Lorene M. Sirois, 93, of rural Martinton passed away Tuesday morning, July 2, 2013, at the Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home at Clifton following a short illness. Mrs. Sirois was born on September 8, 1919 near Kankakee, the daughter of George Mervin and Francis Kowalski Mervin, her parents are deceased. She was married in Kankakee County on October 28, 1938 to Roger M. Sirois and he preceded her in death on November 20, 1990.

Mrs. Sirois is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Joanne and Gerald McTaggart of Martinton and Judy and Chuck Reeves of Georgetown, Texas; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Sirois was also preceded in death by a sister, Lucille Blaha and one son, James Sirois.

Mrs. Sirois was a longtime member of St. Anne Catholic Church and former president of the St. Anne Sodality. She was a former election judge and enjoyed sewing and gardening flowers and vegetables.

Private burial will take place Friday, July 5, 2013 at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Aroma Twp. with arrangements by the Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton. There will no visitation and a Memorial Mass will be conducted at the St. Anne Catholic Church at a later date.

Please sign her guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Michael Scott Baugh, 48, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2013.

Michael was born August 19, 1964 in Logansport, IN, the son of Charles C. and Edna Louise Vincent Baugh. 

He is survived by three daughters, Heather Baugh and Cheyanne Baugh both of Frankfort, IN and Crystal Schwartz of Milford; three sons, Harley “Tony” Anglin of Logansport, IN, Charles Baugh of Frankfort, IN and George Elpers of Milford; one brother, Rob Baugh of Logansport, IN; three sisters, Cindi Pam of Pine Bluff, AR, Judy Latta of Peru, IN and Penny Dominguez of Albuquerque, NM; eight grandchildren; and his companion, Pam Elpers of Milford.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and two sisters.

Cremation rites will be accorded and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com

Gearldean E. Peters, 100, of Ashkum passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Gearldean was born September 3, 1912 in Gilman, the daughter of Henry and Trace Dirks Duits.  She married Raymond F. Peters on October 17, 1935 in Gilman and he preceded her in death on June 11, 1984.

She is survived by one daughter, Mardean (Eldridge “Lee”) Potts of Ashkum; five grandchildren, Kim (Bruce) Yates of Clifton, Tim (Tina) Potts of Ashkum, Tom Martin of Ashkum, Don Martin (Patty Doran) of Buckley and Barb (Tommy) Hanson of Ashkum; ten great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and one brother, Lloyd Ziehr of Paxton.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; two sisters; one son, Melvin Martin; and one daughter-in-law, Elfrieda Martin.

Mrs. Peters was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum, Altar Guild and Church Quilters.  She was also a member of Thrivent Lutheran and helped at Share Foods.  Gearldean enjoyed sewing, baking, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum.  Pastor Don Gillespie will officiate.  Burial will be in Ashkum Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton as well as one hour prior to the funeral services on Thursday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum or Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Shantz, 65, of Onarga passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Robert was born October 16, 1947 in Chicago, the son of Goodrich and Genevieve Dorothy Meyer Shantz.  He married Kathy Meyer on November 22, 1966 in Country Club Hills, IL and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Liz Ruel of Onarga; one son, Donnie (Jackie) Shantz of Watseka; one brother, Richard Shantz of Texas; and five grandchildren, Jodi, Alex, Haley, Zach, and Joe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Allen Shantz; and one grandson, Jeremy.

Mr. Shantz served during the Vietnam War from 1967-1969.  He enjoyed fishing and restoring cars.  Robert was also family-oriented.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga and no services will be held at this time.

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

Linda Keisler Keehn, 65, of Maple Hill, NC and formerly of Clifton passed away Monday, July 8, 2013 at her North Carolina residence following a lengthy illness, surrounded by her family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Clifton.  Rev. Fr. Doug Hauber will officiate.  Friends may call at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Burial will be in the St. Peters Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital.

