RLC student Derek Sample, of Sesser, elected VP of Illinois FFA

INA, IL — Derek Sample of Sesser was recently elected as Illinois’ Future Farmers of America (FFA) Vice President. The Rend Lake College sophomore and 2021 Presidential Scholarship recipient will serve the five districts and 25 sections of FFA within Illinois by contributing to the organization’s leadership conference and state convention in ways that will inform, motivate and inspire FFA members, advisors, state staff, teachers, and others.

Here’s the link to the story.

Keith Michael Bullock-Mulkeytown, IL

Keith Michael Bullock, 44, of Mulkeytown, passed away on July 3, 2022.

He was born on March 29, 1978 in Pinckneyville, IL to Doyle and Debra (Croft) Bullock.

He is survived by his parents Doyle and Debra Bullock of Mulkeytown; three Sisters Alisa (Toby) Dearmond of DuQuoin, Matilda Bullock of Mulkeytown and Elizabeth (Cory) Harbison of Mulkeytown; two Brothers Preston Bullock of Mulkeytown and John Bullock of Mulkeytown; five Nieces Alyssa, Ella, Anna, Lindsey and Lillian; five Nephews Jared, Justin, Jason, Kade and Slayden; Grandmother Tillie Swain of Mulkeytown; Uncle and Aunt Bill and Gussie Ramsey of Mesa, AZ and one aunt Julie Motsinger of Christopher and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents John T and Mildred Bullock; one Aunt Cindy Swain and one Uncle Bob Thiele.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

James R. Danielson- Christopher, IL

James R. Danielson, age 77, passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on June 30, 2022 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital ICU.

He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on June 22, 2022 and was flown to Barnes early the next morning.

Jim was born to Delbert and Mildred Danielson in El Dorado, Kansas on March 19, 1945. He leaves behind his wife, Elaine of 18 1/2 years; son James (Cathrine) and daughters Dawn and Tracey (Ethan). He also leaves behind four brothers: Mike, Doug, Ron and Gilbert, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Mildred and 1 brother, Gene.

He worked at Sara Lee for many years before going to North Chicago VA Hospital where he retired as Supervisor EICM after 16 1/2 years of service. After moving to Southern IL, he worked for Beck/Durham Bus Service and recently retired after more than 13 years. Jim was known for his outgoing, fun loving personality. He loved being a school bus driver and taking care of “his kids” as he called them. He was an avid fisherman in earlier years, enjoyed gardening and rooting for the Cubs. He was a lifetime member of VFW District #5, Post 4308 of Lake Villa, IL. He was a former district commander and recently resigned as Sergeant-At-Arms for the State of IL. Jim was truly loved and will be missed deeply by family and friends.

A military service for Jim will be help on Sunday July 3, 2022 at 9:45 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Sunday July 3, 2022 from 8:00 AM until the time of the service at 9:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

James Calvin Stoffel – Benton, IL

James Calvin Stoffel, 97, of Benton IL, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, June 26 in Gresham, Oregon.

The graveside service will be held Saturday, July 2 at 12:00 noon at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery located at 12740 Oddfellow Ln, Benton, IL 62812 with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion Post #280, VFW Post #2671 and the U.S. Army Honors Team. In lieu of flowers, plants and other gifts please consider a donation to Independence Fund Inc., a nonprofit that supports injured veterans.

Calvin was born on Jan. 24, 1925 in Franklin County, Illinois to Rothel and Pruda Belva (Uhls) Stoffel. He married Catherine Rose Kingsley in 1950. After her passing he married his long time friend, Virginia Lee Genisio in 1994.
James served in WWII in Patton’s 3rd Army, where he dug foxholes all the way across France and Germany. After the military he worked for the US Postal Service for his entire career.

