Dewitt Obits Archives for 2013-02

Geneva A. Hamil of Lincoln

Geneva A. Hamil, 93, of Lincoln, formerly of New Holland, passed away at 7:20 p.m. on February 28, 2013 at St. Clara's Manor, Lincoln.

Services for Geneva will be Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln with Steve Blaum officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lucas Chapel Cemetery, rural Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Clara's Manor of Lincoln.

Mildred Jean Finfrock of Waynesville

Mildred Jean Finfrock, 82, of Waynesville passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. at Manor Court of Clinton.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Finfrock will be held on Monday, March 4, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Quiram Peasley Funeral Home in Atlanta with Rev. Becky Barrow officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, March 3, 2013 at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Waynesville. Memorials may be made to either the Waynesville United Methodist Church or Waynesville Fire Department.

 

Bettie Joyce Rich Anderson of Clinton

Bettie Joyce Rich Anderson, 82, Clinton, died at 11:40 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 26, 2013) at her family residence, surrounded by her family.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Christian Church, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will be in Mausoleum Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, Clinton, or the American Cancer Society.

She was born March 18, 1930, in Clinton, daughter of James and Liza Jane “Janie” Privett Rich. She married Wesley R. Anderson on March 28, 1948, in Clinton.

Survivors include her husband, Wesley R. Anderson, Clinton; children, Sherrie (George) Pasenelli, Phoenix, Ariz.; Bradley (Alecia) Anderson, Heyworth; and Kimberly (Terry) Nevill, Maroa; five grandchildren, Hillary (Gene) Hagerty, Stroudsburg, Pa.; John Wesley Nevill, Maroa; Lindsay Marie, Wesley Preston and Courtney Jayne Anderson, all of Heyworth; two great-grandchildren, Zachary and Ashley Hagerty, Stroudsburg, Pa.; brother, James (Mabel) Rich Jr., Clinton; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Bettie was a homemaker and her husband farmed in the Weldon area for more than 40 years.

Bettie was a rural mail carrier for 16 years. Her husband retired from farming and they moved to Clinton.

She was a member of First Christian Church, Clinton, enjoyed singing in the choir, was an active Young at Heart member and organized food for funeral dinners at FCC.

Bettie was a fun-loving person and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She will be missed by all of us.     

Alberta Edna Reiterman of Mt. Pulaski

Alberta Edna Reiterman, 70, Mount Pulaski, died at 7:40 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 26, 2013) in Cornland.

Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mount Pulaski, with Mark Weber officiating.

Burial: Lake Bank Cemetery, rural Mount Pulaski.

Visitation: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday prior to service at the funeral home.

Memorials: Mount Pulaski Christian Church or Mount Pulaski Grade School.

Survivors: her twin brother, Albert (Paulette) Reiterman, Latham.

Joseph L. Toth of Atlanta

Joseph L. Toth, 82, Atlanta, passed away at 9:37 a.m. Monday (Feb. 25, 2013) at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.

A memorial service for Mr. Toth will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Quiram Peasley Funeral Home, Atlanta, with Maurice Stribling officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Atlanta American Legion Post.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home. A private graveside service will be at a later date at Roaches Chapel Cemetery, rural McLean.

Joseph Leslie Toth was born Jan. 1, 1931, in Chicago, the son of Joseph and Mary Nemeth Toth. He married Mariam Smith in 1957. She preceded him in death in 1995. He later married Audra Hamilton French. She preceded him in death in 2009.

Surviving Mr. Toth are his children, Jean Begolka and Randall Toth, both of Lincoln; seven grandchildren, Melony Toth, Sonja Bashaw, Joseph R. Toth, Candice Begolka, Wyatt Wallen, Rylie Wallen and Sarah Begolka; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Pamela Sue Toth, and one sister, Irene Krenicki.

Mr. Toth served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from Illinois State University in 1994, after 25 years of service in the maintenance department. He was a member of Eminence Christian Church.

Memorials may be made to Eminence Christian Church, Atlanta Rescue Squad or Logan County Humane Society. 

Wesley L. Carter of Mt. Pulaski

Wesley L. Carter, 91, Mount Pulaski, passed away at 10:55 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 24, 2013) at Vonderlieth Living Center, Mount Pulaski.

Wesley was born Feb. 12, 1922, north of Mount Pulaski, son of Clair and Nettie Kusterer Carter. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a sergeant stationed in London. After the war, he was a school principal for the Lawndale, Latham, Armington and Minier school districts until his retirement in 1983. He also farmed south of Waynesville and west of Maroa until 1969.

