Karen A. “Susie” Winterroth, 81, of Clifton passed away at her residence in Clifton on Friday, May 31, 2013 after a long and brave battle with cancer. 

Susie was born May 19, 1932 in rural Chebanse, the daughter of Clarence W. and Esther M. Larsen Winterroth and they preceded her in death in addition to her brother, James Winterroth.

Ms. Winterroth had worked as a professional driver, driving a school bus for Central Community Unit Schools for 26 and a half years and then she worked for Illinois Bell Telephone as a mail carrier for 13 years.  Susie had many special interests.  She was very interested in railroads and railroading.  She also enjoyed rock and gem collecting and traveling.  She belonged to many organizations including, NMRA, KMRC, ICHS, SPHS, UPHA, CN Lines SIG, NARCOA and the National Railway Museum.

Survivors include John and Sally Emmert of Bloomington, IL, Rod and Sue Wolfe and Family of Chebanse, Polly and David Demers and Family and a few close friends. 

At her request, cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and her ashes will be distributed along the Durango and Silverton Railroad in Durango, CO.  There will be no services. 

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Susie was loved dearly by her family and friends who appreciated her joy for life, her honesty and her willingness to do anything for them.  Remember her fondly, every time you hear a passing train whistle.

Luetta Johnson, 89, of Crescent City passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at the Gilman Health Care Center.

Luetta was born June 16, 1923 in Woodworth, the daughter of Edward and Anna Brutlag Sorensen.  She married John G. Johnson on June 10, 1950 in Crescent City and he preceded her in death on September 30, 1977.

She is survived by three daughters, Sandra (John) Hoy of Onarga, Betty (Stephen) Hoffman of Milford and Jackie (Steve) Chandler of Cissna Park; one son, Kent Johnson of Crescent City; eight grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Clarence Sorensen; two sisters, Leona Teske and Alvira Henrichs; an infant son, Michael Johnson; and one great-grandson.

Mrs. Johnson was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  She worked in Sennett’s Market in Crescent City for 18 years, was a caregiver later in life and was a great baker.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  Rev. Joel Brown will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ida Mae Lambert, 81, of Watseka and formerly of Milford passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center.

Ida Mae was born March 12, 1932 in Middleport Twp., the daughter of Clarence and Elna Wilson Probasco.  She married Richard Lambert on December 18, 1984 in Danville and he preceded her in death on July 29, 2008.

She is survived by one son, Richard B. Hogle of Seoul, Korea; two sisters, Mary Frances Grimes of Somerset, SD and Helen Pearson of Ft. Worth, TX; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Margaret Bowen; and one son, Glenn Alan Weidert.

Mrs. Lambert was a member of the Milford Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed cooking, baking and puzzles.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  A graveside service and burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland. 

Memorials may be made to the Milford Church of the Nazarene.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jacob Dalton Justice, 14, of rural Chebanse passed away Thursday evening at the Childrens Hospital at the University of Chicago Medical Center in Chicago, as a result of injuries received in an accident which occurred earlier in the day Thursday. Jacob was a student in the Central Unit #4 and had just graduated from the eighth grade at Nash Middle School.

Jacob was born on August 18, 1998 in Kankakee, the son of Ricki E. Justice II and Amy Lynn Alvey. Jacob is survived by his mother, Amy L Justice of Kankakee and his father and step-mother, Ricki and Heidi Justice of Chebanse. Also surviving are his paternal grandparents, Vicki Cobb of Georgia and Leslie Longtin of Kankakee, step-grandparents, Dawn and Russell Haigh of Chebanse, step-great-grandparents, Larry and Judy Hanson of Clifton, his maternal great-grandmother, Ruth Shaffer of Kankakee, and his paternal great-grandfather, Ray Lamb of Aroma Park. Jacob also has two half brothers, William and Carter Justice at home and two half sisters Catherine Justice at home and Courtney Vangilder of Kankakee. Jacob was preceded in death by his maternal-grandmother, Denise Whitaker and paternal great-grandmothers, Ina Mae Lamb and Rose Walters.

