Deborah Pepping: October 11, 1957 ~ December 14, 2025

Deborah Pepping, 68, of Geneseo, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo. Cremation rites have been requested, and no services are to be held. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family. In lieu of a memorial or flowers for Debbie, the family would like you to perform an act of kindness in her remembrance if you wish.

Deborah was born on October 11, 1957, in Moline, IL. She was the daughter of Donald L. and Yvonne R. (Lannoo) Hamer. She met the love of her life, Daniel J. Pepping, on June 17, 1977. Three days after they met, he asked her to marry him. They were married July 1, 1978, in East Moline, IL. He preceded her in death on November 4, 2020, after 42 years, 4 months, and 3 days of marriage.

Debbie graduated from Moline High School in 1975 and from Black Hawk College in 1977 with an Associate’s in Business Administrative Secretarial. She also attended Black Hawk College for early childhood education studies. She attended Northern Illinois for educable mentally handicapped studies.

Debbie had various jobs over the years. She worked as a secretary at the Moline Board of Education with the work/study program at Moline High School. She worked as a stenographer/secretary at Black Hawk College and Northern Illinois University’s financial aid office. She was a personal secretary/stenographer to the manager of the claims department at Modern Woodman of America. She was a preschool teacher for 10 years. Debbie and Dan were caregivers to Debbie’s grandmother in their home for over two years. She last worked for 24 years at Geneseo Walmart as Department Manager, having to retire with disabilities in 2015.

Debbie enjoyed reading, going to the library, music, movies, spending time with her sister Cathie, and going to Fest for Beatles Fans held in Chicago each year with her husband Dan. Debbie and Dan loved going to the Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier, record album shopping, antiquing, visiting Barnes and Noble, and weekend getaways to Chicago, Iowa City, and Amana.

Her greatest joy in life was being Dan’s wife and babysitting her nephews and niece when they were little, and watching them grow into beautiful, caring, and successful adults who love the Lord.

Debbie is survived by her sister, caregiver and best friend, Catherine (Scott) Stinson; brother, Don (Vicki) Hamer; nephews, David and Joshua (Kaylee) Stinson and Matthew (Megan) Hamer; niece Megan (Daniel) Cruz Berrerra; 3 great-nieces; and one great-nephew.

Those who preceded her in death are her loving, devoted husband of over 42 years, Dan; parents, Donald L. and Yvonne R. (Lannoo) Hamer; grandparents, Mary and Gerard Lannoo and Helen and Harry Hamer.

In Debbie’s words, “It has been a wonderful journey - Thank you for being in my life.”

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

Dan and Debbie are together again.

Joanne “Jo” M. Bennett: November 22, 1946 ~ December 15, 2025

Joanne “Jo” Marie Bennett, 79, of Geneseo, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Allure of Geneseo.  She passed away days after celebrating her 79th birthday with her family.  Per the family’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and no services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, in care of Amanda Skiff, PO Box 298244, Wasilla, AK  99629.

