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Oswald Funeral Home, 328 S Locust Street, Tremont, IL (2025)

11/19/2025

Audrey L Greiner, 77, beloved, sister, wife, mother, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 14th, 2025, at The Loft in Eureka, IL following hard fought battle with vascular dementia.

Born on May 29th, 1948, she grew up in Mackinaw IL as one of 7 siblings. Audrey or “Ornery” as she was affectionately called always had an incredible sense of adventure and deep love for her family.

Audrey was a fiercely loving mother to Pamela (Alan) Shepard and Gerald (Jennifer) Greiner. She took great pride in caring for her family, home, pets, and gardens. Audrey loved a good bargain, crafting, baking, reading, and family celebrations.

At her heart Audrey was a care giver. She provided childcare for countless families in Mackinaw and served as a foster parent. She later became an early childhood teacher at Rogy’s Child Care in Peoria and at Shepard Family Tot Spot in Normal where she worked until her retirement.

Audrey was proceeded in death by her parents Lyle and Lois Cremeens, husband Gerald Greiner, brothers Jack Cremeens and Gary Heitzman.

Family members left to cherish her memory include her children; sisters Arlene Miller of Salem OR, Janice Williams of Atlanta IL, Delores (Robert) Eastin of Eureka IL, Beverly Rush Daytona Beach Fl; grandchildren Sydney (Brayden) Simpson, Hayley (Austin) Ferry, Taylor Barron, Bailey (Reagan), Lincoln, Thomas, Aliyah Shepard, Carly and Casey Greiner; great grandchildren, Cayzlee, Finley and Willow along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday December 7th at Normal First United Methodist Church at 211 N School St. Normal, IL at 2pm followed by a reception there with her family. Cremation rites to be accorded, and burial rites will be accorded along with her husband Gerald at a later date with a private family service.

Memorials can be made to Dementia Society of America, The Babyfold, The Children’s Camping Fund at Normal First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

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11/19/2025

Robert E. Sills, 71, of Gary, Indiana, died Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his residence.

He was born July 1, 1954, in Pekin, Illinois, to Martin C. and Mildred J. (Croney) Sills.

Surviving are his sister, Sandra C. Denys of Lowell, Indiana; his brother, Charles B. Sills of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers J. Dean Key and J. Martin Sills.

Mr. Sills was a longtime resident of Mackinaw, Illinois, a U.S. Army veteran, and a member of Mackinaw Christian Church, where he served as custodian.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, November 24, at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Mackinaw. Burial will be at Mackinaw Township Cemetery on Tuesday, November 25.

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11/16/2025

James Earl Bale, born June 9, 1933, of Mason City, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025.

James “Jim” as known by family and friends, lived a full life. He learned to drive early on and would assist his 8th grade teacher in taking sick children home that had come to school.

He ran track in high school and was loved by his peers with his many stories and jokes. He met his wife, Lois, in high school, and they had a lasting romance.

Jim attended Peoria Barber College for seven months before he was drafted into the United States Army. He was a Voice Radio Operator for the 443rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery at Wiesbaden, Germany. After the war, Jim returned to barber college and became a Master Barber.

Jim married Lois McVey on August 26, 1956 in Mason City at the Methodist Church. They moved to Delavan to raise their family. Debbie, Shelly, Tim, and Todd, who were all with him in his final moments here on earth, before his soul departed to join his beloved wife in heaven. Jim and Lois learned to study the Bible together and grew in their faith in Christ. When Debbie asked Jim what he thought Lois would say to him when he saw her again. He promptly replied, with a laugh, “What took you so long?”

Jim and Lois had four children, Debbie (Dennis) Davison, Shelly (Dale) Green, Tim (Brenda) Bale, and Todd (Lisa) Bale; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. He was always asking about the grandkids and loved to see their pictures and hear their stories.

Jim’s Barber Shop was also the hub for friends to stop by and chat, have a cup of coffee and hear a good joke. He was never known as the “speedy barber”, but you always got your money’s worth. He was that friendly guy everyone knows and if you were feeling down, he would give you a lift.

He will be greatly missed and he was greatly loved.

There will be no visitation or funeral per Jim’s request. Inurnment will be by his wife in the Prairie Rest Mausoleum. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan is handling the arrangements.

Memorials in honor of Jim may be made to Delavan United Methodist Church.

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11/15/2025

Judy L. Diekhoff of Delavan, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

She is survived by her husband, David; three sons, Kurt (Jacqueline Adams), Eric (Lindsay Kurtz), and Kyle (Erin Lewis); and 13 grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Thelma Goeken; her brother, Thomas; and her sister, Carolee Meisinger.