He married Mary Elsie Gossmeyer on June 27, 1948, in Goodfield. She preceded him in death on April 28, 2003. He later married Dorothy Schott on June 4, 2004, in Mount Pulaski. She preceded him in death on Aug. 2, 2008.

He was a member of the Mount Pulaski First United Methodist Church, one of the founding members of the Minier Lion’s Club and helped his parents run a family dairy during the Depression and delivered milk before school everyday.

Wesley is survived by one son, John W. (Lin) Carter, Decatur; three grandchildren, David Ricketts, Mount Pulaski; Tina J. (Casey) Arvin, Safety Harbor, Fla.; and Gina M. (Ryan) Bazemore, Clearwater, Fla.; and six great-grandchildren, Ally Arvin, Mason Ricketts, Brooklyn Ricketts, Cooper Bazemore, Elliot Bazemore and Charlie Bazemore. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Charles; and one grandson, Derek Ricketts.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mount Pulaski, with the Rev. Rachel Stockle officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Steenbergen Cemetery, Mount Pulaski, where full military rites will be accorded.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Mary E. Laesch of Mt. Pulaski

Mary E. Laesch, 62, of Mount Pulaski died at 4:43 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 24, 2013) at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln.

Service: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mount Pulaski. Private family graveside service at a later date.

Burial: Harmony Cemetery, Beason.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials: Mount Pulaski Christian Church Youth Group or Mount Pulaski EMS.

Survivors: Husband, David Laesch; one daughter, Dee (Fred) Jason, Mount Pulaski; one son, Russ (Sarah) Laesch, Fort Wayne, Ind.; her mother, Doris Carter, Lincoln; two brothers, Kenneth (Karen) Carter, Chestnut, and Jim (Jim) Carter, Chicago; and four grandchildren.

Patricia Bailey of Waynesville

Patricia A. Bailey, 75, Waynesville, passed away Sunday (Feb. 24, 2013) at her home.

The funeral service for Mrs. Bailey will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Quiram Peasley Funeral Home, Atlanta, with the Rev. Terry Bailey officiating. Burial will be in Atlanta Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Patricia A. Berkley was born April 11, 1937, in Bloomington, the daughter of Claude and Irene Bowen Berkley. She married Larry Bailey on Jan. 28, 1988, in Clinton. He survives.

Also surviving are her children, Kevin (Marcy) Leach, Bloomington and Stacy (David) McCaddon, Normal; her stepchildren whom she raised, Sandy (Stan) Blanchard, Gary (Maryanna) Leach, Phil Leach, Karen (Rich) Napier, Steve Whitworth, Brett Whitworth and Scott Whitworth; stepchildren, Jim (Natalie) Bailey, Randy (Cindy) Bailey, Tammie (Gene) Masching, Crystal (Chris Dunap) Ballard and Dorie (Randy) Purdue; 16 grandchildren and many stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.

Pat worked as a waitress at Dixie Truckers Home for 20 years and Country Aire Restaurant for 13 years. She was a member of McLean Christian Church.

Memorials may be made to Waynesville United Methodist Church, Waynesville Fire Department or Waynesville American Legion.

Bevie Oresta Padgett of Kenney

Bevie Oresta Padgett, 73, Decatur, passed away at 12:40 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 23, 2013) in her home with husband Dean by her side.

Her private graveside service will be Thursday at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, with the Rev. C. Don Ferrill officiating. Private family visitation will be Thursday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kenney Heritage Association or Kenney Fire Department.

Bevie was born May 12, 1939, in Denver, Colo., the daughter of Samuel W. and Merla R. Bradshaw Hayes. She married Dean Padgett on Aug. 8, 1958, in Clinton.

Bevie leaves behind her sister, Norma J. Dunakey; her brother, Samuel G. Hayes, Clinton; one niece, Jade Wolfe; and a cousin, Jack L. Hayes, Ramsey. Both of her parents preceded her in death.

Early in her marriage, she worked various jobs and because she was an avid reader, she decided to pursue more education. First, she graduated from Clinton Community High School in 1957. Next, she attended what is now Richland Community College and got her associate’s degree in 1975 and was initiated into Phi Theta Kappa. After doing that, she was a stay-at-home housewife. Her next adventure was to join the hospital auxiliary at Decatur Memorial Hospital, working various stations as well as the restaurant.

She was a long-standing member of the Decatur Woman’s Club before she finally let her membership lapse because of her affliction with Parkinson’s disease.

