Community News Brief

01/09/2026

Virginia “Ginny” Hocker, 95, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away peacefully at The Elms in Macomb on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 6:45 p m., surrounded by her loving family.

Born February 1, 1930, in Macomb, she was the daughter of Charles C. and Bessie V. Cline Mesick. Ginny grew up in Macomb, attended local schools, and graduated from Macomb High School. She married Larry Hocker on October 2, 1968, in Macomb.

Ginny worked at Fleetwood Trailer Factory, Newberry’s, and Haeger Lamp Factory. She was deeply involved with the Macomb VFW Post 1921 Auxiliary, where she served as President and held numerous other roles over the years. Many will remember her as the heart of the VFW kitchen and banquet hall, where she became locally “famous” for her pies and her unwavering dedication.

She loved bowling and traveling for bowling trips with family and friends, and she rarely missed a chance to cheer from the stands—whether at the ballfields or in the gym—supporting the athletes she loved.

Ginny is survived by her children Rhonda Hoyt of Macomb and David Hocker (Cassie Slater) of Macomb; stepdaughter Cheryl Wilson-McClerren of Auburn, IL; and her grandchildren: Mike (Sue) Herrick, Mark Herrick, Tawni (Chris) Holland, Charolette Herrick (Mike Childers), Jeff (Becky) Hoyt, Lynn Hoyt, Kendall Hocker (Lynn Stewart), and Mackenzie (Ashten) Arnaud. She also leaves behind four step-grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, six step–great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and numerous “bonus children,” including a special nephew, Todd.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry; her daughter, Collen Kimble-Herrick; three brothers; and three sisters.

A celebration of life will be held on January 31, 2026, at the Macomb VFW Post 1921 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Family gathering from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded, and burial will take place at a later date. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Macomb VFW Post 1921 Auxiliary, an organization Ginny served with pride and love.

Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com

01/08/2026

Andrew Reudien Bugg, age 62, of Huntingburg, Indiana and formerly of Macomb, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
He was born on January 11, 1963 in Peoria, Illinois to Richard R. and Marilyn J. Drawve Bugg.
He is survived by one sister, Anne Whitney (Robert) Mathias of Huntingburg, Indiana, one nephew; Corey Mathias of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and one aunt; Laveta Busker of Sarasota, Florida, .
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Christopher Mathias.
He was on the swim team and played the trumpet in Band throughout Junior High and High School. He was in the Macomb Senior High School graduating class of 1981. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan all of his life. Andy was an organ doner and saved at least 2 lives with the selfless donation of his organs.
He drove for Hirschbach Motor Lines as an OTR truck driver with his constant companion, Zeus, his dog, who he lovingly often referred to as his son.
Family will meet with friends on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Clugston- Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb. Private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb.

01/08/2026

Kathryn Sue John, 69, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away at 9:57 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Illinois.

She was born July 2, 1956, in Macomb, Illinois, to Gene and Barbara (Matthews) Wilson. Sue married Clarence D. John on December 22, 1978, in Macomb, Illinois, and he survives.

Also surviving are her daughter, Andrea Sue (Aron) Akers of Liberty, Illinois; her beloved granddaughters, Maylee and Mallory Akers; her brother, Steve Wilson of Macomb, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Sue was a 1974 graduate of Macomb High School. She was employed for several years at Western Illinois Credit Union and later worked as an intake clerk for the surgery department at McDonough District Hospital.

