Richard H. "Dick" Casper

Canton -Richard H. "Dick" Casper, 93, of Canton, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2022 peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 30, 1928, to Dawson Casper and Dorothy (Howarter). They preceded him in death along with one brother, Glen Casper and two sisters, Marjorie Keith and Helen Huddleston.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Catherine (Bouc) Casper, whom he married on August 13, 1949 at St. Mary's Rectory in Canton.
Also surviving are four children, Richard A. (Dianna) Casper of Canton, Jane (Marty) Vahle of St David, Steve (Jill) Casper of Hanna City, and Kathy (Roy) Topp of Goodfield, seven grandchildren, Jeremy (Crystal), Joshua, Brooke, Chris, Carla, William and Douglas, five great grandchildren, Brodie, Breven, Lillie, Carter, Cassidy, and Jacqueline, and one great great grandchild, Mason.
Dick was a Veteran of the United States Army where he was stationed in Seattle.
Dick retired from International Harvester in Canton in 1983 after 37 years. Most know Dick from the local taverns where he bartended for countless years, lastly at Four Seasons.
He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bulls fan.
Dick was a master gardener, he loved woodworking, Polka dances and festivities, and most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.
The family invites everyone to join them for a celebration of life to be held at the Canton VFW on Sunday, April 10th, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Irene Harn

Irene Harn, 85, of Lewistown, passed away at 8:07 AM Tuesday March 15, 2022 at Clayberg Nursing Home.

She was born July 2, 1936 at Canton, the daughter of Otis and Zora (VanOrder) Wilcoxen. She married Robert I. Harn on April 19, 1954 in Nebraska. He preceded her in death on March 12, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Deborah Sue Harn, and one sister, Neva Howerter. Survivors include three children, Vicky (Victor) Miller of Lewistown, Cindy (Phil) Heaton of Ozark, MO; and Phil (Sherry) Harn of Lewistown, six grandchildren, Eric (Rhonda) Hand, Alex (Nicole) hand, Aleesha Hand, Brent (Erin) Heaton, Aaron (Amanda) Heaton, and Brandon Harn, eleven great grandchildren, three sisters, Thelma (the late George) Harn of Cuba, Ruth (Buck) Pierson of Havana, and Shelba (the late Bob) Beck of Lewistown, two brothers, Richard (Pauline) Wilcoxen of Canton, and Clifford Wilcoxen of Costa Rica, a sister in law, Jane Boyd of Lewistown, and a brother in law, Lewis Harn of Lewistown.

Irene was a sales lady for Avon for 40 years and was the recipient of several awards and was a member of the presidents club for Avon. She was a member of the Illinois Street Christian Church, and the Homemakers Extension Association. She was an avid bingo player, and a huge fan of Elvis Presley.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday March 19, 2022 at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown where visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Pastor Brant Reed will officiate. She will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Street Christian Church or the Lewistown American Legion. To view Irene’s life tribute video or to send condolences

Dennis E. Robertson

Dennis E. “Skip” Robertson, 74, of Ipava, IL, passed away at 6:18 am on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at his home. He was born on Thursday, December 18, 1947 in Canton, IL, the son of Philip and Doris (Curless) Robertson. Dennis married Peggy Hackman on November 8, 1980 in Havana, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Nick (and Jenny) Robertson of Ipava, Robert (and Ricci) Easley of Marble Falls, TX, Trent (and Laurie) Robertson of Astoria, IL, Shawn Easley of Ipava, and Clark (and Crystal) Robertson of Tennessee, IL, his mother, Doris Robertson of Ipava, 19 grandchildren, Rikki, Ashley, Kylie, Ryan, Brittany, Sarah, Karah, Allysa, Madison, James, Deitrik, Alexa, Taylor, Thomas, Tanner, Tyanna, Bryton, Gabriel and Emma, 13 great-grandchildren, sister, Hila Phillips of Canton, IL, 3 brothers, Steve Robertson of Ipava, Chris (and Jan) Robertson of Avon, IL, and Allen (and Sheila) Hackman Robertson of Ipava, IL and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Philip, nephew, Dalton Blakley, and great-nephew, Cole Posey.

Dennis served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. While serving in Vietnam, Dennis was a RTO who carried the radio for Lt. William Pray and 2 others. He was a part of the retaliation efforts after the Tet Offensive. After the war, Dennis served in the US Army Reserves, retiring after 20 years. He was known by his fellow reserves as “Pops”.

Dennis was a true patriot and the military was a major part of his life and very important to him. Because of this, Dennis took on several projects that honored his country and the Veterans that served it, including designing and helping build the Veteran Memorial in Ipava.

Dennis was a life long brick mason. He began by helping his dad build, including Western Illinois University buildings. He later became a bricklayer foreman for Stobeck Masonry for 8 years. He would go on to work as a foreman for Williams Brothers in Peoria for 17 years, retiring in 2006.

Dennis was member of the Ipava Masonic Lodge, Ipava American Legion Post #17, and the Havana VFW. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodcarving, and telling and writing stories. He also enjoyed tracking and watching birds, especially humming birds and purple martins. He would even build purple martin birdhouses and have them at his house. To his family and friends, he was known as the dog whisperer and could train any dog brought to him. He also bred and raised British labs. Dennis also was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, win or lose.

Services will be held at 2 pm on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Kevin Kessler will be officiating. A visitation will take place 1 hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the Ipava American Legion and Masonic rites will be provided by the Ipava Masonic Lodge. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service. Memorials may be made to the Ipava American Legion Post #17. Following the service on Monday there will be a meal provided at the Ipava American Legion Post #17.

Donald Reneau

Donald Reneau, 76, of Canton, passed away at 1:19 AM on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born on December 23, 1945, a son of Ivan and Helen (Ward) Reneau.

Surviving is one son, Brandon (Kate) Reneau of Dunfermline, three grandchildren, and one step-sister, Terri (Mike) Blessman of Canton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ed, and one step-sister, Nancy.

Donald worked and retired from Caterpillar, Inc., after many years of service, he was also a member of the Canton Elks.

Per Donald’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Kenneth E. Rynearson

Kenneth "Kenny" E. Rynearson, 64, of Brimfield, passed away at 4:06 p.m., on Friday, March 11, 2022, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born January 20, 1958, in Peoria, to Forrest and Nora Belle (Sprout) Rynearson, Jr.
He is survived by his fiancé, Lorie Vance; one daughter, Nichole (Chad) Kellem; two step-sons, Michael (Melissa) Vance, and Joe Vance; three brothers, Danny (Carolyn) Rynearson, Alan (Linn) Rynearson, and Robert (Theresa) Rynearson; one sister, Jeanie Rynearson, and three grandchildren, Logan Kellem, Brody Kellem, and Brielle Kellem.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Susan Rynearson.
Kenny was a semi-driver for many years and most recently worked for Heinz Brothers. He loved working on small engine repair and watching Westerns and Jerry Springer. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, nieces, and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at
Brimfield Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Illinois Autism Association, B.Y.E. Ambulance, or the Brimfield Fire Department.
To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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

Floyd E. "Willie" Wilcoxen

Liverpool - Floyd E. "Willie" Wilcoxen, was born on February 2, 1929, in Liverpool to Floyd L. "Dick" and Corrine A. "Brownie" (Warren) Wilcoxen. Willie was the first of four sons he is preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Richard, James and Dale.

Willie first married Leota (Pollitt) Kovachevich and they had one daughter, Susan Scott, of Dunfermline. She survives along with one grandson, Brandon (Kate) Reneau of Dunfermline, and three great grandchildren, Macie Reneau of St. Louis, Bree Williamson of Dunfermline and Alivia Reneau of Dunfermline.
Later in life Willie married Sherrill (Harris) Dodd and she preceded him in death. Sherrill had two daughters, Robin Hibbetts, and Lori Knowles both of Liverpool.
After serving in the United States Navy, where he contracted Rheumatic Fever, he completed a 40 year career at Caterpillar Building LL in the tool design and layout area. Even with little schooling he was exceptional at math.
Following retirement he enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, turtle trapping, farming, and horse racing. He never lost his love for playing cards especially pitch and gambling.
Willie built a tavern, which is now Turk Alignment. He served many years on the Liverpool Village Board.
Per his adamant request, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

John R. DeFord

Lewistown- John R. DeFord, 80, of Lewistown passed away at 8:38 PM Saturday March 12, 2022 at Graham Hospital emergency room in Canton.

He was born September 15, 1941 at Table Grove the son of Ross and Mildred (Stremmel) DeFord. He married Janice J. Lasswell on September 29, 1962 at Lewistown. She died October 23, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and one great grandson, Wesley Prytherch. Surviving are two sons, Scott (Sandi) DeFord of Lewistown, and Brad DeFord of Lewistown, two sisters, Linda Lane of Cuba, and Joanne Lindsey of Canton, five grandchildren, Ericka (Jake) Waterman of Golden, CO; Harley DeFord of Havana, Karley (Frank) Prytherch of Dawson, Michael Hibser of La Crosse, WI; and Jonathan DeFord of Lewistown.

John retired from Caterpillar with 35 years of service. After retiring he enjoyed driving fertilizer trucks for area fertilizer companies and also enjoyed hauling grain for several local farmers. He was a member of the Illinois Street Christian Church and UAW Local 974. While working at Caterpillar he was a member of the Caterpillar Mapleton Fire Department and had achieved the rank of Captain. He was also a volunteer for the Lewistown Fire Department. John was a former City of Lewistown alderman where he served for several terms. He enjoyed horses and spending time with his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Reverend Brant Reed officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Wednesday at the memorial home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Street Christian Church. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.