He was kind to a fault and loved being a brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
He was a hard worker and loved sports (the Cubs in particular). He enjoyed growing tomatoes, eating chocolate, and getting peaches at the orchard in the summer. As he aged his appreciation for nature’s beauty, particularly flowers, only grew.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Catherine Rose Stoffel and Virginia Lee Stoffel; his parents; his brother, William Howard Stoffel; his sisters, Evadine Stoffel, E. Lorene Stoffel, and Belva Madelyn Vercellino; and his son, Dennis Stoffel.

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Schultz Vitangeli; grandson, Alexander Schultz; granddaughter, Danielle Schultz, and nephews, Ron Stoffel, Keith Stoffel and Bruce Stoffel. Through his marriage with Virginia, he was gifted with more children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He loved them all and they enriched his life.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Roberta J. Urban-Christopher, IL

Roberta J. Urban, 71, went to be with her Lord at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be private for family and Church family at the Gilbert Funeral Home on Sunday, July 3, 2022, starting at 1:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Graveside services will also be private for family and Church family to be held at 4:00 p.m. at Smith Cemetery with Brother George Marshall officiating.

Mrs. Urban was born December 1, 1950, at Miners Hospital in Christopher, Illinois. She was the daughter of Joel (Pete) and Daisy Stalcup of Christopher. She married Joseph Urban from Zeigler, Illinois on June 6, 1970. Mrs. Urban was a homemaker and a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Christopher.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and taking them shopping as well as going to rummage sales with her niece. Mrs. Urban is survived by her husband Joe Urban, her children Timothy (Monica) Urban and Steven Joe (Christina) Urban. Four grandchildren; Jesica (Scott) Julian; Jadon (Christina) Urban; Daisy Urban and Kaily Jo Urban. Three great-grandchildren Austin and Olivia Julian, and Rebecca Urban; sisters Sharon Rowland of Christopher and Caren Gowers of Buckner. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Marion Ethed Stalcup.

Those wishing to, may in lieu of flowers, make monetary contributions in Roberta’s name to the Christopher Church of Christ.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Lynda Mitchell-Christopher, IL

On Saturday, June 25, 2022, Lynda Mitchell went to heaven to be with her mom, dad, sister and husband at the age of 74.

She was born to Irene (Phillips) and Mack Eldridge on February 5, 1948, in Christopher, Illinois and they have preceeded her in death along with her husband, Tom Mitchell and sister Rhonda Craig.

She lived in Christopher most of her life. She graduated with the class of 1966 and they were all like family to her. She was the majorette in high school and had very fond memories and was proud of doing it.

She is survived by one brother, Allen (Shirley) Eldridge and her daughters: Carman Gray, Sara (James) Harris and Kiley Smith. She was very proud of her ten grandchildren: Autumn Harris, Caleb (Tawsha) Gray, Mitchell (Kayce) Phinney, Elace Branche, Makaila (Cole Newman) Todd, Dakota (Allie) Borchelt, Mallory Neal, Chloe Mays, Lily Smith and Lydia Smith. She was also blessed with eight great grandchildren: Trevor Essex, Lillian Phinney, Greyson Essex, Elijah Keller, Aubry Phinney, Katerina “Kit Kat” Gray, MJ Phinney and Gloria Gray. And also some special friends Eric Giles, Amanda Bloodworth and Crystal.

She enjoyed her job as a domestic goddess, fishing, woodworking, gardening and crafts.

A celebration of life will embark on July 5th, 2022, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois.

Not knowing if it was because of her humor or sarcasm, when asked what she wanted her obituary to say she simply answered “bye”.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Brenda May Wilson-Christopher, IL

Brenda May Wilson, 78, of Christopher, passed away on Monday June 27, 2022 at her home.

She was born on February 10, 1944 in Christopher to Albert and Fay (Wiliams) Key. She married Larry Wilson on August 15, 2012 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her children Sheila Key of Herrin and Rita Branche of Christopher; grandchildren Taylor Marks, Samantha (Conway Loy) Marks, Glenn (Breanna) Marks, Shelby Branche, Jimmy Branche and Randy Branche; great grandchildren Sadie, Aaliyah, Harleigh, Watson, Atlas, Aiden, Adriana, Orion, Amanda and Randy Jr. and one sister Sheila Smith of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Jimmy Key and one granddaughter Amanda Marks.

