Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home

Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home We are a funeral home serving Pontiac, Odell, and the surrounding communities. Take a virtual tour of our facility - https://goo.gl/maps/ohorQ851Zns

08/19/2026

Emma Beth Snyder of Wenona passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at 3:24 a.m. at Morris Hospital in Morris, IL.

A private service will be held at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home with Pastor Nick Sandeno officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Pontiac.

Emma was born on August 10, 2026 in Morris to Andrew William and Corynn Beth Snyder. They survive in Wenona. Also surviving are her big brother Nathan Snyder of Wenona; grandparents Mark (Amy) Aubry of Streator; Gordon (Cindy) Snyder of Odell; great grandparents Ronald (Shirley) Carpenter of Streator; Mary Ruth Aubry of Ottawa; George (Beverly) Fight of Odell; and Viola Snyder of Odell. She is also survived by two aunts, Nicole (Trevor) Sancken of Pontiac and Ashleigh (Michael) Schneider of Flanagan; an uncle, Gavin (Sarah) Aubry of Marseilles; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by a cousin, Hope Sancken; and two great grandparents Carl Snyder, Sr. and Arthur Aubry.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Eric C. Johnson, 69, of Saunemin passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He was born October 3...
08/15/2026

Eric C. Johnson, 69, of Saunemin passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He was born October 31, 1956 in Pontiac, the son of Francis and Mary (Lehmann) Johnson. He married Joan Runyon on April 14, 1984 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cullom. She survives.

He is also survived by three sons, Kirk (Danielle) Johnson, Kent Johnson, and Evan (Krystal) Johnson; two grandchildren, Laken and Emalyn; and three siblings, Francis, Jr. (Joanne) Johnson, Eileen Immke, and David (Jane) Johnson. He is also survived by an aunt, Helen Million, an uncle, John Lehmann, many nieces and nephews, and his loyal companion, Oli.

Eric is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and two brothers-in-law, David Immke and Mark Runyon.

Eric was a 1974 graduate of Saunemin High School. He also graduated with an Associate’s Degree in agriculture from Kankakee Community College. He was an ag operator, consultant, and farmer, starting with Edwards Soil Service, remaining on the job until his retirement after 46 years. He served on the Saunemin School Board for 13 years, the last seven as president. He loved fishing, farming, and cooking and was especially known for his world famous potato salad. He especially enjoyed his fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada, as well as his winter travels to California, the Caribbean, and Panama, among other places. He was a true foodie, and enjoyed cheering on the Illini and the Bears. But his greatest gift he received later in life was the title of Papa given to him by his grandkids.

Funeral services will be Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac with Pastor Jerry Good officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 19th from 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Saunemin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saunemin Elementary or to PanCan (the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).

Dayton Ray Hannibal (age 5) and Deston Michael Hannibal (age 1), passed away at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in...
08/14/2026

Dayton Ray Hannibal (age 5) and Deston Michael Hannibal (age 1), passed away at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Monon, IN, on U.S. Route 421.

A service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Pontiac Bible Church. A meal will follow the service at 5:00 p.m., also at the church.

Memorials in their memory may be made to the family.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Dayton Ray was born on October 18, 2020, and Deston Michael was born on August 27, 2024, in Pontiac, IL.

They are survived by their loving parents: Vincent “Bryce” Hannibal and Jaimi T. Lind, one big brother: Daxton T. Hannibal, maternal grandparents: Patrick and Lisa Lind, paternal grandparents: Vincent and Kathy Hannibal, uncles: Jordan Lind, Gabriel Lind, Rudy (Kaylee) Hannibal and their 3 children, Michael (Jessica) LeBlanc, Joe (Catrina) LeBlanc and their 5 children, and Ivin (Casey) Hannibal, aunts: Jessica (Richard) Lind and their 2 children, Randi Clifford and her 2 children, and Destina Puryear and her child, and one great-grandmother: Gwen Hannibal.

They are preceded in death by their great-grandparents: Ivan (Edith) Fosdick, Rudy Hannibal, John (Patricia) Lind, and Bob (Linda) Brown.

Dayton and Deston were vibrant and active little boys who were always filled with endless energy. They enjoyed dirtbikes, skateboarding, and riding their bicycles. They would ride their bicycles every minute of every day until they would have to go inside, but even then, Bryce and Jaimi would have to carry Deston and his balance bike into the house together because he didn’t want to let go and stop riding. They also loved to rough house with each other and wrestle. The boys also enjoyed traveling the world in the camper with their parents and older brother. The five of them got to make unforgettable memories together while being able to see the world. Most of all, they loved spending time with their family and making memories that will forever be cherished.

