Willie L. Anderson, 90, of Lexington, passed away at 3:15 a.m. Friday (Feb. 1, 2019) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Lexington Community Center, 207 W. Main St., with the Rev. Bill Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Lexington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Community Center and one hour prior to the service Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Lexington Community Church or the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum. Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home, Lexington, is assisting the family with services.
He was born April 17, 1928, in Chenoa, to Willie D. and Bessie Coyle Anderson. He married Edna Marie Brown on Sept. 8, 1945, in St. Louis, Mo. She survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Ronald (Donna Terven), Lexington; Randy (Ann) and Rick (Diane), both of Clinton. He had seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are three brothers, Bob Anderson, Gibson City, and David and Edward Anderson, both of Towanda; and two sisters, Bernice Climpson and Sharon Sleeter.
He had owned and operated Willie Anderson Trucking in Lexington since 1947. His whole life was dedicated to trucking. His trucking business was an original carrier on the historic roadway. He was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in 2006. He was one of the first members of the Lexington Jaycees and a past president of a businessmen’s organization in Lexington. He was a hard worker for the Taste of Country Fair for many years and helped every year with the kiddie rides. He enjoyed helping anyone in need of something to be fixed — his shop was always open. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends; playing pool; spending winters in Mesa, Ariz., with Edna; and taking the little ones for rides in his little Model T car. He was a member of Lexington Community Church in Lexington. He loved the Lord and had a wonderful servant heart. His smile will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

​Marjorie Jean Vetter, 92, of Sibley, died at 11:03 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City.

Marjorie was born on September 16, 1926 in Bloomington, IL, a daughter of John Gray and Louise Schleeter Canute. She married Ernest L. Vetter on April 8, 1944 in Decatur. Ernest and Marjorie were married for 69 years, he preceded her in death on October 16, 2013.

Surviving are her children, Neva (Jim Abbey) Rohrer of Sibley, John (Valerie Gruss) Vetter of Lincroft, New Jersey, Paul (Marge) Vetter of Sibley and Stanley (Suzanne) Vetter of Sibley; daughters-in-law, Gwen (Clayton) James of Downs and Maria Santucci of Champaign; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren and her sister, Connie (Larry) Abrams of Lake Wales, Florida.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Jim and Bruce, her brother, Delmar (Verta) Canute, son-in-law, Robert Rohrer and daughter-in-law, Joan Calloway Vetter.

Marjorie was a member of the Sibley United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, a board member and the Methodist Women group. She worked along side her husband in the grain and livestock business.

A private celebration of life service will be held at Rosenbaum Funeral Home in Gibson City. Memorials may be made to Fairview Haven Nursing Home, ALS or The Alzheimer's Association.

Laura Wenger, 101, of Fairbury IL, passed away at 6:30 am on January 1,2019 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community in Fairbury Illinois.

She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church, Forrest where funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2019 with Ministers of the church officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on Thursday morning prior to services at the church. Burial will be held following services at the South Apostolic Christian Cemetery in rural Fairbury.Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Haven Retirement Community in Fairbury, IL. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Forrest is handling arrangements for the family. 

Laura was born August 1, 1917 in Fairbury Illinois, a daughter of Edward and Anna (Peter) Wenger. She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Clarence, Raymond, and Albert Wenger, three sisters: Aldine Wackerle, Wilma Fischer, and Edna Wiegand, and one niece: Mattie Kaeb. She is survived by her 13 nieces and nephews. 

She did domestic work and was a wonderful caretaker to her parents and sister, Aldine. Laura was a loving aunt and always will to lend a hand. She will be missed.

BONDVILLE — Dorothy Ellen Nickell was born on June 23, 1932, in Union City, Tenn., the daughter of Thelbert Carter Matlock and Dorothy Rankin Matlock. She later lived in Cairo, Ill., and Urbana. Dorothy passed away Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Fairbury.

She married Paul Lewis Nickell in Champaign on June 24, 1950. They had five children. She later married John Tollensdorf on June 25, 2011.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Sr.; son, Paul Jr.; granddaughter, Brittani Endres; grandson, Chris Craig; and brother, Bert Matlock.

