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
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John “Jerry” Gerald O’Neill, 76, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, in his home.
A Private Mass will be held on Friday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Fr. Kevin Creegan and Deacon John Murphy officiating followed by interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tiskilwa. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for Jerry’s family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com. Jerry was born on August 28, 1943, in Princeton, to William L. and Helen M. (Longman) O’Neill. He attended the University of Illinois, obtaining his surveyor certification. He had served in the United States Army National Guard. He married Karen H. Friel on May 16, 1964 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa. He worked at the State Highway Department in Dixon for 15 years before moving to Strunk Brothers in Tiskilwa and then Bureau for the next 30 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa. He is survived by: his wife, Karen H. O’Neill of Tiskilwa; his children, Colleen M. O’Neill of Normal, Robert John “BJ” O’Neill of Peru, and Ann M. “Rooney” O’Neill of Normal; his granddaughters, Kylie A. Personette of League City, Texas, and Kearsten M. Personette of Knoxville, Tennessee; his sister, Mary Beth Morrissey of Peoria; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Tiskilwa Public Library or the Tiskilwa Museum on Main. Sandra Ruth Pikula, 79, of Cherry, died peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2020, surrounded by her loved ones in her son’s home after a long battle with cancer. Sandra was born on December 23, 1940, in Murphysboro, to Kenneth Maurice Jobe and Susan Hester Jones Jobe. She graduated from Anna Jonesboro High School in 1958. She graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a secretarial degree. Later, she attended Illlinois Valley Community College to obtain her CNA License. She met Eugene Richard Pikula in Springfield in 1964 and they were married on December 30, 1965. They had one son, Eugene Kenneth Pikula whom she loved very much. Gene would talk with his mother daily and would do anything for her. Sandy was raised Baptist. Later in life she became a member of Mighty Word Church in LaSalle. Sandy looked forward to going to church every Sunday with her son and enjoyed worshiping the Lord. Sandy was a woman of great faith. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and turned to Him and found great peace in Him; especially towards the end of her life. In her last days she was willing and excited about going home to Him. Sandy had a smile that would light up a room. People often felt instant joy when Sandy greeted you with her beautiful smile and warm embrace. Sandy worked at Illinois Valley Community Hospital as a CNA for 30 years, in private duty for 10 years and at St. Bede Academy as a CNA taking care of the ailing Monks. She also worked at the Spring Valley Nursing Home part time. Sandy enjoyed cooking and caring for others. She especially enjoyed hosting Fourth of July parties for her husband, Gene, her son, Gene, daughter in law, Marsha, her four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. She was their greatest supporter and their greatest cheerleader. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Sue Ann Peters, and her brother, Gene Earl Jobe. Survivors are her husband, Eugene Pikula of Cherry; her son, Eugene Kenneth (Marsha) Pikula of Spring Valley; 4 grandchildren, Angel Valdez (Tom Hauth) of Wisconsin; Steven (Amanda) Valdez of Dalzell; Kyle Pikula of Spring Valley; Adrianna Pikula of Spring Valley; 4 great grandchildren, Ava, Ian, and Jax Hauth of Wisconsin and Gabriella Valdez of Dalzell; her brother, Kenneth (Doris) Jobe of Virginia Beach; 5 nephews and 2 nieces. Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry with Rev. Chico Perez officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home. A short interment service will follow in the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Cherry. Pallbearers will be: Steven Valdez, Kyle Pikula, John Peters, Cameron Savage, Nick Perez and Tom Hauth. Honorary Pallbearers: Brian Wasik, Ava Hauth, Ian Hauth, Jax Hauth and Gabriella Valdez. Memorials may be directed to Sandra’s family. FRED DINKELMAN Fred Dinkelman passed away Monday, June 15, 2020, in Manor Court of Princeton. He was born November 26, 1919 in rural Centralia, the son of Fred W. and Marie (Knicker) Dinkelman. He attended high school in Centralia and Sandoval, graduating from the latter in 1938. He graduated with a Bachelorsin Education degree from Southern Illinois