Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel Obituaries

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Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel is a trusted and compassionate funeral home serving the community of Germantown Hills, Illinois. Located at 375 Old Germantown Rd., Germantown Hills, IL, 61548, this esteemed funeral home has been providing exceptional funeral services to families in need for many years.

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Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel has built a reputation for delivering personalized and dignified funeral services that cater to the unique needs of each family. Their team of experienced funeral directors and staff are dedicated to providing a comforting and supportive environment, guiding families through the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Lowell Edward Baker - May 30, 1937 - March 26, 2022

Departed: 03/26/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Lowell Edward Baker, 84, of Metamora, IL passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022, in Metamora.

Lowell was born on May 30, 1937 in New Madison, OH, to Vern D. and Ruby I. (Coover) Baker. He married Lula Belle Clayton on August 30, 1986 at Christian Union Church in Metamora.

Surviving are his wife, Lula of Metamora; son, Raymond E. (Renee) Baker of Plainview, TX; grandchildren, Kevin Baker, Lexi Baker, and Amberle Baker; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-son Jeffrey Lee Clayton, brother Paul Baker, and sister Doris Brewer.

Lowell worked as an electronics technician at Hobart Welders for 30 years. He was a member of Christian Union Church in Metamora and also the Taylor Masonic Lodge #98 in Washington, receiving his 50 year pin. He was a ham radio operator and enjoyed traveling.

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Mary H. Greer - May 25, 1940 - March 01, 2022

Departed: 03/01/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Mary H. Greer, 81, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 3:25 pm on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at her residence.

She was born on May 25, 1940 in Peoria, IL to Ambrose W. and Helen L. (Montz) Staab. She married her loving husband of 59 years, Ernest G. Greer, on December 12, 1962.

Mary was a loving wife to Ernest; an amazing mother to Chris (Kim) Greer, Steve (Renee) Greer, and Sonya Greer; a devoted grandmother to Gillian Greer, Cullen Greer, Makinzie Greer, Madalyn Greer, Kyle Greer, Dana Ingram, Steven Hrabak, Christopher Lyles, and Melissa Lyles; and an everloving great-grandmother to fourteen. She also has five surviving siblings, Terry Schaub, Mike Staab, Nancy (Gene) Noe, David (Patty) Staab, and Richard (Jackie) Staab.

She was preceded in death by her parents, older sister, Janet Ruder, and brothers-in-law, Fred Schaub and Roger Ruder.

Mary worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company in logistics for 30 years. After her retirement, she enjoyed reading, spending time with her siblings, and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow with immense love. She will be forever in our hearts.

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Dennis A. Eilers - October 07, 1945 - February 22, 2022

Departed: 02/22/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Dennis A. Eilers, 76, of East Peoria, IL passed away on February 22, 2022, at Mojave Bloom Assisted Living in Green Valley, Arizona.

He was born on October 7, 1945, in Washington, IL, to Reynold L. and Marguerite (Schumacher) Eilers. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dennis married Becky A. Spalding on March 31, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Surviving are his wife, Becky of East Peoria; children, Kevin (Kristin) Eilers of Bettendorf, Iowa, Kelly (Justin) Watt of Danville, IL, Karolyn (Steve) Talbert of Oak Park, IL, and Keith (Connie) Eilers of Lisle, IL; grandchildren, Megan and Matt Eilers, Blake and Jordan Watt, Audrey and Eli Talbert, and Jacob, Connor, and Lucas Eilers; and brother, Reynold Eilers, Jr. of Jupiter, Florida.

Dennis was a U.S. Navy Veteran and a member of the Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115. He worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company in the factory accounting department for 41 years, retiring in 2006. After retirement, he worked at Quail Meadows Golf Club in East Peoria until 2019. Dennis was an avid golfer who traveled to many states to play his beloved sport. He loved to travel, was a coin collector, and a sports fanatic for every sport imaginable.

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Norman "Norm" E. Schaer - July 17, 1944 - February 07, 2022

Departed: 02/07/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Norman E. “Norm” Schaer, 77, of Spring Bay, IL, passed away at 2:10 am on Monday, February 7, 2022 at OSF Speciality Kindred Hospital in Peoria, IL.

