Family Funeral and Obituary-Page 8
The obituaries on this page are of neighbors, and other people and families my parents and I knew in the Jersey County, Illinois area and in the surrounding counties, but are not related to my family.
Robert J. Cope
Died ??-09-1985. Robert J. Cope, 66, died at 10 a.m. Monday at his residence. He was born in Fieldon, son of the late Jerry and Gussie (Gunterman) Cope. The World War II veteran was a business agent for Jerseyville Local 646.
Survivors include two grandchildren; and three sisters, Alberta Golob of Godfrey, Rosemary Bain of Bellville and Thelma Leidner of Greenville. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m Thursday with the Rev. James Pepper officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Mrs. Marcella A. Godar
Marcella A. Godar, 75, died at 10:50 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, at her home. She was born Jan. 4, 1930, in Belleview, Ill., to Rinnie and Lucy A. (Jones) McNelly. She married David N. Godar on May 5, 1973, in Hardin. He survives. She had worked at the Bank of Calhoun County in Hardin, where she held many positions for over 40 years before retiring. She was a member of the Hardin Presbyterian Church, secretary of the American Cancer Society Calhoun Chapter and a member of the Calhoun Red Hat Ladies.
In addition to her husband, survivors include one brother, Norman McNelly of Pittsfield; one sister, Jean Ogden of Alhambra; a nephew, Jim McNelly of Pittsfield; and numerous other nephews and nieces. Her parents and three brothers, Owen, Willard and Odell McNelly, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Hanks-Gubser Funeral Home in Hardin. The Rev. Paul D. Frazier will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Hardin Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at St. Norbert's Cemetery, Hardin. Memorials may be given to the Presbyterian Church of Hardin or the American Cancer Society.
Mrs. Flossie M. Gunterman
Flossie M. Gunterman, 92, died at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Calhoun Care Center in Hardin. Surviving: daughter Jane Godar of Florida; eight grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Graveside services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Hardin City Cemetery.
Christopher J. Ringhausen
Christopher J. Ringhausen, 91, died at 8:35 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005, at his home. He was born Aug. 27, 1914, in Hamburg to Charles C. and Lula (Rosa) Ringhausen. He married the former Mary Louise Williams on Dec. 14, 1937, in Kane. She died Nov. 4, 1990. He was a farmer and fruit grower and worked for 25 years with Country Companies as a claims adjuster. He was a member of the Jersey Township High School Board and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association for 35 years and a charter member of Lewis and Clark Community College Board and Trustees Association for 35 years. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Jerseyville, Jerseyville Masonic Lodge 394 and Ainad Shrine of East St. Louis. He had served as treasurer for the Jersey School District from 1984 to present.
Survivors include two daughters, Carol Thiebaud of Bonham, Texas, and Brenda Gabbett of Springfield, Ill.; two grandchildren and their spouses, Jon and Diane Thiebaud of Plano, Texas, and Jeanette and Stan Buhlig of Bluffs, Ill; four great-grandchildren, Brian and Danielle Thiebaud of Plano and Wes and Katie Buhlig of Bluffs; one sister, Morelan Powel of Jerseyville; and one sister-in-law, Margaret Ringhausen of Jerseyville. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Charles Ringhausen; one son-in-law, Jon W. Thiebaud; and one brother-in-law, Paul Powel.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the First Presbyterian Church in Jerseyville, with Masonic funeral rites at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue from 1 p.m. until services at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Stan Martin officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church elevator fund or Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation. Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Leola E. Bishop
01/19/2006 -- Leola E. Bishop, 85, died at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006, at Greenwood Manor Nursing Home in Jerseyville. Born Feb. 7, 1920, in Calhoun County, she was the oldest of two daughters of Joseph and Isabella (Bernt) Klunk. She married Joseph Stephen Bishop on Dec. 27, 1947, in Jerseyville. He died Feb. 27, 1984. As a young girl, her family moved to the Fieldon area, where her father was a farmer and orchardist, and remained there her entire life. Before her marriage, she was employed at the International Shoe Factory in Jerseyville. After marriage and the birth of her children, she concentrated on her home being the best wife and mother she could be. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fieldon and enjoyed working with her hands, whether it was in the garden or flowerbeds, working puzzles, playing dominoes or making various items through embroidery or crocheting.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Reid Taylor of Jerseyville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Jodi Bishop of Jerseyville and William and Brenna Bishop of Fieldon; five grandchildren, Tim Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Andrew Bishop, Bobby Staats and Jennifer Horton; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Delores Rogers of Fieldon; and two nephews and their spouses, Dave and Linda Rogers of St. Louis and Dick and Barb Rogers of Bethalto. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, with a rosary recitation at 3:30 p.m., at Crawford Funeral home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fieldon, with Father William Hembrow officiating. Burial will be at Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Masses.
