Linda Kay Schoon, 64, of Ashkum passed away Tuesday evening, August 6, 2013 at Presence St. Marys Hospital in Kankakee following a short illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2013 at the Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum. The Rev. Fr. James Holup will officiate. Friends may call on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton from 2-6 p.m. There will be a parish rosary at 2:15 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Sts. Mary and Joseph Cemetery in Chebanse. Memorials may be made to the Linda Kay Schoon Memorial Fund or for Masses. Please sign her on-line register book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Schoon was born on April 13, 1949 in Kankakee, the daughter of Euclid Z. and Eva M. Lussier Papineau, her parents are deceased. She married Russell L. “Butch” Schoon in Chebanse on June 28, 1969 and he survives.

Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Carri (David) Gray of Clifton; a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis (Jenn) Schoon of Bradley; five grandchildren, Meghan Gray, Hanna Gray, Fallon Gray, Trevor Farley and Treyson Schoon; four brothers and 3 sisters-in-law, Eugene (Liz) Papineau of Sun City, AZ, Bruno (Sue) Papineau of Kankakee, Harold (Darlene) Papineau of Ashkum and Ronnie Papineau of Chebanse; one sister, Theresa Timm of Canton, GA; and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Esther Howland of Clifton.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a daughter, Darci Lynn Schoon; three brothers, Oscar, Theodore and Ed Papineau and two sisters, Joann Mitchell and Rita Adams.

Mrs. Schoon was a licensed practical nurse and had been employed by the Merkle-Knipprath Catholic Home at Clifton for 30 yrs. and at retirement she was the Director of Social Services at Merkle- Knipprath. She was a graduate of the Nursing Program at KCC. She was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church at Ashkum and it’s Council of Catholic Women. She enjoyed gardening, being with her grandchildren and was a faithful participant in her church’s Adoration Program.

Mildred VanHoveln, 98, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Mildred was born March 9, 1915 in Crescent Twp., the daughter of Edward and Christina Duis Lehmann.  She married John E. VanHoveln on May 20, 1934 in Crescent Twp. and he preceded her in death on January 9, 1993.

She is survived by one daughter, Karen Burgett of St. Charles, MO; six sons and daughters-in-law, Dewaine (Joan) VanHoveln of Milford, Paul (Leslie) VanHoveln of Onarga, Dennis (Diane) VanHoveln of Milford, Timothy (Linda) VanHoveln of Jerseyville, Mark (Shari) VanHoveln of Pontiac and Jonathan (Sandy) VanHoveln of Watseka; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Hilda Lehmann of Milford and Maxine Lehmann of Milford; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; one sister; and one son, Thomas VanHoveln.

Mrs. VanHoveln was a member of St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer and its Charity Circle.  She enjoyed handwork, reading and church activities.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, August 16, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer.  Rev. Matt Steendahl will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer, Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth or donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ray Craighead, 56, of Milford passed away on Friday, August 16, 2013 at his home.

Ray was born July 1, 1957 in Watseka, the son of James B. and Shirley Sloan Craighead.  He married Carol Dawson on July 19, 1974 in Milford and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Tom Craighead and Jim Craighead both of Milford; one daughter, Carrie (Kyle) Brazel of Milford; an “adopted” daughter, Jessica Mann of Milford; one brother, Joe (Jerri) Craighead of Milford; one sister, Brenda (Dan) Schroeder of Milford; ten grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Mr. Craighead was the former owner of C&R Hobbies in Milford and was a Contractor Salesman for Alexander Lumber for 22 years.  He loved fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, building stock cars and doing carpentry work.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Memorials may be made to the Milford Ambulance Service & Fire Department, Iroquois Memorial Hospice or donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Heaven gained an angel on August 18th, 2013 late in the evening with the addition of Laverne Iris Lober Bell. As this beautiful soul slipped out of this world, she was surrounded by her family at home – just as she wanted.

Laverne was born on November 21,1926 in Cissna Park. She married Donald E. Bell on November 2, 1946 in Cissna Park. She joins her husband, Don, in heaven as well as her parents, Alpha and Anna Heiberger Lober and one brother, Merwin Lober.

She is survived by a multitude of family and friends, her siblings: June Kraft, Darrell (Glenna) Lober and Gene (Mary Jo) Lober; her four children: Sheryl Shields, Barry (Gloria) Bell, Karen (Dan) Rodgers and Jacqueline (Dan) Bauer; thirteen grandchildren: Jami (Jim) Rogers, Angie (JD) Jennings, C.J. Shields, Jennifer (Ben Tipsord) Boyle, Annie (Scott) Duewer, Adam (Jill) Shields, Jason (Barb) Shields, Camden Rodgers, James (Stephanie) Bell, Chris Rodgers, Elizabeth (Nate) Smith, Jesse Bauer and Taylor Bauer; twenty-five great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Laverne worked at the post office in Cissna Park and retired as post master in 1989 after many years of service. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as a president for a term and as an officer for many years. She knew everyone in Cissna and never knew a stranger. Her bubbly personality and loving nature made her a favorite wherever she went. She was known as “Grandma Bell” to many children and adults of Cissna Park. She was an avid eater and loved eating out with her sister, June. Laverne would order about 5 things off of the menu and then spend the next 2 hours eating, laughing, and conversing with whomever she was eating with and the surrounding tables of strangers. She was a magnet for fun. Laverne was also a passionate gardener and loved any and all types of perennials. She could plant a stick and a tree would sprout. She had the ability to put together wonderful pots and hanging baskets. Her porch was always an array of colors from her flowers. She did, however, have the unfortunate inability to remember how big her perennials would get. This is how she ended up with a 2 story tree and 3 full grown blue spruce trees in her garden beds. Her yard was lovingly called “The Forest.”

Laverne will always be remembered as someone who had a most loving heart. She believed in second chances and she believed in God. She loved her family and friends with everything she had, she will be missed beyond words can express.

Visitation arrangements are being held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park on Thursday, August 22 from 4pm to 8pm. The funeral arrangements are at Christian Bible Church in rural Cissna Park on Friday, August 23 at 11am, with visitation one hour prior to service. Rev. Silas Montgomery will officiate.  Graveside services are at Cissna Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park  or Cissna Park Athletic Boosters.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneral homes.com.

Marie Snyder, 94, of Watseka passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at her home.

Marie was born October 17, 1918 in Chicago, the daughter of Thomas R. and Katherine Pringle Nugent.  She married Ralph Snyder on November 15, 1941 in Chicago and he preceded her in death on September 9, 2000.

Surviving are four sons, Ralph (Katherine) Snyder III of Chadwick, IL, Tom (Penny) Snyder of St. Augustine, FL, Pat (Jeanne) Snyder of Watseka and Sean (Kelley) Snyder of Grand Tour, IL; one daughter, Kathy (James) Blunk of Watseka; and seven grandsons, Ralph IV, Michael, Nicholas & Shane Snyder, Adam & Patrick Dorsey and Dax Snyder.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Agnes Bucher.

Marie was born and raised in Chicago and attended Vogue School of Design.  After WWII, she and her husband, Ralph, moved to Watseka.  She was a housewife and mother and in 1970 joined Ralph in the jewelry store, which became Snyder’s Jewelry & Gifts, until retiring in 1983.  Marie was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka and Red Hatters.  She enjoyed bridge, golf, spending time with her family and traveling.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. funeral Mass on Friday, August 23, 2013 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Fr. Mike Powell will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or St. Edmund Catholic Church Roof Fund.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John E. McGuire, 84, of Watseka passed away at 1:57 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Piper City Living Center in Piper City.  He was born on September 3, 1928 in Piper City, a son of John and Genevieve Gain McGuire.  He married Marilyn Derr in Chatsworth on August 8, 1953 and she preceded him in death on May 5, 2004.

Survivors include one son, Steve (Lana) McGuire of Houston, TX; two daughters, Margo Lucido of Florissant, MO and Marla (Greg) Fuesting of St. Charles, MO; one brother, Francis “Butch” McGuire of Piper City; and one sister, Peg Bargemann of Piper City.  Also surviving are six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bob McGuire.

