Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes, 413 N. Main Street, Pontiac, IL (2026)

05/12/2026

James L. K***z, 87, of Plains, MT, formerly of Newark, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Visitation will be held on May 13, 2026, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Plains, MT. Funeral arrangements in Chatsworth, IL, are pending.

Mr. K***z was born on August 11, 1938 in Fairbury, IL, to Frank B. and Leona M. (Falck) K***z. He is survived by his children, Eric K***z of Plains, MT, and Aaron (Sara) K***z of Chicago, IL, and their mother, Rose Ebert of Sandwich, IL. His four grandchildren are Anmarie, Joshua, Kira, and Cole, and his three great-grandchildren are Delilah, Roxxan, and Jax. Also surviving are his stepchildren Karen Masson of Rocklin, CA, and David (Julie) Gottlieb of Sandwich, IL and their six children and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rolande Gottlieb K***z of Newark, IL; and his brother, David (Sally) K***z of Glen Ellyn, IL. His surviving siblings are Gary K***z of Morris, IL, Jane (Anthony) Trotto of Wood Dale, IL, and Janice (Ted) Gill of Monticello, IL. He is survived by numerous nieces/nephews and great-nieces/nephews.

Prior to his graduation from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a BS in Agriculture, he served in the United States Army. He received a MS in Education from the University of Illinois and an associate’s degree in Horticulture from Kishwaukee College. He was a Master Gardener. Throughout his career, he was a high school teacher, farmer, and property manager. He had a strong interest in agriculture and loved to visit with family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to Sanders County, Montana 4H

05/12/2026

Wayne Verdun, 72, of Pontiac, IL, passed away at his home on Monday, May 11, 2026. Born on September 30, 1953, in Pontiac to J. William and Coletta Verdun, Wayne dedicated over 35 years to the printing industry, working at Johnson’s Press as a pre-press supervisor and Illinois Graphics.
Beyond his professional life, Wayne found joy in the simple pleasures of farming, playing the guitar, and woodworking. Above all, he was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities, always being their biggest fan.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie (Gray) Verdun; his daughter, Amy (Mark) Levin; and his cherished grandchildren, Eisley and Lucas Levin. He also leaves behind his siblings, Joan (the late Jerry) LoPiccolo, Cathy (Ron) Masching, Don (the late Mary) Verdun, and Glen (Cindy) Verdun, along with his father and mother-in-law, Leon and Louise Gray and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Verdun; his parents; his sister, Connie (the late John) Larkin; and his nephews, Lee Verdun and Joe Larkin. Wayne’s presence and love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A service to celebrate Wayne’s life will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Pontiac, 515 N. Ladd St. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM, with Rev. James Wolfe III and Pastor H. Gene Stringer officiating. Wayne will be laid to rest at Southside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Congenital Heart Center, 420 NE Glen Oak Ave Suite 301, Peoria, IL 61603, or the First Baptist Church of Pontiac in Wayne’s memory.

05/12/2026

Willis D. Landrus, 65, of Pontiac, IL., passed away at 4:37 am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, Il.

A private graveside service will be held at a future date at Bentown Cemetery, in Bentown, Illinois. Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Willis was born April 25, 1961, in Bloomington, IL., the son of Willis Dale Landrus Sr. and Lois I. (Baker) Johnson.

Willis is survived by his loving mother, Lois I. Baker of Pontiac, Il.; his significant other, Doreen Daniel of Pontiac, Il.; his brother, Vernon Chumbley of Chatsworth, Il.; His half-brother, Greg (Debbie) Dunn of Philadelphia, PA.; his half-sister, Jennifer (Brandon) Dugger of Casper, WY.; and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded by his father Willis Dale Landrus Sr., and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Willis was a proud US Air Force Veteran. He was involved in the CIRC (central Illinois radio club) HAM radio club, he did security for the Bloomington Wheelers yearly bicycle run, and the Illinois Storm Chasers. He liked to have afternoon coffee at Pontiac family kitchen and enjoyed eating at new and different restaurants around central Illinois. He loved spending time with and helping his mom. Willis loved cats, especially his babies Bella, Tuxy, and dog Camo.

Willis also gifted the ability of sight, by generously donating his eyes to the Illinois Eye Bank to help retore someone’s vision.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be made to the family at calvertmemorial.com.

05/02/2026

Rita M. Kinkade, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 30th, 2026 at the Arc at Dwight with her family by her side.

Rita is survived by her beloved children, Vicki (Kenneth) Wienrank, Sue (Greg) Neumann, and Brad (Gail) Wallrich; her seven grandchildren; her twelve great grandchildren; and her five great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dallas W. Wallrich and her second husband Mel Kinkade; her parents, John C. and Lula (nee Diebel) Hahn; her three sisters; her two brothers; and one grandchild.