Mrs. Keehn was born on October 6, 1947 in Kankakee, the daughter of Robert E. and Josephine Fiore Leggott, her parents are deceased. She married John Keehn at Maple Hill, NC on October 24, 2012 and he survives. Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Amy (Doug) Dean of Lincoln, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gunnery Sgt. Christopher (Jennifer Anne) Keisler of the Marine Corps Depot at Camp Pendleton, CA and Brent (Holly Spencer) Keisler of Maple Hill, NC; five grandchildren, Meghan, Ryan, Karrah, and Adam Dean and Mea Keisler; a brother and sister-in-law, David (Kathy) Leggott of Bonfield; two step-daughters, Jane Anne (Brad) Gerdes of Saunemin and Jeannie Rae (Jason) Keehn of Kankakee; three step-grandchildren; two nieces; one nephew; and three special cousins, Rose Mary Alberts, Stephanie Sorensen and James DiGregorio.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Hunter.

Mrs. Keehn was a graduate of Central High School, office manager and rental agent for 18 years for Alexander Construction Rental and a member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Clifton. She enjoyed antique shopping, fishing, gardening, NASCAR Racing and being with her grandchildren.

Please sign her guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ruth Casper, 83, of Cissna Park passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at the Gilman Nursing Home.

Ruth was born August 29, 1929 in Topeka, KS, the daughter of John and Gertrude Tammen Arends. She married Alexander Anthony “Tony” Casper on September 9, 1947 in Wichita Falls, TX and he preceded her in death on February 21, 2006.

She is survived by two daughters, Connie Shepherd of Paxton and Judy Casper of Gilman; three sons, Jim Casper of Cissna Park, Tim (Pam) Casper of Marion, AR and Tom Casper of Demotte, IN; one sister, Velva Reence of Tonkawa, OK; fifteen grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lucille Tingley, Margaret Lutes and Josephine Arends; and one grandson.

Mrs. Casper was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park and Onarga Music Club. She was active with the Country Theatre Workshop since its inception. Ruth wrote for the Cissna Park, Watseka, Kankakee, Danville and Champaign newspapers as a reporter for many years and was a bus driver for the Cissna Park Schools for over 35 years. She enjoyed weaving rugs, playing music, taking pictures, gardening and animals. Ruth loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. Rev. Tim Hahn will officiate. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park, Alzheimers Association, National Autism Association or Wounded Warriors.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Arthur M. Newman, 80, of Milford passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Arthur was born October 18, 1932 in Milford, the son of Waldon and Doris Geddes Newman.  He married Delores E. Balanoff on August 31, 1950 in Greenup, KY and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Kathy (Scott) LaFond of Delphi, IN; two sons, Doug (Diane) Newman of Milford and Rodney (Jo) Newman of Sheldon; eight grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard; and two sisters, Bernice Wolfe and Dorothy McCray.

Mr. Newman served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Arthur was a lifelong Milford farmer.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with graveside military rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

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

Delrey V. “DeeDee” Elberts, 83, of Chebanse passed away Sunday evening, July 14, 2013, at Edward Hines V.A. Long Term Care Facility in Maywood, following a lengthy illness. Cremation rites will be accorded for Mr. Elberts by the Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton following private services. Inurnment will take place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for the family’s wishes. Please sign his online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Elberts was born on February 14, 1930 in Chebanse, the son of Louis and Laura Hansen Elberts, his parents are deceased. He married the former Vernis Ailene Larsen in Kankakee on June 20, 1953 and she survives.

Also surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Louann (Tippie) Holmes of Kankakee and Christine (Randy) Jensen of Florida; one step-daughter, Susan Stewart of Florida; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two-step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mildred “Mick” Elbert of Chebanse; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Elberts was retired from Kankakee Roper – stove division following 28 years of employment. He was a member of the VFW and enjoyed fishing, car trips and doing puzzles.

James W. “Jim” Wade, 77, of Clifton passed away Monday evening, July 15, 2013, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Funeral services for Mr. Wade will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton.  Rev. William Callister will officiate.  Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Friday at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and again at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Ashkum Cemetery. Memorials may be to made to the Zion Lutheran Church of Clifton or Prairieview Lutheran Home at Danforth.

Mr. Wade was born in rural Kempton on September 22, 1935, the son of Evan H. and Frances Kroll Wade, his parents are deceased. Mr. Wade married the former Dorothy Wilken at Clifton on September 29, 1956 and she survives.

Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Jackie (Larry) Johnson of Levelland, TX; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Kip (Laura) Wade of Danforth, Chet (Brenda) Wade of Gilman and Jay Wade of Nashville, TN; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and god children.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother and sister-in-law, Milton “Dick” and Barbara Wade.