He was born on July 17, 1944, in Peoria, IL, to Norman P. and Vivian (Loveless) Schaer. He married Joyce K. Shanklin on August 30, 1964, in Varna, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce of Spring Bay; three children, Angela (Dave) Tilley of Spring Bay, Aaron Schaer of St. Cloud, MN, and Abigal (Natalie) McClain of Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren, Bradley (Kayla) Lange and Alex Lange; five great-grandchildren, Kiera, Vivi, Ozzy, Zakary, and Ronnie; and one sister, Nancy Draggist of Spring Bay. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Norm was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving in the Phillipines as an inventory specialist. He worked for 18 years at Hiram Walkers before becoming a Woodford County Sheriff’s Deputy. He then served as a corrections officer for the State of Illinois. In addition, Norm was a part-time officer for Spring Bay where he eventually became the Chief of Police of Spring Bay and Bayview Gardens police departments. He served Spring Bay for 40 years as an officer and in multiple other roles helping the community. In recent years he was the groundskeeper for Spring Bay Cemetery.

In his free time Norm loved to fish and spend time with friends and family. He was a great storyteller and had an infectious laugh. Norm was a member of the RiversEdge United Methodist Church.

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Thomas P. Day - March 09, 1954 - February 03, 2022

Departed: 02/03/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Thomas P. Day passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 12:05 pm at the age of 67, to be with our Lord Jesus and the Father. He was the third in a line of nine children born to William and Helen Day. He graduated from Peoria High School in Peoria, IL.

He is survived by his siblings, Pat Day, Diane (Jack) Geick, Debi (Mike) Johnson, Teri Day, Bill Day, Mary (Mike) Oyer, and John (Chris Dees) Day; three nieces; five nephews; one grand-niece; and two grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and sister, Ann Day.

Tom was a superb mechanic in every respect. He could machine any part he needed or wanted from raw materials. He created his own machine shop in his basement, that rivaled many commercial shops. He made his own Civil War and Revolutionary War cannons to various scales, which won several competitions for accuracy.

Tom worked for several businesses including GFE, as a Fire Truck repair engineer, National Wheel-O-Vator, and Metamora School District, prior to his retirement. He retired from the Germantown Hills Fire Department having attained the rank of Captain, after 30 years of service to his community.

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Barbara Ann Wood - June 21, 1933 - January 31, 2022

Departed: 01/31/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Barbara Ann Wood, 88, of Tremont, IL, formerly of Metamora, IL, passed away at 7:15 am Monday, January 31, 2022, at the home of her daughter Michelle.

On June 21, 1933, she was born in Chillicothe, IL, to Hallie and Belva (Sarver) Moore. She married Edward L. Wood. He passed away on November 22, 2002. Her parents, two brothers, one sister, and one granddaughter Shannon Wood also preceded her in death.

Surviving are four sons, Robert (Sue) Wood, Eddie (Donna) Wood, Buster (Kim) Wood, and Eugene Wood; seven daughters, Karen Wood, Sharon (George) Walton, Darlene (Greg) Seckler, Bettie Anne (David) Wood-Dixon, Teresa (Jim) Boehl, Holly (Joe) Heck and Michelle (Don) Shenaut. Also surviving are 30 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and 8 great great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one great granddaughter on the way.

Barbara had worked as a cook for many years last working at Lutheran Hillside Village. She loved sitting on her deck watching the hummingbirds but especially enjoyed spending time with her family, going on family rides, and playing rummy with her children and grandchildren.

The wood family is beyond grateful to Sandi Sale, who has been the most understanding and loving caregiver to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother over these past 7 years. The family would also like to thank Pam and Jason from OSF Hospice also, Dr. Shawn Piers from OSF Medical Group-Primary Care for their kind and compassionate care.

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David Tobias Blankenship - December 20, 1925 - January 21, 2022

Departed: 01/21/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: David Tobias Blankenship, 96, of Peoria, IL went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 21, 2022 at Unity Point Health-Methodist in Peoria. He was born on December 20, 1925 to Lester Blankenship and Grace (Hasty) Blankenship of East Peoria, Illinois. He married Grace Elizabeth Pethick on July 4, 1946 after returning home from WWII. Together they raised seven children, Sharon (Gary) Moushon of Speer, Illinois, David J. (Mabel) Blankenship of Bellvue, Illinois, Peggy (Jim) Maddox of Farmington, Missouri, Carol (Dennis) Harper of Lewistown, Illinois, Deborah (Patrick) Ruder of Groveland, Illinois, Connie Riley of Alvarado, Texas, and Becky Hoffman of Creve Coeur, Illinois.