Joanne Swanson Bennett was born on November 22, 1946, in Geneseo, Illinois, to Paul and Lois (Stahl) Swanson. Her early years were filled with training ponies, playing trumpet in the high school marching band, and helping with her brothers and sisters on the family farm.  She was a member of the Rough Riders 4-H club and showed horses for several years at the Henry County Fair in Cambridge, IL.  Joanne was the second-born of nine children to Paul and Lois (Stahl) Swanson, both of Geneseo.  She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1964 and attended Western Illinois University.  After her academic years, she became a Professional Horse Trainer and worked at several renowned horse farms.  She married Ray W. Bennett, a farmer from Verona, IL, on June 7th, 1980, and they celebrated their 45th anniversary this year.  In April of 1981, they had a daughter, Amanda R. Skiff, of Wasilla, AK.  Wanting to raise their daughter amongst the mountains out west, they moved to Bigfork, Montana, in the early '80s.  Joanne had also been diagnosed with M.S. in 1979, and her doctors suggested that a climate change may help her health.  Once in MT, she continued working for many ranches, training horses and managing barns.  One of her favorites was a Norwegian Fjord horse property.  Her beloved Arabian gelding, Pizzazz, fondly called "Pizza", became her most-loved companion.  Joanne, Pizza, and their carriage did many special events, countless weddings, Santa Claus arrivals, giving rides at the local senior center, and all of the local parades.  Joanne and her family were long-time Bigfork Elves, decorating the town every Christmas and giving sleigh rides downtown for more than a decade.  Pizza was even invited to be in a Christmas show on stage in the Bigfork Playhouse.  Two different local artists did oil paintings of them downtown Bigfork and turned the images into prints and popular Christmas cards.  Joanne was proud to tell everyone that her and Pizza were once featured in Sunset magazine.  When Pizzazz passed, his obituary was published in the Bigfork Eagle newspaper.  After Joanne retired from training horses, she managed Half Moon Ranch Supply in Columbia Falls, MT.  In 2010, Ray and Joanne decided to live in their 5th wheel full-time, taking life on the road.  Since their daughter Amanda and her husband, Todd Skiff, live in Alaska, they spent many summers driving north to spend time with them.  They enjoyed the Alaskan summers, being camp hosts, and spending time with their one beloved grandchild, Hadley Skiff.  They spent their winters in Arizona, visiting friends and family along the way.  "Jo" kept herself busy in the last few years painting rocks and cheering on the University of Montana Grizzly football team.  She will be missed greatly, but we know she is resting peacefully, and we will carry her in our hearts forever.  

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Ray Bennett of Geneseo; daughter, Amanda (Todd) Skiff of Wasilla, AK; granddaughter, Hadley Skiff of Wasilla, AK; siblings, Barb (Bob) Kuhns of Geneseo, Allen (Rose) Swanson of Silvis, Virginia (Jerry) Klavohn of Geneseo, John (Sally) Swanson of Geneseo, Sue (Ron) Holevoet of Carlyle, IL, Kay (Tom) Conroy of Chassahowitzka, FL, Gregg (Marcia) Swanson of Geneseo, and Merri Lu Swanson of Geneseo; and several nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Lois Swanson.

Marian M. (Price) VanOrmer: July 11, 1932 ~ Monday, December 15, 2025

Marian Mae (Price) VanOrmer, 93, of East Moline, IL, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis Silvis Medical Center. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson. Reverend S. Stephen Engelbrecht will officiate. A memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes and Crematory - Atkinson Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Marian was born July 11, 1932, the daughter of Mel and Mae (Burklund) Lievens, in Moline, IL. She graduated from Atkinson High School in 1951. She retired from Case IH, but continued to work as a waitress at The Deck, along with sorting corn at Wyffels in the fall with her friends. Marian married Marvin Price, then later Glenn Ivan VanOrmer. Both Marvin and Glenn preceded her in death. Her hobbies included playing bingo, euchre, listening to country music, dancing, and visiting the casino.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Michelle (Mike) Sexton of Iowa City, Iowa, Kristi (Ron) Yeggy of Riverside, IA, and Todd Price of Davenport, IA; grandchildren, Shawn Sexton, Dylan (Katie) Reed, Jake Yeggy, and Chelsea (Jeremy) Wrage; great-grandchildren, Leighton Wrage, Emersyn Wrage, Reese Wrage, and Charlie Reed; and sister, Louise (Richard) Jackson of Mendota, IL. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, Mel and Mae Lievens; and husbands, Marvin Price and Glenn VanOrmer.

