Obituaries - K
JOHN R. KAFER
The private funeral of John R, Kafer, 38, Gibson City, found dead Sunday in Clinton Lake, was at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Lamb Funeral Home, the Rev. Karl Kessler officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery. There was no visitation. Pallbearers were Tom Rhodes, Jim Thompson, George Meyer, Denzil Cabbage, Harold Friday and Tony Heideman. He was born 2-24-1941 at Fairbury, a son of William and Wilma Ellis Kafer. He married Nancy Conover McCreary 6-12-1971 at Thawville and she survives. Also surviving are a son, Aaron, at home; his parents, Lexington; two step-daughters, Audrey McCreary, Loda, and Adelle McCreary, at home, and a brother, Jim, Fairbury. Mr. Kafer had lived in Gibson City for 16 years and was a member of the council of the American Lutheran Church. He was a truck driver for Humko Product Food Service and Industrial Group of Kraft, Inc. Champaign. Memorials may be made to his Church or to Lincoln-Logan County Underwater Search and Recovery Team. Mr. Kafer had been missing since November 18. DeWitt County Coroner Charles Hollibaugh will schedule an inquest. b. 2-24-1941 d. November 1979
MARION KAISER
Marion Kaiser, age 90 of Gibson City died at 12:25 p.m. Friday 12-21-2001 at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. December 24 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Rev. John Curtis officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, in Gibson City. Visitation was from 9 - 11 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home. Jeffery Van Note was honorary pallbearer. Active pallbearers were Stan Van Note, Dennis Van Note, Randy Van Note, Chris Van Note, Kenneth Kaiser and Jeremy Hereferd. Mr. Kaiser was born 1-2-1911 at Goshen, Indiana a son of John and Lititia Ballinger Kaiser. He married Alma Kindred on 5-7-1932 at Gibson City. She preceded him in death on 4-12-1985. Survivors include one daughter, Judy (Curt) Van Note of Colfax; two sisters, Gladys (Bob) Jardine of Crescent City and Dorothy (Clark) Jamison of Paxton; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister and one son. Mr. Kaiser was a farmer in the Melvin area for many years. After he retired, he moved into Melvin. For health reasons, he and his wife moved to Hot Springs, Ark. Returning to the area in 1998, Mr. Kaiser became a resident in the Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Gibson City. He enjoyed visiting with his old friends and talking about the good times and dining out. Memorials can be made to Heritage Manor Nursing Home.
ALMA B. (KINDRED) KAISER
Alma B. Kaiser, 71, formerly of Melvin, died at 7:45 a.m. Friday 4-12-1985 at her home in Hot Springs, Ark. Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City, the Rev. John Curtis officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, in Gibson City. Mrs. Kaiser was born 11-1-1913 in Burleigh County, ND, a daughter of Charlie and Olga Steinlicht Kindred. She married Marion Kaiser and he survives. Also surviving are a son, Marion L. Kaiser of Hensley, Ark.; a daughter, Judy Van Note of Colfax; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Chuck Kindred of Tacoma, Wash., Clarence Kindred of Wing, ND; and two sisters, Gladys Hughes of Arrowsmith, and Thelma Nichols of Sunnyvale, Calif.