She is survived by her husband, John Tollensdorf; daughters, Vicki (Bill) Craig of Mahomet, Carol (Jim) Schulze of Dewey and Kathy (Bill) Endres of Chatsworth; son, Bruce (Jamie) Nickell of Bondville; daughter-in-law, Nancy Nickell-Mastney of Mahomet; brother, David (ZoeAnn) Matlock; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy graduated from Urbana High School then attended the University of Illinois with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. While at the university, she served as president of Kappa Delta Pi educational honorary sorority and was a 50-year member of Tri Delta sorority.

Mrs. Nickell was an elementary teacher for 30 years in the Mahomet-Seymour school district and served as president and chief negotiator for the Mahomet-Seymour Education Association. She belonged to the Illinois Education and National Education Association of teachers. Professionally, Dorothy was an instructor of teachers for 10 years, giving teacher workshops throughout central Illinois for Northern Illinois University in the Champaign, Danville, Decatur and Springfield Regional Service Centers. For her work with teachers and students, Dorothy was honored by the state of Illinois as Outstanding Teacher, "Those Who Excel" Award in 1980. She also received the "Award of Excellence" from the Illinois Math and Science academy in 1988.

Upon retirement in 1994, she attended Garrett Theological Seminary at Evanston and became the Rev. Nickell in the United Methodist Church. She served churches at Fairview, Indianola and Mt. Vernon United Methodist Churches between 1994-1998.

In community work, Mrs. Nickell was president of the Champaign County Homemakers Extension and the Bondville-Seymour Home Extension Unit from 1996-1998. She enjoyed reading, being a master gardener, photography, doll collecting, teaching and being with her family and friends.

After Dottie and John were married, they enjoyed extensive traveling together between their homes in Bondville and Lakeland Florida and cruising with family and friends to various locations around the planet.

Memorials can be made to the Mahomet Seymour Education Foundation for future scholarships to be given in her name and the Bondville United Methodist Church.
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Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, and funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at Grace Church of Mahomet. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.
Arrangements were handled by Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy 

Melvin Steffen, 97, of Forrest formerly of Gibson City, died at 6:56am, December 27,2018, at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Mel was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Forrest where his funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, December 31, 2018. Ministers of the church will be officiating.
Burial will be in the North Apostolic Christian Cemetery, rural Forrest.

Visitation will be from 9-10:45am on Monday, also at the church.
Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Fairview Haven Retirement Community, 605 N. 4th St., Fairbury, IL 61739.

Mel was born December 14, 1921 in Elgin, IL the son of Jonathan and Ida Wewetzer Steffen.  He married Leona C. Wiegand on February 15, 1948 in Forrest, IL.  She survives in Fairbury.

Also surviving are two sister, Betty Wiegand of Eureka, and Judy (Dick) Klopfenstein of Elgin; one brother, John (Wava) Steffen of Elgin; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Edward, Dave and Elmer Steffen, and sisters, Marian Miller and Ada Mae Schrock.  

Mel owned grocery stores in Gibson City and Melvin for over 30 years. He served in the United States Army during WWII.

Bernard Wade “Bud” Kelson, 81, Fairbury, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 1:40 am December 20, 2018 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
His funeral will be 10:00 am Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the Apostolic Christian Church, Fairbury with ministers of the church officiating.  Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery, Fairbury.
Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 pm Friday, December 21, 2018 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and 9:00 to 9:45 am Saturday at the church.  The family suggests memorials be given to Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury or Apostolic Christian LifePoints, Morton.
Bud was born March 14, 1937 in Weston, IL the son of Bernard O. and Margaret Wade Kelson.  He married Sharon Leona Moser on December 11, 1955 in Fairbury.  She survives in Fairbury.
Other survivors include their children, Paul (Sherri) Kelson, Normal, Mike (Jacque) Kelson, East Peoria, Carol (Ben) Kafer, Fairbury, Robert (Christy) Kelson, Danvers, Betty (Jeff) Metroz, Fairbury, one brother, David Kelson, Somerset, KY, two sisters, Joan Merrill, Naperville and Jeannette Bahler, Fairbury, 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.
Bud worked at Hicks Gas Station (11 years), Nussbaum Trucking (31 years), Prairie Central School Bus driver (10years) and drove cars for Lighthouse Motors (10 years).  He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church, Fairbury.
Bud was an avid fisherman who loved his children, grandchildren, church family and numerous friends. 

