Michael Ray VanBuskirk

Michael Ray VanBuskirk, 70, of Lewistown, formerly of Pekin, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 16, 1955 in Pekin to Perry James and Patricia M. (Goodwin) VanBuskirk. They preceded him in death.

He married Juanita K. Sawney on December 26, 1973 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are three children, Neoma (Vern) Jenson of Vicennes, IN, Dawn Michelle (Adrian) Alvarez of Bloomington, IL, Daara (Joseph Girdler) VanBuskirk of Pekin, one brother, Robert (Mary) VanBuskirk of Peoria, brother-in-law, Charles Darling, sister-in-law, Lonnie “Talula” (Donald Brent) Johnson, six grandchildren, Brittany Marie Lee, Christopher Jacob (Lauren) Lee, Andrew Michael Lee, Jaxson Ray Foster, Kyliam Robert Foster, Mattox Orion Foster, one great grandchild, Cadence Taylee Lee, several nieces, nephews and cousins including three special nieces, Winona (Carlos) Williams, Olleda (Bill) Mason and Jaclyn (Mike) Chick, best friends and travel companions, Sara and Bob VanDuker and his dog “Roo”.

Also preceding him in death was one sister, Barbara Darling and one great grandchild, Roman Julien Lee.

He worked as a control room operator for Aventine Renewable in Pekin and served as president of the local Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union. Together with his wife he attended 1st Christian Church in Pekin.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also was a bowler and a diehard Chicago Cubs fan attending many games with his family. Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 2-4 pm at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. There will be no funeral service and cremation rites will follow the visitation.

Memorials may be made to National Autism Association, Alzheimer’s Association or the Children’s Hospital.

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

Robert "Chappy" Chapman

Robert P. “Chappy” Chapman, 65, of Canton, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton.

He was born on September 14, 1959 in Canton to Charles and Anna Jane (Bauman) Chapman. They preceded him in death.

Surviving is his step mother, Lida Chapman, one daughter, Kami (Jeremy) Prescher, one brother, Bill Chapman, three grandchildren, Jorden, Tryp, Alexis and several cousins including his special cousin, Becky Swibold.

He graduated from Canton High School and went to work at the Clark Gas Station. He then worked as a Windshield specialist at Stanley Glass and as a manager at Four Season’s Bowling Alley. Chappy enjoyed bowling, golfing, racing and the WWE Wrestling.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

A graveside burial of the ashes will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11am at the Fiatt Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family C/O Oaks-Hines Funeral Home.

Gertie F. Bubert

Gertie Frances Bubert, 81, of Easton, passed away at her home at 8:28 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025. She was born on January 9, 1944 in Bath to Clarence and Geraldine (Hobbs) Lane. She married Albert Russell Bubert on April 21, 1962 at St. John’s Lutheran Church and he preceded her in death on April 20, 1997.

Gertie is survived by her children, Rusty (Sue Ann) Bubert of Mason City and Rita (Jim) Williams of Easton; step-children, Judy K. Britt and Rick Bubert, both of Marion, Virginia; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and long-time companion, Robert Ross. Also surviving are her siblings, Ruthann Lynch of Gulfport, Mississippi, Sally Merwin of Havana, Dessie Prater of Cadet, Missouri, and Dale Lane of Havana. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Betty Lou Hughes, Jerry Lee Lane, Charlie Lane, Doris Peterman, Jack Lane, John Paul Lane, and Nancy Lynn Lane; and great-grandson, Mason Michael Bubert.
Cremation rites have been accorded and no services are planned at this time.
Online condolences can be left for Gertie’s family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Rex Jett

Rex Jett, 84, of Canton, passed away on May 27, 2025 at the Loft in Canton. He was born on August 21, 1940 in Geneseo, IL. to Edward W. and Isabelle (Brown) Jett. Rex first married C. Marlene Foster and later married Judith A. Probyn. They both preceded him in death, along with his parents.