MYRTLE A. (MAY) KAISER
Myrtle A. Kaiser, 75, a resident of Gibson City, mother of a Paxton woman, died at 12:10 .m. Saturday 2-1-1986 at the Gibson Manor Nursing Home, Gibson City. Her funeral was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Robert G. Killion officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery. She was born 1-4-1911 at Gibson City, a daughter of Peter and Myrtle Jordan May. She married Clarence Kaiser on 8-30-1958 at Gibson City. He died 2-24-1961. Surviving are one daughter, June Forbes, Paxton; three brothers, Henry and Adolph May, both of Gibson City; and Russel May, Elliott; one sister, Gladys Smith, Gibson City; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, one daughter, one grandson, two great-grandchildren, one brother and two sisters. Mrs. Kaiser lived most of her life in the Gibson City area. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
HELEN M. (DAILY) KASHNER
Helen M. Kashner, 90, of Bloomington, died at 12:05 a.m. Monday 10-5-1998 at Scotchwood Health Care Center, Bloomington. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Metzler - Froelich Memorial Home, Bloomington, the Rev. Bryce Hays officiating. Burial will be at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be 4 - 7 p.m. today at the memorial home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Mrs. Kashner was born 11-27-1907 at St. David, a daughter of John and Margaret Hoagland Daily. She married Lyle V. Kashner on 5-25-1935 at Covington, Ind. He died 2-27-1952. Survivors include a daughter, Jo (Loren) McBurney, Shirley; a son, Vernon D. Kashner, Normal; a sister, Babel Boyle, Macomb; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, one grandson and one great-granddaughter. Mrs. Kashner was a member of Wesley United Methdist Church, Bloomington, and United Methodist Women. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the OES, both at Gibson City. She was a member of the National Education Association and the Illinois Guidance Counselor Association. She had received her bachelor of arts and later her master's in counseling from Western Illinois University at Macomb. She had taught for 36 years, most recently at Morrison Community High School, the school from which she retired in 1972. Mrs. Kashner was well known for her Santa Claus collection and was a subject of a feature in The Pantagraph on 12-20-1992. She was a true Christian woman, who touched many people during her life, and will be missed by all. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.
GEORGE B. KAVAJECZ
George B. Kavajecs, 71, of Paxton died at 12:07 a.m. Thursday 2-27-2003 at the Illinois Knights Templar Home, Paxton. He had been in failing health 18 years. Graveside services were at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Glen Cemetery, Paxton. The Rev. Denis White officiated. Ford-Baier Funeral Home, Paxton, was in charge of arrangements. Mr. Kavajecz was born 7-11-1931 at Angelton, Texas, a son of Joseph J. and Rita J. Barry Kavajecz. He married Barbara A. Boyack 2-11-1956 at Pine City, Minn. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Julie (Greg) Cain of Abilene, Texas; three sons, Gary Kavajecz of Rantoul, Mark Kavajecz of Belleville and Craig (Ruth) Davajecz of Paxton; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four brothers, Steve Kavajecz of Madison, Wis., James (Natalie) Kavajecz of Wendell, Idaho, Ruth (Audrey) Kavajecz of Iron River, Wis., and Andrew (Carol) Kavajecz of Edgar, Wis.; and one sister, Katherine (Robert) Rogalla of Rothschild, Wis. He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter. Mr. Kavajecz spent his early years in Angelton, Texas. He attended schools in Iron River, Wis., where he graduated from high school. He and his family moved to Paxton in 1956. He was a supervisor at Chanute Air Force Base for 38 years, retiring on 1-1-1990. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Paxton. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and gardening. He served four years in the U.S.A.F.
PERRY H. KEAST
Perry H. Keast, 92, Gibson City, died at 7:45 p.m. Saturday 8-28-1982 at Gibson Manor Nursing Home. His funeral was at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Lamb Funeral Home, with the Rev. James B. Bortell officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery. Pallbearers were Joe Nunnick, George Crowe, William Crouch, Dike Eddleman, Clem Bartelson, and Robert Hanley. Mr. Keast was born 2-3-1890 at Hannibal, Mo., a son of William and Janet McMerchy Keast. He married Mary Harm in October 1935 in Michigan. She died 12-21-1965. He has been a resident of Gibson City more than ` 50 years. He was store manager of National Tea Grocery Co. and worked at Central Soya from 1944 - 1960, when he retired. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Gibson City.
TYLER MATTHEW KEIM
Tyler Matthew Keim, the two-month-old son of Timothy and Dorinda Riblet Keim of Gibson City died at 11:30 a.m. Friday, 2-12-1993 at Gibson Community Hospital. Services were at 2 p.m. Monday at the American Lutheran Church in Gibson City with the Reverend Dane Meuschke officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from noon - 2 p.m. Monday at the church. Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City was in charge of the arrangements. Tyler Matthew was born 12-23-1992 in Gibson City. Surviving are his parents of Gibson City; maternal grandparents, Delbert and Marilyn Riblet of Gibson City; paternal grandparents, Gary and Joan Keim of Gibson City; maternal great-grandmother, Melba Martin of Gibson City; and paternal great-grandmother, Mary Keim of Bloomington. He was a member of the American Lutheran Church, to which memorials may be made.
