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WESTFALL GENEALOGY

My Childhood Memories-Page 9b

Chapter 15-My Classmates & Other Fieldon, Otter Creek Township, and Jersey County, IL Families (Continued)

Some of the teachers at the Jerseyville high School I remember, were teachers Warren Greene (Biology), Alex Guinn (Algebra, Geometry), Mary Heitzig (English), Sarah Price (English) who encouraged me to write, Catherine Parsell (Math), Mr. Bell (physics) my only D grade in high school, Harold Ballard (Chemistry, Dorothy Bandy (Latin), Raymond Bersche (Spanish, History), and Joseph E. Jurkanin, assistant principal, football coach and director of guidance. The Principal was Scott H. Courier.

I also remember my school bus driver of many years, Harold Krueger, who had a farm in the Fieldon area. He drove the Fieldon Hollow route that went past where I got on the bus at our mailbox about mile from our farmhouse. He was a very nice man. He always spoke to me when I got on the bus. My mother's cousin, Carl Haushalter, also drove a school bus on the Fieldon to Jerseyville route when I went to high school. He had a farm east of Jerseyville. His brother Ernest Haushalter also drove a school bus in the Jerseyville area.

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My Jersey Community High School math teacher Mrs. Parsell's obituary.

23 January 1975: Mrs. Catherine M. Parsell, 71, a retired teacher, died at 6 am on 22 January at Reisch Memorial home where she had resided for nearly three years. The funeral will be conducted at 2 pm Sat. 25 January at the Bethel Baptist church with the Rev. Earl Clagg officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Grove cemetery. Visitation will be held after 4 pm Friday 24 January until noon Sat. at Jacoby Funeral Home, then at the church. The family designated the heart fund as a memorial. She was born in Jerseyville 23 November 1903 a daughter of William and Ellen Smith Stephenson. Mrs. Parsell resigned from the Jersey Community High School faculty in June of 1969. She has taught in the county schools in the early fifties and began teaching at the high school in the 56-57 term. Mrs. Parsell was a member of the First United Presbyterian church. Retired Teachers Association, Order of Eastern Star, Daughters of American Revolution, charter member of the Homemakers Extension Association and a 4-H leader for many years. Her husband, Stuart P. Parsell, Sr. Died in 1960. She is survived by four sons, William O. Parsell of Dover, Nh, Stuart Peter Parsell, Jr. and Gene E. Parsell of Jerseyville and Major Richard L. Parsell of Hampton, Virginia; one daughter, Mrs. Ronald (Doris Ellen) Meyer of Sidney; thirteen grandchildren; one brother, Sam Stephenson of Jerseyville and two sisters, Mrs. Clark (Martha) Anderson of Hardin and Lt. Col. Willa Blake of Farmington, New Hampshire. Her parents, husband, one son and one daughter preceded her in death.

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My Jersey Community High School biology teacher Mr. Greene's obituary.

Warren Rue Greene, 61, of Kane suffered a fatal heart attack at his home. He was rushed to the hospital, to no avail. Visitation was at Jacoby Brothers funeral home in Jerseyville where Masonic rites were conducted by King Solomon Lodge, #197, of Kane. Rev Jack Brown, pastor of the Baptist church in Kane, officiated and burial was in Kane cemetery. Mr Greene was a member of the faculty at Jersey County high for nearly 20 years before becoming ill in the spring of 1966 and was founder of the science club for Unit 100 schools. Mr Greene, a member of one of the prominent older families of the Kane area, and was born in Kane, a son of the late Franklin W & Mary (Rue) Greene. He received his elementary education in the Kane school and was later graduated from Jersey Township high. In 1928, he graduated from isn at Normal and his first year of teaching was at Rock Bridge. He also taught at Shawneetown, rural Jersey county schools, and Wrights. Mr Greene was principal at Manchester and Eldred before joining the Jersey Township high faculty in 1947. He became head of the science dept and was instrumental in forming and developing the science club, not only for high school students but for students at all levels in the Unit 100 system. In the course of years many of the local exhibits have gone on to achieve recognition in other fairs including the St. Louis greater science fair which attracts students from area schools. Surviving are his wife, Mary Greene, a teacher at Kane Elementary; 1 son, Joseph R Greene of Kane; 2 brothers, John H Greene of Bloomington and Roland P Greene of Kane. He was a member of King Solomon Lodge and Elizabeth Chapter Order Eastern Star of Kane.

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My Jersey Community High School algebra teacher Mr. Guinn's obituary.

Alex F Guinn, 86, former Jerseyville resident d. August 1 at a Health Center in Kansas City, MO. He had lived in Kansas City the past several years. A native of Gower, MO, he had graduated from the University of MO and received his master's degree from Washington U, St. Louis. He served 2 years in the air force during WWII. He taught mathematics and drama at Jersey Township high school before retiring in 1963. He is survived by 1 Sister, Mrs Lillian Witt of Shawnee Mission, KS, and 7 nieces and nephews.

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Joseph E. Jurkanin, assistant principal, football coach and director of guidance

Joseph Edward Jurkanin, was assistant principal, football coach and director of guidance at Jersey Community High School when I attended the high school there. He was born July 20, 1922 and died Nov. 23, 1997. His burial was in St. Francis Xavier Church in Jerseyville, Jersey County, Illinois. He was a Cpl. in the U.S. Army in World War II. He married Elizabeth M. Crosby and they had 4 children-Michael J. Jurkanin, Thomas Jurkanin, John Jurkanin, and Jayne L. Jurkanin.

Joseph E. and Elizabeth M. (Crosby) Jurkanin's son Michael J. Jurkanin's obituary - JERSEYVILLE — Michael J. Jurkanin, 66, died shortly after midnight on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Michael "Mike "was born on May 23, 1950, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, one of four children born to Joseph E. and Elizabeth M. (Crosby) Jurkanin. Mike graduated from Jersey Community High School and then earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a Master's Degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Mike was professionally trained and worked as a counselor, having retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections with over 30 years of service; and then working, for eight years, as a Probation Officer and Drug and Alcohol Counselor for the Jersey County Probation Department. Mike had an extraordinary ability to relate to and effectively counsel young people who were facing challenges in their lives. He enjoyed many successes in helping young people "pave the path" for a brighter future. Mike is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Misty and Jeff Duke of Litchfield; two boys, Zach (wife Tara) and Toby (wife Cari) Hicks and grandchildren, Brandon, Ireland and Skylar Hicks. Mike's mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Jurkanin of Jerseyville survives along with; two brothers and their spouses, Tom and Terri Jurkanin of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and John and Lisa Jurkanin of Lincoln City, Oregon; his brother-in-law and nephew, Marty and Tim Varble of Jerseyville; and niece, Heather (Jason) Keeler. Also surviving is Mike's long-time companion and friend, Tammy Coughlin. Mike was preceded in death by his father Joseph Jurkanin, and recently (on May 16, 2016) by his beloved sister, Jayne. Mike loved and cared for his family foremost, enjoyed working on his Porsche and Harley Davidson motorcycle, and enjoyed history and writing poetry. Mike will be remembered by those who loved him as intelligent, quick-witted, and committed to family. Michael was an organ donor and requested no funeral services. Memorials may be made in Mike's name to Continuing Care Center, P.O. Box 130, Irving, IL 62051. Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville was in charge of the arrangements.

