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
William Dale Catton, 74, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in OSF St. Clare Hospital, Princeton.
His family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 4, in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Hopeland Cemetery, Buda. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
William was born on April 14, 1949 in Princeton to Cecil and Mildred (Dunn) Catton. He was a graduate of Wyanet High School. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam. He married Bonnie Icenogle on August 15, 1971 in Wyanet.
He is survived by: his children, Shonna (Robert) Smith, Jeremy (Jessica) Catton, Chris (Lisa) Catton, and Bill Catton; grandchildren, Jazmine Menees, Michael (Sam) Catton, Nick (Katie) Catton, Mercedes (Marshall) Dinkins, Victoria (Nick) Argyilan, Colton (Grace) Catton, Sierra Catton, Teylin Smith; great grandchildren, Raeleigh, Jaxson, Oliver, Kamden, Weston, Kinsley, and Christian.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, and his wife, Bonnie on June 6, 2018.
Memorials may be directed to the LaSalle Veterans Home.
Barbara A. Sawitoski, 88, of Princeton, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Aperion Care of Princeton. Arrangements are pending with the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Mary Ellen Neuhalfen Dennis, 80, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in her home surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 30 in St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, where Mary and Edwin attended since moving to Princeton in 2003. Msgr. James Cruse will celebrate the mass. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery, Henry at a later date.
Her family will receive friends from 3 until 7 p.m. Friday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Mary was born on August 29, 1943 to Ralph and Angela Waldschmidt Fulton, she joined into a loving family with three older sisters and later one younger sister. Mary and her siblings Marilyn Louis (deceased in 2009), Veroncia Heinz of Princeville, Illinois, Evelyn (James) Stahl of Wyoming, Illinois, and Ralann (John) Shane of Bonita Springs, Florida, were raised on a farm in rural Wyoming, Illinois. They were baptized and received sacraments at St. Domonic Catholic Parish in Wyoming and graduated from Wyoming Schools.
On November 25, 1961, the marriage of Mary Fulton and George Neuhalfen took place at St. Domonic Church. Mary and George raised their family of three children on a farm in rural Putnam, Illinois. Mary is survived by these loving children Mary Elizabeth (Bryant) Fahrow of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Anne Michele Oelrich of Normal, Illinois, George (Nancy) Neuhalfen of Malden; also, grandchildren, Elissa (Chad) Thomsen, Courtney (Adam) Sager, Michael Oelrich, McKenzie Oelrich, and Levi Oelrich; and great grandchildren, Ayla, Preston and Perry Sager and Reeve, Everett, and Brevynn Thomsen.
George preceded Mary in death on April 21, 1987. Mary wed Edwin Dennis on November 20, 1993 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Henry. Edwins daughters and Mary’s loving step-daughters are Marcia (George) Michehl of Lake Zurich, and Laura (George) Pillion of Darvis, Illinois; and step grandchildren, Scott (Sarah) Michehl, Kevin Michehl, Brian (Christy) Pillion and Jason (Mallori) Pillion and step great grandchildren, Tess and Zachary Michehl, Hannah and Bradley Pillion and George, Lucy and Alice Pillion.
Edwin preceded Mary in death on July 13, 2013. Mary continued to live in Princeton where she and Edwin moved in 2003, her last place of employment was Greenfield Retirement Home.
Mary was always hopeful that she would be able to help her family, neighbors and friends for many years to come, that changed when illness struck in March 2022 and instead she has been assisted by her loving family, neighbors and friends until her passing.
Memorials may be made to The Illinois Cancer Care Foundation or St. Louis Altar and Rosary.
Debbie A. Kirk, 53, of Princeton, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in Walnut.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Tiskilwa Bible Church with Rev. David Ross and Rev. Fred Laughlin officiating. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Debbie was born on March 6, 1970 to Robert R. and Sue E. (Stalter) Dyer. She was a class of 1988 graduate of Tiskilwa High School. She had been a cook for several restaurants.
She was a member of the Tiskilwa Bible Church and “The Way of Christ”.
She is survived by: her mother, Sue, of Princeton; her daughter, Brandi Clift, of Bureau; her son, Bradley Kirk, of Princeton; her grandchildren, Corvyan, Jaxson, Kiara, Aaron, James and Seth Clift; her siblings, Barb (Roy) Tyson of Hennepin, Tammi (Bob) Bauske of Park Forest, and Tim Dyer of Princeton; and Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
She was preceded by: her father; a son, Michael, in infancy; and two uncles, Steven Dyer and Laurence Stalter.
