Obituaries
- Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026
Hertha "Lou" Vandiver, 93
SAVOY - Hertha "Lou" Vandiver, 93, died Oct. 11, 2026, at her residence, Autumn Fields of Savoy, according to the notice posted by Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home. Born in Urbana to Charles and Eunice Lewis Bowman, she graduated from University High School and married Harold "Bud" Vandiver on Dec. 1, 1951. She later earned a bachelor of science degree at Eastern Illinois University. She worked as an administrative assistant for International Programs at the University of Illinois and retired after 35 years. The notice says she was an avid reader who enjoyed researching genealogy, and that she and Bud traveled to many parts of the world. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. Survivors include her husband; her brother, William Bowman; and several nieces and nephews. Private family services were held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Champaign. Source: Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home notice.
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026
Betty J. (Duitsman) Osterbur, 97
ROYAL - Betty J. (Duitsman) Osterbur, 97, of Royal died Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, according to the notice posted by Freese Funeral Home. Born Aug. 20, 1929, in Stanton Township to John B. and Katie (Johnson) Duitsman, she married Herbert J. Osterbur on Feb. 26, 1948, in Flatville; he died in 2021. She helped on the family farm, owned and operated a beauty shop and cleaned houses, and the notice says she was a long-time election judge for Stanton Township. A member of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, she made quilts for the Lutheran World Relief quilting projects there. Survivors include her children, Mitch (Marsha) Osterbur, Stan (Suzanne) Osterbur and Marsha Rubarts; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, followed by the funeral there at 11 a.m. Pastor Ryan Sage will officiate, and burial will be at St. John Lutheran Church. Source: Freese Funeral Home notice.
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026
John E. Conder Sr.
MAHOMET - John E. Conder Sr. of Mahomet died Oct. 16, 2026, at his home, according to the notice posted by Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Born July 30, 1940, in Big Clifty, Kentucky, to John Michael Conder and Virginia Ann (Harris) Conder, he graduated from St. Anthony High School in Effingham in 1958 and served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1962, including time in Germany. He married Alberta (Ann) Vilius on June 16, 1962, in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The notice says he loved farming and traveling, and he spent almost 30 years driving a semi-truck. He and Ann had three children: John Jr. (Kim) Conder of Paxton, Joe (Debbie) Conder of Las Vegas and Chris (Jamie) Stafford of Mahomet. The notice also lists 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 501 W. State St., Mahomet, followed by a funeral service. Burial will be at Saint Boniface Cemetery in Seymour. Source: Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center notice.
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026
Christopher Alan "Chris" Johnston, 66
CHAMPAIGN - Christopher Alan "Chris" Johnston, 66, of Champaign died Oct. 15, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, according to the notice posted by Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Born March 16, 1960, in New York City to Benjamin and Betty Johnston, he served 32 years in the Army National Guard, reaching the rank of sergeant first class before retiring in 2016 from the 129th Regiment in Springfield. He worked as a machinist, including 15 years with Plastipak, and taught Shito-Ryu karate through the Champaign Park District. The notice says he loved running, woodworking, music and sharing jokes and puns. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Lori J. Johnston; a son, Robert Christopher Johnston; a brother, Ross Johnston; and a sister, Sybil Inouye. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Sunset's Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, with the funeral service there at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Source: Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center notice.