Shirley Taylor of LeRoy

Shirley Taylor, 78, of LeRoy passed away at 8 a.m. Friday (Feb. 22, 2013) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, LeRoy. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy.

Memorial donations may be made to LeRoy Emergency Ambulance Service or LeRoy United Methodist Church.

Dennis A. Johnson of Heyworth

 Dennis A. Johnson, 80, Heyworth, passed away at 6:03 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 21, 2013) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth. The Rev. Kurt Flora will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date in Heyworth Cemetery, Heyworth. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heyworth Christian Church

Alice Virginia Moit of Clinton

Alice Virginia Moit, 82, of Clinton, died 9:20 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2013) in Manor Court, Clinton.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday in Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services. Burial will be in Maroa Cemetery. Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association. Send condolences: www.calvertmemorial.com.

Susan Piatt of Clinton

Susan Piatt, 60, Clinton, died at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2013) at her family residence.

A private graveside service will be Saturday at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois (CCSCI) Charitable Fund or Second Chance Pet Adoption, Clinton.

She was born Jan. 21, 1953, in Clinton, daughter of I.E. “Pete” and Clara Lee McAdoo Kraft. She married John H. Piatt on Oct. 9, 1976, in Clinton.

Survivors include her husband, John H. Piatt, Clinton; one son, Jay (Kylie) Piatt, St. Louis, Mo.; mother-in-law, Joyce Piatt, Clinton; brother-in-law, David (Gail) Piatt, Farmer City; and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She was affiliated with First United Methodist Church, Clinton.

Susan graduated from Clinton High School in 1971 and attended Illinois State University. She greatly enjoyed her fellow workers and helping her customers during the many years she worked at the First National Bank and Trust Co. in Clinton. 

The family wishes to thank all of our wonderful friends and Dr. James L. Wade III and his staff for their care and support.

Susan was a wonderful wife, mother and friend who will be deeply missed. 

Donna Jean Biggs of Clinton

Donna Jean Biggs, 41, Tulsa, Okla., formerly of Clinton, died at 6:01 p.m. Feb. 19, 2013, at her family residence in Tulsa, Okla.

Her service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. J. Kent Hickerson will officiate. Interment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.

Memorials may be made to Donna Biggs Memorial Fund.

She was born on June 13, 1971, in Clinton, to Donald Biggs and Becky Sturgeon.

Her husband, George Freeman, Tulsa, Okla., survives. Also surviving are her mother and stepfather, Becky (Dave) Grant, Decatur; two daughters, Ashley Biggs, Clinton, and Tyler Biggs, Springfield; grandparents, Shorty and Norma Sturgeon, Beason; brother, Donald W. (Teva Winterfield) Sturgeon, Beason; stepchildren, Genna Freeman, Rome, Texas; Brandon Freeman, Rome, Texas; stepgrandchild, Lillie Freeman, Rome, Texas; and mother-in-law, Jeannette Freeman, Waco, Texas.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Brittany Biggs.

Donna enjoyed camping, horseback riding and loved the outdoors. She was a member of the DeWitt County Riding Club.

Myra Ann Snyder of Lincoln

Myra Ann “Pete” Snyder, 80, Lincoln, died at 9:55 a.m. Monday (Feb. 18, 2013) at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln.

Service: 10 a.m. Friday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, with Ron Otto officiating.

Burial: Zion Cemetery, Lincoln.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials: American Cancer Society.

Survivors: her husband, Kenneth L. “Dutch” Snyder, Lincoln; two daughters, Jennie (Gregg) Smith, LeRoy, and Vicki (Jerry) Schriber, Fort Wayne, Ind.; one son, Duke (Kathy) Snyder, Lafayette, Ind.; three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Nancy C Gregory of Clinton

Nancy C. Gregory, 71, Clinton, died at 11:20 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 17, 2013) at her family residence.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with Greg Taylor officiating. Burial will be at Lisenby Cemetery, Lane. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to American Lung Association or Second Chance Adoption. 

She was born Feb. 10, 1942, in Clinton, daughter of James Lyle and Dorothy Reynolds Houchin. She married Richard E. Gregory on March 12, 1960, in Clinton. He passed away June 3, 2003.

Survivors include two daughters, Marcia Ann Thomas, Monticello, and Susan Lynnette Miller, Denver, Colo.; one son, Richard E. Gregory Jr., Clinton; two sisters, Jean Pearson, Shipshewana, Ind., and Brenda Lewis, Chase, Mich.; two brothers, Jerry Reynolds, Clinton, and Scott Ramsey, Sarasota, Fla.; sister-in-law, Marie Jackson, Clinton; and nine grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Larry Jackson. 

