Deana Viano

Deana J. Viano, 66, of Peoria, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 in Peoria.

She was born on April 22, 1958 in Canton to John and Betty (Bybee) Viano. They preceded her in death.

Surviving are her siblings, Edward Viano of Canton, Lewis Viano of Canton, Chester Viano of Gainesville, GA and Diana Viano of Wichita, KS.

Deana worked for AT & T for many years. She was an avid cat lover and in her spare time she enjoyed, gardening, nature and bird watching. Deana was a loving and giving sister and friend. She was of the Catholic faith.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A graveside burial of the ashes will be held at St Joseph Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St Mary’s Catholic Church.

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

Susan Barnes

Susan D. Barnes, 75, of Macomb, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.

She was born on September 20, 1949 in Macomb to Rex and Helen (Mason) Tingley.

Surviving are her children, Mike (Candy) Ide of Laharpe, Jeff Ruark of Macomb, Buddy Payne of Macomb, Troy (Lori) Payne of Pleasant Plains, one brother, Larry (Anita) Tingley of Galesburg, one sister, Janet (Kenneth) Nicholas of West Frankfort, grandchildren, Kristi (Ronnie) Reimolds, Steven Ide, Dallas McKeown, Kaitlyn Ruark, Donavan Guerrero, Angel Payne, Buddy Lee Payne Jr Kirby, Haven Riley, Mark Payne, Jacob Payne, Amanda Payne, Gracelyn Payne and many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Tom, Greg, and Randy Tingley.

Susan was a member of the Macomb American Legion, VFW and Elks Lodge. Most of all she was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

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

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

Wendy G. Kaler

Wendy G. Kaler, 63, of Havana, IL, passed away at 9:54 pm on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Arcadia Care in Havana. She was born on Monday, November 27, 1961 in Canton, IL, the daughter of Darrin and Kathleen (Sheets) Kaler.

She is survived by her daughter, Addie (and Tyler) Kimbro of Summum, IL, two grandsons; Trenten and Dayten Kimbro, brother; Robert (and Salina) Gilson of Vermont, IL, and sister; Nicky (and Mike) Franciskovich of Canton, IL.

Wendy is preceded in death by her parents and sister; Kelly Kaler.

Wendy enjoyed collecting arrowheads and rocks. She also enjoyed watching old western movies. She loved plants and spending time with her grandsons.

Cremation rites have been accorded. No services have been planned at this time.

Eddie K. “Ed” Weaver

Eddie K. “Ed” Weaver, 92, of Lewistown, passed away at 6:13 PM on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born on October 4, 1932 in Liverpool Township to Herman and Bertha (Harris) Weaver. He married Patricia “Patty Audrey Black on January 17, 1960 at Mt. Pleasant Church. She preceded Ed in death on October 11, 2022.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Karla Leffler; and twelve siblings.

He is survived by three sons, Chris of Louisville, KY, Randy (Pam) of Dubuque, IA, and Lance (Cheryl) of San Ramon, CA; 5 grandchildren, Krista (Nick) Smith, Abby (Matt) Tomlianovich, Emy Leffler, Grady and Chase Weaver; 6 great-grandchildren, Smith and Mills Tomlianovich, Andy, Graham, Kate, and Heidi Smith; and one sibling.

Ed worked as a HVAC tech at Caterpillar for 48 years where he retired in 1991. After retirement he owned HVAC Repair. Ed was of the Christian faith and attended the First Baptist Church in Pekin and Evangelical Free Church of Canton. He loved traveling with his wife to Hawaii, Yellow Stone, Yosemite, and other national parks. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Ed was a Veteran of the United States Navy and severed during the Korean War.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Apple Cemetery in rural Lewistown, IL. Pastor Matt Spangler will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Evangelical Free Church Building Fund. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Terry J. Watson

Terry J. Watson, 71, of Canton, passed away at 2:13 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving wife and children. Terry was born on September 9, 1953 in Bloomfield, Iowa, a son of Roy and Margaret (Purvis) Watson. He married Debra (Vaughn) Flynn on July 3, 1990 in Lewistown. She survives.