Sharon Griffin: January 20, 1947 ~ December 6, 2025

Sharon Griffin, 78, of Geneseo, IL passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Liberty Village in Geneseo, IL. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Geneseo. Father Daniel Gifford will officiate. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home and Crematory from 5 – 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  

Sharon was born on January 20, 1947, in Kewanee, IL, the daughter of Rene and Anez (Franck) Emmerson. She was a graduate of Western Illinois University. She was very proud of her farming heritage with memories of horseback riding with her father and playing softball with her multitude of cousins during family celebrations. She later enjoyed displaying her softball skills in the women’s leagues in Geneseo. Sharon began her work career as a dental hygienist and then went back to college to earn her degree in elementary education. She was employed by Carbon Cliff school district. Sharon organized and was the first librarian of Eagle Ridge School in Silvis, Illinois. She was very proud of the many gardens surrounding her house. She especially enjoyed playing piano with her grandchildren. As a member of St Malachys Church, she was trained by the diocese to assist those seeking marriage annulments providing expertise and compassion. In retirement, Sharon enjoyed spending winter months on the Gulf Coast, kayaking the rivers of northeast Iowa, and entertaining her grandchildren at her cabin. She enjoyed traveling, visiting Europe, Africa and Israel. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Stan Griffin; children, Brenn (Julianna) DeBlick, Anne (John) Speer, Joanna (fiancé Garrett) Neumann; brother Steve (Sue) Emmerson; sister, Shirley (Sam) Hurt; grandchildren, Emmerson, Elanor, Ellaine, Sally, Ryker and Vance. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rene and Anez Emmerson.  

The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and nurses’ aides at Liberty Village Memory Care of Geneseo for their love and compassion given to Sharon during her last year of life.

Reverend William O. Smith: June 11, 1931 ~ December 5, 2025

In the early morning hours of December 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, Reverend William O. Smith, 94, completed his earthly journey and went home to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Kingswood Church, 302 N. State St., Geneseo, IL 61254. The service will be officiated by Reverend Dr. Christopher Ritter. Visitation will be at the church from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the William Smith Memorial Fund. 

Born into the humble beginnings of a farmhouse in Pontiac, Illinois, on June 11, 1931, to Logan Smith and Mary Ellis, William grew to become a man whose life was defined by an unwavering faith and generous hands.  

A graduate of the Class of 1955 at Olivet Nazarene College, William answered the call to ministry and dedicated his life to shepherding others. For 38 years, he served as a faithful pastor in the Church of the Nazarene, guiding congregations across the Midwest, from Pierson, Iowa, to Peoria and East Moline, Illinois; through Ottumwa and Sioux City, Iowa; and finally, to Frankfort, Kentucky. Even in retirement, his heart for service never rested; he continued to preach the gospel, traveled for the Nazarene Publishing House selling books, and gave a decade of hard work to Farm & Fleet. He also loved repairing small engines and buying and reselling boats, always providing a deal to help people out. He was known for giving back in selfless, honorable ways.  

But William knew that God’s presence was not confined to the walls of a church building. He found his sanctuary outdoors, in the quiet of the woods and the stillness of the water. An avid hunter, fisherman, and cook, he cherished a tradition that spanned over half a century: his annual pilgrimage to a cabin in Brainerd, Minnesota. What began as a retreat for pastors blossomed into a beloved family legacy, a time to boat, fish, and admire God’s country surrounded by the people he loved most. It was on the water that William cultivated what became known as his ministry of fish. He served God by serving others, taking great care to catch, clean, and deliver fresh filets to those who could no longer cast a line themselves, especially family, friends, and those in need. Though he preached countless sermons, many will remember him best for these quiet acts of compassion, his steady encouragement, and the practical way he fed both body and spirit.  

Above all, William was a man devoted to his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Charlotte Smith, whom he married on December 22, 1951, in Pontiac, Illinois; this December 22nd would have been their 74th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a life founded on faith and deep affection. William's absence will be monumental, and his prayers at family gatherings and holidays will be forever missed. His legacy lives on through the generations he adored: his children, David (Judy) Smith, Timothy, Charlene (Tom) DeKezel, and Todd; his grandchildren, Zachary (Jessica) Smith, Courtney (Adam) Benke, Ryan Elliott, Logan Smith, Jason Franklin, Brian Tate, and Stephanie Tate; and his great grandchildren, Bennett, Brennan Benke, and Sage Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Wilma, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Logan and Mary Smith; his son, Reverend David Smith; his daughter-in-law, Joy Smith; and his siblings, Darrell, Barbara, and Thomas Smith.

