Adam J. Schlesinger, 35, of Weldon passed away at 6:45 p.m. Friday (May 31, 2013) at  his family residence in Weldon.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Clinton. Clergymen J. Kent Hickerson and the Rev. Stephen Killion will officiate. Interment will be in Weldon Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.

Memorials may be made toward a fund for his children, Destiny and Aiden Schlesinger.

He was born May 6, 1978, in Mendota, son of Donald Schlesinger and Suzan Baker. He married Sara Alwood on July 28, 2001, in Clinton.

Survivors include beloved friend, Sheila Russell; his parents, Donald and Suzan Schlesinger, Clinton; daughter, Destiny Kay Schlesinger; son, Aiden Jay Schlesinger; sister, Amanda (Dan) Reynolds, Naperville; nephew, Noah Reynolds; and Devin Hauser, Elk Grove, who was like a sister. Also surviving are aunts and uncles, Jim (Jan) Harrold, Sue (Duane) Yost, Bill Schlesinger, Jack (Lori) Schlesinger and Ed (Lisa) Schlesinger; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lee and Charlene Baker; and paternal grandparents, Babe and Kay Schlesinger.

He graduated from Clinton High School in 1996 and graduated from Universal Technical Institute in 1997.

He was employed by Maxwell Counter Tops in Farmer City and farmed the family farm full time this year.

He was a loving son, brother and a great dad. Online condolences may be made atwww.calvertmemorial.com.

Alice Caroline Comstock, 79, of Lincoln died at 5:30 p.m. Friday (May 31, 2013) at Symphony of Lincoln after an extended illness.

Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Lincoln, with the Rev. Robert Henderson officiating.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln.

Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Lincoln.

Survivors: Her husband, David Comstock; one son, Michael (Pam) Dempsey, Decatur; one daughter, Tami (Gary) Bray, Kenney; one stepson, Matthew (Tara) Comstock, Lincoln; one stepdaughter, Sarah (Rick) Puls, New Holland; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and one sister, Nora Emmons, Lincoln.

Kimberly Sue Bell, 53, of Heyworth passed away at 3:20 a.m. Wednesday (May 29, 2013) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth. A private family service will be held at a later date, with the Rev. Kurt Flora and the Rev. Mel Gresham officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the following organizations, Community Cancer Center, 407 E. Vernon Ave., Normal, IL 61761; Heyworth Fire Department, 103 S. Buchanan St., Heyworth, IL 61745; Heyworth Ambulance Service, 704 S. Vine St., Heyworth, IL 61745; or Heyworth Christian Church, 308 N. Vine St., Heyworth, IL 61745.

Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

She was born May 10, 1960, in Lincoln, daughter of Billie Dee and Leta Imogene Gresham Marlett. She later married Rick Bell on Oct. 7, 1978, in Heyworth, at Heyworth Christian Church. He survives.

Also surviving are her three children, Heath (Sarah) Bell, Heyworth; Austin (Ryan Hinz) Bell, Chicago; and Brandon (Julie) Bell, Heyworth; grandchildren, Austin, Ashley, Tyler and Mason, all of Heyworth; mother, Leta Marlett, Heyworth; sister, Jody (Craig) Oyer, Downs; and brothers, Dee Jay (Susan) Marlett, Heyworth; Bryan (Tina) Marlett, Heyworth; and Michael (Annetta) Marlett, Danvers. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Russ (Karen) Bell, Heyworth; mother-in-law, Martha Bell, Bloomington; eight nephews; two nieces; three great-nieces; and one great-nephew. Kimberly was preceded in death by her father, Billie Marlett.

Kimberly was a 1978 graduate of Heyworth High School. She was also a member of Heyworth Christian Church.

Kim loved her family dearly and her grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved watching the extracurricular activities and sports her children and grandchildren were involved in. She loved and appreciated her job at Conrad Sheet Metal Co. which she had for more than 23 years, and the “family” environment that enabled her to attend her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Kim loved Table Rock Lake, Mo., and the peace and tranquility of the lake and being on the water.

Please view and leave online condolences at www.calvertmemorial.com.

Billy N. Chambers, 89, Kissimmee, Fla., formerly of Lincoln, World War II Army Air Forces veteran and retired corrections officer, died Friday (May 29, 2013).

Services: 7 p.m. Thursday, Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln. Visitation: 4 p.m. until services. Burial: Friday, Arcola Township Cemetery. Memorials: Florida Christian College, 1011 Bill Beck Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34741 or Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

Shirley Jean Schriber, 71, Clinton, passed from this earth at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday (May 28, 2013)  while at home surrounded by her family.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Long Point Cemetery, Wapella. Brother Richard Owens will officiate. There will be a private family visitation. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Second Chance Pet Adoption.

Shirley was born in a little house on East Woodlawn Street in Clinton on Nov. 24, 1941, to John W. Day and Leona F. Mearida. She married Michael D. Schriber on Aug. 24, 1959, in Monticello. He survives.

Also surviving are her mother, Leona Fern Day, Clinton; children, Carolyn (Roy) Trout, Mike Schriber Jr. and Ashley Spriggs, all of Clinton; two great-grandchildren, Abbygail and Vance; and brother, Donald Day, Clinton.

She was preceded in death by her youngest child, Christy; her father, John; and sister, Carolyn Woodard.

Shirley spent most of her life as a homemaker, caring for her husband, children and whatever dog they happened to have at the time.

She enjoyed painting, collecting and yard saling. Online condolences may be made atwww.calvertmemorial.com.

Thomas Allen Murray, 67, of Cerro Gordo, IL, passed away at Decatur Memorial Hospital on Monday evening, May 27, 2013, following a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Tom was born on August 12, 1945, in Seattle, WA, to Jesse M. and M. Irene (Walters) Murray. His parents and grandparents preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother David (Susie) Murray of Peoria, IL; his life partner Nancy Gorrell of Cerro Gordo, IL; his aunt Sylvia (Walters) Urang of Wooster, OH; and his cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

His family would like to express their sincere thanks to Nancy Gorrell and her extended family, to Dr. Geraldine Wirth and the Gold Star team at the Decatur VA Clinic, and to the staff and doctors at Decatur Memorial Hospital for their care and support over the years and in the final days of his life. Finally, words cannot express the gratitude we have for Tom’s many friends in the Cerro Gordo and Decatur area who encouraged him every day, as he struggled with COPD the last few years.

Tom graduated from Cerro Gordo High School in 1963. He was employed at General Cable Co. in Monticello, IL following high school, and then worked for Norfolk & Western Railroad, where he rose to the position of yardmaster in the Decatur, IL facility. Tom later worked at Firestone, Crown Cork & Seal, The Chimney Doctor, Cookson Cable as a contract TV cable installer and, prior to his retirement in 2008, as a truck driver for Braden & Son Trucking Co. in Maroa, IL.

Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969, and was stationed near Frankfurt, Germany for the majority of his time in service. He was also a long-time member of the American Legion, Post #117, in Cerro Gordo, IL.

Along with his brother, David, and David and Dick Reed, he co-sponsored an annual American Legion scholarship honoring their mothers Irene Murray and Flossie Reed, both former teachers in the Cerro Gordo school system. The Reed-Murray Scholarship, established in 1999, awards an annual scholarship to a graduating senior at Cerro Gordo High School who is pursuing a college education.

Tom had a life-long love of animals and nature, and was known for raising several litters of raccoon babies. He even kept them as pets in and outside his home, to the delight of his nieces and nephews when they came to visit. He also loved to care for the squirrels in the trees near his yard, hand-feeding Oreo cookies to the bravest of them. During the 1990’s, Tom and his dog “Baby” were frequently seen in and around Decatur, with “Baby” sitting on the gas tank of Tom’s beloved Harley Davidson while they cruised the streets together.

Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, Tom was known for fast cars and a penchant for living life on the edge. Those who knew him back then would say he embodied the spirits of James Dean, Elvis Presley and “The Fonz”, all rolled into one. But as he aged and mellowed over the years, he will be remembered as a loving big brother, a loyal and trusted friend and a real man’s man. He will be greatly missed.

Cremation rites have been accorded. In compliance with Tom’s wishes, there will be no local visitation or services. In essence, his family and friends held a “living memorial service” for Tom, as they loyally visited him at his home in Cerro Gordo and during his final days in the Decatur Memorial Hospital. Each visit was a walk down memory lane and an opportunity to create just one more memory with Tom. His ashes will be buried next to the graves of his parents and grandparents at the Drake Cemetery, located adjacent to the Missionary Baptist Church in Fairbanks, IN, where private family services will be held.