Also, surviving are his four sons, Jeremy (Desrah) Watson of Macomb; Joe Watson of Canton; Marc (Samatha Bugos) Flynn of East Peoria; Scott (Sara) Flynn of Canton; daughter, Julie (Darrell) Hunt of Saunemin; three grandchildren, Dillon & Hayden Hunt, and Allie Flynn.

Preceding Terry in death were his parents, and brothers, Jeffery and Tony Watson.

Terry retired in 2015 from Illinois Department of Corrections, after 26 years of service. An avid hunter, Terry enjoyed his yearly deer hunts at the family farm in Missouri. He also enjoyed the many hunting trips with his dad, brother, and cousins, out west, and in Canada. One of Terry’s greatest joys was when his children came home to visit and he would sit and listen to them talk, laugh, and reminisce. It always brought a smile to his face and joy in his heart. Terry was a man of great faith. He was a member of Evangelical Free Church in Canton, serving as a member of the safety team, and as an usher.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Serenity Point Hospice for their care and compassion in Terry’s final months. Per Terry’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A private family burial of ashes will take place at a later date in Bethel Cemetery in rural Canton. Memorials can be made to Evangelical Free Church, Serenity Point Hospice or to Fulton County Humane Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

David G. Brecheisen Jr.

David G. Brecheisen Jr., of Canton, passed away at 12:47 AM on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. He was born on July 23, 1931 at a farm near Welda, Kansas, to David G. Sr. and Julia (Prochazkova) Brecheisen. He married Marilyn McClenahan on June 6, 1964 in Clay Center, Kansas. She survives.

He is also survived by one son, David Brecheisen III; one sister, Pauline Darby; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Karl and Julius Brecheisen, and two sisters, Ruth Hoffmeier and Helen Saunders.

David went to Baker University for one year before entering the Air Force in 1951. His basic training was at Sheppard Air Force Base while his technical training was at Lindall Air Force Base at Panama City, Florida. He then shipped overseas and spent three years in Germany as an air force policeman from March of 1952 until March of 1955. He served the remaining five months at Smoky Hill Air Force Base at Salina, Kansas. He worked for the Kansas Highway Department, testing materials used for the turnpike. He then returned to finish his BA at Baker University in 1959. He then enrolled at Emporia State University where he received his MS degree in 1961. He had additional educational study at Washburn University and Kansas University. He then began work as a school psychologist at Holton, Kansas, serving a county program. He worked in this system for four years, one year at the Shawnee County Cooperative and three years for the Jefferson County Cooperative. He then moved to Moline, Illinois where he worked for the Black Hawk Cooperative for two years. He then moved to Canton, Illinois and worked for the West Central Illinois Cooperative, serving several schools in Fulton County for twenty-two years. He retired in 1993, but continued working for Rushville, Astoria, Havana, and Canton School Districts. He was employed as a school psychologist for forty years.

David enjoyed gardening and spent much of his retirement years in this activity. He also had the first tree farm, with his brother Karl, in Anderson County, Kansas. They had a pecan orchard with over 128 trees.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association or The Nature Conservancy. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Barbara Taylor

Barbara Taylor, 82, of Canton, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Clayberg Nursing Home in Cuba.

She was born on December 3, 1942 in Thayer Township, MO, to Walter and Esther (Pennington) Regan.

She married Gary Taylor on February 11, 1962 in Table Grove. He preceded her in death on January 21, 2025.

Surviving are her children, Jeff Taylor of Washington, D.C., Laura Heberling of Missouri, Carol Chandler of Annawan, IL, grandchildren, Jordan (Cherish) Mills, Jessica Meador, Katy Lewis, Emily Towns, Abby Mills and great grandchildren, Lincoln Meador and Everett Mills.

Barb worked as the bookkeeper for her husband’s Construction Company, Taylor Construction. She enjoyed to sew and made several pieces of clothing for her family. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Burial of her ashes, along with her husbands, will be held on at Table Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the St Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

Keith A. Siegel

Keith A. Siegel, 39, of Elmwood, passed away on early Saturday morning, March 22, 2025, in Hanna City. He was born January 1, 1986, to Tommy and Rhonda (Wilson) Siegel.

Keith married Jenna Musgrave on September 10, 2022, at Camp Wokanda in Chillicothe. She survives.

Keith is also survived by his daughter, Presley Siegel of Elmwood; and one sister, Ashley Jo (Pedro) Coleman.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Megan Siegel.

