Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home

04/24/2026

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION:

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Authentic Church, located at 902 W. Custer Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764.

Memorial Service will follow the visitation and start at 4:30 p.m. also at the Authentic Church.

They say you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. An unexpected moment changed our lives forever and our memories of Gage Michael McCoy, affectionately known as bubby, became the priceless memories we will lovingly cling to for the rest of our lives. Gage Michael McCoy, age 22, of Pontiac, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. at his residence in Pontiac, IL. Our wonderful son and brother left this world and now we send him on his journey to find the peace and comfort he was seeking. Rest easy in God’s arms to our loving Gage.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Services are pending at this time.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is entrusted with these arrangements.

Gage was born on April 1, 2004, in Pontiac, IL, to Michael and Jennifer (Butcher) McCoy, who currently still reside in Pontiac. We proudly welcomed Gage into the world as our first-born son and our first grandchild for both the McCoy and the Butcher families.

Other cherished family members include his beloved brother: Trevor McCoy of Pontiac, IL; maternal grandparents: Jess and Kathy Butcher Jr of Sparland, IL; paternal grandmother: Fleda McCoy of Murphysboro, IL; uncles and aunts: Matt (Emily Stone) McCoy, Mark (Joy) McCoy, Mandi (Austin) Beck, Jess (Ellie) Butcher III, Elizabeth (David) Wojtazsek, and Cheri (Stan) Morris.

Also left to honor his memory are numerous cousins, great aunts and uncles, his beloved dog: Rylee, and his brother from another mother: Kolin Cox.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dennis McCoy, his paternal great-grandparents, Charles & Juanita Glasser, maternal great-grandparents, Jess & Jean Butcher Sr, and Terry & Chlovena Hebert.

Gage graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 2022. He then went on to attend Heartland Community College. Following high school, Gage took an interest in accounting, which then led him into a bookkeeping position at County Market. Most recently, he proudly held the position of Credit Analyst at the Bank of Pontiac.

Gage enjoyed online gaming with his friends, listening to music, fishing, shooting, golf, playing basketball, the Gym, watching anime and had a soft spot for good Chinese food. When Gage was younger he attended Youth Group at Authentic Church. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Above all, Gage loved spending time with his family and friends whom he loved deeply. He made countless unforgettable memories with those he loved most. They will forever carry those memories in their hearts and cherish them forever.

He will truly be missed by all of those who knew him and loved him.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

04/22/2026

They say you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. An unexpected moment changed our lives forever and our memories of Gage Michael McCoy, affectionately known as bubby, became the priceless memories we will lovingly cling to for the rest of our lives. Gage Michael McCoy, age 22, of Pontiac, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. at his residence in Pontiac, IL. Our wonderful son and brother left this world and now we send him on his journey to find the peace and comfort he was seeking. Rest easy in God’s arms to our loving Gage.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Services are pending at this time.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is entrusted with these arrangements.

Gage was born on April 1, 2004, in Pontiac, IL, to Michael and Jennifer (Butcher) McCoy, who currently still reside in Pontiac. We proudly welcomed Gage into the world as our first-born son and our first grandchild for both the McCoy and the Butcher families.

Other cherished family members include his beloved brother: Trevor McCoy of Pontiac, IL; maternal grandparents: Jess and Kathy Butcher Jr of Sparland, IL; paternal grandmother: Fleda McCoy of Murphysboro, IL; uncles and aunts: Matt (Emily Stone) McCoy, Mark (Joy) McCoy, Mandi (Austin) Beck, Jess (Ellie) Butcher III, Elizabeth (David) Wojtazsek, and Cheri (Stan) Morris.

Also left to honor his memory are numerous cousins, great aunts and uncles, his beloved dog: Rylee, and his brother from another mother: Kolin Cox.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dennis McCoy, his paternal great-grandparents, Charles & Juanita Glasser, maternal great-grandparents, Jess & Jean Butcher Sr, and Terry & Chlovena Hebert.