HELEN (FOSTER) KELLEY
Helen Foster Kelley, age 94 of Monticello, formerly of Gibson City died at 3:40 p.m. Monday 6-24-1996 at Douglas Manor Nursing Home in Tuscola. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverend Kathleen Edmisson officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery in Gibson City. Visitation was for one hour before the service at the funeral home on Friday. Pallbearers included Walter Johnson, Larry Johnson, Lloyd Johnson, Terry Johnson, H. Paul Dietz and Klaus Dietz. Mrs. Kelley was born 11-14-1901 at Gibson City a daughter of John Stanhope and Ella Vaughn Foster. She married John Melville Kelley on 11-12-1931 at Loda. He preceded her in death on 10-16-1932. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Helen Foster of Monticello; two nieces, Norma Raup of Chillicothe and Celia Johnson of Monticello and one nephew John Foster of California. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Mrs. Kelley resided in Gibson City until 1990 when she moved to Monticello. She was a member of the Pleasant Hour Club, the DAR and of the Farm Bureau. Memorials may be made to the Gibson Community Hospital or to the Pleasant Hour Club.
THOMAS A. KELLEY
Thomas A. Kelley, 85, a resident of Gibson City for 45 years, died at 8:15 p.m. Saturday 6-7-1986 at Ford County Nursing Home, Paxton. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, with the Rev. Karl Kessler officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 6 - 9 tonight at the funeral home. He was born 2-26-1901, at Argenta, a son of William and Elizabeth Houston Kelley. He married Helen Bratcher on 2-18-1933 in Bloomington and she survives. Also surviving are three brothers, Peter of Springfield; Howard of Bloomington; and Paul of Decatur; three sisters, Mae Poll of Decatur; Lillie Croy of Peoria; and Ann Padgett, Decatur. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. He owned and operated his own trucking busines for many years, retiring in 1975. He also served as a patrolman for the Gibson City police. Memorials may be made to the Ford County Nursing Home or to a charity of the donor's choice.
HELEN E. (KIEPER) ARENDS, KEMPLE
Helen E. Kemple, 81, Gibson City, died at 6:16 p.m. Tuesday 12-17-1996 at Gibson Community Hospital, Gibson City. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, the Rev. Kathleen Edmisson officiating. Burial will be in the Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be for one hour before the service Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Moyer Library, Gibson City. Survivors include three daughters, Jacqueline Arends Rocke, Worth; Mary Jo Kingsley, Elliott; and Jane Ellen Quinley, Champaign; one half-sister, Lucille Reeves, South Bend, Ind.; and one half-brother, Edward Guse, Colfax. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Christopher and his wife, Heidi, Rocke; Jorrie Rocke; Matthew and wife, Dawn, Quinley; and Stephanie Jo Kingsley; and one great-grandson, Jeremy Rocke. Mrs. Kemple was born 9-25-1915 in Piper City, a daughter of John and Nellie Berlett Kieper. She married John W. Arends 12-7-1935. He died 12-2-1944, in WWII. She married Kenneth E. Kemple 1-17-1947 in Gibson City. He died 8-25-1970. Preceding her in death were her parents, one sister, and one half-brother. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Gibson City and had lived in Gibson City most of her life.
AVALON M. (PORTER) KEMPLE
Avalon M. Kemple, 85, a resident of John Knox Village, Lees Summitt, Mo., formerly of Gibson City, died 3-30-1987 at the village medical center. Anderson Funeral Home, Lees Summitt, was in charge of cremation. Her graveside service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 1987 at Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City, with Richard Kemple officiating. Visitation will be after the service at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Gibson City. She was born 3-20-1902 at Bone Gap, a daughter of Charles and Anna Walker Porter. She married Harold M. Kemple 2-18-1921 at Bloomington. He died in 1968. Surviving are two sons, Dr. Harold M. Kemple, Jr., Bend, Ore.; Richard E. Kemple, Lubbock, Tx.; one sister Grace Hostettler, Ocala, Fl.; three brothers, Kenneth Porter, Sunnymead, Ca.; George Porter, Cocoa Beach, Fl.; and Howard Porter, Fairfield; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers. Mrs. Kemple and her husband owned and operated Kemple's Kitchen, family restaurant in Gibson City for many years. They also established Kemple Insurance Agency before retiring in 1963 to Mountain Home, Ark. She had been a resident of John Knox Village since 1974. She was ordained en elder in the Presbyterian Church and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lees Summitt. She was also active in the Promenaders Square Dance group in Lees Summitt. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital in Chicago through Douglas Knapp at First National Bank in Gibson City.
