Tom C. Sparks, 57, of Milford and formerly of Ohio passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Tom was born November 28, 1955 in Xenia, OH, the son of Elmer and Cloteen McCarty Sparks.  He married Charlotte Dawson on July 17, 1977 in Milford and she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Chad (Chrissy) Sparks of Milford and Chris (Jessica) Sparks of Houston, TX; two grandchildren, Janae and Ashton Sparks; one sister, Elaine (Jack) Youngs of Cable, OH; and one brother, Larry Sparks of Okeechobee, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bud and Ronald Sparks.

Mr. Sparks was a sheet metal operator at Colmac Coil in Paxton and enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with his family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 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 Friday, November 29, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Memorials may be made to Illinois DNR.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Carol K. Widholm, 48, of Clifton passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at her residence.

Carol was born on January 2, 1965 in Springfield, IL, a daughter of Henry “Hank” and Lynn Wolford Kidder. She married Todd A. Widholm on August 20, 1988 in Bloomington, IL and he survives.

Including her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Casey Widholm at home; one sister, Susan Kidder of St. Louis, MO; mother and father-in-law, Anne and Dale Widholm of Clifton; grandmother-in-law, Adele Drew of Clifton; one brother-in-law, Jeff Widholm of Indianapolis, IN; one sister and brother-in-law, Paula and Juan Zarate of Chicago; one niece, Carly Zarate; and two nephews, Tyler Widholm and Alex Zarate.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 1 brother, Mark Kidder; and 1 son, Mitchell Widholm.

Carol was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church and a member and past president of Lioness Club of Clifton. She enjoyed High School sports, traveling, and was very active in the community.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 2, 2013 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Clifton. Fr. Vern Arseneau will officiate. Burial will be in the Clifton Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-7 pm on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice.

Please sign online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Lawrence Pfingsten, 97, of Crescent City passed away on Monday, December 2, 2013 at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka.

Lawrence was born March 25, 1916 in Crescent Twp., the son of Gustav and Sophia Meyer Pfingsten.  He married Mildred C. Kruse on December 4, 1943 in Herscher and she preceded him in death on March 12, 2001.

He is survived by one daughter, Susan (John) Boma of Crescent City; one son, Gary Pfingsten of Watseka; three grandchildren, Marci (Ben) Stone of Watseka, Patrick Pfingsten of Champaign and Zachary Pfingsten of Champaign; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Darline (Chet) Bleich of Crescent City; and one brother, Arnold (Mary) Pfingsten of Watseka.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; three sisters; and one son, Dean Pfingsten.

Mr. Pfingsten served in the U.S. Army during WWII and farmed in the Crescent City area.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Woodworth, St. Paul’s Men’s Club and Watseka American Legion Post #23.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2013 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Woodworth.  Rev. Benjamin Meyer will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery at Woodworth with military graveside rites by Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Woodworth or to the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Maryetta N. Fawbush Moore, 61, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center.

Maryetta was born June 22, 1952 in Watseka, the daughter of Marion and Nellie Fawbush. She married John Moore and he survives along with one daughter, Nelcine (Jeff) Ealy of Watseka.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the 1:30 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Watseka Church of God. Rev. Ria Minard will officiate. Burial will be in Iroquois Memorial Park in Watseka.

Memorials may be made for the family’s wishes.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Albert “Gene” Baird, 78, of Watseka, surrounded by family at home, was called to his eternal home on December 2, 2013, following a lengthy illness.

Born September 4, 1935, to Albert and Alma Sharp Baird in Middlesboro, KY, he lived with his mother and Grandpa Sharp in LaFollette, TN, until he was an adult.

He worked several years at Crownline Boat Company in Onarga, IL. Also, he was an agent for State Farm Insurance. He was a 33 year retiree from Uarco in Watseka.

Gene loved and cared for his family with endless devotion. His wife Ann whom he married on December 24, 1960 in Clintwood, VA, lives in Watseka, their home for 47 years. Also surviving are sons, Joe Baird of Houston, TX, and Brian (Laura) Baird of Plymouth, IN, with grandchildren Stefan, Brandon, Jasmine, Autumn and Quintyn.

Gene enjoyed visiting with friends, tending a beautiful vegetable garden and apple trees, photography, and studying about various cultures and places.

The family will meet friends at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2013. Celebration of Life will be at Trinity Church, which has been Gene’s home church since its humble beginning on Mulberry Street, on Friday, December 6, 2013, at 11 o’clock with Pastor Marty Schoenleber officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Church in Watseka or Iroquois County Youth for Christ.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ruby I. Sparenberg, 86, of Chebanse, IL passed away Tuesday evening, Dec.3, 2013, at Faith Place in Danforth, IL following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Sparenberg was born on April 12, 1927 at Chebanse, the daughter of Thomas Arthur and Emma M. Styck Burling, her parents are deceased. Her husband, Emerson Sparenberg, whom she married on Sept. 6, 1947 at Kankakee, IL preceded her in death on February 9, 1988. Mrs. Sparenberg is survived by a daughter and son-in- law, Gayle (Marty) Wilder of St. Louis, MO; a son and daughter-in-law, Bruce (Frances) Sparenberg of Remington, IN; four grandchildren, Matthew (Alecia) Wilder of Colorado Springs, CO, Anne (Shawn) Hingtgen of Chapel Hill, NC Peter (Teresa) Wilder of Pewaukee, WI and Dale Sparenberg of Remington, IN; five great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Laura Burling of Kankakee, IL.  In addition to her parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death by 5 brothers, 3 sisters and a son, Dale.

Mrs. Sparenberg was a member of the United Church of Chebanse and it’s Harmony Circle. She was a homemaker and had also worked for the Redwood Inn of Kankakee, IL. She greatly enjoyed being with family and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sparenberg will be conducted at 10:00 AM Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at the United Church of Chebanse. The Rev. Daniel Gansch-Boyte will officiate. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Chebanse. Memorials in her name are for the United Church of Chebanse. Please sign her on-line guest register at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth A. Neal, 83, of St. Anne and formerly of Evergreen Park passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at Presence Merkle-Knipprath Nursing Home in Clifton.

Elizabeth was born June 18, 1930 in Kanopolis, KS, the daughter of Roy and Mary and they preceded her in death.  She married Walter E. Neal on April 1, 1950 in Chicago and he preceded her in death in 1999.

She is survived by one son, Gregory (Laura) Neal of St. Anne; two sisters, Pauline Cliff of San Diego, CA and Loretta Williams of Cincinnati, IA; two grandchildren, Timothy (Colleen) Neal Sr. of Oak Forest and Daniel (Jessica Lamm) Neal of Evergreen Park; and four great-grandchildren, Timothy Neal Jr., Anthony, Tyler and Angelina Neal all of Oak Forest. 

Mrs. Neal was a member of the St. Anne Catholic Church and had worked for Crane Company as a payroll clerk.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Monday, December 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.  Rev. Vern Arseneau will officiate. 

Memorials may be made to St. Judes, Wounded Warriors or Fischer House.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Robert P. “Tooter” Moore, 70, of Crescent City passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee.

Robert was born February 8, 1943 in Detroit, MI, the son of Robert E. and Betty Jo Fuller Moore and they preceded him in death.  He married Virginia Meents on December 29, 1962 in Kankakee and she survives.  Also surviving are four daughters, Janie (Andrew) Norder of Crescent City, Julie (Daniel) Neill of Normal, Jenifer (James) St. Peter of Gilman and Jolyn (Clint) Schaumburg of Watseka; and seven grandchildren, Lauren & Leanne Neill, Logan, Nathan & Emily St. Peter and Hayden & Evan Schaumburg.

Mr. Moore served in the U.S. Army and was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  He was a truck driver for Rudolf Express for 12 years and was owner & operator of Bob’s Radiator Repair for over 15 years.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 9, 2013 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Crescent City.  Pastor Joel Brown will officiate.  A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. at Kankakee Memorial Garden with military graveside rites by the Watseka American Legion Post #23 and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

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

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Alice M. Buff, 86, of Clifton, IL passed away on Thursday morning (Dec.5, 2013), following a lengthy illness, at her residence in Clifton. She was surrounded by her loving family at her side. Mrs. Buff was born on January 12, 1927 in Stark County, IN, the daughter of Cyrus and Amelia Dehm Thorndyke, her parents are deceased. She married Eldon S. Buff on June 29, 1947 at Sandy Ridge Church near Piper City, IL and he survives.

