Sharon R. Thompson

Canton- Sharon R. Thompson, 79, of Canton, passed away at 2:16 PM on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on August 31, 1943 in Bushnell, Illinois, a daughter of Charles and Katherine (Brooks) Jones. She married Kenneth H. Thompson on August 12, 1963 in Denver, Colorado. He preceded her in death on August 30, 2020.

Also preceding her in death is her parents.

Surviving are her children, Daniel (Frances) Thompson of Kane, Illinois; Darrin Thompson of Canton; Sara (Tony) Bassett of Canton; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Johnny Jones of Prairie City.

Sharon worked and retired as a real estate broker after 20 years, and owned and operated the Orchard Hill Farm in Lewistown with her husband, Kenneth for 28 years. She was a member of Waterford Union Church in rural Lewistown.

A memorial visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. Per Sharon’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Burial of ashes with take place at a later date, along with her husband’s ashes. Memorials can be made to Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, Garden Valley, Texas 75771. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Linda Sue Jockisch

Cuba- Linda Sue Jockisch, 71, of Cuba, passed away at 2:46 AM on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Macomb Post Acute Care Center in Macomb, IL. She was born on September 24, 1951 in Canton, IL; a daughter of Floyd and Doris (Hawkins) Carnes. She first married James Ewing and later married Caleb William “Bill” Jockisch on October 5, 1974 in Canton, IL. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by four children, Chad (Melana) Ewing, Brett Ewing, Angie (Lonnie) Burgus, and Amanda Jockisch; one step-son, Bill (Sherri) Jockisch Jr.; her beloved bearded dragon “Itty Bitty;” 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Carnes; and her sister, Cathy (Jim) Manley.

Linda is also preceded in death by her parents; and two step-children, Lynn Bucy and Brian Jockisch.

Throughout her life, Linda was an amazing homemaker and she worked in the Day and Palin Deli in Lewistown for 10 years. She loved to read and write, especially letters to and from pen pals, and play sudoku. She loved her tuxedo cats, spending time with grandchildren and shopping with her daughters. 

Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Waterford Cemetery in Rural Lewistown, IL. Rev. Kevin Van Tine will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Cancer Society. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Gerald Reneau

Gerald Reneau, 75, of Canton, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023 at his residence.

He was born on August 18, 1948 in Canton to Verle and Viola (Thompson) Reneau. They preceded him in death.

He married Sharon Davis. She also preceded him in death.

Surviving are two sons, Jay (Charity) Reneau of Canton, Jim (Michaela) Reneau of Peoria, eight grandchildren, Haley, Ezra, Geovanni, Shane, Paris, Mira, Ben and Lucas and four great grandchildren, Liam, Jaxson, Hunter and Briggs.

Also preceding him in death are three brothers, Steve and Denny and one infant brother, Michael.

Gerald served in the U.S. Army and later retired from Graham Hospital in Canton for almost 30 years. He was a member of the Canton Elks Lodge #626, Canton VFW and American Legion.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. There will be no services

Memorials may be made to the Canton American Legion.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton is in charge of arrangements.

Ronald Schmidt

Ronald Schmidt, 69, of Canton, passed away at 11:57 am, Monday, August 28, 2023 at the Graham Hospital in Canton, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on March 8, 1954 to Harley and Nelda (Manion) Schmidt. Ronald married Robin Garren on June 14, 1980 in Canton. She survives along with three sons; Aaron Schmidt of Peoria Heights, Ethan Schmidt and Ean Schmidt both of Canton and two sisters; Donna (Rick) Hood of Cuba and Brenda (Craig) Ford of Seville. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Michael Schmidt and Jim Schmidt and sister Connie Schmidt.

Ronald retired from Morton Metal Craft as a welder and was a member of the Peoria ABATE.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services will be in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton are in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Nina Wolverton

Nina Wolverton, 97, of Havana, Illinois passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 10:08 p.m. at Mason District Hospital in Havana. She was born on May 8, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri to Henry and Marie (Craig) Moore.

