WESTFALL GENEALOGYMy Childhood Memories-Page 9a
Chapter 15-My Classmates & Other Fieldon, Otter Creek Township, and Jersey County, IL Families (Continued)
The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Janet Sue (Nichels) Freand.
Janet Sue Freand, 63, formerly of Jerseyville, died at 11:25 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, at Skaggs Health Center in Branson. She was born Aug. 21, 1943, in Rosedale, Ill., to Leslie E. and Mary L. (Fryman) Nickels. She married Carl Freand on Sept. 29, 1962, in Jerseyville. He survives. A jewelry distributor in Branson, she retired in 2006. She was a member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary in Jerseyville and past member of the Otterville Baptist Church and State Street Baptist Church. In addition to her husband, survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Susan Freand of Brighton and Leslie Freand of Hollister, Mo.; two daughters, Carla Norris and Karen Freand, both of Hollister; three grandsons, Jacob Norris and Kyle and Ethan Freand; her mother, Mary L. Nickels of Jerseyville; three sisters, Barbara Ontis of Jerseyville and Martha Hayes and Anita Nickels, both of Jacksonville, Ill.; and one brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Carla Nickels of Holiday Shores. She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Leslie David Nickels. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where the Rev. Jon Lorch will officiate at services at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2001 South Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131-3597.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Gary Bruce Allen.
REEDSTOWN -- Gary Bruce Allen, 70, of Reedstown died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, at Gundersen Health System. Sletten-McKee-Hanson Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Deron L "Peggy" (Schulte) Wolf.
Deron L "Peggy" (Schulte) Wolf, died 04-05-1984. Deron L "Peggy" Wolf, 40, of St. Louis died April 5, at St. Anthony hospital, St. Louis. Funeral Mass was held At St. Catherine Laboure Church, St. Louis with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, St. Louis. Fr Joseph Wolf was celebrant. She was born December 20, 1943 in E St. Louis and was a graduate from Jersey Community High School in 1961. Her parents are Donald Schulte, Grafton and Louise Hunter, Lepine, OR. Dorothy Schulte, Grafton is her stepmother. Other survivors are 5 bros, Donald Schulte Jr, Godfrey, Gerald Schulte, Vista, CA, Mark Phillips, Salt Lake City, UT, Billy Phillips, Provo, UT, Scott Schulte, Grafton; 4 sisters, Debra Hotz and Susan Schulte, Grafton, Celine Pankratius, Atlanta, GA, and Faith Thorne, Grass Valley, CA. Memorials may be given to Kidney Foundation.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Robert A. "Bob" Walkington.
Robert A. "Bob" Walkington, 59, died at 11:16 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002, at his residence. Born on Nov. 24, 1942, in Jerseyville, he was the son of Lindell "Buck" and Marie (Range) Walkington. On Sept. 13, 1986, he married Gayle D. (Beiser) Walkington, in Fort Collins, Colo. She survives and lives in Jerseyville. He was a self-employed photographer in Alton and served with the Jersey County Sheriff's Department from 1973 until 1986 as an investigator/deputy sheriff. A U.S. Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War, he was also a member of the Alton Eagles and tended the Delhi Baptist Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters and spouses, Sheryl and Tom Phillips and LeAnne and Richard Snider, all of Jerseyville, Beth Ann Walkington of Pacific, Mo., and Sarah Walkington of Jerseyville; three sons, Brian, Adam and Caleb Walkington, all of Jerseyville; eight grandchildren; one sister, Shirlee Palmer of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one brother, Harold Walkington of Ault, Colo; one niece and four nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Visitation will also precede services at the Delhi Baptist Church, one hour prior to service time. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Delhi Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ron Phillips officiating. Any current or former law enforcement officers that would like to be a part of an honor guard should meet at the church at 9 a.m. Burial will be at East Newbern Cemetery near Dow where the Jerseyville American Legion and VFW will conduct full military honors. Memorials may be made to an education fund for his children, care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Raymond Eakes.
Raymond Eakes, 61, died at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, at his home. A son of Opal (Ferguson) Eakes of Jerseyville and the late Milbern E. Eakes, he was born Nov. 7, 1942, in Hornbeak, Tenn. A retired employee of Illinois American Water Co. in Alton, he was a member of the Jerseyville Moose Lodge 695 and American Legion Post 126 of Alton. The 1961 graduate of Jersey Community High School was an avid horse lover and a member of the Jersey County Saddle Club and Local 553. He was an U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. In addition to his mother, surviving are a daughter, Meaghan Eakes of Godfrey; three sisters and their husbands, Patricia Loy of Delhi, Shelia and Donald Sevier of Alton and Belinda and Rick Woolsey of Delhi; six nieces and nephews, Kristi Steehlinger, Tonya Roberts, Kyle and Travis Woolsey, Stephanie Roberts and Kristopher Steehlinger; and a special friend, Belinda Daniels of Hartford. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Ron Phillips officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, with military services by American Legion Post 492. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Mylas R. Woolsey.
Mylas R. Woolsey, 56, died unexpectedly at 2:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at his residence. Born Oct. 27, 1943, in Jerseyville, a son of the late David D. Woolsey and Christina (Liles) Long Woolsey. A U.S. Army Vietnam veteran and a member of Jerseyville American Legion Post No. 492. He was currently employed at the Alton Belle Casino in the utility department and was previously employed as a pharmacy technician for Kranich Drug Store and The Prescription Shop, both in Jerseyville. Surviving is a half brother, Morris F. Long of Jerseyville. He was preceded in death by three half brothers, Floyd S. Long, Anderson Long Jr. and an infant, Donnie Long. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. today at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville with the Rev. Ed Haun officiating and where military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post No. 492 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4528, both of Jerseyville. Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Joyce A. (Bean) Staats.
Joyce A. Staats, 59, died at 1:04 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born July 3, 1943, in Alton to Hurbert Earl and Bernice Louise (Isringhausen) Bean. She married Fred C. Staats Aug. 18, 1985, at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville. He survives. A member of First Baptist Church, Women of the Moose and Jersey County Senior Citizens, she was a beautician and owner of Joyce's Set & Curl in Jerseyville. She retired in 1999. Surviving, in addition to her husband, are two daughters and their husbands, Becky and Tod Castleberry of Winchester, Ill., and Beth and Carl Elliott of White Hall; a son, Brad Staats of White Hall; seven grandchildren; a brother, Roger Bean of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and her aunts and uncles, Hilda Fowler, Alberta Beiermann, both of Jerseyville, James Isringhausen of Delhi, Leonard and Geri Isringhausen of California and Wilber and Lena Bean of Jerseyville. Her parents preceded here in death. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville and from 9 a.m. until time of services at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville. Rev. Ed Haun will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to the church.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Carolyn Sue "Kaye" (Looper) McDonald.
Carolyn Sue "Kaye" McDonald, 62, died unexpectedly at 10:02 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, at her home. Born Aug. 20, 1943, in Jerseyville, she was one of three children of Elmer O. and Minnie (Daringer) Looper. She graduated in 1961 from Jersey Community High School and later obtained her certification to become a certified nurse's aide. She enjoyed her profession and the people she cared for in their homes. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and James Hillis of Panama City Beach, Fla.; a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Sarah McDonald of Jerseyville; and a brother and sister-in-law, Elmer Leroy and Mary Ann Looper of Bunker Hill. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Sharon Looper. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where Father William Hembrow will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. In honor of her love of animals, memorials may be given to the 5A's Humane Society in Alton.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Margaret Elaine (Dierking) Davies.
Margaret Elaine (Dierking) Davies, 62, formerly of Jerseyville, died Monday, March 6, 2006, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born April 1, 1943, in Jerseyville to Nolan Ansell and Myra A. (Fitzpatrick) Dierking. She graduated from Jersey Community High School in 1961 and earned a degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Soon after graduating from college, she moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she became employed as a caseworker for the Social Security Administration. Surviving are two children, Andrea and Greg, both of California; a grandson, Lance; two sisters, Mary Scoggins of Jerseyville and Elizabeth Anne Hunter of Grafton; and three brothers, James Dierking of Pontiac, Ill., Joseph Dierking of Jerseyville and Patrick Dierking of Alton. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, John Dierking. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Graveside services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville, with Father D. Patrick Gibbons officiating. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools of Jerseyville.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, James Douglas Fessler.
James D. Fessler, 42, of Jerseyville, died at Alton Memorial hospital July 28, as a result of an explosion at Olin's East Alton plant where he had worked for 20 years. Fessler had worked all of his 20 years in the ammunitions department of Olin's Winchester group operations plant. Primer powder was being mixed at the time of the explosion. The area where the blast occurred is in the center of the Olin plant on the "primer island". Fessler had worked alone in the small wooden building which is enclosed by concrete walls. An intensive investigation is being conducted by Olin Corporation. Fessler was born April 18, 1942 in Alton, son of James H. & Mary M. (Stafford) Fessler of Dow. His survivors include his wife, Juanita E. (Hooper) Fessler whom he married June 20, 1964 in Jerseyville; 1 son, Danny; 2 daughters, Kathy and Becky Fessler, at home; his parents; 5 sisters, June Moore of Jerseyville, Margaret Bartles, Dorsey, Ruth Jacoby, Brighton, Norma Cooksey, Delavan and Evelyn Stufflebeam, Summerville, SC. 1 sister preceded him in death. Services were conducted at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Rev. R. E. George officiated and burial was in Oak Grove cemetery. Memorials may be given to Methodist children's home at Mt. Vernon.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, my cousin Virgil Harold Griffin.
Virgil Harold Griffin died at St. Johns Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. He was retired from the Union Pacific Railroad and was currently employed at Sisters of Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis as a computer software ---. Born in Fieldon he was a son of the late Charles Wesley and Anna Westfall Griffin. Surviving are a son Christopher Griffin of Jerseyville, and two daughters Anna Bailey of --- and Dawn Hillier of Aurora; seven grandchildren; a brother Harold Griffin of ---, and two sisters Eunice Kessler of --- and Geneva McClintock of ---. A brother Melvin Griffin and two sisters Norma Jean Griffin and Viola Godar preceded him in death. Visitation was set for 4 to 7 Sunday at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. The Rev. William Hembrow will celebrate a Mass at 11 Monday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville. Burial is in Grimes-Neely Cemetery west of Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, my cousin JoAnn (Westfall) Brown.
Joann Brown died June 1, 1997 at St. Francis Hospital. A daughter of Bertha Wanick Westfall of Gillespie and the late Floyd Westfall, she was born May 18, 1941 in Jersey County. She married Lyle Brown in Gillespie. He survives. In addition to her husband and mother, surviving are two sons, Dan and Diane Brown and Randy and Lisa Brown all of Gillespie; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, and a brother Floyd Westfall. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday by Father Chuck. Burial will be in Gillespie City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of ones choice.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates, Richard F. Kraushaar, the son of my mother's cousin Otto Kraushaar, who graduated from Jersey Community High School in 1958.
Richard F. Kraushaar, 58, of Michael, died Wednesday, May 13, 1998 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville after a lengthy battle with cancer and diabetes. He graduated from Jersey Community High School in 1958 and was a self-employed farmer for 30 years in Jersey, Greene, and Calhoun counties. Then he worked at Capri Sun Kraft Food in Granite City until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the St. Michael Catholic Church in Michael and Calhoun Farm Bureau in Hardin. He never met a stranger and enjoyed hunting, working, and especially farming, as well as reminiscing with acquaintances. Born January 19, 1940 in Fieldon, he was the son of the late Otto and Addie McCartney Kraushaar. He married Rita M. Sievers September 5, 1959 in Meppen and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Nancy Kraushaar of Michael; three sisters, Pat Jones of Michael, Judy Byrd of Madison County, and Mabel Dunham of Alton; uncle and aunt Tony and Rose McCartney of Wood River; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe an Clara Sievers of Hardin; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Lee Barbary and Irma Kraushaar. Visitation was held Friday at Hanks-Gubser Funeral Home in Hardin. The Funeral was conducted Saturday, May 16, 1999 at St. Norbert's Catholic Church in Hardin with Rev. Sylvano Pera, O.F.M. officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Order of Franciscan Monks or the American Cancer Society.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Robert Eugene "Stub" Devening.
Robert Eugene "Stub" Devening, 64, died at 3 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2005, at Christian Hospital Northeast in St. Louis County after a very brief battle with cancer. He was born on March 31, 1940, near Fieldon, one of two children of Ned and Ruth M. (Pruitt) Devening. After graduating from Jersey Community High School, he married the former Sharon Lane on April 4, 1959, at the Fieldon United Church of Christ, and they shared nearly 46 years together. He retired in 1994 from Laclede Steel, where he had been employed as a wire drawer for 35 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards with his buddies in Jerseyville and Roodhouse. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Red Frazier of Jerseyville; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Randy and Catherine Devening of Jerseyville, Scott Devening of Fredericksburg, Va., and Brad Devening of Herrin; six grandchildren, James and Brian Devening, Tiffany and Krystal Devening, Brittany Holmes and Korey Devening; a sister, Deloris Dahn of Jerseyville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday. The Rev. Clyde Shaw will officiate. Burial will be at Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates, Donald Russell, who attended Jersey Community High School with me.
Donald Russell, 65, died at 11:34 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2007, at his home. He was born Sept. 25, 1941, to Charles William and Anna Marie (Minard) Russell. He and the former Margaret Adams were married on Dec. 10, 1968, in Grant Town, W.Va. She died Sept. 7, 2006. Survivors include a sister, Esther Howard of Jerseyville; and three brothers and sisters-in-law, Alfred and Jean Russell, Charles and Betty Russell, all of Jerseyville, and Clarence "Pat" and Margaret Russell of Kane. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Russell; and a sister, Leona Roe. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family in care of Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home of Jerseyville.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates, Vincent Edward Heitzig, who attended Jersey Community High School with me.
Vincent Edward Heitzig, 61, died at 9:10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, at his home. He was born July 29, 1945, in Alton to Vincent and Doris Lee (Long) Heitzig. His marriage to the former Judy Hays took place on Aug. 10, 1979, in Jerseyville. She survives. He had been a farmer in Westwoods and was a member of the St. Mary's Westwoods Church, Jerseyville Moose, Knights of Columbus, Farm Bureau, and a trustee with Richwood Township. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Nannette Heitzig of Jerseyville and Holly (Heitzig) and Robert Przygoda and their sons, Nathan and Kyle, of St. Louis; two stepsons and stepdaughters-in-law, Jeff and Lisa Allgood of Girard and their children, Justin, Jarrod, Jordan and Russtin, and Steve and Kathy Allgood of Wood River and their children, Josh, Blake, Zack, Ashley and Alicia; three sisters and three brothers-in-law, Debbie (Heitzig) and Terry Drainer of Grafton, Beatrice (Heitzig) and Mike Hodge of Roanoke, Texas, Dianne (Heitzig) and Rick Bain of Grafton; one brother, Dennis Heitzig of St. Louis; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m., with a rosary at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday at the St. Mary's Westwoods Church in Fieldon. The Rev. William H. Hembrow conducted funeral services at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial was at the St. Mary's Westwoods Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Masses or Blessing Hospice of Greene County. Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Carole L. "Mickey" (Griffin) Schroeder.
Carole L. "Mickey" Schroeder, 62, died at 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2003, at Christian Hospital Northeast in St. Louis County. The daughter of the late Emmet F. "Butch" and Alma Cornelia (Halley) Griffin, she was born on Dec. 24, 1940, in Alton. On June 27, 1960, she married Edgar L. Schroeder in Jerseyville. He died Dec. 21, 1994. She graduated from Jersey Community High School with the Class of 1958. She was employed for many years at the Jerseyville Public Library and with the Jersey County Clerk's office, but most recently was associated as a real estate agent with Lois Colman-Rolando Real Estate in Jerseyville. A member of the First Baptist Church, she was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Women of the Moose, all in Jerseyville. Survivors include three children, Ellen Schroeder of Bedford, Texas, Diane (husband Rick) Blaha of Pleasant Prairie, Wisc., and Russell F. (wife Renee) Schroeder of Godfrey; three grandchildren, Tyler and Megan Schroeder and Ricky Blaha; two sisters, Alma "Peg" Phelan of Bunker Hill and Nancy "Susie" Wayman of Jerseyville; a brother, Floyd Russell Griffin of Macon, Mo.; and her father-in-law and his wife, Russell and Margaret Schroeder of Jerseyville. In addition to her parents and husband, her mother-in-law, Irene Schroeder, preceded her in death. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home (Jacoby Chapel) in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Rev. Ed Haun officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Jerseyville or to the American Heart Association.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Mildred Pearl (Kappler) Ross.
Mildred Pearl Ross, 63, died at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2004, at Alton Memorial Hospital from complications of kidney cancer, which she had battled for the past 3 1/2 months. She was born Oct. 7, 1940, in Jerseyville, to Louis Edward Kappler of Jerseyville and the late Mary Elizabeth (Robbins) Kappler. After graduating in 1958 from Jersey Community High School, she continued her education at Illinois State University in Normal for two years, studying to be a teacher. She married Rodney Ross on March 16, 1960, in Bloomington, Ill., and returned to the Carrollton area. After helping on the family farm and rearing her children, she continued her educational career at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and earned a bachelor's degree. She substituted throughout Greene County and later obtained a position with the Jersey Community Unit School District 100. She was an instructor with the Head Start Program, retiring in 2002. After her retirement, she substituted in Greene County. A member of the Jerseyville Moose Lodge, she loved to crochet, quilt and was an avid bowler, belonging to several different leagues. In addition to her husband and father, surviving are three children and their spouses, Richard and Laura Ross of Carrollton, Kenneth and Terri Ross of Auburn, and Deborah and Randy Stone of Roodhouse; 12 grandchildren; six sisters and brothers-in-law, Edith and Jessie Lester, Esther and Robert Evans, Ruth Ann McClintock, Violet and William Clendenny, and Darlene and Douglas Miller, all of Jerseyville, and Carolyn and Kenneth Plummer of Rosedale; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Ann Kappler of Pine Bluff, Ark., and David and Omok Kappler of Jerseyville; her father-in-law, Harvey Ross and his wife, Alberta, of Carrollton. Besides her mother, she was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Ethel Ross; and a brother-in-law, Lloyd McClintock. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday. Burial will be at Kane Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Kane Cemetery.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, a grandson of my mother's cousin Clarence Kraushaar, Ernest Eugene "Butch" Delp.
Ernest Eugene "Butch" Delp, 64, died at 12:32 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, in the emergecy room at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville. He was born Jan. 31, 1946, in Fieldon, one of nine children born to the late Ernest and Beulah (Kraushaar) Delp. Butch graduated in 1964 from Jersey Community High School, and was employed as a union boilermaker for many years. Later in life he became a self-employed truck driver. He loved to fish and duck hunt, and anyone who knew Butch, knew how me loved fast cars, especially corvettes and power boats.
Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Andrea and Phillip Ringhausen Jr. of Jerseyville, Wendy and Donald Kallal of Patterson, and Marissa and Jason Ontis of Alton; one granddaughter, Natalie Walsh of Jerseyville; four stepgrandchildren, Ethan Ringhausen, Elyse Ringhausen, Ricky Kallal, and Christopher Kallal; one sister, Ruth Britt of Dow; three brothers, Donald Delp of Brighton, Ronald Delp of Kimberling City, Mo., and Richard Delp of Branson, Mo. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Delp; and three sisters, Patricia Reef, Doris Woolsey, and Brenda Keffer. Visitation will be from noon until time of services at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, with The Rev. Don Stribling officiating. Burial will be private. Memorials may be given to the family in care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, a daughter of my mother's cousin, William H. Shults's daughter, Patricia Louise (Shults) Rench.
Patricia Louise Rench, 60, died at 9:10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at Jersey Community Hospital after a four-year fight with ovarian cancer. She was born Nov. 17, 1942, in Jerseyville to William H. Shults and Ethel Mae (Boomer) Shults McGowen. A 1960 graduate of Jersey Community High School, she began working at Rudolph's Department Store in Jerseyville, where she and her future husband both worked. After her marriage, she elected to stay home and care for her family. She enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, reading a book a day, and especially enjoyed decorating, a hobby that was enhanced by assisting her daughter at the Red Rooster in Jerseyville. She married James K. Rench Dec. 28, 1963, in Waterloo and they have shared and enjoyed 39 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, surviving are a daughter, Penny Rench of Jerseyville; a nephew and his wife, Robert and Bev Schneider of Jerseyville; and her mother-in-law, Lois Rench of Hillsboro. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Shirley Schneider. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. There will be no funeral services and private burial will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Jersey County Relay for Life.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Robert William Scoggins.
Robert William Scoggins, 61, died at 5:42 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004, at his home, after a 22-year battle with cancer. He was born in Jerseyville on Dec. 1, 1942, the son of Blanche (Graner) Scoggins Barber of Jerseyville and the late William David Branston Scoggins. A 1960 graduate of Jersey Community High School, he earned a bachelor of arts degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he majored in zoology. He worked for a very short time after graduation at the Alton Box Board before enlisting with the U.S. Army. He was stationed in El Paso, Texas, during the Vietnam War, where he was head of the hematology department. After discharge, he worked in the research lab for Ralston Purina in Washington, Mo., before choosing to move back to his hometown in 1972. He accepted a position with Country Companies Insurance, where he served as an agent for 18 years, retiring in 1990 due to poor health. Even though he fought cancer for the past 22 years, it never diminished his sense of humor, or his zest for life, as he continued to enjoy auctions, fishing and spending time with his children and his beloved grandchildren. In addition to his mother, he is survived by a son, David Scoggins of Jerseyville; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Mary and Kevin Scott of Fieldon, Angela and Samuel Scott of Atlanta and Deborah Scoggins of Jerseyville; and six grandchildren, Cassie, Derek, Sophia, Joshua, Lucas and Robert William. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father D. Patrick Gibbons officiating. Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Down Syndrome Association.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Jerry Lee Whitlock.