Memorials may be made to Homeward Bound Pet Shelter or the Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made to the family at the Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home’s web site, at www.brintlingerandearl.com.

Mary Olson Ahlrich passed away Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 4:55 p.m. in the Piatt County Nursing Home surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Born April 19, 1923, Mary was the daughter of Clark and Nelda Lamb Olson. Mary attended Peasant Falls County School where her mother, Nelda, taught. Mary graduated from Deland Township High School in 1941 and attended Illinois State Normal University (now I.S.U.) and graduated with a degree in Home Economics Education in 1945.. She taught Home Economics at the Nixon Township High School in Weldon, IL. Mary did not teach for several years, choosing to raise her 2 children, Bonnie and J.C. Later she taught Physical Education in the Deland-Weldon Grade School accumulating 20 years in the teaching profession.

Mary was known as an outstanding seamstress. She made most of her own clothes and those for her family. She also used her sewing skills to help other people by donating projects to local charities. Mary continued her interest in sewing up to the very end. She was a charter member of the American Sewing Guild in Champaign.

She and her husband, Ray, enjoyed traveling after Ray’s retirement. They enjoyed social dancing with many friends throughout the years.

Mary is survived by her husband Ray, daughter Bonnie (Mike) Wachter, Mt. Pulaski, John (Donna) Ahlrich, Lilburn, GA, cousins, Joanna Warner, Bement and Les Warner, La Grande, OR. Mary loved her family of 5 grandchildren, Joseph (Jill) Wachter, Glen View, IL, Katherine Wachter, St. Louis, MO, Sally Ahlrich, Dan Ahlrich, and Megan Ahlrich, Lilburn, GA and one great-grandchild, Elizabeth Grace Wachter, Glen View, IL. As only-daughters, she and Joanne were like the sister.

Visitation will be at the Wright-Mackey Funeral Home, Monticello, May 29 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be May 30 at the Monticello United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. Memorials can be made to the Kirby Hospital, the Piatt County Nursing Home or the Monticello United Methodist Church.

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

Kenneth E. Meyer, 91, Lincoln, farmer, died Saturday (May 25, 2013).

No services or visitation. Body will be cremated. Arrangements by: Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln. Memorials: American Heart Association or Logan County Paramedics Association.

Sylvia Blanche Walden Vessiny, 88, passed away May 24, 2013, at her home in Oceanside, Calif.

She was born Sept. 24, 1924, at her grandparents’ home, 603 N. Main St., Farmer City, one of two daughters of Ralph and Ruth Walden, former residents of Farmer City, and was raised on a nearby farm along with her sister, Marguerite.

Growing up she spent time on the farm, in LeRoy and in Farmer City, living with and assisting her grandparents, Sylvia and Newton Black. Many of her fond memories revolved around Rucker Chapel where she attended services and social events. It was there that she was baptized at age 13 and, in her words, “the Lord became real to me and has been ever since.” She remained a supporter of Rucker Chapel until her death. She attended Britton Public School, Moore Township High School, and then Bloomington Secretarial School. She then worked for State Farm Insurance Cos. at the Bloomington home office.

After World War II, she married Robert R. “Bob” Vessiny and moved to New York City where she had two children, Rob and Jim. In 1957, the family moved to Altadena, Calif., near Los Angeles, where Bob started a new career in the field of racing chemistry. She remained in the same house as a mother and homemaker until 2007. In 2006, Bob passed away and one year later Sylvia moved to Oceanside, Calif., to be near her oldest son, Rob. Sylvia was all about family and keeping family history alive. Throughout her life, she stayed in touch with many extended family members in the Bloomington-LeRoy-Farmer City area.

She was brought back to Farmer City to her final resting place in Maple Grove Cemetery next to her mother and father.

She is survived by her two sons, Rob and Jim Vessiny; Jim’s wife, Sue, and daughter, Emma; nephews, Bob and Delmar Roberts; and nieces Betty, Donna, and Nancy Roberts.

East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, was in charge of arrangements.

Rose E. Baylor, 90, Wapella, IL, passed away at 6:24 PM Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Dr. John Warner Hospital, Clinton. Services are pending at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL.

Gail Lemmer-Parson, 53, Lincoln, elementary school teacher’s aide, died Wednesday (May 22, 2013).

Services: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln. Visitation: one hour before services. Body will be cremated. Memorials: Humane Society of Logan County.