Nina married Clyde Baughman of McClure, Illinois on August 24, 1942 (81 years). They had seven children, James Baughman, Nina Hopkins, Etta Bozman, Robert Baughman, Carleen (Pat) Cleer, Bruce Baughman, and Martha Baughman. She also had 12 grandkids and 24 great-grandkids.
Nina worked at Do-Rite Laundry, Mac’s Main Street Café, and Boggs Family Diner.
Nina is survived by one sister, Shirley Hughes of Golconda, Illinois, one brother, Tommy E. Moore of Florida, and two daughters, Carleen (Pat) Cleer and Martha Baughman, both of Havana, Illinois.
Nina is preceded in death by both of her parents of St. Louis, Missouri, three husbands, two brothers, Don Moore of Partage, Indiana and Gene Moore of Oregon, five children, James Baughman (Irene) of Havana, Illinois, Nina Hopkins (Ed) of Indiana, Etta M. Bozman (Roger) of Partage, Indiana, Robert Baughman (Diana) of Havana, Illinois, Bruce Baughman of Havana, Illinois, one granddaughter, Terni Grindle Pedigo of Havana, Illinois, and one great-grandson, William Baughman, Jr.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Rev. Abraham Mogerman will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made in Nina’s name to the donor’s choice of organization. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

John D. Green

Canton- John D. Green, 79, of Canton, passed away at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born on February 23, 1944, in Canton, a son of James and Gwendolyn Marie (Kitchen) Green.

Surviving John are his children, Kim (Mark) Freiley of Canton; Martin (Diane) Green of Springfield; four grandchildren, Zachary Freiley, Ashley Freiley Sybert, Kennedy Green, and Elliott Green; one brother, Joseph Green of Idaho, and his loving significant other, Jan Purtle of Canton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jimmy Green, and one sister, Kay Green Miller.

John worked and retired from Caterpillar, Inc. after three decades of service, and later retired from the Canton Union School District # 66 as a bus driver. He attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton. John was President of Canton Youth Acres, an assistant scout master for Troop #124 for many years, and a Canton Elks Lodge # 626 and Canton Gear Jammers member. On February 23, 2023, John received a proclamation for his dedicated service to youth acres naming that date John Green Day in the City of Canton.

Per John’s wishes, there will be no services; cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at Youth Acres in Canton. Burial of ashes will take place in White Chapel Memory Gardens at a later date. Memorials can be made to Youth Acres in care of Ipava State Bank. To leave online condolences, please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Carol A. Hummel

Carol A. Hummel, 85, of Canton passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023, at her home in Canton.

She was born on October 28, 1937 in Canton to James and Pauline (Bedwell) Brown.

She married Leroy Hummel on August 30, 1975. He preceded her in death on April 5, 2020.

Surviving is one son Chris (April) Hummel, two grandchildren, Colin (Elli) Hummel and Brittany (Corby) Taylor, two great grandsons, Harper and Holden Taylor, one brother, Donnie (Colleen) Brown and two nieces, Donita Sheckler and Denise Errington.

Carol graduated from Canton High School in 1955 and worked as a bookkeeper for several businesses in Canton until 1989. Together with her husband she worked at Hummel Plastering Inc for 20 years. She and her husband purchased a winter home in 2007 in Indian Creek Resort in Fort Myers Beach.

Her and her husband enjoyed having fish fries from the fish he caught, birthday parties and corn boils for their relatives and Indian Creek friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton at 11 am. A visitation will be held two hours prior at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.

Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Robert "Bob" Crum

Robert “Bob” Crum, 88, passed away suddenly on Friday afternoon, August 25, 2023. He was born August 1, 1935 in the Quiver Creek area to the late Howard and Alice Fern Smith Crum. He married Anita Knackmuhs in the Peoria United Methodist Church in Peoria on June 12, 1976.

