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Obituaries of Wynne Carter and Ronald Thompson
February 6, 1942 — April 20, 2022
Charles Winston “Wynne” Carter, 80, died the morning of April 20, 2022, at his home in Hanna City, Ill., surrounded by family.
He was born February 6, 1942, in Dunlap, Ill., to Aune (Wainio) and Carl Woodrow “Woody” Carter. Wynne graduated from Dunlap High School where he excelled in sports and was offered full-ride football scholarships to a variety of colleges. However, he opted to serve his country as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, Screaming Eagles. On June 29, 1962, Wynne married the love of his life, Marilyn (Willis) Carter. Marilyn survives.
Also surviving are his four daughters, Wendy (Curt) Kooken of Peoria, Charla Dixon of Hanna City, Jennifer (Tyrone) Redd of Bloomington, and Kristi (James) Stephens of Hanna City; five brothers, Donald (Shela) Carter of Oklahoma, Gail Carter of Princeville, Jerry (Loree) Carter of Bartonville, Kevin (Mary) Carter of Dunlap, and Mike (Kim) Carter of Dunlap; 12 grandchildren, Kathryn (Jeremy) Creasy, Liz Evans, Charlie Sparks, Kelly (Jake) Nehls, Melody Genusa (Zane Steadman), Raya Redd, Cort Dixon, Kalin Redd, Seth (Kennedy) Stephens, Hailey Stephens, Leah Stephens, Grey Kooken; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, extended family, and countless friends.
After the military, Wynne became a carpenter in 1965, and he called it the best career in the world. He worked as a foreman for V Jobst & Sons and was president of Carpenters Local #183 (now #237), from 1976 to 1984. In 1984, he took his life savings, and with five partners, started River City Construction Company, where he served as owner and vice president. Wynne was a hard worker and an inspiring leader. He enjoyed working alongside others and was passionate about helping others reach their potential. He retired in 2005.
Wynne was a member of Charter Oak Bible Church, and he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. It was important to Wynne to share his faith with others, and people often looked forward to hearing him play guitar and sing with his family.
He was a farmer, an avid hunter, fisher, gardener, and outdoorsman. Making land beautiful was a passion of his. After retirement, he often boasted about his successful days at the “office,” posting his catch of the day. Over the years, he had many fishing buddies, but his favorite was Marilyn, even if he had to take her fish off the hook. He volunteered to help others on numerous building projects. He was a larger than life figure to all who knew him. The stories are endless and everyone has a Wynne story to tell. He will always be remembered by those who loved him for his selflessness, generosity, humor, and strength.
Visitation was held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Bible Church, 2200 W. Nebraska Ave., Peoria, IL 61604. The funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 25, 2022, also at the church, with Pastor Roger Larson officiated.
November 17, 1938 — April 28, 2022
Ronald L. Thompson, 83, of Morton, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice in Peoria.
He was born on November 17, 1938, in Chicago, Ill., to David and Eleanor (Bader) Thompson. He married Carol Hess in Morton, Ill., on December 17, 1961.
Surviving are his wife, Carol Thompson of Morton; two sons, Brett (Katie) Thompson of Washington, Ill. and Craig (Jodi) Thompson of Charlotte, N.C.; one grandson, Trevor Thompson of Fishers, Ind.; and one brother, Dave (Ellen) Thompson of Peoria.
Ron graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb. He taught math, physics and chemistry at New Holland-Middletown High School and Lincoln College. He then worked 33 years for Caterpillar, Inc., retiring in 1998 as a systems analyst.
Ron owned and operated Canoes Etc. from his home. He always said he was “the largest canoe and kayak dealer in the city of Morton”.
Ron was an avid outdoorsman. He and his wife Carol enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states.
Ron attended Morton United Methodist Church.
Cremation rites were accorded. A Celebration of Life sharing was held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, with Pastor Bill Novak officiated. The family greeted friends and loved ones immediately following the service, where hors d'oeuvres and refreshments were served.