Stanley James Spayer, 92, of DePue, passed away peacefully, comforted by his daughter, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Manor Court in Peru.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023, 11 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church, DePue, with Fr. Kevin Creegan officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, DePue, with full military honors by the Ladd American Legion Post 938, accompanied with Taps by his great grandson, Brayden Bernardi.
His family will receive friends from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Thursday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Stanley was born in DePue on November 23, 1930, to Stanley Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Studzinski) Spayer. He was the youngest of their 11 children. He married Wilma Graham on September 12, 1953. They had eloped to Marseilles, as she was attending Nurses Training.
He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1947-1951 at Cherry Point, NC, having attained the rank of Corporal. He was awarded the Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification, specialized in Aviation Photography, and spent 5 months onboard the USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) during the Korean War.
Stanley worked at Caterpillar Joliet, Bassick’s Spring Valley, the Joliet Penitentiary as a guard and as a Newborn and Wedding Photographer. He ultimately found his career at J&L and retired from LTV Steel in Hennepin.
He was an active community member, belonging to St. Mary Catholic Church, DePue, the DePue VFW, and affiliated with the Knights of Columbus Father Marquette Utica Council #1775 and Starved Rock Assembly #191 as a 4th Degree Honorary Life Member. Sir Knight, Stanley held various official roles, including Worthy Grand Knight, and was often seen attending important civic and church events, in full regalia, with the Honor Guard.
He was fascinated by antiques and collectibles and attracted to the road less traveled, following signs to local sales and auctions. He loved to tell stories about his experiences, share memories of family vacations and fishing trips, going window shopping for things you can’t have, giving advice on saving for the future, driving 100 miles just for a cheese sandwich, to ask if you had any watches for sale, and was always “doing all-right for an old man.”
He is survived by: his daughter, Margaret (James) Bernardi of Ladd; 3 grandchildren, Ben (Rebecca) Bernardi of North Aurora, Brianna (Matthew) Rebholz of Peru, and Sara (Troy) Burd of Spring Valley; 8 great grandchildren, Brayden, Bradley, Flynn, Nicholas, Lillian, Madison, Elliott, and Macy who knew him as “Grandpa The Great”; and his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (James) Kastello of Dalzell.
He was preceded by his parents; his wife on August 26, 1992; a grandson, Brian (Sarah) Bernardi; two sisters, Florence Nissle and Sophie Liesse; and seven brothers, Edward, Theodore “Ted”, Leonard, Walter, Henry, Raymond, and Francis at birth.
Terence "Terry" Madsen, 69, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 in Liberty Village Manor Court of Princeton surrounded by family following a battle with cancer.
Terry was born on April 28, 1954 in Kewanee, to Warren and Genevieve Madsen. He graduated from Kewanee High School in 1972. He then went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Communications from Eastern Illinois University, his masters degree in Social Justice Professions from Sangamon State (now University of Illinois, Springfield), and his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University, Chicago. He married Deborah Lasson on November 16, 1996 in Princeton. Terry served as the Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Criminal Appeals for the State of Illinois. He prosecuted many cases in front of both the Illinois Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court, arguing over 100 cases in the Illinois Supreme Court including many high profile cases. He was appointed judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit in 1994. After serving as a circuit judge he continued to practice law at the Madsen Law Firm. He worked as a youth educator for The University of Illinois Extension, as the Public Health Planner and Emergency Response Coordinator for Bureau, Putnam, and Marshall County Health Departments, as a Community Health Needs consultant for members of ICAHN, and as the Director of Prevention and the C5-Rural Coalition at Arukah Institute of Healing.
Terry had a love for volunteerism and his community. He served as a City of Princeton Commissioner from 2005-2013, co-chair of the NCIWorks youth committee, CPASA Leadership team, Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway Board of Directors, Prairie Rivers RC&D Board of Directors, Princeton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as a Chamber Ambassador, Illinois Youth Court Association State Advisory Board, Bureau County Teen Court Advisory Board, Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative Board, Strategic Approaches to Community Safety Initiative National Advisory Board, Illinois Alliance for Arts Education Board of Directors, Freedom House Chairman of the Board of Directors, Governor’s Joint Legal Task Force on Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Boot Camp Grant Oversight Committee, Children in the Courts Foundation, Board of Directors for Suburban Chicago YMCA, Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Delay, Illinois State Bar Association, and the Illinois Public Health Association. He was a founding member of the Festival 56 Board of Directors. He served as co-chairman of the Homestead Festival Parade Committee from 1996-2022. At the time of his passing he was a member of Princeton Rotary, C5-Rural, Princeton Elementary Strategic Plan Committee, Bureau Putnam Emergency Preparedness Community Partners, Bureau County Sheriff’s Merit Commission and President of the City of Princeton Fire and Police Board.