Judy graduated from Delavan High School and Mid-State College. She worked at the Gailey Eye Clinic in Bloomington before beginning her life on the farm and raising her family. She later spent 19 years at Morton Community Bank, rising to Executive Vice President of Loan Processing before retiring in 2013.

Judy’s faith and determination were truly an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Known lovingly as “Nana” to her 13 grandchildren, she never missed a chance to cheer them on at their events, big or small. Judy had a gift for making everyone feel at home through her baking and her lovingly prepared meals. Every dish she made was a reflection of her generosity and the love she poured into the details. Her legacy is one of strength, courage, and love that will forever be carried on by her family and those who knew her best.

A Celebration of Life will be held at11:00 am Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Delavan United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Monday, November 24 and from 9:00 to 10:45 am Tuesday, both at the church. She will be laid to rest at Prairie Rest Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the church. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Delavan Ambulance Service or Delavan United Methodist Church.

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11/12/2025

Ralph William Allen, 91, of Delavan passed away November 10, 2025 in Lincoln, IL.

Ralph William Allen was born July 22, 1934, the son of Theodore Raymond and Lurena Perrine Allen. He has a sister Margaret Allen Wolf. He was preceded in death by his brother James Theodore, brother-in-law George Wolf, and granddaughter-in-law Margaret Rose Jett.

Ralph was baptized in Delavan First Presbyterian Church and grew up north of Delavan on Toboggan Avenue. He attended Meixsell Grade School, Delavan Community High School, and University of Illinois.

He served in the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War and in the Marine Corps Reserve for 22 years, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a decorated Marine earning the Good Conduct Medal and graduated from U.S. Army ranger school.

On July 26, 1958, Ralph married Mary Blanche Short, daughter of Earl Nelson and Opha Catterlin Short at the Wapella Christian Church and she survives. Mary was raised on a farm between Wapella and Heyworth, along with a brother Herbert and a sister Helen. Mary received a teacher’s certificate at Illinois State Normal University and taught in the Delavan schools system for 4 years. In 1964 they built a house on Hackney Lane and have lived there since.

Ralph William and Mary Blanche were blessed with a large family including 5 sons, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Five Sons: Guy Henry (Jennifer-Jun He); Earl Raymond (Doris Ruppel); Fred William (Jeanine Godby); Ralph Gilbert (Lori Berry); and James Perrine (Natalie Clark).

Sixteen grandchildren: Zachary Craig (Ali Vannaken); Jacob Short (Lauren Esguerra); Jessie Marie (Mitch Zippay); Emily Belle; Theodore Charles (Margaret Jett, d.); Sabrina Renee (Caleb Rice); Raymond William (Alayna Schlafley), Hannah Grace (Bryce Leigh); Rachel Faith (Stephen Winchell); Elizabeth Mercy (John Beal); Ralph Walker (Annika Beachy); Haley Carolyn (Alex Poirier); Madelyn Glory; Lurena Beth; Mary Lurena; and William Henry He.

Thirteen great-grandchildren: Charlotte Marie Allen, Owen Edward Allen, Brantley Jacob Allen, Emerson Rhett Allen, Lilah Marie Zippay, Lucas Andrew Zippay, Ruby Ann Rice, Haven Louise Rice, Selah Renee Rice, Ezra William Allen, Josephine Rose Winchell, Evanora Jane Beal, and Josiah James Poirier.

Ralph farmed for over 45 years in Tazewell, Mason, Menard, and Logan Counties raising corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and beef cattle. In the winter months of the 1970s he unloaded barges at Cargill – Cargo Carriers Inc. in Pekin, Illinois. He would also cut and haul timber to sell to the mill.

Ralph held a private pilot’s license and owned a couple of small Cessna aircraft. He also enjoyed operating his LST (Landing Ship, Tank). At the age of 62, he served with the Peace Corps in Ecuador, South America.

He worked as a long-haul, flatbed trucker with his own semi for 10 years, traveling within all 48 continental states and maintaining his CDL until the age of 80.

Ralph was an active community member, serving on the First Presbyterian Church session, TALOMA Farmers Grain board, the American Legion Post 382, and he and Mary were awarded Honorary Chapter Farmer Degrees by the Delavan FFA in 1988.

His funeral will be at 10:00 am Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Delavan First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Friday and from 9:00 to 9:45 am, both at the church. Burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan.

Memorials may be made to Delavan First Presbyterian Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.