Rita was a graduate of Cullom High school class of 1952. She married Dallas Wallrich on June 7, 1952. He sadly passed away on July 3, 1972. Rita then met Mel Kinkade and fell in love again. They married on April 16, 1974 and spent the next sixteen years together until his passing on February 26, 1991. Rita enjoyed oil painting and being outdoors, she, Dallas and the kids enjoyed fishing trips to Wisconsin, and she and Mel would often go camping together. She also enjoyed spending time in her garden tending to her flowers. Rita was deeply faithful and a devout Catholic. Rita will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Services for Rita will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Chatsworth. A visitation will begin at 9am until the time of the funeral mass at 10am. Rita will be laid to rest at St. Johns Catholic Cemetery in Cullom.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Chatsworth.

04/07/2026

Bruce Allen Abney, our beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 after prolonged illness. Throughout his journey of 72 years, he touched many lives with his humor and kind, caring spirit.

Bruce was born on October 31, 1953. He was raised in Chicago, Illinois until he moved to Chatsworth, Illinois where he lived happily for many years.

During his life, Bruce enjoyed working on and driving semis. Bruce also loved watching wrestling, racing and old westerns on TV. Bruce’s caring spirit loved all animals. He enjoyed bird watching and always made sure the birds were fed. Bruce was happiest when surrounded by family, friends, and his puppy dog.

Bruce's kindness and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten. His calm presence was a source of comfort to all who knew him; words cannot express how deeply he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers; Joe and Larry.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Janice, daughter, Lacey (Shane) Croegaert of South Carolina, stepdaughter, Tammy (Aaron) Bell of Forest; grandchildren: Lily (Cameron) Gordon, Tristen (Makaitlyn) Croegaert, Caitlin Croegaert, Ken Croegaert, MindySue (Jason) Meyer, Ivana (Cristian) Rivera, 11 great grandchildren, and sister Vonda.

We would love for those who knew Bruce to help us remember his life at the Calvert and Martin Funeral Home in Chatsworth located at 311 E Walnut St. Chatsworth, IL on Friday, April 24th, from 10am to 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Livingston County Humane Society in honor of Bruce A. Abney.

03/31/2026

Earl E. Ellinger, 99, of Pontiac, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 1, 1926, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Korean War veteran, lifelong farmer, and loyal Chicago Cubs fan. Earl was born August 1, 1926, in McLean County, Illinois, to Etta and Robert Ellinger. He married Norma J. Adam on September 14, 1952, in Pontiac. She preceded him in death on Sept. 15, 2011, after 59 years of marriage.

He is survived by his children, David (Nancy) Ellinger of Crystal Lake, Paul (Lori) Ellinger of Urbana, and Carol (Bob) Foersterling of Pontiac; his grandchildren, Nichole (Jeremy) Jessup, Eric (Jessica) Foersterling, Joe (Mindy) Ellinger, and Elise (Mark) Holmes; and his great-grandchildren, Erin (Brad) Smith, Ainsley Jessup, Carli and Jaxson Foersterling, and Tommy Holmes.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his son, Gary Ellinger; and his son-in-law, Jerry Foersterling.

Earl was a lifelong farmer who took great pride in working the land and caring for his family and community. He served his country in the United States military during the Korean War and was honored to receive the Ambassador for Peace award from the Republic of Korea. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pontiac and St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chenoa.

Earl enjoyed farming, spending time with his family, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs through good and bad seasons. He loved his family deeply and especially cherished attending his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities and gatherings.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady work ethic, kindness, and devotion to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at 4:00 pm on April 7 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Pontiac, Illinois. Services will follow at 5:00 p.m., with Pastor Kyle Ronchetto officiating. A celebration of Earl’s life will be held at approximately 6:00 p.m. at Pontiac Family Kitchen. Private burial services will be held at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Saunemin, Illinois.

Memorials in Earl’s name may be made to Honor Flight Network, Livingston County Humane Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

We extend special thanks to the caring staff at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac for their excellent care and the special touch they brought to everything they did

03/31/2026

John A. Taylor, 101, of Pontiac passed away on March 30, 2026 at Evenglow Senior Living in Pontiac. He was born January 19, 1925 in Pontiac, the son of John and Lottie Asper Taylor. He married Carol Whittern on June 19, 1948 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She preceded him in death October 11, 2012.

He is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Mike) Crowe and Susan (Jack) Johnson; four grandchildren, Ulysses (Deirdre) Grundler, Cassandra Vadney, Laura Crowe, and Bryan (Kaia) Crowe; and ten great grandchildren, Carina, Jadsia, Kestra, Xavier, Ezekiel, Mackenzie, Anastasia, Bergan, Greta, and Tessa.