Jerry Lee Whitlock, 59, died at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Jerseyville on Dec. 15, 1944, the only child born to Pauline (Hetzel) Whitlock of Jerseyville and the late George Whitlock. After graduating in 1962 from Jersey Community High School, he entered the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years during the Vietnam War. Soon after returning home, he married the former Doris Nairn of Grafton, at the United Methodist Church in Grafton, on Feb. 17, 1968. She survives. He spent most of his adult life employed at Owens-Illinois Glass factory in Alton, attaining the position of mechanical repairman, before the plant closed. Afterwards, he dabbled in television repair work in the Grafton area. In addition to his mother and wife, survivors include two children, Andy Lee Whitlock of Grafton and Amanda Marie Whitlock of Alton; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Besides his father, his mother and father-in-law, John and Edith Nairn, preceded him in death. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Grafton American Legion will conduct military graveside rites at the Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton. Memorial gifts may be directed to the family, who will decide what charity will benefit from his memory.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Dennis Lawrence Witt.
Dennis Lawrence Witt, 55, formerly of Jerseyville, died at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, at his residence. Born Sept. 3, 1944, in Carlinville, he was a son of Charles and Betty (Schaaf) Witt, former Jerseyville and Carlinville residents, now of Alton. He was a 1962 graduate of Jersey Community High School and lived in the Alton, Godfrey area for a short time before moving to Arizona and eventually to Texas. Also surviving are two sisters, Dawn Wakeford of Camdenton, Mo. and Cheryl Strohbeck of Brighton. Visitation will be form 5 - 8 p.m. Tuesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Austin, Texas. Crawford Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Larry E. Hardwick.
Larry E. Hardwick, 56, died Saturday evening, Sept. 16, 2000, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Born July 16, 1944, in Alton, he was a son of Harvey E. and Emma B. (Evans) Hardwick. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he was employed by Mobil Chemical in Jacksonville from 1965 to 1988. He then went to work as sales manager at Liberty Olds-Cadillac before becoming manager of Spradlin Home Sales in Springfield. He enjoyed working on and restoring classic cars. He married the former Marilyn Hopper July 30, 1965, in Jerseyville. She survives in South Jacksonville. Also surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Penny Hardwick of Jacksonville and Jeffrey and Tonya Hardwick of South Jacksonville; a daughter, Lisa Hardwick of Jacksonville; five granddaughters; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Marsha and Calvin Lesher of Chino, Calif., Diana Julius and Linnea Cunningham, both of Springfield; and his mother-in-law, Edna Hopper of Jerseyville. He was preceded in death by a brother, Rodney Hardwick, a sister, Sylvia Dodd, and his father-in-law, Glenn E. Hopper. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Tuesday at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, where the family will meet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Diamond Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to South Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Squad.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Janice R. (Stevens) Voss.
Janice R. Stevens-Voss, 59, died at 5 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, at her home after a short bout with cancer. She was born July 12, 1945, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, one of five daughters of Roger and Marjorie (Calame) Stevens. After the death of her mother, her father married Gertrude OIJ Stevens, who is deceased. She married Stephen Voss Sr. on June 1, 1997, in Las Vegas. He survives. A 1963 graduate of Jersey Community High School, the vast majority of her adult life was working at the Alton Box Board and Mead Packaging at the Godfrey plant. During her career, she worked up to roto press operator, retiring in 1997 when the plant closed, after 23 years of service. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children born to her in her marriage to the late Robert Walkington; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Tom Phillips of Jerseyville; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Seaan Walkington of Jerseyville; nine grandchildren; four stepchildren and their spouses, Stephen and Dawn Voss Jr., Deborah and Hermann Maple, David and Ann Voss, all of Alton, and Jeff and Dawn Voss of Wood River; eight stepgrandchildren; one stepgreat-granddaughter; and four sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne and Jim Applegate of Naples, Fla., Mary Jane and Jim Russell of Jerseyville, Cara and Mark Cummiskey of Marietta, Ga., and Jeanne and Carl Crowe of Jacksonville, Fla. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday. Pastor Seeram Garney will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be given to the Jerseyville Public Library.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Mary Ann (Lurton) Brainerd.
Mary Ann Brainerd, 60, died peacefully at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at her home. She was born on Aug. 26, 1945, in Alton, one of seven children of William Pearl and Elizabeth Lucille (McDow) Lurton. Her marriage to Richard C. Brainerd took place Jan. 16, 1965, in Alton, and the two shared 23 years together before his death Nov. 18, 1989. A graduate of Jersey Community High School, she was part owner of Brainerd's Village Inn in Grafton, retiring after the death of her husband. The vast majority of her life was spent as a homemaker, taking care and loving her two children, taking them to and from many school events, and felt her reward was her three grandchildren, whom she loved and thought of as her world. Surviving are a son, Darren Brainerd of Dow; a daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Pat Muenstermann of Dow; three grandchildren, Breanna, Jonathan and Bethany Muenstermann; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jane and Allen Dunn of Hollister, Calif., and Alice and Charles Dodson of Godfrey; four brothers and sisters-in-law, William Lurton of Long Lake, Minn., Donald Lurton of Gaffney, S.C., Clayton and Marlene Lurton of Chicago and Robert and Donna Lurton of Carrollton. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law, Sue Lurton, who died just a few hours after her death in Long Lake. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. James Lampley will officiate. Burial will be alongside her husband at Newbern Cemetery in Dow. Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost schools in Jerseyville, where her three grandchildren are students, or to the Godfrey Church of Christ.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Thomas Joseph Lahey
Thomas Joseph Lahey, 63, died at 12:06 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Tom, one of seven children, was born on Nov. 13, 1941, in St. Louis, the son of the late Benjamin and Dorothy (Fleming) Lahey. He came from a close family and attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from Jersey Community High School. After serving overseas in Germany with the U.S. Army, he returned home and began a career with Laclede Steel Company in Alton that spanned over 30 years before his retirement. Tom was a quiet and distinguished guy and was a rabid car enthusiast, being particularly fond of in 1962 Chevrolet, his pickup, but his pride and joy was his 1966 Corvette. He never married and didn't have children of his own, but nieces and nephews considered him and a father figure and loved and respected him immensely. He is survived by two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary Ellen Lahey of Jerseyville, Carol and Joseph Nord of Carrollton; two brothers and a sister-in-law, John Lahey of Jerseyville; and Ben and Connie Lahey of Bethalto; a sister-in-law, Linda Lahey of Jerseyville; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald Lahey on Oct. 14, 1967, and Richard Lahey on April 18, 2005. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where Father William Hembrow will conduct a prayer service at 2 p.m. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father D. Patrick Gibbons officiating. Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools or the American Diabetes Association.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, David A. Weller.
David A. Weller, 57, formerly of Fieldon, died Thursday, June 5, 2003, at his home. He was born Jan. 12, 1946, in Jerseyville to Everett and Merle Weller. He married the former Edna Herder on Nov. 15, 1965. She survives. The Vietnam veteran served with the U.S. Marines from 1965 until 1967. In addition to his wife, surviving are a son, Timothy Weller of Forkland, Ala.; a daughter and son-in-law, Lydia and Shawn Lagrone of Forkland; a sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Ronald Witcher of Alton; a brother and sister-in-law, Percy and Yoshi Weller of Aberdeen, Md.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edwin and Richard Weller. The body was cremated, and private memorial services will be held later. Serenity Funeral Home of Theodore, Ala., was in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Margaret Ann "Maggie" (Brawner) Flowers.
Margaret Ann "Maggie" Flowers, 58, died unexpectedly at 1:16 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2005, at her residence. She was born on March 25, 1946, one of two daughters of the late Maurice Hume and Alvina (Snyder) Brawner. On Nov. 1, 1982, in Jerseyville, she married Richard L. Flowers and he survives. She grew up in St. Louis until her family moved to Grafton when she was a teenager and had been a resident of the area for the majority of her adult life. She was an active member of both the First Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Grafton. Besides her husband, surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Terry LaMarsh of Brussels; two sons and daughters-in-law, Edward and Heather L. Calvin, and Donald and Heather M. Calvin, all of Grafton; five grandchildren, Heather, Joseph and Elizabeth Hutchinson, Emily and Richie Calvin, and one due next month; and a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Jonathan Hayes of Jerseyville; and a very special friend, Neva "Tiny" Monroe of Grafton. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Grafton with the Rev. William Hendricks officiating. Burial will be in Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church in Grafton or the American Legion Auxiliary.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Mary Jean (Beiermann) Bushnell.
Mary Jean Bushnell, 63, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born July 12, 1944, in Fieldon, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Josephine (Kanallakan) Beiermann. She married Marlin "Bud" Bushnell on Aug. 13, 1965. He survives. She worked at Shop & Save in Alton. She loved her time with her grandchildren and trap shooting. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Brian Bushnell of Wood River; two daughters and their husbands, Rachel and Gaberial Olivas of LaMirada, Calif., and Elaine and Josh Maxeiner of Alton; four grandchildren; a sister and her husband, Evelyn and Bob Steckel of Jerseyville; and a sister-in-law, Rita Key of Roodhouse. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Cletus Beiermann. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday. Burial will follow at Carrollton City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for medical expenses. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Arthur E. Tucker's daughter and my mother Lovie (Kraushaar) Westfall's cousin Elizabeth (Kraushaar) Tucker's granddaughter, Carmen L. (Tucker) Woodring.
Carmen Louise Woodring, 64, died at 8:12 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at Willow Rose Rehabilitation and Health Care in Jerseyville after a brief illness. She was born in Jerseyville Jan. 3, 1944, the daughter of Winona (Wineland) Tucker of Jerseyville and the late Arthur "Bud" Tucker. She married Marlin "Woody" Woodring on Feb. 25, 1984, at Fieldon Baptist Church. He survives. A lifelong Jersey County resident, she graduated in 1962 from Jersey Community High School. She worked at Temple Cleaners in Alton for 16 years and later was a presser at Piasa Cleaners in Alton when it initially opened. She worked there for six years before retiring in 2006. A devoted and loyal member of the Church of the Nazarene in Jerseyville, she had a passion for children and enjoyed her participation as a Sunday school teacher and with the "Caravan Kids."
