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Past Services
BARBARA L. WANDERS
Barbara L. Wanders, 79, of Princeton, passed away Friday, May 26, 2018, in her home.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
JIMMIE TURNER
Jimmie D. Turner, 62, of Princeton, IL, died Wednesday at his home after a long battle with cancer.
A memorial services will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Princeton Bible Church with Rev. Curtis Odell officiating. His family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until the time of services Tuesday in the Church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Born on June 14, 1955 in Huntsville, AL, the son of Jimmie Sr. and Frances (Ethridge) Turner. He moved with his family to Lakeland, FL as a child in 1964 and grew up there.
He enjoyed traveling the country, riding his Harley, going deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and telling stories to make folks laugh. He drove tractor/trailers for over 40 years, mostly at McLane Co. and retired from driving in 2016 from Walmart.
He was a member of the Princeton Bible Church.
Jimmie is survived by his wife Judy of Princeton, IL and son Andrew of Lakeland, FL. Sister, Cathy (Bob) Ile of Lakeland, FL and Glenda Cantrell Smith of Pensacola, FL.
Preceded in death by his Parents and one brother, Mark.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Princeton Christian Academy; the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation of Peoria, IL; Illinois Valley Hospice of Peru, IL; or donate blood to your local blood bank.
BARBARA TAYLOR-PHILPOTT
Barbara Taylor-Philpott, a long-time Tiskilwa resident, died Monday, May 14, in her home, in the presence of family and friends. From her birth in Champaign, Illinois on May 26, 1929, she nourished those around her with her love of family, her lively spirit, and her faith.
Barbara was born to Emily and Cloyd Scott of Urbana, Illinois. She had a younger sister, Mary Anna Scott (McKinstry) and an older brother, John “Jack” Scott. The family moved to Indianapolis when she was a child. She graduated in 1947 from George Washington High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the same year she began work as a receiving clerk in General Motors’ Plant #3 in Indianapolis. While at General Motors, the supervisor of electrical engineering introduced her to his son, James “Jim” Cameron Taylor. She would marry Jim, on June 25, 1950. Jim would precede her in death, in 1967.
They had four children together: Jeffrey Cameron Taylor, John Charles, Joel Craig Taylor, and Cathy Jane Taylor.
Barbara and Jim moved their family to Tiskilwa in 1958, quickly becoming active members of the Tiskilwa Methodist church and enjoying Tiskilwa’s lively social scene. Barbara worked as a teletypist at the Bureau County Republican in the late 1960s, and then as bookkeeper and general office manager for McQueen Publishing in the 1970s. She served as the office administrator for the Quad County Mental Health Center from 1976-1986, and as a Gold Coat volunteer at Perry Memorial Hospital in the 2000s.
She married her second husband, Clarence “Shike” Philpott, of Tiskilwa, in 1978,who instantly became a grandfather of seven, gamely traveling on many family vacations ar
Barbara was an active member of the Tiskilwa Community Church and an avid quilter. One of her favorite pastimes in her later years was her weekly card games at home with her circle of close friends. She was unable to resist a cute cat, and adopted several. Barbara was an exceptionally loving grandmother, and her home was filled with pictures of her grandchildren. Her grandchildren loved visiting with her in Tiskilwa, and she lovingly spoiled them at every opportunity.
Barbara is survived by her sons Jeff (Jane) Taylor, John (Barbara Hughes) Taylor, and Joel (Michelle) Taylor; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cathy Jane, in 1994; by her first husband, James, in 1967; by her second husband, Clarence, in 1996; her siblings, and her parents.
A memorial service is being planned at Tiskilwa’s Museum On Main (the former Methodist Church) at 11:00am, July 28, 2018. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Tiskilwa Historical Society or the Tiskilwa Public Library.
GARY WRIGHT
Gary Andrew Wright, 51, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in his home.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton, with Rev. Derek Boggs officiating. His family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Sunday in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Gary was born on August 30, 1966 in Spring Valley to Gerald “Gary” L. and June Ann (Fonderoli) Wright. He was a class of 1984 graduate of Princeton High School and attended courses at Illinois Valley Community College. He was an operating engineer for the Local 150 and a lifelong farmer.
He married Barbara S. Rowe on May 26, 1990 in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton. He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton and the Local 150.
He is survived by: his wife, Barbara S. Wright of Princeton; his parents, June Ann and Gerald “Gary” L. Wright of Princeton; and his children Lindsay M. Wright and Nicholas A. Wright at home; and his siblings, Brian Wright and Nicole Meadows.
He was preceded in death by: a sister in infancy.
Memorials may be directed to: The Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton.
TYLER SENDERS
Tyler S. Senders, 27, of Bureau, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2018.
A memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, May 26, in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private interment will be held at a later date. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Tyler was born on November 25, 1990 in Peoria to Tyson and Tonya (Senders) McCann.
He is survived by: his Father, Tyson McCann of Bureau; his Maternal Grandmother, Linda Detwiler of Bureau; his Paternal Grandmother, Barbara Michaels of Ohio; his children, Hayden Senders of Bureau, McKenzie Senders of Princeton and Macie Senders of Princeton; his siblings, Brendan Senders, Michael McCann, Nathan McCann and Alexandra McCann all of Bureau.
He was preceded in death by: His mother; and his maternal grandfather, Kenneth Senders.
Memorials may be directed to his family.
FRANCIS RICH
Francis A. Rich, 87, of Princeton, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018 in his home.
A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Monday in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Fr. Daniel Gifford officiating. Military honors will follow by the Princeton Veterans Memorial Group. His family will receive friends Sunday from 4 until 7 p.m. in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Francis was born on May 17, 1930 in Chicago, to Charles and Ellen (Lonmor) Rich. He married Helen Haun on June 29, 1963 in Mendota. He had served in the United States Army and later in the United States Air Force and retired from the Army Reserves having attained the rank of Sergeant Major.
He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, the Knights of Columbus 4th degree, a 50 year member of the Wyanet VFW, the Princeton Elks, the Princeton Moose Lodge, and the Bureau Valley Camping Club “Good Sams”. He had been a little league coach, a Boy Scout leader, volunteered as a driver for veterans and drove for the Share Food Program.
He is survived by: his wife, Helen Rich of Princeton; his children, David (Robin Wolf) Underwood of Brattleboro, Vermont, Joanne (Roger) Carr of Troy Grove, and Linda (Mike) Fisher of Sheffield; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; his sister, Irene (Lee) Christiansen of Oswego; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: His parents; a son, Alan Rich; 5 brothers; and 2 sisters.
Memorials may be directed to the Bureau County Senior Center.
LOIS JEAN HALL
Lois Jean Hall, 71, of rural Malden, passed away Monday, April 9, 2018 in her home.
A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Rev. Daniel Gifford officiating. Interment will follow. Her family will receive friends Monday from 4 until 7 p.m. in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Lois was born on January 1, 1947 in Kenmore, New York, to Edwin and Grace (Kirsch) Myers. She had worked as a midwife. She married Dennis R. Hall on April 2, 1965 in Detroit, Michigan. She was a member of the Catholic Church, she founded the New Beginnings Food Co-op, she was a La Leche League leader and a home school instructor.
She is survived by: her husband, Dennis R. Hall of rural Malden; her daughters, Jennifer (Darren) McCoy of Mahomet, Pamela (Joshua) Dent of Middleport, New York, Rebecca Kenwick of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth (Nicholas) Pratt of Peoria; Katherine Hall of San Diego, California, and Victoria Hall of Decatur; 15 grandchildren; her brother, Ronald (Jan) Myers of New York, her sister, Barbara McKnight of New York; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: Her parents.
RUBY STACKER
Ruby Irene Stacker, 93, of Tiskilwa, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton, Illinois. Ruby was born to Marshall L. and Freda I. (Heininger) Downey on June 8, 1924 on the Downey family farm at Lone Tree, Wheatland Township, Illinois.
She married James L. Stacker on October 28, 1951. He preceded her in death on August 23, 1962. Also preceding her in death were her brother Harold Downey, brother-in-law Francis Ary, and nephew Ted Downey.
She is survived by three children David Stacker (Leslee) of LaSalle, John Stacker (Ellen) of Bloomington, and Abby McAnally (John) of Downers Grove; six grandchildren Christopher (Shuqing), Rebecca, and Sara Stacker, Kevin and Quinn McAnally and Brin (Daniel) Higgins; her sister Dorothy Ary; and many nieces and nephews.
Ruby attended a one room schoolhouse at Lone Tree and graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1942. After graduating from Brown’s Business College, she worked at Caterpillar and the law firm Bartley & Bartley in Peoria. She also managed the family farms and worked for many years at the Tiskilwa State Bank.
Ruby was very active in the Tiskilwa community, including being the Treasurer of the Tiskilwa United Methodist Church and a founding member of the Tiskilwa Historical Society. She was also a member of the Tiskilwa Library Board, Tiskilwa School Board, Tiskilwa Zoning Board, Methodist Women, Loyal Daughters, and the Yoked Parish Bible Study Group.
She loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed reading, her daily crossword puzzle (in pen), and caring for her many plants.She was known as a strong independent woman who never spoke an ill word of others, worked hard throughout her life, and raised three young children on her own.
Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 PM on Friday April 13, 2018 in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 14 in the Tiskilwa Community Church. Memorials may be directed to Tiskilwa Community Church, Tiskilwa Historical Society, or Tiskilwa Ambulance.
MARILYN I. GARLAND-RUSS
Marilyn I. Garland-Russ, 78, of Princeton, formerly of Lombard, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Aperion Care of Princeton.
Services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, in the chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton and again 1 p.m. Monday in the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of services Sunday in the funeral home.
BERTA JEAN "BJ" FREDENHAGEN
Bertal Jean "BJ" Fredenhagen, 89, of Tiskilwa, passed away Friday March 2, 2018 at Liberty Village in Princeton.
BJ was born June 14, 1928 in Princeton, IL, the daughter of Albert and Imogene (Sarver) Lee. She resided in Tiskilwa, IL all her life. She married David C. Fredenhagen August 5, 1950. He preceded her in death in 2013.
She is survived by her three children: Charles (Jane) Fredenhagen of Tiskilwa; Roger Fredenhagen of Champaign; and Judy (Bill) Kramer of Waynesville, NC; 2 grandchildren: Adam Fredenhagen of Tiskilwa and Laura Fredenhagen of Las Cruces, NM; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband David; her brother Charles E. Lee; and her parents.
Mrs. Fredenhagen was a 1946 graduate of Tiskilwa High School, and a 1949 graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Business Education. She was a teacher in the Tiskilwa school district for 27 years. Over the years she taught Physical Ed and Business Ed at Tiskilwa High School and 4th Grade and Physical Ed at Tiskilwa Grade School.
She was a member of the Tiskilwa Methodist Church, the P.E.O. sisterhood Chapter IH, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Illinois Education Association, the National Education Association, and the Bureau County Retired Teachers Association.
She loved spending time with her family and her special cat. Hosting parties at their home and socializing with friends were favorite activities of BJ and her husband Dave. They also enjoyed several memorable trips during their retirement years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, March 16, in the Chapel of Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of the service Friday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for BJ's family at www.fiocchifuneralhomes.com.
Memorials may be directed to the Tiskilwa Ambulance Service or the Tiskilwa Historical Society.
KEVIN JOHNSON
Kevin C. Johnson, 54, of Princeton, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018 in Aperion Care of Marseilles.
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 the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
JANET MARIE WISE
Janet Marie Wise, 65, of Salina, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018. She was born November 27, 1952 in Princeton, Illinois. Janet was an active member of the First Covenant Church in Salina for the past 20
years. She was involved in “Women of the World”, an interdenominational Bible study. She was also a member of the First Covenant Church prayer team and participated in Mother’s Hour. Janet was a former Auxiliary member of the Gideon’s International. She worked for as a secretary for the Pulmonary Disease Center in Baton Rouge, LA for 7 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Wayne and Margaret (Adams) Burrell. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Steven Wise; sisters, Peggy Lundeen (Leo) of Tiskilwa, IL, and Wanda Rahn (Ed) of Geneseo, IL., Aunt, Dee Burrell of Spring Valley, IL.
and Uncle, Charles Markee of Tiskilwa, IL. She has many nephews, nieces and cousins in the Geneseo, Princeton, and Spring Valley, IL. communities.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main Street, Princeton,
Illinois. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. For online condolences contact Fiocchi-Jensen
Funeral Home. www.fiocchifuneralhomes.com
JOEL SAWITOSKI
Joel David Sawitoski, 86, of Princeton, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2018 in Liberty Village of Princeton.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2018 in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Fr. Daniel Gifford officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Peru City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday in the church. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Joel was born on February 9, 1931in Geneva to Joseph and Gertrude (Loveless) Sawitoski. He married Barbara Maurer on August 24, 1957 in Spring Valley. He was a class of 1948 graduate of East High School in Aurora. He had served in the United States Air Force. He had worked for Nicor for 35 years where he had been plant accountant supervisor.
He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, and the Woodworkers Unlimited where he had served as treasurer. He was a lifelong Cubs fan and an excellent bowler.
He is survived by: his wife, Barbara Sawitoski of Princeton; his children, Beth (Michael) Liebenow of Aurora; Nancy (Michael) Kruger of Waxahachie, Texas; and Joseph (Chris) Sawitoski of Montgomery, Illinois; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and his 2 sisters, Louise Gilla of Florida, and Susan Sisco of Aurora.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and 1 grandson.
Memorials may be directed to the American Lung Association.
JACKIE CARDOSI
Jackie L. Cardosi, 87, of Princeton, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2018 in her home.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the services beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 8th, inthe Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with her granddaughter Sarah Campbell officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Jackie was born on September 2, 1930 in Canton to Aubrey and Gladys (Bowton) Reffett. She married Russell J. Cardosi in 1950 in Canton. She was the administrative assistant/bookkeeper for C&C Electric for numerous years. She had been proprietor of Jackie’s Dolls for many years.
She is survived by her children Debra (Myron) Leesman of Abilene, Texas, Kathy (David) Sullivan of Princeton, Cynthia Cardosi of Princeton, and Brian (Jill) Cardosi of Princeton; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; her sister, Beverly Reffett of Canton; her brother, Richard (Helen) Reffett of Canton; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell in 2006; and 2 sons, Michael and David.
Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.
DIANNE OLSON
Dianne S. Olson, 71, of Wyanet, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in the Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.
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 the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Dianne was born on December 3, 1946 in Chicago, to George W. and Norma (Ronsberg) Davis. She married LeRoy A. Olson on February 14, 1969 in Chicago. She was a registered nurse.
She is survived by: her husband, LeRoy A. Olson of Wyanet; her children, Kirsten E. Olson of Chicago, Eric A. (Patience) Olson of Pekin, and Weston A. (Jesamieh) Olson of Peru; 3 grandchildren, Brooke E. Olson, Kent E. Olson, and Megan C. Olson.
She was preceded in death by: her parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Wyanet Library.
DELMAR BEAMS
Delmar A. Beams, 82 of Tiskilwa, IL died at home surrounded by his family on January 26, 2018 from ATTR Cardiac Amyloidosis. He was born August 10, 1935 in Amboy, IL to Gilbert and Viola (Albrecht) Beams. He attended many area schools as they farmed. Delmar graduated from Princeton High School, a member of the class of 1954. He kept in touch with many classmates over the years.
We honor the gift of his life in our lives. Visitation will be Wed., January 31 at Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton, IL from 4:00-7:00 pm. The funeral will be there Thurs., Feb. 1 at 11:00 am with Pastor Greg Gibbs officiating. Memorials may be to Tiskilwa Historical Society or Tiskilwa Ambulance.
Delmar married Catherine Sievert in 1957. They had one daughter, Leslee Beams-Stacker (David L. Stacker), La Salle, IL who survive. Catherine died in 1992.
Delmar served as a helicopter mechanic in the Naval Reserves for eight years. He farmed for many years. The beginnings of his other business - Delmar Beams Excavating - commenced when clearing farmland with his father, Gib Beams who also taught him about mechanics. Delmar learned more about earthmoving and mechanics working for Harlan Swanson and Strunk Brothers. He built waterways, dams, levees, small lakes and ponds, dry dams, terraces, and did gradework for roads. Delmar also worked on the Tiskilwa ‘bottom road’, Interstate 80, and Lake Holiday. His farming included raising cattle for a brief time and growing corn, wheat, and soybeans. He cared for the land through crop rotation and conservation reserve for quail, other birds, and wildlife. He loved the land and knew the soil for excavating, creating, and growing. Delmar was an expert at welding, at engine maintenance, and at rebuilding and restoring tractors and heavy equipment. Two favorite restorations were a Caterpillar 60 and an Oliver 99.
In 1995 Delmar married Eleanor (Nickel) Sarver. They shared 17 years together. Eleanor died in 2012. Surviving are her two daughters, Linda Starr and Sandy Huffaker and their families.
Delmar continued with tractor restoration and care of his farmland. He was honored to be Tiskilwa’s 2012 Citizen of the Year.
Finding happiness together, Delmar married Juanita (Friend) Roberts in 2014. Juanita Roberts-Beams survives, along with her children, Randy (Kathie Peterson) Roberts of Cheyenne, WY, Mitzi (Allen) Spainhour of Greenville, IL, grandchildren, Andrew (Jayme) Spainhour of Alton, Il, Kelsey (Stephen) Groves and Meredith Spainhour of Greenville, IL, Rachel (Jeremy) Bridges, and Andrew (Kristi) Roberts of Cheyenne, WY, and great grandchildren Nik and Katya Roberts, Cheyenne, WY and Camden Groves, Greenville, IL.
Also, preceding him in death were Delmar’s parents Gib Beams and Viola Beams Schmidgall, his stepfather Ed Schmidgall, his uncles, B.H. Beams, Stanton Beams, Ed Beams, Floyd Albrecht, and Clifford Albrecht.
JON DAVID WILLS
Jon David “JD” Wills, 64, of Cherry, passed away Monday, January 1, 2018.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry.
Jon was born on June 25, 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles and Ruth (Curry) Wills. He married Julie Palmer on March 20, 2015. He had served in the United States Marine Corps.
Survivors include: his wife, Julie Wills of Cherry; and his son, Zachary Wills.
ROSAMUND G BUCKLEY
Rosamund G Buckley, 83, a resident of Maple Crossing of Amboy, formerly of Sublette, died January 16, 2018 in KSB Hospital in Dixon.