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11/09/2025

Daniel Steven Koch, 70, of Tremont, IL went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 8, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born November 4th, 1955, in Hopedale, IL to Daniel and Carol (Sauder) Koch. He married Julie Tobler of Elgin, IL on March 11, 1979, and she survives. They enjoyed 46 wonderful years of marriage together.Also surviving are his children; Lisa (Tom) Haas of Tremont, Jon Koch of Tremont, Jason (Anita) Koch of Wichita KS, Michael (Holly) Koch of Tremont, Rebecca (Matt) Slagel of Washington IL, and Katie (Santos) Lopez of Bastrop TX. Fourteen grandchildren; Lauren, Joseph, and Ashley Haas; Jamie, Jordan, Charlie, and Halle Koch; Phoebe, Ellie, and Eli Koch; Renley and Baby Slagel due in May; Donovan and Tino Lopez and step-grandson Daniel Lopez.

Dan grew up on a dairy farm in rural Tremont with his siblings; Christy (Nelson) Musselman; Faye (Bill) Schnedler, Jane (Dan) Farley, and Phil (Diane) Koch who also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

At the age of 29, Dan felt God leading him to go back to school and pursue a career in electronics. After graduation, he began working at ATS in East Peoria and then moved on to Caterpillar where he worked for 31 years.

As a young man, Dan felt his need for a Savior, surrendered self, repented, and was baptized. He was a faithful member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Tremont where he served in many roles including Sunday school teacher, charity fund coordinator, and minister.

He had a deep reverence and love of God, along with a love of all God’s creation. He enjoyed and loved being with his family and his large extended family.

His funeral will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Apostolic Christian Church of Tremont. Ministers of the church will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday at the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall in Tremont and from 9:00 to 9:45 am Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Tremont. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church of Tremont Charity Fund.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the OSF Hospice staff for the love and care they shared during this time.

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11/06/2025

Ronald Gene Springer, 93, of Normal, passed away at 4:45 a.m. Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at the Arc at Normal.

Ron was born June 24, 1932, the first born of Allan and Ruth (Martin) Springer, on a farm near Hopedale, IL. He married Donna L. Bitner in Mason City, IL on October 20, 1957. She proceeded him in death on August 8, 2014.

He is survived by one daughter, Camille Springer, Normal; two sisters, Mary Faith (Ken) Litwiller, Marjorie (Vern) Rich; and sister-in-law Barbara (Loren) Springer.

He was preceded in death by his sons Barry (4) and Chris (16); one sister-in-law; one brother; and three brother-in-laws.

Ron served in the Army as a medic. He farmed for 7 years and then was employed for 35 years by 5 different banks, 4 of them being in the same building. One of the joys of his life was singing for over 40 years in a Men’s gospel quartet, “The Missionaires” where they recorded 3 albums.

He also served on many boards including Mennonite Hospital, Mennonite School of Nursing, BroMenn Hospital, and the Mennonite Foundation. He was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary. He was an active member, teacher, council member, and elder at Hopedale Mennonite Church and once he moved to Normal 15 years ago, he became an active member of East White Oak Bible Church. He attended Goshen College, Illinois State University, and several banking schools.

Ron continued to stay busy after his retirement from banking by volunteering countless hours at Midwest Food Bank and BroMenn Hospital, including the BroMenn NODA, (No One Dies Alone).

Ron had so many friends and was so grateful for each and every one of them.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 13th, at East White Oak Bible Church, Carlock, IL. The memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14th also at the church, followed by a graveside service at Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be given to either Midwest Food Bank or Project Oz, Bloomington, who gave Camille her start as a social worker and is now a board member.

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11/03/2025

Alta Mardelle Neumann, 96, of Delavan, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025 at Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria.

She was born July 27, 1929 in Emden to Wesley and Marie Mammen Wiemer. She married Edward Neumann on October 24, 1948 in Emden, and he passed away February 10, 2017.

Surviving are her children, Debra (Charles) Hansen of Niwot, CO, Adele Neumann of Tremont, and William Neumann of Delavan; two grandsons, Bryan (Kelly) Hansen of Santa Cruz, CA and Brett (Jessica) Po***ck of Maynardville, TN; two granddaughters, Alyssa Po***ck of West Des Moines, IA and Melaney (Joshua) Borst of Normal; 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one grandson, Erik Hansen.

Mardelle worked at Lehn and Fink in Lincoln for 10 years as a machine operator. After retiring, she and Ed worked for nine summer seasons at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

She was a member of the Delavan Presbyterian Church, where she served as Elder and Sunday school teacher, sang in the church choir, sang solos, participated in the Women’s Association and taught in the Bethel Series. At Sun Life RV Park in Arizona, she was a member of the harmonica band and volunteered at spring baseball trainings. She volunteered with Threads of Love, knitting booties and hats for preemie babies at area hospitals. Mardelle served as a Girl Scout leader for several years and as a 4-H leader for the Delavan Thimble Twirlers for 10 years.