Although we will never understand why their time was cut short, we have to trust in God’s big plan for them and take comfort in knowing that they are safe together in the arms of Jesus.

They will truly be missed by all of those who knew them and loved them.

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

Clifford Frederick Cole, 70, of Pontiac, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, afte...
08/13/2026

Clifford Frederick Cole, 70, of Pontiac, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, after many years of giving cancer more of a fight than it bargained for.

He was born April 27, 1956, in Fairbury, Illinois, to Marvin and Virginia (Perkins) Cole. Cliff lived in Pontiac for most of his life, with frequent trips to Colorado to visit his grandchildren, which he cherished.

He spent over 20 years in printing and graphic design at Flying Color Graphics before joining Advanced Technology Services (ATS), where he worked as a failure analyst at Caterpillar for the final years of his career.

Cliff considered himself a great raconteur. He was witty, quick with a story, and always the character in the room. He loved to fish and spend time outdoors, and he was a lifelong, devoted fan of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball. Music was a constant in his life, rock and blues playing throughout the day, always searching for something new to add to the list.

He also loved to travel, a passion that began when he was in the Boy Scouts. He loved telling the story of the time astronaut Neil Armstrong gave the scouts a shout-out from space in 1969 while flying to the moon. Road trips later in life took him to Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, and across Texas and New Mexico, deep into blues country including the legendary crossroads, along with a trip to Zion National Park with his daughter and son-in-law. But nothing compared to traveling to Akumal, Mexico, to walk his daughter down the aisle; a trip he considered one of the best.

Cliff is survived by his daughter, Brittany Robinson, and son-in-law, Taylor Robinson; his grandchildren, Oakley and Rowen Robinson; his brother, Charles (Deann) Cole; his sister, Cathy Mehrkens; and his nieces, Carla Onken and Mari Russell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Daniel (Danny) Mehrkens.

A celebration of Cliff's life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bob & Ringo's Grill, 223 W Madison St, in Pontiac. He'd want laughter more than tears - please join us in celebrating a life well lived. Come as you are and share a story or two.

Ira James “Jim” Cooper, 74, of Cornell, IL passed away on August 6th, 2026. -Jim was born March 25th, 1952 to Elsie and...
08/10/2026

Ira James “Jim” Cooper, 74, of Cornell, IL passed away on August 6th, 2026. -Jim was born March 25th, 1952 to Elsie and Ira Cooper of Odell, IL.

He and his wife of nearly 55 years, Wendy (Girard), raised their family in Cornell where she survives.

Jim was the father to daughter, Kristy (John Smith), who preceded him in death, sons Ramme (Jodi) Cooper of Leroy, IL and Andy (Erin) Cooper of Flanagan, IL.

Jim was a special grandfather to Paige, Mattie, Maci, Isaac and Cade.

He was a brother to Violet (John Harner) and Richard “Dick” Cooper, both preceding him in death and David (Linda) Cooper surviving in Charleston, IL.

Jim enjoyed many years of helping on his father’s farm, tending to his own crops and enjoyed helping others do the same. Jim had many hobbies that usually involved reviving an old treasure with an engine or something requiring a new paint job. He had a gift of patience and persistence. He enjoyed the outdoors while doing projects and farming. His love for life and helping others was known to any that knew him. Genuine gratitude to those that helped him in return. Jim loved seeing his grandkids most of all. He enjoyed attending anything they participated in and always welcomed them with a warm hug. On the rare occasion he didn’t make an event, he was sure to advise others to “give them a hug for him”. Dad - we will be sure to give plenty of hugs for you.

Memorials to be given to OSF Home Health or OSF Hospice.

Private burial services are planned.

Valerie Therese Branz, 63, of Cornell passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloom...
08/06/2026

Valerie Therese Branz, 63, of Cornell passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. She was born March 25, 1963 in Oak Park, the daughter of George and Virginia (Synal) Evans. She married John Branz on January 24, 2020 in Pontiac. He survives.

Also surviving are her mother of Joliet; three children, Joshua (Patricia) Evans, Sarah (Jake) Willock, and Tabetha (John) Cox; seven grandchildren, Payton, Jaxon, Evan, Carter, Brayden, Colin, and Kolin; and a great grandchild Ivy. She is also survived by three sisters, Christina Hughes, Karyn Evans, and Carole (Ken) Cates; her stepfather Bob Lousher; her uncle Joseph Synal; and nieces and nephews, James, Joey, Christian, Nick, Matthew, Violet, Brett, and Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Valerie graduated from Joliet East High School, and worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections in Dwight and Pontiac until her retirement. She loved to read and enjoyed spending time with her family and dogs. She was also known as quite a green thumb around her garden.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday evening, August 14th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society.

