Daniel Scott

Daniel R. Scott, 71, of East Peoria, IL, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on November 11, 2025 with his wife of 51 years by his side. He was born on December 31, 1953, in Peoria, IL. He was a devoted husband to Linda G Scott and a dedicated father to Michelle (John) Scott, Marsha (Scott) Kelsey, and Shane (Kortnee) Scott. He was a loving grandfather to Joseph, Michael (Emily), Cydney, Brittney, London (Xavier), and Kasia. And he was a doting great-grandfather to Sawyer, Lilian, Fletcher, Lucy, Ilana, Zoey, and Xamira.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Ronald & Betty Scott. He leaves to cherish his memories with his siblings: Steve (Karen) Scott, Rhonda (Jim) Kendall, Brian (Carla) Scott, and Bruce Scott; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He played football throughout high school and his love for golf was something he shared with his mom. He married his love, Linda, on January 19, 1974. Dan was hard-working and dedicated. He retired at the ripe age of 49 from Caterpillar. He was involved with the EP softball league; always being a coach to his daughters. In later years, he was always on the sidelines and the loudest supporter for all of us! His hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He was known to be an artist and a Vikings fan. He enjoyed sudoku, puzzles with the grands, as well as spending time motorcycling, playing softball, working on cars, remodeling homes, and being a grandpa.

Though Dan may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored – a small article doesn’t even touch the man he was! He was a strong-willed, stubborn man that left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was a man with a heart of a lion that fought a courageous battle against all the health issues for years to be here for us longer. Most of all, he was “Superman” to his family. He would confidently proclaim “I can do anything, I’m Superman”; the only thing he never did do was fly. He was the strongest pillar of his family, the one who kept everyone together. He was the “go-to” man. He supported everyone with anything. He was whatever anyone needed him to be. He could be a welder, an electrician, a construction worker, a mechanic, a plumber, a teacher, a comedian, and anything else someone might need. It didn’t matter what the situation, he would be there and do what needed to be done. He may not have been able to fly like Superman, but he will always be remembered as a hero by those who loved him most.

Dan will be missed by family, friends, and extended family members dearly. We find comfort in knowing that our Dad’s legacy lives on through us and the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

His Celebration of life will be on December 27, 2025, at 2 pm at Raber Packing in West Peoria. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Leukemia Research Foundation or American Heart Association.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Oscar G. Purtle

Oscar G. Purtle, 54, of Canton, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Graham Hospital emergency room.

He was born on November 16, 1970 in Canton to James and Laura (Breese) Purtle.

Surviving are his brothers, Bill, Jack and Joe Purtle and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Jim, John, Terry and Donald.

Oscar enjoyed fishing and watching wrestling.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Darlene M. Switzer

 

Darlene M. Switzer, 97, of Williamsfield, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at her home.

Darlene was born in Sterling, Nebraska, to Alva and Hazel (Conkel) Ostrander. Darlene married Robert Switzer on November 6, 1947, in Holmesville, Nebraska. He preceded her in death on August 8, 2009.

Darlene is survived by four children, Jerri Switzer Varnold of Peoria, Leslie Lewis of Good Hope, Kip Switzer of Peoria, and Dean Switzer of Williamsfield; and four grandchildren.

Darlene is also preceded in death by one brother, Delbert Ostrander; and one sister, Karen Wilkinson.

Darlene enjoyed volunteering for Call for Action Crisis Line, the Peoria Zoo, and as a Court Observer. She was an avid gardener. Darlene was also a member of the First Federated Church in Peoria.

Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services at this time.

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

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

Lester Dean Bowles

Lester Dean Bowles, 74, of Trivoli, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home. He was born on January 14, 1951, in Galesburg, IL, to Walter and Helen (Morse) Bowles. He is survived by his wife Julie Courtney whom he married on June 2, 1990.

