Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home

10/22/2026

Beverly Jean Blesch, age 88 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home.
A memorial service in her honor will be held at 5:00 PM, Friday, November 13, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Pastor Tom Kosat will officiate.
Beverly was born on October 4, 1938, in Rocky River, OH to the late Christian and Madge Madeline (Price) Schurman. She married William Robert Blesch on November 11, 1967, in Columbus, OH. She is survived by her three children: Christopher J. Blesch and wife Melinda of Rochester Hils, MI, Elizabeth J. de Janes of Norcross, GA, Katherine R. Ray and husband Douglas of Mattoon, IL; and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, John Schurman; and one sister, Joan Kmetz.
Beverly worked as a medical secretary for the office of Dr. William Blesch, where she devoted many years of service. In her free time, she enjoyed playing Bridge, bowling, knitting, and golfing at the Mattoon Golf and Country Club.
Beverly had a talent for cooking and took great pride in preparing delicious homemade meals for family and friends. From beef stroganoff and prime rib to Yorkshire pudding and homemade rolls, she brought creativity and love to her cooking while preserving the cherished tradition of home-cooked meals. Her warmth and care were reflected in the meals she prepared, and the memories shared around her table.
She will be...

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10/21/2026

Make your wishes clear before your family has to wonder. Preplanning at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home ensures your arrangements reflect your values. Talk with Owner and Funeral Director Greg Jerdan today by calling (217) 234-8828.

10/20/2026

David Lee Rankin, age 79, of Mattoon, IL passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
A Memorial service in his honor will be held at 12:00 PM, Monday, October 26, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Pastor Ian Stamps will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow in Cochran's Grove Cemetery in Windsor, IL with Military Rites conducted by Mattoon VFW Post 4325. The visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.
David was born on December 10, 1946, to the late Donald Earl and Wandalee (Latch) Rankin in Decatur, IL. He married Cheryl Lynn Crean on October 28, 1994, in Paducah, KY; she survives and resides in Mattoon. He is also survived by his children: Marcy Woodard and husband Charlie of Toledo, IL, Chris Rankin and wife Phyllis of Mattoon, IL, Tim Rankin and wife Christy of Mattoon, IL, Tom Rankin of Mattoon, IL; Stepson, Luke Russell of Eugene, OR; one brother, Steve Rankin and wife Susie of Shelbyville, IL; two sisters, Carolyn Ledbetter and husband George of Sullivan, IL, Beverly Williams and husband Lee of Columbus, OH; and mother-in-law, Mary Crean of Mattoon, IL; eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren and one on the way. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Matt Foltz; one granddaughter, Jaime Rankin; and father-in-law, Gene Crean
David honorably served our country during the Vietnam War in the United...

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10/19/2026

Serving veterans gives all of us at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home the opportunity to express our deepest thanks for their commitment to our country. To discover the full range of funeral benefits for veterans, call (217) 234-8828.

10/16/2026

Donna Jean Slankard, age 80, of Charleston, Illinois, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, is in charge of arrangements.
Donna was born on June 5, 1946, to the late Lewis and Grace G. (Holman) Pettit. She married Dennis R. Slankard, who survives and resides in Charleston, Illinois.
She is also survived by her beloved children, Michael L. Verchota and wife Kara of Monticello, IL, and Brandi L. Temples and husband Richard of Villa Ridge, MO; stepchildren, Bruce A. Slankard and wife Amy of Chatham, IL, Brad W. Slankard and wife Sherry of Newton, IL, and Allison M. Menke and husband David of Newton, IL; and her twelve cherished grandchildren: Katelyn G. Temples of Villa Ridge, MO, Ellie Nelson of Monticello, IL, Josie Matos and husband Jose of Tolono, IL, Cohlton Verchota of Indianapolis, IN, Andrew C. Slankard, Audrey G. Slankard, and Samantha M. Slankard, all of Chatham, IL, Ethan J. Workman of Bible Grove, IL, Garrett W. Slankard of Newton, IL, Beau A. Slankard of Ste. Marie, IL, and Brody A. Menke and Abby K. Menke, both of Newton, IL.
Donna found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved camping, taking side-by-side rides while counting deer, mushroom hunting, and relaxing on the front porch. One of her greatest joys was watching her...

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10/16/2026

If you've preplanned with another funeral home and now circumstances have changed, you can transfer it to Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home. We do everything. Call (217) 234-8828. We take care of the rest.

10/14/2026

For a room to receive friends, a chapel for life celebrations, or simply a quiet corner to reflect, you'll find it at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home. Staff members like Office Staff Member Lisa Hunt are here to guide you. For more on our facilities, call (217) 234-8828.

10/12/2026

Stephen J. Scherer, age 78 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at his residence.
A funeral Mass in his honor will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 320 N. 21st Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. A Rosary will be recited at 8:45 AM at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL, followed by a visitation from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at the funeral home.
Stephen was born in Mattoon, IL on May 21, 1948, to the late James Frederick and Suzanne Marie (Conlin) Scherer. He is survived by his sister, Janet L. Protz and husband Gerry of Mattoon, IL; one sister-in-law, Viki Scherer of Decatur, IL; two nieces, Anita L. Protz of Oakland, CA, Sarah Baertschi and husband Joel who are serving as missionaries in Africa; one nephew, Michael Scherer and wife Quinishai of Decatur, IL; and four great nieces. He was preceded in death by one brother, Doug Scherer.
Stephen proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon, IL, and worked as a bartender, where he had the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. He also generously volunteered his time at the Coles County Animal Shelter, showing his care and compassion for animals in need.
Stephen will be remembered for his service, his kindness, and the...

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10/12/2026

After a direct cremation, some family members may wonder when the grieving will end. Including essential moments of closure, like a visitation and celebration of life, can make a difference. For cremation options, call Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home at (217) 234-8828 and speak with Owner and Funeral Director Greg Jerdan.

10/09/2026

Preplanning your own funeral puts the choices for your end-of-life care in your hands. Don't leave your family wondering if you would have approved of their decisions. Meet with Owner and Funeral Director Greg Jerdan about preplanning at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home. Call (217) 234-8828.