Joseph E. and Elizabeth M. (Crosby) Jurkanin's daughter Jayne L. (Jurkanin) Varble's obituary - JERSEYVILLE—Jayne L. Jurkanin-Varble, 62, died at 9:40 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2016, at her home in Jerseyville after a long and courageous battle with Multiple-Sclerosis. However, Jayne did not allow the disease to define her life. Jayne was born on September 27, 1953, in Carrollton, Illinois, one of four children born to Joseph E. and Elizabeth M. (Crosby) Jurkanin. She graduated from Jersey Community High School and then earned a Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University and a Master's Degree from Southern Illinois University. Jayne taught Special Education at Roxana High School for 34 years, retiring in 2005. Through her service as a teacher, she inspired thousands of young people to overcome obstacles and to reach for their dreams. Jayne married Martin Varble on October 11, 1980, at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville and together they were blessed with a son and 35 years of marriage. Husband Marty and Son Tim cared for Jayne in her toughest days. Surviving are her husband Martin "Marty" Varble of Jerseyville; her son, Tim Varble of Jerseyville; her mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Jurkanin of Jerseyville; two brothers and their spouses, Tom and Terri Jurkanin of Tennessee and John and Lisa Jurkanin of Oregon; and two nieces, Misty (husband Jeff) Duke of Litchfield and Heather (husband Jason) Keeler of Tennessee. On behalf of Jayne and the family, also recognized and appreciated is Jayne's lifelong friend, Ruth Eschbach. Jayne's brother Mike Jurkanin passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2016, just 17 days after her passing. Mike always" looked out" for his baby sister. Jayne was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Jurkanin. Jayne was extremely proud of her son Tim, who became a collegiate and State of Illinois Champion in "Trap Shooting." She also enjoyed traveling extensively with her family throughout the world, visiting Europe, Africa, South America, Mexico, and many countries in between. Jayne will be remembered most of all for her "positive spirit", enduring sense of humor, and courage, all of which she displayed with incredible grace throughout her illness. Per her wishes, her body was donated to Washington University School of Medicine. There were no funeral services. Memorials may be sent to Hope Animal Rescues, P.O. Box 397, Godfrey, IL 62035. Or, online to: http://www.hoperescues.com/ Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville was in charge of the arrangements.

Below are the obituaries of relatives of classmates who attended Jersey Community High School with me in Jerseyville, IL.

The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Arthur Maupin's mother Jonetta (McQuerry) Maupin.

Jonetta Maupin, 93, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at her residence. Born in Carrollton on Dec. 3, 1915, she was the daughter of Newell and Sallie Dudderar McQuerry. She married Carl Maupin on Sept. 30, 1939 in St. Charles, Mo. He preceded her in death on May 21, 1993. Mrs. Maupin was a teacher at Greene and Jersey County schools for 35 years, retiring in 1976. She was a member of the Carrollton First Baptist Church, the Rebekkah Lodge of Jerseyville, the Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Greene/Jersey Retired Teachers Assn. and the East End Reading Circle.

She is survived by two sons, Arthur Maupin of White Hall and Carl L. (wife, Barbara) Maupin Jr. of Leesburg, Va.; four grandsons and three great-grandchildren; a brother, M.A. McQuerry of Live Oaks, Calif.; a half-brother, Randall (wife, Norma) Peters of Carrollton; two half-sisters, Merrilee DeGuire of LaFollette, Tenn., and Hazel (husband, Ernie) Roberts of White Hall.   She was preceded in death by two brothers, Newell "Junior" McQuerry and Ersel McQuerry; and two sisters, Mae Griswold and Leola Spurlin. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the funeral home with burial to follow in Carrollton City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church.  Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.

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The obituary of a relative of one my high school classmates who attended high school with me in 1961 at Jersey Community High School, Roger Isringhausen's father Floyd G. Isringhausen

Floyd G. Isringhausen, 86, died at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008, at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a period of declining health. He was born in Fieldon March 13, 1922, one of eight children born to the late Louis and Florence (Claflin) Isringhausen. He married the former Agnes Schaaf and they were married for a short time before she died in childbirth, along with their only child, Floyd Jr. He later married the former Virginia Winchell on Dec. 23, 1944, in Fieldon. They raised five children and shared 36 years together before she died Feb. 4, 1981. He married the former Mary Jane Mountain on Sept. 5, 1981, in Jerseyville and they have been blessed with 27 years together. He was a Jersey County resident his entire life, working in agriculture. He operated a livestock and grain farm near Fieldon for many years. Active in his community, he was a member of the Fieldon United Church of Christ, the Elks Lodge 954 and Moose Lodge, both of Jerseyville, and the Fieldon Masonic Lodge.

In addition to his wife, surviving are two daughters and a son-in-law, Judy and Ted Kuebrich and Susan Isringhausen, all of Jerseyville; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Roger and Linda and Gary Isringhausen, all of Fieldon, and Bruce Isringhausen of Godfrey; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruby Skinner of Jerseyville. Besides his parents, wives and son, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Kuebrich, on Feb. 11, 2004, a sister, Hazel Gettings, and five brothers, Marvin, Clyde, Wayne, Pearl and Glenn Isringhausen. Visitation was Friday, Dec. 26, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, and will continue from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at Fieldon United Church of Christ. The Rev. Barbara Alley will officiate. Burial will be at Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Fieldon United Church of Christ.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Naomi (Ayres) Hagen's mother Hazel Mae (Russell) Ayres.

Hazel Mae Ayres, 81, died at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at Jersey Community Hospital inJerseyville. She was born Sept. 3, 1921, in Jersey County, one of three children born to Andrew Justice and Alice (Kirchner) Russell. With the exception of working at Jersey Community High School for a few years, she enjoyed being a homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She married Ralph Ayres on Dec. 10, 1938, in St. Charles, Mo., and they shared nearly 44 years together before his death April 20, 1982.

She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Naomi and Lambert Hagen of Jerseyville and Patricia Phillips of Taylorville, Ill.; six grandchildren, Vicki Turvey of Taylorville, Sue Cates of Fieldon, Jeff Phillips of Newburg, Md., Ryan Phillips of Taylorville, Tony Hagen of Jerseyville and Holly Karsteter of Covington, Ky.; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Earl Russell of Fieldon. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Richard A. Phillips, and a brother, Everett Russell. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Crawford Funeral Home (Jacoby Chapel) in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Parkinson's Foundation.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Anita (Fraley) Rose's father Wilbert Theodore Fraley.

Wilbert Theodore Fraley, 86, died at 9:35 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, 2006, at his home with his family by his side. Born July 10, 1920, in Jersey County, he was the son of Earl R. and Effie A. (McDow) Fraley. On Aug. 9, 1941, he married the former Neva Stone, who died July 27, 1993. He married the former Violet (Boomer) Phipps on July 29, 1995. She survives. The 1938 graduate of Jersey Community High School worked at Shell Oil Refinery for several years then moved to the family farm in English Township near Fieldon, where he lived for nearly 50 years with his family. He served as the English Township road commissioner for several years then began working for the Illinois Secretary of State's Office as the facilities manager. He later retired and moved to Jerseyville. He was a member of Peace United Church of Christ and a 60-year member of the Fieldon Masonic Lodge 592. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and his daily trip to eat at the Round Table at Fran & Marilyn's.

In addition to his wife, surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Anita and Paul Rose and Sue and Don Rongey, all of Jerseyville; a son, Earl Fraley of Franklin, Texas; two stepsons and their wives, Marion and Donna Phipps and Ronnie and Connie Phipps, all of Jerseyville; nine grandchildren and their spouses, Pat Hatem of Racine, Wis., Sandra and Jeff Roberts of Dow, Rod and Julie Brangenberg of Godfrey, Tammi and Mike Miller of Perry Hall, Md., Melissa Fraley of Kennewick, Wash., Brad Fraley and Brian Fraley, both of Jerseyville, Steve and Tracey Downey of Crownsville, Md., and Jackie Lorsbach and her fiance, Andy Baalman, of Hardin; five stepgrandchildren and their spouses, Pam Phipps of Florissant, Jeff and Wendy Phipps, Danny and Amy Phipps, Ashley Bick and Russell and Dena Phipps, all of Jerseyville; 13 great-grandchildren; nine stepgreat-grandchildren; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Stanley and Maurita Fraley of Jerseyville and Leland and Theresa Fraley of Carrollton. Besides his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Stewart Fraley, and his wife, Helen; and a sister, Bertha Vogler. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, with Masonic services at 4 p.m. Visitation at Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville were from 10:30 a.m. until services at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Ed Campbell officiated. Burial followed at Grimes Neely Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Grimes Neely Cemetery Fund or Peace United Church of Christ.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Glenn Cain's father Archie Albert Cain.

Services for Archie Albert Cain, 66, who died at his residence, R. 1, Fieldon, at 1:40 a.m., Nov. 14, 1982, were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Open Door Fellowship Church in Jerseyville. he Revs. Wilbur Cain and A. J. Maggos officiated He was born July 1, 1916 in Potosi, Mo., a son of John and Julie (Jackson) cain. He retired in 1976 as an operating engineer out of local 520.

