Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home - Cerro Gordo Obituaries

Introduction to Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home - Cerro Gordo

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, located at 111 S. Madison Street, Cerro Gordo, IL, 61818, has been a pillar of the community for many years, providing compassionate and professional funeral services to families in their time of need. With a long history of serving the Cerro Gordo area, this funeral home has established itself as a trusted and reliable choice for those seeking to honor their loved ones with dignity and respect.

A History of Excellence

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home has a rich history that dates back many years. The funeral home was founded on the principles of compassion, integrity, and exceptional service. Over the years, the funeral home has remained committed to these core values, earning a reputation as one of the most respected and trusted funeral homes in the region.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Ted E. Johnson II - August 15, 1959 - May 28, 2022

Departed: 05/28/2022 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Ted E. Johnson II, 62, of Cerro Gordo passed away peacefully May 28, 2022.

Graveside service will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Cerro Gordo Cemetery in Cerro Gordo. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Cerro Gordo, is assisting the family.

Ted was born August 15, 1959 in Decatur, the son of Ted Eugene and Gloria (McNicol) Johnson. He worked selling cars at car dealerships in Florida.

He is survived by his mother, Gloria Johnson; children: Adam Johnson of Bloomington, Wendy Johnson of Gridley, Jason of South Carolina, Angel of South Carolina, TJ Johnson of Florida, and Jordan Johnson of Florida; grandchildren: Thomas Rebbec, Mary Rebbec, Chelsea Buster, Alex Johnson and Adam Johnson; and brother, Steve Johnson and wife Ericka of Decatur.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ted; and sister, Diane Velek.

View Full Obituary

Ciney Gene Eads - September 03, 1939 - May 09, 2022

Departed: 05/09/2022 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Ciney Gene Eads, 82 left this world May 9, 2022 at DMH.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, May 13 at Brintlinger and Earl, Decatur. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorials in Ciney’s honor may be made to Decatur Genealogical Society or donor’s choice.

Ciney was born September 3, 1939 in Decatur, IL to Harry Herbert and Dora Lucile (Hiser) Eads. At the age of seven he proudly won an award for the most freckles. He graduated from Cerro Gordo High School in 1958 and married Evelyn Atteberry in Blue Mound, IL on October 23, 1960. They made their home of 61 years in Cerro Gordo.

Ciney enjoyed golfing, playing 42 and traveling to visit his children and continued community service after his retirement. He retired after over 33 years from Caterpillar in 1993. He was an active member in his community attending town and school board meetings. He was State Vice President 1970-1971 of the East Region Jaycees. He was awarded a Jaycee International Senator Life Member in 1975 number 19654.

Mr. Eads was a member of the Lions Club in Cerro Gordo and held several offices. He served on Cerro Gordo Zoning Committee for over 30 years serving as chairman many years. Ciney also served as Democrat county chairman and as precinct committeeman for many years. Ciney served on the Housing Authority of Piatt County for 18 years serving as chairman.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children: Brenda (Robert) Dillow of Manassas, VA, Luellen Eads of Cerro Gordo, Renee Horn of Marion, Aaron (Carole) Eads of Monticello; grandchildren: Amanda Dillow, R.Cordell Dillow, Andrea Eads, Anneliesse Eads, Braxton (Selena) Abbott, Makayla Abbott; great-grandchildren Caden and Finley; sisters: Carolyn (Richard) Fansler, Maralyn Heckman and Martha Reilly and many nieces and nephews.

Ciney was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale; son-in-law Terry Horn; and brother-in-law Galen Heckman.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the DMH home care and DMH 4400 nurses. A very special THANK YOU to our mother for taking such excellent care of dad since he became wheelchair bound 8 years ago.

View Full Obituary

Clyde Allen Fansler - November 06, 1938 - April 11, 2022

Departed: 04/11/2022 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Clyde Allen Fansler, 83 of Cerro Gordo, IL passed away on April 11, 2022, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Clyde was born on November 6, 1938, in Wayne County, IL, and was the son of Louis Allen and Freda (Auvil) Fansler. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Baker, on March 2, 1958. They lived in Cerro Gordo, IL where they were surrounded by friends and family who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

He was an active member of the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren and served on the church board many times. Clyde started his long career as a meat cutter at age 18 and worked at Eisner and Jewel grocery stores. A lifelong sports fan, he coached the Cerro Gordo Little League, All Stars, and Pony League – and he never missed a game when his children were playing basketball or volleyball. Clyde was an avid Cubs fan and delighted in watching his team break their century-long curse in the 2016 World Series.