Also surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia (Don) Vaughn of Martinton, IL and Sandy (Mike) Behrends of Clifton, IL; one son and daughter-in-law, Gary (Rose) Buff of Clifton, IL; seven grandchildren; one step-grandchild; eleven great-grandchildren; seven step great-grand children; two great-great-grandchildren; one step great-great-grandchild; and one sister-in-law, Jeanette Thorndyke of Piper City, IL.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Buff was preceded in death by brothers, Everett and Clyde Thorndyke; two sisters, Iola Meier and Armetta Johnson; and infant twins.

Mrs. Buff was a member of the Wesleyan Church of Clifton. She was a seamstress and operated her own dry cleaning business. She loved roses and rose gardening. Funeral services for Mrs. Buff will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Rev. Dan Shipton will officiate. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home in Clifton and cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials in her name are for the Wesleyan Church of Clifton. Please sign her on-line guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Margaret D. Weedon, 94, of Chebanse, IL passed away Thursday evening (Dec.5, 2013) at Presence Merkle-Knipprath Catholic Home at Clifton following a short illness.  Mrs. Weedon was born on Dec. 22, 1919 in rural Chebanse, IL the daughter of George and Mary Clausen Bosley, her parents are deceased.  She married Lewis L. Weedon at Chebanse, IL on Feb. 22, 1948 and he preceded her in death on April 17, 1993.  Mrs. Weedon is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Alfred and Jo Ann Weedon of Chebanse, IL.  Also surviving are a granddaughter and son-in-law, Susan and Brandon Bade of Orlando, FL and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Morgan Bade of Orlando, FL.  In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Dale; and three brothers, Bill, Mike and Louis Bosley.

Mrs. Weedon was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse and the Ladies Aid.  She enjoyed reading, gardening and canning.

Services for Mrs. Weedon will be Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 1:30 PM at the Chapel at Presence Merkle-Knipprath Catholic Home at Clifton. The Rev. Kene Whybrew will officiate.  Friends may call Wednesday evening the 11th of December from 5-8 PM at the Knapp Funeral Home at Clifton.  Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Chebanse, IL.  Memorials are for Presence Merkle-Knipprath Home, Zion Lutheran Church of Chebanse or Hospice of Kankakee Valley.  Please sign her on-line guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Bernard Ray Torbet, 85, of Milford passed away on Friday, December 6, 2013 at Hoopeston Hospital in Hoopeston.

Bernard was born January 2, 1928 in Rural Route Milford, IL.  He was the son of Jesse and Anna (Romine) Torbet.

He married Jennie Johnson on January 31, 1948 and they were married for 65 years.  He is survived by his wife, Jennie; their 4 children, Steve (Diana) Torbet of Rossville, Larry (Doris) Torbet of Niles, MI, Charles (Debbie) Torbet of Milford, and Ruthanna (John) Dougherty of Reedsburg, WI; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jim (Anita) Holaday of Stockland.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters; 1 brother; and 1 grandchild, Kirby Torbet.

Mr. Torbet was employed at Crows for 20 years.  He was a self-employed contractor, an antique dealer, and owner of Torbet Advertising.  He was a member of the Milford Christian Church for 51 years.  In these years, he served as a Deacon and a board member.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Revs. Gary Milton, Brent Zastrow, and Neil Larimore will officiate.  Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Milford Swimming Pool.

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

Carroll Lee Kamin, 75, of Milford passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital.

Carroll was born on April 13, 1938 in Clayton, Iowa, the son of Willard and Anne (Schroeder) Kamin.  He married Mary Schlake on November 8, 1959 in Postville, IA and she survives.

