Richard James “Dick” Latham, 90, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 9:19 A.M. Tuesday June 24, 2025, at his home. He was born July 29, 1934, in Great Falls, MT, the son of John Dee Theodore “Jack” and Lottie Sadie (Shikany) Latham. He married Sandra Doden on May 30, 1964, at the Community Bible Church in Butler, IN. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by one daughter, Vaughna (Roger) Allen of Hoopeston, IL; one son, Douglas (Kim) Latham of Carmel, IN; one sister, Ginnie Napier of Freeland, WA; eleven grandchildren, Natasha Allen and her husband, Bryan Hammond, Brenna Pantig, Aubrey Allen, Gabriel (Anya) Allen, Charis Allen, Elizabeth (Logan) Bedford, and Lauren, Rachel, William, Cole, and Kathryn Latham; and three great-grandchildren, Charles Bedford, Jade Pantig, and Evelyn Allen.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ellias and Effie Shikany and Thomas and Hilda Latham; his parents, John and Lottie Latham; his twin brother, Ronald Latham; and one sister, Marion Chastain.

Dick was a school teacher at Maple School in Hoopeston and later taught at John Greer until his retirement. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hoopeston where he was a faithful adult Sunday school teacher since 1952 and was a powerful prayer warrior. In his younger years, he was an all-state band flautist. Dick’s hobbies included gardening, drawing, and painting, and he especially loved to read. He also loved to travel and take cruises and had visited Italy, Egypt, Israel, and all 50 states.

A visitation will be held 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. Monday, June 30, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, 323 Seminary Ave., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Monday at the church, with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Navigators, 323 Seminary Ave., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Dick’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Abagail DeAnne “Abby” (Gilonske) Tilley, 42, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 2:54 P.M. Monday, June 23, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born December 31, 1982, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Walter and Mary (Jones) Gilonske. They survive in Hoopeston.  She married Harrell Tilley in Hoopeston, IL, and he survives.

She is also survived by one son, Connor Gilonske of Hoopeston, IL; two sisters, Tammy (James) Richardson of Rantoul, IL and Heather (Dean) Cloud of Hoopeston, IL; and six nieces and nephews, Mary Richardson, Skyler Holland, Nick Richardson, Jordan Richardson, Gage Cloud, and Hunter Cloud.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, eight aunts and uncles, and several cousins.

Abby was a member of the Hoopeston Community Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed playing Bingo at home, fishing, and planting flowers. She also enjoyed watching Sci-Fi movies, spending time with her family, and playing with her great-nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Hoopeston Community Church of the Nazarene, 402 E. Honeywell Ave., Hoopeston, IL, with Rev. Tom McCann officiating. No burial will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to Abby’s family.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Abby’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

John Roscoe Bray peacefully left this world to be with the Lord on June 21, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

John was born in Danville, Illinois, on May 13, 1955, to Dorothy and John Bray. He grew up in Pence, Indiana, and attended Seeger High School.

He married Sandy K. Bruens on July 29, 1999, in Hoopeston, Illinois. She survives.

John spent much of his life doing what he loved––working hard to provide for his family. John worked for years at FMC, Birkey’s, and he recently retired from KSI in Cissna Park. He also took pride in joining his dad and brother farming.

John enjoyed spending time in his garden and canning the vegetables that he grew. He spent many years in the woods hunting with his brothers and close friends. He also valued time with family, playing euchre, and talking about IU basketball. John was a dedicated Christian who found comfort each morning in his family Bible. He was a member of the Pence Methodist Church.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, John and Dorothy; his brother, Timothy J. Bray; in-laws Willard and Maurine Bruens; and brother-in-law, Steve Bruens.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Bruens Bray; his brother, Mike (Tina) Bray of Rossville; his sister, Beth Ann (Curt) Knecht of Hoopeston; and his sisters-in-law, Janie (Allan) Baker, Debbie (Kevin) Tyler, Teresa Bruens, and Jane Bray Comrie. John was the loving father of Johnny Lee (Lindsey) Bray of Springfield, Chad (Tiffany) Bruens of Oakwood, April Fowler of Danville, RaeAnn Webster of Rossville, and Sierra Davis of Danville. He was “Papa” to Taylor Fowler, Paige Warren, Madisyn Bruens, Makynzie Bruens, Noah Fowler, Peyton Warren, Will Fowler, Keatyn Bruens, Piper Bray, Jorie K. Bruens, Whitney Davis, and Dawson Foster. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and close friends are invited to join in a celebration of John’s life on July 6th at the Hoopeston Multi Agency at 206 South 1st Avenue. A memorial service will begin at 12:30 PM, followed by a celebration of life meal from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Memorials may be made in John’s name to the Hoopeston Multi Agency.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view John’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

