Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory

05/29/2026

Cheryl A. Clark

Cheryl Ann Clark, 67, of Canton, Illinois, formerly of Abingdon, Illinois, died unexpectedly Monday, 25, 2026 at home.

Cheryl was born October 9, 1958, in Newport News, Virginia, the daughter of Oscar William and Patricia Ann (Krout) Guthrie. Cheryl married Lloyd Gene Clark, Jr. on October 31, 1993 in Pine Springs, Texas. He preceded her in death on August 1, 2022.

Cheryl is survived by her three daughters, Carla (Mike) Shelley of Pittsburg, Texas, Misty Campbell of Abingdon, and Sarah Espinoza of California; three sons, James (Brandi) Brown of San Angelo, Texas, William Lynch of Galesburg, Illinois, and Marlin Brown of Peoria, Illinois; and one brother, Jimmy (Cindy) Guthrie of Yelm, Washington. Cheryl is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Brittany, Kimberlynn, Jeramy, Caylynn, Regina, Madison, Jazzmynn, Cameron, Kadence; and nine great grandchildren. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two sisters.

Cheryl enjoyed spending time at home with her family and completing diamond puzzles, working on coloring books, and reading. Cheryl was a movie buff and had amassed a large DVD collection. Aside from her family, Cheryl shared her love with her dog, Persephone.

Cremation will be accorded, and no services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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05/29/2026

Grief ebbs and flows, and some days can be harder than others. The anniversary of a loved one's death is one of those days. To learn 9 tips to help you cope with your loved one's deathiversary, read the article below.

The anniversary of a loved one's death can be a difficult day. Learn about 9 different ways you can cope with a loved one's deathiversary here.

05/29/2026

Earl D. Sandry

Earl Dean Sandry, 87, of Oneida, Illinois, died peacefully, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 5:25 p.m. at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois, with his family by his side.

Earl was born August 21, 1938, in Viking, Minnesota, the son of Bert Rebne and Martha Ellen (Hill) Sandry. Earl graduated from Fosston High School in Fosston, MN and went on to attend Prairie Bible Institute in Three Rivers, Alberta, Canada from 1956 to 1958. He then attended Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, MN in 1959. On December 20, 1960, Earl enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard. He served in Minnesota until 1963 when he transferred to the Illinois National Guard. Earl was honorably discharged on February 10, 1967. During that time Earl married Joanne Clifford on March 14, 1964 at the Presbyterian Church in Oneida, Illinois.

Earl is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne of Oneida, Illinois; two nephews, Andrew (Katie) Adams of Chicago, Illinois and Damon (Beth) Shea of Oneida, Illinois; three nieces, Susan (John) Holtrup of Elmhurst, Illinois, Margot (Mike) Swienton of Berthoud, Colorado, and Martha Shea of Galesburg; one brother, Robert Sandry of Ocala, Florida; one sister, Helen Shea of Wataga, Illinois; and a sister-in-law, Carlene Sandry of Galesburg. Earl is also survived by his seven great nieces and nephews, Katie (Jason) Schlueter, Hannah Clark, Kevin (Missy) Holtrup, Brandon (Emily) Holtrup, Max (Kailey) Swienton, Mallory Shea, and Brady Shea; and his five great great nieces and nephews, Violet and Henry Schlueter, Teagan, Eleana, and Brecken Holtrup. Along with his parents, Earl was preceded in death by five brothers, Alfred, John, Merle, Verne, and Harry.

Earl worked in maintenance for the Woodhull Co-Op from 1975 until his retirement in 2017. In 1979 Earl joined the Oneida Fire Department where he would eventually become Fire Chief. He retired from AOW Fire in 2004. Earl carried his EMT License for over 20 years. While on the fire department, Earl became active with the youth burn camp in Illinois (Camp I am ME). He was active assisting in taking youth to camp every summer for many years.