David was a WWII Veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Corundum and USS Arvetta. He retired from Butternut Bakery (Interstate Brands) after reaching retirement age. He was a very hardworking man, faithful husband, and a good father. He loved taking care of his yard, playing cards, and visiting with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his only son, David J. Blankenship, who was also a Veteran from the Vietnam War, three brothers, and five sisters. He is survived by his loving wife Grace of 75 years, his six daughters, fourteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Private funeral services will be provided by Mason Funeral Home in Germantown Hills with a memorial service for family members only on Friday, January 28, 2022. No visitation will be held. Burial will be in Fondulac Township Cemetery in East Peoria, IL.

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Giles Kent Sorrells - August 19, 1943 - January 12, 2022

Departed: 01/12/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Giles Kent Sorrells, 78, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 12:19 pm on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Unity Point Health-Proctor in Peoria, IL.

He was born on August 19, 1943, in Avon, IL, to Vilasco O. and Pauline E. (Mercer) Sorrells. He married Carol L. Trask on June 10, 1967, in Galesburg, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Carol of Germantown Hills; children, Janet (Andrew) Slonneger of Crystal Lake, IL, Katie (Aaron) Williams of Morton, IL, and Andrew Sorrells of Tacoma, WA; grandchildren, Noah McGraw, Alec Slonneger, Madeleine McGraw, Brooke Slonneger, Cameron Slonneger, Kai Slonneger, Simon Williams, and Gianna Williams; and sister, Loretta (Gerald) Peterson of Abingdon, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Giles was a U.S. Army Reserves Veteran, serving from 1964 until 1970. He worked as an engineer for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 36 years prior to his retirement. Giles was awarded eight United States patents in electrical engineering throughout his years at Caterpillar. Giles attended Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, and was a member of the Metamora American Legion Post 89 and the Genealogy Association. He enjoyed fishing, walking and exercising, photography, any technology in general, and church fellowship.

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Lynne Carol Copes - May 27, 1954 - January 05, 2022

Departed: 01/05/2022 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Lynne Carol Copes, 67, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 6:25 am on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL, with Jim and Ashley at her side. She was born on May 27, 1954, in Chicago, IL, to Martin and Joan C. (Karpis) Dolan. She married James E. Copes on April 12, 1975 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are her husband, James of Germantown Hills; daughter, Ashley (Phillip Smith) Copes of Kansas City, MO; and siblings, Martin (Shelby) Dolan of Katy, TX, Laureen (Jon) Wiegand of Charlotte, NC, Michael Dolan of Peachtree City, GA, and Deanne (Russ) Woods of Dekalb, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Lynne worked for the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (Ag Lab) in Peoria for 45 years, retiring in June, 2019. Lynne received a Distinguished Service Award in Washington, D.C. in 1989 for her work with lipids.

She was very active in the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, joining in 1974 and holding various positions throughout the years. Lynne enjoyed creating beaded jewelry, making intricate patterns with tiny seed beads. She was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Metamora. She loved to read and travel with James. She fulfilled two of her life’s wishes with trips to Ireland in 2016 and Lithuania (among other countries) in 2018.

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Scott W. Adams - April 25, 1971 - December 23, 2021

Departed: 12/23/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Scott W. Adams, 50, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021 due to an accident at Caterpillar Mapleton Foundry. He was born on April 25, 1971, in Peoria, IL, to William L. and Dorothy F. (Garber) Adams. He married Jennifer S. Medley on September 7, 1996 in Metamora, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Jennifer of Germantown Hills; son, Isaac Adams of Germantown Hills; parents, Bill and Dorothy of Metamora; siblings, Beth Adams of Metamora, Michelle (William) Highberger of Bettendorf, IA, Karen (Jeremy) Mischler of Metamora, and Amy (Mark) Young of Germantown Hills; and several nieces and nephews.

Scott graduated from Metamora Township High School in 1989 and Illinois Central College in 1991 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science (Electronics Technology). Prior to joining the five year apprenticeship program through IBEW, he attended Bradley University. He became an electric journeyman, receiving his 25 year pin earlier this year. Scott worked as an electrician for Schaefer Electric for 27 years.

Scott was a Ford guy and loved restoring Ford trucks. He was a 4-H leader and a 4-H Shooting Sports instructor for Archery. Scott also enjoyed reading and doing house projects. He was a “Jack of all Trades” and was good at anything and everything he did. He was a “go to man” for many others when they called and needed help with something. Scott was a generous man who would stop and help others at the drop of a hat.