Gail A. Hinshaw, age 68, of Cornell, IL, passed away at 10:25 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at home, surrounded by he...
07/27/2026

Gail A. Hinshaw, age 68, of Cornell, IL, passed away at 10:25 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials in Gail’s memory may be made to Livingston County Humane Society.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is entrusted with her arrangements.

Gail was born on December 20, 1957, in Pontiac, IL, to William “Bill” McCarter and Angela (Biava) McCarter. She was married to the love of her life, Timothy “Tim” Hinshaw, for over 40 years. He survives in Cornell, IL.

Other survivors include her daughter: Alexsis “Lexsie” Hinshaw of Cornell, IL; grandchildren: Kyra, Monte, Willow, and Nash; one brother: Larry McCarter; and her dog: Scarlett.

She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter: Heather Johnson, her parents, and two sisters: Carol and Diana.

Gail attended Reddick High School. She worked at Jones Country Gardens for 24 years.

Gail had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening and planting flowers. She had a special place in her heart for animals. She was known to help feed and take care of any animal in need. She also enjoyed riding the Harley with her husband before his health declined. She was a feisty woman who had a big heart. Above all, Gail loved being a Gammy to her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing trucks with Nash and hanging out with Willow. She enjoyed spending quality time with her loving husband, and her best friend and daughter, Lexsie.

Gail made countless unforgettable memories with her family that will now forever be remembered and cherished by them.

She will truly be missed by all of those who knew her and loved her.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date in August.

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

Richard W. “Dick” Sargent, 78, of Pontiac, passed away at his home on July 14, 2026. Dick, also known as “Sarg” was bor...
07/24/2026

Richard W. “Dick” Sargent, 78, of Pontiac, passed away at his home on July 14, 2026. Dick, also known as “Sarg” was born in Pomeroy, OH on September 27, 1947, the son of Doyle & Nellie Sargent.

Dick came to Pontiac to work for the water company. Later, he embarked on a second career as the Head Custodian for St. Mary’s Church & School in Pontiac, where students and staff quickly became his family.

Dick enjoyed his early morning coffee group, the monthly lunches of St. Mary’s retirees, visiting with his neighbors and friends, and his cats.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 5 at 10am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Pontiac, with cremation burial immediately following at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Fr. David Sabel will officiate.

Dorothy “Dottie” Gschwendtner, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, ...
07/23/2026

Dorothy “Dottie” Gschwendtner, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, IL.
Dottie is survived by her children, Denny "Goose" (Kyra) Gschwendtner of Pontiac, IL, Dan (Sara) Gschwendtner of Pontiac, IL, Dee Dee (David) Stine of Danvers, IL, Dawn (Matt) Dewald of Pontiac, IL, and Doug "Digger" (Tiffany) Gschwendtner of Atlanta, GA; her sisters, Sharon Hamilton and Terry Stone; her brother Richard Beck; her 13 grandchildren, Luke, Logan (Jess), Lani, Grace (Cyler), Max, Connor, Blake, Abby, Emma, Jake, Morgan, Sam, and Beck; her 2 great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Layla.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Denis E. Gschwendtner; daughter-in-law Sara Gschwendtner; parents Ray and Dorothy Beck; brothers Ronald “Butch” Beck and Phil Beck; sisters Harriet Cochran and Shirley Wakey.
Dottie was a secretary at Winston Churchill College in Pontiac. She then went on to become an in-home daycare provider and later spent many years as the secretary at Washington Elementary School in Pontiac.
Dottie’s pride and joy was being a farm wife. She loved to cook, especially when it was for her family. Her holiday candies and red cupcakes were family favorites. Dottie could often be seen in the bleachers watching her children and later her grandchildren in all their sporting events. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Pontiac Indians fan.
Services for Dottie will begin on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at First United Methodist Church of Pontiac, with a visitation from 4pm-7pm. Services will continue the following day at First United Methodist Church of Pontiac with the funeral service beginning at 11am. Dottie will be laid to rest at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Pontiac Township High School Sports Boosters and Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research would be appreciated.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dottie’s caretakers, the nursing staff at Evenglow Lodge, and Dr. Leonard Verhagen who provided such wonderful care.

07/23/2026

James E. Rynning, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Karen (nee Lorance) Rynning; his daughter Lora Rynning; his daughter-in-law Jami Rynning; his grandson, Anthony Black; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Eileen (nee Anderson) Rynning; his son James Rynning Jr.; and his brothers Charles Rynning and Robert Rynning.
James enjoyed toying with model trains, coin collecting, and going camping.
Per James’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, no services are planned at this time.

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Pontiac, IL
61764

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