Besides his his wife, Mary, he is survived by two daughters, Brenda (Lynn) Reiners of Milford and Dawn (Glenn) Block of Towanda, IL; one brother, Eugene (Ruth) Kamin; one brother-in-law, Dennis (Linda) Schlake; three granddaughters, Jennifer, Stephanie, and McKenzie Reiners; one great-granddaughter, Alissa Summers; and one great-grandson, Lucas Summers. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Kamin farmed in Iowa until 1967.  He then moved to Illinois to work at Crow’s Hybrid Seed Corn Company for thirty-five years.  He did maintenance at Old Town apartments in Milford for ten years.  Carroll was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford.  He enjoyed watching Chicago White Sox baseball and Iowa Hawkeyes basketball.  Carroll loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford.  Rev. Karl Gibbs will officiate.  Burial will take place at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Memorials may be made to Radio Ministry at WGFA, Ambulance Fund of Milford, or donor’s choice.

Arrangements made by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

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

Cheryl Jean Collins, 60, of Milford passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at her home.

Cheryl was born February 12, 1953 in Watseka, the daughter of Lloyd and Lucille Stebbins Allen.  She married William Collins on September 18, 1971 in Milford and he survives.  Also surviving are one daughter, Amy (Marc) Johnson of De Kalb; one son, Mark (Crystal) Collins of Tampa, FL; her mother, Lucille Allen of Milford; two brothers, Gary Allen of Milford and Larry Allen of Rantoul; and four grandchildren whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her father and one son, Adam Dean Collins.

Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial service will be held at a later date with arrangements being made by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ruth Ellen Carlon, 91, of Colfax and formerly of Cissna Park passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Asta Care Center of Colfax.

Ruth was born August 19, 1922 in Cissna Park, the daughter of Albert and Anna Murray Carlon and they preceded her in death along with two sisters, Lavonne Batterton and Lucille Layden and one brother, Murray Carlon.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and many great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Ms. Carlon was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoopeston.  She received her Bachelors Degree in education from Illinois State and followed that with her Masters from the University of Illinois.  Ruth taught elementary education in several schools in the Cissna Park area for many years.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoopeston.  Fr. Patrick O’Neal and Fr. Carl LoPresti will officiate.  Burial will be in the Rankin Union Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church or Alzheimers Association.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Edna May Cade Schroeder, 81, of Milford passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at Watseka Rehab and Health Care.

Edna was born April 29, 1932 in Woodland, IL, the daughter of Harry Ernest and Vena Fay Kersey Cade.  She married her life-long husband of 65 years, Robert L. Schroeder on September 30, 1948.  He survives along with one daughter, Sheila (Joe) Wilken of Stockland; two grandchildren, Tyler (Jennifer) Wilken of Milford and Samantha Wilken of Stockland; three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Skylar, and Rachel Wilken of Milford; one sister, Thea Tincher of Milford; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Robert Ryan “Moe” Schroeder; and two sisters and brother in laws, Bernadine (Orval) Natschke and Vivian (Victor) Natschke. 

Mrs. Schroeder was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Milford and was also a member of the Dorcas Society.  She was a wonderful and loving housewife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Her grandkids and great-grandkids were the highlight of her life the past few years.  Edna and Bob owned and operated Schroeder’s Rec Room in Milford.  They opened the Recreational Room up so kids of all ages in Milford had a place to hang out, have fun, and stay out of trouble!  They both loved all of the kids that they met and watched grow up in the 13 years of business.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.  Rev. Karl Gibbs will officiate.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

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

Sarah A. Crawford, 55, of Rankin passed away on Friday, December 20, 2013 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Sarah was born September 26, 1958 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Ted and Sharon McNeil Hendges and she was preceded in death by her mother and one brother, Joseph Hendges.  She married Gary Crawford in 1980 in Jackson, MI and he survives.  Also surviving are one son, Richard Crawford of Champaign; one daughter, Betsy Hendges of New Orleans, LA; her father, Ted Hendges of Pleasant Lake, MI; four sisters, Sher Ramsey, Sue Jupp, Sandy VanWormer and Stephanie Corser; one brother, Scott Hendges; and three grandchildren.

Cremation rites were accorded and a visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin.

Memorials may be made for the family’s wishes.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Patricia A. Herriott, 89, of Paxton, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Illinois Knights Templar Home in Paxton.

Patricia was born December 30, 1923 in Rantoul, the daughter of Clarice Okal and Harriet Clark Hobson.  She married Jean R. Herriott on December 22, 1946 in Rantoul and he survives.

