Friday, January 31, 2025

Michelle Martin

Michelle Martin, 62, of Canton, formerly of Cuba, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at her residence.

She was born to Richard Holloway and Janice (Stevens) Oatman on March 17, 1962 in Peoria. They survive.

Also surviving are her children, Damon (Jessica) Strode of Cuba, Brandon (Jamie) Martin of Ashland, Stefani Martin of Cuba, three brothers, Eric (Vicki) Holloway, Derek (Lisa) Holloway, Darren Holloway, one sister, Val (Dana) Greiner, eight grandchildren, Rhiann, Kyle, Caden, Drake, Riley, Macey, Miley, Blakely, great grandchildren, Victoria and Rhiot and several nieces and nephews.

Michelle worked for the Canton Daily Ledger for over a decade. She later became a RN working at Pekin Hospital. She took medical mission trips to Africa and Puerto Rico. She lastly worked for SMART Reviews where she was beloved by her clients. She also served as a past Canton Auxiliary Police officer and was a volunteer for Cass-Putman Fire and Rescue serving as an EMT and other various capacities. Her favorite things in life were attending her granddaughter Riley’s sporting events, spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and spending time at the beach.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 3-6pm at the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. There will be no funeral and cremation rites will follow visitation.

Memorials can be made to the family C/O Oaks-Hines Funeral Home, 1601 E. Chestnut St, Canton, IL 61520.

To leave condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Doris Mae Chandler

Doris Mae Chandler, 99, of Peoria, formerly of Canton, passed away at 10:40 p.m., on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Independence Village in Peoria.

Doris was born January 13, 1926, in Peoria, IL, to Joseph and Betty (Clifton) Pecher. Doris married Roy C. Boseke on August 2, 1942. He preceded her in death in 1985. Doris later married Norman Chandler on November 22, 1999, in Canton. He recently preceded her in death on December 25, 2024.

Doris is survived by three children, Betty (David) Curry of Wyoming, IL, Joan (the late Joseph) Parr of Peoria, IL, and Michael (Anna) Chandler of Prescott Valley, AZ; three brothers, Joseph Ray Pecher, Gene Pecher, and James Crossland; one sister, Sandra Guge; five grandchildren, Colt, Brandy, Tama, Nicole, and Tyler; and four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Doris is also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Roy R. Boseke; and one brother, Louis Pecher.

Doris enjoyed crafting, crocheting, sewing, knitting, canvas cross-stitching, and oil painting. She was also a member of the 1st Church of the Nazarene Church in Canton.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Burial will immediately follow the service at Elmwood Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be to the First Church of the Nazarene in Canton, the Canton Fire Department, and the Canton Ambulance Services.

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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

Rebecca L. Watson

Rebecca Lynn "Becky" Watson, 59, of Table Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on January 29, 2025, following a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Born on March 27, 1965, in Havana, Illinois, Becky was the seventh child of Margaret Ann (Thompson) Hollenback and Roy Lee Hollenback.


On August 6, 1983, Becky married the love of her life, Donald C. Watson. Together they built a life filled with love and cherished memories. She is survived by her devoted husband Don; their three children: Brooke (Nick) Lyytinen of Aitkin, MN; Grant (Jessica) Watson of Auburn, IL; and Dylan (Bhrea) Watson of Austin, AR; as well as four beloved grandchildren: Taegen Rose, Malachi Lucian, Lukas Carlyle, and Rhett James. Becky also leaves behind four siblings: Jane (Kevin) Cowin of Rushville, IL; Bill (Marcia) Hollenback of Ipava, IL; Cindy (Steve) Lewis of Flora, IL; and Blake (Christy) Hollenback of Adair, IL; one sister-in-law; Emily Hollenback of Ipava, IL; one uncle Rudy Thompson of Texas; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Leslie Michael Hollenback; and her sister Deborah Ruth Lindsey.

Becky graduated from V.I.T. Schools in May 1983 and later pursued higher education with determination and passion. She earned an associate's degree in applied sciences from Illinois Central College and worked as a certified Occupational Therapy Assistant from 2001 to 2017. In 2017, she achieved her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Concordia University in Wisconsin and spent many fulfilling years working at MDH Rehab.

