Phyllis A. Eilers, 91 of Fairbury, died at 10:28pm, Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Funeral will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury with Pastor James Rients officiating.  Burial will take place at 3:00pm that afternoon at Lyman Twp. Cemetery, Roberts.  Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00am also at the church prior to the funeral.  Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury.
Mrs. Eilers was born on September 21, 1929 in Roberts, a daughter of Henry and Lillian Repp Garrelts.  They preceded her in death.  She married Arthur E. Smith on October 6, 1951 in Roberts.  He preceded her in death on December 13, 1989.  She later married Paul E. Eilers on December 1, 1991.  He preceded her in death on June 25, 1995. 
Survivors include her son, Kevin (Heather) Smith of Oreana, IL; five grandchildren, Bryan Meredith, Mattthew Smith, Trevor Smith, Emma McConnell and Avery Smith; and one brother, Weldon Garrelts.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Kay Lynn Derossett, four brothers and one sister.
Phyllis was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury where she was a long-time choir member, Silver League, American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the Prairiettes.  She was also awarded the Fairbury Citizen of the Year in 2014.

Mary Lou Schuler, age 92 of Lexington, Illinois passed into God’s hands on Sunday, May 16, 2021.
Mary Lou was born on May 20, 1928 to Floyd and Ardis (Patterson) Bossingham of Stanford, Illinois. She married Melvin D. Schuler on November 27, 1949.
Those remaining to celebrate her memory are her three children, Dwight Schuler, Lexington; LuAnn (Bryon) Lundell, Phoenix, Maryland; and Paul (Kelly) Schuler, Lexington; as well as her brother David (JoAnne) Bossingham of Minier, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of seventy years, Melvin; sister Joan Graff; and brother Roger Bossingham.
Mary Lou has six grandchildren, Kara (Jason) Yeager, Lutherville, MD; Ericka (Brett) Butler, Baldwin, MD; Kelsey Schuler, Aurora, IL; David (Lauren) Schuler, Chenoa, IL; Allison (Jon) Cook, Baldwin, MD and John (Makenzie) Schuler, Lexington IL. She also has eight great grandchildren.
Mary Lou was a graduate of Illinois State Normal University with a degree in Home Economics and taught in the Lexington School District. Her passion for cooking, sewing and gardening remained throughout her life as seen by her victory style gardens on the farmstead and flowers that adorn her home. Mary Lou was a talented seamstress which extended from making her own wedding gown to being a clothing judge at 4-H fairs. She was known for her pies and Christmas peanut brittle.
Mary Lou was a 50-year member of HCE, Home Community Education in which she held many local and McLean County officer positions. She especially liked to prepare and teach the monthly lessons. She also belonged to Salem Club, St. Paul’s Ladies Aide, Lexington Food Pantry, and was a 4-H Leader for many years.
Mary Lou was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 800 S Division Street, Chenoa, Illinois for 72 years. A visitation at St. Paul’s will take place Saturday, May 22 from 9-10:45 followed by a funeral at 11:00 am.
Family requests memorial contributions be made in Mary Lou’s memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chenoa or Lexington Food Pantry.
The family is grateful to Synergy Home Healthcare and Fairview Haven for their loving care.
The funeral service will be streamed live on the Duffy-Pils Memorial Home Facebook page. 

Allen F. Zimmerman, 89, Fairbury, died at 2:19 pm Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Mr. Zimmerman was born December 13, 1931 in Forrest, IL the son of Louis A. and Louise Mueller Zimmerman.  He married Carolyn Marie Leman on February 13, 1955 in Fairbury.  She preceded him in death on October 15, 2003.  He then married Melba Funk-Steffen on July 5, 2009 in Cissna Park, IL.  She survives in Fairbury.

Other survivors include three daughters, Shelly (Ray) Steidinger, Strawn, Cinda (Ivan) Fehr, Holly (Glen) Steidinger, both of Fairbury, one son, Kent (Paulette) Zimmerman, Forrest, six step children, Kenny (Patsy) Steffen, Tangier, IN, Dean (Shirley) Steffen, Butler, IN, Terri Young, Lakewood, CO, Marvin (Rhea) Steffen, Jon (Sandy) Steffen, both of Naples, FL, and Greg (Darla) Steffen, Leroy,  twenty five grandchildren, twelve step grandchildren, sixty seven great grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by a son, Scott Zimmerman, six brothers and five sisters.