He is survived by four children, Heather (Harlan) Cook of Maquon, IL, Robert (Lisa) Bowles of London Mills, IL, Jill (Eric) Boland of Champaign, IL, and Lindsey (Drake) Whitehurst of Elmwood, IL; five grandchildren, Kialee, Brady, Savannah, Trevor, and Abby; two great-grandchildren, Madeline and Atticus; three brothers, William Broadfield, Jim Broadfield, and Leslie (Vicki) Bowles; and two sisters, Linda (Joe) Gorey and Candy (Dave) Lemmons.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Larry Broadfield; one sister-in-law, Pat Broadfield; and one granddaughter, Britini.

Lester worked for 42 years in sheet metal trade, became journeyman, foreman then supervisor. He belonged to Sheet Metal Union Local #1 and retired in 2012. He worked for Natkin Co., Bransfield Inc., and DuMont Co. He worked on several sheet metal jobs in central Illinois including Peoria Civic Center, Downs School, Farmington School and Hickory Grove School.

He attended Northwoods Community Church in Peoria. He belonged to Fin & Feather Sportsman Club and Farmington Moose Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, and sports. He enjoyed making people laugh with his stories and sharing memories. He also enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends play their sports, and even dressing up as a mascot or for fun events. He had a strong character that everyone would lean on for advice, opinion or a good laugh.

His priorities in life were his family, children, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his extended family.

Les was baptized when he was little. In the past few years his faith began to grow knowing his family had to lean into God for strength. Before his surgeries he expressed that he knows he was going to Heaven and believes that Christ died for us. This confirmation is important to know because it shows his strength of character.

A private family service will be held. Burial will follow service at Trivoli Cemetery in Trivoli, IL. A public celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Farmington Moose Lodge from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Please feel free to wear sports or hunting attire in memory of Les. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a charity of your choice in honor of Les or if donated to the family, donations will be dispersed between various charities. To view Les’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Virginia L. McCombs

Virginia L. McCombs, 91, of Cuba, IL, formerly of Astoria, IL, passed at 7:39 am on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the Clayberg Fulton County Nursing Center in Cuba. She was born on Monday, September 17, 1934 in Vermont, IL, the daughter Ralph and Fern (Derry) McCormick. Virginia married Richard McCombs on December 23, 1953 in Astoria. Richard preceded Virginia in death on August 20, 2005.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, son; Timothy McCombs, six brothers; Dwight McCormick, Charles McCormick, Alonzo McCormick, Gene McCormick, Devere Derry and Otis Derry, and three sisters; Marjorie Sawin, Margaret Hopping and Ophal Phillips.

She is survived by two daughters; Lynn McCombs of Astoria and Judy (and Michael) Caputo of Rushville, two sons; Mark (and Cynthia) McCombs of Browning and Andy (and Gail) McCombs of Astoria, eight grandchildren; Pat (and Susan) Spires, Alec (and Natalie) McCombs, Jordan (and Teresa) McCombs, Joel McCombs, Monique (and Ryan) Utter, Jacob McCombs, Taylor (and Savanah) Caputo and Jared McCombs, ten great-grandchildren; Gage (and Savannah) Spires, Garrett Spires, Grayson Spires, Amelia McCombs, Caleb McCombs, Emmett McCombs, Isaac McCombs, Nolan McCombs, Ella McCombs and Bianca Utter, three sisters; Josephene James of Macomb, IL, Bernice Sharpe of Cuba, and Shirley Dicroce of Denver, CO, and one brother; Dorvan (and Verna) McCormick of Astoria.

Virginia owned and operated Second Time Around in Astoria with her husband Richard.

Virginia enjoyed flowers and working in her flower beds, going to casinos, going out to eat, putting together jigsaw puzzles and playing BINGO. She loved ice cream and there was never a bowl of it too big. She was skilled at sewing and would sew her children’s clothes.

A private service will be held at a later date. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hughes Park.

Aaron Mikulich

Aaron S. Mikulich, 52, of Lewistown passed away at 11:16 pm Tuesday November 11, 2025 at his home surrounded by family and friends.

He was born March 17, 1973 in Bloomington, IL; the son of Franklin and late Diana (Hughes) Mikulich. He married Becky Widger on June 15, 1996 in Lewistown. She survives with two daughters, Skyler (Max) Boch of Havana, Macy (Austin Hill) Mikulich of Lewistown, two grandsons, Braxton and Bhodie Boch, his parents, Franklin and Linda Mikulich of Lewistown one sister, Aimee (Jeff) Kerr of Lewistown, one brother, Ethan (Kait) Mikulich of Nashville, TN; Sister in Law, Gretchen (Cortez) Moss of Grand Junction, CO; Brother in Law, Charlie(Rhonda) Whitman of Pekin, Corey Whitman of Lewistown, Jon (Christine) Whitman of Springfield ; nieces and nephews, Kristyn (Jonathan) Lacroix, Sydnee (Nick) Cook, Will (Winter) LeGrande, JT (Abby) Kerr, Lakyn Kerr, Andrea Williams, Austin (Hayley) McClanahan , Ian McClanahan, Caiden Whitman, Rylie Whitman, Berlin Whitman, Tyler Whitman and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by mother, Diana Mikulich, and niece, Jazmyne Harris. He is also survived by his extended family, Suzanne Ferrara, Kevin (Nance) Satterfeal, Kelly (Don) Paris, Karla (Tim) Fenton, Christine (Gio) Gravez, Kim (Rod) Blair and the late Richard Satterfeal.

Aaron retired from the Illinois River Correctional Center in 2023, where he worked as a correctional officer and later promoted to maintenance craftsman. He served on the Lewistown Park District Board retiring in 2025, Lewistown Fire Dept retiring as a Lieutenant in 2004; Fulton County Ambulance, and Lewistown Alumni Association. He enjoyed coaching his daughter's softball teams, and also enjoyed mowing the yard, bowling, hunting, traveling, and driving his side by side.

A visitation will be held Friday from 5-7 pm at the memorial home. Cremation will be accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Reverend Kevin Kessler officiating. Interment of ashes will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewistown Park District, Lewistown Fire and Rescue, or Lewistown Alumni Association. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com

Harriet "Jane" R. Beck

Harriet Raejane “Jane” Beck, 82, of Havana, passed away at 9:43 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Mason District Hospital in Havana. She was born on September 20, 1943 in Peoria to Harry and Laverne “Alice” (Meads) Meshnark. She married Robert Beck on April 29, 1961 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Havana.

Jane is survived by her husband, Robert Beck of Havana; sons, Ed Beck and Rob (Melissa) Beck, both of Havana; six grandchildren; siblings, Thomas Wright of Mattoon, Rosetta “Rose” Armbruster of Arizona, Linda “Linn” (Edward) Schlinger of Virginia, Lorraine “Cissie” (Terry) Franklin, and Margaret (Dennis) Franklin of LaSalle; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Meshnark; mother, Laverne Wright; step-father, Kenneth Wright; daughter Kathryn Anne Beck; and brother-in-law, David Armbruster.
Jane attended the Church of Christ in Havana. She worked as a nurse for more than 20 years at Memorial Hospital, Mason County Health Department, and Mason District Hospital, where she later retired. After retiring, she enjoyed volunteering with the Mason District Hospital Auxiliary, especially helping with the cake walk. Jane loved spending time in her garden, growing tomatoes and caring for her rose bushes. She also enjoyed camping and taking shopping trips with her kids and grandkids.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from noon until 1:00 p.m. Pastor Bill Boyce will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana.
Memorial donations may be left in Jane’s name to Mason District Hospital for the MRI machine. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn Danner

Carolyn Ann Danner, 95 of Lewistown IL passed away November 9, 2005 with family and friends by her side.