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Carla L. Franz: June 4, 1948 ~ December 4, 2025

Carla L. Franz, 77, of Geneseo, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Clarissa Cook Hospice House, Davenport, IA.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Kingswood Church, Geneseo.  Reverend Dr. Chris Ritter will officiate.  The visitation will be at the church from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to the Henry County Animal Shelter – Geneseo, 14606 Roos Hill Road, Geneseo, IL, 61254; Kingswood Church, 302 N. State Street, Geneseo, IL, 61254; and the Susan G. Komen Foundation via their website at www.komen.org.   

Born on June 4, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Carla was the beloved daughter of Carl and Margaret “Margie” (Hite) Krawic.  

A proud member of Evergreen Park High School’s Class of 1967, Carla began her life’s greatest adventure shortly after graduation when she married her sweetheart, Martin Franz, on June 10, 1967. Together they built a beautiful life until Martin preceded her in death on April 21, 2023. She was employed as a photo retoucher for John Franks, a secretary for Klavohn Furniture, and a sales associate at Village Home Store. 

Carla was a faithful and longtime member of Kingswood Church and an enthusiastic participant in the Henry County Photo Group. Her joys were many and simple: the wind in her hair while boating, warm sand beneath her feet on faraway beaches, the quiet creativity of art, the laughter-filled kitchen where she baked alongside friends and family, the fellowship of morning Bible study, and the proud cheers she offered at every game, recital, and milestone of her adored grandchildren. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, the heart of her world.  

Carla’s gentle spirit, generous heart, and radiant smile will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Marty (Katy) Franz of Homewood, CA, Cheryl Hanger of Silvis, IL, and Julie (Josh) Boone of Geneseo, IL; grandchildren, Chris Franz, Kaylee Hanger, Kyle Hanger, Brook Hanger, Payton Boone, Ashton Boone, Everly Boone, and Chloe Boone; and sister, Kathleen (Ray) Grochowski of Vero Beach, FL. 

Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Margaret Krawic; stepdad, Chester Clausen; beloved husband, Martin Franz; sister-in-law, Sue Andermann; brother-in-law, Paul Andermann; niece, Shelly Wilson Busca; and nephew, Clint Wilson.

Linda Lou Lievens: May 12, 1951 ~ December 2, 2025

Linda Lou Lievens, 74, of Geneseo, IL, passed away on December 2, 2025, at her home in Geneseo, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Vandemore Funeral Home and Crematory – Geneseo Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  

Linda was born on May 12, 1951, the daughter of Russell and Mary (VanWinkle) Brown in Pocahontas, AR. She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1969. Linda married Darrell Lievens on April 28, 1970, and spent 40 years farming together. Linda worked in the cafeteria at Cambridge High School and Geneseo High School for many years before retiring in 2020. She enjoyed working in her yard and on the farm. Linda loved watching her grandchildren and being around people, she never knew a stranger. She attended many craft shows and was always throwing parties at her home. These parties were so well known and so large that they could have been parades. Linda was an active member of the Cambridge Lutheran Church.  

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Kathie McKoon of Geneseo, IL, Kristie (Brian) Mannon of Kewanee, IL, and Kevin (Tracy Vinavich) Lievens of Geneseo, IL; brother, Charles (Dorothy) Brown of Geneseo, IL; brother in law, Kenny Atwell of Geneseo, IL; grandchildren, Sarah (Josh) Dilman, Trenton (Hannah) Lievens, Justin Mannon, Hannah McKoon, and Haylie McKoon; great grandchildren, Aleta and Blakely Lievens. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Russell and Mary; and sister Genendal Atwell.

Tony Figurin: June 14, 1935 ~ November 30, 2025

Tony Figurin, 90, of Sheffield, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Woodridge Supportive Living, Geneseo.  A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel.  Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate.  The memorial visitation will be before the memorial service, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to the Mineral Fire Department and the Tampico Fire & Rescue Squad. 

