Transitions: Larry Wagner, of Ogden, called home

Larry Wagner, 81, of Ogden passed away at 8:44 P.M. He was called home on Monday September 21, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

The son of Ralph and Evelyn (Johnson) Wagner. Larry was born October 7, 1938 in Danville, Illinois, and had one sibling, his brother Charles (Janet) Wagner of Lake Worth, FL

He married Sherry Wait on September 22, 1968 in Monticello. She survives.

He is also survived by his children; Jonathan (Jennifer) Wagner of Tuscola, Aaron (Cindy Stanton) Wagner of Rantoul, Sara (Richard) Atwood of Collinsville, IL, Amy Wagner of Knoxville, TN. Two grandchildren Xander and Lexi Atwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A model Railroad enthusiast, Larry worked at Horizon Hobby until 2008. He enjoyed watching trains.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served his country abroad tour stationing in England.

Graveside services was held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday September 26, 2020 at Stearns Cemetery, Fithian.

Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans.

Transition: Eileen Welch, 99, of St. Joseph

Eileen Welch, 99, was born October 12, 1920 at Sadorus, the daughter of John and Anna (O'Neil) Gallagher. The St. Joseph resident passed away on Friday September 25, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, just short of celebrating 100 years on God's Earth.

She married William F. Bushue, who preceded her in death, and later married James Albert Welch, who survives. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, son James, daughter Linda, and grandson Troy Waller.

Eileen is also survived by her daughter, Sandra Waller of St. Joseph, and her son, Dustin Ragle of St. Joseph. Grandchildren, Jeanne Lord, Joseph Ragle, and Everett Bushue. Great grandchildren, Blake (Katlyn) Waller, Ty Waller, Joseph (Alex) Ragle Jr, Josh Ragle, and two great-great grandchildren Riley and Anna Snyder.

She was employed at the University of Illinois and retired there. She also was a former manager at TCBY Yogurt store.

Eileen was active in her retirement and cherished family gatherings. She enjoyed mowing her yard until the age of 94 as well as sewing, cooking for her family, and family get-togethers.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday October 1, 2020 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Entombment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Urbana. Visitation will be Thursday from Noon-1:00pm.

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.

Area professionals react to the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Much of America is mourning the passing of Associate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg this evening. Nominated by President Bill Clinton and taking her place on the bench just 26 days later, Ginsberg died of complication from cancer today at the age of 87.

Known by her initials RGB, she was heroine, a guiding light and courageous champion of women's rights in the highest court of law in this country. Ginsburg was the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court after Sandra Day O'Connor. She protected abortion rights and a wide range of other progressive ideals on an otherwise conservative Supreme Court.

"It’s honestly terrifying," said Tasha Shadden, a 2011 graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School currently working toward a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. "She was the voice for gender equality and reproductive rights and losing that is a huge loss for women. It’s hands down the worst part of 2020 so far."

Like Shadden, Doctor Suzanne Ford, who graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Veterinary Medicine in 2019, was a distance runner with the SJO running program. She said Ginsberg's showed strength and passion in her final days.

"Ruth Bader Ginsberg was an inspiration to so many women as she broke through the glass ceiling in the world of law, as not many women attended law school at the time that she did. She stood up for what was right and fair at all costs, and fought for equality for women, especially in education, paving the way for women such as myself to not be discriminated against in our pursuit of education.

"She was firm and known for her fierce dissents, which made her a role model for so many to stand up for what they believe is right, even when that’s against the majority. As she aged, RBG battled cancer yet remained active and continued to serve on the Supreme Court, which shows her strength and passion to uphold a fair and just legal system for our country. Even with her popularity, she remained humble. She is a hero to so many of us and will be greatly missed."

St. Joseph resident Kelly Miller Skinner, owner of Soul Care Urban Retreat Center was stunned by the news.  She wrote:

"I was shocked by the news. I've just spent the last 30 minutes being bombarded by text messages by female leaders and friends around the country who are devastated. Many see this as another blow that 2020 has dealt us. With the sadness, also comes a renewed determination to fight for justice and to step up campaign support efforts because of the fear that conservative political leaders will push a replacement before the election. There is a sense of needing to fight harder.

For me, she has always represented someone who works hard and uses all her smarts and skills to work within the system for lasting change. She has inspired so many women of all ages that they can make a difference in their own way and in their own spheres. Her plain talk has given words to what we all feel.

I also keep thinking....who is going to step up and inspire us next?