Surviving are three sons; Brad Jett of Summerfield, FL, Troy Jett and Joe Jett both of Canton, two step-daughters Jennifer (Jay) Murphy and Amanda (Mike) Emery both of Canton, one sister DeEtt Hummell of Lewistown, eight grandchildren: Faith Jett, Tyler Jett, Zack Jett, Zella Jett, Brittany Murphy, Marrisa Murphy, Aden Emery and Jace Emery, two great-grandchildren.

Rex worked as car salesman for several years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Canton.

Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no services. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton is in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Catherine Lynn Miller

Catherine Lynn Miller, 80, of Havana IL, passed away at The Lodge in Manito, IL at 9:55 a.m., on Friday May 23, 2025. She was born April 15, 1945, in rural Havana, to Paul Henry and Lynnette Catherine (Barker) Roat. She was married to Richard Miller who preceded her in death on January 4, 2019. Cathy is survived by three children: Nicole Rene (Todd) Patton of Bethlehem GA, Jason Eric (Adesuyi Adeniyi) Miller of Chicago, and Kimberly Camille Biever; four grandchildren: Tanner (Joclyn) Patton of Auburn, GA, Trevor (Kaylin) Patton of Bethlehem GA, Jackson and Luke Biever both of Ankeny, IA; two great-granddaughters: Harper and Ella Patton; and three siblings: Thomas Roat, Alice Dyer, and Paula Silveri. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Cathy grew up in the Church of the Nazarene in Havana and had remained close with her cousins and friends from her youth group. She attended Olivet Nazarene College and met Richard Miller there on the steps of the college library; they married in Havana on August 15, 1964. Cathy was a homemaker for many years until establishing employment at Hornsbys, Roat Construction and Plumbing, and as an aid at New Central elementary school. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and friends, attending church, and singing in the choir.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at Hurley Funeral Home, in Havana, with visitation one hour prior to the services. Donna Techau will officiate. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery, in Havana. Memorial contributions may be made to Havana Church of the Nazarene. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home, in Havana, is in charge of arrangements.

Timothy “Tim” Prawat

Timothy “Tim” Prawat, age 66 of Astoria, Illinois, passed away at 4:20 pm on Friday, May 23, 2025 at his home. He was born October 5, 1958 in South Bend, Indiana, the son of Eugene and Jolant (Rybicki) Prawat. On September 27, 1980, Tim married Lori Schuman in South Bend. She survives.

Also surviving are his mother, Jolant Prawat of South Bend, his son Matthew Prawat of Beloit, Wisconsin, his daughter Amanda (and Luke Bjoin) Conway of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, four grandchildren; Kailey Brouillet, Zoey Conway, Charlotte Conway, and Aiden Prawat, his golden retriever Lulu, and three sisters; Jan Thomas of South Bend, Connie (and Scott) Sass of Plymouth, Indiana, and Peggy (and Randy) Przybysz of South Bend.

Tim was preceded in death by his daughter Lindsey Prawat and his father Eugene Prawat.

Tim first worked at Nabisco Brands, then Gardner Baking. He later went to work as Account Manager for the Capital Times and Wisconsin State Journal newspapers in Madison, Wisconsin.

He was a major Notre Dame fan, as well as a fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs and Wisconsin Badger hockey team.

Tim’s greatest accomplishment was his children, whom he both coached and was their biggest fan. He adored his grandkids and loved to watch their games and activities.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria has been entrusted with arrangements.

Gary R. Sigler

Gary R. Sigler, 82 of Auburn passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 at his home. He was born July 14, 1942 in Bloomington, IL, the son of Richard and Wava Buckley Sigler. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in law, Constance Harris. Gary married Pamela Harris on January 10, 1965 at Table Grove Christian Church in Table Grove, IL.

