Peasley Funeral Home

01/06/2026

Andrew Liesman, Elkhart, IL
May 2, 2005 - January 2, 2026

Andrew was deeply cherished in life by many, including his beloved “momma,” Becky Beggs; stepfather, Brad Beggs; and grandparents, Carolyn Brooks, Doug & Linda Brooks, and Dennis Beggs. His significant other, Alyssa Beutow, along with stepbrother Justin (Val) Beggs, numerous extended family members, and a circle of friends who will carry his memory forward. They survive along with his unborn daughter, Oaklynn Marie.

From a young age, Andrew showed incredible curiosity about the world around him. His passion for understanding how things worked fueled his love for mechanics, with a special passion for diesel engines. He could often be found covered in grease, from head to toe, as he devoted countless hours to working on his 6.4 Power Stroke. Andrew took pride in tackling any project or challenge, confident that there was nothing he couldn’t fix or a piece of machinery he couldn't operate. He had a passion for anything that made noise—whether it was "rolling coal" in his truck, "ripping" the jake brakes of a semi, or his favorite music. The outdoors held a special place in his heart; he found joy in hunting and often referred to "Papa’s Farm" in Pike County, IL, as his favorite place to be. Andrew lived life to the fullest, embracing each moment with courage and a deep love for those close to him.

A celebration of Andrew’s life will take place on January 10, 2026, at the Elkhart Christian Church’s FCC Building from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support his daughter through a fund titled “In Loving Memory of Andrew Liesman: Support for Oaklynn Marie.”

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

01/05/2026

Arletta Mae Dewitt

Franklin, IL -- Arletta Mae Dewitt, 85, of Franklin, formerly of San Jose, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

No Services are scheduled at this time. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

Arletta Mae Craigmiles was born on July 26, 1940, in Mosher, Illinois, the daughter of Roy Lee and Sadie Francis Bauser Craigmiles. She was united in marriage to Gary Lee Dewitt in 1963. He survives.

Also surviving are her son: Gabriel (Karen) Dewitt; five grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; one niece and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother: Gerald Craigmiles.

Arletta graduated from the Pekin Community High School in 1958. She and Gary owned and operated the Dewitt Drivette in San Jose until 1982. She enjoyed crocheting and she loved the Lord.

Memorials may be made to Gabriel Dewitt to help with funeral expenses.

Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.

01/05/2026

Janet "Jan" L. Kissick

Lincoln -- Janet “Jan” L. Kissick, 71, of Lincoln, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at her home.

Janet Leigh Shull was born on April 27, 1954, at St. Clara's Hospital in Lincoln, the daughter of Darwin and Norma Holmes Shull.

She is survived by her children Melissa "Mit" (Trent) Cockburn and Craig (Tammy) Zinser; her mother Norma Snyder; sister Kathy Aderman; brother Dennis (Mamie) Shull; and sister-in-law Tammy Shull; grandchildren Ashley (Zach) Bryan, Connor Zinser, Tally Cockburn, and Carson Zinser; great-grandchildren Clark Bryan and Kinser Bryan; dear friend Glenda Bell; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Darwin Shull, stepfather Stanley Snyder, sister Christine Peasley, brother Colin Shull, and brother-in-law Kenny Aderman.

Jan graduated from Mt. Pulaski High School in 1973. Throughout her life, Jan worked as a beautician, photographer, account representative at Puritan Springs, and worked at Charleston Transitional Facility (CTF). She was committed to caring for people with disabilities. After retirement Jan found joy cleaning homes, seeing it as another way to care for and help others.

Jan worshipped at Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln. Jan loved wandering flea markets where she found beauty in the old, the worn, and the well-loved. She had a special talent for finding meaning and value in the simplest flea market finds. She volunteered at Lighthouse of the Valley Lincoln Center. Helping others came naturally to Jan and she never hesitated to offer her time, care or encouragement. She loved photography, fishing, painting, sewing, playing the piano and singing, and cooking for her family and friends.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Jefferson Street Christian Church, Lincoln, Illinois, with Mr. Michael Mallick officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in the Laenna Cemetery in Chestnut, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to Jefferson Street Christian Church or to Jan's family.

Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln is in charge of arrangements.

01/02/2026

Rudy Heyen

Greenview -- Rudy Heyen, 81, of Greenview, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Irish Grove Cemetery in rural Middletown, Illinois.

Rudy was born on October 29, 1944, in Lincoln, the son of Rudolph and Ilda Boward Heyen.

He is survived by his children: Lori Heyen and Brent Heyen; one brother: Gary (Janet) Heyen; six grandchildren: Kevin Heyen, Brandon Heyen, Victoria (Adamm) Fitzpatrick Walker, David Heyen, Charlie Rose Heyen and Mike B. Heyen; three great-grandchildren: Haisley Heyen, Lucas Heyen and Mia Schlotzhauer; and his companion of many years, Jan Day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sons: Kevin Heyen and Michael D. Heyen.