Mrs. Helen Ann Wallkoff
Helen Ann Wallkoff, 96, died at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, 2004, at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born Sept. 12, 1908, in Jersey County, to Benjamin and Anna (Abeln) Telkamp. She married Clemence Wallkoff in Jerseyville. He died Jan. 13, 1963. She was a homemaker.
Surviving is a son, Ralph Wallkoff of Grafton. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters. Visitation will be from noon until time of services at 2 p.m. today at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. The Rev. Jeff Stahl will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to Rosedale United Methodist Church.
Ralph Wallkoff
Ralph Wallkoff, 65, died at 4 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, at Christian Hospital Northeast. He was born Aug. 18, 1939, in Jersey County to Clemence and Helen Ann (Telkamp) Wallkoff. He was a farmer and had worked at Duncan's Foundry.
Survivors include his cousins and their spouses, Dex and Carol Paddock, Jim and Debbie Pegue, and Rose and Dick Neimeyer, all of Grafton, Phyllis Matteuzzi of Webster Groves, Gary and Doris Herndon of Phoenix, David and Tonda Pegue of Fieldon, Richard and Sandra Shelton of Fort Gratiot, Mich., Dan and Debbie Telkamp of Glendale, Ariz., and Randy Telkamp of Mesa, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from noon until services at 2 p.m. Monday at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. The Rev. Jeff Stahl will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to Rosedale United Methodist Church.
Ernest W. Miles
Ernest W. Miles, 79, died unexpectedly at 12:50 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville. He was born Aug. 19, 1925, in Rosedale and was the last surviving child of John and Mary Jane (Rogers) Miles. A lifelong resident of Nutwood, he moved to Jerseyville in 1997 and had worked at various jobs as a young man, including Nutwood Levee and Columbiana Seed, before accepting a position in 1959 with the state of Illinois at Pere Marquette State Park, retiring June 2, 1978.
Surviving are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who loved and cared for him and included him in their family lives as well. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Raymond and Norman Miles; a sister, Ruby Miles; a half-sister, Rachel Belle Woods; and two half-brothers, Charles and Lloyd Rogers. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where the Rev. Clyde Shaw will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday. Burial will be at Rosedale Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Rosedale Cemetery.
Mrs. Martha Jean Regina Beer
Martha Jean Regina Beer, 74, died peacefully in her home at 9:25 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2005, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor just over a month ago. She was born March 13, 1931, the daughter of Rudolph and Goldie (Kitson) Pehm. She was raised in Batchtown, and at the age of 21 married Herman E. Beer on Oct. 13, 1953, in Hardin. The two lived for many years in rural Fieldon, and raised their family, until he died in a drowning accident on Aug. 5, 1980. After the death of her husband, she began caring for many people in the area, enabling them to stay in their own homes. She was a compassionate person who loved her family, as well as her garden, flowers and collecting dolls.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara Diane and Ray Hutchens of Grafton and Betty and James Davenport of Fieldon; three sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Carolyn Klocke of Hartford, Charles Klocke of Springfield and Ricky and Margaret Beer of Washington; 21 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Pehm of Peoria and James Gresham of Kentucky; and six sisters, Rose Mary Pehm of Henry, Elizabeth "Betty" Pehm of Peoria, Marie Andrews of Grinnel, Iowa, Dorothy Kaufman of Bethalto, Barbara Stilwell of Sand Springs, Okla., and Doris Angel of Rockbridge.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a stepfather, Sherman Gresham; an infant sister, Anna Mae Pehm; and a brother, Herman Pehm. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday. The Rev. Ed Haun will officiate. She will be buried beside her husband at the Indian Creek Cemetery in Hamburg. Memorials may be made to the Blessing Hospice of Greene County or the Jersey Community Hospital Ambulance Department.