In addition to her husband and mother, surviving are four children and their spouses, Robin and Morris Booth of Fidelity, Douglas and Leanne Burgess Sr. of Brighton, Michael Burgess and his companion, Patti Bella, and Darren Burgess, all of Fidelity; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five stepchildren and their spouses, Tim and Cindy Woodring of Alabama, Tom and Cory Woodring of Colorado Springs, Colo., Terry and Laura Woodring of Jerseyville, Tina Deremiah of Blue Springs, Mo., and Steven Woodring of Jerseyville; five stepgrandchildren; and two sisters and a brother-in-law, Beth and Bob Frye of Jerseyville and Kathy Plough of Godfrey. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Burgess, on April 22, 1976, an infant son and a brother who was killed in action in Vietnam, Arthur Tucker. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until services at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. The Rev. Matthew Van Gilderr will officiate. Following the ceremony, family and friends are invited back to the Church of the Nazarene in Jerseyville for a dinner. Memorials may be made to the church.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Craig Alan Schaake.
Craig A. Schaake, 63, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in the company of family and friends. He was born in Dow on Jan. 10, 1945. Surviving are two children, Erin Greer of Valley Park, Mo., and Brian Schaake of Delhi; four grandchildren; three brothers, Louis and Eldon Schaake of Dow and Blake Schaake of Godfrey. Services are pending. St. Louis Cremation is in charge of arrangements. He will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery in St. Louis.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Sierra Sue (McEvers) Wade.
Sierra Sue Wade, 64, died unexpectedly at 10:22 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, at her residence. She was born in Great Bend Kan., July 28, 1944, the daughter of Albert Harold and Grace (Richard) McEvers. She graduated in 1962 from Jersey Community High School, and shortly thereafter married Gary Wade July 6, 1962, in Carlinville. The two have shared 46 years together and the joys of three daughters. They renewed their wedding vows again in 2000 in Las Vegas, one of their favorite vacation spots. Through their married life, the couple enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the country with Branson, Mo., also a favorite destination. They were a social couple and enjoyed their family and friends and their many meals shared at Fran and Marilyn's in Jerseyville. She worked at the Stadium Theatre in Jerseyville for 11 years, and as a clerk at Movie Mart in Jerseyville for 14 years.
Surviving are her husband Gary Wade of Jerseyville; three daughters and sons-in-law, Terri and Darin Howland, Sheryl and Don Simpson and Debbie and Mike Bader, all of Jerseyville; two granddaughters, whom she adored, Ashley Jones and Kelsey Howland; three step-grandchildren, Chris Bader and Lindsey and LaNae Simpson; a brother and sister-in-law, Burl "Lucky" and B.J. McEvers of Kane. She was preceded in death by her parents and a half brother, Robert Wyatt. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1... Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Jane Ann (Hamblen) Tuey.
Jane Ann (Hamblen) Tuey, 62, died at 2:20 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Oct. 17, 1946, in Alton, to James Theodore "Ted" and Lucille Theresa (Tonsor) Hamblen. She married Charles Eugene Tuey on July 2, 1969, at the First Baptist Church. He survives. She retired as director of Illinois Valley Child Care. She was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her grandmother, Cecelia Groppel of Jerseyville; her mother of Jerseyville; a son, Richard Eugene Tuey of Alton; five grandchildren, Trent, Tristin, Trey, Troy and Emily Tuey; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, J.J. and Cindy Hamblen of Waterloo, Ill., Greg and Linda Hamblen of Jerseyville and Gary Hamblen of Hardin; and five sisters and their husbands, Marilyn and Richard Schroeder, Martha and David Kadell and Anita and Rodney Driver, all of Jerseyville, Allison and Mike Amburg of Grafton and Lisa and Jason Shumaker of Jerseyville. Her father preceded her in death. Visitation, with a 3:45 p.m. prayer service, will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville. The Rev. William H. Hembrow will officiate. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to masses or Holy Ghost/St. Francis Schools.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Gary M. Bridges.
Gary M. Bridges, 62, died at 4:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at his home. He was born Dec. 19, 1945, in Jerseyville to William L. and Clara B. (Watts) Bridges. His marriage to the former Patricia Betz took place Nov. 4, 1967, in Alton. The U.S. Army Vietnam veteran was a route salesman for Colonial Bakery and Lewis Brothers Bakery. He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville.
In addition to his wife, survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Tracie and Rory Shires of Jerseyville; one son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Michelle Bridges of Kampsville; four grandchildren, Kallie and Katie Shires and Joshua and Audrey Bridges; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Barb Bridges of Jerseyville and Robert and Gloria Bridges of Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church with the Rev. William H. Hembrow officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery with military graveside rites by Jerseyville American Legion Post 492. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Masses.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Robert E Wiist.
Died 11-01-1963. Robert E Wiist, 24, of the Fieldon vicinity, died January 11 at the home of his parents near Fieldon. Final rites were held January 14, at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Rev H O Renkin, pastor of United Church of Christ, Fieldon, officiated and interment was in Fieldon Cemetery. He was the son of Edward & Virginia (Wheaton) Wiist, Fieldon and was born in Jersey County on March 25, 1938. He was a member of the United Church of Christ, Fieldon and Loyal order of Moose #695, Jerseyville. He was engaged in farming with his father. Surviving are his parents; his wife, Linda (Hearty) Wiist, Fieldon; 1 brother, William Wiist, Godfrey; 2 sisters, Mrs Richard Wilson, Jerseyville and Miss Marcella Wiist, Fieldon ---incomplete---
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Jeanette M. (Bell) Price.
Jeanette M. Price, 65, wife of Robert, died at 4:26 a.m. Monday, March 29, 2010, at her residence, after a battle with lung cancer. She was born in Jerseyville on Jan. 6, 1944, the daughter of the Henry H. and Tessie (Wayman) Bell. A 1962 graduate of Jersey Community High School, she married Robert H. Price on Sept. 17, 1964, at the Hope Lutheran Church in Jerseyville. During their 45 years of marriage, Jeanette was a homemaker, who loved to bowl, participating in various leagues in Jerseyville throughout the years, and was a baseball fanatic, having strong ties to the Chicago Cubs, and the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, splitting her support in football.
Surviving are her husband, Robert Price of Jerseyville; a son, Doug Price of Black Diamond, Wash.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Mark Berry of Ozark, Ark., and Melissa and Robert Freand of Jerseyville; seven grandchildren, Jay Price, Shane Price, Andrew Price, Kyle Flannigan, Garrett Freand, Kirsten Freand and Wyatt Freand; three great-grandchildren, Ethan, Gracie and Anthony. She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Tessie and Paul Beiermann; her father and stepmother, Henry and Jeanie Bell; and a grandson, Eric Price on June 16, 2004. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 1. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Geraldine Kaye "Gerry" (Heitzman) Scoggins.
Geraldine Kaye "Gerry" Scoggins, 68, died Thursday, July 28, 2011, at Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis. She was born at home in Dow on July 22, 1943, and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Tucker) Heitzman. She was raised in Dow, and as a young girl, enjoyed her duties babysitting her younger siblings. She graduated in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, and soon married Robert E. Scoggins on July 7, 1962, at the home of his parents in Jerseyville. They were residents of Jerseyville for the majority of those years, with the exception of their time in Kane, where they operated the grocery store from 1976 to 1981, as well as one in Delhi for three years from 1982 to 1985.
Surviving are her husband, Robert Scoggins of Jerseyville; three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Scoggins of Kane, Jeffrey and Sherry Scoggins of Mexico, Mo., and Paul "PJ" and Deidra Scoggins of Kane; six grandchildren, Ashley Scoggins, Jeffrey Scoggins Jr., Bradly Shaw, Jonthon Shaw, Kelsie Scoggins and Josie Scoggins; three great-grandchildren and one on the way; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty Farrell of Alton and Frances Lawliss of Denver, Joanne and Melvin Dunham of Jerseyville, Carol and Howard Grady of Grafton and Earl Sledd of Kentucky; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Maggie Heitzman; a sister, Rosemary Sledd; and brother-in-law, Kenny Farrell. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life to be conducted at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Jerseyville American Legion. Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of the arrangements.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, William H. Downey.
William H. Downey, 64, died at 10:40 a.m. Monday, Sept. 5, 2011, at Jersey Community Hospital E.R. He was born Sept. 15, 1946, in Alton, son of Ralph S. and Irene E. (Saari) Downey, now deceased. He married Bonna Sutton Jan. 21, 1983, in Jerseyville. He was manager at Jersey Farmers Elevator. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he served during the Vietnam era, 1966-1970, as staff sergeant. He was a weapons mechanic supervisor on F-100 Super Sabre and F-4 Phantom Fighter Jets. As a youth his attended Jerseyville Presbyterian Church, was a member of Jersey Community High School National Honor Society and past master counselor, Order of DeMolay. Survivors in addition to his wife, Bonna Downey, are a son, Steven and Tracy Downey of New Oxford, Penn.; stepdaughter, Jenna Hawkins of Jerseyville; stepsons, Kelly and Shon Kennedy of Jerseyville and Cody and Michelle Hawkins of Belleville; grandchildren, Victoria and Alexandria Downey, Brendan Kennedy, Dennis Hartman, Alyssa Kennedy and Nathan Hawkins; and a brother, Edward L. Downey of Jerseyville. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where service will be at 7 p.m. Military rites will be conducted by Jerseyville American Legion Post 492. The Rev. Stacy Cavanaugh will officiate. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be donations made to the Salvation Army, Grafton Food Pantry.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Sandra Kay "Sandy" (Russell) Hand.
Sandra Kay "Sandy" Hand, 67, died unexpectedly at 9:04 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Jersey Community Hospital. She was born in Jerseyville on Feb. 11, 1944, one of three children of the late Herschel L. and Mary Florence (Foster) Russell. Sandy graduated in 1962 from Jersey Community High School, and a year later married Jack L. Hand. The two married on June 15, 1963, at the home of her parents in Jerseyville, and together they shared 43 years together before his death on July 15, 2006. She was employed in numerous businesses in Jerseyville, namely Embley and Son, Sinclair Grocery, Fran and Marilyn's, and served in the Jersey County Fair Office for 32 years. She was also a Jersey County election judge, and looked forward to the "Monthly Birthday Lunches." During their married life, Sandy and Jack were very active and enjoyed participating in numerous bowling and softball leagues. She was also a "cheerleader" for her family, and rarely missed any sporting event that her children or grandchildren were participating in.
Surviving are a daughter, Cindy Tefteller of Godfrey; a son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Nancy Hand of Jerseyville; three grandchildren, J.T. Tefteller, a freshman at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., Allyson Hand and Anna Hand, both of Jerseyville; a great-granddaughter, McKenzi; a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Mary Jane Russell of Jerseyville; a brother-in-law and sister-in- law, Tom and Linda Hand of Godfrey; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Bechtold of Godfrey; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister, Shirley J. Armstrong; a nephew, Russell Armstrong; and a brother-in-law, James Hand. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27. The Rev. Barbara Alley will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the James R. Fosha Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Judith Ann Weigel.