She was born April 3, 1930 in Lewistown to Charles Edward and Mable (Davis) Taylor. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brothers, Leland, Robert, Carrol, James, Marion, Jack and her sisters, Maralee Bland, Helen Cline, Barbara Irwin and Susan Sarti.

Carolyn was proud to be a twin sister to her beloved brother Carrol. He passed away April 14, 2018. Surviving is her twin brothers son, John (Keri) Taylor and his children whom she loved as her grandchildren, Abbi of Lincoln, NE and Brock of Washington, IL. Also surviving are her great friends and neighbors, Ed and Adrina Brewer; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was a graduate of Canton High School. She worked at Caterpillar before moving to Houston, TX, where she worked making instruments for surgeons. She would observe surgeons in operating rooms and then with them design surgical instruments based on the surgeons requests and needs. When she moved back to Lewistown she opened her own business and continued to design and make surgical instruments and supplies for surgeons of various specialties.

She loved hosting holiday and dinner parties for her family and friends. She enjoyed working outdoors, bird watching, flowers and plants. She also loved playing cards, bowling and taking daytrips with her “Lewistown GoGo girls”. She attended Lewistown Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held for one hour beginning at 10AM Friday, November 14th, 2025 at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. Burial services will be at the conclusion of the visitation at 11:15AM at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown with Pastor Shane Smith officiating.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Serenity Point Hospice Canton, IL.

Kevin W. VanOrder

Kevin W. VanOrder, 55, of Canton, passed away at 11:10 AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at The Loft in Canton, IL. He was born on May 21, 1970 in Peoria, IL, to Wayne and Phyllis (Barnes) VanOrder. He married Rebecca Wagner on October 26, 1996 at the Baptist Church in Farmington, Il. She survives.

He is also survived by two children, Auston (Jersey Dilts) VanOrder of Canton, IL and Ashton VanOrder of Canton, IL; two brothers, Steve (Debbie) Barnett and Allen Barnett; one sister, Yvonne (Dan) Morey; one sister-in-law, Katie Wagner; one aunt, Roseanne Barnes; best friend, Kevin Davis; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Don Delong; one infant brother, Roger; sister-in-law, Saleana Barnett; and one aunt, Barb Danner.  

Kevin was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He loved his family, music, and animals. He was also of the Christian faith.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Lakeland Community Church in Canton, IL. Rev Kevin Van Tine will officiate. Following the service a lunch will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene in Canton, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to the family. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Laura M. Taylor

Laura Marie Hammond Taylor passed away on November 5, 2025. Laura was born in Canton, Illinois on October 3, 1949 to Bob and Gina Hammond. On June 7, 1969, she married Mark Taylor and built family traditions of card playing and watching sports. She is survived by Mark and their daughters, Gina (Kevin) Riley, Megan (Tim) Heine, Sarah (Jay) Hopwood, her grandchildren, Brandon (Abigail) Riley, Morgan (Quinn) Riley, Kate Heine, Emma Heine, Grant Heine, Hannah Hopwood, JJ Hopwood, Ryleigh Hopwood, great grandsons, Jack Riley and Grayson Riley, her brothers Chuck (Stef) Hammond, Paul (Julie) Hammond and their families as well as Mark’s mom, Shirley, and his extended family.

Laura was raised surrounded by Bob and Gina’s family and friends and remained close with them. She could be found at Athletic Park playing and teaching tennis, leading Playground, and cheering at her brothers’ ball games. Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Parks Administration from Western Illinois University.

She enjoyed The Lake and supporting her daughters and grandchildren in all their sports and activities. Along with best friends Daryle, Jan, and Susan, she would decorate the church creating a welcoming environment. Thursday afternoons were spent with brothers, Chuck and Paul, and their lifelong friend group.

Laura loved reading and staying informed, often sharing inclusive, diverse ideology with everyone in her life. 💙

Per her wishes, no formal services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Canton Park District, honoring her passion for the parks and community. 💙