John was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka, Watseka American Legion, Watseka Elks Lodge, and Knights of Columbus.  He was a truck driver for many years and worked for D.E. Lynch Construction as a heavy equipment operator.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka.  Fr. Michael Powell will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka with graveside military rites to be conducted by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with a Vespers service at 6:45 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association, American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or Passages Hospice.

Please sign online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

Larry “Joe” Boyce, 64, of Claytonville passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Joe was born April 9, 1949 in Watseka, the son of William “Bill” and Carolyn Phillippo Boyce and they preceded him in death.

He is survived by one daughter, Angie (Ralph) Faber of Princeton; one brother, James “Jim” (Darlene) Boyce of Pueblo, CO; one sister, Marcia Gudeman of Citrus Valley, CA; and several local aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mr. Boyce served in the Army from 1970-1972 during the Vietnam Era and was a member of the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.  He was a truck driver for 45 years and liked working with cars and trucks.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.  Sid Kaufmann will officiate.  Burial will be in Amity Cemetery in Goodwine with military graveside rites by the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Roland P. Herreweyers, 50, of Sheldon passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at his home.

Cremation rites will be accorded with a memorial service to be held at a later date per the family’s request.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Darlene M. (Tambling) Haselow, 85, of Clifton passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at her home.

Darlene was born September 23, 1927 in Streator, the daughter of Claude and Marie Bowers Tambling.  She married Melvin H. Haselow on June 23, 1945 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2012.

She is survived by one daughter, Diane (Rick) Ducat of Chebanse; two grandsons, Paul (Amy) Ducat of Chebanse and Michael Ducat of Clifton; one granddaughter, Stacey Haselow of Rensselaer, IN; and three great-grandchildren, Ella Ducat, Eli Ducat and Emma Ducat.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Terry Haselow; and one grandchild, Hazel Ducat.

Mrs. Haselow was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse and Home Bureau of Herscher, where she was president and held many offices.  She enjoyed working with her husband, Melvin, on the farm around Clifton and Chebanse.  Darlene loved canning, freezing, cooking for her family, family birthday parties, taking family vacations to Lake Chetek every year, dancing with Melvin and doing the Polka.  She was a charter member of the No Fuss No Muss Club.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.  Rev. Kene Whybrew will officiate.  Burial will be in Kankakee Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Carol E. Swanson, 61, of Chebanse passed away on Friday, August 30, 2013 at her residence.

Carol was born February 26, 1952 in Kankakee, a daughter of Fred and Leola Green Weedon.  She married Mike Swanson on October 5, 1968 in Bonfield, IL and he survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Paul (Amanda) Swanson of Chebanse and Wayne (Laurie) Swanson of Minooka; one daughter, Heidi (Chris) Corripio of Largo, FL; three brothers, Jerry (Joyce) Weedon of Bonfield, Leslie (Carol) Weedon of Chebanse, and David (Neva) Weedon of Nashville, TN; one sister-in-law, Stephanie Weedon of Clifton; and eight grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Trevor, Casey, Carter, Grace, Camden, and Emma.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Brian and Wayne.

A private memorial service will be held at United Church in Chebanse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.

Arrangements were made by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

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

John “Jack” Brammer, 76, of Martinton passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka.

Jack was born November 23, 1936 in Chicago, the son of John Raymond and Virginia Mae Cady Brammer.  He married Vickie Deardurff on April 2, 1983 in Pontiac and she preceded him in death on July 25, 2009.

He is survived by three sons, Edward (Carrie) Brammer of Springbrook, WI, Donald (Pamela) Brammer of Sheldon and Mike (Lindsy) Brammer of Bloomington; one brother, Gary (Charlotte) Brammer of West Lafayette, IN; seven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; one son, Branden Brammer; and one daughter, Cynthia Brammer.

