Transitions: Wayne Sage, 81

On Friday September 18, 2020, Wayne L. Sage 81, of Ogden passed away at 1:25 P.M. surrounded by family at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Wayne was born May 26, 1939 in Compromise Township, the son of Fred and Reka (Albers) Sage. He married Roxie Schweineke on October 15, 1961 in Broadlands. She survives.

He is survived by his children: Sandra Lynne (Bill) Whalen of Crane, MO, SueAnn Denise (Jim) Billimack of Metamora, and Kevin Wayne (Lisa) Sage of Ogden; nine grandchildren: Emily (Cody) Scott, Rachel (Caleb) Gibbens, Mitchell (Haley) Billimack, Grant Billimack, Sydney Billimack, Janssen Sage, Jo Hannah Sage, Michael Sage, and Olivia Sage; two brothers: Darold (Millie) Sage of Venice, FL, and Myron Sage of Gifford; one sister: Donna (Carl) Beard of Tavares, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Wayne was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal where he was baptized and confirmed.

His greatest love was his family and spending time with them. He also enjoyed Hereford cattle and attending Hereford cattle shows and events.

He was a member of the American Hereford Association and the Illinois Hereford Association. He was named the Illinois Hereford Man of the Year by the Illinois Hereford Association, received the Illinois Golden Breeder Award, and was honored as the American Junior Hereford Association Advisor of the Year.

Wayne was a lifelong farmer and was named the Champaign County Young Farmer of the Year in 1970. He also worked as a St. Joseph rural mail carrier for many years.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 2:30 P.M. Monday September 21, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Masks are required during the visitation. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday at Kopmann Cemetery with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating. Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave, St. Joseph is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the National Hereford Youth Foundation or Kopmann Cemetery Association.

Transitions: Edwin Dalton, 82

Born October 8, 1937, in rural Piatt County, Edwin D. Dalton was the son of Harlin and Bernadeane Dalton. At the age of 82, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Kirby Hospital, Monticello.

He married Alice Jane Rawley on November 26, 1961 in Philo, Illinois. She preceded him in death on March 2, 2007. Also preceding him in death was his brother Ellis, sister Phyllis and both parents.

He is survived by his children, Bill (Renee) Dalton and Glenda Dalton and one brother, George (Dianna) Dalton. Also surviving him are grandchildren Jacob (Erin) Dalton, Lucas (Cara) Dalton, Megan (Devon Mitsdarffer) Rawley and Gavin Rawley and great grandchildren Brecken and Eleanor Dalton.

Ed was a tenant farmer in the Monticello area as a young man then in 1961 was employed at the University of Illinois where he retired in 1994 from the Steam Distribution Shop.

Ed and Alice enjoyed camping and traveling. He was involved in the boy scouts, youth baseball and the Philo ESDA along with being active in Zion Lutheran Church of Philo. Ed enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and cruising Philo in his golf cart.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Piatt County Nursing Home, Harbor Light Hospice, and Kirby Hospital for their exceptional care.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo, Illinois.

Memorial donations may be given to Zion Lutheran Church, 101 East Van Buren, Philo, Illinois 61864.

Photo of the Day - September 21, 2020

Winning spirit

Jolee Paden is all smiles behind her first book Spiritual Runner after running in the 2014 St. Joseph 5K. She finished the race in first place for the women's 19-24 title. Paden, who self-published the title just a few weeks before the race, was a product of the St. Joseph-Ogden cross country and track program. She was recently was promoted to Director of Operations for Southeast Asia FCA.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks