Have you noticed the candles in the windows? This was the creative idea of some of our supporters. They donated candles for all the residents' windows to give us hope during this cold winter season as we continue with quarantine. And they shared Candle in the Window - a Lamplighter Theatre audio story of hope. ​

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.

Click the link below to see our celebrity featured on the front page of today's Pantagraph -

​https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/watch-now-103-year-old-fairbury-woman-a-bright-spot-during-pandemic/article_2a140fa6-3c0e-566d-ab16-a42a736ba1fb.html

interviewed today ... watch the Pantagraph for a story about her life.

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.

A big event today for a lovely lady who is celebrating 103! She got a new walker.

​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.