James “Don” D. Wernigk, 78, of Potomac, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

He was born on October 22, 1946, in rural Collison, the son of Charles and Laura (Dyer) Wernigk.  He married Cherie (Jiles) Wernigk on August 3, 1969.  She survives.

He is also survived by his three children- Jennifer (Randy) Snyder, Donald (Sandra) Wernigk and Jessica Wernigk.  He was a very proud grandfather “Papa” to his six grandchildren- Jonathan (Shelbi), Brandon (Allison), Madyson, Mackenzie, Kayla and Leah and his six great-grandchildren- Samuel, Lyella, Gracie, Hallie, Stanley and Spencer.  He is also survived by two brothers, three sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Don graduated from Armstrong High School in 1964.  He served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1971.  He retired from Devro-Teepak after 41 years and was active in the UFCW Local #686 in all of those 41 years in some capacity and served as the union president for 12 years.  Don and Cherie loved living in the “burbs” of Higginsville all 56 years.  Don loved spending time with his grandkids and the littles (great grandkids) teaching all of them about animals, fishing, gardening and rural life.  Don leaves behind all of his friends he and Cherie made through the years.  He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his dog Gibbs.  Don had a passion for gardening, growing vegetables and giving his produce to others.  He loved raising chickens and selling eggs to people.  He had the biggest onion patch in Vermilion County.  He also loved hunting and being outdoors. 

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor George Desmond officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.  According to his wishes cremation rites have been arranged.  The family ask that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Collison United Methodist Church to help with their handicap ramp fund.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Don’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Charles Kenneth “Chuck” Cornell, 91, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 3:33 P.M. Saturday June 21, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 22, 1933, in Rossville, IL, the son of Arthur O. and Hattie (Bertram) Cornell. He married Charlotte Lucille Wagoner on November 24, 1954, at the Antioch Church of Christ. She preceded him in death on November 18, 2013.

He is survived by five children, Philip Charles (Carolyn) Cornell of Moore, OK, Alice (Laurence) Huffman of Woodland, IL, Don (Lori) Cornell of Rossville, IL, Dennis (Janice) Cornell of Pasadena, MD, and Debra Powell of Bloomington, IL; four sisters, Arthina Street of LA, Dorothy Swan of Paxton, IL, Carolyn (Jack) Haltiwanger of Potomac, IL, and Sharon (Jim) Pollitt of Potomac, IL;  two sisters-in-law, Marlene Cornell of Westville, IL and Susie Cornell of MN; two brothers, Bob Cornell of Alexis, IL and Melvin (Tina) Cornell of Danville, IL; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Francis (George) Cox, Helen (Jack) Bergman and Beverly (Bob) Wallace; two brothers, Ray Cornell and Dean Cornell; sister-in-law, Virginia Cornell; and brother-in-law, Don Street.

Charles worked at FMC in Hoopeston as an assembler. He also started working with his father, Arthur, as a movie projectionist at the Times Theater and Skyway Drive-In movie theater. He later helped his father at Cornell’s Garage working on small engines like mowers and weed eaters. Chuck also owned and operated Art’s Paperback Exchange in Rossville for 17 years. He served in the United States Army from March 1954-March 1957. He also dedicated 32 years serving as a Trustee on the Village of Rossville board where he helped stock 900 fish in the Rossville pond during his term. Chuck enjoyed his time volunteering at the Morning Star Food Pantry for several years. He was also a very good wood crafter and enjoyed making birdhouses, squirrel feeders, and wishing wells.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, at the funeral home with Rev. Frank Laci officiating. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Chuck to Carle Hospice.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Chuck’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

 

Mary Helen Williams, 87, of Penfield, passed away at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19th, 2025, at County Health, in Gifford.