Jacob belonged to Campus Life and he enjoyed wrestling, bike riding, cars of all kinds and the out of doors.

Funeral services for Jacob will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. The Maj. Beth Stillwell of the Salvation Army will officiate. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m., Tuesday until the time of services at the funeral home in Clifton. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Chebanse.

A memorial fund has been started for the family at the Homestar Bank in Kankakee and memorials in Jacob’s name may be forwarded there.

Please sign his guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Central Community Unit #4 will have councelors available Tuesday for students from noon until 2:00 p.m. at Central High School at Clifton.

Martin L. O’Donnell, 76, of Watseka and formerly of Martinton passed away on Monday, June 10, 2013 at Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center.

Martin was born December 18, 1936 in Kankakee, the son of Martin and Beulah Nally O’Donnell and they preceded him in death.

Surviving are one sister, Mary Ellen (Shawn) Hook of Norman, OK and three nephews, Patrick (Meghan) Hook of Coppell, TX, Colin Hook of Norman, OK and Ryan (Shiloe) Hook of Oakland, CA.

Mr. O’Donnell was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church in Martinton.  He graduated from Martinton Grade School and Donovan High School and retired after working as an engineer at Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee for the State of Illinois.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, June 14, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Martinton.

Memorials may be made to St. Martin Catholic Church in Martinton.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Helen Marie Arseneau, 79, of Milford passed on to heaven on June 7, 2013 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston.

Helen was born January 18, 1934 in Altamont, IL, the daughter of George and Mary Moor Munson.  Helen lived in the Milford area most of her life.  Surviving are four children, Connie Sorensen, Tony Stebbins, Tracy (Sherri) Stebbins, and Carol (Ed) Highfill; one sister, Betty (Marion) Keith of Watseka; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Burt Munson.

Helen was a member of the Milford Christian Church as well as the American Legion Auxiliary.  She enjoyed music, dancing, and crocheting.

Private graveside services were held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford. 

Memorials may be made to Milford Christian Church or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Arrangements were made by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Colleen M. Jensen, 71, of Iroquois passed away on Monday, June 10, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Colleen was born September 8, 1941 in Pittwood, the daughter of Elsworth and Maude Marie Mays Miller.  She married Rolf Jensen on August 15, 1980 in Momence and he survives.

Other survivors include one son, Arthur (Susan) Jensen of Sheldon; one daughter, Joy (Kevin) Devine of Hebron, IN; two brothers, Fay (Susan) Miller of Taveries, FL and Douglas (Angie) Miller of Killeen, TX; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; one sister; one son; and two daughters.

Mrs. Jensen worked at Baker & Taylor in Momence and then at Value City in Ottawa.  She was also a former Kankakee County Auxiliary Police Officer.  She enjoyed painting lawn ornaments.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.  Pastor Steve Matthews will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Gerald E. Kassman, 69, of rural Chebanse, died Monday, June 10, 2013, at Presence St. Marys Hospital in Kankakee as a result of injuries received in an auto accident. The Knapp Funeral Home will accord cremation rites for him.  A memorial visitation will be on Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Private family services will precede the visitation with Rev. William Callister officiating. Following the memorial visitation, a Celebration of Life Service will be held for those who wish to attend at the Kassman residence in rural Chebanse. Memorials in Jerry’s name should be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or The Arbor Day Foundation. Please sign his guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jerry was born October 1, 1943 in Kankakee, the son of Edward T. and Dorothy L. Lane Kassman, his parents are deceased. He married the former Janet M. Cunningham on July 11, 1964 in Kankakee and she survives in Chebanse. Also surviving is a sister, Shirley Sommer of Alfred, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jerry was also preceded in death by two sisters, June and Jean and a brother, Leroy.