He is survived by his wife, Deb Madsen of Princeton; his children, Katie (Andy) Dye, Kelly Madsen (Jason Wilhite), Matthew (Leslie) Lasson, and Bret Lasson all of Princeton; 9 grandchildren, Emma, Hattie, and Abbie Dye, Vivian Madsen and Noelle Wilhite, Christian Lasson, and Savanna, Triston, and Eli Lasson; his siblings, Eileen DePauw, Dave Madsen, Tom Madsen, and Lori (Bill) Christiansen; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He is preceded in death by: his parents; Katie and Kelly's Mother, Lynne Smetko; a sister in law, Joy Madsen; and a nephew, Mark DePauw.
Terry’s love for his family, friends, and community knew no bounds. His greatest pride was his family and he could often be found on the sidelines of his children and grandchildrens’ games, dance recitals, and concerts. In his free time he loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs and the Princeton Tigers.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, in St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Princeton, with Rev. Gene Vincent officiating, interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. His family will receive friends from 3 until 7 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Memorials may be directed to the family to be divided amongst various community organizations. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Cheryl Lynn Holmberg, 44, of Manlius, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
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 her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Cheryl was born on December 27, 1978, in Sturgis, Michigan, to Darryl and Judith (Shoop) Holmberg. She worked as a CNA at Liberty Village of Princeton.
She is survived by: Her mother, Judith Holmberg of Henry; her children, Scott Brown, Christen Hurley, Douglas Hurley, Jr., Kaylee Hurley, Hunter Colvin and Nicole Colvin, all of Manlius; 1 grandson, Odin Crump; and her siblings, Jennifer Rebholz, Glenda Spaulding, Pamala Holmberg, Debbie Foley, and Darren Holmberg.
She was preceded in death by: her father, Darryl Holmberg; and a brother, Jerry Regal.
FouKuang Saepharn, 80, of DePue, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at OSF St. Anthony Rockford.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the New Hope Church of The Nazarene, Princeton, with Rev. Laura Tanner officiating. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday in the church. Interment will follow in the DePue City Cemetery. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
FouKuang was born on April 11, 1943 in Laos to ChiemFou and ManFeo (Saelee) Saepharn. He married Naitong Saechao. He worked at Monterey Mushroom until his retirement in 2009. He was a member of the New Hope Church of The Nazarene.
He is survived by: His wife, Naitong; his children, SengYoon, Meuyching, Mey (Vicente) Acosta, Muang (Brandon) Plattner, Ay, Lai (Ryan) McKinney; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and 1 brother, SengFou Saechao.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; 2 brothers, 1 sister, and 1 nephew.
Richard W. Bartman, 72, of Princeton, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, in OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, with his family by his side.
Private services for his immediate family will be held at a later date, with military honors. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Richard was born on July 14, 1951 in Nebraska to William and Ellen (Gillespie) Bartman. He was a graduate of Princeton High School. He worked at Sundstrand for many years and later owned and operated Bill's Muffler and Radiator Shop in Princeton. He served in the United States Airforce during Vietnam. He married Linda Dober on July 31, 1999 in Ohio, Illinois.
He was a member of The Wyanet VFW, and The Princeton Moose Lodge. He enjoyed airplanes and loved flying.
He is survived by: his wife, Linda Bartman of Princeton; his children, Lucinda (John) Dixon of Hennepin, and Loren (Erica) Bird of Ladd; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Harmon of Princeton.
He was preceded in death by: His parents; a son, Larry Bird; and a sister, Beverly.
Memorials may be directed to Cabin Livin Senior Center in Hennepin.
Karen Lee Mack, 82, of Ladd, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, in Manor Court of Peru.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday in The Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Spring Valley with Fr. Scott Potthoff officiating. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry, with a Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass Friday in the church.
Karen was born on March 24, 1941, in Spring Valley, to Charles and Catherine (Salmon) Savio. She was a graduate of St. Francis Nursing School, Peoria. She was a nurse at St. Margaret's Hospital, Spring Valley, for 45 years. She married Robert Mack on September 3, 1962 in Immaculate Conception Church, Spring Valley, they were married for 60 years.
She was a member of the former St. Benedict Church, Ladd.
She is survived by: her husband, Robert Mack of Ladd; her children, Tim Mack of O'Fallon, Missouri, and Tracy O'Malley of Hinsdale, Illinois; and 3 grandchildren, Colby, Kyle, and Brenden Mack.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; 1 brother, John Savio; and 2 sons, Thomas and Terry Mack.
Margaret Wenger Gale, 88, of Tiskilwa, Illinois, though recently residing at Greenfield
Retirement Home in Princeton, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Services will
be held at Willow Springs Mennonite Church, Tiskilwa, at a later date.
