Robert “Bob” Smith

Robert “Bob” Smith, 88 of Canton, passed away, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Graham Hospital in Canton.

He was born in Marshall County on August 2, 1937, to Bertha and Marvin Smith. They preceded him in death as well as several brothers, sisters, and one grandson Eric Greer.

Bob Married Janice “Jan” (Droll) Smith, on January 12, 1956. They shared 61 years of marriage before she passed away on March 22, 2018.

Bob is survived by two sons, (Ben Smith of Canton and Tim Smith of Rockaway Beach, Oregon), one brother (Jim Smith of Bradford Illinois), three grandchildren (Emily Smith of Yamhill, Oregon; Toni Jones of Portland, Oregon; and Chuck Greer of Peoria), as well as seven great grandchildren.

Bob farmed over 800 acres in Marshall County for many years. He worked for 17 years for Peoria Marine Construction driving piling. He then worked for various fencing contractors before starting S & S Fencing in Canton in 1978. Bob was dedicated to his business; he was working up until the time of his death. The business will continue on thanks to the dedication of his friend and partner, John “Bobby” Stone, and Ketra Bucher. Bob attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton for many years. He and his family enjoyed setting up the Christmas tree for over 20 years. In his free time Bob enjoyed watching the hummingbirds around his home and gardening—he loved growing tomatoes and cucumbers. In his younger years he enjoyed square dancing with his wife Jan.

A funeral service will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home 1 hour prior to the services.

Memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church.

“Sea Dog”

David “Sea Dog” Kuntz, 70, of Canton, passed away at 11:50 AM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at his residence. He was born on April 21,1955 in Canton, a son of Wayne and Phyllis (Whitney) Kuntz.

David was known to most as “Sea Dog". He was a tad bit eccentric. He was truly a free spirit and loved chasing down the next adventure. When he showed up at your door, he really wanted to spend time with you. Sea Dog was a best friend to so many and to others he was the best mentor you could ask for. You had to laugh at his quirkiness and you could not help but love him like family. Out of high school, he worked at International Harvester until taking over as the 2nd generation owner-operator of Kuntz Excavating. He was actively working up until his death. He found the Lord in his life and became a shining pillar of love and forgiveness to all in his community. His generosity knew no bounds. He was of the 7th Day Adventist faith. He was a devoted father to Heather and grandchildren Ava, Lily, and heavenly angel Ethan. He was a great uncle to Becky, Tabitha, and Connor. He stayed close to his sister Cheryl. He shared a special bond with his best friend Goofy. Most of all, he loved that he was a part of a big extended family that referred to him as Sea Dog. There will never be another Sea Dog like him. We are all so grateful to have known him.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Jesus also said that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I finished my course. I tried to live life well. So now you take over. Love one another, keep the faith!!

I’ll see you all in Heaven.

Yowzah + Yeehaw

A visitation service will be held at 10 AM to 1 PM, Wednesday September 10, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Graveside services will follow at Lancaster Cemetery at 2 PM. A celebration of life will be held from 1 PM to 4 PM, Sunday September 21, 2025 at the Farmington Moose Lodge.

Pamela D. Sigler

Pamela D. Sigler, 82, of Auburn passed away Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, in Hospice care.

Pamela Harris was born September 6, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, and grew up in Table Grove, Illinois. She is the daughter of James (Wink) and Celia Harris. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister, Connie Baltzelle.

Pamela married Gary Sigler on January 10, 1965, at Table Grove Christian Church in Table Grove, IL. In January of this year, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Pamela graduated from V.I.T. High School in 1961 and attended Western Illinois University and Colorado State University. It was while attending Colorado State University that Pamela met Gary. Later, while Gary was stationed in Texas, Pamela graduated from Texas Tech with a BA in 1965. In 1995 she earned her master’s degree at Maryville University of St. Louis.

Besides family, Pamela’s greatest devotion was to her Quarter Horses. She rode most of her life and loved to share her equestrian experiences with others. In 1963, Pamela earned the title of Illinois State Rodeo Queen and competed in the National Rodeo Queen contest in Las Vegas. She always felt her teaching career dovetailed with her passion for working with horses.

The earliest years of their marriage were spent at Air Force bases in Texas, South Carolina and Idaho. When Gary was stationed in Thailand, November 1966, Pamela, and their daughter, Becky, moved back to the Harris family farm Table Grove, Illinois. When Gary was shot down on April 29, 1967, there was nowhere else Pamela could imagine being than in her beloved hometown. During this time Pamela taught at school in Bushell, Illinois, for a total of 14 years. Later as they moved to Indiana and Missouri, she continued teaching at Sacred Heart, Eureka, Missouri, substituting in Indiana, and completed her teaching career at Pacific High School in Missouri. At each move Pamela relished the idea of working with new students and often was the Cheerleading Coach.