- Monday, Oct. 19, 2026
Denzel Pagitt
RANTOUL - Death notice: Denzel Pagitt of Rantoul died Oct. 14, 2026, according to Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. He was born Nov. 2, 1929. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Bible Baptist, with the funeral service there at noon. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at Maplewood Cemetery in Rantoul. Source: Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center notice.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Diana Krandel, 79
Diana Krandel, 79, formerly of Champaign, died Oct. 10, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, according to the notice posted by Owens Funeral Home. Born Jan. 29, 1947, in Champaign to George and Juanita (Creighton) Vriner, she married Richard Krandel in 1970 in Chicago; he died in 2022. She taught at both Illinois State University and the University of Illinois, specializing in special education, according to the notice, and she enjoyed mystery novels and thrillers and making jewelry and crafts for family and friends. Survivors include a son, Jake Krandel (Amy) of Grand Rapids, Michigan; a daughter, Beth Hansen (Matt) of Hawaii; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. She will be cremated, and the notice says her family will hold a memorial service after the new year. The notice asks that donations in her name go to the Champaign County Humane Society. Source: Owens Funeral Home notice.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Amelia Hernandez Villescas, 82
Amelia Hernandez Villescas, 82, died Oct. 13, 2026, in Urbana, according to the notice posted by Walker Funeral Service & Chapel. Born Sept. 22, 1944, in Mexico, the daughter of Baltazar Hernandez and Luz Villescas Hernandez, she was a homemaker devoted to her family, which the notice says grew to 28 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. She attended St. Malachy Catholic Church and enjoyed reading her Bible. Survivors include her husband, Ramon Flores; her children, Jose Flores, Rosa Flores and Osvaldo Flores; and her sisters, Yolanda Hernandez and Irma Molina. Her parents, her son Ramon Flores and her sister Josefina Hernandez died before her. A public visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at Walker Funeral Service, followed by a funeral Mass at 5:30 p.m. at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Rantoul. Source: Walker Funeral Service & Chapel notice.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Donna Jean Felici Johnson, 86
SAVOY - Donna Jean Felici Johnson, 86, of Savoy, died Oct. 9, 2026, at home, according to the notice posted by Morgan Memorial Home. Born Nov. 13, 1939, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Margaret and Jess Felici, she graduated from Warwood High School in 1957 and earned a bachelor's degree in education from West Liberty State College in 1961, where the notice says she was a star basketball player. She married Jerry Glen Johnson in 1962. She taught French and English at Shore Junior High in Mentor, Ohio, and after retiring moved with her husband to Galesburg. She moved to the Champaign area in 2022 to be near her grandchildren at the University of Illinois and lived at the Windsor of Savoy. Survivors include her daughter, Jeralyn Rehn of Savoy; three grandchildren; and her sisters, Sandra Beckett of Palm Beach, Florida, and Nancy Walton of Lancaster, South Carolina. The notice says memorial contributions may be made to FISH Food Pantry of Galesburg, the Knox County Illinois Humane Society or a charity of the donor's choice. Source: Morgan Memorial Home notice.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Linda Sue Chaney, 83
DECATUR - Linda Sue Chaney, 83, of Decatur, a former longtime food service worker for Urbana schools, died Oct. 15, 2026, at her home, The Carriages of Decatur, according to the notice posted by Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory. Born Jan. 1, 1943, in Urbana to John and Ruth (McDannell) Dawkins, she married John Chaney in 1981 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. She worked more than 25 years in food service for Urbana School District 116 and several years for the Mount Zion school district, and ran a home cake-decorating business. Survivors include her daughter, Angela Force of Mount Zion; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her siblings Joseph Dawkins, Hank Dawkins, Karen Dawkins Smiley and Jeffrey Dawkins. Her husbands, William McDade Jr. and John Chaney, and three of her children died before her. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 23, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana, with the funeral at noon. Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery in Champaign. The notice says memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Source: Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory notice.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Darlene Kay Uken, 83
URBANA - Darlene Kay Uken, 83, of rural Urbana, died Oct. 11, 2026, at Addington Place in Rantoul, according to the notice posted by Baier Family Funeral Services. Born May 11, 1943, in Urbana to Fred J. and Anna Lubben Fruhling, she graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1960 and married Norman Uken in 1962 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville. She worked 23 years as an administrative assistant for the deans of the University of Illinois colleges of Music, Engineering and ACES, retiring in 2004. She was a member and former choir member at Immanuel Lutheran and enjoyed yard work, gardening, travel and reading. Survivors include her husband, Norman; a daughter, Brenda Mingee (John) of St. Joseph; sons Brian Uken (Paula) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Bradley Uken (Christine) of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joan Cleary of Rantoul. Her funeral was held Oct. 15 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, with burial at Beckman Cemetery. The notice says memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Source: Baier Family Funeral Services notice.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Diana Sue "Susie" (Nofftz) Shellabarger, 78
