Mission

Vitalize growth across the greater Watseka community

Vision

Support the preservation, protection and restoration of historic structures in the greater Watseka area from the threat of neglect, obsolescence and the pressures of a modern society. To achieve this mission WCR will support, encourage, inform and educate the public of the architectural significance, history and heritage of the greater Watseka area.

Our Values

Respect

Integrity

Stewardship

Learning

Diversity

501(c)(3) Status

In August, 2024, a small group of community members with a shared vision to preserve and revitalize the Opera House came together during a time of uncertainty regarding the fate of this historic building. As conversations about the Opera House intensified, more citizens joined the mission to breathe new life into the once-beloved venue. Our diverse team sought assistance from the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, which provided us with valuable resources to start collecting donations for various projects, including the urgent task of filing for our 501(c)(3) status. As of December, Watseka Community Renewal has successfully filed for its 501(c)(3) status and continues to fundraise and operate. We were thrilled to obtain our nonprofit status in late December.

Our Team

Randy Muller

Randy is a lifelong resident of Watseka. Construction was his lifetime career. He
was a business owner and developer for over 30 years specializing in building
custom homes and offering affordable rental housing. He was very involved in
Watseka sports growing up, and went on to be involved in youth sports and
always cheering on WCHS athletics. He views the Stephens Bros. Opera House as
the cornerstone of our community. He is committed to revitalizing Watseka’s
downtown.

Juanita Muller

Juanita is a lifelong resident of lroquois County and has been an active member of the community for over 35 years. She has served on numerous boards including the Chamber of Commerce, City Beautification, and as Chair of the Downtown Retail Committee, among others. Alongside her husband Randy, Juanita has been a business owner and developer for 30 years specializing in building custom homes and offering affordable rental housing. She is deeply committed to preserving the beauty and heritage of Watseka, lllinois.

Pat Warren

Pat Warren has a background in software, implementing financial systems for Fortune 500 companies. She began working originally in music and theater on Broadway and touring throughout the US and Canada. In retirement, Pat worked in administration at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, FL. She has always had a deep affinity for historic homes and architecture leading her to get involved in revitalizing and growing the Watseka area.

John Donohue

John is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years experience. He is an ardent advocate for the revitalization of historic buildings in Watseka and the surrounding communities. His background consists of having owned multiple businesses, manager for an International Import Company, commercial banking, sales and community volunteer.

John Whitman-Brito

Watseka native John Whitman-Brito, the owner of the historic Roff Home, is well-known for tackling seemingly insurmountable projects. Once in disrepair, the Roff Home has been restored to its former glory thanks to his dedication and hard work. With a background in marketing and communications, along with extensive involvement in Sugar Creek Symphony and Song, John is deeply committed to revitalizing Watseka through initiatives like the Stephens Bro’s Opera House.

Catherine Williams

Growing up in an area where her family had lived since immigrating to the United States and in a house with several heirlooms, Catherine developed an appreciation for “old” things. Living in Europe for a few years impressed on her the care other countries take in preserving, adapting, and renovating their buildings for future generations. She has now lived in the Watseka area for almost fifty years, volunteered at the Iroquois County Historical Society for over fourteen years after retiring from teaching, and hopes to help preserve some local history for the future.

Helen Gerber

Although not a native of Watseka, Helen has called Watseka her home for the last 45 years, raising her children, Latitia (Ortiz) Brown and Christopher Brown here. Following careers of teaching school and owning her own business, her time is presently spent as a member of Kiwanis (having served as secretary for 13 years), a member of the Watseka First United Methodist Church, a singer in the Irq Co. Cantata, managing her Iowa farm, and a member of The Watseka Rocks. Her interest in Watseka Community Renewal stems from a love of historic architecture, appreciating the detail and intricacies of buildings designed and constructed prior to the 1900s.

Christopher Canady

Christopher, a Watseka native, cultivated a passion for health, wellness, and the great outdoors from a young age. These interests have enabled him to travel across the country and establish a health and wellness business with his partner, Angelina, in Watseka. His aim to help others improve their well-being resonates with the community's longevity. His dedication to serving the community is exemplified through Watseka Community Renewal.

Suzanne Canady

Suzanne has been a dedicated resident of Watseka for her entire life and has successfully owned various businesses over the past six decades. She has operated a janitorial supply company and, in her retirement, runs a beloved local antique shop. In addition to her collection of primitive items, she volunteers her time in the community, working to unite many individuals who share the common goal of helping Watseka flourish.

Kathy Bechely

As a new resident of Watseka, Kathy has fondly visited family in the area for many years. Treasuring the memories of dining at the Iroquois Café and attending family gatherings at the Iroquois Courthouse Museum back in 1994, though she does miss the daily grain prices. Her professional journey involves developing global markets for plant-based sweeteners and specialty starches across various industries. She have acquired valuable experience as an international customer service representative for an Illinois-based industrial sewing machinery manufacturer, and most recently, she served as an office manager and audiologist assistant in northwest Indiana.

Diane Gagnon

Diane is a fourth-generation resident of the Watseka area. With a passion for history and preserving the past, she has dedicated ten years as a volunteer at the Iroquois County Historical Society. Additionally, she has contributed her time to several organizations and has played a key role in organizing fundraisers.

Donna Bedeker

Donna, a proud Watseka native, has called this area home for over 57 years. Her professional background encompasses Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, and Transportation. Post-retirement, she is actively engaged in local organizations, volunteering her time to give back. With a deep-rooted love for Watseka, she is committed to seeing the downtown revitalized.

Angelina Pacheco

Angelina relocated to Watseka from Arizona a few years ago to embark on a new venture with her partner, Christopher Canady, after successfully facilitating the sale of a prominent specialty food retailer. Her background in specialty foods, food science, sales, and marketing paved her way to becoming a Director of Talent & Development in her industry. Shortly after settling in Watseka, she and Christopher launched a small business at the Downtown Watseka Farmers Market, and within a year, they began to develop a brick-and-mortar location. With experience in experience-based retail and destinations, along with involvement in historical societies and districts, Angelina resonated with the vision of re-imagining and revitalizing small-town America; Watseka. Now, as a new mother in Watseka, she is dedicated to doing her part in turning the town into a welcoming place where her daughter and other families can visit, enjoy, and eventually call home.