Mr. Zimmerman served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church, Forrest and worked as a lifetime farmer and truck driver.

Visitation will be 3:00 to 8:00 pm Friday, May 7, 2021 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and 9:00 to 9:45 am Saturday, May 8, 2021 followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am at the Apostolic Christian Church, Forrest.  Burial will be in the North Apostolic Christian Cemetery, Forrest.  The family suggests memorials be given to Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
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To live stream Mr. Zimmerman’s funeral service please visit Forrestacchurch.org or you can call in to listen at (727)731-5199.

Colfax – Ferne Onken, 88, of Colfax, passed away at 10:00am, April 1, 2021, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Her funeral will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 10, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Anchor. Pastor Jim Davis will be officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Anchor.
Visitation will be held from 4-7:00pm, Friday, April 9, 2021, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Anchor or Alzheimer’s Association.
Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax is in charge of arrangements.
Ferne was born October 5, 1932, in Metamora, the daughter of Rudolph and Esther Reeser Garber. She married Ronald Onken on February 26, 1950. He died September 2, 2010.
Surviving are her children, Ricardo (Debra) Onken of Colfax, Steven (Rhoda) Onken of Snohomish, WA Victoria (Daniel) Eyer of Anchor; grandsons, Jason Onken of Elgin, Nicholas Onken of Brooklyn, NY, and Ryan (Ashley) Eyer of Doral, FL; granddaughters, Rebecca (Robert) Connor of Colfax, Christina (Adam) Zehr of Cary, Leah (Phil) Painter of Snohomish, WA, and Josh (Holly) Mathis of Mackinaw; and great grandchildren, Chloe, Norah, and Ethan Onken, Briana Goeppinger, Brooklynn Connor, Abigail Mathis, Isiah, Matthew, and Joshua Painter, Jackson and Emery Eyer, and Cora and Hayley Zehr.
She was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Amy Onken, two brothers and one sister.
Ferne was a secretary for Octavia School District, she waitressed at Fincham’s Steakhouse in Colfax and owned and operated with her husband Ron Onken Chevrolet also in Colfax.
She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Anchor.
Ferne loved to knit, cook, and bake for her family. Whether it was for Thursday Night Dinners, at the cabin on the lake, or a holiday, Fern enjoyed these times with her family. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and coffee time with her friends.
She loved her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren even more.
An online registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com

Teresa E. Franey, 83, Fairbury and formerly of Chatsworth, died at 4:28 pm. Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Her Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, March 20, 2021 at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth with Fr. David Sabel and Fr. Carl LoPresti officiating.  Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Chatsworth.
A rosary will be recited at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 19, 2021 followed by a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 pm also at the church in Chatsworth. A second visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:15am Saturday at the church.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with arrangements.  The family suggests memorials be given to SELCAS or St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth.
Teresa was born March 31, 1937 the daughter of  John C. and Lula Diebel Hahn.  She married John M. Franey on June 11, 1960 in Cullom.  He preceded her in death on April 14, 2013.
Survivors include three daughters, Patty (Lenny) Haberkorn, Joni (Bob) Huisman, Terri (Troy) Rieger, all of Chatsworth, one son, Tom (Stephanie) Franey, Champaign, twelve grandchildren, Chris (Val) Haberkorn, Kaleigh (Scott) Berry and Keeley Haberkorn; Elizabeth (Bailey) Beyers, John Thomas and Mary Beth Franey; Thomas, Matthew and Lucas Huisman; Tristin, Tiffani and Clayton Rieger; four great grandchildren, Blake, Tucker, and Reece Berry; Abigail Haberkorn; and one sister, Rita Kinkade, Doniphan, MO.
She is preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Don Hahn, two sisters, Eula Hahn and Dolores Siron and one great granddaughter, Jacqueline Haberkorn.
Teresa was a graduate and valedictorian for the class of 1955 at Cullom High School. In 1958, she received her nursing degree and was the valedictorian of her class at St. Joseph School of Nursing, Bloomington. She began her career as a registered nurse at the Dwight Veterans Hospital. Teresa then worked at Offit Air Force Base hospital in Omaha, NE while John served in the Air Force and worked at Fairbury Hospital upon their return home to Chatsworth. After taking some time to care for their children, she returned to nursing and retired from Greenbriar Nursing Home in 2004 after 25 years of service. Teresa was a compassionate and skilled caregiver and found great joy in caring for others. Many family members and friends sought her advice, comfort and care over the years, which she happily shared.
Teresa especially enjoyed spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and they all have many special memories of their time spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s farm, being cooked and cared for and allowed to have all kinds of fun in the house and yard. She will be greatly missed by all.
Teresa was a member of the St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth.