Mrs. Virginia R. Gerson
Virginia R. Gerson, 82, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003, at her home with her family at her side. She was born Jan. 15, 1921, in Calhoun County to Dr. J.H. and Minnie (Rose) Peisker. She married Clayton W. Gerson Sr. on Aug. 6, 1949, in Jersey County. He survives. After graduating from Jerseyville Township High School, she attended St. Louis University and received a bachelor's degree in nursing. After graduation, she returned home to work with her father in his medical practice. She was employed with the Calhoun County Health Department and later became the director of Illinois Valley Economic Development Corp. until her retirement. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hardin and the American Legion Auxiliary.
In addition to her husband, surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Terese, Jim and Mary Lu and Joe and Joy, all of Hardin; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Gary Vanderheiden of Sterling, Va.; and 10 grandchildren, Amy, Alicia, Sara, Samantha, Tim, Crissy and her husband Matt, Aaron, Jenna, Stacey and Adam. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William Peisker.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Hanks-Gubser Funeral Home in Hardin. The Rev. Paul D. Frazier will officiate at funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Hardin. Burial will be at Hardin City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Calhoun Ambulance Service, the First Presbyterian Church or the Calhoun Care Center.
Mrs. Minda Frances Wandrei
Jerseyville, Wed. March 23, 1966, Mrs. Minda Frances Wandrei, widow of Phillip Wandrei, died in her sleep Tuesday at 3 a.m. at her home, 508 Snedeker Ave. She was 75. She was born in Pike County Feb. 7 1891. Surviving are a daughter Mrs. Effie Springman, Jerseyville, five grandchildren, and 10 greatgrandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. in Jacoby Bros. Funeral Home with Burl Price officiating. Burial will be in Fieldon Cementary. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be after 3 p.m. today.
Howard L. "Charlie" Roady
Howard L. "Charlie" Roady, 66, died at 3:32 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, at his home after a long battle with lung cancer. He was born Dec. 13, 1937, in Fieldon to Effie (Wandrei) Springman of Jerseyville and Pearl Roady. He married the former Pam Wingo on April 18, 1968, in Jerseyville. She survives. A 1956 graduate of Jersey Community High School, he soon entered the U.S. Navy, where he served his country during the Korean War and was stationed on the USS Columbus. A very active and dedicated member of the Jerseyville community, he was a 25-year member of the Moose Lodge 695 andthe Elks Lodge 954, was instrumental in the formation of the Jerseyville D.A.R.E. program and was a longtime member of the Jerseyville Chamber of Commerce, serving as president in 1989. He was a general contractor most of his life, owning and operating Roady Construction for more than 30 years. Later, he also included the First Check Home Improvement Service, as well as a real estate agent through Homes of America Realty.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother, who lives in Jerseyville; six sons and daughters-in-law, Mike of Boring, Ore., Waney and Lorrie Roady of Kane, Kyle Roady of Jerseyville, Rodney Roady of Farmington Hills, Mich., Ricky and Jenny of Brightwood, Ore., and Mitchell Roady at home; 10 grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Phil and Deanne Roady of Taylorville, Ill.,and Edwin and Susan Roady of Taft, Calif; and a sister and brother-in-law, Hilda and Gerald Hoffstetter of Schnectady, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his father; a daughter, Dawn Louise Roady, on Feb. 27, 1983; a sister, Rosalie Frances Mueller; maternal grandparents, Phillip and Minda Wandrei; and paternal grandparents, Solomon and Rosetta Roady.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with a rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville. Father D. Patrick Gibbons will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, with military graveside rites conducted by the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492. Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools or to the Jerseyville D.A.R.E. program.
Mrs. Effie 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.