Rudy graduated from New Holland High School in 1962 and then Illinois State University where he was active on the Livestock Judging team. Rudy farmed in the Greenview and Middletown area. His hobbies were attending auctions, fairs, dancing, and building things.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

12/31/2025

Annie M. Baunach

Lincoln -- Annie M. Baunach, 88, of Lincoln, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at her home.

A Mass of Christian Burial Service will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Dondanville officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Lincoln.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peasley Funeral Home in Lincoln. Prior to the visitation, a Rosary Service will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Annie Mae Larock was born on September 24, 1937, in Oswegatchie, New York, the daughter of Walter and Minnia Willard Larock. She was united in marriage to Edward R. Baunach on November 8, 1958. He survives.

She is also survived by her children: Edward R. (Debbie) Baunach, Jr., Michael (Anissa) Baunach, and Tracy (Sean) Killeen; one sister-in-law, Lillian Larock; 6 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter: Denise Marie Filliben and eleven brothers and sisters.

Annie graduated from Lisbon High School in Lisbon, New York. She was employed at Stahl's Furniture in Mt. Pulaski. She had also worked at Silver Dollar City and she sold Department 56 at Grand Village in Branson, Missouri.

She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and was an avid Cubs fan.

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

12/31/2025

James E. Bell

Mason City -- James E. Bell, 78, of Mason City, passed away in Lincoln on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

*** A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Mason City American Legion from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ***

Burial will be at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.

James Edward Bell was born on August 30, 1947, in Missouri, the son of Scott Braden and Hazel Mae Schwidde Bell. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Tripplett on January 26, 1972. She survives.

Also surviving are his children: Ticy Edwin (Lisa) Bell, Otis Jay (Bonnie) Bell, and Destiny Lea Neuhaus; twelve grandchildren: Winston, Blazer, Kendel, Josie, Chelsie, Tiffany, Braden, Preston, Hunter, Pamela, Olivia and Reece; eighteen great-grandchildren; one sister: Margaret (Wayne) Leesman; and two brothers: Wesley (Debbie) Bell and Rick (Annette) Bell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Walter Swaim, two brothers: Chester Bell and Gerald Bell, and one step-grandson: Nick Cocran.

Jim graduated from the Atlanta Community High School in 1965. He then served in the United States Army. He retired from Caterpillar, Inc. after 38 years of service working in the Heat Treat Plant HH building in East Peoria. He is a member of the Mason City Community Chapel and Mason City American Legion Post #496.

Memorials may be made to Mason City Community Chapel or American Council of the Blind.

Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln is assisting the family with arrangements.

12/11/2025

Patricia A. Williamson

Lincoln -- Patricia A. Williamson, 83, of Lincoln, passed away at the Arc at Hickory Point in Forsyth, Illinois.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Peasley Funeral Home in Lincoln with Mr. Tom Ewald officiating.

Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield at a later date. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

Patricia Ann Ward was born on December 29, 1941, in Springfield, the daughter of George A. and Vivian Grableck Ward. She was united in marriage to Alexander H. Cavenaile on September 1, 1960. He preceded her in death on August 20, 1988. She then married Harold Williamson on July 4, 1992. He preceded her in death on June 17, 2012.

Patricia is survived by her children: Kimariyia McDowell Williamson of Decatur, David (Susie) Cavenaile of Noblesville, Ind., Barbara (Jeff) Clott of Lincoln, and Mark (Julie) Cavenaile of St. Louis, Mo., stepchildren: Timothy (Kim) Williamson of TX, Stephen (Vicki) Williamson of Mt. Carmel, James (Cindy) Williamson of TX, David Williamson of TX, one sister: Carol Peavler of Decatur, IL, nineteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother: Charles (Chuck) Ward and both husbands.

Patricia graduated from Springfield High School in 1959 and then Lincoln Christian University.

She was a member of the Jefferson Christian Church. She had been licensed as Nursing Home Administrator and a Medicare Biller.

Memorials may be made to the Jefferson Street Christian Church.

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

12/11/2025

Robert "Bob" E. Barger

Lincoln -- Robert “Bob” E. Barger, 83, of Lincoln, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Dondanville and Rev. Jeffrey Laible officiating.

A Rosary Service will be held at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church.

Burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in rural Kenney, Illinois. Military Rites will be provided by Lincoln American Legion Post #263.

Robert E. Barger was born on November 4, 1942, in Clinton, Illinois, the son of Samuel Everett " S**g" and Thelma Bernice Johnson Barger. He was united in marriage to Carol Ann Gregory on March 31, 1962. She survives.

Also surviving are his children: Lois Annette (Ronnie) Donaldson, Michael Patrick (Danita) Barger; two grandchildren: Shay (Chas Johnson) Barger and Alyssa (Ridge Leinweber) Barger; four great-grandchildren: Owen Joseph Coleman, August Lee Johnson, Blinn Riley Johnson, and Isla Blake Leinweber; one sister: Beverly N. Keyth, and one brother: Jackie Lee (Patti) Barger.

He was preceded in death by one infant son: Howard Owen Barger, his parents, and one brother: Everett Wayne Barger.

