Obituaries

Nov 15, 2025

Ronald D. Draege, 82, of Pinckneyville, IL, formerly of Rochester, passed away at 10:45 AM on November 15, 2025, at St. John's Hospital, from natural causes. Ronald retired from Martin Equipment in Springfield, IL. He loved his Australian Terrier Matty and loved to travel and sight see. Ron & his late wife, Beverly, along with his beloved Matty, visited...

Nov 12, 2025

Larry Burton, 89, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Villas of Holly Brook in Chatham, IL. Larry was born on February 13, 1936, in Pittsfield, IL., the son of Howard and Irma (Jones) Burton.

Larry retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation.  He enjoyed the comfort of his home, whether it...

Nov 11, 2025

Kathleen M Hamilton, 50, of Mechanicsburg, IL passed away on November 11, 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Kathleen was born on March 6, 1975 in St. Louis.

She was an avid fan of drag racing, gardening, her puppy, and taking care of her grandchildren. She had a massive heart and loved to hug everyone. Kathy...

Nov 6, 2025

William W. "Bill" Richards Sr. of Springfield, IL passed away on Thursday November 6, 2025.

Bill was born in Edinburg, IL on June 25, 1944 to Ralph B. and Clara M. (Trader) Richards.

He enjoyed spending time with family, working in the yard, walking at Washington park, and going to flee markets. He worked for...

Nov 3, 2025

James Charles Nelson, Jr. 73, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Concordia Village in Springfield, IL. Jim was born on May 13, 1952, in Chicago, the son of James Charles Nelson, Sr. and Margaret McNamara Nelson. He married Eileen Offerman on August 10, 1974 and she survives.

Jim enjoyed playing golf, traveling, watching...

Oct 28, 2025

Missionary, Wife, Mother, and Faithful Servant of Christ

Born in Springfield, Illinois on January 16, 1933, Helen passed away on October 28, 2025 at Bridge Care Suites. Beloved daughter of Lawrence T. Cantrall, Sr. and Ruth Mae (Rider) Cantrall, she married Floyd Edgar Pierce Jr. on June 16, 1951, beginning a lifetime of love and shared ministry....

Oct 23, 2025

Donna Jeanne Tucker (Plank), 79, of Rochester, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025. Born on August 27, 1946, Donna was a devoted mother to her daughters, Stacy Tucker and Marcy Tucker, son-in-law Brian Blough and grandson Jakob Blough.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert E. Tucker, with whom she shared 54 wonderful...

Oct 18, 2025

Glenna Marie Cheffy, 62, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on May 26, 1963, in Springfield, Illinois, Glenna was the beloved daughter of Bobby G. and JoAnn (Etter) Howe. From an early age, she was known for her big heart, quick wit, and the...

Oct 15, 2025

Jessica Leann Stephens, 37, of Mt Auburn, IL passed away on Wednesday October 15, 2025. Jessica was born on May 23, 1988 to Sandra R. (Stephens) Gudausky.

She attended Niantic-Harristown High School. More than anything, Jessica was an amazing mother, daughter, and wife. She lived for her children and considered them to be the light of her...

Oct 14, 2025

Shirley Louise Pickel, 96, of Illiopolis, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Vonderlieth Living Center in Mt. Pulaski. Shirley was born on October 4, 1929, in Decatur, the daughter of Donald and Doris (Gass) Leonard. She married Robert S. Pickel on October 5, 1947 and he preceded her in death on October 2, 1978. Shirley enjoyed gardening...

Oct 7, 2025

Donna Jean (Koleske) Nation, 86, of Peru, formerly of Rochester, IL. passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru, IL. Donna was born in Springfield, IL. on February 2, 1939, the daughter of  William "Red" and Evelyn (Gebhardt) Koleske. She was raised in what is known as the Cabbage Patch in the...

Sep 27, 2025

Shirley Marie Boggs, 86, of Springfield, IL, passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2025.

She was born February 28, 1939, in Springfield to George and Mary Vetter. Shirley married Clarence Boggs on July 13, 1957. He preceded her in death.

She is also preceded in death by her parent; brother, Gerald; sisters, Peggy...

Sep 12, 2025

Phyllis A. Pearson Taylor, 86, of Rochester, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025.  She had been a resident of the Villas of South Park, in Chatham for six years. Phyllis was born on November 28, 1938, in Indianola, IL, the daughter of Dean and Irene (Jackson) Pearson. She married Jack K. Taylor on July 12, 1959. He preceded...

Sep 11, 2025

Hubert (HC) C. J. Allen of Dawson passed away September 11, 2025, at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield. HC was born May 18, 1942, at St. Clara's Hospital in Lincoln, IL to Hubert C Allen and Della Mae Moss. He married Shirley J Harrison on May 14, 1965, she preceded him in death October 23, 2009.

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Sep 11, 2025

Dean Allen Bricker, 78, of Springfield, IL. passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at his home. Dean was born in Effingham, IL. the son of Allen and Velma (Radcliffe) Bricker. He married Sue Perkins on February 14, 1970 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dean proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a lifetime member of the...

Sep 8, 2025

Joyce M. Cole, 96, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 at Bridge Care Suites in Springfield. Joyce was born in Staunton, IL on July 15, 1929, the daughter of Walter and Helen (Hoffman) Bethel. She married Dale E. Cole on April 11, 1962 and he preceded her in death on January 19, 2013.

Joyce...

Sep 7, 2025

James "Buck" Buchanan Cassiday IV of Rochester, Illinois sadly passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025. Buck was born on March 3, 1956 in Springfield, the son of James "Jim" Buchanan Cassiday III and Sharon (Cain) Cassiday Trello. Buck married Linda (Taft) Cassiday on July 23, 1983. Buck retired from Springfield Mass Transit District in 2018. He was living his...

Sep 4, 2025

John Muchorski Sr, 84, of Springfield, IL. died at St. John's Hospital, September 4 , 2025.

He was born at St. John's on August 21, 1941. John was a lifetime resident of Springfield, Il, he attended Rochester school. He loved farming and farmed for years. He is a member of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau, and he...

Sep 3, 2025

Linda (Richardson) Novak, 78, of Glenarm, Illinois, passed away with family beside her on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Linda was born at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, IL on August 18, 1947, and was the daughter of Robert Eugene and Alma Ruth (Wilson) Richardson.

Linda was married to Larry Novak, who survives her. She is...

Aug 18, 2025

Ayden R. Paige, 18, of Rochester, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. Ayden was born on July 17, 2007, in Springfield, the youngest son of Randy and Sarah (Blake) Paige. Ayden enjoyed gaming, listening to music, working on his car and spending time with his friends and girlfriend. He is preceded...