Mrs. Ruth V. Erwin
Ruth V. Erwin, 80, died at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, at the Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The last surviving child of the late Fred E. and Annie D. H. (Krueger) Gerson, she was born July 23, 1922, in Jersey County. She married her husband of 60 years, Lawrence "Chick" Erwin, on June 7, 1942, in Fieldon. He survives. A 1939 graduate of Jersey Township High School, she attended Shurtleff College for a short timeand worked at the International Shoe Factory in Jerseyville. During World War II, she worked at Owens-Illinois Glass Manufacturing in Alton. After that time, she remained home, where she was a loving wife and mother. A lifelong resident of Fieldon, she was a lifetime member of the Fieldon United Church of Christ, where she served as treasurer of the Women's Guild for many years. She was also very active with the Jerseyville Women of the Moose.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Laura Lee "Dee Dee" and Robert Pearson of Franklin, Ill.; a son, Lawrence F. Erwin of Fairview Heights, Ill.; a granddaughter and her husband, Amy Lee and Jay Huston of Jacksonville, Ill.; and a great-grandson, Trevor Lewis Huston. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Williamson and an infant, Emma, and a brother, Raymond Gerson.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Crawford Funeral Home (Jacoby Chapel) in Jerseyville. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Fieldon United Church of Christ, with Dr. Donald Burkhalter officiating. Burial will be at the Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Fieldon United Church of Christ.
Adolph Wahle
Died 18-06-1961. Adolph Wahle, 86 years, 12 days, died June 18, at the home of his son and dau-in-law, Mr & Mrs Clarence Wahle of Otterville, following an extended illness. He was a native of Jersey County, and was born May 23, 1875, a son of the late Joseph & Lena (Hooper) Wahle.
Surviving are 3 sons, Clarence with whom he resided, George, Brighton and Fred Wahle of Fieldon; 1 daughter, Mrs Grace German, RR Jerseyville; 12 grandchildren; 16 g-grandchildren; 1 brother Henry Wahle, Jerseyville; and 2 sisters, Mrs Mark Bethel of Brighton, and Mrs George Price, Otterville. His wife Louise, and 2 sons preceded him in death. Friends called at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Services were held there on June 21, with Rev Alton Loar officiating. Interment was in Otterville Cemetery.
Rodney Leon Dilks
Rodney Leon Dilks, 48, died at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2002, at Saint Anthony's Health Center in Alton after a lengthy battle with multiple myeloma. He was born June 3, 1953, in Carrollton to Owen "Leroy" and Lelia "Margie" (Schaaf) Dilks, who are deceased. He graduated in 1973 from Jersey Community High School and soon began working at Laclede Steel in Alton, until his health required his retirement. An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, he was a strong supporter of the Jersey Community High School Panther football team, for which he served as a statistician for many years.
Surviving are a sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Richard Lott of Jerseyville; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Ronnie Dilks, Randy Dilks, Kevin and Christine Dilks, all of Jerseyville, and Bill and Pam Dilks of Grafton; nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the First Assembly of God Church in Jerseyville. Burial will be at Fieldon Cemetery alongside his parents. Memorials may be given to the JCHS football Panthers or to the local Relay for Life.
Mrs. Vileta June Turpin
Vileta June Turpin, 71, died at 2:40 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2001, at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville. Born Sept. 24, 1929, at Kemper, she was a daughter of the late Warren and Elizabeth (Murray) Huff. A homemaker, she was employed as a dietary aid at Jersey Community Hospital for 15 years, retiring in September of 1995 and was a member of Fidelity Pentacostal Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Debra Turpin of Jerseyville, and two sisters, Edith Moore of Rockbridge and Hazel Ingles of Bradenton, Fla. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Edna Shade and Helen Brooks; and a brother, Everett Huff. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Michael Moore will officiate. Burial will be at Jalappa Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research, St. Louis Chapter, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Box 111, c/o Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO 63110.
William H. Peisker
William H. Peisker, 86, died at 7:50 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2001, at Calhoun Care Center in Hardin. Born Nov. 2, 1914, in Hardin, he was the son of Dr. Jacob and Minnie (Rose) Peisker. A graduate of McNabb High School, he later attended Ranken Technical School in St. Louis, where he earned a certification as a radio TV technician, he owned and operated Peisker's Radio and RCA TV Shop. He was a World War II U.S. Army Signal Corps veteran. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a lifelong member of 1st Presbyterian Church in Hardin and served on the board of trustees. He was also a member of the Hardin American Legion, served on the Calhoun Fair board and served several terms as mayor of Hardin. On June 18, 1939, in Jerseyville, he married the former Erma Jane Frazier. She died in November 1981.
Surviving are a sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Clayton Gerson of Hardin; a sister-in-law, Wanda Frazier of Overland Park, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Orville Frazier. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Hanks-Gubser Funeral Home in Hardin Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at 1st Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Paul D. Frazier officiating. Burial will follow at Hardin City Cemetery with American Legion graveside services. Memorials may be made to the 1st Presbyterian Church in Hardin, Calhoun Volunteer Ambulance Organization or a charity of one's choice.
