Locations
 (815) 879-3641
Fiocchi -Jensen Funeral Home
208 South Euclid Ave. Princeton, IL 61356 Across From Princeton High School. |
 (815) 894-2222
Fiocchi Funeral Home
219 South Main St. Cherry, IL 61317 Across From Holy Trinity Church. |
Recent Services
Tina Burd, Dedicated Union Member and Loving Mother, Passes Away
Tina Burd (née Rakestraw), a proud and passionate member of the IBEW Local 34, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, at the age of 56. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, to Virginia Greenleaf (William Greenleaf) and Charles Rakestraw (deceased), Tina grew up on a hog farm in Havana with her brother John Rakestraw of Bloomington. Her childhood was filled with the simple joys of farm life, which she fondly remembered and recreated in her own home, cherishing the nostalgia.
A graduate of Glen Oak Elementary, Tina was a thoughtful and intelligent young lady who formed lifelong friendships with Barb Tindall of Pekin and Kathy Hedges. These friendships were a cornerstone of her life, providing unwavering support through to the very end.
Tina was a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children, of whom she was immensely proud. Instilling in them the values of hard work, dedication, and resilience, her greatest qualities live on in Troy Burd (Sara Burd), Holly Burd (Mourad Mourad), and Mariah Burd (Will Wallick).
Her professional life was marked by her dedication to the IBEW Local 34, where she served as treasurer. Tina was known for her sharp problem-solving skills, her unwavering commitment to workers' rights, and her natural sense of justice. She was a respected and valued member of the union, inspiring many with her toughness, generosity, and integrity.
Tina was preceded in death by her father, Charles Rakestraw, and her best friend, Sam (Edna). She is survived by her children and 3 grandchildren (Jonah, Elliott, and Macy), who will carry forward her legacy of hard work, kindness, and strength. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
In lieu of flowers, please consider helping a neighbor in need. Tina was extraordinarily generous to anyone who asked for her help, and she loved attending charity events and raffles that were meaningful to her many friends throughout Peoria. She would feel honored to have her legacy continued by supporting any organizations special to you.
DeAnn Pozzi, 77, of Cherry, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Allure of Walnut.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, August 24, in the Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry, with Rev. Karen Karczewski of the Cherry United Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. Her family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
DeAnn was born on May 7, 1947, in Princeton, to Dean and Gladys (Lubbs) Whipple. She was a class of 1965 graduate of Buda Western High School. She married James J. “Fooney” Pozzi on January 14, 1967 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. She had worked at Harper-Wyman, Hobbs Corp, as P.M.R. for the United States Postal Service for many local post offices, and as curator for the Cherry Mine Disaster Museum in Cherry.
She is survived by: her husband, James J. “Fooney” Pozzi of Cherry; her son, James J. (Christine) Pozzi of Peru; 3 grandchildren, Meagan Lule, Sarah Pozzi, and Alexander Pozzi; and her great granddaughter, Emilia Rae Lule.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her sister, Nancy; and a niece.
In Loving Memory of Todd Jeffrey Fallbacher
Todd Jeffrey Fallbacher, born on October 2, 1951, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Todd was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, whose warmth and humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
A proud member of the Chicago Carpenters Union, Todd dedicated many years to his craft, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Outside of work, Todd was a man of many passions. He was a loyal Chicago Bears fan, cheering on his team through thick and thin, and an avid movie watcher, sharing his love for cinema with his family. But it was his love for music that truly defined the rhythm of his life. Whether at home or on the road, music was always playing, filling the air with melodies that mirrored his joyful spirit. He could often be found tapping the steering wheel to the beat, lost in the tunes that brought him so much happiness.
Todd was also known for his infectious sense of humor, always ready with a clever dad joke to bring a smile to the faces of those around him. His favorite phrase, "Take care now," was a reflection of his caring nature, always wishing the best for others. His love for his family was immeasurable, and he took great pride in being a supportive and caring husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; his children, Jennifer Demski (husband Michael, children Michael, Megan, and Matthew), Todd Fallbacher (wife Stephanie Fallbacher, children Ellie, Cole, Jack, Cade, Luke, Reid, Ruthie, and Remie), Amanda Fallbacher, Judith Norenberg (husband Nicholas, children Piper and Penelope), and Thomas Fallbacher (child Reign). Todd is also survived by his brothers, Thomas Fallbacher (wife Deborah) and Timothy Fallbacher (wife Joanne).
Todd was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Yolanda Fallbacher.
Todd's love, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. As he always said, "Take care now."
Details of the memorial service will be shared with family and friends at a later date.
Patricia Ann Alford, 76, of Princeton, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in Liberty Village Manor Court of Princeton, surrounded by loved ones.
Interment will be held at Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Patricia was born on May 13, 1948, in Tiskilwa to James “Slick” and Maxine (Sissel) Lucas. Her upbeat attitude and constant laughter will be missed by all.
She is survived by: 2 sons, Brian (Gena) Lucas of Foley, Alabama, and William Hale, Jr. of Manlius; her daughter, Tammy (John) Moore of Dwight; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and her sister, Connie (Robert) Morris of Pharr, Texas.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 1 nephew at birth.
Eugene "Billy" Nordstrom, 63, of Princeton, IL left this world far too soon, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 on his beloved ancestral farm. Billy was born on October 30, 1960 in Princeton, IL to Wilbur "Bill" and Karna (Smithey) Nordstrom. He was a class of 1979 graduate of Western High School in Buda, IL and a 1982 graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in agriculture.
He was a farmer, a carpenter, a loyal friend and unwaveringly cheerful advocate to the helpless, the hungry and all those in sickness, need or sorrow. He spent the best times of his life as a volunteer with Heifer International in Arkansas for a year where his huge heart and kindness toward man and beast found their truest calling. He was entirely too gentle, kind and tender for this world. Billy was his loving and absolutely authentic self at all times, a uniquely living embodiment of Christ's commands and love for the world and lived his entire life in the sunlight of his overarching goodness and tenderness toward everyone he encountered. He came into this world from pure light and to pure light he has returned, leaving our world a better place than he found it, but taking with him large pieces of our hearts to the next realm.
Billy was a friend of the Hampshire Colony Church in Princeton.
He is mourned by his sister, Pamela Warren and her husband, Rick, who was also his best friend of Princeton, his niece and nephew, Heidi (Paul) MacDiarmid of LaSalle, Brandon (Faren Ballard) Hewitt of Oglesby and Michael (Lacy) Warren of Princeton, nine great nieces and nephews, his paternal aunt, Marcella Nordstrom of Wyanet, a maternal aunt, Doris Stromberg, of Liberty Village Memory Care and maternal uncle, Neil Smithey, of Princeton. A host of loving cousins and his best pal and faithful, old dog, Buster.
He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his two cherished life long friends, who were also his cousins, Paul "Skip" Olson of Buda and Jay Lafferty, also of Buda.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Heifer International or Hampshire Colony Church.
Private family services are pending. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Ruth Louise Layer Davis, 99, of Princeton, Illinois, formerly of Alden, NY, was born
March 5, 1925, in Albion, New York to John Christian and Jeanette (Smith) Layer. She grew up
in the city of Buffalo, New York (at the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, where her father
was groundskeeper), but worked weekends, holidays, and vacations on her grandfather's farm 20
miles away. She was valedictorian of both Lafayette High School and Buffalo State Teachers
College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. She earned a master's degree in
education around 1977.
In the summer of 1945 she worked at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, unaware she was refining
uranium for the Manhattan Project. She taught for a few years in the Niagara Falls (New York)
School District before marrying Ralph J. Davis, Jr. on August 20, 1949. She substituted and
taught school full time (usually 4th grade) for many years in the Alden Central School District.
In the years leading up to her retirement in 1984, she created and taught a program for gifted and
talented students.
Ruth was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alden, New York, where
she taught adult Sunday School and enjoyed enacting the lives of biblical women for special
programs. She had a long-term involvement with the Lockport Retirement Home ministry,
served on the board of the Ewell Free Library, and was involved with Cub Scouts, USA, for
many years. In her retirement, she devoted many hours to the Alden Historical Society, serving
as curator of their museum.
Ruth enjoyed reading, reciting poetry that she had memorized over the years, sewing and
knitting, and cross-country skiing. She enjoyed extended family get-togethers and kept in touch
with many relatives. She and Ralph traveled extensively in the United States, and at the age of
64, she traveled by herself to visit family in southern Africa.
After Ralph's death in 2015, in order to live closer to family, Ruth moved to Princeton,
Illinois, where she lived at Greenfield Retirement Home.
Ruth had a goal of making someone laugh every day, and probably accomplished it.
Ruth passed away July 17, 2024, at OSF St. Clare, in Princeton, Illinois. She was
preceded in death by her parents, one brother (John William Layer), her husband, and one
grandchild. She is survived by a brother, Dr. Paul C. (Joan) Layer of New York and Florida, sons
Dr. Richard J. (Sue) Davis of Virginia, Rev. Gregory J. Davis of Texas, Dr. Christian R. (Susan)
Davis of Indiana, daughter Ellen L. Davis-Zehr (Dennis Zehr) of Illinois, eight grandchildren,
and one great-grandchild.
Services for Ruth will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Alden Historical Society, the First Presbyterian Church of
Alden, New York, or the First Presbyterian Church of Princeton, Illinois.
Wilbur C. “Bill” Nordstrom, 86, of Princeton, went home to be with his Savior on July 18, 2024, in Liberty Village Manor Court of Princeton, with his family by his side.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Bill was born on October 14, 1937, in Princeton to Carl and Wilda (Ireland) Nordstrom. He was a class of 1955 graduate of LaMoille High School. He married Karna Smithey on December 27, 1959 in the Dover Congregational Church.