She retired from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4168. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and Clinton Eagles Lodge. She enjoyed reading.    

James William Lindsey of Clinton

James William “Jim” Lindsey, 74, Denver, Colo., passed away peacefully Saturday (Feb. 16, 2013) in Collier Hospice Center with family by his side.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in Brentwood United Methodist Church, Denver, Colo. Memorials may be made to Cancer Research Institute, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006; Brentwood United Methodist Church, 1899 S. Irving St., Denver CO 80219; or God’s Littlest Angels (orphanage in Haiti), Waynoka Rt., Colorado Springs, CO 80915.

Jim was born Jan. 3, 1939, in Bloomington, the son of Thomas and Ruby E. Barnes Lindsey. He grew up on a farm south of Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1956. He attended Eastern Illinois University.

He married Edith Elayne Gardner on Jan. 3, 1959, in Clinton. They moved to Denver, Colo., in 1962. He was a member of Brentwood Methodist church for almost 50 years. He retired in 1996 as a sergeant for the Denver Police Department after 33 years of service. He especially enjoyed his time as a mounted police officer with his horse named Red. In his retirement, he was an over-the-road truck driver.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years; children, David Wayne Lindsey and Nicole Elayne Proctor, both of Denver, Colo.; and Darin Thomas (Kristy) Lindsey, Westminster, Colo.; grandchildren, Chelsea Lorraine Proctor, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Tara Louise Lindsey and Thomas James “T.J.” Lindsey, both of Westminster, Colo.; sisters, Mary Jane Lindsey West, Decatur, and Susan Lindsey (James) Winther, Williamsburg, Va.; brother, Stephen Thomas (Christy) Lindsey, Republic, Mo.; sister-in-law, Bessie Gardner (Bob) Evans, Macon; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Carl and “Dot” Query Gardner; and brother-in-law, Ronald R. West.

The family wishes to express thanks to the caring and compassionate nurses in the Lutheran Hospice Program and to his wonderful family who kept him encouraged with phone calls and visits.

Twila Jean Tompkins of Lane

Twila Jean Tompkins, 85, Batesburg-Leesville, S.C., formerly of Lane, died at 7:02 a.m. Friday (Feb. 15, 2013) at Generations, Batesburg-Leesville, S.C.

Her funeral will be at 3 p.m. today at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.

She was born Nov. 17, 1927, in Argenta, daughter of Pete and Ada Smith. She married Otsie E. Tompkins on Oct. 7, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo. He passed away Nov. 25, 2000.  

She is survived by her son, Roger (Janice) Tompkins, Winnsboro, S.C., and one brother.   

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Larry Tompkins.

She was affiliated with the Church of God. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting.    

Twila Jean Tompkins of Lane

Twila Jean Tompkins, 85, Batesburg-Leesville, S.C., formerly of Lane, died at 7:02 a.m. Friday (Feb. 15, 2013) at Generations, Batesburg-Leesville, S.C.

Her funeral will be at 3 p.m. today at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.

She was born Nov. 17, 1927, in Argenta, daughter of Pete and Ada Smith. She married Otsie E. Tompkins on Oct. 7, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo. He passed away Nov. 25, 2000.  

She is survived by her son, Roger (Janice) Tompkins, Winnsboro, S.C., and one brother.   

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Larry Tompkins.

She was affiliated with the Church of God. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting.    

Glenda Marlene Sears of Clinton

Glenda Marlene “Sissy” Sears, 58, Clinton, died at 8:40 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 14, 2013) at her family residence.

Her celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Second Chance Pet Adoption.

She was born Oct. 26, 1954, in Clinton, daughter of Thomas Laughlin Sears and Mavis Arlene Hammer.

She is survived by her mother, Mavis Arlene McMahon, and her husband, Mickey, Hamburg; stepmother, Llewellyn Sears, Clinton; twin sister, Glenna Arlene (Keith) Sears-Willis, Clinton; two close cousins, Terry Hammer, Clinton, and Jesse Hammer, Fort Myers, Fla.; aunt, Evelyn Hammer, Bartonville; niece, Tina L. McDaniel, Heyworth; great-nephew, Trey McDaniel, Clinton; great-niece, Morgan Arlene McDaniel, Heyworth; numerous cousins; her beloved dog, Pippa Jolene; close friends, Glenda Bunn, Clinton, and Carla McKnight, Chicago; and the Surfing Gang.