Fairbury – Carol Sue Koehl, 84 of Fairbury, passed away at 10:25pm, Friday March 5, 2021 at Carle BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal surrounded by her children.​

A public graveside service will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at South Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury, with mask and social distancing protocols. Pastor Jeremy Latzke will be officiating.
Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chenoa, SELCAS or Fairview Haven.

Carol was born March 9, 1936, in Fairbury, the daughter of Frederick H. and Verna L. Gitchell Schenck.  She married Maurice J. Koehl on August 2, 1964 in Chenoa.  He proceeded her in death on March 5, 2017. 

Survivors include a daughter, Jill E. (Mike Monahan) Koehl, Arcola, IL;  a son, Andrew J. (Jennifer) Koehl, Greensburg, PA; a granddaughter, Heidi Sue Koehl; 5 sisters-in-law, Bernice Cox, Velda Huette and Gladys Koehl of Fairbury, Janita Koehl of Rittman, Ohio and Shirley Schenck of Bloomington; and her cousin, Barbara J. Peterson of Lowell, Indiana.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Frederick H. Schenck.

Carol was raised south of Weston on the family farm in Yates Township and attended the Cottonwood one-room schoolhouse near her home for the majority of her elementary education, graduating from Chenoa High School in 1954. She was a 1959 graduate of the Walther Memorial School of Nursing in Chicago, IL and became a registered nurse.

After being employed for a time in Chicago, she took a nursing position at the physician office of Dr. Russell L. Oyer in Chenoa where she worked until 1970.  She later worked as an RN at the Helen Lewis Smith Pavilion in Fairbury, caring for the community’s elderly residents for over 18 years, before retiring.

Carol was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chenoa.  She enjoyed the outdoors and loved spending time with her family and friends.  Above all, she devoted her life to caring for others. 
The family would like to thank the relatives, friends, and healthcare providers who have graciously returned the same care and kindness to her.

A private family church service will also be held. The recording of that service will be available on the Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Facebook page, Wednesday afternoon.
An online registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

Delores Mildred Nussbaum, 89, Fairbury, died at 8:34 am Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  Inurnment will take place in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery, Fairbury at a later date.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.  The family suggests memorials be given to Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

​Ms. Nussbaum was born March 18, 1931 in Forrest, IL the daughter of Jeff F. and Kathryn M. Zimmerman Nussbaum. 
Survivors include one brother, Oren Dean (Johanna) Nussbaum, Chatsworth, her loving nieces and nephew, Betty Jo Beurman, La Mirada, CA, Robin Sorey, Rice Lake, WI, and Ron T. Briscoe, Fairbury.  Delores is also survived by several great nieces and nephews who she loved playing endless games with and they loved her very much.

Fairbury – Dolores “Dee” Irene Rieger, 91, of Fairbury, passed away at 6:35pm, January 23, 2021, at Serenity Villas at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, January 28, 2021, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth. Fr. Carl LoPresti will be celebrating the mass and assisted by Fr. David Sabel. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Chatsworth.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth.
Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.
Dee was born September 16, 1929, in Chatsworth. She was the daughter and youngest of 13 children to John Dennis and Helena Margaret (Trunk) Monahan.
Upon graduation from Chatsworth High School, she attended Northwestern Academy of Beauty Culture in Peoria.
On June 29, 1949, she married Donald J. Rieger and they raised their nine children in a country home just east of Forrest, until 1979. They continued their life in Chatsworth until Don’s passing on February 8, 1993. Dee moved in 2004 and remained in the Bloomington Normal area until 2017.
Dee was devout member of the Catholic Church, with her closest ties to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth and St. James Catholic Church, Forrest, where she was a member of their Altar and Rosary Societies.
She was known and deeply loved for her boundless energy and giving generous spirit, reflected in her commitment to raising her children, serving as a teacher’s aide in the FSW school district, working part time at FS and the Rieger Coil Company, Forrest. She was an avid bowler and golfer and regularly engaged in a variety of activities with her wonderful friends. In retirement, she treasured spending time with her growing family and traveling west with Don. Dee enjoyed visiting her ancestor’s homeland in Ireland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 12 siblings and daughter-in-law, Christina (Palen) Rieger.
Dee is survived by her nine children, Jamie Rieger of Forrest, Micki (Rod) Zimmerman of Chatsworth, David Rieger of Farmer City, Danny (Becky) Rieger of Bloomington, Pam Rieger of Chicago, Tony (Laura) Rieger of Oglesby, Rod (Pam) Rieger of Thornton, CO, Judy (John) Szabo of Bloomington, and Chris (Angie) Rieger of Madison, WI; 19 grandchildren, Aimee (Jeremy) St. John, Emily (Nathan) Wenger, Austin Rieger, Evan Rieger, Cory, Zimmerman, Jeremy Zimmerman, Adam (Rachel) Zimmerman, Sean (Ashley) Zimmerman, Lyndi (Ryan) Alberts, Joe (Chelsea) Rieger, Kati Rieger, Jacob, Stephanie, Jason, and Tessa Rieger, Ashley and Andy Szabo, Nick and Noah Rieger. and ten great-grandchildren, Foster St. John, Sophie and Lane Wenger, Nolan, Tristan, Reagan, Trinity, and Kian Zimmerman and Dani and Remi Alberts.
The family extends a special thank you to the caregivers of Serenity Villa at Fairview Haven who delivered gentle, compassionate care to Dee over the past year.