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Diane J. Eiermann - March 28, 1934 - December 21, 2021

Departed: 12/21/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Diane J. Eiermann, 87, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 9:45 am on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Snyder Village in Metamora. She was born on March 28, 1934 in Clinton, IA to Dwight and Alta J. (Oostenryk) Elliott. She married George W. Eiermann on July 1, 1956 in Toulon, IL. He passed away on November 13, 2018.

Surviving are her two daughters, Jean (Terry) Wilmarth of Germantown Hills and Susan Berg of Oscoda, MI; four grandchildren, Meg Wilmarth, Laura (Ross) Baize, Ashley Berg, and Allison Berg; five great-grandchildren, Julian and Isla Baize, Braylin Berg, and Liam and Wade Berg-Cowling; and brother, Lyle (Gayle) Elliott of Niles, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Emily Underwood.

Diane was a teacher for Germantown Hills District #69 for 24 years. She was a member of Eureka Christian Church in Eureka, IL. Diane loved sewing, gardening, reading, and traveling with her husband. She was a member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) Eureka Chapter and the 20th Century Club. Diane, along with her husband, were charter members of the Germantown Hills Education Association. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and friends.

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Clifford "Cliff" Ray Durst - October 01, 1954 - December 21, 2021

Departed: 12/21/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Clifford Ray “Cliff” Durst, 67, of East Peoria, IL passed away at 3:25 pm on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. He was born on October 1, 1954, in Peoria, IL, to Harlan H. and Thelma (Haedicke) Durst. He married Angie S. Wilson on January 19, 2019 in Creve Coeur, IL. They were together for 25 years.

Surviving are his wife, Angie of Creve Coeur; son, Harland (Alissa) Durst of East Peoria; step-children, Riley Sills and Eric (McKenna) Sills both of Wyoming, IL, Melissa Durst of Bartonville, IL, Charlie Wilson and Andrea Miller both of Creve Coeur; sixteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Lowell Durst, Sr., Donna Suber, Larry (Cindy) Durst, Albert (Denise) Durst, Carl (Karen) Durst, Emmerson (Tammy) Durst, Laura Urban, Bonnie Ghrist, Jim Durst, and John (Dena) Durst. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Howard Durst, Sr., and sister Rose Uphole.

Cliff was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He was a welder at Caterpillar Tractor Company for 35 years, retiring in 2010. Cliff enjoyed wrestling and off-roading but especially enjoyed his time with the grandkids.

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John Aloysius Riedell - May 20, 1932 - December 19, 2021

Departed: 12/19/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: John Aloysius Riedell, 89, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 2:20 pm on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Snyder Village in Metamora. He was born on May 20, 1932 in Lake View, IA to Joseph A. and Flotilla (Frisbie) Riedell.

John enlisted in the navy out of high school. He then attended St. Benedict College in Atchison, Kansas and received a degree in English. Upon graduation he joined the Papal Volunteers (similar to the Peace Corps) traveling to British Honduras (now Belize) to teach. It was there he met and then married his wife, Serafina M. Gonzalez, on June 4, 1962.  They were married over 60 years.

Surviving are his wife, Serafina of Germantown Hills; sons, Shaun (Amy) Riedell of Springfield, IL, Shane (Beth) Riedell of Bartonville, IL, and Aaron (Karen) Riedell of New London, MN; eight grandchildren; and siblings, Joseph (Elaine) Riedell of Brisbane, CA, Paul (Linda) Riedell, Thomas (Sally) Riedell, Michael (Marjean) Riedell, and Philip Riedell all of Lake View, IA, Margaret Klus of Tigard, OR, Katherine (Gerald) Van Erezwyk of Breda, IA, Dolores Duncan of Sac City, IA, and Yvonne Clausen of Lake View, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and one sister.

John was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Metamora. Over his life John worked a variety of jobs but is perhaps best known for his work as an editorial cartoonist and illustrator at the Peoria Journal Star where he worked for 31 years.  His artwork won many awards over the years including five Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge awards for bringing about a better understanding of the American way of life. He enjoyed writing, often around the subject of his Catholic faith, eventually publishing a book of Catholic poetry.  He maintained three websites showcasing his artwork and writings.

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Donald Louis Hrabak - November 19, 1930 - December 09, 2021

Departed: 12/09/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Donald Louis Hrabak, 91, of Spring Bay, IL, passed away at 7:20 am on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at River Crossing of East Peoria in East Peoria, IL. He was born on November 19, 1930 in Grindstone, PA to Charles and Elizabeth (Vishnifsky) Hrabak. He married Sylvia J. Urban on August 24, 1957 at Spring Bay United Methodist Church. She passed away on December 13, 2010.