Besides her husband, she is survived by one son, Greg (Pam) Herriott of Loda; one daughter, Leslie (Donald) Hitchens of Loda; one sister, Rosabelle Bentz; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey (Carrie) Rogers , Corey (Laura) Rogers, Jeff Hitchens, Ryan Hitchens, Jason (Natasha) Ellett, Brianna (Ray) Arriaga, Elizabeth (John) Kerwin, Jaime Herriott, Christen (Pete) Plescia; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Herriott was an active member at the First United Methodist Church previously in Piper City and more recently in Paxton.  She was a Sunday School Teacher, 4-H Leader, and the Home Economics teacher at Roberts-Thawville and later at Ford Central.  Patricia was a pianist and accompanist to her husband, children, and students at various times.  She enjoyed playing piano at nursing homes and sewing was her favorite hobby where she made costumes for church events as well as the PBL Choral Department.  Patricia and Jean were avid fans of all PBL Panther sports.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton.  Burial will be at Brenton Township Cemetery in Piper City.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton and also a half-hour prior to the funeral service on Monday.

Memorials may be made to the PBL Athletic Booster Club.

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

Richard D. Wooten, 75, of Paxton passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at his home.

Richard was born June 10, 1938 in Fisher, the son of Billfield and Mayme Alice Lawless Wooten.  He married Carol Young on December 15, 1956 in Paxton and she survives.  Also surviving are one son, Richard (Rhonda) Wooten of Paxton; four grandchildren, Rance Wooten, Casey Wooten, Kaitlyn (Jefferson) Henrichs and Trent Wooten; one great-grandchild, Saylor Wooten; one brother, Paul Wooten; and one sister, Marge Holcomb.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Vernon, Virgil, Robert and Billie Joe; and one sister, Edna Sample.

Mr. Wooten proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was a retired member of Carpenter’s Union 44.  He liked being outdoors, especially riding his John Deere garden tractor.  Richard was a Cubs fan and enjoyed bingo, going to the riverboat, spending time with his grandchildren and going to all of their events.  

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date with arrangements by Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or Donor’s Choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Hanna L. Young, 96, of Cissna Park passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at her home.

Hanna was born February 13, 1917 in Gridley, KS, the daughter of Karl and Mary Kyburz Gschwind.  She married Chris E. Young on September 25, 1935 in Waukegan and he preceded her in death on December 30, 2002.

She is survived by three daughters, Rhoda Minard (Robert Buck) of Findlay, Marna Lou Young of Cissna Park and Bernita (Randy) Marion of Newburgh, IN; four sons, Curtis Young of Cissna Park, Allan (Lynn) Young of Fairbury, Dennis (Cindy) Young of Cissna Park and Ivan Young of Cissna Park; daughter-in-law, Frances Young of Cissna Park; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; four sisters; one son, Lyle Young; one daughter, Carlotta Young; two sons-in-law; and one grandchild.

Mrs. Young was a member of the German Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park.

Private services were held and burial was in the German Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

Please sign the online guestbook at knappfuneralhomes.com.

Ralph E. Sparenburg, 82, of St. Anne passed away Sunday morning, Dec.29, 2013, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee following a lengthy illness. Mr. Sparenburg was born at Aroma Park on April 20, 1931, the son of Abe J. and Alice Alberts Sparenberg, his parents are deceased. His wife, the former Mairion J. Smith, whom he married on September 12, 1953 at Chebanse survives.

He is also survived by two daughters and one son-in-law and two sons and daughters-in-law, Diana (Lawrence) Floyd of Aroma Park, Donna Harrison of Troy, TN, Terry (Karen) Sparenburg of Edcouch, TX and Timothy (Becky) Sparenburg of Chino Valley, AZ; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Florence Burton of Livermore, CA and June Barrett of Bradley.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Emerson Sparenberg; a sister, Irene Alberts; and a grandson, Jason Martin.

Mr. Sparenburg was a veteran of the US Navy and served during the Korean War. He was a Consultant for AO Smith Corp for 40 years. He belonged to the Kankakee VFW, the Bradley Moose Lodge and enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles and doing volunteer work.

Per his request, the Knapp Funeral Home of Clifton will accord Cremation Rites. There will be no visitation or services. Inurnment with military honors will be at a later date in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at Elwood, IL.

Please sign his on line guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.