Services will be 11 am, Saturday in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Sublette with the Rev Randy Fronek officiating. Burial will be at St Michael Sandy Hill Cemetery, Sublette. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Mrs. Buckley was born in Amboy to Cornelius T and Gertrude (Batton) Garland. She grew up in Amboy and graduated from Amboy High School in 1951. She married Francis J Buckley on Nov 29, 1952 in St Patrick’s Church, Amboy. They lived in the Sublette/Amboy area most of their married life.
She worked at a variety of jobs over the years, including Conco, Mendota Trouser Factory, Mendota Community Hospital, and Amboy Middle School before her retirement. She was a member of OLPH Church and a dedicated gardener.
She is survived by three sons, Stephen (Kim) of Palos Heights, Timothy (Debra) of West Allis, WI, and Lawrence (Rose) of Sublette; two daughters, Trudy (Robert) Lahman of Amboy, and Bridgett (Ray) Drag of Shorewood; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and three brothers, Richard (Leila) Garland of Sublette, Robert (Sue) Garland of Springfield, and Ray (Doris) Garland of Sycamore; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; 4 sisters; and 3 brothers.
Pallbearers will be her sons-in-law and grandsons.
Memorials may be directed to Sublette Community Volunteer Fire Dept, OLPH Church, or Sandy Hill Cemetery Fund.
IVAN GENE SMITH
Ivan Gene Smith, 89, passed away at 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, at Liberty Village in Princeton.
Gene was the son of Asa Smith and Ethel (Hubbard) Smith, both deceased.
Gene was well known by many in Princeton. He had a small successful lawn service despite having only one arm. He mowed, raked and planted flowers. Many were amazed at his skills. Jim and Jeff Bystry, Corey Husser, Frank Freeburg and Becky Allicks were just a few of his helpers.
Gene was very generous and loved people. At the nursing home when he first entered, he would station himself where he could greet workers as they went by. Even toward the last he would raise his hand to say “Hi!” to any nearby.
“Closing with tears, we will miss him but know we will see him again well and strong in the near future when God’s will is done on earth. Love from all and see you soon Gene!” Matthew 6:9 and Isaiah 65:17-25.
He is survived Charles “Bud” Smith of Liberty Village in Princeton and Margie L. Christensen, 718 Rock St., Peru. Also two nieces, Judy Brown and Cindy Luebke; one nephew, Dan Christensen; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Eileen Schwab, and Melvin Smith and Don Smith.
Visitation only will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton.
Gene will be cremated and will reside with his family at the Malden Cemetery. Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Gene’s favorite charities at the funeral home.
BERNICE SCHNEIDER
Bernice H. Schneider, 95, of Cherry, passed away peacefully at home with her family on Thursday, January 4, 2018.
A private service is planned at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Bernice was born on April 10, 1922 in Maytown, to Richard and Anna (Sharkey) Gillan. She married Marvin Schneider on May 1, 1948. Bernice was a homemaker, loved to cook, enjoyed decorating her home and loved to play cards. She loved helping her children and grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren were her life.
Survivors include: her care giver of the past 5 years Jennifer Virlee; her daughters, Sharon Schneider of Princeton, Daine (James) Stangel of Cherry, Rhonda Fultz of Mendota, Janet (Chris) Drewel of Oglesby, and Marlene (Bill) LA’Sorella of Ladd; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Klein.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Marvin; her parents; 2 daughters, Carolyn Brandner, and Connie Lauer; 4 sisters; and 6 brothers.
Memorials may be directed to Masses in Bernice’s remembrance.
JAMES KNEEBONE
James J. Kneebone, 76, of Cherry passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in his home.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangement sare through the Fiocchi Funeral Home in Cherry.
SHARON KUNKEL
Sharon L. Kunkel, 54, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017, in Perry Memorial Hospital, 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 the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Sharon was born on June 21, 1963 in Orlando, Florida, to Carl Laswell and Georgia Milam. She married Michael L. Kunkel in Kentucky.
She is survived by: Her husband, Michael L. Kunkel of Princeton; 2 daughters, Stephanie Christie and Staci Self; and 2 granddaughters, Rachel and Brooklyn.
She was preceded in death by: her parents.
MARY TERRY
Mary Elizabeth Terry, 61, of Buda, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017, in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, following a 10 year battle with COPD.
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.
Mary was born on June 15, 1956 in Mendota, to Russell and Margaret (Pasdertz) Jones. She married Lawrence Terry on May 22, 1976 in Oregon, Illinois.
She is survived by: her husband, Lawrence Terry of Buda; her daughters, Melissa (Troy) Terry of Buda, and Noel (James) Sturtevant of Walnut; 2 grandchildren, Joshua and Michael; 3 brothers, Donald, Urban and John Jones; and a sister, Sue McCollom.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; a sister, Laurel Kitzmiller; and a brother, Edward Jones.
AUDREY HERRETT
Audrey Opal Herrett, 98, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017, in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday in Putnam Christian Church with Rev. Terry Broady officiating. Interment will follow in the Putnam Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of services Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Audrey was born on April 9, 1919 in Henry to Raymond and Lela (Euard) Thomas. She was a graduate of the University of Miami with a major in education and music. She taught piano and violin in her home for years. She married Earl Reinhert, he was missing in action in World War II, she married Lloyd Herrett in 1951, he passed away in 1985.
She was a member of the Putnam Christian Church. She sang for many years in the choir for the Methodist Church in California.
She is survived by: Her daughter, Sucanne Peters of Woodruff, Wisconsin; 3 grandchildren, Scott Smith, Jennifer (Nick) Crocker, and Robin (Dan) Davis; 6 great grandchildren, Amber, Daphnee, and Sterling Smith, Luke and Dash Crocker and Audrey Joy Davis; 2 nephews, Barry Bernardi and Jay Yarrington; and 1 niece, Amy Boers.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husbands; and her sister, Faye Thomas Bernardi
Memorials may be directed to the Putnam Christian Church.
DAVID MINER
David Mitchell Miner, 56, of Buda, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, due to a pulmonary embolism.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date. His family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of services Wednesday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
David was born on April 14, 1961 in Fort Worth, Texas, to Mitchell and Bettie (Robinson) Miner. He had worked at L.W. Schneider. He married Cara Balensiefen on October 15, 2005 in Buda.
He is survived by: his wife, Cara Miner of Buda; his parents, Mitchell and Bettie Miner of Fort Worth, Texas; his 2 daughters, Heather (Christina) Miner of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Miranda Miner of Tempe, Arizona; 4 grandchildren; his sister, Sherrie (Randy) Armstrong of Fort Worth, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his grandparents.
THOMAS MICHAEL MILLIGAN
Thomas Michael Milligan, 73, of Princeton, passed away at his home on October 28, 2017.
Mike was born May 2, 1944 to the late Thomas Milligan and Henrietta Boll Milligan in Joliet. He married Irene Gajewski on
August 3, 1985 in Chicago.
After graduating from Hinsdale High School, Mike earned a Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Restaurant Management
from the University of Denver. Mike spent many years as a commodities trader on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and
as a meat broker throughout Asia. Mike and his wife owned the Ranch House Restaurant in Bureau Junction for 16 years.
He is survived by his wife, Irene; daughter Leigh Erin (Mike) Blumer of Chillicothe, Illinois; Katherine (Chris)
Ross of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and son, Matthew, of Princeton; grandchildren Clara Ross, Everly Blumer and Barrett Blumer;one sister Toni (Brian) Dorosz of Wauseon, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Private Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017 at the Fiocchi Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with the Reverend Daniel Gifford presiding, followed by burial at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton.
CYNTHIA BIXBY
Cynthia A. Bixby, 64, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2017, in OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 1 until 4 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Memorials may be directed to the wishes of her family.
MARILYN SUE JOHNSON
Marilyn Sue Johnson, 70, of Wyanet, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017, in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the Bunker Hill Church, Buda, with Rev. John Erickson officiating. Interment will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery, Wyanet. Her family will receive friends from 3 until 7 p.m. Thursday in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Marilyn was born on May 21, 1947in Princeton, to Frank Virden and Mary L. (Daley) Johnson. She married Curtis L. Johnson on October 23, 1965 in the Tiskilwa Methodist Church. She had worked at the Ace Distribution Center in Princeton. She was a member of the Manlius Baptist Church, the Wyanet Village Board for many years, the Wyanet Old Car Club, and Co-sponsor of the Prairie State Long Rifle Show.
She is survived by: her husband, Curt Johnson of Wyanet; her son, Robert (Mandi) Johnson of Wyanet; 3 grandchildren, Trent (Kayleigh) Johnson, Derrick (Emily) Johnson, and Katelin (Mark) Skelley; 2 great grandchildren, Caleb and Samuel Johnson; her siblings, Lyle (Carole) Johnson of Lake Thunderbird, Larry (Kay) Johnson of Tiskilwa, and Carol (Dean) Rowe of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 2 daughters in infancy.
Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.
LUSHIN PERRY
Lushin C. Perry, 101, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2017, in the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle.
A graveside service will be held in the Poplar Grove Cemetery in Marshall, Indiana at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Lushin was born on March 24, 1916 in Marshall, Indiana to Frank Charles and Esta Viola (Hockett) Perry. He had served in the United States Army in the 5th division of the 3rd army during World War II in the European Theatre of Operations having served under George Patton. He married Edith Hedwig Pupp on December 14, 1946 in Crown Point, Indiana. He had retired from Consolidated Freightways in 1993 and had worked for GTE of Princeton. He was a member of the Wyanet VFW.
He is survived by: his children, Priscilla (Dale) Ethridge of Tucson, Arizona, Allen (Donna) Perry of Tiskilwa, Deborah (Thomas) Towne of Dover, Wendy (Joseph) Strong of Lacon, and Fay (David) Youngquist of Tacoma, Washington; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Edith in 2005; 2 sisters, Othella and Martha; 1 brother, Clayton; 3 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild.
Memorials may be directed to the Malden Ambulance Service.
ROBERT TROWBRIDGE
Robert “Benny” Trowbridge, 76, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2017 in his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Rev. Daniel Gifford officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. His family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7:45 p.m. and again from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Robert was born on May 19, 1941in Wilmette, Illinois, to Maurice and Frances (Bauer) Trowbridge. He married Catherine Moloney on August 26, 1989 in Westmont, Illinois. He was an arborist for the Village of Broadview for 30 years. He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton.
He is survived by: his wife, Catherine Trowbridge of Princeton; his daughter, Tina Trowbridge of Palm Harbor, Florida; his son, Ronald (Alma) Trowbridge of Nashville, Tennessee; his step-son, Dustin Vertheen of Aurora; 3 grandchildren, Ciara (Evaristo) Ramirez, Desiree Vertheen and Hunter Trowbridge; 2 great grandchildren, Anaisabela and Evaristo IV; and his siblings, Patrice Lamphere of Sun City, Arizona, John (Dianne) Trowbridge of Tucson, Arizona, Edward (Susann) of Wheaton, and Mary (John) Greene of Princeton.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
JASON BROKAW
Jason Alan Brokaw, 43, of Peru, formerly of Cherry, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will follow in the Granville Cemetery. His family will receive friends Friday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Jason was born on November 28, 1973 in Spring Valley to Calvin and Barbara (Bland) Brokaw. He was a graduate of Putnam County High School, Illinois Valley Community College, and ISU. He married Deborah Hoffert on September 7, 2001 in Princeton. He had served as a police officer for Granville, the Bureau County Sherriff’s Department, the Village of Ladd, DePue, City of Spring Valley and ended his career serving the City of Peru following his promotion to Sergeant. He had also been a security officer at St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
He is survived by: his wife, Deborah Brokaw of Cherry; his mother Barbara (George) Robinson of Granville; his maternal grandmother, Marion Bland of Lostant; his children, Hayleigh and Calvin Brokaw of Cherry; and his brother, Eric Robinson of LaSalle.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Calvin Brokaw; and his sister, Brooke Robinson.
LOIS DESPAIN
Lois Despain, 64, of Cherry, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 in St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Lois was born on July 8, 1953 in Spring Valley to Herman and Mary (Bellettini) Hahn. She was a graduate of Hall High School. She had worked for Caterpillar until retirement. She married Richard Despain on January 30, 1987 in Cherry.
She is survived by: her husband, Richard Despain of Cherry; her son, David Despain of Cherry; her step-daughter, Kathy Despain of Mississippi; her step-son, John Despain of Ladd; 4 grandchildren; her brother, Alan (Judy) Hahn of Cherry; and her sister Shirley (Richard) Bernabei of Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
EFFIE GERARD
Effie JoAnn Gerard, 84, of Buda, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in her home.
Services will be held 12 noon Friday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Interment will follow at Hopeland Cemetery, Buda. Her family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of services Friday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Effie was born on May 8, 1933 in Buda, to Ralph and Allie (Gutshall) Roberts. She was a class of 1951 graduate of Buda High School. She had retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 29 years. She was a member of the Midwest Salt and Pepper Shaker Club and the Buda Red Hats.
She is survived by: her 2 sons, Kenneth Gerard of Buda, and Charles (Linda) Gerard of Brookfield; 2 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Mildred “Bee” Martin of Indiana, Lois Arnold of Buda, and Ruth (Richard) Hobrock of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 8 brothers and sisters.
Francis Buckley
Francis “Frank” James Buckley, 87, of Sublette, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in Maple Crossing at Amboy with his loving wife and 5 children by his side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Sublette, with Rev. Randy Fronek officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael Sandy Hill Cemetery, Maytown with military honors by the Amboy American Legion. His family will receive friends from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church.
Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Mr. Buckley was born on January 13, 1930 in KSB Hospital, Dixon, the only child of Charles and Bridgett “Bea” (Burke) Buckley of Maytown. He grew up on the family farm in Maytown and attended Maytown Grade School. He graduated from Amboy High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. After basic training, he married Rosamund Garland on November 29, 1951 in St. Patrick’s Church, Amboy, before shipping out to Korea. After his service, he returned to the area and he and Rosamund lived in the Sublette/Amboy area most of their married life.
He worked at a variety of jobs over the years, including Conco in Mendota, Farm Service in Lee Center, and then as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement. After retiring, he drove a van for Lee County Senior Services until December of 2009. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and the Sandy Hill Cemetery Board. He enjoyed fishing and all of his grandchildren will remember his amusing anecdotes and wry observations on life.
He is survived by: his wife; three sons, Stephen (Kimberly) Buckley of Palos Heights, Timothy (Deb) Buckley of West Allis, Wisconsin, and Lawrence (Rose) Buckley of Sublette; two daughters, Trudy (Bob) Lahman of Amboy, and Bridgett (Ray) Drag of Shorewood; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be his sons-in-law and grandsons.
Memorials may be directed to Sublette Community Building Restoration Fund, OLPH Church, or Sandy Hill Cemetery Fund.
LAWRENCE DABLER
Lawrence F. Dabler, 78, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017 in his home.
His family will receive friends at a Memorial Visitation from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private interment will be held at a later date. Private online condolences may be left for the family atwww.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Lawrence was born on August 30, 1938 in Princeton to Irvin and Pearl (Carter) Dabler. He married Rita Elmore on March 15, 1969 in Manlius. He had retired from M.S. Kaplan.
He was a member of The Manlius Baptist Church, The Princeton Moose Lodge, and had served as township trustee for the Indiantown Township
He is survived by: his wife, Rita Dabler of Tiskilwa; 3 children, Lawrence F. (Veronica) Piper of Princeton, Terri (Bryan Edens) Mecagni of Granville and Brittney (Timothy) Eggers of Princeton; 3 grandchildren, Joseph and Stephen Mecagni and Grace Eggers; and a sister.
He was preceded in death by: His parents
RONALD LEE WRIGHT
Ronald Lee Wright, 70, of Cherry, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2017 in the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle.
A Memorial Service will be held at Noon, June 17, in the Chapel of the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will follow in Miners Memorial Cemetery, Cherry, with military honors by the Ladd Veterans Memorial Group. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home.
Ronald was born on June 8, 1946 in Sparta, Illinois, to Everett and Violet (Pillbean) Wright. He had worked at Consolidated Freight. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 422 and the Cherry Booster Club.
He is survived by: His daughter, Charmaine (Brock) Hansen of Princeton; his son, Walter Wright of Cherry; 3 grandchildren, Gracelynn, Piper and Taeghan; his siblings, Darlene (Walter) Kelly of Tilden, Illinois, Wayne (Kathy) Wright of Covington, Georgia, Mary Kelly of Tilden, Loren Wright of Clarksville, Tennessee, Larry (Vicki) Wright of Sulphur, Louisiana, Peggy Jonassen of Ottawa, Ted Wright of Clarksville, Tennessee, Richard (Debbie) Wright of Seneca, and Bobby Wright of Cherry.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and 2 brothers, Daniel and Fred.
KATHLEEN ELAINE LUCAS
Kathleen Elaine Lucas, 66, of Princeton, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2017 in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Private services will be held at a later date. Her family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Kathleen was born on June 16, 1950 in Princeton to Lowell Paul and Margaret (Taggart) Christiansen, Sr. She was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, and the Princeton Moose Lodge.
She is survived by: her fiancé, Randy Saemon of Princeton; her 2 daughters, Heather Marie Lucas of Naperville, and Tonia Leigh Lucas of Princeton; her brother, Lowell P. Christiansen, Jr. of Princeton; several nieces and nephews; and her 2 companions, Missy and Abby
ROGER PINTER
Roger K. Pinter, 73, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2017 in the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.
Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday in the Christ Community Church, Princeton. Interment will follow in the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church “Church on the Hill” Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the Church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Roger was born on April 27, 1944 in Spring Valley to Harold and Ruth (Schallhorn) Pinter. He was a graduate of Hall High School. He had worked at Champion Pneumatics for 38 years.
He was a member of the Christ Community Church, Princeton. He attended Bible Study every Saturday morning and church every Sunday. He was an avid Cubs fan and loved to play cards. He enjoyed going to the Metro Center and loved anything Harley Davidson.
He is survived by: his 3 children, Luke Pinter of Ottawa, Alvin Pinter of Indiana, and Hannah Wilhelm of Malden; his granddaughter, Mikayla Wilhelm; his sister, Sue (Randy) Schumacher of Spring Valley; his brother Kurt (Tammy) Pinter of Ladd; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: His parents; a brother, Ron; and a son, Lester.