Gage graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 2022. He then went on to attend Heartland Community College. Following high school, Gage took an interest in accounting, which then led him into a bookkeeping position at County Market. Most recently, he proudly held the position of Credit Analyst at the Bank of Pontiac.

Gage enjoyed online gaming with his friends, listening to music, fishing, shooting, golf, playing basketball, the Gym, watching anime and had a soft spot for good Chinese food. When Gage was younger he attended Youth Group at Authentic Church. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Above all, Gage loved spending time with his family and friends whom he loved deeply. He made countless unforgettable memories with those he loved most. They will forever carry those memories in their hearts and cherish them forever.

He will truly be missed by all of those who knew him and loved him.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

04/20/2026

Johnny Reyes Hernandez, 49, of Pontiac, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at his home. He was born March 19, 1977 in San Antonio, TX, the son of Johnny Hernandez and Jaunita Reyes Groll.

He is survived by a son, Alan “Jackson” Schott; his stepfather, Jeffrey Groll; two sisters, Olivia Nash and Annie Gonzalez; and two brothers, Jay Pitchford and Jeffrey Groll II; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Groll.

Johnny attended Pontiac schools, and worked at Interlake Mecalux for many years. He enjoyed telling jokes and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Jets. In addition to spending time with his family and friends, Johnny also loved tending to his “baby,” his beloved Kia Stinger.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 24th at 11 a.m. at Southside Cemetery in Pontiac. No visitation will be held, but everyone is welcome to attend the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

04/16/2026

Charles Edward Stark, 94, of Pontiac, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Evenglow Inn in Pontiac.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, within St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Pontiac. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Cullom. The rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, followed by visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Chuck’s name to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mass offerings, Evenglow, or Transitions Hospice.

Chuck was born in Cullom, the son of Charles and Elsie {Rosendahl} Stark, on October 30, 1931. A 1949 graduate of Cullom High School, he engaged in farming with his father. On July 1, 1950, Chuck married the love of his life, Teresa Haberkorn, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Cullom. Over 72 years, they dedicated their life together to their faith, family, and farming in the Cullom community.

Chuck is survived by his six loving children: Greg {Terri} Stark, Nancy {Michael} Somers, Lori {David} Harroun, Patricia {Mark} McDermott, Sally {James} Moritz, Jeffery {Christine} Stark, nineteen grandchildren, forty-five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and counting. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Teresa, his parents, Charles Joseph and Elsie Stark, and his sister, Mary Gray Birch.

Actively involved in community service, Chuck served on the Cullom Grade School Board, Ford-Iroquois FS Board, as a Vermillion Special District Commissioner, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a lector at Masses.

Chuck worked tirelessly in his life raising his family with Teresa and farming the land he loved. Above all, he enjoyed sharing time with his family and friends creating memories that he loved to recall fondly over the years…and pass on to those he loved.

04/15/2026

Leo Joseph Stadel, 89, of Odell, Il., passed away at 1:14 P.M. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at OSF St. James Medical Center in Pontiac, Il.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 W. Hamilton Street, Odell, Il. 60460. Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, April 17, 2026, also at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Odell, IL.

Leo was born on October 27, 1936, in Pontiac, Il. The son of Joseph and Anna Marie (Masching) Stadel. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Verdun on April 25, 1959, in Odell, Illinois.

Leo is survived by his two daughters, Toni Marie Stadel, of Odell, Il., and Theresa Lynn (Dave) Post, of Pontiac, Il.; a son, Patrick Leo (Renna) Stadel of Houston, TX; his five siblings, Donnie (Marjo) Stadel, Mike (Mary Jo) Stadel, Rita (George) Kodat, Rose Stadel, and Ruth Stadel, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Mary Lou Stadel, his four siblings, David Stadel, Bob Stadel, Clarence Stadel and an infant sister, his brothers-in-law, Joey Verdun and Joe Warner; and his sisters-in-law, Toni Stadel, Sharon Stadel and Karen Verdun.

