Knapp Funeral Homes

10/21/2026

Elbert “Wes” Knight III, 66, of Hoopeston passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026 at his residence. He was born on February 10, 1960 in Opelika, AL, a son of Sue McCray and Elbert W. Knight II. Wes married Rhonda Rudin on December 20, 1985 in Plano, Texas.

Surviving are his wife, Rhonda Knig...

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10/20/2026

Debora Jean Franklin, 68, of Sheldon passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. She was born on June 22, 1958 in Clifton, a daughter of Gary Lee Berns and Carole Ann (Breeden) Harms. Debora married Roger E. Franklin on April 23, 1977 in Ashkum and he preceded he...

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10/19/2026

Patsy A. England, 72, of Hoopeston passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at her home. She was born on February 3, 1954 in Hart County, Kentucky, a daughter of James H. and Dorothy (Moulden) Atwell. Patsy married Jimmy L. England on September 20, 1974 in Milford at the Christian Church and he prece...

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10/19/2026

Mary Jerrine “Jerry” Jacoby, 97 of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and formerly of Watseka passed away on Friday October 16, 2026 at Nspire Healthcare in Plantation, FL. She was born on January 26, 1929 in Crawfordsville, IN a daughter of Frank W. and Enid L. (Greene) Jack. Jerry married Hugh Wayne Jacoby in Cra...

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10/19/2026

John David Kanosky, age 72, passed away at home on hospice on October 10, 2026, leaving behind a wonderful sense of humor. He passed away with his children and sister by his side.

Born in Watseka, Illinois, on October 21, 1953, John was the third child of seven born to Joseph Kanosky and Ma...

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10/17/2026

Bruce A. Peters, 82, of Scottsdale, AZ and a native of Clifton, IL passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at his home in Watseka. He was born on January 29, 1944 in Kankakee, the son of Bernard J. and Marjorie J. (Valencourt) Peters. He married Diana Tonelli in 1969 and she preceded him in passin...

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10/16/2026

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Kenneth Louis Hansen—known affectionately to most as Kenny.

A devoted father, step-father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Kenny passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 86 in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by the warmth of his ...

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10/16/2026

Dolores R. Rizza of Milford, IL passed away on October 7th, 2026, her 83rd birthday.

To honor her wishes there were no services.

The family is being assisted by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Dolores at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

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10/15/2026

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and while everyone experiences it differently, the five stages of grief—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance—offer a helpful framework for understanding the emotions that follow loss.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, these stages can help individuals recognize and process their feelings:

-Denial: A natural defense mechanism that helps cushion the immediate shock.
-Anger: A response to the pain, often directed at circumstances, others, or even ourselves.
-Bargaining: The mind's way of trying to regain control—often filled with "what if" thoughts.
-Depression: A deep sadness as the reality of the loss sets in.
-Acceptance: Not about “getting over it,” but learning to live with the loss and move forward.

It’s important to note that these stages are not linear—everyone grieves differently, and that’s okay.

If you or someone you know is experiencing grief, know that support is available. You're not alone.

Read more from Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/5-stages-of-grief-coping-with-the-loss-of-a-loved-one?fbclid=IwY2xjawU7k71leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVhlUmRjdTI1dkc5RE5XME9zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeEY_p8jib4ePEPM8ywHDUoNMFJpM65jy4Z3Y6YYvSulRg4oWlN8LjBF68asM_aem_JRiNBNNQo9TFDTsZtYkY2g

10/13/2026

Karlene J. Bucksteeg, 88, of Gilman passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Gilman Healthcare in Gilman. She was born on June 8, 1938 in Chicago, a daughter of Karl and Wilma (Noll) Bucksteeg. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; along with two sisters, Lois Morris and Willie Schunke...

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