Carol Deak- Zeigler, Illinois

April 20, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Carol Deak, 79, of Zeigler, passed away on Monday April 18, 2022. She was born on October 29, 1942 in Litchfield, IL to William and Dorothy Kolesa. She married Charles Deak and he preceded her in death. She is survived by her three children; Carey Deak of Zeigler, Connie Jones of Chandler, AZ, Cherie Boker of Clay City, IL, and 8 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Timothy “Tim” Lee Curwick Sr. – Benton, IL

April 16, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Timothy “Tim” Lee Curwick Sr., 57, of Benton, passed away at 5:29 p.m., on Wednesday, April 14, 2022, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 4, 1964, to Donald and Ilene (Howell) Curwick in Kankakee, IL. Tim worked in the construction industry as a roofer. He married Jacqueline Cutter and she survives.

Tim is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, three sons, Richard (Stephaine) Hammonds, Timothy Lee Curwick, Jr. and Donald (Brielle) Curwick; one daughter, Samantha (Scott) Montoya; a brother, Steven Vogler; four sisters, Leane Sizemore, Jill Braden, Beth Donavan and Christina Cook; many grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Sr. and Ilene Curwick, his first wife who was the love of his life, Tina Curwick, a brother, Donald Curwick and a sister, Mariane Key.

Tim enjoyed game night with his siblings. FaceTiming his Princess (Mckenzie). Family gatherings and bon fires. Spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home in Benton.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton with the Pastor Jesse Hinds, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials to be made to Pate Funeral Home to assist with funeral costs.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Wendell Ethan Bowlin – Sesser, IL

April 12, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Wendell Ethan Bowlin, 98, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday April 12, 2022 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

He was born on September 25, 1923 in Christopher to Alva and Sybil (Johnson) Bowlin. He married Doris (Evilsizer) on July 3, 1946 and she preceded him in death on August 10, 2003.

He is survived by his children Relda (Sam) Guthrie of Edgewood, Kenneth (Mary Lou) Bowlin of Sesser, Gary (Jaxine) Bowlin of Sesser and Brian (Malynda) Bowlin of Valier; one son-in-law Lee Ford of Columbia City, IN; 13 Grandchildren; 22 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one daughter Cheryl Ford, five sisters and six brothers.

He was the owner and operator of Bowlin’s Foodland in Sesser, he also loved to hunt, fish and trap. He was a member of the Apostolic Church in Sesser. He also served in the United States Air Force during World War II and was a Nose Gunner in a B-24 Airplane.

Funeral services will be on Friday April 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

William “Bill” Dean Malone-Christopher

April 11, 2022 By Leave a Comment

William “Bill” Dean Malone, 88, of Christopher, passed away on April 7, 2022.

He was born on April 5, 1934 in Momence, IL to Earl and Hazel (Gagnon) Malone. He married Patricia (Rzepa) Malone and she preceded him in death on November 26, 2017.

He is survived by his children Barbara Sisk of Christopher, William Malone Jr. of Greenback, TN, Debra Cacciato of Christopher and Mark Malone of Tinley Park; grandchildren Katti, Chad, Aaron, Brian, Michelle, Josh, Jessica, Lee, Angie and Wendy; great grandchildren Maggie, Keegan and Scarlette; one sister Lois Hasier of Illinois; three brothers Jack Malone of Pennsylvania, Jim Malone of Illinois and Bob Malone of Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Robert William Thiele- Mulkeytown, IL

April 11, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Robert “Bob” William Thiele, 72, of Mulkeytown, passed away on April 10, 2022 at his home.

He was born on August 18, 1949 in Christopher, IL to James William Thiele and Tillie (Barrack) Swain.

He is survived by his mother Tillie (Barrack) Swain of Mulkeytown; his sisters Debra (Doyle) Bullock of Mulkeytown, Julie (James) Motsinger of Christopher and Matilda Jane Etchison of Florida and also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and one sister, Cynthia Ann Swain.

His wishes were to be cremated with a private family graveside service to be held at a later date.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Ronald Dwight Huie-Christopher, IL

April 7, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Ronald Dwight Huie, 87, of Christopher, passed away on April 6, 2022 at his home.

He was born on January 13, 1935 in Sesser, IL to Meredith and Mary (Jolley) Huie. He married Elaine (Slaviero) Huie on August 4, 1957.

He is survived by his wife Elaine Huie of Christopher; his children John (Jean) Huie of Benton and Ronnell (Mike) Karoski of West Frankfort; grandchildren Garrett Karoski of Chicago, Courtney (Bryan) Thomas of Mulkeytown and Tyler (Haley Ing) Huie of Christopher; great grandchildren Tripp Tyler Thomas and Teagan Grace Thomas; one sister Jean (Vic) Kretz of Christopher; sister-in-law Mary Ann Huie of Christopher and one brother-in-law Ronald (Vicki) Slaviero and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Ilah Winn, Mable Page and Metzie Ward, two brothers James Huie and Charles Huie and his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law John and Olga Slaviero.