Judith A. Weigel, 68, died at 2:08 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at her home in Godfrey. Born April 24, 1943, in Delhi, she was the daughter of Robert and Dorothy (Chappell) Weigel. She worked in the selecting department at Owens-Illinois Glass Co. in Alton. Surviving is a son, Ken Weigel of Delhi; two grandchildren; her twin brother, Jerry Weigel of Godfrey; two sisters, Barbara Meyer of Delhi and Marcella (Joseph) Hornsey of Godfrey; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Joyce Weigel; a brother, Melvin Weigel; and a sister, Wilma Calame. Visitation will be from noon until time of funeral service at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Jerome Robert "Jerry" Weigel.
Jerry R. Weigel, 70, died at 3:33 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Rosewood Care Center in Alton. Born April 24, 1943, in Delhi, he was the son of Robert and Dorothy (Chappell) Weigel. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired as a mold maker from Owens Illinois Glass in Alton. Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and two sisters, Barbara Meyer of Delhi and Marcella Hornsey (Joseph) of Godfrey. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Melvin Weigel, and one in infancy; a sister, Wilma Calame; his twin sister, Judith A. Weigel; a nephew, Royce Weigel; and a niece, Joyce Weigel. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. The Rev. Randy Butler will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Wilma Pauline "Bonnie" (Towell) Cervantes.
Wilma Pauline "Bonnie" Cervantes, 66, died at 10:12 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012, at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born in Grafton on March 26, 1946, one of eight children born to the late Ira and Alta (Wright) Towell. Bonnie graduated in 1964 from Jersey Community High School and began working at Olin Corp. for a short time prior to her marriage. She married Leonardo Cervantes on Dec. 31, 1966, at the Grafton United Methodist Church, and together they have shared 46 years together and the joys of their two children and five grandchildren. Bonnie was a loyal and devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Grafton, and was known as their "prayer warrior." She volunteered for many summer camps as a counselor, assisted with Vacation Bible School, and stepped up to help with many banquets, including the mother/daughter banquets.
Surviving are her husband, Leonardo Cervantes of Jerseyville; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Ann Cervantes of Grafton; a daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Matthew Fessler of Jerseyville; five grandchildren, Alyssa and Jordan Cervantes and Ethan, Aaron and Alexander Fessler; two sisters, Sharon Carter of Godfrey and Joyce Ingold of East Alton; and three brothers, Charles Towell, Dan Edward Towell and Jan Towell, all of Otterville, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Grover Towell; and a sister, Nancy Fairchild. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. on Friday, May 4, until time of funeral services at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Grafton, with the Rev. William Hendricks officiating. Burial will be in the Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Grafton in care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Kenneth Eugene Schmidt
Kenneth Eugene Schmidt, 65, died at 9:02 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2012, at Alton Memorial Hospital after a brave battle with cancer. He was born in Carrollton on Sept. 4, 1946, and was the son of the late Kenneth John and Vivian Eileen (Snow) Schmidt. He married Rena Gail Caldwell on June 13, 1977 in Godfrey, and they have shared nearly 35 years together. Kenny graduated in 1964 from Jersey Community High School, and soon began his employment with Olin Corp. Soon after that he was called to serve his country with the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge he returned to Olin where he worked for 43 years retiring from the Brass Mill in 2005 as a supervisor. During his spare time, he enjoyed working on his farm, fishing and hunting small game in his younger years.
Surviving are his wife; Rena Schmidt of Jerseyville, four children and their spouses; Kimberly and Brad Klopfer of Valparaiso, Ind., Christopher and Wendy Schmidt of Brighton, Michele and Dan Hatch of Omaha, Neb., and John and Leslie Schmidt of Gulfport, Miss., seven grandchildren; Jacob and Jessica Klopfer, Samantha, Dylan and Debrena Schmidt, Braxden Hatch, and Alexis Schmidt, a sister and brother-in-law; Karen and Joe Zeigler of Brighton, a brother; David and Carolyn Schmidt of Brighton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Barbara Schmidt. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites. Memorials may be given to the Jerseyville American Legion Color Guard.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Harry Stockton "Dutch" Goheen Jr.
Harry Stockton "Dutch" Goheen Jr., 70, died at 3:27 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at Jersey Community Hospital after a brief battle with multiple myeloma. He was born in Newbern on Oct. 19, 1942, the second of five children born to the late Harry Stockton and Verna (Miller) Goheen Sr. He graduated in 1962 from Jersey Community High School in Jerseyville and was well-known and respected in the auction community, where he made a career out of buying and selling. He was proud of the friendships that he made with that community, and was deeply touched by their concern and generosity. He married the former Grace Kissee on June 6, 1970, in Jerseyville, and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Tanya Engleby of Harrisburg, Denise Pruitt of Jonesboro, Stacy Goheen and Stuart Goheen, both of Springfield; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Joy Hendy of Jerseyville; and two brothers, Donald Goheen of East Alton and Terry Goheen of Cottage Hills. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Grace Lee Goheen; and an infant brother, Edward Goheen. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Graveside services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Jack Dale Bland
Jack D. Bland, 70, passed away unexpectedly at 3:30 P.M. ON August 17, 2013, at the hospital in Cottonwood, Ariz. He was the son of Robert L. and blanche L. (Heitzman) Bland. He worked at Owens Glass for 23 years until the plant closed. He then moved to Wickenburg, Ariz. and began work in January of 1984 at Benner-Nauman and was there for 29 years. He enjoyed coming back to his hometown yearly for July 4th gatherings with his family and friends and for his high school class reunions when they were held. He also enjoyed working the bingo game and fish fry at the American Legion in Wickenburg, watching NASCAR races with his brothers and going to Cardinal baseball games with his long time friend “Red Frazer. He is survived by three sons, James M., Sr. of Texas, Joseph (Britany) of Sherrils Ford, N.C., Arizona, Jason (Tracey) Bland of Peoria, Ariz.; and his companion, Carolyn Petty also of Arizona. Also surviving are four brothers, Fred (Jane) Heitzman of Dow, Ed (Linda) of Godfrey, James (Vickie) of Metropolis, Ill., and Stanley of Grafton; and five sisters, Nancy Booth of Dow, Judy (Erich) Kassler of Grafton, Roberta (Steve) Donelson of Godfrey, Shirley (Delbert) Young of Dow, and Betty Summers-Bland (Stew Reeves) of Greenfield, Ill. Five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews also survive. He leaves behind many close friends from Arizona and Illinois. His friends from Illinois: Howard Kuhlenkamp, Ronnie Lewis, and Jerry Cassidy to name a few. His friends from Arizona include Bruce and Carol, Gene (Melissa) James, Tony (Trudy) Hill and many more.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dale; his grandson, James Michael, Jr.; three brothers, Robert W. (Bill), Richard N. (Dick), and Larry E.; one sister, Irene Bland; and a nephew, Blake. Per Jack’s wishes he was cremated and a memorial service was held at the American Legion in Wickenburg, Ariz. on Thursday, Aug. 22, where he was an active member. A memorial service, with Fred Summers and Pastor David Brown officiating, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at Shirley and Delbert Young’s on West Street in Dow, Ill., for friends and family. Following the service he will be laid to rest in New Bern Cemetery with his parents. Any memorial donations in Jack’s name should be sent to American Legion 176 N Frontier St., Wickenburg, AZ 85390 per his sons wishes. A good kind man, Jack will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him very, very much. Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home will be in charge of local arrangements.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Arthur Dean Grether
Arthur Dean Grether, 72, died at 3:10 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2013 at his residence after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born in Nutwood on Sept. 30, 1941, and was the son of the late Daniel Boone & Bernice (Mallett) Grether. Dean graduated from Jersey Community High School, and had worked as a machinist at Owens-Illinois in Godfrey for many years before retiring. He married the former Marie Joann Pruitt on Dec. 23, 1961 at the Rosedale United Methodist Church, and they soon would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Surviving are his wife, Marie Grether; three daughters & sons in law, Tina & Chris Clothier of Jerseyville, Angela Ipock of Rio Rancho, NM., and DeeDee & Jerry Longley of Jerseyville; three grandsons, Richard Ipock and Zane & Hayden Longley; a sister & brother in law, Anna & Joe Herrington of Bethalto; two brothers, Francis & Ronald; and his mother in law, Marceda Cook of Fieldon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel Grether and Donald Grether. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday. Rev. Mark Myers will officiate. Burial will be in the Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Jerseyville Food Pantry.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Roger LeRoy "Cat" Vahle
Roger LeRoy "Cat" Vahle, 71, died suddenly at 5:37 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2014 from injuries sustained in a tractor accident in Jersey County. He was born on Feb. 26, 1943, one of three sons born to the late Louis O. and Lida Marie (Cunningham) Vahle Jr. A 1961 graduate of Jersey Community High School, Roger was employed as a mechanic at Jersey County Motors and Tri County FS in Jerseyville for many years, and was a successful scrap metal dealer. He took an active part in his sons lives, and coached numerous little league teams, and enjoyed racing and fixing cars, bowling and playing softball, and was a member of the Jerseyville American Legion Color Guard. He married the former Rita Drainer on Oct. 19, 1963 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and the two have shared 50 years together. Surviving are his wife, Rita Vahle of Kane; two sons, Kevin Vahle, and his fiance' Crystal Bastean of Kane and Lee Vahle of Jerseyville; five grandchildren, Lynsey Vahle, and her fiance' Jesse Pieper, Kody Vahle, Brennan Vahle, Joshua Vahle, and Alec Vahle; two brothers, Ronald Vahle & Rodney Vahle; a brother in law & sister in law, Roland & Debbie Drainer of White Hall; two sisters in law, Sue Bell of Kane and Roberta Haag of Jerseyville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father in law and mother in law, Hubert & Edna Drainer; and two brothers in law, Michael Haag and Duane Bell. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday. Rev. Wilbur Cain will officiate. Burial will be in the Drainer Addition of the Kane Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyvillle or to the Jerseyvillle American Legion Post 492 Color Guard. Memorials may be made to the Fieldon Baptist Church or Gunterman Cemetery.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Joyce D. (Murrie) Moore
JERSEYVILLE- Joyce D. Moore, 72, died at 7:00 a.m., Sunday, October 19, 2014, at the Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home. She was born in Anna, Ill. on Feb. 27, 1942, one of two daughters born to the late Joe Fairy (Smoot) Murrie. She graduated in 1960 from Jersey Community High School, and was a member of the Panther Marching Band and was a member of the VFW Drum and Bugle Corp. She later attended school to become a dental assistant, and worked in that field for a period of time. She also worked at the Sears store in Alton, was a representative for American Greetings, and worked as a travel agent for many years. She also served as the Secretary and Convention Coordinator for the International Ford Retractable Club. She married Carl G. Moore on Nov. 5, 1961, in Jerseyville, and he survives. Also surviving are two sons, Craig Moore and Darren Moore both of Jerseyville; a sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Gus McCain of Tulsa, Okla.; a niece and two nephews. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral services will be private with Rev. David Prosser officiating, with burial in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Jersey County 4-H in care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Judith Ann (Brooks) Fulkerson