Above all else, Clyde cherished the time and memories he shared with his family. He will be forever loved by his wife, Nancy, and his three children David (Em), Steve (Sally), and Mindy (Dave). He is also survived by his brother, Dick (Carolyn), his sister Nancy Krohling, his grandchildren Jessica (Seth), Olivia, Jayce (Sarah), Samantha (Keith), Jake, and Jube (Dasi), and his favorite additions to the Fansler family, great-grandsons Isaac and Dylan.

View Full Obituary

Betty L. Bittinger - May 01, 1945 - April 06, 2022

Departed: 04/06/2022 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Betty L. Bittinger, 76, of Cerro Gordo, passed away April 6, 2022 surrounded by her family.

At her request, no services will be held. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur, is assisting the family.

Betty was born May 1, 1945 in Tuscola, the daughter of Louis and Edith Clarine (Chapman) Smith. She married Roy Bittinger, Jr. on June 17, 1963 in Mahomet. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2009. Betty worked as a Realtor for many years, was a bookkeeper for Christie Clinic and most recently was best known as “Bin Mama” for her daughter’s jewelry business. She enjoyed reading and creating copper wire art.

She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Evans (Langon) of Cerro Gordo; grandchildren: Cody and Blake; great-grandson, Langon; sister, Becky Sigwerth; and nieces and nephews: Katie, Clayton and Michelle.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy; and two brothers.

View Full Obituary

Mary Elizabeth Mann - November 28, 1946 - April 02, 2022

Departed: 04/02/2022 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Mary Elizabeth Mann, 75, of Milmine, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Cerro Gordo, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary was born November 28, 1946 in Monticello, the daughter of Jacob D. and Ruby Francis (Copeland) Poling. She married Stephen F. Mann on February 14, 1975 in Milmine. Mary worked as Postmistress at the Milmine Post Office for 30 years, until her retirement. She thoroughly enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles. But, Mary’s most treasured time was spent with her family, especially her grandkids. She was a member of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States and the Bement United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Stephen; children: Jacob D. Mann (Nikki) of Milmine, Thomas B. Mann (Dawn) of Cerro Gordo, and Jane E. Burton (Michael) of Atwood; grandchildren: Madalyn, Jared, Emily, Ethan, Ella, Lane, Kooper, Ruby and Gus; sisters: Winifred Thompson and Sara Knobloch; sisters-in-law, Shirley Poling and Pam Cairns (Jack); and mother-in-law, Lorraine Mann.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Margaret Giles; brother, Jay Poling; brothers-in-law: Jerry Thompson, R. Stephen Knobloch and Arnold Giles; and father-in-law, Foster Mann.

View Full Obituary

Donna Jean (Taylor) Bell - December 11, 1927 - March 03, 2022

Departed: 03/03/2022 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Donna Jean (Taylor) Bell, 94, of Cerro Gordo, passed away March 3, 2022 at Kirby Medical Center.

View Full Obituary

James "Jim" Max Huff - April 18, 1940 - January 30, 2022

Departed: 01/30/2022 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: James “Jim” Max Huff, 81, of Los Fresnos, TX, formerly of Cerro Gordo, passed away January 30, 2022.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the Cerro Gordo American Legion, 220 Wait St, Cerro Gordo, IL, 61818. A memorial visitation will be 10:00 - 11:00 AM, Saturday, at the American Legion. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Cerro Gordo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jim was born April 18, 1940 in Cerro Gordo, the son of Harry and Fern (Peck) Huff. He proudly served our country in the US Army, achieving the rank of Specialist 5. He married Gertrude Frenzel, and to that union, Steve Cliff, and Heidi were born. He later found love with Karen Dressen whom he married in 1978. Jim worked at Firestone in Decatur for 31 years until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of Los Fresnos, TX; children: Steve (Michelle) Huff of Watertown, WI, Cliff (Darla) Huff of Lincoln, NE, Heidi (Danny ) Rea of Warrensburg, and Amy (Donnie) Grindley of Urbana; 3 grandsons; 2 granddaughters; 5 great grandchildren; one sister; and a host of nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; 3 sisters; and one granddaughter.