BEULAH F. (CROSS) KENNEDY
The funeral of Beulah F. Kennedy, 82, of Gibson City will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. The Rev. Dennis Salb will officiate. Burial will be in Drummer Twp. Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. Mrs. Kenendy died at 6:08 p.m. Thursday 2-4-1988 at her home. She was born 8-15-1905 in Dahlgren, a daughter of Elza and Mary Tennison Cross. She married Harry Goin on 11-18-1922 in East St. Louis. He died 4-30-1963. She married Charles E. Kennedy on 1-17-1969 in Gibson City. He survives. Other survivors include a son, Robert L. Goin, Gibson City; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, a grandson, a granddaughter, three brothers and two sisters. Mrs. Kennedy had been a resident of Gibson City for 57 years.
RUTH (BROWN) KENNEDY
Ruth I. Kennedy, 87, of Paxton died at 6 a.m. Thursday 2-27-2003 at Heartland Health Care Center, Paxton. Graveside services were at 10 a.m. Saturday at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. There was no visitation. Owens Funeral Home, Champaign, was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Kennedy was born 10-11-1915 in Mt. Sterling, a daughter of Orvall R. and Beatrice James Brown. She married Nicholas M. Kennedy on 11-10-1938 in Danville. He died 8-10-1985. Survivors include a son, Roger N. Kennedy of Ogden; a brother, Don Brown of Phoenix; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Kennedy was a longtime member of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.
HATTIE (MOTT) KERBER
Hattie Kerber, 91, of Paxton died at 11:59 p.m. Thursday 3-18-1993 at Gibson Manor Nursing Home in Gibson City where she had lived since 10-20-1986. Her funeral will be ata 11 a.m. Monday at Ford-Baier Funeral Home, Paxton, the Rev. John Davenport officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. She was born 7-23-1901 in Harrison County, Ind., a daughter of Asa and Eva Stucker Mott. She married Tony Kerber 4-17-1918 in Strawn. He died in 1953. Surviving are two daughters, Ruby Kemmer, Sibley; and Alberta Schleif, Chicago; two sons, Matthew, Cropsey; and Francis Donald, Denver; two sisters, Florence Smith, New Albany, Ind., and Linda Bell, Gibson City; a brother, John Mott, Gibson City; 16 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers. Mrs. Kerber spent her early years in Indiana, attending schools in Harrison County. She and her husband farmed near Anchor for 35 years and moved to Paxton in 1956. She owned and operated Hattie's Package Liquor Store and had also operated a grocery store in Paxton. She was a member of the Christian Church and former member of the Home Bureau and 4-H Clubs. Memorials may be made to Gibson Manor Nursing Home, Gibson City.
JAMES D. KERCHENFAUT
(Thursday 11-9-1950) James D. Kerchenfaut, 80, passed away at 8 p.m. Monday. The body was taken to the Lamb Funeral Home, where services were held today (Thursday) at 2:30 p.m. Rev. R.M. Luedde officiated, and burial was in Gibson Cemetery. He was born 1-27-1870, near here, a son of John and Mary Meyers Kerchenfaut. He retired from farming in 1937, and moved to town. He was married to Arminta Warfield 3-1-1899. Surviving are his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth Leonard, two sons, Prim and Lyle; a brother Calvin of Gibson; a brother Albert of Elgin; eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant son, two sisters and two brothers. He was a member of the Christian Church. b. 1-27-1870 d. 1950 buried: Drummer Twp Cemetry
ARMINTA V. (WARFIELD) KERCHENFAUT
(Thursday 2-19-1953) Mrs. Arminta V. Kerchenfaut, 80, died at 4:20 p.m. Thursday at the home of her step-daughter, Mrs. Merle Leonard, near Gibson City. She was brought to the Lamb Funeral Home where services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. R.M. Luedde officiated. Burial was in Gibson City Cemetery. Mrs. Kerchenfaut was born 5-26-1872 in Bellflower, the daughter of Wm. and Margaret Primm Warfield. She was married to James Kerchenfaut on 3-1-1899, who preceded her in death in 1950. Mrs. Kerchenfaut has made her home with her children the past few years. Surviving are two sons, Primm, Gibson City and Lyle, Herrod, Ohio; a step-daughter, Mrs. Leonard; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Chloe Blissard, Gibson City and Miss Mary Warfield, Paxton and two brothers, Leonard, Paxton and Albert, Saybrook; as well as other relatives and her circle of friends. She was preceded in death by a son. Mrs. Kerchenfaut was a member of the Gibson City Christian Church.