Tony was born on June 14, 1935, in LaSalle, Illinois, the son of Stephanie Figurin. In 1961, Tony married Bernadine Crawford at a service held in Edington, IL.  She preceded him in death on August 27, 2021.  He worked at John Deere for many years until his retirement. He enjoyed gardening, collecting toy tractors, and following the Chicago Cubs. Tony was a longtime member of New Bedford Christian Church and faithfully served as Treasurer of Gold Township. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Roger (Lynn) Figurin; daughter, Denise (Mark) Axel; grandchildren, Erica (Zach) Leigh, Adam (Katie) Figurin, Emma (Jacob) Axel, Anna (Tom) Leznet, Adam (Amanda) Axel; eight great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Ken) Iverson; and many nieces and nephews. 

Tony was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bernadine Figurin. 

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Woodridge Supportive Living – Geneseo for their dedication and wonderful care shown to Tony and his family.  It was greatly noticed and appreciated.

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Gabriel G. Hansen: August 18, 2005 ~ November 20, 2025

Gabriel Garrett Hansen, 20, of Geneseo, Illinois, left this world far too soon on November 20, 2025, while proudly serving his country on active duty with the United States Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 12:30pm at the First Congregational Church, Geneseo. A memorial visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at First Congregational Church, Geneseo.  Inurnment services will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Thursday, December 4, 2025.  Military rites will be accorded.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family.  Memorials may be directed to the family. 

Born August 18, 2005, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Charles Hansen and Rebecca Milan-Hansen, Gabe was a bright light from the very beginning. He graduated from Geneseo High School in 2023, earned his Airman’s wings after completing Basic Military Training in April 2024, and took up his post at Shaw AFB that September—full of purpose and excited for the adventure ahead. 

Gabe lived life wide open. He could spend an entire day on the water with a fishing rod in hand, lose hours to a good video game, or cranked the music with no genre being off-limits. The beach was his happy place, firearms were his passion, and time with family and friends was never long enough. His quick wit and contagious laugh left a permanent mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. 

Gabe’s twenty years were brief, but the love he gave and the memories he created will echo for a lifetime. 

He is deeply missed and forever loved by his mother, Rebecca Milan-Hansen (Burlington, IA); his father, Charles Hansen; his brothers Elijah Hansen, Adam Hansen, Hunter Hansen (Burlington, IA), Heath Milan (Galesburg, IL), and Michael Milan (Davenport, IA); his sisters Eva Hansen and Hailey Sedgwick; his grandparents Richard and Darlene Bliesener (Burlington, IA); and a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces. 

Waiting to welcome him home were his grandmother, Susan Alice Hansen, and his maternal great-grandparents.

Dr. Charles A. Lo Giudice: September 5, 1946 ~ November 27, 2025

Charles A. Lo Giudice, 79, of Geneseo, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo.  A visitation will be held from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo.  Father Daniel Gifford will officiate.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Military honors will be accorded by the Geneseo VFW.  The visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to St. Malachy Catholic Church and the American Cancer Society. 

Charles was born on September 5, 1946, to Frank J. and Mafalda R. (DeVirgilio) Lo Giudice in Albany, NY. He attended St. Teresa of Avila parish grade school and junior high school, Albany, NY, from kindergarten through ninth grade.  He attended Vincentian Institute High School, Albany, his sophomore and junior years.  His family moved to Geneseo during the summer of 1963.  Charles graduated from Geneseo High School in 1964.  Charles was an avid golfer and played on his school golf teams in Albany and Geneseo.  Charles won the Richmond tournament in the Championship Flight at Geneseo Country Club in 1986, 1990, 1991, and 1997, the Geneseo Country Club Sweet 16 in 1987 and 1989, and the Geneseo Country Club Spring Handicap.  Charles had his only hole-in-one at Oakwood Country Club.  He attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign from 1964 through 1967.  In 1967, he earned an early admission to the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in Chicago.  After his sophomore year of dental school, Charles married Mary Louise Oberle, daughter of Howard and Mabel Greenwood Oberle.  Mary is also a graduate of Geneseo High School and is a graduate of the University of Illinois.   