Margaret was born in Linville, Virginia on April 11, 1935 to John R. and Dorothy Mellinger
Wenger. She was raised on a farm near Edom, Virginia. After graduating from Eastern
Mennonite High School, she attended nursing school at Rockingham Memorial Hospital,
receiving her degree in 1956, and Eastern Mennonite College. Among her nursing experiences,
Margaret worked in the OB department at Rockingham, as a visiting nurse in Chicago, IL, as an
RN at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton, as a medical office nurse in Tiskilwa, and as a
nurse at Greenfield Retirement Home in Princeton.
Margaret was married to David Gale on April 2, 1961 at Reba Place Fellowship in Evanston,
Illinois. Continuing their commitment to following God’s call to live out their lives in intentional
Christian community, they moved their family to rural Tiskilwa, Illinois in the early 1970’s,
settling on Plow Creek Farm and helping to establish a community there. When Plow Creek was
turned over to Hungry World Farm in 2017, Margaret became a member of Willow Springs
Mennonite Church in Tiskilwa.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Emily Peachey,
her brother John R. Wenger, Jr. and her niece Jenny Wenger. She is survived by her children Eric (Nancy), of Dixon, Laurie
(Bob), of Grafton, WI, Steve (Jill Kuhn) of Fort Collins, CO, Andy (Monica Boyle) of San Diego,
CA, and Tim (Carol) of Walnut. In addition, she is survived by her siblings Evelyn Basinger,
Joanna & John Lehman, and David & Barbara Wenger. Her beloved grandchildren Chris, Kurt,
Michael (Mattie), Steve, Jessa, Abby, Ben, Josh, Ciara, Jaedyn, Ellie, Josiah, Hannah, and
Haley, will miss her calls, cards, emails, and intentional ways of showing her love. She is also
survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Memorials may be directed to Mennonite Central Committee or the Greenfield Retirement Home
Trust Fund (Adeline E. Prouty Trust).
Karen H. O’Neill, 79, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Liberty Village of Princeton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 14, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Fr. Kevin Creegan and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. by Betty Brokaw. Additional visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Friday in the church. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Karen was born on June 25, 1944, in Amboy to Donald and Dorothy (Oester) Friel. She was a class of 1962 graduate of Tiskilwa High School. She married John “Jerry” O’Neill on May 16, 1964, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa.
She is survived by: her children, Colleen Marie O’Neill of Bloomington, Robert John “BJ” O’Neill of Tiskilwa, and Ann Marie “Rooney” O’Neill of Dahinda, Illinois; 2 grandchildren, Kylie A. (Zachary) Hall of Texas, and Kearsten M. Personette of Tennessee; her 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, Barbara (Jay) Perry of Tiskilwa, Robert (Susan) Friel of Tiskilwa, David Friel of Tiskilwa, and Steve (Deb Kirley) Friel of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Jerry on July 28, 2020; 4 brothers, Bernard “Bud”, Delmar, Richard, and Johnny; and 2 sisters, Katy, and Carolyn “Nan”.
Pallbearers will be: Cory Friel, Jim Friel, Mike Friel, Tom Friel, Mark Perry, and Craig Ziegler.
Memorials may be directed to the Tiskilwa Library.
DORIS MAY LEWIS
Doris May Lewis, 91, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, June 22 2023, at Liberty Village Manor Court of Princeton.
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 her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Doris was born on October 31, 1931, in Trenton to John and Francis (Richter) Zurliene. She married Frank D. Lewis.
She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton.
She is survived by: her children, Dawn (Richard) Teel of Rushville, Steve (Shawn) Lewis of Princeton, and Jody (Roy Clucas) Lewis of East Peoria; an honorary daughter, Jan Milles; 4 grandchildren, Lindsay (Alex) Booth of Rushville, Tayler Lewis of Bloomington, Bryan (Jessica) Clucas of Parker, Colorado, Tanner Lewis of Bloomington, 4 great grandchildren, Ember Booth of Rushville, Mayah Clucas, Mikayla Gambill and Laylah Gambill of Parker, Colorado; her sister, Loraine (Martin) McMahon of Princeton; her brother, John (Ellen) Zurliene of Nashville, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.
GERALD L WRIGHT "STUB"
Gerald L. Wright “Stub” passed away surrounded by his family at home on June 10, 2023.
He was born in Princeton, Illinois on June 28, 1944 to Russell and Helen Wright. He was the youngest of six children.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, June A. (Fonderoli) Wright, a son, Brian, daughter, Nicole, four grandchildren, and one great grand daughter, one brother and one sister.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Gary, a daughter in infancy, two brothers, and one sister.