MERRITT V. KERCHENFAUT
Merritt V. Kerchenfaut, 67, a Gibson City area farmer, died at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Cole Hospital, Champaign. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Chester Chandler officiating. Burial will be in Gibson City Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Lamb Funeral Home from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Saturday. He was born 12-9-1907 in Gibson City a son of Charles and Mattie Parker Kerchenfaut. He married Lauretta Warfield 2-19-1931 at Gibson City. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Marilyn Ewing, Borth, Wales, Scotland; Mrs. Marjorie Hall, Norfolk VA; a son, Charles, Piper City; 10 grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Sylvia Smith, Gibson City; and Mrs. Eva Knee, Rockford, Mich. His parents, two brothers and a sister preceded him in death. He farmed in the Piper City area for 18 years before returning to the Gibson City area. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and had been active in church work. He was a member of the Ford County Farm Bureau and a former member of the Federal Land Bank Board. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor's choice. b. 12-9-1907 d. December 1974 (re SSDI index)
MARIE W. (ANLIKER) KERCHENFAUT
(The Pantagraph - Sunday 9-17-1967) Mrs. Marie W. Kerchenfaut, 61, died at 11:45 a.m. Saturday in Cole Hospital, Champaign, where she was a patient 32 days. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Hugh Reynolds and the Rev. R.M. Luedde officiating. Burial will be in Gibson City Cemetery. Visitation will be today after 12 noon at the Lamb Funeral Home and after 11:30 .m. Monday at the Church. Eastern Star rites will be accorded at 8:30 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. She was born 12-15-1905 at Sibley, a daughter of Hans and Teba Brethorst Anliker. She was married to Primm Kerchenfaut, 6-2-1928 at Sibley. She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Norma Uhrich, Des Plaines; Miss Beverly Kerchenfaut, Watseka; a son, William of Melvin; four grandchildren; a sister, Miss Elsie Anliker of Chicago and two brothers, John and Seipt Anliker, both of Sibley. She was preceded in death by two sons and a sister. She was active in the First Christian Church and was a member of the Black Ford Community Club, the Eastern Star and the South Union Ladies Aid. She attended Illinois State Normal University.
BEVERLY ANN KERCHENFAUT
(The Pantagraph - Thursday 11-19-1967) Miss Beverly Ann Kerchenfaut, 33, died at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday at Cole Hospital, Champaign. She had been a patient there for a year. Her funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Hugh Reynolds and the Rev. R.M. Luedde officiating. Burial will be in Gibson City Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Lamb Funeral Home this evening. Miss Kerchenfaut was born 1-29-1934 in Gibson City, a daughter of Primm and Marie Anliker Kerchenfaut. She was a graduate of the Gibson City High School with the class of 1951. She was also a graduate of Illinois State University at Normal with the class of 1955. She had been employed as a home economics teacher at Watseka High School for 11 years, before her illness. Surviving are her father; a sister, Mrs. Norma Uhrich, Des Plaines; a brother, William, Melvin; two nieces and two nephews. Her mother and two brothers preceded her in death. She was a member of the First Christian Church.
PRIMM M. KERCHENFAUT
Primm M. Kerchenfaut, 82, a lifetime resident of the Gibson City area, died at 10 p.m. Friday 9-9-1982 at Gibson Manor Nursing Home. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at First Christian Church, the Rev. Hugh Reynolds officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour before the service at the church. Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City, is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Kerchenfaut was born 4-8-1901, near Gibson City, the son of James and Armentia Warfield Kerchenfaut. He married Marie W. Anliker 6-2-1928 at Sibley. She died 9-16-1967. Surviving are a daughter, Norma Uhrich, Palatine; a son, William, Gibson City; a brother, Lyle Kerchenfaut, Harrod, Ohio; and five grandchildren. A daughter, two infant sons and a sister preceded him in death. He was a member of First Christian Church, the Gibson City Masonic Lodge, OES, the Bloomington Consistory, the Mohammed Shrine Temple of Peoria and the Corn Belt Shrine Club, Gibson City. He was also a long-time member of the Farmers Grain Co. board of directors. Memorials may be made to the Gibson Manor Nursing Home, or to his church.