Charles is survived by his loving wife Mary Lo Giudice; two daughters, Teresa Lo Giudice of Rolling Meadows, IL and Jennifer (Peter) Jin of Winfield, IL; two grandchildren, Andrew and Carissa Jin of Winfield, IL; two brothers, Joseph Lo Giudice of Geneseo and Michael (Carolyn) Lo Giudice of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; sister, Dr. Rosemary Lo Giudice of Yorkville, IL; and several nieces and nephews. 

Charles graduated in the top ten percent of his dental class in 1971.  He enlisted in the Army at the beginning of his freshman year in dental school. His tour of duty began with an internship in 1971 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he served as an Army dentist.  He was then assigned to Fort Wolters, Texas.  He finished his enlistment at Fort Hood, Texas.  After his discharge from the Army Dental Corps in 1974, Charles opened his dental practice in Geneseo, IL, and practiced in Geneseo until his retirement on July 29, 2022.  Charles was a member of St. Malachy Parish in Geneseo, serving on the Parish Council, the Holy Name Society, and as an EMHC and lector commentator.  Charles was a past president of the St. Malachy School Parents’ Club.  He also served on the board of Directors of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and was president in 2000.  He was a life member of the Illinois State Dental Society and president of the Rock Island District Dental Society in 2008-2009.  Charles was a member of the Geneseo Rotary Club, serving as president in 1998-1999.  Charles also served two terms on the Henry County Board of Health, was a member of the Hammond Henry Hospital Dental Staff, and was the staff dentist at Good Samaritan Center.  Charles was also a member of the Jaycees of Geneseo until he became an “exhausted rooster”. 

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mafalda Lo Giudice.

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Joan H. Crider: December 28, 1934 ~ November 26, 2025

Joan H. Crider, 90, of Geneseo, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  The family will gather for a private burial to be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Joan Crider Memorial Fund. 

Joan was born on December 28, 1934, the daughter of John and Ruth (Atwell) Gierhart, in Geneseo, IL.  She graduated from Geneseo High School, class of 1952.  On March 14, 1953, Joan married William M. “Sonny” Crider at the Naval Base Chapel in Monterey, CA.  She was employed at Farmer’s National Bank, starting as a teller and working her way up to being a loan officer, a position she held until her retirement.  Joan’s hobbies included reading, playing bingo and bunko, going on various trips, and going to the casino.  She especially loved spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and a member of the church circle group. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving children, Michael (Brenda) Crider of Geneseo, and Sheri (Mike) Lindsey of Geneseo; grandchildren, Ashley (Michael) Smith, Angela (Chris Elliott) Crider, Jason Perkins, Felicia (Brian) Tegeler, Eric Lindsey, Sam (Kiera) Palmer; and great-grandchildren, London, Luxi, Jaxx, Rusti, Adi, Charlotte, Baylor, Ruthie, Aiden, Dean, Walker, Jozie, Charley, and PJ. 

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Gierhart; her loving husband, William “Sonny” Crider; infant daughter, Jacqueline Crider; daughter, Pam Palmer; and sister, Frances Gierhart.

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Elizabeth Erdman: December 23, 1925 ~ October 27, 2025

Elizabeth Erdman, 99, of Geneseo, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Geneseo.  Reverend Stephen Mueller will officiate.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Memorials may be directed to Concordia Lutheran Church, 316 S. Oakwood Avenue, Geneseo, IL, 61254, and the Alzheimer’s Association of America (https://donorservices.alz.org). 

Born December 23, 1925, Geneseo, Illinois, to Karl and Anna (Raschke) Kane.  Elizabeth grew up rooted in the values of faith, family, and community. A proud graduate of Geneseo High School, class of 1943.  She married Stanley Erdman, also of Geneseo, building a life together until his passing preceded her own. 

Elizabeth’s kitchen was the heart of every holiday and family gathering, where her remarkable cooking brought generations together in laughter and warmth. She cherished outings with loved ones—simple joys like ice cream runs or supper at the Airport restaurant—and delighted in adventures near and far, from the Henry County Fair to travels that broadened her world. The visits from her great-nieces and nephews filled her home with youthful energy she treasured deeply. 