Bill was a mechanic of several shops in his working years. He was a member of Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, Princeton.
He is survived by: his children, Eugene “Billy” Nordstrom of Princeton, and Pamela (Rick) Warren of Princeton; his grandchildren, Heidi (Paul) MacDiarmid of LaSalle, Brandon (Faren Ballard) Hewitt of Oglesby, and Michael (Lacy) Warren of Princeton; 9 great grandchildren; his sister, Marcella Nordstrom of Wyanet; and faithful grand dog Buster.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and his wife, Karna Nordstrom, in 2007
Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.
Ronald “Ron” L. Johnson, 68, of Princeton, Illinois, peacefully reunited with God on Tuesday,
June 25, 2024, with his wife by his side at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, Illinois.
He was born in Princeton on February 18, 1956, to Roland and Verda (Rabe) Johnson. He
started his education at Bureau Township School. He then attended Princeton schools from
sixth grade on and graduated from Princeton High School in 1974.
Ron married Valerie McKibbon on September 17, 1977, at the First Christian Church in
Princeton, Illinois. They met when Val was in high school and married shortly after she
graduated. They were together for almost 47 years and had three children together. Val still
resides in Princeton.
Also surviving are his younger sister, Rhonda Johnson, his three children, Eric (Angie) Johnson,
Cristin (Mac) Kruse, and Brandon (Tammy Hill and children) Johnson, four grandchildren,
Aubreanna (Kyler), Travis, Liam, and Charlotte, and one great-grandson, Emmett. He also left
behind brothers-in-law, Mark (Patty) McKibbon and Jeremy Gibson and sisters-in-law Jodi (Gail)
Taets, Paula (Mark) Vandersnick, and Colleen (Frank) Thurston, father and mother-in law,
Richard and Ann McKibbon, nieces, nephews, cousins, and
a special aunt, Sharon Rabe.
Ron joined his mother, Verda, and father, Roland, and has finally met his older brother, Randy.
He was also preceded in death by his grandparents Geraldine Rabe Weller, Conrad and Nina
Johnson, and one sister-in-law, Laura Gibson.
Ron was a farmer for many years and kept cattle his entire life. He worked for the City of
Princeton Street Department for almost 30 years where he remained until he passed.
He would have done anything for his family. Ron took great pride in being a grandpa and
encouraged his grandchildren in all of their interests. One of his favorite hobbies was showing
cattle, which he passed down to his two sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed regularly
going to get coffee with his wife and a group of friends. Ron loved attending various fairs and
watching the cattle shows and horse races.
His service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in
Princeton at 11:00 am with Pastor Derek Boggs officiating. Following the service, a meet and
greet with a luncheon will be held in the basement of the church until 3:00 pm. Memorials may
be directed to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton as well as St. Jude. Cremation
rites have been accorded.
Bernadine D. Skibinski, 88, formerly of Princeton, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024, in her family’s home in Hampshire, Illinois.
Bernie was born December 24, 1935, in Chicago, to Joseph and Joan (Wisniewski) Wielosinski. She spent her childhood playing with her two brothers, visiting her grandparents and taking summertime family road trips. In high school, she joined the sewing club and played volleyball in local tournaments. A diligent student, she made the top grade in Gregg shorthand, an achievement of which she was particularly proud.
She met her husband, Henry, at age 15 through her older brother. Although she wasn’t his biggest fan at first (if she saw him on the sidewalk, she would cross to the other side of the street), they warmed to each other while exchanging letters when Henry was stationed in Panama during the Korean War. They married July 30, 1955, and spent nearly 64 years together raising a family, traveling the world and dancing the jitterbug.
Bernie worked as a secretary at the Standard Oil Company in Chicago until she had her first son, Michael, in 1958. Thomas and Kevin followed in 1962 and 1967, respectively. In 1971, Hank, Bernie and their young family moved to Princeton. There, she worked at Princeton High School as an administrative assistant for 14 years. Although she loved her work, her children and grandchildren were her greatest joys.
In retirement, Bernie was a master crafter. Quilts, blankets, matching sweatshirts, Christmas ornaments—you name it; she could make it. She had a penchant for bingo at the Elks Lodge and the luck to match. You could find her cheering on whichever Chicago team was in season, and she always made time to keep up with her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was impossible to beat in Scrabble, and she had regular Words with Friends matches with fellow logofiles around the world up until her final weeks.
She is survived by three sons, Michael (Carmela Urgena) Skibinski of Skokie, Thomas (Sandy) Skibinski of Hampshire and Kevin Skibinski (Renae Reardon) of Dowagiac, Michigan; seven grandchildren, Kimberly, Caroline, Melissa, Megan, Jared, Jake and Ryan; and her beloved grand-dog, Cashew.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Edward “Smitty” and Clemens; and her husband, Henry, on July 14, 2019.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Msgr. James Kruse officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. Her family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services in the church's Harkrader Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Louis Catholic Church in Bernie’s memory. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Stephen Hobart Gunning, 79, died on Sunday, May 26, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison.
Steve was born in Princeton in 1944 to Hobart and June (nee Greenman) Gunning. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1962 and from the University of Michigan in 1966. After completing law school at the University of Illinois in 1969, he joined the Heyl Royster law firm in Peoria. In 1971, with a yen for political reform and adventure, he gave up his job and moved to Chicago to work on a successful statewide political campaign.
He subsequently moved to Springfield and worked as a lawyer for the newly formed Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. In 1980, Steve was drawn back to Princeton and went into private practice. For the last several years of his career, he served as a Bureau County Public Defender.
Steve took the role of citizen seriously. Strong of voice and opinion, he was also very knowledgeable about government and politics. If he believed some ordinance was not in the public interest, he took it up with the Princeton City Council or the Bureau County Board. Politically liberal, he was not a diehard partisan. In 2014, he worked tirelessly to get a referendum against gerrymandering on the Illinois ballot.
Steve was the force behind Princeton's blues concerts. When he wanted to bring Terrance Simien and his Zydeco Band to town, he approached the Chamber of Commerce with a novel idea. Why not close off a few blocks of South Main Street for their performance? With trepidation, the City agreed, leading to Princeton's tradition of free street concerts all summer long.
Steve was passionate about education, music, the arts, baseball, and good food. He had a keen sense of fair play and inclusion. He served many years on the Princeton High School Board, was a longtime member of Open Prairie and a stalwart with the Princeton Coffeehouse. For the last 15 years, he and his partner Sarah served as a Festival 56 host family.
Loyal to a fault, Steve never gave up on the Chicago White Sox. He relished cooking and was known for his smoked meats, gumbos and jambalaya.
At heart, Steve was a storyteller. He was forever bemused or amused by people he knew or had just met. With a phenomenal memory and a sharp wit, he could turn a simple encounter in town into a folktale. Occasional travels to the Mississippi Delta and New Orleans generated a crop of new tales to tell.
Portraying a series of Princeton notables in the Historical Society's annual cemetery tours, Steve would embellish the script. His final starring role was playing his grandfather, T.P. Gunning, a former mayor of Princeton and Illinois state senator.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister Joan Richards and brother-in-law George Richards, Tucson, Arizona, as well as his two nephews and their families: Craig (Cathy) Rockey and Kyle (Ann) Rockey, all of Chicago.
Sarah Cooper, Steve's longtime partner, also survives, along with Ozzie, the family cat, and their beloved dog Satchel.
A memorial service for Steve will be held at Open Prairie, UCC, in Princeton on Wednesday, June 26, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and a celebration of his life, led by Rev. Adam Webber, at 2 p.m.
Donations may be directed to Open Prairie or the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, www.https//iejf.org.
Arrangements through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home.
Lloyd E. Shipp, 89, of Bureau, IL. passed away at Aperion in Princeton, IL. on June 3, 2024.
Lloyd was born in Bureau, IL. on August 6, 1934 to Robert and Martha (Osborne) Shipp.
He married Charlotte “Ann” (Reynolds) Shipp. He attended Bureau Grade and High School. Lloyd was an Army veteran of
the Korean War. Lloyd worked for the Rock Island Railroad and several years at Bryant Nursery in Princeton, IL.
Survivors include 4 sons, Jim (Deb) Shipp of Princeton, IL., Tim (Peggy) Shipp of Bureau, IL., Rob Shipp
of Wisconsin, Mike (Dawn) Shipp of Bureau, IL., a sister, Blanche Piacenti of Princeton, IL., 9
grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with another on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ann, 5 sisters, 2 brothers, and 3 siblings in infancy.
Memorials will be directed to the Village of Bureau for its 150th Anniversary Celebration.
Tiffany Jean Thomas, 40, of Deer Grove, formerly of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in her home.
A memorial visitation will be held Friday, June 7, 2024, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
John Francis Brokaw, 86, of Princeton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at OSF St. Clare Medical Center, Princeton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Msgr. James Kruse and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Tiskilwa. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday, May 29, in the Church Harkrader Hall. Arrangements are through The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
John was born on April 4, 1938, in Tiskilwa to Orville and Bessie (Reichardt) Brokaw. He graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1956 and from Western Illinois University in 1962 with a Bachelor’s of Science and a teaching certificate in Agriculture, Science and English. He married DeeAnn Schertz in 1959 and they were married for 15 years. He married Betty Boggio in 1994. He worked for Bureau Service Company and after retirement worked for the USDA.
He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, the Tiskilwa Lions Club, the Princeton Elks Lodge and the Princeton Moose Lodge and a former Tiskilwa High School Board member. He had been a member of and served as president of the Bureau County Board.