DOROTHY (BRUCKER) KERCHENFAUT
Dorothy Kerchenfaut, 82, of Gibson City died at 11:30 a.m. Monday 4-16-2001 at ManorCare Nursing Home, Champaign. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Gibson City, the Rev. William Smith officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 10 - 11 a.m. Thursday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to Gibson Area Hospital or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. She was born 4-25-1918 at Cropsey, a daughter of Louis A. and Lillian Kerber Brucker. She married Howard W. Kerchenfaut 10-15-1939 at Gibson City. He died 3-3-1999. Survivors include two sons, Larry (Marilyn) Kerchenfaut, Woodridge; and Brian Kerchenfaut, St. Joseph; six daughters, Karen (Edward) May, Peru; Nancy (Lyle) Wheeler, Champaign; Judi (Stephen) O'Conner, Urbana; Darlene (Edward) Schantz, Mahomet; Marlene (Kent) Swain, Iowa City, Iowa; and Jan (Mike) Morin Greensboro, NC; three brothers, Lawrence Brucker, Cropsey, Lyle Brucker, Fairbury; and Bernard Brucker, Colfax; three sisters, Josephine Cooperider and Norene Brandt, both of Fairbury; and Virginia Taylor, Taylorville; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers and an infant daughter.
HOWARD W. KERCHENFAUT
Howard W. Kerchenfaut, age 79, of Gibson City died at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday 3-3-1999 at his home in Gibson City. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Gibson City with the Reverend William Smith and the Reverend Dennis White officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 10 - 11 a.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, in Gibson City. Honorary pallbearers were Aaron Wheeler, Ph
VERLE V. KRAMER
Verle V. Kramer, 63, publisher of seven East Central Illinois newspapers and president of the National Newspaper Association, died unexpectedly at his home in Gibson City Sunday morning, 11-3-1968. Funeral services were to be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at the United Methodist Church, with burial in the Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Officiating at the funeral were the Rev. R.M. Luedde and Rev. William Jones. The family requested that any memorial tributes go to Moyer Library, Gibson Community Hospital or to the heart fund. Mr. Kramer suffered a heart attack at his home at 8:45 a.m. Sunday. He was taken to the Gibson Community Hospital by Lamb ambulance; he was dead on arrival. Born 1-10-1905 at Batavia, Iowa, he was a son of James Perry and Myrtle Walker Kramer. He attended schools and graduated from the high school in Sigourney, Iowa, and then attended the U. of Missouri. He was married to the former Sybil Mershon, of Buckner, Mo., 10-7-1924 at Columbia, Mo. Mr. Kramer is survived by his widow, two sons, Donovan M. of Casa Grande, AZ, and David B. of Gibson City; seven grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Rega McCarty, Tacoma Washington; and Mrs. Lois Bayles, Phoenix, AZ; and a brother, Lyle of Sigourney, Iowa. His parents, one brother and one sister preceded him in death.
SYBIL M. (MERSHON) KRAMER
Sybil M. Kramer, age 95 of Gibson City, died at 6 p.m. Wednesday 3-22-2000 at Gibson Area Hospital Annex in Gibson City. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. March 25 at Lamb Funeral Home in Gibson City with the Reverend Randall Robinson officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 10 - 11 a.m. March 25 at the funeral home. Pallbearers were Michael Kramer, Mark Kramer, Andrew Kramer, Ed Sauer and Robert Williams. Mrs. Kramer was born 12-24-1904 at Buckner, MO. a daughter of T.W. and May Again Mershon. She married Verle V. Kramer on 10-7-1924 at Columbia, MO. He preceded her in death on 11-3-1968. Survivors include two sons, Donovan M. (Ruth) Kramer of Casa Grande, AZ and David B. (Norma) Kramer of Gibson City; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, ntwo brothers and three sisters. Mrs. Kramer lived in Gibson City since 1950. Prior to that time she lived in Warsaw. She was a member of the Governor Ford Chapter of the DAR, the Gibson City Women's Club, Gibson City United Methodist Church, Gibson Area Hospital Auxiliary and Delta-Delta-Delta Sorority at the University of Missouri. Memorials can be made to the Gibson Area Hospital Building Fund or to her church.