By Gary’s request there will be no services. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Gary will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
His family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 4, in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Hopeland Cemetery, Buda. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
William was born on April 14, 1949 in Princeton to Cecil and Mildred (Dunn) Catton. He was a graduate of Wyanet High School. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam. He married Bonnie Icenogle on August 15, 1971 in Wyanet.
He is survived by: his children, Shonna (Robert) Smith, Jeremy (Jessica) Catton, Chris (Lisa) Catton, and Bill Catton; grandchildren, Jazmine Menees, Michael (Sam) Catton, Nick (Katie) Catton, Mercedes (Marshall) Dinkins, Victoria (Nick) Argyilan, Colton (Grace) Catton, Sierra Catton, Teylin Smith; great grandchildren, Raeleigh, Jaxson, Oliver, Kamden, Weston, Kinsley, and Christian.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, and his wife, Bonnie on June 6, 2018.
Memorials may be directed to the LaSalle Veterans Home.
Barbara A. Sawitoski, 88, of Princeton, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Aperion Care of Princeton. Arrangements are pending with the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Mary Ellen Neuhalfen Dennis, 80, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in her home surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 30 in St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, where Mary and Edwin attended since moving to Princeton in 2003. Msgr. James Cruse will celebrate the mass. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery, Henry at a later date.
Her family will receive friends from 3 until 7 p.m. Friday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Mary was born on August 29, 1943 to Ralph and Angela Waldschmidt Fulton, she joined into a loving family with three older sisters and later one younger sister. Mary and her siblings Marilyn Louis (deceased in 2009), Veroncia Heinz of Princeville, Illinois, Evelyn (James) Stahl of Wyoming, Illinois, and Ralann (John) Shane of Bonita Springs, Florida, were raised on a farm in rural Wyoming, Illinois. They were baptized and received sacraments at St. Domonic Catholic Parish in Wyoming and graduated from Wyoming Schools.
On November 25, 1961, the marriage of Mary Fulton and George Neuhalfen took place at St. Domonic Church. Mary and George raised their family of three children on a farm in rural Putnam, Illinois. Mary is survived by these loving children Mary Elizabeth (Bryant) Fahrow of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Anne Michele Oelrich of Normal, Illinois, George (Nancy) Neuhalfen of Malden; also, grandchildren, Elissa (Chad) Thomsen, Courtney (Adam) Sager, Michael Oelrich, McKenzie Oelrich, and Levi Oelrich; and great grandchildren, Ayla, Preston and Perry Sager and Reeve, Everett, and Brevynn Thomsen.
George preceded Mary in death on April 21, 1987. Mary wed Edwin Dennis on November 20, 1993 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Henry. Edwins daughters and Mary’s loving step-daughters are Marcia (George) Michehl of Lake Zurich, and Laura (George) Pillion of Darvis, Illinois; and step grandchildren, Scott (Sarah) Michehl, Kevin Michehl, Brian (Christy) Pillion and Jason (Mallori) Pillion and step great grandchildren, Tess and Zachary Michehl, Hannah and Bradley Pillion and George, Lucy and Alice Pillion.
Edwin preceded Mary in death on July 13, 2013. Mary continued to live in Princeton where she and Edwin moved in 2003, her last place of employment was Greenfield Retirement Home.
Mary was always hopeful that she would be able to help her family, neighbors and friends for many years to come, that changed when illness struck in March 2022 and instead she has been assisted by her loving family, neighbors and friends until her passing.
Memorials may be made to The Illinois Cancer Care Foundation or St. Louis Altar and Rosary.
Debbie A. Kirk, 53, of Princeton, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in Walnut.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Tiskilwa Bible Church with Rev. David Ross and Rev. Fred Laughlin officiating. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Debbie was born on March 6, 1970 to Robert R. and Sue E. (Stalter) Dyer. She was a class of 1988 graduate of Tiskilwa High School. She had been a cook for several restaurants.
She was a member of the Tiskilwa Bible Church and “The Way of Christ”.
She is survived by: her mother, Sue, of Princeton; her daughter, Brandi Clift, of Bureau; her son, Bradley Kirk, of Princeton; her grandchildren, Corvyan, Jaxson, Kiara, Aaron, James and Seth Clift; her siblings, Barb (Roy) Tyson of Hennepin, Tammi (Bob) Bauske of Park Forest, and Tim Dyer of Princeton; and Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
She was preceded by: her father; a son, Michael, in infancy; and two uncles, Steven Dyer and Laurence Stalter.
Stanley James Spayer, 92, of DePue, passed away peacefully, comforted by his daughter, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Manor Court in Peru.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023, 11 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church, DePue, with Fr. Kevin Creegan officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, DePue, with full military honors by the Ladd American Legion Post 938, accompanied with Taps by his great grandson, Brayden Bernardi.