His survivors are his wife, the former Lorene DeClue; four sons, Robert and Rev. Wilbur Cain of Jerseyville, Charles Cain of Carrollton and the Rev. Glenn Cain, Fieldon; five daughters, Erma Baker, Hollywood, Md., Geraldine Davenport, Dow, Dorothy Dunham, Jerseyville, Rose Chapman, Fieldon, Barbara Travers, Brighton. Also surviving are five brothers, Noah, Clifford, Harry, Henry and Hunky, all of Potosi, Mo.; and a sister, Estelle Drennen, Mineral Point, Mo. His parents, five brothers, and five sisters preceded him in death. The Open Door Fellowship Church has been named as a memorial. Burial was in Fieldon Cemetery.

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The obituary of a relative of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Marilyn (Davenport) Pruitt and Gary Davenport's father Laverne Davenport.

Laverne Davenport, died 01-05-1981. Laverne Davenport, 80, of Fieldon died January 5, at Garnett Chateau. The retired farmer was born July 16, 1900 in Otterville, a son of Walter & Mary (Dabbs) Davenport. Services were conducted Wednesday at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home by Rev. Robert Patterson of Grafton with burial in Fieldon cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Laurine (Tice) Davenport whom he married February 11, 1929 in Jerseyville; 5 Sons, Leslie and Gary of Jerseyville, Jim of Dow, Donald of Carlyle and Lee of Gray, GA; 1 Daughter, Marilyn Pruitt of Fieldon; 13 grandchildren and 6 g-grandchildren; 2 Sisters, Geneva Mourning of Peoria, AZ and Roberta Christen of Phoenix, AZ and 1 step sister, Marie Keehner of - incomplete.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Connie Sue (Morrison) Parsell's father Lawrence Morrison.

Lawrence Morrison: Died June, 1986. He was born September 6, 1906, in Jersey County to the late George and Tillie (Andrus) Morrison. He married Marjorie Harmon on February 16, 1935 in Marion. He was a farmer and a member of the Fieldon United Church of Christ. He served on Community Unit No. 100 school board from 1948 to 1954 and on the Farm Bureau Board, Nutwood Drainage and Levee District and Farmers Livestock Association. He was a trustee of Gunterman cemetery, Noble of Illini Shriners (Ainad Temple) and a past master of Fieldon Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie of Fieldon; Sons Gary of Fieldon and George of Taylorville; daughters Janet Gilworth and Connie Parsell both of Jerseyville, Karen Heitzig of Alton, Barbara Scott of Kirkwood, Missouri, Carol Vogel of Creve Coeur, Missouri, Beverly Phillips of Godfrey and Patricia Morrison of Florissant, Missouri; brother Bert Morrison of Jerseyville; sister, Lida Medford of Fieldon; 19 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a granddaughter. Visitation and Masonic services were June 11 at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville. The funeral was June 12 there with the Rev. Jean Erb officiating. Burial was in Gunterman cemetery. Memorials have been established to Fieldon United Church of Christ, Shriners Children's Hospital and Jersey Community hospital.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Ferne Audrey (Devening) Ridenour's father Paul Devening.

Paul Devening, 60, a farmer of Route 1 Fieldon, suffered a heart attack while taking a load of corn in his pickup to the elevator. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the scene in Richwood Township November 19. He was born May 4, 1919 in Jersey County, a son of Lee & Katie (Hamilton) Devening. Survivors are his wife, Elsie (Blackorby) Devening; 1 son, Gary Devening of Jerseyville; 2 daughters, Ferne Ridenour of Godfrey and Rosemary Oglesby of Jerseyville; 2 brothers, Edward and Truman Devening of Fieldon; 2 sisters, Hazel Dunham and Margaret Hagen of Fieldon; and 5 granddaughters.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Frances (Roady) Mueller's mother Effie (Wandrei) Roady Springman.

Effie Springman, 89, died at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home in Jerseyville. She was born July 17, 1915, to Phillip and Minda (Likes) Wandrei. She grew up in Fieldon and attended Pleasant Cove School. She married Pearl Roady on Nov. 25, 1933. He is deceased. She married John C. Springman on Sept. 21, 1957, in Jerseyville. He died Sept. 30, 1970. A loving mother and homemaker, she was also an avid gardner and well-known for her huge vegetable garden, always bordered by beautiful flowers. She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ in Jerseyville.

Survivors include a daughter, Hilda, and her husband, Gerald, Hoffstetter of Schenectady, N.Y.; two sons, Phillip Roady and his wife, Deanne, of Taylorville, Ill., and Edwin Roady and his wife, Susan, of Taft, Calif.; a daughter-in-law, Pam Roady of Jerseyville; a son-in-law, Bill Mueller of O'Fallon, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Howard "Charlie" Roady; a daughter, Frances Mueller; a daughter-in-law, Ruby Roady; a granddaughter, Dawn Roady; and a great-grandson, Brian Berdan. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Visitation will continue from 10:30 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of Christ in Jerseyville. Pastor Patrick Harper will officiate. Burial will follow at Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Church of Christ in Jerseyville.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Richard "DicK" Raftis's father Donald F. "Red" Raftis.

Donald F. "Red" Raftis, 86, died peacefully at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2005, at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on the family farm east of Jerseyville in Fidelity Township on April 10, 1919, one of two children born to the late Thomas and Martha (Hewitt) Raftis. He married the former Pearl Margaret "Pat" Frech on Aug. 12, 1940, in Hannibal, Mo., and they shared nearly 61 years together before her death on June 3, 2001. He attended Jersey Township High School, where he was a standout athlete, and until his death he never missed a Panther football game. "Red" was a member of the Panther "Chain Gang" for 60 years and was recently honored by the school district for his dedication. He was a lifelong resident of Fidelity Township, served on the township board for six terms and was a lifelong farmer who loved to work the soil and watch the crops grow. He served on the board of directors for the Jersey County Farm Bureau and never missed an opportunity to promote the importance of agriculture.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Merle Megginson of Jacksonville; four sons and daughters-in-law, Dick and Janice Raftis of Gurnee, David Raftis of Medora, Tom and Sue Raftis of Macomb and Jim and Amy Raftis of Springfield; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a very special cousin, Norman Jones of Jerseyville. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Doris Jones. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father D. Patrick Gibbons officiating. Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to the Panther Athletic Club or to the Blessing Hospice in Greene County, in appreciation for the loving care they gave to his wife during her illness.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Robert Laverne Dunham's father Robert Wilson Dunham who was the husband of my mother Lovie (Kraushaar) Westfall's cousin Otto Kraushaar's daughter Mabel Elizabeth (Kraushaar) Dunham.

Robert Wilson Dunham, 85, died at 8:44 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at his home. He was born Feb. 2, 1919, near the Fieldon bottoms in Greene County to Joseph Otto and Mary (Freand) Dunham. He married the former Mabel Elizabeth Kraushaar on Sept. 8, 1942, in St. Charles, Mo. She died Aug. 4, 1999. He was raised in Fieldon and attended the Lone Star Country School. He worked on the family farm as a young man, as well as attending to the Jersey County roads. He also worked at the Oak Grove Cemetery before beginning a 35-year career with Alton Box Board, retiring in 1979. He found much happiness in his daily life, drawing strength from the love of his family, and was the eager coach to his children, not only in many sporting events, but also in the game of life. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, loved to birdwatch and was fond of his cigars.