He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Odell, Il., and a proud US Marine Corp. Veteran and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Odell, Il.

Memorial donations in Leo’s name may be made to St. Paul’s School in Odell, Il.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

03/31/2026

John A. Taylor, 101, of Pontiac passed away on March 30, 2026 at Evenglow Senior Living in Pontiac. He was born January 19, 1925 in Pontiac, the son of John and Lottie Asper Taylor. He married Carol Whittern on June 19, 1948 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She preceded him in death October 11, 2012.

He is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Mike) Crowe and Susan (Jack) Johnson; four grandchildren, Ulysses (Deirdre) Grundler, Cassandra Vadney, Laura Crowe, and Bryan (Kaia) Crowe; and ten great grandchildren, Carina, Jadsia, Kestra, Xavier, Ezekiel, Mackenzie, Anastasia, Bergan, Greta, and Tessa.

In addition to his parents and wife, John is preceded in death by six sisters, Bernice Burns, Evelyn Jourdan, Lillian Johnson, Myrna Frazier, Ethel Coil, and Marge DeBolt; and a brother, Gordon Taylor.

Through the Naval ROTC program, John attended Northwestern University and the University of Texas, majoring in commerce. He then began his service in the U.S. Navy, toward the end of World War II and later in the Korean War.

After earning his law degree from Northwestern Law School, he became a partner of Ortman, Johnson, and Taylor Law Firm in Pontiac until his retirement. He also was elected Livingston County State’s Attorney from 1952-1956. John was a proud member of Freemasons, and also belonged to both the Elks Club and American Legion. He was a board member of both Evenglow Senior Living and the Pontiac Public Library. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pontiac.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be at Payne Cemetery in Chenoa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Evenglow Senior Living or the First United Methodist Church of Pontiac.

03/24/2026

Cynthia Anne Pouliot, 45, of Pontiac passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Pontiac. She was born October 27, 1980 in Pontiac, the daughter of James Hoover and Ava Marlene Vezza. She married David Pouliot on April 1, 2001. He survives.

She is also survived by a son, Oliver Pouliot, a daughter, Amber (Brandon) Cox; a sister Tina (Tom) Dooley and a brother, Jeremy Hoover.

She is preceded in death by her hero grandmother, Betty Pouliot.

Cynthia loved music, history, the show “Bluey,” reading, and listening to audio books. Historical fiction was her favorite. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, art, and photography.

She will be remembered as a beautiful soul who always made everyone feel seen and heard! Mostly, she will be remembered for all the love she tried to make everyone around her feel.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held on April 1st at the Hampton Inn in Pontiac. Friends are invited to show up between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. A prayer with memory sharing will be held at 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

03/18/2026

Robert Michael Vogt, 69, of Odell passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac. He was born January 20, 1957 in Springfield, the son of Paul and Patricia Whitehurst Vogt. He married Debra Stubblefield on July 17, 1976 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Odell. She survives.

He is also survived by four children, Alisha (Brandon) Uysaloglu, Nicholas (Kim) Vogt, Aaron Vogt, and Lindsey Vogt; and eight grandchildren, Ava, Adalee, Asher, Alma, Abbott, Lucas, Emma, and Charlie. He is also survived by his 15 siblings, Janet (Gary) Waldron, Joyce (Robert) Hinkle, Paul (Sandy) Vogt, David (Sue) Vogt, Mary (Bill) Donovan, Diane Trost, Leo (Mary) Vogt, Bill (Vicki) Vogt, Ron (Deb) Vogt, Tim (Rita) Vogt, Shelly (Ron) Krominga, Christina (Mike Kelly) Farris, Theresa (Jim) Carlson, Tony (Jen) Vogt, and Patrick Vogt; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by a sister, Karen Sue Vogt in infancy.