Elsa S. Hartman, 99, of Peoria, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Fairview Haven Nursing Home in Fairbury, IL.
Elsa was born May 9, 1921 in Peoria to William O. and Eugenia (Neuffer) Schlipf. She married LeRoy F. Hartman October 19, 1941 in Peoria. He preceded her in death on June 18, 2000.
Surviving are two daughters, Victoria Knobloch (Al) Hartzler of Princeville and Mary Ann (Rick) Plattner of Fairbury; four grandchildren, Chris (Kelly) Knobloch, Jodi (David) Kieser, Mitch (Lindsay) Hartzler, and Joel (Amber) Plattner; and 14 great-grandchildren, Zachary, Hayli, Luke, Katie, Seth, Aidan, Easton, Micah, Leigha, Landon, Kennan, Brynna, Tryssa, Rilla, and baby Hartzler on the way.
He preceded her in death on June 18, 2000. Also preceding her in death were her parents, one brother, William R. Schlipf, and two sisters, Elizabeth Hartman and Emma Rocke.
Elsa graduated from Peoria High School, class of 1939. She worked as a Secretary to Dr. Joel Eastman for 8 years. She was a supportive and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Elsa was a member of the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church, where she and her husband were baptized Easter Sunday in 1949.
A funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Monday, January 4, 2020 with visitation from 8:45 to 9:45 am at the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church. The church ministers will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton is in charge of arrangements. Guidelines regarding social distancing and wearing of face masks will be followed.
The funeral service can be listened to and viewed live at www.peoriaacchurch.com.
Memorials may be made to Apostolic Christian Skylines Charity Fund or Fairview Haven in Fairbury. Online condolences can be submitted to www.woolsey-wilton.com.

​Linda Hagar, 72, passed away Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. She was part of the Fairview Haven family since 2017. Linda lived in Tucson, AZ for much of her adult life. She had a master’s degree and worked for the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind, first as a teacher and later as an advocate for families and children. She created a program for the State of Arizona to work with families and deaf/blind children as soon as they were born. She was well-known for her work. She knew Spanish, Navajo and sign language. She traveled a lot, lived in Spain and Mexico for a while, and loved cats and dogs. Linda is survived by her brothers, Steve (Shirley) Hagar and David Hagar, as well as nieces and nephews.
 

Willadene "Billie" Nussbaum, 93, of Forrest, IL, passed away Friday December 11, 2020 at Fairview Haven Nursing Home Fairbury, IL.
Private graveside services will be on Saturday, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, in Fairbury. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 
Billie was born October 10, 1927, in Bloomington, IL, to William and Florence (Leonard) McKinley.  Billie lived in Gridley during her early childhood. Her father died when she was young and the family relocated to Fairbury. Billie married Nelson "Bud" Nussbaum on October 19, 1946 in Bloomington, IL.
Billie stayed home, raised her children, and had a wonderful vegetable and flower garden. For a time she worked at Fairview Haven. In 1945 Billie was voted Homecoming Queen at Fairbury High School, and was a beauty her whole life. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Forrest, IL.
She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Bud Nussbaum; her son, Nelson (Karen) Nussbaum of Ottawa; her daughter, Jill Davis of Fairbury; six grandchildren, Chad (Annie) Davis, Tara (Chad) Wamsley, JB (Katie) Nussbaum, Wendi (Ryan) Zimmerman, McKinley (Ken Chiang) Nussbaum, and Kaci (Chase) Fischer; fifteen great-grandchildren Tyler, Madison, Harmony, Alexis, Jaxon, Gavin, Sofie, Josie, Charlotte, Hadley, Kennedy, Chloe, Ellie, Julia, and Quinn.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, Henry Kaab; a daughter, Lisa; one brother, Cletus McKinley; and a sister, Elaine Maxfield.
Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
Memorials may be directed to Fairview Haven Nursing Home.

