Obituaries

Lanark

Randall Welp, 71

Randall Welp passed away October 12th, 2021, following an extended illness.

Born on January 21, 1950, to Delmer and Wilma (Dennis) Welp, Randy grew up on a farm east of Lanark and attended Lanark High School, graduating with the class of 1968. He graduated from Northern Illinois University, lived for a time in California, and then returned to Lanark. Upon his return Randy opened a restaurant in downtown Lanark for a short while, then became a teacher for the Pearl City School District in the 80s. He was a well-respected teacher, librarian, speech coach, and theater director. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree in Communications from NIU. Randy was instrumental in beginning a speech and theater co-op with Pearl City School District and Eastland High School, providing hundreds of students from both schools with invaluable opportunities. Randy believed in the excellence of youth and knew how to extract it.

Speech Team members will fondly remember his plastic bag luggage, extra neckties for young men who showed up without them, and his absolute insistence on timeliness. All of his students (and colleagues) benefited from his accurate and abundant constructive criticism!

Randy spent his retirement traveling to the Southwest, cooking dinners for his friends as long as they didn’t dawdle after dessert. Randy enjoyed antiquing for treasures with his good friend Dean Lower, and he especially enjoyed arranging and selling these treasures in his antique shop, “The End of the Road” in Lanark.

Randy had a particular fondness for the works of Willa Cather, John Steinbeck, and Thornton Wilder, who wrote “The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” Those who knew Randy are grateful for his fairness, honesty, loyalty, and his tireless efforts in teaching and mentoring students. He had a green thumb, and despite his outwardly gruff demeanor, a good and generous heart.

Randy will be dearly missed by his good friend, and plus one, Deana Janssen; his sister, Rozalyn Rowley; and two nieces, Angela (Matt) Lydon-Strand and sons Hunter and Hudson, and Elizabeth (Josh) Rhodes and children Taylor, Tyler, and Madyson. Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Delmer and Wilma.

Winslow

Cynthia “Cindi” Gerber, 69

Cynthia “Cindi” Gerber, age 69 of Winslow, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, peacefully at her home in Winslow.

She was born December 10, 1951, in Monroe, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Stoller) Hartwig. Cindi married Gary Gerber on June 22, 1988, in Broadhead, Wisconsin. Cindi attended Monroe Schools. She worked at the Monroe Pick and Save for over 10 years.

She enjoyed travelling across the United States and seeing historical monuments and going to different Casinos, some of her favorites were Diamond Jo, Rhythm City, Wild Rose, and Isle Capri. Cindi loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing barbies, taking trips to the cave of the mounds, and going to various Zoo’s. She also loved playing games on her tablet, the colors of the fall scenery, and her cats.

Cindi is survived by her husband Gary Gerber of Winslow, IL; 3 children- Ryan (Lynda) Olson of Waunakee, WI, Brian Gerber of Beloit, WI, and Steve (Nikki) Gerber of Rock Grove, IL; 8 grandchildren- Alan, Kayla, Amber, Jesse, Chris, Misty, Darin, and Lily; father Frederick Hartwig of Monroe, WI; sisters- Lonnie (Fred) Hefty of San Diego, CA and Peggy (Gene) Boeck of Albany, WI; brothers- Rick (Cheryl) Hartwig of Browntown, WI and Richard Hartwig of Monroe, WI.

She was preceded in death by her mother and sister LuAnn.

A private family service will be held. Officiating will be Roger Bronkema. Cremation rites to be accorded.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Freeport

Joshua “Josh” Yeager-Williams 36

Joshua “Josh” Yeager-Williams, age 36, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday October 9, 2021. He was born July 20, 1985, in Freeport, IL to Tracey Williams and Larry Yeager-Kling.

Josh always liked doing landscaping and working outdoors. He was an avid sports fan and especially liked Emmitt Smith with the Dallas Cowboys, Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, the Yankees, and Florida Gators. He loved camping, fishing, and golfing. He adored his children Alexis Ann and Bentley Matthew. Josh was a kind, gentle and loving man that was probably a little misunderstood but loved much.

He is survived by his two children; Alexis and Bentley Williams of Fort Scott, KS, stepdaughter; Jasmine Lynch of Fort Scott, KS. Mother; Tracey Williams of Lena, IL, father; Larry Yeager-Kling of Fort Scott, KS. Brothers; Matthew Yeager of Lena and Jerime Kuhlmeier of Lanark. Ex-wife; Tabitha Yeager-Lynch of Fort Scott, Ks. Grandmother; Elaine Williams of Lena. Many aunts, uncles, favorite cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather; Creighton Williams, grandparents; Donald and Jeanette Yeager. Best friend; Michael Althafer.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday October 30, 2021, at the Cedarville United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Gary Rich.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.