Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home

03/11/2026

Violet Marie Cassidy, 47, of Rushville, IL., passed away March 7, 2026, at her residence.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Violet was born January 14, 1979, in Peoria, IL., the daughter of Edward Cassidy “Flintstone” and Margie (Fuller). She graduated from Manual High School in Peoria in 1998. Violet loved the outdoors. She loved her family and spending time with her daughter. She was taking online classes in hopes of becoming a counselor.

Survivors include her mother Margie Cassidy, her daughter Chloe Jones,siblings: Jason (Elizabeth) Cassidy, Billy Cassidy, Norman Cassidy, Raymond Cassidy, Christopher Cassidy, Jamie Cassidy, Shane Cassidy, Ed. Cassidy Jr., Pauline Cassidy, Carrie Cassidy, Datitana Cassidy, Dayllonie Cassidy, Dantwonet Cassidy, Tiana Cassidy, Scott McIrvin, Robert McIrvin, Millie McIrvin, Bill McIrvin, Angie McIrvin, Jimmy McIrvin, Jerry McIrvin, George McIrvin, and Jackie McIrvin; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.



She was preceded in death by her father Edward Cassidy, son Jayden, and siblings Bill Cassidy, Debbie Grantham, Brenda Strevels, and Johnny Cassidy.

03/11/2026

Donna L. Hartman, 73, of Mt. Pulaski, IL., passed away March 11, 2026, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Cremation rites have been accorded by Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home.
Donna was born February 14, 1953, in Decatur, IL., the daughter of William Drabing and Betty (Carey). She married Ralph Hartman and he preceded her in death.

Donna was employed at Country View Living Center, Vonderleith Living Center and then at Bonanza. She enjoyed bingo, crocheting, and spending time with her family and their dogs.



Survivors include her children Michael (Casey ) Hartman, Shelly (Jeff) Skaggs, Bob (Karen) Hartman, Tom Hartman, and Phil Hartman; 7 grandchildren; sister Connie Buzzard and brother Bill Drabing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, stepson Phil, 2 grandchildren, and sister Jeanette Hinkle.

03/11/2026

Cynthia Kaye “Cindy” Pagel, 74, of Lincoln, passed away March 9, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be from 11 AM until 1 PM Friday, March 13, 2026, at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1 PM also at the funeral home. Casual dress is requested. Cremation rites will then be accorded. There will be no burial at this time.

Cynthia was born March 15, 1951, in Lincoln, IL., the daughter of Daniel H. and Elizabeth (Klockenga) Aughton. She married Jerry Pagel on November 6, 1970. She sold home interiors and sold real estate for Doris and Associates. She enjoyed decorating and spending time with her grandchildren. Cindy was a member of the Habitat for Humanity board for several years and enjoyed her Red Hat Society with her group of friends.

Survivors include her loving and devoted husband Jerry Pagel; her daughters: Angie (Mike) Webb and Dara Pagel (Derek Goewert); grandchildren: Jackson (Kathleen Schuler), Shelby, Taylor, Mya, Gavin, and Zoe; great grandchildren Quinn and Liam.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Jonathan Todd Pagel, and brother Roger Aughton.

Memorial donations may be made to community action and will be accepted at the funeral home.

03/11/2026

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, is National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day. At Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home, caring for families is more than a profession. It's a calling! To the funeral directors who guide families with compassion and dignity every day, thank you for the quiet work you do for our community. Join us by sharing a word of appreciation for all they do.

03/10/2026

Violet Cassidy, 47, of Rushville, passed away March 7, 2026. Arrangements are pending with Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home

03/10/2026

Cynthia K. Pagel, 74, of Lincoln, passed away March 9, 2026. Arrangements are pending with Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home

03/06/2026

03/04/2026

We are committed to offering the highest quality, most dignified and personal service at an affordable cost. We take special care to offer a wide range of service and prices so that every family can have a service that fits their budget.
Knowing that funeral services can be a significant expense, we will always work with you to make certain that the cost is affordable. As a member of this community we serve our friends and neighbors with the goal in mind to keep costs as low as possible. In this way, we can help ensure that the cost is never an additional burden for your family.

02/23/2026

Services for Mr. Wilmert are MARCH 27-28 2026

George Calvin Wilmert, 94, passed into his eternal rest February 17, 2026 surrounded by his beloved
family. George was born in Lincoln, IL February 27, 1931, the son of George Luther & Ruby Ellen (Purlee) Wilmert.
He married Marlene Boyer March 15, 1975. She survives along with daughters, April (Don) Martin,
Gina Akerman and Sheila (Kevin) Bourland and sons, Kevin (Andrea) & Steven (Doreen) Wilmert.
Grandchildren - Angie (Frank) Bramwell, Chad (Jill) Martin, Clint (Dorian) Akerman, Rusty (Alyson)
Akerman, Levi (Patty) Akerman, Jennifer Wilmert, Emily (Matt Wilmert and Dave Bourland. Great
grandchildren - Ashlynn &Martin Glick, Hunter, Wyatt & Maggie Martin, Broc, Kip & Blake
Akerman, Trinity Wilmert, Alyvia Casteel, Hayden Richardson, Emily, Gracie & Skyler Akerman &
great great granddaughter, Aaliyah Glick. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Gregory Allen
Wilmert, granddaughters, Conner Loeffelholz & Melissa Wilmert & 2 sisters, Evelyn Wilmert and
Betty Ann Holmes.
George was an avid fisherman & hunter. He served several years as president of Lincoln Sportsman's
Club and invited boy scouts out for fishing and gun safety instruction. He taught many kids how to fish
and clean fish. He enjoyed participating in softball, basketball, bowling & tennis. He was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Fighting Illini basketball. Another favorite pasttime was playing
pinochle and euchre.
George was the 1st president of Local 787 United Rubber Workers at Firestone Tire & Rubber Plant in
Bloomington in 1966. He also served on a nation wide joint labor wage administration committee to
help save jobs and make management more profitable.
He served as Secretary of the Committee on the Ministry of Lincoln Decatur Presbytery. He filled
several pulpits as a lay minister. As a member of St. John United Church of Christ he served several
terms as an officer in Men's Brotherhood, taught Sunday School and delivered meals on wheels.
He served 3 terms on the West Lincoln School board and was president one year. He opened the gym
on Saturdays for kids up to high school age and on Sundays for high schoolers and adults. He also
served as boy and girl scout coordinator.
George will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his wisdom and wit and always
trying to strive for fairness in all matters.
Services for George Wilmert will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at St. John United Church of Christ 204 7th Street in Lincoln at 11a.m. Visitation will be at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4-7p.m. Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home are assisting with arrangements.

02/23/2026

George Calvin Wilmert, 94, passed into his eternal rest February 17, 2026 surrounded by his beloved
family. George was born in Lincoln, IL February 27, 1931, the son of George Luther & Ruby Ellen (Purlee) Wilmert.
He married Marlene Boyer March 15, 1975. She survives along with daughters, April (Don) Martin,
Gina Akerman and Sheila (Kevin) Bourland and sons, Kevin (Andrea) & Steven (Doreen) Wilmert.
Grandchildren - Angie (Frank) Bramwell, Chad (Jill) Martin, Clint (Dorian) Akerman, Rusty (Alyson)
Akerman, Levi (Patty) Akerman, Jennifer Wilmert, Emily (Matt Wilmert and Dave Bourland. Great
grandchildren - Ashlynn &Martin Glick, Hunter, Wyatt & Maggie Martin, Broc, Kip & Blake
Akerman, Trinity Wilmert, Alyvia Casteel, Hayden Richardson, Emily, Gracie & Skyler Akerman &
great great granddaughter, Aaliyah Glick. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Gregory Allen
Wilmert, granddaughters, Conner Loeffelholz & Melissa Wilmert & 2 sisters, Evelyn Wilmert and
Betty Ann Holmes.
George was an avid fisherman & hunter. He served several years as president of Lincoln Sportsman's
Club and invited boy scouts out for fishing and gun safety instruction. He taught many kids how to fish
and clean fish. He enjoyed participating in softball, basketball, bowling & tennis. He was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Fighting Illini basketball. Another favorite pasttime was playing
pinochle and euchre.
George was the 1st president of Local 787 United Rubber Workers at Firestone Tire & Rubber Plant in
Bloomington in 1966. He also served on a nation wide joint labor wage administration committee to
help save jobs and make management more profitable.
He served as Secretary of the Committee on the Ministry of Lincoln Decatur Presbytery. He filled
several pulpits as a lay minister. As a member of St. John United Church of Christ he served several
terms as an officer in Men's Brotherhood, taught Sunday School and delivered meals on wheels.
He served 3 terms on the West Lincoln School board and was president one year. He opened the gym
on Saturdays for kids up to high school age and on Sundays for high schoolers and adults. He also
served as boy and girl scout coordinator.
George will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his wisdom and wit and always
trying to strive for fairness in all matters.
Services for George Wilmert will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at St. John United Church of Christ
204 7th Street in Lincoln at 11a.m. Visitation will be at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4-7p.m. Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home are assisting with arrangements.