Gail Lemmer-Parson, 53, of Lincoln died at 4:30 p.m. on May 22, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, IL.Services for Gail will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln with Dawn Victor, Chaplain, officiating. Visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 pm Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Humane Society of Logan County.

Mary Thelma Dawson Kludas, 83, of Monticello passed away at 1:58 p.m., May 21, 2013 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.

Mary was born on December 16, 1929 in Hawkinsville, GA, the daughter of Thomas Sheldon and Mary Lou (Mays) Dawson. She met the love of her life, James Ralph Kludas in Atlanta, GA and they married on March 22, 1953 in Hawkinsville, GA. He passed away December 23, 2000.

Survivors include her daughters; Sandra Kludas and Bev Kludas both of Bloomington, IL and Marilyn (Bruce) Aboff of Alexandria, VA., and 2 grandchildren; Jimmy and Sam Aboff. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Mary lived in Cherokee and West Des Moines, IA and Decatur, IL before settling in Monticello, IL in 1969. Mary worked as a secretary for the Monticello United Methodist Church, a realtor for Pioneer Realty, and was owner/broker of Dependable Realty before retiring in 1999. Mary was an active member of the Monticello United Methodist Church, Prairie Ladies Investors, the Woman’s Club, and the Piatt County Home Extension.

Mary will be remembered for being a loving wife and mother. She was kind, generous, and always gave her best no matter what she tackled. She was respected both personally and professionally.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Monticello United Methodist Church with Rev. Greg Courtright officiating. Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cherokee, IA at a later date. Mackey-Wright Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Monticello United Methodist Church or the Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902.

Joyce A. Wissmiller, 74, Heyworth, passed away at 5:45 p.m. Sunday (May 19, 2013) at her home in Heyworth.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth. The Rev. Kurt Flora will officiate. Burial will be in Blooming Grove Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the church.

Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be may be made to Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth.

Mrs. Wissmiller was born July 14, 1938, in Bloomington, daughter of George and Mary Smith Pistole.

She married Lyle Fulk and later married Steve Wissmiller on Nov. 29, 1985, in Heyworth. He survives in Heyworth.

Also surviving are three sons, Greg (Beth) Fulk, Bloomington; Doug Fulk, Heyworth; and Jeff (Jeanette) Wissmiller, Heyworth; two daughters, Angie Hawkey and Amy (Jerry) Wickenhauser, both of Heyworth; eight grandchildren, Ashley Fulk, Josh Carl, Tiffany Fulk, Daniel Fulk, Kylie Hawkey, Adam Wickenhauser, Megan Wickenhauser and Lindsey Hawkey; two great-grandchildren, Reagan and Easton Samples; and one brother, Richard (Dotti) Pistole, Secor.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Danny; and one grandson, Justin Fulk.

Joyce retired from Country Financial in 2000 and was a member of Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth. She loved her family and was very active in her church.

Billy R. Dalton, 79, Somerset, Ky., formerly of DeLand, died Sunday (May 19, 2013).

Graveside services: 2 p.m. (3 p.m. EST) Thursday, Fairview Cemetery, Nancy, Ky. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Trigg & Calvert Funeral Home, DeLand. Memorials: Billy Dalton Memorial Fund.

Sona L Nichols, 83, Cerro Gordo, died Friday (May 17, 2013).

Memorial services: 10 a.m. Saturday, Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Cerro Gordo. Burial: Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorials: donor’s choice. Send condolences:www.brintlingerandearl.com.

James J. Fairbanks, 87 of Tuscon, AZ., formerly of Bement, IL., passed away on May 17, 2013 in Tuscon. He was born to James and Ella Fairbanks on August 20, 1925 in Bement. He graduated from Bement High School in 1943, playing football and clarinet; then earned a B.S. Degree from James Millikin University in Decatur, IL. in 1949. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. Jim served in World War II with the Army Air Force as a member of a B-29 aircrew.

His first position was as field engineer for Borg Warner Corporation, becoming a member of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He later was promoted to sales manager in Toledo, OH., finally taking early retirement and moving to Tuscon in 1978. He then worked as a salesman and broker with Long Realty, Cottonwood Properties, Estes Corporation and A.F Sterling Corporation.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty; as sister, Sarah (Sally) Moore of Monticello, sons, David, Joel (Teresa), Jeffrey; and daughter Julie; and grandchildren Claire and Andrew Fairbanks; Candace, Stefan and Danielle Looft. A celebration of Jim’s life was held for family and friends at the family home.

