All Obituaries

Nelson Bruce Gonigam, of Walnut, Illinois, died  April 19, 2024 at the age of 67. Bruce was born to Glenn and Marilyn (Nelson) Gonigam in Princeton on January 13, 1957. He married Jill Payne on May 10, 1980, whom he loved and cherished for the last 47-years. Starting at age 16, Bruce was employed at Walnut Sand and Gravel/TCI where he worked with heavy equipment. His work week ended on Friday, but it wasn’t uncommon to see Bruce back at the gravel pit over the weekend with a...

NORMAL – Evelyn F. Marit, age 89, formerly of Walnut, died April 15, 2024 at Sugar Creek Alzheimer Care Center in Normal.            Evelyn was born on October 28, 1934 in Walnut the daughter of Everette and Monefay (Winterscheid) Paepke.  She graduated from Walnut High School and Brown’s Business school in Peoria.  While living in Peoria, she met the love of her life, Earl Marit.  They were married on July 3, 1954...

Dave Graham, 62, was received into heaven on April 4, 2024. Dave was raised in Manlius, IL, by his loving parents. He grew up with his sister, many cousins, and friends within the small Manlius community. At ten years old, Dave knew he wanted to fly airplanes. His parents fostered that desire, and when Dave did well in school, they rewarded him with an airplane ride or a flight lesson. Many in his small high school thought his dream of becoming a pilot was unattainable, but Dave had one...

WALNUT – Donna J. Edens, age 65, died at home on Monday, April 1, 2024.             Donna was born on June 28, 1958 in Kewanee the daughter of Henry and Georgia (Clark) Roberts.  She married David Edens on January 21, 1977 in Kewanee.  Donna was employed for 28 years with the Royal Oaks Nursing Home retiring in 2022. She loved family more than anything. Loved the time spent together. She liked the outdoors and...

OHIO – Lois V. Molln, age 94, died Sunday March 31, 2024 at Allure of Walnut. Lois was born on January 5, 1930 in Sublette the daughter of Fredrick and Leona (Spittler) Rempfer.  She married Myron R. Molln on November 20, 1949 in Mendota.  He preceded her in death April 10, 2010.  Lois was a homemaker who enjoyed reading, was a good baker and loved working in her garden.  She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Ohio and was active in her church including...

Betty L. Rollo, age 90, of Walnut, died Friday, March 29, 2024 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.           Betty was born July 10, 1933 in Walnut, the daughter of James and Dorothy (Hoffman) McElvania.  She married William Rollo on January 10, 1953 in Walnut.  He preceded her in death on September 28, 1988.  Betty was employed at Sterling Cleaners for many years.  She was an active member of the Walnut Community Bible Church,...

Mary Kathleen Kuhnert was born March 21, 1944 in Walnut, Illinois.  She died on March 29, 2024 in Walnut, Illinois. She was the daughter of Henry and Jane Kuhnert and sister to Henry (deceased) Kenneth (deceased), Dale (Linda-deceased), Ray (Carol), and Arlene Ellegood; and special Friend Virgil Johnson.  She is survived by cousins, (Renee Coy-special friend) nieces, nephews. Mary graduated from Walnut Community High School and worked hard on the family farm; she served as...

Channing M. Swertfeger, 14 of Tampico died Thursday March 28, 2024. He was born on December 14, 2009 in Florence, SC the son of Adam M. and Kara R. (Ribordy) Swertfeger and in 8th grade at Prophetstown Middle School. Channing was active in baseball, basketball, and track with the Erie Prophetstown Panthers and participated in the traveling baseball team. Channing enjoyed gaming and hanging out with his friends. He loved animals, especially his dogs Harley and Kaiser. Survivors include his...

Jayden Lee Hanson, 14 of Tampico died Thursday March 28, 2024 He was born on August 31, 2009 in Sterling the son of Austin Hanson and Megan Mitchell. Jayden was in his freshman years at Prophetstown High School and was active in baseball and basketball. He had a great interest in farming and John Deere tractors and was a member of FFA. Jayden liked to ride four wheelers, fishing, going to county fairs, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved listening to country music and...

Douglas Raymond “DJ” Dorathy, 16 of Tampico died Thursday March 28, 2024. He was born on December 14, 2007 in Sterling the son of Douglas Raymond and Chasity (Lawson) Dorathy Sr. He was a sophomore at Prophetstown High School. DJ played football for Erie Prophetstown Panthers and summer town baseball. He enjoyed fishing, drag racing, gaming and hanging out with his friends. DJ was a diehard Chicago Bear fan and love Notre Dame. Survivors include his parents, Doug and Chasity;...