He was a life long farmer and member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Clifton. Mr. Wade was a member of the National Corn Growers Association and was a former National Corn Growing Champion and had also won the State Title numerous times. He had also operated his own trucking business for 10 years.

Please sign his online guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Marion Jordan’s life on earth ended on July 12, 2013 in Englewood, Colorado.  Her only child, Judith J. Stephenson, was at her side.  Marion was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1916 to Oliver and Daisy (Hetherington) Olson, and she grew up in Watseka, Illinois. 

After graduating from Watseka High School, she attended Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri.  Following graduation she worked in many fields such as Education, Medicine, and Real Estate Development.  Marion married Wayne Jordan in 1938.  He preceded her in death.  The family moved to Denver in 1957.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Watseka, Illinois, and was active in P.E.O., Wellshire Presbyterian Woman, Society of Military Widows, Red Hats, and many others.  Marion’s priorities in life were faith, family and friends.  She loved Denver and Aurora and was quietly active volunteering and/or donating to charities and churches.  She will be remembered for generously serving the community and her clubs, and for supporting worthwhile medical, military, environmental, animal, and religious groups. 

A memorial service will be held at Blossoms, 2888 So. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora, Colorado on Friday, July 26, 2013, at 11:00.  Refreshments will follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aurora Police K-9 Unit.  Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka, Illinois.

Local arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

L. Mason Burd, 89, of Watseka and formerly of Armstrong  passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Mason was born November 10, 1923 in Armstrong, the son of Lester M. and Edna F. Wernigk Burd.  He married Josephine Campbell on February 26, 1949 in Seattle, WA and she preceded him in death on February 10, 2001.

He is survived by one daughter, Mary (Richard) Taylor of Sidell; two sons, Richard Burd of Palatine and Bob (Julie) Burd of Watseka; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Taylor, Ben (Mandy) Taylor, Brent Burd, Justin Burd, Brandon Burd, Brittany Burd and Blake Burd; his first great-grandchild is due in January 2014; two nieces, Sue Elston-Rogner and Jane Booth; and several cousins.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Julia Elston; and one son, Sherman Burd.

Mr. Burd attended Armstrong High School and the University of Illinois.  He served in the Army, farmed in the Armstong area his entire life on the family’s Centennial Farm and represented Funk’s G Hybrid Seed Corn for over 30 years.  Mason served as 4-H leader and tractor school teacher.  He served as board member and chairman for the Vermilion County Farm Bureau, was a member of the Masonic Lodge, 32nd Degree Mason in the Valley of Danville, served in Eastern Star and was a member of the Potomac Masonic Lodge.  Mason was active in church, having belonged to the Armstrong Methodist Church, the Sidell United Methodist Church and the Ely Methodist Church.  He served as Methodist District Lay Speaker leader and filled the pulpit in many area churches as a lay speaker.  He was an accomplished bowler and served faithfully on a men’s bowling team.  With his wife, Josephine, he chaperoned travel groups to Alsaka and points beyond.  He enjoyed raising orchids in his greenhouse, did intricate counted cross stitch work and loved fishing and spending summers near Ely, Minnesota at his summer home.  Music was an important part of Mason’s life, singing in choirs and as a soloist in  church and community events.

Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until the 3:30 p.m. funeral service on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at the Sidell United Methodist Church, 202 S. Chicago St., Sidell, IL  61876.  Rev. Charles Graul and Rev. Don Shane will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sidell United Methodist Church or Ely United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Patrick Novak, 60, of Watseka passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Patrick was born August 7, 1952 in Chicago, the son of Frank and Lorraine Frisch Novak.  He married Debra Novak in Chicago and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by two daughters, Kathtrina Novak (fiance, Gary Huttenhoff)and Kristy Novak of Watseka; two sons, Patrick J. Novak and Phillip Novak of Watseka; the mother of his children, Gloria A. Novak of Watseka; eleven grandchildren, Gloria S. Novak, Gregory Novak, Anthony Beaver, Brian LaGace, Jackie Novak, Devon Novak, Darrien Pocius, Alyssa LaGace, Elijah Novak, Hannah Novak and Kayla Novak all of Watseka; three great-grandchildren, Joel Tiffany, Zoey Novak and Liam Tiffany all of Watseka; and several brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 1:00 p.m. memorial service on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Joe Hughes will officiate.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Lorraine Louise Rogers, 88, of Danforth passed away Monday, July 22, 2013 at her residence in Danforth following a short illness. Funeral services for Mrs. Rogers will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Deacon Ron Gagnon will officiate. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. services. Burial will be in the L’Erable Catholic Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to the donors’ choice.