Gary was born in Bloomington, Illinois, grew up in Colorado, and earned his BS in psychology from Colorado State University in 1965 where he met Pam. In his early life he was focused on his love of country and sense of duty. Gary had US Air Force pilot training in Lubbock, Texas, was stationed in South Carolina and Idaho, and went to Thailand in November 1966 shortly after moving Pam and Becky back to her family farm in Illinois. He and his Co-Pilot and mentor, Mark Stephenson, volunteered to deploy together and fly reconnaissance where they successfully flew 92 combat missions over North Vietnam. They were eventually shot down April 29, 1967 after volunteering for what was to be their last high-risk mission of the that tour. After gathering intelligence, they turned the F4 Phantom toward home flying 600 mph at 200 feet skimming treetops and mountains to avoid radar. After taking fire from surface to air missiles they took evasive actions at which point the plane caught fire. Gary ejected from the plane and Mark was unable to do so.

Gary suffered extreme injuries from the force of ejection, sought to find his way to safety and was captured by villagers May 1, 1967, which was his daughter’s first birthday. Gary was held captive in Viet Nam prison camps including the Hanoi Hilton, Dog Patch, and others for almost 6 years. Gary earned the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, 9 Air medals, and 2 Purple Heart Medals.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Gary And family moved to Colorado, where he was a flight instructor at the Air Force Academy. Later, the family returned to Table Grove and the Harris family farm. Here Gary learned to farm, raise livestock, ride quarter horses, and started an executive career in insurance. He retired in 2001 as a VP of Marketing. In 2002, Gary and Pam moved to Springfield Illinois to be closer to family. Since that time, Gary loved to drive his motorhome, tinker on antique cars and trucks with son, Zac, watch his family grow, and stay connect with the best of friends near and far.

Pam and Gary were able to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on January 10, 2025.

Surviving are his wife, Pamela Diane Harris-Sigler; one daughter, Becky (Tim) Straley of Vero Beach, FL; one son, Zac (Abbey) Sigler of St. Louis, MO; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Adam) Pritchard, Nicole (Will) Harrisson, Heather Straley, Gracelia Straley, Alex Straley, Evelyn Sigler, and Barrett Sigler; two great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Jamell (Jeff) Adkisson, one sister, Judy (Jack) Makens; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation rites were accorded.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in the Harris Cemetery in Table Grove, IL. Mike Ulmer will be officiating. A Military and Masonic service will be held at the gravesite. Memorials may be made to St. Louis County Police Welfare Association, 7900 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105.

Janet M. Whitney

Janet M. Whitney, 69, of Lewistown, passed away at 12:13 AM on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Richard L. Owens Hospice House in Peoria. Janet was born on October 26, 1955, in Canton, Illinois, to Harvey Vaughn and Irene Harper. She married Rick Whitney on September 23, 1972. He survives.

Surviving Janet are her children, Chrissy (Clint) Sours of Lewistown and Candi (Josh) Miller of Lewistown; grandchildren Jainee Sours, Rhett Sours, and Zack Miller; sisters Debbie Watson, Vickie (Randy) Towery, and Valerie (Kevin) Alwood; brother Danny Vaughn proceeds her in death.

Janet was a bookkeeper for Whitney Construction. She enjoyed leisure activities such as walking, reading, observing birds, and tending to flowers in her garden. In accordance with Janet’s wishes, cremation services will be entrusted through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Richard L. Ball

Richard L. Ball, 86, of Banner, passed away on May 22, 2025 at his residence. He was born on May 28, 1938 in Fulton County to Jessie and Verna (Williams) Ball. Richard married Wilma Vollmer on November 14, 1992 in Banner. She survives along with one son Richard E. (Dawn) Ball of Banner, four step-children; George (Joellen) Foust of Banner, Rex Foust of Pekin, Julie Gallo of Pekin and Angela Pollard of Pekin, one sister Shirley Mahr of Banner, one grandson Richard A. (Gabby) Ball, eight step-grandchildren, one great-grandson Richard L. Ball and fifteen step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.

Richard worked as a welder for Freeman United Coal Mine, retiring in 1995. He also was Banner Township Road Commissioner for 28 years and Captain of the Banner Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He was Army veteran.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A burial of ashes will take place in Walnut Cemetery in Banner at a later date.