He is survived by: his wife, Betty Brokaw of Princeton; his children, Kimberly (Scott) Hixson of Melbourne, Florida, Jacque Waller of Carmel, Indiana, Julie (Daniel) Bitting of Carmel, Indiana, Michael (Dalila) Brokaw of Peoria, Arizona, Kelley (Rodney Wedekind) Fisher of Princeton, and Kevin (Mistie) Brokaw of Princeton, and a step daughter, Teresa (Dr. Igoni) Colby-Dokubo of Schamberg; 24 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Gwen) Brokaw of Tiskilwa, Robert (Kay) Brokaw of Kewanee, Chuck (Judy) Brokaw of Ran Tan Arizona, Gary (Brenda) Brokaw of Princeton, Marie Susan Morris of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mary (Daniel) Thompson of Princeton; and his Sister-In-Laws, Helen Brokaw of Walnut and Shirley Brokaw of Kewanee.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; step-daughters, Stephanie Colby-Aburto and Angela Miller; and 2 brothers, Richard and David.
Memorials may be directed to The St. Louis Church Magi Baby Chest Fund or the donor’s choice.
Marcia Marie Roberts, 86, of Princeton, IL passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Liberty Village, Princeton, IL.
Marcia was born on April 27, 1937, in Freeport, IL to Lowell and Jeanette (Murphy) Teeter.
Marcia spent her childhood in Mt. Carroll, IL, graduating from Mt. Carroll High School and earning a Bachelors Degree in Business and a Masters Degree in Reading from Western IL University. She married Theodore Roberts in 1958. They had three children.
Marcia began teaching in 1959 in Bushnell, IL, then onto Galesburg, IL. She taught primary and middle school students, spending the majority of her teaching career at Logan Junior High in Princeton, teaching English and reading. She loved living in Princeton, IL where after her retirement (1994) she worked as a substitute teacher, volunteered as a docent at the Lovejoy Homestead and was a member of the Bureau County Historical Society. She volunteered at her church, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, ran her own “From the Nest” retail business, was a vendor at local antique shops, and loved going to auctions! Marcia participated in book clubs, bridge, Hardanger, etc. She enjoyed traveling and socializing with her wonderful friends, walks in the park, coffee downtown, as well as trips to Door County and family trips to Estes Park, Colorado and to California beaches.
She is survived by her sons, Christopher (Christy) Roberts, Lindenwood, IL, John Roberts, Salinas, CA, and daughter, Leslie (Marc) Beauchamp, Santa Barbara, CA; grandchildren, Courtney (Phillip) Luna, Lindsey Roberts, Sean Roberts, Kyle (Elaina) Roberts; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Norman (Carmelita) Teeter of Eads, TN; step-siblings, William (Leigh Anne) Piper, Russell (Cheri) Piper, Allen (Connie) Piper, and Patricia (Loren) Golden. Marcia is predeceased by her parents; step-father, Dr. C.G.Piper; step-mother, Marie Teeter.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, At the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church in Princeton, Pastor Michael Freeman officiating. Visitation 9 A.M. Funeral 10:30 A.M. Arrangements were made through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral
Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
A luncheon will be provided at the church following the service. A private graveside service will be held at 3P.M in Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll.
Memorials in lieu of flowers: Hampshire Colony Church, Princeton Elementary School District.
Janet Florence (Anderson) Swanberg, age 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 15, 2024. She was born on February 5, 1944, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to Walter and Florence Anderson. She grew up in Marion, Ohio, and graduated from North Park College in Chicago, Illinois, with a degree in teaching. She taught elementary school in Marion, Ohio, and Glenville, Illinois.
In 1972, she met the love of her life, Roy Swanberg, and they were married on September 9, 1972. They welcomed their daughter, Michelle, a year later, and their daughter, Kristin, five years after that. The family moved to Streator, Illinois, in 1976, where Janet chose to be a stay-at-home mom while raising her family. Later, she became the director of the pregnancy center in Streator, where she served for many years before returning to teaching at Grand Ridge Elementary School.
In 1996, Roy and Jan moved to Princeton, Illinois, and Jan's passion for educating children led her to Happy Hands Preschool, where she worked alongside her sister, Joyce Johnson. Jan was an accomplished piano player and enjoyed sewing and cooking for her family. She cherished her four grandchildren and served in various positions at the Evangelical Covenant Church of Princeton.
She is survived by her husband, Roy, of 51 years, and daughters Michelle (Randy) Olson of Snoqualmie, Washington, and Kristin (Rick) McComber of Princeton, Illinois, and four beautiful grandchildren: Jessica, J.D., Regan, and Harper. She is also survived by her sister Joyce (Kent) Johnson of Princeton, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main St., Princeton, Illinois. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Evangelical Covenant Church at 10:00 a.m. If desired, friends can make memorial contributions to the Happy Hands Preschool of Princeton.
Wesley Oliver Hoscheid, 86, of Cherry, passed away on Saturday, March 23, in Henry Rehab and Nursing Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 27, in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, with Fr. Gregory Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow in The Holy Trinity Miners Memorial Cemetery, Cherry, with military honors by the Ladd American Legion Post 938. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday in the church. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Wes was born on November 28, 1937, in rural Cherry, to William and Irene (Zimmerman) Hoscheid. He was a class of 1955 graduate of Hall High School. He married Rita Houski on January 7,1961, in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. He served in the United States Army National Guard for 6 years. He worked at Conco Inc. for 32 years and later at Complete Industrial.
He was a member of The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, The Knights of Columbus, and volunteered for the Cherry Fire Department for 54 years.
He is survived by: his sons, Jim (Kathy) Hoscheid of Cherry, Jack Hoscheid of Cherry, and Bob (Janene) Hoscheid of Cherry; 8 grandchildren, Aaron, Jered, Karly, Emily, Abby, Brittany, Matt, and Morgan; and 8 great grandchildren, Greta, Theo, Adilynn, Emersyn, Lillian, Laynie, Maggie, and Arlo.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Rita, in 2021; and 2 siblings, Ronnie Hoscheid, and Collette Thomas.
Memorials may be directed to the Cherry Fire Department
Gail L. Kellerman, 73, of Cherry, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, in her home, with her family by her side.
Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will follow in Miners Memorial Cemetery, Cherry. Her family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Gail was born on December 21, 1950, in Mendota, to Elmer and Dorothy Marie (Dilday) Jeanguenat. She married Francis Kellerman on August 16, 1993 in Princeton. She had worked as an in home caretaker for many years.
She is survived by: her daughters, Tori (Steve) Burdon of Carmel, Indiana, Renee (Jamie) Miles of Penfield, Dani Galassi of Cherry, Lynn (Chad) Vaini of Ladd, and Barb (Mike) Biccochi of Ladd; 2 step-daughters, Betty Kellerman of Cherry, and Mary Clapham of Missouri; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and 2 siblings, Janis Doty of Ohio, Illinois, and William (Elle) Jeanguenat of Peru.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Francis in 2009; a sister, Teresa; and a son-in-law, Marc.
Seng Yoon Saepharn It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Seng Yoon Saepharn who passed away on February 25th, 2024 in Aperion care Princeton, Illinois. He was 59 years old.
He was born in Laos to Foukuang and Naitong (Saechao) Saepharn. He had spent most of his life in Depue, Il. Venturing out to California for a bit working as a chef but eventually coming back home. He was known to always have his own set of wheels.
Seng is survived by his mother, Naitong Saepharn; his sisters; Mey (Vicente) Acosta, Muang (Brandon) Plattner, Lai (Ryan) Mckinney; several nieces and nephews; and his good friend Richard Maycroft. He was preceded in death by his father and brother.
Services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, March 4, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Laura Tanner of The New Hope Church of The Nazarene, officiating. Interment will follow in the DePue Village Cemetery. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Monday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be directed to his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Joyce Mitchell
Mary Joyce Mitchell, 86, of Arlington, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Allure of Peru.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, with Fr. Gregory Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow in Peru City Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Friday in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Joyce was born on April 11, 1937, in LaSalle to Ralph and Agnes (Trompeter) Houski. She was a graduate of LaMoille High School. She married Darryl Mitchell on November 25, 1961 in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. She had worked for Elliott Lumber in LaSalle and as a homemaker.
She was a member of The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, The Tri City Saddle Club, and a 4-H leader.
She is survived by: Her children, Diane (Gregg) Maggio of Dalzell, and Craig (Claire) Mitchell of Spring Valley; 4 grandchildren, Eric (Olivia) Maggio, Brittany (Jeff) Allen, Brad (Kelsey) Mitchell, and Aaron (Tristan Chapman) Mitchell; 6 great grandchildren, Owen, Grady, Zeke, Josie, Brayden, and Marlee; her brother-in-law, Gene Merkel of Arlington; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Darryl on July 16, 2013; and her sister-in-law, Lois Merkel.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Hall Township Food Pantry.
Anita C. Leonard was born on March 8, 1939 and passed away on February 23rd, 2024.
Anita passed away peacefully of natural causes at the age of 84.
She graduated from ISU with a BA in English and Physical Education.
She went on to teach all over Central Illinois.
She is survived by her four children, Carmen Rod, Jonnie-Kaye Pryor, Stewart Wilson, and Anthony Catalanello.
As well as her sister Kay Elmore and Bill Hollaway. Her mother, Berniece Nord and brother, Andy Nord have passed away years ago.
Her grandchildren are Lance Rod, Courtney Hudson, Whitney Cooper and Alex Migit and Adelaide Catalanello. Her great grandchildren are Chase Rod, Mason Rod, Autumn Hudson and Clifton Hudson.
Anthony (her son) stated that Mom was so very proud of her kids and loved them with everything she had. She enjoyed talking about Jesus and everyone knew she was passionate about her faith! Her favorite quote was “It’s a great life when you keep your eyes on Jesus!”
Stewart (her son) stated he liked her being strong and marching to the beat of her own drum. Her raising four children and teaching them to have a good moral compass. Along with her belief of treating people with dignity and kindness.