In 2002, Gary and Pamela moved to Springfield Illinois to be closer to family. Since that time, Pamela loved living in the country, raising her dogs, and watching her family grow.

Surviving is 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; three great grandchildren; one sister, Jamell (Jeff) Adkisson, one sister-in-law, Judy (Jack) Makens; Ellen (Engel) Harlow, and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites were accorded.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, September 19th, at the Harris Cemetery in Table Grove, IL.

Memorials may be made to St. Louis County Police Welfare Association, 7900 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105 or the Table Grove Community Fire Station.

Paul J. Little

Paul J. Little, 78, of Peoria, passed away, Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Farmington Village in Farmington.

He was born in Peoria, on February 4, 1947, to Raymond Little Sr. and Frances (Buck) Little. They preceded him in death as well as one brother Raymond Little Jr.

Paul is survived by his wife, Nancy (French) Little. They were married on July 6, 1994.

Also surviving are three children, Chad (Kerry) Little, Carrie (Charlie) Miller, and Lynn Allen, one brother, Eugene “Hobert” (Jean) Little, sisters, Betty (the late David) Svymbersky, and twin sister Paula (Rick) Gall, seven grandchildren, Chandler, Tessa, Samantha, Braden, Brooke, Ben, and Ethan.

Paul is a Veteran of the United States Airforce. He served during the Vietnam War.

He retired in 1994 from Caterpillar in Mossville. He enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox and Notre Dame football. He also enjoyed to golf, and writing and performing rap songs, but most of all Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a celebration of life and a memorial mass will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinsons Foundation, or to Alzheimer’s Association.

Gregory Krentz

Gregory Krentz, 55, of Canton, passed away, Thursday, September 4, 2025, at his home in Canton.

He was born in St. Petersburg Florida, to Felix Krentz, and Joan (Ashwood) Krentz. They preceded him in death as well as a still born son, Gregory Krentz Jr., and three siblings, Susan, Deborah, and Rick.

He is survived by four children, Rinnick West, Kyle Krentz, Abigail Mibbs, and Robert Carolin, grandchildren, Marceline Green, Rhiot Mibbs and one on the way, and his dog Django.

Greg will be remembered as a hard worker. He is a retired Firefighter/EMS. He enjoyed listening to loud music, and being in the outdoors fishing. Most of all Greg was a family man, he cherished all the time he spent with his family.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

Memorials may be made to Easterseals Central Illinois.

Chad Hauk

Chad A. Hauk, 54, of Canton, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at his residence.

He was born on June 22, 1971 in Canton to Virginia Mason Hauk. She preceded him in death.

Surviving is his beloved dog Lola, sons, Austin Hauk of Bloomington, Bret Hauk of Heyworth, Tyler Branchfield of Canton, brothers, Rick (Tina) Hauk of TX, Jeff Hauk of Canton, Sister, Kay Deushane of Fairview, three grandchildren, Trenton, Emmett and Ivy, four nieces, Melissa, Sharon, Mallory and Andrea and one nephew, Scott.

Chad served in the U.S. Air Force as a MP and later worked as a copy repairman for IKON in Peoria and was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Canton.

He enjoyed playing video games, fishing and bowling in leagues at Linn Lanes. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan.

Most of all Chad enjoyed spending time with his family.

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

Memorials may be made to his church.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Deanna M. Leander

Deanna M. Leander, 87, of Washington, IL, formerly of Canton, passed away September 3, 2025 at the Washington Senior Living Facility in Washington, IL. She was born on April 7, 1938 in Canton to Dean and Coye (Leonard) Rakestraw. She married Jerry Leander on December 27, 1959 at the Evangelical Free Church in Canton, they celebrated over 50 years together. He preceded her in death on February 21, 2016. Also preceding her in death were her parents and daughter-in-law Jill Leander.

Surviving are two sons; Troy Leander of Canton and Todd (Sarah) Leander of Morton, three grandchildren; Ryan (Anna) Leander, Blake Leander and Karryl Lei Leander, three great-grandchildren; Eli Leander, Milo Leander and Nora Leander and one sister-in-law Harriet (Ed) Davis of Virginia, IL.

Deanna loved her animals and her compassionate heart for animals was known to all her friends and family. She was also a wonderful and loving mother who was a stay-at-home mom raising her two boys. Most of all though, she loved the lord and was always serving the Lord in some capacity. She was a devoted Christian who cherished her Bible and the teaching of Jesus. Jerry and Deanna attended the Evangelical Free Church in Canton, IL, and they took solace in knowing the Lord was watching over them and the church. She was an organist for fifty years in the church and faithfully served the church in this capacity. There will be no visitation with private family service being held at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton, IL. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to her church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.