Surviving are his three daughters, Ella Mae Downing of Sparland, Kim (Chris) Greer of Spring Bay, and Kathy (Rick) Hutchison of East Peoria; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Dennis Downing, two brothers, and four sisters.

Don was a U.S. Korean War and Vietnam War Veteran, serving 20 years active military service from 1948-1969 in the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, and retiring in February, 1969. He worked as a parts distributor at Morton Caterpillar for 22 years, retiring in 1991. Don was a member of UAW Local #974, the Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115, and RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, boating, and gardening.

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Winifred Lenore Hays - March 08, 1918 - December 02, 2021

Departed: 12/02/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Winifred L. Swearingen Hays, 103, of East Peoria, IL, formerly of Bradford, IL passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at her home. She was born on March 8, 1918 in Bradford, IL to Pearl and Mable (Noyes) Swearingen.

She married Raymond H. Hays on May 24, 1957 in Lincoln, IL and he preceded her in death on March 15, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her brother Jim and two sisters Lillian O’Donoghue and Gertrude Comstock.

She leaves behind sister-in-law Grace Swearingen, nieces Sheila Flaherty, Paula Stevenson, Kimberly Rusesky, and Sally Johnson, and nephew TJ Swearingen as well as many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Winifred graduated from the University of Illinois in 1940 and has been an ILLINI sports fan for years as well as a diehard Chicago Blackhawks fan. Her legacy includes becoming a “Gypsy Coed”, and was the last living of the several college girls who traveled in a 1927 Model T from Bradford to various parts of the United States, including meeting and becoming friends with Henry Ford at his home in Michigan. Her photos and stories were endless and very entertaining.

At 102 she experienced pneumonia and was hospitalized with COVID for only four days but bounced right back to enjoying her family and friends. Her favorite thing to do recently was to be sure the many birds and squirrels in her yard were fed and the bird bath was full.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful people that cared for her over the last couple of years.

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Sondra "Sandy" M. Kurtz - May 29, 1937 - November 29, 2021

Departed: 11/29/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Heaven gained another angel today.  Sondra "Sandy" M. Kurtz, 84, of Washington IL, formerly of Germantown Hills, IL passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Proctor Hospital.  She was born on May 29, 1937 in Peoria, IL to Joseph and Altheda (Scott) Weber.

She married Keith F. Kurtz on November 24, 1962. He preceded her in death in 2001.  Also preceding her in death were her parents, brothers Darrel and Ronald Weber, along with her sister Virginia Skywark.

Surviving are her two sons Bob (Diane) Kurtz, and Pete (Rhonda) Kurtz, and daughter Shari (Dave) Cooper, all of Germantown Hills.  She is also survived by eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one brother Larry (Kacee) Weber of Florida.

Sondra retired after 13 years from The Germantown Hills Village Hall as the village clerk in 1994.  She was actively involved in the Germantown Hills Hilltopper Home Extension, different bowling leagues, and a volunteer for the Center of Prevention of Abuse. She was also a member of the Red Hats Society.

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Oval Marie Lemons - February 19, 1931 - November 27, 2021

Departed: 11/27/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Oval Marie Lemons, 90, of Spring Bay, IL, passed away at 1:56 pm on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, IL. She was born on February 19, 1931, in Gainesboro, TN, to Robert B. and Rose (Pharris) Anderson. She married Arthur R. Lemons on May 12, 1956 in Delavan, IL. He passed away on July 19, 1995.

Surviving are her daughter, Pamela Lemons of Spring Bay; three grandchildren; and sister, Polly Purnell of Knoxville, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Randy Lemons, one brother, and five sisters.

Oval was a member of RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay. She was a custodian for her church. Oval enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader, enjoying the Upper Room and the Anderson family history book.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 3, 2021 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Reverend Binu Peniel officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her services on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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Joan Marie White - December 11, 1933 - November 13, 2021

Departed: 11/13/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Joan Marie White, 87, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 10:50 am on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Snyder Village in Metamora.

She was born on December 11, 1933, in Rushville, IL, to Delbert and Edna (Lung) Stephens. She married Royce L. White in Pekin, IL on July 28, 1962. He passed away on January 27, 2006.