St. Joseph's Jennifer Tuttle hopes whoever replaces Ginsberg, mirrors the strength and determination she was known for by her admirers.

"Clearly she had a big part in women’s rights in the us," said Tuttle, General Manager of Champaign's Red Lobster. "I viewed her as a helper, one that always wanted to try to find common ground. She was a lady first, yet still showed independence. Hopefully, the next person to take the spot shows the same class that she did."

With less than two months before the presidential election, Ginsburg's passing will surely deepen and already polarized country making its way through a controversial pandemic, economic decline, and civil unrest in cities around the country.

President Donald Trump will likely become the first president since Richard Nixon to confirm three supreme court justices in a single term. Washington will be political battleground as Republicans will undoubtedly at the President's insistence push through a nominee before November. 

Ginsberg will be laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery. 

 

Transitions: Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck loved music, passes away

Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck, age 60, of Philo and Tolono, had a passion for live music, especially listening to her partner Dave Lindsey play. She enjoyed her yearly Rock and Roll cruises. She died August 30, 2020 at her home.

Jan is survived by her son Ryan Reifsteck, The Meekers; her adoptive family; her partner David Lindsey and siblings.

She was born January 20, 1960 in Urbana, a daughter of Lynn and Dorothy Meisenhelter.

Among the dearest to her heart was the collection of knives made by her loving friend Craig Schneider. She loved animals and sitting by bon fires enjoying friends, family, and nature. Jan was also known for her elaborate music collection, her ability to be spontaneous and enjoy life as well as her care and compassion for others. She is at peace now with her beloved parents and pet Warlock.

"When you can’t find the light that got you through the cloudy days; when the stars ain’t shinin’ bright; you feel like you’ve lost your way; when the candlelight of home; burns so very far away; well, you got to let your soul shine."

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or C4A -Community Center for the Arts in Urbana, Illinois.

Transitions: Mikhel Cain will be missed

Mikhel Allen Cain, 21, of Port Angeles, Washington, formerly Ogden, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Mikhel was born September 1, 1998, in Urbana.

Mikhel is survived by his Mother and Step Dad Jacki and Chad Wilcoxon, his brother Landon Brown, step brother Dalton Wilcoxon, 2 step sisters Alyssa and Paige Wilcoxon and his father Wayne Cain. He has lots of aunts and uncles who loved him very much and will miss him terribly. He is survived by two Grandfathers David Perry Sr. of Homer and Bill Cain of St. Joseph and one Grandmother Beth Cain of Urbana.

Mikhel is proceeded in death by his Grandmother Andrea Perry in May 2019 who he was very close to growing up.

Mikhel had the biggest heart and loved spending time with his younger brother Landon. Mikhel loved to play the piano and spent lots of time taking care of his dog. He loved going to the water falls and hiking. He loved to take lots of videos to send to his Mom so she could enjoy his journeys too.

The family will have a small graveside service at Mt Olive cemetery at a later date. There will be a Celebration of life on Saturday September 5th from 2pm - 4pm as a walk, bike, drive through at his moms house in Ogden due to covid restrictions.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mikhel Cain, please visit the floral store.

Transitions: Jack Knott, 79

Jack Wesley Knott, 79, was carried away to heaven at 4:55 p.m. Saturday (June 13, 2020) in Urbana. He was the son of Hiram Wesley Knott Jr. and Marian Louise Wood Knott.

Born in Urbana on June 18, 1940, he grew up near Kolb Park in St. Joseph and spent countless hours playing along the Salt Fork River. Never afraid of work, he delivered newspapers as a young boy.

He graduated in 1959 from St. Joseph High School, where he had been a member of the choir and participated in the state vocal contest. After graduating, he attended Champaign Commercial College in 1962.

Jack served in the Illinois National Guard from 1963-1969 as a staff sergeant in the 1144th Transportation Battalion. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

He worked as a computing supervisor in the Computing Service Office at the University of Illinois from 1963-1997. He also owned a jewelry store in the Lando Place Mall located on 6th Street in the heart of the University of Illinois campustown for several years.

Actively involved in the St. Joseph community, he was a member of the St. Joseph Civil Defense and St. Joseph Lions Club, including president; served on the St. Joseph Township Swearingen Memorial Library Board; and was co-chairman of the 1972 St. Joseph Centennial. He also was a member of the Mount Olive Cemetery Association board. He was a member of St. Joseph Church of Christ.

On Aug. 17, 1963, Jack married Barbara Gale Maddock at the St. Joseph Church of Christ; she survives him.