Surviving are four daughters and sons-in-law, Carol Stout and Paul Figge of St. Genevieve, Mo., Pamela and Gene Harrison of Alton, Trebe and Denny Bradfisch of Grafton and Lisa and Kevin Cheatham of O'Fallon, Mo.; five sons and four daughters-in-law, Robert and Linda Dunham of Pontoon Beach, Ronald Dunham of Alton, Hank and Jane Dunham of Bethalto, Tim and Mary Kay Dunham of Godfrey and Pat and Maureen Dunham of Thibodaux, La.; a daughter-in-law, Judy Dunham Mowen of Jerseyville; 26 grandchildren, Derek and Jason Dunham of Pontoon Beach, Darren Dunham, stationed with the U.S. Air Force in New Mexico, Andy Dunham of Hazelwood, Tiffany Dunham of Jerseyville, James Stout and Holly Stout of Jacksonville, Ill., Ryan Figge, stationed with the U.S. Army in Kuwait, Clinton Figgie of Eureka, Ronnie and Kirby Lacey of Jerseyville, Louie, Scottie and Rhonda Musgraves of Alton, Agatha Dunham of St. Charles, Mo., Kelly and Kacy Dunham of Bethalto, Jennifer Byrd of Alton, Tim Dunham Jr. of Godfrey, Lauren Dunham of Thibodaux, Steven Harrison of Alton, Cody and Jessica Bradfisch of Grafton, Zachariah and Bailey and Ashley Cheatham of O'Fallon, Mo.; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Otis and Lola Dunham of Jerseyville; two sisters, Ruth Russell of Jerseyville and Marjorie Green of Payson, Ariz.; and a sister-in-law, Judy Kraushaar Byrd of Jersey County. He was preceded in death by a son, Roger Dunham, who died Jan. 20, 1988; an infant daughter, Erma Rose Dunham; two brothers, Edward and Lester Dunham; three sisters, Imogene Burch, Lillie Mundy and Nina Green; and an infant granddaughter, Tamara Lynn Dunham. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Rev. Glenn Cain will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Nancy Jane (Cope) Campbell's father Aaron Cope.

Aaron Cope, 75, died at 2:40 p.m. Friday June 19, 1992, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Alton. He was a retail cars salesman with an Oldsmobile and Cadillac dealer from 1941 to 1967; a salesman with Oliver Farm Machinery; and a Chicago Motor Club AAA Territorial Representative, retiring in 1978. Cope was a member of the Ainad Shrine Temple of East St. Louis, Scottish Rites Bodies of Belleville, Order of the Eastern Star 656 of Jerseyville, Elks Lodge 1016 of Effingham and Effingham Presbyterian Church. Born in Kemper Nov. 21, 1916, he was a son of the late WIlliam Austin and Alice N. (Sanders) Cope. He married the former Pauline Voorhees in Jerseyville on Aug. 27, 1939. She died Nov. 16, 1986.

Surviving are three sons, David P. Cope of Godfrey, James L. Cope of Washington, Pa., and William A. "Bill" Cope of Taylorville; two daughters, Nancy Jane Campbell of Morton and Judy Foxall of Bluford; 13 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and two sisters, Doris Jean Osmond of Burr Ridge and Norma L. Heureux of Dixon. A half brother, Wendell A. Jackson, preceded him in death. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, with rites at 7 p.m. by Jerseyville Masonic Lodge 394 AF & AM, of which he was a member. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Walter Krebs officiating. Burial is in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in St. Louis.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, James Harry Charow's father Harry Joseph Charow.

Harry Jospeh Charow of 609 Franklin Street in Jerseyville died at seven twenty-five o'clock Wednesday morning, April 24, 1957 at John Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis where he had been a patient for ten days. Charow underwent major surgery at the Hospital on Friday. Friends may call at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at nine-thirty o'clock Friday Morning, April26, at St. Francis Xavier Church with Father John J. Clancy celebrant of the Requiem Mass. Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery. The decedent was the younger son of the late Mike Charow and Mrs. Mary Charow Kowal of Jerseyville. He was born in Delores, Missouri, April 22, 1918, and his death occurred two days after his thirty-ninth birthday anniversary. For a number of years Charow was engaged in the poultry and produce business with members of his family, but of late had engaged in farming. He was a veteran of World War II.

Mr. Charow is survived by his wife, Mrs. Marian Schmieder Charow; two sons, James and Carl, and one daughter, Jacqueline, at home; his step-father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Metrol Kowal; and one brother, Stephen Charow of Jerseyville. His father, one brother, and a daughter, Connie, preceded him in death. His fraternal affiliations were the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Jerseyville Knights of Columbus Council, and he was also a member of Worthey Post, American Legion of Foreign Wars Post.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, James Harry Charow's mother Marian J. (Schmieder) Charow.

MARIAN CHAROW JERSEYVILLE — Marian J. Charow, 93, died at 2:55 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2014, at the Jerseyville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Jersey County on Aug. 24, 1930, and was one of six children born to the late Carl J. and Carrie (Poggenpohl) Schmieder. Marian married Harry Charow on Oct, 1, 1940, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fieldon, and they were the proud parents of four children, and were able to share just 17 years together before his death in 1957. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Jeff Smith of Jerseyville; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jim and Marian Charow of Columbia, Ill., and Carl "Butch" Charow of Jerseyville; three grandchildren and their spouses, Matt Charow of Columbia, Ill., Julie Smith and Dusty Crotchett of Jerseyville, and Jason and Stephanie Smith of Jerseyville; four great-grandchildren, Tanner Crotchett, Kailey, Ashley and Lilly Smith; two sisters, Geraldine Becker of Jerseyville and Barbara Toppmeyer of Brussels; a brother, John Schmieder of Jerseyville; and a sister-in-law, Bernadine Schmieder of Texas. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Ann Charow; and two brothers, Robert "Boots" Schmieder and Charles Schmieder. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014, at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at noon on Saturday at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville. Father Patrick Gibbons will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyville or to the Blessing Hospice of Greene County.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Mary Frances (Brakeville) Cuvar's father Walter Brakeville.

Walter Brakeville, born 28-07-1913, Greene County, Illinois, died 05-1972, buried St. Francis cemetery. Walter Brakeville of Jerseyville, died Thursday at the home in Alton where he had been staying while employed there. His death was unexpected. Visitation was held at Jacoby Brothers Funeral home in Jerseyville. Funeral mass was celebrated at St. Francis church by Rev R T Shea. Burial was in St. Francis cemetery. Though incapacitated since suffering a stroke several years ago, Mr. Brakeville had for the past few months been working with specialized services in Alton. Mr Brakeville was born in Greene County, July 28, 1913, a son kom Mrs. Magdalenen M. Grantham of Carrollton and the late Leonard Brakeville. Before becoming ill, Mr. Brakeville had worked as an assembler in the automotive industry.

Surviving are his wife Edna F Brakeville; 3 sons, Dr Robert L. Brakeville and John D. Brakeville of Alton, and Lawrence J. Brakeville of Jerseyville; 2 daughter, Mrs. George (Mary Frances) Cuvar of Glen Carbon and Margie A Kincaid of Alton, 1 half brother, Leonard Brakeville Jr., of Portland, OR; his mother and 10 grandchildren.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Reva (Blasa) Burn's father Pearl Charles Blasa.

Pearl Charles Blasa, born 11-02-1907, Jersey County, Illinois, died 16-07-1987. Pearl Charles Blasa, 80, formerly of Grafton, died Sept. 16, at Garnet's Chateau nursing home. He was born Feb. 11, 1907, in Jersey County to the late Charles & Mary Etta (Suddeth) Blasa. He married Bertha Marie (Guenther) Blasa on June 16, 1937, in Edwardsville; she died March 1, 1983. He was a farmer and worked at Olin for 31 years as a laborer. He was a member of Grafton Methodist church. Survivors are 4 daughters, Shirley Ely of Alton, Virginia Bailey of Grafton and Leva Burns and Phyllis Rudolph, both of Dow; 10 grandchildren and 4 g-grandchildren.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Judy (Erwin) Smith's father Paul "Popeye" Erwin.

Funeral mass for Paul "Popeye" Erwin, 70, R 2 Jerseyville was celebrated Thursday morning at Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father C. R. Horn, Father William Hembrow, and Msgr P.P. Heinen as celebrants. He died at 9:15 p.m. Oct 8 at his residence. He was born May 21, 1914 in Jersey County to the late Thomas and Eugenia Smith Erwin. Erwin was in maintenance at the Peavey Mill. He was a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Moose Lodge and the American Legion. His survivors are his wife, the former Florence "Toad" Horn whom he married Aug 22, 1942 in Jerseyville, a son Tom and daughter Judy Smith of Jerseyville, sister Florence Woodward of Granite City and Bettie Goodfellow of LaVale, MD and seven grandchildren. The Jerseyville American Legion conducted military rites at St Francis Cemetery.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Carol (Egelhoff) Wilson's father Leo Louis Egelhoff.