Mrs. Rogers was born in Bradley on November 6, 1924, the daughter of Oliver and Viola Kadow Lamie, her parents preceded her in death. She married Thomas William Rogers in Kankakee on July 21, 1943 and he passed away on April 8, 2013.

She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law and two sons and daughters-in-law, Teresa (Ben) Harville of Danforth, Suzanne (Howard) Smith of Mesa, AZ, David (Lois) Rogers of Bourbonnais and John (Rose) Rogers of Gilman; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters and one brother, Jeannine Preston and Judy Preston, both of Kankakee and Edwin Preston of Bradley.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death by one son, Dennis Rogers; one daughter, Carole Boudreau; and one brother.

Mrs. Rogers was of the Catholic Faith. She enjoyed crocheting, collecting knick-knacks, country music and making photograph albums. She was a longtime employee of Kroehler Manufacturing and was retired from Kroehler as a finisher.

Please sign her on-line guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Lynn C. Sather, 68, of Champaign, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Lynn was born September 12, 1944 in Everett, Washington, the son of Sim Clifford and Fern Smith Sather.  They preceded him in death.

He is survived by one sister, Donna (Robert) Flesher of Watseka; one brother, Terry (Mary Ann) Sather of Martinton; and four nieces, Kristin (Brad) Scholtens of Grand Rapids, MI., Beth (Greg) Holcomb of Springfield, IL., Meagan Sather of Martinton, and Abby Sather of Martinton.

Mr. Sather served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He received the Vietnam Service Medal as well as the American Defense Medal.  He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  Lynn was a former member of Boy Scouts of America, as well as worked as a bellboy at Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, IL.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  Rev. Joel Brown will officiate.  Visitation will be from 11:00 until the 1:00 p.m. service at the church.

Burial will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Crescent City.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com

Gerald D. “Jerry” Langellier, 58, of Stockland passed away on Monday, July 29, 2013 at his home.

Jerry was born June 17, 1955 in Stockland, the son of Raymond and Wilma Hicks Langellier.  He married Rose Jones on June 16, 1988 in Pine Village, IN and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Andrea Langellier of Watseka; one son, Jason Langellier of Watseka; one step-son, Brad (Jamie) Denham of Chesterfield, SC; one step-daughter, Jessica (Cory) Birch of Milford; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four brothers, Delmar Langellier of Hoopeston, Ray (Nancy) Langellier of Wellington, Gordon (Nancy) Langellier of Watseka and Ronnie (Fran) Langellier of Stockland; and five sisters, Gloria (Ray) Henthorn of Danville, Sue Langellier of Watseka, Betty Carmin of Texas, Barbara (Steve) Blackwell of Hoopeston and Donna (Jim) Caspers of Rankin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Louis Langellier, Morris Langellier and Lloyd Langellier.

Jerry was a lifelong farmer in the Stockland area and helped Mowrey Auction for 10 years by driving the Auction Truck.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and talking to friends at the various restaurants.  Jerry was always good for a laugh.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and 1 hour prior to the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to the Milford FFA, Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Funeral services for George H. Mikeworth, 81, of Ashkum will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. The Rev. Sandy Onken will officiate. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday also at the funeral home. Burial, with Military Honors by Central VFW Post 2131, will be in the Ashkum Cemetery. Mr. Mikeworth passed away Monday, July 29, 2013 at Faith Place in Danforth following a lengthy illness. Memorials may be made to Faith Place.

Mr. Mikeworth was born on December 30, 1931 in Melvin, the son of Frank Orville and Mamie Lenore Mickens Mikeworth and his parents are deceased. He married the former Ruth M. Harms on November 6, 1955 in Kankakee and she preceded him in death on February 16, 1972.

Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law and one son and daughter-in-law, Marcia (Rodney) Papineau of Clifton, Michelle (Dean) Redenius of Ashkum and Michael (Ellen) Mikeworth of Ashkum.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Lucas (Amy) Papineau, Lacey (Beau) Johnson, Elissa Mikeworth, Tara (Mitch Cambridge) Mikeworth, Dylan Mikeworth, Julie (Joe) Kolosky, Kelly (Jessie) Barnhill, Heidi (Brice Breymeyer) Redenius, and Jeff (Kimmy Lange) Redenius; eight great grandchildren, Benjamin, Savannah, Jase, Bailey, Charlie, Kohlton, Klayton and Alyssa; one brother, Lloyd Mikeworth of Onarga; and one sister, Virginia DeFries of Evansville, IN.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was also preceded in death by a son, Mark; 5 brothers, Wesley, Raymond, Elvin, Roger and Dennis; and 2 sisters, Bethel and Mary.

Mr. Mikeworth was a member of the Ashkum United Methodist Church. He was a former Ashkum Village trustee and was mayor of Ashkum from 1977-1985. For many years he had been involved with the Ashkum Athletic Association, The Red Cross and was a member and former president of Danforth Sportsman Club. He was a longtime deputy with Iroquois County and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a former longtime Cub and Boy Scout Leader and was former coordinator of the Ashkum ESDA Unit. Mr. Mikeworth was a veteran of the Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of Central VFW Post 2131. He had worked for UPS, Masterpiece Mirror, Occidental Chemical, F-S, Rabideau Grain and had retired from Tri-Central Co-Op where he was in Fertilizer Sales.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Marguerite M. (Ferrero) Potter Fidler 82, of Franklin, IN and formerly of Watseka passed away on Monday, July 29th in Franklin. She was a resident of the Franklin United Methodist Community in Franklin and former longtime resident of Watseka, Illinois. She was born on January 18, 1931 in Chicago to Peter and Katherine (Panozzo) Ferrero. She married Donald E. Potter on July 20, 1950. He preceded her in passing. She later married Robert J. Fidler from Cherokee, Iowa on April 28, 1990. He also preceded her in passing.

Marguerite is survived by two sons, James D. Potter of Bloomington, Illinois and Craig H. Potter of Franklin, Indiana; one daughter, Laurie Potter Christie of Danville, Indiana; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are three brothers, Jack Ferrero of Crescent City, Illinois; Peter Ferrero, III of Astoria, Oregon and Gary Ferrero of Naples, Florida and one sister, Fayrene Runck of St. Joseph, Illinois and a host of dear friends. She was preceded in passing by her youngest daughter, Susan Elena Potter Wagner in 1993.

Marguerite was a graduate of Watseka Community High School and studied Journalism at the University of Illinois. She was a member of the St. Andrew Anglican Catholic Church in Franklin, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service on Friday, August 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. Wes Osborn will officiate.  Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the American Alzheimers Association @ alz.org.

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

Anthony A. Allegretti, 68, of Gilroy, CA and formerly of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at his residence in Gilroy.

Anthony was born January 26, 1945 in Geneva, IL, the son of Anthony A. and Treasure L. Grains Allegretti.  He married Donna K. Ryan on June 10, 1966 in Macomb, IL and she preceded him in death on August 16, 2011.

He is survived by two sons, Brant (Cheryl) Allegretti of Keller, TX and Brett Allegretti of Gilroy, CA; two daughters, Aimee Allegretti of Chicago and Amanda Allegretti of Nashville, TN; two grandchildren, McKenzie and Gabe Allegretti of Keller, TX; one brother, Andrew Allegretti of Chicago; and one sister, Louise (Ara) Pashinian of Northfield, IL.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Anthony A. Allegretti, known to his colleagues and friends as Tony, started his newspaper career at 7 years old as a carrier at his parents’ paper in Watseka, Illinois.  The journey since then has been accomplished and illustrious.

Allegretti is a futuristic thinker and terrific newspaperman.  He has also proved to be a dedicated leader through his five years as an officer of the California Newspaper Publisher Association, culminating as President of the Association from 2008-2010.  On his watch, he started the innovative statewide banner ad program, and recruited sponsors widely to assure the success of the 2010 CNPA Summit.

With almost 40 years in the community newspaper business, he has served in the senior executive positions with the Park Communications, Ingersoll Publications and MediaNews Group.