View Full Obituary

Gary Lee Edgecombe - November 01, 1939 - January 01, 2022

Departed: 01/01/2022 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Gary Lee Edgecombe, 82, of Oakley, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Funeral service will be 12:00 PM, Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 10:00 - 12:00, Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in West Frantz Cemetery, Oakley. Memorials in Gary’s honor may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Gary was born November 1, 1939 in Moweaqua, the son of Arthur and Fern (Acom) Edgecombe. He married Jo Ellen Ishmael on June 25, 1960 in Decatur. Gary was a farmer for 49 years, farming in the Oakley and Cerro Gordo area and was a Pioneer Seed Distributor for many years. He was also a union carpenter. Gary most enjoyed time spent with his family. He was a talented woodworker and carpenter. He and Jo Ellen were active in Country-Western Dancing and loved traveling, especially their annual trips to Florida. Gary served for several years on the school board of Cerro Gordo District 100 Schools. He was a member of Oakley Brick Church of the Brethren and most recently attended First Christian Church in Decatur.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jo Ellen; children: Susan (Mike) O’Neill of Oakley, Joan Helm of Oakley and Russ (Carla) Edgecombe of Cerro Gordo; grandchildren: Adam (Andrea), Nathan (Bri), Seth, Nicholas, Justin, Alyssa (Justin), Nicole (Cody), Sarah, and Macie; great-grandchildren: Tatum, Jarren, Brecken, Austin, Logan, Olivia, Hannah, Jonathan, Easton, Bryson, Adeline and Ariel; and brother, Jay (Vicki) Edgecombe of Decatur.

View Full Obituary

Patricia Uicker - February 23, 1945 - November 29, 2021

Departed: 11/29/2021 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Patricia Uicker, 76, of La Place, IL, passed away November 29, 2021 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her family.

A Celebration of Patricia’s Life will be held at a later date. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials in Patricia’s honor may be made to the Jorden Austin Memorial and mailed to Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, 2827 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL 62526.

Patricia was born February 23, 1945 in Martin, TN, the daughter of Eulas and Valda (Tuck) Bailey. She married Edward Uicker in 1983 and he preceded her in death in 2004. Patricia owned and operated her own business, Daisy Diamond Setting for over 15 years. She was a wonderful artist and painter, and a talented singer. Patricia was also passionate about animals. She was a spiritual woman who was well-versed in the bible. Surviving are her children: Lisa (David) Nicholson of Waterford, MI, Rick (Reneé) Austin of Hammond, IL, and Kelli Austin of St. Clair Shores, MI; step-daughter, Angela Uicker-Spooner; grandchildren: Kelli-Marie Howard, Brandon Nicholson, Christopher Arendt, Rachel Austin, John Austin and Ryan Austin; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Glenda Bagley; and brother, Jay Bailey;

View Full Obituary

Tera Lynn Runyen - August 14, 1971 - November 13, 2021

Departed: 11/13/2021 (Cerro Gordo)

Obituary Preview: Tera Lynn Runyen, 50, of Cerro Gordo, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 18 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Wednesday, November 17 at the funeral home in Decatur. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorials in Tera’s honor may be made to an Education Fund for her grandchildren, Daniel and Hattie Faye, in care of Rodd Runyen and mailed to Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, 2827 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL 62526.

Tera was born August 14, 1971 in Westland, MI, the daughter of Gene and Carol (Decker) Stoltz. She married Rodd Runyen on October 2, 1993 in Decatur. She worked as a cashier at Dollar General for 10 years. She enjoyed watching her kids’ sports and activities and loved taking pictures. Tera was most passionate about the students of Cerro Gordo. She was president of the Cerro Gordo PTA; involved with Cerro Gordo Youth League; Post-Prom; and the Cerro Gordo Booster Club. Tera was a member of The Brethren Church of Cerro Gordo.

Surviving are her husband of 28 years, Rodd; her children: Sara Runyen (Derrick Eldred), Bailey Runyen and Autumn Runyen; grandchildren: Daniel and Hattie Faye Eldred; all of Cerro Gordo; mother, Carol Decker of Cerro Gordo; sisters: Ann Westover (Shane) of Caro, MI, Misty Barbee (Jeremy) of Washington, MI; brother, Gene “Corky” Stoltz, Jr. of Rochester Hills, MI; parents- in-law, Chuck and Judy Runyen of Oreana; brothers-in-law: Scott Runyen of Las Cruces, NM, Tony Runyen (Jeannie) of Cerro Gordo; and Todd Runyen of Hillsboro.

Tera was preceded in death by her father, Gene Stoltz and her grandparents.

View Full Obituary

Personalized Funeral Services

At Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, every family is treated with the utmost care and respect. The funeral home's experienced staff takes the time to understand the unique needs and wishes of each family, working closely with them to create personalized funeral services that celebrate the life of their loved one. From traditional funerals to cremation services, the funeral home offers a range of options to suit every family's preferences and budget.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families and friends to gather and pay their respects. The chapel is spacious and well-appointed, with ample seating and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. The funeral home also offers a range of amenities, including a hospitality room where families can gather before or after the service, as well as ample parking and convenient accessibility features.