Mary was born on November 14, 1937, in Danville, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph Francis and Flossie Elliott (Carrington) Golcynski.  She married Harold Williams on March 30, 1958, in Georgetown, Illinois.  He survives.

She is also survived by three daughters- Sue (Craig) Fruhling of St. Joseph, Kathy Remington of Penfield, Carol (Vic) Irvin of Penfield; one son- Steve (Cheryl) Williams of Penfield; nine grandchildren- Kaitlyn (Justin) Rademacher, Josey (Brooks) Breymeyer, Shawna (Troy) Jameson, Dustin (Emily) Remington, Ashley (Jacob) Pruiett, Lewis Irvin, Grace Irvin, Macey (Steven) Maul and Riley Williams; eighteen great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law- Wayne Lewis of Georgetown, Illinois and Jim Salrin of Fairmount, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters- Janet Lewis and Sue Spangler, brother- John Golcynski, two brothers-in-law- Tom Spangler and John R. Williams and sister-in-law-Annabelle Salrin.

Mary graduated from Georgetown High School, in 1955.  She worked at Kohl’s, in Champaign, until her retirement in 1997.  She also helped working on the farm as well.  She was a member of the Middlefork United Methodist Church and a member of the Women’s Group at the church.  Mary enjoyed cooking, visiting people, caring for the elderly and watching her grandchildren play sports.  She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR.  

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, at the Middlefork United Methodist Church, with Pastor George Desmond officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the church.  She will be laid to rest following the services in Partlow Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Country Health.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, to assist them in honoring Mary’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Robert Eugene “Bob” McCann, 86, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:07 P.M., Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born August 2, 1938, in Iowa, the son of Dale McCann and Rhetha (Gossett) McCann Bus. He married Jeannette Fern Mitchell on June 7, 1959.  She preceded him in death on August 5, 2014.

He is survived by three sons, Perry Wayne (Nancy) McCann of NE, David Eugene (Gidget) McCann of TN, and Steven Alan (Stacey) McCann of IL and several grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Robert was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Doris, Helen, and Judy; and three brothers, Alfie, John, and Michael.

Bob worked in maintenance at Gulbranson and later Schumacher Electric until his retirement. He also owned and operated his own general maintenance and plumbing business for over 20 years. Over the years, Robert and his wife attended the Hoopeston New Life Assembly of God, the Hoopeston West Side Church of the Nazarene, and the Hoopeston Cowboy Church. They also enjoyed singing in many area churches along with other members that came and went from their singing group. Bob always stayed busy and enjoyed tinkering around his house and garage.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Bob’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Robert Albert Pearson, 90, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 10:59 P.M. Monday, June 16, 2025, at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born on September 20, 1934, in Wellington, IL, to Albert and Hattie (Cauble) Pearson. He married June Weber of Ambia, IN, on December 27, 1954. She preceded him in death. He later married Ellen Heying in October 2005, and she also preceded him in death.

 

Robert began his career as a farmer in Ambia, IN. He received both his BS and MS degrees from Purdue and was on the Purdue staff for nine years. Starting in 1973, he was a Professional Farm Manager with the Northern Trust Company in Chicago and lived in Naperville, IL. In 1986, his division of the trust department was sold to CAPS and he continued with them and moved to Champaign in 1994 to head that office. He retired in 2000 but continued on as a real estate broker until December 2014.

Robert was a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and held the Accredited Farm Manager designation (AFM). He served on various committees in that organization, and he was a member of both the Illinois and Indiana chapter. He was a former member and director of the Chicago Farmers, and the Agricultural Economist Club of Chicago. He was also a member of Alpha Zeta, the Agricultural honorary.

 

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and a former member of the Congregational Council. He had a lifelong interest in Genealogy and History. He was a charter member of both The Iroquois County Genealogy Society and The Fox Valley Chapter Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of the Champaign County Genealogy Society, the Iroquois County Genealogy Society, and both the Piankeshaw and Fox Valley chapters of Sons of the American Revolution.

His family was the most important part of his life. He was always interested and supportive of what they would be doing, and he enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed the many trips he and June took with Kay, Mark, and Sarah when they were growing up, and visited over 35 states on those visits. If you asked him about his family, he would proudly tell you of their latest activities and perhaps pull out a picture. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s activities.

 

Robert is survived by two daughters, Kay (Dave) Haughey of Ft. Collins, CO, and Sarah (David) Garcia of St. Charles, IL; daughter-in-law, Eden Pearson; and eight grandchildren, Laura (Geoff) Haughey Moore, Dan Haughey, Mike Pearson (partner, Kelly Clancy and her daughter, Martha), Katie (Matt) Pearson Baltes, Betsy Pearson, Ellie (Austin) Pearson Noble, Gavin Garcia, and Emma Garcia. He is also survived by six great grandchildren, Kingston Mark, Lyra Jane, Vivian Caroline-Rose, Aristotle Robert, Orson Matthew, and Ingrid Rose.

 

He was also preceded in death by his son, Mark and his parents, Albert and Hattie Pearson.

 

Visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home, with Rev. Dustin Wells officiating. Burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, with Pastor Chris Repp from Grace Lutheran Church in Champaign, IL, officiating the burial service.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church food pantry, 313 South Prospect Ave, Champaign, IL 61820 or the Prairie States Christian Service Camp, P.O. Box 353, Watseka, IL 60970.

Alexis Faith Stonebraker, 25, of Hoopeston,  passed away at 3:13 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center.

 

Alexis was born on June 6, 2000, in Urbana, Illinois, the daughter of Ron Allen and Jessica Linn (James) Stonebraker. They survive. She is also survived by six brothers: Nathaniel Perkins Daniel Stonebraker, Skylar Stonebraker, Gage Stonebraker, Hunter Serpinas, and Dillon Serpinas; stepmother Donna Stonebraker; stepfather James Everhart; and grandparents Marsha Jones, Rhonda Trosper, Jr., and Judy Stonebraker. 

 

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Ronald Jones, great-grandparents Juletta Stonebraker,  Bessie Trosper, Ernest Stonebraker, Marion and Vera Thomas, and Charles and Maxine Jones. 

 

A Celebration of her Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with Pastor Mike Bennett officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.  Cremation rites will be arranged following the services. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Alexis’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family in her everlasting memorial page at: www.blurtonfuneralhomes.com

 

Barbara Jean Robinson, 89, of Clifton, IL, passed away at 2:24 P.M. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at home. She was born on November 23, 1935, in Thompsonville, IL, the daughter of Floyd and Verl (Stull) Springs. She married Dale Robinson, and he preceded her in death. She later married Billy Wilson in 2013, and he survives in Bourbonnais, IL.

She is also survived by three daughters, Cindy (Jerry) Preston of Grant Park, IL, Sabrina Grisham of Bradley, IL, and Sandy Grisham of Clifton, IL; two sons, Tom (Rhonda) Grisham of Eldorado, IL and Charles (Mary) Grisham of Donovan, IL; one sister, Linda Stoval of Mokena, IL; one brother, Leland Springs of Country Club Hills, IL; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her first husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Mike Molik; sister-in-law, Bonnie Springs; and grandson, Chris Preston.

