Lola Bailey
Lola F. Bailey, 90, of Danforth, formerly of Onarga, died at 5:55 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009 at
Provena St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. Her funeral service was held on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at the
Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga with Rev. Elizabeth Reis officiating. Burial was in the Wenger
Cemetery in Gilman.
Lola was born on May 11, 1919 in Gilman to Conrad and Gladys Fae (Hamer) Sharp. She worked in
the office and retired from Louis Melind Co. She married Harold D. Bailey on September 14, 1940 in
Perryville, MO. He preceded her in death on September 24, 1976.
Survivors include three sons, Robert (Sally) Bailey of Bolivar, MO, Jerry (Catherine) Bailey of Ashkum
and Alan (Kay) Bailey of Watseka; one daughter, Linda (Jerry) Gourley of Thawville, nine grandchildren,
20 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.
Lola was a member of the Onarga United Methodist Church. She enjoyed flowers, crocheting and
visiting with friends.
Memorials may be made to the Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth or the Donor’s Choice.
Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. Please sign the guestbook at www.
knappfuneralhomes.com.
Luella Sprehe
Luella A. Caisse Sprehe, 84, of Paxton, died on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. at Carle
Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Her funeral service was held on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Knapp-Miller
Funeral Home in Paxton with Rev. Neil Larimore officiating. Burial was in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery
in Buckley.
Luella was born on June 29, 1925 in Miami County, IN to Binch and Ina (Bone) Finch. She was a
homemaker and worked part time at Howard County School in Indiana. She married William Caisse
and he preceded her in death in October 1956. She then married Albert H. Sprehe in Buckley on June
1, 1963. He died on February 21, 2004.
Survivors include four sons, Tom Caisse of Champaign, Bob Caisse of Foristell, MO, Kenny Caisse
of Paxton and Danny Caisse of Jacksonville, FL; one daughter Mary Bentley of Greentown, IN; one
sister, Joan Hardesty of Kokomo, IN; one brother, Robert Finch of Kokomo, IN; one special niece,
Gloria (Scott) Stuart of Kansas City, MO; 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by six brothers, three sisters and one son, Bill Caisse.
Luella was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buckley.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buckley, the Buckley American Legion or
the Donor’s Choice. Arrangements by the Knapp-Miller Funeral Home in Paxton. Please sign the
guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
Harry Koets
Harry Edwin Koets, 86, of Gilman, died at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at VA Illiana
Health Care System in Danville. His funeral service was held on June 29, 2009 at the Redenius Funeral
Home in Gilman with Rev. James Small officiating. Entombment was in the Gilman Mausoleum.
Harry was born on March 9, 1923 in Gilman to Peter and Kate (Spoolstra) Koets. He graduated from
Gilman High School. He owned and operated Koets Auto Body Shop that was founded by his father in
1935. He retired in 1986.
Harry is survived by two sisters, Esther Bonis of Rochester, NY and Pearl (Roger) Northcott of San
Gabriel, CA; one brother Glenn (Betty) Koets of Deerfield and many nieces, nephews and great nieces
and nephews.
He is preceded in death by two brothers, Floyd and Russell.
Harry was a WWII Army Veteran. A Rifleman in Company L, 165th Infantry, 27th Division. He was in
the Battle of Okinawa and was awarded a Bronze Battle Star, Infantry Combat Badge and a Purple
Heart.
Harry was a 63 year member of the Gilman American Legion Post 499, life member of Veteran’s of
Foreign War and Military Order of Purple Heart. Also Past President of the Gilman Chamber of
Commerce and President of the Gilman Mausoleum which he volunteered in keeping the Mausoleum
repaired and painted.
Harry was also a member of the Kaiser Frazer Club and the Jeepster Club. He restored many older
cars and loved driving them in the country to car show.
Memorials may be made to the Gilman American Legion Post 499 or the Salvation Army.
Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Please sign the guestbook at www.reden
iusfuneralhomes.com.
Lee Behrends
Lee D. Behrends, 80, of Clifton, died at 4:55 a.m. on June 28, 2009 at Provena St. Marys Hospital in
Kankakee. Cremation rites were accorded and a memorial service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2009
at Zion Lutheran Church in Clifton with Revs. Peter Hinrich and William Callister officiating. Interment of
ashes will be at a later date.
Lee was born on January 25, 1929 in rural Clifton to Herman and Mabel (Corbin) Behrends. He
served in the Korean war in the US Army and worked as a farmer and salesman for Hinrich, Inc.
Hardware for many years. He married Helen Joyce Rutherford in Kankakee on September 5, 1953.
She survives.
Other survivors include three sons, James (Lisa) Behrends of Kankakee, Donald (fiancé-Katie
Morris) Behrends and Robert (Valerie) Behrends of Brighton; two sisters, Betty (Fred) Krueger of
Ashkum and Glendola (Roger) Meyer of Gilman; three brothers, Dale (Sandra) Behrends of Clifton,
Roger (Amy) Behrends of Tuscola and Larry (Tana) Behrends of Clifton; seven grandchildren and two
great- grandchildren.
Lee was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Clifton and the Clifton American Legion.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the families wishes. Arrangements by Knapp Funeral
Home in Clifton. Please sign the guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
Carolyn Poulson Lawrence
Carolyn Poulson Lawrence, daughter of Leo and Dorothy Poulson, former Onarga residents, died in
Lehigh Acres, FL on June 2, 2009. A memorial service and internment will be held at a later date in
McHenry.
Carolyn was born on September 2, 1932 and attended Onarga Grade School until the family moved
to Palmyra, WI in 1948. She was married to Gilbert Congdon in Wisconsin. After his death she later
married Leonard Lawrence of McHenry, who is also deceased.
Survivors include children, Ken (Lynn) Congdon of Lehigh Acres, Steve (Judy) Congdon of McHenry
and Lea (Roy) Pasternock of Wonder Lake; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; one
brother, Dan (Jean) Poulson of Palmyra, WI and one sister, Suzanne (Clayton) Hansen of Minong, WI.
Benjamin Newman
Charles Benjamin "Ben" Newman, 53, of Gilman, died at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009, at the
Gilman Healthcare Center following a two-year illness. His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m.
on Tuesday, July 7 at the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman with Rev. Neil Larimore officiating.
He was born May 4, 1956 in Watseka, a son of Lowell M. and Lavonne (Goudy) Beavers. He was
adopted and raised by Wilson L. and Carol Fern (Shoufler) Newman. He was married to Verginia
"Ginny" Wasmer on Oct. 19, 1991 in Livingston County. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Lyn (Randi) Vaughn of Coer D Alene, ID; his adoptive father, Wilson
"Bud" Newman of California; two sisters, Linda (John) Klemme of Fowler, IN and Barbara (Jim) Davis
of Milford; three brothers, Michael (Teri) Beavers of Richland, WA, Tom (Susie) Beavers of
Edwardsville, and Bill (Jo) Newman of Joliet; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his biological parents and his adoptive mother, Carol.
Ben was a water and sewer treatment plant operator and also painted houses with Rick Ishmiel. He
enjoyed nature and the outdoors, especially camping, fishing and rock hounding.
Memorials may be made to his family. Please sign the guestbook at www.redeniusfuneral homes.
com.
Delmar Stein
Delmar Merle Stein, 84, of Gilman, died at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at his home
following a sudden illness. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Redenius Funeral
Home in Gilman. The funeral service will be held Friday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum
officiated by Rev. Jan Horne. Burial will be in the Ashkum Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by
the VFW Post 7450 and American Legion Post 23 of Watseka.
Delmar was born Sept. 24, 1924 in Danforth, the son of George and Gertie (Peters) Stein. His
childhood was spent in the Danforth and Ashkum area where he attended Ashkum and Clifton schools.
He married Alice Georgia Brinkman on Sept. 20, 1950 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum. They
moved to Gilman in 1992. She died on Jul. 2, 1999.
He is survived by one daughter, Sharon Sue Stein of Lakeland, FL; one son, John (Marcia) Stein of
Ashkum; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Delmar was a WW2 Army veteran and a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum. He was a
farmer and had also worked at Ropers.
Please sign the guestbook at www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com.
Robert Meyer
Robert E. Meyer of Ocean Springs, MS, died on April 19, 2009. A memorial service for Mr. Meyer will
be held at the Onarga Cemetery on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Elizabeth Reis
officiating and with Military Rites by the Onarga American Legion Post #551.
Arrangements by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga. Please sign the guestbook at www.
knappfuneralhomes.com.
Doris Pankey
Doris June Pankey, 80, of Gilman, died at 12:59 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the Riverside
Medical Center in Kankakee following a short illness. Her funeral services were held on Wednesday,
June 24, 2009 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Danforth with Rev. John Schmeling officiating. Burial
was in Danforth Cemetery.
June was born on June 10, 1929 in Danforth to Albert and Elsie (Tripton) Johnson. Her childhood was
spent in Danforth. She attended rural Danforth Schools. She graduated from Gilman High School. She
received a Master’s Degree from Illinois State University in Normal. She taught Elementary Education
for 43 years in Onarga, Danforth and Gilman. She married Aulcy F. Pankey on November 24, 1948 in
Danforth. He died on November 16, 1987.
Survivors include two sons, Frank Pankey of Sibley and Larry (Rebecca) Pankey of Gilman; four
grandchildren; Jason Pankey, Jeremy (Trixie) Pankey, Chad (Tracie) Panke and Kara (Nick) Hamilton;
five great grandchildren, Emily, Cole, Mckina, Ty and Jace and one sister, Ruth Henrichs of Mt. Pulaski.
She is preceded in death by two sisters, Edith Depler and Phyllis Tammen and one brother Vincent
Johnson.
June was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church of Danforth. She was a reading mentor for Iroquois
West School. She enjoyed her grandchildren, reading and all sports.
Memorials may be made to the Gilman-Danforth District Library.
Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Please sign the guestbook at www.reden
iusfuneralhomes.com.
Leslie Hagood
Leslie “Les” Hagood, 95, of Gilman, died at 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the Gilman
Healthcare Center in Gilman. At Leslie’s request, there will be no visitation or services.
Les was born on September 29, 1913 in Watseka to Harry B. and Hattie (Wockner) Hagood. His
childhood was spent in Milford. He graduated from Milford High School. He married Marjorie P.
Johnson on December 22, 1950 in Milford. She survives.
Other survivors include three sons, Leslie Edd Hagood of Gilman, Patrick Hagood of Urbana and
Christopher (Sandy) Hagood of Scottsdale, AZ; two grandchildren, Cody and Maddie and several
nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by one son, Michael Jo; three sisters, Marie Houston, Grace Miller and
Florence Callahan and one brother Harry E. Hagood.
Leslie was a member of the Gilman United Methodist Church. He was a WWII Army Veteran. Leslie
was a member of the Clifton V.F.W. 2131, Gilman American Legion Post 499 and Farm Bureau. He
was a truck driver and hauled cars for Arco of Kenosha, WI Auto Carriers in the east for many years.
Memorials may be made to the Gilman United Methodist Church.
Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Please sign the guestbook at www.reden
iusfuneralhomes.com.
Lois Miller
Lois Lucille Miller, 81, of Danforth died at 8:44 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the Riverside
Medical Center in Kankakee. Her funeral was held on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the Danforth
Reformed Church with Rev. Donald J. MacDonald III officiating. Burial was in the Danforth Cemetery.
Lois was born on January 7, 1928 in Crescent City to Herman and Cora (Koets) Kremer. Her
childhood was spent in rural Onarga. She attended Onarga Country School and graduated from
Crescent City High School. She married Leo Robert Miller on February 6, 1947 at the Danforth
Reformed Church in Danforth. He died on February 9, 1990.
Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn Johnson (Don Salzman) of Bradley and Marlene (Rick)
Adams of Millington; two sons, Mark (Debbie) Miller of Danfroth and Marlin (Sherrie) Miller of
Lexington; two sisters, Myrtle (Clarence) Saxsma of Clifton and Ruth (David) DeVries of Elgin; twelve
grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and special friend, Almon Saxsma
of Danforth.
She is preceded in death by her husband and a brother.
Lois was a member of the Danforth Reformed Church, the Altruist Circle and the Couples Club. She
worked as a Nurses Aid at the Gilman Nursing Home and also was a receptionist for Dr. Pat DeVas
for 25 years at the Danforth office. She loved being with family and friends and enjoyed crocheting.
Memorials may be made to the Danforth Reformed Church or Youth for Christ.
Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Please sign the guestbook at www.reden
iusfuneralhomes.com.
Ryan King
Ryan Allen King, 28, of Watseka, formerly of Gilman, died at 12:32 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at
the Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, due to injuries received in a motorcycle accident. Visitation
will be today (Thursday) from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman. Funeral
services will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Church in Watseka with Pastor Chris Lentz
officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.
Ryan was born Aug. 11, 1980 in Kankakee, a son of Richard A. King and Debra K. Holliman Mueller.
He spent his childhood in the Watseka and Gilman areas attending schools in both communities. He
graduated from Iroquois West High School in 1998.
He married Haley M. Blair on Sept. 24, 2005, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. She survives.
Also surviving are his father, Richard King, of Watseka; his mother, Debra K. (Lyal) Mueller of Gilman;
his mother- and father-in-law, Doug and Dondi Blair of Danville; two sisters, Richele Pon and Tyra
Mueller of Gilman; one brother, Tyran Muller of Gilman; foster sister and brother, Travis Ravens and
Daisy Dufour of Gilman; sister-in-law Lindsay Blair of Normal; step-brothers and step-sisters Noel (Jim)
Eden, Mistie (Mark) Schoon, all of Danforth, Milo (Crystol) Cross of Norfolk, VA, Angel (Rob) Schoon of
Pontiac, Chris (Bill) Oster and Dustin Conrad, all of Danforth, and Mandi (Ron) Troli of L'Erable;
paternal grandparents Richard and Jane King of Sheldon; maternal grandparents Maxine and Gary
Minard and Margaret Holliman, all of Watseka; grandparents-in-law Rolland and Nancy Zachgo of
Onarga, and Charlene Blair of Gilman; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Charlene King; his grandfather, Gene Holliman; and
his grandfather-in-law, Donald Blair.
Ryan was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman and also attended Trinity Church in
Watseka. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees and was a railroad
mechanic for the Canadian National Railroad. He enjoyed stock car racing, motorcycle riding, hunting,
fishing, boating, camping and grilling out. Ryan took great pleasure in vacationing in tropical
destinations with his wife.
Memorials may be made to the Christian Motorcycle Association or to the donor's choice. Please sign
the guestbook at www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| OBITUARIES |