Mrs. Fannie L. Pruitt
Died 05-09-1984. Funeral of Fannie L. Pruitt, 96 years old, held at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home with Rev. R. E. George serving. Burial in Fieldon cemetery. Born 19 June 1888 in Fieldon to late Albert and Ruth Watson Skiff. Married Kersey H. Pruitt in June 1910. He died 23 July 1957.
Leaves two sons, Kersey H. Pruitt and Leo of Fieldon; five daughters, Norma Cates, Ruth Devening and Goldie Pruitt of Fieldon and Blanche Herring and Beatrice Wadlow of Jerseyville. 32 grandchildren, 83 great grandchildren and 25 great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Helen G. Scott
Helen G. Scott, 86, died at 6:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2001, at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Feb. 5, 1915, in Jersey County, the daughter of Herman and Katie Mae (Minesinger) Gerson, both deceased. She married John Scott on April 5, 1933, in Jerseyville. He died Nov. 10, 1997. She taught in Fieldon in Unit 100 Community School District for more than 28 years, until retiring in 1980. She was a member of United Church of Christ of Fieldon. She also was a member of Retired Teachers Association, Jersey County Historical Society, Jersey County Home Extension and the Church Quilting Guild and a former member of Business and Professional Women.
Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Terri Scott of Fieldon; six grandchildren; one stepgrandson; 19 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Robert Eugene Scott, and one sister, Bessie Imogene Gerson.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at United Church of Christ in Fieldon, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Burial will be at Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to United Church of Christ.
Orville E. "Whitey" Skinner
Orville E. "Whitey" Skinner, 85, died at 9:48 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2002 in Reisch Memorial Nursing Home in Carrollton. Born June 22, 1916, in Jersey County, he was a son of the late Clifford and Emma (Kirchner) Skinner. He married the former Marilyn Campbell in 1972 in Pearl, Ill. She survives. A nationally known blacksmith and horseshoer, he retired in 1992 from the Illinois Department of Transportation as a bridge tender at the Joe Page Bridge in Hardin. He was a member of the Fieldon Masonic Lodge 592.
Also surviving are a daughter, Edna Skinner of Harrisburg, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a grandson and a brother, Lavern "Bud" Skinner. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Jon Lorch will officiate. Burial will follow at Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Reisch Memorial Nursing Home in Carrollton.
Alfred R. Fessler
Alfred R. Fessler, 78, died at 4:50 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2002, at Eunice Smith Nursing Home in Alton. He was born Feb. 22, 1924, in Elsah to George W. and Mary (Northcutt) Fessler. He married the former Kathryn Marie Leuking Feb. 22, 1947, in Bunker Hill. She survives. A World War II Air Force veteran, he served from 1942 to 1945 in the North African and European theaters, attaining the rank of sergeant. In 1949 he earned his bachelor of science degree from Millikin University in Decatur and in 1955 earned his master of science degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb. He taught in Kenney, Ill., and in Jersey County public schools for 36 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Delhi Baptist Church, where he served for many years as a Bible teacher and deacon.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Mary Holgate of Tampa, Fla., and Katherine L. Fessler of Mesquite, Texas; a son, Mark L. Fessler of Naperville, Ill.; seven grandchildren, James and Rebecca Fessler and Lee, Joshua, Brian, Megan and Steven Holgate; two brothers, J. Kenneth and Jack Fessler, both of Godfrey; and a stepgreat-grandchild, Daniel Holgate. Besides his parents, preceding him in death were a son, George R. Fessler; a grandson, Christopher Carter; a sister, Anna Mae Wendle; and three brothers, Clarence, Herbert and William LaVerne Fessler.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Delhi Baptist Church, and Rev. Ron Phillips will officiate. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, with full military honors by the U.S. Air Force. Memorials may be made to Delhi Baptist Church.
Everett Zadock Ayres
Everett Zadock Ayres, 72, died at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 2000, at Memorial Medical Center in Belleville. He was born Dec. 22, 1927, in Otterville, a son of the late Ernest and Freda (McCoy) Ayres. For 30 years he worked on the railroad as a carman and retired from Conrail in 1982. In addition, he also operated a landscaping business in Belleville for many years. As a young man he enjoyed the outdoors and hunting and will be missed by his family as well as friends. He married the former Levetta Weller May 31, 1947, and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage.