Barbara worked at Bernard Welding in Beecher. She enjoyed raising birds and birdwatching.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Monday, June 9, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Barbara to Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T.), 901 W. Main St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Barbara’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Martin Dale “Marty” Maul, 71, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 6, 2025, at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center. He was born February 19, 1954, at Lakeview Hospital in Danville, IL, the son of Glenn Edward and Irene (Reese) Maul. He married Patricia J. Burton on August 8, 1976, at the Hoopeston Chestnut Street Church of Christ. She survives in Hoopeston.
He is also survived by two daughters, Paige (David) Abbed of Odgen, IL and Amie (Adam) Musk of Danville, IL; one sister, Gail (Randy) Lane of Hoopeston, IL; two brothers, Brian (Julie) Maul of Sparks, NV and Tim (Diane) Maul of Republic, MO; three sisters-in-law, Sandy (Kenny) Grimes of Summerset, SD, Candy (Eddie) Edwards of Hoopeston, IL, and Patty Burton of Naples, FL; four grandchildren, Harper and Lennox Musk and Aurora and Renly Abbed; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Maul and brother-in-law, Clay Burton.
Marty worked as a carpenter with his father and brothers. He then worked for Grant Township Highway Department for many years and later became the Road Commissioner. He enjoyed golfing and watching the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Illini. Most of all, Marty loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed making Christmas cookies and homemade ice cream with his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 4:00 -7:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the funeral home, with burial following in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston. To honor Marty, his family requests that you wear a golf shirt and blue jeans to his services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Marty’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Robert Lee Reece Jr., 83, of Wellington, IL, passed away at 4:58 P.M. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at his home.  He was born March 10, 1942, in Edmonton, KY, the son of Robert Lee Reece, Sr. and Mary Louise (Free) Reece.

He is survived by two daughters, Jami (Jim) Rogers of Cissna Park, IL, and Alicia Reece (Christie O’Shea) of Pittsburgh, PA; one son, Eric (Jordan) Reece of Maryville, TN; four sisters, Judy (Wes) Knapp of Cissna Park, IL, Ruth (Robert) Daugherty of Frohna, MO, Brenda (Phil) Thornton of Armstrong, IL, and Patricia (Francis) Blanchette of Kankakee, IL; seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert served in the United States Army from 1960-1964, where he was stationed in Ethiopia.  He owned and operated Radio Shack in Watseka and later Bob’s Electronics. He also worked for Fiorillo & Associates in Paxton, and Uarco in Watseka. He then did independent IT work throughout Iroquois and Ford Counties as he loved computers and electronics.  Bob enjoyed golfing, reading books, and bowling, where he was inducted into the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame for bowling a 300 game. 

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The memorial service will follow the visitation and begin at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Kathy Murphy officiating.

Memorials may be made in Robert’s name to the donor’s choice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Robert’s eternal tribute page and to send condolences to the family.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston, IL is handling the arrangements.

William D. “Bill” Arnold, 83, of Danville, IL, passed away at 4:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born December 7, 1941, in Danville, IL, the son of Clovis William and Dorothy Dale (Dickman) Arnold. He met wife, Teresa Finley, while they were both attending pilot ground school and flying lessons at Britt Aviation. They were married on June 12, 1971, at the Old Union Church in Danville. She survives in Danville, along with their daughter, Megan Arnold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clovis and Dorothy Arnold.

Bill graduated from Danville High School in the class of 1960. He served his country in the United States Army Reserves. He went on to attend Danville Junior College and Southern Illinois University. Out of college Bill was hired as an inside industrial sales representative at Esco Corp. in Danville. He retired in 2014 after 37 years as a sales representative for Pioneer Industrial Distributor, a division of A.W. Chesterton. Over the years, Bill earned many incentive trips because of his success in sales for A.W. Chesterton. He and his wife Teresa traveled to Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe several times in the ‘70’s, ‘80’s, and ‘90’s. At work, Bill always had a way of making everyone laugh by telling a funny story or joke or poking fun at himself.  Soon, everyone wanted to see him on his return visit to the plant.

Bill was a longtime member of the Danville Jaycees. He was also a member of the International Flying Farmers, owning his own airplane as he was a private pilot with an Instrument Rating.

Over the years, Bill enjoyed different hobbies which included scuba diving in college and snowmobiling in Michigan and Yellowstone many times. He was a fan of the University of Illinois sports, especially basketball. He also enjoyed watching the History Channel and loved reading History, especially biographies.