Roux — Hinds Funeral Home, Bement, IL. has been entrusted by his family to serve and honor Jim’s life.

Jeanne E. Oyer, 73, of Heyworth passed away with loved ones around her at 10:46 a.m. Friday (May 17, 2013) at home.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mennonite Church of Normal, with the Rev. Tim Schrag officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.

Memorials may be made to OSF St. Joseph Hospice and St Jude’s Cancer research.

Mildred M. Johnson, 89, of Lincoln died at 8:55 p.m. May 15, 2013 at St. John's Hospital, Springfield, IL.

Services for Mildred will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Zion Lutheran Church of Lincoln. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln. Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church of Lincoln or St. John's Hospice.

Natalie Wall Larson, 93 of Salt Lake City Utah, formerly of Bement, IL., passed away at 4:31 A.M. on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the Sunrise at Holladay Assisted Living Facility, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at the Bement United Methodist Church, 249 N. Piatt St., Bement, IL. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services on Monday at the church. The Rev. E. Paul Unger and Pastor Marsha Frederick will officiate. Burial will be in the Bement Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Bement United Methodist Church. Natalie was born on June 20, 1919 in Arthur, IL. a daughter of Reed and Lora Ballard Hoff. She married Gus C. Wall on July 21, 1945 in Bement, IL. and he passed away on September 5, 1975. She later married Henry B. Larson on February 14, 1979 in Bement, IL., and he passed away on October 22, 2010. Surviving children include; Gus (Sandy) Wall, Jr. of Gridley, IL., Dr. Jon (Jan) T. Wall and Julia (Jack) White, both of Salt Lake City, Utah. She is also survived by 9 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and 2 great-grandsons, a sister; Rhea Romine of Springfield, IL., and a brother; Phillip Hoff of Sherman, IL. Natalie is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, 1 son; David Wall and a brother; Horace Hoff and a sister; Rosemary Moseley. Natalie was a member of the Bement United Methodist Church, Voorhies Home Extension and the Methodist Women’s Society. Roux – Hinds Funeral Home, Bement, IL. has been entrusted by her family to serve and honor Natalie’s life.

Imogene Louise Kemplin, 85, Mansfield, died at 6:02 a.m. Tuesday (May 14, 2013) at Farmer City Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Service: 1 p.m. Saturday at Mansfield United Methodist Church. Caleb Douglass will officiate.

Burial: Mansfield Cemetery. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Mansfield, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday also at the church.

Area survivor: nephew, Ted (Sallie) White, Farmer City.

Teresia J. Rankin, 56, of Lincoln passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 7:58 p.m. at her home.

No services are scheduled. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Terry Todd Sommer, 49, White Heath, passed away at 8:05 a.m. Saturday (May 11, 2013) in Peoria.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy, with the Rev. Dalene Keubler presiding. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Todd was born Sept. 2, 1963, in Gibson City, the son of Terry and Vickie Sievers Sommer. Todd attended schools in Danville and Urbana, and graduated from Urbana High School in 1981. During his early years, while living in Gibson City, Todd and his sister Tiffany spent endless enjoyable hours with their grandparents, Henry “Hank” and Anna Sievers.

In June 1978, two families were blended as Todd’s mom Vickie married Loyd Wax, and Todd and Tiffany gained two brothers, Jeffrey and Douglas Wax.

In 1985, Todd married Rita Harrington in Tempe Ariz., and from this union, a daughter, Jessica, and two sons, Casey Wade and Kyle Matthew, were born.

In 2000, Todd married Lisa Dooley and from this union was born a son, Jacob H.M. Sommer. Todd and his family lived in Champaign for a time, but spent most the last decade in the Weldon area, near Clinton Lake. 

Todd was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jessica, as well as his grandparents and a nephew.

Survivors include Todd’s sons, Casey, and wife, Mackenzie, and their daughter, Ava; Kyle, and fiancee, Kendra, and their sons, Talan and Bentley; and son, Jacob. He is also survived by siblings, Tiffany (Thomas) Loew, Jeffery Wax and Douglas (Marlo) Wax. Also surviving are his mother and stepfather, Vickie and Loyd Wax, White Heath; father and stepmother, Terry and Marcy Sommer, Sarasota, Fla.; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

Todd held several jobs during his career and being a “jack of all trades”; he was very good at everything he tried. First, he was a successful pipefitter in Arizona, then an equally successful and talented carpenter in Illinois, and later became an insurance claims adjuster with EBERL, working closely with State Farm. Recently, he was recognized with a 10-year certificate at the EBERL annual meeting in Dallas, Texas. Todd’s work ethic, attention to detail and concern for others made him a great fit for this job.