Their union brought five children and their spouses, Ernest and Barb Ayres of Jerseyville, Everett and Joyce Ayres of Highland, Margaret and James Keck of Highland, Delbert and Rebecca Ayres of Collinsville and Brenda and Paul Niemaczek of O'Fallon; 10 grandchildren and their spouses, Jeanette and Bryan Wildermuth of Highland, Jennifer and Jason Patterson of Bement, Kristina and Andy Cooksey of Highland, Jason and Rebecca Ayres of Godfrey, Joshua and Jennifer Ayres of Edwardsville, Jessica Daniels of Collinsville, Hannah and Matthew McKittrick of Highland, Caleb Ayres of Highland, Jeremiah and Kyle Niemaczek, both of O'Fallon.
He is also survived by his brothers and sisters and their spouses, Hazel Wallace of Alton, Vernon and Mildred Ayres of Grafton, Raymond and Connie Ayres of Jerseyville, Juanita and Ed Garrett of Virden, Grace and Hap Oliver of Jerseyville, Phyllis and Gary Haynes of Jerseyville and Mary and Ronald Cresswell of Elsah. He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Keith Everett Keck; a brother, Harold E. Ayres; and two infant sisters, Marita and Emma Ayres.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday. His son-in-law, James Keck, will officiate. He will be laid to rest in Noble Cemetery in Otterville. Memorial gifts may be given to a local hospice in care of the funeral home.
Mrs. Mildred Lee Ayres
Mildred Lee Ayres, 77, died at 6:40 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at Saint Anthony's Health Center in Alton. She was born July 2, 1927, in Jersey County to Henry and Bertha (Loellke) Bridges and attended Jersey County country schools as a young girl. At the age of 20, she married Vernon Ayres on Nov. 1, 1947, at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville. The have shared the past 56 years together. She had been employed at Owens-Illinois in Alton for 25 years, until the plant closed. She spent her spare time enjoying her family, needlework, crocheting and crossword puzzles.
Surviving are her husband; two sons and daughters-in-law, Denzel C. and Naomi Ayres of Ashland, Ky., and Donald and Linda Ayres Sr. of Grafton; nine grandchildren, Sheri Hutchens and Sheila Blasa, both of Jerseyville, Denzel Ayres of Ashland, Ky., Donald Ayres Jr., Darran Ayres and Dwayne Ayres, all of Grafton, John Crader of Ashland, Ky., Bill Crader of Lutesville, Mo., and Steven Crader of Marble Hill, Mo.; 17 great-grandchildren; and her only surviving sibling, Bernice Roland of Jerseyville. She was preceded in death by her parents; a great-grandson, Jeffrey Scott Ayres, on Sept. 24, 1998; a sister, Ethel Waters; and two brothers, Howard and Floyd Bridges.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday. The Rev. Joy Settles will officiate. Burial will be at the Noble Cemetery in Otterville. Memorials may be given to the Otterville Southern Baptist Church or to the Noble Cemetery.
Mrs. Helen Stocker
10/16/97 - Helen Stocker, 91, of Bethalto, died Oct. 16, 1997, in Alton Memorial. Her husband, Leroy, preceded her in death. Surviving are daughters, Barbara Faulkner of Brighton, and Connie Kates of Atlanta, Ga.; sisters, Iva Osborn of Jerseyville, Nell Gowin of Darien, and Alice Parton of Savannah, Ga.; and three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Services were in Elias-Smith in Bethalto.
Thomas Chris Talley
Died 04-10-1972. Final services were held Friday afternoon at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville, for Thomas Chris Talley, 83, of Alton, a retired farmer, whose death occurred on October 4, at St. Joseph's Hospital after a month of illness. Rev. A. J. Maggos officiated at the rites and burial was in Fieldon Cemetery. He was born September 5, 1889 in eldred the son of the late John and Ellen (Hardwick) Talley and attended schools in Eldred. Mr. Talley was a member of the Pentecostal church at Nutwood.