MARY LOU (JACOBUS) KYLE
Mary Lou Jacobus Kyle, age 55, of Gibson City died at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday 3-23-1993 at Covenant Medical Center in Urbana. She had been ill. Her funeral was at 10 a.m. Friday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City with the Reverend Laurence Sunkel officiating. Burial was in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation was from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearers were Mike Mott, William Nicholls, Michael O'Brien, Brian Arselmo, Paul Cleary and Al Bowman. Mrs. Kyle was born 6-24-1937 in Peoria, a daughter of Towner E. and Helen L. Coe Jacobus. She married Kenneth Kyle on 6-8-1957 in Normal and he survives. Other survivors include her mother of Normal; one son, Joe of Bloomington; four daughters, Nancy Kyle of Lahaska, PA; Sally Anselmo of Decatur; Karen Mott of Gibson City; and Jenna Kyle-O'Brien of Edwardsville; two sisters, Martha Sarantakos of Chicago and Sue Ellen Cleary of Arlington Heights and two grandchildren. Her father preceded her in death. Mrs. Kyle, who formerly lived in Normal, was a teachers aide employed by Ford - Iroquois Special Education. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Gibson City. Memorials may be made to the Special Olympics.
JAMES B. KRETZER
Gibson City - James B. Kretzer, 44, of Gibson City, died at 9:30 p.m. Thursday 8-27-1998 at Gibson Community Hospital, Gibson City. An inquest is pending. No foul play is suspected.
ARTHUR LEE KUMLER
Gibson City - Arthur Lee Kumler, 89, of Gibson City died at 6:20 p.m. Friday 9-1-2000 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. Burial will be in Bellflower Twp Cemetery, Bellflower. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Masonic services at 8 p.m.Tuesday. Mr. Kumler was born 12-25-1910 in Bellflower, a son of George Hunter and Estelle June Rinehart Kumler. He married Martha Hawthorne on 6-4-1938. He later married Imo Davis on 11-25-1972. She died 7-10-1998. Surviving are a son, Dr. Marvin Kumler of Toledo, Ohio; a daughter, Sharon Walther of Bend, Ore.; and two sisters, Mary Hoffman of Bloomington and Ruth Bidner of Scottsdale, AZ. He was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. Mr. Kumler was a farmer and a machinist at M&W Gear Co., Gibson City. He was a member of Gibson City Masonic Lodge 733, AF&AM., for more than 50 years. He also was a member of the OES and the Ford County Farm Bureau. His interests included fly-fishing for smallmouth bass. Memorials may be made to the Gibson Area Hospital annex. Officiating: The Rev. Bruce Weiman Organist: Beverly Nagle Soloists: Deb Borders Honorary Pallbearers: Marvin Kumler Virgil Davis Active Pallbearers: Alan Brownlee Phil Williams Delmar Bedel Leigh Conover Mark Seaton Jim Gay
HELEN L. (BRATCHER) KELLEY
Helen L. Kelley, 94, of Gibson City died at 5:30 a.m. Sunday 7-7-2002 at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church, Gibson City, the Rev. Rebecca Zelensky officiating. Burial will be in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from noon - 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City is in charge of arranagements. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church in Gibson City. Mrs. Kelley was born 9-6-1907 in Tazewell County, a daughter of Robert and Zula Yoakum Bratcher. She married Thomas A. Kelley 2-18-1933 at Bloomington. He died 6-7-1986. Surviving are two sisters, Evelyn Wirrick, Clarksville, TN. and Wanita Erickson, Indianapolis, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents and one sister preceded her in death. Mrs. Kelley was a member of the First Christian Church in Gibson City. She also was a member of the Gibson City Women's Club and Senior Citizens Club. Mrs. Kelley had lived in Gibson City since 1947.