Judith Ann Fulkerson, beautiful wife, loving mother, and cherished friend, age 70, passed away at 3:05 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2015, peacefully in her home, with her family at her bedside. She was born on November 11, 1944, in Jersey County, Illinois to Clarence A. and Lois E. Hefner Brooks; she married Frank Eberle Fulkerson III on June 20, 1964. He survives. Also surviving are her children, Ed (Lisa) of Macomb, IL, Steven (Megan) of Rochester Hills, MI, Angela (Dan) Morrell of Murfreesboro, TN, and Susan (John) DeGregory of Calistoga, CA. Also surviving are a brother, Robert (Wilma) Brooks of Jerseyville, IL, a sister, Carol Geil of Hartford, IL, a sister-in-law, Linda Brooks of Chatham, IL, and nine grandchildren, Jeffrey and Allyssa Conroy; Alexis and Reid Fulkerson; Kieren, Keonee, and Maile Fulkerson; Mikayla and Lucy Morrell. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Richard Brooks, and brother-in-law, Gordon Geil. Judy was an active member of St. Paul Church in Macomb, and was involved in her parish's Women's Guild and St. Paul School. In addition to her church family, Judy had two special groups of friends, the "Bunko Babes" and the "Groupies". She also enjoyed walking and exercising with friends. She loved sewing and making quilts, having made quilts for her kids, and for her nieces and nephews. Each of her children were also provided a special quilt from her, as an early Christmas present, a few days before her death. Judy loved to travel. She visited almost all 50 states and took her entire family on a Mediterranean cruise in the summer of 2014 for a 50th anniversary celebration. An avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, she rarely missed an opportunity to attend a ballgame in person, often refusing to leave before the last pitch was thrown. Judy was a special services secretary for many years in the Macomb School District, having retired in 2012. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 4 – 7 p.m. at St. Paul Church, with a wake service immediately following. Funeral Mass will be held at the church at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Monsignor Richard Pricco and Father Mark DeSutter will officiate. Burial will be immediately following the Mass at St. Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul School, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, or MDH Hospice.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Herbert F. Czaia
Herbert F. Czaia, 68, died at 9:55 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2015, at Calhoun Nursing & Rehab Center. He was born Nov. 17, 1946, in Alton, son of Virgil F. and Ione C. (Hoyt) Czaia, both deceased. He married Marian Blackwell in 1972 in Jerseyville. A U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, he served from 1966 to 1970. He was a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of Fieldon Masonic Lodge #592. Survivors include his wife, Marian Czaia; daughters, Amanda Czaia of Alton, Alicia Czaia of Fieldon and Kacey Hardy of Texas; sisters, Esther and Wayne Short of Fieldon and Neva and David Stokes of Brighton; brothers, Roger and Edith Czaia of Godfrey and Joe Czaia of Fieldon. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home. Masonic funeral rites by Fieldon Masonic Lodge will be at 4:45 p.m. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday May 22, 2015, at Rosedale Methodist Church. Military Graveside Rites by Jerseville American Legion Post #492 will be held. Rev. Udell Meyers will officiate. Burial will take place at the Czaia Family Cemetery. Memorials may be to Fieldon Mason Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother. Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, William Larry “Bill” Goheen
William Larry “Bill” Goheen, 70, died Monday, June 29, 2015 in the Emergency Room at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born in Dow on August 8, 1944, one of three sons born to the late Lester “Hank” and Philomena E. (Breitwesier) Goheen. Bill was a lifelong resident of Dow and graduated with the class of 1962 from Jersey Community High School. He later enlisted with the United States Army, serving from 1965 to 1967, including a 13 month tour with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, earning him the distinguished Bronze Star. Shortly after returning from the service, he married the former Linda Georgevits on January 6, 1968 at the Elm Street Presbyterian Church in Alton, and together they were blessed with 46 years of marriage. Bill worked for nearly 20 years at the Alton Box Board Company, and later as an Operator at the Schell Oil Refinery where he retired in 2000 after 20 years of service. He was lifetime member of the VFW Post 1308 in Alton as well as a longtime member of the Grafton American Legion Post 648. Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife, Linda and their many family and friends, particularly their trips to Florida and the Lake of the Ozarks. He also enjoyed any and everything baseball; coaching both the little league teams of his sons and grandsons. He was a true outdoorsman, whether it be gardening, fishing or chopping wood, if he were able to be outside, that’s where you would find him. Above all, Bill loved his family. He was a faithful husband to his wife, Linda; a loving “pop” to his two sons; and a proud and doting grandpa to his three grandsons. His lessons of life, his stories and his memory will be cherished by all who had the pleasure to know him. Surviving are his wife, Linda Goheen of Dow; a son, Tim Goheen of Grafton; three grandsons, William Austen Goheen, Wyatt Alex Goheen and Samuel Lee Goheen, all of Grafton; a brother, Leslie “Les” Goheen of Brighton; a sister-in-law, JoAnne Goheen of Dow along with several nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William “Billy” Goheen on December 3, 1989; and a brother Robert “Bob” Goheen on July 25, 2013. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Monday, July 6, 2015 with the Rev. David Brown officiating. Burial will take place at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville where the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 Color Guard will conduct full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Riverbend Humane Society in Jerseyville, in care of the funeral home. Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Joyce (Swearingin) Fairfield.
FAIRFIELD, Joyce (Swearingin); born: 4 Nov 1943, Hamburg, Il.; died: 6 Sep 1990, Jerseyville, Il.; burial: Indian Creek Cemetery, Hamburg, Il.; married: (not stated); father: C. E. Swearingin; mother: Dorothy Weaver. A resident of Jacksonville, Il. Survived by her parents of Kane; a son: David L. Auston of Grafton; a daughter: Dawn M. Auston of Jacksonville; two sisters: Sharon K. Swearingin of Jerseyville and Donna J. Carter of Godfrey; two brothers: Robert G. Swearingin and Ronald E. Swearingin, both of Jerseyville; and paternal grandmother: Mary Ione Lorsbach of Jerseyville.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Barbara Ann (Stocks) Woelfel.
JERSEYVILLE — Barbara Woelfel, 73, died at 11:06 p.m., Monday, September 26, 2016 at Jersey Community Hospital after several years of deteriorating health. She was born in Carrollton on April 20, 1943, and was the only child born to Pearl and Clara Loretta (Thien) Stocks. Barb graduated in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, and shortly thereafter, on April 28, 1962, married Ronald J. Woelfel at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville. Together, their 54 years of marriage were filled with numerous adventures, courtesy of the three sons they raised, but the smile on her face always confirmed that Barb was extremely proud of the men that her boys had become. She enjoyed being around people, and was employed at Country Companies and the State Bank of Jerseyville for 13 years, before accepting employment at the Jersey County Courthouse where she began in the County Clerk's Office and retired from the Supervisor of Assessments Office. She was blessed with numerous close friends. Surviving are her husband, Ronald J. Woelfel of Jerseyville; three sons and daughters-in-law, Craig and Sarah Woelfel of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gary and Mindy Woelfel of Jerseyville, and Dan and Chris Woelfel of Columbia; six grandchildren, Ellie Woelfel, and her fiance' Eric Winder and Mary Grace Woelfel, all of Charlotte, North Carolina; Holly Woelfel, a student at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Brady Woelfel of Jerseyville, Max Woelfel and Reese Woelfel, both of Columbia; a great-granddaughter, Emma Winder of Charlotte, North Carolina. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 29 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, September 30 at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville. Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyville.
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Barbara Ann (Stocks) Woelfel's husband Ronald Jerome Woelfel's obituary - Ronald Jerome Woelfel, 77, died peacefully at 2:35 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018 at Eunice Smith Nursing Home in Alton, after a period of declining health. He was born in Batchtown on April 16, 1941, the youngest child born to George W. and Rose W. (Tepen) Woelfel. He was raised in Jerseyville, and attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Grade School, and graduated in 1959 from Jersey Community High School. He attended Western Illinois University in Macomb on a football and baseball scholarship. He began working at Olin for a short time, before accepting employment with General Telephone Company. He remained there his entire working career, and was instrumental in their conversion from the analog format to digital. He retired in 1996 as an equipment operator. After retirement, he enjoyed his time and the opportunity to assist at Heneghan & Associates in Jerseyville. He married the former Barbara Stocks on April 28, 1962 at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and together they shared 54 happy years together prior to her death on Sept. 26, 2016. Surviving are his three sons and daughters-in-law, Craig and Sarah Woelfel of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gary and Mindy Woelfel of Jerseyville, Dan and Chris Woelfel of Columbia; six grandchildren, Ellie Winder and her husband Eric, of Decatur, Mary Grace Woelfel of Charlotte, North Carolina, Holly Woelfel and her fiance' Adam Ausmus of Jerseyville, Brady Woelfel, a student at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Max Woelfel and Reese Woelfel, both of Columbia; a great -granddaughter, Emma Winder and a great-grandchild expected in December; a brother and sister in-law, Richard and Marie Woelfel of Jerseyville; and a sister in-law, Dorothy Woelfel of Jerseyville. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister in-law, George and Theona "Spiv" Woelfel and Alfred Woelfel; a sister and brother in-law, Rosemary and William Simpson; a sister who died in childhood, Elizabeth Woelfel; and his father-in-law and mother- in-law, Pearl and Clara (Thien) Stocks. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Martin Adams officiating. Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyville.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Kirby Dean McCarry.
Kirby Dean McCarry, 72, died at 5:10 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2017 at the Willow Rose Rehab and Health Care in Jerseyville after a period of declining health. He was born in Pike County on July 12, 1944, and was one five children born to Clifford and Janis B. (Hazelwonder) McCarry. Kirby was only four years old when his father was killed on the job site with the railroad, and times were tough. His mother relocated with her five children to Jerseyville, and she met a gentleman by the name of Douglas W. Smith. Life threw them a homerun with Doug, as he and Janis would marry, and not only raise those five children but add three more siblings to the family. Kirby felt grateful that he was raised by such loving people. He graduated in 1962 from Jersey Community High School, and soon began his career as a truck driver. Throughout his adult life he spanned over a million miles working for various companies including Colonial Bakery, and retired from Riechmann Transport in Granite City. He married the former Carolyn Hartman on Aug. 31, 1975 at the St. John's Catholic Church in Carrollton, and she survives. Also surviving are a son, Doug McCarry of Carrollton; a daughter and her companion, Emily McCarry and Jake Retherford along with his son, Alex; three grandchildren, Dalton, Jaleigh, and Allie; three sisters and brothers in law, Burma Jones, Becky and Phillip Tonsor, and Shelley and Marty Vanausdoll all of Jerseyville; three brothers and a sister in law, Clifford McCarry, Greg McCarry, and Doug Smith and Lori Crowe all of Jerseyville; a sister in law, Kathy McCarry of Jacksonville; along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis McCarry; two sisters in law, Janet McCarry and Debra Stumpf; and two nephews, Ryan Vanausdoll and Kyle Vanaudsoll. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 13 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Graveside Services will be conducted at 11 a.m Wednesday, June 14 at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Carrollton. Memorials may be given to the family in care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School Karen (Schmidt) Zieglerl.