Earl spent many years as a member of the Oneida Lions Club where he oversaw the youth baseball league for 13 years. Aside from being dedicated to his work, Earl loved to spend time working in his shop and was proficient in all tools and was an accomplished welder. He served 42 years on the Gregg Memorial Library Board in Oneida. Earl was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and would do anything for anyone.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. Pastor David Pyell will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Oneida Cemetery, Oneida, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Earl to Camp I Am Me or the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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05/28/2026

Cathy A. Wollum

Cathy Ann Wollum, 77, of Galesburg, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Cathy was born on July 9, 1948, the daughter of S. Howard and Dorothy (Cull) Simon, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She received her bachelor’s degree and master’s in education from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Cathy was employed with Western Illinois Works in Galesburg, Illinois for over 20 years, retiring in 2020.

Cathy was a devoted daughter and sister, and her family loved being around her. She had a beautiful way of finding joy in the simplest things, and her wonder and appreciation for life were contagious. Her generosity was reflected in her talent for always choosing the perfect gift.

Her family and friends enjoyed the vast array of beautiful Christmas cookies she so lovingly baked every year. The recipes she proudly passed down to her nieces are sure to live on for generations.

Cathy was an enthusiastic gardener. She loved her gorgeous flowers and was always willing to share her gardening knowledge with others.

She took great pride in being the family historian, ensuring family pictures and memorabilia were all held in safekeeping. She could locate a 100-year-old photo at a moment’s notice.

Cathy was the “fun aunt.” She had a knack for understanding how children view the world and meeting them where they were. She was so generous with her nine nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and great nephews, who she spoiled whenever the opportunity arose. They will all deeply miss her.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, S. Howard and Dorothy, and a nephew, Aaron Simon.

Those left to cherish her memory include her siblings; Barry (Abby) Simon, of Boston, Massachusetts, Suellen (Jim) Purlee, of Galesburg, Dennis Simon, of Freeport, Illinois, Richard Simon, of Pheonix, Arizona, William (Sheila) Simon, of South Haven, Michigan, and Sara Simon, of Lagrange Park, Illinois; as well several beloved nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and Watson-Thomas Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Those who wish to give a contribution in Cathy’s memory may do so to donor’s choice. Thoughts of sympathy and memories may be shared on Cathy’s page at watsonthomas.com.

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05/27/2026

Rex L. Wilson

Rex Lee Wilson, 83, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Rex was born on May 26, 1942, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Ralph Lee and Dorothy Leona (Johnson) Wilson.

In first grade, Rex met a young lady named Pegge Ann Bair while attending school in Henderson, Illinois. They reconnected at age 13 and remained sweethearts until they were married on July 22, 1961, in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they had four children, all of whom are still alive: Christi (Randal) Rust of Dallas, Texas; Dorothy Tapscott of Galesburg; Sherri Corder of Rock Island; and Mark Wilson of Clovis, California. Rex is also survived by his eight beloved grandchildren, Tristan (Savannah) Tapscott, Jared (Ashleigh) Tapscott, Ethan (Emillie) Tapscott, Channing Empson, Chandler Swanner, Anika (Cody) Okerson, Hunter Corder, and Keely Wilson; and six adored great-grandchildren, Capria’Lee Empson, Harper Tapscott, McKenlee Empson, Re*****on Tapscott, River Tapscott, and Baby Tappy. Also surviving are two brothers, Roger (Roberta) Wilson of Knoxville, Illinois, and Rodney Wilson of Pensacola, Florida; his former wife of 40+ years, Pegge; and all his critters.

Rex worked at Gates Rubber Co. in Galesburg for more than 30 years, retiring as a supervisor. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating and fishing at Little John Conservation Club. He was an avid collector of miniature trains, vintage toys, and other antiques, and he enjoyed watching old movies, especially Abbott and Costello. Rex found joy in life’s simple pleasures: sitting on his porch with a cup of coffee and his dogs while visiting with neighbors, going to his favorite restaurant, Coney Island, for a classic coney dog, tending his yard, and woodcarving. Above all, Rex loved his family and often worked two jobs to support them.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Mausoleum Chapel at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. No visitation is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to Wildlife Prairie Park. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to this family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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05/25/2026

Memorial Day is set aside to remember and to dwell on the lives of the many men and women who have given their lives to preserve our country. You have the thanks for a grateful nation. If you would like to honor a specific veteran, please share their story with us in the comments.