Pre-Planning Services

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home understands that planning a funeral can be a difficult and overwhelming task. That's why they offer pre-planning services, allowing individuals to make their own arrangements in advance. By pre-planning, individuals can ensure that their final wishes are respected, while also relieving their loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions during a time of grief.

Cremation Services

In addition to traditional funeral services, Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home also offers cremation services. The funeral home's experienced staff is knowledgeable about the cremation process and can guide families through every step, from selecting a cremation package to choosing a final resting place for their loved one's ashes.

Grief Support

Losing a loved one is never easy, and Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home recognizes that grief is a journey that continues long after the funeral service has ended. That's why they offer ongoing grief support to families, including counseling resources, support groups, and online grief support materials.

Community Involvement

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is deeply committed to the Cerro Gordo community. The funeral home is actively involved in local organizations and events, supporting initiatives that benefit the community as a whole. By giving back to the community, the funeral home demonstrates its commitment to serving families not just in times of need, but also in times of celebration and joy.

Contacting Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home

If you're looking for a trusted partner to help you navigate the funeral planning process, look no further than Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home. Contact them today to learn more about their services, or to schedule an appointment with one of their experienced funeral directors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including biographical information, details about their life, and information about their funeral or memorial service. Obituaries are often published in newspapers, online, or in other forms of media to inform friends, family, and community members of the person's passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve several purposes: they provide a way to share news of a loved one's passing, offer a sense of closure for those who are grieving, and create a permanent record of the person's life. They also give friends and family an opportunity to pay tribute to the deceased and share their memories and condolences.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the obituary is written by the family members or close friends of the deceased, often with the assistance of a funeral home or obituary writer. The writer will gather information from the family and create a draft, which is then reviewed and revised before publication.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, achievements, and survivors (family members). It may also include information about the funeral or memorial service, charitable donations, and any other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform. Traditional newspaper obituaries are usually shorter (around 100-150 words), while online obituaries can be longer and more detailed (up to 500 words or more).

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to personalize the tribute and help readers connect with the person who has passed away.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, date of death, and funeral arrangements. An obituary, on the other hand, provides more detailed information about the person's life and legacy.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to inquire about their submission process and guidelines. You may need to provide a written draft of the obituary, along with payment for publication fees.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes! Many online platforms and websites specialize in publishing obituaries, allowing you to share your loved one's story with a wider audience. These sites often offer additional features such as guest books, condolence messages, and photo galleries.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or platform. Newspaper obituaries typically have a fee based on word count or column inches, while online platforms may offer free or paid options with varying levels of features.

Can I edit or revise an obituary after it's been published?

It may be possible to make minor corrections or revisions to an obituary after publication, but significant changes may not be allowed. Be sure to review your draft carefully before submitting it for publication.

What if I want to keep the obituary private?

If you prefer not to share the obituary publicly, you can opt for a private or restricted listing on online platforms. Alternatively, you can choose to share the obituary only with close friends and family through personal communication.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publication varies depending on the publication or platform. Newspapers often have deadlines for submission and publication, while online platforms may publish immediately or within a few hours.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Yes! Including meaningful quotes, poems, or lyrics can add depth and personality to the obituary. Just be sure to obtain any necessary permissions or credits for copyrighted material.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

You can seek assistance from a funeral home or professional obituary writer who can help guide you through the process and craft a fitting tribute to your loved one.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary?

Yes! Many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one's memory and support a worthy cause.

How do I handle condolences and guest book messages?

Online platforms often provide tools for managing condolences and guest book messages. You can also designate a point person to collect cards, letters, and other expressions of sympathy on behalf of the family.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

In some cases, yes! If you want to republish an obituary on a special anniversary or occasion, you may be able to do so through the original publication or platform. Check their policies beforehand.

What if I need help finding old obituaries?

You can try searching online archives or contacting local libraries and genealogical societies for assistance. Some websites also specialize in aggregating historical obituaries from various sources.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Absolutely! Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing news of a loved one's passing and connecting with others who are grieving. You can share a link to the online obituary or create a post with key details and photos.

How do I ensure accuracy in an obituary?

Double-check facts such as dates, names, and spellings before submitting the obituary for publication. It's also essential to verify information with other family members or sources whenever possible.

What if I want to create a memorial website or page?

You can use online platforms specifically designed for creating memorial websites or pages. These sites often offer customizable templates, photo galleries, and guest book features.

Can I include stories or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Sharing personal stories and anecdotes can help bring your loved one's personality and spirit to life in the obituary. Just be mindful of space constraints and focus on the most meaningful memories.