She was preceded in death by her father; brother, Michael Thomas Sears; and grandparents, Alice and Jesse Hammer and Margaret and Glenn Sears. 

She was a member of First Christian Church, Clinton, and also attended Clinton Assembly of God Church. She graduated from Clinton High School and graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and became a physical therapist.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Merle K. Blaum of Lincoln

Merle K. Blaum, 90, New Holland, World War II Army veteran and retired carpenter, died Tuesday (Feb. 12, 2013).

Body was cremated. Graveside services: at a later date, Richmond Grove Cemetery, New Holland. Arrangements by: Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln. Memorials: New Holland United Methodist Church or New Holland Fire and Rescue.

George Duane Klockenga of Lincoln

George Duane Klockenga, 74, Lincoln, passed away Tuesday (Feb. 12, 2013) at St. John’s Hospice, Springfield.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church,  Lincoln. Burial will follow in New Union Cemetery, Lincoln, with military rites. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Duane was born June 30, 1938, in Lincoln, the son of George F. and Irma Seefeldt Klockenga. He married Kay Gibson on March 11, 1966, in Lincoln. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

Duane was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lincoln and was a lifelong hog and grain farmer in Logan County.

Surviving are his wife, Kay, Lincoln; daughters, Rhonda (Trent) Goss, Bloomington; Jodi Klockenga, Dallas, Texas; and Vicki (Robert) Hoffert, Lincoln; grandchildren, Kaylyn and Autumn Hoffert and Logan and Norah Goss; and sister, Arlene Bratton, Zionsville, Ind.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Hospice or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home, Lincoln, is handling arrangements.

Lester D. Thorp of Wapella

Lester D. Thorp, 71, Wapella, passed away at 6:20 a.m. Monday (Feb. 11, 2013) at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Christian Church, Clinton, with J. Kent Hickerson and Steve Evans officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.

Memorials may be made to the Little Galilee Christian Assembly, First Christian Church, Normal Community Cancer Center or Advocate BroMenn Vascular Care Unit.

Lester was born Jan. 28, 1942, in Clinton, the son of Carl and Doris Lampe Thorp. He married Katherine S. Reed on June 23, 1962, in Clinton.

Survivors include his wife, Katherine S. Thorp, Wapella; children, Susan (Mike) Walters, Heyworth; Michael (Kathy) Thorp, Wapella; Jeffrey (Brenda) Thorp, Decatur; and Sara O’Brien, Clinton; 11 grandchildren, Christopher Walters, Nick Walters, Ashley Garner, Brittany Bauer, Chloe Thorp, Emily Thorp, Grace Thorp, Scott Thorp, Laura O’Brien, Shawn O’Brien and Erin O’Brien; eight great-grandchildren, Conner Garner, Ian Garner, Nolan Garner, Liam Garner, Kazanna Garner, McKayla Bauer, J.D. Bauer and Peyton Bauer; siblings, Frank Thorp, Clinton; Bernice Whitted, Clinton; and Claude (Linda) Thorp, Crawfordsville, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Carl Dean and Fred Thorp.

Lester was a member of First Christian Church, Clinton, and a former board member of First Christian Church and Wapella Christian Church. He was a former chairman of the board of Thorp Seed Co. and past president of Golden Harvest Seed Inc. He was also a member of Central Golden Harvest Research, the Illinois Soybean Association, the Illinois Crop Improvement and Agriculture Advisory Counsel for the U of I.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.

Loretta J. Brandt of Farmer City

Loretta J. Brandt, 76, of Farmer City passed away at 10:23 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 9, 2013) at her residence. A celebration of life service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, with the Rev. Jeffrey McPike officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Farina Cemetery, Farina. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday also at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice.

Mattie Dalton of Monticello

Mattie Dalton, 91, of Monticello passed away at 5:15 p.m., February 6, 2013 at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 14, 2013 at the Calvary Baptist Church of Monticello with Rev. Randy Dempsey officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 14, 2013 at the Calvary Baptist Church. Interment will be held in Monticello Township Cemetery. Mackey-Wright Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church, the Piatt County Nursing Home Halcyon Unit, or Kirby Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com

Ellen M. Meece of Monticello

Ellen E. Meece, 84, Monticello, died Tuesday (Feb. 5, 2013). Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello. Visitation: one hour before services. Burial: Monticello Township Cemetery. Memorials: Piatt County Nursing Home Halcyon Unit.