Funeral services will be on Monday April 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday April 10, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the donor’s choice. Envelopes will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Garey McKee – Benton, Illinois

April 7, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Garey Dysart McKee, age 84, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 3:36 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 11,2022 at the First Baptist Church of Benton, with Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Benton, Illinois.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Garey was born on April 27, 1937, in Columbia, Missouri; the son of Albert F. McKee and Helen (Shackleford) McKee. He first married the former Anita Cecilia Dickson on February 2, 1957, together they shared 34 years of marriage until she preceded him in death on March 13, 1991. He would later marry Dora McCalla in 1993 and she preceded him in death in 2001. On May 25, 2002, he married the former Sharon (West) Parkhill; together they were married for 18 years until her death on February 18, 2020.

Garey served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1963, stationed in Baltimore, Maryland.
He completed his college education and received a master’s degree in history from the University of Delaware.
He retired from General Motors Company where he last worked as a purchasing agent in the Northeast United States. Garey was also a former Archeologist.

He was an active member, Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher at the First Baptist Church of Benton. He loved his church and church family.
Garey also enjoyed archeology, geology, genealogy, history, carpentry work, gardening and doing anything outdoors pertaining to yard work. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family.

Surviving are his four children: Heathir McKee of Enumclaw, Washington, Dierdre McKee of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jason McKee of Townsend, Delaware, and Garey McKee of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Sherry’s two children: Danny Parkhill and wife Tammy of Benton, Jennifer Keener and husband Jeff of Benton; grandchildren: Jeffrey Donahe, Anita Donahe, Sean Moran, Nathan Davis, Dustin Parkhill, Brandy Trogolo, Andy Johnson; great-grandchildren: Serenity Parkhill, Adrien Parkhill, Kennedy Parkhill, Brecken Johnson, Forrest Johnson, Hattie Parkhill, Brooklyn Parkhill, Avey Parkhill, Carley Schmidt, Megan Davis and Tobias Davis; a step-brother Donald Cunningham of Booneville, Missouri.

Mr. McKee was preceded in death by his parents; three wives; and a sister Dorothy Tracy.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Benton, 201 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812; and will be accepted at the services, or can be mailed to Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Garey, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Frank H. Wehmeyer – Thompsonville, IL

April 6, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Frank H. Wehmeyer, 78, of Thompsonville, passed away at 9:25 p.m., on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Liberty Village of Marion, in Marion, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 6, 1943, to Frank and Elanor (Boschert) Wehmeyer in St Charles, MO. Frank worked as a Coal Miner for Old Ben Coal Company, and he retirement from Arch Coal Company. He married Joan Ryan and she preceded him in death on July 25, 2018.

Frank is survived by his two sons, Frank D. Wehmeyer and Aaron Wehmeyer; two step-daughters, Michelle Manalang- Kahler and Karen Stark; two step-sons, Patrick Manalang and Kevin Manalang; four grandchildren, Cody Martin, Dylan Wehmeyer, Wyatt Martin and Samuel Wehmeyer; five step-grandchildren, Hayden Richardson, Landon Richardson, Remington Kahler, Wednesday Manalang and Case Manalang; three sisters, Marilyn Perkins, Christine Wehmeyer and Michelle Kaspari ; and one brother, Roger Wehmeyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank F. and Elanor Wehmeyer, wife, Joan Wehmeyer and two sisters, Joanne McCarthy and Barbara Garde.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 30, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, West Frankfort, IL., with Father Rev. Eusebius Mbidoaka, Ph.D., S.T.D., officiating services.

Burial will follow Services at St. John Catholic Cemetery, West Frankfort, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, West Frankfort, IL.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Franklin County Sheriff and Circuit Clerk both add smartphone apps

April 5, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Two Franklin County offices are taking a giant step into the 21st Century.

In an effort to utilize technology that is available and to keep the public better informed the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office have both added separate apps that are specific to each office.

Captain Kyle Bacon, who has handled the project for the Sheriff’s Office, said TheSheriffApp.com serves more than 500 public safety agencies throughout the US and Canada.

“Now more than ever, apps are used to communicate information,” Bacon said. “We are very excited to utilize the Franklin County Sheriff’s App to better communicate with the communities that we serve. This new app will provide an avenue for the Sheriff’s Office to increase transparency by utilizing technology for public awareness and information regarding public safety.”
Bacon said the app is being paid for through funds from the jail’s commissary and will not be any cost to taxpayers.
The Sheriff’s App is a free download on both iPhone and Android phones. Simply go to your App Store and download Franklin County Illinois Sheriff

Features to be utilized on the Sheriff’s app include:

Push Notifications (weather, events, immediate public safety issues)
Tip Submission
Most Wanted / Warrants
Sex Offender Searches / Mapping
Press Releases
Info Regarding Sheriff Sales
NWS – Weather Integration Services
Recruitment
Contact / Directory
Inmate Commissary Services

Franklin County Circuit Clerk Jim Muir said the Circuit Clerk app will be an invaluable tool to help residents who utilize the office and court system.

