Gene Kerber

Gene E. Kerber, 86, of Cooksville, passed away at 5:52 p.m. on June 24 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Merna with Monsignor Gregory Ketchum officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday and one hour prior to the mass, both at the church. Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. on Monday at the church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Merna. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Merna.

Gene was born on Oct. 3, 1928 in Bloomington, son of Edward J. and Roseanna Dalton Kerber. He married Kathryn T. Hinshaw on June 6, 1953 in Bloomington.

Surviving is his wife, Kathryn Kerber of Cooksville; one daughter, Theresa Kerber of Bloomington; three sons, Dan (Mary Lou) Kerber of Arrowsmith, Steve (Mary) Kerber of Towanda and David (Geri) Kerber of Bloomington; grandchildren, Scott (Margie) Kerber, Aimee Kerber, Chris Kerber, Kelly Kerber, Nick Kerber, Ben Kerber and Emma Kerber; and four great grandchildren, Isabella Kerber, Daniel Kerber, Zachary Kerber and Caden Kerber.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Mary Agnes Kerber, Veronica Kagel and Ellen Ann Binz.

From a very young age, Gene worked with his father on their family farm, beginning by following a horse and plow, and continuing to farm throughout his entire life. He had a passion for farming, gardening, and his fruit orchard. He also worked at General Electric, retiring after 30 years.

Gene and his wife Kathy enjoyed ballroom dancing with their many friends at various clubs (e.g. Tiara Ballroom, Moose, Eagles, and Elks). He also enjoyed fishing in his early years, and his wife’s home cooked meals. Gene liked keeping up on current events and reading. He had kind eyes, a gracious heart, and a smile that could brighten any room.

He was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Merna.

Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was loved very much by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Online condolences and memories of Gene may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

Richard Ummel

Richard M. Ummel, 67, of Anchor, passed away at 10:15 a.m. on June 25 in Colfax.

His funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Colfax. Pastor Connie Frase and Rev. Cheryl Peterson-Karlan will be officiating.

Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Colfax.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Colfax.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Richard was born Nov. 11, 1947 in Normal the oldest son of Merle U. and Fern L. Winterland Ummel.

He married Jeanne Feit on April 20, 1968 in Chenoa. She Survives.

Also surviving are his children, Kregg Ummel of Lexington, Kelly (Christopher) Leiseca of Chicago, and Kirk (Carrie) Ummel of Mahomet; sister Rhonda (Bob) Armstrong of Huntsville, brothers, Paul (Carol) Ummel of Saybrook and Rodney (Kimberly) Ummel of Cooksville. He was very proud of his grandchildren, Kaley, Kyler, Keegan, and Kendy Ummel, Andrew and Alexandra Leiseca, and Cora and Clara Ummel.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and step-father, Leo P. Smith.

Richard graduated from Octavia High School in 1965 and attended Winston Churchill and Danville Junior Colleges.

He lived and farmed in Anchor Township his entire life. He was a seed salesman for Pioneer Seed and also sold fuel for Evergreen FS.

Richard was a past member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Anchor where he was a member of the church council.

He is currently a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Colfax.

Richard was a charter member of the Octavia Men’s Club, Octavia and Ridgeview Athletic Booster. He was also a member of Indian Springs Recreation Association, where he was currently serving as President.

He coached youth and legion baseball for many years. He organized the slow-pitch softball teams, Anchor Merchants, and Medina Softball Team to the State Championship as an All-State pitcher.

Richard was an avid Illini fan. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, and rarely missed a ball game or track meet.

His ultimate compliment was that his children and grandchildren and their friends enjoyed spending time with him.

Condolences and tributes may be made to the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.