Memorials may be directed to his family.
VIOLA LANGE
Viola Helen Lange, 85, of Malden, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017 in Liberty Village of Princeton.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Princeton, with Rev. Scott Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Cemetery, Princeton. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
LONNIE NORA
Lonnie Lee Nora, 78, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in his home.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the Chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tiskilwa. His family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Lonnie was born on February 26, 1939 in Princeton to Dr. Joseph J. and Helen (Hills) Nora. He was a class of 1957 graduate of St. Bede Academy. He married Beverly Kitterman on June 14, 1958 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa. He was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa.
He is survived by: his wife, Beverly Nora, of Tiskilwa; his children, Cynthia (Alen) Foster of Buda, LeighAnn Hendrickson of Tiskilwa, Jeffrey (Mary Anne) Nora of Wyanet, Russel (Melissa) Nora of Wyanet, and Dr. George(Stephanie) Nora of Aberdeen, South Dakota; 7 grandchildren, Shane, Alexia, Lura, Nicole, Brittany, Tiffeny and Lydia; 8 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Louise (Marshall) Brown of Chicago, and Ruth (John) Rader of Milwaukee; and 1 brother, Dr. James (Dr. Audrey) Nora of Colorado.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
DOUGLAS WHITFIELD
Douglas Whitfield passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017, at home, with loved ones by his side. As per his wishes there will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private burial 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 the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
GENE GUSTAFSON
Gene Gustafson, 82, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017 in his home, surrounded by his family.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the Tiskilwa Community Church with Rev. John Gray officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date in Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa. His family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Gene was born on November 5, 1934 in Princeton to Malcolm and Alma (Magnuson) Gustafson. He married Betty Jo Lauritzen on March 21, 1957 in the Tiskilwa Baptist Church. He had worked for the Co-op Feed Service in Princeton, the Village of Tiskilwa, and had been a custodian for the Tiskilwa School Systems until his retirement. He had served in the United States Army. He was a member of the Tiskilwa Community Church and he had served on the Tiskilwa Village board for many years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan all his life.
He is survived by: his wife, Betty Jo Gustafson of Tiskilwa; his children, Jill (Joseph) Kunkel of Wyanet, Jack (Laurie) Gustafson of Wyanet, Rick (Beth Ann) Gustafson of Houston, Texas, Buzz (Tammy) Gustafson of Wyanet and Lisa Gustafson of Ottawa; 18 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; his sister, Doris (Wilbur) Giltner of Princeton; his 2 brothers, Robert Gustafson of LaSalle, and Gerald Gustafson of Carlyle, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by: 1 brother; 1 sister; a daughter, Nancy Jo (Gustafson) Funderberg; and a granddaughter in infancy.
Memorials may be directed to: the Tiskilwa Community Church or the Tiskilwa Ambulance Service.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons.
LUCILLE OLSON
Lucille A. Olson, 75, of Wyanet, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2017 in St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Wyanet. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
ANNA CATHERINE HAMBLIN
Anna Catherine Hamblin, 85, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017, in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, March 17, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church, Princeton with Rev. Brian Gilbert officiating. Interment will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel of Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Anna was born on November 2, 1931, in Carmi, Illinois, to Homer “Martin” and Florence (Wooten) Hamblin. She worked as a cost accountant at Western Electric/AT&T. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Princeton. She was a United Methodist lay speaker for a number of years.
Anna is survived by: her 2 sisters, Mildred (Clem) Evans of Libertyville, Illinois; and Mary Garland of Sanford, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
She was preceded in death by: 1 brother, John Hamblin.
Memorials may be directed to Voice of the Martyrs.
KATHERINE (CENTKO) REIHL
Katherine A. “Kathy” (Centko) Reihl, of Henry, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 28, in her home.
A private ceremony to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Starved Rock Lodge. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Kathy was born March 18, 1959, in Streator, to Florian “Ous” and the late Martha (Engle) Centko. Kathy graduated from Streator Township High School in 1977.
She was the adored wife of Gerald “Jerry” Reihl, her soulmate whom she married Sept. 7, 2005; proud and devoted mother of Alek Reed, of Orlando, Fla., and Derek (Florence DiGennaro) Reed, of Lawrence, Kan.; stepmother of Collin and Aaron Reihl, of Kangley, Jerilyn (Reihl; Nick) Johnson, of Belleville, Wis., and Adam Reihl, of Aurora, Colo.; devoted sister to Cynthia (Michael) Pollard, of Streator, Frederick (Rebecca York) Centko, of Streator, and Connie (Glennon) Svoboda, of Streator; caring stepgrandmother to two grandchildren; and loving aunt to seven nieces and nephews and their families.
Kathy was a warm and creative soul, inspired by the grandeur of nature. Her impact on the world is best captured by Edward W. Bok who wrote, “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it” — a sentiment she espoused throughout her lifetime.
She and her husband Jerry enjoyed sharing in the quiet solitude of the outdoors: bird watching, hiking and enjoying the beauty of butterflies. Her love of nature and wildlife is exemplified in the sanctuary of her backyard garden where she enjoyed countless hours in solace with friends and family.
Kathy brightened and enriched the lives of many, particularly children, through her work at the Streator Child Development Center and performances with Gingerbread Players. She also was a lover of the arts, passionately contributing to Engle Lane Theater and the Community Players of Streator as a volunteer, performer and director.
WL SIDEBOTTOM
WL "Lee" Sidebottom, of Tiskilwa, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at Colonial HealthCare and Rehabilitation Centre in Princeton.
Lee was born in Tiskilwa on June 11, 1927, to Vernon and Mary (Bottom) Sidebottom. Lee only weighed 2 pounds and they were told he wouldn't last til morning, but God blessed him with a fighting spirit to the end.
Lee and Mildred Marie Martin were married in the Tiskilwa Baptist Church on May 16, 1953. She survives.
Lee attended Tiskilwa schools. One of his first jobs was working in the cheese factory in town. Lee worked many years as a train order clerk for the Rock Island at the Bureau depot. Later he worked for CSX as a road agent, retiring after over 43 years combined work.
Lee is also survived by one daughter, Patricia (Randy) Hassler of Tiskilwa; two grandchildren, Jeanette (Brian) Cain of Princeton and Jon (Stacey) Hassler of Sandwich; seven great-grandchildren, Jennifer, Nick, Kristopher and Brooklin Cain, Brysen and Avery Hassler, and Logan Goffinet; two great-great-granddaughters, Reign and Autumn; one sister-in-law, Christine Perry of Green Bay, Wis.; one brother-in-law, Ralph (Jan) Martin of Princeton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Carl, in World War II.
Lee was a sergeant in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II (1945-1947) and the Korean Conflict (1950-1951).
Lee was a member of Tiskilwa Community Church, where he was active as a deacon, usher and secretary of the Sunday school for many years. He and two other couples would buy donuts from Casey’s for the Bible school children as a special treat. He was a member of the Tiskilwa Lions Club, American Legion, and past president and treasurer for the Bureau County Fair.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 1, with a service to follow in the chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton. Internment will be at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
JAMES R. HARNISH
James R. Harnish, 94, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2017 in Colonial Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in 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 atwww.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
James was born on February 25, 1922 in Peoria to John and Viola (Ulrich) Harnish. He married Donna Hartzler. He had been a member of Plow Creek Fellowship since 1974.
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Donna.
LEONA M, LUNDEEN
Leona M. Lundeen, 94, of Princeton, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2017 in Colonial Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Princeton.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Fr. Kevin Creegan, Deacon John Murphy and Deacon David Lundeen officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, January 20 in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left atwww.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Leona was born on December 20, 1922 in Tiskilwa to Leo and Mary (Morris) Nevitt. She was a graduate of Tiskilwa High School. She had worked at Harper-Wymann until retirement. She married Kenneth Lundeen on January 1, 1943 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, the Church Altar and Rosary Society and the American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by: Her 2 sons, Leo (Peggy) Lundeen of Tiskilwa, and David (Marian) Lundeen of Cleveland Ohio; 16 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: Her husband, Kenneth, on July 7, 1992; 1 daughter, Jean; and 7 brothers and sisters.
LOUISE THELMA (STENBECK) KUNKEL
Louise Thelma (Stenbeck) Kunkel, 84, passed away Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Louise was born Sept, 14, 1932, in Oglesby, the daughter of Edna Marzetta Garzanelli and Samuel Stenbeck.
Louise graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School in 1950, where she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of a good education. After high school, she worked at Sieg’s of LaSalle. In 1952, Louise met Joseph Conrad Kunkel of Granville at Monday Night Square Dancing in Utica. After verifying that Joe was older than she (Louise would not date younger men), a courtship ensued until Joe’s return from duty in the Korean Conflict in July 1953. They were united in holy matrimony on Aug. 22, 1953, at Holy Family Catholic Church of Oglesby and in early 1954, moved to a farm in Wyanet, where they lived happily for over 60 years.
Louise was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tiskilwa, where she served God as a Eucharistic minister, a catechism instructor, and an officer of the Altar and Rosary Society. As an advocate for education, Louise was an active member of the parent-teacher organization in Tiskilwa. She was also a volunteer for Lighted Way in Peru helping children in need. She was elected multiple times to the Tiskilwa School Board, and served on several district and regional committees. Later in life, Louise developed a keen love of gardening, especially flowers. She spent many hours outside planting and caring for her many flower beds, she marveled at the beauty of every flower she encountered.
Louise developed many close friendships through St. Mary’s Church, knitting clubs, and the many other activities she volunteered and/or participated in. She was particularly close with her grandmother, Adele (Tamborini) Marzetta; her mother, Edna (Marzetta) Garzanelli; her sisters and brothers; and Joe’s sisters and brothers. Family visits were precious to Louise and to a great degree shaped who she was. However, her greatest love and passion was for her family. She always enjoyed being surrounded by family, especially at the holidays. There was always an abundance of food and goodies at family gatherings.
Louise is survived by her husband, Joseph; seven children, Michael (Sharon) Kunkel, Lynda (Mac) Abbey, Joseph David (Jill) Kunkel, Edward (Peggy) Kunkel, Robert (Erin) Kunkel, Mary Jo (Michael) Gustafson and Gary (Sara) Kunkel; 29 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lawrence (Jane) Garzanelli and Joseph (Jonelle) Garzanelli; two sisters, Angie Smart and Mary Ann Lasik; six brothers-in-law, Aloysius, Richard, Lawrence, Eugene, Kenneth and Christopher Kunkel; and six sisters-in-law, Loretta Stenbeck, and Rita, Mary, Joan, Sharon Kunkel and Sister Teresa Kunkel.
Louise is preceded in death by two sons in infancy; one brother, Deacon John Stenbeck; three brothers-in-law, August Kunkel, David Lasik and Peter Smart; and two sisters-in-law, Betty and Ann Kunkel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tiskilwa at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, with Father Jeffrey Stirniman and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton, with the rosary recited at 6 p.m.Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Tiskilwa, Lighted Way Association, Inc. or a charity of the donor’s choice.
KATHRYN DOTY LUTES
Kathryn Doty Lutes, 104, went to be with her Lord on Friday, December 30, 2016.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Laura Mahn of the First Christian Church, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
She was born on March 6, 1912 to John and Mary Sheer Doty. She married Clifton Hedges in 1931. He died in 1946. She later married William B. Lutes in 1950. He died in 2000.
She had one daughter, Avalon (Richard) Miller of Bloomington, IL. Kathryn had 2 grandsons, Dr. Gary (Jan) Sash of Macomb, IL. and Ron (Terri) Miller of Centreville, VA. She had 5 great grandchildren: Nicholas (Carey) Sash of Macomb; Jason (Kristi) Sash of Commerce City, CO; Eric (Ashley) Sash of Mankato, MI; Jessica (Matthew) Kirkpatrick of Centreville, VA; and Jennifer Miller of Centreville, VA.
Kathryn had 6 great-great grandchildren: Brooke and Abigail Kirkpatrick, Matthew, Makayla and Max Sash, and Logan Sash.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant daughter, Willa Kay, 2 brothers, Glen (Donna) Doty of Kirksville, MO; Quentin (Ruth) Doty of Port Byron, IL, and one sister Dorothy (Buss) Funderberg of Tiskilwa, IL.
Kathryn went to country school (Cottage School) many days by horseback. She graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1930. She was very active in her church, taught Sunday School for 40 years and also taught a Girls Guild Group. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Princeton. She worked at Kraft Foods Cheese Factory in Tiskilwa and Landhols Dress Shop in Princeton.
She really loved all her family and was so happy when family and friends visited her, sent pictures, cards and gifts.
Kathryn lived in her own home until 2005. She has been living at Liberty Village since then.
Memorials may be directed to: The First Christian Church, Princeton.
COL. DANTE "DAN" BULLI
Col. Dante “Dan” Bulli, formerly of Cherry, died in Omaha, Nebraska on December 30, 2016, age 94. He was the son of Giovanni “John” Bulli and Anna (Garetto) Bulli, originally from Rimini and Laurenca, Italy, and was born in Cherry on July 17, 1922. He married Evelyn Lewis, also formerly from Cherry, during 1947. Evelyn, his parents and a sister, Blanche Bulli McDonald, preceded him in death.
Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 7, 2017 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, with military honors by the Ladd Veterans Memorial Group. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Dan was a graduate of Hall High School, the University of Maryland, George Washington University and the Air War College. Between 1940 and 1942 he was employed with Lockheed Aviation in California, building Hudson bombers for the Royal Air Force and then as a foreman on the P-38 assembly line.
A combat veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, he served in the Army Air Force and USAF from 1942 to 1974. Among many awards he was the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. Dan was a bomber pilot for more than 24 years and commander of various B-52 units from 1964 to 1968. He then served on the command staff of the 8th Air Force, followed by that of the combined 7th and 13th Air Forces in southeast Asia and was, at his retirement, the third highest-placed officer at the headquarters of Strategic Air Command. During 1949 he was a B-29 pilot on low-level incursions of the Soviet Union for radiation sampling. Dan survived the crashes of a B-24 and B-52 and a mid-air collision in a B-26.
Until 1986 he worked as an instructor at Creighton University and as a Century 21 realtor in Omaha. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and outdoors-man; he and Evelyn particularly valued their time on Shemya Island and in Alaska, 1947 to 1950.
He is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Bulli of Boston; as well as a son and daughter-in-law, John and Julie Bulli of Springfield; and two grandchildren, Alex and Nan (Robbie) Bulli Kording.
Dan was an exceptional husband, father and mentor, and will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be directed to The Daedalian Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Randolph AFB, TX 78148.
TERRY LEE MCCAULEY
Terry Lee McCauley, 60, of Peru, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Aperion Care, Spring Valley.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Terry was born on February 12, 1956 in Princeton to Leonard and Helen (Westman) McCauley. He was a graduate of Tiskilwa High School Class of 1974. He had worked at Eakas Corp. in Peru.
HELEN OSMON
Helen Osmon, 96, of Princeton, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016 at Colonial Hall Heath Care and Rehabilitation Center, Princeton.
Services will be held 12 Noon Friday in the Chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Jon Panner of the Christ Community Church, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Repose Cemetery, Dover. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Helen was born on November 9, 1920 in Chicago to Frederick Hale and Theresa (Ballersteadt) Watrous. She married Arthur L. Osmon on December 7, 1940 in Chicago. She was a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association; and volunteered for 4-H at the Bureau County Fair.
She is survived by: Her daughter, Linda Russell of LaSalle; her son, Michael Osmon of Washington D.C.; and 3 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband in 1991; 2 sisters; and 2 brothers.
DAVID BOREGARD GALE
David Boregard Gale, 83, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
A Memorial Service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Plow Creek Fellowship with Bob Turner and Sarah Foss officiating. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at Plow Creek Fellowship. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
David was born on January 21, 1933 in Carver, Minnesota to Robert Francis and Verna (Ekberg) Gale. He was a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota. He married Margaret Wenger on April 2, 1961 in Evanston, Illinois. He was a contractor, builder and carpenter.
He was a founding member of Plow Creek Fellowship and a lifelong advocate for peace and justice for all.
He is survived by: his wife, Margaret Gale of Tiskilwa; his children, Eric (Nancy) Gale of Dixon, Laurie (Bob) Turner of Grafton, Wisconsin, Steve (Jill Kuhn) Gale of Fort Collins, Colorado, Andy (Monica Boyle) Gale of San Diego, California, and Tim (Carol) Gale of Tiskilwa; 14 grandchildren; 1 sister, Anne Wiehler of New York; a sister-in-law, Bobbi Gale of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; a brother-in-law, Robert Molenaar of Cannon Falls, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: 1 sister, Mary Molenaar; and 1 brother, John Gale.
Memorials may be directed to: American Friends Service Committee at 1501 Cherry St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102.
CHARLES R. TUTTLE
Charles R. Tuttle, 78, of Malden, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2016 in Manor Court of Princeton.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Charles was born on September 7, 1938 in Peoria to Charles R. and Martha Pearl (Langston) Tuttle, Sr. He had served in the United States Navy from 1956-1961.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
ALBERT GILSDORF
Albert W. Gilsdorf, 79, of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in his home.
Services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Interment will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, with military honors by the Princeton Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home.
Albert was born on March 12, 1937 in Chicago to George and Minnie (Wellenreiter) Gilsdorf. He married Marie Russ in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He had served in the United States Army. He had worked at LCN and Harper-Wyman for many years. He was a member of the Sheffield American Legion and the Princeton Moose Lodge.
He is survived by: his wife, Marie Gilsdorf of Princeton; his daughter, Linda Marie (Todd) Brokaw of Princeton; his son, Daniel Albert (Latisha) Gilsdorf of Princeton; 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his brother, Lawrence Gilsdorf of Glendale, Arizona; and 2 sisters, Edna Modlin of Glendale, Arizona, and Barbara Zapatka of Scottsdale, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; 1 brother; and 2 sisters.
LESTER WOOLLEY
Lester “LaVerne” Woolley, 82, of Cherry, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016 in St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
Private services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will be in Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley. Private visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
MARGARET CHRISTIANSEN
Margaret E. Christiansen, 86, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in St. Margaret’s Health, Spring Valley.
Services will be held 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Jeffrey Stirniman of the St. Louis Catholic Chuch, Princeton, officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Spring Valley, at a later date. Visitation will be Monday from 5 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Margaret was born on May 17, 1930 in Peru to Frank and Mary (Stefko) Taggart. She was a homemaker and beautician. She married Lowell P. Christiansen Sr. on October 30, 1948. She was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton.