Bob was a former member of the Manito Rotary, was the Forest City Township Commissioner for 28 years and had retired from Caterpillar in 1993 after working for them for over 29 years.
He is survived by his wife, Anita K. Crum, 2 sons, Richard (Lanette) Crum, of Havana, Steven Crum of Easton, a daughter, Lynn Crum, of Havana, two step children, Patsy (Todd) Campbell, of Pontiac and Doug Swan, of Bartonville, a brother, Vernon Crum, of London Mills, as well as 13 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents Bob was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Penny Ross, five sisters and three brothers.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 11:00 am, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Manito, conducted by Father Narcis Katambe assisted by Deacon Bob Sondag.
The family will receive friends in the church two hours prior to Mass starting at 9:00 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Jude’s or the Immaculate Conception.
Maas-Hurley Funeral is assisting the Crum family, and messages of kind thoughts and condolences for the family are welcome by visiting www.hurleyfh.com

Ralph George Welker

Farmington- Ralph George Welker, 91, of Farmington, passed away at 1:50 PM on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at his residence. He was born on August 7, 1932 to Clarence and Gertrude (Anderson) Welker, at home outside Farmington, Illinois. He married Mary Woodcock on April 27, 1953. She preceded him in death on March 8, 1986. He then married Patricia (Fresia) Black on August 8, 1987.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, children, Debbie (Gene) Lingenfelter of Farmington, and Kay Lynn Pierson of Avon; Jeff Welker (Deceased), and step-sons, David (Kelsey) Black of Farmington, Steven E. Black (Deceased), grandchildren, Chris (Chad) Pyatt of Trivoli, Brandy (Brett) Stevens of Elmwood, Heather (Jason) Schrodt of Banner, Jeremy Pierson of Canton, and Steve (Maggie) Black of Farmington, Zec Black of Farmington, Carl (Megan) Clemons of Fairview, Lynsey and Ami; great-grandchildren, Alysha and Kylie Pyatt, Brendan, Austin, and Caleb Stevens, Kaprice and Colter Pierson, Bailey (Hannah) and Kaley Pierson, Taylor (Cody) Johanningsmeier, Stevie D. Black, and baby great-grandson on the way, Abi, Carter, and Aleeda Clemons, Bryse and Braydon Hunter and Jlynn; great-great-grandchildren, Hazel, Ryder, Olivia, Julian, Jace, and Cora.

He is also survived by brothers, Alfred (Bonnie) Welker of Elmwood, David (Nancy) Welker of Hanna City, eleven nieces, and nephews; two step-nephews, and many great- nieces and nephews. His sister Ila is deceased.

Ralph served in the United States Army from July 1953 until September 1954 during the Korean War. He was a member of Farmington Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Trustee.

Through the years, Ralph worked at many different jobs, including gas stations, factories like Maytag, International Harvester, and Caterpillar to name a few, Midland Coal Company on the cattle farm, and as a custodian at Farmington High School, which he retired from July of 1995.

Ralph was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a quiet man and very patient. He could fix things, build things, and was always tinkering with something. He was a die-hard Cubs, Bears, and Bulls Fan as well as University of Illinois football/Basketball fan. He will be missed by his family/friends but we know where he is, and will see him again someday.

A graveside service and burial will take place in Oakridge Cemetery in Farmington at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army and the Farmington American Legion. Pastor Cindy Bean will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Farmington Rescue Squad 1100 or to the Farmington Presbyterian Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Wade Eugene Thurman

Wade Eugene Thurman, 56, of Tennessee, Illinois, passed away at 1:00 AM on Wednesday, August 23,2023 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on June 19, 1967 in Macomb, Illinois, a son of Jack and Nancy (Savage) Thurman. He married Julee Pratt on October 16, 2004 in Macomb.

Surviving is his daughter, Kayla (Shane Alexander) Thurman of Macomb; three grandchildren, Arabella, Nash, and Leightyn; step-children, Jaclyn (Ryan) Burns of Brookfield, Missouri; Taylor (Evan) Rowland of Rogersville, Missouri; step-grandchildren, Emmett, and Jentery; two brothers, Robert (Theresa), and Neal (Erica) Thurman, both of Macomb, his significant other, Noel Petty of Tennessee, Illinois, ex-wife, Julee of Brookfield, Missouri, and his dog, Zeke.

Wade was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Patricia Beckman.