His family will receive friends from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Thursday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Stanley was born in DePue on November 23, 1930, to Stanley Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Studzinski) Spayer. He was the youngest of their 11 children. He married Wilma Graham on September 12, 1953. They had eloped to Marseilles, as she was attending Nurses Training.
He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1947-1951 at Cherry Point, NC, having attained the rank of Corporal. He was awarded the Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification, specialized in Aviation Photography, and spent 5 months onboard the USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) during the Korean War.
Stanley worked at Caterpillar Joliet, Bassick’s Spring Valley, the Joliet Penitentiary as a guard and as a Newborn and Wedding Photographer. He ultimately found his career at J&L and retired from LTV Steel in Hennepin.
He was an active community member, belonging to St. Mary Catholic Church, DePue, the DePue VFW, and affiliated with the Knights of Columbus Father Marquette Utica Council #1775 and Starved Rock Assembly #191 as a 4th Degree Honorary Life Member. Sir Knight, Stanley held various official roles, including Worthy Grand Knight, and was often seen attending important civic and church events, in full regalia, with the Honor Guard.
He was fascinated by antiques and collectibles and attracted to the road less traveled, following signs to local sales and auctions. He loved to tell stories about his experiences, share memories of family vacations and fishing trips, going window shopping for things you can’t have, giving advice on saving for the future, driving 100 miles just for a cheese sandwich, to ask if you had any watches for sale, and was always “doing all-right for an old man.”
He is survived by: his daughter, Margaret (James) Bernardi of Ladd; 3 grandchildren, Ben (Rebecca) Bernardi of North Aurora, Brianna (Matthew) Rebholz of Peru, and Sara (Troy) Burd of Spring Valley; 8 great grandchildren, Brayden, Bradley, Flynn, Nicholas, Lillian, Madison, Elliott, and Macy who knew him as “Grandpa The Great”; and his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (James) Kastello of Dalzell.
He was preceded by his parents; his wife on August 26, 1992; a grandson, Brian (Sarah) Bernardi; two sisters, Florence Nissle and Sophie Liesse; and seven brothers, Edward, Theodore “Ted”, Leonard, Walter, Henry, Raymond, and Francis at birth.
Terence "Terry" Madsen, 69, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 in Liberty Village Manor Court of Princeton surrounded by family following a battle with cancer.
Terry was born on April 28, 1954 in Kewanee, to Warren and Genevieve Madsen. He graduated from Kewanee High School in 1972. He then went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Communications from Eastern Illinois University, his masters degree in Social Justice Professions from Sangamon State (now University of Illinois, Springfield), and his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University, Chicago. He married Deborah Lasson on November 16, 1996 in Princeton. Terry served as the Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Criminal Appeals for the State of Illinois. He prosecuted many cases in front of both the Illinois Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court, arguing over 100 cases in the Illinois Supreme Court including many high profile cases. He was appointed judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit in 1994. After serving as a circuit judge he continued to practice law at the Madsen Law Firm. He worked as a youth educator for The University of Illinois Extension, as the Public Health Planner and Emergency Response Coordinator for Bureau, Putnam, and Marshall County Health Departments, as a Community Health Needs consultant for members of ICAHN, and as the Director of Prevention and the C5-Rural Coalition at Arukah Institute of Healing.
Terry had a love for volunteerism and his community. He served as a City of Princeton Commissioner from 2005-2013, co-chair of the NCIWorks youth committee, CPASA Leadership team, Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway Board of Directors, Prairie Rivers RC&D Board of Directors, Princeton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as a Chamber Ambassador, Illinois Youth Court Association State Advisory Board, Bureau County Teen Court Advisory Board, Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative Board, Strategic Approaches to Community Safety Initiative National Advisory Board, Illinois Alliance for Arts Education Board of Directors, Freedom House Chairman of the Board of Directors, Governor’s Joint Legal Task Force on Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Boot Camp Grant Oversight Committee, Children in the Courts Foundation, Board of Directors for Suburban Chicago YMCA, Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Delay, Illinois State Bar Association, and the Illinois Public Health Association. He was a founding member of the Festival 56 Board of Directors. He served as co-chairman of the Homestead Festival Parade Committee from 1996-2022. At the time of his passing he was a member of Princeton Rotary, C5-Rural, Princeton Elementary Strategic Plan Committee, Bureau Putnam Emergency Preparedness Community Partners, Bureau County Sheriff’s Merit Commission and President of the City of Princeton Fire and Police Board.