She is survived by: her son, Lowell P. (Cheryl) Christiansen, Jr. of Princeton; her daughter, Kathleen E. Lucas of Princeton; 4 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and her brother, Judge Patrick (Sue) Taggart of Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Lowell P. Christiansen, Sr. on September 23, 1975; and 2 sisters, Rosemary Davito, and Frances Ladgenski.
JERRY POFF
Jerry Russell Poff, 65, of Princeton, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2016 in his home.
Services will be held 5 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with military honors by the Princeton Veterans Memorial Group. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Kewanee, at a later date. Visitation will be Monday from 2 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Jerry was born on September 13, 1950 in Spring Valley to Russell Poff and Leatha Wabel Van Herzeele. He was a Princeton High School class of 1969 graduate. He had worked for Monier Farms for many years. He had served in the Illinois National Guard and the United States Navy.
He is survived by: his father, Russell Poff of Washington, Illinois ; his children, Sara (Steve) Sloan of Sublette, Brian (Beth) Poff of Alabama, and Amanda Poff of Tiskilwa; 9 grandchildren; his siblings, Judy (Roy) Van Opdorp of Atkinson, Kelly (Danny) Callison of Geneseo, Randy (Pam) Poff of Atkinson, and Tammy Graham of Waverly, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by: his mother; and his wife, Rebecca Poff.
Memorials may be directed to his family.
DOROTHY BOMLENY
Dorothy M. Bomleny, 85, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016 in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
Services will be held 12 noon Wednesday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. David Ross of the Tiskilwa Bible Church officiating. Graveside services will be private. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Dorothy was born on April 28, 1931 in Aurora to Alex and Pearl Ann (Kilcauski) Kasper. She married Joseph E. Bomleny on January 29, 1955 in St. Peter’s Church, Aurora. She had farmed for many years.
She is survived by: Her sons, Paul Bomleny and Peter (Candi) Bomleny of Princeton; 2 granddaughters, Jennifer Chagala Bomleny, and Sarah Sorochan; her sister, Nancy Tyler of Stockton, Missouri; 9 great grandchildren; her cousin, Genevieve Doerr of Vermont; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Joseph E. Bomleny on May 6, 2006; 2 brothers, Glen A. Kasper, and Nicholas Kraus; and 1 grandson, Matthew Bence.
ANTONI BASECKI
Antoni, Basecki, 94, of Putnam, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016 at St. Margaret's Hospital, Spring Valley.
Private services will be held at a later date, through Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
FRIEDA ANDERSON
Frieda Anderson, 97, of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2016 in Manor Court of Princeton.
Services will be held 12 noon Saturday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Mary Gay McKinney of the Open Prairie United Church of Christ, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in the Prairie Repose Cemetery, Dover. Visitation will be Saturdayfrom 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Freida was born on November 2, 1918 in Rolla, Missouri, to Ferdinand and Martha (Ballance) Hollaway. She married William “Bill” E. Anderson on May 29, 1942 in Joliet. She had taught in La Moille, Ladd and Princeton grade schools for years. She was named Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America in 1975.
She was a member of the Bureau County Metro Center, the Open Prairie United Church of Christ, was a Gold Coater for years at Perry Memorial Hospital and since her retirement was a volunteer for many local organizations.
She is survived by: her daughter, Sharon (Bill) Franklin of Dixon; 2 grandchildren, Sally Retz and Michael Franklin; 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, William Anderson; her son, Davis Anderson, 1 son in infancy, and 7 brothers and sisters.
Memorials may be directed to: Church Women United
FOUCHING SAEPHARN
FouChing Saepharn, 65, of DePue, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2016 in Colonial Hall Health and Rehabilitation Center, Princeton, following a brief illness.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Monday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Dr. Dale Tripp of The Bethel Baptist Church, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in the DePue City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
FouChing was born on September 23, 1950 in Laos, to ChimFoo and ManFeo Saepharn. He was crew leader at the Monterey Mushroom Factory. He married Nailiam Saepharn in Laos. He was a member of The Bethel Baptist Church, Princeton.
He is survived by: his wife, Nailiam Saepharn of DePue; his children, Kho, Fahm, Chai and Seng (Sarah) Saepharn of DePue; 2 grandchildren; and 3 siblings, MuangFoth Saechao of California, SengFou Saechao of California, and FouKuang Saepharn of DePue.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his brother, NaiFou; and 3 daughters, MeyChing, KoyChing and NaiChing.
JAMES BLADES
James P. Blades, 61, of Wyanet, died Friday, June 17, 2016, at Aperion Care Center, Spring Valley, following a lengthy illness.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
James was born on August 17, 1954 in Marion to Solomon and Mary (Leer) Blades. He had worked for the Rockford Steel Foundry for many years.
He is survived by: his daughter, Billie Jo (Scott) Schmitz of LaSalle; 4 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and his brother, Chester Blades of Wyanet.
He was preceded by: his parents; and 1 brother.
Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Hospice.
MARTIN KLEIN
Martin “Marty” W. Klein, 53, of Cherry, died Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
A Prayer Service will be held at 9:40 a.m. Saturday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Saturday in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, with Rev. Patrick Fixsen officiating. Burial will be private and at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday with a rosary service at 4 p.m., and again from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
Marty was born on May 9, 1963 in Spring Valley to Harold “Mick” and Shirley (Gillan) Klein. He was a graduate of Hall Township High School. He was a carpenter with Klein Home Improvement for many years and later was self employed. He married Belinda Skaggs on January 14, 1994 in Princeton.
He was a member of the Cherry Booster Club. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Hall Red Devils fan. He enjoyed the outdoors and a good storm. He also enjoyed lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
He is survived by: his wife, Belinda Skaggs of Cherry; his parents, Harold “Mick” and Shirley Klein of Cherry; his son, Ryan Klein of Florida; his step-daughter, Missy Stier of Cherry; his step-son, Christopher (Jennifer) Stier of Cherry; his step-grandson, Damian Stier of Cherry; his siblings, Renee McCallister of McNabb, Michael (Lynn) Klein of Cherry, Lori (Jack) Dipple of McNabb, Julie (Frank) Niewinski of Mark, Colleen (Ted) Kuziela of Bolingbrook, and Tracy (Jim) Gallagher of Bloomington; his best friend Sapper; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by: his maternal and paternal grandparents.
In celebration of Marty’s life the family has asked that you wear your favorite Chicago Bears attire to the visitation and service.
Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
DENNIS HASSLER
Dennis Alan Hassler, 66, of Bureau, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are pending with the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Dennis was born on February 3, 1950, in Princeton, to Harold “Cowboy” and Beatrice (Gore) Hassler. He married Patricia Lombardo on December 18, 1988 in Princeton. He was a member of the Princeton Church of Christ. He worked as an auto technician for over 45 years.
He is survived by: his wife, Patricia Hassler of Bureau; his sons, Tim (Tina) Hassler of St. Louis Missouri, Tom (Jamie) Hassler of Princeton, and Tony Hassler of Tiskilwa; 4 grandchildren, Kate, Anna, Ethan and Avery Hassler; 2 brothers, Wayne (Evelyn) Hassler of Princeton, and Randy (Pat) Hassler of Tiskilwa; and his sister, Pam Grant of Hennepin.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
EDITH UMPHRESS
Edith M. Umphress, 88, of Princeton, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016 at Heritage HealthCare in Walnut.
Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Brian Gilbert of the First United Methodist Church of Princeton officiating. Interment will follow in the Henry Cemetery, Henry. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
Edith was born on April 2, 1928 in Henry to William and Margaret (Dorff) Clift. She married Raymond Umphress in Varna.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Princeton, 4-H and several quilting clubs; she had been a foster parent for the Covenant Children’s Home; and had volunteered for the Freedom House.
She is survived by: her son, Raymond Umphress of Princeton; her daughter, Sarah Umphress; 7 grandchildren, Tammie, Tina and Teddy (Dianna) Umphress, Michael Shoffner; Jeremiah and Jonathan Musselwhite, and Tabitha Nagashi; 7 great grandchildren; and 12 great great grandchildren; her sister, Mildred Parkinson of Harden; and her brother Bob (Marcia) Clift of Henry.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Raymond, on December 31, 1993; 1 brother; and 1 grandchild.
Memorials may be directed to the Freedom House.
ARLENE HELEN (McCall) MORRIS
Arlene Helen (McCall) Morris, 94, of Princeton, formerly of Tiskilwa passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Heritage HealthCare in Normal.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23, in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton with Rev. Cal Zehr of the Willow Springs Mennonite Church, Tiskilwa, officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.
Arlene was born in LaMoille Township on September 16, 1921, to Claude and Ada (Stocking) McCall. She married Clarence F. Morris on March 14, 1940, and she lived in Bureau County all of her life. She is survived by her daughter, Joan (Charles) Bruder, of Normal; two grandsons, Timothy (Madaya Orlove), of Peoria, Arizona, and Joseph (Heather), of Normal; one great grandson, Jordan Bruder; and her sister, Mary Lou Standaert of Kewanee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and five sisters.
Throughout her lifetime Arlene was a homemaker and mother, was engaged in farming with her husband for many years, and when they moved to Tiskilwa she assisted in his business, cooked at the grade school cafeteria, and cleaned homes. Arlene was a member of the Van Orin Gospel Church.
Following the passing of her husband of 65 years, Arlene moved to Greenfield Retirement Home where she enjoyed being with both old and new friends and participating in all activities. She has been a resident of Colonial Healthcare in Princeton for the past two years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa, or the Tiskilwa Historical Society.
SAMUEL WILLIAMS
Samuel E. “Harley” Williams, 56, of Tiskilwa, passed away Monday, February 29 in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday in the New Hope Church of the Nazarene, Princeton, with Rev. Laura Tanner officiating. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Samuel was born on June 11, 1959 in Spring Valley to Samuel and Lois (Jacobs) Williams. He was raised by his foster parents, Robert and Lois Albrecht. He was a river boat pilot for 25 years. He married Dena Elmore on August 18, 1989 in Davenport, Iowa.
He is survived by: his wife, Dena Williams of Tiskilwa; his children, Zachariah Williams, Jennifer Mediers, Candy Williams, Jarrod Williams and Margaret (Michael) Trujillo; 6 grandchildren; and his brother, Troy (Trisha) Williams.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
Memorials may be directed to: The Tri County Humane Society.
MICHELE KIRKPATRICK
Michele E. Kirkpatrick, 45, of Princeton, passed away on Saturday, January 16, at OSF Robert L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Princeton, with Rev. Dean Pierce of the DeKalb Wesleyan Church officiating. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. Visitation will be Friday from 3 until 7 p.m. in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Michele was born on October 17, 1970 in Boonton, New Jersey. She married Pastor Douglas A. Kirkpatrick on July 11, 1998 in Fishers Indiana. She had received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She was a homemaker.
She was a member of the Princeton Wesleyan Church, was the church business manager and the church co-worship leader.
She is survived by: her husband, Douglas A. Kirkpatrick of Princeton; her 3 children, Rachel, Mark and David Kirkpatrick at home; her mother, Joan Downey of Wyanet; her father, Bruce (Paula) Pembor, Sr. of Franklin, Indiana; her step children, Kristine (Ryan) Smith of Indianapolis, and Tim (Katie) Kirkpatrick of Louisiana; 2 step grandchildren; her brother, Bruce (Stacey) Pembor, Jr. of Indianapolis; her step brother, Nathan Luzny of Alaska; her niece, Wendy Pembor of Florida; and several step nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her maternal and paternal grandparents; and a daughter, Cora Lorraine Kirkpatrick.
Memorials may be directed to the Princeton Wesleyan Church.
MARIAN YEPSEN
Marian Elizabeth Yepsen, 87, of Tiskilwa, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2015 in St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Rev. Kevin Creegan and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tiskilwa. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Marian was born on July 22, 1928 in Cherry to Victor and Ruth (Ellis) Pozzi. She married John “Jack” Yepsen on November 12, 1949 in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. She had worked at Westclox; the Manlius Cheese Factory; the Bureau Valley Chief Newspaper; Tiskilwa Community Schools; and as Tiskilwa Village Clerk. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa; the St. Mary’s Church Altar and Rosary Society; and the Tiskilwa Women’s Club.
She is survived by: her husband, John “Jack” Yepsen of Tiskilwa; her children, Daniel (Joanne) Yepsen of Tiskilwa, Cheryl (Sam) Pagoria of Spring Valley, Ron (Sheila) Yepsen of Sheffield, and Dave (Lori) Yepsen of Princeton; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; her siblings, John (Adrienne) Pozzi of Streator, Robert (Barbara) Pozzi of Spring Valley, Jim (DeAnn) Pozzi of Cherry, Rita (Lawrence) Mitchell of rural Peru, and Richard (Jackie) Pozzi of rural Tiskilwa; many nieces and nephews; and Joanie Pozzi of Ladd.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; 2 sons, John and Paul Yepsen; 1 great granddaughter; 1 sister; 1 brother; and numerous nieces and nephews.
WILLIAM KOHR, JR.
William Joseph Kohr, Jr., 49, of Cherry, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2015.
A Memorial Service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry, with Rev. Patrick Fixsen of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home.
NAI YOON SAECHAO
Nai Yoon Saechao, 69, of Princeton, passed away Monday, December 21, 2015 in Methodist Medical Center, Peoria.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Interment will follow in the DePue Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home.
Nai Yoon was born on March 2, 1946 in Laos to Fou Yoon and Feiy Chiang Saechao. She married Fou Orn Wang Saechao in Laos. She was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church, Princeton.
She is survived by: her husband, Fou Orn Wang Saechao; her children, Muang Orn Saechao, Yien Orn Saechao, Jake Saechao, and Chio Seng Saechao; 14 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and her sister, Chio Yoon Saechao.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 1 brother.
LYNN SOLDATI
Lynn “Noni” Soldati, 66, of Cherry, passed away Monday, November 23, 2015, peacefully at her home in Cherry, with her family by her side, following an extended illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Spring Valley, with Rev. Robert Spilman officiating. Interment will follow in the Ladd Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the church.
Lynn was born on January 3, 1949 in Peru to Lester and Bernice (Lent) Hegland. She was a LaSalle Peru Township High School graduate. She owned and operated Towne and Kountry Salon in Cherry with her mother in law, Loretta, for 44 years. She married Joseph L. “Bluto” Soldati on October 27, 1967 in Princeton. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry.
She is survived by: her sons, Joseph J. (Maribeth) Soldati and Christopher D. (Shantel) Soldati both of Cherry; 3 grandchildren, Morgan, Madison and Devin of Cherry; 2 brothers, Jim (Alice) Hegland of Chestnut and Randy (Nancy) Hegland of Texas; 2 special lifelong friends Jan Wright and Sheila Abraham; and her special K9 friend Marley .
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Joseph on May 12, 2013; 4 brothers and 1 sister.
Pallbearers will be: Joe, Chris and Devin Soldati; Mike Stuckert, Joe Wenzel and Ken Bodnum
Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
KELLY NEKOLA
Kelly Amber Nekola, 35, of East Peoria, formerly of Princeton, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2015 in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Services will be held 12 Noon Friday in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in the Elm Lawn Cemetery, Princeton. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.
Kelly was born on January 18, 1980 in Cicero to her loving parents Bob and Debi (Leonard) Nekola. She attended Princeton High School.
She is survived by: her parents, her beautiful children, Gavin Wayne and Haley Marie; her brother, Mark Allen (Vicki) Nekola; her sister, Kristi Marie (Troy) King, all of Princeton. Also surviving are aunts and uncles: Tom (Donna) Nekola of Hinsdale, Dorie (Rico) Mugnaini of Woodridge, Cory (Margaret) Leonard of Spring Valley and Sharon Leonard of Carbondale; Cousins: Louise Nekola, Nick Mugnaini, Matt (Kathleen) Nekola, Bailey Leonard.
Her brother, Timothy Robert Nekola is forever young since 2000. She is also preceded in death by her grandmothers, Jean Leonard and Mary Rice.
Donations may be made to her family for Gavin and Haley’s education fund. Envelopes will be available at the service.
Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
HELEN CALHOUN
Helen M. (Pozzi) Calhoun, 89, of Princeton, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2015 in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Rev. Jeffrey Stirniman officiating. Interment will follow in the Ladd Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Thursday in the St. Louis Church Harkrader Hall. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
She was born on May 17, 1926 in Cherry to Victor and Ruth (Ellis) Pozzi. She had worked in a munitions factory during World War II and sent care packages to the troops over seas. She managed the Northern Café in Princeton for many years. She retired from Josten’s Jewelers as a floor lady. She and her husband actively supported the Summer Youth Camp in Princeton.
She married Bernard L. “Chub” Calhoun in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Cherry on October 8, 1955. She was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton.
She is survived by: her 6 brothers and sisters: Marian (Jack) Yepsen of Tiskilwa, John (Adrienne) Pozzi of Streator, Robert (Barbara) Pozzi of Spring Valley, Jim (DeAnn)Pozzi of Cherry, Rita (Lawrence) Mitchell of rural Peru and Richard (Jackie) Pozzi of rural Tiskilwa; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Bernard; 1 brother; and 3 nephews.
DONALD DONNA
Donald L. Donna, 86, of Cherry, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2015 in Aperion Care, Spring Valley.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will follow in the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Cherry, with military honors by the Ladd American Legion Post 938. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.
He was born on April 1, 1929 in Cherry to John and Mary (Leonard) Donna. He was a retired custodian for the Cherry Grade School and bus driver for over 20 years. He had served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953 in Germany. He Married Cynthia Simpson on June 26, 1954 in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry.
He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, and the Ladd American Legion.
He is survived by: his wife, Cynthia Donna of Cherry; his 3 sons, Dennis (Jackie) Donna of Mesa, Arizona, Rick (Diane) Donna of Seatonville, and Jack Donna of Cherry; 6 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
EVELYN BULLI
Visitation at 1:00 pm and services starting at 2:00pm on September 18th 2015
at Fiocchi Funeral Home in Cherry, Illinois.
Barbara L. Wanders, 79, of Princeton, passed away Friday, May 26, 2018, in her home.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
JIMMIE TURNER
Jimmie D. Turner, 62, of Princeton, IL, died Wednesday at his home after a long battle with cancer.
