowery memorial fund. Shirley was born January 23, 1962 in Fairbury, IL the daughter of Gerald and Virginia Stickels McCarty. Survivors include her love, Herb Harn, Fairbury; one daughter, Sasha Hack, Fairbury; one son, David Mowery Jr., Bloomington; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Diane (Monte) Quist, Canton, TX; Sue Hickey, Mt. Vernon, IN; Connie Beck, Forrest and one brother, Jerry McCarty, Forrest. She is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Riley Lee Mowery and one sister. Shirley was an avid pool player and card shark.

Obit of Judy (Howell) Lazar

Judy Lazar was born on January 19, 1954 to John and Joyce Howell in Evanston, Illinois. She grew up in Chatsworth, Illinois and attended local schools. After graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in Accounting, she passed the CPA exam and became a Certified Public Accountant and moved to Springfield for her first job. She also worked for two different CPA firms. In 1980, she started work with the Illinois Auditor General’s office as an audit manager. Judy retired from this position in 2002. In Springfield, she met her future husband, Ken Lazar, and they were married on October 9, 1983. Judy was a wonderful wife and a loving mom, she made everyone feel special. Judy impacted so many lives because she took the time to reach out to others. She was willing to help anyone in any way she could and generously shared her time, talents, and friendship. Once Judy became your friend, she stayed in touch with you from that point forward. She enjoyed singing and was a member of the Harmony First chorus for quite a few years. Judy was also a school board member of Sherman-Willamsville school district for four years. 

Judy passed away on March 30, 2018 in Sherman following a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, John Howell, and a sister, Debbie Patton. Judy is survived by her mother, Joyce Lindelof, son Drew (Jamie) Lazar, daughter Katelyn Lazar, sisters Sue Fox CHS 1965, Ginny Sharp CHS 1967, Mary Betz, and June Wilharm, brother Steve Howell CHS 1970 and her husband, Ken, of 34 years. She is also survived by her granddaughters Gabi Lazar and Haylee Farmer and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: 4 – 7 pm, Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Staab Funeral HomeSpringfield. An additional visitation will be held from 9 – 10 am on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Staab Funeral Home-Springfield. Funeral Service: 10 am Friday, April 6, 2018 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Pastor Dick Piscatelli officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made The Virginia Harris Cockrell Cancer Research Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, P.O. Box 389, Smithville, TX 78957 in memory of Judy Lazar. Your check can be made payable to MD Anderson Cancer Center.