Mardelle’s faith in our Lord Jesus Christ guided and inspired her life. She loved gardening, singing, hiking, and enjoyed a variety of crafts.

Her funeral will be at 3:00 pm Monday, November 10, 2025 at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan. Pastor Darren Palmer will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan.

Memorials may be made to Delavan Presbyterian Church.

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10/30/2025

Margaret (Sutton) Geary, 73, of Delavan, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025 at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, with her family by her side.

She was born April 3, 1952 in Peoria to Dale and Helen Berniece Nolting Sutton. She married Wayne Geary on February 15, 1971 in Kentucky, and he survives.

Also surviving are her son, Jayme (Ashley) Geary of Manito; six grandchildren, Mason, Logan of Manito, Bryce (Tamrah Arnold) Geary of Pekin, Karson Geary of Delavan, Ashlynn (Tom) Moss of Delavan, and Mya Geary of Delavan; great grandchildren, Wyatt and Adelynn Moss; three brothers, Thomas Sutton of Peoria, Ed Sutton of Delavan, and Duane Sutton of Delavan; one sister, Anna Sutton of Delavan; and loving dog, Max.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Shawn Geary; two great granddaughters, Breelyn and Amiliah Moss; one brother, Jerry Sutton; one aunt, Viola Nance; one niece, Kristin Sutton; one nephew, Justin Sutton; one great nephew, Lalo; her dog, Laker.

Margaret worked at Delavan Grain Elevator.

She enjoyed crocheting, watching her favorite television shows (The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and the Discovery Channel), and was a dog lover.

A visitation will be from 1-3 pm Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan. Cremation will be accorded following the visitation.

Memorials may be made to the family to help with expenses.

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10/28/2025

Michael Q. Probasco, age 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025, Peoria, Illinois.

Michael was born on October 20, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois to Charles Q. Probasco and Eunice M. Kelso. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Michael retired from Matcor (Morton Metalcraft), where he dedicated many years of service. Outside of work, he found joy in the hum of small engines and the timeless charm of tractors.

He is survived by his brother Mitchell L. Probasco and his two sons, Christopher M. Probasco and Keith A. Probasco, his two granddaughters Danielle K. Probasco and Regan E. Probasco, his long-term companion Rachel J. Carroll.

Cremation has been accorded. Haensel Oswald Funeral Home in Mackinaw is handling the arrangements.

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10/26/2025

Jimmie Lloyd Prewett, 80, of Hopedale, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025 at his home.

He was born August 24, 1945 in Harriet, AR to Lloyd W. and Lora M. Carmody Prewett. He married Irene Gardner on September 22, 1963 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage.

Surviving are his wife, Irene Prewett of Hopedale; two sons, Roger (Catherine) Prewett of Hopedale and Danny (Michelle) Prewett of Manito; his beloved grandchildren, Ryan (Rachel), Logan, Madeline, Charlotte, Tyler, Corie, and Abigail (Tavis); six great grandchildren, Rhett, Rally, Novah, Jaeti, Raya, and Isabelle; one sister, Linda (Tom) Heddrick of Hopedale.

Jimmie enjoyed his life beside his wife traveling, hunting, and fishing.

His funeral will be at 10:00 am Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Living Hope Community Church. Pastor Roger Springer will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Orendorff Cemetery in Hopedale. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Hopedale Fire and Rescue.

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10/24/2025

I. Ray Harness, 90, of Tremont, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Carle Health Pekin Hospital.

He was born August 1, 1935, in Lawrenceville, IL to John H. and Mary F. Haggard Harness. He married Joyce Hinton on August 8, 1954, and she passed away September 22, 2018.

Surviving are one daughter, Julie (David) Messersmith of Tremont; three grandchildren, Natalie (Tim) Anderson of Tremont, Zach (Kristen) Messersmith of Springfield, J.R. (Bethonay) Harness of Tremont ; five great grandchildren; and five brothers, Don Harness of Lawrenceville, Dale Harness of St. Peter, Larry (Mary) Harness of Allendale, Gary (Rita) Harness and Jim (Linda) Harness, both of Mt. Carmel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Jeff Harness.

Ray was a self-employed Insurance Agent since the age of 21 and also worked at Davis-Mortuary in Tremont for 31 years.

Ray was an active member of the Tremont United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shriners.

Ray will be remembered for his deep love for his family and sense of humor. He was always ready to tell you a joke.

His funeral will be at 10:00 am Friday, October 31, 2025, at Tremont United Methodist Church. Pastors Paul Nolden and Jacque Young will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7pm Thursday and one hour before the service, both at the church. A Masonic service will be at 7pm Thursday following the visitation. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Tremont. Davis Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont will be handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tremont United Methodist Church or Tremont Rescue.

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