A memorial services will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Princeton Bible Church with Rev. Curtis Odell officiating. His family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until the time of services Tuesday in the Church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Born on June 14, 1955 in Huntsville, AL, the son of Jimmie Sr. and Frances (Ethridge) Turner. He moved with his family to Lakeland, FL as a child in 1964 and grew up there.
He enjoyed traveling the country, riding his Harley, going deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and telling stories to make folks laugh. He drove tractor/trailers for over 40 years, mostly at McLane Co. and retired from driving in 2016 from Walmart.
He was a member of the Princeton Bible Church.
Jimmie is survived by his wife Judy of Princeton, IL and son Andrew of Lakeland, FL. Sister, Cathy (Bob) Ile of Lakeland, FL and Glenda Cantrell Smith of Pensacola, FL.
Preceded in death by his Parents and one brother, Mark.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Princeton Christian Academy; the Illinois Cancer Care Foundation of Peoria, IL; Illinois Valley Hospice of Peru, IL; or donate blood to your local blood bank.
BARBARA TAYLOR-PHILPOTT
Barbara Taylor-Philpott, a long-time Tiskilwa resident, died Monday, May 14, in her home, in the presence of family and friends. From her birth in Champaign, Illinois on May 26, 1929, she nourished those around her with her love of family, her lively spirit, and her faith.
Barbara was born to Emily and Cloyd Scott of Urbana, Illinois. She had a younger sister, Mary Anna Scott (McKinstry) and an older brother, John “Jack” Scott. The family moved to Indianapolis when she was a child. She graduated in 1947 from George Washington High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the same year she began work as a receiving clerk in General Motors’ Plant #3 in Indianapolis. While at General Motors, the supervisor of electrical engineering introduced her to his son, James “Jim” Cameron Taylor. She would marry Jim, on June 25, 1950. Jim would precede her in death, in 1967.
They had four children together: Jeffrey Cameron Taylor, John Charles, Joel Craig Taylor, and Cathy Jane Taylor.
Barbara and Jim moved their family to Tiskilwa in 1958, quickly becoming active members of the Tiskilwa Methodist church and enjoying Tiskilwa’s lively social scene. Barbara worked as a teletypist at the Bureau County Republican in the late 1960s, and then as bookkeeper and general office manager for McQueen Publishing in the 1970s. She served as the office administrator for the Quad County Mental Health Center from 1976-1986, and as a Gold Coat volunteer at Perry Memorial Hospital in the 2000s.
She married her second husband, Clarence “Shike” Philpott, of Tiskilwa, in 1978,who instantly became a grandfather of seven, gamely traveling on many family vacations ar
Barbara was an active member of the Tiskilwa Community Church and an avid quilter. One of her favorite pastimes in her later years was her weekly card games at home with her circle of close friends. She was unable to resist a cute cat, and adopted several. Barbara was an exceptionally loving grandmother, and her home was filled with pictures of her grandchildren. Her grandchildren loved visiting with her in Tiskilwa, and she lovingly spoiled them at every opportunity.
Barbara is survived by her sons Jeff (Jane) Taylor, John (Barbara Hughes) Taylor, and Joel (Michelle) Taylor; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cathy Jane, in 1994; by her first husband, James, in 1967; by her second husband, Clarence, in 1996; her siblings, and her parents.
A memorial service is being planned at Tiskilwa’s Museum On Main (the former Methodist Church) at 11:00am, July 28, 2018. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Tiskilwa Historical Society or the Tiskilwa Public Library.
GARY WRIGHT
Gary Andrew Wright, 51, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in his home.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton, with Rev. Derek Boggs officiating. His family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Sunday in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Gary was born on August 30, 1966 in Spring Valley to Gerald “Gary” L. and June Ann (Fonderoli) Wright. He was a class of 1984 graduate of Princeton High School and attended courses at Illinois Valley Community College. He was an operating engineer for the Local 150 and a lifelong farmer.
He married Barbara S. Rowe on May 26, 1990 in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton. He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton and the Local 150.
He is survived by: his wife, Barbara S. Wright of Princeton; his parents, June Ann and Gerald “Gary” L. Wright of Princeton; and his children Lindsay M. Wright and Nicholas A. Wright at home; and his siblings, Brian Wright and Nicole Meadows.
He was preceded in death by: a sister in infancy.
Memorials may be directed to: The Evangelical Covenant Church, Princeton.
TYLER SENDERS
Tyler S. Senders, 27, of Bureau, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2018.
A memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, May 26, in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private interment will be held at a later date. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Tyler was born on November 25, 1990 in Peoria to Tyson and Tonya (Senders) McCann.
He is survived by: his Father, Tyson McCann of Bureau; his Maternal Grandmother, Linda Detwiler of Bureau; his Paternal Grandmother, Barbara Michaels of Ohio; his children, Hayden Senders of Bureau, McKenzie Senders of Princeton and Macie Senders of Princeton; his siblings, Brendan Senders, Michael McCann, Nathan McCann and Alexandra McCann all of Bureau.
He was preceded in death by: His mother; and his maternal grandfather, Kenneth Senders.
Memorials may be directed to his family.
FRANCIS RICH
Francis A. Rich, 87, of Princeton, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018 in his home.
A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Monday in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Fr. Daniel Gifford officiating. Military honors will follow by the Princeton Veterans Memorial Group. His family will receive friends Sunday from 4 until 7 p.m. in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Francis was born on May 17, 1930 in Chicago, to Charles and Ellen (Lonmor) Rich. He married Helen Haun on June 29, 1963 in Mendota. He had served in the United States Army and later in the United States Air Force and retired from the Army Reserves having attained the rank of Sergeant Major.
He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, the Knights of Columbus 4th degree, a 50 year member of the Wyanet VFW, the Princeton Elks, the Princeton Moose Lodge, and the Bureau Valley Camping Club “Good Sams”. He had been a little league coach, a Boy Scout leader, volunteered as a driver for veterans and drove for the Share Food Program.
He is survived by: his wife, Helen Rich of Princeton; his children, David (Robin Wolf) Underwood of Brattleboro, Vermont, Joanne (Roger) Carr of Troy Grove, and Linda (Mike) Fisher of Sheffield; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; his sister, Irene (Lee) Christiansen of Oswego; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: His parents; a son, Alan Rich; 5 brothers; and 2 sisters.
Memorials may be directed to the Bureau County Senior Center.
LOIS JEAN HALL
Lois Jean Hall, 71, of rural Malden, passed away Monday, April 9, 2018 in her home.
A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Rev. Daniel Gifford officiating. Interment will follow. Her family will receive friends Monday from 4 until 7 p.m. in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Lois was born on January 1, 1947 in Kenmore, New York, to Edwin and Grace (Kirsch) Myers. She had worked as a midwife. She married Dennis R. Hall on April 2, 1965 in Detroit, Michigan. She was a member of the Catholic Church, she founded the New Beginnings Food Co-op, she was a La Leche League leader and a home school instructor.
She is survived by: her husband, Dennis R. Hall of rural Malden; her daughters, Jennifer (Darren) McCoy of Mahomet, Pamela (Joshua) Dent of Middleport, New York, Rebecca Kenwick of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth (Nicholas) Pratt of Peoria; Katherine Hall of San Diego, California, and Victoria Hall of Decatur; 15 grandchildren; her brother, Ronald (Jan) Myers of New York, her sister, Barbara McKnight of New York; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: Her parents.
RUBY STACKER
Ruby Irene Stacker, 93, of Tiskilwa, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton, Illinois. Ruby was born to Marshall L. and Freda I. (Heininger) Downey on June 8, 1924 on the Downey family farm at Lone Tree, Wheatland Township, Illinois.
She married James L. Stacker on October 28, 1951. He preceded her in death on August 23, 1962. Also preceding her in death were her brother Harold Downey, brother-in-law Francis Ary, and nephew Ted Downey.
She is survived by three children David Stacker (Leslee) of LaSalle, John Stacker (Ellen) of Bloomington, and Abby McAnally (John) of Downers Grove; six grandchildren Christopher (Shuqing), Rebecca, and Sara Stacker, Kevin and Quinn McAnally and Brin (Daniel) Higgins; her sister Dorothy Ary; and many nieces and nephews.
Ruby attended a one room schoolhouse at Lone Tree and graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1942. After graduating from Brown’s Business College, she worked at Caterpillar and the law firm Bartley & Bartley in Peoria. She also managed the family farms and worked for many years at the Tiskilwa State Bank.
Ruby was very active in the Tiskilwa community, including being the Treasurer of the Tiskilwa United Methodist Church and a founding member of the Tiskilwa Historical Society. She was also a member of the Tiskilwa Library Board, Tiskilwa School Board, Tiskilwa Zoning Board, Methodist Women, Loyal Daughters, and the Yoked Parish Bible Study Group.
She loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed reading, her daily crossword puzzle (in pen), and caring for her many plants.She was known as a strong independent woman who never spoke an ill word of others, worked hard throughout her life, and raised three young children on her own.
Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 PM on Friday April 13, 2018 in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 14 in the Tiskilwa Community Church. Memorials may be directed to Tiskilwa Community Church, Tiskilwa Historical Society, or Tiskilwa Ambulance.
MARILYN I. GARLAND-RUSS
Marilyn I. Garland-Russ, 78, of Princeton, formerly of Lombard, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Aperion Care of Princeton.
Services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, in the chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton and again 1 p.m. Monday in the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of services Sunday in the funeral home.
BERTA JEAN "BJ" FREDENHAGEN
Bertal Jean "BJ" Fredenhagen, 89, of Tiskilwa, passed away Friday March 2, 2018 at Liberty Village in Princeton.
BJ was born June 14, 1928 in Princeton, IL, the daughter of Albert and Imogene (Sarver) Lee. She resided in Tiskilwa, IL all her life. She married David C. Fredenhagen August 5, 1950. He preceded her in death in 2013.
She is survived by her three children: Charles (Jane) Fredenhagen of Tiskilwa; Roger Fredenhagen of Champaign; and Judy (Bill) Kramer of Waynesville, NC; 2 grandchildren: Adam Fredenhagen of Tiskilwa and Laura Fredenhagen of Las Cruces, NM; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband David; her brother Charles E. Lee; and her parents.
Mrs. Fredenhagen was a 1946 graduate of Tiskilwa High School, and a 1949 graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Business Education. She was a teacher in the Tiskilwa school district for 27 years. Over the years she taught Physical Ed and Business Ed at Tiskilwa High School and 4th Grade and Physical Ed at Tiskilwa Grade School.
She was a member of the Tiskilwa Methodist Church, the P.E.O. sisterhood Chapter IH, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Illinois Education Association, the National Education Association, and the Bureau County Retired Teachers Association.
She loved spending time with her family and her special cat. Hosting parties at their home and socializing with friends were favorite activities of BJ and her husband Dave. They also enjoyed several memorable trips during their retirement years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, March 16, in the Chapel of Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of the service Friday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for BJ's family at www.fiocchifuneralhomes.com.
Memorials may be directed to the Tiskilwa Ambulance Service or the Tiskilwa Historical Society.
KEVIN JOHNSON
Kevin C. Johnson, 54, of Princeton, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018 in Aperion Care of Marseilles.
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 the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
JANET MARIE WISE
Janet Marie Wise, 65, of Salina, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018. She was born November 27, 1952 in Princeton, Illinois. Janet was an active member of the First Covenant Church in Salina for the past 20
years. She was involved in “Women of the World”, an interdenominational Bible study. She was also a member of the First Covenant Church prayer team and participated in Mother’s Hour. Janet was a former Auxiliary member of the Gideon’s International. She worked for as a secretary for the Pulmonary Disease Center in Baton Rouge, LA for 7 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Wayne and Margaret (Adams) Burrell. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Steven Wise; sisters, Peggy Lundeen (Leo) of Tiskilwa, IL, and Wanda Rahn (Ed) of Geneseo, IL., Aunt, Dee Burrell of Spring Valley, IL.
and Uncle, Charles Markee of Tiskilwa, IL. She has many nephews, nieces and cousins in the Geneseo, Princeton, and Spring Valley, IL. communities.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main Street, Princeton,
Illinois. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. For online condolences contact Fiocchi-Jensen
Funeral Home. www.fiocchifuneralhomes.com
JOEL SAWITOSKI
Joel David Sawitoski, 86, of Princeton, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2018 in Liberty Village of Princeton.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2018 in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Fr. Daniel Gifford officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Peru City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday in the church. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Joel was born on February 9, 1931in Geneva to Joseph and Gertrude (Loveless) Sawitoski. He married Barbara Maurer on August 24, 1957 in Spring Valley. He was a class of 1948 graduate of East High School in Aurora. He had served in the United States Air Force. He had worked for Nicor for 35 years where he had been plant accountant supervisor.
He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, and the Woodworkers Unlimited where he had served as treasurer. He was a lifelong Cubs fan and an excellent bowler.
He is survived by: his wife, Barbara Sawitoski of Princeton; his children, Beth (Michael) Liebenow of Aurora; Nancy (Michael) Kruger of Waxahachie, Texas; and Joseph (Chris) Sawitoski of Montgomery, Illinois; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and his 2 sisters, Louise Gilla of Florida, and Susan Sisco of Aurora.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and 1 grandson.
Memorials may be directed to the American Lung Association.
JACKIE CARDOSI
Jackie L. Cardosi, 87, of Princeton, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2018 in her home.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the services beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 8th, inthe Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with her granddaughter Sarah Campbell officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Jackie was born on September 2, 1930 in Canton to Aubrey and Gladys (Bowton) Reffett. She married Russell J. Cardosi in 1950 in Canton. She was the administrative assistant/bookkeeper for C&C Electric for numerous years. She had been proprietor of Jackie’s Dolls for many years.
She is survived by her children Debra (Myron) Leesman of Abilene, Texas, Kathy (David) Sullivan of Princeton, Cynthia Cardosi of Princeton, and Brian (Jill) Cardosi of Princeton; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; her sister, Beverly Reffett of Canton; her brother, Richard (Helen) Reffett of Canton; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell in 2006; and 2 sons, Michael and David.
Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.
DIANNE OLSON
Dianne S. Olson, 71, of Wyanet, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in the Richard Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.
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 the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Dianne was born on December 3, 1946 in Chicago, to George W. and Norma (Ronsberg) Davis. She married LeRoy A. Olson on February 14, 1969 in Chicago. She was a registered nurse.
She is survived by: her husband, LeRoy A. Olson of Wyanet; her children, Kirsten E. Olson of Chicago, Eric A. (Patience) Olson of Pekin, and Weston A. (Jesamieh) Olson of Peru; 3 grandchildren, Brooke E. Olson, Kent E. Olson, and Megan C. Olson.
She was preceded in death by: her parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Wyanet Library.
DELMAR BEAMS
Delmar A. Beams, 82 of Tiskilwa, IL died at home surrounded by his family on January 26, 2018 from ATTR Cardiac Amyloidosis. He was born August 10, 1935 in Amboy, IL to Gilbert and Viola (Albrecht) Beams. He attended many area schools as they farmed. Delmar graduated from Princeton High School, a member of the class of 1954. He kept in touch with many classmates over the years.
We honor the gift of his life in our lives. Visitation will be Wed., January 31 at Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton, IL from 4:00-7:00 pm. The funeral will be there Thurs., Feb. 1 at 11:00 am with Pastor Greg Gibbs officiating. Memorials may be to Tiskilwa Historical Society or Tiskilwa Ambulance.
Delmar married Catherine Sievert in 1957. They had one daughter, Leslee Beams-Stacker (David L. Stacker), La Salle, IL who survive. Catherine died in 1992.
Delmar served as a helicopter mechanic in the Naval Reserves for eight years. He farmed for many years. The beginnings of his other business - Delmar Beams Excavating - commenced when clearing farmland with his father, Gib Beams who also taught him about mechanics. Delmar learned more about earthmoving and mechanics working for Harlan Swanson and Strunk Brothers. He built waterways, dams, levees, small lakes and ponds, dry dams, terraces, and did gradework for roads. Delmar also worked on the Tiskilwa ‘bottom road’, Interstate 80, and Lake Holiday. His farming included raising cattle for a brief time and growing corn, wheat, and soybeans. He cared for the land through crop rotation and conservation reserve for quail, other birds, and wildlife. He loved the land and knew the soil for excavating, creating, and growing. Delmar was an expert at welding, at engine maintenance, and at rebuilding and restoring tractors and heavy equipment. Two favorite restorations were a Caterpillar 60 and an Oliver 99.
In 1995 Delmar married Eleanor (Nickel) Sarver. They shared 17 years together. Eleanor died in 2012. Surviving are her two daughters, Linda Starr and Sandy Huffaker and their families.
Delmar continued with tractor restoration and care of his farmland. He was honored to be Tiskilwa’s 2012 Citizen of the Year.
Finding happiness together, Delmar married Juanita (Friend) Roberts in 2014. Juanita Roberts-Beams survives, along with her children, Randy (Kathie Peterson) Roberts of Cheyenne, WY, Mitzi (Allen) Spainhour of Greenville, IL, grandchildren, Andrew (Jayme) Spainhour of Alton, Il, Kelsey (Stephen) Groves and Meredith Spainhour of Greenville, IL, Rachel (Jeremy) Bridges, and Andrew (Kristi) Roberts of Cheyenne, WY, and great grandchildren Nik and Katya Roberts, Cheyenne, WY and Camden Groves, Greenville, IL.
Also, preceding him in death were Delmar’s parents Gib Beams and Viola Beams Schmidgall, his stepfather Ed Schmidgall, his uncles, B.H. Beams, Stanton Beams, Ed Beams, Floyd Albrecht, and Clifford Albrecht.
JON DAVID WILLS
Jon David “JD” Wills, 64, of Cherry, passed away Monday, January 1, 2018.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry.
Jon was born on June 25, 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles and Ruth (Curry) Wills. He married Julie Palmer on March 20, 2015. He had served in the United States Marine Corps.
Survivors include: his wife, Julie Wills of Cherry; and his son, Zachary Wills.
ROSAMUND G BUCKLEY
Rosamund G Buckley, 83, a resident of Maple Crossing of Amboy, formerly of Sublette, died January 16, 2018 in KSB Hospital in Dixon.