CHAMPAIGN - Diana Sue "Susie" Shellabarger, 78, died Oct. 9, 2026, at home in Champaign, according to the notice posted by Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory. Born Aug. 21, 1948, at Mercy Hospital in Champaign to George and Edna (Block) Nofftz, she graduated from Champaign High School in 1966 and attended classes at the University of Illinois. She was the bookkeeper for the Champaign County Association of Realtors for more than 30 years, and the association gave her an award for her service when she retired in 2015. The notice says she was a talented cook who hosted many family gatherings, a reader of mystery novels, a Fighting Illini and Chicago sports fan and a lover of animals. Survivors include her son, Bryan Shellabarger (Katie) of Lithia, Florida; her daughter, Carrie Alexander (Erik) of Highland; four grandchildren; and her sister, Virginia Reierson of New Jersey. A funeral was held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Mount Olive Cemetery in St. Joseph. The notice says memorial gifts may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society. Source: Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory notice.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Philippe Tondeur, 93
CHAMPAIGN - Philippe Tondeur, a University of Illinois professor emeritus of mathematics, died Oct. 15, 2026, in Champaign, according to the notice posted by Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory. Born Dec. 7, 1932, in Zurich, Switzerland, he was 93. The notice says he began working on a factory floor as a teenager, earned an engineering degree through night school and then a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Zurich. After posts at the University of Paris, Harvard, the University of California at Berkeley and Wesleyan University, he joined the UIUC faculty in 1968 and became a full professor in 1970. He chaired the mathematics department for several years and later directed the National Science Foundation's Division of Mathematical Sciences, retiring from that post in 2002. His research centered on topology and differential geometry. He was elected a fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics in 2008 and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2009, and was named to the inaugural class of American Mathematical Society fellows in 2012. Survivors include his wife, Claire, his companion of more than 60 years; his sister, Therese; and ten nieces and nephews. Source: Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory notice.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Darlene June Herbsleb, 93
DEWEY - Darlene June Herbsleb, 93, of Dewey, died Oct. 4, 2026, at her home, according to the notice posted by Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Born Jan. 15, 1933, in Newcomb Township, she was the daughter of Walter E. and Eleanor June Kuhns. The notice says she graduated from Lincoln Christian College in 1950 and worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for several companies. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of River Valley Church in Fisher. Survivors include her children, Cecil Herbsleb (Karen), Lori Bott and Janet Kizer; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Her parents and her sister, Betty Taylor, died before her. Visitation was held Oct. 9 and the funeral Oct. 10 at River Valley Church in Fisher, with burial at Willowbrook Cemetery in Fisher. Source: Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center notice.
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Harvey Donald Wierenga, 89
MAHOMET - Harvey Donald Wierenga, 89, whose last homes were in Mahomet and Rantoul, died Oct. 9, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, according to the notice posted by Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Born April 17, 1937, in Chicago, he also lived for many years in Cicero and Streator. He spent many years as a truck driver, including in Chicago, and later worked as a bus driver and bus monitor in Streator. In the churches he attended he led Bible studies and men's groups and taught Sunday school; he also served with the World Home Bible League in Berwyn and volunteered with the Helping Hand Mission in Chicago. His wife, Marilyn J. Wierenga, died before him. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at New Beginnings Baptist Church, 204 S. Monroe St., Streator. A private burial for immediate family will take place later at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Stickney. The notice says memorial gifts may be sent to The Voice of the Martyrs Ministry. Source: Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center notice.
- Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Mark Ellars, 68
PHILO - Mark Ellars, 68, of Philo died Oct. 6, 2026, at LaBella Nursing Home in Danville, according to the notice posted by Freese Funeral Home. Born in Urbana to Harley "Gene" Ellars Jr. and Mary (Lapeschka) Ellars, he attended Unity High School. He is survived by his brother, David Ellars (Michelle) of Tolono; his sisters, Nancy Hancock (Steve) of Philo and Kris Thomas (Douglas Dillavou) of Tolono; and nephews and a niece. His parents and his sister Donna Ellars died before him. The family plans a celebration of life at a later date and asks that memorials go to CU Elks Lodge #2497, 903 N. Dunlap Ave., Savoy, for its Child Care Program, or to the Danville VA. Source: Freese Funeral Home notice.
- Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Jeffrey Kendrick Sr., 72
CHAMPAIGN - Jeffrey Kendrick Sr., 72, of Champaign died Oct. 2, 2026, according to the notice posted by Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory. Raised in Champaign, he worked as a carpenter for 40 years, many as a member of Local 44, studied art at the University of Illinois and was known for his sketches and clay sculptures. The family will hold a private funeral service, as he wished.
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
Henry Thomas Brown Jr., 73
RANTOUL — Henry Thomas Brown Jr., 73, of Rantoul died Oct. 5, 2026, according to the notice posted by Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center. A Champaign Central High School graduate and U.S. Navy electronics technician who later worked 20 years in media services at Eastern Illinois University, he will be interred at East Lawn Cemetery in Urbana after cremation by Sunset Funeral Home in Champaign.
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
Dorothy "Susie" Oswalt, 78
URBANA - Dorothy "Susie" Oswalt, 78, of East Peoria, formerly of Urbana and Fisher, died Oct. 9, 2026, at her home, according to the notice posted by Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory. She attended school in Fisher and worked in laundry services for many years. Her funeral was held Oct. 15 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana, with burial at Eastlawn Burial Park; the notice says memorial contributions may be made to the family.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
Alice Joan Saathoff, 79
Alice Joan Saathoff, 79, of Seymour died Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at the Piatt County Nursing Home, according to her notice from Owens Funeral Home. The daughter of Walter and Nelline (Bright) Saathoff, she was a retired pediatric nurse from Provena Covenant Hospital.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
Robert (Bob) Eugene Lumsden, 95
Robert "Bob" Eugene Lumsden, 95, of Champaign died Oct. 6, 2026, according to his notice from Morgan Memorial Home. A 1949 Champaign Central graduate and 1953 University of Illinois graduate who served two years of active Army duty, he joined the U of I staff in 1963, joined the University of Illinois Alumni Association in 1975, later directed its Student Alumni Association and received the Lou Liay Spirit Award in 2020.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
Christine "Chris" Dunn, 88
Christine "Chris" Dunn died Oct. 3, 2026, in Savoy at the age of 88, according to her notice from Morgan Memorial Home. Born in Champaign, she worked in the family businesses, Rogards and Garrard Publishing, and volunteered with the Junior Service League, CASA, Family Service, Meals on Wheels, Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, Unit 4 PTAs and the Salvation Army, whose Christmas Toy Shop was her favorite work.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
Marcia K. McDuffie, 87
Marcia K. McDuffie, 87, of Champaign died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Memory Haven of Tolono, according to her notice from Freese Funeral Home. Born in Tuscola to Peter and Bernice Mayer Lecher, she was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Champaign and worked at the University of Illinois in Bevier Hall.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
Lester Wayne Kinney, 90
Lester Wayne Kinney, 90, died at home, according to his notice from Freese Funeral Home, which gives his dates as Oct. 20, 1935, to Oct. 10, 2026. He served in the Illinois National Guard, married Marilyn Mosely Bennet in Paxton in 1965 and worked most of his career in Ford parts departments. Graveside services are at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Sidney.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
Rita Evelyn Jessup, 80
Rita Evelyn Jessup died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital, according to her notice from Freese Funeral Home. Born Oct. 6, 1946, in Hymera, Ind., she had a 37-year career at the Social Security Administration and 10 years of support work at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. Visitation and burial are in Sidney.
- Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
Lynne Diane Beberman Hellmer, 78
Lynne Diane Beberman Hellmer, 78, of Savoy died Sept. 18, 2026. She was born in Nome, in the Territory of Alaska.
- Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
Keith Rohl, 69
Keith Rohl, 69, of Homer died Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at his home. He was born Nov. 23, 1956, in Champaign.