Jack farmed in the Donovan area for many years.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Joe Hughes will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaverville.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Thomas G. Blackledge, 54, of Milford passed away on Friday, August 30, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.  He was born February 9, 1959.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2013 at The Roberts Building at The Arc of Iroquois County in Watseka.  Burial of cremains will take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to The Arc of Iroquois County.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Roger D. Everhart, 65, of Sheldon passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at his home.

Roger was born July 19, 1948 in Scottsburg, IN, the son of Bernard and Treva Cowan Everhart. 

He is survived by two sons, James Everhart and Roger Everhart Jr. both of Sheldon; his ex-wife, Barbara Hurt of Sheldon; two brothers, Kenneth and Bernard; four sisters, Roberta, Cindy, Karen and Patsy; and five grandchildren, Aaron, Chris & Ethan and Tia & Tristan.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Vickie Baker.

Mr. Everhart served in the Army during Vietnam.  He enjoyed fishing, stock cars and wrestling.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, September 6, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon.  Burial will be in the Sheldon Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Sheldon American Legion, Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made for the family’s wishes.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Eleanor D. Wade, 92, of Clifton passed away on Thursday evening, September 5, 2013, at 9:20 p.m. at the home of her daughter in Clifton, following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Wade was born on September 14, 1920 in rural Chebanse, the daughter of Henry and Martha Wilhelm Kroll, her parents are deceased. She was married to Fred E. Wade at Davenport, IA on August 13, 1940. He preceded her in death on October 27, 1982.

Surviving Mrs. Wade are three daughters and sons-in-law and two sons and one daughter-in-law, Anna (Gene) Hess of Clifton, Mary (James) Kram of Weatherford, TX, Dorothy “Dodi” (Rev. William) Callister of Clifton, Edwin (Marianne) Wade of Bancroft, WI and William Wade of Madison, WI; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grand child.

In addition to her parents and her late husband, she was also preceded in death by six brothers, five sisters and one grandchild.

Mrs. Wade was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton, the Women of ELCA at her Church and was a former Sunday School Teacher and member of the Sewing Circle. She enjoyed sewing, baking, gardening and being with her family.

Services for Mrs. Wade will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton.  Her son-in-law, Rev. William Callister will officiate. Friends may call at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Friday, September 13th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday for one hour at the church prior to the services.  Burial will be at Mona Twp. Cemetery in Ford Co., IL.  Memorials may be made for the Zion Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, Prairieview Lutheran Home or Hospice of Kankakee Valley.

Please sign her online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Loretta J. (Christiansen) Lane, 84, of Springfield and formerly of Rankin passed away on April 20, 2013 at her home in Grapevine, TX. She was born on September 27, 1928 in Rankin.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rankin Union Cemetery.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Lori Dixon (Lane-Keith), her son-in-law, Art Dixon, and grandchildren, as well as many special family members and friends. Mrs. Lane lived in Springfield, IL until 1981 and then moved with her husband, Hubert G. Lane, and their daughter, to their dream location in Clearwater, FL. In 2010, she joined her daughter and son-in-law, in Grapevine, TX, to enjoy being close to family as she completed her life journey. She is preceded in death by her wonderful husband, and one daughter, Susan K. Lane Fones, as well as her parents, brother, and extended family. Loretta was an amazing woman of faith and had an undeniable sense of humor. Donations can be made in her memory to: Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, FL.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Jerry J. Jones, 80, of Haines City, FL, and formerly of Watseka, IL passed away on Friday, September 6, 2013 at his home in Haines City.

Jerry was born March 13, 1933 in Milford, the son of Joseph and Clara Irene Walton Jones.  He married Shirley Wilt on January 10, 1959 in Watseka and she survives.

He is also survived by one son, Christopher (Pat) Jones of Bourbonnais, IL; two daughters, Judy Burton of Haines City, FL and Sally (Craig) Schofield of Hahira, GA; one sister, JoAnn (Raymond) Williams of Bridgeview, IL; one brother, Tom (Sherry) Jones of Watseka, IL; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John Jones and Jim Jones; and two sisters, Betty Schroeder and Regina DeVillers.