Carmen (her daughter) stated that she was such a classy lady when I was growing up and I appreciated her being a strong woman of faith.
Jonnie-Kaye (her daughter) stated that the best thing Mom ever gave me was to tell me about Jesus Christ and how much He loved me and died on the cross for me!
A graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton on Saturday, March 2nd at 11am. Located near the far back side of the cemetery. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Merle Lowell Purvis, 100, of Princeton, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Henry Rehab & Nursing.
Merle led a long and full life, recently celebrating his 100th birthday. He was born on February 5, 1923, in New Bedford to Samuel and Jurendy (Underwood) Purvis. Merle developed knowledge of the land and a love for the outdoors while growing up rurally around Wyanet through the Great Depression. He married his sweetheart Beverley Darlene Etheridge on Dec 8, 1942, and after being turned away to serve in the war for medical reasons, he focused on family life. Merle and Beverley had five children and were married for nearly 66 years before Beverley’s passing on October 9, 2008.
Merle began his work life as a supervisor for the Bureau of Entomology, then worked at Jostens for 35 years, where he was known not only for his strong work ethic but also his sense of humor. He had many hobbies, including motorcycling, camping, and travel, following his admiration of beautiful landscapes to nearly every state in the country; hunting, archery, and guns; country music and playing the harmonica; and passions as a ham radio operator and woodworker that turned into successful side businesses of TV/radio repair and craft/clock making.
Merle is survived by one son, Kent (Geri) Purvis of Princeton, and one daughter, Paula Bucaro of Princeton; 9 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, two brothers, his wife Beverley, his daughter Rosemary Talkington, and his sons Larry Purvis and Mark Purvis. Merle’s family misses him dearly and is proud of the Purvis heart and sense of humor that will endure always.
A private service will be held on Friday, February 23 at Elm Lawn Memorial Park of Princeton; a Celebration of Life will be held on May 11 for friends and family. Arrangements are through Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home. Private condolences may be left for his family at FiocchiFuneralHome.com
Marvin G. Dabler, 97, of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Aperion Care Center, Princeton.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, February 23, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Bob Edwards of the Manlius Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in the Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Marvin was born on November 25, 1926 in rural Manlius to Clifford and Hazel (VanDeusen) Dabler. He served in the United States Army in Germany. He married Bonnie Martin in 1960 in the Manlius Baptist Church. He worked as a Standard Oil bulk agent in Wyanet. He was a member of the Manlius Baptist Church.
He is survived by: his children, Christine (Greg) Gonda of Champaign, Teresa (Alan) Carlson of Princeton, and Kevin (Kirsty) Vickery of Draper, Utah; 5 grandchildren, Andy Carlson, Marissa Claxon, Michael Gonda, Jena Vickery, and Josh Vickery; 8 great grandchildren, Emma, Eliana, Elyssa and Gabriel Carlson, Griffin and Harper Claxon, and Paxton and Rykker Vickery.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Bonnie; and 2 siblings, Verle Dabler and Cheryl Dabler Montgomery.
Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.
Fou Orn Saechao, 80, of Depue, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Aperion Care Center, Princeton.
Services will be held at Noon, Monday, February 12, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rollie Copland of Bethel Baptist Church, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in the DePue. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Fou Orn was born on October 28, 1944 in Laos to Chiem Wang and Kae Cho Saechao. He had served in the Laotian Army. He had worked for the Monterey Mushroom Plant. He married Nai Yoon Saechao.
He is survived by: his children, Muang Orn Saechao of DePue, Yien Orn Saechao of Oakland, California, and Chio Orn Saechao of Seattle Washington; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his sister, Yien Wang Saelee of Sacramento, California.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and his wife, Nai Yoon.
Edwin “Ed” David Magnuson, 94, of Putam, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Henry Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with family by his side.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 10, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Terry Broady officiating. Interment will follow in the Putnam Cemetery with Military Honors. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Ed was born on May 22, 1929 in Henry to Arvid and Anna (Lundeen) Magnuson. He married Barbara Wright on October 15, 1950 in Putnam.
Ed graduated from Senachwine High School and worked on a pipeline, Putnam Grain, and the cotton mill in Sparland before enlisting in the Army in 1948. He served in Berlin during the Air Lift and then in Tokyo during the Korean War.
Ed farmed in Bureau County for 39 years near Tiskilwa and Cherry. He served as an elder in the Putnam and Princeton Christian Churches, as well as taught Sunday School at Tiskilwa and LaMoille Methodist Churches. Ed served on the Bureau County Farm Bureau Board as a director, treasurer, and secretary. He also served as Justice of the Peace on the Wheatland Township Board. Besides serving on many church boards and the LaMoille School Board, he worked for Bureau Service Company for two years after retiring from farming.
He loved to travel and visited Sweden many times, as well as Norway, Germany and Switzerland. He also enjoyed being a snow bird in Florida for many years after retirement. At age 85 he took the controls of a P-51 for 15-20 minutes and even did a figure 8!! In his free time he enjoyed his hobbies, which included, woodworking, flying, golf and bowling.
He is survived by: his sons, Larry (Janice) Magnuson of Tiskilwa, John Magnuson of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and Paul (Deb) Magnuson of Rock Island; 4 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Bonnie Koehler of California.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Barbara of 49+ years; and infant son, Sammy; 2 brothers; and 1 sister.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Princeton Christian Church, Putnam Christian Church, or The Wounded Warrior Project.
Nancy Ann Bickett, 80, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in her home, with her family by her side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Msgr. James Kruse officiating. Private interment will be held in Maytown. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Thursday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Nancy was born on August 6, 1943, in Amboy, to John Lester and Lorraine G. (Lathrope) Bulfer. She married Michael James Bickett on December 2, 1961, in St. Patrick Church, Maytown. She was the former Outreach Director at the Bureau County Senior Citizens Association.
She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, and a member of the St. Patrick Church, Arlington, Altar and Rosary Society and taught CCD for elementary school children. She served on the Bureau County Senior Center Board. She was founder of the Outreach and Transportation programs in the 1980's.
She is survived by: her children, Elizabeth (Floyd) Robison of Morgantown, Indiana, Brenda Bickett of Glen Ellyn, and Kent Bickett of Princeton; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.
She was preceded by: her parents; her husband, Mike, in 2019; and 2 sons in infancy, Dennis, 1965, and Douglas, 1967
Memorials may be directed to Rush University Medical Center Pancreatic Cancer Research where she is a participant in the Rush University Medical Center Pancreatic Cancer Research
Wava Laverne Phipps, 74, of Broadview, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in her home.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry, with Rev. Karen Karczewski of The Cherry United Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow in Miners Memorial Cemetery, Cherry. Her family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Wava was born on August 30, 1949, in Spring Valley, to Lester and Rena (Main) Stewart. She was a homemaker. She loved spending time with her family and friends, she also loved cooking, baking, reading, music and sharing wonderful memories.
She is survived by: her husband, Lemuel Phipps; her children, Arland Stratton, April (Paul) Danielweski, Tammy (John) Streckert, Kim Phipps, Kendra Phipps, and Bryan (Sue) Phipps; her grandchildren, Jelani Rowland, Joshua Streckert, Jada Watts, Nathen Stratton, Darrell Jaylen Watts, Trey Phipps, Renea Stratton, Lynsey Danielewski, Jacob Stratton, Audrey Danielewski, Holleigh Stratton, and Savannah Phipps; great grand daughter, Lacey Streckert; nephews, Jeff Stewart, Phillip (Kelly) Stewart, and Kevin Stewart; niece, Melissa Schweickert; and many grand nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her brother, Arland David Stewart; and her son, Randall Stratton.
Memorials may be directed to the Phipps Family
GLEN ARTHUR KILLEN
Glen Arthur Killen, 91, formerly of Malden, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, in the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle, with his family by his side.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Dan Smith officiating and military honors. Interment will be at a later date. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Glen was born on February 26, 1932 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Marshall and Myrtle (Shiltz) Killen. He married Joyce Christiansen on July 11, 1970 in Amboy. He served in the United States Navy from 1949 – 1953 during the Korean War. He served in law enforcement for many years having retired from Henry in 1993.
He was a member of the Lutheran Church, President of The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, and a member of The Henry American Legion Post 323.
He is survived by: his children, Vicki (Dan) Smith of Varna, Debbie (Ross) Taylor of Spring Valley, Steve Killen of Casa Grande, Arizona, Terry Guzman of Columbus, Nebraska, Cindy (Clois) Henderson of Clinton, Kentucky, Glen (Val) Killen of Casa Grande, Arizona, and Mike ( Kristi) Killen of Edelstein; multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and his sister, Shirley Wight of Rockford.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Joyce; 2 children, Charlene Thompson, and Sheryl Marsett; 2 grandchildren; and 2 brothers, Wally, and Lavern.
Memorials may be directed to the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle.
BARBARA JANE PERRY
Barbara Jane Perry, 76, of Tiskilwa, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in her home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Fr. Kevin Creegan and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tiskilwa. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Monday evening in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Barbara was born on October 23, 1947 in Amboy to Donald and Dorothy (Oester) Friel. She married Jay Perry on July 16, 1966 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa.
She is survived by: her husband, Jay Perry of Tiskilwa; her children, Mark Perry of Tiskilwa, Amber (David) Svoboda of Naperville, and Christina (Joey) Gutierrez of Littleton, Colorado; 7 grandchildren, Dylan, Derek, and Emily Perry, Bella and Ava Svoboda, and Lakeryn and Eastyn Gutierrez; 2 great grandchildren, Everlee, and Addy Perry; and siblings, Elizabeth Potts of Dixon, Margarite Kuchenbecker of Kentucky, Rose Woodyatt of Fulton, Don (Sandra) Friel of Tiskilwa, Jerry Friel of Tiskilwa, Regina Kunde of Dixon, Robert (Susan) Friel of Tiskilwa, David Friel of Tiskilwa, and Steve (Deb Kirley) Friel of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters.