Jerry was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton. He had worked in auto reclamation for many years and was last employed by Kankakee Nursery Co. as a driver. Jerry was a veteran of the US Army and had served in Germany during his active duty. He enjoyed raising chickens, tinkering with anything mechanical and along with his wife, was a partner in Jan’s Catering. He had a real zest for life, enjoyed a good party and was a consummate story teller. Jerry was a selfless person who would help anyone in need. “He was an ordinary man, who was extraordinary.”

Phyllis Ann Franklin, 79, of Donovan passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton.

Phyllis was born September 23, 1933 in Rockford, the daughter of Roy Frank and Helene Perrot Bellars.  She married Roger W. Franklin on September 18, 1951 in Roscoe and he preceded her in death on November 5, 2003.

Surviving are three daughters, Cynthia Erwin of Woodland, Penny Loucks of Donovan and Betty Swartz of Sheldon; two sons, Roger E. (Debora) Franklin and Charles E. Franklin all of Sheldon; one sister, Margo Walker of Watseka; one brother, Howard Bellars of Rockford; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; one sister; and one grandchild.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Lyman Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Clyde E. “Duke” Wilson Jr., 90, of West Salem, WI passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, WI.

Duke was born September 15, 1922 in Guthrie, the son of Clyde E. and Vera Hunt Wilson Sr.  He married Marjorie Ann Burr on June 5, 1948 in Chicago and she preceded him in death on November 5, 1998.

He is survived by one daughter, Jane (Jay) Bowers of Onalaska, WI.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Jill Wilson.

Mr. Wilson served in the Army Air Corp.

Private graveside services will be held at the Melvin Cemetery.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Elsie M. Shoufler, 85, of Milford passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston.

Elsie was born March 30, 1928 in London, England, the daughter of Charles and Margaret Cole Sayers. She married Arthur Leon Shoufler on October 27, 1951 in London, England and he preceded her in death on May 27, 2006.

She is survived by one son, William (Peggy) Shoufler of Milford; two grandsons, Clay (Jaclyn) Shoufler of Williamsville, IL and Adam (Karen) Shoufler of Watseka; five great-granddaughters, Lexee, Hallee, Ainslee, Isabelle, and Kolbee Shoufler; two great-grandsons, Blake and Gavin Shoufler; one brother, Peter (Marie) Sayers of London, England; four sisters, Margaret (Brian) Diffy, Joan (Jim) Pullen, Pam (Joe) Rankin, and Rosemary Sayers, all of London, England; one brother-in-law, David Hanss of Milton Keynes, England; one sister-in-law, Patricia Stanley of Okeechobee, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, James Sayers; and one sister, Dorothy Hanss.

Mrs. Shoufler was a member of Milford Christian Church as well as Royal Neighbors. Elsie became a U.S. Citizen in 1959. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, reading, and her grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Monday, June 17, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford. Rev. Gary Milton will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

Vernon R. Haskins Sr., 71, of Onarga passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Vernon was born June 2, 1942 in Watseka, the son of Ira and Myrtle Hubler Haskins.  He married Linda Davis on December 1, 1961 in Carvington, MS and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Jerry (Paula) Haskins of Oakwood and Vernon Haskins Jr. of Pontiac; one daughter, Tina Haskins of Odell, IL; one brother, Lloyd Haskins of Defuniak Springs, FL; one sister-in-law, Patricia Haskins of Sibley; eight grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.  Vernon was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Haskins served in the U.S. Navy.  He enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Lyman Twp. Cemetery in Roberts.

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Elmer Lee Schumacher, 61, of Onarga passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Gibson Community Hospital in Gibson City.

Elmer was born on July 26, 1951 in Paxton, the son of Elmer H. and Dora Seggebruch Schumacher.  He married Carrie Peterson on October 3, 1970 in Gilman.

