Brown-Jensen Funeral Home of Manteno

08/11/2026

Shelby Jean Smith, 88, of Manteno, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Miller Rehabilitation Center.
She was born January 9, 1938, in Murphysboro, Illinois, the daughter of John and Beulah DeRossett. She retired from the Manteno State Hospital. She enjoyed reading, cooking, as well as watching Hallmark and old westerns. She was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.
Jean is survived by her sisters, Kay (Lavoy) Fortner, Linda Davis, Mary Phelps, and Betty Allison; brothers, Llyod “Hoot” DeRossett, Gerald “Peck” DeRossett, Michael (Sheila) DeRossett, and Gary (Joyce) DeRossett; nieces and nephews, Eric DeRossett, Travis (Jessica) DeRossett, Cody (Kristen) DeRossett; great niece and nephews, Eric DeRossett Jr, Hana DeRossett, Chase DeRossett, and Noah DeRossett.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Don Smith; her parents; siblings, Hubert Ellis, Willard Ellis, Willie Ellis, Barbara Mason, and Robert DeRossett.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, from 11am until the funeral service at 1pm at Brown-Jensen Funeral Home, Manteno. Burial will immediately follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Manteno.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.

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08/05/2026

Ellen Vanche (LaVette) Brouwers, passed away Tuesday August 4, 2026,surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on November 27, 1943, to Bette Markman and Webster LaVette.
On April 4, 1964, Ellen married the love of her life, Jack William Brouwers at Federated Church in Harvey, IL. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and love, sharing many cherished years together for over 62 years.
Ellen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and growing flowers. She was a loving and caring presence whose kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Faith was the foundation of Ellen’s life. She attended Faith Reformed Church in Kankakee before becoming a founding member of Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais, where she remained an active and devoted member. Throughout her life, she faithfully served in women’s groups, Bible studies, and children’s ministries, sharing God’s love with generations of children. She also cherished her time at Camp Manitoqua, where her passion for ministry continued to grow.
Ellen was deeply committed to serving her community. She served as President of the Manteno Library Board, volunteered with Junior League of Kankakee, and was one of the founding members of Hospice of Kankakee County more than 45 years ago. Whether through her church, community organizations, or countless...

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07/24/2026

Jennifer Lyn Kolberg Cappelletti, 44, of Manteno, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Rush Medical Center.

She was born on November 14, 1981, in Harvey, Illinois, to Robert Alan and Paula Jo (Sage) Kolberg. Jennifer proudly served her country for eight years as a Sergeant in the United States Army, demonstrating the same strength, commitment, and integrity that defined her throughout her life. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering and built a successful career in land surveying, specializing in computer-aided design (CAD). She took great pride in the work she accomplished.

Jennifer faced every challenge with remarkable courage, unwavering determination, and a selfless spirit that inspired everyone around her. She will be remembered for her resilience, unwavering love for her family, and the strength and grace with which she lived each day. She touched countless lives with her kindness, determination, and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew and loved her.

Jennifer is survived by her parents, Bob and Paula Kolberg; her brother, Adam Kolberg; her husband, Dominick Cappelletti; her stepdaughter, Elissa Cappelletti; her aunts and uncles, Jim (Nancy) Kolberg, Joni (Tom) Saczawa, Terry Kolberg (Godfather), Lewis (Pat) Sage, Diane Kopp (Godmother), and Gwen (Dean) Allen; her godson, Anthony; along with many cherished cousins, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her...

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07/16/2026

When you need compassionate guidance, Brown-Jensen Funeral Home in Manteno, IL is here to help. We provide personalized funeral services, cremation, memorials, celebrations of life, veteran services, and pre-planning with dignity and care. Visit https://www.brownfuneralhomemanteno.com/ or call (815) 468-8241. Please like, share & follow our page.

07/08/2026

Donald John Eck, of Peotone, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 26, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Harry and Melba (Johnson) Eck.

Donald graduated from Bloom High School with the Class of 1960. He dedicated his career...

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07/06/2026

William “Bill” Joseph Murphy of Mokena, Illinois, formerly of Manteno and Thornton, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 29, 2026, at the age of 89.
Bill was born on August 15, 1936, at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to Edwin and Catherine (Coyle) Murphy. On August 30,...

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06/22/2026

Mark V. Guimond, 71, of Manteno, Illinois, passed away on June 12, 2026.

Born on October 19, 1954, in Kankakee, Illinois, Mark was the son of Virgil Guimond and Catherine (Boyd) Guimond. He dedicated much of his life to farming and was known for his independence and love of the outdoors.

Mark...

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06/18/2026

Paula J. Hampton, 75,of Manteno, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 23, 1950, in Lewis County, Kentucky to Paul and Jewell Teager. On October 26, 1968, she married the love of her life, Ernie Hampton, and together they shared many years of...

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06/15/2026

Janine Ann Bartling,74, of Manteno, formerly of Richton Park, Illinois, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Born on December 4, 1951, in Macomb, Illinois, Janine lived a life devoted to faith, family, education, and service to others. On July 27, 1974, she married the love of her life,...

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