Bob attended St. Paul School in Odell, and later graduated from Odell High School. He later worked at Pontiac Farmers Grain, Interlake Steel and MBI Trucking. He was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Odell.

Bob could often be found enjoying Cardinals baseball and University of Illinois sporting events, either on TV or in person. He also loved the outdoors and spent much of his spare time hunting or fishing.

Bob’s greatest joy in life was his family, especially his eight grandchildren. He spent countless hours on FaceTime calls or attending their sporting events. He never missed a birthday or special occasion, always making time to call or visit.

Bob also shared a deep and lasting love with his wife Debbie. He loved her from the very beginning and made a point to tell her he loved her every single day.

He also enjoyed watching Westerns and would often quote one of his favorites, Wyatt Earp: “Nothing counts so much as blood. The rest are just strangers.”

According to Bob's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

03/18/2026

Betty L. Blair, age 79, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at Accolade of Pontiac.
Betty lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering strength. Even in times of pain, she could make you smile, share a kind word, or offer comfort that came straight from her heart. Her home was always warm, her faith steadfast, and her love for family boundless.
A woman of extraordinary strength, she was stubborn when it mattered and nurturing always. Betty devoted her life to raising her children, helping care for others’ children, and creating a welcoming home filled with warmth and laughter. People often said she had the kindest heart, quietly enduring hardships without complaint, yet always ready with a joke, a clever remark, or a comforting word.
She worked as a CNA, caring for those in need, and at home she was the heart of her family- also caring for those in need, cooking, cleaning, and making every holiday unforgettable. Betty loved games of Yahtzee, crossword puzzles, cards, and solitaire. For many years, she never missed All My Children at noon, and though popcorn and Diet Coke were long-time favorites, toward the end of her life she developed a fondness for milk and cheese puffs. She enjoyed bingo, cherished her time at church, loved the old hymns that seemed to play just for her, and had a lifelong passion for Elvis Presley, often singing along to his songs and sharing her love of his music with everyone around her. Her faith in the Lord was a central part of her life, shaping the generosity, warmth, and love she shared with everyone she met.
She is survived by her children- her oldest, Paula (Ray) Wilkison of Indianapolis; Michael (Maria) Blair of Pontiac; Julie (Michael) Strogis of Pontiac; and her youngest, Sara Blair of Bloomington; and Daughter n law Jan Blair. Her siblings, Linda Sears of Normal and Paulette Schneider of Ottawa; thirteen grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Blair Sr; her son, Larry Blair Jr.; her father, Robert Pease; her mother, Hazel Smith; her stepmother, Dolly Pease; her brother, James Holzhauer; and her nephew, Chad Schneider.
Her love was constant and profound. She called early in the morning just to tell her family she loved them, and she shared her snacks and drinks generously with her grandchildren- always knowing the right thing to say and the right way to love. Betty’s guidance, humor, and gentle wisdom will live on in the hearts of all who knew her- I’m Already There.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 starting at 1pm at Southside Cemetery in Pontiac.
Memorials may be made to diabetes research, in honor of Betty’s memory.

03/16/2026

Leann E. Erickson, age 80, of Pontiac, IL, passed away peacefully at 3:45 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Fairview Haven in Fairbury, IL.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, located at 903 W. Custer Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764. A visitation will be held one hour prior, starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Odell, IL. Father Bill Keebler will be presiding over her services.

Memorials in Leann’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, American Cancer Society, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is entrusted with her arrangements.

Leann was born on December 26, 1945, in Pontiac, IL, to Leo Cuttill and Mildred (Lange) Cuttill. She married the love of her life: Benjamin “Benny” Erickson on May 3, 1969, in Pontiac, IL. He preceded her in death on February 4, 2022.

Survivors include her daughter, Stacey (Michael) Erickson-Zale and her cherished grandsons Benjamin and Samuel Zale, all of Carol Stream, IL. She is also survived by one brother: William "Bill" J. Cuttill, and one sister: Lois (Richard) Shelby. Also surviving are sisters and brothers-in-Law: Marilyn Cuttill, Rose Mary Erickson, Linda (Maynard) Erickson; Mary Jo Norgaard, Sandy Erickson, Michael (Deanna) Erickson, Lori Erickson. She leaves behind many adored nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband: Benny Erickson, one brother: Thomas “Tom” L. Cuttill, brothers and sisters-in-law: Judy Roberts, Jerry Erickson, Diane (Jim) Schott, Terry Norgaard, John Erickson, Jim Erickson, Kathy Erickson, Dan Erickson; and one niece in infancy, Teresa Norgaard.

Leann graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1964. She then attended and graduated from Midstate College of Commerce in Peoria in 1965. She worked at State Farm in Bloomington, at the dental office of Dr. Thomas Case in Pontiac, at Don’s Red Fox in Pontiac, and retired from Pontiac Police Department after serving as a police dispatcher and parking enforcement officer.

She was a proud and faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Central States Threshermen’s where she and Benny loved to display their pair of John Deere tractors, one for each grandson.

Leann enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, cross words, sudoku, board games with her grandsons, and reading books. She also loved being outdoors, camping, fishing, going on walks or hikes, or just sitting outside enjoying the weather. She attended the Central States Threshermen’s Reunion every year, and enjoyed watching the parade with family and friends. Above all, Leann was the glue to her family and loved them endlessly. She enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandsons playing games and hiking in Humiston Woods. She made so many incredible and unforgettable memories that will forever be cherished and remembered by those she leaves behind. She truly was the best Mom, Gamma, Sister, Aunt, and friend.

She will truly be missed by all of those who knew her and loved her.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

03/10/2026

Mary B. Wynistorf, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026 at OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac.
Mary was born on November 6, 1934 in Pontiac to Lillie (nee Dudgeon) and Alvin Johns. She married Herman Wynistorf on November 29, 1952.
She is survived by her beloved children, David Wynistorf, Francis (Donna) Wynistorf, and Cindy Wynistorf; her grandchildren, John Bartley and Kim (Dan) Crowley; her great grandchildren, Emma Crowley, Addison (Eric) Karl, and Ashlyn Crowley.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband Herman; her parents; and her siblings, Velma Johns, Florence Raube, Madeline Gourley, Dorothy Flurer, Prudence Louderback, Alvin Johns, William Johns, Everett Johns, Clara Stevens and one brother in infancy.
Mary worked for the Saunemin Schools for many years and was a proud 50 year member of the VFW and a 60 year member of the American Legion. She was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Illini, Bulls, Blackhawks, Bears, but most of all the Chicago Cubs. Mary will be missed by all that knew her.
In accordance with Mary’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded and no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family.

03/05/2026

Maxine Deloris Shavez, 75, resident of Goldwater Care of Pontiac, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the home. She was born February 19, 1951 in Pontiac, the daughter of Kenneth and Maxine Langhoff Johnson.

She is survived by a son, Roy Jr. (Gigi) Shavez; two grandchildren, Catlyn Shavez and Shammarr Wilson; and two great grandchildren, Vega Walton and Iyanna Dorsey. She is also survived by two sisters, Beverly (Garey) Evans and Kathy (David) Compton and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two sisters, Irene Martin and Donna Johnson; and a brother Kenneth Johnson, Jr.

She was a longtime LPN at St. James Hospital in Pontiac. Previously, she worked at Humiston Haven in Pontiac. Maxine was a member of the Livingston County Assembly of God church in Pontiac. She was very active in the Children’s Ministry where she participated in children’s Christmas and Easter programs. She will be remembered as a great nurse who loved her family and laughed a lot with an infectious uplifting personality.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will take place on Friday, March 27th at 1 p.m. at the Livingston County Assembly of God church in Pontiac.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Livingston County Assembly of God church in Pontiac.