Becky found joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with her family, enjoying coffee on the back porch while watching her dogs Tucker and Duncan play, or indulging in a favorite K-Drama. Her adventurous spirit shone brightly in her youth when she could often be found on horseback or creating mischief with siblings and cousins.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Ted Shirly will be officiating. A visitation will take place from 5 to 7 pm on February 4 prior to the service. Private interment will be held in the Temple Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Becky’s memory can be made to The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in St. Louis, MO and MDH Hospice. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Dennis Stremmel

Dennis Stremmel, 77, of Canton, passed away at 5:31 pm, Monday, January 27, 2025 at the Graham Hospital, Canton.  He was born on October 30, 1947 to Sheldon and Ruby (Webb) Stremmel. Dennis married Phyllis Washburn on May 29, 1970 in Clinton, IL.  She survives with children Michelle Stremmel of Normal and Aaron (Ketra) Stremmel of Bartonville, one sister Norma Brown of Carthage, one brother Roger Stremmel of Canton, grandson Aiden Stremmel of Bartonville, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Richard Stremmel, and grandson Cohen Stremmel.

While Dennis was involved in numerous careers and community service efforts, he was best known as an ambassador for the arts and as a piano player, tuner/technician, and teacher. In recent years, he loved playing for the residents of local nursing homes and assisted living centers and playing with musician friends at the weekly Musicians’ Union jams. But, his main passions were teaching music – no matter the age of his students – and living out his faith. He was a long-time member of the Primitive Baptist Church, serving as deacon and song leader. His great hope was to be free from the health issues and trials of this world and be with the Lord he immensely loved.

Visitation will be at Oaks Hines Funeral Home on Sunday, February 2nd  from 4 until 7 p.m. Funeral service will be Mnday morning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Shield's Chapel Cemetery near Canton.

Memorials may be made to the Dennis Stremmel Music Scholarship Fund at the memorial services, through the family, or at any MidAmerica National Bank location.
A full obituary can be viewed at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
\

Carolyn Janette Bradley

Carolyn Janette Bradley, 83, of Lewistown, passed away at 8:10 AM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton. She was born on December 23, 1941 in Elk City, OK, a daughter of Virgil Curtis and Jewel Camley (Locke) Ford. She married William R. "Bill" Bradley on July 28, 1957 in Elk City, OK. He survives.


Also surviving Carolyn are her children, Trent (Margaret) Bradley of Fiatt; Christine (Gordon) Belless of Lewistown; four grandchildren, Dominque (Dustin) Eddins of Little Rock, AR; Natasha (Justyn) Evans of Yorktown, VA; Alonza William Royal Bradley of Fiatt; Isabelle Bradley of Fiatt, and two great-grandchildren, Rowan Evans, and Aaron Eddins.


Preceding Carolyn in death were her parents, son, Neal William Bradley; brother, Troy Melvin Ford; sisters, Miriam Naden Batchlor, and Delora Hutchins.


Carolyn worked and retired from Marriott Food Service within Western Illinois University in Macomb after 12 years of service, retiring in 1998. She was member of the Lewistown United Methodist Church. During her children's high school years, they hosted several youths from the program, Youth for Understanding, in their home. Carolyn and Bill were also "snowbirds" for over 25 years, residents at Bit of Heaven RV park in Donna, Texas, where they currently still have many friends. She will be missed by many but remembered in love by all.


A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, where a memorial visitation will be from 11:30 AM until the time of the services. Pastor Shane Smith will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded, and burial of ashes will follow the services at Fiatt Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Lewistown rescue squad or to Lewistown United Methodist Church food pantry. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Randall Allen Bollinger Sr.

Randall Allen Bollinger Sr., age 66, of Astoria, IL, passed at 12:35 am on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. He was born to Robert and Leona (Humphrey) Bollinger in Beardstown, IL on July 22, 1958. Randy married Connie Crowe on December 31, 1983 in Beardstown.


He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Connie Bollinger of Astoria, his children; Randall (and Angie) Bollinger Jr. of Sleepy Hollow, IL, Brian (and Nicole) Lyles of Macomb, IL, Dawn (and Todd) Bushong of Astoria, Christal (and Jeremy) Fisher of Summum, IL, Cory (and Kayla) Bollinger of Winchester, IL, Chad Bollinger of Beardstown, Alisha (and Chris) Miller of Bevier, MO and Mandy (and Wes) Stambaugh of Astoria, thirty grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three siblings; William Bollinger of Rushville, IL, Ricky J. Bollinger of Astoria and Paula (and John) Watkins of Astoria.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, one son; Nicholas Bollinger and one brother; Jeffery Bollinger.