Karen Ziegler, 74, died unexpectedly at 2:28 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2018. She was born in Jersey County on August 5, 1943, and was the daughter of the late Kenneth John and Vivian Eileen (Snow) Schmidt. Karen grew up in rural Jersey County, and graduated in 1961 from Jersey Community High School. She later went and took business courses at Lewis & Clark Community College for a few years, and began her career in the retail industry. For many years she worked at Central Hardware in Alton, and after its closing, became a vibrant employee at Wal-Mart in Jerseyville, where she was able to maintain contact with many friends and acquaintances that she held dear. Karen was very passionate in whatever task she took on, be it big or small. Her most important and treasured title in life was that of Wife and Mother. She was blessed with 55 years of marriage to her best friend, Joseph W. Ziegler Jr., whom she married on Sept. 22, 1962 in Jersey County. Their marriage was blessed with three children and later on grandchildren and great grandchildren. As a loving and doting mother, she was active and involved in her children's lives, and could always be counted on when she was needed. She never missed a party, serving as both a Girl Scout leader and a room mother while her children attended Delhi Elementary, and is still referred to as Mom Zig, by many of her children's friends. Regardless of their activities, as they continued to grow, she and Joe were always there. Community involvement was very important to Karen and was a member and held various positions in a variety of clubs and organizations.clubs. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladybugs, Tri County Antique Club, Royal Neighbors of America Camp 146, Prairie Union Quilt Guild, Heartland Quilt Guild, Jersey Community Hospital Auxiliary, and was a 55 years member of the Jersey County Association for Home and Community Education. In her "spare" time, she also volunteered at the Hope Chest, Jersey County Relay for Life, and took the lead in the Craft Club for many years. She will be deeply missed and always loved by her husband, Joseph W. Ziegler Jr. of Brighton; a daughter and son in-law, Tamara and David Sigrist of Pana; a son, Ronald Ziegler of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.; son in law, Robert Miller of Pleasant Plains; seven grandchildren, Adam and Nikki Miller of Gridley, Taylor and Madison Miller of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Walker Miller and Helena Miller both of Pleasant Plains, Hannah Sigrist of Springfield, Jesse and Madison Sigrist of Springfield, and Paul Sigrist of Pana; and three great grandchildren, Malachi, Michaiah, and August. Although her life was blessed with happiness beyond measure, it certainly didn't go without some deep pain and sorrow, as she was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Marsha Kay Miller on Oct. 26, 2016; a grandson, Roy Kenneth Sigrist on Oct. 21, 2009; and well as her mother in-law, Tracy (Norris) Ziegler; and her father in-law and his wife, Joseph and Ruby Ziegler Sr. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Rev. Louis Stumpe III will officiate. She will be laid to rest in the Kane Cemetery. Memorials would be appreciated to the Jersey County 4-H, and will be used in the Sewing Spin Club, of which Karen took great pleasure and pride in watching the younger generation perfecting that skill.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School Anthony Joseph 'Tony Joe" Kanallakan
Anthony Joseph 'Tony Joe" Kanallakan, 74, died at 11:38 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2018 at his residence, with his family at his side. He was born on the family farm in Nutwood on October 30, 1943, one of seven children born to Fred and Stella (Isringhausen) Kanallakan. Tony Joe was raised on the family farm and graduated in 1961 from Jersey Community High School in Jerseyville. Aside from an honorable two year term with the United States Army, he has lived, worked, raised his own family, and entered Heaven from the same farm that he began life's journey.Tony Joe centered his entire life around family and farm. However, it was his deep faith in God that was the foundation of his life. Tony Joe was strongly devoted to his family, and instilled into each of them the important characteristics of love, honesty, hard work, dependability, humility and tolerance. He was a humble man who led by example, and never thought twice about lending a helping hand to whomever in need. He enjoyed the outdoors and hunting, especially deer, duck, squirrel, and turkey. It wasn’t surprising seeing Tony Joe checking his crops and livestock on his gator. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. With all his admirable attributes, Tony Joe was most proud to be that of a loving, caring, supportive and dependable Husband, Dad and Grandpa to his appreciative family. He married the love of his life Sandra Lazar on February 4, 1967 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fieldon. They have shared 51 years together and raised their family of four children, who in turn blessed them with 13 grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Kanallakan of Fieldon; four children and their spouses: Brian and Traci Kanallakan, Lisa and Ted Jones, Lynn and Chad Goetten all of Fieldon, and Jamie and Matt Wisdom of Winchester; 13 Grandchildren: Ryan and Jessica Kanallakan; Wyatt, Kate, and Mary Jones; Anthony, Owen, Wade and Cash Goetten; Jack, Madilynn, Reese and Joey Wisdom; three brothers and sisters in-law: Delbert and Grace Kanallakan of Jerseyville, Eldon and Grace Kanallakan of Jerseyville, and Darrell and Esther Kanallakan of Rosedale; and two brothers in-law: Dale Snider of Jerseyville, and Mike and Stephanie Lazar of Hardin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers in-law: Norine and Charles Helton, Opal and Junior Cory and Patricia "Pat" Snider; a nephew, William “Bill” Kanallakan and a Godson, Tony Bill Gilman. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fieldon, with Father Marty Smith officiating. He will be laid to rest in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Fieldon, with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites. Memorial donations may be given to the Danny Fraley Memorial Scholarship.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School Marlin Eugene "Woody" Woodring
Marlin Eugene "Woody" Woodring, 76, died unexpectedly at 5:28 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at his residence. He was born in Kane, Illinois, on Nov. 11, 1941, and was the son of the late Odie G. and Frances (Estes) Woodring. He was proud to be one of the celebrated Woodring triplets, and would recount many stories of what it was like to be a part of the trio. He graduated from Jersey Community High School, and served with the U.S. Army. He would later go on to be a husband, father, grandfather and brother, as well as a friend to many. He was proud of his service to his country, and was honored to be among the many dedicated veterans throughout our country. Just as his father was a veteran, he also followed in his footsteps at Olin Corporation in East Alton, where Woody was employed as a machinist for many years. Many will remember Woody in his role as Santa Claus, where on behalf of the real Santa, would relay hundreds of children's wish lists, and visited the nursing homes as well for the children at heart. He also could bring a smile through music as a member of the Gateway Harmonica Club. He could also play the guitar and enjoyed singing in church (although maybe not quite as well as the harmonica and guitar). He was never one to sit still and was always painting, making something out of wood, or trying his hand at house repairs. Although skilled at many things, he wasn't always the most polished handyman. However, he is now sitting alongside the world's best carpenter; a carpenter who Woody has served and will continue to serve for eternity. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carmen (Tucker) Woodring; and two sisters, Carolyn Sue Glass and Janet Gettings. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, with the Shipman Masonic Lodge #212 conducting services at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Crawford Funeral Home, with Rev. Bo Schultz officiating. Burial will be in the Kane Cemetery with the Jerseyville American Legion Post #492 conducting military graveside rites. Memorials may be given to the Fieldon Baptist Church Sonshine Food Ministry.
A second obituary for Marlin Eugene "Woody" Woodring - Marlin Eugene "Woody" Woodring, 76, of Jerseyville, died at 5:28 a.m., Saturday, May 19, 2018 at his residence. Surviving are: Five Children: Tim Woodring of Pleasant Grove, Alabama, Tom Woodring of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Terry Woodring of Jerseyville, Tina Woodring of Missouri, and Steve Woodring of Missouri; Brother: Samuel Woodring of Medora; Sisters: Gwendolyn Calvert of Kane, Phyllis Vinyard of White Hall, and Barbara Cain of Jerseyville. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville where Masonic Services will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Kane Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Jerseyville American Legion Post #492. Memorials may be given to the Fieldon Baptist Church Sonshine Food Ministry.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School Alvis Frank Dunham.
Alvis Frank Dunham, 75, of Evansville, Indiana went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the home of his daughter in Evansville. He was born in Luxora, Arkansas on March 10, 1943 and was the son of A.D. and Maybelle (Walker) Dunham. He grew up in a loving home and spent most of his childhood years in the Kane/Jerseyville area playing sports. He graduated from Jersey Community High School in Jerseyville and soon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Frank was stationed in various locations throughout the United States and England, and after his honorable discharge he enrolled at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, where he obtained and B.S. in Accounting. He worked very hard throughout his life and was a very successful businessman in Evansville, eventually becoming President of Peabody Coal. He retired to Bradenton, Florida and spent his time with family and friends, playing golf, and Mario Brothers. Frank was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather possessing a special bond with each family member, and was a devout member of the Sarasota First Church of the Nazarene. Surviving are his wife, Mary Kay Schnelten-Dunham of Robertsdale, Alabama; a daughter, Kerry Dunham of Evansville, In.; a son, Paul (Angela) Dunham of Evansville, In.; his stepchildren, Donnie Rutherford and Terry Cornelius; seven grandchildren, Kara Ford, Wesley Duff, Brittany McCool, Elijah Dunham, Isaiah Dunham, Moriah Dunham and Josiah Dunham; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Fran Howard and Thelma Talkington both of White Hall; and a brother, David Dunham of Jerseyville. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, George "Jugger" Dunham; a brother in-law, Mike Talkington; and a nephew, Mikey Talkington. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Sunday until time of services at 1 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Burial will be in the White Hall Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Tri County Honor Guard. The family prefers memorials be directed to the "IMJEH Foundation" and can be either left at the funeral home or mailed to IMJEH Foundation, 11711 Tahoe Drive, Evansville, IN. 47720. Online condolences may be left at wwww.crawfordfunerals.com
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Phillip Guy Devening.
Phillip Guy Devening, 74, died unexpectedly at 3:10 p.m, Friday, June 8, 2018, from injuries sustained in a farming accident. He was born on Jan. 27, 1944, on the family farm in Richwood Township in Jersey County, one of four children born to Edwin Theodore "E.T." and Minnie (Hagen) Devening. He graduated in 1962 from Jersey Community High School, and immediately began his lifelong passion with the farm. He has operated their grain and livestock farm with pride and hard work, and has instilled those same values into his children and grandchildren. He was proud to have remained on the family farm from which he was born, and could not have chosen a better place to be when God called him home. He was currently serving as the Richwood Township Road Commissioner, position. which he has held since 1990, and was sexton and caretaker of the Gunterman Cemetery, a role which he assumed from his father. He married the former Helen Lucille Wisdom on March 14, 1964 at the Fieldon United Church of Christ, and together they have shared 54 years together, raising their two children and enjoying the benefits of their grandchildren. Surviving are his wife, Helen Devening of Fieldon; a son and daughter in-law, Ted and Cheri Devening of Fieldon; a daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Michael Plunkett of Fieldon; five grandchildren and their spouses, Zachary and Lyndsey Devening of Jerseyville, Jessica Devening of Fieldon, Kendra and Frankie Witt Jr. of Hardin, Jamie Plunkett and Trevor Plunkett both of Fieldon; three great-grandchildren, Tucker Witt and Gunner and Gracie Devening; along with his three sisters and brothers-in-law, Marie Jackson of Rockbridge, Katherine and Oliver Wessel of Rockbridge, and Pearl and Robert Snyders of Batchtown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother in-law, Russell Jackson; and his father- in-law and mother- in-law, Ray and Hazel Wisdom. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Rev. John Shelton will officiate. He will be laid to rest at the Gunterman Cemetery in Fieldon. Memorials may be given to the Gunterman Cemetery, Fieldon United Church of Christ or the Fieldon Volunteer Fire Department.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Robert (Bob) G. Rudolph.