Surviving is one son, Darrin (Cali) Schumacher of Onarga; two daughters, Kelly (Kent) Ficklin of Onarga and Tracy (Jeff) Hanson of Sheridan, IL; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Schumacher was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove.  He was a farmer in the Onarga area for many years.  Elmer enjoyed hunting, fishing, his dogs, and being outdoors.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove.  Rev. Kevin Wendorf will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Ash Grove.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove, Gibson Community Hospital, or Onarga Firemen.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Delbert “Del” E. Heimberger, 79, of Chebanse passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno.

Del was born August 25, 1933 in Chebanse, the son of L. Herschel and Verneal Schultz Heimberger.  He married Holly Lavasseur in Kankakee and she preceded him in death in 1998.  He later married Rose Dunki and she also preceded him in death.

He is survived by three sons, Lonnie (Dianne) Heimberger of Chebanse, Hans (Alice) Heimberger of Limestone, and Alan (Sabrina) Heimberger of Clifton; one daughter, Peggi Knigge of Colorado Springs, CO; three sisters, Dorothy (Lavern) Seibring of Martinton, Marcella (Tom) Woods of Manteno, and Eileen (Gene) Pope of Chebanse.  Also surviving are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Barb Johnson; and one brother, Bill Heimberger.

Mr. Heimberger served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He owned and operated his own lumber and pallet company, D.E. Heimberger and Sons and later retired from Roper Appliances Division in 1996.  He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Kankakee.  Del enjoyed antiques and country dancing.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Private graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse.

Memorials may be made to Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Pat Brennan, 96, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Pat was born March 18, 1917 in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of Luke Joseph and Loretta Ryan Hayes.  She married James Brennan on January 14, 1939 in Chicago and he preceded her in death on July 22, 1975.

She is survived by one daughter-in-law, Mellanie Brennan of Wilmette; seven grandchildren, Patricia Brennan of New York, NY, Kathleen Brennan of Chicago, Michael (Stephanie) Brennan of Chicago, Laura (Tom) Kellen of Alton, IA, Jacquelyn (Eric) Reel of Seattle, WA, Mary Patricia Krones of Palatine and Richard (Samantha) Krones of Edmonds, WA; six great-grandchildren, Megan, James and Meredith Kellen of Alton, IA and Gabriella, Jackson and Benjamin Krones of Edmonds, WA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Alice Hayes and Laurette Thompson; two sons, James J. Brennan and Donald A. Brennan; and one daughter, Judine “Judy” Krones.

Mrs. Brennan was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka and C.C.W.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:15 p.m. at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Rev. Fr. Mike Powell will officiate.  A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2013 at Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Faith Place in Danforth.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Josephine Helen Pruitt, 90, of Milford passed away on June 23, 2013 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston.

Jody, the daughter of Joseph and Helen Meyer Callahan, was born September 24, 1922 on Callahan Road north of Milford. She married Franklin Adsit Pruitt on August 22, 1948 in Milford. He preceded her in death on January 8, 1990.  She is survived by two sons, Thomas (wife Elizabeth) of Unadilla, NE and Richard of Brookings, SD; daughter Cathy (husband Larry Bevirt) of Collinsville, IL; granddaughters, Jennifer, Emilee, Hannah and Sherry; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Josephine, Gage and Landry; sister Waneta (husband Myron Erdman) of Chenoa, IL; and brother, Gene Callahan (wife Ann) of Springfield, IL. Her brother Francis Callahan and his wife Elaine of Milford preceded her in death.

Jody attended New Athens country school, graduated from Milford Township High School and received her teaching degree from Illinois State College at Normal. She taught school in Potomac, Stockland and Watseka, IL. Frank, Jody and their three children lived and farmed south of Milford.

Jody was quick to volunteer as a room mother, den mother, Red Cross fund raiser, election judge and was president of the Milford Women’s Club.