Todd was meticulous and a hard worker who took great pride in the care of his home and grounds. He was an avid outdoorsman who excelled in every sport and hobby he engaged in, including mountain climbing, cycling, target shooting, golfing, boating, water sports and, most recently, fishing. Todd was great at showing others the latest fishing techniques with a patience not often seen. His family and friends were always on the ready when Todd would call to say “come on over, they are hitting near the bridge!”

Todd was a classic gentleman and a caring person who gave so much to family and friends. He cared greatly for people and animals and went out of his way to help those who needed assistance. He made a difference in the lives of people from all walks of life. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Todd Sommer Memorial Fund, in care of First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 1010, Champaign, IL 61824.

Condolences may be mailed in care of Vickie Wax, 13 River Valley Ranch, White Heath, IL 61884

Leland E. Schooley, 85, of Heyworth passed away at 8:09 a.m. Friday (May 10, 2013) at the Bickford House, Bloomington.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth. The Rev. Kurt Flora will officiate. Interment will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Sandy Branch Cemetery, Kinmundy. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth, and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth.

Mary L. Ridgeway, 81, Cerro Gordo, died Thursday (May 9, 2013).

Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. Burial: Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or give a children’s book to Hope Welty Library, Cerro Gordo.

Joana Leopoldina Davison of Lincoln, passed away May 07, 2013 at her residence.

Cremation rites have been accorded and private family services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Logan County in memory of Joana.

Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home has been entrusted with services.

Avis A. Taylor, 71, of Warrensburg, IL passed away at 2:17 p.m. on Sunday (May 5, 2013) at Vonderlieth Living Center.

A graveside service to celebrate Avis’ life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday (May 13, 2013) at Illini Cemetery, Warrensburg, IL. Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Florence Ruby Agnew, 96, of Lincoln, died Friday, May 3, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. at the Christian Nursing Home.

Graveside Services for Florence will be 10 A.M. Wednesday May 8, 2013 at New Union Cemetery with Ryan Edgecombe officiating. Memorials may be made to Oasis Senior Center. Arrangements entrusted to Fricke Calvert Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln.

Martha J. Pence, 84, of Clinton, IL passed away at 2:40 AM, May 3, 2013 at Dr. John Warner Hospital in Clinton, IL. Arrangements are pending at Calvert Funeral in Clinton.

William L. Allison, 74, Lincoln, died at 6:55 a.m. Wednesday (May 1, 2013) at St. Clara’s Manor, Lincoln.

Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, with the Rev. Roger David officiating.

Burial: New Union Cemetery, Lincoln, with full military rites accorded by Lincoln American Legion Post 263.

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

Memorials: Acute Care, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital or St. Clara’s Manor.

Survivors: his wife, Georgia Dahmm Allison, Lincoln; children, Christopher Allison, Atlanta; William L. (Cathy) Allison, Virginia Beach, Va.; Michael (Diane) Allison, Lewis (Kelli) Allison and Fay Allison, all of Lincoln; one sister, Linda Hutchison-Hartwig, Lincoln; and three grandchildren.

Harold E. Begolka Sr., 80, Lincoln, died at 6:39 p.m. Wednesday (May 1, 2013) at St. John’s Hospice, Springfield.

Service: 10 a.m. Monday at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, with the Rev. Jan Johnson officiating.

Burial: New Union Cemetery, Lincoln.

Visitation: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Survivors: two sons, Harold E. (Shirley) Begolka Jr., Springfield, and Larry Alan Begolka, Des Moines, Iowa; one daughter, Laura Lee Begolka, Springfield; one brother, Robert Lee (Sharon) Begolka, and one sister, Mary Ann Aper, both of Lincoln; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Guy E. "Gene" Jackson, 66, of Lincoln passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 5:50 p.m

Cremation Rites have been accorded.

Burial will be at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Riverton, Illinois.

Peasley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Safe Haven Hospice.

Eunice Lena (Doss) Franklin, 96, of Maroa, formerly of Lovington, passed away 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Heartland Health Care Center, Decatur. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2013 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Visitation will be held one hour before the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and or the American Heart Association.