All Obituaries

Mr. Joe A. Ramirez, 73, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 3:37 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Allure of Lake Storey in Galesburg.  He was born on July 9, 1952, to Manuel and Dominga (Valdez) Ramirez in La Mesa, TX. He was number 10 of 11 children and the youngest son. Joe’s early years were in Texas before the family relocated to North Platte, NE where he attended elementary school. His first language was Spanish learning English when he started Kindergarten. Being raised by ...

Mr. Clifford “Cliff” Borkgren, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 4:48 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Allure of Lake Storey in Galesburg, surrounded by his loved ones. Clifford was born September 28, 1937, in Geneseo, Illinois, the firstborn son of Maurice and Florence (Gradert) Borkgren. He married Anna Ruggles Lockmiller on December 7, 1996.  He was previously married to Janice Taube. He graduated from Geneseo High School and then served three years ...

Mr. Melvin Lee Purchase, 91, of Galesburg, Illinois, formerly of Alliance, Nebraska, passed away at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 28, 1934, in Ipava, Illinois, to Charles Lester and Mable Lucy (Courtney) Purchase. He married Marlene F. Hornbaker on May 17, 1957, in Avon, Illinois. She preceded him in death on June 13, 2013, after 56 years of marriage. Melvin is survived by his daughter, Rebecca “Becky” F. ...

Ronald D. Parlier, 84, of Galesburg, died at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the Knox County Nursing Home. Ron was born September 3, 1941, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Charles and Audrey Parlier Sr.  He married Erma Glasgow on October 14, 1961.  They later divorced but remained friends until her death in 2020. Ronnie and Erma were foster parents to many children over the years before having their own son, Randy. He is survived by his son, Randy (Tracy) Parlier of ...

Mr. Donald Gene “Cracker” McCracken, 85, of Abingdon, Illinois died at 9:15 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born January 11, 1941, in Abingdon, Illinois to George E. and Dora E. (Skinner) McCracken.  He married Bonnie Jean Edgar on September 20, 1963, in Cameron, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on September 12, 2024. Surviving is a son, Russell “Rusty” (and Janelle) McCracken of Galesburg, a daughter, Robin ...

Mrs. Dorothy I. Selander, 98, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 11:52 pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Settler’s Grove Assisted Living Center (formerly Courtyard Estates-Knoxville) surrounded by the comfort of a life well-lived. Dorothy was born on August 7, 1927, in Prairie City, Illinois, the daughter of J. Glenn and Gladys M. (Orwig) Calhoun. She grew up in Prairie City and graduated from Prairie City High School in 1945. Soon after, she began her working career as ...

Mr. Charles E. Hawkinson, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 5:51 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. He was born November 22, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of K. Stuart and Janet Elizabeth (Johnson) Hawkinson. He married Priscilla Hartzler on October 5, 1976, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on January 22, 2012. Surviving are two daughters, Suzanne Ryan of Yorkville, Illinois, and Stephanie Hawkinson of Galesburg; and two grandkids, ...

Dorene A. Erickson, 95, of Oneida, Illinois passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Galesburg after a series of brief illnesses. Dorene was born on January 6, 1931, to Albert and Agnes (Issacson) Fredrickson. She married Carl Erickson on February 20, 1954, at Faith Lutheran Church in Wataga and they enjoyed 71 years of marriage. Carl preceded her in death on November 24, 2025. Dorene is survived by her daughter Diane (Pete) Holmes, her sons David (Nancy) Erickson, Kevin (Michelle) ...

Mark D. Carns, 65, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 13, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center. Mark was born January 18, 1961, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Jack and Betty (Zendel) Carns. He was raised and educated in Galesburg and graduated from Galesburg High School, where he built lifelong friendships and memories. Mark is survived by his father, Jack (Clair) Carns of Galesburg; his children, Dustin Carns of Galesburg, Tommy Giron of Charleston, ...

Mrs. Oma Joyce Frye, 81, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at 3:39 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. Joyce was born June 14, 1944, in Milan, Illinois, the daughter of Solomon and Oma (nee Morgan) Brodie. She married Virgil Frye on June 30, 1962, in Monmouth, Illinois. She is survived by her loving husband, Virgil; one son, Brian (Kim) Frye of Galesburg; one daughter, Kim Petri of Galesburg; one sister, Carol Waight of Galesburg; grandchildren, Bryce ...