Knowing that his forte and goal was to own his own operation, he achieved that objective in 1989 when he became president and Chief Executive Officer of Independent Media Group (IMG) which grew from four dailies with $11 million in revenue to 44 dailies generating $47 million annually in the upper midwest.  IMG was sold to Lee Enterprises and Liberty Publishing Group in 2000.

Allegretti then headed to the West Coast to join Pacific-Sierra Publishing as president and CEO.  After McClatchy acquired much of Pacific-Sierra in the central valley of California, Allegretti formed MainStreet Media Group, which now publishes 20 separate titles in both northern and southern parts of the state.

His optimistic and opportunistic approach to the business has renewed his faith in the future of newspapers but also in rapidly moving to embrace the digital age.  Allegretti has a strong commitment to excellence in producing quality local publications and websites.  He understands the vital role and responsibilities of local journalism, achieving this by giving his unstinting support to his publishers and their staff.

In addition, he most recently was the Owner and CEO of Amador Home Town Media and recognized by his hometown and fellow classmates as the 2008 WCHS Academic Inspiration Award winner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will be in Iroquois Memorial Park Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Watseka Warrior Athletic Booster Club.

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

Wayne Jacoby, 81, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Watseka Rehab and Health Care in Watseka.

Wayne was born March 21, 1932 in Indianapolis, IN, the son of Boyton and Vera Baird Jacoby.  He married Jerry Jack on October 5, 1952 in Crawfordsville, IN and she survives.

Other survivors include three sons, Jeff (Micaela) Jacoby of Huntington Beach, CA, Jack (Lisa) Jacoby of Thornton, CO, and Jim Jacoby of Cotulla, TX; one daughter, Julie (Terry) Brooks of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Walter Jacoby; and one son, Jack Alan Jacoby.

Mr. Jacoby was a member of Watseka Masonic Lodge, Mohammed Shriners, and Iroquois Valley Shrine Club.

A private visitation will be held at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Graveside services will be on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. CST (2:00 p.m. EST) at Oak Hill Grant Cemetery in Crawfordsville, IN.  Richard Shirar will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Watseka Public Library.

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

James “Jim” Jones, 78, of Watseka passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Jim was born April 21, 1935 in Milford, the son of Joseph and Clara Irene Walton Jones.  He married Evelyn T. Maxfield on May 11, 1953 in Watseka.

He is survived by one daughter, Beth (Murray) Schaumburg of Watseka; one son, Steven (Jeanie) Jones of Watseka; seven grandchildren, Kyle (Tina) Schaumburg of Watseka, Angela (Drew) Parsons of Watseka, Amber (Todd) VanHoveln of El Paso, Abby (Ryan) Swartz of Watseka, Amanda Kinsel of Milwaukee, WI, James Jonathon Jones of Kenosha, WI and Jacob Allen Jones of Niles, IL; two step-grandchildren, Brian (Deanna) Barnard of Watseka and Curtis Taden of Watseka; ten great-grandchildren, Sawyer VanHoveln, Wyatt VanHoveln, Easton VanHoveln, Rylie Parsons, Kinzie Parsons, Tate Parsons, Ava Swartz, Owen Swartz, Payton Schaumburg and Ashley Hall; two brothers, Tom (Sherry) Jones of Watseka and Jerry (Shirley) Jones of Haines City, FL; one sister, Joann (Raymond) Williams of Bridgeview; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Jones; two sisters, Betty Schroeder and Regina Jones; and one step-grandson, Brandon Taden.

Jim moved to Watseka in 1952 and worked for Joe Hines at The Sanitary Dairy that later became Bordens Dairy which he owned and operated until 1985.  He also owned and operated J.J.’s Bowling & Lounge, Eva-lons Roller Pallace and Jones Homes & Developement when he built over 300 homes and also owned many buildings in Watseka.   He was a member of the Watseka Elks Lodge and carried a membership card for the ARC of Iroquois County.  Jim was a Watseka volunteer fireman for over 20 years, having battled the Crescent City fire in 1970.  He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Watseka Chamber, was active in local demo derbys and was an avid NASCAR fan, particularly of Jimmy Johnson.  He enjoyed operating his backhoe, playing cards and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Rev. Donald Love will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also 1 hour prior to the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.