Bob graduated from Clinton High School in 1960. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He had been employed at the Clinton Landfill for sixteen and a half years and Caterpillar, inc. for twelve and a half years as a line inspector.
Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman and is a life member of the North American Hunting and Fishing Club. He loved spending time creating, designing and building different projects.

Bob was passionate about family and his faith. He put a great deal of time and heart into ministering to anyone in need.

Bob was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1250 where he was a 3rd and 4th degree Knight and also served as Faithful Navigator and Faithful Purser.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/give.html) or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hyland Blvd. Staten Island, New York 10306 (donationsupport@t2t.org).

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

12/08/2025

Mary C. Kennedy

Peoria -- Mary C. Kennedy, 100, of Peoria, formerly of Lincoln, IL, passed away at the Farmington Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on December 3, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 107 N. Richard Pryor Place, Peoria, IL. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Lincoln.

Mary Celestine Kennedy was born on January 13, 1925, in Henry, IL, the daughter of Frank and Nellie Harrington Kennedy.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters: Mildred Haun, Margaret Newton, Lillian Fogerty, and Catherine Suman.
Mary was employed at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria for 33 years. She had an excellent work ethic and missed only three days during her employment there.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peoria. Her name at confirmation was Teresa.

Her hobbies included listening to church music and nature songs. With her witty sense of humor, she enjoyed giving men a hard time. Over the years she took many women to church on the city buses in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Peoria, Heading Avenue Franciscans www.WestPeoriaSisters.org Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, or Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS) in Pekin. www.TAPSShelter.org

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

11/11/2025

Wanda S. Tendick

Mt. Pulaski -- Wanda S. Tendick, 89, of Mt. Pulaski, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the H & J Vonderlieth Living Center in Mt. Pulaski.

Graveside Services will be at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Pulaski Cemetery in Mt. Pulaski on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with Rev. Jonathon Buescher officiating.

Burial will be in the Mt. Pulaski Cemetery.

Wanda Sue Meister was born on January 27, 1936, in Mt. Pulaski, the daughter of Floyd Alfred and Evelena Louise Wilson Meister. She was united in marriage to Harold A. Tendick on July 26, 1959. He preceded Wanda in death on June 6, 2015.

She is survived her sons: Gary Tendick and Steven (Jennifer) Tendick; two grandchildren: Ashley Tendick and Cooper Tendick; one sister: Carol Brock, and two brothers: Edward Meister and James Meister.

She was preceded in death by her husband, and two sisters: Alice Blakeman and Mary Rohrer.

Wanda graduated from the Illiopolis High School in 1954. She was employed by FBFM for thirty-three years.

She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Pulaski.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or School in Mt. Pulaski.

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

11/10/2025

Doris A. Wonsavage

Lincoln -- Doris A. Wonsavage, 82, of Lincoln passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Mason City Area Nursing Home in Mason City.

Graveside Services for Doris will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at St. Mary's Cemetery in rural Lincoln.

Doris Ann Wonsavage was born on October 5, 1943, in Lincoln, the daughter of Edward and Alta May House Wonsavage.

Surviving Doris are her sisters: Clara (Steve) Vaughan of Rochester and Kieryn Bernice Fontaine of Branson, Missouri. Five nephews and three nieces also survive.

She was preceded in death her parents.

Doris graduated from the Lincoln Community High School in 1961. She was employed at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital for many years in the Environmental Services Department before she retired.

She is a member of the Mason City Assembly of God Church.

Memorials may be made to the Mason City Assembly of God Church.

Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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10/28/2025

Ruth E. Hurley

Lincoln, IL – Ruth E. Hurley, 85, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Lincoln Village Healthcare.

Graveside Services for Ruth will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lincoln. Rev. Nicodemus Muithi will officiate.

Ruth Ellen Logan was born August 31, 1940, in Lincoln, the daughter of Leo and Loretta O’Neill Logan, Sr. She was united in marriage to Edwin “Ed” Hurley on March 28, 1959. He survives.
Ruth is survived by her husband; two children: Randy (Delores) Hurley and their children and Kendall (Susan) Hurley and their children; one sister, Jane Perry; sister-in-law, Roberta Logan; and special friend Marsha Tumilty Logan. Other survivors include great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Josephine “Jody” Smith Logan; two brothers, Leo Logan, Jr. and Richard “Dick” Logan; one sister, Loretta “Lottie” Yeates; one step-sister, Dorothy Starling; and one step-brother, Robert “Bob” Smith.

Ruthie was a caregiver by nature and cared deeply for her family and friends. She was a licensed practical nurse for many years and cherished her time with patients at the hospital and nursing homes where she served. After retiring, she continued this care by helping family and friends as a form of private hospice by giving free comfort and relief to patients and their family. Ruthie was a breast cancer survivor. She loved her family, and especially Ed, her devoted husband of 66 years. She loved to cook and was very good at it. She was an avid reader and also collector of angel and Christ-related figurines. Being with her was a joy and always fun and interesting. She will be missed.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Lincoln Village Healthcare and Gentiva Hospice for their help in Ruthie’s time of need.
Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church Food Pantry in Lincoln.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln.