Robert Champion
Robert M. Champion, 62, of Chenoa, died at 12:23 a.m., June 24 at his residence in rural Chenoa.
Cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial service at 11 am, Saturday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service also at the funeral home in Chenoa on Saturday.
Bob was born July 27, 1952 in Pekin; the son of Robert E. and Betty (Keen) Champion. His father preceded him in death.
He married Robin Johnson on Dec. 8, 1973 in Bloomington. His wife Robin survives in rural Chenoa.
Other survivors include his mother, Betty (Bill) Nichols of Bloomington; mother in-law, Mary Lou Johnson of Bloomington; one son, Joshua Champion of Elmhurst; two daughters, Ashley Champion and Desirai Champion both of Chenoa; two sisters, Debbie Ruiz and Lori (Michael) Busick both of Bloomington.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Chenoa 4th of July Committee.
An online guest book is available to leave messages and condolences for the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
Willis Kalnietis
Willis Kalnietis, 91, of Bloomington, passed away at 7:18 p.m. on June 21 at his residence in Bloomington.
His Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington with Rev. Tim Mitchell officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
Willis was born on March 17, 1924 in Latvia. He married Luisa Horst on Jan. 13, 1968 in Bloomington.
Surviving are his wife, Luisa of Bloomington; a special friend, Verla Hall and many good friends in Bloomington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters.
Willis owned and operated Willis Tailor Shop and Willis’ Landscaping both in Bloomington for over 20 years until his retirement.
He became a U.S. Citizen in 1968.
Online condolences and memories of Willis may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
Mary Zugich
Mary Ann Zugich Maloney, 95, of The Willows at Westminster Village in Bloomington died peacefully June 23 at Heritage Manor, Bloomington. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, Bloomington, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to acknowledge Mary’s extraordinary life are invited to make a donation in her name to Westminster Village Foundation or a charity of their choice. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Born Nov. 27, 1919, in DePue, Ill., she married John E. Maloney, M.D. at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on Nov. 6, 1941. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing in 2000. She was also preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Zugich of DePue, and her brother, John J. Zugich of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Mary is survived by her three children: Mary Kathryn (James Michael) Kinsella, Normal; John E. (Judy) Maloney, Champaign; and Patricia (Michael) Abbene, Ballwin, Missouri. Other survivors include eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and two nieces.
Mary graduated in 1941 from the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy and worked as a registered pharmacist. She enjoyed gardening, bridge and activities at Westminster. She was a member of Holy Trinity Church and had been active in McLean County Medical Society Auxiliary, St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, Trinity School Club and Epiphany Altar Society.
Mary enjoyed good health, independence and was able to celebrate the wedding of her youngest grandchild earlier this month.