Also surviving are two sons, Gregory John Knott (Brooke) of St. Joseph and Kevin Wesley Knott (Julie) of Homer; and two grandchildren, Riley Knott and Hayden Knott of St. Joseph. Additionally, he is survived by numerous cousins that he was especially close to.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, John Bluford Wood and Ella Wood; one brother, James B. Knott; and sister-in law, Patricia M. Knott.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with Dave Barcus officiating. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the St. Joseph Township Library.

Transitions: Brian K. Renfrew

Brian K. Renfrew, 54, of St. Joseph, IL, passed away at 5:11 PM, May 8, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Brian was born February 25, 1966 in Urbana, IL, son of Micheal and Bonnie (Adams) Renfrew.

Brian loved his family, airplanes – both repairing and flying them, riding his mountain bike, St. Joe football, and making people laugh. He was proud to be a Marine and served his country from 1984 to 1990. He was loyal and loving with a famous smirk. He loved motorcycles and enjoyed watching Luke race. He was very proud of Jake becoming a pilot following in his footsteps. He enjoyed watching movies on wars and very much loved history. He loved hanging out with his family, camping, and long family vacations.

He married Bobbie Delmotte on October 5, 1996 in Georgetown, IL. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Jake Renfrew and Luke Renfrew, both of St. Joseph, IL, a daughter, Jennifer Ogle of Barren Springs, VA; three grandchildren, Chelsea, Easton and Keely Ogle, all of Barren Springs, VA; his mother, Bonnie Renfrew of Urbana, IL, sisters Christine (Greg) Renshaw of Mahomet, IL, Kathryn (Thomas III) Wimmer of Rantoul, Megan (Jarrod) Reed of Reno, NV and a brother, Micheal Jayson Renfrew of the Philippines.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Micheal Renfrew, maternal grandparents, Oscar and Alice Adams, paternal grandparents, Bob and Rosemary Renfrew, uncle Marc Renfrew and aunt Lish Renfrew.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at this time, the family is having a private viewing only. The burial will be at a later date.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Transitions: Inki Abu calls Annie Lee Jessup home

Annie Lee (Kemp) Jessup passed away on Good Friday, April 19, 2019, at the Waterford at Bridle Brook in Mahomet.

She was born September 22, 1925, in Ada, OK, a daughter of Joel Leamon Kemp and Annie Laurie (Aldrich) Kemp. A direct descendant of ancestors who made the historic Trail of Tears across the southern United States in the mid-19th century, both of her parents were Native Americans descending from Chickasaw and Choctaw Indian tribes, members of the Five Civilized Tribes.

She married Bobby Gene (Robert G.) Jessup January 1, 1946, in Harris County, Texas, and moved to St. Joseph after her husband served his country in the United States Air Force. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1975. She had two sons who also preceded her to the heavens; Robert G. Jessup II (November 19, 1968) and Leamon Kemp Jessup (August 20, 2017). She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Sue Fathree, George Kemp, and Harry Kemp.

Annie is survived by her grandchildren: Jeremy (Nichole) Jessup and Joshua Jessup, both of Mahomet, Joel (Katie) Jessup of Seymour, and Annie (Tyler) Anglin of San Diego, California. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Erin, Ainsley, Jack, Addie, Liam, Jameson, and Emmalyn.

A Celebration of Life service for Annie will be Saturday, May 4, at the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 205 N. Third Street, St. Joseph, the Reverend Gene Turner officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph.

Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

Transitions: Bobby Divan of St. Joseph

Robert “Bobby” E. Divan, 50, who worked at AJ’s Station as the head mechanic, passed away in his home on Sunday, April 14, 2019, in St. Joseph.

Bobby was born August 20, 1968, the son of Robert S. Divan and Gail L. Martin-Divan. He attended Flatville Grade School and South Vigo High School in Terre Haute, IN.

Bobby enjoyed being with family and friends, walking his dog and listening to music. He also enjoyed going to the demos and camping, fishing, and riding motorcycles and three- or four-wheelers as well as collecting various furnishings for his home.

He formerly worked for Mike’s Garage and Towing on North Fourth Street for 20 years.