Randy was employed at L & N Industries for thirty-nine years as a welder. He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors and fishing. His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Randy had a smile on his face for everyone. He will truly be missed by his family and friends.

A service will be held at 7 pm on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Mike Shirley will be officiating. A visitation will take place from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, January 31. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Burial will be in the Browning Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Randy’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or Astoria Fire and Rescue.

Carina L. "Kiki" Kapraun

Carina L. “Kiki” Kapraun, 38, of Astoria, passed away on January 27, 2025. She was born on November 21, 1986 in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Bruce and Ranae (Clark) Welker. She married Nathan Kapraun on September 25, 2010 in Chillicothe, IL. He survives.


Also surviving are her two children, Brooks and Briar Kapraun, parents; Bruce and Ranae Welker of Princeville, IL, grandfather, Franklin J. Welker of Astoria, IL, two sisters; Alicia (and Bradley) Vonk of Chillicothe and Darci Welker of Marion, OH, in-laws; Greg and Vicki Kapraun of Metamora, IL, sister-in-law; Kim (and Stuart) Jacob of Germantown Hills, IL and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her grandmother; Patricia Welker and grandparents; Delmer and Barbery Clark.

She worked as a Key Account Executive for Ameren Illinois.

She was a 2005 graduate of Princeville High School. She went on to attend Illinois Central College where she played softball. She also played softball for several traveling teams including the Pekin Lettes and Pekin Rage. She then graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Construction Management and a minor in Graphic Design. She went on to work at WIU for several years. Kiki was very involved with the Astoria and VIT School districts with school events and originations, including coaching softball at all levels and was on the Rowdy Rebels Board. Kiki loved hunting and anything to do with the outdoors.

She lived her life with so much purpose. She did it all and she did it ALL with grit, determination, passion, love, strength, and kindness. She poured herself into her family, her kiddos were her whole world, her work because she was smart as hell, that's for sure, and definitely her community, she was always there to help when needed and put everyone else first. SHE WAS THAT PERSON.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Ben Murray will be officiating. A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Monday, February 3, 2025. Interment will be in the Summum Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Roger Lyle Waggoner

Roger Lyle Waggoner (aged 85) passed on January 24, 2025, in Canton, Illinois. He was born July 27, 1939, in Peoria County, IL, to Donald “Skelly” Waggoner and Irene (Shaw) Leng.


Roger grew up in rural Williamsfield, IL, and graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1957. He married Jackie Braden on February 21, 1963. He served in the Illinois Air National Guard for 17 years, and 4 years in the United States Air Force. After leaving the Air Force in 1966, Roger and Jackie returned to Illinois to raise their growing family on a small farm north of Williamsfield. He worked for Midland Coal Company’s Mecco Mine in Victoria until it closed. He worked in various mechanical and truck driving jobs until he retired.


Roger was a man without pretense whose word was his bond. He served as a Boy Scout leader for many years and was a role model for a variety of young people. The garage on his farm was often filled with young men who wanted help repairing cars. Just like he did for his children, he didn’t do the work for them. He instead taught them how to do it themselves and sent them away with knowledge and skills for “next time.”


Roger was an avid reader and a history buff. His family can attest to his love of western novels and historical non-fiction. In the last week of his life, knowing his heart was failing, he went to the library and checked out several books, telling the librarian that he wanted to have enough books to get him through till the end.


He loved to tell stories about the adventures he’d had and the colorful people he’d known throughout his life. Roger was best known in the Williamsfield community for having hosted the American Legion Fish Fry for many years. A generation of local kids grew up picking Buckeyes in Waggoner’s pasture during the annual event.


Roger is survived by his wife, Jackie, and three children, Christopher (Denise) Waggoner of Williamsfield, Paula (Dave Shaw) Waggoner of Dacre Banks, England, and Cassie (Dan) Stegall of Oneida; two brothers, Dave Leng and Bill Leng; one sister, Donna McKenzie; six grandchildren, Jenna, Mitchell, Ian, Dennis, Braden, and Baily; and seven great-grandchildren and one-on-the way.


Roger is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Joseph Waggoner; and one brother, Carl Waggoner.


Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Williamsfield Township Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Williamsfield Legion Hall.


In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Salem Township Library in Yates City. Donations can be sent via the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.



Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is responsible for arrangements.

William “Bill” Francis

William “Bill” Francis, 83, of Canton, passed away, Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Graham Hospital in Canton.