Survivors are his wife, Mildred Roberts Talley; 3 sons, Thomas W. of Maryland Heights, Missouri, Harold of Jerseyville and Arnold; 2 daughters, Mrs. Geneva Lewis and Mrs. Mildred Frommee of St. Charles, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 22 g-grandchildren; and 2 stepsons, Donald Douglas Music of Valley Park, Missouri and Curtis Ray Music of Vallear, Kansas. His first wife, Stella Marie Shaw, died in 1940.
Earnest F. Burnett
Ernest F. Burnett, born 07-03-1923, Jersey County, Illinois, died 06-07-1993, buried Oak Grove Cemetery. Ernest F Burnett, 70, died July 6, 1993, at Jersey Community hospital. He retired in 1985 from Olin Brass in East Alton where he was a crane operator for 43 years.
He was a member of Jerseyville Masonic Lodge 394, Shriners Ainad Temple of East St. Louis, Elks Lodge 954, Eagles Aerie, Moose Lodge 695, All of Jerseyville and Valley of Southern Illinois Scottish Rites of Belleville. Born in Jersey County on March 7, 1923, he was a son of the late Frank & Goldie (Cross) Burnett. He married Jessie (Weller) Burnett in 1948, and she died in 1986. He later married Doloris (Bright) Eisenreich Burnett on Nov.30, 1987, in Las Vegas, NV. She survives.
Also surviving are 2 stepdaughters, Shirley Closser of Drakeville, IA, and Annette Walsh of Ft. Worth, TX; 2 stepsons, Kenneth Weller of Jerseyville and Gary Eisenreich of Chatham, NJ; 8 step grandchildren; 4 stepgreat grandchildren; and 1 sister, Josephine Jaymes of IN. An infant brother preceded him in death. Visitation and services were held at Jacoby Brothers Funeral home in Jerseyville. Where Masonic services were also held. Rev Mark Etter officiated at services with burial in Oak Grove cemetery. Memeorials may be given to Hope Lutheran church in Jerseyville.
Kenneth Darrell Weller
Kenneth Darrell Weller, 81, died at 1:10 p.m., Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born in Jerseyville on July 10, 1936, one of two children born to Kenneth G. and Jessie A. (Bushnell) Weller. He served his country with the United States Navy during the Korean War, and began employment at Laclede Steel Company in 1959, serving in various capacities throughout his 32 year career, retiring in 1991 as a wire drawer. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, and considered Jerseyville his home base, as he enjoyed summering near Cold Spring Minnesota, and wintering in Frostproof, Florida, where he established close friendships in both locales. He married the former Betty Kadell on March 17, 1982, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and her brother and sister in-law, Paul and Culver Kadell stood as their attendants, and witnessed what would begin their 36 years together. Surviving are his wife, Betty Weller of Jerseyville; a son, Kenneth R. "Rick" Weller of Alton; a daughter and son-in-law, Vicky L. and James Delaney of Godfrey; a stepson and his wife, Danny and Jennie Wahle of Jerseyville; five grandchildren, Michael P. Weller, Nicholas A. Delaney, Amber Weller, Tim Wahle and Tonda Mackelden; and three great-grandchildren, Dylan Miller, Emily Weller and Brayden Miller. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth G. Weller, his mother and step-father, Jessie A. and Ernest Burnett; and his only sister, Shirley Weller Closser. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. and continue until 12:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Marty Smith officiating. He will be laid to rest in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville, with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyville, or to Masses.
Daniel M. Clotfelter
Daniel M. Clotfelter, age 80, of Granite City, Illinois, born on Dec. 25, 1938 in Granite City, died on June 28, 2019 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Daniel was a food inspector for the USDA. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and served on the USS John A. Bole from 1961 to 1965. He was a member of the John A. Bole Association, Tin Can Sailors, Inc., American Legion Post 961, Fairmont City, and the Croatian Fraternal Union of America. He loved to spend time with his family, watch sports, play bingo with his friends in Fairmont City, and attend auctions with his wife. He was a friend to everyone. He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel N. and Ann, nee Morris, Clotfelter. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy B. Clotfelter, nee Vrenick; his children, Daniel J. Clotfelter of Granite City, and Cathey (Hugh) Wright of Rosewood Heights, Illinois. He is also survived by a grand dog, Daisy, and numerous cousins and friends. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.kasslyfuneral.com. Per Daniel's request, no services will be held.