James Merlin Gutshall

James “Jim” Merlin Gutshall (76) born July 25 1949 to Merlin and Verna (Forney) Gutshall, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by the life and land he loved.

Jim grew up on the farm and had fond memories of his grandparents, uncles, and family on the farm. He graduated from Elmwood High School in 1967. After Graduating from the University of Illinois in 1972 he taught Agriculture Education for 2 years along the Mississippi River then proceeded to returned home to the farm. He married the love of his life Sue Ann (Goedeke) on June 1, 1979 in Maquon, and together they built a life rooted on the farm. Their marriage was a true partnership, marked by devotion, laughter, and unwavering support through every season. He was a proud and loving father to three daughters Cassie (and Jeremy Crouch of Maroa IL), Rebecca (and Chris Alfrey of Elmwood IL), and Mary Ann (and Bill Sinclair of Columbia TN). He taught them the values of hard work, caring, and resilience. Whether in the fields or at the kitchen table, he led by example, leaving a legacy carried on through the lives of his girls.

A lifelong farmer, he devoted his days to caring for his crops and livestock, rising before dawn and working until the sun dipped below the horizon. His hands told the story of a life built on hard work, perseverance, and quiet dedication. He believed in honest labor, strong values, and loving his girls beyond the days here on earth.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Merlin and Verna, but leaves behind a caring wife, three girls, a sister, Christine Ann (and Boyd Bewley) and a brother Michael Glenn Gutshall (PA). He will best be remembered by his grandchildren. He loved being in the background of grandma’s phone calls to his seven grandchildren: Taylor, Morgan, Delaney, Vincent, Zachary,Mason, and Charlotte, and enjoyed getting updates, phone calls, and watching them grow up.

Jim will be remembered each day of planting and harvest. His hands are still now, his labor complete, and his rest well deserved in the arms of our Lord.

A memorial service will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood on Friday January2, 2026 at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

Memorials may be made to B.Y.E., or to Elmwood Fire Department.

Robert “Bob” T. Organiscak

Robert “Bob” T. Organiscak, 82, of Trivoli, passed away at 2:02 a.m., on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist in Peoria, IL.

Bob was born December 31, 1942, to Andrew and Lottie (Handzel) Organiscak in Chicago, IL.

Bob married Judith Stevens on October 7, 1967, at the Plainfield United Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on September 30, 2025.

Bob is survived by two children, Kristin (Andrew) Luster of North Pekin, and Kelly (Ryan) Brewer of Yates City; three grandchildren, Hayley Luster, Caiden Taylor, and Ashlyn Brewer; one brother, Thomas “Bud” Organiscak; and three sisters, Lynda (Dave) Leanna, Theresa (Jim) Strasburg, and Sharon (Jerry) Kaziak.

Bob is also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sandra Organiscak.

Bob served in the Army from 1965 to 1970. He was honored to fly on the Peoria Honor Flight on June 12, 2024. Bob worked at ADM for 29 years, retiring in 2010. After retirement, he loved driving the bus for Farmington School District #265. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing his saxophone and clarinet and was in a polka band called “The Happy Notes”. Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church in Trivoli where he sang in the church choir and the men’s quartet. Bob was a volunteer fireman with the Logan-Trivoli Fire District and loved hunting, mushroom hunting, fishing, and being in bowling leagues; but most of all, he was very adamant about attending all of his grandchildren’s activities and spending time with his family.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial of his ashes will immediately follow at Trivoli Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude and Peoria Honor Flight.

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

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

George "Bingo" B. Ferguson

George “Bingo” Bingham Ferguson, 74, of Havana, Illinois, passed away at his home at 8:30 p.m.

on Saturday, December 27, 2025 after a long battle with MSA. He was born on November 9,
1951 in Burbank, California to George and Ruth (Erickson) Ferguson. He married Donna Kay
Leithoff on March 18, 2001 in Simi Valley, California.
George is survived by his wife, Donna Ferguson of Havana; children, Nisse Ferguson of
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Michael (Julie) Shinagawa of Irvine, California, Scott Shinagawa of
Chatsworth, California, and Joshua (Georgette) Pell of Castle Rock, Colorado; grandchildren,
Jordyn, Brianna, Kyle, Bianca, Samantha, Kendall, Evan, and Tyler; brother, Scott (Mary Ann)
Ferguson of Monrovian Falls, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Steven Sexton and sister-in-law,
Sharon Miller, both of Havana, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by his parents.
George was a scene planner and special effects coordinator in animation for the entertainment
industry. He enjoyed trout fishing and was an avid Alabama football fan. He retired in Havana,
Illinois, loving the town’s unique details, especially the church bells and brick streets.
Cremation rites have been accorded and no services are planned at this time.
Memorial donations may be made in George’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online
condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.