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

Adolph C. Zeglen Jr.

Adolph C. Zeglen Jr, 90, of Farmington, passed away on May 22, 2025 at his residence. He was born on February 10, 1935 in Gilchrist, IL to Adolph and Marie (Gnyla) Zeglen Sr. Adolph is survived by his son Daniel Zeglen of Green River, WY, one brother John Zeglen of Palm City, FL, sister Cynthia (Jim) Schreiner of Farmington, five grandchildren; Chris (Amber) Quartier of Denver, CO, Bryce (Jenna) Quartier of Washington, IL, Nicole (Nathan) Jones of Farmington, Melissa (Adrian) Lopez of Laramie, WY, Austin (Brianna) Zeglen of Green River, WY, and eight great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, two children; Jonathan Zeglen and Kathryn Quartier, three brothers; Thomas, Michael and Rudolph and three sisters; Loretta, Helen and Debra.

Adolph worked at Caterpillar for 35 years, retiring in 1992. He also worked at Perardi Fur and Wool Company for many years. His hobbies included farming, fishing, trapping and hunting. He was a member of the Moose lodge. He was an Army veteran serving from 1957-1959.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. There will be no services. Memorials can be to the Farmington Rescue Squad. To make online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Gregory D. Woiwode

Gregory D. Woiwode (Woody), 64, of Manito, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 after a period of declining health due to A-Typical Parkinsonism disease. He was born December 21, 1960, in Havana, Illinois, to John “Jack” and “Connie” (Matthews) Woiwode. He married Lisa Bantz on September 25, 2004, in Peoria, Illinois.

Greg is survived by his wife, Lisa, of Manito; Mother, Connie, of Manito; six children: Kyle (Christine) Watson, of Congerville, Josh (Jessica) Woiwode, of Pekin, Justine Woiwode, of San Diego, CA, Abigail Starnes, of Washington, IL, Brandon Starnes, of Dunlap, Hanna Starnes, of Manito; grandchildren: Brogan, Clare, Ayla, Journey, Kaiden, Karter, Lorenzo, Hollie, Henry, Sophia, Lila, Kate, and Nora. Also surviving are seven siblings: Gloria Lawson, Kirk (Rhonda) Woiwode, Pat (Deborah) Woiwode, Joy (Eric Dierker) Goolsby, Angie (Mark) Vannaken, John (Kelly) Woiwode, and Susie (Pat Bland) Woiwode. He was preceded in death by his Father.

Greg started his career with Woiwode Builders. He went off to Tech school and graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute as an Automotive Mechanic, in Des Moines, IA. He worked as a mechanic with Ray Dennison Chevrolet for 21 years, becoming a Chevy Certified Master Mechanic. He then went on to work at Mid-America Systems (MAS), for Wes, where he met his loving wife, Lisa. After that he spent 18 years at Cat Altorfer in East Peoria retiring in 2023.

Greg was a loving Husband, Father, and Grandpa, and Friend. Greg left a lasting mark on everyone who met him, everyone that knew him loved him. He had a heart of gold. Greg enjoyed to be outdoors at their land shooting guns and drinking beer. He loved his dogs Kobe and Jasper, they were his best buddies. He loved flying his drone with his grandkids. Greg also loved to make homemade wine, his coffee, play the drums and sing karaoke with friends, family, and of course the ‘Fugowee’ tribe. Greg loved to ride all kinds of bikes from one wheel to four. He rode unicycles, Harley’s and Atv’s. He was a NRA and Carry Conceal instructor. He was also a proud member of the Patriot Guard. Greg and Lisa had so many beautiful memories and years together. They shared a life of love and a unwavering support for each other and their families. Greg will be truly missed.

Funeral Mass will be held Monday, May 26th at 11am with visitation beginning at 9am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Manito. Burial will be at St. Frederick’s Catholic Cemetery. Fr. Geoff Horton will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Tunnel for Towers, or NRA. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at hurleyfh.com