“To me it’s just a matter of common sense to utilize technology that is available to us,” said Muir. “The Circuit Clerk App will allow users to check for court cases on Judici, pay on a fine or traffic ticket, get Zoom court information, check the daily court docket and many more things. It’s just an unbelievable asset that folks can have on their phone all in one place.”

Muir said the Circuit Clerk App is being paid for through interest from bond money that was invested and will be no cost to taxpayers.

Features to be utilized on the Circuit Clerk’s App include:

Push Notifications (weather, events, immediate public safety issues)
Judici to search court cases
Daily court docket
Pay a fine or ticket electronically
Inmate search and inmate release notification
Zoom Court instructions
Link to the Franklin County website
Downloadable court forms
E-File information
Jury Duty Information
Online resources for self-help litigants
Women’s Advocacy information
Filing fees

The Circuit Clerk App is a free download on both iPhone and Android phones. Simple go your App Store and download Franklin County Illinois Circuit Clerk.

Filed Under: Breaking News

Career change works out well for Mike Meinert

April 5, 2022 By Leave a Comment

INA, IL – Mike Meinert was not sure what he wanted to do when he was in college, but a career in education was “the furthest thing from my mind.”

But a part time gig at Rend Lake College turned into a full-time opportunity, and Meinert said he hasn’t regretted anything ever since.

“I was one of those students who didn’t really know what he wanted to do,” the welding instructor said. “But once I did find out, it all clicked.”

Meinert has been awarded the 2022 Rend Lake College Foundation Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year award. He said he was completely surprised and elated to receive such a distinction.

“I’ve never won anything before,” Meinert says after he was surprised by fellow RLC faculty members and colleagues.

Meinert admits that he was not a perfect student his first two years at Rend Lake. He walked on to the RLC golf team but overloaded his semester with 19 credit hours in an attempt to figure out what path he should take. He left the team and took a welding course on a whim. He had first started welding at 16 years old but did not think it was going to be the decision that shaped the rest of his professional career.

Meinert graduated from RLC in 1997 with several certificates in welding. He worked in the field until 2010 when he ran into his old welding instructor. Meinert found out that RLC was in need of a part-time welding teacher. At the time, Meinert was managing a fabrication shop in Christopher, and he was thankful for the opportunity for extra work.

What started as a two night per week stint morphed into four nights.

“I just started doing it and kind of fell in love with it,” he said. “It’s something I liked right away.”

Meinert had to step away from his teaching career in 2015, after the shop he was managing shut down and he took a job working in the coal mines. Still, Meinert said he knew the hiatus was temporary, and in 2018, he returned to RLC when a full-time welding instructor position became available.

Because RLC had since started offering an Associate in Applied Science degree specializing in welding technology, Meinert returned to the classroom as a teacher and a student for one year in order to get those missing credentials. He said the experience gave him a new perspective on what may students go through.

“That was a rough while,” he said. “I felt the pain that some of these students go through with having to work and go to school at the same time. It was something I took for granted.”

Meinert has developed his teaching philosophy after much thought about what kind of instruction best suits his students.

“One thing I like to tell my students is that I want to be the type of instructor that you have never had,” he said. “I try to make a bond with those students and make it fun, but still remain some sort of authority.”

Meinert said the most rewarding about being an instructor is the chance to witness firsthand how education can positively change the lives of his students even years after they have completed their programs.

“The best part about my job is watching a student who comes in and is not sure that this is the path that they should be taking,” Meinert explains. “Then, it’s watching them complete the program and ultimately running into them a year or two down the line, and you see them succeed. They got the truck they wanted or bought the house or got the job they were after. Seeing them years later after they leave is just as enjoyable as seeing them succeed here.”

“The students have taught me as much as I’ve learned,” he said. “They will teach you what you need to excel at. That right there is an asset.”

One example of the great report that Meinert has with his students includes his unconventional ways he motivates them. One year, while his dual credit students were preparing for the high school welding competition, Meinert gave some extra incentive to place in the top five. If one places, then he would let them shave his head.

More than one student rose to the occasion, Meinert said his students placed first, third, fifth and eighth in the contest. And the next day, the winners spent the class period discussing what type of haircut their mentor should receive.

Meinert, who has also trained Labradors for the past 11 years, said both patience is an important virtue to have inside the classroom. Students, like puppies, learn at different ages and stages, and the more willing he is to teach the basics and build from there, the more receptive they are going to be to learning.

“It’s worked for me,” he said. “I know exactly what to do, what we’re going to work on and what we are not going to do. Each semester it’s getting easier and easier.

Never once in all the years I have worked here have I thought, ‘Ugh, I’ve got to go to work today.’ It’s the only job I’ve ever had that’s like that.”

Meinert lives in Benton and has two children, Henry and Vada.

Filed Under: Featured
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