Leo Louis Egelhoff, 72, died at 3:43 a.m. today, June 7, 1988 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville. He was employed by the State of Illinois 29 years, retiring in Dec 1984. Born in Jersey County, he was the son of the late William and Anna Groppel Egelhoff. He married the former Pauline Grothasu July 20, 1940 in Jerseyville and she survives. Also surviving are a son Robert Egelhoff of Jerseyville; a daughter Carol Wilson of Jerseyville; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren, Three brothers, Henry and Elarence of Jerseyville and Walter of Piasa; four sisters, Freda Cray of Florida, Matilda Lawerence and Bertha Willman, both of Jerseyville and Grace Karr of Kane. Visitation will be 4-9 p.m. Wednesday at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville where services will conducted 10 a.m. Thursday by Rev. William Hembrow. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to a charity of ones choice.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Raymond Eakes's father Milbern K. Eakes.

Milbern K. Eakes. 71, died at 9:12 p.m. Monday Dec 23, 1991 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville. He retired in 1982 from Jersey Community Unit School District 100 after 32 years of service. Born in Kenton, Tenn on Aug 19, 1920 he was a son of the late Lee and Ethel Crosnole Eakes. On Aug 23, 1941 he in Sikeston, Mo he married the former Opal Ferguson. Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Patricia Loy and Belinda Woolsey both of Delhi and Shelia Sevier of Godfrey, a son Raymond Eakes of Alton; 5 grandchildren a great-grandchild; a sister Mary Lou Duty and a brother Willie Frank Eakes, both of Chicago. Preceding him in death were three sisters, Tobbie Rieley, Vera Thomas and Dorothy King; and two brothers, Raymond and J.W. Eakes. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services are at 11 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Earl Clagg will officiate. Burial is in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to the Delhi Baptist Church.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Judy (East) Russell's father Vernon Parker East.

Vernon Parker East, 54, of Tallahassee, Fla, formerly of Jerseyville, died Jan 10, 1978 at the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He was born July 10, 1923 in Illinois the son of Parker and Ruby Vanausdoll East. He was a veteran of World War 2 and was a ballistics technician for Olin Munitions Plant. He was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Tallahassee. He married Rosalie Narup, and she survives, as well as two daughters, Mrs Janice Rimby, Rockbridge and Judy Russell, Jerseyville; a son Jeff East of Tallahassee; three grandchildren, a brother, William East of Jerseyville, two sisters Mrs Marjorie Love of Lakeside, Calif. and Mrs Dorothy Cope of Jerseyville. Funeral mass will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Jan 13 at St Mary's Westwoods, Father Michael P. Henehan, celebrant. Burial will be in St Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home from 4-9 p.m. today (Thursday) The Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, William Duncan's father Forrest Duncan.

Forrest Duncan, 77, died Sep. 19, 1988 at St. Anthony hospital in Alton, following a lengthy illness. He retired from farming in 1967 and then sold insurance until 1979. He was a member of Quarry Township board at the time of his death. Born in Grafton, he was the son of the late William Frank & Zula (Fox) Duncan. He married Ethyl M. (Plummer) Duncan October 1, 1938 in Hillsboro, Missouri. She survives. Also surviving are 6 daughters, Janet Callahan of Grafton, Linda Brooks of Chatham, Joan Thomas of Miami, FL, Cheryl Barursachs of Clinton, Dee Copel and of Jerseyville and Trudy Duncan of Springfield; 1 son, William F. Duncan Fr of Grafton; 2 sisters, Fern Vedder of Dow and Esther Owens of Alton. Visitation and Masonic services were held at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. He was a member of Grafton Full Moon Lodge #341 AF & AM. Grafton United Methodist church was place of services and Rev. Tommy Brewer officiated. Burial was in Hartford cemetery near Pere Marquette State Park. Memorials may be given to Hartford cemetery fund.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Margaret (Dierking) Davies's father Nolan A. Dierking.

Nolan A. Dierking, 67, of Jerseyville was dead on arrival June 16, 1979 at Jersey Community hospital. Born August 20, 1911 in Hamburg, he was the son of the late Harrison K & Iva (Ansell) Dierking and was a millwright. His survivors are his Wife, Myra (Fitzpatrick) Dierking; 4 Sons, Jim of Pontiac, John of Grafton, Joe of Jerseyville and Pat of Carrollton; 3 daughters, Mary Scoggins of Jerseyville, Margaret Davies, Pleasant Valley, Missouri and Ann Hunter, Grafton; 1 brother, Merle Dierking, Peoria and 2 Sisters, Bonavier of Jerseyville and Lotus Tapen, Carrollton. Visitation was at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral mass was celebrated at St. Francis Xavier church with Father Patrick Morrow, celebrant. Burial in St. Francis cemetery.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Gail Richard Gisy's father Avery Wilson Gisy.

Avery Wilson Gisy, 55, of Jerseyville, co owner of Tri-Co Oil Inc, died December 12 at Barnes hospital in St. Louis where he had been a patient for 11 days. He was born March 9, 1919 in Dow a son of Albert & Grace (Diamond) Gisy and was married to Dorothy (Wilson) Gisy in 1940. The Gisys resided in Grafton until 1970 when they moved to Jerseyville. Mr Gisy was a former member of Comm United Dist 100 school board for 9 years and was past president. He was a member of Grafton Full Moon Lodge, Eastern Star at Grafton, past Master and past Patron of Eastern Star, United Methodist Church, Jerseyville, and Westlake Country Club. He had served with the Merchant Marines in WWII. In addition to his widow, he is survived by 1 son, Gail Gisy of Tucson, Az; 1 daughter, Averyl, who is a freshman at Eastern IL University at Charleston; his step mother, Mrs Alice Gisy of Dow; 1 brother, Gordon Gisy of Marion; 1 sister, Mrs Delbert (Sharon) Allen of Dow. His parents preceded him in death. The funeral was conducted at - incomplete

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Carol Sue (Gettings) Woodring's father James Newton "Newt" Gettings.

James Newton "Newt" Gettings, 78, died at Jerseyville care center. He was a farmer, born in Jersey county, son of the late Isaac & Ella (Gowins) Gettings. He Married Linnie (Weeks) Gettings in 1935 in KY. She d November 30, 1959. Surviving are 4 sons, James and David, Both of Jerseyville, Leroy of Grafton and Eddie of Las Vegas, NV; 2 daughters, Kathy Wallace of Hersman and Carol Woodring of Gilette, WY; 20 grandchildren; 8 g-grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Ione Schackelford of Jerseyville. Visitation and services were held at Jacoby Brothers funeral home in Jerseyville. Rev Bill Elder officiated. Burial was in Oak Grove cemetery.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Neil Jan Franklin's father O Neil Franklin.

O Neil Franklin, 62, owner and operator of Neil's Jewelry Store for 28 years, died May 22 at Barnes hospital in St. Louis from a heart attack. He had had heart surgery a few years ago. Franklin purchased the former Laross Jewelry in 1953. Born in Nebo July 18, 1918, he was the son of the late Edward & Fannie (Martin) Franklin, and was a WWII army veteran. He was a member of First United Methodist church, Jerseyville, American Legion 492, Shriners Ainad Temple, East St. Louis, Scottish Rite Lodge, Jerseyville Masons, AF & AM 394 and was a past president of the Jerseyville Lions Club and Westlake Country Club. Surviving are his wife, Corrine (Coulter) Franklin whom he married April 4, 1942 in St. Charles, MO; 1 son, Neil Jan Franklin, Jerseyville; twin daughters, Ann Corrine Franklin and Alice Christine Schickendanz of Springfield; 3 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Evans, Nebo, Denham, Alton and Harris, Pleasant Hill; and 1 sister, Edrah Goltz, Alton. Services were held at United Methodist church with Rev. R. E. George officiating, assisted by Circuit Judge Howard L. White. Graveside rites were conducted at Nebo cemetery. Memorials may be given to ainad temple Shriners crippled children's hospital, St. Louis.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Jacob (Jack) Kallal's father Sylvester Jacob Kallal.