Above all, Bill was very devoted to his family. He loved taking his family to Disney World and Naples, Florida, for fun and relaxation. He always wanted to make his family happy!

Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Northside Church of Christ, 17167 E. 2750 North Road, Bismarck, IL. The memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 2:00 P.M. at the church with Mike Robling officiating. Burial will follow in Johnson Cemetery in Danville, IL.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bill to Northside Church of Christ, 17167 E. 2750 North Road, Bismarck, IL 61814 or Johnson Cemetery, West Newell Road, Danville, IL 61834.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Bill’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.  

Joan Wehrle, 61, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 10:43 A.M. Monday, June 2, 2025, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, IL.  She was born August 9, 1963, in Kankakee, IL, the daughter of Charles “Chuck” and Nicolene (Raimondo) Wehrle.

Joan is survived by her mother, Nicolene Wehrle of Bourbonnais, IL; four daughters, Melissa (Matt) Adams of Bismarck, IL, Amanda Conover of Hoopeston, IL, Heather Smothers of Hoopeston, IL, and Jennifer Conover of Hoopeston, IL; three brothers, Patrick (Michelle) Wehrle of Bourbonnais, IL, Robert “Bob” (Margaret) Wehrle of Aroma Park, IL, and Matt (Rachel) Wehrle of Danforth, IL; seven grandchildren, Alexa, Lukas, Todd, Nikki, Leelan, Serenity, and Roy; four nieces and nephews, Miranda (Ben) Korhorn, Ryan Wehrle, Andrew Wehrle, and Valerie Wehrle; and one great niece, Phoebe Korhorn.

She was preceded in death by her father; maternal grandmother; paternal grandfather; one uncle, John; and two cousins, Brian and Sara.

Joan worked for Schumacher Electric for over twenty years.  She then worked for Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living, Linzer, and The Pit Stop Restaurant.  She was a member of the Maternity BVM Catholic Church and later Antioch Church of Christ, where she was baptized. Joan enjoyed going to the NHRA drag races, being outdoors, gardening, tending to her flowers, and spending time with her grandchildren.

A visitation will be held 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Maternity BVM Catholic Church, 308 East Marsile St., Bourbonnais, IL, with a visitation being held prior from 9:30 A.M. until the 11:00 mass. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 1839 Illinois 102, Bourbonnais, IL.

Memorials may be made in memory of Joan to Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Joan’s eternal tribute page and to send condolences to the family.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Connie Shepherd, of Paxton, Illinois, departed for Heaven May 29th at 2:40 pm. She was surrounded by her family and one close friend. Connie was 76.

She was born on July 23, 1948, in Watseka, Illinois. Connie is survived by son, Tony Aericko of Paxton, IL and daughter Gina Staska (Bob) McGregor of MN, as well as five grandchildren, Stacia Staska, Billy Staska, Anthony John Aericko, Lilltith Aericko and John Anthony Areicko, one great-grandson Colt Aericko. She is survived by three siblings, Tim Casper, Marion Ark, Judy Casper of Dugger, IN and Tom Casper of Valparaiso, IN.

Preceding her in death were her parents Ruth (Arends) Casper and Tony Casper of Cissna IL, brother Jim Casper of Cissna Park, IL, one son, Christopher Aericko Bismark, MO and her soul mate and beloved husband Jerry Allen of Loda, IL.

Connie retired from The State of Illinois Public Aide Office. She worked there from Aug 8, 1988, till Dec.31, 2011.  She also worked as a Mail Carrier in Kankakee, IL from Sept 16,1966 till Sept 16, 1969. She was the first female to have a walking route before being promoted postal route driver. Connie was known for her unwavering faith and kindness. She was always sharing her or Jesus with all she met.

A Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Bible Baptist Church, 201 N. Century Blvd. Rantoul, Illinois.  According to her wishes cremation rites have been accorded.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, to assist them in honoring Connie’s life.  The family requests that all donations be made to the Bible Baptist Church of Rantoul, IL in her honor.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.