He was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on August 1, 1941, to Alonza “Lonny”, and Mary Olive (Peterson) Francis. They preceded him in death.

He is survived by two sons, Eric “Rick” Francis, and Duane Francis, his sister, Sue (Harvey) Bryant, granddaughter, Audrey (Dallon) Small, great grandson, Eli Glover, and Special friends, Patty “Tootie” Barnett, Becky (the late Garry) Swibold, Codi (J.J. Montgomery) Swibold, Kingsley Montgomery, Cole (Rayvan) Swibold, and Jill Gaugler.

Bill was a union Carpenter belonging to the Local Carpenters Union #237. He retired from work in 2002. He was active in his union for 63 years.

He enjoyed being in the outdoors, fishing, and racing. Bill enjoyed attending Nascar events, he was always a loyal Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan. Bill loved watching football, and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Fiatt Cemetery in Fiatt.

Memorials may be made to Blue Butts Colon Cancer Fund, 603 North Coolidge Court, West Peoria, IL 61604. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

David W. Hinkle

David W. Hinkle, 67 of Canton, passed away at 2:15 PM on Monday, January 27, 2025 at his residence. He was born on March 17, 1957 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, a son of John and Sylvia (Sandberg) Hinkle. He married Christina Upton on November 11, 1982 in Fairfield, Iowa. She preceded him in death on January 2, 2022.


Also, preceding David in death were his parents, and brother, Ed Hinkle.


Surviving are his children, David (Liz) Hinkle of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Patrick Hinkle of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Angie (Tank) Rodden of Canton; Ryan (Keegen) Hinkle of Canton; Nick (Jen) Hinkle of Chillicothe; Megan Hart of Colorado; thirteen grandchildren, Emily, Maguire, Maverick, Hudson, Holden, Gracie, Elaina, William, Henry, Molly, Sydney, Braden, Dallyn; five great-grandchildren, and sister, Brenda Gott of Des Moines, Iowa.


David dedicated 43 years of service to the United States Army, retiring in 2017 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. His courageous service in Operation Iraqi Freedom earned him a Bronze Star. Over the span of 43 years in the Army he received five Army Accommodation medals, six Army Good Conduct medals, and four Army Achievement medals. David was a member of Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swedesburg, Iowa.


A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes and Crematory in Canton, where military honors will be conducted by the United States Army at 3:00 PM. Cremation rites will be accorded. Burial of ashes will take place in Swedesburg, Iowa at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Fulton County Humane Society, or Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, or to Wounded Warriors Project. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Adra M. Burnett

Adra M. Burnett, 97, of Rushville, IL, passed away at 1:40 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Rushville Nursing and Rehab Center in Rushville. She was born on December 27, 1927 in Schuyler County, IL, the daughter of Lloyd “Shock” and Ada (Leek) Stambaugh. Adra married Charles William Burnett. He preceded her in death.


Also preceding her in death are her parents and brother; Wayne Stambaugh.

She is survived by her son; Lloyd Burnett of Torrington, CT, granddaughter; Billie Jo Burnett Haynes of Rushville, two great-granddaughters and sister; Edna Derry of Astoria, IL.

Adra loved birds and dogs. She enjoyed collecting ceramic chickens, owls and cookie jars.

No services have been planned at this time.

Dolores E. Kalhammer

Dolores E. Kalhammer, 91, of Manito, passed away at The Lodge, in Manito, at 2:48 p.m., on Monday, January 27, 2025. She was born April 30, 1933, in Pekin, Illinois, the daughter of Cecil D. and Marie (Webber) Dickson. She married Fred Kalhammer on January 15, 1955, in Pekin. He preceded her in death on March 5, 2024.

Mrs. Kalhammer is survived by two children: Scott (Deborah) Kalhammer, of Forest City, and Denise Howard, of Marquette Heights, Illinois; six grandchildren: Adam Howard, Ashley Howard, Taylor Meyer, Nathan Kalhammer, Brea Rohn, and Rikie Rabbe; as well as eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one son, Mark (Kathy) Kalhammer, as well as one brother, Weldon.
Mrs. Kalhammer was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Manito. She was known as the first female mail carrier in Manito. She really enjoyed baking and gardening.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Christian Church, at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 30, 2025, with visitation two hours prior to the services, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow the services at Meadowlawn Cemetery, in Manito. Fr. Geoff Horton will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church Building Fund, or Paulette’s Activity Fund, at The Lodge. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.