27 August 1970: Requiem mass for Sylvester Jacob Kallal, 62, of Jerseyville will be celebrated tomorrow morning (fri) at 9:30 o'clock at the church of the Holy Ghost with Rev. Robert Heintz, celebrant. His death occurred Tuesday evening at Jersey Community Hospital. He had been in ill health for some time. Interment will be in St. Mary's cemetery. An employee of O.a. Smith Corporation, he was born 10 January 1908 in Jersey county, a son of the late Frank J. and Josephine Tonsor Kallal. His wife is the former Josephine Abeln Kallal. In addition to his wife he is survived by one son, Jacob (Jack) Kallal of Jerseyville; three daughters, Mrs. Edward (Arbedella) Whitehead, Mrs. Stanford (Jaonn) Springman, and Mrs. Duane (Nadine) Fink, all of Jerseyville; ten grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Louis (Julia Ann) Osterman of Carrollton; and six brothers, Eugene and Paul of Medora, Robert of Dow, Vincent, Richard, and Theodore of Jerseyville. His parents, four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Friends may call at Jacoby funeral home after 4 pm today (Thurs). The rosary will be recited at 8:15 this evening.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Barbara Jean (Guenther) O'Neal's father Herman O Guenther.

Herman O Guenther, 73, of R1 Dow d. February 25 at his home. Services were held at Jacoby Brothers funeral home in Jerseyville. Rev Stuart Venlet officiated and burial was in Valhalla Memorial Park, Godfrey. Born near Grafton July 5, 1907, he was a son of Herman C & Josephine (Quitt) Guenther. He retired as an electrician for Olin Corp. in 1972. Surviving are his wife, Hazel (Ashford); 2 daughter, Barbara O'neal, Jerseyville and Donna Croxford, Godfrey; several grandchildren; 2 Sister, Rita McCoy of Fieldon and Bertha Blasa of Grafton. His parents, 1 son and 1 daughter, preceded him in death. Memorials may be given to Berean Bible Church, Alton.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Judith "Judy" Fay (Gross) Schultz's father Earl L Gross.

Earl L Gross, 78, d. August 25, at Jersey County Memorial hospital after a lengthy illness. He worked for Shell Oil Refinery of Roxana for 30 yrs, retiring in 1972. Born in Jersey county, he was the son of the late William & Dovie (Daniels) Gross. On January 22, 1939, he married Rosilind (Rintoul) Gross, in St. Charles, MO. Surviving are his wife; 1 son, Morris Gross of Godfrey; Judy Schultz of Godfrey; 4 grandchildren; 4 sisters, Ruby Brickey of Cuba, MO, Reda Tapscott of Chesterfield, Edna Sawtell of Carrollton and Betty Rintoul of Richmond, VA; and 2 brothers, Carl Gross of Jerseyville and John Gross of Highlands, TX. Preceding him in death were 3 brothers, Ray, Claude, and Paul Gross. Visitation were at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Services were conducted by David Mcelwain officiating. Burial was in Valhalla Memorial Park, Godfrey. Memorials may be given to Godfrey Church of Christ or American Diabetes Assoc.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Karen Kay (Gorman) White's father Warren L Gorman Sr.

Warren L Gorman sr, 70, died February 16 at Alton Memorial hospital. He was born July 21, 1911 in Mt. Sterling. He was a son of frank & rose (marlow) gorman. He had worked at national marine in Grafton. Surviving are his wife, Katie (Hayes) Gorman whom he married June 22, 1934; 2 sons, Warren L Gorman Jr, Grafton and Robert of Marion; 3 daughters, Kiane Johnson, Karen K White, and Barbara Hand of Grafton; 13 grandchildren and 3 g-grandchildren; 1 brother, James of East Alton; 2 sisters, Florence Williams, St. Louis, and Lila Tuetkin, Arizona. Services were held at Jacoby Brothers funeral home in Grafton. Masonic services were conducted by Grafton Full Moon Lodge. Memorials may be given to Gospel Tabernacle, Wood River.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, John Little's father John D. Little, Sr.

27 Jan. 1981: services for John D. Little, Sr., 67, of Delhi will be conducted at 2 pm Wed. At Gubser funeral home by the Rev. Raymond Herwig with burial in Oak Grove cemetery. He died in the early hours 25 Jan. at his residence after a lengthy illness. He was born 15 May 1913 in venice, a son of the late James and Marion Faulkner Little. Little retired five years ago from Olin Corp., after 38 years of service. He was a World War II Air Corps veteran. He was a member of the Delhi Baptist church, Jerseyville Masonic Lodge 394, Jerseyville Order of Eastern Star 656 and Alton VFW. His survivors are his wife, the former Whilena Hutchinson whom he married 30 Jun. 1941; one son, John Daniel Little, Jr.; two sisters, Helen Peters of Granite City and Bernice Bartlett of Jerseyville. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 pm Tuesday at Gubser funeral home where Masonic rites will be conducted at 7:30 pm. The American Cancer Society or Delhi Baptist church have been named as memorials.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Virginia Irene (Lahr) Fuller's father Glenn W. Lahr.

Democrat News, 28 Feb. 1984: Services for Glenn W. Lahr, 73, a retired farmer of R. 1, Jerseyville were conducted Tuesday at the Piasa Methodist church with the Revs. Roger Czaia and John Seibert officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove cemetery, Jerseyville. He died at 8:17 am 24 Feb. at Christian Hospital Northeast, St. Louis. Born 22 Feb. 1911 in Greenfield, he was the son of the late John William and Mary Damm Lahr and was also retired from the Illinois Valley Supply Co. of Kane. His survivors are his wife, the former Edith Pearce whom he married 17 Aug. 1938 in Jersey county; three daughters, Mary Graham, Jerseyville; Virginia Fuller, Ada Mich.; Melinda Kruse, Bunker Hill; two sons, Robert of Medora and Preston of Shipman; six grandchildren; sister, Velma Waggoner of Brighton; three brothers, Loren of Shipman; Winfred and Kenneth of Piasa.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Anthony Joe Kanallakan's father Fred A. Kanallakan.

28 October 1965: Fred Kanallakan of Fieldon area died Wednesday: Fred A. Kanallakan, a farmer of Rosedale township was pronounced dead on arrival at the Jersey Community Hospital at 1:10 o'clock Wednesday morning where he was moved in the Jacoby ambulance. Mr. Kanallakan had been in ill health. The body is at Jacoby Brothers funeral home where visitation hours will be held after three o'clock this (Thurs) afternoon. The rosary will be recited this evening at 8 o'clock. Funeral services will be held Friday morning, 29 October at 9:30 o'clock at St. Mary's Church, Westwoods, with Rev. Peter Klumbys celebrant of the requiem mass, and interment will be in St. Mary's cemetery. Mr. Kanallakan was a son of the late Fred and Hannah Munsterman Kanallakan and was born in Jersey county on 2 March 1900. His age at the time of death was sixty-five years, seven months, and twenty-five days. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Stella Kanallakan of Route one, Fieldon; four Sons, Delbert of Fieldon, Eldon of Jerseyville, Darrel of Grafton and Anthony Joe of the U.S. Army at Forthood, Texas; three daughters, Mrs. Charles Helton of Eldred, Mrs. Junior Cory of Fieldon and Mrs. Dale Snider of Jerseyville; seventeen grandchildren; one brother, Charles Kanallakan of Jerseyville; and one sister, Mrs. Peter Drainer of Fieldon. His parents and three brothers, Frank, John and Guss, preceded him in death.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, James Mundy's father Keith Mundy.

Died 00-06-1984. Dated June 4, 1984: Jerseyville - Keith Mundy, 76, died at 12:50 am Sunday at Christian hospital northeast in St. Louis after a brief illness. He was a partner in the Mundy Lumber and Supply Co. In Jerseyville. In 1924 he began work for the Alec Robb Lumber and Coal Co. That company later became the Jacobs Lumber and Coal Co. of which he became a partner in 1954. In 1956, it became the Mundy Lumber and Supply Co., in which he was active until three weeks ago. He was born in Kane, the son of the late James A. and Grace (Wheeler) Mundy. He married the former Vivian Downey September 2, 1933 in Jerseyville and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Jane Wainwright of Denver, Colorado.; one son, James of Jerseyville, two grandchildren; one sister, Irma Terpening of Kane; and one brother, Louis O. of Rosewood Heights. Visitation will be after 4 pm today at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Services will be at the Funeral Home Tuesday at 10:30 am with the Rev. V. Clay Noah, Jr. Presiding. Burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children and the First Baptist church of Jerseyville, of which he was a member.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, John B. Mathis, Jr's father John B. Mathis Sr.