​Fairbury - Wayne Henry Petersen, 87, of Fairbury died at 11:10am, Sunday, December 2nd at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
His memorial service will be held 11:00am, Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Colfax. Pr. Tom Krieger will officiate.
 Visitation will be held from 4-8:00pm, Friday, December 7, 2018 at the Petersen Chevrolet car dealership, Rt 24, Fairbury and one hour prior to the memorial service at the church.
Burial of his ashes will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.
 Memorials may be made to Colfax Restoration Project for the Armed Forces memorial or the donor’s choice.  
 
Wayne was born at home in rural Colfax, Illinois on Friday, November 13, 1931 to Henry and Minnie (Dringenberg) Petersen.  He attended the Maple Schoolhouse in Lawndale Township.  He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  He farmed in and near Lawndale Township for 50 years and served as a trustee of that township for 8 years.  He was a veteran of the US Army and served from 1952-54.  During that time he saw combat while a member of the 25th Infantry Division, 27th Wolfhound Pack Regiment in Korea where he quickly rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. His final act as a member of the U.S. military was to offer a very proud first salute to his grandson, Luke Buchs, at Luke’s officer commissioning ceremony in 2007.
 
Wayne married Wilma Cramer on August 27, 1950.  After 50 blessed years of marriage, she preceded him in death in 2000.  He married Betty Peters in 2003.  She survives him.
 
He was the father of three children, Marcia Buchs (Gary), Colfax; Marc (Kelli) of Gibson City; and Mike (Kimberly) of Cropsey.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, Luke (Danielle) Buchs, Clare (Bill) Malott, Brett (Vanessa) Petersen, Sarah Petersen, Eli Petersen and Erin (Josh) Ifft. He has seven great grandchildren, Anna, Henry Wayne and Mae Buchs; Emery, Peyton, and soon to join us, Ava Petersen; and Eva Ifft. He is also survived by stepson Michael (Rita) Peters, step grandchildren Melissa (Ryan) Rich and Darrin (Lindsey) Peters, and step great-grandchildren, Morgan and Adam Baillie, and Tinley and Trey Peters.
 
Mr. Petersen was preceded in death by three younger brothers: Loren Dean in 1973, Gene Allen in 2005, Larry Eugene in infancy and a sister, Darlene Bruley in 2014.  His sister, Viola (Frank) Paulus of Chicago survives him.     
 
Mr. Petersen was the owner of Petersen Motors in Fairbury.  He started his career as a Chrysler-Plymouth car dealer in Anchor in 1954 in partnership with his father and brother, Dean.  He and his brother purchased the former Claudon Motors in Fairbury in 1969.  In 1975 he purchased Fairbury Auto and added Chevrolet-Buick brands to the dealership.  Both dealerships were moved from Main Street Fairbury out to a new building on Rt 24 in 1978.  In 1987 he purchased Jones Motors in Gibson City with his two sons and opened a Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership in that town. Mr. Petersen retired from the dealerships in 1995.  He weathered many ups and downs in the car business during his 50 years, but never lost his enthusiasm or appreciation for a fine ride.  Throughout his lifetime he was avid traveler starting with a road trip to California at age 16 with his 18 year old cousin in 1947.  In 1995 he started wintering in Arizona and enjoyed many winters there with his snowbird friends.  
 
He was a board member of and served as president of the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce.  He also served in leadership positions of the Dealer Advisory Council at various levels for Chrysler, Chevrolet, and Buick.
 
Wayne came from a line of men known for their natural mechanical skills.  He shared these skills freely with his family and others and nurtured them in his own children.  His grandchildren never worried when they broke something because they knew Grandpa could fix it. He was beloved by both family and friends and will be sorely missed.