He is survived by his wife, Deb Madsen of Princeton; his children, Katie (Andy) Dye, Kelly Madsen (Jason Wilhite), Matthew (Leslie) Lasson, and Bret Lasson all of Princeton; 9 grandchildren, Emma, Hattie, and Abbie Dye, Vivian Madsen and Noelle Wilhite, Christian Lasson, and Savanna, Triston, and Eli Lasson; his siblings, Eileen DePauw, Dave Madsen, Tom Madsen, and Lori (Bill) Christiansen; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He is preceded in death by: his parents; Katie and Kelly's Mother, Lynne Smetko; a sister in law, Joy Madsen; and a nephew, Mark DePauw.
Terry’s love for his family, friends, and community knew no bounds. His greatest pride was his family and he could often be found on the sidelines of his children and grandchildrens’ games, dance recitals, and concerts. In his free time he loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs and the Princeton Tigers.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, in St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Princeton, with Rev. Gene Vincent officiating, interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. His family will receive friends from 3 until 7 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Memorials may be directed to the family to be divided amongst various community organizations. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Cheryl Lynn Holmberg, 44, of Manlius, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
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 her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Cheryl was born on December 27, 1978, in Sturgis, Michigan, to Darryl and Judith (Shoop) Holmberg. She worked as a CNA at Liberty Village of Princeton.
She is survived by: Her mother, Judith Holmberg of Henry; her children, Scott Brown, Christen Hurley, Douglas Hurley, Jr., Kaylee Hurley, Hunter Colvin and Nicole Colvin, all of Manlius; 1 grandson, Odin Crump; and her siblings, Jennifer Rebholz, Glenda Spaulding, Pamala Holmberg, Debbie Foley, and Darren Holmberg.
She was preceded in death by: her father, Darryl Holmberg; and a brother, Jerry Regal.
FouKuang Saepharn, 80, of DePue, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at OSF St. Anthony Rockford.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the New Hope Church of The Nazarene, Princeton, with Rev. Laura Tanner officiating. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday in the church. Interment will follow in the DePue City Cemetery. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
FouKuang was born on April 11, 1943 in Laos to ChiemFou and ManFeo (Saelee) Saepharn. He married Naitong Saechao. He worked at Monterey Mushroom until his retirement in 2009. He was a member of the New Hope Church of The Nazarene.
He is survived by: His wife, Naitong; his children, SengYoon, Meuyching, Mey (Vicente) Acosta, Muang (Brandon) Plattner, Ay, Lai (Ryan) McKinney; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and 1 brother, SengFou Saechao.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; 2 brothers, 1 sister, and 1 nephew.
Richard W. Bartman, 72, of Princeton, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, in OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, with his family by his side.
Private services for his immediate family will be held at a later date, with military honors. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Richard was born on July 14, 1951 in Nebraska to William and Ellen (Gillespie) Bartman. He was a graduate of Princeton High School. He worked at Sundstrand for many years and later owned and operated Bill's Muffler and Radiator Shop in Princeton. He served in the United States Airforce during Vietnam. He married Linda Dober on July 31, 1999 in Ohio, Illinois.
He was a member of The Wyanet VFW, and The Princeton Moose Lodge. He enjoyed airplanes and loved flying.
He is survived by: his wife, Linda Bartman of Princeton; his children, Lucinda (John) Dixon of Hennepin, and Loren (Erica) Bird of Ladd; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Harmon of Princeton.
He was preceded in death by: His parents; a son, Larry Bird; and a sister, Beverly.
Memorials may be directed to Cabin Livin Senior Center in Hennepin.
Karen Lee Mack, 82, of Ladd, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, in Manor Court of Peru.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday in The Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Spring Valley with Fr. Scott Potthoff officiating. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday in The Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry, with a Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass Friday in the church.
Karen was born on March 24, 1941, in Spring Valley, to Charles and Catherine (Salmon) Savio. She was a graduate of St. Francis Nursing School, Peoria. She was a nurse at St. Margaret's Hospital, Spring Valley, for 45 years. She married Robert Mack on September 3, 1962 in Immaculate Conception Church, Spring Valley, they were married for 60 years.
She was a member of the former St. Benedict Church, Ladd.
She is survived by: her husband, Robert Mack of Ladd; her children, Tim Mack of O'Fallon, Missouri, and Tracy O'Malley of Hinsdale, Illinois; and 3 grandchildren, Colby, Kyle, and Brenden Mack.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; 1 brother, John Savio; and 2 sons, Thomas and Terry Mack.
Margaret Wenger Gale, 88, of Tiskilwa, Illinois, though recently residing at Greenfield
Retirement Home in Princeton, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Services will
be held at Willow Springs Mennonite Church, Tiskilwa, at a later date.
Margaret was born in Linville, Virginia on April 11, 1935 to John R. and Dorothy Mellinger
Wenger. She was raised on a farm near Edom, Virginia. After graduating from Eastern
Mennonite High School, she attended nursing school at Rockingham Memorial Hospital,
receiving her degree in 1956, and Eastern Mennonite College. Among her nursing experiences,
Margaret worked in the OB department at Rockingham, as a visiting nurse in Chicago, IL, as an
RN at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton, as a medical office nurse in Tiskilwa, and as a
nurse at Greenfield Retirement Home in Princeton.
Margaret was married to David Gale on April 2, 1961 at Reba Place Fellowship in Evanston,
Illinois. Continuing their commitment to following God’s call to live out their lives in intentional
Christian community, they moved their family to rural Tiskilwa, Illinois in the early 1970’s,
settling on Plow Creek Farm and helping to establish a community there. When Plow Creek was
turned over to Hungry World Farm in 2017, Margaret became a member of Willow Springs
Mennonite Church in Tiskilwa.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Emily Peachey,
her brother John R. Wenger, Jr. and her niece Jenny Wenger. She is survived by her children Eric (Nancy), of Dixon, Laurie
(Bob), of Grafton, WI, Steve (Jill Kuhn) of Fort Collins, CO, Andy (Monica Boyle) of San Diego,
CA, and Tim (Carol) of Walnut. In addition, she is survived by her siblings Evelyn Basinger,
Joanna & John Lehman, and David & Barbara Wenger. Her beloved grandchildren Chris, Kurt,
Michael (Mattie), Steve, Jessa, Abby, Ben, Josh, Ciara, Jaedyn, Ellie, Josiah, Hannah, and
Haley, will miss her calls, cards, emails, and intentional ways of showing her love. She is also
survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Memorials may be directed to Mennonite Central Committee or the Greenfield Retirement Home
Trust Fund (Adeline E. Prouty Trust).
Karen H. O’Neill, 79, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Liberty Village of Princeton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 14, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Fr. Kevin Creegan and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. by Betty Brokaw. Additional visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Friday in the church. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Karen was born on June 25, 1944, in Amboy to Donald and Dorothy (Oester) Friel. She was a class of 1962 graduate of Tiskilwa High School. She married John “Jerry” O’Neill on May 16, 1964, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa.
She is survived by: her children, Colleen Marie O’Neill of Bloomington, Robert John “BJ” O’Neill of Tiskilwa, and Ann Marie “Rooney” O’Neill of Dahinda, Illinois; 2 grandchildren, Kylie A. (Zachary) Hall of Texas, and Kearsten M. Personette of Tennessee; her 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, Barbara (Jay) Perry of Tiskilwa, Robert (Susan) Friel of Tiskilwa, David Friel of Tiskilwa, and Steve (Deb Kirley) Friel of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Jerry on July 28, 2020; 4 brothers, Bernard “Bud”, Delmar, Richard, and Johnny; and 2 sisters, Katy, and Carolyn “Nan”.
Pallbearers will be: Cory Friel, Jim Friel, Mike Friel, Tom Friel, Mark Perry, and Craig Ziegler.
Memorials may be directed to the Tiskilwa Library.
DORIS MAY LEWIS
Doris May Lewis, 91, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, June 22 2023, at Liberty Village Manor Court of Princeton.
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 her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Doris was born on October 31, 1931, in Trenton to John and Francis (Richter) Zurliene. She married Frank D. Lewis.
She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton.
She is survived by: her children, Dawn (Richard) Teel of Rushville, Steve (Shawn) Lewis of Princeton, and Jody (Roy Clucas) Lewis of East Peoria; an honorary daughter, Jan Milles; 4 grandchildren, Lindsay (Alex) Booth of Rushville, Tayler Lewis of Bloomington, Bryan (Jessica) Clucas of Parker, Colorado, Tanner Lewis of Bloomington, 4 great grandchildren, Ember Booth of Rushville, Mayah Clucas, Mikayla Gambill and Laylah Gambill of Parker, Colorado; her sister, Loraine (Martin) McMahon of Princeton; her brother, John (Ellen) Zurliene of Nashville, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.
GERALD L WRIGHT "STUB"
Gerald L. Wright “Stub” passed away surrounded by his family at home on June 10, 2023.
He was born in Princeton, Illinois on June 28, 1944 to Russell and Helen Wright. He was the youngest of six children.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, June A. (Fonderoli) Wright, a son, Brian, daughter, Nicole, four grandchildren, and one great grand daughter, one brother and one sister.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Gary, a daughter in infancy, two brothers, and one sister.
By Gary’s request there will be no services. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Gary will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
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