Jerry L. Honegger, 83, of Forrest, died peacefully at Serenity Villa at Fairview Haven Retirement Community in Fairbury on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
A family graveside service will be held at Forrest Twp. Cemetery. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his honor to Serenity Villa at Fairview Haven; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Forrest; or the Charity of the Donor’s Choice.
Jerry was born on December 31, 1936 in Fairbury, the son of Sam and Leah (Rieger) Honegger.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy. Jerry and Nancy celebrated 61 years of marriage in August. His parents and one brother, Lyle Honegger, preceded him in death.
Survivors also include his children: his daughter Marci (Randy) Rich of Bloomington and their children, Alex (Ellie) Rich, Tyler (Alyssa) Rich and Kaleigh (Chris) Curran; his daughter Dara (Derrick) Surratt of Alexandria, Virginia, and their daughters, Caroline and Emily; and his son Brent (Kelly) Honegger of Fairbury, and their children, Luke (Taylor) Honegger, Brock, Megan, and Sam.
Also surviving are two brothers, Gordon (Jean Ann) Honegger of Morton, and Sam (Judy) Honegger of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and sister-in-law Kathy Honegger, of Fairbury.
Jerry was a 1955 graduate of Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School and a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Soon after Jerry earned his diploma, he enlisted in the United States Army, in which he served our country for two years.  After his military service, Jerry earned a degree in business and accounting at Western Illinois University.  Upon graduation, Jerry worked at his family's business, Honegger Farms in Forrest, until it was sold.
A hardworking and driven individual, Jerry started his own business, Honegger Accounting. Jerry enjoyed working with others and valued the relationships he built.  He also worked at Morton Community Bank alongside his brother, Gordon and sister-in-law, Jean Ann and served on the Board of Directors.
While Jerry was successful in his career, above all else, he loved his family and friends, and he loved to travel. Some of his favorite memories include driving out west with a camper in-tow, white water rafting in Jackson Hole, WY, fishing in Canada, downhill skiing in the Rocky Mountains, enjoying the Florida sunshine, and boating at Table Rock Lake in Missouri.
Jerry loved being a father and grandpa. He taught his children and grandchildren how to appreciate so many of the outdoor activities and places he enjoyed.  By his example, his family learned the value of integrity, hard work, and love of family.
The family is incredibly grateful for the compassionate staff at Fairview Haven Serenity Villa, who provided loving care, support, and kindness to Jerry, Nancy and family the past two years.

​FAIRBURY — Custer Dean Stevens, 95, of Fairbury passed away at 11:45 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 29, 2020) at Fairview Haven, Fairbury.
Private graveside services will be held at G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is handling the arrangements.
Custer was born Nov. 24, 1925, in Homer, the son of Herman and Charlotte Villars Stevens. He married Ila Wolf on Dec. 24, 1948. She preceded him in death in July 1987.
He was also preceded in death by his longtime companion, Ursula Schmidt, in March 2017.
Survivors include his son, Mark (Ellen) Stevens of Mokena; daughter, Linda (Michael) Eads of Champaign; grandchildrenm, Timothy (Michelle) Stevens, Kyle (Tanya) Stevens, Jennifer (Brian) Stevens, Michael (Jodi) Stevens, Julie Staehling and Rachel Stratton; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by one infant daughter, Julie Ann.
Custer was a member of First United Methodist Church in Champaign and Homer American Legion Post 290, where he was a member for over 75 years. He served in the Navy during WWII (March 1944 to July 1946). He worked at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul as an offset duplicating press operator. Custer was a member of the Illini Collector Car Club for many years as well as many other car clubs. He had a deep passion for cars (mostly Thunderbirds). His prized possession was his 1964 Ford Thunderbird.
Memorials can be made to the Diabetes Association, American Legion Post 24 in Champaign or Fairview Haven.

Barbara Joan (Weeks) Traub, 90, died on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Serenity Villa at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury, IL.  She was born on April 13, 1930, in Pontiac, IL, to Curtis Weeks and Marjorie Love Weeks.  She was the second of three children.  On February 18, 1951, she married Harvey Samuel Traub. He died October 21, 2019.
Barbara grew up on the family farm, which had been purchased by her great-grandparents Hugh and Elizabeth Robinson shortly after the Civil War. Hugh bred award winning Percheron draft horses and grew crops as well.  The farm was handed down to their daughter (Jessie Robinson Love), who in turn handed it down to her family to care for. 
Young Barbara loved farm life.  She rode the family’s horse, cared for the farm animals, and doted on the many cats and kittens living in the hay mow of the barn.  She and her siblings enjoyed the regular tractor rides and picnics with their father when he tilled and planted.  In the summer, she and her siblings would wander to the eastern edge of the farm to fish in the south fork of the Vermilion River. 
During the school year, she walked every day with her siblings to the nearby one-room country schoolhouse, the Fugate School, which taught  the local farm children from first through eighth grades. 
Her mother skillfully played piano and organ for family, church, and community events.  Many nights, Barbara was soothed to sleep by the sound of her mother’s piano music rising through the heating grate.  Her beloved maternal grandmother, Jessie Love, spent many days and nights with young Barbara and instilled a love of books and reading in her.  Barbara attended Fairbury Township High School and graduated in 1948, and later attended Millikin College.  She then worked in Bloomington, Illinois and in 1951, she married Harvey.  Together, they had four children. 
She was a great support to Harvey as he pursued his career in law and politics, and she served as hostess at many, many social gatherings. 
In the 1980’s and 1990’s, she pursued her love of cooking, beyond her home.  She attended cooking schools in California and elsewhere and worked at the Garlic Press in Normal.  There, she became a sought-after cookware consultant.  Staff and customers alike were drawn to her as she shared her knowledge of cooking, cookware, and food.
She and Harvey enjoyed travelling.  They visited numerous places within the United States as well as in England, Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Mexico and Belize.  In one very remarkable trip in 1990, they travelled for six months by van throughout Mexico and Belize and collected local specialty foods. 
She lived in Tucson for twenty years with Harvey where they enjoyed a wide circle of friends from their church, as well as relatives and others from “back home” in Illinois who came to visit them.
Barbara was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  She was very interested in genealogy.  She was also a member of the Fairbury Browning Club. 
She is survived by the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom she dearly loved:  her sons Eric, Chama NM, and John (Mary Jane) Mandeville LA; her daughters Mary (Correze “Buck”) Cunningham, Borden IN, and Barbara (Mark) Ulbrich, Towanda, IL  She is also survived by her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Oma”:  Christopher (Bibiana) Traub, Randall (Deseree) Haurez, Tina (Larry) Beachler; Amanda Traub, Anna (Jimmy) Sines, Brad (Michelle) Cunningham; Joe (Thatsanee) Wiser, and Jessica (Pierce) Groover; and great-grandchildren:  Taylor and Erica Traub; Coleman Haurez; Lee and Andrew Beachler; Owen, Jacob, and Luke Sines; Hayden and Dylan Cunningham; Evelyn, Sophie, Magdalena, and Josephine Wiser; and William and Alexandra Groover.  She is also survived by a beloved brother, Stanley Weeks, and a beloved sister, Elizabeth Wharton, along with many nieces and nephews.  In addition, she is survived by her very special godchildren, Ross, Scott (Vivian), Janice (Walter Lopez) and Barbara Vail. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband. 
In this time of COVID, in lieu of a traditional visitation and funeral, there will be a graveside service at Avoca Township Cemetery north of Fairbury, on Monday, December 7, at 1 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  Gov. Thos. Ford Chap. of the Daughters of the American Revolution - Veterans Projects, c/o Sherri Kenner, Treasurer, 1609 W. Point Drive,  Mahomet, IL 61853-8928 ;   Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 145447,  Cincinnati, OH 45250-5447;  Fairview Haven, or Livingston County Humane Society.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Fairview Haven/Serenity Villa for their dedication and loving kindness to our dear mother.