Services will be 11 am, Saturday in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Sublette with the Rev Randy Fronek officiating. Burial will be at St Michael Sandy Hill Cemetery, Sublette. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Mrs. Buckley was born in Amboy to Cornelius T and Gertrude (Batton) Garland. She grew up in Amboy and graduated from Amboy High School in 1951. She married Francis J Buckley on Nov 29, 1952 in St Patrick’s Church, Amboy. They lived in the Sublette/Amboy area most of their married life.
She worked at a variety of jobs over the years, including Conco, Mendota Trouser Factory, Mendota Community Hospital, and Amboy Middle School before her retirement. She was a member of OLPH Church and a dedicated gardener.
She is survived by three sons, Stephen (Kim) of Palos Heights, Timothy (Debra) of West Allis, WI, and Lawrence (Rose) of Sublette; two daughters, Trudy (Robert) Lahman of Amboy, and Bridgett (Ray) Drag of Shorewood; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and three brothers, Richard (Leila) Garland of Sublette, Robert (Sue) Garland of Springfield, and Ray (Doris) Garland of Sycamore; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; 4 sisters; and 3 brothers.
Pallbearers will be her sons-in-law and grandsons.
Memorials may be directed to Sublette Community Volunteer Fire Dept, OLPH Church, or Sandy Hill Cemetery Fund.
IVAN GENE SMITH
Ivan Gene Smith, 89, passed away at 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, at Liberty Village in Princeton.
Gene was the son of Asa Smith and Ethel (Hubbard) Smith, both deceased.
Gene was well known by many in Princeton. He had a small successful lawn service despite having only one arm. He mowed, raked and planted flowers. Many were amazed at his skills. Jim and Jeff Bystry, Corey Husser, Frank Freeburg and Becky Allicks were just a few of his helpers.
Gene was very generous and loved people. At the nursing home when he first entered, he would station himself where he could greet workers as they went by. Even toward the last he would raise his hand to say “Hi!” to any nearby.
“Closing with tears, we will miss him but know we will see him again well and strong in the near future when God’s will is done on earth. Love from all and see you soon Gene!” Matthew 6:9 and Isaiah 65:17-25.
He is survived Charles “Bud” Smith of Liberty Village in Princeton and Margie L. Christensen, 718 Rock St., Peru. Also two nieces, Judy Brown and Cindy Luebke; one nephew, Dan Christensen; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Eileen Schwab, and Melvin Smith and Don Smith.
Visitation only will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton.
Gene will be cremated and will reside with his family at the Malden Cemetery. Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Gene’s favorite charities at the funeral home.
BERNICE SCHNEIDER
Bernice H. Schneider, 95, of Cherry, passed away peacefully at home with her family on Thursday, January 4, 2018.
A private service is planned at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Bernice was born on April 10, 1922 in Maytown, to Richard and Anna (Sharkey) Gillan. She married Marvin Schneider on May 1, 1948. Bernice was a homemaker, loved to cook, enjoyed decorating her home and loved to play cards. She loved helping her children and grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren were her life.
Survivors include: her care giver of the past 5 years Jennifer Virlee; her daughters, Sharon Schneider of Princeton, Daine (James) Stangel of Cherry, Rhonda Fultz of Mendota, Janet (Chris) Drewel of Oglesby, and Marlene (Bill) LA’Sorella of Ladd; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Klein.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Marvin; her parents; 2 daughters, Carolyn Brandner, and Connie Lauer; 4 sisters; and 6 brothers.
Memorials may be directed to Masses in Bernice’s remembrance.
JAMES KNEEBONE
James J. Kneebone, 76, of Cherry passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in his home.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangement sare through the Fiocchi Funeral Home in Cherry.
SHARON KUNKEL
Sharon L. Kunkel, 54, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017, in Perry Memorial Hospital, 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 the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Sharon was born on June 21, 1963 in Orlando, Florida, to Carl Laswell and Georgia Milam. She married Michael L. Kunkel in Kentucky.
She is survived by: Her husband, Michael L. Kunkel of Princeton; 2 daughters, Stephanie Christie and Staci Self; and 2 granddaughters, Rachel and Brooklyn.
She was preceded in death by: her parents.
MARY TERRY
Mary Elizabeth Terry, 61, of Buda, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017, in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, following a 10 year battle with COPD.
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.
Mary was born on June 15, 1956 in Mendota, to Russell and Margaret (Pasdertz) Jones. She married Lawrence Terry on May 22, 1976 in Oregon, Illinois.
She is survived by: her husband, Lawrence Terry of Buda; her daughters, Melissa (Troy) Terry of Buda, and Noel (James) Sturtevant of Walnut; 2 grandchildren, Joshua and Michael; 3 brothers, Donald, Urban and John Jones; and a sister, Sue McCollom.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; a sister, Laurel Kitzmiller; and a brother, Edward Jones.
AUDREY HERRETT
Audrey Opal Herrett, 98, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017, in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday in Putnam Christian Church with Rev. Terry Broady officiating. Interment will follow in the Putnam Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of services Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Audrey was born on April 9, 1919 in Henry to Raymond and Lela (Euard) Thomas. She was a graduate of the University of Miami with a major in education and music. She taught piano and violin in her home for years. She married Earl Reinhert, he was missing in action in World War II, she married Lloyd Herrett in 1951, he passed away in 1985.
She was a member of the Putnam Christian Church. She sang for many years in the choir for the Methodist Church in California.
She is survived by: Her daughter, Sucanne Peters of Woodruff, Wisconsin; 3 grandchildren, Scott Smith, Jennifer (Nick) Crocker, and Robin (Dan) Davis; 6 great grandchildren, Amber, Daphnee, and Sterling Smith, Luke and Dash Crocker and Audrey Joy Davis; 2 nephews, Barry Bernardi and Jay Yarrington; and 1 niece, Amy Boers.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husbands; and her sister, Faye Thomas Bernardi
Memorials may be directed to the Putnam Christian Church.
DAVID MINER
David Mitchell Miner, 56, of Buda, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, due to a pulmonary embolism.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date. His family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of services Wednesday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
David was born on April 14, 1961 in Fort Worth, Texas, to Mitchell and Bettie (Robinson) Miner. He had worked at L.W. Schneider. He married Cara Balensiefen on October 15, 2005 in Buda.
He is survived by: his wife, Cara Miner of Buda; his parents, Mitchell and Bettie Miner of Fort Worth, Texas; his 2 daughters, Heather (Christina) Miner of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Miranda Miner of Tempe, Arizona; 4 grandchildren; his sister, Sherrie (Randy) Armstrong of Fort Worth, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his grandparents.
THOMAS MICHAEL MILLIGAN
Thomas Michael Milligan, 73, of Princeton, passed away at his home on October 28, 2017.
Mike was born May 2, 1944 to the late Thomas Milligan and Henrietta Boll Milligan in Joliet. He married Irene Gajewski on
August 3, 1985 in Chicago.
After graduating from Hinsdale High School, Mike earned a Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Restaurant Management
from the University of Denver. Mike spent many years as a commodities trader on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and
as a meat broker throughout Asia. Mike and his wife owned the Ranch House Restaurant in Bureau Junction for 16 years.
He is survived by his wife, Irene; daughter Leigh Erin (Mike) Blumer of Chillicothe, Illinois; Katherine (Chris)
Ross of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and son, Matthew, of Princeton; grandchildren Clara Ross, Everly Blumer and Barrett Blumer;one sister Toni (Brian) Dorosz of Wauseon, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Private Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017 at the Fiocchi Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with the Reverend Daniel Gifford presiding, followed by burial at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton.
CYNTHIA BIXBY
Cynthia A. Bixby, 64, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2017, in OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 1 until 4 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Memorials may be directed to the wishes of her family.
MARILYN SUE JOHNSON
Marilyn Sue Johnson, 70, of Wyanet, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017, in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the Bunker Hill Church, Buda, with Rev. John Erickson officiating. Interment will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery, Wyanet. Her family will receive friends from 3 until 7 p.m. Thursday in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Marilyn was born on May 21, 1947in Princeton, to Frank Virden and Mary L. (Daley) Johnson. She married Curtis L. Johnson on October 23, 1965 in the Tiskilwa Methodist Church. She had worked at the Ace Distribution Center in Princeton. She was a member of the Manlius Baptist Church, the Wyanet Village Board for many years, the Wyanet Old Car Club, and Co-sponsor of the Prairie State Long Rifle Show.
She is survived by: her husband, Curt Johnson of Wyanet; her son, Robert (Mandi) Johnson of Wyanet; 3 grandchildren, Trent (Kayleigh) Johnson, Derrick (Emily) Johnson, and Katelin (Mark) Skelley; 2 great grandchildren, Caleb and Samuel Johnson; her siblings, Lyle (Carole) Johnson of Lake Thunderbird, Larry (Kay) Johnson of Tiskilwa, and Carol (Dean) Rowe of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 2 daughters in infancy.
Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.
LUSHIN PERRY
Lushin C. Perry, 101, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2017, in the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle.
A graveside service will be held in the Poplar Grove Cemetery in Marshall, Indiana at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Lushin was born on March 24, 1916 in Marshall, Indiana to Frank Charles and Esta Viola (Hockett) Perry. He had served in the United States Army in the 5th division of the 3rd army during World War II in the European Theatre of Operations having served under George Patton. He married Edith Hedwig Pupp on December 14, 1946 in Crown Point, Indiana. He had retired from Consolidated Freightways in 1993 and had worked for GTE of Princeton. He was a member of the Wyanet VFW.
He is survived by: his children, Priscilla (Dale) Ethridge of Tucson, Arizona, Allen (Donna) Perry of Tiskilwa, Deborah (Thomas) Towne of Dover, Wendy (Joseph) Strong of Lacon, and Fay (David) Youngquist of Tacoma, Washington; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Edith in 2005; 2 sisters, Othella and Martha; 1 brother, Clayton; 3 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild.
Memorials may be directed to the Malden Ambulance Service.
ROBERT TROWBRIDGE
Robert “Benny” Trowbridge, 76, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2017 in his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Rev. Daniel Gifford officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton. His family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7:45 p.m. and again from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Robert was born on May 19, 1941in Wilmette, Illinois, to Maurice and Frances (Bauer) Trowbridge. He married Catherine Moloney on August 26, 1989 in Westmont, Illinois. He was an arborist for the Village of Broadview for 30 years. He was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton.
He is survived by: his wife, Catherine Trowbridge of Princeton; his daughter, Tina Trowbridge of Palm Harbor, Florida; his son, Ronald (Alma) Trowbridge of Nashville, Tennessee; his step-son, Dustin Vertheen of Aurora; 3 grandchildren, Ciara (Evaristo) Ramirez, Desiree Vertheen and Hunter Trowbridge; 2 great grandchildren, Anaisabela and Evaristo IV; and his siblings, Patrice Lamphere of Sun City, Arizona, John (Dianne) Trowbridge of Tucson, Arizona, Edward (Susann) of Wheaton, and Mary (John) Greene of Princeton.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
JASON BROKAW
Jason Alan Brokaw, 43, of Peru, formerly of Cherry, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will follow in the Granville Cemetery. His family will receive friends Friday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Jason was born on November 28, 1973 in Spring Valley to Calvin and Barbara (Bland) Brokaw. He was a graduate of Putnam County High School, Illinois Valley Community College, and ISU. He married Deborah Hoffert on September 7, 2001 in Princeton. He had served as a police officer for Granville, the Bureau County Sherriff’s Department, the Village of Ladd, DePue, City of Spring Valley and ended his career serving the City of Peru following his promotion to Sergeant. He had also been a security officer at St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
He is survived by: his wife, Deborah Brokaw of Cherry; his mother Barbara (George) Robinson of Granville; his maternal grandmother, Marion Bland of Lostant; his children, Hayleigh and Calvin Brokaw of Cherry; and his brother, Eric Robinson of LaSalle.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Calvin Brokaw; and his sister, Brooke Robinson.
LOIS DESPAIN
Lois Despain, 64, of Cherry, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 in St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Lois was born on July 8, 1953 in Spring Valley to Herman and Mary (Bellettini) Hahn. She was a graduate of Hall High School. She had worked for Caterpillar until retirement. She married Richard Despain on January 30, 1987 in Cherry.
She is survived by: her husband, Richard Despain of Cherry; her son, David Despain of Cherry; her step-daughter, Kathy Despain of Mississippi; her step-son, John Despain of Ladd; 4 grandchildren; her brother, Alan (Judy) Hahn of Cherry; and her sister Shirley (Richard) Bernabei of Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
EFFIE GERARD
Effie JoAnn Gerard, 84, of Buda, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in her home.
Services will be held 12 noon Friday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Interment will follow at Hopeland Cemetery, Buda. Her family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of services Friday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Effie was born on May 8, 1933 in Buda, to Ralph and Allie (Gutshall) Roberts. She was a class of 1951 graduate of Buda High School. She had retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 29 years. She was a member of the Midwest Salt and Pepper Shaker Club and the Buda Red Hats.
She is survived by: her 2 sons, Kenneth Gerard of Buda, and Charles (Linda) Gerard of Brookfield; 2 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Mildred “Bee” Martin of Indiana, Lois Arnold of Buda, and Ruth (Richard) Hobrock of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 8 brothers and sisters.
Francis Buckley
Francis “Frank” James Buckley, 87, of Sublette, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in Maple Crossing at Amboy with his loving wife and 5 children by his side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Sublette, with Rev. Randy Fronek officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael Sandy Hill Cemetery, Maytown with military honors by the Amboy American Legion. His family will receive friends from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church.
Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Mr. Buckley was born on January 13, 1930 in KSB Hospital, Dixon, the only child of Charles and Bridgett “Bea” (Burke) Buckley of Maytown. He grew up on the family farm in Maytown and attended Maytown Grade School. He graduated from Amboy High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. After basic training, he married Rosamund Garland on November 29, 1951 in St. Patrick’s Church, Amboy, before shipping out to Korea. After his service, he returned to the area and he and Rosamund lived in the Sublette/Amboy area most of their married life.
He worked at a variety of jobs over the years, including Conco in Mendota, Farm Service in Lee Center, and then as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement. After retiring, he drove a van for Lee County Senior Services until December of 2009. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and the Sandy Hill Cemetery Board. He enjoyed fishing and all of his grandchildren will remember his amusing anecdotes and wry observations on life.
He is survived by: his wife; three sons, Stephen (Kimberly) Buckley of Palos Heights, Timothy (Deb) Buckley of West Allis, Wisconsin, and Lawrence (Rose) Buckley of Sublette; two daughters, Trudy (Bob) Lahman of Amboy, and Bridgett (Ray) Drag of Shorewood; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be his sons-in-law and grandsons.
Memorials may be directed to Sublette Community Building Restoration Fund, OLPH Church, or Sandy Hill Cemetery Fund.
LAWRENCE DABLER
Lawrence F. Dabler, 78, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017 in his home.
His family will receive friends at a Memorial Visitation from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private interment will be held at a later date. Private online condolences may be left for the family atwww.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Lawrence was born on August 30, 1938 in Princeton to Irvin and Pearl (Carter) Dabler. He married Rita Elmore on March 15, 1969 in Manlius. He had retired from M.S. Kaplan.
He was a member of The Manlius Baptist Church, The Princeton Moose Lodge, and had served as township trustee for the Indiantown Township
He is survived by: his wife, Rita Dabler of Tiskilwa; 3 children, Lawrence F. (Veronica) Piper of Princeton, Terri (Bryan Edens) Mecagni of Granville and Brittney (Timothy) Eggers of Princeton; 3 grandchildren, Joseph and Stephen Mecagni and Grace Eggers; and a sister.
He was preceded in death by: His parents
RONALD LEE WRIGHT
Ronald Lee Wright, 70, of Cherry, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2017 in the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle.
A Memorial Service will be held at Noon, June 17, in the Chapel of the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will follow in Miners Memorial Cemetery, Cherry, with military honors by the Ladd Veterans Memorial Group. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the funeral home.
Ronald was born on June 8, 1946 in Sparta, Illinois, to Everett and Violet (Pillbean) Wright. He had worked at Consolidated Freight. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 422 and the Cherry Booster Club.
He is survived by: His daughter, Charmaine (Brock) Hansen of Princeton; his son, Walter Wright of Cherry; 3 grandchildren, Gracelynn, Piper and Taeghan; his siblings, Darlene (Walter) Kelly of Tilden, Illinois, Wayne (Kathy) Wright of Covington, Georgia, Mary Kelly of Tilden, Loren Wright of Clarksville, Tennessee, Larry (Vicki) Wright of Sulphur, Louisiana, Peggy Jonassen of Ottawa, Ted Wright of Clarksville, Tennessee, Richard (Debbie) Wright of Seneca, and Bobby Wright of Cherry.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; and 2 brothers, Daniel and Fred.
KATHLEEN ELAINE LUCAS
Kathleen Elaine Lucas, 66, of Princeton, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2017 in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Private services will be held at a later date. Her family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Kathleen was born on June 16, 1950 in Princeton to Lowell Paul and Margaret (Taggart) Christiansen, Sr. She was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, and the Princeton Moose Lodge.
She is survived by: her fiancé, Randy Saemon of Princeton; her 2 daughters, Heather Marie Lucas of Naperville, and Tonia Leigh Lucas of Princeton; her brother, Lowell P. Christiansen, Jr. of Princeton; several nieces and nephews; and her 2 companions, Missy and Abby
ROGER PINTER
Roger K. Pinter, 73, of Princeton, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2017 in the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.
Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday in the Christ Community Church, Princeton. Interment will follow in the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church “Church on the Hill” Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the Church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Roger was born on April 27, 1944 in Spring Valley to Harold and Ruth (Schallhorn) Pinter. He was a graduate of Hall High School. He had worked at Champion Pneumatics for 38 years.
He was a member of the Christ Community Church, Princeton. He attended Bible Study every Saturday morning and church every Sunday. He was an avid Cubs fan and loved to play cards. He enjoyed going to the Metro Center and loved anything Harley Davidson.
He is survived by: his 3 children, Luke Pinter of Ottawa, Alvin Pinter of Indiana, and Hannah Wilhelm of Malden; his granddaughter, Mikayla Wilhelm; his sister, Sue (Randy) Schumacher of Spring Valley; his brother Kurt (Tammy) Pinter of Ladd; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: His parents; a brother, Ron; and a son, Lester.
Memorials may be directed to his family.