Visitation will be held tomorrow, April 19, at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph from 4 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 20, 2019, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Stearns-Fithian Cemetery. Memorials may be made out to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Bobby is survived by his mother and stepfather, Gail and Kem Curits of LaGrange, Indiana; stepmother, Robin Divan of Urbana; girlfriend, Laurie Ferguson of Farmer City; sisters, Kimberly Divan-Abel of New Braunfels, Texas, Tera and Chris Swisher of Sidney and Samantha Oesch of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brothers, Jesse and Sheila Divan of Urbana and Joshua Divan of Urbana; children, Karen and Freddy Davis of Griffin, Georgia, Jamie and Joey Moore of Barnesville, Georgia, Alexandra Divan and Joseph Ragle Jr. of St. Joseph, Robert Divan and Amy Gibbons of Champaign, Hailey Huskey of Waggnor and Denver Huskey of Sidney; grandchildren, Michael, Herman, Brayln, Dillon, Lucas, Calvin, Aubree, Zaiden and Lylah; and nieces and nephews, Amber and Tommie Gonzales, Leslie Shaffer, Jesse Divan, Shawnna Utley, Nicole Divan, Dagen Gonzales, Joshua Swisher, Tommie Gonzales, Taniya Colon, Rayden Vasquze, Jayden Divan, Zayliehn Mancias, Kysleigh Cavos, David Leiding, Brayden Swisher, Koby Divan, Kayla Divan and Kallie Mae Divan.

He was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Callie Mae Divan of Danville; maternal grandparents, Chuck and Pat Martin of Chino Valley, Arizona.; father, Robert S. Divan of Flatville; and brother-in-law, William P. Abel, husband of Kimberly Divan Abel of New Braunfels, Texas.

Transitions: Ruth Williams, 96

Ruth L. Williams, a former employee at St. Joseph High School, once sang with the Sweet Adelines. Williams passed away on April 10 at the age of 96.

The daughter of William “Bill” Hartman and Ollie Denhart Hartman, Ruth was born west of St. Joseph on Aug. 11, 1922.

She attended Illinois Commercial College and later landed her first job at Sullivan Chevrolet automotive dealership in Champaign. From there, she moved on to Collegiate Cap and Gown. She then went to work at a restaurant in St. Joseph before becoming a dedicated employee at the high school, where she worked for 32 years.

At the age of 20 she married Murray Williams who preceded her death on June 30, 1980.

Ruth loved country music and dancing. She enjoyed her family and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter, Margaret “Kay” Charles (Ron) of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Angela Mumm of Cape Coral, Florida, Vicki Sparks (Larry) of St. Joseph, Bob Mumm of Cape Coral, Florida, Jodi Williams of Nashville, Tennessee, and Melissa Williams, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and four great-grandchildren, Kayla Sparks and Brandon Sparks of St. Joseph and Grace Vilar and Michael Vilar of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Bill Williams; two brothers, Ernie Hartman and Bill Hartman; and a sister, Helen Lowe.

She was laid to rest on Monday, April 15, 2019, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with David Barcus officiating.

Memorials can still be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Transitions: Mervin Aden, 86, passes on

Mervin G. Aden, 86, of Savoy, passed away at 10:28 p.m. Friday, February 1, 2019, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Visitation services will be held tomorrow from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, with the Rev. Emil Blobaum officiating. Mervin will be laid to rest following the visitation at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Royal.

Mervin was born on August 19, 1932, in St. Joseph, the son of Heye and Margaret (Roelfs) Aden.

He served his country from 1952-1954 in the U.S. Army and did a tour in the Korea. A graduate of the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, Mervin continued his education to earn a Master Degree from Bradley University.

He married Sonna Lou Wills in 1955. She preceded him in death in 1983.

After 34 years of loyal service he retired from Catepillar in Peoria in 1997.

He was a member of Toastmasters, the Illinois Farm Bureau and First English Lutheran Church in Peoria and also attended St. John Lutheran Church in Champaign. In addition living in Savoy, Mervin made Chillicothe, Ogden and Royal his home during his lifetime.

Mervin was active in farming all of his life and earned a pilot's license. In addition to flying, he enjoyed traveling, golf and read in his spare time.

He is survived by his children, Julie (Adrian Stone) Aden of Sunrise, Florida, and Kevin (Jennifer) Aden of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, Heather (Chris) Lebow, Abigail (Stan) Henaman and Katie Aden; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Berniece Aden of Champaign; brothers, Ray (Loretta) Aden of St. Joseph and Herb (Nancy) Aden of Newman; and his companion, Ruth Ann Buckles of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Jan Ellen Aden; and sister, Irene Osterbur.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Cemetery Fund and the Paralyzed Disabled Veterans.