05/23/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You made it! Best wishes as you embark on a new season of life!

05/22/2026

As we remember our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, take time to consider how you can honor their memory by providing much-needed assistance and care to our current veterans and active-duty service members. Click the link to learn more!

Memorial Day is about so much more than hot dogs, family gatherings, and the beginning of summer. Click the link to learn more!

05/20/2026

Patricia M. Peterson

Patricia Marie Peterson, 94, of Galesburg, Illinois, died unexpectedly at 5:52 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 in the Emergency Room at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

Pat was born June 19, 1931 in Belleville, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur James and Cora Edith (Coffey) McKeogh. She graduated from Belleville Township High School and later married James B. Peterson on December 11, 1954 in Belleville.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jim of Galesburg. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Helen Koch.

After marrying Pat and Jim moved about the United States to further Jim’s career eventually moving abroad to Europe where they remained for many years. Jim traveled extensively for work; Pat often joined the expedition to different countries. They enjoyed golfing in Scotland, skiing in Austria, a safari in Africa, and sunbathing in Trinidad. They eventually moved back to the States, settling in Chicago, where Pat became extensively involved in charity work as well as hosting numerous benefit galas for different charitable organizations. Some of her roles included being Chairman and Vice President for Development of the Hull House Association of Chicago and the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Chicago. She also served on the board of Northwestern memorial Hospital as President of the board of education and research, gastroenterology. She served as member and past president of the women’s board of Shakespeare Globe-Midwest Region, and as vice president of public relations.

Cremation rites have been accorded. No services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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05/20/2026

Catherine "Kay" R. Goehl

Catherine Rose “Kay” Goehl, 98, of Galesburg, Illinois, formerly of St. Augustine, Illinois, died peacefully Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Woodridge Supportive Living.

Kay as she was known was born March 12, 1928 in Galesburg, the daughter of Nathan Dewey and Esther Christina (Strandberg) Newberg. Following her graduation from Galesburg High School in 1946 she was employed at Beatrice Foods Company, Admiral, and Accounting Systems. Kay married Kenneth J. Goehl the father of her children and became a farm wife, helping as needed at the farm and taking care of their taxes as well as those of other area farmers. Kay later married Edwin K. Rauchenecker on February 2, 1994 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ed preceded her in death in 2010.

Kay is survived by four children, Linda (Tony) Jenkins of St. Augustine, Karna Smith of Galesburg, Greg Goehl of Galesburg, and Keith Goehl of Missouri. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband, Kay was preceded in death by one son, Steve in 2022; two sisters, Aubrey Newberg and Marilyn Johnson; and one brother, Ed Elliott.

Cremation will be accorded. No public services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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05/20/2026

David L. Edwardson

David Lynn Edwardson, 41, of Galesburg, Illinois, died Thursday, April 30, 2026 in the Emergency Room at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

David was born March 5, 1985 in Eden, Oklahoma, the son of Gary Dean Edwardson and Robin Lynn Hoots. David is survived by his mother, Robin Hoots of Eureka, Illinois and Gary Edwardson of Galesburg; one daughter, Nicole Lynn Edwardson of Bloomington, Illinois; two sisters, Kriston Edwardson of Eureka and Amanda Edwardson of Germantown Hills, Illinois; two brothers, Robbi Hoots and Gregg Edwardson both of Galesburg.

David worked in construction and owned and operated Structured Homes for a few years. He was truly passionate about construction and enjoyed helping others. He also enjoyed being around others and attending social gatherings.

Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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