VIOLA LANGE
Viola Helen Lange, 85, of Malden, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017 in Liberty Village of Princeton.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Princeton, with Rev. Scott Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Cemetery, Princeton. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
LONNIE NORA
Lonnie Lee Nora, 78, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in his home.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the Chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tiskilwa. His family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Lonnie was born on February 26, 1939 in Princeton to Dr. Joseph J. and Helen (Hills) Nora. He was a class of 1957 graduate of St. Bede Academy. He married Beverly Kitterman on June 14, 1958 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa. He was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa.
He is survived by: his wife, Beverly Nora, of Tiskilwa; his children, Cynthia (Alen) Foster of Buda, LeighAnn Hendrickson of Tiskilwa, Jeffrey (Mary Anne) Nora of Wyanet, Russel (Melissa) Nora of Wyanet, and Dr. George(Stephanie) Nora of Aberdeen, South Dakota; 7 grandchildren, Shane, Alexia, Lura, Nicole, Brittany, Tiffeny and Lydia; 8 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Louise (Marshall) Brown of Chicago, and Ruth (John) Rader of Milwaukee; and 1 brother, Dr. James (Dr. Audrey) Nora of Colorado.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
DOUGLAS WHITFIELD
Douglas Whitfield passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017, at home, with loved ones by his side. As per his wishes there will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private burial 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 the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
GENE GUSTAFSON
Gene Gustafson, 82, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017 in his home, surrounded by his family.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the Tiskilwa Community Church with Rev. John Gray officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date in Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa. His family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Gene was born on November 5, 1934 in Princeton to Malcolm and Alma (Magnuson) Gustafson. He married Betty Jo Lauritzen on March 21, 1957 in the Tiskilwa Baptist Church. He had worked for the Co-op Feed Service in Princeton, the Village of Tiskilwa, and had been a custodian for the Tiskilwa School Systems until his retirement. He had served in the United States Army. He was a member of the Tiskilwa Community Church and he had served on the Tiskilwa Village board for many years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan all his life.
He is survived by: his wife, Betty Jo Gustafson of Tiskilwa; his children, Jill (Joseph) Kunkel of Wyanet, Jack (Laurie) Gustafson of Wyanet, Rick (Beth Ann) Gustafson of Houston, Texas, Buzz (Tammy) Gustafson of Wyanet and Lisa Gustafson of Ottawa; 18 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; his sister, Doris (Wilbur) Giltner of Princeton; his 2 brothers, Robert Gustafson of LaSalle, and Gerald Gustafson of Carlyle, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by: 1 brother; 1 sister; a daughter, Nancy Jo (Gustafson) Funderberg; and a granddaughter in infancy.
Memorials may be directed to: the Tiskilwa Community Church or the Tiskilwa Ambulance Service.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons.
LUCILLE OLSON
Lucille A. Olson, 75, of Wyanet, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2017 in St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Wyanet. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday in the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
ANNA CATHERINE HAMBLIN
Anna Catherine Hamblin, 85, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017, in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, March 17, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church, Princeton with Rev. Brian Gilbert officiating. Interment will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday at the Chapel of Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Anna was born on November 2, 1931, in Carmi, Illinois, to Homer “Martin” and Florence (Wooten) Hamblin. She worked as a cost accountant at Western Electric/AT&T. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Princeton. She was a United Methodist lay speaker for a number of years.
Anna is survived by: her 2 sisters, Mildred (Clem) Evans of Libertyville, Illinois; and Mary Garland of Sanford, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
She was preceded in death by: 1 brother, John Hamblin.
Memorials may be directed to Voice of the Martyrs.
KATHERINE (CENTKO) REIHL
Katherine A. “Kathy” (Centko) Reihl, of Henry, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 28, in her home.
A private ceremony to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Starved Rock Lodge. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Kathy was born March 18, 1959, in Streator, to Florian “Ous” and the late Martha (Engle) Centko. Kathy graduated from Streator Township High School in 1977.
She was the adored wife of Gerald “Jerry” Reihl, her soulmate whom she married Sept. 7, 2005; proud and devoted mother of Alek Reed, of Orlando, Fla., and Derek (Florence DiGennaro) Reed, of Lawrence, Kan.; stepmother of Collin and Aaron Reihl, of Kangley, Jerilyn (Reihl; Nick) Johnson, of Belleville, Wis., and Adam Reihl, of Aurora, Colo.; devoted sister to Cynthia (Michael) Pollard, of Streator, Frederick (Rebecca York) Centko, of Streator, and Connie (Glennon) Svoboda, of Streator; caring stepgrandmother to two grandchildren; and loving aunt to seven nieces and nephews and their families.
Kathy was a warm and creative soul, inspired by the grandeur of nature. Her impact on the world is best captured by Edward W. Bok who wrote, “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it” — a sentiment she espoused throughout her lifetime.
She and her husband Jerry enjoyed sharing in the quiet solitude of the outdoors: bird watching, hiking and enjoying the beauty of butterflies. Her love of nature and wildlife is exemplified in the sanctuary of her backyard garden where she enjoyed countless hours in solace with friends and family.
Kathy brightened and enriched the lives of many, particularly children, through her work at the Streator Child Development Center and performances with Gingerbread Players. She also was a lover of the arts, passionately contributing to Engle Lane Theater and the Community Players of Streator as a volunteer, performer and director.
WL SIDEBOTTOM
WL "Lee" Sidebottom, of Tiskilwa, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at Colonial HealthCare and Rehabilitation Centre in Princeton.
Lee was born in Tiskilwa on June 11, 1927, to Vernon and Mary (Bottom) Sidebottom. Lee only weighed 2 pounds and they were told he wouldn't last til morning, but God blessed him with a fighting spirit to the end.
Lee and Mildred Marie Martin were married in the Tiskilwa Baptist Church on May 16, 1953. She survives.
Lee attended Tiskilwa schools. One of his first jobs was working in the cheese factory in town. Lee worked many years as a train order clerk for the Rock Island at the Bureau depot. Later he worked for CSX as a road agent, retiring after over 43 years combined work.
Lee is also survived by one daughter, Patricia (Randy) Hassler of Tiskilwa; two grandchildren, Jeanette (Brian) Cain of Princeton and Jon (Stacey) Hassler of Sandwich; seven great-grandchildren, Jennifer, Nick, Kristopher and Brooklin Cain, Brysen and Avery Hassler, and Logan Goffinet; two great-great-granddaughters, Reign and Autumn; one sister-in-law, Christine Perry of Green Bay, Wis.; one brother-in-law, Ralph (Jan) Martin of Princeton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Carl, in World War II.
Lee was a sergeant in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II (1945-1947) and the Korean Conflict (1950-1951).
Lee was a member of Tiskilwa Community Church, where he was active as a deacon, usher and secretary of the Sunday school for many years. He and two other couples would buy donuts from Casey’s for the Bible school children as a special treat. He was a member of the Tiskilwa Lions Club, American Legion, and past president and treasurer for the Bureau County Fair.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 1, with a service to follow in the chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton. Internment will be at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
JAMES R. HARNISH
James R. Harnish, 94, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2017 in Colonial Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in 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 atwww.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
James was born on February 25, 1922 in Peoria to John and Viola (Ulrich) Harnish. He married Donna Hartzler. He had been a member of Plow Creek Fellowship since 1974.
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Donna.
LEONA M, LUNDEEN
Leona M. Lundeen, 94, of Princeton, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2017 in Colonial Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Princeton.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Fr. Kevin Creegan, Deacon John Murphy and Deacon David Lundeen officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, January 20 in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left atwww.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Leona was born on December 20, 1922 in Tiskilwa to Leo and Mary (Morris) Nevitt. She was a graduate of Tiskilwa High School. She had worked at Harper-Wymann until retirement. She married Kenneth Lundeen on January 1, 1943 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, the Church Altar and Rosary Society and the American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by: Her 2 sons, Leo (Peggy) Lundeen of Tiskilwa, and David (Marian) Lundeen of Cleveland Ohio; 16 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: Her husband, Kenneth, on July 7, 1992; 1 daughter, Jean; and 7 brothers and sisters.
LOUISE THELMA (STENBECK) KUNKEL
Louise Thelma (Stenbeck) Kunkel, 84, passed away Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Louise was born Sept, 14, 1932, in Oglesby, the daughter of Edna Marzetta Garzanelli and Samuel Stenbeck.
Louise graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School in 1950, where she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of a good education. After high school, she worked at Sieg’s of LaSalle. In 1952, Louise met Joseph Conrad Kunkel of Granville at Monday Night Square Dancing in Utica. After verifying that Joe was older than she (Louise would not date younger men), a courtship ensued until Joe’s return from duty in the Korean Conflict in July 1953. They were united in holy matrimony on Aug. 22, 1953, at Holy Family Catholic Church of Oglesby and in early 1954, moved to a farm in Wyanet, where they lived happily for over 60 years.
Louise was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tiskilwa, where she served God as a Eucharistic minister, a catechism instructor, and an officer of the Altar and Rosary Society. As an advocate for education, Louise was an active member of the parent-teacher organization in Tiskilwa. She was also a volunteer for Lighted Way in Peru helping children in need. She was elected multiple times to the Tiskilwa School Board, and served on several district and regional committees. Later in life, Louise developed a keen love of gardening, especially flowers. She spent many hours outside planting and caring for her many flower beds, she marveled at the beauty of every flower she encountered.
Louise developed many close friendships through St. Mary’s Church, knitting clubs, and the many other activities she volunteered and/or participated in. She was particularly close with her grandmother, Adele (Tamborini) Marzetta; her mother, Edna (Marzetta) Garzanelli; her sisters and brothers; and Joe’s sisters and brothers. Family visits were precious to Louise and to a great degree shaped who she was. However, her greatest love and passion was for her family. She always enjoyed being surrounded by family, especially at the holidays. There was always an abundance of food and goodies at family gatherings.
Louise is survived by her husband, Joseph; seven children, Michael (Sharon) Kunkel, Lynda (Mac) Abbey, Joseph David (Jill) Kunkel, Edward (Peggy) Kunkel, Robert (Erin) Kunkel, Mary Jo (Michael) Gustafson and Gary (Sara) Kunkel; 29 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lawrence (Jane) Garzanelli and Joseph (Jonelle) Garzanelli; two sisters, Angie Smart and Mary Ann Lasik; six brothers-in-law, Aloysius, Richard, Lawrence, Eugene, Kenneth and Christopher Kunkel; and six sisters-in-law, Loretta Stenbeck, and Rita, Mary, Joan, Sharon Kunkel and Sister Teresa Kunkel.
Louise is preceded in death by two sons in infancy; one brother, Deacon John Stenbeck; three brothers-in-law, August Kunkel, David Lasik and Peter Smart; and two sisters-in-law, Betty and Ann Kunkel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tiskilwa at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, with Father Jeffrey Stirniman and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home in Princeton, with the rosary recited at 6 p.m.Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Tiskilwa, Lighted Way Association, Inc. or a charity of the donor’s choice.
KATHRYN DOTY LUTES
Kathryn Doty Lutes, 104, went to be with her Lord on Friday, December 30, 2016.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Laura Mahn of the First Christian Church, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
She was born on March 6, 1912 to John and Mary Sheer Doty. She married Clifton Hedges in 1931. He died in 1946. She later married William B. Lutes in 1950. He died in 2000.
She had one daughter, Avalon (Richard) Miller of Bloomington, IL. Kathryn had 2 grandsons, Dr. Gary (Jan) Sash of Macomb, IL. and Ron (Terri) Miller of Centreville, VA. She had 5 great grandchildren: Nicholas (Carey) Sash of Macomb; Jason (Kristi) Sash of Commerce City, CO; Eric (Ashley) Sash of Mankato, MI; Jessica (Matthew) Kirkpatrick of Centreville, VA; and Jennifer Miller of Centreville, VA.
Kathryn had 6 great-great grandchildren: Brooke and Abigail Kirkpatrick, Matthew, Makayla and Max Sash, and Logan Sash.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant daughter, Willa Kay, 2 brothers, Glen (Donna) Doty of Kirksville, MO; Quentin (Ruth) Doty of Port Byron, IL, and one sister Dorothy (Buss) Funderberg of Tiskilwa, IL.
Kathryn went to country school (Cottage School) many days by horseback. She graduated from Tiskilwa High School in 1930. She was very active in her church, taught Sunday School for 40 years and also taught a Girls Guild Group. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Princeton. She worked at Kraft Foods Cheese Factory in Tiskilwa and Landhols Dress Shop in Princeton.
She really loved all her family and was so happy when family and friends visited her, sent pictures, cards and gifts.
Kathryn lived in her own home until 2005. She has been living at Liberty Village since then.
Memorials may be directed to: The First Christian Church, Princeton.
COL. DANTE "DAN" BULLI
Col. Dante “Dan” Bulli, formerly of Cherry, died in Omaha, Nebraska on December 30, 2016, age 94. He was the son of Giovanni “John” Bulli and Anna (Garetto) Bulli, originally from Rimini and Laurenca, Italy, and was born in Cherry on July 17, 1922. He married Evelyn Lewis, also formerly from Cherry, during 1947. Evelyn, his parents and a sister, Blanche Bulli McDonald, preceded him in death.
Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 7, 2017 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, with military honors by the Ladd Veterans Memorial Group. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Dan was a graduate of Hall High School, the University of Maryland, George Washington University and the Air War College. Between 1940 and 1942 he was employed with Lockheed Aviation in California, building Hudson bombers for the Royal Air Force and then as a foreman on the P-38 assembly line.
A combat veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, he served in the Army Air Force and USAF from 1942 to 1974. Among many awards he was the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. Dan was a bomber pilot for more than 24 years and commander of various B-52 units from 1964 to 1968. He then served on the command staff of the 8th Air Force, followed by that of the combined 7th and 13th Air Forces in southeast Asia and was, at his retirement, the third highest-placed officer at the headquarters of Strategic Air Command. During 1949 he was a B-29 pilot on low-level incursions of the Soviet Union for radiation sampling. Dan survived the crashes of a B-24 and B-52 and a mid-air collision in a B-26.
Until 1986 he worked as an instructor at Creighton University and as a Century 21 realtor in Omaha. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and outdoors-man; he and Evelyn particularly valued their time on Shemya Island and in Alaska, 1947 to 1950.
He is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Bulli of Boston; as well as a son and daughter-in-law, John and Julie Bulli of Springfield; and two grandchildren, Alex and Nan (Robbie) Bulli Kording.
Dan was an exceptional husband, father and mentor, and will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be directed to The Daedalian Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Randolph AFB, TX 78148.
TERRY LEE MCCAULEY
Terry Lee McCauley, 60, of Peru, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Aperion Care, Spring Valley.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Terry was born on February 12, 1956 in Princeton to Leonard and Helen (Westman) McCauley. He was a graduate of Tiskilwa High School Class of 1974. He had worked at Eakas Corp. in Peru.
HELEN OSMON
Helen Osmon, 96, of Princeton, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016 at Colonial Hall Heath Care and Rehabilitation Center, Princeton.
Services will be held 12 Noon Friday in the Chapel of the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Jon Panner of the Christ Community Church, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Repose Cemetery, Dover. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Helen was born on November 9, 1920 in Chicago to Frederick Hale and Theresa (Ballersteadt) Watrous. She married Arthur L. Osmon on December 7, 1940 in Chicago. She was a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association; and volunteered for 4-H at the Bureau County Fair.
She is survived by: Her daughter, Linda Russell of LaSalle; her son, Michael Osmon of Washington D.C.; and 3 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband in 1991; 2 sisters; and 2 brothers.
DAVID BOREGARD GALE
David Boregard Gale, 83, of Tiskilwa, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
A Memorial Service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Plow Creek Fellowship with Bob Turner and Sarah Foss officiating. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. His family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at Plow Creek Fellowship. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
David was born on January 21, 1933 in Carver, Minnesota to Robert Francis and Verna (Ekberg) Gale. He was a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota. He married Margaret Wenger on April 2, 1961 in Evanston, Illinois. He was a contractor, builder and carpenter.
He was a founding member of Plow Creek Fellowship and a lifelong advocate for peace and justice for all.
He is survived by: his wife, Margaret Gale of Tiskilwa; his children, Eric (Nancy) Gale of Dixon, Laurie (Bob) Turner of Grafton, Wisconsin, Steve (Jill Kuhn) Gale of Fort Collins, Colorado, Andy (Monica Boyle) Gale of San Diego, California, and Tim (Carol) Gale of Tiskilwa; 14 grandchildren; 1 sister, Anne Wiehler of New York; a sister-in-law, Bobbi Gale of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; a brother-in-law, Robert Molenaar of Cannon Falls, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: 1 sister, Mary Molenaar; and 1 brother, John Gale.
Memorials may be directed to: American Friends Service Committee at 1501 Cherry St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102.
CHARLES R. TUTTLE
Charles R. Tuttle, 78, of Malden, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2016 in Manor Court of Princeton.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private condolences may be left for the family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Charles was born on September 7, 1938 in Peoria to Charles R. and Martha Pearl (Langston) Tuttle, Sr. He had served in the United States Navy from 1956-1961.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
ALBERT GILSDORF
Albert W. Gilsdorf, 79, of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in his home.
Services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Interment will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, with military honors by the Princeton Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the time of services Thursday at the funeral home.
Albert was born on March 12, 1937 in Chicago to George and Minnie (Wellenreiter) Gilsdorf. He married Marie Russ in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He had served in the United States Army. He had worked at LCN and Harper-Wyman for many years. He was a member of the Sheffield American Legion and the Princeton Moose Lodge.
He is survived by: his wife, Marie Gilsdorf of Princeton; his daughter, Linda Marie (Todd) Brokaw of Princeton; his son, Daniel Albert (Latisha) Gilsdorf of Princeton; 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his brother, Lawrence Gilsdorf of Glendale, Arizona; and 2 sisters, Edna Modlin of Glendale, Arizona, and Barbara Zapatka of Scottsdale, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; 1 brother; and 2 sisters.
LESTER WOOLLEY
Lester “LaVerne” Woolley, 82, of Cherry, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016 in St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
Private services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will be in Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley. Private visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
MARGARET CHRISTIANSEN
Margaret E. Christiansen, 86, of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in St. Margaret’s Health, Spring Valley.
Services will be held 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Jeffrey Stirniman of the St. Louis Catholic Chuch, Princeton, officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Spring Valley, at a later date. Visitation will be Monday from 5 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Margaret was born on May 17, 1930 in Peru to Frank and Mary (Stefko) Taggart. She was a homemaker and beautician. She married Lowell P. Christiansen Sr. on October 30, 1948. She was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton.