Sue was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling with her husband, Clarence. She came from a large extended family and cherished time spent with loved ones. Her greatest joy in life was being “Nana,” and she loved her granddaughters with her whole heart.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at The Crossing Church, with Pastor Kaleb Greenlief officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Macomb Fire Rescue Squad or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at

01/07/2026

William Jean (Bill) Meriwether Jr. was born November 22, 1928 in Hire Township, McDonough County, Illinois to William J. and Ferne (Grigsby) Meriwether. He attended Willow Grove school and graduated from Blandinsville High School in 1946. He married Rosalyn Harl on June 6, 1954 in Colusa, Ill. She preceded him in death on January 12, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Judy Bell, one sister Luan Meriwether, and one brother Jim Meriwether. He is survived by son Dennis and daughter Susanne both of Arlington, Texas, sister Carolyn Kempher and sister-in-law Sherry Meriwether both of Blandinsville, and many nieces and nephews.
He was a proud veteran of the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, farmed in the Blandinsville area for thirty years, and retired from NTN Bower Roller Bearing in 1991 after over twenty two years. He also worked as a crop hail adjuster during the summer for several years. He was involved in numerous organizations; American Legion Post 424 (Past Commander), the Laharpe Masonic Lodge (Past Master), Macomb Order of Easter Star (Past Patron), Quincy Consistory, Military Tract Lodge #145 IOOF, McDonough County Retired Teachers, the USAF 798th AC&W Radar Squadron Alumni, and the Blandinsville Christian Church.
He was a collector of many things including farm toys, antique kerosene lanterns, and pottery. He created many craft items from wood including Christmas Trees and birdhouses. And he had a knack for wheelin' & dealin' just about anything, cars, machinery, tools, you name it.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Masonic services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Blandinsville Christian Church followed by a Memorial service at the church with Reverend A. Lee Unger officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Blandinsville Christian Church, Blandinsville-Hire Library or the Blandinsville-Hire Rescue Squad.
Graveside burial of ashes will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 at Glade City Cemetery with Reverend A. Lee Unger officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Macomb American Legion and Macomb VFW.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Blandinsville is in charge of arrangements.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.

01/07/2026

Harold Lee “Andy” Anderson, 100, passed away Monday, Jan. 5, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Bloomington, where he had recently moved to be near his daughter. Born on June 11, 1925, in Monmouth, he was the seventh of Robert and Grace Dean Anderson’s eight children.
Harold graduated from Good Hope High School in 1943. He married Twila Askew on Nov. 28, 1948, at Good Hope United Methodist Church. She passed away in 2007.
A lifelong farmer, Harold worked with his son until he was in his 90s. He was a member of Roseville Masonic Lodge and, later, Bushnell Masonic Lodge for a total of 79 years. While raising his children, he taught Sunday school and served on the Roseville School Board. Then he served on the McDonough Power Cooperative Board of Directors for several years. He attended Swan Creek United Methodist Church.
Harold is survived by his daughter and her husband, Phyllis and Dave Adelsberger, Bloomington; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Gina Anderson, Good Hope; grandchildren Leah (Tim) Latham and their son, Atlas, Los Angeles; Dale (Ali) Bend, Bloomington; Collin Anderson, Indianapolis; Maren Anderson, Tampa; Sally Anderson, Ames, Iowa; and sister Lois Bycroft, Rock Island.
Besides his wife, Harold was preceded in death by six siblings: LaVerna Faeth, Grace Schramm; Roberta Kleinkopf, Vivian Spalding, Dale Anderson and Kenneth Anderson. The graveside service for Harold Anderson will be 3 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026 at Good Hope Cemetery with Pastor Melly Momo officiating. There will be no visitation.
The family has chosen Swan Creek United Methodist Church or Bushnell Masonic Lodge for memorial donations in honor of Harold.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.

01/01/2026

William R. Buchholz Obituary
William R. Buchholz, 94, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away at 9:55 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. He was born July 1, 1931, in Aledo, Illinois, to Robert and Wilma Buchholz. He was united in marriage to Marlene Carmack on April 26, 1958, in Macomb, Illinois. She preceded him in death on May 4, 2018.

Surviving are his three sons: Michael (Nancy) Buchholz of Macomb, Illinois; Gerald Buchholz of Downing, Missouri; and Terrance Buchholz of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a
grandson.

William proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps.

He spent most of his working life as a tool and die maker, employed by M & H Auto Supply and Illinois Electric Porcelain, and later retired after 26 years of service with NTN-Bower.