Jody was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Milford, where she taught Sunday School for 20 years and was a long time member of the Dorcas Society and LWML. She was a devoted member of the Comforters that make and distribute quilts to people in the community, Hospice and World Relief.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 26, 2013 from 4 to 8 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home, Milford. Funeral services will be held 10:30 am, Thursday, June 27 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Milford. Rev. Karl Gibbs will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church Building Fund or to the Milford Crossroads Youth Center.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michael G. Cordes, 43, of Clifton passed away Tuesday evening June 25, 2013 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Mr. Cordes was born September 8, 1969 in Clifton, the son of Glenn and Cheryl Wendel Cordes. He married the former Christina L. Whitaker on December 13, 1996 in Kankakee and she survives.

Other survivors include two daughters and three sons, Haylie Cordes of Utah, Alyssa Cordes at home and Cody, Dalton and Brayden Cordes all at home; one grandson, Gabriel Cordes of Utah; his father, Glenn Cordes of California; a brother, Joey Cordes of Clifton; and four half brothers, Dusty Cordes of California, Ben Cordes of Arizona, Roy Klein of Maryland and Austin Cordes of California. Mr. Cordes’ mother is deceased.

Mr. Cordes was a graduate of Central Community High School. He owned and operated his own steel fabrication business in Clifton. He enjoyed building things, golfing, boating and spending time with his family. He was a team sponsor for the Clifton Little League.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2013 at the Clifton Baptist Church, the Rev. Morris Baker will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Monday evening at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation by Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for the family’s wishes.

Please sign his guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Catherine L. Compton, 72, of Sheldon passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Catherine was born October 27, 1940 in Concord Twp., the daughter of William E. and Dorothy Mae Hedger Dulin. She married James L. Oden Jr. on Sept. 2, 1960. She later married Charles D. Compton on April 8, 1971 in Kankakee and he preceded her in death on October 23, 1996.

She is survived by one daughter, Lori (Jon) Miller of Sheldon; two step-daughters, Anna (Junior) Lucas of Delphi, IN and Eva (Rick) Flachsenbuger of Demotte, IN; five step-sons, Bruce Compton of New York, Chuck (Claudette) Compton of Onarga, George (Debbie) Compton of Chicago Heights, Michael (Betty) Compton of Shelby, IN and Ted Compton of Hammond, IN; one sister, Patricia Swan of Rensselaer, IN; four grandchildren; twelve step-grandchildren; and several step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; and three sons.

Mrs. Compton was affiliated with the Iroquois Methodist Church and was committee chairman for the Sheldon Boy Scouts.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon with Rev. Debora White officiating.. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Iroquois.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

William F. “Wild Bill” Rasmussen, 96, of Bourbonnais and formerly of Ashkum passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Presence Our Lady of Victory in Bourbonnais following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Wednesday July 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., Mr. Donald Gillespie will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Burial with military honors by the Ashkum American Legion will be in the Clifton Cemetery. Memorials are for the Family’s Wishes. Please sign his guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Rasmussen was born on January 25, 1917 in Ashkum, the son of William J. and Carrie Peterson Rasmussen, his parents are deceased. He married the former Emma Chaput in Ashkum on April 6, 1957 and she preceded him in death on October 12, 1990.

Surviving Mr. Rasmussen are four nephews and five nieces, Jerry (Gayle Lamie) Rasmussen of Chebanse, Gary (Paulette) Rasmussen of Fountain, CO, Brian (Kim) Rasmussen of St. Anne, Russell Rasmussen of Chebanse, Diana Torres of Kankakee, Joyce Rasmussen of Kankakee, Janet (Joe) Scroggins of Kankakee, Connie (Don Naese) Rasmussen of Kankakee and Gloria (Joe Simmons) Rasmussen of Kankakee. There are numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and one step-sister.

Mr. Rasmussen was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum, the Ashkum American Legion and Central VFW Post 2131. He was a veteran of service with the US Army during WW II. He enjoyed playing bingo and the out of doors. He was a retired trucker and was a long time member of the Ashkum Twp. Fire Dept.