John B. Mathis, 71, died at 7:45 am today July, 6, 1988 at Jersey Community hospital in Jerseyville. Mathis had been an automobile salesman and, in 1987, retired from Sunderland Motors in Jerseyville. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was the son of Late Celestin and Margaret (Siemer) Mathis. He married the former Helen Kerns May 9, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters Martha Waters of Godfrey and Lynn Albert of Collinsville; two sons, John B. Mathis, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, and Michael C. Mathis of Gillespie; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two Sisters, Josephine Witte and Celeste Nord. Visitation will be 5-9 pm Thursday at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville where rosary will be recited 7 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 am Friday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic church in Jerseyville with the Rev. Henry Schmidt as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Francis cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to masses or Chicago Lung Association.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Tom Malloy father Robert O. Malloy.

Died 19-06-1981. A funeral mass for Robert O. Malloy, 69, 1134 Warren St., Jerseyville, was celebrated Monday morning at Holy Ghost church with Father William Hembrow celebrant. Burial was in St. Francis Xavier cemetery. He died at 3:30 a.m. June 19 at his home. He had been in ill health for an extended time. Born January 22, 1912 in Jerseyville, he was the son of Charles and Nellie Gerson Malloy and was formerly a foreman at Olin Corp. Malloy was a member of the Holy Ghost church, Knights of Columbus, and Lions Club. His survivors are his wife, the former Lena Ritter whom he married in 1933; four Sons, Robert Malloy and Jim Malloy, Jerseyville, Charles Malloy, Litchfield, and Tom Malloy, Altus, Oklahoma; one daughter Sharon Shanks, Jerseyville; 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Gerald Malloy of Jerseyville. His parents, one son and a brother preceded him in death. The rosary was recited Sunday evening at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville. The Holy Ghost church has been named as a memorial. Dated 06-23-81.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Phyllis Jean Loellke father Albert A. Loellke.

24 Feb. 1972: Albert A. Loellke died while doing chores": Albert A. Loellke, a farmer living on Route 4, in English township, died unexpectedly while doing some farm chores around five o'clock Saturday evening. Visitation hours were held at the Gubser funeral home after four o'clock Monday afternoon. Services were held at the funeral home at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Jack Brown of Kane officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove cemetery. Mr. Loellke was born in Jersey county 29 Dec. 1901, a son of the late William and Lena Schreiber Loellke. His survivors are his wife, Mrs. Naomi Mae Loellke; three daughters, Mrs. Joseph (Marian F.) Greene of Kane, and Janet N. and Phyllis J. who reside at home; two brothers, Frank and Carl Loellke of Jerseyville; two sister, Mrs. Lawrence Davis of St. Louis and Mrs. Nellie Dickerson of Jerseyville and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, five brothers, and three sisters. Mr. Loellke was a member of Fox Hunters and Coon Hunters Association.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Barbara Lee (Pointer) Brainerd's father Aaron Merle (Spec) Pointer.

10 May 1973: Final services for Aaron Merle (Spec) Pointer, 53, of North Hollywood, Calif., a former Jerseyville resident, will be held Friday afternoon (tomorrow) at 1:30 at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. L. E. Hutchinson will officiate and interment will be in Valhalla Memorial Park. His death occurred 5 May at Veterans Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif. Friends may call at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home after 4 pm this afternoon (thursday). A World War II veteran, he was born 25 may, 1919 a son of Fred and Mary Fischer Pointer of Jerseyville. Mr. Pointer was a truck driver for a cement company. His survivors are his wife, the former Adeline Jennings; two daughters, Mrs. David (Barbara) Brainerd of Jerseyville and Mrs. Beverly Tallant of North Hollywood; a son, Merle Frederick Pointer, North Hollywood; his father and two brothers, Donald and Edward of Jerseyville; and one sister, Mrs. Mildred Butler of Jerseyville. His mother and one brother preceded him in death.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Frances Eileen (Perdun) Willis's father Maurice Perdun.

27 January 1981: services for Maurice Perdun, 70, 866 S. Liberty, Jerseyville were conducted Thursday afternoon at the First Baptist church by the Rev. V. Clay Noah. Burial was in Oak Grove cemetery. He died at 2 pm 19 January at St. Luke's east hospital, St. Louis. The retiree was manager of the former Brown Produce business here. Born in Jersey County 11 February 1910, he was a son of the late Clarence and Bertha Winant Perdun. His survivors are his wife, the former Idabelle Nash whom he married 15 October 1932; two Daughters, Mary Howard of Winchester and Frances Willis of Jerseyville, one son, Elwyn "Gene" Perdun of South Roxana; 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; one sister, Opal Rudolf of Marilyn Heights, Missouri; two brothers, Melvin Perdun of St. Louis and Elwyn Perdun of Jerseyville. He was preceded in death by a daughter, two sisters, one brother, a half sister and two half brothers. The First Baptist church was designated as a memorial.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Frances Eileen (Perdun) Willis's sister Mary Elizabeth (Perdun) Howard.

Mary Elizabeth Howard, 79, died at 3:35 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2014, at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home. She was born in Greenfield on Sept. 24, 1934, and was the daughter of the late Maurice and Idabelle (Nash) Perdun. She married Norman Eugene Howard on Aug. 25, 1951, in Winchester, and during their nearly 48 years of marriage, they raised their fours sons in and around Kane and Winchester, and later in life moved to the Jerseyville and Carrollton area before his passing on May 7, 1999. Surviving are her three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Howard of Carrollton, Bruce Carol Howard of Jerseyville and Jeff and Kelly Howard of Winchester; a daughter-in-law, D. Howard of Jerseyville; nine grandchildren; six great- grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Gary Willis of Jerseyville. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Loren Howard; a sister, Patricia Cornelius; and a brother, Elwyn "Gene" Perdun. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 13, at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville, with the Rev. Brent Meyer and Rev. Greg Howard officiating. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at the Kane Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Jerseyville, where she was a member.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Frances Eileen (Perdun) Willis's brother Elwyn "Gene" Perdun's son David Andrew “Andy” Perdun.

Las Vegas formerly of Jerseyville, David Andrew “Andy” Perdun, age 61, died Thursday June 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. He was born November 11, 1955 in Jerseyville, the son of Gene & Joann (Bell) Perdun (Both Deceased). He married Roxanna Perdun Sept. 14, 1996 in Las Vegas, NV. He was a retired and disabled Veteran. He had 13 years of service in U.S. Navy, serving on Kitty Hawk and Tuscaloosa. He is survived by his wife Roxanna Perdun of Las Vegas; Children, Tara Arnett of Medora, IL., Kyle Perdun of La Mesa, CA., Kris Perdun of La Mesa, CA., and Katlyn Perdun of Las Vegas, NV; Step-Children, Trisha Phillips of Jerseyville, IL., Weslie Godfrey of Oregon, Penny Pence of Las Vegas, NV. and Charles Pinkham of Las Vegas, NV; 9 grandchildren; Siblings, Vicki Parris, Cathy Perdun and Chad Perdun, all of Jerseyville, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents, Maurice & Idabelle Perdun and Andrew & Linda Bell. Per his request he was cremated and no services to be held. Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Kathleen Annette (O'Donnell) Atkinson's mother Emma Mae (Morgan) O'Donnell.

Emma Mae O'Donnell, 66, died at 11:55 am Friday,17 March1989 at Greenwood Manor Nursing Home, Jerseyville. She was a supervisor in the engineering department at McDonnell Douglas at St. Louis. She was born in Peoria, daughter of the late Raymond and Mary (Dexter) Morgan. On 4 July 1942 in Grafton, she married Thomas O'Donnell, and he survives. Also surviving are a son, Thomas Patrick O'Donnell of Bradenton, Florida; four daughters, Kathleen Atkinson of Arlington, Texas, Judith Zimmer of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Cynthia Tranquilli of Arlington, Texas and Margaret Warford of Fidoeln; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. No visitation is scheduled. A funeral mass is 10 am Monday at Holy Ghost Catholic church in Jerseyville with the Rev. William Hembrow as celebrant. Burial is in Scenic Hills cemetery, Grafton. Memorials may be given to St. Patrick's Catholic church in Grafton.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Janet Sue (Nichels) Freand's father Leslie E. Nickels.