BRIAN KERCHENFAUT
St. Joseph - Funeral services for Brian Kerchenfaut, 41, of St. Joseph will be at 10 a.m. today at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Urbana. The Rev. George Remm will officiate. Graveside services will be at 12:30 p.m. today in Drummer Twp Cemetery, Gibson City. Visitation will be from 9 - 10 a.m. today at the funeral home. Mr. Kerchenfaut died at 1:50 p.m. Tuesday 5-14-2002 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. He was born 2-20-1961, at Gibson City, a son of Howard and Dorothy Brucker Kerchenfaut. Surviving are his brother, Larry Kerchenfaut of Woodridge; and six sisters, Karen May of Peru, Ill, Nancy Wheeler of Champaign, Judi O'Conner of Urbana, Marlene Swaim of Iowa City, Iowa, Darlene Schantz of Mahomet and Jan Morton of Greensboro NC. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister. Mr. Kerchenfaut lived at Champaign Terrace. He worked at the Developmental Services Center and was active in the theater group at DSC. Memorial contrubitons may be made to the Developmental Services Center, Champaign.
RICHARD KIETZMAN
Richard Kietzman, 88, of Roberts, died at 5:02 p.m. Wednesday 3-19-2003 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. His funeral was Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Roberts, the Rev. Ronald Rasmus officiating. Burial was in Lyman Twp Cemetery, Roberts, with mililtary rites accorded by Wagner Davis American Legion Post 641. Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City was in charge of arrangements. Mr. Kietzman was born 12-7-1914 at Roberts, a son of Edward E. and Minnie A. Repp Kietzman. He married Esther M. Tholen 7-5-1975 at Roberts. She died 6-15-1997. Surviving are one son, Kurt (Fern) Eheart of Champaign; one daughter, Sheila (Doug) Barker of Jackson, Mich.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one sister, Marie Heeren of Danforth. One brother and three sisters preceded him in death. Mr. Kietzman was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Roberts. He was a United States Army veteran of WWII; a member of the Wagner Davis American Legion Post 641 of Roberts and a member of the Melvin VFW. Mr. Kietezman was a highly decorated war veteran, receiving a Purple Heart with a cluster and a Bronze Star.
NORMA LUCILLE McGUIRE KORITZ
Norma Lucille McGuire Koritz, 91, formerly of Onarga and Thawville born: 1-28-1912 in Kinmundy parents: Perry Glenn and Rozella Elizabeth Jones McGuire wed: Leonard Koritz January 1950. He died 1991 died: 4-2-2003 at Doctors Hospital, Springfield buried: Ridgeland Township Cemetery, Thawville
GEORGE M. KOBEL
George M. Kobel, 79, of Lampasas Texas, formerly of Paxton born: Rockford, Il parents: Carl R. and Alice Kobel wed: Ola Mae Bell. She died 2-4-2002 died: Tuesday 4-15-2003 at his home buried: Capital Parks Cemetery, Pflugerville, Texas (paxton record 4-23-2003)
ARTHUR KUMLER
Arthur Lee Kumler, 89, of Gibson City died at 6:20 p.m. Friday 9-1-2000 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Funeral services will be Wednesday at Lamb Funeral Home, Gibson City. Burial will be in Bellflower Twp Cemetery, Bellflower, Il. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Masonic services at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Mr. Kumler was born 12-25-1910 in Bellflower, a son of George Hunter and Estelle June Rinehart Kumler. He married Martha Hawthorne on 6-4-1938. He later married Imo Davis on 11-25-1972. She died 7-10-1998. Surviving are a son, Dr. Marvin Kumler of Toledo, Ohio; a daughter, Sharon Walther of Bend, Ore.; and two sisters, Mary Hoffman of Bloomington and Ruth Bidner of Scottsdale, Ariz. He was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. Mr. Kumler was a farmer and a machinist at M&W Gear Co., Gibson City. He was a member of Gibson City Masonic Lodge 733, AF&AM for more than 50 years. He also was a member of the OES and the Ford County Farm Bureau. His interests include fly-fishing for smallmouth bass. Officiating: The Rev. Bruce Weiman Organist: Beverly Nagle Soloist: Deb Borders Honorary Pallbearers: Marvin Kumler Virgil Davis Active Pallbearers: Alan Brownlee Phil Williams Delmar Bedel Leigh Conover Mark Seaton Jim Gay
The many obituaries available here were transcribed and contributed by Gail Hahn Hutchcraft.