He worked as a self-employed Carpenter, was an avid motorcycle rider, and member of the Elk’s Lodge #1009 in Macomb.

Per Wade’s wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to Sedgwick Funeral Homes to help with the expenses by going to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Jerry Styninger

Jerry Styninger, 80, of Canton, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Loft in Canton.

He lived the simple life, kind of a loaner. He was a father, son, husband, brother and brother-in-law. He served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve and later worked for International Harvester for 30 years and retired from the Ohio Truck Plant. After retirement he enjoyed hiking and walking. He walked the Appellation Trail twice and hiked in Alaska seven times. He also ran some over 20 mile marathons in Ohio. He was also influential in forming the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office underwater search and rescue team. He enjoyed going on vacation in his motorhome with his wife Carol.

Per Jerry’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. There will be no services. His ashes will be spread at Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia.

Memorials may be made to Copperas Creek Dive Team.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.

Edna "Susie" Van Middlesworth

Edna “Susie” Van Middlesworth, 72, of Lewistown, IL, passed away at 10:55 PM on Monday, August 21, 2023 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born on August 20, 1951 in Canton, IL to Lester and Alma “Tootsie” (Lingenfelter) Courtney. She married Larry “Jocko” Van Middlesworth on August 3, 1968 at the St. David Baptist Church. He survives.

She is also survived by five children, Terri L. (Bill) Hicok, Jami R. (Ty) Bailey, Joshua L. (Jill) Van Middlesworth, Leslie M. (Preston Bainter) Van Middlesworth, and Toni S. (Ryan) Maricle; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert (Carla) Courtney, David (Pam) Courtney, and Virgil Courtney; one sister, Laura Clendenny; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Thomas and Leslie Courtney.

Susie worked for Prairieview Care Center in Lewistown, IL. She then spent 17 years raising her children before going to work at Lutheran Social Services in Canton, IL. She enjoyed ceramics, painting, crochet, making spicy chili and hot chocolate. She was known as an excellent cook by her family. She was also Bowling State Champion in 1979 and 1980. Susie enjoyed 55 wonderful years with her husband; and loved being with her family, kids, and grandkids. Even friends of her children referred to her as mom, Grandma Susie, or Aunt Susie. 

Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Canton VFW, food and drinks to follow. Please come and share your memories with us. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Cancer Care or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwickfuneralhomes.com. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Paul Johnson

Paul E. Johnson, 87, of Maquon, IL, passed away at 11:15 a.m., on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in Peoria. He was born August 6, 1936, in Oak Hill, IL, to Henry and Lois (McKown) Johnson. He married Bonnie Schoonover on February 22, 1974, at Orange Chapel United Methodist Church in Gilson, IL. She survives.

He is also survived by three children, Paulette Johnson of Peoria, Melissa Myers of Fargo, ND, and Billie Johnson of Moorhead, MN; four grandchildren, Keshone, Jesse, Ava, and Connor; and one great-grandchild, Kross.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Glenn H. Johnson and Earle Johnson.

Paul served in the Army for four years. He was a livelong farmer with his brothers and also worked as a Welder at Butler’s. Paul was a former member of Orange Chapel United Methodist Church. He enjoyed traveling and attending Blue Grass Festivals, and he learned to play the fiddle by ear.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the Maquon United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.

Valarie J. Venuti

Valarie Jane Venuti, 51, of Manito, passed away, Tuesday morning, August 22, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer at Carle Pekin Memorial Hospital. She was born November 4, 1971, to the late Pamela Reed.

She worked at the Havana Police Department as well as the Mason County Sheriff’s Office (part-time) as 911 Dispatcher and Corrections Officer. She had previously worked at the Forman Ambulance and Casey’s in Manito.
Valarie is survived by her husband, Doug Venuti, sons, Mitchell (Ashley) Hunt and Kyle Hunt, daughter, Jenna Brutlag, sister, Angela Dawn (Steve) Reed, Aunt Pammy Jo (Max) Syron-Allison, Sister, Raema (Chris) Nelson, and three grandchildren.
Cremation Rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life service will be announced in the future.
Friends and family may leave kind messages of condolences by visiting www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral in Manito is assisting the Venuti family with arrangements.