University in 1942, was drafted into the army soon after and served in Frt. Benning, Georgia, University of North Carolina and in Germany in Military Government. After discharge in 1945 he taught school for 5 years in Putnam and Peoria while attending SIU in summers earning a Masters Degree in Education. He married Alice Zurliene in Princeton on January 21, 1950. He worked at Harper-Wyman for over 28 years, retiring in 1984. He loved gardening and Golf. He was an avid reader and bridge player, attaining bronze life master. He loved his family and the many card games they played together. He and Alice celebrated 60 years of marriage on January 21, 2010. He is survived by one daughter, Nancy (John) Wagner of Mahomet; 4 sons, Michael (Sheila) Dinkelman of Princeton, Gary Dinkelman of Terrell, Texas, Thomas (Josie) Dinkelman of Denver, Colorado, and Theodore (Barbara) Dinkelman of McHenry; 18 grandchildren ; 13 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sons in infancy; 4 brothers; and 6 sisters. Private services will be held at the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, Princeton. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for her family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com. Memorials may be directed to the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, Princeton. MARJORIE CHRISTENSEN Marjorie Lou Christensen, 83, of Peru, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, June 6. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Marjorie was born on December 5, 1936, in Princeton to Asa. and Ethyl (Hubbard) Smith. She married Don Christensen (date/place if requested). She was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Peru Congregation for over 60 years. She is survived by: Her husband, Don Christensen; her son, Dan Christensen; her daughter, Cindy Luebke; her grandchildren, Troy, Matt, Justin and Andrew; and her great grandchildren, Nathan and Logan. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Asa and Ethyl; and her siblings, Charles, Gene, Melvin and Donnie Smith and Eileen Schwab . Memorials may be directed to her family; Cindy Luebke at 718 Rock Street in Peru. THOMAS EDWARD PEACOCK, Age 87 May 28, 1932 – May 16, 2020 Passing away contently in the place he so desired to be…at home surrounded by his family…Tom is in heavenand again reunited with the love of his life, Shirley. Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” Leaving behind his beloved family… Rick (Beth) Peacock, Diane (Mike) Dickinson, Wayne (Stacy) Peacock, Tammi (Mitch) Lanxon; grandchildren: Bridget (Joe) Simbila, Derek (Lizet) Dickinson, Lindsey (Austin) Burrows; 4 great-grandchildren: Addisen& Jayda Simbila, Olivia Dickinson, and Kellen Burrows; one brother Chuck (Betzy) Peacock and sister SueAnn Cochran. Tom was proceeded in death by his wife, Shirley Peacock; parents Josephine (George) Rauschenbach&Charles Findley Peacock. Additionally, brothers Guy Williams and Jack Rauschenbach. Life began for Tom after High School with an enlistment into the U.S. Army serving in the 1st Calvary Division during the Korean War. Tom was in the “scouting unit” as his division advanced up “Hill 300” in the southern Korea battle front. Unit attacked, and Tom suffered a life changing grenade injury. Flown to Japan hospital first, he endured 3 years of hospitalization as he worked his way back from Korea through hospitals in Hawaii, California, Colorado and home state of Ohio. Tom washonored with the Purple Heart. He served his Country with great pride and much sacrifice for freedom. To this day, a true patriot; Tom’s hope remained for healing of our land, and respect for one another restored. We lost a special man; a man who brought great love, humor, and passion as a devoted father, grandfather, inspirational veteran, and caring friend to so many. His heart was one of serving.His life was one of compassion. Tom loved the outdoors, and the joy in nature. Throughout life, he enjoyed art/pencil drawing, woodworking, backyard games, competitive pinochle, swimming/lake life (& yes, fishing while back floating). Gratitude is the memory of the heart, and the family is grateful and blessed to have had their Dad apart of this life’s journey. In light of the current environment, a private family service will be held in Princeton with a graveside memorial service ata later date in North Royalton, Ohio where Tom will be laid to rest. We recognize many have held us up in thought and prayer over the past months and support us today in our loss. For that, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks as we will miss seeing you as we celebrate his life. If a memorial is being considered, please know one is set up