7 February 1985: Leslie E. Nickels, 66, of Crocker, MO, formerly of Jerseyville died January 30 at the Pulaski County Hospital in Waynesville, MO. Nichels was former owner-operator of the Sinclair Service Station in Jerseyville and retired in 1978 from Olin Corp. After 36 years service. He was a World War II Marine Corps veteran. Born 13 September 1918 in Pulaski County, MO, he was a son of Celia Jackson Nickels of Jerseyville and the Late Quincy L. Nickels and was a member of the Otterville Baptist church. His survivors include his wife, the former Mary Fryman whom he married 21 September 1939; mother; four daughters, Barbara Ontis, Crocker, MO; Janet Freand, Jerseyville; Martha and Anita Nickels of Jacksonville; one son Gerald Nickels, Godfrey; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandson. Also surviving are five sisters, Anna Ferree, Vero Beach, Florida; Elva Carlson, Quincy; Fern McClary, Godfrey; Iris Romine, Lemont, IL; Vinita McClary, Richland, MO; one brother, Aubrey Nickels Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by one son, Leslie David Nickels, who died 8 Aug 1966 in Vietnam, and a brother, Q. Lloyd Nickels. Services were held Saturday at Gubser Funeral Home with the Revs. James Endsley and Raymond McClary officiating. American Legion Post 492 conducted military graveside rites at Valhalla Memorial Park. The American Cancer Society has been named as a memorial.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Joseoh Munsterman's father Eugene J. Munsterman.

Died 13-08-1977. Dated 8/15/77: Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9 am on August 16 at St. Francis Xavier church for Eugene J. Munsterman, 75, of 120 Barr Ave., Jerseyville with Father R. T. Shea celebrant. Burial will be in St. Francis cemetery. He died a 9:35 pm on August 13 at Jersey Community hospital. He was born October 3, 1901 in Jersey County, a son of Frank and Caterine Fleming Munsterman. Munsterman started the E. J. Munsterman Tire and Oil Co. In the 1920's. He was formerly City Treasurer of Jerseyville and a director of Jersey Savings and Loan. He is survived by his widow, the Former Lucilee Schell, three sons, Richard, Joseph and John Munsterman, Jerseyville; one grandson; one brother and a Sister, F. A. Munsterman of Jerseyville and Mrs. Lauretta Barry of Florida. His parents and a sister preceded him in death. Friends may call at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home after 4 pm Monday where the rosary will be recited at 8 pm. The family has designated the St. Francis building fund as a memorial.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Patsy Ann (Alexander) Abbott's mother Angelee (Balentine) Alexander

Angelee Alexander, 89, left this world for a better one at 9:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. She was born on Feb. 18, 1922, in Roasting Ear Creek in Stone County, Ark., and was the daughter of the late John and Bertie (Woody) Balentine. She married Junious "Mr A." Alexander in 1941, and he died Feb. 28, 2001. Angelee retired in 1994 at 72, as a supervisor of the salad department of the food service at Principia College in Elsah.

Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Gene Abbott of Jerseyville; a granddaughter and her husband, Tonya and Jason Mayer of Godfrey; a grandson and his wife, Duane and Amy Abbott of Brookfield, Ill.; a great-grandson, Tye Abbott; a sister, Mildred Veo Mitchell of Mountain View, Ark.; a brother, Silas Balentine of Fifty Six, Ark.; and a special friend and companion, Therain Gilman of Jerseyville. She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Balentine; two sisters, Cleo Green and her husband, Orvin Green, and Thelma Alexander and her husband, Thurlow Alexander; a brother-in-law, Jack Mitchell; and a sister-in-law, Vera Balentine. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, until time of funeral services at noon at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Riverbend Humane Society and Animal Shelter in Jerseyville.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Barbara Lee (Pointer) Brainerd's mother Adeline L. (Jennings) Pointer

Adeline L. Pointer, 90, of Jerseyville died October 25 at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehab. Per her request, her body was cremated and no memorial services will be held. She was born December 2, 1921 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the daughter of the late Ira and Violet (Stone) Jennings. She married Aaron Merle Pointer; he died in 1973. Surviving are two daughters, Barbara Brainerd and Beverly Tallant, both of Jerseyville; a son; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and two sisters. Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Donna Kay (Georgevits) Streeper's mother Betty Lee (Smith) Georgevits's obituary

Betty Lee Georgevits, 89, died at 5:46 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at Blu Fountain Manor in Godfrey. She was born in Alton on Aug. 31, 1923, and was the daughter of the late Harry W. and Cleta (Wade) Smith Sr. Betty attended Alton High School and was employed at the Western Cartridge during World War II. She began working in housekeeping at Principia College in Elsah, and remained there for 18 years, retiring in 1988. Betty married Joseph Georgevits Sr. on April 26, 1941, in St. Charles, Mo., and together they shared 61 years together before his death on Sept. 25, 2002. Surviving are her five children and their spouses, Donna and John Streeper Sr. of Godfrey, Linda and Bill Goheen of Dow, Joseph Georgevits Jr. and his companion, Mary DeSalvo of Godfrey, Deborah and Robert Monroe of Grafton, and Elizabeth Georgevits of Alton; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a sister-in-law, Lola Smith of Alton; and a brother-in-law, George Georgevits of Alton. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, William Lee Goheen on Dec. 3, 1989; and three brothers, Carl Smith, Rexford Smith and Harry W. Smith Jr. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Riverbend Humane Society in Jerseyville or to the Activity Department at Blu Fountain Manor in Godfrey.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Beverly June (Colman) Mourning's stepmother Lois (Griffith) Colman's obituary

Lois (Griffith) Colman, 80, died at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at the Jerseyville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Haypress in Greene County, Ill., during a snowstorm on Feb. 7, 1933, the daughter of the late Joseph and Lucy (Berline) Griffith. Lois was raised in Greene County until the family moved to Jerseyville when she was 10 years of age. She graduated from Jersey Township High School and worked for the Democrat News for a short time before going into the real estate business, working for Rolando Real Estate in Jerseyville, eventually owning and operating her own realty company.

She married Clarke P. Colman on June 25, 1971, at the Roodhouse United Methodist Church, and they shared 30 years together before his death on Sept. 12, 2001. Surviving are two stepdaughters, Beverly Mourning, and her husband, Roger, of Jerseyville, and Candice Cangelosi of Jerseyville; several stepgrandchildren; a brother, George Griffith of Slaughter, La.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Max Griffith, Joseph Griffith and Donald Griffith. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Father William Hembrow will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimers Association.

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The obituary of a relative of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Joyce (Swearingin) Fairfield's mother Dorothy J. (Weaver) Swearingin's obituary

Dorothy J. Swearingin, 89, died at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Jerseyville Nursing & Rehab Center. She was born May 5, 1926, in Hamburg, Ill., daughter of Joseph and Mary Elizabeth (Mielke) Weaver, both deceased. She married Cecil Everett Swearingin Dec. 28, 1940, in Elsberry, Mo. He died Aug. 17, 1995. Dorothy came from very humble beginning from Calhoun County. She was not afraid of a hard day's work on the farm. Her children would enjoy fresh milk, cream and eggs. She was a homemaker to her children and grandchildren. She was a kind and gentle woman with strong Christian values and secure in her faith. She loved baking pies and her family dearly enjoyed her home-cooking. She never left the house without her onion salt. Mammaw, as she was known to her grandchildren, loved gathering flowers, working in the garden while listening to the birds sing, and picking blackberries and strawberries. She would often be found in the kitchen listening to Christian hymns on the radio all day long as she made homemade fruit cobbler, breads and butter. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege and honor of knowing such a sweet soul. Surviving are her children, Sharon K. Swearingin, Donna J. Rice, Robert G. and Carol Swearingin, and Ronald E. and Marilyn Swearingin, all of Jerseyville, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Steward of Alton; brother, Robert Weaver of Banks, Ore. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Joyce Fairfield, grandsons: Randy and Robert Swearingin, granddaughter, Wendy Kallal, sisters, Mary Werts and Viola Randall, and a brother, Howard Weaver. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville where the funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday with Rev. Chuck Keene officiating. Burial will be at Indian Creek Cemetery in Hamburg. In lieu of flowers, St. Francis/Holy Ghost schools or Alzheimer's Association may be memorials. Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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