Clara Kleinschmidt

Clara Kleinschmidt, 88, of Canton, passed away, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Graham Hospital Hospice Care in Canton. She was born in Peoria, to Albert and Rosa (Burkhalter) Schaer, on June 30, 1935. They preceded her in death. Clara is survived by her husband of 71 years, Jack Kleinschmidt. They were married on June 15, 1952. Also surviving are three children, Neil (the late Tina) Kleinschmidt of Canton, Alan (Jan) Kleinschmidt of Canton, and Lynn (Cory) Reid of Bartonville, one sister in law, Thelma Schaer, ten grandchildren, Nicole (Michael), Trisha (Nate), Ericia (Vince), Beau (Sloan), Trent, Royce (Alessha), Carissa (Jacob), Jacob (Eyja), Joel, and Lynse (Nathan), and four teen great grandchildren, Alexander, Christian, Collin, Carter, Cayden, Issiah, Lucas, Weston, Reed, Tristan, Kristofer, Wren, Kit, and Maddyx. Also preceding her in death are nine siblings, John (Evelyn), Paul, Willie (Winnie), Louis (Romaine), Charlie (Betty), Freida (Rudy), Mary (Ralph), Louise (Jim), and Eileen (Melvin), and her beloved dog “Spunky”. Clara was a loving stay at home wife and mother for many years. She also worked at Hiram Walker, International Harvester, and she also volunteered for home hospice. Clara was devoted to her faith in God, she was a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Canton. She will be fondly remembered for her strong will, incredible work ethic, and always keeping suckers on hand for her many grandchildren to find. Her famous sugar cookies will never be forgotten. She had a love for tending to her garden, taking care of her flowers, and watching hummingbirds. She enjoyed playing scrabble, card games, and watching the Wheel of Fortune. Clara and Jack enjoyed spending their winters in retirement on the St. John’s River in Florida. In summer they spent much time at The Giant Goose Ranch in Canton. Clara and Jack shared a loved of boating from the Illinois River sand bars to the St. John’s River in Florida. On the water they also enjoyed to fish and water ski. Throughout her life the most important thing for her was to be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend for everyone she was blessed to know. Memorials may be made to Kapi’ Olani Medical Center for the care and cure they provided for her great grandson Alexander. To do so please visit www.give2kapiolani.org.  Specify the amount you wish to donate, select Pediatric Cancer Care and in the comments section leave her name along with "Team Z".  Follow that with your name and information.  Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date when she and her beloved husband Jack are reunited in heaven. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Lawrence "Larry" V. Davis

Lawrence “Larry” V. Davis, 90, of Hanna City, passed away at 1:26 AM on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at his residence. He was born on June 6, 1933, a son of Leo and Ruth (Churchill) Davis. Larry married Sharon Lounsberry Hibbs Davis on July 10, 1976, at Lamarsh Baptist Church in Mapleton, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Mike (Jan) Davis of North Pekin, Lonnie Davis of Colorado, Beth Hibbs (Daniel) Ledbetter, and Stacey Hibbs; several grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; and his brother, Dennis Davis.

Preceding him in death were both of his parents; his son, Leo Emerson Davis; four brothers, Charlie, Floyd, Benny, and one infant brother; and one sister, Dorothy Hanback.

Larry was a veteran of the United States Army and of the Coast Guard Reserves. He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 40 years before retiring in 1990. He was a lifelong member of the Hanna City Sportsman Club and of the Lancaster Lodge No. 106, located in Glasford, IL. He was a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. In his free time Larry immensely enjoyed going fishing, going bowling, and watching the Chicago Cubs. He was also a volunteer fireman for the Logan-Trivoli Fire Department, and a past member of Farmington Moose Lodge.

Funeral Services for Larry will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, IL, where a visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until time of services. Burial will be at Smithville Cemetery immediately following services. Pastor Jeremie Davis will officiate. Memorials may be made to Logan-Trivoli Fire Department. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com