Lyle A. Schopp of Heyworth

Lyle A. Schopp, 85, Heyworth, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Monday (Feb. 4, 2013) at his residence in Heyworth.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with Monsignor Eric Powell officiating. Interment will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday at the church.

Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, has been entrusted with handling arrangements for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lyle’s name may be made to Epiphany Catholic Church Building Fund or American Heart Association.

Lyle was born Oct. 4, 1927, in Chenoa, a son of Allen and Opal Kimble Schopp. He graduated from Normal Community High School in 1945. Lyle married Dorothy Fackler on Oct. 1, 1955, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Colfax. She survives.

In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Lyle is survived by his children, Cathy (Gregg) Winters, Steven (Pam) Schopp and Michael (Melinda) Schopp; six grandchildren, Kyle (fiancee Megan Horath) Winters, Kelsey (fiance Justin Tuttle) Winters, Bryan Schopp, Christina (fiance Timothy Margherio) Schopp, Dustin Schopp and Corey Schopp; three great-grandchildren, Kaylin Winters, Jace Winters and Landen Schopp; his stepmother-in-law, Ivy Fackler; and special friends, Bill and Doris Wherry and Richard and Liz McGuire.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a twin sister, Leah Melton; and sisters, Marcella Booziotes and Dorothy Mae Schopp.

Lyle was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church, Heyworth American Legion Post 624,  Knights of Columbus Father John D. Ring Council 574 and the McLean County Farm Bureau.

He was a farmer for 60 years and also served with the McLean County Sheriff’s Department for seven years as a sergeant. He was awarded Policeman of the Year in 1972-1973 from the department. In 1979, Lyle was awarded the Golden Harvest Dry Land Award for the highest yield in the nation, earning them a trip to Hawaii.

Lyle and Dorothy enjoyed traveling, having been to Europe three times and on six cruises. They also went to Las Vegas twice a year but their favorite enjoyment was spending time with their family and driving around the countryside watching the crops grow.

He was proud to be a lifelong farmer and also enjoyed fishing with his wife, Dorothy, and their six friends. Lyle also enjoyed spending time at the Wapella Auction House and other farm sales around the area.

Lyle proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He never met a stranger and could always talk to anyone, anywhere. Lyle will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Helen Maxine Smith of Clinton

Helen Maxine Smith, 91 , passed away on Feb. 4, 2013. She was born Oct 2, 1921 in Kenney, IL. Married Fred Smith, June 28, 1938, he passed in 1977. Relocated to AZ in 1969. Survived by her daughter Jackie Albert, 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 34 great great grandchildren. Preceding her in death Parents Loomis & Edith Anderson, Sisters Dorothy Milke, Marie Chaudion, Neoma Gregory, Brother Donald Anderson, Son James Smith, Daughter Freda Martinez and 2 grandchildren . Retired from Ward’s. A bonus Grandma to many families whom adopted her. An active Member of The LDS Church. Her memorial will be held Feb. 13, 2013 10-11am @ her LDS Building, 47 E. Ashland, Phx, AZ. Internment will be @ Mountain View Cemetary, Prescott, AZ. 

Gerald W. Followell of Clinton

Gerald W. Followell, 50, Clinton, Laborers Local 703 worker, died Sunday (Feb. 3, 2013).

Graveside services: 2 p.m. Friday, DeWitt Cemetery, Dewitt. Visitation: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Memorials: Gerald W. Followell Memorial Fund.

Pamela Gayle Wisegarver of Farmer City

Pamela Gayle Wisegarver, 49, of Farmer City passed away at 2:05 p.m. Friday (Feb. 1, 2013) at her residence.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, with Angel Kemplin officiating. Burial will be in Goose Creek Township Cemetery, DeLand. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Pam Wisegarver Memorial Fund.

Pam was born June 20, 1963, in Bloomington, a daughter of Norman L. and Ruby K. Priest Emmerson. She married Randy R. Wisegarver on March 17, 1987, in Champaign.

She is survived by her husband, Randy R. Wisegarver, Farmer City; mother, Ruby Keller, Mansfield; three sons, Christopher (April) Manning, Mansfield; Randall Wisegarver, Farmer City; and Steven (Malana) Wisegarver, Lovington; seven grandchildren; and brothers and sisters, Terry (Teri) Emmerson, Farmer City; Penny Coit, Mansfield; Tony (Lisa) Emmerson, Farmer City; and Peggy Kemplin, Urbana.

She was preceded in death by her father and brother.

Pam worked for Thomas Monfort DVM for several years.

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