Her contributions to Geneseo were many: she assisted men registering for the draft in 1942, was a dedicated employee at Belanger Farm Equipment for decades, Photographic Arts Studio, the Blue & White Ice Cream Store, and faithfully taught Sunday school. A lifelong member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Elizabeth lived her strong faith with quiet courage, instilling resilience and kindness in her family. 

Elizabeth is survived by a legacy of love in her extended family and the countless lives she touched.  Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Mark Erdman of Geneseo; nieces, Cyndee (Michael) Marciniak of Darien, IL, Marcia Treinen of Geneseo, IL; nephews, Jim (Barbara) Kane of Peoria, IL, Jerry (Marjorie) Kane of Crofton, MD; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Karl and Anna Kane; brothers, Arthur and Maurice Kane; and her beloved husband, Stanley Erdman.

Ann Marie Shoemaker: May 1, 1936 ~ October 30, 2025

Ann Marie Shoemaker, 89, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Southgate Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Metropolis, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., before the funeral service.  Interment will be at Rosedale Cemetery in Cambridge, Illinois. 

Ann was born May 1, 1936, in Wareham, Massachusetts, to Gerald V. and Hannah (Potter) Robery. She graduated from Wareham High School in 1954.  Ann married Thomas Willard Shoemaker on December 19, 1955. They were married for 68 years. He passed away in January 2023, preceding her in death. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, two brothers, and an infant grandson (Benjamin Shoemaker). 

Ann loved to travel with her husband, Tom. Her favorite trips were cruises to Greece and to Hawaii. No matter where she was, she always considered Cape Cod her home. Her greatest joy in life was being a grandma and great-grandma. 

Surviving are her two children: Patricia (Tony) Thompson and Tom Shoemaker Jr.; seven grandchildren: Darin (Nancy) Thompson, Trevor (Kathy) Thompson, Tyler (Kara) Thompson, Abigail Thompson, Grant Shoemaker, Gavin Shoemaker, and Maddie Barfield; six great-grandchildren: Zion, Matthew, Lucas, Lydia, Kayden, and Reagan. She is also survived by her sisters, Marjorie (Paul) Maloney and Patricia Battles, and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Borkgren

Julius C. Cocquit: December 14, 1956 ~ October 13, 2025

Julius Charles Cocquit, 68, of Geneseo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Hope Creek Nursing Home, East Moline, IL.  Cremation rites will be accorded, and a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Kingswood Church, Geneseo.  Reverend Dr. Chris Ritter will officiate.  A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel on Thursday, October 16, 2025.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Julius Cocquit Memorial Fund.  Julius requested, in his memory, that everyone that attends wear their best scrapping (work) clothes. 

Julius was born on December 14, 1956, the son of Henry and Shirley (Bailey) Cocquit, in Moline, IL.  He graduated from JD Darnall High School, class of 1975.  Julius was a farmer, auctioneer, and a scrapper.  He enjoyed spending time scrapping, looking for antiques, collecting John Deere toy tractors, and going to the sale barn.  His favorite eating establishments and food consisted of barbeque, KFC, LaRoma’s, and the Aircraft Grill.  Pepsi was not just a beverage, but a way of life! Julius’s most cherished memories were spent with family, especially with his five children. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Hannah Cocquit of Galesburg, Seth (Lindsey) Cocquit of Peoria, Regina Kappelman-May of Lebanon, TN, Juliun Cocquit of Geneseo, and Victoria (Nick Gillette) Cocquit of Nashville, TN; three grandchildren, Cora and Emmie Cocquit, and Charlie May; and siblings, Greg (Marilyn) Cocquit of New Windsor, Theresa Cocquit of Rushford, MN, Pam Jones of Coal Valley, Pat (Tina) Cocquit of Wataga, Scott (Julie) Cocquit of Geneseo, and Mike Cocquit of Geneseo, IL. 

Julius was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Shirley Cocquit; and two nephews, Nick Cocquit and Greg Cocquit, Jr.