Fairbury – Mary Ellen Nylander, 90, of Fairbury, passed away at 7:15pm, November 17, 2018, at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Her funeral will be held at 10:00am, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury. Pastor Tom Krieger will be officiating.
Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.
Visitation will be held from 4-8:00pm, Tuesday, November 20,2018, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and one hour prior to services on Wednesday.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, South Eastern Livingston County Ambulance Service, or Alzheimer’s Association.
Mary Ellen was born December 19, 1927, in Fairbury, the daughter of Edward and Amelia Metz Zimmerman.
She married Wendell Nylander on July 27, 1947, in Chenoa. He passed away September 4, 1994.
Surviving are her daughter Peggy Jean (Richard) Peterson of Brenham, TX; grandchildren, Melissa (Jeff) Nagel of Fairbury, Jeff (Kristi) Story of TN, Ben Peterson and Jimmi Peterson both of TX, Tara (Mike) Norris of Fairbury, and Chris Bivens of KY; 15 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Carol Nylander of Chicago; son -in-law, Jim Story of White House, TN; and sister, Arlene Walter of Fairbury.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Butch Nylander; daughter, Barb Story; grandson, Nathan Nylander; three brothers and four sisters.
Mary Ellen owned and operated Nylander’s Flowers and Gifts in Fairbury for 13 years.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury where she was member of and co-president of many organizations and a Sunday school teacher for 20 years.
Mary Ellen was named Citizen of the Year in 2000.

Support Fairview Haven and another worthy cause - Galilean Home Ministries. We will have a package on the Harvest of Sharing Auction with an overnight stay at Horse & Buggy Country Inn and gift certificate for Bread of Life Cafe near the Galilean Home in Liberty, KY. 

Ronald W. Vedder, 82, Fairbury, died at 6:10 am Monday, October 15, 2018 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
His funeral will be 10:30 am Friday, October 19, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, Fairbury with Pastor Ann Champion officiating.  Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.  Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and 9:30 to 10:15 am Friday at the church.  The family suggests memorials be given to the Indian Creek Golf and Country Club or Southeastern Livingston County Ambulance Service, both in Fairbury.
Ron was born January 11, 1936 in Jacksonville, IL the son of Jesse and Clara Lacey Vedder.  He married Shirley Sperry on November 7, 1954 in Jacksonville.  She survives in Fairbury.
Other survivors include a daughter, Deborah (John) Kaisner, a son, Randall Vedder, both of Fairbury, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a sister, Betty Pennell, O’Fallen.
He is preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Ron was a career police officer serving as Chief in Paxton, IL before entering the Illinois State Police Academy in 1968.  He served twenty-five years with the District #6 Illinois State Police retiring as a Master Sergeant.
Ron was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #41, the First United Methodist Church, Indian Creek Golf and Country Club, both of Fairbury.  He was an avid hunter of deer, pheasant and quail.  He also raised German short hair bird dogs for many years.

Ivan Steidinger, 88, Fairbury and formerly of Forrest, died at 5:25 am Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

His funeral will be 10:00 am Monday, October 8, 2018 at the Apostolic Christian Faith Church, Fairbury with ministers of the church officiating.  Burial will be in the South Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery, rural Fairbury.  Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and 9:00 to 9:45 am Monday at the church.  The family suggests memorials be given to Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Mr. Steidinger was born June 13, 1930 in Forrest, IL the son of Joseph and Bertha Ifft Steidinger.  He married Kathryn Margaret Schaffer on January 15, 1956 in Forrest.  She preceded him in death on November 13, 2011.

Survivors include his children, Ray (Shelly) Steidinger, Strawn, Kathy (Dan) Banwart, Forrest, Glen (Holly) Steidinger, Fairbury, Linda (Bob) Anliker, Forrest, Lyle (Sonia) Steidinger, Paris, France, Roger (Sheila) Steidinger, Forrest, 30 grandchildren, 73 great grandchildren, 5 sisters, Alta, Vera, Doris, Edna and Alice Steidinger, Fairbury, 2 brothers, George Steidinger, Fairbury and Joseph (Dorothy) Steidinger, Forrest.
He is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Wendell Dotterer, sister, Norma Steidinger and brother, Richard Steidinger.

Mr. Steidinger was a lifetime farmer and a member of the Apostolic Christian Faith Church, Fairbury.
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The family would like to thank Fairview Haven Retirement Community for the excellent care provided to Ivan.  Their efforts will never be forgotten.