Surviving are her children, Sandra (Steven) Bryan of Germantown Hills, IL, Gianna (Kevin) Holman of East Peoria, IL, Steve (Sandy) Linnemann of Metamora, and Michael Linnemann of Tennessee; step-children, David (Sheila) White of East Peoria, Becky Combs of Creve Coeur, Mary (Nate) Willmon of Marquette Heights, IL, and Royce Allen (Julie) White of East Peoria; fifteen grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, two brothers, and one sister.

Joan had worked as a cook with the Canteen Corporation. She attended Great Oaks Community Church in Germantown Hills. She volunteered many times with Izaak Walton League and enjoyed cooking. Joan and Royce were snowbirds, wintering in Texas, and she loved visits from her grandkids.

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Elizabeth "Betty" Clark - June 22, 1931 - November 05, 2021

Departed: 11/05/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Elizabeth "Betty" Clark passed away Friday, November 5, 2021, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

On June 22, 1931, she was born in Wyanet, IL, the daughter of Robert and Vivian Thompson. She married Dorland F. Clark on November 26, 1953, in Depue, IL.

They lived in Marquette Heights, IL, before moving to a farm in Washburn, IL. After traveling around the country in their 5th wheel trailer, they retired to Creve Coeur, IL.

Surviving are two children Donna of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Daniel of Creve Coeur, IL. Her husband preceded her in death.

Betty graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1953. She worked in the nursing field throughout her life.  Betty was an avid reader and active member of So Many Books, So Little Time Book Club. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Most of all, Betty loved animals.

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Shirley "Ann" Kvitle - January 04, 1935 - October 06, 2021

Departed: 10/06/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Shirley “Ann” Kvitle, 86, formerly of Lincoln, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 in Peoria, IL with her daughters by her side. She was born in Lawrence, KS on January 4, 1935 to Charles F. Dennis and Mildred Alene (Twyman) Dennis. She married M. David Kvitle in 1956 and later married Shuwei Bi in 1994.

She lived in her beloved town of Lincoln, IL for 50 years, and Ann was active in the First Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, deacon, and Sunday School teacher. She was the charter president of the Lincoln Junior Woman’s Club, and served on the Board of Directors of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. She was integral to the management and success of Wes-Lyn Animal Clinic. She was a substitute teacher and tutored grade school children.

She graduated from Kansas State University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She also became a certified K-9 teacher through the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Ann is survived by her husband “Bi”, and her daughters Dr. Kim Mitchell, Dunlap, IL, Karen (Ross) Giesler, Metamora, IL, and Kristie (Neil) Goedhard, Renton, WA. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Barb Kvitle of Quincy, IL and step-children Keduan Bi of China and Keshu Bi of Singapore. Her brother Charles (Chuck) Dennis; ten grandchildren, Tom Mitchell, Sarah (Kevin) Flannery, Jason (Courtney) Kvitle, Emily (Chris) Peters, Hannah (Tessa) McLinden, Martin (Jordan) Kvitle, Gretchen (Jonas) Scott, Alex Giesler, Ava and Lars Goedhard; five great-grandchildren; and one step-granddaughter also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Dr. Kirk Kvitle, son-in-law Stephen Mitchell, and sister Linda Dennis.

Ann loved her family and was devoted to them. She coordinated and supported all four of her active children’s sports, clubs, camps and educational pursuits. She was an avid Lincoln Railsplitter and college basketball fan. She “didn’t know a stranger” and was a loyal friend to many. Throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking, hosting dinner parties, gardening, traveling, supporting the arts, and volunteering in her community.

A heartfelt thank you to all of the staff at Apostolic Christian Skylines for their kind and dedicated care.

A celebration of her life will be held at Mason Funeral Home in Germantown Hills, IL on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 3:00 pm with sharing of memories at 3:30 pm. COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Memorials may be made to either of the organizations that touched her heart, the Special Olympics, 605 East Willow Street, Normal, IL 61761 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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Freda Valera Melaik - November 10, 1937 - September 29, 2021

Departed: 09/29/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Freda Valera Melaik, 83, of Eureka and Peoria, IL area passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 5:20 pm at River City Crossing Nursing Home.

She was born on November 10, 1937 in Athens, AL, the daughter of Edgar and Mary (Smith) Sides. She married Dr. Lawrence Louis Melaik in 1957 in Eureka.

She is survived by one son, Adam Melaik of Peoria and two sisters, Della Prince of Bloomington, IL and Ginger Springer of Eureka. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Gregory Melaik, four brothers, six sisters, and her son’s father Larry Melaik.

Freda had a love of books, cooking, and animals.

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Karla J. Schmidt - January 10, 1957 - September 26, 2021

Departed: 09/26/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Karla J. Schmidt, 64, of Peoria Heights, IL, passed away at 11:37 am on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Accolade Healthcare of East Peoria. She was born on January 10, 1957, in Peoria, IL, to Karl J. and Vonda L. (Umdenstock) Schmidt.

Surviving are her significant other whom she has been together with for 23 years, Calvin Youman of Peoria Heights; her children, Shay Clark of Washington, IL, Jake Backes of East Peoria, IL, and Ashley Backes of Germantown Hills, IL; grandchildren, Lillian Clark, Averie Clark, and Jaxson Backes; and sister, Becky (Jim) Dailey of Metamora. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Dennis Schmidt.

Karla enjoyed the outdoors and camping with her love, Calvin. She was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. Karla loved her family more than anything. She cherished time with her grandchildren and her beloved friends. She loved her two dogs, Kato and Duke, and her cat, Garth.

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Larry D. Cunningham - December 15, 1961 - September 12, 2021

Departed: 09/12/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Larry D. Cunningham, 59, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 2:12 am on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. He was born on December 15, 1961 in Springfield, MO to Donald and JoAnn (Fields) Cunningham. He married Elizabeth E. Ruhman on October 3, 1987 in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth of Germantown Hills; sons, Kyle Cunningham of Villa Park, IL and Tyler (Rashmi Tenneti) Cunningham of Pontiac, MI; father, Donald of Washington, IL; and brothers, Michael (Debra) Cunningham of Champaign, IL, Mark (Nancy) Cunningham of Berryville, VA, and Darren (Jenny) Cunningham of East Peoria, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Larry worked in marketing for Caterpillar Tractor Company until his retirement. Larry dedicated himself to giving his family the opportunities at happiness in life. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved anything to do with the University of Illinois. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. Larry lived in the moments with simple joy and happiness with all that knew him.

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Ryan William Harms - January 03, 1991 - September 05, 2021

Departed: 09/05/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: Ryan William Harms, 30, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 3:18 pm on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Holland, Michigan. He was born on January 3, 1991 in Peoria, IL, to William S. and Carmen I. (Elliott) Harms.

Surviving are his parents, Bill and Carmen of Germantown Hills; siblings, Darla (Armando) Oropeza of Helena, Montana, Heather (Tom) Hanson Bell of Germantown Hills, Kristophier Harms of West Peoria, and Adi (and wife Sarah Brown) Elliott of Skokie, IL; fianceé Carly Levin of Evanston, IL; and his beloved cat, Noisy. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Ryan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He worked as a Planner III for the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission in Peoria and absolutely loved his profession. Ryan was a runner in track and field and cross country in high school and was selected for the Journal Star Honor Roll Meet his senior year. He continued running to relax and unwind and also ran in the Steamboat Classic and many other running events. He was a pro football fanatic, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

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Nancy Crain-Brown - February 05, 1953 - August 25, 2021

Departed: 08/25/2021 (Germantown Hills)

Obituary Preview: GERMANTOWN HILLS-Nancy Lea Crain-Brown, 68, of Germantown Hills, passed away at 12:56 pm Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at her residence. She was born on February 5, 1953, in Waco, TX, the daughter of Kenneth and Alberta Trosen Hubbard.  She married Leonard J. Brown on June 13, 2003, in Peoria.

Surviving is her husband Leonard of Germantown Hills, her mother of Jacksonville, AR, five children Joy (Doug) McIntire of Peoria, Wendy (Kenny) Burroughs of Ward, AR, Tara (Fiancé Kyle Field) of Peoria, Chris (Shauna) Brown of Bangor, ME and David (Kayla) Brown of West Kingston, RI.  Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one sister Janet Hubbard of Jacksonville, AR, and her pups Cortana and Emmy. Her father preceded her in death.

Nancy  worked at the Greater Peoria Contractors & Suppliers Association for 41 years, retiring as the Office Manager in July of this year.  During her career, she was involved with and served as an officer of the Peoria, IL Chapter #184 of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction); she was also involved with the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 18 Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund. Nancy was active with the Construction Career Expo and also coordinated the annual DIOSH Day Events. Nancy was an Account Manager for the Central Illinois Mason Contractors Association. She had many friends in the Construction Industry, and she will be greatly missed.