She is survived by: her son, Lowell P. (Cheryl) Christiansen, Jr. of Princeton; her daughter, Kathleen E. Lucas of Princeton; 4 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and her brother, Judge Patrick (Sue) Taggart of Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Lowell P. Christiansen, Sr. on September 23, 1975; and 2 sisters, Rosemary Davito, and Frances Ladgenski.
JERRY POFF
Jerry Russell Poff, 65, of Princeton, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2016 in his home.
Services will be held 5 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with military honors by the Princeton Veterans Memorial Group. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Kewanee, at a later date. Visitation will be Monday from 2 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Jerry was born on September 13, 1950 in Spring Valley to Russell Poff and Leatha Wabel Van Herzeele. He was a Princeton High School class of 1969 graduate. He had worked for Monier Farms for many years. He had served in the Illinois National Guard and the United States Navy.
He is survived by: his father, Russell Poff of Washington, Illinois ; his children, Sara (Steve) Sloan of Sublette, Brian (Beth) Poff of Alabama, and Amanda Poff of Tiskilwa; 9 grandchildren; his siblings, Judy (Roy) Van Opdorp of Atkinson, Kelly (Danny) Callison of Geneseo, Randy (Pam) Poff of Atkinson, and Tammy Graham of Waverly, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by: his mother; and his wife, Rebecca Poff.
Memorials may be directed to his family.
DOROTHY BOMLENY
Dorothy M. Bomleny, 85, of Princeton, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016 in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
Services will be held 12 noon Wednesday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. David Ross of the Tiskilwa Bible Church officiating. Graveside services will be private. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Dorothy was born on April 28, 1931 in Aurora to Alex and Pearl Ann (Kilcauski) Kasper. She married Joseph E. Bomleny on January 29, 1955 in St. Peter’s Church, Aurora. She had farmed for many years.
She is survived by: Her sons, Paul Bomleny and Peter (Candi) Bomleny of Princeton; 2 granddaughters, Jennifer Chagala Bomleny, and Sarah Sorochan; her sister, Nancy Tyler of Stockton, Missouri; 9 great grandchildren; her cousin, Genevieve Doerr of Vermont; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Joseph E. Bomleny on May 6, 2006; 2 brothers, Glen A. Kasper, and Nicholas Kraus; and 1 grandson, Matthew Bence.
ANTONI BASECKI
Antoni, Basecki, 94, of Putnam, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016 at St. Margaret's Hospital, Spring Valley.
Private services will be held at a later date, through Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
FRIEDA ANDERSON
Frieda Anderson, 97, of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2016 in Manor Court of Princeton.
Services will be held 12 noon Saturday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Mary Gay McKinney of the Open Prairie United Church of Christ, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in the Prairie Repose Cemetery, Dover. Visitation will be Saturdayfrom 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Freida was born on November 2, 1918 in Rolla, Missouri, to Ferdinand and Martha (Ballance) Hollaway. She married William “Bill” E. Anderson on May 29, 1942 in Joliet. She had taught in La Moille, Ladd and Princeton grade schools for years. She was named Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America in 1975.
She was a member of the Bureau County Metro Center, the Open Prairie United Church of Christ, was a Gold Coater for years at Perry Memorial Hospital and since her retirement was a volunteer for many local organizations.
She is survived by: her daughter, Sharon (Bill) Franklin of Dixon; 2 grandchildren, Sally Retz and Michael Franklin; 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, William Anderson; her son, Davis Anderson, 1 son in infancy, and 7 brothers and sisters.
Memorials may be directed to: Church Women United
FOUCHING SAEPHARN
FouChing Saepharn, 65, of DePue, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2016 in Colonial Hall Health and Rehabilitation Center, Princeton, following a brief illness.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Monday in the Chapel of The Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Dr. Dale Tripp of The Bethel Baptist Church, Princeton, officiating. Interment will follow in the DePue City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
FouChing was born on September 23, 1950 in Laos, to ChimFoo and ManFeo Saepharn. He was crew leader at the Monterey Mushroom Factory. He married Nailiam Saepharn in Laos. He was a member of The Bethel Baptist Church, Princeton.
He is survived by: his wife, Nailiam Saepharn of DePue; his children, Kho, Fahm, Chai and Seng (Sarah) Saepharn of DePue; 2 grandchildren; and 3 siblings, MuangFoth Saechao of California, SengFou Saechao of California, and FouKuang Saepharn of DePue.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his brother, NaiFou; and 3 daughters, MeyChing, KoyChing and NaiChing.
JAMES BLADES
James P. Blades, 61, of Wyanet, died Friday, June 17, 2016, at Aperion Care Center, Spring Valley, following a lengthy illness.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
James was born on August 17, 1954 in Marion to Solomon and Mary (Leer) Blades. He had worked for the Rockford Steel Foundry for many years.
He is survived by: his daughter, Billie Jo (Scott) Schmitz of LaSalle; 4 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and his brother, Chester Blades of Wyanet.
He was preceded by: his parents; and 1 brother.
Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Hospice.
MARTIN KLEIN
Martin “Marty” W. Klein, 53, of Cherry, died Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
A Prayer Service will be held at 9:40 a.m. Saturday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Saturday in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, with Rev. Patrick Fixsen officiating. Burial will be private and at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday with a rosary service at 4 p.m., and again from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
Marty was born on May 9, 1963 in Spring Valley to Harold “Mick” and Shirley (Gillan) Klein. He was a graduate of Hall Township High School. He was a carpenter with Klein Home Improvement for many years and later was self employed. He married Belinda Skaggs on January 14, 1994 in Princeton.
He was a member of the Cherry Booster Club. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Hall Red Devils fan. He enjoyed the outdoors and a good storm. He also enjoyed lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
He is survived by: his wife, Belinda Skaggs of Cherry; his parents, Harold “Mick” and Shirley Klein of Cherry; his son, Ryan Klein of Florida; his step-daughter, Missy Stier of Cherry; his step-son, Christopher (Jennifer) Stier of Cherry; his step-grandson, Damian Stier of Cherry; his siblings, Renee McCallister of McNabb, Michael (Lynn) Klein of Cherry, Lori (Jack) Dipple of McNabb, Julie (Frank) Niewinski of Mark, Colleen (Ted) Kuziela of Bolingbrook, and Tracy (Jim) Gallagher of Bloomington; his best friend Sapper; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by: his maternal and paternal grandparents.
In celebration of Marty’s life the family has asked that you wear your favorite Chicago Bears attire to the visitation and service.
Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
DENNIS HASSLER
Dennis Alan Hassler, 66, of Bureau, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are pending with the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Dennis was born on February 3, 1950, in Princeton, to Harold “Cowboy” and Beatrice (Gore) Hassler. He married Patricia Lombardo on December 18, 1988 in Princeton. He was a member of the Princeton Church of Christ. He worked as an auto technician for over 45 years.
He is survived by: his wife, Patricia Hassler of Bureau; his sons, Tim (Tina) Hassler of St. Louis Missouri, Tom (Jamie) Hassler of Princeton, and Tony Hassler of Tiskilwa; 4 grandchildren, Kate, Anna, Ethan and Avery Hassler; 2 brothers, Wayne (Evelyn) Hassler of Princeton, and Randy (Pat) Hassler of Tiskilwa; and his sister, Pam Grant of Hennepin.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
EDITH UMPHRESS
Edith M. Umphress, 88, of Princeton, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016 at Heritage HealthCare in Walnut.
Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Rev. Brian Gilbert of the First United Methodist Church of Princeton officiating. Interment will follow in the Henry Cemetery, Henry. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
Edith was born on April 2, 1928 in Henry to William and Margaret (Dorff) Clift. She married Raymond Umphress in Varna.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Princeton, 4-H and several quilting clubs; she had been a foster parent for the Covenant Children’s Home; and had volunteered for the Freedom House.
She is survived by: her son, Raymond Umphress of Princeton; her daughter, Sarah Umphress; 7 grandchildren, Tammie, Tina and Teddy (Dianna) Umphress, Michael Shoffner; Jeremiah and Jonathan Musselwhite, and Tabitha Nagashi; 7 great grandchildren; and 12 great great grandchildren; her sister, Mildred Parkinson of Harden; and her brother Bob (Marcia) Clift of Henry.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Raymond, on December 31, 1993; 1 brother; and 1 grandchild.
Memorials may be directed to the Freedom House.
ARLENE HELEN (McCall) MORRIS
Arlene Helen (McCall) Morris, 94, of Princeton, formerly of Tiskilwa passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Heritage HealthCare in Normal.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23, in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton with Rev. Cal Zehr of the Willow Springs Mennonite Church, Tiskilwa, officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.
Arlene was born in LaMoille Township on September 16, 1921, to Claude and Ada (Stocking) McCall. She married Clarence F. Morris on March 14, 1940, and she lived in Bureau County all of her life. She is survived by her daughter, Joan (Charles) Bruder, of Normal; two grandsons, Timothy (Madaya Orlove), of Peoria, Arizona, and Joseph (Heather), of Normal; one great grandson, Jordan Bruder; and her sister, Mary Lou Standaert of Kewanee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and five sisters.
Throughout her lifetime Arlene was a homemaker and mother, was engaged in farming with her husband for many years, and when they moved to Tiskilwa she assisted in his business, cooked at the grade school cafeteria, and cleaned homes. Arlene was a member of the Van Orin Gospel Church.
Following the passing of her husband of 65 years, Arlene moved to Greenfield Retirement Home where she enjoyed being with both old and new friends and participating in all activities. She has been a resident of Colonial Healthcare in Princeton for the past two years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa, or the Tiskilwa Historical Society.
SAMUEL WILLIAMS
Samuel E. “Harley” Williams, 56, of Tiskilwa, passed away Monday, February 29 in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday in the New Hope Church of the Nazarene, Princeton, with Rev. Laura Tanner officiating. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com.
Samuel was born on June 11, 1959 in Spring Valley to Samuel and Lois (Jacobs) Williams. He was raised by his foster parents, Robert and Lois Albrecht. He was a river boat pilot for 25 years. He married Dena Elmore on August 18, 1989 in Davenport, Iowa.
He is survived by: his wife, Dena Williams of Tiskilwa; his children, Zachariah Williams, Jennifer Mediers, Candy Williams, Jarrod Williams and Margaret (Michael) Trujillo; 6 grandchildren; and his brother, Troy (Trisha) Williams.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
Memorials may be directed to: The Tri County Humane Society.
MICHELE KIRKPATRICK
Michele E. Kirkpatrick, 45, of Princeton, passed away on Saturday, January 16, at OSF Robert L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Princeton, with Rev. Dean Pierce of the DeKalb Wesleyan Church officiating. Interment will follow in Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton. Visitation will be Friday from 3 until 7 p.m. in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Michele was born on October 17, 1970 in Boonton, New Jersey. She married Pastor Douglas A. Kirkpatrick on July 11, 1998 in Fishers Indiana. She had received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She was a homemaker.
She was a member of the Princeton Wesleyan Church, was the church business manager and the church co-worship leader.
She is survived by: her husband, Douglas A. Kirkpatrick of Princeton; her 3 children, Rachel, Mark and David Kirkpatrick at home; her mother, Joan Downey of Wyanet; her father, Bruce (Paula) Pembor, Sr. of Franklin, Indiana; her step children, Kristine (Ryan) Smith of Indianapolis, and Tim (Katie) Kirkpatrick of Louisiana; 2 step grandchildren; her brother, Bruce (Stacey) Pembor, Jr. of Indianapolis; her step brother, Nathan Luzny of Alaska; her niece, Wendy Pembor of Florida; and several step nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her maternal and paternal grandparents; and a daughter, Cora Lorraine Kirkpatrick.
Memorials may be directed to the Princeton Wesleyan Church.
MARIAN YEPSEN
Marian Elizabeth Yepsen, 87, of Tiskilwa, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2015 in St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, with Rev. Kevin Creegan and Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tiskilwa. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
Marian was born on July 22, 1928 in Cherry to Victor and Ruth (Ellis) Pozzi. She married John “Jack” Yepsen on November 12, 1949 in The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry. She had worked at Westclox; the Manlius Cheese Factory; the Bureau Valley Chief Newspaper; Tiskilwa Community Schools; and as Tiskilwa Village Clerk. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tiskilwa; the St. Mary’s Church Altar and Rosary Society; and the Tiskilwa Women’s Club.
She is survived by: her husband, John “Jack” Yepsen of Tiskilwa; her children, Daniel (Joanne) Yepsen of Tiskilwa, Cheryl (Sam) Pagoria of Spring Valley, Ron (Sheila) Yepsen of Sheffield, and Dave (Lori) Yepsen of Princeton; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; her siblings, John (Adrienne) Pozzi of Streator, Robert (Barbara) Pozzi of Spring Valley, Jim (DeAnn) Pozzi of Cherry, Rita (Lawrence) Mitchell of rural Peru, and Richard (Jackie) Pozzi of rural Tiskilwa; many nieces and nephews; and Joanie Pozzi of Ladd.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; 2 sons, John and Paul Yepsen; 1 great granddaughter; 1 sister; 1 brother; and numerous nieces and nephews.
WILLIAM KOHR, JR.
William Joseph Kohr, Jr., 49, of Cherry, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2015.
A Memorial Service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry, with Rev. Patrick Fixsen of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home.
NAI YOON SAECHAO
Nai Yoon Saechao, 69, of Princeton, passed away Monday, December 21, 2015 in Methodist Medical Center, Peoria.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton. Interment will follow in the DePue Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home.
Nai Yoon was born on March 2, 1946 in Laos to Fou Yoon and Feiy Chiang Saechao. She married Fou Orn Wang Saechao in Laos. She was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church, Princeton.
She is survived by: her husband, Fou Orn Wang Saechao; her children, Muang Orn Saechao, Yien Orn Saechao, Jake Saechao, and Chio Seng Saechao; 14 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and her sister, Chio Yoon Saechao.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 1 brother.
LYNN SOLDATI
Lynn “Noni” Soldati, 66, of Cherry, passed away Monday, November 23, 2015, peacefully at her home in Cherry, with her family by her side, following an extended illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Spring Valley, with Rev. Robert Spilman officiating. Interment will follow in the Ladd Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday in the church.
Lynn was born on January 3, 1949 in Peru to Lester and Bernice (Lent) Hegland. She was a LaSalle Peru Township High School graduate. She owned and operated Towne and Kountry Salon in Cherry with her mother in law, Loretta, for 44 years. She married Joseph L. “Bluto” Soldati on October 27, 1967 in Princeton. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry.
She is survived by: her sons, Joseph J. (Maribeth) Soldati and Christopher D. (Shantel) Soldati both of Cherry; 3 grandchildren, Morgan, Madison and Devin of Cherry; 2 brothers, Jim (Alice) Hegland of Chestnut and Randy (Nancy) Hegland of Texas; 2 special lifelong friends Jan Wright and Sheila Abraham; and her special K9 friend Marley .
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Joseph on May 12, 2013; 4 brothers and 1 sister.
Pallbearers will be: Joe, Chris and Devin Soldati; Mike Stuckert, Joe Wenzel and Ken Bodnum
Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
KELLY NEKOLA
Kelly Amber Nekola, 35, of East Peoria, formerly of Princeton, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2015 in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Services will be held 12 Noon Friday in the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton, with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in the Elm Lawn Cemetery, Princeton. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.
Kelly was born on January 18, 1980 in Cicero to her loving parents Bob and Debi (Leonard) Nekola. She attended Princeton High School.
She is survived by: her parents, her beautiful children, Gavin Wayne and Haley Marie; her brother, Mark Allen (Vicki) Nekola; her sister, Kristi Marie (Troy) King, all of Princeton. Also surviving are aunts and uncles: Tom (Donna) Nekola of Hinsdale, Dorie (Rico) Mugnaini of Woodridge, Cory (Margaret) Leonard of Spring Valley and Sharon Leonard of Carbondale; Cousins: Louise Nekola, Nick Mugnaini, Matt (Kathleen) Nekola, Bailey Leonard.
Her brother, Timothy Robert Nekola is forever young since 2000. She is also preceded in death by her grandmothers, Jean Leonard and Mary Rice.
Donations may be made to her family for Gavin and Haley’s education fund. Envelopes will be available at the service.
Private online condolences may be left at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
HELEN CALHOUN
Helen M. (Pozzi) Calhoun, 89, of Princeton, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2015 in Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Rev. Jeffrey Stirniman officiating. Interment will follow in the Ladd Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Thursday in the St. Louis Church Harkrader Hall. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi-Jensen Funeral Home, Princeton.
She was born on May 17, 1926 in Cherry to Victor and Ruth (Ellis) Pozzi. She had worked in a munitions factory during World War II and sent care packages to the troops over seas. She managed the Northern Café in Princeton for many years. She retired from Josten’s Jewelers as a floor lady. She and her husband actively supported the Summer Youth Camp in Princeton.
She married Bernard L. “Chub” Calhoun in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Cherry on October 8, 1955. She was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton.
She is survived by: her 6 brothers and sisters: Marian (Jack) Yepsen of Tiskilwa, John (Adrienne) Pozzi of Streator, Robert (Barbara) Pozzi of Spring Valley, Jim (DeAnn)Pozzi of Cherry, Rita (Lawrence) Mitchell of rural Peru and Richard (Jackie) Pozzi of rural Tiskilwa; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Bernard; 1 brother; and 3 nephews.
DONALD DONNA
Donald L. Donna, 86, of Cherry, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2015 in Aperion Care, Spring Valley.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Interment will follow in the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Cherry, with military honors by the Ladd American Legion Post 938. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.
He was born on April 1, 1929 in Cherry to John and Mary (Leonard) Donna. He was a retired custodian for the Cherry Grade School and bus driver for over 20 years. He had served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953 in Germany. He Married Cynthia Simpson on June 26, 1954 in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry.
He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Cherry, and the Ladd American Legion.
He is survived by: his wife, Cynthia Donna of Cherry; his 3 sons, Dennis (Jackie) Donna of Mesa, Arizona, Rick (Diane) Donna of Seatonville, and Jack Donna of Cherry; 6 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
EVELYN BULLI
Visitation at 1:00 pm and services starting at 2:00pm on September 18th 2015
at Fiocchi Funeral Home in Cherry, Illinois.