In addition to his parents and wife, John is preceded in death by six sisters, Bernice Burns, Evelyn Jourdan, Lillian Johnson, Myrna Frazier, Ethel Coil, and Marge DeBolt; and a brother, Gordon Taylor.

Through the Naval ROTC program, John attended Northwestern University and the University of Texas, majoring in commerce. He then began his service in the U.S. Navy, toward the end of World War II and later in the Korean War.

After earning his law degree from Northwestern Law School, he became a partner of Ortman, Johnson, and Taylor Law Firm in Pontiac until his retirement. He also was elected Livingston County State’s Attorney from 1952-1956. John was a proud member of Freemasons, and also belonged to both the Elks Club and American Legion. He was a board member of both Evenglow Senior Living and the Pontiac Public Library. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pontiac.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be at Payne Cemetery in Chenoa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Evenglow Senior Living or the First United Methodist Church of Pontiac.

03/27/2026

Norman Schultz, 100, of Pontiac, died on March 27, 2026, at Goldwater Care in Pontiac.

As per his wishes, cremations rites will be accorded with no visitation or funeral service held. Burial will be at South Side Cemetery with a private family service at a later date.

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Norman was born on February 27, 1926, in Pontiac, to Elmer and Myrtle (Ehrhardt) Schultz. He graduated from Pontiac High School in 1943. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served during WWII as an electrician on the U.S.S. Haynsworth, a destroyer, on duty in the South Pacific and Sea of Japan. Upon his return home in 1946, he married Jean (Powell) Schultz in Pontiac.

He farmed all his life.

He is survived by his daughter: Janet (Robert) Cermak, and one son: William (Mary Laura) Schultz. He is also survived by one sister: Donna Smith; six grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, and two brothers: Raymond and Ronald Schultz.

He was a member of McDowell Methodist Church, American Legion Post 78, lifetime member of Pontiac VFW #866, and the Masonic Lodge #294.

Norman loved fishing, watching sports on TV, Sudoko puzzles, and especially reading. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Memorials may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society, Pontiac Public Library, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com or visit us on Facebook.

03/20/2026

Janeen Myrtle (Saathoff) Baumgardner, 85, of Cullom passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on March 19, 2026, at her home. She was born August 29, 1940, in Pontiac, the daughter of John and Myrtle Stahl Saathoff. She married Gabriel Baumgardner on September 29, 1962, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cullom. He survives.

She is also survived by a daughter, Laura (Paul Todino) Baumgardner; a son, Thomas (Joni) Baumgardner; and four grandchildren, Kirsten (Aaron) Schulz, Addison Humburg, Emma Humburg, and Fletcher Baumgardner. She is survived by a sister, Sharon (Robert) Pratt; a sister-in-law, Marsha (Richard) Kutter; two brothers-in-law, Thomas and Roger (Christine) Baumgardner; many nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat, Ralph.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Joan Baumgardner.

Janeen was educated in Cullom. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in elementary education and later earned her master’s degree in elementary education with a specialty in reading. She began her teaching career in Bloomington, where she taught 2nd grade. She was the founder and director of three preschools: Kiddie Korner, Noah’s Ark, and Little Lambs. She later taught kindergarten and first grade at Washington Catholic in Washington, Indiana, before her retirement in 2005. She was a longtime member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cullom.

Faith, family, and the farm were the most important aspects of Janeen’s life. In retirement, she began painting beautiful pictures of memories she had of her family and farm. She authored a series of children’s books called Kinderkitty. She was her family’s prayer warrior.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cullom. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Cullom.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cullom.

03/18/2026

Patricia “Ann” Naretto, 73, of Odell, Illinois, passed away at 8:14 P.M. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 W. Hamilton St., Odell, IL. 60460. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, March 20, 2026 @ St. Paul Catholic Church in Odell, Il. Interment will follow at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Odell, Il.

Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Ann was born on August 20, 1952, in Charleston, South Carolina. The daughter of John Russell and Theresa Frances (Craddock) Dunham. She was united in marriage to Alan Joseph Naretto on April 27, 1974, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, IL.

Ann is survived by her loving husband Alan J. Naretto; her two sons, David (Kristi) Naretto, Eric (Amanda) Naretto, her ten grandchildren; her one sister, Becky (Travis) Simmons; her four brothers, Tom (Laurie) Dunham, Bill (Julie) Dunham, Tim (Kathy) Dunham and Joe (Mary) Dunham; her brother-in-law, Pat Bennington; her sisters-in-law, Shari Dunham and Beth Dunham and Paula (Chuck) Roper and Laurie Naretto; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sue Bennington; her three brothers, Mike Dunham, Bob Dunham and Rick Dunham; and her brother-in-law, Brian Naretto.

Ann attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Pontiac Township High School. She graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in elementary education. Her career began at South Wilmington Grade School and continued at St. Paul Catholic School, where she spent 20 years dedicated to her students and church community.

Family and friends were very important to Ann. She cherished the titles of “Mom” and “Mimi”. She was so very proud of her children and grandchildren. She loved attending their sporting events, dance recitals, plays, and school programs. She loved to share stories about them with her former classmates and Book Club friends. Ann enjoyed gathering with her friends because she knew no matter how sick or tired she felt, laughter really was the best medicine!

Ann was an avid college basketball fan and looked forward to watching DePaul and Gonzaga play during March Madness. She also was a die-hard Cubs fan. She supported them through the ups and downs and was so happy to see them win the World Series in 2016. As for football, Ann was enamored with Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow but declared herself a Bears fan. Ann also spent a great deal of time watching the news and discussing current events with anyone willing to talk. Her opinions were strong and she would not compromise her beliefs to appease anyone. She believed in the Golden Rule, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12). Ann found McDonald’s UNSWEET tea the ultimate refreshment. Not a day went by that she didn’t have at least one glass of their tea. And finally…books. Ann loved books. She had a relationship with them. They transported her into the past, introduced her to new friends and places, and allowed her to live many, many lives that only exist between the covers of a book. Her only regret was “there will never be enough time to read all the books I have collected”. So, we ask, to honor Ann, pick up a book and lose yourself in the wonder of the story.

Memorial donations in Ann’s name may be made to Odell Public Library, St. Paul’s Catholic Church or St. Paul’s Catholic School.

Online condolences may be made to the family at calvertmemorial.com.

03/11/2026

Lester Harvey Nelson, Jr., age 88, of Pontiac, IL, passed away peacefully with members of his loving family by his side on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 11:40 p.m. at Goldwater care of Pontiac, IL.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, located at 413 N. Main Street, Pontiac, IL, 61764. A public visitation will be held the same day, starting at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Camp Cemetery in Esmen Township. Pastor Kurt Mews will be leading his services. A fellowship gathering will take place at the Elk’s Club in Pontiac following the services.

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Lester was born on April 7, 1937, in Pekin, IL, to Lester H. Nelson, Sr. and Mary (Mace) Nelson. He married the love of his life, Helen Marie (Dickens) Nelson on November 7, 1958, in Las Cruces, NM. They were married for 67 years. She survives in Pontiac.

Other survivors include their children: Lester (Pamela) Nelson, III of Morton, IL; Bryan Nelson of Pontiac, IL, Aaron (Tami) Nelson of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren: Matthew (Krystle) Nelson, Rachel (Taylor) Huette, Corrinne (Brad) Wilson, Dr. Clinton Nelson, Carrie (JR) Kester, Laura (Billy) Sweet, Seth (Chelsea) Connor, Megan (Derek) Jones, Katie Nulliner, Hayden Nulliner; as well as 19 great grandchildren and his beloved dog Tarya.

He is also survived by three nephews: Michael Dickens, Louie Nelson, and Joe Nelson; and two nieces: Robin Primm and Jennifer Heflin and a special family member Stephanie Arnold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Roland L. Nelson, and one daughter: Viki Marie Nelson.

Lester was of the Christian faith.

He graduated from Joliet Township High School. Lester retired from Caterpillar at the age of 50. After retirement from Caterpillar, he kept busy as the Pontiac Township Tax Assessor for many years, drove a school bus for the Graymont Grade School, and was an Auxiliary Deputy with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department.

Lester was a proud and active member of the Shriners, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Pontiac Elk’s Lodge, Moose Lodge, and was a past member of the Pontiac Sportsman’s Club. He was also a founding member of the Red Fez Shrine Club in Pontiac.

Lester enjoyed his family, camping, and spending winters in Arizona. He loved to tell stories to everyone that would listen. He was the Drum Major with the Medinah Highlanders Bagpipe Band for many years. He was also a member of the Mohammed Shrine Bagpipe Band. During the early years of his life, he was involved in Drum Corp, and was a nationally recognized fire baton twirler winning many trophies.

He was loved as a husband, dad, grandpa, and uncle. He will truly be missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

Memorials in Lester’s memory may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, Elk’s Children’s Care, or to the Pontiac Fire Department. The family would like to thank the Pontiac Fire Department and the staff at Goldwater Care in Pontiac for the loving care they provided him.

This obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com or visit us on Facebook.

Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes

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