Memorials may be directed to the Tiskilwa Library.
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Tina Burd (née Rakestraw), a proud and passionate member of the IBEW Local 34, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, at the age of 56. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, to Virginia Greenleaf (William Greenleaf) and Charles Rakestraw (deceased), Tina grew up on a hog farm in Havana with her brother John Rakestraw of Bloomington. Her childhood was filled with the simple joys of farm life, which she fondly remembered and recreated in her own home, cherishing the nostalgia.
A graduate of Glen Oak Elementary, Tina was a thoughtful and intelligent young lady who formed lifelong friendships with Barb Tindall of Pekin and Kathy Hedges. These friendships were a cornerstone of her life, providing unwavering support through to the very end.
Tina was a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children, of whom she was immensely proud. Instilling in them the values of hard work, dedication, and resilience, her greatest qualities live on in Troy Burd (Sara Burd), Holly Burd (Mourad Mourad), and Mariah Burd (Will Wallick).
Her professional life was marked by her dedication to the IBEW Local 34, where she served as treasurer. Tina was known for her sharp problem-solving skills, her unwavering commitment to workers' rights, and her natural sense of justice. She was a respected and valued member of the union, inspiring many with her toughness, generosity, and integrity.
Tina was preceded in death by her father, Charles Rakestraw, and her best friend, Sam (Edna). She is survived by her children and 3 grandchildren (Jonah, Elliott, and Macy), who will carry forward her legacy of hard work, kindness, and strength. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
In lieu of flowers, please consider helping a neighbor in need. Tina was extraordinarily generous to anyone who asked for her help, and she loved attending charity events and raffles that were meaningful to her many friends throughout Peoria. She would feel honored to have her legacy continued by supporting any organizations special to you.
DeAnn Pozzi, 77, of Cherry, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Allure of Walnut.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, August 24, in the Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry, with Rev. Karen Karczewski of the Cherry United Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. Her family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
DeAnn was born on May 7, 1947, in Princeton, to Dean and Gladys (Lubbs) Whipple. She was a class of 1965 graduate of Buda Western High School. She married James J. “Fooney” Pozzi on January 14, 1967 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. She had worked at Harper-Wyman, Hobbs Corp, as P.M.R. for the United States Postal Service for many local post offices, and as curator for the Cherry Mine Disaster Museum in Cherry.
She is survived by: her husband, James J. “Fooney” Pozzi of Cherry; her son, James J. (Christine) Pozzi of Peru; 3 grandchildren, Meagan Lule, Sarah Pozzi, and Alexander Pozzi; and her great granddaughter, Emilia Rae Lule.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her sister, Nancy; and a niece.
In Loving Memory of Todd Jeffrey Fallbacher
Todd Jeffrey Fallbacher, born on October 2, 1951, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Todd was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, whose warmth and humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
A proud member of the Chicago Carpenters Union, Todd dedicated many years to his craft, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Outside of work, Todd was a man of many passions. He was a loyal Chicago Bears fan, cheering on his team through thick and thin, and an avid movie watcher, sharing his love for cinema with his family. But it was his love for music that truly defined the rhythm of his life. Whether at home or on the road, music was always playing, filling the air with melodies that mirrored his joyful spirit. He could often be found tapping the steering wheel to the beat, lost in the tunes that brought him so much happiness.
Todd was also known for his infectious sense of humor, always ready with a clever dad joke to bring a smile to the faces of those around him. His favorite phrase, "Take care now," was a reflection of his caring nature, always wishing the best for others. His love for his family was immeasurable, and he took great pride in being a supportive and caring husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; his children, Jennifer Demski (husband Michael, children Michael, Megan, and Matthew), Todd Fallbacher (wife Stephanie Fallbacher, children Ellie, Cole, Jack, Cade, Luke, Reid, Ruthie, and Remie), Amanda Fallbacher, Judith Norenberg (husband Nicholas, children Piper and Penelope), and Thomas Fallbacher (child Reign). Todd is also survived by his brothers, Thomas Fallbacher (wife Deborah) and Timothy Fallbacher (wife Joanne).
Todd was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Yolanda Fallbacher.
Todd's love, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. As he always said, "Take care now."
Details of the memorial service will be shared with family and friends at a later date.
Patricia Ann Alford, 76, of Princeton, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in Liberty Village Manor Court of Princeton, surrounded by loved ones.
Interment will be held at Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Patricia was born on May 13, 1948, in Tiskilwa to James “Slick” and Maxine (Sissel) Lucas. Her upbeat attitude and constant laughter will be missed by all.
She is survived by: 2 sons, Brian (Gena) Lucas of Foley, Alabama, and William Hale, Jr. of Manlius; her daughter, Tammy (John) Moore of Dwight; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and her sister, Connie (Robert) Morris of Pharr, Texas.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 1 nephew at birth.
Eugene "Billy" Nordstrom, 63, of Princeton, IL left this world far too soon, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 on his beloved ancestral farm. Billy was born on October 30, 1960 in Princeton, IL to Wilbur "Bill" and Karna (Smithey) Nordstrom. He was a class of 1979 graduate of Western High School in Buda, IL and a 1982 graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in agriculture.
He was a farmer, a carpenter, a loyal friend and unwaveringly cheerful advocate to the helpless, the hungry and all those in sickness, need or sorrow. He spent the best times of his life as a volunteer with Heifer International in Arkansas for a year where his huge heart and kindness toward man and beast found their truest calling. He was entirely too gentle, kind and tender for this world. Billy was his loving and absolutely authentic self at all times, a uniquely living embodiment of Christ's commands and love for the world and lived his entire life in the sunlight of his overarching goodness and tenderness toward everyone he encountered. He came into this world from pure light and to pure light he has returned, leaving our world a better place than he found it, but taking with him large pieces of our hearts to the next realm.
Billy was a friend of the Hampshire Colony Church in Princeton.
He is mourned by his sister, Pamela Warren and her husband, Rick, who was also his best friend of Princeton, his niece and nephew, Heidi (Paul) MacDiarmid of LaSalle, Brandon (Faren Ballard) Hewitt of Oglesby and Michael (Lacy) Warren of Princeton, nine great nieces and nephews, his paternal aunt, Marcella Nordstrom of Wyanet, a maternal aunt, Doris Stromberg, of Liberty Village Memory Care and maternal uncle, Neil Smithey, of Princeton. A host of loving cousins and his best pal and faithful, old dog, Buster.
He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his two cherished life long friends, who were also his cousins, Paul "Skip" Olson of Buda and Jay Lafferty, also of Buda.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Heifer International or Hampshire Colony Church.
Private family services are pending. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Ruth Louise Layer Davis, 99, of Princeton, Illinois, formerly of Alden, NY, was born
March 5, 1925, in Albion, New York to John Christian and Jeanette (Smith) Layer. She grew up
in the city of Buffalo, New York (at the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, where her father
was groundskeeper), but worked weekends, holidays, and vacations on her grandfather's farm 20
miles away. She was valedictorian of both Lafayette High School and Buffalo State Teachers
College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. She earned a master's degree in
education around 1977.
In the summer of 1945 she worked at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, unaware she was refining
uranium for the Manhattan Project. She taught for a few years in the Niagara Falls (New York)
School District before marrying Ralph J. Davis, Jr. on August 20, 1949. She substituted and
taught school full time (usually 4th grade) for many years in the Alden Central School District.
In the years leading up to her retirement in 1984, she created and taught a program for gifted and
talented students.
Ruth was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alden, New York, where
she taught adult Sunday School and enjoyed enacting the lives of biblical women for special
programs. She had a long-term involvement with the Lockport Retirement Home ministry,
served on the board of the Ewell Free Library, and was involved with Cub Scouts, USA, for
many years. In her retirement, she devoted many hours to the Alden Historical Society, serving
as curator of their museum.
Ruth enjoyed reading, reciting poetry that she had memorized over the years, sewing and
knitting, and cross-country skiing. She enjoyed extended family get-togethers and kept in touch
with many relatives. She and Ralph traveled extensively in the United States, and at the age of
64, she traveled by herself to visit family in southern Africa.
After Ralph's death in 2015, in order to live closer to family, Ruth moved to Princeton,
Illinois, where she lived at Greenfield Retirement Home.
Ruth had a goal of making someone laugh every day, and probably accomplished it.
Ruth passed away July 17, 2024, at OSF St. Clare, in Princeton, Illinois. She was
preceded in death by her parents, one brother (John William Layer), her husband, and one
grandchild. She is survived by a brother, Dr. Paul C. (Joan) Layer of New York and Florida, sons
Dr. Richard J. (Sue) Davis of Virginia, Rev. Gregory J. Davis of Texas, Dr. Christian R. (Susan)
Davis of Indiana, daughter Ellen L. Davis-Zehr (Dennis Zehr) of Illinois, eight grandchildren,
and one great-grandchild.
Services for Ruth will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Alden Historical Society, the First Presbyterian Church of
Alden, New York, or the First Presbyterian Church of Princeton, Illinois.
Wilbur C. “Bill” Nordstrom, 86, of Princeton, went home to be with his Savior on July 18, 2024, in Liberty Village Manor Court of Princeton, with his family by his side.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Bill was born on October 14, 1937, in Princeton to Carl and Wilda (Ireland) Nordstrom. He was a class of 1955 graduate of LaMoille High School. He married Karna Smithey on December 27, 1959 in the Dover Congregational Church.
Bill was a mechanic of several shops in his working years. He was a member of Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, Princeton.
He is survived by: his children, Eugene “Billy” Nordstrom of Princeton, and Pamela (Rick) Warren of Princeton; his grandchildren, Heidi (Paul) MacDiarmid of LaSalle, Brandon (Faren Ballard) Hewitt of Oglesby, and Michael (Lacy) Warren of Princeton; 9 great grandchildren; his sister, Marcella Nordstrom of Wyanet; and faithful grand dog Buster.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and his wife, Karna Nordstrom, in 2007
Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.
Ronald “Ron” L. Johnson, 68, of Princeton, Illinois, peacefully reunited with God on Tuesday,
June 25, 2024, with his wife by his side at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, Illinois.
He was born in Princeton on February 18, 1956, to Roland and Verda (Rabe) Johnson. He
started his education at Bureau Township School. He then attended Princeton schools from
sixth grade on and graduated from Princeton High School in 1974.
Ron married Valerie McKibbon on September 17, 1977, at the First Christian Church in
Princeton, Illinois. They met when Val was in high school and married shortly after she
graduated. They were together for almost 47 years and had three children together. Val still
resides in Princeton.
Also surviving are his younger sister, Rhonda Johnson, his three children, Eric (Angie) Johnson,
Cristin (Mac) Kruse, and Brandon (Tammy Hill and children) Johnson, four grandchildren,
Aubreanna (Kyler), Travis, Liam, and Charlotte, and one great-grandson, Emmett. He also left
behind brothers-in-law, Mark (Patty) McKibbon and Jeremy Gibson and sisters-in-law Jodi (Gail)
Taets, Paula (Mark) Vandersnick, and Colleen (Frank) Thurston, father and mother-in law,
Richard and Ann McKibbon, nieces, nephews, cousins, and
a special aunt, Sharon Rabe.
Ron joined his mother, Verda, and father, Roland, and has finally met his older brother, Randy.
He was also preceded in death by his grandparents Geraldine Rabe Weller, Conrad and Nina
Johnson, and one sister-in-law, Laura Gibson.
Ron was a farmer for many years and kept cattle his entire life. He worked for the City of
Princeton Street Department for almost 30 years where he remained until he passed.
He would have done anything for his family. Ron took great pride in being a grandpa and
encouraged his grandchildren in all of their interests. One of his favorite hobbies was showing
cattle, which he passed down to his two sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed regularly
going to get coffee with his wife and a group of friends. Ron loved attending various fairs and
watching the cattle shows and horse races.
His service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in
Princeton at 11:00 am with Pastor Derek Boggs officiating. Following the service, a meet and
greet with a luncheon will be held in the basement of the church until 3:00 pm. Memorials may
be directed to the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton as well as St. Jude. Cremation
rites have been accorded.
Bernadine D. Skibinski, 88, formerly of Princeton, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024, in her family’s home in Hampshire, Illinois.
Bernie was born December 24, 1935, in Chicago, to Joseph and Joan (Wisniewski) Wielosinski. She spent her childhood playing with her two brothers, visiting her grandparents and taking summertime family road trips. In high school, she joined the sewing club and played volleyball in local tournaments. A diligent student, she made the top grade in Gregg shorthand, an achievement of which she was particularly proud.
She met her husband, Henry, at age 15 through her older brother. Although she wasn’t his biggest fan at first (if she saw him on the sidewalk, she would cross to the other side of the street), they warmed to each other while exchanging letters when Henry was stationed in Panama during the Korean War. They married July 30, 1955, and spent nearly 64 years together raising a family, traveling the world and dancing the jitterbug.
Bernie worked as a secretary at the Standard Oil Company in Chicago until she had her first son, Michael, in 1958. Thomas and Kevin followed in 1962 and 1967, respectively. In 1971, Hank, Bernie and their young family moved to Princeton. There, she worked at Princeton High School as an administrative assistant for 14 years. Although she loved her work, her children and grandchildren were her greatest joys.
In retirement, Bernie was a master crafter. Quilts, blankets, matching sweatshirts, Christmas ornaments—you name it; she could make it. She had a penchant for bingo at the Elks Lodge and the luck to match. You could find her cheering on whichever Chicago team was in season, and she always made time to keep up with her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was impossible to beat in Scrabble, and she had regular Words with Friends matches with fellow logofiles around the world up until her final weeks.
She is survived by three sons, Michael (Carmela Urgena) Skibinski of Skokie, Thomas (Sandy) Skibinski of Hampshire and Kevin Skibinski (Renae Reardon) of Dowagiac, Michigan; seven grandchildren, Kimberly, Caroline, Melissa, Megan, Jared, Jake and Ryan; and her beloved grand-dog, Cashew.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Edward “Smitty” and Clemens; and her husband, Henry, on July 14, 2019.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Msgr. James Kruse officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. Her family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services in the church's Harkrader Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Louis Catholic Church in Bernie’s memory. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Stephen Hobart Gunning, 79, died on Sunday, May 26, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison.
Steve was born in Princeton in 1944 to Hobart and June (nee Greenman) Gunning. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1962 and from the University of Michigan in 1966. After completing law school at the University of Illinois in 1969, he joined the Heyl Royster law firm in Peoria. In 1971, with a yen for political reform and adventure, he gave up his job and moved to Chicago to work on a successful statewide political campaign.
He subsequently moved to Springfield and worked as a lawyer for the newly formed Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. In 1980, Steve was drawn back to Princeton and went into private practice. For the last several years of his career, he served as a Bureau County Public Defender.
Steve took the role of citizen seriously. Strong of voice and opinion, he was also very knowledgeable about government and politics. If he believed some ordinance was not in the public interest, he took it up with the Princeton City Council or the Bureau County Board. Politically liberal, he was not a diehard partisan. In 2014, he worked tirelessly to get a referendum against gerrymandering on the Illinois ballot.
Steve was the force behind Princeton's blues concerts. When he wanted to bring Terrance Simien and his Zydeco Band to town, he approached the Chamber of Commerce with a novel idea. Why not close off a few blocks of South Main Street for their performance? With trepidation, the City agreed, leading to Princeton's tradition of free street concerts all summer long.
Steve was passionate about education, music, the arts, baseball, and good food. He had a keen sense of fair play and inclusion. He served many years on the Princeton High School Board, was a longtime member of Open Prairie and a stalwart with the Princeton Coffeehouse. For the last 15 years, he and his partner Sarah served as a Festival 56 host family.
Loyal to a fault, Steve never gave up on the Chicago White Sox. He relished cooking and was known for his smoked meats, gumbos and jambalaya.
At heart, Steve was a storyteller. He was forever bemused or amused by people he knew or had just met. With a phenomenal memory and a sharp wit, he could turn a simple encounter in town into a folktale. Occasional travels to the Mississippi Delta and New Orleans generated a crop of new tales to tell.
Portraying a series of Princeton notables in the Historical Society's annual cemetery tours, Steve would embellish the script. His final starring role was playing his grandfather, T.P. Gunning, a former mayor of Princeton and Illinois state senator.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister Joan Richards and brother-in-law George Richards, Tucson, Arizona, as well as his two nephews and their families: Craig (Cathy) Rockey and Kyle (Ann) Rockey, all of Chicago.
Sarah Cooper, Steve's longtime partner, also survives, along with Ozzie, the family cat, and their beloved dog Satchel.
A memorial service for Steve will be held at Open Prairie, UCC, in Princeton on Wednesday, June 26, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and a celebration of his life, led by Rev. Adam Webber, at 2 p.m.
Donations may be directed to Open Prairie or the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, www.https//iejf.org.
Arrangements through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home.
Lloyd E. Shipp, 89, of Bureau, IL. passed away at Aperion in Princeton, IL. on June 3, 2024.
Lloyd was born in Bureau, IL. on August 6, 1934 to Robert and Martha (Osborne) Shipp.
He married Charlotte “Ann” (Reynolds) Shipp. He attended Bureau Grade and High School. Lloyd was an Army veteran of
the Korean War. Lloyd worked for the Rock Island Railroad and several years at Bryant Nursery in Princeton, IL.
Survivors include 4 sons, Jim (Deb) Shipp of Princeton, IL., Tim (Peggy) Shipp of Bureau, IL., Rob Shipp
of Wisconsin, Mike (Dawn) Shipp of Bureau, IL., a sister, Blanche Piacenti of Princeton, IL., 9
grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with another on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ann, 5 sisters, 2 brothers, and 3 siblings in infancy.
Memorials will be directed to the Village of Bureau for its 150th Anniversary Celebration.
Tiffany Jean Thomas, 40, of Deer Grove, formerly of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in her home.
A memorial visitation will be held Friday, June 7, 2024, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
John Francis Brokaw, 86, of Princeton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at OSF St. Clare Medical Center, Princeton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Msgr. James Kruse and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Tiskilwa. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday, May 29, in the Church Harkrader Hall. Arrangements are through The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
John was born on April 4, 1938, in Tiskilwa to Orville and Bessie (Reichardt) Brokaw. He graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1956 and from Western Illinois University in 1962 with a Bachelor’s of Science and a teaching certificate in Agriculture, Science and English. He married DeeAnn Schertz in 1959 and they were married for 15 years. He married Betty Boggio in 1994. He worked for Bureau Service Company and after retirement worked for the USDA.
He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, the Tiskilwa Lions Club, the Princeton Elks Lodge and the Princeton Moose Lodge and a former Tiskilwa High School Board member. He had been a member of and served as president of the Bureau County Board.
He is survived by: his wife, Betty Brokaw of Princeton; his children, Kimberly (Scott) Hixson of Melbourne, Florida, Jacque Waller of Carmel, Indiana, Julie (Daniel) Bitting of Carmel, Indiana, Michael (Dalila) Brokaw of Peoria, Arizona, Kelley (Rodney Wedekind) Fisher of Princeton, and Kevin (Mistie) Brokaw of Princeton, and a step daughter, Teresa (Dr. Igoni) Colby-Dokubo of Schamberg; 24 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Gwen) Brokaw of Tiskilwa, Robert (Kay) Brokaw of Kewanee, Chuck (Judy) Brokaw of Ran Tan Arizona, Gary (Brenda) Brokaw of Princeton, Marie Susan Morris of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mary (Daniel) Thompson of Princeton; and his Sister-In-Laws, Helen Brokaw of Walnut and Shirley Brokaw of Kewanee.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; step-daughters, Stephanie Colby-Aburto and Angela Miller; and 2 brothers, Richard and David.
Memorials may be directed to The St. Louis Church Magi Baby Chest Fund or the donor’s choice.
Marcia Marie Roberts, 86, of Princeton, IL passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Liberty Village, Princeton, IL.
Marcia was born on April 27, 1937, in Freeport, IL to Lowell and Jeanette (Murphy) Teeter.
Marcia spent her childhood in Mt. Carroll, IL, graduating from Mt. Carroll High School and earning a Bachelors Degree in Business and a Masters Degree in Reading from Western IL University. She married Theodore Roberts in 1958. They had three children.
Marcia began teaching in 1959 in Bushnell, IL, then onto Galesburg, IL. She taught primary and middle school students, spending the majority of her teaching career at Logan Junior High in Princeton, teaching English and reading. She loved living in Princeton, IL where after her retirement (1994) she worked as a substitute teacher, volunteered as a docent at the Lovejoy Homestead and was a member of the Bureau County Historical Society. She volunteered at her church, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, ran her own “From the Nest” retail business, was a vendor at local antique shops, and loved going to auctions! Marcia participated in book clubs, bridge, Hardanger, etc. She enjoyed traveling and socializing with her wonderful friends, walks in the park, coffee downtown, as well as trips to Door County and family trips to Estes Park, Colorado and to California beaches.
She is survived by her sons, Christopher (Christy) Roberts, Lindenwood, IL, John Roberts, Salinas, CA, and daughter, Leslie (Marc) Beauchamp, Santa Barbara, CA; grandchildren, Courtney (Phillip) Luna, Lindsey Roberts, Sean Roberts, Kyle (Elaina) Roberts; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Norman (Carmelita) Teeter of Eads, TN; step-siblings, William (Leigh Anne) Piper, Russell (Cheri) Piper, Allen (Connie) Piper, and Patricia (Loren) Golden. Marcia is predeceased by her parents; step-father, Dr. C.G.Piper; step-mother, Marie Teeter.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, At the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church in Princeton, Pastor Michael Freeman officiating. Visitation 9 A.M. Funeral 10:30 A.M. Arrangements were made through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral
Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
A luncheon will be provided at the church following the service. A private graveside service will be held at 3P.M in Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll.
Memorials in lieu of flowers: Hampshire Colony Church, Princeton Elementary School District.
Janet Florence (Anderson) Swanberg, age 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 15, 2024. She was born on February 5, 1944, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to Walter and Florence Anderson. She grew up in Marion, Ohio, and graduated from North Park College in Chicago, Illinois, with a degree in teaching. She taught elementary school in Marion, Ohio, and Glenville, Illinois.
In 1972, she met the love of her life, Roy Swanberg, and they were married on September 9, 1972. They welcomed their daughter, Michelle, a year later, and their daughter, Kristin, five years after that. The family moved to Streator, Illinois, in 1976, where Janet chose to be a stay-at-home mom while raising her family. Later, she became the director of the pregnancy center in Streator, where she served for many years before returning to teaching at Grand Ridge Elementary School.
In 1996, Roy and Jan moved to Princeton, Illinois, and Jan's passion for educating children led her to Happy Hands Preschool, where she worked alongside her sister, Joyce Johnson. Jan was an accomplished piano player and enjoyed sewing and cooking for her family. She cherished her four grandchildren and served in various positions at the Evangelical Covenant Church of Princeton.
She is survived by her husband, Roy, of 51 years, and daughters Michelle (Randy) Olson of Snoqualmie, Washington, and Kristin (Rick) McComber of Princeton, Illinois, and four beautiful grandchildren: Jessica, J.D., Regan, and Harper. She is also survived by her sister Joyce (Kent) Johnson of Princeton, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main St., Princeton, Illinois. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Evangelical Covenant Church at 10:00 a.m. If desired, friends can make memorial contributions to the Happy Hands Preschool of Princeton.
Wesley Oliver Hoscheid, 86, of Cherry, passed away on Saturday, March 23, in Henry Rehab and Nursing Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 27, in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, with Fr. Gregory Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow in The Holy Trinity Miners Memorial Cemetery, Cherry, with military honors by the Ladd American Legion Post 938. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday in the church. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Wes was born on November 28, 1937, in rural Cherry, to William and Irene (Zimmerman) Hoscheid. He was a class of 1955 graduate of Hall High School. He married Rita Houski on January 7,1961, in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. He served in the United States Army National Guard for 6 years. He worked at Conco Inc. for 32 years and later at Complete Industrial.
He was a member of The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, The Knights of Columbus, and volunteered for the Cherry Fire Department for 54 years.
He is survived by: his sons, Jim (Kathy) Hoscheid of Cherry, Jack Hoscheid of Cherry, and Bob (Janene) Hoscheid of Cherry; 8 grandchildren, Aaron, Jered, Karly, Emily, Abby, Brittany, Matt, and Morgan; and 8 great grandchildren, Greta, Theo, Adilynn, Emersyn, Lillian, Laynie, Maggie, and Arlo.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Rita, in 2021; and 2 siblings, Ronnie Hoscheid, and Collette Thomas.
Memorials may be directed to the Cherry Fire Department
Gail L. Kellerman, 73, of Cherry, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, in her home, with her family by her side.
Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will follow in Miners Memorial Cemetery, Cherry. Her family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Gail was born on December 21, 1950, in Mendota, to Elmer and Dorothy Marie (Dilday) Jeanguenat. She married Francis Kellerman on August 16, 1993 in Princeton. She had worked as an in home caretaker for many years.
She is survived by: her daughters, Tori (Steve) Burdon of Carmel, Indiana, Renee (Jamie) Miles of Penfield, Dani Galassi of Cherry, Lynn (Chad) Vaini of Ladd, and Barb (Mike) Biccochi of Ladd; 2 step-daughters, Betty Kellerman of Cherry, and Mary Clapham of Missouri; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and 2 siblings, Janis Doty of Ohio, Illinois, and William (Elle) Jeanguenat of Peru.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Francis in 2009; a sister, Teresa; and a son-in-law, Marc.
Seng Yoon Saepharn It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Seng Yoon Saepharn who passed away on February 25th, 2024 in Aperion care Princeton, Illinois. He was 59 years old.
He was born in Laos to Foukuang and Naitong (Saechao) Saepharn. He had spent most of his life in Depue, Il. Venturing out to California for a bit working as a chef but eventually coming back home. He was known to always have his own set of wheels.
Seng is survived by his mother, Naitong Saepharn; his sisters; Mey (Vicente) Acosta, Muang (Brandon) Plattner, Lai (Ryan) Mckinney; several nieces and nephews; and his good friend Richard Maycroft. He was preceded in death by his father and brother.
Services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, March 4, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Laura Tanner of The New Hope Church of The Nazarene, officiating. Interment will follow in the DePue Village Cemetery. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Monday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be directed to his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Joyce Mitchell
Mary Joyce Mitchell, 86, of Arlington, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Allure of Peru.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, with Fr. Gregory Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow in Peru City Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Friday in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Joyce was born on April 11, 1937, in LaSalle to Ralph and Agnes (Trompeter) Houski. She was a graduate of LaMoille High School. She married Darryl Mitchell on November 25, 1961 in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. She had worked for Elliott Lumber in LaSalle and as a homemaker.
She was a member of The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, The Tri City Saddle Club, and a 4-H leader.
She is survived by: Her children, Diane (Gregg) Maggio of Dalzell, and Craig (Claire) Mitchell of Spring Valley; 4 grandchildren, Eric (Olivia) Maggio, Brittany (Jeff) Allen, Brad (Kelsey) Mitchell, and Aaron (Tristan Chapman) Mitchell; 6 great grandchildren, Owen, Grady, Zeke, Josie, Brayden, and Marlee; her brother-in-law, Gene Merkel of Arlington; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Darryl on July 16, 2013; and her sister-in-law, Lois Merkel.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Hall Township Food Pantry.
Anita C. Leonard was born on March 8, 1939 and passed away on February 23rd, 2024.
Anita passed away peacefully of natural causes at the age of 84.
She graduated from ISU with a BA in English and Physical Education.
She went on to teach all over Central Illinois.
She is survived by her four children, Carmen Rod, Jonnie-Kaye Pryor, Stewart Wilson, and Anthony Catalanello.
As well as her sister Kay Elmore and Bill Hollaway. Her mother, Berniece Nord and brother, Andy Nord have passed away years ago.
Her grandchildren are Lance Rod, Courtney Hudson, Whitney Cooper and Alex Migit and Adelaide Catalanello. Her great grandchildren are Chase Rod, Mason Rod, Autumn Hudson and Clifton Hudson.
Anthony (her son) stated that Mom was so very proud of her kids and loved them with everything she had. She enjoyed talking about Jesus and everyone knew she was passionate about her faith! Her favorite quote was “It’s a great life when you keep your eyes on Jesus!”
Stewart (her son) stated he liked her being strong and marching to the beat of her own drum. Her raising four children and teaching them to have a good moral compass. Along with her belief of treating people with dignity and kindness.
Carmen (her daughter) stated that she was such a classy lady when I was growing up and I appreciated her being a strong woman of faith.
Jonnie-Kaye (her daughter) stated that the best thing Mom ever gave me was to tell me about Jesus Christ and how much He loved me and died on the cross for me!
A graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton on Saturday, March 2nd at 11am. Located near the far back side of the cemetery. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Merle Lowell Purvis, 100, of Princeton, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Henry Rehab & Nursing.
Merle led a long and full life, recently celebrating his 100th birthday. He was born on February 5, 1923, in New Bedford to Samuel and Jurendy (Underwood) Purvis. Merle developed knowledge of the land and a love for the outdoors while growing up rurally around Wyanet through the Great Depression. He married his sweetheart Beverley Darlene Etheridge on Dec 8, 1942, and after being turned away to serve in the war for medical reasons, he focused on family life. Merle and Beverley had five children and were married for nearly 66 years before Beverley’s passing on October 9, 2008.
Merle began his work life as a supervisor for the Bureau of Entomology, then worked at Jostens for 35 years, where he was known not only for his strong work ethic but also his sense of humor. He had many hobbies, including motorcycling, camping, and travel, following his admiration of beautiful landscapes to nearly every state in the country; hunting, archery, and guns; country music and playing the harmonica; and passions as a ham radio operator and woodworker that turned into successful side businesses of TV/radio repair and craft/clock making.
Merle is survived by one son, Kent (Geri) Purvis of Princeton, and one daughter, Paula Bucaro of Princeton; 9 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, two brothers, his wife Beverley, his daughter Rosemary Talkington, and his sons Larry Purvis and Mark Purvis. Merle’s family misses him dearly and is proud of the Purvis heart and sense of humor that will endure always.
A private service will be held on Friday, February 23 at Elm Lawn Memorial Park of Princeton; a Celebration of Life will be held on May 11 for friends and family. Arrangements are through Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home. Private condolences may be left for his family at FiocchiFuneralHome.com
Marvin G. Dabler, 97, of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Aperion Care Center, Princeton.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, February 23, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Bob Edwards of the Manlius Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in the Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Marvin was born on November 25, 1926 in rural Manlius to Clifford and Hazel (VanDeusen) Dabler. He served in the United States Army in Germany. He married Bonnie Martin in 1960 in the Manlius Baptist Church. He worked as a Standard Oil bulk agent in Wyanet. He was a member of the Manlius Baptist Church.
He is survived by: his children, Christine (Greg) Gonda of Champaign, Teresa (Alan) Carlson of Princeton, and Kevin (Kirsty) Vickery of Draper, Utah; 5 grandchildren, Andy Carlson, Marissa Claxon, Michael Gonda, Jena Vickery, and Josh Vickery; 8 great grandchildren, Emma, Eliana, Elyssa and Gabriel Carlson, Griffin and Harper Claxon, and Paxton and Rykker Vickery.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Bonnie; and 2 siblings, Verle Dabler and Cheryl Dabler Montgomery.
Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.
Fou Orn Saechao, 80, of Depue, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Aperion Care Center, Princeton.
Services will be held at Noon, Monday, February 12, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rollie Copland of Bethel Baptist Church, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in the DePue. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Fou Orn was born on October 28, 1944 in Laos to Chiem Wang and Kae Cho Saechao. He had served in the Laotian Army. He had worked for the Monterey Mushroom Plant. He married Nai Yoon Saechao.
He is survived by: his children, Muang Orn Saechao of DePue, Yien Orn Saechao of Oakland, California, and Chio Orn Saechao of Seattle Washington; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his sister, Yien Wang Saelee of Sacramento, California.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and his wife, Nai Yoon.
Edwin “Ed” David Magnuson, 94, of Putam, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Henry Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with family by his side.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 10, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Terry Broady officiating. Interment will follow in the Putnam Cemetery with Military Honors. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Ed was born on May 22, 1929 in Henry to Arvid and Anna (Lundeen) Magnuson. He married Barbara Wright on October 15, 1950 in Putnam.
Ed graduated from Senachwine High School and worked on a pipeline, Putnam Grain, and the cotton mill in Sparland before enlisting in the Army in 1948. He served in Berlin during the Air Lift and then in Tokyo during the Korean War.
Ed farmed in Bureau County for 39 years near Tiskilwa and Cherry. He served as an elder in the Putnam and Princeton Christian Churches, as well as taught Sunday School at Tiskilwa and LaMoille Methodist Churches. Ed served on the Bureau County Farm Bureau Board as a director, treasurer, and secretary. He also served as Justice of the Peace on the Wheatland Township Board. Besides serving on many church boards and the LaMoille School Board, he worked for Bureau Service Company for two years after retiring from farming.
He loved to travel and visited Sweden many times, as well as Norway, Germany and Switzerland. He also enjoyed being a snow bird in Florida for many years after retirement. At age 85 he took the controls of a P-51 for 15-20 minutes and even did a figure 8!! In his free time he enjoyed his hobbies, which included, woodworking, flying, golf and bowling.
He is survived by: his sons, Larry (Janice) Magnuson of Tiskilwa, John Magnuson of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and Paul (Deb) Magnuson of Rock Island; 4 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Bonnie Koehler of California.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Barbara of 49+ years; and infant son, Sammy; 2 brothers; and 1 sister.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Princeton Christian Church, Putnam Christian Church, or The Wounded Warrior Project.
Nancy Ann Bickett, 80, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in her home, with her family by her side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Msgr. James Kruse officiating. Private interment will be held in Maytown. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Thursday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Nancy was born on August 6, 1943, in Amboy, to John Lester and Lorraine G. (Lathrope) Bulfer. She married Michael James Bickett on December 2, 1961, in St. Patrick Church, Maytown. She was the former Outreach Director at the Bureau County Senior Citizens Association.
She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, and a member of the St. Patrick Church, Arlington, Altar and Rosary Society and taught CCD for elementary school children. She served on the Bureau County Senior Center Board. She was founder of the Outreach and Transportation programs in the 1980's.
She is survived by: her children, Elizabeth (Floyd) Robison of Morgantown, Indiana, Brenda Bickett of Glen Ellyn, and Kent Bickett of Princeton; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.
She was preceded by: her parents; her husband, Mike, in 2019; and 2 sons in infancy, Dennis, 1965, and Douglas, 1967
Memorials may be directed to Rush University Medical Center Pancreatic Cancer Research where she is a participant in the Rush University Medical Center Pancreatic Cancer Research
Wava Laverne Phipps, 74, of Broadview, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in her home.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, in The Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry, with Rev. Karen Karczewski of The Cherry United Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow in Miners Memorial Cemetery, Cherry. Her family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Wava was born on August 30, 1949, in Spring Valley, to Lester and Rena (Main) Stewart. She was a homemaker. She loved spending time with her family and friends, she also loved cooking, baking, reading, music and sharing wonderful memories.
She is survived by: her husband, Lemuel Phipps; her children, Arland Stratton, April (Paul) Danielweski, Tammy (John) Streckert, Kim Phipps, Kendra Phipps, and Bryan (Sue) Phipps; her grandchildren, Jelani Rowland, Joshua Streckert, Jada Watts, Nathen Stratton, Darrell Jaylen Watts, Trey Phipps, Renea Stratton, Lynsey Danielewski, Jacob Stratton, Audrey Danielewski, Holleigh Stratton, and Savannah Phipps; great grand daughter, Lacey Streckert; nephews, Jeff Stewart, Phillip (Kelly) Stewart, and Kevin Stewart; niece, Melissa Schweickert; and many grand nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her brother, Arland David Stewart; and her son, Randall Stratton.
Memorials may be directed to the Phipps Family
GLEN ARTHUR KILLEN
Glen Arthur Killen, 91, formerly of Malden, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, in the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle, with his family by his side.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Dan Smith officiating and military honors. Interment will be at a later date. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Glen was born on February 26, 1932 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Marshall and Myrtle (Shiltz) Killen. He married Joyce Christiansen on July 11, 1970 in Amboy. He served in the United States Navy from 1949 – 1953 during the Korean War. He served in law enforcement for many years having retired from Henry in 1993.
He was a member of the Lutheran Church, President of The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, and a member of The Henry American Legion Post 323.
He is survived by: his children, Vicki (Dan) Smith of Varna, Debbie (Ross) Taylor of Spring Valley, Steve Killen of Casa Grande, Arizona, Terry Guzman of Columbus, Nebraska, Cindy (Clois) Henderson of Clinton, Kentucky, Glen (Val) Killen of Casa Grande, Arizona, and Mike ( Kristi) Killen of Edelstein; multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and his sister, Shirley Wight of Rockford.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Joyce; 2 children, Charlene Thompson, and Sheryl Marsett; 2 grandchildren; and 2 brothers, Wally, and Lavern.
Memorials may be directed to the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle.
BARBARA JANE PERRY
Barbara Jane Perry, 76, of Tiskilwa, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in her home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Fr. Kevin Creegan and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tiskilwa. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Monday evening in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Barbara was born on October 23, 1947 in Amboy to Donald and Dorothy (Oester) Friel. She married Jay Perry on July 16, 1966 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa.
She is survived by: her husband, Jay Perry of Tiskilwa; her children, Mark Perry of Tiskilwa, Amber (David) Svoboda of Naperville, and Christina (Joey) Gutierrez of Littleton, Colorado; 7 grandchildren, Dylan, Derek, and Emily Perry, Bella and Ava Svoboda, and Lakeryn and Eastyn Gutierrez; 2 great grandchildren, Everlee, and Addy Perry; and siblings, Elizabeth Potts of Dixon, Margarite Kuchenbecker of Kentucky, Rose Woodyatt of Fulton, Don (Sandra) Friel of Tiskilwa, Jerry Friel of Tiskilwa, Regina Kunde of Dixon, Robert (Susan) Friel of Tiskilwa, David Friel of Tiskilwa, and Steve (Deb Kirley) Friel of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters.
Memorials may be directed to the Tiskilwa Library.
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