William was a member of the Macomb Elks Lodge 1009 and the Macomb American Legion Post 6. He was an avid fisherman who especially enjoyed traveling to Canada for fishing trips—54 trips to be exact.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home. There will be no services. Memorial contributions are suggested to Boy Scout Troop 315, MDH Hospice, and Wesley Village Health Care Center. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.

Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home in Macomb, Illinois provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and t... Learn More

12/31/2025

Shirley Anne Martin, 68, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. She was born on February 20, 1957, in Avon, Illinois, to Charles and Lola (Singleton) Gillette. She married James R. Martin II on January 31, 1976, at the Bushnell United Methodist Church, and would have celebrated their 50th anniversary on January 31, 2026; he survives.

Also surviving are her mother, Lola Gillette; three daughters, Nichole (Tony) Donaldson of Bushnell, Heidi (Blake) Grafton of Bartonville, Illinois, and Rachel (Nathan) Hyde of Bushnell; nine grandchildren, Tyler and Abbey Donaldson, Fiona and Annabelle Grafton, Ethan and Emma Hyde, Ben Cleveland, and Brady and Alivia Martin; and three siblings, Marge Singleton of Bushnell, Bess (Greg) Riesselman of Lincoln, Illinois, and Andy Gillette of Bushnell.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Gillette; a son, James Martin; and brothers, Chuck and Bill Gillette.

Shirley devoted many years to caring for her home while raising her children and later worked in the bakery at Walmart. She enjoyed making Christmas wreaths, collecting teddy bears and bells, and bowling in the Bushnell league. In recent months, she found comfort watching the birds and squirrels outside her window. Shirley was often described as one of the strongest people others had ever known. She looked forward to girls’ weekend trips with her daughters, loved baking, and was known for a special family noodle recipe cherished by all. Above all, Shirley’s family came first. She took great pride in being a devoted mother and grandmother and treasured every moment spent with those she loved.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Martin-Hollis Funeral Home, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Rev. Bob Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Prairie City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bushnell VFW Post 1422 Auxiliary or to Linda’s Fund. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.

12/31/2025

No Publications January 4-9,
Obit and Death NOTICES
We will be publishing all obituaries that come in from this afternoon through January 9th, here on our page and on our website until we resume publications on January 13th, where all obituaries will run in full. Thank you for your understanding...Happy New Year1

12/31/2025

We appreciate our subscribers, readers and supporters so very much. Thank you for your continued support. Have a safe New Year's Eve!

** *Reminder ... We're taking a little post-holiday break! The Brief and Community Market - Macomb, IL be closed Jan. 1-11, but we'll be back Jan. 12! Our first issue of the year will be in mailboxes and stores Jan. 2, and we'll be back with the news Jan. 13 (and at the Market for your Jan. 12).

With grateful hearts ... thank you for your incredible support throughout 2025. Your encouragement and support mean more than words can say. We are truly grateful and look forward to serving you in 2026.

*Reminder ... the Community Market and Community News Brief is on a little post-holiday break. We'll be closed Jan. 1-11, but we'll be back Jan. 12 for your shopping needs at the Market and all your news at the Community News Brief Jan. 13.

12/31/2025

Be sure to read Friday's edition of the Community News Brief for Part 2 of the Year in Review!

The Community News Brief is a locally owned newspaper that is published 3x/week consisting of local news, featues, obituaries, events and more in and around Macomb and McDonough County

12/31/2025

The co-op will begin renting the former Enchanted Florist building, across the street from Chandler Park at 212 N. Lafayette St., beginning in February.

The Community News Brief is a locally owned newspaper that is published 3x/week consisting of local news, featues, obituaries, events and more in and around Macomb and McDonough County

12/31/2025

New Businesses Bring Variety, Increased Sales Tax to County

The Community News Brief is a locally owned newspaper that is published 3x/week consisting of local news, featues, obituaries, events and more in and around Macomb and McDonough County