at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton toward the Emergency Fund for those in need. RICKY WAYNE WLODARCHAK Ricky Wayne Wlodarchak, 62, of rural Mendota, passed away on Friday, May 8, at his home. A celebration of Ricky’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for his family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com. Wayne was born on January 11, 1958 in LaSalle to Richard and Kathleen (Ellerbrock) Wlodarchak. He married Carol Newell on June 1, 1985 in Arlington. He worked as a machine operator for Tee Group Films in Ladd and was a past owner and operator of Cherry Small Engine. He volunteered for the Cherry Fire Department and was a member of the Cherry Booster Club. He is survived by: His wife, Carol Wlodarchak of rural Mendota; his daughter, Courtney K. Croissant of Hixson, Tennessee; his son, John Wlodarchak, at home; his mother-in-law, Elaine Newell of Arlington; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by: His parents, Richard Wlodarchak and Kathleen Christian; his Father-in-law Everett “Shorty” Newell ; and his brother-in-law Raymond Newell. Memorials may be made to Ricky’s family or the Illinois Cancer Center in Peru. Martha Singleton Ferris, 87, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2020. A Florida resident, she spent most of her life in the Chicago area where she had a highlysuccessful 26-year career in the retail fashion business. An extraordinary mother and grandmother, she had a wide circle of friends who loved her dynamic personality,effortless glamour, ready sense of humor, and wise perspective.An avid golfer—known for consistently hitting her ball down the middle of the fairways at Exmoor Country Club, Shoreacres, and the Country Club of Florida—she loved family time, reading, and travel to beautiful places especially with her beloved husband and soulmate of 29 years, the late Robert C. Ferris of Princeton, IL. Martha Janice Singleton was born on March 31, 1933, the daughter of Thomas B. and Kathryn Hall Singleton. She graduated from New Trier High School and Northwestern University, the alma mater of both her parents. She was an active supporter of good causes, notably Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital, Northwestern, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Martha’s career in fashion began in 1969 when she joined Bonwit Teller& Co. as Chicago Director of Fashion and Publicity. She subsequently became a Regional Vice President at Lord & Taylor. She was well known and respected in Chicago fashion circles as an accomplished professional who injected fun and flair into her work. Martha is survived by her daughter Kathryn Needham Hodges of Brooklyn, NY; her son John Singleton Needham of Bedford, NY; her brother Thomas H. Singleton of Greenbrae, CA; her first cousin Jan Ann Kahler of Denver; and four granddaughters: Olivia F. Hodges, Elizabeth B. Needham, Leigh H. Needham, and Alexandra B. Needham.In addition to her husband Robert C. Ferris, she was also pre-deceased by her first husband Richard H. Needham of Chicago, and Robert Flink, to whom she was married in her later years. A memorial service will be held in the Chicago areaat a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation (see alzinfo.org). Mildred "Millie" Sidebottom Mildred Marie (Martin) Sidebottom went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 18,2020 at Aperion Care in Princeton. Mildred was born July 20,1929 to Bill and Hattie (Sullivan)Martin in Taylor CO, Kentucky. They moved to Illinois in 1936. Mildred enjoyed riding around in the ice truck while her Dad delivered ice. Mildred attended Tiskilwa Schools. Mildred married WL (Lee)Sidebottom May 6,1953 at the Baptist Church in Tiskilwa. Mildred worked at Harper-Wyman in Princeton for over 40 years, retiring in 1994. Mildred's church ,Tiskilwa Community Church and her family were the most important things in her life. Mildred is survived by her daughter, Patricia(Randy) Hassler of Tiskilwa. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Jeanette(Brian)Cain of Princeton and Jon (Stacey)Hassler of Sandwich. She had 7 great grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicholaus, Kristopher, & Brooklin Cain; Brysen & Avery Hassler and Logan Goffinett. Mildred had 3 great great granddaughters, Reign,Autumn & Rosalynn. Mildred is also survived by a sister-in-law, Jan Martin of Princeton, a special friend, Lucille Smith of Ohio, IL and many nieces and nephews. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband Lee in January of 2017, her sister Christine Perry; her brother Ralph Martin,and a brother-in-law Bob Perry. There will be no visitation. A private family service will be held. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution. WAYNE BALDWIN Wayne L. Baldwin, 86, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Thursday, April 9, at Aperion Care Center, Princeton. 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. Wayne was born on June 11, 1933 in Kewanee to Kenneth W. and Hazel (Martin) Baldwin. He was a heavy equipment operator having been a lifetime member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 649. He served in the United States Army in the Korean War. He married Dixie J. Nye on June 28, 1959. He was a member of the Tiskilwa Community Church and a lifetime member of the Wyanet VFW 6634. He is survived by: His wife of 60 years, Dixie Baldwin; two daughters, Laura (Jonathan) Harper of Romeoville, IL., and Chris Foster of Tiskilwa; and four grandchildren, Carolyn Harper of Niles, Margaret and Alex Harper of Romeoville, and Cole Foster of Ottawa. He was preceded in death by: His parents; his sister, Joyce Opsal; his brother, Michael Baldwin; and one grandchild in infancy. Memorials may be made to the Tiskilwa Community Church. JEREMY SHADLE Jeremy Ryan Shadle, 40, of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, March 29, in his home. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home. Private online condolences for Jeremy’s family may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com. Jeremy was born on November 9, 1979, in Rockford, to Jeffrey and Sandra (LaShelle) Shadle. He worked as a carpenter. He is survived by: His mother, Sandra Shadle; his sister, Ashley (Sadd Khan) Shadle; his daughter, Morgan Shadle; 2 nieces; and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He is preceded in death by: His father, Jeffrey Shadle; his brother, James Shadle; and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Memorials may be directed to the New Hope Church of the Nazarene in Memory of Jeremy Shadle. ATTENTION: Due to Corona-virus health concerns the Visitation and Funeral Mass for Mary E. Kunkel will be private. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. MARY E. KUNKEL Mary E. Kunkel, 88, of Wyanet, passed away on Thursday, March 12, in her home. Services will be private. Mary was born on February 2, 1932 in Chicago to John and Irene (O’Reilley) Rohr. She married Richard A. Kunkel on March 29, 1952 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granville. She was a member of St Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, a 4-H leader, a member of the Homemakers Extension, and active in Cursillo and TEC. She is survived by: her children, Julie Wineinger of Davis, California, Gerard (Jeanine) Kunkel of Wyanet and Teresa (Kevin) Kopp of Wyanet; 16 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her parents; and her husband, Richard on December 31, 2018 DOROTHY ARY Dorothy Ada Ary, 87, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in her home. Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Tiskilwa Community Church, Tiskilwa. Interment will follow in the Putnam Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the church. Private online condolences may be left for Dorothy’s family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com. Dorothy was born on June 11, 1932, at Lone Tree, to Marshall and Freda (Heininger) Downey. She attended Lone Tree School, and graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1950. She worked at the Putnam Grain Elevator and Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past in Princeton. She married Francis H. Ary, Jr., on November 4, 1951 in Putnam. Dorothy was very active in the Tiskilwa community and was a founding member of the Tiskilwa Historical Society, remaining a volunteer through 2020. She was an active church member, taught Sunday School, was a Loyal Daughter, board member, and volunteered her time as a “Church Basement Lady” for the Tiskilwa Community Church sewing, baking and serving the church. Dorothy was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and was a Daughter of the American Revolution. She served as an election judge for Wheatland Township for numerous years. She is survived by her 6 children: Mike (Mary) Ary of Tiskilwa, Janet (Joe) Ballerini of New Lenox, Joe (Diane) Ary of Quincy, Sally (Tom) Trumpinski of Sublette, Barbara (Mike) Williams of Cunningham, Tennessee and Suzanne Ary of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 11 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by: her husband, Francis in 2014; a sister, Ruby Stacker, a brother, Harold, and a nephew, Ted. Memorials may be directed to the Tiskilwa Historical Society, the Tiskilwa Ambulance Service or the Tiskilwa Community Church. |
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