Robert (Bob) G. Rudolph, 73, passed away unexpectedly at 8:20 a.m. at his home on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. He was born on Oct. 5, 1944, in Grafton, Illinois. He was the third of three children born to A.J. and Gertrude Rudolph. In 1963, he married Joyce A. Lane in Dow, Illinois. They spent 24 happy years together while raising three sons. Joyce preceded him in death in 1988. In 1989, he married Micky Whitlock in Jerseyville, Illinois. Together they shared 29 wonderful years. Bob retired from Owens Illinois Machine Shop in Godfrey, Illinois, after 37 years of service, at the young age of 57. At the start, he attended night school while working to become a journeyman machinist. Bob was a wonderful father and grandpa who loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed woodworking, showing cars and motorcycling. In recent years, he rode his motorcycle as often as possible, including many cross-country trips. He was known for being a man of many talents including painting cars and motorcycles and creating numerous wood projects. He was extremely impressive with his ability to freehand and create artwork from nearly any material. He was also an antique and local history enthusiast, as well as an avid collector. He was preceded in death by one brother, Don. He is survived by three children: Jeff (Lisa) Rudolph of Brighton, Illinois; Brian Rudolph of Godfrey, Illinois; Jason (Kathy) Rudolph of Dow, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Brennan, Samantha, Taylor, Tristyn, Brooke, Dylan, Blake, and Kayla. Per his wishes, no funeral is being held. However, the family invites you to join them to share memories of Bob in a Celebration of Life gathering on June 17, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Do Drop Inn in Dow, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Relay For Life in Jerseyville, Illinois. Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Carol Joy (Wallace) Myers.
Carol Joy Myers, 73, died at 1:15 a.m. Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Jersey Community Hospital. Born Dec. 4, 1944, in Jerseyville, Illinois, she was the daughter of Perry and Florence (Bartlett) Wallace, now deceased. She retired from Owens as a packer. She marrieed Francis "Frank" Myers Nov. 19, 1962, in Castle Air Force Base, California. Survivors include her husband, Francis "Frank" Myers of Jerseyville, children, Kim and David Varble of Meadowbrook, Illinois; grandchildren: Kassandra Grant, Devin Grant, Amanda Varble (Steven Schreier), Natasha Myers; great-grandchildren, Mila Joy Grant and Konnor Daniel Grant; sisters, Shirley Overmeyer of Caseyville and Donna Dunlap of White Hall; sister-in-law, Phyllis Wallace of Jerseyville, special nephew, Timothy Myers of Jerseyville. She was preceded in death by parents, daughters, Natalie Myers and baby girl Myers, siblings: Patricia Goewey, Zelma Goewey and Walter Wallace. Visitation will be 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home. Memorial service will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home. Pastor John W. Lohr will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her great-grandchildren's educational fund. Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School Janie Lou "Jane" (Jennings) Brundies.
Janie Lou "Jane" Brundies, 74, passed away at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018 at the Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for just over a week. She was born in Alton on Nov. 29, 1943, the youngest of two daughters born to James and Marjorie (Chappell) Jennings. Jane graduated in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, and attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. A loving wife, mom and Nana, Jane spent her time devoting herself to her family and their home. After her children were raised, she began working in the bakery department at Shop 'n Save in Jerseyville, where she remained for 17 years, until accepting a position with the Jersey Community Unit School District #100, serving as a cook at the Illini Middle School, retiring after her last granddaughter left for high school. For many years, Jane was active on various bowling teams where she enjoyed the friendships that she developed, but also enjoyed trivia events, taking care of here flowers and trees, but most especially following her four granddaughters to whatever activity, school function, or adventure they presented to her. She married Robert Brundies on March 7, 1964 in Jerseyville, and together they have shared 54 years of marriage, and were blessed with their two children. Surviving are her husband, Robert Brundies of Jerseyville; a son, Bradley Brundies of Godfrey; a daughter and son in-law, Lori and Keven Tepen of Jerseyville; four granddaughters, Janie and her husband Robbie Miles of Jerseyville, Lily Tepen a graduate student at the University of Evansville, Margaret Tepen, a student at Southeast Missouri State University, and Francine Tepen a student at St. Ambrose University; a sister and brother in-law, Judy and Ted Willis of Jerseyville; and a brother in-law and sister in-law, William and Sue Brundies of Crete. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father in-law and mother in-law, J.O. and Helen Brundies. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Delhi Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Fields officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Panther Athletic Club.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School Anita Marie (Fraley) Rose.
Anita Marie (Fraley) Rose died on October 2, 2018 at the Siteman Cancer Center of complications from a long battle with leukemia with her family by her side. Anita was born on September 18, 1943 to Wilbert and Neva (Stone) Fraley of Jersey County growing up on the family farm near Fieldon. She married Paul Rose of Hardin in 1986 and he survives. Anita was the ultimate can-do person. After beginning her career at a St Louis bank, she moved back to the Illinois countryside working as an assistant at the local bank and over time, she rose to Assistant VP. Wanting to strike out on her own, she started her own consulting business, insurance business and then proceeded to become a Financial Advisor. After the flood of 1993 Anita and Paul relocated to Jerseyville and expanded their construction business with the purchase of West Point Subdivision in Jerseyville. She and Paul were also partners with her cousin Carol Yocom and her husband Frank in the building and development of the Jerseyville Super 8 Motel. Together She and Paul ran P &R construction for over 30 years. They complimented each other with Paul's building talent and her vision for design. They enjoyed every minute of helping dozens of families create a home. Anita was very dedicated to her community and served as President of the Jerseyville Business Association for 8 years. One of her most favorite causes was the Jerseyville Public Library serving on the board and as a volunteer coordinated the yearly book sale. In the past few years she enjoyed serving on the Board of the Friends of Pere Marquette. Some of her loves included: travel - she and Paul visited the island of St Croix for 25 years, pulling out the itsy-bitsy-spider, cheating at board games, Fox News, and the Green Bay Packers (Go Pack Go!) - particularly Aaron Rodgers. She always loved to pull a good prank on a friend or family member. Anita's friends and family felt supported and inspired by her. She was a beacon for her family and never complained through her many years of battling leukemia. She was always positive, facing her issues head on and not feeling sorry for herself. Anita was extremely grateful for her blessed life. In addition to her husband, Anita is survived by her children, Patricia Hatem of Milwaukee, WI and her two children Sam and Maria; her daughter Sandra Roberts and her son-in-law Jeff Roberts and their four children Nellie, William, Edward and Michael; her son Rodney Brangenberg and her favorite daughter-in- law Julie and their three children Jack, Joe and Rose; her sister, Sue and Don Rongey of Hardin and brother Earl Fraley, Step-Mother Violet Fraley. She was also blessed with many wonderful nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Anita's oncologist, Dr Ravi Vij, and his fantastic staff at Barnes-Jewish hospital for 12 years of the best care possible. Visitation will be Thursday, October 4, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral will be Friday, October 5, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home. Pastor Ed Haun will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Pere Marquette or Jerseyville Public Library. Burial will be at Grimes-Neely Cemetery.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School Joseph Francis Munsterman.
Joseph Francis Munsterman, 76, died at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019 at St. Luke's Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis County, Missouri. He was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on Nov. 13, 1942, one of three sons born to Eugene and Lucille (Schell) Munsterman. A lifelong Jerseyville resident, Joe attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School, and graduated in 1961 from Jersey Community High School both in Jerseyville, Illinois. For many years he was employed at Munsterman's Shell Filling Station in downtown Jerseyville, until accepting a position with Olin Corporation, dedicating 20 years of service. Surviving are a brother and sister in-law, John and Janet Munsterman of Jerseyville; a sister in-law, Rosemary Munsterman of Jerseyville; two nephews, David Munsterman, and his wife, Beverly of Godfrey, Illinois and Richard Corydon Munsterman of Edwardsville, Illinois; and a great niece, Libby Munsterman of Godfrey; along with numerous cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Eugene Munsterman. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Martin Smith officiating. Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Jerseyville Meals on Wheels. Memories may be shared at crawfordfunerals.com.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Ruby Mae (Arnold) Vahle.
Ruby Mae Vahle, 75, died unexpectedly at 9:10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, at her home in Jerseyville, Illinois. She was born on July 28, 1944, one of five children born to the late Harold Ernest and Bessie Gertrude (Liles) Arnold. A lifelong resident of Jerseyville, Ruby graduated with the class of 1962 from Jersey Community High School. She began her working career at Millers Mutual Insurance Company in Alton, Illinois. Upon the birth of her first child from her marriage to Donald E Vahle, she chose to be a stay-at-home mom to their four daughters. Her loving and generous heart made her a perfect caregiver, and after her children had grown, she began babysitting for area families, something she truly enjoyed and carried out for over 25 years. Ruby was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. She also enjoyed working crossword puzzles, playing cards, watching Jeopardy, and was known to be playing multiple tablet games. Ruby loved cooking and surrounding herself with the company of friends and family. With her fresh baked bread being a staple of any gathering her friends and family. She had a deep love dedicated her life to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that followed. While her passing will surely leave a void in their hearts, her legacy will remain alive in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her. Surviving are four daughters, Catherine (Clinton) Sandlian, Dawn Vahle, Sandra Vahle (Matt Walsh, companion), and Vicki (Larry) Welsh, all of Jerseyville; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Lance and Kristin Gorin of Brighton, Illinois, Tyler and Danielle Gorin of Alton, Amber and Matthew Wense of Alton, Megan and James Schmidt of Carrollton, Illinois; Kyle Focken of New Orleans, Louisiana, Thomas J. "T.J." Griffin of Jerseyville, Jared and Carissa Vahle of Jerseyville, and Ashton Ragsdale of Jerseyville; seven great-grandchildren, in addition to Baby Vahle due to arrive in June; a sister, Martha McCoy of Jerseyville; and a brother, Joe Arnold of Downers Grove. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Phyllis Holste and Doris Shaw. Memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Private inurnment will take place at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to the Jersey Community Hospital Foundation or to the Jerseyville Public Library.
Go To My Childhood Memories-Page 9b