Keith was a Combine Mechanic for AC McCartney for six years and most recently for Fliginger Equipment in Trivoli.

Keith was a loving husband and father. When not spending time with his family, he spent most of his time at Peoria Speedway or working on his B-Mod car. He was a two-time points Champion, securing multiple feature wins in his career.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held the same day prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. In honor of Keith, he will take his final lap around Peoria Speedway following the funeral service. Burial will immediately follow at Elmwood Township Cemetery.

To watch Keith’s video tribute or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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

Billie Jean Garman

Billie Jean Garman, 80, of Manito, passed away at 5:03 a.m., on March 20, 2025, at Richard Owens Hospice House, in Peoria. She was born June 4, 1944, in Springfield, Illinois, to William and Anna (Stuart) Timinsky. Her father died when she was young, and she was raised by her mother and step-father, George Simmering. She married Lee Garman, in Pekin, Illinois, on September 2, 1973. He survives.

Mrs. Garman is survived by her husband, Lee, of Manito; one daughter, Jamie L. (Darrin) Vance, of Forest City; three grandchildren: Stephan M. Simmons, Derrick Vance, and Damien Vance; four great-grandchildren, Sophia R. Simmons, Leia R. Simmons, Logan M. Simmons, and Liam E. Vance. Also surviving are three siblings: Patricia A. Derks, of Scofield, Wisconsin, Kim J. Simmering, of Ft. Meyers, Florida, and Kent B. Simmering, of Port Orchard, Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Page Ann Garman, and brother, Kevin S. Simmering.
Mrs. Garman was a member of Manito Community United Methodist Church. She was a cosmetology teacher, owner of BJ & Company Photos, and worked as a teacher’s assistant at District 150 for seventeen years. She enjoyed making jewelry and was an active seller at the Manito Popcorn Festival, Havana Oktoberfest, and several other fall festivals. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family and other loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at Manito Community United Methodist Church, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Forest City Cemetery. Rev. Steve Oaks will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to her church, Forman Fire Protection District, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.

Marilyn Jean Briney

Marilyn Jean Briney, 95, of Astoria, IL, passed away at 10 am on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at her home. She was born on January 10, 1930 in Arenzville, IL, the daughter of Ray and Helen (Dodds) Kloker.

Cremation rites have been accorded. No services have been planned at this time.

Dolores A. Gorham-Hamilton

Dolores A. Gorham-Hamilton, 71, of White Hall, IL, passed away at 8:45 p.m., on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at her home.

Dolores was born November 28, 1953, in Peoria, to Clifford and Eula (Ozment) Gorham.

Dolores is survived by two children, Jeffrey Taylor and Regan Mills; four brothers, Sonny (Susan) Gorham, David (Joan) Gorham, Lloyd (Kris) Gorham, and Scott (Patty) Gorham; and two sisters, Brenda Cape and Tammie Gorham-Richardson.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Her ashes will be buried at Elmwood Township Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

To make online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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

William; "Skip" Hardesty III

William "Skip" Hardesty III, 78, of Middle Grove, Illinois, passed away on March 18, 2025. Born on November 9, 1946, Skip was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.

Skip was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy (Ogden) Hardesty, who passed away in August 2021. Together, they shared a wonderful life, marrying on May 23, 1965. Skip is survived by his two sons, Brad (Nicole) Hardesty of St. David IL, William (Jenni) Hardesty of Woodbury, TN and his three cherished grandchildren, Tara Ontiveros, Brady Hardesty, and Bryce Hardesty.

Skip worked at Caterpillar for 31 years in the East Peoria KK building, where he built lasting friendships and left a legacy of hard work and dedication. Outside of his career; Skip was a passionate outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and anything that allowed him to be out in nature. He also had a great love for riding anything with wheels, from motorcycles to 4-wheelers, always embracing the thrill of the ride.

Known throughout the Canton area for his infectious sense of humor, Skip had a unique ability to make those around him laugh, often brightening even the darkest of days with his wit and warmth. His playful spirit and generous heart touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A cremation will take place, and there will be no formal funeral services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions be made in Skip's honor to the Dementia Society of America.

Skip's memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love, laughter, and legacy will never be forgotten.