Nancy served as treasurer for East Peoria Boat Club and the past treasurer for Detwiler Yacht Club. In her younger years, Nancy was a basketball coach at Beverly Manor in Sunnyland, IL. She will be remembered the most for the love she had for her family. She enjoyed being with family and friends, riding motorcycles, and dancing on the dancefloor.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 pm Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Mason Funeral Home in Germantown Hills.  Visitation will be two hours before her service also at the funeral home.  Memorials in her name may be given to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. To share a memory or send a condolence to her family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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Funeral Services Offered

The funeral home offers a wide range of services to accommodate the diverse needs of the community. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial ceremonies, and pre-planning options, Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel provides a comprehensive approach to funeral care. Their experienced staff will work closely with families to create a customized service that honors the life and legacy of their loved one.

Cremation Services

Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel understands that cremation is an increasingly popular choice for many families. As such, they offer a variety of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and cremation with a traditional funeral service. Their staff is knowledgeable about the cremation process and can guide families through the various options available.

Pre-Planning Options

Planning ahead for one's own funeral or that of a loved one can be a wise decision. Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel offers pre-planning options that allow individuals to make informed decisions about their final arrangements, alleviating the burden on their families during a difficult time. Their experienced staff will work with individuals to create a personalized plan that reflects their wishes and budget.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere for families and friends to gather. The chapel is spacious and well-appointed, featuring state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and ample parking. Additionally, Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel offers a selection of caskets, urns, and other funeral merchandise to help families make informed choices.

Community Involvement

Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel is deeply committed to the community they serve. They participate in local events and organizations, supporting initiatives that promote education, awareness, and support for those who have experienced loss. By engaging with the community, they strive to build meaningful relationships and provide resources that foster healing and growth.

Why Choose Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel?

Families choose Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel because of their unwavering commitment to excellence, compassion, and personalized service. With a long history of serving the community, this esteemed funeral home has earned a reputation for trustworthiness, reliability, and dedication. By choosing Mason Funeral Home - Germantown Hills Chapel, families can rest assured that they will receive exceptional care and guidance during one of life's most difficult moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, achievements, and surviving family members.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased, preserving their memory and legacy.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The task of writing an obituary usually falls to the family members or close friends of the deceased. In some cases, a funeral home or mortuary may assist with writing the obituary.

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, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also mention any notable achievements, awards, or charitable work.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and focused on the most important details. Aim for around 150-200 words.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can help make the tribute more personal and meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the obituary department of your local newspaper or check their website for submission guidelines. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and payment for publication.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to control how they want to be remembered. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only the most basic information such as name, age, and date of death. It's often used in conjunction with a full obituary.

How do I find an old obituary?

You can try searching online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites. Local libraries or historical societies may also have physical copies of old newspapers or records that can be searched.

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

In most cases, corrections or edits to an obituary can be made within a short period after publication. However, this may depend on the specific policies of the newspaper or online platform.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars for print publication.

Can I publish an obituary online for free?

Yes, there are several websites that allow you to publish an obituary online for free or at a low cost. These may include memorial websites, social media platforms, or online obituary databases.

What is a memorial website?

A memorial website is an online space where friends and family can share memories, photos, and condolences for the deceased. It can serve as a permanent tribute and gathering place for those who want to honor their loved one.

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

The timeframe for publication varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. In general, expect it to take anywhere from a few hours to several days for an obituary to appear in print or online.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, including meaningful quotes or song lyrics can add a personal touch to an obituary and help capture the essence of the deceased person's spirit.

What if I don't have all the information needed for an obituary?

If you're missing certain details, you can still publish an incomplete obituary and update it later as more information becomes available.

Can I use humor in an obituary?

Yes, incorporating humor or anecdotes can help make the obituary more engaging and reflective of the person's personality.

How do I notify social security about a death?

You'll need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly to report the death and provide required documentation. You can find more information on their website or by calling their toll-free number.

What is a funeral notice?

A funeral notice is a separate announcement that provides details about the funeral service, including date, time, location, and any other relevant information.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to suggest charitable donations in lieu of flowers as a way to honor their loved one's memory and support a meaningful cause.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice any mistakes in the published obituary, contact the newspaper or online platform immediately to request corrections. They will usually work with you to resolve the issue promptly.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

An obituary is a written notice announcing a person's death and providing biographical information. A eulogy is a spoken tribute delivered during a funeral or memorial service to celebrate the person's life and legacy.

Can I republish an old obituary on social media?

Yes, you can share an old obituary on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter as a way to remember and honor your loved one on special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.