Funeral services will be on Friday July 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher to help with funeral expenses.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Morgan Phelps Stubblefield-Sesser, IL

Morgan Phelps Stubblefield, 25, of Sesser, passed away on Wednesday June 22, 2022 at her home.

She was born on January 17, 1997 in DuQuoin, IL to Tony and Maria (Wright) Phelps.

She married Brandon Stubblefield on December 31, 2021 and he survives of Sesser. She is also survived by her parents Tony and Maris Phelps of Valier; one brother Michael (Grace) Phelps of Sesser; two nieces Rey Madelyn Phelps and Noa Phelps; father-in-law and mother-in-law Scott and Sheila Stubblefield of Royalton; two brother-in-laws Matt (Stephanie) Stubblefield and their children Ashlyn, Gunner, and Kynsleigh and Kyle (Hannah) Stubblefield and their child Parker; grandparents Phil and Kathy Phelps, Jane Wright, Ron Diuguid, and Richard (Susan) Stubblefield.

She was loved by her many close friends and she loved her doggos Millie and Leo. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Larry Wright and Sharon Diuguid.

Funeral services for Morgan will be on Sunday June 26, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL with Rev. Kirk Packer officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to Chemo Buddies, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Randy F. Hammonds – Sesser, IL

Randy F. Hammonds, 65, of Sesser, passed away on June 20, 2022 as a result of an auto accident.

He was born on December 29, 1956 in Pinckneyville to Jesse and Mary Lou (Young) Hammonds. He married Robyn (McGhee) Hammonds on March 7, 1987 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Randy (Leah) Hammonds of Valier, Ryan Hammonds of Sesser and Teneva Johnston of Nashville, IL; one granddaughter Rynlee Mae Hammonds; four grandsons Byron Johnston, Zea Johnston, Tayron Johnston and KJ Johnston; two sisters Peggy Hammonds of Sesser and Susie (Bob) Skidmore of Christopher; mother-in-law Pam McGhee of Christopher; sister-in-law Andrea (Gary) Kelley of Christopher; three nieces Sheryl Bennet of Mt Vernon, Jamie Hammonds of DuQuoin and Alicia (Donnie) Pickles of Marion; two nephews Ricky (Stacy) Shumate of Baldwin, MO and R.J. (Jessie) Huh of Benton and several great nieces and great nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law Robert McGhee.

He was a much respected truck driver for over 43 years and was employed by Todd Brown Trucking in Jonesboro, he loved his family and to make everyone laugh and he also loved his wiener dogs. He will be missed by anyone that knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Randy on July 2, 2022 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Sesser VFW Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Keith Manzek – Benton, Illinois

Mr. Keith Allen Manzek, age 71, of Benton; passed away at 2:25 a.m. Sunday, June 19, 2022, at his home.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Brian Mixon officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, at the Leffler Funeral Home. Military honors will be provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Army National Guard; at the funeral home.

Keith was born on March 1, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois; the son of Robert Manzek and Elsie E. (Mannikko) Manzek. He married the former Carolyne L. Mannes on January 18, 1972; and she preceded him in death on April 28,1985.

Mr. Manzek was a U.S. Army veteran having served at Fort Dix New Jersey, from January 1971 – January 1973.

He was a retired IT-Technician with Metromail.

Keith attended the Thompsonville Church of God.

He enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, traveling, eating out, talking with people, and hosting BBQ’s. He also enjoyed online gaming, and racing his remote control cars.

Surviving are two children: Bryan Manzek of Christopher, Illinois, Aimee Perry of Gaylord, Michigan; three grandchildren Brandyn Manzek of Chicago, Illinois, Corrin and Kyle Perry of Gaylord, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Carolyne; and his long-time companion Carole Rice of Benton.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Keith; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News