Jerry was a member of Centennial Christian Church in Watseka, a retired sergeant for the Watseka Police Department after 23 years of service, and a retired veteran of the United States Navy after serving 27 years.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.  Joe Hughes will officiate.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford, IL.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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

Arthur “Art” Norder, 74, of Sheldon passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at his residence. 

Art was born September 21, 1938 in Watseka, the son of John H. and Nona D. Bear Norder.  He married Nancy A. Lucht on November 29, 1964 in Schwer and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Joy A. Norder of Watseka; one son, Jon A. (Amy) Norder of Watseka; two sisters, Kathy (Jim) Mazza of Arlington, TX and Anna D. Burton of Watseka; one sister-in-law, Janet (Darrell) Kiesel of Oglesby, IL; mother-in-law, Ann Lucht of Watseka; and two grandchildren, Katelyn and Adam Norder.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth R. Norder and Edwin R. Norder; one sister, Sadie M. Norder; and one brother and sister-in-law, Peggy and Duane Baillie. 

Mr. Norder was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka.  Art was a lifetime Iroquois County farmer.  He was an avid antique tractor collector, enjoyed playing practical jokes, and loved his family and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka.  Rev. Donald Love will officiate.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday. 

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka or to the donor’s choice.

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

Mrs. Linda Lee Sadler, 72, of rural Chebanse passed away Monday morning, September 9, 2013, at the Merkle-Knipprath Catholic Home at Clifton following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Sadler was born on January 16, 1941 in Kankakee, the daughter of George and Leah Willett Witt and they preceded her in death. She married Laverne Sadler in Chebanse on June 17, 1961 and he survives. Also surviving are three daughters and two sons-in-law and one son and daughter-in-law, LeeAnne (Jess) Brandt of Chebanse, Laurie Sadler Essington of Chebanse, Stacy (Mark) Constable of Oreana and Bill (Laura) Sadler of Chebanse; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister and brother-in-law, Kay (John) Hagler of Clifton.

Mrs. Sadler was the Librarian at the Clifton Grade School prior to its’ closing and had driven a bus for 28 years for Central CUSD #4. She was a lifelong member of the Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Chebanse and the Church’s CCW. She enjoyed her many hobbies, holidays and being with her grandchildren.

At her request, cremation rites have been accorded by the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. There will be a memorial visitation on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 from 4-6 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and a memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. Rev. Craig Crombar will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in Sts. Mary and Joseph Cemetery at Chebanse.

Please sign her online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

John E. Pelehowski Jr., 64, of Iroquois passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at his home.

John was born March 19, 1949 in Bradley, the son of John E. and Virginia Craig Pelehowski Sr.  He married Martha Rimmer on April 10, 1982 in Momence and she survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Sherry Dubey of Bourbonnais and one son, John E. Pelehowski III of Martinton.

There will be no visitation or funeral services.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Maxine Jeanette Kirsche Darr, 89, of Paxton passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Heartland Health Care Center in Paxton. 

Maxine was born June 16, 1924 in Paxton, the daughter of Alfred and Jessie Leander Kirsche.  She married Harold D. Darr on July 8, 1942 in Bowling Green, MO.  They were married sixty-eight years before his death on November 27, 2010.  She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Denny; her parents; one sister, Shirley Marie Kirsche; and one brother, John Robert Kirsche. 

Surviving are three daughters, DarLa Bean of 1215 Raptor Drive in Hanahan, SC, DeRinda Darr of Paxton, and ShaLyn (Ian) Pettman of Paxton; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren; and one great great grandson. 

Maxine graduated from Paxton High School and worked for a short period of time for Index.  She was very involved in her children’s activities, Girl Scouts, Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post #150, and was an active member of the Lutheran Church’s Ladies Aide.  She enjoyed baking, playing cards, camping, and attending sporting events of her children. 

Do not be sad!  This is a tribute and celebration of her life.  For it matters not what we own in this world but rather how we live and love.  There are those who are waiting on the other side for her coming, rejoice!  She was loved.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Glen Cemetery in Paxton.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements made by Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton.

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