Elmer W. Kaeb, 95, of Cissna Park passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at his home. He was born on November 9, 1925, in Fairbury, the son of John and Eliza (Baer) Kaeb.

He married Mary Lou Steidinger in Fairbury on August 1, 1954, and she preceded him in death on January 23, 2015. He is also preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, four sisters, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Elmer is survived by twelve children, Elsie (Merle) Eisenmann of Cissna Park, Paul (Joan) Kaeb of Sabetha, KS, Linda (Don) Sinn of Silverton, OR, Max (Beth) Kaeb of Cissna Park, Jim ( Diane) Kaeb of Sabetha, KS, Eric (Lou Ann) Kaeb of Cissna Park, Hartzell (Denise) Kaeb of Cissna Park, Harvey (Judy) Kaeb of Gridley, Darlene (Russ) Walder of Rankin, Les (Christine) Kaeb of Francesville, IN, Leon Kaeb of Bloomington, Todd (Valerie) Kaeb of Cissna Park; one sister, Anna Kaeb of Fairbury, one brother, Urban Kaeb of Cissna Park, 65 grandchildren and 138 great-grandchildren.

Dad served his country during the Korean Conflict and appreciated our freedoms. A dairy farmer in the Rankin and Cissna Park communities, he loved to care for God’s Creation. He was a devoted husband, loving and patient Dad and Grandpa, and sincere, thankful man of God who loved to pray without ceasing. Our Dad’s many friends knew him to be trustworthy and a man of his word. Dad lived to give God the Glory for all and often spoke of love and kindness. He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park.

Private funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park. The ministers of the church will officiate. Burial will follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park with graveside military rites by Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.

The funeral will be livestreamed on YouTube at Cissna Park AC Church Live Stream and AC Central Sermons or by dialing 815-714-8988.

Memorials may be made to Cissna Park Apostolic Christian Sunday School or Apostolic Christian Harvest Call.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.

​Leland “Lee” Wycoff, 86, of Forrest, passed away Saturday (November 21, 2020) at Fairview Haven Retirement Community. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, memorial services and interment at Charlotte Chatsworth Cemetery will be private with Pastor Paul Lellelid officiating. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Forrest, will handle the arrangements for the family. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Forrest, or Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Lee was born in La Hogue, Illinois on May 14, 1934, a son of George and Anna (Haase) Wycoff. He married Barbara Bauerle on January 15, 1961. She died on July 11, 2011.

He is survived by his daughters, Ann (Mike) Arends, Waterman; Amy (Jim) Viola, Elmhurst; and Lori (Scott) Stewart, St. Joseph; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Arends, Erica (Logan) Cann, Alyssa Arends, Annie, Kristen and Lauren Viola, Kylie (Kaleb) Weaver, and Jake (Randa) Stewart; and three great-grandchildren, Kayden Mikalauskas, Nelson Leland Cann, and Reagan Weaver.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, two sisters, Helen Wycoff in infancy, and Esther Bitner, and one brother, Henry Wycoff.

Lee was a graduate of Piper City High School in 1952. He served two years in the Army, stationed in Germany. He then worked in sales at Honegger Farms where he met the love of his life, Barb. They later owned a poultry farm before Lee began a career in insurance sales and financial planning with Douglass and Associates.

His Christian faith was central to Lee’s life, and he was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, sang in the choir and was a Luther League sponsor. Devoted to his family, Lee’s favorite title was Gramps and he spent many hours driving to attend all of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. A friend to all, he had a peaceful soul, the patience of a saint, and a kind and generous heart.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Fairview Haven for the love and care shown to Lee during his time there.

​Harold R. Neukomm, 91, Fairbury, died at 2:48 pm Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury. 
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Private services were held at East Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury with ministers of the German Apostolic Christian Church officiating.

Mr. Neukomm was born April 14, 1929 in Cissna Park, IL the son of Louis and Lydia Moser Neukomm.  He married Arlene Steidinger on March 7, 1954.  She died on April 14, 1994.  He then married Evelyn Meister on November 26, 1995.  She survives in Fairbury.

Other survivors include a sister, Ruth Kaeb, Cissna Park, IL and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Neukomm was a member of the German Apostolic Christian Church, Fairbury.

The family would like to express thanks to Fairview Haven Retirement Community staff and nurses for their good care.

Fairbury - Raymond Richard (Dick) Koehl, 96, passed away at 3:45am, on November 12, 2020 at Fairview Haven in Fairbury, IL. 
Dick was born in Cissna Park on September 16, 1924, the son of John and Leah (Reiger) Koehl.  He married Esther Maurer on October 19, 1947 in Fairbury.  She preceded him in death.
Surviving are his daughter, Vicky (Douglas) Stewart of East Peoria, IL; a son, Kevin (Marlene) Koehl of St. Johns, FL; grandchildren, Sean (Gloria) Koehl of San Jose, CA, Dr. Sarah (Dr. Miguel) Ramirez of Peoria, IL, Brian Richard (Jaclyn) Koehl of Bloomington, IN, and Blake (Erica) Stewart of St. Louis, MO; 13 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Emily, Rylan Ray, Finnian, Evan Richard, Elise, Claire, Natalie, Elle, Diego, Liliana, Sebastian, and Cecilia ; one brother, Dean Koehl of Tunnel Hill, GA. 
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and three brothers.
Dick served in the Navy during WWII. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
During Dick’s professional work career, he was co-owner of Koehl Bros. Then he became the co-owner and manager of K & S Sales, the Mercury dealership in Fairbury.  He also served as First Vice President of Investment Exchange, Inc. and retired as President of Suburban Trailway Parks in Mattoon.
Dick’s greatest joy was being with his family.  His great-grandchildren were very special to him and could often be found at family gatherings nestled close to him trying to teach him a game on their iPad. 
Dick was a member of the Fairbury Apostolic Christian Church and appreciated the many visits made by John Hartman and Rick Plattner, his ministers.   Dick especially loved his outings with Ron Slagel and his friends who gathered for coffee at Lost in Time.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Fairview Haven.  Their kind words, laughter, and loving touch helped Dick through the isolation that came with a COVID quarantine.  On his last day of life, many of the staff stopped to visit with him and say their final good-byes before they went home for the day. Dick was blessed with friends, family and a church community that provided prayers, support, and love over the years.  
Due to the dramatic rise in COVID cases and a desire to keep friends and family safe, no visitation or funeral service is planned.  A private graveside service at the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery, Fairbury, will be held for immediate family.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Dick’s family asks that friends remember him by doing something kind for those who are suffering through these long periods of isolation due to the COVID crisis.  Memorials may be made to Fairview Haven, 605 N. 4th Street in Fairbury or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Fairbury - Marjorie (Marge) Meyer, 87 of Fairbury, died at 6:38pm, Sunday, May 17, 2020 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.  A private family graveside service will be held with burial in Wiley Cemetery, Colfax.

Mrs. Meyer was born December 15, 1932 in rural Colfax to Charles and Sena Hadaway Brandt.  She married Albert (Abe) Meyer on May 17, 1953 in rural Colfax.  He passed away November 18, 2006.

Mrs. Meyer lived her early adult life on a farm in rural Chenoa farming with her husband until retiring in Fairbury.  They enjoyed many winters together as snowbirds in Florida. 

She is survived by her children, Vera (John) Wahls, Pontiac; Mary Lou Culkin, Fairbury; and Roger (Julie) Meyer, Bloomington; and grandchildren Justin (Anna Lee) Wahls, Aaron (Kristin) Wahls, Jill (Tom) Jenks, Joni (Dayton) Kilgus, Amber (Will) Barsema, Shelly (Matt) Freemole, Luke Meyer and Carly Meyer; her 21 great-grandchildren, Ellen and John Wahls, Noah, Theo and Levi Wahls, A.J., Nolan and Mason Jenks, Adeline, Lydia and Eli Kilgus, Brooks and C.J. Barsema, Alice, Jane and Violet Freemole, Breyden Breymeyer, Brynne, Blaine, Braylynne and Brock Meyer.  Marge is also survived by her sister, Jean Henderson, Bloomington and her brother-in-law, Frank (Marcella) Meyer, Colfax.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Abe; her children, Ruth Ann and Keith Allen Meyer; her son-in-law, Tom Culkin; and her sister, Myla Harris.

Marge had a great love for all her family; always ready to hold a little one!  In addition, she enjoyed life on the farm along with balllroom and square dancing.  She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Forrest.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff at Fairview Haven for their tremendous care of Marge and also to Pennie Hunter, for her sweet visits.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to Fairview Haven Retirement Community, 605 N Fourth St, Fairbury, IL  61739 or Lifesong for Orphans-Village of Hope, 202 N. Ford Street, Gridley, IL 61744.